INDOOR HOUSEPLANTS
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Description
LECA stands for Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate. These porous clay balls can be used instead of traditional potting soil for certain houseplants and propagations.
HOW I USE THEM
I use LECA for propagating cuttings, transitioning certain plants to semi-hydroponic growing, and creating more airflow around the roots. I especially like using it in mesh containers because I can see the roots and monitor the water level. For someone with close to 100 houseplants, it make it much easier to ensure that the plants are getting the water they need.
WHY I LOVE THEM
LECA is reusable, less messy than potting soil, and makes it easier to see what is happening below the surface.
MONIKA’S TIP
Rinse LECA thoroughly before using it. The clay dust gets everywhere, and your plants do not need it either. text goes here
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WHAT THEY ARE
Mesh pots are growing pots with openings that allow water, air, and roots to move freely through the container.
HOW I USE THEM
I pair mesh pots with LECA when propagating plants or growing them semi-hydroponically. The mesh pot holds the plant and LECA, while an outer container holds the water and nutrient solution.
WHY I LOVE THEM
They make it easy to inspect the roots, rinse the LECA, and refresh the water without completely disturbing the plant.
MONIKA’S TIP
Choose an outer container that leaves enough room beneath the mesh pot for a small water reservoir.
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WHAT IT IS
Hydroponic fertilizer provides nutrients in a form designed for plants growing without traditional soil.
HOW I USE IT
I add a diluted amount to the water reservoir when growing houseplants in LECA. Because LECA does not contain the nutrients found in potting soil, the plant needs its nutrients supplied through the water.
WHY I LOVE
It gives me more control over what my semi-hydro plants receive.
MONIKA’S TIP
More fertilizer is not better. Begin with a weaker solution and follow the instructions for the specific product you are using.
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WHAT IT IS
A moisture meter helps estimate how wet or dry the soil is below the surface.
HOW I USE IT
I insert it into several areas of a larger planter. I use the reading together with the weight of the pot, the condition of the leaves, and how the soil feels.
WHY I LOVE
The surface can look completely dry while the center of the container is still wet. A moisture meter helps me avoid watering based only on appearance.
MONIKA’S TIP
Do not leave the meter sitting in the soil. Take your reading, wipe it clean, and remove it.
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TOOLS
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Description
A hori hori is a multipurpose Japanese-style garden knife with a strong, narrow blade. Many designs include a serrated edge and depth markings.
HOW I USE IT
I use mine for digging planting holes, cutting through roots, dividing smaller perennials, opening bags of soil, removing weeds, and loosening plants from nursery pots.
WHY I LOVE THEM
It replaces several tools at once. Instead of carrying a trowel, knife, weeding tool, and measuring guide, I can complete most smaller garden jobs with one tool.
MONIKA’S TIP
Keep it in a protective sheath and clean the blade after working in wet soil.
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WHAT IT IS
A flexible garden hose that does not feel like you are dragging a small anaconda around the yard.
HOW I USE IT
I use mine for watering containers, newly planted beds, workshop plants, and areas that require frequent hand watering.
WHY I LOVE IT
A heavy, stiff hose can knock over containers, crush plants, become tangled, and make watering feel like a chore. A lightweight hose is easier to move, coil, and store.
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WHAT IT IS
Longer protective gardening gloves designed to shield your hands and forearms from thorns, sharp foliage, and prickly plants.
HOW I USE IT
I wear them while pruning roses, handling cactus and certain succulents, working around barberry, and reaching into thorny shrubs.
WHY I LOVE
Traditional gloves protect my hands but leave my wrists and forearms exposed. The extended cuff gives me far more coverage.
MONIKA’S TIP
They are protective, but not indestructible. Use tongs or folded cardboard when handling especially sharp cactus.
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SOIL & AMENDMENTS
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Description
Mycorrhizae contains beneficial fungi intended to work alongside plant roots.
HOW I USE IT
When planting or transplanting, I apply it where it can make direct contact with the root system rather than sprinkling it only over the soil surface.
WHY I LOVE IT
I use it to support newly planted perennials, shrubs, trees, and container plants as they begin establishing themselves.
MONIKA’S TIP
Root contact is the important part. Place it in the planting hole or around the exposed root ball according to the package instructions.
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WHAT IT IS
Bio-tone is a starter plant food formulated for use when planting or transplanting.
HOW I USE IT
I mix the recommended amount into the backfill soil or planting hole when installing new perennials, shrubs, and other garden plants.
WHY I LOVE IT
Transplanting is stressful for plants. Bio-tone is one of the products I use to give new plantings additional support while they settle into their new home.
MONIKA’S TIP
Follow the package measurements. There is no benefit to pouring half the bag into one planting hole.
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WHAT IT IS
Fish emulsion is a liquid fertilizer made from fish byproducts. And yes—it smells exactly like you think it does.
HOW I USE IT
I dilute it with water according to the label and use it to feed outdoor containers, garden plants, seedlings, and certain houseplants when appropriate.
WHY I LOVE IT
It is easy to mix, easy to apply, and useful for giving plants a gentle nutritional boost during active growth.
MONIKA’S TIP
Use it outdoors whenever possible, keep the container tightly sealed, and store it somewhere a leak would not ruin your day—or your house.
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