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Hello and Happy New Year! Now that the holidays are behind us I thought it was time to have a little fun before we swap. The first game to play is A to Z Gardening Tips. In this game we will give gardening tips for each letter of the alphabet. To win this game we will all "like" the post we think is the best tip. The game ends Jan. 16th at 6 pm. You may vote as you go for as many tips that you like. At 6 pm the game ends and all voting will end. I will keep a tally as we go and announce the winner before the swap begins.

If you are like me, you hate games. So, I decided that to make this a bit better for those that are playing, there are participation prizes. Yes, everyone who plays will get a pack of 10 seeds. The winner will receive a prize in addition to the participation prize. I will start the game with the letter A and the next poster will use the letter b. You may get creative on how you use your letter.

Participation Prize: Neon Calendula from Geoseeds.
Winners Prize: Rudbeckia Green Wizard from Park Seeds.

A - Azaleas
The best time to prune spring-flowering trees and shrubs is right after they bloom. If you wait until summer or fall, you'll cut off a lot of the flowerbuds for next year. Examples: forsythia, AZALEA, quince, spiraea, lilac, and Japanese magnolias.

B - Begonia x tuberhybrida
Although tuberous Begonia plants do fine in light shade, for successful seed sowing good light is essential. They need light for germination so don't cover the seeds. After germination they require even more light. If you have ever had good germination and healthy looking seedlings that suddenly disappeared, it's because they did not receive sufficient light as the tiny tubers were developing. If starting indoors under lights place the emerging seedlings as close to the light source as feasible and don't transplant too soon.

C- Cosmos (annual)
To prolong the flowering deadhead regularly. This speeds up flower development and aids in branching. I have tried to start these indoors and did not have success, but when I direct sowed they were fantastic!

D-Daylily (perennial)

Daylilies get their name because each bloom lasts just one day. When you are choosing a daylily for your garden, look closely at it's branching and bud count. The higher each of these is, the better display your plant will produce. There are also plants called bud builders which continue to set buds after the first blooms have opened! If you really want your daylilies to be happy add alfalfa to the soil under them when planting. Mix it in with the soil. Top dress with alfalfa early in the spring. You do not have to buy alfalfa meal. The bags of nuggets made for horses available at Tractor Supply work just as well. They break down into meal when watered.

E- Epsom salt

When transplanting seedlings, plants, etc., always add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts to 1 gallon of water. Water the transplant with the Epsom water and you'll never have transplant shock. I have been doing this for at least 5 to 6 years. It works. I stopped losing my hard work once I began doing this.

Forcing Bulbs Indoors

Winter and early spring blooms that brighten those ho-hum days!

It is not difficult to force your favorite spring bulbs. Most of the time all you need is a healthy bulb, a vase or container and some water and you'll be growing indoor flowing plants for spring. Think tulips, daffodils, crocuses and paper whites in stunning arrangements around the home. Amaryllis and paper whites don't need to be chilled like other bulbs, just plant and place in warm, bright indirect light. What could be easier!?



My amaryllis this week: