Late Planting Tips and More

My seedlings came up and were ready to transplant - kohlrabi, pumkins, assorted wild flowers. I used Miracle Gro potting mix and my own recyled potting soil. It seems to work. I broke up the soggy peat pots and mixed them in as mulch. We'll see what happens. One pot was a gift for my neighbor. She has the gorgeous Creole hibiscus that is so lovely. On interesting thing I noticed; as the pumpkins and kohlrabi pushed up, they had pumpkin seeds stuck to their top leaves. I've never seen this happen before. Any ideas anyone? I used sturdy sticks and twigs from my yard and saved tie wraps to gently tie the vines and plants upright.

Another tip; I'm going to plow under my annuals as they die out. I've had volunteer viola plants, and geraniums that last for a long time and are gorgeous. Maybe I will have surprises this spring.

Also, bulb season is coming. Start looking now. I love gladioli and parrot tulips. Logees is a great sight for getting ideas and gaining information about bulb planting.

I also saw small orchids on sale, about six inches high. I love orchid shows, but I'm afraid to grow them!

Tomatoes are ripening despite threats from Japanese beetles. We had our own basil and tomatoew with mozzarella and olive oil last night. There is tremendous satisfaction in knowing that you can grow at least something of your own.

Terrarium tips: Micahels has the miniature Halloween houses and accesories out. The bone chair is on my list! Also, the Toob series has great miniature figures and even trees and plants. All are made of durable plastic and come in a tube about 1 foot long. They cost about 7.00. About.com miniatures and some of my vintage mini magazines also had good suggestions for growing miniature plants and creating terrariums. About.com had a newsletter last week.

Xmas tips: I saved some snapdragon heads; Kimport dolls used to advertise tiny dolls made of dried snap dragon heads. In Greek, they were called "Skilakia," or "puppies" in English. I am going to try my hand at making a couple ornaments.

Anyone one who has mint, I recommnend you dry it. It is great in all kinds of dishes and adds a wonderful flavor to all kinds of ground meet and casseroles.

Will take and pass on any green garden and household tips. Don't forget to check out office stores for Green school supplies, especially erasers made from recycled rubber. Also check out Terracycle.com.

A green day to all.