HERE’S A SAFE PLANTING SCHEDULE TO FOLLOW MOVING FORWARD

By Doug Oster

April 7, 2021

On my mature tree, the buds held their color as long as they could but they eventually lost their beautiful hue, transforming to a dull and disappointing brown, frozen as temperatures dipped to the 20s.

I wasn’t alone. On my Facebook page, many gardeners lamented the loss of their magnolia flowers. It’s nothing new, and it happens every several years — but that doesn’t make it any easier. Like those buds, we’ll all wait patiently until this time next year, hoping for a tree covered in flowers.

As the forecast worsened, questions abounded about what to do: cover, protect, pray? My answers were always the same. Anything out in the garden that is supposed to be there doesn’t get covered — they are on their own as far as I’m concerned.

Yes, the daffodils drooped, tulips looked awful, small flowering bulbs like corydalis were bent under snow, but covering them would have done more damage than good, in my opinion, unless expertly done.

Two days later, sans magnolia, the garden is thriving again. Daffodils, tulips and other spring bulbs are on the rebound. Sprouting peas, radishes and leafy greens laughed at the cold weather, not missing a beat.

For newer gardeners especially, the spring garden is filled with fear and frustration. Although veterans still feel the pain, experience tells us, when one thing fails, another will persist.

For spring bulbs, perennials, trees and shrubs already in place, what happens to them is out of our control. But when it comes to planting many other plants, timing is everything.

My gardening mantra was repeated again for this story about how to garden and it comes into play again today. It goes like this — improve the soil, know when the plants go in the ground and don’t let them dry out and you’ll have the start to a successful garden.

It is that second part, about when to plant, that comes into play right now.

Another week of 70 degrees sends the uninformed masses to box stores packed with flats of tender plants, but lacking the information needed to stop newbies from planting tomatoes, peppers, impatiens and others before they should be out in the garden.

If you see someone yelling, waving their arms and jumping up and down near that store, it’s probably me warning gardeners their plants are in peril.

Buy your plants at a good nursery, staffed with friendly, knowledgeable people who WANT to hear your questions. You’ll get plants that have been cared for properly and might even meet a few characters in the process.

Another piece of advice from this old man, take your time when looking for plants, as it should be fun. Fantasize about the sting of a hot pepper, texture of an heirloom tomato or beauty of flowers on a full-grown plant at the end of the season. They should be planted in the garden when the soil and air warm-up, usually in the middle of May.

As a people watcher, it saddens me to see people rush through a good garden center. There are wonders and fascinating treasures to be discovered in the corners and back areas of nurseries.

It will get cold again, it always does and tender plants will struggle or die before then. Every year I meet a young couple who feel like they have a brown thumb after losing all or part of their garden to frost.

If you’re so inclined to try and beat the system and get warm weather plants in the ground during cold weather, just get a couple of things to experiment with. Don’t risk your entire garden hoping the stars will align, as they rarely do.

Celebrating the success of a few plants is always much more fun than replanting the entire garden.

In gardening there is always hope too, I continue to look up to the top of that magnolia as the days have warmed up, hoping that maybe a few buds survived to unfurl.

Doug’s General Planting Guide for Western Pennsylvania or zones 5/6

Direct sow vegetable seeds in the garden or containers in April

Lettuce

Other greens

Radish

Carrot

Beets

Swiss Chard

Peas

Turnips

Onions

Kale

Spinach

Transplant vegetable seedlings to the garden or containers in April

Lettuce

Other Greens

Beets

Swiss Chard

Turnips

Onions (plants or sets)

Cole crops (cabbage, broccoli, kale, etc.)

Spinach

Plants for transplanting into the garden or containers in April

Pansies

Perennials

Shrubs

Trees

Vegetables direct sowed in the garden in mid-May Beans

Cucumbers

Other vine crops

Beets

Carrots

Swiss chard

Lettuce

Other greens

Vegetable/flower seedlings transplanted into the garden in mid-May (Check the weather for possible frost before planting)

Tomatoes

Peppers

Lettuce

Other greens

Annual/tender flowers

Doug Oster writes a weekly column for The Green Voice Weekly Newsletter. He also the host of The Organic Gardener Radio Show every Sunday morning at 7 a.m. on KDKA radio 1020AM. 

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My blood boiled while looking over the hydrangea stripped of its leaves by hungry deer. Chipmunks were nibbling on tomatoes, looking for water and making the fruit perfect candidates for the compost pile after just one bite. Cabbage worms are decimating my kale. A slow burn was ignited by these pests as I walked back to the house, which culminated in draconian, medieval fantasies which can’t and shouldn’t be repeated here.

When calm finally prevailed, thoughts of all the gardeners, new and old alike, dealing with the same problems, came to mind.

A week ago, I stood in the garden looking at the fading flowers of that ‘Nikko Blue’ hydrangea, it’s the first time the plant has bloomed in about five years. The combination of an easy winter and keeping the deer off the buds allowed the plant to put on a wonderful show in early summer.

As I looked at the plant and some rhododendrons in the distance on the rebound from deer damage, a mental note was made to surround these vulnerable plants with deer netting supported by tomato stakes. Even though I was a day late on the hydrangeas, close inspection showed the plant still held its buds and if I acted now, next year’s flowers might be saved.

My go to repellent is Bobbex, but there are many out there which work. In my garden no plant has ever been nibbled on when sprayed with Bobbex…yet. I’ll continue religiously spraying until the physical barrier is erected. It’s always the best way to prevent deer damage.

I’ve been literally running into the emaciated doe with her two fawns while walking to and from the garden. It has no worries about me or the dog and will stand in the garden nursing its offspring while occasionally glancing over towards us. Anger at the animal’s lack of fear, ironically turned to sympathy after a close look. Its ribs were visible and there was a feeling this might be the last twins she would raise.

The chipmunk damage was worse during the drought. I sprayed the plants with Hot Pepper Wax and left a small bowl of water at the base of the plants. It worked, but also helped when we got some rain.

The birds took care of the cabbage worms, which was some good news.

Tomato hornworms, slugs, stink bugs, invasive species and then there are the diseases to deal with along with the weather. It can be easy to throw in the towel, and think that it’s not worth it to garden.

Gardening is easy, when it’s easy, hard when it’s hard and Mother Nature is always in control. Try to take the good with the bad, enjoy the success and mourn the losses.

As I stood at the foot of a garden path with an overflowing harvest basket, I looked over to see light purple anemones dancing in the breeze as a hummingbird meticulously visited the maroon, tubular flowers of ‘Wendy’s Wish’ salvia. Then without warning, it flew right towards me, oblivious to my gleaming bald head. It worked the red canna flowers a foot from my face and then spent another few minutes getting nectar from purple ‘Amistad’ salvia just a few feet away.

Bring on the deer, bad bugs, diseases and drought, it’s wonderful to have a garden and it always will be, regardless of all the pitfalls. Time in any garden is time well spent.

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Here’s how to sign up for the webinar- Registration/On-Demand Link: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/2587320/E6134FC90E9D6F8DB38BA1020769C74D?partnerref=Email

Here are all the details for the trip.

PRESENTS: Croatia & Its Islands Small Ship Cruising on the Adriatic Coast Escorted by Doug Oster July 09 — July 20, 2021 • 12 Days • 19 Meals

PRICING FOR THIS TRIP LOWER DECK OUTSIDE DOUBLE    $5.199 per person MAIN DECK DOUBLE                          $5,699 per person * For bookings made after 8/24/2020… call for new rates * INCLUDED IN THIS PRICE: Round trip airfare from PITTSBURGH INTL AIRPORT, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers ** Not Included: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $399 a person ** ALL RATES ARE PER PERSON, ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE, AND ARE  BASED ON AIRFARE INCLUDED FROM PITTSBURGH – DIFFERENT AIRPORT GATEWAYS WILL HAVE DIFFERENT PRICING                                         Highlights Dubrovnik, 7-Night Adriatic Cruise, Slano, Mljet National Park, Korcula, Vis, Biševo Blue Cave, Hvar, Bol, Trogir, Split, Diocletian’s Palace, Choice On Tour, Šibenik, Cathedral of St. James, Krka National Park, Zagreb, Stone Gate A LITTLE BIT ABOUT DOUG ________ You can catch Doug hosting The Organic Gardener, every Sunday morning at 7 a.m. on Pittsburgh’s KDKA Radio. “Gardening is fun,” Doug Oster says, “you can truly enjoy every day spent outside when you’re tending vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and trees.”  Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned tender to your backyard oasis, Doug Oster has something to offer everyone! Simply put, he loves writing about gardening and highlighting gardeners. Beyond writing, Doug is also an Emmy Award winning producer and television host. Day-by-Day Itinerary Day 1 – Jul 09, 2021: Overnight Flight Wander along medieval walls, marvel at enchanting waterfalls, and relax on sunny islands. From Dubrovnik to Zagreb, set out to experience the best of Croatia and the Adriatic Coast. Day 2 – Jul 10, 2021: Dubrovnik – Croatia – Tour Begins – Board Ship Welcome to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” This afternoon you’ll board a private 4-star ship and revel in all of the luxuries of a small cruise ship. Relax onboard before experiencing a Captain’s welcome dinner. Enjoy your meal accompanied by live Klapa music, the traditional Croatian style of singing. Included Meals: Dinner Day 3 – Jul 11, 2021: Dubrovnik – Slano This morning, take in the medieval stone walls, iconic Baroque rooftops, and winding cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik. Embrace the unspeakable feeling that you’ve stepped into another time as you explore the Old City with a local guide. With free time in the afternoon, perhaps you’ll visit the famous City Walls or ride a cable car to the top of the Mount Srd for awe-inspiring views of Dubrovnik. Then, your journey continues to Slano, a port city just outside of Dubrovnik. Enjoy an evening of leisure or consider an optional excursion to Ston, a nearby fortified city known for its decadent oysters and seafood. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Day 4 – Jul 12, 2021: Slano – Mljet National Park – Korcula This morning, arrive in Mljet National Park. Stroll around the Large and Small lakes before exploring the Islet of St. Mary, home to a Benedictine Monastery from the 12th century. Don’t miss out on a chance to take a swim in the strikingly blue waters. Then, it’s on to Korcula, debated home to one of the world’s most famous explorers: Marco Polo. Decide for yourself if he was born in Korcula or Venice as you tour his alleged home and take in the fantastic sea views from its tower. Join a local guide and make your way along the narrow stone streets while you wander among the medieval buildings and vibrant houses in the town known as “Little Dubrovnik.” Enjoy the evening at leisure to discover the charms of this age-old city. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Day 5 – Jul 13, 2021: Korcula – Vis Cruise on to Vis, a small island practically untouched by tourism and overflowing with Renaissance architecture and beautiful beaches. With free time this afternoon, relax onboard the ship or choose to go on an optional tour of the island ending with a farm-to-table dinner. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Day 6 – Jul 14, 2021: Vis – Biševo – Hvar Embark on a morning cruise to the island of Biševo. This island is home to the Blue Cave,* a stunning grotto with a luminous blue glow. Return to the ship and cruise to the sunny island of Hvar. Upon arrival in Hvar, get acquainted with the area when a local guide introduces you to the history, culture, and lifestyle of the city. Discover how lavender was traditionally grown in the region for centuries and take a closer look at the custom. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Day 7 – Jul 15, 2021: Hvar – Bol – Trogir Start your day in the town of Bol, located on the picturesque island of Brac. With free time this morning, perhaps you’ll choose to swim along the shore of the “Golden Cape,” known to be one of the most popular beaches in Croatia. Return to the ship for lunch, then it’s off to Trogir, a coastal gem renowned for its picturesque Venetian architecture. Admire the striking stone houses and towering cathedral as you tour the city with a guide. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Day 8 – Jul 16, 2021: Trogir – Split Discover Split, one of the oldest cities in this historic region. In this bustling port, explore Diocletian’s Palace, the city’s famous ancient fortress. One of Croatia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, Emperor Diocletian chose the palace to be his retirement home because of the incomparable beauty of Split. A guided tour takes you through the mysterious passageways and into the lower levels of this massive structure. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Day 9 – Jul 17, 2021: Split -Disembark Ship – Šibenik Disembark your ship in Split where it’s your choice! Visit the oldest museum institution in Croatia, Split’s Archaeological Museum, founded in 1820; marvel at a diverse range of artifacts from the Paleolithic to the Iron Age -OR- admire the works of 20th-century sculptor, Ivan Meštrovic during a guided tour. The Meštrovic Gallery features an array of the artist’s creations including sculptures, drawings, furniture and architecture. The museum itself is considered an art monument. Enjoy free time in the city for lunch before you journey to Šibenik. Tonight, embrace the culture of Croatia and become captivated by authentic traditional entertainment with dinner. Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Day 10 – Jul 18, 2021: Šibenik – Krka National Park – Šibenik Set off on a walking tour through the ancient alleyways and roads of Šibenik, where you’ll get a chance to see the Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, venture to the breathtaking Krka National Park, where waterfalls tumble through dramatic gorges. Meander along the trails that surround the falls before embarking on a boat ride that takes you along the river to Skradin.* Included Meals: Breakfast Day 11 – Jul 19, 2021: Šibenik – Zagreb This morning, travel to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia! Step right into the history and culture of everyday life as you tour the city with a local guide. Become acquainted with the city as you see the main sights of the capital, including the Croatian National Theater and Opera House, the Croatian Parliament building, the illustrious Zagreb Cathedral, and the legendary Stone Gate. Tonight, raise a glass and say živjeli (“to life”) as you toast your Croatian journey over Istrian cuisine. Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Day 12 – Jul 20, 2021: Zagreb – Tour Ends Say goodbye to Croatia as your tour of the Adriatic Coast comes to a close today. Included Meals: Breakfast Cancellation Waiver Worry-Free Cancellation Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travellers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you’re protected. Plus, you’re covered on tour. Our travel protection plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you’re covered. Travel Protection is just $399 per person.                                    ACCOMMODATIONS At the time of booking, you will be asked what type of room you would like. A double room has either one large bed or two smaller ones. Double rooms are perfect for couples or if you’re travelling with a companion and wish to share a room. There are plenty of double rooms available on our tours. A single or solo room has only one bed and may be smaller in size. These rooms are first come, first-served, as most properties have only a limited number of these rooms available. We will forward your request to the hotel and do our best to accommodate your needs; however, please know that we cannot make any guarantees. On every tour, we look to provide the highest quality accommodations in the best location. If you’re visiting a city, we want you in the heart of it. In certain countries, the hotel rooms may not be as large as standard hotel rooms in North America. Here are a few details to keep in mind: Check in times are set by individual hotels and can vary, but most hotels offer afternoon check-ins. Depending on your arrival time, you may have to wait before you can get into your room. Some hotels may be willing to store your luggage in a secure location until your room is ready. In these instances the hotel will not be responsible for lost or stolen items and there may be a charge for this service. Please observe check out times at all properties. Hotels designate these as well. Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. You will be responsible for all incidental fees occurred during your stay, and these must be paid at time of check out. Hotel membership programs are not applicable. TO SIGN UP, CLICK HERE

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL 724-266-5715 or travel@traveljunctioninc.com

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