Dealing with Ol’ Jack Frost

*Author’s note: This was written Sunday, 10/21/18. Matthews did have some spotty patches of frost, but as of Tuesday morning, no damage had been reported to me.

For those of you who have taken my Successful Gardener classes, you know that our “first” frost (of the Fall) usually occurs around Halloween. So if we have frost in the Matthews area this week, does that mean we’ve been wrong about that date? Not at all. You see, the dates for both “first” and “last” frost are determined by average dates over several years. So a “first” frost of 10/22 is close enough to the average that gardeners should be on the alert for cold weather. Since we spend so much time outside in our gardens and landscapes, we should be aware that it’s cooling off anyway. Yes, it has been unusually warm this Fall, but until I see a definite change in weather patterns, I’m still going to look for frost in late October. And if you’ve spent any time out in the open, you should have noticed that while the Sun was still warm, the air temps are cooler than a few weeks ago. So what does all this mean?

First, any tender annual flowers, herbs, or vegetables might get burned or killed by the frost. You can sometimes cover your plants with old sheets or plant bed floating row covers to protect them. Covers will usually give you an extra 2-5 degrees of protection. That may be enough to get them through the night without damage. It’s worth noting that frost often appears just after sunrise before the Sun has had a chance to warm things up. Don’t be in a hurry to uncover things in your rush to schools and offices.

Frost also brings an unofficial end to the “growing season”, that period between last and first frosts when most folks do the bulk of their vegetable and flower growing. I have to note here that in the Southern Piedmont, we can grow all kinds of great plants nearly all year long. We just have to be aware of the best conditions for each of them. Cooler temps and shorter days, along with regular cloudy conditions, do slow down the growth of many plants, even the hardiest ones. So it’s good to know the last and first frost dates in your area. I’ve already mentioned Halloween as our first frost date. The last frost in the Southern Piedmont is an equally scary date; April 15, otherwise known as “Tax Day”. Again, these dates are averages, so we may have frost events before or after these days.

Cooler weather also brings with it the opportunity to extend our seasons past those dates. I’ve already mentioned the covers you can use for some protection. There are others you can use, as well. I expect all of us have used plastic milk jugs or over-turned flower pots to protect plants overnight. I stopped using those after chasing after and/or collecting them after even a light breeze. You can build a cold frame from lumber or PVC and cover it in a clear (preferably UV resistant) plastic. You can use glass, or even recycled windows or doors. This economical structure offers more protection from the elements. There are lots of plans for these season extenders, and you can find a link to several of them on my website.

“Tunnel growing” is becoming more popular, and there are low and high versions. Essentially unheated greenhouses, they offer even more protection. Used mostly on commercial farms and greenhouse ranges, I think they have use in a home garden, too. You can easily grow lettuce and greens in a tunnel for most of the winter. They have some extra challenges compared to a simple plant bed cover. They can easily overheat on a sunny day, so you’ll need some way to vent excess heat and humidity. Also, snow or ice can collapse a tunnel if the load gets too heavy. But fresh greens are worth it, I think.

Greenhouse growing is, of course, the ultimate in-season extension. It’s also a subject much too detailed for this short review. Be on the lookout for greenhouse information in a future post. Just be aware that frost brings with it new and interesting opportunities to learn new things.

Remember to enjoy your garden, because THAT is what makes you a Successful Gardener!!!

Martha Krauss Speaks for the Bees

Martha Krauss remains one of the most enthusiastic voices and leaders for bee conservancy and preservation in Matthews.  A 45-year-resident, Martha’s work has been pivotal to the establishment of Country Place Park Pollinator Garden and to designating the town a Bee City (USA). Her foray into bees was a natural outgrowth of her upbringing, her passions and her interests in nature.

Tell me a little bit about your life? When did you move here? I grew up on a farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  Even as a child, I loved plants – especially herbs. After marrying Will Krauss, a Naval Officer, we lived in Massachusetts and Maryland.  Upon his discharge we moved to Ohio for his job, and later his career took us to Pennsylvania, then back to Ohio. During some of those years, I taught Elementary Physical Education. In 1973, we moved to Matthews NC.

“With the help of Carol Buie-Jackson we talked to our town manager, Hazen Blodgett, who is also a beekeeper, the process began. Carol and I made a presentation to the Matthews Town Council and in December 8, 2014, they voted unanimously to become a Bee City USA.  We were the fourth town in the nation to become a Bee City USA community. ”

— Martha Krauss

Martha Krauss stands among the pollinator plants at Country Place Pocket Park. Photo by Cyma Shapiro.

What attracted you to being here? Will's job brought us to the south.   Matthews was a very different place then with a population of (approximately) 2,000.  We found a house on five acres, giving us room to build a barn for our two daughters’ horses.  We’ve had goats, chickens, turkeys, dogs and cats at various times. Back then, the road to our house was wooded, had seven houses and a speed limit of 55 m.p.h. Matthews provided a good place to live and raise our family, not to mention that the blue skies and mild winters of North Carolina were a delight!

What were your hopes for being here? To live in a family-friendly town with a sense of community. We have found it to be exactly that.

When did you begin your foray into bees? We became seriously interested about seven years ago and took classes, set up our hive and joined both the Union County and Mecklenburg County Beekeeper Associations.

What did you hope to do with this knowledge? Become successful beekeepers, help the environment, help to educate the public about how important bees are, and to become a part of the beekeeping community.

Why did this become an interest for you? Will and I have always been avid vegetable, flower and shrub gardeners.  About seven years ago, we noticed that there were very few bees.  Since we knew how important it was to have pollinators for our gardens, we decided to look into bee keeping.  One of our friends was already a beekeeper and she helped guide us.  After acquiring the equipment and signing up for a class, she spotted a swarm of bees on the Greenway and they became our first bees!  We now have three hives and a hive of a beekeeper friend.

You are considered one of the preeminent bee enthusiasts in Matthews. How did you come to this role? After taking the Bee Keepers class, I just started talking to everyone about bees and how important they are to our farms, garden and food supply. I really felt like this was something I could help bring an awareness to, to help the bees.

“One third of our foods rely on bees and thousands of other insects to pollinators to fertilize the plants in order for the plant to produce fruits and vegetables that we eat.”

— Martha Krauss

Will and Martha Krauss’ beehives. Photo by Martha Krauss

Do you see any intersection between your passion for this and, perhaps, a philosophical greater life plan? I have always appreciated the beauty of nature and have found peace and solace in tending a garden. The Mennonite simplicity and living close to the earth, that I learned in my childhood, has stayed with me. Adding the bees, watching their community work in common purpose, has been fascinating. To have them gather pollen from our flowers makes us feel a part of their cycle.

What do you want people to know about bees? Bees are a very important component of growing plants.   One third of our foods rely on bees and thousands of other insects to pollinators to fertilize the plants in order for the plant to produce fruits and vegetables that we eat.

What would you like people to do with bees? I would like them to respect bees and acknowledge their importance.  Honey bees are very focused on their jobs and typically won't bother you unless you bother them.  Should a honey bee sting, she dies. Bees are very susceptible to pesticides and herbicides. Through education, the goal is to reduce and ideally eliminate their use to help save the bees.

It would be good for people to plant a variety of flowers that have different bloom times. By doing that it provides a food source, pollen and nectar for them to feed their hive as well as make honey.  Our climate allows us to have something blooming every day of the year!

I understand that you worked hard to help make the town a “Bee City” USA? Tell me more about your desire to do so? I first heard about the Bee City USA designation through the Mecklenburg Beekeepers Association Newsletter.  With the help of Carol Buie-Jackson we talked to our town manager, Hazen Blodgett, who is also a beekeeper, the process began. Carol & I made a presentation to the Matthews Town Council and in December 8, 2014, they voted unanimously to become a Bee City USA.  We were the fourth town in the nation to become a Bee City USA community. Each year we must send a report for an annual renewal.

There are now 115 certified city and campus affiliates across the nation.   Bee City/Campus USA is joining forces with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, the largest pollinator protection organization in the world! As of June 30, 2018, Bee City USA will formally become an initiative of Xerces, leveraging Xerces’ 46-year history in support of Bee City USA’s continued growth.

“My first passion in plants was herbs. The lore, utility and fragrance were three of the most fascinating aspects of herbs for me. ”

— Martha Krauss

What are some of the annual events you offer? We participate in Earth Day in the Spring, KIND (Kids in Nature Day) in the Fall and have a booth two times a year at the Matthews Farmers Market.  Matthews Park & Recreation constructed the Country Place Pocket Park at the corner of Country Place and South Trade St.

Who else has been instrumental in the creation and upkeep of the pollinator garden at Country Place Pocket Park? At the request of Matthews Bee City USA, they prepared a place for us to plant a Pollinator Garden.  Many of the plants I already grew in our own garden and others were purchased with help from a grant from Duke Energy.  The planting and upkeep was done by Matthews Bee City USA friends and Cross & Crown Boy Scout Troop 140.  A Boy Scout is now looking at the possibility of expanding and edging the garden for an Eagle project.

Photo of one of the gardens at the Krauss home. Photo by Martha Krauss

Do you regularly attend local events? Initially, Will and I took a class on beekeeping in Union County.  It was a good introduction and we try to attend local workshops. There are classes to become certified and master beekeepers. We attend Mecklenburg Beekeepers Association meetings and sometimes the Union County Beekeepers.  They are very informative with different programs and it is also a good time to talk to other beekeepers. There is an old joke that says if you have five beekeepers talking, you will have seven opinions!

What do you want people to know about you? My first passion in plants was herbs. The lore, utility and fragrance were three of the most fascinating aspects of herbs for me. For some years I propagated mostly unusual herbs by cuttings and sold them to a couple of local hardware stores and to Wing Haven for their Spring Sale. I grew over sixty different kinds of herbs and also did programs. For a couple of springtimes, I worked on Saturdays at Renfrow hardware to help teach customers about herbs.  I was “The Herb Lady.” 

What are your intentions for the future?  After 20 years in business we have retired from our Bed & Breakfast that we hosted in our home.  Our plan is to stay here in Matthews and enjoy working in our gardens, with the bees. We enjoy travel and want to continue that. We have visited all fifty states, now.

One of the Krauss hives that was possibly toppled by a hungry or curious bear. Photo by Martha Krauss

What are your hopes for the future of Matthews (and bees)? We hope that the town continues with good stewardship and that Matthews Bee City USA will continue to provide opportunities to teach about honey bees and pollinators. Residents need to be aware of the problems caused by pesticides and herbicides for our bee population. While sprays can serve a purpose, it is important that they not be used indiscriminately.

The Many Faces of Buzzing Bugs

Photo by Debbie LeBlanc Foster

Bees, wasps, and hornets are amazing creatures!  They are hard workers, often pollinating our flowers and food crops.  We have more than 4,000 species in the US! Did you know that North Carolina is home to more than 500 species of native bees? That’s the good news.  The bad news is that many of our pollinators are at risk, with populations declining by more than 30%, according to Our State magazine.

Let’s look at a few of these buzzing bugs with interesting names,  and how you can make a pollinator-friendly habitat in your yard.

Ever seen a Bald-faced Hornet? How about a Blue-winged Wasp?  A Cow Killer? All of these can be found in NC.

Image via Creative Commons photographer Piccolo Namek

The Bald-faced Hornet builds a bulbous nest that hangs  from a tree or shrub. Stay away from this one! These are aggressive hornets that can sting repeatedly.  Hire a professional to deal with a nest.

Image via Wikimedia Creative Commons

The Blue-winged Wasp is aptly named, with dark metallic blue wings that glint in the sunlight. It is a natural predator of the Japanese beetle, and its larva feed on the beetle grubs. What’s not to love about that!

Image via Wikimedia Creative Commons

Last we’ve got the Cow Killer, AKA the Red Velvet Ant.  These are not ants at all, but members of the wasp family.  The females are wingless and pack a powerful punch with their sting, reputedly enough to kill a cow!

Image via Wikimedia Creative Commons

Want to make your yard pollinator-friendly?  There are lots of ways!

• First, cut the chemicals.  Everything that lives in your yard,  from insects to birds, will thank you for it.

• Next, plant pollinator plants, like zinnias, echinacea, bee balm, coreopsis and goldenrod.  Wasps, hornets, and bees benefit, and you get to enjoy a color yard.

• Finally, be a little messy.  Don’t be so fast to deadhead and clean up plant litter around your yard.  These areas can provide over-wintering places.

These buzzing pollinators provide valuable services to us humans.  Embrace them in your yard!

Photo by Debbie LeBlanc Foster

HAWK: A Partnership Built on Cross-Pollination

For Habitat and Wildlife Keepers, the Matthews chapter of the NC Wildlife Federation, education and awareness go hand-in-hand – something the group strives for in increasing their membership, working closely with the town and finding community and commonality in all their endeavors.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Five years ago HAWK worked with the Town of Matthews to register and certify the town itself as a Wildlife Habitat through the North Carolina Wildlife Federation – the 64th such community to do so in the nation and the first chapter in North Carolina. To date, there are 13 such communities in NC and approximately 200 across the country. To add, “tens of thousands of supporters and activists are currently members in the statewide organization,” said Tim Gestwicki, CEO of the NCWF.

According to Daniel Jakobovits, avid “tree hugger, wildlife/naturalist,” former vice-present, now new -president of HAWK, education and awareness go hand-in-hand – something the group strives for in increasing their membership, working closely with the town (government) and finding community and commonality in all their endeavors.

“Part of our mission is to continue to educate the public,” said Jakobovits. “You can’t care about something unless you understand it……and there is the intersection of what we do. We (intend to) continue down our mission to educate folks,” he said, adding that people don’t necessarily need to kill the spider or bee or snake they see. “All of these (are) wonderful things - to have folks understand this and have that sense of wonder and engagement for things that are all around us, but (that) we don’t know about.”

There are 4 elements required for a backyard habitat:

• food

• water

• shelter

• a place to raise young.

On the first Tuesday of each month (during the body of the school year), HAWK holds meetings on topics ranging from deer and coexistence in the community to native plants and wildlife. From moss workshops, owl and frog walks to worm composting classes and foraging. They’re often attended by up to 100 interested audience-members. In addition, the group hosts annual events such as Earth Day and Kids in Nature Day (KIND) with the Town of Matthews, and hosts a table at the Farmer’s Market twice a year.

Annually, HAWK follows through on their mission to help increase awareness and membership and help homeowners and businesses certify their properties.  Said Gestwicki, “The community wildlife certification would never have occurred without the full involvement of HAWK – they came up with the game plan, the objects, the goals and followed through to inform the constituents of Matthews, and implement a plan. This could not have happened without HAWKS’ past, present and future dedication to all local wildlife and its habitat.”

Jordon Vardon, showing one aspect of his backyard habitat. Photo by Cyma Shapiro

At the heart of this work is the commitment made by individuals. “The value of becoming a member of our group as well as the value of certifying their property doesn’t take an act of great magnitude,” said Jakobovits. “Certifying your yard – the idea is that you are making some level of commitment for a habitat – food, water and shelter, and a place to raise their young. It doesn’t need to be for larger creatures – bear or deer. But, if we can connect all these habitats, we now have a corridor for wildlife.

People who have a birdhouse or bird feeder are already two steps down that path. All they need is a birdbath or source of water and they can get their property certified.”  In effect, he said, “you are doing this with purpose – how can I do this better?”

It is a message not lost on Jordan Vardon, who recently certified his property on Willow Brook Road – 1/3 acres in the middle of a subdivision.  According to Vardon, the father of two young children, this is not only a way to learn about birds, which he is clearly passionate about, but also teach his two young children how to identify and enjoy them, as well.

“This is a way to bring more birds into the back yard,” he said, “while creating an oasis for (some) of the birds in decline. (We’re) giving birds the space to come back.” To date, he’s seen 30 different species in his yard - a few of which have chosen to nest in two carefully hidden bird houses  - “hidden by design to give them cover – the birds want to feel safe,” Vardon said. He likens his pursuit of bird-watching to a treasure hunt.

In his case, despite a small yard surrounded by nearby houses, his surroundings have created a joyful space for his family to enjoy - his poured concrete antique birdbath was purchased after a six-month hunt; his bird feeders are hoisted in the trees nearest the bedroom to allow the family to watch the various species more closely. This is a shared experience - “the kids love it,” he said.

In the end, it is that same experience which brings many Matthews individuals together. “We’re for all wildlife – small and big and everything that is part of that web,” said Jakobovits. “Part of the crossover involves people interested and passionate about bees. We’re a….cross pollination of people (whose interest) extends from bees to wildlife to humans,” he said. “We work very well together; we don’t compete with (other organizations) – we want people to enjoy and connect with nature at whatever level they want to.”

“ We’re a….cross pollination of people (whose interest) extends from bees to wildlife to humans.”

— Daniel Jakobovits

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

For more information or to join HAWK, visit their website Habitat and Wildlife Keepers.

Pollinators: A Photoessay

After all the hurricane rain our yard suddenly bloomed in large swaths of fiery oranges (tithonia, zinnias) and sunshiny yellows (perennial sunflowers, Mexican tarragon). A handful of pale purple native asters tower among the tangled vines of American passionflower, making a natural home for an array of native bees. Hoverflies, mason bees, carpenters, bumbles, and honeybees are all taking advantage of the pollen party, filling up before the weather gets too cold for most flowers.

John Caudle: Rancher of the Airwaves

Photo by Pressly Williams

For many townspeople, beekeeper John Caudle’s story is already well known. A landscaper. Third-generation farmer, running a tree nursery and tree farm. Nearly ten years ago, a diagnosis of Stage 4C tonsil cancer brought him to death’s doorstep. A last night of gasping breath, with no energy to get out of his chair brought on a vision of Jesus and then a blackout.

The next morning he was alive and breathing.

To hear him say it, he was, in effect, instantly reborn; his new life begun. He also proudly states that he has been in remission ever since.

Townspeople may also know that he originally sought out another career when he was too weak to continue his old one and fell into beekeeping; that his first harvest of honey produced dead bees and that he is now the proud owner of “Herb’s Honey,” a pure raw honey product which isn’t heated or mixed with corn syrup. His product is sold at farmer’s markets, Renfrow’s Hardware store in Matthews, honey markets and Earth Fare stores. (He also sells to a Raleigh bottler who mixes his honey with corn syrup to make “honey sauce.”)

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

“There are days when I’m there by myself…..I can be in the middle of 20 million bees and it’s like…all of sudden it’s as if they’re talking with me. I don’t understand bees, but there is a hum and a series of pitches of hums that they give to me.”

— John Caudle

Fun Bee Facts

• Honey bees fly at a speed of around 15 m.p.h. and beat their wings 200 times per second!

• Each bee has 170 odorant receptors, which means they have one serious sense of smell! They use this to communicate within the hive and to recognize different types of flowers when looking for food.

    (Source: National Geographic Kids online)

Today, at age 62, he feels deeply and fervently that his honey is a creation that helped save his life and can help heal others. He speaks lovingly of his “girls” – the tens of thousands of bees he owns in his over 1,000 honey boxes located in seven counties and those in his direct family – a wife, two daughters, one granddaughter and another on the way, all of whom now help or will hopefully help him in the future with the business.

“I like the bees,” Caudle said. “There are days when I’m there by myself…..I can be in the middle of 20 million bees and it’s like…all of sudden it’s as if they’re talking with me. I don’t understand bees, but there is a hum and a series of pitches of hums that they give to me.”  

“I feel as if God has made me as one with his children – the bees,” he said. “God has created them. It’s nothing I did. This is 100% a gift of God.”

To go along with these sentiments are an ongoing, nonstop rumination about some aspect of his business that he must tend to, learn about, work with or grow. “(You) wake up in the middle of the night and your mind is running a million miles/hour. That’s God talking with you,” he said. “In the morning, I’ve got this new plan or direction.”

Photo by Pressly Williams

His bees are called hybrid Russians. He sells 100,000 pounds of honey each year. In peak production time (April – August), his boxes (colony) yield 50-70,000 bees, each.   One hundred and ten of those boxes are located in Matthews.

Talking from his honey lot located in Renfrow Farms on West Charles Street in Matthews, he expresses pure joy at being able to do something he feels fundamentally passionate about and which he sees as a direct result of his relationship to God. “This is all a gift and a direction by God; this is not of my doing,” said Caudle, who by his own admission was missing a “personal relationship with God,” before his life-threatening illness changed his life.

While he said he often prays in his truck, upon entrance to his honey box areas, he also says a brief “thank you” to his Creator for giving him his bees. “God, thank you – look at them, they are all alive. Oh, thank you God,” he said.

A walk around his honey boxes becomes a thing of joy, with Caudle extolling the beauty of his bees (this time of year - yellow, black, orange, or gray in color), the beauty of his boxes (originally marked with simple logos which his bee-teachers said were a necessity to steer the bees to the correct boxes), the importance of his Queens (carefully picked by him and sometimes killed and replaced by him out of necessity for survival of that colony), excitedly sampling the variety of honey smells (lifting the box lids to sniff the differing aromas), often sampling his own wares (up to two to three pounds/day).

Caudle is a man content with using a pine needle smoker to spray over his body, rather than use full body or other cover-up gear. His mission is to be with and get as close as possible to his bees/colonies/boxes.

“We are ranchers of the airwaves,” said Caudle. “They fly up and away – up to two miles, collecting pollen for the preservation of their hives, bringing nectar back for the hives.”

In Matthews, his honey lot and participation in selling his wares at Renfrow’s was a serendipity of circumstances. Seven years ago, Renfrow’s owner David Blackley was seeking a way to better pollinate some of his crops which weren’t doing well (butternut squash and zucchini); Caudle’s brother wanted to encourage him to pursue beekeeping, which was in its infancy. They struck a deal: 10 initial boxes on about 1/3 acres located on the now nine-acre farm. That year, the crops were a significantly better yield, and so the partnership, John’s business and Renfrow’s crops flourished.

“It is very good honey,” said Blackley, “...some of the best in Mecklenburg Country. It’s a great addition to the farm sales. We’re pleased that the hives have done well.  John has done a great job of keeping them,” Blackley said. “We like the fact that it’s unpasteurized and has no commercial agriculture happening (around the location) for three miles.”

This is clearly a man in love – in love with all his “girls,” as he calls them; in love with life and in love with his life.  

So, what does the future hold? More time with his daughters, his grandchildren and a possible doubling of his hives.

“Everything is a timeline,” he said. “I love my creator. I love my family. I love my bees.”

“We are ranchers of the airwaves. They fly up and away – up to two miles, collecting pollen for the preservation of their hives, bringing nectar back for the hives.”

— John Caudle

Photo by Pressly Williams

Did you know? Over the past 15 years, colonies of bees have been disappearing; the reason remains unknown. Referred to as ‘colony collapse disorder,’ billions of honey bees across the world are leaving their hives, never to return. In some regions, up to 90% of bees have disappeared. (Source: National Geographic Kids online)

Join the Alliuminati

Onions and garlic are easy to grow,

overwinter in our mild climate,

and are powerhouses of nutrition and healing.

This time of year is a really good time to plant lots of perennial plants, everything from trees to shrubs to flowers and vegetable plants. Planting in this cooler season gives your plants weeks of root growing before the warming temperatures bring on the riot of growth that is Spring. So cool-season planting is the start of your 2019 garden!

Let’s start that planting with onions and garlic! These plants are easy to grow, overwinter in our mild climate, and are powerhouses of nutrition and healing. There are several types and varieties to choose from, as well.

Garlic is a member of the Allium family, as are all onions. While there are several types of garlic, most of what is grown in the Southern Piedmont is called soft neck garlic. This refers to the lack of a central flower scape coming from the bulb. That scape makes the neck “hard”. If you cook with garlic, you know it forms a bulb of several individual cloves. These cloves are separated for use in cooking, and you separate them for planting as well. Plant them unpeeled, root end down. Plant them about 1” deep, and about 6-8” apart. Rows should be at least 12” apart, but I usually make my rows 18”-24” to make it easier to cultivate and weed. Needing loamy, well-drained soils, raised beds or raised rows with lots of compost are a great place to plant garlic. Fall planted garlic gets a light mulch to protect it from the wide variations in temperature that we often experience in winter. Normally I use leaves, but wheat straw is OK, too. Before you ask, pine needles will work, but I personally don’t like using them. (That’s another subject I’ll cover some other time.) let them grow on through the winter, with harvest next Spring. Elephant garlic is a different type, with a bigger, milder tasting clove. Plant it a little farther apart (9-10”) and stay with the 18-24” row spacing.

There are a few types of perennial/multiplier onions that are hardy old varieties that your parents and grandparents may have planted. Potato onions, walking onions, bunching onions, and shallots all multiply from a single set, or bulb. You’ll need to separate the individual onion bulbs in order to plant them. Like all the Alliums, they thrive in raised beds/rows with lots of compost. Plant the individual bulbs in mid-late Fall, spacing them 10-12” apart. If you are planting in long rows, give yourself plenty of room to weed and cultivate. Depending on the method of cultivation, I’d stick with 18-24” between rows. Bunching onions are grown from seed, and are great mild onions to use in salads and raw recipes.  

Most of you will be more familiar with onion sets, or small onion plants that have been grown out and harvested for later planting. Usually available in red, white, or yellow varieties, they can be planted in both Fall and Spring. I’d recommend doing both to give yourself a longer harvest. Plant your sets in those compost-rich beds or rows on much tighter spacing, even 3-4” apart. As they grow, you can pull every other one and use it in your cooking. Run your rows 18-24” for ease of cultivation. I usually give these onions a bit of slow-release fertilizer as they are starting to grow again in the Spring. They seem to need a little more water during the growing season, too.

Plants and seeds are available for onions, too. I prefer to plant those in the Spring. They seem to do better if you avoid the cold temps. Growing and Spacing for most of them is the same as the other onions, but seeded onions can be planted closely, and the thinnings used in salads.

I mentioned early on that onions are very nutritious. While some amazing claims are made, some basic facts are onions are high in Vitamin C and antioxidants, low in calories, and high in fiber. That pungent flavor works with lots of other foods, from veggies to red meats. They are used in all kinds of cultures, and can be adapted for almost any dish. For cooks on a budget, a little onion can go a long way.

Even if you don’t want to plant anything else this year, you can still get started on next spring’s plantings with some onions and garlic.  Give some of them a try!

Jeff Rieves reminds you to enjoy your garden, because THAT’S what makes you a Successful Gardener!!

Join the Alliuminati

Onions and garlic are easy to grow,

overwinter in our mild climate,

and are powerhouses of nutrition and healing.

This time of year is a really good time to plant lots of perennial plants, everything from trees to shrubs to flowers and vegetable plants. Planting in this cooler season gives your plants weeks of root growing before the warming temperatures bring on the riot of growth that is Spring. So cool-season planting is the start of your 2019 garden!

Let’s start that planting with onions and garlic! These plants are easy to grow, overwinter in our mild climate, and are powerhouses of nutrition and healing. There are several types and varieties to choose from, as well.

Garlic is a member of the Allium family, as are all onions. While there are several types of garlic, most of what is grown in the Southern Piedmont is called soft neck garlic. This refers to the lack of a central flower scape coming from the bulb. That scape makes the neck “hard”. If you cook with garlic, you know it forms a bulb of several individual cloves. These cloves are separated for use in cooking, and you separate them for planting as well. Plant them unpeeled, root end down. Plant them about 1” deep, and about 6-8” apart. Rows should be at least 12” apart, but I usually make my rows 18”-24” to make it easier to cultivate and weed. Needing loamy, well-drained soils, raised beds or raised rows with lots of compost are a great place to plant garlic. Fall planted garlic gets a light mulch to protect it from the wide variations in temperature that we often experience in winter. Normally I use leaves, but wheat straw is OK, too. Before you ask, pine needles will work, but I personally don’t like using them. (That’s another subject I’ll cover some other time.) let them grow on through the winter, with harvest next Spring. Elephant garlic is a different type, with a bigger, milder tasting clove. Plant it a little farther apart (9-10”) and stay with the 18-24” row spacing.

There are a few types of perennial/multiplier onions that are hardy old varieties that your parents and grandparents may have planted. Potato onions, walking onions, bunching onions, and shallots all multiply from a single set, or bulb. You’ll need to separate the individual onion bulbs in order to plant them. Like all the Alliums, they thrive in raised beds/rows with lots of compost. Plant the individual bulbs in mid-late Fall, spacing them 10-12” apart. If you are planting in long rows, give yourself plenty of room to weed and cultivate. Depending on the method of cultivation, I’d stick with 18-24” between rows. Bunching onions are grown from seed, and are great mild onions to use in salads and raw recipes.  

Most of you will be more familiar with onion sets, or small onion plants that have been grown out and harvested for later planting. Usually available in red, white, or yellow varieties, they can be planted in both Fall and Spring. I’d recommend doing both to give yourself a longer harvest. Plant your sets in those compost-rich beds or rows on much tighter spacing, even 3-4” apart. As they grow, you can pull every other one and use it in your cooking. Run your rows 18-24” for ease of cultivation. I usually give these onions a bit of slow-release fertilizer as they are starting to grow again in the Spring. They seem to need a little more water during the growing season, too.

Plants and seeds are available for onions, too. I prefer to plant those in the Spring. They seem to do better if you avoid the cold temps. Growing and Spacing for most of them is the same as the other onions, but seeded onions can be planted closely, and the thinnings used in salads.

I mentioned early on that onions are very nutritious. While some amazing claims are made, some basic facts are onions are high in Vitamin C and antioxidants, low in calories, and high in fiber. That pungent flavor works with lots of other foods, from veggies to red meats. They are used in all kinds of cultures, and can be adapted for almost any dish. For cooks on a budget, a little onion can go a long way.

Even if you don’t want to plant anything else this year, you can still get started on next spring’s plantings with some onions and garlic.  Give some of them a try!

Jeff Rieves reminds you to enjoy your garden, because THAT’S what makes you a Successful Gardener!!

The Hundred Dresses

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

There are two more shows for The Hundred Dresses at Matthews Playhouse in the Community Center (100 McDowell Street). Showtimes are 2:00 PM Saturday, October 20th and Sunday, October 21st. Tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for students and seniors.

What to plant now

Our regular Friday contributor, Jeff Rieves, is feeling under the weather. He’ll be back next week, but if you’re feeling the urge to plant something there are definitely good options for sowing this weekend.

Our first frost is typically late October, so we’re getting to the planting point where you’ll need to direct sow things with a shorter maturation length. It’s time to direct sow seeds for root veggies such as radishes, and carrots, as well as leafy tender greens such as spinach, and lettuce.

You’ll be safer starting with transplants of veggies that take a little longer to fully mature. Transplant broccoli, collards and hardier leafy greens. Separate bulbs from heads of garlic and plant individual bulbs with several inches of room around each. Onion sets, actually immature bulbs you “set out”, go into the ground now, too. An added bonus of growing collards and kale? With all the mature trees in Matthews, a lot of yards are shady. The broadleaf crops have better ability to absorb the sun in shadier conditions, making them a great crop for this area!

Need a good source for your future food? Our advertiser Renfrow’s (188 North Trade St. Matthews) has a complete selection, and maybe Jeff Rieves will be there to help you pick out what will work best for you.

Better Car Seat Safety Starts at the Police Station

Safety Facts *

Children under five years old, saved by car seats in 2015: 248 *

Cases in which children's car seats are used incorrectly: 59% *

Children under 13 who were not buckled up in car seats, booster seats, or seat belts, killed in car crashes in 2015: 35%

(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - NHTSA)

Did you know that North Carolina law requires that your children under eight years of age and weighing less than 80 lbs. should use a "Child Restraint Device" while riding in a car? (Children between 40 and 80 lbs. can use booster seats, while children under 40 lbs. are required to use a car seat).

Did you know that you should keep the seat rear-facing until your child is 20 lbs. or one year of age?

Did you know that you should never place a car seat in the front seat of a car with a passenger side airbag?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), on average, a car seat reduces your child's risk for serious injury in a crash by 55%. Studies have shown that over 92% of car seats are installed incorrectly. In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children.

These are facts that many parents are unaware of. But, now there’s a solution:

To help ensure better safety, residents of Charlotte and surrounding communities can get their child car seats checked for free through the “Safe Kids” program held at a variety of locations throughout the state, including the Matthews Police Station (1201 Crews Road), Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. It is one of the few remaining free car seat checks available weekly throughout the year.

Individuals need not bring their children, just a car/booster seat. (Through donations, car seats are available for those referred through social services, etc.)  Inspections are completed by Child Passenger Safety Seat technicians and take approximately 20 minutes.  According to Tim Aycock, Community Resource and Public Information Officer, the department handles between 900-1100 checks per year; busiest time of year is around Thanksgiving when even visiting grandparents and relatives request help.

Photos by Cyma Shapiro

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) policy statement includes the following five recommendations for optimal car safety:

1. All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the seat's manufacturer.

2. All children who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their car safety seat should use a forward-facing car safety seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by the seat's manufacturer.

3. All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle lap and shoulder seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age.

4. When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use lap and shoulder seat belts for optimal protection.

5. All children younger than 13 years should be restrained in the rear seats of vehicles for optimal protection.

Fungi Underfoot

With all the rain lately the fungi are coming out of the wood work (so to speak).

Photo by Norah Burke

Photo by Norah Burke

Photo by Norah Burke

Photo by Norah Burke

Photo by Norah Burke

Photo by Norah Burke

Also, DO NOT eat any mushroom unless you are absolutely certain of its identity and edibility. We admire the beauty of these fungi, but have no idea if they’re poisonous, as many mushrooms are.

Art for Veterans Creates Comrades-in-Art

Art for Veterans, a non-profit serving military veterans, offers an open studio, free materials, guidance, and a safe space to create art at McDowell Arts Center by the Community Center in Matthews. Classes and studio time are offered September to June on Wednesdays from noon to 3 PM and Fridays from 1 to 4 PM .

On 9/11, the tragic time struck artist Eileen Schwartz particularly hard. Living in San Diego, she was “so upset by the events of the day” that she felt the need to immediately do something. “There was patriotism all around, flags everywhere, cars painted with flags, faces painted with flags,” she said. Schwartz wanted to capture the images of the moment.

With the work and help of others, her intentions and photographs turned into what became approximately 400 snapshots and the basis of an art gallery show. Creating a nonprofit organization called “Flags Across the Nation,” which also added the display of children’s pictures and then quilts soon followed. The work forever linked her to vets and their families across the country. To date, she’s curated/created 65 shows or events from San Diego to Charlotte; she continues to receive letters from military personnel across the country, currently or previously deployed.

Five years ago (now living in Charlotte), she and her nonprofit group wanted to branch out in other directions - the art class for military personnel, “Art for Veterans,” was born. Offered weekly from September to June, anyone who has served in the military can come to the McDowell Arts Center in Matthews for (up to) three hours each Wednesday (noon to 3 p.m.). The classes and materials are free. At least 10-20 men and women (currently ages 25-94) come to quietly work on (a variety of) artwork and paintings.

“I wanted to make a safe space for veterans who wanted to come to paint,” said Schwartz, explaining that some people need to de-stress, some people are there to learn techniques and some people want to be around other veterans. “Everyone is here for a different reason,” she said.

“I wanted to be directly involved with veterans and give them the opportunity to explore art,” said Schwartz. “I’m a supporter for individuals for what they want in their life. I give them the opportunities to explore.”

“We have a lot in common with those who are in the different branches of the military. The lessons are a way to meet new people, make a connection and express ourselves through our art.”

— Felicia LaGrant

To Diana Rahe, 58, US Army/NC National Guard/Desert Storm/former Gastonia police officer – driving one hour each week to attend the class has been the best thing she could hope for. After years in the military, suffering from severe PTSD and chronic ongoing and significant nightmares, her therapist urged her to “find a purpose.” An online search for Veterans Art Therapy led her to the class and the mistaken idea that she would be asked to only express her military experiences through art. “I never had a hobby before,” she said, adding that she couldn’t paint until she tried the class. “It’s so much fun to paint - it’s a great experience and (is) such a (great) experience to sit with veterans….who have served in all sorts of conflicts.”

“We have a lot in common with those who are in the different branches of the military,” said Felicia LaGrant, 59, US Army – one of the newest members of the group. “The lessons are a way to meet new people, make a connection and express ourselves through our art.”

Dom Spedicato, 86, US Army/Korean War, said the class has helped “reveal (your) inner self and feelings,” adding that the experience has helped him ”feel what others” in the class have experienced - both physical and emotional pain. “I feel compassion for (many of) them,” he said.

“It’s a good time to spend with comrades-in-arms,” said John Prestbo, 77, US Air Force/Vietnam. “and lets me pursue my art,” said John Prestbo. “It’s a good, comfortable time. I look forward to coming here each week.”

While many classes often involve a revolving group of participants, many of the students in this class have stuck with the program, finding comfort, joy, and fulfillment in a safe space. “This is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of for as long as I can,” said Rahe. “It’s just enjoyable to learn different techniques – it’s relaxing… It’s helped me heal. Sometimes you see things or experience things you don’t have words for and you don’t want to explore. We’re lucky to have this class. I wish more (veterans) would do this.”

Time to plant!!!

Most of us tend to think of Spring as the best time to plant. For some things, that is true, but our hot (and often dry) Summers tend to put a lot of stress on Spring planted specimens. So why not plant all kinds of trees, shrubs, vines, and perennial flowers? When you plant in the fall, you give plants a 7 or 8-month head start on the hot, dry weather. Roots are growing during that time, even if other parts of the plant are dormant. This allows the plants to be well on their way to being established in the landscape before they have to face the stresses of Summer weather. So, now’s the time to plant!

Last week I posted a list of great plants to use to create an edible landscape; a yard/garden/orchard hybrid, if you will. Nearly every single one of them is a perennial plant of some sort, which means they continue to grow over the years. Some, in fact, live quite a long time. In fact, the oldest known cultivated muscadine grapevine was planted in the 1500’s on the Outer Banks Of NC!

Native grapes such as muscadines are hardy and easy to grow here in Matthews.

One of the best things to plant in the fall is a tree, preferably a fruit tree. My preferred method of tree planting is fairly simple. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball of your plant is thick, and twice as wide. For example, if you buy an apple tree in a “3 gallon” container, the root ball will be approximately 10” wide and 14” tall. So you’ll need to dig a hole 20” wide and 14” deep. Remove the plant from the container, and loosen the roots from the tight ball they grew in while in the container. This allows the plant’s roots to spread out faster. Fill the planting hole with 3-4” of native soil, and firm it a bit. This will raise the top of the root ball above the surrounding grade, and lessen the settling of the soil. In our clay soils, you want to plant most things a little high to prevent root and crown rots caused by rainwater puddling around tree trunks. Set the plant into the hole, and backfill with native soil. You might irrigate the soil and root ball when about half the planting hole is filled. Continue backfilling, and fill the planting hole up to the top of the root ball. Make sure the root flare (the area of a tree trunk that widens into the root system) is visible just above the soil. You can water a bit more, then add your preferred organic mulch. This simple method should get your tree off to a fine start, and a long life.

Fruit trees blend seamlessly into yards.

If you want to learn more about fall planting, join me at Renfrow Farm next week for my class on “Edible Landscaping”. The cost is $20 per person.

Edible Landscapes, Tuesday, October 9, 6:30-8:30 PM * Renfrow Farm, 409 W Charles Street, Matthews, NC * Details and registration here.

Remember to enjoy your garden, because THAT’S what makes you a Successful Gardener!!

What's in bloom?

As autumn flowers start to open the summer flowers are still holding their own.