Don’t Give Up On Your Plant Dreams!

I am not a Master Gardner or a horticulturist. I simply love plants.

When I hear someone lament that they can’t keep plants alive, a little discussion usually reveals it is a watering problem. I myself have been guilty of overwatering or forgetting to water. 

Most plants that you would keep inside your home, are content to be watered once a week. So I came up with a system that may work for you too.

Choose a “watering day.” Label your watering can or container with the day you choose. Leave the watering can out by your plants. I water my plants on Tuesday.

When I inevitably wonder, should I water my plants? If it is Tuesday, the answer is “yes!”; otherwise, I can relax and let my plants do their own plant thing.

If you have a plant that does need to be watered more often, put it in a special place. My mother keeps her African violets by her kitchen sink. African violets like to stay moist but will rot if overly wet.

Sounds precarious, right? Don’t be intimidated. African violets just need a little extra attention. It is best to water them more often and to water them from the bottom.

Keeping them by the sink, my mom can quickly assess them while doing dishes. If the soil is too dry, she adds a little water to the bottom of the pot.  

The window by the kitchen sink offers the perfect balance of bright, indirect sunlight and easily accessible moisture when needed. Even if you are busy, it is likely you will find yourself at the kitchen sink often enough to help an African violet thrive. Your reward will be year-round blossoms. 

So, go ahead, bring that house plant home, and don’t give up on your plant dreams!