Gardening Daily Tips
For You
Sunday February 7, 2010 |
Sedum, Showy Stonecrop (Sedum spectabile) | Today's Featured Plant
Sedum, Showy Stonecrop (Sedum spectabile)
Read the full profile of this plant at ArcaMax.com.
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Q&A: Tips for Houseplant Care Question: Our houseplants thrive for three or four months, then start declining, and eventually die, even though we water and fertilize them regularly. Can you offer some advice?
Answer: Here are some general guidelines. Note that different houseplants will require different amounts of light, water, etc. Read the plant label, check with nursery staff, or consult a reference for more specific information. Watering. Houseplants tend to be very particular. One of the most common problems is overwatering. Plants in small containers in bright light may need watering daily or every other day, while plants in large pots in low light may need watering once every two or three weeks. For most plants, the key is to water thoroughly, letting excess water drain off, then wait until the soil dries out somewhat before watering again. Light exposure. Plant are adapted to different light levels, so choose plants that fit your conditions. Don't try to grow a sun-loving plant in a dark corner! Fertilizer. Don't overdo it. Generally, houseplants do most of their growth between March and August, so fertilize regularly during spring and summer. Cut back or eliminate fertilizer in the fall and winter months. Finally, remember also that almost all houseplants hate drafts--hot or cold--so keep them away from doorways and heating and air conditioning vents. Good luck! |
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Q&A: Rocks Reappear Each Spring Question: Every year I loosen the soil in my garden, and every year, in the same places I dug the year before, I find huge rocks. (Last year, one rock weighed at least 50 lbs!) Help! Where are these rocks coming from? Should I have some topsoil delivered and build the area up?
Answer: We northern gardeners have to deal with the dynamic effects of frost that heave rocks to the soil surface every spring. "Picking stone" is a never-ending job in some places.
You might consider using raised beds and planting intensively in them rather than continuing to fight the rocks. This can be done using a frame of boards or other materials to raise the soil, or by simply piling the soil with a steep side to it. Loosen the existing soil and then add amendments as needed to improve and enrich it. Be sure to add ample quantities of organic matter such as compost, rotted leaves, or aged stable manure and bedding. This will raise the soil level above the surrounding area. You can also add soil from the pathways or elsewhere on your property to increase the volume in the beds.
Importing topsoil is an option, but not really necessary. And often the soil it is a poor match to the existing soil and can cause a whole new set of problems with drainage, etc.
Finally, it's always useful to run some basic soil tests to make sure you are on the right track with your amendments, pH and fertility. |
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Tip: Store Bare-Root Plants If your bare-root plants have arrived and it's still too cold to plant, store them. Place the plants in a sheltered, 40F location. To prevent dehydration, cover the root system with slightly damp peat moss in a slit, plastic bag. |
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Valentine Box Ideas for Kids Help your kid prepare for Valentine's Day at school -- make a Valentine box to hold cards from their fellow students. You can find this fun craft, as well as more decorating ideas, in the ArcaMax Valentine's Day feature.
This special section also includes gift ideas, history and trivia, and books to read and buy online.
Visit the Valentine's Day feature.
-- From the ArcaMax editors |
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Sincerely,
ArcaMax Editors |
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