Pay attention to what plants are telling you

By Hugh G. EARNHART

OSU Ext. master gardener volunteer

When you are out walking in your garden, you can always hear the buzz of the bees. You can feel the afternoon sun warming your neck and shoulders. You experience the quiet and peacefulness of nature.

But just imagine if you suddenly hear noise, mostly voices. No, you are not crazy – the hubbub is coming from the plants.

The plants are chanting loudly, “When was the last time you soil tested! We need proper nutrients to be healthy, beautiful, productive, and resistant to pests and diseases.”

Those not singing are asking, “What happened to the soil amendments like compost, fertilizer and minerals that should be added to the soil?”

The crab apple tree next to the gate is grumbling about the volcano mulch job around its base. Mulch is essential, but it should be 2-4” deep around the base and never against the tree trunk.

The awesome hosta named Victory speaks in no uncertain terms: ”I can tolerate a morning sun, but not this sunburn I am receiving in the afternoon. Find me some filtered shade.”

The colorful dinner plate-size dahlias are vocal, telling you they need some water in the heat of the day. They are saying, “No, No, not the wand shower, use the soaker or drip hose and water my feet.”

All the trees and plants are yelling in unison, “Keep that lawn care fellow with the weed killer away from us on a windy day. We don’t much care for that weed trimmer, either.”

The candytufts planted along the walk path are moaning, “That big president canna is producing too much shade and hampering circulation. He is not a good neighbor.”

The sunflowers in the veggie garden are yelling, “Forget the rototiller. This instrument of soil destruction leaves in its wake weed roots that can sprout new weeds and it compacts the soil, making it hard for our roots to grow.”

The bubble gum petunia, flower of the year, is crying because she has been scorched by the urine of the neighbor’s dog.

The hectic bees are sad the gardeners forgot that plant production depends on pollination. Plants demand insects, birds and bees in the garden. Adding more pollinator plants would be helpful.

The daffodils and tulips are stipulating, “Leave our foliage as long as the leaves are still green.” This allows the bulbs to grow and store energy for blooms next spring. No tying either. They might also be asking to be divided for more space to grow.

The succulents, growing in the Pam Baytos-made hypertufa pots are singing happy tunes because she remembered, “You get on top of the container what you put in the bottom, a balanced fertilizer, good growing material and proper watering.”

The giant marigolds, Garland Orange and Lofty Lady were yelling, “Next time stake me and give me more space for better air circulation.”

If you have difficulty hearing your flowers, just look at the stems, flowers, leaves, and roots. Note the symptoms and get help at Ohio state University Extension at 330-533-5538.