The holiday season often leaves many with the question of what to do with their live Christmas trees after the festivities. One sustainable option is to convert the tree into a bird feeder, extending its life and providing nourishment for local wildlife throughout the winter months. This approach has garnered support among gardeners who appreciate the dual benefits of recycling and supporting local ecosystems.
Mark S., a gardener, reached out with concerns about using his cut Christmas tree in his backyard. He wondered if the fallen needles would affect soil acidity in his flower garden and whether birdseed scattered on the ground would lead to a weeding challenge in the spring.
Experts affirm that using Christmas trees outdoors as makeshift bird feeders is an effective and environmentally friendly solution. The fallen needles, while slightly acidic when fresh, decompose quickly and do not significantly alter soil pH levels. In fact, many regional soils could benefit from slight acidification, but evergreen needles alone will not create any notable changes.
When it comes to the potential for birdseed to sprout unwanted weeds, certain precautions can mitigate this issue. Birdseed can indeed scatter at the base of feeders, especially with perennial seeds like thistle, which can take root and cause localized problems. To avoid this, gardeners can choose non-seed bird foods, such as suet cakes or peanut butter on pinecones, which hang easily from the branches of the Christmas tree. Additionally, birdseed treated to prevent sprouting is available on the market, which can be a wise choice for those worried about unwanted growth in their gardens.
Mark expressed his gratitude for the advice, sharing a photo of his family enjoying their repurposed Christmas tree as they await the arrival of birds in their backyard.
In another inquiry, Ryan L. sought guidance on maintaining his rhubarb plants after relocating from a previous home where he grew Canadian Red rhubarb for nearly 20 years. He questioned whether he should stick with this classic variety or explore new options.
Rhubarb has a long-standing reputation in regions like the Upper Midwest, where it has been cultivated since pioneer days. The most notable differences among rhubarb varieties are color and stalk size. Some varieties are deep red, while others are green or a mix of both. Additionally, stalk diameter can vary significantly, with some green types boasting larger stalks than their red counterparts.
While many gardeners believe that red varieties are sweeter and require less sugar, scientific data on sweetness and acidity levels is limited. A three-year study published in the National Library of Medicine in 2021 examined five rhubarb cultivars: Canadian Red, Valentine, Red Champagne, Poncho, and Victoria. The findings revealed that Valentine, the reddest variety, actually had the lowest total sugar content and the highest acidity among the tested varieties. Conversely, Red Champagne showed the highest total sugar levels, with both it and Victoria outperforming Canadian Red and Valentine in sugar content.
The study also highlighted that sugar and acidity levels can fluctuate based on environmental factors such as weather and soil type. North Dakota State University recommends several cultivars for rhubarb enthusiasts, including Valentine, Ruby, MacDonald, Canadian Red, and Sunrise.
Although the attractive red color of rhubarb continues to be a sought-after quality, it is important to remember that most rhubarb varieties require some sugar for optimal flavor, regardless of their color.
Lastly, Nikki M. raised a question about cleaning her houseplants, particularly regarding the use of leaf shine products. Most houseplant leaves naturally possess a shiny layer called the cuticle, composed of waxes that help prevent water loss and protect the plant’s inner cells. Using a soft, damp cloth is often sufficient to restore the natural sheen of most leaves.
While some leaf shine products claim not to clog leaf pores, many plant owners prefer the results achieved through simple cleaning. Social media may suggest alternatives like milk or mayonnaise for leaf shine, but these can also risk clogging leaf pores.
For any further gardening or lawn care questions, interested individuals can reach out to Don Kinzler, an expert with NDSU Extension-Cass County, at [email protected]. Questions with broad appeal may be published, ensuring that advice reaches a wider audience.
