All about Organic Gardening

More and more devoted gardeners are now veering away from conventional gardening techniques and switching to organic gardening to care for their gardens. The reason is simple: organic gardening works in a wonderful manner as the gardeners eschew the synthetic chemicals and their yards free from potential hazards. This form of gardening aims at the core of the very word – soil. As we know that soil is the most essential component to give life to a garden; if enriched with organic matter, it becomes fertile, airy and produces healthy crop.

Despite the popularity and the growing trend in the shift towards organic gardening over the past few years, this is actually not something new.  Organic gardening and organic farming has long been the method used by farmers and gardeners throughout the centuries to keep their crops and gardens healthy and beautiful which acts like a sanctuary for them to collect their thoughts and hold parties in.

Organic gardening helps the plants to absorb the different nutrients found in the soil and in the air through different techniques such the regular loosening up of the soil to allow the roots to absorb air and the incorporation of compost made from organic products such as manure and dried leaves into the soil to further increase the amount of nutrients that the plants absorb to help them bloom and bear crops.

With the onset of the Industrial Revolution, societies have a penchant for fast and instant results.  Not only did this apply to the production of crops, but also in the tending of their gardens in order for them to have more time to do many more things.  The introduction of chemical pesticides and fertilizers caused organic gardening and farming to temporarily take a back seat.  The chemicals utilized in these fertilizers and pesticides have been found not only to keep the plants more healthy but allow them to produce higher quantities of crops as compared to organic gardening and farming.

There are a number of reasons why organic gardening has now gotten back into the limelight.  First is the quality of the produce.  Although conventional gardening does yield more crops for gardeners to sell and make some extra profit out of it, the quality of the products is far inferior.  Many of those that have sampled the produce resulting from organic gardening and farming find the crops have more flavor, further heightening the quality of the dishes that are made using the produce coming from organic gardening and farming.

Another reason involves the health of the gardener and their families.  While chemical pesticides and fertilizers do enhance the health and growth on the plants, the reverse is actually seen in the health of people.  Many of these chemical pesticides and fertilizers have been recently linked to a variety of different cancers and other ailments.  Although this is absorbed by the body in extremely small quantities, over time inhaling these chemicals and ingesting them through food can affect one’s health in the long run.

Tagged as: Organic Farming, Organic Garden, Organic Gardening

Basics of Organic Gardening Compost

Organic gardening involves growing food without the use of any chemicals or petroleum-based fertilizers.  The resulting produce is chemical-free and therefore considered to be healthier.  How can you manage to grow a backyard garden without the use of fertilizer?  The key to a thriving organic garden is compost.

Compost is a mixture of decayed plant and animal matter.  The best compost for organic gardening should have a high nitrogen and carbon content.  These two nutrients are key for nurturing healthy soil.  There is a theory in the world of organic gardening that says you should feed the soil and not the plants.  If the soil is healthy the plants will take care of themselves.  Proper composting creates the healthiest possible soil for your organic garden.

The ingredients that go into making nutrient-rich organic gardening compost should all meet the following criteria:

It should be biodegradable.It should be chemical-free.It should be full of nutrients.It should be disease and toxin-free.

As long as your ingredients meet these criteria they should be alright to provide organic gardening compost for your organic garden.

Composting material is divided into two categories, green matter and brown matter.  Green matter is nitrogen-rich and moist.  Brown matter is carbon rich and much drier.  In healthy organic gardening one needs to put a balanced mix of nitrogen and carbon to flourish.  Some examples of green matter are:

Grass clippings and other green garden wasteKitchen vegetable scraps (eggshells too)Aquarium plants and waterChicken manure

Some examples of brown matter are:

LeavesStrawShredded newspaper (black ink only)Dried garden waste

Once you know you have the ingredients on hand, you need to find a suitable container to hold your organic gardening compost.  There are two basic styles/sizes of compost containers.  Look at the size of your organic garden to determine your compost needs.  A large garden may want a timber bin.  These bins are essentially open topped wooden boxes.  If you chose a timber bin, know that you need at least 25 cubic feet of ingredients to reach the proper composting temperature.  Only a large organic garden can provide that much material.

For those with smaller gardens, continuous composting can take place on a smaller scale through a modeled plastic bin.  These bins are made from recycled plastic and their unique shape allows you to add new ingredients to your compost every day or every other day to keep it topped off.  The finished compost comes out a hole near the bottom.  Some of these bins can even be sealed up for winter use.

No matter how much or how little you need, nutrient-rich organic gardening compost is vital for a healthy organic garden.

Tagged as: Compost, Composting, Composting material, Gardening Compost, Organic Compost, Organic Garden, Organic Gardening, Organic Gardening Compost

Top 10 Organic Gardening Tips!

There is nothing more satisfying to a gardener than opting for organic gardening at home. Growing the vegetables without using chemical fertilizers and pesticides is definitely a tasty treat. Here are top 10 organic gardening tips to help you grow an organic garden:

Aphids are one of the nasty harbingers of vegetable gardens. They are extremely selective about the plants they flourish and breed on. They easily destroy the vegetables. You can use some homemade sprays comprising of garlic, onion, dish soap and water to control them.  Blend these ingredients into a food processor and strain out the liquid. Use this liquid to spray on infected plants.Mulching properly is the key to organic gardening. There are various types of garden mulch – ranging from wooden chips to gravel. They help in controlling weeds, making a great landscape and protecting the organic mulch. Autumn is the best time for mulching.In organic gardening compost is used liberally. By using compost you prevent usage of commercial fertilizers. The chemical fertilizers actually create more damage to your soil than the organic ones. This is because they kill the natural organisms in the soil, which help in breaking down and making available nutrients to the plants. Also, compost aids these organisms by creating an ambient environment for them.Organic gardening is not complete without organic compost tea. You can prepare this by adding some compost to water and leave it to rot for 5 to 6 days. Once done, add this concoction to the plants and they will appear happy!How about installing rain barrels to improve your organic gardening? These are used to harvest rain water and thereby develop a sustainable source of water. It saves your electricity and water bill too.In organic gardening, organic fertilizers like dried manure, fish meals, bone meal, wood ashes, rock potash and seaweed meal should be used. They are rich source of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and certain trace elements. The organic fertilizers feed your plants in a natural and safe manner.How about using Neem Oil in organic gardening? It is one of the best ways to kill pests, especially spider-mites. However it has to be sprayed over a course of few weeks for satisfying results.Herbicides are a common problem to organic gardening. They pollute the ground water and even cause cancer. You can use vinegar to spray on them or remove weeds.Crop rotation is yet another way to prevent the nutrient depletion in soil. This also helps in soil being replenished with essential nutrients for the following seasons.You can save seeds that were produced in your organic gardening cycle. This will save you some bucks and you will get the same great variety of tomatoes next season!Tagged as: Compost, Landscaping Ideas, Organic Garden, Organic Gardening, Organic Gardening Cycle, Organic Gardening Tips

Considering a Water Feature?

When it comes to implementing a water feature into your landscape design, there are multiple questions and aspects you should consider before you just dive right in. Questions such as: How much area am I willing to allot to the feature? What is my budget? What type of feel am I going for? What about the maintenance? Once you answer these questions, then you can start looking into the different types of water features that will fit into your budget and style.

Most of the time, your budget will determine all other aspects of your water feature. How much you are willing or able to spend helps you decide how large or complex your feature will be. Factoring in cost of labor, materials – lining, fountain, fish, plants, aqua-life, monthly and annual maintenance all help determine how much you are willing to spend on the type of feature you want.

Also, you need to decide what kind of look or feel you are wanting. Do you want something more “zen”, i.e. – soothing to the senses, which could consist of a bubbling fountain, a simple waterfall, a koi pond, tranquil pool, etc.? Or do you want something that is more natural and self-sustaining? The natural water feature would require more materials in the way of stones, gravel, plants, fish or other aqua-life, etc. and would take up more space and money.

Once you decided on your budget and what style of feature you want, you then need to consider the amount of maintenance involved. Most all water features will need upkeep in the way of debris and leaf removal. Sometimes it’s as simple as using a leaf blower, but other times requires a skimmer. Along with this, there is the cost of keeping the water clean and rid of bugs and mosquitoes. Usually a healthy dose of chlorine helps with that problem, as well as keeping the water circulating (we all know that stagnant water invites mosquitoes to breed and lay eggs). However, if you are housing fish in your water feature, the chlorine treatment is not advisable, as it would kill the fish.  Then, you need to make sure that you are choosing materials that are consistent with your climate. How unfortunate it would be to choose a fountain made of metal that cracks easily in freezing temperatures!

After all this consideration, it’s time to decide on which type of water feature! So, what kinds of water features are out there? The more concise list is this: ponds, fountains, pools, pre-cast fountain, and container gardens/fountains. Ponds and pools can vary in size from little “puddles”  to very expansive. Fountains and pre-cast fountains are generally the main attraction and usually self-contained, and vary in size and intricacy. Container gardens/fountains are more modest in size and typically use a motor to circulate the water.

Now that you have an idea of the things you need to take into consideration with your water feature, it should become a much easier decision.

Guest article written by Carroll Landscaping, Inc. a landscaping design company located in Baltimore County, Maryland.

Tagged as: Landscape Design, Landscaping Ideas, Water Feature, water features

Benefits Of Container Plants And Things You Need To Keep In Mind While Selecting It!

Gardening in any setting, rural or urban, can be easily done with the use of container plants.  Depending on your space limitations, you can choose to create a garden with a single container or a plethora of them.  Any type of plant (flowers, trees, produce, and herbs) can go inside a container.  It is up to you to decide on the look and purpose of your container plants.

When you are selecting any type of plant for your containers, keep in mind the following pointers:

Your container should be big enough for your plants.  Container plants should be no more than 1 ½ times as wide and 2 times as tall as the container it is in.Pick container plants that thrive in the amount of sunlight your desired location will give them.  Too much or too little sun can quickly kill plants.If you want to mix plants in a single container, make sure they all have similar soil and water needs.Your container should have good drainage.  Very few plants want wet roots.  If you container does not have drain holes, put your plant in a plastic container and put that in your decorative container.

One of the best choices for container plants is herbs.  Almost any herb will thrive in a pot.  Many people choose to grow herbs in their kitchen windows.  This provides them with year-round fresh herbs.  Many varieties of lettuce also do well in small kitchen pots.  A surprising number of vegetables are good container plants.  Carrots, beets, squash, and bell peppers are all good choices.  Even tomatoes and strawberries manage container life well if you grow smaller varieties.

Trees can also be grown in containers.  Most container trees will reach no more than 10 feet tall.  Anything taller than that will require an enormous pot and will be prone to being blown down.  Before your plant your container tree, put some small rocks at the bottom of the container.  This will help with drainage.  Trees are probably the most needy container plants.  They need daily watering and lots of fertilizer.  Some trees that do well in containers are: dogwood, Japanese maple, and varieties of magnolia.

Flowers are the most popular container plant choice.  With flowers, it is possible to let your creativity go wild.  Chose your container flowers based on the above practical considerations, but then try to blend height, texture, and color to create a spectacular piece of living art.  Pair trailing ferns with spiky grass and add a handful of daisies for color.  You can also make a daring statement by picking a decorative container and filling it with a single plant.  With container plants, the possibilities are nearly endless.

Tagged as: Benefits Of Container Plants, Container, Container Gardening, Container Plant, Container Plants, Container Plants Benefits

Nursery Gardening 101

 

photo by Kristian F

A gardener is often proud of his or her nursery. This is because of all the care and effort that goes into it. A nursery is the showcase of a gardener. This is the place where all the plants are kept or propagated. There are different types of nurseries like the wholesale nurseries, retail nurseries, and even private nurseries. Business in nursery gardening is seasonal. So the nursery owners adapt to the fine gardening techniques and use these to maximize the gains.

Nursery gardening requires lots of sweat. This is because the plants for sale have to be grown with extreme care. Each sprout is given extra care as it means money. The plants are usually grown in a greenhouse or protected environment. This is adopted as a part of fine gardening and is done to keep the plants protected from the harsh weathers and at the same time allows the essential light and air to pass in. Some of the modern greenhouses used in nursery gardening are semi-automated. These semi-automated greenhouses allow the garden keeper to control the settings. There are fold-back roofs and foldable side glasses as well.

Nursery gardening requires high labor. Though certain processes are automated, some nurseries still follow the traditional methods which require the people to take care of the plants. In the traditional method individual attention and special care is given to each plant. This method is said to improve the conditions of the growth of the plants. In UK, the latest advancements in the computer technology are being used in the nursery gardening. The plants are being palletized, grown in allotted spaces, and these grow with the least human intervention. Highly specialized labor is used in the nursery gardening over there.

In nursery gardening, most plants are propagated through seeds. For some plants the asexual methods of reproduction like budding, layering, and grafting are used. The nurseries sell different types of plants – ornamental, medicinal, annuals, perennials, herbs, shrubs, and even the very costly ones. The best part is that there are customers for all these varieties. Mostly the plantings are sold in trays, plastic pots, clay pots, or even in polythene bags. Sometimes the plantings are sold even online. The ordered plantings are carefully packed and sent through airmail. The factors like the temperature, distance and time required to reach the destination, etc. also are taken into account when doing the online sales.

These nurseries also offer guides, catalogs, and books on the fine gardening techniques to the customers. Seeds also are sold. Other garden accessories like spades, pots, trays, and other gardening equipments are usually available at the nurseries. If you want, even you can start a nursery at home. This will be known as a private nursery. You can sell the plants which get orders and keep the rest to decorate your own garden at the same time. If you follow the tips on fine gardening, your nursery gardening will be a very interesting and easy process. You will find yourself getting involved in the process gradually.

Tagged as: Fine Gardening, Flower Nursery, Nursery Gardening, Nursery Plants

Review of the Best Containers for Vegetable Gardening

When you plan for your vegetable container garden, you need to think about which containers to purchase. The material and size of your containers will affect the plants that grow inside of them, so make sure you know which containers are the best to choose!

When you choose a container for your vegetables, you need to think about the material their made of. You have the ability to choose between many different materials that are appropriate for plant growth, but also serve as decoration for your garden. Here are the best materials for containers:

Rot-resistant wood will keep your plants moistClay or terracotta looks good but tends to lose water more easilyGood-quality plastic is cheap and easy to getCeramics always look nice, but should not be used in winterNon-traditional containers include boots, laundry baskets, grocery bags, bowls, teapots, etc.; you can use anything as long as it is large enough and is well-drainedDarker containers will absorb more heat and need to be protected from the sun on hot daysYou can also purchase a self-watering container, but you would need to make that your plant does not have standing water

To choose the correct containers for your vegetable garden, you need to know how large your plants are and how much space they will need. Here are some vegetables that are great for container gardening:

PeasPotatoesTomatoesCucumbersEggplantPeppersRadishesBaby CarrotsZucchini squashGreen beansLeaf Lettuce

Choose the size of your containers relative to the plant you will be growing: shallow-rooted plants (lettuce, peppers, radishes) should be 6” across and 8” deep, and larger plants (tomatoes, squash) need larger containers, like a half-barrel or large plastic bucket. On your seed packets it should say how much space the plant will need to grow. Larger containers will retain more moisture, but you should keep your space restrictions in mind when you purchase your containers.

Good drainage is essential in any container. If there is standing water in a container, it can attract insects and disease. If there isn’t enough water, your plant will not be able grow.

Choose a container that has holes in the bottom of it, or make holes yourself; there should at least be one large hole, or several smaller onesLine the bottom of your container with newspaper or a coffee filter, and place gravel on top of it to help with drainagePurchase a soilless mix; they have great drainage and will fend-off disease and weedsWater your vegetables every day or as needed; as long as the soil is moist 1” deep, your vegetables have enough water

Follow these tips, and you will be on your way to a successful growing season. Good luck with your vegetable container garden!

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Best Review of Gardening Ideas for a Patio

A patio is a space for outdoor relaxation. Adding a garden to your patio will make your patio more beautiful and interesting. It’s also a great way to continue gardening if you are limited by outdoor space.

Lining your patio with plants will help it stand out as a room in your yard. If you have a smaller patio, use smaller plants or trim often to prevent your patio from being overwhelmed

Build or buy raised planters and fill them with plants to border your patioLine the edge of your patio with plants in containers; this will make it a little easier for you to change the plants lining your patio if you so desireIf you want to add some privacy to your patio, plant taller shrubs or bushes instead of smaller plantsYou can layer your flowers so that the tallest are in the back, and the shortest “trailing” plants are in the front

If you have a structure over your patio or railings on the sides, it is very easy to add some hanging plants to your garden.

Find some hanging baskets that you can put soil and complementary plants into; you can hang them on your structures or leave them on the groundWith nearby railings, consider buying railing flower boxes and filling them with flowers or plants of your choice

Plants that use a trellis or lattice can also help make height or create a breathable wall for your patio.

Choose vines or climbers, like honeysuckle, morning glories, or trumpet vines, to grow on your trellisPlace your trellis/lattice against a wall to make a plain wall more beautiful , or place it on an open side of your patio to help create shade and/or privacyFor your structures or pergolas, you can also place a lattice on top and grow plants like wisteria, jasmine, or magnolias that will cover and trail off the top

If you have counter-tops on your patio, that’s another simple way to add plants!

Use smaller plain or decorative containers with attractive smaller plants to decorate your countertopsIf there’s a side table you don’t use much, consider making a pot that had layered plants and trailing ones on the edges to drape over your tableGrow a container vegetable garden that will be accessible, delicious, and fun to look at

Any of these patio gardening ideas will help transform your patio into an inviting and beautiful space!

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How to Best Use Pots & Planters to Grow Strawberries

Strawberries are most easily grown in special pots or planters. Typically, these pots are shaped like an urn and have holes on the sides which allow the plant to spread out. With these special pots or planters, which can be left above ground or buried in soil, growing strawberries becomes fairly easy to do.

There are several materials that strawberry pots can be made out of. Strawberry plants will grow in each material, but each has pros and cons.

Plastic can be decorative or plain, and is generally inexpensive; sometimes it can be too light and will lead to your plants falling over in the windTerra cotta/clay is usually attractive and will hold heat well, however it loses moisture readily and so needs to be watered more oftenWooden barrels are also good at holding heat and add interest to your garden, however they tend to be heavy and may rot if not made of good woodCeramic pots are attractive and retain water well, but they are generally more expensive

With a different sort of pot and growing style, you have to put your strawberry plants into your pots a certain way. Know that for a strawberry pot, ever-bearing and day-neutral are the best types of strawberry plants to use.

Fill the pot up with soil until the lowest pocket(s) and insert one plant into each pocket; fill around them with soilInsert a 1” tube with holes drilled in its side into the pot, but not directly over the drainage hole; use this later to make sure that all the pockets will get sufficient waterContinue filling in soil and adding plants to pockets until you reach 2” below the rimAdd 3-4 plants to the top of the container and fill in with soil

Strawberries are perennials, so as long as you take good care of them, they should continue to produce fruit year after year. They can fairly easily be grown in either pots or planters. Here are some tips for keeping your strawberry plants alive and healthy in the long run!

Any soil high in organic matter will work well for strawberry plants; consider adding compost, peat, leaf mold, or bone meal to make even better soilStrawberry plants need at least six hours a day of sunlightWater daily or as neededEither add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil or fertilize every few weeks with a water-soluble fertilizerWatch for pests or fungus, which will need to be treated with some application of insecticide or fungicidePick strawberries when they are ripe, and remove any rotting fruit or yellowed leaves

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How To Best Incorporate Railing Flower Boxes into Your Garden

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Railing flower boxes are great for any place around the outside of your home where you want to add a miniature garden. They’re relatively easy to install, move, and decorate, and are a great way to add beauty to the outside of your home!

While most flower boxes are fairly similar in size, there are enough so that you can choose boxes based on the sizes you want. Once you’ve picked out the right flower box, follow these tips for the best placement of your flower boxes.

Make sure that your railings will hold the weight of your flower boxes, and are the right width for the railing brackets you useIf your flower box is going on a railing under the window, pick a box that is a little wider than the window itselfUnless you have plants that prefer shade, place your flower boxes in locations where they will get plenty of sunTry to avoid areas that are subject to particularly windy conditions

When you choose your flower boxes, make sure their design match the architectural and visual style of your home.  There are many designs to choose from, all of which are available in a gardening store or online.

For wooden and white railings, there are many options for white or wooden flower boxes, including lattice patterned, basket weave pattern, or just plain boxes.If you have metal railings, hayrack troughs are a beautiful addition that will blend perfectlyYou can also paint your flower boxes to complement your house; you could even add a color to create a trim around your house

Many people make the mistake of planting only one row of the same plant within a flower box. Give your flower boxes more shape and interest by adding more plants and planting them in rows.

Choose several different plants to be together in a box that vary in size and texture, but have similar needsPut the same plants in a line, with three or four lines of different plants, and create a windowed patternLayer your plants from tallest (in the back) to shortest (in the front); you can also put trailing plants in the front to create an overflowing look

Since your plants are in boxes and not in the ground, you need to care of them differently. Here are some tips for how to take care of plants inside your railing flower boxes.

Buy soilless mixes to fill your boxes, which are lightweight and help prevents pests and diseaseMake sure there’s a drainage mat or something similar at the bottom of your flower boxesUse a slow-release or water-soluble fertilizer as neededWatch the moisture levels of the soil in your boxes, and water at least once a dayRemove dead or dying flowers and leaves from your boxes to keep your plants healthy

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How to Best Care for Large Indoor Planters

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Having large planters indoors can transform an ordinary looking room. There are many large, decorative planters available online and in stores that range in style from modern to classic and everything in between. While it is easy to choose a stylish large indoor planter, it is also important to maintain your planters, so that your plants will survive and keep your indoors looking great.

There are many larger plants that will grow well and look great in your larger indoor planters. Depending on how you want your room to look— tropical, desert, traditional, zen, etc—there are many plants to that will give you just the feeling you want. Here are just a few ideal for growing indoors:

FicusBromeliadsPalms (especially Coco palm)DracaenaStomantheSucculents/cactusCitrusAlocasiaPhilodendronKalanchoeMaindenhair fernsOrchidsDiffenbachia

Being indoors means that your plants will be subjected to a very limited environment in the ways of nutrition. You must make sure you put your plant in a place where it will be able to get everything it needs to survive.

Place your planters by a large window or skylight so they can get (at least) 6 hours of sunlight a dayIf you do not have enough light indoors for your plants, consider getting artificial fluorescent lighting for themPlace the planters where there aren’t large fluctuations in temperature; temperatures in bedrooms or living rooms stay fairly constantKeep your plants away from direct heat sources like heaters or fireplaces; your plants will dry out very easilyAvoid placing your plants in high traffic areas unless they are well-groomed and will not bother someone walking by

Watch your plants carefully and make sure to water or fertilize them as needed. It is also important to check for insects and disease.

Use distilled water (which prevents mineral buildup) to water your plants as neededUsing a non-salt based product to fertilize your plants will also prevent mineral buildupRemove dust from plant leaves  with a soft cloth to allow the plant to absorb as much light as possiblePrune your plants on a regular basis as they growCatch any disease or pests early on to prevent a real problem from occurring; if it does become a serious issue, make sure to only use products safe for living areas.Sometimes plants will benefit from being outside for a while, so place your movable planters outside every once in a while if you can

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Best Review of Simple Garden Ideas

There are many simple ways to spruce up your garden. Even though these ideas may be simple to design or add to your garden, they can make a large difference in how your garden looks!

Creating a patio space in your garden is a great way to make a place for relaxation or socializing in your yard.

Put down some concrete or stones to make a flat area where you can put some chairs and a tableBorder your patio with planters or containers to help make it stand out in your gardenMake some shade for your patio by buying or purchasing a structure to go overhead; you can even grow vine or climber plants on the top to add beauty to your structure

Creating some simple 3’-4’ wide pathways through your garden adds style as well as allows people to explore your garden.

Use round or square concrete blocks embedded in the ground to create a pathwayClear plants from your planned walkway, and then fill it will small pebblesUse a plain dirt walkway and line the sides with rocks or one type of plantPlace items of interest along the walkway, like arches or water features

If you plan beforehand what you want your plants to look like altogether, it will help your garden visually and make for less transplanting later.

Plant color in groups and then surround them with evergreen shrubs to provide contrastLayer your plants from shortest to tallest so that you will be able to see all of your plants once they are fully grownConsider covering ugly fences/walls with vines or climber plantsIf you want to add above ground features, like raised beds or containers, make sure you make space for themTo add privacy to any place in your garden, use taller shrubs/bushes

If you have the finances, you may want to consider adding features like an outdoor kitchen or a pool to your garden. This will allow for more opportunities to be outside and enjoy your garden!

Installing a pool is great for those who have children or like to host events; you can always decorate your pool deck with potted plantsAn outdoor kitchen or bar is a great place for socializing in your gardenInstall a fountain or waterfall to add a soothing visual and audial feature

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Review on Container Gardening for Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one type of vegetable that is easily grown in containers. What’s great about growing them in containers is that you can easily adjust the conditions surrounding your tomatoes.  While it is fairly easy to grow tomatoes in containers, there are still some guidelines you will want to follow to grow the best tomatoes possible.

You can grow any type of tomato in containers, but there are species that are more easy to manage when grown in containers. Typically, you are looking for tomato plants that will grow more compact and bushy.
For larger tomatoes, choose plants like Patio Hybrid and Husky Red or Husky Gold HybridFor regular-sized tomatoes, choose plants like Mountain Delight, Mountain Pride, or CelebrityFor cherry tomatoes, choose plants like Red Robin, Yellow Canary, Tiny Tim, or Cherry GoldYou can either start the plants from seeds indoors in mid-March or April, or buy pre-grown plants in May
Tomatoes can be grown in a variety of containers, but they tend to grow quickly so make sure to use a large enough container.
For smaller plants, use any pot that has a 12” diameter and is 12” deepA 5-gallon bucket or container is always the perfect size and inexpensiveMake sure your container has multiple drainage holes at the bottomPlace a coffee filter or something similar at the bottom of the container to prevent soil from spilling out of the holes and keep pests from getting in
Often for container gardening, you do not want to use soil straight from your garden. Instead make or purchase a soil that will work well for container gardening.
Good-quality potting mix bought from the store usually works fineYou can also make your own peat or compost-based soilFor organic tomatoes, find good-quality organic potting soil from the storeTo plant the tomato plant, place some soil on the bottom first, and then set the plant inside. Bury the roots and stem just below the lowest leaves and fill in with potting soilYou should leave about an inch of space below the rim of the pot for future watering
Since your tomatoes are growing in containers, you will have to make sure you are attentive to their needs of water and nutrients.
Either add a slow-release fertilizer to your soil or every two to three weeks, add a water-soluble fertilizerWater your tomato containers every day, and make sure the soil is not too dry or soggyPlace your tomatoes in a location where they will get at least 8 hours of sun a  day and are protected from strong windsThe more tomatoes you pick, the more will pop up!
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Tomatoes Gardening Tips

Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable in any garden. Tomatoes gardening are no big hassle. It can not only be a good hobby, if well taken care of, the plants can give a high yield of good quality tomatoes for your kitchen needs. Tomatoes also adapt well to container gardening. There are various varieties of tomatoes including plants that yield small or large sized fruits. Common among the small sized varieties are red cherry, saladette and presto and large fruit varieties include spring giant, homestead, big set etc.

Preparing the soil for tomatoes gardening requires working at the first 8 to 10 inches of soil for some weeks before you begin planting. Ensure there are no clods and all trash and rocks are removed. Tomato gardening will be best if organic matter is used in the soil 2 to 3 inches of organic matter like hay, straw, compost, mulch or leaves should suffice. Cover the top of the soil with this organic matter. Also, ensure that the soil is not too wet or moist.

Fertilization is the next step. Tomato garden will be fruitful if you mix fertilizers at the top of the soil – the first 3 to 4 inches. It is recommended that you add about three pounds of fertilizer per 100 square feet of the area.

Tomatoes, whether growing from plants or seeds, can be successful only if you plant at least 2 to 3 weeks after the frost has passed. While tomatoes can be grown from plants, if you are keen on growing right from seeds, ensure you get fresh seeds and also get some seed starting mix. Plant the seeds at least 3 mm or 1/8 inches deep in the soil and wait for germination. Ensure there is plenty of sunlight and if you stay in a place where there is inadequate light, you can also grow it in a greenhouse and transplant it once you have a good plant. If you are growing tomatoes using plants, ensure you purchase disease and pest free green plants that have a height of six to eight inches. Ensure frost has passed away. Make holes with a depth of three to four inches and if you are planting several, separate them by two to four feet if you will cage them, and at least four feet if you let them grow unsupported.

Tomato gardening does not demand too much of work. Just ensure you water the plants adequately. Prune them regularly so that all the stems and leaves get uniform sunlight. One way is to tie them with a vine. Another way is to cage them. You should start receiving fruits of tomato garden in about six to eight weeks. Wait for tomatoes to acquire their full color before plucking them. Regularly inspect for any signs of pest or rot under the leaves but they can be controlled using pesticides and fungicides.
Tagged as: Tomato, Tomato Gardening, Tomatoes, Tomatoes Gardening, Tomatoes Gardening Tips, Tomatoes Plant

Creative Designs in Container Gardening

Container gardening has become a popular method of fine gardening in the past decade or so.  Prior to that, container gardening was almost exclusively used by space-starved apartment dwellers.  Nowadays, container gardens are found on decks, in nooks and crannies, and in even incorporated into traditional gardens!

Container gardening involves selecting appropriate plants to put into movable buckets or barrels.  It is important to match the appropriate plant to the appropriate container and put them in the best location possible.  However, since container gardening is both versatile and portable, it is easy to change your design if you find you don’t like your original idea.

When looking to design a creative container garden, the first step is to look at the type of containers you will use.  Terra cotta pots are the most popular container gardening choice, but they will often crack after two or three years of use.  Don’t limit yourself.  Try fiberglass, wood, or concrete.  Found objects can be perfect for container gardening: try an old sink or a tin washtub.  If you find a container in the shape you want, but not the color, try painting it.  Home improvement stores are full of ideas and supplies for creating any kind of faux finish you could dream up.

The next element of design in your container garden should be the plants themselves.  It might be possible to grow species you would not otherwise be able to, as you can control the soil mixture and sun exposure in each individual container.  Container gardens are also great places to grow rock plants as long as your container has good drainage.  Think of the purpose you want these plants to serve.  Should they be tall to screen an ugly area of the backyard, or should they be low and colorful to outline a sidewalk?  Choose your plants accordingly.

Container gardening means versatility of location.  Use your containers in a creative configuration on the corner of your patio.  You can also use them to create a border around your traditional garden.  The containers can even be put into the ground as a quick fix if one of your other garden plants dies.  Some people have found success placing a row of containers on top of a low wall.  However, these containers should be sturdy enough to withstand wind and passersby.  Others have mounted their containers on garden walls to add height their garden design.  Sometimes a single container on the landing of a staircase can brighten up the entire space.   Just make sure that the container and the plant work well in your chosen location.

Truly, the possibilities are endless when it comes to container gardening.  It is easy to see why it has become so popular.
Tagged as: Container Garden, Container Gardening, Creative Container Garden, Creative Designs, Creative Designs in Container Gardening, Home improvement

Tropical Gardening

Tropical gardening is an incredibly daunting task whether you are trying to grow blooms outside in a tropical environment or indoors in a hothouse environment.  Either way, you need to make sure that your plants receive just the right amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients.  Too much or too little either way can cause your garden to wilt.

A tropical environment is very hot and humid all year round.  Therefore, no matter where you are going to do your tropical gardening, you need to mimic that environment.  You should also make sure that your plants can tolerate constant heat and moisture.  As the British colonized the globe, British women would lament that they couldn’t get their English Impatiens and roses to grow the same way in a tropical climate as they do in moderate England.  Fine gardening in the tropics comes from picking the right plants, such as hibiscus, ginger, and orchids.

Tropical gardening, just like any gardening, starts with the right kind of soil.  Because of the constant rainfall in the tropics, tropical soil quickly leaches out its nutrients.  Therefore it is essential that you keep your garden well fertilized.  Using a typical chemical-based nitrogen fertilizer, as one would do in a northern climate, is not good for tropical gardening.  That fertilizer will actually pull more nutrients out of the soil as it runs off, therefore causing you to put on more and more fertilizer as the years go by.  Instead, you should take advantage of Mother Nature’s fertilizers and put compost, manure, and dead plant parts into your soil.  Decomposition takes place very quickly in tropical gardening, so you should find your soil is naturally replenished in no time.

Beautiful Tropical Flower

As you grow your tropical garden, you might want to consider growing some trees as well as flowers, if space permits.  Again, northern gardening principles usually separates flowers, vegetables, and trees, but in order for many of your flowers to survive you need to create some shade.  Banana trees add a nice touch; live oaks provide a lot of cooling shade.  Because the sun’s rays are so much stronger in the tropics, your flowers should still do well in semi-shaded conditions.

Most of the time the weather will do all of your watering as you engage in tropical gardening.  If you happen upon a day that isn’t rainy, you’ll need to do the watering yourself.  Tropical plants like a good dousing, but make sure that the soil is well-drained.  If water starts to pool in your garden, or if you find your soil is perpetually damp, you should see if you can’t landscape in a small slope to help the water drain.  Otherwise, you might find your plants’ roots rotting and their leaves turning yellow.

Your tropical gardening experience should fill your backyard with wild colors and lush vegetation.  All the sun and water make plants grow faster than you would ever expect in a northern climate.  As long as your pair your plants to your environment, you should have an amazing tropical garden in no time.
Tagged as: Fine Gardening, Tropical Environment, Tropical garden, Tropical Gardening

DYI – Bamboo Gardening Ideas

Small Bamboo Garden

Belonging to the Gramineae family, these tall and long, green grass shoots known commonly as bamboo are versatile plants. Bamboo gardening is popular as they can be used as an ingredient of food, fodder for animals, interior and exterior decoration and also for carpentry. The presence of bamboo also creates a sense of zen-like atmosphere within houses and gardens. As per gardening experts, bamboo gardening can be a successful adventure provided you take care of certain things.

Bamboos can grow in regular soil with a good amount of mulch on the top – about four to five inches. Mulch allows bamboos to survive even when the roots freeze. They can be planted any time of the year in moderate climates. If you are living in places that have extreme conditions, as per experts of fine gardening, bamboo gardening is best when you plant them much early before winter. This way the plants will be mature enough to withstand the winter. If you intend on growing a bamboo hedge, spread compost and fertilizer on the entire area. Bamboo garden works best if you stake slender and tall bamboos. This will ensure that they are not uprooted even during strong winds.

Broadly, there are two varieties of bamboos – runners and clumpers. Clumpers can expand but because of their root structure which is limited, they can creep only for a few inches every year. These clumpers are tropical plants so it is best to plant them early before winter. Running bamboos can spread across huge areas owing to their underground rhizomes. This can be a cause of concern, but in the case of runners, should be hassle free if you bury a plastic hedging of about 2 feet around the plant. This is because the rhizomes grow only 2-18 inches deep and therefore, can be limited by this plastic hedging. Ensure there are no cracks in the edging because the rhizomes will find a way to get through these.

An Indoor bamboo Garden

Bamboo garden works best if you expose the bamboo plants to liberal amount of direct sunlight. If you are going to do bamboo gardening indoors, use bamboo plants that are not taller than 20 feet. They can survive indoors. Bamboos also require sufficient watering to yield new culms. However, over watering can also harm the plant.

Bamboo garden also requires regular pruning. Do not be concerned if the leaves turn yellow or drop during the spring season as is in the nature of bamboo plants. However, there should be new bamboo leaves. If your bamboo plant does not have a good ratio of yellow, green and new leaves, it is time to pay attention to your plant. If the leaves get rolled up, either your plant is exposed to a lot of sunlight or it is not being watered properly. If the culms are soft and start rotting, the bamboo plant is getting undernourished. Also, do not let the roots of the plant dry up. This will reduce the chances of the plant surviving.
Tagged as: Bamboo, Bamboo Garden, Bamboo Gardening, Bamboo Gardening Ideas, Bamboos, Clumpers, Gardening Ideas, Runners

How to Use a Vegetable Planting Chart to Grow Vegetables

A vegetable planting chart can be used to help you determine when to start growing and harvesting your vegetables. Though every chart is different, it will also tell you details like how to space your plants and what the minimum soil temperature for a plant is. Generally, planting charts are made for specific areas or states, so they are specific to a location’s climate.

A vegetable planting chart is a great tool for anyone who is just starting their vegetable garden and needs some guidelines. As you grow and experiment more with your vegetable garden, you can even make your own planting chart that will be specific for your garden.

For some reading a planting chart for the first time, some of the terms used may be confusing. Here are explanations for some of the more common categories of a vegetable planting chart.

There are several instructions for different types of spacing or depths in vegetable planting charts. Here’s what each one means:
“Spacing rows” means how much space is needed between the rows; this is based typically on how much space the plant will need to set and fruit at maturity“Spacing plants” concerns how much space is needed between individual plants, and is also based on the size of the mature plant“Spacing beds” refers to the space the plants need to grow in raised beds, and does not allow for additional space between rows“Planting depth” or “seed depth” refers to how deep the seed should be planted in the soil
Vegetable planting charts have several categories that deal with ranges or amounts of time.
“Start early” or “date to sow indoors” refers to when or how much earlier you should being growing a vegetable indoors before putting it in the ground“Planting dates” generally gives the range of times when it is ideal to actually put a vegetable in the ground“Maturity” refers to how much time it will take the plant to fully mature, or become an adult
While they are typically different, each vegetable planting chart will tell you everything you need to know to grow your vegetables. There are many vegetable planting charts available online, whether they are free or cost money. There are also vegetable growing calendars, which are similar but they will work on a month-by-month basis to guide you in the seeding and harvesting of your vegetables.

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How to Pick the Best Decorative Plant Containers

Decorative plant containers serve a dual purpose of holding your indoor or outdoor plants as well as adding interest and beauty to your living space or garden. There are many types of decorative plant containers, all of which are available online and in stores.

Many materials are available to choose from for containers. You should always consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type of material.
Wood: attractive and holds water well, however you must purchase wood that won’t rotConcrete: reliable and heavy, but may not be the most attractive materialPlastic: relatively inexpensive, but may leak unhealthy chemicals into your plants’ soilClay: attractive and slightly more breathable, but doesn’t hold water as well and is prone to cracking in winterCeramics: come in many attractive varieties, but are also subject to cracks in extreme coldHybrid: there are now also options that include a mix of synthetic and natural materials to create a happy medium material
Make sure you choose a decorative container large enough for your plant to grow successfully. Look at the space requirements for the roots of the plants you are trying to grow and purchase a container according to the requirements. A decorative container won’t look good if the plant inside isn’t doing well!
Typically, you want 6”-8” of soil in your container to allow the plant to expand its root systemTo prevent standing water (and root suffocation,) use taller decorative plant containersA container that’s too wide will lead the plant to spend more resources on developing roots versus developing what’s above the soil
There is a large variety in popular designs for decorative plant containers. You should be able to find pots that will complement the design style of your indoor furniture as well as your backyard. However, it is also wise to choose containers that will work with any environment.
Modern deco containers are very popular right now, with simple abstract shapes and colors that will work well with any modern-styled furnishingsPatterned containers are also popular, with repeating stones, lines, and curves that make a beautiful addition to any householdIntricately decorated containers are always popular, but typically you must find ones that truly complement the design style you have in mindContainers are available in any color, but if you want containers that will always be popular, choose more natural tones, like black, copper, and bronze
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Raised Bed Garden Ideas: Tips and Tricks to Raised Bed Gardening

Gardening in raised beds has many benefits for your garden. Raised beds create great drainage, and make it easy for you to adjust soil composition. They will also your soil warmer, meaning that you can plant your plants earlier in the season.

Building your own raised beds for your garden is fairly easy, and can generally be done in a few hours. Here are some ideas and tips for how to prepare your garden to for raised beds.

Remove sod and weeds from the planned raised bed site before placing the beds thereLayer the bottom of the site with landscape fabric to keep pests outOrient your site north-south in order to maximize sun exposure, and plan to plant your taller plants on the north sideMake sure the site for your raised bed is fairly level, and will allow for drainage away from the container

Raised gardening beds can be made from wood (pine or cedar), stone, concrete, logs or even just dirt. Depending on what materials you already have and what you need to buy, making a raised bed can be inexpensive or up to a couple hundred dollars.

The raised bed can be any size you want, so long as there is at least 6” deep of space for plant rootsFor wood beds, make 4 sides of multiple 2×4 (or any size) boardsMake 4×4 (or any size) posts for the inner corners to help hold the posts together; for whatever size you use, make sure your posts are the same height as your sides.Use wooden screws to hold your raised bed together

Many people tend to set up a drip system for their raised beds so they don’t have to worry about watering them daily. Here are ideas for how to deal with soil and irrigation in your gardening beds.

Fill your raised bed with quality soil up to about an inch under the top edgeMix compost into your soil to improve soil nutritionVermiculite can also be added to help with water retentionUsing a garden hose is fine for watering plants, though it can be time consuming and wastefulA more economical option is a drip system, which involves small tubes that are placed throughout your beds that will slowly water your plants

Building raised beds in your yard is easy and beneficial for your garden!

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