Kathy Berryhill
Creek County Master Gardener
What an unusually wet August we have had in Creek County. Northern Creek County had over 6 inches of rain in the last 2 weeks. Our normally parched gardens are green and lush, benefiting most plants, but adding to the never-ending chores. The forecasted heat and high humidity can make outside work challenging, so reducing time spent outside is beneficial. Here are a few tips to work smarter.
- Simplify clean up. Some shrubs may need a trim. Reduce the clean-up time by spreading a large sheet or tarp on the ground before cutting to collect plant material. Make sure the material is tucked up closely to the plant. Once done with the trimming, simply drag the sheet or tarp away to dispose of the collected material. Job done!
- Rework pots. Some summer pots may need new plants to replace those that aren’t thriving. To fill in the foliage, visit a local nursery and grab a pot of grasses or ferns. This will quickly and cheaply bring fullness back to your flowerpot. As fall approaches, mix in colorful mums.
- Support plants. With extra growth, plants may begin to fall over. Carefully wind plastic garden ribbon around delicate stems and either bind the plant together, or tie the plant to a fence or other support. Larger stems may benefit from using a coated wire tie. Both ribbon and wire become messy when carried with other garden tools. For convenience, wind either one around a paint stick first and just use as needed.
- Deter snackers. Our area boosts a fairly large population of deer. These beautiful creatures gracefully look for food in our woods and fields, and frequently in our yards. Deer are herbivores, only eating plant material, and many of our garden plants provide a buffet of easily foraged, tasty food. One of the best ways to discourage deer from eating your plants is to scatter shreds of a strong-smelling soap. If you can find a green soap for this project, it will blend well with plant material. Small pieces can be easily made using a food processor. Lightly spread around the garden to discourage grazers! (Note: Vinegar will aid in cleaning up the food processor.)
- Gather and store seeds. Annual plants are starting to produce seeds. Choose a healthy bloom from a favorite variety, let the seed pods dry and then store them in a cool place for the next year. Write the plant name, color and date on a paper envelope before storing the seeds to aid in identifying seed the following season. Economical and prolongs the life of favorite plants.
- Start a garden diary. Gardeners often think about changes they would like to make “next year”. Remembering these ideas is easier if they have been documented. Start a gardening diary today with a good description of what worked, what didn’t work and what you want to change. Just make sure to keep it in a place where you will be able to locate it!
- Deter snails & slugs. Gardeners have something in common with slugs… we both love Hostas and vegetable gardens. To deter slugs and prevent damage, place crushed eggshells around plants. The rough edges will work to keep slugs and snails away.
- Repel Flies. This has been a particularly bad year for flies. To chase them away from your patio, fill up several glasses of water. Next, place 4-5 pennies in each glass. Set these glasses around the area and watch as the flies keep away. One theory of why this works is that the water magnifies the pennies making them look like giant eyes!
- Join a Gardening Group. Most gardeners can add items to this list as there is always something new to learn. If you would like to share some of your knowledge, and gain more tips and tricks, consider joining a Facebook page for gardeners. The Creek County Gardeners Facebook page has hundreds of members who enjoy sharing photos, garden knowledge and posting questions and answers to the group.
- Mulch it up! Mulching helps plants stay hydrated longer, and helps manage weeds. Most plants need a “mulch supplement” now as we return to higher temperatures for the next several weeks. Replenish older mulch now so plants will be ready when cooler temps begin this fall.
