Master Gardeners’ annual plant sale begins on Saturday
The Penn State Master Gardeners of Beaver County are excited to host their annual spring plant sale from 8 am to 1 pm Saturday in front of the Penn State Extension office, 1000 Third Street, Beaver.
This year’s sale promises to bring flowers and plants to brighten every garden!
Are you looking for a Mother’s Day gift? No problem! There will be a variety of hanging baskets, houseplants, and plenty of annual flowers to choose from, including beautiful Lisianthus and Gladiolus bulbs.
Many gardeners are currently planning flower and vegetable beds in the summer garden. Master Gardeners has been busy growing many types of vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a local greenhouse since early March, and will be available at the sale to help you shop and discuss problems you may be encountering in your garden.
Flowers from the rain:Over the Garden Gate: Gardening on the rainy side
Many types of popular and unique vegetables will be available. For several years, tomatoes have been one of the most popular selling vegetables. We’re all familiar with the Beefsteak tomato, but have you ever heard of Green Zebra, Hillbilly, or Tomato Berry?
Green Zebra is a cultivar with dark green and yellow stripes. They are smaller tomatoes and taste a mixture of sweet and sour.
Hillbilly tomatoes, an heirloom variety with 1-2 lb. fruit, have a sweet, fruity flavor. The origin of this tomato is from the mountains of West Virginia.
Tomato Berry looks like strawberry and is very sweet. These small tomatoes are dark red with thick flesh. It is juicier than some cherry tomatoes and is great for snacking.
Other tomatoes available at auction include Roma, Chadwick Cherry, Red Heirloom Cherry, Brandywine Pink, Yellow Pear, Brandywine Red and Black Cherry.
Tomatoes don’t have to take up much space in the garden and can be grown in containers on a sunny balcony or patio. Cherry tomatoes are especially great for containers.
Tomatoes are members of the nightshade plant family. Other nightshade plants include eggplant, peppers, and potatoes.
Good companion plants for tomatoes include basil, parsley, carrots, garlic, marigolds, and nasturtium. Basil, garlic, marigold, and parsley can repel insects and enhance the flavor of tomatoes. Carrots planted near tomatoes can help loosen the soil. Nasturtiums are lovely alongside tomatoes and serve as an aphid trap. The nasturtiums flowers are edible and can be added to salads for color and flavour.
Several types of peppers will be available for sale along with kale, which are great in salads or smoothies. There are many varieties of basil to complement your garden including lemon basil, cinnamon basil, opal basil, and sweet basil.
Plus, Master Gardeners will share favorite perennials from their own gardens, including many native plants, pollinator attractants, shade lovers, and houseplants!
Do you have questions about these plants or how to grow them for maximum benefit? New to gardening and need advice? Master Gardeners will be there to answer questions about your purchases or any general gardening matters.
This sale benefits many educational and landscaping gardening projects throughout Beaver County, including demonstration gardens at the Vicary House, Beaver Train Station, Upper Gardens, and many more. Cash and check only, no credit cards accepted.
Carol Snyder is Principal Gardener with the Penn State Extension and Co-Chair of Plant Sale of the Year (along with Karen Trzynski).
