I had read that there were numerous advantages to setting up your own nursery indoors at home. The prices of fresh produce were very expensive and I often could not afford it. I also liked the fact that my own produce could remain pesticide free.
photo credit: schnaars

After I read about all of the benefits of setting up an indoor nursery at home I was excited to give it a try. The article recommended the equipment that I would need to get started.

First you will have to find an area that has enough space to set up your plants.

Just make sure that the area you select does not get too cold. Garages and basements make great places to start your seedlings as long as they are heated.

Assemble whatever table or shelving system that you will be using for your plants and set up your trays filled with potting soil.

When starting your own indoor nursery, you should experiment with a variety of different seeds. Try out some fresh herbs and vegetables and a few different types of flowering annuals.

Remember whatever you can not plant at your home, your neighbors and friends will be happy to use in their gardens.

Many people choose a fluorescent grow light to stimulate the initial growth of the plants. These light are energy efficient and perfect for use in small areas, such as an at home nursery. A fluorescent grow light generates a lot less heat than some of the other types of grow lights and can be placed in much closer proximity to the plants.

A fluorescent grow light is also very affordable. You can use them in virtually any size space and there are a number of models available to fit your budget.

The article also informed me about the latest in technology for nursery and greenhouse lighting. Ufo led grow lights are environmentally friendly, energy efficient, and an excellent choice for starting seedlings. Many nurseries and greenhouses have already made the switch to ufo led lighting.

Even though ufo led lights are more expensive to purchase initially, in the long run they will save you money. Your electric bill will be lower and the bulbs will not need to be replaced as frequently as others.

In these economic times it just makes sense to establish your own indoor nursery.

You will save yourself money and have direct control over the types of plants that are available to you.

Technorati Tags: container gardening, fluorescent grow light, indoor plants, ufo led

Shamrock plants are beautiful delicate plants that are a favorite of many people.

photo credit: audreyjm529 Overall, if given a rest period during the year and watered and fertilized properly the Shamrock will live for many years. If you notice your plant looks a little weak or seems to be suffering there are two plant diseases that affect the shamrock plant.

Shamrock Plant Disease

Fungal Rust can be diagnosed when you notice an obvious orange color on the underside of the leaves. Treatment: I remove the plant from the pot and clean the pot thoroughly. If you feel the plant needs repotted this it the time to do so.

Before placing the plant back in its pot wash the plant carefully with a mix of neem oil. Neem oil is not one of the toxic chemicals that many people use so I feel its safe to use and its good for several other forms of plant diseases too.

After placing the plant back in the pot remove the top layer of soil and replace with fresh soil. Water the plant lightly with a chamomile tea mix. If your plant has really suffered you may want to take extra measures. This site has information on common plant disease

Spider Mites are a common problem on the shamrock plant.  These insect parasites are small mites that are almost not visible. They produce a little white webbing that is sticky. They seem to choose to hide and live under leaves and in the joints of stems.

You need to remedy the problem as quickly as possible or they will spread. A spider mite sucks the juice out of the plant and weakens it. If left untreated the plant will slowly die.

If you suspect mites, there are two treatments.  A home remedy of water a few drops of dish soap and a touch of garlic will stop the mites. If the mites are quite large touching them with Sea Breeze that is placed on a Q-tip will kill the bug.

You can treat the plant with Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insecticide.  Mix this product with water as directed and pour on the soil around the base of the plant.  It will kill the bugs within a week or so.  The plus to this product is that it provides protection from reinfestation for up to a year.

Note: Make sure you remove any old or infected soil from the top of the pot.

For more information on this plant check Shamrock Plant Care and The Shamrock Plant

Technorati Tags: indoor plants, plant care, shamrock plant care, shamrock plant disease

Bonsai plants are extremely attractive specimens of age old practice. Bonsais are highly attractive, so many people proudly display them in their houses. However, extra care is needed for indoor bonsai trees.
photo credit: Rex Roof

This is mostly because they do not receive the full benefits of natural sunlight and natural weather conditions. They might appear to be hardy. However, there are certain bonsais that will become fragile when it comes to light and water.

Watering Your Indoor Bonsai

When you bring a bonsai tree indoors it will require lighting to replace the natural sunlight that it would have been receiving beforehand. You also need to keep an eye on the frequency of watering. Your bonsai plant will also thrive if kept in a well ventilated area. The variety of bonsai plant that you possess will dictate how how often it requires watering.

Another key factor is the soil. Some bonsai plants or trees require damp soil, whilst others survive well in a drought. Misting your plant might be a necessity. This will help to create a rainforest humidity in which your bonsai plant will thrive. If you decide to use a humidity tray then ensure that the pot is not exposed to the water, but rather placed on some pebbles or a stand.

Bonsai Cutting and Pruning

Indoor bonsai trees still require pruning and cutting on a regular basis in order to maintain their appearance. Simply because bonsai plants look as though they are frozen in time, does not mean that they do not grow.

Depending on the variety of your bonsai plant or tree, you will need to repot it every year to three years. Maintaining the branches is also essential if you want it to hold its shape and style.
photo credit: OpenEye

Depending on the type of bonsai, it’s important to reduce the amount of fertilizer you use during the winter. The reason for this is that there are some types of bonsai that go into hibernation at this time. So they don’t require as many nutrients as in the warmer months.

Because of the artificial environment in which they are kept, indoor bonsais don’t experience the complete cycle of seasons. It is also important to check indoor bonsai trees for pests and other anomalies. When bonsais are situated indoors, they may become a favorite place for spiders and other mites.

The best practice is to clean the leaves and branches with great care using a damp cloth or a brush.

By following these tips for bonsai care, your tree is sure to be an attractive feature of your home for years to come.

Technorati Tags: bonsai, bonsai care, bonsai tree, container gardening, creative gardening, indoor plants, the art of bonsai, thegardenersrake.com