GROWING CITRUS IN THE RICHMOND AREA BRINGS A LITTLE SLICE OF PARADISE Growing citrus plants has been a strong houseplant trend over the past few years. This is very true because people find having citrus plants very rewarding. Citrus is a pretty plant that has fragrant white flowers, pretty leaves, and fruit. The bottom line … Read more
When people buy a new houseplant, one of the first things they often ask is, “When do I repot it?” The correct answer is, “Not yet.” Repotting is a shock to the plant. Taking it home to a new environment is a shock to the plant. Try to give a plant no more than one … Read more
ONE WINTER MONTH DOWN WITH ONE MORE TO GO I am warming up to the fact that spring will be here soon. I am excited, and I hope you are as well. The month of February can be looked at as a transitional month as we head toward March and the beginning of spring. Sure, … Read more
This past Friday was Groundhog’s Day. Were you one of the 30,000 people who traveled to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, for Groundhog Day to see what Punxsutawney Phil had to offer? Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow this year and predicted an early spring. So what the heck is a Groundhog, anyway? How often is he … Read more
I’ve been gardening for most of my life. Yes, I took horticulture, but the real education came not in a classroom but in my backyard’s red Virginia clay soil. The wisest gardeners, I believe, are simply those who made the most mistakes—and learned something. Golly, I must be a genius by now. My Early Gardening … Read more
KEEPING ACTIVE Last week I did a blog on ways to stay fit during these winter months. I want to give you all some thoughts on what we can do this winter to help us stay active and, at the same time, reduce our chore list come spring. One thing to do is to take … Read more
en It’s the time of year to begin thinking about seeds for your spring/summer garden. Let’s talk about the difference between heirlooms, hybrids, and GMOs. What is An Heirloom? An heirloom seed is one with history. An heirloom has been passed down for several generations. Many heirlooms have been passed down for more than a … Read more
PLAYING WITH PLANTS TO SHAKE OFF THE WINTER BLUES This time of year can be a challenging time for avid gardeners. We must find ways to “play” with plants, even if it means playing with our tropical indoor plants. Making a terrarium is a perfect indoor winter project. Miniature gardens or landscapes can be created … Read more
What’s better in the winter than a windowsill project that not only gives you something to do, but makes your food taste better? Try growing herbs indoors! And the fragrance in great, too…. How to Start Herbs From Seeds or Cuttings Many herbs start well from seeds–particularly basil, chives, parsley, dill, and cilantro. For a few herbs, like … Read more
