For the most part, indoor plants should not be fertilized during the months of December, January and February. During these months the northern states get very little light and even if the sun is out the intensity of that light is very low. Most plants rest
during these times and require a cut back on water and no
fertilizer. There are exceptions to the rule for winter flowering plants such as orchids and African violets (which will benefit
from fertilizer at half strength and not as often as the package directions state). During March the sun gets stronger and the
day length gets longer. Now is a great time to fertilize those indoor plants. If the plants are looking a bit thin they could be
cut back as well. Do not cut back hibiscus or other tropical blooming plants. Bachman’s Excel Gro® water-soluble fertilizer is an excellent and convenient way to apply fertilizer. Other granular fertilizers could also be applied. Granular fertilizer will give the plant a slow, consistent amount of fertilizer. Whichever fertilizer you choose be sure to read and follow the package directions..
Start Your Pepper and
Eggplant Seeds Now
Mid-March to late March is the time to
start pepper and eggplant seeds.
Below are tips for success:
• Never use a straight peat-based
potting soil or peat pellets when
starting peppers and eggplants.
If you use a peat-based soil, dilute
it with 30% clean washed sand or
course Perlite.
• Water soil before adding seeds. Do
not use tap water or well water. Use distilled water for better
success or melted snow
brought up to room temperature.
• The best seed-starting container is a Jiffy tray with a clear plastic cover. Make sure plastic tray has holes for drainage.
• Do not refrigerate the seed.
• Plant seed ½” apart - no more than an eighth of an
inch below the surface.
• Keep the soil temperature consistent at about 80 to 85°F for
best germination. Use a heat mat under the seed tray
(available at Bachman’s).
• Set the tray in another tray and water the tray from below once tray has been seeded. Keep the soil moist, but not wet.
• Cover seed tray with the clear plastic dome once the seeds
have been planted.
• Put the tray under grow lights, with lights on for 14 hours.
• Pepper and eggplant varieties can take as little as 10 days
to germinate but some can take 30 to 100 days
(general rule: the hotter the pepper the longer it takes).
• Remove the clear plastic cover once the seed have
sprouted - continue to keep young plants warm - set heat
mat at 72 to 75°F.
• Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, transplant them
into 3” pots using the same well-drained potting mix.
• Seedling should receive natural sunlight or be kept under
g
row lights. Grow lights need to be about 2” to 3” above
the plants.
• Apply ¼ strength fish emulsion about every 2 weeks. It is best
to use only natural organic fertilizer. Remember to water with
d
istilled water, or rainwater for best results.
• Bake and grind up eggshells and add a small amount to each pot. This will add natural calcium to the soil. When the plants
are transplanted outside add 3 tablespoons of bone meal to
each planting hole.
• Apply bone meal to the soil during the growing season, follow packaged direction.
• Peppers and eggplants can be grown in pots or in the garden. Pot size varies depending on the plant. Small varieties can be grown in an 8” diameter pot. Large varieties will need a pot
14” to 16” in diameter pot. One plant per pot is best.
• Set the plants out when the night temperature is 55°F
or higher.
• They grow and produce best in full sun.
• If the plants are grown in pots they can be moved
inside if there is a late cold snap.
Tips
As snow melts check the lawn areas for snow mold. Snow
mold is a fungus that can damage the lawn. It normally is
seen on the edge of a snow pack - it could be white or light
pink in color and looks like cotton candy. If snow mold is seen take a leaf rake and carefully rake the area. Do not walk
on the lawn if it is wet or spongy.
Do not rake the lawn until you feel the ground is firm under foot.
Spread radish and lettuce seed on the surface of the ground
that has thawed 2 to 3” deep. These seed can be broadcast on the soil surface even if we are still getting frosty nights. They
will germinate and grow as the seasons change. These will
be the first vegetable that you harvest in the spring.
Now is a great time to prune those non-spring flowering shrubs (potentilla, spirea, cotoneaster, and dogwood to name a few).
Flowers and gifts from Bachman’s make any day a special one. When you order your flowers or gifts online, you know you’ll be getting a beautiful fresh floral arrangement from a trusted florist known for outstanding floral design, plus quality and service.
If you’re sending flowers or gifts out of town, you can rely on us to choose the best florist from either the FTD or Teleflora nationwide flower network. Florists who can be counted on to deliver the best fresh floral arrangements and gifts, even when doing a same day delivery.
