Plants From Your Kitchen

Written by Administrator | 17 September 2006

Do you ever think about the seeds from the fruits you eat? Sometimes it seems wasteful to just throw them away. It’s possible that you can grow houseplants from these fruits, and with luck, you may just get some fruit.

Use a standard potting soil mix combined with an even amount of horticultural sand and vermiculite for starting fruit seeds and pits. You will need to keep this mix consistently moist and warm.

Apple seeds will need to be chilled before germinating. Keep the seeds in a tight container in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks. The seeds then need to be put in small containers containing the soil mixture. Lay the seeds just under the top of the soil, and keep them slightly moist. It usually takes 5-7 weeks for apple seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings are approximately 5 inches tall, transplant them.

Citrus fruits will need to be rinsed clean and soaked overnight. You can then put them in about 2/3 of an inch of the soil mixture.  As with the apple seedlings, transplant once they are about 5 inches tall. It isn’t advisable to feed them until about 5 months after transplanting.

Peach pits will need to be soaked for several days. You can then put them in a pot containing horticultural sand, 2 parts peat moss, and 3 parts potting soil. Place the pot in a nice warm location. It can take at least 7 months to germinate. These you can feed at half strength every few months.

In order to plant a coconut, you will need a very deep and wide container. Sandy soil with potting soil mixed in is best. Place the narrow end of the seed into the soil. Keep this mix wet until it sprouts; this can be 7-13 months after planting.

Guava and avocado pits have also been known to grow. Use about ½ inch deep starting mix, keeping the pot covered in plastic wrap until sprouts appear. This usually takes about 5 weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted once they are about 7 inches tall.  

Useful Houseplants

Written by Administrator | 01 July 2006

Keeping houseplants is great for your décor, but there are some varieties of plants which prove themselves useful.  

Aloe Vera - Aloe Vera is a common ingredient in skin care products. It heals dry and chapped skin, and soothes burns. It also makes a great houseplant and is generally easy to care for. When treating a burn or skin irritation, break off one of the leaves and spread the gel on your skin.

Herbs - Many herbs such as chives, basil, mint, and thyme all do well indoors, as long as they get plenty of light. Growing them in a sunny windowsill is a good option. It’s best to grow herbs you use fairly regularly. This helps to keep them pruned on a regular basis, as some grow quite large.

Grasses - Some varieties of grass look quite attractive, and can also make a nice treat for pets. This is a good option if you have a cat that enjoys chewing on greenery. Oat or wheat grasses are good options for a pet treat. Many varieties can be easily grown indoors; just make sure the container has proper drainage.

Fruits - There are fruit plants which can be grown indoors, but only some produce edible fruit in home conditions. Alpine strawberries are one choice, and can do well near a sunny window. Miniature orange trees are another option. Be sure to choose a variety that is meant for growing indoors, and provide plenty of sun or artificial light.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day from A Greener Image!

Summer Time for Plants

Written by Administrator | 01 June 2006

With the summer months upon us, you’ll need to pay special attention to your houseplants. This is the most strenuous time of year for plants in the Arizona desert.

Your plants will most likely need to be watered more heavily during the summer months, especially if they are near a window. This is especially true in the beginning of summer, as your plants will be acclimating to the higher temperatures. Many of them will adjust over time.  Keep in mind that the air conditioning can make the soil stay moist for longer periods of time. In some cases, you may need to water less. Be sure to keep plants away from A/C vents. The constant drafts can damage the plant.

A common problem during the hot months is insect infestation. Be on the lookout for any signs of this. Check underneath the leaves and in creases occasionally. Wiping the leaves thoroughly, or spraying the plant with a water and rubbing alcohol mix (50/50) should remedy this. You will likely need to do this a few times.

Lighting can also become an issue this summer. Plants which are located near a window may get burned. If you notice any signs of burning or excessive wilting in your window plants, move them back a bit, or to another location.  Plants that are not near a window may suffer from light deficiency. If you keep curtains and blinds closed to keep your house cool this summer, keep in mind this can block the light from reaching your plants. If you do this, it’s advisable to move plants to a more well-lit location.

You may continue to fertilize throughout the summer months, but it’s a good idea to do so less frequently, or to reduce the amount of fertilizer which is given. Plants become stressed easily in the summer, and are more prone to over-fertilization. 

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