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ENEWSLETTER

MARCH 2014

Welcome to the Washington Gardener Enewsletter!

This enewsletter is the sister publication of Washington Gardener Magazine. Both the print magazine and online enewsletter share the same mission and focus — helping DC-MD-VA region gardens grow — but our content is different. In this monthly enewsletter, we address timely seasonal topics and projects; post local garden events; and, a monthly list of what you can be doing now in your garden.

We encourage you to subscribe to Washington Gardener Magazine as well for indepth articles, inspirational photos, and great garden resources for the Washington DC area gardener.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This enewsletter is only sent out as a PDF via email to current subscribers. Without your support, we cannot continue publishing this enewsletter nor Washington Gardener Magazine! Our magazine subscription information is on page 9 of this enewsletter.

If you know of any other gardeners in the greater Washington, DC-area, please forward this issue to them so that they can subscribe to our print magazine using the form on page 9 of this enewsletter.

You can also connect with Washington Gardener online at: • Washington Gardener Blog: www.washingtongardener.blogspot.com • Washington Gardener Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/WDCGardener • Washington Gardener Instagram Feed: http://instagram.com/wdcgardener • Washington Gardener Pinterest boards: http://pinterest.com/wdcgardener/ • Washington Gardener Discussion Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WashingtonGardener/ • Washington Gardener Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/washingtongardenermagazine • Washington Gardener Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/WDCGardener • Washington Gardener Web Site: www.washingtongardener.com Sincerely, Kathy Jentz Editor/Publisher Washington Gardener Magazine

Inside This Enews Issue • Back Issue Sale • March-April To-Do List • Beet Basics Column Excerpt • Latest Blog Links • Local Garden Events Listings • Grow Your Own Easter Grass and examples of other natural Easter Basket fillers • New ‘Zulu Flame” Eucomis • Reader Contest to Win a copy of “Building Soils Naturally”

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Winter-Early Spring 2014

Our Winter-Early Spring 2014 issue of Washington Gardener Magazine is now printing and mailing. The cover story is on Fabulous Ferns for the Mid-Atlantic Gardens.

You’ll also find in this issue: • Beet Growing Tips • Daytrip to Chanticleer Gardens • Profile of Patterson Clark. Washington Post’s Urban Jungle columnist • New Plant Introductions • Local Hort Happenings • Book Reviews • Native Plant Profile • Garden Tips and Tricks • Battling Iris Borer • And much, much more...

To subscribe, see the page 9 of this newsletter for a form to mail in or go to www.washingtongardener. com/index_files/subscribe.htm and use our PayPal credit card link.

Reader Contest

For our March 2014 Washington Gardener Reader Contest, Washington Gardener is giving away a copy of Building Soils Naturally: Innovative Methods for Organic Gardeners by Phil Nauta (prize value $20).

In the Summer 2013 issue of Washington Gardener Magazine, reviewer Edna Troiano wrote: “Many gardening books draw in readers with stunning photos, but this guide to creating healthy soil is more, well, down-to-earth. Nauta brings to the topic wide-ranging experience in organic gardening... His goal, he explains in the introduction, is to teach gardeners ‘about growing exceptionally nutrient-dense plants and food.’”

To enter to win a copy of Building Soils Naturally, send an email to WashingtonGardener@rcn.com by 5:00pm on March 28 with “Building Soils” in the subject line and in the body of the email, please also include your full name and mailing address. Tell us: “I know Spring has really arrived in my garden when... ” The book winner will be announced and notified by March 31.

Quick Links to Washington Gardener Blog Posts

• Playing with Pussy Willows • Looking for Spring on Bloom Day • MD Inmates Grow Chestnut Seedlings • How to Transform a Supermarket Bouquet • Eat Your Superpowers See more Washington Gardener blog posts at WashingtonGardener.Blogspot.com.

New Plant Spotlight Eucomis ‘Zulu Flame’

‘’Zulu Flame’ has darker purple leaves than Eucomis ‘Oakhurst’ with a much improved habit. The broader, thicker foliage stays more upright and the flowers are darker on shorter stalks. ‘Zulu Flame’ will add a tropical touch without any fuss. Hardy to at least zone 6, this vigorous, cold tolerant gem should find its way into a featured garden spot or a special pot from coast to coast.

Common Name: Pineapple lily Family: Asparagaceae Plant Type: Perennial USDA Hardiness Zone(s): 6-10 Habit: Clumping Size (HT/W/FL HT): 20"/24"/30" Growth Rate: Moderate Most Active Growing Season: Spring Flowering Season(s): Summer Soil: Coarse and slightly organic pH: 5.5-7.5 Exposure: Full sun to part shade Water (Garden): Average How Different?: Compared to ‘Oakhurst’ or ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ it has wider leaves and a wider habit. The foliage color holds better in the heat.

Landscape Value: Container, border, mixed beds, rock gardens.

Eucomis ‘Zulu Flame’ is a new introduction from Terra Nova Nurseries (www. terranovanurseries.com). It will be available at retail sometime in late-fall.

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March Garden To-Do List

Here is our comprehensive garden task list for gardens in the greater DC metro region for March 16-April 15. Your additions to this list are most welcome: • Avoid walking on and compacting wet soil in the garden.

• Prune grapevines.

• Put up trellises and teepees for peas, climbing beans, etc.

• Plant peas, potatoes, beets, turnips, radish, cabbage, mustard greens, onion sets, carrots, and kale.

• Set out traps for mice, moles, and voles.

• Get a soil test.

• Soil preparation -- add lime, compost, etc. as needed.

• Mulch beds with a light hand.

• Start or update your garden journals.

• Clean out any old debris from last season from your growing beds.

• Turn your compost pile.

• Repot root-bound houseplants and start fertilizing them.

• Clean leaves and debris from your water garden.

• Do not be alarmed if your pond turns green from algae bloom, this is natural until your water plants fill the surface area. Add a barley ball to combat it for now.

• Cut back ornamental grasses.

• Water during dry spells.

• Cut your Daffodils for indoor bouquets, but do not combine daffs with other flowers in one vase. They give off a toxic substance they may kill your other blooms off prematurely.

• Weed by hand to avoid disturbing newly forming roots.

• Walk your garden -- look for early signs of fungal disease.

• Divide perennials and herbs.

• Fertilize new growth.

• Plant and prune roses.

• Transplants small trees and shrubs.

• Buy or check on your stored summer bulbs (such as dahlias and caladiums). Pot them and start to water, if you want to give them an early start on the season.

• If you started seeds last month, thin them and start the hardening off process.

• Start some more seeds -- try flowering annuals like impatiens and petunias.

• Prune fruit trees as their buds are swelling. Check for dead and diseased wood to prune out. Cut a few branches for indoor forcing, if desired.

• Build a raised bed for vegetables. Add lots of manure and compost.

• Buy an indoor plant to liven up your office space. Try an orchid or African violet.

• Cut back and clear out the last of your perennial beds.

• Feed birds and provide nesting materials (try dryer lint) as well as houses for the start of their family season.

• Plant a tree for Arbor Day. Arbor Day comes on different dates in different states.

In our area it is the first Wednesday in April for Maryland. Virginia has it on the second Friday in April, and DC has it on the last Friday in April. In addition, many local groups and towns have their own celebrations.

• Read a good gardening book or magazine.

• Cut some branches (forsythia, quince, bittersweet, redbud, willow, etc.) for forcing into bloom and enjoying indoors.

• Have a wonderful 2014 growing season!

WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2014 Washington Gardener Magazine. All rights reserved.

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Brought to you by the Town of Leesburg Parks and Recreation Department

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Easy-to-Grow Easter Grass

By Kathy Jentz

Who among us actually likes those stringy, staticridden bags of plastic “Easter grass” you find on sale at the drugstore? The too-bright colors give me a headache just thinking about them. Why not, try a more natural look this year? Here are the steps to grow your own Easter grass.

Seed Sources

I’ve purchased packets of seeds marketed as “cat grass” in pet food stores, but you can also purchase bulk wheat grass seeds at food co-ops and health food stores.

Oat grass works fins too or you can use just about any turf grass seeds that you’ll find at any local garden centers. Also, a great online source is the Sprout People (http://sproutpeople.org/).

Grass Growing Steps

Basketry Basics

1. Start two to four weeks before Easter. (That would be now.)

2. Select a low, shallow container with drainage holes to fit inside the basket you want to use.

3. Fill the container with potting soil and 1/4 cup sprinkle grass seed on top. Water with a mister.

4. Cover with plastic wrap and place it in a sunny window.

5. Left wrap and mist it daily.

Remove plastic wrap when growth is about an inch tall.* 6. When grass is at desired height, place the container into a basket and add your eggs and other Easter Bunny treats.

If you are really ambitious, you might try weaving your own basket as well. Use found materials from your own garden such as birch bark, willow, grapevine, grasses, dogwood, and pine needles. One good book I found on Amazon. com even gives instructions on using horsetail and yucca for basket weaving. It is: “Natural Baskets: Create over 20 Unique Baskets With Materials Gathered in Gardens, Fields, and Woods”

by Maryanne Gillooly and Brigita Fuhrmann. You can also check your local library for more basket weaving books and search online for instructions. BasketWeaving. com is web site that has some easy basketry project and free pattern.

*Warning! If you have a cat, beware of potential “grazing.”

And yes, this is the same as the “pet grass” that you pay $5 and upwards for a small pot of at your local pet store. It is also the same as the fresh grass you buy at natural food stores and make wheat grass juice with for health drinks. It is so easy to grow and the seeds cost just pennies, why not grow your own?

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About the Author Kathy Jentz is editor of Washington Gardener Magazine and is a long-time DC area gardening enthusiast. Washington Gardener is all about gardening where you live. She can be reached at www. washingtongardener.com and welcomes your gardening questions.

WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2014 Washington Gardener Magazine. All rights reserved.

Examples of Other Natural Easter Baskets

Grape Hyacinths (Muscari) Vinca major

Pansies and Sphagnum Moss Sweet Violets

WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS Š 2014 Washington Gardener Magazine. All rights reserved.

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TOP AREA GARDENING EVENTS DC-Area Gardening Calendar ~ Upcoming Events ~ March 16 - April 15, 2014 • Friday, March 21, 7-9pm District Heights Garden Meeting The Garden Coalition of District Heights holds the first in a series of Garden Conversations at the District Heights Municipal Center, 2000 Marbury Drive in District Heights, MD 20747.

Our featured guests will be: Kathy Jentz of Washington Gardener Magazine discussing predators in our garden.

Have you noticed an increase in the deer population in our area? Not sure what to do about those squirrels and chipmunks? Kathy will answer this and more! AND Nikita “Nature Boy” Floyd of Green Forever Landscaping and radio talk show host will discuss landscape care. In his lively yet informative way, Nikita will guide us through what we need to do now for a lovely lawn and garden later! Also, representatives from DER and the Prince George’s County Master Gardener Program.

To find out more about and join The Garden Coalition, please contact Teri Speight at 301.392.7968 or email thegardencoalition@gmail.com.

at all. Get organized and get inspired for a new growing season ahead. To be held at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD. Fee: $18, FOBG: $15; registration required For more information and to register, go to course #272549 at ParkPASS.org http://parkpass. org/Activities/ActivitiesCourseDetails. asp?cid=292848

• Thursday, March 27, 2:00-3:30pm Local Gardening 101: Getting the Garden Ready for Spring Speaker: Kathy Jentz, Editor/Publisher of the Washington Gardener.

For people who are new to gardening and gardeners who are new to the DC metropolitan area, learn about our local gardening world and resources. Can you feel the difference in the air? Birds and buds are waking up as spring fast approaches! There is so much to do in the garden, but where to begin? We’ll look at what to tackle first, what can wait, and what you need not bother with

•Saturday, March 29, 8:30am–3:30pm Lahr Native Plant Symposium This year’s topics include the philosophy and design intent behind the new innovative native plant garden at the New York Botanic Garden, the many reasons to use more native ferns in your landscape. Fee: $89 ($71 FONA) Registration required. See http://www. usna.usda.gov/Education/events.html.

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Are you trying to reach thousands of gardeners in the greater DC region/MidAtlantic area? Washington Gardener Enews goes out on the 15th of every month and is a free sister publication to Washington Gardener magazine. Contact wgardenermag@aol.com or call 301.5886894 for ad rates.

The ad deadline is the 10th of each month. Please submit your ad directly to: wgardenermag@aol.com.

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• Thursday, March 27, 7:00–8:30pm Planting a Pocket Meadow Have a small space in your landscape that you want to convert from turf to flowers? Small ‘pocket meadows’ -more like informal native perennial borders provide space for pollinator visits and habitat for seed-eating birds. Join Kevin Munroe, Park Manager, Huntley Meadows Park in Fairfax County for a discussion about small meadow planting and maintenance. This class is free; please register. Call Extension Horticulture Help Desk at 703-792-7747 to register. To be held at Chinn Park Regional Library 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Prince William, VA 22192.

• Saturday, March 29, 10:00am Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life Marta McDowell recently wrote a book of the same name published by Timber Press. Hosted by the Potomac Chapter Rock Garden Society meeting at the McLean Community Center, McLean, VA. Details at www.pvcnargs.org.

• Saturday-Monday ,March 29 – 31 Philadelphia Poison Ivy Conference Held at Bartrams’s Gardens, Philadelphia, PA. Visit the event web site for the full conference information: http://poisonivyhorticulturalist.com/ conference.

WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2014 Washington Gardener Magazine. All rights reserved.

• Thursday, April 3, 2:00-3:30pm Local Gardening 201: Tackling Common Challenges Speaker: Kathy Jentz, Editor/Publisher of the Washington Gardener. So you’ve been gardening for a few years, but still feel like there are some holes in your gardening knowledge and are frustrated by a few obstacles… this class is for you. We’ll take it to the next level and talk about local gardening issues like poor drainage, gardening on a slope, deer, planting in clay soil, etc. We’ll examine case studies of local gardeners who have conquered these common garden challenges. To be held at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD. Fee: $18, FOBG: $15; registration required For more information and to register, go to course #272550 at ParkPASS.org http://parkpass.org/Activities/ActivitiesCourseDetails.asp?cid=292849 • Thursday, April 3, 6:00pm Tudor Nights: Japonisme, Inspiring Western Tastes To celebrate the Japanese cherry blossoms’ return, join us for appetizers and cocktails and a close-up look at treasures from the Collection that reflect the late 19th-century American fascination with Japonisme. (The mansion opens free to members for 4 Tudor Nights evenings yearly; the public may participate for a fee.) Ages 21+. To be held at Tudor Place Historic House and Garden in Georgetown, Washington, DC. More details at TudorPlace.org.

• Saturday, April 5, 2-3pm Brother Gardeners Lecture & Book Signing Andrea Wulf, author of The Founding Gardeners, returns from London to talk about her popular gardening history, The Brother Gardeners: Botany, Empire and the Birth of an Obsession. Hear the fascinating story of John Bartram and his influence on world horticulture in the 1700s. Book signing follows lecture. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312. Code: 290 283 2901, Fee $20/person. Register online at www. fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring or call 703-642-5173.

TOP AREA GARDENING EVENTS DC-Area Gardening Calendar ~ Upcoming Events ~ March 16 - April 15, 2014 • Thursday, April 10, 6:00-7:30pm Washington Gardener Magazine Book Club Spring Meeting Discussing: Into the Garden with Charles by Clyde Phillip Wachsberger at the Takoma Park DC Neighborhood Library in the downstairs meeting. The room allows food and drink and you may bring your dinner and/or snacks to share. The book club meetings are FREE and open to anyone who would like to attend.

Please RSVP to “WG Book Club” at WashingtonGardener@rcn.com. I will be limiting attendance to 20. If you need to cancel, let me know ASAP so we can give your spot to someone else, should we have a wait-list.

• Friday-Saturday, April 11-12 Plants, Food, and Art: Annual Spring Garden Market at River Farm The American Horticultural Society will be holding its annual Spring Garden Market at its River Farm headquarters on Friday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The AHS members-only preview sale takes place on Thursday, April 10 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Vendors from across the Mid-Atlantic region will offer a large selection of edible and flowering plants, along with garden art, tools, and other accessories. Other highlights of the market include a Small Standard Flower Show hosted by the National Capital Area’s District II Garden Clubs, and an exhibit of garden-themed paintings by local artists, both on display in River Farm’s Estate House. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions, and fresh food and drinks will be available from Doug the Food Dude’s gourmet food truck.

Parking is free for AHS members with valid membership card and $5 per car for non-members. A small selection of carts and wagons will be available onsite for toting purchases, but guests are encouraged to bring their own. For more information, call (703) 768-5700 or visit www.ahs.org.

is proud to announce that its Spring Show will be held at Merrifield Garden Center, 12101 Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA (close to Price Club and Home Depot and Fairfax Parkway). Bonsai from beginning to expert will be exhibited and the Club will be demonstrating how to make a bonsai. Visitors may cast secret ballots on which of the bonsai exhibited should go onto the Potomac Bonsai Association show. Contact Person: Gary A. Reese at greese67@msn. com or 703.860.3374.

SAVE THE DATE: • Friday, April 25, 3-7pm; Sat. April 26, 10am-3pm; Sun. April 27, 1-3pm Native Plant Sale Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs (FOBH), 20926 Lake Ridge Dr., Boyds, MD 20841. www.BlackHillNature.org Call (301) 528-3484 for information on species and possible pre-orders.

• Saturday, May 17, 9am-3pm Spring Garden Day Don’t miss this exciting annual tradition. More than 40 vendors of rare and unusual plants descend on Green Spring Gardens to fill your spring gardening needs! FROGS members receive 10% off plants in the Garden Gate Plant Shop. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA.

Still More Event Listings

See even more event listings on the Washington Gardener Yahoo discussion list. Join the list at http://groups.yahoo. com/group/WashingtonGardener/.

Event Listing Submissions

To submit an event for this listing, please contact: Wgardenermag@aol. com and put “Event” in the email subject head. Our next deadline is April 12 for the April 15 edition of this enewsletter featuring events taking place from April 16-May 15.

•Saturday- Sunday, April 12-13 Bonsai Society Spring Show The Northern Virginia Bonsai Society WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2014 Washington Gardener Magazine. All rights reserved.

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YOU CAN REQUEST A SINGLE COPY OF BACK ISSUES FOR $6 EACH OR, ANY 6 BACK ISSUES, FOR $24 OR ALL 30+ BACK ISSUES FOR JUST $100. PRICE INCLUDES POSTAGE AND HANDLING. PLEASE SPECIFY THE ISSUE DATE(S). ORDER MUST BE PREPAID BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER. SEND ORDERS TO: WASHINGTON GARDENER, 826 PHILADELPHIA AVE., SILVER SPRING, MD 20910

MARCH/APRIL 2005 • Landscape DIY vs. Pro • Prevent Gardener’s Back • Ladew Topiary Gardens • Cherry Trees

MAY/JUNE 2007 • Roses: Easy Care Tips • Native Roses & Heirloom Roses • Edible Flowers • How to Plant a Bare-root Rose

SUMMER 2009 • Grow Grapes in the Mid-Atlantic • Passionflowers • Mulching Basics • Growing Hops

MAY/JUNE 2005 • Stunning Plant Combinations • Turning Clay into Rich Soil • Wild Garlic • Strawberries

JULY/AUGUST 2007 • Groundcovers: Alternatives to Turfgrass • How to Pinch, Prune, & Dead-head •William Paca House & Gardens • Hardy Geraniums

FALL 2009 • Apples • How To Save Tomato Seeds • Persimmons

JULY/AUGUST 2005 • Water Gardens • Poison Ivy • Disguising a Sloping Yard • Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 • Succulents: Hardy to our Region • Drought-tolerant Natives • Southern Vegetables • Seed Saving Savvy Tips

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2005 • Container Gardens • Clematis Vines • Sponge Gardening/Rain Gardens • 5 Insect Enemies of Gardeners

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007 • Gardening with Children • Indoor Bulb Forcing Basics • National Museum of the American Indian • Versatile Viburnums

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005 • Backyard Bird Habitats • Hellebores • Building a Coldframe • Bulb Planting Basics

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008 • Dealing with Deer • Our Favorite Garden Tools • Indoor Bulb Forcing Basics • Delightful Daffodils

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2006 • Garden Decor Principles • Primroses • Tasty Heirloom Veggies • U.S. Botanic Garden

MARCH/APRIL 2008 • Patio, Balcony, Rooftop Container Gardens • Our Favorite Garden Tools • Coral Bells (Heucheras)

MARCH/APRIL 2006 • Top 10 Small Trees and Large Shrubs • Azaleas • Figs, Berries, & Persimmons • Basic Pruning Principles MAY/JUNE 2006 • Using Native Plants in Your Landscape • Crabgrass • Peppers • Secret Sources for Free Plants JULY/AUGUST 2006 • Hydrangeas • Theme Gardens • Agave • Find Garden Space by Growing Up

JULY/AUGUST 2008 • Landscaping with Ornamental Grasses • Edible Grasses to Graze On • Slug and Snail Control • Sage Advice: Sun-loving Salvias SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 • Autumn Edibles — What to Plant Now • Beguiling Barrenworts (Epimediums) • Best Time to Plant Spring-blooming Bulbs • 14 Dry Shade Plants Too Good to Overlook

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 • Shade Gardening • Hosta Care Guide • Fig-growing Tips and Recipes

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 • Outdoor Lighting Essentials • How to Prune Fruiting Trees, Shrubs, Vines • 5 Top Tips for Overwintering Tender Bulbs • Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 • Horticultural Careers • Juniper Care Guide • Winter Squash Growing Tips and Recipes • Layer/Lasagna Gardening

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009 • Compost Happens: Nature’s Free Fertilizer • Managing Stormwater with a Rain Garden • Visiting Virginia’s State Arboretum • Grow Winter Hazel for Winter Color

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2007 • Indoor Gardening • Daphne Care Guide • Asparagus Growing Tips and Recipes • Houseplant Propagation

MARCH/APRIL 2009 • 40+ Free and Low-cost Local Garden Tips • Spring Edibles Planting Guide • Testing Your Soil for a Fresh Start • Redbud Tree Selection and Care • Best Viewing Spots for Virginia Bluebells

MARCH/APRIL 2007 • Stormwater Management • Dogwood Selection & Care Guide • Early Spring Vegetable Growing Tips • Franciscan Monastery Bulb Gardens

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MAY/JUNE 2008 — ALMOST SOLD OUT! • Growing Great Tomatoes • Glamorous Gladiolus • Seed Starting Basics • Flavorful Fruiting Natives

MAY/JUNE 2009 • Top Easy Summer Annuals for DC Heat • Salad Table Project • Grow and Enjoy Eggplant • How to Chuck a Woodchuck

WINTER 2009 • Battling Garden Thugs • How to Start Seeds Indoors • Red Twig Dogwoods • Unusual Edibles to Grow in Our Region SPRING 2010 • Community Gardens • Building a Raised Bed • Dwarf Iris • Broccoli SUMMER 2010 • Fragrance Gardens • Watering Without Waste • Lavender • Potatoes FALL 2010 • Vines and Climbers • Battling Stink Bugs • Russian Sage • Garlic WINTER 2010 • Paths and Walkways • Edgeworthia • Kohlrabi SPRING 2011 • Cutting-Edge Gardens • Final Frost Dates and When to Plant • Bleeding Hearts • Onions SUMMER 2011 • Ornamental Edibles • Urban Foraging • Amsonia/Arkansas Blue Star • Growing Corn in the Mid-Atlantic FALL 2011 • Herb Gardens • Toad Lilies • Sweet Potatoes • Cool Weather Cover Crops WINTER 2011 - EARLY SPRING 2012 • Green Roofs and Walls • Heaths and Heathers • Radishes SPRING 2012 • Pollinator Gardens • Brunnera: Perennial of the Year • Growing Yacon SUMMER 2012 • Tropical Gardens • Captivating Canna • Icebox Watermelons SPRING 2013 • Great Garden Soil • All About Asters • Squash Vine Borer SUMMER/FALL 2013 • Miniature/Faerie Gardens • Beguiling Abelias • Growing Great Carrots

WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2014 Washington Gardener Magazine. All rights reserved.

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Coming Soon!

Washington Gardener Magazine’s DayTrip columns compiled into one handy publication — available soon in both paper and e-book versions. Great gift idea!

Your Ad Here

Are you trying to reach thousands of gardeners in the greater DC region/Mid-Atlantic area? Washington Gardener Enews goes out on the 15th of every month and is a free sister publication to Washington Gardener magazine. Contact wgardenermag@aol.com or call 301.588-6894 for ad rates.

The ad deadline is the 10th of each month. Please submit your ad directly to: wgardenermag@aol.com.

In Our Next Issue Spring 2014...

Backyard Beekeeping Daytrip to Winterthur

Garden Event Wrap-Up Photo Contest Winners

If your business would like to reach area gardeners, be sure to contact us by April 15 so you can be part of the next issue of our growing publication! oooooooooooooooooooooooo

Be sure you are subscribed!

Send a check or money order for $20.00 payable to Washington Gardener magazine to: Washington Gardener 826 Philadelphia Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20910

Magazine Excerpt: InsectIndex: Beet Basics by Elizabeth Olson

Beets are celebrated for their earthy and sweet flavor. The delectable roots have smooth, firm flesh that can be baked, roasted, boiled, or steamed. Raw beets can be juiced or shredded and served fresh in salads. Beets can be preserved by pickling or pressure canning. (Beet recipes are on page 14.)

Common names for this vegetable include table beet, beetroot, and garden beet, as well as beet. The scientific name is Beta vulgaris, ssp. vulgaris. This species also includes fodder beet for livestock and sugar beet for processing into sugar. Beets are in the same plant Beet photo courtesy of ReneesGarden.com. family as spinach, chard, and amaranth, and should be in the same crop rotation schedule.

Beets are biennials that are started from seed and grown as annuals. This root crop is easy to grow, and roots that are harvested at optimum maturity keep very well. Beets are a source of folic acid (a B vitamin), calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium, and they are low in calories.

The original species from which beets were developed is native to the greater Mediterranean region and is known for its edible leaves. Plants were selected for their enlarged roots when cultivation of the species spread to northern climates.

Beet plants, too, produce edible leaves. The leaves are tasty and nutritious. Some cultivars, such as ‘Bull’s Blood,’ are also recommended for growing as microgreens.

The shape of the roots varies from cultivar to cultivar, ranging from rounded to elongated and tapered. The vast majority of cultivars have deep-red flesh. There are also beet cultivars that have golden, white, or multicolored roots; golden beets are possibly the most beautiful of these. All table beets have an earthy, sweet flavor — and variations in sweetness and earthiness are not related to pigment.

Red beet cultivars include ‘Ruby Queen,’ the number one canning beet in the United States...

Want to read more local gardening news in the EdibleHarvest column in the Winter-Early Spring 2014 issue of Washington Gardener Magazine out soon. See how to subscribe below to start with this issue.

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