Jack is NOT helping!

These last couple of days have been a lovely mix of great joy, finally working on my OWN HOME, and horrible impatience, going crazy waiting to see what all plants I have. So far, peonies and lilacs have shown themselves, along with an…

Apricot Tree!

By far, though, the most amazing find has been my precious tulips. Out by my wash-house, about 15 lovely pointed leaves poked out of the ground. I was so excited, but I was also confounded. The plants look new and uncrowded. MY MOTHER-IN-LAW PLANTED THEM FOR US IN NOVEMBER! We didn’t even know for sure that we would be able to get the house until February!

my daily reminder that I am loved

For gardening this week, I thought I would walk you through the very basics of container-gardening. I forced myself to only buy pansies and spinach this week, since they are freeze-tolerant. (Onions, turnips, carrots, potatoes, and beets also fall into this category, but I don’t have the space prepared for them this year.)

Planting my Pansies

First, the best soil for containers is potting soil, since it is mostly made up of moisture-retaining elements.

moisten potting soil

I always moisten the soil first, so that the exposed roots of my transplants don’t get dry and because the soil decreases in volume once it’s wet. Fill your containers with potting soil, but leave room, because you will displace some of the soil to make space for your transplants.

rough up roots

Once you begin to bring in your plants, gently pull apart (without breaking, if you can) the bottoms of the roots. The small packs they have been growing in have trained the roots to grow in crowded circles. Breaking them apart helps them get growing into new directions.

pinch off all flowers

Once your plants have been set into the soil and the soil has been packed in around them, pinch off all the existing flowers and buds. I know, I know, it is heartbreaking! Plants, however, once they begin flowering, put most of their energy into reproducing, aka, the flower/seed. Pinching the flowers off convinces the plant to put energy into the roots and leaves, making a healthier plants and thus, more flowers later.

water

Finally, give your new pot a good, plentiful watering. Because container plants do not get continuous nutrients from the earth, make sure that you fertilize them. Two good ways are to mix a low-concentration of Miracle-Grow and use that for every watering or to sprinkle on slow-dissolving fertilizer, so that it breaks down gradually. Then, enjoy your happy “babies.”

Have a lovely week everyone! I’m excited for next week, because I get to introduce you to Drew’s and my new adventure!

coming soon!