HYDROPONICS GARDENING

Hydroponic Gardening Made Easy

2008-04-27T17:58:00.000-07:00

Hydroponic gardening has become popular over the last few years because of its many benefits. Some of these are the lack of insects inside the house, you can grow 24 hours a day, the temperature can be kept perfectly stable, they do not take a lot of space and you can even keep the CO2 levels right where ya want them.

Hydroponics gardening does not use any dirt when growing the plants but there are many ways of doing this. The most common of these systems is the ebb and flow system. This system fills up and drains a try that the plants are sitting in every few hours. This keeps the roots nice and wet. The water then drains into a reservoir under the plant try and there waits to be reused. This water has the perfect PH and amount of nutrients necessary for the plants that you are growing. The strong light, perfect atmosphere and a perfect nutrient mix creates a perfect plant. You can grow amazing veggies with hydroponics peppers really come out great.

Hydroponics doesn't have to be done inside. People have outdoor systems too. Many of these systems have buckets filled with lava rock, a reservoir with the perfect nutrient water mixture all connected to a timer that lets the water flow in and out of the plant trays ever hour or so. There are many options for the growing medium in a hydroponics system. People use things like gravel, lava rocks, even rock wool cubes.

The hardest part of growing hydroponics is keep the correct PH level in the water. Like a jacuzzi there is one thing to raise PH and one thing to lower it but you still need to keep an eye on it frequently. The most popular way to check the PH is use the paper strips that turn color after sticking them in the water. You then match the color to a chart to determine the level. Another popular way is to use the digital PH meter which is the one i recommend because it reads much more accurately.

The type of system people pick is usually a personal choice. The three main types are the ebb and flow, the drip system and the Aeroponic system. These use the same concept for the most part. The fertilizer you use is the most important choice if you plan on growing any edible plants. If you are planning on growing veggies or herbs using the hydro system make sure to ask questions so there is no chemicals or harmful ingredients in the mix. This is very important because some of the solutions are harmful for your health if they are consumed. The best bet for edible plats is to use some organic solution. They sell these at most hydro stores. The problem with these is the PH levels are much more unstable and require constant checking.

If this sounds like the thing for you then i suggest giving hydroponics gardening a chance because it can give you the very best plants.

Though there might be hundreds of Types of systems, Drip, Ebb and Flow, Water, Wick, Culutre, N.F.T Wick, Water Culture, Ebb and Flow, Drip, N.F.T., Aeroponic and more. There really are amny but these are the six basic types of these.

Simon Morris is a horticulture specialist with over 10 years experience in the field. For detailed information on Hydroponic gardening, click the link below: http://www.ourgardensource.com/Container-Gardening/Hydroponic-Gardening.php

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Morris

Starting Tomato Plants From Seed

2008-04-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

The tomato has come a long way since it was widely believed to be poisonous in England in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It is one of the most widely-eaten fruits in the world now, and is a fundamental part of the cuisine of many cultures. Because they're so popular and easy to grow, it's no wonder that tomatoes are one of the most common edible plants in American gardens. This is especially true in the era of organic gardening, as more and more Americans want to inexpensively feed their families more wholesome, home-grown tomatoes and vegetables. Many gardeners are hesitant about starting their tomatoes from seed, though, and I get emails almost every day asking me for vegetable seed starting tips. In hopes of dispelling some of this hesitance, I am going to briefly explain how to simply and dependably start great home-grown tomato plants from seed.

Choosing Your Tomato Seeds

The first step is to choose your seeds. Your first concern in choosing seeds should be what you'll be using the fruit for. For instance, if you want huge tomatoes for slicing onto a burger, you'll probably want to go with some sort of Beef Steak, such as 'Better Boy' or 'Park's Whopper' tomatoes. If, on the other side of the spectrum, you are looking for tomatoes to pop in a salad, you'll want to go with some sort of cherry tomato. Standard tomatoes are somewhere in between these extremes, and paste or plum tomatoes are generally used for canning or sauces.

Whatever type of tomato you choose, whether it's something hard-to-find (such as piccolo tomato seed), certified organic seeds, or just the standard tomato seeds to grow something similar to what you're used to buying in the supermarket, be sure that you buy your seeds from a reputable source. The price difference is next to nothing, and the germination rate and quality of the plants produced can vary quite a bit.

Starting Tomato Seeds

Once you've decided on your seeds, you'll probably want to start them indoors in the late winter. You can direct-sow tomato seeds in the spring, once the temperatures stay above 55 degrees at night, but you'll have stronger plants and a longer producing season if you start them earlier. To figure out the best time to start your seeds, find out from your local extension office, University, or garden clubs when the last expected frost date is for your area, and count back five to seven weeks. This should give your seeds plenty of time to germinate and grow strong seedlings ready to transplant.

It is best to sow your seeds in sterile starting mix rather than soil, as this will protect your plants from disease and competition while they're in their most tender stage. There are many good seed starting mixes available, as well as some great seed starting kits, such as Park's Bio Dome, with trays and protective domes that maximize germination, as well as individual cells for each seed, which makes transplanting much easier.

If using a seed starting kit, follow the sowing directions that come with the kit. Otherwise, combine your starting mix with warm water until it is thoroughly moist, but not wet or soggy. This may take a while, as the mix should be dry when you take it out of the package. Sow your seeds in your mix and cover lightly (about ¼ inch). If you're not starting your seeds in a tray with individual cells, keep in mind when spacing that you'll probably have to divide the seedlings when you transplant to individual containers later, so don't sow your tomato seeds too close together. For germination, place your seeds somewhere warm. Temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit are optimal. Keep the seeds moist, as dry seeds will not germinate. Your tomato seedlings should start to pop up in between five and ten days, and it will be time to move them into the light.

Thomas Andrews is a garden writer for the Park Seed Company. In a span of three generations, Park Seed Co. has grown from a one page list of seeds handed out to neighbors and friends to the largest family-owned direct-marketing horticulture company in the U.S. Park Seed offers gardeners, through its catalogs and corresponding web sites, thousands of choice seeds, plants, bulbs, and gardening aids.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Andrews

Everyday Bonsai Gardening

2008-04-27T17:52:00.001-07:00

Anyone - with or without a green thumb - can create beautiful and intricate works of art with the easy and inexpensive craft of bonsai. The art of bonsai has beginnings in the Orient, first with China as Penzai, then later adopted by the Japanese who gave the craft its more famous name of bonsai. While the name in Japanese actually means "potted plant", the term bonsai actually refers to the miniaturization of trees and plants in containers.

The most important aspect of bonsai is patience. You must wait for the chosen plants to grow, then meticulously groom them to the size and shape that is desired. Secondary is the choice of pots and plants. The pots chosen should be shallow, mainly very small to keep the roots from developing to the normal size of the plant chosen. Good drainage is important, with regular watering patterns built into the training of the plants. Tabletop pieces are ideal, but patio plants can be grown very effectively and the size and shape of the plants can be developed to fit a specific area for decorating. The pots themselves are also important for their beauty and decorating effects.

The plants that are chosen for bonsai are as varied as the plant kingdom itself. The natural attributes of the individual plants must be taken into account, with their growth patterns and habits established for the greatest effect. Both deciduous and evergreen plants can be used, and any variety of plant and tree that is easily accessible is a prime candidate for bonsai. Some prior knowledge of gardening and plants is beneficial, but not totally necessary to beautiful bonsai success.

Bonsai can be grown indoors or outdoors, depending on your personal preference. Either way they make an excellent conversation starter, and will impress even the most proficient gardener with the intricate and shaped plants you create. It only takes a little effort, a lot of patience, and a bit of practice to enjoy everyday bonsai gardening.

To get more information on this fun and easy craft, check out http://bonsaisecret.blogspot.com

Gardening is in my blood, and in my freezer! I'm going to start planning for this years harvests now, why don't you come along and do some yourself at http://thegardencenter.blogspot.com

And for more on tomatoes http://tomatosuccess.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rhonda_Cossey

FREE EBOOK - How To Become An Alpha Male

2008-03-17T04:57:00.000-07:00

Click Book For More Information

Greenhouse Misting Systems - Supercharge Greenhouse Growing with Ideal Temperature and Humidity

2008-03-03T20:24:00.000-08:00

Greenhouse misting systems and misting fans are powerful greenhouse cooling and humidification tools. They can play a big role in creating ideal growing conditions for greenhouse growing success.

We all know that climate and environment are the primary factors for growing success. Isn't that why we build greenhouses in the first place? Under ideal conditions and the careful attention of the grower, flowers and plants can reach their full, glorious potential. But just how do we create those perfect conditions for a greenhouse?

Greenhouses are designed to store heat from the sun during the day, creating a warmer temperature in the greenhouse when it is cool outside. But this can often work a little too well. When warmer temperatures develop outside the greenhouse, it can become too hot for plants inside. The results can be disastrous if not kept in check. Ventilation, air circulation, and shading are the first level of defense against heat. But often these are not enough. For sufficient greenhouse cooling, more powerful tools can become necessary.

Then there is the humidity factor. Ideal humidity should be between 50% and 70% for ideal growing conditions. When heat goes up, humidity levels drop. The already stressed plants face double trouble, and it can be a deadly combination.

Here are some tools you can use to protect plants in the greenhouse, and take greenhouse growing to "the next level!"

Greenhouse Misting Systems

Greenhouse misting systems bring dramatic cooling effects using the power of "evaporative cooling." The basic goal of greenhouse misting is to spray a micro-fine mist into the air. The mist is so fine, in fact, that the water droplets fully evaporate into the air. The chemical process of evaporation actually "uses" heat from the air, and makes the surrounding air a little cooler in the process. Spray hundreds of millions of these droplets into the greenhouse air, and you can see cooling of as much as 35 degrees in the space, almost instantly. Humidity levels go up in the process, so with greenhouse misting systems, the result is higher humidity, lower temperature, and happy, thriving plants!

Greenhouse Misting Fans

Misting Fans also use the power of evaporative cooling to do their magic. But they add the element of air circulation into the mix. Air circulation is important for avoiding those dreaded "hot spots" in the greenhouse. The more circulation, the more predictable growing conditions will be throughout the greenhouse. Fans are available up to 11,000 cfm (cubic feet per minute) in airflow, with misting nozzles on the face of the fan. So cooler air, higher humidity, and air circulation combine to improve 3 of the major factors in greenhouse growing. Oscillating misting fans stir the air even better if you can afford them.

Greenhouse Humidification Fans

Greenhouse humidification fans use centrifugal force to "whip" water through the face of a fan. These fans differ from the misting fans in that they provide less airflow. They are available at a much lower cost, though. They are also nice in that they are basically "self contained" units. You do need to attach a hose, but they can be hung and moved around as your needs change throughout the growing season. They are available in oscillating or non-oscillating versions, and in various sizes. For small to medium sized greenhouses, these are a good choice for those on a budget (And who isn't, right?)

The bottom line is this, if you have struggled to "beat the heat" in your growing space, consider any of these greenhouse cooling tools. You'll be amazed at the improvement in plant health, and have many more options in what you can grow as well.

Information provided by http://www.mistingpros.com - Your online outlet for quality misting systems and misting fans.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_P.

How Gardening Catalogs Can Help You Start Your Garden

2008-03-03T20:22:00.001-08:00

We've all seen them in the mailbox - those colorful gardening catalogs that have lush flowers on them. You might have even looked through one, but did you realize it can be a valuable resource for planning a garden even if you are just a beginner?

When I first started gardening I would be totally overwhelmed by these catalogs. There's so many different types of flowers and shrubs in them how do you know what to order? But then I realized that if planned out my new garden properly, the catalog could be an invaluable tool.

The first step in any new garden is to figure out where you are going to put it and how much room you have. The location in your yard will have a lot to do with the kinds of plants you can plant. Is it shady? Then you must stick to shade loving plants. Does it get 12 hours of blazing hot sun a day? Then you need to either provide some sort of partial shade for your plants or only buy those that love full sun.

Once you know the conditions of your garden, you can use this information, and some good gardening catalogs to help you pick the perfect plants.

Once you have your garden location picked out, you need to get a rough measurement so that you know how many plants to buy. In addition, you'll need an idea of how you want the garden to look. I like mine to be very lush and full of plants with hardly any bare spots, but I have seen others that have just a few plants strategically placed that look good too. It is really a matter of personal preference, and sometimes budget.

Now that you know how many plants you want to buy, you can go "shopping" in your catalog. Get a nice cup of tea, sit back and relax as you browse through the pages choosing the perfect perennials for your garden. You'll need to be sure to choose plants that will thrive in your zone as well as ones that are suited to the amount of sun your garden gets or you will surely be disappointed with the results.

You also want to take color into consideration. You don't have to stick to just one color in your garden, but plant to plant flowers whose colors compliment each other adjacent to each other.

Another key thing to think about is height. If you only use plants of the same height your garden will be boring! You want varying heights and you want to plant the taller ones in the back and the shortest ones in the front. That way you will get a good view of all your plants as you are standing and looking at your garden.

Perhaps the best thing about gardening catalogs is that they allow those of us who live in colder climates to dream about and plan our gardens during the winter time when it's not possible to go outside and play in the dirt. Choosing the right plants and having a good plan will help you get your garden going easily when spring comes!

If you want more tips on starting your garden including the key elements you need to know about when gardening, how to grow plants in containers and tips on growing herbs and vegetables sign up for my free gardening tips report at http://gardening-ez.com/gardeningtipsreport.php

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins

Main Types of Hydroponic Systems

2008-02-16T00:39:00.000-08:00

A few centuries ago, the only way you could grow a plant without a soilless base was to suspend it over a pool of water mixed with nutrients, that would act as the feeding grounds replacing the earth's diet. Nowadays, we have wick systems, ebb and flows, drips, aeroponics, the nutrient film technique and many more, which only shows how far in this field we have gone. And because the offer is often so varied, it's confusing for the newcomer hydroponic gardener. Picking the right hydroponic systems is a tough job, so here are a little tips to help you know the difference:

Wick Hydroponic Systems

The wick system operates under very simple parameters, in that it's passive, with no moving parts attached to it. A wick is used to draw nutrients from the reservoir and into the growth tray and it's a fully automated procedure that takes little effort from you.

Water Culture Hydroponic Systems

Like I said in the introduction, the water culture was the first type of system invented in hydroponics. It stands on fairly straightforward principles: a reservoir filled with nutrient solution, atop of which the gardener places a floating platform that can hold several planters (or cups, or something similar). The roots of the plant that you "install" will be drowned in the nutrient solution, with the rest of the plant being held by the planters.

Drip and Ebb and Flow Hydroponic Systems

Ebb and flow hydroponic systems can be found everywhere and together with their younger brother, the drip system, they make up the majority of hydroponic gardens in the World. Both types of systems work on basically the same principles: a growth tray is attached atop a nutrient container. Nutrients are flooded into the growth tray by a pump, they are absorbed by the plants and the excess solution that couldn't be absorbed is drained down into the nutrient container, recycling it for future use.

Nutrient Film Technique Hydroponic Systems

Another popular hydroponic system, the NFT uses a constant flow of nutrients to wash out the plants' roots, feeding them in the process. Because this system uses no growth media for the roots, it allows for better oxygenation and it has low maintenance costs in the long run. Just like the ebb and flow or drip systems, the nutrient film technique floods the growth tray (where the plants' roots are dangling in) then drains the excess back to the reservoir. Like with the above mentioned hydroponic systems, this kind of nutrient recycling is a great way to save nutrients, but unfortunately it also creates pH instability in the reservoir, which leads to more complicated problems later on.

Aeroponic Systems

Although not hydroponic systems per se, aeroponics use some of the basic principles in water-based soilless plant growth, but use air vapors instead. Plants are usually suspended on top of a reservoir in aeroponic systems, with the container being tightly sealed. A mechanism creates vapors out of nutrient solution and sprays the result in the reservoir, engulfing the dangling plant roots. This helps them acquire nutrients faster but also allows for some great oxygenation capabilities, which cause your plant to grow heavily.

For more information visit Hydroponics for beginners and intermediates

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicu_Zara

Indoor Lemon Trees And Other Container Fruit Trees

2008-02-16T00:38:00.001-08:00

Lemon meringue pie, anyone? If you enjoy cooking with lemons or even just using them to make lemonade, consider an indoor lemon tree. These trees are just one of many types of container fruit trees, any of which will fit comfortably in your home and will produce a bountiful fruit crop with minimal care. Indoor lemon trees are available in several varieties. One of the hardiest is the Meyer lemon, which in and of itself is available in several varieties. The dwarf Meyer is one of our favorites, in part because of its bountiful yield of fruit. We also appreciate the ease of care, making it ideal for busy or low maintenance gardeners. No matter which variety you ultimately purchase, your tree will be shipped in a small container, possibly as small as one gallon. The dwarf Meyer will arrive at your home almost ready to bear fruit. These trees are unique because it produces lemons that are more shaped like oranges, with a juice that's sweeter than any other lemon you've likely tasted. Another common variety you might consider is unique in that it produces fruit almost two pounds in weight. This is the dwarf Ponderosa lemon tree, which is really a cross between a lemon and a citron. Another noticeable aspect of the dwarf Ponderosa is the aroma of its blooms -- they're very fragrant with a fresh, clean aroma that's much more pleasant than an air freshener. Most container fruit trees are shipped to your home directly from southern state growers.

They can ship to almost any state, the only exceptions being states with agricultural restrictions. In those states, you can normally purchase these trees from in state growers. With proper care, expect your tree to produce several pounds of fruit per year, quite a nice return for the nominal cost, usually $30 to $50. If someone in your family is just getting started in gardening, an indoor lemon tree is a perfect choice. They'll be encouraged to enjoy the gardening hobby more and more after experiencing success growing fruit indoors. Best of all, these compact, fragrant trees can be grown just about anywhere. When we started growing a few varieties of fruit trees in our home, we had very little gardening experience.

Not to worry! For the most part, all your tree basically needs is sunlight and water. Any special care instructions are supplied by the grower, and even these are minimal and occasional. And, an indoor fruit tree doesn't have to be kept inside in the warm months. Feel free to take it outside on your patio or balcony, as doing so will help the tree grow and prosper. A bright and sunny area of your home and moderate water are all you'll need to do! On occasion, you'll need to prune the tree, which is a very easy process. Doing so will result in productive yields of fruit every year, and a healthy, vibrant indoor lemon tree that is a proud addition to your home.

Indoor lemon trees and other container fruit trees are a fragrant, easy care addition to any living space, and perfect for any level of gardener. You're invited to visit our new resource site for more care tips and additional information about Indoor Lemon Trees.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Hofman

Step by Step Easy Method to Grow Indoor Tomatoes

2008-01-29T15:03:00.001-08:00

Step by Step Easy Method to Grow Indoor Tomatoes

Growing tomatoes indoors is not difficult. Anyone can grow tomatoes indoors. All plants require the same basic elements; Soil (medium), light, water and the proper temperature to grow successfully. Of course each plant differs in the type of soil, amount of light, amount of water and the ideal temperatures it requires. I'll focus on growing indoor tomato plants for this article by outlining the basic needs of the tomato plant. Followed by the method I use to grow indoor tomato plants and some useful resources to help you.

What Tomato Plants Like:

• Soil: The soil (medium) can be the usual potting soil mix that contains sphagnum peat, vermiculite and perlite. I like to use peat pellets, for starting my indoor tomato plants, that are available at most gardening stores or from online sources. TIP#1: Want to make your own peat pellets? Check out the article at Mother Earth News. For more in depth information on tomato plants I suggest; Jason's Indoor Guide.To much to cover here. http://www.jasons-indoor-guide-to-organic-and-hydroponics-gardening.com/how-to-grow-tomatoes.html

• Light: Indoor tomato plants need to get 8-12 hours of bright light per day and a southern exposure is ideal during the colder months. Just take care to avoid cold drafts or to hot environments. Also if you don't have good lighting there are many sources for plant lighting available at your gardening store or online. Tomato plants also need a period of sleep (darkness).

• Water: When you are starting your tomato plants from seeds (this is what I do for growing my plants indoors) keep the soil (medium) moist. When you see the seedlings appear you should adjust your watering to 2 or 3 or more times per week depending on your homes temperature. Don't over water and let the soil dry out slightly before watering your plants. Misting is a good thing between watering.

• Temperature: Tomato plants can grow in a wide temperature range, but do much better with warmer temperatures. For example during the day 68 to 80 degrees and at night (when you save energy and turn the temperature down) from about 58 to 68 degrees.

Shopping List: Note: If you have children, this would be a great project to get them involved.

1. Tomato seeds. I'd suggest that you do not get the ones that produce the very large tomatoes; It's to much extra work supporting them. We want this to be easy, right!

2. Some peat pellets or some potting soil.

3. 1, 2 or 3 of those small seedling pots (the ones you saved, but never knew why) The ones that are 2 to 3 inches tall and 1.5 inches across.

4. Small plastic pot tray, about 3" will do or a small saucer of any kind. Why so small; See #5

5. A large fishbowl vase or a large brandy snifter. You can find these at your local dollar store for, guess what, a buck ($1). This will be your green house. Just make sure the plastic tray fits into the opening of the fishbowl easily. TIP#2: Your plants need to breathe so make sure that you super glue 4 of those caps, from your bottled water, to the rim of the fishbowl/brandy snifter rim. The super glue is only a buck ($1) also. Can you tell I like the dollar store? J Note: If you want to go low tech, a small cardboard box with plastic wrap will do the trick also. Remember to have air flow.

6. Some plant food. Not sure, you may find that at the dollar store. I use Miracle-Gro

7. 1, 2 or 3 of those small gift bags. The ones with the handles and when opened they have a flat bottom. You can match your décor or just use the boring brown ones. They should not be over say 10" tall and 9" wide. More on this later as this is an optional step.

8. 1, 2 or 3 large storage or freezer bags. Note: Don't try using those plastic grocery bags. They are not water tight and when they leak, the bottom of, your designer gift bag breaks open. That splat you just heard was your baby tomato plant hitting the floor. You don't really need to ask how I discovered that, do you? L

Let's get started:

Note: If you have small children, this would be a great project to get them involved. Just stress that they should never handle the fish bowl/brandy snifter or better yet, keep it out of reach.

1. Total time for this project will be about 30 minutes. Longer if you need to go to the dollar store. Put the peat pellets or potting soil in a seedling pot and set them in a saucer of water to let them absorb the water and expand, while you complete other tasks.

2. As I stated above I like to use peat pellets. If you want to use potting soil, that's fine. (If I use potting soil I prefer to use small seedling pots. My thought on this is I like to build a strong root system first and repot later). You will only need to have a few plants unless you want to can tomatoes all year long (if all goes as planned, that is).

3. While the pellets or potting soil are absorbing water you can super glue the bottle caps to the rim of you new fishbowl/brandy snifter. Try to get them straight across from one another to have a solid stable base. You can of course use more if you like.

4. Put the tomato seeds into your potting soil or peat pellets. Plant them at a depth of about ¼". Place the seedling pots with your tomato seeds in the plastic plant tray. I always add enough water to cover the bottom of the seedling pot by 1/8" of an inch. This is the method I use to water the plant from that point on, feeding from the bottom. Adjust the water height to insure the potting medium (pest pellet or potting soil) is moist but not soggy. I put about ¼ of a teaspoon of soluble plant food in a gallon of water and water the plants with this, each time.

5. Place the fishbowl/brandy snifter over the plastic pot tray and set it where it can get sunlight or at least very bright light. In 7 to 15 days you should see small sprouts peaking out. It's important not to over water from this point forward. Rotate the tray regularly to produce a straight (vertical) plant. Allow the plants to grow to a height of about 6" to 7" tall.

6. Oh yeah, did I mention "Do Not Over Water"? Now you can repot the plants into larger containers or for those of you, who were scratching your heads, wondering what the gift bags were to be used for. I found a unique use for them. After putting potting soil into the storage/freezer bags (about 4 loose cups full) I add the tomato plant, covering the base of the plant just slightly higher than was covered by the potting soil or peat pellet. I slip the storage/freezer bag into the gift bag. The flat bottom makes it easy to place on a table. TIP #3: I found an old coat rack at a second hand store for $12 bucks (not the dollar store). It has 6 hooks around the top and I can now hang the gift bags from the hooks on the coat rack. It makes for an interesting display, takes up less space than a table and the plants can receive more light being above other plants or objects. Also I have the ability to support the plant when it begins bearing fruit. Is a tomato a fruit? Yes, I looked it up.

I cannot stress this enough "Do Not Over Water". The plastic storage/freezer bag will retain moisture. Always check the soil before watering. If in doubt simple mist the plant and water it later. TIP#3: Not sure if the soil is dry or moist. Stick your finger in the soil. If the dirt sticks to your finger; It's moist.

With that I am finished. I hope you found some useful information and I do wish you much joy, happiness and success in your life and with your gardening.

MDM

M.D. Martin http://www.tgif24-7.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Martin

Grow Your Own Sprouts

2008-01-29T15:01:00.001-08:00

Do you sometimes search in vain at your local market for vegetables that are fresh, crunchy, and nutritious? Well, search no more! With a minimum of time and effort, you can actually grow vegetables right in your own home or apartment. How? By growing sprouts!

Sprouts are so easily maintained that a child can do it. They require little space, no digging, no weeding, and no fussing with complicated chemicals. Best of all, you can eat your produce just four or five days after it begins to grow! But the benefits go beyond mere convenience.

For one thing, sprouts are nutritious-perhaps even more so than plain beans or seeds. Says The Beansprout Book, by Gay Courter: "As the seeds begin to sprout, their vitamin content also begins to grow. The first early shoots of soybeans (per 100 grams [about 4 ounces] of seed) contained only 108 milligrams of vitamin C in one study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania. But after 72 hours the vitamin C content had soared to 706 milligrams!"

Sprouts are also economical. In fact, you probably already own all the equipment that you will need.

Setting Up

First, you need a container. A large glass or plastic jar, a nonmetallic pot, a glass or ceramic bowl, or a deep dish will do just fine. It is even possible to use a shallow dish, spreading out one layer of seeds between two layers of wet cheesecloth or paper towels to prevent drying. Whatever vessel you choose, make sure it is large enough to allow the seeds to sprout and still have room for some air to circulate around them. I have found that a glass jar works well for tiny seeds like alfalfa. Larger seeds, such as mung beans, may do better in a deep dish or pot. This provides the extra space they need and protects the sprouts from rotting or turning sour.

You will also need a covering for your container. A plastic screen, a piece of cheesecloth, or even an old nylon stocking will do the job. All it takes to attach it to the mouth of the container is a strong rubber band or string. Of course, as the seeds must be rinsed at least twice a day, you will also need water and perhaps a colander for draining the container.

Finally, you will need seeds. Almost any edible seed can be sprouted. (I am careful, though, to avoid seeds that have been treated with chemicals.) The best seeds for a beginner to try are mung beans or alfalfa seeds. They are easy to sprout and very tasty! Now, let me tell you how it's done.

Growing Your Own Sprouts

DAY ONE: First, rinse the seeds carefully. Then, fill your container with water until it covers the seeds or beans by about two inches [5 cm]. Soak the seeds for at least eight to ten hours. You might put the seeds in to soak just before bedtime. After eight to ten hours, the seeds will bulge and the skins will split open slightly. They are ready to be sprouted.

DAY TWO: In the morning, secure the covering and drain the water out of the container. (Since the water contains vitamins, I usually use it to water my plants.) Now, refill the container with water. Shake it a few times, and turn it upside down, allowing the excess water to drain out. Fill the container with water again and again, rinsing and draining the seeds a total of three times. If you have transferred the soaked seeds to a shallow plate, gently pour water over the cheesecloth, and drain it by putting the dish on an incline. Later on, repeat the rinsing process again so that the seeds are thoroughly rinsed twice a day.

DAY THREE: By now, you should be able to see your seeds sprouting. Continue rinsing them twice a day.

DAY FOUR: You can begin eating the sprouts! You can allow the mung-bean sprouts to grow quite tall with no bitter taste developing in them. Just make sure that you keep rinsing the sprouts twice daily. You can also put your sprouts in the sun for about an hour and then refrigerate them. The tiny leaves will turn a beautiful shade of green-very appetizing!

Having tasted success, you may now want to experiment with other types of grains and seeds. Each is a little different in taste and in sprouting time. For example, you may try sprouting hulled sunflower seeds. These sprouts are best eaten in two days, when they are just a half-inch long. If they grow any longer than that, they may acquire a bitter taste.

How to Serve the Sprouts

Most sprouts can be eaten raw in salads, sandwiches, or any dish in which beans and seeds are used. Bean sprouts, though, can be steamed for 10 to 15 minutes before you eat them. Or you can stir-fry them with just a little oil, garlic, and salt. This makes a very tasty dish! Wheat and rye sprouts are very sweet and make a good addition to breads and muffins.

Cultivating sprouts is thus a healthy and economical hobby. You may very well find doing so to be exciting and rewarding. After all, the success rate is high and the results are delicious!

Frankie Goh is a full-time family counsellor and researcher. He manage a website : Earn Money Online http://www.ezy-cash.com He is also the Internet Marketing Co-ordinator of Ultra-Herbal Products

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frankie_Goh

The Idiots Guide To Garden Containers

2008-01-19T19:53:00.000-08:00

Your small porch can no longer be considered an excuse for not having a flowerbed or a crop of plants. Thanks to container gardening, almost anything can be grown anywhere. Planter boxes, plastic storage containers, clay pots, hanging baskets or even plain old plastic jars with lids are some of the containers that are used for gardening. The sky is the limit when it comes to container gardening. Yet, like any other game, this one too has its own set of rules. Following these rules will ensure sure shot success for you.

Container Rules

The container is the most important aspect of container gardening. You need to choose one that has a wide opening and facilitates easy planting, weeding of soil, tilling etc. Try and avoid containers made of cheap plastic as they tend to deteriorate really fast in UV sunlight and the result can be seen on the plant. Terracotta pots are commonly used but they too have a tendency to dry out too soon leaving your plant yearning for more water. Try glazed ceramic pots. These are excellent containers but make sure that you make a lot of holes for drainage. On the other hand, if you are planning to use wooden containers, then ensure that you choose rot free wood like cedar or redwood. Avoid using wood that has been treated with chemicals as they can harm the plants. Drainage is an important aspect and make sure that the pot is placed on a brick to allow free drainage.

Where are you growing it?

The place where you are planning to grow your container garden is equally important. Many people store their containers in a storage shed. But keep in mind that depending on the kind of plant you are growing, your container will need at least 4 to 5 hours of sunlight everyday. There are some plants which need more but this is the minimum that is needed. There are sunlight guides available for various plants. You can refer to this for a better idea on the amount of sunlight needed.

Weather and fertilizers

You need to water the plants depending on the kind of weather in the area that you live in. For example, in countries with a hot and dry weather, plants need more water. Also, the more you water the plants, faster the fertilizers in the plant get washed away. So you might need more frequent fertilizing.

About The Author: Jonathan Goodman is the owner of Market Merchants an online retailer specializing in home and garden products. My passion for bbq grilling and fireplaces is the core focus of Market Merchants. I am a member of the Hearth Patio Barbeque Association (HPBA), the National BBQ group (NBBQ), and the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). We sell these products because we love them and are passionate about consumer living needs. So whether its furniture and decor, home improvement, kitchen and dining, or outdoor living Market Merchants brings a dedicated commitment to the customer and a passion for high quality products. Visit the Market Merchants website: http://marketmerchants.com
http://marketmerchants.com/content/containers.htm

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Goodman

Winter Gardening - Charm Your Feathered Friends

2008-01-19T19:50:00.001-08:00

I was helping a friend rearrange her kitchen and found a box of hummingbird seed and as I stuck it away in the cupboard with the summer items, I got thinking about winter birds. My backyard looks rather barren right now and a flash of color and life would add so much to it. There's a front picture window that overlooks the deck and the bare brown yard behind that. I never thought about birds in the winter before. My neighbor has a bunch that hover around a big tree that she hangs suet balls on but it's not near a window.

As a storm threatens I think about how the birds who are not migratory might be willing to come and visit in exchange for some berries and seeds. I can sit in the living room and watch them. But, where do I begin?

First I need a bird feeding station. Then I need food. Apparently birds like and need fatty foods so that they can keep up their body temperature which is 108 F°. The usual sources of fatty foods for birds are suet and peanut butter. Suet balls are available and you can make your own with suet mixed with seeds, melted down peanut butter and cornmeal.

Birds also need carbohydrate to keep their high energy lifestyles going. Seeds contain carbohydrate, vitamins, and protein. If you are getting mixed seeds, get the kind with lots of sunflower seeds and white proso millet. Avoid those with fillers such as wheat seeds and milo. Bread is not a good choice in spite of the fact that most people given them bread. Bread will satisfy their appetite but may not provide the kind of high energy fuel that is needed to keep the birds warm on a freezing night.

Black oil sunflower seeds have their soft outer shells are easy to break through. Cardinals and juncos (among others) prefer black oil sunflower seeds for that reason. If you provided black oil sunflower seeds, Niger thistle and suet spread out over several feeders you will have a good variety of bird visitors and they will have nutritious snacks.

You have to make sure the feeders are maintained properly so that the birds don't get sick from moldy food. When you fill the feeders, make sure that there are no clumps of seeds stuck in them. These can stay stuck and go bad. Sweep the hulls off feeders and trays daily. Every couple of weeks (or at least once a month) disinfect the feeders with a bleach mixture - one part bleach and 9 parts water. Rinse it well after and refill with fresh treats. Keep the food clean and dry when it is stored. Oh and the biggest safety tips for bird feeders, place them at least 5 feet away from a bush or tree to protect the birds from cats.

Esmee McCornall is a 'Gardoholic' writer. She recently published one of the most popular free garden reports on the internet, called "Tips and Tricks to Create the Garden You Always Wanted". You can download a free copy at http://www.gardensandflowers.net/Free_Report.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Esmee_McCornall

How to Take Care for Indoor Bamboo Plants

2007-12-24T10:41:00.000-08:00

Care for indoor bamboo plants ensures in healthy growth of bamboo plant. It includes proper fertilization, nourishment and sapping. These in reality are wild long grass that grows in the tropical region amidst the warm climate. Due to its easiness and ornamental look they are usually grown indoors. Alphonse Kerr and Japonica are some of the fabulous plants that are usually grown at home. Since these are sturdy plants various steps have to be implemented to ensure their growth. Caring of these plants becomes easier as an individual gets familiar to it.

Maintaining tips:

Care for indoor bamboo plants can be done by embedding the them in a pot with soil containing mix of fragmented rocks, pebbles and clay. This helps in proper drainage. Otherwise water gets saturated resulting into rotting of roots.
Watering needs to be done keeping in mind the climatic conditions of the area. Normally, soil speedily dries out when kept indoors. Coiling of leaves shows that it is not getting water properly whereas, sagging signifies over watering.
Place the plant in area where it can get adequate sunlight and enough shade.
Care for them also depends upon regular organic feeding of chicken manure, N: 10, P: 6 and K: 5 done in small quantities.
Misting is another important step. It is spraying spurt of water on plant. It is used to imitate the damp conditions that bamboo is habitat to. Use of Vaporizer can be done for misting.
Bamboos are usually resistant to pests but sometimes they might get infected by fungus, insects and microbes that cause spots on it. So, pesticides have to be sprayed.
Care for indoor bamboo plants hugely depends on the time of its planting.If it is planted in winter season then dense protection is required so that soil remains loose deep down even in frigid neighboring.

Caring of Taller Plants:

If an individual wants to grow tall bamboo plants, then routine trimming and tapering has to be done, so that its branches don't over spread. Discard away the shrunken stems of the plant by cutting it at the soil bed level. Care for them also includes restricting its height. It can be controlled by cutting it above nodes. Bamboo sometimes extends till ceiling of house in such case, cut out the stalk off the uppermost branch. If lower stems have less or no branches, then cut it from its lower third and reduce the branches till second node of every branch. This encourages growing of new, tender branches. An individual can also surround the pot with barricade, to accentuate the spreading of plant. Soil near the barrier has to be hard without any air pockets.

If you would like to learn more about Indoor Plants and receive a FREE Newsletter on the subject visit the authors site http://www.indoorplantsadvice.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Hobbs

The Power of LED Grow Lights

2007-12-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

With the release of hard-hitting documentaries such as Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth and Leonardo DiCaprio’s The 11th Hour energy consumption and its relationship to global climate change has become a prominent issue. What people often fail to understand is that the best solutions are not great actions on the part of a few, but rather small actions taken by the many. For example, if everyone in the U.S. were to replace incandescent lights with fluorescent ones, it could eliminate the need for Middle East oil.

LED Grow lights are another example of a small thing that can make a great difference. If you are growing your own food hydroponically, you’re already taking a step toward saving the planet. The use of LED Grow Lights allows you to take the next step in reducing your footprint on the planet. Not only to they operate at a fraction of the voltage of conventional bulbs (less than 20 VAC as opposed to 120), but they are free of mercury – a highly toxic metal used in metallic vapor and fluorescent lights.

LED Grow Lights are efficient and economical in other ways as well. Unlike fluorescent bulbs, LED Grow Lights require no ballast that will eventually burn out. They also emit “targeted light;” whereas most standard grow lights emit a broad spectrum of light that includes light wavelength that is useless to plant life, LED Grow Lights emit only that part of the spectrum actually used for photosynthesis. This also means far less waste heat, which requires extra ventilation to carry away. It also means less glare; while this useful light is very bright to plants, humans perceive such light as relatively dim. This also eliminates the need for troublesome shades and reflectors.

Although they can represent a greater upfront investment, LED Grow Lights cost substantially less in the long run. In the first place, they are not nearly as fragile as conventional bulbs and fluorescents. Best of all, they are extremely durable – the average lifespan of an LED Grow Light is 100,000 hours – which is as much as fifty times as long as that of conventional bulbs. This adds up to nearly twelve years under normal conditions.

Because LED Grow Lights are environmentally friendly, they will result in healthier, more productive plants. Because they emit very little in the way of heat, LED Grow Lights allow your plants to keep cooler. Plants thrive at room temperature, receiving all the light they require without growth-stunting excess heat. In addition, your plants will suffer less from heat-related root damage that can occur when hot conventional grow lights heat the soil. With LED Grow Lights, your plants will also require less watering.

Across the board, LED Grow Lights allow you to grow more economically and in a more environmentally-friendly way.

Susan Slobac operates a hydroponics garden store. She has detailed knowledge of what grow lights are best for hydroponics gardens. Susan is also concerned with the environment and sees LED grow lights as one alternative solution to the traditional energy consuming grow lights most often used. Susan promotes LED grow lights based on efficiency and performance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Slobac

Getting Started with Indoor Gardening

2007-12-24T10:37:00.000-08:00

It is extremely difficult to maintain an outdoor garden in many climates. If you have below freezing temperatures, you should bring your plants indoors and start an indoor garden. You can also do indoor gardening to give your house a natural feel, along with your decorations. Blooming flowers can add a lot to your décor, especially if you have grown them yourself.

Some plants are not suitable for growing in an indoor environment. If a plant requires a lot of water, then you should keep it outside. If you water a plant a lot you can easily end up drowning it. So try to choose a plant that do not require too much water. An unpleasant aspect of indoor gardening comes when a plant sheds it's leaves or flower on you floor. You should be familiar with what the plant does during all seasons, so as to avoid a mess on your floor.

You should give the plants the attention they need, especially if you have many different plants around, it will be a wise to set up a watering routine. You should know how often each plant needs watering , mark them with tags or mark the pots. Just make sure that you have a system to remind you of the individual needs of each plant.

Supplies are the final important part of any indoor garden. Naturally you should use pots that will blend in with your décor. This should be easy to accomplish. You can get clay pots, ceramic pots, metal pots, or even wooden pots in almost any design. They can be hung from ceilings, set on your tables, or even placed in a corner. You should just think about how big the plant is going to get, how fast it will get there, and where in your house needs decoration. Indoor gardening can be a fun and rewarding hobby, and fortunately it is simple to start.

Daniel D Junior is a freelance writer and contributor for this website Indoor gardening tips and benefits

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_D_Junior

Orchid Growing

2007-12-24T10:36:00.001-08:00

Growing orchids is very rewarding. After all, orchids are amongst the most stunning flowers around. They possess fragrance, color, form and keeping quality that is unsurpassed in the plant world.

However you need to know certain facts about orchids if you're to get the best out of your orchid plants.

For instance watering. Different orchid varieties have different watering requirements. Some need to be kept moist all the time. Some need to be allowed to dry out between waterings. And some need to be kept moist during active growth, allowed to dry out between watering when not in active growth. So you always need to ask about watering when you buy your orchid plants.

The amount of sunlight your orchids receive is another essential factor. Some orchid varieties don't enjoy full sunlight e.g. Phalaenopsis orchids. And they prefer being behind blinds.

Here's a good pointer to know if your orchids are healthy: you can check how healthy your orchid is by its color. The leaves are bright green instead of being dark green.

Of course you have to look out for the pests which can ravage your orchid plants. Snails, slugs, aphids, thrips, mealybugs, and scale insects are the usual suspects.

Re-potting is a task you're going to have to consider at certain stages of your orchid's life. And you need to know certain essential facts when you re-pot.

Of course when you've started growing orchids you'll probably want to add to your orchid collection. And that brings with it its own risks. So you'll have to follow a special regime.

Once you start growing your own orchids you'll discover it's a very rewarding hobby.

For more details on growing beautiful orchids visit http://www.orchid-growing-tips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Lincoln

Feng Shui Container Gardening

2007-12-24T10:35:00.001-08:00

When most people who are familiar with feng shui think of gardening according to feng shui principles, they typically envision a large, open yard filled with neat clusters of rocks, plants, and statuary, creating a field of thriving energy that complements the free, open surroundings. It's an understandable vision, considering that the very term "feng shui" conjures up visions of serene, sprawling Asian gardens, where people can walk for an entire afternoon while pondering life's most complicated and unanswerable questions.

Did you know, though, that you can create an equally powerful positive energy by applying feng shui principles to urban container gardening, where you have more concrete than grass, and more people than flowers?

The truth is, it really doesn't matter all that much how much space you have, or whether you live in an urban, suburban, or rural environment. What matters is how you create your energy in the space you have available.

In confined urban areas, this may likely mean that you will need to create your space through container gardening. This is actually a great way to build positive feng shui, because you are not limited to planting flowers, herbs, and trees in areas of your yard where vegetation normally grows well. Instead, by using gardening containers, you can literally place your plants anywhere you want (within the space alotted to you by your landlord, of course).

It's okay to put shade plants in a sunny area when you are container gardening, because you can take the plants inside or move them if they start to show signs of solar intolerance. Likewise, you can put full-sun plants in a shade area for a few days, just to be able to balance the energy of that area, before returning the plant to it's natural habitat. This makes your feng shui garden much more versatile, and allow you to rearrange elements quickly, if a shift in energy occurs in or around your home.

A third great thing about feng shui container gardening is that it's okay if you develop an emotional connection with your plants, because if you move, you can take them with you. Unlike ground-planted landscapes that homeowners have spent years working on, when you have a container-based garden, you don't have to worry about leaving it behind. When you move, you can simply move the plants to your new home, helping to create a sense of familiarity and belonging within your new living space.

Container-based feng shui gardening has very few considerations, at least in comparison to fixed-plant gardening. Your plants are easier to arrange and move; you can create more meaningful, healing energy in a smaller space; and you can take your entire landscape with you when you move, if you so desire.

Perhaps the most important facet about container gardening, though, is that you will be creating a peaceful space for yourself, in spite of living just inches away from neighbors, landlords, and maintenance workers. Any time you can find sanctuary in those surroundings, well, it has to be well worth the effort.

Good luck and happy landscaping!

Linda Binns shows you how to be more successful in all areas of your life by working with your environment. She is giving away FREE Feng Shui Success Secrets. To get access to these powerful and practical secrets that can help you transform your life - go to http://www.fengshuiexplained.com now.

Linda Binns is author of Feng Shui for Your Relationships: Changing Your Environment to Create Better Relationships. She has been a Feng Shui Practitioner, Author, Speaker and teacher for over 10 years. She has appeared internationally on television and radio and in local publications. Linda is also the founder of The Feng Shui Success Institute - which teaches in-depth Feng Shui training and practitioner certification.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Binns

Great Gardening Ideas For Your Used Coffee Grounds

2007-11-29T07:52:00.000-08:00

We are big believers and followers of organic farming and gardening. But alongside that we also enjoy a cup of really GOOD coffee. This ends up in a pretty large pile of used coffee grounds from our plungers by the end of the week. We personally like plunger coffee better than the drip filter stuff. The eco-nature of the our lifestyle negates the use of electric percolators etc and the plunger lets us each control how strong we want the blend! This also leaves a really course ground coffee which we need to dispose of on the island.

So what to do with the used grounds? Well we collect them all in a special bucket and transfer them up to our organic farm and garden. Luckily with the volume of farming and gardening done by Jeanie and Josefa, these grounds never go to waste!

Here are some tips for making great use of those otherwise wasted resources. (I wonder what Starbucks does with its daily tonnes of used grounds?)

throw them directly in to your garden

Coffee grounds can be thrown directly into your gardens and vegetable beds as a side dressing for vegetables, roses and other plants. Coffee grounds are high in nitrogen, but be a bit careful not to overload one spot as they are also pretty acidic. Adding other brown material such as leaves and grass cutting to the mulch will help keep a more balanced pH.

Mixing coffee grounds in your compost

Coffee grounds act as a green material with carbon-nitrogen (C-N) ratio of 20-1. They make an excellent addition to your compost, along with other vegetable and salad kitchen waste.

Combined with other composting material such as leaves, straw and cut grass, coffee grounds generate heat and will speed up the composting process. Grounds should be no more than 25% of any one compost pile's content, otherwise the balance is wrong and the system doesn't work as well.

Using coffee grounds in a worm bin

Worms fed with coffee grounds combined with the normal composting materials will flourish! They grow faster and break down the materials faster. maybe it's all that good caffeine speeding them about!

Matava is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in Fiji.

http://www.Matava.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeanie_Mailliard

Successful Organic Gardening In Containers

2007-11-29T07:51:00.001-08:00

Space can be at a premium, especially these days when apartments and condos are so popular. A simple solution for those wanting to grow at least a few basic herbs and vegetables is to grow in containers. Maybe you don’t have the time to maintain a large vegetable garden, or you have a physical condition that prevents you bending down or using the usual gardening tools. Whatever the reason, container gardening can be a great way to produce some of your organic food needs.

While container gardening may have its limitations, there are some great benefits.
* You have the advantage of being able to bring containers indoors through the coldest part of winter.
* Your pots / containers can create a focal point on a balcony or patio area, adding interest, colour or foliage.
* Planters can be made from just about any type of container that holds soil and allows adequate drainage.
* Potting mediums are easy to work with as they are the correct pH.
* Weeds are much less likely to become a problem.
* Less likely to be attacked by snails and slugs or soil borne diseases.
* The tiniest space – even a windowsill can be used to produce some fresh herbs

Soil
You need to purchase premium potting mix for growing in containers. Don’t be tempted to use soil from the garden in your pots as it will become compact and heavy, not allowing water to drain well. A premium potting medium is a must. It is lighter and so provides excellent drainage.
You will need to provide all your plants nutrients as most potting mixes do not come with organic fertilizer. Remember that more is not better when it comes to applying fertilizer. Too much fertilizer in contact with your plant's roots will burn them. Always follow the directions on packaged fertilizers. There are many organic fertilizers available to choose from so look for blends suited to the type of plant you are growing - leafy, flowering, vegetables, etc.
Container plants need watering more frequently than normal garden plants, and as a result the water leaches away fertilizers. So container grown plants benefit from liquid feeds on a regular basis throughout their growing season. You can purchase organic liquid fertilizers if you don’t have room to make your own. Use them for foliar feeding and drenching the soil around your plants.

Watering
Because container plants are above ground the sun and wind will dry potting soils out quicker than plants grown in the ground. During summer you will need to take care that your pots do not dry out.
Water containers when the soil dries out to a depth of 1-2cm (1/2 inch). Apply water with a soft flow to be gentle on your plants and the soil. In really hot weather I usually re-water about 30 minutes after my initial watering. This is beneficial in containers as plants cannot always take up the water quickly.
It is important to make sure that your containers have adequate drainage or your plants will suffer and ultimately die if the roots are permanently sitting in water. If your containers sit on the ground bottom holes may not drain readily. If they are on a patio or are just off the ground, there should be no problem with bottom holes. If you’re not sure, make side holes.
Pieces from an old broken clay pot or fly wire placed over the holes will keep the potting mix from packing around the holes and reducing drainage, as well as keeping it in the pot.
You can add some mulch to larger pots in summer to help prevent them from drying out. I like to use pea straw.

Choosing the right plants
When you’re growing in containers you will need to look for varieties that are the most suitable for growing in small areas. Many herbs make excellent container specimens. You could start with some of the smaller vegetables such as radishes, lettuce, onions, capsicum or chillies, eggplant, short varieties of carrots, bush beans etc. Container planting is ideal to try out some companion planting techniques. You’ll have better success if your plant combinations are happy ones!
If you plant in three weekly successions you may be able to achieve continuous production of some plants.
You can also try some climbing plants providing you have some trellis or railing for support. Strawberries grow well in containers, particularly hanging baskets if they are not allowed to dry out.

Location
Choose a position for you container plants where they get about six hour sun each day, preferably morning sun rather than afternoon sun.
You may also need to protect your plants from falling over in strong winds. If you have many pots they might provide some protection for each other. Place the tallest plants along walls or trellises.

Many conventional gardeners find themselves with more than just a few plants growing in containers. I wouldn’t think of any other way to grow mints as they are just impossible if they escape into the garden. And how many people have the space for a full grown bay tree, when they only use a few leaves each week?
Yes, they take a little extra care, but we are well rewarded with our bounties. Try growing a few pots together. They look great and they provide a suitable micro-climate for each other. Good luck with yours!

Hi, I am an avid organic gardener and am known by my friends as the recycling queen. I live on a small country property in South Australia. It is my mission to encourage as many people as possible to start organic gardening. This will improve both our individual lives and the wellbeing of our personal and global environments. Please visit my website and get your free 3 part Composting Guide. For Companion Planting info click here.

Happy gardening, healthy living…
Julie Williams
http://www.1stoporganicgardening.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Williams

Basic Gardening Tips

2007-11-29T07:48:00.000-08:00

Are you looking out for ways to enhance the exteriors of your home? However, at the same time, do you feel a little lethargic? Well then, you are lucky. There are some basic gardening tips that can help you to add a decorative touch to any deck or patio area, plus add some greenery to it. Once you decide on decorating your garden and if you are a beginner at it, then you should understand some basic gardening tips, to make it a delightful pastime.

Gardener's gain satisfaction when they see their creation, smell the blooms and sit in the fresh air. Just imagine spending a weekend in the yard that you have created with a lot of love. As a beginner, you need to understand and follow some basic gardening tips that can help you create a masterpiece. In the beginning, you have to go quite slow and start small, by using your imagination. Therefore, choose a task that does not take long to complete. Initially you have to start of by controlling the weeds and pests, but first enlarge the garden. There are some key considerations for successful gardening like-

Soil

Initially you should always start with good soil and you may have to purchase some testing tools from the local gardening shop to find out what your soil needs. If your present soil has clay or shale, then you need to treat the soil before planting. You might have to treat around 60% of the soil to make it fertile enough to start your gardening. You need to include peat moss, garden compost, planting mix, perlite and composted manure.

Water

The condition of the soil determines the amount of water it needs and if you treat the soil properly then you will need less frequent water. If you have decorated your garden with lawns, then you should water them every 2-3 days during the first week and then stop watering them every day during the next week, as too much water usually prevents oxygen from entering the soil space and this suffocates the roots. Shrubs and roots need frequent and deeper levels water ever 7-10 days. Once the plant settles into the ground, then it requires less watering. You should saturate the root thoroughly; water only after the soil dries up.

Fertilizers

Basic gardening tips suggest that you should not fertilize a dry plant. You should always mix the fertilizer with water and then gradually pour it over a plant. You should first water the plant before fertilizing as the fertilizer burns the roots of the dry plant. You should fertilize the plants every week or after every third watering session. Perennials should be fed late in April or through August.

Pesticide

After planting, you should keep the plant pesticide free. Good quality pesticide can be made in a jar, by combining 1-teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty bottle that has a spray nozzle attached, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture with 1 cup of water and then you can use this solution every ten-days to avoid whiteflies, aphids, mites, scales and other pests.

Tracy Ballisager is stays at home mum, who loves gardening. To read more about gardening tips and idea go to http://www.gardening-tips-idea.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracy_Ballisager

Ancient Hydroponics Gardens

2007-11-13T16:26:00.001-08:00

The word “hydroponics” is derived from two Greek words: cidra, meaning water, and punikos, meaning labor; thus, literally “waterworks.” Contrary to popular belief, hydroponic gardening is an ancient form of agriculture, going back 3,000 years. There are references to the cultivation of plants directly in water in Egyptian records dating back to the time of the New Kingdom and the “Woman-King,” Pharoah Hatshepsut around 1460 BCE.

The best-known hydroponic gardens of the ancient world were the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Also known as the Gardens of Semiramis, the Hanging Gardens are reputed to have been located near Al-Hillah in present-day Iraq, and were regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Hanging Gardens were built by King Nebuchadnezzar around 600 BCE. His wife, Amytis, was from Media, whose people were the ancestors of the modern Kurds. The country of Medea was a mountainous one, roughly corresponding to present-day Kurdistan, northern Iran and Azerbaijan. Legend says Amytis became homesick for the mountains and the flora of her homeland; Nebuchadnezzar had the Gardens constructed for her. According to Greek historians of the time, the Hanging Gardens, a water pipe led into a well tower, which supplied water via a number of vaults for fruit trees growing in a layer of asphalt.

Centuries later, Italian traveler Marco Polo, who reportedly visited China during the late 13th Century CE and introduced pasta to Italy, commented on what he called the “Floating Gardens.” Around the same time on the other side of the world, the Mexica – one of the native peoples who later formed the Aztec Empire of Mexico – built a city called Tenochtitlan on the shores of Lake Texcoco. Where Mexico City stands today, the Mexica constructed an extensive urban center that included a type of early hydroponic system upon which plants were cultivated on the surface of the water. These early Mexican “floating gardens” were developed out of necessity, because arable land was at a premium in the area. Called chinampas, they were actually small, artificial islands that were created by scooping up mud from the marshy areas bordering the lakes. This mud was ultimately held together by tree roots; food plants were cultivated on these “islands,” and were amazingly productive.

The modern history of hydroponics actually begins in 1627, when Sir Francis Bacon’s Sylva Sylvarum was published posthumously. In this treatise, Bacon – an English philosopher and contemporary of Shakespeare – wrote about the cultivation of terrestrial plants without soil. Although Bacon died before his theories could be explored, the idea of water culture caught on as an area of scientific study throughout the remainder of the 17th Century. By the 1860s, German botanists Julius von Sachs and Wilhelm Knop had perfected the first nutrient solutions for soilless agriculture, and modern hydroponic gardening was born.

Susan Slobac is a hydroponic gardening specialist who has been studying the history of various hydroponics gardening techniques. She uses her hydroponic garden to provide most of her food supply and recently has become fascinated in the history of hydroponic gardening unearthing many facts on this ancient grow system.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Slobac

Homemade Hydroponics - Hydroponics Growing Media

2007-11-07T10:13:00.001-08:00

Growing plants using hydroponics means you are growing without soil. But it doesn't necessarily mean that you are growing plants without a soil replacement.

While not strictly necessary it is usually advantageous to use some form of growing medium. Here's a quick run down of the kinds of media available to you when gardening without soil.

Why Use a Growing Medium When Gardening With Hydroponics
One very good reason to use a growing medium in your homemade hydroponics garden is to ensure that the roots of your plants are adequately supplied with oxygen. In a traditional garden your plants roots gather oxygen from the air trapped in the soil. A growing medium serves the same purpose for plants grown with hydroponics. Growing media are designed to trap air that can then be processed by the plant roots.

Another reason for using a growing medium is to provide a food reserve for the plants. Like air, nutrients from the feeding solution are trapped in the pores of the growing medium and are then available to the plants if needed. This can help to prevent crop failures.

Types of Growing Media

Rockwool
Made from basalt rock and chalk Rockwool is probably the most popular growing medium used by hydroponics gardeners. This porous material can trap large quantities of air and water at the same time.

Perlite and Vermiculite
Perlite is a pebbly volcanic rock that provides excellent drainage and aeration when used as a growing medium. Its good drainage characteristics means that it does not hold much water and so is not good for trapping nutrients.

Vermiculite is a mineral that acts like a natural wick and is able to absorb large quantities of water.

The combination of Perlite and Vermiculite is a natural for hydroponics system: one holds air and oxygen, the other holds water and nutrients.

Coconut Fibres
Made from the outer husks of coconuts this growing medium is becoming increasingly popular with organic growers. Some hydroponics growers feel coconut fibres are superior to Rockwool in their ability to retain air and water.

Expanded Clay Pellets
This medium is made from baked clay. The pellets are vary porous and retain both air and water very well. They can be reused as long as they are first sterilized.

Aquarium Gravel
A very popular growing medium is the colored gravel that is used in fish tanks. The main reason for its popularity is expense. This gravel is very cheap compared to other growing media. The downside is that it does not hold water, and therefore plant nutrients, very well at all. If you choose to use aquarium gravel you will need a constant water supply for your plants to avoid root drying.

A homemade hydroponics system can provide you with a constant supply of fresh vegetables that is not affected by the seasons. All you need are some basic supplies that are available at any large hardware store.

Colleen Gray is an avid gardener who has built several homemade hydroponics systems. For tips on making your own hydroponics garden at home peruse http://www.homemadehydroponicsreview.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colleen_Gray

Gardening The Pure Way With Hydroponics

2007-10-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

People enjoy the beauty of plants in a garden, and everyone can appreciate the great food that is grown in backyard gardens. But what if you live in an apartment, and do not have any "land" in which to garden? Do you want to garden on a deck or patio perhaps? What if you would like to grow fresh produce indoors in the winter? Hydroponic gardening is a great way to grow pure food, even if you have no soil, or unusable soil, in which to grow plants.

Hydroponics describes a type of gardening system in which you can grow plants without any soil at all. Instead, you use a nutrient solution that the plant's roots capture. You will likely have healthier plants, because many plant pests live in the soil, which you will not be using for this gardening activity. Because there is no soil, happily there are no weeds for you to pull, either. You can produce more food in a smaller space because the roots of the plants are not in competition for nutrients like they are in soil, so you should get higher yields of produce from this fantastic gardening method.

There are different types of hydroponic systems that you can try. One is a passive system, where plants sit in direct contact with the nutrient solution. This one requires an air bubbler to keep the plant roots from rotting. Another system type is a nutrient film technique. This requires the use of PVC pipe. The plants sit in the pipe and water and nutrients are continuously streamed into it. Aeroponic-type systems utilize a mist or spray of nutrient solution directly on the plant roots, and the roots are not submerged. The roots of the plants are not growing in soil, but they still need some sort of medium in which to grow. Sand, gravel, vermiculite, perlite, and rockwool are all mediums.

It does not take much time to maintain a hydroponic gardening system. Only five minutes a day to check the nutrient reservoir and pH levels should do it. Use a reputable brand like futurebrite digital ballast with your lights to ensure the highest quality. Every other week you will need to replenish the nutrient solution with a fresh batch.

There are as many varieties of plants that can be grown hydroponically as there are brands of ballasts. Any of the lumatek digital ballasts. make a wise choice. Vegetables are very popular. Wouldn't it be nice to lettuce, peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes any time of the year? Now you can with hydroponic gardening. Maybe you would enjoy some fresh flower bouquets for your home. No need to run to the florist when you have hydroponically grown flowers within your reach on a balcony or patio.

Indoor gardening using hydroponic methods opens up a wide world of plant-growing opportunities for all gardeners, no matter where they live.

Susan Slobac uses of hydroponic gardening techniques and growing equipment for the majority of her food needs. Featuring seasoned advice for all plant enthusiasts, she believes that indoor gardening should be easy and foolproof. For the greatest chance of abundant results she recommends using the proper lights combined with a hydroponic digital ballast.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Slobac

Japan's Famous Japanese Gardens

2007-09-25T11:03:00.000-07:00

There is a very interesting history of Japanese gardens. Here’s a taster of some of Japan’s finest examples of what I think is a ‘ historical artform’…The Japanese Garden.
Kyoto is a Japanese city that has perhaps the greatest concentration of Japanese gardens. Here are the ones to visit or read up about:

Kyoto Imperial Palace- this was home to the Japanese emperor until 1868
Nijo Castle- the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shogunNanzenji- A Zen temple with a beautiful serene stone garden
Ryoanji- Japans most famous Zen temple with a stunning rock gardenDaitokuji- a large complex of Zen templesKatsura villa- a villa with a Japanese gardenTenryuji- This is a temple in the Arashiyama area of KyotoDaigoji- This famous temple is in the south-east of KyotoByodoin- A fine example of a land garden from the Heian period of Japanese history.

Each period of Japanese history saw a change in Japanese garden design and construction, and outside influences most notably from china shaped the evolution of the Japanese garden.
There are fine examples of Japanese gardens all over the world but this article is concentrating on Japan's finest creations. Outside of Kyoto there are some wonderful gardens to enjoy.
Yokohama- Sankeien, is a really spacious beautiful Japanese garden.Kamakura- the Zuisenji Temple- most famous for it’s Zen gardens.Mito- Kairakuen garden which has 3000 plum trees!Hiraizumi- Motsuji garden, this has a temple and pure land garden.Inuyama- Urakuen garden, this garden has a magnificent Tea ceremony house.Yoshino- Chikurin-in Temple, a Ryokan temple with a stunning garden.Kobe- right in the city centre is the Sorakuen garden. It’s a landscaped garden.Himeji- the Kokoen garden is right next to the Himeji castle.

Hiroshima- this city has as you know a history but it also has a fantastic Japanese garden.Yamaguchi- has a really famous Zen garden at Joeiji Temple.Dazaifu- Another beautiful Zen garden at Komyozenji.Kumamoto- Suizenji Koen, a landscape garden that reproduces the Tokaido.

Kagoshima- Senganen is an amazing Japanese style landscaped garden.Naha- this was the second residence of the second Ryukyu Kings and the garden is called Shikinaen.
If you ever get to travel to Japan, try and visit at least some of these spectacular gardens. It’s fairly easy to get around Japan as they have a marvellous public transport system- so make good use of it! I hope you have found this information useful

For more information about Japanese and Zen gardens go to: http://www.japzengardens.org
Russell Chard is a Japanese garden enthusiast based in the UK. He can be contacted via e mail at : zeniboltd@aol.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Russell_Chard

Flower Gardening Basics

2007-09-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

A flower garden is a place of creative beauty, relaxation, contemplation, rest and play. No matter how constrained you are about space, money or time, designing a flower garden can be done effectively and beautifully. Perhaps, planning and setting up your first flower garden may seem challenging, even a bit daunting, but once you see the result blossoming, the efforts will all be worth it. This simple overview of flower garden basics will help you to start on this enriching endeavour, express your creativity, get closer to nature and enjoy a truly flowering experience.
Here are some practical tips on how to start your fascinating and exciting adventure of setting up a colourful and lively flower garden; from selecting a spot, preparing the soil, selecting your flowers, designing your garden, and planting your flowers.

Practical tips on how to start a flowerbed from scratch
Site selectionTo begin planting your flower garden, choose a sunny spot that gets direct sunlight the whole day or at least for half a day till noontime. Select a site that is flat as it is easiest to work on. A slight slop is okay too, but avoid a steep hill for your first time planting a flower garden, as it can be cumbersome and challenging.

Removal of Weeds and GrassOnce you have selected your site, remove any existing grass or weeds including the roots from the area. Ensure that this task is done methodically and thoroughly so as to not only prevent problems in the future but also for obtaining better flower gardening results. Getting rid of weeds and grass can be done by hand or by using a sod cutter. You could also smother the ground with cardboard and newspapers topped with mulch or use an herbicide.

Soil PreparationThe next step would be preparing the soil. Loosen the soil and mix organic matter into it. Organic matter consists of decomposed materials such as compost, old rotten leaves, well-aged stable manure, spent mushroom soil, or whatever materials you have available locally at reasonable cost or in your daily trash. Additional an abundance of soil organisms, from earthworms to fungi, provide needed nutrients to plant roots and keep your flowers healthy.

Garden SizeWhile deciding the size of the flower garden, it’s not always how big it is that matters. If it is your first time planting a flower garden, start small so that it is more contained and manageable. It will allow you to deal with the preparation phase more efficiently as well as keep up the maintenance of the flower garden as the season progresses. The choice of expanding is always there once you have succeeded in building a healthy and colourful flower garden.
Once all the preparations are done, you can start thinking about how you want your flower garden to look; what kind of garden design and style you prefer, how colourful you want it to look, the mood it should emanate and the backdrop your flower garden should have.

The big question that arises then is selecting the flowers to grow in your flower garden. This will not only depend on the gardener’s own personal tastes but more importantly on growing conditions, style of the flower garden and other similar practical conditions. Try to pick as many native flowers as possible for best results. However, there may be some non-native flowers that are adaptable and may fit in well with your existing native ones. The key to this is to find a successful combination that works without being environmentally irresponsible.

It is fun to plant flowers, watch them grow and see your efforts come to fruition. But it is critical to quantify how much time you have to spend on maintaining your flowers, and your flower garden, as even low maintenance plantings require regular care. Ensure that you keep some time off every week to take care of your flower garden.

Growing flowers is pleasurable and a flower garden is a like a dream. The whole process of flower gardening can be addictive and exciting. Moreover, its even good exercise. Keeping your flowering plants and flowerbeds well cared for can ensure colourful as well as beautiful results and lead to a truly enjoyable experience.
William Brister - http://www.beautifulgardens.tv - Essential Gardening Tips
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Brister