A Gardener's Hint For Xmas

T'was the week before Christmas and all through the yard
Not a seedling was sprouting not even a spruce
 The garden tools were hung in the potting shed with care
In hopes that soon, soon Springtime would be near.


The tulip bulbs were nestled all snug in fresh dug beds
While nightmares of moles danced in their heads.
The Rhododendrons, leaves folded to look like a cap
Had just gone dormant for a long winter's nap


When out by the bird feeders there arose such a clatter
The squirrels quite angry at being foiled was their matter
Away with a flash they did go
To a neighbors yard for sunflower I know


The grow light on the breast of the shiny floor below
Gave a mid summer luster to the herbs we grow
When to my eyes should appear
New roots from a cutting how dear


With a little dividing, and cutting so quick
Did they change into plants from the look of a stick
I'm glad I know what is growing on my plant table
For I named them all with the aid of a label


Now Nitrogen, Now Phosphorous, Now Potassium
And even the smaller nutrients like calcium
To the nutrient tank you go all mixed I can boast
It's compost tea that helps you the most


As dry leaves like a hurricane fly
With hydroponics you can kiss insects and disease goodbye
So to the top of the grow tent the tendrils grew
And exhausted outside was excess heat too


And then I heard a tinkling as proof
The wind chimes sounding from the front porch roof
I listened intently as I turned around
To each tube making a particular sound


Then all dressed in fur from head to hoof
A deer attempting to devour my plants to the roots
But he failed because of some smell
That was sprayed to cause him to repel




You know how the rest of the poem goes. My version is peppered with thoughts and ideas for the gardener on your Christmas/Holiday list.
Gardening is the number one passive outdoor activity that does not have to remain passive just because it is snowing outside. Container gardening and hydroponics allows gardeners to grow beautiful herbs and flowers all winter long. 


Indoor farming is what I call the trend. The daring are even growing tomatoes and chile peppers along with strawberries in their living room or dining room windows. A website called windowfarming.org has user designed systems from easy to very tech heavy. The results are quite something.


Can't think of what to get for the gardener..................seed packs, pruners, a nice trowel and grow lights are always appreciated.


Happy Holidays to all and to all a good night.

Garden advice you can dig!