The gardening bug bites most gardeners right after the second foot of snow. The bare trees and lack of color in the landscape invite visions of flower-filled summertime gardens. Indoor garden activities provide the opportunity to plan future gardens as well as try your hand at other types of gardening.
The dreary days of winter often have gardeners staring out the window at the barren landscape. Take this time to create your gardening plans for the spring. Research types of plants to redo a garden and keep a journal of your plans. Include scaled drawings, clippings from seed catalogs and flyers from the newspaper circular. Cut out pictures of special containers or decorative accents that catch your eye. Use the journal to make your gardening plan for the summer. This handy tool will provide endless assistance while formulating your final plan in the spring.
Forcing Spring Bulbs
Create some color to combat the lack of sunshine and flowers during the cold winter. Bulb forcing is an easy way to add splendor to the home with brightly colored daffodils, tulips and hyacinths. Fill a container with drainage holes with fresh potting soil. Space flower bulbs evenly across the top of the soil with the eye (green nub) pointing upward. Fill in around the bulbs with loose soil to only expose the eyes. Water evenly and place in a cool, dry and dark location for 12 to 16 weeks. Check weekly for even moisture and to check roots. Bring the bulbs out after 2 inches of yellow growth appears. Water thoroughly and place in a 60- to 65-degree-Fahrenheit location in medium light until foliage changes to bright green. Move inside into bright light and 65 to 70 degree temperatures. Water consistently throughout blooming and avoid placing the forced bulb in bright sunshine to extend bloom time. Stagger the creation of new pots to have continuous blooms through the winter.
Indoor Herb Garden
Reuse small 4-inch transplant pots and a drainage tray to easily create an indoor herb garden. Clean larger plant pots thoroughly with soap and water for larger herb gardens. Plant seeds or small plants of parsley, mint or rosemary for use in cooking. Find a location in the home with a lot of sun for best results. Treat the herb garden as you would any interior plant with regular watering and fertilizing.