Date: 24 Jul 2021
Planting during hot summer
In the photo: Malpighia glabra - Barbados Cherry, Acerola
Q: We just moved to Florida from New York. The weather is so hot and I wonder if I should wait till Fall to plant my garden? I tried to plant some seeds of annuals but nothing grew, just weeds. I also planted tomato seeds, they germinated but died in few days. What am I doing wrong?
A: Growing from seeds during hot season can be tricky. Here in Florida, we still can grow anuals and vegetables from seeds, but only during
winter season. Annuals and tomatoes need cooler temperatures and protection from
rain water which we have in abundance during summer. Combination hot + wet
can kill those seedlings. On the other hand, seeds of tropical species love the heat and
humidity, and germinate in no time, they just require a little experience.
However, Summer is a perfect time to plant and establish starter plants in your garden.
Five advantages of summer planting
1. Root growth. High temperatures promote rapid root growth - this is one secrets of a plant nursery. If you grow plants in pots, putting a pot on top of
black ground cover will increase the effect, and the roots will grow even faster than the tops! This is a great head start for a plant. Make sure to provide adequate watering.
2. Fast development. With bright sun and longest day light, photosynthesis is more efficient. In simple words,
during hot summer tropical plants have faster metabolism, they produce cells faster and grow leaves and stems faster.
3. Bugs be gone. Bright sun in combination with good air circulation will help to stay away from insects, leaf fungus, and
other diseases.
4. Fertilizing can be generous and will be most efficient. In summer, there is less chance to overdose, as plant food is consumed fast, and summer rains help to prevent nutrient lock up in soil.
5. Rain water works like magic. Rainy season in Florida is our blessing. It can not be replaced by sprinklers or even daily hose water. Rain penetrates
evenly and saturates not only a root ball but also the surrounding area that gives room to spread even bigger roots. Rain water
also works like a "flush" to rinse off all excessive salts that may build up in soil.
As a result, plants will establish faster and grow bigger before winter, which will give them a better chance to survive possible cold spells.
Plant in summer and watch plants grow healthy and happy every day!
In the photo: Magnolia virginiana - Sweet Bay
Date: 10 Jul 2021
Bauhinias: Orchid trees with Butterfly leaves
by Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats
...Have you seen butterflies? Yes, of course. Have you seen orchids?
Yes, of course. And have you seen a tree with flowers that look like both a
butterfly, and an orchid?...
...Bauhinias are beautiful and diverse. Their flowers are showy and
slightly perfumed; their leaves always cleft in the characteristic Bauhinia
manner... And they are gorgeous - all together and each in their own way... They turn
your garden into a colorful paradise and make you feel like living on exotic
island...
...Some of them are everblooming and start flowering in 1-3 gal pots!...
CONTINUE READING >>
Date: 4 Jun 2021
Fragrant plants - Sweet memories
...More than any other sense, the sense of smell has the power to recall memories of the past. Perhaps this is because the olfactory impressions are received by the brain's limbic system, one of the most ancient components that also associated with emotions. The result is that even a whiff of a certain flower or leaf can instantly transport us in time to when we first encountered the fragrance. Little wonder that fragrant plants have always ranked high among Southern favorites...
CONTINUE READING >>
Date: 28 Apr 2021
Macadamia Goodness
Macadamia nuts are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and
healthy fats. Their potential benefits include weight loss, improved gut
health, and protection against diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and heart
disease.
Native to Australia, Macadamia trees are now grown in various places around the world, such
as Brazil, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and New Zealand.
Like most other nuts, Macadamia nuts are rich in nutrients and beneficial
plant compounds. They are also linked to several benefits, including improved
digestion, heart health, weight management, and blood sugar control.
10 health benefits of macadamia nuts
1. Rich in nutrients
2. Loaded with antioxidants
3. Boost heart health
4. Reduce risk of metabolic syndrome
5. May aid weight loss
6. Improve gut health
7. Providing anticancer properties
8. Boosting brain health
9. Bumping up your longevity
10. Easy to add to your diet
Learn more...
Delicious Macadamia nuts are loved by everyone, but they are so expensive from a grocery store... If you are excited about this nut, start saving: get your own tree and harvest your own goodness!
Macadamia are very handsome trees. They are easy to grow, require very little care and are relatively cold hardy. The are slow growing, compact bushy trees that start fruiting within 2-3 years from seed. Macadamias trees are reliable producers. The most important in Macadamia cultivation - do not over-fertilize this plant, it is very sensitive to regular fertilizer. Use only liquid plant food, and provide Micro-elements on regular basis.
Read more about this plant >>
Date: 11 Feb 2021
Schlumbergera x New Deal
A remarkable Christmas cactus hybrid
by Mark Hooten, the Garden Doc
...This hybrid, completely lost to the trade today, is being offered
here for the first time after it was originally offered for purchase at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden over 80 years ago. That institution was having a special rare plant
sale on the day of the famous presidential election on November 8, 1932, when F.D.R. was historically voted in as the next American president.
The plants we are offering are all 3rd generation vegetative propagations
from an original specimen (still alive btw) of a plant purchased from them that very day. Its name is identical to that president's main
campaign slogan!..
