The next meeting of the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners will be June 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Youngsville Extension Office.
All gardeners are encouraged to take advantage of the annual Master Gardeners Plant Sale to be held June 9, 9 a.m. to noon at Betts Park near the tennis court. An important advantage of this local plant sale is that all plants are grown locally and acclimated to our climate. This reduces the likeihood of climate shock, which occurs when plants are brought in from a nursery located in a different state or climate zone. This year, a garden flea market will take place in addition to the plant sale. You'll find gently-used garden art, tools, vases and other bargain-priced treasures.
The first Penn State Extension Master Gardeners spotlight at the Farmers Market will be June 16 and will feature Judy Kepple presenting "Composting" and Celia Knapp "Preparing Good Garden Soil."
On June 23, "Small Space Gardening" will be the topic, with presenters Denise Grant and Terry Darling. This youth-oriented spotlight will offer some fun hands-on fun. The Farmers Market is located at the Liberty Street Parking lot in Downtown Warren. All Master Gardeners and any garden enthusiast are encouraged to attend.
A garden tour will be held June 30 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Betts Demonstration Garden at Betts Park. While strolling through the gardens, a Penn Sate Extension Master Gardener will explain garden and plant history, various plantings and maintenance of the garden. The demonstration garden showcases wonderful garden arrangements and examples of flowers both annual and perennial. This year participants will also see several tomato plants and a blueberry bush amidst the flower beds.
There will be a contest for Master Gardeners who press wildflowers for the Aug. 4 spotlight at the Farmers Market. Details will be presented at the meeting.
There are a few tomato plants for Master Gardeners who would like to try growing an heirloom variety for our Tomato Tasting Spotlight on Sept. 1.
Marysue See is accepting garden and nature photographs from Master Gardeners for the 2012 garden journal calendar. Please bring your submissions to the meeting or call Marysue to make arrangements.
June Gardening Tips Planting Transplants
1.When you buy a plant, check its health and growing conditions. Will it require full sun, partial shade, wet or dry soil conditions? The answers will determine if the plant is suitable for your yard.
2.Look the plant over for broken stems and a healthy root system. If the plant has an insect problem or poor soil, select a different plant. Unhealthy plants can carry insects and disease, and possibly infect your established plants.
3.Check the soil and water the plant if the soil is dry.
4.Plant your new purchase as soon as possible. If the plant grew in a greenhouse, it may need to adjust to being in direct sunlight. Introduce the plant to sun one hour a day until the plant can handle its new outdoor environment. This gradual process will prevent the plant from suffering shock or the leaves from being burned from the sun.
5.Check the soil where you plan to plant. Is it healthy and rich in nutrients? The soil should drain well, have no peculiar smell, and hopefully have plentiful earthworms. Use a soil testing kit to improve your soil.
6.When planting, remove any damaged roots. Loosen the root ball and plant at the same depth that the plant was in the pot. If you plant it too deep or too shallow it will not flourish.
7.All plants will benefit from some type of fertilizer. Your local Extension Office has information at their office and on their Web site on plants, growing conditions and improving your garden soil.