Your All Things Plants newsletter for December 26, 2011

• 11 new members.
• 145 new threads.
• 2,331 new posts.
• 1,616 new images to the plant database.
• 62 new comments in the plant database.

From our house to yours: By Trish Whitinger on December 25, 2011 May your day be merry and bright! (21 comments)

All- America Selections for 2012 By Paul Rodman on December 23, 2011 Each year AAS judges get together to judge the “best of the best” flowers and vegetables. The panel is comprised of individuals associated with some of the premier seed companies in the country. These awards are not given lightly. Each entry must meet high standards in order to be considered for... (5 comments)

All about Mistletoe By Christine Gaither on December 20, 2011 The Christmas season is upon us; a time of traditions and celebrations and just maybe a kiss under the mistletoe. (27 comments)

Daily Gardening Tips from this week:

December 26, 2011: When planting the Christmas Poinsettia out in your yard after the holidays, make sure there is no light (like a porch light or street light) shining on it. In order for it to get the wonderful colored bracts next season, it needs a period of complete darkness. Tip by Dutchlady1 Photo by - (4 comments)

December 25, 2011: Old shoes you don't use anymore? Use them as planters. Hardy and tender succulents along with other smaller type flowering plants make for a color and fun containers. Tip and photo by valleylynn - (22 comments)

December 24, 2011: Invest in the best pair of gloves you can afford. Good gloves will outlast many pair of cheap ones. Tip and photo by goldfinch4 - (18 comments)

December 23, 2011: Looking for waterproof garden boots? They can be mighty expensive. But you don't have to stick to the normal "labels" such as "garden boots". Think outside the box. They are called "cement boots" worn by construction workers who work with cement & plaster products. Tip and photo by flaflwrgrl - (9 comments)

December 22, 2011: Native plants and flowers are adapted to the specific conditions of your region, making them durable and easy to grow; as well as beautiful additions to the garden. Tip by wildflowers Photo by valleylynn - (28 comments)

December 21, 2011: Use the bottom of soft drink and water bottles for cheap pots to start seed and cuttings. Just remove label cut off the bottom and punch few holes for drainage. For seed I usually cut them about 4 inches high and for cuttings that need to be stuck deeper I cut them much taller. Tip and photo by Horntoad - (7 comments)

December 20, 2011: Adding pepper to pots helps keep out masked bandits, just remember to add more after a rain. Tip and photo by gardengus - (12 comments)