Save on Water This Summer!

Sure, there are loads of ways to save water in the home, but did you know there are also a bunch of ways you can save water in your garden?

Try these helpful tips to keep your water bill down during these hot, hot months:

• Use a lot of native shrubs in your landscaping. Native plants generally require less watering than non-native plant species. (As a bonus, you're helping to preserve the historic landscape of your community.)
• Use mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation and help control those pesky water-stealing weeds. You can also use pine straw, straw, or dead leaves. Many people like to use rocks in their gardens, but you have to be careful. Many plants are sensitive to how hot rocks will get in the summer and you could end up burning your plants.
• Water your garden or lawn ONLY in the evening or the early morning hours. this will let the plants absorb all the water they need, without losing much to evaporation.
• Get a drip irrigation system, so that you're only watering where you need water. Sprinklers tend to water everything, including sidewalks, steps, and sides of houses. A drip irrigation system is better for your plants and for your pocketbook.
• And, of course, make sure you don't have any leaks in your outdoor faucet, garden hose, or irrigation/sprinkler system!

from shutterstock.com

Beat the Skeets! (Mosquitoes!)

Mosquito season has been hard-hitting so far this year. With a record-warm winter, along the Gulf Coast, we never got a break from the mosquitoes. And, while we may have enjoyed not having frozen noses, we also missed out on the benefit of it killing off some of those blood-suckers.

Here are somethings you can do to help prevent the propagation of even more mosquitoes.

• Check your home and garden for places that can collect rainwater and remains. (Be sure to check rain gutters, catch basins for potted plants, and discarded items such as buckets and old tires.)
• Clean out your birdbaths every week!
• Make your yard a safe place for mosquito eating birds, such as: common nighthawk, cuckoos, flycatchers, gnatcatchers, purple martin, owls, starlings, vireos, warblers, whip-poor-wills, chickadees, catbirds, mockingbirds, meadowlarks, orioles, robins, woodpeckers, and wrens. 
• Put bird feeders with different kinds of seeds into your yard to attract a variety of birds. Some prefer things like sunflower seeds and safflower seeds.
• If you like things a bit more on the dark side, try getting a bat house. Bats are great mosquito eaters.
• Remember the weeds I told you about recently? If you've got some shepherd's purse that have gone to seed, just pope a seed into a bucket of water. The seed will release chemicals that are toxic to mosquitoes and kill some off for you.

from steinerdonna.blogspot.com

Want to Quit Smoking? Eat Your Veggies (and your Fruits)!

New research out of the University of Buffalo will knock the cigarettes right out of your mouth!

A new study revealed that eating more fruits and vegetables will not only help you quit smoking, it will help you stay tobacco-free longer. The research, "A Longitudinal Evaluation of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Cigarette Smoking" was authored by Jeffrey P. Haibach, M.P.H., Gregory G. Homish, Ph.D., & Gary A. Giovino, Ph.D., M.S. and published in The Oxford Journal of Nicotine and Tobacco Research. (Click here to view the original research. [Subscription required, sorry])

How it was done:
The authors surveyed 1,000 smokers over the age of 25 from all around the country using random-digit dialing telephone interviews. They followed up with the respondents 14 months later and asked about their smoking (and eating) habits during the previous month.
.

from thefix.com via google.com

The Results:
The observational study found that smokers who ate the most fruits and vegetables were three times more likely to be tobacco-free for at least 30 days, after 14 months, than those who consumed the lowest amounts of fruits and vegetables. These results even held true after adjusting to take into account race/ethnicity, education, household income, health orientation, gender, and age.

In addition, the smokers who ate the most fruits and vegetables, when they were smoking, smoked fewer cigarettes per day, began smoking later in the day, and scored lower on a nicotine dependence test than those who ate lower amounts of fruits and vegetables.

"Carrot Sticks" Photo by Daizi Zheng from quitsmokingcounter.com 

Researchers have several ideas why fruits and veggies help deter smoking.

• Fruits and vegetables don't enhance the flavor of tobacco
• Other foods (unhealthier foods) like alcohol, meats, and caffeinated beverages are known to compliment the flavor of tobacco. 
• "Foods like fruit and vegetables may actually worsen the taste of cigarettes,"  says Jeffrey P. Haibach, MPH, first author on the paper and graduate research assistant in the UB Department of Community Health and Health Behavior. 
• The high fiber content of fruits and vegetables help people feel fuller.
• "It is also possible that fruits and vegetables give people more of a feeling of satiety or fullness so that they feel less of a need to smoke, since smokers sometimes confuse hunger with an urge to smoke." -- Jeffrey P. Haibach
• "It's possible that an improved diet could be an important item to add to the list of measures to help smokers quit. We certainly need to continue efforts to encourage people to quit and help them succeed, including proven approaches like quitlines, policies such as tobacco tax increases and smoke-free laws, and effective media campaigns." -- Jeffrey P. Haibach

Don't Forget! Gardening Reminders: Deadheads and Oregano

1.     If you want to get more blooms this year, be sure to remove any dead blooms on the plant. The dead flowers will only suck vital nutrients away from the growing buds.

from gardensecrets.org

2.     Like most herbs, oregano tastes best before it flowers. Many people choose to prolong the life of an herb by plucking the flowers off and preventing them from seeding. This isn't necessary with oregano, but it's still a great idea to grab those blooms. Oregano flowers are a great way to flavor meals. Click on the image below for a great recipe using fresh herbs (including oregano flowers).

Heirloom Tomato Salad with Feta and Oregano Flowers

from theparsleythief.com

Planting the Community: Building a Community and Building Muscles

A great way to experience the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast is to go biking. I know, most of you are thinking, "I don't have anyone to ride with." Well that excuse isn't good anymore because MOB (Mobilians on Bikes) is a quickly growing community of bicyclists of all talents and ages.

from facebook.com

Participating in a free community organization like Mobilians on Bikes is a great way to plant the community and a great way to get some ideas for your lawn or garden!

If you're not ready to take a big plunge, or if you're still pretty wobbly on the wheels, you should definitely join them for their Saturday or Sunday slow rides. It's a leisurely bike ride through some of Mobile's most beautiful neighborhoods.

They have a wide variety of places to cycle and all of them are great for getting to know your community, staying healthy, and spending time with family or friends. Here are a few of the recent events.

Farmers Market Ride

Kids Art and Bike Ride

Take it Slow, Saturday Morning Down by the Bay

Sunday Morning Breakfast Club


Here's their tagline: "Mobilians on Bikes promotes the utilitarian use of cycling for all Mobilians. We work to support the bicycle as an effective, fun, and safe means of urban transportation. Go to our group website to keep up with all the fun."


Here they are visiting a farm!

In short, Mobilians on Bikes is a great way to keep healthy and build a solid, safe, and productive community.

Weeding? Don't Throw Them Out! : Edible Weeds.

Did you know that weeds are not always a bad thing? A weed is any plant that grows where you do not want it to. A rose bush in a corn field may be beautiful, but it's still a weed. With all the rain we've had lately, the weeds will be going crazy, but you shouldn't toss them out or poison them off just yet. Some of them are great and safe to eat. Here are a few edible weeds that you can find all over the place.

 Crow Garlic as the name suggests tastes like garlic. It's bulbs can be harvested pretty much all year, but the leaves are also edible (if a bit stringy).

from treknature.com

Shepherd's Purse is a very common weed around the Gulf Coast. Though it's rarely consumed here, it's widely cultivated in other parts of the world. It has a cabbage-like flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. In addition, its seed is a natural mosquito killer. Place the seed in a cup of water. The mosquitoes are attracted to the seed, but get stuck to it because of the seed's gummy texture. The seed also releases a toxic substance that kills mosquito larvae. For humans, it's used as regular food, but also as a diarrhea cure.

from purdue.edu

Yellow Sorrel is an easily recognized weed, but don't underestimate it. The leaves can be used to soothe insect bites and stings. In addition, both the flower and leaves are edible. Use it in salads.

from conservation-issues.co.uk

Dandelions are one of the most recognizable weeds. The leaves have heaps of vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately, they're a bit bitter, so mix it in with some spring greens for a nice salad. You can also eat the flowers, or use them to make wine, if you have the know-how.

from organic-herbal-remedies.com

That's all for today! Keep reading for more helpful gardening and landscaping tips, tricks, and information.

PTS Quiz! Planting the Language - Landscape Design Terminology!

Can you get them all correct?


1. The pruning of live shrubs into decorative shapes is...
     a. Topography
     b. Topiary
     c. Bonsai

2.  What is it called when flowers "bear pistils" in order to reproduce?
     a. Pistillate
     b. Pistilling
     c. Puttin' on the Ritz

3.  What is a symmetrical geometrically patterned garden called?
     a. Picasso Garden
     b. Obsessive Compulsive Garden
     c.  Knot Garden

4.  The small, ornamental, terminal features at the top of a gable, fence post, lamp, lamppost, stone wall, etc. are called?
     a. Post caps
     b. Those topper things
     c. Finials


Answers below!

'Pillars Part 2!

Last week, I gave you some good advice on natural caterpillar control. Well, I'm back with more help to keep your 'maters and other plants safe.

from wikimedia.org

Lemons!

• Take a few lemon peels (hopefully after you've juiced them for some lemoneade!), cut them into chunks and process them in a food processor or blender.
• Pour boiling water over the minced lemons and process until liquefied. 
• Let the mixture sit overnight.
• Strain the liquid to remove any solid pieces.
• Using a handheld sprayer (filled with the mixture and some added water), spray your plants from top to bottom.

Caterpillars hate citrus just as much as dogs and cats. You can also do this with oranges, limes, and grapefruits!

from mhmcintyre.us

Garlic!

• Mix 1/2 cup of peeled and finely chopped garlic with 2 cups of water in a bowl. 
• Let it sit for at least an hour.
• Strain out the solids and pour into a handheld sprayer.
• Apply to plants from top to bottom.

This mixture is extra gentle and can be used on even seedlings. However, because it's gentle, it needs to be applied weekly and especially after any rain.

from photo-dictionary.com

Horseradish!

• 2 cups of finely chopped dried cayenne peppers (or 1.5 cups fresh)
• 2 tablespoons of pure horseradish (This means it doesn't have mustard, mayonnaise, or anything else! All you want is horseradish)
• 3 quarts (12 cups) of water

• Boil the water
• Add the ingredients  and let it simmer for about 1 hour
• Cool to room temperature
• Strain out the solids
• Apply with a handheld sprayer from top to bottom.

This concoction is strong and should not be used near seedlings. It is death to not only caterpillars but also beetles, aphids, and whiteflies.

That's it for today! Keep checking in for more gardening tips, tricks, and advice!

Rain Rain Go Away! Please!

These last few days of crazy weather have left many along the gulf with waterlogged feet. Soggy shoes aren't the only problem with all this rain, if you don't have (very) good drainage in your garden, your beloved plants will be sitting in rainwater for days. Unless you've got a bog garden or a rice paddy, this is not such a good thing.

Here's how you can tell if your plants need a change of shoes (are suffering from too much water).

There are three main effects of too much water: Waterlogged soil, Soil Compaction, and Disease.

Waterlogged soil:


How to recognize:

• Yellowing leaves that wilt and drop off
• The soil's surface is soaking wet
• Plant roots are black, soft, soggy, and smell of sulfur (rotten eggs)
• Growth is stunted or the plants die

What to do:

• Remove any black roots
• Add organic mater to the soil
• Add mulch to help soak up some excess water

How to prevent it:

• Build a raised bed! This is one of the best ways to encourage proper drainage, maintain soil ph levels, and extend the growing season.
• Make sure to feed your plants at the appropriate times to encourage health root growth.
• If you have clay soil, add plenty of organic matter and mulch to loosen it up and aid in drainage.

Soil Compaction:

How to recognize:

• This happens after extended periods of having waterlogged soil and is encouraged by walking or driving on the soil. If your soil easily turns to mud or easily floods, you probably have a compaction problem.

What to do:

• Spike your lawn and add some lime-free sand. This will help aerate the soil, aid in drainage, and encourage plant growth.
• Do not walk or drive on wet soil!

Disease:

The two above problems can easily lead to diseased plants and fungal growth. Mushrooms may be delicious, but these aren't the kind you want to eat! To prevent disease, follow the above measures. 

If you've already got it, try to save the plant by removing diseased parts, feeding properly, and removing the problem (in this case, water). 

If you're using potted plants, try removing the plant from the pot, trimming off rotted roots, and allowing the root ball to drain over night on top of some newspaper.

To help prevent it from getting this far, build a raised bed (are you getting my hints?), install a drainage system, and remember to regularly water your plants during dry spells--plants that have had little water for long periods of time are more prone to disease caused by getting waterlogged. 

Taking Care of 'Pillars

Butterflies are a delight to see in our gardens. They help pollinate plants and they're quite beautiful. Caterpillars, however, can become quite a nuisance. Here are some pet and environment safe ways to send those 'pillars packing.

• Get a bird house and a bird bath - These natural predators will help keep the population down
• Certain caterpillars and other bugs are repelled by certain plants. Look in a companion planting guide to find out which plants are the best companions for what you want to grow (try chives).
• Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt) is a safe, natural pesticide. It is a bacteria that infects caterpillar stomachs. It is safe for bees and other insects, so you don't have to worry about harming other wildlife. You can find it in most gardening stores under the names Dipel, Biotrol, or Thuricide.
• Take them out/off by hand. You can also kill them by hand, or collect them in a container (with lid) and move them to a place where they can live without your tomatoes, cucumbers, or other foods in their mouths. Maybe there is a public butterfly garden in your area!

PTS GIve away - Name That Plant

 Can you name this flowering plant? If so, you could win a complimentary spot at our next container gardening seminar! Just post your answer in the comments or on our Facebook page!

photograph by Brandon McLeod

photograph by Brandon McLeod

Blue(berry) is the New Black(berry)

Okay, while blueberries are fantastic, we may not want to exchange blackberries for blueberries in our gardens (I certainly wouldn't), you should consider planting some as well. Blueberries are easier to grow, easier to pick, and is extremely delicious and nutritious. Blueberries are high in anti-oxidants, which can help prevent cancer.

Blueberries can be found in many varieties, but there are wild blueberries that are native to the U.S., if you're trying to keep things local. 

When planting blueberries, you should remember that while some varieties are partially self-pollinating, it's generally a good idea to plant two or more different varieties that produce in succession. That ensures a larger crop and a longer growing season. 

from logantrd.com

The Rabbiteye Blueberry is native to the southeast. 

You don't have to plant them in the ground. Blueberries can live, and produce, while in pots--so if you're short on space, or don't have a lawn, grab a couple of medium to large pots and get 'em planted.

You need to know, blueberries won't bloom if the soil isn't acidic enough. You don't want to load it with nitrogen. Instead, add some peat moss and loads of organic matter to the soil. This will help the plants give you the berries you crave.

from chloesblog.bigmill.com

Here are some of the things you can make with blueberries (once you've turned purple from eating so many off the bush!): syrups, jams, pies, cobblers, muffins, smoothies, and home-made breads!

For an in-depth look at blueberries, check out this article by Agricultural Research Service from the USDA.