|
|
|
Vol. 3, Num. 37, September 18, 2008 (Read It Online) This week we have more photos from readers and Ellen answers more of your questions. She also shares an article about Buying Bulbs. Do you have any fall gardening tips? Feel free to share them here: 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 Anita from Hazel Crest, IL
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44084450.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: I made this arbor with benches over 10 years ago. I put planter boxes down both sides and then put benches inside. The planter boxes are lined with old tarps over plywood and then stick wood. The stick wood can be alder, cedar, fir, etc. I use all of the above, just make sure it's not rotten. I try to use fresh fallen trees or standing scrub trees. This is also a good way to get rid of old tarps, the tarps can protect your planter boxes not rot so fast. You can use three round logs with thick branches for the top as benches or treated wood. I have done both here. It's a great place to enjoy nature and small children really like playing in the arbor and eating treats. It's a fun project that you can share with your family, collecting thick branches and building the arbor. Have a creative day! By Cathy from Stanwood, WA
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54132144.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Use Seasonal Veggies as Your Centerpiece Fresh vegetables from your garden can make a beautiful table decoration. I change the centerpiece on my table according to what vegetables are in at the moment.Right now, the summer garden is about finished so we have mainly peppers. An edible centerpiece, how great is that? By Rika from Brunswick, Georgia
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37366476.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Garden: My Grandmother With Her Watermelon (1930) This picture is of my Grandmother in 1930. I do believe that is a watermelon she is getting ready to cut. She certainly did something right in her garden!By Jackie from Orlando, Florida
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10122857.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It:
Question: I am starting to get my back yard cleared out. About 15 trees will be removed, grass seed will be planted and I would like a small patio area to be exposed from the French Doors I hope to have installed. Are there any websites or ideas you can think of? I am thinking of just an area big enough for a grill, table and chairs, to enjoy watching my child play in the yard. I so appreciate your input. Amy from NJ Answer: Amy, There are LOT of great web sites to assist you in designing your new outdoor living space. A great way to start the planning process is to sit down with pen, paper, and list the following:
I also like this link from Sunset Home. It contains many pictures for and ideas suitable for a variety of backyard spaces. You'll find more great ideas on Home and Garden Television site here: Here is a link to some free downloadable do-it-yourself software for designing landscape patios. Good luck!Ellen Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10943562.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: What To Look For When Buying Bulbs
Bulbs are containers. Each of them houses all of the necessary ingredients (except water) to grow a beautiful flower. It should come as no surprise then, that the quality of the flower you end up with depends a lot on the quality of the bulb you start with. Here are some things to keep in mind the next time you shop for bulbs.
Read This Article: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95139292.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Use Ice To Water Houseplants Slowly I have a gazillion houseplants, most of which have been started from cuttings. Watering hanging plants can be hard, especially when they get a bit rootbound. To make this easier, I freeze empty water bottles and yogurt cups of water and when frozen put them into the plants. As the water melts, it is absorbed into the soil slowly, rather than just running down the sides and out the bottom. This saves water, frustration and also, since a full freezer is more energy-efficient, it saves electricity. Sometimes I mix soluble fertilizer/food into the bottles and feed the plants this way, too. None of the fertilizer is poured out into the saucer, either. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69528172.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Question: I never seem to know when to cut my lavender to get the best fragrance. Also, what is the best way to dry it. Hardiness Zone: 6b Rose from Malvern, PA Answer: Rose, Timing is everything when harvesting herbs for preserving and storing. The trick is to gather your herbs at the point in their growing cycle when the volatile oils they contain are the most concentrated. In regards to lavender, the parts of the plant usually harvested for fragrance are the flowers and leaves. Young, year-old plants should only be harvested lightly, if at all so they can focus their energy on becoming established. To harvest, pick the flower spikes in the early blossom stage before the flowers have fully opened. Do this early in the day (after the dew has dried) during dry weather. It will help facilitate the drying process if there is no extra moisture on them. You can dry lavender in a couple of ways. The easiest way is to bunch several stems together, secure the cut ends with a rubber band, and hang them upside down to dry. Collect enough stems to make a 1-inch thick bundle. If you are worried about dust or losing a few leaves or flower petals, cover the ends of the spikes with brown paper bags. Cutting a few small flaps (observation windows) down each side of the paper bags will allow for plenty of air circulation. When drying herbs, slower is better. Ideally, herbs should be dried over a period of 1-2 weeks in a room that is cool, dark, and dry. If space is an issue, try drying them on a cooling rack or screen placed over the top of a cookie sheet. The cookie sheet can them be stored somewhere out of the way like on top of your refrigerator or hot water heater. Good luck! Ellen
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92592924.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Plant Daffodils To Prevent Pests If you are having trouble with something eating your flower bulbs, try planting daffodils around your flower bulbs. Daffodils are toxic to mice and voles. Worked great for me. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14742355.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Question: I have a hibiscus plant that will bloom, but the blooms will not open up completely before they die. I have planted it in the ground and fertilized it. I water it everyday, but nothing seems to work. What should I try next? Hardiness Zone: 9a Keri from Houston, TX Answer: Keri, What kind of hibiscus do you have? There are hundreds of varieties available, many with curious flower forms. For example, the variety "Flower of an Hour" (Hibiscus trionum) has 2 inch wide white to pale yellow flowers with dark centers that typically only bloom for a couple of hours each day. Is it possible you have a "Turk's Cap" (Malvaviscus penduliflorus)? This flower is isn't technically a hibiscus, but it's closely related. The fact that it is often referred to as "Sleeping Hibiscus" only adds to the confusion. The flowers resemble those of a "wilted" hibiscus. They never fully open, but hang down in a tubular fashion from the stems of the plant (this is a clever adaptation by the plant to encourage pollination by hummingbirds, which are typically attracted to bell-shaped flowers. Here is a picture for reference: If what you have turns out to be a Turk's Cap, it will bloom off and on throughout the year, usually looking its best in early winter. Another possibility is bud drop (leaves start to open then dry up and fall off). This is common with hibiscuses, and is caused by stress from improper watering (not enough), too much fertilizer, extremely hot weather, or insect damage from the likes of aphids or thrips. Double flowered varieties of hibiscus seem to be particularly susceptible to bud drop. Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60850258.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Question: Why are my rose bush leaves turning yellow all of a sudden? Hardiness Zone: 7a Ann from MA Answer: Hi Ann, I agree with Elaine (in the feedback forum below). It sounds like your roses have experienced a fungal disease called Black Spot. Black Spot is a serious, but controllable, disease commonly seen in floribundas, hybrid teas, and grandifloras. For whatever reason, shrub roses don't seem to be affected by it as much. Black Spot is caused by fungal spores and typically occurs during warm, moist conditions when rainwater splashes the spores up onto the foliage from the ground. Black spots and yellow patches appear on the leaves, which then shrivel up and fall off. If left untreated, a rose bush can quickly lose all of its leaves. To treat roses with Black Spot, remove any visibly infected leaves and throw them into the garbage. Composting is not recommended, as fungal spores can remain dormant for long periods. Fallen leaves lying under the plant should also be cleaned up and disposed of in the same way. To prevent Black Spot from spreading to more leaves, dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 quart of water and spray the infected plants thoroughly. Severe infections can also be controlled with sulfur, which is readily available at garden centers. You can't control the rain, but you can help control the spread of Black Spot by mulching around your roses to help prevent water from splashing the plants. Water your roses as early as possible in the day so leaves have time to dry, or avoid wetting the foliage altogether by watering from below. Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54550054.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Question: I am looking for tips on growing burning bushes. Hardiness Zone: 5b Donna from Orange Count, NY Answer: Donna, Burning bushes happen to be one of my favorite shrubs. They are low maintenance and offer wonderful fall color, and add interest to the winter landscape. Here are some hints for growing them:
Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52138569.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Question: How long before clematis starts blooming? I planted from a gallon container. Hardiness Zone: 5a Mike from Mercier, Qc.,Canada Answer: Hi Mike, Clematis can take a year or two to bloom after first being planted, and will require at least several more years before reaching full maturity. A lot depends on the age and health of the plant you purchased, the growing conditions you provide for it, and how fast it's able to establish roots after being planted. As the old adage goes, the first year perennials sleep, the second they creep, the third they leap. It sounds a bit corny, but it's true! Expect your clematis to need a minimum of one to two seasons of "settling in" before you see blooms. During the first year (while it "sleeps"), the plant will direct the majority of its energy into establishing a strong root system. A good root system is critical for a vigorous vine, so be sure to fertilize and water your clematis regularly (try a 5-10-10 fertilizer) This will create a good foundation for years of beautiful blooms, and before you know it, your new clematis will reward you with years of prolific blooms. Try these links for more information on growing clematis:
Good luck! Ellen
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15641732.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It:
Fixing a Muddy Area In My Yard One side of our yard is always wet and muddy. Can anyone suggest a cheap fix? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52158846.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: I have yellow yarrow in my front yard. It has done well, but grew so high this summer that it fell over and didn't look nice at all! It is only in its 2nd year and I wondered if there is anything I can do to keep the height down so it can hold itself up and look nice in my flower bed. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78298636.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Planting a Weeping Willow Tree How far from my house should I plant a weeping willow tree? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12106321.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Transplanting a Weeping Cherry Tree I want to transplant my weeping cherry. It started as a baby sprout. The trunk is only 4 inches tall and 1 inch wide, and has a 6 foot shoot branching off in the right direction (northeast). Right now it is laying on the ground. When I transplant the tree, can I turn the tree to make it stand up. Do I post it, or do I prune the shoot? It is healthy and has many smaller shoots on it. Hardiness Zone: 6b Shannon from Grafton, WV Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf303149.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Are there any home recipes for weed and grass killer for vegetable gardens? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf001029.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Removing Strawberry Plants From Lawn How do you eliminate Wild Strawberry plants in a lawn? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77666563.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: My lawn is covered in tall growing, light blue flowers, tough grass and dandelions. Is there any hope for it, or do I have to tear it all up? Please help! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17933590.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Is Lupine OK to grow in southeastern MA? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91746234.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
