Gardeners... We are a predictable lot!!!

One of the many things I have found over the years is that people are always saying how they can't grow this plant or that one and how fussy this plant can be.

In fact many of these plants are very simple to grow or manage and it is the environment you are trying to grow them in that is the problem. Not you or the plant. Now having said that it could be you or the plant or the environment!!!

What I'm trying to make you realize is that you may not be at fault. If you want to grow a Phaleonopsis but say its too fussy, try placing it in a North facing window, have the temperature a little cooler at night, and don't water so often (check the medium if its dry water it, if it still looks or feels a little damp leave it alone)Chances are your orchid will do just fine. You can't grow from seed .... try it a couple of ways and see what you results you get. Part of the enjoyment of gardening is the trying. For years no matter what I tried I always killed off the seedlings and at one point gave up. After a couple of years of not trying I decided to save some seed from a tomatoe crop. I planted some in flats, in pots with bottles on top and some in open containers only half filled with soil. After a few weeks the covered flats started to sprout and the half pots grew nicely the covered pots not so good. One of the things I learned was to keep records and not to plant these seeds too early. Where do you put them all.

If you find your home dry or hot or too cold chances are so do your plants.

The best way to have that elusive green thumb is to try, try, try again and again. Experience alone will give you the practice and confidence you need to grow that plant you have always wanted. Talking to other gardeners can't hurt either.

Now I know that some plants require certain lighting that some homes just can't get due to exposure but indoor plant lights can get you through the winter. Even a single flourescent fixture will give you space for 3 or 4 flats.

Be consistant when managing your indoor and outdoor garden. Check your plants as often as possible and you will be on top of problems as they arise. Observe your plants and all the subtle changes they will go through. Failure above all is bound to happen. It happens to ALL gardeners, seasoned and novice. Things will die and without that we would not have food for the compost.

Above all enjoy your garden and all the things that come from it. Indoors and Out.

High Temperature:
Actual: -2°C mostly sunny Wind N28km/h P.O.P.0%
Average: 2°C
Record: 13°C in 1974

Low Temperature:
Actual: -10°C partly cloudy Wind N25km/h P.O.P.0%
Average: -7°C
Record: -29°C in 1950