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Table of Contents
1) Editor's Comments:This week we're going to start a series on easy gardening. Like our series on successfully growing houseplants, we won't necessarily have articles in successive weeks, but over time. We'd also like to share reader suggestions on the topic in future issues. As many of you noticed, our last issue was sent in a text-only version. Though not as pretty, it certainly sped up our delivery. It also ensures that all subscribers will be able to read each issue. Of course, we will still be creating an online version, as well. As always, if you do have questions, suggestions or ideas, do not hesitate to drop us a note. Tom Krueger Rex Gregor 2) Easy Gardening: Part OneIs there such a thing as easy gardening? Remember, one person's easy is another's difficult. Also, no matter what sort of gardening you do, there are tasks that always need to be done. Not everyone enjoys these tasks which can include the digging, planting, watering, fertilizing, weeding, mowing, mulching, raking, clipping and more. Of course, then there's the cleanup of debris, putting all your tools away, and cleaning all the dirt and mud from your hands, clothes and shoes. Oh my, and no matter what you do, those tasks always seem to eat up time. Time is such a premium these days. We never have enough of it. How'd we ever get so busy? Ah, we'll leave that discussion for another time. To be truthful, though, gardening can be as easy or hard as we want to make it. You determine the size of a vegetable garden; you decide how formal or informal you want your landscape design; if you have a lawn, the mower you use, and whether you collect the clippings or mulch can determine the time and effort the job will take; also, do you want a lawn that looks like a golf course, or one that will keep your neighbors from complaining about your weeds. So many things to consider and they all add up to how you perceive gardening. Back to our original question - is there such a thing as easy gardening? Simply put, no there isn't. However, there are many things a person can do to make the whole job easier. We'll do a series of articles on the topic, though not necessarily every week. And as we move forward, if you have some time saving tips to share, we'd be happy to include them within future articles. For today, let me leave you with what we consider the number one step to easy gardening - please yourself. Don't be slaving in the yard or garden to please your friends and neighbors. Do it for you! If it pleases you, the job will be more pleasant and the results more sweet. Who cares what plants Joe Neighbor likes to look at - the ones you grow should be the ones pleasing to your eye. Who said there is no U in gardening? *** 15% savings until May 8, 2003 *** Seeds for a Moon Garden Anyone who has a chance to view their Flower Garden at night should
consider planting a Moon Garden so you can enjoy it in the late evening
or early night hours. Some flowers only bloom at evening or early night
hours. There are several varieties, particularly the white varieties,
that seem to actually glow under the moonlight. Sale ends May 8, 2003 - 15% off all items at: http://www.rexseedco.com/moongard.htm 3) Humor for Today:Little Johnny watched, fascinated, as his mother gently rubbed cold cream on her face. "Why are you rubbing cold cream on you face, mommy?" he asked. "To make myself beautiful," said his mother. A few minutes later, she began removing the cream with a tissue. "What's the matter?" asked Little Johnny. "Giving up?" 4) The Ultimate Roller Coaster:Are you a fan of roller coasters? Do you love the adrenaline rush? Scared to death, you get off the ride and get in line for more. If that's you, the ultimate roller coaster site might be for you. You'll find all sort of information including roller coaster history, some favorite coasters, the fastest wooden and steel coasters, and more. http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/ 5) How to Grow Peppers:
To grow peppers, choose a sight that gets full sun and has well drained soil with a pH of 7.0. Raised beds work best because the peppers need warm soil, as well as warm air, to do their best. You should work a moderate amount of compost or manure into the soil, then cover the surface with a fine layer of EPSOM SALTS and work it into the soil. The epsom salts provide magnesium which peppers need for good development. Plant the seedling outdoors two to three weeks after the last frost, and when the soil temperature has reached 60 degrees. You'll want to plant them about 14 to 16 inches apart. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially when the fruits are developing. Peppers need about an inch of water per week. After the ground has warmed thoroughly, mulch with organic matter to conserve moisture and deter weeds. Spread compost or a balanced organic fertilizer around the plants when they begin to flower, and again in three weeks. You should harvest peppers early and often - the more you pick the more the plant will produce. Peppers taste great from the moment they're big enough to eat. For a novel touch you might want to grow some purple, chocolate, yellow, green or red sweet peppers. And remember that insects cross-pollinate peppers with abandon, thus you should plant hot peppers and sweet peppers far apart, otherwise your sweet ones might deliver a kick you did not bargain for. Note: yellow banana peppers look identically the same in either the hot or sweet varieties. Be careful not to get them mixed up in your garden. Your salads might be hotter than you expected! Cold Climate Gardeners are passing
up an excellent resource if they don't take a look into the Minnesota
State Horicultural Society. Visit them today. We recommend them
highly. 6) Quote for Today:"Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that
the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer." 7) Make that Cell Phone Battery Last Longer:
If you're phone has an extendable antenna, extend it to optimize the signal. Surprisingly, a weak signal uses more power. Use your phones memory to speed dial. The more keys you press, the more power you use. Store the phone in a cool, shaded place. Keep it out of direct sunlight. The battery and phone will last longer. Don't overcharge. Finally, if you are traveling and that darn battery still dies on you, a spare battery sure comes in handy. 8) Right Size Planters:Here is a quick tip on picking the right size planter. Remember that container plants need enough room for the development of strong root systems. For shallow-rooted annuals, herbs and vegetables pick a planter about 8 to 10 inches deep. For taller shrubs, small trees, and climbers, you'll want have a planter at least 12 to 16 inches in depth. 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, or are a valued customer of Rex's Seedco. 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.
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If Peter Piper picked a peck of peppers he would have a basket full
of nutritious and great tasting veggies. Peppers are easy to grow.
Anyone who owns a cell phone know the frustration with a battery that
dies. You may drop in the middle of a call, or aren't able to make
a call. Well, here are some tips we've picked up on getting more life
from the battery.