How to make your own terrarium

Hello Everyone

Generally we have problem of space. To solve this problem we can create our own terrarium and beautify our house and fulfill the wish planting foliage,mosses,ferns,orchids,succulents and many more.

Terrarium

A terrarium is a collection of small plants growing in a transparent, sealed or unsealed container. A terrarium is a closed environment, and can actually be used to illustrate how an ecosystem works. Inside a terrarium’s walls, many different natural processes may be observed: photosynthesis, respiration, and the water cycle. The water in the terrarium is constantly recycled, passing from liquid form to gas and back again. As the moisture in the air condenses on the glass walls, it returns to the soil and is absorbed by the plant's roots.

 Requirement for Terrarium

• Clear glass or plastic container
•  Small stones
•  Activated charcoal (from aquarium or orchid supply store)
•  Sphagnum moss (optional)
•  Potting soil
•  Plants Decorative objects (optional)
•  Plants

 Choosing your container -Terrariums come in many different and creative shapes and sizes. Most terrariums are made from a clear glass jar with a wide mouth.You can start with your old pickle or jam jars. However, a plastic 2-L bottle can also be used by cutting it in half, and sliding the top half over the bottom half to cover. It is important to consider that the wider the opening of your container, the easier it will be to place the plants. 

Choosing plants  Foliage plants are preferred to flowering ones .To get better result select the plants that have slow growth and do not have tendency to spread.Terrariums are made with small mosses, lichens and ferns. However, there are several other types of plants that can be used, depending on the size of the terrarium, including begonias, miniature violets, coleuses, pilea (baby tears),species of maranta , fitonia , peperomia and others. Plants need not be purchased, but can be collected from your yard and neighborhood. 

Procedure 

 1. Place a thin layer (approx. 1 inch) of small stones in the bottom of the terrarium to help drainage.
 2. Place a thin layer (approx. 1/2 inch) of activated charcoal over the stones. This acts as a filtration substrate and keeps the water cleaner.
 3. Place a thin layer of sphagnum moss or a fine screen over the charcoal to act as a barrier to prevent settling of the soil. (Optional) 
4. Place a layer of potting soil approximately 2” deep.
 5. Make small holes for roots and carefully plant your plants in the soil.
 6. Finishing touches – add ornaments or decorations to give your terrarium a special theme. (Optional) 
 7. Lightly mist with water, approximately 10 sprays to the soil and sides of the jars.
 8. Close container tightly with lid or cover.

 Caring for your Terrarium

The two most important factors you must consider when caring for your terrarium are sunlight and water.
 Sunlight: Place your terrarium in a bright area with indirect sunlight, such as a windowsill. Because the terrarium is a closed system, it can get too hot if it is in direct sun and the plants may burn.

 Water: A properly maintained terrarium can go for weeks or months without needing water. As the terrarium heats up, water will be pulled up from the rocks and soil to the top of the container where it will form a mist and then drip back down to water the plants. You should be able to see some mist on the sides of the container as well as some fog inside; however, if the sides are constantly wet, and there is so much condensation that you cannot see your plants, then you will need to open the top of the container temporarily to allow it to dry.

 Pruning: Plants may need to be pruned to keep them small enough to fit the container. You can do this with a pair of scissors.

 Fertilizer: You should not add any fertilizer to your terrarium. The goal is to keep the plants very small, so you do not want to encourage rapid growth. The plants will get the nutrients they need from the soil.

Succulent terrarium

Tools

Cacti Terrarium

I hope this will help you to make your own terrarium.
Please ask any queries if you have. 

When sow vegetables monthly calendar

Hello everyone

Today we will talk about vegetables,in which month which vegetable to be sown.
Vegetable garden should be located from north to south, and plant taller plants on the north end of the garden, medium growing plants in the middle, and shorter plants on the south end of the garden. 

Plant vegetables together that mutually benefit each other for better tasting and higher yields.Companion vegetable plants help to deter pests, which helps to decrease the amount of pesticides and effort it takes to keep your garden pest free.

Plant Companions

 Asparagus   basil, parsley, pot marigold, tomatoes

 Beets           bush beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese                                    cabbage, garlic, kale, Kohlrabi, lettuce, onions

 Broccoli       beets, celery, cucumbers, dill, garlic, hyssop, lettuce, mint, nasturtium, onions,                        potatoes, rosemary, sage, spinach,Swiss chard 

Brussels       Sprouts beets, celery, cucumbers, dill, garlic, hyssop, lettuce, mint, nasturtium,                      onions, potatoes, rosemary, sage, spinach, Swiss chard

Bush Beans    beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery,                                   Chinese cabbage, corn, cucumbers, eggplants, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, peas,                              potatoes, radishes, strawberries,Swiss chard 

 Cabbage        beets, celery, cucumbers, dill, garlic, hyssop, lettuce, mint, nasturtium,                                    onions, potatoes,rosemary, sage, spinach, Swiss chard

 Carrots         beans, chives, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, radishes, rosemary, sage,                               tomatoes Cauliflower   beets, celery, cucumbers, dill, garlic, hyssop, lettuce,                          mint, nasturtium, onions, potatoes,rosemary, sage, spinach, Swiss chard

 Celery          beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage,                              chives, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, nasturtium, tomatoes

 Corn              beans, cucumbers, melons, parsley, peas, potatoes, pumpkin, squash, white                         geranium

 Cucumber     beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage,                            corn, kale,kohlrabi, marigold, nasturtium, oregano, peas, radishes, tomatoes

 Eggplant        beans, marigold, peppers Kale beets, celery, cucumbers, dill, garlic, hyssop,                           lettuce, mint, nasturtium, onions, potatoes, rosemary, sage, spinach, Swiss                               chard

 Kohlrabi       beets, celery, cucumbers, dill, garlic, hyssop, lettuce, mint, nasturtium, onions,                      potatoes, rosemary, sage, spinach, Swiss chard

Lettuce        beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, Chinese                                cabbage, chives, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, onions, radishes, strawberries

 Melons         corn, marigold, nasturtium, oregano, pumpkin, radishes, squash Onions beets,                       broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, chamomile, cauliflower, carrots, Chinese                       cabbage, kale,kohlrabi, lettuce, peppers, strawberries, summer savory, Swiss                       chard, tomatoes

 Parsley       asparagus, corn, tomatoes

 Peas           beans, carrots, chives, corn, cucumbers, mint, radishes, turnip

 Peppers     carrots, eggplants, onions, tomato 

 Radishes    beans, carrots, chervil, cucumbers, lettuce, melons, nasturtium, peas ,Spinach,                      Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, kale, kohlrabi,                                 strawberries

                   

Vegetable Sowing Chart

Sowing Seasons

Month	North India	South India
JANUARY	Brinjal	Lettuce,Spinach, Gourds, Melons, Radish, Carrot, Onion, Tomato,Okra,Brinjal, Bean
FEBRUARY	Applegourd, Bittergourd, Bottle gourd, Cucumber, French Beans, Okra, Sponge, Gourd, Watermelon, Spinach	Same as January
MARCH	Same as February	Amaranthus, Coriander, Gourds, Beans, Melons, Spinach, Okra
APRIL	Capsicum	Onion, Amaranthus, Coriander, Gourds, Okra, Tomato, Chilli
MAY	Onion, Pepper, Brinjal	Okra, Onion, Chilli
JUNE	All gourds, Brinjal, Cucumber, Cauliflower (Early), Okra, Onion,Sem,Tomato,Pepper	Gourds, Almost all vegetables
JULY	All gourds, Cucumber, Okra, Sem, Tomato	Same as June
AUGUST	Carrot, Cauliflower, Radish, Tomato	Carrot, Cauliflower, Beans, Beet
SEPTEMBER	Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Peas, Radish, Tomato, Lettuce	Cauliflower, Cucumber, Onion,Peas,Spinach
OCTOBER	Beet, Brinjal, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Lettuce, Peas, Radish, Spinach, Turnip	Brinjal, Cabbage,Capsicum,Cucumber, Beans,Peas, Spinach, Turnip, Watermelon
NOVEMBER	Turnip, Tomato, Radish, Pepper, Peas, Beet	Beet, Eggplant, Cabbage, Carrot, Beans, Lettuce, Melon, Okra, Turnip
DECEMBER	Tomato	Lettuce, Pumpkin, Watermelon, Muskmelon, Ash gourd, Ridge gourd, Bitter gourd, Bottle gourd, Cucumber, Chilly, Cabbage,

How to grow vegetables


How to sow seeds
How to prepare pot

When to sow seeds of flowers

Hello everyone 

Today we will talk about the time when to sow the seeds of different  flowers.

Annual Flowers 

Sowing month from December to March

Ageratum

Salvia

                                                            

Alyssum

Vinca

Amranthus

Petunia

coleus

impatiens

January to April

celosia

cosmos

marigold

zinnia

phlox

aster

February to March

baby's breath

bachelor's button

dasies

moonflower

morningglory

sunflower

sweetpea

geranium

pansy

phlox

 Common Perennials list

• Achillea 
• Black Eyed Susan 
• Blanket Flower 
• Butter y Flower 
• Candytuft 
• Cone flower 
• Coreopsis 
• Dahlia 
• Daisies 
• Delpinium 
• Dianthus 
• Foxglove 
• Geraniums 
• Hosta 
• Hollyhock 
• Lupine 
• Penstemon 
• Phlox 
• Poppy 
• Primrose 
• Rudbeckia 
• Tansy 
• Viola

Sow them with well drained soil with lot of sun.

Winter Bloming Plants
Annual flowering Plants

How to prepare pot

Next time we will talk about vegetables

Most Common Gardening Problems

Hello Everyone


One of the most common gardening problems caused by low light conditions.

Plants are growing towards Light

Leggy Plant The difference between a healthy and a “leggy” plant can be most easily seen in seedlings, though larger plants can be affected as well. Legginess happens as a result of too little light, and causes the plant to grow tall and thin in an attempt to get closer to the light source. Leggy plants will often topple over as they grow taller, and will not have the strong and straight appearance of a healthy plant.

If your plants start to look this way, they need more light. Move them to a place where they get more sunlight than they are currently getting.

Too Little Pollination


If your garden plants are showing blooms but not producing fruit, then it is not getting enough pollination from bees and birds. If you are noticing this, you can try planting flowers around your garden that will attract more of our winged friends. This will help to pollinate your plants, which will increase your fruit production.

Leaf Scorch
 If your leaves of your plants develop dry, brown tips, you probably are witnessing leaf scorch or tip burn.  Reasons could be
Too much or little water
Air is too hot or to cold
Too much Fertilizers 

Wilting
When temperatures are high and it is warm or hot, the plant loses more water through transpiration causing the plant to wilt if the water needs are higher than what is available.
Needs more water.



Too much Heat from what is required for the plant can do SunBurn. Keep it in little shade

Frost damage

Too much cold,humid and ice deposit can do frost damage.

Keep it inside where sunlight comes.

Yellowing of leaves

It is natural process also.But when it is not natural there are many reasons for that.Reasons of Yellowing leaves






I hope I have covered all most all most common problems we face.
Keep writing about your problems.

Frequently asked question on gardening

 Hello everyone

Today we will talk about the problem faced by people while doing gardening.

My Tulsa dies in every winter how do I protect and take care?


Tulsa cannot tolerate very cold weather.If its very cold keep your Tulsa inside where little sunlight is coming. Do not over water it.It will rot the roots .When top soil is dry then only water it and not very much. Do not keep her in direct hot sun in the summer for very long because she will burn. Some Tulsa plants only live a few years and some will live up to 5 years. Tulsa is very sensitive to smoke! Do not leave burning incense around her. When you worship her and are done with the incense move it away from her. The smoke suffocates her.Tulsa thrives in full sun but grows in partial shade too, at least four hours of sunlight a day is required.

• When is best time to plant container or pot grown plants?

It is a common misconception that container/pot grown plants can only be planted in the spring or summer. This is incorrect. Container plants can be planted all year round.

• Every year we have more and more ants in our garden has more and more nests. I use ant powder but it doesn't seem to work.

Ants are generally quite beneficial in the garden as they feed on sap sucking aphids and the honeydew that they produce.But It kills the plants also if it is in excess.There are numerous products on the market from powders to gels that can be used to kill a nest. I believe that the gels are often found to be slightly more effective so it might be worth trying one of them during a period of drier weather. You can also buy nematodes that are watered onto the area and these are found to be very effective too. You could try the old fashion boiling water on ants nest.

• White aphids in my garden are ruining my Garden

One of the most natural, accessible items , and an effective means of aphid removal, is water. Although water itself does not kill aphids,A strong stream of water, such as that from a garden hose, will decrease the population into a hibiscus plant. it can easily knock them from their feeding sites on hibiscus plant parts.Sticky aphid traps, sold at garden supply stores, trap aphids, particularly those that are flying .  These traps are typically yellow and come with a nontoxic sticky substance that will decrease the population of aphids on plants. The color of the card is significant, as certain colors attract particular pests. One trap is more than adequate for a single hibiscus. Sticky cards may be effective enough for up to 10,000 square feet, depending on the brand.

Soaps and Oils
insecticidal soap, narrow-range oil or neem oil to control aphids. Because these pesticides kill aphids on contact and produce no residual control.Remember to spray the undersides of leaves because aphids often hide there.

• How do I know if my garden needs fertilizer during the growing season?

If plants are pale green, stunted or are losing lower leaves this could be an indication of nitrogen deficiency.

• I have trouble growing flowers in my shade garden. Are there any colorful shade-tolerant plants that I can use?

Aside from using perennials with some bloom, and contrasting color and texture, a few annuals will thrive in the shade given proper moisture and nutrients. The most shade-tolerant annuals that add color all season are coleus (grown for colorful foliage), wax begonias, and impatiens(Impatiens flowers are bright and cheerful annuals that can light up any dark and shady part of your yard. Growing impatiens is quite easy), which are available in a host of colors. Depending on the depth of shade, still other annuals, such as ageratum, sapphire flower, caladiums, and sweet alyssum, may be successful.

Cadlium

Wax Begonia

Coleus

In the next session we will talk more about it.I hope I have talked about common problems.Keep writing about problems so that I can help you out.

Cacti And Succulents

Hello Everyone

Cacti have gained popularity due to their exciting shapes,ease of cultivation and heavenly bloom.Cacti are associated with the desert.

Succulent means "juicy". Succulent plants have leaves or stem that are filled with juices,the stored water and nutrients that allow plant to grow.These leaves allow plant to withstand harsh conditions all over the world.Normally these leaves have a glossy appearance,and the texture actually protects and helps them from excessive moisture loss.

Broadly speaking cactus is succulent with thorns or areoles.The distinction between a cactus and other succulents is not so absolute,there are some cacti without thorns.

Types of cactus

Cactus Garden

Succulents

Cactus  requires light and porous soil in which water water drains quickly.Succulents requires richer soil than cacti.One part loam,half part coarse sand,half part wood ash or charcoal powder and one part well decayed leaf mould .

Propagation of cacti and succulents

Most of the cacti are multiplied from seeds.The slow-growing seedlings requires several years to develop into specimen plant. Succulents can be propagated from cutting or root division.Succulents produce babies at their base,on the base or at the top.

Cacti and succulents do not attract disease ,excessive humidity and watering is the main problem with them.
If they do not rot they produce too much growth of leaf or stem but no flower,takes lot of time to bloom.

List of Cactus and succulents

Common problems in your Garden

Hello Everyone

Today we will talk about the problems in general we face while doing gardening.

Some plants keep struggling to be alive

Reason for the plants that just  do not grow they are just alive or they may die anytime

• Plants are of various type like annuals,biennials or perennials check what type of plant it is if it is biennials or annuals their timing is very important .For more details 
• Sometimes annuals also have problem reasons could be
• Plant Varieties are not zone compatible.
• Plants are getting too much water.
• Plants are not getting enough water.
• You have not rotated plants.
• plants are over or under fertilized.
• No protection against pest.More Details
• Plants are getting proper sunlight i.e. either more or less what is required.

Gallery of my garden flowers and vegetables

Aster

Hibiscus

corn

hibiscus

zinnia

Mint

Amralysis

Hibiscus

Spinach and tomatoes

Ridgegourd

Sunflower

Radish