TERMINOLOGY TURMOIL

Hi Everyone, Just before the rain, neighborhood discussions turned to crop harvesting. I asked if green onions had been harvested? The replies were surprising. Do you mean scallions? shallots? (of which I did not know have several varieties of their own) or welsh onions?Being diplomatic, I replied "Yes" to all of them. The discussion continued, no one really knew the differences. I volunteered to research the project at the library. "The Onion Book," (yes there is really one) said all the above are names for the green onion. Their favorite was the Welsh Onion. I relayed the info back to the group. They were not receptive to my discoveries. Each liked his own terminology the best. Before they could start arguing again, I asked, "How about those tomatoes?" A new discussion erupted. Who knew vegetables could be an explosive topic of conversation. Think about it! Peas please. Did you mean English or Snow? Vining or bush? Every veggie has a discussion of its own. Next time you are at a quiet party turn the conversation to veggies and let the fun begin .The May meeting of the St Tammany Master Gardeners was special. Mrs Fletcher and her son, Bobby Fletcher Jr, were on hand to present the three scholarships to the recipients. This is all thanks to your hard work at the plant show. Great job everyone. If anyone is interested in the scholarship committee, please let me know. There has been a change in our June meeting date. One week earlier. We will have guests to help us taste our tomatoes. I hope everyone will have at least one tomato ready. Salt, pepper, and mayonaise will be available upon request. Certificates will be awarded in several categories. I hope everyone is enjoying their gardens this summer. Please share your experiences by writing for the newsletter or speaking up at the meetings. Bring your successes as well as defeats for show and tell so we can all learn. Weeds needing to be identified should be brought in also. Crops including blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, potatoes , squashes, cucumbers, beans, and all summer crops are starting their summer debut. Bon Appetit! I hope some of our potluck dishes will come from our gardens. I have beans to pick so I will be back in the garden, aj

HOW TO AIR LAYER YOUR TOMATOES

AIR LAYERING YOUR FAVORITE TOMATO CAN EXTEND YOUR HARVEST. YOU WILL NEED SOME SPAGNUM PEAT MOSS, A PLASTIC BAG, TWIST TIES, AND ALUMINUM FOIL FIRST SELECT A SECTION THAT HAS AT LEAST TEN INCHES OF GROWTH. REMOVE ANY LEAVES AT THE LOWER PART OF THE TEN INCHES. SOAK THE SPAGNUM PEAT MOSS FOR AT LEAST AN HOUR BEFORE USING. WRAP A FOUR INCH COLUMN OF SPAGNUM PEAT MOSS AROUND THE TOMATO STEM. WRAP THE PLASTIC PRODUCE BAG AROUND THE PEAT MOSS SO THAT IT RETAINS MOISTURE..WRAP THE PLASTIC PRODUCE BAG IN FOIL SO THAT THE NEWLY FORMING ROOTS WILL NOT GET SCALDED. AFTER ABOUT TWO WEEKS CHECK THE PEAT FOR ROOTS. CUT BELOW THE PEAT WRAP WITH A SHARP KNIFE AND YOU WILL HAVE A CLONE OF THE ORIGINAL TOMATO PLANT. KEEP MOIST UNTIL THE PLANT BECOMES ESTABLISHED..

QUICK TIPS

SAVE SEEDS IN PAPER ENVELOPES. THIS WILL KEEP THE SEEDS FROM MOLDING.

Plant Sweet Basil for the Kitchen

SWEET BASIL (OCIMUM BASILICUM) ONE OF THE EASIEST TO GROW AND USE IS THE ANNUAL HERB KNOWN AS BASIL. IT HAS LONG BEEN USED A CULINARY HERB IN EUROPE. BASIL COMES IN MANY VARIETIES. THE LEAVES RANGE IN COLOR FROM LIGHT GREEN TO DARK PURPLE. IT IS THE LEAVES THAT ARE USED IN COOKING. BASIL IS EASILY GROWN FROM SEED THAT IS SOWN IN THE SPRING AFTER THE LAST FROSTS. IT PREFERS A SANDY LOAM SOIL RICH IN ORGANIC MATTER THAT DRAINS WELL., FULL SUN WITH SOME AFTERNOON SHADE WILL PROVIDE OPTIMUM GROWING CONDITIONS, TRANSPLANTS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL NURSERIES. THE FLAVORS OF BASIL ARE NUMEROUS. LEMON, CITRUS, ANISE AND REGULAR ARE THE MOST POPULAR. BASIL HAS VERY FEW PEST PROBLEMS. BASIL FLOWERS READILY AND THE FLOWER HEADS SHOULD BE REMOVED TO PROMOTE CONTINUED LEAF GROWTH. BASIL CAN BE USED FRESH OR COOKED. IT DOES NOT DRY WELL.. SALADS, PESTO, SAUCES, VINEGARS AND OILS ALL BENEFIT WITH THE ADDITION OF BASIL..

Paw-Paw Tree (Asimina triloba)

The Paw Paw tree, a large shrub to small tree, is in the custard apple family. It grows along stream banks and moist areas. Flowers, leaf buds and young twigs are covered with rust colored hairs. The large oblong leaves are a bright shade of green turning to a wonderful shade of yellow in the fall. Flowers are chocolate colored and bloom before the tree develops leaves in the spring. The fruit is edible. You will have a better chance of fruit if you plant more than one tree. The Paw Paw tree is a slow grower, likes a sunny location and grows well in southern climes.