Gardening Commentary

You are not crazy for wanting house plants around you indoors, they provide a number of very positive effects on life especially in the winter months, or if you do not garden outdoors, in the summer, too. First of all plants have a calming affect on our personalities. They actually reduce stress when we tend them. There is some frustration when your plants do not grow well but since there are many varieties, and some of them are virtually goof proof, there is something for every level of care taker.
 Indoor plants improve the environment where we live and work. They tend to purify the air, taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen and they adsorb other substances from the air we are breathing making where we live a better place. The effect on our psyche is another big plus by improving the visual appearance of our surroundings and giving us a sense of nurturing.
 One of the problems people have in caring for their plants is that of proper watering. And secondly is the correct light exposure for the plants they are working with indoors. Even in the growing of plants in greenhouses the most difficult thing to learn is proper watering. If you think about it, over 90% of a plant is water and the management of this one item is huge. Fertilization of houseplants is not a big issue, normally a modest feed program once a month is adequate. Some plants require more light than others and this is the second most important element to consider. Some plants may even suffer from too much light in a bright sunny, southerly window in the winter months but others require this exposure. Discuss this with the people who are providing the plants or google the plant name to find out this information. Poinsettias for instance require that full sunny window.
 Some plants to consider having indoors could be one of your begonias that you grew in a pot outdoors this past summer or a spider plant- this is an easy one. Or how about a poinsettia at Christmas and keep it as a house plant for the winter. African violets do well and if all else fails get a Jade tree or other succulent.
 Insect pests is likely the next biggest issue. Aphids and mites can be a problem along with mealy bugs and fungus gnats. Some aphids develop a white cottony substance that protects them from enemies and pesticides. One of the best ways to combat indoor insects is to “shower” the plants in tepid water if they are not too large to handle, rinsing them off once a month. Be sure to wash the underside of the leaves. There are sprays that are safe to use indoors such as Azatin or some of the insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils. Doing a little research will help determine the best action to take. Your local nursery/garden center is another good source of information.
 Following a few basics and watering thoroughly and less frequently are the first steps to having some new friends in the house during the winter months. Use the “1st knuckle test” for determining when to water. If it ain’t dry to the first knuckle, wait to water.
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30 years of growing
Meadow View Growers
www.meadowview.com