What's Happening

September 2007

September - Hints of Autumn

'2006 Almanac Publishing Company'
www.farmersalmanac.com

Farmers' Almanac Timely Tip:

September is a good time to work on your lawn.
Get advice from your local agricultural extension office on the best grass and best time for planting.

Plant bulbs for spring flowering.
Watch for ants.

Enjoy FRESH HERBS Year-Round
While fresh herbs are the best to cook with, they're not always available. To preserve herbs for year-round use, you can easily dry or freeze them.

DRYING HERBS: To dry fresh herbs, simply tie a small bunch of herbs together at the stem and hang upside down from a wire or rack in a warm, dry room, and out of direct sunlight. Herbs should dry in 1 to 2 weeks.

Keep in mind that dried herbs are much stronger than fresh ones. You will need to determine the amounts when cooking with dried herbs. A good rule of thumb is to use 1/3 to 1/2 of the amount called for. Dried herbs also lose their flavor after one year.

For quicker dried herbs, you can use the oven or microwave. Spread the herbs out on a tray. Then place them tray in an oven set at 100 degrees F. Bake about 3 hours. Turn the herbs for even drying. For microwaves, use low power and heat for three minutes. Once the herbs are completely dried, store in clean glass jars with tight lids.

Good drying herbs include: bay leaves, tarragon, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and savory.

FREEZING HERBS: You can freeze herbs whole, chopped or even in ice cubes, especially if you plan on using the herb in a soup or stew.

Before placing your herbs in the freezer, be sure to wash and dry thoroughly. Store in airtight plastic bags or containers. Label the bags or containers with the type of herb and date.

Good herbs to freeze include: dill, parsley, chives, and mint.

(copyright 2006 Almanac Publishing Company)

September Newsletter - 'At the Garden Gate' (pdf file)
Mahaska County ISU Extension Service
Oskaloosa, IA

'At the Garden Gate'
September 2007 - Inside this Issue

Garden Calendar Available
Transplanting Jack in the Pulpit
Over-wintering Fuchsias
Revised Ground Ivy Control Recommendations
ISU Extension Publications of Interest
Gardening Guide
Goldenrod Falsely Accused
Fall Webworms
Upcoming Events

Master Gardener Mtg / Potluck / Garden Tours - September 10-2007

It was cold! It was wet! It got dark early! But - the Marion County Master Gardener potluck & garden tour was still fun! The food was wonderful & the gardens were beautiful after all our late summer rains. We met in the shelter house at the park across from Marilyn Van Wyk's house. We had a short mtg, ate fast, then toured Marilyn's gardens, Nancy Spoelstra's gardens, & Jim & Marlyn Ebber's gardens. It was nearly dark by the time we got to our third garden but they have lights strewn in the landscape.

We talked and walked, and listened and learned about all sorts of plants and things. I saw a real live Luffa Gourd Sponge plant. It was so fun! Made me want to try growing them next year.

Luffa Sponge Gourd

This was my first visit to Nancy's Gardens. I was impressed. She has a interesting home-made compost bin, intriguing garden art, fun edging ideas, & a fun little water feature. Her vegetable garden was really cool with a sort of terraced design.

Marilyn's garden I always love. There is something for everyone to like. Her water feature is just perfect and her koi fish are beautiful creatures.

Jim & Marlyn are such a good garden team. Their property boasts unusual trees, shrubs, & many rare plants. Some of Marlyn's house plants / annual plants are still from her grandmother making them so special. It was too dark to take pictures at their garden this time. One of their favorite trees is a Bald Cyprus commanding its space in the back yard. And Jim likes to talk about the huge gingko tree and how they control the smell & droppings.

Ginkgo

All in all, it was a very good time! We have new master gardeners have joined our group now too - so I'm also making new friends!

For more pictures see Slideshow: Master Gardener Meeting, September 2007