Garden Manuals

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Tag Archives: Plants

What are the best books on gardening and houseplants?

SoupsOn asked:


I’m wanting a new book or two on gardening, and one that has a bit of focus on houseplants and overwintering plants indoors. I’m also thinking about one with details on starting from seed and propagating. Which books are the most informative, with in-depth information and tips? I need something that will be useful to me in a cold climate.
Any links to good sites are also appreciated. I’m looking for a book, a hard copy, something that I can read in bed or when the internet’s out.

Frugal Gardening Tips

Zoe Fernandez asked:




If you love to garden and need more plants to add to it, but have a very low budget, then consider participating in plant swaps to meet your gardening needs.

Plant swaps are a lot of fun and are the perfect way to expand your garden “on the cheap.”

There are two kinds of plant swaps that can be utilized. The online plant swap, which is basically a one on one plant swap, and then there are the local plant swaps. The local swaps are done in person.

The online plant swap is a simple way of trading with another gardener who may live across the country. You can easily set up a plant swap online by visiting garden sites such as Gardenweb.com and others such as Davesgarden.com. The only real requirement is that you have some healthy plants to trade.

Once you join the forum, you can browse through other gardener’s lists to find what they are looking for. Some gardeners have an abundance of plants and just want to get rid of them due to spring or winter cleaning. The overall goal, however, is to find a good home for plants. A home that you can provide!
If you do not have a lot of plants to trade, you can always barter with others by possibly exchanging some garden items such as small planters or even some garden decor.

All you have to do is ask to see if they are willing to accept your trade. Some people may not be interested, so do not take offense.

There are many people on the forums and there are always one or two kind gardeners who will be willing to trade even if it is only for postage (SASE). This means that if they are willing, all you need to do is send a self addressed stamped envelope for your trade.

Always take into consideration that if you are not offering anything in return to your swapping friend, they might appreciate it if you keep them in mind when or if you ever find anything on their “want list.”
These online swaps are a lot of fun. You can swap anything from seeds, rooted cuttings, plants and even garden decor. As long as your item is useable, you can swap it! All it really takes is both parties to agree to the swap.

Another great method of adding to your plant collection for free is via local garden swaps. Local garden swaps might be even better because you get to visit with other gardeners, socialize and find plants.

The best part is you do not have to wait days for your package to come in and your plants are more likely to do well. You can find local garden swaps either online or through garden clubs and local community centers.

Get your swaps ready and have fun adding to your collection!