April - May 2010 High Desert Gardening Magazine

1. High Desert Gardening
I S S U E 5 2 A P R I L / M A Y 2 0 1 0
Plant Profile
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:
By Amy Jo Detweiler
Beneficial Insects 2 Is this the year you start a temperatures for
vegetable garden? If so, germinating leaf
Tips for First‐ why not plant one of the lettuce seeds is
Time Gardeners 3 easiest plants to grow in a between 40‐
garden, one of the many 80oF. You can
Fertilizing Fruit varieties of leaf lettuce. take the
Trees 4
temperature of
Exposure: Full sun to part the soil at the 3‐
Calendar of shade. They do not like 4 inch deep soil
Events 6
real hot weather so partial level using a soil
shade can be helpful. thermometer. Be
Favorite Seed sure the soil
Water: Keep them well‐ temperature is
Catalogs 6
watered as they grow. Do remaining in the
Garden Tips 7 not allow them to dry out, optimum range Lactuca sativa
especially in hot weather. for several days
Loose‐leaf Lettuce
before sowing
Soil: Adaptable to most your seed. Soil Height: varies’ Spread: varies
organic moist soils. Can be thermometers The variety above is Merlot
planted in the ground or in can be
containers. purchased where
3893 SW the season
local garden supplies are
AIRPORT WAY
found. You can also start
REDMOND, OR seeds indoors if necessary. Varieties to consider:
97756 • Flashy Butter Oak
541.548.6088 A Few More Tips for • Royal Oak Leaf
Growing Leaf Lettuce: • Red Deer Tongue
Give them lots of water in • Simpson Elite
hot weather to prevent • Black Seeded Simpson
them from bolting and • Merlot
going to seed.
• Red Sails
Sow seeds gradually
• Salad Bowl
When to plant: Direct sow instead of all at once to • Tango
the seeds once the soil maintain a continuous • Pom Pom
begins to warm. The steady harvest throughout • Lollo Rossa
optimum soil

2. PAGE 2
Beneficial insects Source: Liz Douville
Planting for the encouragement of
beneficial insects should be more of a
priority with all homeowners not just
gardeners. By encouraging beneficial
insects we just may be able to reduce
the usage of toxic chemicals.
When in the progress of mankind did
Photo: Ric Bessin, U. Kentucky
we learn to shiver and shake every time
we see an insect? Maybe this is the
year to start learning the difference
between the good guys and the bad
guys and educate our families as well.
"We need to We are fortunate in Central Oregon
that we don’t have severe landscape Pictured is a ladybug larva feeding on
learn to damage from insects, but nevertheless aphids.
unknowingly reaching in and cutting an
identify the aphid ridden stem is hardly a pleasant
garden experience. The quick solution mealybugs and spider mites to name just a
beneficial is to control the aphids with a sharp few of the problems we could encounter.
stream of cold water. The better, more In many cases it is the larvae and nymph
long lasting solution is to encourage the stages as well as the adult stage that aids
insects and
insects that help control the aphid in the control.
population. It would be great if we
plant a could just hang out a sign “Beneficial Many gardeners roll their eyes when
Insects Wanted, Free Food & Lodging” yarrow is mentioned but it is probably one
banquet table Since that won’t work we need to learn of the most efficient host plants in enticing
to identify the beneficial insects and beneficials into the garden. Golden
to keep them plant a banquet table to keep them marguerite, also known as dyers
interested. chamomile is another workhorse. Even
interested” the lowly dandelion serves its purpose by
Ralph Berry, Professor Emeritus‐ drawing in lacewings and ladybugs.
Entomology, Oregon State University in
his publication Insect Facts: Plants That Destructive insects often locate their food
Attract Beneficial Insects describes the by smell. Many plants, especially culinary
life cycle of some of the beneficial herbs, produce strong scents which may
insects along with a list of host plants confuse insect pests looking for a host to
to attract these insects. feed on. Garden vegetable plants such as
garlic, onions, chives; herbs such as catnip,
Lacewings, ladybugs, hoverflies, lemon balm, wormwood, mints, lavender
parasitic wasps, tachinid flies and and cutting garden flowers such as
damsel bugs work hard in our cosmos, zinnias, white sweet alyssum,
landscape controlling aphids, scales, (Continued on page 5)
HIGH DESERT GARDENING

3. ISSUE 52 PAGE 3
Tips for first-time gardeners
If you're completely new to vegetable Langellotto said.
gardening and want to enjoy your own • Get a soil test. Soil supplies 13
homegrown tomatoes and summer squash essential plant nutrients, primarily
this year, the Oregon State University nitrogen, phosphorous and
Extension Service can potassium. A soil test
provide the information you will tell you if your soil
need to get started. has deficiencies and if it
is too acidic or alkaline.
Gail Langellotto, an OSU See OSU Extension
horticulturist and statewide publications EM 8677
coordinator of the Master for testing laboratories
Gardener program, says serving Oregon .
there are several things
“Choose novices can do to make • Build organic
their foray into gardening matter with compost to
easy-to-grow more successful. correct many
Also, "Growing Your Own," deficiencies. Start a
a practical guide to compost heap with two
vegetables gardening with more parts "brown" materials
details, is on the OSU – leaves, straw, paper,
that your Extension Service website: sawdust – to one part
http:// "green" materials such
family likes… extension.oregonstate.edu/ as vegetable scraps,
catalog/html/grow/grow/. coffee grounds, grass clippings and
choose high fresh manure from cows, horses or
Among Langellotto’s tips: poultry.
quality
• Choose raised beds, containers and An easy way to start a new garden
seeds” mounds, Langellotto recommends, if you spot, while improving soil structure
live in the Willamette Valley, where clay and fertility, is called sheet or
soils do not drain well and remain cold "lasagna" mulching. Wet soil
into the spring. If you use containers, thoroughly and add a layer each of
which can be just about any size and as overlapping cardboard, compost and
casual as old tires, you can garden in any six to eight inches of mulch (leaves
location and move the containers for and grass clippings). In about seven
optimal conditions. months the soil will be ready for
planting.
• Choose a site where your garden will
get at least eight hours of light, preferably • Choose easy‐to‐grow vegetables
sunshine. "Air drainage can be a problem. that your family likes, adding others in
If you live on a slope, be sure to avoid cold following years as tastes mature,
air drainage in low spots and wind," (Continued on page 5)

4. PAGE 4
Fertilizing fruit trees Source: Planttalk Colorado
Fruit trees require nutrients to develop eighth pound for every one inch of
properly, so work phosphorus and trunk diameter. Take the trunk‐
potassium into the soil before you plant. diameter measurement one foot
The amounts you apply should be based above ground level. With apples or
on a soil‐test report. Keep in mind that pears, apply one‐tenth pound of
these nutrients move very little in soil. nitrogen for every one inch of trunk
Applying phosphorus and potassium to the diameter.
soil surface around
fruit trees, rather The amount of
than into the soil nitrogen
itself, seldom needed is
corrects determined by
deficiencies of the previous
“Nitrogen these nutrients. year's growth.
If more growth
can be However, you can is needed,
apply nitrogen to increase the
the soil surface amount of
applied in because it moves nitrogen. If too
down to the roots where it's needed. much growth occurred, it's best to
late fall or Nitrogen can be applied late in fall or early reduce or eliminate nitrogen. Also, it's
spring. In spring, nitrogen should be important to keep records of how
early spring” applied before bud break. The amount much of a specific nutrient you apply
applied depends on the type of fruit tree each year.
and its growth status. Trees should be
fertilized with enough nitrogen to Fruit trees in lawn areas may get
promote optimal, annual shoot growth. adequate nitrogen from applications
of lawn fertilizer. In some cases, fruit
For non‐bearing apple trees, shoot growth trees grow too much as a result of
should be between 24 to 36 inches; for excess water and fertilizer they
pears, 12 to 26 inches; and for peaches, 16 receive from lawns. Do not apply
to 24 inches. In fruit‐producing apple "weed‐and‐feed" products because
trees, shoot growth should be between 12 they contain herbicides that may be
to 24 inches; for pears, 6 to 12 inches; and harmful to fruit trees. If fruit
for peaches, 10 to 18 inches. production is desired in these
instances, reduce the frequency of
Growth at less than the recommended watering and the amount of fertilizer
rates results in reduced fruiting wood and applied to the lawn.
less fruit production. If you're starting a
fertilizer program for stone fruits such as Excessive pruning also will stimulate
peaches or apricots, apply nitrogen to the shoot growth and should be avoided.
soil around the trees at the rate of one‐
HIGH DESERT

5. ISSUE 52 PAGE 5
Beneficial Insects Tips for first-time gardeners
(Continued from page 2) (Continued from page 3)
Lemon Gem marigold all seem to produce scents Langellotto said. She recommends five
which seem to repel insects or mask the scents vegetables that like cool conditions: radishes,
which attract insects. Dill, parsley and parsnip peas, leaf lettuce, carrots and spinach. Heat‐
feature flat topped clusters of small flowers that loving veggies that should be planted in warm
have strong fragrances. They also seem to attract soil are bush beans, summer squash and
large numbers of beneficial insects, particularly tomatoes.
predatory wasps and flies.
Other easy crops are kale and kohlrabi, beets,
A certain level of insect protection can be achieved onions, garlic and annual herbs such as basil,
by carefully interplanting some of these as fennel and parsley. Vegetables and fruits that
companions to vegetables or just incorporating them do well in
in the general landscape. Learn to know thy friends containers
and avoid killing them inadvertently and note which are bush
plants are attractive to beneficial insects. Write beans,
down the combinations that seem to work for pest beets,
control and share your findings with others. carrots,
cabbage,
References: swiss chard,
cucumbers,
A Pocket Guide: Common leaf lettuce,
Natural Enemies of Crop and bell
Garden Pests in the Pacific peppers,
Northwest squash,
tomatoes, dwarf apple trees, blueberries,
http:// strawberries, turnips, eggplant, kale and green
extension.oregonstate.edu/ onions.
catalog/pdf/ec/ec1613‐e.pdf
• Choose high‐quality seed for your
vegetable garden. Germination rates on the
package should be 65 to 80 percent. The
package also will tell you when to plant seeds,
how long it will take them to germinate, depth
of planting and spacing. Although more
expensive than growing food from seed,
Insect Facts: Plants That bedding plants already sprouted work best for
Attract Beneficial Insects, tomatoes, basil, eggplant and peppers. Check
Ralph Berry is available for that they are not root bound in the pot and are
$6.50. stocky and deep green, not spindly and light
Mail check in that green.
amount to:
"If you run into problems, your OSU county
Insect Facts, 18160 extension office is there to help," Langellotto
Cottonwood Rd. PMB said. "Master Gardeners are on hand to answer
#798, Sunriver, OR 97707 questions."
Source: Gail Langellotto

6. PAGE 6
Spring
Calendar of events
Gardening
Seminar • April 24 ‐ Spring Gardening Seminars in Redmond at the Deschutes Fair and
Classes Expo Center presented by the Central Oregon Chapter of OSU Master Gardeners.
include: Attend several garden classes and a fun garden market. For more information
check our website at: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/deschutes/
• Vegetable
Container • May 1st ‐ Opening Day for Hollinshead Community Garden in Bend from 9:00
Gardening
am—1:00 pm. Plots are 10 x 10’ or larger in size and rent for $25 for the season.
• Greenhouse
All available plots are rented on a first come, first serve basis on opening day. For
• Perennials
more information and to sign up for a plot contact OSU Master Gardener
• Conifers
• Garden practices volunteer, Jacquie at 593‐9305.
• Genetically • Growing Farms...Successful Whole Farm Management Workshop Series
modified food presented by OSU Extension Service. Six classes that begin March 30th. For more
information go to: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/deschutes/
And several others...
Favorite Seed Catalogs
In addition to our local garden centers and nurseries, listed below are some
additional sources for seeds and plant materials. These favorite seed catalogs
have great descriptions, references to cold hardiness, and relevance to seeds
or container plants sold for this area.
• Territorial Seed Company—vegetables and organic vegetables.
www.territorialseed.com/ 1‐800‐626‐0866; 1‐541‐942‐9547
• Nichols Garden Nursery‐herbs and rare seeds. www.nicholsgardennursery.com/ 1‐866‐408‐4851
• Goodwin Creek Gardens‐herbs. www.goodwincreekgardens.com/ 1‐800‐846‐7359
• Johnnys Selected Seeds‐vegetables, annuals, perennials. www.johnnyseeds.com/ 1‐207‐437‐4301
• Charley’s Greenhouse & Garden Supply. www.charleysgreenhouse.com/ 1‐800‐322‐4707
• High Country Gardens‐perennials. www.highcountrygardens.com/ 1‐800‐925‐9387
HIGH DESERT GARDENING

7. ISSUE 52 PAGE 7
Garden Tips for April and May
APRIL have started from seed.
• Prepare garden soil for spring planting
In the landscape by adding organic matter including
• Prune your deciduous trees and manures and compost or planting a
shrubs, using proper pruning cover crop (green manure) such as
techniques. Be careful not to ryegrass, buckwheat, or barley.
prune your flowering trees and
shrubs that bloom on last years MAY
growth (old wood), for example
your lilacs. Wait until these plants In the landscape
are finished blooming and then • Continue to work your compost pile, by
prune shortly after the flowers turning, adding materials and keeping it
die off. If you are not certain moist.
about when to prune your plant
• Mid April through May is the best time
contact the OSU Extension
to dethatch and aerate your lawn.
Service or your local garden
“Mid-April center to find out.
Rent a dethatcher from the rental shop
and pull up and remove thatch, follow
• Apply a dormant horticultural oil
through May to your deciduous trees and
with a fertilizer application to stimulate
rapid recovery.
shrubs with a history of insect
is the best • Repair or change your sprinkler system
problems, this product will
to be more efficient.
smother overwintering eggs and
time to the crawler stage of many insects • Now is the time to manage your weeds
such as aphids, spider mites and when they are small. First identify the
dethatch and scale. A lighter horticultural oil weed, then remove by hand,
should be used on your mechanically, or chemically. Do not
allow them to flower and go to seed.
aerate your evergreens and deciduous trees
and shrubs after they have leafed
Vegetable Gardening
lawn” out.
• If you haven’t fertilized your • Direct seed your carrots, corn (late
bulbs yet, now is a good time. May), chard, kohlrabi, and potatoes.
Use a fertilizer high in • Transplant your brussel sprouts,
phosphorous (the second number cauliflower, cucumbers (late May),
on the fertilizer bag) for example, leeks, or peppers.
0‐46‐0. • Protect your plants and crops from
• You may need to get out the frost by using row cover or walls of
lawnmower and mow the lawn water.
by the middle of April.
Vegetable Gardening
• Direct seed your beets, lettuce,
peas, radish, and spinach.
• Transplant your broccoli,
cabbage, onions, that you may

8. High Desert Gardening
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