Master gardener mints his recipe for a wee bit of mint

Sanford master gardener Bud Johnston talks shop with SMGC members at their recent meeting. (SMGC photo)

How to grow a wee bit of mint instead of an acre full was one of the topics discussed when the Southern Maine Garden Club met recently at the Springvale Library for a Q&A with Bud Johnston, retired Professor of Botany at Nasson College, Sanford Master Gardener and former radio broadcaster.

Club members peppered Johnston with many questions as soon as his lecture began: What is the best way to divide plants? The club has their upcoming Plant Sale on Saturday, June 4^th, and we wanted to be able to have its plants divided and into pots (don't forget to clean pots with a solution of a gallon of water and 10% bleach before you put the divided plants into a new container).

It's important to condition your plants to get them ready for the plant sale. Find a cool, dark place in the garage or shed. They may be a little wilted at first, they do not like coming out of the ground so best to pamper them a bit. Johnston warned of the importance of capturing the root system when dividing plants - caution - foxgloves do not divide well. Also, use peat moss as a soil component in the pots going to the plant sale.

It's also important to check for diseased plants - no one wants to come back from a plant sale with a diseased plant.

For a little mint for your julips, plant in a plastic pot and put into the ground - that will prevent the mint from spreading and taking over the garden. Johnston gave a solution for ridding your roofs and lawns of moss and mold: Fill a 5 gal. drum complete with nozzle with 1 gal of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Dawn dish detergent, fill drum with water and spray roof and areas on lawn where moss is - should do the trick.

He advised that gardeners should never water overhead but get to the root of the plant with water. Johnston also stressed the importance of getting soil tested and amended as well as tested for lead. If there were any old apple orchards on your property - should get a test for arsenic as well.

SMGC meets throughout the year at the Springvale Library on the third Wednesday of every month beginning at 6:30 PM (unless otherwise noted). The public is invited to attend to sample our meetings to see if you would like to join us. The May meeting will be on Wednesday, May 18th, at the Springvale Library; and the topic will be on successfully growing vegetables by Deb Bedard, gardening expert. FMI please contact in ME - Paula Frodyma at 207-475-8142or in NH - Donna Claveau at 603-332-4860.