My geraniums are up
The lack of a heated greenhouse this winter and a couple of -9C nights means that I have lost most of my geraniums and fuchias. such is life. but its a chance to start again. And all sorts of unidentified shrubs are starting to bud and bulbs I was unaware of are sending up shoots. The long nights of winter give way to spring and life is good. Greenhouse one is ready to for action, and its seed time. I love planting seeds & having them grow. Little miracles every day.
posted by Old Man Rich at 10:43 AM
5 Comments:
Geraniums can be held in a semi-dormant condition when they are kept at a temperature from 45°F. to 50°F. Before killing frost occurs, pot up the plants in planter boxes, or suitable containers, and use a well-drained soil. Plastic, clay, or wooden containers can be used. Potting soil may be peat-lite mixes or equal parts garden soil, peat and vermiculite. After transplanting, prune back plants to about 4 inches. You may need to prune later in winter as they grow leggy and have few flowers. Geraniums should be placed in a cool (40°-50° degrees) room with plenty of light. Sometimes our natural light during the winter is lacking, at which you may need to supplement with a grow light. The geraniums will defoliate due to poor light and cool temperatures. Clean up dry or yellow leaves to avoid mildew or botrytis. Geraniums flower sparsely during November through February, remove these to help maintain dormancy and larger blooms in spring. During late winter, plants start to grow faster. Prune them severely to encourage new growth. Keep the soil dry to slow down the growth of the plants and also avoid root and crown rot. But don't let soil dry excessively. A light watering once a month should be enough. As spring approaches, move it to a warmer spot and begin increasing water and fertilize once a month.
They're my favourites - good luck Mr Rich.
An Avid Old Man Rich Reader
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got any white ones?
x
wow, I have an avid reader! (or should that be rabid?) Thanks for all the kisses. (please don't be a bloke.)
yup. white, red, dark pink and mixed.
question: i have a cool condo (ave. 65F in a 24 period) it's a wee humid, not a lot of direct sun light
I need something else living in my condo aside from me and the various creepy camel back crickets - PLANTS
HOW ever, i have no green fingers.
Any suggestions for house plants
OR something I can start in doors and plant outside for good in late March?
Much thanks in advance
M
MN.
lack of green fingers is not a problem - stuff wants to grow. Lack of light is more difficult. Provided it not too dark I suggest fuchias. They like it damp, dont need direct sun & are easy. Buy small plants or take cuttings as seeds can be hard to find and are a pain. These can go out in the summer, or stay in if it doesnt get too hot inside.
Not up on houseplants but I'm guessing evergreen ferns will do well. You might also want to try orchids. They're a bit more challenging but they like warm, moist & no direct sunlight. I know a few people who have them & they are beautiful.
If you have a sunny window sill somewhere get a nice cactie, cos they are great & indestructable.
I think it won't be light enough to grow chillies, but give em a go, the seeds are cheap, they are nice looking plants & you get chillies.
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