Shelby Shopper Shelby NC
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/962037
Did you know... Thursday, April 5-April 11, 2018 www.shelbyinfo.com 704/484-1047 - shelby shopper & info - Page 17 2725 W. Dixon Blvd., Shelby, NC (Near Beaver Dam Rd. Intersection) (Near Beaver Dam Rd. Intersection) 704-692-3582 BEST PRICES! S & K GREENHOUSES GREENHOUSES anks For 20 Years Of Business! 704 692 3582 704 692 3582 Like us on Facebook • Follow us on Instagram @skgreenhouse Like us on Facebook • Follow us on Instagram @skgreenhouse LARGE SELECTION OF: LARGE SELECTION OF: • Indoor Plants • Hanging Ferns & Geraniums • Conifers & Shrubs • Vegetable Plants, over 20 Varieties of Tomato Plants • Pine Needles Come Visit our Newly Remodeled Gift Shop Come Visit our Newly Remodeled Gift Shop Store Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9:30 am - 5:30 pm • Saturday 9:30 am - 1:00 pm 130 W. Graham St., Shelby, NC 704-480-1899 FUTURE ENERGY CO. Sto Sto tor O ne oft-shared piece of pruning advice is that covering a newly pruned area with tar, paint or var- nish can inhibit the fungal organisms that will get into the new cut, leading to a dis- eased tree, shrub or plant. This myth has been circulating for some time, according to the experts at Fine Gardening. Unfortu- nately, there is no surefi re way to prevent microscopic organisms from infi ltrating a new cut. The application of a wound dress- ing may even contribute to faster decay of heartwood. That's because the tar or paint will keep moisture in the new cut, which helps fungus and other microorganisms grow. Instead of dressing wounds, read up on proper ways to prune and let plants em- ploy their own natural defenses to heal and prevent decay. G ardeners eager to revitalize their lawns and gardens may spend hundreds of dollars on tools and products designed to improve soil and growing conditions. Although many of these items can be advantageous, gardeners also may want to look to nature's best garden helpers: earthworms. It is believed that nearly 3,000 different types of earthworms inhabit the planet. Worms have been around for hundreds of millions of years. Worms can be seen as bait dangling on fi shing lines or as meals for red-breasted robins. But these subterranean dwellers play their biggest role beneath the soil. Earthworms move through dirt as they search for food. The worms consume particles in the soil, helping to recycle materials like dead leaves, plant parts, decaying animals, and feces. Through their travels, worms also serve to aerate the soil. Worms bring the subsoil closer to the surface and mix it with the topsoil. Earthworms' castings also help naturally fertilize the areas in which they reside. The slimy mucus that worms leave behind contains nitrogen, which also helps to amend the soil. The University of Illinois Extension says most earthworms found, particularly in North America, can only grow so long, even though some worms seem like they stretch forever underneath the ground. Depending on the type of worm and how many segments it has, as well as its age and ability to get nutritious foods, worms typically reach only a few inches in length, offers National Geographic. There are some anomalies, however. The Oregon giant earthworm is one of the largest earthworms found in North America, growing to more than three feet in length. That worm is very rare, however. In 2016, a 16-inch-long earthworm was discovered in England and became part of the collection at the Natural History Museum in London. Some Australian and South American earthworms are known to grow much larger. Worms need the correct mix of oxygen, moisture and favorable temperatures to survive. If they do not have these components, they will seek them out elsewhere. Because of the many benefi ts earthworms provide, they can be a boon to landscapes. Benefi ts of introducing earthworms into your garden T his national award winning book was developed especially for Extension Master Gardener Volunteers and home gardeners and is the primary source for research-based information on gardening and landscaping successfully in the southeast. The Extension Gardener handbook is a fundamental reference for any seasoned gardener, but it is written so clearly, it also appeals to beginners just getting their hands dirty. It explains the "why and how" basics for every gardening subject from soils and composting to vegetable gardening and wildlife management. Advice on garden design, preparation, and maintenance covers all types of plantings including lawns, ornamentals, fruits, trees, and containers. This handbook also provides practical tools like color images, detailed graphics, diagnostic tables, case studies, frequently asked questions, and specifi c management strategies for insects, diseases, weeds, and other pests. Written by a team of the state's leading horticulture experts, it contains a wealth of information to support you in creating and managing thriving gardens, lawns and landscapes. This is an essential book for serious gardeners in North Carolina and the southeast. Want to learn more? • Order a hard copy go.ncsu.edu/ gardener-handbook. • Information contained in this book is available in an open access format at ncsu. edu/eg-handbook. • Visit our portal, gardening.ces.ncsu. edu, a gateway to online resources from NC State Extension. • Contact your County Extension Center, to speak with local experts. • Become an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, ncemgv.org, to join an outstanding group of life-long learners working together to change the world. Handbook now available D uring the winter, many people anxiously await the arrival of warm weather so they can get back outdoors. Gardening is one outdoor activity that attracts many a devotee. Although gardening can be a worthwhile and enjoyable hobby for people of all ages, like other activities, gardening carries certain safety risks, even though few people may give much thought to the risk of getting hurt when gardening. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that gardeners suffer thousands of injuries every year. Many of these injuries involve lawn and garden equipment or accessories used while tending to plants. From lawn mowers to pruners to manual garden tools, gardeners may handle various pieces of equipment that can make them susceptible to injury if they're not careful. To reduce their risk for injury, gardeners can follow these important safety precautions. • Plant gardens in raised garden beds and containers to reduce the need to stoop down to tend to plants. Raised beds are easier on gardeners' backs and knees. • Wear long-sleeved shirts and durable pants to protect arms and legs from branches, thorns and insects. • Remove tripping hazards, such as roots, lumber, rocks, and loose gravel, from the yard at the start of gardening season. • Wear gloves to prevent blisters from forming and to protect hands from any chemical products used in the garden. Gloves also can keep hands clean, ensuring bacteria and fungi do not fi nd their way into open cuts or scrapes. • Vary activities and take periodic breaks so prolonged repetitive motions do not contribute to soreness or injury. • Follow instructions for tools, and always use the right tool for the job. Tips to avoid injury while gardening