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Happy holidays from the Kerr Center! As winter sets in, David Redhage has a tip about what not to plant near next spring’s vegetable garden.
President’s Note: Maximilian Sunflower
By David Redhage
I have successfully grown Maximilian sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) for several years, and have some well-established plantings. However, I just became aware of one challenge in growing the plants near my vegetable garden.
I’ve noticed over the last several years that my vegetables have been less than successful near Maximilian sunflower plants. I don’t know why I didn’t check earlier, but it turns out not only is Maximilian sunflower competitive from a nutrient and water perspective, it is allelopathic – meaning it produces chemicals in the soil which inhibit surrounding plants from growing.
I am growing the sunflowers in a bed across the fence from my vegetable garden. The planting has been expanding over several years, and now I am faced with removing it to have a successful vegetable garden.
It just goes to show how much we learn when trying to integrate native plants into the landscape. I am still a proponent of Maximilian sunflower, but have a better understanding of careful placement of this native perennial in the landscape.
As you round out the old year this holiday season, please consider starting the new one by donating to the Kerr Center. Your support makes it possible for us to do our work for sustainable agriculture. Thank you!
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