Dear Helen: I have moved to a townhouse, where my new garden will be in containers. I love fresh peas. Are there any varieties suitable for growing in pots?
A.G.
Both T&T Seeds (Manitoba) and W.H. Perron (Quebec) in their 2017 catalogues highlight a dwarf snow pea called Snow Pea Purple, which produces beautiful bicoloured purple and striped violet flowers and early-maturing, bright green, flat, crunchy pods.
In the open garden, the plants grow up to 60 cm high. In containers, they produce flowers and pods on shorter stems. Snow Pea Purple is recommended for containers. I would sow a succession of two or three pots through the season, beginning as soon as you have the seeds and ending in early August. Locate the pots in a lightly shaded, coolish site during the hottest summer weather.
Seed Savers Exchange (Iowa) lists a shelling pea called Tom Thumb. The catalogue notes that this historic variety was introduced to North America from England in the 1850s, and that several strains have developed over time as further reductions in height and advances in earliness were achieved. At 20 cm tall, it’s the best dwarf pea for container gardening, the catalogue says.
Dear Helen: What caused discoloured, wandering lines and blotches on the leaves of my spinach, chard and beets last spring and summer?
D.B.
Leafminers. Small flies (the adult stage) emerge from the overwintering pupal stage in early spring to lay tiny white eggs on the undersides of leaves.
The eggs hatch into larvae that burrow between leaf tissue layers to feed for two to three weeks before dropping to the soil to pupate. There are several generations over a growing season. The feeding by the larvae creates light brown “mined” areas.
Where infestations are minimal, removing and destroying affected leaves as soon as they are seen will keep leaf miner numbers down.
Heavy infestations can ruin a planting. I opt to cover susceptible plantings with insect netting or floating row covers, which form a barrier between plants and pest. The first, early generation of flies, during cool weather, is usually the heaviest and most damaging. With warm summer weather, vulnerable plantings can often be uncovered.
Garden Events
View Royal meeting. The View Royal Garden Club will meet this evening at 7:30 in Wheeley Hall at Esquimalt United Church, 500 Admirals Rd. Nathan Fisk, manager of the Conservation Nursery at Fort Rodd Hill, will discuss the management of this facility, which produces native plants for restoration projects. A judged mini show will feature exhibits from members' gardens. A sales table will have plants and garden aids. Non-member drop-in fee is $5.
Sooke meeting. The Sooke Garden Club will meet this evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in St. Rose of Lima Church, 2191 Townsend Rd. Dr. Shannon Berch will speak about Mycorrizhal Fungi and Friends. Drop-in fee $5. Yearly membership dues $15.
Chrysanthemum meeting. The Victoria Chrysanthemum Society will meet at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, at 1647 Chandler Ave. Jackie Bradbury will speak about how to present an agricultural bowl of sprays or pompom chrysanthemums at the Saanich Fair.
Heather sale. The Vancouver Island Heather Society will hold a plant sale on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon or until sold out. Unusual varieties for 2017 will include winter/spring bloomers, summer bloomers, and starter kits. Society members will be on hand to help with choices. Cash or cheque only. Detailed information at bcheathersociety.org.
HCP workshops. The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd. in Saanich, is offering the following workshops. To register call 250-479-6162. Details at hcp.ca.
The Art of Bonsai: Design and Care. Saturday, April 1, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Choosing bonsai stock and training the plant. Apply techniques to a one-gallon potted plant to take home. Cost to HCP members $60, others $70.
The Nature of the Native Plant Garden. Saturday, April 8. 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Learn about the benefits and maintenance of minimal-care native plant gardens. Members $45, others $60.
Getting Started with Backyard Beekeeping. Sunday, April 9, 1 to 4 p.m.The basics of starting a colony of honey bees, and plants to attract them. Members $25, others $35.