DAVIESS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS

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The Daviess County Master Gardeners Group was formed in December, 2005. This group is composed of residents of Daviess County, and adjacent areas.

The Daviess County Master Gardeners Group is very active in a variety of activities, including

working at the Log Cabin, Gallatin, working on the planters at the entrance of Jameson, and working

Meeting location: Daviess County Extension Center, 102 N Main, Suite 2, Gallatin, MO.

Raymond Heldenbrand, replies to the question: Where do swarms of honey bees come from and why do they swarm? They become over populated in the hive or the tree. The Queen lays a queen cell and it hatches and a portion of the bees leave. They gather on a surface or tree limb. Scouts look for a new home. Once a new home is found they leave, usually less than 24 hours.

Carol Wood, replies to the question: My daffodil leaves crowd out other flowers, can I cut them off after blooming? True, they do fall over and take up space, but it's not a good idea as the leaves generate nutrients for storage in the bulbs for next years blooms. After the leaves dry then cut them or if loose pull them out. Meanwhile you might try braiding the leaves or tying them up with string into small shocks to keep them from spreading out over other plants.

Carol Wood, replies to the question: Last year, ants kept getting into my hummingbird feeder, how can I keep them out? Use double stick scotch tape around the holder or whatever their path is to the feeder. The ants can't crawl through this, however it does need to be replaced periodically (about every month).

Carol Wood, replies to the question: The rabbits ate my liriope down to a short stubble, is this a problem? No, they did you a favor. It is good to shear or mow Liriope (lily turf) in early spring before new growth starts. Also early spring is a good time to divide liriope. Dig up the plants and pull the roots apart into small clumps, replant, mulch and keep moist until re-established.

Carol Wood, replies to the question: What herbs were used for food preservation? In the MU Guide to Growing Herbs at Home, it states that "Early settlers to America used herbs to improve the taste of meats before preservation techniques were developed" but in some other information on Herb Uses on Yahoo, it stated that "In Spain before refrigeration, a tea of chamomile was used to soak away the smell of early spoilage of meat", Now this leaves me to believe that it really didn't help the preservation just the taste and smell so they could eat spoiled meat. Yuk!!!

Diane Wilson, replies to the question: I have heard a lot about the Japanese Beetle. Are they in Daviess County? And what can be done to protect my plants and trees? Yes the Japanese Beetle was found in 2006 in Daviess County. These beetles feed on a wide range of vegetables (including beans, corn, and tomatoes), trees, shrubs, vines and fruits. They chew flowers and skeletonize leaves. The larvae feed on roots of turf. These beetles are easy to identify, first by their damage to foliage and lawns; next by their metallic blue-green bodies and bronze wings. They are about 1/2 inch long with tufts of white hairs along the side of their abdomen. There are several inexpensive ways to rid your yard of these pests. The best way is to organize a community wide program. For further information and prevention visit your local MU Extension Office or go to the web at www.pueblo.gsa.gov then search Japanese beetle.

Diane Wilson, replies to the question: I planted a Red Bud Tree in 2004. It was straight when I planted it now it leans. What can I do to straighten it? Any attempts to straighten may damage the root system. This leaning may be due to the winds in Missouri and it is not harmful to the tree, it adds character. Check the trunk of your tree make sure it is well anchored. If it wiggles then there may be trunk damage or poor planting. If you want to stake at the time of planting be sure to protect the young bark from damage and allow for several years growth.

Diane Wilson replies to the question: I have a 10 year old daughter that likes to dig in the dirt. She has tried to grow some vegetables without much success. I want to foster her interest is there a summer program that won't cost too much to enroll? Yes! A great program for 9-13 year olds. The Garden'N'Grow is a volunteer gardening program that gives a positive experience of gardening. Contact www.horticulture.missouri.edu/gng.

Susan Heldenbrand replies to the question: Do you recommend transplanting Iris when they are in Bloom? Yes! I have done this many times and have had good results. This is a good way to get they color scheme you may want for your flower garden. It is recommended to plant Iris in July, August or September, but can also be done in the Spring.

Susan Heldenbrand replies to the question: How much distance should I allow between Iris? Iris are generally planted 12 to 24 inches apart. Closely planted Iris will need to be thinned often. Make sure Iris receive at least a half day of sun. Provide your Iris with good drainage.

For more information on the Daviess County Master Gardener's Club please contact:

Tim Baker, University of Missouri Extension Horticulture Specialist, Daviess/Caldwell County Extension Center, 102 N Main, Suite 1, Gallatin, MO 64640, 660-663-3232.


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		University of Missouri Extension Daviess/Caldwell County daviessco@missouri.edu This page was last updated February 14, 2007