Have you ever noticed that your indoor plants don’t look as happy during the winter months? Or even worse, that they don’t survive. In this week’s blog, we’re here to share the Top 5 Winter Watering Tips to help your indoor plants while they patiently wait for warmer, brighter day – just like us!
Get Up and Grow: Caring for Your Houseplants In The Winter
Tip #1 – Don’t Feed
Like animals (and some humans!), most houseplants go into a hibernation state called ‘dormancy’ during winter. With less sun, our plants can conserve energy until the sun returns for extended periods to help them store nutrients – plants start photosynthesis at a much slower rate. Feeding them nutrients during the winter can cause more harm than good, resulting in lifted roots, stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and even killing the plant.
Tip #2 – Avoid Drafts
Although it may seem like a good idea to place your houseplant in a sunny location, like the windowsill, it’s usually not a good idea. More often than not, the Canadian windowsill can be drafty in the winter – sending chills down your plant’s stems! Even without a draft, window temperatures cause frostbite to your plant leaves, killing them. This can be especially dangerous when watering your plant near a cold window, as the water that leads into your plant’s root system can freeze, killing your plant.
Tip #3 – Prune Dead Leaves
As Gord mentioned, pruning your houseplants in the winter is an excellent way to maintain their health. The collection of dead leaves is the perfect place for insects and pests to find the warmth they need to multiply! So, it’s best to steer clear of any build-up. Don’t forget, if you happen to clip your plant by accident, use a water bottle to seal any “bleeding” such as sap (which attracts more insects).
Tip #4 – Don’t over-water!
You might have guessed it, but over-watering your houseplants in the winter is never a good idea -since there is less sunlight to help your plant absorb water. Over-watering your plant could result in root rot, disease and mold. If you’re unsure, try filling a sauce, as Gord mentioned, to help add a more-regulated amount of moisture to your houseplant if it’s looking a little on the dry side.
Tip #5 – Add Light
If you can’t place your plant in a sunny window or put it outside, there’s still hope! All you need to do is purchase a 13-watt lightbulb to provide the extra light you need. Just place your plant near the lamp to give it the daily light exposure it needs to survive the winter. Be sure to check your plant’s dormant light requirements, as too much light is not good either.
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It’s 2022, and sustainable gardening is a crucial way to save your money and your plants too! In this week’s blog, we’re here to share the top five important reasons to start your own compost bin from scratch! Plus, follow along as our President Gord Nickel Shows Hannah Lepine the perfect way to start your compost bin at home!
1.) Enriches Soil
Growing your own supply of compost is the best way to retain as many nutrients as possible in soil without using chemicals and providing your plants with a rich collection of micronutrients, potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen! While your scraps decay, they create good bacteria and fungi, which work to block unwanted pathogens from infecting your soil.
2.) Retains Moisture
One of the best reasons to grow your own compost is its ability to retain moisture. Though each compost is different, the ability to hold moisture is entirely up to you and what you feed your own compost. However, due high impact of nutrients and microbiomes, composts can retain water for longer, which will also help your plants to establish good healthy roots!
3.) Prevents Disease
Though you can’t expect to add compost to a dying plant to save it immediately, you can expect to prevent a vast amount of disease when growing from compost. The build-up of microbiomes creates a more significant amount of microbes which work together to fight pathogens—reducing unwanted diseases from infecting your plants so that they can grow big and strong!
4.) Reduces Waste
As you’ll learn from Gord, compost bins are great for putting waste to good use. Like food scraps that are returned to the earth after decomposing, yard waste can also feed your compost. Think of all the space you’re saving by breaking down matter and returning it to the planet instead of taking up space in landfills.
5.) Reduces Costs
Why buy the cow if the milk is free? Not only have you got the most out of your money when you put your scraps to good use, but when you compost, you’re cutting down on annual gardening supplies. Think of the money you’ll save on soil, fertilizer and even water year after year!
How To Start A Compost Bin
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With only 23 days remaining in summer, gardeners all over Canada are excited about a new growing season! And we all know that with a new season comes a lot of work cleaning, pulling, storing and planning, of course! If your plans include adding something unique, you’re in the right place. In this week’s blog, we’re here to share a few of our unique vegetable seeds that will spark interest!
Also commonly known as Pumpkin Tree, Pumpkin Bush or Mock Tomato. Pumpkin-on-a-stick has a mild, slightly bitter taste when green, turning peppery as it matures into orange skin. Although it isn’t quite a pumpkin, Pumpkin-on-a-stick is an eggplant that looks just like a pumpkin and is ready just in time for the pumpkin festivities! When planted in the spring, you can expect unique spiky pumpkin sticks to add to beautiful fall displays and bouquets when dried!
To grow your own Pumpkin-on-a-stick, sow your seeds or plant them directly in the Spring. These fast growers are ready to harvest in only 70 days and work well in containers, indoors or outdoors! In well-drained, loamy soil these annuals bloom from summer until fall when grown in full sun. Be careful, these unique vegetables are toxic to pets when consumed.
Tip: For beautiful arrangements that last years, cut your stems from the bottom of the plant and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place until the skin turns pumpkin-like orange!
With an amazingly sweet and crisp flavour, Carrot Purple Sun is fantastic when eaten raw or cooked! Noticeable deep purple hues with bright yellow-sun centers create a unique garden addition that is sizeable and full of antioxidants!
In well-worked soil, Carrot Purple Sun prefers full sun in zones 4-8. In Spring, sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart. Plant again, three months first expected fall frost for a late crop. Germination can be expected in just 10-20 days with harvest in only 73 days!
Tip: For best-growing results, patiently allow your Carrot Purple Sun to mature fully in size and colour before harvesting – your taste buds will thank you! Pair well with dill, tarragon, chives, mint, or cilantro!
“You’re entirely bonkers, but I’ll tell you a secret. All the best ones are.” – Alice in Wonderland. There is no guessing why we’ve chosen Pepper Mad Hatter as one of the most unique vegetable seeds! These award-winning peppers are a variety of hybrid Bishop’s Cap peppers. With flattened hat-shaped pods that are perfect for snacking, the Pepper Mad Hatter is crisp and crunchy with a sweet-mild flavour that heats up around the seeds.
When grown in container or garden beds, you can expect an impressive yield in just 65-70 days for green peppers and 85-90 days for red. Just start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Transplant outdoors when the nighttime low is above 12C. Plant in full sun and pair with compatible neighbours like basil, carrots, rosemary, swiss chard, endives and more!
Tip: Allow your Pepper Mad Hatter to mature in colour for the most packed vitamin C content!
A tangy tomato with zebra-like markings and crazy green colour! These conversation starters are perfect for slicing and eating raw or cooked. Producing uniformly round, high yields, you’d never believe tomatoes like these could be so sweet!
Start seeds indoors with bottom heat and plenty of sunlight. Transplant your seedlings into pots when plants become rootbound. Once temperatures are above 10C transplant them into rows 50-75cm apart. Germination takes only 7-14 days and 75 days from transplanting!
Tip: Plant in well-drained soil with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day!
Glow-in-the-dark green skin with crispy, juicy texture! Also known as “yard-long Cucumbers” with few seeds and thin skin, you don’t need to peel it! These garden wonders are not only tasty but decorative when sliced. Armenian Cucumbers are high in vitamins C, A, K and potassium.
Sow in average, well-drained soil in full sun in Spring after the danger of frost has passed. Keep evenly moist and seedlings will start to emerge in just 7-14 days! Great for trellises and garden beds!
Tip: Best for eating when 12 inches long and 2.5 inches thick.
Looking for more unique seeds? Check out a few of our staff favourites for sowing over the winter season below!
With the approach of a new season, comes plenty to do in the garden! Perhaps the best place to start is to think about what might have gone wrong this year so that we can do our best at preventing it from happening the following year. One problem area that we are always asked about is how to deter deer from gardens. Well, if you have plans on planting fall bulbs and happened to have a deer problem this year, now is the best time to put a fool-proof plan into action! To help your garden perform at its best, deer-free, we’ve come up with our favourite deer-proof fall bulbs to get you one step ahead with the fall planting season approaching.
Also known as Schubert’s Allium or Tumbleweed onion. Allium Schubertii produces enormous 12-inch blooms with tiny, shooting-star-like florets. Unlike common densely packed Allium, Schubertii Allium has sparse blooms, creating a strikingly unique garden giant worth noting!
Plant new bulbs 4″ deep and 8″ apart in the fall (Sept-Dec) for a late Spring (May – June) bloom. This easy-to-grow variety is resistant to deer, however, note that alliums are poisonous if ingested by pets. Add “Schubertii” to cut flower arrangements, whether fresh or dried, to make any bouquet “pop”!
Part of the Dwarf family, Iris ‘Katherine Hodgkin’ is a hybrid award-winning iris known for its short flowers with detailed pale blue-veined petals with yellow blotches. Growing only 6 inches tall, Iris Katherine Hodgkin is a fantastic naturalizing bloom that can also perform well in containers all while deterring pesky grazers like deer.
Plant bulbs 2 inches deep and 3 inches apart in well-draining soil, ensuring they get exposed to full or partial sun. Dwarf irises do well in a variety of locations; containers, borders, rock gardens, and lawns are all great choices! Be sure to plant these flowers in large groups if used on a lawn, as they can be otherwise easily lost due to their small stature.
Anemone De Caen “Sylphide” shines with its bright, violet-pink, poppy-like flowers adorned with a powdery dome of black stamens at the center. This easy-to-grow variety is very prolific as well, with as many as 18 flowers per plant! Its long stem makes it a great choice for use as a cut flower. To be planted during the fall months (Sept-Dec) in preparation for a springtime (Mar-May) bloom.
In most, well-draining soil plant the bulbs at a depth of approximately 2”, leaving 4” of space between each bulb. Loves the sun, however, in hotter areas, a bit of shade is appreciated! Anemones are beautiful deer-resistant flowers that will light up your garden with rays of dazzling pink, all while attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators!
Chionodoxa (Glory of the Snow) “Pink Giant” is an early spring (March-April) blooming variety that boasts loose one-sided racemes of up to 12 upward-facing, large pink flowers with a diffused margined white eye. Its charming blossoms are borne atop the foliage of 2 – 3 narrow semi-erect, basal leaves. This bulbous perennial naturalizes easily, once established, returning to your garden year after year.
Plant in autumn (September – December) in well-draining soil, under full sun or partial shade. Plant the bulbs at a depth of 2”, while leaving 3” of space between each bulb. A deer-resistant variety that is suitable for growing in hardiness zones 3 through 8. “Pink Giant” provides a pretty display when planted among many kinds of perennial plants in garden borders. They can also be planted near other very early-flowering perennials to create complementary colour combinations.
Also known as ‘Snowdrops’, ‘Giant Snowdrop’ or ‘The Green Snowdrop’, Galanthus Woronownii are native to Turkey, Russia, and The Republic of Georgia and are named in honour of the Russian plant collector, Georg Woronownii. As one of the very first signs of spring, Galanthus Woronownii can be found pushing their way through the frozen ground with white blooms with green accents stretching their pedals into bloom in February and March. They make the perfect blooms for woodland margins, lawns, under deciduous trees, rock gardens, border fronts and walkways.
Plant Galanthus Woronownii in zones 3-8, 3 inches deep and 4 inches apart in fall. Galanthus Woronownii prefers full sun to partial shade environments and are toxic to humans and pets when consumed. These fantastic neutralizers are easy to grow and require less than an inch of water per week, in well-drained soil.
Colour
White
Bulb Season
Fall, Sept-Dec
Bulb size
5-6cm
Bloom
Jan-Mar
Lighting
Full to partial sun
Water
Little, less than 1 inch per week in well-drained soil
Fragrant
No
Size
10cm/4 inches
Plant Depth
2”
Space Apart
3”
Deer Resistant
Yes
Skill Level
Easy
Zone
Zones 3-8
Toxic
Toxic to humans and pets
Other Benefits
Great for naturalizing
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Whether you’re looking to add more plants to your pond or looking to add some to your indoor or outdoor space, water plants hold a special place in many gardeners hearts. These easy growers come in many different shapes, blooms, vines, and more! Though they’re not as easy as just adding water, they are low maintenance. Check out our top five favourite water plants, what makes each one so special and how you can grow your own at home.
1.) Japanese Water Iris
Also known as Iris Ensata, the Japanese Water Iris is a prized water plant that has been said to be celebrated in Japanese culture since the mid-ninetieth century. A tradition known as ‘The Act’ is the practice of patiently meditating and watching as the Water Iris slowly unfolds its blooms over the course of three days (The Japanese Iris, Currier McEwen, 1990).
When growing Japanese Water Irises, you can expect tall blooms reaching up to 4 feet high in June and July. In zones 4 to 9, sow seeds in a small container with loamy aquatic mix and cover with potting mix. Once the seeds are established, transplant them into pond plant baskets!
Tip: Remove dead foliage to promote healthy growth. Cutting just above the water line in the fall for dormant growing months.
2.) Papyrus
Native to African regions, Papyrus is also known as Nile grass named for its natural instinct to grow along rivers, lakes, swamps, and ponds. Though capable of growing in soil and in pots, the Papyrus flourish best when grown in water. Historically, Egyptians have widely used Papyrus to make paper, food, chairs, shoes, rope and much more. Now, you can find Papyrus as a pond plant favourite!
When grown as a plant, you can place your Papyrus in a three feet deep hole in muddy soil. Cover the hole to the top with mud to secure the papyrus structure in an upright position. Alternatively, you can plant Papyrus from rhizomes in a container with fertile-moist soil and then transfer it to your pond.
Tip: Remove broken stems and feed in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
3.) Water Lilies
A symbol of pleasure and peace. With over 70 species, the Water Lily belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family and can be found all over the world in ideal climates. With giant blooms stretching out their petals early in the morning and closing back up at night. The Water Lily is a water plant perennial that can live for fifteen to twenty years or more!
Water Lilies are not only a popular pond favourite to many of us gardeners, but it’s also a favourite to fish. The Water Lily provides fish with food and shelter from the sun, while also preventing algae by keeping your pond cool.
Using a container with or without drainage holes, fill your container with soil (avoid peat soils, perlite and vermiculite). Prune your Water Lily plants and place them along the side of the container to allow for hanging over the edge. To keep your soil inside the container, top it off with stones like gravel. Submerge your pot 12-18 inches deep, allowing the leaves to float to the top!
Tip: Try to maintain cooler pond temperatures by having 60% of the pond covered by plants like water lilies to prevent unwanted bacteria.
4.) Water Lettuce
Not to be confused with regular lettuce, water lettuce can be deadly to eat! However, it’s beautiful large rippled foliage unfolds beautifully in ponds and waterscapes, creating the perfect shade to protect fish and other aquatic wildlife. Water Lettuce is also known for its ability to clean water by producing oxygen and eliminating large amounts of nitrate nitrogen, phosphate and ammoniacal.
To grow your own Water Lettuce from seed, bury your seeds in sand, cover with soil and water. Submerge slightly underwater, watch as your Water Lettuce begins to sprout and transfer to your aquatic environment!
Tip: Performs best in temperatures between 21C-26C.
5.) Broadleaf Arrowhead
The Broadleaf Arrowhead, also known as Duck-Potato or Sagittaria Latifolia. Producing edible tubers, Native Americans have traditionally used the Broadleaf Arrowhead to treat indigestion, kidney and urinary ailments. Named after its arrow-shaped foliage, unique white blooms appear in bunches of threes during the summer months.
Broadleaf Arrowhead performs amazingly in swampy areas like ponds and streams. When placed in a container, they prefer shallow water and look beautiful in waterside gardens. To grow your own Broadleaf Arrowhead, sow your seeds in late fall via tray method in 1-3 inches of water and maintain wet to highly moist soil. Once your seedlings are strong enough to be potted, transplant them to larger pots. As your plant forms new and stronger stocks, you can migrate them further into your pond, keeping their foliage above water.
Tip: Monitor for aphids and spider mites! Treat immediately.
For more inspiration for growing the best water plants, check out the latest episode of Get Up And Grow, ‘How to Get Rid of Algae in Ponds’.
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Once upon a summer, somewhere, someone planted a tree during the year’s hottest season. The end of the story did not end in a happy ever after with luscious green leaves, as the tree was unable to grow in such hot conditions. We’re here to make your summer tree planting dreams come true this year! There is still time to give your new trees the happy ever after they deserve. With Spring still in bloom, the soil is moist, and the temperatures are right. If planting a summer tree is on your gardening agenda, we will help you make the right choices with our top 5 favourite trees to plant this Spring.
1. Magnolia Tree
Well known for their enormous and fragrant blooms from February until June. Magnolia trees belong to the Magnoliaceae family and originate from Southeast Asia and North America. Used in traditional Chinese medicines for its healing abilities. Gifted as a symbol of purity and nobility.
Sun: Full sun to light shade. Water: Once weekly for two seasons, bi-weekly after that. Soil: Well-drained soil, slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.0 to 6.0. Zone: 7-10
2. Dogwood
Famous for their unique blossoms, bark and berries, Dogwood trees belong to the Cornaceae family. Dogwoods originate in Europe, Eastern Asia and North America. They have been a symbol of rebirth and are closely tied to many religions. With over 17 varieties, American Dogwood has been used to treat ailments like headaches and fevers.
Sun: Full sun to partial shade. Water: Once weekly, six inches deep. Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0 pH. Zone: 5-9
3. Red Maple
Also known as Acer Rubrum, Swamp Maple, Water Maple or Soft Maple. The Red Maple creates bursts of colour across landscapes year-round, with tall bright red leaves. Native to easter and central America, the Red Maple can reach up to 40 to 70 feet tall and 30 to 50 feet wide.
Sun: Full sun to partial shade. Water: Frequent watering. Twice weekly and three to four times during droughts. Soil: Acidic, loamy and well-drained soil with a pH of 4.5-6.5. Zone: 3-9
4. Cherry Tree
With many symbols and representations, it is said that gifting someone with a Cherry Tree blossom brings good fortune and beginnings to its receiver. If you’re lucky enough to care for a blossom tree, you can expect gorgeous spring blooms delivering soft scents of lilac to your home.
Sun: Full sun. Water: Initially, water deeply every two or three days. Then, once a week. Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Zone: 5-7
5. Tulip Tree
With blooms that resemble tulips, it’s no wonder how the Tulip Tree got its name. Belonging to the magnolia family, there are two main types of Tulip Trees; the Chinese Tulip Tree and American Tulip Tree, with very little difference between the two. Growing up to 70-90 feet tall and 40 feet wide, the Tulip Tree can live up to 500 years old. The Tulip Tree is a long-standing symbol of liberty and democracy.
Sun: Full sun Water: Frequently water, with five to seven gallons per week or when the top 3 inches of soil are dry. Soil: Slightly acidic, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.0-8.0. Zone: 4-9
Pro-Tips
As the weather warms up it’s important to remember that your new tree will require watering more frequently. We recommend having tree watering bags on hand to ensure your tree gets the water it needs with the summers we’ve been having. Tree bags are a great way to provide a slow release of water over five to eight hours to ensure your tree isn’t overwatered or underwatered. They can be used on new trees and mature trees and are a fantastic cost-cutting practice for water consumption.
Don’t forget! New trees require plenty of food to help them establish strong healthy roots, we recommend using Bone Meal 2-13-0. After planting be sure to use a good amount of mulch to further assist with retaining moisture in your soil.
For more inspiration and advice for growing trees, check out our latest episode of Get Up and Grow, with our President Gord Nickel, Tips for Growing Weeping Japanese Maples” below.
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