Containers Articles

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-23-2024

Once you know what makes houseplants happy, growing them is a snap. If you start with one of the 10 easy houseplants I suggest and then follow the guidelines and tips in this Cheat Sheet, you’ll have a green thumb before you know it. You can then join the large and growing clan of dedicated houseplant lovers, and you may even decide to branch out with more difficult plants or crafts, such as creating your own corsage. Good luck and welcome to the club!

Article / Updated 02-22-2024

A corsage is a wearable flower arrangement. Although some people think corsages are unfashionable (or even corny), I guarantee that if you make one for yourself or your partner for a special occasion, you’ll get loads of compliments. Many houseplants’ flowers and foliage make stunning and long-lasting corsages, and you can create one yourself relatively quickly. Some examples are anthuriums, various ferns, many orchids, and gardenias. Follow these steps: Remove the flower you want to use from its plant, keeping about 3 inches (7.6 cm) of the stem. Wrap the stem with florist’s wire as shown in the first photo. Start at the top and work your way down to the base of the stem. Two or three passes are sufficient. Cut the excess wire with wire cutters or utility scissors. Wrap florist’s tape around the flower stem as shown in the second photo. You can purchase this tape at craft stores, online, or from florists. As with the florist’s wire, start at the top and work your way down to the base of the stem. Cut the excess tape with utility scissors. If you want, you can add a fern frond or some other delicately textured green foliage to the corsage (see the third photo). Hold the frond against the stem and at the back of the flower. Fasten the foliage to the flower stem by wrapping them both with another layer of tape. For a decorative touch, you can add a ribbon, and don’t forget to provide a florist’s pin like the one shown in the fourth photo. Now you’re ready to go to the ball! Place the finished corsage in a sealed rigid plastic container or in a plastic bag and keep it in your refrigerator until it’s ready to be worn. For more houseplant know-how, check out the Houseplants & Succulents For Dummies Cheat Sheet or buy the book.

Article / Updated 03-29-2022

If you want to be green and grow your own food but have only a small space, you can still garden in containers. Container gardening offers the advantages of fewer insects and weeds to deal with and can be placed right outside your door or on your kitchen counter, so it’s very handy. Container gardens require frequent care: Regular watering and fertilizing are very important because the plants don’t get that stuff directly from the earth. Keep growing in a confined space simple by following these steps: Buy clay or terra-cotta pots, which are the most naturally made pots on the market. If your pots are locally made, they’re even greener. Make sure that they’re deep enough to allow adequate root growth (about 20 to 25 cm) and that they have holes in the bottom for water drainage. (Water that sits in the pot can create root rot, which is bad news for your plant.) The planting instructions on seed packets or plant labels indicate how deep to plant and how large it’s likely to grow. Buy organically grown seeds or small plants, which are available from garden centers, nurseries, natural food stores, many hardware stores, and mail-order growers. Plants with descriptions such as bush, compact, space saver, or patio indicate that they’re specifically designed to grow in smaller spaces. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants grow particularly well in containers, as do leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, herbs, and some fruits. Also look for plants designed to grow upward, such as pole or runner beans, or that can be trained to grow up trellises, like cucumbers. Plant the seeds or plants in prepackaged or homemade organic potting mix, which contains natural ingredients. Line the bottom of the pot with broken pieces of terra cotta or small stones to encourage drainage while preventing the dirt from escaping through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. Then simply fill the pot with the potting mix and plant the seeds or plants at the depth recommended on the seed or plant packaging. Place the pots in the best position to make the most of sunlight and rain. If your containers are inside, place them near windows for sunlight, but obviously you can’t worry about rainfall. Keep your plants healthy As your tiny garden grows, keep it growing greenly: Water as recommended. In general, when the soil begins drying out, add more water, but avoid soaking the seed or plant. Too much water can be as damaging as too little. Feed your plants organic fertilizer that contains rock minerals and animal manure produced from sustainable farming methods. You also can use the liquid from the bottom of a worm farm. Use organically made insecticides, such as those made from a mix of garlic, chilies, and dried pyrethrum (a plant of the daisy family).

Article / Updated 06-01-2017

Terrariums are a great way to add some greenery to your home. In addition, they can have the benefit of creating an oxygen-rich environment and a charming touch to your indoor area. Regardless of your space, a terrarium can be a nice way to give your home a little splash of green. Before you can get your hands dirty, you need to gather your materials. For this project, you will need: A clear glass container Small stones or rocks Your terrarium plants of choice Potting charcoal Potting soil Any additional fun accessories you want to include in your terrarium Just follow these simple steps to make your own stylish terrarium: Clean your glass container.You can use any clear glass container. If you are on a budget, you can use old vases or glasses that can be purchased secondhand. Feel free to get creative to add your own personal touch to the mix. Also, some plants prefer humidity and will flourish in a closed environment. Others grow more easily with an open top. See below for tips on choosing the right terrarium plant. After drying thoroughly, line the bottom of the terrarium with your rocks or stones.This acts as drainage for your terrarium. Next, add a thin layer of potting charcoal.The purpose of the charcoal is to keep the soil fresh in this largely enclosed environment. Add a thick layer of soil, paying close attention to leave holes for your plants.At this point, about one-third of your container should be filled. Your soil should be the thickest layer. Add your plants to your terrarium.Generally, it’s easiest to add the largest first and work your way to the smallest so that you are able to manage the space in your tiny garden. Cover the roots with soil and lightly pack down. Add any decorative elements you’d like. Congratulations! You have your own terrarium. How to choose plants for your terrarium Terrariums are a great way to integrate green into your home. But, some plants fare better than others in this environment. Which types of plant should you choose for your terrarium? Here are some tips: Choose a plant that fits into your terrarium. You want the leaves to have room and not be touching the container. Slow-growing plants are usually desirable for terrariums. This keeps you from having to perform constant upkeep. Consider plants that can handle humidity. The enclosed nature of a terrarium usually means that there will be humidity. However, you can combat this by choosing your container wisely and considering a closed or open container when researching your plant options. Succulents and cacti are good choices since these plants thrive in harsh, dry environments. Check here for tips on growing and caring for succulents. Typically, hardy plants are a good option given that terrariums may receive little light and water. Check out Better Homes and Gardens for their selection of top terrarium plants. Maintenance tips for your terrarium Most terrarium plants require little maintenance. For most terrarium owners, this is ideal. Bringing a hint of green into your home doesn’t have to be difficult. Prune away dead or rotting leaves with snips. Trim leaves when they begin to encroach on other plants or begin to touch the inside of the terrarium. Rotate or turn your terrarium occasionally to even the sunlight exposure. Examine your plants for any mold or fungus. Remove if necessary. Clean the glass so sunlight isn’t inhibited from reaching plants. Use a damp paper towel without chemicals or cleaning solutions. Water when soil near the glass appears to be dry. You want a consistently moist soil. The need for water will vary depending on your choice of terrarium plants. Although notorious for easy maintenance, terrariums can die if not properly cared for. Check out these common terrarium mistakes to avoid facing a terrarium failure.

Article / Updated 05-04-2017

Succulents are plants that store water. Derived from the Latin word sucus, which means juice or sap, these plants are often considered to be drought-resistant. This diverse group of plants is popular for the home gardener and generally don’t require a large amount of maintenance. Because of their low-maintenance nature, succulents are popular as houseplants in all areas of the United States. Succulents are usually characterized by thick, rubbery, or “fleshy” parts. However, there are many options and these plants come in an array of shapes, sizes, textures, and colors. Succulents are often noted for their exotic or unusual appearance. Characteristics of succulents Succulents are typically adorned with thick leaves, stems, or roots. The thicker parts of the plant are used to store water. These plants are common in geographic locations that experience high temperatures with little rainfall. They can store water to survive long periods with little or no moisture. Native to areas like deserts or steppes, these plants will usually appear swollen when preserving water. Native to arid areas, succulents cannot survive in freezing temperatures. While some may last through a brief spell, these plants will thrive in warmer temperatures. They are often characterized by spiky, needle-shaped or rosette-shaped leaves. Succulents are also unusual because they propagate easily. On occasion, a new plant will even grow from a piece of fallen leaf. As water hoarders, these plants will actually die if left in too much water. Common succulents The variety of succulents is a true testament to the diversity of the plant world. From exotic to commonplace, these plants can be basic or robust. Cacti are one of the most recognizable succulents. However, botanists often refer to cacti as a separate variety. Better Homes and Gardens recommends these ten succulents for in-home gardeners: Burro’s Tail Aloe plants Crown of Thorns Hens-and-Chicks Jade Plant Panda Plant Pincushion Cactus Ponytail Palm Snake Plant Other common succulent plants include: Agave Cotyledon Crassula Dudlya Echeveria Euphorbia lacteal Graptopetalum Haworthia Huernia Kalanchoe Sedum Sempervivum Senecio Tree-like Euphorbia This list barely scratches the surface. Check succulent-plant.com for a more comprehensive list. Why succulents are easy to grow In recent years, succulents have grown in popularity as houseplants and in gardens. These plants are ideal for gardeners who don’t have an immense knowledge of sophisticated gardening practices. Here are some reasons these unusual plants are easy to care for: As part of their exotic nature, these plants are striking and aesthetically pleasing. Succulents require little watering or pruning. They are easy to transport from their native areas because of their low-maintenance nature. Easy to contain, these plants can be placed in small pots and placed almost anywhere. Most pests are not attracted to succulents. Succulents can be planted alone or among other plants. Many types of succulents are inexpensive. Some, like aloe, even have alternative or medicinal uses. Succulents make great house plants or an addition to your garden and do not require a large amount of care. Check out our tips for growing and caring for succulents.

Article / Updated 03-27-2017

Divide and repot perennials to alleviate crowded roots. Because perennials tend to grow larger — in some cases much larger — than annuals, you may find your plants outgrowing their pots. (A sure sign is roots that fill all available soil space or bulge out at the top. An even surer sign: roots bursting the sides of the container.) At times like these, you need to make some choices. You can repot them into larger containers, you can root-prune them and replant them in the same container, or you can divide them. Some perennials, like coral bells and hostas, spread by underground roots. In pots, they can eventually grow so crowded that they no longer look good or grow well. When your plants enlarge to this size, think about dividing the clump. The ideal time to divide a plant depends on the type of plant and your locale. In general, in regions with mild to moderate winters you can divide plants in early spring or fall. In regions with very cold winters, most plants are best divided in early spring. In regions with very hot summers, divide plants in fall. Exceptions to these guidelines exist, so if you’re unsure, do some research before digging in. To divide a perennial: Ease the plant from the pot. Wash off as much soil as possible — you need to be able to see the roots. Using a trowel, garden knife, or whatever tool seems to work for you, gently tease apart the root mass into two or more clumps. These clumps are called divisions. Be sure that each division has a healthy set of roots to support it. Repot each clump into a new pot using the bare-root potting procedure. You can also plant some or all the clumps in the ground if you have the space and the right conditions. Or, share or swap divisions with your friends and neighbors. The roots of some plants are such a tangled mass that it’s impossible to tease them apart. In these cases, use a sharp knife or, for large plants, a sharpened spade to slice the plant in half, from top to bottom, so that the two remaining sections contain both top growth (or where the top growth was if the plant is dormant) and roots. Replant as you would a regular potted plant.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-27-2016

You can create beautiful container gardens with a little planning and some ongoing attention. It all starts with picking the right plants and arranging them in an attractive container. Then, after you’ve got things growing, you’ll want to keep the plants pest-free to keep them looking their best.

Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016

Planting just one variety of bulbs per pot ensures that all the bulbs in the pot will bloom at the same time. Mixing varieties in a container, on the other hand, results in flowers coming at different times, which has much less impact. If you want different flower colors and bloom times, grow different varieties in separate containers. These steps describe the typical way to plant bulbs. Expect the results to be containers dense with flowers:

Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016

Strawberry pots, also called strawberry jars or pocket planters, have holes cut into the sides as well as an open top. The pots come in a range of sizes, but most have between 8 and 15 pockets sized for small plants, including herbs and flowers. Alternating themes or repeating patterns work well if you don’t want a different plant in each slot.

Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016

Planting wire baskets isn't as easy as planting plastic hanging baskets. But whichever type of basket you are planting, begin by choosing the right type of soil. A successful soil mix for hanging baskets must be lightweight and able to retain moisture.