Click picture to enlarge All you need to make compost is organic matter, air, and water. Dump fallen leaves, grass clippings, and garden debris in an out-of-the-way corner, and you’ll probably have crumbly black compost in a year or two without any effort on your part. If you’d rather make compost more neatly and efficiently, […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Paper towels Spray bottle Sealable plastic bag Permanent marker It is sometimes very helpful to know the germination rate of seeds you recently purchased or have had in storage. This simple technique is used by commercial seed houses to check the viability of their seeds. You can easily […]
Click picture to enlarge No other plant says “Happy Holidays” like a poinsettia. Selecting a healthy one is the first step toward ensuring that you get the most from yours, all season long. Click picture to enlarge Look closely at the colored bracts. The color should fill the entire bract. If you see a lot […]
Click picture to enlarge Ferns are popular houseplants that grow well in most homes as long as their basic requirements are met. Click picture to enlarge Most ferns are shade loving plants so they perform best in diffused light provided by a north window or fluorescent lights. Click picture to enlarge Ferns are naturally found […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Evergreen trimmings Nursery flat Florist wire Anti-transpirant Pine cones, berries, bows, etc. For a fast and simple holiday decoration, why not make an evergreen swag? Click picture to enlarge Start by collecting trimmings. Fir, pine, holly, and spruce are all good choices. The pieces should be 6-12″ in […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: 3 6′-8′ bamboo stakes Bamboo lashing cord Scissors This simple bamboo trellis is ideal for growing sweet peas. You can build it in just a few minutes. Click picture to enlarge Lay two 6 or 8′ bamboo stakes on the ground as shown, at a 15 degree angle. […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: 2’x8′ piece of ” exterior grade plywood 8′ length of 1″x3″ pine furring strip Plastic hardware cloth Staple gun 5/16″ staples Caulking gun Tube of latex caulk 20-30 1-” exterior wood screws Tape measure Handsaw or circular saw Electric drill Philips head bit Paint brush White exterior paint […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Shovel Hand pruners Pot and saucer Potting soil When you hear a severe frost warning on the news, is it time to say good-bye to your lemon grass, lemon verbena, basil, or other tender herb? Not if you overwinter them in pots indoors. Start by cutting back the […]
Click picture to enlarge The southern exposure is the brightest growing area and is the perfect spot for many sun-loving plants. Orchids requiring loads of light include Vandas, and some Dendrobiums. These will bloom well in this exposure. Other orchids are better suited to an east-facing window. Click picture to enlarge Various cacti will thrive […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Wire brush Nylon scrubber Light machine oil Rags Sandpaper(150 grit) Boiled linseed oil Most tools require some periodic maintenance to keep them in good working order. Always spray any dirt or mud off of tools once you are finished working. A nylon scrubber or a wire brush works […]
Click picture to enlarge Basin watering keeps needed water around the plant and prevents soil erosion. Build by collecting soil with your hands and forming a ‘ring’. Click picture to enlarge Fill the resulting basin with water.
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Shallow pot Potting Mix Bulbs Select a shallow 6″ ceramic pot and fill the bottom with an inch of gravel. It may be necessary to place crock or large rock over the hole in the bottom of the pot. Click picture to enlarge Next, fill the pot with […]
Click picture to enlarge An east-facing windowsill is not as bright as the southern exposure but is still a choice spot for many plants. Some orchids, like Cattleyas like it here. Paphiopedilums and Phalaenopsis will also do well in this location but should be set back a foot or so from the window so the […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Assorted small cacti Gravel Ceramic container Cactus mix Grit for topdressing First, fill the planter with 2-3″ of gravel. This is essential to provide adequate drainage for your plants. Click picture to enlarge Next, fill the container within an inch or two of the rim with commercial cactus […]
