Preparing White Sage For Smudging
There are many uses for the leaves of the white sage plant, some of which are medicinal. The leaf florets are the ones often dried and used for making smudge sticks for burning. Lay the leaves out and once dried, wrap them in a bundle using a natural fiber such as cotton and tie it in a knot… then take the twine and wrap it around the bundle from top to bottom. Make sure it isn’t so tight that the sage won’t burn or so loose that it will come apart. In Native American cultures, preparing the sage for smudging is a ritual itself. First permission is asked to cut the stem… and a bit of another herb or a piece of hair is placed at the base of the plant as an offering in return. The prepared smudgesticks are placed in a bowl and lit. As the smoke swirls around an area, chanting is done to focus positive energy and cleansing for all around it. The leaves are also used in cooking (the drier the sage leaves, the stronger the flavor) and are made into teas and medicines for colds and upset stomachs especially. White sage used to grow wild all throughout the desert regions of the United States. Commercial property along with overuse and mismanagement of the plants that once grew in abundance have made the white sage plant endangered. If more people grow their own sage plants and nurture them well… we could have a shot at bringing back a plant that has many positive benefits. Smudging with sage, particularly white sage or salvia apiana, has been a practice of the many nations indigenous to the United States for centuries. It is believed that the smoke from the sage as it burns is effective in cleansing any negative energy around. Many philosophies and religions still believe in its effects today. It is often used to cleanse a home upon moving in to clear out any negative energy… and as protection against anything evil. It is not as commonly found anymore in the United States, due to city development moving in and destroying its habitat. It does grow in plant communities in Southern California, and the seeds can be purchases online or in specialty herb shops. Written by Angela Sangster, Copyright 2010 HousePlantsForYou.com Also see – How to Grow Your Own White Sage:...
How To Grow Upside Down Tomatoes
In recent years growing tomatoes upside down has became a really popular way to enjoy sweet vine ripened tomatoes. It’s an ideal choice for anyone that has limited space. Because the tomatoes are grown in a hanging container, you can grow them almost anywhere. While you can purchase upside down tomato kits, you can easily make your own for free. When you are choosing tomato plants, bear in mind that you need to use the smaller varieties that are suitable for growing in a container. Choose healthy plants that are well established and about 6 inches tall. Avoid plants that blooms or fruit. While it might seem like plants that have already started to produce fruit might give you a earlier yield, it actually might delay harvest. Choose a bucket or container based on how large the variety of tomato you choose grows. You need a sturdy bucket that has a good, strong handle. Use a drill, or sharp knife to make a hole in the bottom of the bucket that is about 2 inches in diameter. Set the bucket on a structure that allows the hole to be exposed. You will then need some type of material to hold the plant in place until the roots get established. You can either use a small piece of Styrofoam, a piece of sponge, or what ever else you have on hand that will keep the soil from falling out of the hole. Cut a hole in the material just large enough to accommodate the plants roots and place in over the hole inside the bucket. Then gently slide the roots through the hole. It’s a really good idea to have someone hold the plant in place while you fill the bucket with soil. You can use any quality potting soil, or choose one that is made especially for vegetables. Carefully place the soil around the roots taking care to not damage them. Once you get the bucket about half full of soil, add some water to let the soil settle around the roots. Then finish filling the pot with soil. After you choose a place to hang your upside down tomato, water it again thoroughly so that the roots can start to spread. If you used a bucket with a lid, such as a 5 gallon bucket, you can sit the lid back on the top of the bucket to help retain moisture. Water and fertilize the tomato plant just like you would if it was in the garden. There are numerous varieties of tomatoes that make great upside down plants. However, a determinate variety will work much better in a container. Indeterminate varieties of tomatoes continue growing until they are killed by frost. For this reason they can become too large and too heavy for an upside down container. Determinate varieties grow to a certain size and stop growing. Written by Connie Corder, Copyright 2010...
Indoor Trees For Home and Office
Trees. I can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than fishing underneath a large tree… or climbing the sturdy branches. They add color and majesty to our land, as they have for thousands of years. They improve air quality and remove carbon dioxide and other gasses that trap heat. An indoor tree can do these same things for your home or office space. Not only do they add beauty and charm, they offer the same benefits to an enclosed area as outdoor trees do for the planet. They are a lovely accent to any home, and can provide depth to an otherwise plain office area. There are several to choose from, and with just a little bit of maintenance, you can have a bit of the great outdoors in your own area! One of the most popular indoor trees is the ficus, or fig tree, of which there are several types. It is a member of the Moraceae family and it serves as an indoor filter for many of the organic compounds that affect us in our own homes or offices. The Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina) is a popular one, and it’s oval shaped leaves have a glossy finish to them. The branches droop slightly to give it the appearance of grace and dignity. This plant should be watered only when the first couple of inches of the potting soil has dried, although since the trees are indigenous to humid temperatures, misting the leaves with water slightly once or twice a day when the tree is young will keep the plant from stressing. Room humidifiers are also helpful. The lighting should remain the same as much as possible, since the plant is sensitive to changes. The roots grow quickly, and the ficus will probably need replanted every couple of years or so. Another type of ficus tree is the Ficus Lyrata, or the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree. Its bold, glossy leaves appear to take on the shape of a violin (or a fiddle). The care is much the same as it is for the Weeping Fig as far as watering and lighting. Its growth can be manipulated into growing in different shapes, such as a braid design. The Kentia Palm, or the Howea forsteriana is another popular indoor tree. It is indigenous to an area near Australia known as Lord Howe Island. The trunks on these trees are narrow with very long green leaves. The care for these trees is relatively simple… again, only water when the first two inches of soil has dried out. It grows best in a potting soil that has bits of sand and peat mixed in, and the pot itself should have a small draining hole. This prevents water from building up and causing the roots to rot. It is important to remember not to over-water the tree, as this can cause the leaves to turn yellow, then brown. Under-watering will cause the tips to brown and the leaves to droop excessively. Misting the plant with lukewarm water will provide the humidity necessary for its good health. The plant should placed at a point of the room that is well-lit, however direct light on the plant itself should be avoided. Fertilizer should be used during the spring and summer months during the plant’s increased growth period. Citrus trees are also lovely plants for the home or office when they are fused to a dwarfing rootstock (to keep them from growing too tall). The lighting should be very bright, direct sunlight for optimum growth. Temperatures in the room should be neither too warm or too cold, and humidity levels should be at around 60%. As with most indoor trees, it should be watered regularly but not over-watered… again, when the first inch or two of soil has dried. A good fertilizer should be used at least once a month. These trees do need pollination to ensure growth, so the pollen should be brushed off with a paintbrush regularly. African Fern Pines (Podocarpus gracilior) are another popular indoor tree that is really low maintenance. Average room temperatures are fine for this plant, and the humidity level isn’t an issue for its health. It can easily be trimmed back if the leaves start to grow out of control… and should be fertilized once a month with a good fertilizer. The lighting should be bright, but not directly on the plant. Watering is the same as most indoor trees, by watching the soil and watering when the first layer or two has dried a bit. Bonsai is not a type of tree, rather it is a Japanese method of growing...
Grow Your Own Strawberries
Grow Your Own Sweet Juicy Strawberries There’s few things that can match the juicy sweetness of a fresh picked strawberry. That sun ripened taste just can’t be found in your local grocery store. Growing your own strawberries is very rewarding. You can eat them still warm from the vine, in a favorite dish or pie, or you can make delicious home made strawberry jam. Strawberries only grow about 6 to 8 inches in height and spread to around one foot. So, they don’t require a large amount of space to grow. In fact, you can even grow strawberries in a window box, hanging basket or other container. They produce long runners that bloom with pink or white flowers which eventually turn into a delicious strawberry. In areas that experience mild winters, strawberries can be planted in the last summer or fall for a wonderful spring harvest. In areas with harsh winters, you will need to wait until spring to plant. If you choose the ever-bearing variety, you can have both a summer harvest and a fall harvest from the same plant. When you plant the strawberries, make sure that the crowns are above the top of the soil. The upper most roots only need to be about 1/4 inch deep in the soil. If the crowns are buried under the soil they will rot and roots that are exposed to the heat will dry out. Mulch can be used to retain moisture, prevent weeds and keep the strawberries clean. Strawberry plants need to be spaced about 2 or 3 feet apart and planted in rich, well drained soil. When preparing the planting area make sure that you add some organic matter such as compost. Strawberries need to be planted in an area that receives full sun. And, they need frequent waterings that soak deep into the soil especially when the plants are bearing fruit. They only need fertilized twice each year, once after noticeable growth begins and then again after the first berries are harvested. Strawberries need a complete fertilizer that consists of a high phosphorous content. At the end of summer, most varieties will produce offsets. You can simply let them grow to produce more plants, or pinch them off to produce larger plants with smaller crops of big strawberries. If you plan to grow your own strawberries in containers, keep in mind that they will need more frequent watering. Strawberries planted in baskets, pots or window boxes will require watering on an almost daily basis. If the temperatures are really extreme, you might need to water them twice each day. Types of Strawberries Ever-bearing strawberries will tend to reach their peak during early summer. But, they will continue to produce fruit all the way through the fall. This variety will provide you with delicious fresh fruits all season long. June bearing strawberries only produce one crop each year either in the late spring or early summer. Because you will get all of the berries at one time, this variety is more appropriate for canning or freezing. Written by Connie Corder, Copyright 2010...
How to Grow and Care For Ferns
A fern is a beautiful way to brighten up any room in your home. When cared for properly, they offer a splash of healthy color and provide a comforting feel. Ferns can also be planted outdoors as part of yard landscaping. While a fern can add a lot to its surroundings, it is a good idea to learn how to properly care for them. You will want to maintain the beauty that drew you to them in the first place. You will want to know the right type of soil and water needed, as well as where exactly the fern should be placed for the best use of light. In nature, ferns thrive on forest floors with plenty of shade. The light they receive comes through higher trees, not directly hitting the fern. In a home, the fern should be placed during the summer months with northerly exposure to indirect or filtered light. From November to March, the fern should be placed to receive an eastern sun. This will prevent scalding of the fronds. Ferns can grow in temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature drop at night of 5 to 10 degrees won’t hurt it. The roots of the fern grow very close to the soil surface so they should be planted in shallow pots, even outdoors. Most should be only 4 to 6 inches deep. The soil should contain a hearty amount of humus. A good soil mixture for growth is 2 parts peat moss, 1 part loamy garden soil, and 1 part perlite. These elements can be found in many of the soil packages sold at garden stores. Make sure the soil is kept well drained so the roots get the oxygen they need. Over watering or under watering a fern can cause the leaves to yellow. Over watering actually prevents the necessary oxygen from reaching the roots and can cause them to rot. Healthy roots are a light brown color. A dark brown or black root system may be unrecoverable. If under watered, place the pot itself into a tub of water until bubbles are no longer seen at the surface, then allow it to drain. It is best to have a set watering schedule that will keep the soil healthy for growth. If the fern grows too large for its pot, it is time to divide it up. Ferns can stand a little abuse, and if it has been potted for some time, it may require a few good tugs to loosen it. Once free, simply cut the roots by half or in quarters and replant. Keep a humid atmosphere by spaying the fronds for the first couple of weeks after dividing the plants. It may also be necessary to groom your fern if the top is getting too large. Simply cut any yellowed fronds. Ferns can add so much to a room and with routine maintenance can last for many years. Once you learn what your fern needs to be happy, it is very easy to keep up with. Written by Catrina Rudd, Copyright 2009 HousePlantsForYou.com all rights reserved and may not be republished in any...
How To Care For Lucky Bamboo
In Asian cultures, lucky bamboo has been a symbol of good fortune for over 4,000 years. And, in recent years it’s became a very popular house plant that is widely available. Aside from being a very pretty plant, one of the main reasons for it’s growing popularity is that it’s very easy to grow. Lucky bamboo isn’t actually a bamboo! It actually belongs to the plant family of Dracaenas. Another reason for it’s popularity is that it can be grown in decorative planters or bowls filled with rocks and water, or it can be potted into soil. The best way to grow them is a debatable subject, some people say keep them in water and others say plant them in soil for the best results. The choice is pretty much a personal preference as the plant seems to thrive in either medium. Bamboo is generally sold in clear or decorative containers with rocks for support and water. Bamboo will thrive in almost any area of the home where many other plants could not survive. In nature, bamboo grows in the shade of rainforest trees, so they prefer indirect, but bright sunlight. If the plant receives too much direct sunlight, the leaves will burn and turn brown. But, if it gets too little sun, it will cause hamper the plants growth. Since the plant lives in water, there’s no guess work when it comes to watering lucky bamboo! All you need to do is to make sure that there’s always water in the container. Some people suggest that you change the water on a regular basis, but as long as clean water is used, it’s not necessary to keep changing it. However, if the water begins to look as if it’s stagnating, it should be changed and the container washed thoroughly. The salt and chlorine found in tap water can cause damage to the plants leaves. You should either purchase spring water or place the tap water in an open container overnight to allow the salt and chlorine to evaporate. If you removed your bamboo from the container you purchased it in, you’d most likely find that it’s been bound with a string or wrapped wire. While this will definitely hold the bamboo together, it will eventually damage the plant. As the bamboo grows, the string will cut into the stalks and can result in disease. It’s best to remove the string, or wire so the plant can grow safely. Lucky bamboo is a tropical plant, so it prefers warm temperatures. The temperature should always be at least 60*, but the plant will thrive better in warmer temperatures. Bamboo only needs to be fertilized about every two months with a very weak solution of fertilizer. You can use a good quality plant food and mix it to one tenth of the recommended amount, or use a few drops of food that is made for aquarium plants. When grown in potting soil, it should be kept just slightly moist and never soaking wet. And, you shouldn’t let the soil dry completely between waterings. Even thought the top of the soil may be dry, it can still be moist down in the soil. Always stick your finger into the soil to check it. When the soil is dry a full inch below the surface, it’s time to water it. You may be interested in knowing that the number of stalks in your container has a meaning! Although, lucky bamboo is most associated with luck in love, it’s also lucky for other purposes as well. Two stalks are for love, three stalks are said to bring luck in happiness. If your container has five stalks it’s suppose to bring you wealth and six stalks are meant to keep you healthy! Bamboo is closely associated with the ancient practice of Feng Shui, which means bringing all the natural elements into balance. Bamboo is an ideal representation of water and wood elements. The red string or wire that is wrapped around the plants is thought to fire the flow of energy in your room, red represents fire! Written by Connie Corder for HouseplantsForYou.com, Copyright 2008 All Rights...
How To Grow Healthy Petunias
Petunias are one of the most popular flowers for both landscaping and hanging baskets. They are considered the number one plant as far as ease of care. Petunias produce continuous flowers from spring all the way through to cold weather. The large flowers are shaped like a trumpet and come in a wide variety of colors from white and red, to purple and pinks. There are also a few fancier varieties of Petunias that are a basic color with a contrasting white stripe. And, still others that have fringed edges. These beautiful plants are half hardy annuals that will thrive in the full heat of the sun. Growing to 18 inches or more, Petunias make excellent plants for a hanging basket. While they don’t actually vine, because of their height they will drape over the side of the baskets like a vine. Petunias are available in three different types, large singles and large doubles reach a height from 12 to 18 inches. There is also a bedding variety that can grow from 6 to 18 inches in height. The first two types are more appropriate for container planting, while the bedding variety is best for flower beds and borders. You can purchase Petunias at any home and garden center, or you can start them from seed. Seeds should be sown indoors in a finely sifted potting soil 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost. The seeds need a temperature of between 55 and 60 degrees to germinate. The seeds need light in order to germinate, so just sprinkle them on top of the soil and don’t cover them. If you want a bushier plant, pinch the tips to encourage branching. These thirsty little flowers prefer soil that is kept evenly moist. After the plants are flourishing, they will need a good quality fertilizer once a month. Once the flowers die remove them and any dead leaves or stems from the plant. As summer ends, you can cut the plant back by about half it’s size to try to promote a second blooming stage. Remember that although they thrive with lots of heat, extreme temperatures can prevent them from blooming. They will also need more water in high temperature areas. If you live in an area that has really high summer temperatures, it’s best to plant Petunias in partial shade. Petunias can withstand cool weather, but they are very susceptible to cold temperatures. Written by Connie Corder, Copyright 2010...
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