May 01, 2009

Happy Garden - April 30, 2009


Vol. 4, Num. 17, April 30, 2009 (Read It Online)

We have a great project for a Recycled Bird Feeder this week. If you have a creative homemade bird feeder idea, feel free to share it on one of the contest pages. We have lots of new gardening requests this week, please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.

Thanks for reading,

The ThriftyFun Team

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Today's newsletter contains:

Photos:

Tips and Articles:

New Requests:

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: GG Vi's Photos

Here are a few pictures, not too much blooming yet. But I'll be looking for some good shots this summer.

Enjoy, GG Vi

ViFlowers605x1090.jpg

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Garden: Florida Roses

The rose garden is in full bloom right now in mid April and here is a partial view of the Don Juan climbing roses, knock out roses, and in the forefront the pale pink roses are the Carefree Beauty.

The second photo is a close up view of the Fourth of July climbing rose. This rose starts out solid dark red the first day, the second day the rose has pinkish stripes in it and the 3rd and 4th day the rose has white stripes going through it. The roses are in clusters of 3-5 each and they bloom only on the ends of the stalks. Quite beautiful to see in person.l

Don Juan roses are so beautiful when they are in bloom. Some of the flowers are 4 inches across and are deep blood red. The do acquire black spot quite frequently but most of the time I just ignore it.

The last photo is a close up view of the Don Juan climbing roses. These roses are dark blood red in color even though my camera doesn't show it.

By florida gal from Spring Hill FL

Garden: Florida Roses

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Craft Project: Recycled Bird Feeder

Recycle and create a pretty Spring Bird Feeder from used McDonald's Happy Meal Bucket and Plastic Mayonnaise Jar.

Approximate Time: 30 minutes

Supplies:

  • McDonald's Happy Meal Bucket (Bottom only needed with attached handle)
  • Plastic Mayonnaise Jar with lid
  • Hammer
  • Nails punch or nail to punch holes needed or Drill bit if desired
  • Scissors to cut down pail to 2-3 inches tall and to cut side windows in jar
  • 1 long screw with bolt
  • Spray paint of color choice
  • Acrylic craft paints for decorative painting and assorted paint brushes
  • Clear paint sealer for lasting outside exposure

Instructions:

Use these left over items to create a pretty spring bird feeder.

  1. First take your plastic mayonnaise jar and punch a hole in each side just a little past the lid this is where you will just pop on your handle from the McDonald's happy meal bucket. I just used a hammer and nail to punch my holes but you easily use a tiny drill bit if you desire to create your holes.

  2. Punch another 2 holes on your mayonnaise jar on both sides about half way up just to get a starting point so you can use your scissors to cut out 2 little windows for the birds to reach inside to get the bird seed.

  3. Cut your McDonald's bucket down to about 2-3 inches tall. This will be used as your base under the plastic jar to be used as both a perch and catchall for any seed that falls out when the birds eat from it. You can cut your pail any shape you like. I did mine on a scallop cut since I was doing a Sunflower theme painted on the bird feeder.

  4. Poke a hole through the center of the bottom pail and the center of the plastic jar.

  5. Take a long screw and go up through both containers from the bottom side up and reaching inside your window you cut onto your jar attached the bolts onto the screw all the way down.

  6. Spray paint your complete piece but not the inside of the jar.

  7. After it has dried you can then hand paint on any theme you like using acrylic paints. I did mine in Sunflower theme.

  8. Let dry and spray on 1-2 coats clear paint seal.

  9. You can fill your feed by taking off the jars lids or just filling it by reaching into the jars windows.

  10. Since the handle just pops in and out of your jar you can ether just loop over a limb as I did or pop it off on one side lap over branch and pop back on to jars side.

  11. Then just hang in a tree and let the birds enjoy.

By Julie from Tenn

Craft Project: Recycled Bird Feeder

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Gardening: Pocketbook Plant

This little beauty will add a big splash of color to any garden inside or outside. It is called a "Pocketbook" plant. It is a member of the Ladyslipper family and comes in various colors.

Keep all the "spent" blooms picked off and discard carefully washing hands after, as this plant could be dangerous if ingested by humans or animals.

Source: Bought on at a local plant nursery

By dragonflysue from Ludowici, GA

Gardening: Pocketbook Plant

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Garden: Morning Glory Photos

Morning Glory vines have started to climb my garden fence. I planted them from seed early in April, having in mind that they will eventually grow tall and thick enough to provide afternoon shade for the vegetable garden in a very pretty way.

By Susan from Rio Grande Valley, TX

Garden: Morning Glory Photos

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Garden: Peony Photos

Peonies and ants, what to do? You can't have Peonies without ants. (As far as I know from experience). The ants love the sweetness of the budding beauty. Don't let that stop you from cutting them and putting them in a vase. Shake them, gently tape them on the ground or flick those little trespassers off with your finger.

The perfume will fill your room. I've brought hundreds of Peonies into my house and never have I gotten invaded by ants. You might get a few, but they won't overtake the premises. If that bothers you, then put them on a covered porch so you can sit and enjoy their scent.

By Deb H. from East Brunswick, NJ

Garden: Peony Photos

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Garden: Rockery

We moved into our bungalow about 3 years ago and found an enormous garden, (never had a garden before). We set about slow and tentatively, bit by bit, my husband being a joiner and me trying to be a gardener.

The first thing I wanted was hanging baskets in the front to welcome people and on we went from there. We won the gardener of the year for our housing group the first year so good luck. The photo added was where we first started a rockery. We love it. Happy gardening all.

By redjan1 from Liverpool, England

Garden: Rockery

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Tips and Articles:

The Well-Equipped Garden Shed: 10 Essential Tools
By Ellen Brown

Gardening tasks are a lot easier to accomplish when you are using the right tool for the job. However, with so many tools and gadgets on the market, it can be confusing to know which ones are really worth your hard earned cash. Here are 10 tools every gardener with a garden shed should have.

A Long-Handled Shovel

To move dirt, lift plants, and dig holes for anything larger than seedlings, you need a good long-handled shovel. The best shovels have concave, round-pointed blades, with ample flat edges on either side of the top of the blade to rest your foot for on for leverage, and a D-shaped hand grip.

A Spade

Spades are similar to long-handled garden shovels, except their blades are squared off and flat. Spades are designed for cutting rather than lifting. They are excellent if you want to make clean edges around borders and beds, cut deep roots, or create straight-sided trenches. A good spade will have similar design features to a long-handled shovel-ample resting room for your feet on each side of the top of the blade, a comfortable handle, and a strong blade.

A Hoe

If you want to make quick work of shallow-rooted weeds, create a furrow for planting, or break up some compacted soil, a hoe is the right tool for the job. Hoes comes in several different style variations, each designed to excel at specific tasks. The most common types of hoes are the draw or garden hoe, (a large, rectangular flat blade) and the pointed hoe (a smaller, heart-shaped blade). Look for blades that are riveted onto their handles.

A Trowel

Can a gardener have too many trowels? Trowels are hand shovels. Useful tools for those "down on your hands and knees" digging and planting tasks that require a greater degree of precision than a shovel or spade. They come in handy for planting bulbs, transplanting seedlings, turning over soil, and weeding small areas between plants. Trowel blades come in several widths. Narrow blades work well for digging in hard-packed soil, while wide blades have the capacity to move more dirt quickly. A good trowel will have a solid steel blade and a handle with a comfortable grip.

A Leaf Rake

Leaf rakes are handy for raking leaves and for general cleaning-up of garden debris. Some are available with adjustable metal tines, which make clean up a breeze in-between plants and in narrow spaces. Look for an ergonomic handle and comfortable grip to reduce the stress on your back and hands.

A Garden Fork

These four-tined forks have shorter handles than pitchforks, and thick, rectangular-shaped tines. Garden forks are designed specifically for turning over and aerating garden soil. They work well in heavy, unbroken, or rocky soil, and can take the place of a garden spade. Look for heads made from a solid piece of forged steel.

Pruning Shears

Pruning shears are useful for deadheading and shaping plants. They are generally designed to cut stems and branches from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick (larger branches require a lopping shears). When selecting a pruning shears, make sure the size and grip are comfortable by testing them in your hands. They should not be too hard to squeeze or two large or small to handle comfortably. Look for replaceable parts and sharp, heat-treated blades that are easy to remove and sharpen.

A Wheel Barrow or Utility Cart

Toting around dirt, plants, tools, and debris is much easier with a wheelbarrow or garden cart. The size and depth you will need depends largely on the size of your garden. Look for stability and maneuverability.

A Garden Hose and Watering Can

The cost and complexity of your irrigation equipment depends largely on the climate you live in. Most gardeners can get by with a hose and a fan-type sprinkler for irrigation. For areas where the hose cannot reach, you will need a watering can. When it comes to cost, you usually get what you pay for with hoses. Look for a hose that is rated for at least 50 lbs per square inch of pressure and reinforced with mesh to prevent puncturing. Non-kinking hoses are a bonus, and if you are ever able to find once that is absolutely un-kinkable, let me know!

A Garden Hod Basket

A traditional garden hod has a durable wooden frame and wire mesh basket. It is a handy device for carrying tools, flowers, and harvested produce to and from the garden. You don't need a traditional garden hod for these tasks. Any sturdy pail, basket, or plastic tote will do.

10 Tools Every Gardener Should Have

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Save Grease for Suet

I am an avid bird feeder. In the winter I save my grease drippings, mix them with seed and pour them in a paper milk container. Put it in the fridge to harden and once hardened tare off the paper. I save my net onion bags and hang the home made suet in them for the birds.

apm127 from Long Beach

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Soak Okra Seeds Overnight Before Planting

To quick start your okra seeds, soak them overnight before you plant them. They will sprout much sooner.

Source: Trick we used in our garden when I was growing up in the South.

By Sandy from Elon, NC

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Plant Chard Between Tomatoes for Shade

I have a very small garden and double use all space. Last year I planted Swiss chard starts between my tomatoes for shade. The chard never bolted. Great summer crop. Will do it again this summer.

By Mary V. from Hat Island, WA

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Save Potato Water for Watering Ivy

When boiling potatoes, save the cooking water. Let it cool off completely. Then you can water your ivy plants with the potato water. You will be surprised with how pretty, green and shiny the leaves will get.

By Annette from Tyler, TX

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Plant Shade Trees to Conserve Energy

I have a large shade tree on the south side of my property that keeps the summer sun off of my mobile home. This shade tree makes such a big difference that I rarely need air conditioning. It's a large cedar, but any fast growing tree will work. If you plant a tree that looses it's leaves in the fall, then you'll still get the benefit of winter sunshine to help heat your home!

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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Sell Plants at Your Yard Sale

Try this the next time you have a yard sale. I buy a package of seed starter cups (cost $1) and fill them with starter plants from my yard (ivy, daisies, etc.). Yard sale goers love plants! This makes my yard sale better and also thins out my flowerbeds at the same time. You may also meet someone that wants to trade plantings with you, so you can have a start of something new for yourself.

By Vguy from Earle, AR

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Plastic Cups for Seed Starts

Several weeks ago I planted a variety of vegetable seeds for my garden. I now have several trays of seedlings that need to move to a bigger pot but it is too early to put them in the garden. After using up all my saved 4 inch pots and various yogurt, sour cream and cottage cheese containers I still have a couple hundred seedlings that need a bigger home.

I went to Walmart to see if they had any cheap pots. Nope, nothing unless I was willing to spend $1 per pot. Then I walked by a stack of plastic picnic cups, bingo! I sprang for the sturdier version and spent $3 for 60 cups. I'll put holes in the bottom and these will make great pots that can be reused each year.

By Kristy from Forest Grove, OR

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Outdoor Cats Reduce Moles

My neighborhood has an extremely bad mole problem. The only yards that don't have mole holes are the homes where people let their cats go outdoors. I think it's just the smell of the cats that keeps the moles away because my cat doesn't hunt them.

When we first moved in we had a mole hill every few feet, but now that we have an indoor-outdoor cat our problem is solved! We didn't notice right away, but after several months the moles got the message and moved on. My neighbor paid $250 to have the little buggers trapped (and they came back) all we did was get a cat that needed a home.

By JLS

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Make a "Cement" Garden

Put some fun inexpensive color and add interest to your home or yard with only a few dollars worth of paints and some cement! Go on a nature walk and gather some nice branches of whatever size you want to work with and paint them (I prefer spray paint and it is available in a large array of colors these days!)

Dig holes large enough to set your "tree" in cement. If you want to do a mosaic in the cement to use broken china or embed something you want to look at or show off! You could line a dull walk this way or in the back of the yard where it might be boring add perks of color and define your space. Indoors use pots and color that makes you happy and compliments your room!

You can hang a few things like small sun catchers or little chimes or perch a bird-- you could even put the pretty tea cups you love and want to keep on display! Have a lot of fun "cement gardening" it takes a lot less work and money for this than the other kind of gardening and just as sweet to look at!

By Veronica from Sedalia, Missouri

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Pick Pests Off Your Garden for Insect Spray

If you have bugs in your garden, here's an easy, organic and free way to get rid of them. If you're squeamish about this, put on rubber gloves, garden gloves, or latex gloves and pluck the bugs off the plants, one species at a time, and put them in a cupful of water. You'll get used to it enough to do it bare-handed later, which is much easier. It may sound icky, but it works.

Then take the water and pour it into your blender and blend until you can't see the actual critters any more. Put the water into a spray bottle and spray it on the the same plants you took the bugs from. This prompts a "danger, Will Robinson" response from that type of bug and keeps them away.

Just do one kind of bug at a time, be they beetles, aphids or whatever else you encounter. No pesticides, no traps to empty, just a lovely, bug-free garden. And don't worry about the blender. Wash it as usual and it'll be just fine.

Source: I think I read this in "Organic Gardening" magazine years ago.

By pollylev

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Egg Carton Seed Starter

Cardboard egg cartons make wonderful little seed starters and they are free unlike mini peat-pots. They disintegrate in the soil and the roots can grow right through them. Fill holes egg-holes with several tablespoons of potting soil then add several seeds. I like to poke a drainage in the bottom. After your seed has sprouted and has grown a tiny bit, you'll need to plant it. Before planting it in the garden, cut out each little pod with a pair of cheap scissors.

* Be sure you only use cardboard egg cartons (not Styrofoam) if they are going to be replanted, as styrofoam won't break down like cardboard will.

By JLS

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Contest!

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!

New Requests:

Getting Rid of Mushrooms in Lawn

Since a tree was cut down, my flower garden is overtaken by mushrooms. If I transplant the flowers, will the mushrooms follow?

Hardiness Zone: 6b

By BillieH from Cornell, IL

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Growing: Rosemary

How can I get rosemary to survive in the northern states? I kept my thyme from dying this winter by covering it in plastic but the rosemary didn't survive.

Hardiness Zone: 5b

By Melmarr from Southeast MI

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Getting Started With Container Gardening

I am wondering if anyone knows of a flowering evergreen that I can grow in a container? The area of the planter will get about 6 to 7 hours of afternoon to evening sun.

Hardiness Zone: 7b

By jwmn from Hendersonville, NC

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Rose Bushes Turning Yellow

Question #1: My rosebushes had yellow spotted leaves last Fall so I cut them all down to the ground. Now one has started to grow back and looks healthy so far. Should I leave it alone and see what happens? Is it possible for the regrowth to be healthy?

Question #2: I have bag worms in a Bradford pear tree. What can I do to kill them and prevent them from coming back?

Signed,
Totally Non-Green Thumb

Hardiness Zone: 5b

By lah34a from Missouri

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Homemade Hummingbird Feeders

I can't afford to pay $10 or more each for Hummingbird feeders. I would like to find an economical way of making my own.

By samsonskola from Branson, MO

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Using Milk Jugs in the Garden

We drink a lot of bottled water and I hate to throw away the plastic gallon jugs, it seems such a waste. Can anyone give me any suggestions for recycling them into something usable? I do have a vegetable garden and maybe they could possibly be used there?

By Samsonskola from Branson, MO

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Composting Seaweed

I do not know much about composting. I am a scuba diving instructor who lives in the Philippines. Each summer we get a lot of green algae (sea weed) wash up on our beach here and it is unsightly to our customers.

The local people who are paid to clean up the beach. They clean it the way they have always done by digging a hole and burying it. I am looking for a way in which they can use it to their benefit, and I have heard a lot about composting it.

I was hoping someone could help me, so I can show them what to do with it. So that it can to be used, to either sell it or use it themselves. This way they will remove it from the beach instead of burying it and possibly make some badly needed extra income through the low season. Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jamie

Composting Seaweed

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Planting Flowers in a Vegetable Garden

I would like to plant a veggie garden again this year and was wondering if I could plant flowers across the front and sunflowers as a backdrop? If so what flowers would work, keeping in mind this area is full sun all day?

By J9hardison from Rocky Point, NC

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Nellie R. Stevens Holly Trees

I have just planted Nellie R Stevens Holly Trees. I love them but I can't find what I am looking for searching the web. I know that spring time is a time they shed their leaves. I am not sure about how and when to prune them. Also mine are looking very thin and I don't know what to do.

I did call the landscaper that put them in to look at them. I told him I wanted low maintenance trees and something to fill in to block some views. They are suppose to endure very dry times, etc. But what concerns me is how many leaves they are shedding. Please help. Thank you so very much.

Hardiness Zone: 8a

By Cosy from Columbia, SC

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Do I Need Multiple Tomato Plants?

Will one tomato plant by itself produce fruit or must you have two or more?

Hardiness Zone: 6b

By Broney3506 from Louisville, KY

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Growing Palm Trees

I was thinking about planting Palm trees in my front yard, does anyone have any tips that they can give me?

Hardiness Zone: 8a

By pamandtony

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What is This Plant?

What kind of plant is this?

Hardiness Zone: 5a

By Luceweel from Rockland, ME

What is This Plant?

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Processing and Selling Spanish Moss

How do you clean and sanitize Spanish moss? How can I locate a buyer?

By Lee99

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Photina Hedges Losing Leaves

I have a row of red tip Photina hedges that are losing their leaves rather rapidly. Most years they stay evergreen with the red tips and may occasionally shed a few leaves. I just noticed they are almost bare now and beginning to look rather dead. What could be the problem? Should I cut them back in hopes they'll regrow? They are over 4 years old and at least 7' tall if not taller. Thanks for your input.

Hardiness Zone: 9a

By Nelwyn from Bunkie, LA

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Keeping Cats Out of Flower Beds

I live in the middle of nowhere. I have an outside cat that uses my flower beds as a litter box. I have tried mothballs, foil, human hair, sprays from stores and garden centers. None of these work.

She has now killed all of my plants. If I cannot find something that works, she is going to have to find a new owner, because the smell is horrible. Anything would be appreciated, because other than that she is a great cat!

By soon to be catless from OH

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Uses for Fireplace Ashes

I need some ideas on what I can do with all the wood ash from our wood furnace and fire place. In the winter we use it like salt on the snow and ice. But what can I use it for now? Is it good in the garden?

By Diva53d from Foymount, Ontario

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Growing Acai Seeds

I just got some Acai seeds and can't find anything on the internet about how to grow them. Does anyone in the Thriftyfun community have experience growing this fruit? I live in Oregon, which has a hardiness zone of 8-9.

By Orugun1 from Wilsonville, OR

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Are Crepe Myrtle Roots Invasive?

I am worried about the root system on a crepe myrtle tree. I want to plant one or two in my back yard close to my house and patio. Will the root system grow underneath my cement patio? How far away should I plant them? Thank you.

By Kgminer from Port Richey, FL

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Using Herbs to Repel Bugs

My neighbor mentioned hearing that placing potted basil beside doorways, on the patio or near the grill will repels flies and other flying pests. I have not heard of this. In looking online I see that mint will do the same thing. What type of basil and mint? I would like more info on this. Also, is basil as a companion plant for tomatoes? Thanks.

By melody_yesterday from Otterville, MO

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Bamboo Leaves Turning Brown

I have a stand of bamboo (a Himalayan variety) that has done well for the past two years since planting them in San Francisco. A few months ago I noticed that the leaves were turning brown and the plants were looking stressed. I haven't changed what I've been doing for the past couple of years.

I believe that the plants are well watered, but not over watered. I thought that it may be frost damage, but with the spring leaves coming out, even a significant number of the small new leaves turn brown within a few days. The browning starts at the tip and works it's way back. Any ideas? Thanks.

By Bozlogjam from San Francisco

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Starting Maple Trees in Pots

Last fall I was given little shoots of some red maple trees. They all have a great root base established now, however, they are very tiny, some are less than a foot tall. My concern is we live in a very open area with a lot of wind. Should I continue growing them in small flower pots until they grow a little more, or should I transplant them now.

Hardiness Zone: 5a

By Newfarmgirl from Monroe, MI

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White Mold Growing on Plant Soil

I loved an idea a few weeks ago on here about putting seeds for your garden in egg crates, and then putting them in a homemade "greenhouse" to grow them. Somehow white mold grew on the soil (special soil for starting seeds). Maybe from too much water and not enough circulation?

My mom told me that baking soda applied a few times should kill the mold. But I would like to know if my seeds are now destroyed because of the mold? Some of my plants started, but many haven't. I just discovered the mold 3 days ago. They had been in the "greenhouses" for a week or two. Do I need to start over? Thanks for any help.

Hardiness Zone: 4a

By Wife2jfbuilder from Minneapolis, MN

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Getting Rid of Tree Saplings

What is a natural product I can use to prevent mulberry (or any tree) saplings from sprouting and coming back?

Hardiness Zone: 5a

By Nimminoodle from Peoria, IL

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What is This Plant?

Can anyone tell what kind of plant this is? I think it may just be a weed but I'm letting it grow.

Hardiness Zone: 9a

By Willkng from TX

What is This Plant?

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