ISU calendar going green

      The Iowa State University gardening calendar is going green. The full-color calendar focuses on earth-friendly gardening in 2010. Each month lists specific tips,  plus the back pages offer details on four green garden topics: compost, rain collection, beekeeping and houseplant choices. Linn County Master Gardener, Claire Smith, provides more information on the calendar, as well as final lawn and garden tips for this beautiful fall weekend:

      One final mowing job.  That's what I'm anxious for!  ISU recommends that we mow as long as the grass keeps growing.  The long range weather forecast indications are that could be Thanksgiving this year.  Not that I mind the nice weather, mind you, it is great for finishing up those last few gardening tasks.  It's time to store pesticides in their original containers in a safe area away from children and pets. Granular formations should be in a cool, dry place and liquids out of direct sunlight and freezing temperatures.

      Tools and flower containers should be clean and put away by now, too. Remember to drain the hose prior to storing it in the shed. 

      I don't rake leaves.  I shred them with the lawn mower.  Sometimes it takes more than one swipe to chop those huge maple and oak leaves, but they add free nutrients and organic matter back into the soil. A good rule of thumb is if you can see grass blades, you've successfully succeeded in sufficiently shredding leaves.  It's kind of this lazy gardener's way of adding improvements to the soil. 

       While it's too late to seed large areas of the yard, there are some bare spots and a few thin places in our lawn that could use a little grass seed.  Fluctuating temperatures will help work the seed into the soil.  Don't worry about snow, it's the best mulch available, and, again, free!

       October's rains created some very muddy yard areas.  Attempting to aerate a wet lawn will result in a mucky mess detrimental to the lawn.

      Piles of dirt and a row of mounded earth is evidence of pocket gopher damage. One method of extinction is to find an entrance hole, add poison and then cover the hole with a board.

      Year round gardening tips are available in the ISU Garden Calendar 2010.  Weekly tips, instructional information, and journaling space make this magazine sized publication a must have. As a bonus, there is additional information about composting, rain collection, beekeeping and growing houseplants.  It's a tool to remind you when to prune, sow, mulch and cut back plants.  It's a handy catalog of horticulture publications and extension phone numbers.  Lovely garden photography graces each page of this Growing Green edition.  The calendar is available for $6.00 at the Linn County Extension Office, 3279 7

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Avenue in Marion. Copies are available by mail for $8.00. They make great stocking stuffers for anyone interested in gardening!