tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27029165663946189662024-03-12T21:32:15.043-07:00The PondPlant Girl's BlogHow to water garden in common containers. Grow water garden plants. Watch how-to videos about pond plants!Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-28372553962832516212015-03-09T20:41:00.000-07:002015-03-09T20:48:53.671-07:00You Can Create a Lotus Container Garden<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a data-blogger-escaped-target="_blank" href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/">Pond Plant Girl </a>- <a data-blogger-escaped-target="" href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/store.htm">PPG Store</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pondplantgirl">PPG Facebook</a> - </b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> <a href="http://www.aboutthelotus.com/">About the Lotus </a></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">- <a href="mailto:gail@pondplantgirl.com" target="_blank">Email Me</a></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a bp.blogspot.com="" href="http://http//www.aboutthelotus.com/%3EAbout%20the%20Lotus%3C/a%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/h2%3E%3Ca%20href=" http:="" imageanchor="1" lotus-howto02.jpg="" luexci94tg="" q-rayoi="" s1600="" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" sy="" yme1o-v0=""><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFu8knyyV4jJfXJo3hsUGnXN6TdKeVBzcMwRDO6FUjZNeWPtKBaFAdNqkDE_Idj9q0iEwbdMSf8qTkgxWY-j-XFddWLzF9Zimsv4YhIIYwIPzETi52fDJc9-gcGKk5bEibN-CvJj66bsi8/s1600/lotus-howto02.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Where
Does Water Lotus Grow?</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Water Lotus can grow in any climate, from very hot and dry climates
to arctic climates. It grows well in ponds both large and small, and in small container ponds too. Unlike waterlily, water lotus is</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/water-lotus.htm" target="_blank">easy
to grow from seed</a>. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Water Temperature</span></b><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Understanding this sacred plant is the
first step in being successful with having a beautiful lotus
garden. If growing from seed, the water temperature outdoors must
be over 60 degrees F. The ideal temperature to grow lotus successfully is 75 degrees. So the key to successful lotus growing is to make sure the water does not freeze solid in winter and that the water does not get so hot in summer that it cooks the plants. This can happen if the lotus is planted in a small container in full sun. If the water is too cold, the use of an aquarium heater is generally not successful.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6aVrEHJ7UZCWdMDeTK_bSwXKsin5k9knvz8tRYLu8Zh93LwbWEVi7SLSKYwX-uIB51_wnsyP-4kPfmyIvhJxLIzSMyb4OVxPurH_BoPLcdiWkKGZ6P_TRu8z5XroL5TTdox-WbtTtJLH/s1600/about+the+lotus+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6aVrEHJ7UZCWdMDeTK_bSwXKsin5k9knvz8tRYLu8Zh93LwbWEVi7SLSKYwX-uIB51_wnsyP-4kPfmyIvhJxLIzSMyb4OVxPurH_BoPLcdiWkKGZ6P_TRu8z5XroL5TTdox-WbtTtJLH/s1600/about+the+lotus+1.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>How to Get Started</b><br />
You will need:</span><br />
</span></span><br />
<ul><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Location</b>: A sunny outdoor location. Lotus do not grow well indoors. Lotus grown in severe hot climates grow well in filtered light, such as under a shade tree. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Lotus Plant</b>: A lotus root called a rhizome. I have water lotus available <a href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/lotus.htm">for sale on my website.</a></span></span></li>
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</span>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Container</b>: A large round plastic container that is at least 2' feet across and at least 12" inches deep. A wine or whiskey barrel is perfect as long as it has a plastic liner. You can also purchase a resin wine barrel which does not need a liner. There are also large plastic terracotta pots. A ceramic terracotta pot may work as long as it holds water well. </span></span></li>
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</span>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Fertilizer:</b> <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Winchester-Gardens-0-24-lb-Highland-Rim-Aquatic-Dry-Fertilizer-Tablets-12-Count-WGHR12/203909707">Highland Rim</a> Aquatic plant fertilizer and a bag of bone meal</span></span></li>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Planting Media:</b> Clay is best. I have also been successful with river sand</span></span></li>
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</span>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 bag Pea Gravel (optional)</span></span></li>
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</span>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Non-Chlorinated Water. If your water is high in iron (such as many Arizona locations or those on well water) you will need to treat the water first</span></span></li>
<li><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Water Thermometer</b> </span></span></b></li>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Fish: </b>Gold Fish or Mosquito Minnows</span></span></li>
</span></span></ul>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBY0RRrhkYCdl8F614HnbprWgMkPk1-2a3bujy0JsvF0um9rdEGETZqF4EfwJptqM29gi4l3zCWvwwOgFQ7B78FXkCjG-4DBsxUs9Zar1ASsJ2_RYNPVR-BsnBC10onVz8J4QVwn-OCUB7/s1600/carolina+queen+2.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="lotus" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBY0RRrhkYCdl8F614HnbprWgMkPk1-2a3bujy0JsvF0um9rdEGETZqF4EfwJptqM29gi4l3zCWvwwOgFQ7B78FXkCjG-4DBsxUs9Zar1ASsJ2_RYNPVR-BsnBC10onVz8J4QVwn-OCUB7/s1600/carolina+queen+2.png" hspace="10" style="border: 0px solid; height: 149px; width: 200px;" /></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Planting Your Water Lotus</b></span><br />
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<ul><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Fertilizer</b>: Place 2 Fertilizer tabs and 1 tablespoon bone meal at the bottom of container. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Planting Media:</b> Fill the the bottom of container with about 2"-3" inches of </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">good garden soil with a low organic content; either sandy soil or clay. A mix of clay and sand is ideal. </span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Do not use a commercial house plant or garden mix, as the ingredients float. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Water Lotus:</b> Place lotus rhizome on top of the soil and against the side of the container</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Planting Media:</b> Cover lotus with the rest of the soil media, about 4" to 6" inches. If using sand, a layer of pea gravel over the very top of the soil may be necessary to prevent the lotus rhizome from surfacing.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Fertilize once per month</b> with aquatic plant fertilizer and bone meal during the growing season. Keep in mind that cheap or inexpensive fertilizer will produce poor results. Push the fertilizer and bone meal down near the bottom of the container. The bone meal can be inserted down into the soil by wrapping it first in a paper towel or a piece of newspaper. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>DO NOT FERTILIZE YOUNG SEEDLINGS: </b> Fertilizer will burn young lotus seedlings. If growing from seed, make sure your young plants have at least 2 mature leaves that are at least 5" inches wide.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Fish:</b> Remember to add small fish such as feeder goldfish or mosquito minnows for mosquito control. Koi is not recommended as they may destroy your plants. I do not recommend feeding your fish. Feeding the fish will cause excess waste in the water as well as increased algae problems. The fish will have plenty to eat with the small bugs that naturally fall into the water. </span></span></li>
</span></span></ul>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKckHHBrL2cgtusXU8KbiwSaTxqVfhIloAzW2VN_c5bBEGDpbQ9Wh2ZGPNeXdYHamlsBu9EKa23VbUAZzQ3AvDGvuk_irUA2mge9TTBn-3N7cnR91OYfwskbtK7XYi9VrUF9Ri_fnbd8f/s1600/Mrs+Perry+D+Slocum.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKckHHBrL2cgtusXU8KbiwSaTxqVfhIloAzW2VN_c5bBEGDpbQ9Wh2ZGPNeXdYHamlsBu9EKa23VbUAZzQ3AvDGvuk_irUA2mge9TTBn-3N7cnR91OYfwskbtK7XYi9VrUF9Ri_fnbd8f/s1600/Mrs+Perry+D+Slocum.jpg" height="138" width="200" /></a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Enjoy your garden! </b> The next article will be about lotus care during the growing season and how to winter over your lotus plant at the end of the season.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Garden Blessings, </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Gail the Pond Plant Girl</span></span></span></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><ul>
</ul>
</span></span></h2>
Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-10943322246812088472014-06-13T15:44:00.002-07:002014-06-13T15:44:36.501-07:00Purchasing Bare Root vs. Potted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlLXp1RPZjyT1n3BOmteBW4yYE42pLffc0nvJUYwUqRK8lk_Ijm7Sjpnz2UQWBZtIlVHSKxV_AP8iwB443Rhvy-RSR_C00uQwxxXAEgKPmWeYhHHjGkPaqtnImQY4dycd4mL9gu_s4Uxg/s1600/Queen+Victoria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlLXp1RPZjyT1n3BOmteBW4yYE42pLffc0nvJUYwUqRK8lk_Ijm7Sjpnz2UQWBZtIlVHSKxV_AP8iwB443Rhvy-RSR_C00uQwxxXAEgKPmWeYhHHjGkPaqtnImQY4dycd4mL9gu_s4Uxg/s1600/Queen+Victoria.jpg" height="171" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">One
of the drawbacks with purchasing online is that plants that are shipped bare
root often struggle to survive and establish. Although potted plants may cost
twice as much, you will also receive a plant that is twice as large. It
will also be hardier and easier to establish into its new garden
environment. Small plants such as parrot feather and anacharis are always
shipped bare root, but plants such as tall uprights (such as elephant ear and
water iris) are shipped either potted or bare root. Bottom line is that
it all depends on the weather, climate, and your own comfort level whether you
should choose a bare root plant or a potted plant. Most plants sold in my
eBay store are bare root, but I all plants sold in my website store will
arrive potted. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/">www.pondplantgirl.com</a></span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-5810906478203668772014-06-09T11:16:00.000-07:002014-06-09T11:16:11.175-07:00Sunburned Pond Plants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/img/burned-plant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/img/burned-plant.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Sunburned Pond Plants</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Some plants grow well in full sun, while the same plant may grow better in part sun in a different region. Sometimes it depends on the plant maturity. Younger plants are more vulnerable to plant burn than a mature pond plants. Water Lotus, for example, grows better in part sun when it is a seedling. Plants with dark colored leaves oftentimes get sun burned, such as this Australia Water Canna. After I moved mine into part sun, it grew great and even produced flowers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Shade Cloth:</b> Another option for hot dry climates is to hang a nursery shade cloth over the pond. The ones sold at the hardware store are 75% shade, which is too shady. Shade cloth for plants should be 30%-40% shade and can be purchased online. Not only will it protect your plants from sunburn, but it will protect your fish from predatory birds and will help reduce algae growth as well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So if your pond plants
are starting to look brown and shabby, try moving them into a more
sheltered part of your garden or hang a shade cloth overhead. It might be all you need. </span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-36761697169684167072013-02-07T11:04:00.001-08:002013-02-07T11:04:17.858-08:00How to Pot Water Lily<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeE2NChg3Sk5RvqGQzQM0G5mUcDSvDiihheLI8RCrYG44nWM6fggVxOhl1VW_NES4wd0rZa7CvV3XzVVZVnItPizEhcAQtJ0KEE5dnF3T4DPF5v7hJuMXxfwWIaGaYvPJyerFTvwt1geS/s1600/lily-purple-lindsey-woods.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712460815371816338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeE2NChg3Sk5RvqGQzQM0G5mUcDSvDiihheLI8RCrYG44nWM6fggVxOhl1VW_NES4wd0rZa7CvV3XzVVZVnItPizEhcAQtJ0KEE5dnF3T4DPF5v7hJuMXxfwWIaGaYvPJyerFTvwt1geS/s320/lily-purple-lindsey-woods.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 290px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/buy.htm"><span style="color: blue;"><u>The Pond Plant Girl Store</u></span></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Water Lily Planting Instructions</strong><br />Water Lily is easier to grow than most may think. An important rule to remember before planting any aquatic plants is that large fish (such as koi) and turtles will destroy your plants and eat them down to a nub. Therefore, water lily and other pond plants must be protected from destructive pond life. Water depth may be 18 inches to 5 feet deep. The prime depth for water lily is 2 feet deep. For best flowers, full sunshine is a must.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;"><strong>Natural Earthen Ponds:</strong> If planting in a natural earthen pond straight into the ground under the water, pot your lily in a biodegradable container, such as a cow pot. See <a href="http://www.cowpots.com/">www.cowpots.com</a> . The water level should never go below 18” deep. So, if planting in a natural earthen pond, be certain to plant at a level where the water will still be deep in the summertime. Pot your lily and simply drop it into the water. Even if the water is 5 feet deep, the lily will continue to grow until it reaches the water surface.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;"><strong>Container Ponds and Water Gardens</strong><br />Pot your water lily in a 1 or 2 gallon no-holes container. Place aquatic fertilizer at the bottom of the container and fill container with loam. The crown of the lily may be slightly exposed. Tropical Water Lily must be planted at the edge of the pot with the growing tip pointing toward the center of the pot. A slight 45° is recommended (slight angle) but is not an exact science. So, do not worry about exact measurements. Hardy lily may be planted at the center of the pot. If you are not sure if you have tropical or hardy, a good rule is to plant your lily tuber at the edge of the pot like a tropical water lily. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Over Wintering Tropical Water Lily</strong>If you are in a cold region where your pond freezes solid, it is best to over winter your tropical water lily indoors. Here is a link from my water garden expert and friend that will help you succeed:</span></span> <a href="http://www.oregonaquatics.com/Overwintering%20tropical%20lilies.pdf">http://www.oregonaquatics.com/Overwintering%20tropical%20lilies.pdf</a><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Potting Loam</strong>A perfect recipe for potting loam is 1 part decomposed granite (DG) and 1 part bagged steer manure. Keep in mind that water lily are big feeders. However, too much fertilizer or too much steer manure and the lily plant will expel the unneeded nutrients in the water; which may cause added algae growth. DG can be purchased at any sand and gravel yard. I do not recommend purchasing bagged aquatic plant medium. It is far too expensive and is also too light weight and will make a mess. If you do not have access to DG, I am happy to ship it to you at cost in a flat rate mailer.<br /><br /><strong>Growing Large Lilies</strong><br />To produce large lily plants and large flowers you must have a pond that is at least 3 feet deep. Use a dark colored 20 gallon Rubbermaid tub (such as black or dark blue). Place a generous amount of fertilizer at the bottom of the container. Fill with potting loam and carefully sink down inside the pond. The pot will be very heavy. So, you will need 2 or 3 people to help sink a large potted lily.<br /><br />GARDEN BLESSINGS,<br /><br />GAiL</span></span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-11644120330549171122013-01-19T12:59:00.001-08:002013-01-19T13:07:18.448-08:00Pond Plant Girl Story and Fundraiser<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13;"><span style="color: #274e13;">GREEN HOUSE / NURSERY FUND</span> RAISER</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Please recommend me on KIVA.org at: </span></strong><a href="https://zip.kiva.org/loans/716"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">https://zip.kiva.org/loans/716</span></a><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.zip.kiva.org/images/4875/small/super-star.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" jea="true" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.zip.kiva.org/images/4875/small/super-star.JPG" /></a><strong>Beginnings </strong><br />
I first became interested in growing plants when I was a young girl helping my great grandmother out in the garden in Goleta, California, where she grew cherry tomatoes and strawberries. </div>
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<strong>Artichokes first caught my curiosity</strong> when a neighbor friend's brought home the alien looking vegetable from the store. Her entire family became very excited. Many years later (when I was married and living in Lompoc, California), we had a vegetable garden and grew artichokes all summer long. The entire family loved them. </div>
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<strong>When Pond Plants Found Me </strong><br />
We moved to Northern California and lived on a piece of property that had a large 1/4 acre pond. In the summer of 1999 I decided I wanted to create a swimming hole, and I rowed our little boat out on the pond to pull out the aquatic weeds. The weeds grew back faster than I could pull them out, so I went online to find out what I had. It turned out to be anacharis, an aquatic fresh water grass that was valuable to koi ponds and water gardens. That summer I decided to sell the anacharis online and trade it for other pond plants. That was when I became hooked on water gardening and selling pond plants. </div>
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<strong>The Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichokes </strong><br />
Since the summer of 1999 I started a small lucrative pond plant business online through eBay and through my personal website too. In 2007 we moved to Central California. I then decided to start growing artichoke plants again. Before long, I discovered that there were about a dozen different types of artichoke plants, and I wanted to grow them all. By trial and error, I learned how to grow and ship the artichoke plants. </div>
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<strong>The Pond Plant Girl Today </strong><br />
Today, my online water garden and artichoke stores, videos, articles, and websites are very popular. On Youtube alone I have over 600,000 views. Last summer I was featured on <a href="http://video.foxnews.com/v/1822615806001/pond-plant-girl-turning-weeds-into-cash/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Fox News National as "The Pond Plant Girl."</span></a> This year I decided to quit my substitute teaching job with the county and focus primarily on my education and developing our home business. This was a bold move considering the down economic times. Despite thousands of businesses closing and the rising unemployment rate, my pond plant and artichoke plant businesses continue to grow each year. Economic analysts state this is due to families entertaining at home and growing their own organic foods in backyard gardens. </div>
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<strong>My plans for the future</strong> not only include growing our businesses and earning my doctoral degree, but also include giving back to the community. </div>
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<li>I am involved with a community garden across town that will start up again Spring 2013. </li>
<li>I often donate plants to local schools and enjoy giving free lectures about gardening. </li>
<li>I also plan to create an outdoor classroom on my property where I will have free gardening and 4-H classes. </li>
<li>On a grander scale, I recently began supporting a community garden located in Kenhardt, South Africa. </li>
<li>And there may even be a PBS program in our future!</li>
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<strong>Funding a Dream </strong><em><br />Funds raised through KIVA.org are placed in an account in which are paid back within 2 years.</em> With additional funding of $5,000 I will be able to operate and upgrade a professional nursery with a much needed professional size green house, and large shade cloth too. By growing the plants myself (instead of buying them) I will be able to increase my inventory and revenues by three fold. Most of my plants are purchased from a wholesale company. I grow most of the artichokes from seed but the greenhouse will allow me to speed production especially during the cold winter months. The shade cloth will also help keep all the plants safe from the burning sun in the summertime. In addition to the much needed supplies, I will also be able to add staffing of one full time and one part time employee; which will also increase production, inventory, and revenue. </div>
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<strong>THANK YOU!!! </strong><br />
I want to thank you for the opportunity to reach my dreams and goals. Our business and the community will be blessed by your guidance and support.</div>
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<strong>Garden Blessings, </strong><br />
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<strong>Gail the Pond Plant Girl</strong> <br />
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Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-75934512406183985152013-01-16T14:26:00.000-08:002013-01-16T14:26:16.783-08:00Water Canna<img span="span" src="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/img/australia-canna-slide.gif" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" vspace="10" /><br />
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Water Canna is very easy to grow in all climates. The flowers and leaves come in a large variety of colors and patterns. It will grow in a shallow pond or in the garden. Like most plants, it can take over the garden if it is not maintained. In most climates, canna will go dormant in winter and produce new shoots from the roots in the springtime. Like garden bulbs, it can be dug up in the fall, kept in storage, and then planted again in spring. In mild to hot climates, water canna can be left in-ground year round. If it is potted, I recommend using a five gallon container and dividing at least once per year. Water canna can grow in full sun to full shade. In extreme hot climates, partial sun is best to prevent burning. Water canna is not picky about soil media and fertilizer is not needed. Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-85289645271350544072012-09-22T08:55:00.001-07:002012-09-22T08:58:19.342-07:00Getting Winter Ready <a href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><strong><u>The Pond Plant Girl</strong></span></span></a></u><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><strong>Get Ready in September</strong> </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">Whether you have a land garden or a water garden, September is the time to start preparing any garden for the upcoming winter. In many regions, winter does not fully set in until January or February. In other regions winter sets in as early as late September or early October. Although it may be warm during the day, night time temperatures can be a killer for valuable plants. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><strong>Tropical Plants</strong> </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">The first plants to begin with are the tropical plants. A garden friend in Ohio prepares his tropical banana plants by burying LED Christmas tree lights and cropping the plants down for the season. Then, he mulches over the pile to protect the ground from freezing. Tropical pond plants must be grown in a warm greenhouse or allowed to go dormant and placed in a black plastic garbage bag a[p nd put in cool storage safe from frost and freeze.<strong> </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><strong>Greenhouse Growing</strong> </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">Last year I tried growing plants in my greenhouse and all my plants died. The ones kept outside and were allowed to go dormant came back in the springtime. So, greenhouse growing is a new animal to me and I am still learning. Raw Manure Heating Some growers lay down raw cow manure. Then build a raised bed to grow their winter crops. The manure keeps the vegetable bed warm for most of the season.<strong> </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><strong>Hoop House Growing</strong> </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">Most of my ponds and vegetable gardens will be covered with hoop houses this year. It is simply PVC pipe bent over and covered with durable plastic. I’ve learned over the years that 6 mil plastic is superior over 4 mil plastic because it keeps in more heat. However, 6 mil plastic is <em>not</em> transparent. This year, I plan to use thick visqueen plastic from an online supplier. It is thick clear plastic sheeting that is used for insulating windows. In hard cold winter areas, I would suggest using 2 layers of visqueen with 1 inch bubble wrap insulation in between the sheets. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><strong>Greenhouse and Hoop house Circulation</strong> </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">When it comes to any type of greenhouse, air circulation is very important. This can be accomplished with a simple tabletop fan. Without air circulation, mold and mildew will develop on the plants; which will destroy your stock. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><strong>Fertilizing Plants </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">Winter is a time when the pond fish slow down and go somewhat dormant. This also means there is little fish excrement for growing pond plants. If you are keeping your water hyacinth and water lettuce plants through the winter, remember they will also need aquatic plant fertilizer at least one to two times per month. </span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-52042628066777798232012-08-27T11:59:00.003-07:002012-08-27T11:59:54.660-07:00Keeping Water Lettuce and Water Hyacinth Green<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Water Hyacinth</strong></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Keeping water hyacinth and water lettuce healthy and green can be a challenge, especially when they are grown in a new pond. Water Hyacinth and Water Lettuce need warm weather and will not survive if exposed to frost and freezing temperatures.The plants are a natural way of oxygenating and clarifying pond water. They also help balance the pond ecosystem and reduce the chance of algae by providing shade and water coverage. The plants free float on the surface with their roots dangling down into the water below. The roots also provide an excellent environment for spawning fish.</span> <br />
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<strong>Water Hyacinth</strong> grows best in full sun, but can grow in partial sun to full shade. Hyacinth grown in partial shade produce less flowers than hyacinth grown in full sun, and hyacinth grown in full shade rarely blooms at all. It can grow indoors if kept in an aquarium with a glass top to keep in the humidity. Grown in shade, the plant will produce long skinny bulbs. Grown in full sun or partial sun, hyacinth will produce round full bulbs. <br />
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Water Hyacinth grows best in shallow water ponds 10"-2' deep. Do not place in an area with a fountain or moving water, as the water movement will push the plants to the edge of the pool and also damage the roots. Water Hyacinth is safe for all animals and is often fed to cattle in South America. Pond life such as Koi and turtles will eat water hyacinth and destroy the plants.<br />
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<strong> Water Lettuce</strong><br />
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<strong>Water Lettuce </strong>comes in several different varieties: Rosette Water Lettuce (as pictured), Ruffled Water Lettuce, and Jurassic Water Lettuce.<br />
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<strong>Jurassic Water Lettuce</strong> is the hardiest water lettuce of the three. It will grow well indoors and outdoors; in full sun or full shade. If grown indoors, it should also be kept in an aquarium with a glass top to keep in the humidity. Grows well in both deep and shallow ponds.<br />
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<strong>Ruffled Water Lettuce</strong> grows well in partial sun in hot climates and in full sun in cool climates. Grows best in shallow ponds 10"-2' deep.<br />
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<strong>Rosette Water Lettuce </strong>must have full sun. If grown in full shade, it will become flat and yellow (as pictured on left). Grows best in shallow water ponds 10"-2' deep. <br />
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<strong>All water lettuce</strong> must be grown in a still body of water. Do not place in an area with a fountain or moving water, as the water movement will push the plants to the edge of the pool and damage the roots. Water Lettuce is also safe for all animals. Pond life such as Koi and turtles will eat water lettuce and destroy the plants. <br />
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<strong>Fertilizing Water Hyacinth and Water Lettuce</strong>
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Browning and yellowing leaves often occur when water hyacinth and water lettuce lack nutrients to stay healthy and green. Although there may be fish in the water, the ecosystem may not be balanced to support floating plant life. I use 10-26-10 <a href="http://sweetheartartichokes.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=88" target="_blank"><strong>Highland Rim Fertilizer</strong></a> in my ponds to keep water hyacinth and water lettuce green and healthy. For a 10' square area, crumble up 2 fertilzier tabs and scatter under the water below the plant roots. Highland Rim is safe for all plant and animal life. It may create green water, but will not promote string algae.</div>
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Another option for healthy green water lettuce and water hyacinth is MiracleGro flower fertilizer. The directions call for 1 tablespoon per 1 gallon of water. For water plants, <span style="color: #20124d;">use 1 tablespoon per 2 gallons of water</span> instead. <u>DO NOT ADD MiracleGro to your pond</u>. Instead, mix a batch in a separate container and give the water lettuce and water hyacinth a soak for about 20 minutes. Remove the plants from the soak and rinse off the roots. Place back into the pond. </div>
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Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-1543374257811547412012-02-23T14:16:00.007-08:002013-02-07T11:01:16.056-08:00How to Pot Water Lily Plants<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeE2NChg3Sk5RvqGQzQM0G5mUcDSvDiihheLI8RCrYG44nWM6fggVxOhl1VW_NES4wd0rZa7CvV3XzVVZVnItPizEhcAQtJ0KEE5dnF3T4DPF5v7hJuMXxfwWIaGaYvPJyerFTvwt1geS/s1600/lily-purple-lindsey-woods.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712460815371816338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeE2NChg3Sk5RvqGQzQM0G5mUcDSvDiihheLI8RCrYG44nWM6fggVxOhl1VW_NES4wd0rZa7CvV3XzVVZVnItPizEhcAQtJ0KEE5dnF3T4DPF5v7hJuMXxfwWIaGaYvPJyerFTvwt1geS/s320/lily-purple-lindsey-woods.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 290px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/buy.htm"><span style="color: blue;"><u>The Pond Plant Girl Store</u></span></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Water Lily Planting Instructions</strong><br />Water Lily is easier to grow than most may think. An important rule to remember before planting any aquatic plants is that large fish (such as koi) and turtles will destroy your plants and eat them down to a nub. Therefore, water lily and other pond plants must be protected from destructive pond life. Water depth may be 18 inches to 5 feet deep. The prime depth for water lily is 2 feet deep. For best flowers, full sunshine is a must.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;"><strong>Natural Earthen Ponds:</strong> If planting in a natural earthen pond straight into the ground under the water, pot your lily in a biodegradable container, such as a cow pot. See <a href="http://www.cowpots.com/">www.cowpots.com</a> . The water level should never go below 18” deep. So, if planting in a natural earthen pond, be certain to plant at a level where the water will still be deep in the summertime. Pot your lily and simply drop it into the water. Even if the water is 5 feet deep, the lily will continue to grow until it reaches the water surface.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;"><strong>Container Ponds and Water Gardens</strong><br />Pot your water lily in a 1 or 2 gallon no-holes container. Place aquatic fertilizer at the bottom of the container and fill container with loam. The crown of the lily may be slightly exposed. Tropical Water Lily must be planted at the edge of the pot with the growing tip pointing toward the center of the pot. A slight 45° is recommended (slight angle) but is not an exact science. So, do not worry about exact measurements. Hardy lily may be planted at the center of the pot. If you are not sure if you have tropical or hardy, a good rule is to plant your lily tuber at the edge of the pot like a tropical water lily. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Over Wintering Tropical Water Lily</strong>If you are in a cold region where your pond freezes solid, it is best to over winter your tropical water lily indoors. Here is a link from my water garden expert and friend that will help you succeed:</span></span> <a href="http://www.oregonaquatics.com/Overwintering%20tropical%20lilies.pdf">http://www.oregonaquatics.com/Overwintering%20tropical%20lilies.pdf</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Potting Loam</strong>A perfect recipe for potting loam is 1 part decomposed granite (DG) and 1 part bagged steer manure. Keep in mind that water lily are big feeders. However, too much fertilizer or too much steer manure and the lily plant will expel the unneeded nutrients in the water; which may cause added algae growth. DG can be purchased at any sand and gravel yard. I do not recommend purchasing bagged aquatic plant medium. It is far too expensive and is also too light weight and will make a mess. If you do not have access to DG, I am happy to ship it to you at cost in a flat rate mailer.<br /><br /><strong>Growing Large Lilies</strong><br />To produce large lily plants and large flowers you must have a pond that is at least 3 feet deep. Use a dark colored 20 gallon Rubbermaid tub (such as black or dark blue). Place a generous amount of fertilizer at the bottom of the container. Fill with potting loam and carefully sink down inside the pond. The pot will be very heavy. So, you will need 2 or 3 people to help sink a large potted lily.<br /><br />GARDEN BLESSINGS,<br /><br />GAiL</span></span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-42030440366111384882012-02-22T22:10:00.007-08:002012-02-22T22:55:01.615-08:00How to Grow Water Herbs<a href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">The Pond Plant Girl.com</span></a><span style="color:#000099;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlJQcEqzGXYv7SEFpRnMxCHi4lXCjWGOxoUOSkAGKtGaFpBQ4pyCPnO0cUioDDRVkKw74gNtFarWHhJSOAt69rEV-PFsd18lweFfQGIAvbgXXGjK8ALDo2tFl7Dt87_eiXSvUUkmGCRD4/s1600/water-herbs.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712210757658972178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlJQcEqzGXYv7SEFpRnMxCHi4lXCjWGOxoUOSkAGKtGaFpBQ4pyCPnO0cUioDDRVkKw74gNtFarWHhJSOAt69rEV-PFsd18lweFfQGIAvbgXXGjK8ALDo2tFl7Dt87_eiXSvUUkmGCRD4/s320/water-herbs.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;">All the water herbs grow well in partial sun and prefers still shallow water (about 10"-12") over deep or moving water. In hot dessert-like growing zones (such as zone 9-10) it is important to hang a "woven" shade cloth over the pond during the hot summer months. I am located in zone 9 and use 40% shade material. This grade cannot be purchased at the local garden center, but is very affordable at </span><a href="http://www.shadeclothstore.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">http://www.shadeclothstore.com</span></a>.<br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;">All herbs can be potted in either a 1 gallon black plastic container or a ceramic terra cotta container. The best planting medium is loam; which can be made with equal parts decomposed granite (DG) and bagged steer manure. If you do not have this available, then plain clean kitty litter (with no fillers or perfumes, not litter used for oil spills) will also work well. If you have access to heavy clay soil, this is also a good choice. I do not recommend purchasing potting loam from the garden center. It is far too light weight and messy too. To prevent the soil medium from spilling out the bottom of the pots, place news paper at the bottom of the pots. It will eventually decompose, but will stay intact long enough for the soil to swell.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;">Only use fertilizer that is manufactured for aquatic plants. I have some <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/The-Pond-Plant-Girl-Show-Store"><span style="color:#000099;">excellent fertilizer</span></a> in my eBay store, including fertilizer stakes that is temperature activated and lasts for 1 full year. This is far better than using fertilizer pellets or tabs, which must be applied monthly.<br /><br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" src="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/img/water-mint-slide.gif" width="300" height="206" /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"><strong>Water Mint</strong> grows pretty purple puff flowers and comes back each year. Use for cooking or in tea. Eliminates the pungent pond smell from decaying leaves. Helps to keep away harmful pests such as snails and slugs.<br /><br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 207px" src="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/img/variegated-water-celery-00.jpg" width="300" height="164" /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"><br /><strong>Variegated Water Celery</strong> is very hardy and comes back each year. It is also eatable and can be part of your dinner salad. Its attractive pink and green leaves rise about 4-5 inches above the water. Comes back each year. Cold Weather Pond Plant - Zone 8 and up. Plant in 5"-12" of water or in-ground as border plant. May be potted or allowed to spread as low landscaping<br /><br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" src="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/img/pennywort.jpg" width="300" height="194" /><br /><strong>Pennywort </strong>is known for its medicinal properties and helping with some types of arthritis pain. The young leaves are the best and taste good alone or in a salad. Comes back each year. Very easy to grow, it can free float or be potted in river sand. Will grow and cover your pond. Makes a natural spawning environment for fish. Zone 6 and up.<br /><br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" src="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/img/nasturtium-officinale-slide.gif" width="300" height="191" /><br /><strong>Water Cress</strong> is an edible, broad leaved pond plant. Grows by spreading its roots freely from runners. Small white flowers in spring. Prefers moving water and partial shade. Excellent for use in plant filters. Comes back each year. Cold Hardy Pond Plant. Grows 1' tall. Zone 4 and Up.<br /></span></span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-76672575054805774392012-01-22T12:38:00.000-08:002012-01-22T12:39:22.461-08:00Aphid Pest Control<img class="alignnone" alt="" src="http://www.wild-facts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Aphid-giving-birth.jpg" width="375" height="232" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:large;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Q:</span></strong></span><span style="color:#000000;"> I'm a little worried about my artichoke plants as they were attacked by aphids. Can you give me any suggestions for my artichokes so I don't have a bad harvest this year?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:large;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">A: </span></strong></span><span style="color:#000000;">There are many causes for aphids; such as ant population and thick plant growth. Aphids cluster under the artichoke leaves starting at the tip and often burrow into the cracks of the artichoke stems. </span><br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://extension.illinois.edu/photolib/lib17//inset/aphids%20-%20two%20winged.jpg" /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Fertilizing and Weather</strong><br />Over fertilization in slow growth months also attract aphids. Aphids are often worse in the cool months and less severe in the summer months. Ants protect aphids from their natural enemies. So if you have a large population of aphids there is most likely a nest of ants close by. Trim back leaves that are severely infected and discard into a sealed plastic bag. Although they can cause leaf cure, aphids rarely kill plants and can simply be washed off with water. However, from my experience – washed aphids simply jump right back on valued plants. When there is a large number of aphids, they can be eliminated with insecticide soap. There are affordable organic insecticides available at any hardware nursery garden center. </span><br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.utcrops.com/cotton/cotton_insects/images/lbeetle-aphid-web.JPG" /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Treat with Lady Bugs</strong><br />The aphids’ natural enemies are lacewings, soldier beetles, mini-wasps, and ladybugs. Ladybugs EAT and devour aphids and can be purchased online and at Osh Hardware Store. They are very effective. When you receive your lady bugs, place them in a cool dark place – such as the refrigerator. Scatter 1/3rd around your artichoke plant. Repeat for the following three nights.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Reference:</strong><br /><span style="color:#000000;">UC IPM (2011). How to Manage Pests. Pests in Gardens and Landscapes. Aphids. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 22, 2012 from http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7404.html</span></span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-69899491357619124622012-01-21T19:57:00.000-08:002012-01-21T19:58:31.438-08:00How to Grow Patio Artichokes<a href="http://www.sweetheartartichokes.com/"><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline">Sweetheart Artichoke Co</span></span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://sweetheartartichokes.blog.com/?attachment_id=189" rel="attachment wp-att-189"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-189" alt="" src="http://sweetheartartichokes.blog.com/files/2012/01/tub-artichoke-001-300x239.gif" width="350" height="289" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Growing Artichokes in Small Spaces: </strong><span style="color:#000000;">This is an artichoke that I recently potted. By the end of the summer it should grow to about 4 feet tall. Artichoke plants can be grown in large containers on a patio or deck. In severe hot climates, a <a href="http://www.shadeclothstore.com/"><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline">shade cloth</span></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> with 30% or 40% shade may be necessary. In severe cold climates, the container can be placed in a shed for winter storeage.</span></span></span><br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.sweetheartartichokes.com/img/tub-artichoke-002.jpg" /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">The key to successful container growing is good drainage. This begins with a simple drainage rack below the container. I made mine with wood stakes. Bricks also work well. </span><br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.sweetheartartichokes.com/img/tub-artichoke-003.jpg" /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">The bigger the container the better. A large tree container or a 20 gallon Rubbermaid tub will also work. </span><br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.sweetheartartichokes.com/img/tub-artichoke-004.jpg" /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">To prevent the soil from coming out and bugs from creeping in, place a layer of weed block cloth at the bottom of the tub. This can be purchased at any nursery supply store or hardware garden nursery.</span><br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.sweetheartartichokes.com/img/soil.jpg" width="357" height="301" /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Potting</strong><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Plant your artichoke with a rich mix of potting soil, bagged (cured) steer manure, and decomposed granite (or river sand). It is best to use fresh soil every year to produce the best artichoke crop.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Watering</strong><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Remember that potted artichokes need full sun and light watering. However, potted artichokes need more water than ones potted in-ground because they dry out much faster. A weekly deep watering may be necessary in the summer months. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Fertilizer</strong><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Artichokes are big feeders. Fertilize weekly with <em>organic</em> solutions during the growing season from spring until late summer. Rotate the types of fertilizer used, such as: diluted powdered milk, crushed egg shells, aquarium water, and cured steer manure. </span></span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-16146584733523717142012-01-05T08:52:00.000-08:002012-01-05T11:16:22.319-08:00Grow Small Artichoke Varieties<a href="http://www.sweetheartartichokes.com/buy.htm"><u><span style="color:blue;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Sweetheart Artichoke Co</span></a></u></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsVNZLq1tOfXw7RBs_uAq1GGpKeUOiPh_FUeUaWJTdTTnM9iZVL9xgGrmdwqEXMfWq_6GzTz1_sMplE1Vj9fAH-SokK1fREmMCSfOvSJJwH-5hQw9cY93k2wUpl_zfkElwfughYdFi0cc/s1600/romanesco009.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694207610224248242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsVNZLq1tOfXw7RBs_uAq1GGpKeUOiPh_FUeUaWJTdTTnM9iZVL9xgGrmdwqEXMfWq_6GzTz1_sMplE1Vj9fAH-SokK1fREmMCSfOvSJJwH-5hQw9cY93k2wUpl_zfkElwfughYdFi0cc/s200/romanesco009.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> </span><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Q:</span></strong> Do you sell artichoke plants that yield small globes?</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I live in Napa, CA.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">A:</span></strong> The artichokes I produce grow to about 5 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Globe size depends on sunshine and water. Too much water and little sunshine will produce smaller globes.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">Store-Bought Artichokes</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000000;"><br />The artichokes found in the store are very large, because they are commercially grown with chemicals. Home grown organic artichokes will grow to about the size of a man’s fist. The Imperial Star is a smaller and narrower variety than the green globe. It is also known for being more hardy, producing the first year, and yielding a larger crop.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">Artichoke Plants with Smaller Globes<br /></span></strong><br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMFIdm_LZS2zDrHgya_RGeL8KcOCqpU7xprlXrFp0bkYrldwR-_5zQpP-0wtlA2aTNLi-0XdrRFEMrLl9FJjrX_4i_0WZkqpUwb3RixaADLcKidPNFqiZ5p2ThqyZdVPMtrSkgrERUyld/s1600/violetta004.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 125px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 95px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694209064017510418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMFIdm_LZS2zDrHgya_RGeL8KcOCqpU7xprlXrFp0bkYrldwR-_5zQpP-0wtlA2aTNLi-0XdrRFEMrLl9FJjrX_4i_0WZkqpUwb3RixaADLcKidPNFqiZ5p2ThqyZdVPMtrSkgrERUyld/s200/violetta004.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6H_p1SKI8g-q3EnmP1nXtUCsJWDwvcmf8bMbe8ESTogPpkJaYf2rUllJbVb9PorbVmqclx9tmKpLQkdOWiGaAh7bo02EbZn7e5IH7RkmiapCVLGc2agRzQjf4k9eNIdIJzphRinC3PP2J/s1600/violetta002.jpg"></a><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Italian Purple Violetto</strong>: If allowed to grow large, the globes are not desirable for eating. Picked small this variety is very sweet. Narrow or oval variety. Grows dark purple the first year and then burgundy-green the following years. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ebi8JZTf7_J6kmDvpfFTOoAHfbL-JZkKoLhAxka1mh2QL_WjYBPZlm8c0Cghp78bOMsiG5DxVkeCRdsmXmxaEAXTjQIx-_s6CEpNIN7-Cqw-A06ZkL80L0Afph50KDrO32cKQlXiLu7B/s1600/Violet-de-Provence2.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 125px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 126px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694210996822124466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ebi8JZTf7_J6kmDvpfFTOoAHfbL-JZkKoLhAxka1mh2QL_WjYBPZlm8c0Cghp78bOMsiG5DxVkeCRdsmXmxaEAXTjQIx-_s6CEpNIN7-Cqw-A06ZkL80L0Afph50KDrO32cKQlXiLu7B/s200/Violet-de-Provence2.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><strong>Violet de Provence:</strong> Medium size with rich purple globes. This is a traditional Italian globe.<br /><br /></span><br /></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxnTi5zP8TXd3r9cfrBm_x8Ih2zlYmE743uCEj2l-SR6iphCdAkvEwu9TlzeSZ9mdKaqJGIGcyprr-KFPUsSPWR9s25y7rCab1NexpxhAMzUg8h74RV8jxU2WzlPKY3nKTy9XUPtr_D4a/s1600/Violetta-di-Chioggia2.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 125px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 116px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694209440988744194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxnTi5zP8TXd3r9cfrBm_x8Ih2zlYmE743uCEj2l-SR6iphCdAkvEwu9TlzeSZ9mdKaqJGIGcyprr-KFPUsSPWR9s25y7rCab1NexpxhAMzUg8h74RV8jxU2WzlPKY3nKTy9XUPtr_D4a/s200/Violetta-di-Chioggia2.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxnTi5zP8TXd3r9cfrBm_x8Ih2zlYmE743uCEj2l-SR6iphCdAkvEwu9TlzeSZ9mdKaqJGIGcyprr-KFPUsSPWR9s25y7rCab1NexpxhAMzUg8h74RV8jxU2WzlPKY3nKTy9XUPtr_D4a/s1600/Violetta-di-Chioggia2.jpg"></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Violetta di Chioggia:</strong> An ancient Italian variety. Small purple globes. Often grown as a decorative plant and consumed for its leaves as medicinal tea.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000000;"><br /><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5p4t0G6CxqdOgj6T1DuMV6-giA5jaqPKP87rhCq2XsthF-5qZFfhBC0bvkiBg0Z5qsHBzWEz8MzDe2knm7MuylwPocZ6Dun43kkELoEg-WUkwXvh7DPbDxmvodAwQ4L41uSx8VPcfbonu/s1600/imperial+star.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 125px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 81px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694211003103563714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5p4t0G6CxqdOgj6T1DuMV6-giA5jaqPKP87rhCq2XsthF-5qZFfhBC0bvkiBg0Z5qsHBzWEz8MzDe2knm7MuylwPocZ6Dun43kkELoEg-WUkwXvh7DPbDxmvodAwQ4L41uSx8VPcfbonu/s200/imperial+star.jpg" /></span></a>Imperial Star:</strong> A hardy hybrid of the green globe. Produces more thorns on the leaves and less thorns on the globes. Smaller globe size than the traditional green globe. Known for yielding first year. Available now. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#003300;"><strong>How to Grow Artichoke Plants</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><strong><span style="color:#003300;">Enter "Artichokes"</span></strong> <span style="color:#000000;">in the search bar at the top of this blog for more growing info.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#003300;"><strong>BUY and Grow Artichoke Plants in All Climates</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><a href="http://www.sweetheartartichokes.com/buy.htm"><span style="color:blue;"><u>Sweetheart Artichoke Co</a></u></span> <span style="color:#000000;">is the site to see for buying artichokes and learning how to grow at home in any climate! </span></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><strong><span style="color:#003300;">Find me on Facebook!</span> </strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/SweetheartArtichokes"><u><span style="color:blue;">www.facebook.com/SweetheartArtichokes</a></u></span><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-84849589737578651712011-12-29T16:57:00.000-08:002011-12-29T17:41:01.872-08:00How to Grow Artichokes in Las Vegas<span style="color:#ffffff;">...</span><a href="http://www.sweetheartartichokes.com/"><span style="color:blue;"><u>Sweetheart Artichoke Co. Store</a></u></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgMZp0lrBLLxLMoYY7MyVAMY2bwLpPH-LpuNgARNgsRV9y2hio9r7DEhU1VZe8U2selfkzxV7AIt6JZpltodOfp_td1Pbqcg6olqz4Xe0jLPcwz5EY93OA-XAC9pqivCvP6jQkOmWI0H5/s1600/artichoke-collage.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691722202958611346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgMZp0lrBLLxLMoYY7MyVAMY2bwLpPH-LpuNgARNgsRV9y2hio9r7DEhU1VZe8U2selfkzxV7AIt6JZpltodOfp_td1Pbqcg6olqz4Xe0jLPcwz5EY93OA-XAC9pqivCvP6jQkOmWI0H5/s320/artichoke-collage.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Q:</strong> I'm in the process of replanting artichokes in my garden here in Las Vegas. I was under the impression that my plants would keep going strong year after year. Last summer they failed and your site explained why!<br /><br />Is there one variety of plant that will do better for me here in the desert?<br /><br />If I were to order three or four plants from you, what would you recommend?<br /><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>A:</strong> </span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Shade Cloth</strong></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />I am glad that my website was helpful! I do sell a lot of artichoke varieties to Nevada. The key to growing any variety in Las Vegas is to have filtered sunshine. If your plants are in full sun, then you will need 30% nursery shade cloth. I purchase mine at <a href="http://www.shadeclothstore.com/"><span style="color:blue;"><u>www.shadeclothstore.com</a></u></span>. They custom make all orders to your specifications and it is very affordable too. Make sure to order the shade cloth early enough in the season so you can receive it in a timely manner. You will need 30% woven shade cloth, hemmed, with grommets. It should last about 5 or more years. With a shade cloth overhead, then all varieties (except the Canada Star) will grow well in your climate.<br /><br /><strong>Sunshine</strong><br />Las Vegas is located in hardy growing zone 9 as well as where I am located in California, also zone 9. The only difference is that our nighttime summer temps cool down at night and we do not have as long as a summer as Las Vegas, Nevada. I grow all of my 1st season potted plants under a shade cloth at 40% shade. However, 40% is too tight of a weave for someone who wants to grow globes. The plants I have in-ground for personal use receive morning and early afternoon sun (no shade cloth), and then partial sun to full shade during hottest part of the day. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Italian Varieties</strong><br />My personal artichokes are: Italian Romanesco, Italian Violetto, Green Globe, and Imperial Star. All would be just right for you too. <span style="font-family:times new roman;">(If they do not show available in my online store, email me and I will put together a custom order for you.)</span> I do have garden friends in Arizona (also very hot there) who keep their artichoke plants in full sun and no shade cloth.<br /><br /><strong>Soil and Mulch</strong><br />Soil and mulch makes a huge difference when growing artichoke plants in hot climate zones. The best soil is a mix of 1 part Miracle Grow potting soil, 1 part decomposed granite, and 1 part bagged steer manure (cured, comes bagged at Lowe’s and Home Depot). The best mulch is either water hyacinth or water lettuce from a pond. The roots soak up the fish excrement and provide valuable nitrogen to the soil. It has the same properties as the dried fish emulsion sold at hydroponics stores. Dried leaves and grass clippings are also helpful, but never apply coffee grounds into a mulch pile.<br /><br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px; WIDTH: 201px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 153px" src="http://www.sweetheartartichokes.com/img/emerald-003.jpg" width="267" height="174" /><strong>Artichoke Growing Mistakes</strong><br />1. The mistake many growers make is trimming off dead or wilted leaves when the artichoke plant is mature. It is vitally important to allow the bottom leaves to naturally lay down, because it shades the soil and protects the roots.<br /><br />2. Too much water produces small globes and can actually drown the plant! Treat your artichoke like a tomato plant by stressing it just a little between watering. Water well once per week in the summer months and then light watering as needed.<br /><br />3. Chemical fertilizers can burn and kill your young artichoke plant. Artichokes are big feeders, so use a different organic fertilizer each week; such as egg shells, fireplace ash (with no chemicals or plastics in the ash), cured steer manure, and diluted powdered milk.<br /><br />4. Over crowding plants will also produce smaller globes. Healthy artichoke plants need five feet of space between plants to grow nice and big.<br /><br />With all this in mind, you should be very successful growing an artichoke garden!<br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#000066;">Click below and share me on Facebook and Twitter!</span><br /></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-28589489858259436602011-12-26T13:12:00.000-08:002011-12-26T13:29:42.067-08:00How to Grow Mare's Tail<span style="color:#ffffff;">...</span><a href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/"><span style="color:blue;"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><u>The Pond Plant Girl's Home Page</span></a></span></u><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><img border="0" hspace="10" align="left" src="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/img/mares-tail-slide.gif" width="250" height="207" />Q:</strong> Hi! I am in South Florida, zone 9/10. Our pond levels increase and decrease with the rainy season. Would this plant be attached in soil or does it float? Would it live through a 2' pond level increase? And is this an ok time to start them here?<br /><br /><strong>A:</strong> Mare's Tail can float, but similar to parrot feather it is not defined as a floating plant. It grows best potted, but will survive if it is submerged as you described. If allowed to float, Mare's Tail will lay flat floating on top of the water surface and then the tip will eventually rise up out of the water about 3". This is how I grew several plants last summer.<br /><br />Although Mare's Tail is cold hardy zone 7 it will also grow in hotter zones, such as 9 and 10. In hot climate zones, it is good to start this plant in late fall and in the wintertime. Also, keep in mind that caterpillars love to munch on its leaves, so you will need to watch out for that!</span></span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-11217683283734829842011-12-17T18:16:00.000-08:002011-12-17T18:28:18.177-08:00How to Make Artichoke Leaf Tea<a href="http://www.sweetheartartichokes.com/"><u><span style="color:blue;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Sweetheart Artichoke Home Page</span></a></u></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYHy1JhgIM-TLtxJahoBjbFBNH2EopQqwdnszEfn_Z1p3YHxXMki-s1KCf5QCKIwtlOGYWaYsx1Yg-Yjk2lCG4LNw5wBoGHxsD6hulWRUU2b8oebrOodCCjB3dxYc_ZdBrGk1wouSGNXJ/s1600/violetta003.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 285px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687288550057436578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYHy1JhgIM-TLtxJahoBjbFBNH2EopQqwdnszEfn_Z1p3YHxXMki-s1KCf5QCKIwtlOGYWaYsx1Yg-Yjk2lCG4LNw5wBoGHxsD6hulWRUU2b8oebrOodCCjB3dxYc_ZdBrGk1wouSGNXJ/s320/violetta003.jpg" /></a><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Artichoke Leaf Tea is easy to prepare</strong> when the leaves are freshly cut. Place fresh leaves in boiling water for 5-15 minutes. Let it cool down and drink the water. The taste is very bitter, but can be sweetened with honey. Some of my garden friends use artichoke leaf tea to help with urination, kidney, and liver health. However, it is best to consult a physician before starting medicinal herbal treatment.<br /><br /><br /><strong>According to</strong></span> </span><a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/281302-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-artichoke-tea/"><u><span style="color:blue;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">LiveStrong.com</span></a></u></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">, <span style="color:#000000;"><strong>the benefits of drinking artichoke tea are:<br /></strong><br />Lowering Cholesterol<br />Relief of Digestive Discomfort<br />Lowering Blood Sugar<br /><br />If you are interested in purchasing artichoke leaves for tea, please contact me at</span> <a href="mailto:info@sweetheartartichokes.com"><u><span style="color:blue;">info@sweetheartartichokes.com</a></u></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Garden Blessings! GAiL<br /></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-37602893035982955992011-12-17T08:32:00.000-08:002011-12-17T11:53:39.339-08:00How to Grow Artichokes in Hot Climates<a href="http://www.sweetheartartichokes.com/"><span style="color:blue;"><u>Sweetheart Artichoke Co</u></span></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXB1vJ-l9_Bphl031OeHA_LSEysR8WjWUHW2czdxF86VI9eo6x0in7b9YjRde1w89Rppf8sJtGawfIHiPFG_DZwOXk-hgDUHKGf0cYZkpx_GJABNY9h10pzCNY6nLwnrWZF49Z44whgtCP/s1600/gail-choke003.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 179px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687136907642802066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXB1vJ-l9_Bphl031OeHA_LSEysR8WjWUHW2czdxF86VI9eo6x0in7b9YjRde1w89Rppf8sJtGawfIHiPFG_DZwOXk-hgDUHKGf0cYZkpx_GJABNY9h10pzCNY6nLwnrWZF49Z44whgtCP/s200/gail-choke003.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"><strong>In hot climates zone 9 and up </strong>and the summer heat rises to 115-120 degrees, it is good to plant where the artichokes receive morning sun in the <em>summertime</em>. If you do not have an area such as this, then hanging a shade cloth over your artichokes is a wise choice when the weather is hot. I am located in California zone 9 with summmer heat reaching 105-110 degrees. Artichokes grow well here in full sun. However, it is best to plant in the fall or in the early spring so the plants become well established before the summer heat sets in.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"><strong>Shade Cloth</strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;">I suggest a shade cloth with 30% shade and recommend <a href="http://www.shadeclothstore.com/depts/knittedshadecloth.html"><span style="color:blue;"><u>The Shade Cloth Store</a></u></span>. This is where I purchase my shade cloth. This type is <em>not </em>available at hardware stores or garden centers. </span><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;">I personally use 40% shade for my young potted plants, but 30% is better for actually growing in-ground and producin<a href="http://www.shadeclothstore.com/itm_img/CL3000.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 176px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.shadeclothstore.com/itm_img/CL3000.jpg" /></a>g the globes. This company will custom make your shade cloth, and it is very affordable. Be sure to ask for a shade cloth that is hemmed with grommets. Also, be sure to mulch under your artichoke plants so that the ground retains its moisture. As your plants grow larger, do not remove any leaves that lay down on the ground. This is the plant’s way of self-mulching.<br /><br /><strong>Frost Protection<br /></strong>In the wintertime, it is important to protect your artichokes from frost and freeze. If you are in hot climate zone 9 and up, you may keep your <em>established </em>artichoke in-ground with little or no protection. More winter care can be found at:</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"><a href="http://pondplantgirl.blogspot.com/2011/11/winterize-your-artichoke-plants.html"><span style="color:blue;"><u>My Artichoke Blog</a></u></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><a href="http://www.sweetheartartichokes.com/care01.htm"><span style="color:blue;"><u>Sweetheart Artichoke Care</a></u></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;">You may also search my blog for more info by entering the word "artichoke" in the search bar. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;">If you have any questions, please email me at <a href="mailto:info@sweetheartartichokes.com"><span style="color:blue;"><u>info@sweetheartartichokes.com</a></u></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;">Garden Blessings! GAiL</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"></span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-85882954285281949622011-12-13T08:55:00.000-08:002011-12-13T09:41:00.983-08:00How to Grow Water Lettuce in Winter<a href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/"><span style="color:blue;"><u>The Pond Plant Girl Home Page</a></u></span><br /><br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px" border="1" align="left" src="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/images/lightbox_06.jpg" width="300" height="169" /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Water lettuce requires plenty of sunshine... </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">But in the wintertime, water lettuce has special needs. I presently keep my water lettuce and my water hyacinth in shallow plastic containers inside a greenhouse protected from frost and freeze.<br /><br /><b>Growing Water Lettuce Indoors</b><br />In cold winter conditions water lettuce can be wintered over indoors in a sunny window. However, it needs warmth and humidity. This can be accomplished with a <a href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/lightbox.htm"><span style="color:blue;"><u>Water Garden Light Box</a></u></span>; such as the one pictured here. This light box was simply made with an aquarium located in a sunny window covered with clear plastic wrap (to keep in the humidity) and with mirrors inserted inside the aquarium to reflect the light. (The mirrors were scrap mirrors I obtained for free from a glass and mirror company.) The mirrors were inserted on the bottom and on the left and right sides of the fish tank. I tried growing water lettuce the following year without mirrors, and the plants did not survive.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Florescent Lighting</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">A florescent light must be placed on top of the aquarium to create heat and humidity. A grow light can be used to replace the florescent bulb and can be purchased online or at any hydroponics store. .<br /><br /><img border="0" hspace="10" vspace="10" align="left" src="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/img/water-lettuce003.jpg" width="200" height="203" /><b>Growing Water Lettuce Outdoors</b><br />In the wintertime, if water lettuce is grown outdoors in a pond, it needs to be protected from freezing temperatures and covered with plastic or a <a href="http://pondplantgirl.blogspot.com/2011/01/which-greenhouse-is-right-for-you.html"><span style="color:blue;"><u>Hoop House</u></a><span style="color:#000000;">. However, it will also need a fan to circulate the air to prevent mold and mildew.<br /><br /><b>Here are some helpful links about growing water lettuce:</b><br /></span><a href="http://pondplantgirl.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-to-grow-water-lettuce.html"><span style="color:blue;"><u>How to Grow Water Lettuce</span></a></u></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/lightbox.htm"><span style="color:blue;"><u>Build a Water Garden Light Box</span></a></u></span><br /><u></u><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Questions?</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at</span> <a href="mailto:gail@pondplantgirl.com"><span style="color:blue;"><u>gail@pondplantgirl.com</a></u></span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-89450461181024694492011-12-01T08:12:00.000-08:002011-12-01T09:14:55.078-08:00How to Stake Up and Care for New Artichoke Plants<a href="http://www.sweetheartartichokes.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:blue;"><u>Sweetheart Artichoke Co.</u></span></a></u><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/img/trim00.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 199px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/img/trim00.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"><strong>Artichoke Plants in Shock</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;">When you first receive your artichoke plants in the mail, they will be in shock. The same is true for plants that are separated from a mother plant. The leaves may respond by wilting for 7 to 10 days.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Whether you plant in-ground or in a pot, your artichoke plant will probably need to be staked up for about 1 week.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Binding Your Artichoke Plant </span></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Binding or Staking up your artichoke will take the stress off of the plant while it recovers from being shipped, and it is easy to do. Insert a thin stick into the ground next to your plant. Then, gently wrap wide material around the stalks and leaves.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Binding Materials</strong></span></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>1.</strong> I find that a plastic grocery bag works well. Make sure the binding is not too tight so the leaves can breath. <strong>2.</strong> Another method is using old pantyhose. The material allows air to flow through and also attracts ions that help the plant grow. </span></span><br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.sweetheartartichokes.com/img/soil.jpg"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 248px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.sweetheartartichokes.com/img/soil.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;">Good Potting Soil</span></strong><span style="color:#000000;"><br />My artichokes are love this mix.<br /><br />1/3 part Miracle Grow Potting Soil<br />1/3 part Decomposed Granite<br />1/3 part Bagged Steer Manure Blend<br /><br />Where to purchase the mix: The decomposed granite (or DG) and top soil can be purchased at a sand and gravel yard. Most locations will deliver right to your home or business. Miracle Grow and steer manure blend can be purchased at any garden center such as Lowe's or Home Depot. This blend will retain moisture better than just plain potting soil and your artichokes will love you for it too!<br /></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Watering Your Artichoke Plant</span></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;">In cool weather, water once daily while your plant is getting established. In hot weather, water 2 times per day. However, artichoke plants needs good drainage. Too much water or standing water will actually drown your artichoke plant and cause root rot. The amount of water depends on the weather. If it is not raining, then apply about 1 inch of surface water. This amounts to about to about 4 cups to 1 quart of water. <span style="font-size:0;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 197px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/img/trim10.jpg" /></span></strong><strong><span style="color:#000000;">What to Do When All the Leaves Die?</span></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;">There are times when artichokes will temporarily go dormant after shipping. This is what they do for survival. It is shocking at first, but do not fear! As long as the artichoke roots do not rot, your plant will live. Trim back all the drooping leaves as in the picture. This plant actually grew much larger than it was before and was sold to a garden friend... which is thriving today.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;"><a href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/img/globe.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 232px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/img/globe.gif" /></a>Where to Find More Information</span></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Search for more artichoke growing information on my blog or go to my website for </span><a href="http://www.sweetheartartichokes.com/care02.htm"><span style="color:blue;"><u>Artichoke Care.</u></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> If you have any questions or comments please post them here or email me at </span><a href="mailto:info@sweetheartartichokes.com"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:blue;"><u>info@sweetheartartichokes.com</span></a></u>.</span></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></span><br /></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;">GARDEN BLESSINGS, GAiL</span><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><br /></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-86426287172321486252011-11-24T16:47:00.000-08:002011-11-24T17:10:26.902-08:00How to Winter Over Pond Plants<a href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/"><span style="color:blue;"><u><span style="font-family:verdana;">The Pond Plant Girl</span></span></a></u></u><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img border="0" hspace="5" vspace="5" align="left" src="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/img/greenhouse-small.jpg" /><strong>When fall and winter rolls around, then it is time to start caring for the pond plants and their winter sleep.</strong><br /><br /><strong>In mild climates such as zone 8 and up</strong>, little care is needed for plants such as grasses, reeds, rush, and hardy water lily.<br /><br /><strong>In warm zones 9 and up</strong>, no care is needed for water lily, tropical or hardy. The plants that need specific attention for most regions are floating pond plants: such as water hyacinth, water lettuce, and frogbit. Many water gardeners choose to buy these plants each year instead of wintering over, but wintering over can be easily accomplished with little effort by protecting plants from mildew, frost, and freeze, or by using a </span><a href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/lightbox.htm"><span style="color:blue;"><u><span style="font-family:verdana;">Garden Light Box</span></a></u></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">.<br /><br /><strong>In zones 8 and below</strong>, a </span><a href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/lightbox.htm"><span style="color:blue;"><u><span style="font-family:verdana;">Garden Light Box</span></a></u></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> is an easy way to winter over floating plants indoors. All you need is a fish aquarium, mirrors (that can be purchase cheap at a glass store) and a sunny window. The key to the plants surviving is keeping the humidity up with a plastic wrap cover, warmth, and sunshine reflected with the mirrors. It also looks really cool!<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>A Greenhouse is a Wise Investment</strong><br />This year, I invested in a small walk-in green house with plastic windows for my tropical and floating plants. (See pic above.) It will be heated with simple seedling heat mats. However, greenhouses in sub-zero climates need thick double pane glass and possibly a kerosene heater. I recommend purchasing your greenhouse from either </span></span><a href="http://www.harborfreight.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:blue;"><u>Harbor Freight Tools</u></span></a></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(where I purchased mine)</span> or </span></span><a href="http://www.menards.com/main/home.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue;"><u><span style="font-family:verdana;">Menard's Hardware</span></span></a></u><span style="font-family:verdana;">. <span style="color:#000000;">Also check out geenhouse designs at</span> </span><a href="http://www.instructables.com/pages/search/search.jsp?cx=partner-pub-1783560022203827:npr2q7v5m6t&cof=FORID:11&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=greenhouse" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:blue;"><u>Instructables.com</u></span></a></u><span style="font-family:verdana;">.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Email your questions to:</span> </span><a href="mailto:gail@pondplantgirl.com"><span style="color:blue;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><u>gail@pondplantgirl.com</u></span></a></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> <span style="color:#000000;">and I will be happy to help you with your ponding needs!</span></span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-8216853365804740142011-11-12T09:25:00.000-08:002011-11-12T09:49:11.137-08:00Artichoke Planting Information<span style="color:#ffffff;">....</span><a href="http://www.sweetheartartichokes.com/"><u><span style="color:blue;">Sweetheart Artichoke Co</span></u></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQPwHaxWWMJg7o4-Fx7IWIS-lM3zBwgqGtXKYAp9POaPBBr72RRRDIF_PvdDA67alycVewNaF891k4F-6Ga8hLg5BaTew7cC1ZUrMFCLiJoalcAN0gzsYqWVua2Msu7U9jW6vs7YCzekg/s1600/ArtichokeImperialStar.jpg"><br /><img style="MARGIN: 8px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674162618898511554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQPwHaxWWMJg7o4-Fx7IWIS-lM3zBwgqGtXKYAp9POaPBBr72RRRDIF_PvdDA67alycVewNaF891k4F-6Ga8hLg5BaTew7cC1ZUrMFCLiJoalcAN0gzsYqWVua2Msu7U9jW6vs7YCzekg/s320/ArtichokeImperialStar.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;"><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Q:</span></strong> I ordered 6" plants. When I go to plant my artichokes in the ground, how large of a hole should I make? Also, when you say "sunny location", would all day sun [like 12 hrs full sun, no shade] be ok in zone 9b FL? Or should I put them somewhere with a little bit more protection? Thank you for you time! Fawn<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">A:</span></strong> Hi Fawn – Good question. I think I actually sent 10” plants because everything grew so fast over the last month. The plants I sent are <strong>Imperial Star</strong>; which adapt well to both hot and cold climates. Here are a few thoughts for you…<br /><br /><strong>Fall Planting</strong><br />Planting in the fall time is perfect, because the young plants really do not need any shelter from the sun. We have a local farmer by me (zone 9 as well) who keeps his green globe artichoke field in full sun all day long. In my personal garden, my artichokes have about 8 hours sun in the summertime. So to answer your question, 8-12 hours of sun of full sun is perfect.<br /><br /><strong>Young 1st Season Plants</strong><br />Because the plants are young I would cover them with a plastic tarp or a sheet during the night when there is a threat of frost. More important than sun, is mulching. When artichokes grow large (4-6 feet tall) their lower leaves naturally lay down. This is the plant’s way of protecting the roots below from the heat of the summer sun.<br /><br /><strong>Hole Size</strong><br />Digging a hole about 12” deep is just fine. Remember to fill it in with some good potting soil or to follow my soil recipe. If the ground is hard or clay base, then you will need to till the soil about 2 feet deep to promote healthy root growth.<br /><br /><strong>Mulching</strong><br />Simple mulching is important in the summer for hot climates, because it keeps the ground hydrated. It is important for cold to protect the ground from freezing in the wintertime. Simple mulching can be done by piling up grass clippings and leaves at the base of the artichoke plants. The best mulching plants are water hyacinth and water lettuce. These are pond plants that absorb fish nutrients from the water and add nitrogen to the soil.<br /><br /><strong>When Artichoke Plants Die Back</strong><br />It is normal for artichokes plants to die back in the wintertime. I have one garden friend who actually mows his plants down when the growing season is over. Then his plants come back up again in the springtime bigger and fatter. This year, my 3rd season plants (both potted and planted in-ground) died back mid season and then came back up again. This is normal. The plants in the farmer’s field also died back mid season. They grew back and are now about 3 feet tall in mid November.<br /><br /><strong>Garden Blessings, GAiL</strong><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Note:</span> </strong>More artichoke growing tips can be found by entering <em>artichoke</em> in the search bar in the upper right hand corner of my blog. Thanks for looking!</span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-66015194115912845002011-11-11T17:10:00.000-08:002011-11-11T17:42:29.699-08:00Winterize Your Artichoke Plants<a href="http://www.sweetheartartichokes.com/"><span style="color:blue;"><u><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Sweetheart Artichokes</span></span></u><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">
<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cOQ7mfbDr-w8lADcyL42iqsTLmHx32m9dcFTrCyRQI-GHbvvFYMticQTTwc3lr-N8rsEQk-o8dqZQOfblCSYqtmpYQo7XsJDr4tn65qApRtlGewm-kMho51Ww5z258HhSTkmgyEuL_Ns/s1600/winter-artichoke.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="MARGIN: 5px; WIDTH: 166px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673915230878810114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cOQ7mfbDr-w8lADcyL42iqsTLmHx32m9dcFTrCyRQI-GHbvvFYMticQTTwc3lr-N8rsEQk-o8dqZQOfblCSYqtmpYQo7XsJDr4tn65qApRtlGewm-kMho51Ww5z258HhSTkmgyEuL_Ns/s200/winter-artichoke.jpg" /></span></a><br><div><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">Growing Zones 9 and Up</span></strong></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">In hot or warm climates zone 9 and up, no winter care is needed for artichoke plants. Young 1st season plants can be kept year-round by placing a clear plastic tarp over at night to protect at night. The plant may go dormant, but will come up again bigger and fuller when the weather warms each spring.
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<br /><strong>Winter Care Zones 8 and Below</strong>
<br />Artichokes go dormant in all growing zones during the winter and then come up again in the springtime. In growing zones 8 and cooler where there is snow fall and hard freeze, there are 2 recommended ways to plant and care for artichokes:
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<br /><strong>How the Italians Do It</strong>
<br />In Italy, artichoke gardeners pull up their roots each year and bag them for winter storeage until there is no longer a threat of frost and freeze. By planting your artichoke in a garden box full of light and fluffy potting soil, it will make it easier to bag your artichoke plant after it has gone dormant for the season.
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<br /><strong>Straw and Poo</strong>
<br />Before the heavy frost and after your artichoke goes dormant for the season…
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<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.....</span>•<span style="color:#ffffff;">...</span>Lay a heavy layer of straw or mulch over the plant; about 12”, the thicker the better
<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.....</span>•<span style="color:#ffffff;">...</span>Cover the straw with a black tarp or black trash bags
<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.....</span>•<span style="color:#ffffff;">...</span>Add another layer of straw (about 12”)
<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.....</span>•<span style="color:#ffffff;">...</span>And then add a layer of raw steer or chicken manure
<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.....</span>•<span style="color:#ffffff;">...</span>Cover with a black plastic tarp and secure down to prevent it from blowing away.
<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.....</span>•<span style="color:#ffffff;">...</span>You will end up with a pile about 2 feet thick that will keep your artichoke warm throughout a cold winter season.
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<br />This is how my garden friends in Denver, Colorado winter-over their artichoke plants and they come back each year. The raw manure generates active bacteria that prevents the ground from freezing, and the thick layers keep the steamy pile from burning the artichoke plant below.
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<br /><strong>Garden Blessings! GAiL</strong></span><strong> </strong></span></div>
<br />Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-78924491290694073872011-11-09T09:37:00.000-08:002011-11-09T10:05:02.871-08:00Is it too late for artichoke globes?<span style="color:#ffffff;">....</span><a href="http://www.sweetheartartichokes.com/"><span style="color:blue;"><u>Sweetheart Artichoke Co</a></u></span><br /><img border="1" src="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/img/globe.gif" width="200" height="176" align="left" hspace="10" vspace="10"><br /><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Q:<span style="color:#ffffff;">..</span></strong></span> Hi Gail - I was wondering if the plants I got in June will produce this year? I need to figure out where to put additional plants once I see how big the green globes I have will get. Thanks.... Mary </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>A:<span style="color:#ffffff;">..</span></strong></span> Hi Mary – They probably will <u>not</u> produce, because the days are shorter and colder now, but when the plants are mature they will grow to about 5’ tall and 5’ wide. If you DO NOT over-water, then you should receive nice size globes – about softball size.<br /><br /><strong>Artichokes are big feeders</strong>.<br />In the spring, remember to fertilize once per week, but alternate between methods.<br /><br /><strong>Week 1:</strong> Water in a cup or two of bagged steer manure.<br /><br /><strong>Week 2:</strong> Water with diluted powdered milk.<br /><br /><strong>Week 3:</strong> Sprinkle fireplace ash and water in (wood ash only).<br /><br /><strong>Week 4:</strong> Add a mild 13-13-13 fertilizer (for mature plants only). Some people are picky about adding chemical fertilizers and want to grow all organic. If that is the case then… <strong>Week 4:</strong> Add fish water from an aquarium.<br /></span></span><br /><img border="1" hspace="10" vspace="10" align="left" src="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/img/me-july001.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style="color:#000000;">You can also find me at:<br /></span></b></span><a href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/"><span style="color:blue;"><u><span style="font-size:85%;">The Pond Plant Girl</span></a></u></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><b>And on</b> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1142053004&ref=tn_tinyman"><span style="color:blue;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><u>Facebook</u></span></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000000;">too!</span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-62036419017769030972011-11-07T08:39:00.000-08:002011-11-07T09:08:34.825-08:00Make a Greenhouse Over a Water Troth<span style="color:#000000;"><img border="0" hspace="10" vspace="10" align="left" src="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/img/wintertable.jpg" width="200" height="133" /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Q:</span></strong> Hello Mrs. Gail, I came across your DIY greenhouse for $25 online. I figured I'd ask your advice since you seem pretty crafty in the gardening arena. I have a an 8' x 3' water trough. As my research on this goes, I have not seen any greenhouse water troughs. I've seen plenty of trough planters. Is it practical to even convert a trough into a greenhouse? </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Thank You for Your Time, Jason<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">A:</span></strong> Hi Jason – You can convert your troth into a greenhouse area. If you are growing soil based plants (such as vegetables and flowers) you must have good drainage. If the troth is for a pond, then you must have a pond liner. Pond plants and soil plants can grow in a porcelain troth, but cannot grow in a metal troth because metal is toxic to plants. A greenhouse is easy to make over the troth. I would simply pound in some stakes or rebar into the ground. Bend PVC pipe over the troth and slide the ends over the stakes. Then use Visqueen plastic to cover. It can be attached by punching small holes in the plastic and using zip ties to attach the plastic to the PVC. Visqueen is better than thick plastic drop cloth because it sturdier and is clear. It is fairly affordable and can be found at <a href="http://www.discountvisqueen.com/"><span style="color:blue;"><u>www.discountvisqueen.com</a></u><span style="color:black;">. If you are in an area that receives snow, then reinforcement will be needed; such as chicken wire over the PVC and under the plastic. Hanging large C7 or C9 Christmas tree lights also helps to keep it warm inside your little greenhouse. Remember that all greenhouses need some sort of air circulation, such as a fan. Because, when the air is stagnant the plants will suffer from mildew and die.<br /><br /><img border="0" hspace="5" vspace="5" align="left" src="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/img/me-july001.jpg" width="100" height="84" /><br />GARDEN BLESSINGS, </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">GAiL<br /></span><br /><a href="http://www.pondplantgirl.com/"><span style="color:blue;"><u>Please Visit My Website</a></u></span><br /><span style="color:blue;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=1142053004"><span style="color:blue;"><u>Also Join me on Facebook!</a> </u></span></span><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color:#333333;"><strong>Comments and Ideas are ALWAYS welcome.</strong> See comment link below. Thank you!</span><br /><span style="color:#333333;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:blue;"><span style="color:#333333;">PS: I just noticed that one of my Google Sponsors is Vista Print. I use them all the time and highly recommend their great deals on business cards and photo prints. Blessings! </span></span></span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702916566394618966.post-88483160855268958862011-10-29T08:52:00.000-07:002011-10-29T09:03:47.486-07:00Signs of Our Times<iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PeYPhxaxS9o" frameborder="0" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">I wrote this song and video and thought you would enjoy it. I was overwhelmed with the thousands upon thousands of people and their amazing creativity. Thank you to all of my wonderful garden friends. I welcome your comments. Keep on being you! GAiL<br /><br />Please share with a friend!<br /><span style="color:blue;"><u><span style="font-size:85%;">www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeYPhxaxS9o</span></u><br /></span></span><span style="color:#333333;"><span style="color:blue;"></span></span>Pond Plant Girl and Sweetheart Artichoke Cohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06714871658682509189noreply@blogger.com0