You are here: Home / Archives for mini garden

Creating a Beautiful Indoor Mini Garden

November 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Even if you do not have a lot of room, you can create a beautiful garden in your home. Here are a few tips and tricks to get your indoor garden started.

If you have been looking for a way to brighten up the inside of your home with unique colors and different textures, then creating an indoor garden may be just what you are looking for. Plants and flowers can add a relaxing and even homey feel to any space that you choose. They can also help to naturally cleanse and purify your air and home. Any plants you pick will be based on your own tastes and ideas of what you want your space to look and feel like. You can choose any plants you like, it all really depends on how much space you have to work with and what you are looking for.

There are few things to keep in mind and take care of when you are creating an indoor garden. Below are a few tips to help you long with the creation of your new space.

Light is very important to any plant you choose, you probably already knew that. However, they also need shade too. Making sure that your plants are receiving enough of both is very important. Picking plants that will do well in the environment you have them will work best. Reading the tags that come on the plant closely so you know what their sun and shade needs are will ensure that your plants thrive and do well in your home.

Also, do not over or under water your plants. Again reading the tag that comes on the plant closely and following the instructions will tell you exactly what you need to know about your plant and their needs. Over watering can create bugs and disease with your plant, also there is root rot from too much water and the plant not being able to use all of it and drain all of it out.

When you first get the plant home, it will look good for awhile and then the leaves may brown and fall off. Many times the nurseries fertilize them to make them grow quickly, so if you would like them to keep growing that way, then you will need to fertilize them also. Choosing a fertilizer will depend on the plant and again reading the tag on the plant will make this decision easier.

Picking containers that will go well with your already established decor and that will fit the plants you have chosen. There are so many different containers available to purchase or you can even use containers from around your home. As long as there are adequate holes in the bottom for water drainage, any container large enough for your plant will work. This is the fun part of indoor container gardening, you have so many choices and ways to create your garden.

Container gardening is also a little easier than creating a full blown outdoor garden. You can start small until you get the hang of it and then add more as time goes on. Or you can just keep your garden small and easy to manage. You do have a lot of options with container gardening.

However, you decide to create your garden, you have many options and choices to choose from. There are so many ways to reuse household items and make an interesting and unique garden for your home.

Filed Under: mini garden Tagged With: , , , ,

Beginners Guide To Successful Container Gardening

November 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

If you are new to container gardening, you are probably excited and wondering what you need to do or how to start. Here is everything you will need to know to get your container garden started.

Having limited space does not mean that you cannot have a garden. Instead of thinking that only gardens grow in yards and around trees, think about how they can be grown in containers instead. Container gardens can be created anywhere and will add beauty and interest to any busy street or on a balcony or even roof tops. What is nice also is that you can change the look often and whenever you feel like since all of your plants are in containers and easily moved about to give different and interesting looks.

You will find changing your color scheme and the look often interesting and fun as you come up with new ways to arrange your plants and pots. Contrasting colors and adding flowers and plants of varying size and shape will give depth and novelty to any look you come up with. If there is something you do not like it can easily be changed on a whim into another interesting creation. Or as flowers bloom, change them out to a different variety to keep your ever changing container garden interesting and different.

Keep these ideas in mind when you begin to create your container garden.

Try all different types of containers. Use house hold items even, such as coffee cans that have been cleaned, buckets, even broken pots. Just make sure to make holes in the bottom for water drainage. Anything you can think of that can hold items, conceivably be used.

Remember that terracotta absorbs water, but comes in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. While wood will wear out over time and be heavier. Plastic is great too because of the variety offered in the material, however over time it will become brittle and dried out from the sun.

Paint the interior of any pot you choose to ensure that the plants do not dry out and that they can absorb the most water.

Always use a saucer under all your pots to catch the water and save your cement or tile or wood from water rings and calcium deposits.

Choose high quality and grade potting soils. Since you are container gardening, your plants will definitely need the best soil possible to thrive and grow.

Do not let any area be off limits. If there is space you can place a container there with plants and flowers, whether indoors or out. Try many different locations to achieve the look you want.

Plan ahead and know where you want to put your plants so you can make sure you buy the right type of plants for the location you choose. All plants will have tags with instructions of where they work best and how to take care of them. Follow these instructions when picking your plants and the locations they will be placed in.

Regardless of where you live or if you have a green thumb or not, container gardening is an easy and fun way to add color and coziness to any living space. However, container gardening is not for where we live, but can create a welcoming feeling to any business or office. If you have been looking for a way to spruce up an area or make some minor changes, try container gardening, it may e exactly what you have been looking for.

Filed Under: mini garden Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Making A Salad Garden

November 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Having a container garden with fruits and vegetables is a great way to have some fresh food throughout the year. Especially since you can grow your plants both indoors and outdoors throughout the year, regardless of the time of year.

The only limitations you have is the amount of space available and the size of containers your using. There are many combinations that you can come up with in each container. Such as planting tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and chives all in a twenty four to thirty inch container. These work well together and require all the same watering and sunlight needs. If they are outdoors, they can be moved inside for the winter months, giving you the same fresh vegetables and herbs as in the summer.

1. To start all you need to do is buy or find the containers you want to plant your garden or gardens in. Choosing the containers based on the space you have, how many fruits, vegetables, or herbs you want to grow, and how large you plan to allow your garden to become. You can reuse household items like coffee cans and detergent buckets or you buy ceramic, wood, terracotta, or plastic pots. If you choose to reuse, then just make sure you clean the containers thoroughly and paint the inside and outside with a water resistant paint, to ensure protection for your plants. There are also tubs, boxes, baskets, and even pails. Practically anything that hold items will work as long as there is a way for the water to drain. Either there will be pre-made holes or you will need to make them. Then using saucers or dishes underneath to catch water drips so as to not create a mess.

2. Next, buy the packets of seeds of the plants you want to grow. Sometimes there may be plants at the nursery that have already been started and you will only need to replant these in the pots you have. Make sure you spread the seed out evenly throughout the soil and leave enough room, about two inches from the top of the container, so you can water and fertilize your plants. You will want to gently pack down the dirt, not too tight, but enough to protect the new seeds.

When creating your garden, try many different plants to see which you like best and grow best. Maybe there are some you have a knack for or are your favorite. If you have enough space then plant a little of everything. Virtually any vegetable, fruit, and herb out there can be grown in a container as long as the container is large enough. And of course you have the time to take care of them. Planting like items together will make your garden thrive and make maintaining it a lot easier. Some plants will have identical watering, sunlight, and fertilization needs, saving you space also by planting them together in one pot. For the larger plants, then using separate containers will be better. Reading the care instructions that come with all plants and seed packets will give you ideas and tell you exactly what each plant requires.

Filed Under: mini garden Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Simply Plant Yourself a Container Garden

November 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

You have decided that you want to plant a container garden, but you are unsure of where to start or how hard it will be. Well, here a few tips and tricks to make it to make things easier.

Container gardening may sound harder than it is, but really it is very simple and relaxing. Any space you have can be used to create a garden for yourself. That is why container gardening works so well, it does not take a lot of space and people with very little can still create beautiful flowers and arrangements, while using very little room. The name explains what you are doing; you will be using pots or buckets to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

A major benefit to containers gardening is that it uses very little space and less soil and water. It works very well when you are living in an apartment or condo and do not have a yard to grow plants in. There is also less growing time with container gardening and you do not have to know as much about gardening to do it, since it takes less time too.

There are a few basic ideas you need to know to begin your container garden. Once you learn these then creating beautiful arrangements with color and texture will become much easier and you can turn a plain balcony into an eye catching space.

1.

Decide which types of plants you want to grow. Picking plants that are best suited for container gardening will make maintaining your garden a little easier. Also, experiment will color and size. But, always choose what you like best and what will grow best in the area you have chosen for them.

2.

Now you know what size containers you will need. There are many containers and pots available to choose from. Picking the right size will depend on the type and size of plants you plan on growing. Also, picking containers that will bring out the color in the plants and add to the entire design of the space you have chosen. However, since you have already picked the plants you want to use, choosing which pots and containers will be very easy. Except for maybe all the choices you will have.

3.

Lastly, get the soil that your plants grow best in. Picking a high grade composite soil will work best since you are container gardening and there will be very little natural soil you will be using. Make sure you read the plant instructions too, there will be recommendations for which type of soil to use, how much, and any other nutrients your plant will need. So, read through these instructions as well and pick the soils that are suggested.

You’re done! You can begin planting following the simple steps that will come with each plant you have chosen and the directions on the soil bags. Now it is just a matter or watering and maintaining the plants you are growing.

Having a container garden can be a full filling and fun experience, especially when living in an apartment or condo where you have limited space. The plants you have chosen can add color and dimension to any space. Or even living in a home with a smaller front or backyard can add beauty and texture to your home. Once you get good at it, it will be a simple and fun project to do regularly.

Filed Under: mini garden Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

What You Need To Begin Your Container Garden

November 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

There are only a few items you will need to begin your container garden. Here is some more information on container gardening and the supplies recommended.

Simply put container gardening is growing plants in containers instead of in the ground. It became very popular in the 1950′s in California when people living in apartments and other shared spaces begin growing plants in pots and containers to put on their balconies and entryways. Container gardening only needs a few things, which are:

The containers themselves. You may have already decided which type of plants you want to begin growing. Picking a container that can hold the size of plant you want is important. However, choosing a container that works well with the colors of the plants and also with the place you are planning on putting the container too. You may need to move your plants from one container to a larger one as they grow. So, keep that in mind and maybe buy different sizes so whenever necessary you can transfer the plants to the larger pots. One other thing, there are pros and cons to any type of container you use, so depending on where you live and again the plants you have chosen will make a difference in the type of containers needed. They all need plenty of holes in the bottom for drainage. Here are a few examples of the different types of pots.

Plastic will break down and dry out when out in the sun a lot. However, it is easier to move since it is lighter.

Wood does rot and grow fungus. But, Redwood and Cedar are bit more sturdy and it does not happen with them as quickly.

Terracotta dries out very quickly and will develop rings on them from calcium deposits.

Ceramic pots are a good choice, however they are slightly heavier.

Soil and nutrients. The best to use for indoor gardening is soil less potting mix. It will drain better and there will be no diseases or weeds. When you fill the container, leave about two inches between the top and mix, that way you have room for the mulch on top.

Water and food. You will need to the water the plant based on the size and type. Those instructions will actually come with each plant and they will need to be followed. This holds true for the amount of sunlight they will need and shade and the time of year they grow best in. When you do water make sure all the soil is moist and when there is water coming from the bottom you know you have given the plant enough usually. Also, because the soil is very light your plants will more fertilizer. A slow-release or water soluble type works best.

The right temperature and space. When you plant vegetables, flowers, or herbs you will put them one third closer than you would if they were in a garden. With trees and shrubs they should be centered in the pot or container. Any plant will need to be re-potted whenever necessary. Since you are container gardening, you will be able to protect them from extreme heat and cold. Move the plant whenever necessary to keep the temperature right.

Pruning and preening. Making sure you trim your potted plants regularly and remove any dead or brown parts is important also. There will be less mess and your plant will do much better since there will be no bugs or fungus growing.

Creating a container garden will add color and life to any area. This is a hobby anyone can get into and as you can see it is not difficult to start.

Filed Under: mini garden Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Container Gardening – Making Use of Small Spaces

November 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

For people who don’t have a yard, container gardening is an alternative solution if they really want to garden. These are some ways which container gardening can be implemented even when you don’t have a large yard.

There are a number of ways that you can have your own personal garden even though you don’t have a large yard.

1. Place pots of flowers on one side of your steps. This tends to work excellently if you have each container around the same size and the flowers/plants the same or similar.

2. Hanging baskets on the porch. Getting one or many containers that have colorful cascading flowers, such as ivy geraniums, petunias, begonias, in one color or combinations of colors, can create a wonderful garden effect in your home.

3. You can place planters on both sides of your front door. Tall, narrow plantings usually do quite well. You can also consider, Topiary, sculpted green shrubs, or even a vine on an obelisk or similar standing structures.

4. You can put a group of containers on a bench. If you have a bench, table or shelf lying around, you should have a number of containers of varying sizes. The plants available can be of different colors as well as types.

5. A container on a pedestal in entryway. If your entrance is large enough, having an urn that is filled with flowers on a pedestal usually creates a very powerful impression.

6. Lining a patio. As long as your flowers don’t obstruct your pathway, having a patio that is lined with containers of colorful flowers is a wonderful addition to any home.

7. A grouping in the corner of a deck. Decks tend to be usually boring and devoid of any form of color. By grouping several containers of different sizes, shapes and types with a lot of colorful flowers, you create a much more exciting atmosphere.

8. Encircling a tree trunk. As long as there is enough light, making a “flower box” around a tree trunk and filling it with flowers, adds color and interest to an otherwise empty space.

9. Hanging on a wall. You can use wall brackets to attach containers to a wall and fill them with flowers that tend to oppose the particular wall color. This works well for grabbing attention from everybody passing by as long as you make proper use of the available space.

10. in an old wagon or wheelbarrow. If you collect antiques or have some similar items you can easily fill everything up with a collection of annual plants. This works well for some people but others can use alternative solutions.

11. Hanging from deck railings. A number of different containers are usually specially made to attach to deck railings that look wonderful when filled with flowers. The containers shouldn’t be extraordinarily large but should be shaped in proportion to each other as well as your home.

12. A window box filled with flowers. Regardless of whether or not you have no yard, porch, patio or deck you can have a window box filled with a number of different bright flowers for your viewing pleasure and that of a number of people who may be visiting your home.

Filed Under: mini garden Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,