Cyclamen plants make excellent long blooming houseplants with minimal care. The key to keeping cyclamen happy and healthy is to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible. They should last a month or more in your home if you follow these tips…. Cyclamen need bright, indirect light and cool temperatures. Aim for day temperatures less than 68°F and night temperatures between 50° and 65°F. A good location is in a bright, north-facing window. Water the edges of the pot …
Christmas cactus
Christmas cactus is a festive, vibrant holiday plant known for its colorful tubular flowers. It is easy to care for and can be grown indoors throughout the year. Christmas cactus are triggered into bloom by a combination of day length and night time temperatures. When you receive or purchase a Christmas cactus, it has already received the proper treatment for holiday blooming this season. When you get your cactus home, keep it in bright, indirect light. Day temperatures of 70° …
Amaryllis
Amaryllis make an unforgettable Christmas gift or an amazing decoration for your home. Following are a few basic steps that will reward you with a fantastic show. Choose a pot approximately 2 inches larger in diameter than the bulb and several inches deep. The bulb relies on adequate water and nutrients, so soil mix is important. We recommend an airy soil mix like our Wenke Blend. This will allow appropriate water drainage. Place your bulb in the soil with the …
Winter Storage of Tender Bulbs
Saving bulbs and tubers of tender plants is a winning idea. You will save money and time if you dig and store the bulbs of tender plants in the fall. Next spring bring them out of storage for replanting in the garden. If you are anxious and want to get started before spring’s last frost date, try starting a few bulbs in pots indoors. Replanting is the surest way to recreate your favorite garden designs. Following a few simple steps, …
Attracting Birds to Your Garden
When gardening to attract birds, try providing a combination of massed plantings and open space. Several shrubs and trees used to enhance landscapes also provide food and nesting sites for birds. Many smaller songbirds live entirely on insects and their larvae during the summer months. Inviting birds to your garden will provide natural insect control, beautiful sights, pleasing sounds and an educational experience for everyone young and old visiting your garden. Try some of the following ideas to attract birds: A …
Attracting Seed Eating Birds
Nothing beats native vegetation in a natural setting when feeding birds. When you garden for birds you provide natural food that will attract the greatest variety of songbirds in your area. These birds will recognize their favorite plants & frequent your garden from fall until the seed is gone. During spring and summer deadhead flowers to promote repeat blooms and sturdy stems. Once fall arrives leave old blooms in place. As the seed matures birds will begin enjoying the feast. …
Hanging Basket Care
By following these easy guidelines, your hanging baskets can bloom and thrive which allows them to stay healthy and beautiful for many months. Light requirements For best results, match your plant’s location with its light and heat preference. Most sun lovers will continue flowering in partial shade, just not as profusely. Shade plants however, will not tolerate the heat and dryness of all-day sunlight. Ivy and Zonal Geraniums and Portulaca – tolerate the brightest and hottest conditions and occasional drying out. Petunias …
Annuals for Tough, Sunny Conditions
Lots of folks ask what they can use in hot sunny spots. We have put together a list of some of the tougher varieties we carry. Many of these plants have even been known to thrive in the hot, dry, sandy soil conditions in cemeteries. Adding Soil Moist beads, Miracle-Gro Quick Start and watering in well at planting time can all benefit your planting efforts. Sunflower Zinnia Mexican Sunflower Cosmos Cockscomb (Celosia) Gazania Portulaca (Moss Rose) or Purslane Dusty Miller …
Animal Deterrent
Rabbit and Deer Tonic Boil 2 cups Water ¼ cup Vaseline (petroleum jelly) Cayenne or any Hot Peppers 1 tsp. Dish Detergent Boil for 5 minutes (strain if using raw peppers), cool, and put in spray bottle. Spray on plant. You may have to spray again after it rains. Mole Tonic 1 Small Bottle Castor Oil 2 TBSP Ivory Dish Soap 2 Gallons of Water Mix all ingredients and apply using a watering can, the best time to apply …
Plants that attract Hummingbirds
While Hummingbirds are attracted to red, they will feed from any color flower that has nectar. Annuals and perennials, vines, shrubs, trees, bedding plants and hanging plants: you can choose from all these categories in selecting flowers for attracting hummingbirds. Since there is such a dizzying array of plants that will help you achieve your goal, here is a list of the flowers, shrubs and vines that are commonly used to attract hummers. Flowers Bee Balm Digitalis Cardinal Flower Delphinium …