March 24, 2012 - Prairie Fruit Production  It is incredible to discover just how many fruit varieties can be grown successfully in Alberta.  When choosing fruit trees it is important to remember that in this part of Alberta we are a Zone 3 climate and therefore should choose trees and shrubs that are also Zone 2 or 3 to help ensure they will survive our harsh winters.  It is also helpful to know what the pollination requirements are for the chosen fruit.  Click here for a list of the various pollination requirements.

In order to have fruit production from a tree that requires cross pollination, you need a second tree. As long as the second tree is within 500 feet (150 m), pollination should occur. Within city limits, most apple and pear trees will be pollinated by insects carrying pollen from the neighbours’ trees.

If your fruit trees are not performing well, the following trouble-shooting list may help you to determine why:

• Cool, rainy weather conditions during flowering.

• Old, unproductive trees that do not flower.

• A poor crop the year following a bumper crop.

Some apple varieties have a tendency to perform biennially, with a great crop one year, not much the next, and a better crop again the third year.

• No tree of the same genus (i.e. Malus/Apple) nearby.

• Lack of pollinating insects, such as bees.

Try adding to your flowerbeds. Most flowering plants are almost guaranteed to attract bees. The annual herb borage and the perennial beebalm (Monarda) are especially good for this purpose. Because their flowering times coincide with those of many fruit trees, marigolds, pansies, spurge, and trollius, are the excellent choices.

• The trees are of the same variety.

Clones will not pollinate each other; for example, a Norland apple tree cannot pollinate another Norland apple tree.

We’ve talked quite a bit about fruit trees, don’t forget all the wonderful small fruit and berries that we can produce.  Some newer introductions include Honeyberries that produce early in the spring and taste similar to a blueberry, and Gogi Berries.  Prairie hardy Cherries are improving in flavor, sweetness and size making them a great addition to your fruit collection.

 
February 24, 2012 - Begonias are big, they are showy and they are very beautiful! I am delighted that they are experiencing a bit of a renaisance as people remember that they are easy to maintain and are a unique solution for a 'wow' reaction in shady areas.

The begonias with the largest flowers are the plants grown from tubers (often refered to as bulbs) saved from the previous season. At Arber we have for sale large and healthy camelia flowered tubers that are best started between mid February and mid March so they will be blooming in your garden by the end of May. Start these bulbs by pressing the rounded bottom into fresh potting mix and covering with about a half inch of soil. Water around the edge of the bulb rather than pouring water into the saucer-like dip of the top of the bulb. Water as required allowing the soil to dry out quite well between watering.

Somewhat similar in flower form to the camelia flowered begonia are the non-stop begonias which we start from seed in the greenhouse. They are a smaller plant but do produce large double flowers and are true to their name and bloom throughout the summer season. They do grow a peanut sized bulb that is difficult to save over winter so we consider them an annual.

Showy in a more subtle way are the fibrous rooted or wax leaf begonias which have prolific, small single flowers above their shiny leaves. These are great for carpet bedding and the newer Dragonwing types are spectacular in baskets.

All begonias prefer shade or semi-shade. They are light feeders and they prefer the soil to dry out quite well between waterings.

This may be the year to introduce, or to reintroduce, begonias into your landscape. With so many choices, you won't be disappointed!


February 11, 2012 - While we await the opportunity to spend time gardening outside, now is a good opportunity to devote a bit of time and attention to our plant in the home. 

The days are starting to get longer and growth is again starting on our houseplants.  Start fertilizing on a regularly basis following the directions on the houseplant fertilizer label. 

Some larger plants may benefit from a pruning and now is a great time.  Most plants are more bushy and full if pruned or cut back to allow more branching.  Cuttings taken from plants in the spring have the greatest chance of rooting. 

Houseplants may be pot-bound and need to be moved into a pot one size larger.  Use a good potting soil, water thoroughly and fertilize.  Stand back and watch them grow. 

A trip through the shower is a fast way to clean plants, or else wash leaves with soapy water using one sponge on top of the leaf and another underneath, alternatively give the plants a nice spray of Schultz ‘Plant Shine’ – nice and fast!


January 28, 2012 - A good garden starts with good seed – good both in quality and in the best choice of seed variety for your needs and location.

Most seed in produced by only 4 major seed producers then each seed company simply packages them under their trade name.  Reputable seed companies sell only fresh seed and store it under ideal conditions.  Each company also tries to offer their customers seed that is suited to their part of the country.

Seed is sometimes treated with a fungicide; but this is always clearly stated on the package and the contents are generally a very bright colour, often pink.  People who wish to grow totally organic should be aware of this.

Seed varieties are constantly being modified and hybridized to enhance certain characteristics such as flavor, improved storage ability or improved resistance to common diseases.  An example of this is pea varieties that are more resistant to mildew.  Read packages carefully.

Not all varieties are on in-store racks, only the most popular.  A seed catalogue offers far more selection.

Keep an eye out – seed racks have stared arriving at Arber!