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November 26, 2003

Thankful For Everything...
Just a short intro to the newsletter this week.  Thanksgiving is upon us and Kevin and I are working like crazy to help make it a great one for ourselves and the extended family with whom we are sharing the holiday.

It is hard to believe that Christmas will be here in a few short weeks.  I am afraid I am feeling a bit unprepared. Don't forget to stop by The Sweet Onion starting Friday for their Holiday Open House.  Everything you need for decorating your home for the Holidays.  Time to prepare the Turkey so Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

~ Shelly  

Keeping A Hose Handy...
One of the most important things you can do to maintain a healthy lawn is keep it watered during a dry winter.  If the weather is dry and the temperatures are favorable we will remind you from time to time to get out the hose and water.
  If possible keep the hose in a heated garage or basement so that it is flexible and ice free when you need it.  

Bundle Up For Winter...
Young thin-barked trees, such as maples and many fruit trees, are especially susceptible to frost cracking or sunscald.  Prevent damage by wrapping their trunks with commercial tree wrap or painting the south and southwest-facing sides of the trunk with white latex outdoor paint.  

Cold Facts On Watering Houseplants...
Before you give your houseplants that next drink you should know that according to Ohio State researchers cold water can destroy the ability of root cells to take in water and nutrients.  Water below 50°F was found to reduce leaf size, cause leaf drop, and eventually contribute to the death of potted plants.  Those requiring frequent watering, such as spathiphyllum and ficus, are especially prone to damage and should not be watered with water below 65°F.  Other tests show that warmer water (about 90°F) actually stimulates growth.

Source


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Favored Foods For Feathered Friends...
Birds are finding it harder and harder to find reliable food sources.  Once we get some snow cover it will be especially tricky for our feathered friends to get a good bite to eat.  Keep your feeders full and you will be rewarded with beautiful garden visitors year round.  If you're interested in attracting specific birds here are some popular birds and their favorite menu items:

Bird Type Favorite Foods
American Goldfinch Niger thistle seeds, broken sunflower hearts, oil-type sunflower seeds.
Northern Cardinal Sunflower seeds of all types, safflower, cracked corn, millet, other seeds, unsalted nutmeats, raisins.
Black-capped Chickadee Oil-type sunflower seeds, cracked unsalted nutmeats, safflower, suet.
Dark-eyed Junco Red or white proso millet, finely cracked corn, oil-type sunflower seed, unsalted nutmeats.
Grosbeaks Sunflower seeds of all types, safflower, cracked corn.
Mourning Dove Oil-type sunflower seeds, white and red proso millet, safflower, cracked corn, wheat, milo, other seeds.
Native Sparrows Red or white proso millet, oil-type sunflower seeds, cracked corn, some safflower.
Woodpeckers Suet, unsalted nutmeats, sunflower seeds, cracked corn.

 Source

 


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Worm Wisdom...
If earthworms have been important residents in your garden beds make sure you give them the right winter protection.  Basically it's important to know that they must remain below the frost line in order to survive.  Simple mulching is part of the solution but you can actually direct your earthworms to specific action by the amount of mulch you use.  If you want earthworms to help break down organic matter in the upper soil layers, mulch deeply.  If you need the subsoil aerated, leave the surface mulch thin; the worms will burrow downward to stay warm.  How's that for savvy?

Talk About Hungry Plants...
If you're looking for a way to get a small child interested in gardening you might consider growing some carnivorous plants indoors this winter.  We're talking about Venus Fly Traps, Pitcher Plants, and Sundew.  Any and all of these insect eaters will capture the imagination of kids (of all ages).  Some hints:

  • Carnivorous plants require a moist, acidic growing medium, high relative humidity, and bright light.
  • Try growing them in a fish aquarium or large terrarium.  A piece of Plexiglas placed over the top will help maintain a high relative humidity.  Ventilation can be provided by keeping the Plexiglas slightly ajar.
  • Use 2 parts sphagnum peat moss and one part coarse sand as a growing medium. Place one inch of coarse gravel on the bottom before adding the growing medium.
  • Good lighting is essential for carnivorous plants. An east or west facing window that receives at least 1 or 2 hours of direct sun is fine.  A fluorescent light fixture containing two 40 watt tubes can be used in poorly lit areas.
  • Day-time temperatures should be 70° to 75°F during the summer and 55° to 60°F in winter.
  • Water with rain or distilled water.  Tap water may be too alkaline or contain too many minerals.
  • There is usually no need to fertilize carnivorous plants. These plants are native to areas with low nutrient levels.

Source

Finally...
"For flowers that bloom about our feet;
 For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;
 For song of bird, and hum of bee;
 For all things fair we hear or see,
 Father in heaven, we thank Thee!
"

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson, Poet, (1803-1882)

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