My husband and I write a monthly newsletter about the farm, nature, and gardening. For the June newsletter I want to explain some gardening terminology like "drip line" and "root ball." That probably seems pretty elementary to you experienced gardeners, but we have a lot of readers who are just beginning. Would you suggest terms that might need explaining to new gardeners? I'd appreciate your help and ideas. This is a free, no-ad newsletter, so you don't have to worry about promoting anything you might not want to.
My non-gardening friends are often in the dark about the difference between annuals, perennials, self-seeding etc.
The numbers and what they represent on a fertilizer bag and what the plant uses each nutrient for. The difference between native and invasive species. beneficial insect vs. a pest Diseases: bacteria, fungi or virus terms for leaf and flower types, such as serrated leaf, compound leaf, composite flower etc.
The difference between a bulb, tuber, rhizome, tuberous root and corm An explanation of Ph What attracts butterflies Deadhead, Root bound, cold frame, hardening off There are so many terms that it could be a regular feature. Good luck choosing. Jerry
Pollinators, their role, how to protect and attract them. Soil amendment terms, mulch, compost, manure, how to use.
Wow, these are great, please keep them coming! June's gardening section of the newsletter might be the best yet (not much competition, though.)
identify garden tools - scuffle/stirrup hoe, warren hoe, regular hoe, spade, shovel, pruners, loppers etc. how to read a plant lable
Definitely include Annual vs Perennial. It's amazing how many people don't realize the difference. And Jane.... when on earth do you find the time to even do a newsletter!!!??? :-D
To attract butterflies and moths you need both nectar plants and host plants and what the difference is. Native and well adapted plants and why they are important. In composting what 'greens' and 'browns' are.
This gets better and better! If I get a Pulitzer, I'll be sure to thank y'all at the awards ceremony. Cheryl, newsletter writing is why 2 a.m. was invented.
