Episode 73: Hardy Greens, pH and Lawn Thatch

There’s a lot of food for thought in this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley.

Annie Scibienski is back with another episode of Patch to Plate .This time the focus is on hardy greens like kale, swiss chard, and broccoli rabe.Get out the olive oil and garlic to enjoy these veggies.Do you know how to massage kale for a delicious salad?Interested in learning about what ingredients go well with swiss chard or broccoli rabe?If so, this episode is for you.

Next Jean Thomas takes us on a journey through the fascinating world of pH in It’s All Greek to Me. This scientific concept is crucial in gardening, as it determines how accessible nutrients are to help plants thrive. Jean explains how pH is defined as "hydrogen potential" and discusses how soil acid or alkaline soil pH affects plant growth. She also shares some interesting botanical trivia, such as the origin of monkshood and a new species of begonia linked with Darth Vader! So, if you're a curious gardener or just love to learn about the natural world, you won't want to miss this segment.

Finally, Devon Russ demystifies the topic of lawn thatch in Hits or Myths.Dethatching the grass every spring is a chore that no one looks forward to doing.Learn how thatch is created and what you can do to reduce the amount of thatch that can cause problems in your lawn.This segment provides some useful information that might reduce the amount of work you need to put in to enjoy a nice lawn.

So, save time on your lawn and garden, make sure the pH of your soil is supporting your plants, and enjoy your summer greens!

Hosts: Jean Thomas and Annie Scibienski

Guests:Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas and Devon Thomas

Photo by:Tim Kennelty

Production Support:Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski

Resources:

Patch to Plate (Annie Scibienski):

CCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension (ccecolumbiagreene.org) ; Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners; Cornell Cooperative Extension | Food Gardening (ccecolumbiagreene.org) ;

CCE Food Preservation: Cornell Cooperative Extension | Food Preservation (ccecolumbiagreene.org) ;

Hardy Greens: Consumer Reports: Health Benefit of Leafy Greens ; Massaged Kale Salad; Pan-Fried Giant White Beans with Kale ; CCE Recipes ; Cornell Consumer Information

It’s All Greek (Jean Thomas): Biocyclopedia.com/index/principles_of_horticulture/the_importance_of_soil_ph.php; ph | Etymology, origin and meaning of ph by etymonline ; The Meaning and Importance of Soil pH | Horticulture and Home Pest News (iastate.edu)

Hits and Myths (Devon Russ):Thatch | Cornell Turfgrass Program

Last updated June 15, 2023