|
|
|
Vol. 3, Num. 17, April 24, 2008 (Read It Online) The next gardening newsletter will be on May 1st, or May Day. Do you have any flower pictures from your garden to share with ThriftyFun readers? We would love to have a May 1st issue filled with flowers sent in from readers. Submit your May Flowers photos here:
We have some great tips sent in by readers and Ellen Brown answer more of you questions. We also have two new articles by Ellen. Thanks for reading, Susan
Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter.
Photos: Tips and Articles:
New Requests:
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:
By Kelly from Atlanta, Ga
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68084799.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Craft: Terra Cotta Garden Birdbath You can choose what size terra cotta pots and trays you want to use. Glue them together with clear caulking, let dry at least 24 hours. Whitewash with thinned out white acrylic paint. Let dry about an hour, then paint what ever you want on it, or just blend paints, that is also nice. I liked the leaves and frogs on mine. It is really whatever you like. Let it dry 24 hours then spray with sealer. You really should let it dry 24 hours then spray again and let dry another 24 hours. Fill and watch the birds play in it.By Sheri from Stockton, CA
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80396371.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It:
Growing Vegetables The Shade
A site receiving full sun is premium real estate in the vegetable garden. If sunny spots are in short supply in your garden, an easy way to free up space, expand your garden (and your yields) is to use the shady spots in your garden to your advantage. A wide range of delicious fruits, vegetables, and herbs can all be grown in partial shade.
View This Article: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16449960.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Using Organic Cat Litter as Compost and Mulch Have you ever thought of using your old cat litter as mulch for your flower beds? It may sound disgusting, but yesterday I went to a pet store that sells organic and biodegradable cat litters. Here's a run-down on the ones they sell that clump:
Each of the above litters has a different price range. I bought the one made from wheat grass because it's supposed to have excellent odor control. It cost under $6 for 8 pounds. Most of the ones made from food can also be flushed. I plan on composting my litter before I use it as mulch (even though you don't have to) to help purify it a bit. If you are also interested in using a cat litter that's actually good for the environment, phone some of the pet stores in your area and see what natural based litters they carry or google any that I mentioned above. Source: If you live in Washington State, the store that sells natural pet products is called Mud Bay Granary. By Cyinda from near Seattle Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45749477.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: The Eco-Scoop On Dog Poop
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the current U.S. dog population tops out somewhere near 80 million. When you consider that a musher with an average-sized kennel of 20 sled dogs generates more than 2 tons of dog feces annually*, the waste generated by 80 million dogs must equal a Mount Everest-sized pile of manure. Doggie dung is harmless, even useful, if disposed of properly. If not, it creates health-related risks for humans and problems for the environment.
View This Article: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88284385.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: I have found Periwinkle (vinca) to be a plant that will live almost under any condition in California. I couldn't get anything to grow in a border along my shady sidewalk and I decided to try vinca. My parents bought a house in 1946 that had a bank of vinca already there. It is in a semi shady spot and my Dad never watered it the whole summer, year after year. (I own the house now and the plants are still in great condition.) I transplanted some out here by the roots and almost none of it died. It is flourishing in the hot sun and shade. We have a well that dries up in the summer if we aren't careful and it uses little water. We are on 22 acres of oak woodland and the many deer and gophers don't bother it.
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98944114.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Recycled Mesh Bird Feeders From Onion Bags Another use for the 'mesh onion bags' is for putting peanuts in and hanging on trees or the eaves of your home. I have been doing this for years and enjoy watching the chickadees and woodpeckers as they cling to the bags and eat away at the peanuts (unsalted of course). The mesh should be the smaller holes but are just as easy to find as the other. Tie a loose knot and put any type of hanger through the knot. This may be used over and over again. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf29083355.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Converting Aquarium into Terrarium
Question: I'm thinking about converting a 30 gallon aquarium into a terrarium. I would like advice from anyone who has done this successfully. What types of plants are slow-growing and would do well under glass? The top will not be sealed, but will be mostly covered by the aquarium top that has the light in it. By Chloe Update: Here's a photo of my completed terrarium. The miniature violets cost about $4 to $5 each. I found the shefflera and a cute small palm at Walmart for $3 each. The small juniper was pricy, about $15. The ground cover is something called Irish moss that was on sale at a discount store after St. Patrick's Day. The rocks and gravel are from my yard. Of course, all this does add up, I probably spent about $75 total. But now I have a large and attractive focal point in my home office. The activated charcoal which was recommended to go over the gravel in the bottom was a major expense. I used a type for aquarium filters and possibly could have found a cheaper source. By Chloe
Answer: Your terrarium looks amazing! Here are a few helpful tips to help you maintain it.
What a beautiful addition to your home office! Ellen
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52282695.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: What can I do with my forced bulbs? Question: I am in zone 7b. I received some forced bulbs for my birthday, and they were lovely; however, I'd like to know what my options are at this point since the hyacinth and the daffodil are through blooming, and soon the cala lilly will also be through. I believe that I'm supposed to wait until the leaves get brown and dry, then remove the bulb from the soil and store it in a cool dry place until fall and then plant them. Is that my only option? Might I be successful if I transplanted these "plants" right out into my garden at this point so that they get established before it winters here, or am I taking a risk that the disturbance will affect the bulb's receipt of the nutrition from its greenery? I don't want to take a risk, but for me it's also a risk that I might forget in the fall that I have bulbs I'm supposed to plant - or I might forget where I've hidden them in the garage or something like that :). I'm just putting this out there so that I know what my options are and what others have tried as far as after-care of their forced bulbs. Thanks so much! Hardiness Zone: 7b Tina from Ashland, OR Answer: Hi Tina, I'm going to agree with Chloe and Carol on this one. If you're worried about looking after your bulbs over the summer, go ahead and plant them. After all, from now until fall, nearly as many things could go wrong above ground for your bulbs as below ground. My advice would be to keep the greenery going as long as possible. As soon as the foliage dies back naturally, trim it off, find a suitable spot in the garden (pending suitable temperatures, of course), and plop them in the ground. Don't forget to mark the spot. When you plant them in the garden, try to use at least some of the dirt from their original pots if you can. Make sure the bulbs are firm and free of mold when you plant them, otherwise they are probably a lost cause. Try to let go of any expectations you have of how they will perform in the future. Bulbs that have been forced indoors do not always perform as well when replanted outdoors. Then again, some perform even better! After you plant them, just let them go about their bulb business and see what happens. If they survive until next season, they may not bloom until the following year. Sometimes it takes a season to reset their internal clocks. Happy gardening! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68940953.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Pruned Maple Tree is Dripping Sap Question: I have a question. I have a Maple tree in my back yard, yesterday I trimmed some very small branches off the tree, when I say branches there were not much larger than twigs. Now the tree is dripping sap? Is this normal? I just hope I have not damaged the tree. Fortunately when I saw what was happening I stopped. Any help would be appreciated. I live just south of Carson City, Nevada Hardiness Zone: 6a Peg from Minden, Nevada Answer: Hi Peg, Don't worry about your tree. You haven't done any serious damage to it, but you were right to stop pruning once you noticed the sap starting to seep. Pruning wounds don't close as fast when sap is running. Sap flow this time of year is normal and hard to predict unless you're paying close attention to the weather. Here is a simplified version of what causes the sap inside maple trees to run'. The tree sap that flows each spring was produced through photosynthesis the previous summer. Fluctuations in pressure inside the tree cause it to flow from the roots of the tree to its branches through an outer portion of the trunk called sapwood. Sap's function is to supply growing cells with nutrients. In the early spring, temperatures warm to above freezing during the day and usually fall back below freezing at night. The cellular activity that occurs in the sapwood during warm temperatures creates a build up of positive pressure inside the tree. This pressure is what forced sap to seep out of the wounds when you pruned your tree. Cool temperatures at night create the opposite effect-a negative pressure. The next day, when the temperatures warm up again, positive pressure is created and the sap starts to flow again. This whole "flow" process lasts around six weeks. I remember the first time I walked out into my garden in the spring and saw one of my young sugar maples "bleeding" sap through several gashes on the trunk. I couldn't imagine who had it out for my trees. It turned out the gashes up and down the trunk were actually teeth marks. Squirrels love the stuff and know exactly when to pierce the bark for a delicious treat. Maple trees can be lightly pruned (removing a few small branches) anytime during the year, but it's a good idea to avoid doing it in the spring. Heavier pruning is best left to late winter or very early spring. Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46227207.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Question: Does anyone know if bamboo would sell, I have a yard full of it that I cannot get rid of. Mary from Houston, TX Answer: Mary, Yes. Whether you sell your bamboo as plants or dried stalks, there is definitely a market for it. If you don't already know what type of bamboo you have, the first thing I would suggest you do is find someone can help you identify it. A great place to start is with the Texas Bamboo Society. Their web site features good information on different bamboo species, their uses, propagation techniques, etc. The society also has a moderately active forum where members discuss everything from care for bamboo to containing it. Bamboo is an incredibly versatile product, so when searching for a market to see it, consider all of its possible uses.
I would suggest contacting local nurseries, co-ops, feed stores, and farmers markets as potential avenues for selling it. There are also websites like Agriseek, which provide an online marketplace for people to sell various agricultural products, including bamboo. It might be a good place to get information on what types of bamboo people are selling and how much they are charging for it. Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43702142.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Question: I'm having a real problem with a Norfolk Pine. It seems to have signs of both too much water and not enough water. It was beautiful when I bought it in November but is starting to look bad. The lower branches are getting shriveled and the needles are hard and falling off. The upper branches look fine, but it also has yellowish/brown areas that fall off easily. The drainage is good, I mist it several times a week, and give it about a pint of water per week. It seems to dry out in the week period. Also, there isn't any place in the house where it will get much direct light. Thanks for any help! Gary from Oregon City, OR Answer: Hi Gary, First off, you said your Norfolk Pine doesn't get much direct light. Direct sunlight isn't necessary, in fact it's not recommended for Norfolk pines, but good light is important. Put your tree in the room in your house that receives the best light. Once it warms up, set it outside in partial shade (like under a tall tree). Norfolks really appreciate spending time outdoors in the summer. Just make sure to watch moisture levels carefully and continue to mist them so they don't dry out. In the winter, it's usually fine to let Norfolk pines dry out a little between watering. However, when the tips start to turn brown and the lower branches drop off, it's a sign that the air around your tree is too dry and/or it isn't getting enough water. In their natural environment, these trees thrive in 50% humidity. Instead of misting a couple of times a week, try doing it daily and see what happens. Leave a spray bottle next to your tree and give it a good misting each day when you walk by. (I mist my two Norfolk pines first thing each morning on my way to the kitchen). Don't be afraid of using cold water. Unlike most houseplants, Norfolk pines prefer cool water misting to water that is room temperature. Depending on how large your tree is, a pint of water a week may not be enough. Now that the active growing season is here, the soil should never be allowed to completely dry out. Keep it moist, but not wet. Water as soon as the top 1-inch of soil is dry. I water my Norfolk pines (and all of my houseplants) about once a week. I set them in the kitchen sink (or bathtub) and give them a good soak-leaving them there until water stops running out the drain hole. As for your brown branches, prune them as necessary, but only if you're sure they are dead. If you are not completely sure they are gone, leave them be. They will eventually drop off on their own. Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf458833.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Use Flour To Keep Pests Off Roses Don't like all those chemical dusting to put on flowers to keep the bugs away? Use plain flour instead. Just dust it on roses and etc., and it works well to rid plants of bugs. Flour makes it almost impossible for the insects to breath. Happy Gardening! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56434700.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Planting Morning Glory in Pots Question: I've been thoroughly warned about morning glory! Can I simply plant it in a pot and avoid all the drama of it taking over my garden? Will my moonflowers do the same? All my seeds have begun to sprout... so there is a need to plant soon. Hardiness Zone: 10b Thanks,
Answer: Marisa, Yes! Growing morning glories in containers is an easy way to avoid the potential of a hostile takeover in your garden. Moonflowers are not considered as invasive as morning glories, but they also grow well in pots. In fact, I would recommend planting some of each (4 to 5 seeds) together in the same pot. When the daytime blooms of the morning glories fade, the moonflower blooms will replace them in the evening. There is some debate over whether or not morning glory roots grow best in shallow or deep containers. I have grown them in shallow planter boxes as well as deep containers. They have done equally well in both. The most important thing is that you give them something to climb on. It doesn't need to be a heavy-duty support, just make sure you have it in place before you sow your seeds. Also, exercise caution when fertilizing. A little compost or a slow release organic fertilizer mixed in with a quality soil is all you need. Too much fertilizer, and you'll get lots of green and very few flowers. I don't use any on mine. Moonflowers and morning glories are related and have similar growing requirements. Give them full sun and moist (not wet), well-drained soil. Remember that containers tend to dry out quickly, so check their moisture levels often. Ellen
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65833912.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Praying Mantis Is Good In The Garden If you see any of these guys in your garden, do not shoo them away or kill them. These are called Praying Mantis and they will kill all of those pesky grasshoppers that eat up your veggies and leaves.
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47238778.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: To rid your flower bed of all the weeds and wild onions that come up in the spring, simply put black plastic over the ground for about 2 days and then remove it and rake up the dead weeds. It is now ready for planting your flowers. If you prefer, you can also leave plastic and cut circles through it to put plants in. Then no worry over weeds in the summer. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56888787.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Container gardening sounded like a good, thrifty way to feed our family healthy organic produce, except for one thing: landscape timbers to build a raised bed, big flower pots for vegetables, and other containers are expensive! Then, my eye landed on the dozen empty kitty litter containers (Fresh Step--about the size of five-gallon jugs) I'd saved because they just seemed likely to be useful one day. A few holes in the bottom and a can of spray paint (used on the outside only) turned the whole dozen from kitty litter buckets into bright flower pots, with a total expense of less than $2! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75731095.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It:
Temporary Surface For Under Picnic Table I'm looking for advice for an inexpensive, temporary covering for underneath our picnic table. We do not have a deck or patio and our picnic table has been on grass over the past few years. Eventually we would like some kind of porch/deck but cannot afford to do that right now. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43871074.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Where Can I Find Inexpensive Terra Cotta Pots? Does anyone know where I can find inexpensive, small Terra Cotta pots? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47818981.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Problems With Mexican Elder Tree I live in Albuquerque NM and planted a Mexican Elder. We had a particularly cold winter and it appears that the tree suffered. It is now mid-April and there is no sign of new growth or leaves on the tree. There is vigorous growth at the base of the tree. How long should I wait to give up on it and replant? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20676972.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: How can I get rid of ant hills naturally? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55602137.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Why is my hibiscus dropping flower buds? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf971936.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Newspaper and Mulch Instead of New Soil I am trying to clean out and work up a few flower beds on a limited income. My question is this: I cannot buy topsoil or planting soil. Can I still hopefully have a successful bed using newspaper and mulch? How should that be done? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98246999.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Can you please tell me what I can do to make my roses big and healthy using stuff from my kitchen. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33104424.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Looking For Information About "Alstroermia" Plant I am interested in planting perennials this year and have found a beautiful plant called "Alstroemria". Can anyone provide me with info on this flowering plant and whether it can be planted in my zone in central Louisiana. As well as upkeep and so forth. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28939422.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: How do I get rid of rag weed in my yard? It spreads by both roots and seed. I pull one up and two replace it, hoe it and same thing. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96191810.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: I live in NJ. What is a good time to plant tomatoes? Once there grown how do I keep the chipmunks from eating them? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71097833.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Advice For Pruning Trumpet Vines I need advice on pruning Trumpet Vines (Humming Bird Vines). I have already cut the vine back to about an inch or two above ground, after it's first year of growth, last fall and mulched it. We had excessive snow this past winter. Will it come back, or have I killed it? I thought it was like my clematis, which I cut down each year. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16795988.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Killing Grass in Rock Ground Cover I want to get rid of grass growing around rocks in trees. I don't want to use Round up, due to some flowers that are very close by. What can I use? God Bless Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97601835.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
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:
|
Like ThriftyFun on Facebook
