Arbor Day – a day dedicated to planting trees – is celebrated across the United States and around the world.  Your Somervell County Master Gardeners Chapter has an exciting Arbor Day celebration planned for November 2 at Heritage Park in Glen Rose.  See https://txmg.org/somervell/ for more information.  Since November is still a ways away, here’s a little Arbor Day background.  It all started in Nebraska.

J.S. MORTON AND CAROLINE Young Julius Sterling Morton and his new wife, Caroline, settled in the Nebraska Territory in 1854.  He had two passions; publishing and nature.  The Mortons settled in, and Julius began his career as the editor of the Nebraska News in Nebraska City. Morton eventually threw his hat in the political ring, and was soon was appointed Nebraska’s territorial Secretary of State from 1858-1861 and was also the acting territorial governor from 1858-1859.

Julian and Caroline Morton

NEBRASKA AND THE GREAT AMERICAN DESERT
During the 19th century Nebraska was part of what U.S. Army engineers and surveyors called “The Great American Desert” – a term used to describe lands East of the Rocky Mountains.  In those days “Desert” was commonly used to describe uninhabited, treeless lands.   One geographer of the day described the area as “… almost wholly unfit for cultivation, and of course, uninhabitable by a people…”  Others compared it to the “the sandy deserts of Africa.” 

HE BELIEVED IN NEBRASKA
Nebraska – A Desert!!!!  Julius Morton wasn’t having any of it. Morton – a strong believer in Nebraska and it’s people – dropped out of politics so he could better support agriculture in his state. He promoted scientific farming methods as well as water conservation initiatives.

In 1872, Morton made a bold proposal to the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture.  Create a day devoted to planting trees.  His idea was adopted, and Arbor Day was born.

The first Arbor Day celebration in Nebraska took place on April 10, 1872.  It was a huge success.  Counties and individuals were awarded prizes for planting trees. Communities dedicated newly planted trees to prominent citizens.  All in all, it is estimated one million trees were planted.  Julius Sterling Morton lived to see his dream fulfilled.

ARBOR DAY TODAY
Every state in America recognizes Arbor Day.  Arbor Day celebration dates vary from state-to-state and usually are scheduled to coincide with the best dates for planting trees.  For example, Arbor Day in Texas is the first Friday in November while Arbor Day in Michigan happens on the last Friday in April.  The Arbor Day Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting climate change through reforestation, estimates they have helped plant over 500 million trees.

November will be here before you know it. If you love trees (and who doesn’t?), be part of this historic celebration in Glen Rose.  Plan to bring the family to the Somervell County Master Gardeners’ Arbor Day Event on November 2.

For more information please plan to attend our Open House on October 16th.

Ancient Egyptians treated scorpion stings with basil, while the Chinese used basil to treat stomach spasms and kidney ailments. In West Africa Basil teas were used to break fevers. English in the 16th century treated toothaches with basil.
 

THE SCIENCE OF BASIL

Ancient cultures may have used Basil, but only recently have investigators been unlocking the secrets of this amazing plant.  Here are some amazing things scientists are learning about Basil – Queen of Herbs.

Basil and Fungus
While restoring an ancient Portuguese mural, artists hit a snag – black, furry fungus spots.  Removing fungus from priceless art can be tricky business.  If concentrations of chemical biocides are too weak, the fungus won’t die.  On the other hand, the art is damaged if the chemical concentrations are too strong.  The restorers tried a few anti-fungal solvents, then had an idea – try oil of Basil.  It worked!!  Essential oil of basil.  Basil oil beat out two leading commercial biocides without marring the art.

Basil and Your Okra
Many vegetable gardeners faithfully plant Basil as a companion plant with their tomatoes as a natural pesticide.  Researchers in Africa tested interplanting Basil with Okra as a pest control.  The results yielded a 23% reduction in harmful pests when compared to Okra not planted with Basil.

Basil for Your Breath
Using extract of Basil leaves, researchers in Indonesia have created an edible film and are testing several formulations.   Test groups are reporting a pleasant taste as well as and effective mouth freshener.  Basil Breath Mints – Coming Soon.

Basil Seeds – Tiny Miracles
For many years, Basil greenery has been widely studied for health and medicinal benefits.  Scientists have just recently begun to investigate Basil seeds and their health and healthcare potential.  Results are nothing short of remarkable.   A few of the beneficial properties of Basil Seeds include antioxidant; anti-asthmatic; anti-inflammatory; anti-arthritic; and anti-microbial.  Many scientists believe we will soon see important medicines and treatments derived from the tiny Basil seed.
 

 TYPES OF BASIL

     

Browse your favorite seed catalogue and the varieties of basil might surprise you.  Plant experts can’t seem to agree on how many varieties of basil exists; some say 60-65 types exists; others say up to 150.  Here are a few types of Basil that will do well in your garden.

Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Also known as Tulsi, Holy Basil has been revered by Hindu cultures for centuries, and is used in cooking, Ayurvedic medicine, and religious ceremonies.  Holy Basil is much loved for its spicy taste.

Genovese Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’)
Genovese Basil is probably the most common Basil used in Western cooking (especially Pesto).  This Basil is easy to grow, and does well in pots.

Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Sweet Basil and Genovese Basil are often confused, but they are two distinct Basil varieties.  The taste of Sweet Basil is said to have a hint of licorice.

Osmin Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Osmin purple’)
There are many varieties of purple Basil.  Osmin Purple is the most common. It’s raw leaves are commonly used to add color and a hint of clove to your favorite tossed salad

Lemon Basil (Ocimum basilicum citriodorum)
Lemon Basil is common in Thai cooking.  It has a slight lemony flavor.

 

 

Plant some basil today and you’ll have the Taste of Italy at your fingertips.  Plant some Basil tomorrow, and you may have a cornucopia of medicines just outside your back door.

Many Thanks to SCMG Cyd Brown for sending along this information from the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia Website.

MARK YOUR CALENDERS…..

 

Here are few of the not-so-nice are bugs we are seeing in our garden….

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Four Lined Plant Bug

These bugs feed primarily on plant leaves. Herbs – especially mint and basil – are some of their favorite snacks. Dark spots (often mistaken as fungus) appear on leaves where they have been feeding.

Four Lined Plant Bugs nymphs are bright red and can be seen in the spring feeding on the upper side of plant leaves. Nymphs develop into adults in about four weeks. Adults feed until the weather starts getting warm, and can often be confused with Cucumber Beetles.

Insecticidal soaps can be very effective against the nymphs. Adult infestation is much harder to control, and may require applications of contact pesticides such as permethrin and bifenthrin.

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Spotted Cucumber Beetles

The Spotted Cucumber Beetles are part of a large group of beetles known as Leaf Beetles. The Spotted Cucumber Beetles can cause severe damage especially to vegetable gardens. Thay are particularly fond of cucurbits: watermelons, cantaloupes, cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash. Spotted Cucumber Beetles can be active throughout the gardening season.

Here is control advice from the Mississippi State University Ag Extension Web Site: “Control adult cucumber beetles in home vegetable gardens with sprays containing permethrin, bifenthrin, or carbaryl. Check young plants and emerging seedlings regularly and spray promptly if necessary. Older plants can tolerate higher numbers of beetles. Before spraying edible plants with any pesticide, always be sure to note the pre-harvest interval for the product you are using and the crop you are using it on.”

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Aphids

Aphids are extremely prolific and are one of the most damaging garden threats. Aphid eggs laid in the Fall hatch in the spring. During warm weather, a new generation can appear every two weeks (Aphids are born pregnant).

Single aphids are tiny and can be difficult to see. They thrive on the underside of leaves, and feed on plant sap. A horde of aphids will eventually kill a plant by destroying healthy leaves. Some plants are particularly susceptible to aphid damage. We find aphids are a big problem for eggplants.

Once they are established, controlling aphids is a constant battle. Ladybugs are aphids’ natural predator, so using broad spectrum insecticides is not recommended. Regular applications of oil based plant sprays (e.g. Neem Oil Sprays) can limit Aphid damage. IMPORTANT – Be sure to spray the underside of the leaves.

Robin’s Koginut Winter Squash

Growing Winter Squash
Winter Squash can be started indoors or direct-seeded in the garden. The best harvest time is mid-October before the killing frosts hit in November. When the stems get woody and the skin is hardened, it’s time to pick.

One space-saving tip. Winter squash vines grow fast, and can create quite the garden “sprawl”. To save space in our raised bed garden, we like to plant Winter Squash under growing corn stalks. Plant the Winter Squash Seeds (or transfer starts) when the corn stalks are knee-high. Shade from the growing corn protects young squash plants from the brutal Texas sun. Once the corn is harvested the stalks can be pulled up or snipped off at ground level.

Winter Squash Growing Under Corn

Winter Squash – Good Eats
Winter Squash varieties are closely related to pumpkins. Their flesh tends to meaty and sweet. They make great soups, pies, side dishes, and healthy snacks , Here are our three favorites Winter Squash varieties.

Robin’s Koginut
This squash is like a small pumpkin. The flesh is rich and sweet. It makes a great pumpkin substitute in pies and custard. NOTE: These seeds can only be purchased from Row 7 Seeds and often are unavailable.

Delicata
Delicata squash is almost too pretty to eat, but don’t let that stop you. Delicata makes a great dish when sliced into crescents and roasted. The meat is rich and the edible skin gives a slight crunch.

Futsu
This is a small wart covered pumpkin. It may not be pretty, but it has a delicious nutty flavor when roasted. Like the Delicata, the Black Futsu skin is edible.

There are dozens of Winter Squash varieties. They are easy to grow, pretty, keep well and the best part – they are a treat to eat on those cold winter days when you are planning next year’s garden.