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1) Editor's Comments:Our new mailing software appears to be working much better. In the next couple weeks we may try a little different HTML background and format for the newsletter and let you decide which you think is better. Or, we may ask for some volunteers and ask your opinion. This week we have a couple of Reader Mailbag items, well, sort of. Our lead article was actually prompted from a reader question. We'd also love for you to read it and see if you can also share some light on the subject of cross pollination. As always, if you do have questions, suggestions or ideas, do not hesitate to drop us a note. Tom Krueger Rex Gregor 2) Cross Pollination:
Thought this would be a good spot to discuss the topic, and perhaps some of our faithful expert gardeners might have further information to share. We are not the best source of information regarding plant pollination. We are also only slightly familiar with genetically altered plants. In fact "only researchers" are able to really explain the wherewithal of cross pollination and the resulting genetically altered results. The "old time" Farmer's Almanac used to publish information (back in the 1900's) about the rules of cross pollinating. These rules stated that "cross pollination" will occur when two plants from the same species are planted within fifty feet of each other. Much has been learned since those days, but we think this basic rule still holds true. Of course, for a home gardener, it is awful difficult to keep similar species 20 feet apart, let alone 50. For example, if you plant "hot" peppers close to "sweet peppers" and if the bees are working hard, your sweet peppers may turn out to be hot. Another example are the new types of genetically crossed sweet corn with white and yellow kernels - these are a fantastic new recent development of cross pollination. It is also known that thousands of types of poppies will cross pollinate, and you never know what color you will end up getting. Of course, we could give many more examples similar to those you've experienced. Let us turn this one over to you, and ask if you are able to shed some light on this subject. It is our hope that you will generate more information for this subscriber then we are able to provide. Send your advice to readeradvice@rexseedco.com *** 10% savings until July 17, 2003 *** Some of the loveliest and most delicate plant species
are found in the world's mountain ranges. It is here that plants have
evolved and adapted to an amazing diversity of habitats and niches,
ranging from rock crevices, the short alpine turf, and the rich lush
meadows. The vast array of low growing rock garden plants with their
tiny size and their graceful habit, make the most suitable grouping
for rock gardens. Enter the Store and Click on the Sale Link The discount will not show up in your shopping cart -- we will take care of it for you before finalization of your order. (No other discounts apply.) 3) Humor for Today:After the christening of his baby brother in church, little five- year-old Johnny sat in the back seat, unusually quite. Very softly he started to cry until his father noticed him sobbing. "What's wrong, little Johnny?" asked his father. Between sniffles little Johnny replied, "That priest said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, an-an-and I want to stay with YOU guys!" 4) Luffa Sponge Gourds: Potential for Small Gardens
Luffa is closely related to the cucumber and it has similar cultural requirements. Most often thought of as a tropical plant, but it has been found to grow and produce in temperate climates of United States. Because of the longer, warmer growing seasons required by the luffa, it is best to start your seeds indoors, or to directly seed later in the spring when the ground warms to a suitable temperature of at least 50°F. (10°C.). This plant will produce very well for you. Most gardeners have found it grows very well using a trained method on a trellis. The highest yields will generally be obtained if the seeds are started in late May or early June. You can expect a reasonable crop if you start the seeds as early as conditions will permit for your climate. The Luffa Gourd is a "new crop" for most Canadian and American gardeners. To produce a straight, well formed disease-free gourd we do suggest you use a trellis. A sturdy trellis will permit good light and air penetration to the vines. Generally the plant will set fruit in about 53 to 88 days. When you harvest the mature luffa, the skin, pulp and seeds must be removed by soaking the gourds in water. The skin is very easily removed from the mature gourd. The most effective method to remove the seeds is to manually shake the seeds out. If you wish to have a light colored sponge, soak the sponge in a 10% bleach solution. Luffa is a fun crop to grow and it's less labor intensive than most crops. You'll find it in our Unusual Garden Seed collection G029 Luffa (Washrag gourd) 12 seeds per Pkg $2.30 5) Easy Gardening: Hard SurfacesHow can we make our gardening chores easier? We've been looking at a number of things over the past couple months.
No matter what we do, we are forced to mow. We've discussed border edging for your plantings to cut down on your trimming chores. However, that doesn't take care of less mowing. Number one way to cut down on mowing, short of having someone else do it for you, is to cut down on the amount of lawn surface. What's the alternative? There is certainly ground cover for slopes or for spots with heavy shade. What about other surfaces? Ah yes, we should consider paved surfaces for walkways and patios. Be sure to think fully if you do decide to add these amenities; think about the consequences of each material you might use. Here are some considerations. Any paved surface next to the house will reflect heat into the house during the summer, though, that wouldn't be bad in the winter. If you keep the grass next to the house, it will absorb the summer heat from the sun and help keep the house cooler. Okay, so you are also considering pine boards, or tiles, or flagstone, or smooth concrete. But wait, remember that these items can become slippery when wet. And if you have colder winters with snow and ice, they can become extremely treacherous. Bricks… There you go. What can be the downside to bricks? Well, bricks can absorb food stains and you won't be able to scrub them out. Wait! What about just using gravel for those pathways? Sure removes the hazards we mentioned. Of course, gravel kicked into the yard can turn the gravel into dangerous projectiles when a high-speed blade goes over it - or a mower traveling over the edge can have the same result. Bottom line: No matter what surface you decide to use as a lawn replacement, there are a lot more issues to think about than just how it will appear. Think about the consequences and impacts that surface will have on the surroundings and on your home. Click Image for Our Angels Gallery 6) Quote for Today:"Thirty-five is when you finally get your head together
and your body starts falling apart." 7) Reader Mailbag: Red Oak Problem"I live in Omaha, Nebraska and recently purchased a Northern
Red Oak (about a month ago) and due to the fact that I won't have a
yard until January of next year, I planted it in a 25 gallon container.
It broke dormancy with no problem and started growing quickly but then
I noticed it had little white fuzzy things on the underside of the
leaves. I was told it might be taken care of by spraying the leaves
with soapy water, which I did two or three times on successive nights.
The next thing I noticed were tiny little red/purple dots on the underside
of the leaf. Now the edges of the leaves are curling in and turning
brown, and there hasn't been any new growth for about a week. The buds
that had broken open are now dry and dead looking. Is there anything
I can do to save the tree?" We suggest you obtain a product called "SUPERTHRIVE" and use as directed. This will help the tree deal with the stress that may have been caused by the detergent, that is, if you indeed used a detergent rather than a soap. Superthrive will give the root system a boost. If you are not able to find this product at a local hardware, home store, nursery, or at a local source, we'd suggest you use a water soluble fertilizer at 1/4 strength (such as 10-10-10 Miracle grow) ONE TIME ONLY. Generally, Superthrive will bring the tree back to good health. Keep the soil in your container moist - not wet. So you know, Red Oak leaves naturally develop a "fuzz" on the underside. The red dots might have been caused by nature and may have done nothing serious that we know of. The Red Oak roots are usually very strong and if you cross your fingers, you will probably be able to nurse it back to good health. 8) Night Gardening:Here's something we came across. Researchers at Universities in Nebraska and Oregon determined that if you cultivate your garden at night, you'll have less of a weed problem. Their rationale is that as you cultivate, you are exposing and bringing weed seeds to the surface. Many of these seeds require sunlight to spark germination. Well, if you are doing the cultivating at night, you are bringing the seeds up and then reburying them without them having seen any sunlight. Hence, they wouldn't be encouraged to germinate. 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 Click Here or send email to subscribegtt@goalsmint.com To unsubscribe Click Here or send email to unsubscribegtt@goalsmint.com 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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This is sort of a bonus reader mailbag article. We heard from a reader
who wanted information about cross pollination because of what happened
to her last year. She said she planted pumpkins for the first time
last year and got big beautiful ones. She also planted watermelon and
cantaloupe which were also very plentiful and large. The problem came
in the taste, because they mixed with the pumpkin.
The fibrous interior of the fruit of the Luffa Sponge Gourd is used
primarily as a "bath sponge." It is also often used as a
pot scrubber, for making crafts, and many other uses. Almost all luffa
are currently imported from Taiwan, China, Korea, El Salvador, Guatemala,
Mexico, Venezuela and Columbia.
For many of us, mowing is one of our most dreaded chores. The lawn
needs food to keep it looking good - but then we have to mow more often.
The lawn needs water during dry spells - but then we have to mow more
often. We are thankful for rain our gardens and plantings need - but
then we have to mow more often.
