绿手指
首页
动态
文章
百科
花园
设置
简体中文
已关注
+
关注
花园 (1)
动态 (57)
莹723
2021年02月08日
莹723
Even if your "garden" is a few pots on a balcony or patio, growing things is good for us! Besides adding zest to our cooking, many modern drugs, such as aspirin, are derived from plants. "Over time, we've found many plants are effective for nutrition, for adding spice to foods, and also for healing us,” says vice president for botanical science at the New York Botanical Garden, Michael Balick, PhD. “There’s also a positive mental health aspect to gardening.” More and more studies show that gardening can help you deal with anxiety and depression, manage weight, and control blood pressure. Plus, who doesn't need more fresh air and sunshine, especially these days?
The great thing about most herbs is that most do just as well in pots as in ground. Some healing plants are perennial, which means they'll return year after year. In many parts of the country, even the snowy North, you'll be able to harvest the hardier herbs for much of the year. Many are easy to dry or freeze so you can use them year-round in cooking.
1．Chamomile Roman chamomile is a low-growing perennial, while German chamomile is an annual that can become two feet tall. Chamomile likes full sun to part shade and needs well-drained soils. How to use: Both types are used interchangeably. When the flowers begin to open, harvest them and spread out to dry. Chop the dried flowers, add about one tablespoon per cup of hot water, and steep five minutes to make a tea to aid sleep or digestion. Or place the chopped flowers in a small muslin bag with a drawstring to make a tea bag. Bonus: Use this after it cools to soothe red, puffy eyes!
2．Mint There are hundreds of varieties of mint, with flavors varying from peppermint to chocolate. Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow. In fact, keep it in a pot or it will take over your garden! Make sure to plant in full sun (6 hours or more direct sun per day). How to use: Mint relaxes the smooth muscles of the GI tract, so it’s long been used for digestive issues. When you have tummy trouble or feel nauseated, make a tea for sipping. Strip about a dozen leaves (peppermint and spearmint are especially good) and steep in one cup of boiling water until it takes on a yellowish hue.
3．Rosemary Rosemary originates in the Mediterranean, so it needs full sun and prefers sandy or rocky soil. It’s drought tolerant and perennial in warmer climates. In cold climates, pot it up and bring it indoors for the winter, giving it tons of light. How to use: Make a hair rinse (good for oily hair) by placing one teaspoon dried rosemary or a handful of fresh rosemary in a cup of boiling water; add one tablespoon lemon juice, and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain, let the infusion cool, and pour through freshly shampooed hair. Add it to dishes such as focaccia, sauces, and roasted meats.
4．Lavender Lavender likes full sun in well-drained soil, but make sure you choose a variety that will thrive in your zone. How to use: Harvest the leaves and flowers just as the flower spikes begin to open, chop them up and put them in a small sachet to tuck a few under your pillow to reduce anxiety and help you sleep better. It's also delicious in baked goods such as scones!
5.Lemon Balm Lemon balm is very easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Keep it in a container so it doesn’t spread rampantly throughout the garden. How to use: Pour one cup boiling water over five or six fresh leaves. Steep for five minutes, strain and sweeten. Drink several times a day for an upset tummy.
6.Aloe Vera Grow aloe vera indoors in bright light. Don’t keep it too wet because it retains moisture. It doesn't mind being overcrowded in the pot, so don't worry about repotting unless you want to make new baby plants. How to use: Aloe vera is a great topical home remedy for skin irritation because compounds in the leaves have anti-inflammatory properties. Cut off the largest outermost leaves, peel and squeeze the gel-like substance onto minor burns or poison ivy or poison oak rashes.
7.Basil Basil needs full sun and well-drained soil. Pinch off the flowers as soon as they begin to form to encourage branching and the growth of more leaves. How to use: Basil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Crush a few leaves and apply to mosquito bites. Leave on for a few minutes to relieve itching. It's the star ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes including sauces, soups, and pesto. It also freezes well if you have an abundance (toss leaves in a blender with water or olive oil, blend until mostly smooth, then freeze in ice cube trays!).
8．Calendula These pretty orange and yellow flowers, also known as French pot marigold, like full sun. It’s an annual that blooms from summer until frost, and it's not difficult to grow from seed. How to use: Pick the flowers when they're fully opened, but not yet gone to seed. Pour one cup boiling water over two teaspoons of petals. Steep for 10 minutes, strain, and let cool. Use as a mouthwash or gargle to relieve inflammation.
9．Thyme Thyme likes hot, dry conditions and soil that isn’t too rich. It’s incredibly easy to grow in full sun (it even tolerates some shade), and most varieties spread quickly. How to use: Thyme’s antimicrobial activity may help relieve coughs and cold symptoms. Make a tea by pouring a cup of boiling water over a tablespoon of fresh leaves, and steep for 10 minutes. Drink several times a day. It's lovely in sauces and chicken dishes.
10．Sage Sage needs full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a perennial in most climates. How to use: Sage’s antimicrobial properties may relieve upper respiratory symptoms. Chop up about one teaspoon of the leaves and steep in a cup of boiling hot water for 10 minutes. Cool, and use as a gargle for sore throats. It's also delish in stuffing, chicken, and pork dishes.
0
0
文章
莹723
2021年02月07日
莹723
With spring around the corner, February is the ideal time to prepare your allotment for some of the earliest outdoor sowings in March. There are also tasty harvests of winter salads like mizuna, rocket and kale to be had. As well as the jobs listed below, there are plenty of indoor sowings you can start now, before transferring to the allotment later in the year. This includes sowing tomatoes, globe artichokes and sprouting broccoli in a propagator, while Brussels sprouts, leeks, onions and spinach can all be sown under cover.
Discover seven allotment jobs for February, below. 1.Harvest the last kale leaves Kale leaves are delicious and nutritious, and whichever type you’re growing, from the purple ‘Redbor’ to the Italian ‘Cavolo Nero’, all are winter-hardy. In February, new side shoots appear which can be cropped for a few weeks before the plant runs to seed.
2.Pick mizuna and sow more Mizuna, rocket and winter lettuce plants sown last autumn should now be ready to harvest, providing fresh green leaves for meals. Don’t worry if you haven’t grown any of these, as you can sow all three in the greenhouse in February where they’ll respond well to conditions of low light and cool weather.
3.Prepare beds for sowing Preparing beds before sowing begins in spring is one of the most important February allotment jobs. In doing so, you’ll help to aerate, drain and warm the soil. When digging over, be sure to incorporate plenty of homemade compost or composted manure. Alternatively, give beds a dressing of organic matter, then cover in plastic for a few weeks to reduce weeds and warm the soil.
4.Clean and set up cloches Now’s the time to get cloches ready to warm the soil for early sowings, and provide protection for seedlings and young plants. Clean the sides with a scourer and warm soapy water, before rinsing off. For early crops, prepare and rake level the soil, before putting the cloche in place a few weeks before sowing.
5.Plant rhubarb For tasty harvests of rhubarb, choose a bright, open position and prepare the soil by digging deeply and incorprating plenty of rich, homemade compost. Plant the crowns so that the buds are level with the soil surface, so make sure your the hole is big enough to allow this. Firm in and water well. Let plants establish for two years before harvesting.
6.Prune autumn raspberries By pruning away the old canes of autumn-fruiting raspberries now, you’ll give the new shoots plenty of time to grow and strengthen, to hold the fruit crop. Prune old canes hard back to the ground, to avoid damaging the new shoots that’ll emerge between them. You can also plant new canes now.
7.Sow broad beans undercover Broad beans are easy to sow under cover, and will provide a rewarding harvest in late spring. Sow indoors now in deep pots or modules, before placing in a cool, frost-free location, such as an unheated greenhouse or cold frame.
0
0
文章
莹723
2021年02月03日
莹723
Chrysanthemums, also called mums, are the quintessential fall flower. They're inexpensive, come in tons of different colors and bloom in response to shorter days when the rest of your garden is fading. They also have few pests and generally aren't munched by hungry deer because their foliage isn't particularly tasty.
But are mums annuals or perennials? The answer is...mums really are sort of both, depending on conditions and when you get them in the ground. If you wait until fall to plant chrysanthemums in your garden, you're missing out! Plant them earlier in the season, and you'll be able to enjoy them returning year after year.
1.What kind of mums should you plant? There are garden mums, also called hardy mums, and florist mums. Garden mums thrive in zones 4 to 9, while florist mums—like you can buy at the grocery store in gift pots—are only hardy to USDA Hardiness zones 7 to 9 (find your zone here). Read the label so you know what you’re buying to ensure that a specific variety will survive winters in your area.
2.Do mums come back every year? Yes. And no! It depends on when you get them in the ground. Mums need to get their root systems established in time to survive winter. If you plant them in the fall, that's often too late because they’re putting energy into blooming, not building roots. You may get lucky if you plant them early in the season and if you choose those that are in tight bud, rather than plants in bloom. You also have a better shot with fall planting in warm climates. For anywhere else in the country, get your mums in the ground in spring if you want them to return next year. They still will bloom this fall, too.
3.How can I make sure my mums come back? Dig a hole slightly larger than the pot and just as deep as the root ball. Water well, and mulch to maintain moisture, keep down the weeds and offer winter protection. Water during dry spells. When the plants appear next spring, feed them with a granular slow-release fertilizer, if you like, and pinch off the tips (the top inch or so) a few times before July to encourage bushiness. After that, stop pinching or you’ll remove flower buds. If you're not into maintenance, leave them be for a more freeform appearance. Either way, your mums won't have that tightly mounded shape subsequent seasons as when you bought them. That's because the plants you first brought home were treated with growth regulators to produce dense, rounded forms.
4.Do mums need full sun? Absolutely! They need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Like most flowering plants, they won't bloom well if they aren't getting tons of sun. 5.Do mums need special care? Once in bloom, don't bother cutting off spent blossoms because that doesn't extend the flowering time. Next spring, don't be too eager to yank them out if it appears they're not doing anything at first. Sometimes it takes time for them to pop up after a long winter. If you don’t see anything happening by late spring, they probably didn't make it. Treat yourself to some new mums!
0
0
文章
莹723
2021年02月01日
莹723
Do you want a little good luck? Legend says that the money tree, also known as Pachira aquatica, will bring you luck, positive energy, and financial success. Whether or not you believe the folklore, the money tree's upright form and glossy green leaves look good in any room of your house. One study even showed it reduced indoor volatile organic compounds!
These popular houseplants are native to Central and South America and are often sold with a braided trunk or as a bonsai. In the wild, it’s a wetland tree. "It’s a good choice for new plant parents because it’s not finicky," and it’s actually pretty resilient." Here’s how to care for your brand new money tree plant.
1.Your money tree prefers bright light. To look its best, money trees need bright light, but they'll adapt to moderate light okay, too. However, if you try to grow it in light that’s way too dim, the plant will stretch toward the light and become, well, rather ugly. In order to keep money tree growing in an upright position, keep it in a south or west-facing window. Rotate the pot a little once a week to maintain vertical growth. Or use an LED grow light if you don’t have the right light conditions.
2.How do I care for my money tree? Your money tree is tropical, so it needs temperatures between 65 to 80 degrees. It doesn't like cold, so keep it away from drafty windows. Let it dry out a little between waterings. Then water until it runs out of the drainage holes, dumping out the overflow from the saucer. If you like, feed it an all-purpose fertilizer in spring and summer when the plant is actively growing, but not in winter when it’s resting like most other plants.
3.Are money trees safe around pets? It’s not currently on the ASPCA’s toxic plant list for pets. But any plant can cause stomach upset and vomiting if your pet nibbles on it, so keep an eye on your cats and dogs with all your indoor plants and indoor trees.
4.You can take your money tree outdoors in summer. But you don't have to move it anywhere if it’s happy indoors, says Pleasant. Taking your money tree outdoors doesn’t actually do anything for it if it’s already healthy, and it could introduce pests to the plant. On the other hand, if you do decide to take it outside, keep it in dappled sunlight so the leaves don’t become scorched. Bring it back indoors before nights dip into the 50s. And to be extra-safe, consider treating the plant with neem oil before bringing it inside to prevent any potential hitchhikers from coming indoors with it and infesting the rest of your indoor plants.
0
0
文章
莹723
2021年01月27日
莹723
Sowing seed is a simple and inexpensive way of growing new flowers and vegetables for your garden. You can start the growing year much earlier than if sowing outside. When growing salad and vegetable crops, it’s a good idea to sow a small amount of seed every two weeks, to ensure you have a long season of fresh produce to eat throughout summer. This is called ‘successional sowing’.
You don’t need a lot of kit to sow seeds. Many gardeners buy expensive propagators but a seed tray or a few plastic pots, will do the job. If you don’t have plastic pots then try using old yoghurt pots with holes punched in the bottom, or tomato or mushroom punnets instead of a seed tray. Any vessel that can hold compost and allow water to drain freely is suitable. To maintain an even temperature and keep the soil moist, it’s a good idea to cover the soil with a clear piece of plastic. A bespoke propagator will come with its own clear plastic lid, but you can use cling film, old freezer bags or any clear plastic bag. Use cellotape or an elastic band to fix it to the pot.
Follow our step-by-step guide to sowing seed indoors, below. You Will Need • Seeds • Multi-purpose, peat-free compost • Seed trays or pots • Plant labels • Pencil or waterproof pen • Watering can with rose attachment • Polythene bag • Sheet of glass, or a propagator
Step 1 Fill small pots or seed trays with compost. Use a watering can fitted with a fine rose to thoroughly wet the compost, and leave to drain. Step 2 Sprinkle seeds evenly and thinly over the surface of the compost, leaving approx 2cm – 3cm between each one, if possible. Some seed is very small, making this impossible. Cover seeds with a thin layer of compost, about the same depth as the size of the seed (the smaller the seed, the thinner the layer of compost).
Step 3 Cover the pot with a clear polythene bag or piece of glass or clear plastic, to maintain an even temperature for germination, and keep the compost moist. Place the pot of seeds on a well-lit windowsill or in a heated propagator.
Step 4 Remove the plastic or glass cover as soon as the seeds have germinated and you can see the seedlings growing out of the compost. Grow them on in a warm place indoors – if growing them on a windowsill you may need to move them at night as temperatures can drop dramatically. The young plants will ready to be ‘pricked’ out when the second pair of leaves, known as ‘true’ leaves, emerges.
Step 5 When pricking out seedlings, handle them only by their leaves, not the stem. Fill a seed tray with compost and plant seedlings about 5cm apart, burying the seedling up to the base of the first set of leaves.
Step 6s After a couple of weeks, the young plants will be large enough to pot individually into 7.5cm pots, or planted outside in well-prepared soil. Handle plants gently, firm compost around them and water well. Don’t allow the soil or compost to dry out.
0
0
文章
莹723
2021年01月25日
莹723
These low-light varieties won't want anything to do with your already crowded windowsill. 1.Calathea Its patterned leaves (in colors like rose, white, and yellow) makes this plant a welcome addition to any room — and too much direct light might actually fade its lovely markings.
2.Dieffenbachia Filtered light is best for this plant. Try using a curtain as a barrier between it and the sun, especially during the the spring and summer when the plant is producing new, tender leaves.
3.Dragon Tree Spiky leaves that grow upwards and have a red outline makes the name of this plant absolutely perfect. But direct sunlight could damage them – so give this guy some sun and some shade.
4.Spider Plants This plant's adaptability makes it super easy to grow and therefore quite popular — it's also easy to propagate and share with others. It can stand up to a lot of neglect, and will thrive in indirect light.
5.Heart-Leaf Philodendron The sweetheart plant (a nickname given because of the shape of its glossy leaves) can stand dim rooms, but requires pinching to prevent it from growing in long, single stems.
6.Bromeliads Didn't expect to find a tropical plant on this list? This houseplant can actually survive on florescent light alone and thrives in humid conditions like bathrooms.
7.Peace Lily If you often forget to water your plants, pick up one of these low-maintenance ones: It actually needs to dry out between waterings, meaning you can wait longer.
8.Chinese Evergreen Since this plant is one of the most durable indoor plants (it does quite well in low light) and only needs to be fertilized once or twice a year, it's ideal for beginner gardeners.
9.Snake Plant While the name is fun, this succulent is pretty tame when it comes to maintenance. More light will help it grow, but it can tolerate darkness—just watch out for root rot caused by overwatering.
10.Cast-Iron Plant The leathery leaves on this houseplant are super tolerant not only to low light but also heat, cold, you name it. However, patience is required as it grows super slowly.
0
0
文章
莹723
2021年01月20日
莹723
Poison Garden, the deadliest garden in the world. This is one garden where you won't want to pick any flowers—unless you have a death wish. Located at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, England, this lush, green gated patch is home to over 95 plants, all of which can kill you.
"We obviously have to maintain the garden, so we have to tend to the plants, and when we do that we have to be very careful of the way we operate, so we have to cover some of our skin when we deal with particularly dangerous plants," head gardener Trevor Jones said. What's the story behind the Poison Garden, which opened in 2005? After visiting a similar one in Padua, Italy built by the Medici family, the Duchess of Northumberland decided that she wanted to start her own, since it was more interesting than your standard herb garden.
Here are some of the plants you would find in the Poison Garden, if you dared to enter: 1.GIANT HOGWEED This plant can grow up to 14 feet or more, and can cause severe skin irritation, painful blistering, permanent scarring and even blindness.
2.ACONTIUM Beautiful, right? But beware. These poisonous flowers were once used as poisonous arrows by the Aleuts of Alaska's Aleutian Islands for hunting whales. They also have a long history of killing enemies in battle by being used on spears and arrows.
3.ARUM MACULATUM These flowers have needle-shaped crystals which irritate the skin, mouth, tongue and throat. They have the ability to swell the throat, making it hard to breathe and causing burning pain and an upset stomach. This plant also acts as an insect trap, with its fecal odor (charming!) and warm temperatures.
4.DATURA FLOWERS These plants are known for causing delirious states and death. So, if you're planning to visit Alnwick Castle (fun fact: it served as the setting for Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films) you can enter the Poison Garden if you dare—just be sure not to touch, taste, or even smell the plants (yes, visitors have fainted from inhaling toxic fumes before). "People think we're being overdramatic when we talk about not smelling the plants, but I've seen the health and safety reports," the Duchess said.
0
0
文章
莹723
2021年01月18日
莹723
Sowing seeds is a economical way to enjoy a supply of veg and flowers for many months of the year. Different seeds need sowing at different times of year, either inside or outside, and some can be sowed successionally over several months to avoid gluts and ensure continuous harvests.
Give your seeds the right amount of heat, light and moisture, and they will germinate successfully. But there are some important rules to remember, including include good hygiene, using fresh seed and compost and good soil preparation. Here’s our month-by-month guide to sowing seeds. 1.January January is a good time to order seeds for the year ahead. If your green fingers are itching and you have a polytunnel, greenhouse or a heated propagator, you could start sowing tender crops, such as chillies, that need a long growing season. You could also sow garlic outside. Also sow sweet peas, plus microgreens on a windowsill. Sow now Veg: Microgreens, chillies, aubergines and peppers plus tomatoes under cover; garlic outside Flowers: Sweet peas, under cover
2.February You can begin or continue to sow tender crops such as tomatoes, chillies, aubergines and peppers, plus some hardy crops and hardy annuals such as sweet peas. You could also get a head start on peas, sown under cover in guttering. If you’re super keen you could have a go at sowing perennials. A propagator is ideal if you have one, though a warm, bright windowsill is fine, too. You can also sow garlic. Sow now Veg: Spinach, peas and broad beans (under cover), plus chillies, tomatoes, cucumbers and aubergines, under cover. Plus garlic outside. Flowers: sweet peas and perennials
3.March As the days lengthen and become warmer, you can begin sowing hardy annual flowers and crops outside. If the weather is still cold, warm the soil with polythene before sowing and protect seedlings with cloches or horticultural fleece. You can also start sowing half-hardy annuals and continue to sow tomatoes, chillies and aubergines under glass. Towards the end of the month you can plant out first early seed potatoes. Sow now Veg: Aubergines, chillies and tomatoes (under cover), broad beans, peas, beetroot, Swiss chard, radish, kale, spinach, spring onions, first early potatoes (outdoors), plus shallot and onion sets and salad leaves (protect under fleece or a cloche) Flowers: Cosmos, nicotiana, cleome, nasturtium, cornflowers, marigold (Calendula officinalis), clarkia, cerinthe, morning glory and more
4.April Seed sowing begins in earnest in April, now that the days are longer and warmer, and many crops can be sown outside. More tender crops such as runner beans or courgettes still need to be sown under glass, either in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill. You can also plant out second early potatoes in early to mid-April and maincrop seed potatoes in mid to late-April, onion and shallot sets and garlic and Jerusalem artichokes. Sow now Veg: including aubergines, chillies and tomatoes, plus courgettes, squashes, pumpkins, marrows and leeks under cover. Beetroot, carrot, celeriac, peas, radish, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, broad beans, spring onions, second early and maincrop seed potatoes. Flowers: Nicotiana, cosmos, morning glory and many more
5.May With the risk of frost gone, most seeds can now be directly sown outdoors, including more tender crops such as runner beans and courgettes towards the end of the month. You can also sow half hardy annuals, including sunflowers, plus make a start on sowing biennials for blooms next year. Sow now Veg: Beetroot, purple sprouting broccoli, spinach, lettuce, peas, radish, carrots, spring onions outside; sweetcorn, cucumber, runner beans and courgettes (under cover at the beginning of the month, outside toward the end of the month) courgettes, squashes and pumpkins, under cover Flowers: Cornflower, sunflowers, outdoors; zinnias and more under cover; foxgloves, sweet rocket and wallflowers, outside or under cover
6.June Keep sowing quick growing crops such as beetroot, radishes and lettuce successionally, every week or so, for crops in a few weeks’ time. You can also sow carrots but be sure to protect sowings from carrot fly, using insect-proof mesh. Continue sowing biennials, and try sowing half-hardy annuals direct outside. You can also sow runner and French beans and courgettes direct outside for later crops. Sow now Veg: lettuce and radish every week or so, beetroot, peas, runner and French beans, spring onions, courgettes, lettuce, carrots, purple sprouting broccoli Flowers: Zinnias, foxgloves, wallflowers, cosmos, sweet rocket and more
7.July This is your last chance to sow biennials. It’s also time to make a start on sowing winter veg. It’s a good time to sow carrots to avoid carrot fly, as well as continuing with radishes, beetroot and lettuce. You can also sow runner or French beans for a late crop. If you fancy growing potatoes for Christmas, now is the time to plant some. Sow now Veg: Runner beans, Swiss chard (for crops the following spring), kale, winter cabbage, spinach, spring onions, potatoes for Christmas, radishes, beetroot, lettuce, radish Flowers: Foxgloves, wallflowers, sweet rocket
8.August You can still sow lots of crops in August, for harvests into autumn and beyond, and it’s a key month for sowing winter crops. Discover some winter veg crops to sow in August. Continue to sow fast-growing crops such as radish, between slower-growing crops. Sow now Veg: Lettuce (keep out of the glare of direct sun), rocket, spring onion, radish, plus winter salads, including mibuna, mizuna, mustard leaf and lamb’s lettuce.
9.September Now is the time to start sowing hardy annuals for early summer flowers next year. Some, such as Ammi majus, do better from an autumn sowing. You can sow leafy veg such as spinach, plus winter salads and quick-growing crops such as radish. Sow now Veg: Spinach, winter salads, radish Flowers: Ammi majus and other hardy annuals
10.October You can sow peas (protect from mice) and garlic outdoors. It’s also a great time to start sowing sweet peas for early flowers next summer. Still time to sow winter salads such as Japanese and Chinese salad leaves, corn salad, mustard and more. Sow now Veg: Winter salads, peas, garlic Flowers: Sweet peas
11.November You can sow broad beans now for an early crop next year. Garlic, onions and shallots can also be sown at this time of year. You can also sow sweet peas for early flowers next summer. Sow now Veg: Garlic, onions, shallots, broad beans Flowers: Sweet peas
12.December Seed sowing in unlikely to be on your mind at this time of year, but garlic is traditionally sown on the shortest day of the year. Microgreens can be sown and grown year round for an intense pop of flavour. You can also sow sweet peas. Sow now Veg: Garlic, microgreens Flowers: Sweet peas
0
0
文章
莹723
2021年01月13日
莹723
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is one of the easiest hardy annual flowers to grow, producing masses of vividly coloured blooms through summer and autumn. They’re perfect for growing with children. Nasturtiums come in both bushy and climbing varieties, which makes them splendidly versatile. Some varieties have attractively marbled or mottled leaves. Nasturtiums not only look spectacular but the flowers, leaves and seeds are edible too. Bees love the colourful nasturtium blooms, and caterpillars of the large and small white butterflies feed on the leaves. Being annuals, nasturtiums complete their lifecycle in one growing season.
——How to grow nasturtiums Nasturtiums are ideal for lots of different sunny spots around the garden, including pots. Climbing varieties of nasturtium can be trained up vertical supports and are great to twine through other plants too. Nasturtiums that are climbers can also be used as trailers – to spread across gravel or cascade down a slope or bank. Free-draining soil is essential for nasturtiums and, unlike many other flowers, they thrive on poor soils.
——Where to grow nasturtiums Nasturtiums must have sun for at least half the day in order to grow well and do best in sites sheltered from winds. A free-draining soil is essential, and nasturtiums flower best in poor soils (that are low in fertility) as a fertile soil results in lots of leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Hence there’s no need to add fertilizer before sowing. Nasturtiums do well in gravelly or stony ground or growing on banks. In containers, mix two-thirds peat-free multi-purpose compost with one third fine gravel or grit, to reduce fertility and ensure good drainage.
——How to plant nasturtiums For best results, sow nasturtium directly where they are to flower, as they’re fast-growing and there’s no need to bother about transplanting. Sow the seed 1.5 cm deep into moist soil to speed germination, so water before planting if conditions are dry. The first seeds can be sown in mid-spring and you can carry on sowing until mid-summer to ensure flowers right up to the first frosts. Thin the seedlings to 30 cm apart. However, sowing in pot also works – simply sow one seed per pot and transplant outside when all risk of frost has passed.
——How to care for nasturtiums Nasturtiums are easy-care and need little maintenance. Plants growing in containers should be watered to keep the compost evenly moist, but not fed. Removing the dead flower heads of nasturtiums will encourage more blooms to be produced for a longer period. ——How to propagate nasturtiums Nasturtium seeds can be collected when ripe and saved to sow next year. In mild areas, nasturtiums are also likely to self-sow, so you may get seedlings springing up in future years. These can be easily pulled up if not wanted.
——How to harvest and use nasturtiums Nasturtium leaves, flowers and seeds are all edible. The flowers make a brightly coloured garnish to salads and other uncooked dishes. Nasturtium leaves have a peppery taste and should be picked when young to incorporate in salads. Nasturtium seeds can be used as a substitute for capers and should be picked when mature but still green, for pickling in vinegar.
——Growing nasturtiums: problem solving Nasturtiums are likely to attract large and small white butterflies (known as cabbage white butterflies) which lay their large greenish eggs on the leaf undersides, which hatch into caterpillars that eat the leaves. This can be useful to deter caterpillars from eating brassica crops but not desirable if you’re growing nasturtiums for flowers. The best method of control is to inspect plants regularly and squash the eggs or young caterpillars, or move them on to plants you don’t mind being eaten. Nasturtiums are also attractive to aphids, particularly blackfly. By planting nasturtiums alongside bean crops you can lure aphids away from your crop, but you may not appreciate aphids on nasturtiums you’re growing for leaves and flowers. Spray them off with a jet of water or let ladybirds, hoverflies and lacewings remove them for you – all three lay their eggs on aphid colonies and their young quickly eat them up.
——Nasturtium varieties to grow Choose from mixed flower colours or opt for individually coloured varieties to create coordinated planted schemes. • Nasturtium ‘Alaska’ – flowers in yellow, orange and red are shown off against cream and green marbled leaves. Bushy, 30 cm high. • Nasturtium ‘Empress of India’ – crimson-red flowers and dark reddish leaves. 25 cm high. • Nasturtium ‘Milkmaid’ – Creamy-white flowers on climbing/trailing stems. 180 cm high. • Nasturtium ‘Paintbox Mixed’ – a mix of brightly coloured flowers that are more upward facing and hence visible than most. 30 cm high. • Nasturtium ‘Salmon Baby’. Bright salmon pink flowers. 30 cm high. • Nasturtium ‘Tip Top Velvet’. Dark red blooms that show off well against fresh green foliage. 30 cm high. • Nasturtium ‘Trailing Mixed’, ‘Tall Mixed’. Masses of orange, yellow and red blooms on long stems that can climb or trail. 180 cm high.
0
0
文章
莹723
2021年01月11日
莹723
Christmas has passed, but you don't have to pack up all your holiday decorations for the season. There are still lots of DIY winter decorations that will add festive touches to your home right on until the warmer weather. Once you’ve decided what direction to take your winter decoration ideas, you'll probably end up adding some fun winter activities to your list.
1.Yarn-Wrapped Vases Wrap plain glass vases with strands of yarn, and thread with wood knitting needles. For more textured strands, braid lengths of yarn and tie around vases. Add ranunculuses, baby’s breath, snowberries, and twigs.
2.Winterberries and Greenery One easy way to spruce up any table: Arrange winterberries and evergreen branches in a galvanized bucket. Here, a simple garland also adds a wintery touch to a country hutch.
3.Wintery Wreath A simple wreath of pine cones, fresh greenery, and a few white flowers makes a versatile piece you can showcase above a fireplace all winter long.
4. Wintertime Porch Decor An evergreen tree, branches, and berries make for a merry welcome when styled in vintage galvanized buckets. You can even save a few bucks by using actual sleds instead of props.
5.Stoneware Crock Decoration This bundle of birch logs, berries, and Christmas tree clippings will look perfect in the foyer. Add a string of lights for extra sparkle.
6.Snowy Pinecone Candle Jars Snow texture paint, pinecones, Mason jars, and twine come together to create DIY winter luminaries.
7.Birch Candles Want to add some oomph to an empty space? Create a cluster of birch candlestick holders and place on a hutch or entryway table.
0
0
文章
1 2 3 4 5 6
相关用户
绿箩
绿箩
来自： Bailu_Yuan
北京
绿箩
绿箩
来自： 我是小花
北京市
绿箩
绿箩
来自： lrgarden
大连市
绿箩
绿箩
来自： 乳酸菌
西安市
绿箩
绿箩
来自： Monica
郑州
绿箩
绿箩
来自： 宛鹭
大连市
绿箩
绿箩
来自： 昂着头的小石头
绿箩
绿箩
来自： 💐APNA🎵
长春市
绿箩
绿箩
来自： 小娜娜～
北京市
绿箩
绿箩
来自： CH
举报 反馈

您有什么意见或建议，欢迎给我们留言。

请输入内容
提交
取消
设置
VIP
退出登录
关闭
分享

分享好文，绿手指（GFinger）养花助手见证你的成长。

关闭
请前往电脑端操作

请前往电脑端操作

关闭
转发
插入话题
提醒好友
发布
/
提交成功 提交失败 最大图片质量 成功 警告 啊哦！ 出了点小问题 转发成功 举报 转发 显示更多 _zh 文章 求助 动态 刚刚 回复 邀你一起尬聊！ 表情 添加图片 评论 仅支持 .JPG .JPEG .PNG .GIF 图片尺寸不得小于300*300px 最少上传一张图片 请输入内容