National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture

growing a healthy world through the art, science and business of plants, gardens and landscapes

Cultivate Healthy, Connected and Engaged Communities

Recognize Consumer Horticulture as a Driver of the Agricultural Economy

Restore, Protect, & Conserve Natural Resources Through Consumer Horticulture Research and Education

Consumer horticulture is the cultivation, use and enjoyment of plants, gardens, landscapes and related horticultural items to the benefit of individuals, communities and the environment. These activities rely on the understanding and application of the art and science of horticulture.

The Latest News From NICH

Fabulous Summer Bulbs

April 26, 2022

Summer bulbs, which are planted in the spring after danger of frost, extend the garden’s blooming season well into summer until frost. Their…

Continue Reading Fabulous Summer Bulbs

Native Plants: Feed the Birds

February 21, 2022

In the past, we only wanted our yards to be pretty.Now we know what we plant in our yard affects the environment, and…

Continue Reading Native Plants: Feed the Birds

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consumerhort

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Dec 6

Don't let good food waste go to waste. You can reduce the impact of food waste by composting and feeding the soil. #composting #composting101 #foodwaste #feedthesoilfeedtheworld #feedthesoil #NICH #consumerhort #plantsdothat

Dec 2

According to the Pet Poison Helpline -

"During the holidays, poinsettias are a popular Christmas plant. Though they have a bad rap, poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) plants are only mildly toxic to cats and dogs. The milky white sap found in poinsettias contains chemicals called diterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin-like detergents. While poinsettias are commonly “hyped” as poisonous plants, they rarely are, and the poisoning is greatly exaggerated. When ingested, mild signs of vomiting, drooling, or rarely, diarrhea may be seen. If the milky sap is exposed to skin, dermal irritation (including redness, swelling, and itchiness) may develop. Rarely, eye exposure can result in mild irritation. Signs are generally self-limiting and typically don’t require medical treatment unless severe and persistent. There is no antidote for poinsettia poisoning. That said, due to the low level of toxicity seen with poinsettia ingestion, medical treatment is rarely necessary unless clinical signs are severe".

Common signs to watch for:
Drooling
Licking lips
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Skin irritation (including redness, swelling, and itchiness)
Eye irritation

#plantsdothat
#poinsettia
#consumerhort
#safe
#safeplants
#pets
#KeepPetsSafe
#plants

Nov 30

Did you know?
Though they are cacti, holiday cacti are not desert-dwelling plants. Several species under the genus Schlumbergera, originated in the shady, humid forests of Brazil and actually grow as "epiphytes" in trees. They have stem segments and profuse flowers that can be a variety beautiful colors.
#plantsdothat
#holidaycactus
#holidayseason
#houseplants
#consumerhort

Nov 29

Did you know? Norfolk Island pines, originated on an uninhabited island near Australia, named by Captain James Cook in 1774. Impressively large "pines" on the island reaching 200 feet in height. However, they are not true pines. Their botanical name is Araucaria heterophylla and they are tropical plants making them an excellent choice as an indoor plant!

#plantsdothat
#plantgifts
#holidayseason
#holidaydecor
#planthistory
#consumerhort

Nov 23

Tell us what you are thankful for today......

Acting grateful can actually make us — and those around us — more grateful. Gardening with gratitude is one of the simplest ways to improve your happiness in life. While you cultivate your plants, cultivate an “attitude of gratitude.”

https://mailchi.mp/16ebbd869744/nich-november-newsletter

#Gratitude2022
#plantsdothat
#plantsmakepeoplehappy
#gardening
#gratitudepractice

Nov 21

Scientific research has demonstrated that gratitude has many health benefits. According to Harvard Health, studies have shown that taking time to reflect on things we are thankful for has a positive association with personal wellbeing and health.
#plantsdothat
#gardening
#gratefulgarden
#gratitudeattitude
#gratitude
#Gratitude2022
#gratitudepractice

Nov 17

Gift giving.....go to plants and gardening for perfect ideas.
#gardening
#gardening
#plantsdothat
#giveplants
#gifting
#giftgiving

Nov 14

Start a gratitude journal and jot down at least three or four brief reflections every day. Be specific. Think of things that make you joyful in every season of the year. If the weather allows, do your journaling outdoors. Most people find that regular journaling gradually changes the way they see the world.

Read more at Gardening Know How: Grateful Gardening: How To Show Garden Gratitude https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/lifestyle/how-to-show-garden-gratitude.htm

#plantsdothat
#plantsmakepeoplehappy
#plantbased
#gratitudeattitude
#gratefulgarden
#consumerhort

Nov 9

National Gratitude Month is November and it is time to show some gratitude! Research states that people who practice gratitude every day are not only happier but also healthier. So if you were looking for reasons to be thankful, then these benefits should be just the motivation you need. Practice grateful gardening this month! Reflect on all you are thankful that comes from gardening.
#consumerhort
#grateful
#gratitude
#gratitudeattitude
#gratefulgarden
#gardening

Nov 8

What a beautiful reminder that today is an Election Day in the U.S. If you haven't already, get out there and vote!
#vote2022
#plantsigns
#plantsdothat
#voteforplants
#NationalNews
#consumerhort
@Jason Reeves - in the garden

Nov 7

Leafy greens grow well in the garden and are also ideal for containers. To prepare outdoor soil, consider mixing in 1 cup of organic fertilizer for every 10’ row, and ensure the soil is evenly moist. For containers, choose one that is large enough that it won’t easily dry out. Fill with quality potting mix and consider mixing in peat and coir. Soil should be kept moist, not soggy. Planting depth varies by variety, so be sure to read seed package instructions. Note that some seeds, like lettuce, need light to germinate, so take care not to plant too deep.
@ National Garden Bureau
#nationalgardenbureau
#plantsdothatforourhealth
#plantsdothat
#yearofthesaladgreens
#leafygreens
#vegetables
#plantsaremedicine

Nov 4

Are you enjoying the bounties of your vegetable garden? We're all going to need a good night's sleep after falling back this weekend! Don't forget to set your clocks back 1 hour.
#plantsdothat
#leafygreens
#leafyvegetables
#consumerhort
#vegetables
#plantsdothatforourhealth
#yearofthesaladgreens

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