The Kansas City
GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening
February 2019
Start From Seed
Vegetable Gardening Basics Winter Planning for Fruitful Spring Meet Extension Master Gardener Cheryl Hunt
The Kansas City
editor’s notes
GARDENER A Monthly Guide to Successful Gardening
Independently owned and operated since 1996 Publisher Michael Cavanaugh Editor Elizabeth Cavanaugh Contributors Abby Byrd Nik and Theresa Hiremath Dennis Patton Tamra Reall Chelsea Didde Rice Distribution Publishers Delivery Solutions, Inc.
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Don’t you have seeds to plant
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h, the torment of winter skies. Thick, gray clouds blanket tree tops concealing any hint of daylight. The hefty dreariness settles in, saturating my naturally lovely disposition* and I am transformed into some sullen, snarky coworker, and a real pain in the gluteus maximus. On a day like this even the birds are hiding. {*Needs verification.} One miserable day is manageable. Even two or three I can muddle through. But when sunless days begin to stack up, Mr. Gardener and I both begin to feel the effects. Most of winter is tolerable, especially when it is bright and sunny. At the point those relentless clouds linger like garlic from yesterday’s dinner, things begin to get a little stressed. Enter in our little house of hope—the greenhouse. If you follow this column with any regularity, you’ll probably remember my musings on this subject. When Mr. Gardener spent the winter of 20172018 in our cold two-car garage building a greenhouse. Once the greenhouse was complete, he was all about getting the essentials in place – heater,
water, fans, trays, soil, seeds, and more. The original intention was to grow our own food, like fresh herbs, lettuces and tomatoes all year. Naturally, what’s a greenhouse without tropical plants. Inventory began to increase. First, a yellowblooming Hibiscus, a Dracaena, a fragrant Gardenia, and the biggest Jade plant I’ve ever seen. Of course, seed starting has been the primary focus. Lettuce, microgreens, herbs, and zinnias grow well, especially with Mr. Gardener as ace caretaker. Like any new parent, he monitors temperature, air circulation, watering, and growth progress. Even late in the evening, he treks out to the greenhouse for one last look. “Come see what’s growing now,” he’ll say, inviting me to review the next crop of microgreens. “These are radish, and here’s cilantro,” pinching off samples for tasting. The two of us eat
microgreens salad most days for lunch. Simple, nutrient rich, and tasty. Paired with fresh blueberries and nuts, this little salad packs a powerful nutritious punch. Occasionally the mailman delivers another package with more seeds. Mr. Gardener has more seeds to start. Excitement builds. Another invitation. “Hey, you want to come see my marigold flowers?” More than a hobby, this is our prescription for holding off the winter blues. Total immersion into the world plants. Surrounded by plants at every stage of growth, there we can stand in the middle of this self-made tropical paradise and breathe. Here is where the stress of dreary skies and falling temperatures fade away. When the walls of winter start to close in, and we begin to get on each other’s last nerve, he recognizes my familiar refrain, “Don’t you have some seeds to plant.” I’ll see you in the garden!
In this issue February 2019 • Vol. 24 No. 2 4th Gardening by Design ......... 4 Kids Ask Dr. Bug ...................... 6 Start From Seed ....................... 10 Winter Planning for Fruitful Spring .......................... 12 Red-breasted Nuthatch ............. 13
about the cover ...
Spring Gardening Seminar ....... 14 Vegetable Gardening Basics ..... 15 Upcoming Events ..................... 16 Garden Calendar .................... 18 Meet an EMG ......................... 19 Subscribe ............................... 19
See how easy it is to start veggies from seed beginning on page 10.
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4th Annual Gardening by Design Saturday, March 2 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Featuring FOUR Fantastic Speakers
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ur keynote speaker Bryan Boccard and Timothy Moloney were featured in the January issue. This month we will introduce you to our other two speakers. Dennis Patton will help you in “Finding Mr. Good Shrub.” Tall or short, skinny or fat, shrubs come in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes and colors. Dennis will discuss choosing the perfect shrub for any location and provide information on planting, pruning and maintenance. Picking a perfect shrub may be a difficult task because your choices can be overwhelming. Just like people there is no perfect plant. This session will help you think through the process of selecting the right plant for the right place. Dennis has built on his love for finding great plants
SYMPOSIUM SPEAKERS BRYAN BOCCARD Keynote Speaker, Kauffman Memorial Garden DENNIS PATTON Horticulture Agent, Johnson County KSU Extension TIMOTHY MOLONEY Professor of Landscape Design, UM-Columbia MYRNA MINNIS owner of Art with Myrna through his work with the Johnson County Extension Master Gardener demonstration gardens. Join us on this journey as we set out to find your very own Mr. Good Shrub. It’s waiting for the invitation to be planted in your yard!
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Dennis has a B.S. in Horticulture and a Masters in Adult Education. He has worked with the K-State Research and Extension for 35 years as a Horticulture Agent. He also coordinates the volunteer Johnson County Extension Master Gardener program. Our final speaker is Myrna Minnis, owner of Art with Myrna, presenting “The Gargoyle in the Garden: Using Garden Art.” As a skilled gardener and full-time artist, Myrna is uniquely qualified to discuss the role of art in a garden setting. Examples of purchased and owner-created art will inspire you to utilize art in your garden. Myrna will provide tips for installing art and will give a demonstration of an easy project that any gardener could create. “Choosing garden art is up to you,” says Myrna. “Does it make
you smile, do you love the color, is it a joke, playful, beautiful, graceful, enchanting, mystical, etc.? Just let it speak to you. Play. It’s great therapy to play in the garden!” Myrna has a B.S. from Kansas State, MLA from Baker University, and is a self-taught ceramist/sculptor. She enrolled in a clay class at the Brooklyn Museum in New York, where she fell in love with clay. She has taught classes in her studio for over 20 years. Limited Seating Register by February 18! Location: Town Square Event Center, 15 West Wea, Paola, KS 66071. The event is open to all, but pre-registration by Feb. 18 is mandatory. The $40 registration fee includes a gourmet box lunch, snacks, and all printed reference materials. Find a registration form at: https://www.maraisdescygnes.kstate.edu and click on Registration Form. Mail your check to K-State University Research & Extension Office, 104 S. Brayman, Paola, KS 66071. Check-in starts at 8:30. MdC Extension Master Gardeners will receive 5 hours Advanced Training credit for attending. Other EMGs must ask their County Agents if they will receive AT credit. Questions? Call: 913-294-4306. Presented by the Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardeners.
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The Kansas City Gardener | February 2019
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Kids Ask Dr. Bug Home to more than plants, kids ask DR. TAMRA REALL about the curious things found in the garden. Are there any insects that come out when it’s cold? Ethan, 9 You won’t find many active insects when the temperature is below 50 degrees F...with a few notable exceptions! A handful of insect species have antifreeze proteins that prevent ice crystals from forming in their bodies. Some examples of these fascinating insects are called snow fleas (which are actually springtails, not fleas) and snow flies (a wingless crane fly). Why do moths eat clothes? Nia, 10 It’s actually hungry caterpillars causing those pesky holes! The caterpillars come from eggs that certain moth species lay on fabrics appearing to be a good
food source for their babies. Not all clothes are as tasty as others. Insects eating clothes usually go for natural fibers, such as animal (wool, leather, fur, feathers, and silk) or plant-based clothes (cotton and linen), or food that was left on the clothes. Other insects eating clothes include dermestid beetles, crickets, roaches, firebrats, and silverfish. You can protect your clothes by making sure they are clean when you put them away and keeping your room clean. Do any plants have flowers in the winter? Andrew, 5 I was recently at the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, Kansas City, Missouri, and saw a witch hazel plant in full bloom. It’s shaggy, spidery yellow
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Witch Hazel shaggy, spidery bloom. flowers were on display for winter visitors. Hellebore is another winter blooming plant that comes up when everything else seems to be frozen. Pansies are surprisingly hardy despite their delicate appearance and can be planted in the fall and last all winter. Why are some leaves heart-shaped? Brydn, 9 Plant leaves have two primary jobs: capturing sunlight and “breathing.” Photosynthesis creates the food plants need to survive using sunlight and air. Plants “breathe” carbon dioxide (and some oxygen) through holes in the leaves, called stomata, as part of this process. Size and shape of leaves are influenced by how much light a plant needs. Most plants with heart-shaped leaves are naturally found in shady environments,
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Where did all the bugs go? I saw a news article that said insects are disappearing. Christian, 17 Recently, scientists learned that vast amounts of insects in the world are disappearing at an alarming rate. Lack of habitat and increased pesticide use are two reasons this is happening. Because there are many pest insects that we are still trying to manage and some insect populations that are growing, some may think this is something to celebrate. However, understanding how important insects are to the environment and our well-being shows that this is a dangerous situation. Insects pollinate plants, control other pests, recycle nutrients from dead plants and animals, and are a food source to many animals.
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Ask the Experts Gardeners have plenty of questions about landscape issues, DENNIS PATTON answers a few of them here. LET SLEEPING PLANTS REMAIN UNDER LEAF PROTECTION Question: Since many of the leaves fell so late this winter, I am concerned that the piles of leaves will smother my hostas and other perennials. Should I get out there in the cold and remove the leaves? Answer: You are right; the leaf drop was interrupted by the hard early freeze in November which caused many trees to retain the foliage. Here is the good news. The leaves will not harm the plants while they are dormant. At this time I would let the leaves stay in place, protecting the plants from winter conditions. However, as spring temperatures arrive and growth begins, it will be time to remove the leaves as they will restrict sunlight and harm the plants. For now, they are serving a purpose. Stay
warm inside and start wishing for winter to pass so we can get back outside doing what we love. WHEN TO PRUNE PANICLE HYDRANGEAS Question: I have a Limelight hydrangea, sometimes referred to as panicle hydrangea. I am wondering when I can cut them back for the upcoming season. Answer: ‘Limelight’ is a variety of the very popular cultivar Hydrangea paniculata. Panicle hydrangeas are one of my favorite plants as they are great for summer color and easy care. This species of hydrangea blooms on new growth. It is best to prune in the late winter or very early spring. Flowers will start appearing in July through fall. This variety can become a large shrub reaching a height of five feet
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‘Limelight’ Hydrangea or more. Growth can be controlled somewhat by the harshness of the pruning–the more severe the pruning, the smaller the plant and the larger each bloom. I like to prune this plant back to just a few feet off the ground. This causes the plant to develop strong stems and lovely sized flowers. If allowed to become a large shrub expect smaller, baseball-sized blooms and a more wooly looking plant. SOLVING TWO TYPES OF GRASS DILEMMA Question: There’s a section of my lawn that has two kinds of grass. It is mainly cool-season grass with a patch of warm-season grass about 20’ x 20’ in the sunny section. The warm season grass is slow to green up in spring and
early to go dormant in fall leaving this section of the yard yellow and diseased-looking. How do I correct this so that my yard looks consistent? Answer: One of the grasses has to go. You need to determine whether you want a cool or warm season lawn. From your description, I get the feeling you don’t have high regards for the warm season turf which is probably zoysia. The answer is to eliminate the zoysia by killing it off and reseeding with either tall fescue or bluegrass which are the cool season lawns. Killing out a warm season grass is a process and all about the timing. Control is best when undertaken in late July through early August. Start by making sure the unwanted grass is actively growing, even water and skip a mowing to encourage a lot of lush green growth. Then spray it with the glyphosate (Roundup type products). Wait a week or two and hit it again to eliminate any remaining grass. Around September 1, mow the dead grass to remove as much debris as possible. Verticut in several directions and overseed. After all your hard work, a lawn of the same type of grass will emerge like magic with the uniformity that you desire.
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February Planting Dates Plant Above-Ground Crops: 6-8, 11-13, 16, 17 • Transplant: 12, 13, 16, 17 Plant Root Crops: 22-25 • Plant Flowers: 6-8, 11, 12 • Control Pests: 3, 4, 26-28
IN SEARCH OF MORNING SUN PERENNIAL Question: Can you recommend a perennial for a bed that gets morning sun then afternoon shade, that will be in constant bloom, and that blooms purple? I grow tired of the expense of annuals every year. Answer: I am going to consider this area to be reasonably close to full sun. If it gets four or more hours of full morning sun than I think your palette is open to sunloving and some part-shade perennials. It is the hot afternoon sun that many plants cannot tolerate. Where to begin in shades of purple? So what is purple? Dark, light, lavender? What height? So I guess I will answer this with just a list of plants to review and select your favorite for your location. Here is a list in no particular order: Salvia, Veronica, Clematis, Iris, Nepeta, Agastache, Allium ‘Millennium’, Platycodon (Balloon Flower), Blue-Eyed Grass, Columbine, Geranium, Liatris, Asters, Chrysanthemum, Butterfly Bush, Liriope, Baptisia, Tricyrtis. I am sure there are others but that should get the blood pumping.
2019 GARDEN TRENDS Question: Are there any new, fun garden trends for 2019? Answer: Thanks for asking because you must know I am a trendy guy! After doing a little research, here are the trends for 2019: Vibrant colors of flowers and structures bring a flare to the garden this year as evident by the Pantone color for 2019, Living Coral. Add garden art to the landscape. Feeling crafty? Make your own artwork for the garden. Why buy it when you can make it? Water features are trendy but not ponds. These pondless features or small bubblers provide a relaxing sound. Growing your own vegetables is still popular. So is outdoor living. This is not necessarily gardening, but you can watch television on the patio while relaxing around the fire pit or in your outdoor kitchen. One more thought, be your own trendsetter and just add what you enjoy. Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.
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Join us for our all day event featuring knowledgeable experts familiar with our Midwest climate. $54.00 including lunch. To register plus detailed information on the full lineup of 13 presentations, please visit our website. mggkc.org/spring-seminar Dennis Patton Horticulture Agent Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Tim Moloney Instructor Plant Sciences University of Missouri Scott Woodbury Manager of the Whitmire Wildflower Garden, Shaw Nature Reserve
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The Kansas City Gardener | February 2019
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Start From Seed Above: Small seedlings of lettuce in cultivation tray.
Plant the seed, watch it grow, then reap the rewards. CHELSEA DIDDE RICE offers important tips for success.
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here is nothing quite like picking and eating a juicy, red tomato in August, especially knowing that I started the plant from a tiny seed a few months earlier. Seed starting is not only an exercise in patience and nurturing, but also a great way to save money when gardening. The cost of materials used to start seeds pales in comparison to what I’d pay if I purchased these plants at a store in late spring and transplanted them into my garden. Plus, I can use some of the seed starting materials year after year, which keeps me within budget. Seed starting is also an excellent family activity to engage children in nature during the drab winter months. For the best chance of success when starting seeds, here are a few key elements to consider.
For first timers, I’d encourage starting with easy-to-grow plants like tomatoes, basil and lettuce.
Seeds Certain plants (like peppers, tomatoes and herbs) are more suitable to start inside and transplant out, while others (like carrots, beets and radishes) should be directly sown into the garden. Take a look at the back of the seed packet for instructions on whether they should be started inside and how many weeks before the last frost date to start them. Our average last frost date is April 15th according to K-State Research and Extension.
Water Appropriately moist soil provides an easy environment for delicate roots to grow. It is important to keep the soil in the seed containers evenly moist, but not so damp that green algae or mold starts to grow on the surface of the soil. To prevent algae growth, I suggest bottom watering, which involves filling up a tub or sink with about an inch of water and placing the seed starting containers in the water for about 10 to 15 minutes. The soil will soak up
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Containers Start seeds in anything that can hold soil and has a drainage hole. I now buy plastic cell packs and trays from Planter’s Seed and Spice, but in the past, I’ve gotten by with solo cups or even empty (and sanitized) yogurt cups with drainage holes punched in the bottom. Soil Start your seeds out right by planting them in a potting mix designed for seed starting. These types of mixes are light and fluffy, allowing tiny roots to spread out. Plus, the mix is sterilized to prevent the introduction of insects or diseases to vulnerable seedlings.
February 2019 | kcgmag.com
water from the bottom, where the roots need it. Remove the containers from the sink and allow excess water to drain before placing them back under the lights. To see if plants need watering, stick a finger into the corner of the container and see if it feels dry or damp. If it’s damp, wait another day to water. Light Sufficient light is critical to starting seeds indoors. While designated “grow lights” are nice, they can be fairly expensive and are not always necessary to start seeds. The easiest (and cheapest) way to provide light is with a simple plugin fluorescent shop light from the hardware store and the brightest, strongest bulbs available. Find a corner in a basement or spare room and hang the light from the ceiling using strong rope, wire or pulleys so you can raise it as the seedlings grow. The entire time the seedlings are growing indoors, the tops of the plants should be about two inches away from the light bulbs. Any farther away and the seedlings will begin to stretch and weaken. Keep the lights on for approximately 14-16 hours a day, using a light timer for consistency. When choosing a location for seed starting, select an area that is relatively warm since seeds prefer temperatures of 70-75 degrees.
It is worth noting that many growing guides mention that a sunny windowsill is appropriate for seed starting. In my experience, that method often leads to “leggy” seedlings that are tall, gangly and weak from stretching toward the light. Air flow Though not critical to seed starting, many experienced gardeners place an oscillating fan (set on a low speed) about 10-15 feet away from their seed starting area. The gentle breeze strengthens the seedlings stems and can also prevent damping off (a disease that thrives in moist soil and causes seedlings to suddenly fall over and die). Just be careful not to put the fan too close because it can quickly dry out the soil! Seed starting is a relatively easy and satisfying way to garden indoors for a few winter months and later enjoy the fruits of your labor. The time and materials cost will definitely be worth it when you bite into that amazing tomato this summer. When Chelsea Didde Rice isn’t at work as a senior communications specialist, she’s an avid gardener who enjoys teaching people how easy it can be to garden.
Above: Tray of Pepper plants.
Above: Genovese basil is easy to start from seed.
Above: Get a head start on growing crisp romaine lettuce.
Above: Beets, Carrots and Radishes harvested and ready to eat. Below: Tomato seedlings on a healthy start.
Tomatoes, including Super Sweet 100 (above) and Cherokee Purple (below) are favorite plants to grow from seed.
The Kansas City Gardener | February 2019
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Winter Planning for Fruitful Spring ABBY BYRD guides us through the important components needed to produce a healthy, delicious garden.
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hough the days of harvesting a homegrown tomato or slicing up a summer squash seem forever away, it’s not too early to start planning out your garden for the 2019 season. Cool season crops such as lettuce can be planted outside as early as the end of this month. February is also a great time to start sowing seeds indoors to be used as transplants later in the spring. To optimize your success in the garden, it’s important to be sure that you have all the components that make up a healthy garden. You’ll see the best results and yields when you plant your vegetable garden in a location that gets a full day of sun. The type of garden you choose can be dependent upon several factors. For instance, if you have a large yard and a lot of time to devote to your garden, you may section off a space to plant traditional rows directly in the soil. If you have a typical neighborhood lot, a raised bed might be a good option for you. Often, the soil surrounding your house can be compacted, full of clay, and lacking in nutrients. Raised beds allow you to create a thick, raised layer of nutrient-dense, workable soil. They are easily accessible and neatly designate a growing space in your backyard. If you are limited on space and time, you may consider container or vertical gardening. No matter the type of garden you choose, soil health and preparation are vital to your success. It’s best to get your soil tested so you know exactly which nutrients need to be added. Search online for the closest place you can take a sample of your soil to be tested by experts. Many places even allow you to mail your sample to their lab. Adding compost to your garden can help break down clay and allow the soil to better retain nutrients, moisture and air. Compost attracts decomposers such as earthworms to your soil. As they feed on composted matter, nutrients are slowly added to the soil, working as a natural, slow-release fertilizer. 12
It also contributes to fewer pest and disease issues in the long run, as healthier plants are better equipped to fight against them. If you are gardening directly in the soil, tilling up the soil will help break up dense, compacted areas and increase airflow. Till the soil once fertilizer and compost have been added to work them into your garden before planting. The same goes for a raised bed. However, you may have to hand-till or use
start from seed. Some plants like carrots, beets, radishes, and potatoes are best seeded directly in the soil. It is much more time and cost efficient as these do not transplant well. Weeds may be a challenge as they can quickly outgrow freshly sprouted seeds, so have a plan to stay ahead of them. Most other crops can be started from seed indoors and transplanted into the soil when the timing is right. The easiest way to save yourself time
Often, the soil surrounding your house can be compacted, full of clay, and lacking in nutrients. Raised beds allow you to create a thick, raised layer of nutrient-dense, workable soil. They are easily accessible and neatly designate a growing space in your backyard. a broad fork based on the size of your beds. If you chose to use containers for growing, be sure to always use fresh potting soil, rich in organic matter. Compost can also be added. Next, decide which vegetables you want to grow. Obviously choose vegetables that you and your family enjoy! You can center your garden around a theme or a common dish you like to prepare such as a salsa or a pizza garden. Make a list of the cool season and warm season crops you plan to grow to be sure your timing is right with each. With careful succession planning, you can utilize the same space for different crops throughout the year as the seasons change. One of the most important decisions to make before you plant your garden is which crops you want to
February 2019 | kcgmag.com
is to purchase transplants from a quality greenhouse. The plants have established roots, giving you a jump start on the season. Their size will help control the weeds by creating shade and you’ll enjoy harvest sooner. When planning the location of the crops you’ve decided to grow, be sure you’ve accounted for the spacing of each plant. Whether you are planting in rows in the ground or in raised bed boxes, you’ll want to group similar vegetables together as they will require similar conditions and care. It’s also a good idea to rotate crops each season so that one crop does not continue to deplete the soil of the same nutrients year after year. In addition, many diseases can live in the soil, but are specific to one type of vegetable. By planting the vegetable in
a new location the following year, you reduce the likelihood of the disease returning. Once you’ve chosen your crops and their locations, be sure you’ve given thought to how you will water and care for them. If your space is smaller, a hose and watering wand may be sufficient. Be sure you have close access to a water source. Some raised beds can be hand-watered, or you might consider purchasing a sprinkler or drip irrigation. Larger beds or fields will be most efficiently watered with some sort of irrigation system. Drip irrigation is always preferred over sprinklers because it keeps the foliage of the plant dry. If you do have to water using a sprinkler or hose, be sure to water early in the day so that the foliage has time to dry. Wet foliage overnight can harbor disease. A good practice is to always water the soil, not the foliage. To get the best yields, you’ll want to have a regular fertilizing schedule. There are many methods of fertilizing, including liquid, granular, and slow-release. There are advantages to each, and rates will vary with each. Always read the label for specific instructions. Stay ahead of potential diseases and pests by educating yourself about common problems with each crop before they are planted. This way, you can be on the lookout and prevent issues in your garden. Planning is the best way to increase your chances of success with your home garden. Document what you planted and where and keep a log of your observations. What were your yields like? Did you run into pests or disease? What was the weather like? You’ll be surprised how much you learn each year that will help you in years to come. Best wishes on your garden this season! Abby Byrd has worked at Colonial Gardens for 12 years. She serves as the Greenhouse Coordinator and teaches workshops and painting classes at the garden center.
Red-breasted Nuthatch – an irruptive species Local birding expert, NIK HIREMATH highlights the Redand White-breasted Nuthatches, in case you see both.
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hile many of you might have seen a Whitebreasted Nuthatch, your odds of seeing the less common Red-breasted Nuthatch are better this year than last. Why, you might ask? Because there is an irruption this year in our area of the Red-breasted Nuthatch. An irruption is a “sudden” change in the population density, due to migration of any species of bird. The irruption usually happens with birds that are normally found more in the north but have moved south due to shortages in food. Some of the other species other than Red-breasted Nuthatches which are known to irrupt in other years include Evening Grosbeaks, Purple finches, Common redpolls and even Snowy Owls. If you’re able to identify the White-breasted Nuthatch, then you’ve got a leg up on being able to spot the Red-breasted. But in case you haven’t seen either, here are some features to look for to identify the Red-breasted. Like the White-breasted, they are bluegray in color and have a black cap. As the name implies, they have rusty cinnamon (red) coloration starting just below their neck and continuing to their underside. They have a white eyebrow, very much like a Carolina Wren, and they have a black eye line. This makes their head look like black, white and black stripes running from the bill to the nape of neck. The Red-breasted is a small bird of about 4 inches; similar in size to Goldfinches. If you should see them close to one another, the White-breasted is a markedly larger bird of about 5 inches. Both the White-breasted and the Red-breasted have a beautiful and distinct interwoven pattern atop their tail feathers when they are sitting with their wings folded. The Red-breast’s feathers in this position aren’t as dramatic as the White’s, whose feathers are tipped with white, making for even more contrast with the blue-gray.
Red-breasted Nuthatch
backyard feeders by offering these foods. Sometimes, if the food is too large to eat at the feeder, they will carry it off to a tree, stick it in a crevice and then peck at it to get smaller pieces. This behavior is the root of their common name, Nuthatch. Originating from middle English, the term is a combination of two words, Nut and Hatch. Hatch meaning to hack or hatchet. Thus, a bird which hacks at seeds and nuts stuck in crevices of a tree. I hope you’ll keep a keen eye open to increase your odds of seeing this beautiful little bird. Happy birding!
The Red-breasted, like its cousthe parents fly directly into the in, is usually found foraging for nest, without perching first in the insects on the trunks and major opening. branches of trees. They are often Besides tree dwelling insects, Nik and Theresa Hiremath own facing down to the ground as they Red-breasted nuthatches love peaand operate Wild Birds Unlimited make their way down the tree. nuts, sunflower seeds, mealworms of Leawood at 11711 Roe Avenue, They have a tell-tale profile when and suet. And because they do, Contact them at Ad for January and February issues ofLeawood, KansasKansas. City Gardener magazine they stop and look away from the they can be easily attracted to your 913-491-4887. tree with their head pointing almost 90 degrees from the trunk and their bill slightly turned up. This is one of the more iconic poses which is a dead give away of a Nuthatch. After the first time you see the pose, you’ll forever be able to spot 4th Annual Spring Gardening Symposium a nuthatch on a tree. They spend Saturday a great deal of their time upside Town Square Event Center down because they will work their March 2, 2019 15 West Wea, Paola, KS 66071 way down the trunk, then fly back 9:00 am – 3:30 pm Map of Paola at: up to the same tree or the next and www.maraisdescygnes.ksu.edu Check-in: 8:30 am then start making their way down Registration: again. Also, when they’re working The Garden As This event is open to everyone, Performance Art a branch, you’ll often find them on but pre-registration is required Keynote Speaker the underside of the branch. While by February 18. The $40 registra Brian Boccard they spend much of their time on tion fee includes a gourmet boxed Kauffman Gardens tree trunks foraging for food, unlike lunch, snacks, and all printed woodpeckers, they don’t prop their The Second Time reference materials. No onsite tail feathers against the tree. Around registrations. Timothy Maloney Red-breasted Nuthatches, Make your check payable to the Professor of Landscape MdC Extension Master Gardeners unlike their cousin, the WhiteDesign at MU and mail with the form (available breasted, is one of the few nononline at www.maraisdescygnes. woodpeckers who excavate their Finding Mr. Good ksu.edu) with your check for own nests in trees. The female Shrub $40 to: KState Research and often does the excavating while Dennis Patton Extension, Marais des Cygnes JoCo Horticulture Agent District–Paola Office, 104 S. the male brings her food while she works. They also have a unique Brayman, Paola, KS 66071 The Gargoyle in the behavior of males lining the outGarden, Myrna Minnis For more information call side of the entrance and females Owner, Art with Myrna 913-294-4306 the inside of the opening with pine resin. The theory is that this is a deterrent to predators and other birds. To avoid this sticky resin,
Gardening by Design
The Kansas City Gardener | February 2019
13
Kick Off Gardening Season with 18th Annual Spring Gardening Seminar
H
ave you ever wondered what kind of insect you just spotted in your own backyard? Have you searched by yourself or with your children or grandchildren, bug cage in hand, hoping to find interesting curiosities to study? Maybe you’d like to learn about termites and biowarfare or other cool bugs. If so, then you won’t want to miss Dr. Tamra Reall’s keynote address, “Beyond Butterflies: The Microcosm in your Backyard” on March 9, 2019 at the Spring Gardening Seminar presented by Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City. Dr. Tamra Reall is currently a Field Specialist in Horticulture with the Blue Springs Missouri University Extension office. As an entomologist, Dr. Reall is an excellent new addition to our community. You may already be familiar with Dr. Reall through this mag-
azine where she currently fields questions from children in its “Kids Ask Dr. Bug” column. Over time she has enlightened children on topics ranging from “what’s in a stink bug” to “will bug bites give me superpowers”? She has led a Junior Master Gardener Program and developed ways to use entomology to engage children in science. She is a gifted communicator willing to share her expertise with nature enthusiasts of all ages and kinds. Dr. Reall has always been interested in bringing science to the world at large and has won the MU Graduate School’s Chancellor’s award for Public Outreach. She comes well prepared with a B.S. in Landscape Horticulture, a Ph.D. in Entomology, and a post doctorate with the USDA. As an entomologist with an extensive academic background, she has been
Find the
Oasis
WATER’S EDGE Visit the water garden specialists
Dr. Tamra Reall is the keynote speaker for the March 9 Spring Gardening Seminar presented by the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City. She will expand our knowledge of bugs and biodiversity. widely published and has received multiple awards. Dr. Reall literally started from the ground up. She was born into a family that always had a garden, and now she keeps the tradition going with a home garden of her own. During her career she has researched subterranean termites and ants, was published in scientific journals on subjects such as army worms and squash bugs, and naturally has developed integrated pest management practices. She designed annual and perennial gardens and maintained 20 acres of gardens and lawns for years. She has worked for the USDA as a consultant for beekeeping practices, all the while mentoring new beekeepers and managing a private beehive. Aside from hands-on work in her field, she has found time to
organize and moderate lively gatherings such as a Webinars on How to Take Better Insect Photos with Any Camera. Finally, she has an interesting personal “cricket moment” to share with us. Most of us have some knowledge about crickets, whether that comes from listening to an allnight chirper or from living through an occasional cricket invasion, but we may not always cherish those moments. On the other hand, Dr. Reall finds insects fascinating and will bring her enthusiasm for them to our Seminar this March. Join us at the 2019 Spring Gardening Seminar to dive deep into your backyard and discover a whole new world there. Dr. Reall loves to open people’s eyes to the varied, necessary, and simple yet complex world of insects. She believes we can model their technology and learn to appreciate the diversity of life all around us. Twelve additional presentations will round out the program. To name a few of them, Dennis Patton will speak on Pruning Evergreens, Scott Woodbury will discuss Rain Scaping, Tim Moloney will explain Garden Plunking, and Wendy Sangster will cover Native Trees and Shrubs. Registration for this daylong seminar is open. Register online at www.mggkc.org/public-education/ spring-seminar/. The seminar is open to the public and includes a dozen breakout sessions to choose from presented by regional gardening experts. See you on March 9!
THINK SPRING! Call us before the snow melts to talk about Spring projects.
WATER’S EDGE
Find the Oasis from the Ordinary 9th & Indiana, Lawrence, KS • 785-841-6777 www.watersedge.com Open Tues-Sun (Closed Monday) 14
February 2019 | kcgmag.com
www.greenleafkc.com
816.916.5171
Seed-to-Plate Vegetable Gardening Basics FREE Two-Part Series
L
ooking to start a vegetable garden but don’t know when or where to start, or even what to ask? Join the Greater Kansas City Gardeners of America when they host Nancy Chapman, Johnson County Extension Master Gardener, the speaker for this two-part series on the basics of vegetable gardening. Mon., March 4, 6 p.m. Part 1: What to Grow. Where to Grow. How to start your own transplants. Soil preparation. Containers. Raised beds. Trellising. Irrigation.
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Mon., April 1, 6 p.m. Part 2: Growing needs of different vegetables. Insect, disease and animal control. Perennial vegetables (only plant them once). Gardening with kids. Held at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Mo., both of these events are FREE and open to the public. Attend one or both. This promises to be filled with practical and useful information for gardeners at every level. Bring your questions, go home with tips and answers. If you have questions, please call Joyce at 913-383-0499.
New Installations, Remodels Upgrades, Repairs and Maintenance Services Wendy Hix • 913.481.5416 Tate Foster • 913.406.6804 www.hixandsonaquatics.com
Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City
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Looking to step up your gardening game? The Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City offer lively, research based, gardening talks for your club or organization. Supported by University of Missouri Extension, our talks are based in science and tailored to the home gardening audience. To see our topics or schedule a speaker for your group, go to our website (mggkc.org) and click on the “Speakers Bureau” link.
High fat foods may be considered unhealthy by most people, but they provide many important nutritional benefits to backyard birds, especially during cold temperatures. Birds need high-fat foods to help them stay warm during the long, cold winter nights! Suet and Bark Butter are wonderful products to supply the nutrition your birds need now.
of Leawood, KS
Locally Owned and Proudly serving Kansas City for 31 years 11711 Roe Avenue (NE corner 119th and Roe) • 913-491-4887 Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun noon-4pm www.wbu.com/kansascity
Join us at www.facebook.com/wbuleawoodks
BIRDSEED • FEEDERS • BIRDBATHS • OPTICS • GARDEN ACCENTS
The Kansas City Gardener | February 2019
15
Safe Digging starts with
1 2 3 4 5
YOU
Call or Click 3 Working Days Before You Dig. Wait the Required Amount of Time. Confirm Utility Response. Respect the Marks. Dig with Care.
Upcoming Garden Events places to go, things to do, people to see Club Meetings African Violet Club of Greater Kansas City Sat, Feb 9, 9am-3pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Plant Sale. and Tues, Feb 12, 6-8pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816-513-8590 Bonsai Society of GKC Sat, Feb 2, 9am-12pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Workshop. 816-513-8590 Greater Kansas City Gardeners of America Mon, Feb 4, 6pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Membership and Mon, Mar 4, 6pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Basics of vegetable gardening, by Nancy Chapman, Johnson County Extension Master Gardener, in a two-part series. Part 1, Mar 4–what to grow and where to grow it including starting transplants and soil preparation, plus containers, raised beds, trellising and irrigation. Part 2, Apr 1–growing needs of different vegetables, perennial vegetables, and how to deal with insects, disease and animal control. Questions? Call Joyce at 913-383-0499. Greater Kansas City Herb Study Group Wed, Feb 13, 11am-12pm; at Rose Room, Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Questions: call Nancy at 816-478-1640. KC Cactus and Succulent Society Sun, Feb 17, 1:30-4pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 51st St and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Visitors are welcome. For information on the Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society, call 816-4449321 or visit our website: kccactus.com. Leavenworth County Master Gardeners Wed, Feb 13, 11am; at Riverfront Community Center, 123 Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Jennifer Slusher, a certified arborist and owner of Branch and Bloom, will be our speaker. The meeting is free. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094. Leawood Garden Club Tues, Feb 26, 10:30am, at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS. At about noon, Lynn Loughary, Wyandotte County Extension Agent, will present “Plants Gone Wild.” The meeting and our membership are open to everyone and guests are most welcome. Please come and enjoy a potluck luncheon. For more information, please visit our website www.leawood.org/committees/lgc or send an email to leawoodgardenclub@gmail.com. Lee’s Summit Garden Club Tues, Feb 5, 7-9pm; at Winterset Park Clubhouse, 2505 SW Wintersetcreek Dr, Lee’s Summit, MO. Program: Bats and Owls, presented by Nik Hiremath of Wild Birds Unlimited. Cash crops, you’ll have the opportunity to share divisions of plants, bulbs, seed, etc. Visitors are always welcome. Come join us for our lecture, refreshments are served. If you have questions, visit our website, www.leessumitgardenclub.org or call 816-914-3970. Mo-Kan Daylily Society Sat, Feb 23, 11:30am-3:30pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Membership. 816-513-8590
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February 2019 | kcgmag.com
Orchid Society of Greater Kansas City Sun, Feb 10, new growers Beginners Group 1:302:15pm, General meeting, presentation at 2:15. Film at 3pm; at Lenexa Senior Center, 13420 Oak St, Lenexa, KS. Film Premier in Kansas City, “Wild Orchid Man in the Devil’s Realm.” World-renowned orchid taxonomist and artist Stig Dalstrom, and award-winning filmmaker and composer Darryl Saffer, travel to the Australian Island of Tasmania seeking the strange and unique plants and animals that inhabit this land. Ribbon Judging of locallygrown orchids. Public welcome. For more info: www.osgkc.org. And find us on Facebook.
Overland Park Gardeners of America Mon, Feb 11, Meeting and hospitality at 7pm, Speaker at 7:30pm; at Colonial Church, 7039 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS. Featuring Nik Hiremath from Wild Birds Unlimited sharing new ideas and proper yard maintenance for birds. Everyone is welcome. Contact Holly Ramsay (913-302-3014). Raytown Garden Club Tues, Feb 5, 10am; at Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church, 6429 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO. Our program is entitled “Planting to Attract Backyard Birds”, a lecture and PowerPoint presentation by Terrance Thompson, retired long-time reporter and photographer for the Kansas City Star newspaper. Refreshments will be served, and visitors are always welcome. Check out Facebook at Raytown Garden Club or visit www.sites.google.com/site/fgcmwestcentraldistrict/raytown Sho Me African Violets Fri, Feb 8, 11am-1pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO. Program: You Can Do Designs. Using African Violets in designs. Visitors welcome. 816-513-8590 GKC Water Garden Society Tues, Feb 19, doors open 5:30pm for snacks and socializing; at Our Lady of Sorrows Church lower level meeting room, 2552 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108. At 6:30pm our first speaker is Deb Spencer, Co-owner of Water’s Edge in Lawrence, KS. Deb will be updating us on the new website for the International Waterlily and Water Garden Society. Member benefits are astounding. The heart of the new website is “ecological balance”. Come learn about the new buzzword–“habitatitude”. At 7:30pm, our featured speaker is Brandon Henderson from Blue Stone Aquatics. “Lessons from the Field” is his topic that includes tips and tricks for building or modifying a pond. Visitors are always welcome!
Events, Lectures & Classes February through March 9 Victory Gardens Tues, Feb 5, 4pm; at Lansing Community Library, 730 1st Terr, Ste 1, Lansing, KS 66043. Loretta Craig, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, will give a presentation on the origins and advantages of Victory Gardens. The meeting is free and open to the public. Contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094. Learn about New Roots for Refugees Program Thurs, Feb 7, 11:30am-1pm; in Sunflower Room, Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1216 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners will be hosting Molly Keenan, project coordinator for the New Roots for Refugees program in Kansas City, KS. When refugees are forced to flee their countries, they arrive in the United States with very little, except a great deal of agricultural expertise. Catholic Charities, in partnership with Cultivate KC, began this program to help them put down new roots by helping them start their own small farm businesses. Refugees begin at the Juniper Gardens 9-acre training farm, growing produce that not only feeds their families, but also is sold at local markets, and then, as they gain financial and managerial independence, they are able to move onto their own land. Fee: $5 (waived for currently certified EMGs). For information, call 913-299-9300. Seed Starting Thurs, Feb 7, 6:30-7:30pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence, KS 66047. Learn how to start your own seeds and what seeds work best to start indoors. Workshop lasts an hour plus time for questions. FREE, but seating is limited, so please RSVP either by clicking on “going” on our Facebook page or call (785) 842-3081. Gardening is Good Therapy and you get Tomatoes Too! Wed, Feb 13, 7pm; at Basehor Community Library, 1400 158th St, Basehor, KS 66007. Paula Darling, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, will give a presentation on the therapeutic advantages of gardening. The meeting is free and open to the public. Contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094.
Fertilizer 101 Thurs, Feb 14, 6:30-7:30pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence, KS 66047. Learn what those numbers on a bag of fertilizer mean and what works best for different types of plants. FREE, but seating is limited, so please RSVP either by clicking on “going” on our Facebook page or call (785) 842-3081. Handouts provided. Indoor Garden/Urban Farming Classes Sat, Feb 16, 11am-Noon (Entry level Class), 1-2pm (Advanced Class); 117 S Mur-Len Rd, Olathe, KS 66062. Classes are FREE but seating is limited so please sign-up via our website year-roundgarden. com. Learn tips and tricks of how to grow a successful garden indoors, new topics every month, and discounts offered to class attendees. 913-397-0594 OrchardKeepers Tues-Thurs, Feb 19-21, 9am-noon; at Jacob L Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Heartland Tree Alliance is offering a NEW educational course. This series of classes focuses specifically on planting and caring for fruit trees and would be great for anyone looking to plant their own orchard or fruit tree. All tools provided. Must register in advance, $50 fee; https://tinyurl.com/orchardkeep or call Sarah 816-561-1086. Raised Bed Gardening Thurs, Feb 21, 7pm; at Leavenworth Public Library, 417 Spruce St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Gwynn Pierce, a Leavenworth County Master Gardener, will give a presentation on the advantages and how-to of raised bed gardening. The meeting is free and open to the public. Contact Paula Darling at 913-240-4094. Vegetable Gardening, Planning, Prep, and Care Thurs, Feb 21, 6:30-7:30pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence, KS 66047. Learn what it takes to make a garden great, from the planning stages to getting a bed ready for winter. We will walk you through an entire garden year whether it be vegetables or flowers. FREE, but seating is limited, so please RSVP either by clicking on “going” on our Facebook page or call (785) 842-3081. 400 Million Years on Six Legs: Evolution of the Insects Thurs, Feb 21, 6:30pm, at Kauffman Conference Center, 4801 Rockhill Rd, Kansas City, MO. Do you appreciate insects or want a greater understanding of insects? Did you know that insects are the primary pollinators of our ecosystems? Did you know that insects were the first to fly, to sing, to develop societies and language? Presented by Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City. Our guest speaker will be Michael S Engel, University Distinguished Professor and Senior Curator at the University of Kansas. Prof Engel studies the diversity and paleontological history of insects, exploring what the fossil record of insects can tell us about their evolution. He is also a specialist on the biodiversity of solitary bees, and has conducted entomological research in over 40 countries–from the High Arctic to equatorial deserts and rainforests. Aside from numerous entomological treatises, he is the author of the recent book, Innumerable Insects, and co-author of the earlier Evolution of the Insects. Free and open to the public. No registration required. Door Prizes. For further information call 816-523-5526 or visit our website @ mggkc.org and look for Gardeners’ Gathering under Public Education. Beginning Beekeeping Workshop Sat, Feb 23, 8am-4pm; at Drumm Farm Center for Children, Nelson Hall, 3210 South Lee’s Summit Rd, Independence, MO 64055. The Midwestern Beekeepers Association 24th Annual Beginning Beekeeping Workshop offers in-depth instruction on current beekeeping practices, including Honey Bee biology, equipment basics, way to acquire honey bees, colony management, and much more. The workshop registration fee is $65 and $50 for each additional family member. The registration includes the workshop, lunch and refreshments, class materials, and a one-year membership to Midwestern Beekeepers Association. Current members may register for $50. Registration will begin at 7:30am. Beekeeping Suppliers will be on site to order bees and supplies. The class size is limited, and registration will close when full or by Feb 17. No refunds after Feb 17. Please visit Midwestern Beekeepers Association website at http://www.midwesternbeekeepers.org/ to register with Paypal or to download a registration form. For more information, please call Bob Williams at 816-331-6634.
Houseplants Sat, Feb 23, 10:30-11:30am; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence, KS 66047. Learn the basics to having great looking houseplants. Topics include plant selection, light requirements, fertilizing and watering. Workshop lasts an hour plus time for questions. FREE, but seating is limited, so please RSVP either by clicking on “going” on our Facebook page or call (785) 842-3081. Handouts provided.
Now Hiring for Spring
Vegetable Gardening-Cold Crops Thurs, Feb 28, 6:30-7:30pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence, KS 66047. How to grow cold season vegetables (think broccoli, cabbage, lettuces, potatoes, kale), 4-5 different cold season vegetables to be discussed. Which ones depends on a vote from the workshop attendees. FREE, but seating is limited, so please RSVP either by clicking on “going” on our Facebook page or call (785) 842-3081. Handouts provided. Gardening by Design Symposium in Paola Sat, Mar 2, 9am-3:30pm. Sponsored by Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardeners, at the Town Square Event Center, 15 West Wea, Paola, KS. Keynote speaker Bryan Boccard, Kauffman Gardens, will be followed by Timothy Moloney, MU Professor of Landscape Design; Dennis Patton, JoCo Horticultural Agent; and Myrna Minnis, owner of Art with Myrna. Topics include The Garden as Performance Art, The Second Time Around (rethinking an existing yard/garden), Finding Mr Good Shrub, and Using Garden Art. The $40 fee includes a box lunch and snacks. Space is limited. Register by Feb 18. Watch for details and registration form at www.maraisdescygnes.ksu.edu. Call the Extension office, 913-294-4306, for more information. Vegetable Gardening Basics Mon, Mar 4, 6pm; at Loose Park Garden Center, 52nd and Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO. Basics of vegetable gardening, by Nancy Chapman, Johnson County Extension Master Gardener, in a two-part series. Part 1, Mar 4–what to grow and where to grow it including starting transplants and soil preparation, plus containers, raised beds, trellising and irrigation. Part 2, Apr 1–growing needs of different vegetables, perennial vegetables, and how to deal with insects, disease and animal control. Presented by Greater Kansas City Gardeners of America. Questions? Call Joyce at 913-383-0499.
We are looking for friendly, enthusiastic people to fill positions at our Lenexa, Overland Park and So. Kansas City locations.
Cashiers Phone Operators Hardgoods Sales Plant Sales Merchandising Receiving Clerk Mechanic
Truck Drivers, (CDL & non-CDL) Equipment Operators Landscape Maintenance Trimming, Mowing, Planting Horticulturist
Fax resume to 816-941-3838 Email resume to suburban@suburbanlg.com Apply in person at our Corporate office. 13635 Wyandotte // Kansas City, MO 64145 Questions? Contact Human Resources at 816-941-4700.
What’s New in Annuals, Perennials and Vegetables Thurs, Mar 7, 11:30am-1pm; in Sunflower Room of Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1216 N 79th St, Kansas City, KS. Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners invite you to join them for a presentation by Megan Glavin from Suburban Lawn and Garden. Fee: $5 (waived for currently certified EMGs). For further information, call 913-299-9300. Vegetable Gardening-Summer Crops Thurs, Mar 7, 6:30-7:30pm; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence, KS 66047. How to grow summer vegetables, 4-5 different summer vegetables to be discussed (think peppers, eggplants, melons, cucumbers, squash). Which ones depends on a vote from the workshop attendees. FREE, but seating is limited, so please RSVP either by clicking on “going” on our Facebook page or call (785) 842-3081. Handouts provided. Spring Gardening Seminar Sat, Mar 9, 8am-3pm; at Rockhurst University, 1100 Rockhurst Rd, Kansas City, MO. An all day event offering a variety of presentations for the avid gardener. You can learn about the Best Veggies for our Midwest Climate, Gardening with Natives or everything you ever wanted to know about Evergreen Pruning. These are just three of the 13 presentations to choose from during the event! Also included is Dr Tamra Reall’s keynote address, Beyond Butterflies: The Microcosm in your Backyard. For more information and registration please visit www.mggkc.org/ public-education/spring-seminar/. Presented by the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City. Beginning Vegetable Gardening Sat, Mar 9, 10:30-11:30am; at Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence, KS 66047. Learn how to start a simple and manageable vegetable garden. Workshop lasts an hour plus time for questions. FREE, but seating is limited, so please RSVP either by clicking on “going” on our Facebook page or call (785) 842-3081. Handouts provided.
One free, easy call gets your utility lines marked AND helps protect you from injury and expense. Safe Digging Is No Accident: “Always Call Before You Dig in Kansas” Call 811, 1-800-DIG-SAFE, (800-344-7233) or visit us at www.kansas811.com.
More events are posted on our website, KCGMAG.COM, click on “Events.” Promote club meetings, classes, plant sales and other gardening events for FREE! Send details to: elizabeth@kcgmag.com Deadline for publishing in the March issue is February 5.
The Kansas City Gardener | February 2019
17
February
garden calendar
n LAWN
• Rake any fallen leaves to prevent suffocation to the lawn. • Avoid damage to the grass. Keep foot traffic to a minimum when the soil is frozen. • Dormant seed when about one inch of snow is on the ground as melting, freezing and thawing will help move the grass seeds into the soil. • Review lawn service contracts and make changes. • Tune up and repair lawn mowers before the spring rush.
n FLOWERS
• Check fall planted perennials and water if needed. • Watch for frost heaving of tender perennials and cover. • Replenish winter mulch around grafted tea roses and other plants. • Check bulbs in storage for decay and discard. • Prepare orders for mail. • Start seeds for transplanting. • Obtain a soil test and make needed improvements.
n TREES AND SHRUBS
• Check for rabbit and vole damage on young trees and shrubs. • Water fall-planted trees and shrubs. • Apply dormant oil for control of scale and mites. • Take advantage of warm days and begin spring pruning. • Delay pruning spring flowering trees and shrubs until after bloom. • Cut twigs and branches of spring blooming shrubs to bring indoors and enjoy. • Carefully remove snow from limbs with a broom. • Water evergreens if soil is dry and not frozen.
n VEGETABLES AND FRUITS
• Create garden layouts to assist with planning process. • Order seeds. • Soil test testing is conducted at all Extension offices in the metro area. • Start broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage transplants. • Prune fruit trees – apples, pears and cherries. • Prune peach and nectarines just prior to bloom time. • Select varieties and order new fruit trees. • Check for rabbit and rodent damage on fruit trees. • Apply manure or compost to garden areas and incorporate for soil improvement. • Prepare garden soil for early planting on warm days. • Avoid working the soil when wet. • Check stored seeds and discard old supply. • Prune grapes, raspberries and blackberries.
n HOUSEPLANTS
• Rotate plants to produce a balanced plant. • Withhold fertilization until spring light arrives. • Check plants for insects, mites and other problems. • Remove dust from plants by placing in the shower under room temperature water. • Give a plant to a friend for a winter pick-me-up. • Repot root bound plants in a one-inch larger pot. • Take cuttings of plants to make new ones for friends. • Shape plants for spring growth to produce a more balanced and attractive plant.
Johnson County K-State Research and Extension recommends environmentally-friendly gardening practices. This starts by identifying and monitoring problems. Cultural practices and controls are the best approach for a healthy garden. If needed, use physical, biological or chemical controls. Always consider the least toxic approach first. Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.
Beat the rush! Get your mowers and equipment in for a SPRING TUNE UP before you need them. Tune ups include changing the oil and filter, replace spark plug, air filter, and sharpening blades.
Contact us this February to get a jump on your Spring 2019 landscape and maintenance needs. 816-941-4777 • Mon-Fri 8am-5pm • Closed Sat-Sun 311 East 135th St., Kansas City, MO 64145
www.rosehillgardens.com 18
February 2019 | kcgmag.com
Mowers, Blowers, Hedge Clippers and Chain Saws are in stock now! All equipment assembled, serviced and ready to go when you buy it. Nothing goes out of here in a box!
We service what we sell and more! We also carry Lawn & Garden supplies, pet supplies and bird seed.
Northland Feed
4807 N. Brighton, KCMO • www.mowerpartskc.com 816-452-8393 • Mon.-Fri. 9-6 • Sat. 9-4
Serving the Northland for 35 years
SPEAKERS’ BUREAU
Need a speaker for your church, civic group or garden club? The Johnson County Extension Speakers’ Bureau have the speakers you are looking for on just about any topic like environmentally safe lawn care, or perennial flower gardening. To schedule a speaker for your group, please contact the office. For more information on this service, call 913-715-7000.
JOHNSON COUNTY TOPSOIL & LANDSCAPE MATERIALS, LLC TOPSOIL • GARDEN MIXES BULK MULCH • FLAGSTONE WALLSTONE • BOULDERS RIVER GRAVEL • WATER GARDEN ROCK
913-681-2629 2 BLOCKS WEST OF US69 ON 199TH ST.
STILWELL, KS WWW.JOHNSONCOUNTYTOPSOIL.COM
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EARTH RIGHT SUPER STUFF is the perfect product to apply in spring, especially before a rain. Prepare the soil now for a better lawn and great gardens. Planting with THE MUSHROOM STUFF will quick start your spring gardens, shrubs & trees. Use in containers too! Our SURE BLOOM NATURAL & SURE BLOOM 6-7-6 contain vitamins, trace minerals, enzymes & organic acids not found in commercial fertilizers. Experience great results in containers & gardens, around trees & shrubs & on the lawn. NATURAL PRODUCTS THAT KEEP YOUR GARDENS, LAWNS & PONDS HAPPY & HEALTHY
POND STUFF Pond Clarifier should be used as soon as it warms up to help prevent algae & keep your ponds clear. Use in ponds 3 ft deep for best results or use with a colorant. Maintains a clear water supply and safe for all wildlife! For information on all Earth Right products call us at 913-492-2992 If you want to have our products applied contact Tobin Lawn & Landscape at 816-765-5565 or Sonshine Lawn at 816-525-7111.
For convenient mail delivery, complete the form below and send with your check for $25.00. You will receive a one-year subscription to The Kansas City Gardener.
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Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Phone: E-mail: Where did you pick up The Kansas City Gardener? Please enclose your check payable to The Kansas City Gardener and mail with this form to: P.O. Box 8725, Prairie Village, KS 66208 The Kansas City Gardener is published monthly Jan. through Dec.
Meet Extension Master Gardener, Cheryl Hunt
In the beginning: I was born into a family with a history of “playing in the dirt”. Both of my parents, being a part of the Greatest Generation, knew what it was like to be frugal and proactive regarding food sources. We always had a garden and homegrown produce. Gardeners of influence: Besides my parents, there are others who have influenced me greatly. My Aunt Marj Korte pointed
out chamomile in the fields. This peaked my interest in herbs and how plants are here for our enjoyment – pretty flowers, fragrance, tasty tea, and nourishment. I also admired her style of gardening and the beautiful white garden she created in the shade of her stately Atlanta home. Next, my dear friend, Joy Rushfelt taught me about gardening for the seasons and the importance of color. As an artist, her color filled garden changed seasonally. It was through Joy that I learned of the Master Gardener program. Becoming an Extension Master Gardener: At a transitional stage in my life, Joy suggested that I apply to the Johnson County EMG program. As a result, I am a proud member of K-State Johnson County Extension Master Gardener program, Class of 2009. It has been 10 very fun years of learning, volunteering in demonstration gardens, garden tours, open houses, garden shows and connecting with gardeners at all levels of expertise. Finding personal peace: The beauty of nature is where I find my personal peace. In the beginning, it was time with my parents, whether helping in the garden, going to the hardware store or building a birdhouse. Now, it is shared time with my gardening friends.
Spending time with like-minded people through the Master Gardener Program is a bonus. Favorite tool: Hori Hori knife. This knife has a sturdy, sharp, serrated blade with a quality wooden handle. It is great for weeding, planting, cutting, dividing, with measurements on the side for planting depth. Words to garden by: 1.) Right plant, right place; 2.) Develop a plan and stick to it; avoid impulse buying. And last but not least, 3.) As difficult as it may seem, it’s OK to remove unacceptable plant specimens. Favorite plants: Shrub is the Oakleaf hydrangea and tree, the Paperbark maple. Both of these plants have multiple seasons of beauty. Perennial favs are Hostas for their leaf color, variation in size and texture, as well as hardy Hellebores (Lenten rose), a first bloomer in spring. Challenges: Midwestern soil…get a soil test. Your plants are only as healthy as the soil you grow them in. My passion: I’m passionate about the environment: recycling, composting, prevention of overuse of chemicals, and the effects our behavior has on beneficial insects, water supply and environment.
The Kansas City Gardener | February 2019
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Seed Starting
Refresh
Whether it’s edibles or flowers; Suburban Lawn & Garden has a wide selection of seeds available for you and a knowledgable staff to help you be successful! Over 300 different varieties of vegetables, herbs and flowers to choose from.
Purify Air Quality
Free!
Refresh Your Decor
Perfect For Gifting
Midwinter is a great time to check out Suburban’s great selection of House Plants, whether you are interested in refreshing your decor or improving the indoor air quality of your home. Come on in to one of our three convenient locations. We’ll help you choose the right plant for your light conditions.
Terrarium & Smallscapes Workshop February 9 // 1-4pm // Martin City February 9 // 1-4pm // Lenexa
105th & Roe (913) 649-8700
Sign up in store, online or call to register. Space is limited.
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February 2019 | kcgmag.com
K-7 & Prairie Star Pkwy (913) 897-5100
135th & Wornall (816) 942-2921
#suburbanlg // suburbanlg.com