Happy Garden - April 3, 2008

Vol. 3, Num. 14, April 3, 2008 (Read It Online) We have to great articles today. One about Trash Can Composting and another about Heat Zones. Ellen also answers more of your question and we have tips sent in by readers. If you have a gardening tip of photo to share with the ThriftyFun community, feel free to submit it on one of the contest pages. Thanks for reading, Susan 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: Raised Garden Bed Tips and Articles: Do-It-Yourself Trash Can Composting What's Your Heat Zone? Check Out the AHS Heat Zone Map Low Cost Recessed Stepping Stones Potted Rose Bush Losing It's Leaves Blooming Brier Taking Over Yard Refinishing a Resin Yard Statue Why Do Oranges Fall Before They Are Ripe? Recycle Coffee Pods For The Garden Removing Grass From Ground Cover Use Recycled Cans For Garden Edging Tomato Plants with Yellow Leaves Roses Losing Petals Quickly Garden Edging For Waterproof Molding and Window Sills Reusing Plastic Plant Pots for Starting Gardens Save and Start Tomato Plants Using a Paper Towel New Requests: What Is this flower? Planting Easter Lilies Growing Hydrangeas Inside Will Calla Lilies Grow In The Blue Mountains? What Is This Plant? Starting Trumpet Vines After Winter Trouble With Weeping Willow Roots Getting Rid Of Honeysuckle Without Chemicals Making Pond Planting Baskets Bromeliad Flower Is Leaning How Do You Start Grapefruit Seeds? "Cotton Ball" Seeds Or Starts Getting Rid Of Iris Flowers 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: Raised Garden Bed Here is a raised bed that my husband put together this weekend. It is 4x10 feet and 20 inches high. We put it where we had dug a garden bed in the past and there was a small depression in the ground. The construction was very simple. The boards are screwed into a 4x4 inch post on each corner and have a thinner support every few feet (to keep it from bowing). The 4x4 is longer on the bottom and we dug out a small hole in each corner to keep it set in place. We put two coats of stain on it before installing it so that it would have some protection from the weather and would look more attractive than bare wood. When it was in place, we covered the bottom with landscaping cloth and then placed landscaping rocks to a depth of about 5-6 inches for drainage. The pumice rocks had been used in flower beds around the house and yard when we moved in and we have been slowly removing and replacing them with plants! We also got 3 yards of mixed soil delivered, which was more than enough. I believe we have half of it left for leveling parts of our lawn and filling in other flowerbeds. We are just going to plant veggies in here, things that we would normally buy. It will get full sun until late afternoon and should work great. Jess in Oregon Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19655120.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Tips and Articles: Do-It-Yourself Trash Can Composting Composting is an easy, economical way to keep nutrient-rich plant food at the ready. Not only is it good for your plants, if you pay by the can for waste removal, it can also be good for your garbage bill! Here is an inexpensive way to get started. View This Article: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25050788.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print What's Your Heat Zone? Check Out the AHS Heat Zone Map By Ellen Brown Too much heat can be as detrimental to garden plants as too much cold. And while most gardeners are familiar with the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, less are aware that a map exists for heat hardiness as well. Here is what you need to know about heat zones and why knowing your zone can affect what you grow. View This Article: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61685616.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Low Cost Recessed Stepping Stones Seattle is known for it's rain. And with that rain comes muddy yards, so I needed stepping stones. But I didn't want to worry about my lawnmower hitting the stones, so I came up with a plan that worked perfectly! And all you need is cement or concrete, water and a shovel. First of all, pick a day with no rain that's not very hot and cut your grass as short as you can in the area you want to place your stepping stones. Next (on the freshly cut grass) mark the exact outline of what you want each of your stepping stones to look like. (most people use a marking paint made for marking underground power cables, but I used plain white cooking flour which I sprinkled on with my hand) The design I used was of "amoeba-like" asymmetrical and slightly interlocking "stones". Next, dig down into the ground about 4 - 6 inches (on and inside the line) while following the line you drew with your shovel. Lastly mix your cement with water (I mixed one bag at a time in a 5 gal bucket) then fill each freshly dug hole to the top with the wet cement. (The ground is your "mold") *Buy about 1 small bag of concrete per hole depending on the size and depth of the hole. You can press several interesting sticks and leaves into the wet cement, these will look like "fossils" in the "stone". You can also stain the cement with a cement colorant so it looks like stone, (many colors are available) but I left mine plain and they turned out wonderful. I chose a wavy path for my stepping stones (as opposed to a straight line) with one zigzag in it. This looks great with the "organic" interlocking shape of the recessed cement "stones" and I put a fountain with plants around it in the center where the path "zigged". The stepping stones look like slate for a fraction of the price, but my favorite thing about them is that we could mow right over them with no harm to our mower blades! That AND the way my shoes no longer got wet on my way to the car! I was told that without adding re-bar my stepping stones might crack, but they've been there for nearly 20 years now and have held up fine. But, truthfully, if they do crack, it just adds to the slate-like rock look. No big deal! By Cyinda from near Seattle Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76917144.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Potted Rose Bush Losing It's Leaves Question: My husband bought me a potted rose bush with baby roses on it. It is,of course, in the house, as we live in Iowa and it is WAY too cold to put outside. My concern is that it is dropping almost all of it's leaves. Not sure why. They just seem to be drying up and dropping off. I try to keep it watered, but maybe I'm not enough? Maybe too much? Also, the rose buds that had not opened when I got it have dried up and definitely will not be opening up now. This is my first rose bush and I really want it to survive. Can anyone give me any tips on how to properly care for it? We keep our house fairly cool, at 60 degrees, but according to the information on the pot, they grow best between 60 and 80 degrees. I am also keeping it where it can get the best benefit of the sun. My house isn't super light, but it's not dark either. I keep it in front of windows, but several feet back from the window so it won't get too cold. Thanks ahead of time for any advice anyone can give me. Robin from Washington, IA Answer: Robin, Indoors, miniature roses require the same care as they would outdoors. They need lots of sunlight, slightly moist soil, adequate fertilizer, and a fair amount of humidity (tough with dry winter air) to grow successfully. Nearly any type of rose can be grown in pots, but in general, miniature rose varieties do best because of their compact growing habits. The most common reason roses fail is improper watering. If buds and flowers start to look dry and shriveled, and leaves are suddenly dropping, the plant is drying out and should be watered immediately. The best way to water is to place the pot on a tray and water from below the foliage. When water runs freely into the tray, stop watering. Allow the water to drain into the saucer for a few more minutes and then dump any excess water that remains in the tray. Never let the pot stand in water. The goal is to keep the soil slightly moist, but NOT wet. Yellow leaves can be a sign of too much water or not enough light. If your pot came wrapped in foil, remove it so excess water can escape and move it to the brightest area possible (preferably a south-facing window). If you can't provide it with at least 5 hours of direct sunlight a day, you might want to consider supplementing it with an artificial grow light until you can get it into the garden. If you think you may have over-watered, let the soil dry out before resuming watering, and remember that with fewer leaves, it now needs less water. At 60F, temperature is probably not your problem. Humidity may be a factor, as miniature roses do not like warm, dry air. Setting the pot on a pebble tray filled with water will help keep the air around it more humid. Keep in mind that roses forced to bloom in the winter will be difficult to keep looking good until spring if kept indoors. This does not mean they will be lost, it just means that they may not look the greatest by the time spring rolls around. If your rose bush has lost many leaves, you may want to cut it back to about 2-3 inches, or to the point where you see a healthy, green-white stalk. New growth should reappear in 6-10 days. Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85989247.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Blooming Brier Taking Over Yard Question: I have some sort of brier (wild tea rose maybe - has small pink blooms) that is taking over the side of my house. I wouldn't mind so much, except it is overcoming my hibiscus. It is now more brier than bloom, and I'm afraid for my hibiscus. I've tried cutting, digging, cutting through the roots for the past 2 years and it keeps coming back. What can I do to permanently get rid of (or at least contain) this problem without hurting anything else? Would brush-kill work? Hardiness Zone: 6b Doodles from New Jersey Answer: Doodles, First of all, you are on the right track. To see success, this tough problem requires implementing multiple strategies. Time (sometimes 2 to 3 years or more) and patience are your best allies for accomplishing this task. Don't give up! If it's a wild rose your fighting, a brush killer will probably work. It will also injure or kill all woody plants it comes into contact with so it must be applied carefully and at the right time. I'm also going to offer you some organic solutions. Of course, in the end it is up to you to decide which (if any) of these techniques are worth trying. Hand Removal: (It sounds as though you have tried this.) For best results, this is done when the soil is moist and plants are less than 3/8 inch in diameter. Specially designed tools are available for this for plants with larger stems. Also, keep in mind the plant's life cycle. Physical controls like this are most effective if they are done when roots are in a state of depletion, such as in the spring (after bud break) or during a severe summer drought. Any removal of the main plant will stimulate sucker growth from remaining roots. This is to be expected and will need to be dealt with for a period of years. However, if timed improperly, removal of the main plant can actually work against you by stimulating even stronger new growth. Cutting: (I realize you tried this, too.) Large plants that cannot be pulled up by the roots can be cut off at soil level and then covered with plastic to discourage re-sprouting. Depending on how developed the plant's root system is, you may see suckers pop up in other parts of the yard. Flaming: This is done to new suckers using a propane torch. The idea is to knock the plants back when they are already weak by cooking tender sprouts as they emerge. It sounds horrific, but when used in combination with the above methods, it works. Replanting: After you remove the main brier, replant a more desirable species (tree, shrub or herbaceous plant) in the space. As long as you keep on top of emerging suckers, this new species should eventually out compete any remaining bits of brier. Physical barriers: Depending on its location relative to your hibiscus, consider erecting a physical barrier (maybe as a decorative accent?) to separate the two plants and help you maintain a degree of control while tackling the brier. Best of luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28641787.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Refinishing a Resin Yard Statue Question: I'm trying to refinish a poly resin yard statue. The paint has started to peel. How can I remove the rest of the paint without damaging the statue? Kelly from OH Answer: Hi Kelly, Statuary made from poly resin is easily refinished, but also sensitive to solvents like paint thinner and acetone. My best guess (bearing in mind this is only a guess) would be to follow the lead of toy model hobbyists. They often need to strip off old paint from plastic model shells when painting and refinishing models. Any craft store that sells toy models should also sell these removers. Because model paint removers are marketed as specialty products, they are usually expensive. As a result, a model collector named Patrick Lawless has come up with a couple of cheaper alternatives. Remember, I can't verify these methods myself, so TEST THEM OUT FIRST on an inconspicuous spot of your statue (like the bottom) before committing to the whole piece. Oven cleaner: Any no-name brand should work. Don't use it on clear plastic, or it will leave it permanently foggy. If after you test it you find it works, place your statue in a shallow pan or on top of a garbage bag and spray it liberally with the over cleaner. Come back in several hours and rinse off the statue with warm water, while gently scrubbing it with a soft bristled brush. This process may need to be repeated a few times depending on the resiliency of the paint. Brake fluid: Supposedly, this method takes more time (1 to 2 days), but is just as effective. Small model parts are usually soaked in brake fluid overnight and then rinsed in warm, soapy water the next day. Because you statue is likely too big for soaking, simply paint the brake fluid on using a paintbrush, and cover the statue with plastic to keep it from drying. Wait a day to two and rise with warm, soapy water. Repeat as necessary. Let me know if this works! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33820560.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Why Do Oranges Fall Before They Are Ripe? Question: Why do oranges fall from the tree before they are fully ripe? Hardiness Zone: 9b Salvador from Brownsville, TX Answer: Salvador, It is normal for a certain amount of immature fruits to drop before ripening. If fruit drop is excessive, it can signal that the tree is suffering from too much or a lack of water, or the soil it is growing in lacks certain nutrients. Older fruits may suddenly drop for the same reasons (too much/not enough water or a lack of fertilizer), but they are also very temperature sensitive. They have a greater tendency to drop before they mature when exposed to sudden swings in temperature. In general, young citrus trees should be watered (deeply) at least once per week for the first year-more often if warm or windy weather dictates. After the first year, water them as necessary, never allowing the soil to dry out or the tree to wilt. Water is key to the development of both flowers and fruit. Most citrus varieties need at least 5 years to mature before they start consistently bearing fruit. Although you may see an occasional fruit before the tree reaches maturity, most take several years to become established before getting serious about fruit production. During this time, the trees may produce flowers, but the majority of these blossoms will be short lived. Even when mature, citrus trees will usually only set fruit from a tiny fraction of the flowers they produce. Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47213025.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Recycle Coffee Pods For The Garden We got a new coffee maker at work-one that uses the individual pods. I put a bucket out and now take them home. I empty the grounds into my compost bin and use the plastic pods as planters for seeds and babies-from spider plants. Planning a yard sale and will sell for 50 cents or so. will also be giving some away as gifts for a couple of housewarming. Not bad for free. By Kat from Coatesville, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37698980.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Removing Grass From Ground Cover Question: I have some large garden beds that have grass growing up through the ground cover. In fact, the grass is now higher than the ground cover and some of the gardenia shrubs. Does anyone have an idea for me to kill the grass without me having to pull out all the ground cover? I have begun pulling out all the ground covers and the grass just to get to the grass roots, but it's such an enormous job that it will taking me forever, as I am not very well and I only manage a few good days each fortnight. Friends have been saving newspapers for me to put down as the ground is weeded. I have sugar cane mulch to cover the newspaper once it's down. How many sheets of the newspaper is about the best thickness? Hardiness Zone: 11 Wendy from Hervey Bay, Australia Answer: Hi Wendy, I'm afraid hand pulling the grass is the only chemical-free way to remove it without taking up the ground cover. When covering the weed-free zones with newspaper, thicker is better. The idea is to block out the light, so enough sheets to equal the thickness of corrugated cardboard should be sufficient, especially with the addition of mulch on top. Another option is to cover the weeded areas with strips of black or dark colored plastic-leaving it on for several months. Unlike the newspaper, which will eventually disintegrate, the plastic will last longer. Then again, it will not break down and enrich the soil the same way newspaper does. If you have the time and patience, a 20% vinegar solution with also work to burn off the grass above ground level. This is solution is non-selective and will kill off everything it encounters, so be careful. It can also burn your skin so wear gloves if you decide to use it. You will have to use a small paintbrush to paint the vinegar on the grass blades without getting any on your ground cover. This will NOT kill the grass at the roots, however. Are there any kids in your family or in the neighborhood looking to make a few extra bucks? Maybe you could hire them to help you. In the future, the best way to keep grass from popping up around ground cover is to encourage dense growth so that it chokes out the grass. Use a thick layer of mulch in-between plants and a good organic fertilizer on the ground cover to encourage the vigorous growth. Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61982380.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Use Recycled Cans For Garden Edging I save my vegetable cans, clean them and take the paper off of them and use them for starting new plants and as a border around my gardens. When I put them around garden, I spray paint them in different colors and turn them upside down and use a hammer to bang into ground. By doing this, it saves it from the landfill and i get free garden edging that looks great Source: TV show originally used them for gardening projects, I chose to use them as borders for garden. By Denise from Mcrae, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95125724.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Tomato Plants with Yellow Leaves Question: Can someone tell me why some of the leaves are turning yellow on my patio tomato plant? I would greatly appreciate an answer. Hardiness Zone: 10a mitch914 from South Texas Answer: Mitch, Many insect and disease problems cause yellow leaves on a tomato plant. The problem could be cultural: too much water, not enough water, poor drainage, not enough sun, wrong ambient temperature, leaf scorch caused by dry, hot conditions following cloudy moist conditions (this can cause a sudden water loss in the outer portion of the leaves) or a build-up of salts from fertilizer. It is hard for me to tell from your picture, but are any of the lower leaves turning yellow, or is it just the newer leaves? Do the leaves contain spots or rings? Do any of the following "yellow leaf" symptoms sound familiar? Yellow or pale colored leaves: This could be caused by a nutrient deficiency. Here are some common symptoms: Yellow with green veins = lack of iron Yellow with dark spots and small, narrow leaves = lack of zinc Yellow with green veins, turning bronze = potassium deficiency. Yellow patches on leaves that contain brown concentrically ringed spots: This could be a sign of early blight. Spray copper or bordeaux mixture and repeat every 7-10 days. Older leaves yellow; shoots (or whole plant) wilts: This could be Fusarium or Verticillium wilt. These two fungal diseases both begin with the wilting of lower leaves. The plants are stunted and do not recover when watered. When cut open, stems and shoots will show some internal discoloration. Toss affected plant and replace them with disease resistant varieties and new soil. Leaves are yellow (may contain brown spots); leaves are also distorted and sticky: This could be a possible aphid or white fly infestation. Look for small sap-sucking insects (green, black, white, or pink in color) on the undersides of leaves and traces of honeydew on the leaves (sticky substance). Insects may also fly away when disturbed. Spray plants with a strong jet of water or insecticidal soap to remove. Leaves are yellow; the plant is stunted and eventually wilts in hot weather: This could be a sign of Root Knot Nematode damage. Plants will have swollen galls on roots and eventually die. This is not as common in plants grown in new commercial potting soil. Leaves mottled yellow; young growth appears narrow and twisted: This is most likely tobacco virus. Plants should be destroyed and replaced with a disease resistant variety planted in new soil. Leaves speckled with yellow dots; fine webbing on leaves: Most likely spider mites. Spray them off with a strong stream of water from the garden hose, or use insecticidal soap. I hope these ideas help! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf482428.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Roses Losing Petals Quickly Question: I planted my first rose flower this month and it went quite well, with all the banana peels and coffee grounds. But after they bloomed, they only lasted for 2-3 days at most then the petals started to drop. I don't want to lose my flowers so soon, they smell so good. Is there anything I can do to make them last longer ? I plant my roses using pots because of the limited space. So, even just 1 or 2 blooms, they are special to me and I really wanted to enjoy them longer. Btw, what's the name of this kind of rose ? Hardiness Zone: 11 Susan from Surabaya, Indonesia Answer: Susan, Unfortunately, most modern roses don't hold up that well to tropical heat. Hot weather usually makes quick work of the blooms, and they tend to last longer in cooler climates. For every rose variety hybridized, there is a so-called "thorn'. For example, roses that are bred for fragrance sometimes sacrifice size and longevity in blossoms. The same can be said of the varieties bred for big, diseases-resistant blossoms, they usually are not as fragrant. You may be able to keep your rose bush full of blooms longer if you remove the flowers before they go to seed. You may not be able to keep each blossom longer, but you may be able to coax your bush to remain full of blooms by removing fading flowers before they go to seed. Have you tried cutting the blooms off and bringing them indoors (where it's cooler) to enjoy as cut flowers? They may actually last longer this way. Also, don't forget to fertilize your bush while it's blooming with a rose-specific fertilizer (follow label as directed). I'm not sure what type of rose you have here. It's beautiful. A variety called 'Pergiwati' (same pink flowers) is produced in Indonesia for the cut flower market in some of the bigger cities such as Jakarta, Semarang and Surabaya. Here is a link to a searchable database that may be useful in trying to identify it. http://www.everyrose.com/everyrose/index.lasso Good luck! Ellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56792122.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Garden Edging For Waterproof Molding and Window Sills I needed something that would hold up to my always sweating windows when my wooden window sills were totally shot. I found some half-inch thick, slightly bendable plastic garden edging in my garage that the previous owner had left. I simply measured my window sills then cut the garden edging with my jig-saw, then caulked and tacked it into place under my windows. I also needed a durable molding for the wall behind my kitchen sink. I used the same stuff and hung up Dollar Store 12 inch pre-stick floor tiles that have a pattern of light, med and dark "wood" diamonds. These tiles look just like woven/parquet wood. I stuck these wood-look vinyl floor tiles behind the brown plastic "molding" on the wall. The brown (garden edging) molding looks amazing with the fake-wood tiles. I also put the same tiles under my (always dripping) picture windows in my craft room. It looks like I have fancy wood inlayed on my walls. It may sound like a strange color choice, but I painted my walls a "peanut butter" or caramel color and it looks amazing with the fake wood and brown (garden edging) molding! The Dollar Store tiles were 3 for a dollar, the paint was "oops" paint at only $5 a gallon and the garden edging "molding" was free. You can't beat that price for a quickie fix-up! By Cyinda from Seattle Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88704430.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Reusing Plastic Plant Pots for Starting Gardens To make starter flats, take large (Qt.-Gal. size) soft plastic pots and cut off the bottom 2-3 inches (the hard plastic ones tend to splinter). If you want to divide the flat in sections, cut the remainder of the pot in strips and fit them into the flat. The uncut top of the pot is great to put around small seedlings in the ground or to make a spot in the ground where you are starting seeds. Another use for these pots (large soft plastic) is to cut them in half from top through the bottom and up the opposite side. Now cut each half in half. You will have four pieces with a V shaped piece sticking out at bottom at a right angle. Take a bunch of these, dig a trench around your flower beds, set the cut pots in, V side flat, bury the points and part way up the sides.--You have easy to make, cheap and sturdy edging. By Tabbie Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20468693.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Save and Start Tomato Plants Using a Paper Towel When saving tomato seed for growing your own plants, simply put the wet seed on a paper towel and let them dry. When you are ready to plant them. Cut the size you want to plant and cover with soil.The paper towel will rot in the soil and there is no danger of losing the small tomato seeds as you sow them. By Debra from Hampton Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92869769.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print 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 and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25! My Frugal Life Submit a My Frugal Life Essay! New Requests: What Is this flower? I would appreciate finding the names of these two flowers. Anyone out there that can tell me? Thanks for taking time to answer. GG Vi Hardiness Zone: 9b Vi from Moorpark, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85164361.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Planting Easter Lilies I've been given three Lilies for Easter. Once they die back, can I plant them in my yard? How do I go about it? Will they survive and come up again? Would really appreciate some information to keep them going. Hardiness Zone: 8a Kay from Clyde, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36750409.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Growing Hydrangeas Inside Can I grow Hydrangeas inside? Hardiness Zone: 9b Jane from Huachaca City, AZ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77697170.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Will Calla Lilies Grow In The Blue Mountains? Will Calla Lilies grow in the blue mountains? Chelle from Lithgow, NSW, Australia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53748846.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print What Is This Plant? What kind of house plant has 3 leaves, resembles a butterfly and blooms with small orchid colored flowers? Sharon from MO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66031301.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Starting Trumpet Vines After Winter I was advised to bring my Trumpet Vines inside for the Winter as we live in a very cold climate. I had them in pots so this was no problem. I let them dry out and have cut them back. Will they grow back now that I have started watering them? And also the seeds, can they be planted in starter pots and should they be soaked first? Thanks Cedare Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97698461.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Trouble With Weeping Willow Roots I had an old weeping willow that had to be cut down. While it was up, it strangled my septic pipe in the front yard near it, 4 times over the course of 25 years. Now that it is down, I have heard that the roots will continue to travel and strangle anything in sight of them? Is this true and if so, what can I do to the trunk or yard to prevent it? Thanks ! Hardiness Zone: 6b BJ from Ledyard, CT Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99518554.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Getting Rid Of Honeysuckle Without Chemicals How do I kill a honeysuckle vine without use of chemicals? I don't want to ruin my soil? Hardiness Zone: 7a Blake from Poteau, OK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43425057.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Making Pond Planting Baskets Any ideas of how I can make my own pond planting baskets? Hardiness Zone: 7a Liz from Portsmouth, England Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78438007.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Bromeliad Flower Is Leaning I have a Bromeliad with a Red Flower in the center. It is growing great. My question is: The flower in the center is leaning to one side. Is this normal or I am suppose to stake it up straight? This plant is kept inside. Sure hope you have an answer for me. Thank You. Hardiness Zone: 9a Janice from Jax., FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23028387.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print How Do You Start Grapefruit Seeds? Do you start grapefruit seeds in water or in soil? SJ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35408848.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print "Cotton Ball" Seeds Or Starts I would like a start or seeds to plant a flower that I don't know the name of but I will describe it the best I can. It is about the size of a grapefruit, and it comes in pink, blue, white, and I don't know what other color. I think it's name is cotton ball, or popcorn ball or something like that. I really want some of these flowers. Could someone out there figure out what I am trying to say and maybe tell me where to get a start or some seeds? Thanks so much. Hardiness Zone: 6a Jamish from Leoti, Kansas Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31603749.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Getting Rid Of Iris Flowers How do I get rid of Iris flowers? I have dug them up and ripped them out and they keep coming back. I am new at this gardening stuff and need help. Hardiness Zone: 8a Angie from Weatherford, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42802146.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print 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.