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July 19, 2000

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The Perils Of Procrastination...
I have to admit that I have not been very savvy here of late.  I have been meaning to stake some of my larger perennials and annuals and let's just say that I neglected to find the time.  Well the storm that blew through here Sunday night taught me a lesson about procrastination.  I have two huge coleus plants in the garden and it looks as if they were split right down the middle.  Just when you think the garden looks great and you are all caught up, Mother Nature sends you a friendly reminder that there is still work to be done.  So out to the garden I go to give those guys a hand - something I should have done a couple of weeks ago.

It sounds as if we are in for a bit of a cool spell the latter part of this week and into the weekend.  What a nice reprieve.  I need to get out and enjoy it as I am sure that it will be short lived.  Enjoy the week and take this opportunity to get caught up!

~ Shelly               

Last Week's
Survey Results
Last week we invited each of you to participate in our survey on genetically modified plants and grass.  Over 5% of our readers weighed-in with their opinions and the results were quite interesting.  Despite the national attention given to the detractors of genetically modified products Savvygardeners seem to be a fairly open-minded bunch.  For instance, only 28% of you stated you would "never use genetically modified grass" while the rest, a full 71%, would if the grass were approved by a governmental agency.  On the question of genetically modified plants, 54% "welcome the variety and hardiness that genetic engineering may bring to me as a gardener" while only 4% support a ban on the development of these products.

Now this is obviously just a snapshot of opinions limited by the scope of questions and answers that we offered.  However it seems pretty obvious that there is a future for the right genetically modified plants and grasses in Kansas City.

To see the full results of our survey follow this link...


A Thorny Problem...
An old Persian proverb states, "He who wants a rose must respect the thorn."  The Persians were wise beyond their years.  According to the Virginia Tech Extension Service research in the Netherlands revealed that removing thorns from the bottom six to eight inches of rose stems decreased their vase life as compared to blooms on stems that were not de-thorned.  Apparently the wound inflicted on the stem by breaking or cutting the thorn is not insignificant.  Wear good gloves, spare the thorns, and enjoy the longer lasting blooms!

Sunscreen For Your Potatoes and Carrots?
Hard working gardeners aren't the only ones subject to sunburn.  Exposure to the sun will turn your potato tubers and carrot shoulders green giving them an unpleasant taste.  This will occur when they are not planted deeply enough or have not been sufficiently mulched.  The green portions of the potato actually contain a bitter alkaloid that is moderately poisonous.  Simply cover the exposed tubers and/or shoulders with soil or mulch and they should retain their intended taste and goodness. 

Tough Times For
Tomatoes...

 

This can be a frustrating time for area tomato growers.  The really hot weather we've been experiencing can cause our tomato plants to drop their blossoms before fruit sets.  Many gardeners believe that tomatoes love hot weather.  Actually they prefer daytime temperatures in the 70's and 80's coupled with nighttime temperatures in the 60's and 70's.  Our temperatures have been well above ideal lately.  Some gardeners respond by using "Blossom Set" but according to the Missouri Botanical Garden Extension Service (MOBOT) they may be wasting their time and money.   Blossom Set contains a hormone that solves the blossom drop problem when it is due to overnight temperatures falling below 60 degrees.  During hot weather, above 90 degrees, it is not effective.  According to MOBOT there is no real solution to the problem and no cultivars exist which seem better than others.  Nuts!

Get Ready For
Fall Crops...
A fall harvest of cabbage, vine crops, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts means setting transplants in late July.  For lettuce, radish, carrots, beets, turnips, kale, and spinach, you should sow seeds in late July to early August.

Brussels sprouts are especially good fall crops as their flavor is enhanced by a mild frost.  They are hungry little guys so make monthly applications of 5-10-10 fertilizer at a rate of 1/2 cup per square yard from the time the plants are 4 inches tall through harvest.


What's Hot On The Hotline...
Remember when the only web we worried about was spun by a spider?  Well the "Web" may change but spiders are forever as evidenced by the heightened interest in spiders on the Hotline this week.  In addition to a number of telephone calls, several specimens were brought in for identification.  Find out more on the Hotline...

Making The Cut...
If you've noticed a brown or grayish cast over your lawn it is likely due to your mower blade.   Mower blades that shred grass rather than cutting it can cause this unattractive problem.  Usually the blade just needs sharpening.  Also make sure that the blade is installed properly.  An unbalanced blade or one installed upside down isn't doing you any favors. 

Finally...
"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses."

~ Abraham Lincoln

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