文章
ATastyBellPepper
01月20日
Introduction:
Preparing your garden for the winter season is essential to ensure that your plants, soil, and garden structures are protected from the harsh weather conditions. By taking the necessary steps to winterize your garden, you can set a solid foundation for a vibrant and thriving garden when spring arrives. In this article, we will explore some key tasks and tips for winterizing your garden to ensure a successful transition into the spring season.
Clean Up and Clear Out:
Start by cleaning up your garden and removing any debris, fallen leaves, or dead plants. These can serve as hiding places for pests and diseases during the winter months. Clearing out the garden beds and removing weeds will prevent them from taking over your garden in spring. Dispose of any diseased or infested plant material to avoid spreading problems to healthy plants.
Expanding on this point, consider pruning your trees, shrubs, and perennial plants as part of your cleanup process. Remove any dead or damaged branches to promote healthy growth and prevent potential hazards during winter storms. Make sure to research the specific pruning requirements for each plant, as some may benefit from late winter or early spring pruning.
Protect Your Plants:
Protecting your plants from freezing temperatures and harsh weather conditions is crucial for their survival during winter. Consider using mulch to insulate the soil and protect plant roots from extreme temperatures. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of plants to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperatures.
Expanding on this point, certain plants may require additional protection, especially those that are more sensitive to cold temperatures. Consider covering them with burlap, frost blankets, or specialized plant covers to shield them from freezing temperatures and drying winds. This is particularly important for delicate perennials, young trees, and shrubs.
Prepare Your Soil:
Preparing your soil before winter sets in is essential to ensure healthy plant growth in the spring. Consider adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to enrich the soil and improve its structure. This will provide essential nutrients for plants and enhance drainage, preventing waterlogging during winter rains.
Expanding on this point, consider conducting a soil test to determine its pH level and nutrient content. This will help you identify any deficiencies and adjust the soil accordingly. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, so amendments like lime or sulfur may be necessary to achieve the optimal pH range.
Maintain Your Garden Structures:
Winter can be rough on garden structures such as fences, trellises, and supports. Take the time to inspect and repair any damaged or weakened structures before they worsen during the winter storms. Reinforce or replace loose posts, repair broken slats, and ensure that all supports are securely in place.
Expanding on this point, consider protecting delicate garden structures, such as arbors or decorative elements, by wrapping them in burlap or covering them with tarps. This will prevent damage caused by heavy snow, ice, or strong winds.
Plan for Spring:
While winterizing your garden, take the opportunity to plan for the upcoming spring season. Research and select new plants, order seeds, and create a planting schedule. Consider any changes or improvements you want to make to your garden layout or design. Planning ahead will ensure that you are ready to hit the ground running as soon as the weather warms up.
Expanding on this point, consider starting seeds indoors or in a greenhouse if you want to get a head start on your spring planting. This will give you a jumpstart on growing seedlings that can be transplanted into your garden once the frost danger has passed.
Protect Your Containers and Pots:
If you have garden containers and pots, it's important to protect them during the winter months. Freezing temperatures can cause pots to crack or break. To prevent this, move your containers to a sheltered area, such as a covered porch or garage. Alternatively, you can wrap them in bubble wrap or burlap to provide insulation. Elevate the pots off the ground using bricks or pot feet to allow for proper drainage and prevent waterlogging.
Maintain Your Garden Tools:
Winter is an ideal time to clean and maintain your garden tools. Properly cleaning and storing your tools will help extend their lifespan and ensure they are in good working condition when spring arrives. Remove any dirt or debris from the tools, sharpen blades if necessary, and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust. Store them in a dry and protected area, such as a shed or garage, to avoid exposure to moisture and harsh weather conditions.
Provide Food and Water for Wildlife:
During the winter months, many animals struggle to find food and water sources. You can support local wildlife by providing supplemental food and water in your garden. Consider installing bird feeders and providing birdseed, suet, or nectar for birds. You can also leave out water sources, such as shallow dishes with fresh water, for birds and other animals to drink from. Creating a wildlife-friendly garden not only benefits the local ecosystem but also adds beauty and interest to your outdoor space.
Conclusion:
Winterizing your garden involves various tasks to protect and prepare your plants, soil, garden structures, and containers for the harsh winter months. By cleaning up, protecting plants and containers, preparing the soil, maintaining garden tools, and providing food and water for wildlife, you can ensure that your garden remains healthy and ready for a successful spring season. So, take the time to winterize your garden and enjoy the beauty and abundance it will bring in the coming months.
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文章
ATastyBellPepper
2023年11月16日
Introduction
While winter may seem like a dormant period for gardening, there are still plenty of ways to keep your green thumb busy and continue enjoying the joys of gardening even in colder months. Winter gardening allows you to care for indoor plants, plan for the upcoming growing season, and even grow some cold-hardy crops. In this guide, we will explore various activities and tips to keep your gardening passion alive during winter.
Indoor Plant Care
- Focus on caring for your indoor plants during winter by providing them with the right amount of light, water, and humidity.
- Rotate your houseplants regularly to ensure all sides receive sufficient light.
- Avoid overwatering indoor plants as they tend to require less water in winter due to slower growth. Check the moisture levels before watering.
Plan for the Spring
- Use the winter months to plan and prepare for the upcoming growing season.
- Research and choose new plants or varieties you want to grow in your garden.
- Start a garden journal to record your plans, plant selection, and layout ideas.
- Create a seed-starting schedule and order seeds or plan to collect seeds from your existing plants.
Seed Starting
- Start seeds indoors for plants that require a longer growing season or are not cold-tolerant.
- Set up a dedicated area with proper lighting, such as fluorescent or LED grow lights.
- Use seed starting trays or recycled containers with drainage holes and sterile seed-starting soil.
- Follow the instructions on the seed packets regarding depth, watering, and temperature requirements.
Cold Frame or Greenhouse Gardening
- Extend your growing season by utilizing a cold frame or greenhouse.
- Construct or purchase a cold frame, which is a transparent structure that captures heat and protects plants from the cold.
- Grow cold-hardy vegetables, herbs, and flowers in the protected environment.
- Ensure proper ventilation and monitor temperature fluctuations to prevent overheating.
Winter Pruning
- Prune deciduous trees and shrubs during their dormant period in winter.
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve overall plant health and appearance.
- Shape and train plants by pruning for structure and aesthetics.
- Ensure you use clean and sharp pruning tools to make clean cuts and reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Container Gardening
- Continue gardening on a smaller scale by creating winter container gardens.
- Select cold-tolerant plants such as winter-blooming flowers, ornamental grasses, or evergreen shrubs.
- Choose containers with proper drainage and use a high-quality potting mix.
- Place the containers in areas that receive sufficient sunlight and provide protection from harsh winds.
Composting
- Continue composting during winter to nourish your garden soil for the next growing season.
- Use a compost bin or pile and add kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials.
- Monitor moisture levels and turn the compost regularly to facilitate proper decomposition.
- Cover the compost pile to retain heat and prevent excessive moisture.
Garden Cleanup and Maintenance
- Take advantage of the colder months to clean up and maintain your garden.
- Remove any fallen leaves, debris, or dead plant material to prevent disease and pests.
- Clean and sharpen your gardening tools, including pruners, shears, and shovels.
- Apply a layer of mulch to protect the soil and insulate plant roots from freezing temperatures.
Conclusion
Winter gardening provides opportunities to nurture your green thumb and stay connected to nature even during the colder months. Care for indoor plants, plan for the upcoming growing season, start seeds indoors, and utilize techniques like cold frames or greenhouses to extend your gardening efforts. Winter pruning, container gardening, composting, and garden cleanup are additional activities that keep your garden thriving. Embrace the unique challenges and rewards of winter gardening, and you'll find that your green thumb never truly rests.
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文章
格桑花
2023年10月29日
Introduction: Europe's Winter Wonderland
Europe is renowned for its world-class ski resorts, offering pristine slopes, charming alpine villages, and panoramic mountain views. Whether you're a seasoned skier or a snowboarding newbie, Europe's ski destinations provide both adrenaline-pumping experiences and tranquil snow-covered retreats.
1. St. Anton, Austria
Nestled in the Arlberg region, St. Anton is known for its challenging terrains, vibrant après-ski scene, and traditional Tyrolean charm. With over 300 km of pistes and a reputation for deep powder, it's a must-visit for advanced skiers seeking thrill-packed adventures.
2. Chamonix, France
Located at the base of Mont Blanc, Chamonix offers an unparalleled skiing experience with its dramatic alpine landscapes and diverse range of slopes. Renowned for hosting the first Winter Olympics, it caters to both professionals and leisure seekers.
3. Verbier, Switzerland
Part of the Four Valleys ski area, Verbier attracts an upscale crowd and offers vast terrains, off-piste challenges, and breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. Its vibrant nightlife and luxury chalets make it a favorite among the elite ski enthusiasts.
4. Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
Often termed the "Queen of the Dolomites", Cortina d'Ampezzo blends Italian style with top-notch skiing facilities. Its elegant town, cinematic mountain backdrops, and delectable Italian cuisine make it a magnet for both skiers and non-skiers alike.
5. Val d'Isère, France
Connected to Tignes, forming the Espace Killy ski area, Val d'Isère is a blend of modern infrastructure and traditional Savoyard architecture. Known for its reliable snowfall, extensive ski terrain, and electric après-ski vibe, it's a favorite among winter sports aficionados.
6. Zermatt, Switzerland
Sitting in the shadow of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt offers skiing 365 days a year. With its car-free village, gourmet restaurants, and a mix of challenging and family-friendly slopes, it’s a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
7. La Plagne, France
Part of the massive Paradiski area, La Plagne is composed of multiple villages, catering to all skill levels. Its varied terrain, combined with breathtaking views and family-friendly activities, makes it ideal for group vacations.
8. Bansko, Bulgaria
Emerging as a budget-friendly alternative, Bansko offers an impressive ski area with modern lifts, a historic old town, and a rich cultural experience. While less glitzy than its Alpine counterparts, Bansko provides a unique Eastern European skiing experience.
9. Åre, Sweden
Scandinavia's leading ski destination, Åre boasts well-groomed slopes, a picturesque village setting, and a season that extends into May. Known for its Northern Lights displays and vibrant nightlife, it provides a different take on the ski holiday.
10. Alpe d'Huez, France
Famous for its sunny days, Alpe d'Huez is known as "L'Isle au Soleil". With a vast skiable area, including the Sarenne – the longest black run in Europe, and a range of winter activities, it promises an unforgettable ski trip.
Conclusion: Carving Memories in Europe’s Snowy Paradise
From the towering peaks of the Alps to the serene landscapes of Scandinavia, Europe's ski resorts offer diverse experiences, catering to all skill levels and preferences. A trip to any of these destinations promises not only exhilarating skiing but also memories to cherish for a lifetime.
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文章
Zeev Kwan
2022年10月24日
Whether it's the cold winter weather or chronic dryness, coping with dry skin may be depressing. Finding the proper cosmetics and skincare products for your dry skin might be difficult. You may come across a product that purports to relieve dry skin, only to realize that it includes unnatural chemicals or irritating substances that make your skin feel much worse than it did before. You're in luck if you've been wanting to learn more about how to nurture your dry skin with clean beauty and skincare. This article will walk you through the best winter skin care techniques and tactics for glowing winter skin, and will help you say goodbye to dry skin for ever!
Incorporate Skin-Caring Ingredients
It's time to make cleaning a part of your everyday routine! Clean components in both cosmetics and skincare are essential for maintaining healthy moisture while avoiding discomfort. So, the next time you're looking for skin hydration solutions, keep these clean, moisturizing elements in mind:HA (Hyaluronic Acid)
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring chemical present in connective tissue throughout the body. It's one of the structural components of your skin that gives it a lush and dewy appearance. When applied to the skin, hyaluronic acid retains moisture and aids in the treatment of dermatitis, redness, and wrinkles.Including hyaluronic acid in your skincare regimen is an excellent approach to provide your skin with more hydration. If you want hyaluronic hydration from head to toe, consider combining jane iredale's BeautyPrepTM Hyaluronic Serum with Blossom Essentials' Rosa daily body moisturizer and letting your radiant skin speak for itself.
But don't stop there; seek for cosmetic products that have hyaluronic acid in their compositions. This is an excellent approach to increase the benefits of hyaluronic acid while continuing your usual makeup regimen. Jane Iredale provides everything you need for hydration, from HydroPureTM Hyaluronic Lip Gloss to Face Primer to Foundation!
Natural Oils
Natural oils are another must-have component for clean hydration. Try skincare products containing coconut oil or tea tree oil, such as Blossom Essential's Honeybutter hydration salve, for dry skin symptoms such as itching, irritation, and redness!And jojoba oil is the way to go if you want to use potent and effective natural oils in your beauty products. Jojoba oil, a natural skin moisturizer, may not be as widely known as coconut oil or avocado oil, but its potent moisturizing capabilities make it an excellent addition to any cosmetic routine. It's so wonderful, in fact, that it's included in over 20 jane iredale products, including BeautyPrep Face Moisturizer, Dream Tint Tinted Moisturizer, HandDrink Hand Cream, PureMoist Lipstick, and Smooth Affair for Oily Skin Facial Primer. Talk about making the hype worthwhile!
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is a natural hydrator! Its potent hydrating effects aid in the relief of irritation, redness, and a variety of other dry skin complaints. Look no further if you're seeking for the best aloe vera products for dry skin! Aloe vera is used in Blossom Essentials' Honeybutter body salve, Rosa daily moisturizer, Lotus scalp oil, and Dandy shower gel for its high hydration and antimicrobial characteristics.Aloe isn't simply great in skincare products! Jane Iredale's Liquid Minerals Foundation also contains aloe leaf juice, which moisturizes your skin while delivering long-lasting coverage.
Accept Supplements
We're frequently taught that topicals and lotions are the key to hydrated skin, but hydrating your skin from inside is just as vital. Skin supplements, particularly those with the proper mix of vitamins and minerals, may work wonders for your skin.When looking for supplements for dry skin, seek for ones that include skin-loving vitamins. Blossom Important's Lilium hydration supplements include a potent combination of essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, collagen, and zinc that are meant to alleviate inflammation and hydrate skin at the cellular level. These supplements may also boost your skin's natural cellular turnover, assisting in the regeneration and rejuvenation of skin from the inside out.
Omega fatty acid supplements are another hydration must-have. Advanced Nutrition Program by Jane Iredale Skin Omegas include a nutritious combination of omega fatty acids such as omega-3 from fish oil, omega-6 from primrose oil, and vitamin A, all of which support interior hydration and a healthy lipid layer. These components are fantastic for all skin types, but particularly for transforming dry, flaky regions into soft, smooth skin.
Change Up Your Winter Routine
The key to treating and maintaining your dry skin is consistency. Begin your dry skin skincare regimen with a moisturizing and soothing body cream, such as Blossom Essential's nourishing Rosa moisturizer. If you want to take it up a level with an extreme hydration spot treatment, consider Blossom's best-selling Honeybutter body balm.When it comes to cosmetics, you want to choose items that will not aggravate your dry skin and, better yet, will help you cure it further. Allow me to introduce you to Jane Iredale's whole beauty range if this sounds like a long shot. Purepressed Base Mineral Foundation, Smooth Affair Brightening Face Primer, and Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream, for example, assist to enhance your natural beauty while also hydrating your face. It's a win-win situation for your skin!
Don't be discouraged by dry skin; with Blossom hydration products and Jane Iredale cosmetics, your winter skin has never looked better!
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文章
Zeev Kwan
2022年08月11日
Have you ever noticed how the seasons affect your skin's appearance? If so, you may have observed that the colder winter months tend to make your skin appear drier and flakier more frequently.
Your skin can get dehydrated as a result of the strong winter winds, dry indoor heat, low humidity levels, and cold air. Your face, hands, feet, and other exposed regions of skin may all start to look much less radiant than usual as a result of this.
Even when temperatures drop and there is no way to avoid the dry, chilly air of winter, there are things you can do to keep your skin looking healthy.
Tips For Winter Skin Care
1. Use Lukewarm Water
When the temperature drops, it is highly tempting to take hot showers. But stay away from them if you love your skin. Instead, use lukewarm water to shower and wash your face. Your skin dries up rapidly after a hot shower, and if you don't moisturise it right away, it could crack and get winter eczema. Apply a moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides after taking a lukewarm shower. As a result, the moisture barrier will remain intact and dryness won't occur.2. Retain hydration
The air is drier in the winter, whether it's outside or inside your house. Water easily evaporates from your body as a result. You must therefore maintain your skin's moisture. In order to control the humidity in your home, you may also install a humidifier. Your skin will remain healthy if you do this.3. Select Skin Care Products Carefully
What made your skin happy in the summer may make it unhappy in the winter. You must adjust your skin care regimen properly, for this reason. Using gentle skin care products is the secret to having healthy, radiant skin in the winter. To prevent removing your skin's natural moisture barrier, choose cleansers with moisturisers. Use ceramides, hyaluronic acid, hydration serums, and glycerin-containing products to help rebuild the skin's moisture barrier if you have acne or outbreaks.4. Protect Your Skin.
If you are going outside in the winter, you need to protect your skin from the wind, snow, and rain. Wear gloves and hats, and don't forget to apply sunscreen. Although the warm sun rays feel pleasant, the UV rays can nevertheless cause serious skin harm. Choose a sunscreen that has zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.5. Avoid over-exfoliating your skin.
Getting rid of dead skin cells on the skin involves exfoliation. Winter requires caution because the dry and chilly weather has already damaged your skin's protective barrier. It's okay to exfoliate your skin once per week as this promotes skin regeneration and improves product absorption. Lightly exfoliate your skin if you have really dry skin. Once a week is sufficient if you have combination and oily skin.6. Don't Forget The Hands
Compared to the skin on any other area of your body, the skin on your hands has less oil glands. Your hands are therefore quickly drained of moisture, which leaves them vulnerable to cracks and itching. Before going outside, moisturise your skin.7. Look After Your Feet
To hydrate your feet, use petroleum jelly and glycerin based lotions. Additionally, be sure to exfoliate your feet sometimes so that the skin can easily absorb moisturiser.Remember that maintaining healthy skin requires a combination of nutrition, exercise, and drinking plenty of water. Your skin will stay healthy and radiant if you use these tips and suggestions. However, after following these tips for healthy skin, if you still feel dryness, irritation, or discomfort, see a dermatologist for medical assistance.
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文章
lrgarden
2022年07月25日
When it comes to spending money, summer comes in second only to the winter vacations in terms of the total cost of goods and services. Upon reflection, this makes perfect sense. After all, the day trips and late nights, celebrations and vacations of summer rapidly pile up. All of us are at risk of getting caught up in this season's frenetic enthusiasm and failing to see how it affects our wallets.
Even if summer is just around the corner, you don't have to worry about anything. Getting the most out of summer doesn't have to cost a fortune if you plan beforehand. Make sure your wallet is ready for the summer by reading on!
1. Make a financial inventory
The first step in making sure you have enough money for the summer is figuring out what you have to work with. Take stock of your present financial status by calculating your overall living expenditures, any debt you're paying down, and the amount you're saving or investing in a savings or investment account. Once you've calculated that amount, deduct it from your monthly take-home pay. A rough estimate of how much money you'll have to spend this summer is provided.As a last step, take a look at your spending habits by examining your credit card statements, bank accounts, and receipts. You'll be able to see exactly where your money is going with these charts, and you can then utilize that information to devise new strategies for spending it wisely this summer.
2. Begin making tiny lifestyle adjustments today
Find ways to reduce your spending and save money for the time being by reviewing your costs. As a bookworm, take use of your local library; you may borrow almost every book ever written, save hundreds of dollars, and see your tax money at work. Most libraries now provide e-books and audio books in addition to their traditional paperbacks and hardcovers. You'll be able to go out on the town more often if you make tiny modifications now and throughout the summer. Even something as easy as giving up your gym membership in favor of walking or running may have a significant impact, as can cutting down on eating out in favor of preparing more of your meals at home.3. Keeping tabs on your money and debt repayments is a good habit to get into
If you don't want to have to go into your emergency fund to pay for your summer vacation, now is the time to figure out how much you have saved. From there, establish a ceiling (say, $8k) below which you will not spend any of your savings. It's not necessary for you to meet your baseline, but having one will assist guarantee that you're making regular contributions to your savings and not wasting that money on unnecessary purchases. Whatever amount you choose, be sure it's enough to cover three to six months' worth of costs in the event of an unexpected emergency.It may be tough to sleep at night with debt hovering over you, so if there is any little debt you can pay off today, do so to ease some of that stress and allow for greater flexibility in your spending. If you have a lot of debt to pay off, a debt payment software may help you get your finances in order before the summer months arrive. When it comes to paying off credit card debt, Tally is the best choice, while ChangEd is the best alternative for individuals with student loan debt. As you can see from these two instances, it's critical that you do your homework and study before joining up for anything.
4. Take a spending fast
Spending cleanses may be a great way to strengthen your budgeting abilities and save up some more money before summer. Do not spend money on anything except basics at this period. A spending detox is a great technique to drive yourself to develop better monetary habits without even realizing it. Unnecessary purchases will be brought to your attention as a result of this exercise. This is a win-win situation for everyone involved.5. Take a look at the notes you've made thus far.
For example, birthdays, cookouts, weddings, showers, and so on and so forth are all examples of future events and festivities. Doing this ahead of time can help you avoid any last-minute financial shocks and make budgeting your summer budget a lot simpler.A general estimate of how much each event will cost may be calculated once you know what you have scheduled. What are the upcoming occasions for which you'll need to purchase presents, and how much money do you have to spend? What are the costs of food and beverages at any gatherings you plan to attend? Organizing your finances now will make budgeting simpler and offer you a clearer understanding of what you'll need to spend in the long run.
6. Replace your previous summer budget with a new one.
In the same way that trends in beauty and fashion are always changing, so are finances. Once you've accomplished the aforementioned stages, you're ready to start working on your summer budget. Budgeting apps like Goodbudget and Mint may be used to replace your present system or you can do it manually using a spreadsheet or template.The following are essentials to include in your summer budget:
1. sufficient funds to cover day-to-day costs of life
2. Efforts to save money and pay off debt
3. The expenditures of any upcoming festivities or events that are being planned.
4. A little sum that may be set aside for unanticipated events, like as a night out on the town.
7. Make a vision board for your summertime activities.
Create a vision board with fun, low-cost summer activities to help you manifest the summer of your dreams. In the summertime, look for any scheduled summer activities in your area or in any neighboring towns to see if there are any that you can attend. Quite a few of these sorts of gatherings are either free or very low in cost. You may also get into the summer vibe by visiting public beaches, parks, or hiking trails.However, despite the pleasant weather, you don't have to be out and about all the time. As a matter of fact, there are several methods to truly enjoy the summer from the comfort of your home. There is nothing more soothing than spending time in one's own home during this season. The weather is warming up, and it's the perfect time to bring out the charcuterie board and a bottle of rosé. Watch the sun set with a bottle of champagne and some pizza, or go stargazing with your special someone. As long as the weather is good, there are many possibilities.
Creating a summer vision board full of exciting and budget-friendly activities and ideas can help you avoid overpaying and offer you a resource to go to for inspiration all season long. Let your hair down and have fun with your ideas throughout the summer, when you're more likely to be careless and carefree. Don't forget that having a great time and creating lasting memories don't have to come at a financial expense.
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成长记
Avacha
2019年05月25日
Looks like it’s feeling good. In winter 2019 I tried to accelerate its growth by putting the plant into the dark hallway (it has no windows and is illuminated with artificial light only when someone is there) and organizing the lighting of the plant with phyto-lamp (red and blue LEDs with special wavelengths of light for different light colours). The lamp was switched on irregularly, watering was irregular as well, and, though lots of new leaves grew fast, lots of leaves faded, too. So the plant moved to the window, where it receives enough attention.
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成长记
Plantlin
2019年03月23日
The plant with cutting at the end of winter... the cutting was under growlight... but got a bit too much...
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成长记
Plantlin
2019年03月19日
Growing amazingly fast after watering:) watering regularly now after watering only once this winter!
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