Plants

Most flower bulbs that can be found on shelves of home improvement centers and garden nurseries were gathered during the early days of summer and stored before shipping. If the flower bulbs are still firm and plump they are good for planting. The important thing to remember about spring blooming bulbs is to get them into the ground as soon as you can; in order to break their dormancy they will need approximately twelve to fourteen weeks of temperatures that get below 45 degrees F.

It has been known that you can still plant those spring flower bulbs if you can still get your shovel in the ground. Those bulbs are better planted in frosty soil instead of just sitting in your basement or garage; some have even sprouted roots in the ground soil that is barely above the freezing mark. If you do not get around to planting those bulbs until late, plant them a couple inches deeper than normal for more insulation. Once the ground does freeze hard you can mulch the bulbs with straw or leaves. Keep in mind, since you planted them deeper in the ground it may take a little longer for them to sprout through the surface of the soil, but do not worry, they will get there.

Amaryllis plants look tropical and exotic with large, lily-like blossoms on tall stems and have a base with robust leaves. Amaryllis plants have colors that range from white to a beautiful deep red; some blooms may be the stripped variety. You can grow amaryllis indoors or outdoors depending on where you live.

Amaryllis is well known for producing large, colorful blooms indoors during fall such as the South African Amaryllis or the Dutch Amaryllis during the winter months. Gardeners living in areas where the outdoor temperatures stay above 10 degrees F. are able to plant these beautiful bulbs in the ground. If you are able to plant them outdoors you will need to choose an area that receives full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours each day, and a soil that is well-drained. In areas that are frost free the neck of the bulb can be at ground level or a little above but if you live in areas that may get frost the bulb should be 5 to 6 inches below ground level. You will need to completely water them after you plant the bulbs but once they begin to grow only water them if you do not receive enough rain and the top couple inches of the soil has become dry. Once the leaves appear, you can fertilize with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer and once a month after through the month of April. During the time between the months of June through September keep the area dry. If any leaves turn yellow you can cut off at the base.

Indoor plants, or the more common word houseplants, always seem to brighten up any home or office. Caring for indoor plants can develop into a wonderful hobby during the somewhat dreary months of winter or just about anytime during the year. You can keep your gardening skills active all year long by growing and caring for an array of different indoor plants.

There are a few benefits to growing an indoor garden of plants and flowers. One important fact is the clean air that houseplants provide; they take in carbon dioxide which is what we exhale and then releases the oxygen for us to breathe. These plants also bring a little more life into our homes and give us some beautiful bright colors especially during inclement weather throughout the year. Indoor plants create more decorating ideas for the home or office. Indoor gardening is also a very relaxing and calming hobby.