Container Gardening

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Indoor Container Gardening
2008-01-14 19:53:00
2008 is under way and in the Okanagan we’re enjoying everything about January — the snow, the crisp air, as well as the new beginnings that this time of year signals. At this time of year, our gardening is focused on indoor plants. Caring for houseplants makes for a great hobby during the long winter months. Many gardeners refuse to twiddle their green thumbs when winter keeps them indoors. Along with keeping gardeners busy, indoor plants brighten the home by providing a cheerful sight for those grey and dreary winter days. Indoor plants are also an important part of decor in our homes and offices. There is nothing more lovely and cheery than a room filled with beautiful green plants. A more important reason plants are being brought indoors today, are to do with health. We spend a lot of our time indoors and we don’t get enough “fresh air”. We all breath in air taking in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide and with living in airtight houses, esp...
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Christmas Plant
2007-12-11 04:15:00
Only a few more weeks till Christmas and most of you will be busy shopping and buying a poinsettia. If you have the room cluster some pots together to make it look like a small garden. Some Poinsettia Facts ~ Poinsettias are native to Mexico. ~ The showy coloured parts of poinsettias that most people think are the flowers are actually coloured bracts (modified leaves). ~ Poinsettias are part of the Euphorbiaceae family. Many plants in this family ooze a milky sap. Some people may have skin irritation from the milky sap. ~ Poinsettias are not poisonous. ~ Poinsettias were introduced into the United States in 1825 by Joel Poinsettia. Selecting A Poinsettia ~ Choose a plant with dark green foliage down to the soil line. Choose bracts (modified leaves) that are completely coloured. ~ Do not purchase poinsettias with a lot of green around the bract edges. Do not choose plants with fallen or yellowed leaves. ~ Do not purchase plants that are displayed in paper or plastic sleeves. Plant s ...

Tools
2007-11-28 06:24:00
We received the first snowfall and it is time to take out the snow shovel. I would rather be gardening but instead I am putting the garden tools in the shed, draining the water from the garden hoses and coiling them up. Gather up and clean your spade, hoe, rake and don’t forget the little ones such as pruners, scissors and trowels and store them in a dry place. Gather all the solar lights, remove the batteries, and store them in a place where they don’t freeze. This is the time to get your tools, especially your mower, ready for the next season. With a little maintenance now of your gardening tools you’ll be ready to go to work next year when spring fever strikes. Also, take a look around for the tools you do not have and put them on you Christmas wish list. What are your favourite tools in the garden and cannot do without? Let us know. “Don’t count the days, make the days count” Lori
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Leaves
2007-11-12 17:57:00
Had enough of raking leaves? Raking leaves is a big part of autumn gardening. In my yard, the maple and cherry trees are bare now. With the windy weather the elms are finally losing their leaves and the yard is scattered with them. These leaves will be saved for the compost heap. The best tool for the job of cleaning up leaves is a fan type rake made from good quality plastic. Next, pay attention to how you’re raking. Many of us tend to reach out too far causing us to over stretch our shoulders. Try moving your feet instead. Rake in an upright position, with one foot in front of the other to avoid back injury. It’s also important to switch from left to right instead of favouring your dominant hand. So, remember to keep things balanced with regular switching. Lori
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Fall cleanup
2007-10-27 21:17:00
On this cold and frosty morning in the Okanagan, I am writing my first blog and I hope you will join me in this venture. If you have any questions, with the help of fellow gardeners out there, we should be able to provide you with answers. As the fall progresses we put more of our plants to bed for the winter. Gardeners know that one of the tricks to successful gardening is a good thorough fall cleanup. You can make the basic cleanup chores happen gradually and naturally by giving your garden the once-over every week. As you spot plants that have stopped blooming or are killed by the cold, pull them up. This saves your poor aching back the huge effort later, and keeps your garden looking presentable. Doing bits of work as you spot a problem also provides you with the opportunity to see where you need some fall interest and to get any transplanting done as you clear the areas. Plant spring bulbs and lilies, garlic and spinach before the ground freezes. Planting the s...
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How to Build Your Own Greenhouse
2007-10-06 12:08:00
Building you own greenhouse is an ideal way to have the greenhouse of your dreams. When you build your own greenhouse you can design the greenhouse to your own specification meaning you can make the greenhouse the exact size and shape that you require. A greenhouse is an ideal growing location for most plants including vegetable, flowers and orchids. Greenhouse s provide extra humidity and sunlight which these plants require to thrive. A greenhouse can also be a retreat from the cold weather outdoors, you can sow and plant seeds in the worst weather and still come out dry and warm. There are a range of supplies and materials that can be bought that will help you with the building of a greenhouse. These are generally cheap so you can still build your own greenhouse if you only have the smallest budget. The size is of course on of the main things that will affect how much it will cost to make your greenhouse. Remember, the larger the greenhouse the more plants you can grow. Below I hav...
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Start Small In Containers
2007-10-01 10:34:00
When starting gardening it is common for people to think big and bit off more than they can chew. A large vegetable garden growing everything from tomatoes to sweet corn will be a lot of work, something that may be difficult if you’re just starting out. That’s why I recommend that you first start growing in containers and slowly expand your garden as you need to. Container gardening can be so beneficial and also gives you a step up on the ladder to success. If you start with a few pots growing your favorite vegetables and then slowly adding more containers of plants as you begin to feel more confident. Then once you have some experience and confidence you can start outside. Start small and slowly build up to your perfect garden.
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Container Gardening eBook Launched!!
2007-09-27 23:48:00
Hi Readers, After a long time writing I have finally completed my eBook. Wow, it’s been hard but it will be worth it, I love helping others succeed. So, I have a very special offer for you today! Get the eBook from the special link below and get it for only $7, yes $7!! This page tells you everything you need to know so check it out now!! http://www.Container -Garden.net/Offer.htm Remember, the offer is only for 24 hours, after that you will have to wait for the official launch and pay full price. I would love to hear your thoughts to.
More About: Gardening , Ebook , Launched , Arden

Growing Peas In Containers
2007-09-23 19:31:00
Peas are a great crop to grow in containers but not many people recommend you grow them in containers, I think this is because they take up large amounts of space in the garden.   There is a variety of peas called Burpee’s Peas ‘n-a-Pot and these are low growing so can be grown in containers. These seeds are available from a number of seed companies including Burpee.com.   I highly recommend you try growing these peas in your container garden next year!
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Choosing the Right Container for your Garden
2007-09-18 21:56:00
When designing your container garden, the most important part is – you guessed it- the container! Choosing the right type of container will allow your plants to grow and thrive. The wrong type of container could be harmful, so follow these guidelines when choosing for your garden.   You need a sturdy container with drainage holes. Cheap plastic pots can be effective, but will not withstand the weather for multiple seasons. Terra cotta pots are very difficult to keep moist enough, as the water is absorbed by the clay and then evaporates. The best type of pot is a glazed ceramic pot, with multiple drainage holes. Found containers can also be an interesting addition to your garden. I’ve seen planters made from shoes, tires, even an old bathtub! You’re truly only limited by your imagination.   Pots are not the only option, however. If you are handy, you may be able to build wooden containers that are perfect for your needs. I once built a modular garden on the sidewalk...
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Container Gardening For Beginners
2007-09-16 12:06:00
If you are a beginning gardener, container gardening may be the perfect option for you. It is easy to learn, and easy to maintain. You can grow a container garden anywhere you have extra space, and each pot can be cared for individually.   When starting your container garden, choose containers that have drainage holes in the bottom. This allows water to drain, and keeps your plants happy and healthy. Choose a good potting mix, and fill your container. Find a sunny location for your plants to enjoy, and begin planting your garden. Keep in mind that the plants in your container garden will need fertilizing weekly to monthly, to ensure that they have nutrients necessary for growth.   There are many excellent plants to choose from when growing a container garden. Bush varieties of vegetables work especially well, as they are designed for small spaces. Vines can grow well, if you add a trellis for them to climb. I’ve even seen tomato plants growing in containers upside down, ...
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Growing Herbs In Containers
2007-09-14 18:28:00
Gardening is a simple activity that can bring so much joy to enthusiasts. It gives people the opportunity to nurture life. Gardening also has so many benefits including creating a light ambiance around the house, filtering the air, and having fruits and vegetables to harvest. Many people think that to be able to engage in such a hobby, they need a big yard to grow vegetables in. This is not the case. You can create a wonderful garden in whatever little patch of land you have around your home. If you live in an apartment building, you can even create a small garden in your terrace and even put small potted plots on your window sill. If you are new to gardening, you can start by growing herbs in plastic containers. This should give you some experience in gardening. You can also use the herbs you will grow as accents for your home or as ingredients of a great recipe. Using containers for your gardening will also help you move your plants around the house when the weather calls for it. ...
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Designing a Container Garden
2007-08-31 00:05:00
In a sense, all gardens are container gardens. Just some containers are bigger than others. We can start by learning a little bit about ecology. A container garden is a mini ecosystem. To make a container garden work, you have to pick plants that “get along together.” This may be a new concept to some people, but just think about it for a minute. Not all plants need the same amount of water, or sunlight or even the same nutrients in the soil. It is a beautiful rule of nature, perhaps just like all fingers of a human are not equal. Let us now ponder upon few important facts of a container garden.   As long as you remember that container gardens are plant communities, and you make sure that your plants have common interests in how much sun they get, and how much water they get, you can have a successful container garden. The very way that we human need food and water for a living, keeping in mind that plants are living species, therefore for a successful making of a c...
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Container Gardening Newsletter
2007-08-27 23:17:00
You may have noticed that to the top right of the screen that there is a box where you can sign up to my container gardening newsletter. Over the next few months I will be sending out some very special newsletters for people that are signed up to my gardening newsletter.   So if you are interested in container gardening please enter both your first name and email in the boxes at the top of the page to get my fanatic newsletter sent directly to your email inbox.   P.S – I will soon be launching my book on container gardening, by signing up to my newsletter you will get a fantastic discount once launched.
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Lawn Problems - Readers Question
2007-08-26 01:19:00
This is a reply to a comment posted by JD on an earlier post. JD said that “Grubs are wearing my lawn out” and asked for my thoughts. So here goes JD, specially for you.   Beatle grubs often make the best looking lawns look terrible, full of yellow spots, not what you want for your lawn, eh?   You can treat your lawn with Nematodes (you can find more information on this by doing a Google search) which should be applied to affected areas early morning using a watering can or pump sprayer. The Nematodes will kill the grubs that are killing your lawn.   Good Luck JD!!
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Container Gardening – Reason #1
2007-08-25 11:22:00
I thought it would be good if I was to post a few of the main reasons why people garden and grow their own in containers. So over the next few weeks I am going to post 10 reasons people garden in containers.   The main reason that people decide to grow their own in containers is that they don’t have a large garden or plot to grow their own in. Most people who live in big cities only have very small gardens that are not suitable for having a garden but would be suitable for a few containers.   Container s, hanging baskets and raised beds are ideal for people with small gardens or yards and allow them to grow the vegetables they have always dreamed of.
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Container Garden Car?
2007-08-23 23:36:00
  This is a bizarre piece of street art where a whole container garden is being grown from inside of a car. The car is protesting about car parking, “More parks less parking” can be found written on the car.   Recycling on a large scale? It’s fun aswell don’t forget with some cracking art work.   This certainly brings a whole new concept to the words Container Growing!!
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Container Gardening On Squidoo
2007-08-21 23:58:00
Yesterday I took some time out to make a Squidoo lens. Squidoo is something that is pretty new to me so I enjoyed taking the time out to play with a new cool   Check the lens out, I would love to here your thoughts and suggestions.   http://www.Squidoo.com/Container _Vegetabl e_Garde ning /   And while you are there feel free to give the lens a 5 star rating!
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Container Gardening Ideas
2007-08-20 23:51:00
Do you long to be able to grow your own fresh vegetables but don’t believe that you can because you do not have a big garden? Freshly harvested vegetables taste fabulous and they are so easy to grow.   Anyone can grow them - even if you only have a window box you can grow cut and come again salad leaves, radishes, salad onions and if you have room for a hanging basket then you can grow tumbling tomatoes to go with your salad!   If you are growing vegetables on your patio then any container or pot will do as long as it is 10 inches in diameter and approximately 12 inches deep. Plastic pots are better than terracotta as the compost doesn’t dry out as fast but all containers must have drainage holes. There is no need to buy new pots - recycle wherever you can.   The list of vegetables you can successfully grow in containers is endless. Potatoes in buckets, will give you a harvest of lovely new potatoes! Courgettes and squashes can be left to scramble across ...
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Types Of Tomatoes
2007-08-19 16:44:00
There are two main types of tomato. Many get confused about these so I thought I should quickly talk about each of the types of tomato here.   Cordon – These are the varieties that are grown on a simple stem. They need to be trimmed and supported throughout the growing season. With these varieties you should only allow four trusses to set. There are many varieties available varying in colour, size and shape.   Bush – These varieties are mainly outdoor varieties, these make growing tomatoes outdoors so much easier. As the name suggests they grow as a small bush which grows to only 1ft high. The major advantages are that the plant does not need supporting and trimming. However as the plants are low growing it can cause the tomatoes to rot, lay hay or straw around the plants to prevent this.   Hope that helps
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Apple Tree Blight
2007-08-18 22:03:00
I think I have apple tree blight! I’m worried! Help!!   I have been growing apples for several years and last year they were fantastic, the best tasting apples I have ever had. However this year one of my trees leaves have all gone slightly brown and this is rapidly spreading over the entire tree. There are brown patches on the fruit and one of my friends who’s an allotment ‘oldie’ says that they have a serious case of blight.   This could be a problem!
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Getting an Allotment
2007-08-17 21:11:00
Contacting your local council is the first step that needs to be taken when getting an allotment. The council will be able to inform you of where the nearest allotment plots are located. If no plots are available upon your request, you have the option of putting your name on a waiting list. You will then be notified when a plot becomes available.   Privately owned plots are also available. A privately owned allotment is not protected from disposal. If the allotment that you end up renting happens to be closed, you will most likely receive a twelve month notice. This will allow you time to find a new allotment. When your allotment ends tenancy, you should also be reimbursed.   Since you will need to spend a lot of time at your allotment garden, pick a plot that fits your time schedule. You can pick a full plot or a half plot. A full plot is about three hundred square yards. For a beginner it might be wise to just rent a half plot until you have more experience. Only rent an allotme...
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Getting Children Gardening
2007-08-16 21:09:00
Getting children involved in gardening can be a tough task to tackle. The most important thing to remember is to keep gardening fun and exciting and fun for children. Hopefully my tips can help you get your children gardening.   Getting the entire family in the garden can be very rewarding. You get to spend quality time with your family, you accomplish work in the garden, and you improve your health by receiving fresh air and exercise. Younger children look up to Mum and Dad as their role models. Let your children help you work in the garden. Tell your children they are doing a good job in the garden and it will make them want to keep helping.   Another tip to getting children gardening is to turn gardening into a game or contest. A contest idea might be to see who can pick the most beans, or who can pull the most weeds. We are born with a competitive spirit so this technique should work. You could create a scarecrow making contest so everybody can make their own scarecrow. Make s...
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Snails in the Garden
2007-08-15 23:26:00
We all have snail problems. They are slimy, horrible and eat my precious vegetables! Snails can be hard to stop, however hard you try you always get one muching on your veggies.   Here are a few ways I stop them.   Upturn a flower pot, snails will soon find there way under them to get in the shade. Then it is up to you to ‘get rid’ of them however you wish.   Make beer traps and get ‘em drunk. The snails will become tipsy and fall in the beer and die. A great way to die!   Simply check for snails daily and again ‘get rid’ of them in anyway you want. You will find that you will be able to get rid of 60% of snails by just doing this   Slug pellets, I don’t like them and don’t use them but they do work. If you are having big problems with snails then you may decide to use them.   So how do I ‘get rid’ of the snails? I collect them and place them in a jar full of soapy water, it will kill them instantly. Another famous method of killing them which an old friend o...
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Planting Cucumbers
2007-08-14 23:26:00
On my daily read through all of my top forums I ran across a post from a man who was unsure about how to plant cucumbers so I thought I would post here about it.   Cucumbers should be sown under glass as they can be a little temperamental. The seeds should be sowed March – April. Place the seeds on there side in 3 inch pots ¾ filled with quality compost, topping the pot up with compost.   Plant the Cucumbers in larger containers, the greenhouse boarder or in containers in late March. Plant one per pot or two per regular growbag.   If planting the cucumbers outdoors things need to be done a little differently. Before planting the small plants outdoors they need to be hardened off, this is a process in which the plants are placed out doors for longer amounts of time daily until they become used to the colder outdoor temperatures. Plant the cucumbers outdoors in late May or early June once the risk of frost has passed.   Once planted outdoors you should keep the plants well wate...
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The Elite Gardeners
2007-08-13 23:21:00
I mentioned this yesterday….   There are a new breed of gardeners in town, different to every other gardener you have ever met. I call these gardeners Elite gardeners. Adapting to any situation that is thrown at them these elite gardeners tackle the situation directly.   These elite gardeners scavenge for information, search for clues and always find an answer. They read blogs, are active posters in forums and love a healthy debate.   Are you an elite gardener??
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Grow Tomatoes Year Round in a Greenhouse
2007-08-12 23:19:00
Is it possible to grow tomatoes year round in a greenhouse?   Realistically it isn’t, however it is possible to harvest tomatoes for 7 or more months of the year. By making several sowings indoors from November to May will extend the harvesting season massively. August – September is when regular gardeners harvest their tomatoes but I consider us Container and Greenhouse gardeners the elite gardeners.   Extending the season isn’t easy and nature can be a difficult thing to work with but there are ways you can extend the season easily. Making sowings in November in a heated greenhouse will mean that your plants should have green tomatoes on there before others have even begun sowing. Tomatoes grow best at 65F (18C) so you should make sure you greenhouse is constantly at that temperature.   The rest is simple, work, work, work!
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Harvesting Garlic
2007-08-11 22:51:00
As garlic reaches maturity, the leaves will soon begin to brown and die away. This is telling you that it is time to harvest your crop of garlic. If you harvest the garlic too early the cloves will be very small, harvest too late and the bulb will have split.   Proper handling of garlic after it’s been picked is almost as important as looking after it whilst it’s growing. It’s really is essential that garlic is dried properly, otherwise it will rot. The bulbs are often hung up in a cool, dry place. After a week or so, take them down and brush the dirt off gently - don’t wash the bulbs at this stage.   Then enjoy the delicious results of growing your own garlic in your own garden.
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Growing Garlic
2007-08-10 23:28:00
Garlic is part of a vegetable family called the allium family, this includes onions, shallots and leeks.   Garlic is growing from cloves, Once the plants are ready for harvesting each clove will produce a bulb which should contain a number of cloves (10-12 on average)   When planting garlic you should always choose a well drained variety which gets plenty of sun throughout the day. Cloves should be planted upright about 2.5 cm under the soils surface, plant the cloves 2 inches apart in rows which are around 18 inches apart.   Once the garlic cloves begin to grow you should keep the beds well watered and weed free. Regular checks for pests and disease should also be done.
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Buying Seeds
2007-08-10 00:54:00
When buying seeds of any type you should always make sure you buy seeds that are of a really high quality. Low quality seeds can effect germination as well as cause the plants that do grow to be weaker than they should be.   I buy my seeds from a number of places which means I get a good selection of different varieties to grow as well as a good price.   I personally use Dobies Seed s, Kings Seeds , Real Seeds, Unwins, Thompson and Morgan, and Suttons Seeds and all of them are great companies and a must when buying seeds.   Don’t get me wrong there are loads of seeds companies who sell great quality seeds but you should always check to see if they are a well known brand. The well known brands all sell great seeds or they wouldn’t sell there seeds! You should always just check the quality of the seeds before buying them.
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