Make your own houseplant soil mix or potting soil and you will save lots of money. You will also give your houseplants and container gardening plants the perfect growing media they need for optimal health and growth. One of the most critical aspects of houseplant and container plant care is soil. The right potting mix can mean the difference between a happy, healthy plant and one that struggles. While buying pre-mixed potting soil is possible, it's also easy to make your own. This article about how to make your houseplant soil mix will cover potting soil recipes and the proper ingredients. That’s because houseplants grow best in a soil mix that is specifically designed for them. A good houseplant soil mix comprises several ingredients, including potting soil, peat moss, and compost. Each component adds a particular characteristic to the soil mix. By varying the proportions, you can achieve the desired attributes. Let us discuss in detail the essential characteristics of … [Read more...] about Make Your Own Houseplant Soil Mix
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A Handy List of Edible Flowers
Edible flowers are extremely popular right now. That's why I compiled this list of edible flowers. Having a list of edible flowers that can serve as a reference point for safe and delicious choices is more important than ever. Eating flowers is not a new practice. In fact, people have been eating edible flowers for more than 2,000 years. But let me be clear: not all flowers are edible. It is important to ONLY eat flowers that can be positively identified as safe and edible. That’s the first commandment of edible flowers. Please do not eat any flowers until you have read The 10 Commandments of Edible Flowers. And check this list to make sure that flower is edible. Common Names and Botanical Names It’s important to know not only the common name of a plant but the botanic name as well. The common names of some plants and flowers can be totally different from one area to the next and from one country to the next. That’s why both the common names and botanic names of … [Read more...] about A Handy List of Edible Flowers
Lessons Learned from My Favorite Houseplants
I’ve been asked many times about my favorite houseplants and where my love of houseplants began. It all began in my childhood while growing up in a rural area. My three brothers and I were immersed in nature. So, nature was our playground and trees were our jungle gym. I also worked in the vegetable garden with my mom and dad, which was huge because the garden was feeding six people. The combination of a rural upbringing and a large family garden fostered my love for plants. Later, this manifested itself in my obsession with houseplants. Today, I care for hundreds of houseplants in my home, but there are a few that are extra special to me. My favorite houseplants have brought me joy, and they have helped me learn many lessons along the way. In fact, my favorite houseplants have helped me become The Houseplant Guru. My Favorite Houseplants: Ponytail Palm My mom had a few plants in our house while I was growing up. But the first plant I can remember owning is my … [Read more...] about Lessons Learned from My Favorite Houseplants
Edible Spring Flowers: Dandelions, Tulips and Violets
After a long winter is finally over and flowers are bursting forth everywhere, it’s time to start thinking about edible spring flowers. Edible spring flowers (and some edible summer flowers) grow throughout the garden—and even in the lawn. These flowers do double duty, because they are as attractive outdoors in the yard and the meadow as they are on the plate. And they taste really good. Let’s look at three spring-blooming edible flowers —dandelions, sweet violets and tulips. While some folks bemoan dandelions and violets in their lawns, I rejoice at the ever-increasing number of lawns that are not pristine green, because the presence of these lively yellow and purple flowers mean that the lawn has not been treated with chemicals. (See The 10 Commandments of Edible Flowers posted here on HG&H.com.) Meanwhile, tulips rarely have any pests or diseases, so there’s no need for any chemical intervention. Edible Flowers: Dandelion Native Americans and the American … [Read more...] about Edible Spring Flowers: Dandelions, Tulips and Violets
The 10 Commandments of Edible Flowers
You've heard of the 10 Commandments from the Bible. But the 10 Commandments of Edible Flowers? As gardeners and adventurous eaters begin to embrace eating more edible plants and flowers, it's important to be able to identify edible flowers and their growing conditions. Before you eat flowers or plants that you think are edible, make sure the flowers and plants really are edible. Follow these 10 Commandments of Edible Flowers to ensure your safety Eat only those flowers you can positively identify as safe and edible. Learn the Latin (botanical) names, which are universally accepted. The common names of plants may vary from region to region, and they can therefore be confusing. Do not assume that restaurants and caterers always know which flowers are edible flowers. Just because it is on your plate does not mean it is edible. Eat only those edible flowers that have been grown organically. Do not eat flowers from florists, nurseries, garden centers or … [Read more...] about The 10 Commandments of Edible Flowers
