Wichita gardener’s almanac for July 18

Hot stuff — Amid the withering heat this week, chances of rain didn’t pan out, leaving gardens and gardeners very thirsty. The weather also called out the spider mites, who have been seen stippling leaves on plants including burning bushes and tomatoes. They also leave fine webs on the undersides of leaves, where they congregate. To diagnose them as a problem, put a sheet of white paper under a leaf and tap the leaf. If mites are there, you’ll be able to see the specks on the paper moving around. You can try to dislodge mites with a strong blast of water from underneath the leaves, which can be hard to accomplish. Or you can use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap as long as the weather is not too hot; check the label. You will probably need to retreat, Ward Upham of K-State says.

Squash bugs — In this week’s Horticulture 2015 newsletter from K-State, Upham notes a 2005 study about the most effective insecticides for squash bugs, which feed on squash and pumpkin plants. Ohio State University found that the gray, shield-shaped bugs were most effectively killed with spinosad (in Fertilome Borer, Bagworm, Leafminer & Tent Caterpillar Spray or Bonide Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew) when they were in their young and old nymph stages, and, in their adult stage, with L-cyalothrin (Bonide Beetle Killer or Spectracide Triazicide); cyfluthrin (Bayer Vegetable & Garden Insect Spray); or pyrethrins (Monterey Bug Buster or Fertilome Quik-Kill Home, Garden & Pet Spray). Be sure to hit the undersides of the leaves, where they live.

Plant for a fall garden — Beans, cabbage, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, beets.

Donate produce to the people in need — Donations of fresh produce for people in need through Plant a Row for the Hungry are being accepted at several locations in Wichita during business hours. Woodard Mercantile is a new drop-off location this year. The produce should be at its peak. The locations: Kansas Food Bank, 1919 E. Douglas; Augusta Ace Home Center, 316 W. Seventh, Augusta; Brady Nursery, 11200 W. Kellogg; Hillside Nursery, 2200 S. Hillside; Hillside Feed and Seed, 1805 S. Hillside; Johnson’s Garden Centers at 21st and Woodlawn and 2707 W. 13th St.; Valley Feed & Seed, 1903 S. Meridian; and Woodard Mercantile, 4160 N. Maize Road.

Calling potential master gardeners — A new class of master gardeners will be trained this fall, and those who would like to be considered for the volunteer roles are asked to attend an Extension Master Gardener Recruitment Open House at 10 a.m. Aug. 4 at the Extension Education Center at 21st and Ridge Road. Applications will be available. Applicants must be residents of Sedgwick County and be able to attend training sessions during the day on Thursdays and then to share their knowledge with the community as volunteers. The cost for taking the class is $100; need-based scholarships are available. Applications are due by Aug. 7.

Garden events

Saturday Sampler on summer squash — Growing and cooking with summer squash will be the theme of a Saturday Sampler program at from 9 to 10 a.m. July 18 at the Extension Center, 21st and Ridge Road. Extension agents Denise Dias and Rebecca McMahon will lead the free gardening and cooking demonstration in the demonstration garden. No registration is required.

Orchid auction — The Kansas Orchid Society has brought in “lots of nice plants” from various vendors for a live auction of orchids at 2 p.m. Sunday at Botanica, according to Max Thompson of the society. The auction is a fund raiser for the orchid society, and the public is invited.

Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band — Hostas & Hurricanes is the theme of the next Tuesdays on the Terrace from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Botanica. Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band will perform, and Blue Moon Caterers will have dinner for sale for $8. Drinks also will be for sale, and picnics are welcome. Admission is $7, $3 for members. The gardens are open until 8.

Organic tomato talk — Melvin Epp, president of the Wichita Organic Garden Club, will be at Botanica on Wednesday to talk about how to grow tomatoes organically. The lunchtime lecture, at 12:15, is included in Botanica admission. Lunch will be for sale from Truiffles from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for $8.

Family Game Night — Admission to Botanica is $3 on summer Thursdays, and the gardens are open until 8 p.m. Oversize outdoor games are available for playing from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Annie Calovich

This story was originally published July 18, 2015 at 7:16 AM with the headline "Wichita gardener’s almanac for July 18."