Do you want to build a community with like-minded gardeners, but you’re not sure where to begin? Starting a seed library can be the perfect way to meet some plant-loving friends. It’s also a fun way to grow your own food and encourage others to do the same.

So, what is a seed library? Think of it as a library, but instead of borrowing and returning books, you borrow and return seeds. And as a bonus––no late fines!

Setting up your own seed library takes a bit of thoughtful planning at the start, but once you get going, it’s fun and easy to maintain.

here are some tips to help you get your library off the ground:

let’s gro #plantproject

step 1. find some seed-savvy friends.

Seed libraries thrive when passionate folks with green thumbs join forces. Connect with gardeners in your community and ask them to share their expertise (and their seeds) as you build your collection. You will also want volunteers to help you manage the library once you’re ready to go. If you have a local gardening club or society, that is a great place to source some support.

step 2. pick a spot.

Find a nearby location that is convenient for borrowers to access. You might want to ask your local community centre or library (the kind with books in it) if they can house it. Seed libraries do not take up much real estate, so it’s a fairly easy sell. You can also set it up outside on your street, like the Little Free Libraries you see around your neighbourhood. It all depends on what vibe you are going for and how accessible you want it to be.

step 3. start building.

Put on your architect’s hat, because you will need to create some sort of structure to hold the seeds. But do not stress––you don’t need to get too fancy. A wooden apothecary cabinet with tiny drawers makes a great home for a seed library. Check out your favourite vintage store or browse your local buy/sell groups online and see what you can find. And if that sounds like too much work, any type of container or small box will do.

step 4. gather supplies.

Collect the following materials:

  • Mini envelopes
  • Labels
  • Date stamp
  • Pencils (for people to write helpful instructions for harvesting)

Again, no need to break the bank here. Hit up the dollar store for lots of low-cost options. You can even see if your local home and garden centre will donate supplies.

step 5. choose your categories.

A truly useful library is an organized one. To simplify the process for your borrowers and lenders, divide your library into different categories. You can choose to do this however you wish. Some options:

  • Alphabetical
  • Level of difficulty (easy to hard, or beginner to expert)
  • Type of plant (veggies, herbs, flowers, etc.)

step 6. tell people how this all works.

For your library to really thrive, you need a steady stream of people contributing to the flow of seeds coming in and going out. If your neighbourhood is part of the Nextdoor app, make sure to post there, or in any other relevant social groups. And don’t forget good old-fashioned word of mouth––tell your neighbours, your friends, your kid’s school council, and anyone you think might be interested in popping by.

And just like that, yYour seed library will be bustling and blooming before you know it! Don’t forget to share your progress with our community in the Plant Chat.

#happygardening

#easypeasy

You might think that tropical plants have no business inside your home, but these exotic wonders actually make excellent houseplants. Although sunshine makes them extra happy, many tropical plants can tolerate low light extremely well. And if you’re a low-maintenance plant lover, tropical houseplants are ideal since most only require some basic care.

But these houseplants aren’t completely hands-off—you’ll still have to nourish them to ensure their survival. Follow these tips and your space will feel like an exotic jungle in no time.

trim your tropicals

If you’re bringing your tropical plants in from outside after the warm season, they might be a tad too feral for indoors. This is a great time to grab your pruning shears and remove some of the abundant growth that appeared over the summer.

choose your fertilizer

1

For easy and speedy results, water-soluble fertilizer is a good place to start. This type of fertilizer will fill your space with lush and bright foliage, you’ll need to provide your plants with the nutrients they crave. Try Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food for an instant boost for your tropicals.

2

For a unique fertilizer that is formulated specifically to target the needs of tropical houseplants, pick up a bottle of Miracle-Gro® Tropical Plant Food.  Blended with micronutrients tropical plants love such as magnesium, manganese, copper, iron and zinc , giving your plants exactly what they need to grow lush foliage.

Steps

With the many fertilizer formulas to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—but some quick research on your specific plant type will help you narrow down your options.

remember: less is more

For many tropical houseplants, fertilizing once a month will get the job done. When winter ends, you can up your feeding frequency to encourage new growth.

For a deeper dive into tropicals and what they need, check out our article here.

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*Inhale* Ahhhh. There’s nothing quite like a fresh and fragrant Christmas tree to bring some festive cheer into your home. Sure, they’re more work than the artificial variety, but the effort is well worth the result (and more eco-friendly, to boot).

Here are some helpful tips to keep your tree looking merry and bright all holiday season.

follow these steps to set up your Christmas tree

Start with a healthy tree from your local tree farm—gently shake the tree to make sure it’s flexible and needles aren’t dropping.

Trim 1/2 inch off the base of the trunk to remove dried sap and encourage water absorption.

Measure the diameter of the tree trunk.

lets gro #plantproject

 

 

Using a Christmas tree stand that can hold at least 1 gallon of water, add 1 quart of water for every inch of the trunk’s diameter.

Check the water level daily—ensure the water always covers the bottom 2 inches of the trunk (this is the secret to maintaining a super fresh tree!)

Keep your tree hydrated and reduce needle drop by adding 1 capful of Miracle-Gro® for Christmas Trees for every litre of water.

Christmas trees prefer cooler temps, so put on a cozy sweater, turn down the heat, and keep your tree away from heat sources.

#easypeasy

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T’is the season for gift giving and merriment!

If you’ve got some plant lovers on your list, we’ve got you covered. From handmade to store-bought, this list has gifts for plant parents of all skill levels that will knock their ‘stalks’ off.

Let’s get gifting! 

1

Aerogarden. For the table-top gardener. Aerogarden offers a variety of sizes that suit every veggie lover’s needs.

2

Aerogarden Herb Seed Pods. Give the gift that literally keeps giving. Aerogarden herb seed pods make growing herbs a snap.

3

Watering straws. All the rage for the plant parents with needy plants. If you don’t want to shell out for a store-bought model? Try making one of your own.

4

Hand painted planters. Plant lovers always need more pots. Try your hand at decorating customized pots for the plant parent in your life.

5

Props of your fave plants. From one plant lover to another, sharing propagations can be meaningful and a long lasting, thoughtful gift.

6

Plant food. All plant parents know they must feed their plants. Whether it’s a water soluble or liquid variety, plant lovers will be appreciative of being able to prevent hangry housemates. Bonus points because this gift is perfect for plant lovers of all skill levels.

7

Customized birth month flower pot. Whether it’s an arrangement or customized flowerpot, this is a sure-fire win for your astrology obsessed plant parents.

8

Hand made wreath of evergreens from your home. DIY a gorgeous boho-inspired wreath using green materials from your own backyard and garden.

9

Mushroom growing kit. Mushrooms are on trend right now. Mushroom growing kits are a great gift for the DIY plant obsessed.

We love these holiday gifts that seamlessly compliments the plant lover of your network. We hope these gifts inspire a green thumb and holiday cheer!

#falala

Beginner

amaryllis

aka hippeastrum genus

a plant native to warm, tropical climates. There are over 1600 species in this plant family.

variations

Ferrari’ Amaryllis, ‘Dancing Queen’ Amaryllis, ‘Mont Blanc’ Amaryllis, ‘Papillio Improved’ Amaryllis, ‘Faro’ Amaryllis, ‘Estella’ Amaryllis, ‘Athene’ White Amaryllis, ‘Double Dragon’ Amaryllis

light

bright, direct

Needs a sunny window to get at least 4 hours of sun daily

water + feeding

not too thirsty

Only water once the top 2 inches of soil have dried.

toxic

yes

The bulbs are the most toxic, but blooms can also be hazardous if eaten

location

picky pals

Need lots of bright, direct sunlight

humidity

not too much

Amaryllis don’t need misting

size

medium

Can grow up to 4 – 6 inches

pro tip

big bulbs mean lots of flowers

That’s right. We like big bulbs, and we can not lie. The bigger the bulb the more blooms you can expect. In fact, a Jumbo bulb (34/36 cm) can produce 3 stems with about 4 to 5 flowers per stem.

fun fact

It’s a look-a-like

The flowers on an amaryllis look very similar to a lily but they are not actually the same flower. They are very distant relatives!

beyond the basics

  • soil + potting

    Amaryllis needs to be planted in a light, well draining potting soil. Consider using Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix. The combination of coconut coir and perlite help control moisture and release water when your plant needs it. If you’re growing a single amaryllis bulb, you can plant it in a 6-inch pot. If you’re growing multiple bulbs (about 2 –3) use a bigger pot, closer to 10 – 12inches. As always, make sure your pot has a drain hole and be sure to leave the top 1/3 of your amaryllis bulb sticking out of the soil.

  • when to repot

    Your amaryllis won’t need to be repotted very often. In most cases, you will only need to repot your amaryllis after 3 – 4 years. It’s best to repot once your amaryllis has gone through a dormant stage, typically this means repotting in the spring.

  • propagation

    There are 3 ways to propagate amaryllis:

    1. Through Seeds. Look for seed pods about four weeks after your amaryllis begins to flower. When the seeds are ready, they’ll split open a bit and turn yellow. Then you can gently shake out the little black seeds.
    2. Separating bulbs/offsets. Look for firm bulblet that are about a third of the size of the “mother” bulb. Trim back any extra foliage to 2 inches above the bulb. Gently remove the bulblets and replant as soon as possible. You can remove the bulblets with either a small knife or just your fingers.
    3. Choose a bulb at least 6 inches in diameter. Cut into four pieces, vertically, making sure each section has at least two scales. Plant with the basal plate (bottom) of the bulb pointing down, covering only a third of the bulb with soil.
  • pest control

    Keep an eye out for common pests like mealybugs and fungus gnats. If you spot these pesky bugs, you can use a gentle insecticide like Ortho® Bug B Gon® ECO Insecticidal Soap to get rid of them without damaging your plant.

troubleshooting

  • Why won’t my amaryllis bloom?

    There could be a few reasons. The main reason could be that your amaryllis isn’t getting enough light. Once you’ve moved your plant to a bright window that gets light for about 4 hours a day, you should see blooms. Still nothing? Try adding a little plant food to bump up the nutrients. Consider using a tropical plant food like Miracle-Gro® Tropical Plant Food.

  • Why are my amaryllis leave drooping?

    Over or underwatering. The issue could also be that your amaryllis isn’t getting enough light. If you know that your watering schedule is okay, then try moving your plant to a more direct light source.

  • How do I know if my amaryllis bulb is rotten?

    Look for colour and texture. If your bulb has a uniform colour and firm texture, it’s a healthy bulb. If you spot signs of a pest infestation, mold or any damage to the actual bulb, these are red flags that indicate your bulb will likely rot. Seeing shriveled or brown skin on the outside? That’s totally normal.

have an idea?

Are your indoor plants looking a little weary and dejected? Just like a grouchy toddler, a sad-looking plant can often be a signal that it’s time for a snack. Your potting soil may be rich with nutrients at the start, but after several weeks have passed, it’s time to refuel.

But hold up—there are some rules you should know before you serve up the good stuff to your potted friends.

Here’s how to feed your plants and help bring them back to life.

for everything, there is a season

Houseplants enjoy the benefits of fertilization during the growing season—but when exactly is this magical time of growth? We’re so glad you asked.

Indoor plants follow the ways of their outdoor companions, flourishing in the spring and summer seasons. As the days get longer and temperatures start to climb, you’ll want to ramp up your plants’ food intake.

What do your plants need during the fall and winter months? The same thing we all crave—a break. During your plants’ dormant season, the indoor air from your heating system triggers the plants to stop exerting energy and rest up until the next growth cycle begins. Lay off on the food and let your houseplants hibernate—this is one diet regimen you should actually stick to.

3 ways to feed your houseplants

1

Water Soluble Plant Food

If you’re looking for a fool-proof nourishment solution, Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food is for you. This all-purpose plant food mixes easily with water and provides super speedy results.

2

Food Spikes

If you want something tailormade for houseplants, Miracle-Gro Plant Fertilizer Spikes are the way to go. These fertilizer-filled pals feeds plants for up to 2 months and only need to be replaced every 30 days in spring/ summer and every 60 days in winter/ fall. It’s truly that easy. Check out our how-to article in Plants 101 for more.

3

Liquid Plant Food

For a weekly feeding ritual, try Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food, which instantly feeds all indoor houseplants including edibles! Simply apply directly to the soil or mix it with water.  It’s a quicky and easy solution to keep your indoor plants thriving.

too much of a good thing

It’s tempting to try to nourish our plants to the max, but make sure not to over-feed. Too much fertilizer can cause some nasty side effects like:

• stunted growth

• burned or dried leaves

• wilting

• plant death

That’s a scary list—but if you notice symptoms of over-fertilizing, you can save your plant with these simple fixes:

• Remove visible fertilizer from the soil

• Leach fertilizer by running water through the soil and roots

• Remove damaged stems and leaves

• Wait about a month before fertilizing again—!

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Beginner

elephant ear

aka colocasia esculenta

Always the centre of attention, these big beauties make a statement indoors and out. They can grow to an impressive height with leaves that mimic hearts, or the shape of elephant ears.

variations

alocasias and colocasias

light

full sun

Even dappled shade will work

water + feeding

thirsty

Keep the soil moist. In summer months you may have to water your potted plant almost every day.

toxic

toxic to people and animals

Ingesting stems or leaves can cause a burning sensation or cause swelling. In some cases touching the plant can cause a skin irritation.

location

flexible

Elephant ears do well on patios and indoors. Keep your plant in indirect light to avoid it getting sunburnt.

humidity

love it

Elephant ears are tropical plants that thrive in warm, humid environments.

size

large friend

Can grow to 3 – 5 ft

pro tip

Leave lots of room

Elephant ears need a big pot to grow to their fullest potential.

fun fact

A tropical bulb

Elephant ears have tuberous roots that are often referred to as bulbs. Unlike common garden bulbs, these ones are not cold hardy so you’ll need over-winter the bulbs inside.

beyond the basics

troubleshooting

  • why is my elephant ear turning yellow?

    Too much sunlight or overwatering. You can cut the dying leaves close to the base of the stem. This should prevent more leaves from yellowing. Then adjust your watering schedule or move it away from direct sunlight.

  • why are my leaves crying?

    Usually due to overwatering. The leaves of an elephant ear are long and heart-shaped, which naturally draws water to the tip of the leaf. If there aren’t other signs of overwatering, like soft stems or yellow leaves, you can likely hold off on watering for a few days.

  • why are my plant’s leaves turning brown?

    It’s a sunburn. Your plant is too close to bright, direct light. Elephant ears tend to thrive in bright, indirect light. Scorched leaves won’t kill your plant, it just doesn’t look pretty.

     

  • Why does my plant’s leaves have spots?

    Fungal leaf blight. If this fungus isn’t caught early, it will cause the whole leaf to collapse and travel to the rest of the plant. To prevent this, make sure you’re using high-quality, well-draining soil.

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Beginner

jade

aka crassula ovata

Jade plants are native to South Africa and are classified as a succulent. Jade plants have oval shaped, fleshy leaves and stems that look like tiny tree trunks.

variations

there are a variation of jade plants available that range from the common green-leaf to more rare variegated varieties. Variegated jade plants can include the tricolour, ET’s Finger or the Hummel’s Sunset variety.

light

bright, indirect.

Jade plants, especially young plants, should get about 6 – 8 hours of light a day.

water + feeding

somewhat thirsty

In spring and summer your jade plant should be watered consistently so that its soil is moist, but not super wet.

toxic

Yes

Jade is toxic to pets.

location

Adaptable

These beautiful plants do well in most indoor settings, but prefer to be close to bright, indirect light. Jade does their best growing in room temperature 18° to 24°C (65° to 75°F).

humidity

a little finnicky

Overwatering and standing water are the most common mistakes made with jade plants. Be sure to monitor your jade for signs of too much moisture.

size

it depends

Jade plants can grow up to 5 ft tall but can stay small if they are rootbound in a small pot.

pro tip

rare flowers

Jade plants don’t regularly flower when grown indoors. To get your jade plant to flower keep it rootbound and in a small pot. Cut back slightly on watering, and you may see a bloom come through.

fun fact

bringers of good luck

Jade is often given as a housewarming gift because it’s thought to bring good luck.

beyond the basics

  • soil + potting

    Succulents thrive in porous, well draining potting mix. These usually have less organic matter than regular indoor potting mix. A mix like Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Succulent Potting Mix is well-draining and won’t compact. Don’t forget to feed your plants consistently during the feeding season.

  • when to repot

    Repotting a young jade plant every 2 – 3 years will encourage growth. If you want to keep your jade plant small, they enjoy being slightly rootbound and can stay in a small pot to maintain a manageable size. Always repot in the spring.

  • propagation

    Propagating a jade plant is super easy! You can start a whole new jade from just a single leaf or cutting. Remove a leaf or stem cutting from a healthy, mature plant, making sure it’s about 2-3 inches long and has at least 2 leaf pairs. Let the cutting sit in a warm, bright place for several days to develop a little callous. Place the cutting in moist, well-draining soil, keeping it propped upright with rocks. Be sure not to water your jade cutting at this point. After a week or two roots should start to form. Gently water the soil once roots have formed, and allow soil to dry between watering.

  • pest control

    Jade is prone to mealybugs and scale. Mealybugs may hide under the leaves of your plant. During your routine leaf cleaning, inspect the underside. Most pests can be managed by using an insecticidal soap such as Ortho® Bug B Gon® ECO Insecticidal Soap. For more tips, check out our Pest control section in Plant 101 for how to identify and deal with pests on your plant!

troubleshooting

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Beginner

string of hearts

aka ceropegia woodii

this beautiful trailing succulent is native to South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. This plant is named for the sweet, heart-shaped leaves.

variations

the more sun it gets, the more variegated the leaves will get. Leaves can get silver, cream or even pink markings.

light

bright, indirect.

Ample bright, indirect light will lead to greater variegation in the leaves.

water + feeding

somewhat thirsty

Can be watered 1-2 times a week in the spring and summer, once every week or two during the fall and winter.

toxic

no

This plant is safe for pets.

location

somewhere bright

Place near your brightest window. South or West facing windows is recommended

humidity

not too fussy

Can tolerate drier climate but thrive in about 40-50% humidity.

size

small-ish

Can grow up to 3 inches tall and have trailing stems that can grow to 3 – 9 ft long.

pro tip

sun baths

Colour can be revived by placing your plant by a bright window. Leaves can return to their vibrant colours and even turn pink.

fun fact

fast Growers

They’re fast growers and very easy to care for, making them popular houseplants for beginners.

beyond the basics

  • soil + potting

    String of heart plants are a member of the succulent family, so they need a porous, well-draining potting mix that doesn’t retain a lot of moisture because these beauties are prone to root rot. It’s recommended to use a succulent specific potting mix, like Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Succulent Potting Mix.

  • when to repot

    String of hearts tend to be okay with staying slightly rootbound, so you don’t need to keep a strict schedule when repotting. A good rule of thumb is to repot about every 1 – 2 years. Use a pot that is a few inches bigger than its current pot and has a drainage hole.

  • propagation

    Start by trimming your string of hearts just under a nodule. Place your cutting in moist soil and watch your new plant take root. This process will likely take about a month. Make sure the soil is kept moist during this growing period.

  • pest control

    String of hearts are prone to root rot, so make sure your plant’s soil is drying out between watering. Other pests like aphids or mealybugs can be managed by using an insecticidal soap such as Ortho® Bug B Gon® ECO Insecticidal Soap.

troubleshooting

  • why are there big gaps between my leaves?

    Not enough light. Move your string of hearts to a place where it can sit in ample indirect, bright light.

  • why are my leaves turning mushy and droopy?

    Overwatering or root rot. Root rot is caused by overwatering. The easiest way to tell if it’s root rot or just overwatering is to give it a sniff. If your plant smells bad, it’s root rot. If it smells okay, just hold off on watering it for a little the soil dries out a bit.

  • why are my leaves turning brown?

    Sunburn. It looks like your string of hearts is getting too much sun. These plants enjoy bright, but indirect light. Move your plant away from direct sunlight, but keep in a nice, bright room.

  • why are my plant’s leaves curling?

    Underwatering. Thinning or curling leaves is a clear indicator of underwatering. Give your string of hearts a good soak and your plant should be happily re-hydrated.

have an idea?
Beginner

money tree

aka pachira aquatica

Money Trees originated from Central and South America. The braided trunk of the tree isn’t naturally occurring. This feature is created by cultivators braiding young trees manually.

variations

Variations include Malabar Chestnut, Provision Tree, Guiana Chestnut and French Peanut.

light

avoid direct sunlight

Too much direct sunlight will cause the leaves to curl, yellow or burn.

water + feeding

water when dry

However, these plants can still do well without watering too frequently.

toxic

safe for humans and pets

Money Trees are even recommended for people with allergies or asthma.

location

adaptable

Although it’s recommended not to keep this plant in your bathroom because it’s believed this will “flush” good vibes away.

humidity

love it!

Money Trees appreciate a humid climate, with about 50% humidity.

size

small to medium

At home, your money tree could grow between 3 to 5 feet. In the wild, these trees can grow up to 60 feet tall.

pro tip

get a humidifier

Prevent yellowing and dying leaves by increasing the humidity in the plant’s environment.

fun fact

popular in feng shui

This plant usually sprouts 5 leaves on a stem, and 5 is a very important number in Feng Shui.

beyond the basics

  • soil + potting

    Money Trees need a sandy, peat-moss based soil. Consider adding Miracle-Gro® Sphagnum Peat Moss to your plant’s soil. Don’t forget to use a pot with drainage!

  • when to repot

    Money Trees usually need to be repotted every three years. The best time to repot is during the spring time, to promote growth. While you can cut back on some root growth, be sure not to take off more than 25% of the roots.

  • propagation

    The best way to propagate your Money Tree is through a cutting. Take your 6 inch branch cutting, with several leaf nodes, and allow to root in water. Promptly transfer to a soil mixture with peat moss.

  • pest control

    Money Trees are very attractive to aphids and mealybugs. You can use a gentle insecticide like Ortho® Bug B Gon® ECO Insecticide Ready-to-use to prevent these creepy crawlies from returning.

troubleshooting

  • why are my plant’s leaves drooping or turning yellow?

    Watering issues. If your Money Tree’s leaves are drooping it could be as simple as inconsistent watering. Keep a schedule and check the soil’s moisture level to understand its needs. If the leaves are yellowing, it’s likely due to overwatering. It’s time to water when the top 2 to 4 inches of soil are dry.

  • why is my plant’s trunk spongey and soft?

    Sounds like root rot. This happens when a fungus has attacked your plant’s roots and is a sign that you’ve been overwatering. Root rot can be fatal if it’s not caught early. The best chance you can give your Money Tree for survival is to repot immediately, removing as much old soil as possible.

  • what is this gross, sticky sap?

    Guttation. This it totally normal! If the rest of your Money Tree looks healthy, there’s nothing to worry about. But… if you see little dark bumps on your plant, it could be a pest infestation.

  • why are my plant’s leaves curling?

    Overwatering. Avoid excessive watering and finger test your plant’s soil when you’re about to water. Make sure you’re only watering when the first 2 to 4 inches of soil are dry.

  • why are my plant’s leaves falling?

    Too much sunlight. Too much bright, direct sunlight can cause your Money Tree to drop leaves. Another common cause is if your Money Tree has recently moved to its new home. Dropping a few leaves as your plant adjusts to its new home is totally normal.

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