A great gift for the green thumb T hese days, gift-giving is a real skill. The best gift-givers pinpoint hobbies or interests that make for genius presents no matter the occasion – a birthday gift, a Valentine’s Day treat or an anniversary memento. So, what do you get the green-thumbed person who already has nearly every gardening tool?
A bold and unusual gift idea
If you’re searching for that cleverly thoughtful gift to surprise them, an indoor garden using LED lights is functional, sleek and attractive.
By Doris A. Black Feature Writer
Measuring only 7 inches wide, 14 inches long and 15 inches high, the LED Mini Garden available from InHomeGardeing. com is small enough to sit on the kitchen counter, where cooks can easily grow fresh herbs, children can grow microgreens, and avid gardeners can start seeds for their vegetable garden.
iving gifts at Christmas is a time-honored tradition. But who really needs more stuff? What do you give those who really don’t need anything? A poinsettia is nice, but in most cases, they only last a few weeks. This year, why not have Santa deliver a potted houseplant?
Whether for a cook, a gardener or a curious child, the LED Mini Garden is a truly unique gift that will bring joy and good health throughout the year. Learn more at http://www. InHomeGardening.com. (NewsUSA)
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The LED Mini Garden is the first countertop garden of its kind to feature low-wattage LED grow lights that actually simulate real sunlight, making indoor gardening more efficient and rewarding. The 24-hour timer allows users to adjust for perfect light conditions for growing lettuces, greens, herbs, flowers and even strawberries.
If chosen correctly, plants make wonderful gifts. They brighten up homes and offices with exciting varieties of foliage color, texture and form. Some, like the African Violet, bloom regularly. Potted palms, ferns, ivy and philodendrons are common gifts but there are hundreds of choices from around the world sure to bedazzle. Many specimens require a minimum of care and all help clean the air.
Gifts such as this have that elusive “gift that keeps on giving� quality. The garden produces an abundance of edible plants, plus live plants clean the air by removing carbon dioxide, toxins and other pollutants. If a miniature indoor garden sounds ideal for a spouse, parent or close friend, consider the following best practices for indoor gardens:
You must decide how much space the recipient has for the new arrival, what lighting is available and whether the person you’re buying for will take on the not-too-cumbersome commitment of watering and fertilizing the plant. Pets and young children who may chew on tasty greenery need to be considered.
• Herbs are a good starting point. Herb gardens make great indoor displays since they’re equal parts attractive and edible. Most herbs also grow pretty quickly, so eager giftees won’t have to wait long for results. Popular herbs include chives, basil, sage, thyme, oregano and rosemary. • When buying plants, know their water and sunlight needs. Most plant tags will tell you this information. The LED timer allows users to set a sunlight schedule based on the plant’s needs to avoid over exposure. For seed starting or rapid growth of herbs and greens, set the timer to 18 hours. • Grow nutrient-rich veggies. Studies show that vegetables contain three times more antioxidants when you grow them yourself. Plus, with this garden, you can shorten growing times to see faster, continuous plant production. Parents can cultivate lettuce, spinach, peas, wheat grass and broccoli for the family to enjoy.
accessory to consider is a book on houseplants. There are books devoted to a single variety, such as African Violets and Bonzai. Grow ing in a terrarium or under fluorescent lights offers further options for specia lization. A ny reference book you select shou ld g ive tips on plant maintenance and propagation, or y ou c a n pr ov ide the recipient with a supply of fertili zer or att ract ive watering can. With all the varieties of plants ava i lable, f inding t he right one may be a challenge. A s long as you keep the recipient in mind, you’re sure to choose t he per fect plant that will last for years to come.
What are the plant’s lighting requirements? Unless the person on your list has a greenhouse or sunroom, choose a plant with low-to-medium light requirements. Although many plants from the tropics thrive in full sun, most will grow, but more slowly, in filtered or indirect light. Most plants will come with light and care instructions. But if you are not sure, ask your local greenhouse. Be sure to choose a healthy plant. The leaves should not have any brown edges, which indicate too much fertilizer or excessive heat. The lower leaves should show no sign of yellowing, a sure sign of improper watering. Inspect the intervals between the leaves. Some plants are overfed to produce rapid growth, leaving wide gaps. Choose a full, bushy plant instead. Check on the young stems and under the leaves for any sign of insects. Look at the bottom of the pot and the soil on top. If you see protruding roots in either place, the plant has outgrown its pot and should be passed over unless you intend to repot it. While you’re looking at the roots, check to see if they are white and healthy or brown, an indication that the plant is dying.
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In addition to commercial greenhouses, which usually offer an experienced staff, you can find wonderful potted plants at many locations. Florists often have beautifully potted plants, perhaps even a dramatic bonzai. Large stores like Home Depot have well-maintained plants, although they are usually offered in a plain green or black plastic pot. Still, the price is right. Your local grocery store usually has a small variety of plants, especially useful herbs. The latter can also be planted out in the garden for future culinary use. If you still haven’t outspent your gift budget after you’ve chosen a plant and/or a tasteful pot to go with it, a thoughtful
Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Monday, December 17, 2012
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