(Via An Iowa Garden)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-02-06, 21:18:00

Sometimes even before a new plant in the garden blooms, I just know I'm going to like it... this was Tricyrtis formosana Autumn Glow last year, in its first summer in our garden. It will have spotted, purple flowers this next summer, which will just be a bonus to the scrumptious, variegated foliage, which rapidly forms a dense clump.

(Via An Iowa Garden)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-02-06, 21:18:00

Sometimes even before a new plant in the garden blooms, I just know I'm going to like it... this was Tricyrtis formosana Autumn Glow last year, in its first summer in our garden. It will have spotted, purple flowers this next summer, which will just be a bonus to the scrumptious, variegated foliage, which rapidly forms a dense clump.

(Via Gardening Question of the Day (from the Old Farmer's Almanac))

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-02-06, 20:00:00

I live in the Midwest and am interested in planting day lilies. What time of year should I plant them? (answer).

From The Old Farmer's Almanac.

(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-02-06, 14:52:20

Many people take pleasure in gardening. They put considerable time and energy into creating pleasant environments around their houses using the very simple elements of seeds, a spade, and fertilizer.

(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-02-06, 14:51:04

Why should you use organic fertilizers in your garden? Simply because they are good for your plants and good for the environment. Nearly 70 percent of water pollution comes from agricultural areas that use chemical fertilizers, according to the EPA.

(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-02-06, 14:03:02

For anyone thinking about gardening for the first time there are some things you need to consider. It is not for everyone and not everyone should attempt it. Who should reconsider and why?

(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-02-06, 13:49:19

Australia has been hit with droughts for several years now. Farmers are walking away from their farmland, and city dwellers are experience strict water restrictions. One of the biggest drains on a city's water supply is for gardening.

(Via The Blogging Nurseryman - The Art of Running a Small Garden Center or Nursery)

Posted by admin to Controversy, lifestyle on 2008-02-06, 13:33:12

Make of this what you will, but scientists in New Zealand and Japan have created a “tear free” onion. Yes, its weird, and reminds me just how quickly the world is changing.

(Via Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas)

Posted by admin to Gardening Tips & Ideas on 2008-02-06, 13:27:51

Oh, it makes perfect sense, really!

The thought of storing your excess onions is one that can make any gardener a quivering mess. Why? Because you know that even after storing them in a cool, dry and dark pantry they're sure to still sprout or rot in a week or two. Keeping them for months or even a whole year is ludicrous.

But then one smart cookie read the storage directions on a bag they bought at the markets. And the tip? Store them in pantyhose. Of course!

It may seem a little absurd but the fashion accessory that women share a love/hate relationship with could just be the onion hanger of the century.

The idea is to start with a fresh pair of pantyhose that have been washed without chemicals. Once dried, each onion is placed into a leg pushing it right down into the bottom toes. Then a knot secures it in place and allows another to continue. Once the leg is full of onions, it's hung in the same pantry suspended from the roof space.

The benefits of doing this are numerous. First, the hose allow the air to circulate over the onions keeping molds and bacterias from starting their ravaging feast. Plus, the pantyhose can easily be suspended keeping them off limited shelf space and because a knot is tied between each onion, one can be readily chopped from the leg without disturbing the others.

Ingenious - wouldn't you agree?

Found via Lifehacker

(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-02-06, 13:23:25

That is what the Reluctant Gardener actually does in February - make lists. All in all, its best not to trust February to be anything except completely unpredictable.