With the Grain » houseplants

How to Compost

Jenn Greenleaf — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:29:09 +0000

Self-sufficiency is on the minds of many consumers, particularly those who are already implementing the “reduce, reuse, and recycle” practice into their households. With these principles in mind, it’s a smoother transition into self-sufficiency.

Why? Because these homeowners are looking for ways to reuse household items and, in the case of composting, this is achievable.

Here are some links to lead you:

Composting is just one of the many ways homeowners can work toward self-sufficiency and reusing items. Good luck!

Start an Indoor Garden

Jenn Greenleaf — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 18:30:38 +0000

It is never too early to start thinking about your spring plantings. Starting an indoor winter garden is often referred to as winter sowing, and the process is an easy one. Even if you do not have time to get your seedlings started, you can get your planning started.

Before you begin, set up a basic plan on paper for where you want your plants and vegetables. Once you have completed this, you are ready to get your seedlings started.

Purchase some plastic plant pots, or use empty household plastic containers. Be sure to cut holes in the bottoms of these containers.
Pick out and purchase the seeds you intend to sow, and then follow the directions on the back for sowing.

I wasn’t exaggerating when I said this is an easy process. These seedlings will be ready for planting after the last frost, or you may choose to continue growing them indoors. This is a home improvement, in addition to a health improvement!

Indoor Flowering Plants

Jenn Greenleaf — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:22:00 +0000

How often do you equate using potted floral plants to improve your interior living spaces? Not that often, right? I know whenever I think of a potted floral, I wonder where I can set it on my deck or stairways outside. Rarely do I think of where I can put them inside, unless I’m using Poinsettias.

Why are flowers destined for vases full of water indoors? Can’t we have potted floral plants adorning our interior spaces the way houseplants do? Of course we can! Here are some potted floral plants that are perfect for sprucing up home interiors:

Flowering maple
Gardenia
Hydrangea
Orchids

Be sure to speak to the garden center about how to care for these plants correctly, as well as to get a more extensive list of what flowering plants will thrive indoors. There are some plants that require a lot of sunlight, while others will do fine with indirect sunlight. Be sure you’re certain which is which and your flowering plants will do just fine!