THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 28, 1994 TAG: 9408260094
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G2 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: GARDENING REMINDERS
LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
YOU SHOULD be buying some new house plants for winter.
The American Nurseryman magazine reports that Schefflera ``Amate'' has particularly attractive shiny green leaves and resists mites and certain diseases, making it the best choice among Scheffleras.
The magazine says it is actually a Brassaia acstinophylla (Australian umbrella tree), so you might find it labeled either as Schefflera or Brassaia. HERB-PLANTING TIME
Fall is the best time to plant many herbs. Planting in the fall helps develop sturdy root systems in cooler weather and ensures the herb will be well established before next summer's heat.
Jeanne Pettersen, founder of the Tidewater Unit of the Herb Society of America, says hardy annuals and biennials that thrive when planted in the fall include corliander (also known as cilantro), parsley, chervil and German chamomile. Hardy perennials include lavender, oregano, chives, sorrel, thyme, sage, mints and tansy, all of which benefit from fall planting.
You could have started planting seeds or rooted cuttings as early as two weeks ago. Continue planting up to mid-October. Parsley seeds should soak for two hours before planting. Prepare soil by digging to a depth of 18 to 24 inches and adding compost, coarse sand, well-rotted manure or other organic materials.
This advice comes from Pettersen's new booklet, ``Basic Herb Growing in Hampton Roads.'' For a copy, mail $4.50 to Plants With a Purpose, P.O. Box 2884, Chesapeake, Va. 23327-1686. BACTERIA ALERT
Speaking of manure, Washington State University has just issued a bulletin that says some gardeners who applied cow manure to their garden became infected with the bacterium E. coli. They say there is a ``small risk'' that vegetables in gardens to which fresh manure is regularly applied can become contaminated with E. coli or other pathogens.
Risk is highest for root crops and leafy vegetables. Washing or peeling should eliminate most pathogens, and thorough cooking should be effective. The report recommends that you not apply manure within 60 days of harvesting vegetables you don't intend to cook.
It is best to apply it in the fall, allowing time for breakdown of pathogens over winter. Thoroughly wash all vegetables that are eaten raw. Avoid using cat, dog or pig manures in gardens or compost piles. Persons with chronic illnesses should avoid eating vegetables from manured gardens. PEANUT PUBLICATION
Since Suffolk is peanut capital of the world, you may be interested in a new book from Cornell University titled ``The Great American Peanut,'' by Marcia Eames-Sheavly. (Her other books include ``The Three Sisters: Exploring an Iroquois Garden'' and ``Radishes to Riches.'') It's useful to anyone who wants to learn more about peanuts. Cost is $5.50, mailed to Cornell University Resource Center, 8 BT, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850. VOLE CONTROL
Ramik is in demand as a control for voles but is sometimes difficult to find.
Owner Brent Heath of the Daffodil Mart in Gloucester recommends it. Heath places small bags of it under planks and woodpiles and voles seek it out. If you cannot find it, tell your retailer to call distributor Wetsel Seed.
The Daffodil Mart specializes in top-quality Holland bulbs. Their catalog is free; write to the mart at Route 3, Box 794, Gloucester, Va. 23061.
Robert Stiffler by CNB