DATE: Sunday, April 27, 1997                TAG: 9704250089

SECTION: HOME                    PAGE: G2   EDITION: FINAL 

COLUMN: GARDENING REMINDERS

SOURCE: ROBERT STIFFLER

                                            LENGTH:  111 lines

COLD, WINDY SPRING TAKES A TOLL ON TENDER PLANTS

SPRING HAS been tough on plants and people this year. I set out my tomato plants April 15, and they are so beat up now that they'll probably refuse to bear for months.

Tender vegetables and annuals don't fare well in cold winds, which desiccate plants and dry the earth. It's very important to water often; the weather may still be cool, but the winds are drying. Each time you water, give the soil a good soaking.

INCHWORM INVASION

Entomologist Peter Schultz, director of the Hampton Roads Research Center, says the invasion of inchworms is the worst since 1982. They're dropping from the skies, hanging over your cars, your laundry, your outdoor furniture. But the birds love them.

When one drops on your head, it's usually on its way back into the ground, Schultz says. There's only one generation per year, so soon they'll be gone. Except for defoliating a few trees, they're harmless. Put up with the personal aggravation and let them be.

INDIAN HAWTHORN PROBLEMS

For some time, horticulturists have been aware that Indian Hawthorn is subject to leaf spot and defoliation, much like photinia. The overuse of this plant in local landscapes multiplies the problem.

Virginia Beach extension agent Randy Jackson sent me a report from a recent issue of Hortideas which says that some cultivars are much more resistance to the leaf spot fungus than others. Those that consistently showed the greatest resistance to leaf spot were ``Dwarf Yedda,'' ``Indian Princess,'' ``Olivia,'' and ``F1.'' If you're planning to buy Indian Hawthorn, try to get the cultivars named to avoid leaf spot problems.

Sprinkler irrigation tends to aggravate the problem, so if you're watering, do it at the base of the plant only and do not get leaves wet.

RHODODENDRON IN BLOOM

Want to see some beautiful rhododendrons? Visit the beautiful collection at the Norfolk Botanical Garden now. It's one of the largest collections on the East Coast and all in bloom. It proves rhododendrons can be grown here. Normal admission to the garden applies. Call 441-5831.

WILDFLOWER SALE

More than 30 species of native wildflowers for sun and shade will be on sale this coming weekend and the next at the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News. The museum is having its annual spring native wildflower sale on Saturday and next Sunday and May 10 and 11. Wild indigo, atamasco lily and cardinal flower are but a few of the plants available. Horticulture experts will be on hand to offer planting tips. Sale hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. The museum is at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News. Call 595-1900.

PEST CONTROL SOLUTIONS

An interesting new catalog arrived the other day with a picture of a raccoon getting in a garbage can on its front cover. Called ``Whatever Works,'' the catalog is subtitled ``guaranteed pest control for home and garden'' and contains everything from Snake-A-Way to ladybug lures for your garden. For a free catalog, write to Whatever Works, Earth Science Building, 74 20th St., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11232.

SCOOP ON EGGPLANT

If your eggplants tasted bitter last summer, Louisiana State University specialists say the green varieties are less bitter than purple eggplant during hot, dry weather. Plants, however, are seldom available and you'll probably need to buy seed from a mail-order source.

I've found that Japanese varieties of eggplant, with small, banana-shaped fruit, produce more heavily than the conventional varieties with large purple fruit.

FEED THE HUNGRY

As you plant your vegetable garden this spring, plant a row for the hungry. Take the time to plant at least one extra row of produce, and you'll be helping solve one of every community's most urgent problems. When your vegetables, herbs and fruit are ready to harvest, call Foodchain toll free at (800) 845-3008. They'll direct you to the local organizations that most need your garden's bounty.

MORE BUZZ ON BEES

Pennsylvania State University authorities report that with the typical American diet, honeybees play a role in the production of an estimated one-third of what we eat. Remember the rules: don't spray until after 3 p.m. and if a swarm is bothering you, call the Beekeeper's Association at 429-3134.

SOURCE FOR ROSES

A recent reader question asked where New Dawn climbing rose and Christian Dior tea rose can be purchased. I've been informed they're both available at London Bridge Nursery in Virginia Beach and possibly other garden centers.

WEED STRATEGIES

It's important this time of year to get rid of the weeds that thrive in winter, such as chickweed, before they bloom and drop their seeds for next season. The best plan is to pull and destroy them. If you spray with Roundup or Finale, be sure it's before the plant blooms.

As to wild onions and garlic, I've found that you can nearly always pull them up and get the bulb if you go out after a rain. If you don't get the bulb, the pest will grow back. If you use Roundup or Finale, two or three sprayings are required to kill this intruder.

FLORAL DEMONSTRATION

The Chrysler Museum Flower Guild will hold a spring program for flower arrangers at 10 a.m. May 5 in Huber Court. Floral designer Sarah Munford of ``The New Leaf'' in Norfolk will give a flower arranging demonstration. Make reservations by calling 623-0749.

The Flower Guild is in need of new members to help with flowers in the Chrysler Museum. Cost to join the Guild is $10, and you must be a member of the Chrysler Museum to participate.

Robert Stiffler

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