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Stink Bugs

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is a new pest threatening Ontario.
Read all about it on the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs website.
The Master Gardeners of Ontario are asking for everyone to be on the alert and report sightings on the Master Gardeners of Ontario website.

“Starting From Seed”

“STARTING FROM SEED”

Written by our own resident expert Peter Calvert

It is best to use a plant tray with cell pack inserts and clear plastic top.   Although there are many kinds of soil mix for starting seeds, the best and easiest to work with is “Pro Mix BX”.  In using Pro Mix, use a starting fertilizer with a reading approx 10(N) 52(P)10(K) at 1/4 normal strength and dilute in water.  In a container, mix Pro Mix with enough fertilized water to make it moist but not wet.   Fill the cell pack inserts with the damp Pro Mix and level evenly: do tamp this lightly especially around the perimeter.  Sow the seed according to the instructions on the seed package.  Sow thinly (a ( 3×4 ½”) insert should only have about 50 seeds).   It is most important to take time to see that you space seeds evenly.  Some small seeds like petunias or begonias are difficult to sow but many seed companies sell pelletized seed and these are well worth the extra price.

Put the seeded insert in 1/4″ fertilized water to let the water percolate up.  As soon as the water starts to show on the top remove and place in the tray with the clear plastic cover and place in light.  Most seeds germinate best at temperature of 80F.  A small thermometer in the tray will assist you in this. The heat can be attained with a heating pad or any other method that will ensure the proper temperature. The seeds need 15 hours of light.  If you use fluorescent lights, the tubes should 7-9″ above the seed insert.  You should not need to add water until after you remove the germinating seeds.  When the seeds germinate and a third leaf is showing, remove the clear plastic cover and grow the plants at a cooler temp. 60-65F.   A fan will also help to circulate the air which will help eliminate disease.  When the seedlings are about 3-4 weeks old, it is time to transplant to individual containers or cell pack inserts.   Stokes Seeds has the best instructions on the seed packages.

The following chart will give you a time guide to help:

Variety Start Date Germ. Temp. Germ.Time Seedling Temp Transplant Bloom
Petunia March 25 80 F 7 days 65 F April 15 June 1
Bergenia March 25 80 F 16 days 65 F April 25 June 15
Snap Dragon April  1 75 F 8 days 65 F April 20 May 25
Salvia March 25 75 F 7 days 65 F April 15 June 10
Impatiens (temp.critical) April 5 70 – 73F 6 days 65 F April 25 June
Calendula April  5 70 F 9-13 days 65 F April 25 May 25
Alyssum April 10 75 F 6 days 65 F May 1 May 5
Marigold April 15 80 F 4 days 65 F May 1 May 25
Celosia May 1 80 F 4 days 70 F May 25 June 10
Coleus April 15 75 F 7 days 65 F May 20 Foliage
Vinca April 10 80 F 6 days 65 F May 10 June 10
Zinnia May 1 80 F 5 days 70 F May 20 June 20
Tomatoes April 25 80 F 8 days 65 F May 5 Outside May 25
Peppers April 5 75 F 7 days 65 F April 20 June 15
Cucumbers May 7 70 F 5 days 70 F May 15 June 1

Young plants must receive lots of light and cool temperatures to prevent them from getting too tall and falling over.   When the weather gets warm in April , place outside on warm days and bring in at night.  Water only when soil appears to be drying.  Fertilize with a water soluble fertilizer, every two weeks, with equal parts N.K.P.   All plants must be hardened outside before planting in the garden.   If you are using a cold frame, plant about 1 week earlier than above.

 

 

Rose and Flower Show 2011

Rose & Flower Show “BON APPETIT” WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2011

(Show convenors –  Audrey Wilson and Stan Campion-Smith)

Trophy Winners: Best Rose in the Show – Sarah Kelly, Best Large Flowered Rose – George Rae,  Best Clustered Flowered Rose – Sarah Kelly,  Best Climbing Rose – Ruth Kristoff,  Best Miniature Rose – George Rae,  Best Antique Rose – Sarah Kelly,  Best Shrub Rose –  Roland Craig,  Best Overall in Design – Irina Code,  Highest Points in Design – Irina Code,  Highest Points IN Cut Flowers – Eve Norman-Vestergaard,  Highest Points in the Show – Sarah Kelly,  Highest Points for Roses entered by a Novice – Barbara Homes.

Best In Show and Best Antique Rose – Sarah Kelly

Best Large Flowered Rose – George Rae

"A La Carte" - A Hogarth Curve“A La Carte” – A Hogarth Curve by Irina Code

A basket/pot of edible flowers/plants in or out of pots – Sarah Kelly

Childrens Design Class: “Spaghetti & Meatballs” – Owen Wilson

“The Perfect Pair” – A Satellite design – Betty Lou Simpson

Dressed for Dinner - a black & white design - Irina Code
“Dressed for Dinner” – A black & White design – Irina Code

"A Green Salad" - An all foliage design - Mary Lou Purcell“A Green Salad” – An All foliage design – Mary Lou Purcell

"A Fruit Cocktail" - A Modern Mass - Irina Code
“A Fruit Cocktail” – A Modern Mass – Irina Code

"Bon Appetit" - Exibition Table Setting for one - Win Jette“Bon Appetit” – An Exhibition Table Setting – Win Jette

FOR SALE – gardening items

Recycle those unwanted but still useful gardening items.
Send us the information and we will post it here. Your name, phone #, or email address, item description and price of item.
Email info to: inquire@lambethhort.com
No charge for submitting your item for sale if you are a member of the Lambeth Horticultural Society.
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Links

Canadian Poisonous Plants
Royal Botanical Gardens
City of London, Ontario (Parks & Gardens)
Ontario Horticultural Association
Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affair
Friends of the London Civic Garden Complex
Nature London (formerly McIlwraith Field Naturalists of London)
Garden Club of London

London Middlesex Master Gardeners
Reforest London

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