Do Your Vegetables Have Friends and Enemies - Kansas City Master Gardener

1. Vol. 33, Issue 1 A quarterly publication of K.C. Area Master Gardeners January 2007
The BACK FENCE
Check out the local MG website: www.muextension.missouri.edu/gkcmg/
Toad lilies
by Terrence Thompson, MG Intern of 2006
Editor’s Note: This is the Class the juice from the flowers and leaves
2006 First Place paper on their hands helps in catching
frogs by attracting them and making
I
discovered toad lilies when I them less slippery. So that gives the
spotted an advertisement in plant a practical side if you need to
a garden magazine. Toad lil- catch some frogs in your garden.
Give me odorous at ies were described as exotic plants Toad lilies are in the Tricrytis
sunrise a garden of with small orchid-like flowers that genus with the formosana, hirta
beautiful flowers where liked shade and bloomed late. The and macropoda species most often
photo showed gracefully arching offered for sale. Hybrids or cultivars
I can walk undisturbed. leafy stems with lovely flowers cov- of these three species make up most
—Walt Whitman ering the length of the stems. I was of what is generally in cultivation
hooked. I knew I had to get toadies in the United States. Toad lilies are
for my shady garden. I loved the natives of the eastern Himalayas of
funny name and I was frustrated try- Nepal and China and extend their
In this issue ing to find plants that bloomed late range from Japan and south to
in the season in my shady garden. Taiwan and the Philippines. They
That was about six years ago. are very popular in Japan where
Toad liies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Since then I have planted more than many variegated sports have been
40 toad lily plants representing more discovered. They are rhizomatous
Along the alley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 than 18 various species, hybrids and die back in the winter.
and varieties. I love their first burst I started out buying a half dozen
Soil management and of flowers, some as early as August hirta species plants by mail order.
remediation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 when few other things are bloom- The hirta species grows about two
ing, and I love that some are still feet tall and produces a clump of
The only national botanical blooming when the first hard frost arching stems that develop dozens
garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 hits, sometimes as late as November. of flowers along the length of each
They look wonderful with the two stem. That was what I saw adver-
Editor's note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 other perennials that bloom late in tised in the magazine.
my garden, monkshood (Aconitum Toad lily flowers are small, no
Meet the regulars of the fischeri) and white snakeroot bigger than shirt buttons, and come
Back Fence team . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 (Eupatorium rugusa). in a wide variety of colors rang-
According to Allan Armitage in ing from white and to very dark
Do your vegetables have Herbaceous Perennial Plants, toad purple. Many flowers show a white
friends and enemies? . . . . . . . . . . 13 lilies get their name from a tribe in background heavily spotted with
the Philippines that believes rubbing Toad lilies continued on page 2

2. Toad ilies continued from page 1 dozen varieties of astilbe in my shady of the day and maybe some full sun
various shades of blue to purple such garden (which also require lots of for a couple of hours in the morn-
as shown by the formosana and hirta water) I have laced hundreds of feet ing. If they are placed in too dark of a
species. Some hybrids and cultivars of soaker hose throughout my garden spot they may grow and even bloom
show flowers that are white with a to help meet moisture needs. but they will not flourish. If you plant
darker shading of blue or pink along Toad lilies are not without their some of the new variegated types
the flower edge along with these problems, though. Although I have the variegation will not show much
spots. There are also pure white flow- found them to be generally not both- unless they are placed where they can
ered varieties and some that just have ered by insects, rabbits or deer, some get some full sun for a while in the
a slight blush of color along the edge varieties seem to be more susceptible morning.
of white flowers. to fungus disease than others. The The variegated cultivators generally
The small flowers demand that fungus attacks the leaves, generally can be disappointing if you expect to
toad lilies be planted in the front of from the bottom, turning the leaves see prominent marking on the leaves.
the garden or close to a path so they yellow and later brown. Generally they show some subtle
can be seen close up. At the back of Because the fungus attacks at the white along the edge of the leaves.
this essay are close-up photos (taken bottom first, it makes me think that Two of the better variegated cultivars
by myself) of various toad lily flowers the problem is related to dampness in my experience are the ‘Guilt Edge’
that have bloomed in my garden. from morning dew and lack of air cir- and ‘Samurai’. They do not grow as
The hirta species are showy when culation to dry the moisture quickly. tall as some of the formosana spe-
then are covered with flowers along A regular dousing with a good fun- cies and make lovely specimen plants
the stem but generally bloom only a gicide helps as does pulling off the when tucked in along the edges of
couple of weeks. The formosana and diseased leaves and discarding them the garden. A new cultivar offered
macropoda species and their hybrids someplace away from the garden. I this year called ‘Guilty Pleasure’ was
and cultivars produce flowers in have had the worst problems with advertised as having leaves that came
bracts at the end of the stem instead a hybrid called ‘Blue Wonder’ but out lime green in color and turned
of along the entire stem. They do not some degree of the problem has been to “gold” as the season progressed. In
show as many flowers at the same shown by most plants. Mostly it just my garden the leaves on this cultivar
time as the hirta type but will keep affects the look of the plant. However, just stayed lime green the entire sum-
on producing flowers at their tip ends smaller, newly planted young plants mer. The leaves are much lighter in
for many weeks. are susceptible to being completely color than the other toadies I have in
After that first mail ordered pur- defoliated by the fungus if they are the garden, so I am satisfied with that.
chase I later found a good source not treated. One of the real benefits of the
for toadies much closer to home, My toadies didn’t like the extreme named cultivars is that many do not
Longview Gardens and Suburban heat we got in August this year when get as tall as the normal species. The
Gardens in our area. At these stores the temperatures hovered around formosana species get about three feet
I have found a wide selection of 100 degrees for almost two weeks. tall in dappled sun and as tall as four
hybrids and cultivars of toad lilies, They didn’t wilt but they apparently feet in places where they get full sun
some blooming along their stems like stopped growing during this heat in early morning. So the shorter varie-
the hirta species and others blooming wave because some bloomed much gated cultivars are perfect for planting
at their tips like the formosana and later than they normally do. That later in front of the taller species.
macropoda species. blooming combined with the early When you are shopping for toad
No matter what type of “toady” frost nip we received in mid-October lilies be sure to check if they are
you pick they all prefer well-drained put a premature end to a flowering hardy to Zone 5 or below. One of
woodland soil with lots of organic stand of formosana along the lower my favorite toadies is Tricyrtis for-
material. They also like to be con- edge of my garden where the frost hit mosana ‘Amethystina’. It has drop
stantly moist, which can be a chal- the worse. dead gorgeous flowers tipped with
lenge in the often hot, dry summers Although toadies are advertised to dark blue on the petal ends with
of our area. I mulch my entire garden grow and bloom well in shade, as we light blue spots on a white back-
heavily in the winter with cotton burr all know there are various types of ground through the remainder of the
compost, which all my shady plants shade. Plant them where they get at white flower. It starts blooming in
seem to love. Since I also grow a least some dappled sun during parts Toad lilies continued on page 3
The Back fence January 2007

3. Toad ilies continued from page 2 habits, winter hardiness and disease
mid July and continues to bloom into resistance. Flower production on the
fall. Unfortunately it’s a Zone 7 plant other toad lilies was usually low at
and won’t survive most winters here. peak bloom, but extended flowering
A small garden center close to my periods of six to 10 weeks were not
house used to offer these plants in uncommon.”
July. I would treat them as annuals by Schmidt’s book An Encyclopedia of
putting some in pots on both sides of Shady Perennials mentions some toad-
the shady bench in my garden. That ies produce yellow flowers, the flava
way I can enjoy the flowers up close and oshumiensis species and a cultivar
when I sit on my shady bench after- named ‘Amanagawa’. I think I want
Dark Beauty
noons reading a novel, something I some of those plants. The problem,
do most summer days after the gar- however, is there are just too many
dening is done. kinds of toadies and my garden is get-
Beside the Armitage book, another ting too full to plant them all. But I
good book is that covers toad lilies is can try, can’t I?
W. George Schmidt’s An Encyclopedia
of Shady Perennials. There also is Bibliography
excellent information about toad lil- Books
ies on the Internet. Two webs are the Armitage, Allan M. Armitage’s
Suite 101 at http://www.suite101. Garden Perennials. Portland, Oregon:
com/article.cfm/701/29595, and the Timber Press Inc., 2000
Chicago Botanical Garden website at Schmid, W. George An
Encyclopedia of Shade Perennials. Amethystina
http://www.chicago-botanic.org/pr/
press_releases/tricyrtis.html. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press Inc.,
The Chicago Botanical Garden 2002
information is particularly good Chattao, Beth Beth Chatto’s
because the garden has run 10-year- Woodland Garden. London: The
long tests on which toad lilies did the Octopus Publishing Group, 2002
best in the Midwest. “Toad lilies are Cramer, Harriet L. The Shadier
noteworthy perennials for their late- Garden. New York: Crescent Books,
season flowers, and with few excep- 1997
tions are superb garden plants for the Primary Source
Midwest,” the report said. “Excellent Personal experence of growing toad
ratings were given to Tricyrtis formo- lilies in my own garden.
sana and T. hirta ‘Miyazaki’ because Web Pages
As cited in the text. Miyazaki
of their superior floral displays, robust
Tojen
http://www.zetnet.co.uk/~pm/photos/
January 2007 The Back fence

4. from Oklahoma, Terrence found the stapled with plastic and covered with
most useful part of Level I training to an old quilt in severe weather. In
be “What grows best in the KC area.” summer, his Brandywine tomatoes
Since Suzanne Minner moved to did especially well mulched with
Lee’s Summit from Johnson County newspaper and grass clippings, and
about three years ago, her garden’s his okra (planted for the first time)
been “evolving” and “expanding” in produced “far more than I knew what
her newly built house. “Next year, to do with.” He had plenty to freeze
it will stretch the width of the back- for winter soup. Not so successfully,
by Joanne Couture, Class of ‘91 yard.” Roses, her favorite, have been Bob moved sixty raspberry plants that
Play Garden Jeopardy: This Old doing well. Best performers: the his late mother-in-law had raised but
English suffix (ending) of many plants’ popular floribunda ‘Knockout’ and summer’s hot, dry weather “took its
names originally meant “root,” and the All-American ‘Honey Perfume,’ toll.” Now he’s going to order about
generally designated herbs that had a well-branched floribunda with thirty of the new black raspberries his
medicinal uses. What is...? (Solution at apricot yellow blooms and spicy fra- neighbor introduced him to, and use
end of article) grance. She also likes David Austin’s “soaker buckets:” four- to-six-gallon
‘Noble Anthony’ (pink) and ‘Tamora’ buckets with a one-eighth-inch hole
Meet Some of the Class of 2006
(a soft apricot/yellow/pink). Suzanne punched in the lowest side . . . a trick
Terrence Thompson has not been especially enjoyed the Level I classes from a nursery. It takes about forty-
idle since he retired from the Kansas at Powell Gardens and Longview five minutes to drain, so very little
City Star (as reporter/political writer/ Gardens. She works building and water runs off. As for Level I train-
consumer columnist/editorial admin- maintaining websites for IRS. ing—”I only wish I had the instruc-
istrative manager) a few years ago. Celine Porrevecchio also is a tion forty years ago!”
His large shade garden has “several rosarian. Hybrid teas ‘Papa Meilland,’ Peggy Mosbacher also had excep-
hundred plants” from the more com- a stunning red, and ‘McCartney,’ a tional luck with tomatoes. She planted
mon columbine, astilbe (a dozen-plus strong pink (yes, named for Paul) are the varieties suggested in the Kansas
varieties), bleeding heart, hostas and preferred for their fragrance, and the City Gardener: ‘Mountain Spring,’ a
ferns to the more unusual: toad lil- intense, red ‘Mr. Lincoln’ for its hardi- red hybrid determinate that resists
ies, Korean houttuynia lingularia, ness and beauty. She especially enjoys cracking, and the popular ‘Jet Star.’
spotted dead nettle, woodland aster, leisurely evenings listening to the She supported them with “two lengths
windflower, white snake root, prai- water cascading in her water garden. of twelve-foot cattle fence tied togeth-
rie trillium, wild ginger, mayapple, But Celine also has a rather unusual er teepee style in a raised bed. I mulch
masterwort, barrenwort, lungwort, area: a “Military Garden” originally them with newspaper layers cover-
Solomon’s seal, and many more. “The planted for her son when he joined ing two soaker hoses, and then add
problem is,” Terrence said, “I bought the Navy and, after 9-ll, “dedicated to straw mulch as the plants get larger.”
a couple of books on shade garden- all the military.” All the plants have Her Roma and cherry tomatoes grow
ing and wanted to plant something of military references, such as the peony inside “concrete reinforcement wire
everything mentioned in those books.” ‘Warrior King’ she planted to honor a fashioned into a round cage and sup-
(Frankly, Terrence, it’s a common young friend who saved his platoon ported with metal fence posts.”
botanical type of obsessive-compul- from ambush in Iraq. Celine also has Peggy enjoyed all the Level I
sive disorder that afflicts most MGs, iris, tulips, and “over a thousand King classes—”I now realize how much
especially in the spring.) Native plants Alfred daffodils,” her husband’s favor- information is available”—and found
thrive in his smaller, sunnier area: ite. Though she especially enjoyed the “moisture levels and plant require-
coneflowers, black-eyed susans, squaw Level I class on trees, she admits that ments especially informative.”
weed, shining blue star, bee-balm. For deer eat her fruit trees before she gets Originally from Illinois, Peggy retired
a view of Terrence’s gardens, check his a nibble. from the North KC School District
web site at www.ttviews.com. Then, Bob Parkey specializes in veggies teaching secondary English and his-
click on “Perennial Garden.” This site and fruits. He’s experimented with tory but still enjoys sub’ing.
is not accessible to all computers. lettuce overwintered in a 2’ x 5’ home- Georgia Lou Quentin may have to
Terrence also grows about a hundred made, cold-frame made of two small convert her garden from shade (“lots of
orchids in his basement! Originally doors braced with two heavy boards, Alley continued on page 5
The Back fence January 2007

5. Alley continued from page 4 had good foliage but “didn’t do Center at 44th and Noland, reminds
hostas”) to sun—she’s had a big pine much.” (Patience, Carol. Remember MGs to provide water in the winter
tree removed. “The poor tree was old, the old saying that most perennials not only for birds to drink, but also
big, and 90% brown . . . just old age take three years to grow up: “First to “keep their feathers clean—neces-
and tired. I’ll miss it.” At least her dai- they sleep, then they creep, finally sary to keep them warm. Plus, provide
sies will benefit! Georgia went to the they leap!”). Carol plans to add purple suet for extra body fat.” When ice and
University of Missouri/Columbia, has wisteria to the silver lace vine and snow cover the natural soil, birds need
lived in Kansas City most of her life, clematis that cover half her pergola. grit. You can buy ground oystershell
and is retired. As for her Level I class- She especially enjoyed the Level I tree or make your own: Save eggshells,
es, “many times I learned the ‘why’ of class at Burr Oak. Carol, incidentally, and, if they haven’t been hard-boiled,
what I learned from my father, who works part-time at the Lee’s Summit boil, oven-bake or microwave them
had a small home greenhouse, . . . and Grass Pad. for a few minutes to kill e-coli or sal-
trees were something I really knew Carol Rauscher, though living in a monella. Crush in a blender or with a
little about . . . I learned a lot.” “maintenance provided area” of Lee’s rolling pin. Toss leftovers in your veg-
Marilyn Schade took early retire- Summit, has “carved out three nice gie beds in the spring. (Note: Ardys’
ment from the IRS and swore to do sized areas for perennials and annuals” husband, Stephen, is the MG cartoon-
“only FUN things!” But that doesn’t in addition to the container plants on ist who contributes those clever, zany
mean lollygagging around: “I want to their screened-in porch. Last year her cartoons to our publications.)
make my whole back yard into a gar- favorite combination was orange-red Duane Hoover, Horticulturist at
den.” Right now, she’s especially fond zinnias with blue salvia ‘Rhea.’ “I’m the Kauffman Memorial Gardens, has
of her lilacs, butterfly bushes, and just starting to like the bolder colors, been combing the nursery catalogs.
tree peony, and prefers ‘Better Boy’ or after years of using pastels primarily!” Some new heat-tolerant perennials
‘Early Girl’ tomatoes. Marilyn grew up Plus, she’s adding rhododendron, aza- he’s selected: award-winning nemesia
in Pocohontas, Iowa, on a farm that’s leas, and hydrangeas to the wooded ‘Blue Lagoon,’ osteospermum ‘Lilac
been in her family for 120 years! A area behind them. Carol got “about Spoon’ (it has spoon-shaped petals),
retired brother who lives there has an 100 more ideas” from the Level I and fuchsia ‘Shadow Dancer’ —very
amazing vegetable garden on a former classes, and especially enjoyed the early, compact, with forward-facing,
feedlot with four feet of black topsoil. sessions on propagation, trees, pests, profuse blooms Most of their annuals
(Control your envy, MGs!) The old and soil. She’s still working as a Parent and some perennials are grown in the
barn built by her dad in the 40s is still Educator for the school district, “mak- Powell Garden greenhouses. Duane’s
kept in good repair—an unusual thing ing home visits to families with chil- favorite amendments? “In order first-to-
these days. As the entire area was for- dren from birth to pre-kindergarten.” last: compost, manure, small pine bark
merly old wetlands, Marilyn’s grandfa- chips, or something like Soil Pep.”
Sowings . . .
ther (aided by family, including seven Remember their late garden mascot,
children) installed tile drainpipe that Jim Braswell (‘02) had a very use- the ever-popular Rocky the Cat?
still functions today—though need- ful article (even for us older perenni- “As of right now, we’re not replac-
ing a bit tweaking here and there. als) in the 11/29/06 Kansas City Star, ing Rocky. Two neighborhood cats
Marilyn’s favorite part of MG training? “Start Planning Now for Summer’s have adopted the garden and are
“Plant diseases and control of pests.” Garden.” Advice: Don’t forget to clean doing a great job of keeping the rabbit
Carol Damon had “great success” your gardening equipment and till the and ground squirrel population under
with last year’s annuals in containers: old veggie garden, but also check our control.”
impatiens ‘Hot Pink Double,’ New gardening records (it doesn’t have to What is a Wort, from the German
Guinea impatiens ‘Celebrette Purple be one of those fancy $35 notebooks “wyrt.” The first part of the word often
Stripe,’ lantana ‘Simon Red’ and baco- —an extra 2007 calendar will do) for suggested its medicinal use: lungwort,
pa ‘Snowstorm Giant Snowflake.’ In “success and disappointments”—what liverwort, soapwort, birthwort. The
perennials, artemesia ‘Silver Mound’ worked and what didn’t. Jot down more common St. John’s wort flowered
superbly accented her ‘Knock Out’ “what you want to do in the spring,” in June, around St. John Baptist’s feast
rose shrubs. And phlox ‘Bright Eyes’ what new varieties to try, when to day. “Wort” was in everyday usage till
and ‘Laura’ were full and lovely. plant seeds indoors, etc. the 17th century. The Oxford English
However, foxglove ‘Sunset’ and pen- For bird-loving MGs: Ardys Stone Dictionary finds over 400 examples of
stemon ‘Husker Red Beard Tongue’ (‘98), who works at the Wild Bird plants ending in “wort.”
January 2007 The Back fence 5

6. Soil management and lation and management of physical
condition by allowing incorpora-
remediation tion of organic residues. Treatments
with organic synthetic fertilizers and
by Bob Parkey, MG intern, 2006 amendments such as limestone or gyp-
sum are rather simply achieved. The
productivity of a soil, dependent heav-
Editor’s Note: This is the Class 2006 of soil come from pedology, which ily upon its fertility may be manipulat-
Second Place paper considers soil a natural body and how ed. The importance of topsoil substan-
soils occur in a natural environment. tiates the amount of soil investigation
Introduction
Soil varies widely depending upon and research devoted to such.
We owe our existence to a many factors, but is normally recog- Soils may also be characterized as
thin, fragile skin of weathered and nized as a well defined subdivision organic or inorganic. Soils are nor-
unweathered geological formation on composed of characteristics and pro- mally low in organic matter at their
the surface of the earth. This mixture files which can be recognized by the surface layers and often range from
influenced by geological, topographi- soil scientist. The term “soil” is nothing 1% to 10% organic matter. Soils in
cal and biological factors, forms a liv- more than a collective term for all the marshes, swamps and bogs often
ing entity, soil. When wetted by water known soils, much like the term “veg- contain 80% to 96% organic matter.
of an appropriate nature, this becomes etation” refers to all plants. Organic soils contain more than 20%
the fertile substrate from which all ter- A vertical section of soil will reveal by weight organic matter, or are a dif-
restrial life evolves. distinct and often less so distinct hori- fering type containing 12% to 18%
In addition to promoting and sus- zontal layers. Each section is known organic matter and are continually
taining life, soil acts as a living filter as a profile and individual layers are saturated with water.
for the wastes generated by man and known as horizons. The horizons
animals by purifying, recycling and above the parent material are known What is Organic Matter?
detoxifying most toxins and patho- as solum—a Latin term meaning soil, Organic matter is an accumulation
gens. Without this complicated and land or a parcel of land. of partially decayed and synthesized
often mystifying process the envi- Upper soil horizons should contain plant and/or animal wastes or residues.
ronment would become degraded considerable levels of organic matter As this material is continually being
and toxic. Seldom is soil involved and are easily identified by their dark broken down by soil microorgan-
in disease transmission, yet more color and smooth texture. Topsoil is isms, a constant effort must be made
than often, commonly acknowledged the commonly used term for this sur- to renew these plant and/or animal
microorganisms within the soil have face soil. wastes and residues.
allowed the formation by scientists of Underlying layers (subsoil) contain Organic matter comprises only
life-saying antibiotics. less organic matter. Subsoils vary, but about 2% to 6% of a typical well-
Any society so brash or ignorant normally divide into two specific belts: drained mineral soil by weight. This
to allow water and soil to degrade (a) upper belt consisting of loss of low percentage is more than offset
beyond levels to which sustain food organic matter and minerals, (b) lower by the impact on soil properties
production will suffer consequences in belt having an accumulation of iron and plant growth. Organic matter is
urban, industrial and agrarian sectors. and aluminum oxides, clays, gypsum largely responsible for producing a
The health of national, regional and and calcium carbonate. loose manageable soil and is a major
urban polities and issues of conserva- Layers of soil are often not easily source of phosphorus and sulfur while
tion, sustainability, energy, land utiliza- defined due to a subtle and gradual remaining the sole natural source of
tion, taxation, and food, fiber and feed transition. Horizons are usually more nitrogen. The ability of organic mat-
production depend upon soil and its easily identified both visually and by ter to increase the amount of moisture
productivity. observing impact on the growth of a soil can hold and the proportion of
What is Soil? higher plants. this water available for plant growth
Soil may be described as a natu- Topsoil is the major area of root is critical. Organic matter is the main
ral entity evolving from biological zone development due to its abil- source of energy for soil organisms and
and synthesized processes of nature. ity to carry nutrients and moisture. without such all biochemical activity
Origin, classification and description Cultivation of topsoil allows manipu- Soil continued on page 7
6 The Back fence January 2007

7. Soil continued from page 6
would come to a halt.
cartoon by
Humus plays a major role in soil Stephen Stone
organic matter. Materials not subject
to the vigorous attack of soil organ-
isms but are more resistant products of
decomposition such as are synthesized
or modified from original plant tissue
are known as humus. Usually black
to brown in color, colloidal in nature
and known for its ability to hold water
and nutrient ions, humus has the abil-
ity to exceed even the holding power
of clay—its inorganic counterpart. A
small amount of humus will influence
tremendously the ability of a soil to
promote plant production.
The Importance of Proper pH
Lawns of questionable fertility must
be monitored closely for proper pH. It
would seem only natural for a rainfor-
est to have extensive biodiversity of
soil organisms and a desert to be quite
will get the same microbes throughout of land owners to have the soil type
marginal. Duke University has found
the planet. Watch that pH in your soil! Sibley, a soil that has excellent growth
this to be the opposite.
potential once the organic matter
Soil samples collected from 98 sites Begin the Challenge!
and missing topsoil is replaced. Both
throughout North and South America Let’s take the above boring and topsoil and organic matter will take a
came from rainforests, tundra, grass- detailed information and put it to coordinated effort and time to achieve.
lands and deserts. Geographic area practical application for the hom- We’ll also assume a slight elevation
that was well studied had available eowner. Let’s assume your properly contour allowing proper drainage dur-
data of seasonal temperatures, rainfalls, assembled soil samples have yielded ing normal precipitation, but a ten-
etc. Each soil sample was fingerprinted an analysis showing a highly erodible dency toward serious erosion during
using a KNA technique that recognizes soil needing a structured approach to heavy rainfalls due to lack of organic
a relative index of diversity of species, allow it to reach its potential. matter and quality topsoil.
rather than telling how many species We’ll assume this is a typical yard In the Midwest there is a preoccu-
are present in a soil sample. in Eastern Jackson County, Missouri pation to copy the English estate form
Not one thing normally considered which the developer has allowed a of lawn management: a few stately
critical for the diversity of animals and scalping of most topsoil and having trees of prominence, a few bushes
plants was found to be the case—not such valuable soil deposited against and/or roses strategically placed far
latitude, moisture or temperature. The the basement walls when clay would too close to the dwelling’s founda-
only factor found universally to be of have been far more effective for the tion and a large open area of grass
importance was soil pH. Acidic soils result desired. But trucking in clay of a monoculture normally poorly
harbored fewer species while alkaline would impact slightly the bottom line suited to climate, environment and
soils showed far greater diversity. Soils in the developer’s annual income sheet, soil conditions. Thus, the “American
of similar pH tended to support simi- so therefore the unsuspecting hom- dream” contributes to a never-ending
lar colonies of bacteria even when sep- eowner is deprived of his/her right to series of challenges. Housing develop-
arated by large geographical distances. have a quality topsoil resource. Most ment covenants all too often mandate
The Department of Energy’s Joint yards in Eastern Jackson, after scalp- the “cookie-cutter” template for both
Genome Institute in Walnut Creek, Ca. ing, are mostly clay unless the hom-
believes if you have the same pH you eowner is one of the lucky five percent Soil continued on page 8
January 2007 The Back fence 7

8. Soil continued from page 7 enced personnel and adequate equip- effect on water quality and the flux
house and yard being only distin- ment. Review your proposed program of trace gasses from your soil to the
guishable by light reflective numbers with the lawn service and you will atmosphere. To reduce this excessive
on the mailbox. probably find not only some respect wasting of nutrients, use formulations
To begin the process of managing in that you demonstrate you are not geared to the needs of your soil as
and remediating the challenged soil, the typical clueless homeowner, but diagnosed through your soil sample.
the first priority is organic matter also the impact on their bottom line Let your soil and grass tell you when
and its merits discussed above. Due because they will be seeding this lawn topical applications are needed and
to a lack of accessible, affordable and again come early spring. What you don’t follow religiously the five-step
assailable sources of compost, the are accomplishing is the freedom from program advocated by your local pur-
best approach is to supply your own being enslaved to synthetic fertilizers, veyor of grass seed, fertilizer, herbi-
through the use of “green manure” or pesticides and herbicides much unlike cides, insecticides and whatever else is
cover-cropping. that of the typical homeowner. By first in vogue this year.
Let’s assume the home of your and foremost feeding the soil, you will The amount of potentially com-
dreams sits in its grandeur in an open be able to diminish the loss of exces- postable organic matter in the United
lot with the obligatory two maple sive nutrients, herbicides, and insec- States is about one billion tons per
trees during the latter part of August. ticides from the typical yard, which year. The proper use of these biosolids
It’s obvious much needs to be done contributes to the never-ending cycle can dramatically increase soil quality
to compliment the two eight year old of water and soil contamination. and decrease use of chemical fertil-
Sunset Maples ignobly deposited by Total annual use in the United izers. Biological nitrogen fixations
means of a tree spade two weeks prior States is about twenty millions tons through legumes or green cover as we
to your current move-in date. The of NPK, and is the highest in the are applying in the annual rye seed-
challenge to address the stress these world. This excessive use of fertilizers ing are two excellent ways to reduce
two survivors of industrial nursery and other chemicals have an adverse Soil continued on page 9
science have endured has your hands
rather full, but the bog of mud in
front of your house beckons.
Cover Cropping—Green Manure
cartoon by
A very suitable cover crop can be Stephen Stone
an excellent first step and even keep
your neighbors semi-hospitable. Cover
crops can be legumes, cereal grain
crops or any appropriate mixture
grown specifically to protect that frag-
ile section of soil against erosion while
adding significantly to soil structure,
enhancing the resident soil fertility and
lessening insect infestations. Cover
crops are best used when soils are
normally left vacant or when seasons
allow their use without interfering
with the main crop, which in this case
is a lawn of some stature and much
utility. Annual rye grasses make an
excellent cover crop for the suburbs.
Rye is attractive, quick-growing and a
major root producing cultivar.
We’ll begin with tillage of the soil
usually best accomplished by a repu-
table lawn seeding service with experi-
The Back fence January 2007

9. Soil continued from page 8 colored treasure to your backyard virtually no protein sources other than
dependence on chemical fertilizers composting area. Let’s hope you have a protein meal of questionable qual-
and the energy costs associated with had the foresight to construct three ity for the dog, but just about perfect
the manufacture and transportation composting bins of suitable size and for aerobic bacteria. Adding about
of such. The choice of appropriate appearance to perform the task neces- one inch of dog food per six inches of
sole management systems improves sary without raising the eyebrows of the leaf-grass combination and cover-
soil quality, allows appropriate carbon those less familiar with gardening and ing with a thin layer of soil until your
utilization, and improves the environ- composting. compost pile is about three to four
ment and soil productivity. The time honored Indore Process feet high and three feet to four feet
Let’s assume the soil has been prop- of composting was first recognized diameter will be adequate. Remember
erly tilled, fertilizer applied according and advocated by Sir Albert Howard to keep the moisture level consistent
to soil sample recommendations and in England during 1947. His pro- with each replicate of the above for-
an annual ryegrass suitable for your cess though rather rigid is still valid mulation. These ingredients along with
winter zone has been seeded with today even though these principles macro- and micro-ingredients added
adequate compaction from a Brillion particularly suited for the physical to the dog food will assist in balancing
seeder or similar device. Moisture and climatic conditions of Indore, the compost mix into a really fine fin-
becomes the next critical factor along India. Although Sir Albert’s process ished product which your plants, your
with climatic conditions conducive to was on a much larger scale than we soil and your soil’s resident population
seed growth. shall explore, and most his piles were of microorganisms will readily accept.
Keep the soil moist, not overwa- anaerobic, we’ll still follow most of his Poke ventilation holes using a long
tered, and limit traffic on the lawn as recommendations closely. crowbar or something similar, making
much as possible. A water-measuring In this compost bin lay down a six certain the bar reaches all the way to
device to assure equal and adequate inch layer of leaves which have been the bottom of the pile. Several of these
moisture delivery to all areas of the twice mowed or shredded with a rota- ventilation holes evenly spread in a
new lawn can be merely an empty ry mower or similar device capable of circle approximately one foot from the
tuna can. When it is half full, move reducing the leaf size to one-half inch edge of the pile and two such holes in
the lawn sprinklers. diameter or less. Mix with fresh grass the center of the pile should be ade-
With a normal fall and freezing clippings or virtually any type of fresh quate. A less exertive way uses a cord-
temperatures not a concern until late green vegetable matter. The Indore less drill and a bulb auger of adequate
October or early November, this lawn process recommends two inches of length to reach the bottom of the pile.
may require a few mowings to give manure on top of the leaf and grass Due to the increased size of the auger
the necessary manicured appearance. mixture with a sprinkling of dried over that of the crowbar, one-half the
Do not bag the grass regardless how blood meal, hoof or horn meal and number of holes should be adequate.
lush the growth and how deep the soil. A one inch layer of soil on top of The cordless drive approach not only
clippings after mowing. You are build- the grass-leaf combination will nor- relieves compaction and discourages
ing a cover crop or green manure for mally perform quite well if the soil is anaerobic bacteria formation and its
the lawn this coming spring and aim- of good quality and not coming from resulting rank odor, but also moves
ing to build organic matter, humus your scalped front yard. and mixes the multiple layers thus
and topsoil. A typical scalped soil will need the increasing the aerobic effect. Adequate
assistance recommended above by the moisture addition becomes simple
Composting—the Indore Method
Indore method of composting. Since and should over-watering as in a
Now is the time to become a wel- a sizeable pile of fresh cow or chicken heavy rain occur; the excess moisture
comed member of your new commu- manure will probably raise eyebrows, can rapidly drain into these ventila-
nity. If mature maples, oaks or hicko- not to mention nostrils, a safer and tion shafts.
ries are in goodly number in your possibly saner approach would be For six weeks, watch your pile
neighborhood, there always exists an to purchase two or three bags of the and respond immediately to any foul
elderly family for which leaf removal cheapest dog food at your local dis- odors, which indicate over-watering.
is a challenge and expense each year. count store. By reading the label you Immediately turn the pile, re-ventilate
Become the answer to their problem will notice goodly levels of grain and using the cordless drill or crowbar
by volunteering to remove those leaves assorted nitrogen sources along with approach and monitor for additional
at no cost and transport this multi- Soil continued on page 10
Janaury 2007 The Back fence

10. Soil continued from page 9 your abused yard. If the rye grass is etc, and never realize those first few
attention, if needed. If no activity or green, it will need approximately six steps of green manure and composting
very limited activity occurs, the prob- weeks to allow decomposition with- produced that green miracle.
lem is usually inadequate moisture. out soil nutrient competition for nitro-
Summary
Use your ventilation holes as moisture gen becoming a challenge between
entry areas, but add the moisture your new seedbed and the decompos- The world population increased
slowly so as to give time for lateral and ing rye grass. to six billion in 2000, yet our soil
vertical absorption. Regardless how dedicated an organ- reserves have decreased heavily due to
After six weeks, remove this mate- ic gardener you are, swallow your degradation and conversion to non-
rial and mix it in equal parts by weight pride and use adequate synthetic fertil- agriculture use. Arable land per capita
with the remaining, or freshly gathered izer for the new grass seedlings. Once was .23 hectare in 1995 and will
leaves and grass to the remaining two those seedlings have been mowed only be .14 hectare in 2050 if normal
wire bins. Those leaves which came several times, the organic program land management practices prevail.
from the resident bin will have at least can become your mainstay for healthy The quality of life of man and animal
begun a composting process on their grass and topsoil by using compost depends to a very large degree upon
own and will act as an excellent starter as nutrient. Preferably, your seedlings one of the poorest understood of all
for new composting piles. Layer six are a mixture of fescue and blue grass resources—soil.
inches of the leaf-grass non-composted appropriate for your growing area In the old Roman Empire, all roads
combination with approximately one and by no means a monoculture of usually led to Rome. To improve
inch of the product from the resident bluegrass or fescue. Profitable chemi- our soil, our production of feed-
bin, water adequately, aerate and cal industries are built and maintained stuff, animals and our way of life, all
monitor normally. Refill the resident well by monocultures and the pests, roads lead to adequate soil manage-
bin using the above original formula weeds and diseases, which closely fol- ment. Soil quality must be managed,
of dog food, leaves and grass mixed low this approach. A bluegrass-fescue restored and improved. We have
properly, adequate moisture, aeration combination appropriate for your area proved in a small way using the above
and started product from the resident will allow both grasses to show their lawn experience that it can be done.
bin. This resident bin will become strengths—fall and spring for the blue It only takes commitment, knowledge
the incubator for all future compost- grass and hot dry summer for the and foresight!
ing needs if used as directed above fescue. This will also allow your soil Works Cited
without any further need of cheap dog to provide the nutrients needed for
Brady, Neil C. The Nature and
food as a compost starter. grass and lessen the amount of added
Properties of Soil. New York,
In early spring, the two satellite moisture needed while decreasing the
Macmillan, 1984.
bins should be able to contribute an leaching effect of the continuous lawn
Brownlee, C. “Live Underfoot”
adequate amount of quality compost sprinkler seen on most lawns today.
Science News 14 January 2006:
for your vegetable garden. One inch You’re not just having a nice yard,
vol.169, p.21.
of compost dug into the soil by spade but rather you are being a responsible
Campbell, Stu. Let It Rot. Pownall,
or tiller is an excellent start for any steward of the soil and reaping the
Storey Communications, 1998.
new garden. Any remaining compost benefits healthy topsoil has to offer.
Gerard, Robert “States of Carbon,
can be used to encourage annuals and The compost and green manure will
States of Nitrogen” Acres, USA, June
perennials, not to mention how appre- give your soil a condition of qual-
2006: vol. 36, No.6, p.32.
ciative those two obligatory maples in ity not normally achieved in years of
Shrestha, Anvil, PhD. Editor,
the front yard will be. “Chemlawn” technology.
Cropping Systems. Binghamton, Food
By mid-July in year two, the weekly
Spring Seeding Products Press, 2003.
and sometimes daily watering ritual
With the gradual warming of late Stell, Elizabeth P. Secrets to Great
your neighbors have become enslaved
March comes the time to astonish Soil. Canada: Transcontinental
to will cause your lawn to become
your neighbors by completely turning Publishing, 1998.
infamous for its toughness. The lawn
under that dark green and luxurious Summer, Malcolm E. and Lawrence
will speak for itself, but the real hero,
stand of rye grass, if it’s still alive. If P. Wilding, Handbook of Soil Science.
the soil, will be ignored by the envious
not, it has contributed greatly already Boca Raton, CRC Press, 2000.
neighbor who will question you about
to the organic matter and texture of grass type, fertilizer, mowing heights,
10 The Back fence January 2007

11. The only national botanical
garden
by Becky Peck, Class of 2003
M
y vacation to Maui and Allerton: Allerton is called Lawa’i-
Kauai allowed me the Kai by the family and covers more
chance to see several breath- than 80 acres that are adjacent to
taking gardens. Let’s start with the McBryde. The masterpiece of garden
only national botanical garden in the art and outside “rooms” that you find
United States: here are the work of Robert and John
The National Tropical Botanical Gregg Allerton.
Garden www.ntbg.org is the only Limahuli: Limahuli Gardens is
nationally-chartered (but supported located on Kauai’s wet north shore
through contributions and grants) in Haena. Their 1,000 acres of pre-
tropical botanical garden in the United serves cover a tropical valley that they reopened following last winter’s
States. The NTBG is dedicated to includes three distinct ecological torrential rain. Our visit focused on
advancing scientific research, public zones. The actual garden covers 17 the lower altitude Allerton Garden due
education and plant conservation. acres. This site has ongoing programs to the damage suffered in the rains by
Conservation of tropical plant diver- in watershed protection and studies the McBryde Garden. The summit of
sity, particularly rare and endangered in plant and animal stream life. In Mt. Waialeale in Kauai’s interior had
species, is a focus. The NTBG includes 1997, Limahuli “was selected by the received 130 inches of rain in about
four gardens in Hawaii, one garden American Horticultural Society as the six weeks.
in south Florida, and three preserves best natural botanical garden in the Mr. Allerton began Allerton
in Hawaii. In total, they include over US, noting its research, teaching and Gardens when we was 63 years old.
1,800 acres. All of the locations share educational programs have demon- He has a “Midwest connection.”
similar climates because they lie near strated the best sound environmental Robert Allerton was born in Chicago.
the Tropic of Cancer, slightly north of practices of water, soil, and rare plant See this link for more details: http://
the equator. The NTBG’s dedication to conservation in overall garden design.” www.allerton.uiuc.edu/html/history.
education can be seen in this article. Kahanu: Kahanu is on the Hana html. Before coming to Kauai and
My McBryde Garden and Allerton coast, on the eastern shores of Maui. buying this property, Robert Allerton
Garden tour guide, Jon Letman, vol- An oasis amidst the black lava flow, created the Robert Allerton Park by
unteered to read this piece for accu- Kahanu’s 123 acres include collections contributing his private estate, The
racy and suggest enhancements, as did from the Pacific Islands, concentrat- Farms, outside Monticello, Illinois, to
the NTBG’s Publishing Department. ing on plants of value to the people of the University of Illinois http://www.
Thank you, Jon. Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. continuinged.uiuc.edu//alerton/. The
The five NTBG gardens are: Kahanu has the largest known col- Allerton home and adjacent beach
McBryde: The first garden created, lections of breadfruit cultivars, which property on Kauai are well-known
McBryde is 252 acres on the south serves as a germplasm repository for for their inclusion in the opening
shore of Kauai. It is the largest ex situ* this food crop. shots for each week’s Fantasy Island
collection of native Hawaiian flora in The Kampong (Florida): The 11- show. In more recent years, you may
existence, plus many other plants col- acre Kampong is on Biscayne Bay in recall the giant winding roots of the
lected from the tropical regions of the Coconut Grove, Florida. Here, you Moreton Bay fig trees where dinosaur
world. Major research, education and find a collection of flowering trees and eggs were found in Jurassic Park.
propagation facilities are here with a tropical fruit cultivars. The Kampong These trees’ roots encircle and choke
12,000 volume research library and is listed on the National Register of other trees within their reach. To get
over 50,000 dried plant specimens. Historic Places. a perspective on their size, see the
NTBG is headquartered adjacent to I visited the McBryde Garden and photo above; I am, at five-feet-six
the McBryde Garden. Allerton Garden immediately after Botanic continued on page 12
Janaury 2007 The Back fence 11

12. Botanic continued from page 11 gardens are not just at the botanical antiques. The orchid and bromeliad
inches, standing within the roots. gardens. Staying on the south shore of section is so impressive it causes
Our tour guide, Jon, told us there Kauai, I found that my hotel, Kiahuna employees and guests to donate more
were three types of plants in Kauai: Plantation on Poipu Beach, contained plants! I have never seen dendrobium
native, Polynesian, and modern intro- a historic garden:
duced plants. Generally speaking, Moir Pa’u a Laka
most of the flowers we associate with or “skirt of Laka”
Hawaii are not native. Only about after the Hawaiian
1100 species are, and they do not goddess of hula
include anthuriums, birds of paradise and the early
and red ginger. See the photo (below) Hawaiian name
of a very endangered plant, the for the area.
kanaloa, getting ready to bloom. Only The resort was
one of these plants still exists in the originally the
wild and the plant in the garden has estate of Hector
not set viable seed. NTBG is attempt- Moir and his
ing to save this endangered species wife, Alexandra
using micropropagation techniques “Sandie” Knudsen.
(tissue culture). Mrs. Moir’s father
Orchids at the Kiahuna Plantation resort
gave the couple
the property as a
wedding present. orchids that were nearly as tall as me
Their lava stone before. Take a look at the accompany-
manor home was ing photo. Everything that grows in
the site of many Hawaii seems to grow bigger!
social gather- In 1948, the gardens were classi-
ings because fied as “one of the ten best cactus and
Hector Moir was succulent gardens in the world,” rank-
the manager ing with Huntington Gardens and the
of the nearby Royal Gardens of Monaco. They have
Koloa Sugar appeared in Life and Sunset magazines
Plantation. The and in the book Great Gardens of
home is now the America among other publications.
Breadfruit is another passion of main lobby of the Kiahuna Plantation The fiftieth state is a real beauty.
the NTBG. Part of the fig family, this resort. Mahalo, Hawaii, for an experience to
tree can produce fruit for 50 years or The gardens were Sandie Moir’s remember.
more. The huge fruit is round, oval or hobby. Like all gardeners, she learned *Ex-situ conservation means liter-
elongated. When roasted, the fruit is from her mistakes. She first planted ally, “off-site conservation”. It is the
creamy white or pale yellow, with the tropicals with high water require- process of protecting an endangered
texture and fragrance of bread. Some ments like ginger and heliconia and species of plant or animal by remov-
say that it has the taste of potatoes. they failed to thrive due to low rain- ing it from an unsafe or threatened
Most are seedless, but some variet- fall. Next, the cactus and succulent habitat and placing it or part of it
ies do have seeds. On the NTBG web garden was born. She continued under the care of humans. While
site, click on Breadfruit Institute to adding rare and exotic cactus, suc- ex-situ conservation is comprised of
learn more. culents, trees and other plants like some of the oldest and best known
If you can’t make the trip to Hawaii wiliwili, hau, coconut and plumeria. conservation methods known to man,
right now, at least make the trip to Her brother-in-law was a world trav- it also involves newer, sometimes con-
the internet and go straight to www. eler and presented her with specimens troversial laboratory methods.
NTBG.org. It is worth your while. from his travels. Many of them are still
I found that in Hawaii, historical in the gardens as are many of Sandie’s
12 The Back fence January 2007

13. Editor’s Note Meet the regulars of the Back
by Jim Braswell, Class of 2002 Fence team
by Jim Braswell, Class of 2002
Effective very soon, maybe by the
O
time this issue of Back Fence prints, I
ften, we take things for granted. I just wanted to take a small portion
will be retiring from my 31-year job in
the pharmaceutical industry. Although of this issue of the Back Fence to highlight some of the key team mem-
I will have lots of “free time” on my bers that work together to make this a special, little part of the Master
hands, my future plans will surely take Gardener’s of Greater Kansas City.
care of that. I have applied for several First, I’d like to acknowledge all the great work done by Laurie Chipman
seasonal, part-time, wildlife/conserva- (Class of 1998). Laurie is our layout person . . . to simplify, she’s the one who
tion jobs. If accepted, these will likely makes the presentation of the Back Fence so attractive, making the articles, pho-
take me away from the KC area for tos and Gardoons fit the allotted space. Without Laurie’s great work, I’m afraid
considerable lengths of time. I will also our publication would look very ordinary and would remind us all of our high
be attending photography school in school term papers (yuk!). Laurie has been involved in the layout for about 8
Montana for several weeks, to fine- years. She owns her own business, Chipman Design, and has been self-employed
tune my nature photography skills and
for more than 20 years. Her work involves graphic design, illustration and proj-
to help promote my current nature
ect management, working with professional writers, photographers, marketers
photography business.
and printers all over town. Her specialties include annual reports, catalogs, greet-
Even with all these activities, I
am hoping to continue working with ing cards, displays, brochures, calendars, etc. Thanks for lending your talents to
the Back Fence and the many team the Back Fence, Laurie!
members that make it such a joy. But Next, what would our publication be without the Gardoons? I’m sure these
to assure that my time away does not put a smile on your face, as they do mine. Stephen Stone (Class of 1997) has
adversely affect the Back Fence, Becky been involved with artwork for the Back Fence since 1997, when asked by late
Peck has agreed to be a co-chair of Master Gardener Bill McCue (then editor of Back Fence) to help with some art-
the Back Fence. When I am at home, work. Although Stephen had not drawn anything since he joined the Kansas City
Becky and I will work closely together Police Department in 1965, he nervously proceeded. I think you would agree
on Back Fence matters and when I am with me that he has done an exceptional job. By the way, the term “Gardoons”
away, Becky will act as sole editor. Even comes from “gardening” and “cartoons” and the copyright of “Ardyart” comes
then, I’m hoping to have e-mail avail-
from his biggest admirer and supporter, his wife Ardys (also a Master Gardener,
ability to assist Becky, when needed.
Class of 1998). Thanks, Stephen, for bringing a little chuckle into our lives!
Thus, from this time forward, if you
Are you like me and open every issue of Back Fence to see what’s new in the
wish to contact us about Back Fence
articles, ideas, etc., please e-mail both lives of our Master Gardener brothers and sisters? Thanks to Joanne Couture
of us with any correspondence: (Class of 1991), we can always catch up on what’s happening to each other. Her
Jim Braswell: showmenaturepix@ tenure with the Master Gardeners includes being a former member and chair of
hotmail.com the Speaker’s Bureau and Steering Committee. When asked how long she has
Becky Peck: beckpeck1@yahoo.com been working on the “Alley” column, Joanne tells me “for years”, going back to
This will assure that at least one of when Bill McCue was editor (circa 1997). Joanne sees the column as a fun thing
us gets the message in a timely man- since she loves to write. Joanne previously taught high school literature and writ-
ner. Thanks for everyone’s understand- ing for 21 years and has also been a “roving” technical writing instructor for vari-
ing and help with this matter. If you ous metro businesses. Her main interests are gardening and birding, and Joanne
have any ideas or suggestions for the is a former member of the local National Audubon group. Thanks, Joanne, for
Back Fence, please let us know.
keeping us up-to-date with local Master Gardener news!
Jim
If you were to pick up a series of Back Fence issues, what author would you
find probably contributed articles to every single issue in your hand? The first
name that should come to mind is Becky Peck (Class of 2003). Becky can always
be counted on when we need articles for the Back Fence. She loves to write and
travel, often combining these interests to give us a great look at local, regional or
national gardens. This past year, Becky was instrumental in developing and main-
Regulars continued on page 16
Janaury 2007 The Back fence 13

14. Do your vegetables have friends This would make them a friend to the
cabbages.
and enemies? What would make two vegetables
unsuitable as garden neighbors? Let’s
by Becky Peck, Class of 2003 take tomatoes and corn. The tomato
fruitworm and corn earworm are iden-
T
here is scientific research to ments. One plant may shade another tical. Sometimes sharing is not such
support the concept that cer- or become a “plant trellis” for a vin- a good thing, so keep them apart.
tain combinations of plants ing friend to climb. This helps use Carrots will have poor flavor if they
benefit each other. Practical experi- garden space more efficiently. One have long periods of hot weather, OR.
ence also shows benefits for certain may be a good replenisher of nitro- there is too much nitrogen. Putting
combinations. Companion planting gen, which the other plant needs. The them next to a plant that produces
can be traced to the Native Americans scent of some friends helps to drive nitrogen might detract from their fla-
and their concept of the Three Sisters: away the bug predators of the other. vor. It would also be common sense
corn, bean and squash. In true envi- Or, conversely, they may draw bugs to intermingle vegetable plant types in
ronmental cooperation, the corn pro- that attack the pests of the other. I the garden rather than planting several
vides a climbing stalk for the beans; began my quest to find plant friends rows of the same plant in one large
the beans provide nitrogen to the soil and foes with Carrots Love Tomatoes section. This creates a huge welcome
to nourish the corn; and the squash by Louise Riotte. I then went to the sign for pests of the mass planting.
leaves spread out, preventing com- Organic Gardening magazine web site. Here are some of the more com-
petition from unwanted vegetation Although both are highly consistent, mon vegetable garden plants and
and shade for corn’s shallow roots. I did find controversy. My book said their friends and foes. During these
Companion planting is, of course, one tomatoes are foes of cabbages. The remaining winter days while you
of the concepts of organic gardening. Organic Gardening site said “Tomatoes plan your garden, consider plant-
The benefits of plant combinations are repellent to diamondback moth ing your vegetables by their favorite
can be many and varied. It may be larvae, which are caterpillars that neighbors this year and let us know
as simple as similar growing require- chew large holes in cabbage leaves.” how it works out:
VEGETABLE FRIENDS FOES
Asparagus Tomatoes Garlic, shallots, chives, gladiolus
Bean (Phaseolus and Vicia) Carrots, cauliflower, beets, cucumbers,
cabbages, summer savory, corn
Bean, bush Moderate amounts of celery, corn, Garlic, shallots, chives
cucumbers, scattered in strawberry bed
Bean, lima Locust trees nearby
Bean, pole Corn, summer savory, radishes Kohlrabi, sunflower, beets
Beet Bush beans, onions, kohlrabi, lettuce, Pole beans, field mustard charlock
most members of cabbage family
Broccoli Dill, celery, camomile, sage, onions, Tomatoes, pole beans, strawberries
peppermint, rosemary, potatoes, beets
Cabbage family (includes Hyssop, thyme, wormwood and Strawberries, tomatoes, pole beans.
cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, southernwood, aromatic plants or
broccoli, collards, brussels those with many blossoms, peppermint,
sprouts, rutabaga and turnip) celery, dill, chamomile, sage, rosemary,
onions, beets, cucumbers, potatoes
For another opinion on companion planting, Master Gardener Sally Jean Cunningham has a book called
Great Garden Companions. Consider adding it to your winter reading list.
14 The Back fence January 2007

15. VEGETABLE FRIENDS FOES
Carrot Onions, leeks, rosemary, radishes, Dill
wormwood, sage, black salsify,
tomatoes, leaf lettuce, chives, leeks,
Cauliflower Dwarf zinnias
Celery Leeks, tomatoes, cauliflower, cabbage,
bush beans
Chinese Celery Cabbage Brussels sprouts, cauliflower Corn
Collard Tomatoes, catnip
Corn Potatoes, peas, beans, cucumbers, Tomatoes
pumpkin, squash
Cucumber Corn, beans, peas, radishes, sunflower, Potatoes, aromatic herbs
nasturtiums
Eggplant Green beans
Lettuce Strawberries, cucumbers, carrots,
radishes, tall flowers like nicotiana or
cleome to add a little shade.
Melon Corn, sunflowers Potatoes
Onions Cabbage family, beets, strawberries, Peas, beans
tomatoes, lettuce, summer savory,
chamomile
Parsley Carrot, tomatoes, asparagus Onions, garlic, gladiolus
Pea Carrots, turnips, radishes, cucumbers,
corn, beans, potatoes, as well as many
aromatic herbs
Pepper, sweet Basil, okra
Potatoes Sweet alyssum
Pumpkin Corn
Radish Nasturtiums, beets, spinach, carrots, Hyssop (European mint). Do not
parsnips, cucumbers, squash, melons, rotate with cabbage, cauliflower,
tomatoes, kohlrabi, bush beans, brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, broccoli
pole beans, spinach or turnip as they are all members of
the cabbage family.
Salsify Mustard greens, watermelon
Shallot Most garden vegetables Peas, beans
Spinach Strawberries, radishes
Squash Radishes, nasturtiums
Tomato Asparagus, chives, onion, parsley, All members of the cabbage family,
marigold, nasturtium, carrot, garlic potatoes, fennel.
Turnip Hairy vetch, peas, radish, clover Hedge mustard, knotweed, and do
not rotate with members of the
cabbage family
Watermelon Potatoes
Janaury 2007 The Back fence 15

16. Regulars continued from page 13
taining our biweekly column (“On the Grow”) in the Kansas City Star. Becky
is a CPA, working during the day and teaching accounting at William Jewell at
night. Her free time is devoted to her three children, gardening, horseback riding
and her pets (four dogs and a cat). Thanks for all your help, Becky!
Working with these long-term team members has really been a joy for me and
I look forward to continue working with each of them. Thank you, all!
cartoon by
Stephen Stone
The Back Fence
Quarterly pubication of the K.C.
Metro Area Master Gardeners
Volume 33, Issue 1
January 2007
Editorial Staff:
J. Braswell
Becky Peck
Layout
Laurie Chipman
Contributors
Terrence Thompson
Joanne Couture
Stephen Stone
Becky Peck cartoon by
Stephen Stone
Bob Parkey
Jim Braswell
Lala Kumar
Horticulture Specialist
University of Missouri, Lincoln University, U.S.
Department of Agriculture Local University
Extension Councils Cooperating University
Outreach Extension does not discriminate
on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,
sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or
status as a Vietnam era veteran in employ-
ment or programs.
16 The Back fence January 2007