garden partay: how to make your home grow green.

i have what you'd call a black thumb-or whatever is worse than that, an invisible thumb really. i can't get much to grow indoors or out. the problem with this is that i really enjoy greenery and would love to have a secret garden in our urban home. if you're like me, find a few of these tips, compliments of the one and only martha which seem to help. finding lovely inspiration doesn't hurt either. loves.

LIGHT:

• If the tag says direct light, the plant needs six or more hours of bright sunshine a day, hitting it head-on.
• If the tag says moderate light, the plant needs bright, direct sunshine only part of the time—about four hours a day.
• If the tag says indirect light, the plant needs to be kept a few feet away from pounding sun at all times. It wants only ambient light.
• If the tag says low light, the plant needs no direct sunshine and little ambient light. It’s happy in a room that never gets much sun.

North-facing windows don’t receive much light, southern windows tend to be sunny for much of the day, and eastern and western windows are sunny for part of the day. But, of course, trees, shrubs, and buildings can block light. Get to know the light in your home simply by observing it. That’s the best way to figure out what plants you can accommodate and where they should live.

WATER:

How often should I water my plants? Because conditions vary, there’s no way to give hard-and-fast advice like “Water once a week.” Heat and sunlight specific to your home will dry out the soil at different rates. You’ll have to feel the soil with your finger. If the plant’s tag says, “Water steadily or evenly,” then water whenever the surface of the soil is dry to the touch. If the tag says, “Water moderately,” allow the top inch or so to dry out between waterings. One note: Don’t overwater. It’s as liable to kill a plant as underwatering.

What’s the best technique for watering? Thoroughly saturate the soil until water comes out the bottom of the pot. (If the water is not reabsorbed within a day or so, empty out the saucer.) When you can, take plants to a sink or a tub and give them a soaking; most plants love this. (African violets are an exception.)

CONTAIN:

The Right-Size Pot: When replanting, use a container the same size as the one the plant came in or two inches larger (a four-inch-diameter plant can go in a six-inch pot, a six-inch plant in an eight-inch pot). Too big a pot means too much soil that holds too much water—and this can rot the roots. Also, a pot should always have a drainage hole in the bottom.

Smart Materials: Terra-cotta is a durable classic, but also consider resin or fiberglass. These hold moisture longer (moisture evaporates through terra-cotta), which gives you a little advantage if you’re forgetful about watering. To protect floors and furniture, use saucers that are glazed on the inside. (Any glazed dish works just as well.)