Til the Soil; Render Luscious Fruits

---

I don't know about you; but there is something magical about working in the garden or planting flowers. It's probably my maternal side coming out somehow. I love working in the thick moist soil, pulling the fresh dirt apart as that magnificient aroma permiates your mind, painting pictures of the beautiful blooms yet to come while your fingers register the texture and richness of dirt. Some say the soil will speak to you if you are actually listening through its smell, taste, touch and appearance. Its important to come to the job prepared. There are some required tools or sensibilities that must not be rushed or skipped. Of course you want to be successful; who doesnt. Time and wisdom go hand in hand. I have lived long enuf to realize that the fundamentals are ALWAYS important; the process is part of the magic. Keep it slow, take your time and by all means, pay attention to the small details. Soon you will be surrounded full, beautiful, radiant blooms; doesnt that always make a gorgeous smile! Whether you like the rich greens, the butterflies, the sweet aroma or the fresh clean air; tilling the soil always rewards.

Do it Yourself:
Start with planting them correctly, and move on to feeding them well. Cost is minimal; in fact, you can fertilize your plants with items you already have in your house. But first, put them into the right pots. For most flourishing houseplants, clay pots (those burnished red colored pots you can buy in any house and garden store) are best. They are porous enough to breathe, and yet they are heavy enough to hold large plants and keep them sturdy. Clay pots have a tendency to dry out quickly, though, so you must keep your eye on the amount of moisture the plant needs.


To transplant a plant to a clay pot, first put a layer of pebbles or pieces of broken clay pottery into the bottom of the container. This aids in drainage and helps to prevent root rot which can occur from over-watering. Fill the pot about half-full of planting medium (potting soil). Hold the root of the transplant in the center of the pot and fill around it with more planting medium. Tamp the soil down lightly, leaving some room at the top of the layer of soil to feed and water the plant.


To plant a seedling or a cutting which has grown its roots in water, choose a plastic pot well-sized for the plant. Plastic holds the moisture better which is essential to maintain the growth of a cutting or seedling. For a cutting, a good rule of thumb is to measure the across the top of the pot and then measure the size of your seedling from the visible growing section to the top. The pot size should be no bigger than about one and one half times the length of the cutting. Err on the side of choosing a small pot rather than a too-large one. If the pot is too big for a houseplant, the plant runs the risk of drowning when watered. Cramped pots make them put out lusher foliage.


Potting soil is a main consideration of any house gardener. Once you’ve potted your plant, you need to take care of it to keep it thriving. To do this, research the variety and place it in a spot conducive to its growing likes. Potted plants purchased at a garden center usually come with a tab inserted in the side of the container telling you what you need to do for the plant to help it thrive. Bright lights arent for every plant. Do yourself and your plants a favor. Follow the tips given. Water your plants only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Over-watering kills.


Save money, use natural fertilizer. Some favorites include black coffee or tea--cooled to room temperature, egg shells dried in the oven and crushed in your blender or dried used coffee grounds, which adds acid to the soil. Treating your houseplants well takes a bit of time and care. But, making them happy will give you years of lovely, healthy foliage right inside your home.
...great gardening sites: Mr. Brownthumg | Garden Hacker | Houseplant Care Tips

Isnt it funny that most people are transplanted from somewhere else or some other situation put them where they are? Ironicly, the same rules apply for ideal growing conditions....

---