How to Grow Garlic

Learn everything you need to know to grow fresh garlic from a clove

Don’t you wish that you could have cloves of garlic at your fingertips whenever you needed it for a recipe? Even if you’re a total amateur at gardening, garlic is a really easy herb that you can easily start growing at home. Before you start planting any old clove of garlic in your kitchen, there are a few things to keep in mind. When you finish reading, you’ll know how to grow and harvest a fresh supply of garlic you can use throughout the year.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Plant garlic in the fall before the last frost so you can harvest it in the following summer. You can grow it in the ground or in a container.
• Sow cloves of seed garlic deep in well-draining soil in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
• Water garlic once a week during the growing season in the spring and summer.
• Dig up and harvest your garlic in the summer when the bottoms of the stems turn yellow. Let the bulbs dry out for 3–4 weeks before using the cloves.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Planting

1. Plant your garlic cloves in the fall 6–8 weeks before the first frost. Since garlic produces bigger bulbs when it goes through a cold period, plan on starting them in the early fall to harvest them the following summer. Check the expected first frost date for your area by typing your location into an online calculator. Make sure you plant your garlic before then so it has a chance to establish some roots and shoots before the temperatures start to cool down.^[1]
   
   • Already had the first frost in your area? Try planting garlic in the spring instead! Just keep the bulbs in your fridge for at least 8 weeks and plant them when you can easily work the soil.
2. Find a spot with well-draining, neutral soil. Run a soil test in the spot where you want to plant your garlic. If your soil’s pH isn’t between 6.5–7.0, then amend the soil to adjust the pH accordingly. Also, test if your soil has good drainage and that it isn’t compacted or full of clay.^[2]
   
   • To check your soil drainage, dig a hole in the ground and filling it with water. Once the water drains, fill it again and measure the depth. After 15 minutes, measure the change in water level and multiply it by 4. If the drainage is , then your soil is perfect for garlic.^[3]
   • Alternatively, grow your garlic in a pot indoors. Just use a container that’s at least deep filled with a standard potting mix.
3. Pick a planting location that gets 6–8 hours of sunlight a day. Check the planting site that you picked out to ensure that it gets direct sunlight throughout most of the day. It’s okay if the spot is shady for a few hours during the day as long as there’s mostly sunshine.^[4]
   
4. Choose seed garlic to plant. Hardneck garlic is more hardy through the winter and easy to peel, but it doesn’t have as long of a shelf-life. Softneck garlic has a longer shelf life than hardneck varieties and they’re what you’d usually find in a grocery store. Break apart the individual cloves from the bulb right before you want to plant them so they don’t dry out.^[5]
   
   • Common hardneck varieties include Music (pungent but not too hot), Early Italian (mild and excellent roasted), or German Red (hot and on the spicier side).
   • Try softneck varieties like California Early White (mild and versatile), Silver White (moderate flavor and keeps well in storage), or Lorz Italian (strong, zesty flavors).
   • Choose large, clean garlic bulbs since they’ll have the best chances of growing.
   • Avoid planting garlic that you bought from the grocery store since it usually isn’t suited to grow in your area. You can buy seed garlic online or ask local farmers or growers if they have any cloves available.
5. Sow the cloves deep with the pointed ends up. Dig small holes for each clove in your soil with a trowel, putting them apart. Set the garlic clove into the hole so the flat end where the roots form is on the bottom and the pointed top end is face up.^[6] Loosely cover the cloves with soil and water them immediately.^[7]
   
6. Cover the seeds for winter with of straw mulch. Spread the mulch in an even layer over your entire planting area to help protect the cloves from cold temperatures. Leave the mulch over your garlic throughout the entire winter. Once there isn’t a risk of any snow or frost in the springtime, rake the mulch off of where the cloves are planted so they can sprout.^[8]
   
   • It’s okay to leave the mulch between the spots where you planted garlic to help prevent weeds and retain moisture.
   • Keep track of where your garlic is by putting garden stakes in the ground at each planting site.
   • Avoid using hay to cover your garlic since it could contain weed seeds.

[Edit]Caring for Garlic

1. Water your garlic once a week starting in the spring. Begin watering your garlic after the last frost in your area at the beginning of the growing season. Give your garlic at least of water every week. Once the leaves start to turn yellow in the middle of the summer, stop watering to prevent the bulbs from rotting or splitting.^[9]
   
   • If it rained during the week, you may not need to do any extra watering for your garlic. Use a rain gauge to measure how much water your plants have gotten so you don’t accidentally overwater them.
2. Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the early and late spring. Garlic takes a lot of nitrogen to grow large cloves, so use blood meal, chicken manure, or artificial fertilizer. Side-dress your fertilizer by applying it around the base of your garlic without actually getting it on the stems. Do one application at the start of the growing season and another when the garlic sprouts are tall.^[10]
   
   • Check the soil nutrients before adding any fertilizers. If the nitrogen levels are already around 440 ppm, then you don’t need to add fertilizer.^[11]
3. Pull weeds around your garlic when you see them. As soon as you see other plants sprouting up near your garlic, put on a pair of gardening gloves and pull the weed out of the ground. If some of the roots are still stuck in the soil, then gently lift them out with a trowel.^[12]
   
   • Try applying a layer of mulch around your garlic, but don’t let it touch the stems since it could lead to rot.
4. Cut the flower stems off of hardneck garlic before they uncurl. Look for the main stem in the center of a hardneck garlic stalk with the curled top, known as the scape. Use a pair of garden trimmers to cut the scape off of the plant. That way, your garlic will put its energy into growing larger cloves instead of a flower.^[13]
   
   • Chop the scape and use it in your cooking for more aromatic notes. Try tossing them in a stir fry or sauce for an added boost of flavor.

[Edit]Harvesting & Storing

1. Harvest your garlic when the lower third of the leaves turns yellow. Garlic planted in the fall or in the spring will be ready by the middle of summer. Check the stalks for differently colored leaves that have withered up to see if the bulbs are ready.^[14]
   
   • Harvesting your garlic early will end up giving you smaller and less flavorful cloves.
   • Avoid watering your garlic after it starts to turn yellow since the bulbs could rot or split.
2. Dig up the garlic with a trowel or garden fork. Rather than pulling the garlic straight out of the ground, loosen the dirt around the bulb with your trowel or fork. Gently work the soil until you can easily pull the garlic out. Brush off any loose or clumped soil around the bulb.^[15]
   
   • Yanking the garlic out of the ground could damage the cloves before you have a chance to use them.
3. Cure the garlic in a warm, dry place for 3–4 weeks. Choose a spot like a basement, shed, barn, or pantry where the papery skin around the garlic can dry out. Store the garlic in mesh bags or spread them out evenly on a baking tray so they can dry. Keep the roots and leaves attached to the bulb. Leave the garlic for at least 3 weeks so they can fully cure.^[16]
   
4. Cut off the stems and roots from the bulb. Use a pair of kitchen scissors to trim the roots off the bottom section of the bulb. Leave about of the stem attached to the bulb, but cut off the rest of the leaves so your garlic is easier to store.^[17]
   
   • If you want to braid your garlic for a decorative way to store the bulbs, leave the stems long.
5. Store the bulbs in a cool, dry spot for up to 6–7 months. Keep your garlic in a basement, root cellar, or cool pantry so your garlic lasts the longest. Whenever you need to cook some garlic, break off the cloves you need and leave the rest of the bulb.^[18]
   
   • If your garlic starts to sprout when it’s in storage, throw it away since it won’t be as flavorful.
   • Watch for signs your garlic has gone bad, like if it has mushy brown spots or a sour odor.
   • Avoid keeping your garlic in the fridge since the moisture and colder temperatures might make the cloves sprout.^[19]
   • Try making garlic oil with your fresh cloves to easily add flavors to your dishes.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Garlic is generally pest-free, but you may sometimes notice small thrips on the leaves. They won’t damage the bulbs, so your garlic will still be safe to eat.^[20]
• Save a few of the largest bulbs or cloves from your harvest to replant in the fall so you can keep growing more garlic.^[21]

[Edit]Warnings

• Avoid planting garlic cloves you get from the grocery store because they’re usually not suited to grow in your local conditions.^[22]

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

• Seed garlic
• Trowel
• Straw mulch
• Watering can
• Gardening gloves
• Blood meal, chicken manure, or nitrogen fertilizer
• Garden trimmers
• Garden fork

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Make Garlic Bread
• Grow a Tomato Plant
• Peel a Garlic Clove
• Roast Garlic
• Plant Garlic

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2019-09-17-how-grow-garlic
2. ↑ https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs1233/
3. ↑ https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2076/2018/04/C221-DIY-Soil-Tests.pdf
4. ↑ https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2019-09-17-how-grow-garlic
5. ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/growing-garlic-fall-planting
6. ↑ https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1627
7. ↑ https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C854#Planting
8. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic#growing-garlic-from-cloves-867610
9. ↑ https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs1233/
10. ↑ https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/get-your-garlic-primer-planting-growing-and-harvesting
11. ↑ https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/vegetable-gardening-nitrogen-recommendations-7-247/
12. ↑ https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C854
13. ↑ https://warren.cce.cornell.edu/gardening-landscape/warren-county-master-gardener-articles/garlic
14. ↑ https://extension.unh.edu/resource/growing-garlic-new-hampshire-fact-sheet
15. ↑ https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs1233/
16. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic#harvesting-868162
17. ↑ https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2019-09-17-how-grow-garlic
18. ↑ https://extension.unh.edu/resource/growing-garlic-new-hampshire-fact-sheet
19. ↑ https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/get-your-garlic-primer-planting-growing-and-harvesting
20. ↑ https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1627
21. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic#harvesting-868162
22. ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/growing-garlic-fall-planting

How to Remove Lipstick from Clothes

Stain removal methods for different types of lipstick

Lipstick can look amazing on your face, but on your clothes, it's a very different story. Whether your toddler has taken to sketching amateur cartoons on your dress shirt or your lover has accidentally left a visible "smackeroo" on your collar, the best way to remove lipstick can depend on the precise type of lipstick used as well as the type of fabric used in your clothing. Thus, knowing how to identify both of these factors and treat the stain quickly can make the difference between saving your garment and having to send it to a professional.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Cleaning Via Absorption

[Edit]Removing Your Lipstick Stain

1. Lay the garment stain-down on an absorbent towel. Once you notice a lipstick stain, remove the garment as early as possible. To begin treating it, lay it stained-side down on top of a paper towel or rag — something disposable or that you don't mind staining.
   
   • Make sure the material you lay it on is fairly absorbent and that the floor, table, or counter top underneath isn't vulnerable to stains — if you use a towel that's too thin or work on top of a white surface, you'll risk spreading the stain.
   • If using a cloth or sponge, make sure it is clean before use; you don't want to add more grime!^[1]
2. Apply cleaning solution from the reverse side. Next, grab liquid cleaning solution and apply it to the back of the fabric where the stain is. As it works its way into the fabric, it should displace the lipstick in to the towel underneath. On the other hand, scrubbing the stain from the front can actually be counter-productive and spread the lipstick across the fabric.
   
   
   • You have many possibilities in terms of cleaning solutions — depending on the precise nature of the stain and the fabric of your clothes, different cleaners may be appropriate at different occasions. The following cleaners are discussed in the subsection below — scroll down for more information:^[2]
   • Dish soap and water^[3]
   • Acetone and other mineral solvents
   • Denatured (rubbing) alcohol
   • Ammonia
   • Certain commercial stain removal products
   • Home-made solutions like lemon juice, vinegar, etc.; or a paste made by mixing baking soda and water^[4]
3. Press down with a second absorbent towel. Next, grab a second towel (this one doesn't have to be quite so absorbent) and press down gently on the reverse side of the stain. This should force your cleaning solution (which has now picked up some of the lipstick) into the lower towel, where it will be soaked up.
   
   
   • As you do this, take care not let your garment or the towel on the bottom move around, as this can spread the stain.
4. Repeat as needed, replacing towels as they become soggy. Continue soaking the stain with cleaning solution and applying pressure from the reverse side of the fabric until you notice the lipstick stain begin to noticeably lighten. As you go, replace the bottom towel with a fresh towel as soon as it starts to become saturated with liquid — if you don't, the cleaning liquid can soak through to the surface underneath or discolor other parts of your garment.
   
   
5. Finish by laundering. After several cycles of the cleaning method above, you should notice visible improvement in the lipstick stain. At this point, it's a good idea to run the garment through the wash to remove excess cleaner and "finish off" any stain remnants.
   
   • For maximum cleaning power, consider using our instructions below for pre-treating a stained garment prior to doing a load of laundry.

[Edit]Picking a Cleaning Solution

1. Use dish soap and water for an easy fix. Compared to other cleaning solutions, a gentle solution of dish soap and water offers a safe "middle ground." It's useful for moving a variety of stains and it's not likely to damage many fabrics, making it a versatile tool.^[5] Best of all, it's cheap and readily-available at any local grocery store.
   
   
2. Use a solvent like acetone. Organic solvents (like acetone) can be a big asset when it comes to removing stains from waxier lipsticks, as they are able to break down many of the plastic compounds that can give certain lipsticks this quality (for a demonstration of this, put a chunk of styrofoam in acetone — it should dissolve immediately.) Acetone is safe for all natural fibers and most synthetics, though it can cause colors to bleed.
   
   • Note that acetone is most widely available as nail polish remover. If you want to use commercial nail polish remover as a stain remover, be sure to use the closest variety to pure acetone available that doesn't include added dyes.
3. Use denatured alcohol. Denatured ("rubbing") alcohol is another great cleaning solution that's cheap and safe for most fabrics. Alcohol is especially useful for microfiber fabrics because, unlike other liquids, it won't penetrate the fibers and cause a permanent stain.^[6] Note, however, that like acetone, alcohol can cause colors to bleed.
   
   • Though it's cheap, rubbing alcohol isn't always available in the "cleaning" aisle of grocery stores. You may need to visit a hardware store or pharmacy to find it.
4. Use ammonia. Ammonia is as famous for its cleaning power as it is for its pungent, somewhat unpleasant smell, so it can be a great choice if you're prepared to work in a well-ventilated area. However, ammonia can harm some fabrics, especially those used in carpeting and upholstery — though these are unlikely to be the same sorts of fabrics used in your clothing, it's a smart idea to "spot test" your garment before using ammonia. In other words, apply ammonia to a small part of the garment that can't usually be seen and let it sit for about 20 minutes, then check to see if the fabric is damaged or discolored.
   
   • In addition, it's worth noting that ammonia can damage no-wax tiles and floors, so avoid working on these surfaces.^[7]
   • When you use ammonia, it's very important to remember that it reacts with bleach to form toxic gas.^[8] Never use ammonia to clean a garment when you intend to launder it with bleach after.
5. Use a commercial stain remover. Head to the cleaning aisle of any major grocery store and you should see a wide range of cleaning products for sale. These may contain any of the ingredients above (or completely different ingredients), so the usefulness and safety of each will vary from product to product. Be sure to check the product's label or packaging for safety warnings before using it on your garment.
   
6. Consider a "natural" treatment. It's also possible to use natural ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen or pantry to remove a wide variety of stains, including those from lipstick. As a general rule, these natural solutions are mild and safe on nearly all fabrics. Below are just a few common suggestions:^[9]
   
   • White vinegar (not balsamic or apple cider)
   • Lemon juice
   • Baking soda and water^[10]
   • Eucalyptus oil
   • Citrus peels

[Edit]Pre-treating and Laundering

1. Dab the stain with water. With the right pre-treating strategy, it's possible to get most lipsticks out in the laundry. Start by dabbing the area around the stain with a wet rag to prepare it to absorb detergent.
   
   
   • Don't rub the water in — as noted above, this can spread the stain.
2. Scrub carefully with your preferred laundry detergent. Next, apply a small dot of your preferred laundry detergent directly to your stain. If you're working with powder detergent, mix a small amount with water to form a loose paste. Use a soft-bristled brush (like an old toothbrush) to scrub the stain and work the detergent into it.
   
   
   • For added results, you may also want to work the detergent into the fabric from the reverse side. This is a useful tactic because it helps works the lipstick away from the fabric, rather than into it.
   • Be sure to use a detergent that's safe for your fabric — check the garment's care label if you have any doubts.
3. Allow the detergent to set. Next, give the detergent a chance to soak into the fabric and start to dislodge the stain. This shouldn't take more than 10-15 minutes. While you wait, you can prepare the rest of your laundry load.
   
4. Launder on the highest, hottest setting that is safe for your garment. Add your pre-treated garment with a load of other clothes to the washer. As a general rule, hot water and high-intensity wash settings are a little better at cleaning than cold water and gentle washes, so set your washer to the highest settings allowed on your garment's care label.
   
   • Many cleaning resources state that it is safe to wash a lipstick-stained garment with other clothes as long as excess lipstick has been scraped off. If you're concerned about the color from the lipstick staining the rest of the clothes, you may want to wash your garment separately to be safe.
5. Dry and repeat if necessary. When your wash is done, take your garment out and inspect the stained area. If the stain is still plainly visible, you may need to repeat the pre-treating cycle one or more times to completely eliminate the stain. When you're satisfied with your results, dry your garment.
   
   • If you have clear weather outside, you may want to consider drying your garment in the sun on a drying rack or line. The sun's rays are known to lighten stains during the drying process. However, it's important to note that leaving colored clothes out for days at a time can cause their colors to fade.

[Edit]Using Petroleum Jelly

1. Dab a small amount of petroleum jelly on the stain. Believe it or not, petroleum jelly (i.e., Vaseline) can be a powerful stain-removal tool when it comes to lipstick. Using petroleum jelly to remove lipstick from fabric is easy — start by using a finger to gently blot the surface of the stain with a small amount of the jelly.
   
   
   • Don't work jelly into more of the fabric than is necessary to cover the stain, as, in sufficient quantities, petroleum jelly can be hard to remove from fabric itself. If you are eventually left with a separate stain from the jelly, use rubbing alcohol to treat it.^[11]
2. Launder as normal. Next, with the jelly still on it, toss your garment into the washing machine with a load of laundry. Set the washer to the normal settings for your garment (check the care label if you have any concerns) and let the wash run as normal.
   
3. If needed, follow with another stain removal method. When you take your garment out of the wash, the stain should have improved noticeably. If some lipstick still remains, consider repeating this method or using one of the other cleaning suggestions in this article to finish it off.
   
   

[Edit]Using a Classic Hairspray Fix

1. Spray hairspray generously on the affected area. This old-school method was once a favorite of fashionable young women, but now, anyone can use it. All you'll need to get started is an ordinary bottle of hairspray — most commercially-available varieties should work fine. Begin by spraying plenty of hairspray directly onto the stain, saturating the fabric.
   
   
   • Note that this method works best if it's performed right after the stain is made, before it has a chance to set. If it's attempted after the stain has had a chance to set, it may not work perfectly.
2. Let the hairspray set for 10-15 minutes. Next, give the hairspray a chance to soak into the fabric and begin to lift the lipstick away from the fabric. This shouldn't take any longer than 15 minutes.
   
3. Dab the excess moisture away. Use a paper towel or a rug you don't mind staining to dab the excess moisture from the fabric. Continue dabbing until you're unable to draw any more liquid out of the fabric.
   
   
   • As noted above, you'll want to be sure to dab, not scrub, as this can spread the now-loosened stain.
4. Launder as normal. At this point, if any lipstick remains, you may want to launder the garment to complete the stain-removal process. When done, dry as normal.
   
   • Consider using the pre-treatment method above to enhance the stain-fighting power of your laundry cycle.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• As with most other clothing stains, when you're dealing with lipstick, it's important to start treating the stain as quickly as possible. The longer the stain has to set, the harder it will be to eventually remove.
• Lipsticks typically contain three main ingredients: waxes, oils, and pigments.^[12] In general, solvents work best for cleaning waxes, degreasers and detergents work best for cleaning oils, and pigments that aren't cleaned by the cleaners above may require special oxidant cleaners. If you're having trouble removing a stubborn stain, try switching to a different type of cleaner.
• If you're out and about, consider stopping at a grocery or department store to pick up an "instant" stain removal pen like "Tide to Go" or a similar product — these offer a convenient on-the-go solution for stains.

[Edit]Warnings

• Before starting, check the stained garment's care label. Send dry-clean only garments to the dry cleaner's rather than trying to clean them yourself. While the methods below should work for removing lipstick from most garments, some fabrics may be vulnerable to damage
• Avoid using bleach-based cleaners except on white garments — using them on colored clothes can cause unsightly "light" spots.
• Take care when working with acetone or rubbing alcohol — these substances are flammable, so avoid smoking or using them near open flames.^[13]

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Get a Makeup Stain out of Clothes Without Washing
• Remove Lipstick From Carpet
• Remove Tomato Sauce from Fabrics

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ [v162079_b01]. 28 September 2022.
2. ↑ http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/stain-removal/lipstick-stain.html
3. ↑ [v162079_b01]. 28 September 2022.
4. ↑ [v162079_b01]. 28 September 2022.
5. ↑ [v162079_b01]. 28 September 2022.
6. ↑ http://cleanmyspace.com/rubbingalcohol/
7. ↑ http://www.wisegeek.com/is-ammonia-a-safe-cleaning-agent.htm
8. ↑ http://www.wisegeek.com/is-ammonia-a-safe-cleaning-agent.htm
9. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/20-diy-green-cleaning-recipes-141129
10. ↑ [v162079_b01]. 28 September 2022.
11. ↑ http://web.extension.illinois.edu/stain/staindetail.cfm?ID=149
12. ↑ http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/stain-removal/lipstick-stain.html
13. ↑ http://classroom.synonym.com/lipstick-out-clothes-went-through-washer-11624.html

How to Grow Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums make a bright, cheerful addition to any garden, but you might be surprised to learn how easy they are to grow! Keep reading for tips on how to care for them, like how and where to plant them and how often to water them.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Choosing a Healthy Spot

1. Pick a spot outside that has access to sun 5-6 hours a day. Choose a spot in your yard that gets sunny — a little bit of shade is okay. Chrysanthemums like the morning sun, so try to place them in a spot that gets sunlight in the earlier hours of the day.^[1]
   
2. Ensure the soil is well-drained and fertile. Chrysanthemums don’t like being constantly wet, so make sure the soil is able to drain easily and that there’s plenty of air circulation.^[2]
   
   • If you're unsure whether or not your soil is able to drain efficiently, dig a hole using a shovel that's roughly deep. Fill the hole with water and see if all of the water is able to drain out in under 10 minutes. If it's not, your soil isn't well-drained.
3. Provide the plants with protection from the wind. Chrysanthemums like a mild climate, so if you live somewhere where it’s often windy, provide a buffer for your plants. Try spreading a layer of mulch over the soil where the chrysanthemums are planted.^[3]
   
   • The mulch layer doesn't need to be incredibly thick, but it should cover all of the soil completely.
   • You can also plant your chrysanthemums along a fence to help protect them from the wind.
4. Plant your mums apart. If you're planting more than 1 plant, you'll need to make sure you have enough room for each plant's roots to flourish. Measure your garden or backyard using a measuring tape or yardstick so that you know where to place the chrysanthemums.
   

[Edit]Growing Chrysanthemums from Seeds

1. Purchase seeds from a nursery or gardening store. There's a wide variety of chrysanthemum seeds to choose from, and most cost between $2 and $10 for a pack. The pack should contain anywhere from 50 to 1,000 seeds.
   
2. Fill seed germination trays with a well-draining potting mix. You can purchase potting soil at a gardening store, or you can make your own. Fill each cell of a seed germination tray almost to the top with the soil.
   
   • You can purchase well-draining soil and seed germination trays at a gardening or home improvement store.
   • To tell if the soil in your yard has proper drainage, dig a hole that's roughly deep and fill it with water. If the water drains from the hole by the time 10 minutes have gone by, the soil is well-draining.
3. Place 2-3 seeds into each cell of the germination tray. It’s easiest if you simply pour the seeds into the palm of your hand and use your fingers to gently place the seeds into the soil. Instead of clumping them all together, spread the seeds out so that they're not touching.
   
4. Sprinkle a fine layer of soil over the seeds. If you’ve placed the seeds into the soil, you don’t need to sprinkle more soil on top. However, if you simply dropped the seeds onto the soil, it’s best if you sprinkle a fine layer of additional soil into each cell to make sure the seeds are covered.
   
5. Use a spray bottle to produce a fine mist over the soil. Fill a small spray bottle with water and spray the tray so that the soil is nice and moist. When you touch the soil, it should be damp but not completely saturated.
   
6. Press the soil down lightly with your fingers. This will help make sure the seeds have made contact with the soil and aren’t just sitting on top where they can be moved by wind or water. Use 2 or 3 fingers to gently flatten the soil with the bottom of your fingers, not the tips.
   
7. Place the seed tray in a bright, sunny spot. This could be in a windowsill that receives lots of sunlight or outside on a porch (if you’re able to monitor the weather closely). The more sunlight the seeds receive, the faster and better they’ll germinate.
   
   • If you’d like, you can place a heating mat under the tray to warm the soil for faster germination.
   • You should start seeing results in 8-10 days.
   • Monitoring the weather if you leave the seeds out on a porch is important in case it happens to rain a lot, gets cold, or isn't sunny outside for several days.
8. Check the soil often to ensure it’s moist. Use a spray bottle to apply a fine mist to the soil if it feels like it’s drying out. When the seeds are in sunlight, you should be checking them every day to make sure the soil is damp.
   
   • Be careful not to oversaturate the soil — it should be moist, not dripping wet.
   • Check the soil more often if you’re using a heat mat.
9. Transfer the seeds into separate pots when they’re a few inches high. When the stems grow to roughly , you can move them to separate pots so that their roots have more room to grow. Be very careful when transferring them so as not to damage their delicate roots or stems.
   
   • It should be time to transfer them after about 6 weeks.
   • Use a small spade or shovel to help remove the plants carefully.
10. Propagate chrysanthemums if you wish to use a cutting. Take a cutting from a chrysanthemum and dip it in rooting hormone mix before planting. This often produces more stable chrysanthemums than growing them from seeds.
    

[Edit]Transferring Potted Chrysanthemums

1. Plant the chrysanthemums after the danger of frost is over. Transferring your chrysanthemums from a pot into the ground can be a delicate process, so make sure the soil is nice and toiled and there’s no danger of cold weather that might damage the plant.
   
2. Dig a hole that’s twice the size of the roots of the plant. Use a shovel to create a hole for the plant that’s the same depth as the pot but twice as wide. This will ensure the chrysanthemums have plenty of room for their roots. Place the chrysanthemum carefully into the hole.^[4]
   
3. Space the chrysanthemums apart, if applicable. If you’re planting several different sections of mums, place them apart so that the roots have space to grow and spread without overcrowding each other.^[5]
   
4. Cover the roots and empty spaces with fresh soil. There will be space around the roots after you’ve placed them, so pour soil into these spaces so that the roots are nicely surrounded. Use your hands to pack down the soil a bit so that it’s even with the rest of the ground.
   
   • Spread a fresh top layer of soil over the roots as well, not just on the sides.
5. Water the chrysanthemums at least once a week. Test the soil with your finger to see if it’s dry, and if it is, give the plants a nice watering. They don’t like wet roots so allow them time to dry out between watering.^[6]
   
6. Feed the mums liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, if desired. This isn’t required, but it will help keep the chrysanthemums healthy and growing quickly. You can find a liquid fertilizer at your local gardening or home improvement store.^[7]
   
   • Follow the instructions that come with the liquid fertilizer to know how much and how often to feed the plants.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Keep your mums healthy and beautiful by removing all dead and diseased plant parts throughout the season.
• Plant chrysanthemums in the early spring or after the danger of freezing weather has passed.
• Avoid planting mums near large trees or invasive roots.
• It’s best to water mums in the early morning or late afternoon. Allow enough time for their leaves to dry before nightfall.
• Divide your mums every 3 to 5 years so that they don’t get crowded and keep producing blooms. In early spring, simply dig up the plant and separate the roots with a sharp spade. Replant them 18” (457.2 mm) apart.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Sow Tiny Seeds Evenly

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.todayshomeowner.com/growing-chrysanthemums-in-your-garden/
2. ↑ https://www.todayshomeowner.com/growing-chrysanthemums-in-your-garden/
3. ↑ http://www.homelife.com.au/gardening/plant-guides/plant-guide-chrysanthemums
4. ↑ https://www.todayshomeowner.com/growing-chrysanthemums-in-your-garden/
5. ↑ https://www.todayshomeowner.com/growing-chrysanthemums-in-your-garden/
6. ↑ http://homeguides.sfgate.com/should-water-mums-46643.html
7. ↑ http://www.homelife.com.au/gardening/plant-guides/plant-guide-chrysanthemums

How to Enjoy Retirement

Retirement can be a happy time of life, but also comes with stress. When first entering retirement, it can be difficult to manage your expectations. So much free time can be overwhelming. However, there are many ways you can make the most out of your retired years. You can start by making a plan. Think about your budget, and how you would like to spend your time. From there, work on keeping busy. Join a local club or take up a new hobby. Make sure to keep social relationships strong during retirement. Retirement is a great time to get in touch with old friends and strengthen family bonds.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Planning for Retirement

1. Manage your expectations.^[1] To start, you'll want to manage your expectations. If you're anxious to get out of a stifling career, you may think retirement will be glorious. However, it's very normal for the transition into retirement to be stressful. Try to keep your expectations realistic, and expect some sadness in the early days of retirement.^[2]
   
   • A lot of identity is tied to career. It's normal to feel lost and confused initially during retirement.^[3] These feelings are normal, and will pass with time. Expecting to feel some sadness early on can lessen its blow. If you go into retirement certain you'll automatically feel happy and fulfilled, you may be more upset or frustrated by the difficulty of the transition.
   • You should also expect that you will not do all you want to do right away. Do not expect to jump into retirement and immediately begin reading all the books you want to read, traveling everywhere you wanted to go, and getting into a ton of hobbies. It's okay to plan for some downtime, initially, as you adjust to the transition.
2. Make a budget. Even with a good pension, you will be taking in significantly less money in retirement. Look into your savings, personal assets, and monthly pension to get a sense of how much money you can reasonably spend each month. Knowing your budget ahead of time can help you feel relaxed about money, allowing you to enjoy your retirement more.
   
   • If you're on a strict budget, you can plan for low cost activities.^[4] Try to take advantage of senior discounts at low-priced local restaurants, for example. You can also look into downsizing. If you'd be okay with a smaller home or less belongings, selling some of your old things can give you extra money for retirement.
   • You can also consider finding a way to earn small amounts of money each month. You could try a part time job. Many retirees enjoy small, low pressure part time work. Things like tutoring, substitute teaching, dog-walking, and pet sitting will keep you busy and feeling fulfilled. They will also give you a bit of extra income to spend.
   • You could also plan for free leisure activities, like going to the beach, if you live near one, or to a community pool to pass the day.^[5]
3. Think about your identity. A lot of one's identity is tied up in work. You may feel very defined by your job. You may see yourself as a lawyer, or a teacher, or an engineer. Retirement can be jarring, as this role is suddenly absent. It can help to think about your new role prior to retirement. This can give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment, allowing you to better enjoy yourself.^[6]
   
   • You perhaps once thought of yourself as an achiever, a breadwinner, and independent. Even if you've retired with relative security, you may feel a loss of independence and purpose in retirement. Try to think about new roles you can fill.
   • In retirement, you're now a valued community member. As you've lived a long, fulfilling life people may come to you for advice and guidance. If you're married, you can see yourself as a valued partner for your spouse. If you have children, you can provide them with guidance and support.
4. Set goals for yourself. You should have some goals going into retirement. This can allow you to better enjoy yourself. You will suddenly have an onslaught of free time, so you want to plan ways to fill that time. Have a sense of what you want to do going into retirement.^[7]
   
   • You may want to have some very specific goals based off of your general interests. For example, a general goal may be something like, "I want to get more involved in my community." How can you make this more specific? What are some concrete ways you can get involved?
   • From a vague goal, hammer out specifics. For example, "I want to volunteer at the children's hospital 3 times a week" or "I want to start regularly attending town hall meetings."

[Edit]Keeping Busy

1. Take up new hobbies.^[8] Retirement presents you with the invaluable opportunity to try something new. There were probably many hobbies and interests you never pursued when busy with work, family, and other obligations. Try to look into these hobbies in your retirement.^[9][10]
   
   • Think about a hobby you were always interested in pursuing. Maybe you always wanted to try, say, horseback riding or growing a garden. See if you can take classes in your local area.
   • Look into senior centers. If your area has a senior center, they may offer classes for the recently retired. See if any classes stand out to you and try to learn things that you always wanted to.^[11] As retirement is a time to look back and reflect on past experience, a memoir writing class may be a good idea.
   • Since you can only sit on the beach or the pool for so long before getting tired of it, having new hobbies and different things to look forward to is a great opportunity to occupy your time.^[12]
2. Travel.^[13] Many people look forward to traveling in retirement. With unlimited vacation time, you'll have a chance to visit many places you never got to see during your working years. Try planning a few trips for your early years of retirement. Seek out places you've always wanted to visit, but never had the time.^[14][15]
   
   • Travel need not be expensive. If you're on a tight budget, a weekend trip to a nearby beach town or city can be great.^[16]
   • However, if you do have the money, consider a more elaborate trip. Many retirees enjoy taking long cruises to see other parts of the world after retirement.
   • Joining the AARP can help you save money on hotels, car rentals, cruises, flights and other travel-related expenses, in addition to its many other benefits.
3. Get involved in your community and do some volunteering work.^[17] Community involvement can be a great way to feel happy or fulfilled in retirement. There were probably local organizations you always wanted to help out, but never had the time. Retirement is your chance to branch out and become a more active member of your community.^[18]
   
   • Choose community involvement that caters to your specific personality. If you're a lifelong animal lover, you may benefit from volunteering at a local shelter. If you love kids, get involved with the local children's library.
   • As with most aspects of retirement, it may take you some time to adjust to becoming a community member. It's okay to give yourself a few weeks, or months, to manage your emotions before getting involved.
4. Join a cause. Is there a particular cause that inspires you? Maybe you always wanted to help with a local political party, but never felt you had the time. Retirement can be an invaluable opportunity for you to join a cause. Stress from retirement often stems from a lack of purpose or fulfillment. Working for change with people with common values is a great way for your life to feel meaningful. This can help you enjoy your retired years.^[19]
   
5. Continue your education. Many retirees take retirement as a time to learn. If there's a subject you were always curious about, retirement can be the time to study that subject. You can get a library card and educate yourself, or you can take other approaches to furthering your education.^[20]
   
   • You can take some kind of classes in retirement.^[21] Maybe you want to learn to play a particular musical instrument, for example, or learn an art form like drawing. Do not hesitate to look into local classes in your area.
   • You can also audit courses at local colleges. You may also be able to enroll, for a fee, in a course of your choosing. You can take classes on subjects that always interested you, but were never relevant to your field. If you were always fascinated by world history, but worked as an engineer, consider taking a history course at a local college.
6. Accept occasional downtime. Many people feel compelled to fill their retired years with a constant influx of activity. This is not realistic, and can cause undue stress if you try to force it. As you've been working for decades, it's okay to give yourself downtime as well.^[22]
   
   • Allow yourself to sleep in a few days a week. Don't force yourself out of bed if you'd rather linger until noon or later.
   • Spend a few days a week just enjoying leisurely activities. Go for long walks. Read for pleasure. Have a meal at a nice restaurant. Do not worry about filling each and every day with activity. It's okay to embrace downtime now and again.

[Edit]Staying Social

1. See friends regularly. As much of socializing happens at work, you may lose touch with some friends in retirement. It's important, however, that you work to stay social. Humans are social creatures by nature, and you'll need social support from friends and family members in retirement.^[23][24]
   
   • Work on maintaining connections from work. While you may not see work friends every day anymore, you can try to meet outside of work. Make a point of getting cocktails with friends from work a few times a month.
   • You can also try to make new friends. Many people feel their friend making years are over in retirement, but this is not the case. Traveling, volunteering, taking classes, and joining a senior community center can all help you make new friends.^[25]
2. Reach out to old friends. As time goes by, you tend to lose touch with certain people. Friends from college, high school, old jobs, and other places fall to the wayside. Take retirement as an opportunity to reconnect. It can be fun and fulfilling to spend time with forgotten friends.
   
   • Try to call up an old friend on the phone, or write him or her a letter or e-mail. It may feel a bit awkward, especially if a lot of time as passed, but your friend will probably be happy to hear from you. People understand life gets in the way, and some friendships taper off.
   • Consider going to visit an old friend. You can take a trip to your hometown, for example, and see any friends that still live there. If you've been meaning to visit your old college roommate in Seattle for years, take your retirement as the chance to do so.
   • If your budget is tight, there's no need to worry about hosting some expensive dinner. Gathering your old friends and hosting a little potluck at your house can be fun for everyone!^[26]
   • A board game night with your friends can also be great fun.^[27]
3. Get on social media. Social media can help you stay connected during retirement. As you won't be going out for work, you may not have a chance to stay up-to-date on the lives of friends. Creating a Facebook account can help you stay close to those around you, and allow you to interact with others online. If you do not already have social media accounts, it's a good idea to make some in retirement.
   
4. Spend time with family. Retirement can be a great time to spend time with your family. Take a trip to visit out of state relatives. Offer to babysit your grandchildren. If you have older grandchildren, make time to call them each week.^[28][29]
   
   • Many retirees consider moving closer to family. If you'd like to stay close to your kids and grandchildren, you may want to consider getting a small home or apartment close by.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Warnings

• Your health is now more important than ever. Take good care of yourself. Eat health-promoting foods, and get lots of physical exercise (even if it's at a reduced pace.) Your retirement years will be much more pleasant if you sustain the health needed to participate fully in the activities you love.
• Whenever possible, continue to do things for yourself. Do not rely on others unnecessarily, as that can cause resentment.^[30]

[Edit]References

1. ↑ [v162019_b01] 26 April 2022.
2. ↑ http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/on-retirement/2013/12/06/enjoying-retirement-after-the-honeymoon-period
3. ↑ [v161298_b01]. 6 March 2020.
4. ↑ [v162019_b01] 26 April 2022.
5. ↑ [v162019_b01] 26 April 2022.
6. ↑ https://www.mensline.org.au/emotions-and-mental-wellbeing/adjusting-to-retirement
7. ↑ http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/on-retirement/2013/12/06/enjoying-retirement-after-the-honeymoon-period
8. ↑ [v162019_b01] 26 April 2022.
9. ↑ http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/on-retirement/2014/09/30/5-ways-to-just-enjoy-retirement
10. ↑ [v161298_b01]. 6 March 2020.
11. ↑ [v162019_b01] 26 April 2022.
12. ↑ [v162019_b01] 26 April 2022.
13. ↑ [v162019_b01] 26 April 2022.
14. ↑ http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/on-retirement/2014/09/30/5-ways-to-just-enjoy-retirement
15. ↑ [v161298_b01]. 6 March 2020.
16. ↑ [v162019_b01] 26 April 2022.
17. ↑ [v162019_b01] 26 April 2022.
18. ↑ http://www.topretirements.com/tips/General/7_Life_Changing_Activities_to_Enjoy_in_Retirement.html
19. ↑ http://www.topretirements.com/tips/General/7_Life_Changing_Activities_to_Enjoy_in_Retirement.html
20. ↑ http://www.topretirements.com/tips/General/7_Life_Changing_Activities_to_Enjoy_in_Retirement.html
21. ↑ [v162019_b01] 26 April 2022.
22. ↑ http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/on-retirement/2014/09/30/5-ways-to-just-enjoy-retirement
23. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleaebeling/2012/06/15/save-yourself-from-a-depressing-retirement/
24. ↑ [v161298_b01]. 6 March 2020.
25. ↑ http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/on-retirement/2014/09/30/5-ways-to-just-enjoy-retirement
26. ↑ [v162019_b01] 26 April 2022.
27. ↑ [v162019_b01] 26 April 2022.
28. ↑ https://www.mensline.org.au/emotions-and-mental-wellbeing/adjusting-to-retirement
29. ↑ [v161298_b01]. 6 March 2020.
30. ↑ [v162019_b01] 26 April 2022.