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May 2002, Vol 1 Issue 2 Purdue Extension GardenTIPS E-NewsletterWelcome to the Garden TIPS E-Newsletter. Listed below are tips and links to articles. Follow the links to the GardenTIPS Web site for more information and links at: http://www.extension.purdue.edu/gardentips/ View the online version, at: http://www.extension.purdue.edu/gardentips/newsletter/vol1issue1.html ===================================================== Avoid compacting garden soil; wait until it dries to plantIndiana residents ready to plant their gardens should wait until the soil dries to prevent causing long-term damage to the soil, said a Purdue University expert. Excessive rains sweeping across the state have saturated much of the soil. Tillers and garden spades used in wet soil can compact the soil causing lasting, negative effects. "Soil compaction lasts a long time," said B. Rosie Lerner, Purdue Extension consumer horticulturist. "It takes a long time to build soil structure and very little time to destroy it." Lerner said that disturbing wet soil by any method – even walking on it – will pack it. Healthy soil consists of soil, air, water and nutrients mixed in a delicate balance. The long-term effects of compacted soil include poor aeration, poor drainage, reduced nutrient availability and the formation of large, rock hard dirt clods. It can take years to correct these problems, Lerner said. Full Story, http://www.extension.purdue.edu/gardentips/ =====================================================
After the Flood: Garden and Landscape PlantsRecent torrential rains have brought about flooded conditions in many gardens and landscapes. As flood waters recede and folks get about the business of putting homes and lives back together, questions arise as to the safety of produce from flooded gardens, as well as potential damage to landscape plants. For those who have actually had a chance to put in early cool-season crops, the issue of food safety from the garden is best handled with caution. Clearly, if floodwaters are contaminated with raw sewage, it is risky to eat the produce. Crops that can be washed thoroughly, peeled and/or boiled should pose minimal risks. However, crops that are eaten uncooked, especially leafy crops such as spinach and lettuce, will be more risky for consumption since it is so difficult to remove all of the contamination with just plain rinsing. Full Story, http://www.extension.purdue.edu/gardentips/ =====================================================
Insects,
Pests, and Diseases For more stories, go to: http://www.extension.purdue.edu/gardentips/insects.html =====================================================
Garden
Flowers For more stories, go to: http://www.extension.purdue.edu/gardentips/flowers.html ===================================================== More Information on: Visit the GardenTIPS Web site
for more information and links: ===================================================== GardenTIPS is a Purdue University Extension gardening Web site. This E-Newsletter is sent out twice a month. Browse our garden tips, information, and links at: http://www.extension.purdue.edu/gardentips/. If you are having trouble receiving this E-Newsletter, please contact the list owner at: extension@purdue.edu If you wish to unsubscribe or switch to the HTML version, go to the Garden TIPS Subscription page at: http://www.extension.purdue.edu/gardentips/subscribe.html. |