Grow Annual Plants

11 Tips on How to Save Money Gardening

July 7, 2022 Leave a Comment

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

May 19, 2022 2 Comments

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.

This blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

You can purchase seeds in your big box stores or local greenhouses at a reasonable price.

How to Grow Coleus from Seed

What you need to get started

Fill your pots with your seed starting mix
Add two seeds per pot
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.

Propagating Coleus

Coleus are very easily propagated. Propagation is a great way to make those garden bucks go further! Coleus plants are commonly propagated through stem cuttings, which is a relatively simple and effective method.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to propagate coleus:

Materials Needed:

Healthy coleus plant
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears
Small pots or containers
Potting mix or a mix of perlite and peat moss
Rooting hormone (optional)

Steps:

Select a Healthy Parent Plant:
Choose a mature, healthy coleus plant as your parent plant. Look for a plant with vibrant and disease-free foliage.
Prepare Your Tools:
Ensure that your scissors or pruning shears are clean and sharp. If you’re using rooting hormone, have it ready as well.
Choose the Right Time:
The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Avoid taking cuttings during the flowering stage.
Take Cuttings:
Identify a healthy stem on the parent plant. Using your scissors or pruning shears, cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) section just below a leaf node. A leaf node is the point where a leaf is attached to the stem.
Remove Lower Leaves:
Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. This will expose the nodes, where roots will develop.
Optional: Apply Rooting Hormone:
If you have rooting hormone, dip the cut end of the coleus cutting into the powder or gel, following the product instructions.
Prepare the Potting Mix:
Fill small pots or containers with a well-draining potting mix or a mixture of perlite and peat moss.
Plant the Cutting:
Insert the cut end of the coleus cutting into the potting mix, burying it up to the level of the lowest remaining leaves.
Watering:
Water the cutting thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Create a Mini Greenhouse (Optional):
You can cover the cutting and pot with a plastic bag or a plastic dome to create a humid environment, which can aid in root development.
Place in Indirect Light:
Put the pots in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it may be too intense for the young cuttings.
Monitor and Transplant:
Keep the soil consistently moist and monitor the cutting for signs of roots. Once roots have developed, usually in a few weeks, you can transplant the young coleus plants into larger pots or directly into the garden.

Remember, not all cuttings will succeed, so it’s a good idea to take several to increase your chances of success. Also, be patient, as the rooting process may take a few weeks.

Once it is past the frost free date in your area you can plant your Coleus outside. They are beautiful planted in ground and in containers.

Planting Coleus

When to plant: Coleus is a tender annual, so it is best to plant it in the spring after the last frost has passed.
Where to plant: Coleus can be grown in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil, so it is a good idea to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
How to plant: Space coleus plants 12-18 inches apart. Water the plants well after planting.

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

Happy Gardening

How to Grow HUGE Elephant Ear Plants

May 11, 2022 2 Comments

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?

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.

How to Grow HUGE Elephant Ear Plants:

Water
Fertilizer
Light
Consistency

How to Water Elephant Ear Plants

Elephant ear plants love water. Keeping them consistently moist is a major key to growing huge elephant ears. Water your potted elephant ear plants when you see the first inch of soil dry down. If your Elephant Ear Plants are in ground water them every 3-4 days depending on the weather. If its been hot and dry then water deeply every 3 days. If its been overcast and moist, wait until day 4 before you water. As always look at your plants regularly and assess your plants. If they look like they need water before its time. Don’t hesitate to give them some.

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.

How to Fertilize Elephant Ear Plants

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.

How Much Sun do Elephant Ear plants need?

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.

Consistent Plant Care

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.

Happy Gardening

Why your Elephant Ear Bulbs aren’t growing

April 19, 2022 Leave a Comment

Hey there! If you’ve planted Elephant Ear Bulbs and your frustrated because your not seeing growth I can help! I’ve been growing Elephant Ear Bulbs for about 10 years and I’ve got a good handle on what makes them tick.

*** If you haven’t started your Elephant Ear bulbs yet check out this post first ***

Getting your Elephant Ear Bulb to Sprout

Why your Elephant Ear Bulb has not sprouted

It’s Too Cold
Rotten Bulb
It’s needs More Time

The first issue to cause your bulbs to not wake is that your keeping them too cold. Elephant Ears are tropical plants that LOVE warm conditions. It’s no surprise that the bulbs would need to be warm to wake from dormancy. Keeping them warm is easy. You can put them on a heat mat, next to a vent or in a space that stays warm. The optimal temperature is 65 degrees to stimulate them to wake.

The second issue that would cause your bulb to not grow is that it’s been overwatered and has rotted underneath the soil. I like to err on the side of caution when starting bulbs and give them a full watering at planting and then water sparingly until I see growth above the soil.

The third issue is that it’s not time for them to wake yet. Bulbs have an internal clock. Many bulbs wake once certain conditions have been met. Elephant Ears are no different. It can take 3-8 weeks or longer before you see growth from your Elephant Ear Bulb above the soil line. If you purchase Elephant Ear Bulbs that have already sprouted some growth you may see above soil growth sooner because that bulb is awake.

If you are worried about your bulbs, pull back the soil around the bulb to check for firmness and growth. I would only go as far as half way down the bulb. If your bulb looks ok cover it up and keep up with normal care.

Helpful Elephant Ear Growing Post you may enjoy

Checking Elephant Ear Bulb for Growth

The most important tips I can give is to have patience, don’t overwater and start your bulbs early.

Happy Gardening

How to wake up your Elephant Ear Bulbs

April 13, 2022 3 Comments

The name Elephant Ear encompasses so many different plants. All however have the unmistakable large foliage that gives it the name “Elephant Ear”. In this post we are going to be waking up a Colocasia or Taro bulbs indoors with the intention of planting it in the garden in summer. Once you start growing Elephant Ear plants you will always grow Elephant ear plants. They are gorgeous tropical plants and instantly make your garden feel like a home away from home.

How do you wake up Elephant Ear Bulbs?

Pot
Soil
Water
Temperature
Light

In order to wake up your elephant ear bulbs you will need a combination of moisture, warmth and light.

Pot

When starting your Elephant Ear bulbs indoors you will want to give them a pot with a drainage hole and at least 2 inches of space around the bulb. This will vary depending on the size of your bulb but be aware that this plant grows very quickly. I prefer to start my bulbs in plastic pots but any pot with a drainage hole will do.

Soil

Elephant ear plants are not too picky when it comes to potting soils. I always use a basic potting mix then add in vermiculite for extra drainage. Elephant ear bulbs do not like to be kept in soggy soil and will rot.

Water

Water your bulb fully at planting then sparingly until you see growth above the soil. A bulb with no foliage is not photosynthesizing and will not be able to utilize the extra moisture in the soil. Aim for moist and not wet soil.

If the top of the soil is dry feel free to stick your finger down into the soil to test for moisture. If your finger comes out with moisture or moist soil on it then wait a little longer to water. If your finger comes out dry then it’s time for a drink.

PRO TIP: If your still unsure of when to water pull back some of the soil to see if the soil is moist or dry. If it’s dry give it a bit of water.

Warmth

The Elephant Ear plant is a tropical plant so it’s no surprise that the bulbs will need warmth to wake from their winter slumber. Keep them in a warm room or on a heat mat. You will want the soil to be around 65 degrees.

Light

While growing indoors place them in a space with bright light. The light helps the new foliage make its way to the soil surface. If you don’t have bright enough light then add in a grow light.

Plant Elephant Ear Bulbs

To plant fill the pot halfway with soil and nestle your bulb with the bottom facing down and the top facing up. Cover the bulb completely with soil making sure there is at minimum 2 inches of soil on top of the bulb depending on the size of bulb and pot you are using.

If your unsure of which side of the bulb is the top? Check out this post.

Give your Elephant Ear bulb a full watering to moisten the soil. When you see water coming out of the drainage hole it is time to stop. Elephant Ear Bulbs are very susceptible to rot from overwatering. To maintain a healthy balance you will want to the the soil to dry down about half way before watering again. Then when you water your goal isn’t for full saturation, it’s just to moisten the soil that has dried so be conservative with watering.

Once you see growth above the soil line then you can begin doing full watering’s. By full I mean watering until water comes out of the bottom of the pot. Growing Elephant Ear Bulbs can be tricky business but with these tips you will be well on your way

Happy Gardening

How to Start and Grow Zinnia Seeds Indoors

March 24, 2022 3 Comments

Zinnias are one of the most beautiful flowering, annual plants. They are no-fuss, high flower producing plants that anyone can grow. They come in varying heights, bloom colors, and bloom types, which means there’s a Zinnia for every size garden and gardener. Zinnias are drought tolerant and love full sun, but will still produce blooms in part sun/shade. Zinnias can be started from seed 4-6 weeks before your last frost date. If you are unsure of your last frost date, you can find it on this site.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Park Seed. Thank you to Park Seed for supplying the Zinnia Seeds for this post.

a full bloom pink flower in close up photography. Zinnia flower — Zinnia Flower

To grow Zinnias from seed, you will need proper light, water, soil, and air flow.

Tools:

Seed starting pots

Seed starting soil

Seeds

Grow light or Window light

Before starting your Zinnia seeds, you will want to have “seed starting pots,” which can look like many things. I am using seed starting trays from Amazon, and they’re perfect for starting seed, plus you can reuse them year after year. If you plan to reuse pot, be sure to sterilize them prior to use. Seedlings are prone to damping off, so using sterile pots can aid in keeping them healthy and happy.

Seed Starting Set up for zinnias
Park seed

Fill your seed starting pots/trays with seed starting mix. This type of mix is important for healthy, happy seedlings. Seed starting soil is actually soilless, fluffy and perfect for seedlings to root and get established.

Seed starting soil Zinnias — Seed Starting Soil is light and fluffy

PRO TIP: You can pre moisten your soil prior to filling your trays.

It’s time to plant your seeds. Take two Zinnia seeds and plant them 1/4th of an inch into the soil of each cell then cover. Planting two seeds is a great idea just in case one doesn’t germinate. If both seeds germinate, you can divide them when they have their first set of “true leaves” or you can snip the weaker seedling down to soil level.

FUN FACT: Zinnias were the first flowers to bloom in space! Check out this article to read more!

Bottom watering is best when your seeds have not sprouted or are very young. Watering overhead can displace seeds and break new seedlings.

Keep your seedlings in a warm room that stays consistently 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher temps with a grow light above your seed trays or in a bright sunny window.

close up shot of zinnia flowers in bloom — Photo by Pew Nguyen on Pexels.com

Pro Tip: If you are using sunlight to grow your seedlings, make sure to rotate the seed trays to help with leaning and leggy seedlings.

As your seedlings grow, you can begin incorporating a diluted amount of fertilizer weekly. Once you’ve reached your frost-free date, it’s time to wean your seedlings for outdoor life.

When your frost free date has passed pick a sunny spot in the garden and plant your Zinnia seedlings. Keep them well watered and they will reward you with beautiful cut and come again blooms all season long.

Queen Red lime Zinnia
park seed — Queen Red Lime Zinnia from Park Seed

Zinnias are one of the easiest plants to start from seed. The seeds readily sprout and eagerly grow into plants that bloom all summer long, providing gorgeous blooms for you to enjoy in the garden or in bouquets indoors.

Happy Gardening

Ciearra