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How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree

Choosing a real Christmas tree is more sustainable than an artificial one since it can be recycled or reused. Many locations have official recycling programs for Christmas trees, or you can use your old tree in your home or yard.

There are few holiday symbols more magical than a well-decorated and lit Christmas tree. While some people prefer the ease of an artificial Christmas tree, real trees continue to be a popular choice, with an estimated 25 million to 30 million real Christmas trees sold in the U.S. alone each year. Real Christmas trees provide the unmistakable pine smell that many people associate with the holidays, plus the feeling of having a true piece of the natural world inside the home.

So which is more sustainable, a real Christmas tree or an artificial one? Well, obviously you can use an artificial tree year after year. However, at the end of its lifespan, it will end up in a landfill. Artificial trees create high emissions during manufacturing and transportation and are generally made from a type of PVC that is nearly impossible to recycle.

Real trees, on the other hand, are produced on farms, and a new tree will usually be planted for every one that’s harvested. Farmed trees offer the same advantages as trees in the wild, such as cleaning the air and stabilizing soil.

More importantly, though, real Christmas trees can be recycled at the end of the season. That makes them the more sustainable choice in the long run.

What is Christmas Tree Recycling?

There are several ways to recycle or reuse a Christmas tree after the season is over. The most important thing is to keep them out of landfills. Although an evergreen tree will break down over time in a landfill, the process is slow because of the lack of oxygen. It is much more eco-friendly to recycle or reuse the tree instead.

Some Christmas tree recycling options are arranged by charity or environmental groups, while others are managed by local municipalities. These usually have specific time limitations and conditions, so be sure to check out the details in your area.

The most common type of Christmas tree recycling processes the trees into mulch that can be used for gardening. In some places, this mulch is also available to residents to use in their own yards and gardens. Evergreen mulch adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down, while also suppressing weed growth and conserving moisture.

Old Christmas trees also can be used to prevent soil erosion and create fish habitats in bodies of water. They are placed into the water along coastlines, held in place by fencing. Their branches collect sediment and filter the water, while also providing a safe place for smaller fish to live.

Likewise, discarded Christmas trees have been used to stabilize sand dunes along windy beaches. However, this doesn’t mean you can just dump your old tree in the ocean or at the beach. Be sure that this is part of an organized program arranged by experts who know how the trees will affect the environment.

If these options are not available through your local government, check to see if local charities have arranged any tree pickups in exchange for a small donation. Tree removal services are also available in many areas, but, of course, they charge to take away your tree.

Other Ways to Recycle Your Christmas Tree

There are more creative ways to recycle your old Christmas tree as well. Some of these require ample space or special tools, so it will depend on your individual situation which ones work best for you.

Firewood: If you have the space to dry the wood for at least a few months, you can use your Christmas tree for firewood. Since evergreens have quick-burning sap that can build up and start a fire in your fireplace, it is only recommended to burn your Christmas tree in an outdoor fire.

Compost or mulch: As mentioned before, the most common method of recycling a Christmas tree is to have it turned into mulch. Of course, if you have the right tools and space, you can do this yourself. If you don’t have your own wood chipper, you can rent or borrow one. Then you can use the wood chips directly to mulch your plants, or you can incorporate them into your compost pile.

Landscaping: Evergreen logs can be incorporated into your landscape as fencing or edging, or to hold a birdhouse. The trunk can be cut into disks and used as natural pavers. You could also create a brush pile that would serve as a habitat for birds and other wildlife in your yard.

Goat food: Goats love to eat evergreen trees! If you have a goat farm nearby (or own goats yourself), see if they are interested in taking your old tree off your hands.

Potted Christmas trees: This isn’t precisely a recycling idea, but it’s one of the most sustainable choices you can make. Instead of purchasing a cut tree, consider getting a potted Christmas tree instead. These are simply live trees that, like a houseplant, live in a container in your home. Once the holiday season is over, the tree can be planted in your yard.

Preparing a Christmas Tree for Recycling

Regardless of which method you use for recycling your Christmas tree, you need to be sure that the tree is totally free of all decorations. Certain types of decoration such as tinsel and artificial snow can be difficult or impossible to remove, so they are best avoided if possible.

Very large trees may fall outside of the size guidelines for recycling programs. Be sure to check before placing your tree out for collection, and cut down the tree to the appropriate size if needed.

Also, be cognizant of what types of chemicals have been used on your Christmas tree. Many trees are sprayed with pesticides and flame-retardant sprays before you purchase them. These can be harmful to your family while the tree is in your home, but can also hinder your attempts to recycle the tree. For example, you would not want to introduce pesticides or other chemicals into your compost pile or feed them to goats.

So, if you are concerned about having a truly sustainable Christmas, ask your supplier about how the trees are treated. You can also find organic Christmas tree farms where you can be sure there are no chemicals used.

How to Care for Houseplants in the Winter

Winter indoor plant care can be confusing, but making the right modifications will help your plant to thrive. Follow these guidelines to ensure your potted plants look good for years to come.

Dealing with houseplants in the winter is an entirely different situation than summer care. It’s easy to assume that indoor plants won’t experience changes in the seasons like their outdoor counterparts, but, in reality, the cooler temperatures, dryer air, and lessened light exposure of winter months can make a big difference in growth rates and vitality.

Here’s what you need to know about winter care for your houseplants to ensure you keep them at their healthiest, no matter the time of year.

In the Winter, Less is (Usually) More

Many houseplants enter a stage of dormancy in the winter. This means that the plant stops putting energy into new growth and instead hunkers down to conserve energy levels for the following year.

Entering dormancy means that a plant needs less of everything: less water, sunlight, and nutrients. In fact, providing plants with too much of any of the three can lead to problems. Overwatering houseplants in the winter can lead to weak growth or root rot when the plant fails to draw it all in — stunting or even killing it in the long run.

The actual amount of water needed will vary by species. Some, like tropicals, will require similar amounts all year long. Others, such as drought-tolerant cacti and hardy succulents, won’t need any water for weeks at a time.

In order to meet your plant’s specific needs, you must research its growing habits so you can modify your care plan to meet its requirements.

How to Care for Houseplants in the Winter

While the care instructions for your houseplant will vary based on variety, some standard rules apply to most. Here are eight steps you can take to keep them in top condition until the weather warms again.

1. Monitor the Soil

When it comes to caring for houseplants, most people err on the side of giving them too much water in the winter. In reality, you only need to water when the top few inches of soil are dry to the touch. Stick your finger up to your first knuckle down into the pot and feel for moisture. If any is present, wait a few more days before watering.

2. Stick with Warm Water

One of the worst ways to shock indoor plants in the winter is by watering them with cold water. A better option is to use room temperature or slightly warmer water so you avoid shocking the roots. Tap water gets cold fast in the winter, so feel it with your fingers to gauge the temperature before using it on a plant.

3. Pay Attention to Humidity

Indoor heat in the winter often leads to dry air, with humidity levels dropping 20 percent or more. Your skin will suffer from it, but the problem is far worse for houseplants, which prefer humidity levels closer to 50 percent.

Consider moving your plants to a steamy bathroom or putting them in a room with a humidifier. It’s also smart to cluster potted plants together. They will naturally release water through their leaves in a process called transpiring, which keeps the relative humidity higher when near each other.

Another option is to place plants on or near trays of water with pebbles placed in the bottom. This raises the relative humidity without leading to root rot.

4. Mist Regularly

While plants pull up water through their roots, they also appreciate some moisture on their leaves. Misting indoor plants offers many benefits. Not only does it keep plants hydrated, but it helps control dust and deters pests.

For best results, use a spray bottle and mist multiple times a day. Indoor air will cause the water droplets to evaporate quickly. Refrain from misting as much in the spring and summer as the humid conditions could lead to fungal problems.

5. Pay Attention to Temperature

Temperature fluctuations tend to get more extreme in the winter. Plants situated by a sunny window might get scorched during the day but suffer from near-freezing temperatures once evening arrives.

Protect indoor plants by keeping them away from cold drafts (doorways, windows) and sources of heat (ovens, fireplaces, electronics). They will do better when the temperature stays consistent all day long.

6. Consider Sunlight Exposure

Sun-loving plants often struggle in the winter, even when situated near a south-facing window. That’s because winter sunlight tends to be weaker and hit a lower angle in the sky, meaning that the rays that hit the plant are less powerful.

You may need to supplement your potted plants with artificial grow lights to keep them vibrant. Consider also cleaning your windows to ensure they let in as much light as possible.

7. Clean the Leaves

Sometimes, a gentle misting isn’t enough to keep plants clean, and you need to go deeper. Many indoor plants accumulate dust in their crevices that leave them looking dingy. Wipe them down with a damp cloth, or place the pot in a shower running lukewarm water to spruce things up.

8. Limit Fertilizer Use

Because many indoor plants enter dormancy in the winter, they aren’t as heavy feeders as usual. This means you should pull back on your fertilizer use to lessen the risk of upsetting their natural growing cycle. Wait until you see signs of new growth or greening before adding any plant food to the pot.

Note: Tropical plants often grow year-round and may require fertilizer in the winter.

Winter Indoor Plant Care is Well Worth It

Caring for potted plants in the winter can be a challenge, but it’s not as tricky as many people think. By understanding the needs of your specific varieties, and knowing whether they will grow or enter dormancy in the winter, you can take steps to adjust your treatment strategy to best meet their needs.

So, slow down on watering, lay off the fertilizer, and keep things warm and humid to ensure your potted plants will thrive.

Don’t Rush to Shovel Snow: 8 Benefits for Your Garden

Snow might seem like an inconvenience or danger to the garden, but it actually offers many benefits for your growing space. Here are eight ways it can help your garden (and two potential drawbacks).

Winter weather brings many challenges for the home gardener — not the least of which is snow. When you see a thick blanket covering your plants, it may be tempting to pull out the snowblower and remove it.

However, doing so would be a disservice to your garden. It turns out that nature’s blanket has many benefits for your garden. Here’s why you may want to leave that icy precipitation in place.

8 Benefits of Snow in the Garden

There’s a lot to like about snow in the garden. Let’s look closer at the benefits for your growing space.

1. Natural Insulation

The phrase “blanket” of snow isn’t a misnomer: Snow really works to warm the world around it. Feel under a snowbank, and you’ll see the temperature is warmer than the air. That’s due to the air pockets trapped within the ice crystals that cause it to act as a fluffy quilt.

This natural insulation makes a big difference for plants when the temperature plummets. Prolonged freezes can damage plant cells and cause stems and leaves to turn black and die. In this way, a layer of snow protects plants from the freeze-thaw cycle that comes throughout late winter.

It takes more than an inch or two to provide these benefits for your plants. If you’re lacking the deep, fluffy downfall that offers the most protection, consider shoveling some snow from elsewhere in your yard onto the most vulnerable sections of your garden.

2. Acts as a Windbreak

Not only does snow prevent plants from dealing with cold, it also protects against wind. Cold ground without snow cover can expose plant roots to harsh winds that dry them out, causing long-term damage by spring.

3. Protects Pots

If you tend to leave your potted plants outdoors in the winter, then snow is a necessary protection for them. A cocooning layer of snow can keep fragile clay pots from cracking and ensure the plants inside survive until spring.

4. Provides Moisture

Winter tends to be a drying time in the garden. Freezing winds can suck the moisture out of the ground and leave plants depleted. Not only does snow protect against these chilling blasts, but it prevents roots from drying out and provides much-needed moisture to the soil once it melts.

5. Triggers Spring Growth

Many plants require snow to get a sense of the seasons. A thick layer of snow works to keep many spring bulbs in dormancy, and the warmer temperatures that start melting the snow in the spring trigger them to break their dormancy and begin to bloom.

Without the snow as an indicator, they might begin to bloom too early and then die back when the temperature drops again.

6. Water and Nitrogen Source

Snow has earned the nickname “poor man’s fertilizer” for a reason. This form of frozen particles isn’t pure water. Rather, it contains significant amounts of nitrogen and other trace minerals that actively improve the soil. As it falls through the atmosphere, snow crystals pick up these compounds from the air and then deliver them into your ground by springtime.

The amount is far from insignificant: By some estimates, your soil receives between 2-20 lbs (1-9kg) of nitrogen per acre through snow and rain each year.

7. Protects Winter Vegetables

There’s no reason to harvest the whole vegetable garden once the first frost occurs. Some plants, like greens and root vegetables, often taste sweetest when they’ve spent some time in below-freezing weather.

However, temperature extremes and hard freezes can dry them out and ruin their flavor. A thick layer of snow over the top helps preserve those carrots and parsnips and ensures they’re ready to eat whenever you dig them up.

8. Helps Propagate Seeds

Snow on your garden beds creates the perfect nursery for seeds to germinate. It provides a naturally moist environment and protects the seeds from temperature extremes that could kill them off. Many varieties require wintry conditions to sprout at all, and you’d have to mimic this through stratification indoors if the weather doesn’t comply.

Drawbacks of Snow

Snow offers an abundance of benefits for your garden, but it has some drawbacks as well. Here are two reasons why you may want to consider removing it from your growing space after all.

Heavy Weight

Thick, wet snow carries a ton of weight, and it can cause damage to fragile structures and plants. You might find branches torn from trees after a snowfall, and they might be destructive on the way down.

For this reason, it’s wise to take down any fragile greenhouses or other garden structures before winter starts and to trim any precarious branches at risk of snapping.

Protects Pests

Snow’s insulating properties are well known to many garden pests like slugs, voles, and mice, who often spend the winter living in snow tunnels. A thick layer in your garden throughout the winter might become the nesting ground for a population explosion by springtime, leading you to spend much of the growing season attempting to get it under control.

Likewise, lots of heavily packed snow can act as a “step stool” to make it easier for small animals like mice or rabbits to reach new growth on bushes and perennials that might otherwise be inaccessible. You may want to protect vulnerable plants with cages made from chicken wire or dig out the snow along the bottom to keep them from getting easy access.

Appreciate Snow in the Garden This Winter

Once you take time to look at its benefits, there’s a lot to like about snow in the garden. From protecting plants from temperature extremes to giving them a dose of much-needed moisture and nutrients, consider keeping it in place to reap all the benefits nature provides for your growing space.

How to Create a Gravel and Rock Garden

Ready to achieve beauty through bold textures and jagged lines? Here’s everything you need to know about designing and building a gravel or rock garden in your yard.

Not all gardens need to rely on plants to make themselves attractive and inviting. Instead of colorful flowers and shapely curves, gravel and rock gardens achieve their beauty through their bold textures and jagged lines.

However, if you wish to enjoy that type of beauty in your yard, you’ll need to do some careful planning first. The right place to start is to learn how to create a gravel and rock garden that will not only look great but stand the test of time as well. Here’s how to do exactly that.

How to Build a Gravel or Rock Garden

Let’s address some of the more practical aspects of building a gravel or rock garden. No matter what your design intent may be, it will remain out of reach without solid preparation and construction measures. Here are five steps to get started.

1. Find or Make a Plant-Free Space

As is the case with any garden plan, the first step toward making a gravel garden is to delineate a distinct area in your yard. The most straightforward approach is to select a location that is:

Before you move on, you’ll need to remove all vegetation from the ground where your new rock garden will be. Use a shovel or a grub hoe to do a thorough job, leaving behind nothing but exposed soil.

2. Make the Ground as Level as Possible

With all existing vegetation out of your way, it is time to make the ground within the extents of your gravel garden as flat as possible. This stage of the process will be much easier if you take time to select a garden location that is relatively flat to begin with.

Use an iron rake to smooth the surface of the ground. Then use a hand tamper to compact the soil. Taking time to compact the soil beneath will help ensure your rock garden won’t settle or form divots over the years.

3. Consider Using Landscape Fabric

Landscaping fabric is an excellent material to incorporate into your gravel or rock garden construction process. Laying a layer of this material directly on top of the soil you just compacted is beneficial to your rock garden because it:

At times, installing landscape fabric is as easy as rolling it out on the compacted base of your garden. In other cases, such as on slopes, you may need to use stakes or some other means of fastening your fabric to the ground.

4. Set a Strong Edge

Setting a definitive edge to your garden spaces is a highly effective but often overlooked aspect of landscape design. Firm edges serve as a clear marker of where an outdoor space begins and ends while also giving it an exact shape.

When you make a gravel or rock garden, edges are critical because you’ll need them to keep the gravel in your rock garden in place. Without a suitable edge, a gravel garden will often fail to hold its form and deteriorate much more quickly. Here are some of the materials you can use to construct an edge for your rock garden:

5. Fill the Area with a Gravel Base

Once your edge is complete, it is time to fill your garden with gravel. Doing so is as straightforward as it sounds. When your gravel garden is full, use your iron rake to make the surface of your gravel look neat and smooth.

How to Make a Rock Garden that Looks Amazing

Now that you know some of the basics of how to build a rock garden, it is time to consider some of the ideas and garden elements that will take the visual appeal of your garden to the next level. Follow these four ideas to elevate your space’s beauty.

1. Focus on Materials

Rock garden design is all about finding the right set of materials. Once you find the right palette of rocks and stones, making an aesthetically pleasing rock garden will be a much simpler goal.

Take your time when considering the many colors and textures that you can choose for the gravel and other rocks that will give your garden its essential character.

2. Add Vertical Features

Typically, the most striking features of a rock garden are the ones that rise from the ground. Vertical garden elements can come in many forms, but large stones and boulders are most common in rock gardens. Those focal points usually have intriguing shapes or lines that captivate a garden visitor as much as any specimen plant.

3. Consider Growing Some Plants

Although a rock garden deviates from the norm by focusing on stone rather than plant life, there is no reason you can’t add plants as a part of your design. If you choose to grow plants, make sure you select species that can survive in growing conditions that a rock garden creates.

If you can find the right plants for your garden, they can serve as an eye-catching accent and give your rock garden a more welcoming and complete feel.

4. Apply Basic Landscape Design Principles

Although gravel and rock gardens are part of their own unique category, designing one is not all that different than designing any other type of garden. As you would in any other scenario, you should apply these basic concepts when planning and designing your new rock garden:

Understanding and applying those concepts is the key to designing any successful garden. So, be sure to remember them while you make your rock garden dreams into a reality.

Now You're Ready to Rock

Now that you know the basics of how to create a rock garden, you are ready to design and build one of your own. If you ever lose track of what to do next during that project, refer to the guide above. Remember that as long as you follow the correct design principles and construction techniques, there is nothing stopping you from making the perfect gravel garden for your yard.

15 Best Flowers for a Happy New Year

From symbolism to sheer beauty, these flowers are the top picks to have in your home for a festive new year.

Flowers are often bought for their beauty, selected because they are a particular color or scent, or they remind us of a specific time or event in our lives. Many people aren’t aware that flowers have amazing symbolism due to their rich history that often dates back to ancient times.

All around the world, flowers carry important symbolism that often carries over into different religions and cultures, regardless of the inherent beliefs or differences. Very few things are as beautiful and meaningful as flowers.

These 15 flowers are some of the most beautiful and meaningful ones to have in your home to help welcome in a happy new year.

1. Daffodil

A symbol of rebirth and new beginnings, daffodils — and other members of the narcissus genus — are recognized for their cheerful white and yellow flowers that push through the earth and bloom in early spring to announce the arrival of warmer days. They are known for their resilience, weathering the winter storms as strong little cheerful survivors to bring happiness and joy, along with an appreciation for being alive.

2. Daisies

Touting a long list of symbolic meanings, including positivity and new beginnings, daisies are a bright, cheerful staple in gardens and cut flower arrangements. Their symbolism stems from closing their petals each night and reopening them every morning to greet the sun. Daisies come in various colors, but the traditional white with yellow center disks appeals to many because of their simplicity.

3. White Lilies

Lilies have a long, rich history dating to ancient times. The different flower colors have a unique symbolism, but white lilies represent a fresh start, a clean slate, a new beginning. With its graceful stature and long stalks of blooms, the Easter lily is one of the most well-known white varieties. Due to its Christian symbolism, it is famous as a potted plant at Easter but is available as a cut flower year-round.

4. Orchids

Delicate and exotic, orchids represent love, luxury, abundance, strength, fertility, and innocence. But the individual colors also hold their own meaning. Red orchids are symbolic of courage, determination, perseverance, passion, and desire. Yellow orchids are thought to represent new beginnings, friendship, and joy. Green orchids are believed to bring good fortune and good health into your life.

5. Paperwhites

Another member of the narcissus genus, paperwhites stand for prosperity and good fortune, along with rebirth and the renewal of both energy and life. They are among the first bulbs to sprout and blossom in the late winter or early spring and are readily available as potted plants just before Christmas.

6. Gladiolus

Gladioli get their name from the Latin word “gladius” for their sword-shaped flower stalks. Their name pays homage to the Roman gladiators who donned gladiolus corms around their necks as they went into battle. There are over 225 different species available, but overall the flowers symbolize strength, honor, strong character, and moral integrity.

7. Lotus

Highly regarded in many cultures, predominantly Asian, lotus flowers signify rebirth and self-regeneration. The lotus flower lives in muddy, dirty water, pushing its way through the murkiness to emerge and bloom with beautiful, clean petals. This characteristic is the perfect analogy for the human condition — even when submerged in filth, the most beautiful flower can still bloom.

8. Stargazer Lilies

Stargazer lilies, with their beautiful pink and white blooms, signify prosperity, the fulfillment of a dream. A relatively new cultivar, they symbolize the fantastic success of the breeder, who worked fervently and tirelessly to achieve what he believed to be the ideal lily. Stargazer lilies are a prevalent mainstream variety with upward-facing flowers that appear to look toward the heavens.

9. Lily-of-the-Valley

Lily-of-the-valley has another rich history of symbolism. Dating to the Victorian era, lily-of-the-valley meant “return of happiness.” Today, these delicate white flowers are symbolic of both happiness and luck. It was believed that the bloom’s bell shape called in good spirits and worked to ward off evil forces. Greek mythology tells of Apollo, the God of the sun, growing lily-of-the-valley plants in the woods to protect the feet of his muses.

10. Verbena

Verbena’s symbolism dates to ancient Celtic and Roman cultures. This powerful, sacred herb represented happiness, creativity, and healing but also protected against evil. It was carried by soldiers and commoners for good luck and hung in homes to protect the structure against lightning.

11. Cornflower

The symbolism of cornflower (not to be confused with the coneflower) dates to ancient Egypt and is linked to good fortune, wealth, and prosperity. Each bloom stands for a single blessing, symbolic of positive hope for the future. The beautiful blue flowers are a humble reminder of the simple beauty in nature and the extensive cycle of life.

12. Hollyhock

Hollyhocks are known as symbols of ambition, fertility, and the cycle of life. Their symbolism may be derived from their nature of growing tall, spreading, and flowering for long periods to reseed prolifically. Without a doubt, they are ambitious in their growth, and their ability to reseed and produce many offspring year after year correlate highly with the circle of life and fertility. Traditional, they were planted at the front doors of the home to encourage prosperity.

13. Valerian

Traditionally, valerian is steeped in symbolism due to its Latin name, “valere,” which means healthy and strong, or “be well.” Plants are known for their homeopathic remedies and typically bear clusters of small white or pink flowers that also signify readiness and awareness of what is to come.

14. Peruvian Lily

Also known as alstroemeria, the Peruvian lily represents achievement, fortune, wealth, and prosperity. The flower’s symbolism comes from the six petals on each flower and their twisted leaves. The petals represent commitment, empathy, humor, patience, respect, and understanding; the leaves symbolize stability, bonding, and overcoming difficulties together.

15. Bird of Paradise

One of the most unique flowers, the tropical bird of paradise is a sight to behold. Its attractive shape and bright, bold colors make it the quintessential symbol of optimism, wonderful anticipation, excitement, magnificence, and excellence. The bird of paradise also represents freedom and overcoming obstacles in life, as we let go of our burdens and worries to embark on new adventures and unfamiliar places.

How to Prepare and Protect Your Garden From January Weather Extremes

The weather can be crazy in the dead of winter. Here’s a look at what you may encounter and three surefire ways to protect your plants from damage.

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, January is the height of winter weather. This time of year can really do a number on your garden if you aren’t prepared. From snow and sleet to freezing winds and rainstorms, it pays to be ready so you can protect your plants.

Here’s a closer look at the possible weather extremes you can expect in January — and what you can do to combat them.

Frosts vs. Freezes

If you live just about anywhere outside the tropics, you’re likely familiar with frosts and freezes. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to separate weather events.

Frosts occur when there are visible ice crystals outdoors. Sometimes frosts occur when the air temperature is still above freezing and melt quickly once the sun comes out. They tend to be easier to deal with and will only harm your most cold-sensitive plants, like tomatoes and peppers.

Freezes occur when the air temperature dips below freezing. It’s possible to have a freeze without any frost if there isn’t moisture in the air. The dew point and wind conditions will affect how damaging a frost can be, as windy weather tends to hurt plants faster because it’s harder to protect them.

Understanding Wind Chill

Sometimes winter weather feels far colder than what the thermometer is reading. That’s due to wind chill, which is the perceived temperature you experience when accounting for heat loss from exposed skin in chilly, windy conditions.

As wind increases, your body cools down at an accelerated rate, which causes your skin temperature to drop. So, while the temperature may be well above freezing, you might find yourself shivering while working on garden projects in January.

Snow

You might not look forward to snow in January, but it can actually benefit your garden in the winter. Snow acts as natural insulation and can protect delicate roots. Plants are far more likely to survive freezing winds if they have a thick layer of snow acting as a comfy blanket over top of them.

Rain and Flash Floods

Weather in January isn’t always snow and ice. Sometimes, it can mean lots of rain. While most plants can survive this kind of weather well when they’re in a dormant state, excessive rain can wreak havoc on your yard and turn it into a muddy mess. In extreme conditions, it may even uproot plants from garden beds and cause them to become displaced.

Ice Storms

One of the worst kinds of weather for your garden that you need to be prepared for in January are ice storms. This slurry of freezing rain is the result of a deep, warm layer in the atmosphere with a shallow, freezing layer at the surface. This causes rain to fall into air that is below freezing and turn into sleet that hardens into ice once it makes contact.

Ice from ice storms can accumulate on tree branches and garden structures, causing them to snap when the weight gets overwhelming. They are a leading cause of property damage in winter weather.

3 Ways to Protect Plants from January Weather

You don’t need to leave your garden at the mercy of January weather. There are steps you can take to keep things protected, so your garden thrives again when spring returns.

1. Cover Them

You can easily keep plants safe from snow, wind, and ice with simple covers that create a barrier between them and the elements. Greenhouse plastic works perfectly, or you can use natural materials like fallen leaves, straw, or even wood mulch for natural insulation.

When using plastic and other synthetic materials, it’s important you uncover the plants as soon as the weather warms again to prevent any damage from overheating.

If you want a more permanent form of protection, consider building a greenhouse or bringing plants indoors for the winter months.

2. Keep Things Elevated

One of the best ways to protect plants from flooding is to utilize raised beds and other growing strategies that keep things elevated. This stops the soil from getting quite as saturated and protects plant roots from drowning from excessive moisture.

If you’re looking for a longer-term strategy, consider digging swales (flood barriers) or drainage ditches to collect and redirect water from the property, or even a retention pond for storing water for use in other seasons.

3. Block the Wind

Few things feel stronger than harsh winter winds. Protect vulnerable plants by designing your property to block the worst of them. Installing windbreaks is a stellar long-term solution. You can plant sturdy hedges to break up strong winds, so they are less forceful when they reach your plants.

It’s also smart to move anything prone to getting windswept indoors and to regularly trim dead branches that are at risk of falling and damaging buildings and structure. You’ll want to securely anchor down any lightweight greenhouses or cold frames to prevent any mishaps.

Plan for Extreme Weather to Protect Your Property

Dealing with intense January weather can be a challenge, no matter where you live in the Northern Hemisphere. By understanding what the weather can do in January and planning accordingly, you can help protect your plants and garden space.

So, plan for the worst, and you can ensure you’re always prepared — no matter what the weather throws at you.

How to Keep Narcissus or Daffodils From Falling Over

If you enjoy growing daffodils indoors, you may be wondering how to stop the flowers from falling over. Check out these four easy tips from the experts.

Narcissus are lovely flowers that people like to grow both indoors and out. Commonly known as daffodils or paperwhites in some countries, these cheery flowers usually announce the arrival of spring. They are grown from bulbs and will multiply if left in the ground over winter.

If you love growing narcissus indoors on a bright windowsill, you might have come across the problem of the flower stems falling over. The main reason for this is that the roots have not become established enough to support the top growth of the plants.

When grown outdoors in the ground, daffodils develop large root systems that have enough strength to support the top growth of the plants. However, when you grow them indoors in a shallow container, the roots just don’t have enough space to develop the strength that they need to support the plant.

But, don’t worry. There are some things that you can do to keep your narcissus upright. Here are four ideas that you might want to try (the last one will definitely surprise you), plus some basic guidelines to consider when growing narcissus indoors.

Basic Guidelines for Growing Daffodils Indoors

The first thing you want to do is to make sure that your plant gets plenty of light. A lack of light means that your plant will become too leggy. Narcissus need lots of bright light, and they will grow taller in search of it if it’s not readily available.

So, make sure that you sit your plant on a bright windowsill where it will get all the light that it needs — indirect light, not direct sunlight.

In addition, you should rotate your daffodils every couple of days to ensure that the light hits all sides of the plant evenly. This means that the flowers will not all grow in one direction and, as a result, fall over. Bulbs like daffodils are notorious for growing toward the light, so rotating them regularly will keep their growth even.

Also, be on the lookout for varieties that have been specially bred to have strong stems. These are ideal for growing indoors on a bright windowsill.

Now, let’s look at some ways to stop your gorgeous narcissus from falling over.

1. Tie Them Up With a Ribbon

One way to support your daffodil stems is to use a ribbon to loosely tie them together. Use a lovely, soft, decorative ribbon or even a length of raffia to tie around the stems about two-thirds of the way up.

This is an easy way to stop your narcissus from flopping all over the place and also adds a nice decorative touch. Just make sure that you don’t tie the ribbon too tightly that you damage the stems.

2. Use Decorative Stakes

Another way to support your daffodil flowers is to use decorative stakes. You can use almost anything as a stake for your potted flowers. Have a look the next time you visit your local garden center and you’ll be surprised at the variety that you can find.

In addition, you can even use interesting sticks that you find around your garden or when out on a walk. Even branching sticks can add a bit of a decorative touch to your narcissus plant.

Check out your local florist as well for some interesting floral stakes that might be available or learn how to use florist wire to strengthen the stems on your daffodils.

3. Plant Your Daffodils In a Tall Vase

For this method, you want to choose a tall glass vase that has straight sides. The idea is to let the vase do the supporting of the flower stems.

You can add a more decorative touch by tying a colored ribbon around the vase with a lovely big bow. The tall straight sides of the vase will provide support for the flower stems, and you’ll be able to enjoy your lovely narcissus flowers without them falling over.

4. Stunt the Growth of Your Daffodils with Alcohol

This method was developed by horticulturalists at Cornell University’s Flowerbulb Research Program. It uses alcohol to stunt the growth of flower stems without reducing the size of the flowers.

The idea behind this method is to add a small amount of clear alcohol such as vodka or gin to the water once the plants are around one to two inches tall. This effectively stunts the growth of the flower stems without damaging the flowers themselves.

The amount of alcohol that you add to the water needs to be less than 10%, but anything from 3 to 6% is adequate.

When you use this method, you’ll discover that the flower stems will be around one-third shorter than normal and will not fall over. However, you’ll still get large, fragrant flowers that will bloom for a long time.

So, to stop your narcissus from falling over, you can either provide some support in the form of decorative stakes, pretty ribbons, or a large glass vase. Alternatively, you can just stunt their growth by watering them with a solution of alcohol and water. This will ensure that you can enjoy those beautiful, fragrant flowers indoors — without any flopping.

Top Tips to Get Rid of Houseplant Pests

Indoor houseplant pests are a nuisance, but getting rid of them doesn’t need to be a struggle. These valuable tips give you natural as well as chemical-based options for eliminating the seven most common houseplant pests.

People love indoor gardening because it has many advantages over outdoor gardening, including fewer pest problems. That doesn’t mean, however, that pest problems never occur indoors. As windows and doors open or new plants are brought into a home, pesky insects are invited to take up residence in our plants.

Thankfully, indoor houseplant pests are typically easier to treat, and infestations are usually spotted much quicker, than when an outdoor plant has problems. The most common pests are aphids, spider mites, fungus gnats, mealybugs, scale, thrips, and whitefly.

If you find yourself dealing with houseplant pests, there are numerous ways to get rid of them, ranging from non-toxic natural ways to chemical insecticides. Keep reading to learn more about the common bugs found on houseplants and tips for treating them.

Treating Indoor Winter Houseplant Pests

When insects are discovered in your outdoor garden plants or hanging baskets, many gardeners turn to chemical insecticides or natural predators to get rid of the bugs. But managing pest problems on indoor plants is a little trickier. Many people don’t want to be spraying chemicals inside their homes, nor do they want to throw away houseplants because they have bugs, so they look for more natural methods.

To treat indoor houseplant pests, you can manually remove them, apply natural products, or choose chemical treatments.

Removing insects manually

There are two ways to remove insects manually. You can pick them off by hand, or you can use water to knock the bugs off of the foliage. These two methods are the safest and least-toxic ways to treat insects on indoor houseplants.

Treating plants naturally

If you’d rather not sit and remove insects by hand, or the infestation is worse than you anticipated, and you’re looking for natural treatment options, there are a couple of choices:

Chemical treatment options

Plants can also be treated with chemical insecticides if none of the other methods eradicate the problem. If you opt to use an insecticide, correctly identify the pest, then purchase a chemical formulated for that insect and its life stage.

The insecticide should also be labeled for indoor use. Always use proper safety measures and follow the label instructions carefully.

How to Grow Plants Hydroponically

Hydroponic gardening is a great way to grow plants indoors without the mess that soil creates. This article will introduce you to the essentials of hydroponics and give you some tips to get started.

Do you enjoy growing plants indoors but don’t enjoy the mess? Then a hydroponic system may be precisely what you need. Hydroponic systems allow you to grow plants indoors without using soil. It’s not only a cleaner gardening method but is also more efficient as plants often grow faster and larger than those grown in soil.

Luckily, it’s not that difficult to set up your own simple hydroponic system. This article will go over the basics of hydroponics and give you some tips to get started.

What is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics refers to any gardening method that uses water and nutrient solutions to grow plants rather than soil. The plants typically absorb the nutrients they need from a reservoir of nutrient-rich solution. The method in which they receive this solution varies with each system.

Hydroponics is a more efficient system than traditional gardening as plants don’t have to use any energy to extract nutrients from the soil. Instead, the nutrients are delivered right to them, which results in faster growth and greater yield.

Hydroponics may seem like an expert-level gardening technique, but this is certainly not the case. Hydroponics is an excellent option for beginner gardeners and includes less work once the system is set up. Since you don’t have to tend to any soil, significantly less work is needed to keep your plants healthy and happy.

Which Plants Can Grow Hydroponically?

Gardeners often become interested in hydroponics when they want to grow their own herbs and vegetables. Herbs are a great option to grow hydroponically as they don’t take too much room and grow quickly. Some herbs that do well in a hydroponic system include:

While herbs are probably the best option to grow when starting out with hydroponics, you are not limited to them. If you have the space and are willing to invest in a larger hydroponics system, you can also grow your vegetables with this method. Some vegetables that do well in a hydroponic system include:

However, you don’t need to grow food to take advantage of hydroponics. Many flowers and other indoor plants thrive when grown in this system as well. Just do some research to confirm your plants grow well hydroponically before taking them out of their soil.

What Supplies Are Needed?

The supplies you will need will vary depending on which system you choose. However, there are some materials you will need no matter which system you decide on. The following items are essential for an efficient hydroponic system:

Nutrient-rich solution: Your plants will need a nutrient-rich solution to ensure they grow fast, stay healthy, and can perform photosynthesis.
Container/reservoir: A container is needed to hold the water and nutrient-rich solution.
Lighting: If you plan to keep your hydroponic system indoors, you will need to ensure your plants get plenty of light.
Support structure: No matter what, your plants need to be properly supported in your hydroponic system. Depending on the system you choose, you could use net pots, Styrofoam, or other materials to keep them upright.

Other materials will be required depending on the system you choose. Hydroponic systems can be quite simple or expensive and complicated. Some will require larger and more expensive materials such as tubing or a water pump.

Some gardeners choose to add a growing medium as a substitute for soil, though this is completely optional. Popular options include perlite, vermiculite, sand, or gravel.

How to Grow Plants Hydroponically

Now that you know the basics of hydroponics, it’s time to start growing your plants hydroponically. The following sections will give you some tips on how to get started.

Choose a System

There are six different hydroponic systems to choose from, which all vary in price, difficulty, size, and supplies needed. Some are quite simple and are designed with the beginner gardener in mind, while others are designed for more advanced gardeners. The six common hydroponic systems are:

Deep Water Culture
Wicking System
Ebb and Flow System (sometimes referred to as Flood and Drain)
Drip System
Aeroponic System
Nutrient Film Technique

It’s also important to note that you can either build your own hydroponic system or buy a kit at your local garden center. Making your own system with materials you have on hand may be a good, cheap option, but investing in a kit may be easier, especially if you are just getting started.

If you decide to build your own system, do some research to see what materials are needed. As stated earlier, each system has its own requirements. Researching how to build these systems will also help you decide how complex and large you want your system to be.

Germinate the Seeds

No matter which system you choose, you will need to germinate the seeds elsewhere before adding them to your hydroponic system. This can be done with a seed starter or a heat mat.

However, if you are just starting out with hydroponics, you may want to start with seedlings or grown plants first, as this is much easier than starting with seeds. Just make sure to wipe away all soil from the plants’ roots before transferring them to your hydroponic system.

Add Nutrients

You won’t be able to grow your plants successfully without adding in a nutrient solution. This solution typically contains nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous, which all help your plants stay healthy, grow fast, and perform photosynthesis. In addition, the solution may also contain calcium, sulfur, iron, magnesium, and other nutrients essential for optimal plant health.

If you’re just starting out with hydroponics, it’s advisable to purchase a pre-made solution designed primarily for this purpose. You will find that there are different solutions available for different types of plants. This is because fruiting plants, such as tomatoes, require a different ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium than green leafy plants, such as lettuce and spinach.

When adding the nutrient solution to your reservoir, always read the directions to ensure you are giving your plants the right amount. Adding too little or too many nutrients can do more harm than good.

Control the pH

You will also need to keep an eye on the pH level of your solution. Though many people don’t realize it, pH is a crucial factor in plant health. Though most plants prefer a neutral pH, some thrive in either acidic or alkaline conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to only add plants in your system that all thrive off a similar pH range.

As with nutrients, there are pH solutions you can buy to make sure your solution has the right pH for your plants. As with your nutrient solution, read the directions before applying your pH solution to ensure you add the proper amount. Plants can easily wither and die in the wrong pH conditions. This is why you should also invest in a pH testing kit, which will help you keep an eye on your reservoir’s pH levels.

Provide Ample Lighting

One last thing you might want to consider when setting up your hydroponic system is the amount of light your plants need. Plants that are grown hydroponically require plenty of bright, indirect sunlight to thrive.

However, because you’re generally using hydroponics to grow plants indoors, your plants may not get as much light as they need. Therefore, you might want to invest in some grow lights to place above your plants. These are available in a myriad of designs and sizes, so you will easily find one that will work with your specific hydroponic system.

The 7 Best Pieces of Equipment for Houseplants During Winter

Winter can be a challenging time for houseplants, but with some basic equipment and a little knowledge, you can help them thrive.

Even though they live in a climate-controlled environment, houseplants suffer from the wintertime blues almost as much as we do. Between the lower light levels and the reduced indoor humidity, houseplants can struggle over the winter. The good news is that with the right equipment and a little knowledge, you can help your plants overcome these challenges.

Most houseplant species come from tropical regions with humidity levels between 40–50%. Home humidity levels in the winter are usually around 10–20%, which is bad news for plants. Dry air puts roots at risk of drying out and makes plants more vulnerable to pests like spider mites. If you want your houseplants to stay lush and green through the darkest, coldest parts of the year, investing in a few key items will keep them thriving and healthy. Read on to learn about the seven best pieces of equipment you can buy for houseplants to help get them through the winter.

1. Humidifier

There are three types of humidifiers: evaporative, ultrasonic, and warm mist. Evaporative-mist humidifiers can be a little louder than the other two types, so if noise is an issue, you may want to steer clear. On the other hand, an evaporative humidifier cannot oversaturate the air, so there is no risk of making a room too humid if you forget to turn the humidifier off. A warm-mist humidifier uses a heating element to vaporize water, but the hot element uses more electricity and can be dangerous for children or pets.

When purchasing a humidifier, you should consider the size of the room you want to humidify and for how long of an interval you want the humidifier to run. All units will come with a listing for their run time and volume capacity—so make sure you know the size of the room or rooms you want to humidify. Ideally, you’ll want to place a humidifier in the room where you have the most plants.

2. Hygrometer

A humidifier is most useful when used in tandem with a hygrometer. This simple, inexpensive device will tell you the humidity level in your home, making it easier to determine the best humidifier settings. There are other DIY methods of testing indoor humidity, but a hygrometer is by far the most efficient and accurate.

3. Space Heater

If your home heating is uneven or extremely inefficient, you may prefer to only heat the room where your plants are located. A small space heater can help you keep your plants’ room at 70-80 degrees during the day and 65-70 degrees at night, which is what most houseplants prefer. One thing to note, however, is that if you are using a space heater, you will definitely want to use a humidifier to offset the drier air in the room you designate as the “grow room.”

4. Watering Can

It’s not a fancy digital device, but a good watering can is just as important as any other piece of winter plant care equipment. A nice, long spout will make it easier to pour water precisely where you want it to go. Most plants are a little picky about the quality of water you give them, and prefer rain water. If rainwater isn’t available, the next best thing is to leave tap water in the can out overnight and let the chlorine and fluorine evaporate before watering your houseplants.

5. Moisture Meter

With all the emphasis on dry indoor air, it might come as a surprise that houseplants actually need to be watered less in the winter season. The short days of winter mean that plants get less sunlight, resulting in slower plant growth and less water uptake by roots. You can use a fingertip inserted into the soil in a pot to check for moisture, but an aquameter eliminates any guesswork. Take care not to overwater plants in the winter; root rot is one of the most common causes of houseplants failing. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and water less.

6. Air Deflector

Depending on the location and orientation of your air vents, you may want to invest in some air deflectors. This simple plastic shield is placed over vents that normally blow warm air directly onto indoor plants, re-routinng the air so that it spares the plants from a direct hit. This will keep your plants from drying out quickly or getting their leaves dried out too quickly.

7. LED Grow Lights

When the days grow shorter, the first thing you should do is to move plants into a spot with a south-facing window. If this isn’t an option, the next best thing is to supplement your houseplants’ light with some LED grow lamps. Plants rely on two different spectrums of light: one for growth and the other for photosynthesis. Unlike regular light bulbs, specialized LED grow lights supply a combination of these red and blue spectrums. An inexpensive LED grow lamp gives the type of light plants need to thrive without generating much heat or using a lot of electricity. This type of plant light is so popular that many people use them year-round to keep plants in parts of their home that don’t get enough light otherwise.

Some Extra Care

While not a device you can purchase, wintertime houseplant care should also include a little common sense and some extra pampering for your leafy green housemates. Clustering plants close together will help them maintain more moisture, with or without a humidifier. Keeping a flat tray filled with pebbles and topped off with water underneath potted plants that love high humidity can help to humidify individual plants.

Misting with a hand-held mister will hydrate thirsty plants that have thick, smooth foliage. You can also use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe the dust off leaf surfaces to help them absorb all the light they can. While you’re at it, check the undersides of leaves for mites or scale insects, and treat any you find with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.

While it can be tempting to give slow-growing plants a dose of fertilizer during the winter months, resist the urge. Houseplants are unlikely to grow much in the colder months, so take the opportunity to give them a rest. With a little extra care and attention, your houseplants can emerge from winter looking lush and healthy.