Plant Tissue Culture PPT

One of the things we learned when we moved up here is that not everything they sell you in the home improvement or big box stores will grow where you are. These stores have buyers who buy in bulk for multiple locations and the plants may not be suited for your area.

How to tell? Some stores keep counter copies of plant reference books for your use, and believe me, if I come across a plant I don't know, that's where I will be looking.Often these books are loaded with great how-to's as well as a complete index to plants and their care.

Other alternatives are to simply look it up online if you happen to have a smartphone. Or, download a Q reader app and many of the plants are including digital information right on the label.A Q reader is an application for your smartphone that takes a picture of those funny-looking UPC like codes... you've seen them, they look like a square box with little boxes inside. The reader will decode the information that is stored in that graphic, and some will even take you to the website about that plant.

Last year we purchased a white Bird of Paradise. I asked the salesperson what was the difference between an original orange bird of paradise and this white one. She had no clue, and did not have a reference book, nor did the store sell them. I ended up going online and found out exactly what I needed to know. The other two plants I was going to buy would not survive a frost, so back they went.

If you are just a beginner gardener, save a little stress (on you AND the plant) and pick one that is low maintenance. There are many to choose from and after you have built up a little confidence with that plant you can move on to something more complicated.

So, it's important to match your plant choices to your lifestyle. If you work full time, you wouldn't want to choose a plant that needs a lot of attention. Try to think about what you want to have a plant for- is it because it has pretty flowers, or trailing foliage or maybe an edible garden?

Once you narrow it down, and you have a little time, try to look for the plants in your area store. Don't forget odd places to find good deals like the 99 cent only stores, local college or garden club plant sales, yard sales, hardware stores, farmers markets and even grocery stores. If you can trade with a neighbor or friend, even better!

Then spend a wee moment and look the plant up, or if it has an attached tag, read it thoroughly. Here are some of the information you can find on a tag:

· Whether it is an annual or a perennial
· What lower temperature the plant can handle
· Whether it needs full sun, shade or partial
· name of the plant
· projected grow rate

All the above information will help you choose the right spot for the right plant for you in your garden so it will thrive!

SHARON BLOOM is a multi-award-winning artist, photographer, recycled artist,avid gardener, author and editor of a free family-oriented daily blog called "SHARE OUR GARDEN", which shares beautiful flower photos, inspirations, recipes, garden ideas, recycled art and humor. You can sign up for free at http://shareourgarden.blogspot.com/

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