Northern & Central Midwest
January, 2008
Regional Report
National News - From NGA Editors
New Lime Green Sunflower
Sunflowers are the quintessential summer flower. Over the past 20 years great strides have been made in breeding sunflowers to create shorter, multi-branching plants and more colorful flower...
Easier Way to Start Seeds
Trying to handle tiny seeds, such as carrot, pansy, and lettuce, and drop the right number into a cell pack can be tricky. With inexpensive seeds, there's no worry about using more than you need,...
Peppermint-Striped Hydrangea
The Forever & Ever line of big-leaf hydrangeas ( Hydrangea macrophylla ) features compact, mounding, 2- to 3-foot-tall shrubs that bloom on both old and new wood. The shrubs grow best in USDA...
Get to the Root of the Matter
Any gardener knows that plant roots are critical to growth, flowering, and fruiting. Strong roots enable plants to withstand pest attacks, adverse weather, and poor gardening practices. For the...
In the Garden
Find the Right Garden Site for Vegetables
There is nothing quite like thinking and planning for the growing season to keep us afloat when the weather is cold and forbidding outdoors. Working your way through luscious garden catalogs will raise your spirits and set you on your way to a bountiful...
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Resources
Web Finds
Green Hour The National Wildlife Federation has created this Green Hour Web site to encourage parents to...
Tool or Gardening Product
Istor Sharpening Tool The Istor sharpener, which is made in Switzerland, is one of the best sharpening tools on the...
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Regional Reminders
- Groom Indoor Plants
- Use Salt Sparingly on Walks
- Feed the Birds Suet
- Keep African Violets in Top Shape
- Check for Eastern Tent Caterpillars
