Prayer Plant Care for Beginners

 

Photo source:  Garden Betty

"Maranta leuconeura—”the” prayer plant, according to many houseplant enthusiasts—is one of the most stunning prayer plants you can grow, thanks to the distinctive veining and variegation on its leaves. It’s not the easiest species to keep alive however, so keep reading for my best tips on herringbone plant care."  Comment from Garden Betty

I had forgotten about this beautiful plant.  The last time I grew this plant was when I lived in my apartment and it sat on a table in my balcony.  As I remember, it was an easy plant to grow.

Click here to go to the Garden Betty article about growing this beautiful plant.

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How to Make a Hanging Succulent Ball

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"If you have a serious succulent addiction, this project is for you. A modern take on the classic hanging basket, this hanging succulent ball is a showstopper."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

I am now convinced to grow succulents.  That succulent ball is a beauty that I am going to have to put together for my carport jungle.  

I have not grown many succulents in the past.  The only thing I did was grow some hens and chicks from seed and they successfully came up, but it was near the time my first husband passed away and I lost all interest in gardening.  Most everything except for the strongest plants died.

It is time to start again since my desire to garden is coming back.

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens article on how to make this beautiful succulent ball including a video.

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Why You Should Plant French Marigolds In Your Garden

 

Photo source:  This Is My Garden

"When you plant French marigolds along with vegetable plants in your garden – great things happen. Not only do you fill your garden with the beauty and color of flowering annuals, you also can help protect and power your vegetable plants!

Marigolds are one of the most popular annual flowers to grow in backyard gardens – and for good reason. The big blooming flower grows easily from seed and can quickly fill garden spaces with beautiful blooms in all kinds of fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow."  Comment from This Is My Garden

Once you buy marigold plants or seeds, you will never have to buy them again for that particular type.  It is so easy to grow more plants from seeds produced by the plant.  Not only are they beautiful, but very frugal plants.  I love marigolds, the little ones, the big ones . . . all of them!

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

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How to Grow a Meyer Lemon Tree Indoors or Outside UPDATE

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"The glorious Meyer lemon tree is a small, evergreen variety that makes it possible to enjoy homegrown citrus regardless of location and growing zone. A cross between a citron and a mandarin-pomelo hybrid, these popular trees are a delight to grow, and their abundant production of lemons makes them even more special. Here, our experts provide advice for growing your own Meyer lemon tree for fresh citrus cultivated at home."  Comment from Martha Stewart.com

Click here to go to Martha Stewart.com article.

How Often to Water a Meyer Lemon Tree for the Best Quality Fruit

If you use lots of lemons in preparation of meals and beverages, there is nothing like having your own supply. Once established, your lemon tree will provide you and your friends with more than enough!

Want to know the secrets of Todd and Diane who grow lemon trees in containers?  Click here

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Top 10 Annuals That Attract Hummingbirds

 

Photo source:  Birds and Blooms

"These easy-to-grow annuals that attract hummingbirds are filled with the sweet nectar that pretty pollinators can’t resist."  Comment from Birds and Blooms

The only hummingbirds I see in Florida are the little ones that look like moths.  I would love to attract them to my yard.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article that will teach you how to attract them to your yard.

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African Violet Care 101

Photo source:  Birds And Blooms

 
"Some people find growing African violets to be a piece of cake. Their violets thrive with little special care, blooming repeatedly and creating fresh new fuzzy leaves on a regular basis. Others struggle, never seeing a bloom, moaning over spotted leaves, and eventually wind up chucking their plants in the trash. If you’re in the first group, you don’t need these tips. If you’re in the second group, try these troubleshooting tips for African violet care."  Comment from Birds And Blooms

Give plants what they want and they will be healthy and beautiful.  Learn what they want!

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article.

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Top 10 Plants to Propagate That Grow From Cuttings

 

Photo source:  Birds and Blooms

"I’ve never met a gardener who didn’t want to share or expand his or her garden. And there are so many ways to do just that. One easily overlooked way is by taking plant cuttings. You can take a snip of a plant to start a whole new one—for yourself or a friend!"  Comment from Birds and Blooms

Plant propagation is one of the most satisfying aspects of gardening.  It is a great way to save money gardening.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article.

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How To Prune Rose Bushes – And Why To Do It In Late Winter!

 

Photo source:  This Is My Garden

"Pruning is essential for maintaining the health and shape of most rose bushes. It not only enhances their appearance but also improves air circulation, lowers the risk of disease, and promotes fresh growth and blooming.

But in spite of what many might think, the best time for that pruning is not once the bush has started to produce its foliage in early spring. Nor is it in summer or fall when the bush is still actively growing. Why? Because pruning at all of these times can actually do more harm than good for the plant."  Comment from This Is My Garden

This is an excellent article all about pruning roses for those who grow rose bushes.

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

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Citrus Trees You Can Grow in Pots and Containers This Winter

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"Growing your own citrus tree can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and you don’t have to live in a warm climate to make it happen. While not every tree is ideal for indoor cultivation, there are several varieties that thrive in containers, allowing you to enjoy fresh fruit right from your own living room. With the right care—namely ample sunlight—these resilient plants can flourish inside, and really liven up your space."  Comment from Martha Stewart.com

I've had citrus trees in the past, but never in containers or indoors.  Very interested in growing them in containers and would love to grow them indoors.  

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

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How To Know When To Plant Vegetable & Flower Seeds Indoors!

 

Photo source:  This Is My Garden

"Wondering how to know when to start your vegetable and flowers seeds inside at just the right time to grow the perfect sized transplants for your garden and flowerbeds this year?"  Comment from This Is My Garden

Timing is important when it comes to starting plants from seed.  However, I do not pay attention to that and I should, so this article is good for me.

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

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Drought Tolerant Aloe Vera Plants Are Easy to Grow

 

Photo source:  Birds and Blooms

"Aloe vera gel‘s ability to soothe burns is well known, but did you know that the plant itself is beautiful, drought tolerant, and can be grown in almost any garden? Here’s what you should know about this pretty and useful succulent, including how to take care of an aloe vera plant."  Comment from Birds and Blooms

In my experience, the aloe vera plant is one of the easiest plants to grow.  

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article.

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Low-Light Plants to Brighten Up Darker Rooms

 

Photo source:  Garden Betty 

"Here, I break down what “low light” actually means, how much light a plant needs to survive, and 10 ACTUAL low-light plants that’ll do well in those dark corners!"  Comment from Garden Betty

Check out this article if you want to grow plants in an indoor low light area.

Click here to go to the Garden Betty article.

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How Much Light Your Plants Actually Need to Survive

 

Photo source:  Garden Betty

"Are your houseplants getting enough sun? Chances are, "bright indirect light" might not mean what you think it means! If your plants don’t seem to be doing well where they are, they might be starved for light. Here’s how you can gauge the amount of light your rooms actually get and how much light your plants really need."  Comment from Garden Betty

Everything you wanted to know about lighting and plants.  Very informative, excellent article.

Click here to go to the Garden Betty article.

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Can You Reuse Potting Soil in Planters?

 

Photo source:  Birds and Blooms

"Can you reuse potting soil from year to year? Learn how to select a quality potting mix and how to clean planters for a fresh start each growing season."  Comment from Birds and Blooms

I've never really thought about it as I used mine year after year as well as using the same planters.  Maybe I was lucky there were no problems.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article.

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Want to Grow Your Own Vegetables Indoors?

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"Can you grow vegetables indoors? Sprawling pumpkin vines and trailing cucumber plants may be too large for indoor growing, but many smaller vegetables thrive in pots and can be cultivated year-round indoors. Whether you plan to grow vegetables from seed, sprout fresh veggies from kitchen scraps, or bring garden vegetables indoors just for overwintering, this guide is here to help. Below, you’ll find ten of the easiest vegetables to grow indoors, plus beginner-friendly tips to help you get the most out of your indoor vegetable garden."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

This article is for me since I have never had luck growing vegetables indoors.

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens article.

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How Long Do Seeds Last? Check This Seed Viability Chart

 

Photo source:  Garden Betty

"Have you ever dug into a pile of old seeds and wondered if they’re still good, or whether you should buy new ones? How long do vegetable seeds and herb seeds last anyway? The short answer: It depends. Here’s what you need to know about seed viability vs. seed vigor."  Comment from Garden Betty

I never toss seeds to the trash, giving all of them a try.  Sometimes they successfully sprout, sometimes not.  

Click here to go to the Garden Betty article.

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