GARDEN KIT INFORMATION
Last Updated at 2018-02-02 18:10:26 PCT
FLOWERS
Impatiens
- Water daily – sometimes twice a day when temperatures rise above 85°F.
- These flowers do best with regular fertilization; if you choose to use fertilizer choose a slow release one.
- Impatiens do not need to be pruned, as they self clean their dead blossoms.
Marigold
- Give marigolds lots of sunshine.
- Make sure to deadhead (prune) the plants so they continue to bloom abundantly.
- Water well, allow soil to drain in between waterings, then water again.
- Do not fertilize marigolds.
Nasturtium
- Nasturtiums are perfect to grow with children because they grow so easily and rapidly.
- Nasturtiums prefer poorer soils and do not need any fertilizers.
- Be sure not to overwater.
- Pruning faded or dead flowers and leaves will prolong blooming.
Sunflower
- Sunflowers grow best in full sun. They are tough and will grow in any kind of soil – as long as it is not waterlogged.
- Sunflowers can withstand some drought but it is important to water during growth, which is 20 days before and after flowering.
- For bigger flowers, use a light fertilizer.
Sweet Pea
- It is helpful to soften sweet pea seeds before planting by soaking them in water overnight.
- Use a trellis to encourage growth, as sweet peas like to climb.
- To keep the vines productive, cut flowers frequently and remove faded blossoms.
Zinnia
- Water at base of plant to keep foliage and petals dry.
- Keep soil moist but not soggy for young plants, and dryer for mature zinnias, as they are somewhat drought tolerant.
- Clip the plant back often to encourage more abundant blooms.
HERBS
Basil
- If growing indoors, a fertilizer once a month can be helpful.
- Prune basil back regularly to encourage continued growth and allow for more growth.
- Harvest by pinching off individual leaves.
- Give it at least 6 hours of sunlight, and in hot temperatures water often.
Chives
- Chives prefer full sun.
- Be sure to thoroughly moisten soil when watering
- Cut plants down to the base when harvesting about 1 to 2 inches from soil.
- Chive plans will eventually flower; flowers are edible.
- Use chives when they are fresh, as dried chives lose their flavor.
Cilantro
- Harvest cilantro by cutting leafy stems near ground level.
- Avoid cutting more than one third of the plant at a time.
- Grow cilantro in full sun and well-drained soil. Light shade will be tolerated in places where the sun is more intense.
Dill
- For an extended harvest, do not allow flowers to grow on the plants; prune buds when they first appear.
- As soon as the plant has four or five leaves you can begin harvesting.
- Pinch off the leaves or cut with scissors.
Mint
- Harvest mint sprigs before the plant flowers.
- To extend the harvest season, pinch off flowers as they appear.
- For indoor mint, place plant where it will receive morning light and away from drying or heating elements.
Parsley
- Empty saucer under parsley once water has drained in order to keep roots from becoming too saturated.
- Give parsley at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day and turn the plant every 3 to 4 days so it doesn't lean into the sun.
- Fertilizer can be helpful. Use half strength every two weeks.
VEGETABLES
Arugula
- When harvesting your arugula pluck only the outer leaves, as the plant grows from the center. This way the plant will keep yielding edible leaves.
- Harvest often to encourage new growth.
- Once the plant begins to flower, the flavor of the leaves may become too strong. If this happens, take it out and replant with new seeds.
- It can be helpful to add compost or a light fertilizer before planting.
Cucumber
- Cucumbers like warmth. Make sure you place them in direct sunlight.
- Cucumbers require frequent deep watering so the vegetables will not become bitter tasting.
- Cucumbers like to climb. Use a trellis or small wire cage to encourage correct growth.
Jalapeño
- Keep soil moist but do not overwater. Water every other or every third day.
- Jalapeños like lots of sun.
- A plant food fertilizer is helpful for a healthy crop of fruit.
- To help harden or strengthen the plant, very gently grab the stems and move them back and forth and side to side to encourage these parts to thicken up.
Lettuce
- Lettuce grows best in cool temperatures; it is a perfect spring or fall vegetable. With hot temperatures, the leaves will become bitter.
- Harvesting leaves from the outside of the lettuce plant is the best way to get a continuous supply from your garden.
- When the lettuce begins to bolt (send out a seed stalk and flower), harvest the entire plant (this is when it will begin to taste bitter).
Pepper
- When harvesting the pepper, refrain from touching the fruit. Use a sharp knife to cut them clean off the plant for the least damage.
- Peppers can be easily damaged and may need support as they grow. You can support them with stakes or cages to prevent bending.
- A light fertilizer and proper watering will help with fruit development. Keep soil moist but do not overwater.
Tomato
- Our tomatoes are determinate, meaning they only grow to a certain size - so no pruning is necessary unless the plants are damaged.
- Soil should be kept moist, but not soggy. A good way to determine if your plant needs water is to poke your finger about an inch under the soil – if it's moist, there's no need to water.
- A balanced fertilizer can be helpful once the plant starts flowering.