We are making changes!

Information concerning McCracken County Extension Master Gardeners can now be found on the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service web site, https://mccracken.ca.uky.edu/horticulture. 

Click the Horticulture tab and you will be directed to the Master Gardener information.  

Weed Control

Jack Ressor

McCracken County Master Gardener

Weeds are unwanted plants growing out of place. They are usually native and compete well with our lawns and landscape plants.

Healthy lawns and landscape plants should be a gardener’s first line of defense against weeds. Proper watering, mowing, and fertilizing are essential to minimizing the weeds in lawns. In garden and vegetable beds, mulch can help keep the weeds down. Mulches can consist of organic manner such as pine bark, cypress, landscape fabrics, saw dust, plastic or even newspaper. Hand pulling is always an option, but can be difficult on hot summer days. Always kill and remove weeds before they flower to prevent seeding the next generation. When these remedies do not work, a gardener can use various herbicides.

There are two major types of herbicide: Pre-emergent and post-emergent.

        

Crabgrass

Pre-emergent herbicides are usually used in the late winter or early spring before the weed seeds germinate. They are best in controlling annual weeds such as crabgrass. These products can be applied as a liquid or in granular form. After germination, they offer little help in controlling weeds. Examples of pre-emergent herbicides are Preen and Scotts Crabgrass Preventer.

         

      Post-emergent products are directed at controlling weeds that have germinated and are easily visible. They are usually more effective when weeds are small, so treat as early as possible. An herbicide may be specific to a certain weed or be active against many weeds. Post-emergent products can be divided into contact or systemic herbicides. Contact herbicides work by contact directly with the plant. Examples are Ortho Grass Be Gone, and Bayer Advanced All-In-One Lawn Weed & Crabgrass Killer. Systemic herbicides are absorbed by the weed causing death. Systemic products may be selective or non-selective. Selective products target certain weeds while not harming desirable plants in the same area. These herbicides include Scotts Lawn Pro Turf Builder with Weed Control. Non-selective materials are used to kill all the vegetation in an area and include Roundup and Ortho Total Kill. Do not let any contact herbicides touch any plants you want to keep. Nonselective herbicides include household items such as salt, vinegar, citric acid and baking soda.

Herbicides are poisons and all contact should be avoided. Use the following guidelines when using them:

1 .      Always read the labels on the herbicide containers and follow the directions before using.

2 .      Wear long pants and shirts, goggles and rubber gloves when using herbicides.

3 .      Wash your any skin contact with soap and water and when finished.

4 .      If an herbicide gets into the eyes, flush the eye slowly with water for 10 to 15 minutes. Check the  label for first aid information and get medical attention as soon as possible.

5 .      Do not breathe the fumes.

6 .      Store herbicides in their original containers out of reach of children (preferably in a locked cabinet)  and away from any food. 

7 .      Avoid disposal problems. Only buy what you need. Never flush unused material down the toilet, sink  or storm drain. Take unused and unwanted herbicides to household hazardous waste collections.  Triple wash any empty containers before disposal into the garbage. Never reuse the containers.

Reference: Washington State University, Spokane County Extension

Herb Appeal III – Beyond the Plate

By Carol Ullerich, Extension Master Gardener

Herb Appeal, an annual luncheon and lecture hosted and prepared by Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs), is scheduled for Thursday, July 16 at 11:45 a.m. at the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service at 2705 Olivet Church Road.  This year’s version features a healthy combination of familiar foods complimented by a quintet of herbs—rosemary, savory (2015’s herb of the year), thyme, dill and mint.  “Beyond the Plate” refers to the non-culinary use of herbs for crafts, medicine, cleaning and more. 

Lunch service begins promptly at 12:00 p.m.  Only 60 tickets at $20.00 apiece are being sold.  They may be purchased by check at the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service.  Call 270-554-9520 for details.  

This is the third time EMGs have partnered with Laura Duff of A Pampered Palate Catering to develop the luncheon menu.  Under Duff’s direction, EMGs will prepare the bulk of the meal with each dish featuring one or more herbs.  According to Duff, there’s no downside to adding fresh herbs to a meal—you stimulate and satiate your palate simultaneously without adding extra salt, sugar or fat.    

Midtown Market will again provide fresh ingredients for the luncheon.  Since launching his urban food store at 3000 Broadway, Andy Carloss has made great strides in providing organic, locally grown produce to area shoppers.  Initially, he sought local growers to develop his inventory; now local farmers seek to do business with him. 

Herb Specialist Linda Caviness is this year’s featured speaker.  She will highlight the lesser-known medicinal properties of culinary herbs—qualities that bring “healing to the mind, body or spirit; hopefully all three.”   Gardening has been a serious passion for Caviness since the early seventies when she came to Kentucky from Los Angeles.  Newly retired from the Marshall County Library in Hardin, Kentucky, she has big plans for the future.  One of her first priorities is building a greenhouse so she can propagate her own herbs.  While already growing most of her own herbs in raised beds and containers, she occasionally must buy harder to find herbs from other sources. 

While herbs benefit from frequent pruning, Caviness snips only when the plants need it or she needs what the plants are producing.  She uses her harvest for cooking and medicinal concoctions she prepares herself.  Lavender, lemon balm, mint and chamomile are constants in her garden.  Deeming herself a self-taught gardener, Caviness gathered her knowledge of growing herbs from several sources—her grandmother, mother, older friends, neighbors, books, classes, and lots of trial and error.   

Mason Bee House

Caviness will be followed by Brenda Johnson, an EMG, who will share facts about the cultivation of Orchard and Mason bees to improve pollination of early spring fruit flowers in the wake of a decrease in honeybees.  Oblivious to their existence a few months ago, Johnson is now fascinated by them. 

Herb Topiary 

Handmade Mason bee houses will be available for purchase in the boutique that will open after the meal.  Other items available in the boutique include herbs, bird feeders and bird houses, jewelry, topiaries, glass totem poles, and small wheelbarrows planted with herbs.

New Name; Same Mission

Preparing to move to a new campus that is currently under construction, the Purchase Area Master Gardener Association (PAMGA), has recently changed its name to McCracken County Extension Master Gardeners.  Herb Appeal III-Beyond the Plate is a fundraiser for the University of Kentucky Demonstration & Trial Garden on Coleman Road in Paducah.  The garden is an outdoor classroom featuring trial beds, a vegetable garden, a small orchard, vineyard and greenhouse.

EMGs have more than just green thumbs – they are trained in all phases of horticulture by the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University through the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.  Upon completing formal training and passing a written exam, they volunteer their time to assist the McCracken County Horticulture Extension Agent in advising home gardeners.

Educating the gardening public—both adults and children—is the primary focus of EMGs.  The mission is accomplished by staffing a booth at the local Farmer’s Market; sponsoring a standard flower show at the McCracken County Fair each June; operating a telephone hotline for gardening questions during the growing season; offering a free monthly toolbox series on a vast array of gardening topics the first Tuesday of each month; and, maintaining a Speaker’s Bureau.  The local centerpiece of their work is the Demo & Trial Garden for which Herb Appeal III-Beyond the Plate is the sole fundraiser.

McCracken County Fair Floral and Horticulture Awards

The Design Section of the McCracken County Fair Flower  Show was held on Thursday, June 25. National Flower  Show Judges Connie Pittman and Ann Hocker of Bowling Green and Beth Garey of Paducah complimented the sponsors  for a creative and beautiful show.  The theme, "See Blue: 150 Years of the University of Kentucky," was interpreted with twenty-six  different floral designs.  Sally Wilkins was awarded Best of Show for her traditional mass design

Other Blue Ribbon winners were Carol Ullerich , Hanging Design; Beth Garey, Illuminary Design; Jessiann McCarthy, Pot-et Fleur Design; and Elisabeth Kelly, Small Design.

Additionally,  twelve youth designs were entered.  Blue ribbons were given to Anison Nelson, Grade K-2; Abby Brown, Grade 3-5, Emily Krall, Grade 6-8, and Shelby Durham Grade 9-12

Following is a complete list of this year's prize winners.

McCracken County Fair Flower Show Results 2015

“See Blue” Horticulture

Sweepstakes Award Winner, Caroly Meredith. 

Best of Show Winner, Melissa Breeden.

Growers Choice Award Winner, Jim Hank.

Annuals: Zinnia-Anne Parmley, Blue. Martha Brown, Red. Macey Wesmolan, Yellow. Debra Hall, White.  Coleus-Kayleigh Collier, Blue. Marigold-Mike Meredith, Blue. Martha Brown, Red. Genet Davenport, Yellow. Begonia-Carolyn Meredith, Blue & Red. Sunflower-Kristi Hanson, Blue. Norman Wallace, Red.  Salvia-Kayleigh Collier, Red. Cleome-Jane Blue, Red. Other Annuals-Norman Wallace, Blue. Jane Blue, Red. Carolyn Meredith, Yellow & White.

Perennials Flowering: Echinacea-Teri Coscarelli, Blue. Anne Parmley, Red. Genet Davenport, Yellow. Phlox-Debra Hall, Blue. Jane Blue, Yellow. Rudbeckie/Cultivar-Anne Parmley, Blue. Debra Hall, Red. Teri Cosarelli, Yellow. Other Perennials Flowering-Anne Parmley, Blue. Debra Hall, Red. Lois Hammet, Yellow. Danielle Mathews, White.

Daylilies: Single-Elisabeth Kelly, Blue. Tami Richards, Red. Norman Wallace, White. Double-Randall Richards, Red. Ruffled-Melissa Thaxton, Blue. Teri Coscarelli, Red. Spider-Marilyn Gross, Blue. Multicolored banded-Elisabeth Kelly, Blue & Red. Randall Richards, Yellow. Norman Wallace, White.

Perennials Foliage: Sedum-Tami Richards, Blue, Danielle Mathews, Red. Elisabeth Kelly, Yellow. Soloman’s Seal-Lois Hammet, Blue. Hellebore-Anne Parmley, Red. Other Perennials Foliage-Nyla Holder, Blue. Mike Meredith, Red. Randall Richards, Yellow.

Roses: Shrub Rose-Danielle Mathews, Blue.

Wildflowers: Spiderwort-Martha Brown, Yellow. Wild Ginger-Anne McNeilly, Blue. Black-eyed Susan-Tami Richards, Blue. Anne Parmley, Red. Other Wildflowers-Anne McNeilly, Blue. Anne Parmley, Red. Sally Wilkins, Yellow.

Bulbs, Corms and Tubers: Gladiolus-Sally Wilkins, Blue. Mike Meredith, Red. Debra Hall, Yellow. Calla Lily-Gage Holder, Blue. Lois Hammet, Red. Asiatic or Oriental Lily-Randall Richards, Yellow. Allium-Randall Richards, Yellow. Other Bulbs, Corms and Tubers-Nyla Holder, Red.

Hosta Leaf: Small-Judy Benton, Blue. Anne Parmley, Red. Medium-Randall Richards, Blue. Nyla Holder, Red. Melissa Breeden, Yellow. Anne Parmley, White. Large-Danielle Mathews, Blue. Beth Garey, Red. Anne Parmley, Yellow. Gage Holder, White.

Ferns: Christmas Fern-Anne McNeilly, Red. Japanese Painted Fern-Elisabeth Kelly, White. Sensitive Fern-Anne McNeilly, Yellow. Other Ferns-Teri Coscarelli, Blue.

Herbs: Basil-Melissa Breeden, Red. Rosemary-Jessiann McCarthy, Blue.

Oregano-Melissa Breeden, Blue. Norman Wallace, Red. Mint-Norman Wallace, Blue.

Lamb’s Ear-Randall Richards, Red. Other Herbs-Danielle Mathews, Blue.

Vines: Any Flowering Vine-Teri Coscarelli, Blue. Anne Parmley, Red.

Trees & Shrubs: Broadleaf Evergreen Tree-Jessiann McCarthy, Blue.  Broadleaf Evergreen Shrub-Tami Richards, Blue. Anne McNeilly, Red. Needled Evergreen Tree-Tami Richards, Red. Needled Evergreen Shrub-Tami Richards, Blue. Danielle Mathews, Red. Deciduous Tree-Danielle Mathews, Blue. Deciduous Shrubs-Melissa Thaxton, Red.

Hydrangea: Mophead-Melissa Breeden, Blue, Red & Yellow. Gage Holder, White. Snowball-Melissa Breeden, Blue. Jane Blue, Red. Gage Holder, Yellow. Lace Caps-Lois Hammet, Red. Oak Leaf-Jane Blue, Red.

Container Grown Plant: African Violet-Diane Shrewsberry, Blue. Mike Meredith, Red. Orchid-Anne McNeilly, Blue. Lois Hammet, Red. Audrey Williams, Yellow. Succulent/Cactus-Jim Hank, Blue, Red, Yellow & White. Vegetables in containers-Teri Coscarelli, Red. Kayleigh Collier, Yellow. Other Container Plants-Mike Meredith, Blue & Red. Kayleigh Collier, Yellow. Carolyn Meredith, White.

Combination Planting: Herbs-Kayleigh Collier, Red & Yellow. Flowering Plants-Carolyn Meredith, Blue & Red. Foliage/Ferns-Carolyn Meredith, Blue & Red. Kayleigh Collier, Yellow. Other Combination Plantings-Jim Hank, Blue & Red.

Hanging Containers: Carolyn Meredith, Blue & Yellow. Mike Meredith, Red.

McCracken County Fair Youth and Adult Vegetable, Fruit & Nut Results 2015

Beans/Bush- Mark Donham, Blue. Charles Frazier, Red. 

Cabbage/Round Small- Charles Frazier, Blue.

Cucumbers-Ken Frye, Blue. Norman Wallace, Red. Charles Frazier, Yellow.

Lettuce/Leaf-Younghee Choi, Blue. Tami Richards, Red. 

Onions/Matured-Norman Wallace, Blue. Charles Frazier, Red. 

Potatoes-Mark Donham, Blue. 

Squash/Yellow Summer-Genet Davenport, Blue. Megan Bohannon, Red. Norman Wallace, Yellow. Charles Frazier, White.

Tomatoes/Green-Megan Bohannon, Blue. Younghee Choi, Red. Charles Frazier, Yellow. Maryanna Frazier, White. 

Tomatoes/Red-Younghee Choi, Blue. Charles Frazier, Red.

Zucchini-Norman Wallace, Blue. Charles Frazier, Red. 

Other Vegetables-Maryanna Frazier, Blue. Megan Bohannon, Red. Tami Richards, Yellow. Charles Frazier, White. 

Blackberries-Pam Heavrin, Blue. Randall Richards, Yellow. 

Blueberries-Anne Parmley, Blue. Randall Richards, Red.

Gooseberries-Randall Richards, Blue. Other Berries-Tami Richards, Blue. 

Apples-Danielle Mathews, Red. Randall Richards, Yellow. 

Other Fruit-Marcey Wesmolan, Blue. Randall Richards, Red.

McCracken County Fair Youth and Adult Field Crops Results 2015

Yellow Corn-Cole Bell, Red. Hay/Grass-Cole Bell, Blue.

McCracken County Fair Design Show Results 2015

Best of Show Design Winner, Sally Wilkins

Blue Skies: Sally Wilkins, Blue. Carolyn Roof, Red. Elisabeth Kelly, Yellow. Anne McNeilly, White.

Blue Moon of Kentucky: Beth Garey, Blue. Jan Boaz, Red. Brenda Johnson, Yellow. Phyllis Petcoff, White.

My Blue Heaven: Carol Ullerich, Blue. Jan Boaz, Red. Morgan Eggemeyer, Yellow. Jane Blue, White.

Am I Blue: Elisabeth Kelly, Blue. Younghee Choi, Red. Shirley Bailey, Yellow. Jessiann McCarthy, White.

Blue Oasis: Jessiann McCarthy, Blue. Martha Hinton, Red. Phyllis Flowers, Yellow. Nancy Flowers, White.

Lavender Blue: Abby Brown, Blue. Emily Krall, Blue. Shelby Durkam, Blue. Anniston Nelson, Blue. Henry Stratenerz, Red. Nyla Holder, Red. Winter Johnson, Yellow. Gracie Egner, Yellow. Lilly Johnson, White. Emerson Binkley, White. Owen Cody, Green. Anna Binkley, Green.

Is it too late to plant a garden?

The answer is yes and no. It is too late to plant vegetables that require a long growing season, like tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn and eggplant. However, there are some plants such as green beans (bush), cucumbers, summer squash and beets planted in mid-July will have time to mature and produce a nice late summer crop. Don’t forget the fall garden; bibb lettuce, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, kale and potatoes are a few vegetables that if planted in July and August can be harvested in September or October.  Detailed information on growing a late summer and fall garden is available in the Home Vegetable Gardening in

Kentucky on the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension service web site. A free copy of the publication can be picked up at the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Office, 2705 Olivet Church Road in Paducah.

To learn about growing winter squash, please join the McCracken County Extension Master Gardeners for the July 7 Toolbox, Growing and Using Winter Squash in West Kentucky.The session will begin at 5:00 with Norman Wallace, local Master Gardener, presenting.  A brief

slide show will highlight nutritional values, ease of growing and storing, cooking ideas and

referrals to helpful resources for growing butternut, acorn, Hubbard and other winter squashes which are more kin to pumpkins than they are to summer squash.  Wallace has butternut squash in storage from last year's crop and will bring a couple to show.  Squash plants are to be given away, one per person attending, while supplies last that evening. The free program will be presented at the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Office, 2905 Olivet Church Road in Paducah. No advance registration is required. 

Herb Appeal III, Beyond the Plate

Tickets are now available for Herb Appeal III presented by the McCracken County Extension Master Gardeners on July 16. In previous years the tickets have sold out early. To prevent being disappointed contact the McCracken County Extension Office or a McCracken County Extension Master Gardener to purchase your advance ticket. See the flyer below for more details.

Meet Peggy Martin!

From the garden of  Master Gardener, Chris Janne

The Peggy Martin Rose is very hardy and disease free, fast growing, and after established will bloom again in fall along with sporadic flower flushes through the year. Every year, spring will bring a bigger, more spectacular flower explosion than the year before, making it the showpiece of your Garden! Give it room to grow to show its full potential. It is not a once bloomer!!! From the Peggy Martin Rose web site.

Peggy Martin is an old rose that survived after being submerged for 2 weeks in 20-feet of salt water after hurricane Katrina. That is a statement of her strength. The rose has been propagated by Dr. William Welch. A portion of proceeds from the sale of the rose went to help with the rebuilding of the historical gardens in New Orleans. To read more of this fascinating story, visit the Peggy Martin Website.

There are many climbing roses hardy to our Zone 7 area. Listed below are only a few that can be found growing in local gardens.

Madame Alfred Carriere

From the garden of Master Gardener, Chris Janne

Cherokee Rose

New Dawn

Anemone,The Fairy,Old Blush, and Noisette are a few more favorites found in our area.

For information on growing and caring for old climbing roses, visit the National Gardening Association website. 

Another Chance for a Floral Design Class

If you did not get a chance to attend one of the daytime floral design classes, you have an opportunity to attend an evening workshop. McCracken County Extension Agent, Kathy Wimberley will present a program on Floral Design at the McCracken County Master Gardener Association Toolbox at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2 at the McCracken County Extension Office, 2705 Olivet Church Road in Paducah. As always, the Toolbox is a free program for the community. Due to classroom size, the workshop is limited to 35 participants. To make reservations, please call 270-554-9520.

Floral Design Workshop II

Would you like to create traditional mass designs like these?

Design and photo by Master Gardener, Anne McNeilly

Design by Jean Meredith
Photo by Master Gardener, Anne McNeilly

Or are you more interested in modern creations like these hanging designs?

Design by Sandee Walters 
     Photo by Michael Drewitz      

    

Design by Shirley Knight
Photo by Michael Drewitz

These two types of designs will be the focus of the second floral design workshop on May 11, 1:30 pm, at the UK Extension office at 2705 Olivet Chruch Road.  The free workshops are planned as preparation for the 2015 McCracken County Fair Flower Show, "SEE BLUE;" however, everyone is welcome  even if one is not planning to enter a design in the fair.  The traditional mass design class at this year's show is called, "Blue Skies;"  the hanging design class is titled, "My Blue Heaven."  The latter class will be "hands on" with the participants having the opportunity to experiment  with balance and movement within a supplied frame.  

Floral Design Workshops

2011 Best of Show Pot-et-Fleur design by Phyllis Flowers 

Photo by Anne McNeilly

The design committee for the McCracken County Fair Flower Show, "SEE BLUE," is planning a series of three workshops on floral design.  The first one will be April 27, 1:00 p.m., at the

McCracken County Extension office.  Other sessions will be on May 11 and June 8.

On April 27, Sally Wilkins, National Garden Clubs Certified Flower Show Judge, will demonstrate  making two different designs featured at this year's show, Illuminary  and Pot-et-Fleur.

Illuminary designs are  creative, abstract designs  incorporating lights for special effect.  In the 2015 flower show, the class is titled "Blue Moon of Kentucky."  Pot-et-Fleur designs are more traditional and combine rooted and cut flowers, as in the prize-winning design pictured above.  This year's  class is called "Blue Oasis."

 Anyone interested in learning more about  floral design is invited to attend these sessions.  One need not be committed to entering  design competition at the fair.  

Feeding the Hummingbirds

If you have not already done so, now is the time to put out your hummingbird feeders. It is not necessary to purchase premixed nectar; in fact you should avoid nectars that have a red dye. According to the KernAutubon.org site, the perfect recipe for hummingbird nectar is:

1.    One part sugar to four parts water - stir until sugar is dissolved. Measure examples: ...

2.    Bring solution to a boil to kill bacteria and slow spoilage - allow to cool.

3.    Fill feeders just enough for a day or two of use. Extra solution may be refrigerated if used within one week.

Remember to keep the feeders clean as mold can be harmful to the birds. Do not use soap and bleach for cleaning, instead use only vinegar and water.Do not use honey in the nectar.

In addition to feeders, hummingbirds are attracted to flowers, especially those with tubular blooms like this Major Wheeler Honeysuckle.

Photo from Master Gardener, Chris Janne

Some other favorites, according to The Hummingbird Society are aloe vera, bottlebrush, fuchsia, beebalm, Chinese lantern, Threadleaf Hyssop, columbine, Bird of Paradise and salvia

For more information on placement, cleaning, ant and bee control as well as the preferred feeders, visit the KernAutubon.org  and The Hummingbird Society websites.

The (almost) Carefree Garden

What are the best plants for garden that provide color, shape and texture while requiring very little care? Without a doubt, it would be succulents.

Photo from The Succulent Source 

No longer limited to hens and chicks, cacti and jade plants, most garden centers carry an extensive variety of colors, sizes and shapes. Used for ground cover, in containers, in formal gardens as well as for artistic designs, succulents are seen everywhere.

Native to a dry environment, they store water in their leaves and stems, requiring watering once a month; smaller plants may need watering more often. Perfect for the busy (or lazy) gardener!

Photo from Master Gardener, Chris Janne

When planting, attention should be given to drainage as wet soil will cause the roots to rot. In the garden choose a sandy, rocky location or add sand to the soil. For containers, try using a bagged soil formulated especially for succulents. They will survive an extended period of time planted in sphagnum moss. The moss, not the plants, will need to be soaked in water occasionally. Debra Lee Baldwin has written several good books on growing and designing with succulents.

While they need bright light, they should be protected from long periods of time in direct sunlight; 3-4 hours of direct sunlight will keep them happy without giving them sunburn.

Some succulents are cold hardy in our Zone 7a, but most will need to be wintered over inside, preferably in a greenhouse or basement with supplemental lighting.

No plant is easier to propagate than succulents. Take a leaf (or use one that falls off), lay aside in a sheltered spot for a few days so the cut will callus. Stick the callused end in soil, water thoroughly and it will root. Do not keep the soil damp, water when the soil is completely dry.

In areas where there is heavy rain in the spring and fall, succulents in container should be in a covered area to prevent their roots from sitting in wet soil. When the rainy season is over, they can be moved to the patio or other outdoor spaces.

Avoid over-watering and succulents are perfect for an almost carefree garden. For inspiration and more details, visit The Succulent Perch website. (If you find background music annoying, you may want to mute the sound while visiting their page.)

Protect those tender plants!

Spring has arrived! Daffodils are in full bloom, new growth is showing on shrubs, plants are emerging from hibernation and gardeners are anxious to get out and play in the dirt. Keep in mind, tender plants are still at risk for frost bites and freezing. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the average date for the last freeze of the season in our zone (7 a) is April 7. If you absolutely must put some plants in the ground, keep something handy to cover them and keep a watch on the weather forecast. We like this idea posted on the Extension Master Gardener Facebook page.

Those plastic zipper bags that come with bedspreads and linens can make great temporary greenhouses. Remember to allow for air circulation.

It is best to wait a few weeks before planting plants like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and others that need warm soil to grow. The University of Kentucky Extension Service recommends setting out these transplants when the soil reaches 70 degrees. For more information download a copy of Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky. The publication is also available for free at the McCracken County Extension Office, 2705 Olivet Church Road in Paducah.

The Year of the Coleus – Part II

Multiplying Coleus

Carol Ullerich, Master Gardener

Last week I introduced you to the beauty and versatility of coleus, an ornamental annual being promoted in 2015 by the National Garden Bureau.  This week I’ll share with you tips for propagating coleus—allowing you to save, or purchase, one plant and turn your initial investment into many plants. 

(Photo courtesy of National Garden Bureau)

From Seed

Begin sowing coleus seed 8-12 weeks from last frost date.  Coleus seed is small; mixing it with sand may promote more even distribution of the seed during sowing.  Sow in three inches of moistened growing medium—and cover the container—maintaining a constant 70 degrees.  Sow lightly as seed requires light to germinate.  Seedlings should appear in about two weeks.  As seedlings emerge, remove cover, but don’t allow potting medium to dry out.

From Cuttings

I collected and overwintered coleus that performed well in our trial beds at the UK Demonstration & Trial Garden in 2014.  I liked the varieties well enough to give them a chance to shine in my garden in 2015.  In February, I began propagating new plants from the “mother plants” I had saved.  I snipped several 2” lengths, (some sources recommend beginning with 4” – 6” lengths), removed the lowest set of leaves, lightly dipped the lower end in rooting hormone (including the now bare leaf nodes) and placed the segment in moistened potting soil (about 2” deep) inside a clear clamshell container.  I closed the container, creating a mini-greenhouse, and placed it in a sunny window with indirect light.  (If you don’t have clamshell containers, use a pot and place it inside a clear baggie or cover the pot with plastic wrap—the tops of the seedlings should not touch the top of the container or plastic wrap).  Roots should form in two to three weeks.

(Photos by Carol Ullerich)

After about six weeks, I’ll transplant the “babies” from the clamshell containers into individual pots.  TIPS:  While a 2” segment works well, more important than the length of the segment is that your cutting have at least two sets of leaves because you will remove the two bottom leaves and it is those nodes you’ll dip into the rooting hormone. 

(Photos by Carol Ullerich)

(Photos by Carol Ullerich)

Too much rooting hormone is not a good thing.  After dipping the segment’s end into the hormone, lightly tap the segment to remove any excess powder, leaving only a very light dusting on the segment.  (Rather than dipping directly into the jar of rooting hormone, put a small amount of powder into an empty pill bottle or film container into which you’ll dip your segments.  This keeps the hormone in the original container unadulterated).  Use a pencil to create several small planting holes in the moistened potting soil, otherwise you’ll knock off the hormone when you insert the segment into the clamshell container.  

Pinch the top out of your cutting to promote growth rather than flowering, leaving at least one set of leaves for photosynthesis. 

(Photo by Carol Ullerich)

Keep new cuttings moist (not wet) and maintain high humidity—you should see condensation on the lid of the closed clamshell container.  (The clamshell containers I use are recycled from take-out salads).  

In Water

Coleus may also be propagated by starting segments in water and then transferring them to potting soil once roots have formed.

Enjoy the beauty, durability and reliability of coleus this summer.  2015 is, after all, the Year of the Coleus!  And next fall, save some mother plants to get a head start on your 2016 garden.