Posted by Chuck Wherty
Its simple to start a successful container garden from scratch by just following a few guidelines. For the gardeners that already have them, one of their reasons is the flexibility you have with containers. Not only are they interesting, but they can also be very beautiful and for urban environments, your only option may be to place all your plants in garden pots.
Choosing Your Containers
Having a variety of pot sizes is key to a successful container garden. Starting with a few larger sized pots (three or four) and increasing the quantity as you go to medium and small garden pots. By picking out a bright color for one of your large pots, you will definitely draw attention to that particular area - which is OK if that is your intention.
Placement Of Your Pots
If you have the room, start with larger pots about two to three feet tall. These will be focal points that will draw your eye in. Try to place these pots in areas that are already seen as existing focal points, like a corner, next to an important piece of furniture, or near a permanent pole. You can also pick areas as focal points to draw the viewer\'s attention away from sore spots such as electrical boxes, air conditioners, etc.
Once you have placed all the large pots where you like them (they aren\'t permanent so you can move them at any time), take your medium sized pots and place a few around the larger ones. Since they will be pretty close to each other, try and imagine how it will look when there are trailing plants coming down from the larger pots. In most cases, two to three medium sized pots will be enough.
Fill in the remaining areas with the smaller pots. This should be done randomly as there are no set rules to this. Place them where they look good to you!
Pot Preparation
Terracotta pots should be sealed on the inside with a good water sealant and all the pots should have drainage holes in their bottoms. If they don\'t, you will have to drill them (especially if they are made of wood). Cover the holes with either a piece of screen, shards from broken pots or, a couple of layers of newspaper. This will keep the dirt from falling out the bottom. If the pots will be on a wood deck or patio, you will want to place them on bowls to catch any water from coming out the bottom.
Plant Selection
Its best to have up to three types of plants in the larger pots - a trailing plant that falls down the sides of the pot and covers up the top rim, a cover plant that fills in the middle and an upright plant that stands out tall from the rest. Experiment with different types and colors but stick to plants that require the same amount of watering. Have fun and use your imagination!
Chuck Wherty has been working in gardens since his early childhood and has always been interested in educating others regarding garden pot and landscaping techniques. If you like to know more about garden pots, visit AllGardenPots.com
Tags: container gardening, diy, garden accessories, garden pot, garden pots, garden projects, garden tools, Gardening Articles, gardens, hobbies, plant selection, pots, preparation
Posted by Eddie John
A greenhouse is always a gardener's dream. It is a place that one can start plants while the snow still drifts around and once it is planting time there is an abundance of plants that were grown from seed. It is also a place where you can over winter some more delicate plants that you do not want to loose during the cold months. Building a DIY greenhouse is not all that difficult. Kits on the market today make it so easy that every gardener can build their own greenhouse.
There are a multitude of decisions that have to be made before you try to build a greenhouse. Pay attention to the weather in your area so that you know what type of greenhouse you are going to need. Those people living in warm areas have to take a good look at how to vent the greenhouse more than how they have to heat it. They need to figure out how to make a shade screen during the time when the sun is hottest. Insulation is the key word for those living in cold climates and the next key word is how to heat the greenhouse.
Make sure to pick a spot in your yard for the greenhouse that is in direct sun. It is good to give the plants an east west exposure to get the most out the sunlight you can. If you do not have any space in direct sunlight then go with partial shade.
Materials for making a greenhouse are many. You can use glass like the old fashion greenhouses were made but you can also pick fiberglass. You can also get polycarbonate panels that are specially made for greenhouses but they are very expensive. Another option is using plastic sheeting on a skeletal frame of pipe. You can also make the greenhouse out of recycled items. There is a plan online to make a greenhouse totally out of a wooden frame filled with plastic beverage bottles. You can also find how to make a green house out of discarded aluminum and glass doors.
The floor of the greenhouse is an integral part of building. Many people construct the floor from concrete because it makes the greenhouse stable and flat. Other people prefer not having extreme elements between the greenhouse and the ground and opt for gravel and some just have a dirt floor. Still others construct wood floors or use railroad ties all along the floor. You can also set concrete pavers or bricks in the ground on sand to make a floor for the green house. If you use just a dirt floor you can just add some top soil and plant right there instead of putting everything in pots. It is very important to make sure the floor does not get flooded or wet from outside weather.
Many gardeners love to build benches that run all around the edges of the greenhouse. They put plants on the benches so they do not have to bend down all the time. An important decision is how you are going to be heating the greenhouse, with gas or electric and if you need to have electrical outlets available. You must also decide where you are going to put a spigot in order to get water into the greenhouse. Some people opt to have it outside and some inside.
The most inexpensive greenhouses are the ones that are made from PVC pipe and plastic sheeting. The pipe is put into the ground in a horseshoe manner and the plastic sheet is draped over it. You will also need some wooden parts on a greenhouse like this. Some people have a problem with this type of structure because PVC piping is not environmentally friendly. The next alternative is to build out a frame of wood and cover it with glass or fiberglass. The polycarbonate panels are the most expensive but they do not break either. You have to decide what is right for you and your budget. You might not mind having a greenhouse made out of millions of plastic beverage bottles or discarded aluminum doors.
To build a DIY greenhouse is not all that hard. Diy greenhouse kits available on the market today make it so easy that every single home owner can build their own greenhouse.
Tags: back yard greenhouse, build a diy greenhouse, building your own greenhouse, diy, Gardening Articles, greenhouse blueprint, greenhouse building plans, greenhouse wooden, how to build a wooden greenhouse, wooden greenhouse
Posted by David Peterson
It's convenient to keep your gardening tools in a small garden shed, or you might want to build a larger shed to store even more, such as pool equipment or a big lawn mower. The small size could probably be built over twenty-four hours, especially if you've got some willing hands around.
You can download plans for free, and they'll include detailed building instructions and lists of materials you'll need. The plans should be checked out by a professional in the construction business before you get deeply into the buying or building. If they're not sound or need to meet the building code or requirements for local climate, you may have to change the plans somewhat.
Just about anyone can construct a wooden shed. All you need are elementary carpentry kills, basic construction tools and a plan. By utilizing a storage shed pan you are sure to build a good looking shed.
Since several people would enjoy learning how to build sheds on their own, it's no shock that several do it yourself individuals and house owners utilize shed plans. Take time thinking overall no cost Internet plans for she building because you may locate a hidden jewel that's ideal for your family and you.
You can build a shed from metal, or you can use wood or bricks. You can use them to store things, but you can also use one as a home gym or as a craft room, or playhouse. You can lay the shed on a concrete foundation, especially if it will store heavy items, or you can go with a skid foundation.
ATV garages may additionally be utilized as a cheap shed for backyard storage requirements. Outside storage or tool sheds are a fabulous addition to your house's worth and offer an appropriate place for all outside projects.
Buying a good tool shed plan and building it yourself can have many advantages. Firstly, you can alter the plan's design features to better suit your needs. Also building your own tool shed can be a fun and rewarding project for your family to undertake.
Very often a tool shed will contain inside a workbench so that you can repot your plants or work on repairing something. If it's an attached lean-to that's open on one side that could be good for bigger projects. Or you can take a play house your kids don't use anymore and rework it and turn it into a tool shed.
To learn how you can benefit from our no-cost "storage shed plans," visit our website, where you can obtain the complete line of facts regarding our "garden shed plans."
Tags: diy, Gardening Articles
Posted by Grant Edward Campbell
Stop The Likely Damage Caused To Your Property if you ignore a broken or blocked gutter. Many people make the mistake of thinking that such damage will only be minimal; however, some of them will find out too late that broken gutters can lead to damage that may lower the value of the building.
Buildings that have slopped roofs do better in most cases of blocked gutters than those having flat roofs. Still the erosion that is caused by the broken or damaged pipe may cause foundation problems or leaking in your basement. There is a huge volume of water gathered from the roof surface that must drain through the gutter system in a relatively short time. The system is designed so that if it is working properly, it directs the excess water away from your home.
Even homes that do not have basements can suffer damage from a broken or blocked gutter. Erosion can cause the foundation of the home to lose its support which leads to cracks in floors, ceilings or walls. Worse than this however, is the fact that your home may lose structural integrity and need costly repairs.
In a home with a basement, the damage can become visible even sooner. Water can begin from the damaged gutter can begin to seep into the basement and cause flooding. This flooding may damage floors and walls but can also cause harm to the mechanical system and appliances that are in the basement.
If the building is equipped with flat roofs, water may begin to leak through the ceiling and down the walls of the building. This damage can destroy walls ceilings and floors. In addition, it can lead to growth of black mold in the building. Black mold is dangerous for all the inhabitants of the building and can be difficult to remove from the building.
Prevent this type of damage by keeping gutters and downspouts in good repair and clean.
When it comes to gutter repairs London, you will find many companies online. Tons of of these Gutter cleaning London companies give best services ratings.
categories: gutter cleaning,Plumbing,roofing,diy,repairs,property,builders,construction,industry,drainage
Tags: builders, construction, diy, drainage, Gardening Articles, gutter cleaning, industry, plumbing, property, repairs, roofing
Posted by Peter Meier
Being green is beginning to become increasingly vital all around the globe. The general public is more aware of their attitude and behaviour towards a green planet. We are able to see how folk look for methods to avoid pollution using clean energy, how they find out more about recycling and they drive vehicles with lower co2 emission. As a part of this movement it has in recent times, become more trendy to build tiny turbines onto the roof tops of home properties, even in built up areas. The British politician David Cameron and the US talk show host Jay Leno both added one to their roof tops.
Recently published reports however have branded the turbines useless "Eco Bling", destroying their once flawless reputation. The reports however tend to be poorly researched and have a biased agenda. A recent report published in the UK stated in its essence that rooftop turbines don't work. This is no different from saying that cars don't work off road, but it is common knowledge that there are off road cars. Naturally, the public isn't aware of wind turbine technology details. The news paper articles confirm just that. Understanding wind energy is just as important as understanding eco washing powders, low energy consumption light bulbs, electric cars, recycling and organic produce.
We know that the public is willing to pay a premium to keep the earth "green", but when it comes to renewable energy, they are kept in the dark and little is done to educate our communities. There are theories that the public are being made believe by the governments and big businesses that nuclear energy is the only way forward. Nuclear energy is cheaper but far more dangerous. Energy production and distribution remains in the hands of a few and can be tightly controlled. A nuclear power plant is also far more difficult to build, run and own then a wind farm, which can be created and owned by virtually anybody with land and finance and the energy can be sold on to individuals or back to the grid. Naturally, a renewable energy controlled by the many would mean cheaper prices and more competition.
In the case of roof top turbines, little do they know that there are specifically designed turbines to be used on roof tops and in inner city areas that produce energy the way that they are meant to. Cheating is also the continually used statement, that for a wind turbine to work, a minimum wind speed of five meters per second is necessary. That is relevant to standard style small air turbines, but this isn't applicable to the Japanese Loop Wing which is build for low wind speed in urbanized areas. Reports also say that turbines enormous enough to provide enough electric energy would destroy the house through its vibration. The Loop Wind has tiny and the new V-LIM has no vibration and will not bring down the house.
So we will have to wait and see if governments and businesses support new developments in wind turbine technology and educate the public so they can too invest into cleaner energy and not rely on the big companies to make all energy decisions on their behalf.
Before you invest into a Wind Turbine or a wind power generator learn all you can about Wind Power!
Tags: alternative energy, diy, energy, environment, Gardening Articles, home and garden, science, technology, wind generator, wind power, wind tubrine
Posted by Keith Maiden
by Keith Maiden
Container gardens have been around for quite some time and are gaining in popularity. In many instances, such as high-rise or apartment living, the only option for a garden is to place your plants in garden pots. Here is a short list of considerations on using garden pots in your own garden:
1. Choose the Proper Material
Garden pots are made from a large variety of materials, like clay, plastic and stone. Some of these materials are more durable than others and some more stylish. How you will use the pots will help you narrow down the options.
2. Size Matters
The kind of plant you will be planting (and the number of plants) will help determine how big the pots you will need to have. Obviously, small trees will require a larger pot than, say, a tulip.
3. Add Variety to the Sizes of Pots
If you want your garden to "pop", then vary the sizes of the pots (and plants) you use. Scale your pots so the farther back they are, the larger they get.
4. Place Your Pots in Groups
By grouping small and mid-sized pots near and around a larger pot, you will add a lot of interest and a focal point in your garden.
5. Group Plants Requiring Similar Watering In Each Pot
This may seem obvious, but you shouldn't group a cactus requiring little water with a fern requiring daily watering.
6. Place Plants That Require The Same Amount of Sunlight In Each Pot
Pots left in direct sunlight dry up very quickly because of their small size. Try to place them where they get some shade at least part of the day.
7. Pick Hardy Plants That Don't Need Much Water
Pots do dry up fast, especially if they are small. Choose plants requiring less water to make it easier to maintain your container garden. You won't be sorry you did.
8. Proper Drainage Is Essential
Most pots come with drain holes in them. If they don't you will have to drill them yourself. Over the hole, place either a couple of layers of newspaper or a piece of broken pot to allow for drainage but keeping the soil from spilling out the bottom.
9. Waterproof Terracotta Pots
Terracotta makes a great material for pots, but they tend to soak up quite a bit of the water intended for your plants. Brush on a water sealant to the inside of the pot to keep this from occurring.
10. Use Potting Soil
For pots, its best to use a good potting soil as they are specially blended for this purpose. Potting soils are lighter in weight than normal soil and they hold water much better.
About the Author:
Before you purchase any
garden pot for your container garden, visit Keith Maiden's web site:
All Garden Pots for more information on container gardening.
Tags: container gardening, diy, garden accessories, garden pot, garden pots, garden tools, Gardening Articles, gardens, hobbies, plant selection, pots, preparation
Posted by Keith Maiden
by Keith Maiden
Container gardens have been around for quite some time and are gaining in popularity. In many instances, such as high-rise or apartment living, the only option for a garden is to place your plants in garden pots. Here is a short list of considerations on using garden pots in your own garden:
1. Choosing the Proper Material for Your Garden Pots
Garden pots are made from a large variety of materials, like clay, plastic and stone. Some of these materials are more durable than others and some more stylish. How you will use the pots will help you narrow down the options.
2. Size Matters
If you know what plants you will be using in your garden, the kind of plant will help determine how big the garden pot will be. For instance, small trees require much larger pots to allow for their root systems.
3. Vary the Pot Sizes
If you want your garden to "pop", then vary the sizes of the pots (and plants) you use. Scale your pots so the farther back they are, the larger they get.
4. Place Your Pots in Groups
Add interest or a focal point to your garden by grouping smaller and mid-sized pots around a large pot.
5. Select Plants That You Put In A Pot That Require The Same Amount of Water
Obviously, you shouldn't put a water-loving plant (like a fern) in with a group of cactus. Watering requirements should be the same for all the plants in a single pot.
6. Place Plants That Require The Same Amount of Sunlight In Each Pot
Pots left in direct sunlight dry up very quickly because of their small size. Try to place them where they get some shade at least part of the day.
7. Choose Plants That Require Less Water
Since pots are relatively small, they tend to dry up pretty fast. Choosing plants that require less water will make your container garden easier to maintain and will also be more forgiving.
8. Proper Drainage Is Essential
Most pots come with drain holes in them. If they don't you will have to drill them yourself. Over the hole, place either a couple of layers of newspaper or a piece of broken pot to allow for drainage but keeping the soil from spilling out the bottom.
9. Waterproof Terracotta Pots
Terracotta makes a great material for pots, but they tend to soak up quite a bit of the water intended for your plants. Brush on a water sealant to the inside of the pot to keep this from occurring.
10. Use Potting Soil
Its always best to use a good potting soil in your pots. They are specially blended just for this purpose so they are light weight and they have better water holding capabilities.
About the Author:
Before you purchase any type of
garden pot for your container garden, visit Keith Maiden's web site:
AllGardenPots.com for more information on pots and container gardening.
Tags: container gardening, diy, garden accessories, garden pot, garden pots, garden tools, Gardening Articles, gardens, hobbies, plant selection, pots, preparation
Posted by Chuck Westerly
by Chuck Westerly
It is soon to be winter and most patios around the country will be sitting unused. Cooking outdoors and enjoying the summer sun might be far from anyones mind but this will actually be a great time to be thinking about any patio ideas and any improvements you might want to make.
Before you start making changes you should look at different ideas, and what you want your patio to do for you. Some people choose to add a stamped pattern to their patio to add more color and texture and to make it more than just a piece of concrete. Have you put all of the plants around your patio that you would like to have?
If you want to construct a patio that looks modern, slate is the rock you might think of using. Slate patio ideas will all make your patio beautiful if they are done the right way. Slate is a stone that comes in all sorts of colors and textures and it will give your patio a very elegant look. You see slate patios in many of the more expensive homes because it is a stone that gives your patio and upscale elegant look. Slate won't be the cheapest option for your patio but it could be one of best if you entertain a lot and want your patio to be part of the festivities.
Now, to get really creative with your patio project, there is one idea that is simply a must: lights! Adding lights to your patio will add that finishing touch, giving your patio that little bit of extra flare. There are many different lights and styles to choose from too, so it's possible to create almost any mood you have in mind. A benefit of patio lighting is the added safety, making it easier to walk around and illuminating steps and other objects so that your guests don't wind up tripping over them Lights don't have to be placed only on the patio, but can also be added to your landscape or walkways, creating a very inviting atmosphere in your back yard.
These are all questions you should thinking about now during the winter so that when spring comes you will be able to jump into action and make the changes you want. Start to plan now so that you can execute your plans in time to have the patio of your dreams next summer.
Tags: barbeques, decks, diy, Gardening Articles, home maintenance, house design, Outdoors, patio design, patios
Posted by David Haines
With some basic gardening skills, you can ensure a successful container garden. Starting with the containers themselves, make sure that any garden pots made from porous materials (such as terracotta or wood) are sealed on the inside with a quality water sealant. Otherwise, the pots will soak up much of the water meant for your plants.
Watering Your Plants
It is just as important not to over water as it is not to underwater. Most garden pots will have a saucer or bowl underneath to catch any extra water and keep it from rotting your patio or deck. The best way to water your container garden is by filling the saucers up with water. This helps you avoid over watering and the water from spilling over the top of the saucer. The water will seep up through the hole in the bottom of the pot feeding the roots of your plants.
You can also choose to water your plants on the top surface. If so, make sure to fill it a little at a time (about a cup or so) and keep an eye on how much water ends up in the saucer. Its best not to overfill the saucer. Your plants will always welcome a fresh spray of water from a hand sprayer. If you have really hard water from your sink, use bottled or rain water so calcium won't build up on the leaves.
Plant Food
Since pots are generally small, the nutrients in most potting soils don't last much more than five or six weeks. Therefore, you will need to replenish the soil with vital nutrients. Plant food generally comes in liquid or granular forms. Slow-release granules are recommended as they last a long time and keep a steady supply of food going to the plants.
Pest Control
The two main types of insecticides are Systemic and Contact. Systemic works by pouring the insecticide onto the soil. It is then absorbed through the root system then up through the plant. This works best for pests under the soil and for leaf eating bugs as they ingest the poison.
The next type of insecticide is the contact type which is sprayed directly onto the insects. It should work rather quickly but you might have to repeat the application after a few days depending on the amount of infestation is going on.
You are sure to have a thriving container garden with a small amount of monitoring and loving care.
David Haines has been working in gardens since his early childhood and has always been interested in educating others regarding gardening and landscaping techniques. If you'd like to know more about container gardening, visit AllGardenPots.com
Tags: container gardening, diy, garden accessories, garden pot, garden pots, garden tools, Gardening Articles, gardens, hobbies, plant selection, pots, preparation
Posted by Donald Rickerby
Ensure a successful container garden with some basic gardening skills. If you start with the containers, make sure any garden pots made from porous materials (such as wood or terracotta) are sealed with a quality water sealant on the inside of the pot. Otherwise, a lot of the water meant for your plants will be soaked up by the pots.
Proper Watering
Not over watering is just as important as it is not to underwater. Placing a bowl or saucer underneath your garden pots will catch any extra water and keep the water from rotting and staining your deck or patio. Filling the saucers up with water is the best way to water your container garden. By doing it this way, you avoid over watering and you keep the water from spilling over the top rim of the saucer. The water actually feeds the roots of your plants by seeping up through the garden pot's hole in the bottom.
Another method of watering is to water your plants at the surface. If you do, however, make sure you fill about a cup at a time and watch how much water ends up in the saucer. You want to avoid overfilling the saucer. Spraying your plants with water from a hand sprayer is always welcome by your houseplants. Try to avoid using hard water though so calcium won't build up on the leaves.
Nourishment For Your Plants
The nutrients in most potting soils don't last much more than five or six weeks since garden pots are generally small. So, vital nutrients will need to be replenished. Plant food, for the most part, comes in granular and liquid forms. Since they last a long time and keep a steady supply of food going to the plants, slow-release granules are recommended.
Pest Control
The two main types of insecticides are Systemic and Contact. Systemic works by pouring the insecticide onto the soil. It is then absorbed through the root system then up through the plant. This works best for pests under the soil and for leaf eating bugs as they ingest the poison.
Contact insecticide works by spraying the poison directly onto the bugs. This method works rather quickly and you may need to repeat depending on how much infestation is going on.
With loving care (and sufficient monitoring), you are sure to have satisfying results with a thriving container garden.
David Haines has been working in gardens since his early childhood and has always been interested in educating others on garden pot and landscaping techniques. If you'd like to know more about garden pots, visit AllGardenPots.com
Tags: container gardening, diy, garden accessories, garden pot, garden pots, garden tools, Gardening Articles, gardens, hobbies, plant selection, pots, preparation
