January 27 , 2011
Moving Day + Tomatoes with Renee Studebaker
Last Sunday ’s misty solar day had me moving . I ran around like brainsick , since now ’s the stark prison term to move tree , bush , hardy perennials , and blush wine that need a new touch . My garden diary cue me that it was two years ago in January that I renovated my Iceberg and Mrs. Oakley Fisher roses by hauling them to the sunlight they want . It ’s the side of the house by the air conditioner , where we seldom jaunt , but it ’s the belated knock down sun spot that they like . That ’s also where I embed the thryallis and the silvery cenizo I really need , and my Satsuma orange . It ’s not a “ focal point ” address , but now it does get us out there to take a look .
Right away , they went from straggly wimps to exuberant performers . Here ’s Iceberg cooling down last summer ’s passion .
Here ’s Mrs. Oakley Fisher , who I ’d thought was a toast . She ’s so tall right now that pruners are all she demand .
This time , I had my eye on a Pride of Barbados ( Caesalpinia pulcherrima ) and a passalong cassia ( Senna ) that needed more light . I ’m pleased about their new position in the back bed that pump it up . Sometimes a move is right : not just for the plant , but to stretch out our ideas ! I ’m renovating their former spot , and will station pictures once I work out out what in the heck I ’m going to do .
Next , I ’m moving plants from what ’s leave of the grass , like this Gulf Coast penstemon .
In my documentary , Wildflowers|Seeds of History , that ’s ALMOST finished , Damon Waitt from theLady Bird Johnson Wildflower Centernotes Mrs. Johnson ’s observation that “ Every come postulate to discover its home . ”
That is so true . Have you ever noticed how seeds that defy your attendance show up where they require ? unremarkably , they have a effective handle on design than I do .
That ’s my case with some surprises that are n’t native , but dear to me . No evidence what this poppy is , but it opt to establish itself in the lawn rather than deal with me .
I do n’t always have great luck germinating cum of my darling perfumed old - fashioned petunia that I rise in patio pots . Anxious to escape my hovering , they leaped several foot away to the granite mulch of my potted squid agave ( Agave bracteosa ) . By the time I take this motion picture , I ’d already raise some to terrace pots ; they are n’t scream at me yet .
Onto tasty subjects : It ’s time to project those luscious summertime tomatoes . SinceRenee Studebaker of Renee ’s Rootsis the ultimate homegrown tomato plant expert ( who even sun dry Juliet ’s in her truck!)she joinsTom this week on CTGto get you in on harvests like this .
Renee notes some of her reliable favorites , how to compile source from rarified , darling heirloom , and how to start early when weather can still be frosty . Get lot more of Renee ’s peak on growing tomatoes onRenee ’s Roots .
Renee ’s nemesis , shared by all Lycopersicon esculentum agriculturist : the dreaded leaf foot bug . Viewer Patricia Finchasked CTG if we had any novel insight . Unless you want to zap yourself and all your beneficials , you ’ve just got ta do what Renee & Patricia do : go out early on in the break of day while they ’re sleepy and dump them into soapy water . Also , be sure to keep an eye on the clusters of red nymph that show up betimes . Bag ’em before they grow up !
Still , Patricia perplex 1600 tomatoes from her 25 Celebrity love apple plants last summertime , and made 15 gallons of spaghetti sauce that made her “ favorite neighbour of the twelvemonth ! ”
Her secluded isGarden - Ville’srose ground and Rocket Fuel plant food . She also add diatomaceous earth around each plant .
Daphne answers Joan Wade ’s questionabout her roses that were n’t execute well .
She also only has a minute outer space to turn them .
Joan ’s selection are good 1 , likeDavid AustinGraham Thomas and Leander , plus Monsieur Tillier , anAntique Rose Emporium favourite . One problem is an oak tree that shaded them ( obviously , I ’ve had the same problem ! ) . Joan had it trimmed back , and now they ’re acquire lots more sun . Her roses ( like mine ) can also use some iron , constituent fertilizer in a few weeks , and amended soil with compost or rose filth mighty now .
Late - breaking report from Joan : sun , soil amendment , and liquid seaweed with iron have already put to work . Her roses are leafing out like title-holder with healthy growth !
Daphne ’s caveat for gardeners starting from scratch : Joan ’s design is beautiful , and she ’s selected dependable varieties , but they are large shrub blush wine . For new rose growers in a narrow space like this , attend for meek crampoon or miniature climbers that wo n’t outgrow the space too tight !
What else drives gardeners mad ? Pill bugs!They’re primarily a problem around seedlings . Get Trisha Shirey ’s insightand how to make peace with them .
On hitch , we revisit the adolescent farm interns atUrban Roots , who are growing slew more than organic tomato plant .
avail here!Can you key out this plant for a viewer who spot it at an office edifice ?
Until next week , Linda
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