Tips On Buying Bedding Plants (NAPSA)—When wandering down the aisles of your favorite plant store looking for bedding plants, it’s a good idea to stay awake. Thesetips from gardening experts will help you make good choices: The fungus among us— First, remember that when garden flower packs are grown closely together, they tend to develop fungus and mildew problems. So, before you buy, look under the leaves. If you see any signs of a white mold or a slimy brown leaf, put the pack back on the bench. Insect enemies—Look for bugs, they like tender bedding plants. One good tip is to check the fuschia and verbena baskets or plants for whiteflies and aphids. Both love these plants. To see if the plants are infected, turn the leaves over and check the places where the leaf joins the stem, and on the growing tips. Unless you’re an insect-lover, leave any plants with pests on the bench. Impatiens is a virtue— There are about 36 species of impatiens in the world—all lovely. But a good rule to follow is that none that are over 4 inches tall should be bought from a nursery. That goes for petunias as well. If the plant you bring homeis too tall, it is likely to have browning and drying leaves on it’s base. Four inches—take your ruler if you haveto. When you get your plants home, make sure you have the basic equipment such as a garden When choosing impatiens and petunias take a ruler. If they are taller than 4 inches, leave them on the bench. hose, watering can or sprinkler, a hoe, a rake, a shovel or spade, a spading fork, a trowel and gloves. Home gardeners troubled by symptoms of repetitive stress injury, known as carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as arthritis, tendinitis or poor circulation, may want to consider a special type of glove. The glove, called Handeze, features a form fitting design madeof a stretch fabric treated by a special process. The design of the glove traps natural body heat. This raises the temperature while supporting tissues and increasing blood flow to fingers, hands and wrists. The glove worksso well for gardeners it received the National Home Gardening Club Seal Of Approval. For more information call Dome Industries at 1-800-4324352.
