The alien looking monster above is a mushroom patch from Fungi Perfecti www.fungi.com

I have it growing in my basement. This variety is a Japanese type called Maitake. The feathery, fully formed mushrooms haven't developed yet, just the primordia base.

It's one of two "patches" I ordered from Perfecti. The other, another Japanese variety called Enokitake is not thriving. The few mushrooms growing on it when I took it out of the bag soon withered.

I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong with the Enokitake but if I don't see any mushrooms forming soon I'll try jump starting it, according to some directions that came with the patches. If can figure them out.

Fungi Perfecti is located in Olympia. So far, I haven't been all that impressed with the company. A few years back I bought some plug spawn (wood with mushroom spores) for Shiitake mushrooms. Those were a total bust.

Perfecti's directions are poorly written and not the easiest to follow.

However, the Maitake seem to be doing well. But, I'm not sure it's worth the trouble or expense. These things are not cheap ($25 each) and require watering anywhere from one to three times a day.

I'll report back with my progress.

Speaking of Niki and her recent obsession with her outdoor spaces, I wonder how people here deal with bugs while trying to enjoy their outdoor spaces. I have friends who believe the best insect repellent is to chew on a raw clove of garlic just before retiring to the patio.

I just can't stomach that. I've tried all kinds of repellents during prime bug season, but nothing like the device detailed below in an e-mail that just hit my inbox. Anyone ever tried such a thing?

With Spring and insect season upon us, I thought you'd be interested in covering a new insect repellent device that combines the best effectiveness with ease of use and convenience. Called the ThermaCELL Mini Lantern, it is a small 4 inch tall lantern-shaped device that, with the push of a button, creates a 15 ft. x 15 ft. area of protection, repelling 98% of all biting insects, mosquitoes in particular.

Details here.

No sprays = a good thing. What do you think?

Alert! This just in from the Epsom Salt Council. Could it possibly be true?

Just as “Milk does a body good,” Epsom Salt may be one of the most perfect nutrients for flowers and plants. And mid-to-late spring is the ideal time to nourish the soils and roots of your favorite foliage and flowers with this inexpensive and easy-to-use compound. According to the Epsom Salt Council, research indicates Epsom Salt can help seeds germinate; make plants grow bushier; produce more flowers; increase chlorophyll production; improve phosphorus and nitrogen uptake; and deter pests, including slugs and voles.

Anyone used Epsom salt? What did you think? If you haven't tried it, but want to, the Epsom Salt Council recommends these amounts:

Shrubs (evergreens, azaleas, rhododendron): 1 tablespoon per 9 square feet. Apply over root zone every 2-4 weeks.

Lawns: Apply 3 pounds for every 1,250 square feet with a spreader, or dilute in water and apply with a sprayer.

Trees: Apply 2 tablespoons per 9 square feet. Apply over the root zone 3 times annually.

Garden Startup: Sprinkle 1 cup per 100 square feet. Mix into soil before planting.

Roses & Tomatoes: Use 1 tablespoon per foot of plant height per plant; apply every two weeks.

For more details, click here.

UPDATE: WSU professor Linda Chalker-Scott has written an interesting article that takes a skeptical look at using Epsom salt in the garden.
Click here to read.

When I built a raised garden bed out of stone blocks last spring I did plenty of lifting and twisting. Ahhhhh, my aching back!

I wish I would have had this tool: the PotLifter. It's a contraption made of nylon webbing and some pretty strong plastic straps. It carries up to 200 pounds.

From the company's marketing propaganda:

Certainly the most common use for this tool is the lifting and moving of large flowerpots, but PotLifter's remarkable versatility is allowing constant discovery of new and interesting uses. Landscapers like it for moving stones, stumps and tree root balls.

Cost is $29.95 and is manufactured by a Mercer Island company. Details here.

This isn't exactly garden art -- but it will pretty up your porch. I just love these copper doorbell plates from artist Lisa Young, who owns Seattle-based Flopping Fish. She tarnishes the pieces by hand with a technique that gives the pieces an interesting patina.

She also makes copper house numbers, switch plates and plaques. If you have a nicely decorated porch with arty doorbell plates or house numbers, you should upload photos at our web site. Once there, click on "photos" on the right side of the screen to upload your photos.

This May, I was planning on growing tomatoes on a trellis next to my front porch (the only spot in my yard that gets quality sun).

But then I got this e-mail:

Topsy Turvy Tomato Planter – an ingenious, upside-down planter that hangs from a tree branch or deck overhang, growing fresh tomatoes without digging, staking or weeding. $19.95

I'm intrigued. I might just have to buy one. Anyone ever try to grow tomatoes in a hanging contraption like this? Would you buy it?

Readers have called me in the past and asked about slug bait that is safe for pets. Today, I received this product release in my e-mail:

Spring means vegetable gardening for many pet owners -- which can be a dangerous time for cats and dogs. Cats and dogs die when they ingest certain garden chemicals. It happens every summer.
A garden product that you may want to consider: Bayer Advanced Dual Action Snail & Slug Killer Bait.
This product can be used around both pets and wildlife. It eliminates messy slime trails and works in turf, vegetable gardens, ornamental beds and around edible plants. It remains effective after rain and has an active ingredient of iron phosphate, all according to the Bayer Advanced Product Guide.

Anyone ever tried this product? Also, are there other slug baits on the market that are safe for pets? How do you make sure you use products that are safe for your pets?