This little lettuce seedling won't be lopped in two by cutworms, thanks to a collar made from a yogurt container. Photo: Ruth Dobsevage
Have you ever set out healthy young seedlings in the garden, only to find them felled the next morning as if chopped by a miniature lumberjack? I have, and the culprit is cutworms. I spend a lot of time and energy planting and nurturing my seedlings, so it’s worth it to me to spend just a little more time to keep them safe. My solution is simple, effective, and chemical free. I recycle used yogurt containers into plant collars. Here’s how:
1. Take a yogurt container, and plunge a knife into it near the bottom to start the cut, then finish it with a knife or scissors. Your container is now bottom-less. Don’t fret if the cut is ragged, as mine usually are. The cut edge will be underground, and the plants won’t care.
2. With a trowel, make a hole for the seedling, and plant it. I like to set my seedlings a little lower than the surrounding soil surface.
In addition to cutworm protection, the collars offer other benefits. They shield the young seedling from wind, and they direct water right to the roots. Collars stay in place for the duration of the growing season and can be used again the following year.3. Press the collar into the earth around the plant.
The newly planted salad bar. Roots grow normally through the bottomless containers, which prottect from cutworms, shield the seedlings from wind, and direct water where it’s needed. Photo/Illustration: Ruth Dobsevage
Felco Pruning Shears (F 9) - High Performance Swiss Made One-Hand Left-Handed Garden Pruners
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The premium pruning clippers are constructed of forged aluminum handles and hardened steel blades. Rotating handle and ergonomic shock absorbers for increased comfort. This high-performance pruner features a wire cutter for small wires and a sap groove to minimize the blade sticking. Hardened steel blade and screw-mounted anvil blade ensure reliably clean, precise cuts. 8.3-inch (210mm) length, 0.98-inch (25mm) cutter diameter, and has a 0.54 lb (245 gram) weight. Ideal tool for left-handed pruners. Features a cushion stop, sap-groove, wire-cutting notch, and fine blade adjustment.
Okatsune 103 Bypass Pruners General Purpose Medium
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Size (approx.): Width 2.2 x Depth 0.8 x Height 7.9 inches (5.5 x 2 x 20) Weight: Approx. 8.1 oz (230 g). Material: Steel. Made in Japan. The blade part is made of high grade blade steel. Vinyl coated handle for non-slip grip. Fits fruit tree selection.
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High Quality Fabric - Gardzen Garden Waste Bags are made from 4.4oz/yd2 (150g/㎡) durable polypropylene fabric that can withstand heavy loads and rough handling. Please note that they should not be left out in the sun for long periods. Environmentally Friendly - These reusable yard waste bags are an environmentally friendly choice as they can be used over and over again, unlike disposable bags. The strong handles make it easy to carry the bags, even when they are full. These garden bags for debris allow you to complete your gardening tasks efficiently and effectively, while minimising waste and promoting sustainability. Large Capacity - With a height of 30 inches and a diameter of 26 inches, there is plenty of room for a large amount of garden waste. Whether it's leaves, branches or grass clippings, these yard waste containers can handle it all. A Must-Have For Gardeners - these leaf bags are an essential tool for managing garden waste and can make your gardening tasks much more efficient. The large capacity and durable construction make them ideal for storing and transporting various items. The yard bags can also be folded and stored compactly when not needed, saving valuable space.
Package Included - A great value set of 3pcs heavy duty lawn and leaf bags. 3pcs white plastic hoops. There are 2pcs double stitched webbing handles in the top and 1pc strong webbing corner handles in the bottom.
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