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PAGE 11 - PLAINDEALER • WEDNESDAY, MARCH ». 1M1 fundus growth. Aphids (plant lice) are com mon on many plants Plants be come weak; new growth and leaves are deformed Spray tho­ roughly because aphids can hide in twisted leaves and crev­ ices Mealybugs look like tiny putts ol cotton They like co- leus. kalanchoes. crassulas. Af ­ rican violets. "Dielfenbachias. Use a cotton swab soaked in al­ cohol to remove mealybugs; avoid touching the plant with the cotton swab. Once all precautions against • insects and disease have been taken, give healthy plants a di etary boost by feeding them reg ularly. Plants require three major nutrients--nitrogen, phospho­ rus and potassium--plus such trace elements as copper, iron, manganese, sulfur and *rinc--a„ total of 15 different nutrients. Nitrogen stimulates growth of leaves and stem. Phosphorus aids growth, especially* of healthy root systems, fruits and seeds. Potassium acts as a rcgu I at or to balance the other nutri cnts Fertilizers come in several different forms Liquid prepara tions. like Ortho's House Plant •Food 5-10-5. arc easily applied directly from the container l<> moist surface soil or mixed w ith w ater. Apply fertilizers during the growing season of plants, not during dormant periods (Jo easy when the weather has been cloudy or il the plant has been repotted or unhealthy Most horticulturists recom mend frequent applications of diluted fertilizer, preparations, rather than infrequent full strength feedings, because fer* tilizers can binld up in the soil and burn roots and leaves. An all purpose fertilizer is convenient if you have many plants, but special formulas for different plants, such as ()rtho\ f ern & Ivy Food 10 8-7 anil Ortho's l iquid African Violet Food 6 9-5. provide a custom diet tor special plants Fruit leather Fruit leather can be made from almost any puree of fruit For instance." apricots, straw- ' berries and peaches make an in teresting blend According to Ortho's book " 12 Months Harvest." to each 5 pints of puree add I cup of sugar and 1teaspoon of ascorbic acid to prevent browning Place the mixture in the top of a double boiler and steam over hot water for 10 minutes or until it reaches I SO degrees. Spread the puree to a V: inch thickness on clear, heavy duty plastic or on a shallow non-stick pan Dry approximately 24 hours in bright sunlight or in a dehydrator The leather is fin­ ished when it can be pulled whole off the drying sheet Roll the fruit leather up in a plastic w rap or waxed paper and refrigerate until needed It can also be stored in your freezer for up to a year It 's great for snacks--just eat it like candy! If you want a lush indoor/outdoor garden like the one shown here, it's important to remember to take certain precautions when bringing your plants in after they've lived outside for a while. Wash plants carefully with water and a drop of mild detergent, spray thoroughly with an insect killer, such as Ortho's Indoor Plant Insect Spray, remove withered or dry leaves and stems with a sharp knife, and give healthy plants a dietary boost by feeding them regularly with a fertilizer like Ortho's House Plant Food 5-10-5. Don't bring bugs into house when outdoor plants move in If your house plants summer outdoors on balcony or patio, they need special care before being returned to their indoor posts. Wash your plants carefully, with water and a drop of mild detergent, to remove eggs, microscopic insects and cob webs Clean the outside of pots Clear surface soil of all debris, which creates a cozy harbor for insects. Spray thoroughly with an in­ door plant spray such as Ortho's House Plant Insect Spray IX) not use outdoor sprays indoors, they are too potent tor indoor ventilation. Isolate new additions to the indoor plant family for a few weeks to be sure they are not harboring insects Wash the plant and spray it before placing it in the indoor garden (iood grooming practices and regular examination can main­ tain attractive plants at (heir healthv best Gentle showers with room temperature water remove in sect eggs and dusi on leaves, allowing greater absorption of life sustaining sunlight. Re move withered, dry leaves and stems u ith a sharp knife so they do not sap the energy of the plant Common troublemakers Be on the lookout tor some of these common troublemakers It you catch them early, you may be- able to avoid any plant losses Red spider mites favor Fng- lish ivy, asparagus ferns and piggybacks They cause foliage to look mottled and yellow, grey or silvery. Thrips arc yellow, black or brown in color, barely visible and needle-thin They suck plant juices, giving leaves a streaky, silvery appearance. Thrips are fond of dracaenas^ aralias. amaryllis. spider lilies, crotons. ferns and palms. Whiteflies suck plant juices, causing leaves to turn yellow and drop They are difficult to control. Whiteflies are fond ot fuchsias, geraniums, jcoleus. begonias and ferns. Scale insects infest palms, ferns, crotons. aralias. rubber tree plants and cacti They re ducc plant vigor and slow growth Like whiteflies and aphids. they secrete a honey- dew trail that encourages black """"nSU 't "SEE US AT BOOTH 5" STOP & SPEAK TO ADIDAS REP. SATURDAY HOURLY GIVEAWAYS GUESS THE NUMBER OF GOLF TEES t QUALIFY TO WIN 1 DOZEN TITIEIST COIF BAILS McHenry fe • Favorite SPORT^pENTER 1210 N. GREEN ST. *B$!̂ McHENRY, IL. WATCH FOR OUR SKATERS AT VT5A' (Shriatophpr 3902 W. McHenry 315-4040 Yes, You Can. . . FASHIONS THE FAIR. TRADE FAIR '81 'g PARADE" *0*X&ion 1007 N. Front St. McHenry 305-7747 Daily 9-5:30 Fri 9-8 Sat 9-5 We Feature Juniors 5-15 Misses 6-20 Half Sizes 12'/j-24Vi Candyman s Closet & Toddler Shop 3430 W. Elm St McHenry 305-0744 Boys Infant thru 12 Girls Infant thru \* ROD . SEE US IN THE "FASHION SHOW" SAT. ft SUN 1PM 3902 W. 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