News Stories - Page 774

The carols have all been sung. The ornaments have long been safely packed away. That dead Christmas tree, though, can provide one last benefit from the holidays, says a University of Georgia scientist. "The big question is what not to do with it," said Jeff Jackson.

Georgians can look forward to a growing season of 165 to 230 days or more. However, most of us become anxious to get started before the last of winter's cold is gone. Historically, gardeners have taken early transplants safely outdoors before the weather is ready in a number of ways.

If you don't have a cold frame, making one would be a great weekend project for any gardener. During winter, the cold frame will offer protection to less hardy plants and newly started perennials. It's also an ideal place to overwinter some plants or grow a small patch of lettuce or other cool-season crop. It simplifies the storage of bulbs and plants, too, for midwinter forcing indoors.

Georgia tobacco farmers could lose millions of dollars next year from a cut in the amount of tobacco they're allowed to grow, says a University of Georgia expert. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Dec. 15 that the flue-cured tobacco quota for 1999 will be cut by almost 18 percent. The impact for Georgia farmers is clear. "The difference in what we sold in 1998 and what we could sell in '99 could amount to a potential $28.5 million loss," said UGA scientist J. Michael Moore.

Microwaved eggs can burst with flavor. Or just explode. It's your choice. "Eggs can be microwaved with good results. But they need close attention," said Elizabeth Andress.

The new 'Kiowa' blackberry may be just the fruit for people who love blackberries but hate having to pick so many to make a cobbler, said a University of Georgia expert.

For centuries, sweethearts have stolen kisses under the green branches and white berries of holiday mistletoe. Few of them know the plant is actually a type of parasite that draws part of its lifeblood from its tree host. Mistletoe is actually an epiphyte," said Jerry Walker.

A tree's life is hard. It must stand against wind, hail and ice. A multitude of pests wait to consume it. To live decades, maybe even centuries, the tree must be tough. To protect itself, a tree will wrap itself, inside and out, in protective clothing. It has to. When environmental problems or pests come to damage it, the tree must stay still and take whatever comes.

The cut greenery in your holiday decorations will dry out sooner or later, of course. "But certain types of greenery stay fresh longer than others," said Dave Moorhead.

Each year more than 40 million Americans buy Christmas trees. Before the new year, most of those family memories are chipped into mulch or discarded. Why not make your memories last a lifetime by buying and then planting a living Christmas tree? "Christmas trees decorate our homes at the holidays. But we can use them to decorate our landscapes, beautify our parks or dress up our school yards year-round," said Walter Reeves.