Garden University: March 2012

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Starry Night Viola

Viola Cornuta Starry Night

This cool season perennial has great landscape appeal. It will bloom from spring to autumn and grows 6 to 10 inches tall and 10 inches wide. Neat, compact and evergreen. Hardy to 10 degrees below zero.

Pink Verbena

Verbena Tapien Pink

This ground cover features lacy leaves and dainty pink flowers that bloom all season long. Grows 6 inches tall in full to part sun. Use in hanging baskets, window boxes and landscaping. Hardy to 15 degrees F.

Blue Lithodora

Lithodora Grace Ward

Evergreen perennial that grows 6 to 12 inches tall with striking blue flowers in summer to fall. Great for ground cover, rock gardens or on walls. Plant in full sun to part shade. Hardy to 20 degrees below zero.

Rockcress

Arabis

One of the classic garden perennials, this species forms cushions of fuzzy bright variegated leaves about 6 inches tall. Useful in borders or rock gardens. Grows in full sun. Purple flower spikes above foliage. Very hardy plant for your garden.

Eternal Fragrant Daphne

Daphne X Eternal Fragrant

A compact evergreen shrub to about 3 feet tall and wide. Compact ball shape of dark green leaves, accented with fragrant pink flowers. Blooms early in spring and early summer into fall. Plant in full sun. Hardy to 10 below zero.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Pieris Japonica Spring Snow

White Lily of the Valley

Evergreen shrub to 3 feet tall and wide with drooping branches. White flower clusters in early spring. A very heavy bloomer. Grows in part shade, hardy to minus 20 below zero.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Rhododendron "PJM Elite"

Evergreen shrub 4' - 6' with pink lavender flower clusters in spring. Part shade. Hardy -10 F.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Forsythia x intermedia 'Lynwood' ('Lynwood Gold')

Native to China, Korea. From late winter to early spring, these fountain-shaped shrubs’ bare branches are covered with 3/4 to 1 1/2-in. yellow flowers; budded branches can be forced for indoor bloom. During rest of growing season, medium green, rounded leaves with pointed tips blends well with other background shrubs. Use as screen, espalier, or bank cover; or plant in shrub border. Tolerate most soils. Prune after bloom by cutting to ground a third of the branches that have flowered; also remove oldest branches and weak or dead wood. In coldest-winter climates, flower buds may be destroyed by temperatures of 15° to 20°F/26° to 29°C.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Planting a Tree or Shrub

Start by locating where you want to plant your tree or shrub. Make sure you are not digging where under ground wires or pipes are running through your yard. You can contact your utility providers to find any under ground wires or pipes.

Dig a hole that is about half the diameter of the root ball wider. For a five gallon pot dig a hole that is four to six inches wider than the pot. For 15 gallon dig a hole that is six to eight inches wider. Dig the hole a little less deep than the height of the pot. Over time your tree or shrub will settle. Planting your tree or shrub an inch higher than ground level will allow for that settling. If you don't allow for that settling, your tree or shrub may settle so deep that soil could cause rot around the base of the tree inviting bugs and disease.

Test fit your plant in the hole by dropping it in with the pot still on. After the planting hole is proper size, add Super Phosphate and a good compost to the hole. Remove the plant from the pot by turning it on its side and depressing its sides. Then holding the soil turn the plant up side down, hopefully the plant will slide out easily. If it does not, depress the sides of the pot again. You may have to cut the pot off on some plants. You really don't want to tug on the stem of the plant to remove it from the pot, this can cause too much stress to the plant.

Place the root ball into the hole, and add a good compost to fill around the root ball. After you have added compost around the root ball half way add an organic fertilizer or a slow release synthetic fertilizer. Continue adding compost until the hole is filled completely. Press the soil so that no air pockets exist in the hole. Use remaining soil to build a moat around your tree or shrub, and water deeply. The weather and climate will determine how often you need to water. The first couple of years are critical to your newly planted tree and will need more water. As the roots grow they will be able to find water and nutrients on their own. But most trees and shrubs will always benefit from some of your help. You want your garden to thrive not just survive!

How To Prune Your Roses in the Spring

February is the time to prune your roses in the Sacramento Valley. The first step for me in pruning my roses is to pull off every leaf on the plant. Removing the leaves and throwing them away or putting them in the compost will help prevent diseases throughout the growing season. Some say to prune the branches first which reduces the number of leaves you have to pull off. This is true but, I like to get a good look at the plant structure before I prune. The best way to do this is by removing the leaves before you prune. Removing the leaves is easy to do, just grab the set of leaves and pull downward towards the base of the plant. On the larger branches the leaves will pull right off, but on the thinner branches you will want to support the tips to protect them from breaking. I have found that leaving even one leaf on the plant dwarfs the plant and it is slower to recover in the spring.

After removing the leaves from plant you can get a good look at the structure. First remove any small intersecting branches. Any branches that are a 1/4 inch or smaller just remove to the base. Then open up the inside of the plant by removing branches. This creates air flow through the center of the plant, which reduces disease in the spring and fall. The air flow drys out moisture cutting down on powdery mildew. Now that you have pruned down to three to five main branches, you will want to reduce the overall height of the plant to keep the plant more compact. This will give you more flowers in a smaller space. Roses can take heavier pruning than other plants. You can cut roses down to as short as 12 inches, but I don't like to remove more than half the plant. You can take more of the plant off, but it will take longer for the plant to recover. If you live at higher altitudes delay pruning until the threat of snow and freezing has passed. This may mean a few weeks to a couple of months. You can also do this through out the spring and summer if your plant gets stressed by lack of water or even large attack of bugs.

Now that your rose is pruned it is a good time to fertilize. I like a good slow release organic rose fertilizer, you can also use a time release synthetic fertilizer. It is important that the fertilizer is released slowly to the plant, because it is healthier for the plant. I also like to add epsom salt, this will add magnesium to your plant which will help with health of your rose bush. Add about a 1/4 cup epsom salts per rose. It will help to make for greener shinier leaves.

Bare-root Trees and Shrubs

Winter is the time of year your begin to see bare-root plants appear in your local nurseries and big box stores. Bare-root trees are typically cheaper than in the pot trees. The lack of soil is not the only reason that bare-root trees are cheaper than their in the pot cousins. Bare-root trees tend to be much younger than potted plants. In the case of fruit trees this will lead to trees that don't produce fruit for 1 to 3 years. Even in the case of non-fruiting plants such as roses can be considerably smaller and weaker thus being more susceptible to winter die-off. But when purchasing large quantities, bare-root plants can be more affordable. When buying your bare-root plants make sure to get them early and plant them right away. Some less creditable stores will sell bare-root beyond the recommended time frame. One of the easiest ways of telling whether a plant is viable is if the plant has leaves. In this case you don't want new growth to have started on the plants. Once the leaves begin to appear planting the tree or shrub may stress the plant beyond repair. When temperatures climb above sixty degrees the plants dormancy will have ended risking the plants health in planting.

Watermelon

DIXIE QUEEN
KLONDIKE BLUE RIBBON STRIPED
MOUNTAIN SWEET YELLOW
SUGAR BABY
TENDERSWEET ORANGE

Squash

EIGHT BALL ZUCCHINI
FLYING SAUCER
ROMANESCO
RONDE DE ITALIA
SCALLOP BENNINGS GREEN TINT
SUMMER CROOKNECK
ZUCCA DE LUNGO VERDE
ZUCCHINI DK. GREEN
ZUCCHINI GOLDEN
WINTER DELICATA
WINTER MARINA DE CHIOGGIA
WINTER TABLE QUEEN
WINTER VEGETABLE SPAGHETTI

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Pumpkin

WATERMELON TENDERSWEET ORANGE

Oblong melons 30-40 lbs. Medium thick rind with bright orange flesh. High sugar content and very sweet. Plant in rich well composted soil.

WATERMELON SUGAR BABY

Early variety. Small round melons 8-12 lbs. Fine texture and very sweet. Plant in full sun. Prefers rich soil.

WATERMELON MOUNTAIN SWEET YELLOW

This is a beautiful large watermelon with dark green skin and light green stripes and can grow up to 35 pounds. When it is cut the bright yellow flesh is a nice surprise. With a very high sugar content the flesh is super sweet and yummy. Easy to grow and does best in warmer weather.

WATERMELON KLONDIKE BLUE RIBBON STRIPED

Scarlet red flesh and thin rind. Very sweet. Average size of melons is 20-30 lbs. Watermelons like rich well composted soil.

WATERMELON DIXIE QUEEN

Melons average 40bs. Deep red flesh with tough light green rind. Very crisp and sweet. Plant in full sun. Needs rich well drained soil.

TOMATO YELLOW PLUM

Heirloom variety. Very productive sturdy plants that produce bright yellow small plum shaped tomatoes. Taste sweet and mild.

TOMATO YELLOW PERFECTION

This potato leaf heirloom originally from an old British seed company produces 1 1/2 to 2-inch, round, brilliant-yellow, thin-skinned and delicious fruits. And they are . . .Perfect! 75 Days Indeterminate

TOMATO YELLOW PEAR

An enormous number of yellow, bite sized, baby pear shaped fruits from this extremely old variety on vigorous plants ! The flavor is deliciously tangy and makes a perfect addition to your summer party trays. 85 Days Indeterminate

TOMATO YELLOW PEACH

Also known as Jaune Peche a French heirloom from 1862. This was an absolute favorite last summer. The fruits are actually fuzzy exactly like tiny peaches. Great keepers, you can leave them on the table for a month or more and they are still perfect. Round 1 – 1 1/2 inch peach colored tomatoes with a mild yet sweet fruity flavor that improves with age. Everyone wants them once they see and taste them. 75-85 Days

TOMATO THESSALONIKI

This heirloom tomato comes from a Greek island, introduced to the USA in the 1950's, and it has been popular ever since. It's very productive, and it doesn't crack. The large, red fruits are 4" in diameter and weigh about 7 oz. Great tomato flavor. Mildly earthy, slightly acidic flavor ranked high in our taste tests. Indeterminate. (65-70 days)

TOMATO TAXI

This is a great tomato for smaller gardens. Stout plants to 2' with an abundance of medium sized yellow tomatoes. Great taste with low acid.

TOMATO SWEET OLIVE

(GRAPE) Sweet, bite sized red fruit. A perfect snack and great in salads. Medium tall plant, productive. Determinate

TOMATO SWEET MILLION

Absolutely wonderful flavor with incredible yield. These super sweet cherry tomatoes start producing early and keep on until frost. Long clusters of 1 - 1 1/2 " fruits will keep your kids happy in the garden.

TOMATO SWEET 100

65 days. Indeterminate. Huge clusters of 1 inch cherry tomatoes. Mouth watering very sweet flavor high in vitamin C. Vigorous vines bear abundantly all season.

TOMATO SUPERSTEAK

Excellent producer of huge red tomatoes. Usually will get 1-2lbs meaty and delicious fruit. A vigorous plant in full sun.

TOMATO SUN GOLD

Sun Gold tomatoes are a type of cherry tomato that have gained a reputation for their exceptional flavor and color. These small, orange-yellow tomatoes are incredibly sweet and juicy, making them a popular choice for salads, snacking, and cooking.

Originally developed by the Japanese seed company Sakata Seeds, SunGold tomatoes were first introduced in the United States in the late 1990s. Since then, they have become a favorite of gardeners, chefs, and food enthusiasts around the world.

One of the reasons that SunGold tomatoes are so popular is their flavor. Unlike some cherry tomatoes that can be bland or watery, SunGolds are incredibly sweet and fruity, with a complex flavor that is both tart and tangy. They are also very juicy, with a thin skin that bursts in your mouth with every bite.

In addition to their flavor, SunGold tomatoes are also highly nutritious. They are a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants and other important nutrients. Plus, they are low in calories, making them a great choice for those watching their weight.

Another benefit of SunGold tomatoes is their versatility. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and sandwiches to soups and sauces. They also pair well with a range of flavors, including fresh herbs, garlic, onions, and other vegetables.

Growing SunGold tomatoes is relatively easy, as they are a hardy variety that is resistant to many common tomato diseases. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. With proper care, they can produce an abundant harvest throughout the growing season.

Overall, SunGold tomatoes are a delicious and nutritious addition to any garden or kitchen. Their sweet, juicy flavor and bright color make them a standout choice for salads, snacks, and other dishes. Whether you grow them yourself or buy them at the grocery store or farmer's market, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves great-tasting food.

TOMATO SUN CHERRY

Extra sweet, prolific bearer. Wonderful in salads, pasta or out of hand! Indeterminate, 58 days to mature.

TOMATO STUPICE

A great tomato ! The ABSOLUTE very best tasting early heirloom variety. This tomato from Czechoslovakia has big flavor, is sweet and tangy and all in a 3 to 4 ounce red, round fruit. Very early with an abundant yield from this small plant. Bears well in hot weather and cold. 52 Days Indeterminate

TOMATO SIBERIAN

Very early tomato. Sets fruit in cool weather. Medium sized bright red tomatoes with good flavor. Popular for fall planting.

TOMATO SAN MARZANO

Another favorite paste tomato with Italian heritage. Small deep red fruit have good flavor. Good for fresh eating and cooking up into your favorite sauce.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

TOMATO SAN DIEGO

A very hardy, disease resistant tomato with flavorful, 5-7 ounce fruit. Indeterminate. A favorite in California.

TOMATO RIESENSTRAUBE

This East German heirloom variety name means “giant bunch of grapes” and that is what you will see when you grow these excellent flavored cherry tomatoes. Born in bunches of 20 to 35 per cluster their small, oval red fruit have pretty little pointed ends. 80 Days Indeterminate

TOMATO RED CHERRY

Very productive plants produce large clusters of scarlet red tomatoes. Tomatoes are sweet and tasty. Great in salads. Large plants, so give them plenty of room!

TOMATO RAINBOW CHERRY

The unique color and flavor combination of this mix will add variety to your veggie garden. A super mix of pink, yellow, red and orange cherry tomatoes great for the salad enthusiast.

TOMATO RADIATOR CHARLIES MORTGAGE LIFTER

As the story goes, this very popular, well known heirloom from the 1930’s came from a farmer facing bankruptcy. He selected his biggest , best tasting tomato and sold the plants to pay off the mortgage ! Huge, very flavorful, meaty pink-red fruits that can reach up to 3 pounds ! A very prolific winner that also keeps well. Consistently wins taste tests. 79 Days Indeterminate Bragger Size

TOMATO PURPLE CALABASH

A beautiful, drought tolerant variety producing small to medium (2 1/2 to 3-inch), flat, deeply ruffled, chocolate-brown to deep-purple fruit. Intensely rich, almost wine-like flavor. Crack resistant and stores well. A winner!! 85 Days Indeterminate

TOMATO PRUDENS PURPLE

Related to Brandywine many folks think this variety is comparable in every way, and some say even better ! Great for hot day and cool night climates and perfect for all others. Very bountiful producer of 1 pound lovely purple pink fruits with very few seeds. An UNFORGETTABLE flavor. 75 Days Indeterminate

TOMATO PINEAPPLE

An heirloom garden favorite that grows fruits up to 2 pounds ! These bicolor yellow and pink fruits have a beautiful red starburst in the center. The flavor is tropically sweet, fruity and complex. This one is a show stopper ! A fantastic heirloom. 85 Days Indeterminate Bragger Size

TOMATO PERSIMMON

This vigorous and prolific heirloom, introduced around 1983, yields lots of fruit. One of the better flavors of all the orange tomatoes. Rose-orange (persimmon colored) fruits range from 12-ounces to 2 pounds. Meaty, very sweet, and few seeds. 80 Days Indeterminate

TOMATO OREGON SPRING

Favorite variety for early silver dollar sized bright red tomatoes. Earliest fruit have little or no seeds. This bush variety was developed for gardeners with cool summer seasons. Bright red, slightly flattened, lusciously sweet and juicy. 60 Days Indeterminate

TOMATO OMAR'S LEBANESE

The BIGGEST one ever ! A vigorous heirloom originating from a Lebanese hill town produces large pink irregular shaped beefsteak tomatoes. Entrancing, rich, incredible, sweet, complex flavor. Absolutely HUGE tomatoes, up to 3 to 4 pounds !!! Out of this world. 80 Days Indeterminate Bragger Size

TOMATO OLD GERMAN

A Huge heirloom variety. Can get up to 3 pounds ! Attractive reddish yellow fruit with that rich traditional tomato taste.

TOMATO MR. STRIPEY

An English heirloom with a nice sweet flavor and low acid. This tomato’s intriguing color combo of red stripes over a golden yellow body will be sure to win praise. The plum sized fruit have yellow flesh and a pink center. Great for slicing and salads. Indeterminate

TOMATO MOMOTARO

(TOUGH BOY) Wonderfully sweet, perfectly smooth tomato. Abundant producer. Indeterminate. 74 days. Japan's favorite.

TOMATO MARTINO'S ROMA

Looking for a superior Roma style tomato for your sauce making then try Martino's Roma. 75 Days Determinate

TOMATO MARIANNAS

PEACE Large, dark pink tomato. 1-2 pound beefsteak fruit. Vigorous and very productive. Indeterminate. 80 days

TOMATO MANITOBA

An heirloom produces 3-4 inch crimson red tasty tomatoes. Another hardy early season tomato. Tangy and great for slicing.

TOMATO LEMON BOY

A perfect jewel ! Sunshine yellow, flavorful, bright, smooth, juicy and a very prolific producer. You will have more big, gorgeous scrumptious lemon colored fruit than you will know what to do with ! A superior selection. Best all gold tomato in trial tests for both flavor and yields. 72 Days Indeterminate

TOMATO LEGEND

These medium sized bright red tomatoes have a super rich tomato flavor. Strong disease resistance, and easy to grow. Plant in full sun

TOMATO LA ROMA

One of the best Italian type tomatoes with wonderful flavor. Plants are vigorous and prolific. Very good for sauces and canning.

TOMATO KELLOGS BREAKFAST

Wow your family with large orange beef steak type tomatoes that can grow to 1-2 lbs. Tomatoes are juicy and meaty with good flavor.

TOMATO JULIET

These grape shaped saladette tomatoes are sweet and tasty. A good early season tomato and very prolific when planted in full sun.

TOMATO JETSETTER

Great early season tomato for the short season growers. Large red tomatoes with a rich tomato flavor.

TOMATO HILLBILLY POTATO LEAF

Huge, mild-flavored beefsteak-type fruits weigh 1 to 2 pounds each, and their color is a most unusual orange-yellow, streaked and mottled in shades of red and pink. This old heirloom comes from West Virginia. A fantastic tomato ! 85 Days Indeterminate

TOMATO HEARTLAND

An excellent performer ideal for small space gardeners. Dwarf, compact plants produce mid-sized,6 to 8 ounce fruit, bright red in color. Great fresh flavor. 80 Days Indeterminate

TOMATO HEALTH KICK

This highly sought after new introduction brings us a tomato with the highest known levels of lycopene. Current studies point towards the value of eating foods high in lycopene to promote good health. These juicy, plum shaped fruits weigh about 4 ounces. The plants are highly disease resistant and set loads of fruit. 72 Days Determinate

TOMATO GREEN ZEBRA

Visually enchanting, yellow and green stripes over an amber background. Utterly gorgeous to behold. Tangy and deeply sweet with lingering flavors like a fine wine. Abundant production of 2 inch round fruit with a lime emerald interior that has an invigorating lemon-lime flavor. 75 Days Indeterminate Good for Small Gardens

TOMATO GREEN SAUSAGE

Heirloom 85-100 days. Elongated, green sausage-like fruits with conspicuous yellow stripes and delicious green flesh. Bushy plants bear 6-7 fruits per stem and are 4" long and 1 1/2" wide. Determinate.

TOMATO GREEN GRAPE

This tomato is really something to see ! First time growers tend to fall in love with it at first sight! A huge plant with clusters of richly flavored sweet and beautiful green 1 ounce cherry tomatoes. Grows in large grape like clusters. Turns a beautiful golden amber when fully ripe. Look for this beauty on your plate when dining at the finest restaurants. 60 Days Indeterminate

Monday, March 12, 2012

TOMATO GLACIER

You can count on Glacier to usher in the tomato season ! This very early short season variety flowers when it is only four inches tall ! It sets loads of very flavorful 2 to 3 ounce bright orange red tomatoes which are a classic round shape. Very sweet flavor for an ultra early tomato. 65 Days Indeterminate

TOMATO GERMAN ORANGE STRAWBERRY

Heirloom variety. Large 3" wide and 31/2" long heart shaped fruit. Rich full bodied flavor. Very prolific plant. Plant in full sun, and well drained soil.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

TOMATO GERMAN JOHNSON

A large prolific plant from North Carolina. Producing HUGE beautiful pinkish red beefsteak type tomatoes often more than one pound in size. Excellent flavor. Thought to be one of the famous parents of Mortgage Lifter. A wonderful tomato. 78 Days Indeterminate Bragger Size

TOMATO GARDEN PEACH

Small 2 oz. delicate and meaty fruit. Really does have a peach color outside. Hint of red inside. Very mild-sweet taste. Light fuzz on fruit and leaves. A very pretty novelty tomato. 70 Days Indeterminate

TOMATO FIRST LADY

An extra early full season abundant bearer of mid-sized flavorful, smooth and tasty fruits. This variety has very high disease and cracking resistance. Many gardeners are choosing First Lady over many other well-known hybrids. Perfect for the early gardener. 66 Days Indeterminate

TOMATO EARLY GIRL

It’s hard to find really tasty tomatoes early in the home gardening season, but Early Girl delivers every time ! Then it keeps on delivering throughout your growing season. Huge crops of 4 to 6 ounce, bright crimson fruits with firm texture and blemish resistance. 52 Days Indeterminate

TOMATO DRUZBA

Beautiful heirloom tomato with perfect form ! A Bulgarian hand me down variety that produces big harvests of smooth, blemish free, round, deep-red, juicy, 10 ounce fruits. Excellent, robust, sweet/tart juicy flavors. You will be assured of a long season of production. Also shows good disease resistance. 80 Days Indeterminate

TOMATO COUSTRALEE

A French beefsteak heirloom tomato. Big, hearty, prolific plant with lots of beautiful huge red tomatoes up to 3 pounds ! Gigantic fruits with superb, intense, balanced, classic tomato flavor. Always a favorite at statewide tastings. Don’t miss it. 85 Days Indeterminate Bragger Size

TOMATO CHEROKEE PURPLE

A legendary tomato. It’s flavor is sweet, smoky and luscious. Often compared to Brandywine. This large dusky rose purple tomato from Tennessee is thought to have been handed down to us from Cherokee gardeners. These 12 ounce tomatoes are purplish brick red inside and are very attractive served sliced on a platter. 85 Days Indeterminate

TOMATO CHAMPION

Champion has been specially bred as a luscious sandwich tomato. It is solid giving you nice meaty slices with just the right sweetness. This outstanding performer will give you high yields of large fruit, over half a pound each. 70 Days Indeterminate

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