THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 30, 1994 TAG: 9410280092
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G2 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: GARDENING REMINDERS
SOURCE: Robert Stiffler
LENGTH: Long : 122 lines
LATE SUMMER and fall is the recommended time for planting daylilies. These rugged perennials can be planted anytime, but now is ideal. Planting now gives them plenty of time and good weather to get established.
They are available at most local garden centers. For more variety and unusual new introductions, try Ballards Daylily Farm (487-0176), Sterrets on the Eastern Shore (1-442-4606), or Jerry Dickerson in Gloucester (1-693-5240). BULBS AND FRUIT DON'T MIX
Be aware that ripening fruit produces ethylene gas, and tulips and other bulbs should not be exposed to such gas or to carbon monoxide. Ethylene gas retards growth, inhibits blooming, causes growth abnormalities and may eventually destroy the bulb, according to bulb experts. Apples and cut tomatoes are particularly harmful, so putting tulip bulbs in a refrigerator may be a mistake. UNEARTH CALADIUM TUBERS
Dig and store caladium tubers before the foliage freezes. Caladiums will rot in local soils during winter. Store tubers in a cool dry place until May and then replant. BULBS NEED MORE THAN BONE MEAL
Bone meal by itself is not sufficient fertilizer for spring-flowering bulbs. It is primarily a source of phosphorus. Studies show that the major nutrient needed by bulbs is nitrogen. Years ago bone meal was made from bone, cartilage and other scraps. At that time, it was a source of nitrogen, along with phosphorus and micronutrients. Today bone meal is made from bones that have had their nitrogen-rich marrow steamed out to make gelatin by-products. Much of the nitrogen and micronutrients are gone.
Fertilize bulbs at planting time with Bulb Booster or 10-10-10 and again in the spring when green shoots show. Do not fertilize after bulbs bloom, because that can induce disease. TIME TO TAKE ROOT
Gardeners sometimes ask, ``Why plant in the fall, when plants are turning brown, dropping their leaves, apparently completing their growing season?'' Louisiana State University horticulturists note that spring is when most people think about planting trees and shrubs, but the ideal time is fall.
Fall planting allows a plant's root system to become well-established when soil temperatures are still high. Shoot growth in the fall is reduced because of decreased air temperatures. This helps the plant contribute carbohydrates and nutrients to root growth. But be sure to provide adequate moisture, because the fall is often dry. HOTBEDS AND COLD FRAMES
This is a good time to construct a hotbed or cold frame to produce transplants for the spring garden. Electric heating cables can be placed in the soil to heat it enough to germinate seed. Several light bulbs in the structure will usually provide enough heat to protect tender plants from freezing.
Cold frames do not have a source of heat other than the sun. They can be used to produce cool season vegetable plants including onions, spinach, broccoli, lettuce and cauliflower. Be sure to put your unit in a well-drained, protected area such as the south side of a building where it will receive plenty of sunlight. LIFE ON THE LYNNHAVEN
The Lynnhaven River - are we loving it to death? After living on its banks for more than 20 years, my observation is that we're killing it. If you'd like to find out more, be at Lynnhaven Middle School, 1250 Bayne Drive, on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for a conference on the Lynnhaven River system, including Broad and Linkhorn bays.
It's sponsored by The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the City of Virginia Beach. Cost is $5 per person, which includes lunch. Registration is requested by Tuesday to guarantee that you'll receive a lunch. Call 622-1964. FALL ORCHID SHOW
If you like to admire beautiful orchids, visit Pembroke Mall on Nov. 11, 12 and 13 when the Tidewater Orchid Society will for the first time present a free fall show. Many orchids that don't bloom in spring will be on display. It's a good time to learn how to grow them. Experts will be there to give advice. Orchids will be for sale. Call 489-1825. PROTECTION FROM THE COLD
Protect tender plants from cold injury by mulching them with pine straw, leaves or bark. Water plants well before a predicted freeze. Many plants die from dehydration. Plants particularly susceptible to cold damage, like rhododendron and silver dollar eucalyptus, can be sprayed with an anti-transpirant such as Wilt-Pruf. CUT AND MULCH THE MUMS
Cut chrysanthemums back 4 to 6 inches above ground after the flowers fade and foliage browns. If yours come back every year, mulch them with pine straw, leaves or bark. Many chrysanthemums sold today are annuals and will not come back next spring. KEEP CARING FOR THOSE ROSES
Continue spraying roses with both an insect and disease control. Blackspot will overwinter on rose plants and in the mulch around them. It's smart to remove the mulch next spring and apply new. ANNUAL POINSETTIA SEED AVAILABLE
Mrs. Charles C. Braswell called to say she grows the annual poinsettia a reader asked about on Oct. 16. Park Seed sells the seed, she said. She has some extra seed which she'll share with readers if you send her a stamped addressed envelope to 237 Hickory Road E., Chesapeake, Va. 23322. Her supply is limited, so if you don't receive seed, you may have to wait until next year's crop matures. CAMELLIA SHOW AND SALE
The Virginia Camellia Society will hold its first fall show and sale Saturday at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Many unusual varieties will be for sale including Nuccio's Gem, Jewel and Pearl. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m for the sale, but the show does not open until 12:30 p.m. The show is free, but the $2.50 per person entry fee to the garden applies. Call 489-9586. by CNB