Succulents are easy to grow plants that require little maintenance. Lean (low in nutrients) well draining soil, bright light and minimal water are their basic requirements. There are hundreds of varieties ranging in size, color, texture and shape to meet any requirement. Succulents are available wherever plants are sold including; nurseries, grocery stores, drug stores, on-line and from generous gardeners.
Soil Requirements
Succulents need lean, well-drained mineral soil, porous enough to allow water to run nearly straight through it.
Good Recipe for DYI (do it yourself) potting soil for succulents
3 parts potting soil (non-organic)
2 parts coarse sand (turface or poultry grit)
1 part perlite (or pumice)
Tons of free videos and helpful information. How to grow, propagate and enjoy your succulents and cacti. Short videos, excellent tutorials and all are indexed for easy access. A wonderful place to get lost on dark and cold days – or nights. Use like a Free On-line Text Book.
Where to buy on-line – Suggestions from expert succulent and cacti growers
Cacti and succulents are the perfect plants for easy to grow indoor or outdoor gardens.
Perfect for Easy Peasy Gardens
Great plants for beginners or experienced gardeners.
Thousands of varieties, most with exotic blooms(click to view slide show)
Minimal requirements; sunlight, good drainage and occasional water
Sizes vary from tiny (less than one inch) to huge (greater than 30 feet) (click to view slide show)
Fits any situation – from terrariums, small pots to gardens
Very long lived and many free from generous gardeners
What is the difference between cacti and succulent?
Cacti have stickers, succulents are more ‘user friendly’.
A cactus is the only plant that can sit in a blazing south window where the sun pours in, magnified through the glass.
A succulent is any plant that stores water in juicy leaves, stems or roots in order to withstand periodic drought.
Resources for buying, growing and caring for cacti and succulents. This is a random list – google for more mail-order links
Please Note: It is with a heavy heart that we share our loss of Ron Sidell, the driving force behind Ophoenix Public Benefit Corp and www.accessiblegardens.org. In his loving memory we will continue to produce this site. Read more…………………..
Let’s grow sprouts – easy, quick, economical and tasty! *
What are sprouts?
– Sprouts are seeds that have germinated and become very young plants.
How to grow them……
– Sprouts are easily grown in containers with water rinses. No soil needed.
– Sprout Basics – Short Version Read more………
– Sprouts 101 – Everything you need to grow Sprouts Read more……….
How to get started…… – Start Small – there are many options for seeds.
– We suggest choosing one pack of seeds or a starter kit.
– Kits make it easy to sample several types. Link to 12 kits 8 sampler packs
– Containers – plastic or glass most used. Mason jars will work and are economical. .You will need a top that will allow drainage.
Are they nutritious?
“Despite being low in calories, sprouts are a rich source of nutrients and beneficial plant compounds. Their vitamin and mineral content varies based on the variety”
Are they safe?
“When it comes to sprouts, organic is even a bigger deal. Sprouts have been blamed for several food-borne illness “outbreaks” (see our food safety page) over the past decade, and it has been true in EVERY case, that the seed used was NOT organic.”
*Our Partner* For this post we are partnering with Gil Frishman, www.sproutpeople.org. Sproutpeople has been selling organic sprouts and seeds since 1993. They are a family owned business and we are proud to be associated with their company. We do not receive a commission nor any monies from sales of your purchases. All text in quotes (“”) is from their website, as well as sprout photographs – all with their permission.
Why buy your seed locally? Locally grown seeds are better because:
– The seeds are adapted to regional areas for success
– The seeds attract and feed local pollinators and birds
– The seeds have genetic properties to fight local disease
Why buy from small and family growers? Small and family growers are pledged to strengthen biodiversity.
– 80% of all seeds are grown by 4 mega seed companies
– Small and family growers personally grow and sell certified organic seeds
– Small and family growers insure the survival of Biodiversity of seed sources
Find organic seed companies – small and family owned – read their websites and learn about their histories and mission to provide the gardening communities with organically grown new and heirloom plant varieties – not grown by large corporate companies. Many websites have growing information and offer free downloads of books and recipes. You will meet the people behind the seeds that you plant in your garden.
There are more than 3,000 varieties of heirloom or heritage tomatoes in active cultivation worldwide and more than 15,000 known varieties. More than 42 types of pumpkins are available as well as more than 14 varieties of cucumbers from just one company.
Find the Seed List that best suits your locality, garden and family favorites. Plant something new and it might become a family favorite in the future.
About Lemongrass Lemongrass is a very easy to grow herb used in Asian recipes, teas, medicals and skin care products. It is native to Asia, Africa, Australia, and tropical islands, but can be grown anywhere where it can get at least 6 hours of daytime summer sun.
Lemongrass is an attractive plant in the ground or container.
Lemongrass can be found in most large supermarkets, Asian Markets or vegetable stands either loose or wrapped in bunches of 4 – 5 stalks. 4 – 6 stalks is a good number to start.
Lemongrass can be found in most large supermarkets, Asian Markets or vegetable stands.
Some markets will package up several stalks. 4-6 stalks will be a good number to start.
What to look for: If possible buy stalks that have sections of root base at the end of the stalk. If the leaves come all the way to the bottom of the stalk, you will have to pull some of the leaves off the stalk.
Two leaves have been peeled off of the stalk. Unroll the leaves to expose the base.
Place the stalks in a glass, jar or vase and place in a sunny window or bright spot outside.
The above photo shows stalks placed in glass vase on sunny warm deck. In cold weather, a bright window will work as well. Place the stalks in a glass, jar or vase and place in a sunny window or bright spot outside.
In just a few days, roots will start to emerge in the spaces left from the removal of the leaves.
In a few more days and one or two new plants might also form in these spaces. The new plants are usually green and will face up.
