|
|
|
Vol. 3, Num. 34, August 28, 2008 (Read It Online) We have lots of new gardening requests this week. Please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer. Ellen also answers more of your questions and share an article about Wilf Flower Rescue Groups. Happy Gardening! 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:
Enjoy the planting, enjoy the seedlings sprouting to life, enjoy the sights and smells too but most of all, enjoy the healthier lifestyle that gardens provide to all that see it. By Maryjo from Salem
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76449877.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: This was made out of downed trees using recycled vintage furniture, old stained glass for windows, antique hanging chandelier surround with plants outside and a copper weathervane on top. By Cathy from Stanwood, WA
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98831593.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: My Garden by the Sea By Mary from Hat Island, Washington
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91256339.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Craft Project: Mini Clay Pot Bird Bath This decorative little bird bath can work as a place to keep stamps, paperclips, safety pins, or even potpourri. It also seems very popular as a Barbie or dollhouse decoration. A small clay pot, clay dish, paint, glue, and wooden birds are the only materials you need to make this a simple and cost-effective craft.
View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45880321.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Garden: Limelight Hydrangea For Northern Climates For those of you who have a hard time growing hydrangeas because you are too far north, this hydrangea will survive and perform beautifully. It is called "Limelight". It is white now and then towards autumn, the flowers turn a soft pink. They are great for drying too! Just put them in a vase and let them dry on their own. Then you can use hair spray on them to keep them even better.By Elaine from Iowa Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37981575.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It:
Cleaned out milk jugs are so handy around the house. Of course I take them to the store to fill for drinking water. I mix up plant fertilizer in them to feed the plants. So easy to grab and pour. I mix up hummingbird food and store in the frig. I mix up powdered milk for the kitty that comes to eat. I put pebbles in and use as a door stop. We freeze water in ahead of time to use in the cooler instead of buying ice. It's so handy to have it stored in the frig. Be sure not to fill completely full. Leave room for expansion. I cut a heavier jug up at the handle area and use as a scoop for my bird feeders in the windertime. Put nuts and bolts in for a baby to kick around to make noise. They love that. You can also cut the bottom out and remove the lid and put around young plants in the early spring to protect from the cold. You can cut the top larger but keep the handle and use to carry smaller items in to the garage. Another good use is to cut the top open more and use to collect seeds from flowers. Be sure to always mark the outside with a permanet marker so you know what's inside. And do not use it for anything else. You don't want to mix plant food with hummingbird food. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000524.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Saving The Natives: Wild Flower Rescue Groups
Most of us are familiar with the concept of pet rescue groups, groups that take in unwanted, abused, or stray animals and attempt to find suitable homes for them. However, did you know that there are similar groups dedicated to rescuing native wildflowers?
View This Article: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61092000.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Question: How do I get rid of clover that is invading my lawn and flower beds? Does anyone have a recipe I can make? Hardiness Zone: 6b Rose from Malvern, PA Answer: Rose, You may want to consider leaving some of it. When you see clover in the lawn and garden (red, white and pink clover), it is actually providing many benefits. It is a member of the legume family, which makes it a nitrogen fixer. Nitrogen fixers are plants that take nitrogen from the soil and air and convert it into a form that is useful for nearby plants. It also attracts bees, which as you know, are the most important pollinators in the yard and garden. It also creates biodiversity in the lawn, without competing strongly with the grass. If the clover you are referring to is yellow clover (also called black medic) that is a different story. Yellow clover is a sign of low nitrogen in the soil. It can take over your lawn and choke out your grass. The best way to get rid of it is not by using a product, but by improving the soil quality (specially the level of nitrogen) in your yard and garden. This can be done with the addition of organic fertilizers or by adding 1-2 inches of compost to your lawn and garden beds in the fall. The weeds themselves can be dug out by hand, preferably when the soil is wet. Another common clover-like weed is Wood Sorrel (Oxalis sticta). It has delicate yellow flowers and leaves that look like shamrocks similar to that of clover. Wood Sorrel is much more difficult to prevent from spreading, but at least it comes out of the ground easily when removed by hand. Using an organic weed and feed on your lawn can be helpful, but be careful to follow the directions carefully as these products prevent grass seeds from germinating as well as weed seeds. Timing is very important to the success of these products. Frequent mowing also helps by preventing the weeds from going to seed. Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47349077.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Soil Recommendation for Petunias Question: I planted wave petunias for the last two years in beds and they start out fine. I water and fertilize, but then they just die. I think the soil must have too much of something. What do petunias need in the soil? Hardiness Zone: 5a Mary from Green Bay, Wisconsin Answer: Wave petunias grow well in most soils, but best in light, well-drained soil with a moderate amount of fertility. They prefer soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Wave petunias are heavy feeders and need lots of fertilizer (every 10 to 14 days) if you truly want to see "waves" of growth. This is especially true when planted in containers. When planted in beds, they get more nutrients from the soil (providing it is good quality soil) so fertilizing is usually only necessary every two or three weeks). Since your petunias started out fine I doubt very much you have a soil problem. Are you planting them in the same spot each year? One interesting thing I learned about Wave petunias just this year is that they should not be planted in the same beds two consecutive years in a row. Yep, crop rotation is recommended for petunias-specifically for Wave petunias. This little gem of information comes directly from the official Wave Petunia website, http://www.wave-rave.com. Apparently the first year you plant them they will do great. Each consecutive year you plant them in the same spot after that they have a tendency to decline. I imagine the decline is due to that fact that they are such heavy feeders. So, if you are planting them in the same beds every year, try moving them to a different spot in the garden next year and see what happens. Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88792407.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Question: My butterfly bush is not blooming this year, why? I have the one with blooms that look like little purple butterflies. It's about six ft. tall and three ft. wide, healthy but no blooms Hardiness Zone: 9b Norma from Deep South Answer: Norma, Poor growth, wilting, yellowing, or leaf drop would all be signs of concern, but as long as your butterfly bush appear healthy, don't worry about it. From what you've written in your posts here, it sounds like you planted your butterfly bush about a year ago. Many times after planting a tree or shrub (even if blooming when you bought it), it takes a season or two for it to settle in before it starts blooming again. Some of this is due to transplant shock. For the first 1 to 3 years shrubs will often switch their focus into generating new roots rather than putting energy into pouring their energy into producing flowers. Your shrub may show some top growth while it's settling in, but the flowers will probably lag behind a bit. Like most shrubs, butterfly bushes will benefit from a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch. Once established they are fairly drought tolerant and only require moderate fertilization. Improper pruning is another reason butterfly bushes fail to flower. Pruning should be done in the early spring, leaving four to five buds at the base of each shoot. The exception to this is Fountain buddleia and Golden buddleia, which both flower on old wood. They should be pruned just after flowering in the summer. For best performance, make sure your butterfly bush has full sun and is not shaded by trees or buildings. Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86099366.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Inexpensive Ways To Fortify Your Garden Soil With fall and winter coming up, it is time think about fortifying your soil for next year! Don't run of to purchase expensive fertilizers - free (and often better) material is easier to find than you may think. Contact a local stable to attain unlimited amounts of horse manure; take home those shredded bits of paper from the office; lighten your garbage load by composting veggie scraps (and solicit friends and neighbors for theirs); turn your raked leaves into mulch by running them through the lawn mower. Perhaps you know someone who raises rabbits or keeps grass-fed cows. There are countless simple ways to boost next year's garden while keeping those pennies in your pocket! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82829862.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Question: I recently purchased four beautiful Massangeana Cane plants from Lowe's and some good potting soil. I potted my plants in nice planters and within a week there are millions of gnats crawling out of the soil and flying everywhere. I just purchased Knock-Out Gnat from Gardensalive.com and waiting for its arrival. Hopefully it works but in the meantime, is there anything I can do to get rid of these pests? Madi from Oceanside, CA Answer: Madi, Almost everyone who grows houseplants has experienced these little black gnats. They are called fungus gnats. They inhabit the fungus and decaying plant material found at the base of houseplants. The fungus gnat's lifespan is as follows: Adults live about 7 to 10 days and deposit eggs on or in moist soil. The females lay from 100 to 300 eggs in batches of 2 to 30 each in soil containing decaying organic matter. The eggs hatch in 4 to 6 days and the larvae feed for 12 to 14 days. The pupal stage is about 5 to 6 days before adults emerge. Repeat. The adult gnats are an annoyance, but they won't hurt your plants. The larvae, however, can damage the feeder roots and root hair causing a general loss of vigor to some plants. The best way to prevent fungus gnats is to use a sterile potting soil mix when repotting (one that is free of bark chips) and to make sure your pots have good drainage. These guys need a moist environment to feed and continue breeding, so if possible, it's a good idea to let the surface of the soil dry out as much as you can (without injuring the plants) between watering. This works well to kill the larvae. Here are some other things to try:
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf949883.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Question: A friend gave me her azalea before moving. Before replanting, I removed baby's breath that had wrapped itself into and over the plant. I even rinsed the root system to keep it from returning. The first year, it didn't flower and the leaves were sparse. I attributed it to the transplanting. Last year, we expanded our deck, and I had to move it again. Now, there are no leaves, and I think the stems/branches haven't even extended. It is completely bare. Have I killed it? Can I get it to come back? If so, how? And how do I help it become stronger? (Obviously, I'm new to caring for this plant) Hardiness Zone: 5a Li from Lisbon, ME Answer: Li, The complete death of an azalea plant is usually due to improper planting techniques (too deep), root problems due to excessive disturbance, poor drainage, over watering or too much fertilizer. Their growing requirements include full sun to part shade and well-drained acidic soil. The semi-evergreen varieties need some shade and winter protection. Unless you have acidic soil, you will want to fertilize with a specially formulated Azalea food. Azaleas are very shallow rooted, so be sure not to plant them too deep. Because azaleas have shallow roots, it is quite easy to cause them injury by transplanting or cultivating around them. You were right to remove the baby's breath, as their shallow roots don't compete well with other plants. Unfortunately by the sounds of it, the roots of your azalea plant have been disturbed several times over the past two years from transplanting as well. In the end, all this activity may prove too much to recover from. Performing a scratch test will give you a good idea as to whether you azalea is worth saving. Scratch the bark with a sharp knife or your fingernail to see if there is any green under the cambium. Start near the tips of the branches and work your way toward the base of the plant. If you see some green tissue under the bark, your azalea plant is still alive and has a real shot at recovering. Any dead or declining areas above where the living tissue starts should be removed. Older azalea stems often develop dead areas that if not removed continue to decline down into the crown at the soil line. When this occurs, the entire plant may die. If you see signs of life, I would just let your azalea be for a while. Keep watering it and add some mulch around the base of the plant to keep weeds at bay and help conserve moisture (pine bark, pine needles, or leaves are good options for azaleas. Personally, I would avoid fertizling it now. You don't want to encourage new growth that will not have time to harden off before winter. You could also try some severe pruning (closer to the ground) to give it a fresh start. I'm sorry to say that if all of the branches appear brown and dry then you may as well toss it. Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43289534.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Can You Replant Tomatoes In The Same Place?
Question: Can you replant tomatoes where you have had tomatoes the year before if the tomatoes had no problems? Thank you. Hardiness Zone: 7a 4doglarry from Morganton, NC Answer: 4doglarry, To get the most out of your soil and reduce pest and disease problems, it's best to avoid planting the same annual crops in the same place each year. Because crops in the same family are susceptible to the same soil borne pests and diseases, it is also wise to avoid replanting where any of that crop's relatives were grown during the previous year. For example, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are all in the same botanical family (nightshade). That means to minimize the potential for pest and disease problems, you should not plant tomatoes in the same spot you planted peppers or eggplants last year. Crop rotation is also important in regards to soil nutrients. For example, beans actually put nitrogen back into the soil, whereas corn and zucchini are heavy nitrogen feeders. By rotating crops every year, you will ensure that no one part of your vegetable garden gets depleted of important nutrients. Here is a list of some vegetables families. These can all be planted together in one part of the garden and swapped the following year with a different family group.
Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65831668.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: I usually have a surplus supply of tomatoes from my garden and, while I give away many, I still have quite a few left. I've never learned how to can tomatoes, instead I freeze them and it's so easy to do so. Wash them first and let dry on paper towels. I then cut out the core and place them on a cookie sheet. Put them in the freezer and let freeze overnight. Take them out the next day and, either put in Ziploc bags or vacuum seal (they sound just like Billiard balls when you drop them in the bag and they hit). Store in your freezer until ready to use. When you remove them for use, let them thaw and watch how they slip right out of the skins! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67577928.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Be Cautious Using Water from Dehumidifiers This is in regard to a tip I read several weeks ago. A reader said she uses the water from her dehumidifier for the birds. My dehumidifier has a WARNING: DO NOT DRINK THE WATER, IT MAY MAKE YOU ILL. I am sure the same would be for birds or any animals. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98431769.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Before the first frost sets in, take cuttings from annuals like coleus, begonias, fuchsias, and impatients. Remove any buds, then dip the ends in rooting compound, and plant the cuttings in a mixture of vermiculite and peat moss. Once the plants begin to grow, you can plant them in regular potting soil, care for them throughout the winter months as you would normal household plants, and then you'll be able to replant them in your outdoor garden in the spring - it's a great savings! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80792377.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It:
I see these flowers on my way to work and have never seen them anywhere else, other than at this spot. Maybe someone dropped some seeds or the seeds found their way there by blowing in the wind? A friend tried to dig some up and put them in her garden but they didn't come back. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70734794.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Can anyone tell me what this white substance is on our grape vine? It's a thick liquid that's running down and collecting on the stems of the grapes. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18985737.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: I have some tomatoes which I started a bit late in the season. They are doing well in outdoor pots but I'm worried now that the weather is changing. Does anyone have any tips on bringing them inside so I can keep them? Thank you. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91515566.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: I love Ivy and would like to start up an outdoor pot of mixed Ivy. Does anyone have any advice on taking a cutting? My neighbors have a lovely mixture of Ivy plants. Thank you. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65061528.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Transplanting Maple Tree Seedlings I have a nice bunch of "volunteer" maples in my flower gardens. I would like to know when its best to transplant them? Do I separate each individual or are they better in 2's? Do I need fertilizer to transplant them? I hope to make a nice straight border with them. Thank you so much for your help. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11420160.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Organic Solutions for a Small Orchard I have a small orchard of variety which consists of peaches, cherries, pears, and apples trees. I don't really know when to spray them for bugs and different diseases. Where can I look for good information? I like to have as many organic solutions, as I don't really agree with using chemicals. I also don't like complicated processes. Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69843283.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Will a Lilac Bloom After Pruning? My lilacs grew so high and blooming into next door's yard, that I pruned the main stems (trunks) way down. Now all these suckers are growing very green, but can they ever bloom? Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85536802.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Planting Pepper Plants in Pots for Winter I have four banana pepper plants and was wondering if I could put them in pots for the winter? They are about three feet tall and still putting out peppers. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92511873.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: My Husband and I are living in our first house where we expect to stay for another 2-3 years before moving to a house further out of the city with a bigger garden. We'd like to invest in some fruit trees which can be grown in large pots now (possibly trained against a fence) and then planted out to grow into bigger trees once we buy the "Forever House". Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82446156.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: I have a four year old blue spruce tree. It's almost five feet tall. I kept running over the lower branches with my lawn mower so without thinking I cut off the bottom branches around the tree. It's doing good but I'm worried that when it grows taller it might have a empty spot in the middle were I cut the branches off. Also I heard that I'm supposed to cut the top down a little so the tree fills out. How and when do I do this pruning? Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18013206.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Brown Spots On Ripening Tomatoes My tomatoes are beginning to get color but on the bottom of each tomato is a brown spot that grows as the tomato ripens. The inside of the tomato at the bottom is black. Any ideas? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70871758.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: My calla lily blooms form green seed pods inside. I was wondering if these can be planted or if they have any other use? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41001272.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Corn Is Tasseling But Has No Ears My corn is about 4' high and is tasseling, but no ears of corn. Any suggestions why not? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91426303.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Bell Peppers Developing Brown, Soft Spots About 1/3 of my bell peppers develop light tan spots ranging in size from Lincoln's head on a penny to 1" wide and longer. The spot is soft to the touch, yielding. They are in full sun exposure and shaded makes no difference to development of the spot. Irrigation is consistently once per day. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99459592.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
