Home |  Index |  Submit Request |  Share Photos |  Share Tips |  Active Topics |  New Feedback  |  Contact Us  |  Search
 User Login:  Username:    Password:      Forgot It?  | Join ThriftyFun!

 Popular Topics
 - Beauty
 - Budget and Finance
 - Christmas *
 - Cleaning
 - Consumer Advice
 - Craft Projects
 - Craft Tips
 - Food Tips
 - Garage Sales
 - Gardening
 - Gifts
 - Green Living
 - Home Improvement
 - Organizing
 - Parenting
 - Parties
 - Pest Control
 - Pets
 - Product Reviews
 - Recipes
 - Repair
 - Thanksgiving
 - Weddings for Less

More Topics

Google Search:

Web thriftyfun.com

About:
RSS Feed
About Us
Media
Advertising
Contact Us
Privacy Statement
Disclaimer

The Happy Garden Newsletter - May 18, 2006

1x1
Date: 05/11/2006 Topic: Newsletter Archives > Happy Garden Newsletter  
1x1
1x1
Post Feedback! | Email Friend | Print | Get Responses | Bookmark | del.icio.us | Link | Rate: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down

Volume 1, Number 16, May 18, 2006
http://www.ThriftyFun.com

Hello,

I hope you enjoy this week's newsletter. We enjoyed putting it together. It contains some great articles and advice from Ellen as well as some tips sent in by readers. We also have 15 new gardening related requests.

Happy Gardening!

Susan

Submit Your Gardening Tips:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_contest.ldml

Submit Photos of Your Garden:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_photocontest.ldml

Submit a Gardening Request:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_request.ldml

Today's newsletter contains:

Today's Tips and Articles:

New Requests:

  • Keeping Pond Water Clear
  • Growing Guides:

    Search ThriftyFun Using Google: Click Here

    Today's Sponsors

    Eversave

    Sign up for Eversave and receive saving alerts from the nations leading brands via email and local coupons.

    More Information:
    http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-1461549-10313907

    Today's Tips and Articles

    Soil Advice for Avocado Plants

    Q: For the plant doctor. What plant soil should I use for potting my avocado seed. It has grown and is starting to loose leaves. Please also discuss watering the plant.

    Sharon Walters from St. Louis, MO

    A: Sharon,

    The first thing you need to do is figure out what type of avocado plant you're growing. There are three basic types of cultivars (races): West Indian, Guatemalan and Mexican. All have slightly different moisture, humidity and temperature requirements according to where they originate from. West Indian plants, for example, are best adapted to hot, humid conditions and are used to moist, high summer rainfall conditions of the West Indies. Like all avocado cultivars, they are extremely sensitive to drought and do not tolerate frost well. Guatemalan cultivars, on the other hand, don't need it as warm, will withstand a light frost, but prefer even more humidity than the other cultivars.

    In general, use fertile, well-drained soil, with a pH between 6 and 7. Although they adapt to most soil types, avocados prefer a light, sandy/loamy soil. Once the roots are well-established, give plants a half-strength liquid fertilizer every three weeks during the summer and every 6 weeks in the winter. Keep this regime up for the first year and then you should be able to get by with fertilizing only 4 times a year.

    Keep your plant's soil moist, but not wet. Use less water, but water often. The key is to provide good drainage. Every now and then, make sure you give it enough of a soak so that water drips out the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. This will keep salts from building up in the soil.

    Don't worry about your plant shedding older leaves, it's perfectly normal. To avoid growing a tall leggy avocado, make sure it gets plenty of bright light, cooler night time temps, and pinch it back for bushier growth once it reaches a height of 12 inches or so.

    Good luck!

    Ellen

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Free Fertilizer with Leftover Tea

    Want to enjoy that cup of tea and get Free Fertilizer in return? Then don't throw away that leftover cup or teapot of tea (the one without sugar and cream) as they make excellent fertilizer for your greens.

    Just let the leftover tea cool down, then pour some over your greens and your plants will grow beautifully. I got this tip from my ex-boss when after the meeting was over, he pour the tea over the plants. I was shocked and he said they are good for them and sure enough all our office plants looked incredibly healthy and gorgeous!

    To be even more frugal, you can also pour additional hot water on the used tea bags (who says they can only be used once!), but of course, you use less water the 2nd time round to enjoy that cup of tea or just to create some more fertilizer .

    By Chen Jean Nee from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    What is corn gluten?

    Q: What is corn gluten, and where can I purchase it?

    Hardiness Zone: 6a

    Tina from IN

    A: Tina,

    Corn gluten meal is a protein found in corn, foods that contain corn and corn by-products. For many years it has been used as an ingredient in livestock feeds and pet foods. In the early 1990s, Dr. Nick Christians of Iowa State University discovered its potential as a preemergence herbicide.

    On established lawns it prevents normal roots from developing in crabgrass, dandelions, Bermuda grass and other common weeds, by breaking down cellular walls and preventing the tiny feeder roots from absorbing the moisture necessary for growth. It can be used safely around established plants and will not harm plants, humans, animals, beneficial soil organisms or the environment.

    According to the EPA, laboratory studies have shown that corn meal gluten has no known adverse heath effects in humans or animals (which is good, since we eat products containing it all of the time).Corn meal gluten is usually applied in granular form in the spring and fall using a lawn spreader. Applications at a rate of 10 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. are successful in controlling as much as 85% weed control after two years and 91% after three years. As an added benefit, it also provides balanced fertilization for your grass. A higher rate of application (20 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.) provides even better control, because the percentage of weed control increases with higher application rates. The key is knowing which type of weeds you're trying to control, when they emerge in your area, and then timing your application of the corn meal gluten appropriately.

    Currently, there are several companies holding licenses to sell products containing corn meal gluten. In Indiana, Garden's Alive sells it in a product called WOW! www.gardensalive.com. For a list of other licensed manufacturers, see the list at the University of Wisconsin's Urban Horticultural Website. http://wihort.uwex.edu/turf/CornGluten.htm

    Hope this helps!

    Ellen

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Designing the Perfect Garden Path
    By Ellen Brown

    A garden path can be functional and it can be so much more. Functional paths provide safe and efficient routes of travel through your garden. They cut down on tracking mud into the house, and act as anchors to surrounding plants. But garden paths can also be works of art. The materials used to construct them can add color and interest to the landscape, compelling visitors to explore what's around the corner or aid in drawing the eye to a specific point of interest.

    Read This Article: Click Here

    Keeping Orchids Upright

    To keep orchids upright, try using those cute tiny hair clamps to hold the stem to your stake. The clear ones blend in well and looks much nicer than using twist ties.

    By Carol from Landisville, PA

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Pam to the Plant Rescue

    If you are gardening on a tight budget you can rescue plants. I have found that when the gardeners for my apartment complex replaced the bedding plants, there were viable discards, which I nursed back to health. I have rescued poinsettias after Xmas (the foliage the rest of the year is nice), kolanchoas, and impatients with great results (and even mystery plants.) Besides, bring them back is very satisfying.

    By Pam from L.A., CA

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Environmentally Safe Grub Control

    Q: It seems like all the lawns around here are infested with grubs this year. Is there an environmentally safe way to control and kill them?

    Hardiness Zone: 6a

    Betty from Middletown, NY

    A: Betty,

    The grubs most damaging tend to be the grubs from Japanese Beetles, June Beetles and European Chafer. Here are some environmentally friendly strategies for controlling them.

    1. A healthy lawn is your best defense, so over-seed your lawn to keep it nice and thick. Also, the more healthy your lawn, the less damaged it will appear. Avoid grass mixes with weak roots like Kentucky Blue Grass.

    2. Attract more grub-eating birds to your yard with water, nesting and feeders. Certain species of birds, like European starlings, blue-jays, purple martins, crows, grackles, meadowlarks, cardinals, blackbirds and robins all eat grubs. Starlings, robins and cardinals will also eat adult Japanese beetles. You can run a rake over infected areas to help turn up emerging grubs for visiting birds.

    3. Raising the deck on your lawnmower will encourage more spiders and ants, both of which will help control the grub population.

    4. Hand pick the adult Japanese beetles. To identify adult Japanese beetles, look for 3/8-inch long metallic green beetles with copper-brown wing covers. They can be distinguished from other similar looking beetles by the five small white tufts that project from under the wing covers on each side, and a sixth pair at the tip of the abdomen.

    5. I've never tried this, but certain flowers that contain geraniol, like white geraniums, 4 o'clocks (mirabilis), larkspur, red and dwarf buckeye and castor bean plants are supposed to attract and poison adult Japanese beetles. If nothing else, they may attract the pests to one area where you can spray them with a soapy insecticide or remove them by hand.

    6. Apply Parasitic Nematodes. Upon penetrating a grub, the nematode inoculates the grub with the bacteria. The bacteria reproduce quickly, feeding on the grub tissue. The nematode then feeds on this bacteria and progresses through its own life cycle, reproducing and ultimately killing the grub. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora is a type of commercially available nematode for grubs.

    7. Milky Spore. This is a bacterium that once ingested by grubs, builds up in their blood, eventually causing their death. It's considered a long term solution and is usually used in areas experiencing severe infestations. Its needs to be applied over the course of a couple of seasons (2-4 years) in order for it to build up in the soil. After that, it is supposed to last for a decade or longer. Ask your local garden center or extension office where to get milky spore in your area.

    Good luck!

    Ellen

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Starting a Garden on a Budget

    Q: I am looking for ideas on how to inexpensively start a flower / grass and shrub garden. I have a very small budget for this and am new to the area so I don't have the resources for cuttings and other transfer plants.

    Hardiness Zone: 5b

    Thank you,
    Teacherandmom from Redmond, OR

    A: Dear Teacherandmom,

    For starting a perennial garden, your most economical option is to start from seed. Since you're a teacher, I would start by letting other faculty at your school know that you're looking for plants and shrubs to start a small garden. A lot of perennials get planted and divided this time of the year. Most gardeners would rather give away any extra seeds and plants they don't have room for, rather than see them go to waste. Since you're new to the area, this might be a good opportunity to meet some of your neighbors. Do you bake or make some kind of crafts? Maybe you could introduce yourself, offer a small gesture of good will (plate of cookies, bars, etc.) and mention how much you admire their garden. Before you go, make sure to let them know if they have extra plants or cuttings, you would be more than willing to spread the beauty of their garden into your yard.

    Also make sure to take advantage of the free resources in your area. Oregon State University Extension Service, Deschutes County has a website with some good gardening resources for Central Oregon. The site also features a calendar, which might be helpful for upcoming gardening events, including plant sales. http://extension.oregonstate.edu/deschutes/Horticulture/index.php.

    Another great listing is the garden events page of All-Oregon's website http://www.all-oregon.com/garden_events.htm. How about joining the Redmond Garden Club, or calling them to see if they have any upcoming plant sales? (425-881-5103). Like others on this site, I am also a big fan of Freecycle. There are amazing amounts of people out there who are eager to share their resources with others. Here is a Freecycle link for central Oregon where you may be able to get free plants, seeds, tools and raised bed materials and pass along some of your own used stuff for others http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Freecycle-OR-Bend/.

    Finally, check out these books at your public library, "Dirt Cheap Gardening," by Rhonda Massingham Hart, and "The Budget Gardener," by Maureen Gilmer. Both of these books contain wonderful tips on how to save money on equipment, plants, etc. Happy gardening!

    Ellen

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    I Accidentally Sprayed Weed Killer on Flowers

    Q: HELP! I'm an idiot and sprayed weed killer on the flower beds. Needless to say, my girlfriend is REALLY mad and the flowers are not doing so well. Any way to rescue my relationship?

    Hardiness Zone: 6a

    dadudley2 from Columbus, Ohio

    A: dadudley2,

    Bummer! Unfortunately, accidents happen. I'm sure your girlfriend has a compassionate heart and will eventually find a way to forgive and forget (it wouldn't hurt to mention that it was her compassion that initially attracted you to her). I mean you were just trying to be helpful, right? I imagine you have apologized profusely (several times already), but it would seem that a shopping trip to her favorite nursery-your treat, of course, might also be in order! As for her flowers, what is done, is done. Do what you can to spray off any chemical residue remaining on the flowers and dilute the soil with water. Most herbicides don't last forever, so once you see the extent of the fallout, it should be safe to replant. When replanting, amend the beds with a little new soil just to be on the safe side, and plan on dedicating the day to helping her replant. Your mistake makes a strong argument for avoiding the use of chemicals to treat weeds. Good luck!

    Ellen

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Marigolds (Marigold Cleanser)
    By Patti McKenna

    Marigolds are so much more than the hardy, popular orange and yellow flowers we see in flower beds and boxes during the summer. The petals are a bit spicy and can be used as decoration in salads and are sparingly used in custards to provide a hint of spice. Marigolds reseed themselves; so you only have to purchase the seeds or flowers once. Save the flower's seeds for free flowers next year!

    Not only should you save the seeds, but don't waste the plentiful blooms or leaves of the marigold. The leaves can be rubbed onto the skin to ease the pain and swelling of a bee sting. Make an infusion by soaking the petals in water, and use as a rinse to further lighten fair hair. (You can make a stronger infusion by placing the petals in boiling water, cover and remove from heat. Allow to sit for 30 minutes. Strain if desired to remove the petals.)

    Read This Article: Click Here

    An Introduction to the Art of Bonsai
    By Ellen Brown

    The art of Bonsai initially showed up on America's gardening radar after the Karate Kid movie trilogy in the early 1980s, when Pat Morita (a.k.a Mr. Miyagi) used a bonsai tree to teach Ralph Macchio (a.k.a Daniel Russo) the finer points of martial arts and life. In recent years, Bonsai has re-emerged as a popular pastime as people attempt to create spaces in the garden for reflection and meditation. As a hobby, the art of bonsai might be considered the ultimate gardening challenge. It takes a great deal of time, patience and skill. It doesn't have to be expensive, however, and the results are physically and spiritually rewarding.

    Read This Article: Click Here

    Contest!

    Submit Your Tips and Photos!

    Tip Contest!

    To enter, visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_contest.ldml

    Photo Contest!

    To enter, visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_photocontest.ldml

    Contests are now weekly. We'll pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week.

    New Requests

    Caterpillar Nest In a Tree

    I have a weeping cherry tree, however this year it did not flower as much as last year. I found a large white cotton nest in the tree. I think it's caterpillars. How do I get rid of them?

    Hardiness Zone: 6a

    Nancy from Margate, NJ

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Solution for a Very Invasive Weed

    I have a problem. I have unfortunately acquired a terribly invasive weed. I have no idea what it is. It looks like a fern, has black pods along it's length, grows in clumps, prefers areas heavily mulched but basically took over large areas of my yard in late winter/early spring. For various reasons I was unable to get out and attack it when it was at its peak. It has now been sprayed and most of it is dead, but not before I'm pretty sure it went to seed, to spend time preparing for the next attack.

    I would like to find a practically invasive ground cover to plant in the worst area that might inhibit, or at least challenge, this weed the next time it rears its ugly leaves. It would be great if it was evergreen and shade-loving, but at this point I'll take any suggestions. Does anyone have any ideas as to what I might use? Thanks so much!

    Hardiness Zone: 8a

    Tripleb from Greenville, AL

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Aphids on My Roses

    Aphids are invading my roses, anything organic that I can use?

    Hardiness Zone: 9a

    Sheri from Central Valley, California

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Growing Bamboo Plants - Twisting Water Plant

    There are plants which can grow in water only and are sold at Oriental booths in the malls. They look like a tall stick but they begin to twist near the top. What is this plant and how do you get it to twist?

    Hardiness Zone: 9b

    Sindi from Phoenix, AZ

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Controlling Weeds When Growing Asparagus

    We have a 10' X 20" asparagus patch and would like tips on how to stop weeds from taking over. Can mulch be used? Thistle is a huge problem as well as the usual dandelions.

    Hardiness Zone: 5b

    Thanks for your help.
    Kenn Ziebell from, Germantown, WI

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Rooting a Gladiolus Stalk

    I cut a Gladiolus from the stalk trying to dig it up. If I stick the stalk in the ground without the bulb, will it root?

    Hardiness Zone: 8a

    Joanne from Abbeville, GA

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Ant Hill in a Flower Bed

    We have an ant hill in the center of a perennial flower bed. I tried boiling water (friend's recommendation) but it only resulted in killing a foot of Phlox, the ants still thriving! I would like to dig it out and plant tall perennials in center while keeping the mature phlox. Any suggestions?

    Hardiness Zone: 5a

    Leah Meyer from Ottawa, Ontario

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Nikko Blue Hydrangea Not Blooming

    I planted a nikko blue hydrangea 2 years ago but it has never bloomed. I fertilize it and it is in a sunny location (6 hours of sun). It is healthy looking and green but no flowers. What can be wrong?

    Hardiness Zone: 4b

    Maureen From Nova Scotia Canada

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Spider Deterrent

    I am looking for a spider deterrent for my patio area. I have pets and so do not want to use chemicals or toxic products. I do not want to kill the spiders, I would prefer a homemade solution that I could spray or apply around the "people" areas of my garden.

    Any ideas?

    Hardiness Zone: 5b

    Danamango From Montreal, Canada

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Can anyone tell me the real name for a RED TIP?

    Can anyone tell me the real name for a RED TIP? It's a shrub that grows real tall if not clipped back and has red leaves in the spring.

    Hardiness Zone: 7a

    jbaby7162000 from Georgia

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Weed Killer for Flower Beds

    Can I use the vinegar weed killer in a flower bed being careful not to spray the existing plants and if so how long before I can plant new plants or seeds?

    Hardiness Zone: 5b

    Darlene ORuairc from Clawson, MI

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Getting Rid of Canada Thistle

    Can anyone give me an idea on how to get rid of Canada Thistle? It has invaded every bed of my garden, and this year, I can't plant a veggie garden, I will have to cover the whole garden with black plastic to kill everything in there.

    Hardiness Zone: 6a

    Samantha from Pittsburgh, PA

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Freezing Tomatoes

    My husband and I have a garden this year. We always have too many tomatoes to eat before they spoil. I don't really have the money to can them, but how would I go about freezing them to use in recipes throughout the year?

    Danielle from LaFayette, GA

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Buying Deer and Rabbit Repellents

    Rabbits and deer are eating my 2005 forestry planted trees and perennials. Research online shows me repellents that use stinky odors and coyote and fox urine. What is the best value in repellents that work?

    Hardiness Zone: 7a

    Many thanks,
    Mille Woodsi from Alto, N.M.

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Tulips Not Blooming

    The leaves on my tulips under my lavender bush appear every year but not the flowers. Can anyone tell me why and what I can do? Should I dig them up and plant new ones?

    Hardiness Zone: 6a

    Thanks!
    Kathy from Bloomington, IN

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Keeping Pond Water Clear

    I have a small fish pond in my front flower bed. It is under some tress so it gets lots of shade. In the past I tried electric pumps to filter the water but they would constantly get stopped up. I finally took the pump out and now just have the pond without any filter. Is there any product that will keep the water clear? I have cleaned the pond and put fresh water in it. I waited 3 days to put the fish back in so the water would not kill them. What is the best way to keep the pond clean at this point? I really don't get algae in the water but it is hard to keep it from turning dark. The liner is heavy plastic and the pond holds about 50 gallons of water.

    TIA
    Cookiepom from Owensboro, KY

    Post Feedback: Click Here

    Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here

    Today's Sponsors

    Free Firefox Web Browser

    "The award-winning, free Web browser is better than ever. Browse the Web with confidence - Firefox protects you from viruses, spyware and pop-ups. Enjoy improvements to performance, ease of use and privacy. It's easy to import your favorites and settings and get started. Download Firefox now and get the most out of the Web." You can download Firefox with or without the Google Toolbar, both versions are free.

    More Information:
    http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65884370.tip.html

    Growing Guides

    Growing: Peony
    By Ellen Brown

    Growing Hints: Purchase potted peonies from garden center in the spring or order bare-root plants by mail for fall planting. Plants should be set in an area providing some protection from wind to keep their delicate leaves from ripping. Peonies will grow about as wide as they are tall so give them plenty of room. Set them in holes big enough to accommodate the roots along with some compost. The root eyes (reddish buds on top of roots) should be placed so they are about two inches below the surface of the soil. If peonies are planted too deep they will not bloom the first season. Water regularly the first season to help the plant establish roots. When peonies reach a height of 6 to 12 inches, support them by creating a corral using stakes and string or purchase a peony hoop. Remove spent flowers to prolong blooming period. Crowns should be mulched in harsh winter zones. Warmer zones should remove any mulch that was applied during the spring and summer to allow plants to chill over winter.
    Interesting Facts: Some peonies secrete a nectar to attract ants, which in turn help them open their dense double flower heads. Once open, the ants disappear.

    More Growing Information: Click Here

    Growing: Phlox
    By Ellen Brown

    Growing Hints: Several species of phlox are commonly grown in the gardens of North America. Moss phlox is a low growing variety that thrives in full sun. Wild blue phlox and creeping phlox both form broad clumps of fragrant flowers suitable for shade gardens. Tall garden phlox needs staking and is most susceptible to powdery mildew. Annual varieties can be grown from purchased transplants or seeds sown directly into the garden several weeks before your last frost date. Perennial phlox should be started from purchased plants to ensure you get the exact colors you desire. Phlox are low maintenance with the exception of being susceptible to powdery mildew. Cut off spent flower heads to keep plants blooming and to avoid future seedlings of different colors from crowding out your original plants. Divide plants in the spring after flowering or take cuttings in the summer to flower the following year.
    Interesting Facts: New cultivars resistant to powdery mildew include David', Pax', Katherine' and Sandra.'

    More Growing Information: Click Here

    Growing: Lily-of-the-Valley
    By Ellen Brown

    Growing Hints: Start with purchased plants in early spring or fall. Plants should be spaced about 4 inches apart. Plants will benefit if mulched with 2-3 inches of compost to keep soil moist. Once established, Lily-of-the-Valley spreads slowly underground and can be propagated by dividing clumps of pips when plants are dormant in the spring or fall. These plants can become invasive and "take over" areas if not kept within boundaries.
    Interesting Facts: Lily-of-the Valley are often used in wedding bouquets for their fragrant delicate flowers that are not only white, but shaped like wedding bells.

    More Growing Information: Click Here

    Growing: Ornamental Grasses
    By Ellen Brown

    Growing Hints: Growing requirements vary by grass type. Care should be taken to provide adequate space for growth, without allowing grasses to take over your garden. Grasses should be spaced as far apart from other plants as they are tall. Set plants into prepared holes so that root balls rest just below the surface. Holes should be twice as deep as the root ball. Add compost before filling. Grass should receive 1 inch of water per week throughout the first season. Add mulch around base in the fall to protect roots and shoots from freezing over winter and to provide new nutrients for next season's growth. Fertilize in the spring with a slow release 3-1-2 fertilizer. Common oriental grasses include: Pampas, Purple Fountain Grass, Blue Fescue, Maiden Grass and Zebra Grass.
    Pruning
    Oriental Grasses:
    Grasses experiencing winter dieback can be cut back to within a few inches of the ground in early spring before new growth begins. Evergreen grasses generally do not need trimming or pruning.

    More Growing Information: Click Here

    Growing: Penstemon (Bearded Tongue)
    By Ellen Brown

    Growing Hints: Purchase plants in summer while in bloom to ensure you get the color you want. Water regularly during the first season. Once plant is established it will be fairly drought tolerant. In warmer zones, cut back spent stems to encourage a second wave of flowers in late summer to early fall. Cooler zones will not have enough time for a second wave of flowers, but deadheading will prolong blooming period. Propagate in the spring by division and give plants a light application of an organic fertilizer. Cut stems back to 6 inches on plants in the spring to encourage bushy growth.
    Interesting Facts: Penstemon is native to North America. Native Americans used penstemons medicinally to relieve pain, treat snake bites and other health problems.

    More Growing Information: Click Here

    Growing: Lavender
    By Ellen Brown

    Flower Information
    Culinary Uses garnish; scented oils; syrups; jellies; teas
    Other Uses: potpourri; laundry rinse; furniture polish; insect repellant; oil scented candles; wreaths, skin and hair care; perfumes; perennial gardens

    Herb Information
    Growing Hints: Purchase plants. Cuttings from new growth can be propagated in the summer, or seeds can be started indoors. Planting site should have air circulation to help combat leaf spot in humid areas. Keep organic mulches (wood chips, leaves, grass) 12 inches from the base of plants (stones, gravel and sand are okay to use near the base). Watering is unnecessary with well-established plants-except during extreme drought conditions-lavender does not like wet feet, so well-drained soil is a must. Trim plants lightly each year after flowering or cut them back more severely every few years to keep them bushy. Once established, plants dislike being disturbed so don't divide them.
    Interesting Facts: Lavender flowers can be used for culinary or medicinal purposes.

    More Growing Information: Click Here

    More Stuff

    Seed Swap!
    Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users:

    Tip Contest!
    Submit a tip and enter our contest.

    Submit a Request
    Frugal solutions to everyday problems.

    Jump to Feedback | Post feedback
    Related Links:
    Previous: For Parents: Don't Try to Solve All Your Kid's Problems ThriftyFun Next: Google Pack - Free Software Bundle
    1x1
     Feedback
    1x1
    1x1
    1x1
    1x1
     Sponsors
    1x1
    1x1

    No Feedback Yet

    Be the first to post feedback! Click here to post feedback.

    1x1

    Post Feedback:
    Login using the form on the top of the page to post feedback if you have registered with ThriftyFun. If you have not yet registered, click here. It's FREE!. If you are not registered you can post feedback as a guest below. Please don't use your email address for your name because spam robots can dredge it from our site. Please do not post your feedback more than ONCE. We need to approve all guest feedback and it may take from minutes to hours for that to happen.
    (1x1 graphic )
    Your Name

    Subject

    Feedback

    text tool text tool text tool text tool

    Image Upload: Add an image to your post! Click the "Browse" button below and select an image from your hard drive. Please only select gifs or jpegs. If you have any problems, just email the image to images@thriftyfun.com

      

    If you want to post your email address for responses from readers, obscure it in some way like put spaces between the name and @ sign and service address with (remove spaces) behind it or name (at) server (dot) com . This is for your protection from those creepy Robots.

    (1x1 graphic )

    © 1997-2008ThriftyFun.com - Design by Cumuli Design
    Disclaimer: ThriftyFun.com cannot accept any responsibility for any injury or damage that you may cause to yourself, others, or property when following any advice given on this site. Read the full disclaimer. If you find any information on ThriftyFun.com or in our newsletters that is either erroneous and/or potentially harmful to others, please Contact Us, immediately.