tips for the day

When mulching plants you have just planted, place the pots they came in on top of the plant. Dump mulch around the pots to the desired depth. When smooth, remove the pots and bring mulch closer to the plants without touching the stems. Fast and easy mulch application with little effort.

Take a clear milk jug or a 2 liter bottle soda bottle and cut the bottom off. If you are starting seeds inside, start the seeds in the bottom part of the jug and place the top of the jug on top to act as a greenhouse. If you are starting seedlings outside, place the top part of the jug on top of the seedlings to act as a greenhouse.

Many websites, such as those for the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, have recipes for homemade cut flower preservatives. Most of them call for a little sugar, a little acid, and something to kill bacteria. For instance, for one quart of water, you can use a teaspoon of sugar, a teaspoon of regular chlorine bleach, and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar.

When all through with your eggshells put them in a sealed jug with plenty of water. Then water your plants with this water. When you run out of water, empty the shells and start all over. This provides lots of nutrients to plants.

If you have cut flowers that look a bit tired, sometimes a soak in cold water can do wonders. Fill the sink and lay the flowers in it, totally underwater. Cut the ends of the stems on a diagonal, and leave the flowers alone for half an hour or so. Amazing how they perk up.

Try planting and rooting your plant cuttings in clear plastic drinking cups instead of pots. That way you can see if their roots have developed easily and you won’t have to keep disturbing them to check when to re-pot. They’re much cheaper than plant pots too!