Your All Things Plants newsletter for May 7, 2012

Some numbers from last week:
News from dave:
May 2012 All Things Plants Sempervivum Extravaganza not-a-raffle raffle is underway! This raffle is generously hosted by valleylynn and goldfinch4 and will likely be our biggest raffle of the year, so you don't want to miss this! Raffle tickets are 10 acorns each and are available now through May 8th. Two winners will each receive a box packed with 25 varieties of Sempervivums. For more information, visit this thread.

The most popular images this week from our database:

Photo of Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia 'Golden Shadows') by Onewish1:
Image from plant ID 176157

Photo of Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) by Aguane:
Image from plant ID 80803

Photo of Lily (Lilium 'Golden Stone') by Trish:
Image from plant ID 181189

Photo of Daylily (Hemerocallis 'Watermelon Martini') by tink3472:
Image from plant ID 183331

Photo of Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) by threegardeners:
Image from plant ID 76256

There were 11 new gardening ideas posted last week:

A quick tip

By RickCorey
May 7, 2012
A quick tip

When soaking seeds prior to germination, or when watering seedlings, use 0.1% Hydrogen Peroxide. This cleans the seed surface and discourages mold, fungus and damping off. Drug stores sell 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, so dilute that 32:1. It is also great for plants already in the ground or in containers.

(3 comments)

A great display tip

By gardengus
May 6, 2012
A great display tip

Hosta leaves make great backgrounds for displaying small cut flowers.

(2 comments)

Garden Tours: Marilyn

By Sharon
May 6, 2012
Garden Tours: Marilyn

We are on our way to northern Kentucky to take a look at Marilyn's gardens. Be sure to click on the images so you'll see the whole picture; you don't want to miss anything! (1,056 words - Read the full article)

(18 comments)

A quick 'time' tip

By goldfinch4
May 5, 2012
A quick 'time' tip

Plant low-maintenance plants to reduce the amount of time you spend gardening. Sempervivum, lavender, hosta and most native plants are just some examples.

(2 comments)

A quick tip about squirrels

By gingin
May 4, 2012
A quick tip about squirrels

I have a big problem with squirrels, AKA tree rats or varmints, getting into seedlings or cuttings. When I trim the rambling rose I put the trimmings around the babies to help deter them from getting dug up or eaten. Not 100% squirrel proof, but it does help.

(6 comments)

          Grow your own turmeric from the grocery store

By Bubbles
May 4, 2012
Grow your own turmeric from the grocery store

If you've ever eaten East Indian food, you've probably tasted turmeric, the bright yellow, pungent spice. It's usually found in powdered form, but can also be eaten freshly sliced from the root. Would you believe you can grow it yourself from tubers that are found in most international markets? If that doesn't catch your attention, you can also grow these same tubers/rhizomes into lovely blooming gingers for your summer garden before you harvest the roots in fall for turmeric. (715 words - Read the full article)

(26 comments)

Clean your houseplants

By wildflowers
May 3, 2012
Clean your houseplants

House plants with large leaves and smooth foliage, such as shefflera, philodendrons, and rubber plants benefit from periodically washing the leaves to remove dust buildup, helping to keep the leaf pores open.

(3 comments)

Keep the blooms coming

By threegardeners
May 2, 2012
Keep the blooms coming

Deadhead your spent blooms to promote a second flush of flowers.

(3 comments)

Winchester Gardens' fertilizer: A review (part 1)

By Trish
May 2, 2012
Winchester Gardens' fertilizer: A review (part 1)

Winchester Gardens was excited to showcase their new line of fertilizer products to the best gardeners in the world, who are, of course, distinguished members of All Things Plants. Allow me to make the introduction. (926 words - Read the full article)

(5 comments)

A quick tip

By plantladylin
May 1, 2012
A quick tip

When working in the sun always wear a hat and sunscreen.

(17 comments)

This isn’t the color it was supposed to be

By LarryR
May 1, 2012
This isn’t the color it was supposed to be

You buy a young potted plant at your local garden center that is not yet in bloom. The tag in the pot pictures a beautiful blue-colored flower. Much to your later dismay, the flowers aren’t blue at all, but a purplish lavender. What gives? (1,690 words - Read the full article)

(15 comments)