Mandevilla Care in Pots

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"Growing mandevillas as outdoor perennials is out of the question if you live where winters are cold, but growing them in containers for the summer is within reach for everyone. Whether you choose a vining or a mounding variety, mandevilla care in pots is easy enough when you know what these beautiful flowering plants require. Use the following tips to grow mandevilla plants in containers and you'll enjoy plenty of bright, tropical blooms."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

Mandevillas are beautiful!  

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When to Start Your Herb Seeds Indoors for the Quickest Spring Harvest

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"Successfully growing herbs from seeds is all about getting the timing right. Knowing when to start herbs from seed ensures your plants are ready to be transplanted when the weather warms up. By starting herb seeds indoors, you’ll get a head start on the growing season outdoors, which shortens the time between planting and harvesting. Some of the herbs grow so fast that they will be ready for a spring harvest.

Herbs vary greatly in their growth rate, so how long it takes to grow herbs from seed varies. Whether you want to plant annual, perennial, or seasonal herbs, we'll tell you when to start herbs from seed, when to transplant the herb seedlings into your garden, and which herb seeds to better direct sow."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

Timing is important!

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Vegetables That Thrive in Containers

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"Dreaming of an abundant vegetable garden but worried that limited outdoor space could decrease your harvest? Well, there's good news: your patio garden can still produce an impressive amount of food if you choose vegetable plants that thrive in containers. Ahead, we spoke with experts to find a dozen superstar vegetables well-suited to container life."  Comment from Martha Stewart.com

I love container gardening and would like to learn more about the different vegetables that grow well in containers.

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

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How to Grow Pothos and Keep It Happy and Healthy for Years

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"Pothos is a striking and easy-care houseplant, ideal for newcomers to gardening. This sturdy vine thrives with minimal attention, though understanding its water and soil needs is key to preventing problems like root rot and scale. We consulted gardening professionals to provide insights into keeping your pothos lush and vibrant for years to come."  Comment from Martha Stewart.com

Pothos is one of my favorite plants.  Check out the article that goes into everything you need to know about the pothos plant.  Excellent article!

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

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Azalea Bush Care and Growing Tips

 

Photo source:  Birds and Blooms

"Azalea flowers are the focal point of many gardens. Learn how to make the most of yours with expert azalea bush care tips."  Comment from Birds and Blooms

Azalea bushes were planted in my neighbor's front yard as a hedge by the street.  When it bloomed, it was beautiful.  He sold the house and the new neighbors chopped it down.  That was so sad!  They grow beautifully if you give them the right care.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article.

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Propagate Basil for an Endless Supply of Fresh Herbs

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"Basil is a delicious and versatile herb that's beloved for its delicious taste and its low-maintenance nature, making it perfect for beginner gardeners. It's also incredibly versatile, and can be grown in the ground, or, as is quite popular, in a container on the kitchen windowsill.

Fortunately, basil is also very easy to propagate from cuttings, so with a bit of extra effort, you can generate your own endless supply of herbs. Here's how to do it, step by step, according to gardening experts."  Comment from Martha Stewart

Basil is so easy to grow, but I have used seeds to get them started.  Great ideas in this article for someone like me who has never grown basil from propagation.

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart article.

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How to Grow Potatoes in a Vegetable Garden

 

Photo source: Birds and Blooms

"If you love eating potatoes, you might be curious about how to grow potatoes in your garden. Learn the best tips for a successful harvest." Comment from Birds and Blooms

As much as I love potatoes, I don't know why I've never grown them.  Maybe this is the year.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article.

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How to Paint Plastic Plant Pots To Look Expensive

 

Photo source:  Homesteading In Ohio

"If you're like me and have fancy tastes and a dollar store budget, you can transform plastic plant pots with a little bit of paint."  Comment from Homesteading In Ohio

It is amazing what paint does for garden containers.  I used to paint tin cans to use for garden containers.  

Click here to go to the Homesteading In Ohio for excellent instructions.

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How To Grow Basil Easily In Water

 

Photo source:  Hunker.com

"The easiest way to grow basil is with hydroponics, a plant growth method using water rather than soil. With this technique, you won't have to worry about choosing the right soil or maintaining a watering schedule."  Comment from Hunker.com

Great idea that I have to try!

Click here to go to the Hunker.com article to find out how

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Miniature Greenhouse DIY

 

Photo source:  Homesteading In Ohio

"This DIY seed starter is an inexpensive way to start your seeds to save a lot of money during planting season.  Depending on your area and zone, you'll need to start seeds early, so start saving supplies to make yours."  Comment from Homesteading In Ohio  

Love this idea that I have never tried.  I have used the plastic fruit containers themselves and place them on trays.  Her miniature greenhouse gave me the idea of using egg cartons in those plastic containers.  

Click here to go to the Homesteading In Ohio project page.

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Best Way To Start Tomato Plants From Seed Indoors

 

Photo source:  This Is My Garden

"Growing tomatoes from seed couldn’t be easier. As you will see below, it doesn’t require fancy lights or equipment. Nor does it have to be time consuming. In fact, by following four simple secrets – anyone can start and grow amazing tomato transplants in their home with ease!"  Comment from This Is My Garden

Tomato plants are one of the most satisfying plants to grow from beginning to end once you know how to make them happy.  The greatest joy for me was having way too many and giving the excess away for others to enjoy.

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

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How to Make Homemade Bird Seed Ornaments

 

Photo source:  Homesteading In Ohio

"Learning how to make bird seed ornaments is a fun process, and can help you to feed your birds in the wintertime. Making bird seed ornaments not only gives you some fun outdoor Christmas decorations, but it also gives your birds some delicious snacks."  Comment from Homesteading In Ohio

The birds need delicious snacks too!  Those bird seed ornaments are so cute and would make an awesome gift.

Click here to go to the Homesteading in Ohio article.

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Bugs You Should Never Kill in Your Garden

 

Photo source:  Birds and Blooms

"Not all garden bugs are created equal. Some pollinate flowers or feed on destructive pests. Meet eight bugs you should be happy to see."  Comment from Birds and Blooms

In the past, I have bought beneficial insects for my garden and they worked to keep the bad insects out.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article.

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DIY Birdbath from a Vintage Lamp

 

Photo source:  Sadie Seasongoods

"I’ve wanted to try my hand at a DIY birdbath for some time now, as we love supplying food and water to the wildlife in our backyard. So, I decided to make a do-it-yourself bird bath with a vintage lamp from the thrift store as my base. 

I went thrifting in search of the perfect lamp to repurpose. This one caught my eye because it was heavy and would make for a sturdy pedestal."  Comment from Sadie Seasongoods

What a genius idea!  It is also a good idea for a bird feeder/bird bath since it is big enough to hold two bowls or just one for water.  Using the lamp as a sturdy pedestal would be an awesome base for a number of outdoor projects.

Click here to go to the Sadie Seasongoods project page.

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Why Plant Basil With Tomato Plants

 

Photo source:  This Is My Garden

"Did you know that planting basil with your tomato plants is one of the best kept secrets to keep your tomatoes healthy and strong – and grow better tasting tomatoes? And – that planting it is as simple as putting a few basil seeds in the ground right around your tomato plants?

Basil and tomatoes certainly are great partners in the kitchen. There are hundreds of incredible dishes, salads and appetizers that pair the two together when it comes to creating delicious foods – but as it turns out, tomato and basil plants also happen to be great partners in the garden as well.

In fact, when it comes to companion planting, they are one of the best examples of all for being perfect growing mates. Not only do tomato plants gain huge benefits from the basil – but the basil gets plenty of great things back from the tomato plants too!"  Comment from This Is My Garden

I had no idea that tomato and basil plants were perfect for companion planting.  Great article, especially for me since I grow both plants, but don't remember if I planted them together.

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

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DIY Vintage Snack Set Bird Feeder

 

Photo source:  House of Hawthorne

"I decided I wanted to repurpose my snack set into a snack set for the birds. Real birds, not china ones with sparkly eyes.  A place where a bird could sit and relax, have a little nosh and chat with a few friends. Doing so, all the while, in the lap of 1950's luxury."  Comment from House of Hawthornes

Cute little bird feeder that can be adapted to fit anywhere in the garden.  Use your imagination to use this tutorial as a guide to your own creativity.  Love the idea of using the snack set that uses one of my favorite things to collect, glassware. 

Click here to go to the House of Hawthornes tutorial page.

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