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Indoor Container Gardening – Planting Solutions in Pots

January 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Who says gardening can be solely done in the backyard lot?  In today’s modern world and limited spaces, indoor container gardening  provides flexibility and creativity for every gardening enthusiast.

The first thing to consider in setting up a container garden is to assess the mature size of the plant and to see if the container will be able to accommodate such size in the future.  Having this container sizing foresight will help avoid future problems in plant moving and displacing the plant growth.  The orientation of the stem growth will also matter for the diameter of the container.  Upright plants should have wider based containers for balance and sprawlers should have a space to drape over in deeper pots. [Read more...]

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Container Gardening Ideas For The Many Different Garden Pots

January 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

For container gardening ideas, search the internet, the library or a bookstore. The challenge is to come up with a pleasing container garden design. There are an unlimited variety of containers available for your container garden. These range in size from small house-plant pots to large boxes and planters. Equally variable are the materials from which they are made. These include wood, glass, clay, aluminum, bamboo, straw, plastic, fiberglass, terra cotta, tin, cast iron, zinc, copper, and brass, each with certain advantages and disadvantages. What you select will depend on availability, cost, background, and appeal not to mention the characteristics of the gardening pots.

Here are some container gardening ideas. In addition to traditional circular pots and tubs, there are modern and ultra-modern forms—square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, and octagonal. Also eligible are old iron kitchen pots, kettles, pails, jugs, casks, vases, crocks, jelly tubs, barrels and nail kegs, Japanese fish tubs, old sinks, bathtubs, bamboo soy tubs. There are novelty containers such as driftwood, wheelbarrows, donkey carts, spinning wheels and boxes attached to roadside mail receptacle. There are also bird cages, decorative well heads, animal figures, and Strawberry jars. Woven baskets may be used to conceal unattractive containers. Even tar paper pots, handled by garden centers and florists, are worthwhile if painted or covered to improve their appearance. Any of these can be used in your container gardening ideas.

Where to find your container supplies? Start with what you have. If you scout cellars or basements, attics, garages, and sheds, you will doubtless encounter something interesting. Old-fashioned pots and kettles, often sold in antique shops at country auctions or seen at old New England inns, have much appeal.

Other container garden ideas are to consider old cookie and bean jars, pickle and other types of crocks, wash tubs, coal pails, jardinières, and ceramic bowls. For drainage, spread a thick layer of large pebbles or broken pieces of pots or bricks at the bottom and then water plants with care. In large containers of this kind, drainage material should be several inches thick. Where rainfall is heavy, be sure to keep garden containers without drainage outlets on porches, under awnings or the broad eaves of houses. With pails and old galvanized wash tubs, holes can be easily punctured at the bottom.

Plants in containers without drainage openings remain moist longer. Some of these—crocks, jardinières and cookie jars—are heavy enough to be secure against wind in outside container gardening.

What constitutes the ideal container for your container garden ideas? A container must be attractive, even if it is not an object of art. It should be strong and durable and able to resist all kinds of weather. This is especially true of the large sizes, which usually remain outdoors all year around. In the North, alternate freezing and thawing is a problem in winter (and could cause cracking); in tropical climates, excessive heat, humidity, and moisture are to be considered (and could cause fading). And in semiarid areas, there is the effect of scorching sun to keep in mind, another cause of fading. All these things must be kept in mind when coming up with your container gardening design.

The ideal container must be large enough to hold a substantial amount of soil. It should have good drainage facilities through holes or other openings at the bottom or sides, though this is not absolutely necessary. It must not rust, at least in a single season, and it should have a wide enough base to rest firmly wherever placed. Besides, it ought to be heavy enough to withstand average winds. In severe storms, like hurricanes and tornadoes, movable containers can be shifted to temporary safety. All of these things should be factored in when you are coming up with your container gardening ideas.

Resistance to rot is another requirement. Wooden containers—except those made of rot-resistant redwood, Western cedar, and Southern red cypress—will need to be treated with a wood preservative. Except for permanent containers, the ability to move your container garden is another feature, and sometimes a safety precaution, of portable container gardening. Large boxes and planters can be fitted with wheels, and garden centers have redwood tubs that rest on platforms with wheels. A hole in the platform corresponds to the hole in the tub. Large containers without wheels can be pushed on iron or wooden rollers by two or more persons; however, if you live in an area prone to disastrous storms it is best to keep your containers small.

Smaller containers are ideal for growing herb container gardens. If you plan to plant an herb container garden be imaginative Here are some container garden ideas for herbs that go well together.

For an Italian selection try Sweet basil, Italian parsley, Oregano, Marjoram and Thyme.

For a lovely scented container use Lavender, Rose scented geranium, Lemon balm, Lemon thyme, and Pineapple sage.

For really great salads try Garlic chives, Rocket, Salad burnet, Parsley, Celery.

And to say “We love French Cooking!” use Tarragon, Chervil, Parsley, Chives and Sage.

Any of these will liven up your cooking and please your family.

So these are just a few container gardening ideas. Get out a pad of paper and make up a container garden design that will please the eye and maybe even the palate

Happy Container Gardening!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

About the Author
Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com, http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com, and http://www.GardeningHerb.com or contact her at mary@webmarketingreviews.com

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Plants For Container Gardening

December 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Even though a majority of plant growers think that flowers and houseplants don’t belong in the plants for container gardening category, they choose to only grow edible plants. Although they both serve the same purpose, they belong in separate classifications. [Read more...]

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Organic Container Gardening ? An Alternative For Gardens

July 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Do you wish to plant organic plants of vegetables and flowers but do not have the space for it? Are you marring your wishes just because you do not have a proper garden? Now, there is a solution for you. These days, people are opting for organic container gardening when they do not find a proper garden for themselves. Similarly, you can also plant organic vegetables and flowers using a suitable container. The best part of this container is that it is movable and go along with you in case you move.

For organic container gardening, first of all, you need a good size container. Now, this container could be any vessel able to hold soil in it. You can either use a natural container made of clay or opt for wooden container too. You can also use a plastic carton or an old wheelbarrow as a container for your new little organic garden. The only thing to look for in a container, for your organic container gardening, is that it should not get scattered when you water the plants in it. Moreover, your chosen container should be able to drain because some of your plants will not like being over-watered. However, you can easily make holes in any container to provide proper drainage.

Next thing that you need for an organic container gardening is living organic soil. In case of a real garden, you can begin with any soil and gradually add the organic soul but not with an organic container garden. Here, you will have to start with organic soil only. The organic soil that you choose should have the capacity to hold water without over-drenching the roots of the plants. Remember there is no subsoil in the container, so you have to be careful in choosing the organic soil when doing organic container gardening. You can add peat moss to the organic soil to help it hold water. Or you can even grow plants in the peat moss without adding soil.

Now, what to grow in your container garden depends upon the size of the container. Nevertheless, do not forget to choose just the organic seeds for your organic container gardening. This will ensure better and healthy crops. Additionally, you should only use the organic pesticides and fertilizers for your little garden. Using the organic gardening supplies will ensure that you only get organic products that taste so good.

Organic container gardening is fun, easy and satisfying if you cannot own a proper garden. It gives you all the benefits that you can have from your garden and it will indulge in proper gardening as well. The seven most essential elements required for a successful organic container garden are plants, sunlight, water, temperature, space, nutrients and patience.

Summary: An organic container garden is one of the best alternatives for a real garden. For all those who cannot indulge in real gardening, organic container gardening is a satisfying experience. All one needs is a good container and proper organic gardening supplies to grow and sustain the plants grown in the container.

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Written By: infoXS

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Container Gardening: An Easy Introduction to Growing Vegetables

July 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Container gardening refers to growing plants and vegetables in pots or other containers. This type of planting is done on small scale and mostly used for indoor organic gardening, although potted plants also make nice accessories in more traditional gardens. Even those with small spaces like apartments can enjoy growing their own vegetables in a container garden.

Container gardening offers several benefits as well. They require less effort and less care since weeding isn’t generally an issue in containers. Vegetables and plants are grown naturally, and usually don’t require pesticides or other harmful chemicals, especially if kept indoors.

Choosing Your Containers

Some of the different types of containers you can use for your first container garden include

•Wooden barrels

•Planter boxes

•Hanging baskets

•Flower pots of different sizes

Your container garden is limited only by your imagination, though, so don’t restrict yourself to only traditional pots. Experiment with old shoes, coffee pots, mail boxes, kid’s toys, or even tiny teacups. Your garden can be strictly utilitarian, or as whimsical as a fairy tale, but there are certain considerations when it comes to choosing containers.

The most important feature of a container is that it must be wide and open. Narrow containers can be difficult to fill and to plant. It is better to use wooden or ceramic containers which allow water to evaporate. Plastic containers can trap moisture and heat and damage your plants. Also, look for pots that have small holes for water drainage. Holes should be ½ inch across, and before planting line the pot base with gravel to avoid soil loss. If you’re using wooden pots then go for the rot-resistant woods like redwood and cedar.

Choosing Your Plants

Almost every vegetable can be grown in containers; however the size of the plant will depend on the size of the container you’ve chosen. Some good choices for containers include lettuce and cabbage, bell peppers, strawberries, and tomatoes. Fruits and vegetables that don’t do well in containers include corn, raspberries, and any of the vine species like pumpkin and cucumber. They simply require more space than your average container garden allows.

Most vegetables require lots of sun, but if you’re lacking in sunny windows or balconies, then leafy veggies like cabbage and lettuce that can tolerate shade are a good choice. Bell peppers and carrots require more sunlight and should get at least six to eight hours of full sun daily. Refer to flower and vegetable guides and your seed packet for sunlight requirements.

Tall plants like tomatoes and beans require a bit more space, and are perfect for larger balconies and kitchen gardens. Tomatoes do well as hanging plants in specially made baskets, and beans will require a support system for climbing.

If your space is really limited, though, you might try growing sprouts. They’re fast to grow, take up very little space, and make a wonderful addition to salads and sandwiches. They also require no tough soil preparation, so they’re perfect for new gardeners to experiment with.

Container gardening is a good choice in situations where a traditional garden isn’t possible. From apartment dwellers who simply don’t have the space, to the elderly who can no longer get out to work in the garden, many gardeners enjoy growing their vegetables indoors. With a little preparation and wise plant choices, you can build your own container garden, and enjoy fresh, organic vegetables all year long.

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Garden Pots – Choosing The Right Garden Pot

July 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Garden Pot

rsz kevinrosseel 00001ai 150x150 Garden Pots Choosing The Right Garden Pot Gardening requires several tools and correctly executed procedures to become successful. There are some pointers that need to be followed to be able to grow healthy plants in your garden. Take for instance the pots that a gardener commonly uses in his/her gardening endeavor. Choosing the right garden pots is as crucial as the other things that need to be considered in gardening. Pots are going to be the medium where the plants will live. [Read more...]

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Container Gardening Indoors

June 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

When planning your container garden you have two options, grow your plants indoors or outdoors, or maybe both.  When most people think of container gardening they visualize outdoor settings, such as patios and decks.  Even though container gardens are very useful in outdoor planting, it’s also very useful for indoor gardening situations.  Here are some tips for container gardening indoors. [Read more...]

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Tips and Techniques For Watering Your Container Garden Plants

May 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The importance of proper watering cannot be stressed enough for your container garden plants. Container Gardens are exposed to wind and sun so they dry out quicker than plants in the ground. There are no exact rules about watering your container garden plants. You have to become acquainted with the needs of various garden plants. The best tip is to examine them daily and water the plant when the surface of the soil begins to look dry. Feeling the soil will also help you determine the moisture needs of your container garden. Or, take the easy way and invest in a water meter if you are not sure.

How much and when to water will depend on the kind of plant and soil, the type and size of container, and the amount of exposure to sun and wind. Climate and the weather also play their part. During hot spells most plants in your container garden need daily water, except those in small clay pots, which may require it twice. Some plants, like fuchsias and tuberous begonias, wilt when dry, but geraniums and succulents are not so sensitive to neglect. On the other hand, it is good to let soil dry out a little between watering. This prevents the soil from depleting its nutrients.

Since unglazed containers dry out quickest, watch them more closely. Wooden tubs, window boxes, and planters dry out more slowly; metal is the slowest of all. Groups of plants in large containers keep moist longer than single specimens. A good technique to avoid excess dryness is to have groupings of plants, arranged close together. This allows the container plants to shade one another to keep cool and stop moisture evaporation.

There are several methods of watering the plants. If you have many containers in your container garden, depend on the hose, allowing water to flow through slowly and gently. Water small pots with a watering can that has a long spout or buy one of the self watering containers now available. When plants are grouped closely in a container garden, set up a sprinkler or hose with a fine spray nearby, allowing it to run for a long while, until the soil is soaked. In many states where the climate is dry, an automatic sprinkler system is a must to keep your whole garden hydrated. Remember this tip with geraniums and petunias, avoid sprinklers which spot blossoms.

One thing is certain; you must not depend on rain to keep your container garden plants hydrated. Even heavy showers deposit a surprisingly small amount of moisture, and unless rains are frequent and lengthy, you must do your own watering. Remember those window boxes and other containers near houses or under trees can stay dry in spite of an all-day downpour.

Though it is essential to give enough water to your container garden, it is equally important not to over water and so cause root rot. Over-watering also prevents aeration of the soil, and will cause the plant to drown.

One good method is to set your container garden, if the containers are not too large, in a basin or pail of water for several hours, or until the surface of the soil feels moist (this is the theory behind self watering containers). Or immerse the pot in a tub or large barrel of water and leave it there until air is eliminated and the bubbling stops.

The best general rule is to soak soil thoroughly when you water and then allow it to go just a bit dry before you water your container garden again. Best of all, keep a small spiral notebook and paste the care of each plant into it so that you will always have the needs of each individual plant at your fingertips.

If you go away for long periods during the summer, give the container garden serious thought before making it a project. On the other hand, you can enjoy both holidays and plants if you are absent for only short periods. The best safeguard is to entrust your container garden to a responsible friend. Or if you are going away for a vacation at your second home, or one that you have rented, take the container garden with you as a little bit of home.

Several techniques can be practiced. One is to arrange smaller containers in boxes of peat moss, sawdust, or soil, which has been well soaked. Then there is the pot-in-pot method, whereby small pots are set in larger ones, with moist peat moss inserted between.

As mentioned above, in many of the garden centers self watering containers are offered for sale. These are ideal for your container garden when you are traveling or taking a vacation.

Happy Container Gardening!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

About the Author
Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com, http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com, and http://www.GardeningHerb.com

Please be sure to subscribe to Naztazia’s channel! This is a how-to video on growing fruits and vegetables in containers and planters instead of a traditional in-ground garden. Also known as container gardens or container gardening. These types of gardens work great for those with limited space or have no yard. Grow your vegetables, fruits and herbs on your balcony, patio or driveway.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

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Growing Peas in Containers

May 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

For those of us sporting a green thumb in an urban neighborhood, growing peas in containers can be a fantastic replacement for a much loved backyard garden. There are numerous reasons for choosing to grow peas outside of a traditional garden. Lack of space is one. If the soil around you is not ideal for growing veggies or irrigation is a struggle, a stand along container can be cheap solution. Regardless of your reasons, from space and growing conditions to simply wanting the fresher, crisper taste of homegrown peas, anybody can succeed!

Growing peas in containers could not be easier. Peas themselves are rather simple to grow. They grow fast without demanding a lot of attention. You’ll want to place your container in full sunlight and keep the soil moist.

Large containers work best, particularly ones that allow good drainage. Potting soil and fertilizer will stimulate the best growth. You’ll only need enough potting soil to fill your container, minus 3 inches from the rim. You’ll only need to purchase fertilizer separate if the potting soil you choose does not already come with it. Too much fertilizer is a bad thing because nitrogen will build, harming plan production. An organic slow release fertilizer can be a great solution to illuminate nitrogen build up. Aside from the pea seeds, these are all the supplies you’ll need to get started!

You might be curious what kind of pea grows best in a container. Any will do, but Sugar Snap, Snow Pea, and English Peas are the most popular for this type of growing environment. Keep in mind that these plants are climbers. A trellis will help them grow. You can easily use sticks or branches as a trellis, or purchase one from the store if you prefer. Each kind of pea harvests at a different time, so check out the life cycle of whichever plan you decide on.

Growing peas in containers is not an exact science, which could be why so many of us can grow them, whether we consider ourselves a green thumb die hard or a recreational simple gardener! Don’t give up if your first attempt falls short of your expectations. Trial and error will yield results.

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How to Plant Gardening Containers Or Gardening Pots In Your Container Garden

May 4, 2011 By 1 Comment
4759142456 0ee9f81c35 m How to Plant Gardening Containers Or Gardening Pots In Your Container Garden
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When you are ready to mix ingredients for your container garden, be sure the soil is damp and workable. To determine this, take a handful, squeeze it and allow it to drop. If water comes out, it is too wet; if it breaks apart, it is too dry. But if the lump of soil retains its shape or cracks just a little when it is dropped, it is in good condition to work into your gardening pots.

Be certain your garden containers are clean when you start. Soak used or new clay gardening pots overnight so they will not draw moisture from the soil after planting. This is a very important step when you are beginning your plants life. If the pot draws off the moisture the new plant will be deprived. Clean dirty clay pots with a stiff brush and hot, soapy water. Clean gardening pots will be much more attractive in your container garden.

Though redwood, cedar, and cypress gardening pots may be left natural, they may also be stained or painted. First clean the surfaces then apply one or two coats of stain or paint. Let dry completely before planting. Concrete, metal, plastic, fiberglass, and similar materials all need cleaning before planting your container garden.

Suiting plants to garden pots is very important in container garden design. Consider the shape of each container, its color, and texture in relation to the color of flowers and foliage, as well as the ultimate size of each plant in your container garden. Don’t choose material that is too small, and if you want a group of plants for a large container, select one tall specimen for the center to give height and scale. Don’t forget that you can plant vegetables in container gardens; try to incorporate them into your container garden design. And, for a tasty addition to your container garden plant herbs in garden containers or even hanging baskets, your recipes will become marvelous.

In low pots or bulb pans and in tubs, use low-growing plants like fancy-leaved caladiums, petunias, verbenas, Iantanas, ageratum and wax begonias. Hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils are also appropriate. In tall containers, plant specimens of geraniums, heliotropes, coleus, balsam, dwarf dahlias, fuchsias, and marguerites. Reserve the larger container pots and boxes for trees and shrubs or roses.

As a gardener, keep in mind the form of plants, particularly the evergreens which stand out boldly in winter. Rounded types, as clipped yews or globe arborvitae, look well in angular containers. Hollies or yews, sheared into squares or pyramids, look better in circular tubs. This contrast of the curving with the straight always gives interest to the garden and those guests that visit your container garden.

The first step in potting for a gardener is to place sufficient drainage material in the bottom of each garden container, allowing the water to pass through freely, but not so much as to interfere with the roots. An inch or two of flower pot pieces (rounded sides up), or chips of brick or flagstone, pebbles, gravel, small stones, or cinders can be used. The larger the container, the larger the pieces should be. Some gardeners spread a piece of coarse burlap and a layer of sand over large drainage pieces. A layer of Vermiculite or sphagnum moss over the drainage material is also fine to keep soil from clogging holes. If the holes clog the roots will drown in their gardening pot.

Above the drainage, spread a layer of soil, the amount depending on the size of the container and the root ball of the plant. Place the plant in position so that the surface of the soil will be an inch (more for big plants) below the rim of the container. This space is needed to hold water.

Fill soil in around the roots, firming gently with your fingers or a piece of wood so as to eliminate air pockets. Add more soil and firm, but do not make the soil too tight for fine feeding roots must be able to penetrate it with ease.

Finally, water your garden container plants well, let them drain. If water passes through the gardening pot very rapidly, press soil again to firm it; that means there are air pockets. If the soil holds water too long, loosen it a little.

Place the container garden in a sheltered spot out of sun and wind for the first week while they make new root growth and adjust to new conditions. This also helps to avoid shock. Once your plants have settled in, you ready to arrange your container garden according to your original container gardening design.

Happy Container Gardening!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.GardeningHerb.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com or contact her at mary@webmarketingreviews

About the Author
Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com, http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com, and http://www.GardeningHerb.com or contact her at mary@webmarketingreviews.com

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Container gardening, its as easy as one, two, three!

April 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Why start a container garden? Times have changed, most people nowadays have smaller yards, smaller families and have both partners working full time jobs. We don’t see the large yard gardens as much as we did years ago, when mom was home to take care of a large garden, then can and freeze the produce. Most people had large families and they had to stretch their income, which made growing their own food a necessity. Caring for the garden usually involved the whole family with all the watering, weeding and harvesting. Gardening in those days was a big chore.

Container gardening has changed all of that, and you can still maintain all the benefits of a larger garden. With smaller families to feed and less free time, container gardening is the perfect solution. Starting one is inexpensive and takes little time; it’s also an enjoyable and relaxing time. So why not give it a try? It really is as easy as one, two, three!

You can look at container gardening as downsizing. You don’t need a lot of room. Choose an area that you can place the number of containers you would like. Decide what you would like to grow. Maybe some fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, what ever you like. Depending on the size of your containers you can even plant more than one type of vegetable in the same container. Or, you may want to plant a vegetable in the center and then some small colorful flowers around the edges. That would certainly add some color and beauty to your garden.

There are many sites you can search online to learn about different plants and what they require. You can even order the plants and containers online. This way you can get ideas on how you want your garden to look. This also gives you the option of having a unique look to your garden, with all the choices you can find in different or unusual containers, not the smaller, cookie cutter selection that you find at most stores.

So once you have your plants, containers and soil, you are ready to go! Plant your garden and watch it grow! Enjoy your harvest, and the pride of growing it all yourself. You won’t have to worry about the maintenance, it’s easy.  No weeding, just a little watering and that’s it. Your family can enjoy fresh vegetables and beautiful floral bouquets from right at home.

Gardening has changed, and I’m sure once you try container gardening you will become hooked on it. It’s the new way to garden for the modern family. And like I said, it’s as easy as one, two three!

Mathew Henderson has been an avid outdoor gardener for many years. He hosts a Blog dedicated to sharing container gardening tips and ideas. Be sure to visit him at Great container gardening ideas to get some inspiration and to share your ideas.

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Starting a Container Garden

March 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Deciding to start a container garden is a good way to dabble in gardening without throwing all your time into it. There are so many reasons why people choose to start a container garden and all of them are quite valid:

* No space for an in-ground garden.
* Physical limitations – can’t bend down or are wheelchair bound.
* Patio or deck needs that extra something.
* You’ve inherited pots from your well-meaning garden-lover friend, so why not?
* Want herbs inside on the windowsill.
* The dirt in your yard is clay or awful in some other way – gardening in containers allows you to add fresh healthy soil every year.
* You can start earlier and end earlier because you’re able to cover the pots from frost or wheel them inside on questionable nights.

Before you start, know your pots and choose them based on their looks and the material they’re made of. Clay pots tend to dry out very quickly in higher, dry climates and plastic pots can break down fairly quickly in hot, sunny places. Some wood rots easily, and treated wood is not good for vegetable plantings. Good choices are wood such as cedar or redwood, or glazed pots. Whatever you choose, they do need to have good drainage so you don’t invite disease or allow the plants’ roots to rot.

Once you’ve decided on your pots, place them where they will go so you don’t have to move them when they’re full and heavy. Consider putting bigger pots on wheeled plant stands so you can move them around with ease.

Next it’s time to choose what you want to put in the pots. Whether you’re planting vegetables or flowers, consider what the plant will do as it grows. Some plants are viney and will grow down the side of the pot so obviously taller containers are better for these.

Deciding on which flowers to plant is where a lot of people become overwhelmed. Start by looking at the big pots the nursery already has planted. You can see they have more than one type of flower and might actually have quite a few. Also note the color combinations, the height of the plants and if any spill gracefully over the edge of the container. Pick tall for the middle, surround it with medium height, and finish the outside rim with some trailing plants and you’ve got a very pleasing pot!

While you’re at the nursery picking out plants, select a good potting soil mix to fill your pots. When planting, leave room at the top of the container so soil doesn’t spill out when you water.

Give special attention to your newly planted pots, especially if it’s very hot out. They’ll need extra water and maybe even some additional shade to recover from the shock of being replanted. Don’t forget to fertilize regularly.

There are many different reasons why people start a container garden such as physical, space, or time limitations. Deciding on the right pots and choosing some great flower combinations makes for some beautiful containers and a very rewarding experience.

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Enjoy the Benefits of Gardening in Your Small Space with Container Gardens

January 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Backyard gardening is on the rise.  Many homeowners who never before considered a garden are now taking up shovels, spades, and watering cans in order to reap the benefits that go hand in hand with growing and tending a garden.  Gardening is not only a way to create something beautiful for people and animals to enjoy, it is a practical way to provide the family with fresh and nutritionally superior produce.  Gardening also offers many health benefits that include increased strength and stamina, decreased stress, and improved flexibility.

Gardening without a Backyard

If you live in an apartment, condo, or other small space, though, you may believe that gardening is not an option for you.  How can gardening be accomplished when there is no backyard in which to plant?  Apartment dwellers can still enjoy the advantages that come with gardening because it can be done on a smaller scale.  Container gardening allows you to create beautiful landscapes in miniature that can be easily maintained next to a sunny window, on a balcony, or in a window box.

How to Choose Your Garden Planters

Choosing the right garden planters for your container garden depends on how much space you have available.  First, consider the size of the area where the garden planters will be located.  Then, decide which shape would work best — square, rectangle, or circle.  What material do you want to use — clay, metal, natural wood, or sturdy resin?  Be sure that the garden planters you select are safe for growing edible plants, if that is your goal. 

Planning Your Miniature Garden

After you have selected your garden planters, decide what you would like to grow in your new garden.  Containers can support a wide variety of plants, including flowers, vines, grasses, small shrubs, vegetables, and herbs.  Not all plants like to live in containers, though, so be sure to select varieties that are known to be suitable container plants.  Combining different plants in a container provides visual interest: choose plants of varying sizes, colors, and textures to give your container the feel of a “bouquet.”  Be sure to choose plants with the same or similar lighting and watering requirements to ensure that each plant is cared for properly.

Living in a small space doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the benefits of growing and tending a garden.  In fact, container gardening offers some additional benefits not usually found with traditional gardening.  Small scale gardening using garden planters costs less and requires less upkeep than larger outdoor gardens, so not only can you enjoy the health benefits of gardening, you can also enjoy the time and money you’ll save in the process.

Trey Collier is owner of BackyardCity.com – Where North America shops for Outdoor Living essentials, including high quality Garden Planters, Accessories, and Decor for home and business.
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Container Gardening Ideas for your Home

January 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Many gardeners have given up on the idea of a garden because they lack space, time or lots of experience. But if growing plants is an interest of yours container gardening could be your answer. Container gardens will allow you to enjoy “playing in the dirt” without investing a lot of time or money. You can get very creative in container gardening using vegetables, decorative grasses or flowers and herbs. You can plant a container garden with any plant that would grow outside. The trick is to come up with some creative ideas for your container garden.

You should do some research at your local nursery or on the internet to choose the plants you wish to grow to help you come up with some ideas. Try to use plants that complement each other and have the same basic needs for water, air and light.

A container garden idea that has taken off recently is the landscape container. Some people plant a simple evergreen tree in a container with good drainage to place at their front door. Or you could plant an assortment of flowers for a bright and beautiful vista. If you do plant flowers, add plants that spill over the sides of the container to add more visuals and interest. What ever container gardening idea you can come up with can be placed on a deck, patio, and balcony or by the front doors. Put them somewhere that your family and friends can enjoy.

You can grow vegetables in containers but choose wisely. Vegetables like squash and pole beans need lots of space, while tomatoes need a deep pot. When you grow your own vegetables you will have tasty produce not the bland stuff that is in the grocery store. Nothing tastes better than a tomato right off the vine. There are many chefs and good home cooks that grow their own for just this reason. Don’t forget to pot some herbs, they are pretty plants and add zest to your meals.

But don’t just stick to vegetables and herbs; why not add fruit trees too? Instead of using an evergreen tree, pot a fruit tree instead. There are many dwarf varieties available that work best in pots since with pots there is less soil therefore less nutrients to draw from. If you live in a year round warm climate citrus trees are perfect. In other regions, stick to pear, apple and cherry trees. Another good container gardening idea is to grow strawberries. With strawberries climate does not matter since you can bring the container inside. Fresh strawberries are amazingly sweet and delicious. Imagine how good a bowl of fresh strawberries will be, strawberries that you have just picked.

Remember that container gardens dry out more quickly than traditional gardens. Be diligent about watering your plants if you don’t want your container gardening ideas to wither and die. Container gardens must be fertilized too. Keep a small notebook handy so you can write down the needs of your plant so you will always know when to water or feed. Keep an eye out for pests. If you find a container that has an infestation, isolate it immediately and treat it with a natural pesticide. You don’t want harsh chemicals on fruits, vegetables or herbs. A good natural pesticide recipe is:

In a jar, combine 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty spray bottle, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture and 1 cup water. Use at ten-day intervals (or more often if needed) to rid plants of whiteflies, mites, aphids, scales, and other pests.

So, do some research, come up with your own unique container gardening ideas, gather your materials and get to work. The fruits of your labor will be amazing.

Happy Container Gardening!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

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Tomato Container Gardens

January 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Tomato container gardens are an alternative to a traditional tomato garden. Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables, well in this case fruits, of people around the world. They can be used in so many ways, in a salad or to make a sauce for pasta and a myriad of other ways in your culinary pursuits. Sadly in some places tomatoes are being priced at three dollars per pound or more. Fortunately, everyone can grow their own tomatoes, even people that live in apartments. The answer is to grow a tomato container garden. You can grow them on a patio or balcony or in a bright sunny room in your home.

The number one essential is sun. Tomatoes require a lot of light and will not thrive without out it. The materials you will need to gather for your tomato container garden are simple. You will need containers that are about five gallons in size. Only plant one tomato plant per pot. You will need soil, tomato seedlings and stakes or a wire cage to hold the plant upright. String, or products called twist-tie or sturdy-tie will be needed to tie the plant to the stakes or cages. You will need a plastic tray for drainage; good drainage is essential to the health of your tomato container garden. Last need on the list is fertilizer.

There are some species of tomatoes that will do better in your tomato container garden. The bush varieties of tomatoes work well in containers and are popular with container gardeners. Cherry tomatoes and Christmas Grape tomatoes work well also because of their size and many gardeners grow them when space is limited. Other varieties that will flourish in a tomato container garden are Celebrity, Early Girl, and Sweet 100′s. It really depends on which variety you want to grow and for what purposes. If you will be growing them mainly for salads the cherry varieties are the way to go.

As mentioned before, sunlight is a requirement in order to grow your tomato container garden. Scout out the area you are planning to use for your tomatoes. The spot for your tomato container garden must get at least four to six hours of sunlight. The more light the better since the sun promotes healthy, steady growth. The two most important elements for success in tomato container gardening is sunlight and water.

By growing your own tomato container garden you will know that there were no pesticides used on your plants. With all the controversy going on about pesticides knowing that yours is pesticide free is an advantage for you and your family. Here is a good natural pest deterrent:

In a jar, combine 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty spray bottle, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture and 1 cup water. Use at ten-day intervals (or more often if needed) to rid plants of whiteflies, mites, aphids, scales, and other pests.

Other pluses to this type of garden is you no longer will be paying high prices for tomatoes, your containers won’t take up much space and one plant usually yields enough tomatoes to feed your family. The cost of a tomato container garden is minimal and the feeling of accomplishment is great. So why are you waiting to plant your tomatoes? It’s time to choose the variety of tomato you want to grow, pick up some containers and start your tomato container gardens today.

Happy Container Gardening!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

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Tinkering Through the Tulips: Container Gardening Can Beautify Any Space

January 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

When you think about gardens, what comes to mind? Lush, green lawns? Vibrant flowerbeds bursting with a kaleidoscope of color? Or maybe exotic plants for as far as the eye can see? Once upon a time, those things were some of the only characteristics of a garden. To have a garden, you had to have land to spare. But not anymore. These days, even if you live in an apartment you can have a garden. Container gardening lets you enjoy all the benefits without needing the space.

Whether you choose to grow flowers, herbs or vegetables, you can be successful at container gardening. If you follow these tips, you’ll be enjoying all the benefits of a garden in no time, no matter where you live.

Tip 1: Not just any container will do

Experienced green thumbs will tell you that a garden can be grown in any container. Although that may be technically true, some containers will offer more chances for success, particularly if your thumb is of another shade. Inexpensive plastic may be a natural go-to for those who don’t want to break the budget on their gardens, but those containers can deteriorate easily in the sun, and they are not built to last. However, if you are looking for something temporary and lightweight, this can be good option. Terracotta pots are more durable but will require you to water the plants in them more frequently, as terracotta dries out much more easily than other materials.

You may want to get creative and use something unconventional, like a teapot, to plant a small container garden. This is a great idea, as long as you remember to ensure it has a drainage hole in the bottom. If your chosen container doesn’t already have a hole in it, you can always drill one.

Tip 2: Cleanliness is next to godliness

Before you get up to your elbows in potting soil, it’s important to sterilize the container in which you will plant your garden. This is particularly important if you have purchased second-hand planting containers; the plants that grew there previously may have had a disease that can affect your plants, too. All you need is an environmentally sound, all-purpose cleaner; just rinse and pat dry before planting.

Tip 3: Plan, then plant

Much like traditional gardening, the placement of container gardens will depend on what you plant. Do your research! Some plants will require full sun, others partial shade, and still more might flourish in just about any conditions. The good news is this: unlike traditional gardening, if you find that your container garden isn’t flourishing in the chosen spot, you can pick it up and move it!

Knowing this ahead of time can do more than help you determine where you will place each container. You also can roadmap where you will place each plant within each container. For example, you wouldn’t want to plant tall-growing plants around the edge of a container with shorter ones in the middle. Similarly, plants that trail over the side of the container should be planted, obviously, on the perimeter of the container.
Tip 4: When in doubt, fertilize!

Plants love to be healthy. If you want to get full and beautiful flowers out of your container garden, it’s imperative that you keep up the soil’s nutrient levels. To do that, you’ll need to fertilize – a lot. It wouldn’t hurt to fertilize every time you water. If you are growing vegetables, manure tea is an effective fertilizer, even though it doesn’t sound very appealing. Manure tea is essentially water extracted from manure, with soluble nutrients. It increases the organic content of the soil, which, in turn, improves drainage and helps the soil hold on to the nutrients.

Tip 5: You can lead a plant to water

Container plants need to be watered more often than a standard garden, particularly during extreme heat and dryness. Watering container plants is a daily affair. Keep adding water until you see some spill out through the drainage holes in the pot. Then stop! Go any further and you’ll be in soggy soil territory. If you aren’t the type to dedicate some time each day to watering, consider getting a self-watering device. These contraptions have a reservoir at the bottom that keeps your plants hydrated for a few days at a time.
Container gardening can afford you the chance to have a beautiful garden without a lot of space. And your thumb can be a little less than green. With a little bit of time and planning, container gardening could be just the form of expression your thumbs having been craving – no matter what color they may be.

James Mitchell has created several online resources dealing with Container Gardening and other related topics, as well as publishing articles on numerous subjects.

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Learn Indoor Container Gardening Today!

January 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you are a garden lover, but have limited space for your gardening needs, don’t despair gardening shouldn’t be necessarily out of your reach. In the spare space of your flat say balcony, patio, deck, or sunny window, you can create an indoor container garden, which will not only bring you pleasure but also herbs. So, are you ready to start indoor container gardening yourself…

A long time ago, gardening was an exclusive realm of the yard owner. These days even the flat dweller can plant his dream garden without having much problems. One’s dream can be accomplished by container gardening, which means the gardening in a special container. This type of gardening gives you the joy of landscaping without weekly mowing. In the container, you can raise some perennials, annuals, and even shrubs and small trees.

Don’t think container gardening can be achieved very easily? Then its best that you stop reading this article as you will have to do a little work. Container gardening requires adequate planning just like that of traditional gardening. Planning entails of researching information on the different plants, amount of daylight you are getting in your apartment, and also choosing your beloved plant variety.

It is usually advisable to purchase the plants from your nearest nursery unless you have the right conditions to go for indoor seedlings. You shouldn’t keep the tender plants of container gardening outside below a temperature of around 45° F or in strong winds.

There is a misleading belief that all plants grow in the ground and cannot survive in a container. This is incorrect. Also, any container with holes for drainage can be used for your container gardening. 

There are numerous pot growing vegetables varieties for container gardening. Providing sunlight and water can easily help you get succulent veggies for your ratatouille or salad. You can even get more satisfaction by serving these varieties nurtured by your own hands to your beloved friends.

Don’t worry if you do not have a balcony or deck. Get nod from your landlord for window boxes, a newer type of container for this type of gardening. It is highly possible to grow a variety of bloomy annuals year-round and indoor vegetables by your sunny window. There is another type of garden called community gardens, which will satisfy the city dwellers.

There is no reason to end your container gardening because you have entered autumn. You can continue your container gardening by planting the plants that are resistant to the cold. The common plant types that can survive the frost are Eulalia grasses, Mexican feather grass, Cornflowers, Lavender cottons, Jasmine, Million bells, Stonecrops, etc.,

In order to extend the life of your garden from late spring to early fall; you can replant to suite the conditions. You can also have healthy plants during winter if you have an indoor container garden!

If you would like to get more information on Indoor Container Gardening for FREE, then check out my blog article http://organicgardentipsblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/indoor-container-gardening.html or if you would like information on organic gardening (FREE)then check out my blog at http://organicgardentipsblog.blogspot.com

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Ideas For Container Gardening

January 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Container Gardening Ideas

So for my first official article, I would like to talk about the many reasons and ideas behind using container gardens. Some of these reasons are extremely straight forward, especially for those that rent their home and are not allowed to dig up a place in the yard. Or people living in big cities, dorms or other places where space is limited.

However the not quite so straight forward reasons are the ease in which a person can grow with containers. I use containers for my Peppers, my herbs and the more sensitive plants I grow. Herbs with many watering needs can be planted along side each other using container gardens. Not to mention you can bring anything you plant inside for the winter, extending your season year round if you desire.Now the key is you must use the correct containers with the correct soil.

I use container gardens to make an area more decorative, and to add scents to other spots. I keep one container garden on a counter in my kitchen so when I need fresh herbs I just have to turn around and pluck them, not to mention it looks and smells wonderful. Some containers are made with considerations for water foremost, while others are made to be decorative, and will stand on that merit alone.Most containers are made for practical reasons, such as strawberry towers.

I use container gardens because I love to touch the soil, and feel the leaves. I use container gardens to enjoy the sights and the smells, and even to take delight in the mud under my fingernails. And the rewards are many. Both in tangible harvests, and a difficultto define sense of well being.

Now for some container gardening ideas and tips.

Container Gardening Tips (from Container Gardening Zone) :
Want to keep the bugs off of your container gardens but don’t want to use harsh chemicals. Take a small containerin it, combine 1tsp. Combine thoroughly. Take a squirt bottle, mix 2tsp of the above mixture and 1C water. spray the above mix on any plants you may be seeing aphids or flies on.

Another wonderful thing to use as a Container Garden is an wooden barrel, cut the top off and put the soil in, the barrels give your yard an antique look and work great.

Container Gardening Ideas (from Container Gardening Zone):
Another fun thing to do is grow a “Tickle Me” plant also called a Sensitive Mimosa. If your not familiar with the Sensitive Mimosa , it is a plant that, well moves when you tickle it, I’m being serious it does. Best of all it is perfect for Container Gardens.

For more Container Gardening Ideas go to http://www.containergardeningzone.com

Donald is an avid Gardener, he enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his children and wife.  When not gardening he enjoy antiquing and writing blogs he writes articles for many gardening blogs including   Container Gardening Ideas

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Container Gardening – The Best Way To Grow Plants

January 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are an abundance of benefits when  using container gardening for your planting needs.   Although  container gardening may not be as popular as other gardening methods, the fact that it’s accessible and multipurpose makes it a great planting medium.  [Read more...]

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Container Gardening For Those On A budget

January 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Like any other hobby, container gardening can be as cheap or expensive as you want it to be and during times of financial hardships could be a good alternative for those on a budget. For those who like to get their hands dirty but don’t want to spend a fortune, container gardening is the best option.

Container gardening can be enjoyed by everyone no matter how old you are, no matter how much you know about gardening or whether or not you have a garden or just a window box to cultivate.

This sort of gardening has become a very fashionable American hobby, for some even a passion. As they are not only easy to manage but also they create excitement in your garden decor. They can also create a natural sanctuary in a busy city street, along rooftops or on balconies.

With just a few container gardening tips you can have great success both enjoying a most pleasurable pastime and reaping great rewards with little effort.

The main focus of any container gardening at first is choosing the type of container to use. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and practically anything can be used including, tubs, buckets, old sinks, shoes, and even barrels cut in half.

When beginning to plant up garden containers and gardening pots make sure your soil is perfect for the plants you choose to grow. Remember to use a soil based compost when planting into containers and to keep your containers from accumulating moisture in the bottom, drill at least one hole. Once the container is set up, maintenance is the next important step in container gardening. Remember that a box garden, or container garden, may need more water than a garden, as they can dry out very quickly especially in direct sunlight or on hot days.

Container gardening makes it possible to position your plants in areas where they can receive the best possible growing conditions. Again check what sort of conditions your plants like the most; some prefer shade whereas other thrive in direct sunlight.

There are so many different plants suitable for container gardening that I would need a complete book to name them all. But herb growing is a favourite amongst container gardeners as it not only provides an attractive display but also delicious food to eat. Smaller containers are ideal for cultivating herb container gardens. Some suggests for your container herb garden are

Chives – Like moist, rich soil and plenty of sun
Basil – Likes moist soil and grows quickly and easily in warm soil.
Thyme – Likes warm and fairly dry soil.
Mint – Likes moist soil and shade.

You could use a very big container for a several different herbs or choose individual pots to plant herbs separately. 

Some strawberry varieties can also be grown inside and if planted in a pot with small holes evenly distributed over the pot, can make a dramatic container gardening flower visual. If you are growing strawberries inside remember that your containers will need a reservoir tray, as they like to be well watered. 

Container gardens can also be given as great and inexpensive gifts to family and friends. Decorate your own container and grow them some herbs or plant a few vegetables for them. It not only makes an inexpensive gift but is a rather novel idea, one which will surprise and delight your friends. You could even make up a small attractive basket or box of gardening items, such as gardening gloves, kneepads or even a shady hat, all available from dollar and pound shops.

Container gardening is a very versatile, fun, easy way to get into gardening and growing your own food, especially for those on a budget.

Kate and her partner co-write http://www.our-happy-cat.com a site full of further cat care and cat health topics. As well as being a feline friendly community site for happy cat and a happy owner. Their second site http://www.frugal-living-tips.com is a site about how to lead a less wasteful lifestyle.
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Plant Flower Bulbs For Beautiful Container Gardening

December 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment

As a group,flower bulbs are outstanding plants—colorful, showy, and generally easy to grow for container gardening. Many have evergreen foliage; with others, the leaves ripen after flowering and the bulbs are stored and started again, year after year. Some flower bulbs are hardy, others, tender, though what is, and is not hardy, in a particular area is a matter of winter temperature averages. In cold regions, tender types—tuberous begonias, gloxinias, and calla lilies—can be treated like summer in container gardens. This gives the gardener a wide variety to grow from earliest spring to late fall.

Dutch flower bulbs include crocus, snowdrops, eranthis or winter aconites, chionodoxas, scillas, grape hyacinths, leucojums or snowflakes, Dutch hyacinths, daffodils, and tulips, the pride of northern spring gardens. Though hardy, they are not adapted to garden containers outdoors where temperatures drop much below freezing. They require the protection of a shed, unheated cellar or cold frame. Gardening Pots can also be dug into a trench in the ground for the winter and covered with a thick blanket of marsh hay or straw. Where temperatures do not go below freezing, Dutch flower bulbs can be left outdoors in gardening pots over the winter.

For best results in a container garden, start with fresh, firm, large-sized flower bulbs each fall. Insure good drainage in the bottom of each garden pot and use a light soil with bone meal added. If in clay pots, plunge during the rooting period in damp peat moss to prevent rapid drying out. If this occurs too often, roots will be injured and flowers will be poor. When weather permits, after the danger of freezing passes, put your container garden outside where they are to flower or in a nursery row until they reach the bud stage. After blooming, move your container garden where foliage can ripen unseen.

For fragrance, concentrate on Dutch hyacinths, excellent for bedding large planter boxes or raised beds. Daffodils look well grouped around trees or large shrubs, as birches and forsythias. Tulips, formal in character, combine delightfully with pansies, violas, wall flowers, forget-me-nots, marguerites, English daisies, and annual candytuft in container gardens.

As already indicated, in cold areas, Dutch flower bulbs cannot be potted or planted in small window boxes and left outdoors unprotected for the winter. They can, however, be set out in large planters and boxes, deep and wide enough to contain plenty of soil. The garden pots should be one and a half to two feet deep and about two feet wide. Set flower bulbs, with at least six inches of soil above them, planting them early enough in the fall so that they can make root growth before soil freezes hard. In penthouse gardens in New York City, Dutch bulbs have been grown successfully in this way, but it is always a risk. It makes no difference whether garden pots are made of wood, concrete, or other material; it is the amount of soil they hold that counts.

Actually, it is not the freezing of the soil that injures flower bulbs (this occurs in open ground), but it is the pressure and counter pressure exerted by frost on the sides of containers, which are firm and do not give. As a result, flower bulbs are bruised and thrust out of the soil, their roots torn. Where there is no hard freeze, but sufficient cold weather, hardy flower bulbs can be grown successfully in garden containers of small size.

Here is a partial list of flower bulbs that thrive in container gardens. They will help you with your container garden design

Achimenes are warmth-loving trailing plants with neat leaves and tubular flowers in blue, lavender, red and white. Related to gloxinias and African violets, they are nice in hanging baskets and window boxes or in garden pots on tables, shelves, or wall brackets. Start the small tubers indoors and give plants a sheltered spot with protection from strong sun and wind. Achimenes, an old standby in the South, is worthy of more frequent planting.

Agapanthus or Blue Lily of the Nile is a fleshy-rooted evergreen plant, with strap leaves, often grown in tubs and urns on terraces and steps during the summer, when the tall blue spikes unfold. Culture is easy, but plants require a well-lighted, frost proof room or greenhouse in winter. This is an old-time favorite, often seen in the gardens of Europe. It is a perfect flower bulb for container gardening.

The Calla Lily is Showy, and outdoors in warmer regions, but a tender pot plant in the North. Most familiar is the white one with large, shiny, heart-shaped leaves. Start bulbs indoors in February or March in rich soil and, when weather settles, transfer to large gardening pots and take outdoors. Calla lilies do well in full sun or part shade, are heavy feeders and need much water. There is also a dainty yellow one with white-spotted leaves. Rest your flower bulbs after foliage ripens and grow again.

Colorful and free-flowering Dahlias provide bounteous cut blooms. Tall, large-flowering kinds can be grown only in large planters and boxes, but the dwarfs, even freer flowering, are excellent in small garden containers. Attaining one to two feet tall, they grow easily from tubers in average soil in sun or part shade. They may also be raised from seed sown indoors in February. If tubers are stored in peat or sand in a cool, frost proof place, they can be grown for years. Check bulbs during winter, and if shriveling, sprinkle lightly.

Gladiolus, the summer-flowering plant has spear like leaves and many hued spikes. Corms can be planted in garden containers outdoors after danger of frost is passed. Set them six inches apart and four to six inches deep. The best way to use these in container gardening is to planting a few every two to three weeks, giving you a succession of bloom in your container garden. Stake stems before flowers open. After the leaves turn brown, or there is a frost, lift corms, cut off foliage and dust with DDT to control the tiny sucking thrips. After dusting, store corms in a dry place at 45 to 55 degrees F for future planting.

Gloxinias, another Summer-flowering plant and tender with large, tubular blooms of red, pink, lavender, purple, or white, and broad velvety rosettes of leaves. Start tubers indoors and don’t take outside until weather is warm. Since the leaves are easily broken or injured by wind or rain, put plants in a sheltered spot. The low broad eaves of contemporary houses, with restricted sun, offer an appropriate setting for rows of pots or window boxes filled with gay gloxinias.

Now you have some great ideas for your container garden design. It’s time now to start planting your flower bulbs.

Happy Container Gardening!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

About the Author
Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com, http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com, and http://www.GardeningHerb.com

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Container Gardening Tips for Everyone

December 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

All of us, at one time or another, has seen a display of container gardens with flowers or vegetables at a friend’s home or in a nursery center. Many mistakenly think that it took a lot of effort or was done by professionals. That is far from the truth. Container gardens are just as easy as outside gardens and in some way s even easier to maintain. Anyone that loves to garden can plant and raise a container garden even those with limited space, even apartment dwellers. You can create a beautiful garden with just a few container gardening tips.

Start out with a plan. You need to know what you are going to plant, a container garden flower or a container garden vegetable. You may want to concentrate on an herb container garden. It is important to know this so you can choose the right size container for the plants. The number one container gardening tip is to choose a pot that has sufficient space for soil and the plants. Vine type plants will need a large, deep pot to grow over. If you are planning on a large plant you will need a wide passed container for balance. Keep reading, there are more container gardening tips to come. One thing to keep in mind is that you must have adequate drainage in the container that you use. No plant likes to have “wet feet”.

The type of soil you use in your container garden is an issue too. Most experts on container gardening tips say that you should use potting soil. While some gardeners have had success using the soil from their outside gardens, it is not recommended. Potting soil is preferred mainly because it will not compact letting more water to the root system over the growing season. Here it is important to do some research and plant like minded plants together. Your plant groupings should consider water needs, sun needs and fertilization needs.

An essential container gardening tip is to pay attention to the plants watering needs. If you get a very hot streak and your container garden is outdoors on your patio you will need to water daily. If this is your first venture into container gardening, choose drought resistant plants. Plants in container gardens can’t reach out for other avenues of water supplies so it is up to you to make sure they don’t get thirsty.

You will come to love your container garden but plants only last so long. If the plants you are growing in your container garden become less productive change them out. With container gardening you are the one to decide how your gardens will be in bloom. It is true that you can manipulate your plants by moving them around or taking them from the inside to the outside, or vice versa.

There is one thing that you must be diligent about and that is pests. If you find a container that has an infestation, isolate and treat it immediately. Do not use harsh chemicals on the plants. If it is an indoor container garden the chemicals could harm pets or children. Here is a natural pesticide that will keep the bugs in check:

In a jar, combine 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty spray bottle, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture and 1 cup water. Use at ten-day intervals (or more often if needed) to rid plants of whiteflies, mites, aphids, scales, and other pests.

Search online or at your local library for additional container gardening tips so that your beautiful container garden is a wild success. Once you have planted one container garden you will be anxious to start more.

Happy Container Gardening!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

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Winterize Your Potted Outdoor Plants

November 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

People who love plants generally have a number of them around their home. These plants can be found in flower gardens, vegetable gardens and in large pots around the porch or patio. You’ll want to winterize your potted outdoor plants so they survive until spring by following these tips.

Think about bringing outdoor potted plants in at least three weeks before the first expected frost. Begin preparing a place in your home or well-lit garage to house your plants during the winter months. The plants will still require full sunlight during the day and you’ll need to provide humidity by misting them regularly. If possible, place your plants in an east-facing or south-facing window to receive the most sunlight.

Pull your potted plants out of direct sunlight into a shadier area for a couple of days to help the plants adjust to the difference in light slowly. Leave them in the shade for at least a week before moving them into the house. Of course, if they can be kept in the shade for a couple of weeks, it would be better. This will prepare your plants for being moved indoors where the light will be filtered or artificial rather than direct light.

Check your outdoor plants for pests before bringing them in. Remove any aphids, spiders or other insects which may be hiding among the leaves. This will keep the pests from overwintering in your home or possibly infecting other indoor plants.

You may have some plants which have been grown in the ground that you want to preserve for spring. Dig those plants up and pot them a couple of weeks before moving them indoors. Be sure to allow for plenty of drainage and keep a basin underneath the pot to avoid water getting on the floor.

Trim the plants a little bit to encourage new growth and make the plants small enough to fit in your home. When it’s time to move the plants back outdoors you’ll want to trim them back again. Trimming the plants helps them adjust to the changes in temperature and humidity.

Forgo fertilizing your plants while they’re indoors. You’ll want to water them thoroughly but not too often. Outdoor plants aren’t accustomed to having very much rain or fertilization during the late autumn and winter months, because that’s not the time for growth. Begin fertilizing and watering more often right before moving the plants back outdoors.

Depending upon where you live, you might be able to dig a ditch around the garden to bury the potted plants. Water the plants monthly but only so the soil is damp to the touch. Dig about 12 to 15 inches down so the pot can be placed in the soil. Pile mulch around the pot and plant to help sustain the temperature during cold months.

Check with local gardeners if this is your first year to winterize your potted outdoor plants. Most gardeners are glad to help one another out. The above ideas are a start, but talking to an experienced gardener might be your best bet in winterizing any potted plants you have.

Filed Under: Container Gardening

Outdoor Container Garden

July 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Picking the right site for your outdoor container garden is vital. If you pick the wrong location, it could lead to be disastrous for your outdoor plants. Finding a perfect spot for your potted plants can be based on many factors, sunlight, protection, and location. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Container Gardening

Garden Pots And Planters

April 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Using the right garden pots and planters is important for your plants success.  A wrong size garden pot can inhibit your plants growth, and the type of planter you use makes a difference with your plants.

Here are examples of garden pots and planters that can be used in the garden. [Read more...]

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