Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Growing Ferns

For the first time in years I have had some really good luck with ferns. I bought 6 of these at Lowes at the beginning of the season. They were much smaller than this picture shows. I didn't take before pictures because I wasn't blogging then. That won't happen again! I think the price of the ferns was something like $8.49. They have really grown and filled out.
One thing that has been different this year is the amount of water I've given them. We have had lots of rain here this summer, and always try to put them out so they can get some rain water. I've really tried to water them at least every other day if it didn't rain, or every day whenever possible.
Also, I've put Miracle Gro plant food sticks in each of the hanging ferns. This is a great product...just stick it down in the plant and forget about it. Every time you water the plant, it gets fed!
Have you got any tips to share?
Thanks for stopping by!

27 comments:

Gone said...

Love the ferns, Diane...and the tips!!

Jan

Anonymous said...

Diane, I am on it today.:) You are in the hat. Love the ferns, I have one in my house and it is huge. I like to hang them outside too, but I don't have room to keep them alive in the winter. I tried to keep one in my garage last winter and it died. sigh.

Have a happy day. When do you start teaching?

Hugs, Jeanne

Anonymous said...

they look really healthy, i wondered whether or not those Mircale Gro sticks were worth getting or not, now I'll get some

Blogger said...

I love hanging ferns. I bought one this year but it was on the SW part of my house, so it was not loving that....it is in a planter now in the shade and I think it's happier over there...and deer do not eat ferns, phew! They are doing a number on my flowers this year :(

Marie said...

Your fern is so beautiful! All my flowers have pretty much choked in the heat. The only thing still going strong is one petunia basket and all the salvia (sp?). I use those same Miracle Grow spikes!

Dawn said...

Your ferns are beautiful!!! I love miracle grown. I've never seen the spikes before. I'll definitely use them. I have some plants that really would have benefited from them this summer.

take care,
Dawn

Picket said...

Morning girl! I love ferns and buy new ones every year at Lowes! Mine are huge now and hang down into the windowboxes...Bill sets our out every time it rains also...I hate that I have no place for them during the winter cause they are so pretty...to me there is nothing that says Southern like pretty ferns hanging on the porch! I haven't tried that Fresco effect with people yet...I still am making my way thru all my yard and house pics...forget the people! lol lol Have a great day girl!

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Oh your ferns did good Diane . Mine did awful this year . I think mine were too big when I bought them and I believe they were already root bound . So I won't buy them too big next year .
We were at a restaurant the other day and they had the BIGGEST ferns hanging on their porch I have ever seen , I couldn't believe how huge they were. I wish I had taken a pic of them ! I think I might call them and ask where they got them .

Darlene said...

I noticed in another post you did when you set the ferns out to get rain water how lush and beautiful they looked. I will have to try some of those spike sticks.

pammiejo said...

I started out with one years ago and now have 6-7 out of that one plant. I've revived a "dead" one from the trash someone had set out on the street and it is HUGE. Just split it over and over and make more! Pretty easy to grow. I feed mine now and again with Miracle Grow.

Connie said...

Always love ferns. Mine always dry out. Great tip.

Good luck with your new job. Those kiddos are getting one great lady for their teacher. I miss teaching...sometimes, then I realize I'm pretty happy doing what I'm doing.

Good LUCK!
~Connie

Anonymous said...

Well, I'm probably not the person to ask for tips. Back in the spring I bought two absolutely beautiful hanging Boston ferns, but there was a lot of dead foliage inside. So I had the brilliant idea of giving them a hair cut. Now when you put scissors in my hand, or clippers, I am somewhat deranged and dangerous. When I got done, I looked at those ferns, and I'd managed to cut them all the way almost to the soil. I figured, oh, it's like hair; it will grow back. Well, they didn't and they died!
But yours are gorgeous and lush!
Brenda

Twice as Nice said...

Your ferns are beautiful. What will you do with them when the weather turns cold? Are you going to bring them inside and try to save them? That's what's hard with beautiful plants,end of season, what to do with them if there is no room in the house. Even if I have a sad looking plant it's hard to just throw it away without feeling guilty lol.

Karin said...

Those sticks are great! I used to try and mix up a batch of Miracle Grow every onece ina while, or that fish emusion (pee-yew) but the sticks are a Lot easier. I keep my ferns from year to year, just winter them in the garage if it freezes. If you fertilize them in the spring, they come right back, just as lush as ever.

Anonymous said...

Love the ferns, my sis in law uses Miracle Grow and swears its the best.
Diane

Tootsie said...

those ferns look fantastic! good work!

Tootsie said...

I don't use the spikes...I like the powder that you put in the water...but may need to try the spikes too!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hey, Diane, thanks for chiming in on the questions. If you do have a pic of that frame, I'd love to see it & then I can do a post on it soon.

Saw your post about too much time blogging! I know...it's so hard to keep this thing balanced. I have the hardest time with it too. I don't post every day, but it just gets impossible to keep up with everyone else.

xo,
Rhoda

Barb said...

Hi Diane,

I am catching up. Congrats on the opportunity that has come your way. I know you will be a blessing to every one.

Love the secretary transformation. I may have to borrow that idea when I have some time.

Your ferns are gorgeous.

many hugs,
Barb

nikkicrumpet said...

The only ferns I've ever been able to grow are the ones that grow wild in our woods...they line all along the yard at the edge of the trees...as long as I leave them totally alone the flourish! Ferns HATE ME!

Nancy Rosalina said...

Hi Diane, Doesn't look like you need any tips...you are doing a great job! I love ferns and have always done good with them. I have 2 on my porch on each side of the door...I never have tried to keep them inside, in the winter, but I might give a whirl this year. I love the miracle grow too. Nancy

Southern Lady said...

Diane, your ferns are gorgeous. I noticed them in your "Rainy Day" post the other day when you put them out to be watered by the rain.

I'm terrible about fertilizing my plants and those Miracle Gro sticks sound like the perfect solution. Thanks for telling us about them.

Sincerely,

Janie

SmilingSally said...

It is a beautiful fern--nice and full.

I had one once, but it got so messy, and I got lazy. Ah well.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Wow! Those ferns are lush and full! Miracle Grow does just what it advertises and I use it every summer for my annuals too.

Yes -- I was at my daughter's apartment and Picket comment on my blog had me laughing so hard a repairman that was doing work thought I was crazy...lol!

Anne Fannie said...

Hi Diane, love your ferns. Mine are doing great this year too and I don't know why. Its been so hot here and I have been giving them lots of water and shade. I have never tried the miracle sticks just the mix, I am going to try some, they look alot easier!
Love, Ann

Screaming Meme said...

I love ferns and have never been able to grow them...Im going to go and get another one and use your tips!!

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

Thanks for the tips on the ferns. I love the look of ferns but have had no luck keeping them alive. I am impressed!
-Carrie