Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2002
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/gardentips.html

Garden Tips
April 2002
Marty Johnson, President, Johnson's Garden Centers 
   and Kansas Certified Nurseryman

CEDAR APPLE RUST
    "What are those slimy, orange, ugly, golf-ball sized objects hanging
from my juniper tree?" This question is a frequent one at this time of
the year, after we've had some rain.

    Cedar Apple Rust is a fungus that attacks both evergreens (cedar and
juniper) and deciduous trees (apple, crabapple and hawthorn). This
fungus is transferred between the two host species.

    At this time of year, spores of the fungus leave the juniper trees
then attach and grow on the apple, crabapple, and hawthorn trees. These
trees develop small rust spots which can eventually defoliate the trees.

    Control is obtained by spraying crabapple and hawthorn trees now
with ferti-lome Systemic Fungicide. Spray edible apple trees with
Hi-Yield Bordeaux. To control Cedar Apple Rust on junipers and cedars,
spray with ferti-lome Systemic Fungicide during the summer months.

EXTRA GARDEN PRODUCE
    PAR or Plant a Row for the Hungry is a program started by the Garden
Writers' Association of America. This program encourages gardeners to
plant an extra row of vegetables to donate to the local food bank. We
all usually have extra produce in our gardens which can be given to the
food bank. Starting May 1, bring your fresh produce to any Johnson's
location to be picked up by the Kansas Foodbank Warehouse.

ROOT STIMULATOR
    To get your transplants off to a fast start be sure to use
ferti-lome Root Stimulator to develop a good root system. The initial
boost of fertilizer will benefit the plant all season long. University
research has found that yields can be increased by over 50% with just
one application of a high phosphorus fertilizer such as ferti-lome Root
Stimulator or ferti-lome Blooming & Rooting which contains 59%
phosphorus!