Happy Garden - Sept. 10, 2009

Vol. 4, Num. 37, September 10, 2009 (Read It Online) It is starting to get cooler at night, the growing season is coming to a close. Ellen has a timely article about covering rows to protect from insects and frost. Please submit your own tips about preparing your garden for early frosts and any other seasonal gardening tips. Be sure to give a "thumbs up" to tips and photos that you like. Your ratings are used to pick contest winners. Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team Send to a Friend! Submit Your Gardening Tips Submit Photos of Your Garden Submit a Gardening Request Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter. Today's newsletter contains: Photos: Garden: Pumpkin And Watermelon Harvest Garden: Limelight Hydrangea For Northern Climates Wildlife: Painted Bunting Garden: Coleus Garden: Hollyhocks Garden: Confederate Rose Tips and Articles: Reuse Toilet Bowl Cleaner Bottles For Watering Organic Gardening: Floating Row Covers New Requests: Wintering an Elephant Ear Plant Flying Ants in the House Urban Beekeeping Growing Vegetables in Zone 7 Buying Monkey Grass Winterizing Bearded Irises Reseeding Lawn After Killing Weeds Aerating Your Lawn Crepe Myrtle Not Blooming Grow a Sweet Potato Vine Tomato Stem is Bumpy Will Marigolds Re-seed? Getting Rid of Algerian Ivy Overwintering Gerbera Daisies Treating a Dogwood Tree for Heat Stress Keeping Turkeys Off Your Vehicle Today's Sponsor: Crafting for Fun and Money! 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: Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml Photos: Garden: Pumpkin And Watermelon Harvest We had a really good garden this year, which supplied us with an over abundance of abundance of peas, beans, carrots, peppers, corn, cabbage, tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, pumpkins, squash, cucumbers, and beets. Here is a picture of of the lovely pumpkins and big watermelons we grew! By morbetomommy from Topeka, KS Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66353753.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Garden: Limelight Hydrangea For Northern Climates This is a limelight hydrangea. In the earlier part of the summer, it is a lime green and then turns to a pink as it gets closer to fall. It is very easy to care for and always blooms for zone 5 where most hydrangeas do not. By laniegirl from Iowa Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37981575.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Wildlife: Painted Bunting This beautiful Painted Bunting has been frequenting our bird feeder all summer. By pugi from Center Point, TX Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48754909.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Garden: Coleus Coleus leaves come in a variety of striking colours and go very well with colourful annuals. By Grayce from Toronto Canada Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55592638.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Garden: Hollyhocks I have some beautiful hollyhocks flowers. They are mixed colors. I sell one pod for 50 cents. I love watching the hummingbirds on them and the butterflies. They last all summer until October. Then I plant seeds in the fall. So many people just to come to see my hollyhocks when they are walking by my home. I have them all around my house. God bless to all. By Sheila from Wisconsin Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31802028.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Garden: Confederate Rose My Confederate Rose in full evening bloom. It has a baby grasshopper on board. By Dragonflysue from Ludowici, Georgia Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34053030.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Tips and Articles: Reuse Toilet Bowl Cleaner Bottles For Watering Soft plastic toilet bowl cleaner bottles with the curved neck are just perfect as a hanging plant watering bottle as the curved neck and the small tip allow you to control just how much water comes out. I have also decoupaged these bottles after taking off the label. Do be sure and wash them out very well before using. By lisingreece Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73179605.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Organic Gardening: Floating Row Covers By Ellen Brown Row covers are wonderful and often underutilized organic gardening tools. Made out of lightweight, synthetic fabrics, they can be placed over entire rows of plants or individual pots for a variety of purposes, all of which usually result in greater yields. A Variety of Uses Extends the early and late growing seasons by providing frost protection (each lightweight sheet provides around 2-4 degrees of protection). Aids in germination and water conservation by keeping soil moist. Prevents erosion and crusting of soil from heat and hard rains. Shields plants from flying and many crawling insect pests (providing covers are secured on all sides). They will not, however, provide protection against soil borne insects. Protects young plants from animal pests like rabbits and birds. Fabrics Selection Row covers usually come in two basic weights: lightweight for use as an insect or animal barrier, and heavyweight that provides plants with protection from frost. Many gardeners prefer the lightweight covers, because they can be doubled up (layered) early and late in the season to provide extra protection against the cold. Most fabrics are made from spunbonded polyester, polypropylene, or polyethelene. Polyethelene is like plastic. It provides greater frost protection, but it also tears the easiest and needs to be vented to prevent plants from overheating. Polypropylene tends to be the softest and least abrasive to plants. Lifespan Most row covers will last at least 2 growing seasons. They are typically available in a variety of widths and lengths; from individual sheets to large rolls that can be cut to fit as needed. You can extend their life by keeping them folded and stored away from moisture when not in use. When it's time to replace them, old covers make good weed barriers when laid down under mulch, and will offer erosion protection when laid over the top of newly seeded or disturbed soil. How To Install Row Covers Row covers are easy to install. Simply lay the covers over the garden bed. A lightweight row cover can be draped directly over the plants. As the plants grow, the cover is pushed up and simply floats over the top of them. Double layers of lightweight covers and heavier fabrics need to be supported by metal or plastic hoops. The edges can be secured with soil, rocks, bricks, or U-shaped pins to prevent insects and animals from getting inside. Remove for Pollination In most cases, row covers need to be pulled back or removed for plants that require pollination by beneficial insects or the wind. Don't make the mistake of removing the covers only during the day. Pollination sometimes occurs at night, so remove them as soon as flowers appear. For self-pollinating crops and edibles like salad greens, covers can be left on from planting until harvest. Beware of Late Season Heat Most plants prefer to grow at temperatures between 70-80 degrees F. Unless you like your vegetables cooked before they are harvested, row covers should also be removed when late season temperatures surpass 80 degrees F. If temperatures are expected to dip again at night, be sure to put it back on an hour or so before sunset, to trap a bit of the day's warmth. Pay Attention to Weeds Row covers create a moist, warm environment for plants, weeds, too. Weeds thrive in the protected conditions under row covers, so be prepared to remove the covers regularly to weed. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10406587.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Contest! Tip Contest Submit a Tip or Recipe! Photo Contest Submit a tip with photo! The above contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners, 2 photo winners (1 photo and 1 pet photo) and 1 recipe winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25! My Frugal Life Submit a My Frugal Life Essay! New Requests: Wintering an Elephant Ear Plant I love my elephant ear plant this year, it is huge! What are my options for wintering this plant? I would like to be able to replant this bulb in the same spot next year. Hardiness Zone: 5a By Mary Moo from Wilmington, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98120527.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Flying Ants in the House How do you get rid of flying ants in the house? By mamamia17 from Roselle, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18320590.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Urban Beekeeping I have recently heard of urban beekeeping. I am wondering if any of you have tried this, or know of anyone who does? Would you please share experiences; good and bad of this venture? Thanks. By Ms. Carmen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55499065.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Growing Vegetables in Zone 7 I would like to hear from people in or around hardiness zone 7 (Maryland). What varieties of vegetables have you had good luck with? I'm fairly new to vegetable gardening. I had a little luck this year, but also problems. I tried growing watermelon they started out as adorable miniature watermelons about the size of a golf ball, but then turned black and shriveled up. My tomatoes were okay, but did not get very big. What variety grows well here, and gets big? My cucumbers did well, but fizzled out kind of early I thought or maybe that is normal for them, I don't know. My green peppers never got very big either. I had lots of squash, and zucchini, but they have been finished for awhile (is that normal?). I bought very good soil and tried to water consistently. I am trying to plan my garden now for next year, and hope to do better. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. Hardiness Zone: 7a By RDLaure from North East, MD Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52042618.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Buying Monkey Grass Where is best place to buy monkey grass and are there different colors? Hardiness Zone: 5a By Misplaced_buckeye from KS Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66845835.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Winterizing Bearded Irises Should bearded irises be mulched for the winter? Hardiness Zone: 6b By mimiappleduck from Shrewsbury, MA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55263215.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Reseeding Lawn After Killing Weeds If I use 1 pound of salt and 1 gallon of vinegar to kill weeds in grass how long before I can re-seed? Hardiness Zone: 7a By bkmav66 from Newport News, VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58695536.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Aerating Your Lawn Approximately how long does it take to use a gas powered aerator on one's lawn? We want to share the expense of an aerator, but don't know how long it takes. How much slower do you go than when you are mowing? Is it just one swipe over each area? Thanks. By Sharcady from Indianapolis, IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82662425.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Crepe Myrtle Not Blooming Our Crepe Myrtle trees are 6 or 7 years old, but only bloom occasionally. The trees are full of buds, but they never open. We water the trees weekly. We have seen trees in fields that only get water when it rains and they are full of blooms. Any ideas? Hardiness Zone: 8a By DCWRN from Athens, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23977438.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Grow a Sweet Potato Vine Do I keep a sweet potato vine plant moist, dry, or wet? Hardiness Zone: 8a By Betae10 from Midlothian, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87803346.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Tomato Stem is Bumpy Can anyone tell me if this is normal or not? I was given the Topsy Turvy for mothers day. It is now Sept. 1st and I am starting to see a little tomato growing. The stem is having some issues though. It is brown, bumpy and some spots have tiny holes. Also on one side of the plant there seems to be yellow stems and brown leaves. Is this normal? Can I eat the tomato if it actually makes it? Please help! Hardiness Zone: 7b By Crisitnm from NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34863053.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Will Marigolds Re-seed? Do marigolds die in winter? By deejgee from Port Townsend, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21653277.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Getting Rid of Algerian Ivy How can I get rid of Algerian Ivy (Hedera canariensis)? It has invaded my hedge so I can't get at the roots. Is there anything I can spray the runners with? I'm afraid to try Round Up as the roots of the ivy are probably very well entwined with the roots of the hedge. Replacing the hedge is not an option as it would take many years to grow another one to 8 feet tall. Hardiness Zone: 9a By Gorius from Gilroy, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81157934.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Overwintering Gerbera Daisies I planted several types of Gerbera Daises in containers. They are growing beautifully (once I got the dog to quit sleeping the the container). Do I need to do anything special to them to keep them protected this winter? Hardiness Zone: 6b By cindy101 from Southwest,Va Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49778166.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Treating a Dogwood Tree for Heat Stress I have a customer that asked me to trim her dogwood tree/tall shrub. I took some substantial height and width out of it and the weather was fine. Then, 90-100 heat comes and parches the poor shrub. She had a fit and for good reason I guess. She said "You killed my tree!", and it sure looks like it right now. But it is acting hardy and wanting to rejoin the living. My question is, is there a food, or home concoction I can make or buy to accelerate it's return to normal and bloom sooner? It has brown burn spots on it now, but has lots of new growth since being cut. The zones are 8-9. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I will post some interesting things soon. Thanks and have an awesome day. Hank By HandyHank from Manchester, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12502583.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Keeping Turkeys Off Your Vehicle How do you keep turkeys off of your vehicle? By bsmoreland Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74237083.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here Today's Sponsor: Crafting for Fun and Money! 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: Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml More Stuff Seed Swap! Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users. Submit a Request... Frugal solutions to everyday problems.