Using Light to Determine Seed Pod's Ripeness

Photo: The light is shining at this bok choy pod in a way that illuminates the round seeds inside.

Quick Tip: Hold up seed pods against the strong sunlight to tell if seeds have formed in the pod.  If pods are ripe, you should be able to see the seeds.   See Photo Above.

Planting Pumpkin Seeds for Halloween

Photo: Young pumpkin plant

I planted a couple of pumpkin seeds directly in the soil earlier this month.  I hope I planted them in time for Halloween!  I would love to have a porch full of Jack-o-Lanterns.

Free Areca Palm by Mail

Photo: Areca Palm, Free Plant of the Month by freeplantsbymail.org

Free Plants By Mail (freeplantsbymail.org) was started by local growers as a way to use the surplus plants from nurseries and also as a way to support The Nature Conservancy.  Free Plants By Mail offers a new free plant each month.  This month they are offering areca palms.  Although the plant itself is free, you do have to pay a small shipping and handling fee of $6.95.

This organization also has over 100 plants available for sale on their site.  100% of the proceeds from the sale will go to The Nature Conservancy.

Click here to view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).