By Diane Blazek, Executive Director of National Garden Bureau

L.Stack

1. Use containers of the same color, shape or texture for continuity. Or, select one color of flower to use in multiple containers.                              
2. Use containers not just on the porch or patio but in garden beds to add height, color and/or impact.
3. Less-attractive garden areas can be covered up with the right container and plantings. 
4. Soften or camouflage architectural features by using containers strategically placed.
5. Big and bold containers will make more of a sophisticated impact.
6. Small, numerous containers will give more of a cottage-garden feel.
7. Feel free to move containers as needed, to the sun, to the shade, to block a view, etc. 
8. The right container in the right spot will act as a focal point for the patio or garden.
9. Use taller, larger containers with upright plantings to create rooms or screens.
10. Containers can also be used to direct or stop traffic flow, like at the edge of a deck or patio.
11. Even empty containers, if the right size and design, can be used as garden decor.
12. What to use in your containers? Anything! Annual, perennials, vegetables, shrubs, bulbs, succulents, firs, evergreens, etc.

By Ana Bonstedt, UMaine Cooperative Extension 

Photo by A. Bonstedt

A pepper plant was brought to our office showing the characteristics of a disease caused by some kind of pathogen. The lesions on the affected stem tissues showed recent infected areas and the plant parts above were dying. It did not take to long to discover that this pepper plant was the victim of a disease called "White Mold".

Pest ID

White Mold is a soil borne disease caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. This fungus over winters in the soil and can remain dormant for long periods. As soil warms (52°F) the fungal structures germinate and form a stalk-like support that grows toward the soil surface. As soon this stalk-like feature is exposed to sunlight, it forms mushroom-like fruiting structures containing millions of fungus spores, which are the primary source of infection. The fungus commonly colonizes under favorable conditions like long wet seasons and temperatures between 60 and 82°F.  

Fungi are parasitic organisms that are unable to produce their own food and need a host to become established. When their favorite plant is not available, they may turn to an alternative. Peppers are not the only garden vegetable that are affected by White Mold, it can affect hundreds of plant species including many important crops like tomato, carrot, cucumber, cabbage, cauliflower, potato, squash, radish, etc. and weeds.

Photo by A. Bonstedt

Photo by A. Bonstedt

This disease may be prevented if we follow some basic cultural control procedures like:

• Weed control (eliminates the risk of alternative hosts)
• Crop rotation (planting non-susceptible crops such as grass or grains)
• Good soil drainage
• Promote maximum air movement between plants and avoid overly dense plant canopy.

Successful chemical control depends upon spraying at the proper time (during the plant bloom period), applying fungicide after white mold symptoms are evident is not effective.

For more information visit: 

White Mold of Vegetables and Ornamentals in the Home Garden

White Mold of Vegetables  

Do not miss the great opportunity to be part of this educational program designed to help meet the needs of home gardeners while providing an enjoyable and beneficial experience.  Master Gardener Volunteer program allows individuals to dedicate their time and talents to help educate the public on best management practices in horticulture and environmental stewardship. The training sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 5:30-8:30 p.m. since Sept 10 through Dec 10 at our UMaine Extension Office located at 165 East Main Street Dover-Foxcroft, Maine.

Amber Wolfe, from the Arthritis Foundation, will be presenting a FREE workshop for farmers, gardeners, agricultural workers, healthcare professionals and the general public. 

Topics will include information on arthritis as a disease, treatment and pain management options, sources of joint stress and pain on the farm, operation changes, modifications to farm equipment and assistive technology tools.   Specific segments on gardening and rural youth will also be discussed.

When:     Tuesday July 30, 2013,  4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Where:    University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Knox-Lincoln Office, 377 Manktown Rd, Waldoboro, ME 04572

Speakers: Amber Wolfe: National AgrAbility Program- Arthritis Coordinator

          Lani Carlson: Maine AgrAbility Program Project Coordinator

Register today for this FREE workshop.  Hurry, space is limited.   

Online: http://umaine.edu/agrability/

Email: maine.agrability@maine.edu

Phone: 207.944.1533

For more information or to request a disability accommodation, call Lani Carlson with Maine AgrAbility:  207.944.1533.