Please click here to read newsletter if not displayed below: http://wallacesnews.com/news/10/01
Edition 10.01 Wallace's Garden News January, 2010

3 day forecast

3 day forecast

Local Weather Courtesy of:
Weather Sponsor

This Issue

  • Keeping Houseplants Healthy in Winter
  • Seed Starting Checklist

FACEBOOKShare on Facebook

Gift Card
Our gift cards never expire, never lose value, and can be used at both Wallace's locations.

Have a Look
Around the Site:

Subscribe to Wallace's Garden Newsletter!
Click here to subscribe, unsubscribe or change your address.

January

Now is the time: To clean and fill those bird feeders. The coldest months of the year are upon us and birds need seeds high in oil content to keep them warm and give them energy. Try Wallaces Black Oil Sunflower Seed. 50 lbs for only $12.99.

Sunflower


Be a Guest Gardener:

Gardeners love to learn from other gardeners "over the fence." We would love to include a tour and/or an article from one of our readers!

sponsor


Contact Information:

Wallace's in Bettendorf

Telephone:
563-332-4711

Address:
2605 Devils Glen Rd
Bettendorf, IA 52722

Wallace's in Davenport

Telephone:
563-445-2458

Address:
6227 NW Blvd
Davenport, IA 52806

E-Mail:
Click to e-mail us.

Store hours:
Every day 9am to 5pm


Wallace's Wit
coupon
[Click for printable copy]

article picture

seedsSeeds, Seeds, Seeds. The seeds are here. Wallaces carries several lines of garden seeds including Burpee, Lake Valley, and other top brands. From brand new varieties, to garden-tested favorites to heirloom varieties of the past- you'll find everything your garden wants to grow.

Wallace's also carries all the seed starting supplies you need like soil mix, trays, peat pots, lights and more. Our garden experts will be on hand to answer all your seed starting questions.

First timer? No problem. Wallaces Garden Experts can get you set up with the right supplies, help you pick the right seeds and answer any other 'getting started' questions.

Keeping Houseplants Healthy in Winter

Keeping your houseplants healthy during winter months may seem difficult. Light from windows is reduced, days are shorter and humidity may be lower due to heating. But by making a few changes, you can help keep your houseplants healthy.

Keeping things light

In winter, your plants receive sunlight for less time and in less intensity. Houseplants native to rainforests that are used to lower light will be fine with that, but most plants need more light. Try to move your plants near a brighter window (S/SW exposure) to get them more sunlight.

If you have no brighter windows (due to shade trees or apartment living), you might want to consider the purchase of plant lamps that are designed to provide the full spectrum light your plants need. They can be mounted under shelves, over plants or on specially-designed plant stands. Leave them on about eight hours a day, and they'll give your plants the light they need.

You can also use cool fluorescent bulbs as close as 6 inches from the top of plants.

Temperature

Most plants do not do well when subjected to rapid fluctuations in temperature. Keep them away from hot air sources and cold drafts alike. Run ceiling fans on low if the house is closed up. Fans break up stagnant air; that's healthier for both you and your plants.

Humidity

Some symptoms of low humidity are brown leaf tips and wilting. Low humidity makes your plants work harder to get moisture from the air and soil, as well as keep what they have inside.

One way to give your plants some extra humidity is to mist them two or three times a day. The water will evaporate off the leaves and provide a cloud of higher humidity around the plant. For a less labor-intensive method, put a layer of pebbles in the bottom of a tray and fill the tray with just enough water to cover the bottom of the tray (below the top of the pebbles). Place potted plants in the tray.

Other Tips

Fertilizing should be done less often for most plants in winter.

Give your plants a good washing. Dirt, dust, grease, and other particles can settle on leaves. Dirty leaves can't absorb as much sunlight as clean ones. Gently wipe clean the leaves with a soft sponge or cloth dipped in plain water. Sturdier plants can even be given a quick shower in the bathroom with tepid water.

1
cSeeds!
Your choice of whatever you want to grow.
Fresh basil for cooking or fragrant flowers for the garden.
We carry several complete lines of seed including traditional, organic and heirloom varieties.
1
c Containers-
Pots made from plastic or peat pots are ideal.
Make sure they have drainage holes to get rid of excess moister.
Peat pellets may also be use.
2
c Seed Starting Mix-
This is what you will plant the seeds in.
The mix should be soil-less.
Look for bags that say 'Seed Starting' directly on the bag.
3
c Labels/Markers/Notebook-
Makes it easy to track what you are growing and to keep varieties separate.
Be sure to note the sow date and the germination date to help you plan for next year.
c Plastic wrap-
Place over the top of pots until seeds germinate.
This will help keep the seeds warm and moist.
Once they germinate, remove the plastic wrap completely.
5
c Fertilizer-
Most water soluble fertilizer will be ok.
We recommend Wallace's own Water Soluble fertilizer or Miracle Gro.
Both should be mixed at 1/4 to 1/2 strength and applied weekly to seedlings.
6
c Water and a Sunny Window-
South facing windows are ideal.
Try to use room temperature water in a gentle sprinkling can to water fragile seedlings.
7
Going Green

Make a resolution to change at least one thing in your life to something green. Change is easier, one step at a time. Don't know what to do? Try a few of these easy green ideas that make a big impact

* Change all the light bulbs in your house to CFL's
* Buy a re-usable thermos or water bottle and fill it up at home
before going to work or the gym- no more plastic bottles
* Start using re-usable bags at the grocery store and other stores you frequent- Bonus- re-usable bags hold more and rarely break.
(Tip- bags now available at Wallaces)
* Set that thermostat 2 degrees lower in the winter
and 2 degrees higher in the summer

recipes

Peachy
Tossed Salad
Pear, Walnut & Blue Cheese
Green Salad

What You'll Need:

  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cups olive or canola oil
  • 8 cups torn fresh spinach
  • 8 cups torn Bibb or Boston lettuce
  • 4 medium fresh peaches, peeled & sliced
  • 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Step by Step:

  • In a blender or food processor, combine the first eight ingredients.
  • While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream
  • Process until sugar is dissolved.
  • In a salad bowl, combine the spinach, lettuce, peaches and bacon.
  • Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Yield: 16 servings

recipe

What You'll Need:

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 medium shallot,minced
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 5-ounce bag mixed baby greens (about 10 cups)
  • 2 large ripe pears, halved, cored, thinly sliced lengthwise
  • 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 cup walnuts, toasted & coarsely chopped

Step by Step:

  • Whisk first 4 ingredients in a small bowl to blend.
  • Gradually whisk in oil.
  • Season to taste with salt & pepper.
  • Toss greens in a large bowl with enough dressing to coat.
  • Divide greens among 6 plates.
  • Top with pear slices.
  • Sprinkle with blue cheese and walnuts.
  • Drizzle lightly with remaining dressing

Yield: 6 servings

recipe

 
print thisclick here for a printer friendly version of this page