ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, December 28, 1995 TAG: 9512280014
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: hoein' & growin
SOURCE: NEW RIVER VALLEY MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION
Avoid storing leftover chemicals. A few easy steps now will help prevent future problems with the health of both people and the environment.
Keep records of pesticide applications along with corresponding efficacy data to help in planning for the future. Determine what you already have on hand and buy enough chemicals for one season only.
Return unused or unwanted products to the dealer for a refund. Keep an accurate inventory of any chemicals in storage. Keep the volume of chemicals in storage to a minimum, and use older stocks first. Store properly, following all labeled storage directions, so excess chemicals may be used next year.
Buy ready-to-use products when only a small volume is needed. Buy innovative product formulations that minimize or eliminate the need to handle pesticide products and simplify measurements, such as tablets, dry flowable formulations. Mix only what you need for the application at hand. Calibrate equipment on a regular basis.
Use up excess mix as soon as possible by applying to a labeled crop (do not exceed allowable rates) or using excess to spot spray and respray. Clean equipment in the field.
Use caution and common sense to ensure that people, plants and pets stay safe from harmful chemicals.
Forcing paperwhite narcissus to bloom
The fragrance and beauty of paperwhite narcissus can be yours in January and February if you plan a few weeks ahead. Paperwhite narcissus bulbs can be bought loose or as part of a pre-packaged forcing kit. Unlike many other bulbs, paperwhites can be forced into bloom without a cold treatment.
Place the bulbs pointed side up in a shallow pot or bowl filled two-thirds full with gravel, sand, marbles, polished stones or soil mix. A greater show will result if several bulbs are put in each container close together, but not touching. Fill in around the bulbs so they are covered to one-half their height, and water enough to keep stones or other media moist. Put the dish in a cool (about 50 to 55 degrees), dark room for about a week to encourage roots to develop. When green shoots appear, move the bulbs into a filtered sunlight location. Keep the temperatures cool (about 60 degrees) during forcing. In about three more weeks, fragrant clusters of white, cream, or yellow flowers will appear.
These bulbs are easy to force to bloom indoors, and the fragrance is a luxurious treat in the middle of winter. Just be sure to plant a few extras as gifts for friends or to take to the office!
LENGTH: Medium: 52 linesby CNB