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Vol. 4, Num. 21, May 28, 2009 (Read It Online) We have a great article by Ellen Brown about Saving Money With Good Mowing Practices. Do you have any gardening tips to share with the ThriftyFun community? Enter the tip contest and you might win a prize. We would also love to see photos of what you are growing. Be sure to rate photos and tips that you like. Your ratings are now used to pick contest winners. Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team
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By Silvia from Ontario, Canada
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Rate It: Here are a couple garden people made from garden tools. By Laura from Sacramento, CA
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Rate It: These are some morning glories that I had to cover a chain link fence. They are called Heavenly Blue. I did not think they would flower and was about to rip them out but all of a sudden they started blooming. The white ones are called moonflowers. By Elaine from Iowa
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Rate It: Planting Flowers in an Old Wheelbarrow This was an old wheelbarrow I got for $1.00 at a garage sale. It is filled with rosemary, chives, oregano and mint. I have more than I can use!By Mina from Middle Georgia
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Save Money With Good Mowing Practices The costs associated with maintaining a beautiful lawn can really add up once you factor in seeding, mowing, feeding, watering, and weed control. Fortunately, ALL of these costs can be significantly reduced by simply improving your mowing practices. Follow these simple rules and before you know it you will have a thick, beautiful lawn--for less! How Grass Grows Understanding how grass grows and responds to being cut will help you better understand how to meet its needs. Each blade of grass is an individual plant. The part of the grass we call the blade is actually the leaf. Its main responsibility is manufacturing food, which it then stores in its roots. When grass is cut, restoring the leaf's ability to manufacture food becomes priority one. Everything else (including root growth) is put on hold. Cutting your grass too short (or too often) directly impacts the growth of the root system. Grass with shallow roots are far more vulnerable to stressors like drought, disease, and weeds. Increase Your Mowing Height There isn't one standard mowing height suitable for all types of grass, but the ideal height for your grass is probably higher than you think. As a general rule, never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf surface with each mowing. Mow course-textured grasses higher than finer-textured grasses, and mow grasses grown in the shade &frac; inch higher than the recommended height. Listed below are suggested mowing heights according to grass type. These are not hard and fast rules, just general guidelines compiled from several different sources. For more detailed information, contact your county extension agency or local lawn care professional.
Avoid Mowing When Wet Mowing your lawn when it is wet is a good way to spread disease. It is also a good way to gunk up your lawn mower. Avoid it. Avoid Mowing During Droughts Many people believe that cutting grass during a drought (and cutting it short) will somehow decrease its need for water and prevent it from turning brown. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Because grass responds to cutting by trying to grow more leaf surface to manufacture food, mowing your lawn during a drought only piles on additional stress. Return Clippings to the Ground Grasses are hungry plants, and leaving your lawn clippings on the ground can reduce your fertilizer needs by as much as 30% (not to mention the cost of hauling away yard waste). Many people are afraid that leaving clippings increases thatch, but if you follow the rule of only cutting 1/3 of the leaf surface at each mowing, thatch will rarely be a problem. Mowing more frequently and at a higher height creates shorter clippings and keeps your lawn well fed. The only time you should collect grass clipping is if they are very long, or if leaving them on the ground has the potential to spread disease. Change Mowing Directions From time to time you should change the direction that you mow. This prevents a "grain" pattern from developing on your lawn and lessens wheel imprints from your lawn mower. Most importantly, it reduces soil compaction. Allow Late Summer Dormancy In the heat of the summer certain cool season grasses go into a natural state of dormancy. During this time active growth stops and they may even turn brown. Don't panic! This is perfectly normal and unless you're experiencing an extended drought, it is only temporary (lasting a 2-3 weeks at most). If you stop mowing and watering during this time you can actually prevent certain weeds from setting in. Just make sure your turf is healthy going into this natural state of dormancy. Keep Your Equipment in Good Repair It's important to keep your lawn mower in good condition. Dull mower blades will tear grass rather than cutting it cleanly, and jagged leaf edges can leave grass more susceptible to disease. Sharp, well-balanced blades and a well maintained engine will reduce wear and tear on your machine and improve fuel consumption, not mention extend the life of your mower. Always check oil levels and raise the height of your mower deck before starting the engine.
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Rate It: Harvesting and Uses for Crab Apples Spread 2 bed sheets under tree canopy from trunk to outside edge of tips of limbs. Using an inch and half PVC pipe with a (Y) fitting attached to the tip of 8 foot section of pipe. Shake limbs about 1/2 distance from trunk to tip of branch to avoid breaking limbs. Gather corners of sheet (usually 2 people do this). Pour Apples into pails or baskets, wash thoroughly in cold water. Bring large pot of water 1/2 full to boil. Put apples in for 5-10 minutes. Remove from pot with large metal strainer, and place in large colander to separate seeds and skins. Makes great jellies, juices, and also apple butter. Source: My grand mother By carlanwright01 from Crane, MO Contest Contender!
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Rate It: 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 progress, and 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 stock and 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. Acquiring 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-sowing 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 purchasing 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 advantages, you'll often find excellent and unusual specimens that are dependable performers in your area, all at very reasonable 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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I was wondering if a Crepe Myrtle tree would grow here? Hardiness Zone: 6a By Brylygal from Buffalo, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60071206.tip.html
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Rate It: I have enjoyed watching Finches in my yard until today, when a Blue Jay (I think) tore the nest apart. I shooed it away, but there are three eggs left which the Jay wouldn't leave alone. I brought them inside. Should I put them under a light bulb, and if they hatch, what should I feed them, and can I let them go when they're grown? My neighbor said to let the Jay have them, but I just couldn't. By mahala77 from Eugene, OR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95407178.tip.html
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Rate It: I planted 3 new peach trees approximately 2 months ago (had buds). About a week after planting, we had frost twice, nipping the buds. Within the last month, it has rained about 8 inches and they are waterlogged. One is OK, one has all but a few leaves left on it, and one has absolutely no leaves left whatsoever. The limbs are still very pliable, but there are no real signs of life. What can I do, or is it too late to bring them back to life and leaf? Will they leaf back out? If yes, when? The branches are still very flexible and pliable and none are brittle. Please help if you can. I am new at fruit trees, so I need all the help I can get. Hardiness Zone: 7b By bls5300 from North TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28869148.tip.html
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Rate It: Alberta Spruce Shedding Foliage I have an Alberta Spruce that has shed half of it's foliage. It looks like "pac-man" took a bite. Is there anything I can do to repair the missing area? Your help is much appreciated. Hardiness Zone: 6a By SpruceLee from OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60673617.tip.html
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Rate It: Starting a School Gardening Project I'm starting a gardening project with grades Pre-K to 4. We have a very small section of land. I would like ideas. Thank you. Hardiness Zone: 6a By easylikesunday from Philadelphia, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46224154.tip.html
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Rate It: We have a family of raccoons, babies and all, that has started living in a shed we have by a house are trying sell. Does anyone have any humane tips for getting these critters to find a new home? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34654049.tip.html
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Rate It: I am looking for a homemade weedkiller that is safe to use in an area intended for planting flowers and vegetables. Hardiness Zone: 8b By dovelady1962 from Seattle, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf001029.tip.html
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Rate It: Will Blackbirds Harm My Fish Pond? I have blackbirds this Spring flying into my pond and dropping a white jelly substance. Will this stuff harm my fish? Hardiness Zone: 5a By billdog57 from South Bend, IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13213319.tip.html
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Rate It: I want my Petunias to bloom more fully and I have read that I should pinch them back. Where do I pinch and how much? Hardiness Zone: 6a By sharcady from Indianapolis, IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17855550.tip.html
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Rate It: I was wondering, how do you test the soil in your garden? Thank you. Hardiness Zone: 5a By Joyce wis from Janesville, WI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf150161.tip.html
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Rate It: For the ten years I've been living in my home, I've been fighting the same walnut trees year after year. I cut them down, they grow right back. Some are growing through the fence and some are in my rose bushes. How can I get rid of them permanently without damaging the other plants? Hardiness Zone: By dw76 from Springfield, MO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19886663.tip.html
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Rate It: Vegetable Plants Wilting, Too Much Water? Can heavy rain over an entire week cause overnight wilting in vegetable plants (ie. tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers) due to soil saturation? Hardiness Zone: 9a By JakeN from Orange Park, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39383780.tip.html
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Rate It: How can you tell when chard is ready to harvest? Hardiness Zone: 8a By sandydon Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95003510.tip.html
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Rate It: Buying an Inexpensive Greenhouse I need information on green houses. We just put in a outdoor, burning furnace and have extra BTU's, so we ran ducting for radiant heat in a green house. But we need to find a cheap greenhouse. I hear that commercial ones are cheaper than the average store ones. Hardiness Zone: 4a By Cheecky from VT Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77901027.tip.html
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Rate It: My father-in-law found this snake in his garden this morning. We are wondering what it is? I am researching but no success yet, any ideas? I have other pictures with its markings. Thank you. Hardiness Zone: 8a By HICKCHIC3 from SC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48502875.tip.html
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Rate It: I bought a tomato plant from Lowes that already has two green tomatoes on it. If it has produced these will I kill it if I transplant it into the garden? If I can plant it in the ground any advice on how to care for it? Hardiness Zone: 8a By j9hardison from Rocky Point, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41724059.tip.html
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Rate It: Storing Garden Seeds After Harvest What is the best way to save and store seeds from garden plants, when the harvest is finished? Hardiness Zone: 1 By JanetM from Orlando, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12490764.tip.html
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Rate It: I transplanted some peonies 3 years ago. They come up and have a couple tiny buds, but then do not flower. Does anyone know why this would happen? Thank you. Hardiness Zone: 5a By rharroun from IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37272632.tip.html
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Rate It: We have a lot of boxwood plants that were doing beautifully but now the leaves have all kinds of white spots on them and also the leaves are curling and with little holes. I am afraid they have mold and also some disease or bug problems. Any ideas? How can i get rid of it? Thanks. Hardiness Zone: 8a By tazangel52 from Redding, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73513987.tip.html
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Rate It: Preventing a Dog from Peeing on Plants How can I keep my dogs from urinating on my flowers and bushes? By Jan54984 from WI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf472991.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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