More and more people are turning to gardening for various reasons. For some people, gardening may be a process of relaxing while for others it could be an added source of income. Whatever reason you may have for adopting gardening, the fact remains that gardening has changed dramatically over the years.

Gardening used to require a substantial area of space before any form of successful planting could be done. These days, thanks to modernization, gardening no longer has to be limited by space. If you have a passion to engage in gardening but don’t have the space to do so, you can start with container gardening.

Container gardening aptly refers to the art of gardening in a container. You can get a flower pot or a plastic container and plant seedlings of flowers, shrubs or vegetables, depending on what you want to plant. Your container can comfortably be placed anywhere sunlight is adequate and the wind is calm.

There are several costs that you can save with container gardening. Firstly, the cost of clearing and preparing a large scaled land is eliminated. With container gardening, all you need is a container which holds high quality soil and the right planting elements i.e. nutrients.

Secondly, there’s the cost of nurturing the garden. You won’t have to spend much on manure and fertilizers because of the size of a container garden. You will therefore save a lot of money in the process.

Thirdly, the cost of maintaining a container garden is also vital. A large scaled land requires spending on gardening equipment such as hoes, troughs, rakes and watering cans. As the owner of a container plant, your watering can be small in size.

In addition, there’s the non-financial cost of time. A container plant does not require that much time to take care of as land gardening would.

So, if you are pressed for time and don’t have the financial resources needed for gardening on a large scale, container gardening could be just the thing for you.

Most of us will simply water our container gardens by hand, and enjoy doing it. However, increasingly people do need to travel during the flowering season and may need to irrigate their plants during their absence. If you have considered irrigating your container garden, read on for our introduction to the systems available.

Irrigation systems are designed to supply an adequate amount of water in a timely manner to plants. Keeping this in mind is important when designing an irrigation system. 

There are two types of systems sprinkler/spray head and drip or trickle irrigation systems. Both can be used for container watering. 

However, drip irrigation systems are a great way to provide constant moisture to container grown plants without saturating. Drip irrigation works by applying water slowly, directly to the soil. This type of irrigation is highly efficient. 

Drip irrigation kits are available at most garden centers. They allow you to water plants separately with emitters, or water groups of plants with micro-spray stakes or tapes that ooze water along their entire length. 

Unfortunately, drip emitters suffer from a handicap as they are easily plugged by silt or other particles not filtered out of the irrigation water. Emitter blockages also can be caused by algae growing in the tape or by chemical deposits at the emitter head. 

As a result, on a farm scale drip irrigation systems usually require more filtration and require higher water quality than sprinklers. If the water source is surface water (for example ditch, reservoir), high quality filtration stages should be used. If a borehole source is used less filtration may be possible. 

However, when for the home and garden, the source is a potable water supply the problem of filtration does not usually arise, so the drip type systems usually work well. 

Emitters come in many different flow rates and styles. Some emission devices are designed specifically for dense plantings and are considered to be broadcast emission devices. 

The alternative for container plants is of course the use of automatic sprinkler controllers. At the top of the range these can include electric control valves, pop-up spray heads and/or the use of pop-up rotors. This can make keeping your landscaping or yard maintained in your absence a simple matter, however, such automatic controls are unnecessary for short absences with drip systems as these can be left to run continually once set up.

By Susan Schlenger

There are many great deck ideas and just as many wonderful possible patio designs. However, there are a few things to consider when deciding which one to include in your landscape. Hopefully you will enjoy your landscape structure for many years to come. Here are some things to think about.

The first consideration is how high off the ground your structure will be. It may be at or just above ground level where no steps are needed. It may require just a few steps. However, the structure may have to be located off a second story and thus be at a very high elevation.

For those situations where the structure can be designed pretty much at ground level, a deck or patio can both be used. The deck, however, must be constructed in such a way that it is not resting directly on the ground. Typically, patios are chosen.

What if your structure needs a few steps? For situations where anywhere from two to about seven steps would be required to get to the lower level, either patios or decks may be selected. The main thing to remember is that whatever you choose will be off the ground. In the case of a deck, that space beneath the deck floor can be left open or covered with lattice. However, with patios, side walls must be built. This will add on to the cost. In addition, for higher walls, protection against falling off the patio must be considered. This can be achieved by either the installation of railings or having deep planters built in the patio.

If the structure is to be built very high off the ground, as would be the case where the exit door is from an upper level, decks make much more sense. Choosing to have a patio at that level would necessitate extremely high walls. Creating multilevel patios is possible and walls can be designed to be reasonable heights. However, the amount of levels and walls would still up the cost tremendously. And I mean by huge amounts of money.

Decks which are entered from second story rooms can be creative ones. They can have interesting shapes. Another option is to design a multi level deck. One area might be your main living area, while another might be a smaller area for relaxing, closer to ground level.

Advantages of Patios

- Patios are less expensive than decks, if average cost materials are used and no side walls are needed.
- Patios can be created with materials that require little or no maintenance.
- Designs of patios can take on many shapes.
- Curved designs are easier with patios than decks.
- Patios can be designed in sucha way so that they look very traditional or contemporary.

Advantages of Decks

- Decks do not need side walls.
- If the deck is at a higher elevations, it will be less expensive due the ability to just have an open lower area or lattice.
- Most decking material does not get hot.
- Seat walls and planters can be easily added at a reasonable cost.

The elevation of the door you are exiting out of, the style you are looking for and your budget will help determine whether a deck or patio is right for your project.

About the Author: Susan Schlenger is a Landscape Designer with a degree in Landscape Architecture. To learn more about both of these options, please visit Deck Ideas or Patio Designs at her website.

Source: www.isnare.com

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What are the Lighting Requirements for Common Container Grown Plants?

Basil, oregano, lemon balm, and chives are easy to start and will thrive in a sunny windowsill. Also plant garlic bulbs, seed onions, edible flowers (like nasturtiums and violets) and baby lettuces for impromptu salads.

Seeds to Seedlings Time Lapse

You can grow almost any herb on a windowsill. Not only will it give a delicious, flavorsome smell, but also adorn your kitchen in a pretty green and delicate flowers. These indoor planters are ideal for windowsills and tables; items like the whimsical terracotta “Lola Planter” can be used inside or out. The indoor gardening collection of anyone serious about creating the maximum effect should also include an array of plant stands in attractive designs.

However, most houseplants don’t like to be placed in the direct sun of a windowsill. Strong sunlight may actually burn their leaves. The simplest form of indoor container gardening is to place plants in windows that receive a decent amount of light.

Windows that face south and west are best and they usually receive enough light to grow leaf and root vegetables (beets, carrots, lettuce, onions and radishes) and herbs.

Light requirements vary by species and the amount of light that enters becomes less as one travels away from the equator, so be guided by local custom, but most houseplants get enough light in or near a south west facing window.

The room should also be kept between 15 and 25?C, the very best is to plant in a bright window away from direct sun (or equivalent if in summer outdoors in sun or part shade).

Water sparingly allowing moisture to slowly trickle into the soil; don’t over-water your plants.

Enjoy your container-grown plants!

 By the Magaziner

Here is a selection of the messages I have received, showing what container gardeners are actually growing in their pots, and saying about it:-

HG: “I’ve got some cool-weather greens growing in plastic boxes (with drainage holes) up on our second-story window sills. Arugula, spinach, chard, French breakfast radish, and lettuces.

JI: In containers, I plant (1 type per container): several types lettuce, parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, peppermint (for iced tea). For annual color, I arrange flower plants in 1/3 barrels as well, around the front patio and end of driveway by porch.

BB: We grow tomatoes, peppers, swiss chard, romaine, sugar snap peas, pole beans, basil, oregano, green onions, parsley, basil, sage, lemon balm. I do also try to have a pot or two of a bee/butterfly attracting plant so it will help with pollination.

KJH: If you want a container garden for tomatoes or peppers, western exposure is a must.

GHR; I have successfully grown beetroot, peppers and many herbs in my window boxes, I have also tried onions although these have not faired too well. The complete book of container gardening suggests Tomato (bush Variety, Lycopersicon ), salad onion, radishes, lettuce and even rhubarb for window boxes.

KOP: I have two pots, I put a tomato plant in one and a chili pepper plant in the other. The plants seem to be doing well so far.

Kat Hone: Parsley, sage, rosemary, peppermint, thyme, lavender and dill are all growing like crazy. But I’m taking the good with the bad and unfortunately my basil plants are struggling.

Sally M: I have grown lemon cucumbers, all kinds of peppers, many varieties of tomatoes, onions, herbs and lettuce. Strawberries can also be grown given the right container.

By Garden Magaziner 

Hi! I am “Garden Magaziner”!

I am looking forward to the pleasure of introducing “container gardening ” to as many people as I can, and by starting this new “magazine” (or blog!), I hope to introduce many more. There really is no bigger delight than showing people how to grow crops in different kinds of containers (pots, plastic or PET bottles, yoghourt pots, plastic bags etc.).

Anyone can do it, and even the most humble apartment dweller will normally have a few square feet of balcony or windowsill upon which to start a few containers.

It is surprising how many people just have not grown things before, and using the web like this is s great way to guide their involvement for their simple enjoyment of living things, and the reward of watching a flower blossom as a result of your own handiwork, or your container grown vegetables ripen to provide a tasty dish.

Very popular models are wood or wood tone materials that look organic in nature. Also very popular are containers made of stone which give a very earthy feel to any area of your home or even outside your home. If such a thing is possible, then people who live in urban environments can also enjoy the benefits of organic gardening. As a result of this experiment, I have learned that a dozen flowerpots are more than enough to produce a quarter of my vegetable needs. It is an art which deals with conscious arrangement or organization of outdoor space for human satisfaction and enjoyment.

If you are an organic gardener, and you are using worm castings or some other form of compost that is rich, this will help lighten the load as this material is light and fluffy in the beginning. Although you can grow plants of almost any type in your worm compost, it is better to mix it with regular soil or potting soil which will add density and weight to the container that you are placing it in. Few of us have a plot the size of Jamie Oliver’s, but the idea is that you don’t need a lot of space to grow fresh, organic vegetables. Windowsills, balconies and tiny front gardens can all be pressed into service.

It has the fantastic ability to transmute your desires into physical counterparts and create a new reality for you. You can do anything that your mind can conceive, as long as you have the belief and will power to back it up. You can get very creative with container gardening. Containers don’t necessarily need to cost a lot of money either.

For more great information on container and general gardening we recommend a visit to The Container Gardening Magazine web site.

By Steve Evans

You can grow everything from flowers to herbs to vegetables in container deck gardens, and the more you get into it the more you’ll realize you can take this style of gardening as far you like. Follow your imagination and innovate and you will be amazed at the abundance of plants grown in containers, and where better to display them than on a deck garden?

I’m lucky in that I have a large back yard and I have a flower garden, a herb garden and a vegetable garden. Plus, lots of containers on my back deck too. Guess where I spend most of my time and gain most enjoyment? Yes, on my back deck, attending my container grown collection.

I love the little bonsai trees, and I recommend you try the technique. Rosemary, scented geraniums, the thymes, and many other easily grown herbs are ideal for bonsai growing in containers. Again, we say be innovative in your technique, but read up on the requirements for each plant, an take advice on choosing the appropriate herbs for the kinds of bonsai you wish to create.

Don’t worry if your plants suffer attach or infection, just set about finding a cure. It happens to the best gardeners at times. Garden centers carry a full array of top quality insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and repellents that control virtually all major garden disease problems, so don’t be put off if your plants do suffer from infection. Wetting agents and polymers can be useful, and can be non-toxic, safe and economical to use.

In addition to standard hanging baskets there are attractive, brightly painted clay pots and French bucket planters made to hang on decking and lattice, which will add interest to your container garden and by raising them above the deck, take up very little space. How ever you are planting your patio or deck, do remember to vary the heights of your plantings, even if just to break up the line for interest.

A pleasantly decorated living room pleasing to the eye depends on drawing the eye to various levels: to floor level and attractive floor coverings or shiny, glowing wood floors, to a bright, well lit ceiling

Elegant and functional, fiberglass planters are a great choice, make a point of looking for them to use as garden planters particularly for rooftop, balcony, container gardening where if areas prone to frost clay pots may tend to crack due to freezing and expansion if the pore water in clay fired pots. Large commercial planter, tree planters and large fiberglass planters have become a favorite in landscape design, so why not also use them on your decking. Use large containers grouped in layers with plantings that incorporate height, texture and color. All the elements you would work with in a normal garden.

The advantages of side planting are many. In a matter of weeks, instead of months, you get lush, fully covered containers and impressive floral displays.

Even a vine will grow in a good sized container, select the soil medium carefully though. I had one that grew so rapidly in a container that it had a tendency to double back on itself and use itself as a support (it will climb itself). The result was a tangled looking plant unless I trained it. Having become entagled upon itself last year I cut it back. It took no more than a couple of weeks to see good new top growth, and it soon grew to the newly erected supports I made up for it.

Herbs work very well in container deck gardens, as long as there are plenty of flowers as well. The smell is so close when you site on the decking beside them that you will gain the best effect from their wonderful smells.

Recent studies in France have confirmed that the scent of certain herbs does have a physical effect on brain chemistry. Rosemary gives mental energy and enhances thought retention.

Why not use Caladium? Caladium grows 12-24” tall and 12” wide and makes a good container plant because caladiums need well-drained soil. Caladium plants are tropical bulbs grown for their beautiful foliage and come in many pattern designs in green, white, and red.

Most plants you will choose start blooming in early summer and produce an abundance of flowers for months and months. These varieties with fully double flowers are very effective in the front of borders. The easy-to-grow plants will provide abundant color from their containers, and will also add a nice fragrance.

I have at times have also planed some edible nasturtiums in among the anise-hyssop, allowing them to spill over the sides, thus adding some lovely color to the sitting area on my back deck.

So there you have it. My ideas for growing everything from flowers to herbs to vegetables in container gardens.

There is always something you can do in a container deck garden even when it is too wet to venture on to the lawn, and being directly to the back of the house the decking needs almost no walking to get to it. As we commented earlier, the more you get into container deck gardening the more you will realize the joys it provide. You don’t need much space to create one, and once you start you will soon realize as I did, that you can take this style of gardening as far you like.