It smells like spring....

This spring I am trying new things--personally and professionally. But today I was reminded of the smell of spring. Driving home this evening I smelled a lot of grass with a hint (okay, more than a hint) of onion. So today's topic is the smell of spring, specifically the smell (and management) of wild onion and wild garlic.

Now some people really hate wild onion and wild garlic. As for me, I don't mind it. To me it makes the world smell like a really big salad. But for those of you who just can't stand it here are some fun facts to make your management of this weed a little bit easier.

For starters, most of what you call wild onion is actually wild garlic (Allium vineale) and is a cool season bulb. There is no preemergent control and post-emergent control is done chemically. For those who would rather not spray, mowing will help weaken the plant but may not actually ever kill it. Take heart though, since it is a cool season plant it's day in the yard is short and usually does not last through April. The University of Tennessee Extension has a great publication on wild garlic if you are interested in reading about this edible weed by following this link: http://www.tennesseeturfgrassweeds.org/admin/Lists/Fact%20Sheets/Attachments/7/W212_wildgarlic.pdf

So many great things are getting ready to happen in April. The Garden Party is April 10th at the Extension Office, a Garden Photography class, and a New Gardener series. And for those who want more detail, we are already signing up people for the Master Gardener Class this fall.

So for now, let me wish you all a Happy Easter weekend and here's to nice spring weather!

Hooray!

I found out last week I have a reader! Now, normal people wouldn't be so excited about 1 reader, but that's what Extension does--we sometime educate one person at a time. Last week I had thought I might quit doing the blog, but thanks to my one reader I think I'll keep trying.

So for today folks I just want to invite everyone to become a fan on Facebook. My FB page is UK Cooperative Extension--Warren County Horticulture. I keep that site pretty up to date on what's going on plus post pictures from programs that I do. Stop by and say hi!

I'm off to take a group of agents to a local, sustainable and organic farm that already has produce to sell. This is probably my favorite thing to do, showing off what others are doing really well.

Cheers & get gardening!

Welcome Spring!

Spring is generally my busiest time of year--so I can definitely say spring is in the air. Phone calls have increased and yesterday I diagnosed a very cool case of crown gall on a euonymus. I say cool because I have a plant pathology background and we find weird things on plants cool. In reality it is a bacteria that makes this brainy gall on the plant, is highly infectious to other plants, and can only be destroyed effectively by burning what you prune off. Never fear, it won't kill your plants immediately and only effects certain types of plants. However, there is not a lot you can do other than prune out infected material, sanitize your clippers with alcohol, and burn the cuttings. The picture is from Ohio State University Extension--I still say it looks cool.

Here's my second question--is anyone out there reading this??? I'll keep writing until I hear....