Pea Patch Gardens and Greenhouse
Who loves a garden loves a greenhouse too.  William Cowper
  • Contact Us

Happy New Year!

1/3/2012

0 Comments

 
Happy New Year to all of our garden friends! This is one of my favorite times of the year, I get to spend hours reading seed and plant catalogues, dreaming up new combinations for baskets and trying new plant varieties.

The time to start seeds is coming soon, so I will be adding tips for that later, but I thought I would start the year with some thoughts on houseplant care. (Confession time: I was looking at my plants thinking they needed some attention. Also, I think I need a few new ones - my collection is a little shabby (okay-more than shabby)).

1. Bath - clean the tops and bottoms of leaves with water and a soft cloth. Leaves get dusty and dirty over time, washing the leaves allows the plant to breathe and grow easier.

2. Water sparingly - most houseplants are not actively growing during the dark winter months and over-watering or not allowing the plants to dry out can lead to root-rot. In drier climates you will end up watering more often than in more humid areas - but still allow soil to dry completely before watering.

3. Trim dead or sick leaves and inspect for pests - keep plants looking their best by trimming off the ugly, dead or sick looking leaves. While you are inspecting the plant, keep an eye out for bugs. Most pests can be taken care of with a environmentally friendly option such as insecticidal soap or Neem oil.

**Winter is NOT the time for repotting. This is best done when the plant is actively growing (spring or summer), or in the case of winter flowering plants in the fall after it comes out of dormancy - but before it blooms.**

A few minutes spent on each plant will ensure their health and longevity. Happy (indoor) gardening. :)

0 Comments

    Melody Wilson

    Random musings from the grey matter of Mellie.  


    Archives

    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    January 2015
    May 2014
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    October 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    September 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011


    Categories

    All
    Bedding Plants
    Canning
    Chemicals
    Eating Locally
    Family Life
    Garden Chores
    Garden Decor
    Greenhouse
    House Plants
    Politics
    Produce
    Random Musings
    World News

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.