http://www.getextradirt.com RSS feeds for Extra Dirt Newsletter 60 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/2052/shoveling-made-easy#Comments 0 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=222&ModuleID=912&ArticleID=2052 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2052&PortalID=2&TabID=222 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/2052/shoveling-made-easy Most gardeners would probably agree that the worst part of winter—other than waiting for spring to arrive, of course!—is the snow. Shoveling driveways and walkways is a major time and energy suck, and all that lifting puts you at risk for injury. That's why we like the Sno Wovel. It's a wheeled snow shovel that combines the use of a lever and a wheel to make shoveling as easy as scoop, lift, throw. The Sno Wovel helps you toss snow without twisting or lifting. You can adjust its handle to various heights and lengths, depending on snow conditions and the type of shoveling you're doing. Storage is easy, too—it folds up to hang flat on a garage or shed wall. how the Sno Wovel works. dharper Mon, 31 Jan 2011 20:31:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2052 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/2053/grow-herbs-indoors-without-soil#Comments 0 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=222&ModuleID=912&ArticleID=2053 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2053&PortalID=2&TabID=222 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/2053/grow-herbs-indoors-without-soil If you're a veggie gardener, you know how long the winter seems without some of those fresh veggies and herbs straight from the garden. No need to wait until spring anymore, though, thanks to the PowerPlant Professional Indoor Soilless Garden. This handy countertop gadget uses NASA technology to grow tasty herbs and salad greens wherever you can find space for it. How's that for convenience? Just pop your seeds into the soil-like sponges, insert, plug in, and grow. As the seeds sprout, remove the little domes and watch your herb garden fill out. Challenged for space in your kitchen? Check out the mini version—perfect for small spaces, or even your desk at work. Mint for your daily tea break, anyone?   growing herbs and veggies now. Why wait until spring?   dharper Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:32:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2053 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/2054/got-gnats#Comments 0 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=222&ModuleID=912&ArticleID=2054 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2054&PortalID=2&TabID=222 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/2054/got-gnats In the middle of winter, we love the pretty colors of African violets, poinsettias, and amaryllis. But that cloud of tiny bugs swirling over our prized houseplants? Not so pretty. Fungus gnats (often mistaken for fruit flies) are one of the most common indoor pests. They thrive in moist soils and feed on mold, fungus, and rotting plant matter. Learn more about how to save your plants from these pesky pests with these tips. Damage Adult fungus gnats do not harm plants—they prefer to eat decaying organic matter. Fungus gnat larvae, on the other hand, feed on plant roots, causing minor damage in older plants and major damage—even death—in young plants or seedlings. Control Let the soil dry out between waterings (though not so severely that the plants suffer). Get rid of decaying stems and leaves. to fungus gnats for good. dharper Tue, 25 Jan 2011 20:33:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2054 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/2055/a-secure-new-way-to-hide-your-keys-outdoors#Comments 0 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=222&ModuleID=912&ArticleID=2055 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2055&PortalID=2&TabID=222 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/2055/a-secure-new-way-to-hide-your-keys-outdoors You probably hide a key outside in case someone in your family gets locked out. But do you ever worry about someone else finding it? RocLok will give you some peace of mind. It's exactly what its name suggests: a rock with a combination-locked chamber inside so you can hide keys safely. Everyone's garden has a different look and feel, which is why RocLok comes in five styles to blend with your landscape. Gila, for example, is perfect for the side of a pond or dry riverbed. St. Helens, a lava rock, is ideal for gardens with a tropical look. Tough enough to withstand bullets or blows from a sledgehammer, RocLok will keep thieves at bay—while also eliminating your fears of being locked out. yours today—and get free shipping. dharper Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:41:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2055 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/2056/keep-paths-snow-free-without-harming-plants#Comments 0 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=222&ModuleID=912&ArticleID=2056 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2056&PortalID=2&TabID=222 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/2056/keep-paths-snow-free-without-harming-plants The last thing you want as you're out and about in your yard this winter is to take a tumble on a patch of ice. If you're lucky, the only thing hurt is your pride. But why take that chance? We like the idea of super handy HeatTrak Snow Melting Mats. They use electric heat to melt snow and ice on your walkways and stairs—so you can forget about spending hours salting and shoveling. And unlike salt, they won't harm the grass and other plants that grow along your walkways. The mats melt 2 inches of snow per hour and last an entire winter. They also come with their own watertight connector cables, which allow you to link several mats together for even more coverage. HeatTrak Snow Melting Mats now. dharper Thu, 20 Jan 2011 20:42:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2056 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/2057/the-dirt-on-soil#Comments 0 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=222&ModuleID=912&ArticleID=2057 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2057&PortalID=2&TabID=222 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/2057/the-dirt-on-soil How much do you know about the soil in your garden? Soil supplies plants with water, nutrients, and an anchor for their roots. Here's a primer to help you understand soil. Sand Made of relatively large rock particles that fit loosely together, sandy soil warms faster in the spring and drains quickly during wet periods. Unfortunately, it doesn't hold water well during drought and loses nutrients faster than other soils. Silt Silty soils are made from medium-sized particles. They shed excess water more quickly than clay, but not as quickly as sand. Clay Made of small particles that fit tightly together, clay soils hold water and nutrients in times of drought, but stay damp longer during wet periods. They're susceptible to winter heaving, which exposes and harms perennial roots.   about what type of soil is in your garden.   dharper Tue, 18 Jan 2011 20:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2057 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/2058/a-safer-greener-way-to-melt-slippery-ice#Comments 0 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=222&ModuleID=912&ArticleID=2058 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2058&PortalID=2&TabID=222 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/2058/a-safer-greener-way-to-melt-slippery-ice It's not the snow that makes winters so tough. It's the ice, right? All that slipping and sliding. You want to melt it so you and your neighbors don't take a nasty fall. But how do you do that without using harmful salts or chemicals? One answer is EcoTraction. Manufactured from a volcanic mineral, EcoTraction is a natural product that embeds itself into ice and creates instant, long-lasting traction. Less messy and trackable than the sand and cat litter you've sprinkled on ice in the past, EcoTraction is safe for kids and pets. It won't harm concrete or stone the way chemicals and salt can. Better still, when you sweep it into lawns and gardens in the spring, it actually helps improve soil aeration and water-holding capacity. a EcoTraction retailer near you. dharper Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:44:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2058 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/2059/slippers-that-arent-afraid-of-a-little-mud#Comments 0 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=222&ModuleID=912&ArticleID=2059 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2059&PortalID=2&TabID=222 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/2059/slippers-that-arent-afraid-of-a-little-mud No matter how much we appreciate the beauty of freshly fallen snow, winter can quickly turn into a mess. Eventually, the pristine snow turns into melting slush, and going outside to check on your garden means tracking dirt and ice into the house. That's why we love the idea of Bigfoot Shoe-in Slippers. Just stick your boots or shoes inside the slippers when you enter the house, and step out of them when you go back outside. The slippers prevent dirty soles from dragging in snow, ice, and grit. The slippers are comfy and flexible, but they're also tough and durable for everyday use. They're made of recycled wool and polyester and have a flip-up heel for a snugger fit. They even have a handy loop on the heels so you can hang them near the door. a video of how Bigfoot Slippers work. dharper Thu, 13 Jan 2011 20:45:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2059 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/1958/check-out-these-top-picks-for-shade#Comments 0 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=222&ModuleID=912&ArticleID=1958 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1958&PortalID=2&TabID=222 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/1958/check-out-these-top-picks-for-shade We all have problem areas in our gardens. For many of us, the issue is shade, so you'll be happy to know that there are solutions for this common problem. Understanding shade is the first angle of attack, because not all shade is created equal. Once you've determined what type of shade you have, you can turn that problem spot into a beautiful focal point with these shade-loving beauties:   Monkshood or wolfsbane Aconitum carmichaelii (Zones 3 to 7) does best in light shade, and has beautiful blue flowers and dark green divided foliage.   Chocolate vine Akebia quinata (Zones 5 to 9) gets its common name from its fragrant flowers. It thrives in light shade and blooms in early spring. The purplish flower clusters give way to edible fruits.     for more great picks for your shade garden. dharper Tue, 11 Jan 2011 21:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1958 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/1957/2011-the-year-of-tomatoes-and-zinnias#Comments 0 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=222&ModuleID=912&ArticleID=1957 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1957&PortalID=2&TabID=222 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/1957/2011-the-year-of-tomatoes-and-zinnias We love tomatoes and we love zinnias. And we think a celebration is in order, as they've both been honored as crops of the year for 2011. When the members of the National Garden Bureau choose a crop of the year, they look for one flower and one vegetable that are "popular, easy to grow, adaptable, genetically diverse, and versatile," according to their press release. For 2011, tomatoes and zinnias rose to the top of the list. New varieties of both have hit the shelves in recent years, as hybridizers try to come up with anything gardeners might fancy, including a sweeter cherry tomato, a pint-sized patio tomato, a more drought-resistant zinnia, and zinnias in sizzling hot new colors.   one of these new favorites to try in your garden this year. dharper Mon, 10 Jan 2011 20:50:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1957 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/1956/stylish-bird-houses-will-jazz-up-your-garden#Comments 0 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=222&ModuleID=912&ArticleID=1956 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1956&PortalID=2&TabID=222 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/1956/stylish-bird-houses-will-jazz-up-your-garden Even if you don't have the funds to upgrade your own pad this year, you might want to do it for your favorite feathered friends. All the fashion-conscious birds in your yard will love these enviro-mod bird houses from Loll Designs.   Cube For an extreme makeover, check out the cube house, an unbelievably sturdy, UV-resistant, fade-resistant, easy-to-mount nest box that also gives the yard a sort of Bauhaus feel.   Pitched-roof For a more traditional look, there's the pitched-roof bird house. It's made from the same recycled plastic (mainly plastic milk jugs) and comes in the same eight colors. You don't have to stain or paint these boxes—just clean out the old nest once a year to make way for the new renters.     to give the birds a makeover for the new year. dharper Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:34:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1956 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/1955/youll-love-this-award-winning-blanket-flower#Comments 0 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=222&ModuleID=912&ArticleID=1955 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1955&PortalID=2&TabID=222 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/1955/youll-love-this-award-winning-blanket-flower Gardening is competitive, whether we like to admit it or not. Who doesn't want to be that house on the block with the newest and coolest plants? For an easy-care perennial that will turn your neighbors' heads, check out Mesa Yellow, a new blanket flower cultivar in 2010 and an All-America Selections winner. Mesa Yellow boasts brilliant all-yellow flowers that appear from spring to fall. Its tidy, mounded habit makes it a great choice for containers and cut flowers. Bees and butterflies like it, too. Common name: Mesa Yellow gaillardia, Mesa Yellow blanket flower Botanical name: Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Mesa' Mesa Yellow Plant type: Perennial Zones: 5 to 9 Height: 16 to 22 inches Family: Asteraceae Growing conditions — Sun: Full sun — Soil: Average, well-drained — Moisture: Average to dry   to learn where to plant it. dharper Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:32:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1955 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/1954/a-cleaner-way-to-feed-the-birds#Comments 0 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=222&ModuleID=912&ArticleID=1954 http://www.getextradirt.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1954&PortalID=2&TabID=222 http://www.getextradirt.com/archive/articletype/articleview/articleid/1954/a-cleaner-way-to-feed-the-birds We love to watch birds fluttering around and eating the seed we put out for them, but we're not so crazy about the dirty job of cleaning the feeder. That's why we love the idea of a feeder that stays cleaner longer. EcoClean feeders come in nine styles, including various sizes of tube feeders, a finch tube feeder (with smaller feeding holes), and a dinner bell feeder. Each one is embedded with a special nontoxic, antimicrobial material that helps prevent mold and bacteria. We'll still clean our EcoClean feeder with soap and water once in a while, but we won't have to use bleach anymore. And anything that shaves off a chore here and there gets a big thumbs up.   for a cleaner way to feed the birds. dharper Mon, 03 Jan 2011 20:28:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1954