Green thumbs up: Spring cleaning lawns and gardens, part II Apr 4, 2008
As our lawns begin to break dormancy and dry out, a vigorous raking is recommended to remove the leaves, debris and thatch. Autumn is generally the preferred season to revitalize lawns when warm soil temperatures facilitate the prompt germination of grass seed, but winter damage may necessitate some spring renovation. (Kingston Mariner, MA)
Market Forecaster: U.S. is world's primary port for wheat through April 8 Mar 27, 2008
If weather conditions remain dry in the Plains as the winter wheat crop is breaking dormancy, look for weather premium to be added to values. Also, spring wheat remains in a bidding war with corn and soybeans for acres this spring. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Peonies in Your Garden Mar 27, 2008
Your peonies will take two years to get well established and will reach a maximum height of about 30". In the second year, they will produce sparse blooms, and by the third year they will be ready to put on a show for you. Once established, you can ensure large blooms by pinching back some of the flower buds in spring. When harvesting blooms, be careful to avoid stressing the plant by removing too many leaves. Try to avoid harvesting flowers from plants less than three years old, and never take... (Suite101.com)
The seeds of aridity: Crops for a parched world Mar 21, 2008
After seven hours on the trail, she spotted an inhospitable-looking rock face dotted with green grassy tufts, a cluster of resurrection plants, so called for their ability to spring back to life after surviving periods of drought in a state of desiccated dormancy. Thomson collected samples of the plant and began identifying its genes, with the aim of transferring them into a crop, corn, that plays a critical role in the African diet. (International Herald Tribune)
Clovers not always lucky - some are weeds Mar 20, 2008
During dormancy, stop watering. Let the leaves die back naturally, then remove dead, brown leaves. (Yuma Daily Sun, AZ)
February warmth, showers spark an earlier allergy season Mar 20, 2008
"In North Florida, flowers have a chill requirement, or a dormancy requirement," he said. "And once the warmer weather breaks through, the requirement is satisfied and they start to bloom. That seems to be happening earlier this year.". (Florida Times-Union)
Graze Tall’ For Lusher Pastures, Faster Buildup of Organic Matter Mar 15, 2008
Overgrazing happens when producers stay too long, come back too soon and graze too soon after dormancy (when plants are growing from energy reserves in their roots). The plant mass above the soil in a pasture is reflected below. (Agri-View, WI)
Potted Summer Bulbs Mar 4, 2008
Summer bulbs vary in their cold tolerance, and those that need winter protection can spend their dormancy in a cool location indoors. Or toss them and start fresh next year. (Sebastopol Sonoma West Publishing, CA)
In the beginning Feb 24, 2008
One of the functions of dormancy is to prevent a seed from germinating until conditions are favorable ... Some seeds need the heat of a forest fire to break dormancy, and others need cold stratification where you re actually mimicking its natural conditions with periods of cold. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
A hint of spring Feb 23, 2008
Now it is more widely available and utilized by many gardeners who wait with great anticipation for it to emerge from dormancy. Ancient civilizations used the plant for its medicinal properties. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Extension connection: Force flowering shrubs indoors for hint of spring Feb 17, 2008
There has been sufficient cold weather to break dormancy, and all the buds require to burst open is warmth and moisture, and a little time. This procedure is quite simple. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
In bloomSpring is coming increasingly early to parts of the UK Feb 5, 2008
The problem is, researchers say, that if some species start to emerge from winter dormancy earlier than others, the complex web of natural dependency will start to break down. Birds will be raising chicks before there are enough insects to feed them, and flowers will be in bloom before the right sort of bug is around to help with pollination. (BBC News -- Science)
Trees, shrubs take winter rest’ Jan 26, 2008
They don t really hibernate, but they do go into a type of dormancy called rest (I know, not a very imaginative term) ... This simply means that each tree needs a certain number of hours in temperatures below 45 degrees to break the dormancy we call rest ... Most woody plants in Montana need at least 1,000 hours of chilling time to break this dormancy. (Montana Standard, MT)
Cold threatening crops, cattle Jan 24, 2008
While the moisture was good, the wheat needs more moisture to help it get through the rest of the winter until it comes out of dormancy and starts to grow ... More moisture is needed to help keep plants healthy through dormancy ... Since it was out of dormancy the freeze heavily damaged the wheat and cut yields, Ploger said. (Pratt Tribune, KS)
Questions on Valley agriculture welcomed Jan 19, 2008
Deciduous tree fruit and nut crops are planted bare-root during winter dormancy, and there are several steps that must take place before new crops can be planted. They include removal and disposal of the existing orchard, deep-ripping of the soil, leveling for irrigation management and fumigation for pest management. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Chinese whispersHow human rights are downplayed in talks with new superpower Jan 19, 2008
Economic success has dampened to a point of dormancy the democratic movement that was crushed in Tiananmen Square in 1989. But Western governments are under pressure from human rights groups, who argue that these issues are being downplayed too much. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Warm, but not a record Jan 9, 2008
Nothing has broken dormancy yet, so hopefully there is no damage yet, Billingsley said. Forsythia, an early-blooming plant, is not yet breaking buds, Billingsley said. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
January freeze: good for peaches, bad for strawberries Jan 4, 2008
While the cold snap may hurt south Louisiana's cold-sensitive strawberry crops, it will help north Louisiana's peach farmers, whose fruit trees need cold weather during their period of dormancy. Mitchum said an overly warm growing season means harvest time late May through late July yields smaller, misshapen peaches. (DeRidder Beauregard Daily News, LA)
La. farmers shield strawberries from frost bite Jan 4, 2008
While the cold snap might hurt south Louisiana's sensitive strawberry crop, it will help north Louisiana's peach farmers, whose fruit trees need cold weather during their period of dormancy. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Business)
Column: Green Thumbs Up: Gardening in January Jan 4, 2008
Bulbs were pushing their way up through the soft moist earth, shrubs were breaking dormancy and even displaying premature sporadic blooms, while hours were spent outdoors spreading loam and mulch, weeding, and cutting back lingering perennial foliage. As much as I enjoyed last year s mild weather, there is no doubt that it took its toll on a wide range of plant material and I personally lost more perennials last year than in bitterly cold winter seasons. (Hanover Mariner, MA)
Crape myrtles need special care Dec 29, 2007
On sunny days and during warm spells in winter, south-facing walls absorb and then radiate heat that can cause nearby plants to break winter dormancy. Buds that start to break, and any new growth will be killed outright when temperatures fall back to a normal range. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
The lure of lemon verbena Dec 23, 2007
Remember, this is a tender, deciduous herb that drops all leaves at the first sign of cold weather in the fall and needs a fair number of accumulated heat points to break dormancy don t be too quick to consign this plant to the compost bin. I ve had lemon verbena plants break dormancy as late as Memorial Day, with no ill effects. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
The poinsettia is a lovely plant, but it's not your only option for holiday decorating Dec 20, 2007
When spring temperatures rise above 70 degrees, the leaves yellow and die as the plant goes into summer dormancy. This is mistaken for death, Gercens said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Home & Garden)
Market Forecaster: World soybean demand remains high with poor crops in China Dec 7, 2007
December is when new crop winter wheat enters dormancy and wheat will not exit dormancy until March and until then, the market focus will be primarily on demand. Demand is running well above last year's pace as the United States has already exported 1. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Market Forecaster Nov 21, 2007
Winter wheat is essentially seed and winter wheat will soon enter dormancy ... As wheat begins to exit dormancy in the late winter/early spring timeframe, ongoing dry conditions will send wheat prices soaring. (Midwest Bulls Eye, NE)
COASTAL GARDENER COLUMN Nov 21, 2007
Make the first application in late February or early March as the tree wakes up from winter dormancy. Apply the last dose in late October as the tree leaves begin to turn color. (Santa Maria Times)
Delay In Autumn Color Caused By Increased Carbon Dioxide Not Global Warming Nov 18, 2007
These compounds may have a positive effect for carbon balance and stress tolerance but may also have a negative effect on the control of dormancy. When trees keep their leaves for longer, they continue to photosynthesise but trees also need to set bud and if they don t do that, it makes them susceptible to frost and other weather events. (Science Daily)
YARD AND GARDEN: Fall is here, but don't store that lawn mower just yet Nov 17, 2007
But I m sure the low temperature setting we normally maintain inside our home has something to do with keeping the tree from breaking dormancy. I also don t dig the hole in advance. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Column: Green Thumbs Up: Putting the gardens to bed Nov 15, 2007
Other perennial plants that have entered dormancy will be cut back to 3 to 4 inches tall. A heavy-duty hedge shears can effectively reduce a jungle of dead foliage to a neat and tidy border in minimal time. (Hanover Mariner, MA)
Holiday Houseplants Nov 12, 2007
Once the flowers fade the plant will slowly head into dormancy. Let the pots slowly dry out, remove the old leaves, and let the bulbs rest in a cool place for 10 weeks or so. (Suite101.com)
Growing Christmas Poinsettias Nov 10, 2007
Replant in the Spring: In late spring when the danger of frost is over bring your poinsettia out of its dormancy by watering deeply and setting the plant in a bright, sunny place outdoors. Poinsettias are native to Mexico and enjoy full sun with plenty of water. (Suite101.com)
Refresh your houseplants Nov 4, 2007
Because the plant is heading toward winter dormancy, it will take more time to resume growing. 1 Confirm your plant needs repotting. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Dry days, cool nights make autumn splendor Oct 26, 2007
Freezing temperatures can cause leaves to drop suddenly, without showing their colorful dormancy. Finally, trees that are under stress - whether because of pests, disease, injury, or drought - may drop their leaves with no color change at all. (Boston Globe -- Living)
Questions About Houseplants Oct 26, 2007
Chances are its not dying, just going into a period of dormancy ... If it s heat causing the dormancy, the plant will come out of it naturally once the temperature drops. (Suite101.com)
Column: Green Thumbs: Last minute fall gardening projects Oct 25, 2007
All bulbs prefer loose, porous, fertile soils with excellent drainage to prevent rotting during dormancy ... As I move from garden to garden planting bulbs and perennials, I begin to cut back the foliage of plants that have already started to enter dormancy. (Hanover Mariner, MA)
Green Space: Practice fall weed control to get ahead Oct 17, 2007
Crabgrass, a common annual weed nuisance, ends its life cycle in October when seeds fall to the ground for dormancy ... But as dormancy approaches, change your mower to a lower cutting length of 2 inches to deter winter turf problems. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Green Thumbs -- Prepare your plantings for killing frosts Oct 17, 2007
Although many lawns are gradually emerging from dormancy as a result of cooler nighttime temperatures and morning dew, their green carpet-like appearance is deceiving, as soils remain dusty and parched down a foot or more. Unsettled weather may yield precious moisture in the coming days, but significant rainfall is needed throughout the fall season to hydrate our stressed vegetation and replenish our local water reserves. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Answers to your fall planting questions Sep 22, 2007
Start amaryllis dormancy by withholding water ... Dormancy doesn t begin until all foliage is dead. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Defying drought: True gardeners learn to work with dry weather Sep 14, 2007
When they turn brown in the summer this is natural dormancy, not death. Water in the morning. (Carroll County Times)
Get amaryllis to bloom in mid-December Sep 13, 2007
Feed amaryllis biweekly with a half-strength solution of a high-potassium plant food from October until the summer dormancy period. If buying new amaryllis bulbs this fall, give them a few weeks of chilling in the refrigerator before planting, and then follow the potting and care directions given above. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Experts recommend holding off on planting winter wheat Sep 10, 2007
It comes out of dormancy in the spring and is harvested in summer. Grain from the wheat often is used for making pastries and other products, and straw produced from the plant is also sold. (Fremont Tribune, NE)
How Does Your Garden Grow? Sep 9, 2007
They will suffer less transplant shock when moved as they are entering dormancy. Broadleaved and needled evergreens, both dwarf and standard, are best planted by Oct. 1. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Mo. Wineries Expect Tiny Harvest Sep 4, 2007
Temperatures far above normal in March and April this year led many grape vines to come out of winter dormancy early, spreading leaves and buds for spring. But a cold front blew through in the days leading up to Easter, dropping temperatures to 20 degrees or lower and keeping them there, damaging fruit and even cracking open vines. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Prized tree suffering slow death Aug 24, 2007
For the time being, give your tree lots of water so it may go into winter dormancy with as much moisture for the roots as possible. And find the cause of the problem before allowing the tree to be cut down. (Anchorage Daily News)
Today's White Rice Is Mutation Spread By Early Farmers Aug 21, 2007
The Cornell researchers regularly introduce favorable genes from wild red rices into elite white cultivars to improve yields and provide better responses to stress, but they generally select against the gene for red pericarp because it is associated with such unfavorable "weedy" linked traits as seed dormancy and "shattering" (where seeds fall easily from the stalk). "Breeders can now begin to screen for the red pericarp gene while selecting against closely linked traits like shattering and... (Science Daily)
Heat advisory for Phelps County is extended to Friday Aug 15, 2007
They are going into a dormancy period where they are not going to be growing, Strong said. Strong said Missouri has been in a drought pattern for about the last 10 years, and that, coupled with this spring s late freeze and extreme temperatures in recent weeks, is causing stress on the trees. (Rolla Daily News, MO)
Growing Miniature Roses Indoors Aug 13, 2007
Temperatures above 60F are best to prevent dormancy ... Like all roses, miniature roses do require a period of dormancy. (Suite101.com)
Genetic popsicle Aug 8, 2007
"Such studies could help define the limit of dormancy of frozen life on Earth and in ancient permafrost on other planets and, potentially, provide a model for Martian ecosystems, 00000564 " they write in their paper in Astrobiology. Visit our to read and post comments about this story. (Nature News Service)
Extension connection Jul 29, 2007
In summer heat or drought, grass growth slows and leaves may stop growing, turn brown and die -- this is summer dormancy. Cool season grasses, such as the fescues, ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass, often survive summer dormancy and begin new growth when favorable moisture and temperature conditions occur. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
From your Extension Offices - Dry lawns Jul 13, 2007
When in doubt (after 6 weeks of dormancy) begin watering weekly as listed below, and continue until the temperatures moderate and rains pick-up. Gardeners who want a green lawn throughout the summer should begin to water the lawn when symptoms of moisture stress begin to develop, but before the grass becomes dormant. (Missouri Valley Times News, IA)
Parched corn, other crops at critical stage after 'itty-bitty' rain Tuesday Jul 13, 2007
"There's still time, if rain begins again. Corn goes into dormancy and if it rains again, it takes care of itself," he explained, but added, "Eventually it will die, not producing anything.". "We had an itty-bitty rain Tuesday. It needs to come soon," he added. (Dowagiac News, MI)
Prune apricot, olive and oleander now Jul 12, 2007
If you just can't take pruning in the summer heat and want to wait to prune until winter dormancy, use a fungicide formulated to control Eutypa dieback on every pruning cut. Both olive trees and oleanders are affected by the same bacteria (Pseudomonas syringae) that enters pruning wounds, leaf scars, frost cracks or fissures in wet winter weather, causing knobby brown bacterial galls to form and also causing some twig and branch dieback. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Bonfire begonia turns hanging baskets into an explosion of color Jul 6, 2007
Feed your plants once dormancy is breaking in late spring and then again in midsummer. In containers, feed with controlled-release granules per formula recommendation or with a diluted water-soluble fertilizer that you mix. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Case of clock management Jul 1, 2007
When it all began to turn bad here in the mid-'90s, rather than force change through loyal lieutenant Harry Sinden, Jacobs patiently allowed the franchise to plod on, slipping into near dormancy. It took until March 2006 for Jacobs to realize the cost and carnage, leading him to kick Sinden to the curb with his infamous line, "Statistics tell me that men over 70 don't live as long as men over 40. I'm not looking for him to go anywhere, but he's looking at the clock -- same as everyone. He can... (Boston Globe)
Botanical: English walnut Jun 22, 2007
During dormancy, walnuts withstand prevailing winds and subzero temperatures, but once the buds show color, freezing temperatures will destroy the set. They also are susceptible to aphids and walnut husk flies. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Mining revival: a uranium boom for a wary West Jun 19, 2007
Now, after two decades of dormancy, the uranium industry is roaring back to life thanks to a 14-fold spike in prices since 2002. Canadian firms are snatching up old US mines with names like Pandora, Cyclone, and Whirlwind. (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
Climbing roses can take a licking Jun 14, 2007
Repeat-flowering climbers bloom on new and old wood and are pruned and shaped during winter dormancy. Once-flowering climbers bloom on new wood and are pruned after that single flowering in spring. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Green Space: Do some research to give trees the best chance for survival Jun 7, 2007
Fall is usually considered the best time to plant trees as more energy can be used towards establishing roots and not towards coming out of dormancy. Before planting a tree, there are a few things to consider. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Stars, bells and violets shine in an ephemeral spring garden May 25, 2007
By midsummer, they die back into heat-induced dormancy. David Ode, botanist and ecologist for the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks, discussed the lance-leaf bluebell in his book, Dakota Flora. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Green Space: There’s more to landscaping than just flowers May 17, 2007
The tulips bloom before the catmint comes out of dormancy. By the time the tulip leaves begin to die back, the soft grey-green foliage of the catmint forms a dense mound hiding the tulip leaves that by now contribute nothing of interest to the garden. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Garlic mustard weed invading central Illinois; experts stress need to control growing threat May 13, 2007
Seeds have a 20-month dormancy period and do not germinate until the second spring after ripening. Some plants produce as many as 8,000 seeds. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Frugal Lawn Care May 12, 2007
Let an established lawn enter dormancy during the dog days of summer and save on your water bill. Your grass will green up when fall precipitation returns. (Suite101.com)
Cut orchid stem after flowers fade May 5, 2007
The recent cold shocked the grasses back into dormancy, but now they have fewer reserves to send out new shoots. Since your sod was laid in February, it has hardly any deep roots in which to store carbohydrates. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Cold winter bodes well for roses May 3, 2007
Roses do not experience true dormancy. Rather, they tend to slumber fitfully. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Market Forecaster: Consider placing hedges in fall, winter months on cattle May 1, 2007
Wheat has broken dormancy and will grow into our harvest which starts in June. April and May are the months where winter wheat yields will be made or lost. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
