My Husband Told Me He Would Leave Me If I Brought Home One More Plant!… I’m Sure Going To Miss Him!
With exceptionally cool weather and everyone chomping at the bit to get their gardens planted there looks to be some encouraging weather in our near future! It’s been so disappointing to get up to see frost on the ground every morning and feeling a distinct chill throughout the day. Although for the long weekend temperatures climb to around normal it is supposed to be rainy. This has been one of the coolest springs in many years, almost record setting and has played havoc with gardeners everywhere in BC. There was a nice amount of people at the Lumby and District Market this last weekend although it was cool and cloudy. At least we were spared torrential downpours and sleet like we had on the first market. With the cool weather and lack of sunshine I was told of some issues with fungal problems and although the client had done some research and determined that it was a fungal issue she was interested in finding out what measures she could take to solve the problem. I did recommend Cinnamon as it is a natural fungicide that I have used to stop and prevent fungal problems in my greenhouse. Other fungicides that may help are baking soda, Neem Oil and Sulphur which all should be applied weekly and then reapplied after rain. Removal of leaves is also helpful be sure to burn them or dispose of them in the garbage. Watch for rust to appear first on the lower leaves and then spread upward. Keep weeds removed from the area as this will help prevent the spread of this disease to other plant like Asters, Carnations, Geraniums, Irises, Lily’s, Pansy’s, Snapdragons, Sunflowers and Sweet Peas which can all become affected. Although it is not fatal to the plant the yellow or orange red spots are unsightly and will affect the overall vigour of the plant. When watering try not to water the leaves of the plant and be sure to do your watering early in the day. Air circulation to help prevent the onset and spread is important so try not to over plant and don’t plant against the side of buildings. If the plant is badly infected it is advisable to dispose of the plant altogether and replant with a type that is more resistant. In the fall cut the plants back to soil level and use mulch to keep the spores from reemerging in spring. Do not use the seed from any affected plant to grow more plants.
I have not heard of to many people loosing plants to frost as it has been very evident that it has been too early to plant and as the traditional planting time is the long weekend of May I’m sure everyone will be on to it come rain or shine. One thing I have noticed is how well weeds do no matter rain, shine, cold weather, too much moisture or none at all. What’s with that?
Happy Gardening
Samantha Nason
BS Ranch & Greenhouses
250 547 6567 • samanthanason@hotmail.com
