One of the most fun and rewarding aspects of gardening is starting plants from seeds. And it’s not that expensive either.

To start, you will need basic materials like containers, soil or a soil-less mixture, light, water, a fan and a plastic cover that you will use for the containers.

Fill the container with soil, sow the seeds into the container, add water, then wrap the plastic over the container securely. Once done, transfer the container to a spot where it is exposed to the sun. There are exceptions here that you must note. There are seeds that need darkness to grow and these include nasturtium, schizanthus, phlox and verbena.

Now, wait for the seeds to germinate. Bear in mind that germination is not the same for all seeds. The marigolds, for example, germinate in three days. Other seeds may take as long as 40 days. Once you’ve seen the seeds germinate, expose the seedlings by removing the plastic top and turn on the fan. The wind’s force tends to strengthen seedlings that are tender.

You will notice that your seedlings will develop a true set of leaves soon enough. These are actually the plant’s second set of leaves. That’s the signal for you to transplant the remaining seedlings outdoors or possibly into a larger container.

Once transplanted, remember to water the seedlings regularly and expose them to sunlight and warmth.

If you want to transfer the seedlings outdoors, leave the containers outside for a few days until the seedlings have acclimatized themselves to their new surroundings. You will know the seedlings are ready when they acquire a more hardened look. This usually takes a week or less. Once the time arrives, you’re ready to transplant your seeds.

There are seeds that seem to tolerate extremes in the weather, either hot or cold, better than others. For best results, though, transplant those seeds during the warmer months even though they may be seeds that actually flourish in the cool air such as spinach, godetia, phlox or poppies.

Now the hard part is over and the easy part, maintenance, begins.

It seemed like yesterday when spring gave way to the vibrant colors of summer, and yet now, fall has already set in, with its shades of brown, red, and orange. Fall, however, is best used as a preparation period for winter, a season in which flowers, plants, and trees are at their most vulnerable.

Fall Landscaping Tips to Save Your Garden from the Harsh Effects of Winter People with newly discovered green thumbs may still be unaware of the fact that different types of flowers and plants require different methods of care. It’s important that you employ the right method for the right plant if your wish is to nurture and not to torture.

Seed Stalk Plants – For this particular category of plants, the best thing to do is to remove them completely in order to minimize weeding needs come springtime. As such, if you’re planning to have a new fall landscaping plan for your garden, the area where your seed stalk plants are will soon be vacant for new blood to enter.

Plants with Green Basal Growth – For this type of plants, your most important task is to remove any spent flower stalk and excess growth. Examples of this type of plant are goldenrods and the Shasta daisy.

Subshrubs – These plants should be left as it is because they only need Mother Nature for them to grow back in spring. When creating a fall landscaping plan, it’s therefore important to remember that there won’t be any safe way for you to move subshrubs to a different location in your garden.

Roses – This flower is particularly vulnerable to the harsh effects of winter. That’s why you must make sure to take extra care of them if you wish them to be able to enhance your winter garden. To ensure the continued growth of roses, make sure that they aren’t exposed to any extreme changes in temperature and humidity. A few varieties of roses, however, such as rambler roses, are virtually indestructible in winter.

Perennials – As for this classification of blooms, letting nature take its course is also the best method to adapt in fall. The most favorable time to cut them off, in fact, is during spring but definitely not in fall.

Trees – As for trees, you should take the time to remove heavy growth of leaves on them because this will lead to matting come winter time. Trees that especially need cutting down in fall are maple and iris.

Summer Born Plants – For those that had been planted in the summer, most of these plants probably haven’t reached their full potential yet. Again, it’s best to let them be as they will certainly benefit once winter turns the ground to ice.

Watering – Think of your fall gardening tasks as a means of helping your plants survive in a fallout shed whilst the war rages on outside. In the plants’ case, however, they’re required to hibernate while winter sets in. To ensure that your flowers, plants, and trees have enough nutrients to last them throughout winter, water them diligently and without fail.

Fall Landscaping Tips to Beautify Your Garden NOW Like we’ve said, fall gardening is not all about cleaning. It can still be about creating beauty from seeds and bulbs.

Light It Up – Once you’ve finished planting what needs planting, you can use lights to illuminate the best parts of your garden.

Green Manure Crop – This may sound disgusting but planting one will increase the healthiness of your soil.

Take Advantage of the Colors – When fall sets, almost everything automatically becomes golden, reddish, or orange-like. Take advantage of these colors by using furniture that matches the shades around you.

Fall Landscaping Tips to Take Advantage of Winter Of course, there are plants and flowers that unusually thrive in the cold of winter. These plants however are best to plant during the fall. Examples of such plants are cornflowers, bundleflowers, and some varieties of grasses. Planting and harvesting these flowers will transform the usually monochromatic look of your winter garden to a haven of colors.

Although most people create fall landscaping plans primarily to prepare in advance for the winter, that doesn’t mean cleaning, cutting, and pruning are all you can do during fall. You can plant some fall-loving plants and flowers to take advantage of autumn’s beauty as well.

Most people find the idea of growing exotic plants thrilling and adventurous. This is for the simple reason that it is unusual to find tropical plants in climates of low temperatures and high dampness. More so these plants vary distinctively in form, shape, color and texture from the indigenous ones. Their unusual beauty and strong architectural shape inspires awe and excitement. Its this head turning and gaze-fixating ability of these plants that accounts for the satisfaction one derives at the end of the day. It makes up for all the pains and patience involved in this intricate and demanding process. While planning your garden you should be particular about the plants you want to have. Theres a whole gamut of plants that are available, each having their own charm and beauty. While there are many exotic plants that are evergreen equally many are seasonal. A few of them can just survive in frost prone climates. Every plant type requires varying degree of care and attention. While some plants require cosseting in winters, others may need to be wrapped in fleece or to be moved indoors. Although, its generally believed that most exotic plants can be grown only in relatively warm regions, a large number of them have been found to survive even in frigid zones. Its a treat for the eyes to find several varieties of Palm trees and plants of the ginger family interspersed with more hardy but exotic looking species, thronging these regions.

Tree ferns are among the favorite plant species grown in these regions. A large number of these exotic trees form the backdrop to the tender planting, which is carried out in late spring when the nights are warm. Most exotics such as cannas, gingers, colocasias grow quickly creeping over almost everything, giving birth to a dense impenetrable jungle of foliage and flower. Bromeliads, Chlorophytum, Monstera, Tradescantia and Platycerium are varieties of exotic plants that are grown indoors.When the weather is warmer, its also a good idea to have some potted plants hanged from branches of trees. This not only gives a different look to the garden but also ensures that these exotic plants get enough sunlight. Most of the exotic plants originating from warmer tropical or Mediterranean countries bear bright flowers and fruits and may have peculiar shape or habit, which serves to invigorate the entire habitat. You can also name these plants suitably with little colorful paper tags.And youll of course be all smiles with compliments pouring in from everywhere! www.seedgarden.net