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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Feeding and Attracting Cardinals to Your Feeders In The Winter

 

Photo source:  This Is My Garden

"When it comes to feeding redbirds, it’s just as important to know when and how they like to feed as knowing what they like to eat. Put simply, when you meet all three of those needs on a consistent basis, cardinals will flock to your feeders!"  Comment from This Is My Garden

Cardinals love my yard and I love them!  The sound of them chirping is such a beautiful sound and would love to attract more.  The article from This Is My Garden is an excellent source of information and is so thorough with many details I never would have thought of.  Awesome article if you love cardinals!

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

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How to Care for Poinsettias Now and After the Holidays

 

Photo source:  Birds and Blooms

"Many people simply keep their poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) around until they’ve lost their colored leaves, and then throw them out. But a little greenery is the perfect antidote for post-holiday blues. There’s no need to throw away your poinsettia plant after Christmas. With a little care, poinsettias can be brought back to bloom year after year. We consulted the experts so you can learn how to care for poinsettias year-round.  Learn 5 fascinating poinsettia facts."  Comment from Birds and Blooms

We don't have to throw our poinsettias away in Florida, they come back year after year unless we experience a severe freeze, which is not often.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article.

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Fruit Trees You Can Grow Indoors

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

 "Indoor fruit trees provide both fragrant blooms and lush fruits—if they receive the right amount of care. Trees in pots will need their soil replenished more often than ones in the ground, according to Samantha Sergeant, an arborist at Fruitstitute. Additionally, most indoor trees will need as much light as you can give them—usually through a southern-facing window or grow lights." comment Martha Stewart.com

I'd love to grow a little lemon tree!

Click here to go to the article.

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How to Propagate Roses for an Endless Supply of Beautiful Blooms

 

Photo source: Martha Stewart.com

"Roses have inspired gardeners and poets for centuries, so it's only natural that you want more of them in your yard. Fortunately, it's easy to propagate roses and create a sea of beautiful blooms." comment from Martha Stewart.com

Propagation has been my main source for new plants.  It is so easy to multiply your garden with your favorites for no cost.

Click here to find out how to propagate roses from Martha Stewart.com.

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How to Use Coffee Grounds to Get Gorgeous Christmas Cactus Blooms Every Year

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart.com

"Coffee grounds make an excellent fertilizer for the Christmas cactus; however, they should be used correctly and at the appropriate times for the best results. Ahead, experts share the benefits coffee grounds offer Christmas cacti, and provide easy tips to ensure you fertilize it the right way." - comment from Martha Stewart.com

As an organic gardener I can recommend coffee grounds as a fertilizer.  Click here to go to Martha Stewart.com's article page to find out how to use coffee grounds get get gorgeous Christmas cactus every year.

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Love Christmas Cactus? 10 More Unusual Houseplants You’ll Adore

 

"Whether you’ve mastered the art of getting your Christmas cactus to bloom and now you’re looking for the next challenge or you’re looking to grow something a little less common, we’ve got some gorgeous alternatives to everyone’s favorite holiday cactus." - comment from Rural Sprout.

Love those alternative Christmas cactus!

Click here to go to the article to see the Christmas cactus alternatives from Rural Sprout.

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When & How To Bring Ferns Inside For The Winter

 

Photo source: Simple Garden Life

"Homes certainly don’t have the bright lights of the outdoors. And they are certainly cooler in the winter which ferns thrive in as well. And by simply bringing your plants in, not only can you add life and a little humidity, you can also save on having to repurchase next spring!" - comment from Simple Garden Life.

In subtropical Florida ferns grow like weeds outside, even in winter, but we still grow them as houseplants inside too.  Love them!

Click here to find out how to bring your ferns inside for the winter.

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Holiday Cactus Growing Guide

 

Photo source: Birds and Blooms

"A holiday cactus is a festive treat for gardeners. This easy-care houseplant is the gift that keeps on giving." - comment from Birds and Blooms

This beautiful cactus can also be grown outdoors in a subtropical climate.  We used to grow them in hanging pots for the carport jungle.

Click here to go to the article page on Birds and Blooms for everything you want to know about Christmas Cactus.

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Keep Your Flowerbeds Weed Free

 

"If you are tired of battling weeds year after year, only to give up on your flowerbeds by mid-summer, it’s time to stop the madness. And you really won’t believe how easy it can be. In fact, it probably means actually working less than you ever have in year’s past!" - comment from This Is My Garden.com.

I'm ready to pay someone to lay down cardboard and cover it with landscape fabric.  Joking but not joking . . .

Click here to go to the article.

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