Episode 146: Hits and Myths Retrospective (Part 3)

Have you heard the adage that the month of March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb? Is there any truth to this?  Devon Russ, Master Gardener Volunteer, returns to explore the cultural origins and meanings of the famous proverb that associates lions and lamb with the crazy swings of March weather.

What about deer repellents? Do they work? As many gardeners know, deer damage can be a significant problem, and there are many so-called remedies out there. Devon explores the effectiveness of strong-smelling soap and concludes that it's not a magic bullet. Instead, she recommends using deer repellents that contain eggs or creating a simple homemade egg and water spray. Gardeners might want to consider using a protective cage or fence. So, if you want to protect your garden from deer damage and learn the truth about deer repellents, you won't want to miss this segment!

Lawn thatch is a bane of many homeowners. 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.

There are lots of approaches to watering a garden. Do it in the morning. Don’t water in the middle of the day. Is there any science to the best way to keep your plants hydrated? Devon is back to dispel the common myth that watering your garden on a hot summer day will result in leaf scorch. In reality, this condition is caused by either drought, root damage, or acidic damage. Learn about the science behind leaf scorch to keep your garden thriving.

In Part 3 of this Hits and Myths Retrospective , get answers to these questions. In this episode, we’ve compiled four short segments of previously aired content for easier listening. We hope you enjoy and learn from this information. Thanks for listening!

Host: Jean Thomas

Guest: Devon Russ

Photo by:

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski

Resources

• Here is why March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb (usually) / March Weather: “In Like A Lion, Out Like A Lamb”?
• Preventing Deer Damage - 6.520 - Extension (colostate.edu)
• Repellents | Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management (icwdm.org)
• Effective Methods for Preventing Deer Browse Damage on Newly Planted Trees and Shubs (usda.gov)
• Comparison of Commercial Deer Repellents (unl.edu)
• Reducing Deer Damage to Ornamental and Garden Plants
• Thatch | Cornell Turfgrass Program
• Can water droplets on leaves cause leaf scorch? - Jones - 2010 - New Phytologist - Wiley Online Library ;
• Does Watering Plants on a Hot Sunny Day Scorch Their Leaves? – Deep Green Permaculture ;
• Microsoft Word - B&B #24 - Leaf scorch.doc (wsu.edu) ;
• Leaf Scorch - 2.911 - Extension (colostate.edu) ;
• Physiological Leaf Scorch (cornell.edu)

Last updated October 31, 2024