Secrets to Getting Christmas Cactus to Bloom More Than Once a Year

 

Photo source:  Garden Betty

"Given proper care under the right conditions, Christmas cactus can actually rebloom in February—and this goes for Thanksgiving cactus or any houseplant labeled simply as “holiday cactus” as well.

Here’s how to get a repeat flowering from your holiday cactus long after the holidays have passed."  Comment from Garden Betty

Click here to go to the Garden Betty article with secrets to getting your Christmas Cactus to bloom more than once a year.  Excellent and informative article.

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Make Compost Tea – Fertilize Plants Naturally

 

Photo source:  This Is My Garden

"Plain and simple, there is no better and more economical way to power your vegetable plants and flowers naturally than to make and use your own homemade compost tea. And is it ever simple, fast and inexpensive to make. In fact, if you happen to have your own compost pile, you can make an endless supply all summer – for free!"  Comment from This Is My Garden

As an organic gardener, I routinely made compost tea with great results.

Click here to go to the This Is My Garden article to learn about fertilizing plants naturally.

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How To Grow In 5 Gallon Buckets

 

Photo Source:  Old World Garden Farms

My preferred method of gardening is container gardening that I highly recommend.  Old World Garden Farms' article is an excellent resource for beginning container gardeners.

Click here to go to the Old World Garden Farms article.

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Top 3 Mistakes Gardeners Make Growing Tomatoes – And How To Avoid Them

 

Photo source:  This Is My Garden

"Want to know the three biggest mistakes many gardeners make when growing backyard tomatoes? Or more importantly – how to avoid them so you can grow healthy plants that give you a big harvest?"  Comment from This Is My Garden

As a beginning gardener growing tomatoes, you will learn from your mistakes.  But why not skip learning on your own, find out the secrets of experienced gardeners and achieve success without the failures.

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

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Growing Tomatoes From Seed - What You Need to Know

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"After 40 years of starting tomatoes from seed, I've learned a thing or two. Often the most important being what not to do."  Comment from Rural Sprout

The more you know, the greater success you will have.  The reward will be beautiful tomatoes.

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article to learn from their experience of growing tomatoes.

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Where to Find Cheap Seed Starting Containers

 

Photo source:  Garden Betty

"Right now I’m starting several varieties of tomatoes, purple tomatillos, and shishito peppers in 16 tiny seed starting pots recycled from years past. While 16 sounds like a reasonable number, it’s not uncommon for me to have upwards of 100 pots or more, of all sizes, once I’m in the thick of seed starting season.  And, I rarely buy new pots." Comment from Garden Betty

I also rarely buy new pots and share her philosophy.

Click here to go to the Garden Betty article.

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Where to Find Quality Seeds For Free or Cheap

 

Photo source:  Garden Betty

"Seed costs are up and packet sizes are down—but your wallet (and your garden) doesn’t have to suffer. I’m sharing smart ways to get free seeds locally, plus my favorite sources for buying quality seeds on the cheap."  Comment from Garden Betty"

I can relate to what she is saying.  I have learned to gather my own seeds and propagate as much as possible to grow the garden.  It will be a good idea to check out her advise.

Click here to go to the Garden Betty article.

Another article

Ways to Get Free Seeds for Your Garden (and Share Your Own)

"Seed companies abound, offering a wealth of choices for our gardens. There are also plenty of free sources of seeds that can help you boost self-reliance, preserve biodiversity, build community, and help preserve one of our planet’s most precious resources—seeds. And you will likely make some new gardening friends along the way. Here's where you can find seeds for free, plus the best types of seeds to get from each source." Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens article for some great ideas about getting free seeds.

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Houseplant Problems That Happen More in Winter

 

Photo source: Better Homes and Gardens

"When the growing gets tough in winter, here's how to help your houseplants thrive during the colder months."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens article to get information on how you can take better care of your houseplants.

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How To Power Up Your Raised Bed Soil Before Spring

 

Photo source:  Old World Garden Farms

"Re-energizing your raised bed soil is one of the most important tasks you can perform to bring life back to your soil – and keep the plants you grow inside of them strong, healthy and productive. And the best part of all – it’s so easy to do!"  Comment from Old World Garden Farms

Click here to go to the article to learn those important tasks.

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Trees and Shrubs You Should Never Prune in Winter

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"Winter may be the traditional time to prune apple trees and grape vines, but it’s not the right time for all woody plants. There are different reasons why pruning during winter is not recommended. For some plants, it's to avoid cutting off flower buds that open in the spring; for others, it's for better plant health or aesthetic reasons.

If you have any of these trees or shrubs in your landscape, skip the winter pruning and instead wait to prune until after the weather gets warmer."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

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

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Fast-Growing Shade Trees That Will Cool Down Your Yard

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"If you're considering adding a shade tree to your yard, choose one that will allow you to enjoy the benefits sooner. Some varieties take decades to mature, while others grow relatively quickly. Fast-growing shade trees typically grow a few feet each year, reaching maturity sooner. Here we share some expert-approved shade tree options to consider before planting one in your yard to enjoy."  Comment Martha Stewart.com

After a hurricane put a tree on my house, I don't want any more trees!

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

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How to Grow and Care for a Lucky Bamboo Plant

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart.com

"Lucky bamboo is hardy and easy to grow so long as you follow a few simple expert-recommended rules. If you are a pet owner, be sure the plant is out of reach—it's toxic to animals."  Comment from Martha Stewart.com

The lucky bamboo is such a pretty plant.  I don't know why I have never grown it.

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

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Top 10 Plants to Grow in Dry Shade Gardens

 

Photo source:  Birds and Blooms

"Dry shade, often found under mature trees or shrubs, is one of the most challenging garden spots to fill. Above ground, plants are starved for sunlight. Below, they battle for root space and moisture. With that said, a few adaptable beauties can shine here. From groundcovers and perennials to shrubs, here are 10 of the best plants for dry shade."  Comment from Birds and Blooms

The best plants I have grown in the shade are impatiens, coleus and elephant ears.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article.

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What Really Happens to Perennials You Didn't Cut Back in the Fall

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"Pruning perennials at the right time encourages plants to leaf out, grow bushier, develop sturdier stems, and potentially produce more flowers. But when is the right time to prune perennials, and will plants suffer if you don’t cut them back before winter?"  Comments from Better Homes and Gardens

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

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Winter Pruning Tips to Give Your Trees and Shrubs a Head Start on Spring

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"In many regions, winter is prime time to head out into your yard and garden with pruning shears in hand. Bare branches on trees and shrubs make it easier to see the whole shape of the plant. Plus pests and diseases aren't as active so you have a lower chance of spreading them while you trim. As we approach the middle of the dormant season, here are a few tips and reminders to get your pruning day off to a good start."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens article to find out what to do.

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Bulbs You Should Start Indoors Now for Colorful Blooms in Spring

Photo source:  The Spruce.com

"It may be the dead of winter, but gardeners know that spring is just around the corner. For those eager to get their hands back in the dirt, it’s not too early to start prepping for your spring garden—especially if you are hoping to grow spring bulbs."  Comment from The Spruce.com

Click here to go to The Spruce.com to find out why to do.

 

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