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Table of Contents
1) Editor's Comments:A real challenge we face is creating a newsletter which will please all our readers - certainly an impossible task from the outset. One person might find an article a waste of reading time, yet another might find the same article of interest, for whatever reason. But no matter what you think, don't hesitate to drop us a note. We take all our reader comments seriously. Only through input can we produce a newsletter you enjoy. On to this week's issue. For our non-United States readers, here in the US we have a holiday which falls on the last Thursday of November called Thanksgiving. It is a day we set aside to give thanks for all our blessings. We've included an article to give you some history about the holiday. Before we forget, we want to thank you for all the nice comments received about our lead article last issue. As always, if you do have questions, suggestions or ideas, do not hesitate to drop us a note. Rex Gregor Tom Krueger 2) The First American Thanksgiving:
According to research conducted by The Center for World Thanksgiving at Thanks-Giving Square, the first Americans observed rituals and ceremonies to express gratitude to a higher power for life itself. A Seneca Indian ritual, for example, states "Our Creator shall continue to dwell above the sky, and this is where those on the earth will end their Thanksgiving." Another quotation attributed to American Indians before Columbus is, "This plant has its nourishment from the earth and its limbs go up this way, in praise of its Maker -- like the limbs of a tree." The Pilgrims' First Harvest Feast According to historical sources, the Pilgrims never held an autumnal Thanksgiving feast. However, the Pilgrims did have a feast in 1621 near Plymouth, Massachusetts, after their first harvest. This is the feast people often refer to as "The First Thanksgiving." In fact to these devoutly religious people, a day of thanksgiving was a day of prayer and fasting. According to history this feast was never repeated. Nevertheless, the 1621 feast has become the Thanksgiving celebration in the United States. More than likely, this first harvest feast was eaten outside, based on the fact that the colonists did not have a building large enough to accommodate all the people that came. Native Americans definitely were among the invited guests, and it's possible even probable, that turkey (roasted but not stuffed) and pumpkin in some form found their way to the table. This firsthand account presumably was written by a leader of the colony, Edward Winslow as it appears in their records. It can be difficult to read since it was written in early 17th century English. He wrote: "our harvest being gotten in, our governour sent foure men on fowling, that so we might after a speciall manner rejoyce together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labours ; they foure in one day killed as much fowle, as with a little helpe beside, served the Company almost a weeke, at which time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Armes, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoyt, with some nintie men, whom for three dayes we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five Deere, which we brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governour, and upon the Captaine and others. And although it be not always so plentifull, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodnessr of God, we are so farre from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plentie."
Next week we'll share with you a snippet from that proclamation and give you a link to the full text. Give the gift that will be treasured for generations. 3) Humor for Today:The lady said to Grandpa, "I noticed that when you sneeze, you learned to put your hand in front of your mouth.' 'Of course,' explained Grandpa. 'How else can I catch my teeth???' 4) Winter Pot Protection:We know, winter pot protection sounds weird. But what we really mean is protecting potted plants in the winter.
5) Holiday Shopping Tip:
Click Image for Our Sunrise/Sunset
Images 6) Quotes for Today:"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying
to please everybody." "Hanging is too god for a man who makes puns; he should be drawn
and quoted." 7) Plant in the Spotlight: Coffee PlantThe coffee plant (Coffea arabica) is a very unique houseplant. The glossy green leaves are 4-6 inches long, with clusters of sweetly scented 3/4-inch white flowers at the base. These flowers come intermittently throughout the year. These flowers mature into 1/2-inch glistening red berries. Each berry contains two seeds - these are the seeds which become coffee. You do have to be patient since the plants do not blossom or bear fruit until they are three to four years old - but they are well worth the wait. The plants grow upright to around four feet unless you pinch off the stems. The plant will do best in curtain-filtered sunlight with night temps of 60° to 65° F., and daytime of 70° degrees or higher. You'll want to keep the soil evenly moist; from March to October you'll need to fertilize every two weeks, monthly the rest of the year. Avoid contact with the leaves because they are thin and tender. The plant can be propagated from seed, or from cuttings. If you do cuttings, be sure they are from upright branches. This one will have your friends and relatives talking. Click Here to go to the Coffee Plant page or visit http://rexseedco.com/hp.htm#coffee (seed #4503) 8) Watering Houseplants While on Vacation:
There are, of course, many solutions. Here is just one. Water your plants first and group them in a sink or bathtub near a sunny window. Line the surface with a large plastic sheet. Surround the pots with peat moss and soak it well. You've now created your own sell-watering greenhouse. This should keep your plants moist for three weeks. 9) Reader Question:One of our faithful readers is looking for some Purple Galmy Onion Seeds. Unfortunately, this is not something we are familiar with or are able to track down for them. If anyone has any information to share on where they might get such seeds, please drop us a note: reader-question@rexseedco.com 10) 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.
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The
Thanksgiving holiday celebrated each November in the United States is
known worldwide as an American custom, but its roots extend back into
human history.
In
cold winter areas, one of the real damaging aspects of winter can be
the continued or repeated freezing and thawing of plants' roots. Why
not do some simple protection -- insulate those outdoor pots with plastic
bubble wrap.
It's
getting to holiday baking season. How'd you like to save a little money
this year? When you go out to buy the nuts for your baked goods, visit
a large supermarket and visit the produce section. You will often find
bagged walnuts, pecans and almonds. They'll usually be less expensive
and fresher than the name brand products found in the baking section.
You can also visit a health food or bulk food store to see what they
have to offer.
One
of the real concerns for anyone with houseplants is how to keep them
watered while on vacation. You can always have a relative or trusted
neighbor take care of your precious beauties. But for many folks, this
is not an option.