Furqan Hamid

Jen Fulkerson wrote:This is one of those things I'm constantly changing my mind about. Probably because I haven't found a great option.
I think I have the first part down. For seeds I start inside I like to use 3/4" soil blocks.
As soon as the seed sprouts I up pot the seedlings into a 2" pot usually 3 to 5 seedlings. This part is working well, but I do wish I could eliminate it. Potting up once the seedlings get 2 sets of true leaves is a pain. But I do it because I can start a lot of seedlings in a small space.
Next is the part I'm really struggling with.  I bought a kit from epic gardening. It's 8 deep 4 packs, and a shallow bottom tray. I think this is going to be great for the plants I intend to keep. It seems sturdy, and seems like enough soil, without taking up to much space. But even on sale it was not something I could afford to buy several of. And I enjoy growing and giving away extra tomatoes and peppers, and a few other things. It definitely won't work for that. I bought sturdy 3" pots, but they are kind of short, and again the cost was not to bad, but more than I can just give away. So it's the 12 for 1.25 pots that are terribly thin and no way they will last more than a year. The party cups. I have tried large and medium size. If you don't leave these in the sun you can get more than one year out of them, and they are pretty cheap, but I hate the bottom is smaller than the top because they fall over very easy. If you fill them they take a good amount of soil.
I've tried a larger soil block, but I'm just not a fan no matter how much I want to be.  Peat pots don't break down in our climate so they aren't a good option. Cow pots work pretty good, but again on the expensive side. I'm thinking about paper pots. My son is addicted to Amazon, so we get lots of plain brown paper. The hard part with this one is how time consuming it will be. I would love to get away from plastic. This year is a mix of using the dollar tree pots I already had, and using the dreaded cups I'm sure to be frustrated with soon.
If you have any tip, tricks, or out of the box ideas, or even if you don't, I look forward to hearing what you use.

Paper pots could be a great eco-friendly choice, especially with all that Amazon packaging. Have you considered repurposing yogurt cups or other sturdy containers? They’re free and last longer than thin plastic pots!

Evan Reynolds wrote:Hello fellow permies! I am already started to feel the allergies coming on here in Minnesota. I just started working at a local nursery and garden business which I love and I will be going back to school in fall for horticulture. I want to be outside and around plants for a living. Last year I took an allergy test at the doctors office (I never like to be there). I was told I had allergies to dust, ragweeds, pollen, and slight reactions to maple. I refuse to let my sinus problems get in the way of something I love to do. Does anyone have a good suggestion on natural releif? I do not take pills or stereoids. I currently use my netty pot and last year bought some homeopathic "medicine" from the coop. I would like to not have green mucus, itchy eyes, and a stuffed nose my whole life! The inflammation must be gone! Anyways, thank you for reading and I hope you all have a wonderful day!

That’s awesome you’re pursuing horticulture! For natural relief, try local raw honey, quercetin-rich foods (like onions & apples), and saline rinses. Also, stinging nettle tea can help with inflammation. Hope you find some relief!

Chokri Hizem wrote:Coral Aloe. With its unique rosette of fleshy, coral-colored leaves and delicate tubular flowers not only enhances your indoor or outdoor space but also provides a rewarding gardening experience.



Coral Aloe, with its strikingly beautiful appearance, is a succulent that never fails to catch the eye. Its vibrant hues of pink, orange, and red create a stunning display in any garden or indoor space. This resilient plant is a true gem, able to thrive in a wide range of environments, from dry deserts to humid climates.



Perfect for busy individuals or those new to gardening, Coral Aloe requires minimal attention and care, making it an ideal choice for people with limited time or experience. Its adaptability to various conditions, including neglect or inconsistent watering, makes it a popular option for plant lovers seeking a low-maintenance addition to their collection. Whether placed on a sunny windowsill or in a shaded corner, this versatile succulent will flourish and add a touch of beauty to any space.



Propagating Coral Aloe is not just about expanding your plant collection; it's about nurturing life and witnessing growth firsthand. Each new pup you propagate offers an opportunity to share your passion for gardening with friends and family, or even gift them beautiful plants!
Want to read more: How to Propagate Coral Aloe from Pups
Want to Watch the Video: How to Propagate Coral Aloe: Simple and Rewarding🪴

 

love the overall explanation you have given. I love gardening and both of these plants are there in the backyard of my house and I never knew about this process!

Rivka Choi wrote:North Texas here, it's planting time after March 15th when the danger of the last hard frost is over. We get a decent amount of sun and a lot of rain, 40 inches a year. Our summers can up to 105 F (95 is more typical) and our winters can plunge to 5 F.
Generally though, we don't have to worry about hard frosts again till mid October.

What vegetables and fruits do people recommend planting here? I was thinking winter squash, tomatoes, greens, herbs, but I was wondering if I'm missing something that would be good?

Sounds like a great plan! You might also try okra, peppers, and sweet potatoes—they thrive in the heat. For fruit, blackberries and figs do well in North Texas too!