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How to grow Sunflowers from Seed

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Sunflowers are some of the most gorgeous flowers you can grow! They make amazing cut flowers and are very easy to start from seed and maintain. They come in all different varieties, colors, and heights. There’s one for everyone and every size garden.

sunflowers

This blog post may contain affiliate links and if you make a purchase you will be helping me continue my love and passion for gardening.

Where to Buy Seeds

With so many retailers that sell seeds the world is your oyster when It comes to where to buy seeds. Here are some of my favorite places to shop online for seeds.

Park Seed

Seedville USA

Etsy

Inside or Out?

gardener planting seeds on a tray of soil

Outside

Whether you start your Sunflower seeds inside or out is up to you. Both options are wonderful depending on your situation. Starting your sunflower seeds outside will be the easiest by far but you will have to deal with pest pressure.

Birds, chipmunks, squirrels among many others will be after your seeds as soon as your plant them in the ground. Aside from watering nature will take care of them for you. You will have stronger seedlings that grow into healthy plants.

Follow the planting guide on the seed packet for planting outside in ground. You will likely need to plant your seeds about 2 inches apart and and inch or so down in the soil.

If you also love Zinnias you can learn how to grow them here!

Inside

To grow sunflowers indoors you are going to need patience and space because sunflower seeds sprout and grow very fast! Here’s what you need to get started.

Seed Starting Supplies

Seed Starting Mix

Small Pots

Grow Light

Seeds

You can get high tech with seed starting if you want, but you can totally do it low cost. All you need is what’s listed above. Using seed starting mix when starting seeds indoors is important because seed starting soil is sterile. Potting soil can have bacteria that can aid in seedling death called damping off. So you need to keep clean tools, pots and soil.

growing sunflowers

How to grow

Fill your pots with seed starting mix then depending on the size of your pots plant your seeds 1/2 inch down, cover with soil and water in. Be prepared to keep your seed mix moist. You don’t want to let your pots dry out.

If you don’t have strong window light or overhead grow lights you will get leggy (stretched) seedlings. While you can grow your seeds in a window sill but I highly recommend you get a grow light or two.

sunflower seed planting

Aside from overhead lighting you will want to keep your seedlings in a warm area of your home. Sunflower seeds don’t need to much heat to germinate but do best in a warm room.

Sprouts

Once your seeds sprout you will want to make sure to keep the soil moist, light consistent and the space warm. Seedlings need at least 13 hours of daylight. This is made easier by the use of artificial lights. You can leave your grow lights on for at max 16 hours a day to keep your seedlings happy.

When you begin seeing roots growing from the bottom of your pots it’s time to repot your plants. If your outdoor temps are warm enough ( Above 46 degrees at night) you can transition your seedlings into your garden.

To learn how to transition your seeds I recommend you read this post!

If it’s not yet time to plant your seedlings outside then continue with regular care until the weather is right. You may have to repot your seedlings several times before hand.

Planting Outside

Once you’ve fully transitioned your seedlings it’s time to plant. You can plant your seedlings in containers, raised beds or inground. When you plant be sure to use an organic fertilizer to feed your plant. Annuals grow quite fast and are very heavy feeders so make sure to provide them with fertilizer all season long.

sunflowers in shallow focus lens

Growing Sunflowers from seed is such a great way to add beauty and life into the garden and what’s amazing is that you can collect seeds from your own plants and grow your own stock year after year.

Happy Gardening

Ciearra

6 Plants that make your garden a tropical paradise

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There is nothing wrong with a traditional styled garden, they are classic but tropicals just pack a punch in the garden. There are so many tropical plant combinations that make you feel like your on vacation as soon as you step outside your door. Here are my favorite tropical plants that pack a punch in the garden.

Banana Trees

Banana trees are grown as annual and perennial plants depending on your gardening zone. You can grow them in ground or in pots and their big leaves have a way of making you feel like your on a tropical vacation when you step outside your door!

banana trees near a metal railing
Photo by esrageziyor on Pexels.com

Hibiscus

There are several types of Hibiscus and all are gorgeous! They have big beautiful blooms that come in different colors. Did you know Hibiscus is often used for tea?

yellow and red hibiscus flower on plant box
Photo by Raquel Tinoco on Pexels.com

Elephant Ears

Elephant Ear plants are so gorgeous and boost big leaves that are shaped similar to you guessed it Elephant Ears.

green plant beside white concrete wall
Photo by ROMAN ODINTSOV on Pexels.com

Coleus

Coleus come in so many shapes and colors! They add that bright pop of tropical colors to the garden and are so easy to propagate.

purple and green leaves in close up photography
Photo by Jeffry Surianto on Pexels.com

Canna Lilies

Gorgeous Canna Lily plants come in different sizes and colors there’s a perfect one or two for your garden

green leaves of a canna plant on close up shot
Photo by Tom Fisk on Pexels.com

Ferns

Ferns are so beautiful! They have the frilly foliage and looks so beautiful when it blows in the wind.

close up photo of green fern plants
Photo by Darius Krause on Pexels.com

Palm

Palms are so stunning in the garden and are available at any garden centers from spring through fall. They look amazing in the garden and add height to any space.

green leafed plant
Photo by Lena Khrupina on Pexels.com

Which tropical plants are your favorite to grow in your garden?

Happy Gardening

Ciearra

10 Tips For Small Space Gardeners

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selective focus photography of strawberry fruit
Photo by Lukas on Pexels.com

You would be surprised at how much food and flowers you can grow in a small space garden! Even if all you have is a windowsill you can grow! When you start thinking differently about the space you have you’ll begin to see all the possibilities. Once you seed the possibilities you’ll be able to grow a garden to its full potential!

This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my houseplant habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me in the garden. It’s a win for everyone, really.

  • Maximize Your Space

No matter the size of your outdoor space, there’s always room to grow food and flowers. Sketch out your space and what you would like for it to look like. Then make a list of what you would like to grow and what materials you’ll need. Check for container-friendly plants that won’t grow as large, but will still produce lots of fruit. Planning is the key to a good gardening season.

  • Install Drip Irrigation

Automating your watering will save you so much time and money. Drip irrigation waters your plants for however long you want and how often you want; it’s a garden game changer! To get you started, here is a basic drip irrigation system to reference.

  • Prune to Maintain Size

Because you are growing in a small space, you will want to make sure you are pruning to maintain the size of your plants. If you are growing indeterminate tomatoes or flowers like petunias, they can easily take over your garden space, so pruning is a must. Here are my favorite pruners.

To purchase reliable garden seeds and plants check out Park Seed!

  • Grow Vertically

Growing vegetables and flowers vertically is a great way to utilize your small space garden. Use hanging planters and trellises to grow off the ground.

dog resting in cafe garden
Photo by Thắng Lê on Pexels.com
  • Utilize Hanging Baskets

Using shepherd’s hooks or hooks screwed into posts, you can hang many hanging baskets and grow a multitude of plants.

  • Grow in Raised Beds

Raised garden beds are a great way to grow in small spaces. They come in so many configurations, or you can build your own. Here is a raised garden bed that I love and use every year!

For tip on how to grow in raised beds checkout this post!

  • Grow in Pots

If all you have is a patio, then pots will be your best friend. You can grow flowers, vegetables, herbs, trees, and so much more in pots.

  • Plant Multiple Plants Together

What could be a better way to grow more than to plant multiple plants in the same pot?! You can mix and match plants like herbs and vegetables, or petunias and hydrangeas. Dealers choice!

person digging on soil using garden shovel
Photo by Lisa on Pexels.com
  • Leave Space for Sitting

Don’t forget to leave space to sit and enjoy! The garden shouldn’t just be about work. It’s also about the view, so nestle in a little table and chair so you can sit amongst the jungle you’ve created.

  • Love Your Space

No matter how big or small your garden is, you have to love it. You’ve put your time and energy creating a space that is edible and beautiful. Take pride in what you create even if you only planted one plant or harvested one tomato.

Happy Gardening

Ciearra

11 Tips on How to Save Money Gardening

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I’m going to be completely honest with you. Gardening is EXPENSIVE. This is not a cheap hobby to have and pile that on top of all the other financial responsibilities you may have and it can quickly become too much. There are so many ways to save on garden expenses but you have to be realistic with yourself, that while you are saving money you will still be spending. It’s no secret that gardening is beneficial to our well being as well as mother earth but how can we save money?

assorted plants with trees photography
Photo by Creative Vix on Pexels.com

Stop growing grass

People spend hundreds of dollars trying to achieve the perfect lawn. I used to be one of them. While I wasn’t as crazy about it I did spend money on weed killers and fertilizers to keep my grass looking green and lush. Using weed killers are so bad for the environment. The run off of these chemicals make their way into various bodies of water and cause harm to the living creatures that inhabit those areas. Aside from that those pesticides and fertilizers are very expensive and if you use a company to come spray and fertilize your going to be emptying out your wallet. I’m not against grass but there are other alternatives that look great, require less water and are beneficial to our environment.

Propagate Your Plants

This is a great way to expand your garden without spending money on new plants. Many plants require dividing after a few years to be healthy. Many plants are easily propagated from cuttings which will also help to expand your garden.

Trade with neighbors or go to plant swaps

This is a great way to meet people and share plants, tips and maybe even make a few friends. Having a community you can always count on for your garden questions is priceless.

tender white edge hosta plant leaves
Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com

Save Seeds from your plants

There are many plants that can easily be grown from seed. Hosta’s, Black Eyed Susan and Heuchera are a just a few that I’ve grown from seeds collected in my garden.

Shop second hand

Second hand is the way to go if you are short on funds. You can buy second hand in many ways such as yard sales, thrift stores, auctions, word of mouth, heck people put good garden tools and supplies on the curb all the time.

Take care of your tools

This is very important for the longevity of your tools. Clean and sterilize your tools after use. Oil and sharpen your shears. Clean your edger and lawn mower after each use. Keeping up with regular maintenance can prolong the life of your garden tools.

red and silver hand tool
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Be a forever student

This! The more you learn the better gardener you will be. Research every question you have. Research every plant you have and how to take care of it. The more you learn about plants the less plants you will kill. The less you kill the less you have to replace.

Start your own compost pile

There’s no doubt that having your own compost pile is beneficial to your garden and your budget. Getting started can be as easy as taking a storage bin your not using, poking holes in the bottom and tossing your scraps in.

Save your potting soil

This is a BIG tip! I have always tossed my old soil but with rising costs of everything I decided to not trash it. I either toss it into the compost pile or I “recondition” it by adding compost and a granular fertilizer then reuse it. I do not keep the soil from tomato plants. Tomato plant diseases can survive in the soil and if your compost doesn’t get hot enough to kill it, it can come back and harm your tomatoes the next year.

Buy clearance

Shopping clearance is a big money saver! Not only can you buy some great plants on clearance you can get soil, pots and other garden accessories. It is worth it to check for clearance garden supplies every time you walk into a store.

person digging on soil using garden shovel
Photo by Lisa on Pexels.com

Use what you have

The best way to save money is to not spend any. Work on improving what you already have. You don’t have to bring in new plants to have an amazing garden. Keep your plants happy by watering when needed and pruning when necessary and they will reward you with beautiful foliage and blooms.

Using these tips will save you money for sure but the act of gardening provides you with so much more!

Happy Gardening

Ciearra

How to Grow Coleus From Seed

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Coleus make gorgeous statement and filler plants in the garden. They add fullness and a pop of color that can brighten up those all-green spaces in the garden. One thing you may not know about Coleus is that they are very easy to grow from seed.

Coleus Seedlings
Coleus Seedlings

You can purchase seeds in your big box stores or local greenhouses at a reasonable price. If you are unable to find any locally you can find some on Amazon

All you need to get started growing coleus are seeds, pots and seed starting soil.

  • Add two seeds per pot
  • Fill your pots with your seed starting mix
  • Cover with 1/4 inch of soil
  • Water them in and continue to keep the soil moist
  • Place them in a bright location or under grow lights
  • Once they’ve sprouted, you can begin giving them a low-dose fertilizer and continue keeping them in bright light and moist soil.

When your seedlings get about 6-8 inches tall, you can pinch them to make fuller, bushier plants. Coleus are very easily propagated in water. Propagation is a great way to make those garden bucks go further!

Coleus Propagations

Coleus make beautiful stand-alone and filler plants in the garden. Growing them from seed makes it all the more rewarding.

Happy Gardening

Ciearra

How to Grow HUGE Elephant Ear Plants

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This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my houseplant habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me in the garden. It’s a win for everyone, really.

Elephant ear plants are beloved by gardeners around the world and add a tropical whimsy to any garden space you put them in. So how do you grow huge elephant ear plants?

There are four keys to growing HUGE Elephant Ear Plants: Water, Fertilizer, Light, and Consistency.

Elephant ear plants love water. Keeping them consistently moist is a major key to growing huge elephant ears. You can even grow them in ponds or other water set ups.

Note that moist soil doesn’t mean soggy. Soggy soil can lead to root rot and root rot can kill your plants.

If you need help getting your Elephant Ear Bulbs started, check out this post before you get your bulbs started.

Fertilizer is the next key to grow huge elephant ear plants. Plant your elephant ears with a granular feed like this, then feed them weekly with a water soluble fertilizer like fish emulsion. Be sure to follow the feeding instructions on any fertilizer that you choose to use, as many fertilizers can cause burn to the foliage if misused.

Elephant ear plants are tropical plants and can handle sun, but do best in part shade. I’d strive for 2-4 hours of direct sun and 3-6 hours of part shade. Adjust these hours to where you live and the type of sun your garden receives. If you’re unsure, best case is to put them in part shade. Elephant ear foliage can get sunburned, so if you notice any dark spots on the foliage, you may want to move them to a shadier location.

Elephant Ear Plants
Elephant Ear Plant Hedge

All plants thrive on consistency, and elephant ear plants are no different. Keep up with watering and fertilizing and you will see your plants grow huge in no time.

If you keep up with these four tips, you will have beautiful huge elephant ear plants in your garden or home.

Happy Gardening

Ciearra

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