How to Create Tropical Container Gardens

June 18, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on how to create tropical container gardens.  You can transform your  balcony, patio, garden or backyard into an exotic getaway.  Using simple planters or containers and a variety of tropical plants can create an exciting new look. Dramatic annuals and decorative planters provide rich foliage and astonishing blooms.  Furthermore, outdoor spaces can be transformed with little money and uses the trend toward container gardening.  Lets get started with your transformation.

 

tropical container gardens

 

How to Create Tropical Container Gardens:

The Environment

  • When people think of the tropics, their first thoughts are generally sun-kissed beaches with palm trees.  But, that’s not the whole story. Most tropical plants come from the floor of the rainforest.  They get little sun and have high levels of humidity. So, they don’t need as much sun as a cacti. And, tropical plants can live comfortably on balconies or shady backyards.  As a matter of fact, tropical plants prefer indirect sunlight.
  • Because tropical plants need high humidity, they require lots of watering. So, when using decorative planters they need to have good drainage. Choose planters with plenty of drainage holes to ensure the roots of the plants are free from standing water.
  • There is one element tropical plants need less than other plants to help them grow, and that’s phosphorus. Look for fertilizers described as NPK on the label. These types have nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as the primary nutrients. Iron and magnesium will help sustain the bright colors of the tropical flowers.  Plant food is recommended as well as adding Epsom salts to the soil at planting.  This will give your plants a magnesium boost.
  • Because the soil in planters and containers is above ground, it’s more exposed to heat and drying winds.  As a result, it loses moisture more readily. This is especially true in a warm weather.  So, tropical containers need to be monitored closely.  It’s imperative that the humidity level around tropical plants not fall too low.Also, the soil should be moist but not soggy.  Overwatering can cause rot and disease if the roots are allowed to stand in water for a long time. The soil in decorative planters should never be allowed to thoroughly dry out.  If so, the sides will shrink. This gap means any water will pour through the container and not reach the roots.  If this happens, push any soil that has shrunk from the edge around the pot to fill in the gaps before watering. One option to reduce evaporation, and maintain the humidity around the plant is to cover the surface with decorative mulch such as orchid bark.

Selecting a Planter or Container

With such a large variety of planters and containers to choose from, where do you start?  Many gardens use the traditional terracotta clay pots.  However, there are advantages and disadvantages for the tropical gardener.  Terracotta pots are heavier than plastic or fiberglass pots and are easily chipped or broken.  Most are more expensive too.

The style of the planter used for tropical container gardens are really a personal choice and the effect you want your tropical garden to project. The size of the containers will be limited by the space available, which will, in turn influence the size and plants  they can accommodate.

Always try and buy brand new planters for tropical plants.  Used pots may have been infected by disease or have chemical residues. If you do want to re-use planters make sure they are washed well.  Wooden containers need to be lined with plastic, so the water and soil don’t cause them to rot.

If you don’t want your planter to become a water logged, make sure there are plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Without these holes, the organic compost will become saturated with stagnant water and kill off your tropical plants.

 

Designing with Plants

Wherever you’re putting your tropical plants, you need to make the design look harmonious with the surroundings.  You want to create an atmosphere you’ll be happy with. Think about what outdoor live plant displays you want the eye to focus on.  Also, think about how the other plants flow around that the center plant. Each planter needs to have a balance of plants.  You want the eye to go to the planter’s focal point. This can be accomplished with asymmetrical or symmetrical designs.

The form of the planter is dictated by the growth habit of the plants you put in it. Some plants like to grow tall, others like to hug the ground, and others want to flow over the edge of a planter. Each can be used to create an overall aesthetic for your tropical container gardens. And then there is texture, as the different types of foliage will give a different feel to a container. Broad leaves juxtaposed with linear leaves like grasses break up the eye line and bring a variation to your design. The best designs work on a variety of textures to add variance to the display. By repeat planting of the same plant in containers a rhythm is achieved. When looking at the planters admirers eyes can move from one planter to the other.

And, the final consideration when designing planters is proportion. There needs to be a balance of heights as well as plants. Garden designers have a rule that plants should not be higher than three times the height of the containers. For large and tall planters, medium to large plants with large leaves work well.  And, for short and shallow planters smaller plants with small leaves and excellent coverage.

 

tropical container garden

 

Shape, Texture, and Color

To get tropical container gardens or a garden planter to have a real exotic feel, you need to have plenty of tropical foliage. Most foliage will be green; however, you can break up the green with flowering annuals. There are lots of varieties that work well in planters such as, Vinca, Bacopa, Torenia, Verbena, Lantana, and Wax Begonia to name a few.

You can also break up the green foliage by using Caladium cultivars.  They are available in a range of foliage shapes, sizes and colors. You can choose foliage colors that compliment the flowers or contrast. Think also about the texture of the foliage as some tropical plants have shiny leaves they can draw the eye easier to the highlighted plant in the container.

 

Designing a Planter

The central plant in tropical container gardens should fill the crown of the planter with compact upright growth. The filler plants are more compact and are there to round out the top of the planter. Allow corner plants to grow over the edges, and allow their growth in more than one direction. Plants place at the side of the container can soften the look, and fill out the space between the corners. When thinking about the plants you’ll put in each individual planter, pick those that have similar watering, feeding, and light requirements.  It’s important that they all thrive in the chosen location.

 

 

tropical container gardens

 

 

Planter Location

We’re dealing with tropical plants, water retention is a prime consideration. Don’t put your tropical plants anywhere in your garden that is windy. The wind increases evaporation water evaporation. If you have a spot that gets anything from four to twelve hours of sun a day, you can use plants that like full sun or part shade. If the location gets only two to four hours of sun a day then you need to select plants that will accept whole or part shade. A lot of tropical plants can survive with varied light and will grow in the shade.  However, this often means they will have reduced flowering.

 

Fertilizer

Tropical plants are pretty much like any other and like to get regular feeds a slow-release fertilizer in the soil and water with liquid fertilizer. Add a slow-release fertilizer at planting.  Be sure to mix it thoroughly with the soil.

 

Maintenance

Like all gardens, tropical planters need to be maintained. It’s not just a matter of planting and forgetting. In the early stages to promote leaf growth, the plants will benefit from pinching, that’s the removal of young shoots. As the plant begins to grow, gentle trimming may be needed later in the season. As part of your watering regime, spraying with insecticidal soap or oil will keep pests and disease in check. Oh, and don’t forget the weeding!

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Benefits of Lavender in Your Backyard Garden

November 19, 2019 by 7 Comments

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on the benefits of lavender.  If you’re interested in growing lavender or making DIY medicinal or beauty products using lavender, this post is for you? Lavender is in the mint family; however, it isn’t as invasive as mint.  Furthermore, it’s native to the Middle East, India and the Mediterranean and can be traced back at least 2500 years.

Lavender was initially used as a holy herb.  It is mentioned in the Bible as Spikenard.  It was used to prepare the Holy Essence and gets its name from the Latin word ‘Lavare’ meaning ‘to wash”.  Next, the Romans used lavender to scent their baths, beds, clothes and even hair.  Many use lavender for medicinal purposes and a variety of other reasons today.

 

benefits of lavender

 

 

Here are a few benefits of lavender:

 

benefits of lavender

 

 

Infused – Infuse lavender with olive oil, sweet almond oil or liquid coconut oil.  After 6 weeks, the oil and lavender must be strained through a cheese cloth.  Store the oil in a glass bottle.  Make body butter, hand cream, lip balm, sugar scrub, lotion, and cleaner from the infused lavender oil.

 

 


 


 

 


 

 

Sleep Aid –  Create a sleep-aid with lavender essential oil or infused lavender oil.  Simply, dilute the essential oil with water and fill a travel size spray bottle with the solution.  Spray a handkerchief or washcloth and place it on your pillow at night.  It’s great for calming down kids too.  Use a carrier oil that will not stain your clothing or bedding.  When you infuse oil, use one that won’t stain your clothing and bedding.  Dilute the oil with water to use as a sleep-aid spray.

 

 


 

Kitchen and Bath Cleaner – Infuse dried lavender with white distilled and water for 2 weeks in a glass bottle.  Lavender is a great bathroom and kitchen cleaner.  (Do not use on marble).

 


 

Diffuser – Lavender calms and reduces anxiety as well as relieves stress and assist with sleep.  I use a diffuser with lights that change colors.  I love the changing lights and colors, they relax me and make me happy.

 

 


 

Tea – Seep lavender flowers in a tea ball, and enjoy a hot cup of tea.

 

benefits of lavender

 

 

Last, we hope that the list of benefits of lavender will make you grab a seed packet and start planting.  Finally, lavender is a perennial.  So, once you have established plants it will return year after year.    You can download the Lavender Infographic here.

 

 

 

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Saving Marigold Seeds From Your Backyard Garden

November 7, 2019 by 7 Comments

Saving marigold seeds is a fun and frugal way to enrich your garden the following gardening season.  Today, I’m sharing flower garden tips on how to save marigold seeds from your backyard garden plants.  French marigolds find a place in my vegetable garden and backyard containers each year.  I companion plant marigolds with my tomato plants.  But, I also love them in containers on my deck paired with a sweet potato vine.

There are actually 50 varieties of marigolds; however, three are the most popular.  Marigolds have a daisy or carnation flower that are produced  as a single flower or in cluster.  They are natives of Mexico and prefer sunny locations.  They should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.

 

 

saving marigold seeds

 

 

Here are the three varieties of marigolds:

  • French – Plant throughout the spring and summer.  Dwarf only growing about a foot.
  • American – Plant in the spring.  Tall, usually grows to about 3 feet.
  • Signet  – Plant throughout the spring and summer.   Flat and look like daisies.

The French marigolds are more compact than the American or Signet varieties.  I love them planted among my tall tomato plants.  You can direct sow marigolds in the spring when all signs of frost has past or start them inside.  If you direct sow, preparing the soil by removing rocks and debris and adding compost to the soil will help you grow a healthy and hardy garden full of marigolds.

 

Here’s a few benefits on why you should plant marigolds in your garden:

  • They’re easy to grow and be can direct sowed in the garden.
  • Repel pests.
  • Companion plant with tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, snap beans, squash, onions, and garlic.
  • Marigolds can be dried for flower arrangements.
  • Comes in a variety of colors like white, yellow, orange, or bi-color.
  • Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators love to feast on the nectar in the blooms.

 

 

backyard garden marigolds

 

 

Saving marigold seeds from you backyard garden:

Pull marigold plants from your garden and containers at the end of the growing season.  I plant yellow and orange marigolds for the most part.  However, I did plant a bi-color this year too.

 

marigold plants

 

Pull the dead/dried pods from the plants.  You will harvest the seed from these pods.  If you have flowers or pods that aren’t completely dry, place the plants in a bag and allow them to dry completely.  You can remove the seeds later.

 

marigold seeds

 

Remove the top from the dried pods.  A simple twist should remove the top.  Once the top is removed, open the pod to expose the marigold seeds.

 

saving marigold seeds

 

 

Also, the marigold seeds are long with a black tip.  You will want to separate the seeds from the pod and tips.  Once you have the seeds separated, place them into an airtight container, plastic envelope or paper envelope.  Mark the container with 2019 and the type of seed that you saved.  For example, 2019 Yellow French or 2019 Bi-Color Signet.

 

 

saving marigold seeds

 

So, saving marigold seeds from year to year will save you money on flower purchases from the garden center or your local nursery.  You will find that the marigold plants will reward you with plenty of seeds.  You will have enough to share with neighbors, family or friends for years to come.  Plant them in containers, baskets and in your vegetable garden and borders.  You can never have enough marigolds in your wildlife habitat and gardens.

Finally, you may also like Why You Should Winter Sow Seeds.  If you would like a package of free marigold seeds, please contact me at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com.

 

 

 

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Best Sunflower Varieties for Wildlife

October 27, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing backyard flower garden tips on best sunflower varieties for wildlife. Unfortunately,  the bird populations has declined over the years.  Pesticides and herbicides, the decline in insects, climate change and removal from their natural habitat are major factors in their decline.  Today, I’m going to share the best sunflower varieties to grow in your backyard garden to help sustain our wildlife.

 

sunflower varieties

 

 

There are other steps you can take to help sustain wildlife, but today we’re focusing on solely on sunflowers.  I add them to my vegetable garden every year.  I love opening my curtains in the morning and seeing their smiling faces.  Furthermore, I love it even more when I see my backyard birds feasting on the sunflower seeds.  If you don’t have a vegetable garden, add them along a fence line or in your flower gardens.

Sunflowers attract pollinators which include bees, butterflies, honey bees, wasps, moths, flies, and beetles.  We need pollinators to keep our ecosystem going.  There are some sunflowers that are produced to not attract pollinators.  Many gardeners do not want  pollen dropping on their tables and mantels when they cut sunflower bouquets.

 

Here’s a few of the Best Sunflower Varieties for wildlife: 

 

Lemon Queen  – These beauties find a place in my garden every year.  I love the lighter color of the petals versus the regular yellow petals found on most sunflowers.   They are lovely planted among Autumn Beauty sunflowers.  The contrasting colors are stunning.

Velvet Queen – Another beauty that finds a place in my garden.  It’s sports deep red, almost burgundy colored petals.

Red Sun –  I’ve never grown this particular variety, but I try it in my 2020 summer vegetable garden.

Chocolate Cherry – This sunflower has deep, dark, reddish brown petals that look beautiful with any yellow/lemon sunflowers.  Plant a few.

Autumn Beauty – I have planted this variety, and I love it.  It has multi-color petals in colors of gold, orange, yellow, red, and burgundy.  It looks great with the deeper color sunflowers.

Evening Sun – Fortunately, this beauty goes into my garden every year.  I plant it close to the Lemon Queen for the color contrast.

 

 

 

 

 

Henry Wild – I’m not familiar with this variety, but it’s great with pollination so it’s alright with me.  I am going to do my homework, I may want to plant a few.

Russian Mammoth – So, I can’t live without this sunflower in my garden, and neither can my American Goldfinch.  It is massive.  The fence behind these Russian Mammoths is six feet.  I’ve had them grown as tall as 12 – 15 feet.

 

russian mammoth sunflower

 

 

 


 

Earth Walker – I haven’t had good luck with the Earth Walker.  I planted a few this summer, but they failed to germinate.  I haven’t given up though.  I’ll try again in the upcoming growing season.

Mexican – Unfortunately, another variety that has failed to grown in my garden.  I’ll be trying this variety again too.  They’re lower than most sunflowers, they’ll make a nice border in front of some of the taller varieties.

 

Planting any of these sunflower varieties for wildlife habitats will help create or sustain them. Start browsing the internet or catalogues for seeds that interest you.  Make sure they sunflower varieties are good for pollination.  You may also like:  7 Uses for Sunflowers and Soak Up the Rain. 

 

 

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Tips on Landscaping Small Yards

September 11, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Flower gardening can be therapeutic.   Today, I’m sharing tips on landscaping small yards.  The idea of hiring a professional designer for your garden can be daunting for the typical household.  Especially, if you only have a small front yard.  We assume that gardening talents are best suited for large areas.  Furthermore, if you don’t live in a Beverly Hills mansion you probably don’t need a professional gardener.  It is a common belief that garden designs need spacious areas.  Not true!

 

 

landscaping small yards

 

 

We are probably influenced by the pictures of parks, castles and celebrities’ homes.  They include garden designs with luxurious water features.  There are live fish, creative hedge cuttings, and magnificent flower displays.  However, there is more to gardening and outdoor scenes than meets the eye.  Small yards could benefit from the know-how and style of a professional too. Here’s a few tips on landscaping small yards:

 

Eliminate Landscaping Mistakes 

When you work with a small space  you need to be creative.  It’s important to maximize what you have.   It’s precisely what landscaping a small yard is about.  For small yards, landscapers ensure that they maximize the space without compromising on style, diversity, and vegetation. Too many home gardeners are worried about creating an outdoor garden that is inviting and relaxing.  Professionals can help you understand what your soil needs in terms of nutrients.  Furthermore, they understand what plants will thrive in your tiny space.  Adding unnecessary features or plants that won’t survive is not beneficial.  Everything needs to have its place.

 

 

landscaping small yards

 

Learn to Preserve Wildlife 

Your yard may be small, but it can still play a significant role in the conservation of wildlife.  With the help of a professional, you can create a bee-friendly path.  For example, using flowers that naturally attract these active pollinators should be incorporated.  A lavender bush would be the perfect addition to a small garden.  It injects both color and scent.  Additionally, lavender is also ideal for small gardens as it grows in the roughest conditions.  As a result, you don’t have to worry about prepping your soil.  Furthermore, your garden contractor can be a precious ally when it comes to developing eco-friendly maintenance habits.  They will utilize natural repellents rather than pesticides and insecticides.

Maximize Your Money  

Last but not least, your small yard could save you a ton of money.  As a result, you can work on a vegetable bed.  A specialist will advise you on the most suitable vegetables for your soil, your climate, and your lifestyle.  Many veggies come in dwarf sizes, which makes space less of a worry. Ideally, you should opt for vertical growers, such as beans, beets, or cucumbers.  In a small area, you need to rely on crops that grow quickly.  Growing vegetables can soon reduce your need for grocery shopping.  Additionally, you can follow the tips of a professional to create a compost bin that will nourish your vegetable bed while repurposing all your kitchen and yard waste and paper.

 

Every garden can benefit from the knowledge and expertise of a certified landscaper.  Homeowners who are struggling to bring their small yard to life could create a wildlife paradise with the help of professionals who can ensure a cost  and space saving design.

 

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16 Low Maintenance Backyard Garden Perennials

July 17, 2019 by 3 Comments

Today, I’m sharing tips on growing backyard garden perennials.  If you are wishing for a beautiful garden, but think you don’t have the time to maintain it, I have a solution!   The solution is growing low maintenance perennials.  I love flowers that you can plant and forget.  Fortunately, perennials return year after year.  So, they are not only beautiful but cost effective as well.

 

 

 

backyard garden perennials

 

 

Here’s a list of low maintenance perennials that I plant:

 

Stella O’Dora Day Lily – I love these lilies in yellow.  I have them planted in the front of my house and on one side.  I love them.  They return more robust year after year.  They make a nice border in front of taller plants.  If I had room, I would plant more.

Lilies – My father gave me lilies bulbs when I first moved into my house.  I have the Asiatic Lily Mont Blanc and Stargazer Oriental Lilies planted.  They smell heavenly.

Iris – Iris’ come in a variety of colors and multiply.  They are excellent planted in the background with a shorter variety planted in the front. You can cut them down and allow the shorter variety to be the show stopper.

Star Flowers –  Star Flowers announce spring has arrived.  They are lovely planted under trees that loose their leaves in the fall.

Black Eyed Susan – Black Eyed Susan are in the sunflower family.  They grow to about 2 – 3 feet.  If they’re deadheaded, they will continue to produce flowers.

Yarrow – Yarrow comes in a variety of colors.  The flowers can be yellow, red, or pink.  They make excellent cut flowers.  Additionally, they attract butterflies and they are drought resistant.  You may see Yarrow growing wild along highways too.

Clematis –  Know as the queen of climbers.  Pick out a trellis and get to planting.  You won’t be disappointed.

Coneflowers – Coneflowers make great cut flowers.  They attract birds and pollinators.   Furthermore, they come in shades of pink, orange, yellow, red and chartreuse.  Actually, mine are a vanilla color.  I just added them to the garden this year.

 

backyard perennials

 

 

Hydrangeas – One of my favorite flowers in the garden.  The blooms are large and look beautiful in vases.  They come in a variety of colors.  They can strive in sun to partial sun.  Be sure to read the label for planting instructions.

Peonies – Additionally, another favorite of my backyard garden perennials.  I have Sarah Bernhardt Peonies.  They’re a beautiful light pink shade, and make beautiful bouquets.

Sedum –  Sedums produce amazing red/pink blooms in the fall.  They are easy to divide, so you can have plants in other areas.

Shasta Daisy –  Shasta Daisies make great cut flowers.  If you deadhead them regularly, they will continue to bloom.

 

backyard perennials

 

Ferns –  Furthermore, ferns are perfect in a shade garden.  There are plenty of varieties to choose from.  I have the Japanese Painted Fern, Cinnamon Fern, Ostrich fern, and the Autumn Fern.  I also have the Boston Fern, which I bring inside at the end of summer.

Lily of the Valley –  The Lily of the Valley is perfect in a shade garden.  They spread too.

Bee Balm  – Last, Bee Balm is perfect if you want to attract butterflies.  They come a varieity of colors and humming birds love them.  They’re also great for attracting butterflies and bees. Dried leaves and flowers can also be used in sachets and potpourri.

Knock Out Roses – I have burgundy and light pink planted together.  The produce amazing blooms into fall.  They make nice cute flowers too.

 

Most importantly, choose a few flowers from our list of backyard garden perennials and head to your nearest nursery or garden center.  These perennials will have your garden looking beauty in no time.   Finally, you may also like:  20 Flowers to Use in a Wildflower Gardens.

 

 

 

 

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Understanding Gardening Basics For Beginners

March 13, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on understanding gardening basics.  Your vegetable and flower gardens should be just as cozy and relaxing as your indoor space.  Sometimes a little know how, flower pots, a can of paint and a little creativity is all that is needed to bring your garden to life.

If you’ve left your garden space to the elements and it has been become battered, bruised, and weather worn all is not lost.  Check out my tips on backyard gardening basics and you will be on your way to creating beautiful outdoor spaces.

 

 

backyard gardening

 

 

Understanding Gardening Basics for Beginners:

 

Look at your weaknesses

If you want to maximize your space, you’ve got to put in the effort. So, even if you don’t have the time to look after a garden space, that doesn’t mean that you should let it go.  The best place to start is with the grass. Restart this by layering, which involves smothering the grass.  This this is a common method used when people want to start a garden. Killing the grass that remains by layering or polarization, gives you that blank canvas in which to start again. Take note, this can result in a lot of hard work.  But, you can always hire a professional to do this for you. But if you want to do-it-yourself, you’re off to a good start as a gardener.

 

Preventing the enemies from rising up

Weeds constantly sprout up.  However, if you want to ensure that your gardening area looks pristine use landscape fabrics.  It’s a synthetic textile that can be placed on planting areas to block weeds from coming up. This works by blocking the sunlight, which is the way weeds germinate. You can speak to a landscaping company to help you with the selection of fabric and installation.  Or, you can purchase the material yourself.  The fabric is porous, but you can cut holes into it so your plants can be placed and the water can drain into the ground.

 

 

 

understanding gardening basics

 

 

Understanding garden soil

It’s important that you have a basic understanding of backyard gardening so you can properly maintain your garden. The soil is the foundation of your garden.  So, the numerous problems that affect soil can result in various issues with your plants. Soil can suffer from three common issues:

  • The soil pH: If your soil is too alkaline or too acidic, plants won’t thrive. Be sure that you test the soil so you know the garden’s pH level and you can make the necessary alterations.
  • The type of soil: The composition of the soil and its texture can cause problems with drainage. If the soil contains too much clay, this will stop the water draining properly.  Sandy soil won’t retain water.  It drains through before the plants can absorb it.
  • Nutritional issues: This is something that can be remedied with a soil test. Because, much like us, we need specific nutrients, the soil requires specific resources in which to grow plants and vegetables. A soil test will let you know of any deficiencies before you start planting.  Fix any problems before you continue your garden.  Remember, the soil is the foundation.

 

 

understanding gardening basics

 

Using the right spots for the right plants

A garden is a blank canvas, but you have to be aware of certain limitations. While you may want certain plants in the garden, you’ve got to be aware of the specific limitations for each planet.  Plants need to be in the right conditions in order to thrive.  First, find out what your planting zone is.  For example, I live and garden in zone 6B.  Furthermore, you also need to know how much sun and shade you get in your garden area.  Choose the type of plants that will survive in your garden area.

Once you understand the basics, you can turn your garden into an area that suits your lifestyle. You can turn your battered, bruised, and weather worn garden space into a space that will thrive.  A garden is a lovely thing, but if we want it to flourish we have to be aware of it’s limitations and yours.  Having an understanding of gardening basics, doing a little planning and putting in some effort will have your garden area a beautiful space that you desire and deserve.

 

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How to Start a Sweet Potato Vine From a Cuttings

October 15, 2018 by 2 Comments

Today I’m sharing flower garden tips on how to start a sweet potato vine from cuttings.  I love sweet potato vines in my summer container gardens. They really fill the containers, and gives it elegance with the overflow of the vine. Unfortunately, sweet potato vines can be a little pricey when purchased from a garden center or nursery.  Starting your own will cut down on your garden expenses.  So, I decided to grow sweet potato vines from cuttings using the plant that I purchased back in the spring. Furthermore, starting your own will allow you to use the vine in several containers.

 

 

 

 

We’re expecting frost in my area within the next week.  Rather than let the frost kill my sweet potato vine like I usually do, I’m finally going to produce additional plants by rooting potato vines from cuttings.

 

How to Start a Sweet Potato Vine:

  • First, you will need a container filled with water.  This is the container that you will use to place your cutting in.  I used 2 pint size mason jars.  However, you can use what you have on hand.  Make sure the stem of your cuttings will fit into the container and there’s room for the roots to spread.
  • Additionally, you will need a clean pair of sharp scissors or garden shears to cut the vine.
  • Newspaper to work on.

 

how to start a sweet potato vine

 

 

 

 

  • Next, cut off the top of the vine. 
  • Afterwards, I cut the remainder of the vine into pieces.  Make sure the pieces that you cut are long enough for you to remove at least 3 – 4 of the bottom leaves.  Most importantly, you want to make sure the stem is long enough to submerge in water to form roots.

 

 

 

 

 

how to start a sweet potato vine

 

  • Don’t leave your stem too long.  I cut this piece about 2 inches from the bottom leaves.  You want to make your cut just below the leave node, where you removed a leaf.  (The arrow is pointing to my cut mark.)  Remember, your goal is to transfer the rooted stem to a pot of soil once it roots.
  • Don’t forget to change your water regularly.  You want to make sure your plant is healthy enough to transfer out in the spring.

 

Last, a sweet potato vine looks gorgeous in containers with petunias or other low growers.  I like to pair mine with marigolds.  Get creative.  I’m sure you will find the perfect combination.  You may also like:  7 Uses for Sunflowers.

 

 

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Tips for Fall Flower Garden Maintenance

October 13, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing fall flower garden maintenance tips.  Fall is a busy time in the flower garden.  The growing season may be coming to an end, but it’s the perfect time for clean up and other gardening tasks.  Use my list of reminders and tips to keep up with your fall garden maintenance and chores.  Fall flower garden maintenance will help prepare your garden for winter and anticipation of spring!  Check out my other flower gardening tips below.  

 

fall gardening activities

 

 

Flower gardens slow down after frost kills the foliage and knocks down tender plantings.  However, flower gardeners find there are still a few seasonal chores to do in the fall:

 

Dig and Store Tender Bulbs, Corms, Tubers and Rhizomes

Summer bulbs are tender, which means they will not survive cold climate winters outdoors. You can let them freeze to death during the winter and replace them in the spring.  Or, you can save them to enjoy next year by digging them up and storing them indoors.  For example: Cannas, Dahlias, and Gladiolus can be stored during the winter.

 

fall garden maintenance

Via https://www.flickr.com/photos/dinesh_valke/420062003/

 

Cut Back Perennials

Next, trim off frost killed stems and foliage. Leave evergreen basal rosettes and foliage intact.


Leave Seeds as Natural Bird Feed

Furthermore, many birds appreciate the seedy winter snack inside ornamental dried and faded flowers.  For example, coneflower and black eyed Susan are great snacks for birds. The plants are easy to tidy up in the spring when they are weather beaten, soft and soggy from months of snow and rain.


Pull Spent Annuals

Nothing looks as sad as dead annuals left over the winter. Pull them up and toss them in the compost pile. Cover the soil with mulch to prevent erosion during the winter.


Fall Weed Control

Cool season annual weeds such as chickweed germinate and grow like crazy during the cooler months. Use a hoe to prevent the weeds from seeding, and smother them with mulch. If problems are severe, you might resort to using a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent them from germinating.  Read and follow the label directions.


Mulch Flower Beds Before Winter

Rodents love to nestle in mulch where its fluffy insulation keeps them warm and toasty all winter. Wait until after several hard freezes before you mulch.  In most areas, a three inch deep layer is adequate.  In severe climates, you may need to spread it as thick as six inches. Also, do not cover the plants.  The correct method is to mulch around your plants.  Snow is the perfect insulator.  In mid winter, after the ground is frozen and there is no snowyu lay evergreen boughs over your plants as well.

Wait Until Late Fall to Protect Roses for Winter

In severe winter areas, hybrid tea roses, tree roses, and climbing roses will need special winter protection. Wait until late fall before protecting the roses for winter.  to do that, for now allow the roses to slow their growth naturally in response to the changing season.

 

fall garden maintenance
Via https://www.flickr.com/photos/photosu/2038604070/

 

Save Fall Leaves for Compost, Soil Amendment, or Mulch

Also, autumn leaves from deciduous trees are everywhere.  Don’t let this seasonal bounty go to waste. Chop the leaves in a chipper/shredder or run over them with your lawn mower.  You can also suck them up with a leaf vacuum and crush them.  Stockpile these carbon-intensive leaves.  They will mix well with green, nitrogen rich material next summer.  Most importantly,  the leaves alone will break down to yield superb organic soil amendment for flower beds.  Or, use them now as mulch.

Subscribe to Gardening Catalogues

Next, send in the information request cards from magazines.  Also, visit seed supplier and nursery web sites and register for the tips and catalogues.  Study the catalogues over the winter, and get ready to shop for spring.

Finish Planting Spring Bulbs

You can plant spring bulbs (crocus, daffodils, etc.) up until the ground freezes.  However, they do better with a little time to root before then.

fall flower gardens

 

Enjoy the Fall Flower Garden

Last, many perennials show exceptional fall color.  Fall flowers are in many ways the most precious of the gardening year.  Take a minute from your fall chores to enjoy the last of the gardening season.  Garden maintenance and clean is essential, but is so is savoring the fall colors and scents of from you fall flower garden.

 

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Nature-Gardening Tagged With: , ,

5 Things Beginner Gardeners Overlook

April 21, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Today’s gardening tips are going to focus on things beginner gardeners overlook.  Gardening is becoming an increasingly popular activity.  And it’s not hard to see why. It offers a great source of light exercise, provides fresh air, and adds a new dimension to your property. Frankly, what’s not to love?

So,  this time of year many inexperienced gardeners embrace their growing love of using their outdoor spaces.  However, many of them will limit their success due to basic errors.

 

beginner gardeners

 

 

 

Here are things beginner gardeners overlook:

 

Wasting money –   Let’s face it, your list of potential garden upgrades is as long as your arm. With this in mind, cost-efficiency should be at the top of the agenda. Remove the middleman by doing some of the work yourself. For example, investing in chainsaws and other garden tools.  Having your own tools will enable you to complete most jobs without the need of an expert.

Furthermore, it’s imperative to remember the right safety gear too. Some challenges may still require a professional touch.  However, keeping those to a minimum can be good for your finances. In return, make additional improvements with the savings.

Being short-sighted –  When completing any garden overhaul, it’s easy to get carried away. Yet, it’s equally important to consider the long-term benefits. Reducing the maintenance with artificial lawns and other time-saving gestures will aid the cause. After all, keeping the space in great health is probably the hardest challenge.  Besides, it’ll leave you with more time to enjoy the gardening tasks that are actually fun and rewarding.

Ignoring the potential –   First and foremost, we want our gardens to look nice. However, the outdoor space is also a great resource for making life a little more comfortable. Growing fruit and vegetables is a fantastic way to actively encourage your love of gardening while gaining huge rewards. Meanwhile, you shouldn’t overlook the benefits of having a BBQ.  Comfortable garden furniture is good too.  After all, the more time spent in this area the better. If nothing else, it will provide another incentive to keep up the good work.

 

Growing indoor plants

 

Overlooking personal needs –   No two gardeners are identical.  So, dealing with your unique situation is key. Not everyone has the mobility to bend down to flower beds.  Also, hanging baskets and raised flower beds can be very beneficial. Unfortunately, if your gardening tasks are causing pain you may give up.  Find ways to add comfort to your tasks.  Your passion will remain far more enjoyable.

Focusing solely on the garden –  Your love of nature doesn’t have to be limited to the backyard. The front garden is often a great place to add a little natural beauty. Moreover, indoor houseplants can inject a new sense of energy to the property. You could even grow herbs in the kitchen to further enhance your bid for practicality.

 

 

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Nature-Gardening, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , ,