March 18, 2006

A rumor has been going around that Formosa Termites, worse than your average termite, are being shipped across country in mulch made from trees downed along the hurricane ravaged gulf coast. This may reinforce for AFM patrons the importance of buying local, however, this particular example is not well founded.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has had quarantines in place since last fall in the Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita affected parishes.

A statement from the Department stresses “All woody debris in the quarantined areas is going to an approved landfill within the designated quarantine area. There are a multitude of government (state and federal) agencies that are looking at this debris every day as it is deposited into these landfills. The contractors mulching and hauling the debris know the regulations and are abiding by them according to the quarantine requirements. If there is anyone with knowledge of debris moving out of a quarantine area, they should contact our 24-hour hotline @ 225-925-3763.”

It should be noted, if bags of mulch sit on the ground at a store or when you bring them home, termites already in the neighborhood could move into the bags.

It’s good to know that officials in areas where Formosa Termites are a problem are working to maintain quarantine. Perhaps that begs the question, what about the things that aren’t being watched for? Arlington Farmers Market patrons can answer by enjoying the locally grown, direct from the producer fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, baked good and many other products available every Saturday morning.

As you prepare your gardens, remember some AFM vendors usually have bedding plants available this time of year to fill the production gap after the winter vegetables and before the spring crops are up.

Remember also that good quality, well composted mulch is available for free pick-up (or a small delivery charge) from your local government. In Arlington for information call 703-228-4570 or in Alexandria call 703-751-5872.

Virginia Cooperative Extension Service offers this fact sheet on Mulches for the Home Vegetable Garden at http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/envirohort/426-326/426-326.html

Finally, remember: Mulch Out Not Up. A volcano mulch mound up a tree trunk is not healthy for the tree. Keep all mulch 3-4 inches away from the trunk, allowing the root flare zone to show.

Beginning April 22, your lawn and garden questions can again be answered by VCE Master Gardeners when the Plant Clinic resumes at the Market. Can’t wait? You can always call the Horticultural Help Line at 703-228-6414.

April 22 will also mark the official return of the Summer Market and the many vendors you’ve come to know over the years.