National Wildlife Backyard Habitat certification

Transaction Date
July 25, 2008 08:51am

Transaction Amount
$65.00

Planning for fruit trees

http://www.oasisdesign.net/landscaping/fruittrees.htm

Nevada-friendly plant information

http://heritage.nv.gov/nnps.htm

http://heritage.nv.gov/nnpscult.htm

http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en.html

http://www.nativeseednetwork.org/

http://plants.usda.gov/dl_state.html

July tree care

July Tree Care 08

Codling Moth Alert --I returned to Reno yesterday to a full trap, so we have had our second mating frenzy and the hatch should be starting soon. Plan to apply your first spray by this weekend and another a week later. That should take care of Round 2. Folks in Winnemucca, Paradise, and cooler areas can delay another week.

(Iron) Chlorosis—Many areas of northern Nevada have alkaline soils; of course, apples, fruit trees, and in fact most plants, like somewhat acidic soils around 6.5. You may notice that our trees have yellow leaves with dark green veins; if so, your trees are suffering from chlorosis or iron deficiency.

Although the soil likely contains plenty of iron, the high pH of the soil prevents the uptake of iron (Fe) into the plant. Two strategies will solve this problem.

The first, quick-fix strategy is to apply iron sulfate or chelated iron to the leaves when chlorosis appears. Iron sulfate products are available most nurseries; it comes as a powder or a liquid and can also be applied with a sprayer attached to a hose. Use these products per label instructions.

The second and long-term strategy is to lower the pH of the soil by adding agricultural sulfur and mulching. First determine the pH of your soil. Cooperative extension no longer does soil sampling. I use A&L Western Labs http://www.al-labs-west.com/ in California. They will send you a bag and instructions (tell them you’re a homeowner or you’ll get a box of bags for the entire 2000 acre farm…). Costs are about $30; opt for the extra $1 for interpretation/recommendations.

Agricultural sulfur is available in 50 lb. bags (about $10) in Reno at Verdicon, 5355 Capital Court, 358-6166. It is sold as Simplot Tiger 90; 90% sulphur, 10 % bentonite clay. The clay makes an even-sized pellet for easy spreading and quick breakdown.

Water—If you have a drip system, you will want to monitor and probably adjust the system to water more/longer as the weather heats up. Again, don’t over water; check the soil below the drip line of the tree to determine if you’re watering properly.

Caterpillars—Start watching for leaf rollers and other caterpillars. These caterpillars will start on the edge of the leaf and roll it up to form their cocoon. When you notice these, use Bt to control them. Bt (thankfully shorthand for Bacillus thuringiensis) is a bacterium that does to caterpillars what contaminated water does to gringos, only worse. It is a certified organic product. Buy the smallest container as you only need about 1 tsp per quart. Also, buy a small spray bottle or mister to use exclusively for Bt; wash out the spray container after each use—the bacteria multiply and can create a real stink after a week of confinement. Bt works on all leaf-eating caterpillars. Follow label instructions.

If you have tomatoes, spray them with Bt the last weekend in July as the green tomato hornworm appears around the 1st of August.

Washington State University organic agriculture certification

http://online.wsu.edu/future_students/dc_organic_ag.aspx

Compost/Wormcast tea brewer and tea making instructions

Instructions for making a compost/wormcast tea brewer