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Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Spring Newsletter 2011


Spring Planting & Gardening Tips
1
Start your planting in spring, when the frost thaws off the ground. This gives vegetables, annuals, perennials, and fruit plants and trees a full summer of growing. The last spring frost ranges from April 6 in Cairo to May 13 in Rockford, and dictates your spring planting date. The University of Illinois Extension recommends planting your spring plants two weeks after the last frost.
2
Prepare you spring planting. This is the time to plant roses, annuals and spring bulbs like glads, anemones and lilies. Plant hardy fruit trees like plums and sour cherries, which will survive the cold winters of Illinois, and plant fruit plants that need a summer of growing, like strawberries, cantaloupe and watermelons. Plant your summertime vegetables at this time as well: tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, cucumbers, pumpkins and sweet potatoes.
3
Find a site that gets full sun for at least eight hours every day, along with complete drainage after any watering or rain. Amend the soil in your site to a depth of 4 inches with a mixture that is half organic compost and half quick draining soil, to give plants the right amount of nutrition and drainage. Mix 10-10-10 fertilizer into the top inch of soil to add additional nutrition. Plant the seedlings, plants or bulbs according to their specific depth and spacing needs. Water the garden with 2 inches of water, and put it on a weekly schedule of 2 to 3 inches of water.
4
Plant short-season vegetables again in mid-summer, three months before the first fall frost date. This gives the plants time to grow to maturity and produce fruit before frost comes. Fall frost dates range from late September to late October in Illinois, so plant your fall vegetable garden in late June to late July. Choose plants that have quick maturity dates like short-season tomatoes, peppers, carrots, lettuce, beans, squash and peas. If you're replanting the garden, amend the soil with compost and fertilizer before you replant.
5
Plant fall bulbs two weeks before the first frost. This should include daffodils, tulips, crocus and calla lilies. Plant each bulb according to its spacing and depth requirements.
6
Plant frost-hardy vegetables like potatoes, onions, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, collards, spinach, peas, lettuce, turnips, cauliflower, mustard, parsnips, beets and radishes at the end of winter, two weeks before the last frost, to give them a head start on growing and to provide a mid-summer harvest.
Read more: Planting Schedule for Illinois | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7414979_planting-schedule-illinois.html#ixzz1GxtfjCuL



Shrimp Taco’s
• Ingredients
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 4 limes, cut into quarters
• kosher salt
• 8 6-inch corn tortillas
• 2 to 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
• bottled green tomatillo salsa

Directions

1. Heat grill to medium-high. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, and cumin. Set aside.
2. Skewer the shrimp. (If using wood skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes beforehand.) In a small bowl, combine the butter and garlic. Brush the shrimp with the garlic butter.
3. Place the shrimp on grill with the limes. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are opaque and the limes are browned.
4. Remove from grill. Lightly salt the shrimp.
5. Grill the tortillas for 30 seconds on each side, then place inside a paper bag to keep warm.
6. Pull the shrimp off the skewers; divide evenly among the tortillas. Top with the cabbage, sour cream sauce, tomatillo salsa, and a squeeze of grilled lime.
7.
By Jane Kirby, June 2003

“It's fun to get together and have something good to eat at least once a day. That's what human life is all about-enjoying things.”

- Julia Child



Local Events :
Vegetable Gardening
Date & Time: March 22, 2011 (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
Location
Bartlett Public Library
800 S Bartlett RD
Bartlett, IL 60103 (DuPage County)
Description
Master Gardener Paul Stoffels will discuss the basics of vegetable gardening including the preparation of the soil, choosing the right location and selection of plants. To reserve your seat, please call 630-213-5033.
The Herb Patch
Date & Time : March 22, 2011 (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
Location
Wheaton Public Library
225 N Cross ST
Wheaton, IL 60187 (DuPage County)
Description Whether you're a new or advanced herb gardener, DuPage County Master Gardener Carol Sherby will be able to offer information useful in the selection, care and uses of a variety of culinary herbs. Come learn how to add some flavor to your garden. Call 630-868-7592 to reserve your spot.
Curb Appeal
Date & Time : April 16, 2011 (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM)
Location
Roselle Park District (presented by the Roselle Park District Garden Club)
555 W Bryn Mawr Ave
Roselle, IL 60172 (DuPage County)
Description The experts all agree that curb appeal is one of the most important aspects to consider when selling your home. DuPage County Master Gardener Stephanie Dalton will show you how to bring your yard from drab to WOW -- even if you aren't planning to sell. Call 630-881-1300 to reserve your


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Schaumburg, IL 60193

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