Master Gardener Tips: Humidity, Repotting, Seedlings, Watering, and Pest Control

Humidity for Houseplants

Group plants in a pot, or repot one plant in a larger container with stones/compost in the gap. Mist several times daily.

Repotting Check

Up-end the pot, tap bottom. If roots fill the soil, move to a larger pot. If few roots, wait.

Seedling Start

Start seeds in pots, transplant seedlings to garden. Higher survival, tighter planting schedule.

Smart Watering

Use a soaker hose on low pressure to water all plants at once. Frees you for other tasks.

Stink Bug Watch

Autumn: stink bugs attack tomatoes, beans, peppers, fruits. Monitor and remove.

Chicken Tractor Fertilizer

Movable coop with open floor lets chickens eat weeds/bugs and deposit manure. Move to fertilize next bed.

Mulching Benefits

Reduces evaporation, suppresses weeds.

Fertilizing

Manure is best; use commercial products to reduce pathogens. Any fertilizer is better than none.

Cleaning Clay Pots

Equal parts rubbing alcohol, water, white vinegar. Spray salt deposits, scrub with plastic brush, rinse, dry.