Plant Gardens 101

If you’ve considered building a greenhouse in your yard, but feel a little daunted by the prospect of such a big job, you are not alone. Depending on the size and type of structure you want to build, constructing greenhouse from scratch is a big endeavor for the average homeowner, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. In this article, we’ll explain some of the basics you need to know when getting started building a greenhouse.

The first considerations before beginning your job are size, style, and location of the structure. If you want a permanent greenhouse, you’ll likely need to dig and pour a foundation. If the structure is going to be very large, say bigger than 6 foot by 8 foot, you’ll probably want to contract this part of the job out to a concrete firm. They have large digging equipment that will make the job go quickly, plus they will most likely back up their work if there are any problems after the fact. If you are going to do the digging yourself, be sure to contact your local utility companies so they can come out and mark the area. The last thing you want to do is hit a gas line or electric line with your shovel. (more…)

Have you heard of composting, but just aren’t sure what it means? Not sure why how compost can benefit you? If you haven’t started composting at home yet, now is the time! Home composting is more than just a growing trend among gardeners, it’s a great way to recycle your kitchen scraps and yard refuse into something you can use-compost!

So what is compost and why is it so beneficial? Compost is a fresh black material similar in appearance and texture to potting soil. It is produced naturally when organic material breaks down and decays (a process also known as composting). The resulting compost is rich in nutrients that plants love, making it one of the best types of fertilizer you can use. Compost, also known as black gold, can be tilled into the soil before trees, shrubs, or other plants are planted. It can also be applied to the soil around existing plants. Compost will help plants grow bigger, faster, and stronger than you ever thought possible.

Better yet, composting is a way to recycle! We all know that recycling is the right thing to do. The more items we can keep out of our landfills, the better. And after all, why throw away things that you can turn into valuable compost? Simple things like vegetable peelings, dead leaves from your trees, and plant clippings can all be turned into compost. It just makes sense to recycle these things into compost rather than throwing them away. (more…)

Do you have an area in your yard that you want to block from the prying eyes of a neighbor, a roadway, or public park? There is no better solution than to add a vertical garden. A vertical garden is a line of foliage and/or a barrier of flowers trained to grow up a vertical structure like a trellis. Vertical gardens add privacy to outdoor areas such as decks, patios, and porches.

The first step in creating a vertical garden is to measure out the area you want to block and to consider what you want the end result to be. Do you want your vertical garden to be a permanent property addition or something short lived for just one season? Considerations will be time to grow, desired height and width, and whether or not you need winter coverage. For something short lived, you may want to consider annual climbing vines such as morning glory or moonflower.

Morning glory is an annual flowering vine that can be planted from seed in the springtime, as soon as risk of frost has passed. Morning glory is a rapid grower that can climb to massive proportions by late summer and will continue to flourish into the fall. Morning glory is known for its showy flowers that come in a variety of colors. (more…)

As the days get shorter and weather becomes cooler, gardeners are aware that their summer pastime will soon be coming to an end. For gardeners with tropical or exotic plants outdoors that they don’t want to lose to an early fall frost, transporting plants into a greenhouse is a good alternative. Greenhouses come in a variety of sizes and styles to accommodate almost any gardener’s needs. In this article, we’ll explore a few of the common types of greenhouse that might work for you.

Portable or temporary use greenhouse structures work well for the homeowner who is not ready to commit to a permanent structure. Most temporary use greenhouses are designed with a polyethylene vinyl cover that fits over a steel or aluminum frame. Depending on the size and shape of the structure, it will probably be necessary to do some kind of staking or anchoring to the ground so that it doesn’t blow away; however, if you don’t set the stakes in cement, you should be able to easily pull them up and move the greenhouse to another location or pack it away in storage, as needed. (more…)

Pergolas are a fantastic addition to any garden or landscape because they draw the eye upward and add visual interest. Pergolas also provide an excellent support structure for climbing plants, and when paired with a flowering vine, they allow your garden to literally climb to new heights. There are as many different pergola designs as there are ideas; your imagination is the limit, especially if you are going to build the structure yourself. In this article, we’ll discuss some popular pergola designs and how you can choose one that’s right for your garden.

Pergolas are a unique structure because they can vary a lot in size. Unlike arbors, which are typically no deeper than 3 feet and no taller than 7 feet, a pergola could be large enough to cover an entire deck or patio. Pergolas can also be designed in a variety of ways, depending on your needs. For example, if you are looking for something to provide shade or shelter in a particular area, you might want to use canvas or another material to stretch over the top part of your pergola. Allowing foliage to grow up a pergola is also quite common, and grape vines can be an excellent choice for covering the top of a large pergola because of their tendency to grow horizontally and span a large area. Remember that grapes and some other fruit bearing and flowering vines will attract bees and other insects, so if this isn’t what you want, you may want to steer toward a vine that doesn’t produce fruit or flowers. (more…)

With fall fast approaching, it’s that time of year when we begin cleaning up our yards and preparing for the upcoming winter. To make fall cleanup work as fast and easy as possible, it can be helpful to break the work down into the different areas of your yard. The areas that most commonly need attention are trees and shrubs, the lawn, and vegetable or flower gardens.

Trees and shrubs often need to be trimmed back in the fall, though this will vary, depending on the type of plant. If you’re unsure when to trim your trees or bushes, consult a gardening book or online resource. When doing any kind of trimming or pruning, basic safety precautions are of primary importance. If your trees are taller than 10 or 15 feet, it’s best not to take the risk of doing the job yourself. Look for a qualified arborist who can do the work for you, and be sure to check out some references before hiring anyone to do the work. This can also be a good time to remove any old or dying trees, as well. (more…)

If you’re like many other Americans who are pinching pennies and looking for ways to save, you may be considering planting a vegetable garden this summer. But Americans, particularly those who live in urban or suburban areas, are constricted by space limitations. For those living in city apartments or condos, you may be limited to a small balcony or terrace. Townhome dwellers are likely to have only the space on their deck to work with. Those living in single family homes, while fortunate to have some ground to call their own, are usually also limited by small lots that are mostly taken up by the house and garage. Add in a swing set and some basic landscaping like a few trees and shrubs, and you’re not left with much space for planting.

The good news is that you don’t have to have the space of a farmer’s field to produce a sizeable, healthy harvest that would make a farmer proud. In this article, we’ll explain how small garden spaces can be maximized to yield bumper crops of vegetables.

For starters, consider the types of vegetables that grow well in containers. In general, almost any vegetable that you can grow in the ground can also be cultivated in a container, provided that it has ample root space and receives adequate water. Some examples of vegetables that can be grown in containers include tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, lettuce, peas, spinach, and bush beans. Crops that are not well suited to container planting include squash and watermelon, because these vining plants become quite large and sprawling, and corn, because it needs to be planted in blocks at least 4 foot wide by 4 foot long for optimal cross pollination to occur. (more…)

Composting toilets can be a complex product to shop for, because there are so many different styles and types to choose from. If you don’t know much about composting toilet systems or how they work, the process of shopping for one can be downright daunting. In this article, we’ll explain the ins and outs of shopping for composting toilets so that you’ll know what to look for and all the right questions to ask during the buying process.

First, we’ll begin with a basic definition of the product. Composting toilets are a type of waste management system that turn human waste into clean, dry, non-offensive compost that can be applied to your gardens. The toilet itself can be installed virtually anywhere because many of these systems require no water or sewer hookups. The most important feature of any composting toilet system is that it should be 100% guaranteed odorless. It should be a clean and low-maintenance system that is easy to own and operate. (more…)

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Peppers are a warm weather vegetable that can be finicky at times and difficult to grow, particularly in mild climates. Peppers require a lengthy growing season and warm temperatures within a specific range to thrive fully. There are two types of peppers: sweet and hot. Sweet peppers are bell-shaped and come in a variety of colors ranging from green and red to purple and even white. Hot peppers are smaller and thinner and come in shades of green, yellow, and red. While homegrown peppers can be difficult at times, they are not an impossible plant for the home gardener to grow. In this article, we’ll provide some tips that will help you grow your best peppers ever.

Peppers can either be purchased as young plants from a nursery or grown indoors from seed. Either method is perfectly acceptable; it is simply a matter of how much time and effort you want to put into your plants. There are several benefits to growing the plants from seed. For starters, a packet contains enough seeds for an enormous garden of pepper plants and can usually be purchased for less than $2.00. Young pepper plants purchased from a nursery, on the other hand, will cost you about that same amount, per plant. So depending on how many plants you want, growing from seed can save quite a bit of money. Second, if you want to try some unusual varieties of peppers, you will most likely have to order seeds and grow them yourself. Nurseries will almost always have sweet bell, jalapeno, and banana peppers as young plants, but rarely will they have more obscure varieties such as Hungarian Yellow Wax, Anaheim, and Serrano peppers. (more…)

One glance through a gardening magazine, and we are showered with images of pristine gardens, beautifully appointed with hundreds of varieties of plants, trees, and shrubs. While many of us aspire to have yards as beautiful as those in a magazine, few of us have the time or resources to achieve such perfection. However, with a little work and some good planning, even those of us with the blackest of thumbs will feel good about our efforts in the garden.

When reviewing your outdoor space, try to identify those areas that you’re not very happy with. What do you want to change about them? Do you need some additional flowers or other plants? Perhaps the space doesn’t feel balanced? Climbing plants may be just the answer you are looking for to solve a variety of common problems in outdoor areas.

Many plants, both annual and perennial, fall into the category of climbing plants. The more common climbers are clematis, morning glory, ivy, and honeysuckle. However, many plants that spread along the ground like creeping phlox and periwinkle can provide coverage for unsightly spaces in your outdoor area, as well. (more…)

The process of planning out a new greenhouse is almost as big of a job as building the structure itself. There are so many questions to answer! How big should your greenhouse be? What is the right location? What type of greenhouse is right for you? Will you build your own structure from scratch, or will you purchase a ready to assemble greenhouse kit? The planning stage alone can take several months, plus the additional time and sweat work of actually building the greenhouse.

But once all this is done, then the real fun can begin! So once you’ve got your greenhouse built, what is the next step? How do you set up your greenhouse and get ready to begin greenhouse gardening?

Determining the types of plants you want to grow is usually the first step. Are you growing tropical plants that will have to remain in the greenhouse year round? Or are you starting plants from seed early in the spring, with the intent of moving them outdoors when the weather warms up? The types of plants you grow will have an impact on how you set your greenhouse up, including the type of shelving and work spaces you will need. (more…)

Gardening is a popular hobby for young and old alike and can provide an education at home for children to better understand where our food comes from. For the beginning gardener who enjoys gardening and wants to take their skills and interest to the “next level,” perhaps it is time to consider investing in a greenhouse.

Greenhouses are permanent or temporary structures, usually constructed of transparent or translucent material such as clear glass or plastic, that allow the sun’s rays to enter and warm the air inside. Delicate plants that would die if planted outside will often thrive in a greenhouse. Furthermore, the standard growing season in your area can be extended by as much as 3-4 months into the early spring and late fall with a greenhouse. A greenhouse can be a haven for the hobby gardener; it is a place to fill the hours of late winter in harsh climates, planting and transplanting, and tending to flowers and vegetables. (more…)

There are a number of yard and garden elements that provide height. Some of the more obvious of these might include trees, fences, decks, and tall shrubs. However, all of these garden elements have one thing in common: they are permanent. While it is important and often times necessary to have these types of structures, sometimes it’s better to have the option to move your vertical garden elements around, as needed. In this article, we’ll explore four non-permanent vertical elements that you can use to spice up your garden or landscape.

#1 – Hanging Baskets – Hanging baskets are one of the easiest ways to add a vertical element to your garden, plus they have the benefit of being mobile. Most homeowners who do any type of outdoor planting will find themselves using hanging baskets at some point. They come in many varieties, colors and materials to compliment your decor. Most common are the free hanging baskets that allow flowers to drape down all sides as well as up the hanger. By moving your hanging baskets around, you can easily provide a splash of color to a specific area of your yard or garden at any time throughout the growing season. (more…)

A greenhouse is a type of structure made of transparent or translucent materials such as glass or plastic to let in sunlight and warm the air inside. Greenhouses can be temporary or permanent structures, and they can vary in size from those as large as football fields to ones that are small enough to sit on a tabletop. Greenhouses work on the basic principle that incoming sunlight warms the air and objects inside the greenhouse, and the glass then traps the warm air, preventing it from escaping.

The Romans are commonly credited with inception of the greenhouse. As early as 30 A.D., they had the idea to grow plants in climate controlled environments. At that time, glass was not available, so the Romans used extremely thin sheets of mica, a translucent type of rock material. It is said that the Roman emperor, Tiberius, took a liking to a certain type of vegetable, similar to a cucumber, so much so that he wanted to eat one every day. It is for this reason that the Romans devised the first greenhouses, so they could satisfy the emperor’s desire for the vegetable every day of the year. (more…)

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If you are a home gardener, and you’re looking for a project to tackle this summer that will enhance your garden and your home’s curb appeal, consider adding an arbor or trellis to your yard. Whether in the back yard, garden, patio, or other area, an arbor or trellis will create an ambiance and charm that is well worth the time and investment. The following are some questions and factors you may want to consider before you begin the project of adding an arbor or trellis to your yard.

The first question you must ask yourself is whether you want to build your arbor or trellis from scratch, or if you want to purchase a ready to assemble kit. The former will certainly require more tools, knowledge, and time. But for those who enjoy DIY projects and building in general, designing and building your own arbor or trellis can be rewarding. On the other hand, arbor and pergola kits are readily available through many garden stores as well as catalog and online retailers. These kits allow you to assemble your own arbor, pergola or trellis in a matter of days or even hours, providing a much faster means to an end.

If you are not someone who enjoys lengthy projects or building things, a ready to assemble kit is probably the better choice. In some cases, the cost of a kit is comparable to what you’d spend if you built the arbor or pergola yourself. The materials can be expensive, and when you factor in the cost of your own time, it may be well worth it to buy a kit and save yourself a lot of time and frustration.

The next question you must ask yourself is what type of arbor or trellis do you want? What look are you trying to achieve? Do you want a grand entrance to the garden area? Or do you want a cozy nook within the garden itself? If you want something that looks clean and sophisticated, you can’t beat the look of white vinyl. It’s clean, contemporary, and many of the vinyl arbors and pergolas available today are virtually maintenance free. A white vinyl arbor also makes a beautiful backdrop for an outdoor wedding!

Wood is another good option if you prefer a more rustic or natural look. There are many choices available in wood arbors and trellises. In general, steer away from pine and other soft woods that decay easily. Redwoods like cedar are a very good option because they are naturally weather and decay resistant.

Lastly, metal is a good option if you want something extremely durable and long lasting. There are many metal arbors and trellises on the market today. Be careful what type of metal you choose, though. Steel and iron are not the best choices, because rust can be an issue after a few years. Aluminum is an excellent choice because it is lightweight, yet very durable, and it will not rust. Also, look for a metal that is finished with powder coat paint, as this will be the most durable.

Whatever you choose, be sure to think your project out well in advance. Projects that are started hastily will usually run into problems before they’re finished. With a little forethought and preparatory planning, you’re sure to end up with a successful result that will add charm and character to your home for years to come.

For more information on adding a garden trellis or garden arbor to your yard, visit Home Products ‘n’ More. Get free shipping on all arbor and pergola designs!

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There are many different types of trellises on the market today–wood, metal, plastic, fan shaped, obelisk shaped, etc. A trip to any garden supply store will verify this. In fact, there are so many choices available that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. So what are the differences and what’s the best type of trellis to buy? Ultimately, that decision depends on your climate and the trellises intended use; however, the following information will serve as a guide to help you as you shop for the perfect trellis.

Generally, wood trellises are the most affordable option. Wood trellises purchased from gardening supply stores can vary in quality. Most inexpensive wood trellises will not hold up for long-term use. Keep in mind that some types of wood will rot, and weather and outdoor elements will speed the decaying process. Furthermore, many commercially available wood trellises are held together with tiny tacks or staples that loosen easily, which could lead to a trellis that’s falling apart even before the wood begins to rot. (more…)

If you’re getting ready to build a greenhouse, there are a number of questions you should ask yourself before beginning. What size greenhouse do you need? Do you have a good, sunny location planned out? Do you have easy access to build on that location? These are just a few important considerations that you should evaluate during the planning stages of your project to ensure a successful result. The following is a list of 10 important things to consider before you begin building your new greenhouse or hothouse:

1. Insure that the greenhouse you choose fits your own needs. The interior must allow enough room for potting plants and moving around easily.
2. Choose a clean, level site that will be easy to build on.
3. Remember that the location of your greenhouse is critical. You don’t want to block a traffic path in your yard; however, the greenhouse should be close enough to your home that it’s easily accessible on a daily basis.
4. Be sure to plan for snow removal. In the wintertime, you don’t want to have to trudge through piles of snow to get to your plants.
5. Be sure there are no trees nearby that will excessively shade your greenhouse. You want maximum sun gain in your greenhouse. Also remember that deciduous trees will not cast shade on your greenhouse in the wintertime; however, evergreen trees will cast shade year-round.
6. Consider the change in angle of the sun from winter to summer and study how much solar gain you want for your particular climate. If possible, align the longest side of your greenhouse to face south. This will allow the roofline to catch the maximum amount of sunlight during the daytime. Also, if you need to use shade cloth during the hottest part of the summer, you’ll probably only have to shade one side of the roof instead of two, thus reducing the labor and cost of materials.
7. Be sure to include potting benches inside your greenhouse of an appropriate height. You’ll want a surface that’s high enough so you’re not constantly bending over.
8. Some potting benches are designed to fold down and out of the way when not in use. If you have a smaller greenhouse, these may be a good option. Also, some benches are designed with slatted surfaces so dirt falls through to a collection bin below, and this can be advantageous as well.
9. Remember that you’ll need to water the plants in your greenhouse. Will you be able to run a hose in? Or will you have to carry watering cans back and forth? Furthermore, will you want a source of water inside the greenhouse, such as a utility sink that you can use to wash your hands or tools?
10. Don’t forget storage for your gardening tools. A small workbench with shelves or a pegboard back can do wonders for organizing your gardening implements.

Remember, to ensure a good successful result to any project, it’s important to devote plenty of time and thought in the planning stages. Building a greenhouse is a big investment in time and money. Be sure that you make the most of both by doing your homework before you begin. A little time invested in the beginning in good planning will pay you big dividends in the end. Happy greenhouse gardening!

For more information on building a greenhouse, visit Home Products ‘n’ More, where you’ll find a variety of greenhouse kits and wholesale greenhouse supplies, all with free shipping!

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Whether you are an aspiring gardener or a regular green thumb, it’s important that you are well versed in the area of climbers. Climbing plants can be a gardener’s best friend, especially if you’re cramped for space. After all, why grow out when you can grow up? But knowing what types of climbers are out there and what support they need may require a little more thought. There are five primary ways that plants climb up a structure: tendrils, twining, scrambling, adhesive pads, and clinging stem roots. The following article will help you get acquainted with each type of climber and understand a little more about how and where they grow.

Tendrils:

Tendrils are tiny, spring-like growths that extend out from a plant’s stem. In fact, tendrils are almost like small stems of their own, expect that they are much finer and more pliable than the plant’s main stem. A tendril reaches out and grabs on to the supporting structure by curling and winding around it. Peas are a climber that utilizes tendrils in its upward growth. Climbing vines with tendrils will do best when they are given a narrow support to climb, preferably a diameter no greater than 1/4″. Simple trellises made of narrow strips of bamboo or other thin branches work quite well. Or, consider making your own trellis by constructing a frame and then using large mesh or netting inside it. (more…)