Tips

22 Jan

Succulents are striking, low maintenance plants that are available in a wide variety of colors and shapes. The popularity of succulents is on the rise due to their sleek and savvy appearance. They have quickly become the botanical star of the Instagram world since they're cool looking plants with interesting features.   In addition to their beauty, succulents are known for being highly self-sufficient.  They are able to fight off long periods of drought by storing water in their thick and fleshy leaves.  As a result, succulents are versatile plants that can survive in a variety of climates.  Their drought tolerance also allows them to thrive on neglect.  Anyone can grow them, even if they don’t have a green thumb.   Succulent Types and Uses Succulents are available in a broad range of tender and hardy varieties and can be purchased from most local garden centers.  Popular tender types include aloe, crassula, jade, and kalanchoe.  They are usually grown in containers and placed indoors or outdoors...

19:50 / Gardening Tips
18 Jan

Building a terrarium is a great wintertime activity that’s fun for both kids and adults.  Terrariums provide a way to create a miniature indoor garden.  They're low maintenance, making them an ideal choice for beginners and those who have little time to care for plants.  Terrariums also allow an opportunity to express your inner gardener without taking up a lot of space.  You can personalize them by including all sorts of items in order to create your own garden scene.  Selecting a Container Terrariums can be open or closed and are built using a clear glass container.  The container provides a mini garden environment and is often a simple household item.  Some good choices are interesting glass bowls, mason jars, fish bowls, large wine glasses or an old aquarium.  Keep in mind that containers with wider openings make it easier to place the plants inside. Personalizing Your Terrarium The most entertaining part of making a terrarium is adding accessories as a finishing...

11:10 / Gardening Tips
11 Jan

Indoor Herbs Growing herbs in your house this time of year can be very rewarding, especially when you get the itch to grow something green.   However, it’s not easy to grow all herbs inside and there are certain precautions you need to take before planting . Some of our favorites are difficult to grow in the winter.   Basil might go directly into flower production during the winter months rather than produce those delectable leaves we want.    Rosemary is another plant that might not do well inside.  It requires cooler temperatures and good air movement; both of which might be difficult to simulate inside.    But try sage, mint, parsley and oregano to name a few.  Transfer inside:  Some of last season’s herb plants will transfer quite nicely indoors.   Well before the first frost of the winter begin moving your potted herb plants into a ‘halfway house’ such as a garage, entryway, or enclosed porch, for...

11:49 / Gardening Tips
27 Aug

The ideal mulches are life based; that is, from living tissue (as opposed to rock or plastic) such as: wood chips, bark, root chippings, pine needles, grain straws, shredded leaves, and so on. Mulch forms an insulation blanket to conserve moisture, protect roots from summer’s heat and winter’s cold. Mulch also helps suppress weeds. Aside of good watering, mulching is the single most important thing you can do to assure garden success. Recommended depth is 2 to 4” on new plantings. Over time, mulch decomposes so refresh it annually by top dressing with another inch or so....

15:32 / Gardening Tips