April Showers bring more than Flowers!

Planting Your Dinner

Are you hungry to get your vegetable garden growing?  Me too!  Now is a fabulous time to sow seeds or plant starts of your favorite spring greens like Chard, Kale, Spinach, and Lettuce.  It's not too late to plant seeds or starts of Snap Peas either, but you should definitely buy starts of Broccoli, Cauliflower, or Cabbage if you want to be able to harvest some of them this spring.  

Resist the temptation to plant any summer crops yet though, as beans, corn, squash, and tomatoes need the soil to warm up significantly and nighttime air temperatures to stay above 50 degrees before they will thrive.

If you are intrigued by the idea of making your own back yard an inviting and nurturing place for children, and incorporating child-friendly food gardening as part of your regular family activities, the 3-class series I will be teaching this month for the UW Botanic Gardens will inspire and inform you. I'll also be teaching about how to create unique places for nature exploration and play that fire your child’s imagination and “grow up” along with them, and mesh well with other back yard needs. Here are the details:  Thursday April 18th, Saturday April 20th, and Thursday April 25th: "Creating a Child-friendly Garden". Fee: $85  Location:  Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st Street, Seattle, WA 98105.  For more information or to register, visit this UWBG webpage

 

The War on Weeds

 The first two weeks of spring have brought sun and warmth as well as torrential rain to our gardens.... and we're not the only ones with spring fever.... plants are starting to grow like mad, including the weeds!  
 
If you don't have time to dig all your weeds out before they flower (I'm in that club myself), make sure you at least stop in your garden for a few minutes to pluck the weed flowers off before they set seed.  This is especially true the prolific and aggravating shotweed, which the saying "one year's seeds, seven years of weeds" must have been written about!  If you don't believe me, just look at this wheelbarrow's worth of shotweed from my little p-patch one spring morning a few years ago... I've learned my lesson well and have never let it go to seed since!

 
Feed Your Head with an Edible Gardening Class
I'm happy to be teaching about growing your own organic food again this spring.  These classes will teach you how to make your yard produce great tasting, nutritious home-grown vegetables, berries, and fruit trees:

• Tuesday April 16th from 6pm-7:30pm: "Sustainable Veggie Gardening" for the Savvy Gardener Program. Location: Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue 98009. FREE for all King Co. residents, but pre-registration required, visit the Savvy Gardener webpage for more information.

• Tuesday April 30th from 6pm-7:30pm: "Sustainable Veggie Gardening" for the Savvy Gardener Program. Location: Skyway Water and Sewer District Office, 6723 S. 124th St., Seattle 98178. FREE for all King Co. residents, but pre-registration required, visit the Savvy Gardener webpage for more information.

• Thursday May 2nd from 7pm-8pm: “Edible Gardening” for the City of Auburn's Natural Yard Care Program.  Location: Northwest Family Church, 3535 Auburn Way S., Auburn 98092.  FREE for all City of Auburn residents, pre-registration required.

• Wednesday May 15th from 7pm-8pm: “Edible Gardening” for the City of Bothell's Natural Yard Care Program.  Location: Northshore Senior Center at 10201 E Riverside Dr Bothell, WA 98011. FREE for all City of Bothell residents, pre-registration required. 

Gardening Classes for the Whole Family: 

• Sunday April 14th from 1pm-2pm: "Creating a Snacking Garden" a FREE class for the whole family on growing tasty treats that kids will love, at Molbak's Garden + Home, during their Edible Gardening Weekend celebration! 13625 NE 175th St., Woodinville 98072.  No registration needed.

• Sunday April 21st from 1pm-2pm: "A Bird's Eye View" a FREE class for the whole family on attracting songbirds and hummingbirds to make beautiful music and hover like flying jewels in your garden, at City People's Garden Store, 2939 E. Madison St, Seattle 98112. No registration needed.
  

Going Native
Learn about Pacific Northwest native plants that are beautiful, easy to care for, and thrive in our unique climate and soil conditions.  Natives can be the foundation for a new landscape or incorporated into an existing landscape! 

• Tuesday April 23rd from 7pm-8:30pm: "Native Splendor in the Garden" for the Savvy Gardener Program. Location: Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue 98009. FREE, but pre-registration required, visit the Savvy Gardener webpage for more information.

• Saturday April 27th from 10am-11:30am: "Native Splendor in the Garden" for the Savvy Gardener Program. Location: Magnuson Community Center, 7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle 98115. FREE, but pre-registration required, visit the Savvy Gardener webpage for more information.

• Saturday, May 18 from 10am-11:30am: "Native Splendor in the Garden" for the Savvy Gardener Program. Location: Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave. S, Tukwila.  FREE, but pre-registration required, visit the Savvy Gardener webpage for more information.

Are You a Delridge or Rainer Beach Resident? The Natural Yard Care Neighborhood Series of FREE classes are sponsored by Seattle Public Utilities, for residents of the neighborhoods within the Delridge and Rainier Beach "RainWise Program" rebate areas.  Visit their website for more info.

• Wednesday April 10th from 7pm-9pm: "Choosing the Right Plants" and "Natural Pest, Weed, and Disease Control. Location: Chief Sealth High School, 2600 SW Thistle St  Seattle, WA 98126.  
  

• Monday April 29th from 7pm-9pm: "Choosing the Right Plants" and "Natural Pest, Weed, and Disease Control.  Location: South Shore School, 4800 S. Henderson, Seattle, WA 98118

Spring is Here!

Viburnum tinus about to open

Dear clients and friends,

Spring has finally arrived, and plants have begun growing with new vigor after a very wet, yet mild winter. When the sun and warmth breaks through the clouds and lures you outside, here are some tips on accomplishing some springtime gardening:

1. Give your legs and back a good stretch before you tackle any garden tasks, to prevent a strained muscle from spoiling your spring.

2. Plan to get weeds out of the ground before they flower and set seed.  The soil is soft right now but less saturated than in winter, which makes even deep-rooted weeds easier to dig out.

3.  As you complete weeding sections of your garden, make sure to add a layer of coarse mulch on top of the soil, to prevent new weed seeds from germinating.  I like to have a wheelbarrow full of wood chips next to me as I weed, so I can switch back and forth between weeding and mulching, which gives my 55-yr-old knees and back more "staying power" and less morning aches.

4. Are there open areas in your garden where you'd like to add plants? Make sure to dig in a 3-inch layer of compost approx. 9-inches deep throughout the area before planting, to give your new plants the best chance to thrive.  However, if digging in compost in a wide area would disturb nearby tree or shrub roots, spread a 1-2 inch layer on top of the soil and scratch it into the top few inches of soil with a cultivator or rake before planting.

5.  Is this your year to start composting your yard waste and/or kitchen scraps at home?  In my opinion, nothing beats being able to go to your own bin to get "black gold" for my garden.  Composting is easy, as long as you get started off right.  I was recently quoted extensively in a Patch.com article about composting at home, and everything I said applies to how to get started here in Seattle, even though the article was published on the east coast.

6. Spring is a great time to take a gardening class, whether you are starting a new garden project or phase, or looking for ideas and tips to improve your existing garden areas.   I will be teaching a lot of gardening classes and workshops all over the county again in 2013, many of which are free.  Below is a list to choose from, and links to their registration info- I hope to see you at one of them!

Wildlife-friendly Gardening:
Welcome songbirds, butterflies, and beneficial insects into your yard while conserving natural resources at the same time. Discover how urban wildlife can provide you with year-round natural pest and weed control and better pollination. Then, learn about design techniques and maintenance practices that can attract and nurture beneficial wildlife in your garden for years to come.

• Thursday March 28th from 6pm-7:30pm:  "Wildlife-friendly Gardening for Beauty and Sustainability" for the Savvy Gardener Program. Location: Redmond Senior Center, 8703 160th Avenue NE, Redmond 98052. FREE, but pre-registration required, visit the Savvy Gardener webpage for more information.

• Thursday April 4th, Saturday April 6th, and Thursday April 11th: "Designing and Creating a Wildlife-friendly Habitat Garden" 3-class series for the UW Botanic Gardens. $85 For more information or to register, visit this UWBG webpage

  Location:

  Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st Street, Seattle, WA 98105

Native Plants:
Learn about Pacific Northwest native plants that are beautiful, easy to care for, and thrive in our unique climate and soil conditions. We’ll focus on plant selections for a variety of growing conditions including challenges such as dry sun and shade, how to use natives as the foundation for a new landscape or incorporate them into an existing landscape, and maintenance practices that keep them healthy and growing strong. 

• Tuesday April 23rd from 7pm-8:30pm: "Native Splendor in the Garden" for the Savvy Gardener Program. Location: Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue 98009. FREE, but pre-registration required, visit the Savvy Gardener webpage for more information.

• Saturday April 27th from 10am-11:30am: "Native Splendor in the Garden" for the Savvy Gardener Program. Location: Magnuson Community Center, 7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle 98115. FREE, but pre-registration required, visit the Savvy Gardener webpage for more information.

• Saturday, May 18 from 10am-11:30am: "Native Splendor in the Garden" for the Savvy Gardener Program. Location: Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave. S, Tukwila.  FREE, but pre-registration required, visit the Savvy Gardener webpage for more information.

Children's Gardening:

• Sunday April 14th from 1pm-2pm: "Creating a Snacking Garden" a FREE class for the whole family at Molbak's Garden + Home, during their Edible Gardening Weekend celebration! 13625 NE 175th St., Woodinville 98072.  No registration needed.

• Thursday April 18th, Saturday April 20th, and Thursday April 25th: "Creating a Child-friendly Garden" 3-class series for the UW Botanic Gardens. $85.00  Location:  Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st Street, Seattle, WA 98105. 

  For more information or to register, visit this UWBG webpage

Edible Gardening: 

Growing your own organic food is a fun and delicious way to garden in the Pacific Northwest. Vegetables, berries, and fruit trees need special care to thrive, but your time and energy will pay off with great tasting, nutritious home-grown food.  Best of all, food crops can be incorporated into your existing landscape, large or small! This class will teach you how to make your yard produce great food for you and your family.

• Wednesday, April 3^rd from 6pm – 7:30pm:  “Sustainable Veggie Gardening” for the Savvy Gardener Program. Location: Kirkland City Hall/Peter Kirk Room, 123 5th Avenue, Kirkland 98033. FREE, but pre-registration required, visit the Savvy Gardener webpage for more information.

• Sunday April 7th from 1-2:30pm: “Sustainable Veggie Gardening” for the Savvy Gardener Program. Location: McLendon's Hardware in Renton, 440 Rainier Ave. S, Renton. FREE, and
  no pre-registration required.  Seating is first-come, first-served.  

• Tuesday April 16th from 6pm-7:30pm: "Sustainable Veggie Gardening" for the Savvy Gardener Program. Location: Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue 98009. FREE, but pre-registration required, visit the Savvy Gardener webpage for more information.

• Tuesday April 30th from 6pm-7:30pm: "Sustainable Veggie Gardening" for the Savvy Gardener Program. Location: Skyway Water & Sewer District Office, 6723 S 124th St., Seattle 98178. FREE, but pre-registration required, visit the Savvy Gardener webpage for more information.

• Thursday May 2nd from 7pm-8pm: “Edible Gardening” for the City of Auburn's Natural Yard Care Program.  Location: TBA

• Wednesday May 15th from 7pm-8pm: “Edible Gardening” for the City of Bothell's Natural Yard Care Program.  Location: Northshore Senior Center at 10201 E Riverside Dr Bothell, WA 98011.  

Seattle Public Utilities Natural Yard Care Neighborhood Series: These class are for residents of the specific neighborhoods within the Delridge and Rainier Beach "RainWise Program" rebate areas.  Visit their website for more info.

• Wednesday April 10th from 7pm-9pm: "Choosing the Right Plants" and "Natural Pest, Weed, and Disease Control. Location: Chief Sealth High School, 2600 SW Thistle St  Seattle, WA 98126.  
  

• Monday April 29th from 7pm-9pm: "Choosing the Right Plants" and "Natural Pest, Weed, and Disease Control.  Location: South Shore School, 4800 S. Henderson, Seattle, WA 98118

For the list of all the 2013 classes and topics offered by the Savvy Gardener Program, visit http://savingwater.org/savvygardener/default.htm

For the list of all the classes and topics offered by the UWBG, visit http://depts.washington.edu/uwbg/education/classes.php

Getting Your Garden Underway in the New Year

Happy New Year!  It's been a long time since I've posted anything here, so I guess it's no surprise I am late with a new year's greeting! I hope this day finds you well, and that you are enjoying a bit of rain.  What? Yes, I did say enjoy... because 2013 began with only 2.5 inches of rainfall in the first 3 weeks, and though we have picked up close to 1 inch in the past week, we're not likely to get to our average of 5.5 inches in January.  The fog that hung around did not lift our spirits or provide much moisture for plants either... so what does a "dry" January like this mean for our gardens?

• Plants that are under your home's eaves could be getting dry, especially if they are on the north or northeast side, since most of our November and December winter storms came from the south and west.
• All plants that are drought-stressed are much more susceptible to freeze-damage than plants that are well-hydrated.  We could have some deep-freezes coming this winter, and lasting well into Feb and March, so if you think your eaves have kept plants dry.
• If your soil is sandy and well-drained, it may be dry enough to dig in, so if you need to incorporate compost or other organic matter into it, now may be a good time.  How can you tell if your soil is dry enough to dig in?  1. Take a small handful of soil and squeeze it until it sticks together.  2. Poke it with your finger, and if it falls apart, it's ok to dig.  If it sticks together, it's too wet to dig.  This is a good way to test your soil in the springtime too!
• Check your birdbath in case it's dry and/or getting slimy.  Normally in mid-winter, our birdbaths are filled and overflowing by rain, which helps keep the growth of algae, bacteria, and fungi in check.  Less of "nature's cleaning" mean things can get pretty slimy, which isn't good for birds to drink or bathe in.  No need to use harsh cleaners though- a 50/50 vinegar and water solution works great even in slimy birdbaths. 

If you are thinking of adding plants to your garden this spring, it's time to start some preparation- here are two ways to get great deals on Native Plants:

1. The annual King Conservation District Native Plant Sale of bare-root plants is underway!
King Conservation District offers a variety of bare-root native trees and shrubs at fabulous prices every winter. Bare-root stock which means they do not come in pots or burlap bags, but are harvested from the field in winter when the plants are dormant and ready to be replanted. Bareroot plants are affordable, hardy, have well-developed roots, are easy to handle, transport and plant.
I highly recommend pre-ordering online, as this is the best way to ensure you get what you want. To begin shopping, click here. Plant pickup is on March 1 & 2, 2013.
Order Deadline: February 8, 2013. Quantities are limited and some species may sell out, so best to order asap.

2. The next King Co Native Plant Salvage event is on Saturday Feb 2nd! There are two ways to choose from to help, and get free plants in return:

• Spend the morning in Black Diamond with other volunteers, digging up trees and shrubs from this site (scheduled for development). These native plants will eventually be replanted to help reduce erosion, shade streams and provide habitat. If you help from 9-12noon, you can then spend the afternoon salvaging FREE plants for yourself!
• Spend the afternoon in Issaquah with other volunteers, potting up the salvaged plants in the King Co. Native Plant Nursery so they can recuperate before going to habitat restoration sites. You'll receive 2 free plants of your choice for every hour you help with this important task!
• Click here to download the directions to the salvage site and nursery.

Notes: A parent or guardian must accompany volunteers under 16 years old. Dress for the weather and be prepared to get dirty. Sturdy shoes or boots are recommended. King Co. provides gloves, tools and light refreshments at all their salvage events, and the last event of the year is likely to be on March 2nd.

Thanks to the King County Noxious Weed Control Program for the article below, from the King County Weed News - December 2012

Use patience and soil management to control horsetail.  This creative tip for tackling horsetail, one of the plants I get the most questions about, comes courtesy of a recent newsletter by Wendy Lomme of Akina Designs.  To quote Wendy:

Many of us in western Washington have the pleasure of dealing with Horsetail, otherwise known as Equisetum, in our yards. This plant, which dates back to the dinosaurs, is brilliant at making landscaper's lives miserable and is very difficult to remove. Pulling out, cutting the plant, or digging the roots really only creates more plants. We also know that these plants love dark, murky soil so covering the area with black plastic or mulch really just encourages growth!

The surprising solution to this problem is to fix the soil conditions and wait. Improving drainage, adding lime to help with the pH, waiting, adding fertilizer, waiting some more and being patient is really the only successful solution. It may take a year or more, but with the improved soil conditions, the Horsetail will begin to go away, just like our other Prehistoric friends. (Lomme, 11/14/12)

My next post will contain bare-root and container planting instructions, and other relevant winter gardening tips!
Cheers,
Emily

May in the Garden

Rhododendron and Columbine blooms, and Cotoneaster berries almost ready for the Robins

May is a month that brings such delight in the garden, and the beauty of new spring-green leaves and lush flowers is beyond words.  It's also a time when I am typically brimming with hopes for a good season, both in gardening and baseball, and this year is no exception!

Though I can't provide answers on how to ensure a good baseball season (except to remember that every game is a new chance to win), I can provide some tips on how to have a good gardening season...

Shotweed

1.  Get ahead of the weeds: They are growing just as fast as your other plants, and removing and/or smothering them now is your best chance to prevent your soil from becoming a "weed seed bank" for years to come. Shotweed is my personal nemesis at my p-patch plot, and dandelions in my parking strip.  If you see weeds begin to flower or set seed, even if you don't have time to dig them out that day, stop and take a few minutes to nip off their flower heads!

Wren nest

2.  Put up a nest box for expert pest control while relaxing in your hammock: Cavity-nesting birds like Chickadees and Wrens are some of the best aphid-eaters on the planet, and when their young are peeping loudly, they will do a thorough pest-patrol of the entire area around their nest to satisfy their needs.  If you want your entire garden to be free from aphids, putting up a nest box is an excellent place to start!  In our urban and suburban neighborhoods, there are very few standing dead trees for cavity-nesters to build in, so a properly-built nest box mimics a tree cavity and instantly attracts these beneficial (and sweetly-singing) birds.  Build your own using info from Russell Link's excellent book "Landscaping for Wildlife in the PNW", or from his instructions on the WA Dept of Fish & Wildlife site: http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/projects/

3. City Fruit's Tip of the Month:  Fruit tree expert Don Ricks predicts that the codling moth will begin flying the second week of May.  This pest can greatly damage Apple, Pear and Plum trees, and Don recommends adding a new non-toxic weapon to your prevention strategies:  Codling moth mating disruption.

 

How does mating disruption work?
The female codling moth releases a specific chemical, a pheromone, that attracts the male moth. The male moth can detect extremely small amounts of the this pheromone and will fly to locate the source, the female, in order to mate.  Mating disruption dispensers release this same pheromone and, when placed properly in the upper third of the tree canopy well before the earliest moth emergence, they inhibit the ability of the male moth to locate and mate with the female.  Mating will be reduced, the number of codling moth eggs laid in the orchard will be reduced, and the number of "worms" in your fruit will be reduced.

 

The full article can be viewed at http://das.wsu.edu/readNewsItem.php?id=145, and here is a link to one of the products recommended there:  www.scentry.com/CM.htm

It's a good time to get started planning your apple maggot strategies too:

Visit http://gardening.wsu.edu/library/tree006/tree006.htm to read "Apple Maggot Control for the Backyard Orchard" - a good summary of how to make sticky traps to monitor the flies, and how to apply the "footies" when the fruit has reached golf-ball-size.  The nylon footies keep the flies from being able to smell the fruit (because they use their feet to smell!) and therefore prevent them from laying eggs on it.

Last but not least, take a break from your gardening and come to a spring celebration!

The Swallows are back at Magnuson Park- come celebrate International Migratory Bird Day event on Saturday May 12th from 10am-3pm!  Our monthly Family Wetland Walk begins at 10am and we typically have plenty of room for drop-ins, but for this walk you'll need to pre-register as it will likely fill up in advance.  For all the details on the entire day of walks, lectures, activities for children, and more, including the dedication of the new Shore Ponds Wetlands, visit www.seattle.gov/parks/Magnuson

 

Best wishes for a great month,

Emily

There's still time to register for a FREE garden class!

HAPPY EARTH DAY!
Now that spring is in full swing, I hope your garden is bringing you joy with each opening blossom.  I also hope to see your smiling face in the audience at one of my upcoming gardening classes- here is an update to the list you can choose from! 

FREE Natural Gardening classes from Seattle Public Utilities

Make your garden satisfying, beautiful and safe! Dive into these topics with three snappy evenings of classes covering it all - building healthy soil, growing food in the city, choosing the right plants, natural lawn care, natural pest control, and smart watering. This year, the classes are being offered to residents of North Seattle neighborhoods and South Seattle/Georgetown neighborhoods.  Classes still have room, but register now so you'll be able to attend all 3 in your area!

South Seattle/Georgetown neighborhoods
All classes held at South Seattle Community College, 6770 E. Marginal Way 

• Mon. April 23rd from 7-9pm: Soils and Composting, + Growing Food in the City
• Mon. April 30th from 7-9pm: Choosing the Right Plants, + Natural Lawn Care
• Mon. May 7th from 7-9pm:  Natural Pest, Weed, and Disease Control, + Smart Watering

All classes are FREE, but you must register online in advance at www.gardenhotline.org

NE Seattle neighborhoods 

All classes held at University Unitarian Church, 6556 35th Ave NE

• Wed. April 25th from 7-9pm: Soils and Composting, + Growing Food in the City
• Wed. May 2nd from 7-9pm: Choosing the Right Plants, + Natural Lawn Care
• Wed. May 9th from 7-9pm:  Natural Pest, Weed, and Disease Control, + Smart Watering 

All classes are FREE, but you must register online in advance at www.gardenhotline.org

Natural Yard Care Neighborhoods classes are sponsored by Seattle Public Utilities and the King Co. Hazardous Waste Management Program. For more info, contact the Garden Hotline at 206-633-0224.

FREE Savvy Gardener Classes- Sustainable Veggie Gardening
Growing your own organic food is a fun and delicious way to garden in the Pacific Northwest. Vegetables, berries, and fruit trees need special care to thrive, but your time and energy will pay off with great tasting, nutritious home-grown food. Best of all, food crops can be incorporated into your existing landscape, large or small! This class will teach you how to make your yard produce great food for you and your family.

Tickets are FREE, and there is still room in each class, but you must register through Brown Paper Tickets, online or by phone:

• Wednesday, April 25 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  Kirkland City Hall, Peter Kirk Room, 123 5th Avenue, Kirkland
  Register online | Phone: 1-800-838-3006
• Tuesday, May 1 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  Skyway Water and Sewer District,
  6723 South 124th Street, Seattle
  Register online | Phone: 1-800-838-3006
• Saturday, May 5 - 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  Pickering Barn, 1730 10th Avenue NW, Issaquah
  Register online | Phone: 1-800-838-3006

Register now to ensure a spot! Savvy Gardener Classes are sponsored by the Saving Water Partnership and Cascade Water Alliance. For more info on Savvy Gardener Classes that will be taught by others, visit http://savingwater.org/savvygardenerclasses.htm

FREE City of Bellevue Natural Yard Care Workshops:

Natural Pest, Weed, and Disease Control for Edible Gardens

Edibles are a perfect fit for any natural yard but they do need special care. Learn how to find the right site for your edibles, choose plants that are well-suited for our climate, and grow them successfully. Take home design and organic care tips, including crop rotation, attracting beneficial insects and pollinators, and other natural pest, weed, and disease control strategies that can be applied throughout your yard. 

• Tuesday May 8th from 7-9pm at Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Avenue NE, Room 1E-108  

This FREE class is for Bellevue residents only, and registration is required.  To register, Email klafranchi@bellevuewa.gov or call 425-452-6932 

Bellevue Natural Yard Care classes classes are sponsored by the City of Bellevue, King County, and the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program of King County. For the Bellevue Natural Yard Care classes taught by others, visit

www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/natural-yard-care-events.htm