|
[ Past Issues Index ] [ Rex's Seedco Home ] [ Our Seed Catalog ] [ About Us ]
|
|
Table of Contents
1) Editor's Comments:Here it is, our final issue of 2002. Even though we're calling this the end of the newsletter's first year, that anniversary actually passed two issues ago -- but since we wanted to move to a calendar year basis, Volume 2 starts next week rather than have done it two weeks ago. We, also, did not publish every single week (52 issues) because of vacations and not being able to send while on vacation. Our hope is to continue to improve the newsletter. In fact, with this week's e-mailed HTML version, we've changed the background image and color to more closely match similar changes gradually taking place on the website. Also, we hope that this color change will make each issue a little easier on the eyes. Last week we asked your opinion about the inclusion of the quote(s) in each issue. We heard from a number of people, some included valuable comments and suggestions. A surprising 89% of the respondents want the quotes continued. But keeping in mind the comments made by those that want them dropped, we'll try to limit them to one each issue. Finally, we hope that everyone's Holidays have been joyous and will continue to be through the new year. As always, if you do have questions, suggestions or ideas, do not hesitate to drop us a note. Tom Krueger Rex Gregor 2) Two-Pot WateringWhat the heck is two-pot watering? Glad you asked. Plastic pots certainly tend to be the pot of choice for most indoor gardeners. Plants in plastic do not need watering as often; the pots are definitely cheaper; they are lightweight; and they come in many more color choices.
An old technic to eliminate the frequency in watering needed when using clay pots is one called double potting. You basically place a clay pot inside a holeless pot or urn whose bottom has been lined with broken clay pots or gravel, and the cavity (space between the pots) is stuffed with long-fibered sphagnum moss. You then water by pouring onto the moss rather than into the inner pot. The moisture is taken in by the plant through the walls of the inner pot. You are basically reversing one of the disadvantages of the clay pot - its loss of moisture because of the porosity. If this is something you want to try with a new plant, you will need to adjust the plant to the method. You are best to water the soil at first and then each watering put more of the water in the moss and less in the soil. By using this method your plant will have a constant source of water, but it will be gradual - the soil drawing in the moisture as needed. In fact, the soil may well be on the dry side with double potting. Be warned, a double potted plant may not be fast growing as it might in a single pot. But you may well find yourself with a plant thriving for years. Give the gift that will be treasured for generations. 3) Humor for Today:Last New Year's Eve Cathy stood up at the local pub and said that it was time to get ready. At the stroke of midnight, she wanted every husband to be standing next to the one person who made his life worth living. Well, it was kind of embarrassing. The bartender was almost crushed to death. 4) When is the Earth Nearest to the Sun?
In fact, the Earth is closest during January. It has nothing to do with the seasons. Remember, when it is winter for those of us in the northern hemisphere, it is summer for those in the southern. Thus, while in one hemisphere they may think they are closer to the sun, the other is thinking the opposite. Both can't be correct! In January we are three million miles closer to the sun than we are in June or July -- a very small distance in cosmic terms. 5) Too Early to Think About Annuals?Is January too early to think about annuals? Not really. In fact, depending on where you live, you might want to seriously start thinking about them. In the cold and temperate climates, go over your notes from last year to help plan for this year's plantings. Don't forget to scan those magazines and catalogs for ideas. For those plants you are overwintering be sure to water and fertilize sparingly. In temperate areas you can start to think about ordering your seeds and supplies in January. In warm climates, January is a good time to sow seeds indoors of slow-growing annuals. You can also take cuttings from your overwintered plants. Also, don't forget to keep your beds weed- free, and watch to protect your tender plants from frost. You can also direct-seed half-hardy plants such as poppies and cornflowers. You folks in the hot climates, keep your winter plantings weed- free; and water and fertilize as needed. You can deadhead your winter annuals to prolong flowering. January is time to plan for summer plantings. And, if you are in a colder area of the hot climate (ummmm, does that sound right?), don't hesitate to protect any tender plants if frost is threatening. Click Image for Our Looney Toons
Gallery 6) Quote for Today:"I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas
with a note on it saying, toys not included." 7) Between the Holidays Take A Breather:
Have you had enough munching on holiday cookies and candies? Why not take the time now to freeze some for another day - this way you're not going to eat them until gone. You'll then have a special treat in the future. What about exercise? Okay, it gets mentioned every year at this time so I won't even mention it. If you're going to see your favorite new movie release in the theater, pass up the popcorn and king-sized candies. (Oh my, pass up the popcorn? That's a toughie for me.) Between today and that New Year's Eve party, don't overindulge with food. And lastly, don't forget to drink lots of water. Remember, there isn't anything wrong with overwatering yourself - its just your plants that don't like overwatering. 8) Food Lore and New Year's Day:
In Japan, they celebrate for three days. All the cooking is done ahead of time and all they have to do is thaw, reheat or fry dishes to serve. They also make visits to the Buddhist Temple to offer foods for the gods. Many Italians dine on rich sausages to bring them abundance. Here is an interesting one -- some Spaniards will eat 12 grapes at 12:00 on New Year's Eve to guarantee a good harvest. People in the southern US often have black-eyed peas and greens to bring them wealth. To find out more about New Year's food traditions, Click Here. 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 Tom Krueger, Editor and Publisher Rex Gregor, Contributing Editor 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
|
But
did you know that for beginning gardeners clay pots might be a better
choice? Clay pots are harder to tip over, and because of the porosity,
the pot will not retain water like a plastic one will making it less
likely you'll overwater. Remember, overwatering is one of the sins most
often committed by new gardeners and even veterans.
So
when is the Earth closest to the sun? If you are like most people, the
quickest answer is the summer. You certainly feel closer during the
summer.
We
successfully made it through Christmas, and next week brings us New
Year's Day and the traditional resolutions. This might be a good time
to think about our health for the new year. Here are a few tips to help
us through the rest of the holidays:
Maybe
you aren't aware of this, but many cultures have traditions and superstition
involving the consumption of certain food around New Year's Day. As
you might suspect, many of them are centered on insuring health, luck,
and prosperity during the next year.