Archive for February, 2009

28 February

Things to Know About your Worm Farm

The following article presents the very latest information on Worm Farming. If you have a particular interest in Worm Farming, then this informative article is required reading.

It can be fun to maintain a worm farm and it is far better if you know the basic and important things to know about your worm farm.

Here are some common questions that can help you make the most outt of your worm farm.

With all the leftover food and kitchen scraps I feed my worms, how can I prevent ants from getting into the farm trays?

If a farm tray it is too dry or acidic, ants will surely make their way into the farm and invade worm space, which could kill the worms.

If the tray is too dry, just make sure to add water to raise moisture levels and add some garden lime to neutralize acidity, especially where ants are gathering.

To prevent ants from getting into the system, try placing the legs of the system in a container of water or rub Vaseline around it.

Will flies be attracted to the worm farm and will they be of any harm to the worms? Occasionally, small vinegar flies get into the worm trays, however, they will not do any harm. Should there be the presence of larger flies, just make sure to slow down the pace of feeding, that way food does not stay long in the worm tray and decompose long enough to attract larger flies.

If I should see maggots in my worm farm, how can I get rid of them? Maggots proliferate in the presence of decomposing meat in the worm farm, thus, it is important to avoid meat in your worm farm.

To remove the maggots, place several pieces bread soaked in milk on the surface, since it will attract maggots toward it and you may be able to remove them after a couple of days after you see the maggots transferring to the milk-soaked bread.

The more authentic information about Worm Farming you know, the more likely people are to consider you a Worm Farming expert. Read on for even more Worm Farming facts that you can share.

How do I get rid of foul smell emitting from the worm farm? Worm farms smell only if there is a lot of uneaten food built up in the worm farm.

If smelling should happen, stop feeding the worms temporarily and add some garden lime and stir the top tray lightly to allow aeration.

This will also allow the worms to move through it more easily and you can resume feeding when the smell dissipates.

Here are some other helpful hints you may need to know.

Always keep your worm farm damp but not wet, so water every so often or as required to maintain suitable conditions for the worms to propagate.
 
If the worm farm smells, the worms may be fed too much, or giving them too much water.

You may try to feed the worms small amounts at first and when they almost run out of food, gradually build it up to larger portions, but make sure to cut or shred food to smaller portions for easy digestion. 

If ants and cockroaches invade your worm farm, keep a lid on the farm or cover it with something secure yet breathable.

If your farm sits on legs, you can place the legs inside a bowl or container of water to keep ants out. 

If your worms do not breed you may need to keep the farm in a shadier or cooler area, preferably around 18-25 degrees centigrade or keep it moist but not too wet.
 
Lastly, acidic conditions can be caused by too much sugary food such as grains and fruites. You may try to neutralize the acidity by sprinkling wood ash, dolomite, or lime on the farm.

So make the most out of your worm farms and be acquainted with the things to know about your worm farm.

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28 February

Choosing the Right Worms for Worm Farming

In today’s world, it seems that almost any topic is open for debate. While I was gathering facts for this article, I was quite surprised to find some of the issues I thought were settled are actually still being openly discussed.

Worm farming is done for several reasons. Composting, the production of nutrient rich soil and providing live bait are three of the most common reasons for worm farming. Some worms do a better job at their duties than others so it is important to know how to choose the right worms for your worm farm.

Composting is one common reason for worm farming. Worms are used to compost waste and discarded material naturally and without adding to the local landfills. To do this, the worms eat fruit and vegetable scraps, along with other compostable items such as paper products, leaves, cotton rags and egg shells.

If composting is the primary reason for setting up a worm farm, choices should be made for the appropriate types of worms that are known as being the best for this option. The Red Wiggler, or Eisenia fetida, is reportedly the best worm for composting. These worms reproduce easily and are extremely hardy. The trait that makes them best as compost worms is their ravenous appetites.

Because of their eagerness to devour anything edible, Red Wigglers produce a high quality substance resulting in a nutrient rich soil that is so desirable with worm farming.

Perhaps raising worms for the purpose of providing live bait is the goal of a worm farm. Bait can be raised for personal use or even supplied to local fisherman through bait and tackle shops. The best worms for this purpose are the European Night Crawlers. These worms can be used for baiting fish in all types of conditions, even in saltwater.

Those of you not familiar with the latest on Worm Farming now have at least a basic understanding. But there’s more to come.

The European Nightcrawler is reported to be one of the hardiest fish available for worm farming. They can also be used as a live food source for other animals such as birds, reptiles, exotic pets and aquarium fish. They can be used in a composting type worm farm but work best as live food and bait. Night Crawlers are readily available and have similar care requirements as the Red Wigglers.

Worms used for garden and lawn farming are typically available in sets of three different varieties of worms. The Red Wiggler and the Night Crawlers are often two of the types of worms in these sets. The third worm is usually Pheritema, or Florida Wiggler which are worms that burrow deep into the soil.

Over 3000 varieties of worms exist. The worms mentioned here are the most commonly used and readily available on the market today. They can be found at various online distributors. Local worm farmers can be found through online directories or by looking up the topic in the local telephone book.

Most types of worms are typically made available as adult worms, young worms and egg capsules. Typically sold by the pound, the number of worms per unit will vary depending on their age and size. Egg capsules yield a higher number of worms per unit once hatched.

A worm farm will be most successful when the appropriate worm is chosen for the job at hand. While most worms will compost discarded items and waste and act as live bait, some have some small traits that make them the best choice for a worm farm with a particular purpose.

Of course, it’s impossible to put everything about Worm Farming into just one article. But you can’t deny that you’ve just added to your understanding about Worm Farming, and that’s time well spent.

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27 February

How to Build Your Own Worm Farm

The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.

So you’ve decided to take the plunge and set up your own worm farm. Perhaps you’re looking for a natural way for composting waste, are interested in the nutrient rich fertilizing substance produced by the worms, or are looking to provide a constant supply of live bait or live food for exotic pets. Regardless of the reason, you’re going to need to set up a bin.

Various models are available for purchase at worm farming supply companies and garden centers. These come in different shapes, sizes and colors and each have their own benefits. The frugal approach is to build your own.

The first thing to consider is how big of a container you’re going to need. To figure this out, you’ll need to first measure out approximately how much waste you are going to need to use for feeding. For each pound of waste, you’ll need one square foot of space in your bin. Depth should be at least six to twelve inches.

A plastic tote or container works well as do wooden boxes. Metal containers should not be used as irons and chemicals can leach into the soil, harming the worms. Many worm farmers prefer wooden boxes over plastic as wood is more easily aerated. Plastic can cause more moisture to build up than wood, which can be both good and bad.

Once a container of the appropriate size has been chosen, it’ll need to be prepared. Holes should be drilled or punched through the top of the container to allow for air flow. There are two ways to address the bottom of the container.

Once you begin to move beyond basic background information, you begin to realize that there’s more to Worm Farming than you may have first thought.

One method is to drill or punch holes into the bottom of the container to allow excess water and other liquids to drain out. Another is to install a spout at the bottom of the container. When liquid begins to fill up in the bottom, the spout is turned on and releases the fluid.

If using a spout, a raised shelf should be added within the container. This shelf should be the same width as the container, but be allowed to sit a few inches above the bottom. This will allow the empty space at the bottom to fill with liquid and prevent it from sitting in the soil and bedding. This raised shelf should be made of slats or have several holes to allow liquids to drain into the bottom of the container.

If a raise shelf is not used, screening should be installed over the holes to allow liquid to run out of the container but prevent worms from squeezing through. Screening should also be attached to the top of the container to prevent escape.

Some thought should be put into what will be used for bedding material. Soaked and shredded newspapers, cardboard and even dampened leaves can be layered in the bin. Regardless of the material used for bedding, a small amount of soil should always be mixed in. If using the raised shelf system, bedding should be layered on top of the shelf.

The container should be put in a location that will ensure optimal conditions. Temperature should remain between 72 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The bin should not be placed in an area of the yard that will gain excess rain water, either.

Once the bin has been constructed, bedding has been added and the perfect location has been found, the next step is to add the worms and begin your own worm farm. Worm farming is rewarding whether it is done for a profit or a hobby. Constructing an appropriate home for these guys is your first step towards becoming an authentic worm farmer.

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27 February

Understanding Worm Farming

Some people ask, “Why in the world would I want to have a worm farm? There are plenty of other useful farms that sell vegetables, fruits, animals, and eggs. What good is a worm farm?” Well, it’s an understandable reaction. After all, it’s usually the quiet people in society that go unnoticed; so why shouldn’t there be quiet creatures that go unnoticed? People underestimate the value of the worm.

It’s true that there are worms that do damage to crops, animals, and people. Worms in your intestinal system are best flushed out. That’s why dogs and cats, even horses and cows receive worm treatments. These worms are taking away nutritional values the animals need to survive.

What about the good worms? The first reaction to a worm is, “Ewww, gross.” Or, “Is that a snake?” Well, understanding anything is the key to appreciating it more. No, a worm is not a snake. The good worms are not poisonous and have positive benefits that are not readily seen. They’re hard-working little creatures and deserve our respect.

So, what are good worms? Earthworms, compost worms, and fishing worms are good worms. Earthworms are found in rich soil. If your plants are healthy and growing, chances are there are earthworms down there toiling away to help make this happen. Those die-hard fishermen can tell you about the benefits of a good, fat fishing worm! Catfish and bream are two of the type of fish that enjoy worms. Let’s not forget the healthy birds that flock to your yard to sing and play for you and your children or husband. These birds eat more than just the seed in your feeder, which is a good thing since the seed will run out and be forgotten by the well-meaning providers. That’s where the worms come in to take up your slack!

I trust that what you’ve read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.

People farm worms for useful reasons. But there are also reasons most people can’t accept in general society yet. Worms can be great food for people. Mealworms, earthworms, grub worms, butterworms, and tomato horn worms are all edible. There are restaurants in Singapore that offer worms as a meal choice. Worms are eaten in Thailand, Mexico, Australia, Africa, Asia, and South America. People who are trying to survive in the wild, like our military soldiers, are taught to eat worms as a source of protein. They’re low in fat, too.

Although people may not readily eat worms in America, worm farms can still provide a source of exotic food for those who do. The worms can also be shipped to other places, but the temperature has to be right so they’ll live during shipment and upon arrival.

Worm farms can also produce special food called “hornworm chow”, meal, and flours for use in cooking breads and cakes. Hornworm chow is sold as a powder for about $10 per 1/2 pound to feed about 85 worms to adulthood. This chow also feed chameleons.

So, as you can see worm farms are special and understanding them can be interesting and helpful.

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27 February

Amazing Facts for Worm Farm Enthusiasts

The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you’ll find that the subject of Worm Farming is certainly no exception.

Here are some amazing facts for worm farm enthusiasts that can help a lot in getting to know more about the lowly creature.

So here are some amazing facts worth sharing.

Earthworms breathe through their skin and although an earthworm looks as simple as it is, it is a complex creature that with five hearts making up an astounding yet fully functional circulatory system, calciferous glands for neutralizing and digesting food.

Aside from that, it also has a saddle secreting mucus for egg capsules, a brain- although miniscule- and a central nervous system, hundreds of similar organs like the kidneys.

It has the organs of both a male and a female which allows it to reproduce on its own, a crop and gizzard with coarse sand matter to aid in grinding food.

Worm tea, the other politically-correct name for worm urine and castings or worm manure, make good fertilizers and best used for fattening garden ornamental plants or veretables.

Better believe it, but without the help of worms aiding in the decomposition process, every dead plant or animal would remain at the same state that it died over time.

Withered plants and leaves, as well as the carcasses of dead animals or even leftover or wasted food would just pile up and just add up to unkempt clutter.

The largest earthworm known to man was found in South Africa and measured an unbelievable 22 feet from the tip of its nose to the end of its tail.

Worms can grow a new tail, regardless of the number of times it gets cut off and it can even food equal to it’s weight and may even be made to eat more given the desired conditions.

Those of you not familiar with the latest on Worm Farming now have at least a basic understanding. But there’s more to come.

Aside from his theory on evolution, the scientist Charles Darwin studied worms for almost 40 years, saying that, “It may be doubted whether there are many other animals in the world which have played so important a part in the history of the world….”

Worms have been around for 120 million years, without much change in their anatomy.

In the time of the Egyptian Pharaohs, even Cleopatra regarded worms as sacred.

Worms are indeed complex and, figuratively speaking, are highly sensitive creatures that can feel vibrations on the ground.

Earthworms are made up of at least 150 muscular round segments and there are more than 4,000 worm species with over 2,500 varieties.

There can be as much as a million or more worms in a single acre eating no less than 10 tons of withered leaves, roots, branches and stems and turning no less than 45 tons of soil a year.
When food and garden waste is dumped to a garbage landfill, organic nutrients that result from decomposition play a key part with today’s environmental problems from water pollution to the production of deadly greenhouse gasses.

More than half of all household garbage is leftover food and garden waste, thus, the practicality and cost-effectiveness of composting these organize wastes and worm farming are alternative options to producing homemade organic fertilizers.

Most composting worms that are usually used for worm farms do not have eyes, but are keen creatures that can sense vibrations, light and varying temperatures through specially-made and unique organs found in their skin.

If worms don’t like the conditions around them be it the temperature or the built-up moisture in the worm boxes, they will attempt to leave the area and look for another habitat and if they don’t find a new home in a different or suitable composted material, they die on their own.

Worm population in a well-maintained worm farm will double every 2-3 months and given the right conditions, adult worms can produce up to 12 offspring per week.

So, there we have it, some of the more amazing facts for worm enthusiasts.

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27 February

Differences between Non-Hypoallergenic Dogs and Hypoallergenic Dogs

If you have even a passing interest in the topic of Hypoallergenic Dogs, then you should take a look at the following information. This enlightening article presents some of the latest news on the subject of Hypoallergenic Dogs.

Even though the differences between non-hypoallergenic dogs and hypoallergenic dogs may not be huge, they are enough to reduce the amount of allergy attacks that people have when they are around certain breeds of dog. For those who want to own a dog, not being able to be in the same room with one for long periods of time, can be frustrating. Buying a hypoallergenic dog may be the only way they can have a dog in their home. While they may still experience allergy attacks, these attacks will be less frequent.

Non-hypoallergenic dogs tend to shed a lot. Their fur can be loose and dense, which means that it may contain a lot of dander as well. Dander is a collection of skin cells, dust, and other particles found in the air. As the dog sheds, these particles float around in the air and cause people to have allergy attacks. These dogs may also have an undercoat, which is a thick coat that protects them from harsh temperatures. This undercoat is what causes the dog to shed frequently. It can also trap dander and other allergens.

Some non-hypoallergenic dog breeds may also salivate more often than other breeds, which can also cause a person’s allergies to increase. Saliva contains bacteria that people are oftentimes allergic to. While these dogs cannot control the amount of saliva they expel, people who are allergic to dogs have a difficult time when these dogs are present. People with dog allergies may also be allergic to dog urine as it too can contain certain kinds of bacteria.

Hypoallergenic dogs have shorter coats. Some breeds do not have an undercoat. While this makes them unprepared for cold weather, they are perfect for those who have allergies. The hair on these dogs is more like human hair, which means it will not shed as frequently as non-hypoallergenic dogs. The hair will need to be trimmed every few weeks in order to prevent it from growing too long. Some hypoallergenic breeds do not have hair at all. They are considered hairless even if they have some hair on their paws and head.

Think about what you’ve read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about Hypoallergenic Dogs? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?

Hypoallergenic dogs do not salivate as much as other breeds. This helps those who are allergic. This means that when the dog cleans itself, it will not leave as much bacteria behind. Urine from hypoallergenic dogs does not affect as many people either.

When looking for a hypoallergenic dog, you should research the following breeds to see if you are interested in any of them: Maltese, Terriers, Schnauzer, Bishon Frise, Portuguese Water Dog, Greyhounds, and Irish Water Spaniel. There are other breeds, but these are some of the more popular ones that people want to buy. This also means that you will have fewer problems finding a breeder in your area.

Learn as much as you can about grooming, brushing, and caring for your hypoallergenic dog. Most breeds are very friendly and will live to be at least twelve years of age. These dogs enjoy companionship and exercise.

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27 February

The fall of some social networking sites

This interesting article addresses some of the key issues regarding Social Networking. A careful reading of this material could make a big difference in how you think about Social Networking.

In recent years online dating websites have evolved into a more friendly kind of website. Instead of looking for dates over the net people call it social networking, social networking websites work by adding to your friends list people who fit your criteria of being interesting. Some websites have people search engines that allow you to look for possible candidates by just choosing the kind of profile you want your new friend to have. These criteria can be narrowed down to age, sex, nationality, interests, major, sometimes even sexual preference. After you’ve found a handful of candidates you send them invites for them to approve your request to be their friends.

It’s been quite a hit for the children of the Information age, people can now expand their friends network without having to leave the comfort of their homes. On the other hand, with the success of social networking websites, some of the reasons for the failure of other social networking websites have been undermined and overlooked. Even though it a great hit to people, the reasons for others failure if not taken seriously could lead to the downfall of other top websites. Here’s a short list of the major reasons why some social networking websites fail.

1. Privacy. One of the most common downfalls of social networking sites is the lack of privacy of the members. Since all of the information of the member can be viewed by another user the security issue not only of its members but the website itself is regularly in jeopardy. Hackers will always be a threat to people on the internet and especially to people who proactively volunteer information that can be considered as confidential. This information when in the wrong hands can lead to serious backlashes. One example is identity theft; if someone was to intercept a meeting or important information that person could pose as the user.

2. Rewards and penalties. One of the most important things to consider when you are applying for membership to a certain group is the ?WIIFM? or ?What’s in it for me?? In certain cases when we look into the different groups that we could be part of we always take time to consider how it could benefit us. Benefit and reward are important to people because it gives then a sense of appreciation.

Appreciating that they took time to enroll themselves in a service or a product, when people are given due credit for what they do they feel they belong. On the other hand penalties should be imposed to people who have broken special privileges that they have. These two give any organization balance and direction, this reminds people that they are rewarded for what they do and reprimanded for the abuse that they commit.

Knowledge can give you a real advantage. To make sure you’re fully informed about Social Networking, keep reading.

3. Hidden privileges. It’s important to that we could have all the privileges and capacities of the network from day one.

4. It takes a while. The main reason that we join a social networking website is to stay connected with people we have little or no communication lines with, when a social networking site takes time to update the users profile or the site it’s frustrating because we want information real time.

5. Boxed worlds. Some people calls social networking sites as “walled gardens” and while others call it “isolated paradise.” Whatever you want to call it social networking websites lessens real interaction between people. Social networking sites were originally made to renew connections with people that we know and make new friends. It was not meant to be the only world that we spend our lives in.

People who have Facebook and MySpace accounts sometimes forget that the true essence of having a relationship.

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26 February

List of Top Three Hypoallergenic Dogs

If you’re seriously interested in knowing about Hypoallergenic Dogs, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about Hypoallergenic Dogs.

While the Labrador retriever still remains the most popular dog that people want to own, for those with allergies, labs are not the best breed to choose. There are many other types of dogs that would be more suitable for those suffering with allergies. These breeds include: Chinese Crested, Kerry Blue Terrier, and the Schnauzer. These dogs are not only beautiful; they also have short hair without an undercoating or longer hair that does not shed as much as other breeds. These dogs are purebred and can be found by contacting a breeder online or by telephone.

The Chinese Crested is available in two varieties, the hairless, or the powder puff. Both types are considered hypoallergenic and are desired by those who have allergic reactions to dog hair and dander. The hairless, which is more common than the powder puff, has hair on its paws, head, and tail. Hair may also grow on its chin. The hair is soft and does not shed as often as other breeds. The hairless Chinese crested is prone to sunburn and acne, however. You should learn how to take care of this type of dog before buying one. Other than skin issues, these dogs are very friendly and enjoy being with their owners.

Powder puff Chinese Crested has a full coat of long, soft hair that does not shed as often. People have fewer allergy issues with this breed because the hair is long and does not float through the air long enough for people to be affected. Both the hairless and the powder puff varieties are suitable companions for those with dog allergies.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a larger hypoallergenic dog that has a flat head, predominant chest, and a coat that is similar to that of the Poodle or Maltese. The dog gets its name from that fact that its coat will take on a blue sheen once it is an adult. Originally used for hunting, the Kerry Blue Terrier is now considered a working dog and requires constant companionship.

If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole Hypoallergenic Dogs story from informed sources.

In order to maintain this breed’s coat, you will have to have the dog groomed every two months and brush the coat once a week to prevent clumping. Since the dog does not shed, this is one of the better hypoallergenic dogs to choose. Also, this breed does not have an undercoat, which will also reduce allergic reactions. You should not let the dog outside in cold weather, however, since the lack of undercoat will cause the dog harm in colder temperatures.

The Schnauzer is a hypoallergenic dog breed with short hair that does not shed. If you purchase on of these breeds, you will have to keep up regular grooming appointments. The Schnauzer comes in three different varieties: the Miniature Schnauzer, the Standard Schnauzer, and the Giant Schnauzer. Even though they vary in size, the schnauzer can be recognized by its boxy face, short hair, and square build. This breed is common in households because it does not shed and because of its easy going temperament.

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26 February

What Humans Can Do to Help Hypoallergenic Dogs

You should be able to find several indispensable facts about Hypoallergenic Dogs in the following paragraphs. If there’s at least one fact you didn’t know before, imagine the difference it might make.

Human beings are not the only species that can suffer from allergies. Dogs can also have allergic reactions to objects in the home, chemicals and pollutants in the air, dog food, and their own hair and dander. Finding the source of these allergies can be difficult especially if the dog is allergic to a few things. If you have a dog that suffers from allergies, you may notice that they sneeze when around harmful chemicals, vomit after eating, have skin rashes, patches of fur missing, runny nose and eyes, or they may show signs of fatigue or restlessness.

Noticing these signs is the first step to helping your dog lead a normal, healthy life. You should monitor your dog for a month to see how it reacts to its environment, its food, and its own hair and dander. Since dogs need to keep themselves clean, they may be swallowing allergens that can cause an allergic reaction. The best way to combat a hair and dander allergy is to bathe your dog once a month and brushing the dog once a day.

If your dog has a thick undercoating, it will trap allergens and dander and keep it from falling off the body. After a while the dander will build up and fall off or be swallowed. If you have allergies, this could be one of the causes. Brushing the undercoating every day will help remove excess hair before it is swallowed or falls on the floor or carpeting. This will reduce your allergy problems as well.

Sometimes chemicals in dog food can lead to food allergies. If your dog vomits at least once a day, then they may be allergic to the food they are eating. Hypoallergenic dog food is available. The food contains fewer chemicals while providing your dog with enough nutrition. Try this dog food to see if it will reduce the vomiting. Wet dog food may also help your dog digest their foods easily. If the vomiting does not stop, you should visit the vet to see if your dog has other health problems.

I trust that what you’ve read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.

Dogs that are allergic to cleaning supplies, mold, and shampoo may be more difficult to treat. You can switch to natural cleaning supplies that do not contain bleach and other harmful chemicals. This may help your dog breathe a little better. You can also have your home tested for mold, which could be causing your own allergies, and you can switch dog shampoos and try one for hypoallergenic dogs. You should not wash your dog more than twice a month as you could make the dog’s skin dry and flaky, which is why they are scratching and pulling more often than usual.

Taking care of a dog with allergies is easy once you have identified the problem. Asking a vet for advice is a good idea if you do not know where to begin. They will be able to ask the right questions and help you find the answers so you will be able to administer the proper treatments.

That’s the latest from the Hypoallergenic Dogs authorities. Once you’re familiar with these ideas, you’ll be ready to move to the next level.

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26 February

Have You Heard of Floribundas?

The American Rose Society did not at first accept the term ‘floribunda’. Is a rose that is crossbred a true rose? I suppose that would be a matter of opinion. Roses are highly crossbred. A floribunda could be dubbed the modern rose. You might think of it as an enhanced rose, bred to bring out the best in a flowering plant.
So, what is a floribunda? Although many varieties have been developed, a floribunda is a hybrid that was originally a cross between a polyantha and a tea rose. There was a man who developed many varieties in 1920; his nickname became Papa Floribunda.

This flower is grown mainly for garden color. The floribunda grows lower, which can be a positive attribute. Known as a cluster rose, the floribunda tolerates neglect better than any other rose type except shrub roses. A floribunda is a good landscape choice because it can provide an almost nonstop source of color.

Positive aspects of the floribunda include: abundant flowers, long-lasting blooms, versatile for landscaping, can be used as a hedge or just to accent the landscape, some have a more intense fragrance than most other roses, and they have a delicate appearance.

Negative aspects include: not eligible for Queen of Show, need plenty of feeding, fare far better on a regular feeding schedule (be sure to consider this if you are the type of person who forgets to feed your plants or just doesn’t have the time to devote to a regular feeding schedule), takes 3 years to reach maturity, has shorter stems, and has a small size.
Floribundas will be healthier with good air circulation; so when pruning, it helps to leave the center of the bush open. If you have trouble remembering when to prune, prune near a holiday or a special day during the pruning season. If you leave the older canes when pruning, you are rewarded with larger amounts of color later. Also, take care to remove a cane that rubs another. Pruning will aid in air circulation, which helps to cut down on insects and disease as well.

It’s really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of Roses. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas.

Other things to remember to maintain healthy floribundas that are grown in pots are: plenty of root space, good drainage, a pot that is heavy enough to sustain against wind should the pot be kept in an area more susceptible to windy conditions, a pot that is wide enough to provide stability. [ A word of caution: saucers under pots can invite root rot.]
Even in floribundas, chemicals are needed to control problems. Concentrates must be applied with care so as not to cause leaf burn.

Some interesting names of existing floribundas are: Playboy, Playgirl, Pure Poetry, Eye Paint, French Lace, Show Biz, Cherish, and Trumpeter.

If you wrap your roses in paper or foil, then plunge them deep into water, it will keep their stems from sagging should you desire to display them.

The word floribunda alone could be a helpful source of entertainment for a gardening parent. Give your child a pencil and piece of paper while you garden and ask he/she to see how many words they can make from the letters in the word floribunda!

There’s no doubt that the topic of Roses can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about Roses, you may find what you’re looking for in the next article.

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