文章
小马奥
2017年05月23日
Want to grow FRESH & ORGANIC vegetables but short of space? No problem, you can even do this near your kitchen window. Just learn about the Windowsill Vegetable Gardening and 11 best vegetables you can grow there!
So what if you don’t have a big outdoor space to grow your own food, you can also grow your own fresh and organic vegetables in a small space– on your windowsill. Improvise and act, get some window boxes, hanging baskets or make some cool DIY containers.
Also Read: Windowsill Herb Garden
It’s fun and exciting and you’ll be successful if you care about a few things: Your window must receive minimum 4-5 hours of sunlight, you should fertilize your plants correctly and the balance in watering must be maintained (avoiding both overwatering and underwatering).
Also Read: How to Water Container Plants
1. Green Onions
Fresh green onions can be a wonderful and delicious addition to your salad bowls and sandwiches. In a small space like a windowsill, you can get enough harvest. You can even grow green onions in water. See the tutorial! If you want, you can try to grow onions, too. Also, vertically in plastic bottles. Check out this post.
A Tip: If you’re growing green onions in water, replace the water every day.
2. Loose Leaf Lettuce
After green onions growing lettuce is one of the easiest things in the windowsill gardening! It doesn’t require a sunny window, a few hours of sunlight is enough, if not, you can also use artificial light. And the best part is you can make decorative arrangements, combining red or green leaf lettuces in the same pot or choosing variegated ones.
A Tip: Wide-shallow containers are sufficient and provide you small crop. Learn how to grow lettuce in a pot here.
3. Tomatoes
Growing tomatoes on a windowsill is easy if it is sunny. A great way to grow and enjoy fresh, organic, juicy tomatoes indoors. For best results, choose dwarf varieties (cherry tomatoes, are perfect). Also, some varieties that grow well on windowsill includes Early Salad, Red Cushion, Pretty Patio and Tiny Tim.
Also Read: How to Grow So Many Tomatoes in So Little Space
A Tip: Cherry tomatoes don’t require a big deep pot, you can use a small to medium sized container. If you like to grow them in hanging baskets near your windows, it is possible too. Learn how to do this here.
4. Spinach
You can have your own spinach and you don’t need a big yard for this. You can grow it on a windowsill if it receives only a few hours of sun. Here’s the helpful guide on growing spinach in containers.
A Tip: Keep the soil slightly moist and provide shallow but wide planter, a 6 inches deep pot would be sufficient.
5. Chillies
Exotic, hot, spicy, and colorful– You can grow chilies on your kitchen windowsill. But only if it is sunny and warm. Also, the pot you use should be at least 8-10 inches deep. It’s fun and you’ll love your plants once they’ll start to flower and fruit. You can make your curry recipes spicier this way.
Also Read: How to Grow Banana Peppers
A Tip: Provide as much sun as possible and keep your eyes on pests.
6. Carrots
Growing carrot on a windowsill is possible and you can expect a decent homegrown harvest in small pots or window boxes. Carrot plants need regular watering, otherwise, the roots (carrots) will dry out and crack. Growing this root vegetable in containers is easy and it doesn’t take much space too. Read this to learn how to grow carrots in containers.
A Tip: Choose smaller varieties.
7. Sprouts
The healthiest stuff you can grow– Almost anywhere in your home, also on the windowsill. It is such a rewarding experience as they grow easily and quickly. All you need is a quart jar, a few tablespoons of sprouting seeds and water. In a week, you’ll have a jar full of healthy delicate sprouts that you can sprinkle on salads, add to sandwiches or toss into soups for a delicious and healthful twist on your favorite recipes.
A Tip: Just read these two articles– here and here.
8. Garlic
No need to teach you about the GARLIC glories! Let’s come to the point– Garlic will grow happily on your windowsill. To grow it, buy some fresh garlic from a grocery store. Plant a large, unpeeled clove with the pointed side up, in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and in a few days, you should see a green shoot. You can use its leaves in many recipes in place of garlic, will taste delicious. To harvest the leaves, cut them off with a sharp scissor, only a few inches at a time. When the leaves dry, dig up the soil to harvest the garlic bulbs.
A Tip: Choose at least 6 inches deep pot.
9. Microgreens
A big bowl of green leaves can be a prime source of vitamins A, C, K and folic acid. And microgreens (aka seedlings of herbs and vegetables) maybe even more nutrient-rich and tasty than the mature ones. Here is everything about growing microgreens.
A Tip: To grow microgreens you will need seeds of various greens and a wide but shallow tray.
10. Radishes
Radishes grow so fast and require little care and don’t mind the small pots. Plus, there leaves are also edible and you can prepare delicious exotic recipes from them. They need sunny windowsill and a moist soil.
A Tip: Ensure the pots you use have sufficient drainage holes and the potting soil must be well-drained and rich in organic matter.
11. Beans and Peas
Both the beans and peas can be grown on windowsills if there is space. Pole beans if planted in window boxes can be trained and supported by tying a string or wire from the planter to the window frame.
A Tip: Dwarf and bushier bean varieties and peas don’t require any special support, thus more suitable for windowsill gardening.
So what if you don’t have a big outdoor space to grow your own food, you can also grow your own fresh and organic vegetables in a small space– on your windowsill. Improvise and act, get some window boxes, hanging baskets or make some cool DIY containers.
Also Read: Windowsill Herb Garden
It’s fun and exciting and you’ll be successful if you care about a few things: Your window must receive minimum 4-5 hours of sunlight, you should fertilize your plants correctly and the balance in watering must be maintained (avoiding both overwatering and underwatering).
Also Read: How to Water Container Plants
1. Green Onions
Fresh green onions can be a wonderful and delicious addition to your salad bowls and sandwiches. In a small space like a windowsill, you can get enough harvest. You can even grow green onions in water. See the tutorial! If you want, you can try to grow onions, too. Also, vertically in plastic bottles. Check out this post.
A Tip: If you’re growing green onions in water, replace the water every day.
2. Loose Leaf Lettuce
After green onions growing lettuce is one of the easiest things in the windowsill gardening! It doesn’t require a sunny window, a few hours of sunlight is enough, if not, you can also use artificial light. And the best part is you can make decorative arrangements, combining red or green leaf lettuces in the same pot or choosing variegated ones.
A Tip: Wide-shallow containers are sufficient and provide you small crop. Learn how to grow lettuce in a pot here.
3. Tomatoes
Growing tomatoes on a windowsill is easy if it is sunny. A great way to grow and enjoy fresh, organic, juicy tomatoes indoors. For best results, choose dwarf varieties (cherry tomatoes, are perfect). Also, some varieties that grow well on windowsill includes Early Salad, Red Cushion, Pretty Patio and Tiny Tim.
Also Read: How to Grow So Many Tomatoes in So Little Space
A Tip: Cherry tomatoes don’t require a big deep pot, you can use a small to medium sized container. If you like to grow them in hanging baskets near your windows, it is possible too. Learn how to do this here.
4. Spinach
You can have your own spinach and you don’t need a big yard for this. You can grow it on a windowsill if it receives only a few hours of sun. Here’s the helpful guide on growing spinach in containers.
A Tip: Keep the soil slightly moist and provide shallow but wide planter, a 6 inches deep pot would be sufficient.
5. Chillies
Exotic, hot, spicy, and colorful– You can grow chilies on your kitchen windowsill. But only if it is sunny and warm. Also, the pot you use should be at least 8-10 inches deep. It’s fun and you’ll love your plants once they’ll start to flower and fruit. You can make your curry recipes spicier this way.
Also Read: How to Grow Banana Peppers
A Tip: Provide as much sun as possible and keep your eyes on pests.
6. Carrots
Growing carrot on a windowsill is possible and you can expect a decent homegrown harvest in small pots or window boxes. Carrot plants need regular watering, otherwise, the roots (carrots) will dry out and crack. Growing this root vegetable in containers is easy and it doesn’t take much space too. Read this to learn how to grow carrots in containers.
A Tip: Choose smaller varieties.
7. Sprouts
The healthiest stuff you can grow– Almost anywhere in your home, also on the windowsill. It is such a rewarding experience as they grow easily and quickly. All you need is a quart jar, a few tablespoons of sprouting seeds and water. In a week, you’ll have a jar full of healthy delicate sprouts that you can sprinkle on salads, add to sandwiches or toss into soups for a delicious and healthful twist on your favorite recipes.
A Tip: Just read these two articles– here and here.
8. Garlic
No need to teach you about the GARLIC glories! Let’s come to the point– Garlic will grow happily on your windowsill. To grow it, buy some fresh garlic from a grocery store. Plant a large, unpeeled clove with the pointed side up, in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and in a few days, you should see a green shoot. You can use its leaves in many recipes in place of garlic, will taste delicious. To harvest the leaves, cut them off with a sharp scissor, only a few inches at a time. When the leaves dry, dig up the soil to harvest the garlic bulbs.
A Tip: Choose at least 6 inches deep pot.
9. Microgreens
A big bowl of green leaves can be a prime source of vitamins A, C, K and folic acid. And microgreens (aka seedlings of herbs and vegetables) maybe even more nutrient-rich and tasty than the mature ones. Here is everything about growing microgreens.
A Tip: To grow microgreens you will need seeds of various greens and a wide but shallow tray.
10. Radishes
Radishes grow so fast and require little care and don’t mind the small pots. Plus, there leaves are also edible and you can prepare delicious exotic recipes from them. They need sunny windowsill and a moist soil.
A Tip: Ensure the pots you use have sufficient drainage holes and the potting soil must be well-drained and rich in organic matter.
11. Beans and Peas
Both the beans and peas can be grown on windowsills if there is space. Pole beans if planted in window boxes can be trained and supported by tying a string or wire from the planter to the window frame.
A Tip: Dwarf and bushier bean varieties and peas don’t require any special support, thus more suitable for windowsill gardening.
3
1
文章
扭扭
2017年05月23日
If you live in a city and have a small space (a balcony, rooftop, patio etc.) to grow plants, embrace vertical gardening. And with these 16 Vertical Gardening Ideas you can do this easily.Vertical Gardening Ideas for Small Urban Gardens1.
1. Vertical Lettuce Planter
If you love to grow lettuce, herbs or other green leafy vegetables, this project is for you. With minimal space and efforts, make this vertical planter. This simple project can be completed before lunchtime. Check out the tutorial on Bonnie Plants.
2. Vertical Pallet Planter
You can have different types of plants (herbs, salad greens or ornamentals) growing in a limited space you have, this way. Here are a few more ideas using pallets in the garden.
3. DIY Trellis Planter Holder
She had two trellises and she found an idea! Attaching them to the windows can make the dull wall interesting and she could save her plants (herbs) from her daughter who loved to pick and throw the leaves. Here’s what she had done!
You can do something similar in your balcony garden too.
4. Pallet Container Holder
Arrange a pallet board and hang several pots on it and place on your balcony, where it will receive some sun. It’s easy! And the best part is it will create plenty of vertical space.
5. DIY Stacked Planter.
This DIY stacked planter can spruce up any boring place of your garden. It is quick and easy to make and only requires 5 terracotta pots of different sizes, a few of your favorite plants, a center rod, and potting soil. Here is the tutorial.
6. Vertical Picture Frame Planter
A cool idea for your balcony garden to make it greener, you can also hang a wall planter like this in your room. See the step by step tutorial on our website.
7. Vertical Pot Holder From Pallet Planks
Dismantle a pallet board and separate the pallet planks; nail them on to the wall and fix the pots. Simple!
8. DIY Herb Planter
You can learn how to do this on Ginger Snap Crafts. They have used cedar boards and a few other items to build this.
9. Hanging Garden For Apartments
If you live in an apartment then every inch of space is precious for you and having a vertical hanging garden like this can greatly add more planting space to your urban container garden. To see the tutorial, visit this site.
10. Hanging Gutter Garden
If you have a small patio, balcony or roof garden, make a hanging gutter garden like this one, to grow a lot of plants. See more vertical garden ideas for Balcony.
11. Arrange shelves to keep pots
If possible arrange old shelves or something so that you can keep your pots there, this will also create a lot of space in your tiny garden.
12. Hanging Terracotta Planters
No problem if you don’t have a big outdoor area you can still create a lot of space with the help of vertical gardening. A tutorial is available here.
13. Cool Vertical Garden
Buy a cool vertical garden like this or if you have great DIY skills, make one for yourself. You can also arrange small but useful gardening tools and watering can in it.
14. Staircase Plant Stand
Perfect for city people who have balconies, roofs or terraces as an only outdoor space. You can keep containers on there and grow flowers or herbs.
15. Iron Grid Pot Holder
You can make a grid like this by welding the iron rods or weave them by any other method so that you’ll be able to hang the pots. You can paint that too in your favorite color. *The grid can also be made of wood.
16. Mason Jar Herb Garden
Have some mason jars and wooden boards? Make a herb garden like this. One of its kind tutorials is available here.
1. Vertical Lettuce Planter
If you love to grow lettuce, herbs or other green leafy vegetables, this project is for you. With minimal space and efforts, make this vertical planter. This simple project can be completed before lunchtime. Check out the tutorial on Bonnie Plants.
2. Vertical Pallet Planter
You can have different types of plants (herbs, salad greens or ornamentals) growing in a limited space you have, this way. Here are a few more ideas using pallets in the garden.
3. DIY Trellis Planter Holder
She had two trellises and she found an idea! Attaching them to the windows can make the dull wall interesting and she could save her plants (herbs) from her daughter who loved to pick and throw the leaves. Here’s what she had done!
You can do something similar in your balcony garden too.
4. Pallet Container Holder
Arrange a pallet board and hang several pots on it and place on your balcony, where it will receive some sun. It’s easy! And the best part is it will create plenty of vertical space.
5. DIY Stacked Planter.
This DIY stacked planter can spruce up any boring place of your garden. It is quick and easy to make and only requires 5 terracotta pots of different sizes, a few of your favorite plants, a center rod, and potting soil. Here is the tutorial.
6. Vertical Picture Frame Planter
A cool idea for your balcony garden to make it greener, you can also hang a wall planter like this in your room. See the step by step tutorial on our website.
7. Vertical Pot Holder From Pallet Planks
Dismantle a pallet board and separate the pallet planks; nail them on to the wall and fix the pots. Simple!
8. DIY Herb Planter
You can learn how to do this on Ginger Snap Crafts. They have used cedar boards and a few other items to build this.
9. Hanging Garden For Apartments
If you live in an apartment then every inch of space is precious for you and having a vertical hanging garden like this can greatly add more planting space to your urban container garden. To see the tutorial, visit this site.
10. Hanging Gutter Garden
If you have a small patio, balcony or roof garden, make a hanging gutter garden like this one, to grow a lot of plants. See more vertical garden ideas for Balcony.
11. Arrange shelves to keep pots
If possible arrange old shelves or something so that you can keep your pots there, this will also create a lot of space in your tiny garden.
12. Hanging Terracotta Planters
No problem if you don’t have a big outdoor area you can still create a lot of space with the help of vertical gardening. A tutorial is available here.
13. Cool Vertical Garden
Buy a cool vertical garden like this or if you have great DIY skills, make one for yourself. You can also arrange small but useful gardening tools and watering can in it.
14. Staircase Plant Stand
Perfect for city people who have balconies, roofs or terraces as an only outdoor space. You can keep containers on there and grow flowers or herbs.
15. Iron Grid Pot Holder
You can make a grid like this by welding the iron rods or weave them by any other method so that you’ll be able to hang the pots. You can paint that too in your favorite color. *The grid can also be made of wood.
16. Mason Jar Herb Garden
Have some mason jars and wooden boards? Make a herb garden like this. One of its kind tutorials is available here.
0
0
文章
扭扭
2017年05月23日
Learn growing tomatoes in hanging basket if you have a balcony garden, this way they’ll not take much space.
Tomatoes require lot of space to grow and if you have a small garden, growing them in hanging basket is an apt way to use vertical space, plus they adapt easily unlike other vegetables.
Juicy, plump, small, big, round and colorful tomatoes are one of the most favorite crops, whether you have a garden or not you can grow them in hanging baskets.
Growing Tomatoes in Hanging Baskets
Your success in growing tomatoes depends on three factors— yours choosing right variety, basket and providing it appropriate conditions, if you satisfy all of the three, you’ll get rich home grown tomatoes in harvesting season.
Choosing Right Tomato Variety
You can’t grow regular tomato plants. Varieties of cherry tomatoes do well in hanging baskets— ‘hundreds and thousands’ (UK variety) is highly productive and its mini tomatoes taste great, plant grows bush like and spread well. Other varieties like Tumbling Tom (both red and yellow) provides classic tomato taste and most recommended, whereas deep red Maskotka gives juicy flavor and fruit heavily.
Choosing a Basket
Take a *deep basket of diameter 12” as these varieties don’t need bigger pots. Line your basket with plastic or coconut fiber liners. However, it’s better to line it with plastic. For this, make some drainage holes in plastic and place it inside the basket, make sure to spread it properly. As hanging baskets dry out quickly, lining them helps to keep the moisture in soil.
Check out this self watering hanging basket on amazon. Its unique wick system draws the moisture up into the soil, allowing the plant to feed at its’ own rate. The best thing is, it is of only $14.7.
Tomatoes require lot of space to grow and if you have a small garden, growing them in hanging basket is an apt way to use vertical space, plus they adapt easily unlike other vegetables.
Juicy, plump, small, big, round and colorful tomatoes are one of the most favorite crops, whether you have a garden or not you can grow them in hanging baskets.
Growing Tomatoes in Hanging Baskets
Your success in growing tomatoes depends on three factors— yours choosing right variety, basket and providing it appropriate conditions, if you satisfy all of the three, you’ll get rich home grown tomatoes in harvesting season.
Choosing Right Tomato Variety
You can’t grow regular tomato plants. Varieties of cherry tomatoes do well in hanging baskets— ‘hundreds and thousands’ (UK variety) is highly productive and its mini tomatoes taste great, plant grows bush like and spread well. Other varieties like Tumbling Tom (both red and yellow) provides classic tomato taste and most recommended, whereas deep red Maskotka gives juicy flavor and fruit heavily.
Choosing a Basket
Take a *deep basket of diameter 12” as these varieties don’t need bigger pots. Line your basket with plastic or coconut fiber liners. However, it’s better to line it with plastic. For this, make some drainage holes in plastic and place it inside the basket, make sure to spread it properly. As hanging baskets dry out quickly, lining them helps to keep the moisture in soil.
Check out this self watering hanging basket on amazon. Its unique wick system draws the moisture up into the soil, allowing the plant to feed at its’ own rate. The best thing is, it is of only $14.7.
1
0
文章
安小宝
2017年05月23日
Anyone who has a small garden realizes their small garden space can be both a blessing and a curse. Cursed because you just will not have all the room to plant every garden bloom and blossom you have ever admired. Blessed because, from a design perspective, a small space is easier to design, maintain and even harvest! But if you are looking at your small garden space and are confused as to where to start, here are some great design tips to help you create a special space just for you.
Focus Your Attention
When your space is small, don’t feel that you have to shove a plant into every last square inch of ground. Focus your attention in the space on a focal point, and create a design that simply points the way. Fill the empty space with hardscaping. Now you have a space to impress, with less work, money and time, but much more wow!
Don’t Ignore Space
We often tend to ignore certain spaces in a garden, and when you have a small yard to begin with, thats a waste. Utilize forgotten areas such as a side yard to create green space. Keep it simple so it doesn’t get overgrown. Pick 3-5 plants that will grow well in the space, then repeat them.
Use Ornaments to Add Oomph.
When our garden design must be limited due to space, one of the tricks of the trade is to use garden ornaments to add a little pizzazz and keep a simple space from looking boring. It also serves to slow the eye down so that it doesn’t take in the small garden too quickly. Try placing them at natural stopping points in the flow of the garden.
Go Crazy.
If you are a plant lover like me, restraint probably isn’t your strong suit. So pack it in! Create a lush oasis by planting closer than you normally would, especially in borders. Add containers to up the effect. Remember, if you plant closely like this, you need to compensate with extra water and fertilizer throughout the season.
Go Up!
Vertical gardens are trendy, and right on point for a small garden design. Check out our post on DIY vertical gardens for more info.
Lastly, remember when your space is small, to make it an extension of your indoor living space. Use hardscaping to create entertaining areas, and open those doors wide and let the spaces work together. Use furnishings outdoors, plant grass for “carpet,” add planter “accents” and remember to just enjoy the space you have to it’s fullest, no matter what its size!
0
0
文章
Eyin Thor
2017年05月23日
Learn how to grow poppies in this article. Even if you don’t have a space for large flower beds, by growing poppies in pots you can still enjoy the colorful blooms of this stately flowering plant.
Beautiful and seemingly delicate, the poppies are the plants not particularly very easy to grow but the beauty of the flowering plant makes it a popular classic. Those who want to enjoy the intense blooms in their container gardens must grow poppies in pots.
Best Poppy Varieties
There are some of the varieties of poppies that are popular and can grow well in a pot:
Oriental poppy
Most of the oriental poppy cultivars have large strikingly beautiful flowers that usually appears in late spring to early summer in bright colors like orange and red. There are also softer colors of this perennial flowering plant: pink, white and purple, with or without a central spot.
Height: 0.40 to 1.20 m.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-9
Iceland poppy
Usually grown as an annual or biennial.This short living perennial is self-seeding and come year after year, does not like the hot summers. Lightly perfumed flowers appear from mid spring to mid summer in colors like yellow, orange, red, pink and white. Flowers of this cultivar fade slowly than other poppies.
Height: 0.30 to 0.6 m.
USDA Hardiness zones: 3-9
California poppy
The showy state flower of California is a short-lived perennial in warm temperate and subtropical climates (USDA Zone 8-10). If you want to grow poppy in a tropical climate, try California poppy, keeping the plant in partial shade in summer.
Height: 0.15 to 0.45 m.
USDA Zones: 6-10b
Shirley poppy
One of the most beautiful and delicate poppies. Shirley Poppy is the name given to an ornamental cultivar group derived from the European wild field poppy (Papaver rhoeas).
Height: up to 0.6 m
USDA Zones: 3-9, can be grown in zones 10 & 11 as annual but doesn’t tolerate tropical heat well.
Choosing a Pot
Growing poppies in pots is easy, the plant is best grown in a medium sized pot. As poppies don’t tolerate waterlogged soil, ensure the pot has sufficient drainage holes in the bottom so that the water will drain freely.
How to Grow PoppiesSowing Seeds and Planting
1. Poppy grows well from seeds. Make sure that you place the pot in a bright position after planting seeds as poppy seeds require light to germinate. Also, most of the poppies do not like being transplanted, so either choose a pot that biodegradable or plant seeds in the exact pot in which you wish to grow poppy plants later.
2. Disperse seeds by hand in the pot. As the poppy seeds are very small, gardeners often mix them with sand to achieve a more equitable distribution. This also helps to see where the seeds were sown.
3. Tamp the seeds lightly down on the soil so that they are covered by a very thin layer of soil or sand. This keeps the seeds in place and they’ll also get plenty of light for germination. Once the seeds are planted moisten the soil making sure you don’t move the seeds.
4. Keep the soil constantly moist until germination. Germination depends on the climate and species but usually occurs within 25 days.
5. Poppies have a very delicate root system in the beginning so once the seedlings sprout water them gently. Thin out the seedlings 4-6 inches apart, when they reach a height of 5 inches. If you are planting in a medium to the large sized pot you can easily keep more than one plant per pot.
Requirements for Growing Poppies in Pots
Location
Poppies love the sun, so place your pots in a spot that receives ample sunlight, at least 6-7 hours daily. However, if you live in a warm climate where the sun is intense, grow poppies in partial sun.
Soil
Poppies can thrive on a variety of soils unless it is clay rich and blocks the drainage, the best is to use humus rich, loamy potting mix. The substrate should be neither too loose, nor prone to compaction and must be well draining. Slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is recommended.
Watering
When the poppies are in bloom or about to bloom in warm season, watering must be moderate and regular. On the contrary, once you get past the period of flowering, best to leave the soil dry as much as possible and watering must be done only when the top one inch surface of soil seems dry.
Poppy Plant Care
Fertilizer
Poppies are not heavy feeders; on the ground, they tolerate poor soil and thrive on their own but when growing poppies in pots you’ll need to fertilize the plant. At the time of planting or at the beginning of growing season, usually, spring (fall in warm frost-free climates), add a slow-release fertilizer to provide a steady supply of nutrition to plant during the whole season.
If you haven’t added a slow release fertilizer start to feed the plant with balanced liquid fertilizer on a bi-weekly basis once the plant has exceeded the height of 5 inches or when new growth emerges in spring. You can also feed the plant with flower fertilizer during the flowering period. Cease the application of fertilizer once the growing period ends.
Also, poppies are prone to magnesium and iron deficiency, application of Epsom salt is recommended.
Deadheading
Cut off the faded flowers to encourage more blooms.
Pests and Diseases
If the pot is not well draining or if you overwater the plant, it may die due to root rot. It also suffers from powdery mildew. In pests, keep an eye on aphids and spider mites.
Beautiful and seemingly delicate, the poppies are the plants not particularly very easy to grow but the beauty of the flowering plant makes it a popular classic. Those who want to enjoy the intense blooms in their container gardens must grow poppies in pots.
Best Poppy Varieties
There are some of the varieties of poppies that are popular and can grow well in a pot:
Oriental poppy
Most of the oriental poppy cultivars have large strikingly beautiful flowers that usually appears in late spring to early summer in bright colors like orange and red. There are also softer colors of this perennial flowering plant: pink, white and purple, with or without a central spot.
Height: 0.40 to 1.20 m.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-9
Iceland poppy
Usually grown as an annual or biennial.This short living perennial is self-seeding and come year after year, does not like the hot summers. Lightly perfumed flowers appear from mid spring to mid summer in colors like yellow, orange, red, pink and white. Flowers of this cultivar fade slowly than other poppies.
Height: 0.30 to 0.6 m.
USDA Hardiness zones: 3-9
California poppy
The showy state flower of California is a short-lived perennial in warm temperate and subtropical climates (USDA Zone 8-10). If you want to grow poppy in a tropical climate, try California poppy, keeping the plant in partial shade in summer.
Height: 0.15 to 0.45 m.
USDA Zones: 6-10b
Shirley poppy
One of the most beautiful and delicate poppies. Shirley Poppy is the name given to an ornamental cultivar group derived from the European wild field poppy (Papaver rhoeas).
Height: up to 0.6 m
USDA Zones: 3-9, can be grown in zones 10 & 11 as annual but doesn’t tolerate tropical heat well.
Choosing a Pot
Growing poppies in pots is easy, the plant is best grown in a medium sized pot. As poppies don’t tolerate waterlogged soil, ensure the pot has sufficient drainage holes in the bottom so that the water will drain freely.
How to Grow PoppiesSowing Seeds and Planting
1. Poppy grows well from seeds. Make sure that you place the pot in a bright position after planting seeds as poppy seeds require light to germinate. Also, most of the poppies do not like being transplanted, so either choose a pot that biodegradable or plant seeds in the exact pot in which you wish to grow poppy plants later.
2. Disperse seeds by hand in the pot. As the poppy seeds are very small, gardeners often mix them with sand to achieve a more equitable distribution. This also helps to see where the seeds were sown.
3. Tamp the seeds lightly down on the soil so that they are covered by a very thin layer of soil or sand. This keeps the seeds in place and they’ll also get plenty of light for germination. Once the seeds are planted moisten the soil making sure you don’t move the seeds.
4. Keep the soil constantly moist until germination. Germination depends on the climate and species but usually occurs within 25 days.
5. Poppies have a very delicate root system in the beginning so once the seedlings sprout water them gently. Thin out the seedlings 4-6 inches apart, when they reach a height of 5 inches. If you are planting in a medium to the large sized pot you can easily keep more than one plant per pot.
Requirements for Growing Poppies in Pots
Location
Poppies love the sun, so place your pots in a spot that receives ample sunlight, at least 6-7 hours daily. However, if you live in a warm climate where the sun is intense, grow poppies in partial sun.
Soil
Poppies can thrive on a variety of soils unless it is clay rich and blocks the drainage, the best is to use humus rich, loamy potting mix. The substrate should be neither too loose, nor prone to compaction and must be well draining. Slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is recommended.
Watering
When the poppies are in bloom or about to bloom in warm season, watering must be moderate and regular. On the contrary, once you get past the period of flowering, best to leave the soil dry as much as possible and watering must be done only when the top one inch surface of soil seems dry.
Poppy Plant Care
Fertilizer
Poppies are not heavy feeders; on the ground, they tolerate poor soil and thrive on their own but when growing poppies in pots you’ll need to fertilize the plant. At the time of planting or at the beginning of growing season, usually, spring (fall in warm frost-free climates), add a slow-release fertilizer to provide a steady supply of nutrition to plant during the whole season.
If you haven’t added a slow release fertilizer start to feed the plant with balanced liquid fertilizer on a bi-weekly basis once the plant has exceeded the height of 5 inches or when new growth emerges in spring. You can also feed the plant with flower fertilizer during the flowering period. Cease the application of fertilizer once the growing period ends.
Also, poppies are prone to magnesium and iron deficiency, application of Epsom salt is recommended.
Deadheading
Cut off the faded flowers to encourage more blooms.
Pests and Diseases
If the pot is not well draining or if you overwater the plant, it may die due to root rot. It also suffers from powdery mildew. In pests, keep an eye on aphids and spider mites.
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文章
Selina
2017年05月23日
To start an urban garden, you need the right tools, ideas, and some inspiration. This post is all about that!
Do you want to start a small urban garden? Do you have enough space for planting? What if the landlord doesn’t want to have a garden in the compound? Some things like space and time should not stop you from starting a garden.
1.# Grow vegetables that are most productive and take less space.
Vegetables that are productive, for example, beans, tomatoes, peppers, etc. are the most suitable for urban gardeners. Other vegetables like spinach, lettuce, carrots take less space and productive too, this way you can grow more plants and have abundant harvest. To help you, we already published a list of the most productive container vegetables, must take a look!
2.# Window farming is an excellent option
Window farms can help you to have healthy food choices in the urban area in any home facing the issue of lack of space for planting. This can be done on any door. It allows the plants to use the natural light, organic soil and of course this is the best use of your space. The water that is spiced with nutrients is pumped at the base and trickles down from each bottle. This ensures that the plant roots are well watered. The nutrients and water that are not absorbed collect in the reservoir and are pumped again. You can also DIY a window farm, click here to get the PDF of it. Here’s one more link you need to click.
3. #Windowsill Gardening can’t be missed out
If you find window farming complicated, try growing a windowsill garden. We have already posted about 11 Vegetables to grow on a windowsill. Also, if you like, create a Windowsill Herb Garden.
4. #Vertical Gardening helps you to create more space
Opt for vertical gardening if you have a balcony, a small patio, rooftop or even an open window that is sunny. Vertical gardening helps in creating more space, and you can apply this technique either outdoors or indoors.
You can take inspiration from these Vertical Gardening Ideas! Also look at these 16 genius vertical garden ideas, they will help you a lot.
5. #Don’t overlook this PVC pipe garden idea
If you crave greenery but have no space, this idea is all you need! This unique but easy to DIY pipe garden is an excellent way to grow flowers and veggies in less space. For this you will need a PVC pipe, potting mix, plants (of course), and optionally drip irrigation pipeline. Here is the full tutorial.
6. #Use Stacked Planters
Stacked planters will create more area for growing plants. Great idea for growing herbs and leafy greens. To help you here is the step by step DIY post to create this planter.
When using the containers to grow your vegetables and herbs, apply these ideas, and you’ll increase your growing space.
Do you want to start a small urban garden? Do you have enough space for planting? What if the landlord doesn’t want to have a garden in the compound? Some things like space and time should not stop you from starting a garden.
1.# Grow vegetables that are most productive and take less space.
Vegetables that are productive, for example, beans, tomatoes, peppers, etc. are the most suitable for urban gardeners. Other vegetables like spinach, lettuce, carrots take less space and productive too, this way you can grow more plants and have abundant harvest. To help you, we already published a list of the most productive container vegetables, must take a look!
2.# Window farming is an excellent option
Window farms can help you to have healthy food choices in the urban area in any home facing the issue of lack of space for planting. This can be done on any door. It allows the plants to use the natural light, organic soil and of course this is the best use of your space. The water that is spiced with nutrients is pumped at the base and trickles down from each bottle. This ensures that the plant roots are well watered. The nutrients and water that are not absorbed collect in the reservoir and are pumped again. You can also DIY a window farm, click here to get the PDF of it. Here’s one more link you need to click.
3. #Windowsill Gardening can’t be missed out
If you find window farming complicated, try growing a windowsill garden. We have already posted about 11 Vegetables to grow on a windowsill. Also, if you like, create a Windowsill Herb Garden.
4. #Vertical Gardening helps you to create more space
Opt for vertical gardening if you have a balcony, a small patio, rooftop or even an open window that is sunny. Vertical gardening helps in creating more space, and you can apply this technique either outdoors or indoors.
You can take inspiration from these Vertical Gardening Ideas! Also look at these 16 genius vertical garden ideas, they will help you a lot.
5. #Don’t overlook this PVC pipe garden idea
If you crave greenery but have no space, this idea is all you need! This unique but easy to DIY pipe garden is an excellent way to grow flowers and veggies in less space. For this you will need a PVC pipe, potting mix, plants (of course), and optionally drip irrigation pipeline. Here is the full tutorial.
6. #Use Stacked Planters
Stacked planters will create more area for growing plants. Great idea for growing herbs and leafy greens. To help you here is the step by step DIY post to create this planter.
When using the containers to grow your vegetables and herbs, apply these ideas, and you’ll increase your growing space.
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文章
Gina
2017年05月23日
A lot of us love our container gardens… They allow you to grow things in a small space, or in a “no garden” space like a balcony, they cut down on maintenance chores, and they bring plants right up to the places you spend time so you can enjoy them! Oh, and they are pretty, too! But did you know you can go beyond the traditional annuals in a container? Almost anything can be grown in a container when the right requirements are met, don’t be afraid to think out of the box. (Or pot!) First, a quick refresh on the basics for container gardening.
Always match the size of the container to the size of the plants, especially large plants. Nothing makes a container garden fail faster than outgrowing it’s space too quickly!
That having been said, plants in container should be placed closer together than they would be in the ground. Everything is concentrated into a smaller space, including water and fertilizer, so they can tolerate, and look better, planted snugly. This especially applies to annuals that have shallow root systems and only last one season.
Always choose a good potting mix for your container, never use garden soil. Garden soil placed into containers is not light enough and will compact, not allowing the roots to breathe.
Containers need lots of water. In the heat of summer, especially smaller containers may need watering every day. You can set up a drip system if you group your containers together. Also, watch for pots that dry out extremely fast… Dark colored pots, metal pots or porous pots like terra cotta can be zapped of water in a few hours in the hot summer sun.
Fertilizer also leaches out of the container faster. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer every two weeks for most container grown plants. Consider using a potting mix with fertilizer pre-mixed in, like Miracle Gro.
One of the benefits of using containers is that they are mobile. Remember to outfit larger containers with wheeled platforms to make moving them easier, or use a hand truck.
Here are our picks for best unexpected plants you can grow in containers.
Our first picks are from ‘HGTV Gardens‘, both above and below. The top photo is a great example of using containers with unexpected plants. The focal plant (the taller spiky one) in these mobile containers are artichokes! Filled in with perennials and annuals, these containers offer a great aesthetic, and veggies too. Below is an example of using containers to create a typical hedge. Instead of plantings these boxwood straight in the ground, they are higher up to block views, and can be moved if necessary. Yep, they look cool too.
Don’t think you can plant trees in containers? Think again. These birch trees are placed in large containers, and because the root ball is kept from growing outward, the whole tree remains smaller and more manageable. Oh, yes, did we mention you can move them? Photo by ‘My Landscapes‘.
Want trees that give a little bit more? ‘A Cultivated Nest’ shows us how to grow apple trees in containers. She uses them as screens, and the apples are a bonus! There are lots of other type of fruit trees that come in dwarf or columnar varieties as well. Check out her tip on self pollinating varieties.
Citrus trees can be tough to grow in some parts of the country. Did you know that if you grow them in containers, you can bring them into a sunroom or sunny window for the winter? Photo by ‘HGTV‘.
You already know there are many veggies you can grow in pots… Watermelon? You think I’m kidding, don’t ya’? Well jump on over to ‘Gardening Know How‘ and find out how to grow these veggies that are traditionally a space hog, in pots!
You may have seen small decorative bulbs in pots at the nursery, but what about larger bulbs and tubers, like Iris and Dahlias? They can be grown successfully in pots as well. Photo by ‘HGTV‘.
Vines can also grow in pots, you just need to make sure they have proper support. You can either set the pot in front of a wall or trellis, or provide a teepee within the container so that it can be moved when necessary. Photo by Taylors Clematis.
From ‘BHG’, learn how to grow berries in containers. These raspberries and blueberry plants do great when the right varieties are chosen, and they receive enough sun.
So don’t let the idea of using pots and containers limit you to marigolds and petunias! Use them to your full advantage and try these unexpected plants in containers!
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文章
Mirella
2017年05月23日
Learn how to grow bell peppers in containers. Growing bell peppers in pots is a great idea if you’re short of space or live in a cold temperate climate as it requires warm soil to thrive.
USDA Zones— Pepper plants are short-lived perennials in tropics but in cold temperate regions, they are grown as annual.
Difficulty— Easy
Soil pH— Slightly acidic to neutral
Due to the fact that the pepper is a warm weather vegetable crop and requires considerably more heat than cucumbers and tomatoes, growing bell peppers in pots is a great idea if you live in a cold climate.
How to Grow Bell Peppers in Containers
Growing bell pepper in the pot is easy. The first thing you have to do is to buy the plant from a nursery or propagate it from seeds.
Choosing a Pot
Planting bell pepper in containers requires a pot that is at least 10-12 inches deep and wide and has sufficient drainage holes. You can grow up to 2-3 plants (smaller varieties) in such a pot. Avoid using the black color container if you’re growing bell pepper in a tropical climate.
Propagation
Buy good quality seeds from a local garden store or buy them online. Also, buy seed starting mix or make yourself. Fill small pots or seedling tray with the seed mix and plant two seeds in each pot, 2-3 cm deep.
Start seeds 6-10 weeks before last spring frost date. Usually, in subtropical and tropical climate, you can start seeds anytime except in harsh summer.
The seeds will germinate in 1 to 3 weeks depending on the weather conditions and seed quality. After they germinate thin out and only keep one plant per pot. When seedlings have 2 true leaves they are ready to be transplanted into the desired containers.
Requirements for Growing Bell Pepper in Containers
Position
Peppers love the sun. The most productive pepper plants are grown in warmth and heat. When you’re growing bell peppers in pots, keep them in a position that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. That place should be sheltered from strong wind.
Soil
Good soil is the key to productive pepper plants. Buy best quality potting mix that is well drained, loose and fertile or make your own potting mix. Potting mix must be rich in organic matter. Add well-rotted manure or compost in the combination of peat moss/coco peat and vermiculite or perlite (alternatively, sand). You can also add 5-10 gm neem cake at the time of soil preparation, it will protect the young plant from soil-borne diseases and pests.
Watering
Growing bell peppers require regular watering to keep the soil slightly moist, soil should never dry out completely. In any case, avoid wetting the foliage, overhead watering may cause fungal infection. Water at the foot of the plant. Also, pepper plants suffer from overwatering so be careful that your plants don’t sit in water.
Temperature
Growing bell peppers require soil temperature above 60 F (15 C) for best growth. The optimum seed germination temperature is above 68 F (20 C). It can tolerate temperature up to 95 F (35 C) and down to 50 F (10 C) easily. The ideal growing temperature is between 70-90 F (21-32C).
Bell Pepper CareMulching
For your convenience and to reduce the evaporation of water, do mulching. Cover the base of the plant with organic matter such as leaves, pine barks, straws, paper or whatever that is readily available to you.
Fertilizer
Pepper plants like tomatoes are heavy feeders and you’ll need to fertilize the plant in every 15 days or so. When fertilizing, remember too much nitrogen-rich fertilizer can promote foliage growth. You can also feed the plant with tomato fertilizer. Also, once in a month feed the plant with compost or manure tea. Use of Epsom salt (2tsp/gallon water at the time of watering, you can also spray the plants with this solution) each month improves the health and increases the yield of tomato and pepper plants so it must be applied too.
Pinching and Pruning
In the early stage, when the plant is young pinch growing tips regularly to make it bushier. Pruning is not necessary but can be carried out if required.
Deadheading
If your pepper plant is flowering too early deadhead the flowers, it is important. This will direct the plant’s energy into growing and becoming healthy. You can also stop the formation of new fruits if you want to speed up the maturation of pepper fruits that are already growing on the plant by pinching off emerging flowers.
Pollination
Pepper plants are self-fertile so you don’t need to care about pollination but to get better fruits and to improve productivity you can gently shake the plants when they’re in bloom.
Support
You may need to support the plants. For this, either use tomato cages or simply poke a stick near the main stem and tie the plant to it.
Pests and Diseases
Growing bell peppers in pots require care from aphids as they are the number one enemy of pepper plants. In hot and dry weather you’ll also need to keep an eye on spider mites.
Harvesting
Bell peppers are ready for harvesting in 60-90 days after transplanting. You can harvest them green when they reach full size and remain firm. If left to ripen, the color will change into orange, yellow or red.
A Fact: Pepper is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C (more than the oranges).
USDA Zones— Pepper plants are short-lived perennials in tropics but in cold temperate regions, they are grown as annual.
Difficulty— Easy
Soil pH— Slightly acidic to neutral
Due to the fact that the pepper is a warm weather vegetable crop and requires considerably more heat than cucumbers and tomatoes, growing bell peppers in pots is a great idea if you live in a cold climate.
How to Grow Bell Peppers in Containers
Growing bell pepper in the pot is easy. The first thing you have to do is to buy the plant from a nursery or propagate it from seeds.
Choosing a Pot
Planting bell pepper in containers requires a pot that is at least 10-12 inches deep and wide and has sufficient drainage holes. You can grow up to 2-3 plants (smaller varieties) in such a pot. Avoid using the black color container if you’re growing bell pepper in a tropical climate.
Propagation
Buy good quality seeds from a local garden store or buy them online. Also, buy seed starting mix or make yourself. Fill small pots or seedling tray with the seed mix and plant two seeds in each pot, 2-3 cm deep.
Start seeds 6-10 weeks before last spring frost date. Usually, in subtropical and tropical climate, you can start seeds anytime except in harsh summer.
The seeds will germinate in 1 to 3 weeks depending on the weather conditions and seed quality. After they germinate thin out and only keep one plant per pot. When seedlings have 2 true leaves they are ready to be transplanted into the desired containers.
Requirements for Growing Bell Pepper in Containers
Position
Peppers love the sun. The most productive pepper plants are grown in warmth and heat. When you’re growing bell peppers in pots, keep them in a position that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. That place should be sheltered from strong wind.
Soil
Good soil is the key to productive pepper plants. Buy best quality potting mix that is well drained, loose and fertile or make your own potting mix. Potting mix must be rich in organic matter. Add well-rotted manure or compost in the combination of peat moss/coco peat and vermiculite or perlite (alternatively, sand). You can also add 5-10 gm neem cake at the time of soil preparation, it will protect the young plant from soil-borne diseases and pests.
Watering
Growing bell peppers require regular watering to keep the soil slightly moist, soil should never dry out completely. In any case, avoid wetting the foliage, overhead watering may cause fungal infection. Water at the foot of the plant. Also, pepper plants suffer from overwatering so be careful that your plants don’t sit in water.
Temperature
Growing bell peppers require soil temperature above 60 F (15 C) for best growth. The optimum seed germination temperature is above 68 F (20 C). It can tolerate temperature up to 95 F (35 C) and down to 50 F (10 C) easily. The ideal growing temperature is between 70-90 F (21-32C).
Bell Pepper CareMulching
For your convenience and to reduce the evaporation of water, do mulching. Cover the base of the plant with organic matter such as leaves, pine barks, straws, paper or whatever that is readily available to you.
Fertilizer
Pepper plants like tomatoes are heavy feeders and you’ll need to fertilize the plant in every 15 days or so. When fertilizing, remember too much nitrogen-rich fertilizer can promote foliage growth. You can also feed the plant with tomato fertilizer. Also, once in a month feed the plant with compost or manure tea. Use of Epsom salt (2tsp/gallon water at the time of watering, you can also spray the plants with this solution) each month improves the health and increases the yield of tomato and pepper plants so it must be applied too.
Pinching and Pruning
In the early stage, when the plant is young pinch growing tips regularly to make it bushier. Pruning is not necessary but can be carried out if required.
Deadheading
If your pepper plant is flowering too early deadhead the flowers, it is important. This will direct the plant’s energy into growing and becoming healthy. You can also stop the formation of new fruits if you want to speed up the maturation of pepper fruits that are already growing on the plant by pinching off emerging flowers.
Pollination
Pepper plants are self-fertile so you don’t need to care about pollination but to get better fruits and to improve productivity you can gently shake the plants when they’re in bloom.
Support
You may need to support the plants. For this, either use tomato cages or simply poke a stick near the main stem and tie the plant to it.
Pests and Diseases
Growing bell peppers in pots require care from aphids as they are the number one enemy of pepper plants. In hot and dry weather you’ll also need to keep an eye on spider mites.
Harvesting
Bell peppers are ready for harvesting in 60-90 days after transplanting. You can harvest them green when they reach full size and remain firm. If left to ripen, the color will change into orange, yellow or red.
A Fact: Pepper is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C (more than the oranges).
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文章
Gina
2017年05月23日
We love water in a garden because its one of the basic elements of life… And it reminds us of a pleasant stream or idyllic pond, right in our own backyard space! However, if you have a small garden, or simply don’t want to go to all the work of digging out an in ground water feature, DIY container water gardens are an easy and fun project. You can create a simple fountain, or grow pretty pond plants as well. Check out these projects perfect for any DIY gardener! And if you need some help with what to plant in your new container, check out our post on pond plants.
Our feature project above and below, is from Vidya at ‘What’s Ur Home Story?’. Her tutorial on her DIY container water garden lets you create this mini pond on any patio, and it’s easy! She tells you how to control mosquitos, and how to add fish as well. Her water lilies turned out so pretty!
‘Midwest Living’ shows us how to make 3 easy water gardens, complete with good explanations on how this little biosystem works.
Don’t know where to get supplies for your water garden? ‘Martha’ gives us her list of their favorite mail order companies for water plants and supplies.
Your local public garden may put on free classes on creating a water garden, like this one at ‘Wave Hill‘ garden and cultural center in NY. This pic is also a good example of keeping it simple… You don’t need a lot of different pond plants to make your water garden work.
Here is a great idea from ‘BJL Aquascapes‘… Use underwater lighting in your container garden and make it a perfect evening focal point! Even if you don’t spend much time in the garden after dark, if it can be seen indoors, it’s a great design element that looks high end for just a few dollars. Check with local nurseries or online suppliers.
Lastly, if you want to grow the most desired water plants of all time, the water lily, then check out these tips from ‘Blue Lotus Farm‘! The tropical varieties are more expensive then the hardy ones, so don’t get discouraged if the first lilies you see at the nursery seem pricey.
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文章
Martha
2017年05月22日
Learn how to grow pumpkins in pots, growing pumpkins in containers and pots is not difficult though it requires large containers and space. Check out!
Pumpkin is valued for its flavor and decorative appearance. Growing pumpkin in pots is not so difficult and does not require special care and in fact, it is a less demanding vegetable that adapts to any climate. Basically, an annual plant in the temperate zones, perennial in tropical ones.
Must Read: Growing Cucumbers
Planting
You can grow pumpkins from seeds or else buy seedlings from a nursery. Best planting time for growing pumpkins is when the temperature exceeds above 65 F. In cooler climates it can be planted from April to late May. Whereas, in much warmer climates, it can be done until July. Moreover, if you live in a frost-free subtropical or tropical climate, you can grow it almost all the year.
Choosing a pot
Choose a large pot that is 10 gallons in size (for small pumpkin varieties), if you’re growing pumpkins in pots. For large cultivars, the bigger the pot the better, a 15-25-gallon pot that is 20-24 inches deep and wide is required. Also, ensure there is adequate drainage available to your pumpkin plants.
Small Pumpkin Varieties
Small pumpkin varieties like ‘Jack be little’, ‘Wee be little’, ‘Baby boo’, ‘Munchkin’, Pumpkin Hooligan’, ‘Mini-jack’, ‘Lil pump ke mon’ are most suitable for container gardening. However, you can also grow giant pumpkin varieties.
Requirements for Growing Pumpkins in Pots
Position
Place it in the sunniest location possible; remember that even the smallest pumpkin varieties need lots of sunlight to grow. Your plant should receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. The shadow will slow their growth and moisture will remain on the plant, thus resulting the mildew.
Also, pumpkin needs a warm climate and plenty of room for growth. Still, you can even try growing dwarf pumpkins on a balcony or roof garden. Even if growing in a limited space, provide proper air circulation around the plant.
Soil
In cold climates, pumpkins grow best in a soil that heats up easily. Potting mix you use must be well-draining, have high humus content and slight water retaining capacity, too. Also, pumpkins require a lot of compost or manure, so additionally at the time of planting, you can add a lot of organic content. The ideal soil pH for growing pumpkins should be around 6 – 7.2.
Watering
Like all the gourds and melons, pumpkins require plenty of water and moist soil, so deep and regular watering is essential. Always, at the time of watering, avoid wetting the foliage.
Must Read: How to Grow Watermelon in Pot
Support
You’ll need to install a strong and big trellis to support pumpkins vines. An A-shape trellis is good one. Make sure to keep the trellis away from the wall to avoid diseases. As the pumpkin vine begins to grow, train it to climb on the structure by carefully moving it through it.
Pumpkin Plant Care
Mulching
Do mulching, once your plants are grown a few inches tall. Mulching will reduce the amount of water evaporate and helps in retaining the soil moisture.
Fertilizer
Pumpkin plants are heavy feeders, they require a lot of fertilization. First of all, it’s important to have rich and fertile soil to get bigger and more meaty pumpkins. Best to use 10-10-10 balanced fertilizer in the early stage of growth. Later, the amount of nitrogen to be applied must be reduced. Switching to a low nitrogen fertilizer that is rich in potassium and phosphorus like 5-15-15 fertilizer in every other week (when the plant has grown and big enough to produce flowers) is a good idea.
Pests and Diseases
Pumpkin is a robust plant still it suffers from a few diseases, especially powdery mildew. In pests, you should keep eyes on common garden pests like aphids, flea beetles, and worms.
Harvesting
Pumpkins are ready for harvest within 90-120 days after planting (depending on the varieties and growing conditions). Green and unripe pumpkins are also picked to use in recipes and in many cuisines. But to pick matured pumpkins, see if it hardens and takes on a uniform and intense color (orange for most common varieties). Press the pumpkin with your thumb; If the bark is hard and it sounds hollow, it is the time to pick the fruit. The bark should also resist the nail pressure. Roughly speaking, one must count about 100 days between planting pumpkin and harvest at full maturity.
To pick the pumpkin, remove it carefully from the branch using pruning shears or a sharp knife. Do not cut too close to the fruit, however; to extend the shelf life, leave a long stem (about 10 cm). Store your pumpkin in a dry, cool and dark area.
A Few TipsIt is better if you’ll plant pumpkins directly in pots. If sowing seeds indoors, choose biodegradable pots, this way you’ll be able to transplant the seedlings without disturbing the roots.Male flowers start to bloom first, they attract pollinators and last one day. After that female flowers open, these have a small swelling at the base of the bloom.If there are no bees or other pollinators, to allow the plant to set fruits and to get the ample harvest, you may need to hand pollinate the male and female flowers.Don’t allow the plant to set too many fruits.As the fruits are heavy you’ll need to support them from netting or old stockings.
Pumpkin is valued for its flavor and decorative appearance. Growing pumpkin in pots is not so difficult and does not require special care and in fact, it is a less demanding vegetable that adapts to any climate. Basically, an annual plant in the temperate zones, perennial in tropical ones.
Must Read: Growing Cucumbers
Planting
You can grow pumpkins from seeds or else buy seedlings from a nursery. Best planting time for growing pumpkins is when the temperature exceeds above 65 F. In cooler climates it can be planted from April to late May. Whereas, in much warmer climates, it can be done until July. Moreover, if you live in a frost-free subtropical or tropical climate, you can grow it almost all the year.
Choosing a pot
Choose a large pot that is 10 gallons in size (for small pumpkin varieties), if you’re growing pumpkins in pots. For large cultivars, the bigger the pot the better, a 15-25-gallon pot that is 20-24 inches deep and wide is required. Also, ensure there is adequate drainage available to your pumpkin plants.
Small Pumpkin Varieties
Small pumpkin varieties like ‘Jack be little’, ‘Wee be little’, ‘Baby boo’, ‘Munchkin’, Pumpkin Hooligan’, ‘Mini-jack’, ‘Lil pump ke mon’ are most suitable for container gardening. However, you can also grow giant pumpkin varieties.
Requirements for Growing Pumpkins in Pots
Position
Place it in the sunniest location possible; remember that even the smallest pumpkin varieties need lots of sunlight to grow. Your plant should receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. The shadow will slow their growth and moisture will remain on the plant, thus resulting the mildew.
Also, pumpkin needs a warm climate and plenty of room for growth. Still, you can even try growing dwarf pumpkins on a balcony or roof garden. Even if growing in a limited space, provide proper air circulation around the plant.
Soil
In cold climates, pumpkins grow best in a soil that heats up easily. Potting mix you use must be well-draining, have high humus content and slight water retaining capacity, too. Also, pumpkins require a lot of compost or manure, so additionally at the time of planting, you can add a lot of organic content. The ideal soil pH for growing pumpkins should be around 6 – 7.2.
Watering
Like all the gourds and melons, pumpkins require plenty of water and moist soil, so deep and regular watering is essential. Always, at the time of watering, avoid wetting the foliage.
Must Read: How to Grow Watermelon in Pot
Support
You’ll need to install a strong and big trellis to support pumpkins vines. An A-shape trellis is good one. Make sure to keep the trellis away from the wall to avoid diseases. As the pumpkin vine begins to grow, train it to climb on the structure by carefully moving it through it.
Pumpkin Plant Care
Mulching
Do mulching, once your plants are grown a few inches tall. Mulching will reduce the amount of water evaporate and helps in retaining the soil moisture.
Fertilizer
Pumpkin plants are heavy feeders, they require a lot of fertilization. First of all, it’s important to have rich and fertile soil to get bigger and more meaty pumpkins. Best to use 10-10-10 balanced fertilizer in the early stage of growth. Later, the amount of nitrogen to be applied must be reduced. Switching to a low nitrogen fertilizer that is rich in potassium and phosphorus like 5-15-15 fertilizer in every other week (when the plant has grown and big enough to produce flowers) is a good idea.
Pests and Diseases
Pumpkin is a robust plant still it suffers from a few diseases, especially powdery mildew. In pests, you should keep eyes on common garden pests like aphids, flea beetles, and worms.
Harvesting
Pumpkins are ready for harvest within 90-120 days after planting (depending on the varieties and growing conditions). Green and unripe pumpkins are also picked to use in recipes and in many cuisines. But to pick matured pumpkins, see if it hardens and takes on a uniform and intense color (orange for most common varieties). Press the pumpkin with your thumb; If the bark is hard and it sounds hollow, it is the time to pick the fruit. The bark should also resist the nail pressure. Roughly speaking, one must count about 100 days between planting pumpkin and harvest at full maturity.
To pick the pumpkin, remove it carefully from the branch using pruning shears or a sharp knife. Do not cut too close to the fruit, however; to extend the shelf life, leave a long stem (about 10 cm). Store your pumpkin in a dry, cool and dark area.
A Few TipsIt is better if you’ll plant pumpkins directly in pots. If sowing seeds indoors, choose biodegradable pots, this way you’ll be able to transplant the seedlings without disturbing the roots.Male flowers start to bloom first, they attract pollinators and last one day. After that female flowers open, these have a small swelling at the base of the bloom.If there are no bees or other pollinators, to allow the plant to set fruits and to get the ample harvest, you may need to hand pollinate the male and female flowers.Don’t allow the plant to set too many fruits.As the fruits are heavy you’ll need to support them from netting or old stockings.
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Mirella
2017年05月22日
Growing ginger in a pot is easy! It’s a great idea if you live in a cool temperate climate or you don’t have a plenty of space.
If you live in USDA Zone 9b and above or any other subtropical or tropical climates around the globe you can easily grow ginger as a perennial both on the ground and in a container year round. If you live below Zone 9b and down to USDA Zone 7b, please note that the leaves of the ginger plants growing outside on the ground will die but come back again after the winter. Below the Zone 7 or in any other cooler part you live, you may need to grow ginger in pots to keep the plant indoors in winters.
Ginger is a warm climate spice or herb, like garlic or turmeric, it is termed as SUPERFOOD. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-biotic properties. It’s ability to expedite the digestion power is well-known.
Growing Ginger in Pots
Growing ginger roots is easy, find or purchase fresh ginger rhizomes (roots), measuring almost 3 to 5 inches. Look for pieces with growth buds or eyes. These little green buds look similar to that of potatoes. Store-bought ginger is sometimes treated with growth retardant chemicals so it’s a good idea that you keep the rhizomes in water overnight or for a few hours.
Planting and Propagation
The best time to start growing ginger is spring, however, if you live in a frost-free warm climate you can try to grow ginger in container anytime but the best time is an early wet season.
Plant the rhizomes (2-3 cm) 1 inch deep in the potting soil with the buds facing upwards. Ginger plants will start to emerge in a couple of weeks. It is noted that the ginger plants gets up to four to five feet tall.
Choosing a Pot
For growing ginger, choose a medium sized 14-15 inches pot that is deep rather than shallow to provide the ample space to roots to grow.
Requirements for Growing Ginger in PotPosition
In its natural climate, ginger is known to be gro
wn in partial sun, so it’s a good idea that you keep your pot in a spot that receives full sun but shade in afternoon. However, if you live in a really cold climate keep the plant in a sunny spot.
Soil
Loose, well drained, and sandy-loamy soil that is rich in compost is best for growing ginger indoors or outdoors in a pot. Soil that blocks the moisture must be avoided.
Watering
The ginger plant requires deep and regular watering as it prefers slightly moist soil. However, it should be noted that overwatering and waterlogging may thwart the growth and cause the root rot. Also, watering should be reduced in winter.
Temperature
As ginger prefers a warm climate it can’t tolerate drafts and cold temperature, it is advised to keep your ginger plants indoors when the temperature starts to dip below the level of 50 F (10 C).
Plant Care
It requires to cut off a finger and ensure that the section is at least 2 inches in length. Then the cut pieces are dried for a couple of days in a warm place before putting them in ground.
Fertilizer
Ginger requires soil that is rich in organic matter, you can top the pot with compost or well-rotted manure. Additionally, you can apply all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season.
Pests and Diseases
Pests including white grub, shoot borer, shoot boring weevil attack the ginger plant. It is also attacked by bacterial wilt, soft rot, dry rot and leaf spot viruses. It is highly recommended to keep the plant safe from these diseases and pests.
Harvesting
Your ginger roots are going to get ready for harvest within 8-10 months, once the leaves start to become yellow.
If you live in USDA Zone 9b and above or any other subtropical or tropical climates around the globe you can easily grow ginger as a perennial both on the ground and in a container year round. If you live below Zone 9b and down to USDA Zone 7b, please note that the leaves of the ginger plants growing outside on the ground will die but come back again after the winter. Below the Zone 7 or in any other cooler part you live, you may need to grow ginger in pots to keep the plant indoors in winters.
Ginger is a warm climate spice or herb, like garlic or turmeric, it is termed as SUPERFOOD. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-biotic properties. It’s ability to expedite the digestion power is well-known.
Growing Ginger in Pots
Growing ginger roots is easy, find or purchase fresh ginger rhizomes (roots), measuring almost 3 to 5 inches. Look for pieces with growth buds or eyes. These little green buds look similar to that of potatoes. Store-bought ginger is sometimes treated with growth retardant chemicals so it’s a good idea that you keep the rhizomes in water overnight or for a few hours.
Planting and Propagation
The best time to start growing ginger is spring, however, if you live in a frost-free warm climate you can try to grow ginger in container anytime but the best time is an early wet season.
Plant the rhizomes (2-3 cm) 1 inch deep in the potting soil with the buds facing upwards. Ginger plants will start to emerge in a couple of weeks. It is noted that the ginger plants gets up to four to five feet tall.
Choosing a Pot
For growing ginger, choose a medium sized 14-15 inches pot that is deep rather than shallow to provide the ample space to roots to grow.
Requirements for Growing Ginger in PotPosition
In its natural climate, ginger is known to be gro
wn in partial sun, so it’s a good idea that you keep your pot in a spot that receives full sun but shade in afternoon. However, if you live in a really cold climate keep the plant in a sunny spot.
Soil
Loose, well drained, and sandy-loamy soil that is rich in compost is best for growing ginger indoors or outdoors in a pot. Soil that blocks the moisture must be avoided.
Watering
The ginger plant requires deep and regular watering as it prefers slightly moist soil. However, it should be noted that overwatering and waterlogging may thwart the growth and cause the root rot. Also, watering should be reduced in winter.
Temperature
As ginger prefers a warm climate it can’t tolerate drafts and cold temperature, it is advised to keep your ginger plants indoors when the temperature starts to dip below the level of 50 F (10 C).
Plant Care
It requires to cut off a finger and ensure that the section is at least 2 inches in length. Then the cut pieces are dried for a couple of days in a warm place before putting them in ground.
Fertilizer
Ginger requires soil that is rich in organic matter, you can top the pot with compost or well-rotted manure. Additionally, you can apply all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season.
Pests and Diseases
Pests including white grub, shoot borer, shoot boring weevil attack the ginger plant. It is also attacked by bacterial wilt, soft rot, dry rot and leaf spot viruses. It is highly recommended to keep the plant safe from these diseases and pests.
Harvesting
Your ginger roots are going to get ready for harvest within 8-10 months, once the leaves start to become yellow.
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文章
Mirella
2017年05月22日
Learn how to spinach in pots, it is one of the vegetables that you can grow in some shade and in any kind of space. Growing spinach in containers is easy too you can even grow it indoors on a windowsill.
USDA Zones— 3 – 11
Difficulty— Easy
Other Names— Spinacia oleracea (Scientific Name), Persian vegetable, palak, bōsī cài, 波斯菜, leafy greens
How to Grow Spinach in Pots
Growing Spinach in Pots from Seeds
Sow seeds 1/2 inches deep directly in containers or in a seed tray. Seedlings will germinate in 5-14 days depending on the variety and growing conditions. If you have sown seeds in a seed tray wait until 2-3 true leaves appear in each plant and then transplant them into the original pots carefully.
Choosing a pot
For growing spinach in pots, choose a pot that is least 6-8 inches deep. You don’t need a very deep pot rather use a wide pot. You can either use so many small pots and grow one plant in each or select large window boxes, wooden boxes or crates.
Spacing
Provide each spinach plant a space of 3 inches, if you want to pick large leaves give more space to each plant, 5 inches. If you want to harvest leaves at very young age, then this area can be reduced to 2 inches only. Divide the planter box into squares, and see how many plants will feel comfortable in it.
Requirements for Growing Spinach in ContainersPosition
If you are growing spinach in fall (autumn), keep the plant in a sunny spot (in mild climates) due to shorter days and less intensity of the sun. For spring and summer planting keep your potted plants in a location where it receives some shade, especially in the afternoon. In subtropical or tropical climate, place the containers in a spot that receives plenty of shade.
Soil
For growing spinach in containers, use quality potting mix rich in organic matter. The texture of soil must be crumbly and loamy. Avoid soil that clogs the drainage and remains waterlogged. Well-draining soil is most important factor for the optimum growth of spinach in containers. Soil pH must be neutral.
Watering
When growing spinach in containers avoid water stagnation because it will lead to the development of rot and various fungal diseases. Also, avoid wetting the foliage. Keep the soil moist but not soggy or wet. It is necessary to take care of good drainage in the pot.
Temperature
Spinach seeds germinate in temperatures as low as 40 F (4 C) and in high temperatures too. The best soil temperature for growing spinach falls in the range of 50-80 F (10-27 C). Many spinach cultivars can tolerate temperature down to 20 F (-6) and up to 90 F (32 C) easily. Once the temperature starts to soar high you may need to provide shade to your plants.
Growing Spinach Indoors
Growing spinach indoors on a windowsill is a great idea (as it doesn’t require a lot of sunlight) if you’re short of outdoor space. For this, buy a few 6 inches deep small pots and grow spinach in them. You can also grow herbs and annual flowers there.
Also Read: How to Make a Windowsill Herb Garden
Spinach Care
Growing spinach in pots doesn’t need special care. Regular watering, fertilizing and the right soil is the key to the great harvest.
Fertilizing
For growing healthy green spinach, you have to provide nitrogen. At the time of planting, you can mix time-based fertilizer or you can add a lot of compost or well-rotted manure, this will provide nutrients slowly. Feeding the plant with fish emulsion, compost or manure tea in the middle of the growth and so on is a nice organic way to promote the plants. If you have not done added time-based fertilizer, you can also feed the plant with balanced liquid fertilizer at regular intervals.
Mulching
Do mulching, even if you’re growing spinach in pots. Mulching plants with organic matter will help in retaining moisture.
Pests and Diseases
You don’t need to worry much about pests as you’re growing spinach in containers, in a small space and you can easily control them. However, keeping an eye on leaf-eating insects like slugs and caterpillars and other common garden pests like aphids will help you in eliminating them in time.
A Few Tips for Growing Spinach in Tropics
It is a cool season crop but growing spinach in tropics and subtropics is extremely easy, moreover, you can grow it successively as a bi-annual crop, except in hot summer months. You’ll need to provide it shade and enough water to keep the soil temperature cool and moist.
In warm weather, vegetables like lettuce and spinach begin to bolt early and start to set seeds. One of the most important thing you need to consider when growing spinach in tropics is to grow heat tolerant varieties (there are a lot of Asian varieties that are suitable for tropical climate) that grow slowly and do not bolt quickly. These varieties easily tolerate the heat and humidity.
Harvesting
The spinach plant will be ready for harvest 37-50 days after germination depending on the growing conditions and cultivar.
Harvesting can be done when the plant has formed at least 5-6 healthy leaves and they are at least 3-4 inches long. Pick outer leaves first and leave the new inner leaves so that they continue to grow or cut the whole plant off at the base with a knife or scissor, the plant will resprout again.
When the weather becomes humid and hot (in warm climates) the plant tends to form an erect stem, on which you can see some small yellow or green flowers developing. To coincide with the flowering and the subsequent production of flowers, the foliage of the plant thickens and changes in flavor (more bitter), which is called bolting so it is convenient to harvest the plant before it starts flowering for better taste.
USDA Zones— 3 – 11
Difficulty— Easy
Other Names— Spinacia oleracea (Scientific Name), Persian vegetable, palak, bōsī cài, 波斯菜, leafy greens
How to Grow Spinach in Pots
Growing Spinach in Pots from Seeds
Sow seeds 1/2 inches deep directly in containers or in a seed tray. Seedlings will germinate in 5-14 days depending on the variety and growing conditions. If you have sown seeds in a seed tray wait until 2-3 true leaves appear in each plant and then transplant them into the original pots carefully.
Choosing a pot
For growing spinach in pots, choose a pot that is least 6-8 inches deep. You don’t need a very deep pot rather use a wide pot. You can either use so many small pots and grow one plant in each or select large window boxes, wooden boxes or crates.
Spacing
Provide each spinach plant a space of 3 inches, if you want to pick large leaves give more space to each plant, 5 inches. If you want to harvest leaves at very young age, then this area can be reduced to 2 inches only. Divide the planter box into squares, and see how many plants will feel comfortable in it.
Requirements for Growing Spinach in ContainersPosition
If you are growing spinach in fall (autumn), keep the plant in a sunny spot (in mild climates) due to shorter days and less intensity of the sun. For spring and summer planting keep your potted plants in a location where it receives some shade, especially in the afternoon. In subtropical or tropical climate, place the containers in a spot that receives plenty of shade.
Soil
For growing spinach in containers, use quality potting mix rich in organic matter. The texture of soil must be crumbly and loamy. Avoid soil that clogs the drainage and remains waterlogged. Well-draining soil is most important factor for the optimum growth of spinach in containers. Soil pH must be neutral.
Watering
When growing spinach in containers avoid water stagnation because it will lead to the development of rot and various fungal diseases. Also, avoid wetting the foliage. Keep the soil moist but not soggy or wet. It is necessary to take care of good drainage in the pot.
Temperature
Spinach seeds germinate in temperatures as low as 40 F (4 C) and in high temperatures too. The best soil temperature for growing spinach falls in the range of 50-80 F (10-27 C). Many spinach cultivars can tolerate temperature down to 20 F (-6) and up to 90 F (32 C) easily. Once the temperature starts to soar high you may need to provide shade to your plants.
Growing Spinach Indoors
Growing spinach indoors on a windowsill is a great idea (as it doesn’t require a lot of sunlight) if you’re short of outdoor space. For this, buy a few 6 inches deep small pots and grow spinach in them. You can also grow herbs and annual flowers there.
Also Read: How to Make a Windowsill Herb Garden
Spinach Care
Growing spinach in pots doesn’t need special care. Regular watering, fertilizing and the right soil is the key to the great harvest.
Fertilizing
For growing healthy green spinach, you have to provide nitrogen. At the time of planting, you can mix time-based fertilizer or you can add a lot of compost or well-rotted manure, this will provide nutrients slowly. Feeding the plant with fish emulsion, compost or manure tea in the middle of the growth and so on is a nice organic way to promote the plants. If you have not done added time-based fertilizer, you can also feed the plant with balanced liquid fertilizer at regular intervals.
Mulching
Do mulching, even if you’re growing spinach in pots. Mulching plants with organic matter will help in retaining moisture.
Pests and Diseases
You don’t need to worry much about pests as you’re growing spinach in containers, in a small space and you can easily control them. However, keeping an eye on leaf-eating insects like slugs and caterpillars and other common garden pests like aphids will help you in eliminating them in time.
A Few Tips for Growing Spinach in Tropics
It is a cool season crop but growing spinach in tropics and subtropics is extremely easy, moreover, you can grow it successively as a bi-annual crop, except in hot summer months. You’ll need to provide it shade and enough water to keep the soil temperature cool and moist.
In warm weather, vegetables like lettuce and spinach begin to bolt early and start to set seeds. One of the most important thing you need to consider when growing spinach in tropics is to grow heat tolerant varieties (there are a lot of Asian varieties that are suitable for tropical climate) that grow slowly and do not bolt quickly. These varieties easily tolerate the heat and humidity.
Harvesting
The spinach plant will be ready for harvest 37-50 days after germination depending on the growing conditions and cultivar.
Harvesting can be done when the plant has formed at least 5-6 healthy leaves and they are at least 3-4 inches long. Pick outer leaves first and leave the new inner leaves so that they continue to grow or cut the whole plant off at the base with a knife or scissor, the plant will resprout again.
When the weather becomes humid and hot (in warm climates) the plant tends to form an erect stem, on which you can see some small yellow or green flowers developing. To coincide with the flowering and the subsequent production of flowers, the foliage of the plant thickens and changes in flavor (more bitter), which is called bolting so it is convenient to harvest the plant before it starts flowering for better taste.
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Andrea
2017年05月22日
I used to grow vegetables in a larger separate garden here at TGG, but have since moved into a home with less space and open ground. I find that I do miss fresh herbs and veggies on my table, and so I have come up with some simple ways anyone can use to grow fresh vegetables even if their space is small, their soil is poor, or their motivation for lots of hard work is low! Did I mention? Growing your own vegetables is more nutritious for your family, and fattens up the checkbook too. Now is the perfect time of year to get started.
Grow Vegetables in Containers
You may be thinking, who has containers that big? Seriously, in today’s gardening world, you can find almost any veggie in a smaller container friendly version. Even summer squash and bush beans can easily be grown in as little as 12 inch pots.
Make sure you fertilize with every water with half strength liquid fertilizer, and make sure they don’t dry out in the container.
Don’t want your patio to look like a community container garden? No problem! Just add a couple decorative plants along the edge of each container, and let the vege be the foliage and texture.
Tuck Them Into Bed
Garden beds, that is! Again, compact varieties can be tucked right into those empty spots in the garden where the petunias were last year. Many types of herbs and vegetables can be quite ornamental as well. Try purple basil, Swiss chard, artichokes, red peppers, leaf lettuces and purple bush beans. Till up the spot in the garden bed you wish to plant with a spade, plant some seeds, cover with a little soil, water and fertilize. Many times your automatic watering system will make the job even easier. Make sure you keep your eye out for mildew disease and spray accordingly- vegetables planted in close quarters are more susceptible. You might find them so pretty you want to keep planting them every year, just for good looks!
Community Gardens
In many communities there are gardens set up exclusively for growing your own food, when you cannot grow at home. Some of these gardens are free, others charge a small fee. Depending on the size plot you are allotted, consider growing an extra row of food for food banks. It doesn’t take any longer to care for one more row of food, but can make a big difference in your community to a family who is struggling. One packet of seed costs $1.50. So check out community gardens, and make it a family project to care for your vegetables each evening! Find out more about community gardens at http://communitygarden.org/
Growing vegetables can be simple, and can include a separate vegetable garden to feed your whole family, or just one pot of lovingly tended tomatoes on the back porch. It’s can be as simple as you want to make it, but there is nothing like fresh vegetables and herbs on a summer table, so give at least one a try this season.
Are you growing vegetables this season? Comment and let us know what your garden includes!
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Micky
2017年05月22日
Learn how to grow pecan trees. Planting and growing pecan trees is easy but it requires lot of space as the tree grows tall and wide.
USDA Zones— 5 to 9
Difficulty— Easy
Scientific Name— Carya illinoinensis
Pecan Tree Information
Pecan trees are native to America and Mexico and grow mostly in Georgia and grows in Florida to Illinois, even to the west of Texas. Pecan trees are rather large, a mature pecan tree can grow up to 40 m tall with a spread of 12 – 20 m. If you’ve large yard you can grow pecan trees as they are not suitable for small backyards or garden. These trees are the source of many medium-sized pecans that are eaten fresh or used to create sweet desserts and candies, including pecan pie, caramel-pecan tarts, pecan pie, pecan pralines and many others.
Planting Pecan TreesBefore planting remove all the dead and entangled roots and prune off 1/2 part of the plant. This will encourage the vigorous growth and healthy roots.Space candy pecan no closer than 40 feet (if planting in a garden). For planting pecan trees in orchard, a suitable distance is 40 – 50 feet.Grow at least two pecan trees to ensure that most of flowers produce nuts. Although self-pollination in candy pecan is possible, but it is preferred that at least two or three trees are planted nearby for maximum nut production.For planting pecan tree, dig a hole at least 2 feet wide and 2 feet deep as pecan trees have extensive root system. Fill the hole with well-drained soil. Pecan trees can generally be grown easily and efficiently in a variety of soil types, except the soil which drains poorly.Requirements for Growing Pecan TreesLocation
Location should be sunny and open as pecan tree spreads a lot and grow taller.
Soil
Growing pecan trees is possible in variety of soil types, but for optimum growth soil should be well drained, deep and rich in organic matter with pH level slightly acidic to neutral.
Water
Pecan tree grows in slightly moist soil. Regular and deep watering is important for growing pecan trees. In first three years water deeply, once a week (avoid during rain), reduce watering in winter. During fruit production watering should be increased.
Pecan Tree CareFertilizer
In the spring fertilize it with compost or farm manure, also apply fertilizer that is rich in potassium and phosphorus around the tree, 5-10-15 is suitable. After first year of planting, apply balanced fertilizer in spring and in summer use zinc sulphate, which is essential for healthy growth and production of pecan trees.
Mulching
Mulching is important for pecan trees as they require evenly moist soil, mulching also reduces the competitive weeds.
Harvest
A grafted tree start to produce fruit in 3 to 4 years after planting. It is an alternate fruit bearing tree, it means it bears heavy fruit one year and light in the next year. Pecan trees bear fruits in fall and are ready to harvest when the husk loose its green color and start to split.
Pecan Tree Diseases and Pests
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Abigal
2017年05月22日
Sometimes you don’t want to build a whole “fire pit” adventure in your backyard, but you still want that fire factor. No problem, we found some easy DIY table top fire bowls for you that fit perfectly in any garden space! Whether you don’t want to smoke out the neighbors, or you just don’t have the space, fire bowls can be used on the patio any time of year. Fire is an element of nature that is a natural in a garden space, and allows you to enjoy the outdoors long after the sun goes down. Think “campfire” without the firewood hunting! (If you do want to go all out, learn how to build a fire pit!) Our feature photos below show us how to make a tabletop fire pit from ‘Dunn Lumber’, They use easy to find gel fuel, and they even have a budget tip for the fuel at the end! All of the supplies needed you can get at most home improvement stores.
Mike from ‘Modern Builds’ shows us how to make his modern concrete fire bowl in video! This is a great tutorial for those of us who really need to be walked through a project visually, and honestly I think most of us fall into that category!
Also from Mike at ‘Modern Builds’ is this DIY concrete tabletop Tiki torch. Also in video, this tutorial was a little different, and we love different!
Karen at ‘The Art of Doing Stuff’ made this awesome DIY personal fire pit for cheap. She made this for under $25, and we’ve seen similar ones for over $150…
‘BHG” made this really simple backyard fire pit with a galvanized metal bowl, fire glass and gel fuel. Be sure if you use a metal container you remember it can get hot really fast.
Kim at ‘Today’s Creative Life’ made this DIY tabletop fire bowl from a flower bowl, gorgeous blue fire glass and gel fuel.
Now that you have Kim’s flower pot tutorial down, we will wrap up this post on DIY tabletop fire pits with this inspirational photo from ‘Pinterest’. Using a terra cotta flower pot with a base, this fire pit is an easy DIY!
Mike from ‘Modern Builds’ shows us how to make his modern concrete fire bowl in video! This is a great tutorial for those of us who really need to be walked through a project visually, and honestly I think most of us fall into that category!
Also from Mike at ‘Modern Builds’ is this DIY concrete tabletop Tiki torch. Also in video, this tutorial was a little different, and we love different!
Karen at ‘The Art of Doing Stuff’ made this awesome DIY personal fire pit for cheap. She made this for under $25, and we’ve seen similar ones for over $150…
‘BHG” made this really simple backyard fire pit with a galvanized metal bowl, fire glass and gel fuel. Be sure if you use a metal container you remember it can get hot really fast.
Kim at ‘Today’s Creative Life’ made this DIY tabletop fire bowl from a flower bowl, gorgeous blue fire glass and gel fuel.
Now that you have Kim’s flower pot tutorial down, we will wrap up this post on DIY tabletop fire pits with this inspirational photo from ‘Pinterest’. Using a terra cotta flower pot with a base, this fire pit is an easy DIY!
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