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Volume 2, Number 5, February 1, 2006 Hello, We are using a new service for sending out newsletters and have a new format. If you need to unsubscribe or change you email addres, there is a link at the bottom of each newsletter we send. We have some great articles and advice this week. Hope you enjoy it. If you have any gardening tips to share feel free to submit them here: Submit Your Gardening Tips Happy Gardening! Susan 
Today's Tips and Articles:
New Requests: Growing Guides:
Humidity And Your Houseplants
Most houseplants prefer humidity levels of 40 to 50 percent. Unfortunately, the air inside our centrally heated homes usually falls somewhere near the 10 to 30 percent range during the winter. To houseplants (especially flowering houseplants), this can feel like living in the Sahara Desert. Here are some techniques for keeping the air around your houseplants humid (and healthy) this winter. Read The Rest: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20329202.tip.html Container Ideas From Every Room in Your House
Plants will grow in just about anything given the proper soil, water and light conditions. If you're looking for some inexpensive container ideas, grab a pencil and some paper and take a walk around the house for a few inspirational ideas. Read The Rest: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf230622.tip.html Growing Asiatic Lilies in a Pot Question: I was lazy and now my bag of mixed variety Asiatic lilies (sitting outside the garage door) did not get planted this fall. I would like to plant them in a pot. Can I still do this and leave the pot outside in the New England winter, or should I wait till spring? Hardiness Zone: 6a Lori from Boston, MA Answer: Lori, You can go ahead and plant them, but depending on how long they have been sitting by the garage, the results may be disappointing. True Asiatic lilies do not go "dormant" like other bulbs. They should be planted with some of their live roots attached. This is why you see them for sale in pots rather than sold as bulbs. Once the roots are allowed to dry out, they die. As long as the roots haven't dried out and they don't show signs of mold, they will be okay. Plant them in pots that are deep enough so that you can plant the bulbs at a depth 2 1/2 to 3 times their height (about 6 inches). Use a slightly moist, fast draining potting soil. Asiatic lilies need a fair amount of room so space them from 9 to 18 inches apart. Most Asiatic lilies are hardy to zone 5, but just to be safe, you might want to bring them into a basement or unheated garage. It isn't the New England winter that worries me; it's the New England wildlife. Squirrels and mice venture out on warm winter days. Your lily bulbs would make an attractive mid-winter meal. It you would rather keep the pot outside, make sure you cover the pots with some screen or mesh to keep critters out. If you do bring the pots indoors, keep the bulbs at temperatures near 33ºF for the winter to prevent further sprouting. Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23267797.tip.html Plants That Like Coffee Grounds Question: I read that you can give coffee and the grounds to plants. Does anyone have a list of plants that I can use coffee? Hardiness Zone: 5a Dawn from Elmira, NY Answer: Dawn, I'm glad you asked this question. Most gardeners assume that because it's slightly acidic, fresh coffee grounds or leftover brewed coffee can be sprinkled over the soil of any acid-loving plant. Not true. It's actually a bit more complicated than that. First of all, not all acid-loving plants are created equal. Plants like Azaleas, gardenias, hydrangeas, roses, rhododendrons, and blueberries all seem to respond well when grounds are mixed in with their soil. Acid-loving African Violets, on the other hand, do not. Most edible garden crops also prefer slightly acidic soil, but adding coffee grounds also seems to affect them in different ways. For example, lettuce seems to benefit greatly from the addition of coffee grounds, but tomatoes are actually affected somewhat negatively. Plant scientists are not exactly sure why some acid-loving plants respond differently to fresh grounds than others, but it could be because coffee contains allelopathic chemicals that actually inhibit growth in some plants. This might be helpful when you're trying to control weeds, but unfortunately, coffee grounds can't tell the difference between the plants you like and the plants you don't. Secondly, mixing fresh grounds in with the soil has a tendency to tie up some of the nitrogen while the grounds decompose. Once the fresh grounds are fully broken down, however, a modest amount of nitrogen is released back into the soil. Mixing small amounts into the soil probably won't affect your plant's nitrogen uptake too much, but it's still better to add the grounds after they have fully decomposed or just sprinkle a small amount on top of the soil. Finally, a word of caution on using coffee grounds for houseplants: Moist grounds encourage fungus growth that can be detrimental to your plants. If you use them on houseplants, do so sparingly and avoid watering your plants unless the soil is dry to the touch. Unfortunately, there's no real recipe for how much is too much. Your safest best is to add leftover coffee and used grounds to the compost pile (it's unlikely you could add too much). If you don't compost, you'll have to rely on trial and error. A cup or two around shrubs and a tablespoon or two around potted plants now and then should do no harm. Because coffee is somewhat acidic, adding grass or leaves (browns) as mulch can help neutralize its acidic affects around plants that prefer more alkaline soil. Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30819459.tip.html Question: How do I change the color from green to orange on my oranges? Hardiness Zone: 9b Raj from Kenya Answer: Hi Raj, That's the ironic thing about oranges-they aren't always orange. Depending on the variety, sometimes oranges are green, yellow or even spotted. Temperature fluctuations are what cause oranges to change color while still on the tree. The pigment responsible for orange-colored oranges is called carotene. In order for oranges to turn orange, cooler temperatures are needed. This breaks down the chlorophyll (the green pigment) so the carotenes can show through. In climates where temperatures stay warm all of the time (Puerto Rico, Central America, South Pacific, West Africa), the oranges tend to remain green. Before being sold in the U.S., these oranges used to be coated with an orange dye to make them more attractive to consumers. This practice is no longer acceptable by the FDA, so today green oranges are exposed to ethylene gas while in storage. This removes the chlorophyll layer and allows the orange color to emerge. Fortunately, the color of an orange has little to do with whether or not it's mature enough to eat or if it will taste good. Apples, bananas and tomatoes all naturally give off ethylene gas while ripening. It might be worth a try to store your green oranges in a cool enclosed area (like the fridge) with one or more of these fruits. Who knows, if enough gas is produced, you might see a color change. Good luck!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31113881.tip.html Question: I want to know how to make aloe vera juice at home, and how often I should drink it. Stacia from Moreno Valley, CA Answer: Stacia, I don't have a recipe for you, but I do have some other information. Aloe (Aloe vera) has long been used as a remedy, both topically (the pulp) and orally (the inner lining of the leaves), for many health conditions. Traditionally, Aloe has been marketed to consumers as a remedy for coughs, cancers, headaches, immune-system deficiencies and cuts and scrapes. Scientifically, studies have been done on using aloe to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes, to treat stomach and mouth ulcers and to control joint inflammation. The Mayo Clinic uses scientific studies to grade aloe's effectiveness on treating a variety of medical conditions. It also discusses uses, dosing and safety concerns including allergies (people allergic to certain foods and plants may be allergic to Aloe) and potential side effects. Before ingesting Aloe or using it topically, I would recommend perusing the Mayo's web page for more information. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aloe-vera/NS_patient-Aloe Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf314242.tip.html Question: I have mint plants and they almost got frozen last week. Some stems Died. Are they evergreen or should I just harvest them now before they go dormant? There is no indication except for the frost damage that they would go dormant. Hardiness Zone: 8a cd4life from DFW Texas Answer: cd4life, No herb garden is really complete without a mint plant or two. As many gardeners here will tell you, killing off your mint is the least of your worries. Mint isn't technically an evergreen in zone 8, but it is a hardy perennial that will gladly return to take over your garden year after year. In fact, I recommend finding a way to contain it next spring. The easiest way is to pot it up and drop the pot back into the ground, but this time in a location away (preferably far away) from the rest of your garden beds. Even when growing in pots in the ground, mint runners are tenacious enough to pop out the drain holes and start new plants. Your mint may be behaving for the moment, but eventually will spread throughout the garden (and over to your neighbors) and become a real headache. For now, discard any damaged or dying leaves and continue harvesting the green ones until they die back. For next year, keep in mind that you can extend your harvest by potting up a few of your plants and bringing them inside to grow in a sunny window over winter. Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33281602.tip.html How To Have Fantastic Spring Color For Your Garden Or Landscape Generally you should fertilize once in the spring, summer and fall. If your plants are not blooming, there could be a lack of phosphorus in your soil. Use a high phosphorus fertilizer to boost your blooms during the peak season. Read The Rest: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33942471.tip.html Packing Peanuts For House Plants To lighten the weight of a planter (indoors or outside), fill the bottom quarter of your pot or planter with packing peanuts or styrofoam. This is really a four in one tipt:
Regards- Farmerella from Rural WI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf540435.tip.html The Basics of Plant Pollination
Many of the more mysterious problems that come up during the gardening season can be traced to the pollination process going awry. Crops look healthy but fail to produce fruit, flowers fail to set seed, and yet there are no observable signs of insect damage or disease. Then there's the bizarre-shaped vegetable or odd-colored flower that suddenly springs out of nowhere. If any of these scenarios sound familiar, you may have experienced a pollination problem. Read The Rest: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67538899.tip.html Growing Vanilla Beans In India Question: Hi Ellen! I am from Mumbai, India, which is located on the coastal region of West India. I have 3 queries: 1) Is Mumbai suitable enough to grow the BEST quality of Vanilla beans? 2) What is the minimum area suitable to grow Vanilla? Can it be cultivated in a small CONDUCIVE area at Home? 3) Is it commercially viable? And, how much does it cost to buy the best quality cuttings to grow in India? Nishit from Mumbai, India Answer: Nishit, I'll attempt to answer these one at a time: 1) Two types of vanilla beans-Tahitian and Bourbon-are widely grown for commercial use. Most of the vanilla grown in the world is grown within 20 degrees north of south of the equator. Like other members of the orchid family, vanilla grows best in partial shade in a temperate climate with high amounts of moisture and humidity. Mumbai lies 18.96º north of the equator and has a suitable climate for growing Vanilla. 2) Vanilla plants are creepers. They can be grown in a small amount of space if they are grown on upright supports. 3) Vanilla is commercially viable, but it's a very labor-intensive crop, which is why it's so expensive to grow. It takes three years after planting for the bean plants to flower. They need at least 9 months on the vine to develop and then another several weeks to months to cure properly before fully developing their flavor and scent. Prices on cuttings can vary. Here is a link to information on growing vanilla in India http://www.indiamarkets.com/imo/. Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73091793.tip.html Alberta Spruce Tree Turning Brown Question: We have a variation of the Alberta spruce tree/shrub. They seem to be shedding a lot of their greenery. They are turning brown in many, many areas. In the spring I gave them some extra fertilizer for this type of shrub but it did not seem to help. These are up by the house about a foot from the house) and the back of the shrub on several of them is almost totally brown. I water them all summer and into late fall. Not sure what to do to help them along. Last summer was their second season. Hardiness Zone: 6a Thanks for any advice,
Answer: Ginger, Generally speaking, Dwarf Alberta Spruce trees are pretty resistant to insects and disease. I suspect all your watering, coupled with the fact that your trees are planted within a close proximity to your house is causing some problems. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the extreme density of the foliage and stems on this type of tree, and the fact that they are often planted near foundations, promotes the retention of moisture, especially on the "backside" of the tree (the side of the tree nearest your house). This extra moisture can be a magnet for insects and fungal disease. Check the needles and stems closely for signs of insects and disease, or if possible, have an expert out to diagnose and treat any immediate problems. Alberta Spruce prefer moist, but not wet soil. Once established, you'll find that they are fairly drought resistant so watering them regularly won't be much of a concern. To help avoid moisture problems in the future, make sure to water the tree only at the base of the trunk. Creating a small mound of soil around the base will ensure that excess water flows away from the trunk. You might also consider trying to selectively trim a few of the braches to allow for better air circulation around the canopy. Good luck, Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91257355.tip.html Willow Tree Near Our Homes Foundation Question: I have a willow tree about 12-15 feet from the house and the base of the trunk is about 12 inches. I understand the roots can enter water systems, but can they also impact house foundations? To prevent any potential damage I am uncertain whether it is best to remove the tree now or to just manage its growth. The concern is if the roots have already entered the foundations or water systems then killing the tree will cause the roots to decay and leave gaps and perhaps cause further damage. Any advice on how best to manage the tree in the future would be gratefully accepted. Hardiness Zone: 8a Alan from Gloucetser, UK Answer: Alan, Sorry to hear about the placement of your willow tree. Twelve to fifteen feet from the house sounds awfully close. This tree species grows fast and its roots are experts at seeking out water. The nutrient-rich water from leaky sewer pipes or cracked water lines acts like a magnet to the roots of these water-loving trees. This is why they don't belong in residential landscapes-not to mention that willows drop a lot of kindling and are quite messy as they age. It's hard to say whether or not your tree's roots will infiltrate your foundation, if they haven't already. One determining factor is where in relation to the location of your tree, that your water and sewer pipes enter and exit your home. As long as the roots have enough room to spread out, a solid structure like your foundation will divert the direction of their growth, providing that is, that any nearby pipes are in good repair and moisture doesn't tend to pool in the area. Build up the soil around your foundation and use rain gutters to divert the flow of water away from your home. If it doesn't impede the flow of water away from your foundation, you may also want to have a landscaper install a root barrier. Of course, prevention is the best medicine. If you end up having the tree removed, do so a few weeks after it leafs out in the spring when most of the tree's energy has been expended. Gaps and cracks left by decaying roots can always be filled and repaired. Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92255425.tip.html
Does anyone know where I can purchase the Giant Fordhook Lima beans? We use to raise them in Arkansas but can't find a Seed company that carries them anymore. Most of them has the regular Lima Bean but the one I'm searching for is about the size of a Quarter. I would like to get enough to plant in my Garden. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40352096.tip.html I am looking for an inexpensive online nursery in order to replace hurricane damage trees and shrubs in my yard. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69744193.tip.html Why do my Aloe plants keep rotting off the "leaves". I don't use the same pot or soil I buy them in. I don't water it too much. They just start rotting after I repot from the store pot. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73863942.tip.html Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here
Sweet Flag is an unusual herb in that its natural habitat is in shallow water. Its sword-shaped leaves are similar to that of an Iris, except that when crushed, they release a distinctively pleasant scent, its tiny, greenish-yellow flowers are inconspicuous, appearing on tall, cylindrical spikes. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51514194.tip.html A common roadside plant found throughout North America, Yarrow is valued for its medicinal properties and for its use in cosmetics. Its colorful flat flower heads are 2 to 6 inches across and come in a variety of colors perfect for dried and cut flower arrangements. Yarrow's foliage is a feathery green-gray and has a pleasant aromatic smell when crushed. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80767635.tip.html
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