Got The Gardening Itch?

What can you do in the garden in the middle of winter? Now is the perfect time to take soil samples.

To do this you can either purchase a soil test kit from you local garden center or you can contact your local extension agent. The store bought kits run about $15 and will give you a good idea of what your soil needs but it is not as accurate as your extension agency. To find your local agent look in the government pages of your phone book or go to the USDA website . Your local agent will provide you with a Soil Sample Information Sheet and a Soil Sample Box free of charge but expect to pay for the analysis. Around here I pay $8.50.

They will test your soil for the following major nutrients P (phosphorus); K (potassium); Mg (Magnesium); Ca (Calcium); and five micronutrients. The test will also determine your soil pH and make recommendations on how to raise or lower pH.

When testing is complete, they will mail you their findings. On the report they explain everything even technical terms and provide extra details on fertilizer application schedules and rates. If you have any questions about the report contact your Extension Agent, they are always glad to help.

Very Blustery Day!

As Pooh would say..."it's a very blustery day!" With a cold front moving in we had wind gusts of up to 40-50 mph. Kids are having fun letting the wind hold them up!

Ready For A Pet?

Okay, you've decided your ready for a pet, now what kind. Cat or dog? Large or small? Active or passive? Check out petside.com for answers. Let their Breed Match tools pair you with the perfect pet to match your lifestyle. Even though I already have pets, I still enjoyed reading about the different breeds. You will find all kinds of advice, tips, and care for your pet.

Let me know what you decided on.

First Snow!

We received our first snow on January 20. I know it's not much. We only got about an inch, but we don't see that much of the white stuff around these parts.

Sharing With His New Friend...

Our oldest dog knows how to play nice.

New Puppy!

Believe it or not, this little tike was a stray. She showed up in December a few weeks before Christmas. My kids told this me this is just what they wanted for Christmas. She is such a cutie how could I say no!