Author: Eunice

  • An In-depth Look Into Jade Plant Meaning

    An In-depth Look Into Jade Plant Meaning

    The fabulous and low-maintenance jade plant is a pleasant plant to have. It should interest you to know that there are rich meanings and symbols to this lovely plant. Jade plant meaning explains why the plant is often gifted to our loved ones.

    Once you know the significance and symbol of this plant, you may be intrigued by the plant. So, you should learn more about jade plant meaning as well as its benefits. Not only will jade plant beautify your home, but it can also usher in some good vibes.

    Now let’s delve in and discuss the meaning and symbol of jade plants in various cultures and philosophies around the world.

    Jade Plant Meaning

    Jade plant meaning is something any plant lover should be aware of. This plant is often referred to as a prosperity plant in various belief systems.

    Jade plant is a type of succulent that is believed to represent wealth, success, and good luck. For this reason, jade plant is usually known to be the “money plant” or “money tree.” Another meaning of the jade plant is renewal, permanence, and growth.

    Jade Plant Meaning

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    Association Of Jade Plant With Money

    Jade plant is often referred to as the money plant or money tree. There is this ancient spiritual practice from China, Feng Shui that is believed to attract the flow of money. In this practice, the plant is associated with good fortune, success, and financial wealth.

    If you ventured into a new business, having a jade plant means you’re ushering in good luck to your business.

    You should however take note that there are other plants that have this same nickname “money plant.” For instance, the Pachira Aquatica and Pilea peperomoides are also regarded as the money plant. However, these plants aren’t succulents.

    Jade Plant’s Association With Friendship

    Jade plant meaning is numerous and one of their many names is the “friendship tree.” So, the flowering jade plants are traditionally given as gifts.

    Take note that the flower of jade requires certain conditions to flower successfully. Therefore, when you put in extra effort to nurture jade plant like this, it requires good dedication. So, when you gift this plant you’ve nurtured with a close dedication to a friend, it signifies how dedicated you are to the friendship. The foliage of stands for the energy and joy you have as friends.

    Then the scent of this white flower seen on jade plant represents a fragrance of a strong friendship bond.

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    What Does Gifting Jade Plants To Loved Ones Represent?

    Because this plant signifies some good things, it can be gifted to our loved ones in different ways.

    • You can gift jade plant as a housewarming gift. So, if you have any family or friend that is moving into a new house, simply gift them a jade plant. it can signify prosperity and friendship amongst others.
    • Jade plant can also stand well in an office setting, restaurant, and the like. So, if your loved one just opened or started a new business, you can give jade plants to them just to wish them good fortune, success, and prosperity.

    More Symbolic Meaning Of Jade Plant

    Here is more meaning to jade plant:

    • When jade plant is positioned by the door of your home, office, or restaurant, it invites prosperity and good fortune.
    • When you position jade plant in the east location of your home, it ushers in harmony and good health.
    • Then placing jade plant in the southeast of your home can bring luck of wealth.
    • The Northwest positions are for the luck of mentors and teachers.
    • Those that believe in Feng Shui should avoid placing their jade plant in the bathrooms or bedrooms. This is because the flushing water is believed to have the power of flushing the positive energy away from the plant.

    Furthermore, let’s look at some folklore, myths, as well as symbolism associated with jade plants.

    • Apart from the Feng Shui belief associated with jade plant, the Chinese now use jade plant to cultivate good fortune and prosperity for the year ahead. For instance, some people can put their investment documents underneath their jade plant just to wish for a higher payoff.
    • Another culture associated with jade plant is to tie small red envelopes that have coins or money inside onto the jade plant using a red ribbon. They refer to these envelopes as “lai see” and they are means to seeking for good luck. This significant practice started in China during the Han Dynasty and since then, it has spread to other cultures in Asia.
    • Another traditional practice associated with jade plants is that they serve as fantastic gifts for new business owners. So, these kinds of gifts are given just to bless the business with success as well as good fortune.
    • Jade plant also serves as traditional housewarming or birthday gifts.

    Benefits Of Jade Plant

    Jade plant is believed to have both medicinal and non-medicinal uses and some of them include:

    • Jade plant can aid in enhancing air quality by getting rid of toluene and acetone.
    • Some African tribes and Chinese cultures make use of jade plant extract to treat wounds, stomach upset, diabetes, and warts. This extract is made with tea gotten from the leaves.
    • Because this plant is an evergreen plant, it symbolizes good luck and consistency.

    Jade Plant Meaning – Final Word

    Jade plants are amazing plant that is easy to care for and can enhance the look of any space with its beauty. Jade plant meaning is pretty interesting and they also symbolize some things that have been discussed here.

    FAQ’s

    Why is the jade plant called the money tree?

    Jade plant is referred to as the money plant because it is used in the practice of Feng Shui to attract the flow of money. It is believed that the jade plant is associated with financial wealth, good fortune, and success.

    What are the benefits of a jade plant?

    Jade plant has different benefits that include purifying or enhancing the quality of air, assimilating carbon dioxide at night, elevating humidity level, has medicinal properties, and so on.

    What does a jade plant symbolize?

    Jade plant symbolizes good luck charm in Asia and it is believed to activate financial energies. Furthermore, the plant symbolizes prosperity and wealth.

    Which type of jade plant is lucky?

    Crassula ovate which is also known as jade plant is known to be a lucky plant. The plant is thought to have protective lucky charm energy.

  • A Detailed Guide On How To Germinate Seeds With Paper Towels

    A Detailed Guide On How To Germinate Seeds With Paper Towels

    If you’re this enthusiastic grower that would love to know an easy way to germinate seed faster, then this is it. It’s possible to germinate seeds without using seed starting mix, perlite, or even vermiculite. The secrete to this is by using paper towels and Ziploc bags. How to germinate seeds with paper towels will be discussed here.

    When it comes to germinating seeds with a pepper towel, this is a soil-less method of starting plants. This detailed guide will enlighten you on how you can germinate seeds using a paper towel.

    How To Germinate Seeds With Paper Towels – Guidelines To Follow

    Materials Required

    • Seeds
    • Paper towel or a coffee filter
    • Zip lock bag or an airtight container
    • Sprayer bottle
    How To Germinate Seeds With Paper Towels – Guidelines To Follow

    Step 1- Make Some Cuttings

    Take your paper towel or coffee filter and cut it to suit or fit your zip lock bag.

    Step 2- Wet The Paper Bag

    Using your water spray bottle, dampen the paper bag. However, ensure the paper bag isn’t overly wet or soggy.

    Step 3- Place The Seeds On The Paper – How To Germinate Seeds With Paper Towels

    The seeds should be scattered on the paper and give some space of about 2 inches between each seed. Then you should fold the other half over the seeds.

    Step 4- Put It In A Zip Lock Bag

    Try to open the zip lock bag by blowing it open. Then carefully put the paper towel into the zip lock bag and reseal the bag.

    Step 5- Position The Bag In The Appropriate Place

    The bag set up should be placed in an area that is out of direct sunlight and let it stay in a room temperature. This zip-lock bag serves as a mini greenhouse that retains heat and moisture. Germination of seeds should be noticed starting from 5 to 7 days.

    Step 6- Transplanting

    Once the seed has emerged, you can now transplant it. Take note that this germinated seed is very delicate so you need to take care when handling it and the main root is very delicate so avoid touching them if you can.

    So, this sprouted seed needs to be manually transplanted into the soil or you can use another moisture-holding medium like vermiculite. You can use a tweezer on the body of the seed or the cotyledon when you want to move them into the damp soil.

    When transplanting the sprouted seed, make sure you avoid pushing the seed into the soil with force. We recommend you create a hole in the soil at a recommended distance for the entire root. Then hold the sprouted seed in place and gently push the soil over it. Also, if the sprouted seed already has true leaves, make sure you allow the leaves remain above the soil.

    So, in a couple of weeks, the seedlings should be ready to be planted outdoors once the outside weather has warmed up.

    More Things To Note About Germinating Seeds With Paper Towel

    • A good sign your sprouted seed is ready to be transplanted is when the radical or the white part of the sprout is visible.
    • Use a good potting mix to begin transplanting. Also, ensure you are aware of the soil requirement for each type of seed planted. An ideal potting mix can have peat moss, coir, perlite, and compost. Then the ratio of the combination of this mix will depend on the kind of plant you’re growing.

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    Why Should You Consider Using Paper Towel

    Germinating seed with a paper towel can be a wise thing to do and here are some reasons you should consider using this method:

    1. It can help determine the viability of the seed

    If you aren’t sure how old your seed is and wonder if they are still viable, then using paper can help you determine if the seeds are still viable.

    1. Helps with space management while germinating many seeds

    Space is not an issue if you use the method of germinating with paper seed. There is no stress of using trays, seed starters shelving unit, or even aiming for a wall that is facing south. You only need a windowsill for this.

    1. The benefit of witnessing how seeds germinate

    Additionally, you get to see how a seed germinates which is a process that usually occurs underground. So, there won’t be any guesswork about which seed germinated successfully and you can easily select the best and fastest seed to plant.

    1. Many seeds sprout faster in paper towels compared to when they are sown in the soil

    When you grow most seeds in a paper towel, it can boost the germination rate and you get result faster compared to when seeds are grown in traditional soil. The controlled conditions such as the heat and moisture inside the plastic bag boost the germination rate of the seeds in just a few days.

    Why Should You Consider Using Paper Towel

    The Kind Of Seeds That Can Be Germinated Using Paper Towel

    The types of seeds ideal to be germinated using a paper towel include all types of vegetables, flowers, and herbs. But this paper towel method can be enjoyed when using it for seeds that a long time to sprout so you can see the benefit of fast growth.

    For example, seeds that require a warm start like the Chile peppers are stubborn and can take up to three or even more to germinate.

    Final Say – How To Germinate Seeds With Paper Towels

    The method of using a paper towel to sprout seeds can be very beneficial to seeds that are especially stubborn and take a longer period to emerge. How to germinate seeds with paper towels has been explained in detail in this guide, so we hope this information has been of help to you.

    FAQ’s

    How do you sprout seeds on a paper towel?

    To sprout seeds on a paper towel, start by wetting the paper towel and placing the seeds on the paper. Open a zip lock bag and gently place the setup inside and reseal it. Put the bag in a room temperature and you should begin to notice germination after 5 to 7 days.

    Can you start seeds in a wet paper towel?

    Yes, you can start seeds in a wet paper towel and this method is very fast and straightforward. This growing method is free of pathogens and it’s easy to control moisture content for excellent germination.

    Do I need to soak seeds before planting?

    It’s fine to soak seeds before planting and soaking seeds can even boost the germination rate. However, you can also leave the seed and allow it to germinate that way. Either way, the seed will sprout but soaking tends to increase the germination rate.

    Can you germinate all seeds in paper towels?

    It is possible for all the seeds in the paper towel to germinate given the fact that all the seeds are viable and in good condition.

  • How Many Tomato Seeds Per Hole Is Ideal?

    How Many Tomato Seeds Per Hole Is Ideal?

    Starting your own tomato from seeds at home can be a good way to save money. After all, most people would love to eat fresh fruits and vegetables made in the comfort of our homes. But do you know how to go about growing tomatoes from seeds? Is tomato easy to grow from seeds? How many tomato seeds per hole are ideal to be planted? We shall answer these questions and more here.

    Tomatoes are juicy and delicious and they are used in different cooking. Tomatoes are easy to grow but when it comes to sowing their seeds, you need to plant their seeds correctly. This is where the question of how many tomato seeds should be planted in each hole.

    Let’s look into planting tomato seeds. How many tomato seeds per hole will be discussed here and other related things so let’s begin.

    How Many Tomato Seeds Per Hole?

    It may be fine to put one seed of tomato per hole. However, putting an extra seed or even up to three can serve as a backup plan in case one of the seeds doesn’t sprout successfully. This maximizes the chance of your seed emerging. Looking at the seed germination rate we can understand the reason why more than one seed is advised to be sown.

    How Many Tomato Seeds Per Hole
    • Seed Germination Rate

    Seed germination rates are the probabilities that a particular seed will emerge and grow into a plant. Different plant species have various germination rates. This implies that you should consider seed germination rate when you’re growing any seed.

    Tomatoes for instance have a germination rate to be 75% which is fairly high. Therefore, if plant about 50 seeds, you should have about 37 of them germinate successfully. So, looking at this rate, it means that there is a one in four chance or 25% chance that the seed can fail to germinate.

    Other growing factors such as the age of seed, temperature, and so on, can affect the rate at which the seeds germinate successfully.

    Read more about How Long For Seeds To Germinate?

    Why More Than One Seed Is Recommended Per Hole

    Because each tomato seed has about 25% chance of failing, adding an extra seed can reduce the chance of both failing. So, with two tomato seeds, you have about 6.25% chance of both failings. This means you’ve further increased the germination rate.

    So, when you sow three tomato seeds per hole, you’ve drastically reduced the chances of the seed failing to 1.56%.

    However, we advise you don’t overcrowd the hole if you’re planting bigger varieties of tomatoes. Then if you’re short of tomato seeds, then two seeds should be fine.

    If after sowing two seeds and both germinate, just pluck out the weak or shorter one and leave the strong one.

    How Deep Should Tomato Seed Be Sown?

    How many tomato seeds per hole have been answered. Now, we would like to know how deep tomato seeds should be sown.

    Tomato seeds grown in containers should be sown half an inch deep into the soil. Make sure you don’t sow the seed deeper than this because it can make it hard for the seed to sprout successfully.

    Watering Requirements For Tomato Seeds

    Moisture is a crucial factor for the growth of tomato seeds together with nutrients. However, you need to avoid over-watering the seeds. Over-watering can cause the water to drain down the soil‘s nutrients. This can cause the germination rate to diminish.

    The soil only needs to be moist for seed germination and you can make use of sprinkler to wet the soil. Water in the morning and before evening. But during the cold season, water only once then you can increase watering if the soil surface is dry.

    Where Can Tomato Seeds Be Grown?

    Tomato seeds need to be grown where they can get full or maximum sun exposure. Growing tomato seed in a container is a good idea depending on your climate. However, if your region is in the colder part, you should position the container with the tomato seeds on a windowsill for it to receive maximum sun exposure.

    The container seed needs to be moist at all times and ensure the container has an adequate drainage hole to take out excess water. Also, ensure you provide the proper warm growing temperature for the seeds.

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    So, after the seeds have emerged into seedlings and the seedlings have attained at least 3 inches, they can be transplanted. You can transplant them into a bigger container or just transplant them outdoors in your backyard.

    Once you’ve successfully transplanted the tomato seedlings in your backyard, it’s recommended to give them some support with a wooden stick alongside the plant. Alternatively, you can build iron or wooden mesh to support your plant. Doing this can further help prevent the end rot of tomatoes.

    If you reside in a cold region, you need to protect your plant by covering them with polytunnel so that the growth of the tomato plan won’t be affected in an adverse way.

    When To Plant Tomato Seeds

    How Many Tomato Seeds Per Hole? We recommend you sow your tomato seeds around late February to middle March if you will be growing them indoors or in a greenhouse. Then if you wish to sow tomato seeds outdoors, you should sow them around late March to early April.

    However, if you find yourself sowing tomato seeds indoors in the earlier part of the year, you need to ensure the plants are lined up against a window that is facing south.

    When To Plant Tomato Seeds

    Final Word

    To boost the chance of your tomato seed germinating, you need to sow more than one seed per hole. How many tomato seeds per hole need to be gotten right and we have established that sowing at least two seeds can help your plant emerge successfully.

    FAQ’s

    Can you plant 2 tomato plants in the same hole?

    It is not ideal to plant two tomato plants in the same hole because this can cause overcrowding which causes the root to tangle and reduce the growth. If you sowed two seeds in a hole and the two emerge successfully, simply pluck out the shorter or weaker one.

    How many tomato seeds do you put in the ground?

    We recommend you put at least two tomato seeds in the ground so that if one seed fails to grow, the second one can serve as a backup plan.

    How many tomatoes can one seed grow?

    One tomato seed can give rise to one tomato plant. it is important not to overcrowd your tomato plant so it can grow and flourish optimally.

    Can I put multiple seeds in one hole?

    Yes, you can put multiple seeds in one hole because this can further boost the chance of the seed emerging. However, if you’re growing a bigger variety of a plant, you should avoid overcrowding the hole with too many seeds.

  • How Long For Seeds To Germinate?

    How Long For Seeds To Germinate?

    It’s every grower’s wish to sow seed successfully and watch it sprout and grow to become a healthy plant. However, delay or unsuccessful germination may happen to any grower. Then we begin to ask: how long for seeds to germinate?

    Different seeds need various growing conditions to successfully sprout. So, there are some conditions that favor the germination of different seeds. This is why you need to have a better understanding of what affects seed germination and how you can effectively help your seed germinate.

    How long for seeds to germinate is what we will be discussing here. We will also discuss other things you need to know to help you with seed germination.

    How Long For Seeds To Germinate?

    It can be a good feeling when you plant your seeds because you would want to see the result of germination. However, when it comes to waiting for the seed to sprout it can make anyone anxious.

    How long for seeds to germinate usually depends on the condition it was given. But generally speaking, it can take around 2 weeks for most seeds to germinate. While some other types of seeds can take a lesser duration.

    Ideally, if you provided the seeds with the appropriate growing conditions, you should see seeds germinating within a month of sowing. So, if you don’t notice any within a month, then something must be wrong.

    Germination Time Of Seeds

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    Things That Affects The Germination Time Of Seeds

    As we’ve mentioned, there are things that can affect how long seeds takes to germinate and they are:

    1.    Temperature

    Temperature is one big factor that can enhance seed germination. This is why growers need to time their planting schedule according to seasonal changes to achieve optimal crop yield.

    Temperature requirements can vary from seed to seed. For instance, some seeds may need to attain a temperature range of around 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit to germinate appropriately. But some other seeds may need higher temperatures such as 75 degrees Fahrenheit to sprout.

    However, if you can’t provide this type of temperature range doesn’t mean your seeds won’t sprout. It just reduces the chances of seed germination.

    2.    Water – How Long For Seeds To Germinate

    The addition of water helps trigger seed sprouting. When the seeds absorb water, it activates some enzymes that trigger the germination of the seeds. This is one major reason why seeds usually lay dormant during dry conditions.

    The enzyme activated by water breaks down the food that is stored inside the seed and it is first used for energy to form and grow the root.

    So, after the roots have emerged, the root gets the required moisture and nutrients needed from the soil and any stored material left in the seed to grow other parts of the plant.

    Things That Affects The Germination Time Of Seeds

    3.    Light

    Light is another factor that helps seeds emerge. Specifically speaking, the red and white spectrum wavelength rays help trigger seed germination. Also, take note that the level of light required by different seeds varies greatly. Some specific seeds require full sun, while others may require shade.

    When you purchase seeds, the seed packet should contain information or instructions that can assist you with the right light to provide the seeds to germinate. Also, you can find and research such information online.

    4.    The Seed Age

    The age of the seed can be another determining factor for seed germination. For instance, when the seed is old, it usually proves difficult for it to sprout and this is caused by two reasons.

    The first reason is that the casing of the seed may have turned hard which makes water absorption hard for the seed. Water needs to be absorbed by seeds for them to sprout adequately.

    The second reason is that the food stored in the inner part of the seed casing can dry out. This makes the seed unusable even if plenty of water touches the seed. So, you can always check the seed expiration to avoid any frustration from trying to germinate plants from old seeds.

    5.    Oxygen – How Long For Seeds To Germinate

    The absence of air or oxygen can reduce the chances of seed germination. So, some air is needed for seed to germinate.

    6.    The Structure Of The Soil

    The structure of the soil that the seed will be growing in is also important. The soil should be a bit loose and have the adequate organic matter to ensure there are tiny air pockets where the seed can siphon energy from to germinate.

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    How Long For Seeds To Germinate

    Germination Duration For Some Vegetables

    Below we’ve listed the germination duration for some vegetable seeds:

    • Kale: 5 to 7 days
    • Broccoli: 7 to 10 days
    • Asparagus: 14 to 18 days
    • Beans: 4 to 10 days
    • Lettuce: 2 to 10 days
    • Parsley: 5 to 6 days
    • Spinach: 6 to 14 days
    • Tomatoes: 5 to days
    • Pumpkins: 4 to 10 days
    • Pepper: 7 to 10 days
    • Celery: 10 days
    • Cauliflower: 4 to 10 days
    • Chinese cabbage: 4 to 10 days
    • Cucumber: 5 to 7 days
    • Carrot: 6 days

    Tips To Speeding Up Germination Rate

    Here are some tricks you can try to help germinate your seeds faster:

    1. Seed pre-soak

    Pre-soaking of seeds is one good way of speeding seed germination. When the seed is soaked, it helps expose the embryo to moisture. This in turn assists in breaking through the shell causing the seed to sprout faster.

    1. Nicking of seeds – How Long For Seeds To Germinate

    This involves opening the hard, thick seed coat or seed jacket before sowing. This helps moisture reach the inside of the seed allowing the seed to emerge faster.

    1. Seeds germination on paper towel

    Germinating seeds on a paper towel can also boost seed germination.

    Conclusion

    How long for seeds to germinate can vary widely and this depends on some growth factors such as temperatures, water, light, and seed viability. So, make sure you provide your seed with the ideal growing conditions for better results.

    FAQ’s

    How do you make seeds germinate faster?

    You can help your seeds germinate faster by presoaking them for 24 hours in water before sowing. Water or moisture helps activate the enzyme that triggers the germination of seed.

    Can seeds germinate in a day?

    There are some seed species that can germinate in a day. For instance, seeds that fall under cabbage family such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower, bok, and Choi, can sprout in a day. These seeds are some of the fastest germinating seeds.

    How long does it take seeds to sprout indoors?

    For seeds sown indoors in most cases, they tend to germinate in about 3 weeks. Just make sure you provide the seed with proper growing conditions.

    What to do with seedlings after they sprout?

    Once your seeds have sprouted and produced seedlings, it’s time to harden them off for outdoor conditions. Hardening seedlings helps prevent shock from transplanting. So, before you transplant your seedlings, ensure they have been hardened off to suit the outdoor conditions.

  • Does Potting Soil Go Bad? The Truth About This

    Does Potting Soil Go Bad? The Truth About This

    If you’ve been in a situation where you find an old bag of potting soil and you wonder if can be of any use; then you’re not alone. The potting soil may just have been sitting outside the shed for a while and it may have you wondering what to do about it. Does potting soil go bad? We will deeply look into this question in this article.

    Soil that is of great quality is required to successfully grow plants whether indoor or outdoor. Potting soil ensures the plant grows in an adequate medium. It ensures our plant receives the appropriate nutrient, care, and more for healthy plant growth.

    Most times, when we purchase potting soil, we may get more than what we need. So, some soil tends to remain and this makes us keep them. But what we would like to know is this: does potting soil go bad?

    Does Potting Soil Go Bad? Get To Know The Truth

    Does potting soil go bad? The truth of the matter is that potting soil doesn’t have a particular expiry duration. However, it can go bad if it has been kept for a long time. Also, not storing potting soil appropriately can cause it to go bad.

    Does Potting Soil Go Bad

    How long Can Potting Soil Be Stored?

    Once you’ve opened your potting soil, it should last around 6 to 12 months. Then for potting soil that has not been opened, it can be stored for about 1 year or two years.

    What Is Potting Soil Composed Of?

    You should know that not every potting soil contains the same ingredients and this is because various potting soil has different purposes. There is potting soil designed specifically for indoor use and they are usually well-draining soil. Outdoors potting soil on the other hand is made to retain moisture longer.

    But let’s look at the general composition of potting soil for a container garden:

    • Peat Moss: peat moss is a fibrous material that contains nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus for the growth of a plant.
    • Perlite: this is a volcanic glass material and this composition helps improve water retention, soil aeration, and drainage.
    • Vermiculite: this is a mineral that enhances soil water retention as well as soil aeration.
    • Bark: bark is a shredded pine bark that helps increase soil aeration and water retention.

    Why Will Potting Soil Go Bad?

    Usually, potting soil is inclined to go bad due to the presence of degradable ingredients they are made up of. The majority of potting soil is made up of peat moss and other organic ingredients that tend to decompose over time. Peat moss for instance is at its best for about 1 to 2 years. So, after this, peat moss can start to decompose and make the potting soil go bad.

    Why Will Potting Soil Go Bad

    When this soil goes bad, it usually leads to the soil losing water retention and aeration. Hence, this makes the soil inappropriate to be used on any potted plant.

    Check Out A Guide On Feeding A Pitcher Plant – How To Do It

    How To Tell Your Potting Soil Has Gone Bad

    Most potting soil does come with expiration dates so you can simply check the expiration date. However, there are times the expiration date isn’t clear. Or the expiration date has faded out. You can still determine when your potting soil has gone bad or expired through other means.

    So, you can further tell if your potting soil has gone bad by doing some checking, and here are some signs to tell you that it has gone bad:

    1.    Foul Smell

    Once you begin to perceive this foul, rotten egg smell, that’s an indication that your potting soil has gone bad. The reason you perceive this bad smell is mainly because of the anaerobic bacteria that grow in this old, damp, and compacted soil.

    2.    Soil Compaction

    When your soil is compacted, it means it feels heavy or tightly packed. This is one common issue faced with old potting soil that comprises peat moss. Peat moss is best used from around 1 to 2 years of buying it and after this duration, the soil begins to go dense as it composes of other organic materials.

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    3.    Mold Formation

    Once you notice mold growing out of your potting soil, it has gone bad. This situation often occurs when the soil is stored inappropriately. For instance, storing potting soil that is damp in a closed bag for a long time can, especially during warm weather can cause the soil to begin to form mold.

    4.    Insects Invasion

    Insect invasion or infestation is another clear sign your potting soil has gone bad. Small insects such as fungus gnats thrive in soil, particularly moist soil. These insects can access your potting soil even when it’s closed through very tiny openings.

    Once they access your soil, they begin to multiply by laying eggs. Inside your potting soil mix. They tend to encourage decomposition in a way that’s not healthy.

    Read more about All You Need To Know About The Purple Aloe Vera

    Tips For Maintaining A Fresh Potting Soil

    If you won’t be using your potting soil mix right away or you won’t be using all the soil, there are things you can do to maintain this soil mix for some period.

    • Store your unused or unopened potting soil in a dry and cool container. Then once you’ve opened the potting soil bag, store it in a dry and cool air-tight container.
    • You can revive your potting soil by mixing it in more nutrients if it has lost its nutrients before it expires.
    • Blend or mix your old soil with fresh potting mix.

    Conclusion – Does Potting Soil Go Bad?

    Potting soil does go bad so if you find out that your old potting mix starts to give a foul odor or it’s bringing out mold; then it’s a sign the soil has gone bad.

    We have discussed some details about potting soil going bad and we hope this piece of information has enlightened you.

    FAQ’s

    How do you know if potting soil is bad?

    When potting soil has gone bad it will show some signs. The signs to determine your potting soil has gone bad include foul odor, mold formation, soil compaction, and insect infestation.

    Is it okay to use old potting soil?

    You can use old potting soil if the soil has no pests or diseases. So, ensure what you’ve used the soil to plant is totally healthy. However, sterilizing the potting soil mix is ideal for use against the next year’s planting season.

    How long can you keep a bag of potting soil?

    A potting soil that has not been opened can be kept and used for a duration of 1 to 2 years. However, once you have opened the potting soil, it will begin to degrade and you will have about 6 months to store it.

    How do you rejuvenate old potting soil?

    To rejuvenate your old potting soil, do the following: Spread and lay out the soil so you can clean the soil by taking out any debris such as rotted plant roots, weeds, and dead leaves. Then clean with water, mix the soil with a fresh mix, and add a slow release fertilizer. After doing all this, let the soil cure by storing it in a dark and dry place for about 2 weeks then you can use it.

  • Everything You Need To Know About Repotting A Snake Plant

    Everything You Need To Know About Repotting A Snake Plant

    Repotting a snake plant may be necessary especially if they’ve outgrown their present container. You can even help boost the snake plant’s growth and help it flourish when you repot in the appropriate container size.

    Even though snake plant is one easy type of houseplant to have, you should still take care of your snake plant. So, repotting is also part of caring for the plant. A snake plant that is overgrown in pot can cause rootbound. So, once your snake plant has grown heavy and is starting to explode out of its pot, then it’s time to repot.

    Repotting a snake plant is easy to go by and we are all about this in this pot. So, let’s delve into everything you need to know about repotting snake plants.

    Signs That Shows Your Snake Pot Needs Repotting

    Repotting a snake plant should be done when it’s only necessary. Don’t repot when it’s not needed so you don’t stress the plant for anything.

    So, let’s look at some signs to tell if your snake plant requires repotting:

    ·         Water Drains Too Fast Out Of Drainage Holes When You Water

    These signs show that whenever you water, the water drains fast without holding adequate water. Although snake plants can thrive with some neglect from water for some period, if the neglect is however extended, the plant will suffer.

    These issues whereby water drains very fast can be a sign of soil problem. Soil can disintegrate and lose its structure as time goes on which can be due to root growth and constant watering. This issue results in the inability of the soil to retain water or even nutrients.

    Another reason for rapid water draining from the pot can be because the root has overgrown the pot. So, the root takes most space and leaves little space for the soil. Hence, the soil becomes compacted that there’s little soil to hold the water.

    Check Out A Quick Look At Some List Of Lavender Companion Plants

    ·         Root Growing Out From The Pot’s Bottom

    When the root of snake plant begins to emerge from its container, it means repotting is necessary. This also applies to all houseplants. When this happens, it implies there is a root bound meaning the root has limited space to grow. Hence, this causes the root to come out of the base of the container.

    Your snake plant shouldn’t be left in this condition because it can cause the plant to struggle to assimilate nutrients and water. This in turn causes stunted growth that can even put an end to the plant.

    ·         Snake Plant With Several Pups – Repotting A Snake Plant

    One interesting feature of snake plant is its ability to produce pups from its plant base. Pups are little snake plants that sprout from the soil that is close to the plant connected by a rhizome.

    It’s fine to leave snake plant when it has just one or two pups. However, once the pups become many, it’s necessary to repot. The pups that have adequate roots can be cut off from the parent plant and repotted into a separate individual pot.

    ·         Snake Plant Falling Off

    Snake plant tends to grow in a tall manner with thick leaves and strong rhizomes. So, this makes the plant-heavy most time and causes the plant to fall over.

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    Repotting A Snake Plant

    Repotting a snake plant will then be required in this situation especially if the plant has grown twice the size of the container.

    When Is The Best Period To Repot Snake Plant?

    Early spring or late winter is the best time to repot your snake plant. This is mainly because snake plant is in its dormancy period during winter. So, this is right before the plant’s active growing season which is spring.

    Repotting A Snake Plant: Steps To Follow

    Below are the steps to follow when repotting a snake plant:

    Step 1: Obtain A New Bigger Or Spacious Pot

    Repotting a snake plant when necessary will require a bigger pot. The new pot needs to be at least 2 to 4 inches bigger than the previous container. This can ensure there is adequate space for the snake plant you’re repotting.

    Step 2: Plant Removal

    Take the snake plant out of its container. Then loosen the potting mix that is found around the root balls.

    Also, if there are many pups, you should cut the pups that have roots where the rhizomes are clearly visible. Then you can plant them in individual pots. But if the pups aren’t too many, you may leave them.

    Step 3: Obtain A New Soil And Replant

    Obtain some new soil and add to the previous soil. This is to fill up the new space and then add extra nutrients to it to support the health of the indoor houseplant. A well-draining soil or any indoor potting mix is great for snake plants.

    Obtain A New Soil And Replant

    Put the snake plant to be repotted in the new container and add soil. In the process of adding new soil around your plant, pack the soil well to ensure there are no air pockets. Then fill up the soil into the container till you reach the point where there is an inch left from the top of the pot.

    Step 4: Water And Provide Indirect Sun

    After planting, water to encourage the roots to grow. Then position the newly potted plant in its spot where it can get bright indirect sunshine.

    Step 5: Fertilization – Repotting A Snake Plant

    If you plan to repot your snake plant in early spring or summer, adding fertilizer to boost its growth during its active season can go a long way.

    Conclusion On Repotting A Snake Plant

    Repotting a snake plant can be quite beneficial to the plant especially when the plant is due for repotting. It’s easy to go about repotting your snake plant and we have discussed this in this post.

    FAQ’s

    What soil should I use for a snake plant?

    A well draining and aerated soil is what snake plants like and a light loamy soil is one good example. Snake plant tends to store water in their thick leaves so using soil that retains moisture isn’t advisable.

    When should you repot a snake plant?

    Once snake plant shows some signs it needs repotting, you should repot. Signs that your snake plant needs repotting include, roots growing out from the drainage holes, soil draining too fast, the plant becomes heavy and bends over, and too many pups.

    What kind of pots do snake plants like?

    Pots like terra cotta pots are great for snake plants because they allow soil dry out easily compared to plastic pots.

    How do you repot an indoor snake plant?

    Get a spacious container and get extra soil to add to the extra space. Then take out your snake plant and repot in the new container.

  • A Quick Look At Some List Of Lavender Companion Plants

    A Quick Look At Some List Of Lavender Companion Plants

    Lavender companion plants will be discussed in this article. The plant lavender is one of the favorite home garden plants which can be wonderful to have in all gardens.

    This perennial that is evergreen has a lot of benefits which are well known, reasons why it is commonly found in beautiful locations that are sunny in most gardens. And luckily, there are lots of lavender companion plants that can be easily grown as well.

    The listed plants in this article are just a few of the plants that you can plant alongside your lavender. Lavender companion plants can either help to attract insects that are beneficial, stop the rampaging of pests or enhance plant growth. Keep reading to know about a few examples of lavender companion plants.

    Companion Planting

    This is a gardening method that has stood the test of time, which helps to enrich and protect crops that are vulnerable. It is the act of planting particular types of crops alongside each other with the aim of helping each crop deter pests, grow healthy and attract the attention of insects with benefits.

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    Benefits Of Companion Planting

    There are lots of great benefits these companion plants can add to the garden. They include:

    Soil Nutrients Improvement

    Growing crops in your garden entails the crop absorbing most of the important nutrients from the soil. This will warrant the gardener to go through a lot of procedures at the end of the planting season to restore the lost nutrients in the soil.

    Companion plants, among many others, like pole beans and bush beans can help restore nitrogen back into the soil. This way, the good health of other plants will be maintained.

    Deter Insect Pests

    Specific pests can be repelled by many companion plants. These companion plants are catnip, marigold flowers, and rue. In order to keep certain crops pest-free, you should plant these companion plants close to them.

    Pests invading a vegetable garden can cause a plague and these are pests like cucumber beetles, cabbage worms, cabbage moths, carrot flies, Mexican bean beetles, and more.

    Benefits Of Companion Planting - Deter Insect Pests

    Provide A Form Of Cover For The Soil

    Some certain types of plants, like the crawling or low height plants, can protect the soil from the sun. This is because they grow by spreading all across the ground like a covering over the soil.

    This helps to keep the soil cooler thereby making the temperature favorable for plants that prefer a temperature that is low. A typical example of a plant that can serve as a covering is oregano.

    Lavender Companion Plants

    So, let’s take a look at a few of these companion plants of lavender:

    1.    Roses

    Roses varieties like shrub roses and floribunda rose will do very well in companion planting with lavender. Pairing lavender and roses will come out lovely and classic. In fact, you will find out that roses flourish really well in almost all conditions, say USDA Zone 2-11.

    The variety you choose matters. The best type of soil to plant rose bushes in is loamy soil that is well draining. The two plants must be well spaced. This is because rose plants need more water than lavender, thereby the need for the roses to be watered two times a week.

    2.    African Daisy – Lavender Companion Plants

    Just like the well-known and loved daisies, the African Daisies have similar common characteristics as them. The African Daisies attributes are extremely unique, with bright and amazing coloring looking like they’ve been dyed. In fact, you can find some varieties with more than one color on them.

    Because both African Daisies and Lavender don’t need much care and can both survive in the same conditions like the USDA 9-11, they will make a lovely pair. What these two plants require is well-draining soil, full sun and to be watered once a week.

    Outsidepride Dimorphotheca Sinuata African Daisy White Flower Seed

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    The most amazing part of pairing these two plants is that even when lavender is in its off-season, African Daisy will continue to bloom. It will bloom and keep your garden bright all through spring, summer and fall.

    3.    Echinacea

    Lavender and echinacea look lovely side by side and they will definitely make a fantastic pair. The environmental conditions in which they can both survive are very much alike, which is USDA Zones 3 and 9 as the best.

    Echinaceas are also known as coneflowers and just like lavender, their need for much sun is important as well. However, they don’t need as much water as lavender. They can even stand heavy drought much more than lavender. Hence there will be no need for a change in how you water them. In order to form its purple blooms, it needs well-draining soil, just like lavender.

    If these two plants are paired together during summer, your garden will be radiating in the beauty of the display of stunning purple and lilac.

    4.    Zinnia – Lavender Companion Plants

    Zinnias are annuals that are really hardy and should be considered. They come in various spectrums of flower colors which you can choose from.

    You can combine any color of the zinnias with your lavender be it white, pink, red, or even lavender purple. Pairing them with your lavender will surely look amazing. And you can bet that zinnias will also thrive well side by side with lavender. Zinnias love full sun, well-draining, and dry soil as well.

    They can stand heat or humidity too. This is why zinnias are a sure bet for companion planting with lavender.

    • Other companion plants lavender that is great to be planted with include lettuce, onions, tomatoes, oregano, lemon balm, rosemary, sage, basil, and so on.
    Lavender Companion Plants - Zinnia

    Conclusion On Lavander Companion Plants

    Lavender companion plants list and their details have been discussed in this article. There are many plants that lavender can be planted side by side and benefit each other.

    FAQ’s

    What can you not plant with lavender?

    Plants that don’t do well under full sun should not be planted close to lavender. This is because lavender flourishes under full sun. So, shaded plants such as camellias, impatiens, fuchsia, and coleus do not go well with lavender.

    What is lavender a good companion plant for?

    Lavender is a wonderful companion plant because the plant can help add some beneficial features to the companion plants. Some of these beneficial features are shielding its companion plant from pests and boosting its growth.

    Where is the best place to plant lavender?

    Ideally, you should plant lavender where it can receive full sunlight. So, hot climates and afternoon shade can boost the growth of the plant.

    How far apart should you plant lavender?

    Lavender needs to be planted about 2 to 3 feet apart. This lavender plant can grow tall and attain a height of about 1 to 3 feet.