Hydroponic gardening

Hydroponics was derived from the Greek word hydro, which means "water" and ponos, which means "labor or water-working". Hydroponic gardening involves growing plants with their roots in other nutrient solutions and without soil.

Hydroponic gardening is as simple as ordinary gardening. Both of them necessitate sufficient light, water, temperature, light, and humidity. But with hydroponics, no soil is used. Instead a soil substitute holds the roots while nutrients are carried by the water. Indoor hydroponic gardening is not that hard and plants respond well to this method of growing. VISIT EASY GARDENING, a site that will grow on you, to learn more!

I love to garden!

Mostly flowers and small trees, no veggies- the soil in Florida needs much enrichment. But, gardening has been a hobby of mine since I was in my teens. It is therapeutic for me after my accident with coming to terms with my disabilities, and gives me peace.

Take a peek at this great new web site that is growing with information about all things Gardening, called
Easy Gardening

Plant Once with Bulbs

 

Nothing says "Time for spring" like Daffodils.  Just when it seems that winter might go on for ever, up they come.  Happy and sunny and glad to be.  As a gardener, I really appreciate the call to arms from my bulbs.  I am lucky enough to live in an area where we do not have to dig up our bulbs for winter.  As a matter of fact most of the homeowners around here inherited some sort of flower that was planted years ago and still returns.  First the snow drops than the daffodils and crocuses and then, Bam!  The irises.  They just show up out of nowhere.  Some wonderful Gardener planted those ages ago and they just keep returning. 

I buy annuals for my flower boxes, but right now I am all about the perennials and bulbs.  Every year my budget goes down but my garden gets bigger.  Once you have a good amount of things in the ground that will return every spring, it becomes mostly a maintainence issue to care for the garden.  I only have a few bulbs right now.  Last year I planted perennial plants and some flowers, but this year I am going for bulbs.   I especially want daffodils and Irises.  I'm a researcher, so I have compiled a good amount of tips that I would like to share:

·          Buy quality bulbs.  They should be firm and plump, without any mold.  A healthy bulb will feel heavy.   It is true that the larger the bulb is, the bigger the flower will be.  I recommend looking earlier in the year for the best choice and health.

·          Plant them quickly after purchasing.  The rule is, plant winter and spring flowerers in Sept and October.  Summer flowers like autumn crocus and Lilies get planted in the summer.  Tulips can go as late as November.

·          Choose locations carefully.  You are giving the bulb a home.  Sunny, sheltered spots are best.  Most bulb plants are strong stemmed, but avoiding windy spots is still a good Idea. 

·          Make sure there is good drainage.  Bulbs shouldn't sit water.

·          Plant it 1 1/2 times as deep as its height.  If a bulb is 3 inches long plant it 5 inches down.

·          Once the bulbs are in the ground water lightly so the settle.  Do not waterlog.

·          You may want to mulch the area if it very cold in the winter.

Come spring you'll have beautiful bloom.  Although they seem to appear like magic. The new plants will need a little care too. 

·          Feed the plant when the buds appear at least once every two weeks while it blooms. 

·          Stake tall stems if they need support.

·          Remove faded flowers.

·          Let the stems die back naturally.  Don't cut them until the leaves are completely brown.

·          Every 5 years or so, dig up and split the bulbs.

That’s it that is all there is to bulbs.  I can't wait to get started and I can’t wait for next year t see how they do!                                            Happy Houseplants

 

 

 

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