Confirm test meter accuracy
Growers are constantly reminded by extension agents and growing media manufacturers to monitor the pH and soluble salt levels of their growing mixes. But growers should also check the accuracy of test meters. Univ. of Md. Co-op. Ext. reminds growers that regardless of the quality of their equipment, meter probes have a shelflife and may need to be replaced every 2 years. Meter test results should be compared with a commercial lab at least once a year. To extend the life of a soil probe, keep the tips in buffer solution and don't allow them to dry out.

Burger King rejects tomato-pickers' proposal
Burger King Corp. has declined to accept the Coalition of Immokalee Workers' (CIW) "penny per pound" proposal. CIW had requested that Burger King help raise wages of Florida tomato pickers by paying more for tomatoes. The company said it has no business relationship with the workers and cannot control how they are compensated. Burger King did offer to send company recruiters to the Immokalee area to speak with CIW officials and to workers about opportunities for full-time employment at its restaurants. Burger King also spoke to CIW about its Have It Your Way Foundation working with the coalition to identify charitable organizations that could improve workers' lives.

Consumers still avoiding leafy greens
Rutgers Food Policy Institute released the results of a nationwide survey conducted in November to determine the effectiveness of the FDA advisory in September to E. coli-contaminated spinach. Nearly 90% of Americans heard about the advisory to avoid consuming bagged fresh spinach. Many of those who heard about the spinach recall discussed it with other people. Most Americans did stop eating spinach because of the recall, but some of those who ate spinach before the recall continued to eat it during the recall. Some Americans were confused over the products affected, with 18% saying they stopped buying other bagged produce because of the recall. At the time of the survey people were still confused over the status of the recall. Just over 10% believed it was still in effect and even more didn't know if the recall was still ongoing.

America in Bloom registration ends Feb. 28
The deadline for cities wishing to register for the America in Bloom national beautification campaign and contest is Feb. 28. In its 5 years, people in 130 communities have participated in the AIB program. AIB is dedicated to promoting nationwide beautification programs and personal and community involvement through the use of plants and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements.

Worth a visit
The nursery business deserves its own action/adventure serial, "The Great Nursery Adventure: A Year in the Life of Greene Family Nursery." This month, the family faces a shortage of essential liners. Only on GreenBeam.com.

Hydraulic Sprayers for any size operation. Unique features: ● High Flow, Maintenance Free Pump. ● Self Tracking, Maneuverable Carts. ● Designed with growers in mind.

Superior elle plug technology makes plug production economical, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Call today about our virus-indexed 35mm perennial and hosta elle plugs. 1-888-WALTERS (925-8377)

Fine Americas, Inc. offers you a complete range of plant growth regulators to improve your crop quality and increase profit margins. Contact your distributor today.

The OFA Short Course, U.S.'s premier educational and trade show event. Get your own worldwide perspective on floriculture at the 2007 OFA Short Course.