Book encourages plant breeding

April 21, 2013 at 12:00a.m.

Wish you could find a disease-resistant rose in just the right shade of pink?

Make one.

Joseph Tychonievich leads readers through the process of breeding new plant varieties in “Plant Breeding for the Home Gardener: How to Create Unique Vegetables & Flowers.”

Tychonievich encourages his readers to try developing breeds that are suited to their climates and their needs. He instructs them on cross pollination and selecting out the best offspring, teaches advanced breeding techniques and a little genetics, and offers instructions for specific plants.

“Plant Breeding for the Home Gardener” is published by Timber Press and sells for $19.95 in paperback.

Lawn-care system shipped for free

The makers of Safer lawn and garden products are making it easier for do-it-yourselfers to treat their lawns organically.

The company is marketing a four-step organic lawn-care program that’s shipped free to the user. The system involves three applications of a slow-release fertilizer and one application of a weed preventer.

The fertilizer, Ringer Lawn Restore, contains no phosphorus. The weed preventer, Concern Weed Prevention Plus, is based on corn gluten meal.

The system costs $250 at www.sendmesafer.com, but it’s on sale for $199.99.

McClatchy Newspapers