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	<title>Mini Garden</title>
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		<item>
		<title>Lets Pot A Plant</title>
		<link>http://minigarden.com/mini-garden/lets-pot-a-plant/</link>
		<comments>http://minigarden.com/mini-garden/lets-pot-a-plant/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 06:06:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[mini garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bloom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[colors schemes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decks and patios]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leaf shape]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[look]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[planting flowers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[terracotta pots]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://minigarden.com/?p=191</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Planting flowers and other plants like shrubs or small bushes in pots can add a fresh look to any home or business. There are a few different ways to go about doing this and places they can be put at. Deciding to pot plants in containers and making a whole garden out of it can [...]]]></description>
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<p>Planting flowers and other plants like shrubs or small bushes in pots can add a fresh look to any home or business.  There are a few different ways to go about doing this and places they can be put at.</p>
<p>Deciding to pot plants in containers and making a whole garden out of it can create a beautiful sanctuary around your home or office. Adding potted plants to decks and patios can create a very welcoming look or hanging window boxes with flowers and small shrubs can be a decorative piece to spruce up any home. You could also try arranging these potted plants into a group highlighting one smaller, but possibly very beautiful specimen giving the look of a garden.</p>
<p>Doing this type of gardening and growing of plants enable you to create many unique and different colors schemes and arrangements. Try replacing flowers as they bloom and change look the often to always have a fresh assembly of flowers. You could coordinate the colors or contrast them and add different heights to make eye catching and unusual designs. </p>
<p>Another way to look at the flowers is for their texture and leaf shape. Combining varying shapes and sizes too or coordinating them to create a large picture with the plant arrangement you have chosen. There are different plants to use such as hanging vines and very tall, narrow ones that can add a lot of detail and uniqueness to the arrangement. As the seasons change and the holidays, create new arrangements to match those times. Using flowers and plants that only bloom then and would look best with your holiday decor.</p>
<p>Changing the containers occasionally and matching them to a particular theme of holiday will make for an interesting and different look for your flowers and plants. There are porcelain and terracotta pots, or brass and wood. Using different types of containers in the same style to change up the look of your plants and create fresh looks all the time.</p>
<p>Even though the plants are in pots always use high quality potting soil and make sure the pots are large enough to hold the plants you have chosen. The plants will last longer with the more room to grow and not out grown their environment until you are ready to change them. Choosing where to put them ahead of time will make choosing the plants you want to use easier. Knowing that they will be going up steps that lead to your front door will help you to decide how large the pots to buy and the type of plants to use. Or if your placing them inside your home, you will want to make sure there is enough room in the spot you want to use and that the pot is not too large or small for the spot you have chosen.</p>
<p>Using potted plants to create a cozy atmosphere in your home or to make an office or building look more welcoming is a nice touch that many people enjoy. Figuring out the look that is best for the area you are using will not be too difficult and you will find that it can be quite enjoyable hobby also.</p>
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		<title>Feng Shui Container Gardens</title>
		<link>http://minigarden.com/mini-garden/feng-shui-container-gardens/</link>
		<comments>http://minigarden.com/mini-garden/feng-shui-container-gardens/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 05:54:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[mini garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[balance and harmony]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[container garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[container gardens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[drainage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[feng shui space]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[information]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[necessary instructions]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://minigarden.com/?p=184</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you think of Feng Shui you may or may not of gardening. Here is some information on Feng Shui container gardening and all the possibilities. If you have been thinking about getting into Feng Shui gardening but are thinking that you need a large open area to create your garden, and then think again. [...]]]></description>
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<p>			</a></p></div>
<p>When you think of Feng Shui you may or may not of gardening. Here is some information on Feng Shui container gardening and all the possibilities.  </p>
<p>If you have been thinking about getting into Feng Shui gardening but are thinking that you need a large open area to create your garden, and then think again. You can create a Feng Shui container garden that still posses all the principles of the Feng Shui form. Since, most of us do not possess a large open area, with rocks we can stack and large field to work with, a Feng Shui container garden can work as well and still bring about the calmness and serenity that large Feng Shui gardens have.</p>
<p>Regardless of the amount of space you have, you can create a beautiful and interesting Feng Shui container garden. You will be able to incorporate all the Feng Shui ideas even though you are using a much smaller space. What is always important when creating a Feng Shui space is the energy that the space possess. So transforming your patio from an area you prefer to spend no time in, to an area of relaxation and even meditation is not as hard as it seems. Using many different plants, vegetables, flowers, fruits, and herbs to create the space that you want while still incorporating the Feng Shui energy can be done.</p>
<p>Once you have read up enough on Feng Shui ideals and beliefs you will be ready to begin picking which plants and vegetation you want to use. Starting with the plants you want in your area is best. Any plant nursery will have many varieties to choose from and all plants will have growing instructions and where they will thrive best. Along with all the necessary instructions on how to take care of them, from the amount of water they need to how much sunlight and shade they should get. Picking plants to create balance and harmony in your environment will be an important concern, however always looking for color and diversity is important too.</p>
<p>Choosing containers that are easily moved and adjusted will make creating and changing your Feng Shui garden much easier. Especially when there is a shift in energy in or around your home or business and you need to make a change quickly. Allowing for creativity in your containers is still important too and just about anything can e used that goes along with your Feng Shui theme. Pots, buckets, terracotta, ceramic, wood, tile, or even plastic. Anything that can hold items can be turned into a container for your garden, always just make sure to have holes in the bottom for water drainage and a saucer underneath to catch the water drainage.</p>
<p>Also, unlike other types of gardening, Feng Shui gardening allows for attachment to your plants and a connection with them that many other types of gardening does not look for. Whether you move or the weather changes, keeping the plants with you and creating your garden any where you are at will create additional harmony and strength with your Feng Shui garden.</p>
<p>Creating your Feng Shui garden will give you a sense of peace and serenity when there is so much going on around you. This will be your place for relaxation and even meditation with all the Feng Shui characteristics and ideals.</p>
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		<title>Essentials about Indoor Gardening</title>
		<link>http://minigarden.com/container-gardening/essentials-about-indoor-gardening/</link>
		<comments>http://minigarden.com/container-gardening/essentials-about-indoor-gardening/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Nov 2010 02:44:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[container gardening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choosing plants]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[herbal plants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indoor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[indoor gardening]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://minigarden.com/?p=56</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Indoor gardening is not just a wonderful hobby and a fruitful pastime which beautifies your home, it is easy to start and maintain too. This article tells you all that you wanted to know about indoor gardening. You have surely met people who would put a false tree at the corner of the living room, [...]]]></description>
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<p>			</a></p></div>
<p>Indoor gardening is not just a wonderful hobby and a fruitful pastime which beautifies your home, it is easy to start and maintain too. This article tells you all that you wanted to know about indoor gardening.</p>
<p>You have surely met people who would put a false tree at the corner of the living room, put some fake plants on the window sill and dust the leaves every now and then. They call it indoor gardening. In reality, this is far from what true indoor gardening is all about, as indoor gardening as a concept, has moved away for a long time now. Other than beautifying your home by lending a ‘natural’ look indoor plants also cleanse the atmospheric air. This they do by sucking up all the carbon dioxide and other pollutants and toxins floating in the air. Thus indoor gardening has its health benefits too.</p>
<p>There are a couple of points you have to take into consideration when choosing the indoor plants for your home:</p>
<p>- Are they adaptable to the environment and atmosphere in your house?</p>
<p>- Will it take a lot of time and effort to maintain this indoor plant?</p>
<p>- How much light does it need to survive and thrive?</p>
<p>- How much money am I going to spend to develop my indoor garden?</p>
<p>If you are starting on a low budget, your best choice is to start with seeds or cuttings. If you have a bit more money to spend, then go for plants which have already grown. The other important consideration is to decide whether you want a plant to display throughout the year or only part of the season. Indoor gardens with herbal plants are good as they are not only good looking but are sometimes edible too. Herbs grow very fast and you do not have to wait for long before you see results. Chives, dill, sage, thyme, and oregano are some of the popular herbs which people grow indoors. </p>
<p>Your personal experience in gardening or even indoor gardening is a critical factor for consideration before choosing plants for your indoor garden. Some plants are strong and do not die easily. Perhaps these are the plants you should choose if you are a ‘greenhorn’. Few of the hardy plants are: Fatsia, Cyperus, Scandens, Popular Succulents, Coleus, and Bromeliads.</p>
<p>Some of the maintenance rules are different for indoor plants from outdoor gardening. The main reason for this difference is that outdoor plants are exposed to sunlight and indoor plants may not get adequate amount of natural light. The solution lies in proper lighting. When you buy a plant that has already grown, you will need to make it get used to your home and the light it receives in its new place of residence. When you get such a plant, make sure that you rotate the plant which will trigger and maintain an upright growth.</p>
<p>One point to remember for indoor plants is that they also need adequate water to grow and thrive. How much water is ‘adequate’ is determined by the variety of plant you have chosen. When watering the plants, make sure that the water is properly drained out of the pot. The temperature of water must be the same as the room in which the plant is in. special attention must be give to the temperature in your home for proper growth of indoor plants. While a 10 to 15 degree variation can not harm any plant but frequent temperature fluctuations may cause damage.</p>
<p>The difficulty level or the level of ease, which ever perspective you view it from, indoor gardening is quite the same as outdoor gardening. One of the biggest advantages of indoor plants is that you do not have to worry too much about garden pests, etc. You are also spared of the usual tension of high winds and frost which can severely damage any outdoor garden.</p>
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		<title>Container Gardening – All You Need To Know</title>
		<link>http://minigarden.com/container-gardening/container-gardening-%e2%80%93-all-you-need-to-know/</link>
		<comments>http://minigarden.com/container-gardening/container-gardening-%e2%80%93-all-you-need-to-know/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Nov 2010 02:43:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[container gardening]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://minigarden.com/?p=55</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Days are gone when anyone without adequate space could not practice gardening. Today all you need is a balcony, deck or a patio to start your own little beautification program through a wonderful process called container gardening. This article provides more information about this great pastime. If you are keen on gardening yet do not [...]]]></description>
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<p>			</a></p></div>
<p>Days are gone when anyone without adequate space could not practice gardening. Today all you need is a balcony, deck or a patio to start your own little beautification program through a wonderful process called container gardening. This article provides more information about this great pastime.</p>
<p>If you are keen on gardening yet do not have adequate space to accommodate your ‘green’ desires, do not fret, help is at hand. You can actually run a lovely indoor garden, also known as ‘container gardening’ in your own patio, balcony, and deck or even on the ledge of a window that receives a lot of sunshine! So, are you ready?</p>
<p>There was a time was gardening was a hobby pursued only by people who owned little or big plots of land. Today, the scenario has changed. Even residents of small flats can grow their own landscape garden in their own little flat. It is called container gardening, or put more simply, it is growing plants and flowers in a container. One of the biggest benefits of container gardening is that you need not toil out in the sun, with the weekly mowing schedule, etc., yet enjoy all the benefits of a beautiful scenery right inside your home. You could grow some of the perennials, annuals and even small shrubs and trees in your containers.</p>
<p>While container gardening is a definite possibility, never presume that it is going to an easy task. Just like traditional gardening, container gardening also requires meticulous planning. This planning involves finding out from USDA, the specific climate zone that you live in. finding this critical information will help you to choose the right types of plants for your house. Secondly you need to be sure that your home or at least some parts of it get enough sunlight during the day. After ascertaining all these factors, you can go out and get the plants you so desire for indoor gardening.</p>
<p>The first advice to start your container gardening is to buy the plants from the local nursery. Otherwise you ought to have adequate facilities to go for indoor seedlings. You should never expose the tender plants outside if the temperature is below 45° F or the weather is highly windy. You should also remember not to keep your plants outside overnight, or else your plants may get damaged by frost.</p>
<p>Many people falsely believe that any plant that thrives on the ground will not be suitable for container gardening. This is completely untrue. If you do not believe, try it out yourself. Moreover, any plant will grow well if kept in containers which have holes at the bottom, for proper water drainage.</p>
<p>Not only does most container gardening require very little fertilizer and water support, depending on the variety that you have chosen, it also requires very little budget as starting expenses and has very low maintenance costs. </p>
<p>Not just flowers, you could grow many types of pot-growing vegetables as part of your container gardening. All that these plants need are water and plenty of sunlight. If you can provide these two basic ingredients then you could grow your own bunch of your own favorite vegetables for your ratatouille or salad. Its time to surprise your friends, right?</p>
<p>Even if you do not have the right balcony or deck, you could manage a special sanction from your landlord and install window boxes, a modern version of container gardening. Your sunny window could be the idea venue for growing some annuals or indoor vegetables. Another type of garden called community garden also exists, which can make any city dweller happy.</p>
<p>Once autumn dawns, there is no need to stop your container gardening activity as then you can continue with plants which can resist frost. Few of the common plants which can withstand frost are: Eulalia grasses, Mexican feather grass, Cornflowers, Lavender cottons, Jasmine, Million bells, Stonecrops, etc.</p>
<p>There is a unique way to extend the lifecycle of you container garden from early spring to late fall. Simply replant to tally well with the surrounding environment and weather conditions. To get a good design idea for your container garden, you could get in touch with some of America’s leading gardeners online. These remarkable gardeners offer advice on caring and choosing plants for pots, tips on how to grow vibrant roses and bulbs in small containers, and more.</p>
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		<title>Indoor Gardening for the Constrained Gardener</title>
		<link>http://minigarden.com/container-gardening/indoor-gardening-for-the-constrained-gardener/</link>
		<comments>http://minigarden.com/container-gardening/indoor-gardening-for-the-constrained-gardener/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Nov 2010 02:43:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[container gardening]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://minigarden.com/?p=49</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Not everyone who loves gardening can afford to plant outdoors. The reasons range from the lack of space to the fear of snipers. These reasons however are no deterrent to enjoying the beauty of gardening indoors which this article examines. If you’re a gardener who hates the fact that the onslaught of winter puts a [...]]]></description>
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<p>			</a></p></div>
<p>Not everyone who loves gardening can afford to plant outdoors. The reasons range from the lack of space to the fear of snipers. These reasons however are no deterrent to enjoying the beauty of gardening indoors which this article examines.</p>
<p>If you’re a gardener who hates the fact that the onslaught of winter puts a halt to your gardening or if you’re an apartment dweller who has yard but wants to plant, then indoor gardening may just be what suits you nicely. Indoor gardening brings in a bit of the outdoors into your home or apartment and provides you with color all year round. Indoor gardening may be different from outdoor gardening but in the true nature of the word, the same principles apply. With some know-how about the difference between indoor and outdoor gardening, you should be well on your way to growing in no time at all.</p>
<p>It’s a well-known fact that plants get rid of the carbon dioxide in the air and replace it with oxygen. This is very beneficial to your health and it is a reason for you to want to learn some indoor gardening. Other than this, plants also remove toxins and pollutants from the air. Not only is this healthy for you it helps you get rid of some of the dust and allergens that are found in the air, which can cause problems for you.</p>
<p>Because lighting is essential in the life of a plant and needed for growth as well, it tends to be a major consideration whenever you’re starting indoor gardening. The amount of light that comes into your home naturally and how much it has will help in determining which plants will be able to survive. Plants that require medium or low light tend to do well in homes except you plan on using artificial lighting. Another thing that is important is for you to condition your plant after it has been purchased. Because your house has a limited amount of light filtering in, you can slowly adjust your plant to cope with this condition by providing maximum lighting for it and decreasing the amount of lighting over the period of several weeks until you attain the needed condition. This also energizes the growth pattern of your plants. Another thing to note is that if you watch you will notice that a plant tends to turn towards the sunlight. Unless you want your plant pointing in a particular direction, rotate it on a very regular basis.</p>
<p>When you heat up your house during the winter, the internal humidity in your home will also decrease. Plants need a lot more moisture in the air and during these months you may want to increase the humidity levels in your home. You should use a humidifier or spray the leaves of your plant with water in order to achieve this.</p>
<p>An indoor garden will need to be watered as much as an outdoor garden. Watering too little is bad and so is too much watering. You should also supply your plant with a container that drains through at the base. This allows excess fertilizer and salts to drain out of the soil and gives the plant access to the necessary nutrients. Fertilization should be based on the type of plant that you have. It should be done every two or three months but never during the dormant seasons.</p>
<p>Plants tend to do excellently in temperatures that are in the region of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and some 10- 15 degrees cooler during the night. You should ensure that your plant isn’t placed in a place that is prone to hot and cold drafts. Sudden changes in temperature may harm your plant. Placing your plant on a cold windowsill in the middle of winter may make it freeze as well.</p>
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		<title>What Container Gardening Entails</title>
		<link>http://minigarden.com/container-gardening/what-container-gardening-entails/</link>
		<comments>http://minigarden.com/container-gardening/what-container-gardening-entails/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Nov 2010 02:43:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Container gardening is usually suited to people who live in places with a lack of space such as built-up urban areas. The different issues involved in container gardening and a number of brilliant ideas, are covered in this piece. Container gardening is usually designed for people who think that they’re days of gardening have ended [...]]]></description>
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<p>Container gardening is usually suited to people who live in places with a lack of space such as built-up urban areas. The different issues involved in container gardening and a number of brilliant ideas, are covered in this piece. </p>
<p>Container gardening is usually designed for people who think that they’re days of gardening have ended when they move into an apartment of a condo. Plants that are pretty and useful can still be grown if you opt to have a container garden instead. A few simple rules will have to be followed before you start your container garden. Five essential elements are important to your container garden and they include the pot, the soil, the light, the watering requirements and the fertilizer. Think of herbs for instance, they do not require big pots but they need at least six good hours of sunlight. The fertilizer that they need is small and they require good drainage in their soil. </p>
<p>Selecting the right container is quite important for you as well as your plants. You will preferably need to choose a pot which complements your home or your outside patio; you may also want to meet the needs of your plants. Cedar and redwood containers tend to be rot resistant while other woods tend to root easily. If wood pots are used you should ensure that they have not been treated with harmful chemicals which are harmful to your plants. Plastic pots should not be used in the sun as they will disintegrate quite quickly. Terracotta Containers are vulnerable in the sunlight as well as they tend to dry out easily and are prone to crack and break. The best pots that can be used for your container garden on the patio are usually ceramic glazed pots. These pots tend to be pretty and colorful but you should ensure that they have a lot of drainage holes. </p>
<p>For soil, everything is entirely about the nature of plants that you intend to grow. You should remember that your garden is going to be grown in limited space so you have to ensure that the soil will drain sufficiently. The whole key is usually to have a soil mixture which will retain moisture and has adequate drainage so as not to drown the roots. Making some research into the type of plant that you are growing will give you an idea of what each plant requires. Certain plants may require that some sand is added to the mix. In container gardening you cannot afford to go wrong where any of the essential components is concerned. </p>
<p>One more aspect of research is to understand how much light that your plants require. All plants which are available have different levels of light. Impatiens tends to do excellently in the shade while vegetables and flowers tend to do wonderfully in sunlight. </p>
<p>Fertilizing is one more crucial aspect of container gardening. When a plant is placed in a container, it only requires a minimal amount of solid which to draw nutrients from, because of this you will have to give it a little help. In order to be consistent, you should fertilize on every other watering. One fertilizer alone shouldn’t be used, a whole mix of nutrients will aid in keeping your plants happy and healthy as well. </p>
<p>Watering your container gardening should be quite crucial to you. It will take a certain amount of time to develop the right schedule for the different plants since they all tend to have different requirements. If you are having extremely hot weather then you may need to water your plants on a daily basis. </p>
<p>Container gardening is a very rewarding venture. It permits people in the city to enjoy something of the great outdoors in their own limited space. As soon as you have done your research and you have decided on the nature of plants to grow, the next step for you is to gather all the necessary materials and plant your container garden. You will no doubt enjoy the container gardening experience.</p>
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		<title>What Herb Gardening is All About</title>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Nov 2010 02:43:08 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Herb gardening is one form of gardening that has a lot of beneficial purposes. Herb gardens can create a wonderful atmosphere in your home and also provide ingredients for your meals as well. This article covers the fundamentals of herb gardening in all its ramifications. Ever since the time of the Mayflower, herbs have been [...]]]></description>
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<p>Herb gardening is one form of gardening that has a lot of beneficial purposes. Herb gardens can create a wonderful atmosphere in your home and also provide ingredients for your meals as well. This article covers the fundamentals of herb gardening in all its ramifications. </p>
<p>Ever since the time of the Mayflower, herbs have been cultivated and made use of. Their uses have ranged from seasoning to the curing illnesses and the making perfumes. As time progressed and dried herbs became more common, the practice of herb cultivation became less popular because available medical technology doesn’t focus on treatment with specific herbs and the cosmetic and perfume industries tend to manufacture a huge number of the lotions, soaps and perfumes. Regardless of all this in the last decades, ethnic foods have become a whole lot popular and people are starting to cultivate herbs once more. </p>
<p>Growing herbs successfully all depends on managing the following issues properly: </p>
<p>Location </p>
<p>Soil </p>
<p>Site preparation </p>
<p>Drainage</p>
<p>Pest Containment </p>
<p>The primary step to successful herb gardening is making a decision on which site to plant your herbs in. Size tends to depend on the variety of herbs which you want to cultivate, a good size for a kitchen garden would be about 4 feet by 20 feet. The area and label for each herb that you want to grow should be properly diagrammed. You should also ensure that you divide the annual and perennial herbs from each other. </p>
<p>When you select a site, the drainage will usually be the most essential feature, herbs won’t grow easily in the wet soil but the soil does not need to be that fertile. Very fertile oil tends to grow big plants that have no flavor. Basically the soil should be neutral and neither heavy on acid or alkaline. If the soil doesn’t drain well, remove some 15 to 18 inches of soil and add a three inch layer of gravel, then replace the soil. This will enable the soil drain more efficiently. Having a pH factor that is around 6.5 will ensure that excellent herbs are produced. </p>
<p>The soil should be essentially neutral, neither heavy on the acid nor alkaline. If, however, the soil does not drain well, remove 15 to 18 inches of soil and put in a 3 inch layer of gravel and replace the soil. The soil will now drain more efficiently. A ph factor of around 6.5 produces excellent herbs. </p>
<p>As soon as the soil has been selected and proper drainage arranged, the next thing to do is to prepare the soil. You should get rid of at least 12 to 18 inches of the top soil and you should ensure that the sub soil is neither hard nor compacted. If the sub soil is hard or compacted, then you can work in sphagnum peat or organic material in order to loosen it. The top soil should be mixed with sphagnum peat and sand or even composting material. This way you will make certain that the soil is workable and will retain its moisture. The top soil should always be replaced with a few more inches than was initially taken off. This will allow the garden to settle as soon as it has been planted.</p>
<p>You should also be very vigilant in looking for garden insects as well as diseases. Aphids, spider mites, grass hoppers, caterpillars, and rusts are all among the different ones that can come your way. Make sure that you treat for these pests and diseases as soon as they are spotted. Fail to do this and they may ruin your garden.</p>
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		<title>Understanding Indoor Gardening Plants</title>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Nov 2010 02:42:23 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Indoor gardening is a lot less popular than outdoor gardening but it is just as interesting. This article covers the basics of indoor gardening and indoor gardening plants for people who are just getting involved in the activity. Sooner or later we are bound to receive a house plants either as gifts or alternatively from [...]]]></description>
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<p>Indoor gardening is a lot less popular than outdoor gardening but it is just as interesting. This article covers the basics of indoor gardening and indoor gardening plants for people who are just getting involved in the activity. </p>
<p>Sooner or later we are bound to receive a house plants either as gifts or alternatively from a person who is moving away and can’t take the plants along. All this will give you a reason to indulge in some indoor gardening. If you don’t know how to take care of plants, they will usually wither and die off. At certain other times people may begin to care for the plants they are given and turn into wonderful gardeners. </p>
<p>Indoor gardens are not that different from outdoor gardens, the difference is primarily that you are taking care of the plants in your home instead of an outdoor garden. One huge benefit of the indoor garden is that it can be enjoyed in cities where land is always in limited supply. For people who are usually indoors, it makes for a wonderful hobby. On the whole it is a healthy practice as well. What happens is that your plants take in carbon dioxide turn it into oxygen and purify the air that we breathe in. This way you have attractive plants that have a lot of different benefits. </p>
<p>Indoor gardens tend to be a great idea for people who reside in climates that are cold and hard or climates that are extremely hot. The indoor garden allows the gardener to manipulate the environment in order to allow their plants survive. If the weather is annoying cold and everywhere looks a boring grey it would be rather wonderful to have different wonderful plants placed around your home to add beauty and cheer to the atmosphere. </p>
<p>After selecting the kinds of plants which you want to grow, the next thing is to find a container. You may also choose a small plant that can be left on a counter or windowsill instead. You must make a plan for your indoor garden as well and you have to decide where you want to place your indoor garden so you will have an idea about how much space is available for the plants. As soon as you have done this, you can choose a container as well as plants that you want to grow. Never forget to do your research about the needs of the plants and this includes needs such as watering, sunlight and food.</p>
<p>As soon as your material has been gathered, you may begin to plant and arrange your indoor garden in your home. Whenever you’re arranging your garden, you should make sure that plants which require sunlight are placed near a window. Plants which require indirect light can be put in a spot with low light intensity. Failure to do this right will mean you will be getting rid of some very dead plants in the near future. </p>
<p>If you love herb gardening, you may plant an indoor herb garden as well. Herbs tend to require about four to six hours of sunlight each day as well as loose soil for easy drainage. </p>
<p>People with pets should take care when choosing plants as well. You must ensure that your pets must be able to stay in the same place with your plants without incident. Certain plants may be harmful to animals and certain animals can be harmful to plants, so you have to find a way to handle this.</p>
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		<title>Removing Your Container Garden for Winter</title>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Nov 2010 02:42:10 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[At some point you will have to remove your container garden. They only can go for so long and there will be the clean up and removal that will need to happen. Here are a few ways to make it a simpler project. Now that summer is over, many of the flowers you have will [...]]]></description>
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<p>At some point you will have to remove your container garden.  They only can go for so long and there will be the clean up and removal that will need to happen.  Here are a few ways to make it a simpler project.</p>
<p>Now that summer is over, many of the flowers you have will no longer make it into the winter. However, there are a few ways to save some of your plants and get them through the winter. The other ones though will not be as lucky and have to be emptied and removed. Doing this is not difficult and can be done relatively easily.</p>
<p>If you planted any tropical annuals, they can be brought indoors for the winter. They will need:</p>
<p>A very sunny window or ledge.</p>
<p>Good amount of available moisture.</p>
<p>Of course enough space to set them up.</p>
<p>Along with any tropical plants you have, you can also bring in palms and ferns. Removing some cuttings and essentially cloning your plants may be a better idea if you do not have a lot of room or an area that they can still strive in. The plants need to be very healthy with no bugs or blights. What you will need to do to succeed is:</p>
<p>1.</p>
<p>Make sure you use a sharp knife and remove some of the non-flowering stems. It should be about three to four inches long.</p>
<p>2.</p>
<p>You will then need to make sure all the leaves are removed from the lower part of them stem; around two thirds of the way down. </p>
<p>3.</p>
<p>Now that you have prepared the cuttings that you have chosen, dip the edges in rooting hormone. Rooting hormone is available at all plant stores.</p>
<p>4.</p>
<p>Once they have been dipped, put the cuttings that are still damp, into moist sand or peat moss. Even tap water will work if you do not have sand or peat moss to use.</p>
<p>5.</p>
<p>Next, take the container that they are in and place it in a sunny place for three to four weeks.</p>
<p>6.</p>
<p>Do not forget to keep the sand or peat moss moist during this time.</p>
<p>7.</p>
<p>Keep checking your cuttings until you see that the roots are about 1 inch long.</p>
<p>8.</p>
<p>Now you are able to plant them in a regular pot and grow them on a sunny window ledge or room.</p>
<p>This method works well when you are dealing with such plants as geraniums, pelargonium, coleus, and certain ivies. Sometimes impatiens work too.</p>
<p>So, you have rescued and saved all the plants that you can and you are ready to move onto cleaning the containers of the other plants and disposing of them. All the plants that you are getting rid of you can cut up and put into a compost heap, this includes the soil. You definitely want to get rid of all the soil especially if you have soil in terracotta or ceramic pots and containers. Any moisture in the soil will expand when it freezes and it will crack the pots and containers, ruining them and making a mess. </p>
<p>Now, simply wash out all the containers and pots to make sure all debris and fungus are gone. If there is a white ring on your terracotta pots then just soak them for twenty four hours in white vinegar, water, and baking soda. After they have soaked use a stiff brush and scrub them in soapy water and rinse.</p>
<p>Next, dry the containers and pots in the sun and then stack them with paper towels or newspapers between them to absorb any moisture that is left. Try to store them somewhere at room temperature so that they do not freeze together during the winter months. However, as long as there are layers between them, they should be fine until the spring.</p>
<p>As long as you follow these tips you should have no problem saving some of your plants and being prepared for the following summer.</p>
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		<title>Herb Gardening for the Beginner</title>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Nov 2010 02:42:01 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Herb gardening isn’t strictly for aesthetic purposes. Herb gardening has culinary uses and those who are interested in getting involved have a thing or two to learn about the entire process and what it involves. Herb gardens are among some of the easiest gardens that a person can grow. These sorts of gardens require an [...]]]></description>
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<p>Herb gardening isn’t strictly for aesthetic purposes. Herb gardening has culinary uses and those who are interested in getting involved have a thing or two to learn about the entire process and what it involves.</p>
<p>Herb gardens are among some of the easiest gardens that a person can grow. These sorts of gardens require an area of land that is relatively small. They can be grown indoors in pots, window boxes or even hanging planters. These gardens may be used to spice up your dinner dishes or for medicinal purposes and their pleasant aroma and beautiful flowers. They may also be used either fresh or dried and they are a staple in every kitchen cupboard.</p>
<p>If you’ve ever reached for spice in the kitchen and realized that you were out, it may be a good enough reason to plant your own herb garden. Rather than running off to the store for some fresh supplies you can easily walk over to a plant and clip off what you need. You can have everything from fresh basil, thyme, sage, chives, dill, to tarragon or rosemary right at your fingertips from your herb garden.</p>
<p>Herbs may annuals, biennials or perennials. Annuals tend to flower one season and then die the next. Biennials live for at least two seasons, flower once and then die. Perennials tend to die in water but return to blossom the next season. If you pick perennials you should ensure that they are planted in a place that they can be kept from one year to the other.</p>
<p>Herb gardens require very little space and they may be either planted as seeds or plant clippings. Seeds should also be planted in shallow boxes in the late winter and from then they can be transplanted outdoors during the spring. Soil is a determinant factor that governs the issue of whether your garden thrives or falters. Herbs also do not grow properly in wet soil so it is essential that you provide adequate drainage for the herbs. If adequate drainage isn’t available then you can easily compensate by adding compost and sand to the soil that you have. You may also dig out at least 15- 18 inches of dirt and add crushed stone in it to aid in the process.</p>
<p>Unlike other plants herbs don’t need too much fertilizer. The more fertile the soil that you have, then the less foliage will occur and your herbs won’t have enough flavor. Certain diseases or insects also tend to attack herbal plants too.</p>
<p>Harvesting herbs should take place in the morning and only when the plant has had enough foliage to maintain its growth. Whenever they are picked they should be washed almost immediately in cold water. They can also be used fresh or dried for use in winter.</p>
<p>In order to dry herbs, after washing you should hang them up in order for the water to evaporate. After this you should bind the stems together and place them in a band with the stems placed at the bags opening. After this close the bag with a rubber bag and hang them from a line so that they cool in a place that is dark and dry. The attic is usually a better choice as basements are usually damp. When two to three weeks have passed then you may remove the herbs from the bag and then crumble the leaves. When the crumbled leaves are perfectly crispy they should be stored in glass jars or airtight containers placed in a cool place so you can have them whenever you require them.</p>
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