Your All Things Plants newsletter for January 2, 2012

• 19 new members.
• 113 new threads.
• 2,626 new posts.
• 1,466 new images to the plant database.
• 71 new comments in the plant database.

A gardener's New Year resolution By Christine Gaither on December 31, 2011 As we enter into a new year, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all my garden friends. May your gardens flourish and may you and yours have a healthy, prosperous, joy-filled New Year. (28 comments)

Taking the mystery out of soil pH By Paul Rodman on December 30, 2011 pH is a measurement of the power of hydrogen (hence “pH”). It is measured on a scale of 0-14, 0 being extremely acid while 14 is extremely alkaline. Why is it important and how do we control it? I'll take the mystery out and explain what exactly pH is and what it does. (6 comments)

Carrots and evergreens and winter celebrations By Sharon Brown on December 27, 2011 No doubt wreaths and garlands of red and green are decorating your homes this week. I've been thinking quite seriously of making a carrot wreath for my front door. After all, it's carrots that played an important role in my winter celebrations; isn't that how traditions start? (70 comments)

Daily Gardening Tips from this week:

January 2, 2012: When buying a potted plant at one of the big box stores, check to see hoe many plants are actually in the pot! Often to make a potted plant look fuller, they will plant three close together. Up to you to split them up, plant them a few feet apart and VOILA: three plants for the price of one. I find this true for Crotons, Hibiscus, Cordyline, and others. Tip and photo by Dutchlady1 - (8 comments)

January 1, 2012: Hummingbirds are highly attracted to the color red, which is why their feeder usually have red on them. See how many ways you can add red to your garden. Plant red flowers, paint a bird house or feeder red. How about paint flower pots red and using red in your garden art. Even wearing red clothing when working in the yard. The more red you can use, the better chance of catching the attention of a passing hummer. Tip by Horntoad Photo by valleylynn - (11 comments)

December 31, 2011: Inexpensive beach balls can be tucked among foliage as garden ornaments. They're easy to replace if you change your accent colors. Tip and photo by imapigeon - (13 comments)

December 30, 2011: When buying house plants, especially African Violets, they have often been over watered and may be standing in water. If the plant still looks healthy and appealing, go ahead and buy it and when you get it home, put it on several layers of folded paper towel and wick out as much water as possible, sometimes repeating with fresh paper towel several times. It is often amazing how much water they contain. Then don't water them for several days. Tip and photo by Paul2032 - (6 comments)

December 29, 2011: A great use for shirts that you no longer need: recycle them into garden ties. Cut the sleeves off. Then start at the bottom and cut the hem off. Then cut a strip about 3/4 - 1 inch wide (depending on how thick the T-shirt is) all the way around, angling it a bit wider as you near your starting point. Continue to cut spiral strips until you can cut no longer. Stretch the strips and roll into a ball the way you'd roll a ball of yarn. Tip and photo by ViolaAnn - (11 comments)

December 28, 2011: Need a new purpose for your tomato cages? I wrapped the legs, then ran electrical tape down the sides so that is is rounder, add 2 sets of green garland from the dollar store, and wrap your Christmas lights. Now you have nice trees for display. Tip and photo by Onewish1 - (43 comments)

December 27, 2011: Reuse mesh produce bags to store bulbs and tubers. A small plastic nursery pot placed in the bottom of the bag helps keep the mesh extended and makes it easier to insert and remove tubers. The mesh bags are also good for scrubbing birdbaths, garden tools and other implements without scratching and can be used for stuffing with nesting materials to hang outside for the birds come Spring. Tip and photo by SongofJoy - (14 comments)