Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Growing Wildflowers – Which Flowers are Right for You



Growing wildflowers in a carefree area; field, meadow, or a large area in your yard will provide you with an eye-catching garden throughout the summer season.  Wildflowers are not difficult to grow provided you plant flowers that are native to your area.  




Which Wildflower is Right for You?
There are a variety of wildflowers available the best way to choose the type that is right for your area is to know your growing zone. 

Wildflowers are flowers that grow naturally in your area and thus they are tolerant of your environment. This means if your summers are dry then the natural wildflowers in your area are accustomed to these weather conditions and are drought tolerant. 
 
These flowers come in different heights; some are low growing and these can be planted in a border garden or in a raised garden bed.  Most wildflowers are tall, with stems up to three feet.  These tall beautiful flowers are eye appealing growing in masses in a large garden; prairie, cottage or a cutting garden.

There are perennial wildflowers that will return yearly and there are annual wildflowers that will grow for one season and then die back.  They will not return the following summer and you will need to replant.

Choose a wildflower seed that will accommodate your garden needs, buy seeds in packets for small gardens and seeds in bulk to cover large areas of ground. Also, choose the flowers that will grow in your sun exposure.  Some flowers are formulated to grow in shady conditions and others are meant to grow in sun. 

Planting
Test your soil before planting as wildflowers grow best in moderate humus dirt that is well-drained.   If your soil is poor, then amend it with organic compost, manure or topsoil. For clay based soil then amend this soil with sand and with organic compost.  

Follow the directions as to when to plant. Some flowers are planted in the fall and others in the spring.  Water wildflowers seeds every day.  Seedlings need plenty of water until the roots are established. Best time to water is in the morning.  


Notes:

Fertilize with water applications I like to use miracle grow bloom booster.  A light application of fertilizer when seedlings are about a foot tall is helpful.  Also, apply a thin layer of mulch to aid in retaining moisture and to deter weed growth. 



Water newly planted wildflower seeds and seedlings lightly and frequently during germination, then water as needed in the morning.  Generally, I water daily with a soaking hose so the water gets to the roots.

If you enjoy watching wildlife; butterflies, hummingbirds then grow a garden of wildflowers.
 


Monday, May 20, 2013

Growing Tips for Plants that Repel Mosquitoes



Grow a natural mosquito repellent plants in containers and prevent bites.  The citronella mosquito plant is a genetically engineered geranium hybrid. The entire plant repels mosquitoes with its citronella lemony scent.  
 


amazon Citronella Mosquito Plant 

Buy the plant from your local nursery of find it online at amazon.com.    I purchased my plants from amazon and planted a few geraniums in containers and one in the ground by my back garden.

The foliage of the plant is eye appealing and the scent of the leaves is that of a lemon.  I recommend that you grow a few plants in containers and set them close to your outdoor living space. 

Growing tips:
Choose a plant container that has drainage holes.  Fill the containers with miracle grow to 8 inches set the plant in the pot and then fill the rest of the container with soil.  Water after you plant and set in a sunny to part sun area.  It is best to keep the soil evenly moist but not wet.  Wet roots will cause the plant to die.

Tips
The mosquito plant will put out many leaves and these leaves emit the oil and the fragrance that repels the mosquitoes.  This is a natural method for repelling mosquitoes.

Another way to prevent repel mosquito’s is to break off a leaf, give it a good shake so the oil is realized and then rub the leaves onto your exposed skin. 

If you are like me and are mosquito magnet, then I would recommend that you plant more than one  plant. Put a few plants in containers close to your patio, deck and along your garden path.  

This geranium will repel mosquitoes up to 25 feet.  

Grow the citronella mosquito plant outdoors during the summer season.  You will need to bring it indoors before there is a fall frost.  You can put it in your greenhouse or bring the plant inside your home and set it next to a southern exposed window.  The lemon scent will add a lovely fragrance to your home. 

View this YouTube video to learn about other flowers that repel mosquitoes.