Plants Think Rainwater Is BestIf you can harvest rainwater, DO IT. Your plants will thank you!
Microwaves Can Sterilize Potting SoilUse an old microwave oven to sterilize seed starting mix! Wet the mix evenly, and nuke it for 20 minutes. Quickly fluff it up to release the steam, and cover with a clean bucket lid for 10 minutes. Re-fluff and cover until just warm.
How To Create Humidity for Your HouseplantsHumidity is sometimes very important; it can make the difference between a lovely houseplant and a spectacular houseplant. This article will demonstrate some of the ways to create humidity.
Team Garden Together, or Team Enjoyed Alone?Some things are meant to be shared, and some things are best enjoyed alone. Of course, those "things" are different for each of us! In your house, which team are you: Team Garden Together, or Team Enjoyed Alone?
Plan Ahead!When planting, be sure to take the mature size of the plant into consideration and leave enough space for it to grow.
How To Save Bachelor Button SeedsTo easily get seeds from Centaurea cyanus (Bachelor button), roll the spent and dried flower head with a small amount of pressure between the top half inch of your forefinger and thumb. The seeds will fall right out.
Containers from Found ItemsFound items for plant containers can be quite whimsical or they can be more formal. The key is to be creative when looking for items to use.
Be Ready Always with a CameraAlways keep your camera in a waterproof baggie when gardening. There is always a surprise photo op!
Plant Seeds Without BendingTo plant seeds without stooping over; cut a comfortable length of hose or pipe and drop the seeds through it.
Willow Tea for "No Cost" Rooting of CuttingsNeed a "no cost" solution for rooting cuttings? Try willow tea. Use green willow branches steeped in warm water and cooled overnight, This solution will stimulate rooting, growth, and good health for cuttings as well as for established plants. The growing tips of willow branches possess high levels of the auxin indolebutyric acid, a synthetic form of which is used in most commercial rooting compounds.
Invasive Plants - Why Are They Here and How Can I HelpDid you know most plants that are considered invasive are the result of human activities? Fortunately there are ways we can protect our native plants.
Tree Stumps as Garden ElementsIt is always sad to have to get rid of a mature tree. When you do have to take that step, consider leaving a stump about 3-5 ft high to use as a pedestal for a pot or other art object to make a feature.
Vermicomposting: Easy and Efficient Composting with WormsWhether you live on a self-sufficient homestead or in an apartment in the city, you should consider keeping a bin of worms to turn your kitchen scraps into the best compost available. Here's how to get started.
Water for ToadsToads absorb water through their skin, so shallow dishes of water will attract toads to the area of the garden where you need insect control.
Team Label, or Not?Today's "Team" article addresses plant labels. We've seen gardens full of labels, and gardens with not one in sight. Which team do you fall into?
Keep Your Shoes HandyStore an extra pair of flip-flops, crocs or slip-on shoes by the back door just in case you need them.
Container Solutions for Hot ClimatesIf you live in a region such as Phoenix, where the summers are very hot and potted plants struggle, try lining the interior of your ceramic pots with large sized bubble wrap. Then put the soil and plant into the pot. This helps cool the roots.
Garden Art Creations: Polymer Clay in the GardenPolymer clay has been a popular craft for some time, but artisans are taking it out of the house and into the garden for a little added whimsy. Garden stakes, fairy doors, mobiles, and other fun objects are being created out of clay, bringing color and personalization to the outdoors. Meet three inspiring clay artists who have found creative ways to introduce polymer to their own gardens.
Avoid Hot Spots for FernsPlant ferns away from the foundation of a house if that foundation gets hot afternoon sun. Bricks and concrete retain heat and too much heat kills most ferns.
Snip Off the Flowers Before PlantingWhen you get your new plant home and are ready to plant, snip off any bloom that may have come with the plant. The energy will go to establishing the plant instead of maintaining the bloom.
Mulch, Mulch, Mulch!Mulch is a wonderful thing! It keeps plant roots cool, conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, keeps dirt from splashing on your plants when it rains and it looks nice. In areas that receive frost in winter it helps maintain soil temperature, thus preventing frost from heaving plants out of the soil.
Old Mini Blinds Make Great Plant MarkersOld mini blinds make great plant markers. "Permanent" markers tend to fade in the weather, so use a pencil; it will last much longer and can be erased to reuse.
Thrift Store Kitchen Knives Are Great Weeding ToolsYou can pick up a very cheap garden knife used for removing weeds. Wearing gloves, stick the knife along side the weed and poke straight down, turn and pull straight up to remove.
What's Blooming in AugustThis article launches a new feature at All Things Plants. On the 15th of each month I will highlight plants blooming here at Cottage-in-the-Meadow Gardens. I'll have photos and will discuss the plants featured. You're invited to discuss these plants, too, but just as important, you're encouraged to show us what's blooming in your garden each month. I'll also have a monthly contest called "Name that Bloom." The first person to correctly identify the plant will have a photo of his/her choice published and featured in the following month. Be sure to check out this month's mystery flower at the end of this article.
Team First Generation or Second-Generation Gardener?I've been thinking a lot about the word "heritage" lately. This week's Team Article explores if part of your heritage is a gardening one.
