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ISSUE
December 2014
Issue Twenty Five
Don't Forget!
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Hurry in and use up your Hurry Back Bucks before they expire. Last date to use 2014 Hurry Back Bucks is December 31st.
House Plants
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Buy 2
Get 1 Free!

(Free one equal or lesser value)
Does not include: Poinsettias, Christmas Cactus, or Norfolk Island Pine)
Sallyeander Soaps
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3 for $18
Mix or Match
(Reg. $6.99)
For A Limited Time
 New
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Canterbury Naturals Soups - we have several to choose from Chicken Noodle, Chicken & Brown Rice, Vegetable, Tomato Basil, & Potato Corn Chowder. Easy to make in a crock pot.
Just For Kids
Workshop
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December 14th
Time: 1 pm - 3 pm

 
Come any time between 1 pm - 3 pm to make a sock snowman.

Cost: $3
Fresh Greens Wreath
Workshop
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December 14th
Time: 2 pm


Build your own wreath with our fresh greens, and adorn with your choice of bows and accents.

Cost: $24.99
Limit of 10 attendees
CONTACT US
Wilson's Garden Center
10923 Lambs Ln.
Newark, Ohio. 43055

740-763-2873
740-763-2874 (Fax)

office@great-gardeners.com
STORE HOURS
December Hours
Monday - Saturday:
9 am - 6 pm
Sunday:
11 am - 6 pm
Christmas Eve:
9 am - 4 pm
Dec 27th, 29th, 30th:
9 am - 5 pm
Dec. 28th:
11 am - 5 pm
New Years Eve:
9 am - 4 pm
Closed Dec 25th & 26th, Jan 1st & 2nd
ABOUT US
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We are a family owned and operated garden center specializing in plants that thrive in Central Ohio

For more information about our store please
Visit Our Website
Good Afternoon Great-Gardeners,

This past week I lost an important figure in my life, my Grandma. She was 86 years young. My Grandparents live in Michigan and so we had to travel there for the funeral. Sunday before we left we had to help move my Grandpa into an assisted living home. It was hard on him, to lose his wife of 65 years and then to leave the home he has owned for just as long. It was a very emotional week for all of us.

On another note. I do want to apologize to those who showed up for a massage, due to circumstances beyond our control they did not show on either of the Saturdays.

This coming weekend is the last weekend to come check out the local artisans selling their wares at the greenhouse. So stop on by and say "Hi."

In this issue, I will be talking about composting and mealy bugs.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, hit reply. I would love to hear from you. As always, have a great-gardening day.

Sincerely,
Holly
Check this out!
My paper whites are almost blooming and I have only had them growing two weeks. Pretty awesome if I do say so. I used a kit that we have at the store. It came with the pot, soil, and five bulbs. I did have to rubber band them together because they were falling over, but the rubber band is working great on keeping them upright. We do have a few kits left if you need a quick Christmas gift.
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Composting
There are many ways to compost, but for those of us who are new to the process starting off simple is the way to go. The best time to start is in the spring.

Compost is simply decomposed organic material. The organic material can be plant material or food scraps.

Compost is good for two very compelling reasons. It’s great for the garden, and it’s environmentally friendly.

It is great for the garden because it improves the soil, which in turn supports healthier and more productive plants.

The most obvious environmental benefit is that composting can significantly reduce the amount of solid waste that would otherwise find its way into our landfills.

There are a few things you need in order to get started.

Compost bin:
There are two types, stationary and rotating. Select one based on how much plant matter you have at your disposal, how large your yard is, and how quickly you need to use the finished product.

In the spring you will want to locate the bin in as sunny of a location as possible. The heat from the sun helps speed up the composting process.

Pitch Fork:
Turn the pile with a pitchfork every week or two to make sure that all of the materials are blended in and working together. After you’ve mixed things up, grab a handful to see if it’s slightly damp. Too little moisture will slow the decomposition process and too much will leave you with a slimy mess.

Your pile should be about as damp as a sponge that has been wrung out. You can add water directly or rely on the moisture that comes in with "green" items. A lid on the compost bin will help to keep moisture in. If a pile gets too much water in it, it might not get enough air.

Green Material:
  • Fruit & Vegetable Scraps
  • Grass Clippings
  • Fresh Manure - Cow, chicken, horse or rabbit
  • Weeds - avoid ones that have gone to seed
  • Coffee Grounds
  • Tea bags
  • Plants - no diseased ones.
Brown Material:
  • Brown, dry leaves
  • Straw
  • Shredded newspaper (no glossy or colored paper)
  • Sawdust (in moderation)
A low-maintenance pile has a combination of brown and green plant matter, plus some moisture to keep the good bacteria happy.

When composting every time you add green material, you will need to add some brown as well to keep a good moisture balance and create air pockets.

Temperature:
The temperature of the compost pile is very important. The simplest way to track the temperature inside the heap is by feeling it with your hand. If it is warm or hot, everything is decomposing as it should, but if it is the same temperature as the surrounding air, then you need to add more materials that are high in nitrogen (green material) to the bin.

Tips:
Avoid all pesticides and/or herbicide treated material.

Do not compost meats or pet droppings. Stick with food scraps and yard waste only.

Compost Ready:

When it’s ready to use, compost has a crumbly texture and a rich, earthy smell. It is dark brown or black and mostly smooth.

Remember, patience is an important virtue, because compost matures in its own time.

For more information on composting visit http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1189.html
 Mealy Bugs
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Mealy bugs are hard to get rid of once you have them. Early detection is the key to plant survival.

Severe infestations look like patches of cotton on the plant. During the feeding process, they excrete lots of wax (known as honeydew) and if left on the plant can lead to the growth of sooty mold. The excretion is used for protection while they suck the plant juices. It is also a place where they hide their eggs. It takes about 10 days for the Eggs to hatch producing crawlers or nymphs.

What to look for:
  • You will notice a fluffy white wax produced in the leaf axils or on the stems and branches of the plant.
  • You will notice that the plant has lost its vigor and the leaves start to turn yellow and eventually drop. As a result, plants may be stunted, or even killed
The best control for mealy bugs is defensive. Healthy, vigorous plants are less likely to be infested than the weak ones.
  • Water - works well in early stages of infestation. Simply blast the bugs off with a strong stream of water. Needs to be repeated daily until they are gone.
  • Insecticidal Soap - Such as Espoma Earth Tone Insecticidal Soap. Follow instructions on back of bottle. This is a contact spray so bugs have to be present in order for it to work. Safe to use around pets and children.
  • Neem Oil - Safe around pets and children. Can be sprayed on plants following directions on back of bottle. Bugs must be present in order for it to work.
  • Bonide Systemic Housepant Insect Control -  This chemical actually gets soaked up into the plant and if the bugs chew on the plant they will die. The bottle says it can prevent bugs for up to two months. Just follow directions on bottle for use. This is not organic and says to keep out of reach of children and pets.
  • Throw Out Plant: If infestation is to the point of beyond control. Your best option is to pitch the plant into the garbage. Do not compost.
If left untreated mealybugs will spread to other plants in the house. 
 
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