AUGUST
How to plant bare root Bearded Iris:
1. Select firm health rhisomes - the adapted root of an iris, a few new roots and perhaps the tips of new growth can be seen. Bare roots can be soaked from a few hours to overnight before planting - NO longer!
2. Choose a mostly sunny site - 6-8 hours of direct sun per day.
3. Dig a shallow hole big enough to accomodate the roots to be spread out, and mound soil for setting the rhisome on.
4. Place the rhisome on the mound so it be exposed to the air after to roots are covered with soil.
5. Firm soil in place with your hands, water, label, and make sure the rhisome remains visible - do not cover it with mulch. Sand makes a good mulch for iris beds.
August is also a good time to divide daylilies as well as iris. Once the plants are dug and devided, cut the tops back to about 6 inches, this will help the roots hold more of the energy
JULY
Check your tomatoes for the viracious eater - TOMATO HORNWORM - also known to consume pepper, eggplant and potato, in fact any member of the solanaceous family.
Hand picking is reccomended as they are usually small in number. They can be relocated to the woodland where additional food sources - horsenettle, jimsonweed, and nightshade are availble.
As an adult these garden pests are a delight in the butterfly garden when they become the HUMMINGBIRD or SPHINX MOTH.
Go to: www.vegedge.umn.edu/vegpest/hornworm.htm for a very informative handout.
When to pick: Early morning is best, the flowers, fruits and veggies retain water overnight making them fresher and flowers longer lasting.
Pick green beans before they start to buldge, that means the seeds inside are swelling to mature and will soon become wood and far less tender. Unless you are growing zuccini to be the giant entry at the fair, they should be picked when they are to 8 inches long. They will be more tender at this stage. larger ones can be shreded and used for pancakes or zuccini bread.
