Back with more news for you today. It’s amazing how much good information there is on this stuff out there if you know where to look. Three in particular that I found really valuable were…
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From Lee Reich: WORKSHOP: BACKYARD FRUIT GROWING AND TASTING You can harvest LUSCIOUS, ORGANIC, HEALTHFUL FRUITS from LOW MAINTENANCE and ORNAMENTAL.
Chatty Crafty Arty Pig: Growing in the garden
Growing in the garden. Hubby is in charge of the garden these days and this summer he did really well with growing tasty treats that we could/can pick and eat fresh on a daily basis. We have had tomatoes (which only I eat and we get the …
A Growing Tradition: Garden Update – Side Beds
Overall, it was a productive one in the garden as well. I focused on tidying up the garden paths and preparing some side beds. About 50 percent of my plot has now been dug. I had also wanted to install some PVC hoops for my Agribon row …
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Planting an herbal garden that includes scented geraniums is not common to container gardening. Most gardeners think of scented geraniums as a floral plant, not an herbal plant but the species, called pelargonium, is an herb with many uses. This delightful herb has many different aromas and gorgeous colors to delight your senses. The scented geranium is best used in container gardening for two reasons. One, you can control the soil and moisture, and two you can bring it indoors when a frost is imminent.
The scented geranium was found in Africa in the 1600’s and shipped to England where it became most popular. The gardener of King Charles I grew a variety of scented geraniums in the royal greenhouse. The Victorians thought they were geraniums rather than an herbal plant but if you look at their asymmetrical leaves you can see the difference between scented geraniums and regular geraniums.
The scented geranium is truly a herbal plant for all seasons. It grows and has a lovely aroma throughout the spring and summer and when the chilly winds of autumn threaten this sturdy herbal plant will gladly co-exist inside with you. Nothing could be better when container gardening includes scented geranium with their exquisite flowers, lovely scented leaves, and sturdy characteristics for year round enjoyment of your senses.
True to their name scented geraniums come in a multitude of fragrances. Seemly, the favorite is the rose scented geranium but others are gaining popularity quickly. Some of the more robustly planted are the apple scented, peppermint scented, wood, like cedar or balsam, nutmeg and citronella (also know as the mosquito buster.) You can plant a whole container garden with this one type of plant and have a beautiful diversity. Their leaves alone will contrast interestingly to give you a spectacular container garden. The tiny smooth leaves of the nutmeg scented geranium, or Lady Mary, to the large musk scented leaves of the Lady Plymouth.
The rose scented geraniums are gaining popularity for calming and are increasingly used in mediation and for healing purposes. The plant truly releases a delicious rose scent when rubbed against or crushed. Just brush the leaves to release their scent or make a soothing rose geranium tea to help you relax.
There are many culinary uses for the scented geranium to delight your taste buds. Chop up the leaves and mix with your other favorite herbs such as chives or chervil or thyme to make interesting flavored butters or dips and spreads. A really clever way to use the leaves is to line a baking pan when making pies, puddings or cakes to impart a wonderful flavor to your desserts. Use them for desserts, syrups or custards for another unique flavor. You can even make flavored sugar by layer dry, fresh leaves with sugar. Let them sit a few days, remove the leaves and store the sugar in an air tight container. This can be used in teas, baking goods, or as a sugar scrub. They are delightful in baths and infused in water to rinse your hair.
The scented geranium is a great as a room freshener or added to potpourri. Try adding some to your vacuum bag or put them in a mesh bag and add them to your dryer for a new fresh scent for your clothes.
Scented geraniums are grown from cuttings taken from the mother plant. Cut three to four inches just above a leaf. Strip the lower leaves off and place in a rooting medium, such as a mix of sphagnum peat moss. Place your cutting in bright light and keep it moist. When roots have been established it is time to place it in your container garden. Make sure the soil is porous and fast draining.
When the scented geranium is indoors it is necessary to feed it once a week to ensure full leaf growth. Pinching back the plant not only encourages bushy growth but releases a delicious aroma into the air. Keep the soil evenly damp; do not over water them as this will kill them. They can come back from overly dry situations but not wet ones.
Now it is time to add this multi-talented plant to your container garden. Just one word of caution, once you get to know the scented geranium your herbal garden will never be without it.
Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.
About The Author
Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com, http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com, and http://www.GardeningHerb.com.
Potting Plants In Your Container Garden In 2 Easy Steps
1. A very key part to a successful container garden is to have sufficient drainage. On the other hand, you will need to cover the hole or holes at the bottom of your pot to prevent the soil from washing out. What do you use to cover the hole(s)? This will depend on climate conditions.
If your container will be outdoors permanently and it is the warmer season, use a folded piece of newspaper. For those cooler or colder seasons, use a piece of screen or clay shard(s)
2. After purchasing your pots, you will need to remove them from their original pot to their new home. To accomplish this, you’ll just need to knock them free and loosen the roots. Position your plant in the new pot and fill it with potting soil. Note: (Make sure you use soil made for potting. This soil tend to be easier and looser for houseplants to grow in.)
Another important note, you should leave half inch to one inch of room at the top of the pot for water to sit before it settles into the potting soil.
Repotting Container Plants Quickly
If you live in a climate zone that is warm throughout the year, there is no doubt that you probably have some container plants outside. In this situation, your plants can grow large enough where they will require repotting into a larger pot.
Quick Tip: You can use the original pot if you divide the plants, also know as division.
Be sure to put new potting soil.
For Root Bound Plants
This happens when the lower roots start to curl around the bottom of the pot. Sometimes you will see the roots coming out from the top of the pot. This is a great indicator that repotting is necessary. Simply knock the plant out of the pot.
Using a pot one to two inches wider than your original pot, loosen the roots and start repotting. Be sure to leave about half inch to one inch of space at the top of your pot. This will ensure that after water your plant, the water will have enough space to collect before settling into the potting soil.
Continue learning and start designing a container garden.
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