Things Every Snake Plant Owner Needs To Know

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"If you’re new to snake plants, you likely have some questions. How much water do they need? Do certain varieties make for better houseplants than others? And where should you place one in your house?

This article will answer all these questions and more to ensure you learn everything you need to know about snake plants."  Comment from Rural Sprout

Although I have not grown the snake plant indoors, it has been one of the easiest plants I have ever grown.  It is also one of the easiest to propagate from a cutting.   In zone 9b Florida, it grows like a weed with  little or no care at all.  That is my kind of plant!

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Things You Need to Know Before Planting a Single Pepper Seed

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"Peppers are a popular choice for home gardeners to start from seed. Whether you’re a fan of sweet peppers or you love the heat of a good hot pepper, there are a few things you need to know about these popular nightshades. Get to know them a little better, and it will be that much easier to grow a peck of pickled peppers."  Comment from Rural Sprout

Peppers of all types are one of my favorite plants to grow from seed.  I don't know about the rest of the world, but in zone 9b Florida they are one of the easiest plants to grow from seed or plant.  One of the things I love are the peppers themselves that turn colors as they grow.  I like growing them with both marigolds and zinnias, the smaller varieties.  They look pretty together.  I've had good luck growing them in containers, which is what I prefer.

I have not had good luck with growing bell peppers.

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Spider Plant Care UPDATED

 

Photo source:  Garden Betty

"If you’ve ever grown a spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) before, you probably understand exactly why this is such a classic houseplant. It’s easy to grow, decorative, pet-safe and pretty much propagates itself. What more could a houseplant enthusiast ask for?"  Comment from Garden Betty

Spider plants are beautiful when grown in hanging pots putting out the runners. 

Click here to go to the Garden Betty article.

How to Grow and Care for a Spider Plant from Martha Stewart

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Why Your Orchid Leaves Are Wilting, and How to Fix the Problem

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"You’ve been there. Your moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) bloomed for months, and then its leaves started looking as limp as old spinach in the bottom of your crisper drawer. What gives? Don't give up and toss the orchid just yet. Wilting leaves are an orchid’s way of sending an SOS. Most of the time, the fix is easier than you think.

Use these tips from an orchid expert to figure out why your plant is ailing and how you can get it back on track to bloom."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

I have never grown orchids and know nothing about them.  What I do know is that they are like all other plants in that they have specific needs that need to be addressed.  This article will help beginning orchid growers.

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

 

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The 3 Best Marigolds To Plant In Your Flowerbeds & Garden This Year!

 

Photo Source:  This Is My Garden

"Here is a detailed look at three of the very best marigolds you can plant this year to enjoy huge color, strong performance, and big benefits in your flowerbeds and garden."  Comment from This Is My Garden

I love them all!

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Vegetables to Sow in January & February No Matter Your Growing Zone

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"Whether you’re starting seeds indoors or in the garden, there are at least a few on this list that you need to get started now for a successful growing season."  Comment from Rural Sprout

I have seeds bought last year that were never started.  I'm a bad gardener since JR passed away two decades ago and I keep saying I'm going to get myself together.  Maybe this year is the year.  I certainly miss it.

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.

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Plants That Must Be Pruned in January or February

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"January and February may not necessarily be the months when we enjoy the fruits of our labor, but that doesn’t mean we can’t use them as stepping stones to set our gardens up for success for the growing season to come. 

Mid-to-late January and all of February are when I do a significant part of my pruning for the year, since I leave most of my perennials and shrubs in place during the fall season."  Comment from Rural Sprout

Following the gardening rules is the best practice, but you must learn them first.  I'm a bad gardener and don't follow rules, but I'm learning now.

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.

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Your January Garden Checklist by Region to Start the Year Off Strong

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"January is the middle of winter, but no matter where you live, there are a few gardening tasks to be done this month. For gardeners in warmer climates, there are hands-on tasks to do outdoors, while in the northern part of the country, the focus is on planning, organizing, and prepping indoors."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

It is good to know what you need to do in January.  Our gardens in different parts of the world need different care.

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

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Outdoor Plants You Should Always Bring Indoors Before Winter Hits

 

Photo source:  Real Simple

"Here are the best tips and advice from experts on which plants to bring indoors and how to best care for them."  Comment from Real Simple 

Even in Central Florida, zone 9b, we have to be up on what to do to keep our plants safe from frost.

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Simple Secrets To Keep Your Marigolds Blooming

 

Photo source:  Old World Garden Farms

"Looking for a few simple secrets to keep your marigolds blooming like crazy this year from spring all the way into late fall?"  Comment from Old World Garden Farms

Marigolds are one of my favorite plants.  Learning new secrets is always a good thing

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

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Creative Things You Can Do With a Tree Stump

 

Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"A plain tree stump can be given renewed purpose as a one-of-a-kind lawn ornament, piece of furniture, or work of art.

So when life hands you a tree stump, it can be an excellent opportunity to let your creativity blossom. Here are 10 fantastic ideas for making an ordinary tree stump into something incredible."  Comment from Rural Sprout

This article is so important to me since Hurricane Irma created several tree stumps on my property, including one tree that fell on my house.  I look forward to give them a new purpose.

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.

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How To Build The Perfect Backyard Stone Fire Pit

 

Photo source:  Old World Garden Farms

"Looking to build the perfect backyard fire pit that looks great, works great – and can last for years and years without worry – all without costing a small fortune to create? And even better, one you can cook all kinds of incredible meals on? Then today’s article (and video) is just for you!"  Comment from Old World Garden Farms

There is nothing like relaxing outside by a fire pit on a chilly night.  We used to do it all the time and could wash away the stress of an awful day.

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

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Statement Houseplants With Large Leaves

 

Photo source:  Birds and Blooms

"Thriving indoor plants create a refreshing ambiance in your home, any time of the year. Houseplants with large leaves offer high impact with minimal effort, making it easy to add a pop of green to every room. Here are our top picks for easy-care indoor houseplants with large leaves that really know how to bring the drama."  Comment from Birds and Blooms

These houseplants can bring a tropical look to your home.

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Front Yard Landscaping Ideas

 

Photo source:  Family Handyman

"A house with great curb appeal can turn heads - but yours can, too, with these smart ideas for landscaping your front yard and around your porch."  Comment from Family Handyman

It is always a good idea to look at beautifully landscaped yards to get inspiration and ideas to use for your yard.

Click here to go to the Family Handyman article.

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Ripen Tomatoes Indoors

 

Photo source:  Garden Betty

"As the threat of frost approaches, do you still have a few tomato plants hanging on? Rather than waiting for all those green tomatoes to ripen outdoors, bring them inside! Fully developed green tomatoes can be ripened indoors with no difference in quality, taste, or texture from vine-ripened tomatoes."  Comment from Garden Betty

Better to bring them indoors instead of leaving them on the plant to die.

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How To Eliminate Flowerbed Weeds With Cardboard

 

Photo source:  This Is My Garden

"Did you know that one of the easiest, safest and most economical ways to eliminate flowerbed weeds in – and keep your beds beautiful at the same time is with cardboard?

It’s true! When used correctly, not only can cardboard be an effective and inexpensive weed blocker – it can also help hold in moisture for your plants, regulate soil temperature – and even add organic matter back to your soil as it breaks down.

But the key to success when using cardboard in your flowerbeds is to know to use it correctly. That means not only keeping it under a layer of traditional mulch to still keep your beds looking great – but also knowing which cardboard products you can use safely!"  Comment from This Is My Garden

I am currently collecting cardboard and have the landscaping fabric to top it to control weeds.

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

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