Green Gardening

It's just the right time to get out there and garden! At least it is for us Minnesotans, and here are tips & advice from the great Dean Pettis:

Composting's 4 Neccessities -

1. Brown Waste - leaves, paper bags, paper, coffee grounds, straw, etc.
2. Green Material - alive scraps (banana peels, apple cores, etc.)
3. Air
4. Water

Be careful not to put animal waste (bones or grease) into the compost area or milk products. Turn occasionally to mix waste and voila! Compost ready for your garden. To get more information, visit: www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG3296.html

Go Chemically Green in Your Yard -

We noticed one day that all of our neighbors' sprayed yards in our cul-de-sac were barren (barren of weeds and wildlife), but our chemical-free yard was a buzz with birds (and truth be told, dandelions). Moral of the story is to create an environment that THE environment can enjoy too.

Preen, a natural corn-glutten meal product prevents any seed from germanating - so use after plants / grass have taken hold for the season. Flower Pharm and All Seasons Oil Spray are great chemical-free ways to treat insect issues. And a man, a beer and a dark night will help to keep deer away from your 'watered' plants.

Landscaping Tip -

Be careful using rock as a coverage for plants - it may look pretty, but soaks up the suns strong rays, literally cooking the ground underneath, which in turn cooks your plants that are planted in the 'hot bed.' Mulch is more earth-friendly and makes for happier plants.

And, when you're out in the sun, be sure to put on All Natural Sunscreen. You can find it at: http://www.truebluefriend.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=81

Ciao for Now! ~ Nicole