Today in the spotlight: Marigolds

I have always loved marigolds. They are such an easy to grow, hardy flower. They also have a long blooming time. They like full sun and bloom mid summer through autumn. Their scent is also known to repel some insects and many gardeners plant them around their tomato plants to keep insects & others pests away.
Besides that added benefit they are also edible! Add some bright color to salads by sprinking a few petals on top or use the petals to make some marigold tea.




I was delighted the first time I realized how easily I could collect the seeds from them myself and grow them the following year from what I'd collected.
To collect the seeds simply wait until the blooms have dried and shriveled up on the stem. Then, simply grasp the end of the blooms all together and give a light tug. You will likely be surprised by the amount of seeds that will pull out into your hand! It is best to collect seeds on a dry, sunny day so the flower is not moist. Simply let the seeds sit out in a sunny, dry location to air out a bit. Then, I simply store them in a labeled envelope for the next year. They can be planted the following year after all danger of frost has past. This year I started mine out in my garden. Once they had grown to a nice size I transplanted them into a large pot that sits by my front steps. They provide a cheerful welcome!

Today in the spotlight: Japanese Beetles

"Popilla japonica" The Japanese Beetle

The to the left shows the damage that has recently been done to my new Cherry Tree by Japanese Beetles. In an effort to help my little Cherry Tree I did what I thought was best; I had my husband buy one of the plastic bag traps that you hang close by that contains pheromones. Well, after the fact I decided to do some research and discovered that I did the worst thing. The pheromone scent travels great distances and lures legions more beetles to your yard and plants than you would have had. So, when you see the trap with a hundred beetles in it and you're feeling pretty good, thinking they had all been living in your yard... they hadn't. You simply invited them. Japanese beetles like groups so the more the merrier.
Once you have them the best way to organically get rid of them is to simply pick them off the plant and drop them in soapy water. If you enjoy a more hostile approach you can step on them. You will decrease the population. They like to live in clusters. If you remove all from the plant that you see, half as many are likely to return.
I also learned that Japanese Beetles start out as grubs. In order to get rid of grubs and eliminate Japanese Beetles you can use biological controls such as beneficial nematodes and Milky Spore disease. Both of these will only attack and kill grubs. This will prevent infestation for many years. Beneficial nematodes can be bought at some garden centers and online. www.arbico-organics.com, www.YardLover.com/LiveNematodes The following link is a good resource for knowing what Nematode to get and when to apply: http://www.extremelygreen.com/nematodeguide.cfmAlso note that Japanese Beetles are most drawn to strawberry plants, egglplants and rotting plants. Be sure to harvest your ripe garden fruits and vegetables promptly!

Zucchini & Squash bugs

Last year I had a terrible plague of squash bugs! I was not familiar with these destructive things and hope to not meet them again this year!!
Below is a link to some great advice I received on being on the look out for them this year and keeping them under control! (Thanks Roger!)
http://www.helpfulgardener.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8036