Archive for April, 2009

Orchids: It is all in the Details

by Jill Luning

Orchid care is not difficult, it is just different. Orchids have a reputation for being difficult to grow when in fact many varieties make excellent houseplants. Orchid care is a popular topic. Over 35,000 varieties have been discovered in nature. Grow the special orchid! Growing and caring for orchids is a very pleasurable experience for any enthusiast.

Pot your orchids in the smallest pot that the roots will fit in and stake the plant while it establishes itself. The orchids we’ve seen grow the best are often growing in what appears to be ridiculously small pots so resist the urge to ‘pot up’ any more than is absolutely necessary to hold the roots. Potted plants should be watered around once a week, however also take into consideration that the smaller the pot, the more water it needs. NEVER water orchids too much, though, as too much water can kill them.

In the home, place on trays over moistened pebbles. Dendrobium orchids come from an entirely different part of the world, but they actually prefer roughly the same temperature ranges as the Cattleya orchids. This is because the tropical regions of South and Central America are quite similar to the tropical parts of Asia and Australia when it comes to temperature.

Dendrobium orchids require a difference in temperature between the night and day to aid in blooming. Preferably this difference should be about 10 – 15 degrees. Dendrobium orchids will appreciate high nitrogen fertilizer 12 months a year. One teaspoon of fertilizer divided into many small servings is ideal.

Phalaenopsis is one of the types of orchids that burns very easily in the hot sun. If you see any black and yellow on the plant, its in trouble. Phalaenopsis orchids are sometimes referred to as Moth Orchids. They are extremely popular and Phalaenopsis orchid care is certainly not difficult compared to many other more delicate orchid variants.

Cymbidiums can be left out in the noon-time sun, but with most of the other types of orchid, care should be taken to restrict their direct sunlight exposure. Cymbidium orchids are one of the oldest cultivated varieties having 40 species and thousands of hybrids. Originally from Asia, Cymbidium are one of the easiest orchids to grow and will flower yearly if cared for correctly.

You can grow flowers you can’t wait to show off. Growing and caring for orchids is a very pleasurable experience for any enthusiast. There is however alternative ways to growing orchids the traditional way and that is with hydroponics.

Orchids are very sensitive to direct sunlight and have to be kept in shady place during the summer. We can, however, keep them on direct sunlight on the shelf by the window during the winter from November until March. Orchids are proliferated across most countries. In the temperate zones, such as southern Australia, most Orchids grow on the ground.

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April 28 2009 | Gardening | No Comments »

Growing Fresh Vegetables with LED for a Healthier Life

by Kenny Powers

Has the economy got you in a pinch? Join the club. Your grocery bill climbs higher every receding paycheck, and it takes $30 to $40 to fill your gas tank up just to get to work. Considering the dismal economy, you’re unlikely to get a raise this year, but the cost of everything is soaring right through the roof. Like worn out elastic, each paycheck stretches only so far.

You’re going to have to do something. The whole nation is learning to pinch its pennies, starting with the grocery bill. Many people are beginning to grow their own vegetables indoors so they can enjoy fresh, cheaper food year round, even if they live in a city. Any space the size of a few feet can be converted into an extra vegetable garden. Growing herbs and vegetables in extra spaces in your house can really cut down on your grocery bill.

When it comes to economics, what really counts is how you make each dollar work for you. Spending money wisely means buying the things that will save you more money than you invested in the first place. That couldn’t be truer with an LED UFO light. Using only 90 watts of power, these growing LED lights produce the same amount of light as a 400 watt HPS light and cover a 12-foot area. These lights have a low carbon footprint that’s virtually undetectable. These lights use just a little more energy than a typical living room lamp. You’ll spend little money on electricity, but be able to knock major expenses off your grocery bill.

The lights are also a lifetime investment. While most HPS lights lose their power after only a few seasons, LED lights will last decades and still produce optimal power. Although they are more expensive, their long life means they’re economically more efficient in the long run. If you are planning to grow vegetables indoors for more than a few seasons, they’re worth the extra money.

Because the lights produce little heat, there’s no danger of heat damage to your plants. You don’t need to worry about using fans or air conditioners.

An LED UFO light couldn’t be simpler to install. Simply suspend it from the ceiling and plug it into any typical light socket. Growing LED lights simplify indoor gardening.

That means you don’t need to be a qualified electrician to install them. With lower risk of fire, it’s much safer.

With indoor gardening, you can enjoy fresh tomatoes, lettuce, herbs, green peppers throughout the year, even if you live in the city. LED lights let you grow indoors with no carbon footprint. You’ll save money growing your own food, and you’ll live healthier. When you enjoy a complete diet of fresh organic tomatoes and herbs, you really feel the difference, beginning with your energy and vitality. Your food will not only taste better, but you’ll be healthier and enjoy more energy every day.

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April 27 2009 | Gardening | No Comments »

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