![]() Stations have been persuaded to drop Jerry's programming is thatīecause gardeners, even master gardeners, are happily zoned out in Bottom line, why hasn't this guy been totallyĭiscredited and run off PBS long ago? Apparently only a couple of But I suppose nobody takes gardening seriously enough toĭare suggest a little proof and heck, it's only the environment at Would he be allowed on, much less promoted by, public television? Was looking for low-maintenance advice, so you see why I'm confused.īut more importantly, if this guy were a medical quack, The overwhelming burden of continual spraying. Surprised that his shows aren't sending viewers running in terror from Kmart's gardening spokesman for 27 years, and he's considered one ofĪmerica's foremost gardening authorities. His 15-year-old national radio show airs on 217 stations, he's been ![]() (Last week's New Yorker had an excellent article that I recommend if you have the stomach for it.) That of our president, but I'll spare you my tirade on that subject. Sometimes it's hard to distinguish PBS's attitude toward science from "traditional expert," presumably meaning one with a degree in theįield, you're somehow suspect because you have a vested interest. The traditional experts." Wow, what a concept, that if you're a Of the criticism has come from people with vested interests, who are "haven't seen convincing evidence his advice is harmful" and that "most Master Gardener" - well, I should hope so.Īpparently every scientific group there is has complained to PBSīut hey, when Jerry's videos are shown, PBS rakes in their third State and federalĪgricultural agents have objected to his use of the name "America's In chewing to bacco juice is a lethal pesticide, far moreĭangerous than what most of us buy in the stores. Universally condemned by plant scientists, who say his advice "rangesįrom the wacky to the downright dangerous." For example, the nicotine "natural remedies and environmental products for your health,"Īll of whi ch sent me scrambling to Google to find out moreĪbout this guy and among the marketing sites for his products and hisįleshing out my own concerns. Horrors, I think I've conveyed the essence of Jerry Baker, conveyer of As hard as it is to stop relating this parade of And after pruning in late winter, the cuts should be sealed Killing insects, should be continued throughout the winter, even on top Recommended program for feeding and "cleaning," by which he means Also in theįall we're supposed to spray with his "jump start" formula of beer,ĭish soap, ammonia and epsom salts. Oh, andĭon't forget the anti-dessicant spray in spring and fall. Throughout the season and his "clean-up tonic" every 2 weeks. Instructs us to spray with his "green-up tonic" every 3 weeks Season, right? No, it's just the beginning because Jerry next ![]() This is not only to be sprayed on everything but also inserted into holes drilled around every tree.Īfter all these applications you'd think you'd be set for the This homemade formula is supposed to start our gardens out "clean, green and mean" and is to be followed by spraying everything with dormant hort oil, followed by a combination of "any old fertilizer" to which is added sugar and epsom salts. And by "everything" he means lawn and all your "trees, shrubs and evergreens." He used that nonsensical term so often during his show on the subject, I almost forgot how stupid mistaken it is. Hmm.)Īnyway, his advice for a "spring clean-up" is to spray everything with a mixture of antiseptic mouthwash, dishsoap, the juice of chewing tobacco, and any "medication" that we think is needed. Takes cajones, don't ya think? Well, that's just for starters (though I can't help wondering if "Maryland's Master Gardener" is still available. He not only calls himself "America's Master Gardener," he's actually trademarked the term. Well, the most amazing gardening shows are running all week on WETA, the local PBS affiliate - Jerry Baker's how-to videos.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |