Steward

On The Radar – July & August  How is your compost pile doing?  Have you turned or watered it lately?  Adding water and aerating the pile will speed decomposition.  Be sure it gets good and hot (add more carbon-based browns if the green nitrogen-based plants slow the process).  You do have leaves saved from last fall, don’t you? 

Keep an eye on bugs in your garden.  Appreciate the work they do.  Do not run for a pesticide just because of a few bugs.  Take the patient route and work slowly to encourage the insect food web to develop.  Remember, birds need caterpillars.  Let a healthy crop of parasitic and predatory bugs develop in your yard.

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Nate Walton Introduction, Squash Bee Intro AND Volunteer Opportunity!

Why Plants and Pets Need Equal Care

Nate Walton Introduction, Squash Bee Intro AND Volunteer Opportunity!

by Nate Walton, Leelanau/Grand Traverse/Benzie EMG Coordinator

Greetings gardeners! As the new Master Gardener Coordinator for Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Benzie County, I would like to take a few minutes to introduce myself to the MGANM. I am an entomologist (AKA bug nerd) by training, with an MS and PhD in Entomology from MSU. However, I have also had a great deal of interest in plants and gardening. Growing up in Suttons Bay, I often helped out in the garden at home and started learning the art of gardening at a very early age. More recently I have taught plant pathology at Northwestern Michigan College for the MSU institute of Agricultural Technology. I have also been very active in pollinator conservation, performing research and education activities centered around growing native plants to provide food and shelter for native bees and other beneficial insects.

Often, when people find out that I am an entomologist the first thing they say to me is, “Ok, so what’s your favorite bug?” Well, the answer to that question is not as simple as it may seem. There are millions of species of “bugs,” which makes it really hard to pick just one. I get around the question by telling people that I don’t have a favorite bug all the time, but I do have one this week. For example, this week my “favorite bug” is the squash bee, Peponapis pruinosa. Squash bees are solitary bees, which means they don’t make big communal nest in the ground or in trees like most of the bees and wasps that you are familiar with. Instead, squash bees nest in the soil near the vines of the cucurbits such as squash, cucumber, or pumpkin that you may have growing in your garden. These little black and yellow striped bees are essential for pollination of cucurbit flowers and without them we wouldn’t be able to eat zucchini, summer squash, watermelon, pickles, or pumpkin pie to name a few.

The reason that squash bees are my favorite bug this week is Michigan State University researchers are looking for Master Gardener volunteers to participate in a statewide squash bee survey. All you have to do to participate in the survey is learn a little bit about squash bees, count them on the cucurbits in your garden, and upload the data. There’s even an app for it! If you’d like more information or to participate in this exciting and educational citizen science project you can contact your local Master Gardener Coordinator or visit MSU’s Vegetable Entomology website (http://vegetable.ent.msu.edu/squash-bee-project/).

Why Plants and Pets Need Equal Care

by Brian Zimmerman, Brian Zimmerman Associates

Buying a plant is much like buying a pet. For those who are pet lovers, not gardeners, this statement may seem a little over the top. But for those of us who love to garden, the parallel seems reasonable. Plants and pets are living, breathing entities and most likely when purchased they are infants, requiring considerable care and nurturing.

In our pet example, if you are shopping at a reputable source you assume the staff have treated the pet well to ensure its good health. Most likely the staff are pet lovers themselves. You in turn take time choosing your pet and great care getting the new pet home safely. If you are a new pet owner you are given sound advice in the care and feeding of your new pet. You would never consider putting your pet in the trunk of your car or the back of your truck, taking it home and leaving it there a few days until you are ready to play with it. This would constitute possible death or at least great harm to your pet.

Our plant example isn’t much different. If shopping at a reputable nursery the staff make every effort to ensure the nursery plants are well cared for. The nursery also has a responsibility to ensure the plant makes it to its new home in good condition and depending on the plant size and type this ‘packaging’ can take time. You are given sound advice on the care and feeding of your new plant. As with the pet example, the nursery staff are plant lovers themselves, taking their job seriously and are most concerned with the well-being of the plant.

Far too often new plants are not afforded the same treatment as pets. They are left in the trunk of the car or back of the truck. Often the plant has a guarantee and nurseries have an obligation to honor that guarantee even though they have no control over how that plant is treated once it leaves the nursery.

Plants require the same love and care as your pet. Treat your new plant purchase with love and it will reward you with its beauty for many years.

On the Radar:  May

Cheryl Gross, Advanced Master Gardener, Vice President MGANM, President Plant It Wild

Begin May with a soil test!  Test your lawn soil OR your vegetable soil OR your flower garden soil.  Know what your soil needs and treat to address those needs.  Locally, McGough’s accepts soil samples and has results available in 7-10 days for $20.  MSU also conducts soil tests.  Go on-line and check it out.  www.msusoiltest.com

Vow to avoid synthetic fertilizers in your yard this year!  Go organic.  Feed the soil to support the plants.  Stay away from chemicals and drugs that degrade the soil and boosts plant growth.

Plant native.  Add one or more Michigan native plants to your yard.  Begin with a Serviceberry, Amalachier leavis, or a Butterfly Weed.  Each will increase the food sources for insects and critters available in your yard.  The more, the healthier!

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Avian Apothecaries

Trees for Wildlife

Avian Apothecaries

Blue Tit, Image Copyright Mark Fellowes 2012

by Lillian Ruiz, Cornell Lab of Ornithology NestWatch guest student writer

Aromatic herbs such as lavender, sage, and mint are all commonly found in kitchens, gardens, and in soaps and lotions. The plants’ perfumes are intended to attract pollinators and repel herbivores. It is well-documented that aromatic herbs have medicinal properties. However, humans are not the only creatures to utilize medicinal plants; some birds are known to incorporate pungent plants into their nests.

Corsican Blue Tits use up to five different aromatic herbs in their nests. The herbs are strategically placed within the nest, with the average number of herbs increasing as the nesting cycle progresses. Researchers Lambrechts and Dos Santos (2000) experimentally removed herbs from nests. Within days, the birds had replaced them. And for good reason!  The study went on to suggest that the “potpourri” of herbs can potentially kill or repel certain parasites and fleas, which in turn results in high body and feather growth rates in developing chicks.

Not only are herbs beneficial for young, according to Gwinner (2012), female European Starlings prefer nests with herbs. Males display plants such as yarrow, hogweed, elder, and cow parsley to females prior to incorporating them into the nest. Starling nests with herbs have high incubation temperatures, providing an energy-savings to the female. Fledglings from nests with herbs also had a greater body mass and were overall healthier with fewer mites.

While we aren’t suggesting that you add fresh herbs to your nest boxes, it is fascinating to know that birds “self-medicate.” Perhaps this spring, consider planting aromatic herbs in your yard, such as yarrow. Sit back and observe your feathered friends. Are they intrigued by your herbaceous offering? If not, you can always use the plants in your kitchen or for aromatherapy!

References:

Gwinner, H. 2012. Male European starlings use odorous herbs as nest material to attract females and benefit nestlings in Chemical Signals in Vertebrates 12, 353-362, Springer Publishing, New York.

Lambrechts, M. M. and A. D. Santos. 2000. Aromatic herbs in Corsican blue tit nests: The potpourri hypothesis. Acta Oecologica 21(3): 175-178.

Trees For Wildlife

Dead trees are best for wildlife! Photo by Advanced MG Cheryl Gross, MGANM Vice President

by Cheryl Gross, Advanced Master Gardener, Vice President MGANM

The question of what trees are best for wildlife came up recently.  A snappy answer?  A dead one.

A dead tree is to be valued in the landscape.  It hosts bugs, A LOT of bugs, cavities for nesting birds and mammals, and fungus as it decomposes.  A real win-win.  Therefore, should you find yourself with a dead tree, first protect the buildings on your property.  If they are not threatened, leave the tree.  Wildlife will thank you.   However, to get a dead tree… one must begin by planting a tree.

Trees play an important role in our environment.  They form both the canopy and understory in a plant community. Trees cool the air in summer and break the wind in winter.  Plant communities provide both food and shelter to wildlife.  Shelter is provided by evergreens, tree cavities, and leaves.  Food comes from nuts, berries, and the insects hosted by the trees.

Shelter provides protection from weather as well as protection from predators.  Shelter includes nesting sites and nesting materials.  Trees are optimal for birds and small mammals.  Eastern hemlock does best in partial shade and is a valuable tree in a wooded area.  White spruce, white pine, jack pine, and balsam fir, as well as red and white cedars provide valuable cover in sun/partial sun.  In the landscape, these evergreens provide privacy on our property as well and can be planted to provide green fencing. The cones and seeds provided by these trees provide nutritious food for birds and small mammals, too.

Deciduous trees offer tremendous benefits to wildlife as well.  Branch crotches offer platforms for nesting.  Nuts and seeds provide nutrition and the best of all… native trees provide bug hosting for the insect cafeteria needed by wildlife.  Douglass W. Tallamy, in Bringing Nature Home, ranks native trees in their ability to host insects, the primary diet for baby birds.  Oaks, as a species, host the highest number and variety of insects.  Further, he orders trees by their ability to support Lepidoptera, an order of insects that includes moths and butterflies.  After oak, the list includes willow, cherry, birch, poplar, maple, elm, pine, and hickory.

Understory and small trees play an important role in plant communities and landscape design.  A serviceberry, Amelanchier laevis, is the number one small tree for birds. Their early spring flower leads to a ripe berry in June which is gobbled up by birds.  Highbush cranberry (viburnum family) produces a berry that is valued for winter interest and becomes available to birds after it thaws. North American small trees and shrubs in the dogwood family, Cornus florida, have a very high value to birds according to Marietta Nowak’s Birdscaping in the Midwest.

Choose your tree species carefully.   Purchase only those native to Michigan, or the Great Lakes Region.  Think food and habitat value as well as including diversity.  Plant canopy trees, small trees and shrubs to work together to provide beauty year round and to create habitat for the wildlife in your yard.

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Winter is Coming. Is Your Soil Prepared?

MGANM Meeting update: September

MGANM Meeting update: October

Plants Toxic to Pets

Winter is Coming. Is Your Soil Prepared?

by Jamie Guenther, Master Gardener

Just as we prepare ourselves for the upcoming winter by searching for mittens, hats, boots and heavier jackets, it is also a good idea to prepare our garden soil for the upcoming change in weather. Doing so will make the soil healthier which will help ensure that future gardens will be given the support and nourishment that they will need. There are 16 nutrient elements that plants need for growth and reproduction. Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are the three most abundant nutrients, and they are obtained through water and the air. The remaining 13 are divided into three categories:

1. Primary
   1. Nitrogen (N)
   2. Phosphorus (P)
   3. Potassium (K)
2. Secondary
   1. Calcium (Ca)
   2. Magnesium (Mg)
   3. Sulfur (S)
3. Micronutrients
   1. Zinc (Zn)
   2. Manganese (Mn)
   3. Iron (Fe)
   4. Boron (B)
   5. Copper (Cu)
   6. Molybdenum (Mo)
   7. Chlorine (Cl)

The first step is to take a soil test to determine what sorts of amendments are necessary. This may seem like a bother but it is important to be sure that the correct amendments are added and unnecessary ones are not. This will help save both the environment and your pocketbook by only adding what is necessary. The soil test through Michigan State Extension will tell you your soil pH, type of soil, organic matter content, potassium, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, nitrogen and lime recommendations as needed. Once you’ve done that, keep in mind that there are a few items to consider when choosing amendments.

There are two forms of fertilizer to consider:  organic and inorganic (chemical). Organic fertilizers are derived from a living plant or animal source while inorganic fertilizers are manufactured. Inorganic fertilizers typically consist of mainly nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus which are clearly displayed on the label. Organic fertilizers are more likely to contain micronutrients as well but a little more research is necessary to be sure of the nutrient content. Some good sources of organic fertilizers are:

• Cottonseed meal. A byproduct of cotton manufacturing used frequently on acid-loving plants like rhododendrons. Generally, the nutrient content is 7% nitrogen, 3% phosphorus and 2% potash.
• Blood meal. A dried, powdered blood collected from slaughterhouses. A rich source of nitrogen with the addition of some micronutrients including iron.
• Fish emulsion. Partially decomposed blend of pulverized fish. This is a well-rounded fertilizer.
• Bone meal. Ground animal bones collected from slaughterhouses. Good source of nitrogen and phosphorus.
• Wood ash. Byproduct of burning wood in wood stove or fireplace. Source of lime, potassium and other trace elements and is very alkaline.
• Dried, crushed eggshells. Good source of calcium.
• Alfalfa meal. Made from fermented alfalfa plants. Good source of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus.
• Epsom salts. Good source of magnesium.
• Calcitic or dolomitic lime. Good source of lime and calcium in both but if magnesium is also needed, use dolomitic lime.

Some of the above recommendations will attract wildlife into the garden, so be sure to lightly work them into the soil as a way to cover the odors.

It is also a good idea to add organic matter to the soil as a way to improve soil structure, add pore space for increased ability to hold water and nutrients, and provide a food source for beneficial microorganisms. Some good sources of organic matter are animal manure, compost, cover crops and perennial grasses and legumes.

Even though getting the soil ready for the upcoming winter includes a number of considerations it is definitely worth the effort to ensure a healthier soil and greater productivity in the upcoming spring.

Sources:

Clemson Cooperative Extension. “Home & Garden Information Center.” http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic.

Cornell University Cooperative Extension. Nutrient Management Spear Program http://nmsp.cals.cornell.edu/.

Jeavona, John. “How to Grow More Vegetables.” 2012. Ecology Action of the Midpeninsula.

Oregon State University Extension Service. “Wood ash can be useful in yard if used with caution.” http://www.extension.oregonstate.edu.

Michigan State Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program Training Manual.

MGANM Meeting update: September

by Nancy Denison, Master Gardener

September’s meeting was hosted by Kay Charter, founder of Saving Birds Thru Habitat and The Charter Sanctuary, on beautiful wooded property in Leelanau County.  Kay shared her expertise with us concerning beneficial habitats for native nesting birds, of which there are 22 species on her property.  Areas that provide arboreal and deciduous forests, grasslands and wetlands abundant with native plants will encourage our Indigo Buntings, Eastern Meadowlark, Rose Breasted Grosbeak among many other species.

Our birds cannot live without the insects, so the use of insecticides and neonicotinoids are extremely harmful. Cats kill about one billion birds a year and window crashes also cause many deaths and injuries.  Using window screens/blinds can help birds’ confusion.

A brief walk along Kay’s path in her sanctuary finished off the night. We appreciate Kay’s vast knowledge of our native birds and hard work to educate us about the interconnectedness of our natural areas. For more information: www.savingbirds.org or Facebook.

MGANM Meeting update: October

by Nancy Denison, Master Gardener

“Permaculture” was the topic of the October meeting and Penny Krebiehl our guide.  Penny is an artist, Permaculture Designer and founder of Little Artshram in TC, among many other talents.  Permaculture evolved from the term “Permanent Agriculture” meaning to mimic nature’s designs with vision, common sense and strategic thinking.

There are three ethics of permaculture:  care for the Earth, care for people and return the surplus. Also helpful are the principles for functional design, principles for living and energy systems and attitudes. Learning to observe your planting area, creating and optimizing zones for growing while respecting the natural design of the space, can provide optimum success in your gardens. And of course, there is constant evaluation of your success or failures!

Thank you so much, Penny, for sharing your experiences and knowledge with us.

The Permaculture Handbook by Peter Bane

Introduction to Permaculture by Bill Mollison

Permacultureprinciples.com

Permaculture.net

Association President, Michele Worden, reminded all to make sure they have voted, through the email sent previously, to join the Michigan Master Gardener Association.  The Volunteer Recognition Luncheon is planned for Sunday, Nov. 6. Invitations will be going out soon and volunteers are needed for set up, clean up and the silent auction. Please contact Michelle Ferrarese- ferrares@anr.msu.edu or Michele Worden-wordenwood@msn.com. Be sure to get your volunteer hours registered before the end of October to help in preparation for the luncheon.

Plants Toxic to Pets

by Whitney Miller, Advanced Master Gardener, MGANM “Techie Chick”

As the holiday season approaches, many people wonder about poisonous plants and their pets. We asked local veterinarian Whitney Jencka from Bay Area Pet Hospital a few questions regarding the subject, and here are her answers.

1. In your experience, what are the top three poisonous plants pets get into during the holiday season?

2. Is it the entire plant that is poisonous or just certain parts?

3. How much of these plants do they actually have to ingest before it can harm them?

4. What are the signs and symptoms of poisoning from these plants?

5. How long does it take for symptoms to show?

6. Do you have any recommendations to keep pets away from these plants?

Most of the calls we get are regarding chocolate, nuts, etc… However, Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) come up a lot! Historically, people have believed these to be very toxic to pets. In actuality, they are not life threatening. If a pet ingests a mild to moderate amount they may end up with GI upset, such as vomiting and/or diarrhea.

The second is Christmas tree water. It is also fairly benign if ingested unless there are fertilizers, nutrient additives. In that case it would depend on the product used. Holly (Ilex aquifolium) and mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum) are other common holiday time plants but luckily, they too are pretty harmless. If enough is ingested they can cause GI upset. The only exception would be very large ingestion of the American variety. It contains lectins which in high volume could cause cardiac effects.

I would expect the clinical signs of vomiting to begin pretty quickly. Most toxins that cause GI upset are irritating to the lining of the stomach. The diarrhea would probably occur within 12-48 hours.

Pets are pets and if they are interested in something they are going to get to it. So, if you are at all worried about the animals ingesting these plants I would recommend keeping them elevated at all times beyond their reach or not having them in the house.

You can always call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Hotline for help if there is concern that a pet ingested a toxin.