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Vol. 4, Num. 20, May 21, 2009 (Read It Online) We have some great photos this week, keep them coming! We also have a lot of new gardening requests. Please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer. We have a new article by Ellen Brown titled Top 10 Tips for Cost Efficient Flower Gardening. Be sure to give a thumbs up to tips and photos that you like. We use those ratings to pick contest winners. Do you have a gardening tip or photo to share with the ThriftyFun community? Feel free to submit them on one of the contest pages. Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team
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By kflocey from Gladwin, MI
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Rate It: I snapped this little guy checking out my flowers on the deck, a sure sign of spring in this area! By redwicket from Mapleton, OR
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Rate It: I live at an elevation of over 10,000 ft and outdoor gardening is difficult. Our growing season is thirty days long. I am beginning to indoor garden. Here it is May 3rd and it snowed this morning but I am looking at my beautiful tomato blossoms. Sure, a couple of cherry tomatoes won't see me through the hard times, but I will enjoy every bite. I have started peas, okra, peppers and I am willing to try all kinds of other vegetables and fruits. There is something very rewarding about growing your own food no matter where you live. By Janice from Leadville, CO
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Rate It: There isn't much "how to" in this photo, just the super beauty of lilacs. Mine are at their peak right now and the scent is literally heavenly. Just a small tip though, it's best to trim your lilacs just after they bloom. By Jan lee from L.I. NY
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Rate It: A favorite photo that says "Come into the garden." Simple yet very inviting. By Elaine from York, PA
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Rate It: Every year we have robins building nests in our barn. This time they built it on top of my hoe. I managed to get close enough to get this shot. By eyes1952 from Pittsfield, MA
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Top 10 Tips for Cost Efficient Flower Gardening A beautiful flower garden doesn't have to cost a fortune. The secret is finding ways to get the best value for your investment. For gardeners on a tight budget, here are 10 great tips for stretching your flower gardening dollar. 1. Avoid the "instant garden" mentality. A garden is a work in progressand one that is never quite finished. Smaller plants come at smaller prices. This especially true of perennial flowers, trees, and shrubs. Buying small plants will cost you a little more in the way of patience, but after a few years, small plants will catch up to their more mature (and more expensive) nursery mates. In the meantime, you'll be able to buy twice as many with the money you've saved. 2. Divide and trade. This is the cheapest and easiest way to increase your garden stockand the most fun! Spring is the perfect time to divide many perennials, and gardeners who have been gardening for awhile usually find themselves with extra plants to spare. Aquiring plants from family, friends, co-workers and neighbors also adds meaning to your garden, and for nothing more than the cost of digging. If you don't know anyone with extra plants, keep an eye out for local gardens that catch your eye. Pay those gardeners a compliment by asking them if they have extra plants they would be willing to share. If they agree, a pair of pretty gardening gloves or a batch of your homemade jam are nice ways to show your appreciation. 3. Minimize your losses. You can save yourself a lot money (and a lot of potential heartache) for the cost of a little preparation and planning. Invest in a $15 soil test you will avoid wasting a lot of money (and time) on fertilizers and soil amendments you don't need. Stick with plants that are suitable to your USDA hardiness zone, and avoid pushing plants not adapted for certain environments. Example: planting full sun plants in partial shade. 4. Start your own seeds. Seed packets are cheap and usually contain the potential for 50 or more plants. The cost of most seed-sowning equipment (flats, grow lights) is also usually a one-time investment that can pay for itself after the first season. As an alternative to buying seeds, ask friends and neighbors to save you seeds from their gardens. 5. Buy multi-packs or flats. Save money by purchsing plants in bulk. Take a friend or neighbor shopping with your and divvy-up the flats so you each walk away with a variety of beautiful plants. 6. Shop end-of-season sales. You can save big money on perennials by shopping the end-of-season sales at garden centers and nurseries. Don't wait for fall to start scouring for these bargains. Many smaller greenhouses and roadside stands close up shop soon after the volume of spring shoppers start to dwindle. In some parts of the country, this can be as early as mid-summer. 7. Deadhead. It's free, it prolongs the life of your flowers by encouraging more blooms, and it's very relaxing! 8. Buy self-sowing annuals/biennials. It's been said that "perennials are an investment and annuals are an expense." This certainly isn't the case for self-sowing annuals and biennials. Many cottage-style flowers (e.g. bachelor buttons, cosmos, poppies, snapdragons, hollyhocks, etc.) are wonderful self-sowing plants. As long as you provide the right conditions, they are sure to find a way to pop up year after year in your garden. 9. Shop gardening club fundraisers and plant sales. Many garden clubs and botanical gardens have annual plant sales. Look for announcements at coffee shops, grocery stores, or search the Internet for events in your area. Beyond the cost advatages, you'll often find excellent and unusual specimens that are dependable performers in your areaall at very reasonble prices. Tip: These sales sell out fast.Get there early and prepare to hustle! 10. Get educated! Knowledge is power. Take classes, read books and magazines, watch gardening television shows, attend local gardening days! Nurseries and county extension agencies routinely offer free (or low cost) classes to area gardeners throughout the year. This is a great way to meet others who share your passion for gardening and gives you the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others.
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Rate It: Craft Project: From Freezer's Floor to Garden's Door Someone's trash is another woman's treasure! I found these freezer floor grates at a local salvage yard for $5.00. They were just the right height (about 2 feet) for keeping the bunnies from their breakfast! (My vines!) They also camouflaged the chicken wire that protected the vines, and at the same time dressed up my garden doorway. The picture of the Clematis poking through shows the fence after 5 years. I would guess that freezer floor grates are hard to come by, but with imagination and creativity you might envision a fence in an old wooden ladder or railing. If all else fails, buy the wood and build your fence from scratch. If you do decide to buy the wood, I would recommend the treated lumber. My fences lasted only about 6 years, but the posts that I used were treated lumber and they withstood the elements. Approximate Time: 3 hours Supplies:
Instructions:
*Just a note: This sounds harder than it is. If you lay your pieces out and just position them to the way you want, you'll see what you have to do. Measurements are approximate, as your fence size will differ from mine. Have fun! By Deb H. from East Brunswick, NJ
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Rate It: Save Produce Bands for Gardening Save the velcro wrap that comes on loose leaf lettuce, Swiss chard,and bok choy and other supermarket vegetables. Use them for tying up your vines or tomato plants. They won't harm the plant and they can be cut smaller and you should be able to get 3-4 ties out of one, best of all they're free! When our dog had foot surgery, we even used them to secure a plastic bag on his foot when he went outside. By Marlene from Billerica, MA Contest Contender!
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Rate It: This spring, I put a request for perennial plants on a site called freecycle.com and received so many replies I picked up more plants than I could use. The extras, I shared with friends and family. Examples: Hosta - an entire full size station wagon full; day lilies - several colors; Butterfly bush - taller than my station wagon is long; daffodils - ready to bloom. All I had to do was pick them up and plant. I estimate having received well over $300 worth of plants. I felt blessed and the givers felt good about giving and recycling. This site has many other items free for pick up. You can also give away any unwanted items. Examples of items on site: furniture, toys, magazines, boats. Everything is exchanged free. For me, it has also resulted in a new friendship with a giver. Please, always use caution when going to a strange home or having someone pick items up at your home. Women, go in pairs and/or with your husband. Men can be vulnerable, too. Source: A friend told me about this site. I will always be grateful to her. By eiw from Lancaster, PA Contest Contender!
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Rate It: Every season I find myself going to the internet to see which trees and shrubs should be pruned and when. I ran off a copy from one site, but it didn't cover all the different plants I have. Today I purchased some of the "dried out," and reduced perennials at Lowe's to add to my landscaping. As I was reading the maintenance instructions, I had an idea that I can't believe I haven't thought of before. I have several of those old photo albums that I never used and never will for photographs because they aren't the ones which are now appropriate for photo storage. Rather than throw them away, I am going to start taking the little instruction guides that come with the plants and keep them all in there. That way I'll have a handy reference with a picture of the mature plant. I have stuck some of them down beside plants when I first planted them, but they don't hold up to the wind and weather very well and they're not as accessible as these will be. Hope someone else may find this idea to be useful. Happy gardening! By Sandy from Elon, NC Contest Contender!
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Lilac Bush Leaves Turning Yellow I have a Lilac bush that appears to be dying. Some of the branches look like they are just budding out. Some of the leave on the branches that have leafed out are curled, withered and even turning yellow around the edges. What few flowers that have appeared are only three or four petals in size. It is getting plenty of water, and the bush that is about ten feet away seems to be doing just fine. Any suggestions? Hardiness Zone: 6a By cvc505 from Salt Lake City Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26189798.tip.html
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Rate It: I planted Collard Green seeds last year in early Fall. The plants came up and I did not cut them down as usual. They survived the winter and now have grown to about five feet tall with yellow flowers on top. What should I do? Should I cut the flowers to promote leaf growth? Will cutting the flowers kill the plants? Hardiness Zone: 7a By joneslogic from New Haven, CT Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf253059.tip.html
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Rate It: Hummingbird Feeding Tubes With Stoppers Where can I purchase hummingbird feeding tubes with stopper? By ladyslipper47 from PA Furnace, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99202766.tip.html
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Rate It: When I tried to grow an avocado plant, it starts to split and grow roots, but when the plant grows above the seed, it starts to turn brown. What is wrong? I make sure there is plenty of water in the glass. By Judiann0909 from Bremen, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41013502.tip.html
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Rate It: Calla Lily Blooms Not Standing Up My calla lily blooms are not standing up straight. They are almost looking wilted. Is this a sign of not enough water or too much water? I have never had one before and am a little stumped. Please help. Hardiness Zone: 7b By cathy29627 from Anderson, SC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19073937.tip.html
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Rate It: How To Keep Deer and Rabbits From Eating Your Plants I am having problems with either rabbits or deer eating my Monkey Grass. I have tried a commercial spray that stinks. Does anyone have a "home" remedy? Hardiness Zone: 7a By cyhuffman from York, SC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57740391.tip.html
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Rate It: What kind of plant is this? I know it's not a mint because the stem is round, not square but it does run. I know it's not a Charlie, but the leaves are about the same size. It has a distinct odor that is not very pleasant. It has very small stocks of white flowers in the fall. The leaves are soft and velvety and some have a pink tint on the edges. It is drought tolerant and frost resistant. I thought it was Mexican oregano but when I Google it the pictures are not the same. Hardiness Zone: 10a By Babbie from Lemon Grove, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32911306.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a patch of clover on my lawn. I'm looking for a natural weed killer that doesn't harm the grass. Hardiness Zone: 5a Thanks,
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Rate It: How do I get rid of blackbirds, without scaring other birds? By mrsherbs Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79609732.tip.html
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Rate It: What product can I use to kill a snake in my house without harming my kids or pets? I know it's in here, because I found its skin. By ifly8251 from MD Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf477232.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a perennial Morning Glory that has rooted and adapted to Ohio, but is from California. The trouble is it never blooms, or rarely. It is in full sun. It has big blue flowers, and I was wondering if a chemical that is put on Hydrangeas to make them blue would help? Hardiness Zone: 4b By Barnie15614 from Columbus, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf161688.tip.html
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Rate It: We have a good understanding of the apple maggot problem and various offers of methodology to prevent, but want to hear from folks with actual successful experience. Hardiness Zone: 8a By Bobe from Olympia, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13548046.tip.html
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Rate It: Transplanting Vegetable Seedlings I planted tiny vegetable plants from mini pots in my garden last week. They include tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and lettuce. Unfortunately, they are planted way too close together in a small garden. I'd like to transplant them into an enlarged garden. But I don't know if it is better to do it now, or wait until the plants mature a bit more before disturbing them again. These plants were started at a garden center business by children (i.e. my daughter) as a healthy classroom project via a wellness grant. Thanks for any info. Hardiness Zone: 6a By ginagreen from Philadelphia, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76687883.tip.html
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Rate It: I recently started composting. I like the idea of not being so wasteful but the smell of the pile is starting to get to me. Not to mention the bugs! I realize the stuff is trash and trash draws bugs and smells bad but I can't help but think there must be some way to cut down on the unpleasantness of it all. Thank you for your help. Hardiness Zone: 7a By collinsmom from NJ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23578739.tip.html
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Rate It: Growing Calla Lilies from Pods I have some calla lilies that have some kind of pod inside the flower. I was wondering I can plant those and get more flowers from them? I am new to this and have no idea what to do and my flowers are all full of pods. Please help. I want to grow more especially since those were the ones we used at our daughter's wedding. Any suggestions will be welcome. Thank you. Maria Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62167578.tip.html
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Rate It: Tomato Blooms Die and Fall Off My tomatoes have some yellow leaves, but what I am concerned about are the blooms. They come out, then die and fall off. I have no fruit developing. What could be the problem? Hardiness Zone: 8a By SCB2002 from Fort Worth, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11944838.tip.html
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Rate It: A Remedy for Ants in the Hummingbird Feeder How do I keep ants out of my hummingbird feeders? By smiles56 from M-ville, KY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf548947.tip.html
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Rate It: Mallard ducks flew into our senior apartment pool area, mother is setting on 9 eggs. How long does it usually take to hatch? Also does pool water harm them? By Abrahamson from Santa Clarita, California Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51802324.tip.html
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Rate It: Geranium Leaves Changing Color and Turning Brown The edges of my geranium leaves are turning light in color and/or brown. It almost looks like a variegated variety, except the brown is throwing me off. Am I watering too much, or not enough? Hardiness Zone: 8b By sdeli from Round Rock, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39242128.tip.html
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Rate It: Help, my peony has blight. I sprayed it with fungicide, but with all the wet weather we've had, I fear it's too late. Any ideas? Hardiness Zone: By Jan L. from L.I., NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76303497.tip.html
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Rate It: How to paint and clean outside yard statues.Thank you. By Funnygirl from Stevens Point, WI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84431268.tip.html
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Rate It: Garden Concerns: Too Much Water? I planted a raised bed, square foot garden about a month ago. We have planted tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, with spinach, lettuce, beets, and cilantro on the next row. Then there are onions, more lettuce, and carrots. So far, the tomato plants, green beans, and cucumbers have grown the fastest and largest. But because of the rain we have gotten here (north Texas) I wonder if we have watered too much. Their leaves are starting to look very light colored and there are holes in the cucumbers and the green bean leaves? As far as everything else, the onions are very small, so are the carrots, and I just replanted the lettuce because the only 2 plants that came up have already died. My garden has no weeds, just a lot of mushrooms that are growing. Any suggestions? The soil is a combination of vermiculite, compost and peat moss. Thank you for any help! Doreen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59057882.tip.html
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Rate It: We recently purchased a gardenia plant and it has almost died within about 2 days of purchase. What am I doing wrong? We live in Vegas, so it's been very hot, but the instructions say "full sun". Help? I'm not good with plants. Hardiness Zone: 9a By Susan B. from Las Vegas Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18170777.tip.html
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Rate It: Can You Eat Cherries from a Weeping Cherry Tree? Can you eat weeping cherry tree fruit? Hardiness Zone: 6b By classic truck 72 from Nashville, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86359480.tip.html
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Rate It: Planting Vegetables After Spraying Pesticide My neighbor usually grows tomatoes and peppers up against their home. They had Orkin come to kill termites. Orkin sprayed the ground in the area where they plant tomatoes and peppers. Should they plant them this year or not? I offered to share a spot of our land. Would you eat tomatoes, peppers, lettuces, etc., from an area that had termite poison put into it? We can slightly expand our area to accommodate some of their tomatoes and peppers. Hardiness Zone: 5a By Carol L. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34689690.tip.html
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Rate It: Can you use vinegar to kill weeds? I need an inexpensive remedy to kill weeds. Hardiness Zone: 5b By gperz from Old Saybrook, CT Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23903949.tip.html
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Rate It: Starting a Rose Bush from a Cutting I have cut some healthy stems off of a rose bush. I have already planted them where I want them to take root and grow. Every website says to put a jar on top of each stem for a greenhouse effect. How long do I need to leave the jars on them? I don't want to suffocate them. There are many more healthy stems that need to be planted, but I want to try and do it right. Please help! Hardiness Zone: 8a By green thumb from Goldsboro, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81542154.tip.html
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Rate It: Transplanting a Euonymus Shrub How do you transplant euonymus? Hardiness Zone: 8b By JORGEMFP from Providence, RI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76217175.tip.html
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Rate It: Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here
If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish. More Information:
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