Ferns are a popular choice for indoor gardens as they are easy to care for, do not require to be repotted very often and are attractive.  There is a wide range of fern varieties available and each one has a unique look.  Some of the different ferns great for houseplants are:

* Maidenhair Ferns
* Davallias
* Fishbone Ferns
* Cretan Brake Ferns

Begonias are a great choice for the indoors too especially if you do not have a great light source.  This plant can survive on very little light each day.  Some will flower indoors but  the leaves are beautiful on their own too.  They also don’t mind cooler temperatures either, but it should not get colder than 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius).  A few the begonia varieties available:

* Rex Begonias
* Iron Cross Begonias
* Begonia Masoniana

The fern and begonia aren’t the only breeds of houseplant that will survive even the newest of green thumbs.  Here is list of different kinds of plants you can try too:

* Spider Plants
* Devil’s Ivy
* Cast Iron Plants
* Chinese Evergreen

Once you have a few plants in your indoor garden and are comfortable with the care required, you will have the skill and confidence needed to take care of a higher-needs variety.

Taking a cutting from a plant is also known as propagation.   If you have a hardwood plant that you want to propagate the process is slow but easy to do as the cuttings are quite hardy.  Take the cutting (about 5 inches worth) when the tree is dormant (in the middle of winter) and place the cutting cut-side up in a pail of sand.  Fill the pail with water and wait until spring.  Then submersed side will have little nodules that will turn into roots once planted.

When you are taking a cutting from a soft-wood plant, it will require more care and attention.  Taking cuttings from soft-wood yields quicker results and you do the actually cutting when the plant is in the active growing phase.  You are cutting off the new growth back to a nodal (from the point it stopped growing the year previous).  This method
benefits from the use of a root producing medium found at nursery stores.  It is important to place the cutting (cut-side down) into the root medium immediately.  If the cutting dries out it will lessen the changes of a successful cutting.

Next, pick a pot or container suitable to the type of plant you are growing and plant it once the roots have developed.  At this point, you can follow the regular care instructions for the type of plant you have just propagated.

Carrots, tomatoes, and radishes are three of the easiest vegetable to grow indoors.  Each grows differently and will need separate containers but with some research this is not a problem.  A south-facing window is the best source of natural sunlight for your vegetables to grow in.  If you do not have the right exposure, you can invest in an artificial bulb to provide supplemental light.

As with any container you choose to grow plants in, making sure there is enough drainage is key.  If your plants sit in too much water they are not going to survive.  If the pots you choose do not have holes in the bottom be sure to put a layer of gravel or wood chips to allow the water to run out of the soil.  The flip side of this is not to ensure the water does not run out too quickly either.

When choosing the types of vegetables to plant, follow the same guidelines as you would for outdoors.  On the seed packets it will give recommendations on when to plant, the amount of light and water that is needed and the spacing requirements.  Tailor your water schedule according to the condition of the soil, make sure it doesn’t get too dry or stay too wet either.

By the end of the summer or early fall you should be able to harvest the vegetables grown inside your own home.

To enrich the learning opportunity purchase clear containers to grow the plants in.  If you can not find a traditional pot that is clear make sure the container you use either has a drainage hole in the bottom or layer gravel on the bottom before adding the soil.  Once the plant starts to grow more the roots will become visible in the pot.

Children will love to grow their own vegetables and maybe even eat them once they are ready.  Buy each child a large container that is theirs to take care of and let them pick the type of vegetable they want to grow.  The easiest vegetables to grow indoors are carrots, tomatoes, and radishes.  There are a wide variety of tomatoes that you can grow from beefsteak to cherry tomato.

The next time you eat an orange, save the seeds.  Children can plant the seeds in small containers about 1 inch down into the soil.  By giving the plant watered and in the sunlight, in two to three weeks they will have their own citrus tree growing.  They can choose to keep it indoors or plant it outside in the summer when the small plant has become bigger and stronger.  Try the same with other fruit seeds too from watermelon to apple seeds.

Getting children to help with your houseplants is a good idea too.  Children love to help out with adult chores and it gives you a break at the same time.

In addition to the aloe vera plant there are other helpful plants that are good to have around the house.  An herb garden is a convenient way to add flavor and natural ingredients to many dishes.  From fresh dill in a homemade tzatziki sauce to chives mixed in with cream cheese for a delicious bagel. 

Many herbs can be dried and used for loose leaf teas not only a relaxing beverage, some herbs are known for their medicinal qualities too.  Some herbs that can be used as tea leaves or as part of a mixture are peppermint and ginger.

There are many edible plants that you can grow indoors to aid in digestion.  They can be broken of the plant as needed or some may need some preparation first. 

* Anise is a popular and widely used for aiding in digestion and easing colic in infants. 
* Coriander in addition to helping with digestion it is also a tasty addition to salsa.
* Fennel oil is used to ease upset stomachs too.  It is also used for increasing the amount of breast milk produced in mothers.

This is just a brief look at some of the other uses for houseplants.  It is recommended to research your plants before ingesting any to ensure they are safe.

The choices for terrarium containers are only limited by your imagination.  Traditionally
a smaller aquarium is used with a lid but a glass jar or other container will work nicely
too.  Plastic will work as well, just make sure that it is a clear plastic or you won’t be able
to admire your handiwork once it is completed.  Whatever size or material you choose for
your terrarium the most important factor is that it does not leak.  You need the water and
moisture to stay inside for it to work and you don’t want a mess inside your house.

The plants that you choose should all thrive in similar conditions and grow well in a
humid environment.  Popular plants to put into a terrarium are carnivorous (Venus Fly
Trap, sundew, or pitch plant) or rain forest plants (chamaedorea palms, small ferns or
fittonia). 

Terrariums are a low-maintenance indoor garden.  They need indirect sunlight (not too
bright) and no water is needed after the initial water is added.  The heat from inside the
terrarium evaporates the water and then it condenses on the lid falling back down to the
plants.  This process will continue keeping your plants alive.  If there is too much water
present, you may need to vent the terrarium (with a vented lid or opening the top a small
amount) just be sure to keep an eye on the soil’s moisture level (not too wet or dry).

With all the talk about green jobs and just the plain lack of jobs in the job market I thought I would do a few posts on how we can start creating our own futures.

Green Real Estate Jobs

Look into becoming a Real Estate agent. I know what you’re going to say. The real Estate market is the worst place to be right now. Well look at it this way, the Real Estate market will rebound and there has been a lot of agents that have gotten out of the game in the last few years. So why not be one of the agents that strikes it big when the market turns around. First you need to do some research of getting you Real Estate license in your state. You can find some great information at http://www.realestateswing.com/usa/real-estate-school . 1. Get your license there are a ton of schooling options available. You can even do it online. And it’s inexpensive as well as quick. 2. Start doing some research in your home town. Call around to some of the Real Estate companies and ask what it takes to work out of their office. Some charge desk fee’s while others require monthly goals to be meet. 3. Start your own blog as soon as possible taking about your local Real Estate. Wright posts about what you lean in school. This will eventually help you gain leads in the long term as well as show brokers your value when your finding a office to work out of. You can find free word press Real Estate Themes at: http://www.realestateswing.com/wordpress/ . 4. Start networking with friends and family. This can bring you a lot of work due to all the questions you’ll be getting about Real Estate. Becoming a Real Estate Agent is truly a green job. Most your work is done on the computer and the resources required is minimal. Not to mention Eco friendly homes are selling like hot cakes right now.

There is a market for potted plants if you you’re going to engage in this lucrative business whether as full-time or just merely a sideline.

What is only important is your passion to do the dirty work of gardening. Like any other business, however, you have to produce plants that are in demand. Plants that are high ticket in price, and high quality, that is they are disease-free, robust, and are of the right size.

Looking for in demand potted plants In this scenario, you have to be observant. You have to look around. Visit some plant nurseries, plant shops or you can ask homeowners what type of plants they need.

You can also inquire from landscapers what plants they are looking for in big numbers. Or else, you can attend some garden shows to find out which plants are hot sellers.

You’ll noticed that potted plants are used for various purposes. Some are used indoors in the home, in business offices, hotels, restaurants, or walkways in residential homes.

Potted plants are also used for planting in the garden, along highways, parks, subdivisions and they like.

Producing fairly priced potted plants Producing your priced potted plants will depend on your efficient way of producing them and by propagating your own plants fast and at a low cost.

Ways of propagating your potted plants

• By seed
• Marcotting
• Cutting
• Division
• Grafting

Steps in producing high quality potted plants

• Grow them in the right container. Not so big and not so small either. A very big container will be costly. It would also require plenty of potting soil which will add to the high cost. Over potting could also result in too moist condition that may be detrimental to the plant.
• Provide the right potting medium. Most plants require something that is easily drained and fairly rich soil. It should not be too heavy so it is easy to carry.
• Fertilize your plant regularly. Every week if necessary.
• Don’t overcrowd plants. Plants that are crowded are lanky and weak. There won’t be adequate air circulation so the plants are more susceptible to rot or some other disease organisms. Overcrowded plants also harbor a lot of pests.
• Make sure the plants are watered regularly. Don’t allow plants to wither, otherwise their leaves would be irreparably damaged.
• Repot plants as necessary. Usually, potted plants should be repotted evey six months or so, depending on the species.
• Provide the right lighting. Some plants love full sunlight. Others will only thrive in the shade. Make the right provision for the plants you have chosen to grow.
• Prune the plants as necessary. Well shaped plants sell more easily and at a better price.
• Provide a finishing area where the plants are groomed and readied for market.

Marketing your potted plants Selling potted plants is easy if you know where to find your target market. You can only make money if you can sell what you produce for profit.

Where to locate your target market?

At the very beginning of your potted plant business, you should know who are your clients. Buyers of your potted plans are; individual end-users, plant shop owners, traders, landscapers, nursery operators, business establishments (especially mall owners), and others.

Your buyers may come from your barangay, your town, province, the entire country, and abroad.

Strategies to be known by your target market

• Post signs along the highway where passersby will notice your message. In your message, you should be specific potted plants are available. For instance, you could say in your message that rare ornamental plants are available in your nursery. Include in your sign to tell where your nursery could be found.
• Send letters to other nursery owners, landscapers, nursery operators, known plant lovers mall owners, telling them what you have I stock. You can quote your prices so they’ll know beforehand your selling price.
• Participate in garden shows or plant sales. In this show, you’ll not only sell your plants, but you’ll meet a lot of plant lovers and fellow plant growers who could be your potential buyers in the days to come.
• Advertise your plants in the radio or television and newspapers. Issue a press release or paid ads about what plants are available in your nursery. You can feature stories about you and your plants.
• Learn to be a landscaper. When you become proficient with the trade, and you have plenty of clients, you can use your own plants in the projects.
• Conduct an open house. You can invite buyers in this event to buy your plants at a discounted prices plus giveaways.
• Sell your potted plants by whole. You produce plenty of one kind of plant and when you’re ready you can invite buyers to take all the stocks at a very attractive price.
• Grow plants for certain occasions. Anytime of the year there are special occasions being celebrated, such as; Christmas, Valentines Day, Wedding, Birthdays, Flores de Mayo, and many more. You can prepare special plants for such occasions to have a continuous supply the whole year round.

These are just some ideas you can sell the plants you grow. There could be other ways. Just let your imagination wander and your eyes open for some money making opportunities on potted plants.

Cris Ramasasa, Freelance writer, writes about home gardening and Internet marketing tips. You can get a copy of his latest ebook “How to get started in Flower Gardening” and “Vegetable Gardening Made Easy”, also get lots of tips, Free articles, and bonuses at: www.crisramasasa.com

About the Author:
Cris Ramasasa is a retired Horticulture teacher for 29 years and Freelance writer. Writes home gardening tips and resources. Written ebooks titled: How To Get Started In Flower Gardening and Vegetable Gardening Made Easy.

Soon to put up his website; www. how-to-get-started-in flower-gardening.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Growing Potted Plants That Sell

Plants, of course, are alive, and so have both general and specific needs, depending upon the variety of plant in question.

In this article, we'll learn about the different parts of plants - root, stem, leaf and flower - and how they work together.

Roots

Most often overlooked and neglected, the root system of any plant plays a critical role in overall plant growth, health and vigor.

The root system is responsible for supplying a plant with water, vitamins and minerals, all necessary ingredients that promote and maintain healthy vigorous growth. As the nutrients around the plant are consumed, the roots will continue to grow out and down, searching for new sources of food and water.

Gardening Tip: Adding a granular or slow-release fertilizer to the soil before you plant will ensure a steady supply of nutrients throughout a plant's growing season, especially important for vegetables and flowering plants.

Gardening Tip: Growth above ground mirrors growth below ground. For example, if your bell pepper plant is 1 foot tall and 1 foot wide, its root system is 1 foot deep and 1 or more feet wide.

Gardening Tip: Always follow the directions for any gardening product (fertilizer or pest controls). Although if you're not sure, using less is always safer than using too much. Using the right amount however, will help ensure consistent results.

Roots and Soil

As you may have guessed, the type of soil in your garden plays an important role in overall plant health and vigor.

In general, most plants like a loose, well-drained soil with lots of organic material. Organic material can be peat moss, shredded bark, composted or decomposed plant material, some form of manure (generally cow manure), or even worm casings or rice hulls to name a few.

Potting soil is usually some combination of the above list and may have little or no actual "dirt" in it. Organic material helps to maintain moisture content levels in the soil and helps to prevent soil compaction.

Stem

The stem, stalk or trunk is the "super highway" of the plant. It starts at ground level and supplies the food and water from the roots to the leaves and flowers or fruit.

Leaves

The leaves of a plant take the food and water from the roots through the stem and with the help of sunlight will turn the water and nutrients into energy. That energy is then sent back through the stem to the entire plant, including right back down to the roots. Natures example of Solar Energy at work.

Flowers

The flower or fruit of a plant is responsible for the reproduction of the plant. Whether it's strawberries, lemons, tomatoes, pansies or pine-cones, their sole purpose in life is to reproduce more of their own kind.

Humans have found over time that various plants either taste good, have a nice scent or are pleasant to look at and have therefore selected out of millions of varieties just a few types to cultivate.

The Gardening Tips and Advice found throughout Your Healthy Gardens are written with the beginning gardener in mind. However, as time passes and the seasons change more and more detail will be added to help any home gardener improve their gardening skills.

About the Author:
For more information on creating and maintaining lush and healthy gardens visit http://www.your-healthy-gardens.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Tips On How Plants Grow

An organic garden brings a vibrant and colourful touch to any eco home. But instead of just the run of the mill vegie patch out the back, having a garden professionally conceived by a landscape architect can add a unique aspect that highlights your own green passion.

"Landscape architecture is a combination of science and art," says landscape architect Steve Batley from Sydney Organic Gardens. To Batley, the process of designing a sustainable garden for an eco home involves a world of creativity while employing good practical design that works with nature.

A well designed garden is a living ecosystem that encourages animals and people to interact with nature. Children love connecting with the earth and gardening is a great way to teach them to cherish the environment.

Here are some handy tips to consider for your own organic garden:

Eco Home Tip #12 - Save water - Use water wise plants that are native to the area. Water tanks are also great water saving devices.

Eco Home Tip # 13 - Organic smorgasbord - Mix in your vegies with native plants. Including edibles with native plants is "good for pest management," says Batley.

Eco Home Tip #14 - Passive solar for the greens - consider passive solar principles in your garden. Make the most of sunnier areas for plants, while shady spots are great for benches and relaxing.

Eco Home Tip #15 - Farmer knows best - Farmers periodically rotate their crops to maximise the use of the soil. You can do the same in your vegie patch, try rotating your vegies through different parts of the garden to make the most of the nutrients in the soil.

With the right planning and care, your garden can be the perfect organic haven for both you and native wildlife. Find more great organic gardening tips in the Green Pages green directory.

About the Author:

Visit your leading sustainability directory and news source at www.thegreenpages.com.au

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Get an organic garden for your green home