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Cooperative Extension Service
Franklin County
101 Lakeview Court
Frankfort, KY 40601-8750
(502) 695-9035
Fax: (502) 695-9309
franklin.ca.uky.edu
HORTICULTURE FEBRUARY 2021
partial shade? Does it get hot afternoon sun or
Here come the seed catalogs gentle morning sun? Do you want to start your
plants from seed or are you more inclined to
Source: Rick Durham, UK extension professor,
Department of Horticulture buy young plants for transplanting? The former
is less expensive and often gives you more
January often arrives with mixed blessings: varieties to choose. Some plants, like
cold, dreary weather and seed catalogs that tomatoes, may need a protected environment
remind us that spring is only a couple of to start seeds, and others, such as lettuces,
months away. can be direct-sown when the soil heats up
enough in spring.
Garden catalogs, whether they arrive in the
mail or pop-up in our favorite social media When it comes to planting a flower or foliage
apps, can be enticing, luring us with their bright garden in your landscape, plan your design
images of beautiful blooms, intriguing shrubs first. It’s easy to fall for that picture of the lovely
and trees, and mouthwatering vegetables. To flowering tree, but it may mature to a size that’s
manage their lure, it’s a good idea to approach not right for your landscape. Things to think
seed catalogs with three things in mind: an idea about when deciding which plants to buy for
of how you want your flower garden to look or your garden include your growing zone, width
what you want your vegetable garden to
produce, what kind of gardener you are, and,
most importantly, a budget. WHAT’S INSIDE THIS MONTH…
Here Come the Seed Catalogs ….…..…...1-2
Are you the type of gardener who likes to get
things started and then move on to other things KY Forest Health Conference ...…………....2
or do you enjoy tinkering in the garden all Emergency Weather Closing ……........…....2
season? Are you planning any trips this 2021 Horticulture Webinar Series ........…....3
summer, which might leave you trying to find Rehabilitating Neglected Apple Trees …...4-5
someone to water or harvest your garden UK Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays …….5
during the height of summer? Kick Kentucky Cancer …………………..…...6
If you had a vegetable garden last year, think Unexpected Pleasures of Gardening …..…..7
about which plants succeeded and which may Native Spotlight: Plant Milkweed ….…….8-11
have struggled. Consider the fruits and CAEMG January-March 2021 Programs …12
vegetables your family enjoys eating and also
your planting location. Does it get full sun or
Continued from Pg. 1, Here come the seed catalogs and height of the plant at maturity, whether you get more sun or shade, terrain, soil type and soil moisture levels. Try searching for plant reviews online and see how others used the plant in their landscapes. If you are planning to plant a garden for the first time, take this year to try your hand with one or two types of plants and explore what it is you enjoy about gardening. If you are a more experienced gardener, seed catalogs offer new and different varieties to try. With an abundance of heirloom vegetable varieties and an ever- expanding list of flowering cultivars available, you can experiment by mixing in something new among your tried-and-true plants. Remember, when leafing through a seed catalog, your eyes can be bigger than your budget or the time you have to spare planting and tending to everything you buy. Dream big but move cautiously. You might end up with a garden that is the envy of the neighborhood. For more information, contact the Franklin County Cooperative Extension office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.
Rehabilitating Neglected Apple
Trees
Source: Michele Warmund, University of
Missouri, Division of Plant Sciences
Large, unpruned apple trees can be bucolic
in the landscape, but they are not
particularly productive. The longer a tree
have been unmanaged, the harder it is to
rescue. However, sometimes a neglected
tree is present when purchasing or
inheriting property. Also, owners may have
an emotional connection with a particular Figure 1 Gray-colored area illustrates the
apple tree and may want to preserve it. limbs of a large unpruned apple tree that
Although it usually takes multiple years to are removed by pruning. Darkened limbs
restore an overgrown tree, it may be indicate the ideal apple tree structure after
worthwhile if it isn't heavily infected with pruning this tree over a three-year period.
disease or infested with insects.
In the case of an abandoned apple tree or Dormant pruning, usually in February or
orchard, it is often easier to replant with early March, is used to rejuvenate an
improved cultivars, especially those overgrown apple tree. In the first year, try
infected with fire blight. Newly-planted to re-establish a center leader. Begin to
trees on dwarfing rootstocks require only lower the height of the central leader and
three growing seasons to begin cropping. reshape the tree into a pyramidal form.
Alternatively, trees can be cut off and their Then open up the canopy to allow better
limbs top-grafted with a desirable cultivar sunlight penetration into the tree interior
(see University of Missouri Extension and allow better air flow. Remove no more
grafting publication at: https:// than six big limbs at the main trunk. Select
extension.missouri.edu/publications/ branches for removal that are broken,
g6971), but this requires some level of diseased, or lie directly over another and
skill. Another approach is to purchase a shade the lower limb. Also, main limbs
rootstock and use scion wood collected growing at narrow angles (less than 45
from the old tree to propagate a new one degrees from the central leader) are easily
by grafting. However, it is sometimes broken when fruit is present and should be
difficult to purchase only a few rootstocks eliminated. When making pruning cuts, cut
from suppliers. main limbs back to the trunk. Take caution
to remove no more than one-third of the
To determine whether or not to rejuvenate
tree canopy in a year.
an apple tree by pruning, begin by
assessing its canopy. A mature tree that In following dormant period, it may be
has not been carefully maintained will have necessary to remove a few more large-
a round-shaped canopy or will be wider at diameter limbs, especially in the upper
the top than at the bottom. It will also bear portion of the canopy, to attain a pyramidal
few apples in the lower two-thirds of the tree form. Also, there will be a flush of
canopy. A tree in this overgrown condition growth originating from the pruning cuts
will require at least three years of intensive made in the previous year. If a renewal
pruning and moderate annual pruning shoot is needed in that part of the tree,
thereafter. leave one new, outward-growing shoot that
(Continued from Pg. 8, Rehabilitating needed. When pruning, always remove
Neglected Apple Trees) wood at a major juncture of two shoots,
limbs, or a limb and the trunk to avoid
has a wide angle from the trunk and stimulation excessive new growth.
remove other shoots from the older cut.
In subsequent years, prune annually during
Continue thinning out smaller-diameter
the dormant period to stimulate small-
branches by cutting back to the main limb
diameter fruiting wood. In all years,
rather than making cuts between
remove any diseased limbs. If fire-blight
internodes. Eliminate branches that cross
infection occurs (necrotic, die-back at
each other or grow towards the center of
shoot terminals), prune the shoot at least
the tree or in a downward direction.
six inches below the symptomatic tissue)
Continue to reshape the tree canopy into a
as soon as it appears in the spring and
narrow pyramidal form and open it up to
summer. When removing fire blight-
allow light into the tree for good fruit bud
infected tissue, dip pruning shears in a
development throughout the tree.
disinfectant, such as 70% isopropyl
By year three, the desired structure of the alcohol, between each cut.
tree may be re-established and fruit will
When rejuvenating an apple tree, have
develop on the lower limbs. Continue
patience. It takes several years to reverse
removing any upright sucker growth and
the effect of multiple years of neglect.
extra shoots arising from last year's cuts,
leaving a shoot for renewal growth if
Native spotlight: Plant for a larger area and it doesn’t spread to other
areas, but it will fill in an area nicely.
milkweed to help the Butterfly weed
monarch (Asclepias
tuberoses) has the
By Susan Harkins
most spectacular
Thank you to Connie May, Jonathan Kubesch, color—bright
and Nick Koenig for sharing their technical orange. It’s a bit
expertise on milkweed. bushy, grows 2 to
3 feet, and likes a
The monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus is sunny spot. It looks
now a candidate species for the Endangered lovely planted with
Species Act. Habitat loss and pesticide use rue. Butterfly weed Butterfly milkweed.
along their migratory routes are responsible for is the most Photo by Betty Hall.
the decline of the monarch, but you can help by dependable for
providing habitat in your own yard. You'll need returning in the same spot each year, but it
two things: nectar for the adults and milkweed doesn’t spread quickly. The leaves are thin, and
(Asclepias) foliage for their caterpillars. I find few eggs or caterpillars on them, but the
Plant a patch of native wildflowers to attract adult butterflies and other beneficial insects
adult butterflies and milkweed for their offspring. feed on the blooms. Butterfly weed blooms
The monarch caterpillars eat only Asclepias. persist longer into the late summer than other
Kentucky Asclepias species that easily make milkweeds. Plant a few for a long bright pop of
the move to home gardens are: color or create a spectacular border. Once
they’re established, they’re very dependable.
Asclepias incarnata Swamp Milkweed Plant whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata)
for fragrant blooms and interesting green
foliage. It’s easy to establish from seedlings and
Asclepias tuberoses Butterfly Weed like butterfly weed, whorled milkweed grows
close to the ground.
Asclepias verticillata Whorled Milkweed Of the five species reviewed, green milkweed
(Asclepias. viridis) has proven the hardest for
me to establish in a garden setting. It grows wild
Asclepias viridis Green Milkweed in every direction at my friend’s farm, so I keep
trying. I encourage you to do so too because it’s
Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed so worth it! Its showy blooms are similar to
common, but green, and the plants are shorter.
Don’t plant common milkweed (Asclepias
syriaca) in your yard. I include it to be
Despite its common name, swamp milkweed comprehensive, but it’s best in a big field far
(Asclepias incarnata) will grow in most yards, enough away that it doesn’t breech your
though it will only landscaped yard. In bloom, common milkweed
reproduce reliably in is gorgeous and fragrant. Plant enough to cut
wet spots. Be some of those showy dusty-rose clustering
prepared to reseed blooms to bring inside because the scent is
or replant every few seductive. It prefers a sunny, well-drained spot
years to keep it and can reach seven feet. It spreads
going. Its deep-rose aggressively and dislikes intensive
blooms are more management. To be happy, plant it and plan to
spray-like than leave it be, keeping in mind that the caterpillars
clusters and makes will completely defoliate it—another reason not
a stunning border Swamp milkweed.
to put it in your yard.
Photo by Betty Hall.
(Continued from Pg. 8, Native spotlight: Plant In Kentucky, milkweed is also host to the prolific
milkweed to help the monarch) tussock moth (Euchates egle). Many insect
species, too numerous to mention, dine on
There are other species milkweed. Watch for Labidomera clivicollis, the
native to Kentucky, but cute red and black milkweed leaf beetle. You’re
these listed have proven certain to see Oncopeltus fasciatus, the
most successful for me. milkweed bug. None of these are a threat to
I encourage you to monarchs.
explore the other
species and experiment!
The more you know
about milkweed, the
more successful your
efforts will be. Common,
swamp, and butterfly are
readily found in
nurseries in the spring.
Seeds for all can be A monarch butterfly
purchased online and at on common
nurseries. milkweed.
Great-spangled-fritillaries on
butterfly milkweed. Photo by
Botany and pollination Betty Hall.
Afternoon, when the sun is out, and the air is
warm is the best time to watch butterflies. Propagation
Milkweed attracts the adults with color and Milkweed can be a bit more challenge to grow
scent. They seldom sit still for long so finding from seed than some other natives and
one that’s nectaring is a treat. However, an everyone seems to have different results. Your
adult sitting for a bit might be stuck thanks to experiences might vary from mine, so I
this flower’s unique botany. In a nutshell, the recommend experimenting and using one of the
petals are slippery, and a foot or proboscis four following methods.
easily slips through small slits where they
become covered in pollen before they can The easiest way
escape and fly off. Watch closely, and you may If you’re just starting out, take the easy route
see a butterfly or insect struggle a bit. If that and buy milkweed plants from a reputable
happens, look for the pollen—in this case, small nursery (https://www.knps.org/native-plant-
sacs called pollinia--dangling from its legs. But
nurseries/). Don't buy plants that have been
pollination isn’t restricted to adult butterflies;
milkweed treated with pesticides because the pesticide
attracts a will kill the insects you’re inviting into your
number of yard—ask before you purchase! Transplant
beneficial nursery plants in early May and keep them well-
insects who watered for the first few weeks. Central
carry the Kentucky monarchs arrive in late summer, so
pollen from your new plants will have plenty of time to grow.
plant to plant. You might see a few adult monarchs in early
I’ve never spring, but the majority arrive in the late
seen a summer and early fall. Fortunately, Kentucky
milkweed in native milkweed blooms last though summer
bloom without and provide plenty of food for that last larval
Spicebush swallowtail on insects. generation that will pupate and migrate to
swamp milkweed. Photo by
Betty Hall. Mexico.(Continued from Pg. 9, Native spotlight: Plant Results are unpredictable because Kentucky
milkweed to help the monarch) winters aren’t always cold for long periods of
time. You can wrap seeds in a wet paper towel,
put the towel in a plastic bag, and put the bag in
the refrigerator for the required time. After years
Trays of seeds of testing, I have found this method to be no
It’s cold and rainy in central Kentucky right now; better than the outdoor method in central
it’s the perfect time to put out trays of milkweed Kentucky. Plant what you love and learn to
and other native nectar plant seeds. It’s the germinate more or less from the experience.
perfect time because milkweed and most Culture
Kentucky natives require cold moist stratification
to germinate—anywhere from two weeks to For the most part, milkweed likes a sunny spot
three months, depending on the species. By with well-drained soil—they have little trouble
planting both milkweed and other native adapting to our yards. Milkweed spreads quickly
wildflowers, my yard turns into a five-star resort if they like a spot. Some species, like common
for not only monarchs, but other butterflies and are aggressive and come up everywhere, even
moths, beneficial insects, and birds.
Sow directly
Sow seeds directly into the ground in late fall,
but don't be disappointed if the yield is lean the
first year. One or two plants will turn into several
over a few seasons, and they will propagate
themselves if they like the area. When growing
in trays or pots, give seedlings plenty of time to
toughen up before planting—don’t be in a rush.
I generally move seedlings from trays to pots
after the first true leaves appear, and then move
from pots into the ground in early summer. A small milkweed patch. This species is best
Once spring arrives, keep seed trays and for fields, not landscaped yards.
transplants well watered for the first few weeks
after planting. in turf. If you have a wet or shady spot, plant
Transplant swamp.
Transplanting works with some success, but Ripen seeds burst from a crescent-shaped pod
don’t dig up an adult plant. Instead, gently tug at and are wind-blown in late summer and early
seedlings once they’re six inches or larger. If fall. Don’t collect seeds until the pods are brown
the dirt isn’t compacted, a gentle wiggle will and dried up. You’ll want to keep a close eye on
easily displace them. Replant in your yard or in them at this point. Catch the pod just as the
a pot and keep well-watered for a few weeks. opening begins to separate. Then, grab the
About 20% will return the next year. It’s free and entire fluff ball, hold it by the tip, and run your
easy. fingernails down the still compacted fluff—the
seeds will pop right off. If you wait until the fluff
Prepare seeds explodes, separation is difficult. Keep the seeds
Preparing milkweed seeds isn’t difficult, but in a dry dark place until you plant them.
germination rates are often low, so plant a lot. Insects damage the pods during the summer so
Seeds require 30 days of cold, moist look for small holes in the pod and the presence
stratification. Stratification means to sow seeds of live insects when collecting. An infested pod
closely together in layers of a moist planting is best left on the plant as it’s unlikely to
medium. Putting trays of seeds out in December produce viable seeds.
and January provides the necessary
stratification. In your garden
Milkweed tends to attract aphids, but they won't(Continued from Pg. 10, Native spotlight: natives and perhaps stay long enough to lay
Plant milkweed to help the monarch) their eggs on the milkweed in your yard—a
monarch five-star resort where they have
hurt the butterflies, or their caterpillars so don't everything they need.
use pesticide—you'll kill the butterflies and
Baker and Potter (2019) found that females
caterpillars! Don't use the garden hose to spray
prefer common or swamp the most for egg-
them off either because you might displace
laying. Females choose the broad leaves of
eggs and caterpillars. I try to catch aphids early
common milkweed for egg-laying more than
and squash them. Be patient and let nature do
other species, but swamp is also a favorite and
what it does best. Beneficial insects, such as
more manageable in a smaller yard space.
lacewing and ladybugs, and hummingbirds will
Consider planting multiple species for the sake
move in and feast on the aphids.
of diversity.
Caterpillars have voracious appetites—eating
Your yard matters
leaves constantly before pupating. They are
eating and pooping machines, and they can The monarch’s long migration comprises four or
quickly defoliate plants. With this aesthetic five generations over a year spent in route from
concern in mind, carefully consider where to Mexico to areas throughout the US and Canada
plant milkweeds. Ensure the adult butterflies to breed. They then migrate back to Mexico
still have a good line-of-sight. Cutting the plants where they spend the winter. If the females find
no milkweed along the way, their young perish,
and migration ends. Planting milkweed and
other native wildflowers will attract and keep
butterflies in your yard all summer. By planting
milkweed, you’ll help monarchs survive along
their migratory route.
Your yard might seem insignificant in the big
picture, but it matters. Right now, there’s no
agency responsible for providing monarch
habitat, so every yard matters. Visit these sites
for more information on you can help monarchs:
Monarch Joint Venture
A monarch caterpillar on a common
milkweed leaf. Monarch Watch
US Fish & Wildlife Service Kentucky Monarch
back is a management option, but you might Conservation Plan
destroy unhatched eggs and pupae.
Nectar Plants for Monarchs
REFERENCES
Configuration and Location of Small Urban
My last bit of advice comes from Dr. Adam
Gardens Affect Colonization by Monarch
Baker and Dr Daniel Potter of University of
Butterflies by Adam Baker and Daniel Potter,
Kentucky (Baker and Potter, 2019). They
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/
recommend planting milkweed along the
perimeter of other native wildflowers, especially
on the north and south borders because the
adults migrate along that route. Monarchs flying
overhead are looking for the specific shapes of
the milkweed leaves, and those leaves are
easier to spot when by themselves rather than
mixed in with other species. Make a border of
only milkweed to attract the most adult
monarchs into your yard. They will find the otherAdam Leonberger County Extension Agent for Horticulture Education
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