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Grow daffodils in Arizona Pottery POTS |
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| 1. Start with a BIG ARIZONA POT - A pot that is at least 16" wide and almost as deep will give you the best display. It can accommodate about 40 bulbs. We like our terracotta Italian Rolled Rim Pot (shown below). It is made of clay so it breathes, it comes in many sizes and it is beautiful. |
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2. Choose a fun variety of bulbs. Shop for bulbs at your local nursery, by mail or on the internet for the best choices. You can buy unnamed bulbs in bulk bags at your nursery - they're less expensive than named varieties sold individually.
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3. Buy healthy bulbs. Avoid ones that are soft, squishy, or moldy.
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4. Plant them close. Fill the clay or ceramic pot with loose, fast draining soil mix to within 5" of the rim, then place bulbs atop the soil, pointy side up (roots sprout from the round end). Set them almost shoulder to shoulder, and cover them with 4" of potting soil.
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| 5. Shade the garden pot. Water well after planting, then set the planting container aside in a shaded area. After green shoots appear in late winter or early spring, resume watering and move the garden pot to a sunny spot. |
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By Pam Brooks
Post Last Updated: 1/14/2013 3:52:31 PM |
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Think Ahead - Plant daffodil bulbs now! |
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Daffodils - One of spring's most popular icons, these classic beauties comprise hundreds of members of the genus Narcissus. They are simple to grow, need little more than full sun, moist soil, and occasional feeding with a standard garden fertilizer.
This time of year finds many gardeners and gardens pretty tired. But, if you plan ahead and plant some bulbs now - it will pay off come next Spring. Daffolids are hardy depending on the variety, making them suitable for nearly all of the U.S. & Canada. Certain types won't flower for lack of winter chilling, but Southern gardeners needn't fret - just by those labeled as suitable for Southern gardens.
Daffodils that multipy each year, or "naturalize," are popular because they eventually form masses of color. Many varieties do so, but not all, so confirm before purchasing. Popular growers include 'Carlton', 'Tete-a-Tete', 'Mount Hood', and 'Dutch Master', a newer version of the famous yellow 'King Alfred'.
If large old clumps cease blooming, they need to be divided. Dig them up after they die back in summer, split them into individual bulbs, and replant. Or, pay it forward by giving them away - it's a great way to share some spring joy with fellow gardeners. |
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As you can see from the photo above, we love bulbs planted in pots. Potted bulbs make it easy to decorate with and create different looks in your garden or patio areas. They are also easy to move so that they get the amount of sun required to grow. The pots shown are simple terracotta pots and Arizona Pottery sells the best on the market. Our's come to us directly from the mfg in Italy and the quality if known for being the best available.
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By Pam Brooks
Post Last Updated: 1/14/2013 3:51:51 PM |
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Grow your own backyard drugstore! |
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 Feel happier with geraniums!
The mere scent and sight of these colorful blooms is a proven mood booster - they activate the brain region that regulates hormones reducing anxiety and irritability. Bonus: Mosquitoes hate the fragrance, so a few geraniums will keep the pests away! Plant a few simple clay pots or fill a garden bed with them. They will never disappoint.
How to grow: Since geraniums are low-maintenance plants that will thrive in nearly any soil, you can place them anywhere - they also need little water to survive.
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Smooth wrinkles with chamomile!
This member of the daisy family may be best known as a relaxing tea, but it also has a compound proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles! Steep 1 tsp of fresh blossoms in 1 C of hot water for 15 -20 minutes, strain and pat on as a facial wash. It also reduces redness and irritation.
How to grow: Chamomile is a great ground cover and also does well in garden pots. By placing it in a pot you can control the spreading of roots and keep the plant contained. Just put in sunlight and watch it grow. |
Soothe sun damage with aloe!
You know aloe is great for soothing sunburns - and there's good reason why: The gel inside the leaves has anti-inflammatory compounds that have been found to penetrate skin cells 500% better than water - the reason it cools on contact. The most effective way to benefit: break off a stalk (it'll grow back) and squeeze the gel right onto the burn.
How to grow: Aloe needs watering and warmth, so keep it in a beautiful containerand bring it indoors during the winter months.
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Ease back pain with ground ivy!
This vine's potent anti-inflammatory compunds have made it a time-honored remedy for sciatica, lower back pain. To use it fill an old sock with ground ivy, leaves, flowers & roots, hang it on the tub faucet as it fills and soak for 20 minutes.
How to grow: It can thrive in any kind of soil or light and needs harly any effort to survive. However, we recommend you contain it from taking over your yard by placing it in a large decorative container. |
 Relieve poison ivy with impatiens!
This colorful annual has an inti-inflammatory agent that counteracts the irritants in poison ivy and poison oak; in fact, its extract can provide ich relief in minutes and overnight rash reduction for 95% of people. Slice the stem and rub the inside on the exposed area, or boil it into a tea and freeze in ice cube trays - whenever you get a rash, rub the ice cube over it.
How to grow: Impatiens provide brilliant color in light or even full shade where few flowers can survive. Just make sure you water thoroughly. We love them placed in a simple clay container in your garden area or patio. |
Zap a rash with chickweed!
If it seems like this feathery little plant with tiny white star like flowers is taking over parts of your yard, don't fret. Chickweed has a long history of topical use by the Amish and others to relieve itches, bee stings and bug bites. An now research reveals the reason: It's an effective antihistamine! Slice open the stem and apply directly.
How to grow: Chick weed works as excellent ground dover, just place in moist soil in a shady spot and it propagates fast. If you want to hold it back so it won't encroach on other plants, place it in a large decorative container. |
Energize with basil!
Basil leaves are a natural stimulant, giving you an energy boost whenever you're around them. Sniffing them can even reduce migraines and ease depression, according to scent studies!
How to grow: Basil prefers full sun, so keep plants in an area where they'll get eight hours a day. Put them in a kitchen window, in a sweet planterand have them handy year round. |
Playing with plants, pottery and different combinations of the two can be fun & very rewarding. You can plant different kinds of plants for fragrance & color but don't forget the health and medical purposes they can be used for. |
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By Pam Brooks
Post Last Updated: 1/14/2013 3:49:59 PM |
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September and October are ideal months to plant; November is OK if soil is still workable. Plant bulbs, roots down, 6-9 inches deep. Add bulb food to the hole according to directions.
Deer and rabbits, which love most bulbs, find daffodils distasteful and rarely eat them. If you're plagued with these pests, plant as many daffodils as you like - and sleep soundly.
Wait until daffodil foliage begins to turn yellow and wither before cutting it off. This will help the plant bloom more vigorously next year.
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