I Never Knew How Lightning Worked, Until It Finally Struck Me!
As usual one cannot figure out what may or may not be happening with Trumps war on Iran. A possible agreement which Trump may or may not go with or veto entirely. Watching the news is frustrating as most of the news channels are busy dissecting what may or may not happen. I heard someone refer to that process as the circle of doom and it is frustrating, depressing and maddening. Or what my father would say It’s like wiping your ass with a hoop there is no end to it. He would have also referred to Trump as someone who was a few bricks short of a load or a few straws short of a bale. I’m glad I have a yard and garden to worry about as it is far more productive and far more enjoyable!
The weather for our area is indicating a small chance of rain this Wednesday and again on Friday with a chance of some thunder activity as well. Our temperatures however will remain high both daytime and nighttime. Thunder and lightning are very good for plants. This is because the power of lightning breaks down atmospheric nitrogen and combines it with oxygen and other minerals making them water soluble so that the roots of our plants can uptake them and feed them to the plants. This nitrogen becomes a key component of of chlorophyll and this is what makes our plants a nice healthy green. Sort of an organic fertilizer. Also when this weather activity is coming in it causes a drop in Barometric Pressure and this affects the cells in our plants leaves which will cause the plant to grow faster as it affects photosynthesis and plant respiration. This same drop in pressure unfortunately can cause headaches and joint and muscle pain. An unfortunate trade off.
I have been asked this before but it’s worth mentioning again regarding the propagation of Lilacs from cuttings. This is easily done and now is the time to do it. Take a cutting from the new growth of your Lilac bush, remove all but the top few leaves of your cutting which should be about 8 to 10 inches in length. Dip your cutting in Rooting Hormone and place the cutting in sterile planting soil. Do this in the cooler morning temperatures and keep the plant in relative shade until rooted. You can also cut the suckers that are growing at the base of the shrub and plant immediately in the ground. Some say this an easier and more reliable way to propagate Lilacs. Keep both moist until the cuttings are rooted.
Most of the Greenhouse plants are growing well and in a few weeks we should be able to transplant to the garden in safety. Peas, Radish and Lettuce are already doing well but I will hold off on planting my Beans for a couple of weeks yet as the soil temperature must be 60 degrees or the seed will just rot.
Happy Gardening!
Samantha Nason
BS Ranch & Greenhouses
250 547 6567
sam1nason@gmail.com
