-Pam Scott- After having had a few months break from rigorous garden chores, you may now feel the call of the outdoors... the need to get this spring thing started. Top on the list of things to do in February is to assess what needs pruning in the garden this year. Late winter is the ideal time to prune a large number of plants in your garden. In our zone 7 climate, most plants are dormant from November to March. There are numerous benefits to pruning plants during this winter dormancy. Plant … [Read more...] about Time to Prune
winter
Caring for Christmas Cactus
-Pam Scott- Winter can seem pretty bleak on the plant front, but there are a lot of beautiful, colorful holiday plants for inside the home or office. Unusual varieties of poinsettia, lush green Norfolk Island Pines, and blooming exotic Christmas cactus are the perfect plants to brighten these dark leafless winter days. The decorative holiday plant we get the most questions about this time of year is the Christmas cactus, or Schlumbergera. We might assume that all cacti prefer sunny, dry … [Read more...] about Caring for Christmas Cactus
Get Ready for Cold & Flu Season with Elderberry Syrup
-Tracey Broome- Winter is approaching, which means it’s time to prepare for cold and flu season. Time to slow down, take a breath, rest, and nourish our bodies with natural and organic foods, teas, and natural remedies that help stave off sickness. Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra) syrup is one tried-and-true way to help support the immune system during the winter months. Elderberries are naturally high in immune-boosting compounds that are known to help relieve cold and flu symptoms and … [Read more...] about Get Ready for Cold & Flu Season with Elderberry Syrup
Houseplant Care When It’s Cold Outside
-Chris Amaya- Whether you know it or not, those house plants in the corner of the room are making a difference in the air quality in your home. Air-borne contaminants such as viruses, pollen, bacteria, and mold can be present and growing in your air conditioner, humidifier, and even carpet, circulating all throughout the house. Changing out your air filter every three months will help keep these pollutants down, but greening up your environment can also play a key role in improving indoor … [Read more...] about Houseplant Care When It’s Cold Outside
Winterizing Your Grow Room
-Luis Guerra- The transition from summer to winter seems to be getting shorter and shorter. Fall just seems to fly by; one minute day temps are pushing 90* and the following week it’s in the low 20’s at night. These quick reversals in temperature don’t just mess with us, they affect our plants as well. Timing is key when temps start dropping, and switching that A/C off is important to your plants’ health and productivity. I’ll share with you some pointers that I have picked up through the … [Read more...] about Winterizing Your Grow Room
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!
How to winterize your Smart Pot raised beds
Smart Pot raised beds are a good alternative to wood or plastic sided raised beds, especially in the colder months. A Smart Pot is a planting container made out of a breathable, synthetic fabric. They are lightweight and durable (mine have been up for over 3 years now), and have the unique ability to air prune the plants' root structure by allowing the roots to grow through the fabric sides, dry up, and prune themselves off. This allows your plants to get bigger and healthier, with a stronger … [Read more...] about How to winterize your Smart Pot raised beds
