Keeping your indoor plants healthy requires time, effort and knowledge. It's important that you choose plants that will easily adapt to your particular indoor environment. You need to keep in mind the amount of natural daylight they will receive, and how much time you are willing to invest in them. Some plants are much hardier than others and can handle a little neglect, while others will wither away very quickly without the proper attention.
It's not uncommon for plants to grow much more slowly indoors than they would outdoors. You can really see this in action if you take one of your houseplants outside for the summer. They just go crazy. Most indoor plants will go dormant starting in the fall and continuing through the winter.
One of the things to be attentive to is the temperature of your home. Houseplants require a certain amount of heat in order to thrive. Generally, it's recommended that you maintain the temperature between 60 degrees to 70 degrees F during the day and 55 to 65 degrees overnight. If the change between nighttime and daytime temperatures is too drastic, you can end up damaging your plants.
You also want to place your plants in an area that won't get a lot of drafts. This will cause the soil to dry out much more quickly. Also, most indoor plants don't prefer a lot of direct sunlight throughout the day. It's best to find a spot where they get a few hours of direct sun, and indirect sun the rest of the day. Of course, this will depend on the particular type of plant you have, so you'll need to research the needs of your individual species.
In the wintertime, your indoor environment is much drier than it is in the summer. This can cause your plants to suffer from a lack of humidity. That's why it's important that you mist them regularly to create a more humid environment for them. This should be done at least once a week, preferably twice.
Watering your plants also takes a little extra effort. You don't want to use water directly from the tap, because it's high in chlorine. Fill a container with water and let it sit for a day or two before you use it to water your plants. During that time the chlorine will dissipate and the water will be perfectly healthy for your plant.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Lighting Tips for Growing Indoor Bonsai
Indoor bonsai are generally considered to be bonsai trees that are grown inside the house or in a greenhouse. They can also be grown outside but taken indoors in the cold seasons. Some people say that there isn't an actual indoor bonsai tree, because they need some exposure to outdoor elements such as full sunlight, wind, rain, and the change of seasons. It can be very difficult to replicate these conditions in an indoor environment. As well, it can be detrimental to the health of your plant to keep in indoors all the time.
However, this doesn't mean you can't grow bonsai indoors. As a matter of fact, if you pay careful attention to their needs, they can flourish in an indoor environment. Here are some tips to help you properly care for an indoor bonsai tree.
* Indoor bonsai need sufficient quantities of light. Locate them near a window that receives direct sun throughout a good portion of the day.
* If you don't have a good source of natural light in your home, try using artificial lighting. Just make sure you're using the right kind. You need a special lamp that is created specifically for growing plants. A regular light bulb or even fluorescent lighting is insufficient. Your bonsai will become sickly and weak.
* If your indoor bonsai is placed near a window, you need to turn it regularly in order to ensure that all sides of the tree get equal amounts of light.
* If your bonsai tree is meant to bear fruit, the need for sunlight is especially critical if you want it to flower and produce.
There are some common myths about the lighting requirements of indoor bonsai. Some people believe that an indoor bonsai has to be kept indoors or under completely shaded during its early growth stages. This is inaccurate. Bonsai need natural light right from the start.
Another inaccurate belief is that indoor bonsai should not be exposed to direct sunlight. The truth is that all bonsai require sunlight, water, and appropriate nutrients - how much of each depends on the particular species that you're growing. So you need to research the particular needs of the type of bonsai that you're growing to make sure it gets what it needs in order to thrive.
However, this doesn't mean you can't grow bonsai indoors. As a matter of fact, if you pay careful attention to their needs, they can flourish in an indoor environment. Here are some tips to help you properly care for an indoor bonsai tree.
* Indoor bonsai need sufficient quantities of light. Locate them near a window that receives direct sun throughout a good portion of the day.
* If you don't have a good source of natural light in your home, try using artificial lighting. Just make sure you're using the right kind. You need a special lamp that is created specifically for growing plants. A regular light bulb or even fluorescent lighting is insufficient. Your bonsai will become sickly and weak.
* If your indoor bonsai is placed near a window, you need to turn it regularly in order to ensure that all sides of the tree get equal amounts of light.
* If your bonsai tree is meant to bear fruit, the need for sunlight is especially critical if you want it to flower and produce.
There are some common myths about the lighting requirements of indoor bonsai. Some people believe that an indoor bonsai has to be kept indoors or under completely shaded during its early growth stages. This is inaccurate. Bonsai need natural light right from the start.
Another inaccurate belief is that indoor bonsai should not be exposed to direct sunlight. The truth is that all bonsai require sunlight, water, and appropriate nutrients - how much of each depends on the particular species that you're growing. So you need to research the particular needs of the type of bonsai that you're growing to make sure it gets what it needs in order to thrive.
Get a Health Boost With an Indoor Organic Herb Garden
Cooking with fresh herbs can be quite a treat not only for the chef but for the people who get to taste the food. Fresh herbs bring forth a bolder, tastier flavor that dried herbs would never be able to match. For this reason alone, you should try to plant an indoor organic herb garden. You could have success with kits like the chia herb garden or on your own with natural plant food, fertilizers and your favorite herbs planted in pots.
In terms of your indoor organic herb garden, this means your herbs are grown without any unnatural substances like pesticides. Natural solutions are often used instead of man-made ones and could include incorporating compost to enrich your potting soil or using cow dung or fish parts to serve as fertilizer. With the fertilizing boost, the herbs tend to grow smaller and look a bit puny too.
The key to a successful indoor organic herb garden is the soil. The soil should be full of nutrients and the fertilizers mentioned before are very important. The three main ingredients you need for herb gardening are nitrogen, potassium (potash) and phosphorous. The nitrogen strengthens the stem and leaves of the herbs while the phosphorous are important to root health as well as flowering. The potassium in the soil of your indoor organic herb garden plays a key role in the plants' overall health. Fish meal, bat guano, bone meal, seaweed and kelp are just a few natural ingredients that can make a difference in growing your herbs.
Planting the herbs in pots indoors, you should understand that your indoor organic herb garden needs rich, well-drained soil in addition to the occasional fertilizing session. They require just a little moisture so when you water the herbs, do not saturate the soil. Sunlight is very important so your herb garden location should be in an area that soaks in a good portion of the sun's rays each day. Without adequate sunlight, your herbs would look sickly instead of a lush, hardy green appearance.
Having an indoor organic herb garden means you don't ever have to cook another boring meal again. A pinch of basil and oregano can make a marinara sauce pop while fresh cilantro, garlic and chives could turn into a great tasting salsa or even a salad. Fresh herbs definitely make all the difference in your cooking. Avoiding chemicals like pesticides and incorporating natural ingredients into the soil and fertilizer ensures a successful indoor organic herb garden.
In terms of your indoor organic herb garden, this means your herbs are grown without any unnatural substances like pesticides. Natural solutions are often used instead of man-made ones and could include incorporating compost to enrich your potting soil or using cow dung or fish parts to serve as fertilizer. With the fertilizing boost, the herbs tend to grow smaller and look a bit puny too.
The key to a successful indoor organic herb garden is the soil. The soil should be full of nutrients and the fertilizers mentioned before are very important. The three main ingredients you need for herb gardening are nitrogen, potassium (potash) and phosphorous. The nitrogen strengthens the stem and leaves of the herbs while the phosphorous are important to root health as well as flowering. The potassium in the soil of your indoor organic herb garden plays a key role in the plants' overall health. Fish meal, bat guano, bone meal, seaweed and kelp are just a few natural ingredients that can make a difference in growing your herbs.
Planting the herbs in pots indoors, you should understand that your indoor organic herb garden needs rich, well-drained soil in addition to the occasional fertilizing session. They require just a little moisture so when you water the herbs, do not saturate the soil. Sunlight is very important so your herb garden location should be in an area that soaks in a good portion of the sun's rays each day. Without adequate sunlight, your herbs would look sickly instead of a lush, hardy green appearance.
Having an indoor organic herb garden means you don't ever have to cook another boring meal again. A pinch of basil and oregano can make a marinara sauce pop while fresh cilantro, garlic and chives could turn into a great tasting salsa or even a salad. Fresh herbs definitely make all the difference in your cooking. Avoiding chemicals like pesticides and incorporating natural ingredients into the soil and fertilizer ensures a successful indoor organic herb garden.
Monday, March 23, 2009
A Look at the Various Bonsai Styles
There are five traditional styles that you can shape your bonsai into as it grows. Some styles are perfect for beginners, while others are more appropriate for experienced bonsai artists. The style you choose should also be appropriate for the species you're growing. You want your tree to look the same as the full size version. Here's a look at the five basic styles.
1. Formal Upright. This is also called the Chokkan style. This style is best left to the experts because it's relatively difficult to achieve. It features a trunk that is perfectly straight and tapers naturally and evenly from base to apex. Its branches are symmetrically spaced. Recommended species: Juniper, Larch, and Pine.
2. Informal Upright. In this style, the trunk of the bonsai is bent slightly to the left or the right. Neither the trunk nor the branches should be pointing towards the viewer. Recommended species: Beech, Japanese Maple, and Trident Maple.
3. Slanting. Here the trunk leans at a noticeable angle, and can be either straight or curved. Heavy roots are encouraged to grow on the opposite side of from which the trunk leans. This provides support for the angled growth. Recommended species: Conifer.
4. Cascade. This is a lovely style that presents an image of branches seeking the light. The tip of the bonsai tapers below the bottom of the base of the pot. Recommended species: Those that are not strongly upright by nature.
5. Semi-Cascade. In a natural environment you will see this style among trees that overhang water or grow on a cliff. The tip of the bonsai projects over the rim of the pot but doesn't drop below its base. Exposed roots will help to balance the tree. Recommended species: Juniper, Cedar, and Flowering Cherry.
In order to truly master the art of bonsai styling, you need to observe trees in their natural environment and examine their growth patterns. When you are ready to start styling your bonsai, take a look at what it looks like naturally and that will help you choose the most suitable style. Start by learning the traditional styles, and over time you can modify it to give it your own personal flair. After all, bonsai is an art, not just a hobby, and you should be able to express yourself through it.
1. Formal Upright. This is also called the Chokkan style. This style is best left to the experts because it's relatively difficult to achieve. It features a trunk that is perfectly straight and tapers naturally and evenly from base to apex. Its branches are symmetrically spaced. Recommended species: Juniper, Larch, and Pine.
2. Informal Upright. In this style, the trunk of the bonsai is bent slightly to the left or the right. Neither the trunk nor the branches should be pointing towards the viewer. Recommended species: Beech, Japanese Maple, and Trident Maple.
3. Slanting. Here the trunk leans at a noticeable angle, and can be either straight or curved. Heavy roots are encouraged to grow on the opposite side of from which the trunk leans. This provides support for the angled growth. Recommended species: Conifer.
4. Cascade. This is a lovely style that presents an image of branches seeking the light. The tip of the bonsai tapers below the bottom of the base of the pot. Recommended species: Those that are not strongly upright by nature.
5. Semi-Cascade. In a natural environment you will see this style among trees that overhang water or grow on a cliff. The tip of the bonsai projects over the rim of the pot but doesn't drop below its base. Exposed roots will help to balance the tree. Recommended species: Juniper, Cedar, and Flowering Cherry.
In order to truly master the art of bonsai styling, you need to observe trees in their natural environment and examine their growth patterns. When you are ready to start styling your bonsai, take a look at what it looks like naturally and that will help you choose the most suitable style. Start by learning the traditional styles, and over time you can modify it to give it your own personal flair. After all, bonsai is an art, not just a hobby, and you should be able to express yourself through it.
Basics of an Indoor Kitchen Herb Garden
Did you know that many people who fail at cultivating herbs outside actually have succeeded in growing them in an indoor kitchen herb garden? When you see the herbs up close and personal every day, you tend to remember things like watering them and ensuring they have fertilizer or plant food for optimal growth. Plus, away from inclement weather and pests, herbs tend to thrive and can be quite hardy given that you provide them with the proper TLC.
What do you want to grow in your indoor kitchen herb garden anyway? Make a list of all the favorite herbs you like to cook with and then narrow down the list to a few that are the hardiest and easiest to care for. Chives, basil, oregano, cilantro and rosemary are just a few of many herbs you can choose from that will add a bit of "spice" to your cooking.
What you do not want to do is start your herbs from seed outdoors or transplant them from there as they could bring in pests or even chemical residue from the outdoors. When you start your herbs from seed or purchase seedlings from a nursery and keep them inside, you have the makings of a good indoor organic herb garden. To ensure you stay organic, you would not use any fertilizers or plant food that could not be found naturally in nature. For instance, you could use fish emulsion as a fertilizer to boost the growth of your indoor kitchen herb garden.
You can use smaller clay pots with a drainage hole in the bottom for planting your herbs individually or even combine several together in one dish container. As long as you can display your indoor kitchen herb garden in a sunlit area for at least six or more hours a day, these plants should do fine. Do keep in mind those herbs that tend to grow bushy like rosemary as you might want to plant them separately to give them plenty of room.
If you plan to combine several herbs in one container for your indoor kitchen herb garden, try to pair them with similar herbs used in certain cuisines together. For instance, Italian cooking uses basil, oregano, marjoram and garlic so these herbs could be grown in the same container.
Consider turning your indoor kitchen herb garden into a centerpiece or focal point of a room. Use recycled materials as "pots" such as an old child's boot or even an antique mug. Some herbs like rosemary and lavender also make great air fresheners and could be displayed throughout the home. Using your imagination can make your indoor kitchen herb garden really pop and also boost your culinary skills.
What do you want to grow in your indoor kitchen herb garden anyway? Make a list of all the favorite herbs you like to cook with and then narrow down the list to a few that are the hardiest and easiest to care for. Chives, basil, oregano, cilantro and rosemary are just a few of many herbs you can choose from that will add a bit of "spice" to your cooking.
What you do not want to do is start your herbs from seed outdoors or transplant them from there as they could bring in pests or even chemical residue from the outdoors. When you start your herbs from seed or purchase seedlings from a nursery and keep them inside, you have the makings of a good indoor organic herb garden. To ensure you stay organic, you would not use any fertilizers or plant food that could not be found naturally in nature. For instance, you could use fish emulsion as a fertilizer to boost the growth of your indoor kitchen herb garden.
You can use smaller clay pots with a drainage hole in the bottom for planting your herbs individually or even combine several together in one dish container. As long as you can display your indoor kitchen herb garden in a sunlit area for at least six or more hours a day, these plants should do fine. Do keep in mind those herbs that tend to grow bushy like rosemary as you might want to plant them separately to give them plenty of room.
If you plan to combine several herbs in one container for your indoor kitchen herb garden, try to pair them with similar herbs used in certain cuisines together. For instance, Italian cooking uses basil, oregano, marjoram and garlic so these herbs could be grown in the same container.
Consider turning your indoor kitchen herb garden into a centerpiece or focal point of a room. Use recycled materials as "pots" such as an old child's boot or even an antique mug. Some herbs like rosemary and lavender also make great air fresheners and could be displayed throughout the home. Using your imagination can make your indoor kitchen herb garden really pop and also boost your culinary skills.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Caring for Your Bonsai Season by Season
Bonsai trees need a considerable amount care and attention. You need to regularly water, fertilize, repot, and prune (both branches and roots). Some of these tasks are carried out seasonally. For instance, you should repot and prune the roots either at the start of spring or the very end of the winter months. Here's a look at what's involved in caring for your bonsai, season by season.
Winter: In the wintertime, your bonsai needs to be protected from icy winds and cold temperature. Many people bring their outdoor bonsai inside for these months. If your winter isn't that severe, you might be able to leave it outside, but you will need to protect it carefully from wind and frost. If your bonsai inadvertently receives frost damage, wait until new buds appear before you trim or prune it again. Don't fertilizer your bonsai in winter. Remember to keep watering it, though.
Spring: Spring is the season when your bonsai will start to show new growth. This is when you'll want to do your repotting and styling. You'll prune the roots and repot towards the very end of the dormant season. As well, this is when you will fertilize it. Snip off all flowers that have finished blooming. Keep an eye on new buds and snip them off if they are distorting the shape of your tree. Check the requirements of your particular species to make sure you're trimming it properly.
Summer: Shelter your bonsai from too much sun exposure in the summertime. When you repot in the spring, put the bonsai in a larger pot so they have room to grow through the summer. Many people like to arrange their bonsai in a grouping. Just be sure to leave enough room between the plants for proper air circulation. Excessive growth at the top should be pruned frequently. Flowering bonsai will require high phosphate fertilizer during the summer months to keep them in bloom.
Fall: Prune your bonsai according to the requirements of your species. You can continue to give flower bonsai high phosphate fertilizer. Some species should be wired in the fall.
Your level of commitment and effort that goes into caring for your bonsai will be reflected in a healthy, attractive plant. The satisfaction you'll receive from a successful bonsai tree will be worth it all and more.
Winter: In the wintertime, your bonsai needs to be protected from icy winds and cold temperature. Many people bring their outdoor bonsai inside for these months. If your winter isn't that severe, you might be able to leave it outside, but you will need to protect it carefully from wind and frost. If your bonsai inadvertently receives frost damage, wait until new buds appear before you trim or prune it again. Don't fertilizer your bonsai in winter. Remember to keep watering it, though.
Spring: Spring is the season when your bonsai will start to show new growth. This is when you'll want to do your repotting and styling. You'll prune the roots and repot towards the very end of the dormant season. As well, this is when you will fertilize it. Snip off all flowers that have finished blooming. Keep an eye on new buds and snip them off if they are distorting the shape of your tree. Check the requirements of your particular species to make sure you're trimming it properly.
Summer: Shelter your bonsai from too much sun exposure in the summertime. When you repot in the spring, put the bonsai in a larger pot so they have room to grow through the summer. Many people like to arrange their bonsai in a grouping. Just be sure to leave enough room between the plants for proper air circulation. Excessive growth at the top should be pruned frequently. Flowering bonsai will require high phosphate fertilizer during the summer months to keep them in bloom.
Fall: Prune your bonsai according to the requirements of your species. You can continue to give flower bonsai high phosphate fertilizer. Some species should be wired in the fall.
Your level of commitment and effort that goes into caring for your bonsai will be reflected in a healthy, attractive plant. The satisfaction you'll receive from a successful bonsai tree will be worth it all and more.
Enjoy Fine Food With An Indoor Culinary Herb Garden
Growing herbs for cooking is typically associated with warm spring and summer weather but what do you do when you want fresh herbs during the dead of winter? With an indoor culinary herb garden, you can have tasty, fresh flavor year round. Imagine homemade salsa with fresh cilantro or roasted chicken with rosemary. You can shell out the extra bucks and purchase herbs in the grocery store or invest a little time and money in an indoor kitchen herb garden and reap the "fruits" of your labor for months.
The advent of indoor culinary herb garden starter kits was a big boon for amateur chefs with black thumbs in the garden. A number of these do-it-yourself herb growing kits for indoors are on the market today and many of them are so easy to use, even a young child could do it. As long as you can water and feed the herbs at the appropriate times, within a month you could start trimming some of your herbs for use.
Most of these kits start off with a large tray to start the herbs, using peat starter pellets, a greenhouse-like dome and plant food. Once the herbs become seedlings, they are then transferred into pots. People with space issues like those in condos or apartments might consider an indoor culinary herb garden grown in stackable pots. And because a few herbs are not just for cooking but for other uses, you might distribute them in separate pots to place throughout the home. Rosemary and mint are two herbs that smell wonderful as they grow and could really "spice" up a room.
A few favorite herbs that find their way into many indoor culinary herb gardens include chives, basil, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, marjoram and dill. Oregano, sage, tarragon and mint are other herbs that many amateur chefs love to have in their kitchen. All the chefs have to do is pinch or cut off what they need without breaking stride when following a recipe – no special preparation is needed.
When you grow herbs outdoors, they are susceptible not only to weather but pesticides, bugs and the abuse from animals. However with an indoor culinary herb garden, you do not have to worry about any chemicals or destructive animals. And of course, the weather is not an issue, although you need to take care to place the herbs in sunlight for as long as possible for optimal growth.
Having an indoor culinary herb garden will likely prompt you to experiment with new dishes and incorporate the herbs in more foods as well. The extra effort is well worth it when you create wonderful dishes with a taste that lingers on the taste buds.
The advent of indoor culinary herb garden starter kits was a big boon for amateur chefs with black thumbs in the garden. A number of these do-it-yourself herb growing kits for indoors are on the market today and many of them are so easy to use, even a young child could do it. As long as you can water and feed the herbs at the appropriate times, within a month you could start trimming some of your herbs for use.
Most of these kits start off with a large tray to start the herbs, using peat starter pellets, a greenhouse-like dome and plant food. Once the herbs become seedlings, they are then transferred into pots. People with space issues like those in condos or apartments might consider an indoor culinary herb garden grown in stackable pots. And because a few herbs are not just for cooking but for other uses, you might distribute them in separate pots to place throughout the home. Rosemary and mint are two herbs that smell wonderful as they grow and could really "spice" up a room.
A few favorite herbs that find their way into many indoor culinary herb gardens include chives, basil, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, marjoram and dill. Oregano, sage, tarragon and mint are other herbs that many amateur chefs love to have in their kitchen. All the chefs have to do is pinch or cut off what they need without breaking stride when following a recipe – no special preparation is needed.
When you grow herbs outdoors, they are susceptible not only to weather but pesticides, bugs and the abuse from animals. However with an indoor culinary herb garden, you do not have to worry about any chemicals or destructive animals. And of course, the weather is not an issue, although you need to take care to place the herbs in sunlight for as long as possible for optimal growth.
Having an indoor culinary herb garden will likely prompt you to experiment with new dishes and incorporate the herbs in more foods as well. The extra effort is well worth it when you create wonderful dishes with a taste that lingers on the taste buds.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
A Guide to Building an Indoor Herb Garden
The most popular type of indoor herb garden to build is the indoor culinary herb garden, because then you can grow the culinary herbs right in your home and use them as fresh as can be whenever you have a recipe that calls for any herbs. If you want to build an indoor herb garden and really be successful with this, there are a few tips on how to build an indoor herb garden that you are going to want to learn about first.
So you want to build an indoor herb garden. Well here is how you are going to have to go about it.
First to build an indoor herb garden you are going to want to start the seeds. To do this, you are going to need to get some appropriate containers, and the clay and terracotta pots tend to work the best. To start the seeds you want to fill each pot that you have with regular potting soil, which is sold at most greenhouse shops and quite inexpensive.
Now you want to make sure that you tuck the seeds into the soil and mist a bit with water. Remember, you don’t want to pour water on top of the seeds because they are going to be too delicate at this point and spraying them hard with water could dislodge them.
Make sure that you choose the right location for your herbs, because you want them to get enough sunlight so they can strive. Putting them even in just a windowsill in your home will work well, because they will be getting adequate sunlight.
Also make sure that you are watering them on a regular basis, but again ensure that the soil is well draining so that the plants are not going to drown when you water them. Just keep the soil damp at all times, because you can tell when the soil is overly dry that you are not watering it enough.
Growing an indoor herb garden can be a very rewarding experience. Not only do you get to garden which is a very relaxing, calming hobby, but as well you get to produce something that you can actually use, such as culinary herbs that are going to taste great in all your meals. Learning to build an indoor herb garden as you can see, will require some time and effort but is going to be more than worth all that you put into it.
So you want to build an indoor herb garden. Well here is how you are going to have to go about it.
First to build an indoor herb garden you are going to want to start the seeds. To do this, you are going to need to get some appropriate containers, and the clay and terracotta pots tend to work the best. To start the seeds you want to fill each pot that you have with regular potting soil, which is sold at most greenhouse shops and quite inexpensive.
Now you want to make sure that you tuck the seeds into the soil and mist a bit with water. Remember, you don’t want to pour water on top of the seeds because they are going to be too delicate at this point and spraying them hard with water could dislodge them.
Make sure that you choose the right location for your herbs, because you want them to get enough sunlight so they can strive. Putting them even in just a windowsill in your home will work well, because they will be getting adequate sunlight.
Also make sure that you are watering them on a regular basis, but again ensure that the soil is well draining so that the plants are not going to drown when you water them. Just keep the soil damp at all times, because you can tell when the soil is overly dry that you are not watering it enough.
Growing an indoor herb garden can be a very rewarding experience. Not only do you get to garden which is a very relaxing, calming hobby, but as well you get to produce something that you can actually use, such as culinary herbs that are going to taste great in all your meals. Learning to build an indoor herb garden as you can see, will require some time and effort but is going to be more than worth all that you put into it.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Tips for The Beginner Indoor Gardener
Some people are fortunate enough to have lots of room in their yard to plant a garden. But those who live in smaller spaces can still indulge in gardening as a hobby. It's not difficult at all to grow potted vegetables, herbs, flowers and indoor greens right in your home.
While most plants are able to thrive indoors, they do require similar conditions to what your outdoor plants experience. The necessities for growth are fresh air, the right amount of sunlight, water and nutrients (this is usually provided in the form of plant food or fertilizer).
Here are some few tips to help make your indoor plants grow healthier and add beauty to your surroundings. These are some simple and practical guidelines for growing an indoor garden that's easy to maintain, whether you're planting for food or for pleasure.
Ever notice how plants will face the source of sunlight? This is because the sun is the main source of their nutrition. Plant leaves change water and nutrition from the soil to food through a process called photosynthesis. A couple of hours of sunlight every day is a must for your indoor plants. If you do not have a place where you can provide adequate sunlight, and cannot move the plants, you should consider purchasing a couple of indoor gardening lights. Ordinary lights won't do. Indoor gardening lights provide enough ultraviolet light to nourish the plants.
Provide adequate water to your plants. Your indoor plants need room temperature water to survive. Don't over water the plants. More plants die due to a lack of water or a surplus of it than they do for any other reason. Follow a rule of thumb: just like you test a cake, you should pierce a knitting needle into your plant container. If the needle goes in with ease the soil is just the right dampness, if not increase the quantity of water a bit.
Check for proper drainage at the base of your plant containers or punch holes if there aren't any so that the excess moisture escapes and your plants get the necessary warmth as well.
Fertilizers are also important. Every two weeks add a scoop of indoor plant fertilizer to your plant pot. Used tea leaves are also a very good supply of nutrition for your plant.
Follow these simple tricks and you will see your indoor garden prospering very soon.
While most plants are able to thrive indoors, they do require similar conditions to what your outdoor plants experience. The necessities for growth are fresh air, the right amount of sunlight, water and nutrients (this is usually provided in the form of plant food or fertilizer).
Here are some few tips to help make your indoor plants grow healthier and add beauty to your surroundings. These are some simple and practical guidelines for growing an indoor garden that's easy to maintain, whether you're planting for food or for pleasure.
Ever notice how plants will face the source of sunlight? This is because the sun is the main source of their nutrition. Plant leaves change water and nutrition from the soil to food through a process called photosynthesis. A couple of hours of sunlight every day is a must for your indoor plants. If you do not have a place where you can provide adequate sunlight, and cannot move the plants, you should consider purchasing a couple of indoor gardening lights. Ordinary lights won't do. Indoor gardening lights provide enough ultraviolet light to nourish the plants.
Provide adequate water to your plants. Your indoor plants need room temperature water to survive. Don't over water the plants. More plants die due to a lack of water or a surplus of it than they do for any other reason. Follow a rule of thumb: just like you test a cake, you should pierce a knitting needle into your plant container. If the needle goes in with ease the soil is just the right dampness, if not increase the quantity of water a bit.
Check for proper drainage at the base of your plant containers or punch holes if there aren't any so that the excess moisture escapes and your plants get the necessary warmth as well.
Fertilizers are also important. Every two weeks add a scoop of indoor plant fertilizer to your plant pot. Used tea leaves are also a very good supply of nutrition for your plant.
Follow these simple tricks and you will see your indoor garden prospering very soon.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Getting Started With an Indoor Herb Garden Kit
You can go out and purchase all the different items that you are going to need to get started and build an indoor herb garden, or you can purchase an indoor herb garden kit for yourself. The items that you are going to get in an indoor herb garden kit are obviously going to vary, depending on what sort of kit you buy and where you buy it from.
If you want to get an indoor herb garden kit so that you can get going on your indoor herb garden and really have the most success with it, there are a few companies in particular that you are going to want to check out.
This is one great company that you can always find an indoor herb garden kit at. This is the perfect company to turn to when you need products or even just some information on herb gardens.
Their growing kits make a fantastic gift, or you can purchase one for yourself. They want to help you enjoy the hobby of growing your own fruits, vegetables and herbs at home in your indoor herb garden, and so their herb kits are always chalk full of fabulous items that you are going to need.
Their culinary herb garden kit and mini garden stacker is especially popular, because then you can grow your own herbs right there in the garden and use them as fresh as can be whenever your recipe calls for it.
Or for an indoor herb garden kit you could go through here, Amazon. They feature the indoor culinary herb garden starter kit, which is great for beginners who have little to no experience at herb gardening. With it you receive an assortment of 12 culinary herb seeds such as parsley, thyme, and oregano, and a package of 50 Jiffy Peat pellets and greenhouse dome and tray as well as laminated instructions so you will always be able to read them even if you accidentally get them wet or dirty.
Their herb garden kits are really great, and just go to show you that you can have lots of success with an indoor herb garden as long as you are starting off on the right foot.
At least it is nice to know that if you want to grow an indoor herb garden and be successful at it, that you can be, with these types of companies out there and available to you.
If you want to get an indoor herb garden kit so that you can get going on your indoor herb garden and really have the most success with it, there are a few companies in particular that you are going to want to check out.
This is one great company that you can always find an indoor herb garden kit at. This is the perfect company to turn to when you need products or even just some information on herb gardens.
Their growing kits make a fantastic gift, or you can purchase one for yourself. They want to help you enjoy the hobby of growing your own fruits, vegetables and herbs at home in your indoor herb garden, and so their herb kits are always chalk full of fabulous items that you are going to need.
Their culinary herb garden kit and mini garden stacker is especially popular, because then you can grow your own herbs right there in the garden and use them as fresh as can be whenever your recipe calls for it.
Or for an indoor herb garden kit you could go through here, Amazon. They feature the indoor culinary herb garden starter kit, which is great for beginners who have little to no experience at herb gardening. With it you receive an assortment of 12 culinary herb seeds such as parsley, thyme, and oregano, and a package of 50 Jiffy Peat pellets and greenhouse dome and tray as well as laminated instructions so you will always be able to read them even if you accidentally get them wet or dirty.
Their herb garden kits are really great, and just go to show you that you can have lots of success with an indoor herb garden as long as you are starting off on the right foot.
At least it is nice to know that if you want to grow an indoor herb garden and be successful at it, that you can be, with these types of companies out there and available to you.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Helpful Hints for an Indoor Herb Garden
If you are interested in growing an indoor herb garden, then there are a few things that you are going to want to be aware of. You can get an indoor herb garden kit if you want, which is really the easy way of getting into all of this, or you can learn a few tips and trick about growing an indoor herb garden which are going to be really helpful to you.
One of the best tips to growing an indoor herb garden is to remember to use the right pots. This is actually one of the most important tips of all, because if your plants are not in the proper pots, they are not going to grow properly. There are only certain types of pots that indoor herbs should be grown in if you are going to be keeping them indoors the majority to all the time.
Clay and terracotta pots work the best, but there are others as well that you can use if you like. You can often just keep the plants in the pots that you purchased them in, but make sure that you use the clay or terracotta pots if you want to make the plants look nicer by switching up the containers.
There are five herbs which are probably best for you to start with for your indoor herb garden and these are oregano, chives, mint, rosemary, and thyme. Make sure that you have the right location to keep your herbs in your house, a windowsill will probably be best. You want to make sure that they are going to be getting plenty of sunlight otherwise they are not going to strive.
You may even need to get grow lights for your plants during the colder, winter months, when there is sparse sunlight available.
Another important tip for growing your indoor herb garden is to use a soil less potting mix because this will help you to avoid soil burn diseases. Also, you want to be sure that the mix is very light so that it will be well draining. This is important; otherwise your plants can end up drowning when they are watered. Proper drainage in the soil is going to be vital to your plants life.
These are all great tips that are going to help you out when you are growing an herb garden indoors and make sure that you have as much success with this endeavor as possible.
One of the best tips to growing an indoor herb garden is to remember to use the right pots. This is actually one of the most important tips of all, because if your plants are not in the proper pots, they are not going to grow properly. There are only certain types of pots that indoor herbs should be grown in if you are going to be keeping them indoors the majority to all the time.
Clay and terracotta pots work the best, but there are others as well that you can use if you like. You can often just keep the plants in the pots that you purchased them in, but make sure that you use the clay or terracotta pots if you want to make the plants look nicer by switching up the containers.
There are five herbs which are probably best for you to start with for your indoor herb garden and these are oregano, chives, mint, rosemary, and thyme. Make sure that you have the right location to keep your herbs in your house, a windowsill will probably be best. You want to make sure that they are going to be getting plenty of sunlight otherwise they are not going to strive.
You may even need to get grow lights for your plants during the colder, winter months, when there is sparse sunlight available.
Another important tip for growing your indoor herb garden is to use a soil less potting mix because this will help you to avoid soil burn diseases. Also, you want to be sure that the mix is very light so that it will be well draining. This is important; otherwise your plants can end up drowning when they are watered. Proper drainage in the soil is going to be vital to your plants life.
These are all great tips that are going to help you out when you are growing an herb garden indoors and make sure that you have as much success with this endeavor as possible.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Getting Started With Herb Gardening
So you know that you want to start an herb garden, but now you are just concerned with what types of things you should be putting in it. You have a lot of great options when it comes to planting an herb garden, but here are a few basics that are going to help you get started.
The first decision that you are going to have to make is whether you want to have an outdoor or indoor herb garden. There are pros and cons to both, but basically when it is indoors you will be able to have it and care for it year round, whereas if you are planting it outdoors, you are only going to be able to have it during the warmer months.
Even if you live in a tiny apartment, you can still have a great herb garden indoors, but there are certain requirements that any herb garden is going to need in order to survive.
This includes proper containers for one. Clay and terracotta pots are great because they allow the plants to grow and strive but also because they are decorative and nice to look at. You also need to make sure that all of the herbs in your garden have proper drainage. Herbs require a growing medium with good drainage, otherwise when they are watered they may end up drowning.
You also need to take care in the sort of temperature and light that you give the herbs in your garden. You want to keep the plants away from areas that have varying temperatures, because this is not going to be healthy for the plants and may cause them to die even. Make sure that the plants are always receiving plenty of light, which you are going to need to make even more sure of in the winter months when there is little sunlight available.
There are grow lights that you can purchase for those times when there is little to no sunlight, so that your plants are not suffering as a result of it. These grow lights are pretty inexpensive and will offer the much needed light to your plants to help them grow.
You should rotate the plants if you have to, to make sure that they are getting enough light on all sides.
These are all great tips if you have an herb garden, to make sure that all the herbs in your garden are healthy and grow well for you.
The first decision that you are going to have to make is whether you want to have an outdoor or indoor herb garden. There are pros and cons to both, but basically when it is indoors you will be able to have it and care for it year round, whereas if you are planting it outdoors, you are only going to be able to have it during the warmer months.
Even if you live in a tiny apartment, you can still have a great herb garden indoors, but there are certain requirements that any herb garden is going to need in order to survive.
This includes proper containers for one. Clay and terracotta pots are great because they allow the plants to grow and strive but also because they are decorative and nice to look at. You also need to make sure that all of the herbs in your garden have proper drainage. Herbs require a growing medium with good drainage, otherwise when they are watered they may end up drowning.
You also need to take care in the sort of temperature and light that you give the herbs in your garden. You want to keep the plants away from areas that have varying temperatures, because this is not going to be healthy for the plants and may cause them to die even. Make sure that the plants are always receiving plenty of light, which you are going to need to make even more sure of in the winter months when there is little sunlight available.
There are grow lights that you can purchase for those times when there is little to no sunlight, so that your plants are not suffering as a result of it. These grow lights are pretty inexpensive and will offer the much needed light to your plants to help them grow.
You should rotate the plants if you have to, to make sure that they are getting enough light on all sides.
These are all great tips if you have an herb garden, to make sure that all the herbs in your garden are healthy and grow well for you.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Backyard Gardening for Beginners
A backyard garden isn't just an extension of your home, it's a place to relax, unwind and soak up the beauty of nature. A beautifully contoured landscape and blooming flowers are what every homeowner longs for. Even though there are landscaping firms that can turn your backyard into a paradise, once you get started doing it yourself, it can quickly become a passionate undertaking.
There's a lot to think about for the beginner gardener when taking on the challenge. It's important to choose the right types of plants, figure out where you're going to plant them, how to maintain them, and much more. The secret is to plan everything out in advance before you get started.
The first thing you need to do is to determine the amount of space that can be allocated to your backyard garden. Be practical when planning your garden. If you won't have a lot of time to tend to it, look for low maintenance plants and landscaping ideas. Take into consideration the current condition of your backyard. If you already have some plants growing, you'll have to decide which ones you'll incorporate into your new garden and which you'll eliminate. A good approach is to draw a rough sketch of the garden layout you'd like to implement and plan for every detail.
Make the plans for your garden simple and uncluttered. Your focus should be on having a natural looking landscape, not an overgrown collection of plants. If you have too many plants, they will crowd each other out and many of them will be sickly or die. In addition, having an overabundance of plants attracts insects and mosquitoes.
How do you know where to locate your backyard garden? The direction of the sun in your backyard is the deciding factor. Shady, north corners are perfect for ferns. The areas with southern exposure will receive direct sun for most of the day, and the east and west each receive partial sunlight throughout the day. Align your garden beds from north to south so your plants benefit from the sunlight during the morning and afternoon. If your garden faces southeast, lay out your garden northwest and southeast for even sunlight distribution. Northern exposure is only good for shade loving plants. The overall idea is to lay out your garden so that the plants receive the most sunlight possible for the longest period of time.
Your next consideration is the soil in your garden. Your new garden location is most likely covered either with grass or trash. You'll have to pull up the sod and plow up the earth. Then you'll need to have topsoil delivered and spread it out throughout the garden beds. These steps will ensure that the earth where the plants are growing is fine enough so that the roots can penetrate the soil easily.
There's so much more to learn, but hopefully this will get you thinking in the right direction. Do a lot of research before you get started and gather as much information as you can.
There's a lot to think about for the beginner gardener when taking on the challenge. It's important to choose the right types of plants, figure out where you're going to plant them, how to maintain them, and much more. The secret is to plan everything out in advance before you get started.
The first thing you need to do is to determine the amount of space that can be allocated to your backyard garden. Be practical when planning your garden. If you won't have a lot of time to tend to it, look for low maintenance plants and landscaping ideas. Take into consideration the current condition of your backyard. If you already have some plants growing, you'll have to decide which ones you'll incorporate into your new garden and which you'll eliminate. A good approach is to draw a rough sketch of the garden layout you'd like to implement and plan for every detail.
Make the plans for your garden simple and uncluttered. Your focus should be on having a natural looking landscape, not an overgrown collection of plants. If you have too many plants, they will crowd each other out and many of them will be sickly or die. In addition, having an overabundance of plants attracts insects and mosquitoes.
How do you know where to locate your backyard garden? The direction of the sun in your backyard is the deciding factor. Shady, north corners are perfect for ferns. The areas with southern exposure will receive direct sun for most of the day, and the east and west each receive partial sunlight throughout the day. Align your garden beds from north to south so your plants benefit from the sunlight during the morning and afternoon. If your garden faces southeast, lay out your garden northwest and southeast for even sunlight distribution. Northern exposure is only good for shade loving plants. The overall idea is to lay out your garden so that the plants receive the most sunlight possible for the longest period of time.
Your next consideration is the soil in your garden. Your new garden location is most likely covered either with grass or trash. You'll have to pull up the sod and plow up the earth. Then you'll need to have topsoil delivered and spread it out throughout the garden beds. These steps will ensure that the earth where the plants are growing is fine enough so that the roots can penetrate the soil easily.
There's so much more to learn, but hopefully this will get you thinking in the right direction. Do a lot of research before you get started and gather as much information as you can.
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