Plum TV Segment – Autumn Gardening
Click the link below to see Kristy Monty of Jardin Mahoney talk about Autumn Gardening. Air date 10/10/08
Autumn Gardening Plum TV Segment – Air Date 10/10/08
Read More »Plum TV Segment – Jardin Mahoney Memorable Moments
Click on the link to see Plum Daily Hosts Sissy Biggers and Alex Friedman reflect on their summer with Paul Mahoney of Jardin Mahoney.
Memorable Moments – Plum TV Segment
Read More »Jardin Mahoney Plum TV Segment – Rose Garden
Click the link to see Paul Mahoney of Jardin Mahoney discuss planting the perfect Rose Garden with Plum TV correspondent Sissy Biggers.
Jardin Mahoney Rose Garden Segment – Plum TV
Read More »Jardin Mahoney Plum TV Segment – Shade Plants
Click the link to see Paul Mahoney of Jardin Mahoney help Plum TV correspondent Sissy Biggers overcome the challenge of planning a garden in an area that receives minimal sun.
Jardin Mahoney Shade Garden Segment – Plum TV
Read More »Martha’s Vineyard Magazine Best Of Martha’s Vineyard 2010
Jardin Mahoney was voted Best Garden Center/Nursery in 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Martha’s Vineyard Magazine Best of the Vineyard
Easy Orchids
Orchids that are easy to grow and even easier to enjoy.
With graceful stems and colorful flowers that are diverse in color, pattern, shape and size, what’s not to love about orchids?
The popular Phalaenopsis orchid is without a doubt one of the most beautiful orchids and probably the easiest to grow in the home. More than forty species occur in nature throughout the Asiatic tropics with most coming from the Philippines.
A mature Phalaenopsis can be in bloom 8 to 10 months a year, producing two or more complete spikes per year. The spikes can carry thirty or more blooms, each lasting from 2 to 3 months. When the last flower has wilted, the spike can be cut back to about an inch above the second or third node (bump on the spike). A new lateral shoot will usually form from one of these nodes within a few weeks.
At Jardin Mahoney we take pride in our vast selection of these exotic beauties. We’ve got everything from traditional Phalaenopsis to much more unusual varieties from this amazing family of plants. They’re affordably priced so pick one up for the office or send one as a gift. Be sure to check out our informative care sheets, vibrant orchid pots, and fertilizer.
Caring for your Phalaenopsis OrchidTemperatureA minimum night temperature of 62° to 65° is optimum, but temperatures as low as 50° will not harm the plant. Contrary to the orthadox Phalaenopsis culture, lowering the night temperature 3-5° seems to initiate flower spikes. Day temperature should range between 75° to 85°, although temperatures as high as 100° for short periods will not harm the plant if good air movement and humidity are maintained. LightGood light promotes good flowering. Do not place these orchids in full sun all day, but give them as much light as they can take without burning. A bright windowsill is ideal. WaterAlways water orchids before noon so that the plants are dry before night. How often to water depends on the planting medium used, the type of pot (plastic or clay), and the size of the pot. Strive for a damp medium, not soaking wet, and never allow the plant to become bone dry. When you water, water well, and then let the plant become almost dry before watering it again. FertilizerFor Phalaenopsis in bark or bark mixes, feed a complete 30-10-10 with every other watering after the last flower has wilted. RepottingPhalaenopsis should be repotted at least every two years. This is best accomplished when the plants are in active growth so that they become reestablished more readily. The choice of potting medium is up to the individual, although fir bark an bark mixes are by far the most popular and easiest to use. When repotting, all dead and decaying roots should be removed. After repotting, withhold water for a day or two to allow the injured roots to heal. |
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Starting seeds indoors
Here’s what you need to know to get started growing your own herbs and vegetables indoors.
Containers – peat pots, planting trays, and peat pellets work best. Just make sure the container drains well and is large enough that it won’t dry out between waterings.
Seedling potting mix – you will want to use a potting soil that is designed for starting seeds. Seedling Mix is the perfect medium for germinating seeds because it’s designed to promote better root development in young plants.
Seeds – there are so many to choose from. For most plant varieties, plan on growing them 6-8 weeks indoors, but check packet directions for accurate growing times. Also check the packet to see if pre-soaking is recommended. Some seeds are recommended to be sown directly into the ground, so make sure to read the directions.
A place to grow – seeds need a warm place in order to germinate. After they sprout, sufficient light is critical. A sunny windowsill works fine, as long as it isn’t too hot or too cold.
A cover – if your planting tray did not come with a clear plastic lid, you can use plastic wrap to cover your finished tray.
Spray bottle – you’ll want a spray bottle to be able to mist your soil to keep it moist.
Now you are ready to plant your seeds. Follow these easy steps for success!
Fill your planting tray or peat pots with seedling potting mix. Pre-moisten the mix with clean water. Peat pellets are fun to use if you have young children. When you add water the peat pellet transforms from a flat disc to a tall self planting pot.
Place your seeds in the soil. Larger seeds can be planted individually into the tray or peat pot. Smaller seeds can be very difficult to see. Sprinkle 3-4 seeds over the soil in each pot. Press in or lightly cover the seeds with potting mix. Do not cover them too deeply with soil.
Cover your planting tray with a clear tray lid or with clear plastic wrap. You can also place plastic wrap over the tops of individual pots if you don’t have a tray. Place the tray or pots in a warm spot out of direct sunlight. Make sure that your soil always remains warm and moist.
When the seeds begin to sprout, remove the plastic wrap. Turn the tray every two days to keep the plants growing straight. Plants will always grow towards the sunlight.
Thin or transplant the seedlings when they get 2”-3” tall and have developed true leaves. This should happen after about 2-3 weeks. Thinning is done by gently pulling up the young plant or pinching off the stem. Transplant them to slightly larger containers to allow the roots to continue to develop. Lift seedlings carefully by digging them out with a fork or spoon, taking care not to disturb the tender roots. Keep transplants out of direct sun for a couple of days to prevent wilting.
Feed with a liquid soluble plant food diluted to half strength and remember to keep your soil moist, but not soggy.
When the danger of frost has passed, transplant your seedlings into the garden, but they must first be “hardened off”. Set the tray outdoors in shade for 2-3 hours a day. The following week, set the plants out a little longer each day, slowly exposing them to full sunlight. After the week is over, transplant the seedlings into the garden. Remember to use a transplant fertilizer when planting them.
Planting Seeds Outdoors
After danger of frost (typically the end of May) has passed there are many seeds you can plant directly into the ground.
To begin, choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and where the soil drains well. Prepare the soil by raking the area clear of leaves and other debris. Dig the garden to loosen the soil down to about 12”. Add a transplant fertilizer at this time.
Make planting rows with a garden trowel or a pointed object, like a pencil to make indentations in the soil. Some seeds like cucumbers may require you to make the soil into mounds to plant the seeds. Plant the seeds according to the spacing directions on the back of the seed packet. Large seeds can be planted individually. Some seeds, like carrots are quite small. These smaller seeds can be mixed with a bit of sand and sprinkled over the area. You will want to read the directions to know how deep to plant the seeds.
Attach the empty packet to a stick at the end of the row if you wish to identify what is planted there.
Water the area with a gentle flow from a watering can or hose. Be careful not to shoot the seeds right out of the soil with too strong of water pressure. Keep the garden moist (not wet), until the plants are up and growing.
Final Tip: Whether planting a seed straight into the soil or planting a transplant, don’t forget to bait for slugs. They will feast on your young plant before the plant grows big enought to feed you! Plus, keep a photo journal or a log of the weekly progress in your garden. Once the sun decides to finally return you’ll be surprised at how quickly your tiny little seedling starts mature and you can begin to harvest the fruits and vegetables of your labor.
Read More »Welcome to Jardin Mahoney
An Island favorite for all your gardening needs. Let us help you to color Your Island with our award winning selection of your favorite annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, and everything you need for your garden.
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