At Home Living: April 1, 2017

Saturday, April 1, 2017 An advertising feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal

planting season

Above-ground gardening

Raised beds, containers grab attention

page 6 n Jamie Kidd on growing strawberries, page 2 n Hanging baskets brighten spaces, page 3 n Prairie Star Flower list revealed, page 4 n Checklist for gardening tasks, page 8

home.cjonline.com keith horinek/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

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When growing strawberries, choose site well Some historians have written about strawberries dating as far back as 2,200 years. Strawberries grew wild in Italy as long ago as 234 B.C. Some of the first Europeans coming to Virginia in 1588 enjoyed strawberries where their ships landed. Settlers in Massachusetts ate strawberries cultivated by American Indians as early as 1643.

The westward movement after 1860 brought strawberries to many parts of the United States.

California-grown strawberries date back to the early 1900s. Today, more than 25,000 acres of strawberries are planted annually in California, producing 80 percent of the strawberries grown in the United States. On average, each acre produces about 21 tons of strawberries. Now, that’s a harvest!

The strawberry is relatively easy to grow, but

JAMIE KIDD

jamiehan@ksu.edu

success depends on careful attention to cultural requirements. Good care of a small strawberry patch will yield more fruit than a poorly tended large one.

Site selection

Select a well-drained, sunny spot. Wet soils reduce plant vigor and increase disease. The soil should have good organic matter content. Poor soils may be amended with compost, rotted manure, straw, hay, old silage, grass clippings or similar materials.

Select a site, if possible, that is higher than the

mark your calendars

n The annual Tulip Time Festival runs through April 15 at Ted Ensley Botanical Gardens at Lake Shawnee, Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site and Doran Rock Garden in Gage Park. n “Grandma’s Tomatoes” will be presented by Master Gardener Terry Cobb at 7 p.m. April 6 at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave. Topics include what tomatoes grow best in Kansas, where to plant them and how to care for them. n “Planting for Curb Appeal” will be presented by Master Gardener Diane Green at 7 p.m. April 13 at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave. n The Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale Extravaganza is from 9 a.m. to noon May 6 at the Shawnee County Extension Office parking lot, 1740 S.W. Western Ave. surrounding area. Cold air settles in low areas, and a late spring frost may kill blossoms.

Use a herbicide to kill grass and weeds and plow or rototill the area. It is best to do this the year before planting, but due diligence can make it happen this year.

Plant selection

Choose vigorous “virusfree” plants from local nurseries. Their performance is influenced by the local environment.

Varieties grown in other states may not do well in

Kansas.

There are two varieties of strawberries to consider: n June-bearing: This type is usually the most productive in home gardens. They bear one crop each year from mid-May to mid-June depending on the weather and location.

Examples: Allstar, Earliglow, Honeoye, Jewel, Red Chief and Sparkle. n Everbearing: This type produces one crop in mid-May to mid-June and another when the weather cools. Examples: Tribute and Tristar.

Planting

Mid-March to early April is the best time to plant strawberries in Kansas. Begin as soon as the soil can be worked during this period.

Apply fertilizer recommended by a soil test, or 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet of 10-10-10 or similar fertilizer. Work it into the top 6 inches of soil.

If strawberry plants are bare-root and can’t be set out immediately, keep roots moist and store at about 40 degrees. Plants in packs can be stored in a cool place.

Set plants so the crowns are even with the ground surface after the soil has been firmed around the roots. Spread the roots slightly and pack soil around the root system.

If fertilizer wasn’t worked into the soil earlier, a fertilizer solution can be poured around the plant to promote rapid growth. Mix 2 to 3 level tablespoons of 12-12-12, 1846-0 or 16-32-0 fertilizer into 1 gallon of water. Let stand overnight, stir until dissolved, and pour 1 cup around each plant. Irrigate the entire planting with water if soil is dry.

The first year

Survival depends on adequate soil moisture.

Strawberries are shallowrooted and require frequent watering following transplanting. They need 1 inch of water per week KIDD continues on 7

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Hanging baskets bring color, texture to small spaces Because of limited rooting space, plants will need extra care

By Dean Fosdick The Associated Press

Want to add instant color and texture to your deck, balcony, entryway or other small space around your yard? Consider hanging baskets.

If they’re in the right location and are maintained regularly, container plants will bloom from early spring until the first killing frost in autumn — longer if you load them with perennials and over-winter them indoors.

“Perennials make fantastic partner plants in containers,” said Rebecca Finneran, a horticulture educator with Michigan State University Extension.

“Shady containers look great with a fern or hosta right out of your garden, and sunny containers may benefit from re-blooming plants like nepeta or fall-

blooming plants such as hyssop.”

And don’t forget the pollinators, Finneran said.

“Great pollinator plants can be worked into containers, too: butterfly bush, globe thistle, swamp milkweed — all great examples,” she said.

Hanging baskets have limited rooting space, so they need extra care once they become full and lush.

“Daily watering is often necessary, and fertilizer should be routinely applied to keep the plants blooming well,” Finneran said.

That would mean using a timerelease fertilizer when planting, and adding a water-soluble fertilizer about once a week beginning at the height of the growing season.

If that sounds like too much work, consider using drought-resistant plants to reduce watering.

“But the soil mixture and soil depth must be adjusted for the plants you are growing,” said Amy Dabbs, a Clemson University area horticulture agent. “For succulents and cacti, a shallow basket with a well-draining, soilless media mix made for cacti should be used.

“These plants require bright light but not direct sun, as the plants will scorch, especially in the sunny South.”

More tips on landscaping with hanging planters: n Use “no-brainer” containers, or lightweight pots lined with moss or coconut fiber that are easy to handle. Avoid ceramic, cast concrete or terra cotta. n Soak rather than simply water. “Once the media becomes really dry, it is difficult to re-wet it,” Finneran said. “Just take the basket down once a week and

soak for one hour in a wheelbarrow to be sure the center of the container is fully moistened.” n Pinch back dead blooms, and remove brown or leggy foliage to keep the basket looking fresh.

“Don’t forget that pruning plants in the basket, such as petunias, will cause them to flush out new growth resulting in fresh blooms,” Finneran said. n Use potting soil with timerelease fertilizer rather than dirt taken straight from the garden. It drains better, so roots won’t rot if overwatered. n When designing a hanging pot, Dabbs said an old rule is to include “a thriller, spiller and filler.” But she advises just going with what you like. “When in doubt, go to a local garden center or nursery for inspiration, and let plant availability be your guide,” she said.

dean fosdick/via ap

A hanging basket on a carport makes for a colorful welcome as visitors pull into the yard. Shop around at thrift or antique shops for decorative containers like this Victorian model to add some personality to the presentation.

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K-State reveals latest recommended flowers for Kansas

By Mary Lou Peter

K‑State Research and Extension

After years of sometimesharsh tests, Kansas State University has unveiled its latest list of recommended annual flowers for the Sunflower State, including a sweet treat for hummingbirds and a vine that sports purple foliage with contrasting bright-pink flowers.

The new Prairie Star Flower list includes plants that have been tested for two consecutive years in Kansas and flourished, even with the state’s sometimes temperamental climate.

“Try Cuphea Vermillionaire and watch the hummingbirds flock to your patio or garden,” said Robin Ruether, Prairie Star program coordinator at K-State Horticulture Research and Extension Center in Olathe. “The tubular orange flowers are a favorite nectar source for the birds

and pollinators, plus the plants thrive in hot, humid conditions and need little care besides water and fertilizer.”

Plant breeders from around the world send seeds or rooted cuttings to Ruether as part of the flower trial program overseen

by Cheryl Boyer, K-State extension specialist. After getting an early-spring start in greenhouses, the young plants are transplanted outdoors when the weather warms. They’re evaluated throughout the growing season and ultimately judged on their vigor, flowers and foliage.

Another plant, Coleus FlameThrower Spiced Curry, made a strong showing over the past two years, Ruether said. The foliage plant’s chartreuse leaves have an eye-catching reddish color on the undersides that provide a unique visual display when the wind is blowing.

“Sweet potato vine is a great

k-state research and extension

Cuphea Vermillionaire is a hummingbird and pollinator attractor. It’s on the 2017 Prairie Star Flower list of plants that performed well during a two-year trial at Kansas State University. choice for a cascading foliage plant. FloraMia Nero is a little

different in that it has lots of bright pink flowers in addition to

the dark leaves,” she said. “Since it isn’t as aggressive as most other sweet potato vines, it will mix with other plants nicely in container gardens.”

The Prairie Star list includes flower name; cultivar and color; optimal planting location, such as “full sun” or “sun or shade”; and the average height and width of the mature plant. Categories indicate which plants work best for flower display, foliage display and containers.

Prairie Star is not a commercial brand or product line, Boyer said. The list provides gardeners with some cultivars that have proven themselves in this region.

While more than 500 different flowers are tested each year, there are still many other cultivars available on the market.

The 2017 Prairie Star list of annual flowers is online at bookstore.ksre.edu/pubs/MF2769. pdf.

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Spruce up your outdoor space for spring Begin by inspecting, repairing deck, patio

By Cathy Hobbs

Tribune News Service

With spring officially here, what better way to usher in the season than by sprucing up your outdoor environment?

When it comes to home decor, remember that what is on the outside is as important as what is on the inside.

Because so many homeowners spend the majority of their time outdoors during warmer months, it’s important to make your outdoor environment attractive, cozy and functional.

Here are some spring spruce-up tips that may be helpful as you prepare to welcome spring. n Check your outdoor deck and patio.

Typically, spring is a good time to check tiles, fittings and perhaps re-sand or add gravel to existing patios or make deck repairs. n Make sure you have an operational umbrella. As the sun shifts, there is no reason to have to abandon the outdoors.

n Create multiple areas of entertainment. From an area for dining to one for lounging and entertainment, creating various entertainment areas or zones will help prolong your outdoor enjoyment. n Consider incorporating an outdoor cooking experience into your outdoor space, such as an outdoor kitchen. n Bring in plenty of blooms. Flowers can add an enormous amount of enjoyment to the outdoor experience, from color to attracting nature. n Consider coordinating blooms with your decor. Instead of randomly selecting a color scheme, consider one that ties into your decor such as cushions and pillows. n Create small vignettes. Consider smaller seating areas sprinkled throughout your outdoor space. n Use bold, rich colors. Reds, oranges, blues and yellows are great options. n Update your decor. Just as you would update your indoor decor to keep it fresh and attractive, don’t let your outdoor fur-

tribune news service

An outdoor kitchen can serve as the perfect addition to your outdoor environment. niture and furnishings become old and tired. n Look for ways to enjoy your outdoor space during the day and at night. This often includes incorporating various lighting options.

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Who says plants have to go in ground?

Containers, raised beds are alternatives to traditional techniques

By Shanna Sloyer

Special to The Capital-Journal

With a rising awareness of healthy living, organic food practices and increasing produce costs, more consumers than ever are planting and harvesting their own fruits and vegetables.

Raised-bed gardening techniques have become increasingly popular for those who have limited space or poor soil conditions with which to work.

Traditional raised beds often are designed with railroad ties or other treated wood in a grid-work pattern that allows easy access to plants when filled with soil. Attention in recent years to the chemicals

in treated wood and their ability to leak into the surrounding soil has caused gardeners to turn to other materials, such as brick, concrete, metal, stone and plastic, for the construction of their raised-bed gardens.

Cedar, which is resistant to water rot, is a natural wood alternative to railroad ties, and bales of straw can be used as a temporary material for raisedbed gardening.

Location is important for raised-bed gardening, and sun exposure and proper drainage should be top considerations. Vegetable gardening will require full sun exposure for the majority of the day. If soil below a raised bed is hard-

packed, it could prevent proper drainage of the garden soil above.

Step by step

Begin by choosing the dimensions for the bed.

Four-foot-wide beds generally allow for the gardener to reach plants easily from both sides without stepping inside the bed, avoiding unnecessary compaction of the soil, which can hamper growth.

Place plants that need less care in the center of the bed, and arrange plants requiring more care toward the edge for easier access. Taller plants should be planted on the north side of the garden, with smaller plants to the south so all plants get adequate

sunlight without blocking each another.

Irrigation is also an important consideration with raised-bed gardening. Too much water directly on plant foliage can lead to disease and fungi. Instead, use a soaker hose placed between rows to water soil and root systems directly.

Raised beds likely will require more frequent watering than those below soil level, because they dry out faster. Once seeds have sprouted, use organic compound mulch, such as leaves or chipped wood, between plants to control weeds and retain moisture.

house and Garden Center Inc., 1933 N.W. Lower Silver Lake Road, recommends the use of Smart Pot aeration containers for gardeners needing handicap accessibility, apartment or city dwellers, or those who simply don’t want the responsibility of maintaining a large garden.

These strong, fibrous

containers come in a variety of sizes and can be used again and again for vegetable or flower gardening and to overwinter bulbs in a controlled environment.

They can be placed on a shelf or bench to eliminate the need to bend over, and they require less weeding PLANTS continues on 7

Containers

Annette Jackson, coowner of Jackson’s Green-

With container gardening, the control of the soil is in the hands of the grower, who can choose high-quality soil and the proper mix of fertilizer.

photographs by keith horinek/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Annette Jackson, of Jackson’s Greenhouse and Garden Center Inc., likes to use biodegradable pots to grow flowers and vegetables. The above-ground pot can sit on a patio or be planted in the ground once the soil warms.

A raised-bed container, such as this cradle, eliminates the need for the gardener to bend over to tend the plants.

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Plants: Container gardening fairly inexpensive Continued from 6

than traditional raised-bed gardens.

Jackson points out that container gardening is fairly inexpensive as well.

“There is no need to buy wood and nail it together.

All that’s needed is soil to put in it,” Jackson said.

The large-sized Smart Pots sold at Jackson’s Greenhouse require one or two bags of Lucky Dog or Fertilome Ultimate soil, which is what Jackson recommends gardeners use.

“It’s important to use a well-drained potting mix, and be sure to use a good, water-soluble fertilizer without a lot of salts,” she said. “We sell Fertilome, and we think it’s one of the best.”

Pairing plants

The large container will accommodate a variety of produce, including an Aframed trellis with climbing peas and root vegetables, such as potatoes and radishes. Jackson also has paired herbs with vegetables in the Smart Pots to increase yields.

Tomatoes started in pots are particularly advantageous, because they can be planted sooner for earlier harvest without the

risk of damage from a late frost, she said. In the case of a late cold snap, potted tomatoes can be wrapped in plastic or brought inside out of the weather.

“Bush-type tomato plants are best for pots, and then you can add herbs like thyme, rosemary and oregano,” Jackson said.

This technique is called companion planting, which allows for higher yields from smaller spaces. Some other examples include tomatoes paired with carrots and basil or radishes with coriander and cilantro. Bush beans and strawberries are another good pairing, although Jackson warns strawberries come with no guarantee in container gardening.

“Above-ground containers are more exposed to colder temperatures than plants in the ground,” she said.

Whether a strawberry crop planted in a container comes back a second year depends on many factors; consequently, strawberries may be better suited for traditional raised-bed gardens.

Like traditional raised beds, container gardens need to be fertilized and watered more often than in-ground gardens. Gardeners also need a place

keith horinek/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Planting flowers and vegetables in a shopping cart allows the gardener to move the plants to full-sun, partial-sun or shady areas of a yard. to store their compost and should use special consideration when choos-

ing plants for containers, because some plants will work better than others.

“Experiment. Talk to local experts about different varieties and what to

expect in those varieties,” Jackson said. “Choose the right plants for contain-

Kidd: Weeding necessary to keep competition for food, water down Continued from 2

between rain and irrigation.

Runners from the mother plant develop roots and store energy for fruit buds that set on in fall for next year’s crop.

Blossoms on June-bearing plants should be removed the first summer. Allowing plant to fruit the first year

weakens them for heavy fruiting the second year. Be patient. Buy strawberries this year. Next year have a feast, ice cream and all.

Weeding is necessary to keep competition for food and water down. When using a hoe, scrape only the surface of the soil cutting off weeds. Chopping at the soil or cultivating encour-

ages weeds by bringing dormant weed seed to the surface to germinate. Avoid disturbing plant roots.

In winter, young plants and established beds need mulching for protection.

Severe cold can kill fruit buds and injure roots and crowns.

Apply mulch after plants have been exposed to sev-

eral frosts — temperatures in the mid- to low 20s, after growth has stopped but before heavy freezes are expected. This usually happens between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Wheat straw or leaves make a good mulch and generally are readily available.

In spring, remove part of the mulch when the plant

leaves appear yellow. Keep the mulch nearby in case of unexpected frosts. Later, remove enough mulch so a few leaves can be seen, leaving the rest to conserve moisture and keep the fruit off the soil.

I’m looking forward to juicy, sweet, red strawberries on my homemade ice cream. Any takers?

Clarification The AD Team at Keller Williams Realty in Topeka, led by Darin Stephens, was responsible for the staging of the home featured in the March 25 edition of At Home Living.

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Weather rules when making gardening decisions Itching to get your seeds and plants into the dirt? But when should you break ground? You don’t want to plant too early and face frostbite, and you don’t want to wait too long and miss out on nurturing spring rains.

Jamie Kidd, a horticulturist with K-State Research and Extension in Shawnee County, says climate is the ruling factor when making gardening decisions.

“Gardening is very much dependent on the weather,” she said.

Kidd was reminded of that a few weeks ago. In late February, when the temperatures were in the 70s, she was eager to work outside and decided to uncover her strawberry plants. Winter quickly returned, and as the temperatures dipped to about 26 degrees, she found herself in her berry patch re-covering the plants.

Kidd said gardeners may be tempted to plant too soon — when the air feels warm but the soil temperature is still too cold. Patience, however, can pay off. An example: tomatoes, which Kidd advises should be planted around Mother’s Day, or the second week in May. “The soil temperature needs to be 65 degrees both day and night,” she said. “It needs to be consistently warm. Cold temperatures can stunt their growth.”

Shawnee County Extension provides a general timeline for gardening tasks at its website, shawnee.k-state.edu. Here is a listing for vegetables, fruits and flowers through June.

winter rest. n Plant carrots, onions, beets and other salad crops in early April. Thin radishes, beets and carrots as needed. n Plant beans, corn and vine crops in late April. n Transplant broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage in the garden. n Harvest asparagus until spear size decreases. n Plant asparagus and rhubarb. n Remove mulch from strawberry bed. n Prune raspberry and blackberry plantings. n Start fruit tree spray schedule when growth begins. n Prune fruit trees if not already done. n Plant new fruit trees. n Don’t spray insecticides while fruits flower in order to protect the honeybees. n Cultivate to control seedling weed growth.

Flowers n Add organic matter, such as compost, before planting new flowers. n Remove winter mulch from perennial garden. n Cut back last year’s growth from perennials. Divide perennials. n Plant annuals from seed and transplants. n Remove seed heads from spring bulbs. n Don’t remove foliage from spring flowering bulbs as growth is needed for next year’s flowers. n Fertilize spring flowering bulbs. n Plant new roses. n Prune rose bushes. n Fertilize rose bushes for spring growth.

APRIL

MAY

By Jan Biles

jan.biles@cjonline.com

Vegetables and fruits n Fertilize vegetable garden before planting. n Turn the compost pile after its long

Vegetables and fruits n Plant tomato, pepper and eggplant transplants in early May. n Seed sweet corn, cucumbers, squash,

beans and other warm-season vegetables. n Mound soil around potato plants to encourage tuber formation. n Harvest fresh asparagus until the spear size decreases. n Remove rhubarb seed stalks to encourage leaf growth. n Plant kitchen herbs for summer use in dishes or food preservation. n Lightly cultivate soil with a hoe to control weed growth. n Treat fruit trees with needed pesticides to control insects and disease. n Thin heavy fruit set on apples to increase fruit size and next year’s crop.

Flowers n Plant annual flowers for summer color. n Continue to plant and divide perennials. n Mulch perennial and annual gardens for weed control and moisture retention. n Begin pinching chrysanthemums for bushier plants. n Don’t remove foliage from spring bulbs until it dies down naturally to develop stronger blooms for next year. n Plant container gardens and hanging baskets using a good-quality potting mix. n Keep a garden journal for permanent reference.

JUNE

Vegetables and fruits n Mulch crops for moisture conservation and weed control. n Turn compost pile and keep moist for a quicker breakdown. n Renovate June-bearing strawberry beds. n Fertilize strawberries and water regularly to promote new growth. n Plant another crop of sweet corn and green beans. n Watch tomatoes for foliar leaf disease development and treat.

n Pinch herbs to keep bushy and fresh with new growth. n Continue a regular fruit disease and insect control program. n Treat peach trees for trunk borers. n Remove sucker growth from base of trees and along branches.

Flowers n Mulch flower gardens for the summer to conserve moisture, control weeds and cool the soil. n Water plants as needed. n Water and fertilize container plantings regularly to encourage growth and flowering. n Check plants for insects. n Pinch chrysanthemums for development of a bushy plant. n Deadhead spent flower blossoms to keep plant flowering. n Remove flower stalks from peonies and iris. n Fertilize roses with about 1 cup of lowanalysis fertilizer per plant. n Trim spent rose blossoms. n Remove dead foliage from spring bulbs.

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Brighten up spring’s arrival with chandelier

By Dena Fishbein Tribune News Service

There is no better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than with a beautiful DIY floral chandelier. It’s the perfect accessory for your home, party or even a wedding.

Gather: n Wire wreath n Lots of fresh flowers n Vines n Fishing wire n Florist tape nScissors Start by attaching the vines to your wreath.

Loop the vines under

and over the wreath and tape with florist tape to keep the vines in place.

Let the ends of the vines hang down for a fun whimsical look.

Add flowers to the wreath.

Add in additional vines. You want your floral chandelier to look natural and beautiful.

Hang with fishing wire and mist with water to keep your floral chandelier fresh.

Note: Make your floral chandelier the day of your event for best results.

TIP OF THE WEEK: CANDLE REPELS PESTS

Here’s an easy do-to-yourself candlemaking project that will keep pests away — and create a great atmosphere for a summer gathering.

Orange Rosemary Citronella Candle What you’ll need: n 1 Mason jar n 1-2 orange wedges n A couple sprigs of fresh rosemary n Water (enough to fill remainder of Mason jar) n Lemon eucalyptus oil (7-10 drops) n Floating tea candle Preparation: n Fill Mason jar with orange wedges and rosemary. n Add water and lemon eucalyptus oil. n Top with floating tea candle.

Source: floridacitrus.org

Service Directory

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