The Green Thumb Times

Vol. 1, Issue 2             January 4 , 2002
http://rexseedco.com

Helping to find the green thumb in all of us.

Table of Contents

1. Editor's Comments
2. A Few Good Cacti
3. Humor for Today
4. Beautiful Flowers
5. Cooking Tip
6. Gardening Calendar
7. Subscribe/Unsubscribe

1) Editor's Comments

Welcome to another issue of The Green Thumb Times.  Today I'm going to take a look at cacti. Cacti are sometimes overlooked by the inside gardener, but for those of you with a not so green thumb, you may want to seriously consider them.

Just because it is winter, don't forget there are many things to consider regarding your annuals for 2002.  We touch on this in our gardening calendar.

If you do have questions, suggestions or ideas, do not hesitate to drop me a note.

Rex Gregor
GreenThumb@rexseedco.com

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2) A Few Good Cacti

I know of no plant that can take as much abuse and neglect and still provide us with an assortment of profuse blooms and a unique appearance.  Cacti are hardy, resilient and take up very little space.  They will grow where no other plant will.  They are truly the perfect windowsill plant.  Should you be the type of person who never has the time to properly care for plants, or you consistently forget to water them, then this is the perfect plant for you.  Cacti will always be patient with you.

There are a few "cold types" that survive outdoors, but the odds are against you, particularly in northern climates like Minnesota.  You will find some useful information on planting cacti seeds and caring for your plants at our web site, http://rexseedco.com/cacti.htm (near the bottom of the page).  If you are looking for a particular species, then e-mail me.  I probably can find the seed for you.
rexgregor@rexseedco.com

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3) Humor for Today

After church, Johnny tells his parents he has to go and talk to the minister right away.  They agree, and the pastor greets the family.

"Pastor," Johnny says, "I heard you say today that our bodies came from the dust."

"That's right, Johnny, I did," he says.

"And I heard you say that when we die, our bodies go back to dust."

"Yes, I'm glad you were listening," the pastor replies. "Why do you ask?"

"Well you better come over to our house right away and look under my bed 'cause there's someone either comin' or goin'!"

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4) Beautiful Flowers

Affairs of the heart are often tricky, and occasionally perilous or beautiful.  Valentine's Day has a history that is as rich and torrid as love itself.  The story dates back to the Roman Empire, when Juno, patroness of marriage and women's well being, was revered each February 14th.

The Feast of Lupercalia, honoring Lupericus, protector of crops and livestock, began on February 15th.  On the eve of the feast, young women wrote their names on slips of paper and placed them in urns; young men drew names at random and the pair would then be coupled during the festival.  It has been said that the men pinned the names they drew on their sleeves, which has given us the expression "to wear your heart on your sleeve."  Often these young couples would fall in love and marry.

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5) Cooking Tip: Oven Thermometer

The key to any recipe is cooking equipment that is working properly.  This is especially true of baked goods.

An oven thermometer (available in supermarkets) can let you know if your oven is heating to the correct temperature.  If it isn't, you can adjust your dial setting to compensate for the difference (or have a professional adjust it).  For example, if you set the oven to 350 degrees and the thermometer reads 330 degrees, you can change your dial setting to 365-370.

Users of gas stoves will be able to tell when the oven has fully pre-heated when the burner turns itself down.

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6) Gardening Calendar

(For our friends in the Southern Hemisphere, these tips would be followed in July.)

Even though it is January, there are things you need to consider regarding annuals -- and what you consider will also depend on where you are located.

    Cold Climates:

In cold climates, it is now time to review your notes from the last growing season to help plan for a successful spring planting season.  Take a look through your gardening books and magazines for ideas and new plants suited to your area.  You can also take a look through our favorite garden selections, http://www.rexseedco.com/flower.htm

For the plants you are over-wintering indoors, keep them cool, and water and fertilize them sparingly.

You can also be saving wood ashes from the fireplace to give you flower beds some added potassium.  You'll want to add the ashes just before planting in the spring.

    Temperate Climates:

As above for the cold climates, review your notes and those garden books and magazines.  Get your seeds and supplies ordered.  Of course, be sure to look over our favorite garden selections, as well. http://www.rexseedco.com/flower.htm

You'll also want to keep the indoor over-wintering plants cool, and watered and fertilized sparingly.  You can also save your wood ashes.

Be sure to test the soil to see if you need some lime and fertilizer.

    Warm Climates:

In the warm climates you can start to sow seeds of slower growing annuals indoors. Also take cuttings from your over-wintered plants.

Be sure to keep your annual beds free of weeks.  You can lightly fertilize winter annuals such as pansies, stocks, and snapdragons.

Don't forget to protect your tender plant from frost.  Also test the soil to see if you're going to need some lime and fertilizer.

Now you can direct-seed plants which are half-hardy.

    Hot Climates:

For you folks in the hot climates, keep those winter plants weed-free, fertilized, and water them as needed.

Go ahead and deadhead your winter annuals -- this will help to rejuvenate those plants and keep them flowering longer.  For you folks it is time to think about your summer plantings.

But, you can't forget to protect your tender plants from any possible frost just like the folks in the colder areas.

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7) Subscribe/Unsubscribe

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Rex Gregor, Editor
GreenThumb@rexseedco.com

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Rex’s Seedco has searched the world for quality growers of garden seeds.  Many of these farmers bring together ancient wisdom and modern science so people everywhere may have good health and enjoyment in life.  We are dedicated to providing the best wherever they are found.