You may have heard us say "don't forget to take photos"! Or have seen photos on our social media of schools, and teams.

But why?

Here at Growing Smiles we are all about: you guessed it! Smiles!

With that being said we often don't get to see that moment when the plant owner and plant unite.

To see how the plants are incorporated into daily life, and the excitement it brings.

To see children involved in helping and passing out the plants to their friends, neighbours and family.

That is why we created The Photo Contest.

It's simple really, snap pictures during deliver day, handing them out, once the plants are home and settled in, and send them to us for a chance for your group to win a cash prize!

Who doesn't love taking pictures? This is a way to show of your groups hard work and give you a chance to win $250 towards your profit. Why wouldn't you do it?

You can send your photos to our email: info@growingsmilesfundraising.com

There's never been a better time to fundraise, we have online team websites, and also accepting credit card payments.

This helps each group still be able to fundraise amid the pandemic in a safe and easier way then ever before.

The credit card payment come directly to us, keeping you the coordinator safe and stress free.

We pay for the credit card fees at no additional cost to our groups making it simple for everybody.

If you choose to only accept credit card payments throughout your fundraiser, you will not need to send us a cheque.

Instead we will send you a profit cheque after we have deducted the plant wholesale totals.

The remaining balance is what you profitted.

So simple and easy you will be wondering why you didn't use it sooner!

Succulents are one the most easiest indoor plants to care for. There leaves are designed to hold moisture in so you don't need to water often. 

Water

Let your succulents dry out completely in between watering. Drain any excess water.

Light

Succulents need lots of light. Be sure to rotate your bowl every 5 to 7 days for maximum exposure to all plants. 

Fertilize

They only need fertilizer 2 times a year. Once in the spring and once in the summer.

Maintain/Soil

Succulents prefer porous sandy soil that drains well. Over watering is the most common way these easy to grow plants die. Don't let you succulents be over watered. 

Temperature

Ideal temperatures for succulents shouldn't drop below 15°C. They handle heat very well. Sometimes bathrooms have too much moisture so monitor closely and watch for yellowing leaves. Move to a dryer location and make sure you let your succulents dry completely before watering again.

The kitchen window staple.

Water

Thoroughly water when the top of the soil is dry to touch. Be careful not to over water by making sure the pot doesn't get too heavy. Drain any excess water that is in the tin planter. 

Light

Herbs do best with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. They can be grown indoors and are great on window sills that still have access to sunlight. (and your cooking)

Fertilize

Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer such as our Flower and Veggie 10-15-19 fertilizer every 5 to 6 weeks. Of course if you are drinking tea or coffee and want to give your herbs a boost, the grounds are very beneficial and green way of fertilizing. (they don't need this often though)

Maintain

Snip off the leaves and/or stems to use in your favorite dishes. Doing so will also promote more growth. Don't be shy either. The more you harvest the more growth you will get from your herbs. It may seem like too much but as long as your taking care of the plant it will thrive.

Temperature

Can be placed outside once temperatures are above 10° - 15° celsius and all danger of frost has passed. 

So you've purchased a tropical planter! Now what?

Water

Tropicals don't like to be overwatered. Test the soil by touching it and if there is soil stuck on your finger don't water, if there is no soil on your finger you can water. The Kalanchoe however does like to stay moist. When you water your planter start and end with the kalanchoes. Make sure there is no excess water. Drain if needed.

Light

Indirect sunlight will keep your tropicals thriving. Filtered by blinds and curtains are great. The leaves and flowers burn very easily in direct sunlight. 

Fertilize

Tropicals benefit from fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks in the spring and summer. Then once they slow down growing in fall and winter, fertilize every 3 to 4 weeks.

Maintain/Soil

When you water it is best to lift the moss and get right to the soil. This will ensure that your moss stays fresh for longer. Tropicals like high acidic, loose well draining soil that is high in organic matter. Pinch off stems of flowers that are done blooming. 

Temperature

Tropicals benefit from humid warm places. They do not do well under 15°C and keep them away from drafty places.