| How to Grow Forget Me Nots Indoors Posted: 10 Mar 2021 12:00 AM PST With their small, blue petals and dazzling yellow centers, forget-me-nots are beautiful additions to your collection of indoor flowers! They should thrive in a partially sunny window in the right conditions and with a little bit of time and care each week. You'll enjoy seeing your flowers bloom continually all through the spring and summer. [Edit]Growing Conditions - Use a separate pot with drainage holes for each plant. Putting each plant in its own pot keeps them from getting overcrowded, which helps them stay healthy. The soil needs to be able to drain so the roots don't sit in water, so make sure each pot has several draining holes on the bottom.[1]
- You can use all kinds of containers for forget-me-nots! Plastic works well because it doesn't absorb any moisture, leaving more for the soil. But ceramic or clay pots are perfectly fine, too![2]
- Because you're putting each plant into a separate pot, and the typical spread of forget-me-nots is , you shouldn't need to repot mature forget-me-nots in larger containers.
- Choose a well-draining potting soil with a pH level of 5.5-7. In most cases, the pH level is listed on the front of the bag so it's easy to see. If the level isn't indicated, you can assume that the pH level is around 7. Look for a mixture made of soil, compost, and organic matter (peat moss works well, too).[3]
- If you're not sure what to buy, ask someone at your local nursery for help. They can point you in the right direction!
- A well-draining soil is essential so that your plant won't sit in stagnant water, which could cause rot and disease.
- Plant your flowers in early spring so they bloom before winter. Winter is the natural dormant time for forget-me-nots, and your flowers won't produce many (if any) blooms during that time. Planting the flowers in spring as the dormant period ends gives them the longest time to grow and bloom.[4]
- Since you're keeping your forget-me-nots indoors, you don't have to worry about waiting for the last frost to pass.
- You can plant seeds, but keep in mind that most forget-me-nots won't flower much their first year. If you want to enjoy blooms right away, opt to buy flowers from your local nursery that are a little more mature.
- Place the flowers where they'll get 6 hours of sun each day. These flowers are pretty hardy and thrive in shaded and full-sun conditions, so popping the pots into a window that gets ample light should be good enough for it to grow. If it's still cold outside and frosting overnight, leave a little space between the plant and the window—otherwise, the cold could transfer from the glass to the plant and stunt its growth.[5]
- If you don't have room on the ground for a table or plant stand, consider installing a hanging pot. That way, you can have your flowers indoors but don't lose any surface area or floor space.
- Keep the temperature between . Forget-me-nots like a moderate temperature. During the fall, winter, and early spring, make sure your heat is set to at least . In the summer, try to keep the temperature from going too far past .[6]
- Forget-me-nots don't do well in super high heat, which is why they need partial shade when they're outside. Indoors, their environment should be much easier to control.
- Keep the humidity level below 70% to prevent fungal growth. High heat and humidity levels are forget-me-not's greatest foes. In addition to monitoring the temperature, use a dehumidifier during the summer months if the indoor humidity creeps past 70%.[7]
- Using air conditioning and ceiling fans is a great way to keep humidity in check if you don't have a dehumidifier.
[Edit]Maintenance and Care - Water the soil when the top feel dry. Test the moisture level by sticking your finger down into the soil up to the middle knuckle. If the soil is dry, add water slowly until it starts to come out of the drainage holes. During the spring and summer, check the soil every few days to make sure the forget-me-nots don't get too dry.[8]
- During the dormant months (wintertime), cut back on watering to just once or twice a month. In the spring, as things warm up, water your forget-me-nots more frequently.[9]
- Fertilize the soil once per month if the leaves look a little yellow. Use a 5-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer. Mix 1 teaspoon (6 grams) of fertilizer with of water in a clean watering can. Use it to water your forget-me-nots when you notice the leaves starting to fade or once a month during the growing season.[10]
- There's no need to fertilize these flowers during the winter months.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new ones to grow. After the flowers bloom and die, pinch them off where they meet the stem so new ones can come in. Blooms usually only last a few days, so plan on deadheading twice a week during the growing season.[11]
- You could also use a pair of shears to deadhead, though the flowers should come off easily if you pinch and pull.
- Prune dead stems and leaves during the dormant season. After the forget-me-nots stop blooming in late fall and winter, cut away any stems or leaves that have died. Use clean, sharp shears, and throw away the debris. You may end up cutting the plant back entirely to the soil, which is okay! It should come back just fine in the spring.[12]
- To clean your shears or scissors, wipe an alcohol-soaked cotton ball over the blades. This prevents the spread of any diseases.
- Since you're growing forget-me-nots indoors, there's a chance the plant won't die off completely. Use your best judgment when pruning and try only to cut away stems that have died.
- Spray your forget-me-nots with an insecticidal spray to deal with pests. Luckily, these flowers don't attract many bugs or diseases when they're outdoors, and they're even less likely to develop problems indoors. Aphids are the most common pest you might encounter, and they're easily dealt with by spraying your plants with an insecticidal spray.[13]
- As soon as you notice an issue, get to work! The sooner you address a bug infestation, the more likely your plant will recover and go on to live a healthy life.
- If your forget-me-nots are struggling, check the soil to make sure it's moist or move them to a new window to see if that helps. Dry soil and too much direct sunlight are the main culprits if your plants aren't blooming.[14]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Growing Conditions - pots with drainage holes
- Potting soil
[Edit]Maintenance and Care - Watering can
- Water-soluble fertilizer
- Garden shears
- Insecticidal spray
[Edit]References |
| How to Store Tools in an Apartment Posted: 09 Mar 2021 04:00 PM PST Do you have stacks of tools taking up valuable space in your apartment? Not to worry—there are lots of clever ways you can organize, sort, and store your work tools without cluttering your living space. Here are a few tips and hacks to help you get started! [Edit]Pegboard - Pegboards make efficient use of limited closet space. Screw a pegboard panel or 2 onto the back and sides of your closet, if there's enough space. Then, stick curved J-hooks into the individual pegboard holes. Hang up all your favorite tools on these hooks—this way, it's super easy to find and grab whichever tool you need.[1]
[Edit]Toolbox - Large toolboxes come with plenty of drawers and compartments. Find an open space in your home where you can sort your tools into different piles. Place your most-used tools in a toolbox for easy access. Then, slip the toolbox into a nearby closet.[2]
- Some toolboxes come with small, plastic organizers that are great for sorting screws, washers, bolts, and other small items.
- Measure, cut out, and place a section of non-slip rug mat in your toolbox shelves to keep your tools from jostling and rolling around.[3]
[Edit]Under-Bed Storage - Under-the-bed storage bins keep your tools completely out of sight. While usually recommended for pillows and blankets, under-the-bed storage bins can be used for just about anything.[4] Fill the container with any tools that are taking up space in your home. Then, slide the basin under your bed until later!
- Label each basin so you don't forget what's inside.
[Edit]Adhesive Hooks - Adhesive hooks turn any vertical surface into storage space. Some people like to organize their bathroom hairstyling tools on adhesive hooks.[5] Test out this handy storage trick with your own tools! Find a section of open space in your home—this might be an empty wall, the inside of a cabinet or something else altogether. Follow the packaging instructions and arrange multiple hooks in rows or columns along your wall—this way, you'll make the most of your space. Then, hang a lightweight tool on the hook, like a wrench or a pair of scissors.
- Look for tools that have an opening drilled along the bottom—these will be easiest to hang up.
- Double-check the weight limits on the hook before hanging anything up. Some hooks can hold up to of weight, while others can't hold quite as much.
[Edit]Plastic Tub - See-through storage makes it easy to find what you're looking for. Sort your tools into different groupings—you might put hammers and screwdrivers together, or group the tools that you use most frequently. Transfer each pile into a differently labeled plastic bin. Then, slide and stack the bins into a closet for easy storage![6]
- If you have a lot of large tools, invest in larger plastic tubs.
[Edit]Luggage - Repurpose old bags into handy storage. Have any empty duffels or totes lying around? Place your heavier tools in these bags for quick, easy storage. Then, tuck the luggage into a closet for easy access.[7]
- For example, you might fit a circular saw into an old bowling ball duffel bag.
[Edit]Mason Jars - Mason jars fit snugly in a drawer when turned on their side. Find a drawer that you don't use very much. Place the bottom end of several mason jars along the back edge of this drawer. Then, arrange the jars so they're flush against one another. At this point, sort and organize your tools into each jar.[8]
- You don't need to glue the jars in place—just open the drawer gently when you grab your tools.
- This hack is officially recommended for kitchen tools but can work well for any type of thin, narrow tool, like a ruler or screwdriver.
[Edit]Door Rack - Over-the-door racks transform the back of your door into usable storage space. Hang up the rack over the top of any door in your apartment. If needed, secure the rack to your door with extra hardware, so it doesn't shift or fall. Hang up your tools on the hooks and/shelves of the rack, which gives you easy access whenever you need them.[9]
- You can find over-the-door racks online, or at most home goods stores.
[Edit]Belt Rack - Belt racks make it easy to organize small tools, like wrenches. Screw a belt rack onto a wall in your apartment. Then, hang up individual tools from each hook on your belt rack.[10]
- This is a great way to organize wrenches from largest to smallest.
[Edit]Corner Tool Rack - Corner tool racks offer versatile storage throughout your home. These racks are angled and designed to fit along the edge of 2 walls without taking up too much space. Look around your home for any open corner space where this type of rack might fit. Place your tools in this storage rack, and slide it into the open corner for quick, easy access.[11]
- This is a great way to store longer tools, like shovels, brooms, and hoes.
[Edit]Closet or Cupboard - Closets and cupboards help keep your tools out of sight. Take a look at what's in your closet right now—can you rearrange or move your belongings to make some extra space?[12] Similarly, see if you can dedicate a shelf or cupboard of kitchen space to some of your tools.
- For instance, you might store a pipe cutter, chisel, and hand drill in your kitchen cupboard, and keep your larger tools, like a jigsaw, drill, or sander, in your closet.
[Edit]DIY Organizer - Create a mini organizer with foam balls and a dowel. Drill a hole down the center of multiple foam balls with a drill bit. Then, mount a dowel onto a wooden bracket so it stays put. Slide and glue the pre-drilled foam balls onto the dowel—this creates an organizer "tree" of sorts for your tools. Once the glue dries and cures, stick small tools, like drill bits, screwdrivers, and Allen wrenches directly into the foam. Place this organizer on any open surface in your home, where you can easily grab what you need.[13]
- A construction adhesive works best with this project. Double-check the drying and curing time before sticking any objects in the foam balls.
- If you're willing to splurge a little bit, a tool bucket organizer is a compact, handy way to store lots of small tools in one place.[14]
[Edit]References |
| How to Choose Plants for a Garden Posted: 09 Mar 2021 08:00 AM PST Starting a garden can be an overwhelming project, especially if you're unfamiliar with the nearly endless variety of plants out there. Before you drop a single seed, take a look at the unique conditions of your planned garden space and do some research into the kind of plants that will have the best chance of survival there. You can then pick out a few specific species that suit your tastes and tailor your cultivation methods to make sure they grow big, beautiful, and abundant. [Edit]Picking Plants Suited to Your Climate - Plant hardy perennials in cold conditions. Gardeners in cool, temperate regions will have the best luck with resilient flowers and shrubs like sorrels, daylilies and ostrich fern. These plants are better equipped to survive low or drastically fluctuating temperatures than their warm-weather counterparts.[1]
- Plants that favor frigid conditions tend to be woody and have little colorful foliage.
- You can find more information on the different climate zones and where you fall within them online.[2]
- Grow heat-tolerant plants in tropical and subtropical climates. If you live someplace where it's warm and humid year round, stick to species that do well in steamier environments. Some good examples are amaranths, various species of ferns, and the ever-popular orchid, which can't seem to get enough heat and moisture.[3]
- The thick, waxy leaves of spider plants and aloe make them well-adapted to warmer zones. When chosen for container gardening, you can easily shuffle them around to where the air is muggiest.
- Bamboo also has no problem finding footing in hot spots and can be strategically planted to serve as an attractive and exotic privacy hedge. Just be careful to make sure it doesn't spread out of control.[4]
- Take the precipitation levels in your area into account. The amount of rainfall your plants take in can play a big part in how well they ultimately do. Gardens that see regular showers usually won't be in need of much extra watering. On the other hand, your plants may benefit from 2-3 good drinks a day if they spend a lot of time drying out under the hot sun.[5]
- All it takes is one good storm to drown out species like cotyledon and verbena, which don't like to get wet.[6]
- Run a quick search for the annual rainfall averages in your neck of the woods to get an idea of how frequently you'll need to water your plants.
- Plan for frost. Plug your postal code into an online frost date calculator to find out when the first and last frosts of the season are due where you live. With few exceptions, young plants respond poorly to plunging temperatures. Knowing when they're coming will allow you to plant new additions accordingly and take measures to protect the selections that are already below ground.[7]
- The National Centers for Environmental Information makes many excellent resources available to curious regional gardeners.[8]
[Edit]Choosing Plants Based on Garden Conditions - Work with the space you have available. The overall size of your garden will be one of the biggest limiting factors in what you're able to grow there. For instance, you may only need a few square feet to put in a small annual flower bed. Raising a large garden filled with fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, will require much more ground space.
- Consider converting one corner of your backyard into a growing site. That way, everything will be together in one place, which will make watering and pruning less of a chore.
- Don't let a lack of square footage discourage you. It's possible to keep a thriving garden almost anywhere, as long as you're willing to get creative.[9]
- Plant large and fast-growing specimens if you have lots of space. Prolific growers like creeping phlox and Roman chamomile can quickly overtake modest residential gardens, leaving no room for anything else. In roomier landscapes, however, they'll fill in empty areas quite nicely and be free to spread out to their full size.[10]
- Mid-sized trees, such as redbuds, magnolias, and Japanese maples, can be just the right size for establishing boundaries or providing natural privacy.
- Try container gardening if ground space is limited. Most small flowering plants will be right at home in a pot, box, or planter. Picking up a few containers of the appropriate size can spare you the headache of reorganizing your beds in an effort to make everything fit. You can even move your containers indoors if the weather gets inhospitable.[11]
- Make sure your containers are large enough to house the root structure of the species you're planting and have holes in the bottom for efficient drainage.
- Have fun coming up with clever container ideas. You might use an old washtub to plant a patch of petunias, or you could start a miniature herb garden in a wheelbarrow full of potting soil.[12]
- Select plants that are suited to the soil at your growing site. Is your soil overly dry and crumbly, or does it stay saturated from consistent rainfall? The answer will have an impact on which plants will be able to make it there. Keep in mind that it is possible to modify the soil conditions in your garden to a degree through the use of amendments and drainage materials.[13]
- Golden aster, sweet fern, and most succulents are examples of plants that thrive in dry soil.[14]
- Siberian iris, forget-me-nots, and hydrangea are thirstier than most plants, and as a result are better equipped to handle marshy soil types.[15]
- Observe the light levels in your garden. Make a note of roughly how many hours of direct sunlight your garden receives each day. 8 or more hours is considered full sun, while partial sun is about 4 or 5. Since plants can have such radically different light requirements, they might not all be equally suitable for your space.
- The light requirements for a given plant can typically be found on the pot or package.
- Position light-loving plants in areas with the most sun exposure. Hearty selections such as lavender, sedum, and echinacea will happily soak up all the rays they can get. The same goes for tomatoes, lemons, and other fruits and veggies that naturally spring up where there's ample light and heat.[16]
- Save the center of your garden for species that require higher doses of sunlight.
- Move your container plants around as needed throughout the day to increase the amount of time they spend in the sun.
- Keep sensitive plants in full or partial shade. Hostas, begonias, and other darkness dwellers will do best when situated in dim recesses, along the base of your home or fence, or beneath other large shade plants. There, they'll be able to take in enough light to grow, but not enough to rob them of precious moisture.[17]
- If your garden is partially shaded by trees or other structures, it could be the perfect place to plant impatiens or columbines, which are most comfortable with light that's somewhere in-between.
- Keep the soil around exposed shade plants damp to cool them off and prevent them from drying out.[18]
[Edit]Mixing Annuals, Perennials, and Edibles - Plant a selection of vibrant annual flowers. Annuals like geraniums, dahlias, petunias, and zinnias are beloved for their delicate shapes and stunning coloration. Most annuals have the same basic needs and are relatively low-maintenance, which can make it easier to grow an assortment of different species together in the same space.[19]
- Begonias, snapdragon, and marigold can all get by with minimal tending, making them a great choice for first-time growers and those who have limited time to spend in the garden.[20]
- Mix-and-match your annuals to lay down stretches of eye-catching color. Many of the more festive varieties come in multiple shades, including reds, pinks, yellows, purples, and blues, so your options are nearly endless.
- Put in perennial flowers and shrubs for continual beauty. Unlike annuals, which only last a single growing season, perennials are tough enough to return year after year, so long as they're properly cared for. They owe their longevity to more flexible water and nutrient requirements.[21]
- Once plants like heuchera, grandiflorum, and Peruvian lily are in the ground, they're not very demanding.[22]
- For many people, the fun of gardening lies in combining annual and perennial plants to create dazzling displays of shape, color, and texture.
- Draw attention with ornamental plants. As their name suggests, ornamental species are grown primarily for decorative purposes. They're most often characterized by features like colorful blooms, unusual textures, and lush, cascading foliage, and may also bear fruit or have a pleasant aroma. One or two out-of-the-ordinary offerings could spice up an otherwise plain garden in a big way.[23]
- Bring in a weeping willow or cluster of chrysanthemums to add a touch of natural elegance to your garden.
- Grasses and groundcover plants are useful for filling in negative space and offsetting more common flowers and shrubs.[24]
- Raise fresh fruits and vegetables. Rather than simply being nice to look at, edible crops provide healthy, nutritious food. A few plants can produce enough to keep you fed and cut down on the cost of going to grocery store. [25]
- Tomatoes, beans, melons, squash, peppers, and berries are among the most popular crops for home gardening.[26]
- If you're interested in growing both flowering plants and crops, you can reserve leftover plots for single batches of fruits or veggies after putting in your main display plants.
[Edit]Experimenting with Various Growing Options - Grow your plants from seeds. Head down to your local gardening center, greenhouse, or plant nursery and browse their selection of ready-to-sow seed packets. You can often find starter kits for a wide range of species, including both flowering plants and edible crops. Be sure to follow the instructions provided on the package closely to ensure that your plants are successful.[27]
- Sunflowers, poppies, and daisies are common seed starters, along with vegetables like carrots, cucumber, radish, and cabbage.[28]
- Raising your plants from seed can be a very rewarding experience, and is often a sign of a skilled gardener.
- Transplant young container plants for easy cultivation. Some plants are easier to care for after they've already been started. After deciding what kind of seedling or sapling you want to grow, making room for it in your garden is as easy as digging a hole, dropping the root structure inside, and making sure its water and nutrient needs are met.[29]
- Temperamental species like roses, boronia, and most small trees fall under this category.
- Hardening off potted plants can help them gradually acclimate to their new growing conditions. You can accomplish this by leaving them outside for an additional hour every day for 1-2 weeks, making your waterings more frequent in the meantime.[30]
- Keep your favorite plants going by taking cuttings. Clip the uppermost stems from flowers like roses, hydrangeas, and geraniums and place them in fresh, well-drained soil. Once they take root, dig them up and replant them alongside their parent plants. With careful attention, they'll begin to flourish on their own.[31]
- Keep newly-planted cuttings covered with clear plastic bags to increase the humidity around them and help them grow faster.[32]
- Propagating plants from cuttings is a cost-effective way to multiply their numbers or give them a second chance without having to start over from scratch.
- Use helpful gardening structures to maximize your space. If you lack the room needed to cultivate adjoining plots, one practical solution is to construct raised beds that consolidate more growing room into less square footage. You may also be able to find a place for box planters and other elevated containers on walls, window ledges, or fence posts.[33]
- Stakes and trellises will allow vertical growers like tomatoes, beans, and creeping vine to move upwards rather than outwards.
- A lattice draped with wisteria or honeysuckle can pull double duty as both a space-saving measure and a means of presentation.[34]
- Do your homework to find out which types of plants are best suited for the unique climate and soil conditions in your area.
- Take good care of your soil. You'll be able to grow more plants in a small, healthy patch of dirt than you could in a large one with none of the right properties.
- Keep a notebook to record which plants are doing well and which ones aren't. That way, you'll have the option of trading out the failures for a more agreeable species come the next growing season.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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