Your All Things Plants newsletter for January 19, 2013

Some numbers from last week:
The most popular images this week from our database:

Photo of Hen and Chicks (Sempervivum) by chelle:
Image from plant ID 186377

Photo of Dwarf Mormon Tea (Ephedra monosperma) by JonnaSudenius:
Image from plant ID 173330

Photo of Daylily (Hemerocallis 'Cabernet Cabaret') by kimkats:
Image from plant ID 41545

Photo of Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula) by yurikashtanov:
Image from plant ID 87352

Photo of (Onixotis stricta) by xeronema:
Image from plant ID 527532

There were 13 new gardening ideas posted last week:

Baker Creek's Top 10 Picks: Vegetable Favorites

By Trish
January 19, 2013
Baker Creek's Top 10 Picks: Vegetable Favorites

In honor of Vegetable and Annual week here on ATP, we asked our friends at Baker Creek to give us their top 10 favorite and rare vegetable varieties. Here they are! (355 words - Read the full article)

(one comment)

More accurate hand watering

By ShadyGreenThumb
January 19, 2013
More accurate hand watering

Use a squirt bottle to control the amount of water and prevent over-watering for seedlings and small plants. (64 words - Read the full article)

(3 comments)

Starting Brassicas

By Joannabanana
January 18, 2013
Starting Brassicas

Direct sowing is the best method for all: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc. Once day temperatures are consistently above 10ºC or 50ºF, you can direct sow or transplant seedlings. (81 words - Read the full article)

(5 comments)

The Complete Guide To Seed Saving: An article containing every bit of information that could possibly be useful

By joseph
January 17, 2013
The Complete Guide To Seed Saving: An article containing every bit of information that could possibly be useful

While the title of this article may seem outrageous, the premise behind the promise is simple. We can grow our own seeds both for ourselves and for our communities. Seed saving is a simple process that is well within the capabilities of anyone who is able to grow a garden. (915 words - Read the full article)

(11 comments)

Summer squash vs winter squash

By Joannabanana
January 17, 2013
Summer squash vs winter squash

The most significant difference between the two groups is that winter squash has a hard shell and stores well for long periods and summer squash has soft skin, which does not store and is perishable. Both are of the genus Cucurbita. Summer squash are all the species pepo and winter squash includes several species: maxima, argyrosperma, moschata and also some pepo. For example, zucchini is a common summer squash and pumpkin is a winter squash. (523 words - Read the full article)

(no comments)

Leeks for container vegetable gardening

By SongofJoy
January 17, 2013
Leeks for container vegetable gardening

Are you a container gardener who wants to grow more vegetables? Looking for an onion flavor without the heartburn? The mild and sweet leek may be your answer. (235 words - Read the full article)

(18 comments)

ATP Podcast #2: Our Favorite Vegetables and Annuals

By dave
January 16, 2013
ATP Podcast #2: Our Favorite Vegetables and Annuals

Come listen to Dave and Trish discuss their favorite vegetables and annuals, and find out the news about what's happening in ATP Land. (109 words - Read the full article)

(27 comments)

Rediscovering Tomatoes

By psa
January 16, 2013
Rediscovering Tomatoes

What could you compare to a ripe tomato, fresh from the garden? Tomatoes are consistently one of the most popular edible garden plants, grown all over the world, yet most people have only tried a bland handful of the thousands of varieties available. For decades tomato availability was controlled by canning, shipping, and mechanical harvesting and processing needs, but now we're finally seeing a return to the flavors, textures, and versatility that made tomatoes so compelling in the first place. (2,304 words - Read the full article)

(7 comments)

Seed starting: Breaking dormancy

By Joannabanana
January 15, 2013
Seed starting: Breaking dormancy

Breaking dormancy of a seed is like waking it up from a sleep. The four key requirements are water, oxygen, light and temperature. There are a few techniques that will increase the germination percentage and help control timing of germination. Basically, water and oxygen need to penetrate the seed coat to initiate the break of dormancy. Some seeds need a combination of water, oxygen, light and/or set temperature. (1,043 words - Read the full article)

(37 comments)

The January Not-A-Raffle-Raffle, The Behemoth Collection of Vegetable and Annual Seeds

By dave
January 14, 2013
The January Not-A-Raffle-Raffle, The Behemoth Collection of Vegetable and Annual Seeds

For this month's raffle, in honor of Veggies and Annuals week, Chelle has shocked and thrilled us by putting forward the largest collection of seeds I've ever imagined. (1,040 words - Read the full article)

(88 comments)

Seed starting tip: Pelleted seed

By Joannabanana
January 14, 2013
Seed starting tip: Pelleted seed

Press pellet (clay coated seed) lightly onto pre-moistened soil surface. Heavily mist seed until the clay coating darkens and you see the pellet settle in place ensuring good soil contact. Mist daily until germination. A strong brew of room temperature chamomile tea will help prevent damping-off and is what I use to mist with. (148 words - Read the full article)

(no comments)

I will plant veggies with roses

By Sharon
January 13, 2013
I will plant veggies with roses

I have a plan that will make a huge difference in my future gardens. It's simple really; I'm going to plant vegetables among my flowers and let them argue or fight or become friends. It isn't a new plan, it's one Aunt Bett and I hatched a long time ago. (1,181 words - Read the full article)

(69 comments)

Seed starting tip: Pre-moisten soil medium

By Joannabanana
January 13, 2013
Seed starting tip: Pre-moisten soil medium

Pre-moisten the soil mix before you fill your seeding trays or pots to sow your seeds. Moisture level should be similar to a damp sponge. Add warm water to soil mix and let stand for about 10 minutes, then fill pots or cells and sow seeds as directed. In addition to early indoor seed starting, this method applies to wintersowing and/or preparation for stratification (cool/damp environment) of seeds.

(12 comments)