Calendar of Events

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Edible Flowers and Herbs

Drying Herbs
Edible flowers and herbs are as old as time.They have been used for enhancing flavor and for garnishing foods as long as ancient cultures have been cooking.
Ten Rules of Edible Flowers  Sherry Rindels, Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University writes about the the do's and don'ts  of culinary usage for edible flowers.

A few words of caution: Know your plants before you eat: Edible Flowers - 7.237 - Extension 

It is important that the proper identification of edible flowers and herbs be used. Not all flowers are edible. Some flowers and herbs are poisonous and should not be eaten. Many plants have similar common names which may cause added confusion when choosing flowers and herbs for cooking.  Always use the scientific name when choosing a flower or herb.
 
Herb Garden


 Herbs for Idaho Gardens » Idaho Landscapes and Gardens

Common herbs: basil, dill, cilantro, chives, thyme, sage
Uncommon herbs: savory, comfrey, borage 

Whether you are an extraordinary cook, or a novice, enhancing your everyday cooking with edible flowers and herbs can add new flavors and enjoyment to your meals. 


Bon Appetit!



Sunday, May 10, 2020

Peach Leaf Curl


I love peaches, do you love peaches? My mother, her mother and my daughter and I have all delighted in peaches and nectarines until I moved to a different climate and Peach Leaf Curl turned up on my trees. Peach leaf curl is a pathogenic fungi affecting peaches and nectarines. It is easy to identify through leaf discoloration and malformation of leaves.  It can also affect branches if not cared for and eliminated early in the life of the tree. Eventually trees will die if trees are not cared for. The goods news… Peach Leaf Curl can be treated. The Latin name of the disease is Taphrina deformans.

Look for puckering, and actual curling in the leaf. Leaves will have multiple hues of pink, plum, red and yellow discoloration. One will also look for thickening of leaves as leaves begin to open in spring, generally the first 2 to 3 weeks. If a tree is affected you will eventually see the fungus as the first leaves are completely formed in the spring.  Eventually leaves will turn grey and brown and either remain or fall from the tree.  Be sure to pick up and discard all affected leaves and branches, do not compost. 

How Peach Leaf Curl infects and is transmitted: The fungus overwinters on the buds and twigs of the host tree. Germination of the spores begins in spring and is dependent on rainfall. Frequent periods of rain in spring, as peach and nectarine buds are opening will lead to the infection as the fungus is already present. When rain does not occur little to no infection will occur. Spring temperatures of 40 to 65 F and .5 inches of rain fall or more are the perfect combination for Peach Leaf Curl fungus to be formed and carried to other trees by wind. The infection only occurs on new leaf and bud production. If left untreated new spores will remain on the buds and spread to twigs and branches. The cycle will repeat itself the following spring.  

You will want to avoid excessive fertilizer and be sure to water trees correctly throughout each season.  If there is a drought be sure to water your trees to be sure they do not get stressed.  Be sure not to over water if you have excessive rainfall. One will want to water approximately 2 to 3 times per week depending on the rain and temperate in order to penetrate the soil down to 10 inches. Fungicides are available to treat Peach Leaf Curl however, timing is very important. When the tree is dormant in late fall or early spring before buds swell is the time to apply.  Be sure to read the label completely prior to any application. The fungicide you purchase should be labeled for use on edible fruit. Peach leaf curl can be prevented by purchasing resistant varieties.

There you have it, treat your trees and enjoy your peaches.