Flavorful Landscapes -- A Growing Trend

(ARA) - Nothing beats the flavor of a fresh-from-the-garden tomato; warmed by the sun, plucked right from the plant and eaten in the garden.

More than 43 percent of U.S. households plan to experience this and the other benefits of homegrown fruits, vegetables and herbs this summer, according to a recent survey by the National Gardening Association.

Space Limited? Get Creative
The good news is you don’t need much space to have an edible garden. Many gardeners grow food in containers or mixed in with their flowers, shrubs and other ornamental plantings.

Look for creative ways to include vegetables in your landscape. “I like to mix them with flowers in my container gardeners” says Melinda Myers, horticulturist and author. “One of my favorite combinations is ornamental corn, eggplant, tri-color sage, purple ruffle basil and trailing verbena. For a quick burst of spring beauty and produce I use Swiss chard as a vertical accent, add a few pansies -- they are edible -- colorful leaf lettuce or ornamental mustard and a trailing ivy or two for aesthetics, not eating.”

Limited sunlight? No worries
Full sun will give you the best results, but you can still grow edibles where sunshine is limited. Save the sunniest spot for tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers and other vegetables where you eat the flowers or fruit. They produce their best and have fewest disease problems when grown in eight to 12 hours of sunlight. Root crops such as beets, radishes and carrots can get by with about a half a day of direct sun and leafy crops like lettuce and spinach can still produce in a shady location with only four hours of sunlight.

Get Your Garden Off to a Good Start
Use a quality potting mix when growing in containers. It should have good drainage and retain moisture. In the garden, it’s important to properly prepare the soil before planting. Add several inches of compost, peat moss or other organic matter to the top 6- to 12-inches of soil. This improves drainage in heavy soils and increases water holding capacity for sandy or rocky soils.

Add a slow release fertilizer like Milorganite to the soil. This goof-proof organic source of nitrogen meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s Exceptional Quality standards and will help encourage growth without interfering with flowering and fruiting.

Time it Right
Let the weather be your planting guide. Cool season crops like lettuce, peas and broccoli can tolerate chilly air and soil. Wait for the danger of frost to pass and soil to warm before planting tomatoes, peppers, squash and melons. Myers suggests anxious gardeners can, “Jump start the season with the help of floating row covers. These polypropylene fabrics let air, light and water through while trapping the heat near the plants. The best part, you won’t need a hammer, nail or other tools. Simply lay the fabric over your planting leaving enough slack for the plants to grow and anchor the edges to the ground with stones, boards or other items.”

Maximize Your Efforts
Check the seed packets and plant tags for details on when and how to plant each herb and vegetable seed or transplant. Increase productivity with succession plantings. Simply start with lettuce, radishes or another cool weather plant. Once harvested, replant the area with onions or beans. After these are done you can replant the area once again with a fall crop of lettuce, spinach or radishes.

Double your harvest with interplanting. Plant quick-to-mature crops like radishes and lettuce in between longer maturing plantings of cabbage, tomatoes or eggplant. The short season vegetables will be ready to harvest just about the time the bigger plants are crowding them out.

Consider planting vegetables closer together in wider rows. You’ll waste less space for pathways putting more room in plantings. Make sure each plant has enough space to grow and that you can reach all planted areas to weed and harvest.

Just a Bit More Care Needed
Water new plantings thoroughly and often enough to keep the soil moist but not too wet. Add a layer of shredded leaves, evergreen needles or other organic material to conserve moisture, suppress weeds and moderate soil temperatures. Midsummer, give your plants a boost with a slow release organic nitrogen fertilizer like Milorganite. And don’t worry if the weather turns hot and dry, Milorganite won’t burn. It will remain in the soil until the plants are ready to use it.

Pull weeds as they appear, watch for bugs and wait for the produce to come pouring in. You may find this is a great family activity that gets even the most reluctant vegetable eaters munching on a few fresh carrots and maybe even broccoli.

Courtesy of ARAcontent


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Public’s Help Needed to Locate Harmful Weed

The Georgia Forestry Commission is asking for the public’s help to stop a harmful weed from spreading statewide. Cogongrass is a non-native weed that has taken over millions of acres in the southeast. It flourishes in numerous soil types and chokes out natural vegetation, which significantly reduces tree and plant regeneration, wildlife habitat, forage and ecological diversity.

Cogongrass is extremely flammable and difficult to eradicate, due to its dense root system.

Within Georgia, there are 23 state, federal and private groups that have formally partnered to locate and destroy infected sites and educate landowners about the threat. The Georgia Forestry Commission offers free eradication treatments to landowners who have Cogongrass. The GFC also partners with other member states of the Southern Group of State Foresters (Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North and South Carolina) to combat the invasive weed regionally.

Cogongrass was first introduced into the United States near Grand Bay, Alabama in 1911 via seed in grass packing materials used in shipping containers from Southeast Asia. It has spread throughout Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida and has now been found in 28 Georgia counties.

The grass is most easily recognized in the spring flowering and seeding period (March through May in Georgia) when the white fluffy seeds are produced and dispersed. Cogongrass has sharp pointed, scaly rhizomes with a very dense root system, and grows in a circular-shaped pattern. It also has an off-centered midrib on leaf blades that measure between one and five feet.

“Our purpose as a group is to address the short and long term negative effects of Cogongrass in Georgia,” said Robert Farris, Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. “We want the public to report sightings of this dangerous weed so that our teams of Professionals can take the necessary measures to bring this threat under control.”

The Cogongrass threat is considerable because of the weed’s aggressive and destructive nature. A single plant can produce up to 3,000 seeds, which spread easily in the wind. Individual, underground rhizomes or pieces of rhizomes can sprout new plants as well. Rhizome pieces are easily transported to new areas in contaminated soil, hay, sod, or on equipment, launching still more infestations. The roots and rhizomes of Cogongrass are fire-tolerant, but leaves and flowers of the plant are extremely flammable, creating a fire hazard for firefighters and citizens living in rural areas.

Residents who suspect they have found Cogongrass should contact their local GFC office and avoid mowing or disking through or near the area to avoid further spread. Photographs and more information about Cogongrass can be found on the GFC website at GaTrees.org.

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Plant doctors identify diseases

Mother Nature has blessed Georgia with an abundance of rain over the past month, leaving most areas drought-free. But all that moisture mixed with warm spring temperatures creates a perfect environment for landscape diseases.

Watch for the signs

If you’re worried that the moist conditions may cause your plants to fall ill, scout your landscape and search for signs and symptoms of infections such as wilting, yellowing, leaf spots and dieback from the tips inward.

Finding these symptoms doesn’t always mean a plant disease is the cause, said University of Georgia homeowner integrated pest management specialist Holly Thornton. They can also be signs of other problems, like drought, chemical damage, improper planting or too much fertilizer.

Take a sample to your agent

So what if you aren’t sure whether your plant is sick due to a disease or its living conditions? Take a sample to your local UGA Cooperative Extension office. Agents there are trained to identify the problem and offer solutions.

If your agent is unsure, the sample will be sent to the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Homeowner Plant Disease Clinic in Athens. There, samples are identified and diagnosed by specialists like Thornton. A treatment recommendation is then made.

The CAES clinic offers identification of diseases and nematodes on turfgrass, fruit, forage, ornamental, crop and vegetable samples. The staff also analyzes plant material and soil for bacterial, fungal, viral and other pathogens.

In addition to homeowners, the clinic’s clients include commercial growers, retailers, arborists and golf course superintendents. The Athens clinic processes more than 600 home turf, ornamental and fruit-tree samples each year.

How to collect a sample

To properly collect samples, Thornton offers the follow tips:
1) Take a close-up photograph of the suspect area of the plant. Then, take a picture of the entire plant and one of it in the landscape.
2) Place a physical sample in a sealable plastic bag with a dry paper towel.
3) Take the sample to your local UGA Extension office early in the week. This will allow time for your agent to mail the sample to the university before the weekend if need be.

If you think the problem is root-related, UGA plant pathologists recommend removing and submitting the entire plant. Losing one plant is a small sacrifice to find out what's going on in your landscape.

There's no charge for digital image samples. A $10 fee is charged for physical sample disease identification.

More information on the UGA Homeowner Plant Disease Clinic at be found at the Web site plantpath.caes.uga.edu/extension/clinic.html. To locate your local UGA Extension office, call 1-800-ASK-UGA1.

By Sharon Dowdy
University of Georgia

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Preparing for the Storms of the Spring Season

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sometimes weather patterns cause the months of April and May to bring more than just the proverbial spring shower. From treacherous lightning to destructive tornadoes, unpredictable, damaging storms are actually the more common characteristic of the spring season. With this in mind, SERVPRO is offering tips for people on how to best prepare for the uncertainty of Mother Nature. The company's message couldn't be clearer – expect the unexpected.

"It simply isn't possible to be too prepared for a spring storm," said Rick Isaacson, executive vice president of Servpro Industries, Inc. "By taking a few precautionary steps, people can minimize the impact of damage that may be inflicted on their homes, businesses and surrounding property."

According to the National Climatic Data Center, tornadoes, which tend to be the most widespread type of spring storm, were quite prevalent throughout the nation in 2008. In May, for example, 461 tornadoes occurred resulting in 43 preliminary fatalities. Research indicates there is a direct correlation between how prepared an area is for the tornado and how many casualties were caused by the actual storm.

Isaacson encourages individuals to implement the following safety measures:

* Know your alert system – Be aware of your community's severe weather warning system. Know in advance where you will take shelter if at home, in the office, etc.
* Keep an emergency kit handy – Emergency kits should include first-aid supplies, enough drinking water for three days and food that doesn't need to be refrigerated or cooked. Also be sure to have several flashlights, a battery-powered radio, blankets and extra batteries within reach.
* Take inventory of your personal property – Make a detailed list of your possessions and back it up with photos or video footage. Keep one copy in your home and another in a separate location.
* Protect your home – Branches can cause substantial damage if they become airborne, so make sure to keep all trees properly trimmed. Also, keep a supply of lumber and other materials on hand to use to brace windows and other openings.

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Simple Tips For Starting Your Own Kitchen Garden

(NAPSI)-Edible gardening is growing in popularity; the National Gardening Association expects a 19 percent jump in the number of Americans growing their own grub this year. The Obama family has even joined the trend by planting the first White House kitchen garden since World War II.

There are a number of reasons growing your own fruits, vegetables and herbs is so attractive. Organically grown fruits and vegetables are more healthful, with significantly more nutrients including vitamin C, magnesium and iron. Gardening is a fun activity for the whole family, giving kids an outdoor project. It can even save you money on groceries.

Many people know these benefits but are hesitant to start an edible garden because they're worried about taking the wrong approach. The fact is, by following just a few simple steps, just about everyone can set themselves up for a successful harvest.

• Take the high ground. Gardens do best in the elevated parts of your yard. Lower, indented areas can trap cold air and stifle growth.

• Break out the compass. Edible gardens in the Northern Hemisphere should place the tallest plants on the northernmost plot. Sunlight shines from a southern angle, so smaller plants won't be left in the shade.

• Box it up. Use planting boxes or raised beds whenever possible, because they create soil control for drainage and maximize nutrients. Boxes also protect your roots from critters.

• Keep a close watch. Try not to plant your garden out of sight. If you can see the garden from your windows, it will be easier to identify when the plants are at their ripest or might need extra care.

• Don't be a Luddite. There's great technology out there to help beginning gardeners. For example, after 24 hours in your garden, the EasyBloom Plant Sensor reveals all the plants and vegetables that will thrive there and tells you how to care for existing plants. This handy tool takes detailed readings of sunlight, temperature, humidity and soil drainage to make expert recommendations.

Edible gardening doesn't have to be an intimidating project. With the right planning and support, millions of families will be adding fresh ingredients to their meals this year and you can, too.

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Forest Land Conservation Gets a Boost in Perdue-Signed Bill

Georgia forest land owners have been given extra time to assess the benefits of and to enroll in a significant forest conservation program, the Forest Land Protection Act (FLPA). With the signature of Governor Sonny Perdue, Senate Bill 55 (Senator Chip Pearson, R-Dawsonville) extends the filing deadline for landowners in the FLPA by two months, from April 1, 2009 to June 1, 2009. The bill also requires tax assessors establishing a property's fair market value to consider any decreased value of the land as a result of its being in a conservation easement.

"This is a step in the right direction for sustaining our forested acres in the state of Georgia," said Buford Sanders, Georgia Forestry Commission Staff Stewardship Forester. "Instead of focusing on 'highest and best use' land values, tax assessors must now consider diminished monetary values of forested land placed in conservation easements. Naturally, that helps owners keep their lands in forests, which benefit every Georgian in terms of clean air, clean water, and abundant forest products for the future." In addition, said Sanders, the filing extension allows landowners ample time to review tax implications as they apply to an owner's specific forest land.

Georgia voters approved the FLPA in November of 2008. It stipulates that landowners with more than 200 acres of contiguous forested property may receive significant property tax relief in exchange for agreeing to not develop the land for 15 years.

Georgia recently reached a milestone for conservation by protecting its 100,000th acre under the Georgia Land Conservation Program begun in 2005. For more information about conservation easements and other conservation-related issues such as tax implications, visit the GLCP webpage at www.glcp.ga.gov. Additional information about working forest conservation easements and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission can be found at GaTrees.org.
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Five Ways to Make Your Home and Wallet Greener

(ARA) - With tightened budgets, you may be surprised to learn that going green at home is not only good for the planet but also good for your pocket book.

“People are re-evaluating everything they do, from driving cars to how they eat,” says Lisa Tiedt, MSN.com green expert. “With a few simple home improvements, it’s easy to do a favor for Mother Earth, your wallet and your family - celebrate Earth Day (April 22).”

Tiedt offers five home improvements ideas that pay for themselves quickly and save you money in the long-run:

An Easy Audit

A home energy assessment is perhaps one of the easiest ways to determine if your home is earth-friendly or leaking money from its seams. Most local utility companies offer energy inventories for free. And for $250 to $300, many companies will put together a detailed assessment using thermal imaging. This gives you a punch list of easy places to improve sealing and maintain appliances. By making these improvements you will see huge energy savings in the long-run.

Grow Something Green

It sounds so simple, but planting a tree can help reduce energy costs up to 40 percent in warm climates, according to MSN.com. Your new-found foliage will block sunlight and reduce the need for air conditioning. In North America, the east and west sides of homes are exposed to the greatest amount of heat in summer months. In some hotter areas like Sacramento, Calif., the local government gives out free trees to reduce the strain on the grid during sizzling summer months.

“Planting a tree is a staple activity every Earth Day, but you don’t have to wait until April 22 to add something to your landscape,” says Tiedt. “If you have younger kids, getting down and dirty and planting a tree together is the perfect weekend activity.”

H20 Heaters

You guessed it -- your home’s largest energy-guzzler is your water heater. Some experts suggest wrapping the heater in fireproof insulation, which can be found at any home improvement store for less than $30, to save tremendous amounts of energy. To save big, install a tankless water heater. This heater is a system of coils and the unit heats water on demand. These types of heaters are not only more efficient, but they take up considerably less space.

Crack Down on Tracks

Ten tubes of caulk will do more to reduce a home’s energy waste than replacing every window. Apply paintable silicone caulk around windows and doors. To check for other energy leaks, look where any pipe, vent or electrical cable comes through the siding -- dryer vent outlets and hose bibs frequently present trouble spots.

Keep A/C Filters and Coils Clean

A dirty air filter reduces airflow, and a dirty condenser coil retains heat and is less efficient. The two can increase the system’s power consumption by 10 percent or more. Clean the condenser coil every two years and change filters monthly during peak cooling and heating seasons.

For more tips on how to have a greener home visit MSN.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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How Hydrangeas Can Heighten Your Enjoyment Of Your Yard

NAPSI)-Hydrangeas are growing on home gardeners. The big, bold flowers add excitement to many gardens and are terrific for both fresh and dried arrangements. Desirable as hydrangeas are, they have a reputation for being tricky to grow. Fortunately, with many new, easy-to-grow varieties available, even the most inexperienced gardener can enjoy lots of flowers with very little effort.

New Varieties

Reblooming hydrangeas, such as the Let's Dance series from Proven Winners, are an excellent example of how new varieties make gardening easier. Unlike older varieties of Hydrangea macrophylla, these plants bloom on both this season's and last season's growth. Gardeners who have been frustrated by healthy-looking plants that never bloom will have more success with these plants. Moonlight has big, vividly colored mophead flowers and rich burgundy fall foliage. Starlight is the first reblooming lacecap hydrangea and has elegant, brightly colored whorls of florets.

Pink, White and Blue

H. macrophylla flower color is affected by soil pH. It is difficult for hydrangeas to absorb aluminum from alkaline soils (those with pH higher than 7), so the plants produce pink or red flowers. Aluminum is more available in acidic (pH lower than 7) soils and the plants there produce blue flowers. Soils can be amended to adjust the bloom color; use aluminum sulfate to encourage blue flowers and horticultural lime to produce pink flowers.

Hardy hydrangeas, H. paniculata, have been mainstays of northern gardens for years. They produce cone-shaped bundles of white florets in midsummer and bloom on the current season's growth. Hardy hydrangeas are reliable bloomers even after harsh winters.

Limelight may be one of the best varieties. Its soft green summer flowers transform to pink and burgundy in fall and dry beautifully. Proven Winners now has Pinky Winky hardy hydrangea as well. Pinky Winky has exceptionally large (12" plus) panicles that start out white and turn to pink as they age. New white florets keep growing at the tips of the panicles as older florets at the base turn pink, so the plant displays unique bicolor blooms in late summer.

Annabelle is another favorite of cold-climate gardeners and of many southerners as well. A smooth hydrangea (H. arborescens), Annabelle is adaptable and easy to grow, though its white snowball flowers tend to flop over into an untidy tangle.

Two new varieties are expected to set the standard for smooth hydrangeas. Incrediball has flowers up to 12" across and exceptionally sturdy stems that hold the blooms upright even after heavy rain. Coming in 2010, Invincibelle Spirit is the first pink Annabelle-type hydrangea.

How Hydrangeas Help Combat Cancer

Gardeners who have been limited to white flowers can now enjoy hot-pink blooms and help fund breast cancer research with a purchase of Invincibelle Spirit. Proven Winners will donate 5 cents from each purchase to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). That organization is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.

Learn More

For more about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org. For facts about hydrangeas, visit www.provenwinners.com.

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Fine Weather for Staying Fit

Spring is a glorious time in Fayette County, Georgia. All along the cart paths in Peachtree City are families and friends out taking their daily strolls and staying in shape.

We caught this happy couple enjoying their morning walk around Lake Peachtree- not once, but three days in a row.

We can only guess that all the recent rain has made these friends decide to expand their horizons.

Fayette Front Page Staff



Photo ©2009 A S Eldredge

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Create Your Own Salad Garden

(NAPSI)-The current economy is fueling a grassroots hobby and a healthy money maker: vegetable gardening. One major seed company says a $10 investment can produce up to $1,500 worth of vegetables. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says vegetables are important sources of nutrients that help maintain healthy blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels.

"Vegetable gardeners may become the most popular people in your neighborhood," says Bayer Advanced garden expert Lance Walheim, co-author of "Vegetable Gardening." "Growing your own veggies lets you create your own salad or side dishes that taste great."

Here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose your vegetables: What kind of veggies or salads do you like to eat? Options include head and leaf lettuces, spinach, parsley, asparagus, peas, carrots, corn, broccoli, eggplant, tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, okra, peppers, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes and celery.

Let the sun and soil be your guide: Most vegetables need six to eight hours of direct sun daily and well-drained soil.

Prepare the soil: Contact your local cooperative extension about soil testing, then till in ample organic matter and other recommended amendments, including fertilizer.

Lay out planting beds: Use string to mark off the individual rows of vegetables you'll plant. Rows that face east to west will get the best sun exposure.

Plant with the seasons: Contact your local cooperative extension office for a local planting calendar and for tips on locally adapted and pest-resistant varieties.

Use organic mulch: It helps keep the weeds out. Weeds compete for nutrients and may harbor pests and diseases.

Monitor for pests: Destructive insects such as Japanese beetles, aphids and hornworms like veggies, too. Bayer Advanced™ Complete Insect Killer for Gardens kills more than 100 different pests. Spray it on the upper and lower leaf surfaces, stems and branches. Be sure to read and follow label directions. Visit bayeradvanced.com for more details and for other products that will prevent insects from eating your vegetables.

Water and fertilize: Vegetables need consistent water and nutrients.

Enjoy the bounty: Pick often and share the wealth. Many vegetables will stop producing if not harvested often.

If you don't have adequate space for vegetable gardening, Walheim says you can always start small by growing vegetables in containers. A container for vegetables can be as simple as a bushel basket, ceramic pot or a planter box.

Vegetables are an important source of nutrients.

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Bird Proof Your Home for Spring

(ARA) - Spring is a busy time for birds. Warmer temperatures increase food sources, and birds are on the look out for new nesting spots and mates. Whether they are returning from a winter migration or are resident birds weary from a long winter haul, they have a lot of work to be done before autumn.

Birds are in survival mode in the spring. In order to get through the next winter, they will be searching for spots that provide the elements needed to survive. Most homes and gardens provide the three elements necessary for a birds’ survival: food, water and shelter.

Whether you anticipate birds returning to your home, or are dealing with a pest bird problem now, addressing these three elements will make it easy to bird proof a home for the spring. Taking away food or water sources, and blocking off ideal nesting spots like dryer vents and eaves will help send pest birds packing.

Doing a quick check around the home in the beginning stages of spring can mean the difference between successfully deterring pest birds or not. Have you had a recurring problem with nesting birds? If yes, treating these spots with deterrents before the birds return will yield better results than waiting until they have come back. Once they begin to build a nest, birds will be more persistent about keeping the spot.

Common places pest birds like to nest include:
* Dryer vents
* Eaves
* Open attics
* Garages, barns or boathouses
* Under roof tiles
* Under air-condition units

Checking these areas for nesting materials will clue you in as to whether this may be a problem spot. Birds like to nest high, so check beams, ledges and rafters. If there are nesting materials, a cleanup is essential. Bird droppings and nests can host disease and parasites. A good cleaning will not only protect you and your family, but also eliminate scents that help a bird identify their old nest.

There are many different bird deterrents available in today’s market that can be used for a wide variety of problems. Bird deterrents usually fit into four categories;

Visual Bird Deterrents

Visual deterrents are meant to be seen by birds, to frighten or scare them away from open areas. Visual deterrents will have shiny reflective surfaces or mock predator features. Visual bird deterrents include Mylar flash tape, scare eye diverters and balloons. There are also decoys like owls available. These items work best when hung right in front of a problem area. When the bird fly’s towards the spot, they will see the visual deterrents and get confused or frightened, and want to avoid the area.

Sound Deterrents for Birds

Sound deterrents use recorded bird calls to deter pest birds from large open spaces. A mixture of predator calls and distress calls can be used to alert birds in the surrounding area of danger. Most sound deterrents are weatherproof and designed for outdoor use. These are ideal to use when you have a large open space to treat. Sound deterrents include the Bird Chase Super Sonic.

Physical Bird Deterrents

Physical deterrents are used to block or prevent birds from gaining access to the area they desire. Physical deterrents include bird netting and ledge products like the Bird Spike 2000. Bird netting is installed as a screen to block birds from entering areas. Bird spikes, bird slopes and bird deterrent gel are all used on ledges to prevent birds from landing.

Liquid Bird Repellents

There are also a few liquid repellents used for discouraging birds. Pest control companies can work with fogging machines, or misting units to deter birds from large open spaces.
A non-toxic grape extract that irritates a bird’s mucous membranes is used in these two types of devices. If you have a large tree in your backyard where hundreds of birds were congregating, it’s best to call out a pest control company to fog or mist the tree to repel the birds. The grape extract is safe for both birds, and humans.

There are also live bird traps, and a few other types of bird deterrents available. Knowing what type of bird you are having a problem with, and considering the area that is being affected will help in choosing the best product for the situation. Contacting a bird control company like Absolute Bird Control or Bird-B-Gone can also help ensure that you have chosen the right method.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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In Tough Economy, Gardening--And Heirlooms--Take Root

(NAPSI)-It's growing season again, and as millions of eager gardeners take to the soil, their goals are many.

First, of course, there's the matter of the economy--more people are opting to grow their own food to save money (a dime's worth of seed can yield about a dollar's worth of fruits and vegetables). And given the recent scares with tainted peanut butter and store-bought produce, food safety is on everyone's mind.

When you grow your own, you not only reduce the risks, but you can also increase the benefits. Enthusiastic home gardeners--in droves--are embracing heirloom vegetables as a healthy and delicious alternative to lackluster modern hybrids.

Heirlooms--vegetables of value that breed true from seed (and thus can be handed down to the next generation)--are diverse in color, shape, size and flavor. Seed Savers Exchange, a nonprofit network of gardeners who collect, share and save heirlooms (thereby promoting agricultural biodiversity), recently mailed 10,000 heirloom tomato and pepper plants to gardeners in just one month--double its usual amount.

One expert not surprised by that statistic is Amy P. Goldman (Board Chair of Seed Savers), whose recent book, "The Heirloom Tomato: From Garden to Table," cemented her reputation as an authority on heirloom growing and seed preservation.

"Heirloom tomatoes are the people's tomatoes, bred by farmers and gardeners and designed to be homegrown," she said. "Growing your own saves money but there are also intangible benefits: Nearly everyone has room, even in a window box, to cultivate a little piece of happiness."

There's so much more to the world of tomatoes than most of us realize. Red may be the norm, but vive la difference! There's the yellow and red Big Rainbow, the green-when-ripe Aunt Ruby's German Green, the maroon Black Cherry--and the list goes on.

• In her book, Goldman provides seed sources, fascinating vignettes of the growers who bred and preserved these wondrous fruits, and delectable recipes. There's detailed information for selection of the best tomato varieties to grow according to one's taste, cooking preferences and climate, as well as everything you need to know to grow your own tomatoes successfully. Some of the tips for starting seeds include:

• Start tomato seeds inside five to six weeks in advance of setting them out at the frost-free date. Tomato seeds germinate best when given a measured supply of water, cover of darkness and plenty of heat.

Insulated seed trays with water reservoirs and capillary matting make the best seedbeds; ordinary seed trays are also fine. Fill your seedbed with a sterile artificial soil mix (containing materials such as peat moss, vermiculite and perlite) and water until thoroughly wetted; allow it to drain.

• Space five or six seeds equidistant on top of the moistened soil in each seed cell, and label as you go. Dust a quarter-inch layer of potting mix on top and tamp down. Water with lukewarm water, cover and set aside in a warm dark place. Early tomatoes will emerge in as little as three days. Uncover the tray and place under a fluorescent light rigged with a timer to provide 16 hours of light daily.

• Thin seedlings to one per cell; feed with a half-strength liquid fertilizer weekly and pot up into individual pots after the first set of true leaves (not the seedling leaves the plantlet was born with) appear.

For more information, go to www.rareforms.com.

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Spring Planting Can Be for the Birds, and Butterflies

Spring means that backyard gardeners and landscapers are hard at work beautifying their yards. But in all of the bustle and planning, the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division recommends adding a place for wildlife, no matter the yard’s size.

Some tips:

** Plant fruit-producing shrubs like native crabapple, serviceberry, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, dogwoods and wax myrtle. To attract songbirds including cardinals, robins, bluebirds, orioles, brown thrashers and mockingbirds, plant in clumps, clusters or islands. Cover provides nesting areas for birds and small mammals, as well as shelter from predators and inclement weather.

** Always use caution when using pesticides. Overuse or misuse of lawn chemicals can harm wildlife. Contact a local Cooperative Extension Service with questions about amounts and types of pesticides to use.

** Create a pool as a birdbath and gathering place for wildlife. A pool can be as simple as a small pond or as elaborate as an in-ground reservoir with waterfalls. Also, shallow birdbaths make excellent landscaping focal points.

** Don’t forget the butterflies! Cultivate nectar-producing plants such as salvia, lantana, butterfly bush, milkweeds, blazing star, impatiens and verbena to provide butterfly-viewing opportunities and add an array of color to backyard habitats. Planting butterfly larval host plants like hollyhock, fennel, violets, pawpaw and asters will also encourage butterflies to come to your garden and help them complete their life cycles.

** Use native plants as much as possible. Native wildlife is adapted to the plants, and the plants are adapted to surviving under local conditions with little need for extra fertilizer or water.

** Remember the field guide and binoculars. Watching wildlife can be fun for the entire family, especially considering Georgia’s rich diversity of wild animals and plants. Close-focusing (6 feet or less) binoculars allow you to observe butterflies up close. Field guides featuring birds and butterflies are great resources in helping identify species.

With proper planning, any yard can feature trees, shrubs and other plants that will provide food, shelter and habitat for wildlife. For more information on spring planting for birds and butterflies, visit Wildlife Resources’ Web site, www.georgiawildlife.com, click “Conservation” and choose “Wildlife in Your Backyard.”

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Get Started Composting At Home In Time For Earth Day

(StatePoint) With Earth Day on the horizon, it's the perfect time to get the whole family involved in doing something at home for the good of the environment.

Composting is a great project to get you started going green: It's easy for the entire family, costs nothing, is simple to keep doing and can save you money on fertilizer.

A natural form of recycling, composting turns your organic garbage -- such as food waste, paper, disposable tableware, grass clippings, and much more -- into one of nature's best mulches for your garden or yard. By setting up a compost pile or bin, your family can take positive steps in reducing its carbon footprint while saving money on commercial fertilizers.

"The average American produces four pounds of landfill waste daily. That's more than 50 tons over a lifetime. About half of this waste is compostable, which means we have fantastic opportunities to put our garbage to use to help save the planet," says Julie Stoetzer, brand manager and environmental expert for Chinet disposable tableware.

And with gardening the number one pastime in America, all that waste can be added to yards to improve soil fertility and root development in plants and grass.

Here are simple steps from Stoetzer and the experts at Huhtamaki, the makers of Chinet, to get underway composting:

* Select a convenient spot. It should be semi-shaded and well drained. Don't put your compost pile under acid producing trees like pines. If you do not have space for an outdoor pile, use a bin indoors which can be purchased or made at home.

* Combine organic wastes such as yard trimmings, food wastes and biodegradable paper plates into a pile. Add bulking agents such as wood chips to accelerate the breakdown of organic materials, allowing the finished material to fully stabilize and mature through a curing process.

* When choosing disposable tableware such as plates, bowls and platters, select those made of 100 percent pre-consumer recycled content, such as Chinet Casuals and Chinet Classic White lines that also are biodegradable in home composting.

* A properly managed compost bin will not attract pests or rodents and won't smell badly.

* Typical compost will turn into rich soil in two to five weeks. Use compost in home gardening or donate it to city or public benefit projects.

* Examples of what can be composted: Cardboard rolls, clean paper, biodegradable disposable tableware, fruits and vegetables, yard trimmings, coffee grounds and filters, dryer and vacuum cleaner lint, eggshells, fireplace ashes, hair and fur and tea bags.

Items that should NOT be composted:

* Coal or charcoal ash which may contain substances harmful to plants.

* Dairy products such as butter, egg yolks and milk, which can create odor problems and attract pests.

* Meat or fish bones and scraps may contain parasites, bacteria and germs. Fats, grease, lard and oils which can create odor problems.

* Diseased or insect-ridden plants that can contaminate other vegetation. Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides may kill beneficial composting organisms.

"Composting is a simple solution to reduce the waste your family puts into a landfill. We kept this in mind when developing premium disposable Chinet tableware, using recycled materials that otherwise would have gone into a landfill, to produce new biodegradable plates and bowls," stresses Stoetzer.

For more tips on composting and other environmental activities, visit www.mychinet.com and click on "Environment."

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Half-Day Spring River Walk at Sprewell Bluff State Park

On Saturday March 28, join a park ranger on this guided tour of the trails at Sprewell Bluff State Park. Meet at the main parking area near the river at 9:00 am. There is a $3.00 charge per person for the hike, and a $3.00 charge per vehicle for parking. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy back at the parking lot around 12:30 between trails. The morning guided walk will be on the Natural Dam Trail.

The afternoon hike will be on the Longleaf Trail, featuring the globally imperiled Longleaf Pine and Oak Woodland habitat. Both trails feature unique bottomland habitat, with species representing Coastal Plain, Piedmont and North Georgia Mountains all on one trail. Witness the splendor of blooming spring flowers like Atamasco Lily, Silver Bells, and Yellow Jasmine. Learn about the newest arriving spring birds, such as the Common Yellowthroat, the Northern Parula, and Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher.

Butterflies are out too, and we are sure to see Zebra Swallowtails, Tiger Swallowtails, and Red-Banded Hairstreaks. Bring a pair of binoculars, good trail shoes, and portable bottled juice or water to enjoy on the walk. The total mileage of both trails is five miles.

To find out more information about these programs, or about Sprewell Bluff State Park, please call the park office at 706-746-6026 or talk to a park ranger at the park. For information on these or other programs happening at other parks, please visit www.gastateparks.org.

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“Give Wildlife a Chance” Poster Winner is Caroline Andrews

Peeples Elementary student Caroline Andrews will encourage the residents of Georgia to “Give Wildlife a Chance” with her artwork that is being published in a 2009-2010 calendar by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, State Botanical Garden of Georgia and The Environmental Resources Network, Inc. (T.E.R.N.).

Caroline is one of 12 elementary students selected as statewide winners of the “Give Wildlife a Chance” poster contest. She placed third in the first/second grade division with her artwork titled, “Nature’s Gifts: The Plants and Animals of Georgia.” More than 4,000 elementary students from 30 public schools, as well as private and home-school groups, participated in the 19th annual conservation art competition.

Caroline’s entry, along with the other state winners, will be on display at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Conference Center in Mansfield, Georgia March 21-April 4.

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Learn How to “Go Green” in a Tough Economy with a Free Seminar from The Clean Air Campaign®

What:
On April 16, The Clean Air Campaign® will host a free Lunch and Learn training seminar for employers interested in learning how to create a sustainable work environment while balancing the needs of employees during tough economic times. The Clean Air Campaign’s panel of experts will offer practical ways to make operations environmentally-friendly, improve bottom lines and put money in employees’ pockets. Experts will discuss how strong commute options programs can be cost-effective and give employers advantages in recruitment, retention and sustainability even when times are tight.

Who:
The Clean Air Campaign and the region’s transportation management associations are providing this training seminar at no cost to all metro Atlanta employers interested in learning how to go green through affordable commute options programs.

When & Where:

Thursday, April 16
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
235 Andrew Young Blvd. NW
Atlanta, GA 30303

RSVP:
Sign up online at CleanAirCampaign.org or call 1-877-CLEANAIR (1-877-253-2624) to reserve a seat.

Web:
www.CleanAirCampaign.org/Our-Services/Employer-Services/Lunch-and-Learns
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Consumers Can Save Up to 70% on Their Water Bill With SYNLawn's Artificial Grass Systems

/PRNewswire/ -- In today's economy, every penny counts. That's why SYNLawn (www.SYNLawn.com), the definitive authority on synthetic grass, is now helping consumers save up to 70% on their water bill by offering the only total solution-based artificial grass systems in the market.

"Our synthetic grass systems transform a previously high maintenance, costly lawn into an easy to maintain, water-saving show piece," said George Neagle, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for SYNLawn. "People are enjoying a great looking lawn all year round. They're helping conserve water while eliminating the hassles of maintenance, grass stains, dirty paws and more.

Consumers eliminate additional expenses with mowing, fertilizing and sprinkler repair along with cost savings that can average hundreds of dollars monthly on watering. Customers typically recoup their investment within four years and tax credits are available in many markets in light of SYNLawn's significantly positive environmental impact.

"Being a vertically integrated company sets us apart," continued Neagle. "We are able to integrate product design with our installation expertise to develop solutions based systems for all landscape applications."

Most Technologically Advanced Systems

SYNLawn helps consumers achieve the greatest cost savings possible by delivering a uniquely customized solution for all of their lawn maintenance needs. They offer the most technologically advanced, efficient systems for landscape, pet, golf and playground applications. The company's state-of-the-art products, precision installation techniques, creative designs and position as the only vertically integrated manufacturer ensure customers receive the total landscape grass solution they need at the best price and a secure warranty. SYNLawn's systems include:

-- SYNLawn Landscape System - As the system most specified by landscape
architects, this provides a wide variety of selections that result in
a custom designed, beautifully manicured lawn that is environmentally
friendly and allergen-free. From saving water and money to adding time
back to customer's busy lives and enhancing lifestyle quality, this
system guarantees the most realistic appearance and unparalleled
performance for synthetic landscape grass.

-- SYNLawn Pet System - Providing pets with a safe, secure surface while
eliminating unsightly dead spots, SYNLawn Pet System users don't have
to worry about their lawns. Destructive animals can't dig, they won't
be exposed to bugs and rodents that inhabit natural grass and those
animals who suffer from outdoor allergies will find relief in their
synthetic grass backyard.

-- SYNLawn Playground System - Safety is the number one concern with
children. With SYNLawn's patented 100% recycled foam and fastener-free
installation techniques, customers receive peace of mind from the
highest quality, most advanced safety features for playground surfaces
available in the marketplace.

-- SYNLawn Golf System - Marking the first time comprehensive science and
research is being applied to synthetic putting green performance,
golfers at all skill levels will benefit as Dave Pelz, former NASA
physicist and renowned golf short game guru, elevates the SYNLawn Golf
System. The system has advanced nylon putting green technology
resulting in superior aesthetics and unparalleled golf performance.
The true ball roll and unique chipping properties will help improve
every aspect of a golfer's game.

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U.S. Team Helps to Plant Seeds for Afghan Farmers' Success

As the noon sun crept toward the mountains west of Janquadam, children ran from all corners of the village, greeting the group of soldiers from the 28th Forward Agribusiness Development Team.

On this warm, late-February day, the team was on a mission to help a blind farmer develop his fields so he eventually can build a new grape vineyard.

The ADT, a National Guard unit deployed from Nebraska, has come to Afghanistan to assist and educate farmers on better farming techniques, and to introduce them to grasses and alfalfa for better animal health.

No strangers to this village, soldiers of the 28th have visited several times before.

"On a previous mission, we assessed the farmer's fields," Army Sgt. 1st Class Eldon R. Kuntzelman said. "Then we got a letter of agreement from the land owner, and later presented our plan to him."

"Marking and measuring the field was our primary mission," Army 1st Lt. Eric Sattelberg, agricultural team chief, said. "Our goal on every mission is to improve relations with the [local residents]. In the long run, this type of mission will strengthen the bond between Afghanistan and the U.S., because they know that we are here to help grow this nation rather than destroy it."

The 28th has more plans for Janquadam, including installing grain storage bins, planting fruit and nut trees, working with animal health, water management, training and education in tractor maintenance, and setting up greenhouses and underground vegetable storage.

The future of ADT operations is simple -- grow this nation into a thriving country of different fruits and vegetables, Sattelberg said.

"The goal is a continuation of the projects from one ADT rotation to the next," he said. "Several teams are either on the ground or being identified for a potential rotation. We are here doing one field at a time through demonstration farms as well as with other projects."

The demonstration crops offer the farmers an opportunity to learn a variety of methods for growing crops, and then allow the local farmers to try different techniques for growing crops in their own fields.

About half of the unit has been deployed before, and all of the 52-member team volunteered for the deployment. The 28th works in four provinces -- Bamyan, Panjshir, Parwan and Kapisa. Four other ADTs operate across Afghanistan, with more on the way.

The farmers are becoming very familiar with the ADT soldiers and their mission, as the team has conducted numerous missions to the same locations, Sattelberg said. "We are respectful, ... and I think as long as we continue to respect them, they will continue to welcome us in their village."

(Author Army Capt. Michael Greenberger serves with the 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.)
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Peachtree City Recycling Center Accepting Plastic and Glass, Saving Money

Beginning March 14, the Peachtree City residents will again be able to take plastics and glass at the Recycling Center at Highway 74 South and Rockaway Road. Both the Recycling Center and the recycling station at Public Works on McIntosh Trail w will begin accepting #1 and #2 plastic containers again. The Recycling Center will also begin accepting separated glass bottles. An agreement with Keep Peachtree City Beautiful (KPTCB) has allowed the City to reinstate both these recycling options at a savings to Peachtree City residents.

Recent decreases in the value of recyclables resulted in Public Works staff having to haul materials to the vendors for recycling. This cost an estimated $24,000 per year in labor and vehicles. Through an agreement negotiated by KPTCB, Jennings Trash Can Removal Company will deliver recycling bins at both the Rockaway Road center and the McIntosh Trail station and remove the recyclables at no charge. Any future revenue generated from the recyclables will be split with KPTCB. The City of Peachtree City will provide one part-time employee to work at the Recycling Center, and KPTC Beautiful will assist with staffing via volunteers in return for a $1,000 per year payment from the City.

City Manager Bernard McMullen said, “The arrangement with KPTCB is a perfect example of a public-private partnership allowing us to better serve our citizens.” McMullen continued, “We have had a lot of requests to reinstate plastics recycling at the center, and we have been able to accomplish that goal at a considerable savings to the taxpayers, thanks to KPTCB.”

In addition to the reintroduction of #1 and #2 plastics, as indicated inside the recycling symbol on the bottom of containers such as water bottles and milk cartons, the Recycling Center will also begin accepting separated clear, brown, and green glass for recycling. The center also accepts aluminum cans ONLY (no steel or tin cans at this time), mixed cardboard, newspapers and magazines, electronic waste, and yard trimmings. The Recycling Center is open on Wednesdays from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM and on Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

The recycling station at the Public Works, which is open 24 hours per day, will accept #1 and #2 plastics, aluminum cans (no steel or tin), mixed cardboard, newspapers, and magazines.
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