Master Gardeners are active in Barton County and are hardworking, dedicated community members that strive to educate and beautify our communities through gardening. From time to time, a few of our Master Gardeners will write up a short column for me. I thought I would share a short piece from Ron Cunningham this week about beautifying your house with a few plants to help add a little color in the winter. Also, don’t forget! If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener, a class will be starting on Jan. 31, here in Great Bend. Fifteen applicants are needed in order to hold this class so, hurry. The class is filling fast. For more information, or to get you application, call our office at 620-793-1910 or stop by at 1800 12th street. (Take it away Ron!)
Winter houseplants
Are the dreary winter days getting you down? Does the whole world seem to be brown or sort of lifeless? Maybe you would like to try something new. Even if you have never taken the chance before, it may be time to put a house plant or a planter in your home. It adds life to your environment and for those who think of the healthier aspects, it can add oxygen to the air in your home. Best of all, you don’t have to wait until spring to get started.
Now don’t panic. Just go step by step. First look at the type of lighting you have. There may be a large window on the south. There may be several northern windows, or there may be a low light level throughout. You will be able to find a plant or two to fit your location.
Before you go shopping, make a list of the containers to fit the space you have available. Maybe plant a clay pot with an under tray would be best for a start. You will need a few river stones, pieces of rock, broken clay pot shards, or maybe marbles. You can use anything along those lines to cover the bottom of the pot so that there can be drainage.
Decide if you are really interested in a specific plant, or do you want to have one that needs very little attention and care. You will need to research what substrate, watering schedule, and the lightening needs of the plant or plants that interest you. If you are choosing a single plant or a variety of plants to fit in one planter must be decided as well. If you are using a planter, the varieties of plants must all need the same soil, watering, and lighting.
Charlie Odum, a horticulture teacher at Kansas State University always said, “You may wish to plant two or three more plants than you really need in the planter. It is only natural that one or two may die while the others flourish.” Read the directions on the plant seed packet or on the plant label and follow them. Put the plant in place firmly and water as instructed. Be careful not to over water, as it will cause root rot and the death of your new addition.
Keep in mind, after your plant has been in the home for several weeks, it will need to be turned to keep all of it receiving light evenly. You should check most plants a few times a week to see if water is needed. If they are not doing well in their location, you may need to move them. Many plants enjoy being in light, but not direct sun. Your packet plant instructions should be able to give you a hint on care. You can also call your local extension office.
Alicia Boor is the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Barton County K-state Research and Extension. Contact her by email at aboor@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.
