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Neighbors | Zack Shively.Master gardeners from the Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic gave tips to a group of gardeners at the Boardman library. They gave some general advice, such as keeping a gardening journal to track success, as well as specific guidance from members of the group's questions, like what to do about intrusive chipmunks in the garden.
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Neighbors | Zack Shively.A panel of master gardeners led a discussion on gardening tips at Boardman library on Sept. 21. Pictured are, from left, Theresa Harris, Cynthia Foust and Judy Rodkey.
by ZACK SHIVELY
The Boardman library invited master gardeners to the library on Sept. 21 to discuss the best ways to put your garden to rest for the winter.
The master gardeners, Judy Rodkey, Theresa Harris and Cynthia Foust, volunteer for the Mahoning County extension of the Ohio State University Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic in Canfield. The library’s Andrea Przybylski introduced the panel.
The three speakers explained how to tend to your garden and get it ready for the springtime. For example, they instructed the group to remove diseased, mildewed plants from the garden and not to compost them.
The three panelist gave general tips for better gardening. Rodkey talked about the importance of keeping a journal to track what worked and what did not work. Harris added that creating a map of the garden will help, too.
They answered specific questions as well. Some members of the audience asked about questions with certain plants, but others had queries about their entire gardens. The master gardeners offered their best opinions on digging up the hard soil of the area and keeping chipmunks out of a garden.
The panelists told the group to go to the clinic at 490 S. Broad Street or contact them by phone at 330-533-5538 for answers to more specific questions. The clinic’s website, mahoning.osu.edu, has other helpful information.
The gardeners will next speak at Austintown Senior Center on Oct. 13 and 20. They will host more events in when springtime nears.
Harris and Foust are also involved in the Local Flavor group that tends to community gardens throughout the Youngstown area.