Just the other day, I was feeding my citrus because mid-end February is the perfect time to begin feeding your houseplants. Days are getting longer and plants are waking up, so they’re looking for food to fuel spring and summer growth. I love feeding my citrus, especially because they give me something back—delicious fruit! Interesting … Read more
Just a few weeks ago, there wasn’t much you could do in the garden because of the short days and dim light. Now, all of a sudden, there are a number of things you can do. Since the Winter Solstice (December 21st), we have gained about an hour and a half of sunlight! Plants, which … Read more
The Origins of Valentine’s Day The origins of Valentine’s Day are not definite. Some say it was based on the Roman festival Lupercalia, which occurred on February 13th, 14th, and 15th. It celebrated spring and fertility. Others say it was a Christian festival celebrating one or more priests named Valentine. One was a priest who … Read more
Today, February 2, is Groundhog Day. Here are some interesting facts about them. Their botanical name is Marmota Monax. They go by several common names—Groundhog, Woodchuck, Whistle Pig, and Land Beaver. They are native to the eastern part of North America. Their normal weight is about 12 pounds. They hibernate all winter. Their teeth never … Read more
Many vegetables can be started indoors in just a few weeks, by mid-February. Warm-season veggies like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant can be started, and some cool-season veggies also appreciate a head start before transplanting outdoors. Do remember that root crops (like beets, carrots, turnips, and even yams) do NOT like to be transplanted, so they … Read more
Winter officially runs from the Winter Solstice on or around December 21st, through the Spring Equinox on or around March 21st. Meteorologists consider winter the months of December, January, and February. Me personally? I consider it winter the first time I have to pull out my coat. Winter in Richmond According to NOAA.gov, winter temps … Read more
So what should you be doing with your houseplants or in your garden in January? How about NOTHING! Days are pitifully short and sunlight weak, so it’s not advised to fertilize, prune, or repot now. However, this is a great time to reflect on the previous year and decide what went right or wrong in … Read more
Last week, we learned a little about Grow Lights. This week, I’ve got the perfect things to use them on—fresh herbs inside for the winter. If you have less than six hours of natural light, then that’s where you can use your Grow Lights. The lights should be about 2 feet from your plants and … Read more
We all know plants need light to grow. They use the sunlight to create food for themselves, releasing oxygen as a by-product, thereby giving us what we need to breathe. Without enough light plants become weak and spindly. In addition, without proper light plants stop flowering or fruiting; they may even give up altogether and die. So whether we are trying to grow … Read more
Sunday, December 21st, was the Winter Solstice, the day with the shortest daylight hours and the longest night. It’s also known as the Hibernal Solstice. As the planet travels around the sun, it does so at an angle. The Solstice is when the tilt is at it’s maximum. This happens twice a year—around June 21st … Read more
