Peterborough & Area Master Gardeners

Q: Are there herbs for moist areas?
A: Bergamot (Bee Balm or Monarda), mint, angelica, comfrey and lovage

Q: What herbs can I start from seed?
A: Annuals: Dill, anise, basil, coriander/cilantro, fennel, pot marigolds and chervil Perennials: English thyme, lovage, winter savory, hyssop and sweet cicely. Be sure to read the seed package as some have special growing needs.

Q: Do you have advice on harvesting, freezing and drying herbs?
A: Harvest herbs in mid-morning after the dew has dried. Their essential oils (flavour) are the strongest just before flowering. Wash, dry well and place in a resealable bag. Or, chop, add water to make a thick puree, pour in ice cube trays, freeze and label (1 cube = 1 tbsp.). To dry: Use a dark/low light and a well ventilated area. Long stemmed: tie 4-6 stems/bunches together and hang upside down. Short stemmed/heavy-leafed: set out individually on screens. Seed heads: hang upside down in paper bags (which has air holes punched into it). Herbs are dry when the leaves are crisp to the touch and/or the seeds are brown and drop easily from the head. To store: Store as whole as possible to preserve essential oils until used. Use dark glass containers and be sure the storage area is cool, dark and dry. Check periodically to ensure no mold has set in.

Q: What are a good, organic methods of getting rid of pests?
A: A tried and true method is to attract natural predators such as birds, frogs and toads. Bushes for shelter, water, bird feed, plants that attract insect predators all will aid in keeping a healthy balance. Here is some general pest deterrent recipes: Cats:Mix 2 parts cayenne + 3 parts dry mustard + 5 parts flour in enough water to use as a spray on visited areas. Drop citrus peels in favourite places as cats don't like the smell. Squirrels: In a spray bottle, mix V2 OZ of Tabasco sauce, 1 tsp. Chili powder, dash of dish soap and 1 Pt. Water. Spray where needed. Or, sprinkle bloodmeal around the plants to keep squirrels at bay. A good general spray recipe: Put 6 rhubarb leaves in 2-3 quarts of boiling water. Remove from heat and allow to steep for 24 hours. Strain and use in spray bottle. Or, combine 1 garlic bulb, one litre water, 1 small onion, 1 tsp dish soap, strain and use in spray bottle. Both recipes will keep for one week. (Please be careful when choosing to use cayenne or Tabasco - they can cause eye irritation for the furry pests). Earwigs: A good homemade trap is made by placing pieces of corrugated cardboard or hosepipe in the garden. Earwigs like to have a place to hide and will crawl inside any dark, hollow shelter in the evening. After a few days, take the trap and discard by drowning. Mildew: mix 1 teaspoon soapflakes with 1 litre of water. Use as a spray to infected plants. Mildew is generally an aesthetic problem. Slugs and Snails: mix 1 tablespoon powdered alum (available from the drug store) with 1 litre of water. Spray this directly on infected plants (or down the centre of Hostas to prevent them setting up housekeeping there!). Epsom Salts will work in the same way.

Q: How do I control Black Knot on Plum/Cherry Trees?
A: Black knot is a large gall, usually sausage-shaped, brown turning to black fruiting bodies, which develops on shoots and branches. Pruning in fall when new galls are visible. Or, if fruiting bodies are already present, spray with lime sulphur (at low summer rate) as buds are opening to prevent spreading.

Q: How do I control maple Bladder Gall on red maples?
A: Mite causes small bladders, spindle-shaped swellings, or crimson galls on maple leaves. Overwinters on bark and buds and then feeds on the buds as they open, forming galls on developing leaves. The mites live in these galls and multiply over the season. In early spring, spray with Dormant Oil and Lime Sulphur to control the emerging mites. The lower branches are the ones mainly infected so spraying is relatively easy.

Q: What does magnesium deficiency look like and how do I correct it?
A: Shows up as leaf discolouration (yellow, occasionally red or brown). Found between leaf veins causing early leaf drop. Affects wide varieties of in/outdoor plants especially container plants. Its caused by acidic soils and heavy watering, leaches (washes) out magnesium and potassium levels. In fall, add dry Epsom Salts to soil - 1 oz/1O sq. ft.. Foliar Spray - 7-1/2 oz. Epsom Salts/2-l/2 gallon water (add a non-detergent dishwashing liquid to help it adhere).

Q: How do I control Black Spot on roses?
A: Black Spot results in reddish to black spots on rose leaves, later turning to yellow and dropping off. Black Spot spreads in spring before you can see it. Clean up all foliage, especially in the fall. DO NOT compost this material. If mulched, add new layer in spring after hilled soil leveled. Spray weekly from first leaf opening until mid-June with Funginex then periodically throughout the season. Funginex also helps prevent Powdery Mildew. Always ensure good air circulation. Never put infected plants into the garden. HINT: Plant Chives with Roses to Help deter Black Spot.

Q: What do grapes require?

A: They need a well-drained area that receives a minimum of half a day's light. Full sun is preferential. They also require regular and proper pruning.

Q: There are still some unripened tomatoes on the vine in the fall. Will this fruit ripen if I pick it?

A: This fruit will ripen if you follow a few guidelines. First, it is very important to pick this fruit before the temperature becomes too cool (at the bright green stage and when temperature is approximately 50 degrees F).