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The public is invited to learn more about organic gardening methods at a FREE class being sponsored by the Chisago County Master Gardeners Tuesday, July 25. Our speaker, Bud Markhardt, Professor at the University of MN, and member of the Board of Directors for the MN Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and the Organic Advisory Task Force, MN Department of Ag. has traveled to Iceland, Germany and Japan with University students to study methods being successfully used by growers in those countries.

He will share information from his travels to show us how to incorporate organic methods in our own gardens. The class will be at the Senior Center in North Branch beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. Call the Extension office at 651-674-4417 if you need directions.

IN YOUR YARD AND GARDEN:

Water everything in the landscape. Water plants at the base to avoid getting foliage wet. Foliage that goes to bed wet, or remains damp for several hours, is more susceptible to plant disease.

Deadhead lilies before seed pods form by cutting back to the first leaf on the stem. Deadheading will encourage annuals and many perennials to keep blooming

Water trees and shrubs in the landscape. They need one inch of water per week. Water stress makes insect problems more pronounced so it's important to scout for insect problems in your yard. Apply mulch for weed control and moisture retention.

Brambles, such as raspberries, need water now, otherwise, you'll get dry, crumbly fruit. Apples, plums and cherries also need a lot of water as they are growing and ripening fruit.

Most containers need to be checked for water daily. Containers can also be fertilized now. Water the containers first before adding any fertilizer--liquid or dry. Dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength and don't let it dry on the foliage.

UPCOMING CLASSES:

If you haven't received our fall class series brochure, call 651.674-4417 to have one mailed to you. It is also available in the 'Hot Topics' box at: www.extension.umn.edu/ county/chisago. The series will include classes on food preservation.

PLANT CLINICS:

Volunteer Master Gardeners will be available Mondays, from 4-7 p.m., at the Extension Office, in North Branch, at 38780 Eight Avenue, to answer your gardening questions. You can also call 651-674-4417 during these hours to speak with a Master Gardener.

Samples can be dropped off during the day on Monday if you cannot stop in during clinic hours. Please note MONDAY is the only day you can drop off samples, as there is no longer staff at the North Branch Office who can answer gardening questions.

VOICE MAIL:

You can leave a question for a volunteer Master Gardener at 651-674-4417. Depending on the volume of calls, they try to respond within a couple of days. During office hours ask for the Master Gardener voicemail, after hours, select ext. 18. You can also get your question answered on the web at: www.extension.umn. edu/askmg.

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