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Growing Zinnias from seed

This spring and summer why not add a splash of color to your garden by planting zinnias! This beautiful flower is a great addition to your flower bed or vegetable garden to attract butterflies and pollinators.

Growing zinnias from seed is a straightforward process. Here are the general steps to follow:

Selecting Seeds: Choose zinnia seeds from a reputable source. There are many varieties available, so pick ones that suit your preferences regarding color, size, and height.
Timing: Zinnias are warm-season flowers, so they should be planted after the last frost date in your area. Typically, this is in late spring or early summer.
Preparing the Soil: Zinnias prefer well-drained soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 7.5. Work the soil to remove any debris and ensure good aeration.
Sowing Seeds: Zinnia seeds can be sown directly into the garden bed or started indoors. If starting indoors, use seedling trays or small pots filled with potting soil. Plant the seeds about ¼ inch deep and cover lightly with soil.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. After planting the seeds, water gently using a watering can or a gentle spray nozzle on a hose.
Light: Zinnias require full sunlight to grow well. Place the seed trays or pots in a location where they will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Transplanting: If you started the seeds indoors, once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, they can be transplanted into the garden. Space them according to the recommendations for the specific variety you’re growing.
Mulching: Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants can help conserve moisture and suppress weed growth.
Watering and Fertilizing: Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods. Zinnias are not heavy feeders, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.
Maintenance: Remove any weeds that compete with the zinnias for nutrients and water. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
Pest and Disease Control: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Treat any infestations promptly using organic methods or insecticidal soap.
Harvesting Seeds: If you wish to collect seeds for future planting, allow some flowers to fully mature and dry on the plant. Once the flower heads have dried, remove them and collect the seeds for storage.

By following these steps, you can grow beautiful zinnias from seed and enjoy their vibrant blooms throughout the summer and into the fall.

Growing celosia, dahlias, and zinnias in containers

If you have a small space or don’t have any actual ground to grow in, you can plant these beautiful flowers in pots. Be sure to choose the largest container possible, at least 3 gallons (11 L). It’s important to keep in mind that when you grow any plant in a container, it will require a lot more care than a plant growing directly in the ground. In addition to needing regular deep watering, especially during the height of summer, container-grown plants need to be fertilized monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Celosia: Celosia, also known as cockscomb, are beautiful annual flowers that thrive in containers. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter and fill it with well-draining potting mix. Celosia prefers full sun, so place the pot in a sunny location. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Celosia can be sensitive to overwatering, so allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. With proper care, celosia will provide vibrant blooms throughout the growing season.
Dahlias: Dahlias are versatile flowers that can be grown in pots, provided you select a large enough container. Choose a pot that is at least 18 inches in diameter and has drainage holes. Fill the pot with a rich, well-draining potting mix. Plant the dahlia tubers in the pot with the “eyes” facing up, and cover them with a few inches of soil. Place the pot in a location that receives full sun. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. As the dahlia plants grow, you may need to stake them to provide support for the tall stems. With proper care, dahlias will produce an abundance of colorful blooms.
Zinnias: Zinnias are easy-to-grow annual flowers that are perfect for container gardening. Choose a pot that is at least 8 inches in diameter and fill it with well-draining potting mix. Zinnias prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade. Plant the zinnia seeds or seedlings in the pot and water them regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist. Zinnias are relatively low-maintenance and will reward you with bright, cheerful blooms throughout the summer and into the fall.

With proper care and attention to their specific needs, celosia, dahlias, and zinnias can all thrive in pots, adding beauty and color to your patio, balcony, or garden space.

Planting Wildflowers

Growing wildflowers is an excellent way to welcome wildlife such as pollinators to your garden. Planting wildflowers from seed is a simple and cost-effective method to use to get started. But what are wildflowers, exactly? And what’s the best way to plant the seeds? This guide will answer those questions as well as explain how to take care of wildflowers so they’ll thrive for many years to come. Wildflowers across the globe are plants that naturally grow in the wild without any human involvement. These plants are a mix of annuals, short-lived perennials, and long-lived perennials; some live for just a single season before setting seed and dying, while others live more than a year, but don’t necessarily produce seeds each growing season.

The best time to plant wildflower seeds is in spring prior to the heat of the summer. Although it can be tempting to plant later in the season while inspiration is blooming around you, know that seeds are less likely to eaten, dry out, or blow away in the spring when temperatures are cooler and moisture is typically more abundant. Planting your wildflowers in spring will also give the seedlings a full growing season to become established and endure the winter.

Believe it or not, there’s an art to planting wildflower seeds, which is typically done by broadcasting. Broadcasting seeds is where seeds are spread (usually by hand) across prepared ground and allowed to land where they may. Broadcasting helps to create a random distribution of seeds and distribution of species contained in the seed mix. Pick a sunny location, water the seeds and allow 5-7 weeks for germination. Within the first few weeks, you should notice some sprouting from your seeds, especially annuals that grow quickly from seeds. In general, perennials and especially natives will be a bit slower to get started. While annuals will bloom the same year you plant the seeds, expect most perennial wildflowers to not begin blooming until the second or third year.

Keep your wildflowers well watered throughout the fist growing season. Plants native to a given region typically will not need nearly as much water–if any–after the first growing season, which cuts back on water usage significantly over the long run. You can find wildflower seed packets at our Etsy shop: http://www.printhousedesign.com to start your garden today!

Marigolds

Marigolds are a powerhouse in the vegetable garden, and serve to help protect you vegetable plants and improve soil. Find out the benefits of planting marigolds in your vegetable garden.Marigolds are beautiful, bright orange annual flowers that grow quickly and easily. These cheerful blooms should be considered an add on to your vegetable garden. They are easy to grow in containers and directly sown into the garden.Gardens can’t produce without pollination. Bright flowers are natural attractors for pollinators. Orange and yellow are incredibly inviting colors that will attract bees, butterflies and other helpful bugs. Plant marigolds in containers right next to your vegetables. That way, it doesn’t matter if the soil content needs to be the same, the pollinators will visit your marigolds, and most likely visit your veggies as well!

Both African Marigolds (T. Erecta) and French Marigolds (T. Patula) produce alpha-terthienyl. This substance repels nematodes – which are tiny worms that attack the roots of plants. These flowers also produce a strong scent which helps repel cabbageworms. This helps protect cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and brussel sprouts. Be sure to plant a lot though, as it takes many companion plants to protect the stubborn cabbage worms.

There are two ways to add Marigolds to your garden. The first is to plant them right next to your vegetables in the soil. This is great if the soil type needed for your vegetables matches the soil type needed for these flowers.

Marigolds thrive in fertile, well-drained, non-acidic soil. This works well with tomatoes, beans, and cucumbers. In which case, you can plant the flowers right next to, or in the same bed as the vegetables.

If you’re using the flowers to attract pollinators and the soil of some of your plants is acidic, marigolds thrive in containers as well. Just add a pot of these lovely flowers alongside your garden bed.

Embracing the Prickly Elegance: A Guide to Caring for Indoor Cacti

In the world of houseplants, few beings exude as much charm and resilience as indoor cacti. With their unique shapes, sizes, and spines, these prickly wonders can transform any living space into a desert oasis. However, caring for indoor cacti requires a delicate balance of attention and neglect. In this guide, we’ll explore the art of nurturing these resilient plants and turning your home into a sanctuary for succulents.

Section 1: Choosing the Right Cactus: The journey of caring for indoor cacti begins with selecting the right species for your environment. Consider factors such as light conditions, temperature, and space. Opt for varieties like the Echinocactus grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus) or the Schlumbergera truncata (Christmas Cactus) that thrive indoors and complement your aesthetic preferences.

Section 2: Sunlight and Placement: Cacti are sun worshippers, and providing them with adequate sunlight is essential for their well-being. Place your indoor cactus in a spot where it can receive bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. South or west-facing windows are ideal, but be cautious of scorching midday sun in hot climates.

Section 3: Watering Wisdom: One of the most common mistakes in cactus care is overwatering. Indoor cacti are accustomed to arid conditions, so they prefer infrequent but deep watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions, typically every 2-3 weeks. Use a well-draining cactus mix to prevent waterlogged roots and potential rot.

Section 4: Soil and Pot Selection: Choosing the right soil and pot is crucial for cactus health. Opt for a specialized cactus mix or create your own by combining potting soil with sand or perlite to enhance drainage. Select a pot with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation, promoting aeration for the roots.

Section 5: Temperature and Humidity: Cacti thrive in warm temperatures but can withstand cooler conditions. Maintain a temperature range between 70-100°F (21-37°C) during the day and avoid exposing them to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for prolonged periods. Indoor cacti appreciate low humidity, making them well-suited for most indoor environments.

Section 6: Fertilizing Routine: While cacti are not heavy feeders, they benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength and apply every 4-6 weeks. Refrain from fertilizing during the dormant winter months.

Caring for indoor cacti is a rewarding journey that combines the beauty of nature with the therapeutic joys of tending to resilient plants. By understanding their specific needs for sunlight, water, and soil, you can create an environment where these prickly wonders thrive, transforming your home into a haven for desert elegance. Embrace the simplicity and uniqueness of indoor cacti, and let their presence bring a touch of the arid wilderness into your living space.

P.s. If you want a challenge try growing cactus from seeds! We have cacti seeds now available at our Etsy Shop and I will be sharing a video of these next week on our Instagram and Facebook page

https://printhousedesign1.etsy.com/listing/793980106