We will still be sharing crafts, diy ideas, plant based recipes and homesteading tips. But going forward, gardening will be our main focus, especially with Spring arriving!
Don’t worry- if you don’t have a green thumb or any plants currently alive, this is for you! I’ve had so many fails. So Many. But I’m here to say that all is not lost, and there is hope for us plant serial killers yet, with a few simple tricks and a little more information.
Native flowers are our jam! They were my first success, and because they grow here naturally I didn’t have to do much to have a successful garden. Living in Colorado, there are so many varieties to love. Our favorite are Columbines, and this year our Columbine gardens are popping off! We’ve been expanding all of our garden ventures behind the scenes this year. We will be sharing all of it in our upcoming newsletters and blog posts.
*** Here’s some tips for your Spring gardens! ***
Do you have seedlings started? We have a great set up this year, for once! The most important and necessary things for thriving seedlings: light, airflow, and the right balance of water and dryness. It’s a difficult formula to initially figure out, but once you do, your seedlings will be happy.
* Light- UV lights will ensure that your seedlings are getting enough light. Keep them a few inches above your plants and they will grow strong. If the light is too far, they grow leggy and weak.
* Airflow- how did I ever try to grow any seeds without it? Discovering this was a game changer for me. I put a big fan on all my seedlings, and they grow strong like they would in the wild. The air circulation will cut down on mold and keep all your plants a lot happier.
* Watering- one of the hardest things about gardening. Having a system/schedule will help. I water seedlings once or twice a day, making sure the soil dries out between waterings. The seedlings I’ve potted up get watered about every other day, making sure I let the soil dry out as well. The larger plants get watered a few times a week. Each plant is different but this formula is easy for me to keep track of.
A big no-no, is letting your plants/roots sit in water. Plants usually hate that!
These 3 tips helped me actually have a successful herb garden this year, which has always been a pipe dream for me, living in the high desert. Plants here have to be extra happy or they die instantly. There is no in between!
If you want to elevate your garden, use some good soil. I used to use whatever I could find, but now I like to combine chunky soil mix, coconut coir, perlite, and a seedling mix made from peat moss for my seedlings. It’s not an exact science for me- I mix together whatever I have on hand. It stays wet but will dry out eventually, so it works for me.
Remember, growing from seeds is the most difficult kind of gardening. They won’t all make it, and it takes take a bit of experimenting to be successful.
We’ll be sharing much more gardening tips and inspiration in our coming newsletters. Make sure you’re signed up on our website so you don’t miss out! You can also find us on FB and IG- @thecosycactusclub.
Your feral fairy godmother,
Jewels Bright