|
[ Past Issues Index ] [ Rex's Seedco Home ] [ Our Seed Catalog ] [ About Us ]
|
|
Table of Contents
1) Editor's Comments:This week we really had an explosion of new subscribers. We want to welcome each of you. For those not familiar with our newsletter, we try not only to include articles and tips on indoor and outdoor gardening, but we also throw in some humor and other topics that you might find interesting. We send Green Thumb Times in a HTML version. Often, many of the images included in an issue won't be visible unless you are on- line -- but every issue past and present is on the Internet at our website if you prefer reading it that way. The content is identical. For this issue, now that the growing season is closing fast, we thought it might be a good time to start thinking about next year. You'll find an article on seeds which includes some categories you might want to consider for next year's garden. Also included are some tips for planting your spring flowering bulbs, as well as tips on choosing the best houseplant. As always, if you do have questions, suggestions or ideas, do not hesitate to drop us a note. Rex Gregor Tom Krueger 2) Seeds:I think and live with gardening all year around. You may find it hard to believe, but it is truly my favorite hobby. <grin>
There are also plants which naturally seed themselves. You may want to consider some of them for next year's garden. Seed starting is very easy, especially when you start with fresh quality seeds. If you do purchase your seeds, I suggest you obtain your seeds shortly after the 1st of January. I know it sounds early, but it gives you a better chance of getting the seeds you want. There have been many times when suppliers have run out of specialty or hard-to-find seeds. When it comes time to plant your seeds, it is best to use a sterile, soilless germination mix of at least two inches deep. The reason is, garden dirt or a standard potting soil mix may be too compact - also they may harbor diseases and chemicals that might kill your young tender seedlings. Cover the container, and keep them in the dark until the seeds begin to sprout. Keep them moist but not wet. Most seeds will germinate between 65° to 70° F. - some at even cooler temperatures. The Internet is changing forever the way gardeners obtain their seeds. You no longer need to visit the garden center where they likely have a limited selection. Also, you'll be able to find types and varieties on the Internet which you can't find at the garden center. Here are some special categories you may want to consider for next year: Most of us, even those who live in villages and small towns, garden the way our Grandparents did fifty years ago. However, today more and more people are living in townhouses and condominiums -- this has resulted in more container gardening. Did you know there are seeds specifically suited to container gardening? If you visit your flower garden at night or are able to view it from a patio or deck at night, you might want to think about planting a Moon Garden. This way you'll be able to enjoy your garden even more. There are several varieties of flowers that will actually glow under the moonlight. We believe that every gardener should do their part to encourage bees and butterflies to visit their garden. There are a number of flowers that are favorites for them. Did you know that Monarchs will only lay their eggs on milkweed plants? If you want to have a Monarch butterfly garden you need to grow a generous supply of milkweed plants in or near your garden. Also, some milkweed (TPF093) will produce beautiful flowers. Did you know that sunflower seeds are an American original? They became an important agricultural crop in the 1950s, starting in North Dakota and Minnesota. The confection sunflower seeds are normally black with white stripes. Sunflowers are commercially sorted by size, with the smallest size for the bird and pet feeding market. The fastest growing market in the United States is actually the seeds used for feeding birds and pets. Repellant Plants to Protect Nature: Synthetic repellants are a threat to man and beast. Did you know there are actually plants that work as natural repellants? We hope our gardening friends will reverse this trend. As you plan for the next growing season, don't hesitate to consider these categories - we think you'll be pleased. You can view all our various categories for the thousands of seeds we carry by Clicking Here. Give the gift that will be treasured for generations. 3) Humor for Today:"So, what's the matter?" asked one woman of her friend over coffee. "I thought you just got back from a nice relaxing fishing trip with your husband." "Oh, everything went wrong," the second woman answered. "First, he said I talked so loud I would scare the fish. Then he said I was using the wrong bait; and then that I was reeling in too soon. "All that might have been all right; but then, to make matters worse, I ended up catching the most fish!" 4) Pinch and Dash - How Much?When I cook I always like to use recipes - I'm not one of those that can look in the refrigerator, cupboard and pantry and just throw something together. I get out a recipe, and sure enough, I'm faced with "pinch" or a "dash." How much is that? Are they the same? Here is a rule of thumb we came across... a pinch is 1/8 of a teaspoon and a dash is 1/16 of a teaspoon. Hope that helps you like it did me. 5) Tips for Choosing the Right Houseplant:
Keep these tips in mind and your next live plant purchase may turn out well for you. Click Image for Our Eagle Gallery 6) Quotes for Today:"The most important thing a father can do for his children is
to love their mother." "The most important thing in an argument, next to being right,
is to leave an escape-hatch for your opponent, so that he can gracefully
swing over to your side without too much apparent loss of face." 7) Halloween is Coming - Be Prepared:
Check out the Costume Idea Zone by clicking on the name. Here you may find some ideas for unique costumes. They also have hundreds of suggestions for creative, fun and easy costumes. Have you always wanted to have your own haunted house? The Haunted House Tips site is for you. You might also consider having a haunted house fund raiser. This is the place to visit. Click Here. And finally, why not have the perfect Jack O'Lantern this year. Visit The Pumpkin Farm or Click Here. You'll even find some carving templates. 8) Bulb Planting Tips:
Placement of your bulbs can turn an okay spring look into an amazing display. Go ahead and put in several layers of bulbs placing about 1-1/2 to 2 inches of soil between the layers. Don't be afraid to overplant larger bulbs with minor ones that flower at the same time - you'll be so pleased with the result. Another placement method is to give them a natural look, rather than an artificial or contrived look like a straight row of bulbs. Take your bulbs and gently toss a handful on the ground - plant them where they fall. I think the natural look makes for a more pleasing display. For planting, you'll want to mix a balanced fertilizer into the soil with some compost. Be sure that the bulb makes good contact with the base of your hole -- if there is an air pocket below the bulb it will not root properly and may even rot. In colder climates, after the ground freezes go ahead and mulch your bulbs and water the bed. This will actually cause the ground to freeze hard and will help insulate the soil from thawing and freezing problems. Remember, in many colder climates there is a warm spell in January and this watering will help protect your bulbs. 9) Subscribe/UnsubscribeThis 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
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.
|
|
[ Past Issues Index ] [ Rex's Seedco Home ] [ Our Seed Catalog ] [ About Us ] Rex's Seedco
|
Some
gardeners harvest and save their seeds every year, in fact, it will
soon be time to harvest the seeds of their favorite flowers. Personally,
I favor buying new seeds in the spring. Why? Because seeds that have
been over-wintered by professionals will always get better germination,
and the chances are the seeds will produce plants truer to the variety.
So,
are you out looking for a new houseplant? No matter whether you are
searching at the local nursery, garden center, or the plant aisle at
the discount store, it is important to pick out the best and healthiest.
Here are some tips to help you in your search:
Halloween
is fast approaching. Are you looking for some ideas, tips and tricks
for costumes, and other Halloween treats? Well, here are some places
for you to visit:
If
you haven't yet planted your spring flowering bulbs, you'll want to
do it soon -- it is always best to give your bulbs a chance to take
root before winter.