Pot It Like It’s Hot!

The greenhouse is opening early this spring! We’re kicking off the season with a focus on houseplant TLC. Early spring is the best time to repot houseplants as it gives them the nutrients they will need for the beginning of their growth season. Depending on their growth activity, plants typically need to be repotted every 12 to 18 months. Some slow growers can call the same pot home for years and just require soil replenishment.

Bring your plants to the greenhouse and we can repot them for you with a minimal fee for soil and time. You can either bring your own pot or choose from the variety we have here!

Succulent Growth Season

Have you noticed that your succulents are getting taller and bushier? That’s an in-your-face sign that it’s succulent growing season. This growth generally starts in late May and continues on through September. Here are a few tips on taking advantage of this period.

Fertilizer! Most succulents don’t need that much fertilizer, but a little bit can help. Water with a well-balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season will be all they need.

Lighting! Most succulents need at least half a day to a full day of sunlight. Put those puppies in the window sill to get them their daily dose of sunshine.

Drainage! If you’re planting your succulents in containers, but sure to plant them in cactus soil or add a layer of gravel or rock at the bottom to help improve drainage. This improves airflow as well which also encourages growth.

Visit our blog for more tasty recipes and gardening tidbits!

Soaker Hose Tips

Ensuring that your garden gets adequate water is half the battle. Soaker hoses are an inexpensive and flexible alternative to expensive irrigation systems. They are easy to move around as well making it easier to update your watering system as your garden grows. Soaker hoses enable you to get water to your plants where they need it most…at the root. They save time (no moving around sprinklers or hand watering) and they save money by reducing water loss via evaporation. Follow these tips for soaker hose success.

Chill Time
Before placing your hose around the plants, unroll the hose and let it relax for a bit. This will reduce kinkage which blocks the flow of water.

Flush It Out
Flush your hose when you first install it and a few more times throughout the season. This will help flush out any potential debris. When you disconnect your soaker hose from it’s water source, plug the open end with a cap to prevent soil or insects from getting into it.

Cover It Up
Cover your soaker hose with 2-3 inches of mulch. This will help retain moisture, reduce evaporation, and protect your hose from sun damage.

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Water Those ‘Maters!

You’ve planted your tomatoes and are eagerly waiting to see them grow so you can add them to salads, burgers, and other tasty dishes. To ensure you get the best fruit, follow these tomato watering tips.

In the Garden
Early in the growing season, you’ll want to water your tomato plants early in the morning. As the summer temperatures increase, you may want to water your plants twice a day. Tomatoes planted in the garden generally need 1 – 2 inches of water a week.

In Containers
Tomatoes that are planted in containers need more than those planted in the garden. Water evaporates a lot faster in containers as the soil heats up. A good rule of thumb for container tomatoes is to water them until water comes out of the bottom of the pot. As with garden tomatoes, it’s better to water the plants early in the morning. If the soil feels dry about an inch below the surface, water that bad boy again.

Mulch It Up
Adding a layer of organic mulch can also help reduce evaporation. This will keep the water where it’s needed which is keeping your maters nice and hydrated.

Visit our blog for some more plant tips and tricks!

DIY Herbal Bug Spray

Nothing can ruin a fun summer night like getting bitten by skeeters. Try this all-natural bug spray recipe. All you need is a few fresh herbs from the garden and a few regular items from the pantry.

What you’ll need:

2 tbsp fresh mint (either spearmint or peppermint will work)
6 tbsp fresh herbs (catnip, citronella, lavender, etc.) finely chopped
1 cup distilled water (make your own by boiling and cooling tap water)
1 cup witch hazel, rubbing alcohol, or vodka
Glass spray bottle (stores better than plastic)

To make:

Bring one cup of distilled water to a boil in a saucepan. Add your fresh herbs to the pan. Cover the pot and remove from heat to let the mixture cool completely. When cool, strain your herbs using cheesecloth or a mesh strainer. Add 1 cup of witch hazel, alcohol, or vodka to your herb-infused water. Put the mixture into your glass spray bottle and store in the fridge. Use as needed to prevent mosquito bites.

Visit us on Pinterest for some more great herb uses.

Come visit us this Summer at the farm! We have 30+ family-friendly activities, adorable farm animals, and lots of tasty things to eat.