8
in other words/area news
may16
2013
Diggin’ in the Dirt: Sweet Corn in Vernonia
By Chip Bubl
Oregon State University
Extension Service-Columbia County
Sweet corn for Vernonia
Here are some ideas that may
speed the growth and yield of sweet
corn in Vernonia’s somewhat trying
conditions:
• First, it looks like a good year for sweet
corn with early soil warming and the
ability to till sooner than the last several
years. Make sure you add adequate
fertilizer before you plant.
• For a small corn plot, cover the corn
planting area with clear plastic for a
week or so. This will warm the soil fast.
Corn loves warm soil. Watch the weather
forecasts for a projected warming trend
and remove the clear plastic and plant
your corn. Plant enough corn (every
2 inches in the row) to allow for some
seeds not germinating. Spacing between
rows should be about 30-36 inches.
• Put down the soaker hose and water.
Then put the clear plastic back on until
the tips of the corn are just showing.
Then remove the plastic completely. If
you use row covers, put them on after
you remove the plastic until the corn is
3-4 inches tall. This will befuddle the
crows and speed the growth of the corn.
• Use shorter season corn. A variety
like “Sugar Buns” should do well most
years. A later maturing variety that is
well-liked is “Bodacious”.
• Thin once the corn has grown to 3-4
inches to one plant very 9-12 inches
within the row.
• Water as needed. Fertilize again when
the corn is knee-high.
This same technique works for
green beans, cucumbers, and squash as
well.
Start monitoring the water needs of
your tress and shrubs
It has been very dry. I anticipate
that gardeners will need to start watering
much earlier than last year. In this first
full week in May, I have already watered
blueberry plantings and will move to
raspberries soon. Deep watering for
newly planted trees and shrubs will be
critical to their survival as the soil profile
continues to dry out. Remove moisture
grabbing vegetation, especially grass,
around new plantings. I am concerned
about the fire potential this summer. Stay
tuned.
Thin apples for better fruit
With our nice, dry spring, we
should end up with more apples than
the tree can carry. The “June drop” that
is common here usually won’t remove
enough (and with better pollination,
there will be less of it).
You should leave only the
largest undamaged fruit in each cluster.
The objective is to get each fruit spaced
about one hand width apart.
Besides improving fruit quality,
thinning will reduce limb breakage from
too heavy a load.
While you are thinking about
apples, May is the month when most of
the apples scab infections get started.
If it stays dry, scab will not be much
of a problem (for the first time in four
years!). But on the unlikely chance that
rains starts in earnest again, spray with
a dilute mixture of lime-sulfur (one
trade name is “Poly-Sul”) according to
label instructions once bloom is done.
The coddling moth will emerge toward
the middle of May so you need to think
about how you might manage those
rascals to avoid the worm in the apple.
Products with spinosad seem to be the
best choice for the home gardener. The
apple maggot will be emerging in late
June.
Spring foliage disease
The dry weather has helped with
plant diseases. After four successive
wet springs, our trees should look a lot
better this year. As plants leaf out, the
fungi and bacteria that attack them can’t
multiply. Black spot on roses will be
less of an epidemic unless the weather
turns. Same story goes for apple scab,
dogwood anthracnose, and numerous
other problems.
Plant a few extra rows of vegetables
for your non-gardening friends and
neighbors and for the food bank.
The Extension Service offers its
programs and materials equally to all
people.
Free newsletter
The Oregon State University
Extension office in Columbia County
publishes a monthly newsletter on
gardening and farming topics (called
County Living) written/edited by yours
truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it
will be mailed to you. Call 503 397-3462
to be put on the list. Alternatively, you
can find it on the web at http://extension.
oregonstate.edu/columbia/ and click on
newsletters.
Contact information for the Extension
office
Oregon State University Extension
Service – Columbia County
505 N. Columbia River Highway (across
from the Legacy clinic)
St. Helens, OR 97051
503 397-3462
Email: chip.bubl@oregonstate.edu
Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway Approved
At a meeting on May 8, 2013, in Baker City,
OR, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
officially approved the Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway.
The new bikeway, with trailheads in Vernonia and
Hillsboro, is now Oregon’s 10th designated scenic
bikeway.
The Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway captures
the best of the northern Willamette Valley, from friendly
downtowns to fertile farmlands and lush natural areas.
Set in the heart of Washington County, the Bikeway
runs point-to-point over 50 miles and includes the
Banks-Vernonia State Linear Trail.
Mostly rural roads comprise 30 miles of the
route, while the woodsy, off-road Banks-Vernonia State
Trail accounts for 20 miles. Bikeway terrain ranges
from plains to rolling hills, with the middle portion
of the state trail featuring a
climb of about 600 feet. The
Scenic Bikeway is rated as a
moderately challenging ride
and can be enjoyed by a wide
range of cyclists.
Pleasing views of the Coast
Range, farms, vineyards, natural
areas near quaint downtowns
are afforded riders, while the
smell of fresh-cut hay or flutter
of waterfowl engages other
senses. The primary natural
feature is the Tualatin River
and the surrounding river basin,
which is dotted with wetlands
and forest stands. Farm produce
Columbia Humane Society
Featured Pet
"Pearl"
stands, farmers’ markets and a winery along the route
offer a wonderful seasonal mix of activities, enabling
riders to easily partake in the area’s agricultural bounty.
The valley’s mild weather makes the Bikeway a draw
through most of the year; however, rain gear may be
useful in winter.
With the route’s layout, cyclists have many
overnight options for multi-day rides, while day trips
covering sub-sections of the route are easy, too. L.L.
Stub Stewart State Park is adjacent to the State Trail
and offers camping, while Hillsboro, Forest
Grove, Banks and Vernonia offer lodging,
dining and other services. The route’s northern
and southern hubs are public parks, each
with parking, restrooms and drinking water.
Small and Large Animals
Several other parks on the route offer picnic
shelters and restrooms. Transit connections
are available in Hillsboro, Forest Grove and
Banks.
Vernonia
Veterinary Clinic
Meet Pearl, she is a two year old little girl that weighs right around
10 lbs. She is ready and willing to go to her new forever home any
day now. She gets along well with other dogs and everyone that she
meets. She has a ton of love that she is willing to give. Don't forget -
for the month of May - her adoption fee is only $50. Her adoption
fee includes: all vaccines, spay, identification microchip, adoption
packet and a leash and collar.
Phone: 503-397-4353
2084 Oregon Street, St. Helens, OR 97051
E-mail: info@columbiahumane.org
Web: www.columbiahumane.org
Now Open
Mon, Wed & Saturday
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Call for Appointments
(503) 429-1612
Or 24 hr. Emergency Number (503) 397-6470
700 Weed Ave. Vernonia, OR
Vernonia’s Voice
is published on
the 1st and 3rd
Thursday.
Our next issue will
be June 6.