HOME AND GARDEN

Charge your cell phone using light, courtesy SunCore

SunCore is a little known Irvine, Calif.-based company that’s on the cusp of shipping some potentially revolutionary technology. SunCore’s products charge cell phones using light. That’s “light” power and not “solar” power.

By Ian Hamilton , November 01, 2009

10 books and DVDs for your baby’s eco-library

If you want your little ones to grow up to be eco-conscious adults, start teaching them to take care of the planet right from the start. After all, learning the 3 R’s should be just as important as learning your ABC’s and 1-2-3s, right? Help your child be an ace on the environment with the best books and DVDs to instill eco-messages.

By Julie Knapp , October 18, 2009

Snip a shirt and repurpose

Don’t toss those old, stained, outgrown or just too-plain tops. With a few scissor snips, they can be transformed into a handy tote, a cute cut-flower tee or a stylish scarf.

By Disney FamilyFun magazine , October 18, 2009

Gadgets: Kodak Zi8 takes great video for less than $200

Kodak’s Zi8 video camera is outstanding, but to me, what makes it great compared with similar models from other manufacturers is the unlimited amount of storage.

By Gregg Ellman , October 11, 2009

EnergyStar ratings systems may be in need of major updates

In a sea of energy-guzzling consumer products, the government’s EnergyStar sticker is a beacon of light for many energy-conscious consumers. But that little blue square with a star on it might not be so bright after all, according to Consumer Reports, which claims that the decades-old program is in need of some major upgrades.

By Jessica Knoblauch , October 11, 2009

DARREL KOEHLER: Have no fear, there’ll be plenty of pumpkins for Halloween

Pumpkins, traditional round, orange fruits, take center stage every October. Local grocery stores and other outlets, including roadside stands, are decked out with piles of these golden orbs of autumn.

By Darrel Koehler , October 11, 2009

DARREL KOEHLER: Fall chores

October is a time to celebrate the serene beauty of autumn with its golden sunlight, brisk air, crackling leaves and flaming palette. Besides enjoying the fleeting days of autumn, we are busy with getting our produce safely stored, cleaning up fall debris and preparing for the winter that’s just down the road. We also are bombarded with household tasks including washing and placing on storm windows and doors, winterizing and getting the furnace serviced for the grueling heating season ahead.

By Darrel Koehler , October 04, 2009

DARREL KOEHLER: Raspberry patches can be renovated any time from late summer until late March

The single biggest stress facing trees over much of the state has been the exceptionally dry weather early in the growing season in recent years. Other stresses include insect damage and, construction damage caused by compacted soil.

By Darrel Koehler , September 27, 2009

DARREL KOEHLER: Autumn is perfect time to visit public gardens

Few cities have one truly outstanding garden, but this city long famous for its granite has a “two-fer.” Sitting next to one another are the Munsinger Gardens and the Clemens Gardens. Both gardens are located on the east bank of the Mississippi River, across from St. Cloud State University, and they have been attracting visitors for years, especially gardeners who want to pick up some new ideas. The gardens are often filled with wedding parties who want to use the rich floral background in their keepsake photos.

By Darrel Koehler , September 20, 2009

DARREL KOEHLER: Time to get lawn into shape

While our dry summer, coupled with a late spring warm-up, hasn’t been kind to our lawns, early autumn is the ideal time to repair the damage. Lawns got off to a rough start last spring after the severe winter. The summer was on the cool side — normally ideal for grass — but rainfall often was in short supply. Fortunately, we didn’t have lots of scorching heat, but most weeks we didn’t receive the inch of rainfall normally needed for good lawn development. Weeds were a problem.

By Darrel Koehler , September 06, 2009

DARREL KOEHLER: Bulb planting time

With summer soon but a memory as crickets chirp, days lengthen and temperatures drop, it’s time to think about planting. While most gardeners think of spring as the time to do major planting in their yards, we can do more in autumn and get a jump on 2010.

By Darrel Koehler , August 30, 2009

DARREL KOEHLER: It’s time for morning glories

With some area students heading back to classes this week after a summer sojourn, morning glories should be getting their act together. In fact, the Prairie Gardener has long referred to them as the “back-to-school” flower.

By Darrel Koehler , August 23, 2009

PRAIRIE GARDENER: Edible flowers are a good way to use summer bounty

Daylily, nasturtium and squash blossoms can end up on your dinner plate. The latest rage in horticultural circles is edible flowers, and you don’t have to be a gourmet to enjoy these tasty treats either. We will deal with five flowers in today’s column. There are many other edible flowers in addition to these listed, too. A good reference is “Edible Flowers: From Garden to Palate” (Fulcrum, $24.95) by Cathy Wilkinson Barash. You also can check the horticulture section in your local library or with your extension service if you want to expand your list of edible flowers. It’s best to make sure before that the flower is safe to eat.

By Darrel Koehler , August 16, 2009

City turns human waste into fertilizer for city trees

Kansas City, Mo., is turning black into green: black as in sewage and green as in leafy trees.

By Matt Campbell , August 16, 2009

ANN BAILEY: Keep the faith

Whenever I’ve been convinced that our garden was going to fail, it’s come through in the end and I’ve sheepishly recalled something that is repeated several times in the Bible: “Oh, ye of little faith.”

By Ann Bailey , August 09, 2009