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February 21, 2001

Property Values...
As we all know being a homeowner is not always a bed of roses.  The house we own and its property often need a lot work to maintain a look that is desired by us or required by a home owner's association.  For those of us who take great pride in our homes and grounds it is frustrating when something major goes wrong.  A perfect example: Kevin and I have noticed that our chimney is pulling away from our house (Yikes!).  Not a good thing considering it could fall at any time and pull the wall along with it.  Or worse yet, it could fall when the kids or Kevin and I are out front playing or working in the yard.  I don't think it would be in our best interest to allow the chimney to keep leaning.  After all we are not in Pisa and large leaning objects are not as popular here.  We will fix the chimney (once we win the lottery) and the house will once again be restored to its natural beauty.  There may be some unexpected expenses that come along with ownership but it is well worth the time and money it takes to make your home and property a place you are proud of. 

We had several readers ask us about organic gardening at the Metropolitan Lawn & Garden Show.  We will be covering some organic gardening this summer but if you are needing a good resource we highly recommend the magazine Organic Gardening.  Great articles and helpful information if you're already organic or just want to experiment a little. 

Hmm, what to say about the weather?  Cold snow showers today, warmer tomorrow and rain this weekend.  The long range forecast is calling for a big springtime thunderstorm this weekend.  Sounds great!  It will be nice to get a good soaking rain.  

You may need to get out of the rain this weekend and a great place to do that would be the Lawrence Lawn & Garden Show!  Don't forget to stop by Lost Corner Farm's booth and tell Cindy Murry that you read about her in Savvygardener.com.  Our good friends Doug and Amy with Vinland Valley will be there as well!  Sounds like fun!.

~ Shelly  

Zoning Out in KC...
One thing you can count on with this newsletter - we're not going to make too many assumptions about our readers' gardening expertise.  This is a resource for all gardeners.  That being said you should know a couple of basics about zones when buying seeds or plants.  The most commonly known zone is the USDA Hardiness Zone that defines a plant's ability to survive the winters presented by a particular area.  We are Zone 5.  

Less well known is American Horticultural Society's Heat Zone.  The AHS has developed a Heat Zone Map that categorizes geographic areas by the average number of days at or above 86 degrees.  We are in Heat Zone 7 (with between 61 and 90 hot days per year).  All catalogs reference the USDA Hardiness Zones and many have adopted the AHS Heat Zone data as well.  Knowing these numbers is the first best step in growing the right plants.

Mark Your Calendar...
We've upgraded our event calendar.  The old one was way too much work.  The new one is so much better because Savvygardeners like you can enter events themselves.  If you have an appropriate event please feel free to add it.  We are still happy to add your events to the calendar as well.  Just send us an e-mail.  The Lawrence Home & Garden Show information is this weekend and guess what?  It's also on our calendar!

Heading Off Damping Off...
As you get going on some of your seed starting keep a close eye out for a problem called "damping off disease".  The disease, which resembles cotton balls that have been stretched across the soil, is a fungus that attacks seedlings at the soil line.  The fungi associated with damping-off thrive in a wet environment.  One way to prevent it is by not allowing the soil to remain too wet.  Good air circulation, aided by a small fan, will help.  Proper light and avoiding excess nitrogen fertilizer will help also.

Cracking The Code...
Savvygardeners buying seeds from a catalog can be forgiven if they are confused by all the codes and abbreviations that accompany a seed packet.  These important notes differ with the plant and should be explained in good seed catalogs.  For example, here is an explanation of the abbreviations used to describe a tomato cultivar: 'Quick Pick' (F1) V FF N T A (I) 60 days. 

  • 'Quick Pick' = the cultivar name 
  • (F1) = the plant is a first generation hybrid 
  • V = resistant to Verticillium Wilt 
  • FF = resistant to both strains of Fusarium Wilt 
  • N = resistant to nematodes 
  • T = resistant to Tobacco Mosaic Virus 
  • A = resistant to Alternaria or Crown Wilt 
  • (I) = an Indeterminate or vining growth pattern as opposed to a Determinate or bush habit.
  • 60 = this cultivar typically requires 60 days after transplanting to produce a crop.  This is an approximate period that is influenced by local weather conditions. 

Remember, these and other abbreviations will be listed and explained in good seed catalogs.  Take time to pay attention to them as they can be very important to the success of your garden crop!

Source

Begonias, By Golly...
Savvygardeners who want to have tuberous begonias for summer-long flowering in pots, beds, or hanging baskets outside should start the tubers indoors during late February or early March.  Sprout the tubers by placing them, hollow side up, fairly close together in shallow, well-drained pans.  Use a mix of equal parts perlite, sphagnum, peat moss, and vermiculite; or chopped sphagnum moss and perlite.  This should be kept damp (not soggy) in a shady window with a temperature in the lower 60s.  Transplant the tubers to pots or baskets when growth starts, normally within 3 weeks.  Place them outside only after all threat of frost has passed.

Source

Winter Wisdom...
When you think of best sellers I'll bet you don't think about Insects in Kansas!  Oh, but maybe you should!  This gem, first published in 1943 has been revised and re-released for the new millennium.  Why?  Find out in this week's Winter Wisdom...

Houseplant Hints...
Soil pulled away from the pot rim means inadequate watering and resulting root problems.  Watering from overhead probably won't get the job done.  The water will just pool on the surface or spill over the sides.  Instead, soak the pot in a sink full of water, then drain it thoroughly.  Try to keep a closer eye on it in the future.

Finally...
"We learn from our gardens to deal with the most urgent question of the time: How much is enough?"

~ Wendell Berry, Author & Poet

 

 

 

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