|
Plant Information
Cactus
San Padro Cactus
San Pedro is very easy to grow in most areas. Because it grows naturally in the high altitude, high rainfall areas of the Andes, it can withstand temperatures far below that of many other cacti. In fact, its cultivation requirements are really more like 'normal' plants than most other cacti. San Pedro requires fertile, free-draining soil. They are susceptible to fungal diseases if overwatered, but are not nearly as sensitive as many other cacti, especially in warm weather. They can be sunburned and display a yellowing chlorotic reaction to overexposure to sunlight. In warm areas it is best to keep them out of direct sun in mid-summer.
In winter plants will etiolate, or become thin, due to lower levels of light. This may be problematic if the etiolated zone is not sufficiently strong to support future growth as the cactus may break in strong winds. Some people also find it visually undesirable. If you wish to avoid etiolation when temperatures drop and growth rates slow, encourage it to enter winter dormancy by withholding water and fertilizer from it over the winter.
The seeds are quite easy to germinate and grow. Their main requirements consist of high humidity levels, free-draining soil mix, and enough (but not too much) water, light, and nutrition. There are a number of commonly used methods that satisfy these requirements and the choice of a particular method depends mainly on the scale of the cultivation operation.
For soil, use coarse sharp sand (sieved river sand). Some people also find coir or peat, or mixtures, to be effective. The soil can be sterilised by cooking it in an oven on high for 1-2 hours. Sterilisation will be most effective if the sand is moist. If one is available, an autoclave would also be useful at this point. Some people find sterilisation to be unnecessary. This may depend on other factors. The soil is placed into trays (which can be sanitised with bleach beforehand if desired) and the seeds planted into it (when the soil has cooled). The seeds should be only just below the surface (ie two or three sand grains over them). The trays now need to be kept in a humid environment. This may be achieved by the use of ziplock bags, glass plates, or greenhouses, depending on scale. Seeds usually germinate within two weeks to a month, but sometimes come up after several months.
The seedlings stay in the humid environment for several months. During this time they must be continually checked for water and nutrient requirements, and fungal pathogens. Ensure the soil stays moist, but not overly wet. Nutrients can be provided with a liquid fertiliser at 1/8th strength whenever growth rate slows down. Fungi can be killed with a sulfur or copper-based fungicide. There have been some reports of seedlings responding negatively to these treatments so be very cautious with the amount you use. There is some evidence that garlic is also an effective fungicide.
If germinating your seeds in cold weather, a heat mat and fluorescent light can be used. These should be set on a timer to mimic normal diurnal temperature cycles for germination but can be left on permanently for faster growth once all the seeds have sprouted. One good method for growing cacti seedlings using this setup is to germinate them in late winter and have them ready to go outside by spring as temperatures and light levels are increasing.
Aloe Plant
Aloe species are frequently cultivated as ornamental plants both in gardens and in pots. Many Aloe species are highly decorative and are valued by collectors of succulents. Some species, in particular Aloe vera are purported to have medicinal properties.
Other use of Aloes include their role in alternative medicines and in home first aid. Both the translucent inner pulp as well as the resinous yellow exudate from wounding the Aloe plant is used externally to relieve skin discomforts and internally as a laxative. To date, some research has shown that Aloes produce positive medicinal benefits for healing damaged skin. Conversely, other research suggests Aloe vera can negatively effect healing (Vogler and Ernst, 1999).
Various extracts of Aloe vera are frequently used in herbal medicine and by cosmetic companies. Aloe contains a number of medicinal substances used as a purgative. The medicinal substance is produced from various species of aloe, such as A. vera, A. vulgaris, A. socotrina, A. chinensis, and A. perryi. Several kinds of aloes are commercially available: Barbadoes, Socotrine, Hepatic, Indian, and Cape aloes.
Aloes is the expressed juice of the leaves of the plant. When the leaves are cut, the juice that flows out is collected and evaporated. After the juice has been removed, the leaves are sometimes boiled to yield an inferior kind of aloes. The juice of the leaves of certain species, e.g. Aloe venenosa, is poisonous.
There have been very few properly conducted studies about possible benefits of aloe gel taken internally. One study found improved wound healing in mice. Another found a positive effect of lowering risk factors in patients with heart disease. Some research has shown decreasing fasting blood sugar in diabetic animals given aloe. None of these studies can be considered to be definitive, and there are many false advertising claims for aloe.
Aloe has been marketed as a remedy for coughs, wounds, ulcers, gastritis, diabetes, cancer, headaches, arthritis, immune-system deficiencies, and many other conditions when taken internally. However, these uses are unsubstantiated; the only substantiated internal use is as a laxative. Furthermore, there is evidence of significant adverse side effects. Genotoxicity studies show that aloe-containing laxatives pose cancer risk to humans when used as directed. Consult your doctor when contemplating taking Aloe internally. Avoid use during pregnancy because the anthraquinone glycosides are strongly purgative. High doses of the leaves can cause vomiting.
On 9 May 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule banning the use of aloe and cascara sagrada as laxative ingredients in over-the-counter drug product.
I plant the Aloe plant in a rich but well drained soil, a mixture of potting soil and sand seems to work well. Aloa needs watering but dont saturate.
House Plants
Snake Plant
A tough plant that will grow in bright sunshine or shade, withstand dry air, draughts and periods without water, and it rarely needs repotting. Water sparingly and let the soil dry between waterings. In winter do not over expose it to near freezing temperatures and do not overwater as it will rot the base. Temperature: average warmth - min 15 C (59 F) in winter. Care must be taken not to damaged the tip of the leaf as it will stop growing. Easy to grow. Resistance to insects make it a good "starter" plant. Growth is comparatively slow but it lasts for many years.
Spider Plant
Family: Liliaceae (lil-ee-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Chlorophytum (kloh-roh-FY-tum)
Species: comosum (kom-OH-sum)
Cultivar: Variegatum
Tropicals/Tender Perennials
Height: 18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Spacing: 12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
Hardiness: USDA Zone 9b to Zone 11:
Sun Exposure: Light Shade
Danger: All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color: White/Near White
Bloom Time: Late Winter/Early Spring
Foliage: Grown for foliage
Evergreen Variegated
Other details: Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings .This plant is suitable for growing indoors
Soil pH requirements: 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Propagation Methods: By dividing the rootball Plant is viviparous
Seed Collecting: Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Vegtables
Tomato, Jet Star
Family: Solanaceae(sol-uh-NAY-see-ee)
Genus: Lycopersicon (ly-koh-PER-see-kon)
Species: lycopersicum (ly-koh-PER-see-kum)
Cultivar: Jet Star
Height: 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Spacing: 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Danger: Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Seed Collecting: Seed collecting is not recommended for this plant; may not come true from seed
Growing Habit: Indeterminate
Fruit Shape: Standard
Fruit Size: Medium (under one pound)
Days to Maturity: Mid (69-80 days)
Fruit Colors: Red
Seed Type: American hybrid
Usage: Fresh salad, Fresh slicing,Canning
Disease Resistance: Verticillium Wilt (V) Fusarium Wilt (F)
Leaf Type: Regular Leaf
Herbs
Cilantro,
is a fast growing annual reaching 12 - 24 inches tall. The entire plant including the leaves, the seeds and roots are all edible. Coriander can easily be grown in pots. Simply pick or trim fresh leaves of whole stalks as required. The leaves get a stronger and sometimes disagreeable flavor as they get older and larger. If you want to harvest seed for your next crop; do so after the leaves and flowers turn brown.
How to Grow
Look for seed varieties are slower growing and thus take longer to bolt. (Bolting is when the plant prematurely produces flower stalks and begins to produce flowers and seed). Flower stalks are thickened stems that eventually produce flowers and seeds. Grow in full sun. The soil should be kept moist but well drained. But all things considering the plant is not fussy about soil conditions. Plant seeds in mid to late Spring. Plant in 2 -3 week intervals for harvest all season long.
Hoarseradish
Horseradish is an herb, a condiment, a stimulant, and an excellent source of vitamin C (23 mg per ounce). The enzyme peroxidase is extracted from the roots by the pharmaceutical industry for use by diabetics to test their blood sugar levels. Peroxidase is also used in neurobiological research.
Cultivation - Once you have recieved your root, select a spot where the soil is at least 2 foot deep, and where you are sure there will be no reason to change your mind. Once planted, your horseradish plant will be there forever; in fact, if you are not careful with the little rootlets, side roots, and the crowns when digging, you will unwittingly expand your horseradish garden in every direction. The fertilizer I prefer is 6-24-24. It is important to limit the amount of nitrogen so that growing energy is directed into the root. Organic fertilizers like fish emulsion and liquid kelp are a better choice when available. The plant likes evenly moist soil and full sun, but will tolerate part shade. Soil Ph slightly on the acid side is preferred, but it will do well from a Ph of 5.0 to 7.5
For large straight roots, push back the soil from around the crown when the leaves are about 12 inches tall. Smaller roots coming out the side of the main root should be cut. Check the crown for the number of sprouts forming leaves. Cut off all those emanating from the sides of the crown so that the number of sprouts is limited to 2 or 3. Replant all the pieces you cut off if you want to expand your horseradish bed. If that is not your intention, be sure to discard them in a manner which insures that you will not be starting new plants on your own property.
Harvest - Gardeners in zones 4 through 6 can grow a decent root in reasonable time. Cochlearia armoracia, currently known as Armoracia rusticana, prefers cold winters and deep fertile soil. A small piece of root planted in the spring can produce a usable root in the fall, but only under ideal growing conditions. Most gardeners harvest horseradish roots after 12 to 18 months. Roots should be dug only when the plant is not actively growing, i.e., early in the Spring as the crown is just starting to show a bit of green growth or in the fall after the second hard frost. I prefer to dig the roots in November while the soil is dry but not yet frozen. I examine all of the crowns for suitable diameter, and flag those having diameters of not less than 1 inch. When finished, I select the 10 to 12 largest roots for digging. After digging them out, I cut off the crown and any side roots, and replant them in the same spot immediately. Add some compost to the bed, and consider it put away for the winter.
Thyme
Cultivation---Sow about the middle of March or early April, in dry, mild weather, moderately thin, in shallow drills about 1/2 inch deep, and 8 or 9 inches apart, in good, light soil, in a warm position. Cover in evenly with the soil. Some of the plants may remain where planted, after a thinning for early use, others plant out in the summer. Thyme thrives best with lots of room to spread in. It is well to make new beds annually. Selfsown plants will answer for this where found.
Stocks may also be increased by dividing old roots, or making cuttings, by slipping pieces off the plants with roots to them and planting out with trowel or dibber, taking care to water well. This may be done as soon as the weather is warm enough, from May to September. The old clumps may be divided to the utmost extent and provided each portion has a reasonable bit of root attached, success is assured. The perfume of Lemon Thyme is sweeter if raised from cuttings or division of roots, rather than from seed.
Although Thyme grows easily, especially in calcareous light, dry, stony soils, it can be cultivated in heavy soils, but it becomes less aromatic. It dislikes excess of moisture.
Basil
Cultivation---Basil dies down every year in this country, so that the seeds have to be sown annually. If in a very warm sheltered spot, seeds may be sown in the open, about the last week in April, but they are a long time coming up, and it is preferable to sow in a hot bed, about the end of March, and remove to a warm border in May, planting 10 inches to a foot apart.
Basil flourishes best in a rich soil.
---Part Used Medicinally---The whole herb, both fresh and dried, gathered in July.
---Medicinal Action and Uses---Aromatic and carminative. Though generally employed in cooking as a flavouring, Basil has been occasionally used for mild nervous disorders and for the alleviation of wandering rheumatic pains- the dried leaves, in the form of snuff, are said to be a cure for nervous headaches.
Parsley
Parsley requires an ordinary, good well-worked soil, but a moist one and a partially-shaded position is best. A little soot may be added to the soil.
The seed may be sown in drills, or broadcast, or, if only to be used for culinary purposes, as edging, or between dwarf or shortlived crops.
For a continuous supply, three sowings should be made: as early in February as the weather permits, in April or early in May, and in July and early August - the last being for the winter supply, in a sheltered position, with a southern exposure. Sow in February for the summer crop and for drying purposes. Seed sown then, however, takes several weeks to germinate, often as much as a full month. The principal sowing is generally done in April; it then germinates more quickly and provides useful material for cutting throughout the summer. A mid-August sowing will furnish good plants for placing in the cold frames for winter use.
Marjoram
The plant is suitable to sandy soil.
The Marjoram plants are obtained either by division of clumps in winter, or from seeds planted in parallel lines 2 metres apart, between the almond and olive trees; and the soil, being of necessity worked for cultivation of the trees, this also serves to fertilize the Marjoram. One cutting of plant-clumps is best, a second one weakens it. The stems are cut about 10 cms. from the ground, dried in the sun on earth which has been previously beaten slightly. The leaves are separated from the stems by being beaten with staves; they are discoloured by the sun, broken and mixed with the debris of stems of which the odour is less strong. Drying in the shade obtains more aromatic and less broken leaves, with less impurities.
Catnip
This perennial herb can grow to a height of up to 3 feet with a spread of 15 inches. It has a straggly habit and is likely to be flattened by cats who love to roll in it. The only way to protect it is with wire netting.
Cultivation Catnip is easily grown from seed in spring and summer. It prefers good, fertile soil and partial shade. Soil should be well-drained and slightly alkaline. Roots can be divided in spring and fall.
Culinary Uses Use very sparingly in salads and use the flowers as a garnish.
Medicinal Uses Catnip tea made from the leaves and flowers may be taken for coughs, colds, catarrh, and a bedtime calmative.
Other uses The most common use for catnip is as a recreational herb for cats. Dry catnip by hanging it upside down in bags, then crumble and sew into cotton bags.
Shrubs & Grasses
Pampas Grass
Pampas grass is a very attractive and functional plant when used correctly in the landscape. It can be used as a specimen plant in isolated locations on large lawns. Because it grows very rapidly into a massive plant, pampas grass is an excellent screening plant for sunny locations.
Unfortunately, pampas grass is often used as a foundation plant. It is often purchased from a nursery as a small plant and planted very near the home. The plant will look great the first year, but after several years it grows so large that it becomes difficult to find the house for the pampas grass.
In selecting sites for pampas grass, regard should be paid to the danger of damage to passersby from contact with the very sharp saw-like edges of the leaves. Pampas grass should be planted where it will receive full sun most of the day. It will grow very slowly and usually will not produce plumes when grown in shady areas. Pampas grass tolerates salt spray and is an ideal plant for coastal Georgia landscapes.
The plumes of pampas grass are highly prized for indoor decorations. Plumes used for this purpose should be cut as soon as they have fully emerged. They can be used in dried arrangements immediately after harvesting or dried by hanging upside down and used later. If mature plumes are brought indoors, they will fill the home with delicate fluffy flowers which can be a bigger problem than a shedding dog or cat. This shedding can be prevented by spraying mature plumes with hair spray.
Once established pampas grass is practically trouble-free. There is no need to spray for insects or any other bothersome garden pest. It will grow in most soils and responds favorably to frequent fertilization. To obtain good growth and plume production, pampas grass should be fertilized with a complete fertilizer (6-6-6, 8-8-8 or 10-10-10) at a rate of two pounds per 100 square feet four times each year.
In northern Georgia, the leaves are often killed by freezing temperatures in the winter.This does not impair the screening value of pampas grass, and new leaves will arise from the rhizomes in the spring. Before growth begins in the spring, prune away any brown leaves and dead materials that accumulates at the base of plants. It is advisable to move slowly and wear jeans, a long sleeve shirt, and gloves when pruning pampas grass. The sharp leaf blades will cut through the skin of hands, arms, legs and other unprotected parts of the body. If winter is particularly harsh and a great deal of browning has occurred, the entire plant can be rejuvenated by cutting it back to within two feet of ground level with lopping shears or chain saw.
Sweet Olive (Tea Olive)
BOTANICAL NAME: Osmanthus fragrans, PRONUNCIATION: oz-MAN-thus FRAY-grans COMMON NAME: Fragrant Tea Olive FAMILY: Oleaceae ,NATIVITY: China. GROWTH HABIT: Large rounded shrub. SIZE: 20 - 30' but usually does not reach this size due to lack of hardiness. HARDINESS: Zone 8 - 9, least hardy of the commonly grown osmanthus. CULTURE: Sun to partial shade and moist soil. LANDSCAPE USE: Large shrub useful for the evergreen foliage and fragrant flowers. Probably best used as a containerized plant in the conservatory or outdoors in spring through fall. FOLIAGE:Opposite, oblong to lanceolate with few small or no serrations. Leaves are 2 - 4" long. BARK: Gray. FLOWERS: Small white flowers in late April. Possibly the most fragrant of all the osmanthus. Unusual in that the plants flower in the spring. FRUIT: Bluish black drupe. PROPAGATION: Seed, cuttings. PESTS: None serious. CULTIVARS: var. aurantiacus - pale orange flowers that are rather attractive.
Elephant Ears
Perennial or (annual in colder climates)
Height:36-48 in. (90-120 cm) (and Higher) Spacing: 36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Sun Exposure:Sun to Partial Shade,Danger:Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction, Bloom Color: White/Near White
This plant is suitable for growing indoors Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater. This plant is resistant to deer, Suitable for growing in containers.
Soil pH requirements: 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Propagation Methods: By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
|
Family: Cupressaceae (koo-press-AY-see-ee),Genus: Juniperus (jew-NIP-er-us),Species: conferta (KON-fer-tuh),Cultivar: Blue Pacific
Category:Groundcovers, Conifers
Height: 6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
Spacing: 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Hardiness: USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8° C (-20° F) to USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8° C (25° F)
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Danger: Pollen may cause allergic reaction
Foliage: Blue-Green
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater. No plant is "no-maintenance," but this one is certainly "low-maintenance." Groundcovers that flower require much more care. Space 4'-6' apart to form a dense enough mat to crowd out weeds. To aid their weed-control efforts prior to maturity, make sure they're well mulched (but don't pile up mulch over the plants' crowns). Don't allow fallen leaves and branches to smother young plants. Thin out mature plants for better air circulation, which well help avoid disease; but don't prune severely.Blue Rug juniper plants thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained soil with an acidic pH. Before planting, prepare the soil with amendments.
Uses for Blue Rug Juniper Plants: In addition to their use as groundcovers the juniper shrubs and their relatives make excellent specimens for rock gardens.
| |
|
 |
