Weatherby Lake  Gardening FAQs

This is an essential task to creating a long blooming and happy garden. Follow these techniques for an easier task. Get your plants to absorb as much water as possible by watering them early in the morning. Later in the hottest parts of the day, plants will absorb less water due to heat causing more evaporation. Add mulch. This keeps the soil cool, moist and prevents weeds. Compost makes a great mulch as it also improves the soil. Remove weeds often Vegetables and garden beds need about 1” of rain per week. Water everyday or two. Deep watering of container pots is essential. Put your finger in 2” to determine if water is needed. Water newly planted flowers, shrubs and trees deeply. During the long days of high heat, apply a deep watering over the entire root zone of your plant until the top 6-9 inches of soil are moist. Vacation Watering: Use timers on your faucets to schedule watering with sprinklers and soaker hoses. Move container pots into shadiest spots while away. Cut off flowers and buds on reblooming perennials and annuals. This takes the stress off the plants. Important Note: Avoid light frequent watering as this promotes shallow root systems that dry out quickly causing plants to be more susceptible to summer heat and drought stress.

This may be a silly question but I’ll put it out there! Why do you like to garden? Perhaps we become intoxicated by the display of lush foliage and their hardy blooms or it is a renewal of our fascination with plants. Who can bypass the gifts of nature? We have the need to slow the day-to-day pace down from that hurried pace and find the need to live amongst God’s gift of flowers. TO DO LIST FOR JUNE GARDEN NEEDS: Pinch herbs to keep bushy and fresh with new growth. Watch for insects on roses. Control as needed organically. Remove sucker growth from the base of trees and long branches. Prune spring flowering shrubs after flowering. Pinch chrysanthemum tips for bushier plants. Remove, or deadhead, spent flower blossoms to keep flowering. Remove flower stalks from peonies and irises. Remove dead foliage from spring bulbs. DON’T FORGET YOUR HOUSEPLANTS!! Rotate for even exposure to light. Have fun gardening this Spring and into Summer. Your plants will appreciate your TLC!!!

In October, the grub is tucked safely away for the winter in the soil. Unfortunately, there are no controls for the beetles at this time. Grub control products applied in early to mid-June can help reduce the number of new grubs. Most of the adult beetles finding their way to your garden are not coming from home lawns but are flying in from “waste lands” that never get treated. Sorry to tell readers this but the wetter the summer, the more adults we are likely to see the following year. Based on the July rains in 2020, the higher number of adults in 2021. - Dennis Patton, Horticulture Agent from

Most are grown from seed. Many nursery plants produced in Missouri are grown directly from wild collected seed. Seed for native plant production comes from remnant native plant populations in the wild. Seeds can be gathered from roadside ditches and bluffs, near creeks if these areas have not been sprayed with insecticides. Perhaps good to know if it is permissible and if they’ve been sprayed. It is extremely important to consider the types of sprays used in garden beds as many insecticides are detrimental to the Lake and other water ways. When in doubt, contact the WLIC office or Missouri Conservation specialists.

Seeds and other resources available at: store.whygoodnature.com earthturf.com

Marjoram - Culinary, mint family, Greek Mythology says it is the Goddess of Love. Aphrodite grew marjoram so now we know where the love potions came from. Benefits include medicinal needs; good for digestion, menopause, mood swings, diabetes and muscle cramps. WARNING: Minimize use while pregnant. Tarragon - sweeter than thyme but with a bitter taste. Slight anise flavor with a mint-like-taste; Medicinal needs, culinary, French cooking and a natural diuretic. Rosemary - evergreen shrub with strong aromatics; rich source of antioxidants/anti-inflammatory compounds; boosts immunity and blood circulation. Thyme - in the mint family, medicinal needs, culinary purposes, antiseptics, seasonings for sauces, soups, veggies and meats. Rich in nectar. Religious concepts. Creeps and spreads; in 6 varieties. Cut back in spring to limit woody growth or to stimulate new growth. Not a perennial in northern zones. Mint- comes in a variety of scents most commonly peppermint and spearmint; Peppermint a strong, cooling after taste due to the high concentration of menthol; Spearmint a lighter, sweeter taste; Mint is number 1 in ingredient in Thai food, Mid-eastern food and mint tea in North Africa. Used for respiratory ailments and in Mint Mojitos. Enjoy these wonderful herbs to add to your daily entrees and drinks! Many of these mentioned may be taken in pill form as well.

Products that contain agents of Organic/Natural qualities are best to use. When in doubt, call our local Missouri Conservation Extension, check with the WLIC office to get their input or call our Sponsor, Grasspad.

Start by removing dead plants. Deadhead seedlings and store in a paper bag for next season. Transplant and or divide hosta plants and lilies. Divide iris. Mulch, water and fertilize beds using an organic agent. If container soil was infested with bugs it is best to discard soil. Pruning, shaping and grooming plants will keep perennials looking great in the spring. Roses can be trimmed to about 12-15 inches and fertilized with Fish Emulsion, sold at garden centers. This fertilizer is great for bushes, small trees, and give a boost to most in-ground plants. It is recommended not to use in container pots as the drain off discolors the cement. The Kansas City Gardener magazine (monthly issues) has a ton of valuable suggestions for all types of gardeners. Enjoy!

Cassandra Messer: Cassandra.Messer@mdc.Mo.gov Private Land Conservationist Build a Native Plant Rain Garden

2 cups pecans chopped slightly and roasted in the oven for 8-10 minutes in a clear glass dish. Watch closely. 6 Tbls brown sugar 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp salt Pinch of cayenne 1/2 tsp vanilla 1 1/2 Tbls water Dash of orange zest Combine the above ingredients and slowly heat in a medium sauce pan on the stove top. Stir often so it doesn’t burn for 1-3 minutes. Place glazed pecans on parchment paper to cool. Transfer to a plastic bag. These are tasty as a garnish on squash soup, salads or as a snack.