I had planned to post earlier, but things have been so busy in gardens.  We have been blessed to have many come through during Open House.

I often get asked what products I like to use on the irises.  Here is a list that I have found works for me.  I can say what I have found to be helpful.  These products have been winners for me since the beginning.

Fertilizer - About six weeks prior to bloom, I treat the irises with bone meal or triple phosphate.  In the past, I've used Hi-Yield Triple Phosphate and various brands of bone meal.  I can't say the irises prefer one product over the other.  Bone meal is typically less expensive.  After the initial fertilizer treatment, I water the irises once a week with Scott's Super Bloom.  I also do this six weeks after bloom.

Disease - Iris rot can be a big problem.  You'll typically be able to tell if your iris has soft rot by looking and touching the rhizome.  Soft rot makes the rhizome mushy and eventually the leaves will fall over.  I like to scrape off the mushy area of the rhizome and treat it with a bleach/water mix.  It's suggested to use 1 part bleach to 2 parts water.  For leaf spot, I use Bonide Neem Oil.  It may take more than one treatment.  Additionally, the leaf should be trimmed below the last spot that you see on the leaf.  If you continue to notice leaf spot going down the leaf, I would suggest removing the entire leaf.

Slugs/Borer - Prevention of iris borer is essential to maintaining a healthy garden.  I like to use Cory's Slug and Snail Killer.  I use this product in the spring and also periodically through July.

It's a new garden season!

I typically post on the blog once or twice a month during the months of March-August/September.  For this first post of 2022, I thought I would share some  products that I've found to work well for me out in the garden.

Products:

1.) Sunscreen sticks - When I was in high school, I worked as a lifeguard.  When you're young you care more about your tan than you're skin.  Needless to say, I usually didn't wear sunscreen and my skin is showing that now.  This year I discovered sunscreen sticks.  They're not greasy like lotion, give you protection against the sun's rays, and you can carry them in your pocket.  Here's the link to what I use, but you may want one with a higher SPF.
https://www.amazon.com/Coppertone-SPORT-Sunscreen-Spectrum-1-5-Ounce/dp/B074W8L14W

2.)  Latex/household gloves - I like attractive garden gloves, but after years of using them, I found they were like socks when you put them in the washer/dryer.  Only one would make it out of the load and then you're stuck wearing mismatched gloves.  I also didn't like the standard cotton gloves because they weren't waterproof.  Last year I switched to using latex/household gloves.  I love them because they're disposable - I never have to wash them - they're inexpensive, come in different sizes (S,M,L) and they're surprisingly durable.  If you have a latex allergy, there are latex free options as well.
https://www.kroger.com/p/kroger-reusable-latex-gloves-yellow/0001111078951?fulfillment=PICKUP&storecode=02900326&&cid=shp_adw_shopl_.kroger_g_lia_shop_acq_evgn_ship_cleaning+and+household&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInN_T7rTV9gIVCaiGCh3ROAhCEAQYBSABEgIthvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

3.) Vintage spades-  I've spent many hours of my life looking for my glasses when I'm indoors and my spades when I'm outdoors.  Last year someone gave me a bag of vintage spades.  Years ago, things were made to last a long time.  Vintage spades can be found at antique shops for much less than the cost of buying a new one.  I've had new garden tools, and I've enjoyed them, but I love my vintage spades even more.  If you don't have an antique shop where you live, see what's listed on ebay.
www.ebay.com

4.)  Polarized sunglasses-After graduating from college, I worked for a time at some optical companies.  While there, I learned about polarized glasses lenses.  If you work outside, I think polarized sunglasses are a must. Polarized lenses help cut the glare of the sun. Make sure your lenses also have UV protection. 

5.) Bandanas/handkerchiefs- I started using these more last year.  In July and August when the heat reaches summer highs, these are great for wiping your face, or to wear around your forehead - they also keep your hair up.  Shop basic or "artsy" -
https://www.hobbylobby.com/search/?text=bandanas

6.) Gardening knee bench- My mom bought a garden knee bench (similar to this) for me a couple of years ago.  I've used it a lot this year and I can honestly say, this thing is a knee and back saver. :)  You can sit or kneel, and it comes with a pouch to put your spades, etc.  
https://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Tree-Folding-Lightweight-Kneeling/dp/B07CGYBJWT

7.)  Metal watering can- Last year I "splurged" on a metal watering can.  I had used plastic ones for years, and while they work, I felt a metal one was more durable.  I got a yellow one that even I can see from a distance, which is good since I'm always misplacing my garden equipment.

https://www.amazon.com/Galvanized-Watering-Outdoor-Plants-Accents/dp/B08Z2SD1FJ/ref=asc_df_B08Z2SD1FJ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=507604315818&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8602472333879123525&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008885&hvtargid=pla-1314651270477&th=1

Last year, I decided to plant tomatoes in a portion of the raised bed.  With the irises out of bloom, it gave me a new project to pursue.  I personally don't like to eat fresh tomatoes, but my husband does. I've heard it said that tomatoes bought in a store don't compare to home-grown garden tomatoes and there is something oddly empowering about growing your own food, So this year, I continued the tomato-planting tradition.
​
I like history and have been interested in heirloom plants for awhile.  Somehow, I came upon the story of Radiator Charlie and his Mortgage Lifter tomatoes -it's a fascinating and inspiring story.  This year I bought 8 Mortgage Lifter (yes, 8) from a local nursery, and three months later, our kitchen has an abundance of Charlie's famous tomato.  If you've never heard of Charlie or his tomato, read all out him here:
tomatopedia.org/radiator-charlie-and-the-mortgage-lifter-story/

Even though I don't like the taste of fresh tomatoes, I do love spaghetti and pizza.  Using my garden tomatoes, I came up with a recipe for pizza sauce that I hope you will enjoy.

Garden Tomato Pizza Sauce

Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. salted butter
1 1/2 cup garden tomatoes (different varieties have different flavors - for this recipe I used my Mortgage Lifters)
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. minced onion flakes
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Preparation:
In a small saucepan, saute garlic in butter.  Add tomatoes and the other remaining ingredients.  Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer.  Allow the sauce mixture to simmer for 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and let the sauce set for two minutes.