Quotation of the Week: "There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly." — Buckminster Fuller

Geraniums

Just a note here: What most gardeners know as a "geranium" is probably a plant of the genus pelargonium and not the genus geranium (more commonly known as cranesbills). We are using the term 'geranium' here in deference to the common usage. There are four main types of garden geraniums: zonal geraniums, Martha Washington geraniums, the scented-leaf geraniums, and ivy geraniums.

	Zonal geraniums (pelargonium hortorum): The most popular garden geranium, getting their name from the "zoned" leaf markings. They have clusters of individual flowers held on long stems above the foliage. There are many cultivars, with wide range of brilliant flower color and attractive leaves. Most will grow about 3 ft. tall.
	Martha Washington geraniums (pelargonium domesticum): The group known as the 'orchid of geraniums.' Flowers are orchid-like blooms; colors may be white, pink, red, purple, or mixed colors. These geraniums require cool (50 to 60°F) night temperatures in order to bloom. They may stop flowering in the heat of the summer but will resume once the weather cools in the fall.
	Scented-leaf geraniums (pelargonium - various species and hybrids): Grown for their beautifully scented foliage. They vary in shape, size, flower color and growth habit. Foliage fragrances include rose, chocolate, mint, apple, lemon, lime, ginger and nutmeg.
	Ivy geraniums (pelargonium peltatum): Named for the ivy-shaped foliage and trailing growth habit; the flower colors are more pastel than zonals. They are ideal for hanging baskets, and may also be used in window boxes, or as ground covers in a protected location. They like moderate temperatures. If the temperatures are between 65 and 80 degrees F, put them in full sun. When the temperature is higher than that, move them to an area with partial sun.

For planting geraniums in flower beds, work in a complete fertilizer like Whitney Farms Rose and Flower Food before planting. In mid-summer fertilize again with a water-soluble fertilizer such as Gro More All Seasons Plant Food. Space plants 10 to 12 inches apart. Water well after planting, but don't over water. Geraniums do not like wet feet. For planting in containers, use Whitney Farms Permium Potting Soil, and top-dress with Worm Castings to provide continuing nutrients. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch (so water comes through the drainage holes). Geraniums of all sorts are a great addition to your home and garden. Try a few this year for your window boxes, hanging baskets, and flowerbeds.

Karl Dobler Green Thumb Garden Professional

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Grow Your Own Edible Sponge!

Steamed sponge for dinner? Sounds crazy? We're talking about luffa cylindrica, an exotic plant that's been around for over a thousand years. It's also known as a dishcloth or rag gourd, and sometimes called Chinese okra (the spelling also varies — luffa, loofa, loufa, or loofah). In varying shades of tan, round and about a foot long, it looks like — and works like — a sponge. Only it beats any of the synthetics for scrubbing — whether scrubbing dishes, your car, or people. It seems to have just the right texture, leaving skin with a nice clean, tingly feeling. Luffa plants are less hardy than cucumbers or squash and should not be planted until you are sure there will be no more frost. To gain time, you can soak the small, flat black seeds overnight, then plant two or three in individual 3" or 4" pots. Keep them in a protected place. As soon as they germinate, get them into the light and keep them well-watered. When they have grown to about two inches, thin to the most sturdy-looking plant. When seedlings are about three inches or so high, you can transplant. Water thoroughly the night before, and plant on a cloudy day or in the evening. Shade them from the sun for a couple of days — don't let them dry out. Like cucumbers, they like a light soil, well supplied with humus and nitrogen. If you have a heavy soil amend with Whitney Farms All Natural Soil Conditioner before planting. Fertilize with Whitney Farms Vegetable and Tomato Food and — later on — fish emulsion. Plant about a foot apart. Luffa is a vine, growing to 15 feet or more, and needs a trellis or fence or enough space to wander in. It's a pretty plant with lemon-yellow flowers followed by light-green fruits looking something like zucchini. They are edible only when immature, so if you want to try them for eating, pick young ones. Cook them as you would zucchini. Keep the ones you intend to use for sponges off the ground with boards, a trellis, or something else that will keep them dry. When the stem turns yellow, it's time to harvest the sponges. Dry them for a couple of weeks until the skin hardens and turns brown. Pick off the big end and you can shake out the seeds — like those of a watermelon. Soak the sponges in water overnight and the outer skin will peel off without much trouble. Let them stand in the sun to dry.

What You'll Need: 4 cups fresh pineapple cubes (1/2-inch) 2 cups peeled, diced ripe mangos (about 2 medium) 1-1/2 cups sliced banana (about 2 medium) 3/4 cup orange sections (about 2 medium) 2 tbs. dark brown sugar 2 tbs. fresh lime juice 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut, toasted Step by Step: Combine the first 6 ingredients in a medium bowl, tossing gently to blend. Cover and chill for 1 hour. Sprinkle with coconut. Yield:  8 servings