How to Raise House Plants from Seeds EasilyWritten by Balaji B
The principal house plants which are easy to raise by sowing seeds are Aloe (succulent plant), Asparagus species, Begonia semper-florensundB. rex, cacti (many kinds), Clivia, Cyclamen, Eucalyptus, Fuchsia (varieties), Grevillea robusta, Opuntia, Passijiora, Phoenix (palm), Primula malacoides and P. obconica, Ricinus, Rochea (succulent plant), Saintpaulia (hybrids) and Solatium capsicastrum.The most suitable compost It is best to sterilise compost, and it should therefore be heated in a sterilising apparatus for 10 minutes at a temperature of 18o° F. After this partial sterilisation, compost must be spread out on a bench to cool before use. Watering a seed pan by partial immersion A simple method of sterilising compost is to water it with Cheshunt Compound steriliser. This chemical can be obtained from any seed store. It consists of a powder which, when dissolved in water, is sprinkled over compost before or after seeds have been sown. It is perfectly safe to use, and does not injure smallest seedlings. Seed boxes and pots can be sterilised by this method and thereby made pest free. A satisfactory seed compost may be obtained by sterilising loam only, and then adding peat, sand and fertiliser. Preparing seed compost The soil ingredients are sifted through a sieve having a |-mch mesh and thoroughly mixed. The pots or seed pans are given plenty of drainage crocks which are covered with rough siftings from compost, and receptacles are then filled with compost. This is made moderately firm by pressing it with fingers; it is then moistened by holding receptacle in a pail of water.The water must not come above rim of pot because it is necessary that moisture should rise up through compost. As soon as surface of soil becomes damp, pot is set aside to drain for a few hours before seed sowing is commenced. The depth to which seeds are covered depends on their size. Very fine seeds, such as those of Begonia, require only a fine sprinkling of silver sand, whereas larger seeds should be covered to depth of their greatest dimensions. When seeds have been sown, receptacles should be covered with panes of glass and shaded with sheets of paper.
| | How To Create An Oasis of Serenity With a Backyard Garden Hot TubWritten by Garry John
Imagine starting your morning with a saunter out back door to enjoy a cup of coffee in your garden hot tub, or relaxing just before bed with a lazy soak in your backyard hot tub under stars. More and more homeowners are taking plunge (pardon pun!) and installing a hot tub in their backyard or garden. If it all sounds tempting to you, here are a few things to consider when deciding where and whether to put a hot tub in YOUR backyard. Do you have space? A hot tub may look small, but even smallest hot tubs weigh hundreds of pounds – thousands when filled with water. You’ll need to figure in space for plumbing and controls as well – and if your county requires security fencing around your tub, you’ll need to take that into consideration as well when you’re planning for your garden hot tub. Where will you put it? No, really, it’s not same question as above. Because of their weight and need for plumbing and electricity, you’ll need to plan location of your hot tub carefully. A hot tub on patio or deck may sound wonderful – but it will need reinforcement to carry that much weight safely. Besides structural considerations, there are practical ones that are a lot more fun to consider. Do you want it close to house – perhaps just outside your bedroom sliders so that you can slip in and out of it easily? Choose a spot for your backyard hot tub that gives you privacy, beauty and convenience. Do you want a seasonal or year-round hot tub? You might think that soaking in a hot tub in your garden in winter is a chilling experience, but there’s something especially cozy about watching snowflakes fall from relaxing warmth of a garden hot tub. If you’d like to use your hot tub year round, discuss weather proofing with construction company, and while you’re at it, consider a gazebo roof or similar protection for rainy days as well.
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