Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? Was it the usual stuff: lose weight, exercise more, drink less, wear something other than sweatpants? Are you already done with all of them 13 days into 2022?
Forget these resolutions and start over with us at Good Earth Plant Company. Our resolution is one we’ve stuck with for more than 40 years: we enrich peoples’ lives with plants. We’ve found new ways to do it, and we’re always looking for creative innovations, but the mission never changes. We’re heading into 2022 with some amazing projects already underway. We’ll share them with you when they’re completed.
You still have plenty of time to make your gardening New Year’s resolutions for 2022.
Until then, we also enrich peoples’ lives by sharing what we’ve learned over the years. So many people brought plants into their homes and their lives for the first time during the pandemic. It’s one of the most positive outcomes of a not-so-positive experience.
How about a “do-over” with your new year’s resolutions focused on your plants? If you’re not always getting the results you like, or you seem to struggle to keep your plants healthy, here are ten resolutions you can make to see real results.
Stop Overwatering
Plants need the right amount of water. Look for signs of too much or too little watering. Photo: Tookapic/Pixabay
If you can resolve to do one thing, this is it. More people kill plants with too much care than too little. Water your plants only when the soil is dry an inch below the surface. Buy a moisture probe if you don’t like checking with your fingers.
Need more help with this? Read our popular blog post on house plant watering 101 here.
Buy The Right Plants For Your Home
Don’t fight the light or humidity you have to work with. Choose plants that like what you have to offer. Photo: Pixabay
The “right” plants aren’t the most popular or trendy. They’re the ones best suited to the conditions in your home. Set them up for success with the right amount of light, humidity, and temperatures. Not too dark or bright, dry (most plants like humidity), and not too hot or cold. If you’re comfortable, your plants will be comfortable.
Check For Problems Regularly
Use the opportunity to look over your plants for pests or problems when you are watering. Photo: Pixabay
There’s a reason our blog post on fungus gnats is the most read page on our website year after year. This problem is easier to prevent than cure (especially if you STOP overwatering), but if you are inspecting your plants frequently, you might catch this problem and others before they get out of control – or at least before the rest of your plants are infested.
Start a Gardening Journal
Start a gardening journal – whether it’s paper or electronic. Photo: Pixabay
If this sounds too intimidating, use a small blank notebook or calendar (paper or virtual) and start with writing down your watering schedule. It will help keep you honest. Make notes about pest issues, leaf colors, or anything you notice. You’ll start picking up some patterns.
Buy One New Type of Plant Every Season
Seek out something new once every season. Photo: Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels
Four times each year, choose a new indoor plant you don’t already have at home. Ask someone at your local nursery for ideas. This leads to the next resolution…
Become a Regular Customer at a Local Nursery
We get it. It’s easy to buy your plants from a big box store (or Costco!). You can find some knowledgeable people. But you’ll be assured of better quality plants and expert advice when you do business with locally owned nurseries. San Diego County is blessed to have many good choices in all areas.
Try Bonsai
Bonsai are miniature versions of larger trees or shrubs. Photo: Kian/Pixabay
If you’re a little past beginner stage, try raising a bonsai plant. Bonsai is an ornamental tree or shrub grown in a pot and prevented from reaching its normal size. You end up (if you do it well) with an artificially created dwarf version of a larger plant. Bonsai play a role in the practice of feng shui. They are believed to draw life energy into a room and share it with people who pass through. They are also a beautiful focal point for your home, giving you many hours of enjoyment. Because you need to carefully trim a bonsai, the next resolution is essential.
Invest in a Quality Pair of Pruning Shears
Invest in the best quality pruning shears you can afford and keep them sharpened. Photo: Gary Barnes
Pruning shears remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches from plants. You need to keep dead stems trimmed away from healthy plants. Dead plant material can spread whatever may have killed it off or attract insects. Pruning also helps prevent undesirable growth. Keep the blades sharp just like you keep your best kitchen knives sharp. Clean, sharp cuts heal most quickly. You can buy good shears of stainless steel, chrome-plated, or carbon steel. Let your local nursery help you choose.
Join a Gardening Club
Gardening is a lifelong activity for young and old. No matter what type of plants you love, there’s a group of people who share your interest. Today you can join online gardening groups packed with smart, generous people. If you’re in San Diego, join the San Diego Gardener private Facebook group for a start, run by our friend Nan Sterman. The group welcomes beginners!
Follow More Plant Experts Online
Thank you for following us at Good Earth Plant Company. Tell a friend!
We know you’re smart enough to follow Good Earth Plant Company. Pick a few new experts to follow and learn from. I know a lot about plants, but I’m always learning from my colleagues.
Resolve to pay more attention to keeping your plants healthy and thriving in 2022, and they’ll keep you healthy and thriving, too. Isn’t that a lot better than giving up chocolate?
