Healthy Acres Spring 2013

www.missoulaeduplace.org

1healthy acres: spring 2013 issue 06

a resource to promote healthy lands and healthy communities

Identifying newly invading noxious weeds early, before they become well established infestations, is a crucial aspect of effectively treating noxious weeds. Containing and controlling, even small infestations of tenacious weeds, entails long-term commitment. To address these issues the Missoula County Weed District (MCWD) implemented a New Invaders treatment program in 2007. Species classified as New Invaders have just begun to establish in Missoula County and currently occur on less than 1,000 acres. Information on individual New Invader species can be found on the MCWD website (http://www.missoulaeduplace.org/priority-two-weeds.html). Over the past five years, the New Invaders program has mapped and treated

establishing noxious weeds in Missoula County on private and public property. Noxious weeds do not abide by property boundaries, they establish and flourish wherever conditions are favorable. Consequently, to successfully control these species collaborative efforts need to be implemented across property lines. In 2013, a concerted effort has been made to expand the New Invaders Noxious Weed Program. To encourage the development of collaborative treatment agreements the MCWD Weed Prevention Coordinator is contacting property owners, with previously mapped infestations of New Invaders, to establish vegetation management plans. To achieve long-term vegetative success it is crucial that management plans not only

focus on controlling noxious weeds but, also address how to establish and maintain competitive, desirable vegetation. The vegetation management plans that are developed for this program are site specific to ensure efforts meet the needs of property owners and location requirements. Throughout this program the MCWD has learned that the most effective approach to successfully controlling New Invaders relies on engaging landowners and managers in responsible treatment of noxious weeds on their property.

If you would like to learn more about the New Invaders program, please contact AshleyCall (406) 258-4218 or [email protected]

New INvaders NoxIous weed Program: 2007 - PreseNt

healthy acres

spring2013



HabitatNative to Europe blueweed was first introduced to North America in the 1800’s. Blueweed is typically found in wasteland, roadsides, disturbed areas, watercourses, gravel pits, and overgrazed pastures. Blueweed tends to prefer sandy, well-drained soil but has been found in well maintained pastures and lawns. In Missoula blueweed has been found in the residential neighborhood of the Rattlesnake.

Identification Blueweed is a biennial to short-lived perennial. It reproduces by seed and has a long taproot. The basal rosette has long lance-shaped leaves. The leaves of the plant are covered in long and short hairs.

The stem is covered in stiff hairs and the hairs have dark spots at the base of them. The flowers are bright blue and funnel in shape. Four long and one short, pink or red stamen, extend beyond the petals. Plant grows 12 to 32 inches tall.

Impacts and SpreadThis plant is not generally palatable to lives stock and contains toxic alkaloids that can cause liver failure when ingested. Blueweed can spread by wind, water, animals and humans. Seeds are sometimes transported long distances as hay or grain contaminants or when lodged on vehicles or equipment

ManagementSmall infestations may be managed by

pulling or digging. Gloves and a long sleeve shirt are recommended when pulling blueweed. Bag and dispose of plants after mechanical removal. Larger infestations can be treated by herbicides. Escort® and Telar® are known to be the most effective herbicide for controlling blueweed.

This is considered a new invader in Missoula County. We are actively managing this plant. If you know the whereabouts of this plant please contact our Prevention Coordinator Ashley Juran, (406) 258-4218 [email protected].

new invader spotlight

Blueweed aka viper’s Bugloss (echium vulgare l.)

Blueweed Flowers Blueweed Rosette

Knowing if the weed management tools that you implement on your property are providing you with the best control of your target weeds and the most benefit for your desired vegetation is crucial to the success of any weed management program. And

it can save you money! Unfortunately, the time it takes and the methods used can seem overwhelming. Join us for a half-day workshop on how to implement simple monitoring techniques that will provide you with a wealth of information and be

well worth your time.

The tools that will be discussed include Montana State University’s Invasive Plant Prioritization Framework (a program that helps land managers decide which

Building Bridges workshop:

are your weed management tools working for you?



Some areas in Western Montana have been overrun by these rodents. If you’ve been out checking, you may have already seen the many 1-2” wide surface runways that voles have carved out in the grass. Voles can also girdle trees and shrubs by eating the bark and the green cambium layer beneath the bark. They may also damage roots. Voles can cause extensive damage to fruit trees and woody landscape plants. Damage usually occurs during the winter when other foods are scarce. Voles can also damage gardens by taking bites out of peppers and squash.

There is several species of voles, they are usually brown to gray in color, stocky bodies with short legs. Voles are distinguished from mice and pocket gophers by the surface tunnels they

construct all over lawns, fields, and landscapes.

Voles are extremely prolific. They exhibit regular population fluctuations at approximately 4 year intervals. Eventually, the vole population will crash, but some management may be necessary this spring.Hawks, owls, snakes, raccoons, foxes and house cats all feed on voles. A vegetable farmer I spoke with has trained his dog to hunt voles.

Mowing tall grassy areas to 3” or less and establishing vegetation-free zones with rock and gravel mulches helps to reduce vole habitat. Soil cultivation also reduces vole

habitat and destroys burrows. Hardware cloth barriers or plastic tree guards can be wrapped around small trees to keep voles

from girdling them. Voles do not generally inhabit buildings as mice do.

Trapping voles is effective in small areas or around selected trees. Use standard wooden-base snap traps baited with peanut butter plus oatmeal or apple slices.Chronic, multiple-dose rodenticides are available. Place these baits in covered bait stations to avoid accidental feeding by other animals and birds.

If voles are dining in your garden or landscape, this is the year to avoid straw or leaf mulches around trees and shrubs.

For more information contact Sandy Perrin @ 258-4213 or visit with her at the Plant Clinic at the Missoula County Extension Office.

species to manage on their property based on the weeds that are present and the susceptibility of their land to those species), the how, what and why of monitoring a targeted grazing and revegetation program, why and how to monitor the effectiveness of herbicide treatments (on both you’re weeds and the plants you want to keep), and how to see if the bio-controls that you have released are establishing on your property. Each speaker will be discussing

their own experience with these programs and tools and then share methods that you can put to use on your property. We will also plan an associated outdoor workshop this summer so folks can get hands on experience with the monitoring methods we will be covering. You can view the agenda by visiting our website at: www.missoulaeduplace.org/building-bridges.html.

The workshop will start at 1:00 pm on May 2nd at the Missoula County Weed District

office, 2825 Santa Fe Court in Missoula. There will applicator credits available for both private and commercial applicators.

For any questions, or if you are interested in being involved in other Building Bridge’s events, please contact Bryce Christiaens at 258.4217 or email [email protected]

Building Bridges workshop continued . . .

controlling voles in the

landscape



4h in the springtime

In 2010 the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) began the Youth in Restoration Project, which provides youth (ages 15-19) with hands on learning opportunities in natural resource management. This summer the BLM Missoula Field Office and Missoula County Weed District will be implementing the Youth in Restoration Project in Missoula County for the first time. Through this program high school students work 30 hours per week for 8-9 weeks contributing to vegetation management projects for the BLM Missoula Field Office and other supporting land managing agencies including; City of Missoula Conservation

Lands, University of Montana Natural Areas, Lolo National Forest, and Missoula County Parks. High school students selected to participate in this project will conduct biological insect control collections and releases on public land, aquatic monitoring of area lakes and streams, mapping and monitoring natural resources, mechanical weed control, revegetation, as well as education and outreach in Missoula County and surrounding region.By working directly with local agencies to support natural resource conservation actions, students will develop a deeper appreciation for our public

lands, understanding of multiple use management, and the ecological and economical balance that agencies strive to maintain. Students will have the opportunity to work with a variety of resource professionals in many different disciplines throughout the summer, providing them with knowledge and insight to the types of career paths available in natural resource management.

For more information on this exciting new program email Steffany: Steffany@missoulaeduplace

youth in restoration

By campbell Barrett Msu extension agent, 4-h

Spring is a time of new beginnings in many of our 4-H project areas. Animal projects are very popular with 4-H youth. New lambs are born, feed stores are selling baby chicks, and horses are under saddle again after a long winter break.

Growth in the 4-H program has occurred in some interesting areas over the past year or two. For those who visit the Western Montana Fair this summer, you will see twice as many miniature steers on display and in the sale ring as you did the previous two years. The market goat project has grown exponentially since its meager start with four animals last year. Look for nearly 20 meat goats in the show ring this summer.Speaking of goats, a new project has

emerged this year – pack goats. Similar to pack horses or llamas that many are familiar with, youth in 4-H are learning to care for their goats and use them as small pack animals on hiking, camping or hunting trips into the back country. There will be pack goat demonstrations and competitions at the fair this summer, so come watch and learn something new.

In the non-animal projects, the stand-out for growth over the past few years has been the 4-H shooting sports projects. Youth, working with certified 4-H shooting sports instructors, have the option of learning to succeed in the disciplines of archery, air rifle, shotgun , muzzle loader, air pistol, and cowboy action shooting. Due to the hard work of our shooting sports volunteers, and several generous equipment grants

from the NRA Foundation, enrollment in shooting sports projects has grown from 26 members in 2010, to 98 members currently.

None of our 4-H programs would grow or succeed without the hard work and dedication of the hundreds of adult volunteers who commit their time, energy and money to the program. April 21-27 is National Volunteer Week. I want to thank everyone in the community who contributes to 4-H in any way. You are having a positive influence on the youth in Missoula County.

For more information contact Campbell Barrett @ 258-4203 oremail: [email protected]

Megan Evelo with April & Ariel Photo by Christina Evelo Melody McDaniel with market goat



By seth swanson Msu extension, horticulture

The disappearance of flavor from the tomato hasn’t exactly been an evil plot against the citizens of the United States, or some vegetable bandit replacing our tasty, tender, and nutritious tomatoes with hard, red, tasteless orbs. I know better than to expect a flavorful tomato from a local market in the winter, but those shiny red ovals and spheres at the grocery store still lure me in like an unsuspecting moth to a porch light. My family tries to be conscientious consumers and limit our purchases to local goods, but I am weak when it comes to tomatoes. Tomatoes just a few months a year doesn’t work for me, maybe it’s a sort of lycopene deficiency that demands attention. It doesn’t help that in the winter, Missoula is a long way from tomato season and anywhere that can produce a tomato. Without the ability to produce my own choice tomatoes from my garden or to purchase fresh locally grown specimens, I rely on these foreign fruits to supplement my winter craving. So what is going on with these hard, tasteless masses of water labeled “Tomato” at the store? Where’s the flavor, where’s the diversity?

Leave it to modern breeding to morph a tender piece of fruit into a hard tasteless mass. We have seen it with the Red Delicious, and we see it with the commercial tomato. In the case of the Red Delicious, breeding efforts transformed a sweet and sometimes tangy fruit into a tasteless rendition of the model fruit: perfect form, perfect color, but lacking

essence. No doubt, a marketing play on the superficial American consumer. These changes in physical and palatable properties of the tomato were not all an evil plan or marketing ploy, but in some way were a move that may have saved the domestic production of the tomato. Various breeding efforts have developed tomato plants with varying degrees of disease and pest resistance. This has allowed commercial producers and backyard gardeners the ability to produce tomatoes without worrying about the disease pressures from Verticillium Wilt, Fusarium Wilt, Tobacco Mosaic Virus, and root-knot nematodes. These plant pathogens and pests are not always a problem, but deserve concern as they can decimate an entire crop in a short period of time. The loss of a few plants may not cause a gardener to lose sleep, but a commercial producer losing an entire field could lose his or her farm. The processing tomato has also been breed to favor thick-skinned fruits. This was done largely as a collaborative effort of agriculture engineers and vegetable crop researchers. A machine was developed that could field harvest this newly developed thick-skinned tomato. This innovative move from researchers in the 1950’s resulted in large increases in tomato production, yield, and provided additional employment in fieldwork, transportation, and processing. This was a momentous development that no doubt saved the processing tomato production in the west. Breeding efforts that favored fruits resistant to certain disease and pest resistance or thick skin to withstand machine harvest, left

flavor as an after thought.

I grew up plucking tasty gems from the vines of my parents’ garden tomatoes. I remember no two tomatoes being alike, and every year brought a new face to the garden harvest, each with some name just as colorful as the fruit it bared. Though I was more interested in building cinder block bicycle jumps than learning the names of my mother’s tomatoes, I fondly remember slices of rich tomato at every meal in the mid to late summer. I also spent many family vacations as a young boy getting dragged through one antique store to the next with a couple of fanatical antiquing parents. I never understood what the fascination was until I spent a few hours in an IKEA store. The old cliché may actually be right: “they just don’t make things like they used to.” So maybe collecting heirloom tomatoes is a bit like collecting antiques. Maybe a bit of nostalgia is involved too; memories of delectable one of a kind tomatoes picked fresh from the gardens of our parents or grandparents even. Regardless of the reason, heirloom tomatoes can bring a bit of diversity of flavor, color, and form into the garden.

Heirloom vegetable varieties, especially tomatoes, have exploded in popularity in recent times. A bit of a throwback to times of higher quality furniture, rich non-homogenized milk, and delicious tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes come in a myriad of colors, textures, sizes, and flavors. Diversity and distinctiveness has made their way back into our gardens and our markets. Pages upon pages of seed catalogs are dedicated to a wide variety of these cultivars from a time long ago, offering us interesting selections like ‘Great White’, ‘Cherokee Green’, ‘Black Krim’, and ‘Red Pear Piriform’. Each seed resource seems to have another unique variety. These fruits tantalize our taste buds, but require an acquired eye of sorts. Heirloom varieties often have thin skins that are susceptible to cracking and misshapen appearances. And of course these varieties often lack the disease resistance that their younger cousins have developed. Alas,

who took the taste out of

my tomato?



science comes to the aid. Scientists and plant breeders put their calculators away and came riding in on their rolling lab stools wearing white lab coats as capes to save the American consumer once again. This time, the mission is taste: save the American consumer from blandness. The adaptation of age-old horticultural practices with modern breeding has lead to the mainstreamed use of grafted tomatoes. Grafting of tomatoes integrates the pest resistance and vigor isolated from modern breeding innovations with the flavor, color, and texture of the classic tomato. Grafting heirloom tomato varieties onto proven pest resistant rootstocks

like ‘Maxifort’ can not only provide an heirloom scion with resistance to soilborne diseases, but can also produce a more vigorous and potentially productive plant. The helping hand from science, in the form of the grafted tomato, can assist in bringing a greater diversity of eclectic

tomato selections back into our gardens and markets. Though this is not a new phenomenon, the mainstream interest in these bonded plants should make it easier to integrate into your own garden. Not many sources currently sell grafted tomatoes, but most seed companies offer numerous rootstock options as well as an endless listing of heirloom varieties.

Innovation again has provided us with the ability to grow the plants we long with greater success. Modern breeding efforts and age-old propagation methods combined can marry treasures from the past with contemporary garden preponderance.

By Diann pommer

Some ways to save when buying vegetables and fruits include:1. Buy fresh vegetables and fruits in season. 2. Buy on sale. Check the store specials and flyers before shopping. 3. Compare the price per pound in fresh, frozen and canned.4. Buy plain instead of vegetables in sauces.5. Buy frozen juice concentrate instead of fresh or canned juices.6. Prepare it yourself. Washed, sliced, chopped, and shredded often cost more. 7. Check prices at local farmers markets; buying local supports our economy. “In season” vegetables and fruits are cheaper and taste better than those not in season. Check the list below for your favorite vegetables and fruits.Spring SummerAsparagus BeetsArtichokes Green BeansCelery CornGreen Beans Berries and cherriesGreen Peppers MangoesPineapple CucumbersRhubarb Summer SquashSpinach TomatoesStrawberries Watermelon

Food Safety with Vegetables and Fruits Keep vegetables and fruits safe to eat by using the following tips:1. Wash your hands with warm water and soap before preparing or eating food.2. Wash raw vegetables and fruit under running water before cooking or eating.3. Use a produce brush to remove any dirt.4. Do not use soap or bleach when washing food.5. Do not drink unpasteurized juices.

Diann Pommer, EFNEP Agent, Missoula Extension Office, 258-4208 [email protected]

saving money when Buying fruits

and vegetaBles

who took the taste out of my tomato?



160 plants

Anecdotal evidence and literature reviews have indicated that tomato grafting can be a fruitful venture. Relatively poor yielding, but perhaps more desired, heirloom varieties grafted onto vigorous hybrid tomato rootstocks have resulted in greater yields than if those heirloom varieties were grown on their own roots. Grafting can be a challenging process, as much care is required to ensure the success of this extremely invasive transplant surgery. When cutting the top (scion/tasty fruit) off of one plant and sticking it to the bottom half (rootstock/vigorous habit) of another, the vascular tissue is severed and the plant has lost the ability for water uptake and translocation to the attached scion. What makes this challenging is that the attached scion is still transpiring, demanding water to keep the plant from wilting. Before the graft union is healed and the vascular system reconnected, it is absolutely critical to minimize the plant’s demand of water. In addition to post-op care of the grafted plants; plant compatibility is absolutely essential for a successful graft union to develop. That is, it is imperative that the scion and the rootstock are compatible in size and relation.

A couple of tomato advocates from Missoula County Extension and Garden City Harvest’s PEAS Farm teamed up to initiate a tomato grafting trial this spring. There are known rootstocks available through most seed catalogs to aid in the conjoined plants’ disease resistance or vigor. Unfortunately these seeds are often very expensive. A review of one seed catalog indicated that 100 seeds of a known vigorous rootstock cultivar (‘Maxifort’) were $46 compared to $8 for a common but vigorous garden tomato (‘Sungold’). This can be a real challenge for a small acreage producer or even the home hobbyist, especially considering the high margin of error involved in the grafting process. Our goal was to initiate a trial to find an alternative rootstock for heirloom tomatoes that would result in an increase in yield. The trial includes two heirloom varieties and four rootstock/scion treatments. That is, we will be comparing the overall yield of these heirloom varieties grown on their own roots, grown on a known vigorous rootstock (‘Maxifort’), grown on an common vigorous garden tomato (‘Sungold’), and the wildcard treatment

of Tomatillo as a rootstock. Tomatillo and tomatoes are in the same family, but belong to different genera, so may not be compatible. Anyone who has grown Tomatillo before knows that this plant is a naturally vigorous plant. Plus that same seed catalog review indicated that Tomatillo seed is right around $0.11 per 100 seeds, just a fraction of any tomato seed. The goal is to have 10 representatives, pending grafting success, of each treatment to be transplanted, grown, and evaluated at the PEAS Farm in Missoula and at the Western Agriculture Research Station in Corvallis. That amounts to 160 plants between the two sites. Hopefully this trial will provide useful information about economic alternatives for grafting heirloom tomatoes to enhance regional production of these delicious fruits. As of now grafts have been made and the plants are in the ICU recovering from surgery.

Check back later in the season for more details…Seth SwansonMSU Extension, Horticulture

grafting tomatoes:

putting principals to practice

The goal is to have 10 representatives, pending grafting success, of each treatment to be transplanted, grown, and evaluated at the PEAS Farm in Missoula and at the Western Agriculture Research Station in Corvallis. That amounts to

between the two sites.



On those short, cold February evenings I and thousands of others have drooled over glossy seed catalogs; a vision of garden abundance firmly etched into our brains. But reality must get a grip…on me…it always does. I ask myself, “How many jars of green tomato mincemeat, remain in the dark recesses of my pantry? Did we really consume fifteen quarts of peaches by Christmas?” All of these questions do serve a good purpose and they’re not just the ramblings of a rose- colored glasses wearing amateur gardener.

As a local Extension Family and Consumer Science Agent, I don’t get a lot of calls this time of year about canning/freezing/ or dehydrating foods. This however, is an excellent time of year to get prepared for the upcoming season! Begin by cleaning your pantry and taking inventory of your home canned provisions. Home canned items that have been correctly processed and stored in a cool dry place with minimal light, will retain nutritional value, color,

and flavor for about one year. Commercial canners are able to ensure a much longer shelf life for their products. “When in doubt, throw it out”, has always been a good rule to follow. This kind of inventory also allows one to assess the popularity of any one particular item. Perhaps less garden space should be allocated to beets this season, for example. An equipment inventory is also in order at this time. If you can remember with fondness, your latest canning endeavors, then you may be able to postpone the purchase of a new pressure canner. It is vital, however to have gauges tested annually (at your local county extension office) for accuracy. Gaskets also need to be checked to make sure they are not dry, brittle, or cracked. Remember the screw part of the canning jar lid is re-usable, but not the flat sealing part of the lid. While inventory is high, purchase new canning jars (only jars specifically designed for home canning), if necessary. Review procedures, order new MSU Extension

MontGuides, and call your local extension agent to get recommendations for recent reputable canning publications. Lastly, consider the amount of activity you will be involved in once the long lingering days of summer arrive. What sounds doable in April, may actually put you over the edge by the time August arrives. Consider accomplishing food preservation tasks with friends. The fruits of your labor are much more satisfying when shared with those you love.

Happy pre-canning season everyone!

For more information contact Kelly Moore: Call 258-4206 or email [email protected]

By Kelly Moore, Missoula county Fcs agent

countdown to canning season

AprilApril begins in us a yearning for longer days, escalating warmth, and the feel of rich soil on our glove-less winter weary hands . . .



• Extension/Weed District Booth at the Clark Fork Market starting Saturday May 4th

• Calibration Clinic @ Swan Ecosystem Center in Condon June 1st 9:30-12:30

• Western Montana Fair August 6-1

upcoming events

This time of year in Montana, my thoughts start drifting to freshly picked asparagus, sugar snap peas, and (real) baby carrots! Yum. We are so lucky to live in an area with a growing number of farmers taking our wonderful soil and producing the best food from it. And with all of the food safety scares we hear each year, the desire to buy local continues to grow.

Did you know though, that even though we’re blessed with a lot of producers, the vast majority of the money we spend on food travels far, far away from Montana? A recent study by Ken Meter, a national food system expert, found that consumers in Western Montana spend an estimated $680 million buying food that comes from outside our region. If we purchased just

15% of the food we need directly from farmers in our region, through farmers’ markets, CSAs, or buying clubs, we would add $66 million of new farm income to our region. If your weekly food budget is $200, that means spending just $30 at the farmers market each week!

That money goes to creating jobs right here in Montana and it continues to trickle down through our economy when those farmers buy feed at a local dealer, buy new boots at the local shoe store, or go out to eat at a locally-owned restaurant. That means that a lot of the time, that money that you spent on a delicious carton of strawberries or a bag of green beans finds its way right back to people like you.

With eight farmers’ markets in Missoula County and new operations popping up all the time, fresh, safe local food is becoming easier and easier to find. Over the next few months, we’ll be adding listings of farms and farmers market to our website (www.MissoulaCFAC.org) and to the Abundant Montana site (http://www.aeromt.org/abundant/). Check them out and eat local this summer!

Annie HeuscherLand Use Program Manager Community Food & Agriculture Coalitionwww.missoulacfac.org(406) 721-0543

eat local to support montanans

8With eight farmers’ markets in Missoula County and new operations popping up all the time, fresh, safe local food is becoming easier and easier to find.

• There are 25 species of knapweed that have been introduced into North America

• There are 16 biological control agents that have been introduced for knapweeds

• 1827 Leafy Spurge was first reported in the United States. Newbury Massachusetts

fast facts



a resource to promote healthy lands and healthy communities


If you would like to sign up to receive this newsletter you can contact Steffany at [email protected], visit our website at www.missoulaeduplace.org, or find us on facebook (Missoula-County-Weed-District).

Youth in Restoration: See page 4

healthy acres

spring2013

Healthy Acres Spring 2013

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Transcript of Healthy Acres Spring 2013