Gardens in the cold season. A few simple ideas bring your spring garden indoors for enjoyment. Tips for preserving the soil.
Why not garden during the winter months? Is there any rule that say's we can't? What could be prettier than watching the snow fall outside of your window on a cold winter's day? Watching it fall through a peek-a-boo wall of green foliage.
During the winter season many normal houseplants go into a sleep period. The pretty, delicate blooms of flowers dry up and fall; the lush green of leaves turn brown. There is a way to save the beauty of spring all year long. With a little extra care, some common sense and patience you too can have a beautiful winter indoor garden.
There are some basic rules to follow for winter care of plants. There are also some basic mistakes made that will send plants into an early grave.
1. Don't over water. Your plant may look dry and brown around September or early October. This is normal. The plant is going through a rest period. It needs it like we need sleep. The short light of fall signals the plants that it's time to rest. The plant is reacting naturally.
2. Dry heat will harm a plant, even the more hardier ones. Moisture added to the air will help prevent this. A simple boiling pot of water will add moisture to the air and do wonders for your house plants.
3. Some plants are not long lasting. Accept this! These plants include Cyclamem, Chrysanthemum and Gloxinia. These plants only last a few short weeks.
4. Any plant purchase requires just a bit of research. Read plant labels and familiarize yourself with their particular care needs. Some plants require moist soil, some a drier soil. Some require frequent feedings, others do not. Study up on the care and your plants will thank you by producing the prettiest flowers, the greenest foliage.
5. Watch for bugs. Learn to recognize the warning signs of bug infestation. Treat promptly any infestations with appropriate chemical.
6. Choose your plants and their position in your home wisely. If the plant does well in a more shaded area be sure to place it the spot where direct sun will not hit it and if the plant requires a lot of sun find a nice bright window and let it grow.
Now, let's talk about winter gardening. What can you grow that will last through the cold and stormy months ahead? Here are several nice suggestions.
Create your own terrarium. The materials for a terrarium are fairly cheap and the plant life simple to care for. A terrarium is also virtually maintenance free. For the base you can use an old fish tank, a round, clear, glass bowl or even a canning or jelly jar. Plants that do well in a terrarium are Orchids, Bromeliad's, exotic foliage plants, ferns and some herbs. The moisture in a terrarium is self sufficient due to the covering. It's like having your own miniature rain forest.
Find the container of choice. Lay down a layer of either small pebbles or bits of charcoal fragments. This must be done for drainage. Next, add one layer of potting soil, approximately one inch thick. Add another layer of pebbles/charcoal then another layer of potting soil. Fill the container approximately half full.
Once you've chosen the plants to use take a small spoon and dig out small furrows in the soil. Plants in a terrarium can be a variety of several or just one or two of your favorites. The size of the terrarium will determine how many plants you can add. Leave enough space for them to grow and branch out. Over crowding will choke out the delicate new growth.
Build up a small mound of soil around each plant. It won't have much space underneath to root so the soil around it will stabilize it's stem. Arrange the plants in a pattern most pleasing to you.
Water your plant with a watering can. Do not over water the plants. Just enough to moisten the soil. Do not water directly on top of the plants. This can injure the delicate young leaves and stems. Usually an old spray bottle will do the trick. Cover the terrarium with a clear plastic lid or plastic wrap.
Lastly, sit back and watch your garden grow. You will see beads of water collecting on the sides of your terrarium or the lid. This is normal. The plants are re-using the water you gave them at the start. You should rarely have to add more moisture to the terrarium. It is basically self sufficient. Remember though, depending on which plants you choose will dictate where you place your terrarium. Some plants love sunny windows and others love shade. Always read your plant's care labels carefully and follow the grower's recommendations and your plants should flourish beautifully for you.
