I have a yard that is empty. I want to plant some drought tolerant plants/flowers, but I want to make sure that they are safe for my dogs. I live in los angeles. What kind of plants would you recommend or avoid?
What kinds of garden plants are harmful to dogs?
try below sweetie and just type into the net search
Reply:I recommend bermuda plants and ornamental plants on the lone area.However,I will not recommend cactus and thorny plants in the sorounddings.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
To plant an herb garden is it better to get seeds or the plants already started?
I want to do the herbs in containers too. Should I get the plants already started and plant them in the pots, or should I get seeds and plant them in the pots? What about those herb growing kits that come with the seeds that are in these little peat moss pellets? Also, if I want organic herbs does that mean I need to buy organic herb seed or organic herb plant, or will it be organic either way as long as I'm not using chemicals? Thanks! Obviously inexperienced over here...
To plant an herb garden is it better to get seeds or the plants already started?
That depends upon whether you are good at seed starting. If you enjoy gardening and like to watch the development, seeds are the way to go. If you are rather in a hurry and not too gardening savvy, you will want to go with the starts. I love to plant, and there is only one way to get started: just do it!
If you do not want many herbs, however, you may just want to buy a start or two; depending upon the herb.
Organic means there were no chemicals used on the seed and that they were harvested and grown naturally. You can buy organic seed; most of the ones in the stores are not. Some are, so read the packet.
I would avoid peat pots and peat in general. It is running out and soil and pots are great anyway. We do not want to deplete the earth too quickly!
Seeds of Change has great organic seeds. You pay a bit more for them, but of course it is environmentally desirable to use them.
http://www.seedsofchange.com/default.asp
Reply:That depends on what you want to grow. Perennial herbs do best from starts, but annual herbs are easily started in the ground. Some perennials would include lavender, rosemary, thyme .. woody types. Annuals would be basil, borage and cilantro. You don't need to buy organic seed, but if you are going to use them for cooking I would suggest that you grow them organically.
Reply:both there are hundreds of herbs .get everything yopu can get hold off
the plants are the best ,but the most expensive and they have a head start.
some thought on organic soil
QUESTION
What is the role of composting in improving soil?
Indicate what it does and how it is effective and why one would want to improve soil in the first place.
ANSWER
make compost heap from all kitchen wastes and any organic material you can find ,organic,paper,eggshells,bones wet branches tec,
a compost heap will have topsoil after 6 months or so a lot depends on you weather and humidity you can speed it up by
adding red earthworms and turning the compost with a fork to avoid killing the worms or by adding lime and always keep it covered with leaves or .sand or plastic to enhance the humidity(check info on worm,or lombriculture)
i got a compost heap that has been going for 5 years ,tons of cuttings from the garden including coconut palm leaves and bits of trees ,does not seem to get bigger and i still havent got around to using it.
make your compost heap on top of a bowel shaped hole so that the centre is wet and it will consume just about everything.and have it in the shade ,under a tree or put a little roof on it
but more practical is mulching directly on your garden plots
MULCH
what you can do imediatly is to cover the ground with mulch which is the same principal as compost but it includes the whole garden surface
the top part of the soil where the topsoil is being produced houses a world or microbiotic life.
Mulch is organic material green or dry that covers the ground,the thicker the better the composting process will turn it in to black topsoil
the humidity is preserved underneath and promotes the devellopment of worms(their exists no better compost than their excrements)and a variety of micro biotic life which together with the mulch produce more topsoil.
the mulch also keeps the ground temperature even and guards against the impact of the rain ,which would other wise brings salt to the surfave if on unprotected land
Mulch also prevents the soil from drying out because of the sun and, lay it open to wind erosian.
FERTILISER
only use manures and animal urine to fertilise,one can plant plants for mulch on the edges of vegetable plots to be chopped down for green mulch
PEST CONTROL
many weeds have natural properties that are good for insect repellents
another priceless pest control is the silky and bantum chickens which dont rake the ground but only run and eat 70% of all walking and jumping insects and they also leave quit a lot of manure behind ,if you have enough of them
guiny fowel and partridge will do almost the same job
snakes kill rats.iguanas eat a variety of pests
HUMIDITY
One should always shape the land inicially and make it bowel shaped (if small)terassed if on a slope with an edge around it so that it becomes receptive as aposed to repellent of the water that falls on it and to prevent erosion.
if on the flats it should be self draining.but with cannals also bringing water flows into the land from higher up.
I have connected cannals to road gutters to bring more water in.
soil management should be a component of a larger concept
which includes ,waterharvesting (to zero run off)and form
as well as pest control and diversity of plants.
so you dont have to wait for compost to be ready ,first shape the garden ,i always start by making all the garden paths the resulting design gives me the individual plots.
then dig the drainage cannals and put in your irrigation systems
then devellop the individual plots one by one ,put in the plants and as you leave ,cover the ground with a mulch ,so that nowhere the bare soil can be seen .
a good book that has a very large section on soil and some of the things mentioned is
the Permaculture designers manual by Bil Mollison cost about 40 dollars.
and is the best all round book you can get.(tagiari publishing, tagariadmin@southcom.com.au)
Permaculture means permanent agriculture
a concept put forward by Bill Mollisson in the 60`s
which is a complete hand book for environmental design.
With practical solutions for energy systems ,infratructure ,housing,
animal shelter ,water systems and sustainable agricultural practises.
With the world and it`s history as it`s source
From the chinampas of Mexico to the teraced gardens of the Andes.
From the dessert whadis to the steppes of Russia.
Covering all climatic conditions temporal, dessert, humid and dry tropics.
with chapters on soil ,Water harvesting and land design,
Earth working ,Spirals in nature,Trees and water ,utilising energy flows,
Strategy for an alternative nation
this book also has many gardening tips,bio-gas,companion planting and ideas for structures ,how to cool down houses in hot climates ,how to warm up houses in cold climates with out using technology Source(s) some other writers that are on the internet are
david Holmgren
Larry Santoyo
Kirk Hanson
Masanobu Fukuaka has written ,
One-Straw Revolution
The Road Back to Nature
The Natural Way of Farming
http://www.context.org/iclib/ic14/fukuok...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/masanobu_fu...
Simon Henderson
and Bill Molisson.
a representitive of the concept in USA is
Dan Hemenway at YankeePerm@aol.com
barkingfrogspc@aol.com
http://barkingfrogspc.tripod.com/frames....
http://csf.colorado.edu/perma/ypc_catalo...
I am a permaculture consultant for the department of Ecology for the regional government of Guerrero in Mexico
i got a yahoo 360 which has some stuff in English as well as this spaces
http://spaces.msn.com/byderule
Reply:Get herb seeds will be economiical and interesting to grow.
Reply:I really do not like the peat pellets, I think they dry out WAY too easily and once they do it's nigh impossible to get them just moist, they're either completely dried out or soggy. Since herbs do NOT like being soggy, I think you wind up creating problems for yourself later on by using peat pots.
Technically you need organic seed to be considered organic but I don't worry about it. The main thing is to not use chemicals once the plant is growing.
Herbs grow fairly easily from seed but I always get the started ones because I just need a few plants, not a few dozen seeds. I have the luck to live near a totally organic nursery though (used to work there) so the plants I buy from them haven't been treated with any chemicals.
Reply:Most herbs work great in containers. A few easy to grow from seed are cilantro, dill, mint. Buy plants and you will hvae a supply of herbs immediately! Rosemary gets so big, it needs to go in the ground. Basil does well in pots and in the ground. Thyme is great in an urn type of planter, in fact planting several different plants in a pot makes a beautiful display.
To plant an herb garden is it better to get seeds or the plants already started?
That depends upon whether you are good at seed starting. If you enjoy gardening and like to watch the development, seeds are the way to go. If you are rather in a hurry and not too gardening savvy, you will want to go with the starts. I love to plant, and there is only one way to get started: just do it!
If you do not want many herbs, however, you may just want to buy a start or two; depending upon the herb.
Organic means there were no chemicals used on the seed and that they were harvested and grown naturally. You can buy organic seed; most of the ones in the stores are not. Some are, so read the packet.
I would avoid peat pots and peat in general. It is running out and soil and pots are great anyway. We do not want to deplete the earth too quickly!
Seeds of Change has great organic seeds. You pay a bit more for them, but of course it is environmentally desirable to use them.
http://www.seedsofchange.com/default.asp
Reply:That depends on what you want to grow. Perennial herbs do best from starts, but annual herbs are easily started in the ground. Some perennials would include lavender, rosemary, thyme .. woody types. Annuals would be basil, borage and cilantro. You don't need to buy organic seed, but if you are going to use them for cooking I would suggest that you grow them organically.
Reply:both there are hundreds of herbs .get everything yopu can get hold off
the plants are the best ,but the most expensive and they have a head start.
some thought on organic soil
QUESTION
What is the role of composting in improving soil?
Indicate what it does and how it is effective and why one would want to improve soil in the first place.
ANSWER
make compost heap from all kitchen wastes and any organic material you can find ,organic,paper,eggshells,bones wet branches tec,
a compost heap will have topsoil after 6 months or so a lot depends on you weather and humidity you can speed it up by
adding red earthworms and turning the compost with a fork to avoid killing the worms or by adding lime and always keep it covered with leaves or .sand or plastic to enhance the humidity(check info on worm,or lombriculture)
i got a compost heap that has been going for 5 years ,tons of cuttings from the garden including coconut palm leaves and bits of trees ,does not seem to get bigger and i still havent got around to using it.
make your compost heap on top of a bowel shaped hole so that the centre is wet and it will consume just about everything.and have it in the shade ,under a tree or put a little roof on it
but more practical is mulching directly on your garden plots
MULCH
what you can do imediatly is to cover the ground with mulch which is the same principal as compost but it includes the whole garden surface
the top part of the soil where the topsoil is being produced houses a world or microbiotic life.
Mulch is organic material green or dry that covers the ground,the thicker the better the composting process will turn it in to black topsoil
the humidity is preserved underneath and promotes the devellopment of worms(their exists no better compost than their excrements)and a variety of micro biotic life which together with the mulch produce more topsoil.
the mulch also keeps the ground temperature even and guards against the impact of the rain ,which would other wise brings salt to the surfave if on unprotected land
Mulch also prevents the soil from drying out because of the sun and, lay it open to wind erosian.
FERTILISER
only use manures and animal urine to fertilise,one can plant plants for mulch on the edges of vegetable plots to be chopped down for green mulch
PEST CONTROL
many weeds have natural properties that are good for insect repellents
another priceless pest control is the silky and bantum chickens which dont rake the ground but only run and eat 70% of all walking and jumping insects and they also leave quit a lot of manure behind ,if you have enough of them
guiny fowel and partridge will do almost the same job
snakes kill rats.iguanas eat a variety of pests
HUMIDITY
One should always shape the land inicially and make it bowel shaped (if small)terassed if on a slope with an edge around it so that it becomes receptive as aposed to repellent of the water that falls on it and to prevent erosion.
if on the flats it should be self draining.but with cannals also bringing water flows into the land from higher up.
I have connected cannals to road gutters to bring more water in.
soil management should be a component of a larger concept
which includes ,waterharvesting (to zero run off)and form
as well as pest control and diversity of plants.
so you dont have to wait for compost to be ready ,first shape the garden ,i always start by making all the garden paths the resulting design gives me the individual plots.
then dig the drainage cannals and put in your irrigation systems
then devellop the individual plots one by one ,put in the plants and as you leave ,cover the ground with a mulch ,so that nowhere the bare soil can be seen .
a good book that has a very large section on soil and some of the things mentioned is
the Permaculture designers manual by Bil Mollison cost about 40 dollars.
and is the best all round book you can get.(tagiari publishing, tagariadmin@southcom.com.au)
Permaculture means permanent agriculture
a concept put forward by Bill Mollisson in the 60`s
which is a complete hand book for environmental design.
With practical solutions for energy systems ,infratructure ,housing,
animal shelter ,water systems and sustainable agricultural practises.
With the world and it`s history as it`s source
From the chinampas of Mexico to the teraced gardens of the Andes.
From the dessert whadis to the steppes of Russia.
Covering all climatic conditions temporal, dessert, humid and dry tropics.
with chapters on soil ,Water harvesting and land design,
Earth working ,Spirals in nature,Trees and water ,utilising energy flows,
Strategy for an alternative nation
this book also has many gardening tips,bio-gas,companion planting and ideas for structures ,how to cool down houses in hot climates ,how to warm up houses in cold climates with out using technology Source(s) some other writers that are on the internet are
david Holmgren
Larry Santoyo
Kirk Hanson
Masanobu Fukuaka has written ,
One-Straw Revolution
The Road Back to Nature
The Natural Way of Farming
http://www.context.org/iclib/ic14/fukuok...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/masanobu_fu...
Simon Henderson
and Bill Molisson.
a representitive of the concept in USA is
Dan Hemenway at YankeePerm@aol.com
barkingfrogspc@aol.com
http://barkingfrogspc.tripod.com/frames....
http://csf.colorado.edu/perma/ypc_catalo...
I am a permaculture consultant for the department of Ecology for the regional government of Guerrero in Mexico
i got a yahoo 360 which has some stuff in English as well as this spaces
http://spaces.msn.com/byderule
Reply:Get herb seeds will be economiical and interesting to grow.
Reply:I really do not like the peat pellets, I think they dry out WAY too easily and once they do it's nigh impossible to get them just moist, they're either completely dried out or soggy. Since herbs do NOT like being soggy, I think you wind up creating problems for yourself later on by using peat pots.
Technically you need organic seed to be considered organic but I don't worry about it. The main thing is to not use chemicals once the plant is growing.
Herbs grow fairly easily from seed but I always get the started ones because I just need a few plants, not a few dozen seeds. I have the luck to live near a totally organic nursery though (used to work there) so the plants I buy from them haven't been treated with any chemicals.
Reply:Most herbs work great in containers. A few easy to grow from seed are cilantro, dill, mint. Buy plants and you will hvae a supply of herbs immediately! Rosemary gets so big, it needs to go in the ground. Basil does well in pots and in the ground. Thyme is great in an urn type of planter, in fact planting several different plants in a pot makes a beautiful display.
How many plants do I need to purify the air in my apartment?
I want to get some house plants to make the air in my apartment cleaner and I know what types of house plants to get, I just don't know how many I will need to get for a one-bedroom apartment. For it to make a real difference, is it like 2-3 or like 20-25?
How many plants do I need to purify the air in my apartment?
Ferns...they may not be that pretty, but they are EASY to take care of. You can hang them also. They are good in a bathroom too.
Reply:For aplace that size about 15 well tended larger plants
Reply:When you say 'cleaner' do you mean to help convert CO2 to O2 or to help remove dust and allergens from the air? A plant will not help remove allergens from the air... it might even add to it!
Consider how 'clean' it is to have ports of dirt in the house. Moist earth is a breeding ground for microbes, fungus, and even small insects. No matter how clean you are... those buggers somehow find a foothold. Not the best thing if you have health concerns.
If you really want to clean the air, consider an ionic breeze ^_^
If you want plants to add a sense of 'life' to your apartment, consider plants that won't need to sit around in stale water (which will start to smell) or moist earth (breeding ground).
BTW, what plants are you considering?
Reply:i think is if you dont need.
How many plants do I need to purify the air in my apartment?
Ferns...they may not be that pretty, but they are EASY to take care of. You can hang them also. They are good in a bathroom too.
Reply:For aplace that size about 15 well tended larger plants
Reply:When you say 'cleaner' do you mean to help convert CO2 to O2 or to help remove dust and allergens from the air? A plant will not help remove allergens from the air... it might even add to it!
Consider how 'clean' it is to have ports of dirt in the house. Moist earth is a breeding ground for microbes, fungus, and even small insects. No matter how clean you are... those buggers somehow find a foothold. Not the best thing if you have health concerns.
If you really want to clean the air, consider an ionic breeze ^_^
If you want plants to add a sense of 'life' to your apartment, consider plants that won't need to sit around in stale water (which will start to smell) or moist earth (breeding ground).
BTW, what plants are you considering?
Reply:i think is if you dont need.
What kinda plants or trees can live in a pot on my deck?
We just bought a house on the lake and have no yard but alot of deck that goes all around the lake and i want plants and trees but no yard to plant them in....I know fern is good but anymore suggestions? Thanks so much!!!
What kinda plants or trees can live in a pot on my deck?
You will need large pots and a way to water them. Pots need lots of water year round if you are in a warm state. If you live in a cold state, the pots will need protection from the ice and snow.
Just about anything will grow in pots. Go to your local nursery and see what they have growing in pots. Talk with them about the care of plants and trees in your area. They will be happy to help you.
My hubby and I do lots of container gardening.....even vegetables. Here is our method (USA):
Plastic pots 14 inches across the top.
Holds 25 pounds potting soil-we use Miracle-Gro Potting Soil with Plant Food for flowers (not vegetables-ask the clerk at the nursery for vegetable potting soil).
Mix water crystals into the top six inches of potting soil-these hold water so you do not have to water more than once per week when the temperatures hit 100 degrees.
Water well and leave it alone for a few days so the crystals can absorb the water. Do not plant or the swelling crystals will push your flowers up and out of the potting soil.
After a few days, mix 4 tablespoons Osmocote flower fertilizer into the top four inches of potting soil. Water in well and wait a day or so. There is also a vegetable Osmocote fertilizer. (Read and follow the directions on the container just in case your container is different from ours.)
Now you can plant. Water well.
Every 14 days fertilize with liquid fertilizer - we use Miracle-Gro Bloom Booster.
Check for a vegetable liquid fertilizer.
Stop fertilizing one month before your first autumn frost. But keep watering.
Let your flowers go to sleep after the first frost or take them indoors and place in a south facing window (sunny window).
Lightly water through the winter months, but do not fertilize.
Do not put back outside until all frost has past. We usually wait till the nights have reached 68 or 70 degrees.
Add the Osmocote fertilizer again each spring (or other good flowering fertilizer).
When flowers start failing, change the potting soil's top 1/3 or 1/2, mix in well, add new water crystals, add fertilizer. Buy new plants. This is usually done every third spring.
Hint: Always water till it runs out the bottom. Wait a few minutes and then water again. This only need to be done about once per week to ten days when using the water crystals.
Happy gardening to you.
Reply:if there are people in the neighbourhood, they will probably have plants in pots.
The local gardenshops will know what plants do grow in your region.
Reply:it depends where you live ?!
Reply:Hello, just about any plant or shrub, and even some trees can live quite well in pots.Obviously you would need to know which species liked direct sun, which dont, and position them around the building appropriately. Hope this helps:-)
vacuum deodorizer
What kinda plants or trees can live in a pot on my deck?
You will need large pots and a way to water them. Pots need lots of water year round if you are in a warm state. If you live in a cold state, the pots will need protection from the ice and snow.
Just about anything will grow in pots. Go to your local nursery and see what they have growing in pots. Talk with them about the care of plants and trees in your area. They will be happy to help you.
My hubby and I do lots of container gardening.....even vegetables. Here is our method (USA):
Plastic pots 14 inches across the top.
Holds 25 pounds potting soil-we use Miracle-Gro Potting Soil with Plant Food for flowers (not vegetables-ask the clerk at the nursery for vegetable potting soil).
Mix water crystals into the top six inches of potting soil-these hold water so you do not have to water more than once per week when the temperatures hit 100 degrees.
Water well and leave it alone for a few days so the crystals can absorb the water. Do not plant or the swelling crystals will push your flowers up and out of the potting soil.
After a few days, mix 4 tablespoons Osmocote flower fertilizer into the top four inches of potting soil. Water in well and wait a day or so. There is also a vegetable Osmocote fertilizer. (Read and follow the directions on the container just in case your container is different from ours.)
Now you can plant. Water well.
Every 14 days fertilize with liquid fertilizer - we use Miracle-Gro Bloom Booster.
Check for a vegetable liquid fertilizer.
Stop fertilizing one month before your first autumn frost. But keep watering.
Let your flowers go to sleep after the first frost or take them indoors and place in a south facing window (sunny window).
Lightly water through the winter months, but do not fertilize.
Do not put back outside until all frost has past. We usually wait till the nights have reached 68 or 70 degrees.
Add the Osmocote fertilizer again each spring (or other good flowering fertilizer).
When flowers start failing, change the potting soil's top 1/3 or 1/2, mix in well, add new water crystals, add fertilizer. Buy new plants. This is usually done every third spring.
Hint: Always water till it runs out the bottom. Wait a few minutes and then water again. This only need to be done about once per week to ten days when using the water crystals.
Happy gardening to you.
Reply:if there are people in the neighbourhood, they will probably have plants in pots.
The local gardenshops will know what plants do grow in your region.
Reply:it depends where you live ?!
Reply:Hello, just about any plant or shrub, and even some trees can live quite well in pots.Obviously you would need to know which species liked direct sun, which dont, and position them around the building appropriately. Hope this helps:-)
vacuum deodorizer
What are the best plants and/or trees to grow indoors with little sunlight?
I live in an apartment that only gets direct sunlight for about an hour a day, and I miss having plants. The window sill doesn't provide a great ledge for plant holders either. Does anyone know of any plants that can flourish under these conditions?
What are the best plants and/or trees to grow indoors with little sunlight?
Pathos, spider plants, African violets, coleus, and Chinese lilies will all grow well in indirect sunlight.
Reply:Try this site for suggestions -- they seem to have a lot of plants listed that are shade tolerant %26amp; can be raised indoors. Good luck!
Reply:Most plants need some light and the more the better - except direct. I'd suggest trying indoor plant lights. Good luck.
Reply:You might also consider getting some really tough stuff and using them as temporary decor, much the way you would with cut flowers.
Every fall I get a couple of sanserverias (snake plants, mother-in-laws tongue) to put in a couple of dark spots. They don't thrive there, but they do provide some greenery where I want some. I only water them every 3 weeks or so and they seem to squeak by for a year.
I can usually find them this time of year at WalMart, Lowe's or Home Depot for less than $10 each.
Reply:I have a bunch of what some people call "corn plants". (Dracaena fragrans Massangeana' )They go nuts in my house, and I pay very little attention to them. They get tall and have great varigated leaves that are really quite beautiful.
Reply:spaths! aka peace lillies. i have one in a very dark corner and it does great.
Reply:Plants for indoor lighting
African violet
Saintpaulia species
This is one of the most satisfactory flowering plants for growing under lights; it grows and flowers well between 500 and 1,000 foot-candles. Light 16 to 18 hours each day.
Aluminum plant
Pilea cadierei
This small plant with colorful leaves tolerates a low light level but needs high humidity. Other suitable related plants include artillery fern and moon valley pilea.
Arrowhead vine
Syngonium podophyllum
These small plants are bushy and later, creeping or climbing. They may be kept at a low light level, but they are denser at a medium level.
Asparagus ferns
Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri'
Asparagus setaceus (formerly plumosus)
These durable potted plants with fleshy roots produce fernlike leaves. Although tolerant of low light, the plants grow more abundantly and densely in a medium light range.
Aucuba-leaf croton
Codiaeum 'Aucubaefolium'
Crotons are not appropriate for the light garden as they require high light for good color development and growth. However, this smaller type with yellow spots can be grown at medium light intensities.
Begonias
Angelwing, B. coccinea
Beefsteak, B. xerythrophylla
Iron cross, B. masoniana
Flowering, B. semperflorens
Painted B. rex varieties
Most plants of this family are suitable for growing in the medium light range. Begonias like high humidity and constantly moist soil. Give them a long light duration, from 14 to 18 hours each day.
Cacti and succulents
Many plants may be grouped in this general category. These plants need high light intensities; most are not satisfactory for growing under artificial lights. However, you can use lights to maintain them for limited periods when they cannot be exposed to bright light or direct sunlight. When artificial lights are used, provide high intensities, and keep plants close to the source.
Cast iron plant
Aspidistra elatior
This plant tolerates cool locations and poor light; it is one of the best plants where only low light conditions exist. A variegated form is also available.
Chinese evergreen
Aglaonema modestum
Aglaonemas are relatively small tropical plants but can tolerate light as low as 10 foot-candles. Other species with different leaf form and variegation are also available.
Cissus species
Grape ivy, Cissus rhombifolia
Kangaroo vine, Cissus antarctica
Cissus are climbing plants that prefer medium light conditions for best growth, although kangaroo vine tolerates lower light. Although better for greenhouse culture, another beautiful relative is the rex begonia vine, Cissus discolor.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia maculata
Many satisfactory species and varieties are available. Plants have large, showy leaves with spotting and variegation. Medium light range is best and will prevent loss of lower leaves. Overly tall plants can be cut back. Dieffenbachia benefits from supplementary lighting in poorly lit areas.
Dracaena species
Corn plant, Dracaena fragrans massangeana
Dragon tree, Dracaena marginata
Janet Craig dracaena, Dracaena deremensis 'Janet Craig'
Ti plant, Cordyline terminalis 'Ti'
Most dracaenas become large plants. They are well adapted to house conditions and tolerate low light although they also do well in medium light. They need to be kept warm and constantly moist for best growth. Ti plant develops best leaf color in bright light and therefore is less suitable for locations where it receives only artificial light.
Ferns
Birdsnest fern, Asplenium nidus
Boston fern, Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis
Holly fern, Cyrtomium falcatum
Maidenhair fern, Adiantum species
The word "fern" brings to mind the Boston, or sword, fern with its many varieties. These ferns are durable houseplants that tolerate low light but prefer a medium light level. Keep them cool and moist. Holly fern likes cooler house temperatures; however, birdsnest fern prefers warmer temperatures. Ferns may develop brown leaves or leaflets at low humidity. Maidenhair ferns should never be allowed to become dry.
Ficus species
Rubber plant, Ficus elastica varieties
Fiddleleaf fig, Ficus lyrata
Weeping fig, Ficus benjamina
These large plants are well suited to most home conditions and are best grown in a medium light range. Low light may result in a drop of foliage. Keep soil evenly moist. They tolerate low humidity.
Reply:Schefflara and Ficus are the easiest to grow indoors, because they are very low light tolerant and tolerate some neglect from a missed watering. Their are several varieties of each to choose from but they all have the same care.
Reply:I've found philodendrons to be almost impossible to kill.
What are the best plants and/or trees to grow indoors with little sunlight?
Pathos, spider plants, African violets, coleus, and Chinese lilies will all grow well in indirect sunlight.
Reply:Try this site for suggestions -- they seem to have a lot of plants listed that are shade tolerant %26amp; can be raised indoors. Good luck!
Reply:Most plants need some light and the more the better - except direct. I'd suggest trying indoor plant lights. Good luck.
Reply:You might also consider getting some really tough stuff and using them as temporary decor, much the way you would with cut flowers.
Every fall I get a couple of sanserverias (snake plants, mother-in-laws tongue) to put in a couple of dark spots. They don't thrive there, but they do provide some greenery where I want some. I only water them every 3 weeks or so and they seem to squeak by for a year.
I can usually find them this time of year at WalMart, Lowe's or Home Depot for less than $10 each.
Reply:I have a bunch of what some people call "corn plants". (Dracaena fragrans Massangeana' )They go nuts in my house, and I pay very little attention to them. They get tall and have great varigated leaves that are really quite beautiful.
Reply:spaths! aka peace lillies. i have one in a very dark corner and it does great.
Reply:Plants for indoor lighting
African violet
Saintpaulia species
This is one of the most satisfactory flowering plants for growing under lights; it grows and flowers well between 500 and 1,000 foot-candles. Light 16 to 18 hours each day.
Aluminum plant
Pilea cadierei
This small plant with colorful leaves tolerates a low light level but needs high humidity. Other suitable related plants include artillery fern and moon valley pilea.
Arrowhead vine
Syngonium podophyllum
These small plants are bushy and later, creeping or climbing. They may be kept at a low light level, but they are denser at a medium level.
Asparagus ferns
Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri'
Asparagus setaceus (formerly plumosus)
These durable potted plants with fleshy roots produce fernlike leaves. Although tolerant of low light, the plants grow more abundantly and densely in a medium light range.
Aucuba-leaf croton
Codiaeum 'Aucubaefolium'
Crotons are not appropriate for the light garden as they require high light for good color development and growth. However, this smaller type with yellow spots can be grown at medium light intensities.
Begonias
Angelwing, B. coccinea
Beefsteak, B. xerythrophylla
Iron cross, B. masoniana
Flowering, B. semperflorens
Painted B. rex varieties
Most plants of this family are suitable for growing in the medium light range. Begonias like high humidity and constantly moist soil. Give them a long light duration, from 14 to 18 hours each day.
Cacti and succulents
Many plants may be grouped in this general category. These plants need high light intensities; most are not satisfactory for growing under artificial lights. However, you can use lights to maintain them for limited periods when they cannot be exposed to bright light or direct sunlight. When artificial lights are used, provide high intensities, and keep plants close to the source.
Cast iron plant
Aspidistra elatior
This plant tolerates cool locations and poor light; it is one of the best plants where only low light conditions exist. A variegated form is also available.
Chinese evergreen
Aglaonema modestum
Aglaonemas are relatively small tropical plants but can tolerate light as low as 10 foot-candles. Other species with different leaf form and variegation are also available.
Cissus species
Grape ivy, Cissus rhombifolia
Kangaroo vine, Cissus antarctica
Cissus are climbing plants that prefer medium light conditions for best growth, although kangaroo vine tolerates lower light. Although better for greenhouse culture, another beautiful relative is the rex begonia vine, Cissus discolor.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia maculata
Many satisfactory species and varieties are available. Plants have large, showy leaves with spotting and variegation. Medium light range is best and will prevent loss of lower leaves. Overly tall plants can be cut back. Dieffenbachia benefits from supplementary lighting in poorly lit areas.
Dracaena species
Corn plant, Dracaena fragrans massangeana
Dragon tree, Dracaena marginata
Janet Craig dracaena, Dracaena deremensis 'Janet Craig'
Ti plant, Cordyline terminalis 'Ti'
Most dracaenas become large plants. They are well adapted to house conditions and tolerate low light although they also do well in medium light. They need to be kept warm and constantly moist for best growth. Ti plant develops best leaf color in bright light and therefore is less suitable for locations where it receives only artificial light.
Ferns
Birdsnest fern, Asplenium nidus
Boston fern, Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis
Holly fern, Cyrtomium falcatum
Maidenhair fern, Adiantum species
The word "fern" brings to mind the Boston, or sword, fern with its many varieties. These ferns are durable houseplants that tolerate low light but prefer a medium light level. Keep them cool and moist. Holly fern likes cooler house temperatures; however, birdsnest fern prefers warmer temperatures. Ferns may develop brown leaves or leaflets at low humidity. Maidenhair ferns should never be allowed to become dry.
Ficus species
Rubber plant, Ficus elastica varieties
Fiddleleaf fig, Ficus lyrata
Weeping fig, Ficus benjamina
These large plants are well suited to most home conditions and are best grown in a medium light range. Low light may result in a drop of foliage. Keep soil evenly moist. They tolerate low humidity.
Reply:Schefflara and Ficus are the easiest to grow indoors, because they are very low light tolerant and tolerate some neglect from a missed watering. Their are several varieties of each to choose from but they all have the same care.
Reply:I've found philodendrons to be almost impossible to kill.
When is the latest that you can plant tomato plants in upstate NY?
I need to know If I can plant tomato plants at the end of June. Please help! What is the latest date tomato plants should be planted in Albany, NY?
When is the latest that you can plant tomato plants in upstate NY?
I have planted only to have raccoons dig them out, I am going to keep planting though, the weather up here (Westport) is always so darn wet lately I am having problems. I have been told by the other folks with gardens that I can plant until mid June. They don't mess with the onions or garlic though. I didn't have this problem back in Sacramento...;o)
Reply:You really should have them planted NOW, but I would say you'll still get tomatoes if you plant them by the end of june.
Reply:Tomatoes take 60 to 80 days to harvest. Pick a variety with the fewest amount of time to harvest.( ask someone at your local garden center) Raise the temp. at night by filling liter bottles with water and place them next to you plant. The sun will heat the water up in the day and stay warmer at night, the warmer temps. the quicker your plant will fruit. Fertilize with only a tomato fertilizer and let them dry out well in between watering's. Pull back on the water in the middle of fruiting it will help to speed things up and your tomatoes will have a full flavor.
Goodluck
God bless
Grandma
When is the latest that you can plant tomato plants in upstate NY?
I have planted only to have raccoons dig them out, I am going to keep planting though, the weather up here (Westport) is always so darn wet lately I am having problems. I have been told by the other folks with gardens that I can plant until mid June. They don't mess with the onions or garlic though. I didn't have this problem back in Sacramento...;o)
Reply:You really should have them planted NOW, but I would say you'll still get tomatoes if you plant them by the end of june.
Reply:Tomatoes take 60 to 80 days to harvest. Pick a variety with the fewest amount of time to harvest.( ask someone at your local garden center) Raise the temp. at night by filling liter bottles with water and place them next to you plant. The sun will heat the water up in the day and stay warmer at night, the warmer temps. the quicker your plant will fruit. Fertilize with only a tomato fertilizer and let them dry out well in between watering's. Pull back on the water in the middle of fruiting it will help to speed things up and your tomatoes will have a full flavor.
Goodluck
God bless
Grandma
What causes the base of tomato plants to turn black and white fuzz?
The base of my tomato plants have turned black with a white fuzz on them. The ground around the plant is also turning white like a calcium deposit is building up.
My sister used Miracle grow on the plants them added epson salt around the base of the plant.
What causes the base of tomato plants to turn black and white fuzz?
Sounds like mold, you should transplant and try to spray a solution of 3 tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide(standard first aid grade) in one gallon of water on the stalk and roots. Make sure you let the soil dry out before watering, over watering is one of the most common gardening mistakes.
Also Miracle Grow contains salts so I wouldn't recommend using that and Epsom salts. Try Fish Emulsion 5-1-1 instead of Miracle Grow, it's cheap, simple, ORGANIC and works better than Miracle Grow. Plus you can use the Epsom Salts with it, be careful though because salt builds up in the soil and gives you problems later. Corn Meal will help control future mold and will act as a slow release fertilizer.
Peace, SSSSpaceman SSSpliff
Reply:Aphids... soulds like you have aphids. You should find something at Lowes or home depot to get rid of them.
Reply:OK, this early in the year too much water is probably the answer...but here in Southern Illinois, we get a lot of tomato blight. That is a fungus that is in the soil and gets on the leaves when water splashes on the leaves from rain or watering. I have only lost a couple plants to the blight in 10 years. Solution:
1: Mulch around the bottom of the tomato plants. I use either grass clippings, (make sure there has been no "weed and feed" put on the grass) or I get a few bales of hay and spread it around. This way you can also pick tomatoes after it has rained and not get mud all over your shoes.
2: I pick all the leaves and stems off my tomato plants up to 1 foot off the ground. This takes some time, but the water will not splash up on the leaves, and I will have good tomatoes all summer and fall until the first heavy frost.
srockey
Reply:Spray it with liquid detergent. easy
My sister used Miracle grow on the plants them added epson salt around the base of the plant.
What causes the base of tomato plants to turn black and white fuzz?
Sounds like mold, you should transplant and try to spray a solution of 3 tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide(standard first aid grade) in one gallon of water on the stalk and roots. Make sure you let the soil dry out before watering, over watering is one of the most common gardening mistakes.
Also Miracle Grow contains salts so I wouldn't recommend using that and Epsom salts. Try Fish Emulsion 5-1-1 instead of Miracle Grow, it's cheap, simple, ORGANIC and works better than Miracle Grow. Plus you can use the Epsom Salts with it, be careful though because salt builds up in the soil and gives you problems later. Corn Meal will help control future mold and will act as a slow release fertilizer.
Peace, SSSSpaceman SSSpliff
Reply:Aphids... soulds like you have aphids. You should find something at Lowes or home depot to get rid of them.
Reply:OK, this early in the year too much water is probably the answer...but here in Southern Illinois, we get a lot of tomato blight. That is a fungus that is in the soil and gets on the leaves when water splashes on the leaves from rain or watering. I have only lost a couple plants to the blight in 10 years. Solution:
1: Mulch around the bottom of the tomato plants. I use either grass clippings, (make sure there has been no "weed and feed" put on the grass) or I get a few bales of hay and spread it around. This way you can also pick tomatoes after it has rained and not get mud all over your shoes.
2: I pick all the leaves and stems off my tomato plants up to 1 foot off the ground. This takes some time, but the water will not splash up on the leaves, and I will have good tomatoes all summer and fall until the first heavy frost.
srockey
Reply:Spray it with liquid detergent. easy
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