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
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50 cell plastic seedling deep trays, each size is 3.54" deep, big holes, side 1.89" x 1.89", hold larger volume of the soil which can be better for trees, longer rhizomas or similar tall growing plants. Fits for standard 10" 20" trays.
10pcs per pack trays, thicker and more durable, 1mm thick trays for long term use, sturdy to carry and transport. Indoor or greenhouse propagation or nursery is good.
Fiskars 28" Power-Lever Garden Bypass Lopper and Tree Trimmer
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IDEAL BRANCH TRIMMER: Fiskars Power-Level Garden Bypass Lopper glides through branches up to 1.75" thick for easy cuts; works well for trimming tree branches to maintain your yard and garden and to encourage overall plant health and appearance. MAXIMUM POWER AND PRECISION: Low-friction blade coating makes smooth cuts, reduces gumming, and enhances rust resistance; non-slip grip handle allows for more control of clippers. LONG-LASTING AND RELIABLE: Steel blades stay sharp through heavy use and provide excellent durability for lasting value; Fiskars pruning shears and tools are built to last. QUALITY GARDEN TOOLS: Designed to help you cultivate a better garden, Fiskars garden and yard tools are equipped with smart technologies and award-winning, ergonomic features that make it easier and more enjoyable to transform your outdoor space. INCLUDES: 1 Fiskars Power-Lever Bypass Lopper; Full lifetime warranty.
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Upgraded Dual Granary Bird Feeder. G11 Smart Bird Feeder with Camera – The upgraded dual granary design allows for separate food dispensing, giving birds the freedom to choose while preserving the food’s original taste. With a 2L extra-large capacity, it reduces the need for frequent refills. The drainage design ensures the food stays dry and prevents spoilage from rain. Ideal as a camera bird feeder for birdwatching enthusiasts. 2K HD Camera & Close-Up Bird Watching. Experience clear bird watching with the G11 smart bird feeder. This bird feeder with camera features a 170-degree wide-angle lens and a 1296P HD camera, ensuring vibrant images and videos. With AI-powered recognition, it can identify over 16,000 bird species (subscription required, first month free) and provides extensive birding knowledge. Its unique design helps attract more birds to your backyard. App Alerts & Super Night Vision. The smart bird feeder camera detects motion within 0.5 seconds and sends instant notifications through the "VicoHome" app. With a 2.4G Wi-Fi connection, you can view real-time updates on bird activity right from your app. The video bird feeder also features night vision, ensuring vibrant images and videos even in low light conditions. Ideal for wild bird feeders, this advanced functionality enhances your bird-watching experience day and night.
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