The weather is finally warming up! The soil will get warmer, and we can successfully plant our vegetables – and for many of us ornamentals also.
I am continuing this series of articles and hope that you find them helpful and inspiring. In May, there is quite a bit to do in the garden depending on what you want to grow. Our gardens still need to be cared for so that they will do well, and we will have a plentiful harvest. By caring for our gardens, we are also caring for ourselves – physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The Jackson County Master Gardener Association has a great resource for gardeners to use. It is the Garden Guide for the Rogue Valley – Year-Round & Month by Month. This great reference book for gardeners is mainly about growing vegetables, berries, and melons.
May is the time to:
- Plants which you can plant as seed outside (make sure to check the soil temperature)
o Amaranth
o Beans o Cantaloupe o Chervil o Cilantro o Cucumbers o Edamame Soy Beans o Lettuce o New Zealand Spinach o Parsley o Potatoes o Scallions o Summer Savory o Swiss Chard o |
o Basil
o Beets o Carrots o Chives o Corn o Dill o Leeks o Malabar Spinach o Okra o Parsnips o Pumpkin o Squash o Sunflowers o Watermelon |
- Plants to transplant this month (make sure to check the soil temperature)
o Artichokes, Globe
o Broccoli o Cabbage |
o Basil
o Brussels sprouts o Cantaloupe |
o Cucumbers | o Eggplant |
o Leeks | o Oriental Greens |
o Pak Choi
o Squash o Tomatoes o Rhubarb |
o Peppers
o Sweet potatoes o Watermelons o Tomatoes |
- Control Pests and Diseases
- Pea weevil
- Root maggot fly
- Powdery mildew on grapes
Garden Guide for the Rogue Valley – Year-Round & Month by Month. This book contains a wealth of gardening information. You can purchase it at our local Grange Co-op or at the OSU Extension office for $21.00. It can also be purchased on-line at https://jacksoncountymga.org/shop/. Note that a shipping fee will be applied.
Happy Gardening and Stay Warm
Garden For Life
If you are interested in volunteering to work the Jackson County Master Gardener Booth on Friday, May 17th, contact Barbara Low barbaralow@msn.com.
More indeed! Does Solanum tuberosum have a rainbow of varieties and an incredible history to tell!
The potato’s story started some 350 million years ago when they evolved from their poisonous ancestral plant, the noxious nightshade. Potatoes slowly evolved in the South American Andean Highlands, between Peru and Bolivia, into forms that looked like gnarly fingerlings.
Some 15 thousand years ago, the Incas arrived and started domesticating those potatoes. They preserved potatoes by dehydrating and mashing them into a substance called chuño. Allowing for storage for up to10 years, chuño provided great insurance against starvation due to crop failure.
In the 1500’s, Spanish conquistadors searching for Peruvian gold discovered potatoes and brought them to Europe. But despite its rainbow of varieties, Europeans believed the potato to be weird, poisonous and evil. For years they suspected it caused leprosy, syphilis, sterility, and narcosis, so they destroyed the very soil it grew in.
It wasn’t until French botanist, Antoine-Augustin Parmentier convinced King Louis XVI in the late 1700’s to start mass cultivations for the military. These guarded fields got the attention of civilians. Thereafter, potatoes became one of the most popular food sources in Europe. Then in 1845 a disease destroyed Ireland’s entire potato production. With a million dying from starvation, large numbers of people emigrated to North America and Australia.
Our own USA was the last large country to adopt the potato, but not until Thomas Jefferson served some spuds at a White House dinner did guests see them in a positive light. After horticulturist Luther Burbank hybridized a disease-resistant potato in 1872, they really took off.
Once introduced to North America, they became an important part of the world’s cuisine and the fourth largest worldwide food crop (following rice, maize, and wheat.) Due in part to their high caloric value and many varieties, world production in 2010 was 324 million tons (74.8 million in China, 36.6 million in India, 21.1 million in Ukraine, 18.3 million in the USA and 10.2 million in Germany, to name a lot.)
No matter what variety, potatoes can be consumed baked whole, mashed, roasted, fried, ground into flour, and used as a thickener for sauces. They have highly digestible sources of vitamin C, protein, potassium, thiamine, niacin and fiber.
The “eyes” in potatoes produce stems called stolons. The stolon’s tip is where potato tubers form. Given the number of varieties (over 1,000 worldwide), it’s no wonder skins and flesh can be white, golden, deep purple, rich red, striped, green, red or purple, starchy, waxy, or in between. They can be round, oval, or fingerling ranging from a few ounces to 3 pounds.
When buying potatoes for planting, purchase certified seed potatoes to plant in rich ground soil. Planting them in pots (half barrels work well) is even better. Dumping pots out allows harvesting without digging and gives just about anyone a chance to cultivate this wonderful rainbow of heirloom tubers.
Some Potato Fun:
In 1974 Englishman Eric Jenkins grew the largest potato from one plant. It was 370 pounds!
There are two National potato holidays: one on August 19th and the other October 27th.
The “Mister Potatohead” toys came out in 1952. Anyone remember those?
Potatoes became a fashion statement when Marie Antoinette wore their blossoms in her hair.
Resources:
The Little Potato Company
https://www.littlepotatoes.com › Blog
Vegetable Facts
Origin and History of Potatoes
Potato Nutrition
https://potatogoodness.com/potato-fun-facts-history/
Seed Sources:
Irish Eyes and a Hint of Garlic
http://www.irisheyesgardenseeds.com
Recipe:
Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Preheat oven to 400° or 375° in convection oven
Cover baking sheet with heavy foil and coat with oil
2 lbs. small, single or mixed variety, fresh potatoes (fingerling, blue, red, gold, etc.) washed and halved if fingerlings or quartered if larger ovals
1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons ground organic chili powder, mild or hot
½ teaspoon organic honey
4 cloves garlic pressed or finely minced
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced fine
Mix oil, salt, chili powder, honey, garlic and rosemary in a small bowl. Put potato pieces in a large zip-type plastic bag. Pour in the oil mixture then close bag and massage until all pieces are coated.
Place potato pieces on foil lined baking sheet and roast in oven about 25-35 minutes until golden. Remove from oven and serve hot or enclose in foil and keep warm until needed. Serves about 6 as a side dish.
Jackson County Master Gardner Association
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2024
Executive Committee Members Present:
Barbara Low, President
Marcie Katz, Past President
Kathy Apple, Recording Secretary
Colet Allen, OMGA Representative
Lucy Pylkki, Member-at-Large
Janine Salvatti, Chair, Gardens WG
Keltie Nelson, Treasurer
President Barbara Low called for an Executive Committee meeting via email to discuss and potentially approve the recommendation from the Practicum Committee to change two of the Spring Garden Fair plant prices. The issue is time sensitive because plants are ready for transplanting and price tags will need to be placed in pots during transplant for time efficiency and best use of volunteer resources. Due to the time sensitivity, it was decided to take the issue to the Executive Committee for a decision.
The price changes include:
- changing 3″ pot (to be used for squash, cukes, melons, herbs) from $5 to $4
- changing 5″ pots (ornamental perennials) from $7 to $8
MOTION: It was moved and seconded to approve the plant price changes for Spring Garden Fair as recommended by the Practicum Committee.
Motion passed.
Jackson County Master Gardner Association
Board Meeting Minutes
March 8, 2024
Board Members Present (In-Person or Via Zoom):
Barbara Low, President, Co-Chair, Winter Dreams Summer Gardens WG, Co-Chair Marketing & Technology WG
Marcie Katz, Past President, Co-Chair Spring Garden Fair WG
Regula Pepi, Assistant Treasurer
Kathy Apple, Recording Secretary
Colet Allen, OMGA Representative & Co-Chair, Winter Dreams Summer Gardens WG
Rebecca Cohn, Member-at-Large
Lucy Pylkki, Member-at-Large & Co-Chair, Spring Garden Fair WG
Ronnie Budge, Chair, Community Outreach WG
Janine Salvatti, Chair, Gardens WG
Janet Wright, Student Representative
Rob MacWhorter, Member-at-Large
Keltie Nelson, Treasurer, Co-Chair Marketing & Technology WG
Ann Ackles, Membership Secretary
Jane Moyer, Chair, Fundraising WG
Grace Florjancic, OSU MG Program Coordinator
Board Members Absent:
Cassandra Toews, Member-at-Large
Pam Hillers, Archivist
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 9:35am by President Barbara Low.
Additions to the Agenda: Grace Florjancic asked to add a discussion on possible donation to the Rogue River Watershed Council’s upcoming silent auction.
MOTION: It was moved and seconded to add this item to the agenda. Motion passed.
Approval of the Consent Agenda: Jane Moyer reminded members to use both first and last names when writing Board reports. Pam Hillers and Linda Holder have reminded members to attach committee reports to their respective Working Group report, not as a stand-alone report.
MOTION: It was moved and seconded to accept the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion passed
Approval of the Agenda:
MOTION: It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed.
Approval of the Board Minutes from February 9, 2024:
MOTION: It was moved and seconded to approve the February 9, 2024 Board Meeting Minutes as written. Motion passed.
Announcements:
- On March 22, 2024, there will be an informational meeting for Friends of the Garden from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. A MailChimp will be sent out to the membership with all the relevant information.
- The Marketing and Technology Working Group will be working on a new procedure for MailChimps as the volume has recently increased dramatically.
- Planning for the Spring Garden Fair is moving right along. Rack cards have been produced, public flyers are being posted in strategic locations, news articles and PSA’s have been prepared, children’s activities have been planned, and the number of participating vendors has increased.
- Jane Moyer reported that volunteers have stepped up to fill Practicum and Native Plant Nursery responsibilities while Lynn Kunstman is on medical leave.
- Jane Moyer thanked the Board for support during her recent illness and announced that she will step down from directing the Practicum program after this year. Succession planning is underway to find replacements for next year.
President’s Report: President Barbara Low shared the following information with the Board:
- President Barbara Low met with MG Program Coordinator Grace Florjancic for their monthly meeting and invited Past President Marcie Katz, and Janine Salvatti, Chair of the Gardens Working Group to discuss and differentiate the SOREC grounds responsibilities versus the JCMGA grounds responsibilities.
- An awards nomination committee is needed to build nominations for the OMGA Awards. Colet Allen, Kathy Apple, and Barbara Low volunteered.
- Tasks normally completed by the President Elect have been divided between Past President Marcie Katz and President Barbara Low as there is still no President Elect.
- President Low is recommending that the draft Board meeting minutes be sent out to all Board Members shortly after the Board meeting for review and editing. Recording Secretary Kathy Apple will then make corrections for the final document to be reviewed and approved by the Board at the next meeting.
- The JCMGA website has been updated with all the recently approved governing documents including the Articles of Association, the JCMGA Bylaws, and the Policy & Procedure Manual.
Finance Report: Treasurer Keltie Nelson provided highlights from the February financial statement. The current status of membership numbers was discussed.
Membership Secretary Report: Membership Secretary Ann Ackles reported that the membership directory is under preparation for printing. Ann has contacted Life Members to ensure current and accurate contact information. Ann also sent a support card on behalf of the Board to Lynn Kunstman.
MG Program Coordinator Report: OSU MG Program Coordinator Grace Florjancic reported that the MG classes are going well. April 24th will be the last day of class. Grace has asked JCMGA to participate in presenting information on all of the Working Groups for recruitment of new volunteers. Grace also reported that the Master Plan for the SOREC property is still up in the air pending resolution of the septic system dilemma.
Business:
- Adding Items to DropBox: Jane Moyer discussed the need for and use of DropBox files for Chairs of Working Groups, particularly for Practicum, to assist and support members in those positions. Working Group Chairs need to contact Regina Boykins for access permission.
- Membership – Looking at Priorities: President Barbara Low introduced the idea and requested Board Members to begin thinking about membership issues and concerns. For example, how do we prevent volunteer burnout. Barbara would like to discuss membership issues at every meeting. She plans to send a new membership survey next month to past members to try and get information about their view on priorities for JCMGA and why they have not renewed their membership.
- Donation: OSU MG Program Coordinator Grace Florjancic asked the Board to consider a donation to the Rogue River Watershed Council silent auction to be held on May 11th. The mission of the Rogue River Watershed Council is to enhance resilience in Rogue River watersheds through ecological restoration and engagement with community partners. The Board discussed various ways to donate with minimal expenditure. It was decided to offer two gift baskets, one focusing on native plants with a $50 gift certificate, Dr. Tallamy’s book, and handouts of keystone plant lists. The second basket would focus on vegetables with seeds, the Rogue Valley Garden Guide, and hand garden tools. Marcie Katz offered to put the native plant basket together and Jane Moyer offered to put the vegetable basket together.
MOTION: It was moved and seconded to approve two basket donations to the Rogue River Watershed Council silent auction to be held May 11, 2024. Motion passed.
- OMGA Representative Alternate: OMGA Representative Colet Allen has recommended Trina Stout as the 2024 OMGA Representative Alternate. Trina has agreed to fulfill the position.
MOTION: It was moved and seconded to appoint Trina Stout as the OMGA Representative Alternate for 2024. Motion Passed.
- 2024 Strategic Plan: President Barbara Low presented the updated 2024 Strategic Plan based on the Board’s discussion at the February Board meeting. All Working Groups have provided feedback which was then incorporated in the plan. The Strategic Plan will be the focus of the May Retreat meeting.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:55am.
Next Meeting: The next Board meeting will be held April 12, 2024 from 9:00am to 11:30am
Respectfully Submitted by Kathy Apple, Recording Secretary