Bird food quality control

Although I’m not always keen on birds' bathroom manners, I do love to hear them sing! Last week we talked about what they like to eat and types of feeders. I also want to mention that you should carefully look at the ingredients in the seed mix you buy. Not just what they list but, literally, look at what you’re getting. Some cheaper mixes sometimes throw in lots of wheat, empty hulls and sticks. Be sure you’re getting the good stuff, after all, you’re paying for it.

Herbs indoors!

I’ve dried plenty this season but having fresh herbs on hand is really a treat. Herbs need lots of light, so plan on supplementing natural light with fluorescent lighting. At least 12-hours a day is recommended. Keep their leaves free of dust and plant in well-draining soil mix: 2/3 potting soil with 1/3 sand. Rosemary likes a 50/50 potting soil/sand mix.

Here’s a list of the best herbs to grow indoors:

These herbs require even more than the minimum of 12-hours lighting:

Salt-tolerant shrubs

Do you have enough salt spray in winter for a margarita? Try these salt tolerant shrubs: Rugosa Roses (my favorite), Alpine Currant, Staghorn Sumac and Snowberry, which is Zone 3 hardy.

Rugosa rose

Snowberry bush

Happy 450th!

11/19/08 marks my 450th show! Wow. As we continue to change our habits to reflect a better understanding of caring for our planet, I intend to bring you more ideas on greening up your little piece of the planet. Creating spaces of comfort for your senses, from fragrant flowers to veggies that even tempt kids, to textures, sights and sounds. Here’s to the next 450! I appreciate your company on this journey!

Feeding winter birds

I’m seeing fat snowflakes falling and the brilliant red of a Cardinal just outside my window. Ahhh, lovely! To keep him and his bird buddies coming to our house we have several feeders and different types of feed. Here’s a list to get you started on types of food and feeders that some of our more common winter birds enjoy!

By the way, squirrels aren’t as interested in Safflower seeds, a favorite of many birds.

Cardinals!

Goldfinches!

Be sure to place your feeders in a place that allows you to see them AND gives the birds the shelter they need. A great project for kids is to have them spot the birds, figure out what kind they are and what they like to eat.

Compost happens ... even in winter

It took me a while but I bought one of those indoor steel compost buckets for the kitchen counter. I was reluctant because I thought, EWW, that’s gonna stink. Turns out, it doesn’t. You don’t have to pay a lot of money for one either.

Cruise some of the big box stores or the internet for the best price. It keeps your garbage under the sink a lot cleaner and the smell does not escape the bucket. When it’s full I add some warm water and take it outside to the compost pile and let nature do it’s thing!

You can compost aquarium water, algae, plants, pet rabbit and hamster droppings, too.

Working "grey water" into your gardening

Grey water is that waste water that comes from your bathtub, shower, washing machine and sinks that do NOT have food items in them. This water can be used to irrigate your landscape. Be sure to check with your local water utility company about any rules that apply. You want to make sure to follow any building code regulations before you start reworking pipe.

Bluejay way

Isn’t it funny how we tend to think exotic birds live in other countries when we have such beautiful birds here! Think about the wood duck, for instance, or even the brash but beautiful Bluejay -- a common bird here with uncommonly beautiful blue feathers. Bluejays mate for life and share all the parental duties. Credit them for seeding most of North Americas nut trees!! A gorgeous bird we’ll enjoy all winter.

I call ‘em Diva Roses

You know, the fussy ones: hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras. And I also have to include the very popular “Knock Out” series of roses. Lots of folks lost them last year, including me!

Winter protection is really important and timing is everything. Wait till we’ve had a full week of freezing temps. If you start too early you’ll risk heat buildup and disease. The idea is to insulate the graft. There are several methods. The rose cones are quite popular and often misused. Be sure to vent them.

By the way, the Minnesota Rose Society does NOT recommend those cones! The Minnesota Tip Method was, obviously, developed here. This is the best method for our climate. Click here for the details:

• Minnesota Tip Method of Protectingn Roses [U of M Extension]

You’ll have to decide whether the Diva Roses are worth your effort. Personally, I’m not much for fussy plants but I love it when other people are. Then I get the enjoyment without the work!

It’s time to store those unused chemicals

Keep them out of heat, freezing temps and sunlight. Also, get them out of the reach of kids and pets. Did you know it’s illegal to transfer those chemicals out of their original containers? I don’t know if the cops will show up at your door but it just makes sense anyway. If the label is coming off, use a sharpie and make sure you KNOW what’s in that container. Liquids that freeze lose their punch. Granulars that get wet lose their punch. For more on this:

• Storing Chemicals [South Dakota State Universityy]

Be "sharp" this autumn

I know you’re probably disappointed but it’s time to put the lawnmower away! A little maintenance will go a long way. Make sure the engine has cooled before you do anything!

• Lawn Mower Blade Sharpening Guide [pdf]

You’ve put your lawnmower away. Now, it’s time to clean your other tools.

For me, I have to find them. I’m notorious for leaving tools all over the yard. I think my husband will be buying me more fluorescent tape for Christmas. Oh boy! Anyhoo, scraping the gunk off, using steel wool to take off the rust (as much as you can) and then coating them with cooking spray is the best thing you can do. A good file is a great thing for sharpening your pruner blades and shovel ends too.