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SECTION 2 - PAGE 3-PLAINDEALER-HERALD, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9. House plants need attention to survive winter Houseplants seem to get more attention this time of year, as bitter weather forces most of us to stay indoors more often. Vigorous, healthy plants help brighten up the indoor en­ vironment. Unfortunately, houseplants often are plagued with various problems that discourage indoor gardeners. * Many of these common houseplant problems can be easily solved by careful analysis of symptoms shown by the plant. LEXTENStOlMl People AAAxftl several things. Leaves turning pale green or yellow are a sign the plant needs some fertilizer, temperatures are too high, or too little light. During winter, plants need less fertilizer than in summer because they generally are growing slower. Use about half the recommended rate on the package, and don't feed plants more than once a month. Poor watering habits can also cause yellowing of leaves. Keep in mind that older leaves near the base or in the center of larger plants may yellow naturaHy as the plant grows. Brown coloring of leaves can Dropping of leaves is a common problem with many houseplants. A frequent cause is a change in the environment of the plant, such as drastic changes in temperature or light intensity. This often happens when plants are moved within the house or when a new plant is purchased and placed in an inappropriate site. Other potential causes of leaf drop include over watering, un- derwatering, or poor drainage in the pot. Cold drafts this time of year is another potential cause. Wilting or curling of leaves is caused by either too much or, more commonly, not enough water. House plants will dry out much faster in winter than summer. Increasing the humidity around plants by placing a container of water near them is helpful. However, do not allow plants to sit directly in water, because it could drown the roots. Browning of leaf teps in another common problem. Again, improper watering can be the source. Salt buildup in the soil, from excessive fer­ tilizers or tap water, frequently is the cause. A white, crusty appearance of the soil surface is a good indication of high salt content in the soil. To solve this problem, either transplant into new sofrbr flush the container with water several times to dilute the salts and allow them to leach through the bottom of the pot. Changing leaf color of houseplants can be due to Postal rates to increase The current cost of mailing letters, cards and other items will remain stable for another two months, according to action taken recently by the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors. In announcing the decision by the governors to accept the independent Postal Rate Commission's recommended rates, including a .first-class letter rate of 22 cents, Chairman John R. McKean noted that all new rates will take effect at 12:01 a.m., Feb. 17. It will be more than three years since first-class rates were last raised and nearly four years for adjustments in most other rates. The new rates and fees will increase postal revenues by an additional $1.8 billion. p* The governors said the in­ crease was necessary to offset rising costs that threaten the Postal Service's mandate under the Postal Reorganization Act to operate as nearly as possible on a break-even basis. During the last quarter (July-September 1984) of fiscal 1984, the Postal Service operated at a $240.6 million loss. See your Wausau builder... We have a "Buy early" Incentive for you! WIICOIM Home. BMIMAN CONSTRUCTION 1114 Seminary Ave., (N. Rte. 47) Woodstock, IL 60098 Office: 815/338-2759 None: 815/3384)494 be due to several things. If most or all of the leaf is brown, check the soil. It may be too dry, too wet, or contain high amounts of salts. Poor air conditions (too dry, stagnant) can also cause browning. Furthermore, brown spotting on foliage can be caused by cold water, sunscald or sunburn, or poor drainage (overwatering). Occasinally it can be due to insects or mites, which may require a houseplant insecticide if severe.. Obviously, there are other causes of houseplant problems. The key thing to remember is to carefully analyze the situation. U,. Most problems are due to im­ proper watering, light, tem­ perature, or poor soil conditions. It is important to know the environmental requirements of the plant before trying to grow it. This information may be obtained where the plant is purchased, from numerious books available in stores or libraries, or at the extension office. For , additional information, contact the McHenry County Extension offfce at 789 McHenry Ave., P.O. Box 431, Woodstock, 60098. Phones: (815) 338-3737 and 338-4747. Nominations being accepted for voluiiteer achievement. President Ronald Reagan will present Volunteer Action Awards to honor outstanding volunteer achievement in­ dividual citizens and organizations. Award categories include arts and humanities, education, the environment, health, human services, international volun­ teering, jobs, material resources, public safety, youth and the workplace. VOLUNTEER, The National Center, a private, nonprofit volunteer support organization, and ACTION, a federal agency for volunteering, are co- sponsoring the program for the fourth year. Funding for the program is provided by private sector corporate and foundation sponsors. Nomination forms can be obtained by writing The President's Volunteer Action Awards, P.O. Box 37488, Washington, D.C. 20013, or by contacting Kathy Lewis, coordinator of. volunteers, for the Volunteer Services Program at 338-1707. The deadline for submission of nominations for the 1985 awards is Jan. 15. i 20% to 40% off In stock or mad eto measure mini blinds and fabric shades. mm • Sale 7.20 ea. Reg. $9. Kordovin medium weight vinyl shades in many in-stock sizes • Sale $40 ea. Reg. $50. 23"X64". In stock 1" mini blinds with automatic cord lock. 27X64" Reg $60 Sale $48 31X64" Reg. $70 Sale $56 • Sale $20 ea. Reg. $25. 23"X64" or 27"X64" Sleek 1" tapeless mini blinds with clear polyester ladder and wand 35-X64" or 36"X64" Reg. $33 Sale 26.40 • 35% off made-to-measure fabric shades plain or pleated in solid colors • 35% off made-to- measure aluminum or fabric vertical blinds, 1" or 2" wood blinds • 40% off made-to-measure 1" aluminum blinds % Save on all thirsty towels. Featuring The JCPenney towel. Sale 5.49 Reg. $8. Bath. The JCPenney cotton/polyester velour towel. In a host of colors. Reg Sale Hand towel 5.50 3.99 Washcloth 2 75 2.29 Sale 4.99 Reg. $8. Bath. Soak up the savings on the new JCPenney' terry towel in absorbent cotton/polyester. Choose from 20 cheerful colors in solids or prints Reg. Sale Body towel ,. 18.00 14.99 Hand towel 5.50 3.99 Washcloth or fingertip towel 2 75 2.19 Bathtub mat 10 00 8.99 1985: J C Penney Company Inc- - n Sal* pricaa affactlva thru Saturday. January 19th. _ Brickyard. Ford City. Fox Valley Center. Gary Village. Golf Mill. Lakehurst. Lincoln MaM. Louis Joliet Mall. Marquette Mall. Northbrook Court. North Riverside Park. Orland Square. Southlake Mall. Spring Hill Mall. Winston Plaza. Woodfield. Yorktown