What to Do With Amaryllis After It Blooms for More Flowers Year After Year

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"Amaryllis are spectacular flowers with red, white, and pink blooms that appear right around the holidays. These tropical blossoms develop on tall, thin stalks, giving them a unique, lively appearance that's the perfect addition to your Christmas décor.

These show-stopping blooms will fade after New Year's. However, you don't necessarily have to toss them—they can thrive for many years if you follow the right steps."  Comment from Martha Stewart

Gorgeous blooms!  For some reason I have been intimidated by bulb plants like this one.  Looks like they are not difficult to grow.

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article.

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The 5 Best Herbs To Grow Indoors

 

Photo Source:  This Is My Garden

"Looking for some of the best herbs to grow indoors on your windowsill or counter for delicious winter cooking?"  Comment from This Is My Garden

Learn all about the herbs you can grow indoors with great detail in this excellent article.

Click here to go to the This Is My Garden article.

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How To Keep Your Bushes Blooming!

 

Photo Source:  Simple Garden Life

Six Bushes To Avoid Pruning In The Fall

"Did you know that there are six bushes and shrubs that you should always avoid pruning in the fall?

While fall is the perfect time for cleaning up your flowerbeds and cutting back many perennials, when it comes to the chore of pruning and shaping bushes and shrubs, fall is not the ideal time to be cutting them back. Especially for bushes and shrubs that require old wood in order to bloom."  Comment from Simple Garden Life

Since I live in Zone 9, where there are subtle changes from one season to another with occasional drastic changes that usually last a few days.  In this climate, I have been able to prune anytime of the year, but avoid winter months.  So I don't know the rules of pruning and look forward to learning how to do it the correct way.

Click here to go to the Simple Garden Life article. 

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How to Grow Green Onions Indoors (and Keep Them Producing Year-Round)

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"Green onions are one of the easiest and most rewarding vegetables to grow indoors. They require very little space, and they grow quickly, even from kitchen scraps. These plants can also be harvested repeatedly, so they're perfect for the colder months when outdoor gardening is often a challenge."  Comment from Martha Stewart

I have a container full of green onion roots ready to be planted.  Growing them indoors is something I have never done.  Looking forward to growing them in my kitchen.

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article.

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5 Ways to Get Rid of Weeds in Your Lawn—Without Killing the Grass

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"Weeds are more than just an unattractive nuisance. Certain weeds can exacerbate allergies, attract unwelcome pests to your yard, and compete with desired grasses for sunlight, water, and nutrients. These fast-growing plants quickly take over your lawn, weakening the turf, creating bare patches, and reducing your lawn's curb appeal. The longer they’re left unchecked, the harder weeds are to control."  Comment from Martha Stewart.com

Weeds in the lawn have been a major problem for me.  As an organic gardener, it is difficult to kill the weeds without killing the grass.  Martha Stewart always has good solutions to these gardening problems.

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article.

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How To Compost Used Potting Soil

 

Photo source:  This Is My Garden

"Did you know that you can easily compost your tired, old, used potting soil from this year’s container plants and bring it back to life to use again next year?"  Comment from This Is My Garden

Composting is one of the best things you can do for your garden.  Not only do you get free soil, but it is also a natural fertilizer.

Click here to go to the This Is My Garden article.

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Want to Grow Peppers Inside?

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"Growing peppers indoors can be challenging but entirely achievable with the right approach. These plants are native to Central and South America, flourishing in warm, sunny, and humid settings. To keep them indoors, recreate these conditions in your home as closely as possible. 

With a few key supplies and practical tips, you can excel at the art of indoor gardening and enjoy a bountiful harvest of both mild and hot peppers, even during the winter months."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

Before a hurricane destroyed my back room that was all windows, I was able to grow peppers successfully in Central Florida, zone 9.  It is possible!

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens article to find out how you can do it.

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12 Things You Should Never Compost, According to Gardening Experts

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"Compost is often called "gardener's gold," and for good reason. It enriches the soil, making it a rich source of nutrients that help plants thrive. While composting food scraps and other organic waste is an easy way to create nutrient-rich fertilizer, there are some items you shouldn't add to your compost bin. Knowing what to avoid is vital to making the safest and most effective compost. Ahead, experts outline the items that should never be composted."  Comment from Martha Stewart

Some of the items surprised me and I have made these mistakes but didn't know I made them.

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article.

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Get Your Christmas Cactus To Bloom Big

 

Photo source:  This Is My Garden

"When in full bloom, the Christmas cactus is a showstopper! Its dangling blooms can fill a room with big interest and color. Long hailed for its perfectly timed display of holiday blooms, Christmas cacti are an easy-care houseplant that can add a burst of color to your home throughout the holidays – and beyond.

But for many who grow the plant, there can be one tricky little issue with the plant – getting it to bloom at big and just at the right time through the holiday season. Especially if you have owned the plant for more than one growing season."  Comment from This Is My Garden

The Christmas cactus in full bloom is absolutely spectacular!

Click here to go to the This Is My Garden article.

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How to Attract Birds in Winter

 

Photo source:  Birds and Blooms

"Attracting birds in winter is easier than you might think! The most straightforward advice on how to attract winter birds is to provide foods they love and offer them safe places for them to take shelter as the air gets crisp and the temps fall. Birds are even more beautiful in the midst of a few flurries, so besides helping them get through winter, you’ll also be able to enjoy their beauty in your own backyard."  Comment from Birds and Blooms

Click here to go to Bird and Blooms article.

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The Complete (And Easy!) Guide to Snake Plant Care

 

Photo source:  Birds and Blooms

"Snake plants are known by many names: mother-in-law’s tongue, good luck plant or golden bird’s nest. But no matter what you call it, they are a hardy, easy-to-grow houseplant that’s great for beginners."  Comment from Birds and Blooms

This is one of those plants that grows wild in my yard.  And to propagate, I snip off a leaf and cut it into 2 inch pieces and put into the soil.  It is as easy that!  They are tough and make it through the worst of conditions.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article and get advice on all the needs of the snake plant . . . watering, light, soil, fertilizer and more.

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Why Houseplants are More Likely to Die in the Winter + Practical Winter Care Tips

Photo Source:  Rural Sprout

 
"When the dark nights draw in and the winter months begin in earnest, my favorite thing to do is get cozy on the couch and take a well-deserved break. It’s the perfect time for your houseplants to have a nice rest, too.  But in order to make that happen, there are a few changes you need to make to your usual plant care routine."  Comment from Rural Sprout

This article goes into a lot of detail that goes into growing healthy plants indoors and how to correctly take care of them.

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.

 

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The #1 Reason Houseplant Leaves Turn Yellow & The Instant Fix

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"It’s always one or two leaves, which makes the whole thing even more confusing. The rest of your plant looks okay, but, hey, look, this one here and that one there are yellow. What gives? Believe it or not, there’s a simple explanation, and it’s usually an easy fix."  Comment from Rural Sprout

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article to find out why this happens and what to do about it.

https://www.ruralsprout.com/yellow-houseplant-leaves/

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Jump-Start Spring by Forcing Bulbs Indoors

 

Photo source:  Birds and Blooms

"Keep your restless green thumb busy, no matter the weather, when you grow a springy flower garden inside by forcing bulbs to bloom. From daffodils and hyacinths to irises and tulips, the bright colors and sweet scents cheer up any gardener dealing with winter cabin fever."  Comment from Birds and Blooms

These are not plants that I normally grow, but they are beautiful plants.  Hope that this article helps those who grow these plants.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article.

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How to Propagate Succulents (for More Free Plants!)

 

Photo source:  Birds and Blooms

"Propagating succulents from stem or leaf cuttings is an easy way to share plants or expand your own collection, says Aaron Ryan, director of inventory at Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery in Petaluma, California. You can propagate succulents year-round, but it’s easiest during warm, humid months. Follow Aaron’s tips on how to propagate succulents from stems or leaves." Comment from Birds and Blooms

In the past I have used the same methods described in this article to propagate jade plants and burros tail with great success.  Succulents were the easiest to propagate of all plants, in my opinion.  There is a great deal of satisfaction from creating a new plant from a leaf or stem cutting.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article.

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Seeds And Feeds To Attract Cardinals This Fall & Winter

 

Photo source:  This Is My Garden

"Attracting these graceful birds to your backyard during the winter months with food not only provides big interest for you and fellow bird watchers, but more importantly, provides a critical source of nutrition for the cardinals as their natural food sources become more and more scarce."  Comment from This Is My Garden

Since I love Cardinals so much, I feed them so I will be rewarded with their singing.  This article is of great interest to me so that I will know I am doing what is best for them.

Click here to go to the This Is My Garden article.

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Pine Cone Bird Feeders

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"Many songbirds don’t migrate for the winter and rely on local food sources. However, well into the season, those food supplies can dwindle, especially if it’s been a long and cold winter. Those of us who enjoy hosting these birds in our backyard help out by providing seed in feeders."  Comment from Rural Sprout

Love these cute bird feeders!

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article page.

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How to Propagate Fruit Trees

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart.com

"Propagating fruit trees lets you grow more delicious fruit at home, but each method needs the right timing and care."  Comment from Martha Stewart.com

Learn the basic principles and guidelines of propagating fruit trees from the experts.

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article page.

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Composting Methods That Turn Food Scraps Into Garden Gold

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"Compost enhances soil health by improving structure, moisture retention, and nutrient levels, while also suppressing diseases and pests. Whether done in a backyard bin or as part of a community initiative, there are several ways to turn organic waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer. Below, composting experts discuss various composting techniques, so you can choose the best method for you."  Comment from Martha Stewart.com

This article goes into important details as to how and why on a number of methods that will make it easy for you to chose the method that is best for you.

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article.

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Great Ways To Use Coffee Grounds In The Fall

 

Photo source:  This Is My Garden

"All of those grounds that come from that coffee are valuable to gardeners. And in so many ways! And with an overabundance of coffee being made as the weather turns cooler – it’s time to put all of those grounds to great use."

It is amazing how those things that we regularly throw away from the kitchen are so useful in the garden.  We just need the information on how to use them correctly for great results.

Click here to go to the This Is My Garden article page.

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7 Smart Ways to Use Old Potting Soil, According to Gardening Experts

 

Photo source: Martha Stewart

"When dumping out last season’s container plants, the old soil doesn't have to go into the trash. In fact, it’s better for the environment (and your wallet) if you find new and innovative ways to repurpose used soil."  Comment from Martha Stewart.com

While I never throw old potting soil away, I really don't follow any rules except to just use it again.  It will be nice to learn the proper way to use it.

Click here to go the Martha Stewart.com article.

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Colorful Succulents That’ll Brighten Your Home All Winter Long

 

Photo source: Real Simple

"If you're looking for a colorful houseplant that’s as low-maintenance as it is eye-catching, consider a vibrant succulent. With brilliant colors and low care requirements, they offer beauty without a lot of time and effort, making them perfect for beginner or busy plant parents."  Comment from Real Simple

Lots of beautiful plants to consider that I have never grown, but would love to.  This article has lots of information to consider when looking to buy succulents.

Click here to go to the Real Simple article.

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Grow Vegetables Without a Greenhouse in Winter

 

Photo Source: Garden Betty

"Through trial and error, I’ve learned that a hard frost does not usher in the end of the season. Even as my fall crops start to fade and the weather turns more wintry, my garden is still—and will be—producing through the holidays and beyond."  Comment from Garden Betty

Very informative article, even if you are in zone 9 and rarely freeze.  There are times we have had freezing temps for more than a couple of days.  That is when we need to worry and maybe we can gain some useful information that we can use in those times.  Also, great information on what temperatures vegetables can tolerate and to what degree.

Click here to go the Garden Betty recipe page.

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Grow Garden Pansy Flowers for Early Blooms

 

Photo source: Birds and Blooms

"Available in a variety of colors, cool-season garden pansy flowers are perfect in beds, containers and hanging baskets."  Comment from Birds and Blooms

Pansies are such pretty plants with beautiful blooms and I have never grown them.  I'm not sure if I can grow them where it can be hot any time of the year.  I'll be reading more of this article to find out.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article page.

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Things Everyone With An African Violet Should Know

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"These beautiful plants are some of the easiest plants to grow; they’re incredibly collectible and affordable. However, there are a few things you need to know beyond their basic care and feeding if you want them to thrive."

I started gardening when I was a child, out there getting my hands dirty with my dad.  But I have not stopped learning even with all the years of gardening experience.  There is always something to learn, that is the secret to growing beautiful plants, keep learning.  This article from Rural Sprout will teach you what you need to know.

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article page.

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Keep Your Chickens Healthy Over Winter

 

Photo source:  Garden Betty

"When the days are short, the ground is frozen, and foraging is scarce, it’s easy for your backyard chickens to get lazy or fat (or both!). Keep them healthy with fun and simple boredom busters, nutritious snacks, and a safe way to move around the yard so your chickens stay active and fit all winter long."  Comment from Garden Betty

Very interesting and informative article since I would love to have chickens, but know how much work goes into it.  I still love them anyway and enjoy the traveling neighborhood roosters, hens and baby chicks.  

Actually, Tampa is famous for its chickens who roam freely in Ybor City.  I guess the trend is starting in my neighborhood too.  Read about them here.

Click here to find out how Garden Betty keeps her chickens healthy.  They are so cute!

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