Horticulture Tips
Hort Tip #1- When, What and How of Dividing Plants
By dividing perennials, a gardener can control a plant's size, rejuvenate plant growth, and increase the number of desired plants. Signs that a perennial needs to be divided include:
a smaller sized flower than usual;
a hole or dead space in the center of the plant;
less vigorous plant growth or the plant spreads beyond its intended space in the garden; and/or
bottom foliage is sparse.
It is important to note that some plants do not respond well to division and others need to be divided only if you wish to increase the number of plants. A list of both types of plants has been included at the end of this fact sheet.
For instructions on When to Divide; How to Prepare a Plant for Division; Dividing a Plant (according to the type of root system), Plants to Divide by Season (Early Spring, Late Summer/Early Fall); Plants That Should Not Be Divided: Plants to Divide Only to Propagate, see the link below from Penn State.
Hort Tip # 2- Saving Seed by Charlotte Crissey
My method to save non-hybridized tomato seeds:
Chose fruit that is not a hybrid because hybrids will not reproduce the same. Heirloom types are what I discuss here.
1. Select rip fruits
2. Slice open to expose seeds.
3. Drop seeds on to a clean paper towel.
4. Slide seeds around to make a one layer thick arrangement.
5. Hang seeded towels to dry in a cool dark place.
6. Once dry, store in a cool, dark and dry place. I like to tape the sheet to a cupboard in my basement.
7. In April, moisten the seeds on the paper towel and carefully remove them one at a time with the tip of a knife.
8. Place onto prepared cells of starting mix soil. Sprinkle more soil to gently cover the seed and press lightly to insure contact.
Mist with water.
9. Continue with regular seed starting precautions (ie moisture, air circulation, light and heat). Grow light are very helpful to keep them from getting “leggy.”
10. If planted too early they may become “leggy.” Not to worry, when the soil is warm and the frost date has passed, use the furrow method to plant. Pinch off all but the first 4-6 leaves. Did a trough in your garden soil 5-6” deep and lay the plant horizontal. Mound a “bump’ or ‘pillow’ of soil where the leaves are to emerge to help them grow upright. Cover the stem with soil and water well.
11. This year I found that the plants I did not stake produced better fruit than those grown in cages.
Happy Tomatoing!
Steps 1 &2- Select ripe fruits and slice open to expose seeds.
Step 3- Drop seeds onto a clean paper towel.
Step 4- Slide seeds around to make a one layer thick arrangement.
Steps 5 & 6- Hang seeded towel to dry in a cool dark place. Once dry, she likes to tape the sheet to a cupboard in her basement.