-Pam Scott- As an avid collector of all things green and growing, I am always on the lookout for plants that I find endlessly entertaining. Plants that bloom and have interesting growth habits are top on my list of favorites. I find that most epiphytic plants easily fit into the description of “endlessly entertaining”. Epiphytic, as opposed to terrestrial plants, are ones that grow on other plants. Staghorn ferns, some orchids, air plants, some bromeliads, and epiphyllum are all … [Read more...] about Epiphyllum, Queen of the Night
Organic Gardening
Let’s get this spring thing started!
-Pam Scott- It’s February 1st, and I am marveling at the insulating, nitrogen-rich blanket of snow covering my garden. Today I will be making my way out to the yard to take cuttings of quince and forsythia. They will be taken indoors and put into vases of warm water where they will be forced into bloom, filling the house with the colors and scents of spring. This is a yearly tradition for me to welcome in the beginning of “Gardeners Spring”. This is also the date when we at Fifth Season … [Read more...] about Let’s get this spring thing started!
Growing Poinsettias Year Round
-Pam Scott- This time of year, many of us are decking our halls with boughs of holly, evergreens, and the perennial favorite… poinsettias. I have to admit that in the past I have had a rather “whatever” attitude when it came to treating poinsettias as an indoor tropical houseplant. I love to use them to fill in spots that need seriously fabulous seasonal color in my home or as the perfect holiday gift to give to a friend or relative when I have no clue what to give them. I considered them as … [Read more...] about Growing Poinsettias Year Round
October Planting and Vernalization
-Pam Scott- October skies are clear, the air is crisp, and it's the perfect time to work in the garden. There are plenty of gardening chores to be done before we hang up our trowels for the winter. Fall crops need to be mulched, protected from frost, and harvested. Potted plants need to be trimmed, sprayed for bugs, and brought indoors for the winter. October is a wonderful time to plant fruit trees, strawberries, perennials, garlic, shallots, and spring flowering bulbs. Carrot and … [Read more...] about October Planting and Vernalization
A Simple Formula for Perfect Container Gardens
Let’s set the stage: You find a great deal on the perfect ceramic pot to go beside your front door. It’s time to do it up, so you peruse Pinterest for inspiration and excitedly take a trip to the local nursery to purchase your plants, but when you get there and begin looking around you become completely overwhelmed, paralyzed. Dang, I’ve been there! Creating beautiful, balanced, professional-looking containers doesn’t have to be intimidating. Learning a simple design technique was a total … [Read more...] about A Simple Formula for Perfect Container Gardens
Fun Fall DIY Project: The Pumpulent!
-Edie Nissen- Do you love pumpkins? How about succulents? Well then, I have got the perfect DIY project for you. Introducing . . . The Pumpulent! The pumpulent is sure to satisfy all of your fall decor needs. It also makes a great gift! What you’ll need to create your pumpulent: - Pumpkin or gourd of choice - Succulents - I like to use echeveria, sedum, or haworthia - Hot glue gun - Moss - Spray adhesive (optional) Steps: 1. Use a hot glue gun to glue a handful of moss … [Read more...] about Fun Fall DIY Project: The Pumpulent!
Roots Organic Liquid Line
-Ryan Blankenship- One of my all time favorite liquid organic nutrients is from Roots Organics. This company uses top quality inputs that help create some of the best tasting fruits and flowers in my opinion. Their products are all CDFA certified which is an organic certification from California. Their testing is very stringent and more difficult to get than your traditional OMRI certification. I feel this is one reason why Roots Organics is a bit better than some of the other organic … [Read more...] about Roots Organic Liquid Line
Beginner’s Guide to Summer Pest Control
-Sara Vandersip- As the summer heat persists, so do summer pests. Prevention and treatment for some of those pesky summer bugs in your garden is very important for keeping your plants alive and healthy. Here is our beginner’s guide to getting rid of four common pests: aphids, caterpillars, squash beetles, and June beetles. If you see little green bugs on your leaves, especially their undersides, you’re most likely dealing with aphids. They are quite tiny, with adults measuring under ¼ … [Read more...] about Beginner’s Guide to Summer Pest Control
Bacteria-Based Fungicides for the Organic Garden
-Mike Weeks- We are entering the time of the growing season where it becomes especially important to protect your outdoor plants from all sorts of incoming pressure from insects, bacteria, and fungi. The moisture and heat of summer create perfect conditions for these pathogens to grab hold of your plants if left unchecked. This post will focus on organic fungicides, specifically the living, bacteria-based ones, that can help you keep your garden healthy and productive. For many years … [Read more...] about Bacteria-Based Fungicides for the Organic Garden
Repotting Guide: How to Repot Your Houseplant
-Ginny Shafer- You’ve found your perfect houseplant, a high-quality potting mix, and a pretty pot that meets your plant’s needs; now the last step is to repot it! Before getting started, make sure to water your plant a few days before you repot it to help prevent it from going into transplant shock. In my last repotting guide I talked about my preference for pots with drainage holes. While I still strongly recommend that any pot you get have at least one drainage hole, I understand … [Read more...] about Repotting Guide: How to Repot Your Houseplant
