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Table of Contents
1) Editor's Comments:This week we return with a reader mailbag item -- it has been several weeks since we've included one. We also talk about a gorgeous perennial Indian Pink; have more info on transplanting seedlings; and much more. As always, if you do have questions, suggestions or ideas, do not hesitate to drop us a note. Tom Krueger Rex Gregor "Exotic & Unusual Seeds from Around the World" 2) Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica):
We consider the Indian Pink as one of the most beautiful in the world -- a wild flower that can be easily transplanted in areas of partial shade. It is a tender perennial herb growing up to two feet tall. Each stem of the Indian Pink will bear two to twelve colorful tubular flowers. The flowers will open their blooms from the bottom to the top. The corolla is a bright red on the outside and will open to five star-like sharp pointed lobes which are yellow inside. The stamen will protrude from the center of the flower. The genus name, Dianthus, means divine flower. Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) and Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) belong to a species known as 'Pinks.' Various species have hybridized so freely that it is difficult to assign the plant to a specific species. Many are simply called cultivars or hybrids. There are over 300 varieties. The Indian Pink prefers light shade with a soil that is at the end of the acid scale. You may want to add a small amount of lime to the soil when you transplant. Indian Pink is best started from seed. They are quite slow to germinate, so mark the area so you do not destroy the plants. An exciting benefit is that the Ruby Throated Hummingbird will scout until they find this flower and then they will come back time and time again. This lovely plant (Spigelia marilandica) originated in the rich moist woodlands of the Piedmont area in North Carolina. It is sometimes called Pink-root, Carolina-pink, or Worm-grass. Be aware, the roots of this plant contain an alkaloid which can be poisonous if eaten. *** 10% Savings Through March 18, 2004 *** 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:One night a man - who was in no shape to drive - wisely left his car parked and walked home. As he was walking unsteadily along the road, he was stopped by a policeman. "What are you doing out here at 2 a.m.?" said the officer. "I'm going to a lecture." the man said. "And just who is going to give a lecture at this hour?" the cop asked. "My wife." said the man. 4) Transplanting Your Growing Seedlings:Last time we talked about the light requirements for you new seedlings. We'd now like to talk a little bit about transplanting these little treasures. Within a few weeks after germination, the seedlings are ready for transplanting to larger containers. First, you need to be careful -- when lifting the seedlings from the tray, grasp them by their leaves and not their stems. How deep to place the seedlings in their new container is important. Seedlings should be set in the new containers so that the growing point is just above soil level. The new containers should provide enough growing room for the plants until they are ready to be planted into the garden. Use a similar growing medium in the larger pot as you did in the seed starting tray. You then want to again offer a maximum amount of light. Daytime temperatures (actually when under lights) should be in the 60-75 degree range, 50-65 degrees during nighttime hours. Water enough to keep the growing medium damp, but not too soggy. 5) Do You Grow Herbs?
The flowers, fragrant foliage, and easy culture of many herbs make them a no-brainer in your garden. If you use herbs in your daily meals, why not grow your own? It's a wonderful idea to keep the plants growing close to your kitchen door. Herbs such as basil, thyme, oregano, and chives all make good container plants, and can be kept by your kitchen, even without a garden plot. Remember, your dishes will be much tastier with fresh herbs than they'll be with dried herbs -- you'll be surprised. Click Image for Our Palm Tree
Gallery 6) Quote for Today:"I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough
to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the
character of an honest man." 7) March Tips for Hot Climates:We have received email from subscribers in hot climates asking whether we might not offer some articles for them in future issues. We have taken this to heart and will try to accommodate all our readers in the future. So, if you live in a hot climate, what are the things you should be doing during the month of March? For your trees and shrubs (remember, these are general tips): A few weeks after trees have produced new leaves, prune to encourage an open, spreading shape; prune dead wood back to where new buds can be seen; consider applying foliar fertilizer to newly emerging fronds of palms which may have been damaged by unusually cold weather; after your young azaleas have flowered, prune them to encourage compact growth; and fertilize most plants as soon as growth starts. For your lawns: Apply slow-release 4-1-2 fertilizer (if phosphorous is not banned) at recommended rates; if you've done a soil test and other nutrients are required, you can apply them now; apply pre-emergent weed control; and begin mowing Bermuda grass weekly with your blade set to about 1-1/2 inch. For your perennials: Divide and replant overgrown perennials; plant lilies and tuberous begonias for summer bloom; be sure to weed, water, and fertilize as needed; and apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent spring-germinating weeds. In your annual beds: Fill in beds with heat-loving annuals; weed, water and fertilize as needed; be on the lookout for signs of pests and diseases; deadhead to encourage continued flowering; and apply mulch to established plantings. Hope this is helpful. 8) Reader Mailbag: Palms"Could you give me some helpful hints on growing Royal Palms and Queen Palms indoors? I live in MD and have just been introduced to your website. I just want to know what I'm getting into before I try growing some myself."One of the misconceptions about palms is that they will only grow in the tropics and desert areas. While this is generally true with the over 3,000 species that thrive in these hot humid areas, it is also true that some are cold hardy, and with some degree of protection, they can be raised in areas where it freezes. Most people do not realize that almost every palm will make a great container plant. However, unless you select a slow groing variety for a container plant, they will outgrow their enviornment in a short period. You mentioned Royal Palm - this palm will grow to 60 feet tall in its native enviornment and it grows quickly. Queen Palms will also grow to 60 feet, but it will make a good house plant until it outgrows its enviornment. A great reference is the University of Florida Cooperative extension service. You might want to visit their section on "Container Production of Palms" Click Here or visit http://www.plantapalm.com/vpe/horticulture/con-prod-palms.pdf After you have visited the University of Florida extension service please email us and we will be glad to assist you in selecting the right seeds to grow your home palm. 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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Everyone
should consider herbs -- they are such "useful" plants. They
have been traditionally used for culinary or medicinal purposes.
