The Official Newspaper for Foster County

Waterlogged soil, flower fertilizer and tulip foliage

The community garden project is taking shape, despite the challenges of wet weather.

Twelve gardeners signed up for the 10-by-20-foot plots this spring.

Some of the applicants didn’t have suitable place for a garden in their own yard. Others had a garden, but wanted additional space.

The plots were assigned by drawing lots. Soon afterwards, sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, and squash were being planted at the site.

The gardeners are now busy tending their young plants and looking forward to a harvest of delicious vegetables later this summer.

The garden project was initiated by the Carrington Garden Club and NDSU Extension – Foster County.

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Here are some of the lawn and garden questions that I’ve encountered recently:

Q: There were areas of standing water in my lawn after the rains on Memorial Day weekend. How will that affect my trees and plants?

Roots need oxygen. When the soil is waterlogged, there’s not enough oxygen for the roots to survive.

Some plant species are more tolerant than others of waterlogged conditions.

Most plants will be okay if excess water drains away within 24 hours.

It’s easy to assume that watering will be unnecessary because we’ve had so much rain this spring.

However, if some of the roots died due to lack of oxygen, then the plants may experience drought stress much earlier expected.

Watch your plants for signs of stress such as wilting and leaf scorching.

If water is needed, apply it deeply and infrequently – once a week is usually enough. The goal is to keep the soil damp, not waterlogged.

Q: What are the fertilizer requirements for my annual flowers?

The recommendation is to apply a high nitrogen side-dressing four to six weeks after flowers have been set out and then every three to four weeks afterwards.

Common sources of nitrogen-only fertilizers include nitrate of soda, urea, and ammonium sulfate.

Use only one of the listed fertilizers and apply at the rate given below.

Nitrate of soda (16-0-0): Apply 1/3 pound (.75 cup) fertilizer per 100 square feet.

Urea (46-0-0): Apply 2 ounces (1/4 cup) fertilizer per 100 square feet.

Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0): Apply 4 ounces (½ cup) fertilizer per 100 square feet.

Q: When can I remove the leaves from my tulips?

Green leaves are manufacturing food for the underground bulbs.

If the leaves are removed prematurely, plant vigor and bulb size will be reduced, resulting in fewer flowers next spring.

It’s safe to remove the leaves once they have turned brown and died. The exact time varies from year to year.

The leaves can be cut with clippers, scissors or even a mower.

It’s good to leave some sort of marker where the tulips are planted.

That way you’ll know where the bulbs are located and you’ll be able to fertilize them in the fall.

If you have questions about your lawn and garden, please contact me in the Foster County Extension Office (652-2581, [email protected]).