Sow then Grow

Rudbekia

2009-07-10T18:15:00.000-04:00

Rudbeckia or Black Eyed Susans are a long lasting plant.

They grow about 45 to 100 cm. high in full sun and will tolerate dry conditions. It is sometimes listed as a perennial or a hardy biennial. This is a plant you very often see growing wild along the sides of roads and in fields.

Blooms appear towards the end of June and last right through to fall. The plant will attract butterfiles.

This bud is just about to unfurl.

And throughout the garden they will be moving gently in the breeze.
Be sure to continually snip off the spent blooms to encourage more.

At the end of the season let bloom dry out on plant.

After the flower petals fall off, pick the seed head. Running your thumb nail along the seedpod will give you the tiny rudbekia seeds.

I also just tuck the seedpods in among the remaining stems of the plants and it will reseed itself the following year.

Leaving the seedpods on the plant over the winter will provide food for the birds. The plant will also self seed itself.

Liatris

2009-07-10T18:14:00.001-04:00

Liatris or Gayfeather is a gorgeous perennial plant with tall, spikey plumes. The plant prefers full sun and easily grows in most types of soil, especailly well drained soil.

This plant attracts bees, butterflies and is deer resistant.

Have a look at the clear wing hummingbird moth that visited the liatris.
The photo above was taken a couple of years ago.

The flower spikes, composed of many little blooms, opens from the top down. Usually plants with spikes open from bottom up.

Last year I found some liatris bulbs at a garden center and planted them. For the first year they are quite small but this year they are quite tall and have at least six flower spikes on them.

The large clump of liatris in my back garden and every year it gives many beautiful blooms. You can see all the flower spikes forming and I can't wait to see the purple blooms on them in a week or so.

Clumps may be divided every 3 or 4 years in the spring. Liatris belongs to the aster family. The spikes are made up a lots of small flowers that open from the top down.

When blooming is finished, let the spike dry on the plant. Seeds are in each little spot where the bloom was. You can snip off the spike and put it upside down in a paper bag, give it a shake every now and then and the seeds will come out. I usually open each little pod and release the seeds with my finger nail.

Seeds need a cool period before germination, which can take 20 to 45 days. Very often I sprinkle some of the seeds around the base of the main plant and let Mother Nature do the rest.
New plants grown from seed will not flower until the second year.

Trade liatris seeds in this printable seed packet.

Seed Swapping

2009-03-02T11:55:00.002-05:00

If you are like me you are always collecting seeds. In fact I think I'm obsessed with collecting seeds. It must have to do with the fact that I hate to waste anything.

When the seed packets first arrive in the stores I can't resist buying lots, only to get home and realize I already have lots from previous years. So every year I have plenty of seeds left over to trade or give away.

A wonderful place to swap seeds with Canadian gardeners is at the Canadian Garden Exchange at Garden Web. You can post your want list or offer seeds to swap or give away. There are also lots of round robins and seed exchanges going on there all year long. From all the action at that group I'm assuming many gardeners are like me and have an abundance of seeds.

SASE = self addressed stamped envelope
Some folks even use SASBE which is self addressed stamped bubble envelope

Sometimes gardeners offer seeds for SASE. As long as they live within the same country as you this is a wonderful way to acquire new seeds. Know that you cannot send a SASE to someone in another country as they will be unable to mail it back to you as your stamps are not viable tender in their country. You could try to set up a direct swap, whereby you send them some packets of seeds and they send some to you.

Spring is coming ...

2009-01-31T11:59:00.002-05:00

... but only in my mailbox right now.

What a lovely treat on a freezing cold winter's day to walk over to the mailbox and be greeted with images of garden blooms.

The seed catalogues are arriving, along with a copy of the latest Canadian Gardening magazine.

Just seeing the photos of all those blooms makes my heart sing.

My green thumb is getting excited.

It makes me want to get out the seed basket and see what is already there.

On this chilly wintery day I will be sitting down with a cup of tea, my notebook and these publications and making up my wish list for when spring does actually arrive.

I'll be visiting the seed sharing sites and perhaps I can make some good trades from the seed box. Gardeners are great when it comes to sharing seeds. Perhaps another thing I will do on this chilly weekend is prepare a list of seeds that I have and offer some of them to other gardeners. You never know I just might have the seeds you are looking for.

Trading seeds with other gardeners provides you with new plants for the cost of a postage stamp. When mailing seeds it is best to use a bubble envelope to protect the seeds as they go through the various postal machines. You can buy packets of 100 mini zip lock bags from dollar stores to package and send your seeds in.

It is also time to start searching out the seed displays in the various stores. I know that a couple of stores already have them out. And like all other good things, if you don't get them early, they will be sold out as there are lots of other gardeners out there longing for gardening season too.

Gifts of Seeds

2008-12-03T06:49:00.002-05:00

Here we are starting December and soon the Christmas season will be upon us.

For all those folks you send a Christmas card and a holiday message too, why not include some seeds from your garden. Print off a home made seed packet, fill it with some seeds and perhaps tuck in a photo from your garden of the seeds when they are blooming. This will be the start of a friendship garden.

Just a simple little gesture now will bring the recipient a lot of joy in the spring and summer. Imagine anticipating what the seeds will look like, how tall will they grow, where will they be planted and best of all they can look forward to gathering seeds themselves at the end of the season and perhaps passing them on to others.

Start your own "Pay it Forward" and bring a smile to someone.

Seed Storage

2008-09-20T07:17:00.002-04:00

If you are like me you are always collecting seeds. In fact I think I'm obsessed with collecting seeds. It must have to do with the fact that I hate to waste anything. And I can't stand the thought of deadheading flowers and tossing them on the compost pile. First because I don't want all those seeds sprouting up in the compost and second because every seed head has lots of potential for new plants.

But if you don't want any more plants and you aren't giving the seeds away you can always put the seeds on your bird feeder and see what feathered friends stop by for a snack.

When I first deadhead the plants, I toss the seeds and sometimes seedheads into plastic containers (yogurt, margerine, ice cream etc.). They can stay there till they dry out. Each container is labelled because my memory isn't what it used to be and after awhile a dried out seed head tends to look like another.

Once dried out I remove as much chaff as possible, and transfer them to my filing system. This comprises a 4 quart basket and recycled envelopes. I open my mail on the edge of the envelope and then it can be re-used again. I told you I was a recycler. Print the plant name on each envelope and file alphabetically. This makes it easier to find certain types of seeds when it gets to be planting time.
This might not be the prettiest way to store seeds, but it sure works for me. Over the winter this container can be stored down the basement or in a cool garage (not one where the temperature drops below zero as you don't want those seeds freezing).

How do you store your seeds?

Lunaria

2008-08-17T11:22:00.004-04:00

Lunaria - Silver Dollar Plant
- also known as honesty or money plant
- grown for pleasure and not for profit.

The silver dollar plant is biennial - leaves in the first year and flowers in the second year. For continual flowering plants you need to plant the seeds for 2 consecutive years.

After flowering the plant develops the "money" - a flat seedpod that starts out green and turns to a brown colour. In the photo to the right you can just see the green "money" appearing.

Let these dry on the plant till they are a darker brown. When you cut the stems of seed pods, be careful. Each pod consists of 3 layers.

Cut carefully and remove stems from the plant. The seeds easily pop out of the transparent "money". The seeds can be left to drop in the garden and will germinate quite easily the following spring. Seeds may also be started inside by sprinkling them on top of the dirt. They will germinate in 10 to 14 days.

Each pod consists of 3 layers. The outside layers can be carefully removed to reveal the lighter, transparent middle layer. The seeds will fall away with the outside layers. The pictures to the left shows the two outside layers, with seeds, that have separated from the middle layer.

The stem and middle layers can then be used in dried arrangement.

You will get an abundance of seeds each year. I always sprinkle some seeds around the main plant so that Nature can do its thing and grow new plants for the following year. Seeds can also be stored in a cool, dry place for swapping or trading with other gardeners.

Print a seed label for trading/giving away lunaria seeds.

Seeds

2008-07-30T06:49:00.004-04:00

It will soon be time to collect seeds from my garden. I always have an abundance and love to share them with my gardening friends thus creating Friendship Gardens.

Saving seeds and seedpods will give you many seeds to plant in your garden next year. Trading seeds with other gardeners provides you with new plants for the cost of a postage stamp.

Although plants need to be dead headed to ensure continual bloom through the season you can always leave the odd flower to develop into a seedpod. At the end of the season I leave all the flowers to dry out and produce seedpods.

Be sure all seeds are dry before you package them - especially if you are using the mini plastic zip lock bags. Store seeds in a cool location over the winter. Some seeds need to be stored in the refridgerator before germination.

You can buy packets of 100 mini zip lock bags from dollar stores to package and send your seeds in. There are also lots off printable seed packets on various sites on the web. When mailing seeds it is best to tuck your seed packets inside a bubble envelope for protection as they go through the various postal machines.

SASE = self addressed stamped envelope
Sometimes gardeners offer seeds for SASE. As long as they live within the same country as you this is a wonderful way to acquire new seeds. Know that you cannot send a SASE to someone in another country as they will be unable to mail it back to you as your stamps are not viable tender in their country. You could try to set up a direct swap, whereby you send them some packets of seeds and they send some to you.

Dianthus - Pinks

2008-07-16T15:29:00.004-04:00

Dianthus or pinks
are a low growing perennial plants that gets covered in masses of scented pink flowers in the spring.

The pinks prefer several hours of sunlight for optimum growing.

Seedpods can be left to develop on the plant.
Seeds can be left to drop from the seedpod naturally.

Or you can snip off the seedpods and shake out the small black seeds. The seeds can be planted in the spring (slightly under the ground).
You can always start the seeds inside in small pots about 6 weeks before it is time to plant outside.

You can take softwood stem cuttings when the plant starts growing in the spring. Cut a stem with an angle cut, remove any buds, and dip in rooting compound before putting into a pot. Be sure the stem has a few nodes on it, and get a couple of these below the surface of the dirt as this is where the root develops from. I find the best and easiest way to get more plants is to divide the original plant. Dig the clump and pull apart into a few smaller plants and then replant in the new location.

Yellow Molly Alliums

2008-06-12T23:38:00.002-04:00

The yellow Molly alliums are in full bloom now.
I've been photographing them over the past several days so you can see the progression from bud to bloom.
These allium bulbs multiply quickly and are easily dug and moved to other parts of the garden. They grow about 30 cm tall and bloom in late spring to early summer.

The bulbs can be dug after blooming. I like to dig them before the leaves fall away from the plant. You can see the size of the bulbs compared to a quarter. Trim all leaves and flower stems before replanting in the new location. Plant a few centimeters below the surface. I like to mark where I have planted them just so that I don't plant something else there later in the season.

Venidium

2008-05-26T06:35:00.005-04:00

This is a wonderful annual that was native to South America. Plant in full sun.

I was introduced to these annual flowers a couple of years ago and was amazed by the colouring and the formation of the blooms.

To see them is to love them and to want them in your garden.

I've grown Orange Prince and Zulu Prince.
Take time to click the above links and see the slideshows of the venidium in bloom in 2007.

The white flowers have an exotic inner ring and they can be 2 to 12 cm. in size.

Plant the tiny seeds in full sun, either in large containers or along the borders of your garden. You won't be disappointed.

I plant the seeds towards the end of May when all danger of frost has passed. The seedlings are easily transplanted.

The plants bloom about August. Alternate the orange prince and zulu prince for striking colour combinations.
This is a must-have annual plant for the garden.

Rudbekia

2008-05-09T11:55:00.004-04:00

Rudbeckia or Black Eyed Susans are a long lasting plant. They grow about 18 to 36 inches high in full sun and will tolerate dry conditions. It is sometimes listed as a perennial or a hardy biennial.

Blooms appear about mid summer and last right through to fall. The plant will attract butterfiles.

Let bloom dry out on plant. After the flower petals fall off, pick the seed head. Running your thumb nail along the seedpod will give you the tiny rudbekia seeds.

I also just tuck the seedpods in among the remaining stems of the plants and it will reseed itself the following year. Leaving the seedpods on the plant over the winter will provide food for the birds. The plant will also self seed itself.

Mallows

2008-05-05T09:53:00.004-04:00

Rose Mallow - Lavatera trimestris

Mallows grow into a bushy plant with a very long tap root. There are many pink flowers which develop into seedpods.

If you do not want the mallow to grow everywhere in your garden it is best to snip all the pods off before they go to seed.

After blooming a seedpod will develop. This turns papery and will split open shedding the very tiny seeds everywhere.

Rose Campions

2008-05-02T10:54:00.002-04:00

Rose Campion - Lychnis coronaria

A hardy perennial that will self seed and grow just about anywhere. To have continuous bloom throughout the summer you need to continually deadhead the spent blooms.
The plants can grow up to 1 meter tall. Leaves are a silvery gray/green colour.

The plants prefer full sun and chilling the seeds before planting helps germination. Sowing the seeds around the plant in fall will give you germination in the spring. Nature's own winter sowing.

The seed pods develop after blooming. Leave on the plant to dry.
Split the pod to reveal many, tiny seeds.

Rose campion has also been given the names, Heritage Plant, Rose Mullien or Lampflower.

Lupins

2008-04-30T08:53:00.011-04:00

Lupins are a tall perennial plant that prefers full sun and dry soil. They bloom in late spring or early summer.

The plant belongs to the Lupinus family of legumes.
Pea like flowers grow on a tall flower spike.

Lupins are of Egyptian or East Mediterranean origin.
Lupin seeds do not always grow true to the colour of the plant the seeds were gathered from. My original plant was yellow but after a couple of years it was a light purple colour.

Do not let the plant go to seed too early in the season. If you cut off the first flower spike you will almost certainly get another. When you do let the plant go to seed, small seed pods develop.

Leave these on the plant as long as possible to dry out.
Pick before they split open and drop the seeds.

Sow in early spring.
Soaking seeds in water prior to planting will help germination.

You can also try Nature's way of sowing seeds. Put some in the ground now, which will give them a dormant period over winter and they should grow in the spring.

Scarlet Runner Beans

2008-04-29T08:56:00.010-04:00

I have wonderful memories of scarlet runner beans growing in my uncle's garden in England.

They were vigorous climbers that produced many, many beans. What fun to go there as a child and then to take my children there to pick the beans.

I've grown them in my gardens here in Canada but they never seem to be quite the same as his.

Hummingbirds love the red flowers so the plant has a double benefit in the garden.

Plant outdoors after danger of frost has passed and weather has warmed. Cover seeds with 1 inch of fine soil firmed down. Plant in rows or hills about 2 feet apart.
Seeds will germinate in 7 to 14 days depending on weather and soil conditions.
This is a great annual vine to grow for both the flowers and the beans. The beans are edible, once you remove the long stringly bit along the edges and the big seeds from the center. The green pod can be cut like french beans. They taste best when they are younger and the bean inside hasn't developed really big.
They grow well on a trellis, an obelisk, or up bean poles made into a teepee shape.

Godetia

2008-04-26T20:28:00.010-04:00

Godetia, Clarkia Amoena, also known as satin flower or silk flower.

These are lovely, long lasting annuals that I recieved in a seed swap a few years ago. I save the seeds for future years and to grow and to swap.
Godetia grows well in containers or right in the garden. They come in a variety of colours.

Sow godetia seeds outside in the garden and cover with the smallest amount of soil.

The seedlings need thinning, else the plants will not develop properly. They prefer partial to full sun and well drained soil. You can sow the seeds inside 3 to 4 weeks before your last frost date.

After blooming the seed pods develop. Let dry on the plant until they start to open. Pinch the pods off and the seeds will sprinkle out into a dish.

This post was written by Crafty Gardener for publication on my personal blog, Sow Then Grow

Cleome

2008-04-24T08:23:00.003-04:00

Cleome gets it's nickname "Spider Flower" from the spidery-like flowers. The annual plants grow upwards from 1 metre tall. Cleome tolerates heat and dry weather well, and lasts well into the summer.

The seed pods are about 4 to 5 cm. in length and split very easily to reveal small round, brownish seeds. The plant will reseed itself. Start seeds indoors four weeks before the last frost or plant them directly outdoors in spring after danger of frost has passed. Germination takes about 10 days. Space the plants about 1 foot apart.

This post was written by Crafty Gardener for publication on my personal blog, Sow Then Grow

Hyacinth Beans

2008-04-20T08:30:00.004-04:00

Purple hyacinth bean is an easy to grow vine that blooms in mid summer. It quickly grows over a trellis or obelisk. The plants likes a fair amount of water but it doesn't like to be in wet soil.

After flowering the bean is a purple colour. It is said to be edible but I've never tried it. The seed is poisonous if eaten. The blooms will attract bees and butterflies.

Soak the seeds overnight before planting. Plant indoors about 2 to 3 weeks before planting outside. Or you can plant directly into the ground after all traces of frost are gone and the ground has warmed up. Seeds take up to 2 weeks to germinate.

This post was written by Crafty Gardener for publication on my personal blog, Sow Then Grow

Liatris

2008-04-16T08:38:00.003-04:00

Liatris or Gayfeather is a gorgeous perennial plant with tall, spikey plumes. The plant prefers full sun and easily grows in most types of soil, especailly well drained soil. This plant attracts butterflies and is deer resistant. The flower spikes, composed of many little blooms, opens from the top down. Usually plants with spikey blooms open from bottom up.

This year I found some liatris bulbs at a garden center and planted them. For the first year they are quite small but I am hoping they do well over winter and give tall blooms next year.

I have a fairly large clump of liatris in my back garden and every year it gives many beautiful blooms. The above photo was taken last year. Clumps may be divided every 3 or 4 years in the spring. Liatris belongs to the aster family. The spikes are made up a lots of small flowers that open from the top down.

When blooming is finished, let the spike dry on the plant. Seeds are in each little spot where the bloom was.

Seeds need a cool period before germination, which can take 20 to 45 days. New plants grown from seed will not flower until the second year.

Have a look at the clear wing hummingbird moth that visited the liatris.

Trade liatris seeds in this printable seed packet.

This post was written by Crafty Gardener for publication on my personal blog, Sow Then Grow

Calendula

2008-04-12T07:46:00.004-04:00

Calendula or Pot Marigold - Calendula officinalis

I always have a large container full of calendula growing in my pot garden. I save seeds from the plant each year so that I can grow more the next year and give away the extras that I have. These bright yellow and orange annual flowers have a long flowering period - from mid summer to first frost. The plant can grow from 15 cm. to 60 cm. high in some cases. The blooms will attract butterflies.

The petals have been used for medicinal purposes for many years. They can be sprinkled on a salad and are a source of beta carotine. Petals are also dried and made into an infusion with oil as an aid to dry skin. An infusion of petals and water can be used as a mouth wash to heal sores in the mouth.

The shape of the seeds always fascinates me. Sow seeds early in the season after the last frost and cover lightly with 1/4" of garden soil. They germinate easily and will grow quickly.

Sow the seeds directly into the large pots they will grow in, seedlings will need thinning out to encourage plants to grow bigger. The seedlings can be transplanted to other parts of the garden. The plants will thrive in just about any type of soil.

The seed pods start to develop when the bloom is finished. To encourage continual blooming be sure to remove the seed heads as they start to form. Towards the end of the season, leave on the plant to dry and change colour. When mature, pick off and gently remove the seeds that are forming in the inner circle.

It isn't till the end of the season that I let the seedheads remain and dry so that I can collect seed for the next year.

This post was written by Crafty Gardener for publication on my personal blog, Sow Then Grow

Daisies

2008-04-09T07:40:00.004-04:00

Oxeye daisies grow wild in fields and gardens and lawns. It self seeds rapidly so it is recommended to cut blooms off just as soon as the petals start to wilt. This will encourage a second growth of flowers.

I do let clumps of these grow in my garden as daisies are my favourite flower. My garden is more of an English country garden ... where the seed falls, it grows. It is wonderful to see plants mixed in together.

Shasta daisies, Leucanthemum x superbum, are perennials and best grown in full sun, preferably in well drained soil. The flowers are good for cutting. These plants grow taller than the oxeye daisy and can be divided in early spring. Blooms appear in June and July. Daisies attracts bees and butterflies and are drought tolerant.

Cut flowers heads off as they finish to encourage continual bloom. At the end of the season let the flower heads dry on the plant before picking to harvest seeds.

Seeds can be sown directly into the garden in early spring. They can also be sown in late fall and let Nature look after them during the winter ... winter sowing at its best. They will grow in the spring. Saving and sharing seeds is a great way to make new gardening friends with a sharing friendship garden.

Print a seed packet for trading daisy seeds.

This post was written by Crafty Gardener for publication on my personal blog, Sow Then Grow

Marigolds

2008-04-06T07:18:00.005-04:00

Marigolds are a long blooming annual plant. The plant is a native to Mexico and there are numerous varieties to choose from. They are easily started from seed or can be bought from the garden centers ready started. They come in a variety of colours - with orange and yellow being the most common. The plants prefer full sun and will grow in dry to moist conditions.

Sow seeds in average garden soil in a sunny location after the last frost. Thin seedlings what they are about 5 cm. high. Seeds can also be started inside about 4 or 5 weeks before the time to plant outside. Removal of faded blooms will ensure longer display of flowers.

Let the flower die off and dry out to a seedpod. After drying for a few days pick and split apart to find the seeds inside. Pulling the top or dried flower petals will give you the seeds, (black on one end).

Marigolds make fantastic companion plants - plant them everywhere throughout your garden to deter many insects and slugs. There is a myth that marigolds will keep rabbits out of your garden.

A printable seed label for marigolds.

This post was written by Crafty Gardener for publication on my personal blog, Sow Then Grow

Chinese Lanterns

2008-04-05T08:50:00.004-04:00

Chinese lantern is a perennial plant that can grow from 30 to 60 cm. high (1 to 2 feet). Small white flowers are followed by bright orange papery seed cases are excellent for cutting an using in floral arrangments. This plant can be invasive unless the seed pods are picked. The plant grows well in sunny to partial sunny locations.

Sow the tiny seeds as soon as you are able to work the ground. Cover seeds with 1/4 inch of soil. Germination is about 20 - 30 days with blooms appearing in late July or August. When seedlings are established they will need to be thinned. Seeds can also be sprinkled around the main plant in the fall before the last frost.

The plant, physalis alkekengi, is a member of the nightshade family.

Egyptian Walking Onions

2008-03-30T13:51:00.008-04:00

Egyptian walking onions, also called tree onions, belong to the allium genus. They prefer growing in full sun, are extremely hardy and easy to grow.

I find these onions are fascinating to grow in the garden. They are one of the first plants to poke through the ground in the spring.

At the top of each stem a small bulb starts to grow. From this develops the onion for next year. When the plant gets top heavy the stem bends over and the little onions plant themselves into the ground. After several years if left to do this on their own the onions would "walk" around your garden. I tend to pick off the little onion sets and plant them myself so that I can control the "walking". I also give them away to friends so they can watch the fascinating growth in their own gardens.

The bulbs measure only 1/2 to 1 inch in length and look like small purple/red onions. They can be used for pickling and in vinaigrettes or soups.

Castor Beans

2008-03-29T15:31:00.002-04:00

The castor bean plant is an amazing annual that grows anywhere from 2 to 5 meters tall. Plants frequently need staking.
Castor bean seeds are highly poisonous, so keep children and pets away from seedpods.
Sap from seeds and the plant may cause an allergic reaction, so handle seeds with care. Wearing gardening gloves will help prevent any reaction. Wash hands thoroughly after touching the plant.

The seed pod is composed of three sections or carpels which split apart at maturity. Each section contains a single seed. The seeds have very interesting patterns, with no two the same. At one end is a small, spongy part called a carnucle, which helps the seed absorb water.

Sow castor bean from seed either outdoors directly in the soil after all danger of frost has passed or indoors six to eight weeks before your region's last average frost date.

Before planting soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water, then plant it 1 inch deep. Castor bean needs rich, deep, well-drained soil and prefer full sun. Trim faded flowers to promote longer bloom.

Nasturtiums

2008-03-26T08:05:00.010-04:00

Nasturtiums - Trapaeolum majus

Nasturtiums are a beautiful annual plant that grow well in large containers or right in the garden.
Nasturtiums flowers and young leaves are edible.

They also act like insect repellent and are wonderful companion plants. The plants will get very bushy and produce many, many blooms in a variety of colours.

Seeds can be sowed directly outside after the last frost. Cover with 2.5 cm. of earth. They germinate in 10 to 14 days.

Thin the seedlings so they are about 15 cm. apart. If you carefully remove extras using a fork you can transplant them in other places. They do not always transplant when the seedling gets too big, so sow the seeds directly where you want them to grow.

Nasturtiums are great companion plants for other plants in your garden. They deter white flies, squash bugs, and are a trap crop for aphids.

Trade nasturtiums in this printable seed packet.

Cosmos

2008-03-23T09:45:00.004-04:00

Cosmos are a beautiful tall, annual plant for the garden which produce a multitude of blooms in many colours.

They prefer full sun and rich soil. Cosmos are the perfect plant for the back of the garden. Each year I grow these plants from seed that I have saved the previous year. They will also self seed and I will find surprise plants growing in various places of the garden.

Deadheading the flowers keeps them in continual bloom from July to first frost.

At the end of the growing season let the spent flowers go to seed. When dry you can harvest the seeds, let them dry, and store them for next year. I also leave some flower heads on the plant and the birds will enjoy the seeds. The goldfinches love the seedheads and will be there quickly to eat them up.

Plant seeds outside after the last frost or inside about 3 to 4 weeks before outside planting.
Cover with about 1/4 inch of soil.

The seedlings transplant easily so you can start them in pots and then pick the spot in your garden. Seeds germinate in 5 to 10 days. I use an old fork to lift and separate the seedlings.
I usually try to transplant them after a watering or a rain.

From a few plants you will get an abundance of seeds.

Trade your extra cosmos seeds in this printable seed label.

This post was written by Crafty Gardener for publication on my personal blog, Sow Then Grow

Apple of Peru

2008-03-21T10:59:00.005-04:00

Apple of Peru - Shoofly - Nicandra physalodes

This annual prefers full sun and moist soil. This plant can be invasive if left to self seed - in fact in some areas it is considered a weed. The small trumpet like flowers are small and pretty to see. This plant is a member of the nightshade family.

Allow the papery seedpods to dry on plant, inside is a small "apple" full of seeds. I make sure I pick all the seed pods before they open and disperse the seeds.

The seeds are small and reddy brown. Seeds germinate in 7 to 14 days.
I grow these plants in a large container so that I can contain them and stop them spreading.

Share your extra seeds in a mini zip lock bag and attach this printable seed label.

This post was written by Crafty Gardener for publication only on my personal blog, The Gardener Side.

Petunias

2008-03-19T08:03:00.008-04:00

Petunias are an annual plant, wonderful in garden beds, or containers.

I just loved the double petunias I had in pots on my step ladder planter one year.

Another year I had red and white petunias in my wheelbarrow planter.

After flowering the seed pod will develop. When it turns a beige/brown colour it is ready for picking. The seeds are very tiny ... almost resemble pepper that has been shaken out on a plate. You need to be quick in harvesting the seeds as the pods spring open and the seeds will disperse quickly.

Sow petunia seeds 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost. Fill you pot, press down the soil and water first. Wait till water has settled through pot and sprinkle the seeds on top. When the 2 true leaves develop you can pick them out and transplant. Plant outside when all chance of frost has passed. Seeds do not always grow true to the original colour of the plant, and if the plant was a hybrid they may revert back to the original colour and blooms will be smaller.

This post was written by Crafty Gardener for publication on my personal blog, Sow Then Grow

Four O'clocks

2008-03-17T20:22:00.016-04:00

4 o'clocks - Marvel of Peru - Mirabilis jalapa

This plant is named because the fragrant blooms tend to open around 4 o'clock in the afternoon.

Sow seeds outside in spring after the last frost.
Plant 1/4 inch deep and about 1 inch apart. Cover with about half inch of fine soil.

Thin when seedlings are about 1 inch tall.
Seeds can germinate in 5 to 10 days. Plants will grow in a sunny location and will tolerate poor soil. You can start the seeds inside about 4 to 6 weeks before outside planting date.

Share you extra seeds in this printable seed packet.

This post was written by Crafty Gardener for publication on my personal blog, Sow Then Grow

Canna

2008-03-02T16:55:00.011-05:00

Canna are great for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds into the garden.

This is a wonderful plant to grow in many varieties and colours. Canna is an annual plant in zone 5 (Canada). The tuber root or rhizome needs to be dug each year and stored in a cool, dark place. If stored where freezing temperatures might occur the root will get mushy and be no good the following year. The root will multiply each year giving you many, more lovely plants the following year.

Plant the root outside in a sunny location after all signs of the last frost have vanished. Canna do not mind damp soil. You will be rewarded with lovely tall plants with colourful blooms. For me, planting time is towards the end of May. About the beginning of April I pot them up inside and get a head start on growing them before planting them outside. Check each rhizome for "eyes" that will be the shoots of the plant. If there is more than one eye, you can split the rhizome into pieces.

After the first frost in the fall dig the canna root and you will notice that they will have multiplied. Shake off any extra dirt, cut off the old growing stem and any really long roots. Put into a box with allows air flow and store them in a dark, cool spot over the winter.

Canna do develop seeds. I did try to grow them from seed one year but it is a long process. You can check that progress out at my website.

I now have quite a collection of different coloured cannas, as each year I buy a new colour or leaf variation. Have a look at a slideshow of some of my orange canna at my main blog, The Gardener Side.

Label: canna

Morning Glories

2008-02-24T08:58:00.006-05:00

Morning glories are wonderful fast, growing vines that produce numerous blooms during August and September. Each bloom lasts one day and then when the flower falls off the seed pod develops.

Here's the seed pod when itis dried out it ready for picking. The covering turns a papery brown colour and when squeezed between your fingers it slips away to reveal the seeds inside.

Gather the seeds ... lighter colour for pinkish flowers, darker colour for mauve flowers. There are about 5 seeds to each seed pod. One plant will produce many seeds. You can let some drop and self sow and they will grow again next year. I always save the seeds to share with friends and other gardeners. Before storing the seeds, be sure they are totally dry.

I prefer to sow the seeds and then grow them right in the spot where I want the vine to be. They grow well in large tubs or directly in the ground. If you don't have a trellis for them to grow up, you can always tie strong garden twine from an anchor in the ground to a hook or nail high up on a wall. I have found these seedlings do better if I don't transplant them. I usually sow more than I need and then thin out to a few per pot.

Last year I moved a couple of pieces of trellis and fastened them onto the deck fence. I had already planted the morning glories into the small, long tubs and was getting them to twine around the lower lattice. I was trying to create a bit of shade on a very sunny deck and it seemed to work quite well. We left the trellis there over the winter and this spring I plant to plant the morning glories in some large tubs. The bigger the tub, the bigger the root system and therefore the bigger the vines. I'm hoping for much more shade this summer. The hummingbirds had discovered the morning glories and what a treat it was to watch them flit from flower to flower right from the kitchen door.

Print a seed label for trading your morning glory seeds.

This post was written by Crafty Gardener for publication on my personal blog, Sow Then Grow

Zinnias

2008-02-23T18:23:00.003-05:00

Zinnias - Asteraceae

Zinnias, originally from Mexico, are a lovely annual plant to grow from seed.

They come in many vibrant colours and are great for cut flowers. Plants prefer full sun and well drained soil. Zinnias are very easy to grow and just about look after themselves. Trim off faded flowers to encourage more blooms.

If you don't have zinnias this year, be sure to get some seeds for next year. Sow seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before it is time to plant in the garden. Space seeds about 20 mm. apart. Cover with 6 mm of soil. Keep moist till seedlings appear. Thin when necessary.

For outdoor planting sow after the last frost date for your area. Thin seedlings when they are about 5 cm. high. Pinching back seedlings will encourage thicker growth and should begin early. Start when the zinnia seedlings have developed their second or third set of true leaves. Water frequently during dry weather.

Check here for more info. Print a seed label for zinnias for trading with other gardeners.

This post was written by Crafty Gardener for publication on my personal blog, Sow Then Grow

Delphiniums

2008-02-08T18:02:00.003-05:00

Delphiniums are lovely tall, perennial flowers that bloom in early summer. This plant is perfect for the cottage garden. Plant in a sunny location and cutting back after blooming will encourage more growth and blooms.
More often than not the flower stems need staking. You can divide the plant in early spring just as it is beginning to poke through the ground.

After flowering has finished the seed pod will develop. At first it will be green, so don't pick it yet. Let it dry on the plant till it turns brown and starts to split.

Snip off the seed pod and tip out the seeds. Be sure they are dry and then store in a cool location over winter.

In spring, plant the seeds outside when all chance of frost is over. You could also start the seeds inside in small pots and transfer outside. This gives the plants a headstart. Cover seeds with about 1/8 inch of soil, keep moist until germination.

Here is a printable seed packet for when you swap or give away your extra seeds.

Want to try Nature's way of sowing seeds? Why not sprinkle a few delphinium seeds around your main plant in the fall, lightly cover, and let them germinate over the winter. I bet you will be surprised when you see some new plants growing in the spring.

This post was written by Crafty Gardener for publication on my personal blog, Sow Then Grow

Garlic Chives

2007-11-14T18:32:00.005-05:00

I love growing garlic chives in the garden for the lovely white flowers which bloom towards the end of the summer.

Right now in mid November the seed heads are just beginning to pop. I have been snipping off the seed heads and popping them into brown paper bags.

The little black seeds will fall off and accumulate at the bottom of the bag ready for collecting.
The main reason I do this as I don't want all the seeds dropping in the garden and then finding hundreds of new plants everywhere next year. This way I can sow the seeds where I want them, usually around the base of the main plant so that it gets bushier each year. I also give lots of the seeds away.

This is an edible plant ... stem, flowers, seeds, and a small bulb.

Printable seed label for garlic chives that can be attached to small mini ziplock bags.

Sunflowers

2007-08-25T06:59:00.003-04:00

Sunflowers, a tall annual plant, come in many varieties.
Sometimes they grow where I least expect them in the garden. The birds either drop the seeds as they fly over or the chipmunks and squirrels bury the seeds.

What fun it is to watch the bluejays and goldfinches as they land on the flower heads and eat the seeds inside. The photo above is the seed heading starting to dry out. You can see some of the black seed starting to peek through.
If you want to save the seeds I recommend you cover the flower head with a mesh bag or an old leg off some pantyhose. Otherwise the birds will get the seeds before you do.

The seeds come in many colours and sizes ... the type of seed you plant will determine the height and the colouring on the sunflowers.
Sow seeds directly outside after the last frost. Space seeds about 10 - 15 cm. apart and cover with about 1.25 cm. of soil. Try to plant them where you want them to grow as I've found that the small plants don't like to be transplanted. You could start the seeds in seedpots inside to give them a head start, then you just need to plant them outside when it starts to warm up. Blooms in August and September.

Print a seed label for sunflower seeds.

Have a look at my sunflower slideshow on The Gardener Side.

This post was written by Crafty Gardener for publication on my personal blog, Sow Then Grow

Coreopsis

2007-08-24T17:46:00.003-04:00

Coreopsis is a gorgeous, long blooming perennial. There are different varieties that have either single or double petaled blooms. The flowers are predominately yellow. Continual deadheading will produce blooms that last from late June to September. Coreopsis are great for cutting and adding to floral arrangements.

Towards the end of the season let the flower petals fall and leave the seedpod to dry right out. The seeds aren't ready yet (in the above photo). Let dry till a brownish colour, and then split open to find the seeds.

In the spring after the last frost for your area, you can plant seeds in well drained soil and in partial shade to full sun. Cover seeds lightly and gently water. Germination should be about 20 days.

Print a seed packet for coreopsis seeds.
Print a seed label for coreopsis seeds.

Columbine

2007-08-13T21:12:00.002-04:00

Columbine is an early spring perennial in various colours.

Let the flower die and fall off leaving a green seedpod. Let the pod dry till brown and pick before it splits open at the top. Pick pod, split to find small black round seeds.

Print a seed packet for columbine seeds.
Print a seed label for columbine that can be attached to a mini ziplock bag.

Hollyhocks

2007-07-30T09:10:00.005-04:00

Hollyhocks or Alcea Rosea are tall, majestic biennial plants.

They can grow up to 3 meters tall and sometimes even higher. They grow well in full sun and are drought resistant. They look wonderful planted in a large clump.

Be sure to plant them for 2 consecutive years to ensure continual bloom. In the first year the plant will grow just leaves and in the second year the tall bloom stalk will appear.

Each tall flower stalk produces many flowers and each flower develops a seed pod with produces many seeds. Leave the pod on the plant to dry. Seeds are arranged inside the pod. Be sure to let some seeds drop naturally into the garden so that your new hollyhock plants will grow the following year. Sow seeds in the fall for new plants next spring.

Take a peek at the hollyhock slideshow.

Trade hollyhock seeds in this printable seed packet.

This post was written by Crafty Gardener for publication on my personal blog, Sow Then Grow

Cosmos seed label

2007-03-23T08:32:00.003-04:00

Click on the image to view in a new window. Save the image to your computer and print.
Or just click File and then print, to print without saving.

Label apple of peru

2007-03-21T18:22:00.005-04:00

Click on the image to view in a new window. Save the image to your computer and print.
Or just click File and then print, to print without saving.