My Apartment Plants

Fertilizers provide a much needed boost to many indoor and outdoor plants, but most fertilizers contain harsh chemicals and are far from natural. Whether you are trying to live a more eco-friendly life, or you don't want to keep chemical fertilizers around your house for fear that kids or pets will find them, it is a good idea to look in to alternative methods of feeding your plants. Here are a few alternatives you can try: Coffee Grounds Used coffee grounds contain high amounts of potassium and phosphorous, and even some nitrogen -- The main ingredients of many commercial plant fertilizers. This is a great alternative, as they are a byproduct of many households -- Even if you use a Keruig or Tassimo single-cup coffee system, just cut open the top plastic/foil of the little packet and you can easily scoop out the used grounds. Methods: Collect grounds into a sealable plastic container If you need to store the grounds for a long period of time (like over th...

Lilacs (Syringa spp.) are one of the most popular outdoor plants here in Southern Alberta.Their beautiful purple flowers contrast nicely with their abundant leaves, and most people will agree that their easily recognizable scent is just amazing. They can also grow very large, flower often, and are a nice addition to any outdoor space. This makes them a favourite among many. Lilacs grow well in zones 4 through 9, depending on their species -- There are approximately twelve recognized species of Lilac to date. Here in Calgary we are in zone 4a, and throughout most of the spring, you can’t walk down a neighbourhood street without seeing a lilac bush in someone’s yard. Although they are easy to grow, and happy outside, is it possible to grow them in a container? What about indoors? Containers: Generally, the types of lilacs we most commonly see  are only happy when they can spread their roots far out around them - much like most trees. This makes it difficult to ke...