Yellowstone County Master Gardener Association

11/29/2023

11/20/2023

Newly released 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
I do not want to date myself, but I remember when buying a Zone 4 plant was considered kind of risky. The zone for the area I live in is now 5a.
The Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM) is based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature, displayed as 10-degree F zones ranging from zone 1 (coldest) to zone 13 (warmest).
All Plant Hardiness Zone Maps (PHZM) should serve as general guides for growing perennial plants. They are based on the average lowest temperatures, not the lowest ever. Zones in this edition of the USDA PHZM are based on 1991-2020 weather data. This does not represent the coldest it has ever been or ever will be in an area, but it simply is the average lowest winter temperatures for a given location for this 30-year span (1991-2020).
To find out your exact plant hardiness zone follow this link and enter your ZIP code in the search box https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

11/17/2023

Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter Cactus
I am going to call my mine a Holiday Cactus. It is currently blooming and will again in the spring.
This is the time of year when you start to see these flowering houseplants available in stores. This article, from Clemson Cooperative Extension, explains about how to take care of your Holiday Cactus.
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/thanksgiving-christmas-cacti/

11/16/2023

Yesterday the US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) released the first updated version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map since 2012. In the new map, about half of the country shifted to the next warmer half-zone (e.g., Zone 4a to Zone 4b) compared to the 2012 map. The half-zone shifts reflect warming somewhere in the range of 0-5 degrees F. (Then again, some locations warmed the same amount without moving up another half-zone.) The map is more accurate and detailed than prior versions because, in part, it includes data from nearly twice as many weather stations as those used for the 2012 map—more than 13,000 in all. The map's creators stress that all these variables make it hard to say that the temperature updates necessarily reflect global climate change, which is based on trends in overall average temperatures over long time periods.

For more information and to download the new map, go to https://www.ars.usda.gov/.../usda-unveils-updated-plant.../

The USDA has just released a new Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the first new version since 2012. The map is based on 30-year averages (1991 to 2020) for the lowest annual winter temperatures. The new data, along with the addition of more temperature stations and better mapping techniques, shifted about half the country into a warmer half-zone (such as Zone 6a to 6b). Find your current zone by entering your ZIP code on the map at this link: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

11/04/2023

11/01/2023

Dona Ana Co. Master Gardeners: 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐩𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧? 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐩, 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐦! 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐦, 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭. Half the job of cleaning is already done! And it's easier to illuminate, just light the candle and set the pumpkin down over it.
An October luminaria!

Via The Garden Professors 10/28/23

10/28/2023

The 2024 Urban IPM Calendars will be available at your local county extension offices next week. Photos of native wildflowers were submitted from across Montana. Thank you to everyone who sent in photos.

Arrow-leaf balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittate) and the Bridger Mountains, Gallatin County. Marcy Ramsay

10/24/2023

There are currently 18 Winter Weather Advisories, Winter Storm Watches and Winter Storm Warnings for Montana in the next few days. I was going to post an article about mowing your leaves verses raking them up. I think that time has passed. Now I need to find the snow shovels.❄️❄️❄️

If you want to see the Watches, Warnings or Advisories for Montana, go to the National Weather Service https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/mt.php?x=1

10/24/2023

"Winter Is Coming" as heavy snow blankets portions of the Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies, & Northern Plains this week. Hazardous travel conditions are likely.

10/16/2023

What is the best way to remove and store bulbs for next year’s planting?
Tender bulbs and rhizomes that can be especially susceptible to cold conditions, such as caladium, Calla lilies, dahlias and begonias should be the first plants to be dug out and stored. Wait until the first hard frost before digging the plants, cut the stems with 2-4 inches above the soil remaining. Remove any excess soil from the roots. Be gentle with the roots so that you don’t cause nicks or scratches on the bulbs. Do this on a warm fall day, around 50 degrees, to keep from shocking the bulbs if the weather is too warm. It is important that if you find any damaged or oozing bulbs to remove them from storage. Bring the bulbs indoors and store them in a place that is going to be above 60 degrees and allow the bulbs to set out for 2-4 weeks so they dry out. Once bulbs are dry, store them in a place with a steady temperature between 40-50 degrees in paper bags or boxes. Using paper bags/ boxes allows the air to circulate around the bulbs. If you are packing bulbs in a box, be sure to use newspaper or straw to promote air circulation.
Abi Saeed MSU Extension Horticulture Specialist.
Lives & Landscapes Fall 2020
https://apps.msuextension.org/magazine/articles/5485

10/16/2023

10/07/2023

Check out the October Monthly W**d Post to learn about recent research concerning Puccinia punctiformis, a potential biocontrol option for Canada thistle.

(Photo credit Dan Chichinski, MSU.)

https://www.montana.edu/extension/invasiveplants/extension/monthly-weed-posts/2023-october-canada-thistle-rust.html

10/07/2023

I mentioned this in a recent video but it bears repeating here. After you harvest your pumpkins and winter squash, put them somewhere warm, light and protected from the weather for a period of 2 weeks. That will harden their skins and help them last an amazingly long time in storage. This is called "curing." In this photo, you can see our 'New England Pie' pumpkins, 1 Cushaw winter squash (striped), and 9 'Autumn Frost' winter squash. This little extra step is totally worth it! If you're wondering when to harvest these crops, do the thumbnail test first (press it into the skin - if it doesn't pierce it, they're ready to harvest; if it does, let them grow some more) and be sure to leave 2-3" of their stems attached.

10/05/2023

Although I've canned for over 40 years, it's not something I can say I have really enjoyed. But there was something about seeing empty grocery shelves a few years back that shook me up. It was highly motivating. I realize now that one of the reasons I didn't like it was because I didn't do it often enough. I know that might not make sense, but because I'm now canning and preserving more frequently (during harvest season), I have a routine that makes it seem almost effortless. Previously I had to drag out all the equipment and even re-read instructions and it just seemed like so much work. My kitchen is less than tidy these days but everything is right at hand, I know the procedures and bam, it's done. The reward is pretty nice and my winter self thanks my summer/fall self every time I open a jar or package from the freezer.

Beginner's guide to pressure canning--> https://learningandyearning.com/beginners-guide-to-pressure-canning/

Beginner's guide to water bath canning --> https://learningandyearning.com/guide-to-water-bath-canning/

10/02/2023

10/02/2023

09/29/2023

We are not W***y Nelson, but we are on the road again. We hope to see you at our upcoming presentations.

09/27/2023

Reducing Winter-Related Injury in Landscape Trees
Montana can have harsh winter conditions that can sometimes challenge even our hardiest trees and shrubs, especially if steps aren't taken to set them up for the best success. Last winter was especially tough on many of our landscape trees and shrubs, and we saw significant amounts of winter injury across the state. Please follow this link to find out more about winter-related injuries to landscape trees and how you can reduce the chance of injury.
https://www.montana.edu/cope/email-format/admin/view.php?draft=12723&uid=650c8f55db1d07.02737952

09/27/2023

Squash 101

1. **Kabocha Squash:** Kabocha is a Japanese squash known for its sweet and nutty flavor. It has a dense, dry flesh and a deep green or orange skin. It's often used in soups, stews, or roasted dishes.

2. **Butternut Squash:** Butternut squash has a sweet, nutty taste and a smooth, creamy texture. It's typically beige or light orange with a bell-like shape. It's commonly used in soups, purees, and roasted dishes.

3. **Buttercup Squash:** Buttercup squash is similar in taste to butternut but has a darker green, sometimes slightly striped skin. It has sweet, dense flesh and is great for roasting or mashing.

4. **Delicata Squash:** Delicata squash is smaller and easier to handle than some other winter squash. It has a sweet, nutty flavor and thin, edible skin. It's often sliced into rings, roasted, or stuffed.

5. **Carnival Squash:** Carnival squash is a hybrid of acorn and sweet dumpling squash. It has a multicolored, mottled skin and a mildly sweet flavor. It's versatile for roasting or stuffing.

6. **Acorn Squash:** Acorn squash is small with distinctive ridges and a dark green or orange skin. Its flavor is slightly sweet and nutty. It's often halved, baked, and filled with various ingredients.

7. **Hubbard Squash:** Hubbard squash comes in various colors, but it's known for its large size and sweet, dry flesh. It's suitable for roasting, mashing, or making pies.

Each of these winter squash varieties has its own unique flavor and texture, making them suitable for a wide range of culinary applications during the colder months.

09/24/2023

As we near the end of the garden season, I always like to reflect on the good lessons I've learned about gardening over the years. So for today's garden column, I am sharing my top 10 best lessons with you. Here's a direct link to my column on my website: https://www.susansinthegarden.com/2023/09/column-garden-lessons/. Have to got something to add to the list? Comment below!

09/19/2023

On Sept. 9, I shared a Facebook post about the lower acidity of vinegar that some manufacturers are selling and whether it's safe to use for canning purposes. The post indicated that instead of the standard acidity of 5%, there is also vinegar with 4% acidity being sold. I contacted the National Center for Home Food Preservation (https://nchfp.uga.edu/ .tab=0) and promised I would let you know what they had to say:
"Here is our official statement regarding vinegar:
"The National Center for Home Food Preservation acknowledges the concerns raised by consumers regarding the use of 4% vinegar acidity for canning. We would like to provide the following important points for your consideration if you have utilized vinegar in your home canning practices:
"Recipe Recommendations: It is crucial to note that all our recipes, including those
from the National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) and the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA), were extensively tested and recommended the use of vinegar with 5% acidity. Currently, it is strongly advised against using vinegar with lower acidity levels (

09/16/2023

Finding teardrop-shaped burs on your pant legs this hunting season? Maybe it is houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale), the plant featured in this month's MSU Extension W**d Post. Check it out at the link below.

(Photo by Matt Lavin, MSU)

https://www.montana.edu/extension/invasiveplants/extension/monthly-weed-posts/2023-september-houndstongue.html

09/16/2023

Scarlet gilia, aka Skyrocket, Skunkflower
Ipomopsis aggregate
Lewis and Clark collected samples of Scarlet gilia as they traversed the Lolo Trail, in 1806, which links Montana and northern Idaho. It is fitting that this photo came in from Ravalli County.
It is a favorite flower of hummingbirds and hawk moths. Long-tongued moths are attracted by the unpleasant odor of the plants foliage. That odor is what gives it one of its common names “Skunkflower” Hummingbirds are attracted to the red color of the narrow floral tube.
The flowers are trumpet shaped with five lobes. They are a biennial. They are most recognized for their red (scarlet) phase, but over the blooming season the flowers may change to pink and white. It prefers full sunlight, it is not shade -tolerant, but it is very drought tolerant. It prefers dry soils on hillsides, along roadsides and trails. It can be found in western Montana and the northern counties.

Photo: April Hale, Ravalli County
Scarlet gilia and Blue flax

09/16/2023

09/10/2023

This month!

09/05/2023

09/05/2023

09/05/2023

How To Freeze Tomatoes – 5 Easy Methods To Preserve Tomatoes! Instructions in link: https://oldworldgardenfarms.com/2023/09/05/ways-to-freeze-tomatoes/