Happy Garden - July 2, 2009

Vol. 4, Num. 27, July 2, 2009 (Read It Online) This week we have an interesting article by Ellen Brown about Growing Woodland Ferns From Spores. We also have more tips and photos from readers. Be sure to give a "thumbs up" to tips and photos that you like. We use your ratings to pick contest winners. Do you have any gardening photos or tips to share with ThriftyFun community? Feel free to submit them on one of the contest pages. Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team Send to a Friend! Submit Your Gardening Tips Submit Photos of Your Garden Submit a Gardening Request Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter. Today's newsletter contains: Photos: Garden: Use A Strawberry Pot For Flowers Garden: White Poppy Garden: William Baffin Climbing Rose Garden: Bamboo Lattice Squirrels Eating from Bird Feeders Tips and Articles: Cultivating Patience: Growing Woodland Ferns From Spores Recycle Plastic Bottles to Water Plants Conserving Water in the Garden Red Pepper as a Pest Deterrent Newspaper Your Weeds Away New Requests: Sow Bugs in My Compost Pile Roses Loosing Leaves Getting Rid of Lilac Suckers Cayratia Japonica Taking Over My Garden Deer Ate My Thornless Blackberry Plants Moss Growing on Lilac Bushes Yellow Yarrow Grew Too Tall Flowers Seeds Never Sprouted Plants Seem Stunted from Cool Weather Leaves and Flowers on Lilies Turning Brown Tulips Have Sprouted, When Do I Plant? Fertilizing Pine Trees Killing Poison Ivy Making a Woodland Scene Water Feature Keeping Grass Out of Rock Garden Getting Rid of Aphids on a Hibiscus Fertilizer for Sago Palm Growing Zucchini Gasoline Killed the Grass Leaves on Aloe Plant are Turning Brown Transplanting a Trumpet Vine Staring Roses from Cuttings What is This Plant? What is This Plant? What is This Tree? What is This Tree? What is This Tree? Flea Repellent for an Outdoor Kennel Do Lilacs Lose Their Leaves in the Fall? Keeping Animals Out of Your Vegetable Garden 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: Use A Strawberry Pot For Flowers This planter, A.K.A strawberry planter, was planted with the plants' needs in mind. The very bottom plants are Portulaca, very drought tolerant. They thrive on the bottom because they won't get over saturated. The top plant is a New Guinea Impatiens, it likes water and will droop when it's in need of a drink! The allysum and lobelia are planted in the middle and will get watered when the New Guinea Impatiens tells me it's thirsty! Honestly though, I do water my plants before they droop but once in awhile, you know. By Deb H. from East Brunswick, NJ Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55445261.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Garden: White Poppy This is a white Poppy I got about 8 years ago. It took about 3 years before it ever bloomed. This is a picture of the last flower left this season. The bloom is 7 inches in diameter. I tried putting my hand in the picture to show how large it was but couldn't maneuver the camera with one hand. I do not know the name of it. By Little Suzy from Millbury, OH Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76542551.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Garden: William Baffin Climbing Rose This climbing rose is a "William Baffin" Canadian Explorer rose. This rose is hardy way up to Canada so all you in zones 5, 4 and 3 can grow these successfully. This is the 4th year for my climber. I never had to cover it in the winter. It is climbing on a split rail fence. Isn't it a beaut? Source: From my own backyard. By Laniegirl from Iowa Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52771395.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Garden: Bamboo Lattice I made a bamboo lattice-type support for my weeping apricot that is in front of my Tea-house, similar to the cherry blossoms in Japan. By ausjul from Sydney, Australia Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40402565.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Squirrels Eating from Bird Feeders We cannot keep this critter out of the bird feeders no matter what we do. My husband has tried everything, but alas the little squirrel out wits him every time. I snapped this picture just a few minutes after my husband thought he had the problem solved. Any suggestions would be helpful! By Bobbie G from Rockwall Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71865952.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Tips and Articles: Cultivating Patience: Growing Woodland Ferns From Spores By Ellen Brown Ferns are commonly found in the wild and are well adapted to woodland environments in most parts of the country. Many of the ferns you see for sale commercially in your area are the same species you find living in the wild. Growing ferns from spores is a challenge and not for the gardener who is faint of heart. For those seeking to cultivate some patience, however, it may be one of gardening's greatest rewards. Ferns Gone Wild Before you collect any spores, it's important to look at the wild ferns growing in your area. Their particular habitats and behaviors are good indicators of what they need in order to be successful in your garden. If a particular type of fern seems to be growing out of control in the wild, there is a good chance it will grow just as crazy once it is planted in your garden. The same is true for ferns that grow only on rocks or near running water. You'll need to mimic those conditions in your garden if you want to achieve success. Conservation and Etiquette As common as some species of ferns are in the wild, others are very rare and even endangered. You should never remove whole plants from the wild, and you should never remove fronds from ferns that are rare or endangered. The exception to this is if you are saving the ferns from being destroyed (e.g. construction or development) and you have the property owner's permission. Identifying the Spores Fern spores are located on the underside of the fern's fronds. The spores themselves are actually inside the sporangia, which look like raised spots or lines and are usually green. When the spores are ripe and ready to be collected, the sporangia become firm and turn black, brown, or yellow in color. If the sporangia look slightly fuzzy and pale they have already released the spores. The time of year this happens depends on where you live and the type of fern you're collecting spores fromusually late summer in temperate climates, and almost anytime of the year in tropical regions. Collecting the Spores To collect the spores, remove the frond and place it safely between two sheets of paper. Once home, lay the paper (frond still inside) in a warm, dry place that is free from drafts. After 1-2 weeks, remove the top layer of paper to reveal the dried leaves and spores. The spores are the tiny little dust-like particles still attached to the paper after the leaves are brushed away. If you fold the paper in half and tap it slightly, you can concentrate the spores into the center of the paper for easier transfer onto the growing media. Growing the Spores To grow the spores, sprinkle them on top of a small jar or clear plastic containers filled with moist STERILIZED potting soil. Use a high quality mix similar to the humus-rich soil found in the fern's natural habitat. Cover the container tightly with a clear cover and place it in a bright room, but out of direct sunlight. Temperatures should be between 60 and 80 degrees F. Once the container is covered it will not have to be watered again until the baby ferns emerge. Because the growing container will remain covered for a number of weeks, it's very important that everything from the growing medium to the growing container is sterilized and disinfected before use. The potting soil can be sterilized in a microwave oven for 4 minutes on high. (Let it cool before sowing seeds.) Growing containers should be disinfected in solution containing 10% bleach/90% water, then rinsed several times with previously boiled water. Cultivating Patience The hardest part of growing ferns yourself is waiting for something to happen after the spores have been sown. It may take 6-12 weeks (6 months for some species) before you see any signs of life. And that's only the first part of the process. If your spores are successful, first to appear will be the tiny, leaf-like plants (prothallia) that measure about 3/8 inches across. These need to be thinned so only 1-2 are growing in each 3 inch area. If not thinned they will develop only male organs (instead of male and female organs) and all of your hard work (and patience) will end in frustration. Ferns need water to be fertilized (the sperm must swim to the egg), so mist them regularly with distilled water. This will also prevent the potting soil from drying out. If fertilization is successful, the first tiny fronds will emerge in another 6-8 weeks. Thin them to 3 inches apart. Transplanting Young Ferns If your ferns have made it this far (to tiny fronds, 1/4 inch high) they can be transplanted (still indoors) into individual peat pots. These pots should be placed in a plastic flat and covered to create a mini-greenhouse effect. Ferns take a LONG time to adjust to the drier air of outdoors. In the spring, gradually start removing their cover for short periods of time until they are hardened off completely to the change in humidity. After they are hardened off, transplant them in a mostly shady spot (dappled sunlight is best) and watch them carefully for the first year. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19485630.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Recycle Plastic Bottles to Water Plants When it comes to summer time and plants drying out, what I find works is taking water bottles (like Perrier water bottles found in the recycle box at work), filling them up with water, and then sticking them in soil about 2-3 inches in the soil. This lasts for about 4 days in containers. For outdoor garden, I place it close to the plant and it last about 3 days. As the soil drys it allows for air to be released and allowing the water to fill up the spot where the air has been created. No need to worry about overwatering with this method, as gravity works its magic. No need to spend money on glass balls for watering. If you want to decorate them, modpoge them with tissue paper. Source: My Mom By earthygrrl from Toronto ON, Canada Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21522137.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Conserving Water in the Garden Here are some tips for conserving water in your garden: Water your garden in the late afternoon but not at night. It needs time to let the surface dry so mold and fungus aren't able to damage the plants. Set out buckets to collect rainwater. It's much better for the plants because of the nutrients in it. Put newspapers around the plants when they are small and cover them with about an inch of soil. Saturate them with water. This will discourage weeds and slow down the drying process. Buy a soaker hose and thread it around the plants. It gets the moisture where you want it, into the soil near the plant and doesn't evaporate like it does with a sprinkler. Water generously rather than often. Surface watering doesn't encourage deeper root growth and makes it necessary to water more frequently. Source: These tips came directly from the school of experience. My family had a garden every year and I was taught right there at home. By Sandy from Elon, NC Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82767545.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Red Pepper as a Pest Deterrent Two years ago I planted quite a few annuals, particularly impatiens, which I love. Within 10 days, nearly all of them had been munched right down to the ground. GRRR! Then I heard a tip and tried it when I replanted all the flowers. I scattered garlic powder and red pepper flakes throughout the bed and no more herbivore carnage! I have moles, gophers and even woodchucks in both my yard and in a large field across the street. Who knows which of the critters were using my garden as a salad bar, but they sure didn't like the seasonings I used. Pick some up at the Dollar Store for super low prices, and keep in mind that this is organic and non-fatal. It's just a repellent. By pollylev Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf607638.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Newspaper Your Weeds Away To eliminate weeding from garden vegetable rows, I began recycling old news papers. I place the newspapers in the between the vegetable rows (one sheet in thickness). I also tear the paper and place the paper around the plant stalk. I then place wheat straw on top of the paper to prevent the wind from blowing the paper away. Irrigate and the straw gets wet and holds the paper between the rows. This also reduces the amount you have to water, because the paper straw combination reduces water evaporation. This prevents weeds and grass from consuming your vegetable plant nutrients. Also after the season is over this material can be tilled into the soil for enhanced organic matter for the soil. Finally the straw allows for sand free vegetables. I have been doing this for over 20 years and it works just great. By Grady from Fayetteville,NC Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49365838.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Contest! Tip Contest Submit a Tip or Recipe! Photo Contest Submit a tip with photo! 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! My Frugal Life Submit a My Frugal Life Essay! New Requests: Sow Bugs in My Compost Pile I have Pill bugs (Sow bugs) and Ear Wigs in my compost pile, good or bad? If I need to get rid of them, how? Hardiness Zone: 9a By hangtown46 from Central, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45805661.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Roses Loosing Leaves Help. I have a Rose bed of 50 floribundas. It has been raining here in North Jersey almost every day in June. I use Bauer All-in-One to control insects aand disease, but that did not seem to stop whatever my roses have. I am thinking it is an insect. The leaves start off with a bronze color or yellow with black spot. When I turn over the leaves, I see lots of movement by mircoscopic bugs (mites?) Eventually, the leaves turn brown, dry up, and fall off. I have sprayed with Malathion and dusted with Rosex, yet my plants now have lost 50% of their leaves. I will continue to spray and dust, but I am now considering adding some Rose-tone fertilizer to help re-energize. Thoughts on any of this? I am afraid that all the plants will just defoliate and die. The new growth does appear healthy though, on last check. By rosies diner from NJ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83915835.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Getting Rid of Lilac Suckers How does one get rid of the little runners from a Lilac bush? Faith Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90990360.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Cayratia Japonica Taking Over My Garden How do I kill the Cayratia japonica vine that is taking over my garden? It is related to the Virginia Creeper, but is very invasive and regular weed killers act as vitamins for it. Hardiness Zone: 10a By spikeitup from New Orleans, LA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86973510.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Deer Ate My Thornless Blackberry Plants Deer ate the leaves and tops of the stems of my new thornless blackberry plants, that I planted this Spring. Should I pull it up or can I root some of it? Will the stems grow roots in water? Thanks. Hardiness Zone: 7a By wranglerdg from Bedford, VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50621480.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Moss Growing on Lilac Bushes I have several lilac bushes that are covered with moss and lichen. They are dying. Are the lilacs dying because of the moss and lichen or is the moss and lichen growing on them because they're dying? What do I do about it? They are planted on the North side of my home as part of a lilac hedge in rainy Seattle! The others are doing okay but I worry the moss may spread to them. Hardiness Zone: 8a By Cyinda from near Seattle Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14824455.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Yellow Yarrow Grew Too Tall I have lots of Yarrow and as soon as they start blooming they all fall over. What can I do to make them stand straight? Hardiness Zone: 7a By Settler from Springboro, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78298636.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Flowers Seeds Never Sprouted I planted flower seeds 2 months ago and I don't see anything. Hardiness Zone: 10a By saffolady from Lakekland, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51259320.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Plants Seem Stunted from Cool Weather I planted my garden on May 25th. And its been cooler than average so far this year, especially in the evening. I believe my plants may have stunted because of this. They look very healthy but they're not getting any bigger. Is there anything I can do to kind of shock them out of this? Hardiness Zone: 5a By Cael35 from Erie, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39462316.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Leaves and Flowers on Lilies Turning Brown My lilies' leaves are turning brown and the flowers have brown spots on them. Do you know why? Hardiness Zone: 7a By Dottie574 from Far Rockaway, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21777735.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Tulips Have Sprouted, When Do I Plant? I live in NW Ohio. I have some Tulip bulbs that I just did not have time to plant last Fall. I have them in my basement in a bag. They have "sprouts" coming out of them. Is it too late to plant them this Fall? What would happen if I planted them now? Dumb question, I know, but I know little about gardening. In fact, my husband used to tell me that I could kill plastic flowers. Ha, ha. Hardiness Zone: 6a By chef4u from Sylvania, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46633678.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Fertilizing Pine Trees Will adding Sulfur help my pine trees ? Hardiness Zone: 8a By pleasechooseanother from Paradise TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20694355.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Killing Poison Ivy How can I kill Poison Ivy? Hardiness Zone: 5a By dockside001 from Kalamazoo, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf643669.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Making a Woodland Scene Water Feature I would love ideas on how to make a water feature. I already have a fountain, but would like something different, almost a woodland scene. And how do I screen it to keep critters from falling in? A baby skunk fell in last summer and drowned. And I am also looking for ideas to make a corner rock garden. Any thoughts are welcome. Hardiness Zone: 4b By kitten97883 from Union, OR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58618339.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Keeping Grass Out of Rock Garden What can I use to keep grass out of my rock gardens? It is difficult for me to get down on my knees anymore. By gram p Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85522887.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Getting Rid of Aphids on a Hibiscus Is using soapy water on Hibiscus aphids as effective as purchasing a commercial product? Hardiness Zone: 9b By jpear from Riverside, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17104445.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Fertilizer for Sago Palm What is best fertilizer for Sago Palms? Also for a Star Pine? Hardiness Zone: 9a By jpear from Riverside,CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38073906.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Growing Zucchini My Zucchini is growing too fast, it is covering my pepper. I wonder if I cut some leaves to uncover the pepper will this affect the Zucchini or not? By hananay Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf887189.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Gasoline Killed the Grass I have a condo and the people that mow the grass used a big lawn mower that leaked a lot of gasoline last fall. I noticed the grass was turning brown and this spring the grass was dead. I've replanted grass seed numerous times and it will not come up. What should I do to get grass to grow in these spots? Hardiness Zone: 7a By Settler from Springboro, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77030946.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Leaves on Aloe Plant are Turning Brown I have an aloe plant that is 4 foot tall. I have had it for 12 years. The tips of the leaves are turning brown and drying up. What can I do? Hardiness Zone: 7b By maxey from Wilmington, DE Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16074700.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Transplanting a Trumpet Vine What time of year should I transplant a baby shoot from a Trumpet vine? How do I do it? Hardiness Zone: 6a By kneesh from Bear Lake, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79189166.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Staring Roses from Cuttings I started a few roses from stems, but when I remove the cover, the leaves dry out and I lose the plant. How long do you leave the cover on? Here in Utah, the green house effect gets really hot after May. Any suggestions? Hardiness Zone: 7a By littleriver from Provo, UT Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81897174.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | What is This Plant? This plant was given to me but I do not know what it is called. Thanks to anyone who can tell me. By ladybug123 from Nova Scotia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49144000.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | What is This Plant? Can anyone tell me what this plant is and how to care for it? I'm plant sitting and it doesn't seem to be doing very good! Thanks! By Halfwhitfrom Ashdown, AR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48479198.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | What is This Tree? Can you identify this tree for me? Hardiness Zone: 8a By Halfwhit from Ashdown, AR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75254911.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | What is This Tree? Can you identify this tree for me? Hardiness Zone: 8a By Halfwhit from Ashdown, AR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87005328.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | What is This Tree? Can you identify this tree for me? Hardiness Zone: 8a By Halfwhit from Ashdown, AR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83716663.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Flea Repellent for an Outdoor Kennel I have a terrier/chihuahua mix outside in a dirt floor pen. I'm wondering if anyone may know some kind of home remedy that I can mix up and spray in my dogs pen to repel fleas, ticks, etc. that will not hurt her. Can anyone help me? By redneckgirl Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98498398.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Do Lilacs Lose Their Leaves in the Fall? Do Lilac bushes lose their leaves in the fall? Hardiness Zone: 7a By vyjp from Mineola, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68532405.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Keeping Animals Out of Your Vegetable Garden How can I keep the animals away from my vegetable plants? Hardiness Zone: 7a By bardha from Randolph, NJ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf361624.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here 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 More Stuff Seed Swap! Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users. Submit a Request... Frugal solutions to everyday problems.