What brightens up the kitchen better than shiny green plants? They add a punch of “wow” to an otherwise utilitarian space. Many plants also breathe life into your kitchen by purifying the air. Kitchen moisture provides much needed humidity to the plants, and if the light is bright and sunny, plants in the kitchen will thrive. Whether you prefer culinary, medicinal, or ornamental plants, below are the 10 best kitchen houseplants to try. 10 Best Kitchen Houseplants: Houseplants for Kitchen Counter and More Air plant – Tillandsia is an easy-care plant if you can remember to mist it occasionally. Air plants don’t need soil and are often attached to wood or placed in decorative glass. Attach it anywhere in your kitchen you have bright light for some extra oomph. Aloe Vera – Aloe vera has long been a household first-aid remedy for burns. And kitchen stoves are often the culprit. Aloe’s long, spikey, succulent leaves contain a gel that can be applied to the burn for instant, cooling relief. Aloes don’t need much water, but give them bright light. Aluminum plant – The green and silver leaves will make a striking accent in any kitchen. Aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei), often grown in a hanging basket, needs moderate light in the summer but a brighter spot in the winter such as near a south-facing window. Water as soon as the soil is dry. Avoid any hot or cold drafts. Cast-iron Plant – Everyone should have a cast-iron plant because, as its name suggests, it is one tough cookie. It can withstand low light, infrequent watering, and heat fluctuations. The elongated, green leaves of cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) can be solid or with spots of variegation. Herbs – If you like fresh herbs to cook with, why not keep some handy on the kitchen counter or windowsill? Consider basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, and sage. Most herbs do well with lots of light and moderate water. If light is an issue, add a fluorescent bulb under the cupboard or purchase an herb garden kit with lights. Hoya – With a vining habit and succulent leaves, hoyas can tolerate neglect. Give them bright, indirect light and let the soil dry well between waterings. There are many varieties of hoya including leaves that are variegated, rope shaped, heart shaped, ovate, and more. Hoya are revered for their aromatic flowers. Money Tree – Purported to bring good luck, the money tree (Pachira aquatica) makes an elegant statement in a sunny spot in your kitchen. It sports braided stems and shiny green, palmate leaves. It needs humidity and deep, infrequent watering. To increase the humidity, place the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water. Pothos – One of the best kitchen plants, pothos are great for beginners. The green or variegated, heart-shaped leaves cascade over the sides of its container. Give it indirect light and let it dry between waterings to keep it happy. Spider Plant – Great for tall containers or hanging baskets, its long, arching leaves can be solid or variegated, and it produces offsets at the end of long stems. They do well in bright, indirect light with moderate water. Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) like humidity and the lack of it will show in brown tips. Venus Flytrap – If you have a back door to the kitchen, chances are the occasional fly makes its way inside. When it lands on your flytrap, it’s a goner. Flytraps need consistently moist, acidic soil and low light.
Seed Starting Mistakes – Reasons Seeds Fail To Germinate Seeds By: Becca Badgett, Co-author of How to Grow an EMERGENCY Garden Printer Friendly Version Hand Placing Seeds In Rows Of Soil Image by RomoloTavani Starting crops from seed is a common, economical way to get plants for your garden and flowerbed. When growing from seed, you can choose many plants that aren’t available in stores. Lack of space doesn’t allow room for nurseries to stock many great plants, but you can get them started from seeds. If you’re new to growing from seed, you’ll find it is a simple process. Avoid common seed starting mistakes for best results. Some reasons seeds fail to germinate are described below and can help you avoid making these mistakes. Common Mistakes with Seed Germination While starting from seed is simple and easy, there are a few steps to follow for optimum germination. Don’t expect each seed to germinate for different reasons, but your percentage should be high. Use these easy tips to avoid mistakes and make your seed-starting process most productive. Check Out Our Complete Guide to Seed Starting
Not putting them somewhere noticeable: Since you probably only start seeds a few times a year, it is easy to forget about them, so put them in full view. Locate them on a table or countertop with the right warmth and light to sprout. The other tips do no good if you forget to practice them regularly. Planting into the wrong soil: Seeds need consistent moisture to germinate, but the soil should never be wet or soggy. If the soil is too wet, seeds can rot and disappear. Therefore, use a fast-draining seed starting mixture that allows water to move through quickly. This soil holds the appropriate amount of water to keep the soil moist. You may use regular potting soil that you’ve amended, but don’t start them in soil from the garden. Too much water: As mentioned above, seeds can rot away from being too wet. Establish a watering schedule for seeds until they germinate, usually once or twice a day. Once seeds are sprouted, cut back slightly on watering to avoid damping off. Damping off is when sprouted seeds flop and die back from being too wet. Too much sunlight: As you have likely discovered, young plants grow toward the light if placed in a sunny window. This takes a good deal of their energy and makes them tall and spindly. When starting seeds indoors, placing them under lights allows more regulated growth. This lets them develop and devote their energy to filling out properly. Grow lights are not necessary, just place them about an inch or two below fluorescent bulbs. Not keeping them warm enough: While seeds should not be in direct sunlight, they need warmth to germinate. Seed failure often occurs when there is not enough warmth. Locate your seed starting tray away from drafts such as vents and open doors. Use a warming mat. Large seeds: Large seeds with a hard covering will usually sprout more quickly if nicked or soaked overnight. Check each seed type before planting to see if it is a candidate for scarification or stratification.
Read more at Gardening Know How: Seed Starting Mistakes – Reasons Seeds Fail To Germinate https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/seed-starting-mistakes.htm
Read more at Gardening Know How: Seed Starting Mistakes – Reasons Seeds Fail To Germinate https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/seed-starting-mistakes.htm
Nelle's journey 