 It’s the winter season, which means it’s time to get out the dormant spray! Thanksgiving, Christmas and Valentine’s Day are good markers to remind us to do something nice for our fruit & flowering trees, grape vines, berries, roses, and lilacs. The Pacific Northwest with its mild, damp conditions is a wonderful place to garden. It is also the fungus capitol of the universe. These fungal spores over-winter in the crooks and fissures of bark and twigs, and may manifest during the growing season as troublesome diseases. Dormant sprays are compounds that assist us in controlling fungal diseases and many insect infestations, and are used during the winter season while the plant is in its dormant phase. (The plant is dormant, not the spray!) Common dormant spray materials are acceptable by organic certification standards. Although approved by the EPA for organic use, exposure to the eyes and skin is dangerous and should be applied with caution. Wear long sleeves, gloves and goggles when spraying, and avoid the windy days. As boring and tedious as it may be, always read the label and follow the directions. A special note…more is not better. Under certain conditions, plants may be damaged by using a concentration that is too strong. Copper Sulphate – Copper Sulphate is a dormant spray and a very good fungicide. While you can use it on any tree, it is the only kind of dormant spray that should be used on Peach and Nectarine trees. Dormant spraying is the most cost effective method of disease and insect control. It is essentially a sanitizing process performed when the plants are resting. Prevention is the key to success. The spray is applied to the bare limbs and twigs of the plant, thoroughly wetting down the bark, covering all sides until it drips. The first spray, when done in late autumn or early winter is like putting a raincoat on the plant. Fungal spores blow around in the wind all winter in the maritime northwest. This spray applies a protective coating, which prevents these spores from getting a toe-hold in the bark of the tree or shrub. The second spray, done around Christmas time is an added bonus, but if you are going to skip a spray, this is the one to skip. In the event only one spray can be applied, this should be the Valentine’s Day or late winter/early spring spray. This is the spray that will control apple scab, which can be a serious pest on apples, crabapples and pears. This is known as a delayed dormant spray. Delayed dormant sprays are applied from the "green tip" stage to the "half-inch green" bud growth phase. When the leaf buds are just beginning to emerge and the plant is just starting to come out of dormancy is the time to do this spray. This is by far the most effective time to wipe out the apple scab spores and many newly emerging insects that have just pounced on the fresh green buds. Timing is critical as sprays applied after this can injure the young leaves. It’s important for the spray to dry on the plant. If it rains within 24 hours of spraying…yup, that’s right, you need to get out there and do it again. So watch the weather report and wait for just the right timing. Look for an above freezing, dry, calm day and apply! No method of insect and disease control can substitute for good cultural practices in gardening. Healthy plants have their own mechanisms for fending off pests. Don’t forget about healthy soil, appropriate fertilization, adequate water, proper location, correct pruning, debris clean-up, and an appreciation for the alluring wonder and beauty of growing things. And enjoy your Holidays!   Bayview Farm & Garden is seeking hardworking, friendly people to join our team! We're currently hiring for part- and full-time seasonal positions and offer competitive hourly wages. Applicants should apply in person at the Garden Shop, scroll down for the available positions and requirements.
Positions Available: • Garden Shop Cashier • Annual Department Worker • Perennial Department Worker • Loader / Nursery Yard Worker Requirements for ALL POSITIONS: • Applicants must be physically able to be on their feet while working in a fast-paced environment. • Applicants must be able to repeatedly lift items up to 30 pounds. • Applicants must be able to maintain a friendly and polite disposition at all times. This job requires regular interaction with customers. • Applicants must be able to work weekends. • The ability to listen attentively to directions and learn new skills. • Attention to detail is essential. Requirements specific to Garden Shop Cashier: • Cashiering experience is preferred. • Basic computer familiarity required. • Basic gardening knowledge preferred. Requirements specific to Annual Department Worker: • Applicants must be able to work in all types of weather. • Applicants must be able to repeatedly lift items up to 30 lbs above their shoulders while on a ladder! • Basic gardening knowledge required, and previous nursery work preferred. Requirements specific to Perennial Department Worker: • Applicants must be able to work in all types of weather. • Basic gardening knowledge required, and previous nursery work preferred. Requirements specific to Loader / Nursery Yard Worker: • Applicants must be able to work in all types of weather. • Applicants must be able to repeatedly lift items up to 75 pounds. • Basic gardening knowledge is a bonus but not required. Please apply in person at the Garden Shop. (360) 321-6789 bfg@whidbey.com  Go Green!Pantone's color of the year symbolizes a fresh start. Follow suit and refresh your indoor space with lush foliage from our ever-growing selection of house plants! We're stocking a wide variety of tropicals, cacti, succulents, airplants and more. Plus plenty of beautiful pots to plant them in!
A Taste of Spring Chasing the Grey AwayEarly Spring plants have arrived! Brighten up these rainy PNW days by planting colorful containers on your porch or entryway. Gorgeous Violas, Pansies, Primroses, Hellebores and much more.
Just in: New Outdoor Pottery
Browse the nursery for new outdoor pottery and statuary, arriving daily. Bright colors and beautiful textures in a variety of shapes and sizes to compliment any landscape.
 Join us in the greenhouse for a fun and informative afternoon, learning about our edible Native Plants. Kelsi Franzen from Whidbey Island Conservation District will be presenting in the greenhouse for this totally free workshop. Please RSVP here.
|
e-newsletter:Social:Farm & GardenCafeCategories
All
Archives
April 2019
|
RSS Feed