Gardening By Osmosis

It was great if you fertilized your lawn before the rain, If not, after mowing, September is still a good time to apply a low release fertilizer before your lawn settles in for winter dormancy.

It amazes me to see how resilient my lawn is after heat stress and neglect. Even so, I am considering replacing more of my mower-needy green turf with more eco-friendly varieties.

Yes, I know rabbits are fond of clover, but White Dutch Clover is an excellent alternative green ground cover. The leguminous plants fix and supply nitrogen to the soil as opposed to some grass varies that simply use up this element. Also the blossoms of the clover are excellent sources of pollen and nectar for honeybees and other pollinators. Clover doesn't mind competing with other species and soon makes an interesting texture in the lawn. Plus you never know when you will find a four-leaved clover and all the good luck it will bring.

As I survey the damage done to my perennial and annual flower beds from recently displaced wildlife from the wildfires in our nearby forests, I have a new plan.

The deer chomped off the tops of all my fluffy asters, and ate all the leaves of the hostas. The rabbits and squirrels nibbled on the petals of the impatiens and petunias, hardy geraniums, and I’m not sure who ate the cosmos but a young moose has been snooping around lately.

Nobody was interested in the guara, agastasche, rudbeckia, Russian sage, iris, peonies, gaillardia, echinacea or yarrow, yet.

I will distribute these plants more artfully in my garden and maybe I will get a dog!

I was delighted the other afternoon as I sat on my deck and realized I was not swatting mosquitoes or yellow jackets. Hopefully, the hot temperatures had dried up they're breeding places.

Mosquitoes are of the Diptera order of insects. Their mouth parts contain piercing apparatus and they undergo complete metamorphosis. The larval stage is always associated with water, usually stagnant or pools that do not drain readily. By eliminating breeding opportunities such as puddles, old tires, or any container that collects water for long periods of time, mosquitoes can be somewhat controlled. They also breed in long, tall, lush grass. Even discarded plastic that collects water can be a breeding place for mosquitoes. They are not fussy about this activity.

When working near or where mosquitoes are present it is advisable to use repellants that contain diethyltoluamide, known as DEET, on skin and clothing. Always read the directions for use on the label. Citronella plants or citronella volatilized in candles may offer short term relief however its use as a repellent is questioned.

There are products available for mosquito control which include Larvacides and Adulticides that must be applied by commercial applicators.

Yellow jackets, Vespidae, seem to prefer to build their nests in or near the eaves of my house. After removing the nests with hornet and wasp killer and water, when the hornets were dormant, I felt bad.

So I cut up an overripe watermelon and some raw hamburger and offered the banquet about sixty feet from my deck.

The next day the surviving yellow jackets were ecstatic. They were so busy with the red fruit and meat they could have cared less about harassing me. When I last checked most of the insects had gorged themselves to death. I guess they had no Queen to tell them when to quit!

Though the delicacies at Farmer’s Markets may seem a little pricy, the freshness and bounty far out way the cost of trying to produce the many varieties available from local venders. These growers spend hours growing and preparing their fruit and vegetables for purchase and consumption. It is always a good family outing as well and what better way to teach your children about good nutrition than to have them select food for their family’s table.

This summer I discovered unusual varieties at the Liberty Lake Farmer’s Market. The Bronze Torch tomato melts in my mouth, rainbow colors of carrots and a new variety of Green Patti-Pan squash add delicious flavors to stir fry and soups. And I am definitely a fan of the sweet, mild flavored favorite, Canary Melon.

There will be a few more weekends for Farmer’s Markets in our area so enjoy the outdoor shopping and nostalgic environment.

Margaret Swenson is a Spokane County Master Gardener. More information can be found by calling 509-477-2181