CROSSVILLE —
Nature’s timing for plants in springtime is not tied to the month or date as much as to hours of daylight and darkness and to the affects of air and soil temperatures. Persistent warming effecting the continental United States and other parts of our planet has now created a disconnect between typical life cycles and normal interaction between plants, animals and insects. Science Daily’s website containing news from universities, journals and other research organizations (accessible by typing the following into your computer browser http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130116195344.htm) recently announced studies which show spring flowers are blooming up to a month early in the eastern U.S.
The stage of spring plant development at the time a freeze strikes is of critical importance to plant health and fruit production. Tennessee had summer-like temperatures from the get-go in January-2012 combined with a mild November and December at years end. Daffodils growing beneath trees near the southwest-facing end of my driveway bloomed in mid-January last year and earlier (New Year’s Day) this year. Daffodil stems, leaves and flower buds can usually withstand a freeze. However their stems bend and the blooms are ruined if the daffodil flowers are open when a freeze or heavy snow occurs. Peak blossom of fruit trees was early in 2012 in many parts of the country. Spring frosts and freezes which occurred then seriously harmed cherry and peach crops by disrupting the normal bloom-fertilization-fruit-set sequence.
Summer-like temperatures occurring too early can impact cool-season vegetation. Heat shuts down plant growth and/or interferes with normal blossoming, fruit and seed set in crops like Chinese peapods, lettuce, spinach and broccoli. Lawns made up of turf varieties like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue blends best utilize fertilizers applied during autumn months (September, October and November). Lawns of this type become semi-dormant when the weather turns hot and dry. Early onset of summer-like temperatures can mean nitrogen applied in April ends up feeding summer lawn weeds rather than the turf it was intended to help. In the past two years, I fed my cool season turf earlier (in February rather than during March). Mowing high (at the top of the recommended level for the turf type you grow) also helps encourage a healthy stand of grass and discourages weeds when the mercury climbs.
Contact your local University of Tennessee Extension office if you wish to become a Master Gardener. Volunteers take about 40 hours of Master Gardener (MG) training. After attending 2013 MG classes trainees then donate 40 hours of horticulture-related community service to become certified Tennessee Master Gardeners.
I typically present the MG botany class in Cumberland County. Botany is the scientific study of plants and the plant life of particular regions, habitats or geological periods. The plant physiology part of that course explains various aspects of plant life- nutrition and metabolism; growth, development and reproduction; as well as responses of vegetation to environmental factors. Botany concepts are used when selecting climate-appropriate varieties; in planting, nurturing and pruning of ornamental plants or fruit and vegetable crops; as a basis for care decisions such as how and when to fertilize or not fertilize; in understanding the part sunlight, soil and moisture conditions play in making certain spots around your home more suitable for particular nursery specimens than others. Botany also helps when diagnosing plant problems and suggesting remedies.
Plateau Gardening is written by Master Gardeners for gardeners in Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland Region. Contact UT Extension Cumberland County at P.O. Box 483, Crossville, TN 38557 (931-484-6743) for answers to horticulture questions, free publications and how to become a Master Gardener. Send email comments or yard and garden inquiries to Master Gardener Rae, MGardenerRae@frontiernet.net
Glade Sun
Plateau Gardening: Look at spring plant development not the calendar
- Glade Sun
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Newest engine responds to its first structure fire
The Fairfield Glade Fire Department received a call of a structure fire Wednesday night around 10:20 p.m. from central 911 Dispatch. The fire was called in by a resident who saw a mobile single wide home fully involved with flames coming out of every window the structure.
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Pontius receives Honor Award from Manchester University
Keith Pontius, of Fairfield Glade, has been selected to receive the 2013 Honor Award from Manchester University.
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White honored
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Clay Crushers win Region III championship
The Cumberland County Clay Crusher scholastic clay target program (SCTP) team won the 2013 Region III trap championship over competitors from Gainsboro High School, Sale Creek High School and White County High School at the Sportsman’s Club shooting complex on Shorty Barnes road June 1.
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Read the latest edition of "The Bulletin"
The Crossville Chronicle-Glade Sun also publishes a newsletter called "The Bulletin" in which you'll find a schedule of Glade activities and events, a restaurant and dining guide, golf information, and even tour schedules. Click here for the latest PDF edition of "The Bulletin."
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Marty Smith selected 2013 "Lion of the Year"
Byron Buell was responsible for selecting the 2013 “Lion of the Year” because he was selected for the honor in 2012. However, Byron could not be present at the June 17 meeting when all other honors will be awarded. So, to the surprise of Marty Smith he was called forward at the June 3 meeting to receive his memorable plaque.
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FFG Lions Club keeps growing with four new members
Four new members were inducted at the Fairfield Glade Lions Club June 3 meeting. Membership Chairman Jerry McBride performed the ceremony pointing out that three of the four were born in Tennessee.
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Black bear spotted in the Glade
Officials from the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency have verified that a black bear has been spotted in the Lake Glastonberry area of Fairfield Glade. Last week, TWRA dispatched personnel to employ negative reinforcement techniques intended to dissuade the bear from coming into people's yards.
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Haslam signs Hall tax change
Gov. Bill Haslam has signed legislation that reduces taxes for seniors and helps Tennessee remain one of the top states for retirees.
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Memorial Day ceremony honors the fallen
The flags were flying at half-staff at the county war memorial across from the courthouse lawn in preparation for the Cumberland County Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27.
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