Growing summer flowers can be a rewarding experience. Flowers add a lot of color and beauty to your summer garden, especially if you love summer blooms. You can plant summer flowers as early as the late winter or early spring. When summer hits it is time for summer gardening to get your summer garden in shape! If you are growing summer flowers, these summer gardening tips will help you have a beautiful summer garden. While July is typically too hot to add most vegetables and flowers to the garden, some plants do surprisingly well when planted in the summer heat.
Summer Gardening Tips: Summer Flower Seeds
One of the best summer gardening tips when growing summer flowers is to start with seeds. There are many different types of flower seeds that grow into an array of different summer bloomers. Also, they are usually less expensive than starter plants at garden centers and nurseries.
On average you should start summer flowers 4-6 weeks before the last frost in your area. You can also plant summer flowers that grow into perennials, but be sure to check the summer gardening tips on their specific care needs, such as whether they need to be divided every year or if they spread over time.
When planting summer flower seeds, one of the summer gardening tips is to make sure you have good drainage. Summer flowers prefer well-drained soil and will wilt quickly if there is too much water or rainfall around them. Also furrow planting summer seedlings helps with this problem and ensures a better success rate when growing summer flowers because ground moisture won’t be a problem.
Tips and Ideas for Summer Garden
Plant Hibiscus: Hibiscus trees love heat and will quickly take root when planted in July. Plant in nutrient rich, well-draining soil. Deeply water the tree so the roots remain moist for the first two weeks after planting. Hibiscus flowers only last a day, but new flowers are quick to take their place. Hibiscus can also be planted in pots.
Plant Beans and Squash: While most vegetables should already be producing in July, add corn, cucumber, lima beans and summer squash now for a late summer, early fall harvest.
Plan Your Watering Routine: Although water restrictions have now been lifted, still conserve. Set lawn sprinklers for early morning–6:00 a.m. or earlier, three times a week for 15 minutes. This will enable the water to reach the roots and help reduce evaporation once the sun comes up.
Eliminate Snail Damage Naturally: Snails love to eat their way through tender vegetable leaves, which can damage or kill the plant. Place natural barriers around your garden to keep the snails away. Since they move by sliding on smooth surfaces, place crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth (an abrasive sedimentary rock) around plants. Mulch is another good snail deterrent because it is made of rough wood chips.
Keep Deadheading Flowers: Summer is the time of year when flowers want to grow. Give new buds the maximum nutrients they need by removing fading or dead flowers daily. This way, plants will focus their energy on new growth.
Plant Shrubs: One way to easily fill out a yard is by planting shrubs. Use them as groundcover or low hedges. Easy-to-maintain, low water users are Lily-of-the-Nile, Star Jasmine, Indian Hawthorn, New Zealand Flax, Rosemary and Mediterranean Pink Rockrose. All will need regular watering until established.
Fill In Your Flower Garden: Add summer-to-fall bloomers like alyssum, marigolds, petunias, red sage, verbena, vinca and zinnias to your garden as other plants slow their flower production. Flowers that do well in shade are amethyst, begonia, coleus, geranium and impatiens.
Replenish Mulch: To help cut down on water use, add a 3-inch layer of mulch around plants and trees. The mulch keeps water in and roots cool even during the hottest times of the day.
Unlike plants and trees that enjoy the heat, begin your gardening day early before temperatures rise to unbearable highs.
If you have a green thumb and are considering sprucing up the garden, have you decided what you are going to plant? Are you looking at a vegetable garden that will provide you fresh produce to eat or are you looking at a more decorative garden such as a flower garden? Garden flowers are bright and colorful and when in bloom throughout a garden, can make you feel positive and happy. Rex Begonia Plants are excellent houseplants.
It is commonplace to give flowers for many different occasions; birthdays and anniversaries to funerals and get well soon. Garden flowers are very versatile in that respect and if you are ever worried about what gift to give, a hand grown bunch of flowers from your own garden will certainly do the trick. Garden flowers are also a great decorating idea. Arrange a colorful bunch of flowers in a decorative vase and place it in a dull room, it will make an instance improvement on the atmosphere in the room. Perfumed garden flowers such as lilies and roses in a dull room can brighten it up and leave an aroma that is hard to ignore.
There is a huge variety of garden flowers available, some bloom all year, others only for a season, so it is important to know your flowers so you can have a blooming garden all year round. There are two types of flower gardens; annual and perennial. Annual flowers only live for a season. These flowers grow from seed, bloom and die in a single season. They need to be replanted each year in spring and they include petunias and marigolds. Generally an annual flower can bloom from spring through to fall.
Perennials live for three or more seasons and when planted will normally not bloom in the first year if grown from seed as they have not reached maturity. The lifespan of a perennial flower can be approximately three to five years and after this time may need to be replaced with a new plant. Perennials, unlike annuals only bloom for a very short period; anywhere from a week to three weeks once a year. Perennial flowers include African lilies, columbines, English daisy, summer daisy and daffodils.
As you can see, some preparation is required to create a beautiful flower garden. You will need to do some research to learn which garden flowers are perennials and which are annuals so you can have an all year round flowering garden. If you have a creative mind, you could plan ahead and arrange a garden by colors to reveal an artistic, intriguing garden when it is in bloom. Remember to plan ahead and learn about your flowers so your idea will bloom, but also remember that if you’re not a planner at heart, just plant your flowers and see what beautiful creation you end up with, it will be just as beautiful as one that has had hours of planning.
Perennials Vs Annuals – What Are the Advantages of Each?
If you are a new homeowner, planting your flower gardens, bushes and trees are something you thought about from the time you first looked at your new home. You probably have a picture in your mind of what you want your flower gardens to look like.
There are pros and cons to perennial plants or flowers and annual plants and flowers. Those that are perennial will come up year after year, and usually cost more. Annuals are often planted as seeds and nursed into full flowering plants that require weeding and need to be re-planted each year.
You might decide to plant a combination, but those that have little time to work in the yard always choose perennial, because they practically grow on their own and don’t require much more than cutting them back at the end of the growing season. Typically, the flowers aren’t as vibrant as annuals, but there are some perennial plants that can bloom all season and be beautiful and vibrant, such as roses and day lilies and includes seasonal flowers such as daffodils, tulips, lilac bushes, peonies and daisies.
Annuals cost very little, if you plant them from seed. If you want uniform placement, you might consider starter plants to give you instant color and give them an advantage over the weeds. They are cheaper plant initially, but they require more work, such as constant watering, weed pulling and dead-heading. For those that like to garden, they may not mind this hobby. You can find a wide variety of annuals and for those on a budget, annuals are the choice.
The main advantage to perennials is that they can easily adapt to weather conditions and are hardier than annual plants. They are normally planted once, but bloom year after year. Some perennial plants only bloom every other year and newly planted perennial plants may not bloom the first year or two. You have to carefully consider placement, since it is harder to transplant them, once they have taken root. The other great thing about perennial plants is that you can add a few plants a year to your landscape until you get all of the color you want. It is considered a landscaping investment, when it comes time to sell your home.
With annuals, the main advantage is the varieties and bright colors you can get. The affordability is another factor and you can change the look of your landscaping every year, to something different. The main disadvantage is that they are not as hardy and the growing season is not as long as perennials, in most cases. If you have an extremely hot and dry summer, or if fall comes early, your plants may die. Because they aren’t as hardy, you may need to consider whether you have a sprinkler system and placement can be helpful in keeping them alive.
When analyzing the pros and cons of perennial plants versus annual plants for your garden, it might be best to make perennial plants a stable part of your landscaping and supplement it with hints of colors from annual plants, in case weather conditions are unfavorable. This will allow you to continually add to your landscape investment with perennials each year and add hints of plant colors and variety in strategic areas for a beautiful display.
As a gardener, you know how important it is to have fresh herbs on hand. You can’t just run down to your local grocery store for them when the need arises! This blog post will give you some ideas on what types of herb gardens work best in different situations. If you’re looking for an easy garden that doesn’t require much maintenance, try planting your herbs in pots with shallow soil and lots of sun exposure. Herbs like basil and thyme do well in this type of environment and they’ll grow fast too!
Herbs are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in cooking or to make tea. They also have amazing health benefits, which is just one of the reasons why more people are starting their own herb gardens! With this blog post you’ll get some ideas on how to start your own herb garden. Whether it’s indoors or outside, there’s an idea for everyone! We hope you enjoy reading about these new gardening trends.
There are a plethora of herb garden ideas you can choose from that will literally spice up your life! Fresh herbs are the ultimate when it comes to cooking and many people now a days want them. What better way to enjoy fresh herbs in your kitchen than ones that are just minutes old. Herb gardens, whether yours is indoors or outdoors, are a great way to begin gardening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1-UhyFe6jk
Herb Potting
Potted herbs are easy to grow from cuttings or seeds, indoors or outdoors. Start with a well draining soil. Another option is starting out with self-sustainable potting mix that has been sterilized with heat. The majority of these mixes will contain peat moss. Water often until the plants become established, then reduce water to intensify the flavors. Perennial potted herbs may need an occasional root pruning to keep the plant from getting too root bound.
Fertilize once a week with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Incorporating a granular fertilizer at planting will help. Too much fertilizer can lessen the flavor by increasing the shoot mass faster than oils develop in the plant.
Raised Herb Garden Ideas
Building a raised bed for your herb garden can be as simple or as extravagant as you want it to be. Raised herb garden ideas are many and varied. This blog post will explore some of the different ways you can create a raised herb garden, as well as how to care for them. It’s time to get your gardening gloves on!
More Herb Garden Ideas
There is no deep dark secrets when it comes to growing herbs. In fact herbs are really very easy to grow and you don’t need a large space to grow them in either. Most herbs can be grown in an area no bigger than a window box. Actually a window box would be an ideal place to grow a kitchen herb garden. There is enough room to grow parsley, basil, sage, or cilantro and it can all be in a compact container just outside the kitchen door. Combine herbs with a grape vine.
Many herbs can even be grown on the window sill of a sunny window in the house. The trick is to keep the herbs picked and to start new ones before the plants start to get too woody. Basil is an excellent window plant. When growing herbs inside or out remember two things the first is herbs do not like a lot of fertilizer and most herbs like moist soil but it needs to dry quickly wet soil will do most herbs in.
How about a strawberry jar herb garden Plant the top with a tall herb such as dill and then fill in the side with creeping plants like oregano, creeping thyme, or creeping rosemary. They will grow out the sides and hang down. just remember to keep the creeping plants trimmed to keep producing new leaves. You may substitute the plant in the top with something else such as sage if you like.
When planting herbs such as cilantro and basil it is good to do succession plantings maybe about 3 weeks apart so that you will have fresh leaves throughout the growing season. Cilantro and basil will go to seed quickly if not picked often and the flowers removed.
The main thing most herbs have in common is that they do not like wet feet and really do not need fertilizer as I mentioned earlier. Fertilizer will change the growth habits of the herbs and effect it’s strength and flavor. Good soil will provide all the nutrients necessary to grow a productive herb garden. Also be careful what you plant as some herbs can become rather aggressive and take over the whole area chocking out everything else. Mint is a perfect example. Mint is very invasive so if you want to grow it I suggest that you grow mint in a container and never in the ground.
A good herb garden will pay big dividends in as your family and friends will enjoy the great taste coming out of your kitchen. You will have the satisfaction of knowing you are using fresh homegrown herbs to feed them.
Herb Garden Design Ideas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1-UhyFe6jk
Your herb garden should be functional and attractive. If you visit other people’s gardens, it should help you with your own herb garden designs. There are several important things to decide before you plant your first herb.
Research the plants you are thinking of planting. This will help you understand what types of pests you may be attracting to your garden. Each plant’s susceptibility to stagnation and decay when it is transplanted should be another concern.
You must determine what you hope to accomplish with your design. Do you want herbs primarily for medicinal reasons, or are you planting them for seasonings in your food? You can grow herbs of both types, but you will need to plan your garden design accordingly.
How much produce do you need to harvest from the garden? Is the beauty of the garden more important than the actual produce it yields? The answers to these questions are determined by your interests, and you should design your garden with these answers in mind rather than simply duplicating another garden design you have seen.
The herb gardens of centuries past were designed for the necessary functions of life. The garden yielded plants for medicines, seasonings, and dyes. These gardens were sometimes community gardens, and had to cater to several families. Those designs might be different than yours, especially if you just want the garden for the blooms and fragrances.
The amount of space you have to dedicate to the garden will have an effect on the design. If you have plenty of space, you may choose to have every conceivable type herb you can find. However, if space is limited, the garden may be limited to a handful of varieties. The wonderful thing about herbs is the limited number of plants you will typically need for any one item.
How will your garden relate to other landscape features in your yard? Can you plant your herbs in partial shade due to existing trees and plants? What existing landscape features, if any, are you willing to change to accommodate your new garden? Will some of the plants you want to use be a stark contrast to plants that are already there? Are some herbs incompatible with your existing plants?
Where you plant may be dictated in part by the herbs you have chosen. Although some herbs can be grown in shady areas, some require full sun. Some herbs bush into plants and pretty much stay where you put them, while others shoot out runners and want to go everywhere. Keep in mind how the garden will change after you’ve planted it. Decide what changes you are willing to allow.
Don’t be afraid to alter the garden after you plant it. After your original plan is implemented, things may transpire later that make that plan obsolete, or at least not in your best interests. You can relocate plants or have them removed if your interests change.
Freely use your imagination when designing your herb garden. There is no right or wrong place to put your herbs, as long as they get enough water, required sunlight, and proper drainage. Your herb garden designs should be your own and not mandated by the wants and needs of someone else.
Oregano, particularly its essential oil, has been found to have antibacterial properties, primarily due to the presence of compounds like carvacrol and thymol. It’s important to note that you should always consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies to treat a health issue, especially if you have allergies or are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.
Here are some ways to use oregano for its antibacterial properties:
Oregano essential oil: To use oregano essential oil, dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil. For every one drop of oregano essential oil, mix it with four drops of carrier oil. Apply the mixture to the affected area, but be cautious to avoid sensitive areas, mucous membranes, and open wounds.
Oregano tea: Oregano tea can be made by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of fresh or dried oregano leaves in a cup of boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the leaves and drink the tea. You can add honey or lemon for taste if desired. Drinking oregano tea may help support your immune system.
Oregano-infused oil: Create an oregano-infused oil by adding dried oregano leaves to a jar and covering them with a carrier oil like olive oil or sweet almond oil. Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking it occasionally. Once the infusion is ready, strain the oil and use it topically on the skin for minor cuts, scrapes, or skin irritations.
Oregano poultice: Make an oregano poultice by grinding fresh or dried oregano leaves and mixing them with enough warm water to create a paste. Apply this paste to a clean cloth or gauze and place it on the affected area. Cover the poultice with plastic wrap or another cloth to keep it in place, and leave it on for 20-30 minutes. This method may help reduce inflammation and promote healing of minor skin issues.
Remember that while oregano and its essential oil may have antibacterial properties, it should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatments. Always consult your healthcare provider before using herbal remedies, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
Discover the Magic of Oregano
Have you ever wondered why your grandma always had a pot of oregano simmering on the stove? Or why pizzerias always keep a shaker of this magical herb within reach? It’s because oregano is more than just a delicious seasoning—it also has powerful antibacterial properties.
Oregano is a member of the mint family and is closely related to marjoram, thyme, and basil. This pungent herb is native to temperate regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean. Oregano has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its potent antibacterial effects.
Recent studies have found that oregano essential oil can be effective against a variety of bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus. The active ingredients in oregano oil, carvacrol and thymol, are thought to be responsible for its antimicrobial activity. These compounds work by disrupting the bacterial cell membrane, which leads to cell death.
The next time you’re looking for an all-natural way to boost your health, reach for oregano! This flavorful herb does more than just add zest to your favorite dishes—it also has powerful antibacterial properties that can help keep you feeling your best.”
Resources for Learning About Oregano’s Medicinal Uses
Oregano is a common kitchen spice with a long list of medicinal uses. If you’re interested in learning more about how oregano can be used to support your health, check out some of our favorite resources below.
The National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements has a great article summarizing the research on oregano and its potential health benefits. They go into detail about the compounds in oregano that are responsible for its medicinal properties, as well as the ways in which oregano has been traditionally used to support health. This is a great resource for anyone looking for a scientific overview of the benefits of oregano.
The University of Maryland Medical Center also has a informative article on oregano and its possible health benefits. They discuss both the traditional uses of oregano and the more contemporary research on its medicinal properties. This is a great resource for people who want to learn about both the history and the science behind oregano’s medicinal uses.
If you’re interested in using oregano to support your health, we also recommend talking to your healthcare provider. They can provide you with individualized guidance on how best to incorporate oregano (or any other herb) into your overall wellness plan.
Oregano is a delicious kitchen spice with a long history of use as a medicinal herb. If you’re interested in learning more about how oregano can be used to support your health, check out some of our favorite resources above. And as always, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before incorporating any new herb into your wellness routine.
Tasty Recipe That Includes Oregano
A lot of people think of oregano as just a pizza topping, but this versatile herb can be used in all sorts of dishes. Here are three recipes that showcase oregano in all its glory.
Pizza Margarita
This classic pizza features a crispy thin crust, fresh tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. The addition of oregano takes it to the next level.
Ingredients: -1 pound pizza dough -1 cup tomato sauce -8 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced -1 tablespoon olive oil -2 teaspoons dried oregano -1 teaspoon salt -1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Raised garden beds, also known as garden boxes, are a type of gardening structure that elevates the planting area above the ground level. They are typically made from various materials like wood, metal, or stone and are designed to contain soil within a confined space. Raised garden beds have gained popularity among gardeners because they offer several benefits:
Improved soil drainage: Raised beds allow for better drainage, which can help prevent waterlogged plants and root rot.
Easier soil amendments: It’s simpler to add and control the soil mixture in a raised bed, allowing gardeners to create the perfect environment for their plants.
Reduced soil compaction: Since gardeners don’t walk on the soil in raised beds, it remains less compacted, improving root growth and overall plant health.
Accessibility: Raised beds can be built at different heights, making them more accessible to gardeners with mobility issues or those who prefer not to bend down.
Pest control: Raised beds can help deter some pests, such as slugs and snails, by creating a barrier between the ground and the plants. They can also make it easier to add netting or fencing to protect plants from larger animals.
Extended growing season: The soil in raised beds tends to warm up faster in the spring, allowing for earlier planting and a longer growing season.
Aesthetic appeal: Raised beds can be an attractive addition to a garden, offering a clean, organized appearance and the opportunity for creative design.
Weed management: Separating the garden bed from the surrounding soil can help minimize weed growth, making maintenance easier.
Overall, raised garden beds are a practical and versatile option for gardeners looking to improve their growing conditions and make gardening more enjoyable.
How to Build a Simple Wooden Raised Garden Bed
Building a raised garden bed is a relatively simple project that can be completed in a few steps. Here’s a basic guide to help you get started:
Materials you’ll need:
Untreated wood, stone, concrete blocks, or metal (for the frame)
Wood screws or brackets (for wood frames)
Drill or screwdriver
Saw (if you need to cut wood)
Level
Landscape fabric or cardboard (optional)
Soil mix (compost, topsoil, and other amendments as needed)
Plants or seeds
Step-by-step guide:
Choose a location: Select a level, well-draining area that receives the appropriate amount of sunlight for the plants you intend to grow. Make sure the location has easy access to water.
Determine the size: Decide on the dimensions of your raised bed, considering both the space available and the types of plants you’ll be growing. Common sizes are 4×4, 4×8, or 4×12 feet. The width should be no more than 4 feet, allowing you to easily reach the center of the bed from either side.
Select the material: Choose the material for your raised bed frame. Untreated wood (such as cedar or redwood) is a popular choice due to its natural resistance to rot and insects. Other options include stone, concrete blocks, or metal.
Build the frame: Cut the material to the desired length and assemble the frame using screws, brackets, or other appropriate fasteners. For a wooden frame, you can use wood screws and a drill or screwdriver to connect the corners. Ensure that the frame is square and level.
Prepare the ground: Remove any grass, weeds, or rocks from the area where you’ll place the raised bed. You can lay down landscape fabric or cardboard to help suppress weeds, but make sure to leave openings for water drainage.
Position the frame: Place the frame in the prepared area, ensuring that it’s level and secure. If necessary, adjust the ground underneath the frame to achieve a level surface.
Fill the bed: Add a mix of high-quality soil and compost to fill the raised bed. You may also need to add other amendments, depending on the specific needs of your plants. Fill the bed to about 1-2 inches below the top edge of the frame.
Plant your garden: Plant your seeds or seedlings according to their specific requirements for spacing, depth, and care. Water the bed thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil.
Maintain your garden: Regularly water, weed, and fertilize your raised garden bed as needed to ensure optimal plant growth.
Remember that building a raised garden bed is a customizable project, so you can adjust the design, materials, and size to suit your needs and preferences.
Filling a Raised Garden Bed
Protect against pests by lining the bottom of the bed with weed block, newspaper, cardboard or landscape fabric. Fill your beds with the best soil possible. For most applications, a good basic mix is made from 60-percent topsoil, 30-percent compost and 10-percent potting mix. Add enough soil mix to fill the bed. Some settling will occur. And beware of adding anything to your beds that may contain weed seeds or herbicide chemicals.
Raised Bed Gardening Triumphs Over Poor Soil Conditions
Raised bed gardening is the key to success when it comes to having healthy, thriving plants. It takes care of your soil problems and you can even use a raised bed for growing flowers and vegetables! A successful gardener should consider this method if they live in an area that has poor quality dirt-especially ones with sandy soils or heavy clay soils.
What’s the best way to garden? With raised beds! They’re so much easier than digging up dirt and planting your seeds or seedlings, plus they make a beautiful display. Whether you have an acre of land that needs attention or just one little plot in shades salad bowl type area – this is perfect for all sorts o’ spaces (and pockets too).
The ability to manage the soil is one of the most significant benefits of using the raised bed. Because you choose and mix the ground yourself, you can create the perfect soil environment for the plants you want to grow. That means even if you’re going to grow plants that don’t typically thrive in your area because of your local soil composition, you can grow them in raised planters in which you have created the perfect soil for those plants. The benefits of using raised beds extend beyond just the soil environment. Raised bed gardening allows you to create your own mix for perfect plant growth, even if local conditions don’t typically support that type or variety!
There are other benefits to raised areas as well, even if the soil is not an issue in your area. Another significant advantage to consider is the way the raised beds let you target the use of things you put on your garden. Apply fertilizer and mulch where they are needed – and there only – so you end up using less and do not accidentally apply these things where they are not required. If you use chemical pesticides, herbicides or insecticides, you can use a smaller amount of them, and again, you can target their use. Because you apply them only to the raised bed, you don’t have to worry about runoff or the effects these chemicals can have on your pets or kids who play in your yard. All in raised bed gardening makes for more efficient planting.
One great benefit of a raised gardening bed that is the fact that the planting area is, in fact, elevated. Since the garden is not ground level, it is much easier to tend. Garden enthusiasts with back problems will love being able to see their plants and manage them without bending over and dealing with hours of painful work. Raised areas are ideal for people with joint pain and injuries that make it difficult for them to garden traditionally.
Although raised garden beds have all of these benefits and make different kinds of gardening possible in areas where the soil is not ideal, the beds can’t trump every problem a garden may face. You still need to consider the climate in your area and choose plants accordingly – raised planters or not, and tropical plants won’t grow in snowy climates. Also, you will still need to pay attention to what level of sunlight your garden area gets and choose your plants with that in mind. Further, although most people with raised beds deal with less pest infestation, you will still need some way to deal plant-munching insects. Even though raised beds can’t fix everything, however, they are still a great option when soil limits the way you garden.
Final 3 Tips For Building a Raised Bed Garden
Raised bed gardening is a fun, creative, and efficient way to garden. If you are just getting started with this type of gardening, here are a couple tips to get you going in the right direction.
Tip #1 – To Purchase a Kit or Not?
There are many ready made kits on the market now to make building your bed quick, easy, and affordable. If you choose this route, do some research as some will vary in quality and features, not to mention in ease of assembly.
Tip #2 – Building Your Own
If you decide to build your own bed be sure you know the weight of the bed you intend to build once it has soil in it. The bigger the bed, the heavier it is with soil, and the more reinforcement you will need. If need be rebar can be placed at angles to the bed once assembled to give it side support, this is important in larger beds.
Tips #3 – Consider Size
When trying to decide what size to make your raised bed, be sure to consider what types of vegetables you will be planting. A 12 inch raised bed is sufficient for most root vegetables, lettuce and other leafy greens need even less space.
Raised bed gardening can be a great way to create a garden when space is limited. It is a fun, efficient, and easy to maintain way to exercise your green thumb. Hopefully these couple of tips will get you started on your own garden today.
Monstera, commonly known as the Swiss cheese plant or simply Monstera, is a popular and easy-to-grow tropical houseplant known for its distinctive large, perforated leaves. This guide will walk you through the care and cultivation of this fascinating plant.
Monstera plants are popular houseplants because they’re relatively easy to care for and they can tolerate a wide range of light levels, from low light to bright indirect light. They’re also very forgiving if you forget to water them occasionally! Two different species of Monstera are cultivated as houseplants – Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about caring for your own monstera plant.
Light & Temperature
Monsteras prefer bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can result in weak, leggy growth. Place your plant near a well-lit window, but away from direct sunlight.
As tropical plants, Monsteras thrive in humid environments. Keep the humidity level around 60% or higher by using a humidifier, misting the plant, or placing a tray of water near the plant. The ideal temperature range for Monsteras is 65-85°F (18-29°C). Keep the plant away from cold drafts, air conditioners, or heaters.
Watering & Soil
Water your Monstera when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to yellow and wilt. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant’s growth slows down.
Monstera plants prefer well-draining soil. Use a high-quality potting mix with added perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage. Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot. As Monstera plants grow rapidly, repotting may be necessary every 1-2 years to accommodate the plant’s expanding root system.
Fertilizing Monstera Plants
Fertilize your Monstera with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce the frequency to once every 8-12 weeks during the fall and winter months.
Cleaning Your Monstera Plant
As with any indoor plant, it’s important to clean your monstera regularly to remove any dust that has accumulated on its leaves. Use a soft cloth or sponge and wipe down each leaf, being careful not harm the delicate leaf tissue. You can also mist your monstera leaves with clean water on a regular basis to help keep them clean and free of dust.
Prune your Monstera to maintain its shape and size, as well as to promote bushier growth. Use clean, sharp scissors to remove any yellow or damaged leaves, as well as any aerial roots that are not attaching to a support.
As Monstera plants mature, their large leaves and climbing growth habit may require additional support. Use a moss pole, trellis, or other sturdy structure to provide your plant with the support it needs.
Monstera plants make beautiful, easy-to-care-for houseplants that can thrive in a wide range of homes and office environments. These tropical natives prefer warm temperatures and high humidity levels, so if you can provide those conditions for your plant it will reward you with large, striking leaves that add interest and visual appeal to any space.
Many people are familiar with monstera plants, also known as Swiss cheese plants, due to their large leaves with distinctive holes. These tropical plants are native to Central and South America and thrive in warm, humid environments. While they’re often grown outdoors, monstera plants make excellent indoor houseplants as well. Here are just a few of the benefits of having a monstera plant in your home.
Air Purification
One of the most important benefits of monstera plants is their ability to purify the air. These plants are effective at removing harmful toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air, which can be beneficial for both your physical and mental health. Not only will you be able to breathe easier, but you’ll also feel better mentally knowing that the air in your home is clean and healthy.
Improved Mood
In addition to purifying the air, monstera plants can also improve your mood. Studies have shown that being around plants can boost your mood and reduce stress levels. If you’re looking for a way to feel calmer and happier, adding a monstera plant to your home is a great option.
Increase Productivity
When you feel stressed or anxious, it’s difficult to focus on tasks at hand. However, being aroundmonstera plants has been shown to increase productivity levels. If you find yourself struggling to concentrate, try adding a monstera plant to your workspace. You may be surprised at how much of a difference it makes.
Monstera plants offer a multitude of benefits that make them ideal houseplants. Not only do they purify the air and improve your mood, but they can also increase your productivity levels. So if you’re looking for a plant that does it all, look no further than the monstera plant.
How to Grow Monstera
Find a balance between sun and shade. If Monstera is given too much sun, the leaves will yellow. If it’s left in the dark, the plant will exhibit something called negative phototropism, where new leaves grow towards the dark, rather than the light. (It’s a pretty clever trick: In the jungle, darkness signals the presence of a larger tree that Monstera can climb up to reach sunlight.) Since this
Water Monstera moderately and evenly, about once a week. Wait until the soil is fairly dry before watering again. Keep in a fairly humid environment.
The Monstera will grow in most household temperatures, but a temperature between 65-85℉ is ideal. They can survive in temperatures as low as 50℉, but the cold temperature will stop growth.
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Practical Steps To Buying Monstera Plants
Monstera plants are raised in greenhouses in which the air is warm and humid. When brought into the average home, they need to withstand more adverse conditions than the average outdoor plant. Challenging conditions such as minimum light, inadequate ventilation, warmer temperatures, drafts, and dry air contribute to stressful conditions for plants. Considering the following points will help in the selection of house plants that will complement your interior decor and live for many years to come.
1. Strong and vigorous. Give the plant a quick shake. A plant that’s unsteady in its pot may not be well-rooted. Shaking the plant also tells you whether the plant has whiteflies that will scattered in every direction if the plant is infested.
2. Evergreen – Since it will be seen everyday of the year, plants need to be evergreen. Be sure the leaves aren’t falling off.
3. Attractive – Some of the foliage plants will flower from time to time, but the primary reason for purchasing is the plant’s foliage and how the plants grow. The leaves may be selected for their color or form, or both and the growth habit should be attractive and require minimum maintenance.
4. Slow-growing – Select plants that are slow-growing without a lot of pruning or training. They will perform better over a longer period of time.
5. Crowded roots – Check the bottom of the plant for roots coming out of the drainage hole. Roots emerging from holes in the pot don’t necessarily mean that the plant is under-potted, but it’s frequently a first symptom. Root bound plants will require transplanting when you get the plant home.
6. Unhealthy roots – If you can, have the clerk take the plant out of the pot to check for crowded roots. Roots come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They should always feel firm and not squishy. Squishy roots are a sign of root rot.
7. Stem or root rot – Sniff the potting mix. Signs of rot smell like the sickly sweet smell of a rotting potato. Don’t buy this plant, as it likely has a bad case of stem rot or root rot.
8. Leaf spots, yellowed leaves, or abundant leaf loss – Leaf spots can be a sign of disease or caused by the jostling of the plants in a garden center. A yellow leaf or two at the base of the plant is nothing to worry about. If you see many yellow or fallen leaves, however, the plant’s probably stressed and therefore not a good choice. Damaged leaves never recover. Ask yourself whether you are willing to wait for the plant to produce new leaves or would you rather purchase a healthier looking specimen.
9. Leggy plants or brown leaf tips – These conditions are signs of a plant that has not received adequate care over a period of time. Spindly plants indicate a lack of adequate light.
10. Signs of insects or disease – Look under the leaves and at the leaf axial (the place where the leaf attaches to the stem) where most often pests hang out. Do not purchase this plant, as not only will you have a problem with it, but you may also infest the other plants in your home.
Variegated Monstera Deliciosa Plant
The coveted variegated monstera is one of the hottest rare plants! The iconic split leaves of the Monstera deliciosa are unmistakable, except rather than green, this plant’s foliage is either partially or entirely hypnotic white. It’s a plant commonly referred to as the Variegated Monstera, and though pictures of it populate our Instagram feeds, getting your hands on one is no easy task.
Many plants with white variegation tend to be more delicate than their green counterparts, and the Variegated Monstera is no exception. Naturally, this can occur in all sorts of features, but when there’s a mutation in chlorophyll, the green pigmentation in plants, we call that chimera variegation, resulting in a mix of tissue with the chlorophyll and tissue without it, the latter resulting in shades of silver and pale yellow. Growing them is not only slow, but also requires a certain level of skill. Combine this with incredibly high demand, and you’ve got a rare plant that is going to be tough to find, and if you do find it, it will cost you!
How to Care for Variegated Monstera Plant
For the most part, variegated monstera aren’t too different from their fully green counterparts, which is great news! Monstera deliciosa are known for being tough plants that grow rapidly in good light and only need regular watering. The main difference is the white portion of the variegated Monstera leaves cannot absorb light, so the plant needs to work twice as hard to photosynthesize. Therefore, low light conditions are not ideal and you should keep your variegated Monstera in bright ambient light to make it happy.
Monsteras appreciate a warm, humid environment, a good amount of water and gentle sunlight. Place your Monstera away from vents and drafts where it would be subjected to dry air and in a spot where it can receive medium to bright indirect light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My Monstera is turning yellow?
A: Most often yellowing occurs due to over or underwatering. If you see a combination of yellow and brown on the same leaf, it is typically due to overwatering. If fully yellow leaves, along with some brown crispy spots on additional leaves occur then it could be underwatering.
Q: How often should I fertilize my plant?
A: In general, house plants will thrive when they are fertilized spring through fall. Fertilize once a month with an organic houseplant fertilizer, following the package instructions for dilution and administration.
Q: How often does my plant need to be re-potted?
A: For larger floor plants, we suggest re-potting every 18-24 months. Typically you want to choose a potting vessel 2”- 4” larger in diameter to allow for growth. Don’t choose a pot much larger than the previous as this could drown the plants roots. If you prefer to maintain the current size of your plant, re-pot into the same vessel, providing new soil and trimming away some roots and foliage. Spring or summer is the ideal time to re-pot as the plant is at its strongest.
