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January 19, 2005

Meltdown?
Well today's weather was certainly easier to tolerate. A great day to be in the yard picking up sticks. One of the many reminders from the ice storm. Our daughter Morgan and I actually made a bet today. There are piles of dirty snow along one of the roads to her school and I looked at her and said, "So, do you think those piles of snow will be gone by the time I pick you up today?". Her reply, coming from a teen may I remind you, was "Doubt it". She was right. Those giant piles were a bit smaller but I am afraid that we'll need a couple of more days in the high 40's to melt them completely away. Slowly but surely and not quite fast enough I might add, the ice on the grass, sidewalks and any other place it might have been is disappearing. It's about time. Wouldn't a nice wet rain (not ice) be welcome now?  A good rain to help clean everything from all of the sand, salt and other ickiness that is lying around.

As promised here are some of the upcoming garden shows that you will want to put on your calendar.

  • The Metropolitan Lawn & Garden Show, February 11-13 at the American Royal.
  • The Johnson County Home & Garden Show, February 25-27 at the Overland Park Convention Center
  • The Kansas City Home & Garden Show, March 17-20 at Bartle Hall.

A great way to get a jump on spring!

~ Shelly  

Be Savvy, Not Soggy...
Overwatering is a common problem with houseplants.  Remember, most indoor plants should not be watered until the soil feels dry.  Water thoroughly, let the water soak in, then water again until water drains into the saucer.  Empty the saucer within an hour.

Pruning Primer...
If you take advantage of winter to get some pruning done remember that when pruning large limbs, always undercut first.  This means cut from the bottom up, one-third of the way through the limb, then finish by cutting from the top.  The undercut keeps the limb from splitting and breaking off, which could damage the trunk and become an entryway for insects and diseases.  Also, don't cut flush to the trunk.  The collar or enlarged base of a branch produces hormones that help heal wounds.

Pelleted Perfection...
You may find yourself perusing a seed catalog and come across something called pelleted seed.  Some mail order seed companies offer pelleted seed of lettuce, carrot, and a few other small-seeded crops.  Pelleted seed is like any other seed except that it has a special coating that makes it larger.  While almost anyone will appreciate the convenience of larger seeds it is especially valuable for children and gardeners with arthritic hands, weak eyesight, or poor coordination.  When using pelleted seed, plant in moist soil and keep it moist as the coating has to dissolve before the seed can germinate.
 


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Diazinon Is Gone...
As of December 31, 2004 retailers may no longer sell the insecticide Diazinon. This is part of an agreement between EPA and Diazinon registrants to phase out and eliminate virtually all residential uses of the insecticide. Consumers may continue to use diazinon residential products according to label directions and precautions. If consumers choose to discontinue use, they should contact their state or local hazardous waste disposal program or local solid waste collection service for information on proper disposal. More information on diazinon is available at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/op/diazinon.htm

All-America Selection Winners
Each year the All-America Selection organization selects the best new flowers and vegetables based on carefully controlled trials across North America.  Our friends at K-State Extension have posted this year's All-America Selections complete with photos.  Use the links below to see them:

 

Heave, Ho...
We've seen some interesting swings in temperatures lately.  While most of us appreciate the days above freezing, our plants may be less than thrilled.  The freezing and thawing of the ground can force shallow-rooted plants out of the soil.  This is called "heaving" and should not be a problem if you mulched well at the onset of winter.  If you see any signs of heaving among your plantings simply replant any that have heaved and mulch with 2 inches of organic material.  Those leaves that seem to linger all season are perfect!

A Better Handle On Things...
Ever finish weeding and can't find that tool you just set down?  A bright color on the handle might have helped.  Take time now to paint wooden handles or wrap some colored grip tape around plastic or metal ones.  Your tools will be easy to find even in the thickest of foliage!

Finally...
"Bare branches of each tree
on this chilly January morn
look so cold so forlorn.
Gray skies dip ever so low
left from yesterday's dusting of snow.
Yet in the heart of each tree
waiting for each who wait to see
new life as warm sun and breeze will blow,
like magic, unlock springs sap to flow,
buds, new leaves, then blooms will grow."

~ Nelda Hartmann, January Morn

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