Posted by admin on March 2, 2009
Marigolds can be one of the most fun and rewarding annual plants to grow from seed at home. Marigolds exhibit beautiful, brilliant yellow, orange, or red blooms. They have compact bushy growth and can bloom for weeks to months. Although marigolds can be planted from seed directly in the garden, I prefer to plant seeds in a sterile medium inside it the house in a window, in the basement under lights, or in the garden in trays. This way once plants are large enough, they can be transplanted into the garden. Marigolds are terrific for container gardening, sunny borders, or filling in empty areas between other plants. Marigolds do not tolerate frost well so should be planted in the spring after danger of frost. Marigolds like full sun. Seeds can be planted 1/4″ in depth. I generally plant marigolds seeds very close together and then thin them to between 1 inch to 12 inches apart. The amount that you thin them will depend on how dense you want your marigolds to grow. The marigolds in the photo, Happy Days Red, are planted very close together for a more impressive show. Most marigolds bloom at a height of 3 inches to 12 inches. The marigolds in this photo are about three months old, from seed to bloom.
Marigold Happy Days Red in my Garden Border Started from Seed
Posted by admin on
Lavender is one of the most aromatic, rewarding perennial plants to grow. After Lavender gets established it can be a wonderful drought tolerant plant. The foliage and flowers of a lavender plant are usually nicely fragrant. The flowers can be purple, white, or a combination. Foliage can be green to silver to bluish.
A Dense Variety of Lavender
Lavender plants attract butterflies to the garden as well as bees and other beneficial insects. Lavender plants like part or full sun, with six or more hours of direct sun being ideal.
Lavender with Tall Flower Spikes
For the first number of months that you grow Lavender, it is important to water regularly. After the plant is established, a more arid dry environment is permitted due to the deep roots of the plant. Lavender plants bloom generally in the summer. Spacing between Lavender plants is usually best to be between 15 to 25 inches. Lavender plants grow at a medium pace but can grow fast. Generally Lavender will be one foot to 3 feet in height, and can be anywhere from 2 inches wide when young to many feet wide when established. Lavender is generally not happy below 32°F. It is best to cut back lavender flowers after flowering To promote more bloom. It is not important to fertilize lavender, but some can be beneficial. When planting use a porous mixture with compost, sand, and other well-drained rich nutrients. The average size of a lavender plant is about 3′ x 3′.
Lavender Blooming Like Crazy
Posted by admin on January 13, 2009
Many people ask me when is the best time to start planting indoors and outdoors. Although I would say anytime, now really is the perfect time. If you are in a colder climate, start planting indoors in trays. If you are in a warmer climate, plant in the ground. The banner ad below has some great web specials from Wayside Gardens.
Posted by admin on December 25, 2008
Here are 5 watering tips to use when you water your outdoor and indoor plants.
- Do not water from above the leaves. Water at the base of the plant, just above the roots.
- Water in the morning or late afternoon so that the base of the plant can dry by evening. This timing of watering also allows the temperature not to be at peak. Watering in the morning gives the plant all day to absorb water.
- Do not water in the evening. This can prevent fungus and other diseases.
- Feel the surface of the soil as well as underneath the soil. If it looks dry from above, it may still be wet underneath.
- Plants that have been in your garden and established for more than a year will not need to watered as frequently as new plants. This is because well established plants will have stronger, more resilient root systems.
Posted by admin on December 24, 2008
Here are some tips for bringing plants indoors for the winter from outside. First, examine the plant for insects, disease, and pests. Second, spray down the leaves of the plant with insecticidal soap. Third, isolate the plant for a couple of weeks so it doesn’t affect other plants. Fourth, after bringing the plant in with your other plants, go less on the fertilizer and watering so the plant can rest.