February
28, 2001
Snow
Wonder...
While I sit here writing this editorial I occasionally stop
to watch the huge snow flakes fall from the sky. Will this
be Winter's last hurrah? I must admit it is beautiful
seeing everything covered in a thick blanket of white. So
serene. The flakes are so large they look like
feathers. The kids are eagerly awaiting a chance to bundle
up in their snow gear and venture out into the white
wonderland. Oh to be a child again so that I too could
relish this snow fall. My thoughts however always take me
to a place that is warm and sunny. I think my days of
enjoying the snow and cold are numbered but as I sit here today
and gaze out the window I know that this snow will bring me joy
but it will be through the eyes of my children.
A big Savvy
welcome to our newest sponsor Papa
Geno's Herb Farm. Papa Geno's is located in Roca
Nebraska and supplies herb plants, scented geraniums, and
vegetable plant seedlings to some of the biggest names in the
mail-order gardening business. This farm has the largest
supply of scented geraniums that I have ever seen! Make
sure you visit their website
and if you order something or contact him make sure you tell him
that you are a Savvygardener.com subscriber!
And the
winner is... Kelly Whitwood of Overland Park. She was the
Savvy subscriber who won the drawing for our beautiful terra
cotta pot and garden tools at the Metropolitan Lawn & Garden
Show.
~
Shelly
This
One's A Cut Above...
When we started Savvygardener.com one of the things we wanted
to provide was information that was truly useful to area
gardeners based on our weather, our climate, our
everything. To that end we are very excited about our
newest feature article - The
Shrub Pruning Calendar.
A Savvygardener.com exclusive, this is the Kansas City area
gardener's definitive guide to when, and when not, to
prune a wide variety of shrubs. Check it out! We'll
bet it answers some questions and clears up a lot of mystery.
Patience...
Be careful not to jump the gun on your seed starting!
Seedlings, especially tall plants like indeterminate tomatoes,
will grow leggy or "climb to the moon" if started too
early. Making sure they get plenty of light close to the
plant will also be a big help.
There's What
In Your Basement?
As I write this I am comforted by the fact that there are
hundreds of redworms eating leftovers in my basement.
Actually the worms aren't very comforting but the fact that they
are turning some of our kitchen waste into rich garden soil makes
me feel great. We just set up our first indoor vermicomposting
system thanks to our friends at wormman.com!
They provide the bin, the worms, and some starter bedding.
We just supply enthusiasm and anticipation. In case you
haven't guessed - kids love these things! More on how to do
it in Worm
Composting.
Welcome
Papa Geno's!
Papa Geno's Herb Farm - Savvygardener Special!
Six
different European & American tomato seedlings.
Regularly $21.90 - Special $15.90
Click here and then go to 'Specials'
|
A Clean
Start...
Here's another important tip for seed starters. Make
sure you thoroughly wash last year's plastic seed starting containers.
Believe me it makes a difference! And if you have had disease problems in the past,
you'll need to use a mixture containing 10 percent household
bleach and water to really sterilize them.
Early
Bloomers...
Well, it hasn't been all that warm lately but when that snow
melts and depending on
your microclimates you may soon see adventurous bulbs pushing through the
ground - especially snow drops, crocus, and early
daffodils. Keep an eye out! Matted leaves and dead grass left over from fall may create a
barrier to these upstarts. Help them a little by gently
raking away any debris and allowing
the foliage and flowers to break through the soil more easily.
Winter
Wisdom...
Do bugs bug you? It's OK if they do but there are a
number of bugs for whom all Savvygardeners should reserve some
patience. They are the beneficial insects that actually
make gardening easier for us! Read about some of our area's
finest in this
week's Winter
Wisdom...
Don't
go into spring without a subscription to your favorite
gardening magazine! Check out the
exceptional subscription rates available to Savvygardeners
through our partnership with Magazines.com
Click
Here Now...
|
More On
Mites...
Cyclamen and other potted plants were popular Valentine gifts this
year. However, many are also spider mite magnets. Check
foliage for white webbing and if found simply spray the plants with
insecticidal soap. Misting the foliage regularly will
help keep them at bay as mites don’t like a humid environment.
Finally... "A
garden is like the self. It has so many layers and winding
paths, real or imagined, that it can never be known, completely,
every by the most intimate of friends." ~
Anne Raver, Deep in the Green, 1995 |