Posted by admin on May 28, 2011
We did some seed tests in various potting and seed starting mixes for both vegetables and flowers. The most interesting findings we had were that to grow seeds in containers outdoors, it is best not to use Miracle-Gro seed starting mix. Both seed starting mixes were more expensive than outdoor potting mixes. They do contain wetting agents each to retain moisture.
Above image: Miracle-Gro seed starting mix, top has thin layer of moss growing after a few weeks
Above image: Jiffy seed starting mix - plants are growing ok but not quickly, better than Miracle-Gro seed starting mix
Above image: Miracle-Gro potting soil in a regular big bag was the best
Overall, small bags of indoor seed starting mixes with a wetting agent are best to use indoors. Regular big bags of potting soil can be used to start seeds in trays or pots outside if they have nutrients, are well drained, and are sterile. It is also important to use the right brand of potting soil. We find it helpful to see a sample of the soil before buying. OSH (Orchard Supply Hardware) shows samples in clear plastic containers in the soil section, which we appreciate.
Posted by admin on November 10, 2009
African Daisies are now one of our favorite perennials to grow. A year ago we tested a couple of small potted African Daisies from Target and they have quadrupled in size without stopping blooming. Although African Daisies can be deadheaded to promote more flowering, we didn’t need to and they have continued flowering like crazy. We applied some Lilly Miller organic fertilizer and had included some compost when planting.
Growing African Daisies
A few months ago we purchased a Stover Seed bag of African Daisies at a local Home Depot. We cleared an area about 2 feet by 8 feet. We removed the top half inch of soil and placed that soil in buckets. We took four cups of potting soil and mixed it in with the seeds. We sprinkled that soil/seed mix over the whole area, covered with the soil from buckets, and watered daily until seeds sprouted. After sprouting we went to water every other day and now a few months later when the plants are full grown we water weekly.
African Daisy Collection from Seed
Posted by admin on July 9, 2009
Angel’s Trumpet is quite the rewarding plant to grow. This vigorous plant (also can be trained to grow as a shrub or tree) loves full sun, has fragrant flowers, and grows six to eight feet in height when mature. This plant can grow well in a pot or the ground. It does not like to dry out between waterings, and cannot get colder than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Here is a beautiful white potted variety that can be transplanted into the ground, a pink one just like the one in our garden photo below you can grow from seed, an orange one that can be grown from seed, and a beautiful potted peach variety.
Pink Angels Trumpet Plant in Our Garden
Posted by admin on July 8, 2009
Sunflowers are quite an amazing annual. They can grow in sunny, somewhat foggy, and partial shade areas. They can be anywhere between 2-14 feet in height, with one to ten flowers on a plant. They grow fast, and many tolerate substandard soils. They are also fairly drought tolerant. Many are so tough, wind does not bother them. They can be used for a privacy screen between your house and that of a neighbor. To do this, we recommend not just one row, but 2-3.
We recommend planting sunflowers in pots or a clearly defined area first. That way, when they sprout, they can be replanted to exactly their final location.
After a sunflower is done blooming, we recommend cutting the head and drying it to keep the seeds. Another way to keep the seeds for later growing is to put a thin cloth around the head and twist tie it. Or, of course if you like you can let birds eat the seeds when it is done flowering.
Below is a photo taken today in our San Francisco California garden. These sunflowers are 3-7 feet in height. They would have grown taller, but we experimented here with letting them all grow in small pots until they were 1-2 feet tall, and then planted them out. This meant they were used to being confined so now will not grow as tall. That is a good way if you like to control the size of your sunflower plants. Click here to see our favorite sunflowers.
One of Many Sunflowers Blooming Right Now in our SF, CA Garden
Sunflowers in our San Francisco California garden
- This is our favorite seed company for both quantity and quality.