Your All Things Plants newsletter for December 19, 2011

• 19 new members.
• 108 new threads.
• 2,864 new posts.
• 1,829 new images to the plant database.
• 106 new comments in the plant database.

Christmas week chat By Trish Whitinger on December 18, 2011 The last week before Christmas- come tell us what you are up to! (22 comments)

What's Blooming in December By Larry Rettig on December 17, 2011 Readers responded with an avalanche of photos to our call for blossoms from their gardens to publish in our December issue of What's Blooming. Thank you one and all! Before we take a look, though, let's hear from our Mystery Blossom Contest winner, Robin (Robynznest). (27 comments)

Growing unusual fruits and vegetables from the grocery store By Sandi Schmidt on December 15, 2011 Have you ever wandered through a grocery produce section and wondered how some of the more exotic fruits and vegetables are grown and how they should be prepared? I recently roamed the aisles of a local grocery that caters to our city's growing international transplants. I had never seen so many ... (40 comments)

All about grapefruit, limeys, and orange conservatories By C. Tee Menser on December 13, 2011 Most of us are aware that we need a certain amount of Vitamin C daily in order to maintain optimal good health, but winter is a time when our bodies may need additional amounts of this vital nutrient. Citrus fruits such as grapefruit, limes, lemons, and oranges are a great-tasting way to add more V... (72 comments)

Daily Gardening Tips from this week:

December 19, 2011: When you brush your cat or dog, put the fur outside for the birds to make nests with. Tip and photo by threegardeners - (6 comments)

December 18, 2011: Have a problem with gnats in your potting soil? Dump the soil into a container and hang fly tape above. Tip and photo by Sheila_FW - (6 comments)

December 17, 2011: A large, clean paint brush works very well for "sweeping" up a potting area. Tip by rebeccag Photo by mcash70 - (9 comments)

December 16, 2011: Take care of your tools. Sharpening and cleaning them will prolong the life of the tool and they will perform better. It’s much easier to dig with a sharp shovel, and sharp pruners will not crush stems as you cut. Tip by goldfinch4 Photo by mcash70 - (4 comments)

December 15, 2011: Recycle small containers to start seeds in. One could use cleaned yogurt or gelatin cups, water bottles with the tops cut off, egg cartons, and the list could go on. Tip and photo by Shelly - (20 comments)

December 14, 2011: Invest in a good pair of pruning shears and take care of them. Much cheaper in the long run! Tip by careyana Photo by mcash70 - (11 comments)