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Table of Contents
1) Editor's Comments:With colder weather you start to think more about house plants, so we take a look at some house plant maintenance. But with that colder weather, we also need to think about those late fall chores - we share some reminders with you. Of course, we have our highlight on herbs, a look at sunflower seeds and 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) House Plant Maintenance:
Houseplants do require some basic care for them to remain healthy and vigorous. Here are a few guidelines to follow so your houseplants thrive. Dust is not only a nuisance on furniture, it is a danger to plants. If the leaves are covered with dust, the plants ability to produce its own food through photosynthesis will be diminished. Keeping the leaves clean will result in a healthier, better-looking plant. Glossy-leafed plants can be dusted using a soft cloth. If those shiny leaves are marked with water spots from mineral-laden water or spray materials, dampen the soft cloth with (hard to believe) milk. Rubbing the leaves with the milk-damp cloth will remove the spots and also add a nice shine to the leaves. Be sure not to rub hairy-leafed plants, such as African Violets or Gloxinias. Instead, carefully rinse their leaves with warm, room temperature water using a spray bottle. Sometimes, plant leaves become damaged either from disease, insects or pests. If only a small portion of a leaf is affected, simply remove that portion. If a half or more or a leaf is damaged, it is best to remove the entire leaf. We suggest removing the leaf with a clean, sharp scissors or knife. We've mentioned this many times -- more houseplants die from improper watering than any other cause. Do not over-water houseplants! Houseplants will grow more vigorously if they are properly fertilized with any slow release or water-soluble fertilizer. Always follow the directions on the container. During the low light periods from late fall through winter, reduce the fertilizer rates by ½. You can resume normal fertilizing rates as soon as the days become longer and brighter in early spring. It is a good idea to transplant most houseplants every two or three years. Even if the plant hasn't outgrown its pot, transplanting to new soil will remove the salts left behind by plant fertilizer. This is also helpful because some houseplants are subject to root diseases. And remember, gardeners who talk to their plants will take better care of them! Cold Climate Gardeners
are passing up an excellent resource if they don't take a look
into the Minnesota
State Horticultural Society. Visit them today. We recommend
them highly. 3) Humor for Today:A wealthy investor walked into a bank and said to the bank manager, "I would like to speak with Mr. Reginald Jones, who I understand is a tried and trusted employee of yours." The banker said, "Yes he certainly was trusted. And he will be tried as soon as we catch him." 4) Another Mole Solution:We often hear: "We have moles that are causing problems in our front lawn. How can I get rid of them?" We've had articles in the past about ridding your yard of moles and gophers. They can be a tough problem to solve. So why do the moles show up in the first place? That is the best question which might lead to a solution. Chances are the moles are feeding on the grubs in your lawn. To control the moles you need to eliminate the food source. Check with your local garden center and ask for an insecticide that is labeled to control grubs. Carefully read the instructions on the label and follow the directions! In two or three days they should be gone and the moles will be off searching for a new food source. 5) Sunflowers for Seeds:
6) Quote for Today:"What a man accomplishes in a day depends upon the way
in which he approaches his tasks. When we accept tough jobs as a
challenge...
and wade into them with joy and enthusiasm, miracles can happen. When
we do our work with a dynamic conquering spirit, we get things done." 7) Highlight on Herbs: Beefsteak Plant (Perilla frutescens)The beefsteak plant is known by a number of names, including perilla, shiso and zi-su-si. It is a valuable culinary herb. Grown as an annual in gardens for its colorful foliage, emerging in shades of bronze, dark green, or purple. Zi-su-si comes from the Far East, China and Japan. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. The plants are erect and bushy. The oval pointed leaves are held in pairs on the stalks. These are very aromatic and smell of cinnamon. The flowers are small, white, and insignificant appearing on spikes in the middle of summer. In Japan the green-leaved varieties are used in the preparation of sushi and tempura. The purple-leaved varieties are used in pickling. The volatile oil is used to flavor candy, sauces, and dental products. In Chinese medicine, the beefsteak plant is given to treat colds, sickness, stomachaches, constipation, and for allergic reactions to seafood. The stems were also a traditional Chinese remedy for morning sickness during pregnancy. These are annual plants growing two to three feet high and spreading 12 inches. Naturally they are found in moist, open woodland areas. They prefer partial shade in rich, moisture- retaining soil. The seeds should be sown in spring at 55-64 degrees F (13-18 degrees C). CM444 ZI-SU-SI (Perilla frutescens) Click Here -- Found on our Home Medicine Chest page 8) Late Fall Chores:With fall quickly moving along, here are some chores you should consider for late fall: * Drain and hang your hoses. In colder climates, be sure to turn off the water to the outside faucets. * Turn your compost pile and start a new one. * Get that final weeding in the garden done. * Take the time now to clean, sharpen, and oil your pruning tools, hoes and shovels. Also oil your other tools. All these tools will be better protected from rust and they'll be ready to go in the spring. * Look around the garden and yard, and make some notes now on what you'll want to accomplish first thing in the spring. * Take an inventory of your gardening supplies so when the garden centers restock for the new season, you'll know what you need to pick up. 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@rexseedco.com To unsubscribe Click Here or send email to unsubscribegtt@rexseedco.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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We are nearing the time of year when we start to focus a little more
on house plants. In many parts of the Northern Hemisphere there isn't
much more you can do gardening-wise until you start drooling over starting
those seeds for next spring.
What if you want to harvest sunflower seeds for your own enjoyment
instead of leaving them out for the birds? Here's what you do. As soon
as the backs of the flower heads begin to turn yellow and the seeds
start turning brown, you can cut the heads and hang them upside down
in a warm, dry place. You should let them hang for about three weeks
before you remove the seeds, but if the seeds start dropping out on
their own, you can tie a paper bag over the heads to catch them.
