Germinating Seeds Inside

It doesn’t matter if the seeds you are starting are going to be making their way outdoors once germinated or if they are going to be additions to your indoor garden – starting seeds inside is the best way to ensure success.  The tiny seeds and seedlings do not do well with harsh weather changes and a late frost or excessive rain can prevent them from growing.  There is also the problem of birds getting into the seeds as a food source.

There are many commercial helpers you can buy to make germinating seeds an easy project.  Peat pellets that come with a miniature hot house require nothing more than adding water to the seed and peat and covering with the supplied lid.  But some water, high-quality soil, sunlight and time are all that you need.

Like plants, seeds like to be kept moist so a good drainage system in the pot is necessary so they do not get too much water.  There is no solution to them getting too dry though, just don’t forget to water them.  Don’t count on all of the seeds sprouting even if you have purchased seeds from a reputable source some will be duds.  For this reason, make sure you plant more of each seed than the desired number of plants you are looking for.

As the seedlings begin to sprout, continue to keep them moist and turn them regularly to create even sun exposure.  When the leaves start to come out you can begin the process of transplanting.  Whether you are going to be growing the plants indoors or outdoors it is the same procedure.  Gently take the new seedling with the roots and plant it in a new pot, if you are taking it outside you can plant it directly into the ground.

Getting Flowering Plants to Blossom Indoors

You may have heard that it is hard to get shrubs or trees to blossom indoors, that’s because it is the right conditions are essential.  But if you have the patience and the correct amount of light (the brighter the better) to provide you can be successful.  In addition to having the right conditions, you will also need to choose a flowering plant that has a history of blooming in indoor gardens.

If you purchase you flowering tree at a green house, be aware that the plant will be acclimatized to the optimal conditions found there.  You may have better luck purchasing at a nursery or bringing an outdoor plant indoors – they will be hardier and used to changes in weather.  Look into your garden center’s return policy too, many will guarantee the life of your new plant for a certain period of time.  They will also give you important information on the care and maintenance your flowering plant will need. Humidity is important too, you can purchase a humidifier to help or you can simply place a tray of water close to the plants and as it evaporates it will create more moisture in the air.

Some of the best plants to buy that have been proven to easily flower indoors are:

* Camellias
* Azaleas
* Crimson Bottle Brush
* Gardenias
* Zebra Plant

Keeping the soil moist, fertilizing approximately twice per year and plenty of direct, bright light – if you follow these tips you are sure to see blossoms on your trees or shrubs.  Be careful with open windows, if you do not have screens bees and other pollinating insects are sure to find their way inside your home.  They aren’t the best houseguests but if they show themselves back out they are great for the flowers.

Things you should know when Fertilizing Indoor Plants

Plants need different elements from the soil to grow.  If they are not present in the right amount the plants will not be as healthy or grow as they should.  This is the reason plants need fertilizer, to add the missing elements (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium).  You can give your plants too much fertilizer and that will have the opposite affect you are going for. 

The same species of plant that is grown indoors or outdoors will have different fertilizing needs.  Plants that are grown indoors have a will not need as much fertilizer as the ones grown outside.  The rate of growth is slower indoors and you can harm your plant by over-fertilizing it. 

How do you know how much fertilizer to give to your plants and when to feed it to them?  If you have purchased a plant meant for the indoors chances are the information tag it comes with will give fertilizing instructions. But a better method to follow is observing your plant for any signs that would indicate it is lacking nutrients.

Your plant might need fertilizer if it is not growing as fast as it should.  If you notice the growth of the plant is stunted and it is spring or summer you can safely add fertilizer in small amounts over a period of one to two weeks.  Many indoor gardeners will add fertilizer as part of routine maintenance each spring and that is fine too.  Just be careful not too over-fertilize.  Some signs that you have added to much fertilizer are the tip of the leaves are turning brown or the leaves are drooping downwards.

All fertilizers are not made the same; they are available in different ratios of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.  Purchase a fertilizer meant for indoor plants or one that is made for a specific type of plant.