by Steve Reiners, Professor in Horticulture, Cornell University, Cornell AgriTech
Canadian wildfires are impacting air quality here in the Northeast. Smoke has filled the sky and warnings are issued for outdoor activities. This is making many growers and gardeners worried about the potential impact the smoke will have on field grown vegetables. The good news is the impact will be minimal at worst.
Smoke filled skies decrease sunlight and reduce photosynthesis but to a small degree and temporarily. Despite the shade, there is still enough diffused light penetrating the smoke to maintain growth. Smoke typically does not block the pores in the leaf (stomata) where photosynthesis happens. The most important thing you can do is maintain good soil moisture by optimizing irrigation. This will keep the pores open and clean. The droughty conditions this spring are likely to cause more of a problem than the smoke.
Concerns that leafy greens and other commodities will pick up a smokey flavor are unwarranted. Recent research done in California after wildfires there showed leafy greens had no issues with flavor or possible volatile chemicals on or within the leaves. The smoke we’re seeing does not contain dangerous chemicals.
The smoke we are experiencing is nearly 100% from the burning forests, not plastics, buildings or chemicals as seen in recent train derailments. The rain that falls through this smoky layer is also not dangerous to plants, people or animals. Unlike acid rain that forms from the burning of high sulfur fuels, the rain will be near neutral pH or just slightly acid.
Pollinators will likely stay close to their hives when it’s smoky. It’s a little early in the season for pollination of squash and other fruiting crops, so this should not be a problem. Even if the crop has flowers, bees will become active again as soon as the smoke clears.
Mask up when you’re outside tending to your plants as the smoke is a danger to you and me. But the vegetables should be fine. Keep them well watered, and you should be enjoying a normal harvest later this summer.
by Mary Pobedinsky, Monroe Master Gardener Volunteer
I like growing plants from things I find at the grocery store. I’ve been doing this for quite a while, since third-grade bean experiments for science fairs, through apple, orange and lemon seeds, and on to growing avocado trees from their pits.
I’ve learned a lot about growing plants from these adventures. For instance, if you start an avocado pit in water with toothpicks holding it up, it will be very hard to stuff it into a pot later without breaking the brittle root. But you can also grow an avocado tree by just putting the pit in a pot, so the top inch is above the surface—avocados need light to germinate. Apple, orange and lemon seeds may indeed grow into a tree, but they usually won’t flower or produce fruit—they don’t come true from seeds. Beans are still a safe bet, and one bag of dry beans will grow a lot of bean plants—all of the same kind. But why not try something really different?
Celery plantPineapple plant
Probably the easiest-to-grow plants available at grocery stores are pineapples and sweet potatoes. Pineapples can make instant house plants. Choose a pineapple with a fresh, green top and cut it off just where the fruit begins to slope, then remove any remaining fruit from the top. Peel off the lowest green leaves–you may see small roots already formed at the base. Plant the top in regular potting soil, just deep enough so it will stand up on its own, and keep the soil and leaves moist until the roots have taken hold. You can grow celery the same way, just by planting the base with a few inches of stalks still attached. New stalks will start to grow within a week.
Sprouting sweet potato
Sweet potatoes are even easier: select a small sweet potato (it will double in size) and place it, pointy end up, in a jar or glass of water. In just a few days you’ll see white dots as the roots start to form, then pretty green vines will emerge from the top. You can keep it going in water for a long time, changing the water when it gets cloudy, or plant it in a pot. In spring you can plant each vine (slip) separately outside and in fall harvest more sweet potatoes!
The produce aisles are full of things that might possibly grow into plants: papayas, pomegranates and even passion fruits have seeds that are easy to grow if a bit messy. WARNING: if you try to remove the red arils from pomegranate seeds so they’re less likely to mold, don’t wear white clothing unless you really like wearing polka-dots.
Dragon fruit seedlingsCross section of a dragon fruit
Some of the easiest fruit seeds to grow come from dragon fruit; there are hundreds of seeds in each fruit and they sprout quickly into pretty little cactus plants. As they get larger you’ll learn that they are indeed cactus plants, and very prickly–handle with gloves! Other sources of cactus plants are also found in the grocery stores: red cactus fruit contains lots of seeds, or you can just set a cactus “pad” upright in a pot of soil and it will quickly grow roots.
Some seeds like dates and mangoes may take a month or more to germinate, but date palms and mango trees make lovely house plants. You can speed the process by soaking large seeds overnight before planting them, and then always plant them as soon as possible; freshness is important. You can also grow roots (rhizomes) like ginger and turmeric just by putting small root buds in a pot with the top barely showing.
Passion fruitPassion flower
It’s a habit that’s hard to break. Once you have a few plants growing, you may find yourself taking home even more exotic choices just to see what will happen when you plant the seeds. Lychees, guavas, quenepas, passion fruits, and ginger roots may end up on your regular grocery list. Growing plants like this can be fun for kids of any age–and the bonus is that you also bring home delicious fruit!
Is broccoli man-made? This was a question recently posed to me by a newcomer to the Community Garden that I frequent. I had no idea as to the correct answer, so I told the gentleman that I would have to research the topic and would share the results with him as soon as possible. What follows in this article are the results of my research.
While there are many edible plants that can be foraged in the wild (i.e. asparagus, berries, onions, etc.), broccoli is not one of them. Broccoli is in fact a human invention. It is not known exactly how many years ago broccoli was created, but it is believed that early varieties of this plant were cultivated in the Mediterranean region during the Roman Empire in the 6th century BCE. After its creation over 2000 years ago, broccoli continued to be improved through artificial selection in parts of what is now Italy. Then in 16th century broccoli was introduced in other parts of Europe which eventually lead to cultivation in those areas. Although broccoli was brought over the United States in the 17th century it was not grown commercially until the 1920s.
A wild variety of Brassica oleracea
Broccoli is a derivative of the Brassica oleracea, also known as wild cabbage or wild mustard. The leaves, stems and flowering heads of wild mustard are edible, but bitter. In an effort to improve its palatability, farmers identified characteristics in some wild mustard plants that they wanted to keep and planted seeds from those plants, gradually emphasizing certain traits. This process is a type of genetic modification known as selective breeding or artificial selection.
Selective breeding is an extensive and lengthy process. Plants with favorable characteristics such as larger or tastier fruits and/or greater yield are propagated. Propagation is not only achieved by seed from the desired plants, but also from asexual propagation from cuttings, grafting, layering, etc. Eventually a plant is produced that has the desired characteristics and when reproduced retains those unique characteristics. This new plant is considered a cultivar and has a genetic makeup that differs from the wild type of the plant.
The obvious disadvantage of selective breeding is that it is a very long and laborious process, requiring many years to obtain the desired results. Yet selective breeding is an important process as it is not only used to improve taste and yield, but also to obtain plants that are more resistant to disease and pests as well as withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as low temperatures, drought, wind, and salinity.
Many of the vegetables included in the Brassiceae family are not actually different species, just cultivars of wild mustard. Plants with a large terminal bud were bred to produce cabbage. Plants with desirable leaves eventually became kale and collard greens. Brussels sprouts were developed from plants with large lateral buds while those with larger stems became kohlrabi. In the case of broccoli and cauliflower, the flowers were the focus.
Just as broccoli is man-made, all the fruits and vegetables you see in the grocery store today are all a result of thousands of years of genetic manipulation.
Learn More
Crop Breeding – Crop Science Society of America
A great primer on plant breeding – what it is, how it is done, how it affects you.
How to Make a GMO – Science in the News – Harvard University
A great primer on how genetically modified organisms are created using genetic engineering.
VIDEO: Everything is Broccoli – Science in Real Life
A bit technical, but highly entertaining and educational video!
Wild Greens – Academy of Nutrients and Dietetics
Nutritional information about several wild greens that you can forage in your own backyard.
By Madelene Knaggs, New Windsor Master Gardener Volunteer
The holiday season has come and gone, but let’s take a minute to look back at some of the plants that played such a prominent role in our festivities. Whether we observed Christmas, Chanukkah, Kwanzaa, or the Winter Solstice, trees, herbs and plants were most likely a part of the celebration. Much has been written about the cultural aspects and origins of the plant life used as part of our celebration and seasonal decoration. This article will focus on the geographic origins, growing environment, and propagation of our holiday flora.
Evergreens
Pine needles
Christmas and Winter Solstice celebrations throughout the world use evergreens for both decorative and symbolic reasons. The “Yule” or “Christmas” tree is generally a decorated evergreen conifer tree, such as a pine, fir, cedar, juniper, or spruce. The tradition began with ancient civilizations in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. The modern custom developed in 16th century Germany and became popular in other European nations and North America during the 19th century. The tree’s decorations and lights symbolized stellar objects, spirits of the dead, religious events, important figures, and sometimes provided edible treats.
Christmas tree farm
An evergreen is a plant which has green foliage throughout the year and in most colloquial references it applies to coniferous evergreens such as pine, spruce, and fir. Although many characteristics can be used to distinguish one coniferous evergreen from another, let’s concentrate on the needles. Pine trees are easy to distinguish as their needles are bundled in sheaths of two, three, or five needles. If the tree has single needles along the branch, it’s a good chance that it is a fir or a spruce. Fir needles are flat and do not roll between your fingers while spruce needles have four sides and rolls easily between your fingers.
Although some people may go into the woods to find and cut a tree for their celebration, most trees are commercially grown. According to the National Christmas Tree Association it can take anywhere between 4 and 15 years to grow the typical 6-7 foot tree, but the average is 7 years. Spruce and fir are the most popular because of their shape, needle retention, and fragrance. Trees are harvested in the fall when temperatures begin to drop and trees are full hydrated. With proper “watering” a cut tree can last up to month or more indoors and provide festive beauty for the early winter season. So it is possible that you are still enjoying your Christmas tree now.
Holly
Holly (Ilex spp.) provides deep green and rich red color for the winter season. There are many species of holly including our native American holly (Ilex opaca) and common holly (llex aquifolium) which is native to parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. In ancient cultures, the holly tree symbolized the waning sun which leads to the winter solstice. Holly was used to create wreathes to decorate homes. Placing a ring of holly on doors originated in Ireland. Holly decorations were believed to bring protection and good luck to the home’s residents in the coming year.
Ilex opaco
Hollies have simple leaves that are arranged alternately on the branches. Most hollies have leaves with wavy margins tipped with spines. Although most hollies are evergreens, some species like the native deciduous holly (Ilex decidua) lose their leaves in the fall. Hollies have small white or green flowers that are often overlooked, but their bright red berries provide beautiful winter color and are an important source of food for many bird species.
Holly tree
Most holly species are dioecious meaning that they have separate male and female plants. In order to produce seeds, you’ll need one of each. And if you want to have red berries, make sure you get a female plant. Hollies can be a great addition to your home garden. They do best when grown in full sun to part shade and prefer moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Poinsettias
Small yellow flowers of a poinsettia
Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) add color and brightness to our winter décor. The colorful ‘petals’ of the poinsettia are actually not petals at all, but modified leaves known as bracts. Poinsettias are natives of Mexico and Central America where they are called ‘Flor de Nochebuena’ or the Christmas Eve Flower. Here in the United States, they are known as poinsettias after Joel Roberts Poinsett, a diplomat and amateur botanist, who introduced the plant into the country in 1828.
Poinsettias grow in temperate coastal climates and will suffer damage if exposed to temperatures below 50°F. The ideal indoor growing temperature for your poinsettias is between 65°F and 70°F and they should be placed in a south, east, or west facing window that receives bright daylight.
Poinsettias are an attractive green plant most of the year and come late spring they can be brought outside and either kept in containers or transplanted into a part-sun garden that gets four to five hours of sun a day. Getting your green poinsettia to change color for the holiday season is an onerous task and requires excluding light from the plant for period of time while still keeping the plant healthy. Click here for a complete guide to year-round poinsettia care. Good luck if you decide to try and get your poinsettias to re-bloom this coming winter!
Mistletoe
Mistletoe has long been associated with winter holiday traditions and is the common name for several families of poisonous, evergreen parasitic plants. In nature mistletoe can been found attached to and penetrating the branches of trees and shrubs alike. According to Norse legends, couples who met under hanging mistletoe were obliged to kiss. Here in North America mistletoe is commonly used as a Christmas decoration and is generally a plant from the genus Phoradendron.
Mistletoe (Phoradendron spp.) produces small berries that are a favorite wintertime snack for birds. The seeds then pass through the bird and are excreted high up in the trees where the birds roost. Its seeds are sticky to keep them from falling to the ground, where they would be unable to sprout and develop into mature plants.
Christmas Cactus
The Christmas cactus(Schlumbergera x buckleyi) is a hybrid bred from plants native to the coastal mountains of Brazil. This popular holiday plant has beautiful blooms in early winter. Although full sunlight is beneficial during fall and winter, bright sun during the summer months can make plants look pale and yellow. Christmas cacti depend upon shorter day lengths and cooler temperatures to set their flower buds. Once flower buds are set do not let temperatures rise above 90°F or the buds will drop. The holiday cacti are tolerant of dry, slightly under-watered conditions and tend to thrive when pot bound. When properly tended, this blooming succulent can live for a 100 years!
Salvia
Salvia fruticosa
The salvia plant (Salvia fruticosa) also known as Greek sage is native to the eastern Mediterranean. Its structure resembles the description of the menorah found in the book of Exodus and is likely the floral candidate after which the menorah was modeled. Salvias are members of the mint family and have square stems and are usually strongly aromatic with leaves rich in essential oils.
If you want to add a salvia plant to your garden, there are many species to choose from. There are both annuals and perennials and come in a wide range of sizes and colors. Ornamental salvias produce beautiful flower spikes that attract a variety of pollinators with their sweet fragrance and colorful blooms.
Corn
Corn is one of the seven symbols used during Kwanzaa celebrations. Muhindi (moo-heen’-dee) means corn and represents children and the future. Corn was first domesticated by peoples in southern Mexico about 10,000 years ago and it is believed to have been derived from a wild grass known as teosinte (Zea mays parviglumis).
When most people think of corn they think of sweet corn, but most corn grown in the United States is actually field corn which unlike sweet corn, is harvested when the kernels are hard and dry. Field corn is used as livestock feed and used to make corn starch, whiskey, oils, margarines, and bio-fuels. The United States is the largest corn producer in the world and it is grown in most parts of the country including Alaska and Hawaii. Corn does best with warm, sunny growing weather (75–86°F) and moderate rains.
As you can see, plants play an important part in holiday celebrations and have very diverse horticultural origins and applications. As you continue to enjoy this winter season, think about planting or propagating these symbols as a way to personalize your holiday celebration next winter!
Canadian wildfires are impacting air quality here in the Northeast. Smoke has filled the sky and warnings are issued for outdoor activities. This is making many growers and gardeners worried about the potential impact the smoke will have on field grown vegetables. The good news is the impact will be minimal at worst.
I like growing plants from things I find at the grocery store. I’ve been doing this for quite a while, since third-grade bean experiments for science fairs, through apple, orange and lemon seeds, and on to growing avocado trees from their pits.
Is broccoli man-made? This was a question recently posed to me by a newcomer to the Community Garden that I frequent. I had no idea as to the correct answer, so I told the gentleman that I would have to research the topic and would share the results with him as soon as possible. What follows in this article are the results of my research.
Many of the vegetables included in the 
Holly (Ilex spp.) provides deep green and rich red color for the winter season. There are many species of holly including our native 
Poinsettias are an attractive green plant most of the year and come late spring they can be brought outside and either kept in containers or transplanted into a part-sun garden that gets four to five hours of sun a day. Getting your green poinsettia to change color for the holiday season is an onerous task and requires excluding light from the plant for period of time while still keeping the plant healthy. 
The 
Corn is one of the 