[88sunflower]

I have this plant that if I water it too much it starts to die. But I took a leaf off it and put it in a cup of water and its growing roots like crazy. I don't understant that. If you water the plant too much it dies, but it in acual water and its root crazy?? Makes no sense. Why?

[tickle]

Sunflower, good question. It is a baby so taking nutrients from wherever it can get them and growing... right. Biologically I don't know the answer but whatever I do, my plants grow.

Lots of hugs and talk to your plants every day and provide 'daycare'.

Ms tickle

[88sunflower]

Thanks tickle. It was just a random thought I had sitting here looking at them. Puzzles me. One more question you might know. I haven't ever grown a plant from a shoot off another. This is the first time. How thick should the roots get before I put them in dirt?

[tickle]

It isn't how thick, but how many. There is a really good 'starting medium' you can buy from a nursery outlet, or a florist. It is a gel that accepts plants to generate healthy roots. I haven't heard of this in a long time, so if you find it, let me know.

When I start a plant I look for multiple root shoots, then I plant. And don't ever change the water you generate the plant in, just add whater and when you transfer to a good potting soil always use the water you started the plant in. Makes sense, right.

I have used miracle grow for years; a healthy start and constant replenishment for outdoor plants, shrubs and trees. Good plug, eh. but yes it works.

Kindest as always

Tick

[88sunflower]

Guess I can get it ready for soil then. I see like 8 nice thick long roots. Perfect. Thanks again.

[tickle]

Hi sunflower. I always have great satisfaction starting a little piece of plant in water in a sunny window and watching the roots form. Better still, finally planting it and having greater satisfaction when it takes and becomes an adult plant. It's a good feeling. I wonder if men feel the same way when nurturing a plant like that ?

Kindest regards

Tick

[88sunflower]

Hard to tell what men think at times.

But I agree. For the past few years I have been more and more in to plants and gardenings and putting out flowers. One part of my garden I have my tomatoe plants and flowers all planted in together. It sounds crazy but in full bloom its all so darn pretty. I do bird feeders and plant giant sunflowers right near them. The birds love eating off the sunflowers. I just prefer lower mantenance plants you know since I am still new and learning.

[tickle]

You may want to consider planting all perrenials such as Hostas, so many different leaf patterns and sizes and colours. My garden is all perrenial. I prefer to spend my money on shrubs and flowers that come up every year. I never buy annuals. Hostas can also be split up year after year so your purchase doubles and triples, year after year.

Your garden sounds great, sunflower.

Tick

[88sunflower]

I did look at Hostas. But I wasn't sure how much they flowered. But thanks again! I will look in to them now more since the summer is just starting.