-Kristen Weeks- The benefits of adding houseplants to your home decor go far beyond aesthetics. Research shows that being among greenery reduces stress and creates a more tranquil and relaxed environment. It is no wonder that spikes in productivity have also been shown to occur in spaces with plants. There is also a general consensus among scientists that plants have the ability improve indoor air quality and reduce levels of certain types pollutants found in our homes and offices. Therefore, … [Read more...] about Want to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality? Get Houseplants!
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Hey Gardeners? No Need to Be Bored During Winter!
-Naomi Austin- This time of year, as the leaves fall, and the wind’s chill stings our cheeks, a lot of us don’t think about gardening. However, this time of year is ideal for maintenance, planning, and preparations that will pay great dividends come spring planting time! Tool Care Your gardening tools get a lot of abuse during planting season! They need care during the winter months to keep them sharp and rust free, especially if you own any of our DeWit heirloom tools or Felco pruners. … [Read more...] about Hey Gardeners? No Need to Be Bored During Winter!
Bring ’em In!
-Chris Amaya- This summer has given our houseplants a huge boost of energy, but now it's time to start getting them ready to move back inside for the winter before freezing temperatures decide their fate. Because environmental conditions differ widely between the inside and outside of a home, a gradual reintroduction to the indoors is best for your plants. Sudden changes in temperature, light, and humidity can be stressful to plants, resulting in yellowed leaves, dieback, wilting, and even … [Read more...] about Bring ’em In!
Houseplant Care Series Pt. 6: Common Houseplant Pests
With houseplants, most pest problems stem from a separate issue: water, light, relative environment, and/or nutrients. Healthy plants are much more capable of resisting pests than plants under environmental stresses. So a good start to combat pests is to provide favorable conditions to start with, but there are also some methods to handle outbreaks after they happen. By taking preventative measures and considering environmental conditions, problems can be avoided before they manifest. While … [Read more...] about Houseplant Care Series Pt. 6: Common Houseplant Pests
Houseplant Care Series Pt. 5: Additives
When most people think about feeding their houseplants, they only consider the three numbers on plant food labels: nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. There are a few other items, however, that can greatly improve the health and beauty of houseplants. These additives are used in conjunction with other nutrients. Three favorites that are frequently recommended at Fifth Season are kelp, silica, and neem. The first additive, kelp, is a wondrous addition to any feeding regimen, as it helps to … [Read more...] about Houseplant Care Series Pt. 5: Additives
Houseplant Care Series Pt. 4: Base Nutrients
At Fifth Season Gardening, we are frequently asked about what fertilizer to feed houseplants. Unfortunately, to cultivate the happiest, healthiest plants there is no one-size-fits-all-solution. Different types of plants have distinct needs -- even plants of the same species can have contrasting nutrient requirements at different stages of their life cycle. In order to help determine what a plant's specific needs are, it helps to first ask yourself a few preliminary questions: Is the plant … [Read more...] about Houseplant Care Series Pt. 4: Base Nutrients
Houseplant Care Series Pt. 3: Basic Soil Choices
Plants have adapted to wildly different environments and, to some extent, you should endeavor to mimic their native soil when deciding what mixture to use. You can also alter a soil mixture depending on where you plan to grow it and to better suit your watering routine. It's often a daunting task to look at the myriad number of soils and choose the right one for your particular houseplant. To get started, there are a few basic questions to ask yourself: What type of plant are you … [Read more...] about Houseplant Care Series Pt. 3: Basic Soil Choices
Houseplant Care Series Pt. 2: Watering Habits
When considering a new house plant, you should think about your watering habits. Do you forget to water? Do you like to water often? Do you water infrequently, and then inundate the plant? If you take home a plant that needs to be watered every other day, but only find time to care for your plants once every week or two, it isn’t likely to work out. However, there is likely a plant with water needs very similar to your habits and you will find better success with those varieties. When … [Read more...] about Houseplant Care Series Pt. 2: Watering Habits
