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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

 

 

Click Here for Organic Gardening Magazine!

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