DATE: Sunday, September 7, 1997             TAG: 9709060126

SECTION: HOME & GARDEN           PAGE: G4   EDITION: FINAL 

COLUMN: Garden Reminders 

                                            LENGTH:   94 lines

BEST TO LEAVE YELLOW JACKETS ALONE NOW

ARE YOU ONE of the many who wonder why there are so many yellow jackets around now? Michigan State University entomologists say it's because each colony begins with a single queen in spring but may number in the hundreds by now.

Around their nest, yellow jackets are aggressive. Unlike honeybees, which lose their stinger and die if they sting, yellow jackets can and will sting repeatedly.

Local beekeeper Floyd Watkins says there is a lot of misidentification of honeybees and yellow jackets. Honeybees are protected by federal law and should not be killed.

If you're not sure what's pestering you, call the Tidewater Beekeepers Association at 429-3134 for proper identification, free of charge.

Treating a yellow jacket nest is risky business. This time of year, unless they're located where you can't avoid them, the university says the best action may be to leave the nest alone.

Garden's annual plant sale

Saturday is the annual plant sale at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. It's also Saturday Family Adventure Day in the garden. This month's program is is ``Games in the Garden.'' Call 441-5839.

Annual field day

Be sure and register for the annual field day at the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center on Diamond Springs Road in Virginia Beach. The fun starts at 10 a.m. Sept. 24 with a tree care demonstration, followed by a barbecue lunch, tours, trade show, demonstrations and a silent auction of plants.

Cost is $12 before Sept. 12; $15 after that date. Call (757) 363-3906 or fax (757) 363-3950.

Feed trees in fall

If your trees have smaller than usual leaves, or they have light green or off-color foliage, dead twigs at the ends of the branches or show a general lack of vigor, they probably need fertilizer. Wait until after they drop their leaves and are dormant. Then fertilize with a special tree fertilizer.

Most trees benefit from a feeding once a year, between Nov. 15 and March 15. Although the part of the tree you see is dormant, their roots grow and develop all winter long.

Help for bird watchers

What seeds attract goldfinches? How can I attract cardinals? If you have those or other bird questions, Duncraft is willing to help. Duncraft's Backyard Birds Help Line is free by calling (800) 763-7878. They'll answer all your bird questions.

Bugs belong outside

Speaking of insects, it won't be long until they try to get in your house as the weather cools off. Unless you stop them, they may cause structural damage to your home, pose a health threat to you and your pets and be a nuisance. University tests show that a contact insecticide such as diazinon offers an effective, economical barrier against many insects that could potentially enter your home in the next few months.

Do not spray the insecticide inside your home. Water-based diazinon is available for spray applications or in a granular formulation.

If you prefer a less toxic solution, the laundry detergent Borax will provide some of the same benefits. The important reminder is to do something soon to keep the bugs out.

Advice on spinach seeds

It's time to plant spinach, which often is tricky to get to germinate. In 1987, a reader from Edenton, N.C., wrote me this advice: ``Roll out a strip of paper toweling, crease in half lengthwise, dampen and then sprinkle on spinach seeds, keeping them 2 inches apart. Fold top half down and dampen again. Roll up and put in a plastic bag. Keep in vegetable crisper of refrigerator for seven to 10 days. Check daily for germination. After seven days, when the seed is well germinated, roll out and plant about one quarter inch deep.''

A reader from Norfolk wrote: ``I have had good luck germinating spinach by soaking seeds overnight. Last year I planted the seed Sept. 5 and they were up five days later. By early October, I had a good stand. But it's important to keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.''

So there are two ways to plant spinach. I'm going to try them both this week.

Attack on vegetables

Bugs that spent the summer too lazy to attack suddenly get active in the fall. Army worms burrow holes in tomatoes and peppers. Flea beetles often will cover and destroy a Lythrum in bloom in a few days.

Because you'll be picking the vegetables within a few days, use caution with any spray. Insecticidal soap will kill most unwanted fall predators and is safe. If you use Sevin, wait five days before using the vegetables. ILLUSTRATION: Photo

Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center

There will be tree-pruning demonstrations at the Hampton Roads

Research Center's field day.

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