Garden Snob

Florist In A Box for winter color and table decoration

2009-11-12T13:50:00Z

If you're a little bummed that the growing season is over, this should cheer you up. Florist In A Box flowers grow and bloom for months. The AeroGarden 3 uses the simple, Plug & Grow system to grow flowers fast and reliably, guaranteed. No dirt, weeds or mess. It's so easy that anyone, with or without gardening experience, can grow lush, beautiful flowers. Simply add water, drop in the pre-seeded grow pods, turn it on and watch it grow.

The kit comes with a set of 3 attractive vases specially designed for the Plus & Grow seed pods. Flowers can be put in the vases for up to 24 hours, then returned to the AeroGarden. Also, the entire bowl can be removed and placed in an included wicker basket and used as a centerpiece. The kit comes complete with everything you need and a fully illustrated guide.

At AeroGarden 900120-1250 Florist In A Box

Hearth & Garden Stack of Chairs Cover makes storing them easy

2009-11-11T13:50:00Z

Now here's a great idea. Every get tired of putting away the stackable chairs and then having to bring them out and clean them next spring. I store mine under the back porch roof and they come out covered in debris that makes me scrub them down again. This stackable chair cover should protect the chairs, keep the water off, and let you bring them out as clean as they were when you put them in. It's made of PVC coated polyester that resists cracking, fading, or scratching your furniture.

At Hearth & Garden Stack of Chairs Cover

Sprout Master Triple Sprouter gives fresh vegetables all winter

2009-11-10T13:50:00Z

If the frosts have come and you're indoors longing for some fresh vegetables, I suggest a sprouter lie this one might make you smile. Sprouts contain few if any calories and no cholesterol and are one of the highest sources of fiber, chlorophyll, vitamins, proteins, trace minerals and nutrients necessary for a long healthy life. This Sprout Master has the following advantages over other sprouters: several trays can be stacked with the lid in place without losing necessary air circulation; the rectangular shape allows for much better cabinet and refrigerator storage; a removable divider in the middle makes it possible to grow a half crop, a full crop or two different crops at the same time. With a lid placed under the bottom as a drip tray and a lid placed over the top, your sprouts will stay crisper longer in the refrigerator without losing vitamins or souring. Disassembles quickly for easy cleaning. These trays measure 8 inches x 10 inches.

At Sprout Master Triple Sprouter

The Experiment in Aphid Control Continues

2009-11-09T17:49:43Z

Aphids have an unfair advantage. I've just read the life cycle of aphids and discovered that if the food source dwindles, they can grow wings and fly off to find new sources. Furthermore, they can reproduce by parthnogenesis and give live birth to a smaller version of themselves. I think I have to take them more seriously!

So I sprayed one aphid infested plant with Green Light Home and Garden Insect Spray and indeed there are less aphids on the plant. Definitely a partial success. But now I'm thinking I have to do all the kale and the broccoli to keep the aphids from migrating to new plants. Freezing weather does not seem to be a problem for them.

Check it out - it will make you weep.

At Green Light Organic Bioganic Home & Garden Insect Contol Spray - 24 oz Spray #80224

Let it Rot!: The Gardener's Guide simplifies composting for you

2009-11-06T19:09:09Z

Here is a very down to earth book about the process of turning garden and yard waste into compost. The book is comprehensive and detailed but never looses its humorous and clear instructions. It explains what you need to make compost work quickly and is a good book for winter reading.

At Let it Rot!: The Gardener's Guide to Composting (Third Edition) (Storey's Down-to-Earth Guides) (Paperback)

Mixed Darwin Hybrid Tulip 100 Bulbs

2009-11-05T17:34:03Z

Here's a dazzling mix of colorful tulips you could get in the ground right now for showy spring blooms. They will grow 18" to 24" tall and bloom in mid to late spring. The price is right and you get 100 bulbs!

At Mixed Darwin Hybrid Tulip 100 Bulbs - Great Colors-EASY

Green Light Organic Home & Garden Insect Contol Spray is tested on aphids

2009-11-04T23:43:57Z

This time of year, aphids attack the kale and broccoli which I have left in the ground to overwinter. The Russian Kale plants let me know they are suffering by curling over. Sure enough when I inspect, they are covered with grey aphids. Now I love this kale. It is one of the sweetest kales, and I can harvest it all winter so it's upsetting to loose plants to aphids now. I have pulled plants that seemed totally infested, but decided to try Light Green Organic Insect Spray on a few plants and see if it did the job. I sprayed today. I like the fact that this spray can be used up to the day of harvest. I'll report back in a few days to see if the spray worked.

At Green Light Organic Bioganic Home & Garden Insect Contol Spray - 24 oz Spray #80224

Fiskars Stainless Steel Florist Bypass Pruner makes tedious trimming easy

2009-11-03T22:17:02Z

Fiskars has developed this florist pruner which cuts 1/2 limbs and has twine cutter and a stem stripper. It's three jobs in one easy to handle tool. The pruner works for both right and left handers, and although I cut and trimmed deadheads from the roses and cut the stalks of the hollyhock, my fingers and thumb never got tired or strained. You also get the choice of non stick coated blades or stainless steel. These pruners are able to do very fine cuts to take out small twigs and branches without mistakenly cutting the decorative leaves or flowers. Sweet! Thanks to Fiskars for sending us in some to review.

At Fiskars 9821 1/2-Inch Cutting Capacity Stainless Steel Florist Bypass Pruner

Peony Sarah Bernhardt is a beautiful classic flower for the garden

2009-11-02T13:45:00Z

It's not too late here in warmer climates to plant some peonies. I love them. They remind me of my grandmother's flower garden and the bright June sun and the huge blooms. I was always fascinated by the ants which crawled over the buds. This Sarah Bernhart Peony is a classic. It is tall when mature and a late season bloomer which will produce tons of flowers.

At Peony Sarah Bernhardt - One 3/5 Eye Rhizome

GORGEOUS IVY DESIGN PLANT STAND DECORATES A ROOM

2009-10-30T13:25:00Z

When you bring your container plants indoors, why not have a dramatic place to show them at their best. This staircase plant stand has an ivy design is would sit dramatically near a sunny window. It has six shelves and holds 6" to 8" pots easily.

At GORGEOUS IVY DESIGN METAL 6 STAIRCASE PLANT STAND

Lettuce Baby Mesclun Gourmet Certified Organic Heirloom Seeds 1200 Seeds

2009-10-29T13:25:00Z

Here's a great late planting of gourmet lettuce that would do well in mild climates in the garden, or in containers in sunny windows. This delicious baby lettuce mix includes Black Seeded Simpson, Buttercrunch, Green Salad Bowl, Lolla Rossa, Red Oakleaf and Rouge d'Hiver seeds. If you sow in successive plantings you might get an all winter harvest period.

At Lettuce Baby Mesclun Gourmet Certified Organic Heirloom Seeds 1200 Seeds

Romaine lettuce planted now? I'm hoping it works.

2009-10-27T15:10:00Z

It's really a little late, but I'm going to try sneaking in another planting of lettuce in hopes I will be able to harvest in February. If you have a greenhouse or an area protected from frost, this is a good plan. Romain is one of my favorite lettuces. It needs lots of fertilizer and grows fast. So here's hoping.....

At Lettuce Romaine Parris Island Cos Certified Organic Heirloom Seeds 275 Seeds

Sleek Stainless-Steel Composter Keeper looks good on the countertop

2009-10-26T15:10:00Z

Here's a good looking container to keep your compost odor free until you take it outside. It's stainless steel and very sleek so it can sit on the counter top or slide nicely under the sink. The lid fits tightly and it has a filter and three replacement filters to eliminate odors. The satin finish cleans easily with soapy water.

At Norpro GRIP-EZ Stainless-Steel Composter Keeper with 2-pc. Replacement Filter Set

Kitchen Crop Seed Sprouter Grows Organic Sprouts at Home

2009-10-23T15:10:00Z

This is the easy way to produce fresh, high-quality sprouts in your own kitchen. In just 2-4 days you can enjoy healthful sprouts in soups, salads and sandwiches. There are three growing trays which make it possible to grow up to three different flavors at once and it produces a variety of fresh, crispy sprouts in just a few easy steps. The Kitchen Crop sprouter is reusable so you can grow nutritious sprouts year round.

At Kitchen Crop Seed Sprouter-Grow Organic Sprouts at Home

Organic Mulch Block will help winterize your garden

2009-10-23T00:16:44Z

If you have an area that you want protected this winter from heavy freezing or if you have a spot all ready to plant and don't want it to get beaten down by rain and snow, you should consider mulching it. This coir mulch is a 100% organic and biodegradable. It provides a thermal blanket for your entire garden keeping soil cool in summer, warm in winter, and moist all year round. In addition to saving water and insulating the garden, this premium ground cover looks great as a decorative top-dressing for pots and baskets. It expands to cover 3 sq.yards.

At Element 1001 6 100% Organic and Biodegradable Original Mulch Block

VermipostPro Red Wigglers for Organic Gardening and Composting

2009-10-21T15:10:00Z

One thing that will keep growing all winter are earthworms in your compost pile. If you give them enough water and food scraps, newspaper or even cardboard, they will double every 90 days. In the spring, you'll be ready to add them to the garden to keep the soil friable and fertile. They can also be used indoors with houseplants.

At VermipostPro Red Wigglers for Organic Gardening and Composting

Shiitake Mushroom Kit grows yummy mushrooms for many weeks

2009-10-20T15:10:00Z

The leaves are turning and with some good rains the mushroom season begins here in Northern California in November. In case you are hankering for some those delicious, meaty fungi, here is a kit that lets you grow your own Shiitake mushrooms. Shiitakes are noted both for their health stimulating properties and their culinary value. This Shittake kit has sterilized sawdust innoculated with with Shiitake mushroom spores. They can be harvested at two week intervals up to 16 weeks. A 50-80 degree Fahrenheit environment is ideal so either the basement or the kitchen will do. Each kit comes with illustrated instructions and is guarantee to produce.

At Shiitake Mushroom Kit

An October garden treat--the last taste of summer

2009-10-20T02:13:47Z

As the garden winds down in October, I often roam through the rows and pick whatever is ripe. If the day is cool, I make a fresh soup with whatever I have harvested. It's such a delight and I never bother with a recipe because everything is so fresh and tasty. I usually saute the onions and garlic with squash or kale or carrots and then add tomatoes and a sprig of rosemary or some basil--whatever I have found. If there aren't enough tomatoes, I use a cream sauce or add some chicken broth. It reminds me of my childhood, when I would come home from school and ask, "What's for supper, Mom?" and smell the soup simmering on the stove. It's the perfect meal for a cold October night and a great use of the last fresh vegetables from the garden.

Review: Loop Handle Bypass Pruner with Carabiner Clip From Fiskars

2009-10-16T11:05:00Z

Fiskars was kind enough to send me a set of pruning tools to review. It is always a pleasure to handle a well made tool and Fiskars tools are top of the line. I first tried the Carabiner Clip Bypass Pruner and found that it is light weight and cuts green wood like smoothly and cleanly. They have added the Carabiner clip so that the pruner can hang on your belt while you weed or mulch and then suddenly see the limb that needs clipping. I tried this tool on roses, fir tree, fig tree, apple and pear and discovered that both 1/2" and 3/4" limbs came off with ease. It also has a niftly lock nut that keeps the shears from opening and knicking you while you work.

Cutting with them is a breeze, and the handles are excellent.

At Fiskars and Fiskars Carabiner Clip Bypass Pruner

The Sprouting Book: How to Grow and Use Sprouts to Maximize Your Health

2009-10-15T21:35:00Z

At last the first big rain of the winter season is here. It's a great relief that the fire danger is over and it also means it's time to bring the sprinklers and timers and tools inside. This winter I'm going to set up a sprout growing area near the sink. This book has all the information needed to get the sprouts growing and keeping a succession of sprouts coming.

At The Sprouting Book: How to Grow and Use Sprouts to Maximize Your Health and Vitality (Avery Health Guides) (Paperback)

Plant this Deer Resistant Collection Now for Spring Blooms

2009-10-14T21:25:00Z

The deer around my house are beautiful but terrible pest as they have a taste for flowers. Here is a deer resistant collection of tulip, narcissus, and anemone bulbs that will work well in partial shade to full sun. Their sizes vary and so do the blooming times so that you have color from early spring to late spring. These flowers are easy to grow and you get 35 of them in this boxed collection.

At NEW! Deer Resistant Collection -35 Bulbs- Spring Blooms

Compost Innoculant keeps your compost cooking in the winter

2009-10-13T21:25:00Z

If you are having trouble getting compost to heat up and decompose into humus, consider using a compost innoculant. Peaceful Valley Farms has this inoculant which contains 30 strains of aerobic bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and other beneficial microbes. It will decompose straw, food, manures and other green matter. Sawdust, needles and hardwood will take more innoculant, otherwise one ounce should do well in a compost bin.

At Compost Innoculant

PlantHouse looks great, is easy to set up and will keep your tender plants alive.

2009-10-12T18:25:00Z

This portable, pop up greenhouse is perfect for extending your growing season and protecting your plants.The greenhouse set up the easiest it has ever been. Screened vent openings allow for air circulation and closing the vents will promote and maintain high humidity levels. The PVC material is UV resistant for longer life. Solar heat from the sun heats your greenhouse during the day while an electric heater will be needed on freezing nights or in cloudy or snowy conditions. Folds up easily into a compact storage carry bag and includes shade cover, stakes, high wind tie downs and free storage bag with sholder strap.

At PlantHouse 5' Clear

Italian Herb Garden Trio: Everything you need for an indoor herb garden

2009-10-08T11:20:00Z

For those of us starting to move our life indoors, here is all we need to grow our herbs in a sunny window. This kit has seeds for oregano, basil and chives, a dip tray, and soil pellets. The planters are 7" and made of stoneware so they will last many years and the drip tray is 13" long. Growing instructions are included so you have everything you need for success. This makes a great gift for both a gardening enthusiast or a beginner.
At Italian Herb Garden Trio: Indoor Garden Gift Set incl. 3 planters, dip tray, seeds, peat soil pellets.

Landmann Big Sky Stars & Moons Fire Pit for cool October nights

2009-10-07T10:55:00Z

Here is a lovely fire pit you can use to warm yourself under the stars these cool fall evenings. Star and moon cutouts on the walls of the firepit reveal flickering flames within. Landmann's Georgia Clay finish stands up to the heat and weather for years of heavy use. Sturdy steel construction means the fire pit is stable and will hold plenty of wood. The pit offers 360-degree view of the fire so that everyone can circle 'round and enjoy the warmth and crackle of open flame. An enamel cooking grate is great for warming foods for campfire snacks. A spark guard cover and poker are included to keep sparks off clothes and outdoor furniture. The pit is designed for use on masonry surfaces such as stone, brick, or concrete only. It certainly would cheer up any outdoor evening.

At Landmann Big Sky Stars & Moons Fire Pit, Georgia Clay

Woodstream Rolling Plant Caddy moves plants easily

2009-10-06T10:50:00Z

If you're starting to move plants in from the patio or putting them under a protective roof, this plant caddy will help you find the right place, and adjust the placement easily as needed. It's inexpensive and won't let water drip on floor surfaces.

13" plant caddy
Clear poly construction
4 heavy-duty casters, allow caddy to roll easily without tipping
Built-in water reservoir to prevent water from overflowing onto floors

At Woodstream PC13 Rolling Plant Caddy

Agribon extends the growing season so you enjoy your summer crops longer

2009-10-05T18:03:33Z

The first frost is expected this week and one of the ways to extend the season of your tender plants like tomatoes or beans is to cover the rows with Agribon. Agribon row covers are a better value than similar products because Agribon row covers are heavier, tougher covering, at the same time letting in light and keeping the plants warmer.

Agribon AG-19 row covers provides up to 4ºF + frost protection for valuable, frost sensitive perennials and sensitive vegetables.

Safe guards against early and late frosts.

Prolongs growing seasons and increases yields.

Excellent wind and insect control.

At Agribon

Spanish Roja Garlic is an heirloom variety carried by Territorial Seed

2009-10-02T12:55:00Z

Now is the time to put in some garlic which will over winter and be harvested in the summer. Growing great garlic is quite easy. Few pests bother garlic and it can be planted now and in October and in the south as late as November or even mid winter. When spring growth begins, fertilize and water as needed. If your soil is fertile, keeping the row weed free is about the only chore connected with harvesting some tasty bulbs to dry and flavor your favorite dishes.

At Spanish Roja Garlic

Fiskars Tuscany 57-Gallon Rain Harvesting System helps you use rainwater

2009-10-01T15:35:00Z

Fiskars had created a rain barrel which can help you water your plants. The durable, impact resistant polyethylene barrel blends well with all house styles while standing up to years of harsh sun and freezing cold. The barrel comes with a diverter kit that attaches to gutter downspouts, sending water to the barrel until it's full, then automatically sending excess through the downspout and away from the house so that the barrel doesn't overflow. The system includes the 57-gallon rain barrel, cover, diverter kit, a built-in base for optimal stability, threaded spigot for easy garden hose attachment, and a detailed installation guide.

At Fiskars 5997 Tuscany II 57-Gallon Rain Harvesting System, Terracotta Color

Hearne seed has a nice selection for winter cover crops

2009-09-30T12:50:00Z

I just got back to California and my garden this week. The corn is finished and tomorrow I'll till it under. I just ordered a winter cover crop that should come within a week. I think the organic SoilMax Legume mix looks good. You can sow it in the fall and expect growth until winter when the plants will protect the soil from erosion. In spring when the plants begin to flower, they can be tilled in to increase nitrogen and make the soil lighter and more tillable.

At SoilMax Legume Mix