From the Desk of Mikaela Boley

With wet weather this spring, followed by a period of drought this summer, we can expect to see some strange symptoms in the landscape late summer and fall. These conditions can harbor disease in weakened plants; it’s a perfect opportunity to demonstrate proper garden bed preparation for new plantings this fall. Soil testing, composted materials, and other soil amendments will go a long ways.

You may notice a slightly different format this quarter– we are including some monthly calendars to help with planning. We are looking forward to several events this fall, and are already soliciting applications for the 2019 Master Gardener Basic Training (please see flyer on last page).

At the office, we have received a lot of promotional materials for Master Gardener use— they all utilize the new logo (adopted earlier this spring), and can be signed out and used for sponsored events. This includes new Master Gardener name badges and lanyards for all active volunteers. These items should be used to distinguish yourself as a verified volunteer of the University of Maryland, and to identify our program’s purpose. You worked hard to become a Master Gardener, and it should be recognized!

Cheers-

Mikaela Boley

Talbot County Master Gardener Newsletter Summer 2018

 IN THIS ISSUE:  2— Bea ng the Heat  3—  Ask Mikaela  4—5 MG Events and   Announcements  6—7 July & August      Calendar  8—9  Sept. Calendar & Training Flyer  

“So what if it drizzles And dribbles and drips? I’ll splash in the garden,

I’ll dance on the roof. Let it rain on my skin,

It can’t get in— I’m waterproof.” 

 ‐Shel Silverstein 

Volume XIII, Issue II

TALBOT COUNTY • 28577 MARY’S COURT, SUITE 1 • EASTON, MD 21601 • (410) 822-1244

Educating People to Help Themselves

Local Governments • U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating

The University of Maryland is equal opportunity. The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs are open to all and will not discriminate against anyone be-cause of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, or national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990; or related legal requirements should be directed to the Director of Human Resources Management, Office of the Dean, College of Agriculture and Natural

Resources, Symons Hall, College Park, MD 20742.

IN THE GARDEN

A bevy of assorted peppers ripening in late summer.

Photo Credit: Mikaela Boley

EXTENSION NEWSLETTER

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Humans aren’t the only ones struggling with summer heat. When temperatures start climbing or fluctuating erratically, plants can undergo stress and permanent damage. The foliage can even get sunburnt!

Physiologically, there are mechanisms that plants employ in order to avoid damage during the trying times of summer. But once temperatures reach a certain point, they can exhibit damage from the stress. Some plant species are adapted and have evolu-tionary advantages in order to survive during the heat, but the majority of the land-scape will need some protection.

Here are some important facts and reminders about the garden during the hot summer months (for both the gardener and the plants):

What is heat stress? Heat stress is the rise in air temperatures beyond a level that causes permanent damage to plant growth and development. Extreme tempera-tures can reduce plant photosynthesis and transpiration, as well as negatively impact root development. All together, this reduces plant performance and yield. Typically, this is a period combined with drought or reduced soil moisture as well.

Encourage proper root growth. Shallow roots are usually developed by occa-sional watering that does not reach the entire root zone in the soil. Infrequent, deep watering will reach the root zone (varies depending on species), and develop a strong-er root system that will increase survivability.

Be smart about watering. Water in the morning is best– in the afternoon, there is too much evaporation and water spots on the leaves might actually burn. Watering in the evening, on top of high humidity, can encourage disease conditions. Watering in-frequently and slowly will allow moisture to reach beyond the top 2 inches of soil!

Did you know there’s a Heat Zone Map? Many homeowners are aware of the Plant Hardiness Zone Map, but the Heat Zone Map measures the average number of days each year that a region has “heat days”, or temperatures over 86 degrees F. At 86 degrees, plants start experiencing physiological damage (individual species may vary).

Take care of yourself. Drink lots of water. Do your work in early morning or even-ing, and avoid extreme heat days. Nothing is so important that you should risk your health! If you have to go out, wear loose clothing in light colors, as well as a hat, sun-glasses, and plenty of sunscreen.

By Master Gardener Coordinator, Mikaela Boley

Beating the Heat

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Ask Your Horticulturist:

Mikaela Boley is the Horticulturist and Master Gardener Coordinator for University of Maryland Extension in Talbot County. The Extension Office often has questions from homeowners and members of the public regarding home gardening, soil testing, plant and insect identification, plus much more. Do you have a question that needs answering? Want to talk gardening or get advice for environmentally friendly practices in the residential landscape?

Contact me:

Home Horticulturist and Master Gardener Coordinator at (410) 822-1244 ext. 12, or by email mboley@umd.edu.

Dear Mikaela, I’m interested in planting for pollinators– but I also want to be environmentally conscious about using native plants. I enjoy meadow plantings and shrubs that encourage bees and but-terflies. -For the Bees Dear For the Bees- This is a great question, and luckily, there are lots of options! You may also choose to use some ornamental plant species as a larval host for some species. I highly recommend Dela-ware Native Plants for Native Bees as a resource, as well as the Xerces Society (which has an abundance of resources). Generally, you want a variety of flowering species that pro-vide nectar and pollen over the course of the season*. A mix of perennials, shrubs, and trees will also encourage wildlife habitat. For an evaluation of the site and recommendation for conditions, please shoot me an email or call! -Mikaela *Recommendations for Pollinators: Milkweed species– Asclepias spp. This is the larval host

plant for monarch caterpillars, and there are several spe-cies for different environmental conditions.

Asters– Aster & Symphyotrichum spp. Composite flowers important late-season food source for larval species.

Goldenrod— Solidago spp. Maryland has >20 species of native goldenrod. They are a great late-season pollen source.

Native mint family species– Monarda & Pycnanthemum spp. Fragrant, beautiful, and lousy with bees and natural predators.

Joe-pye Weed & Boneset– Eupatorium spp. Wetland flow-ering plants great for late summer nectar and pollen.

Black-eyed Susan– Rudbeckia hirta. Great for tough, dry areas— attracts natural enemies and predatory insects.

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Please contact Mikaela Boley, Master Gardener Coordinator with any question or to volunteer to help with a program at mboley@umd.edu or 410-822-1244.

You may unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time by contacting mboley@umd.edu, or by calling 410-822-1244.

Horticulture Therapy Visits are every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month– visits are 30-45 minutes. Gatherings are at 2:30pm. Grab a partner and sign up for the following dates: July 12th & 25th August 9th & 23rd September 6th & 20th Contact Mikaela at mboley@umd.edu to sign up.

Bay-Wise Meetings Bay-wise Meetings occur on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 10:30 a.m.— 12:30 p.m. Please RSVP for location directions.

To get on the Talbot Bay-wise email list, please contact mboley@umd.edu.

MASTER GARDENER EVENTS

Talbot County Free Seed Library

Located in the Easton Branch of the

Talbot County Free Library Fall Lecture: September 6th, 5:30pm “Urban Gardening” Want to grow more of your own food, but feeling restricted by space? Talbot County Master Gardeners Missy Corley and Neoma Rohman talk about their experiences as urban gardeners living in downtown Easton.

Tuesday, July 17th Friday, August 17th Wednesday, September 12th Monday, October 15th Poplar Island visits require you arrive promptly for a 9am departure from the MES dock. Be prepared for weather by dressing appropriately, and bring your own tools or gear. The boat de-parts at 9am and returns at noon. Spots are lim-ited. Please notify the coordinator should you need to cancel. Please contact Janis Trainor about open spots on the boat for Master Gardeners only: (jtrain@goeaston.net)

The general public may contact MES for tours: 410-770-6503.

Poplar Island 2018 Dates:

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ASK YOUR HORTICULTURIST: Is there a garden question that is bothering you? “Ask Mikaela” mboley@umd.edu

Find us on Facebook!

You can find us online at by clicking here. Or, search “Talbot County Master Gardeners” and follow our page! We include photos from recent activities, advice, and recent news items.

Remember to “Like” us!

Mark your Calendars: Plant & Seed Share– October 17, 2018

Gardeners are generous– bring in extra plants and seeds from the season, and take home something new. All items brought to share should be labeled appropriately (Latin names and cultivar) and disease/pest free! All are welcome– you are not required to bring seeds and plants in order to take one. Located at the Talbot County Free Library Meeting Room (Easton Branch) at 10 a.m. For more information, email: Mikaela Boley, mboley@umd.edu

Ask a Master Gardener Plant Clinics:

Located in the lobby of the Talbot County Free Library (Easton branch). Look for us from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m! Thursdays: July 5th Sept. 13th Sept. 27th Find free advice and expertise from local Talbot County Master Gardeners!

Bring us your questions! Bonus points for samples

of plant and insects!

Master Gardener Meetings

July 16th, 5:30pm— Talbot

County Free Library, St. Michael’s Branch

No August Meeting September 19th, 9:30am—

Talbot County Free Library, Easton

Extension Office

CLOSED- 4th of July

Ask a MG Easton Library 5:30-7:30pm

Ask a MG St. Michael’s

Farmer Market 8:30-11:30am

Ask a MG Easton Farmer

Market 8:30-11:30am

The Pines– 2:30pm

Talbot County Fair—4-8pm

Talbot County Fair—4-8pm

The Pines– 2:30pm

MG Monthly Meeting–

St. Michael’s Library

5:30-7pm

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Bay-wise Meeting– 10:30am-12:30pm RSVP!

Ask a MG St. Michael’s

Farmer Market 8:30-11:30am

Ask a MG Easton Farmer

Market 8:30-11:30am

The Pines– 2:30pm

The Pines– 2:30pm

No August Monthly Meeting

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Bay-wise Meeting– 10:30am-12:30pm RSVP!

Extension Office

CLOSED- Labor Day

Ask a MG St. Michael’s

Farmer Market 8:30-11:30am

Ask a MG Easton Farmer

Market 8:30-11:30am

The Pines– 2:30pm

The Pines– 2:30pm

MG Monthly Meeting–

Easton Library 9:30-11am

Bay-wise Meeting– 10:30am-12:30pm RSVP!

Ask a MG Easton Library 5:30-7:30pm

Ask a MG Easton Library 5:30-7:30pm

Urban Gardening

Easton Library 5:30-p.m.

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University of Maryland Extension 28577 Mary’s Court, Suite 1 Easton, MD 21601

Non-Profit US POSTAGE

PAID Easton,

Maryland Permit # 334

Current Resident Or:

If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener, call our University of Maryland Extension Office at 410-822-1244

You can also visit the Maryland Master Gardeners website at: http:/extension.umd.edu/mg and the Talbot County Extension website at: http:/extension.umd.edu/talbot-county

The University of Maryland Extension programs are open to any person and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression.