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May 2017
Issue 74
Good Afternoon Great-Gardeners,

Sending out the Wilson Buzz early to give you a heads up that there is a frost watch for Saturday (May 6th), Sunday (May 7th) & Monday (May 8th). Forecasts call for temperatures in the mid 30's with a slight chance of frost in low lying regions.

Cover any annuals and vegetable plants with a light sheet, such as a bed sheet, to protect them from being frosted. Do not use plastic. Bring  hanging baskets into a garage or house for night. If you have plants yet to be planted, bring them inside. 

If unsure what to cover err on the side of caution and cover.

Remove coverings during the day after the temperatures have warmed and recover in the evening.


As always, if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, hit reply. I would love to hear from you. Have a great-gardening day.

Sincerely,
Holly
 
Your Questions Answered
What temperatures at night are best for annuals?

Temperatures that remain consistently above 55 degrees at night are best for annuals. Some annuals are more sensitive to cold then others, such as impatiens.

If you have bought your annuals early or have a hanging basket or planter move them into a warm part of your house at night when temperatures are below 55 degrees. Move them back outside during the daytime once temperatures rise.

Once temperatures remain above the 55 degrees at night then it will be safe to leave them out. Any annuals in flats or pots that you want to plant in the ground then can be planted.

Our frost date is May 15th usually after this date it is warm enough for all plants to be planted. There have been times, like last year, that a late frost has occurred. Use your best judgement before planting. Plants will grow more quickly in warm soils versus cold soils. 
Perennial Pick of The Month
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Coral Bells 'Berry Timeless'

Scalloped leaves of bright green with silver frosting. Countless bright pink flower spikes bloom (and rebloom!) from early spring through frost.

Grows:
16-20 Inches Tall
16-20 Inches Wide
Growing Tomatoes
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One of the most popular of all home garden vegetables is the tomato. Originating in Central and South America, the tomato was thought by early American colonists to be poisonous and was not recognized as a useful vegetable until the 1800s. Eaten raw or in innumerable cooked dishes, today the tomato is an almost daily part of the American family diet. When grown as staked plants, tomatoes require a relatively small amount of space, yet are capable of producing 8 to 10 pounds or more of fruit per plant. Tomatoes are low in calories and a good source of vitamin C.

Climatic Requirements:
Tomatoes are warm-season plants and should be planted only after danger of frost has passed (May 15th). Temperature is an important factor in the production of tomatoes, which are particularly sensitive to low night temperatures. Blossom drop can occur in early spring when daytime Temperatures are warm, but night temperatures fall below 55 degrees F as well as in summer, when days are above 90 degrees F and nights above 76 degrees F.

Soil Requirements:
Tomatoes can be grown on many different soil types, but a deep, loamy soil, well-drained and supplied with organic matter and nutrients is most suitable. As with most garden vegetables, tomatoes grow best in a slightly acid soil with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8.

Planting:
Tomato plants will develop roots along the stem and may be set deeply at transplanting with the first set of leaves near the soil surface.
Note: Grafted Tomatoes need to be planted with the graft above the soil line.

Spacing:
Tomatoes grown unstaked are usually planted 3 feet apart in rows 5 feet apart. Plants to be staked are planted 2 feet apart in rows 3 to 4 feet apart. Plants to be caged are planted 30 to 36 inches apart. Where space is limited or soil conditions poor, tomato plants can be grown in containers.

Staking:
Stakes and cages should be placed at planting time or soon after so as to not disturb the roots. Staked plants are usually pruned to a single or double stem and periodically tied loosely to the stake with soft twine. Pruning is accomplished by removing all the branches or "suckers" that grow from the leaf axils, leaving only the main stem or the main stem and one additional branch near the base. Staked and pruned tomatoes produce fewer but larger fruit than caged or unsupported plants.

Fertilizer:
Tomatoes respond well to fertilizer applications, especially phosphorus. Excess nitrogen fertilizer can result in plants with extremely vigorous vine growth but little fruit production. We recommend using a fertilizer geared towards tomatoes such as Bumper Crop Tomato & Vegetable Food. Always make sure to follow directions on the label.

Water:
An even moisture supply is important, especially once the tomato fruits begin to develop. If the soil becomes too dry, blossom-end rot can be a problem. If too much water is applied at one time, ripening fruit may split.

Harvesting:
Leave your tomatoes on the vine as long as possible. If any fall off before they appear ripe, place them in a paper bag with the stem up and store them in a cool, dark place. Never place tomatoes on a sunny windowsill to ripen; they may rot before they are ripe! The perfect tomato for picking will be firm and very red in color (depending on variety), regardless of size, with perhaps some yellow remaining around the stem. A ripe tomato will be only slightly soft. Never refrigerate fresh tomatoes. Doing so spoils the flavor and texture that make up that garden tomato taste.

Wilson's has over 60 varieties of tomatoes. Check out our list here.

Some Information From Ohio State University Extension – Fact Sheet HYG-1624-92
Upcoming Events
Food Trucks!
11 am - 6 pm
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Hogg Heads Blue
Smoke BBQ:

May 3rd, 10th,
17th, 24th & 31st
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Crazy Kernel Kettle Corn Company
May 4th, 7th - 14th,
18th, 25th & 26th
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Poppy's Roadside Diner
May 5th, 12th & 19th
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Two Cheezy Guys
May 9th & 23rd
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Masonic Food Truck
May 6th, 7th, 13th,
14th, 20th & 21st
New For 2017!
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Cabbage 'Heavy Metal'

This unique variety puts a colorful twist on Chinese cabbage. Oval purple-red leaves lighten to green at the base, highlighted with bright white midribs. The plant's color becomes a more vibrant red tone with cooler temperatures, so your crop becomes even more beautiful as the season progresses.
On Sale Now!
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Perennials
Buy 3 
Get 1 Free!

(Free one of equal or lesser value)
Sale Ends Sunday, May 7, 2017
Herbal Recipes
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Herb Butter
4 oz. softened butter
Handful fresh chopped parsley  or 2 tsp. dried
Chop the parsley very finely and mix into the butter.

Variations:
Basil - a dozen fresh leaves or about 1 tsp. dried
Chives - 6 leaves snipped  or 2 tsp. dried
Dill - three or four 'fronds' chopped or 1½ tsp. dried
Garlic - one or two cloves finely chopped  - add some parsley as well. Dried 1/2 to 1 tsp.
Mint - 6 leaves chopped finely or 1 tsp. dried
Rosemary - a sprig, leaves snipped into pieces  or 1 tsp. dried
Sage - 4 leaves - up to 1 tsp. dried
Thyme - a tbsp. fresh leaves, chopped  or 1 tsp. dried


If you have a recipe you'd like to share send it to
office@great-gardeners.com
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Japanese Maple
"Bloodgood"

Attractive foliage with burgundy red coloring turns brilliant scarlet in fall. Interesting blackish red bark provides striking interest in winter. Slender, airy tree well-suited for use as a small lawn tree or for patios and entryways.

Grows:
15 - 20 Feet Tall
15 Feet Wide

In Stock!
$29.99 - $249.00
Gardening Terms
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Tomatoes
Determinate: Ripens over 3-4 weeks on bushy vines that usually need little or no staking.

Indeterminate: Vines continue to grow and produce fruit all season until frost. Large vines need support.
ABOUT US
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We are a family owned and operated garden center specializing in plants that thrive in Central Ohio

For more information about our store please
Visit Our Website
 
CONTACT US
STORE HOURS
FIND US ON
Wilson's Garden Center
10923 Lambs Ln.
Newark, Ohio. 43055

740-763-2873
740-763-2874 (Fax)

office@great-gardeners.com
May Hours:
Monday - Friday:

9 am - 8 pm
Saturday:
7 am - 8 pm
Sunday:
10 am - 7 pm
May 8th - 13th:
7 am - 8 pm
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