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Tip Store: Gardening: Plants
Sinkers Grow, Floaters Don't
Before you throw away those seeds you've had for a while test their viability. Fill a bowl with water, add the seeds and let it sit overnight. In the morning skim off the floaters - these seeds won't grow. Pour the water through a fine sieve and plant the seeds that are left. These are the sinkers, and these seeds will grow. The "best before" date on the packet is just an indication, so before you toss, test.
Plan the Planting of Seedlings
The most labour intensive time after planting seedlings is the first 7-10 days when to ensure their survival they need to be watered every day. By checking the weather forecast and planting a day to two before expected rain it saves water and time. I have found the survival rate is better with rain than watering by hand. Here in Melbourne there is 90% chance of rain from Wednesday to Saturday so I will be planting as many seedlings as I can.
Contributed by Ann Green
Contributed by Ann Green
Accurate Spacing with Seed Tape
A very easy, convenient and accurate way to sow vegie seeds is to make your own seed tape. Purchase white crepe paper streamers. Mix flour and water to make a paste, roll out streamer, mark spacing on streamer according to seed packets, put small amount of flour mixture on mark, drop seed on and either wait to dry or cut small piece from tape and place over glue/seed. Roll up, label and just roll out in your plot as required.
Contributed by Jill Shepherd
Contributed by Jill Shepherd
Simple Seed Tape
Make easy seed tapes using toilet paper cut in long strips. Using a simple corn flour glue, corn flower and water, brush glue on paper strips and place seeds at suggested spacing on paper. Dry then roll to store, when ready lay paper out in rows, cover with soil to required depth and water, bingo paper helps retain water for even germination and seedlings should be spaced to save thinning and disturbing other plants roots.
Contributed by Mick Watterson
Contributed by Mick Watterson
EASY SEED TRAYS
Start your seeds in cardboard egg cartons filled with a Saunders compost mix, when ready to transplant just cut carton up and plant seedlings straight to garden.
Contributed by Mick Watterson
Contributed by Mick Watterson
How to Start Rose Cuttings in a Potato
Cut a length of rose stem that is nice and pliable, about six inches long. Dip the end of the stem in water then into some honey, then poke it into a potato. Plant the potato in a pot (not too big so you can move it around if needed) in rich potting soil and water well. Clip potato sprouts as they appear at soil level. Next Autumn or whenever your cold season starts and the rose goes dormant, then is the time pull it out gently and transplant if you need to. This works for most cuttings.
Contributed by Lilly
Contributed by Lilly
Seed Swap or Buy
For those of you who live in Melbourne (Vic), you can currently swap your seeds for free at the Ashburton Community Centre (next to Ashburton Library) or buy a packet for only $1. Not every type is represented but lots of common ones.
160 High St
Ashburton Vic
PH: 9885 7952
Contributed by Lisa Wilcox
160 High St
Ashburton Vic
PH: 9885 7952
Contributed by Lisa Wilcox
Gaining Sturdier Seedlings
When planting out seedlings such as beetroot and lettuce break the top portion of the leaves from the top of the plant. This enables the roots to ajust to the soil and has less effort for feeding the leaves which have been taken off.
Contributed by Judy Whiteman
When planting out seedlings such as beetroot and lettuce break the top portion of the leaves from the top of the plant. This enables the roots to ajust to the soil and has less effort for feeding the leaves which have been taken off.
Contributed by Judy Whiteman
Grow Your Own Lavender
Please don't buy lavender as you can easily take cuttings from an established plant and grow new plants. It's as simple as taking a cutting, removing most of the foliage and all of the flowers if there are any, and planting. I've heard of using honey on the stem to encourage root growth and covering the cutting with a large soft drink bottle with the bottom cut off which enables less water evaporation, keeping the soil moist. There are many other plants you can grow for free such as spring onions - just plant the root and approximately 1cm of the white; succulents - you just need a leaf and place on top of the soil and roots will grow; mint - this grows easily from a piece or if already in the garden lay a piece down in the soil, cover with more soil and roots will establish, you can then remove this section and plant somewhere in the garden. So many plants can be propagated easily, you never need to buy seedlings again. Good luck with the garden.
Contributed by Michelle Parsons
Please don't buy lavender as you can easily take cuttings from an established plant and grow new plants. It's as simple as taking a cutting, removing most of the foliage and all of the flowers if there are any, and planting. I've heard of using honey on the stem to encourage root growth and covering the cutting with a large soft drink bottle with the bottom cut off which enables less water evaporation, keeping the soil moist. There are many other plants you can grow for free such as spring onions - just plant the root and approximately 1cm of the white; succulents - you just need a leaf and place on top of the soil and roots will grow; mint - this grows easily from a piece or if already in the garden lay a piece down in the soil, cover with more soil and roots will establish, you can then remove this section and plant somewhere in the garden. So many plants can be propagated easily, you never need to buy seedlings again. Good luck with the garden.
Contributed by Michelle Parsons
Old Seeds? Try this Trick to see if they are still Good
Seeds get old, packets get torn, sometimes we forget to jot down the date we harvest them if we seed save. Old seeds don't need to be tossed away though. You can try this simple trick to see if they are still viable and worth planting. You will need: 10 seeds Paper towel Step 1.Wet the paper towel and wring it out until it is damp. Spread it out. Step 2. Space the seeds evenly along the paper towel. Step 3. Roll the paper towel up so the seeds are completely covered - they need to stay damp. Step 4. Put the paper towel somewhere warm (I usually sit it on a sunny windowsill). Step 5. After two days check to see how many, if any seeds have germinated. Here's how you can determine the viability: 1 seed germinated = 10% germination rate 5 seeds germinated = 50% germination rate 10 seeds germinated = 100% germination rate
Tip of the Day, 17th August 2015
Learning to Seed Save
Approximate $ Savings: $24 +
I loving growing veggies. I recently started growing heirloom varieties. This will help me harvest my own seeds from spoilt fruit. I like cos lettuce because it allows you to pick it over a long period of time however at some point they will go to flower. I went on the 'net to find ways to harvest the little tiny seeds. After one hour of trying to sort flowers from seeds I worked it out. Place the top of the plant in a plastic bag and shake. I ended up with about 100 times what I would get in one packet of seeds worth $6. I normally only need four packets of seeds. Guess who's friend will now have lots of cos lettuce.
Contributed by Kate Nunn, 2nd December 2011
I loving growing veggies. I recently started growing heirloom varieties. This will help me harvest my own seeds from spoilt fruit. I like cos lettuce because it allows you to pick it over a long period of time however at some point they will go to flower. I went on the 'net to find ways to harvest the little tiny seeds. After one hour of trying to sort flowers from seeds I worked it out. Place the top of the plant in a plastic bag and shake. I ended up with about 100 times what I would get in one packet of seeds worth $6. I normally only need four packets of seeds. Guess who's friend will now have lots of cos lettuce.
Contributed by Kate Nunn, 2nd December 2011
Rid Plant of Pests
Just wanted to add a little hint for you. My Mum has a huge elkhorn plant on her tree and it is full of large black biting ants. To rid her of them, I poured some vinegar from the top down and the ants died without ill effect to the elkhorn.
Contributed Lisa W., 16th by February 2009
Contributed Lisa W., 16th by February 2009
Planting Guide and Zone Resource
This is an excellent resource too. Just click on your zone and it tells you what to plant when etc. http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/vegieguide/
Contributed by Maureen Newman, 6th June 2010
Website: www.abc.net.au/gardeing/vegieguide
Contributed by Maureen Newman, 6th June 2010
Website: www.abc.net.au/gardeing/vegieguide
Instant Hot House from Recycled Packaging
I had to buy new doonas this year, and they came in thick plastic packages with zippers around them. I was going to get my dear Husband to build small seed raising trays. Then I thought the covers would work a treat, I just put my seed trays (I use old meat trays) inside the covers, and zipped up instant hothouse. It Is brilliant, and It really works. Saving me money on wood and glass to make a hot house and I save money by growing from seeds as seedlings are very expensive. And when I'm finished save money on vegies.
Contributed by Penny, Wynnum, 31st August 2009
Contributed by Penny, Wynnum, 31st August 2009
Plant Watering Service Provides a New Garden Free
Approximate $ Savings: $50 - $ 000's
We are currently going through the expensive process of landscaping our backyard from scratch. A brand new garden, produced from buying established plants was going to be far too expensive for our one income family, especially when we're trying so hard to pay the mortgage down as quickly as possible. However, we've found a great way of obtaining plants to populate our new garden for free. We've contacted the local businesses that provide the inner city office buildings with indoor plants – these companies usually water those plants on an ongoing basis as well. As some of these plants wilt or start to appear lacklustre after too long indoors, they are regularly replaced with new ones. The old ones are either composted or worse – put into landfill. We've offered to take some of these plants off the watering company's hands on disposal day (saving them from entering landfill), and with a bit of TLC, watering and sunlight, most of the plants have sprung back to life, ready to plant in our brand new garden. Using these plants, and another member's recent tip for collecting mulch from farmland, we've been able to produce our beautiful new garden for just the cost of the labour (which, thanks to my lovely husband is free too!!!).
Contributed by Alisha, Canberra, 6th April 2010
We are currently going through the expensive process of landscaping our backyard from scratch. A brand new garden, produced from buying established plants was going to be far too expensive for our one income family, especially when we're trying so hard to pay the mortgage down as quickly as possible. However, we've found a great way of obtaining plants to populate our new garden for free. We've contacted the local businesses that provide the inner city office buildings with indoor plants – these companies usually water those plants on an ongoing basis as well. As some of these plants wilt or start to appear lacklustre after too long indoors, they are regularly replaced with new ones. The old ones are either composted or worse – put into landfill. We've offered to take some of these plants off the watering company's hands on disposal day (saving them from entering landfill), and with a bit of TLC, watering and sunlight, most of the plants have sprung back to life, ready to plant in our brand new garden. Using these plants, and another member's recent tip for collecting mulch from farmland, we've been able to produce our beautiful new garden for just the cost of the labour (which, thanks to my lovely husband is free too!!!).
Contributed by Alisha, Canberra, 6th April 2010
Happy Plants
Life indoors can be hard on plants as they can suffer from lack of fertiliser and natural light. To keep your plants happy and healthy and your decor fresh, keep a variety of plants in the same size pots and rotate them between inside and outside. This means they all get a chance to recover and stay looking good.
Tying Up in the Garden
Approximate $ Savings: $10.00
Instead of buying expensive twine etc from the garden centres for tying plants in the garden buy a roll of wrapping ribbon in a dark colour. They are usually sold in a large roll at $2.00 stores and use this. It is waterproof, strong and easy to store, plus you can also use it to wrap that last minute gift - double the use for half the price or less.
Contributed by Heather, Halls Head, 29th October 2009
Instead of buying expensive twine etc from the garden centres for tying plants in the garden buy a roll of wrapping ribbon in a dark colour. They are usually sold in a large roll at $2.00 stores and use this. It is waterproof, strong and easy to store, plus you can also use it to wrap that last minute gift - double the use for half the price or less.
Contributed by Heather, Halls Head, 29th October 2009
Brilliant Mini Hothouses
Re use those containers that your strawberries and cherry tomatoes come in as mini hot houses when starting off your veggie seeds. Just pop in some seed raising mix or potting mix and a few seeds give a spray of water and snap the lid shut. The perfect growing conditions. Just pop the top up when your plant gets to tall until its ready to plant out.
Contributed by Julie, Greensborough, 6th October 2009
Contributed by Julie, Greensborough, 6th October 2009
From Meat Tray to Seedling Tray
I'm a learner gardener getting into the growing vegies and herbs. I'm growing from seeds and I've found the meat trays, if you wash and dry very well and then put a couple of draining holes into them, make great seedling pots. You can also reuse plastic bags to cover and protect these pots so that its like a little glass house. Tighten the plastic over the top and secure with an rubber band. These are also great to grow herbs on a sunny shelf.
Contributed by Jessica, Boronia, 4th July 2009
Contributed by Jessica, Boronia, 4th July 2009
Bed Bag Makes Great Mini Greenhouse
Reading your recent hint on using meat trays as seed trays reminded me to tell you about making a mini greenhouse out of a plastic carry-bag, the zippered kind that come with doonas etc. Never germinated seeds so fast in my life!
Contributed by Mary, Warrnambool, 14th August 2009
Contributed by Mary, Warrnambool, 14th August 2009
Seedling Starter Trays
Go to supermarket. Ask for foam broccoli boxes with lid. When you get home stick the lid down with aquadhere. When quite dry with a sharp craft knife and ruler cut the box in half. Then go to a paint store and look through their reject tins...I pick up 500 ml for about $1 a tin...must be water paint. Then paint your box....only to about 3 inches on the inside. With an apple corer or drill put lot of holes in the bottom for drainage. I use them to plant spring onions, herbs and four lettuce plants. They work really well and help the environment.
Contributed by Marina, Croydon, 23rd July 2009
Contributed by Marina, Croydon, 23rd July 2009
Mulch Your Garden For Free
Approximate $ Savings: $100's
We live on a 2 acre block and so have spent quite a bit of time planting out young trees. We take the trailer to the local tip where they have a huge pile of green waste that has been chipped into mulch. It is not perfect by any means, however it is free and works perfectly around all our native trees. Any large bits of wood we save and use as kindling on the fire. Far cheaper than buying wood chips or straw from the nursery.
Contributed by Kim, Nagambie, 12th November 2008
We live on a 2 acre block and so have spent quite a bit of time planting out young trees. We take the trailer to the local tip where they have a huge pile of green waste that has been chipped into mulch. It is not perfect by any means, however it is free and works perfectly around all our native trees. Any large bits of wood we save and use as kindling on the fire. Far cheaper than buying wood chips or straw from the nursery.
Contributed by Kim, Nagambie, 12th November 2008
Mini Greenhouses
Save the plastic punnets you buy strawberries, kiwifruit, cherry tomatoes etc. in. They make excellent mini greenhouses to grow seedlings in. Either flower or fruit and vegetable seedlings. They work really well and save you having to buy equipment to do the job.
Contributed by Lois, Medowie, 20th October 2008
Contributed by Lois, Medowie, 20th October 2008
Everything's Rosy with Buckets as Budget Pots
I bought 20 bare rooted roses when on special for $5.50 each. I looked at pots and it was going to cost a minimum of $4.80 for each pot to pot them out until we move house. Rather expensive until my husband came up with the idea of buckets. We bought them at 79 cents each drilled 5 holes in the bottom of each one and hey presto they have turned into brilliant pots and saving us at least $80.00 Contributed by Maureen Newman, 26th August 2008
Earth Friendly Seedling Pots
Approximate $ Savings: $240.00
I have begun growing my vegetable seedlings again (due to some spare weekend time and the growing price of vegetables). I used to spend approximately $45.00 on jiffy pots, $25.00 on peat pots, $50.00 on seed raising mix, and between $30-40.00 on different seeds (these amounts are usually spent every 6 months or so). Well not anymore! I'm now collecting newspapers and toilet rolls for use as seed pots. I get about 10 sheets of newspaper (one on top of the other) and cut them into A5 size pieces. I then roll them up around a toilet roll and whack a couple of rubber bands around it to secure it. Take the toilet roll out as well and it can be used the same way! Then I put these 'pots' into some polystyrene boxes, fill them with my own seed raising mix (made with 1/4 part commercial seed raising mix; 1/4 peat; 1/4 part sand; 1/4 part sheep poo because its less potent than the other poos) and put my seeds into these. When the seedlings are big enough, then the whole thing gets planted into the garden bed and decomposes. Not only does this save the seedling from shock but it saves me approximately $240.00 a year just on the pots and seed raising mix alone! Not to mention the savings on my own home grown cabbages, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, celery etc etc. So the savings are even more. This season I'm even going to master the art of seed collection and save myself more dollars by harvesting my own seeds ready for the next season.
Contributed by Sharon, Beaudesert, 1st June 2008
I have begun growing my vegetable seedlings again (due to some spare weekend time and the growing price of vegetables). I used to spend approximately $45.00 on jiffy pots, $25.00 on peat pots, $50.00 on seed raising mix, and between $30-40.00 on different seeds (these amounts are usually spent every 6 months or so). Well not anymore! I'm now collecting newspapers and toilet rolls for use as seed pots. I get about 10 sheets of newspaper (one on top of the other) and cut them into A5 size pieces. I then roll them up around a toilet roll and whack a couple of rubber bands around it to secure it. Take the toilet roll out as well and it can be used the same way! Then I put these 'pots' into some polystyrene boxes, fill them with my own seed raising mix (made with 1/4 part commercial seed raising mix; 1/4 peat; 1/4 part sand; 1/4 part sheep poo because its less potent than the other poos) and put my seeds into these. When the seedlings are big enough, then the whole thing gets planted into the garden bed and decomposes. Not only does this save the seedling from shock but it saves me approximately $240.00 a year just on the pots and seed raising mix alone! Not to mention the savings on my own home grown cabbages, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, celery etc etc. So the savings are even more. This season I'm even going to master the art of seed collection and save myself more dollars by harvesting my own seeds ready for the next season.
Contributed by Sharon, Beaudesert, 1st June 2008
Personalized Gifts From Your Garden
Approximate $ Savings: $10 per person
As the flowers in your garden set seed, gather the seed heads. When it is dry, separate the seeds out into paper bags (envelopes are fine) or small organza bags with a tie at the top. Make labels for the seeds, including the month picked and any information about planting (easy to find on the Internet). Give these away for presents as a very special and personal gift to gardeners.
Contributed by DJ, Kingsley, 6th April 2008
As the flowers in your garden set seed, gather the seed heads. When it is dry, separate the seeds out into paper bags (envelopes are fine) or small organza bags with a tie at the top. Make labels for the seeds, including the month picked and any information about planting (easy to find on the Internet). Give these away for presents as a very special and personal gift to gardeners.
Contributed by DJ, Kingsley, 6th April 2008
Cuttings Make Great Gardens
I find that plants are very expensive. To save money just ask your neighbours or friends if you can have a cutting or seed from them and plant it yourself or if you happen to go by a place and you like the plants you can go and knock on their doors..and ask them for a cuttings.. you'll find that most people don't mind.
Contributed by Thatsanee, Spearwood, 3rd February 2008
Contributed by Thatsanee, Spearwood, 3rd February 2008
Seedling Swap Group
Starting and keeping a vegie going can cost a bit so I have just joined a friends group that swap seedlings/plants. Everyone raises different seedlings that we then swap for other types. It is a great way to try growing different veges or species while getting to know what grows best in your area by talking to other gardeners. It also means that you don't have to outlay on all different seedlings or seeds.
Contributed by Tracey, Gympie, 2nd July 2007
Contributed by Tracey, Gympie, 2nd July 2007
Drought Resistant Garden for Free
Approximate $ Savings: $50.00-$200.00
Instead of buying annuals for the garden every year try to buy (or propagate from friends' gardens) plants that continue to grow and multiply. For example, bromeliad's, haliconia's and agaves are types of plant that just never die and continue to grow on regardless (they don't need much water or attention). I am constantly transplanting these and other species of plant around my garden. I have not been to a garden shop or flea market to buy plants for over a year. And even better, grab some old pots and some dirt and transplant some 'pups' into them and sell them at the local market or do a trade with friends and neighbours.
Contributed by Julie, Red Hill, 19th June 2007
Instead of buying annuals for the garden every year try to buy (or propagate from friends' gardens) plants that continue to grow and multiply. For example, bromeliad's, haliconia's and agaves are types of plant that just never die and continue to grow on regardless (they don't need much water or attention). I am constantly transplanting these and other species of plant around my garden. I have not been to a garden shop or flea market to buy plants for over a year. And even better, grab some old pots and some dirt and transplant some 'pups' into them and sell them at the local market or do a trade with friends and neighbours.
Contributed by Julie, Red Hill, 19th June 2007
Tea Bag Seed Starter
Dry out your used tea bags then carefully insert seed in each teabag. Gently keep moist with mixture of liquid garden fertilizer and water. When seed has germinated gently place in ground. No damage to new shoots and no transplant shock. Simple but easy recycling.
Contributed by Sally-Anne, Coomba, 1st January, 2007
Contributed by Sally-Anne, Coomba, 1st January, 2007
Cheap Fence
Use a hedge as a front fence. Older bushes cost more so if you are willing to wait a couple of years, get younger bushes and save more. Trim to shape early and don't plant too far apart. You can have a front fence from $100 instead of thousands!
Contributed by David, Maddington, November 15th 2006
Contributed by David, Maddington, November 15th 2006
Garden Clubs
For really cheap plants, etc. join your nearest Garden Club. They usually have a trading table where members bring potted plants, cuttings, bulbs, veggies and even surplus fruit which are sold for next to nothing, as Garden Clubs are non-profit clubs with minimal fees eg our club asks for $2 a meeting. You find what plants do well in your district and learn a lot about gardening as well as make new friends.
Contributed by Jean, September 21st 2006
Contributed by Jean, September 21st 2006
Cheap Plants
Watch out for houses being sold for demolition/redevelopment and ask the owners for plants from their garden. This is best done after the sale but before contracts are exchanged and the owners (sellers) move out.
Bag It
Don't have someone to care for your plants while you're on holiday? Many plants can be left for up to a week without water if they are put into plastic bags, where evaporation from the leaves is recycled inside the sealed bag. To do this, tent plants inside a large plastic bag by using wiring from an old lampshade, and make sure the plastic isn't touching the plants' leaves. Also be sure to cut small ventilation slits in the bag.
Cheap Plant Pots
For a cheap container to start plants in, use yoghurt or sour cream containers. Punch a hole in the bottom so they can drain. Fill with potting mix and a seed or seedling and hey presto! Cheap and economical containers. Plants pop right out and they are ready to drop in the ground.
Raising Seeds
When planting seeds in readiness for the garden, use empty toilet rolls. Pack seed raising mixture in, seeds, and keep lightly sprayed with water until they are ready to plant - toilet roll and all as it disintegrates once it is in the soil.
Contributed by Eileen, Croydon, 10 July, 2004
Contributed by Eileen, Croydon, 10 July, 2004
Gifts for Gardeners
Growing sun flowers - they are so easy and as the head of the sunflower dies put an old stocking over it and catch the seeds that fall..... Then let the seeds dry out in a dark airy place and next spring give all those gardeners sunflower seeds. You can get hundreds of seeds from one sun flower head. I have been doing this for 12 years now since our son died. We have sent and given away millions of seeds. Now the sunflowers I grow are bigger and better than those grown from seeds that are all man made with genetic alterations.
Contributed by Rose, Kingsville
Contributed by Rose, Kingsville
Raising Early Seedlings
Cut a 2 litre plastic bottle 10-15 cm from base and use the base as a small glasshouse over a flowerpot to raise early seedlings from seed and have a head start in the spring and free vegies while they are still top dollar in the shops.
Contributed by Lindsay, Mitcham, January 8th, 2006
Contributed by Lindsay, Mitcham, January 8th, 2006
Plant Splitting
When creating a new garden buy plants that you can split which can save you a lot of money - eg agapanthus, dianellas, and clivias. These varieties will also save you a lot of water and time in the long run.
Contributed by Rose, Meadow Springs, January 9th, 2006
Contributed by Rose, Meadow Springs, January 9th, 2006