Your All Things Plants newsletter for April 2, 2012

• 54 new members.
• 177 new threads.
• 3,572 new posts.
• 1,927 new images to the plant database.
• 71 new comments in the plant database.

There were 4 new articles published last week:

Opinion: Erasing carbon footprints By Sharon Brown on April 1, 2012 I learned a lot growing up. I learned to make do with what I had, I learned to live off the land, I learned to respect nature. But somewhere along the way I almost lost sight of all that learning. (43 comments)

Growing and making your own spices By C. Tee Menser on March 31, 2012 In the duo of "herbs and spices", herbs tend to get most of the attention when it comes to growing them and making seasonings and flavorings at home. However, a number of spices are equally as easy to grow and preserve yourself. There's also the added reassurance of knowing exactly how they were g... (24 comments)

Caladium Bulbs 4 Less: A Review By Trish Whitinger on March 29, 2012 It is our privilege to bring to you a new feature - personal reviews of gardening companies and products. Join us as we have our first review: the company Caladium Bulbs 4 Less! (63 comments)

Heirlooms, hybrids and GMOs By Kathleen M. Tenpas on March 27, 2012 What makes a plant an heirloom? What constitutes a hybrid? And what on earth is a GMO? Heirlooms, hybrids and GMOs have added a good deal of confusion for gardeners and farmers new and old. Here is a short tutorial on their definitions and differences. (9 comments)

Daily Gardening Tips from this week:

April 2, 2012: Plant strawberries in hanging baskets to keep the birds from eating the berries before you can. Hang the baskets all over your yard for snacking. I had a row of strawberries and didn't get a single berry before the birds, dug 'em up and put them in hanging baskets and haven't lost a berry yet. Tip and photo by threegardeners - (3 comments)

April 1, 2012: Setting inexpensive but attractive plastic beach balls on your outdoor furniture will keep unauthorized cats from lounging on it after hours. Tip and photo by imapigeon - (8 comments)

March 31, 2012: For sporadic planting of taller plants, (which makes them more susceptible to windy weather then grouped plants) use tomato cages to keep them upright. A cage will also keep plants protected from the occasional animal that wants to lie on them! Tip and photo by Maridell - (9 comments)

March 30, 2012: To avoid spreading disease, soak your garden pruners in a solution of Bleach (at a ratio of 1 part Bleach to 10 parts water) in between your cuttings, and after each use. Then, rinse, dry, and spray with some WD-40. They'll be good as new, every time you reach for them! Tip by Gymgirl Photo by Sossman - (5 comments)

March 29, 2012: BBQ skewers are the perfect size to stake cuttings and small plants. Tip and photo by gingin - (2 comments)

March 28, 2012: Feed birds, not squirrels! Add a generous amount of cheap cayenne when you're making up a suet mixture. The birds don't mind, because they can't taste it. Tip and photo by critterologist - (16 comments)

March 27, 2012: If there's poison ivy anywhere in your yard, wear gloves and CHANGE THEM every time you weed or dig out there. Dirty gloves go straight into the washer! Tip and photo by critterologist - (11 comments)