5 Steps to a Better Garden in 2018

With the New Year fast approaching, it's a good time to sets some goals for improving our gardening experience in 2018. A good starting point is to find ways to build your gardening knowledge. The more you know, the better you'll grow. Think about joining a local gardening group, such as Hoe and Hope. Take some classes. We offer gardening classes in the spring and again in the fall. Sign up for our newsletter. It contains information on our classes and also links you to our gardening blog. You can sign up for our newsletter over the phone at 303-772-3454 or in person next time you're in the store. Our website  http://www.theflowerbin.net/ is also a good source of information, including upcoming classes and includes links to our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts. Find ways to share your passion for gardening. Get your children or your grandchildren involved. Teaching them what you know about gardening is a gift they will use and remember all of their lives. You'll learn from the experience too.

Work on improving your garden soil. The quality of the soil in your garden affects everything you're trying to grow. Begin by getting a soil test before you plant this spring.

This is something you can do yourself, but for a more comprehensive analysis, send a soil sample to Colorado State University's testing lab in Fort Collins.

You'll receive a report detailing the quality and fertility of your soil. Bring us your report and we'll help you figure out what to do. 

While it's a little early to start a traditional compost pile, worm composting is something you can start today, while it's still winter. It's as easy as picking up a plastic tub and stopping in the 'Bin to buy some composting worms. We'll show you how to get started and be successful with your worm composting. 

You'll soon be turning your garbage into "garden gold". Keep a garden journal. A garden journal is a record of what you've done in the garden through the season, including planting dates, seed types, weather conditions and so on. 

A journal becomes a complete record of your garden and you can use it to make decisions on which plants or vegetables you'd like to keep and which ones you'll discard. Not interested in a written journal?

Take pictures. This is a simple yet effective way to document your garden through the season. Most of us have our cell phone with us all the time. Take a picture of your garden as it grows. This a great way to document where things are planted and will help you make decisions on what to plant next year and where.

Finally, get out in the garden every day. Working in the garden isn't all about the chores you "have to do". Whether you're growing tomatoes or dahlias, make sure you pause every now and then and enjoy your garden. It's one of the healthiest aspects of your life. Enjoy it!  

Houseplants for holiday color

Get in the holiday spirit!  These easy to care for houseplants will add a holiday touch to your home or office. Here are a few of our favorites.

Aglaonema are one of the easiest houseplants to grow. Also known as Chinese Evergreen, you can grow this plant in low, medium or bright light situations and still enjoy its colorful foliage. Just avoid direct sun. Aglaonema will tolerate dry soil, but does best with regular watering.

With its red flowers and dark green foliage, Anthurium delivers the best of holiday colors. Anthurium thrives when placed near a bright window. It will do okay in low light situations, but don't expect it to flower as well.  Allow the soil to dry slightly between each watering. 

Kalanchoes are succulents with thick green leaves and bright, cheerful flowers. These plants prefer bright, indirect light in order to flower well. As with all succulents, it's best to avoid over-watering. Let the plant dry, then water thoroughly.

Peperomia plants make great additions to your desk or table. Easy to grow, Peperomia will do well in low to medium light. Water this plant thoroughly, then let it dry out slightly before you water it again. 

Spathiphyllum, also known as Peace Lilies grow naturally in the shade so they are a good choice for an area that doesn't get a lot of natural light. Water enough to keep the soil moist. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely. Peace Lilies are among the easiest plants to grow in your home or office. They are also one of the best plants for improving air quality indoors. As a general rule, all of these houseplants will do well when kept at normal room temperatures.

You'll want to keep your houseplants healthy and growing by feeding them with a balanced fertilizer such as 20-20-20.

Regular supplements with Super Thrive, a vitamin solution that includes Kelp will help your plants thrive.  Houseplants make easy, beautiful gifts for teachers, co-workers and hostesses. They're a gift that will last long after the holidays are over.