Master Gardeners Association of Alberta -MGAA

From loss to growth: Alberta Master Gardener student Karen Spackman turned her passion for gardening into a healing journey. Discover how gardening helped her transform grief into resiliency and community connection! 🌿

Read more about Karen's journey of healing here: https://shorturl.at/SnCoZ 🍅

Dalhousie Agricultural Campus
Master Gardeners Association of Alberta -MGAA

WHERE DO INSECTS GO IN WINTER
Insects have a variety of methods for surviving the coldness of winter.

Migration is one strategy for escaping the killing temperatures. The Monarch Butterfly is the foremost example of this maneuver, but other insects migrate into northern areas from the southern states in the Spring. Crop pests are the most obvious of these migrants.

Overwintering as Larvae. Many insects successfully pass the winter as immature larvae. The protection of heavy covers of leaf litter or similar shelters protect the woolly bear caterpillar, while other insects replace the water in their bodies with glycerol, a type of antifreeze! Some grubs simply burrow deeper into the soil to escape the cold.

Overwintering as Nymphs. Not many insects are active in the winter, but the nymphs of dragonflies, mayflies and stoneflies live in waters of ponds and streams, often beneath ice. They feed actively and grow all winter to emerge as adults in early spring.

Overwintering as Eggs. Lesser numbers of insects lay eggs which survive the winter. The most prominent insects in this category are Praying Mantids, and the destructive Corn Rootworms also engage in this strategy.

Hibernation as Adults. Many insects hibernate as adults. Lady bird beetles are a well-known example, and are sometimes seen in great numbers in the fall as they congregate at high elevations. Many large wasps seek shelter in the eaves and attics of houses or barns. Tree holes, leaf litter, and under logs and rocks are common shelters for overwintering adult insects. The Mourning Cloak Butterfly is usually the first butterfly that is noticed in the Spring, and this is because it hibernates in tree holes or other shelters during the winter.
https://lancaster.unl.edu/how-do-insects-survive-winter
Image via pinterest

GROWING AND CARING FOR AMARYLLIS

Amaryllis may be purchased as bare or planted bulbs, and are prized for their exotic trumpet-shaped flowers born on 1 to 2 foot leafless stalks or scapes. They add dramatic color to homes and gardens, and make wonderful gifts to gardeners from beginners to experts.

Native to Peru and South Africa, the genus Amaryllis comes from the Greek word amarysso, which means "to sparkle." Bulbs were brought to Europe in the 1700s and have been known to bloom for up to 75 years. Today, most amaryllis are hybrids but are still classified in the genus Hippeastrum.

Amaryllis flowers range from 4 to 10 inches in size, and can be either single or double in form.

While the most popular colors are red and white, flowers may also be pink, salmon, apricot, rose or deep burgundy. Some varieties are bicolor such as purple and green, or picotee (having petals with a different edge color).

-Water the plant when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry,
allowing the container to drain freely each time.
-Do not let the plant to sit in water as wet soil can promote
bulb and root rot and attract pests.
-Fertilize amaryllis each time you water at half the
recommended strength when new growth is visible
-To promote blooming, use a houseplant fertilizer with a
high phosphorus content.

Additional information on planting, after-flowering care, acclimation to the outdoors, controlling the bloom and repotting at:
https://extension.umn.edu/house-plants/amaryllis
Image via pixabay.com

I love growing and eating squash, thought this a nifty little guide, which one is your fave and do you have any tips about cooking them to share? Have to say I cook spaghetti ones whole but pierce them so they steam whilst roasted...

Infographic from Harvest Savvy

Don't forget to put away your glazed and unglazed clay pots away before freeze-up - you don't want to go out into the garden in the spring and find that they have cracked or split. Some resin containers may also break in very cold weather, so consider bringing them into a warmer storage spot, as well.

Photo: Pixabay

A straw bale cold frame is a temporary structure used to protect hardy vegetables in autumn and winter. They require no building skills and are quick and easy to put together. Have you ever made one? https://savvygardening.com/straw-bale-cold-frame/

Common Diseases and Insect Pests of Veggies and Fruit Learn how to identify and combat common diseases and pesky insect pests that can ruin your veggies and fruit!

This coming Wednesday evening!
If you have not registered yet, make sure to grab a spot.

We all had issues with pest insects and plant diseases this year, and it seems more than in an average season.

Join us for this presentation by Rob Spencer of Spencer Horticultural Solutions to find out how to recognize and manage the most common pests and diseases in our gardens.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/LJ8K3d3d9H3FLRCD/?mibextid=qi2Omg

Common Diseases and Insect Pests of Veggies and Fruit Learn how to identify and combat common diseases and pesky insect pests that can ruin your veggies and fruit!

This is going to be a super interesting talk as WE ALL had issues with all sorts of pest insects and diseases in our gardens this year!

Join us for this presentation by Rob Spencer for Spencer Horticulture Solutions to find out how to recognize and manage the most common pests and diseases in our gardens.

Eventbrite link for registration is below.

Common Diseases and Insect Pests of Veggies and Fruit Learn how to identify and combat common diseases and pesky insect pests that can ruin your veggies and fruit!

It is our pleasure to share MGAA’s second issue of:

“Alberta’s Garden Book – the digital magazine for avid gardeners” Fall 2024 issue filled with information and topics related to fall gardening!

The articles within these pages are written by members of the Master Gardeners Association of Alberta (MGAA) specifically for Albertans, whether you live in the growing zone 3 north of Edmonton or south of Calgary in zone 4.

Master gardeners in our province acquire growing mastery by completing one of three accredited Master Gardener programs at The Calgary Horticultural Society, Dalhousie University (online), or the Organic Master Gardener Program at Stony Plain Multicultural Centre. These individuals continuously grow their gardening education and skills so that they can share it with YOU – Alberta Gardeners!

Alberta’s Garden Book offers something for all ages and interests, from novice gardeners to those well-seasoned. The Master Gardeners want everyone to experience the joy of gardening, so join us on this journey as we learn, connect, and grow together!

Link to magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/voto/kbep/

***SAVE THE DATE for our virtual AGM***

The presentation and speaker to be announced in the coming weeks!

Look forward to seeing you there.

A special invitation from the Silver Springs Botanical Garden to current Master Gardeners Association of Alberta members:

"We would love you to come to our celebration of success in 2024 and recognition of the many hours of volunteer labor as well as our many supporters, sponsors and donors at all levels. We will have a short program where you will be recognized as one of our supporters.

We plan to highlight the efforts of our volunteers in coping with the emergency water shortage in June and the planned water shortage in September. As well we have a new garden coming with a collection of Martagon Lilies. Tours will be offered after the speaking event if you would like to have a look and see what your support has accomplished."

Himalayan Blue Poppy
Meconopsis betonicifolia

Blue Himalayan poppy (Meconopsis betonicifolia) looks just like you might expect, like a poppy but in a striking shade of cool blue. These perennials grow tall, three to five feet (1 to 1.5 m/) in height and have hairy leaves like other types of poppies. The blooms are large and deep blue to purple in color. And while they resemble other poppies, these plants are not true poppies at all. The climate and conditions have to be just right to grow Himalayan blue poppy plants successfully, and even then it can be challenging. The best results are seen in areas that are cool and moist with excellent drainage and soil that is slightly acidic.

http://bit.ly/2Mp4yzS
Image via pixabay.com

HOW TO PREVENT SUNSCALD OF TOMATOES

Sunscald of tomato fruits frequently occurs in hot, dry weather, but may occur whenever green fruit is suddenly exposed to direct sun. The sunward side of green fruit develops a yellowish, light brown, or white leathery patch, which may become wrinkled or blisterlike as the fruit matures. On ripe tomatoes, the damaged areas appear as flattened, grayish-white patches with a papery texture. The spots are sometimes attacked by rot organisms, causing fruit decay.

____Non-Chemical Management_____
• Control:
– Control defoliating pests.
-Plant varieties with good foliage density.
-Use care when pruning plants, so that fruits are not suddenly exposed to the sun.
-Prevent or control diseases which cause leaf loss.

• Description: Affected areas of fruit are soft
and discolored (light-green on immature fruits
or red on mature fruits) These areas later
become dry and sunken.

• Cause: Sudden exposure to intense sunlight.
https://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/tomato-sunscald/
Image via hortsense

TOMATO PROBLEMS - PHYSIOLOGICAL LEAF ROLL

Physiological leafroll does not affect fruit yield or quality. A response by tomato plants to fairly extreme changes in soil moisture levels is thought to be associated with physiological leafroll. Prolonged dry soil conditions, high nitrogen levels, a phosphorus deficiency, severe pruning while plants are under dry soil conditions, or wet soil conditions with accompanying hot temperatures have also been associated with this problem.

Symptoms The edges of many but not all leaves on affected plants roll upward and inward, sometimes the leaf sides touch or overlap. The leaf rolling can be transient or may persist throughout the rest of the growing season.

How to prevent?
-Plant determinate tomato varieties.
-Maintain a well-timed irrigation schedule that prevents overly-dry and overly-wet soils.
-Practice a balanced, appropriate fertilizer regime.
-Protect plants from temperatures above 95°F.

https://pnwhandbooks.org/node/3623/print
Graphic via canva

Upcoming event from our friends at the Calgary Rose Society!

Calgary Rose Society 51st Annual Rose Show
When:July 20 @ 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Viking Room at the Calgary Scandinavian Centre, 739 20 Ave NW
This is a Free event.
Come and see all the wonderful types of roses grown in Calgary and talk to experienced growers about roses.

The MGAA is hosting a photo contest for its members this summer, with two themes: Alberta native plants in the garden and Insects, both good and bad, in the garden. The goal is to encourage citizen science and create an accessible database for educational purposes. Prizes will be awarded for the top 3 photos chosen by a panel of judges. Please send your photos to [email protected]. Winners will be announced at our AGM in October.

Photo: Pixabay

GROWING NASTURTIUMS WITH KIDS

Nasturtiums are perfect to grow with children because they grow so easily and rapidly. These plants, with their bright greenery and vibrant flowers, are good for containers or as ground cover. Their pretty fragrance also makes them a good choice for cut flowers. They are an easy-to-grow annual whose leaves and flowers are edible. Here’s how to grow your own nasturtiums!

PLANTING

· Plant nasturtium seeds in early spring to summer in moist, well-drained soil in full sun. They can grow in partial shade, but they will not bloom as well.
· Nasturtiums prefer poorer soils and they do not need fertilizers (unless your soil is extremely poor). Fertile soil will produce fewer blooms and more foliage.
· Plant the seeds about half an inch deep and 10 to 12 inches apart. Plants should appear in 7 to 10 days.

CARE
· Water regularly throughout the growing season, but be careful not to over-water your plants.
· Cutting off the faded/dead flowers will prolong blooming.
· If you’re growing nasturtiums in containers, they may need to be trimmed back occasionally over the growing season.

HARVEST/STORAGE
· Save the nasturtium’s chick-pea-size seeds and replant them in the spring! Let the seeds dry out on the vine; they’ll fall off. Collect them, brush off the soil, dry them, and store them in a paper envelope in a cool and dark place.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/nasturtium-tropaeolum-majus/
Image via pixabay.com