Chlorophyll gives leaves their green color. As summer turns to autumn, the days gradually grow shorter, resulting in fewer hours of sunlight each day. Eventually, there isn’t enough sunlight for photosynthesis to continue. The trees enter a period of rest and rely on the food they stored during the summer, much like a bear living off its food stores in the winter.

What Causes the Variety of Colors in Leaves?

Leaves turn a variety of colors in autumn. You may wonder why they don’t all turn the same color, such as orange, yellow, or red. As chlorophyll disappears, the green color fades, revealing the orange and yellow colors that were already present in the leaves, but hidden beneath the green. As the green fades, these vibrant hues become visible.

The bright red and purple colors that characterize autumn are the result of glucose trapped in the leaves. This glucose is trapped after photosynthesis stops. Cooler nighttime temperatures cause the trapped glucose to turn red.

There’s also an important function behind the red and purple colors. They help the tree retain its leaves for a longer period. By staying on the tree longer, the leaves allow the tree to absorb more nutrients before they fall. Additionally, these colors help protect the tree by lowering the freezing point, providing some defense against frost.

The brown color in the leaves is caused by waste products, specifically tannins. These tannins, trapped in the leaves, cause them to turn brown.

How Weather Affects the Colors

The intensity of the colors of autumn is affected by weather patterns, which explains the variations in color from year to year. Red and purple hues are enhanced by cool temperatures. If autumn is warm both day and night, the colors will be less vibrant because the cooler nighttime temperatures, which help trap glucose in the leaves, are absent.

Moisture also plays a role in leaf color. A series of rainy, overcast days intensifies the color of the leaves. On the other hand, a dry summer can lead to less intense colors. In years with drought, the foliage will not be as vibrant as in years with sufficient rainfall.

The best colors are produced by a weather pattern of warm, sunny days and cool nights. The warmth of the day and abundant sunlight allow the tree to produce more glucose. When the temperature drops at night (but stays above freezing), the glucose becomes trapped inside the leaves. As the temperature continues to cool, the veins in the leaves constrict, trapping even more glucose. This leads to vibrant colors. Therefore, an autumn season with mostly warm, sunny days and cool nights will produce the best fall foliage.

The post Why do Leaves Change Color? appeared first on .

Why Distilled Water is Better than Tap Water

Tap water contains chemicals, such as chlorine, which are used to treat the public water supply. These chemicals can be harmful to plants, with the effects being more pronounced on houseplants than outdoor plants. This is because the chemicals build up in the soil and are not washed away by rain, as they would be with outdoor plants.

Chemicals aren’t the only issue with tap water. The hardness of the water can also impact your plants. If you have hard water, it’s a good idea to use distilled water for your houseplants. Some plants are particularly sensitive to the minerals found in hard water. While hard water is often a concern with well water, it can also be an issue with municipal water supplies.

If your water comes from a well, you may have a water softener system in your home. These systems are effective at removing hardness from well water, improving the performance of soaps and shampoos and reducing staining on appliances and sinks. However, softened water is not ideal for plants. Water softeners use salts, such as sodium or potassium, during the recycling process. These salts can be very damaging to your plants. Softened water contains high levels of salt and low levels of essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium, which impedes growth.

If you have softened well water, it’s best to use distilled water on both your indoor and outdoor plants. Softened water is particularly harmful to outdoor plants, more so than tap water from a local municipal supply. The high salt content can stunt growth and even kill your plants, including your grass.

Watering with Distilled Water

Proper watering is essential, regardless of whether you’re using distilled or tap water. If your plants aren’t watered correctly, it won’t matter what type of water you’re using. Improper watering can lead to a weak root system, which weakens the plant and makes it more susceptible to disease. Be sure to follow the proper watering guidelines for each of your plants.

Many houseplants come with care instructions, usually printed on plastic stakes that are placed in the soil. However, not all plants come with these instructions. You may need to look up the information in a book or online. In general, blooming plants and those with a lot of foliage require more water than plants with less foliage. Tropical and woodland plants need less water compared to plants from drier areas.

The season will also impact your plants’ water needs. During warmer temperatures, plants require more water because it tends to evaporate faster. The temperature inside your home also plays a role. In winter, when the heat is on, you may notice that your plants dry out more quickly. The dry air causes the water in the plants to evaporate faster.

When using distilled water, make sure it is at room temperature. If you’re making your own distilled water and have left it outside to distill, bring it inside and allow it to reach room temperature. Distilled water can become very hot in the summer or very cold in the winter. Water that is too hot or too cold can shock the roots and potentially damage or even kill your houseplants.

Making Your Own Distilled Water

You can make your own distilled water at home. Start by using tap water or rainwater collected in a bucket or barrel. Rainwater works well for distillation, as long as it is not too acidic. If the rainwater in your area tends to be acidic, it’s better to use tap water since acids do not dissipate well and can harm your plants.

To distill your own water, fill a clean container with tap water and leave it outside. If you are using rainwater, place a clean container outside to catch it. Allow the water to sit for two days to allow the chlorine and other minerals to dissipate. Once the water is ready, you can use it on your plants. Store any excess water in clean, gallon-sized jugs for later use.

The post Watering Plants with Distilled Water appeared first on .

Every gardener, whether a beginner or a seasoned expert, needs a reliable set of tools to make their craft easier and more enjoyable. While specialized gardening styles, like topiary or rose cultivation, require specific equipment such as small trimmers or protective gloves, most gardeners benefit from a core set of versatile tools. Below is a guide to the essential gardening tools that suit all types of gardeners and enhance any gardening experience.

Shovel

A shovel is a gardener’s best friend, indispensable for digging holes to plant bulbs, shrubs, or trees. Shovels come in various styles to suit different tasks. Long-handled, pointed-blade shovels provide leverage for digging deep holes, easily cutting through dirt and roots. Flat-ended shovels, or spades, are ideal for lifting sod or trimming edges along sidewalks and driveways. For smaller tasks, such as planting in pots or working close to a plant’s base, a hand trowel—a compact, short-handled shovel—is perfect.

Rake

Though raking may sound like a chore, a rake is a vital gardening tool. A lawn rake, with closely spaced, long tines, quickly clears dead leaves, stems, and debris at the start or end of the growing season. For heavier tasks like leveling soil or removing grass, a seeding rake with wider-spaced, sturdier tines is more suitable. Small, handheld rakes are also available for tending to flower beds or raised pots.

Hoe

A hoe is a hardworking tool you’ll both love and dread. It’s essential for weeding, as it efficiently removes unwanted plants from flowerbeds, vegetable gardens, or along the house. Large-headed hoes are great for general weed control, while smaller, pointed-edge hoes are better for tight spaces or areas where plants grow closely together. Hoes also help till small patches of soil before planting or transplanting, loosening the earth for better root growth. Handheld hoes are available for working in pots or confined areas.

Protecting Yourself and Your Garden

Protecting your hands is crucial, and gardening gloves are a must. They shield your skin from cuts and scratches while trimming rosebushes or pulling weeds and prevent soil from drying out your hands or lodging under your nails. Gloves come in materials like cotton, canvas, or rubber, with rubber offering waterproof protection for wet tasks. Keeping your hands clean and safe reduces the hassle of scrubbing dirt from under your nails multiple times a day.

Wheelbarrow

For large yards, a wheelbarrow simplifies transporting heavy loads, from piles of weeds to dozens of bushes. It saves time and effort compared to carrying materials by hand, especially without a trailer or tractor. Modern two-wheeled wheelbarrows are more stable, reducing the risk of tipping when handling heavy loads.

Cart/Supply Holder

Organizing your tools is easy with a garden tool holder. A handheld tray is ideal for carrying small tools, while a cloth divider for a five-gallon bucket can store both small and large tools, making them easy to transport. For gardeners with extensive tool collections, a small cart with compartments and drawers keeps everything neatly sorted and accessible. With these options, there’s no excuse for leaving tools scattered around the yard or garage.

Compost Pile

For gardeners with large yards, a compost pile is a valuable addition. It enriches garden soil using leaves, grass clippings, organic food scraps, and soil. To start, designate a space, build a bin to protect the pile from harsh weather, and begin mixing materials. If you’re new to composting, your local library offers plenty of books to guide you.

Pruning Shears

Pruning shears are essential for gardeners who maintain bushes or flowers that require regular trimming, though they’re less necessary for vegetable gardeners. Available with long or short handles and blades, shears allow precise cuts to keep plants healthy and shapely.

Tool Care Tips

To ensure your tools last, store them in a garage or shed during cold, snowy months to prevent metal or plastic parts from becoming brittle. In summer, protect wooden handles from sun exposure to avoid drying or discoloration. Proper care keeps your tools in top condition, ready to support your gardening passion for years to come.

The post Gardening Supplies – Buying Rakes and Shovels appeared first on .

The Purpose of Composting

Composting, as defined by a dictionary, is a mixture of decayed organic matter used to fertilize soil. By incorporating compost into your garden, you enrich the soil with nutrients naturally, eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers.

The primary goal of composting is to enhance soil quality naturally. High-quality soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Poor soil leads to yellowing or wilting plants that appear starved, often due to nutrient deficiencies or improper pH levels. Even if your soil is marginally suitable for gardening, plants may grow but fail to produce optimally—or at all.

Adding organic matter through composting improves soil fertility and texture, ensuring proper drainage while retaining moisture. Compost also helps maintain pH balance and nitrogen levels, enabling the soil to nourish your garden effectively.

Turning Waste into Garden Gold

You’ve likely heard the saying, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” With composting, your household waste becomes your garden’s treasure. Despite efforts to recycle and protect the environment, much organic waste ends up in landfills. Instead, you can repurpose it to benefit your garden. Consider these common items:

• After making morning coffee, what do you do with the coffee grounds?
• When raking your yard, do you bag the leaves and leave them for pickup?
• After peeling a potato, where do the peelings go?
• When cracking an egg, what happens to the eggshell?

If you’re throwing these items away, you’re missing an opportunity to enrich your garden while reducing landfill waste, which poses environmental challenges. Coffee grounds, leaves, potato peels, and eggshells are all organic matter that can be transformed into compost instead of being discarded. Using compost in your garden is a cost-effective alternative to expensive fertilizers—it’s free when you repurpose your waste.

Composting can be as simple as creating a pile and allowing it to decay before mixing it into your soil. This is the most effective method, though some gardeners prefer burying organic waste directly in the garden. Either approach is better than throwing organic matter away.

You can include a variety of materials in your compost, such as fruits, vegetables, shredded paper, grass clippings, leaves, weeds, straw, dead flowers, tea leaves, coffee grounds, wood chips, sawdust, eggshells, and dried manure. However, avoid adding meat products, bones, fats, dairy products, diseased or poisonous plants, chemically treated wood or sawdust, and human or pet waste. Cow or horse manure is suitable, provided it’s not fresh.

To compost effectively, build a pile directly on the ground or use a composting bin, especially if you’re new to the process. Ensure a balanced mix of materials, such as dried greenery and vegetable peelings, and keep the pile moist to promote decomposition. When the compost is ready, it will be dark, with most materials decomposed beyond recognition. Even if some items aren’t fully broken down, they’ll continue to decay once mixed into the garden soil.

Composting is straightforward and forgiving—almost impossible to get wrong. As long as you use wholesome organic materials, your compost will be perfect for creating a healthy, productive garden.

The post Composting – How to Create Organic Soil appeared first on .

However, there have been differences in the findings, with respect to the effects of smoke on plants. Pineapple growers used to make smoke producing fires near their fields in order to aid flowering in the plants. In ancient China, to ripen harvested fruit, it was a practice to burn incense in the rooms, where the harvested fruits were kept. The created heat and smoke helped in the ripening process. The traditional methods are still in use in many rural areas even today.

Research has revealed that plants absorb indoor air pollutants, though their effect on smoke absorption is not confirmed. It is generally found that houseplants are very effective in removing smoke and obnoxious gases from the atmosphere. The presence of carefully assimilated houseplants indoors definitely adds to the quality of air inhaled by the family, while enhancing the ambience.

When we buy new clothes and furniture, we bring chemicals and other substances into the house that give off harmful gases. In fact houseplants are helpers that work silently, in order to rid the air in the house from toxins and harmful pollutants, by counteracting, out-gassing and maintaining appropriate levels of humidity. But each plant can have an effect only within a limited area. The area that one plant can take care of is considered to be approximately ten square yards, where the average ceiling height would be eight to nine feet. Two or three indoor plants would suffice to maintain the air quality of a room having an area between twenty to twenty-five square yards.

Plants that are effective controllers of air pollution

Ten different plants have been found to be most effective in controlling the negative effects of gassed chemicals and help to balance internal humidity. It would undoubtedly be beneficial to have some of these in your house. The presence of the following plants definitely help in maintaining the internal humidity and contributing positively to the family’s health, while enhancing the beauty of the garden:

• Reed Palm
• Dwarf date palm
• Boston fern
• Areca palm
• English Ivy
• Janet Craig dracaena
• Peace lily
• Rubber plant
• Australian sword fern
• Weeping fig
• Where to keep houseplants

It is generally assumed that plants kept inside the house need to be placed near to or next to the window. It is not so and many indoor plants are initially from tropical forests, where there is dense shade due to the foliage. They have a high photosynthesis rate and can ideally be placed in the darkest corners of the room. To get the maximum benefits from the plants, it is important to position them properly. If indoor plants are place in the path of drafts, it affects their efficacy in countering air pollution. The placement of different plants should be different, according to the specific requirement of each species.

Contributors to air pollution

The result of extremely high levels of indoor-pollution caused by the new designs of super insulated homes and buildings is the buildup of ‘off gases’. Thee harmful effects of these gases are further aggravated by the presence of organic compounds given off by materials in daily use like cleaning compounds, building materials, furniture, fabric and cigarette smoke. All these materials add to the toxins in the air and result in a number of diseases.

The ‘sick building syndrome’ symptoms consist of typical allergic reactions like rashes, itchy eyes, sinus and respiratory congestion, drowsiness and headaches, resulting from working in new buildings where there is very little or no ventilation. The overall productivity of the employees is also affected, due to the poor working conditions.

NASA recommends using house plants as air filters

NASA scientists conducted tests with many common houseplants grown in conditions very close to those in homes and offices for effective filtering of indoor air. They found after a two-year study that a dozen that were most effective were Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen), Syngonium (Arrowhead vine), Dracaena (Cornplant), Spathiphyllum (Peace-Lilly) and Syndapsus (Devil’s ivy). These species have been proved by research, to enhance the air conditioning within the home or any enclosure. NASA is constantly conducting research to contribute positively towards the issues of global warming and pollution that threaten the world at large.

The post Does Smoke Affect House Plants? appeared first on .

For avid gardeners, browsing online can be irresistible. But it’s not just any browsing—it’s the lure of gardening websites and heirloom seed dealer pages. With enticing descriptions and promises of incredible growth, it’s hard to resist adding everything to your cart.

However, before you go splurging your tax return money on seeds, it’s important to take a step back, do some planning, and avoid the temptation to overspend. Not all online seed dealers are reputable, and, unless you have acres of unplanted land, you definitely don’t need all 128 seed packets in your shopping cart. With a little strategy and some research, you can control your spending and avoid getting ripped off.

Sleuthing Duty

Unfortunately, not every seed seller or gardening store online is trustworthy. Scammers know that gardening is big business, especially in North America, and that they can profit from unsuspecting buyers. To protect your wallet, here’s how to evaluate a site before making a purchase:

Check Their Reputation

Is the site a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB)? If so, check for any complaints. The BBB tracks customer grievances and cases of fraud. If there are no complaints, that’s a good sign, but a history of issues could be a red flag. A clean record in the gardening world is always a good sign!

Check for Guarantees

Does the site offer any guarantees on the seeds? Look for warranties—whether 30 days, 60 days, or something else. Do they offer a growth percentage guarantee or a money-back option? Knowing the company’s return policy beforehand is crucial in case things don’t go as planned.

Check for References and Referrals

Trustworthy companies will often post reviews from satisfied customers. If they don’t, reach out and ask for a few referrals. If the company hesitates to provide them, it could signal a lack of positive feedback. Proceed with caution if this happens, as it might indicate a less-than-reliable operation.

Compare Prices

Price isn’t everything, but it’s still an important factor. Don’t just compare seed prices—also factor in shipping fees. If the shipping costs are too high, see if you can find the same brand at a local nursery or greenhouse. This could save you money in the long run.

Planning Your Garden

Once you’ve done your research and the website checks out, it’s time to start planning. When it’s the middle of winter and you’re dreaming of lush flowers or a bountiful vegetable garden, it’s easy to get carried away. However, your imagination can quickly exceed your budget—or even the size of your garden. The vivid photos and tempting descriptions might make you want to buy everything in sight, but you must plan before you buy.

Draw Your Garden Plan

Start by measuring the area where you’ll be planting. Sketch out what you want to plant and where each seed will go. Be realistic about your space—don’t overcrowd plants. Overcrowding can stunt growth and lead to wasted money. Order only what will fit into your garden space.

Separate Needs vs. Wants

It’s OK to indulge a little, especially if you’ve got extra space. But if your garden is only 20 x 10 feet, you can’t plant 100 pumpkin seeds. They’ll compete for space, suffocate each other, and die. Choose wisely. If you want to try a new variety, it’s fine, but be prepared to sacrifice weaker seedlings for new additions.

Buy Only What You Can Use This Year

As tempting as it is to stock up on seeds, resist the urge. While seeds can be stored for the following year, their viability often decreases over time. Gardening professionals recommend buying seeds for one year at a time. If your garden is already full, don’t buy seeds that will sit unused in a drawer for a year.

Lastly, to find the best online seed sources, ask fellow gardeners. Online forums and gardening chat rooms are full of people who are eager to share recommendations. After all, what’s a gardener’s favorite topic other than seeds? Start planning your seed-buying adventure today!

The post Buying Seeds Online – Planting a Garden appeared first on .

Herbs are also used for medicinal purposes and for spiritual reasons. Some are even grown for their beauty or their aroma. No matter how you use them, it is good to know about growing herbs indoors.

There are six simple steps to planting an herb garden indoors 

1. Learn about herbs
2. Decide your method for growing herbs
3. Select the herbs you wish to grow
4. Choose the location for your herbs
5. Purchase containers for the herbs
6. Prepare the soil and plant the herbs

Learn about herbs

There are some things you need to learn about herbs before starting your herb garden. Reading a book about herbs or researching them at the library or on the internet is a good idea. Consulting gardening experts may be useful.

You need to know what certain herbs are used for and whether or not growing them will benefit you. There is no need to grow herbs that you won’t use, unless you are growing them for aesthetic purposes. You might consider that herbs that can be preserved make great gifts as well. Some herbs can be dried and put it decorative containers, or can be preserved in bottles of vinegar or oil. These make practical gifts that are sure to be appreciated, so if you grow more herbs than you can personally use, they won’t be wasted.

Another thing you need learn is about the growing conditions for each individual herb that you are considering. Knowing the requirements for sunlight, temperature and watering are important. You should also take into account whether the herbs are perennials or annuals and what kind of soil they grow best in.

Decide your method for growing herbs

Herbs can be started from seeds or from clippings. This is possible, but more time consuming that purchasing the plants. If you want access to fresh herbs immediately, purchasing the plants is best. However, if you want to the challenge, buying seeds may be for you. If you had herbs planted before, you may have been able to preserve the seeds from them so it is cost effective to use the seeds to produce new plants.

Select the herbs you wish to grow

After learning about herbs and deciding your method for growing herbs, you will be ready to select the herbs you wish to grow and to purchase them. Seeds and plants are available in many variety stores, gardening shops and nurseries. If you can’t find what you want, be sure to look for mail-order companies in gardening magazines or on the internet.

Choose the location for your herbs

Choosing a location for your indoor herb garden is essential to success. The herbs need to be located where their natural growing environment can be simulated. Most herbs require sunlight, so putting them a window is usually a good idea. If you can’t arrange them for adequate sunlight, using grow lights to compensate for sunlight is an option. If you use containers, you can also set them outside in the sunlight when possible.

Purchase containers for the herbs

An indoor herb garden usually uses the same concept as container gardening. There are some herbs that can be planted in the same container; however, it is best to plant each herb in a separate container unless you know that the two herbs will grow well together. If you plant two herbs together in the same container, be sure that the conditions that the herbs require are similar.

In selecting containers, it is valuable to know how far apart the herb plants need to be planted. That will help you to decide the size of the containers. Clay pots, plastic containers and hanging baskets may be appropriate for your herbs. Most herbs require moist soil, but drenching the roots can inhibit their growth. When purchasing containers, make sure that they had the ability to drain well.

Prepare the soil and plant the herbs

When growing herbs indoors, it is fundamental to understand that growing the herbs inside is exactly like growing them outside. The soil and planting procedure is the same, for each herb, as it is if you are planting them outside. For each herb that you are planting, be sure to lookup the recommended procedure for planting them. This will include the depth and spacing as well as the soil attributes.

The post Growing Herbs Indoors appeared first on .

Fortunately you can have both, and you can add several days to the vase life of fresh cut flowers simply by following the practices of professional florists. For only a small investment of your time you can enjoy the extended life of your beautiful blossoms for up to an additional seven days – depending on the flower type and care they receive.

Here’s How You Make Your Flowers Last Longer

Keep the vase filled (or floral foam soaked) with water containing a flower food provided by your florist. Flower foods make flowers last longer but it is important to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet.

Fresh cut flowers benefit tremendously from the use of these products, which contain three main ingredients: first, sugar in a form which is useable by the flowers so as to provide nutrition; secondly, an acidifier such as citric acid to lower the pH of the solution (cut flowers take up water best if the pH is around 4.5, well below neutral); third, a biocide to kill any bacteria that may be present. Many of the current generation of fresh flower nutrient solutions also contain an agent which helps keep the water in the vase clear longer.

Most packets are to be mixed with either a pint or a quart of warm water. Mix the solution using lukewarm water – 110° F. is ideal. Fresh flowers absorb water faster if it’s warm. Flower foods should not be diluted with more water than is specified on the packet. If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely with properly mixed flower food solution.

If possible, re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Be sure to use a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems. Immediately place the stems into solution. Carefully unwrap your fresh cut flowers and remove any foliage from the stems that would fall below the water line in the vase. The leaves can rot underwater and can harbor bacteria which would decrease the life span of the cut blooms. Cut one to two inches off from the bottoms of the stems, at a steep angle. Use a sharp knife rather than scissors, which can crush the vascular system of the stem and impede the uptake of water and nutrients. If practical, cut the stems under clean water.

Re-cutting helps to remove any blockages from the stem, caused by callusing or air embolisms (bubbles.) Once the stems have been freshly cut, immediately place the flowers gently into the vase containing the nutrient solution. Don’t drop the stems in – this can bruise the cut ends when they hit the bottom of the vase, again damaging the vascular system. Never pound or crush the stems of cut flowers, even woody branches, for the same reason.

Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, which causes flowers to dehydrate.) Most flowers will last longer under cool conditions.

Loose Bunches or Boxed Flowers

• Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them in a flower food solution. Don’t forget how important it is to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet.
• Fill a clean (washed with a detergent or antibacterial cleaning solution), deep vase with water and add a flower food from your florist.
• Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial microbial growth that may limit water uptake by the flower.
• Re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Place the flowers in the vase solution you’ve prepared.

If you purchase loose flowers for your own arrangements you should also consider these tips:

• When selecting flowers, look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age.
• When using woody stems and branches (such as quince, forsythia or lilac), cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place them in warm water containing fresh flower food to promote flower opening.

Plant Care Tips: Green Thumb Not Required

Green and flowering plants a great enhancement to any home or office décor and they are also beneficial to your health. The results of a study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) show common houseplants are powerful, natural air cleaners which is all the more reason why you should keep your plants healthy with the proper care.

Most plants come with care instructions specified for the type of plant, however these additional general guidelines will help keep most green houseplants thriving:

• Avoid direct sunlight. Keep plants in medium-light locations.
• Natural light is best, but some plants can also thrive in office fluorescent light. Most flowering potted plants should be placed in areas with the most light in order to maintain good flower color and promote the maximum number of flowers to open. Foliage plants will do well under lower light levels and can be placed in areas providing reduced light.
• Plant soil should be kept moist at all times: Plants should not be allowed to dry out or wilt. Be careful to avoid over watering – do not allow plants to stand in water. Avoid wetting plant leaves.
• Avoid excessive heat or cold: Plants should be kept in a cool spot (between 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit) for best performance. They should be kept away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, which causes plants to dehydrate.)

The post How To Make Flowers Last Longer appeared first on .

The internet truly offers access to almost anything. Local stores tend to stock only products that sell well in their area. While you might get lucky and find a local provider who will special order what you need, the price is often higher than what you’d pay by ordering it online yourself.

However, there are some precautions to keep in mind when ordering flowers online. The internet is a prime medium for fraudulent activities. Still, with the right knowledge, it’s a great place to order flowers for your garden. Here are some things you should remember when shopping online:

Avoid Spam Emails

If you receive an email from a company you’ve never dealt with before, ignore it. “Spam” refers to unsolicited commercial advertisements sent by email. Fraudulent companies often use this method to lure in victims they can exploit.

Browse for Well-Known Floral Companies

As you search for flower suppliers online, you may come across familiar names. It’s often safer to order from a well-known company that also sells online. Many distributors also make catalogs, like the ones you receive by mail, available on their websites.

Check Out the Company

Before placing your order, ensure the company is legitimate and has a good reputation. One way to do this is by joining an online gardening forum. These forums are designed for people with similar interests to share experiences. You can ask members if they’ve dealt with the company and what their experience was. Another option is to search for the company name on the internet, where you can find discussions, recommendations, and complaints.

Some online businesses are members of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and display a BBBOnline seal on their site. A BBB report will be available, confirming their reliability. VeriSign membership is another good sign, ensuring the safety of online transactions.

Never order flowers online from a company that doesn’t list contact information on their site. If a phone number is provided, it’s a good idea to call and verify that customer service representatives are available to assist you if any issues arise with your order.

Check for Security

One of the biggest concerns when ordering flowers online is the risk of your personal and financial information being intercepted during transmission. You can avoid this risk by ensuring the website uses secure pages for entering sensitive information, such as your personal details and credit card data. A secure site will have an address beginning with “https” instead of the standard “http.” This indicates that the page is protected by an SSL certificate, meaning your transaction cannot be intercepted by third parties during transmission.

If the company you’re considering doesn’t offer a secure site for online transactions, do not place your order online. Instead, consider ordering by phone, mail, or fax to protect your financial security.

The internet is a fantastic resource for overcoming local barriers when planting a flower garden, offering an endless variety of flowers. However, it’s essential to be cautious when ordering online. By taking the proper precautions, you can shop confidently for the flowers you desire. You don’t have to settle when it’s difficult to find flowers for your flower garden—you can find exactly what you’re looking for online.

The variety of flowers is at your fingertips, and with a little time spent on the internet, your flower garden can become exactly what you envision. Buying flowers online is the solution for obtaining hard-to-find varieties.

The post Ordering Flowers Online appeared first on .

Choosing Seeds for Germination

Proper planning is essential for successful germination. Start by selecting the seeds you want to grow, ensuring that they are well-suited to your location. One of the most common mistakes new gardeners make is choosing seeds that are not ideal for their environment.

Consider the conditions in your garden when selecting seeds. How much sunlight does the area receive? If your garden is in full sun all afternoon, avoid planting shade-loving or partial-sun plants. Seed packets typically provide information on the ideal sunlight requirements for each plant.

You should also consider your soil conditions. Test the pH level of your soil—whether it’s slightly acidic or alkaline—and choose plants that thrive in that type of soil.

Seed packets provide valuable information about germination. You’ll find details such as the germination rate, planting instructions, and the time required from planting to germination and, ultimately, to harvest. Seed packets will also have a date stamp, which indicates the freshness of the seeds. Look for the current year on the stamp, as this will ensure the seeds are fresh. Fresh seeds typically have a higher germination rate.

Getting Started

Many seeds need to be started indoors before being transplanted into the garden. However, some seeds can be germinated outdoors. Always check the seed packet for specific instructions on when to start seeds indoors. For example, tomatoes should be started indoors six weeks before being transplanted outside. Be sure to time this for after the last expected frost date, which varies depending on your location.

You’ll also need to choose a container for germinating your seeds. There are many options available, such as flats with individual cells or peat flats. These can be found online or at your local garden supply store. Choose a container that is 2 to 3 inches deep and has drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape.

Plant your seeds in the individual cells, using sterile soil or a soilless mixture designed for germination. These blends, which typically contain sphagnum moss and other nutrients, are available at most garden centers. Once the seeds sprout, they will need to be transplanted into larger, individual containers. When transplanting seedlings, use a mixture of garden soil and the soilless mix to help the plants adapt to life in the garden and begin drawing nutrients from the soil.

Encouraging Germination

There are several steps you can take to encourage germination. While it may be tempting to place your seedling trays or flats in a sunny window, this is usually unnecessary. Most seeds do not require sunlight to germinate. Once the seeds begin to sprout, however, they should be placed in indirect sunlight for part of the day.

Seeds do need warmth to germinate, and the ideal temperature for germination is typically between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The seed packet will provide specific temperature guidelines. If your seeds require warmer temperatures, avoid placing them near a drafty window. Instead, choose a warm area of the house, such as near a heat source or on top of an appliance like the television or refrigerator. If these areas do not provide enough warmth, you can purchase heat mats designed for seed trays.

It’s important to keep the soil consistently moist. Don’t allow the soil to dry out, especially if the seed trays are near a heat source, as the soil will dry out more quickly than you might expect. Check the soil frequently and water as needed, using room temperature water to avoid shocking the sprouting roots.

The post Tips for Successful Germination appeared first on .