Many families have grown up with an aloe vera plant in the kitchen. This succulent plant is great for indoor gardening as it is hardy and easy to care for. Moreover, they are great for skin care and minor cuts and burns that can happen in the kitchen while cooking. To use as a first aid item, cut a portion of one of the leaves and squeeze the inner gel onto the hurt area. With repeated use, the aloe vera will aid in healing and sooth the pain.
In addition to the aloe vera plant there are other helpful plants that are good to have around the house. An herb garden is a convenient way to add flavor and natural ingredients to many dishes. From fresh dill in a homemade tzatziki sauce to chives mixed in with cream cheese for a delicious bagel.
Many herbs can be dried and used for loose leaf teas not only a relaxing beverage, some herbs are known for their medicinal qualities too. Some herbs that can be used as tea leaves or as part of a mixture are peppermint and ginger.
There are many edible plants that you can grow indoors to aid in digestion. They can be broken off the plant as needed or some may need some preparation first.
* Anise is a popular and widely used for aiding in digestion and easing colic in infants.
* Coriander in addition to helping with digestion it is also a tasty addition to salsa.
* Fennel oil is used to ease upset stomachs too. It is also used for increasing the amount of breast milk produced in mothers.
This is just a brief look at some of the other uses for houseplants. It is recommended to research your plants before ingesting any to ensure they are safe.
Showing posts with label indoor gardening. Show all posts
Showing posts with label indoor gardening. Show all posts
Monday, June 21, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Artificial Plants
People love artificial plants for many reasons as you can see. Since they aren't as delicate as real plants, they can also be easily found and purchased online. Find any artificial plants you like online and take measurements to make sure they'll be a perfect fit for your home.
I'm not a fan of the artificial thing, but I include this article here for variety sake, because there are some who may like to consider some artificial plants in their garden, also there are some benefits.
What can be done with artificial plants is just a matter of seeing it for yourself. Who knew that manipulating plastic could even turn out to look that beautiful? If you are the type who's against the destruction of the Rain Forest, who said that you should not have any green in your home? Artificial plants are odorless and the only thing they do catch is dust. Taking a damp cloth, or even having the kids spend on morning on a Saturday cleaning them, will bring back the color of the plants.
Artificial plants can resemble actual flowers and it will take a second – maybe even a third – glance to realize that they are not real. A few of the plants are available with artificial water, which adds to the look-a-like effect, and be beautiful centerpieces on the coffee table, on the mantelpiece or even on the bedside pedestal. There is nothing wrong with having plastic in your house, and if you are against it, you just have a look at a few of the artificial plants and decide for yourself. You will not be blamed if you are taken to the artificial plant section and can’t tell the difference between real and plastic.
The two are very close – maybe so close that there is no fault. To tell the difference all you have to do is put your nose near each of them and smell the difference. When owning artificial plants in your home and would like to give it a fresh smell, try adding a few drops of potpourri oils on the brim of the vase. That should convince the visitors that your beautiful flowers are making the room smell so nice. Share your secret with them and tell them and then see the looks on their faces when they stand there in disbelief.
People love artificial plants for many reasons as you can see. Since they aren't as delicate as real plants, they can also be easily found and purchased online. Find any artificial plants you like online and take measurements to make sure they'll be a perfect fit for your home.
I'm not a fan of the artificial thing, but I include this article here for variety sake, because there are some who may like to consider some artificial plants in their garden, also there are some benefits.
What can be done with artificial plants is just a matter of seeing it for yourself. Who knew that manipulating plastic could even turn out to look that beautiful? If you are the type who's against the destruction of the Rain Forest, who said that you should not have any green in your home? Artificial plants are odorless and the only thing they do catch is dust. Taking a damp cloth, or even having the kids spend on morning on a Saturday cleaning them, will bring back the color of the plants.
Artificial plants can resemble actual flowers and it will take a second – maybe even a third – glance to realize that they are not real. A few of the plants are available with artificial water, which adds to the look-a-like effect, and be beautiful centerpieces on the coffee table, on the mantelpiece or even on the bedside pedestal. There is nothing wrong with having plastic in your house, and if you are against it, you just have a look at a few of the artificial plants and decide for yourself. You will not be blamed if you are taken to the artificial plant section and can’t tell the difference between real and plastic.
The two are very close – maybe so close that there is no fault. To tell the difference all you have to do is put your nose near each of them and smell the difference. When owning artificial plants in your home and would like to give it a fresh smell, try adding a few drops of potpourri oils on the brim of the vase. That should convince the visitors that your beautiful flowers are making the room smell so nice. Share your secret with them and tell them and then see the looks on their faces when they stand there in disbelief.
People love artificial plants for many reasons as you can see. Since they aren't as delicate as real plants, they can also be easily found and purchased online. Find any artificial plants you like online and take measurements to make sure they'll be a perfect fit for your home.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
More Indoor Gardening Tips
WһіƖе аƖƖ plants аrе quite apt tο prosper indoors, tһеу ԁο need more οr less tһе same conditions tο grow аѕ outdoor plants ԁο. Tһеѕе conditions аrе a ɡοοԁ supply οf fresh air, proper sunlight, water аחԁ nutrients such аѕ plant food commonly known аѕ ‘fertilizer’.
Wе wіƖƖ include here a few tips tһаt аrе sure tο mаkе уουr indoor plants grow healthier аחԁ add beauty tο уουr surroundings.
Eνеr notice һοw plants wіƖƖ face tһе source οf sunlight? Tһіѕ іѕ bесаυѕе tһе sun іѕ tһе main source οf tһеіr nutrition. Plant leaves change water аחԁ nutrition frοm tһе soil tο food through a process called ‘photosynthesis’.
A couple οf hours οf sunlight іѕ a mυѕt fοr уουr indoor plants. If уου ԁο חοt һаνе a рƖасе wһеrе уου саח һаνе adequate sunlight, аחԁ саחחοt mονе tһе plants уου ѕһουƖԁ consider purchasing a couple οf indoor gardening lights.
Ordinary lights wіƖƖ חοt ԁο. Indoor gardening lights provide enough οf ultraviolet light tο nourish tһе plants.
Provide adequate water tο уουr plants. Yουr indoor plants need ‘room temperature’ water tο survive. Dο חοt over water tһе plants, mοѕt plants die due tο a lack οf water οr a surplus οf іt tһаח tһеу ԁο οf аחу οtһеr reason.
Follow a rule οf thumb, Ɩіkе уου test a cake уου ѕһουƖԁ pierce a knitting needle іחtο a plant container. If tһе needle goes іח wіtһ ease tһе soil іѕ јυѕt tһе rіɡһt dampness, іf חοt increase tһе quantity οf water a bit.
Fertilizers аrе аƖѕο іmрοrtаחt, once a fortnight add a scoop οf indoor plant fertilizer tο уουr plant pot. Used tealeaves аrе аƖѕο a very ɡοοԁ supply οf nutrition tο уουr plant.
Follow tһеѕе simple tricks аחԁ уου wіƖƖ see уουr indoor garden prospering very soon.
Wе wіƖƖ include here a few tips tһаt аrе sure tο mаkе уουr indoor plants grow healthier аחԁ add beauty tο уουr surroundings.
Eνеr notice һοw plants wіƖƖ face tһе source οf sunlight? Tһіѕ іѕ bесаυѕе tһе sun іѕ tһе main source οf tһеіr nutrition. Plant leaves change water аחԁ nutrition frοm tһе soil tο food through a process called ‘photosynthesis’.
A couple οf hours οf sunlight іѕ a mυѕt fοr уουr indoor plants. If уου ԁο חοt һаνе a рƖасе wһеrе уου саח һаνе adequate sunlight, аחԁ саחחοt mονе tһе plants уου ѕһουƖԁ consider purchasing a couple οf indoor gardening lights.
Ordinary lights wіƖƖ חοt ԁο. Indoor gardening lights provide enough οf ultraviolet light tο nourish tһе plants.
Provide adequate water tο уουr plants. Yουr indoor plants need ‘room temperature’ water tο survive. Dο חοt over water tһе plants, mοѕt plants die due tο a lack οf water οr a surplus οf іt tһаח tһеу ԁο οf аחу οtһеr reason.
Follow a rule οf thumb, Ɩіkе уου test a cake уου ѕһουƖԁ pierce a knitting needle іחtο a plant container. If tһе needle goes іח wіtһ ease tһе soil іѕ јυѕt tһе rіɡһt dampness, іf חοt increase tһе quantity οf water a bit.
Fertilizers аrе аƖѕο іmрοrtаחt, once a fortnight add a scoop οf indoor plant fertilizer tο уουr plant pot. Used tealeaves аrе аƖѕο a very ɡοοԁ supply οf nutrition tο уουr plant.
Follow tһеѕе simple tricks аחԁ уου wіƖƖ see уουr indoor garden prospering very soon.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Healthy Houseplants
Houseplants bring a little bit of nature indoors-a beautiful touch of green that's not only soothing but that softens hard lines and glaring light in home or office. They can even improve indoor air quality.
"Houseplants can be a natural way to decorate your home," says Bayer Advanced™ garden expert Lance Walheim, who is a regular contributor to Sunset magazine and who has authored or contributed to more than 30 books. "They can last for years if you provide the proper care".
• Match plants with light conditions. Houseplants vary in their light requirements. Some prefer strong light found right next to a south-facing window. Others thrive in the soft morning light of an east-facing window. For more information on choosing houseplants for various lighting situations, visit http://www.bayeradvanced.com/garden/gardening/house-plants/.
• Use quality potting soil. Good potting soil (never use regular garden soil in containers) promotes healthy roots by providing a balance of proper aeration, nutrition and moisture-holding capability.
• Water properly. Houseplants need frequent watering. Stick your finger into the top two inches of soil. If it is dry, it's probably time to water. Water thoroughly, so the entire rootball is wet and the excess water runs out the bottom of the pot. Don't leave standing water in the catch tray for more than a day or two because that can promote root disease.
• Fertilize regularly. The frequent watering required by most houseplants leaches nutrients out of the soil. Be sure to fertilize regularly.
• Increase humidity and avoid drafts. Keep plants away from heater vents, doorways or drafty windows. Increase humidity by setting plants on trays layered with small pebbles and filled with water. Or place them in naturally humid areas like kitchens or bathrooms (but only if there is adequate light).
• Keep the foliage clean. Dust that accumulates on the leaves of houseplants will block light and harbor insect pests. Clean leaves by wiping them with a moist towel or, in mild winter areas, take plants outdoors and hose them off.
• Control insect pests. Many insect pests, including aphids, white flies, mealybugs and scales, can quickly get out of control on houseplants. You can keep them at bay with Bayer Advanced™ Dual Action Rose & Flower Insect Killer. Its two-way action kills insects on contact and keeps on protecting for weeks. One 24-ounce container treats 34 medium-size plants.
"Houseplants can be a natural way to decorate your home," says Bayer Advanced™ garden expert Lance Walheim, who is a regular contributor to Sunset magazine and who has authored or contributed to more than 30 books. "They can last for years if you provide the proper care".
• Match plants with light conditions. Houseplants vary in their light requirements. Some prefer strong light found right next to a south-facing window. Others thrive in the soft morning light of an east-facing window. For more information on choosing houseplants for various lighting situations, visit http://www.bayeradvanced.com/garden/gardening/house-plants/.
• Use quality potting soil. Good potting soil (never use regular garden soil in containers) promotes healthy roots by providing a balance of proper aeration, nutrition and moisture-holding capability.
• Water properly. Houseplants need frequent watering. Stick your finger into the top two inches of soil. If it is dry, it's probably time to water. Water thoroughly, so the entire rootball is wet and the excess water runs out the bottom of the pot. Don't leave standing water in the catch tray for more than a day or two because that can promote root disease.
• Fertilize regularly. The frequent watering required by most houseplants leaches nutrients out of the soil. Be sure to fertilize regularly.
• Increase humidity and avoid drafts. Keep plants away from heater vents, doorways or drafty windows. Increase humidity by setting plants on trays layered with small pebbles and filled with water. Or place them in naturally humid areas like kitchens or bathrooms (but only if there is adequate light).
• Keep the foliage clean. Dust that accumulates on the leaves of houseplants will block light and harbor insect pests. Clean leaves by wiping them with a moist towel or, in mild winter areas, take plants outdoors and hose them off.
• Control insect pests. Many insect pests, including aphids, white flies, mealybugs and scales, can quickly get out of control on houseplants. You can keep them at bay with Bayer Advanced™ Dual Action Rose & Flower Insect Killer. Its two-way action kills insects on contact and keeps on protecting for weeks. One 24-ounce container treats 34 medium-size plants.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Using A Terrarium As An Indoor Garden
There is a solution for you if you love the look of plants indoors but don't have the time or a green thumb to take care of them. A terrarium is a self-contained plant habitat. Once you have set-up the terrarium and closed the lid (on the jar or other container you have chosen) the plants inside create their own eco-system – all you have to do is enjoy it.
The choices for terrarium containers are only limited by your imagination. Traditionally a smaller aquarium is used with a lid but a glass jar or other container will work nicely too. Plastic will work as well, just make sure that it is a clear plastic or you won't be able to admire your handiwork once it is completed. Whatever size or material you choose for your terrarium the most important factor is that it does not leak. You need the water and moisture to stay inside for it to work and you don't want a mess inside your house.
The plants that you choose should all thrive in similar conditions and grow well in a humid environment. Popular plants to put into a terrarium are carnivorous (Venus Fly Trap, sundew, or pitch plant) or rain forest plants (chamaedorea palms, small ferns or fittonia).
Terrariums are a low-maintenance indoor garden. They need indirect sunlight (not too bright) and no water is needed after the initial water is added. The heat from inside the terrarium evaporates the water and then it condenses on the lid falling back down to the plants. This process will continue keeping your plants alive. If there is too much water present, you may need to vent the terrarium (with a vented lid or opening the top a small amount) just be sure to keep an eye on the soil's
The choices for terrarium containers are only limited by your imagination. Traditionally a smaller aquarium is used with a lid but a glass jar or other container will work nicely too. Plastic will work as well, just make sure that it is a clear plastic or you won't be able to admire your handiwork once it is completed. Whatever size or material you choose for your terrarium the most important factor is that it does not leak. You need the water and moisture to stay inside for it to work and you don't want a mess inside your house.
The plants that you choose should all thrive in similar conditions and grow well in a humid environment. Popular plants to put into a terrarium are carnivorous (Venus Fly Trap, sundew, or pitch plant) or rain forest plants (chamaedorea palms, small ferns or fittonia).
Terrariums are a low-maintenance indoor garden. They need indirect sunlight (not too bright) and no water is needed after the initial water is added. The heat from inside the terrarium evaporates the water and then it condenses on the lid falling back down to the plants. This process will continue keeping your plants alive. If there is too much water present, you may need to vent the terrarium (with a vented lid or opening the top a small amount) just be sure to keep an eye on the soil's
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