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Removing Your Container Garden for Winter

November 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Now that summer is over, many of the flowers you have will no longer make it into the winter. However, there are a few ways to save some of your plants and get them through the winter. The other ones though will not be as lucky and have to be emptied and removed. Doing this is not difficult and can be done relatively easily.

If you planted any tropical annuals, they can be brought indoors for the winter. They will need:

•A very sunny window or ledge.
•Good amount of available moisture.
•Of course enough space to set them up.

Along with any tropical plants you have, you can also bring in palms and ferns. Removing some cuttings and essentially cloning your plants may be a better idea if you do not have a lot of room or an area that they can still strive in. The plants need to be very healthy with no bugs or blights. What you will need to do to succeed is:

1. Make sure you use a sharp knife and remove some of the non-flowering stems. It should be about three to four inches long.
2. You will then need to make sure all the leaves are removed from the lower part of them stem; around two thirds of the way down.
3. Now that you have prepared the cuttings that you have chosen, dip the edges in rooting hormone. Rooting hormone is available at all plant stores.
4. Once they have been dipped, put the cuttings that are still damp, into moist sand or peat moss. Even tap water will work if you do not have sand or peat moss to use.
5. Next, take the container that they are in and place it in a sunny place for three to four weeks.
6. Do not forget to keep the sand or peat moss moist during this time.
7. Keep checking your cuttings until you see that the roots are about 1 inch long.
8. Now you are able to plant them in a regular pot and grow them on a sunny window ledge or room.

This method works well when you are dealing with such plants as geraniums, pelargonium, coleus, and certain ivies. Sometimes impatiens work too.

So, you have rescued and saved all the plants that you can and you are ready to move onto cleaning the containers of the other plants and disposing of them. All the plants that you are getting rid of you can cut up and put into a compost heap, this includes the soil. You definitely want to get rid of all the soil especially if you have soil in terracotta or ceramic pots and containers. Any moisture in the soil will expand when it freezes and it will crack the pots and containers, ruining them and making a mess.

Now, simply wash out all the containers and pots to make sure all debris and fungus are gone. If there is a white ring on your terracotta pots then just soak them for twenty four hours in white vinegar, water, and baking soda. After they have soaked use a stiff brush and scrub them in soapy water and rinse.

Next, dry the containers and pots in the sun and then stack them with paper towels or newspapers between them to absorb any moisture that is left. Try to store them somewhere at room temperature so that they do not freeze together during the winter months. However, as long as there are layers between them, they should be fine until the spring.

As long as you follow these tips you should have no problem saving some of your plants and being prepared for the following summer.

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What You Need To Begin Your Container Garden.

November 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Simply put container gardening is growing plants in containers instead of in the ground. It became very popular in the 1950′s in California when people living in apartments and other shared spaces begin growing plants in pots and containers to put on their balconies and entryways. Container gardening only needs a few things, which are:

The containers themselves. You may have already decided which type of plants you want to begin growing. Picking a container that can hold the size of plant you want is important. However, choosing a container that works well with the colors of the plants and also with the place you are planning on putting the container too. You may need to move your plants from one container to a larger one as they grow.

So, keep that in mind and maybe buy different sizes so whenever necessary you can transfer the plants to the larger pots. One other thing, there are pros and cons to any type of container you use, so depending on where you live and again the plants you have chosen will make a difference in the type of containers needed. They all need plenty of holes in the bottom for drainage. Here are a few examples of the different types of pots.

Plastic will break down and dry out when out in the sun a lot. However, it is easier to move since it is lighter.

Wood does rot and grow fungus. But, Redwood and Cedar are bit more sturdy and it does not happen with them as quickly.

Terracotta dries out very quickly and will develop rings on them from calcium deposits.

Ceramic pots are a good choice, however they are slightly heavier.

Soil and nutrients. The best to use for indoor gardening is soil less potting mix. It will drain better and there will be no diseases or weeds. When you fill the container, leave about two inches between the top and mix, that way you have room for the mulch on top.

Water and food. You will need to the water the plant based on the size and type. Those instructions will actually come with each plant and they will need to be followed. This holds true for the amount of sunlight they will need and shade and the time of year they grow best in. When you do water make sure all the soil is moist and when there is water coming from the bottom you know you have given the plant enough usually. Also, because the soil is very light your plants will more fertilizer. A slow-release or water soluble type works best.

The right temperature and space. When you plant vegetables, flowers, or herbs you will put them one third closer than you would if they were in a garden. With trees and shrubs they should be centered in the pot or container. Any plant will need to be re-potted whenever necessary. Since you are container gardening, you will be able to protect them from extreme heat and cold. Move the plant whenever necessary to keep the temperature right.

Pruning and preening. Making sure you trim your potted plants regularly and remove any dead or brown parts is important also. There will be less mess and your plant will do much better since there will be no bugs or fungus growing.

Creating a container garden will add color and life to any area. This is a hobby anyone can get into and as you can see it is not difficult to start.

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What Container Gardening Entails

November 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Container gardening is usually designed for people who think that they’re days of gardening have ended when they move into an apartment of a condo. Plants that are pretty and useful can still be grown if you opt to have a container garden instead. A few simple rules will have to be followed before you start your container garden. Five essential elements are important to your container garden and they include the pot, the soil, the light, the watering requirements and the fertilizer. Think of herbs for instance, they do not require big pots but they need at least six good hours of sunlight. The fertilizer that they need is small and they require good drainage in their soil.

Selecting the right container is quite important for you as well as your plants. You will preferably need to choose a pot which complements your home or your outside patio; you may also want to meet the needs of your plants. Cedar and redwood containers tend to be rot resistant while other woods tend to root easily. If wood pots are used you should ensure that they have not been treated with harmful chemicals which are harmful to your plants. Plastic pots should not be used in the sun as they will disintegrate quite quickly. Terracotta

Containers are vulnerable in the sunlight as well as they tend to dry out easily and are prone to crack and break. The best pots that can be used for your container garden on the patio are usually ceramic glazed pots. These pots tend to be pretty and colorful but you should ensure that they have a lot of drainage holes.

For soil, everything is entirely about the nature of plants that you intend to grow. You should remember that your garden is going to be grown in limited space so you have to ensure that the soil will drain sufficiently. The whole key is usually to have a soil mixture which will retain moisture and has adequate drainage so as not to drown the roots. Making some research into the type of plant that you are growing will give you an idea of what each plant requires. Certain plants may require that some sand is added to the mix. In container gardening you cannot afford to go wrong where any of the essential components is concerned.

One more aspect of research is to understand how much light that your plants require. All plants which are available have different levels of light. Impatiens tends to do excellently in the shade while vegetables and flowers tend to do wonderfully in sunlight.

Fertilizing is one more crucial aspect of container gardening. When a plant is placed in a container, it only requires a minimal amount of solid which to draw nutrients from, because of this you will have to give it a little help. In order to be consistent, you should fertilize on every other watering. One fertilizer alone shouldn’t be used, a whole mix of nutrients will aid in keeping your plants happy and healthy as well.

Watering your container gardening should be quite crucial to you. It will take a certain amount of time to develop the right schedule for the different plants since they all tend to have different requirements. If you are having extremely hot weather then you may need to water your plants on a daily basis.

Container gardening is a very rewarding venture. It permits people in the city to enjoy something of the great outdoors in their own limited space. As soon as you have done your research and you have decided on the nature of plants to grow, the next step for you is to gather all the necessary materials and plant your container garden. You will no doubt enjoy the container gardening experience.

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Feng Shui Container Gardens

November 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you have been thinking about getting into Feng Shui gardening but are thinking that you need a large open area to create your garden, and then think again. You can create a Feng Shui container garden that still posses all the principles of the Feng Shui form. Since, most of us do not possess a large open area, with rocks we can stack and large field to work with, a Feng Shui container garden can work as well and still bring about the calmness and serenity that large Feng Shui gardens have.

Regardless of the amount of space you have, you can create a beautiful and interesting Feng Shui container garden. You will be able to incorporate all the Feng Shui ideas even though you are using a much smaller space. What is always important when creating a Feng Shui space is the energy that the space possess. So transforming your patio from an area you prefer to spend no time in, to an area of relaxation and even meditation is not as hard as it seems. Using many different plants, vegetables, flowers, fruits, and herbs to create the space that you want while still incorporating the Feng Shui energy can be done.

Once you have read up enough on Feng Shui ideals and beliefs you will be ready to begin picking which plants and vegetation you want to use. Starting with the plants you want in your area is best. Any plant nursery will have many varieties to choose from and all plants will have growing instructions and where they will thrive best. Along with all the necessary instructions on how to take care of them, from the amount of water they need to how much sunlight and shade they should get. Picking plants to create balance and harmony in your environment will be an important concern, however always looking for color and diversity is important too.

Choosing containers that are easily moved and adjusted will make creating and changing your Feng Shui garden much easier. Especially when there is a shift in energy in or around your home or business and you need to make a change quickly. Allowing for creativity in your containers is still important too and just about anything can e used that goes along with your Feng Shui theme. Pots, buckets, terracotta, ceramic, wood, tile, or even plastic. Anything that can hold items can be turned into a container for your garden, always just make sure to have holes in the bottom for water drainage and a saucer underneath to catch the water drainage.

Also, unlike other types of gardening, Feng Shui gardening allows for attachment to your plants and a connection with them that many other types of gardening does not look for. Whether you move or the weather changes, keeping the plants with you and creating your garden any where you are at will create additional harmony and strength with your Feng Shui garden.

Creating your Feng Shui garden will give you a sense of peace and serenity when there is so much going on around you. This will be your place for relaxation and even meditation with all the Feng Shui characteristics and ideals.

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Creating a Beautiful Indoor Mini Garden

November 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you have been looking for a way to brighten up the inside of your home with unique colors and different textures, then creating an indoor garden may be just what you are looking for. Plants and flowers can add a relaxing and even homey feel to any space that you choose. They can also help to naturally cleanse and purify your air and home. Any plants you pick will be based on your own tastes and ideas of what you want your space to look and feel like. You can choose any plants you like, it all really depends on how much space you have to work with and what you are looking for.

There are few things to keep in mind and take care of when you are creating an indoor garden. Below are a few tips to help you long with the creation of your new space.

Light is very important to any plant you choose, you probably already knew that. However, they also need shade too. Making sure that your plants are receiving enough of both is very important. Picking plants that will do well in the environment you have them will work best. Reading the tags that come on the plant closely so you know what their sun and shade needs are will ensure that your plants thrive and do well in your home.

Also, do not over or under water your plants. Again reading the tag that comes on the plant closely and following the instructions will tell you exactly what you need to know about your plant and their needs. Over watering can create bugs and disease with your plant, also there is root rot from too much water and the plant not being able to use all of it and drain all of it out.

When you first get the plant home, it will look good for awhile and then the leaves may brown and fall off. Many times the nurseries fertilize them to make them grow quickly, so if you would like them to keep growing that way, then you will need to fertilize them also. Choosing a fertilizer will depend on the plant and again reading the tag on the plant will make this decision easier.

Picking containers that will go well with your already established decor and that will fit the plants you have chosen. There are so many different containers available to purchase or you can even use containers from around your home. As long as there are adequate holes in the bottom for water drainage, any container large enough for your plant will work. This is the fun part of indoor container gardening, you have so many choices and ways to create your garden.

Container gardening is also a little easier than creating a full blown outdoor garden. You can start small until you get the hang of it and then add more as time goes on. Or you can just keep your garden small and easy to manage. You do have a lot of options with container gardening.

However, you decide to create your garden, you have many options and choices to choose from. There are so many ways to reuse household items and make an interesting and unique garden for your home.

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