The Digging Fork -- Sept-oct 2009

The Digging Fork A Davis Garden Newsletter September - October 2009 September Planting

Perennials: everything except frost tender plants! Trees, shrubs, primroses, Iceland poppies, pansies, snapdragons, stock, etc. Cool season edibles: Good idea to shade transplants

see Plant Notes

Seeding directly into the garden

artichokes, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, leeks, elephant garlic, lettuce, bulbing onions strawberries, alpine strawberries Cool season annuals Ammi majus, larkspur, cornflower, annual clary sage, red flowering flax, breadseed poppies, sweet peas, forget-me-nots, etc. Cool season edibles: Good idea to shade seedlings

see Plant Notes

Fertilize

arugula, beets, broccoli, carrots, Florence fennel, kale, leeks, lettuce, dill, green onions, parsnip, peas, radish, Swiss chard, turnips Lawns and roses as needed Fertilizing in early September will help plants grow through the winter.

October Cool season bulbs Perennials: everything except frost tender plants(see September) Cool season edibles: artichokes, broccoli, bulbing onions, cabbage, garlic, shallots, leeks, elephant garlic, lettuce, strawberries, alpine strawberries, cilantro, Swiss chard Cool season annuals see September, also CA wildflowers. Cool season edibles: arugula, broccoli, beets, carrots, cauliflower, fava beans, leeks, lettuce, miner’s lettuce, green onions, parsnip, peas, radish, spinach, dill Swiss chard, turnips, cilantro Cool season lawns as needed If you haven’t already, now is a good time to add soil sulfur to citrus and other acid loving plants and those showing iron deficiencies. (will lower the pH of soil making iron more available to plants. Mix soil sulfur with top 6” of soil and water well)

Pest & Disease Control Tasks

Tomato hornworms – pick off Snails, slugs and earwigs damage –use baits or traps Aphids and whiteflies -can spray off with water

Garden clean-up and mulching begins -- find space for new plants

Continue garden clean-up and mulching, finding space for new plants

Weed control continues Divide hardy perennials

Weed control continues

Order perennial plants for fall planting. Order hardy annual seeds for direct seeding.

Water

See September.

Fall planting begins!!! Continue watering as needed –especially new plantings. About mid September, change automatic timers to water less often.

Divide hardy perennials Planting continues! Renovate lawn

Same as September

The weather is getting cooler. By October, plant water needs are half of what they were in June and July. Set automatic timers to water the same quantity but less frequently. For instance, water every two weeks instead of once a week.

Cabbage on right is bolting.

The Frustration of Bolting Vegetables Vernalization and Day Length In Davis, many of us grow and enjoy the bounties of summer vegetables and fruits. The cool season can be an equally bountiful time, although more challenging to some due to the mystery of bolting, or premature flowering. In summer we want most of our plants to flower, basil being the most notable exception, because we actually eat the fruit that results from the flowering. Think tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, beans, squash, okra, melons, etc. Cool weather vegetables are mainly greens, root vegetables and members of the onion family. We aren’t very happy when our lettuce, kale, beets and carrots send up flower stalks before the plants size up and produce a good crop. And, even though we are actually eating the undeveloped flowers of broccoli and cauliflower, we don’t want them to go to flower prematurely. Peas and fava beans are an exception in that we do want them to flower as soon as possible. Bolting happens for a number of reasons – the condition of the soil, plant maturity, stress and crowding. However, the three most important reasons are the stage of plant development, air temperature and day length. While warmer temperatures are generally associated with flowering, exposure to a certain amount of cold temperatures (about 40 to 50 degrees F) is necessary for some plants to flower. The process by which cold induces or accelerates flowering is called vernalization. Most plants also need to have reached a certain maturity before they can be vernalized. Then, when a plant is exposed to enough cold temperatures it has the ability to flower, although it may still need additional growth or seasonal cues such as longer days and warmer temperatures before flowering occurs. Annuals like spinach, lettuce, arugula, radishes, cilantro, dill, and peas and are very sensitive to warm temperatures and long day lengths. Warm spring temperatures cause the start of flowering and day length is also increasing at this time. Amazingly, plants can detect the length of day and night through a complex

process involving a pigment in their leaves called phytochrome. Artificial light, such as porch or street lights, can even affect this light sensing. In some cases it is a matter of the actual day length at a certain stage of plant development that triggers flowering; for other plants it can be exposure to a total number of daylight hours once they reach a particular stage of maturity.

nearby Capay, plant their carrots in August though the third week of September for winter harvest and then again in February for early summer harvest. Different vegetable cultivars, like carrots ‘Royal Chantenay’, often respond differently to vernalization, warm temperatures and day length. This is why it is a good idea to always plant two or three cultivars of each vegetable type to insure against bolting, disease and other disasters. “Bolt-resistant” cultivars can also be useful. Many cultivated varieties grow well in our latitude in Davis. But where do you find out about these cultivars? Talk with other gardeners, investigate the Redwood Barn website (http://redwoodbarn.com/DE_foodplantfall.html) and download the list compiled by The Yolo County Master Gardeners and vegetable expert Robert Norris. (http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/files/filelibrary/2557/8233.pdf). The Book of Garden Secrets by Dorothy Hinshaw and Diane E. Bilderback is a great resource on this complicated subject, plus other growing info. Seed to Seed by Suzanne Ashworth is also very helpful.

This fall planted Romanesco broccoli was ready to eat in February

Carrots, beets, daikons, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, leeks, broccoli and parsley are examples of biennial crops that need vernalization in order to flower. Parsley is a good example. If started in the spring, it will grow through that entire year, through the winter cold, and flower the following spring. If planted in the fall, it will grow through the fall, experience the winter chill, and bolt in the spring – a much shorter growing season. In reality, cauliflower and broccoli require very little chilling to form flower buds. However, the cold will accelerate the flowering process. So, to get large buds or crowns we need large plants before exposure to cold. This requires planting early in the fall, ideally by September. Bulbing onions are an interesting example of a biennial for which day length is critical. These onions are actually classified by the number of daylight hours they need to begin bulbing. Short-day onions (10-12 hours) grow best in the far south of the country, intermediateday (12-14 hours) grow best in our latitude and long-day onions(14-16 hours) are more successful in the extreme north. Most of the onion transplants available in our area are intermediate-day onions, starting to bulb around the end of March. One reason that planting cool season vegetables in the late summer to early fall is successful is because days are getting shorter and colder. The crops are usually harvested during the winter, but before vernalization and spring’s longer days with warmer temperatures. We also have another chance to plant in the late winter to early spring. In this case the days are getting longer and warmer so early planting is necessary to insure a good crop before bolting. Successive plantings during these two planting opportunities increase the likelihood of successful crops and a harvest over a longer period of time. Full Belly Farm, renowned for their carrots in

Lettuce plants growing during the winter.

Plant sales UCD Arboretum Saturday, October 3 Member Sale 9-11 a.m. (Join at the door!), Public Sale 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, October 17 Public sale 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Lots of great guided tours and workshops coming up!! Email below for a monthly reminder of events sent to you For information 752-4880 www.arboretum.ucdavis.edu

Three Palms Nursery Fall Plant Sale October 3-4 and 10-11 9am to 5pm 20% off Russell Blvd and Rd. 95A, 2.8 mi. west of Rd. 98 Information www.3palmsnursery.com

756-8355

Lemuria Nursery Sale September 8 to October 31 20% off 7820 Serpa Lane, Dixon (707) 678-4481

California Native Plant Society Sale and Talks Saturday, September 19 10 am to 3 pm 9 – 10 am members only, join at the door McKinley Garden and Arts Center, Sacramento For information http://www.sacvalleycnps.org/

Cornflower Farms Nursery Days September 26th and October 17th 9811 Sheldon Rd. Elk Grove Info (916) 689-1015 ext. 10

7:30 am to 2 pm

www.cornflowerfarms.com

Plant Sales at The Gifted Gardener Saturday/Sunday September 19th and 20th 9am – 3pm Saturday/Sunday October 3rd & 4th 9am – 3pm 18th and J Streets, Sacramento. Sales benefit local charities Information [email protected] (916) 923-3745

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The New Geobin™ Composters After all these years using Presto hoop composters, Patricia is no longer finding them to be easily available. Her 20 bins have served her well – many being over 10 years old and going strong. The Presto Products Company has updated the Presto Hoop Composter and now sells the GeoBin™ Compost System. Below are the pros and cons of each: GeoBin Compost System Presto Hoop Composter 27 cu. ft. capacity Adjustable up to 4 ft diameter, overlap of at least 4” required. 50 mil recycled black plastic. The bigger the volume the better it will compost. Cost $34 - $45 Plastic washers, nuts and bolts. How long will they last? Seems to work better if the bolt goes into a hole and not just into the slits. 36” tall and comes with 4 green stakes to hold the bin open. The extra height makes it difficult to push the collected material into the lower edges of the bin which helps to make it circular and stand up well and also keeps the lower edge from buckling (see photos). The green sticks aren’t necessary and the clip broke in the first use. Iritating to turn. Turning seems to require taking out all the plastic bolts, nuts and washers to open the bin (20 items to lose). Patricia has succeeded in pulling up on the bin with the help of an extra person and some 3/8” rebar woven in holes for leverage. It was difficult – probably not possible without a helper! Neither on-line or in-box instructions explain how compost is to be turned!!! Small holes retain moisture better.

Buckling. The lower edge of the bin seems to buckle much more than the old bins – probably because of the extra volume and difficulty of getting the material into the lower edges of the bin.

17.6 cu. ft. capacity Adjustable up to 3 ft diameter. 50 mil recycled black plastic. GeoBin Composting System

Old Presto Hoop compost bins in front

More composting tips using GeoBins

Difficult to purchase now Metal wing nuts and bolts. Can rust -- but no need to ever take them out unless you are rolling up the bin for storage.

Compost piles must be turned occasionally to aerate and adjust the moisture. Once the material starts to decompose the lower edge of these types of bins often start to buckle. This will make the bin much more difficult to pull up and turn later on. The more the material is pushed into the lower edge of the bin, the less it will buckle and tip over. When the bin is removed, flip it over so the buckling is on top. The sun will smooth out all the wrinkles! If the buckling edge is again put on the bottom, near the soil, the buckling will just get worse and worse. In the picture below are two bins, and between them is a pile left when a bin was pulled up and refilled. This pile isn’t ready to use in the garden but will be added to other bins as they decompose and more space becomes available. A compost thermometer is just fun to use to see if the bin is hot and actively decomposing!

30” tall. Most of us can actually reach the bottom of the bin making it easier to push the material into the lower edges.

Easy to turn. Just pull up on the bin--no bolts to unscrew. (this is why the old bins could use metal wing nuts that rust). If the bin isn’t budging, a helper makes it easier. Also easy to weave a stick into the large holes and use for leverage (see photos). It is possible for one person to pull up the bin by moving the stick around the bin, pulling a bit up each time.

GeoBin starting to buckle on lower edge and compost thermometer.

The City of Davis will give you a GeoBin if you take a composting correspondence course. See the website for tips on composting and information about the course. http://cityofdavis.org/pw/recycle/backyardcompost.cfm Compost thermometers can be found at Peaceful Valley Farm Supply (www.groworganic.com) and local nurseries.

Large holes, some moisture loss. Sticks sometimes get caught in the large holes. Some people like to crisscross 2-3 PVC pipes with holes in them to increase air in the center of the piles. Much less buckling!

Buckling bin is flipped over so the sun will straighten it. A stick in Presto Hoop bin is used to help pull it up so the compost pile can be turned.

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Local classes, events & workshops

Garden Exploration Workshop – Patricia’s Garden Saturday, October 10 9:00 am to 12:00 noon Limited to 15 participants. $20 per person Instructors: Patricia Carpenter and Melissa Kelly You will leave with handouts and some seeds and plants. Reservations required [email protected] These workshops will be held in Patricia’s garden periodically during the year. Guided tour and lots of time for exploration and questions.

Gardening Skills Class – Davis Adult School Mondays, September 21 to November 2, 6:30 – 8:30 pm Plus two Garden Visits to reinforce classroom learning: Sunday, September 27, 4-6 pm and Sunday, October 11, 12-4 pm (rain date is Oct. 25) Taught by Patricia Carpenter and Lyn Taylor $75 Information www.djusd.k12.ca.us/AdultSchool

757-5380

Native Plant Propagation Workshops

--see what is blooming in the fall and discover new plants --learn about garden cleanup and fall planting, including bulbs --ask questions about healthy soil, irrigation, composting… --learn about cool season vegetables and when to plant --discover how easy it is to divide plants --find out sources for bulbs, seeds and other plants you like

Saturday, September 26 or Sunday September 27 9am to 12 noon, includes tour of Patricia’s native garden Optional talk at 12 noon: Planting Your Native Garden

$25 --helps support Kids in Native Gardens Program Taught by Jennifer Hogan past president of the California Native Plant Society –Sacramento Chapter RSVP

Davis Garden Club

[email protected] or (530) 661-3410

Welcome meeting September 28 7 to 9 pm Eleanor Roosevelt Circle Community Center

City of Davis Worm and Garden Composting Free GeoBin™ Composter by taking Davis Compost Correspondence Class Information

www.davisrecycling.org

For information 222-3052

www.davisgardenclub.org

Ceanothus California Field Botanists Association

(530) 757-5686

Next Davis meeting September 26th (9:00am-12:00pm) Learn to key plants. Group meets about once a month at UC Davis Center for Plant Diversity Information www.ceanothusfieldbotanist.blogspot.com

Plant notes! Here is more information about some plants mentioned in this newsletter.

Cool Season vegetables Bulbing onions Allium cepa

Biennial. Leaves grow during the cold winter months. Each leaf will produce a ring in the bulb, so the more leaves the larger the bulb. Cultivars found locally will do the best, most are intermediate-day onions. Plants usually start appearing in the nurseries by September and the bareroot plants sometime in November.

See The Digging Fork Sept-Oct 2007 Planting Cool Season Annuals and Biennials –Flowers and Vegetables

A honey bee is working this perennial sunflower blooming in October

Perennials Roger’s Red grape Vitis californica ‘Roger’s Red’

CA native vine with wonderful red leaves in fall. Perennial sunflower Helianthus maximilianii Perennial that blooms in October. 8-10 ft. tall. Western spice bush Calycanthus occidentalis CA native shrub.

Master Gardener Educational Workshops Attracting Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbird and Other Pollinators to Your Garden September 12, 1-3 pm Held at Norton Hall in Woodland

Lavender September 26, 9-11 am Lavender cultivars, how to care for, propagate and distill lavender.

See The Digging Fork July-Aug 2007 About Fall Planted Bulbs

It’s Time to Think

Held at Woodland Community College

Fall Gardening Workshops

Half the interest of a garden is the constant exercise of the imagination. You are always living three, or indeed six, months hence. –Alice Morse Earle, 1897

October 17 9am-12noon

Held at Woodland Community College All workshops are free. For more information 666-8143 or http://ceyolo.ucdavis.edu/Gardening_and_Master_Gardening/

Davis Central Park Gardens Workshops Planning and Planting Your Winter Vegetable Garden September 12 9:30 am October 10 9:30 am Propagation Made Easy Free, more information

Asian citrus psyllid is making its way northward!! Please keep an eye on your citrus trees. A one-minute video on detecting Asian citrus psyllid is at http://ucanr.org/detecting psyllids.

http://www.centralparkgardens.org

Davis Flower Arrangers Courtney Williams Kett, owner of Dixon Florist Wednesday, September 2 7 pm Flowers Around the House Pat Goldstene Wednesday, October 2 7 pm Eleanor Roosevelt Center, 675 Cantrill, Davis For information Elaine 756-6722 or Phyllis 758-7814

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Not all California native plants are drought tolerant. There are many, many plant communities in the state. Some have plants that like lots of sun, good drainage and dry summers like in Davis. There are riparian plants that grow along waterways that prefer much more water. Plants from the coast like less heat and more moisture than Davis offers and may not thrive here in the valley. Some California native plants only grow in the shade and some even want boggy conditions. You will find all kinds of native plants for sale and some grow very large – too large for many gardens. To make sure a California native plant will be happy in your garden it is extremely important to know the conditions a plant needs and the ultimate size the plant is at maturity. A section of Patricia’s native garden last spring (April 10, 2009)

California Native Plants  Before you know it, winter will be here. November and December can be dismal months in the garden as it’s the time between seasonal plantings and for the most part the weather is best enjoyed from inside. But there is one bright spot, this time is great for planting California natives. The rain and cooler weather help the plants to establish before the heat of summer comes along. Most natives can and should be planted this time of year, but any frost sensitive plants, including nonnative ones, should be planted only after the last chance of frost has passed (usually mid-April). However, as winter approaches, the selection of California native plants may be slim. September and October sales are the perfect time to be buying native plants to be ready for later planting.

The same area the previous fall (Oct 26, 2008)

Here are a couple resources: California Native Plant Link Exchange. This incredible website has information about plant communities, photos, cultural information and where you might find the plant. http://www.cnplx.info/ Las Pilitas Nursery isn’t local but the website has information and photos of native plants. www.laspilitas.com California Native Plants for the Garden Carol Bornstein, David Fross, Bart O’Brien 2005 Designing California Native Gardens The Plant Community Approach to Artful, Ecological Gardens. Glenn Keator and Alrie Middlebrook 2007

Places in the area to find native plants: UCD Arboretum Sales www.arboretum.ucdavis.edu California Native Plant Sale in Sacramento http://www.sacvalleycnps.org/ Cornflower Farms www.cornflowerfarms.com Hartland Nursery www.hartlandnursery.com Lemuria Nursery in Dixon (707) 678-4481 Three Palms Nursery www.3palmsnursery.com Redwood Barn Nursery www.redwoodbarn.com Hedgerow Farms http://www.hedgerowfarms.com/ Windmill Nursery http://www.windmillnurseryinc.com/

Newsletter created by: Patricia Carpenter -- Gardening Coach (Design and Education), with 35 years of Davis gardening experience Frances Andrews -- Long-time organic farmer See http://TheDiggingFork.wordpress.com/ for the current and archived issues. To be added to the subscription list or to unsubscribe, contact us at: [email protected] Roger’s Red grape and western spice bush are California natives

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