Friday, April 14, 2006
Apartment vegetable gardening
It is not necessary to have a garden if you want vine-ripened tomatoes – or any kind of fresh produce for that matter.
Statistically, there are more renters on this Earth than there are homeowners. This article focuses on how renters can still have a garden even though they do not have a yard.
It is not necessary to have large, sprawling piece of land or any land, for that matter, to enjoy gardening. Container gardening is appropriate in nearly all cases including apartment gardening, balcony gardening, poor garden soil conditions on current properties, easy mobility during weather changes or when attempting to achieve an artistic statement. Whatever the reason, container gardening can be done anywhere.
Before getting started, it is necessary to first learn about the plant you are interested in growing and what conditions must be met. Remember, you can grow anything from a small succulent to a large tree if you have a handle on the various steps. Like anything else, there is an element of trial and error that can be worked through with patience and time.
As long as drainage holes are cut in the bottom, it is possible to grow a plant in just about any type of container. Some suggestions for containers include, but are not limited to small waste baskets, dish basins, fish tanks, the bottom half of plastic bottles, urns and hanging baskets. Other, more common containers are plastic pots, ceramic containers, window boxes, terra cotta pots and dish gardens. Should you choose to grow in a terra cotta pot, beware of over-drying. (Terra cotta is a very porous material.) Window boxes constructed from wood also need special care to prevent rotting from watering. A suggestion would be to line it with plastic or use several smaller containers inside.
When choosing a container, consider the plant’s needs and the plant’s size. It is important for the container’s size to be proportionate to the plant. If it is unbalanced, it will have a negative impact on the plant’s growing conditions. For example, a plant that is too big for the container could become root bound or topple over too easily. Transplant regularly dependant how quickly the plant grows, only to containers slightly larger than the one you removing it from.
Because these plants are not growing in the ground and, in many cases, indoors, fertilization should occur more often as should watering. A good method to practice is to add a liquid fertilizer to your watering can during every other watering. It is also necessary to control pests (though less common indoors), be weary of disease and practice self-pollination because there are no bees indoors.
There are several self-watering containers available in today’s market ranging in price from $12.99 to $39.99 depending on size and quality. These are a favorite among those who love to container garden, but don’t have the time to keep up with the rituals involved. They are also common for those who grow in terra cotta in an effort to keep the hydration in balance.
It is not recommended to use containers with narrow openings because you are unlikely to have a successful transplanting process. It is also not recommended that garden soil be used in container gardens because it is too heavy and difficult to aerate. Instead, a favorite potting soil or “soil-less” potting mix. Either choice is a good one and is reported as having successful growing results.
A couple of tips to remember is to use a lighter container in warmer climates and keep plants in direct sunlight for five or more hours per day. A lighter container will keep the sun’s heat balanced around the plant and help to prevent over-drying. Keeping the plant in direct sunlight for this length of time or longer, if possible, helps the plant stay healthy and flourish.
When growing fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers or carrots, use containers starting from fifteen quart capacities and work your way up. Leave room between the top of the pot and the top of the soil for future mulching. If you are unsure how many plants to place in each container, it is advised to refer to the back of the seed packet or a popular gardening guide for the proper plant to pot ratios.
Indoor gardens are increasingly popular as it can be done year round. Everything from windowsill herb gardens to foyer container groupings can be successfully established if you do not neglect the plant’s needs and stay aware of the environmental changes. Do not be surprised if you are constantly moving your gardens from room to room or placing them in front of different windows throughout the day to receive the best possible sunlight.
Feng Shui is also incorporated with container gardening on many levels. The art and practice of Feng Shui utilizes plant groups within specific areas, or troubles zones, of the living or working habit. This is not only common place for interior designers and decorators, but also for those looking to achieve peace, harmony and balanced relationships on their own.
Helpful Guides and Resources:
• Potted Gardens: A Fresh Approach to Container Gardening, Rebecca Cole
• The Practical Guide to Container Gardening, Berry and Bradley
• The Container Garden, Tarling
• Container Gardening Through the Year, Hillier
• The Book of Container Gardening, Malcom Hillier,Matthew Ward (Photographer)
Statistically, there are more renters on this Earth than there are homeowners. This article focuses on how renters can still have a garden even though they do not have a yard.
It is not necessary to have large, sprawling piece of land or any land, for that matter, to enjoy gardening. Container gardening is appropriate in nearly all cases including apartment gardening, balcony gardening, poor garden soil conditions on current properties, easy mobility during weather changes or when attempting to achieve an artistic statement. Whatever the reason, container gardening can be done anywhere.
Before getting started, it is necessary to first learn about the plant you are interested in growing and what conditions must be met. Remember, you can grow anything from a small succulent to a large tree if you have a handle on the various steps. Like anything else, there is an element of trial and error that can be worked through with patience and time.
As long as drainage holes are cut in the bottom, it is possible to grow a plant in just about any type of container. Some suggestions for containers include, but are not limited to small waste baskets, dish basins, fish tanks, the bottom half of plastic bottles, urns and hanging baskets. Other, more common containers are plastic pots, ceramic containers, window boxes, terra cotta pots and dish gardens. Should you choose to grow in a terra cotta pot, beware of over-drying. (Terra cotta is a very porous material.) Window boxes constructed from wood also need special care to prevent rotting from watering. A suggestion would be to line it with plastic or use several smaller containers inside.
When choosing a container, consider the plant’s needs and the plant’s size. It is important for the container’s size to be proportionate to the plant. If it is unbalanced, it will have a negative impact on the plant’s growing conditions. For example, a plant that is too big for the container could become root bound or topple over too easily. Transplant regularly dependant how quickly the plant grows, only to containers slightly larger than the one you removing it from.
Because these plants are not growing in the ground and, in many cases, indoors, fertilization should occur more often as should watering. A good method to practice is to add a liquid fertilizer to your watering can during every other watering. It is also necessary to control pests (though less common indoors), be weary of disease and practice self-pollination because there are no bees indoors.
There are several self-watering containers available in today’s market ranging in price from $12.99 to $39.99 depending on size and quality. These are a favorite among those who love to container garden, but don’t have the time to keep up with the rituals involved. They are also common for those who grow in terra cotta in an effort to keep the hydration in balance.
It is not recommended to use containers with narrow openings because you are unlikely to have a successful transplanting process. It is also not recommended that garden soil be used in container gardens because it is too heavy and difficult to aerate. Instead, a favorite potting soil or “soil-less” potting mix. Either choice is a good one and is reported as having successful growing results.
A couple of tips to remember is to use a lighter container in warmer climates and keep plants in direct sunlight for five or more hours per day. A lighter container will keep the sun’s heat balanced around the plant and help to prevent over-drying. Keeping the plant in direct sunlight for this length of time or longer, if possible, helps the plant stay healthy and flourish.
When growing fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers or carrots, use containers starting from fifteen quart capacities and work your way up. Leave room between the top of the pot and the top of the soil for future mulching. If you are unsure how many plants to place in each container, it is advised to refer to the back of the seed packet or a popular gardening guide for the proper plant to pot ratios.
Indoor gardens are increasingly popular as it can be done year round. Everything from windowsill herb gardens to foyer container groupings can be successfully established if you do not neglect the plant’s needs and stay aware of the environmental changes. Do not be surprised if you are constantly moving your gardens from room to room or placing them in front of different windows throughout the day to receive the best possible sunlight.
Feng Shui is also incorporated with container gardening on many levels. The art and practice of Feng Shui utilizes plant groups within specific areas, or troubles zones, of the living or working habit. This is not only common place for interior designers and decorators, but also for those looking to achieve peace, harmony and balanced relationships on their own.
Helpful Guides and Resources:
• Potted Gardens: A Fresh Approach to Container Gardening, Rebecca Cole
• The Practical Guide to Container Gardening, Berry and Bradley
• The Container Garden, Tarling
• Container Gardening Through the Year, Hillier
• The Book of Container Gardening, Malcom Hillier,Matthew Ward (Photographer)
Indoor vegetable gardening
Indoor vegetable gardening is fast, fun, and rewarding. Learn how to prepare containers and soil for a beautiful and inexpensive indoor garden.
Growing plants indoors is especially fun and rewarding. When you are able to eat delicious vegetables from your plants it is even more exciting. Indoor gardening is a wonderful tool for those who have very little space and for those who are unable to bend. Indoor gardeners also love the fact that there is very little weed problem, no hot sun shining down on them, and it is so much easier to have good soil without covering a large area.
Indoor vegetables can be grown easily in any pot or container. Plastic is less expensive usually, but anything will work. Plastic gets hotter than ceramic containers. Ceramic containers seem to be the favorite among indoor gardeners. The most important part of the container is making sure that there is drainage in the bottom. If you are using plastic or metal containers, using an ice pick or another sharp object easily makes holes.
Different gardeners will tell you different ingredients to prepare the best soil. The soil should be lightweight and drain well. A mix that works well is and equal amount by volume of silica, sand, perlite and forest mulch. There is another favorite of equal parts of sharp coarse sand, native soil and compost or peat moss. If your vegetables are growing in hanging containers, you will need a light mix of equal parts of perlite, black peat moss and vermiculite. All nurseries also have premixed mixers, but you will pay a little more for these.
Getting the containers ready for planting is easy. After you have established the fact that there is adequate drainage, add the mixed soil. The soil should be lightly packed. If the soil is packed too tightly, there will be problems with root development, drainage and aeration. When you fill the container with soil, make sure there is between one and two inches of space at the top for watering.
It is best to stick with the same basic schedule for indoor gardening as you do with outdoor gardening for when to plant which vegetables. You can start vegetables from seed much easier indoors because you don’t have to wait for certain weather conditions. As the seeds sprout, make sure that you thin them. One squash or broccoli seed will make a very large plant. Starting your indoor gardens from nursery purchased plants is fun because you have instant beauty in your containers.
Cherry tomatoes are especially fun. They will continue to grow for a very long time as you continue to pick off the little tomatoes. They are very pretty. They can be grown with or without stakes to hold them up, depending on your preference.
Herbs are another favorite for indoor gardeners. They are perfect for container gardening. Many of them are very attractive and will spill over the containers. Most also have a very fragrant odor. Mint, rosemary, chives and cilantro grow best in the cooler months. They can be grown from cuttings, seed or transplants.
Plant stands are an excellent way to show off your indoor gardens. They come in many varieties so let your imagination run wild. Plant stands can be easily made with bricks and any boards. Window sills, ladders, ledges, shelves, tables, and just about anything, can be used to make a beautiful indoor garden.
Garage sales are a perfect way to purchase inexpensive plant containers. If you decide to paint your containers, make sure that you only paint the outside. Painting the inside could contaminate the soil and give you all kinds of growing problems. If you are using spray paint, make sure that you cover the top of your container while painting. Sponge painting is an excellent way to decorate your containers. Take any sponge one half to one inch thick, cut into any shape, dampen the sponge and dip lightly into any ceramic coat paint. Most people use too much paint in sponge painting . Sponge a couple of times onto another surface first before sponging your containers. Your indoor garden becomes a bright, lovely area with a little paint.
The only downside that is usually found in indoor gardening is the watering. Plants grown in containers need more care and more attention than plants grown outside. Outside you can use timers and irrigate with drip systems. Indoor gardeners need to water by hand and more frequently because plants dry out faster in containers. If you are patio gardening, this is especially important. Sometimes new, small plants have to be watered more than once a day.
Enjoy your indoor gardening. It’s fun, inexpensive and rewarding.
Growing plants indoors is especially fun and rewarding. When you are able to eat delicious vegetables from your plants it is even more exciting. Indoor gardening is a wonderful tool for those who have very little space and for those who are unable to bend. Indoor gardeners also love the fact that there is very little weed problem, no hot sun shining down on them, and it is so much easier to have good soil without covering a large area.
Indoor vegetables can be grown easily in any pot or container. Plastic is less expensive usually, but anything will work. Plastic gets hotter than ceramic containers. Ceramic containers seem to be the favorite among indoor gardeners. The most important part of the container is making sure that there is drainage in the bottom. If you are using plastic or metal containers, using an ice pick or another sharp object easily makes holes.
Different gardeners will tell you different ingredients to prepare the best soil. The soil should be lightweight and drain well. A mix that works well is and equal amount by volume of silica, sand, perlite and forest mulch. There is another favorite of equal parts of sharp coarse sand, native soil and compost or peat moss. If your vegetables are growing in hanging containers, you will need a light mix of equal parts of perlite, black peat moss and vermiculite. All nurseries also have premixed mixers, but you will pay a little more for these.
Getting the containers ready for planting is easy. After you have established the fact that there is adequate drainage, add the mixed soil. The soil should be lightly packed. If the soil is packed too tightly, there will be problems with root development, drainage and aeration. When you fill the container with soil, make sure there is between one and two inches of space at the top for watering.
It is best to stick with the same basic schedule for indoor gardening as you do with outdoor gardening for when to plant which vegetables. You can start vegetables from seed much easier indoors because you don’t have to wait for certain weather conditions. As the seeds sprout, make sure that you thin them. One squash or broccoli seed will make a very large plant. Starting your indoor gardens from nursery purchased plants is fun because you have instant beauty in your containers.
Cherry tomatoes are especially fun. They will continue to grow for a very long time as you continue to pick off the little tomatoes. They are very pretty. They can be grown with or without stakes to hold them up, depending on your preference.
Herbs are another favorite for indoor gardeners. They are perfect for container gardening. Many of them are very attractive and will spill over the containers. Most also have a very fragrant odor. Mint, rosemary, chives and cilantro grow best in the cooler months. They can be grown from cuttings, seed or transplants.
Plant stands are an excellent way to show off your indoor gardens. They come in many varieties so let your imagination run wild. Plant stands can be easily made with bricks and any boards. Window sills, ladders, ledges, shelves, tables, and just about anything, can be used to make a beautiful indoor garden.
Garage sales are a perfect way to purchase inexpensive plant containers. If you decide to paint your containers, make sure that you only paint the outside. Painting the inside could contaminate the soil and give you all kinds of growing problems. If you are using spray paint, make sure that you cover the top of your container while painting. Sponge painting is an excellent way to decorate your containers. Take any sponge one half to one inch thick, cut into any shape, dampen the sponge and dip lightly into any ceramic coat paint. Most people use too much paint in sponge painting . Sponge a couple of times onto another surface first before sponging your containers. Your indoor garden becomes a bright, lovely area with a little paint.
The only downside that is usually found in indoor gardening is the watering. Plants grown in containers need more care and more attention than plants grown outside. Outside you can use timers and irrigate with drip systems. Indoor gardeners need to water by hand and more frequently because plants dry out faster in containers. If you are patio gardening, this is especially important. Sometimes new, small plants have to be watered more than once a day.
Enjoy your indoor gardening. It’s fun, inexpensive and rewarding.
Growing your own indoor herb garden
Tips on containers, location, herbs and transplanting will help you make your indoor herb garden come alive!
Do you love the taste of fresh herbs in your home-cooked meals? Wouldn’t it be great to have those herbs within easy reach whenever you need them? Even if you have no gardening skills whatsoever, growing herbs in your home or apartment is a simple, enjoyable project, even for those with the blackest of thumbs. With a good container, sunlight, water and your loving care, you’ll be serving up dishes accented with fresh, home-grown herbs on a regular basis!
Containers can be terra cotta, plastic, or metal, and must have adequate drainage at the bottom. The shapes range from round to rectangular, so use whatever will work for your space. Starting out, you may want to stick with three or four selected herbs, so the container must be able to hold the herbs at maturity, and provide enough space for the roots to “breathe”. Decide how many herbs you want to grow, select an area of your home that will provide the plants with some sunlight, and use these factors to determine what size container you will need. A 13-15” container will hold up to four herbs and allow ample room for growth and survival.
You may choose to start your seedlings in smaller, separate containers and then transplant as they grow. There are several small containers available for less than a dollar, and even herb starter kits on the market. If you’ve never grown a plant before, you might like to use this method on your first attempt. Starter kits provide the seeds, containers and even potting soil disks that expand when water is added, making it easy for even the least-experienced gardener.
Now that you’ve decided on containers, it’s time to choose your favorite herbs. Several easy to grow, low maintenance herbs are available, so personal preference is the deciding factor. Try some simpler plants such as chives, basil, cilantro and parsley, or perhaps some oregano and rosemary. Growing periods can range from weeks to months, so patience is a necessity as you embark on your gardening adventure.
Now that you have your seeds, all you need is the potting soil, water and sunlight. There are myriad potting soils available on the market, ranging from simple dirt to the most complex recipes, complete with fertilizers and added nutrients. For storage purposes, it’s best to start out with a smaller bag, unless you’re going to be planting several pots full of herbs. Choose a simple blend that requires no mixing to keep stress at a minimum, and place enough soil in the pots to provide room for the roots to dig in, leaving a ¾ to 1” space at the top of the container, for growth and watering room.
If you’re going to start your seedlings in smaller containers, you can plant up to three in one container, however, you will need to transplant sooner, as the roots grow quickly and will become cramped and not have adequate breathing room. One of the easiest ways to plant the seed is to use a drinking straw. Push it into the soil, about ½”, remove the dirt and then send the seed right down the straw, and cover it up. Leave a 1 ½ to 2” space between each seed, add some water, and set the container in an area with some direct sunlight.
You might even choose to create a mini-greenhouse effect for your new plants. Insert a long straw or long match in the middle of the container. Measure enough clear plastic wrap to surround the circumference of the pot, wrap it around and secure it to the top of the straw with a small rubber band or some tape. This is useful in speeding up growth time, and will provide a bit of warmth, if the plants will be kept in the window sill, especially in winter months.
Once the seeds have grown to 1-2” tall, and get their second set of leaves, or true leaves, it’s time to transplant them to larger surroundings. This is a process which requires a gentle touch, as transplanting is very strenuous to herbs. Prepare the new container, by filling with soil, and creating a hole that will accommodate the transplant. In the old container, take a dull knife and gently run it around the outside of the dirt to loosen it, grasp the plant at soil level and turn the pot upside down, pulling very gently to release the plant from that container. If the roots are congested, loosen them a bit with your fingers, and then set the plant down into the hole in the new container. Press firmly into the new soil and cover with surrounding dirt. After all the plants have been moved, water the new container until soil is moist but not completely saturated. Keep in a warm area with ample sunlight, to help the plants adjust to their new home.
Allow the plants to grow, keeping them in good light, and water as necessary, when soil is dry to the touch. Once they’ve reached maturity, you can harvest leaves as needed for all your kitchen creations.
Do you love the taste of fresh herbs in your home-cooked meals? Wouldn’t it be great to have those herbs within easy reach whenever you need them? Even if you have no gardening skills whatsoever, growing herbs in your home or apartment is a simple, enjoyable project, even for those with the blackest of thumbs. With a good container, sunlight, water and your loving care, you’ll be serving up dishes accented with fresh, home-grown herbs on a regular basis!
Containers can be terra cotta, plastic, or metal, and must have adequate drainage at the bottom. The shapes range from round to rectangular, so use whatever will work for your space. Starting out, you may want to stick with three or four selected herbs, so the container must be able to hold the herbs at maturity, and provide enough space for the roots to “breathe”. Decide how many herbs you want to grow, select an area of your home that will provide the plants with some sunlight, and use these factors to determine what size container you will need. A 13-15” container will hold up to four herbs and allow ample room for growth and survival.
You may choose to start your seedlings in smaller, separate containers and then transplant as they grow. There are several small containers available for less than a dollar, and even herb starter kits on the market. If you’ve never grown a plant before, you might like to use this method on your first attempt. Starter kits provide the seeds, containers and even potting soil disks that expand when water is added, making it easy for even the least-experienced gardener.
Now that you’ve decided on containers, it’s time to choose your favorite herbs. Several easy to grow, low maintenance herbs are available, so personal preference is the deciding factor. Try some simpler plants such as chives, basil, cilantro and parsley, or perhaps some oregano and rosemary. Growing periods can range from weeks to months, so patience is a necessity as you embark on your gardening adventure.
Now that you have your seeds, all you need is the potting soil, water and sunlight. There are myriad potting soils available on the market, ranging from simple dirt to the most complex recipes, complete with fertilizers and added nutrients. For storage purposes, it’s best to start out with a smaller bag, unless you’re going to be planting several pots full of herbs. Choose a simple blend that requires no mixing to keep stress at a minimum, and place enough soil in the pots to provide room for the roots to dig in, leaving a ¾ to 1” space at the top of the container, for growth and watering room.
If you’re going to start your seedlings in smaller containers, you can plant up to three in one container, however, you will need to transplant sooner, as the roots grow quickly and will become cramped and not have adequate breathing room. One of the easiest ways to plant the seed is to use a drinking straw. Push it into the soil, about ½”, remove the dirt and then send the seed right down the straw, and cover it up. Leave a 1 ½ to 2” space between each seed, add some water, and set the container in an area with some direct sunlight.
You might even choose to create a mini-greenhouse effect for your new plants. Insert a long straw or long match in the middle of the container. Measure enough clear plastic wrap to surround the circumference of the pot, wrap it around and secure it to the top of the straw with a small rubber band or some tape. This is useful in speeding up growth time, and will provide a bit of warmth, if the plants will be kept in the window sill, especially in winter months.
Once the seeds have grown to 1-2” tall, and get their second set of leaves, or true leaves, it’s time to transplant them to larger surroundings. This is a process which requires a gentle touch, as transplanting is very strenuous to herbs. Prepare the new container, by filling with soil, and creating a hole that will accommodate the transplant. In the old container, take a dull knife and gently run it around the outside of the dirt to loosen it, grasp the plant at soil level and turn the pot upside down, pulling very gently to release the plant from that container. If the roots are congested, loosen them a bit with your fingers, and then set the plant down into the hole in the new container. Press firmly into the new soil and cover with surrounding dirt. After all the plants have been moved, water the new container until soil is moist but not completely saturated. Keep in a warm area with ample sunlight, to help the plants adjust to their new home.
Allow the plants to grow, keeping them in good light, and water as necessary, when soil is dry to the touch. Once they’ve reached maturity, you can harvest leaves as needed for all your kitchen creations.
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