Six Gardening By the Yard Tips
If you have a tiny yard and would like a simple but well-maintained garden, you only need two things - determination and know-how. Here are some tips on how to keep your garden by the yard looking spruced up and glamorous.
1. Deadheading
Keep your border free from wilted flowers and dried leaves. Deadheading or removing dead flower heads will encourage the plants to produce more blooms for longer. Many perennials such as geraniums and dahlias, and some annuals benefit from having spent blooms removed
2. Pinch out tops.
Certain plants - especially foliage plants like Coleus - respond with a spurt of growth when their tops are pinched out. Pinching out makes the plant much bushier and so more blooms are produced. Fuchsias are prone to becoming leggy unless they are pinched out.
3. Fertilize lightly.
A minimal amount of fertilizer will further boost the growth of your vegetation. If you water your yard frequently, you have to fertilize it more regularly because of nutrient depletion. A fortnightly application of liquid fertilizer is sometimes more beneficial than granules as it is more readily absorbed by the leaves. Container plants will be considerably healthier with a half-strength solution of liquid fertilizer applied regularly.
4. Weed out.
This is one of the best ways to preserve the beauty of your garden by the yard. Remember, weeds compete with your plants for both nutrients and moisture. If the weeds are not close to seeding, leave them on the bed to rot down for mulch. If you must use a weedicide, try and get a wick applicator, rather than a spray. This will protect you plants from spray-drift.
5. Water them well
One good tip when it comes to watering your garden by the yard is to give it a thorough soaking once a week, making sure there is no run-off to cause erosion. Deep watering will encourage the growth of deeper roots that will be able to withstand dry spells weatherwise
6. Say no to chemicals
Chemicals are dangerous to humans and often kill the natural predators of the pest in your garden, so avoid them if possible. There are many organic alternatives that work almost as well.
With these simple tips, your garden by the yard will soon be the envy of your neighbors.
Sunday, 12 October 2008
Sunday, 5 October 2008
Container Garden Innovation
Container Garden Innovation
By Theresa Goodman
Container gardening is a great innovation of gardening. Container gardens are one of the fastest growing segments of gardening. I personally don't know who had the first publicly recorded, "container garden", and it's probably too trivial to spend time thinking about it. But I think it is an old practice, with a new name. I remember flowers being planted in old tin pots, old work boots, empty milk cartons, jars, etc. Basically, we used stuff around the house that wasn't usable in its original form. So don't be a small thinker when it comes to what is or isn't an appropriate container. Just learn what to do, so whatever is grown in it, blossoms.
Benefits of Container Gardening
There are some nice benefits to having a container garden such as:
- Containers can be grown where traditional gardens are not possible including apartment balconies, indoors, window boxes, rooftops, small courtyards, decks, patios, and wherever a backyard if not available.
- Container gardening makes it possible for you to position the pots, or planters in areas where they can receive the best possible growing conditions.
- Container gardening allows people to bring part of nature into their personal living spaces.
- I like the fact that I can grow plants not native to my area of the country climate and sometimes get awesome results especially where I can control the temperature, like indoors.
- Growing in containers also minimizes problems of plant pests and diseases, or at least makes these easier to control.
- Anyone can design and enjoy container gardening. It can be an ideal solution for people with physical limitations that prevent them from working down at ground level.
- It can also be the answer for those with soil problems.
Container gardens can soften the hard edges of the deck, balcony or terrace. Individually they can become focal points in the garden, or in quantity can be used to define and create spaces. Just don't overdo it. Remember, "too much of a good thing, ain't gonna work". For those of us who stop to look and admire beautiful gardening, but more specifically container gardening, you've probably seen some horrid stuff. I have, and I thought to myself, "this is messed up". On the contrast, I hope I'm not the only one who has stopped to admire a beautifully landscape area, or ask the owner about the flowers in each container. I am always amazed at how beauty can be created and love the fact that I can enjoy it through, smell, touch, feel and sight.
Do you enjoy gardening, specifically container gardening? Liven up your place and create a space that you will love to show off. Be a frequent visitor, and contributor at Containergarden411. Find information, resources, etc. that is regularly updated. Click here now!
http://www.containergarden411.com/blog
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Theresa_Goodman
Container Garden Innovation
Thursday, 5 June 2008
How to Care for Orchids
How to Care for Orchids
Growing orchids is a very challenging task, they usually grow in the wild and you have to copy the environment from where they usually bloom and grow. To be able to grow beautiful orchids is a very rewarding experience and like any other houseplants, you can successfully grow beautiful orchids if you know how to care for orchids.
Orchids are very beautiful flowers with thousands of different species and they need special care and set-up to grow. Here are some helpful tips on how to care for orchids.
Proper light. One very important factor in the proper care for orchids is the light requirement of this plant. Watching the leaves of your orchids will help you determine if the plant is getting too much or little light. If the leaves become reddish or yellowish it means that your plant is getting too much light and you need to move the plant to more shade. If the leaves turn into dark green, then you need to move it to more light. A correct light will produce a light grass green leaves.
Watering. Of course like other plants, knowing how to care for your orchids includes correct watering. It is best to use rainwater than chemically treated water like tap water. There are a lot of factors to be considered in watering your orchids. One factor is the climatic conditions; you need to water more in the summer or when the weather is warm and less in the winter. The size of the pot is also another consideration when watering your orchid, small pots need frequent watering since it dry out faster than large pots. Correct watering will result in good, firm and healthy roots and over watered orchids will result in unhealthy and brown dead roots. Over watering is not a proper way to care for orchids; it will drown the roots and will easily kill your orchids. Orchids can stand being dryer than being over watered or moist.
Orchids need air. Proper care for orchids includes providing the needed air for their growth. Remember that in their natural habitat, orchids usually grow anchored in a tree with little or no soil and a lot of fresh air. Orchids can be planted on containers purposely designed to allow air circulation on their roots. Hanging baskets with coconut fiber is also another option that will allow air circulation on their roots. Air is very important in growing beautiful orchids.
Growing beautiful orchids is not as difficult as you think it is if you know the proper techniques on how to care for orchids. Do you want to learn how to care for and grow amazing orchids using easy to follow step-by-step techniques? Visit Orchid Care Expert
Gerry Restrivera writes informative articles on various subjects including How to Care for Orchids. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that author's name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction.
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
Container Gardening Tips for Newbies
Container Gardening Tips for Newbies
Container gardens can create a natural sanctuary in a busy city street, along rooftops or on balconies. You can easily accentuate the welcoming look of a deck or patio with colourful pots of annuals, or fill your window boxes with beautiful shrub roses or any number of small perennials. Whether you arrange your pots in a group for a massed effect or highlight a smaller space with a single specimen, you'll be delighted with this simple way to create a garden.
Container gardening enables you to easily vary your color scheme, and as each plant finishes flowering, it can be replaced with another. Whether you choose to harmonize or contrast your colors, make sure there is variety in the height of each plant. Think also of the shape and texture of the leaves. Tall strap-like leaves will give a good vertical background to low-growing, wide-leaved plants. Choose plants with a long flowering season, or have others of a different type ready to replace them as they finish blooming.
Experiment with creative containers. You might have an old porcelain bowl or copper urn you can use, or perhaps you'd rather make something really modern with timber or tiles. If you decide to buy your containers ready-made, terracotta pots look wonderful, but tend to absorb water. You don't want your plants to dry out, so paint the interior of these pots with a special sealer available from hardware stores.
Cheaper plastic pots can also be painted on the outside with water-based paints for good effect. When purchasing pots, don't forget to buy matching saucers to catch the drips. This will save cement floors getting stained, or timber floors rotting.
Always use a good quality potting mix in your containers. This will ensure the best performance possible from your plants.
If you have steps leading up to your front door, an attractive pot plant on each one will delight your visitors. Indoors, pots of plants or flowers help to create a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.
Decide ahead of time where you want your pots to be positioned, then buy plants that suit the situation. There is no point buying sun lovers for a shady position, for they will not do well. Some plants also have really large roots, so they are best kept for the open garden.
If you have plenty of space at your front door, a group of potted plants off to one side will be more visually appealing than two similar plants placed each side. Unless they are spectacular, they will look rather boring.
Group the pots in odd numbers rather than even, and vary the height and type. To tie the group together, add large rocks that are similar in appearance and just slightly different in size. Three or five pots of the same type and color, but in different sizes also looks affective.
With a creative mind and some determination, you will soon have a container garden that will be the envy of friends and strangers alike.
Container Gardening Tips for Newbies
Container gardens can create a natural sanctuary in a busy city street, along rooftops or on balconies. You can easily accentuate the welcoming look of a deck or patio with colourful pots of annuals, or fill your window boxes with beautiful shrub roses or any number of small perennials. Whether you arrange your pots in a group for a massed effect or highlight a smaller space with a single specimen, you'll be delighted with this simple way to create a garden.
Container gardening enables you to easily vary your color scheme, and as each plant finishes flowering, it can be replaced with another. Whether you choose to harmonize or contrast your colors, make sure there is variety in the height of each plant. Think also of the shape and texture of the leaves. Tall strap-like leaves will give a good vertical background to low-growing, wide-leaved plants. Choose plants with a long flowering season, or have others of a different type ready to replace them as they finish blooming.
Experiment with creative containers. You might have an old porcelain bowl or copper urn you can use, or perhaps you'd rather make something really modern with timber or tiles. If you decide to buy your containers ready-made, terracotta pots look wonderful, but tend to absorb water. You don't want your plants to dry out, so paint the interior of these pots with a special sealer available from hardware stores.
Cheaper plastic pots can also be painted on the outside with water-based paints for good effect. When purchasing pots, don't forget to buy matching saucers to catch the drips. This will save cement floors getting stained, or timber floors rotting.
Always use a good quality potting mix in your containers. This will ensure the best performance possible from your plants.
If you have steps leading up to your front door, an attractive pot plant on each one will delight your visitors. Indoors, pots of plants or flowers help to create a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.
Decide ahead of time where you want your pots to be positioned, then buy plants that suit the situation. There is no point buying sun lovers for a shady position, for they will not do well. Some plants also have really large roots, so they are best kept for the open garden.
If you have plenty of space at your front door, a group of potted plants off to one side will be more visually appealing than two similar plants placed each side. Unless they are spectacular, they will look rather boring.
Group the pots in odd numbers rather than even, and vary the height and type. To tie the group together, add large rocks that are similar in appearance and just slightly different in size. Three or five pots of the same type and color, but in different sizes also looks affective.
With a creative mind and some determination, you will soon have a container garden that will be the envy of friends and strangers alike.
Container Gardening Tips for Newbies
Saturday, 10 May 2008
Secrets to a Successful Container Garden
Secrets to a Successful Container Garden
(ARA) – Now that warmer temperatures have finally arrived, you’re probably itching to get outside and start planting. But what if you don’t have a lot of space to work with or a lot of time?
Outdoor container gardening is an easy way to add splashes of color to all your outdoor spaces -- the deck, patio, porch or windowsill -- and regardless of your gardening experience or level of expertise, it’s really as easy as 1-2-3. One, plan ahead; two, plant your containers; and three, maintain them.
Whether you’re a first-timer or veteran, here are some tips for getting the best looking, lush flower pots in the neighborhood:
1. Planning
Begin by thinking about the color schemes you’d like to enhance your patio or deck. How will the flowers on your deck accent your kitchen’s décor? Think about what you planted last year, what worked and what didn’t and what exciting new varieties are available. Look at books and magazines for ideas and how you’d like your own containers to look.
Consider your light conditions and what plants work well together -- shade foliage won’t grow well in conditions appropriate for, say, a Geranium. Toy with interesting textures and leaf colors in addition to bloom colors. A variety of foliage adds unique depth to your garden. Herbs and vegetables are becoming a popular trend. A corn plant by itself, for instance, as the main focal point is rather stunning. Snow peas growing up a post create curiosity. Purple basil, arugula, oregano and nasturtium are lovely flowering edible plants.
2. Plant Your Containers
First, remember that trying to grow anything in containers with dirt from outside is a recipe for disaster. Gardening expert Felder Rushing, a horticulturalist from Mississippi who has written or co-authored 15 gardening books, says it’s imperative that you use quality potting soil if you want your plants to thrive. “The expense can be a turn-off though, so I recommend people make their own,” he says. ;“For the most simple mix, all you need is a bag of cheap potting soil with some finely ground bark mulch. Mix the two 50/50 and you’ll be all set.” In his book, “Container Gardening,” Rushing recommends other soil mix recipes that include sand, perlite, vermiculate and lime.
No matter what you plant, Rushing stresses that plant roots need air in order to take in water and nutrients. “Pots with clogged drainage holes are plant killers,” he says.
“Roots, potting soil or other debris can keep water from draining out of pots, which can lead to root drowning or even root rot. Every pot needs a clear drain hole.” Experts also agree that a plant’s roots need air in order to “breathe” oxygen… which is necessary for the plant to absorb nutrients and grow.
Some materials used to assist drainage are rocks, broken terra cotta pieces and packing peanuts. Many times these don’t work because soil runs down into the crevices and blocks the drainage you so diligently tried to create. Also, once the pots are filled with rocks, soil, plants and water, they can get very heavy and hard to move.
One alternative Rushing discussed is Better Than Rocks -- a non-woven, 100 percent recycled and reusable plastic mesh. This is a new planter drainage material that is placed in the bottom of containers. It is available in precut squares that can be used in either square or round containers. The material is very flexible so there is no need to trim the squares into circles. Better Than Rocks is also available in a large roll that you can cut to your desired size to fit planters precisely or accommodate your odd shaped planters.
Your pots will be lighter (no rocks!) and you’ll use up to 1/3 less soil in each pot. And because it creates a pocket of air within the planter, it helps provide that critical oxygen your plants need to thrive. Optimal drainage leads to superior plant health and more blooms. For large containers, you can fill the very bottom with crushed annual packs (that your plants come in) or another lightweight material. Then use two layers of Better Than Rocks on top of that to keep the soil in the top part of your planter.
Once your drainage system is in place, fill the pot with potting soil so the middle third of the pot is full, leaving four to five inches for plants. Next, take the plant plugs and set them in the pot. Start with the taller, wider center plant. Then place the next largest plugs around the perimeter, and balance them according to color and size with the smallest placed last. Rearrange until you are satisfied, fill with soil and water thoroughly.
3. Plant Maintenance
As your containers bloom and grow, give your plants a “haircut.” Pluck off dead blooms and trim leggy growth to keep your containers blooming well into the fall. Keep your plants watered and fertilize regularly.
When it’s time to put everything away for winter, dump your pots out. This soil is ideal to top off your perennials or add to your compost. When using Better Than Rocks, you won’t have to pick out the rocks or other material from the bottom of the pot. Pull out the mesh layers and cut off any roots that may have grown into it. Roots that have grown into the material will dry out over the winter and come out easily the following spring. You can reuse the material year after year.
For a special discount on your Better Than Rocks purchase, log on to www.betterthanrocks.com and use code “btrara08” or call (888) 994-7855. With this special code, you will receive 20 percent off your total order.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) – Now that warmer temperatures have finally arrived, you’re probably itching to get outside and start planting. But what if you don’t have a lot of space to work with or a lot of time?
Outdoor container gardening is an easy way to add splashes of color to all your outdoor spaces -- the deck, patio, porch or windowsill -- and regardless of your gardening experience or level of expertise, it’s really as easy as 1-2-3. One, plan ahead; two, plant your containers; and three, maintain them.
Whether you’re a first-timer or veteran, here are some tips for getting the best looking, lush flower pots in the neighborhood:
1. Planning
Begin by thinking about the color schemes you’d like to enhance your patio or deck. How will the flowers on your deck accent your kitchen’s décor? Think about what you planted last year, what worked and what didn’t and what exciting new varieties are available. Look at books and magazines for ideas and how you’d like your own containers to look.
Consider your light conditions and what plants work well together -- shade foliage won’t grow well in conditions appropriate for, say, a Geranium. Toy with interesting textures and leaf colors in addition to bloom colors. A variety of foliage adds unique depth to your garden. Herbs and vegetables are becoming a popular trend. A corn plant by itself, for instance, as the main focal point is rather stunning. Snow peas growing up a post create curiosity. Purple basil, arugula, oregano and nasturtium are lovely flowering edible plants.
2. Plant Your Containers
First, remember that trying to grow anything in containers with dirt from outside is a recipe for disaster. Gardening expert Felder Rushing, a horticulturalist from Mississippi who has written or co-authored 15 gardening books, says it’s imperative that you use quality potting soil if you want your plants to thrive. “The expense can be a turn-off though, so I recommend people make their own,” he says. ;“For the most simple mix, all you need is a bag of cheap potting soil with some finely ground bark mulch. Mix the two 50/50 and you’ll be all set.” In his book, “Container Gardening,” Rushing recommends other soil mix recipes that include sand, perlite, vermiculate and lime.
No matter what you plant, Rushing stresses that plant roots need air in order to take in water and nutrients. “Pots with clogged drainage holes are plant killers,” he says.
“Roots, potting soil or other debris can keep water from draining out of pots, which can lead to root drowning or even root rot. Every pot needs a clear drain hole.” Experts also agree that a plant’s roots need air in order to “breathe” oxygen… which is necessary for the plant to absorb nutrients and grow.
Some materials used to assist drainage are rocks, broken terra cotta pieces and packing peanuts. Many times these don’t work because soil runs down into the crevices and blocks the drainage you so diligently tried to create. Also, once the pots are filled with rocks, soil, plants and water, they can get very heavy and hard to move.
One alternative Rushing discussed is Better Than Rocks -- a non-woven, 100 percent recycled and reusable plastic mesh. This is a new planter drainage material that is placed in the bottom of containers. It is available in precut squares that can be used in either square or round containers. The material is very flexible so there is no need to trim the squares into circles. Better Than Rocks is also available in a large roll that you can cut to your desired size to fit planters precisely or accommodate your odd shaped planters.
Your pots will be lighter (no rocks!) and you’ll use up to 1/3 less soil in each pot. And because it creates a pocket of air within the planter, it helps provide that critical oxygen your plants need to thrive. Optimal drainage leads to superior plant health and more blooms. For large containers, you can fill the very bottom with crushed annual packs (that your plants come in) or another lightweight material. Then use two layers of Better Than Rocks on top of that to keep the soil in the top part of your planter.
Once your drainage system is in place, fill the pot with potting soil so the middle third of the pot is full, leaving four to five inches for plants. Next, take the plant plugs and set them in the pot. Start with the taller, wider center plant. Then place the next largest plugs around the perimeter, and balance them according to color and size with the smallest placed last. Rearrange until you are satisfied, fill with soil and water thoroughly.
3. Plant Maintenance
As your containers bloom and grow, give your plants a “haircut.” Pluck off dead blooms and trim leggy growth to keep your containers blooming well into the fall. Keep your plants watered and fertilize regularly.
When it’s time to put everything away for winter, dump your pots out. This soil is ideal to top off your perennials or add to your compost. When using Better Than Rocks, you won’t have to pick out the rocks or other material from the bottom of the pot. Pull out the mesh layers and cut off any roots that may have grown into it. Roots that have grown into the material will dry out over the winter and come out easily the following spring. You can reuse the material year after year.
For a special discount on your Better Than Rocks purchase, log on to www.betterthanrocks.com and use code “btrara08” or call (888) 994-7855. With this special code, you will receive 20 percent off your total order.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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