Archive for the ‘Home And Family’ Category
No Excuses – Get Started in Container Gardening
Thomas Fyrd asked:
If you have a natural inclination to garden, but live in an
apartment or somewhere with little space to have a full garden,
you can still grow plants by using containers. They can be hung,
or set on your patio, window sill, or balcony. Adding some
greenery to your home will instantly make it look nicer.
If you use containers that are not too big or heavy, they are
easy to rearrange as needed. Sometimes you’ll just want a
chance, or maybe for practical reasons you need to move some
plants around. It is much easier than transplanting plants in a
traditional garden! As long as the plant receives about the same
amount of light, there should be no problems. Another benefit to
container gardening is that you can grow almost any type of
plant. You will simply need to give it the conditions it needs
to grow in, including the right soil type, temperature, amount of
sunlight, and nutrients. You can plan all of this out before
hand and place the plant where in the location that will give it
the best chance of a healthy life.
It looks nice to have plants at different levels. You can hang
them or place them on supports. If you don’t have a lot of
space, hanging the plants is very desirable because it doesn’t
take up any floor space. You will have a beautiful “vertical
garden” with plenty of space to enjoy it. Besides hanging the
plants, you can use a wooden stepladder to start a vertical
garden. You can have one plant on each level of the ladder.
Since you have to water each container individually, the
maintenance will be slightly higher than in a traditional garden.
You will have to water more often as well. You’ll probably have
less plants in your container garden than a typical outside
garden though, so the time and effort should even out. Even
though you need to water often, don’t water too often. The
plants will not be healthy if they receive too much, or too
little water.
You should buy some extra containers in case some break or you
decide to add more plants than you initially planned. The style
of the containers should match, but they should not all look the
same. Having different sizes and shapes, with colors that
compliment each other is ideal. Plastic containers are the
easiest to maintain, and you won
If you have a natural inclination to garden, but live in an
apartment or somewhere with little space to have a full garden,
you can still grow plants by using containers. They can be hung,
or set on your patio, window sill, or balcony. Adding some
greenery to your home will instantly make it look nicer.
If you use containers that are not too big or heavy, they are
easy to rearrange as needed. Sometimes you’ll just want a
chance, or maybe for practical reasons you need to move some
plants around. It is much easier than transplanting plants in a
amount of light, there should be no problems. Another benefit to
container gardening is that you can grow almost any type of
plant. You will simply need to give it the conditions it needs
to grow in, including the right soil type, temperature, amount of
sunlight, and nutrients. You can plan all of this out before
hand and place the plant where in the location that will give it
the best chance of a healthy life.
It looks nice to have plants at different levels. You can hang
them or place them on supports. If you don’t have a lot of
space, hanging the plants is very desirable because it doesn’t
take up any floor space. You will have a beautiful “vertical
garden” with plenty of space to enjoy it. Besides hanging the
plants, you can use a wooden stepladder to start a vertical
garden. You can have one plant on each level of the ladder.
Since you have to water each container individually, the
maintenance will be slightly higher than in a traditional garden.
You will have to water more often as well. You’ll probably have
less plants in your container garden than a typical outside
garden though, so the time and effort should even out. Even
though you need to water often, don’t water too often. The
plants will not be healthy if they receive too much, or too
little water.
You should buy some extra containers in case some break or you
decide to add more plants than you initially planned. The style
of the containers should match, but they should not all look the
same. Having different sizes and shapes, with colors that
compliment each other is ideal. Plastic containers are the
easiest to maintain, and you won
A UFO LED Grow Light Helps Your Indoor Garden Thrive For Less
Susan Slobac asked:
Light weight, cost efficiency for many years of use, and bright clean light is what the UFO LED grow light will bring to your indoor gardening setup. Utilizing special light emitting diode technology this is considered by many to be the ultimate grow light on the market today.
The first benefit you will get when you make the switch to a UFO LED light is the quality of light this small unit can produce. This light produces more light than would be given by a four-hundred watt high high pressure sodium, or HPS, grow light. It does this while using only eighty watts of energy, making it very cost efficient in terms of the lumens of light produced compared to the watts of energy needed to produce the light.
UFO LED grow lights cover nine square feet of space with intense light. The light produced is exceptionally well suited to plants, because each one-watt LED used is selected as part of the light spectrum that the plant can use for all-important photosynthesis. Your plants, regardless of what stage of growth they are at, will not be able to utilize green light to aid their photosynthesis. Young plants need blue spectrum light for good growth, while mature plants need red and orange spectrum light to promote fruit and flower formation. Green spectrum light is wasted energy for most plants that you end up paying for if a grow light produces light in this spectrum, yet most grow lights typically do, another advantage that comes from using an UFO LED light.
The LEDs comprising this lamp are wide angle, directional light bulbs. This is important, because they are placed within the light so that the full impact of all the light produced is directed exactly on your plants, and is not diffused out to the side of the unit, which is wasted light for your plants. Because they are specifically directed, you will also be able to save money because you will not need to use any reflectors with this type of amazing UFO LED grow light.
Because the UFO LED grow light uses light emitting diodes, it runs much cooler than a traditional HID, HPS, or MH lighting system. These traditional lights needs ballasts, as well as air conditioning and ducting in order to keep the lights from overheating. They also can burn the leaves of plants if placed too closely to the plant foliage. Both of these issues are eliminated with UFO LED grow lights.
In addition to cost effectiveness and production value, the UFO led light does not require any complicated setup, and can be used with a regular outlet. This LED grow light is also long lived, and can run for eighty thousand hours or more. Try one of these lights today!
Learn all about Container Gardening
Light weight, cost efficiency for many years of use, and bright clean light is what the UFO LED grow light will bring to your indoor gardening setup. Utilizing special light emitting diode technology this is considered by many to be the ultimate grow light on the market today.
The first benefit you will get when you make the switch to a UFO LED light is the quality of light this small unit can produce. This light produces more light than would be given by a four-hundred watt high high pressure sodium, or HPS, grow light. It does this while using only eighty watts of energy, making it very cost efficient in terms of the lumens of light produced compared to the watts of energy needed to produce the light.
UFO LED grow lights cover nine square feet of space with intense light. The light produced is exceptionally well suited to plants, because each one-watt LED used is selected as part of the light spectrum that the plant can use for all-important photosynthesis. Your plants, regardless of what stage of growth they are at, will not be able to utilize green light to aid their photosynthesis. Young plants need blue spectrum light for good growth, while mature plants need red and orange spectrum light to promote fruit and flower formation. Green spectrum light is wasted energy for most plants that you end up paying for if a grow light produces light in this spectrum, yet most grow lights typically do, another advantage that comes from using an UFO LED light.
The LEDs comprising this lamp are wide angle, directional light bulbs. This is important, because they are placed within the light so that the full impact of all the light produced is directed exactly on your plants, and is not diffused out to the side of the unit, which is wasted light for your plants. Because they are specifically directed, you will also be able to save money because you will not need to use any reflectors with this type of amazing UFO LED grow light.
Because the UFO LED grow light uses light emitting diodes, it runs much cooler than a traditional HID, HPS, or MH lighting system. These traditional lights needs ballasts, as well as air conditioning and ducting in order to keep the lights from overheating. They also can burn the leaves of plants if placed too closely to the plant foliage. Both of these issues are eliminated with UFO LED grow lights.
In addition to cost effectiveness and production value, the UFO led light does not require any complicated setup, and can be used with a regular outlet. This LED grow light is also long lived, and can run for eighty thousand hours or more. Try one of these lights today!
Learn all about Container Gardening
Growing Vegetables in Containers – The Compact Solution
Judy Williams asked:
Container vegetable gardens are a great alternative for those that don’t have access to backyards. There can be a range of reasons to grow your vegetables in containers…easy access to the kitchen, safer environments for children and the handicapped or just lack of a yard to use for gardening.
Vegetable gardens in containers can also be extremely attractive and serve the dual purpose of style and function around your patio.
The no dig vegetable garden can be just as successful in containers provided similar guidelines are followed.
Drainage is vital so ensure your containers have appropriate drainage holes to allow water to escape. If they don’t, the plants will literally ‘drown’ and will be susceptible to diseases. They also need a sunny space. The advantage with vegetables grown in containers is that you can move the containers around to follow the sun if no one spot in your patio or garden is suitable.
Vegetables grown in containers will need some additional attention. Their root system is restricted to the pot so make sure you keep them well watered. Containers are far more likely to dry out in hot conditions which will kill your plants or have them ‘fruit’ poorly.
It is also very important that a mulch is put on top of the container. This will slow evaporation and keep the surface temperature of the soil cooler. Plants like tomatoes have small, fiberous roots which will dry and die in hot soil.
Container vegetables may need some additional fertilising due to the extra watering. Nutrients will be washed away quicker in a container than in the ground. A diluted water soluble fertiliser is the best option to use regularly with vegetables.
There have been many varieties of vegetables that have been bred to grow in containers. They are generally referred to a ‘dwarf’ varieties for obvious reasons. A list of suggested varieties and container sizes may help with your selection. Check with your seed supplier on the varieties they recommend.
Having said that, there are many vegetable varieties that will do very well in containers. Tomatoes, lettuce, beets, carrots, cabbage, peas, beans, capsicums and peppers are all good choices. Cucumbers, cauliflower and broccoli will also do well as will virtually all herbs.
Crops like potatoes, corn, pumpkins and vine fruits generally need more room than a container can provide. But the size of your containers and the varieties available to you will dictate what you grow. As with most gardening, trial and error is your best education.
Rose Maven
Container vegetable gardens are a great alternative for those that don’t have access to backyards. There can be a range of reasons to grow your vegetables in containers…easy access to the kitchen, safer environments for children and the handicapped or just lack of a yard to use for gardening.
Vegetable gardens in containers can also be extremely attractive and serve the dual purpose of style and function around your patio.
The no dig vegetable garden can be just as successful in containers provided similar guidelines are followed.
Drainage is vital so ensure your containers have appropriate drainage holes to allow water to escape. If they don’t, the plants will literally ‘drown’ and will be susceptible to diseases. They also need a sunny space. The advantage with vegetables grown in containers is that you can move the containers around to follow the sun if no one spot in your patio or garden is suitable.
Vegetables grown in containers will need some additional attention. Their root system is restricted to the pot so make sure you keep them well watered. Containers are far more likely to dry out in hot conditions which will kill your plants or have them ‘fruit’ poorly.
It is also very important that a mulch is put on top of the container. This will slow evaporation and keep the surface temperature of the soil cooler. Plants like tomatoes have small, fiberous roots which will dry and die in hot soil.
Container vegetables may need some additional fertilising due to the extra watering. Nutrients will be washed away quicker in a container than in the ground. A diluted water soluble fertiliser is the best option to use regularly with vegetables.
There have been many varieties of vegetables that have been bred to grow in containers. They are generally referred to a ‘dwarf’ varieties for obvious reasons. A list of suggested varieties and container sizes may help with your selection. Check with your seed supplier on the varieties they recommend.
Having said that, there are many vegetable varieties that will do very well in containers. Tomatoes, lettuce, beets, carrots, cabbage, peas, beans, capsicums and peppers are all good choices. Cucumbers, cauliflower and broccoli will also do well as will virtually all herbs.
Crops like potatoes, corn, pumpkins and vine fruits generally need more room than a container can provide. But the size of your containers and the varieties available to you will dictate what you grow. As with most gardening, trial and error is your best education.
Rose Maven
Organic Container Gardening Has Big Advantages in Small Places
Clint Sidney asked:
Gardening can be a fun filled exercise. It does not only provide you a sense of “something important to do” but it can also help in beautifying your living space. However, limited space can also make things difficult. The solution can be found in organic container gardening.
Gardening In Smaller Areas
With the fast pace world we live in and the evolution of almost every neighborhood, from rural to urban, enough space for a garden can sometimes be challenging to find. Some homes have a lawn, but others are small condominiums. Different lifestyles bring different gardening challenges. Many people imagine a garden as a large place filled with different flowers. Some would even picture gardens with grand landscapes and furniture that can be a venue for afternoon tea and an umbrella!
So, given the challenges and the limitations that some have, many gardeners have tried to figure out a way to make the hobby possible for everyone. No need to worry. Even if your place is small, there is a way for you to garden! All you need is a container, pots and something to plant with. And, if you want to help our environment, you can try using your old canisters or re-use your buckets. This is a great way to save money.
A Mobile Garden Has Advantages
With organic container gardening, you can transport the plants where you want. Why would this be important? Well, one reason is for decoration purposes. But the other important reason is that this allows you to protect your plants from too much sunlight. You can also control the temperature for you plants, moving them where it is appropriate. If a storm is coming, you can put your plants indoors and protect them from being destroyed or drowned from rain. The possibilities are endless. Even people blessed with large spaces will enjoy the benefits of having organic containers. You can brighten up your patio; you can plant your fresh herbs inside your houses and recycle.
Making use of different synthetic materials will provide you with a variety of options for holding your plants. You would be surprised what you could use to grow vegetables in. Explore the possibilities and be a part of helping the environment!
Grow A Plant
Gardening can be a fun filled exercise. It does not only provide you a sense of “something important to do” but it can also help in beautifying your living space. However, limited space can also make things difficult. The solution can be found in organic container gardening.
Gardening In Smaller Areas
With the fast pace world we live in and the evolution of almost every neighborhood, from rural to urban, enough space for a garden can sometimes be challenging to find. Some homes have a lawn, but others are small condominiums. Different lifestyles bring different gardening challenges. Many people imagine a garden as a large place filled with different flowers. Some would even picture gardens with grand landscapes and furniture that can be a venue for afternoon tea and an umbrella!
So, given the challenges and the limitations that some have, many gardeners have tried to figure out a way to make the hobby possible for everyone. No need to worry. Even if your place is small, there is a way for you to garden! All you need is a container, pots and something to plant with. And, if you want to help our environment, you can try using your old canisters or re-use your buckets. This is a great way to save money.
A Mobile Garden Has Advantages
With organic container gardening, you can transport the plants where you want. Why would this be important? Well, one reason is for decoration purposes. But the other important reason is that this allows you to protect your plants from too much sunlight. You can also control the temperature for you plants, moving them where it is appropriate. If a storm is coming, you can put your plants indoors and protect them from being destroyed or drowned from rain. The possibilities are endless. Even people blessed with large spaces will enjoy the benefits of having organic containers. You can brighten up your patio; you can plant your fresh herbs inside your houses and recycle.
Making use of different synthetic materials will provide you with a variety of options for holding your plants. You would be surprised what you could use to grow vegetables in. Explore the possibilities and be a part of helping the environment!
Grow A Plant
Q & A on Starting Vegetable Container Gardening
Whitney Segura asked:
Vegetable Gardening Questions and Answers of Common Problems and Solutions:
The best benefit there is to container gardening is that you can set your green thumb to work even with a small container. You can use just about anything around the house from planter boxes and plastic jugs to wooden baskets and large terracotta pots to start your garden, be it for flowers, herbs and even vegetables.
Still, there might be questions in your mind about the best ways to start vegetable container gardening. Well, here are some of the answers to your questions.
What to Grow?
Fortunately, you can plant just about any kind of vegetables meant for your tossed salad, be it of the leaf or the root type. You may cultivate oak leaf lettuce, mustard cress, silver beets, cherry tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, radishes, baby carrots and spring onions. Of course, don’t forget to plant herbs for your kitchen from the Italian to the French chef specials.
Just remember when cultivating these vegetables to look into their different needs.
Thus, it pays to research about their specific needs and then planting groups of vegetables in one container with similar needs. This way, you do not pit them against each other. What To Use?
As previously mentioned, you can use just about any type of container you want. The important thing is that it has sufficient drainage, it is of the right size for the plants and it is safe for the plants to grow in. Thus, you have to make sure that there are no toxic chemicals used in painting and treating the containers lest these substances leak into the soil and, hence, into the plants.
Among the big no-nos in container gardening are galvanized containers with narrow openings, treated wooden pots, and lead-containing cheap plastic pots. Ceramic pots are best although you have to drill many holes in them for better drainage. You should also turn to old containers like plastic ware, troughs, toolboxes, baskets and boxes, to name a few suitable materials. What to Grow In It?
You must not use garden soil for container gardening simply because the microorganisms present in it may adversely affect the health of the plants. Instead, we recommend the use of potting soil mixed with sand and loam, depending on the requirements of the vegetable being planted. If you must, then ask for assistance from the garden supply center staff.
You can also use ready compost and compost tea as natural fertilizer and pesticide. Growth hormones are also good additions but you must be careful in using them.What to Do?
Staring your vegetable garden is a very easy thing to do with these steps:
Choose the appropriate containers for your plants with drainage holes. Place stones or pot shards over the drainage holes. Fill the pot with the potting soil. Water the soil until it is sufficiently moist but not sopping wet. Plant the vegetable seeds according to the packet instructions. Cover them with soil Cover the pot with plastic wrap until the seeds germinate and become visible seedlings. Place it in the full sun, mist regularly and check for pests.And that is how you start on your journey in container gardening. As the British say it, easy-peasy, lemon squeezy!
MiniGarden.org
Vegetable Gardening Questions and Answers of Common Problems and Solutions:
The best benefit there is to container gardening is that you can set your green thumb to work even with a small container. You can use just about anything around the house from planter boxes and plastic jugs to wooden baskets and large terracotta pots to start your garden, be it for flowers, herbs and even vegetables.
Still, there might be questions in your mind about the best ways to start vegetable container gardening. Well, here are some of the answers to your questions.
What to Grow?
Fortunately, you can plant just about any kind of vegetables meant for your tossed salad, be it of the leaf or the root type. You may cultivate oak leaf lettuce, mustard cress, silver beets, cherry tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, radishes, baby carrots and spring onions. Of course, don’t forget to plant herbs for your kitchen from the Italian to the French chef specials.
Just remember when cultivating these vegetables to look into their different needs.
Thus, it pays to research about their specific needs and then planting groups of vegetables in one container with similar needs. This way, you do not pit them against each other. What To Use?
As previously mentioned, you can use just about any type of container you want. The important thing is that it has sufficient drainage, it is of the right size for the plants and it is safe for the plants to grow in. Thus, you have to make sure that there are no toxic chemicals used in painting and treating the containers lest these substances leak into the soil and, hence, into the plants.
Among the big no-nos in container gardening are galvanized containers with narrow openings, treated wooden pots, and lead-containing cheap plastic pots. Ceramic pots are best although you have to drill many holes in them for better drainage. You should also turn to old containers like plastic ware, troughs, toolboxes, baskets and boxes, to name a few suitable materials. What to Grow In It?
You must not use garden soil for container gardening simply because the microorganisms present in it may adversely affect the health of the plants. Instead, we recommend the use of potting soil mixed with sand and loam, depending on the requirements of the vegetable being planted. If you must, then ask for assistance from the garden supply center staff.
You can also use ready compost and compost tea as natural fertilizer and pesticide. Growth hormones are also good additions but you must be careful in using them.What to Do?
Staring your vegetable garden is a very easy thing to do with these steps:
Choose the appropriate containers for your plants with drainage holes. Place stones or pot shards over the drainage holes. Fill the pot with the potting soil. Water the soil until it is sufficiently moist but not sopping wet. Plant the vegetable seeds according to the packet instructions. Cover them with soil Cover the pot with plastic wrap until the seeds germinate and become visible seedlings. Place it in the full sun, mist regularly and check for pests.And that is how you start on your journey in container gardening. As the British say it, easy-peasy, lemon squeezy!
MiniGarden.org
How to Grow Tomatoes From Your Garden
Ivo San asked:
Enjoy delectable fresh tomatoes from your personal garden. Grow big and nutritious plants without claiming to buy them at a local marketplace. It isn’t very hard how to grow tomatoes the favorable way.
They require a pleasant amount of sunlight. It is excellent if they have as plenty as 8-hours of sunlight every day. These veggies develop in temperate weather. You’ll need to wait till the temperatures will become 50 degrees or over every day before planting the seeds or the seedlings. It is as well essential to wait until there’s no enough threat of freezes before you plant them.
You may utilize seeds or seedlings if you wish to cultivate them in your personal garden. Remember that it will be important to grow the seeds within the house until they sprout. Although this isn’t necessary if you begin with seedlings.
It is excellent to include fertilize to the soil where to plant the seeds. The plants will react well to hefty soil. The seedlings must be planted in holes that you have created approximately a foot in diameter as well as teeming with water. Every plant should have at least 2-3 feet in distance between each plant. The plants need enough room to grow. The seedlings should be cultivated in plots of soil having fine drainage.
It’s a pleasant idea to place litter around the areas where the seeds or seedlings are planted. It is also necessary to put some compost to the tomato patch every few weeks. Moreover, it is important to maintain the plants with enough water as they grow. Still, it is crucial to water them at the roots instead on the leaves and never saturate the plants in too much water.
As the plants begin to grow, make sure that they are firm. Also, tie your plants to stakes to be able to sustain them standing elevated.
The plants will grow without too much trouble if you follow the above-mentioned steps on how to grow tomatoes properly. You’ll determine that it’s time to harvest the tomatoes when they sustain good color and they must not be overly sturdy during harvesting.
Plant Website
Enjoy delectable fresh tomatoes from your personal garden. Grow big and nutritious plants without claiming to buy them at a local marketplace. It isn’t very hard how to grow tomatoes the favorable way.
They require a pleasant amount of sunlight. It is excellent if they have as plenty as 8-hours of sunlight every day. These veggies develop in temperate weather. You’ll need to wait till the temperatures will become 50 degrees or over every day before planting the seeds or the seedlings. It is as well essential to wait until there’s no enough threat of freezes before you plant them.
You may utilize seeds or seedlings if you wish to cultivate them in your personal garden. Remember that it will be important to grow the seeds within the house until they sprout. Although this isn’t necessary if you begin with seedlings.
It is excellent to include fertilize to the soil where to plant the seeds. The plants will react well to hefty soil. The seedlings must be planted in holes that you have created approximately a foot in diameter as well as teeming with water. Every plant should have at least 2-3 feet in distance between each plant. The plants need enough room to grow. The seedlings should be cultivated in plots of soil having fine drainage.
It’s a pleasant idea to place litter around the areas where the seeds or seedlings are planted. It is also necessary to put some compost to the tomato patch every few weeks. Moreover, it is important to maintain the plants with enough water as they grow. Still, it is crucial to water them at the roots instead on the leaves and never saturate the plants in too much water.
As the plants begin to grow, make sure that they are firm. Also, tie your plants to stakes to be able to sustain them standing elevated.
The plants will grow without too much trouble if you follow the above-mentioned steps on how to grow tomatoes properly. You’ll determine that it’s time to harvest the tomatoes when they sustain good color and they must not be overly sturdy during harvesting.
Plant Website
Container Gardening Basics For Success
Jude C Wright asked:
Container Gardening is becoming more and more popular as the population of cities and suburbs increases. Your “garden” is movable and so it is easier to manage pests and garden environments. It also reduces the time that you need to tend to your plants because you can place them where they are easier for you to reach. This is especially good for people who are handicapped but still want a garden.
There are some things that are necessary in order to have a successful container garden.
First, you must have a container. You can find them in almost every size, shape and they can be made of many different materials. And, they can be very inexpensive, especially when you create them from “found” objects. You must make sure that the container that you choose has adequate drainage.
Make sure that your container is appropriate for your plant’s full-grown size. You don’t want to have to keep changing pots as your garden grows.
Soil is the next thing you have to have for your garden. I’m sorry, but you can’t go outside and dig up some dirt. It will be much too heavy and will probably contain lots of bugs and pests that you don’t need. The soil must be of good quality to keep your plants healthy and growing well. Buy potting mix that drains well but still is able to retain adequate moisture. The mix shouldn’t be so light that it won’t hold the plant and root system in the container without propping the plant up.
You can mix your own potting soil by using one part compost; one part perlite and one part garden loam. Be sure that you inspect the loam for pests before using it.
Choose plants that do not have very large root systems. Those plants will soon get too large for the pot that you have planted them in, even to the point of breaking it. As I mentioned before, not sizing the plant to the pot (or the pot to the plant), can cause plants to be spindly and root-bound.
Tomatoes are a good choice for a new gardener because they are easy to grow and have a strong, but small, root system. Other vegetables that are appropriate are peppers, lettuce, spinach, radishes and eggplant.
Herbs are also an excellent choice for container gardens. Herb gardens don’t require much space and they are extremely easy to grow, even for the novice gardener. Like most plants, they do require adequate drainage to grow them successfully.
Some people use container gardens as decorating accents as well as for growing vegetables for the dinner table. Choosing containers that fit with the style of the area you want them in enhances its ambiance. You might even want to use them in a specific area inside your home. Sunrooms come to mind as a great place to grow plants. Do make sure there is adequate sun and shade for your plants.
MiniGarden.org
Container Gardening is becoming more and more popular as the population of cities and suburbs increases. Your “garden” is movable and so it is easier to manage pests and garden environments. It also reduces the time that you need to tend to your plants because you can place them where they are easier for you to reach. This is especially good for people who are handicapped but still want a garden.
There are some things that are necessary in order to have a successful container garden.
First, you must have a container. You can find them in almost every size, shape and they can be made of many different materials. And, they can be very inexpensive, especially when you create them from “found” objects. You must make sure that the container that you choose has adequate drainage.
Make sure that your container is appropriate for your plant’s full-grown size. You don’t want to have to keep changing pots as your garden grows.
Soil is the next thing you have to have for your garden. I’m sorry, but you can’t go outside and dig up some dirt. It will be much too heavy and will probably contain lots of bugs and pests that you don’t need. The soil must be of good quality to keep your plants healthy and growing well. Buy potting mix that drains well but still is able to retain adequate moisture. The mix shouldn’t be so light that it won’t hold the plant and root system in the container without propping the plant up.
You can mix your own potting soil by using one part compost; one part perlite and one part garden loam. Be sure that you inspect the loam for pests before using it.
Choose plants that do not have very large root systems. Those plants will soon get too large for the pot that you have planted them in, even to the point of breaking it. As I mentioned before, not sizing the plant to the pot (or the pot to the plant), can cause plants to be spindly and root-bound.
Tomatoes are a good choice for a new gardener because they are easy to grow and have a strong, but small, root system. Other vegetables that are appropriate are peppers, lettuce, spinach, radishes and eggplant.
Herbs are also an excellent choice for container gardens. Herb gardens don’t require much space and they are extremely easy to grow, even for the novice gardener. Like most plants, they do require adequate drainage to grow them successfully.
Some people use container gardens as decorating accents as well as for growing vegetables for the dinner table. Choosing containers that fit with the style of the area you want them in enhances its ambiance. You might even want to use them in a specific area inside your home. Sunrooms come to mind as a great place to grow plants. Do make sure there is adequate sun and shade for your plants.
MiniGarden.org
What Is Vertical Gardening?
Janet Combs asked:
Have you ever dreamed of harvesting your own fruit and vegetables, fresh from the garden? Have you ever baulked at rising produce prices, and spent an arm and a leg on fresh produce only to take it home and find it bland? Have you ever wished you had a spacious backyard to grow your own corn and strawberries, but gave up your dreams because you work in the city and live in an apartment?
What if I told you that you can harvest as much fresh fruit and vegetables as you’d like from your very own garden with only the space on your balcony or windowsills.
You might think it is a crazy idea right?
With today’s vertical gardening techniques, you can grow your own produce as long as you have somewhere sunny, be it a balcony, porch, or alleyway along a fence. With vertical gardening, you train your veggies to grow up, not out.
So what exactly is vertical gardening and why can it give you season after season of satisfaction and impressive crops of fruits and vegetables?
Vertical gardening relies on the fact that plants will grow where ever there is light, nutrients, and support. This means that even if your cucumber vine is growing from a pot straight up a wall, it will still produce!
Long ago, it was commonly thought that only with expansive amounts of land can one grow produce. The problem was that before the advent of pots, irrigation, and soil conditioners, each plant relied strictly on what was in the soil beneath it to survive.
This meant that a given plant would consume a large amount of soil in order to produce a given amount of fruit.
Today, we can engineer optimum conditions for a given plant in a milk jug, and watch it produce many pounds of vegetables. This is possible through the application of science and careful planning of your garden well before planting the first seed.
Do not be discouraged, although the process may seem labor intensive and difficult, it truly isn’t. After only a few weeks you will understand most of the theory and after a single season you will become a seasoned professional at growing your own produce indoors or in small spaces. Imagine covering an entire wall with bean vines, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
Imagine the satisfaction you will get when you bite into your very own produce, which will taste many fold better than that which is available at the store. This and much more is possible with vertical gardening!
So, if you have decided that vertical gardening may be something you would like more information about, scour the Internet for more info. You will be surprised at the resources available, and I am sure if you set your mind to it you could be harvesting your own fruit and veggies this year. Vertical gardening may be bringing fresh produce to a balcony near you soon.
Container Gardening
Have you ever dreamed of harvesting your own fruit and vegetables, fresh from the garden? Have you ever baulked at rising produce prices, and spent an arm and a leg on fresh produce only to take it home and find it bland? Have you ever wished you had a spacious backyard to grow your own corn and strawberries, but gave up your dreams because you work in the city and live in an apartment?
What if I told you that you can harvest as much fresh fruit and vegetables as you’d like from your very own garden with only the space on your balcony or windowsills.
You might think it is a crazy idea right?
With today’s vertical gardening techniques, you can grow your own produce as long as you have somewhere sunny, be it a balcony, porch, or alleyway along a fence. With vertical gardening, you train your veggies to grow up, not out.
So what exactly is vertical gardening and why can it give you season after season of satisfaction and impressive crops of fruits and vegetables?
Vertical gardening relies on the fact that plants will grow where ever there is light, nutrients, and support. This means that even if your cucumber vine is growing from a pot straight up a wall, it will still produce!
Long ago, it was commonly thought that only with expansive amounts of land can one grow produce. The problem was that before the advent of pots, irrigation, and soil conditioners, each plant relied strictly on what was in the soil beneath it to survive.
This meant that a given plant would consume a large amount of soil in order to produce a given amount of fruit.
Today, we can engineer optimum conditions for a given plant in a milk jug, and watch it produce many pounds of vegetables. This is possible through the application of science and careful planning of your garden well before planting the first seed.
Do not be discouraged, although the process may seem labor intensive and difficult, it truly isn’t. After only a few weeks you will understand most of the theory and after a single season you will become a seasoned professional at growing your own produce indoors or in small spaces. Imagine covering an entire wall with bean vines, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
Imagine the satisfaction you will get when you bite into your very own produce, which will taste many fold better than that which is available at the store. This and much more is possible with vertical gardening!
So, if you have decided that vertical gardening may be something you would like more information about, scour the Internet for more info. You will be surprised at the resources available, and I am sure if you set your mind to it you could be harvesting your own fruit and veggies this year. Vertical gardening may be bringing fresh produce to a balcony near you soon.
Container Gardening
Indoor Organic Container Gardening – Kids at Work
Amy Ou Yang asked:
We all know that kids love to do exciting activities that would not only make them happy but at the same time, hone their intellectual skills and this includes indoor organic container gardening. Indoor gardening is so much fun whenever you do it together with your children because you will be able to teach them so many things that they could not learn in school. Also, since spring is just around the corner, you can have this great bonding activity with your kids. Spring is indeed the best time of the year because the weather is undoubtedly perfect.
Just like other new things, there should be a brief teaching to do like the guidelines and all the other necessary information that would guide your little kids. Some of these would include what would be the proper attire, what are the materials needed, what kind of seeds are to be planted, or just about anything that they need to know before they go on indoor organic container gardening.
The planning process is indeed a happy thing to do with your young ones because aside from the fact they are having fun, they are also interacting with nature. This is probably the most ideal thing to do to free your little ones from online games, playing Nintendo DS or Wii, Sony PlayStation and other stuff that distracts their childhood even just for awhile. It is also certainly a good stepping stone for the climate change awareness.
Although it can be entertaining, considering so many things could be a tiring job too but we will make it easier for all parents out there. Before anything else, parents should take time to visit gardening stores for options. They are the experts when it comes to indoor gardening activity with the kids. They actually have a lot of cool stuff to offer like colored plastic containers that children love, mini shovels with vibrant colors or probably printed with the face of their favorite cartoon characters and attractive pair of gloves to wear. All these things be seen in your local gardening stores.
Next would be the seeds. It is important to remember that children love to see fast results so make sure you choose among the plant seeds that are fast growing and that would include mung beans, sunflowers, radishes, lentils, and peas. Last but not the least; it is advisable t gear up your young ones. Make sure to let them wear the appropriate clothes in gardening so they would feel that they are as if real gardeners. Some of the famous outfits would include boots, scarf, hat or just anything that they have been seeing on the television.
Teaching kids how to plant indoors is important. Aside from the fact that you can free your kids from being soaked up during a bad weather outside and being dried up by the heat of the sun, you can always make them secured. You will also see them enjoying all the good deals of indoor gardening.
Also, indoor organic container gardening can be fun and endow you with all different types of fresh vegetables and herbs. Of course, the taste will be fresher and the product healthier compared to what you purchase from your local grocery stores. So, if you want something fresh to eat and are available all year round, you will never go wrong with this. Above all, it is without a doubt a great bonding activity with your little kids.
container garden
We all know that kids love to do exciting activities that would not only make them happy but at the same time, hone their intellectual skills and this includes indoor organic container gardening. Indoor gardening is so much fun whenever you do it together with your children because you will be able to teach them so many things that they could not learn in school. Also, since spring is just around the corner, you can have this great bonding activity with your kids. Spring is indeed the best time of the year because the weather is undoubtedly perfect.
Just like other new things, there should be a brief teaching to do like the guidelines and all the other necessary information that would guide your little kids. Some of these would include what would be the proper attire, what are the materials needed, what kind of seeds are to be planted, or just about anything that they need to know before they go on indoor organic container gardening.
The planning process is indeed a happy thing to do with your young ones because aside from the fact they are having fun, they are also interacting with nature. This is probably the most ideal thing to do to free your little ones from online games, playing Nintendo DS or Wii, Sony PlayStation and other stuff that distracts their childhood even just for awhile. It is also certainly a good stepping stone for the climate change awareness.
Although it can be entertaining, considering so many things could be a tiring job too but we will make it easier for all parents out there. Before anything else, parents should take time to visit gardening stores for options. They are the experts when it comes to indoor gardening activity with the kids. They actually have a lot of cool stuff to offer like colored plastic containers that children love, mini shovels with vibrant colors or probably printed with the face of their favorite cartoon characters and attractive pair of gloves to wear. All these things be seen in your local gardening stores.
Next would be the seeds. It is important to remember that children love to see fast results so make sure you choose among the plant seeds that are fast growing and that would include mung beans, sunflowers, radishes, lentils, and peas. Last but not the least; it is advisable t gear up your young ones. Make sure to let them wear the appropriate clothes in gardening so they would feel that they are as if real gardeners. Some of the famous outfits would include boots, scarf, hat or just anything that they have been seeing on the television.
Teaching kids how to plant indoors is important. Aside from the fact that you can free your kids from being soaked up during a bad weather outside and being dried up by the heat of the sun, you can always make them secured. You will also see them enjoying all the good deals of indoor gardening.
Also, indoor organic container gardening can be fun and endow you with all different types of fresh vegetables and herbs. Of course, the taste will be fresher and the product healthier compared to what you purchase from your local grocery stores. So, if you want something fresh to eat and are available all year round, you will never go wrong with this. Above all, it is without a doubt a great bonding activity with your little kids.
container garden
10 Best Vegetables to Grow in Fall
Matthew Buquoi asked:
Fall vegetables don’t require any special care; in fact, you’ll spend less time caring for your fall crops because of the favorable autumn growing conditions. Generally, plants will grow rapidly at first and gradually slow as the days become shorter and colder. Here are some tips and ideas for learning how to grow fall vegetables and what are the 10 best vegetables to grow in fall.
You’ll be happy to discover that destructive insects won’t be as numerous as the summer months.
You will also struggle less with weed control because the weeds will germinate less frequently and grow slower than they do during the warmer growing seasons. Compared to the hot and dry summers, fall usually brings an increase in the amount of precipitation, eliminating another time consuming garden chore of irrigating the garden.
With just a little attention and effort you may be surprised to find that growing fall vegetables in the backyard garden and planters is even more enjoyable than planting a vegetable garden during the spring and summer seasons. Why? It’s simple. Cooler autumn temperatures make it a delight to spend time outside in the garden and also provide an advantage when it’s time to harvest your fall crops.
Maturing crops including cabbages and root crops will maintain their quality and stand much longer in the garden during the fall season. Leafy greens can be harvested a leaf or two at a time from each plant during the season, leaving the smaller leaves in the center portion of the plant to continue growing and producing new leaves. Or you can harvest all of the leaves at once from the mature plants late in the season.
Following is a list of fast growing, cold hardy crops that are ideal for fall vegetable gardening. These are our top ten vegetables to grow in fall:
Fall vegetables don’t require any special care; in fact, you’ll spend less time caring for your fall crops because of the favorable autumn growing conditions. Generally, plants will grow rapidly at first and gradually slow as the days become shorter and colder. Here are some tips and ideas for learning how to grow fall vegetables and what are the 10 best vegetables to grow in fall.
You’ll be happy to discover that destructive insects won’t be as numerous as the summer months.
You will also struggle less with weed control because the weeds will germinate less frequently and grow slower than they do during the warmer growing seasons. Compared to the hot and dry summers, fall usually brings an increase in the amount of precipitation, eliminating another time consuming garden chore of irrigating the garden.
With just a little attention and effort you may be surprised to find that growing fall vegetables in the backyard garden and planters is even more enjoyable than planting a vegetable garden during the spring and summer seasons. Why? It’s simple. Cooler autumn temperatures make it a delight to spend time outside in the garden and also provide an advantage when it’s time to harvest your fall crops.
Maturing crops including cabbages and root crops will maintain their quality and stand much longer in the garden during the fall season. Leafy greens can be harvested a leaf or two at a time from each plant during the season, leaving the smaller leaves in the center portion of the plant to continue growing and producing new leaves. Or you can harvest all of the leaves at once from the mature plants late in the season.
Following is a list of fast growing, cold hardy crops that are ideal for fall vegetable gardening. These are our top ten vegetables to grow in fall:
New Gardeners Guide to Planting a Container Garden
Jude C Wright asked:
Container gardens give those people who don’t have yards or room for a “regular” garden a way to grow the gardens they crave. Now, they can have a garden on a deck, patio or in a window box or even inside their houses. All types of plants can be grown: vegetables, shrubs, roses, annuals, perennials. The list is endless.
Containers filled with colorful foliage and flowers can really brighten the home, indoors and out. You can have any color scheme that you wish, with colors that harmonize or contrast with your existing home colors. Even just having plant foliage without flowers can liven up a drab house.
When you are choosing plants for your container garden, think about the height of your plants in relation to where you plan to put them. Planting a tall plant or shrub in a window box could block the view from inside a window. Flowering plants should have a long blooming season so that you don’t have to change them out too frequently.
The containers that you choose also make a difference in the feel of the finished garden. You can be creative and use everything from terracotta pots to large dishes to old oaken buckets. You are only limited by your imagination. Pay attention to the material that the pot is made of. Some materials (such as terracotta) may need to be sealed or painted so that they don’t leach all of the water away from the plants.
If purchasing pots for indoors or deck and patio use, you will need to have saucers or plates for them to set on. Otherwise, you will have water and dirt stains on your floors. I have even seen some decks that have rotting wood because of water damage from potted plants.
Never, ever use garden dirt in your plantings. It is essential that you use a high quality potting mix. This will guard against the pests and diseases that you would get from garden soil and will ensure the best possible performance from your plants.
Do you know where you will be locating your plants? Make a plan about where your container garden will be, and then purchase the plants and containers to fit into that area. You also need to determine whether the area is shady or sunny before you purchase your plants. Shade-loving plants will not do well in direct sunlight and vice-versa.
You should also pay attention to the root size of your plants. Those that have a large root system will not be suitable for growing in pots — even if they are large pots.
You may not have much room for plants in the front of your home. However, you can still place a couple of medium-sized flower pots on both sides of the door or front steps. The flowering plants will make a beautiful statement about your home. The plants and flowers don’t need to match exactly. In fact, it’s better if they are of differently varieties. This will give the front of your home more character.
If you are grouping plants in an area, it’s best to group them in odd numbers. You should also vary the height and type of plants. You can unite the dissimilar plants by placing them in similar pots and by adding stones or rocks that are alike in type and color.
By using creativity and common sense you can grow a beautiful garden even if you don’t have the normal outdoor space that a normal outdoor garden requires.
Mini Garden
Container gardens give those people who don’t have yards or room for a “regular” garden a way to grow the gardens they crave. Now, they can have a garden on a deck, patio or in a window box or even inside their houses. All types of plants can be grown: vegetables, shrubs, roses, annuals, perennials. The list is endless.
Containers filled with colorful foliage and flowers can really brighten the home, indoors and out. You can have any color scheme that you wish, with colors that harmonize or contrast with your existing home colors. Even just having plant foliage without flowers can liven up a drab house.
When you are choosing plants for your container garden, think about the height of your plants in relation to where you plan to put them. Planting a tall plant or shrub in a window box could block the view from inside a window. Flowering plants should have a long blooming season so that you don’t have to change them out too frequently.
The containers that you choose also make a difference in the feel of the finished garden. You can be creative and use everything from terracotta pots to large dishes to old oaken buckets. You are only limited by your imagination. Pay attention to the material that the pot is made of. Some materials (such as terracotta) may need to be sealed or painted so that they don’t leach all of the water away from the plants.
If purchasing pots for indoors or deck and patio use, you will need to have saucers or plates for them to set on. Otherwise, you will have water and dirt stains on your floors. I have even seen some decks that have rotting wood because of water damage from potted plants.
Never, ever use garden dirt in your plantings. It is essential that you use a high quality potting mix. This will guard against the pests and diseases that you would get from garden soil and will ensure the best possible performance from your plants.
Do you know where you will be locating your plants? Make a plan about where your container garden will be, and then purchase the plants and containers to fit into that area. You also need to determine whether the area is shady or sunny before you purchase your plants. Shade-loving plants will not do well in direct sunlight and vice-versa.
You should also pay attention to the root size of your plants. Those that have a large root system will not be suitable for growing in pots — even if they are large pots.
You may not have much room for plants in the front of your home. However, you can still place a couple of medium-sized flower pots on both sides of the door or front steps. The flowering plants will make a beautiful statement about your home. The plants and flowers don’t need to match exactly. In fact, it’s better if they are of differently varieties. This will give the front of your home more character.
If you are grouping plants in an area, it’s best to group them in odd numbers. You should also vary the height and type of plants. You can unite the dissimilar plants by placing them in similar pots and by adding stones or rocks that are alike in type and color.
By using creativity and common sense you can grow a beautiful garden even if you don’t have the normal outdoor space that a normal outdoor garden requires.
Mini Garden
Tips For Growing a Container Herb Garden
Lee Dobbins asked:
Planting a container herb garden provides advantages that cannot be achieved through growing herbs in your garden. Container herb gardening provides the mobility necessary to protect your herbs from harsh outdoor weather and seasonal conditions, as well as predatory animals and insects. You will enjoy cultivating your herbs year-round in a more stable and forgiving environment than can be achieved through outdoor planting.
But potting herbs in a container is not an easy task. You have to spend a bit more time making sure the soil has the right amount of water and that the container receives the right amount of sunlight for your plants.
Many herbs are not picky about the pots that they are grown in and this is fortunate for those of us starting a herb container garden. Basil and rosemary can be grown in an old, chipped teapot or an empty coffee can. Thyme can grow in a small terracotta clay pot. Other herbs that love containers are dill, mint, sage and lavender.
The most important item to consider are your seeds; seeds must be of good quality and in good condition- remember like any organic substance they are subject to decay. Airborne spores may also contaminate seeds, and oxygen reacts with compounds in the seed. Safeguard against problems with your seeds by following the freshness dates on packages and avoid using any damp packages.
It is very important to select the best locations for your container herb garden. To choose the best location, you need to find out what type of exposure the plant will need. While some do very well in partial shade, other plants need much more sun. For example, Basil requires warm soil in addition to dry air and is sensitive to the cold. If you choose to grow the plant indoors, it will need to be close to a window to get enough light, but be cautious not to put it near a frosty window in the winter.
When choosing where to place your plants, keep in mind that in the Northern Hemisphere, sunlight enters in at an angle more from the south. Therefore, plants that need a lot of sun will benefit from being placed where they will have southern exposure. For the plants that need partial shade should be placed on the northern side or you can position them in an area away from the window that is more shady.
It is just essential to prepare the soil with a proper mix of sand and clay. In order to keep it at the most suitable moisture content as much as possible, specially in a container, it is advisable also to apply clay chips, although it may perform its job so well by absorbing and holding water for longer periods than what is necessary.
It is important to water the correct way. Container plants commonly develop a problem called root rot from too much moisture. Some plants like to be wet constantly, but most herbs prefer a dryer soil. Sage, for example, likes a dry soil, whereas peppermint likes it moist.
Remember that to be moist is not to be soaked. Moist soil should feel springy, while dry soil is hard. Next, you can use a toothpick or a moisture gauge to stick in the soil. When you remove the toothpick you will be able to tell if the soil is wet or dry. The gauge’s reading will be more useful and more precise, though.
Some thoughtful planning prior to planting, will enable you to have a container herb garden that is easier to grow and maintain.
Container Gardening
Planting a container herb garden provides advantages that cannot be achieved through growing herbs in your garden. Container herb gardening provides the mobility necessary to protect your herbs from harsh outdoor weather and seasonal conditions, as well as predatory animals and insects. You will enjoy cultivating your herbs year-round in a more stable and forgiving environment than can be achieved through outdoor planting.
But potting herbs in a container is not an easy task. You have to spend a bit more time making sure the soil has the right amount of water and that the container receives the right amount of sunlight for your plants.
Many herbs are not picky about the pots that they are grown in and this is fortunate for those of us starting a herb container garden. Basil and rosemary can be grown in an old, chipped teapot or an empty coffee can. Thyme can grow in a small terracotta clay pot. Other herbs that love containers are dill, mint, sage and lavender.
The most important item to consider are your seeds; seeds must be of good quality and in good condition- remember like any organic substance they are subject to decay. Airborne spores may also contaminate seeds, and oxygen reacts with compounds in the seed. Safeguard against problems with your seeds by following the freshness dates on packages and avoid using any damp packages.
It is very important to select the best locations for your container herb garden. To choose the best location, you need to find out what type of exposure the plant will need. While some do very well in partial shade, other plants need much more sun. For example, Basil requires warm soil in addition to dry air and is sensitive to the cold. If you choose to grow the plant indoors, it will need to be close to a window to get enough light, but be cautious not to put it near a frosty window in the winter.
When choosing where to place your plants, keep in mind that in the Northern Hemisphere, sunlight enters in at an angle more from the south. Therefore, plants that need a lot of sun will benefit from being placed where they will have southern exposure. For the plants that need partial shade should be placed on the northern side or you can position them in an area away from the window that is more shady.
It is just essential to prepare the soil with a proper mix of sand and clay. In order to keep it at the most suitable moisture content as much as possible, specially in a container, it is advisable also to apply clay chips, although it may perform its job so well by absorbing and holding water for longer periods than what is necessary.
It is important to water the correct way. Container plants commonly develop a problem called root rot from too much moisture. Some plants like to be wet constantly, but most herbs prefer a dryer soil. Sage, for example, likes a dry soil, whereas peppermint likes it moist.
Remember that to be moist is not to be soaked. Moist soil should feel springy, while dry soil is hard. Next, you can use a toothpick or a moisture gauge to stick in the soil. When you remove the toothpick you will be able to tell if the soil is wet or dry. The gauge’s reading will be more useful and more precise, though.
Some thoughtful planning prior to planting, will enable you to have a container herb garden that is easier to grow and maintain.
Container Gardening
Top 10 Reasons For Raised-Bed Gardening and Container Gardening
Brok McFerron asked:
Every year, many people attempt gardening the traditional way and fail. Traditional gardening to us means digging long rows in your backyard, planting, watering, weeding constantly, and controlling pests. Container and raised-bed gardening offers many advantages over traditional gardening. Here are our top 10 benefits of container and raised-bed gardening.
1. No Weeding – Save countless hours of drudgery compared to traditional gardening by having little or no weeding in a container garden. By starting with new soil in your containers, you don’t have any weeds from the beginning. Placing the containers or raised beds higher off the ground means fewer weed seeds can reach your container garden. When you do get the occasional weed, it’s easy to pull out of the loose soil.
2. No Fertilizer – Using the right raised bed garden mixture with 1/3 course vermiculite, 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 compost you don’t have to fertilize. Just top off your container or raised bed each year with compost and that’s it.
3. Greater Yield and Variety In A Small Space – Due to the loose soil and no walking area, you can grow a variety of produce right next to each other. This is where you can really take advantage of companion planting.
4. No Soil Compaction – Container gardens don’t allow gardeners to walk in the growing area. This prevents soil compaction which hurts the plant roots and limits growth.
5. Garden Where You Want – You can garden close to your house, on a deck, balcony, or patio. You can move some containers around depending on the season or your tastes.
6. Healthy Organic Produce With No Pesticides – If everything you put in your container garden is organic, including the seeds, then you know what you have grown is organic. You won’t need to use pesticides.
7. Garden Without Bending Over (Unless You Really Want To) – Container gardens can be set up at waist height. That way you do not have to bend over and container gardens can be made wheelchair accessible as well.
8. Save Water and Water Less Often – The container gardening mixture of compost, vermiculite, and peat moss can retain more moisture than backyard soil. Once your raised bed garden is fairly saturated, you don’t need to water as often.
9. No Digging Or Soil Testing – Just fill your container with the soil mixture you bought and you don’t have to dig anything up and there is no need to test the soil.
10. Save Time And Have More Success – Put in fewer hours and get more produce for your gardening time.
Have fun and enjoy your success by gardening in containers and raised beds. Its quite addicting and you can grow in them year round by selecting the right varieties, depending on your climate zone.
container garden
Every year, many people attempt gardening the traditional way and fail. Traditional gardening to us means digging long rows in your backyard, planting, watering, weeding constantly, and controlling pests. Container and raised-bed gardening offers many advantages over traditional gardening. Here are our top 10 benefits of container and raised-bed gardening.
1. No Weeding – Save countless hours of drudgery compared to traditional gardening by having little or no weeding in a container garden. By starting with new soil in your containers, you don’t have any weeds from the beginning. Placing the containers or raised beds higher off the ground means fewer weed seeds can reach your container garden. When you do get the occasional weed, it’s easy to pull out of the loose soil.
2. No Fertilizer – Using the right raised bed garden mixture with 1/3 course vermiculite, 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 compost you don’t have to fertilize. Just top off your container or raised bed each year with compost and that’s it.
3. Greater Yield and Variety In A Small Space – Due to the loose soil and no walking area, you can grow a variety of produce right next to each other. This is where you can really take advantage of companion planting.
4. No Soil Compaction – Container gardens don’t allow gardeners to walk in the growing area. This prevents soil compaction which hurts the plant roots and limits growth.
5. Garden Where You Want – You can garden close to your house, on a deck, balcony, or patio. You can move some containers around depending on the season or your tastes.
6. Healthy Organic Produce With No Pesticides – If everything you put in your container garden is organic, including the seeds, then you know what you have grown is organic. You won’t need to use pesticides.
7. Garden Without Bending Over (Unless You Really Want To) – Container gardens can be set up at waist height. That way you do not have to bend over and container gardens can be made wheelchair accessible as well.
8. Save Water and Water Less Often – The container gardening mixture of compost, vermiculite, and peat moss can retain more moisture than backyard soil. Once your raised bed garden is fairly saturated, you don’t need to water as often.
9. No Digging Or Soil Testing – Just fill your container with the soil mixture you bought and you don’t have to dig anything up and there is no need to test the soil.
10. Save Time And Have More Success – Put in fewer hours and get more produce for your gardening time.
Have fun and enjoy your success by gardening in containers and raised beds. Its quite addicting and you can grow in them year round by selecting the right varieties, depending on your climate zone.
container garden














