Mulching, lilacs, pest control

This is an archived issue of our Almanac.com Companion email newsletter.

Daily Newsletter for Tuesday, May 16, 2017

When elm leaves are as big as a shilling,
Plant kidney beans, if to plant 'em you're willing; 
When elm leaves are as big as a penny,
You must plant kidney beans, if you mean to have any. 
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
136th day of the year


Janet Jackson (singer) was born on this day in 1966.
Jim Henson (creator of The Muppets) died on this day in 1990.
 

ECHO National Sales Event!
 
To Mulch or Not to Mulch

Mulching Guide: Benefits of Mulch
Mulching is a common gardening practice with many benefits. But using mulch incorrectly can have the opposite effect. Here’s how to mulch a garden—and get the most out of mulching.
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The Old Farmer's Almanac for Kids

Buy the Almanac for Kids, Volume 7, and GET VOLUMES 6 AND 5 FOR FREE! 
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$9.95
 
Lovely Lilacs

Lilacs
Who doesn’t love lilacs? The ideal lilac shrub has about 10 canes and produces flowers at eye-level—all the better to enjoy that sweet, haunting fragrance.
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The Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Notebook

A gardener’s most useful tool is knowledge from past seasons. Don’t rely on sticky notes or memory! You’ll love our beautiful Gardening Notebook with its waterproof cover—easy to bring to the garden. Keep records so you know when pests arrive and when to put preventative controls in place to avoid damage. Also, track what blossoms when, first and last frost dates, what was planted where, what worked, favorite varieties, what you want to move, and other notes. 
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$14.95
 
Growing Radishes

Radishes
Radishes are a hardy, easy-to-grow root vegetable that can be planted multiple times in a growing season. Here’s how to plant and grow radishes in your garden!
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Vegetable Kingdom Chip and Dip Serving Tray

Our colorful tray is a dazzling way to present not only chips and dip, but also crackers and cheese spread, vegetables and hummus, or fruit and chocolate sauce. This tray looks substantial, but is dishwasher-safe melamine for easy care. 
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$27.97
 
Getting Rid of Aphids

Aphids
What are those little green bugs on your plants? They’re probably aphids! Here are our best tips on how to identify and control aphids in the garden.
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Solar-Powered Decorative Lighting

By day, these are an artful addition to the garden. By night, they impress with a stunning display of color and light. 
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$16.97-$41.99
 
Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring-Cleaning Naturally: 6 Ingredients
When it comes to spring-cleaning or any kind of housecleaning, I use an array of six admirably versatile natural cleaning products: vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, salt, borax, wood ash.
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Rabbit Planter

Add charm with this classically posed Rabbit Planter. Cast using a magnesium oxide formula that makes this planter durable and lightweight. The detailed features and hand-painted stone-color finish make this piece a wonderful addition to patios or indoor decor.
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$54.99