Growers Tips

Tip #1: Houseplants
Houseplants are a great way to rid the air of pollutants and toxins!  This is not an urban myth or a ‘wive’s tale’ but the result of a 2 year NASA study conducted by Dr. Bill Wolverton, a senior research scientist at NASA. Philodendron, Spathiphylum, and Golden Pothos were labeled the most effective in removing formaldehyde molecules. “Plants take substances out of the air through the tiny openings in their leaves,” Wolverton said, “But research in our laboratories has determined that plant leaves, roots and soil bacteria are all important in removing trace levels of toxic vapors”.

Tip #2: Indoor Herbs
Although most herbs are best suited to sunny garden sites, many will grow quite well in containers indoors.  The key to this endeavor is ENOUGH sunlight – without it, they will get leggy and weak.  Extend the fresh herb season by growing herbs indoors, in a bright window.  Mints, tender lavenders, sweet bay, rosemary, basil, parsley … all will thrive.  Another important tip – do not over water.  Allow the soil to dry to the touch, then water until it runs out of the holes in the bottom of your container – never, ever let your herbs it in a saucer of water.  Be on the lookout for pests, including aphids, mealy bugs and spider mites.  Remember to prune often, and enjoy!

Tip #3: Flowers You Can Eat!
We love to grow flowers, pick them and put into arrangements, and toss them into our food!  Nasturtium is famous for spicing up the garden with its jewel tones of yellow, red, and yellow – now it’s time to spice up your salads.  Nasturtium leaves and flowers have a peppery flavor that really add some interest to your salads, and herbal vinegars.  Europeans have known this for about 500 years … the Spanish began importing the plant from South America.  So, now it’s your turn!

Tip #4: When should I plant my spring bulbs (meaning bulbs that bloom in the spring).
One of the most important factors in this decision is soil temperature – the soil needs to be cool for bulbs.  If your weather is still quite warm, wait to plant until the soil temperature drops to 55 degrees or cooler.  This usually happens when the average night time temperature drops to around 50 degrees or cooler for about 2 weeks.

If you plant bulbs for spring before the soil cools down, you can have problems, especially in a wet fall.

Since most flower bulbs come from areas where the winters are very cold, but summers are dry and hot, bulbs planted in warm, wet soil can succumb to rot or mildew.

After planting, water your bulbs thoroughly. Then normal fall rains should provide all the moisture necessary for bulbs to grow strong, deep roots to give you lot of colorful flowers for spring

Tip #5: Reblooming you Amaryllis.
An amaryllis will bloom and stay in flower for up to 8 weeks, depending on how they are taken care of - if you want continuous blooms, simply plant in intervals of 2 weeks.  After blooming, cut the old flowers from the stem.  Once the stem sags, cut it to the base of the bulb.  Water and fertilize all summer (at least 5 months), and allow the leaves to grow.  Once they begin to yellow in early fall, cut them back to about 2" from the top of the bulb.  Remove the bulb from the soil, clean it and place in a cool, dark place for a minimum of 6 weeks.  You are ready to begin again!