Monthly Archives: January 2011

Ladybugs – Nature’s Aphid Brigade

Posted on January 27, 2011 by Christy

For some unknown reason, my Swiss chard is covered – no, make that enveloped – with aphids. I have fed the plants with worm castings and compost and worm tea. I have sprayed them off with a strong
hose blast. I have squished the aphids with my bare fingers. I have pleaded and begged for them to go away, to no avail.

My next plan, as a last resort before pulling out the chard, would be to try laying down a layer of tin foil around the base of each plant, to reflect …
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Storing Garlic – Sprout Not, My Friend

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Christy

A great question came in to Ask Gardenerd this week:

“If I braid my garlic and hang it in my kitchen, how long will it keep? When I buy garlic and the store and put it in my fridge, it begins to sprout after a month or so. Will the same thing
happen to my braided garlic?”

Would you believe that it depends upon the variety of garlic you choose to grow?  The truth is that, like onions or apples, some varieties are known for better storage than others. …
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False Garlic – you lie, you lie, you lie.

Posted on January 20, 2011 by Christy

I don’t know where it comes from, but it shows up in the strangest places. Unannounced, just after the rain, it pokes its slender leaves up through the soil to bring
terror to the fastidious gardener. I’m talking about false garlic.

False garlic (Nothoscordum borbonicum Kunth)  is found primarily in California, Oregon and the Southeastern states, as well as some warmer parts of Europe. It’s pretty, but
don’t be deceived. This little bugger will infest a garden and is …
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Gingerly We Grow

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Christy

A great question came in to Ask Gardenerd this week:

“Hi Christy, I want to try growing ginger in my zone 24 garden. I’m planning to start with a store bought (or farmer’s market if possible) piece. Do you have any experience or tips for growing
ginger? Thanks!”

I’ve grown ginger once before, when a neighbor at my community garden handed me a rhizome they had just pulled from their own garden. It had plenty of growth on it already, so I just
…
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Chinese New Year at Bellagio Gardens

Posted on January 12, 2011 by Christy

The place mat before me says, “Luckiest of all signs, you are also talented and articulate. Affectionate, yet shy, you seek peace throughout your life.”  This is the fortune for someone born in
the Year of the Rabbit.

2011 celebrates the Rabbit once again; something that happens every 12 years according to the Chinese Zodiac. Technically, Chinese New Year starts on February 3, but Bellagio Gardens got a head
start. I took a stroll through the garden to witness the bigger-than-life display honoring the Rabbit and the New Year.
…
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Seed Catalog Highlights

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Christy

I love the sound of seed catalogs dropping into the mailbox. There’s a particular “clunk” of distinctive heft that only a thick garden catalog can make. I keep a pen close at
hand as I dog-ear the pages and circle interesting new varieties, dreaming of their vibrance in the garden.

This year heirloom varieties are popping up all over. The hunt for biodiversity is on, and we’re part of the plan for preservation. If you are into seed-saving, here are …
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New Year’s Resolutions for the Gardenerd

Posted on January 4, 2011 by Christy

I’m generally not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions, but rather like to make “gentle intentions” instead. It just feels kinder and gentler, and less likely to fail. This
year, however, I’m feeling a little more assertive, at least where the garden is concerned. So without further adieu, here are a few New Year’s Resolutions for the garden in 2011:

Heal the Sick – I will diligently …
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