GardenSpotlight

There are many seeds that you can start indoors and then transplant outside when the air and soil temperatures are warmer and there is no longer the threat of frost.   Start by gathering some seed catalogs or look online to get some ideas for your area. Germination rates, seedling growth, transplant dates and time to maturity or flower vary by the plant.    Check the descriptions in the catalogs or on the seed packets to see how soon you’ll need to start the seeds indoors before they are of sufficient size to plant outdoors in warmer weather.    You’ll need the proper growing materials as well.   Seedlings are very delicate; you should purchase sterile planting medium, such as a seed starter mix or compressed pellets that expand when watered.   If using last year’s containers, they should be sterilized.   You can purchase seed starter kits in the store, which make it easy to get started with as they generally come with everything you need such...

When I was a little girl, my mother kept a terrarium in our home.   It always intrigued me; seeing plants growing inside a glass tea kettle was really cool.   It was like a miniature rainforest!   Terrariums are a great way for those of us who are busy to have lush plants in our homes without having to remember to care for them so often.   As the plants in the terrarium transpire, the moisture collects on the sides of the terrarium (condensation) and flows back down to the soil. A terrarium is basically any enclosed or partially enclosed clear container which houses its own micro-ecosystem of plants, and sometimes animals too, such as small lizards or turtles.   For our purposes here, I will focus on plant terrariums.   You can use any clear container of plastic or glass, such as an aquarium or fish bowl, a hurricane jar, bottles or glassware.   Be creative and look around your home before you spend money.   Chances are you’ll find something. ...