Your All Things Plants newsletter for October 3, 2011

• 59 new members.
• 194 new threads.
• 3,603 new posts.
• 2,945 new images to the plant database.
• 516 new comments in the plant database.

There were 6 new articles published last week:

Start up costs of becoming a beekeeper: By Margaret Tucker on October 3, 2011 Becoming a beekeeper doesn't require a great outlay of cash or time. After that initial investment in the hive and equipment, it's a pretty cheap hobby. Let's take a look at the basic equipment you need to get started. (3 comments)

Team Latin, or Team Common?: By Trish Whitinger on October 2, 2011 Latin names and common names: In honor of our quickly growing ATP Database, today we're going to explore which side ATPers are on. (19 comments)

Garden Tours: ge1836, Jo Ann Gentle: By Sharon Brown on October 1, 2011 Welcome to a special feature at All Things Plants: Garden Tours. Each week we'll take you on a tour of the lovely gardens of one of our members. Join us now as we travel to New York to see the gardens created by Jo Ann Gentle. I think you are going to love what you see! (Be sure to click each image ... (18 comments)

All about Mulch: By Chris Rentmeister on September 30, 2011 One of the best things you can do for your flower and vegetable gardens, and for trees, is to apply mulch. Mulch is a material placed on the soil to protect it and conserve moisture, but it has many more benefits than that. (9 comments)

Let's learn about botanical names for plants: By Dave Whitinger on September 29, 2011 Genera, species, cultivars, synonyms, common names... what does it all mean? If this subject has you a little confused, allow me to cut through the confusion and show you the light. (23 comments)

How to re-pot a house plant: By Lee Anne Stark on September 28, 2011 There always comes a time when you have to pot-up a plant. Here's a tutorial on the easiest way that I have found to do it. (3 comments)

Daily Gardening Tips from this week:

October 2, 2011: If you want a privacy barrier that's great for letting a vine grow on (such as Morning Glory, etc), use a wood pallet! You can usually find a company that will either give them away or charge a nominal fee. We put up 2 pallets together and had the Morning Glories growing all over it. Plus it created afternoon shade in a sunny spot! Tip and photo by ClanCampbell - (14 comments)

October 1, 2011: Deer will eat just about anything when they are hungry enough! Don't go by the 'deer resistant' tag at all. Tip by careyana Photo by mcash70 - (17 comments)

September 30, 2011: Many Spring blooming bulbs can be planted under deciduous trees and shrubs. They’ll bloom before the branches fill out with leaves. Tip by goldfinch4 Photo by mcash70 - (14 comments)

September 29, 2011: Birds can be a great asset to gardeners. Plant berry producing shrubs and trees on your property. They offer nesting spots as well as food for the birds. Supply additional housing by making or purchasing inexpensive Birdhouses to place on your property. Place nesting material around the property for the birds to use when building their nests. Cotton fabric or string, straw, human hair strands, pet fur ... but NO DRYER LINT, as it can contain perfumes and dyes and is not good for baby birds. Tip and photo by plantladylin - (25 comments)

September 28, 2011: Fall is a great time to direct seed. A seed packet is only a few dollars, as compared to the cost of a plant, making it an economical way to get more plants. After all, even if you get only a few plants from a packet of seeds, you are ahead of the game. Tip and photo by sandnsea2 - (9 comments)

September 27, 2011: Always leave a vase outside. You can cut flowers as you work, and will always have a bouquet ready to give garden visitors. I use a heavy vase that a windy day will not blow over. Tip and photo by sandnsea2 - (4 comments)