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1) Editor's Comments:Our lead article today is about the tobacco plant. Rest assured, we are not here to promote smoking, but many people don't realize that tobacco has more uses than just for smoking. I am also amazed by the number of people growing tobacco in their gardens. As always, if you do have questions, suggestions or ideas, do not hesitate to drop us a note. Rex Gregor Tom Krueger 2) Tobacco:Probably no other plant is used more than the noble tobacco plant. Few people realize it has many uses other than for smoking products. It has many medicinal uses and it is also extremely valuable as an ornamental and flower garden specimen. You might be surprised, but it also makes one of nature's finest natural pesticides. Raising tobacco is very easy. The seeds should be started in flats. If you plan to raise more than one variety, I recommend using separate flats for each. In northern states start the seeds four to six weeks before the last frost. Tobacco can be ready to harvest in about 60 days after transplanting. Therefore, it can be raised in almost any state. I bet you thought it was only suited for growing in southern states of the US and similar climates. A mixture of peat humus and potting soil should be used as a starter soil. Potting soil alone should only be used if you select a high grade commercial potting soil. Place the mixture into flats and soak with water. The next day, sprinkle the tobacco seeds onto the surface of the damp soil. Do NOT cover the seeds because they need light for germination. Tobacco seeds are very tiny, almost dust like, so be careful to spread the seeds evenly. Keep the soil damp being careful NOT to wash the seeds around when you water. Transplant in the ground after all danger of frost is past. If you have a moderate growing season, you can start the seeds outside. Try to sow the seeds where wood has been burned -- the plants will thrive in those spots. Tobacco requires a lot of nitrogen and potash which is supplied by wood ashes. Ashes from charcoal grills are also beneficial. I recommend applying a good brand of garden fertilizer to the area where the plants will be grown. Working in rotted manure is very good for the plants. Never raise tobacco plants in the same spot in the garden over a few year period as tobacco plants will totally deplete the nutrients in the soil. You should space the tobacco plants about two feet apart. The plants are large enough to transplant when the largest leaves are two inches or larger. Always transplant outside in late evening or when it is cloudy or overcast. Water the plants thoroughly after transplanting and water daily until the plants have become established. Tobacco plants need to be grown in full sun. Tobacco roots grow quickly and often close to the surface -- this means you need to be careful around the plants when hoeing or cultivating. Try not to disturb the soil any more than necessary. As the plant begins to grow remove all suckers as they will sap the plants growth nutrients. You should know that tobacco plants are susceptible to several diseases, and are sometimes attacked by several leaf chewers. I recommend using "seven dust" to control insects. Be careful not to use any form of systemic insecticide that will penetrate the leaf. ** If you plan on using the tobacco for chewing or smoking, you should NOT use any chemical that will leave a residue. You will not want to be ingesting the chemicals. For a truly natural pesticide, purchase an ounce of tobacco dust from us and then make your own supply of pesticide by mixing one teaspoon of tobacco dust, one teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap to one gallon of water. Remember tobacco seeds are so small they are dust like! NOTE: we now offer a tobacco seed that is pelleted. This makes seeding much easier! http://www.rexseedco.com/tobacco.htm 3) Humor for Today:It was that time, during the Sunday morning service, for the children's sermon. All the children were invited to come forward. One little girl was wearing a particularly pretty dress and as she sat down, the Pastor leaned over and said, "That is a very pretty dress." "Is it your Easter Dress?" The little girl replied, directly into the pastor's clip-on microphone, "Yes, but my Mommy says it's a bitch to iron." RAINBOW GARDEN Our favorite flower garden seeds Choose your colors @ http://www.rexseedco.com/flower.htm 4) American Rose Society Convention:The American Rose Society will be holding the 2002 National Rose Convention April 26 through May 1 in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. You are invited to help the world celebrate the "Year of the Rose." To find out more about the convention or to register, please visit: http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/orgs/sccrs/Convention/registration.html 5) Getting Organized: Storage BoxesHey, Rex, this is Tom. I don't know about you, but my wife and I never have enough storage. My wife's e-mail address will give you an idea why this is a problem -- genpackrat@yahoo.com. You'd think I'm joking, but I'm not. She has a habit of placing "stuff" in plastic storage boxes. Unfortunately, we have all these boxes stacked around without a clue on what is in them. I just came across this tip I'm going to pass along to her. With a bunch of storage boxes stacked, it is a good idea to make a diagram showing the location of each box and a little bit about the major contents. You'd then store this diagram in a household file. Nothing more maddening than looking through a dozen boxes to find something. Using this tip, you'll know exactly where something is. It will also be easier on your back. You'd want to store items that you use more often towards the front, and less-used boxes toward the back. 6) Root Safe Transplants:In the past, I've used those little indoor plastic cell packs to start my seedlings. I also remember trying to force the tender plants from those flimsy plastic cells and damaging some of the roots. How would you like to get the plants out much easier? Here's a little tip: Before you put soil in the tray, cut inch wide strips from plastic grocery bags about eight to ten inches long. Place the strip across the bottom of each cell and drape it over the edges about a half inch, and then fill the cells. When it comes time to remove the transplants, take hold of each end of a strip and pull out the contents without damaging a thing. 7) Chopsticks:Have you ever tried to use chopsticks? They can be a fun way to break up your daily dining routine. Also, if you are trying to diet, you'll find that you'll eat less because you'll be eating more slowly -- this extra time allows you to feel fuller after eating less food. Of course, learning to use chopsticks does take some practice. Don't get frustrated. If you like to see a step-by-step illustrated guide, just visit this link: http://japanesetutor.cc/Chops/Chopsticks.html 8) Subscribe/Unsubscribe:This newsletter, the Green Thumb Times, is sent out only to those who have requested a FREE subscription by signing up at http://rexseedco.com or specifically asked to be added PRIVACY: Your email address is held in the strictest of privacy. It is never traded or sold to anyone else. To subscribe to The Green Thumb Times To unsubscribe Rex Gregor, Editor Tom Krueger, Publisher Please feel free to forward The Green Thumb Times to a friend. Rex’s Seedco has searched the world for quality
growers of garden seeds. Many of these farmers bring together ancient
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and enjoyment in life. We are dedicated to providing the best wherever
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