Master Gardener News - Every Gardener loves May

As Gardeners how can we not love the month of May?

Celebrating the Year of the Garden

You’re invited to join in the fun and “Live the Garden Life” during the Year of the Garden 2022, a celebration of everything garden and gardening related in Canada.

Article by Nancy Abra, Master Gardener

The Year of the Garden officially starts the first day of spring, and all Canadians – whether you already enjoy gardening, recently discovered the pleasure of spending time in a garden because of the pandemic, or want to learn more about how gardens impact so much of life – are invited to take part. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, as we celebrate our country’s rich garden heritage, and help create a sustainable future.

No matter where you live, in a house, condo, or apartment, your gardens contribute to the enjoyment of life. From container kitchen gardens on a balcony, a landscaped backyard, colourful flower beds, to a community vegetable garden providing food to the neighbourhood, all need a little effort on your part to nurture their success.

Supported by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, the Canadian Garden Council's Year of the Garden 2022 initiative aims to inspire and inform Canadians about the many health, well-being, economic, and environmental benefits provided by gardens. They will highlight many tips for gardening success and enjoyment.

Let's celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Ornamental Horticulture in Canada by exploring the many opportunities to “Live the Garden Life” - Get involved, enjoy garden experiences, and find new inspiration for your garden spaces! Ideas for Living The Garden Life

Join us on our first-ever London Middlesex Master Gardener

Bloomin' Tour - June 26, 2022

Did you Know?

Harden-off your young plants!

Young plants that have been growing on window sills or in greenhouses need a period of adjustment to their new home outside. This period is called hardening off. To harden off your plants, give them a good watering and put them outside for the day in a sheltered area that receives indirect light.

Each day, increase the amount of light and wind that your plants are exposed to. By the end of the week, they should be left outside for 24 hours and exposed to the amount of sunlight they will be planted in. This will harden up the plant's soft succulent growth, helping it make the transition to the outdoor elements. Plants that are already outside at a garden centre do not need this treatment.

Can They Take the Heat?

Did you know that different plants can tolerate different temperatures. If you were to leave your pansies and begonias outside when the thermometer dips below 0C you will have two very different results. Hardened-off pansies are fine in temperatures of as low as -7C. However, that’s not the case with begonias. When exposed to freezing temperatures, begonias turn into a slimy mess. Plants take to heat differently as well. Most pansies resent our hot summers; they prefer growing in spring and fall while it is cool. But it's in the heat that begonias thrive.

Weeds speak to us.

Those unwanted weeds may be trying to tell you something about your soil. Many weeds thrive under specific conditions and identifying weeds can help solve weed problems long-term. For example, crabgrass is most likely to grow in poorly drained soil and when the grass is mowed too low. Drainage in small areas can be managed by amending the soil with compost. Moving your lawnmower to a higher setting can help your grass choke out crabgrass. For a list of common weeds and conditions they indicate, check out this article from Clemson University There's a handy chart at the bottom of the article.

Here are some wise tips about identifying and improving soil conditions from our favourite garden professors - My Soil is Crap, Part II

Did you miss this previous article? Weeds - Know your Enemy

NO-NO of the Month

But if you're going to roll...you need to aerate!

This time of year many of us find lumps and bumps as we wander across our lawns....and soon dream of having a nice smooth surface for when it comes time to mow. My advice is... if you must roll, make it a two-step process.

Roll the lawn first but then also aerate to reduce soil compaction. Compacted soil not only makes it harder for plant roots to grow and spread; it also reduces the soil’s ability to absorb water, which can lead to runoff and increased soil erosion.

Alternatively - Why Not just leave your lawn alone? - Read More.

Recipe Corner

Nancy’s Dandelion Jelly

Pick chemical-free, organic dandelion blossoms that are free of dirt and insects in the morning after the previous night's dew has evaporated. Snip off the stem & green collar under each blossom, saving only the narrow yellow petals.

In a stainless-steel pot with an equal ratio of dandelion petals to water (4c to 4c), boil for 7 min, stirring a couple of times. Remove from heat, put on the lid, and let steep until cool. Strain through a coffee filter. This is your dandelion infusion.

4 c dandelion infusion, add a little water if necessary
1/4 c of bottled lemon juice
5 c white sugar
2 pouches of liquid pectin

Combine the dandelion infusion with the sugar and lemon juice in a large stainless-steel pot and stir. While stirring, bring this mixture to a boil and boil hard for about 2 min.

Stir in both pouches of the liquid pectin and bring back to boil. Use a candy thermometer to make sure the mixture reaches a temperature of 104 degrees C.

Carefully keep stirring, and if this mixture starts to foam (little surface bubbles), stir in 1/2 tsp of butter. Once the mixture has reached 104C, carefully ladle this solution into hot sterilized jars, leaving ½” or 1cm headspace.

Remove air bubbles with a non-metallic utensil and adjust the headspace. Wipe the rim with a clean cloth. Place a new hot lid on the jar and screw on a metal ring.

Place these jars on a tea towel on the counter to cool, set and seal.

Do not move them for 24 hours.

Store in a dry cool place. Yields approximately 6 250ml jars

Print Recipe

Our Latest Blog Posts

History of Canadian Gardens

What's different about gardening in other countries? Learn a bit of our history and understand - What is a Canadian Garden?

They're not invasive in MY garden - What’s the harm?

There's much controversy about some invasives. Gardeners balk at removing what they consider to be decorative and controllable plants. Learn why we MUST remove the worst culprits spreading in our natural areas!

They're not invasive plants in MY garden - What’s the Harm?

Viola - Herb of the Year 2022!

The Viola is this year's ‘Herb of the Year'. Did you know it is not just decorative but also has culinary and medicinal value?

Leaf colour and texture have a long-lasting impact in a perennial bed. This gorgeous Heuchera 'Georgia Peach' (Coral Bell) makes a statement all season!

Community Connections

Thames Talbot Land Trust:

Sitler Woods Trail Opening and Birding Hikes
Saturday, May 21st at 7am, 9am, and 11am
Passport to Nature: Yoga in Nature
Sunday, June 5th (9am & 10am) at Meadowlily Nature Preserve

Click for more information