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Helping to find the green thumb in all of us.

Table of Contents

  1. Editor's Comments
  2. Gardening Indoors: Buying House Plants
  3. Humor for Today
  4. Apple Harvest Time
  5. Caramel Apples
  6. Quotes for Today
  7. Don't Drink Your Calories
  8. Young Fruit Tree Protection
  9. Subscribe/Unsubscribe

1) Editor's Comments:

Over the past several weeks we've seen many new subscribers. At the same time, we've seen many messages bounce because of full mailboxes from readers new and old. Everyone needs to realize that if an issue bounces because of a full mailbox, we do not resend that issue. Also, if the bouncing becomes excessive, we do delete those folks.

This week our main article is again on house plants and what to look for when you purchase. Of course, we have a number of other items, some of which are quite timely for the season.

As always, if you do have questions, suggestions or ideas, do not hesitate to drop us a note.

Rex Gregor
GreenThumb@rexseedco.com

Tom Krueger
gtt@goalsmint.com

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2) Gardening Indoors: Buying House Plants

As we mentioned last issue, the choices for flowering house plants are vast and varied. The toughest part is deciding what to grow.

Flower in PotIf you are purchasing a live plant, the first rule of thumb is to buy from a reputable source. Don't let the cost scare you away from a plant, you should be willing to pay a fair price for a good plant. Remember, a bargain may save some money, but an inferior plant won't give you much satisfaction as it grows.

The second thing to consider is the plant's stature -- is it short and stocky, or tall and leggy, does it have foliage down to the top of the pot, or bare at the bottom? You don't want spindly plants lacking in lower foliage. You want short and stocky with foliage to the top of the pot because it indicates a healthy plant and a promise of lots of blooms.

Next, don't pick a plant that is in full bloom. Why? Because you want to enjoy its display for as long as possible. A plant purchased with the first buds about to open will give you a longer time to enjoy the flowers.

Look over the plant for any sort of infestations. Check the underside of the leaves for tiny spots that are lighter than the rest of the leaf. Also, check the spots where the leaves and stems join for signs of mealy bugs - they'll give you a look of cottonlike substance at these leaf axils. Why take a plant home which you already know very tiny pests are zapping it of its vitality.

Okay, you've made your selection and you're ready to bring your new baby home. Remember, many areas of the northern hemisphere are chilling fast, you'll want to be sure to protect that new plant for the trip home. Even a three step jaunt to your car can have a very severe impact on a plant in subfreezing weather. Don't hesitate to put a coat on that new plant -- wrap it in paper to trap the warmth and protect it.

Of course, you can avoid some of these pitfalls to live plant purchasing by starting your own from seed, or multiplying a plant by swapping cuttings with a friend.

You can also Click Here for some unique house plants.

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Give the gift that will be treasured for generations.

Click Here

3) Humor for Today:

I asked the children in my Sunday School class, "If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the church, would I get into Heaven?"

"NO"! the children all answered.

"If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would I get into Heaven"?

Again, the answer was "NO"!

"Well," I continued, "then how can I get to Heaven?"

In the back of the room, a 5 yr. old boy shouted out, "You gotta be dead"!!!

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4) Apple Harvest Time:

Fruit BasketWhere does the time go? Here it is, prime apple harvest time again. But how do you know which apples to get? Here are a few varieties for you to consider.

  • Golden Delicious: They are yellow, crisp, and sweet; good for cooking or eating. They work well with cheeses.

  • McIntosh: A slightly tart, red variety; great for eating, but only okay for cooking.

  • Granny Smith: They are green, crunchy, and are sweet/tart; great for eating or cooking. (They are Tom's favorite.)

  • Jonathan: A crisp, red variety; good for eating, but only okay for cooking unless used for baked apples. An excellent choice for applesauce. Be aware, Jonathans don't store well.

  • Red Delicious: They are large, sweet, and tender, but they can be mushy; better for eating and not cooking.

  • Rome Beauty: A tender, red apple that can be mealy. They are perfect for use as baked apples.

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5) Caramel Apples:

Apple harvest and Halloween -- must be caramel apple time. Why not enjoy this with the whole family.

Makes 6

6 medium Red apples
14 ounces Caramels
2 Tablespoons Milk Wooden skewers

CaramelAdd the caramels and milk to a metal bowl placed over simmering water on the stove. Stir frequently until melted. Remove the stems from the apples and press a skewer into the top. Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper. Dip each apple into the caramel and coat evenly. Place on the waxed paper and allow to set until cooled.

Here is another great way to enjoy caramel apples without some of the "bother" of eating a caramel apple on a stick. Use an apple corer/slicer and place the slices in a bowl. Allow the mixture to cool so you don't burn your mouth, and pour the cooled mixture over the slices. To really top it off, place a scoop of vanial ice cream on top of the warm carmel. Yum....

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Click Image for Our Waterfall Gallery
In Associationn with Art.com
39"x27" Fine Art Print: $13.99
Waterfall

6) Quotes for Today:

"They say garbage can be made into gasoline. And why not - it's already being made into movies, books, and TV shows."
-- David Brenner

"Learning is a treasure which follows its owner everywhere."
-- Chinese Proverb

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7) Don't Drink Your Calories:

Woman EatingAre you watching your calories? Did you know that you are better off reaching for a food snack instead of a non-diet soda? You'll find 150 calories in a regular soda, and I'll guarantee they aren't "good" calories. Two pieces of fruit will be the same caloric intake, but you get benefits from those calories.

And those liquid calories don't satisfy your hunger like solid food would. Heck, you'll still eat the solid food, as well as getting all the empty calories from the soda.

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8) Young Fruit Tree Protection:

Do you have young fruit trees? You may want to consider how you'll protect them this winter from rodents. If you live where there is significan snowfall, get some exercise and protect the trees at the same time. Go out and walk around the base of the trees, packing the snow around the trunks. This will make it tougher for the rodents to burrow and feed.

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9) 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.

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Rex Gregor, Editor
GreenThumb@rexseedco.com

Tom Krueger, Publisher
gtt@goalsmint.com

Please feel free to forward The Green Thumb Times to a friend.

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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.

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Rex's Seedco
16425 42nd Avenue North
Plymouth, MN 55446
Rexgregor@rexseedco.com

tkrueger@goalsmint.com


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