You can receive Featurettes by e-mail daily, weekly or monthly by request. We can e-mail by your choice of topic or all stories as you may prefer. To make it even more convenient for editors to use our stories, NAPS has added an RSS syndication feed to our Web site. Simply hit the RSS button on our site for automated updates on available content. Please contact us to arrange to receive Featurettes in the format that works best for you at (800) 222-5551 or e-mail your request to us at printmedia@napsnet.com. We can provide Featurettes on CD-ROM or you can download it online at www.napsnet.com. Gary Lipton Media Relations Manager Phone: 1-(800)-222-5551 Fax: 1-(800)-990-4329 Web site: www. napsnet .com e-mail: printmedia@napsnet.com #2703 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 415 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017 Hybrids, Heirlooms And GMOs Explained (NAPSA)—If the terms “hybrid,” “heirloom” and “GMO” have you stumped, you’re not alone. When it comes to buying seeds and plants, there’s a lot of confusion, even among seasoned gardeners. Here are a few facts that may help. Hybrids First things first: Hybrids are not the same thing as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Thanks to pollinators such as bees and butterflies moving pollen from plant to plant, hybrids occur naturally in nature. A hybrid is created when two different plant varieties of the same species are cross-pollinated. In the same way that dog breeders can cross a Labrador retriever and a poodle to create a soft, fluffy Labradoodle, gardeners can select parent plants that display particular traits to produce offspring that offer improved yield, size, hardiness, color, shape and taste. The process of selective breeding was pioneered by Gregor Mendel in the 19th century. When it was first used by horticulturists in the 20th century, it resulted in hybrid corn that produced higher yields. Since that point, breeders, researchers and inventive gardeners have been using the process of hybridization to produce fruits, vegetables and flowers with highly selective features. Seed producers such as W. Atlee Burpee & Co. used selective breeding to create iconic vegetables such as the “Big Boy” tomato, a hybrid that displayed such vigor and disease resistance that it shaped the modern era of tomato breeding. “Hybrids grow well coast to coast with stable and reliable traits across a multitude of growing environments. The dependability of flavor and garden performance is what makes them garden staples throughout the good—and the bad—growing seasons,” said Chelsey Fields, a horticulturist at Burpee. Heirlooms Unlike hybrid seeds that result from selective breeding, heirlooms are open-pollinated varieties prized for having characteristics Keep Your Lawn And Garden Equipment In Top Shape The “Big Boy” tomato is a hybrid that displayed such vigor and disease resistance that it shaped the modern era of tomato breeding. that haven’t changed over 50 to 100 years. They’re often specific to a particular area and therefore not widely adaptable. Also, unlike hybrids, their flowers and fruits tend to be less vigorous, making them more susceptible to diseases and adverse conditions. Many heirloom seeds were once available commercially and have been saved from extinction by dedicated gardeners who save fresh seeds every year. Genetically Modified Organisms GMOs are quite different from both hybrids and heirlooms. GMO seeds are the result of genetic engineering, the process of altering a plant’s DNA in a laboratory setting. This often includes introducing genes from a different species to increase a plant’s resistance to disease or spoilage. It’s important to know GMOs are found only in commercially grown farm produce. Seeds or plants that might contain GMOs are not available to home gardeners in the United States. All of Burpee’s hybrid and heirloom seeds are non-GMO. The company has supplied American home gardeners with the highest-quality seeds since 1876. Learn More For further facts, gardening ideas and how-to videos on directsown seeds, visit www.burpee.com or call (800) 888-1447. (NAPSA)—For outdoor power equipment to work better for less cost and effort later in the year, you need to properly maintain and store it now. Here are 13 tips that can help. Storage Suggestions 1. Set up a safe work zone. Identify a safe location with plenty of work space that’s out of the way of children and pets. Work only in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources, sparks or flames. 2. Collect your outdoor power equipment. This might include a lawn mower, generator, string trimmer, chain saw, edger, power washer, blower, chipper, splitter or any other tool that uses a small engine to do outdoor work. 3. Make sure the equipment is turned off. Before servicing or repairing any outdoor power equipment, disconnect the spark plug and battery cables. 4. Protect yourself. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect against harmful chemicals and debris. 5. Inspect the equipment. Make sure safety guards are not disabled or missing. Check for loose belts or missing or damaged guards. Check and tighten all screws and nuts. 6. Clean the equipment. Remove any accumulated grass, leaves and dirt. Use a soft rag or cloth to clean away grime and dirt. 7. Drain the fuel. Many fuels today contain ethanol, which absorbs water and may phase separate, causing operating problems later. If there is fuel in the tank, remove what remains. Run the engine until it stops to Put your power equipment away properly now for an easier time of it when the growing season starts again. use up all the fuel. Get more information on safe fueling at www.LookBeforeYouPump.com. 8. Store leftover fuel properly. Gasoline should be stored no more than 30 days unless it’s treated with a fuel stabilizer. Use a sealed container approved for fuel storage. Always keep fuel out of the reach of children and away from heat sources or flames. 9. Lubricate, sharpen and charge as needed. Check the oil levels and blade conditions. Change the oil if necessary. Sharpen lawn mower blades. Inspect the spark plug, replace it and add clean engine oil. Check the air filter and clean or replace as needed. If equipment has a removable battery, take it out and store it in a warm spot. If you have a battery charger, charge the battery before storing it. 10. Service equipment. If you are not comfortable performing some of these tasks or think that your equipment needs additional servicing, take it to a dealer or repair shop. 11. Identify and clear a safe storage space. An indoor storage area will protect equipment from the elements. Your storage area should be cool and dry, and equipment should be out of the reach of children and pets. Store equipment away from pool chemicals, cleaners or fertilizers—anything that could cause corrosion from spills. 12. Properly store supplies. Using approved storage containers for lawn care or yard supplies will help avoid spills. Leftover materials should be stored in sealed containers, so pests are not drawn to them. Keep containers out of the reach of children and pets. 13. Locate your cold weather power equipment. Check your snow shovels, snowblowers or throwers, ice scrapers, ice melt or rock salt. If you are low on supplies, stock up. Keep this equipment and supplies in an accessible location so they’ll be handy when the first snowflakes fall. “Equipment that is well maintained will last longer and save you money in the long run. Maintaining, winterizing and storing outdoor power equipment properly means that when spring arrives, your equipment will be ready,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing power equipment, small engine, and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. Learn More For further facts and safety tips, go to www.opei.org.