Spring 2003

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=150 BGCOLOR="#99FF66" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="04050961dkfecn.jpg"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Professional Gardening by Earthenjoy Flo"><U><IMG SRC="05ed9490.png" border=0 width="473" height="73" ALT="Earthenjoy Home" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Verdana" ><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Professional Gardening by Earthenjoy Flo"><U>Home</U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="services.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gardening Services"><U>Gardening Services</U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="newsletter.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Quarterly Newsletter"><U>Quarterly Newsletter</U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="showcase.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Garden Showcase"><U>Garden Showcase</U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="about.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Earthenjoy"><U>About Earthenjoy</U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="contact.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Earthenjoy"><U>Contact Earthenjoy</U></A></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=190 BGCOLOR="#99FF66" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>In This Issue:</B></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter5d_m.htm#is_it_spring_yet_" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2003"><U>Is It Spring Yet?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter5d_m.htm#flowering_bulbs_in_bouquets" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2003"><U>Flowering Bulbs in Bouquets</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter5d_m.htm#slugs_prevent_your_plants_from_being" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2003"><U>Slugs: Prevent Your Plants From Being "Slimed"</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter5d_m.htm#bulb_aftercare" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2003"><U>Bulb Aftercare</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter5d_m.htm#easy_care_easter_lilies" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2003"><U>Easy-Care Easter Lilies</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter5d_m.htm#blossoms_afloat" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2003"><U>Blossoms Afloat</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter5d_m.htm#blueberry_lemon_coffee_cake" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2003"><U>Blueberry Lemon Coffee Cake</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter5d_m.htm#kitchen_garden_basics" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2003"><U>Kitchen Garden Basics</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="coreopsis.htm" target="TRLX_Middle" TARGET="_top" TITLE="coreopsis.htm" target="TRLX_Middle"><U><IMG SRC="24196970.jpg" border=0 width="150" height="151" ALT="Double Lance Leaf Coreopsis" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="coreopsis.htm" target="TRLX_Middle" TARGET="_top" TITLE="coreopsis.htm" target="TRLX_Middle"><U>Click for larger picture.</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>Archive of past newsletters:</B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="newsletter.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Quarterly Newsletter"><U>Current Newsletter</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="newslettera7.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2008"><U>Spring 2008</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera5.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2007"><U>Winter 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2007"><U>Fall 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera1.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2007"><U>Summer 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter9d.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2007"><U>Spring 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter9b.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2006"><U>Winter 2006</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter99.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2006"><U>Fall 2006</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter97.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2006"><U>Summer 2006</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter95.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2006"><U>Spring 2006</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter8f.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2005"><U>Winter 2005</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter8d.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2005"><U>Fall 2005</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter8b.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2005"><U>Summer 2005</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter89.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2005"><U>Spring 2005</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter87.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2004"><U>Winter 2004</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter85.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2004"><U>Fall 2004</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter83.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2004"><U>Summer 2004</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter81.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2004"><U>Spring 2004</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter7f.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2003"><U>Winter 2003</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter7c.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2003"><U>Fall 2003</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter60.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2003"><U>Summer 2003</U></A></div> <div> Spring 2003</div> <div> <A HREF="id91.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2002"><U>Winter 2002</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id78.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2002"><U>Fall 2002</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id76.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2002"><U>Summer 2002</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id75.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2002"><U>Spring 2002</U></A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=330 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> Spring 2003</div> <div> <B>Quarterly Newsletter</B></div> <bR> <div> Earthly Elements</div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="234ad610.gif" border=0 width="429" height="97" ALT="Clipart butterfly border." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="is_it_spring_yet_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Is It Spring Yet?      </B></div> <bR> <div> Spring is a blessed season and one I look forward to with great expectation. I can't wait to see your spring gardens! So when will spring arrive? Judging from our latest snowfall...not for a while. The calendar says the first official day is March 21, but can we really believe this? I must confess that I don't. For me, spring begins the moment I see the first Crocus bloom, even if it is through the snow.</div> <bR> <div> Have A Blessed Spring!</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="flowering_bulbs_in_bouquets"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Flowering Bulbs in Bouquets     <IMG SRC="235bc920.gif" border=0 width="188" height="146" ALT="Clipart flowerbox." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> Daffodils exude a substance through their stems that is harmful for other flowers, so before you mix daffodils with other blooms, place them in a container of water for at least 12 hours. A faster option is to place cut ends of daffodils in a bleach and water solution (5 drops bleach to 1 quart water) for an hour before mixing them with other flowers.</div> <bR> <div> Before arranging Tulips, re-cut the base of the stem with a clean, sharp knife. This will open up the flower's water uptake channels. To straighten curved stems of flowering bulbs such as Tulips, Daffodils, Anemones and Ranunculus, wrap the stems tightly in newspaper, then place them in a container of water. The stems will straighten as they drink water. Tulips and Anemones are especially thirsty flowers so check the water level often.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="25396770.gif" border=0 width="150" height="119" ALT="Clipart slug on a leaf." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0"></B><B></B><B>Slugs: Prevent Your Plants From Being "Slimed"</B></div> <bR> <div> Let's face it, only its mother could love a slug.  To us, they're  sneaky, slimy marauders. Slug-thugs follow a typical pattern in their crimes: They like moist conditions and generally feed by night. They eat any soft-tissued plants, and particularly love Strawberries, Lettuce, and Hosta leaves. Try these slug-controlling tips: * In spring, as the plants most affected are starting to peek out of the soil, lay damp newspaper around them. Do this in the evening, as slugs feed at night. In the morning go out & pick up the paper & throw away. You won't get all the baby slugs, but you'll reduce their population.</div> <div> • During the day, look for slugs under boards and inverted pots; then destroy.</div> <div> • Try laying rings of bare copper wire around plants, or set a continuous vertical border of copper strips around a bed.  The copper is said to emit a slight electrical charge that deters slugs. (Expensive, but worth it if you have rare Hosta species).</div> <div> • Set out shallow pans of beer. The yeast attracts slugs, and they drown in the beer. Clean and reset traps daily. (Messy but effective).</div> <div> • Spread rings of wood ashes or horticulture-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) around plants. The rough texture deters soft-bellied slugs. Re-apply after rain.</div> <div> • Put 1 part non-sudsing ammonia to 2 parts water in a spray bottle & apply it to hostas about once a week, more often in spring. A cheap home remedy if you don't mind the continual applications.</div> <div> • A new slug bait made of iron phosphate pellets that disrupt a slug's digestive system is reportedly safe round plants, pets, and  birds. It's sold as Escar-Go from Gardens Alive!, (812)537-8650.</div> <bR> <div> The best bet is to grow plants they don't like. Consider some of these:</div> <bR> <div> <B>Slug Resistant Perennials</B></div> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="350" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> Catmint</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> Peony</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> Daylily</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> Phlox</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> Feverfew</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> Poppies</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> Forget-me-not</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> Sedums</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> Goat's Beard</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> Shasta Daisy</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> Lady's Mantle</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> Snapdragons</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> Lamb's Ear</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> Sweet William</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> Lavender</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> Tansy</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> Maltese Cross</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> Wallflowers</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Slug-Resistant Hostas</B></div> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="350" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> 'Aspen Gold'</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> 'Love Pat'</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> 'Aurora Borealis'</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> 'Lucy Vitols'</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> 'Big Daddy'</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> 'June'</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> 'Black Hills'</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> 'Just So'</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> 'Blue Moon'</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> 'Maruba lwa'</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> 'Blue Umbrellas'</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> 'Midas Touch'</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> 'Blue Shadow'</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> 'Millie's Memories'</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> 'Bright Lights'</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> 'Samurai'</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> 'Camelot'</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> 'Sea Lotus Leaf'</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> 'Frances Williams'</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> 'Spilt Milk'</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> 'Krossa Regal'</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="175"><div> 'Sultana'</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="175"><div> 'Leather Sheen'</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> 'Sum and Substance'</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> <div> For a complete list of resistant plants or more information on slugs, check out these websites:</div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.gardensplus.ca/hostacharacteristics.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.gardensplus.ca/hostacharacter"><U>Gardens Plus Online - Hosta Information</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.haywardm.supanet.com/resistant_plants.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.haywardm.supanet.com/resistan"><U>Slug & Snail Trail - Grow More Resistant Crops</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="bulb_aftercare"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Bulb Aftercare<IMG SRC="237f09b0.gif" border=0 width="240" height="155" ALT="Clipart Daffodils." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> Even after the flowers are gone, your spring-blooming bulbs will benefit from a bit of TLC. These tips will keep them coming back bigger and better next spring. </div> <div> • Trim off the spent flower,  but leave the stalk and leaves until they're thoroughly brown, then pull them out with only the gentlest of tugs. The bulbs need the foliage to help them rejuvenate.</div> <div> • Keep the area where the bulbs are planted mulched and well watered but not soggy. It's a good idea to plant some annuals on top of the bulbs. Not only do the annuals shade the bulbs and keep them cool, they also ensure you'll keep the soil adequately moist.</div> <div> • Fertilize each fall with bone meal or some kind of specially mixed bulb food.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="easy_care_easter_lilies"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Easy-Care Easter Lilies</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="2558a9b0.gif" border=0 width="138" height="155" ALT="Clipart lillies." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0">A common gift plant this time of year, Easter lilies (Lilium longiflorum) will thrive if you follow a few rules, says Carolyn Mack of the Easter Lily Research Foundation. Select compact plants with healthy foliage, and buds at several stages of maturity. Remove protective sleeves from pots-they can encourage root rot. Set plants in bright, indirect light, away from drafts. Keep daytime temperatures at 60 to 65 degrees; slightly cooler at night. When plants bloom, remove the yellow anthers (this prolongs bloom life and prevents pollen from staining). Cut off spent blooms, and water only as needed.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Don't Throw Em' Away!</B></div> <div> Potted Easter lilies can grow outdoors in Zones 5 to 9 (some cultivars are hardier). One frost has passed, plant bulbs 3"deep in a sunny spot, 12 to 18 apart in a well drained soil that's rich in organic matter. Mound 3" of soil over the bulb. Cut the dead stems back to the soil surface. Water as needed and use a slow-release 19-6-12 fertilizer. With luck, the plant may bloom again in few months, or if all goes well, the next year. Here in Michigan however, don't look for those beautiful blooms at Easter. They're more likely to be in flower in late June or July!</div> <div> Lilies need good winter protection, so pile on the mulch in fall. Layer leafy mulch (shredded leaves/grass clippings) to a depth of 3 to 4" and woody mulch (double grind hardwood) to a depth of 2 to 3".</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="blossoms_afloat"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Blossoms Afloat     <IMG SRC="239c8520.gif" border=0 width="200" height="82" ALT="Clipart rose." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> A single blossom floating in a glass dish is sometimes all you need to bring a touch of spring (or summer) to an indoor or outdoor table. It's also the best way to show off Peonies, Clematis, Gardenias and Roses whose voluptuous petals give them singular drama. Most of these blooms will float naturally, but to keep lower petals from getting soggy, set them atop a glass doughnut (sold at florists or craft stores for about $1.50 each).</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="2574b730.gif" border=0 width="75" height="115" ALT="Clipart blueberries." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B><B></B><B>Blueberry Lemon Coffee Cake<IMG SRC="23b64670.gif" border=0 width="100" height="103" ALT="Clipart lemon." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> 2 1/4 cups Bisquick®</div> <div> 1 cup frozen blueberries</div> <div> grated peel of 1 med. lemon</div> <div> lemon glaze (see directions below)</div> <div> 1 egg</div> <div> 1/3 cup sugar</div> <div> 2/3 cup milk</div> <bR> <div> Heat oven to 400°F. Grease a round 9" pan. Beat egg in medium bowl. Stir in Bisquick®, sugar, milk and lemon peel. Gently stir in blueberries. Spread evenly in pan. Bake 20 to 25 min. Cool 10 minutes; drizzle with glaze.</div> <bR> <div> Glaze: Stir 2/3 cup powdered sugar and 3 to 4 teaspoons lemon juice until smooth.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="kitchen_garden_basics"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><IMG SRC="250e1710.gif" border=0 width="481" height="113" ALT="Clipart of kitchen countertop." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B>  Kitchen Garden Basics</B></div> <bR> <div> Got the taste for homegrown food? Having a kitchen garden is just what you need. Here are some basics to get you started:<IMG SRC="23c96560.gif" border=0 width="150" height="86" ALT="Clipart of radish." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> • Choose a sunny site. Vegetables need at least 6 to 8 hours of sun daily.</div> <div> • Healthy soil. Dig down at least 8" and remove rocks, debris and weeds. Then mix in a 4" layer of compost. If you have clay soil, raised beds are best.</div> <div> • Fertilize thoughtfully. Various kinds of manure and other kinds of organic fertilizers are needed by vegetables, but don't guess at how much to use. Follow recommendations on the label.<IMG SRC="23d64460.gif" border=0 width="100" height="70" ALT="Clipart of cartoon carrot with smiling face." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> • Water generously. Don't wait for plants to wilt to let you know they're dry. Water daily, morning is the best time.</div> <div> • Follow space recommendations. Measure space between plants or seeds. They will grow to fill in the area sooner than you think.</div> <div> • Stay ahead of weeds. Use mulch liberally and pull weeds as soon as you spot them.<IMG SRC="25b4b680.gif" border=0 width="75" height="104" ALT="Clipart of cartoon peapod with smiling face." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> • Pest control. Planting vegetables will encourage wildlife, rabbits, gophers etc. into your yard. Deter these with fences, repellents or noisemakers. Then there's the issue of crawling, flying and buzzing insects. Control them with organic products made with soap, oils, botanical extracts or row covers.</div> <div> • Disease. Vegetables are subject to many types of blights, spots, wilts, fungus and rusts. To prevent or reduce these problems buy resistant varieties, space plants correctly for good air circulation, water regularly, and discard any sickly plants. Know what the problem is before you treat it!<IMG SRC="24064550.gif" border=0 width="100" height="85" ALT="Clipart of cartoon bell peppers with smiling faces." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> • Crop rotation. Do this for health purposes and to make the most of the season. Begin the season with lettuce, spinach, peas, beets (cool crops) then alternate to tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans (warm crops). Repeat the cool crops as the season comes to a close.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Earthenjoy FlowerScaping L.L.C.  ©2003</div> </td> </tr></table></body>