My Home Gardening

Life Secrets Of The Orchid

2007-09-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

The grower of orchids is favored above other men. He belongs to a starry-eyed fraternity, to whom each small chore, accomplished in its turn for the better culture of his orchids, is a source of never-ending and absorbing delight. The beauty of the orchid's line and color is known to all who bask in the offerings of the florist's window.

The appearance of each new growth and root is cause for rejoicing; the slimy mark of a snail or the cottony warning of the presence of scale is cause for distress. The habits and idiosyncrasies of every species and plant are subject to absorbed study. Different methods of growing and the relative merits of hybrids and species are endlessly discussed among fellow growers. The orchid grower checks his mundane worries at the door of the greenhouse and enters a world that offers surcease even to the heart heavily burdened with sorrow and loss.

The beginnings of the orchid family are shrouded in mystery. Since most orchids are epiphytic - that is, having aerial roots through which they receive sustenance from the minerals in the moisture-laden air of the tropics - they have left no traces such as the fossilized remains of ground-growing plants.

Dr. E. Soysa, writing in Orchid Culture in Ceylon, advances the delightful and plausible, if unproved, theory that orchids antedated the fossil era, but in their love of light ascended trees to escape the advancing jungle. There they lived, died, dried up, and floated away, leaving no trace. Whatever the genesis of the orchid family, it cannot be doubted that the orchid family is very old, judging both by its great variety and its highly complex structural development, attainable only through the passage of time.

The orchid is among the largest and most highly developed of the plant families, with some fifteen to twenty thousand species. A provident nature has lavished every means to insure the perpetuation of this favorite child. She has provided the flower with all the charm and allure of a fairy princess to win insect vassals to perform the service of cross-pollination.

The insects performing the service of cross-pollination vary with the species and are as diverse as the ingenious contrivances by which the orchids utilize them. It is in every case a reciprocal arrangement, the plant receiving the benefits of fertilization, the insect the largess of food and drink. Each species usually has its particular insect, as is shown by the special means each flower uses to attract its insect.

Darwin first noted a striking example of this specialization. On a trip to South America he had an opportunity to see a plant of Angraecum sesquipedale. This starry-white flower, a rare orchid of Madagascar, has a weirdly elongated lip containing a nectary, about eleven inches long, that holds one-and-a-half ounces of the sweet fluid produced by the sugar-secreting glands.

Darwin immediately predicted that some day a moth with a proboscis at least twelve inches long would be discovered to be responsible for cross-pollination of this peculiar orchid. In time such a moth was found and was duly named Xanthopan morgani praedicta.

This specialization is reflected in the extremely varied forms of the reproductive organs. These organs lie within the lip, more scientifically known as the labellum, along a fleshy enlargement called the column.

The labellum serves in three capacities: it provides storage space for the pollen, an antechamber to the ovary, and a banquet room for the insect. On entering any orchid flower the insect must first brush the empty stigmatic cavity in his search for the nectar or other food.

Drunk with the repast, he blunders out, the narrow passage compelling him on the way to brush past the pollen masses, which become dislodged and, because of the sticky fluid, adhere to him. These masses hold firmly until he enters another flower of the same species. The feeding position is ideal for depositing the pollen.

Such are some of the secrets of the orchid. The wonders continue as the orchid grower learns more and more. Enjoy a lifetime of interest and delight with orchids!
About the Author

How to Grow Breathtaking Orchids - Even If You've Never Raised One Before. Simply Orchid Plant Care Website Reveals All The Secrets.

Click here for FREE online Ebook

http://www.orchidplantcare.net/

Orchid Growing Tips -- Growing Orchids for Beginners

2007-07-19T11:44:00.001-07:00

Growing orchids can be challenging if you don't know what you're doing. If you want to grow beautiful plants, there are a few orchid growing tips you should know. Some of the tips focus on proper watering, temperature, fertilizer, and light. This article will share a few orchid growing tips with you.

Watering

One of the first orchid growing tips focuses on watering. How frequently you water your orchids depends on the type, temperature, and the time of year. In general, you should water them every 10 days or so. Make sure you don't water them several times a week because you will kill the roots.

Temperature

Proper temperature is one of the next orchid growing tips. The ideal temperature for most species of orchids is between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Some orchids require a cooling period during the fool so that they can grow flowers. You need to know your specific type of orchid so you can properly control the temperature.

Fertilizer

One of the next orchid growing tips is about fertilizer. As a rule of thumb, you should apply fertilizer to your plants about once a month. If you don't use enough fertilizer, it may stunt your plant's growth and possibly inhibit flowers from growing. If you use too much fertilizer, you may burn the roots and leaves and also inhibit flowering.

Light

Proper lighting is one of the final orchid growing tips. The leaves on the plant should be bright green. If the leaves are dark green, the plant is not getting enough light. If they are reddish green, they are getting too much light. Species like phalaenopsis and paphiopedilums should have less light. They should be placed in a window facing northeast or moved further away from the window.

These are a few orchid growing tips that you should know. Make sure you don't water your plants too much or you could kill the roots. You may also damage the roots by using too much fertilizer. Try to keep the temperature between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
About the Author

If you found these tips useful, stop by care4orchids.com for more orchid growing tips. You will learn everything you need to know to grow beautiful orchids.

How To Grow Superb Turnips

2007-06-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

Here, we're going to look at how to grow superb turnips.

Growing superb turnips is really a lot less difficult than you might think, provided you follow a few simple rules.

Turnips are a root vegetable, and it has to be said that many people don't like the flavour. Personally, I do, and they make a great vegetable for incorporating into a stew, hot pot, or more or less any casserole.

If you don't like parsnips, then you may not like turnips.

Let's assume you do!

Turnips are a very fast-growing type of crop. If you sow them in April and keep them well-watered, then you can be pulling young turnips in June. Not bad, huh?

You can even sow them as early as March, as I do when there's not much fear of frost about.

Sow in drills about ¼" deep and cover with fine soil. The little seeds are like small round balls, but can be easily space about an inch or two apart.

Water in well.

When the seedlings have germinated (and they do so in a very few days) thin out to leave about one plant every 4" - 5".

Now just keep watering the little blighters!

They grow very fast and need plenty of water (as you might have gathered) in order to support the growth.

Because they grow so fast, you need to sow on a regular basis - every two weeks or so - to ensure a continuous supply.

Pull them when they reach the size of a golf ball - not much more. If you leave them longer they will become very tough and no use for the kitchen.

Small is good! OK?

About the Author

Jack West is a garden writer who has been growing for over forty years. His main interests are growing food and flowers for the house. Very recently he has discovered an amazing new way of making garden compost which is far, far better for plants than traditional methods! This is truly groundbreaking (sorry) stuff! Click here for full details: Here

Indoor Guide to Growing with Hydroponics

2007-05-28T01:39:00.000-07:00

Hydroponics is the process of cultivating plants in a nutrient rich water solution instead of in soil. It involves growing plants indoors by means of artificial light. The word hydroponics is of Greek origin meaning "water working".

If you enjoy gardening or want to grow your own organic vegetables, but have limiting factors such as very little gardening space, problems with pests or unsuitable climate, then hydroponics is the answer for you. With hydroponics you can successfully grow indoors without worries year around.

Hydroponics is simpler than what most people think and has several advantages over regular soil gardening, such as:

Less space is needed, and plants can be grown closer together. Gardening with hydroponics can be done anywhere.

Less water is required because there is no soil to soak it up before it reaches your plant's roots. Hydroponics is great in areas where there are water restrictions because there is no sun or wind evaporating the water before it reaches your plants. When gardening outside an average of only 10% of that water reaches the plant.

No pests or diseases. You don't have to worry about pest control, and because your plants are grown indoors there are less problems with mold.

Reduced upkeep time. Once your hydroponics system is set up, all you need to do is change the nutrient solution on regularly, but this only takes a few minutes

Nearly all plants can be grown using hydroponics. The most common are vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, and peppers. Other plants such as flowers and herbs can easily be grown as well.

If you are growing plants that are high climbers then you will have to provide support for them and make sure they have adequate head room to grow.

Hydroponics supplies:

Hydroponics gardening supplies can be purchased at most good gardening stores. Do some research online first so you know what supplies to begin with so you are a more educated customer. You can also purchase supplies online.

The grow lights are one of the most important factors for hydroponics gardening. Hydroponics stores sell the individual grow parts as well as the complete growing systems. These systems will include the hydroponics and lighting systems, fans, and timers, containers and fertilzers.

In conclusion, a hydroponics system will initially take a little bit of time and effort but the benefits will far surpass the work when you begin eating your own home grown organic vegetables.

Get more info about hidroponic here.

Why Having A Greenhouses Hobby Can Be So Much Fun

2007-04-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

There are really many different reasons as to why having a greenhouses hobby can be so much fun, and one of the most major reasons is because it is a hobby that turns out incredibly beautiful results. With greenhouses you can start and maintain gorgeous and leafy plants and not only that but as well with a greenhouses hobby you can really enjoy yourself.

More About Having A Greenhouses Hobby

If you are looking for a great hobby that you can have that will not only keep you busy but allow you to have fun as well, then you are definitely going to want to consider having a greenhouses hobby.

If you are interested in this, then one of the first things that you are going to have to do is research. Particularly if you are a newcomer to the gardening game, then you are going to have to read up and research about the greenhouses hobby and what it is all about.

Once you have even a remote grasp on the concept of greenhouses and gardening, then you can actually start to get to work and get the process going.

The first thing that you are going to want to do is pick out the different plants and flowers that you are going to be interested in planting, and then you are going to have to go out and purchase the proper seedlings for each of these.

Once you have done that, then you have to bring them all into the greenhouse and start your potting. You can use whatever type of pots you want, but try to make sure that you mix it up a bit, so that you have variety amongst the pots that you use.

You also have to make absolutely sure that all of the plants get enough water and sunlight, and as well since they are in a greenhouse you are going to have to make sure that the temperature inside is always consistently mild and humid enough for the plants to strive.

There are so many different tips and tricks that you can use in order to make your plants all as healthy and full as possible, and so that you are able to do this, you are again going to have to make sure that you do your research, so that you can learn about these such things.

Author
Author Ann Marier a prolific writer has written many informative articles about house and garden Topics. Her lastest articles are all about greenhouses from portable mini greenhouses to who makes the best greenhouses.
http://www.4houseandgarden.com

Jumpstart The Spring Garden - Gardening Tips For March & April

2007-03-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

Snowdrops stand guard over tiny daffodil buds. Daylight is lingering a bit longer. The snow is receding and the robins are returning. The big thaw has begun. There's no denying the signs. Spring is right around the corner.

If you're like me, you can't wait to get your hands into the soil. While you're holding out for higher temperatures, there's plenty you can do today to jumpstart the spring gardening season.

Sow Seeds Indoors

Take a trip to your local nursery or home store and buy seeds to start indoors. In March I like to start annual flowers for my pots and containers. Currently, I have Coleus, Zinnias, Impatiens, Petunias and Marigolds germinating. Follow the seed packet instructions and you'll get excellent results. Some plants will take longer than others to bloom or bear fruit, so plan accordingly. This is also a great time for starting culinary herbs and vegetables. If you're looking for something new this year, try moonflower vine or cathedral bells to climb your fence or trellis. Both can be started from seed. If you have children, get them involved. Many children have a natural affinity for gardening. It's a great quality to encourage and nurture in them.

Dust Off The Birdhouses

I put my birdhouses out in early March. Small birds like chickadees will be actively searching for appropriate homes to raise their families. Mine were up for less than 24 hours before the home tours began.

Give Your Garden Tools A Checkup

Take your pruning shears and other cutting tools to your local hardware store for cleaning, oiling and a good sharpening. On a warm day you may want to assess your lawnmower. Take it in for servicing or a tune up now-while you can. Many lawnmower repair centers are swamped shortly after the season starts. It's one tool you don't want to be without.

Get Inspired

Order your garden catalogs. Purchase your favorite garden magazines. Here in the northeast, there's nothing like winter time to remind me how valuable my summer garden space is. Create a wish list of new plants, design features and outdoor furniture. With a little planning, you won't be overwhelmed when May rolls around.

Seek Out Indoor Gardening Events

In March there are countless indoor garden, flower and landscaping expos. If you can't find anything in your local area, a day or weekend trip to a flower show might be just what you need. Look for a botanical garden or arboretum with indoor facilities. In my area we have Longwood Gardens. It has year round indoor gardens and the displays are fantastic.

Clean Out Your Beds

As soon as the snow has melted and the weather permits, you can clean out your beds. It's a good time to rake and clear your planting areas of dead branches, leaves and debris. I like to mulch as soon as possible in the spring, while there's still plenty of space between the emerging bedding plants.

Learn A Landscape Design Software Program

There are so many inexpensive landscaping software programs available today, many of them under $50.00US. During the winter months you'll have plenty of time to learn how to operate the system. Create and sample new designs before digging. Take advantage of the overhead and 360 degree views. Many of the programs now offer a 3D walk through feature. It simulates the experience of walking through an actual garden. You can also advance the garden timeline into the future to see what it will look like when the plants and trees mature. It's a wonderful creative tool to beat the winter blues!

Call Your Landscaper Now

If you're planning to use a professional landscaper this year, make sure to schedule your work as far in advance as possible. When the ground is soft enough for digging, landscapers will be working overtime to keep up with the volume.

Book Your Garden Tours Now

Scour the internet for local and regional garden tours. Find out when tickets go on sale and plan ahead. I've often read announcement lists in the newspaper after I've already made other plans. There's nothing like visiting other people's gardens for encouragement and inspiration.

I hope these suggestions get you motivated to take action. The sooner you get started on your garden plans-the more time you'll have to enjoy the rest of the season. Happy Gardening!

John Conti is a landscaper and publisher of http://Stellasyard.com

How to have a healthy water pond for your fish and vegetation?

2007-03-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

To have a healthy pond you must have pH balance water, to get this balance after the pond is filled you must proceed like this:

Analyse the water.

The first time you fill your pond, the water might contain chemical pollutants and minerals that are toxic for the fishes and the plants. Those chemical substances are the chlorine, the chloramines, the ammonia and many more found in the tap water. The chlorine found in tap water dissipates generally after a few days. But for other chemicals like a combination of chlorine and ammonia, take much more time to decompose.

Before introducing plants or fish in the pond, you must analyse the water. After the pond is fill, wait at least one week before testing the water. You can detect almost every toxic substance in the water when testing the pH, the ammonia, the chlorines and the hardness of the water. The pH is the measure of the acidity or the alkalinity. The scale goes from 0 (very acid) from 14 (very alkaline), 7 is neutral and it means that the water is pure. A healthy water has a pH that range between 6.5 and 8.5. You can buy the test kit in pet store, where you bought your pond or online. The indication included in the kit will tell you witch water conditioner to use to correct the situation.

Rectify the water parameter

A variety of water treatment is offered to balance the water pH and eliminate the toxic substances from your pond. But you should not use them unless the test tells you to. Some fish and plant retailer suggest that you put a conditioner in the pond before you introduce the fishes or the plants in the pond, just for precaution. However, if the test marks that the water is correct, it doesn't need conditioner. If you decide to go with the conditioner anyway, follow the instruction on the label.

A Lilly Flower is One of the Great Beauties that You Can Find in Nature

2007-03-10T20:53:00.000-08:00

Flowers are one of the great beauties that you can find in nature. As there different varieties it is quite possible for you to have a personal favorite. This preference can be based on the scent of the flower or it can be the color. You may even like the flower because it brightens up your room. The lilly flower is one type of flower that holds an appeal for many people.

The lilly flower is not confined to one particular look as with roses. You can find the lilly flower in different colors, shapes and even sizes. For instance you are probably familiar with the common garden lilly flower - that is the Lilly of the Valley - or as it is called in French, Muguet. This tiny lilly flower is seen in the early spring months. The delicate white flower clusters give off a sweet scent that fills the air.

This lilly flower is used for perfumes as well because so many women seem to adore having some lilly scent on them. The other types of lilies that you can find include the Calla lily, which is said to be a very fragrant flower.

This lilly flower has a golden yellow center to its petals and the outside of the petals which curve around the stamen of the flower is a royal purple color. This lilly flower would look very beautiful in your garden. Besides ground growing lilly flowering plants there are different varieties that grow in water.

These water lilly flowers are well known in many cases. You have heard of the white water lilly flower. This lilly flower grows in mud filled lakes where the current is not that fierce. The lotus flower that many of us have heard of is also a lilly flower. This water lilly has different shades that you can buy and plant in your garden.

The lotus water lilly flower is usually a pale pink in color. You can however find this water lilly in a soft butter yellow and a snow white color as well. The scent from these lillies is very mild yet you will still feel the scent wrapping its way around you. The water lilly flower also comes in a magnificent blue color.

Other than using lilies in perfumes and table décor, there is one other use that a lilly flower can be seen to have. This is in various funeral flower arrangements. Since the lilly flower is symbolically linked with death you will see different varieties being used for this purpose.

Regardless of the many different uses for the lilly flower you will find some beautiful flowers like the tiger lilies in their varying shades to have in your garden or even your home pond. These elegant and fragrant flowers are wonderful additions to any garden.

Choosing Palm Trees And Plants For Your Garden

2007-02-27T01:56:00.000-08:00

Palm trees are popular in gardens all over the world and are usually found in the tropics, costal regions, deserts and generally warmer areas. Some species grow faster than other species, particularly due to the climate which affects the growth in most types of palm trees. Some palm trees need continually warmer weather while some can bear the colder climates. In some trees, the warmer weather results in faster growth and, in those trees, the trunk becomes taller more quickly. This is important to consider when choosing the appropriate plants for your garden, particularly if you want a tall line of trees in a shorter period of time.

There are several types of palm trees varying by commonality to growth rate. Queen Palms are the most common species of palm trees and, actually, do fairly well in the colder climates. Queen Palms need a lot of water and quality soil. They reach around twenty-five feet in a time span of seven to ten years, but they can reach a height of sixty feet. The King Palm is a faster growing tree and grows faster with full sun. It requires a rich and nutrient soil and plenty of water, but with good care these trees can reach twenty-five feet in ten years and have a maximum height potential of approximately forty feet. The King Palm is a good species choice if you desire a shade or canopy of trees.

Another choice in faster growing trees is the Majesty Palm, which reaches around ten feet in ten years and can reach thirty-five feet within a twenty year period of time. This palm needs soil rich in magnesium and, as expected, plenty of water though they do not do well near the ocean due to the abundance of salt in the air. The King Kong or Black Trunk Palms are also faster growing trees with the potential to reach eight feet tall. Unlike some other species, though, this tree grows in width before it grows in height and also grows large, horizontal leaves. It is one of the wider types as far as trunk diameter. Finally, the Royal Palms are moderately fast in growth, possibly reach twenty feet in ten years with quality care. This tree requires a nutrient rich soil, a lot of sun and plenty of water. Similar to the King Kong or Black Trunk species, the Royal Palms grow a wider trunk before growing tall. It does not grow well in colder weathers, specifically before twenty six degrees Fahrenheit.

As you see, the needs of palm trees vary by species. You must consider the needs of the different types before you plant it to be sure you can meet its requirements and allow it to grow to its full potential. Some do well in continually warmer weathers, while some can handle the occasional colder weather. Also, be sure to ask the nursery about the day length of each type of plant. Some trees need a lot of continual sun while others do better in partial sun. It is important to understand the heat and sun requirements for the tree you choose.

Hydroponics and Orchid

2007-02-24T09:45:00.000-08:00

Growing and caring for orchids is a very pleasurable experience for any enthusiast. There is however an alternative to growing orchids the traditional way and that is with hydroponics. Hydroponics allows you to grow crops and plants without soil or compost as the roots of the plants are placed in a mineral nutrient solution.

The Babylonians and Aztecs cultures grew plants without soil so technically they were using a form of hydroponics. Our technology and scientific knowledge has improved dramatically since the times of the Babylonians and Aztecs as well as our understanding of the benefits

In their natural environment, plants absorb mineral nutrients from soil when these nutrients dissolve in water. The level of our understanding of the required nutrients has enabled us to artificially introduce them into the plants water supply and as a result the soil is no longer required.

Please be aware that there is a difference between hydroponics and a soilless culture. Hydroponics is a type of soilless culture but other soilless cultures include sand and gravel.

There are many advantages using hydroponics which can be applied to the care of orchids.

* No soil - It should be obvious that you don't need to purchase any soil. No soil means that soil borne diseases are no longer an issue which reduces the need for pesticides. * No weeding required * Watering - It is very difficult to under water an orchid but over watering is a very common problem. Hydroponics removes this headache and at the same time saves water. * Space - Less space is required with hydroponics. * Light - More of the plant is exposed to sunlight. Also, as more of the plant is exposed it is possible to see the roots so identification on any problems is easier. * It's easy - The system is very easy to set up and once set up it requires very little maintenance. * Growth - The orchid is given the correct nutrients in the correct quantities which means more beautiful and healthy orchids can be grown.

There are obviously many advantages which hydroponics provides. It won't however solve all the problems faced by the orchid enthusiast. Greater flower yield isn't always guaranteed and the costs can sometimes be higher than when grown in soil.

Orchid enthusiasts should make an effort to at grow at least a few orchids using this method. They will be surprised at the ease of using hydroponics and it will only increase their knowledge and experience in the care of orchids.

Nigel owns OrchidCareExpert, a website which contains lots of useful information if you wish to know more about orchid care.

About the Author

Nigel owns OrchidCareExpert, a website which contains lots of useful information if you wish to know more about orchid care.

Gardening - Where To Start - Choosing The Right Seeds For Your Garden

2007-02-21T21:13:00.000-08:00

Seed selection can make or break your garden. If you choose the wrong seeds you can end up with a very pitiful looking garden. What goes into choosing the right seeds?

If you are saving your seeds from you own plants you have a little more control over what plants the seeds come from. You will want to choose plants that are hardy and contain a good number of blooms. Choosing seeds from a plant that is a little puny looking but with one or two very lovely blooms is not likely going to give you a plant that is hardy with more lovely blooms. Seeds usually produce plants like their parent plant. A good trick to know which plants to use for seeds is to look at your plants: size, hardiness, and blooms (or yields for vegetables). When you find the ones that exhibit the qualities you would like in your new plants tie a string on the plant, when it is harvest time you will know which ones to get the seeds from for your next year's garden.

If you are buying your seeds you don't have as much control over the plants that the seeds come from, but there are things you can look for to choose the proper seeds. The first thing you should look at is size, the larger the better. The next thing would be the plumpness or fullness of the seed. Using these two indicators will give you more certainty of a good plant for your garden. Each part of a seed, called a cotyledon, stores the food that the little plant will need until its roots grow enough to do their job. So the larger and plumper the seed the more likely it is to have enough food to sustain the tiny plant.

One thing to consider for the viability of your seeds is their age. Seeds will only be viable for a few years. Of course if you are buying your seeds you have no control of this, but if you buy from a reputable seed house you should not have to worry about this. If you are saving your own seeds make sure you label when you saved them to be able to use them before they are no good. Another viability issue is to make sure the seeds are picked when they are mature, picked to early and they will not germinate. Also make sure the seeds are not frozen, if frozen most seeds will not germinate.

With careful consideration of your seeds you should have a beautiful garden full of blooms or with a plentiful bounty.

About the Author

Gardens Abloom is dedicated to all aspects of gardening. For more on gardening and to sign up for the FREE "Gardens Abloom" newsletter visit the Gardens Abloom site.

Agriculture As your Income

2007-01-07T07:54:00.000-08:00

Have you think or consider to involve in agriculture? Agriculture nowaday can give you a lot of money if you do it in good way.

You can be milionaire just involve in agriculture agresively. other than agriculture,you can do aquaculture. It also have alot of demand in aquaculture product such as fish,prawn and so on.

Starting Seedlings Indoors

2006-11-06T06:11:00.000-08:00

Unless you have access to a greenhouse, or something like it, those living in cooler climates will have to start seedlings indoors if they are to take full advantage of their growing season.

Here are some gardening tips to starting seedlings indoors.

You can use an enclosed porch, a garage, a shed or a basement. Make sure you have sufficient counterspace to work comfortably.

Growing seeds is pretty straightforward. Give them what they need (light, water, warmth) and they will sprout. Simple as that. But don't start them too soon! In 4-6 weeks they will be ready to go out into the garden. If you are still experiencing frosts, they will be killed.

Prepare your containers, whether they are trays, egg cartons, yoghurt containers or jiffy pots and make sure they have drainage holes. Your indoor seedlings are going to need a lot of light...more light than a regular plant, to get them going.

So arrange lights over your seedlings. Plan to have these lights on for up to 15 hours a day. Put a fan in the room on low to keep the air circulating too. This is surprisingly important. If the air is static the plants will not prosper.

Seeds need to be warm to germinate. They will be comfortable in a temperature between 60-70F during the day and will generally tolerate 50-60F overnight. Covering them with plastic or fabric or newspaper can assist in keeping them warm until they sprout.

Make sure your indoor seedlings are kept moist but not soggy. Once proper leaves appear (the first two are just seed leaves) feed them with a weak fish fertilizer mixed with water.

As the seedlings mature and near time to enter the garden proper, they need to be 'hardened off'. This means moving them outdoors for progressively longer periods each day. Start them off in a protected part of the garden and bring them back in at night. As they get stronger, they will be prepared to withstand the actual conditions in the garden much more successfully.

If you start your seedlings indoors, it will get you 'gardening' much sooner in the year and excite the old spring fever!

How to Make Your Own Rooting Hormone

2006-09-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

by: Marilyn Pokorney
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When starting a new plant from a leaf or stem cutting, the
cutting will be more likely to form roots and create a new
plant if a rooting hormone is used.

While commercial rooting hormone can be used there are
organic homemade versions that work as well.

To make rooting hormone soak the yellow-tipped shoots of a
weeping willow tree in water. A tea made from the bark of a
willow tree is also effective. When using the shoots or
bark soak them for 24 hours prior to using.

Some people have found that using honey makes an effective
rooting hormone as well.

Leaf cuttings: Any plant with leaves such as African
Violet, Geranium etc. can be propagated with leaf cuttings.
Using a sharp knife cut off a healthy leaf at the point
where it joins the stem. Insert the cut part, called a
petiole, into the rooting hormone. Place the end into a
small container of light potting soil in which you have made
a small hole with a pencil. Making a hole prior to planting
assures that the rooting hormone will not be brushed off the
cutting when you plant it. Perlite, Vermiculite, and/or
water-soaked Sphagnum moss can be added to potting soil to
make the soil light. Make sure the leaf is leaning slightly
so that the new plants will have plenty of light and not be
shaded by the leaf.

Stem cuttings: These are treated just like leaf cuttings
except you cut off a stem with several leaves instead of
just one leaf. Remove the bottom leaves, leaving a few at
the top. Proceed as with the leaf cutting.

In both instances cover the pot with a plastic bag or
inverted glass jar. This will keep moisture from
evaporating and keep the cutting from wilting. Keep in a
warm location with diffused light but out of direct
sunlight. When there is indications of growth after about 3
to 6 weeks, transplant the new emerging plant into a new pot
of potting soil. Continue to keep a humid environment for
about 2 more weeks until active growth begins.

More organic gardening tips and supplies can be found at:

http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/gardensalive.htm

About the author:
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net

Grape can be planted in Malaysia

2006-07-09T02:24:00.000-07:00

This my grape.I plant it about a month a go.It's from variety AIC from Taiwan with red fruit.It's has delicious taste and most important,sweet.

Papaya as Alternative Medicine

2006-07-09T02:13:00.000-07:00

This is papaya..It's from ordinary variety..It's can be use as cure gout.My father use it to make a medicine for gout.Many of them now cure..You just take small papaya and boil it with young cococut water until the papaya become yellow.

Then,drink the water.I guaranteed you gout will vanish and cure.One of my father's friend can walk again after drink it.It's about 2 years she cannot walk because of gout.

Dragon Fruit

2006-07-09T02:07:00.000-07:00

This is dragon fruit plant.It's also known as PITAYA or Buah naga at Malaysia or Honey Cactus..It's one of cactus family.It's has a lot of nutrious and goodness..It's can from Mexico.Now it's become one of luxury fruit in Malaysia..

That plan is only 2 month old.

Long Bean

2006-07-09T01:56:00.000-07:00

This is small version of long bean..It known as Kacang Panjang Renek or Dwarf Long Bean..Its fruit still same as ordinary long bean except got small and little plant.

Its high just only 3 feet tall.That is it's maximum high..Have you ever seen it?

Step for planting Chili

2006-07-09T01:46:00.000-07:00

1.Get polybag.
2.Mix soil with organic fertizer and sand.
3.Put soil in the polybag.
4.Plant chili in the polybag and put the water.

P/S:Make sure the plant the chili is 1 month old before put in the polibag.