Fertilizer.
Hi everyone! I’m getting more comfortable with my plants and understanding their needs, so I definitely want to try fertilizer for my indoor plants this upcoming growing season. I haven’t used any before so I shopped around online for what my plants need and I thought I would ask for some advice as I have a few questions.
First, would these two kinds I’ve been looking at even be good for the plants I have? I have a lot of varieties of plants but I’m mostly looking for things to use for my foxtail ferns, pothos, coleus, teardrop ivy, and maybe also the silica on some of my succulents but I’m not sure. Would these be okay? (see photos)
Second, if I’m using silica would I even need the other one or would they still want the other nutrients?? I’ve never used silica so I have no idea how it functions as a fertilizer or which important nutrients it may not provide.
Third, does anyone else have experience using these brands? The reviews looked good but it’s always nice to have a second opinion! If not, what is your favorite silica supplement/organic fertilizer? Let me know!
#HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddict #PlantTherapy #NewPlantMom fertilizer">#fertilizer #help #helpneeded #PothosPack #TeardropIvy #Coleus #SucculentSquad #FoxtailFern
First, would these two kinds I’ve been looking at even be good for the plants I have? I have a lot of varieties of plants but I’m mostly looking for things to use for my foxtail ferns, pothos, coleus, teardrop ivy, and maybe also the silica on some of my succulents but I’m not sure. Would these be okay? (see photos)
Second, if I’m using silica would I even need the other one or would they still want the other nutrients?? I’ve never used silica so I have no idea how it functions as a fertilizer or which important nutrients it may not provide.
Third, does anyone else have experience using these brands? The reviews looked good but it’s always nice to have a second opinion! If not, what is your favorite silica supplement/organic fertilizer? Let me know!
#HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddict #PlantTherapy #NewPlantMom fertilizer">#fertilizer #help #helpneeded #PothosPack #TeardropIvy #Coleus #SucculentSquad #FoxtailFern
47
Best Answer
Fertilizer definitely! Silica why? I know a lot of people recommend it on here but I am absolutely against it.
When you have healthy soil it is completely unnecessary.
Sorry fans of silica 😢🩷
If fact it can do a range of bad things to your babies. Nutrient lockout is a huge one because then it makes your fertilizer useless.
It raises alkalinity which can cause yellowing and stunted growth.
Plants in pots need nutrients so you really don't want to add anything that is going to prevent nutrient uptake.
You only need one good fertilizer. Liquid is preferred because it absorbs easier.
Here's a little bit of info I previously shared.
Fertilizer
You want an NPK fertilizer which will show up on the front of the container.
N- Nitrogen for Foilage growth
P- Phosphorous for root growth
K- Potassium for overall health
It will look like this on the front.
Ten-ten-ten
Five-ten- eight
Six-eight-five
Each fertilizer will have its own numbers and you want each one to be between five and ten. The number represents the percentage in the fertilizer. If it's between five and ten for each ingredient your plant will get the perfect amount of nutrients. Too high can burn roots and cause other issues weakening the plants making them vulnerable to disease and infections.
Liquid is better because the plants can absorb it easier. Plus it gives your plants an instant boost of nutrients.
My preferred fertilizer is Super Thrive Foilage Pro. It's inexpensive and works great. I use it on all of my plants. Not now because it is winter and they all need to rest. But I start fertilizing in Spring.
Sorry I had to write out the numbers or Greg won't let me share it. 🩷
When you have healthy soil it is completely unnecessary.
Sorry fans of silica 😢🩷
If fact it can do a range of bad things to your babies. Nutrient lockout is a huge one because then it makes your fertilizer useless.
It raises alkalinity which can cause yellowing and stunted growth.
Plants in pots need nutrients so you really don't want to add anything that is going to prevent nutrient uptake.
You only need one good fertilizer. Liquid is preferred because it absorbs easier.
Here's a little bit of info I previously shared.
Fertilizer
You want an NPK fertilizer which will show up on the front of the container.
N- Nitrogen for Foilage growth
P- Phosphorous for root growth
K- Potassium for overall health
It will look like this on the front.
Ten-ten-ten
Five-ten- eight
Six-eight-five
Each fertilizer will have its own numbers and you want each one to be between five and ten. The number represents the percentage in the fertilizer. If it's between five and ten for each ingredient your plant will get the perfect amount of nutrients. Too high can burn roots and cause other issues weakening the plants making them vulnerable to disease and infections.
Liquid is better because the plants can absorb it easier. Plus it gives your plants an instant boost of nutrients.
My preferred fertilizer is Super Thrive Foilage Pro. It's inexpensive and works great. I use it on all of my plants. Not now because it is winter and they all need to rest. But I start fertilizing in Spring.
Sorry I had to write out the numbers or Greg won't let me share it. 🩷
@SuperbRaspfern Wow! 😮 I heard so many good things about silica I didn’t know it could be harmful. I will take a look at your recommended fertilizer 👀 thank you!
@SuperbRaspfern would the fertilizer you suggested be ok for my pothos njoy? I heard that silica is good for white leaves and she has some beautiful leaves that are half green and half white 😍 I’m trying to learn all I can about fertilizer well before the growing season so I’m ready for the new growth haha
Absolutely perfect. I use it for mine as well with no issue at all. I moved my NJOY outdoors for winter just because I had too many plants and so she having a tough go of it. But here are some others with white (no silica) only super thrive and they do great!! Just try to remember with anything in the plant world. Less is more. It's very easy to throw too much at them and overdo it. They are quite self sufficient on their own. A good quality fertilizer is really all that's necessary.
Plus it add money in your pocket for more plant!!!!
Plus it add money in your pocket for more plant!!!!
@SuperbRaspfern Your plants look like they’re loving life! I can only seem to find superthrive’s liquid fertilizer with the numbers “9-3-6” online. Is that one okay?
I'm a bit busier out here but ABSOLUTELY LOVING IT!!! I just added 8 new hens a couple weeks ago. Adopted to feral cats named Will Feral and Casper and thinks about a couple donkeys and some sheep to graze. So, I did give away a bunch of plants. Just because the extra time I have has dwindled significantly. But I kept most of them I got rid of all the doubles and triple of things.
@DreamMachine I saw you mention something about Silica earlier 🤔 Maybe you have some insight/other perspective?😄
I have tried myself on my calatheas, but I don't really understand it 😅 I think it made my white fusion's leaves less "papery" and more waxy? But it also splatted the lavendel-color on the back of the leaves 😅 I have had a break from it, but am trying again now as we have a little winter-depression going on😆🪴. (But I am also a little confused as to how little you are supposed to use: 0,1 ml to a litre stands on my box)🤪.
I have tried myself on my calatheas, but I don't really understand it 😅 I think it made my white fusion's leaves less "papery" and more waxy? But it also splatted the lavendel-color on the back of the leaves 😅 I have had a break from it, but am trying again now as we have a little winter-depression going on😆🪴. (But I am also a little confused as to how little you are supposed to use: 0,1 ml to a litre stands on my box)🤪.
@SuperbRaspfern so interesting! What do you think about a 10-10-10 fertilizer? I’ve been using that for a while, it seems okay, but I’ve been wondering about switching to that one. And what about plants that flower/you want to get to flower, does that make a difference?
@SuperbRaspfern Shannon! Your new home is gorgeous! I love those rolling hills and open countryside. I’m not used to that here. It’s incredible and looks like a beautiful life! Your plants are stunning and look amazing!
@Stephazar 10-10-10 is fine. The more concentrated it is the less you use. That's a high number which is fine as long as you're not getting brown tips or yellowing. As these can be a sign of too much of a good thing.
As far as flowers you generally want a higher middle number becaus that is Phosphorous which is what the plants use to grow flowers.
Saying that though I'll admit I use the same Super Thrive for all my plants and have never had an issue with them. They are always flowering even with 9-3-6. My African Violets flower consistently for months at a time. I've had flowers on almost all of my plants with no problems whatsoever.
@Idplantthat @DreamMachine @MockingJay @ZestyWhiteghost
For me, I feel like it's best to just keep things simple and streamline things. If you start adding things and go all out, it can be too much for you and the plants. For long term plant care for decades you really want things simple and sustainable.
I find that many people start off ALL IN. Then in time they burn out because it become an overwhelming job. Your hobbies should be fun and enjoyable.
Make a space to sit and read and escape the busyness of life. Enjoy the peaceful plants instead of working on them.
For most, eventually you learn with time that all that extra really doesn't help them grow any better. And the cost will buckle and dime you to death. Then you've used up all your money on stuff instead of plants. Which is what most of us here are passionate about.
As far as flowers you generally want a higher middle number becaus that is Phosphorous which is what the plants use to grow flowers.
Saying that though I'll admit I use the same Super Thrive for all my plants and have never had an issue with them. They are always flowering even with 9-3-6. My African Violets flower consistently for months at a time. I've had flowers on almost all of my plants with no problems whatsoever.
@Idplantthat @DreamMachine @MockingJay @ZestyWhiteghost
For me, I feel like it's best to just keep things simple and streamline things. If you start adding things and go all out, it can be too much for you and the plants. For long term plant care for decades you really want things simple and sustainable.
I find that many people start off ALL IN. Then in time they burn out because it become an overwhelming job. Your hobbies should be fun and enjoyable.
Make a space to sit and read and escape the busyness of life. Enjoy the peaceful plants instead of working on them.
For most, eventually you learn with time that all that extra really doesn't help them grow any better. And the cost will buckle and dime you to death. Then you've used up all your money on stuff instead of plants. Which is what most of us here are passionate about.
@SuperbRaspfern whoa! This is super interesting that you’re against silica! Thanks Veronika @MockingJay for tagging me here 🫶🏼 @Idplantthat and @Jho and I got into silica while you were away @SuperbRaspfern (you see what happens when Mom’s gone?? 😜) Shannon, do you put other stuff into your soil to make it healthy? I’ve only observed good things from the silica I have given my plants, but it is true I have only been using silica for a few months.
I read that if you put silica in first and let it sit out for a little while (15-30 min) that that will prevent lockout.
After I read this, I checked the ph of my fertilizer silica solution water and it was pretty neutral. 🤔 I’m reading now that Superthrive foliage pro can actually lower ph, so am I cancelling out the effects by using both of them?
Youve definitely given me some food for thought. I might chill it on the silica for a while and just observe the jungle, because I certainly don’t want to be hurting them. Are there any other negatives besides lockout and raising the ph? Do you know anything about the silica thats in rock dust soil amendments? Always appreciate your insight 🩶🥰
I read that if you put silica in first and let it sit out for a little while (15-30 min) that that will prevent lockout.
After I read this, I checked the ph of my fertilizer silica solution water and it was pretty neutral. 🤔 I’m reading now that Superthrive foliage pro can actually lower ph, so am I cancelling out the effects by using both of them?
Youve definitely given me some food for thought. I might chill it on the silica for a while and just observe the jungle, because I certainly don’t want to be hurting them. Are there any other negatives besides lockout and raising the ph? Do you know anything about the silica thats in rock dust soil amendments? Always appreciate your insight 🩶🥰
@DreamMachine Your hopefully wearing a mask? Because if you breathe it in it can actually cause permanent damage to your lungs. I definitely don't want that for you Nadia.
Oh boy, I just got rid of my pool when I sold my last house!!! And this reminds me of the science of caring for that.
When you have a neutral and then add Super Thrive which can lower the PH you are creating an alkaline environment for your plant.
That is what you don't want because it will cause nutrient lockout. The roots in turn lose the ability to absorb any nutrients at all. Leading to a plant that can literally absorb no nutrients even though your soil has nutrients.
This is why I am TOTALLY against adding anything beyond fertilizer to my soils. When you do that to a balanced soil you are basically creating a science experiment. Sometimes you won't notice the downfall of the excess until the plant has been badly damaged. Which can take months it's a slow process and one day suddenly you will notice problems starting.
Maybe you'll get more pests because of the weak plants ( bugs are drawn to weak plant ). Bugs are smart and they know weak plants are easier to digest. That is why they look for a weak plant.
You'll start to notice more yellow leaves from chlorosis. They may drop more leaves than usual. Things you can tell yourself is normal and your plant is just not happy because of weather or something you can explain.
But in reality your plant is struggling and getting weaker. Because its overall health and lack of nutrients.
You tell yourself that's not possible. I provide all these products to keep my plants healthy. But really all those products work the opposite way. Fighting each other and affecting the overall balance of healthy soil.
Okay, I'll shut up now. I just want everyone to really think about the impacts and know that just because it's sold for plants, that doesn't mean it's good for them. 🩷
Oh boy, I just got rid of my pool when I sold my last house!!! And this reminds me of the science of caring for that.
When you have a neutral and then add Super Thrive which can lower the PH you are creating an alkaline environment for your plant.
That is what you don't want because it will cause nutrient lockout. The roots in turn lose the ability to absorb any nutrients at all. Leading to a plant that can literally absorb no nutrients even though your soil has nutrients.
This is why I am TOTALLY against adding anything beyond fertilizer to my soils. When you do that to a balanced soil you are basically creating a science experiment. Sometimes you won't notice the downfall of the excess until the plant has been badly damaged. Which can take months it's a slow process and one day suddenly you will notice problems starting.
Maybe you'll get more pests because of the weak plants ( bugs are drawn to weak plant ). Bugs are smart and they know weak plants are easier to digest. That is why they look for a weak plant.
You'll start to notice more yellow leaves from chlorosis. They may drop more leaves than usual. Things you can tell yourself is normal and your plant is just not happy because of weather or something you can explain.
But in reality your plant is struggling and getting weaker. Because its overall health and lack of nutrients.
You tell yourself that's not possible. I provide all these products to keep my plants healthy. But really all those products work the opposite way. Fighting each other and affecting the overall balance of healthy soil.
Okay, I'll shut up now. I just want everyone to really think about the impacts and know that just because it's sold for plants, that doesn't mean it's good for them. 🩷
@NewMingthing40 stay away from granuales and other fertilizers. Always use liquid and add it to water when your plants need water. Make sure those numbers are NEVER above 10.
When you start using your fertilizer use a very weak 1/2 strength and you can build up from there.
Some extra tips:
If you get a new plant NEVER fertilize right away. ALWAYS give them a month or so before you start with fertilizer. Because a new plant will be in shock. They don't grow during this period and any fertilizer used will burn the roots.
Liquid is much easier to use and control. It's easier for them to absorb and when added in water is much harder to over fertilize with.
If you notice the fertilizer balls in your soil don't fertilize for at least 6 months.
Some fertilizer balls can last up to a year!!!
When you buy a bag of soil many have the fertilizer balls mixed in in that case don't fertilize. For at least 6 months.
I make my own soil so I never have fertilizer added.
You are actually better off erring on the side of caution because the health of your plant depends on healthy roots. When the get burnt it's hard to come backs from 🩷
If any of that doesn't make sense and need more explaining just tag me @SuperbRaspfern
When you start using your fertilizer use a very weak 1/2 strength and you can build up from there.
Some extra tips:
If you get a new plant NEVER fertilize right away. ALWAYS give them a month or so before you start with fertilizer. Because a new plant will be in shock. They don't grow during this period and any fertilizer used will burn the roots.
Liquid is much easier to use and control. It's easier for them to absorb and when added in water is much harder to over fertilize with.
If you notice the fertilizer balls in your soil don't fertilize for at least 6 months.
Some fertilizer balls can last up to a year!!!
When you buy a bag of soil many have the fertilizer balls mixed in in that case don't fertilize. For at least 6 months.
I make my own soil so I never have fertilizer added.
You are actually better off erring on the side of caution because the health of your plant depends on healthy roots. When the get burnt it's hard to come backs from 🩷
If any of that doesn't make sense and need more explaining just tag me @SuperbRaspfern
@DreamMachine 😂😭
I did see some questionable things being said while I was away. Got tempted to say something and then said nope. I decided to trust all you girls and boys to figure it out and make great decisions. To make me proud!!!!
🤨
Just kidding, you are all the best and I missed you all. I just knew if I sat down to speak up I would never get settled into my new place.
To answer your question I only use liquid fertilizer, nothing else.
I did see some questionable things being said while I was away. Got tempted to say something and then said nope. I decided to trust all you girls and boys to figure it out and make great decisions. To make me proud!!!!
🤨
Just kidding, you are all the best and I missed you all. I just knew if I sat down to speak up I would never get settled into my new place.
To answer your question I only use liquid fertilizer, nothing else.
@SuperbRaspfern @DreamMachine I tried silica once but couldn’t find away to feel safe with the dust 😷
@SuperbRaspfern dang it, the more I learn, the more I learn I don’t know anything! Thank you Shannon 🩶 (dust mask was worn and mixed in a closed container outside)
@SuperbRaspfern wait just to clarify. If something is neutral and you add something that lowers ph that makes it go alkaline? Is alkaline not anything possessing a ph of greater than 7?
@DreamMachine Science is so complicated
When you add a buffer, say silica. Which is a moisture buffer. The alkali silicates in the silica causes a reaction. Silica is actually not neutral as many believe it is in fact slightly alkaline.
Anyway the reaction causes a weak salicic acid to form. Then when added to something that lowers PH a reaction occurs. When that happens Hydrogen Ions are used in excess. Creating soil low in Hydrogen Ions. Which is turn creating and alkaline soil.
When you have alkaline soil the nutrients can't be absorbed into your plant. Hence, the bad for plants.
Hopefully, that makes sense. I know chemistry is hard for most people to understand. That's why I say to avoid it entirely unless you are a chemist. I've always loved chemistry and it was my favorite class in college. 🩷
But, even I don't dabble because I know how risky it can be.
When you add a buffer, say silica. Which is a moisture buffer. The alkali silicates in the silica causes a reaction. Silica is actually not neutral as many believe it is in fact slightly alkaline.
Anyway the reaction causes a weak salicic acid to form. Then when added to something that lowers PH a reaction occurs. When that happens Hydrogen Ions are used in excess. Creating soil low in Hydrogen Ions. Which is turn creating and alkaline soil.
When you have alkaline soil the nutrients can't be absorbed into your plant. Hence, the bad for plants.
Hopefully, that makes sense. I know chemistry is hard for most people to understand. That's why I say to avoid it entirely unless you are a chemist. I've always loved chemistry and it was my favorite class in college. 🩷
But, even I don't dabble because I know how risky it can be.
@SuperbRaspfern I have been using it silica for 5 years I use it diluted along with diluted fertilizer every time I water my plants, this way my plants get a steady amount of nutrients instead of a burst every now and then. I only use distilled water also. I choose to add the silica because I’ve seen a huge difference in the health in my plants, to me it’s worth the $7.99 every 6 months… #SilicaHelps #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy
@SuperbRaspfern holy macaroni. 😳Thank you, it does, but I was daydreaming and solving different equations and making up stories in my head in chemistry. 🙃 very grateful to you for explaining 🙏🏼
Ok, sorry, more questions 🙋🏼♀️ If I’ve been giving my plants silica for a few months, should my next round of watering be flushing with plain water only or do I go back to just regular fertilzer only? @SuperbRaspfern Dang it there was another question I’m forgetting 🙃
Oh!! Of course I push send and then I remember it 😂 Can I copy paste your comments on this for another plant group I’m in thats discussing silica? @SuperbRaspfern
@DreamMachine Always you never need to ask to share anything I write. It's for everyone.
And yes you need to flush it out.
The bad news is over time silica binds to the soil itself. So, 1 watering won't remove it.
For 1 month minimum when your plant needs watered, water heavily. You want the water is coming out of the bottom drainage holes.
They will be fine with no added fertilizer throughout this month. Then you can start to fertilize again.
Just remind yourself you want to start with a clean state in your soil.
Plants are inherently hearty and can be just fine with nothing added for a while. This will also allow them a rest to build up energy for a big burst of growth come spring.
I know many people fight the winter semi dormancy but if you get into he habit of encouraging it every winter you will notice a huge difference. It's actually a good thing and will help your plants live longer. They too get tired and need a real just like us.
And yes you need to flush it out.
The bad news is over time silica binds to the soil itself. So, 1 watering won't remove it.
For 1 month minimum when your plant needs watered, water heavily. You want the water is coming out of the bottom drainage holes.
They will be fine with no added fertilizer throughout this month. Then you can start to fertilize again.
Just remind yourself you want to start with a clean state in your soil.
Plants are inherently hearty and can be just fine with nothing added for a while. This will also allow them a rest to build up energy for a big burst of growth come spring.
I know many people fight the winter semi dormancy but if you get into he habit of encouraging it every winter you will notice a huge difference. It's actually a good thing and will help your plants live longer. They too get tired and need a real just like us.
@SuperbRaspfern well I guess it is not the worst time to do all this flushing with winter 😆 Thank you so much 🥰😭
@SuperbRaspfern
Oh dear Shannon...You've fallen completely in love with your new homestead and
I wouldn't spend too much time indoors either!
It's so gorgeous where you live. Nature is everywhere and I don't think you have any close neighbors?
How fun it is to be among the chickens, donkey, sheep, feral cats, Roxy, and whatever furry pets come to you in the future. 🦄🐎🐱🐱🐕🐄🐮🐏🐖
I'm so happy that you're happy!
Your life's dream come true...
Ok, so now it's time to share how I feel about your home! Gorgeous... homey! It looks like the walls are freshly painted and I'm loving your wooden floors.. Awesome windows. You've decorated simply, yet elegant.
All of your plants are to die for and are perfectly "showcased". It looks like you have all natural light! What a blessing. Did I glimpse an overhead grow light somewhere?
The next time you post, please take a photo of you and the family wearing coveralls and holding pitchforks! Lol 😶😂
And, thanks so much for sharing with us. 🤗😍✨🎈🎆😘🍄🎉
Oh dear Shannon...You've fallen completely in love with your new homestead and
I wouldn't spend too much time indoors either!
It's so gorgeous where you live. Nature is everywhere and I don't think you have any close neighbors?
How fun it is to be among the chickens, donkey, sheep, feral cats, Roxy, and whatever furry pets come to you in the future. 🦄🐎🐱🐱🐕🐄🐮🐏🐖
I'm so happy that you're happy!
Your life's dream come true...
Ok, so now it's time to share how I feel about your home! Gorgeous... homey! It looks like the walls are freshly painted and I'm loving your wooden floors.. Awesome windows. You've decorated simply, yet elegant.
All of your plants are to die for and are perfectly "showcased". It looks like you have all natural light! What a blessing. Did I glimpse an overhead grow light somewhere?
The next time you post, please take a photo of you and the family wearing coveralls and holding pitchforks! Lol 😶😂
And, thanks so much for sharing with us. 🤗😍✨🎈🎆😘🍄🎉
@SuperbRaspfern
One last thing.
PLEASE 🙏 tell me if I said ANYTHING wrong in a comment or post!
I definitely want to know so that it can be corrected.
I try not to answer any question that I'm not sure of the answer but there may be a slip up now and again.
And...do you do your special "Neem Spray Dance" for your plants in your new home? 🤔 😀 😂 😘 😍
With that awesome Mission Impossible music?
One last thing.
PLEASE 🙏 tell me if I said ANYTHING wrong in a comment or post!
I definitely want to know so that it can be corrected.
I try not to answer any question that I'm not sure of the answer but there may be a slip up now and again.
And...do you do your special "Neem Spray Dance" for your plants in your new home? 🤔 😀 😂 😘 😍
With that awesome Mission Impossible music?
@CutePolypremum You could never say anything wrong in my eyes my dear!!!
I've missed you sooo much and hope you are hanging in there.
Not a single grow light to be seen. They are all tucked away in sheds now. No longer needed. The natural light is amazing in this house. The windows are any plant lovers dream. I knew when I saw the house that my plants would be happier than ever. And they are.
I haven't need a neem treatment at all. There are bugs and spiders but the good ones that will feed on the bad bugs. I have come to embrace them. I actually told my family that can't kill any spiders that may find a way into my 'plant room' they are going to be my inside assistants!!
My flock of chicken keeps the bugs outside at bay. They are free range and follow me around and then if I'm inside they follow me from window to window. I've fallen in love with each and every one. My little babies.
Here's a photo of the flock with my two massive roosters standing guard over their hens. Since I snapped the photo from above the look small, they are not. They are very good boys!!! Taking care of all the ladies.
And 😂, we do look a bit farmy, I tend to wear my boots everywhere!!! And I feel like I always have animal fur caked on me. But all the critters are so worth it!!!
I'll be sure to snap a photo next time I'm cleaning the coop just for you!!! And you are right NO neighbors at least that you can see. There is a big 1500 acre ranch behind us but they never really pass by. Exactly what we were looking for utter peace and quiet. It's heavenly you hear the coyotes and frogs at night. I see deer in the mornings and a huge wild boar that passes through almost every dawn. There are cows mooing and horses neighing in the distance but that's about it. And tons of birds we have many absolutely stunning magpies!!! They are stunning. Hummingbird, crows, hawks etc.
Literally my happy place. I am planning on making a GIANT vegetable garden. I'm thinking water troughs to prevent the gophers 🤞 And high fences. But it needs to be worked on this year to critter proof it. The wild hares, cottontails gophers deer, boar etc. would just feast away otherwise. So hopefully next year. That will be great!!
Our house is in the last photo. I walk the property line with Roxy every morning and that is a photo from the edge of our property. It's rolling hills all over so it's hard to portray in photos but it really is beautiful. The first hill is blocking the view of all the fruit trees that are planted. Right now they are all dormant. Love you my friend 🩷🩷🩷
I've missed you sooo much and hope you are hanging in there.
Not a single grow light to be seen. They are all tucked away in sheds now. No longer needed. The natural light is amazing in this house. The windows are any plant lovers dream. I knew when I saw the house that my plants would be happier than ever. And they are.
I haven't need a neem treatment at all. There are bugs and spiders but the good ones that will feed on the bad bugs. I have come to embrace them. I actually told my family that can't kill any spiders that may find a way into my 'plant room' they are going to be my inside assistants!!
My flock of chicken keeps the bugs outside at bay. They are free range and follow me around and then if I'm inside they follow me from window to window. I've fallen in love with each and every one. My little babies.
Here's a photo of the flock with my two massive roosters standing guard over their hens. Since I snapped the photo from above the look small, they are not. They are very good boys!!! Taking care of all the ladies.
And 😂, we do look a bit farmy, I tend to wear my boots everywhere!!! And I feel like I always have animal fur caked on me. But all the critters are so worth it!!!
I'll be sure to snap a photo next time I'm cleaning the coop just for you!!! And you are right NO neighbors at least that you can see. There is a big 1500 acre ranch behind us but they never really pass by. Exactly what we were looking for utter peace and quiet. It's heavenly you hear the coyotes and frogs at night. I see deer in the mornings and a huge wild boar that passes through almost every dawn. There are cows mooing and horses neighing in the distance but that's about it. And tons of birds we have many absolutely stunning magpies!!! They are stunning. Hummingbird, crows, hawks etc.
Literally my happy place. I am planning on making a GIANT vegetable garden. I'm thinking water troughs to prevent the gophers 🤞 And high fences. But it needs to be worked on this year to critter proof it. The wild hares, cottontails gophers deer, boar etc. would just feast away otherwise. So hopefully next year. That will be great!!
Our house is in the last photo. I walk the property line with Roxy every morning and that is a photo from the edge of our property. It's rolling hills all over so it's hard to portray in photos but it really is beautiful. The first hill is blocking the view of all the fruit trees that are planted. Right now they are all dormant. Love you my friend 🩷🩷🩷
@SuperbRaspfern
An early good country morning to you, my precious friend.
Oh how glad that you're back and we appreciate hearing from you when you can.
No pressure, but when will that be? 🤔 Just kidding of course! 😄
It's probably a blessing in disguise not to have WiFi.
I love hearing about your new life on the farm. You deserve it sweetie pie.
You're going to get lots of miles walking in your boots.
And, I have a feeling that because you're so happy, that the Behcet's is more under control?
I'm convinced that if I could have a Golden Retriever I'd be cured! 😍😘
Your home looks so beautiful in the distance photo and looks to be in the perfect spot. It's larger than I thought!
I know I'm gushing but can't help myself. A sunny room only dedicated for your plants along with cozy nooks to read while enjoying your babies. And, awesome about having the good bugs and spiders at your fingertips!
Whenever we see a spider (which isn't often) we put it in a plant.
I'm looking forward to having a photo of the coop...and hopefully with you too.
When we lived in Northern California eons ago, we had free range chickens also.
My favorite time was watching them snuggle in for the night and letting them out early morning.
Finding eggs in their nests and digging up potatoes are alike to me...you never know what you're gonna get or how many!
An early good country morning to you, my precious friend.
Oh how glad that you're back and we appreciate hearing from you when you can.
No pressure, but when will that be? 🤔 Just kidding of course! 😄
It's probably a blessing in disguise not to have WiFi.
I love hearing about your new life on the farm. You deserve it sweetie pie.
You're going to get lots of miles walking in your boots.
And, I have a feeling that because you're so happy, that the Behcet's is more under control?
I'm convinced that if I could have a Golden Retriever I'd be cured! 😍😘
Your home looks so beautiful in the distance photo and looks to be in the perfect spot. It's larger than I thought!
I know I'm gushing but can't help myself. A sunny room only dedicated for your plants along with cozy nooks to read while enjoying your babies. And, awesome about having the good bugs and spiders at your fingertips!
Whenever we see a spider (which isn't often) we put it in a plant.
I'm looking forward to having a photo of the coop...and hopefully with you too.
When we lived in Northern California eons ago, we had free range chickens also.
My favorite time was watching them snuggle in for the night and letting them out early morning.
Finding eggs in their nests and digging up potatoes are alike to me...you never know what you're gonna get or how many!
Oops...I sent that too soon so here's part 2...😅
We also had 2 milk goats. I used to milk them every morning quite early, with my wee son in his backpack.
There's A funny instance that happened.
My husband's parents were visiting. They had brought a box of Twinkies and left them on the front seat.
A while later, I just happened to look in the car and there was Matilda...our large white goat. She was sitting on her bum, and chewing away at a Twinkie!
She had opened the box and was enjoying her third one. 😶 😃
Needless to say, she didn't get sick...
So honey, finally I have a plant question. You know that I follow you religiously because of your long experience growing your plants; your scientific knowledge; your simplicity, you know what you're doing, and, most of all, your kind heart.
My brain can only hold so much. I can't remember most of the names I gave my plants and forget even trying to knowing the scientific names!
I just love it when you recommended that we enjoy our plants and not make their care complicated.
Finally!!!!!!! The question...😎😉...I water The Tribe 3 times with distilled water.
The fourth watering I use diluted Super Thrive Foliage Pro. Should I change to using only distilled water and not use any Super Thrive Foliage Pro until the Spring?
Thank you for being you and for helping us with our plants and also so many other things.
Sending big hugs to you, your daughter, your husband, and any other hoomans in your life that I may have forgotten. Also to your furry and feathery friends who will allow you!!!
I love you to pieces! 🤗😍🦄🍑🍒🌽✨🎇
We also had 2 milk goats. I used to milk them every morning quite early, with my wee son in his backpack.
There's A funny instance that happened.
My husband's parents were visiting. They had brought a box of Twinkies and left them on the front seat.
A while later, I just happened to look in the car and there was Matilda...our large white goat. She was sitting on her bum, and chewing away at a Twinkie!
She had opened the box and was enjoying her third one. 😶 😃
Needless to say, she didn't get sick...
So honey, finally I have a plant question. You know that I follow you religiously because of your long experience growing your plants; your scientific knowledge; your simplicity, you know what you're doing, and, most of all, your kind heart.
My brain can only hold so much. I can't remember most of the names I gave my plants and forget even trying to knowing the scientific names!
I just love it when you recommended that we enjoy our plants and not make their care complicated.
Finally!!!!!!! The question...😎😉...I water The Tribe 3 times with distilled water.
The fourth watering I use diluted Super Thrive Foliage Pro. Should I change to using only distilled water and not use any Super Thrive Foliage Pro until the Spring?
Thank you for being you and for helping us with our plants and also so many other things.
Sending big hugs to you, your daughter, your husband, and any other hoomans in your life that I may have forgotten. Also to your furry and feathery friends who will allow you!!!
I love you to pieces! 🤗😍🦄🍑🍒🌽✨🎇
@SuperbRaspfern
Yikes! Me again!
We had 🦌 🦌 deer and hedgehogs getting into our garden.
So, for the hedgehogs we dug trenches about a foot or more deep. Height of the fences were about 12 feet high.
We sank the bottom part of the fence into the trench and of course uprighted the tall fences.
From what I remember, we used chicken 🐔 wire. Planks were used to brace them.
Hedgehogs are notorious for burrowing and so are gophers.
What are gophers attracted to in one's garden?
In what way will you use water troughs to dete gophers?
I'm soooo curious!
❤️ 💙 💜
Yikes! Me again!
We had 🦌 🦌 deer and hedgehogs getting into our garden.
So, for the hedgehogs we dug trenches about a foot or more deep. Height of the fences were about 12 feet high.
We sank the bottom part of the fence into the trench and of course uprighted the tall fences.
From what I remember, we used chicken 🐔 wire. Planks were used to brace them.
Hedgehogs are notorious for burrowing and so are gophers.
What are gophers attracted to in one's garden?
In what way will you use water troughs to dete gophers?
I'm soooo curious!
❤️ 💙 💜
I absolutely agree animals are the best medicine in the world.
I have to say although I am much busier. I have felt healthier to my core. More relaxed, slower (but not really because I am busier).
But, it genuinely feels like that. My husband thinks it's because I love the animals each and every one so very much. They greet me everytime I walk outdoors. Seemingly coming out of nowhere. And I LOVE it!!!
So absolutely a Golden Retriever would be the best medicine. I have felt so much healthier. I think erasing the stress of living in town helps. No car alarms, sirens etc. You tend to forget there is an outside world and end up being in a safe, calm, quiet and peaceful world that you have all to yourself.
I rarely turn on music or the TV. Choosing to relish the sounds of nature instead. Right now I am hearing birds singing, roosters crowing and cows mooing and it is utterly calm.
I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one to embrace spider and instead I brave them and allow them to do their jobs.
I bet you miss your old place with the chickens and goats. And relish the time you had so that you can recall all of the warm memories you made. Goats can indeed be stinkers!!!
Another very happy time in my life is when I lived on a sailboat with my husband when we were first married for 3 years. Melissa my daughter actually lived on that sailboat as a baby. We loved it. We were never docked choosing to live farther away from people on a mooring that we would row to. But we loved the bucket baths, silence movement of the boat rocking. Even though we had no electronics or refrigerator or any modern convieniences. And our living space was small. We both loved it so very much.
Everybody said we were going to hate it and it was a bad idea! We said we didn't care we want to and that's final. We did and now we have the most cherished memories. Back then my animals were ducks that would come by for bread every day quacking away. They were cutie pies! The dolphins and birds were fantastic.
Awe!! Hedgehogs are so darling!!! Gophers love to feed on the roots. So by the time you know they are there the roots are already gone.
The cats have been a big help they have brought me mice happily eating their prize in front of me. They have also left me gopher heads on my doormat. So both cats busy helping me out!!! I feel like they are thanking me for friendship, pets and love. I also feed them kibble and make sure they have water. They have both gone from feral and terrified to purring sweet babies who adore affection always waiting by my back door.
Since the gophers dig tunnels below ground to eat roots they won't be able to get through the metal. So that will help to deter them.
Thanks for the recommendations on critter proofing. It all helps.
Lastly I would use NO fertilizer at all until spring. It's okay to have some scraggly plants through winter that just means they are resting. Which is what you want. They always come back!
I actually have had my fertilizer stored since late November and won't pull it back out until March.
It's up to you of course but if you make a habit out of the total break yearly your plants will be happier and healthier.
@CutePolypremum @Uzi Sorry we have hijacked your post!!! 😢😉☺️
I have to say although I am much busier. I have felt healthier to my core. More relaxed, slower (but not really because I am busier).
But, it genuinely feels like that. My husband thinks it's because I love the animals each and every one so very much. They greet me everytime I walk outdoors. Seemingly coming out of nowhere. And I LOVE it!!!
So absolutely a Golden Retriever would be the best medicine. I have felt so much healthier. I think erasing the stress of living in town helps. No car alarms, sirens etc. You tend to forget there is an outside world and end up being in a safe, calm, quiet and peaceful world that you have all to yourself.
I rarely turn on music or the TV. Choosing to relish the sounds of nature instead. Right now I am hearing birds singing, roosters crowing and cows mooing and it is utterly calm.
I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one to embrace spider and instead I brave them and allow them to do their jobs.
I bet you miss your old place with the chickens and goats. And relish the time you had so that you can recall all of the warm memories you made. Goats can indeed be stinkers!!!
Another very happy time in my life is when I lived on a sailboat with my husband when we were first married for 3 years. Melissa my daughter actually lived on that sailboat as a baby. We loved it. We were never docked choosing to live farther away from people on a mooring that we would row to. But we loved the bucket baths, silence movement of the boat rocking. Even though we had no electronics or refrigerator or any modern convieniences. And our living space was small. We both loved it so very much.
Everybody said we were going to hate it and it was a bad idea! We said we didn't care we want to and that's final. We did and now we have the most cherished memories. Back then my animals were ducks that would come by for bread every day quacking away. They were cutie pies! The dolphins and birds were fantastic.
Awe!! Hedgehogs are so darling!!! Gophers love to feed on the roots. So by the time you know they are there the roots are already gone.
The cats have been a big help they have brought me mice happily eating their prize in front of me. They have also left me gopher heads on my doormat. So both cats busy helping me out!!! I feel like they are thanking me for friendship, pets and love. I also feed them kibble and make sure they have water. They have both gone from feral and terrified to purring sweet babies who adore affection always waiting by my back door.
Since the gophers dig tunnels below ground to eat roots they won't be able to get through the metal. So that will help to deter them.
Thanks for the recommendations on critter proofing. It all helps.
Lastly I would use NO fertilizer at all until spring. It's okay to have some scraggly plants through winter that just means they are resting. Which is what you want. They always come back!
I actually have had my fertilizer stored since late November and won't pull it back out until March.
It's up to you of course but if you make a habit out of the total break yearly your plants will be happier and healthier.
@CutePolypremum @Uzi Sorry we have hijacked your post!!! 😢😉☺️
@SuperbRaspfern
Love everything you wrote, dear Shannon.
So...I have 2 containers of Super Thrive Foliage Pro...
One-half full which I've been using for about a year and
one just received for my birthday, unopened.
Where is the best place to store them?
(I currently have the open one under the kitchen sink...the unopened one is in my bedroom closet...the coolest place in my apartment.
Thank you 😍 and also dear Squirrel @Uzi 🤗
There's nothing like pure nature and nature's sounds to heal body, mind, and soul...
Love everything you wrote, dear Shannon.
So...I have 2 containers of Super Thrive Foliage Pro...
One-half full which I've been using for about a year and
one just received for my birthday, unopened.
Where is the best place to store them?
(I currently have the open one under the kitchen sink...the unopened one is in my bedroom closet...the coolest place in my apartment.
Thank you 😍 and also dear Squirrel @Uzi 🤗
There's nothing like pure nature and nature's sounds to heal body, mind, and soul...
If I'm reading all of the messages correctly. I fertilize when I water my plants?