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November 26, 2003 |
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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
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
Tell Your Friends About
Savvygardener.com!
You
Could Win A $50 Gift Certificate
Details...
|
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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