Container Plants Survived Week Long Vacation with Easy DIY Tricks

Photo: butternut squash (left) and early sunglow corn (right) both from seeds

I went on a week long vacation to the tropics.  I started some seeds in containers on March 28, 2011 and left them outdoors in DIY mini-greenhouses to germinate.  Most of them had already sprouted before leaving for my trip.  I watered the plants thoroughly, and used the plastic bag method and homemade greenhouses to keep the soil moist and the plants happy while I was away.  I am happy to report that not only did all of the seedlings survive, but also more seeds have sprouted!

Photo: Romaine Lettuce from seeds

Photo: Cantelope (left) and Cucumber (right) both from seeds

Photo: Bush Bean from seed

Photo: Late Corn (left) and Watermelon (right) both from seeds

UCB Spring Plant Sale 2011

University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley is having its Public Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, April 30, 2011 between 10 AM and 2 PM.  They have exotic and unusual plants, and specialize in mediterranean-climate plants including California natives, and plants from South Africa, Australia, the Mediterranean region and South America.  For a list of plants that are available and more information about the Spring Plant Sale click here.  They accept cash, check or credit card.

If you have never visited UC Botanical Gardens at Berkeley, you are in for a treat!  This place is enormous and they have many beautiful, inspiring gardens.

Cheap Reusable Plant Labels

I have had a difficult time finding inexpensive plant labels in mainstream stores.  Here are some plant markers that are available online and are eligible for free shipping.  You can write on them with a pencil, and then erase and reuse them.    

Luster Leaf Rapiclip 6-Inch Garden Plant Labels - 50 Pack 840 ($4.74 + Eligible for Amazon Free Shipping)

Jump Start Reusable Plant Markers 50 Ct. ($4.95 + Free Shipping)