Today I enjoyed a delicious tin of Epicure organic Mung Beans which tasted delicious. Eventhough the beans are from a tin they are stored in unsalted water which must be good for the natural flavour of the beans. Of course when a gardener harvests their own vegetables they taste like nothing on this earth. However, a tin of organic mung beans is the closest any gardener will get to fresh, organic vegetables this time of year.
While listening to Country Mix radio station I heard an interesting interview with one of the people associated with The Organic Supermarket in Blackrock, South Dublin. I think this new shop came into being recently, as in three to four months ago. Check out their website which offers online shopping (they also deliver your purchases). Its a great concept and I wish them success.
Could any one tell me if there are other organic supermarkets located around Ireland.
And now click on the Channel4.com link to find out the 10 garden jobs to do in December. A very good gardening website. Please forward links to other excellent gardening websites and blogs.
The other evening I was asked by a work colleague about Marigold plants and what methods of cultivation are employed. Here are some interesting facts about the plant known as Marigold. Tagetes is a genus of 52 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family Asteraceae or Compositae). They are native to the area stretching from the southwestern United States into Mexico and south throughout South America. The different species vary in size from 0.05-2.2 m tall. They have pinnate green leaves, and white, golden, orange, yellow, to an almost red floral heads typically (0.1-) to 4-6 cm diameter, generally with both ray florets and disc florets. Uses and Breeding The foliage has a musky, pungent scent, though some later varieties have been bred to be scentless. It is said to deter some common insect pests (although it is recorded as a food plant for some Lepidopteralarvae including Dot Moth), as well as nematodes. Tagetes are hence often used in companion planting for tomato, eggplant, pepper, tobacco and potato. T. minutaTagetes are rich in the orange-yellow carotenoid lutein and as such extracts of T. erecta are used as a food colour (INS-Number E161b).(Khakibush or Huacatay), originally from South America, has been used as a source of essential oil for the perfume industry known as tagette, and as a flavourant in the food and tobacco industries in South Africa, where the species is also a useful pioneer plant in the reclamation of disturbed land. Some of the perennial species are deer-, rabbit-, rodent- and javalina-resistant. The petals of Tagetes are rich in the orange-yellow carotenoid lutein and as such extracts of T. erecta are used as a food colour (INS-Number E161b).
It can grow well in almost any sort of well drained soil but is best grown in partly sandy soil with good drainage. Although only hybrid varieties are used for cultivation, a good number of pure plantations are available. It is highly temperature resistant. Most varieties are seasonal and dry out after some good flowering phases.
Tagetes minuta or Mexican Marigold, a tall upright marigold plant with small flowers, is used as a culinary herb in Peru, Ecuador, and parts of Chile and Bolivia, where it is called by the Incan term huacatay. Huacatay paste is used to make the popular potato dish called ocopa. Having both "green" and "yellow/orange" notes, the taste and odor of fresh Tagetes minuta is like a mixture of sweet basil, tarragon, mint and citrus.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagetes]
Classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Asrerales Family: Calenduleae Genus: Calendula Scientific Name: Calendula officinalis Found In: Valley of Flowers, Ranthambore National Park
Other names : Caltha, Ganda, Gols bloom, Garden Marigold, Gold bloom, Holligold, Marybud, Pot Marigold are the other names used for the Marigold.
Description : It flowers from July to September. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs). It is hardy to zone 6 and is frost tender. The lower leaves are broad and spatula shaped. Upper leaves may be oblong, are smooth at the edges, and are arranged alternately along the stem. Seeds are crescent to horseshoe shaped with the rough exterior. Its branching stem grows to the height of 30- 60 cm.
Other Species : Calendula arvensis, Calendula bicolor, Calendula eckerleinii, Calendula lanzae, Calendula maderensis, Calendula maroccana, Calendula meuselii, Calendula stellata, Calendula suffruticosa, Calendula tripterocarpa, Calendula officinalis are some of the other species of Marigold.
Location : Marigold is cultivated throughout India. It is widely grown in the Valley of Flowers, Ranthambore National Park in India.
Cultivation : Marigold plant is propagated by the seeds. They are shown during the early spring. Marigold does not need cultivation but the soil should be free from the weeds. The seeds should be shown 2cm apart. Seeds should be planted in the sunny locations. Fertilizers should be added from time to time. They require damp to wet soil for the growth. The seeds are germinated in two to three weeks. It needs full sunlight for its growth.
Medicinal uses : Marigold is used for stomach upset, ulcers, menstrual period problems, eye infections, inflammations, and for wound healing. It is antiseptic. If the Marigold flower is rubbed on the affected part, it brings relief in pain and swelling caused by a wasp or bee. A lotion made from the flowers is most useful for sprains and wounds and a water distilled from them is good the sore eyes. The infusion of the freshly gathered flowers is beneficial in fever. Marigold flowers are mostly in demand foe children ailment. Externally it is used in the treatment of alopecia. Internally it is used to treat bladder and kidney problems, blood in the urine, uterine bleeding and many more.
Other uses : Bright yellow and orange Marigold flowers are used to make garlands. They are even used to decorate the religious places. The leaves of its flowers are used as salads. Yellow dye has also been extracted from the flower, by boiling. The burning herb repels insects and flies. Pigments in the Marigold are sometimes extracted and used as the food colouring for humans and livestock.
Cultural Importance : It is offered to the god and Goddess on the Durga Puja. [http://www.ecoindia.com/flora/flowers/marigold-plant.html]
Further information about Marigold plants:
Explore what Graham Rice has to say about marigold plant Trials at RHS Wisley garden in Surrey, England.
Culture Sheet dot Org has practical information about numerous plants including marigold.
For any body interested in the flora and fauna of India then explore the Wikipedia online encyclopedia. Only yesterday I read an article in the Irish Times newspaper about how the Indian Ocean influences the climate of the entire Asian subcontinent, even as far away as Australia. Farmers in Australia are now making use of weather data gathered from RAMA. The following article from Scientific American demonstrates how the Indian Ocean weather data is being utilized:
"Data from the network, called the research moored array for African-Asian-Australian monsoon analysis and prediction (RAMA), would also help scientists better predict the impacts of phenomena such as the Indian Ocean Dipole, a fluctuation in ocean surface temperatures.
When it is in a negative phase, it creates cool water west of Australia and warm Timor Sea water to the north. In a positive phase, the pattern of Indian Ocean temperatures is reversed, weakening the winds and reducing the amount of moisture picked up and transported across Australia.
Australian farmers were already using forecasting data about the dipole to plan their cropping."
Scientific American, (Editing by David Fox), May 6, 2009
Amazing how such a body of warm water can have a such a far reaching impact.
Here is the update to Gardener's Question Time from last Sunday's programme.
Two standard Bay trees which are growing in containers the leaves of which are turning brown. Possible causes could be cold easterly winds and water logging of the containers. For container grown bay trees the compost should be kept reasonably dry. It’s advisable to check the container drainage holes which might be blocked with debris. It’s best to pull the tree out of the container to ascertain this fact.
Also why do bay tree leaves which have turned brown tend not to fall off the branches? This fact is also noticeable with beech tree leaves which cling on for dear life even though they have turned brown during autumn. The reason for this is that the branches and stems are still alive which tend to cling onto the dead leaves.
Rosemary can be used to replace a lavender hedge or border over the years has become woody. Lavender becomes very woody in its stems and branches after a period of five to ten years.
A Smoke tree – Cotinus coggyria about nine feet high which is a good height for this tree, has split at the bottom of the trunk. At the end of March next year prune the tree back hard. Remember the Smoke tree is short lived and might not survive hard pruning, but it is worth a try. (Bob Flowerdew).
Club root disease can survive in the soil for up to twenty years. The pathogen ( ) will cling to any plant debris of soil organisms in an attempt to survive. Club root dislikes good drainage so grow brassicas on ridges of soil or raised beds. Increase pH by making the soil more acidic. Sow green manure such as mustard and when up plough the crop into the soil. This method will weaken the club root pathogen. However, this process takes from five to seven years to seven years to be effective. (B.F).
A lady lives in a flat and has a small garden. What plants can she grow which will encourage beneficial insects and wildlife to come and live in her garden? Plant red currants, cherries, strawberries, coriander and Limnanthes (Poached egg plant) which will attract both beneficial and pollinating insects into the garden. Also place a little pile of sticks or logs in the corner of the garden which will encourage insects and birds to forage.
What is the best way to cultivate Clematis armandii? Before cultivating dig in plenty of well rotted compost of farm yard manure (FYM). Place old tiles loosely around the base of the plant which will keep the roots cool and moist.
Now some information about Beetroot { Beta vulgaris }
Beetroot probably originated in West Asia and the Mediterraneanand has been used as a vegetable since early Classical times. Originally beetroot appears to have been prized for its leaves, the roots being 'discovered' much later towards the end of the Middle Ages. As with many vegetables, in early times beetroot's ‘medicinal’ properties were more important than its eating qualities. http://www.lovebeetroot.co.uk/
How to cultivate Beetroot: Prepare soil for sowing by digging. Remove weeds, large stones and rake to leave a fine finish. Seed can be sown directly into the soil from April to July. Make a 2cm (0.75in) deep trench with a cane and drop in two seeds every 10cm (4in). Cover, water and label. Thin out seedlings when 2cm (0.75in) tall, leaving one every 10cm (4in). Keep well watered and remove weeds from bed. Depending on variety, harvest roots 90 days after sowing, when they're between the size of a golf ball and a tennis ball. If you have a tiny garden, beetroot are easy to grow in pots.
Information about beetroot http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/
BBC Radio 4, GQT: Programme broadcast from 'The Potting Shed.'
Today the panel of expert gardeners were in the potting shed answering questions about the following plant related questions.
Ailing box hedge, the top of the plants leaves are going brown. Box blight was ruled out due to the following possible causes of plant damage. There is a path of concrete slabs beside the plants; water leaching from materials in the slabs could damage plant roots. Also path weed killer which is harsh and long lasting might have been used on the broadleaved weeds in the lawn and on the path itself; the residue from this persistent herbicide would cause damage to the plant roots, hence the uppermost plant leaves turning brown. Another reason could be soil compaction near the paving slabs which would constrict plant roots resulting in poor root development out into the soil and reduced ability of roots to absorb water and minerals from the soil.
What type of plants could be grown near the base of a domestic house furnace vent? Realize that this vent will be emitting heat and gas vapours which could damage plant foliage so care should be exercised when choosing and planting suitable plants. Phlomis fructicosa, Cytisus and Lavender are all Mediterranean plants that like sun and heat which could be grown in this situation. These plants are low-growing, but should be trimmed occasionally to prevent them blocking the furnace vent.
’More is less’ is an old gardening maxim that still applies today when planting a mixture of plants.
Alan Titchmarsh has a new soft back book about garden design (2009) which is available at Eason Bookstores nation wide. It can also be purchased online at www.amazon.co.uk and www.booksunlimited.ie
Yucca which has over the years grown to be a large tree reaching up to the height of upper window of a two storey house. What should be done to remove the tree which is blocking light entering the windows? The panel were of the opinion that this overgrown tree was in fact a Cordyline as it would be rare for a yucca to reach such a height. Note that the flowers of cordyline are very attractive to pollinating insects which is a good thing. Yucca produces knobbly roots which can be cut off and potted up. After about two years these roots will produce new plants. In the case of Cordyline, the tree can be cut right back to ground level which will ensure that it re-grows. Obviously it will take several years before it reaches the height of a two storey house. If the tree must be totally removed then it is best to employ the services of a qualified tree surgeon who will safely remove the tree and its roots.
Can asparagus be grown in containers? Container grown asparagus will not produce much of a crop due to the small amount of root space. A better planting option would be raised beds which will retain a certain amount of moisture and the plant roots can spread out into the soil. In a field in England asparagus roots have been found growing up to thirty feet in either direction of the main plant. The reason for this is that asparagus plants need room for their roots to spread allowing absorption of water and nutrients which are required to generate energy to produce numerous asparagus tips. Bob Flowerdew recommended ‘Gjnail’ which is a good Dutch variety of Asparagus.
The following plant topics were also discussed:
Pampas Grass which has stopped producing its fluffy white flowers
Pyracantha scab – what treatment is necessary?
Supermarket herbs are forced and will not re-grow
Sow vegetables from seed now! Full moon means that growth of seed will be extra good – Bob Flowerdew
http://www.wateronceaweek.blogspot.com/ an interesting Canadian gardening blog
A very helpful site all about growing vegetables for the your family:
I will expand these points in the next blog post. Until then enjoy your garden even if it’s a humble window box or just two or three plant containers. Remember the old gardening maxim “More is less”.
