Replies

I am no kind of gardener, but I love this thread each week. I can say that one of my African violets has been blooming profusely for a couple weeks now, and I have not killed any houseplants in many months.

NEMDF:" I am no kind of gardener, but I love this thread each week.
I can say that one of my African violets has been blooming profusely for a couple weeks now,
and I have not killed any houseplants in many months"

Now that is a siginificant accomplishment !
African Violets are tempermental and sensative to sunlight (east/Northeast), and the proper amount of moisture (via bottom fed).
Maybe it's time to expand your horizons this spring..?
My first introduction to horticulture was tending 50 african violets, another 40 'wandering jew',
and a variety of others for my mom's college alumnae plant sale in NY , while she was in Florida during the winter.
I welcome your success .. and encourage you to expand this spring.

I failed to mention that the African Violets are tempermental to drafts and temperture variations.
Yes, it was quite a learning expierience for me, and got me started in horticulture in my early twenties.
A decade and a half later , I went into Master Gardener training and volunteered for several years through the local cooperative extension office.
I intend to do the "Snowbird" thing to warmer climes, and will have to reacclimate, and learn reccomended seed varieties, plant and soil diseases, pests , etc.
and have already looked into Master Gardener 're-certification' for Southern climes in western coastal Florida.
I may end up being the only 'Grey Panther' in class, but am looking forward to learning more information.
Not everyone can dedicate the time to the training, but it is a learning expierience that will last you a lifetime; you learn how to educate others,so the knowldege expands.
Continue to expand yourself- with me it began with African Violets, and another 135 plants in three picture windows.
Plants will brighten your life . Continue growing yourself ,.. and your plants.