Days are getting longer & workload accordingly. Many plants are being propagated transplanted with the help of two exchange students & part-time help. Also we are in the midst of pruning the orchard, when weather permits. Hopefully we’ll have a good assortment delivered on time of both plants & produce. We plan to add a strawberry patch which will include both June & late bearing cultivars; a partial support from the State Producer Demo program is slated to explore the feasibility of season-long berry supply, which many of you opted to have.
It’s the primetime to prune the fruit trees before they leaf out. Sealants are recommended where infections occurred in the past, however making a smooth cut will insure fast healing. Both apples & pears are susceptible to the Fireblight disease, caused by bacterium pathogen (Erwinia emilovora), therefore dormant pruning is your best bet to prevent this destructive disease from entering the plant tissue.
Whether using copper or sulfur to preventapple scab, timing is critical to block the pathways through which the disease gets established. Lime-sulfur is the preferred material, combined with dormant oil, to rid or reduce overwintering eggs of insect pests. Always check labels for rates & recommendations. Dormant oil should be avoided if the soil is saturated at the time.
April is the best time to prune roses before they leaf out; many bushes will have winterkill damage to some extent, therefore a ‘wait n’ see’ approach is best. The severity can be light, medium or severe, however recovery tends to relate to the inherent vigor of the cultivar as much as, or more than the degree of kill. In short, don’t rush to discard.
Cowsmo & Cowpot composted cow manure – a renewable, natural product for existing & new garden beds, containers, lawn & trees; it provides nutrients naturally while improving soil properties. The product is certified organic.
The new list & prices are now posted on our website:www.kedemroses.com; to order please check the availability first, then email your order form to us; please include pickup date & method of payment to reserve your plants.
Fruits & Vegetables: Planning to grow your own strawberries, fruit trees & other berries? We’ll have a full pallet comes April.
Community Garden We are willing to foster a limited number of plots for those wishing to grow their own produce. The pilot program will have some stipulations to insure good turnout
Easter holiday: Easter Eggs & freshly cut Pussy willow branches are available on a first come basis.
We offer two workshops on March 29th, from 10:00 to 12:00: Apple pruning & Combination planting. Prepare your own hanging baskets, patio pots or similar containers. Price for the workshops is $12.00, including refreshments; materials are extra. Pre-registration is encouraged. Container size is limited to 14”x14”. We are looking forward to seeing many of you, after a prolonged ‘winter break’.
Have a nice spring
Sam & Rachel
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