In the Grow - Puh-puh-puh PEPPERS!

This episode of In the Grow is muy caliente! Dr. Vikram Baliga and I sit down to talk all about peppers. Join us to learn about these rage-berries. 

In the Grow - Surviving the Summer

Greetings Plant-People! In this episode of In the Grow, Dr. Vikram Baliga and I provide advice and suggestion on watering, mulching, shading, and more to help your garden survive the brutal summers of West Texas. Listen in to learn more! :)

In the Grow - Pruning & Garden Maintenance

Hello PlantPeople! In this episode of In the Grow, Dr. Vikram Baliga and I talk about some pruning and maintenance you might consider doing during this growing season. We also get up to some hi-jinks, so be sure to tune in to hear more! :)

In the Grow - Warm and Cool Weather Plants

In this episode of In the Grow, Dr. Vikram Baliga and I talk about planting warm and cool weather plants as a way to extend your growing season. Join us to learn more about getting the most grow out of your year.

In the Grow - Seeding & Saving

Hellooo Plant-People, on this episode of In the Grow, Dr. Vikram Baliga and I discuss dedicating certain plants to seed and saving said seeds for future years of gardening! Join us and get in the grow. :)

Lubbock Public Library and Master Gardening Association Seed Library, Sow & Grow Information

The Sow & Grow Seed Library and Exchange is a joint project of Lubbock Public Library and the Lubbock Master Gardener Association located in the Mahon, Groves and Patterson Libraries.

You do not need a library card to access the seed library and exchange. There are a few rules for both donating and taking seeds. Envelopes for seeds you wish to donate are available at the seed library and exchange as well as instructions and information about the Lubbock Master Gardener Association.

Seed libraries are a place to protect, guard, and save local seeds. Saving local seeds acclimated to our area is important. Seed libraries are a place to promote diversity in plants and gardens as well as to preserve history in plant form. 

https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/library/about-us/specialty-collections

In the Grow - Rain Barrels & Rain Harvesting

Hello Plant Growers! Join Dr. Vikram Baliga (aka Plant Jeeves and host extraordinaire of Planthropology) and me as we talk about the advantages of catching rain in your very own DIY rain barrel. Listen in to learn more!

https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/storage/images/IE3DX3IFvaZjr65JaEvsrw9LycubZncHRJhpGTXF.pdf

In the Grow - Companion Planting

In this episode of In the Grow, I am joined once again by plant expert/plant Jeeves, Dr. Vikram Baliga (Planthropology, TTU Horticultural Labs and Greenhouses, Professor, and quality human being) as we talk about companion planting! Companion planting can be a number of things: symbiotic plant relationships, spatial utilization, or visual aesthetics. Listen in to learn more! Special thanks to the Oneida tribe and various Native American tribes who have continued to pass down this tradition of companion planting through the generations.  

The legend of the Three Sisters:

https://www.oneidaindiannation.com/the-legend-of-the-three-sisters/

More on the Three Sisters!

https://www.pbs.org/native-america/blogs/native-voices/meet-the-three-sisters-who-sustain-native-america/#:~:text=The%20Three%20Sisters%20are%20represented,for%20sunlight%20from%20the%20earth.

In the Grow - Reading Leaves: What are your house plants telling you?

Stuck inside? Tired of this snowmageddon? Maybe try distracting your mind by paying attention to your house plants! Join me, Rachel Boyd, and Dr. Vikram Baliga (TTU Horticulture Lab Coordinator and Planthropology host) as we talk about an array of issues and tactics that apply to indoor plant care. Stay warm and please be safe! Take all necessary precautions and do not underestimate this winter weather we are experiencing. Sending love and plant-enthusiasm to you all!

Leaf Guide:

• Leaf burn, scorched tips, brown or black tips - can point to a number of issues including watering issues, nutrient deficiency, cold damage, sun damage. Consider your current steps for managing your plant and address from there (i.e. do I water this plant every day vs do I water this plant every 3 weeks?)
• Yellowing - nitrogen deficiency, temperature, or not enough light
• Interveinal Chlorosis - This is when the veins in your leaves remain green but the fleshy part of the leaf yellows... this most likely means you have an iron deficiency or some other micro-nutrient deficiency such as zinc or manganese.
• Drooping - watering issues... this can mean over-watering as well, not just underwatering. YOU CAN WATERLOG your plant, so be attentive to your watering habits and let your plants breathe. 
• Pruning - Do not be afraid to prune your indoor plants! They don't have normal environmental factors that would help them naturally prune and shed in the wild. If you see dead leaves or dying material on your plant, remove it immediately! It will not only look better, but your plant will be happier. :) 
• Check your roots - Are they poking out of the bottom trying to escape? Are they wrapped around themselves circuitously? These are signs that your plant needs more room and is ready to be repotted! Many box stores habitually under-pot plants, so if you've recently bought a plant, check its roots and make sure it has enough space to grow and flourish. 

In the Grow - Conversation on Compost

Join me, Rachel Boyd and resident plant expert, Dr. Vikram Baliga (Planthropology) as we have a conversation about that wonderful, rich thing we call compost!  

Compost Tips mentioned:

• Nitrogen to Carbon Ratio (3:4 Green and brown organic materials)
• Diversify your compost contents
• CHOP! CHOP! Chop things into small pieces (increased surface area means better decomposition!)
• Keep it TURNT! Turn your compost regularly 
• Use compost sparingly or dilute it - IT IS STRONG STUFF! 

In the Grow - BONUS: Starting Seeds Indoors - Picture Guide

Materials Gathered

Rolls cut....       

    ......and labeled.

Fill with dirt...

Spray and Sun.

Photos: https://www.instagram.com/p/CKbw0X6HV34/