Home and Garden Tips: January 2010

Sunday, January 31, 2010

“Catalogs offer fascinating garden tools - Anchorage Daily News”

Catalogs offer fascinating garden tools - Anchorage Daily News

Posted: 21 Jan 2010 01:26 AM PST

Some gardeners really get into gardening tools and gadgets. It shouldn't come as any surprise to the rest of us that there are catalogs and Web-o-logs that specialize in gardening tools. These are really winter reading material. Not only will you be amazed by what is available, a good tool catalog can stimulate gardening thoughts in the middle of winter.

Garden calendar (1/20/10)

Christmas tree recyling: It is over. Do not spoil the program by taking trees to the now closed collection areas.

Sweat Peas: Order, buy and start. Pinch the outer covering with a nail clipper, soak in water for 24 hours and plant in good soil. Pinch back when they get three sets of leaves to two sets.

Seed Racks: They are up and they are dangerous. Only buy what you need, not what you desire.

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Let's start with Lee Valley Company. These folks have a standard display at many home and garden shows around the country, and it is always fun to touch their offerings instead of just looking at them in a catalog. Still, they have a great gardening "tab" on their Web site (leevalley.com), which is fun to go to as well. I never thought of a gadget to connect two bamboo tomato stakes for a longer reach, much less a nifty item that makes three stakes form a teepee without ties. Need to see some different kinds of trowels because of arthritis or want to price a composting thermometer? Check out Lee Valley.

Next, I love Rittenhouse (rittenhouse.ca), a Canadian garden, farm and nursery supplier with warehouses in the U.S. They sell almost everything you can think of from watering gardening tools and equipment to dog-shaped wire frames to make topiary displays. I don't confine myself to the Web tab designed for the home gardeners, either. Check out some of the golf course equipment, for example, over in the professional products tab or some of the sprayers in the industrial supply tab. As for pricing, if you are going to buy, make sure to check the U.S. currency flag on the opening page.

You will surely find all sorts of interesting things to consider at Gardener's Supply Company (gardeners.com). I like these folks, in part, because I bought a garden cart from them over 1,000 years ago that is still working hard for me. Their site has a bunch of tools listed in different categories, which makes it a bit easier to navigate than some tool sites. Check out the labor saving devices for some good ideas. I love the clothespin twine cutter that fits in the pocket. It can be seen over in the new tools section.

Kinsman Company (kinsmangarden.com) sells all sorts of gardening things but has a tab for gardening tools on their Web site. Need a sharpener for the mower blades or for those old shears you can't part with? How about "Better than Rocks" -- a great idea to help your deck pots and containers to hold water and provide some aeration while keeping the pots light?

Lilypons Water Gardens (lilypons.com) has been the go-to place for water garden equipment. It is also a great place to spend some time and learn about water features you might consider for your yard. Who knew there was a special sealant to divert water over waterfall rocks? Liners? What is a liner? Spend a half hour here and you will learn what you need for that water garden you have always wanted. You don't have to buy; winter catalog time is for learning too.

I have always wanted to automate the watering around our yard with a drip irrigation system. (My lovely spouse wants me to do so as well). I am going to make sure we both spend some time at Dripworks (dripworksusa.com) Web site. Not only do they have lots of neat systems to look at, but there are educational videos on setting them up.

Felco (felcostore.com) makes pruning tools. Spend a few minutes on their site to see what they have to offer, including how to choose a pruning tool and how to maintain them. Similarly, Fiskars (fiskars.com/content/garden_en_us/Garden/Home) has a bunch of stuff on their U.S. gardening Web page, including their new products. I am looking at their foot aerator, for instance. Both brands are carried in several locations here in Alaska.

While they don't sell to the general public, Growers Supply Company (growerssupplycompany.com) has a whole line of indoor gardening products and tools. Lights, fixtures, growing trays, stands and systems are featured. You can buy anything you see at local outlets.

Finally, the list wouldn't be complete with out a reference to Charley's Greenhouse and Garden (charleysgreenhouse.com). There are lots of tools listed, including, obviously, things needed in greenhouses. There is also a hard copy catalog available.

Again, if there is a catalog you think should be on one of my January lists, let me know. Happy reading in the meantime!

Jeff Lowenfels is a member of the Garden Writers Hall of Fame. You can reach him at teamingwithmicrobes.com or by calling 274-5297 during "The Garden Party" radio show from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays on KBYR AM-700.

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Saturday, January 30, 2010

“It's time to start planning your 2010 vegetable garden - Fort Worth Star Telegram”

It's time to start planning your 2010 vegetable garden - Fort Worth Star Telegram

Posted: 21 Jan 2010 01:58 PM PST

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Friday, January 29, 2010

“Seed starting: more details - Baltimore Sun (blog)”

Seed starting: more details - Baltimore Sun (blog)

Posted: 28 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST

Starting your vegetables from seed can be a lot of work, no question. And there are plenty of ways it can go wrong.

But the advantages include variety -- infinite variety -- and a sense of accomplishment.

Check out the column for your first steps in starting seeds. Here is some more advice:

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Thursday, January 28, 2010

“Vegetable garden, Part III: Go with seeds or seedlings? - Baltimore Sun” plus 2 more

Vegetable garden, Part III: Go with seeds or seedlings? - Baltimore Sun
Greening Up a Small Space Pt I - Containers - Gather.com
Vegetable seeds could be in short supply this year - Detroit Free Press

Vegetable garden, Part III: Go with seeds or seedlings? - Baltimore Sun

Posted: 28 Jan 2010 12:28 AM PST

Susan Reimer On Gardening

January 28, 2010

Seeds or seedlings?

Those eager to join the vegetable gardening revolution this season have a decision to make.

Are you going to grow your vegetables from seed? Or will you purchase seedlings from your local garden center or a farmers' market?

If you are going to grow your own seedlings, it is just about time to get started. The advantages include savings, pride and choice. You can grow exactly what you want, in the numbers you want and you don't have to count on somebody else's idea of variety.

Though seedlings can be pretty inexpensive, selling for a dollar or two, you can purchase a packet of perhaps 50 seeds - and a measure of personal satisfaction - for the same amount.

Buying seedlings saves a lot of work, and it can save a lot of disappointment. There are any number of reasons why the seeds you plant won't germinate or won't thrive.

However, unless your garden center purchases its seedlings from a dependable local grower, you run the risk of importing diseases from another part of the country. That appears to be how late blight made its way up the East Coast last summer and decimated so many tomato crops.

Most local garden centers are stepping it up when it comes to vegetable variety. Valley View Farms in Cockeysville, for example, will carry 35 kinds of tomatoes and 35 kinds of peppers.

But if you are dying to grow Black Pear tomatoes or White Lightning eggplant, you might have to start from seed.

Susan Iglehart of Glyndon, who will start about 20,000 seeds this spring in more than 100 flower and vegetable varieties, says that if you try to start seeds in a sunny window, you are heading for disappointment.

"You can grow a whole garden's worth - hundreds of plants - under a 40-inch fluorescent fixture," she said.

It needs to be suspended on chains, very close to the seed cups so the plants don't become spindly reaching for the light. The chains allow you to adjust that height as the plants grow. You can purchase fancy tiered racks or light tables, but any table will do.

You can buy heating pads to encourage root growth, though that isn't necessary for a beginner, Iglehart said. But a seed-starter kit is a wise purchase.

A seed-starter kit, which includes 48 seed cups, markers and a dome that creates a greenhouse effect, can be purchased from mail-order houses such as Gardener's Supply Co. for about $49.95, and they include a germination mix and irrigation trays to make watering easier.

How many seeds do you plant? If you want just six tomato plants, do you plant six seeds?

"At least double what you want, and the whole pack if you can," said Iglehart. "That way, you will have your choice of the sturdiest seedlings, and you can give the rest away to friends."

Next week: vegetable gardening in containers.

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Greening Up a Small Space Pt I - Containers - Gather.com

Posted: 27 Jan 2010 01:20 PM PST

It's All About the Container

When greening up a small space, finding the right container for your plants is like picking the right pan for your dinner. It has to be the correct size! A good rule of thumb is that a pot's diameter should be 1/3 to 1/2 the height of the plant. It almost goes without saying that you won't be having many tall plants, unless you want a jungle look rather than a simple accent.

When caring for the plant, use a good quality potting medium, not potting soil, and - for best results - an organic, water-soluble fertilizer.

Voila! - now you are a gardener!

Plants can be grown in a teacup, a hanging basket, or a 5-gallon bucket. Any size container can be used, but successful growing requires an adequate volume of soil for the size of the plant, and excellent drainage. Some thought should also be given to weight and portability; there's no need to throw your back out every time you move a plant. I prefer using saucers with wheels (they come in all sizes) for floor plants, and individual pots on a waterproof tray for my windowsills.

Indoors

A window of greenery is cheery. A potted plant on the floor in front of the window, with a sill full of pots and a few hanging plants, all capture the light to really complete a room. Plus, they're an inexpensive window treatment. Pick the plants to suit both available light as well as how the room is used.

In the kitchen, what cook wouldn't love to have a windowsill overflowing with fresh herbs? They provide the perfect accent to turn even a mundane dish into a culinary delight. Plus, they're easy and rewarding to grow and use.

Combination pots may look nice with the contrasting foliage artfully arranged, but they soon become a mess. Growth and moisture requirements differ for each plant. For your herb collection think individual 5" or 6" pots on a waterproof tray. (I prefer unglazed clay pots because they breathe, but plastic is acceptable.)

As plants fade and tastes change you can mix and match the selection without disturbing the others. As a matter of fact, forget combination pots entirely - whether you want to grow flowers, greenery or food, individual pots are always better.

Outdoors

Gardeners with a patio or deck- and deep pockets - will like the Food Map Container ($245 & $255), a large window box on wheels. Made from recycled materials, it's large enough for a salad garden - or a glorious floral display. The FMC is designed to let water drain quickly to keep plants from being damaged by sitting in water, while allowing for the soil to stay evenly moist. It's 33" long, 15" wide and 14" deep, holding about 4 cubic feet of potting mix. It's available in two heights: a two-foot high model for children, or two and a half for adults. (Either height would work for someone confined to a wheel chair.) The Food Map Container is ideal for wheeling around to follow the sun, hiding a neighbor's view, and rolling out of the way when you entertain.

Self watering Terrazza Trough Planters of a similar size but without casters are available at Gardener's Supply Company for $100. In a sunny location you can plant them with tomato, cucumber and peppers for a satisfying salad garden. In sun or shade plant impatiens, decorative grass and trailing vines to deliver a colorful vertical display.

General advice

Use a good quality potting medium, not potting soil, and - for best results - a water soluble fertilizer.

For cheap chic, I've been known to transform the large olive oil cans as urban pots; simply punch small drainage holes in the bottom. For larger plants, those 5 gallon buckets you can get from contractors and bakeries work fine as they are, but can be painted or appliqued to look even better.

It's important to have a secure hanger properly anchored into the wall or ceiling for hanging baskets. There's nothing worse than having greenery come crashing down on you, other plants or treasured mementos.

I'd suggest making it organic if you are growing anything to be eaten, such as herbs or vegetables.
next in the series - growing plants from seed
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Vegetable seeds could be in short supply this year - Detroit Free Press

Posted: 28 Jan 2010 12:32 AM PST

Will there be a shortage of vegetable seeds for gardeners in 2010?

It is possible, says Barbara Melera, owner of the oldest seed house in the country, D. Landreth Seeds of New Freedom, Pa.

"In 2009, we had the worst growing season in 50 years," she said. Rain and disease destroyed crops and with them, the seeds for next year's garden.

"Onion sets. And a cucumber seed shortage," she predicted. "We are being told that the cucumber harvest was catastrophic, attacked late in the season by woolly mildew. There was fruit, but no viable seeds inside.

"We are being told that many, many varieties simply won't be available."

Likewise, Europe had a terrible harvest this year, and Europeans purchased much of their produce from the United States, taking with it, the seeds.

And, as further proof that we are in a global marketplace, Europeans and Australians have taken a fancy to eating sprouts.

"When you grow vegetables just to get the sprouts, nothing gets to fruit. And they are consuming gigantic quantities of seeds just for the purpose of sprouts," Melera said.

Word of possible shortages must be leaking out, Melera said, because retailers are telling her they had their best December in years.

It is certainly true that vegetable gardeners are ordering seeds earlier and earlier, but Melera said she thinks it is more likely that gardeners are acting out of fear of shortages.

Landreth just published a beautiful and historical catalog to celebrate 225 years of teaching gardeners how to garden. To order one, call 800-654-2407 or go to landrethseeds.com.

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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

“Gardeners, start your veggies - Macon Telegraph”

Gardeners, start your veggies - Macon Telegraph

Posted: 26 Jan 2010 09:04 PM PST

We can grow vegetables 12 months out of the year, but we need to wait to plant most warm season vegetables. We can plant cool season vegetables such as English peas, onion sets and plants, carrots, greens and broccoli now. Begin planting Irish potatoes in late February.

See our vegetable planting chart to know when to plant your favorite vegetables: http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/pubcd/C963/C963VegeChart.pdf.

We do need to think about starting our transplants now. Warm season vegetables like tomato, pepper, eggplant and a few others are easier to start using transplants.

Gardeners can buy transplants, but some like to grow their own. Growing our own transplants can save money and allow us to grow the varieties we want. These transplants may perform better since they are fresher.

You need a growing container that is large enough, with large holes for drainage. You can buy pots or use cups, trays and other containers. With some purchased pots, we can plant the entire container. This can mean less root damage and transplant shock.

Some transplants are grown in seed flats — trays that can be up to one foot deep and a foot or more across. When planting into trays, do not crowd plants. Plant more seed than you want, but pinch off unwanted plants or move extra plants so that each plant has room to grow.

Do not use garden soil to grow transplants. This soil contains more diseases and other pests. Buy a sterile soil mix that drains well. Soils that remain too wet after watering can lead to poor growth and seedling death. Soils that will drain well often contain more perlite (looks like small white balls) or vermiculite (looks like a tan, puffed rock). There are even soil mixes made for starting seeds.

Fill the container and then tap it gently to settle the soil. You can settle the soil with your hand, but do not compact the soil. Make a small indentation for the seeds — about 1/4- to 1/2-inch deep. Use a ruler for rows and a pencil for individual holes.

Put two or three seeds per hole, cover the seed and water gently. Water well the first time and then as needed to keep the soil moist but not overly wet. Do not let the pot sit in water, since these soils act like sponges and can keep plant roots too wet.

Place pots in a well-lit area with a warm temperature. Though the best growing temperature varies with the vegetable, many seeds like warm temperatures, 75 to 80 degrees, as they germinate. One warm spot to use for seed germination is the top of a fridge or freezer.

Give vegetable transplants plenty of light. Most transplants probably do not have enough light, and it would be difficult to supply too much. A south facing window with direct sun may be best. If you cannot supply direct sunlight, consider using a grow light or soft white inflorescent light. However, the light needs to be very close to the transplants, about 18 inches away. Did I remember to say that transplants need lots of light?

Once seeds germinate, normal inside temperatures should be adequate for growing transplants. They grow faster with warmer temperatures (70 to 80 degrees in the day and 65 to 70 degrees at night) and good light.

Fertilize plants regularly with a liquid fertilizer. Expect to grow tomatoes for five to seven weeks and peppers and eggplant for six to eight weeks. For vine crops, grow them for only two to four weeks inside, since they are hard to transplant once plants get large. Time your seeding so that plants will be ready when you want them, usually in early April.

Willie Chance is retired from UGA Extension in Houston County. To reach your local extension office, call (800) ASK-UGA1 from any non-cell phone. To subscribe to the central Georgia home gardening newsletter, e-mail mg@uga.edu.

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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

“Home and garden - San Jose Mercury News” plus 1 more

Home and garden - San Jose Mercury News

Posted: 22 Jan 2010 01:14 PM PST

SOUTH BAY

Home, garden show. "Victory Garden" television show host Michael Weishan will be among the experts appearing at the South Bay Home & Garden Show, which runs 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Jan. 23 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. General admission $10 (or $7 if buy online). Parking is free; follow signs to third level. 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara. 408-236-2000, www.southbay homeshow.com.

Rose clinics. Free clinics on how to prune roses. 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays through Feb. 20. Heritage Rose Garden, Spring and West Taylor streets. 408-298-7657, www.grpg.org.

Pruning tips. Master gardener Allen Buchinski shares pruning techniques in the Sunnyvale Teaching and Demonstration Garden. 10 a.m.-noon Jan. 23. Charles Street Community Garden, 433 Charles St., Sunnyvale. 408-282-3105, www.mastergardeners.org/events.

Pruning workshop. Sean McGrail with Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens shares techniques and basic pruning tips during a hands-on class. 9:30 a.m. Jan. 23. Historic Orchard, Seymor and Walnut streets, San Jose. $15. 408-298-7657, www.grpg.org.

Fruit trees. Class taught by landscape consultant Bradley Strawhorn covers pruning, dormant spraying and general care. 10 a.m. Jan. 23. Yamagami's Nursery,

1361 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino. $20. 408-252-3347, www.yamagamisnursery.com.

Sustainable vegetable gardening. Master Gardeners series of classes cover mulching, watering, composting, pest management, fertilizers and soil amendments, and tips on working with seedlings. 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Jan. 23-Feb. 27. Almaden Branch Public Library, 6445 Camden Ave., San Jose. $72. 408-268-1133, www.mastergardeners.org/events.

Grafting basics. Landscape consultant Bradley Strawhorn demonstrates the basics on cherry and apple trees. 1 p.m. Jan. 23. Yamagami's Nursery, 1361 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino. $20. 408-252-3347, www.yamagamis nursery.com.

Sustainable landscape. Learn how to create an Earth-friendly garden during a Master Gardeners class. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 25-March 8. Fremont High School, 1279 Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road, Sunnyvale. $70. 408-522-2700, www.ace.fuhsd.org.

Birds in the Garden. A Sierra Club meeting features tips from Toby Goldberg and Arvind Kumar on how to draw birds to the garden. 7-8:30 p.m. Jan. 27. Saratoga Library, 13650 Saratoga Ave. 408-257-6712, www.lomaprieta.sierraclub.org.

Fruit tree picks. Nancy Garrison with Friends of Guadalupe River & Park talks about best bets for Santa Clara County and joins Sean McGrail afterward for a planting demonstration. 9 a.m. Jan. 30. Historic Orchard, Seymor and Walnut streets, San Jose. $30. 408-298-7657, www.grpg.org.

Fruit trees. Fruit guru Nancy Garrison shares ideas for incorporating fruit trees — big and small — into gardens. 2 p.m. Jan. 30. Yamagami's Nursery, 1361 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino. $20. 408-252-3347, www.yamagamis nursery.com.

PENINSULA

Peninsula Orchid Society. Annual show and sale includes varieties from throughout the world and an opportunity to brush up on orchids during seminars. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 23-24. Redwood City Community Activities Building, 1400 Roosevelt Ave., Redwood City. $3-$5. 650-780-7250, www.penorchidsoc.org/events.html.

Happy roses. Carole Kraft has tips for winter pruning and care. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 23. Common Ground Organic Garden Supply and Education Center, 559 College Ave., Palo Alto. $38. 650-493-6072, www.rosepruning.eventbrite.com.

Year in the Garden. Series includes "Botany for Horticulturists, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 26, and "The Winter Garden," 1:30-3:30 p.m. Jan. 26. Filoli, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside. $35-$40 each. 650-364-8300, www.filoli.org.

Pruning workshops. Tips for trimming wisteria. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 30. Tips from trimming fruit trees. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Jan. 30. Filoli Center, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside. $30-$35 each. 650-364-8300, www.filoli.org.

SANTA CRUZ/ MONTEREY

Rose care. Resident rosarian Lance Reiners leads a pruning and care clinic. 10 a.m.-noon Jan. 23. The Garden Company Nursery & Gift Shop, 2218 Mission St., Santa Cruz. Free, but reservations required. 831-429-8424, www.thegardenco.com.

Fruit trees. Question-and-answer program hosted by experts from University of California-Santa Cruz Farm. 10 a.m.-noon Jan. 23. ProBuild Garden Center, 235 River St., Santa Cruz. 831-459-3240, http://casfs.ucsc.edu.

Rose experts. Guinivere Wiley with Roses of Yesterday and Daniel Paduano from Friends of the Farm present a workshop on how to propagate, plant and care for roses. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 23. 803 Brown's Valley Road, Watsonville. $15-$20. 831-459-3240, http://casfs.ucsc.edu.

Spring vegetable gardens. Topics cover bed preparation, heat and light requirements, companion planting, organic pest control, fertilizing and harvesting techniques. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 24. Love Apple Farm, 9299 Glen Arbor Road, Ben Lomond. $55, plus $25 for materials. 831-588-3801, www.grow betterveggies.com.

Santa Cruz Orchid Society. Show and sale includes an assortment of rare and exotic blooms, potting demonstrations and cultural information. 9-5 p.m. Jan. 30 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 31. Soquel High School, 401 Old San Jose Road. 831-429-3909.

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Keeper of the garden - Keilor, Taylors Lakes, Sydenham Star

Posted: 25 Jan 2010 04:07 PM PST

FOR George Scott, life is about smelling the roses.

The 83-year-old spends every day in his garden, or on his hobby farm in Keilor.

The longest serving member of the Sunshine Garden Club, Mr Scott has been with the group for almost four decades.

He first began sprouting a green thumb more than 38 years ago, when he attended the clubs famous pruning demonstrations.

What started as a simple plan to learn the tricks of the trade quickly became a lifelong passion.

I like to get out in my garden, whatever the weather, Mr Scott said.

It definitely keeps me young.

My doctor says Im as fit as a trout.

And his family isnt complaining.

Mr Scotts hobby keeps the kitchen in fresh supply.

He grows every vegetable imaginable, from potatoes and cabbage to rhubarb and cauliflower.

The avid gardener insists theres nothing he cant grow.

If there is, I havent come across it, he said.

When it comes to his vegetables, the proof is in the eating.

My wife isnt a gardener but she does enjoy cooking and eating what I grow, Mr Scott said.

And it seems shes not the only one.

Mr Scotts vegies have bagged him 14 blue ribbons over the years.

His roses have also been singled out for distinction.

Every year, he competes in the Sunshine Garden Clubs Annual Garden Show.

The longest running garden show in the western suburbs, the event attracts gardeners from across Melbourne.

This years show will be held on 13 March at the Glengala Community Hall.

For more information on the event, or to become a member of the club, contact 0418 543 649 during business hours.

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Monday, January 25, 2010

“Cold takes its toll - The News-Press”

Cold takes its toll - The News-Press

Posted: 24 Jan 2010 10:12 PM PST

1:10 A.M. — Backyard gardeners who are disheartened by their brown, cold-damaged landscaping may have to wait a few weeks before they can add some bright splashes of color from popular annual flowers.

Local nursery operators say many popular varieties of annual plants are hard to find. Growers, who lost some plants to the cold and quickly sold much of the rest to major customers like gated communities and even theme parks.

Bobby Burns, plant buyer for the Driftwood Garden Center in Estero, said his stock of annuals was down by 80 percent early last week before trucks started to bring in a few replacements.

Impatiens, annual plants popular for vivid flowers but notoriously sensitive to cold, are especially in demand and hard to find, Burns said.

Seeing the losses from the January cold hasnt dampened the taste for cold-sensitive tropical plants, he said.

I thought it might and I expected questions about more cold-tolerant plants, but people like what they like and that is what they are looking to plant, Burns said.

Joe Scott, co-owner of the Bayshore Garden Center in North Fort Myers, said customers asked about cold-tolerant plants for about three days after the cold snap, but not since.

But people who have a yard in Florida want tropicals and you cant move cold-hardy plants for anything, Scott said. Up north, all they have is green shrubs so they want something with some color down here.

Scott said he has managed to survive the hiccup in the supply chain by reaching out to more growers for annual plants.

He said the next few weeks are critical for anyone in the nursery business.

This is the start of the season when people really start putting stuff in, Scott said. As soon as the weather breaks, they want to be out tinkering in their gardens.

Helen Foster, a winter resident of Lehigh Acres, said she is hoping to get some work done in her yard, so she paid a visit to the garden section of a home improvement store for ideas.

Im not much of a gardener but everything is just so brown that I wanted to do something, Foster said.

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Sunday, January 24, 2010

“Catalogs offer fascinating garden tools - Anchorage Daily News” plus 2 more

Catalogs offer fascinating garden tools - Anchorage Daily News
Attack of the killer tomatoes? - Tahlequah Daily Press
Master Gardeners: Draw birds to your yard year-round - News-Herald.com

Catalogs offer fascinating garden tools - Anchorage Daily News

Posted: 21 Jan 2010 01:26 AM PST

Garden calendar (1/20/10)

Christmas tree recyling: It is over. Do not spoil the program by taking trees to the now closed collection areas.

Sweat Peas: Order, buy and start. Pinch the outer covering with a nail clipper, soak in water for 24 hours and plant in good soil. Pinch back when they get three sets of leaves to two sets.

Seed Racks: They are up and they are dangerous. Only buy what you need, not what you desire.

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Again, if there is a catalog you think should be on one of my January lists, let me know. Happy reading in the meantime!

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Attack of the killer tomatoes? - Tahlequah Daily Press

Posted: 29 Dec 2009 08:58 AM PST

Published December 29, 2009 10:54 am - Dec. 29, 2009

Attack of the killer tomatoes?
But the threat of voracious veggies, even if real, shouldn't affect humans.

By BETTY RIDGE
Press Special Writer

By BETTY RIDGE

Press Special Writer

Almost everyone has heard tales about, or witnessed, carnivorous plants such as the Venus flytrap or pitcher plant.

And who could forget the movie, "Little Shop of Horrors," in which a particularly aggressive plant tended to gobble up humans?

But most of the time, people think of plants as the prey rather than the hunted, the consumed rather than the consumers.

Not necessarily so, according to research by scientists at London's Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. The Independent, a London publication, reports in its science section that these plant probers theorize hundreds more plants than previously known can catch and eat insects and other small animals.

Among the suspects are the usually mild-mannered tomatoes and potatoes. Also in the lineup is a type of petunia, ornamental tobacco, and shepherd's purse, which is related to cabbage.

With tomatoes and potatoes being vital to most diets, people usually think of eating them, rather than them eating something.

"Widely recognized carnivorous plants number some 650, and we estimate that another 325 or so are probable additions — an increase of about 50 percent," said Dr. Mike Fay of Kew.

Fay and his colleagues performed the research as part of an anniversary of Charles Darwin's 200th birthday. Darwin conducted many experiments with carnivorous plants, feeding them meat, and published a book, "Insectivorous Plants," in 1875.

Obviously, for Darwin and later researchers, the concept of survival of the fittest took some unexpected turns.

Fay said these plants' lust for a more varied diet probably has been overlooked because they do not have specialized structures to capture and devour their prey, such as those possessed by the Venus flytrap and the pitcher plant. The tomato and potato are more likely to regard meat – if insects may be so termed – as a supplement rather than a dietary mainstay.

Anyway, here's how it works: As gardeners who have raised these crops know, they possess sticky hairs on their stems and leaves. These hairs trap aphids and other small creatures. The scientists believe the plants derive nutrition from these beasties when they become stuck, die, decay, and fall to the ground. The plant then absorbs the nutrients that enter the earth.

"They catch little aphids on the sticky hairs all the time. As these insects break down and drop to the ground, the ground becomes enriched and the plants absorb them through the roots," Fay said.

The scientists concluded that while the plants may gain some nutrition from the decomposed bugs, they do not rely on it because most gardeners supply them with ample fertilizer.

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Master Gardeners: Draw birds to your yard year-round - News-Herald.com

Posted: 23 Jan 2010 09:53 PM PST

By Lake County Master Gardeners

This column was prepared by Lake County Master Gardener Dotty Dunlap.

During these blustery, cold days of winter, it is heart warming that people maintain bird feeders full of sunflower or thistle seeds.

This helps many varieties of birds while snow covers their normal seed supplies. Many kinds of finches, chickadees, juncos, titmice, nuthatches, cardinals and blue jays bring their beauty close to our windows while they seek food. Holders filled with suet pieces result in parades of woodpeckers, such as downy, hairy, red-bellied and, occasionally, the exotic pileated.

But what about the other seasons of the year? Does your yard invite birds to stay? Is it planted to help them survive?

What are birds looking for? The same things as you and I. They need food, water and a safe place to raise their young. Birds eat more than just birdseed.

Like us, they enjoy variety and relish berries of all kinds.

Domestic fruit and ornamental shrubs or trees with berries attract robins, mockingbirds, cedar waxwings and many more. Acorn bearing oaks supply almost 100 species of birds with nuts. Birds eat an enormous amount of insects and larvae.

Many of the parents also feed insect larvae to their babies as protein. So while a few insects may annoy us, the majority of insects feed birds and a host of other creatures.

Birds find insects by pecking in the ground for ants, grubs or beetles. They scurry through trees, shrubs and our gardens eating many bothersome pests.

Birds are our chief control of insects. While helping us they also bring beauty and song to our yards.

During this winter, think about making a yard environment of small and tall trees, and shrubs of varying heights. Our feathered friends will gobble up dogwood seedpods, and clear all Juneberries from amelanchiers.

Berry-producing shrubs like viburnums and hollies will ensure their survival.

Growing a few cone-bearing trees, such as spruce or pine, will provide shelter and seeds for some birds. Deciduous shrubs and trees supply nesting space and insects.

Bramble-dense shrubs, like rugosa rose or barberry, give protection from hawks or feral cats. Native perennials, like coneflowers and rudbeckias, provide both and migrating birds with seeds.

Just as we need water, so do birds. Fresh, clean water, especially a shallow birdbath to shower in, will have them lined up in nearby trees waiting their turn, particularly in the heat of summer.

We need birds in our lives. Use these blustery cold days to make plans to keep birds in your yard year round, because birds help our world — naturally.

How to reach us

For all your gardening questions and free information call the Master Gardener Hotline.

Ohio State University Extension, Lake County, 99 E. Erie St., Painesville, OH 44077

440-350-2582

440-918-2582

440-428-4348, ext. 2582

Tuesday: 9 to 11 a.m. (November through February) or visit us at http://lake.osu.edu

For additional information from Ohio State University Extension visit http://ohioline.osu.edu

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Saturday, January 23, 2010

“It's time to start planning your 2010 vegetable garden - Fort Worth Star Telegram” plus 1 more

It's time to start planning your 2010 vegetable garden - Fort Worth Star Telegram

Posted: 21 Jan 2010 01:58 PM PST

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Home and garden - San Jose Mercury News

Posted: 22 Jan 2010 01:14 PM PST

SOUTH BAY

Rose clinics. Free clinics on how to prune roses. 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays through Feb. 20. Heritage Rose Garden, Spring and West Taylor streets. 408-298-7657, www.grpg.org.

Fruit trees. Class taught by landscape consultant Bradley Strawhorn covers pruning, dormant spraying and general care. 10 a.m. Jan. 23. Yamagami's Nursery,

1361 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino. $20. 408-252-3347, www.yamagamisnursery.com.

PENINSULA

SANTA CRUZ/ MONTEREY

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