Discover all the container gardening tips and tools you need!

Planting And Caring For Dwarf Trees

If space is a concern for you but you really would love to grow your own fruit, dwarf trees may be your solution. The size difference between a dwarf fruit tree and a standard-sized tree is that a dwarf is usually less than 10 feet tall as opposed to a full size, which can grow from 20 to 40 feet tall.

The varieties offered in dwarf variety can be limited, mostly with apples and peaches. If you are purchasing peaches, nectarines, almonds, apricots and citrus such as lemons or limes, you can often find what you are searching for.

Examples of dwarf fruit trees available include:

•    Apple – Cortland, Enterprise, Goldrush, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp
•    Pear – Beurre Bosc, Bartlett
•    Cherry – Balaton Pie Cherry, Blackgold Sweet Cherry
•    Plum – Burbank Elephant Heart, Bubblegum Plum,
•    Peach – Elberta, Belle of Georgia, Blushingstar Peach
•    Lemon – Meyer Lemon
•    Lime – Kaffir Lime
•    Oranges – Moro Blood Orange, Washington Navel, Bouquet de Fleur Sour Orange
•    Mandarins – Gold Nugget, Murcott Mandarin, Dancy Tangarine
•    Grapefruit – Rio Red, Chinese, Melogold

Dwarf trees are great for people who have apartments in that they do well in containers. Keeping them in containers also makes them easy to prune and harvest. Younger trees will also bear fruit faster. If you are growing your dwarf tree in a container, you can use almost any type including those made of plastic, clay, metal, ceramic or wood, as long as there is adequate drainage. When planting your dwarf, start with a container at least six inches wider than the trees root ball.

Dwarf trees need well-drained sandy soil with a moderate amount of fertilizer. It is best to put your potted tree in a place that gets full sunlight, although there are some varieties that do well in partial shade. A dwarf tree like a full sized tree will require regular pruning. Pruning will not only keep the tree healthy but will also help maintain the shape of the tree. Most pruning is done during the trees dormancy, just before active growth begins in the spring. Some summer pruning can be done to remove branches and to maintain the tree’s small size.

During the winter, move your dwarf fruit tree indoors and away from drafts. Trees in pots should be watered as needed, be sure to look at the tag that comes with the tree to determine how much water is required. Fertilizing should be done at least once every four to six weeks during the trees growing season.

Because the tree may outgrow its pot, its best to make sure you transplant the tree into a larger pot before it gets to big, approximately one size up every two years.

If you are looking for a dwarf tree to plant outside due to restricted yard size, there are also dwarf ornamentals. Take into consideration your areas hardiness zone before picking out your tree, as you would when planting any other tree. Also determine whether you want an ornamental that flowers. Most dwarf ornamentals will be ten feet in size or smaller. Dwarf ornamentals available include:

•    Japanese Maple
•    Alberta Spruce
•    Weeping Redbud
•    Tina Crabapple
•    China Girl Dogwood
•    Stewartia
•    Persian Ironwood
•    Franklin Tree
•    Fir – Meyer’s Fir, Korean Fir, Balsam
•    Chase Manhattan Dwarf Ginkgo
•    Dwarf Larch
•    Weeping Youngii Birch

Growing dwarf trees can be fun and entertaining, whether you have to go small because of room or just because you want to.

Find More Best Fruit Trees To Grow Indoors Articles

Growing Vegetables in Container

Many of us would like to grow our own herbs and vegetables but have a limited amount of space. I am here to tell you that it can be easily done with the right equipment. Growing vegetables in containers is not as strange as it seems and there are many people doing it successfully. Many of the vegetables we buy from our local store can be grown in pots or containers as long as they are large enough for the right plant. Larger containers are needed for items like carrots or cabbages. While the smaller sized pots will grow herbs and baby vegetables.

If your space is limited then you could grow your herbs and vegetables amongst your flowers, use a small patch in your garden, a corner of the patio or your window sill would make an ideal location. So there is no excuse to not at least try to grow your own.

Below is a list of some herbs and vegetables that can be easily grown in pots or containers and there is a lot more.

Spinach Runner Beans Baby beetroot Cherry Tomatoes Onions Chard Turnips Asparagus Dwarf beans Carrots Celery Artichokes Squash Courgettes Cucumber

You can use almost any container to grow your vegetables as long as they are cleaned properly. If they contain any chemicals like paint use the appropriate cleaner. The idea sized containers should have troughs as deep as 20cm/8″, if space is not too limited. While pots with an average diameter size of 15cm/6″ are particularly good for small vegetables like spring onions, radish or Cherry Tomatoes. To grow herbs you only need small pots with a diameter that can be as small as 8cm/3″. These are ideally suited to the window sill.

Here is a list of suitable containers that you can get you hands on for free and a few you may have to purchase.

Glass/ Plastic Jars Paint Pots Old Fruit and vegetables containers Old Household Bins Cooking Oil Drums (Catering size) Hanging baskets Terracotta pots Wooden pots/boxes Grow bags

Grow-bags are ideal for growing plants such as squash, courgettes and cucumber, you know the trailing kind. There are special grow bag supports for tomatoes and/or peppers if the cordon variety is being used.

Any container maybe used as long as it has drainage holes at the bottom so that the soil/compost can breathe and does not get waterlogged. A good mix soil and compost will keep everything as light as possible and help with aeration.

Your window sill is an idea place to grow and it will give the necessary sunlight for most vegetables and herbs. Some may need a break in the amount of sunlight as it may damage them. For more information check out the link below and go green.

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Creating A Container Garden

Container gardens are the perfect way to add texture, color and fragrance to a terrace, balcony or deck. They often provide the only way for people who live in apartments or urbanized areas to garden. Most plants, including evergreens, herbs, perennials and annuals, can be used in a planter. Container gardens soften the hard lines of a paved patio and can provide privacy on a large terrace. Planters can be grouped for a massed effect on a large patio while a single potted specimen is effective in a small space.

To vary the theme of your container garden over the course of the year be ready to replace flowers that have finished blooming with something new. Container gardening allows you to easily change the color scheme of your garden throughout the season. For instance, spring bulbs can be replaced with summer blooming annuals. Annuals, in turn, can be replaced with chrysanthemums and asters for fall color. Evergreens, such as the Alberta spruce and holly, provide interest through the winter.

If you have steps leading up to your front door, the use planters will charm your visitors. Container gardens can accentuate interesting architectural details. For example, large planters with tall evergreens are great for framing an entry way. When massing your planters, group them in odd numbers rather than even, and try to vary their size and type. Also, be sure to include in your container garden plants of varying of shapes and heights. Take into consideration the shape and texture of the foliage as well; it is these qualities which create interest during lulls in blooming.

Indoor, pots of flowers create a cozy and warm atmosphere. Decide ahead of time where you want your pots to be positioned, then buy plants that suit the situation. Try to find locations next to windows since most plants require at least some sun during the day. Some plants, such as those which grow extensive root systems, are more suited for the outdoor garden.

Experiment with different types of containers. You can use anything which will hold soil; just be sure to allow for adequate drainage. An old whiskey barrel or copper urn are both suitable and are perfect for a more rustic garden. If your looking for something more traditional, buy your planters at the garden center. They usually have a wide range of colorful terracotta pots. You can also build a planter out of landscape timbers.

Plastic pots are inexpensive and can be decorated on the outside with water based paints. When purchasing pots, don’t forget to buy matching saucers to catch any overflowing water. This will prevent cement floors from getting stained or timber floors and decks from rotting.

When planting your containers be sure to use a high quality, nutrient rich potting mix as it will feed your plants throughout the season. Also, place a few stones at the bottom pf the pot to allow for drainage. Take some time to plan your container garden before buying your supplies. With a little imagination you can turn any patio or deck, small or large, into a lush year-round garden.

Tips and Techniques For Watering Your Container Garden Plants

The importance of proper watering cannot be stressed enough for your container garden plants. Container Gardens are exposed to wind and sun so they dry out quicker than plants in the ground. There are no exact rules about watering your container garden plants. You have to become acquainted with the needs of various garden plants. The best tip is to examine them daily and water the plant when the surface of the soil begins to look dry. Feeling the soil will also help you determine the moisture needs of your container garden. Or, take the easy way and invest in a water meter if you are not sure.

How much and when to water will depend on the kind of plant and soil, the type and size of container, and the amount of exposure to sun and wind. Climate and the weather also play their part. During hot spells most plants in your container garden need daily water, except those in small clay pots, which may require it twice. Some plants, like fuchsias and tuberous begonias, wilt when dry, but geraniums and succulents are not so sensitive to neglect. On the other hand, it is good to let soil dry out a little between watering. This prevents the soil from depleting its nutrients.

Since unglazed containers dry out quickest, watch them more closely. Wooden tubs, window boxes, and planters dry out more slowly; metal is the slowest of all. Groups of plants in large containers keep moist longer than single specimens. A good technique to avoid excess dryness is to have groupings of plants, arranged close together. This allows the container plants to shade one another to keep cool and stop moisture evaporation.

There are several methods of watering the plants. If you have many containers in your container garden, depend on the hose, allowing water to flow through slowly and gently. Water small pots with a watering can that has a long spout or buy one of the self watering containers now available. When plants are grouped closely in a container garden, set up a sprinkler or hose with a fine spray nearby, allowing it to run for a long while, until the soil is soaked. In many states where the climate is dry, an automatic sprinkler system is a must to keep your whole garden hydrated. Remember this tip with geraniums and petunias, avoid sprinklers which spot blossoms.

One thing is certain; you must not depend on rain to keep your container garden plants hydrated. Even heavy showers deposit a surprisingly small amount of moisture, and unless rains are frequent and lengthy, you must do your own watering. Remember those window boxes and other containers near houses or under trees can stay dry in spite of an all-day downpour.

Though it is essential to give enough water to your container garden, it is equally important not to over water and so cause root rot. Over-watering also prevents aeration of the soil, and will cause the plant to drown.

One good method is to set your container garden, if the containers are not too large, in a basin or pail of water for several hours, or until the surface of the soil feels moist (this is the theory behind self watering containers). Or immerse the pot in a tub or large barrel of water and leave it there until air is eliminated and the bubbling stops.

The best general rule is to soak soil thoroughly when you water and then allow it to go just a bit dry before you water your container garden again. Best of all, keep a small spiral notebook and paste the care of each plant into it so that you will always have the needs of each individual plant at your fingertips.

If you go away for long periods during the summer, give the container garden serious thought before making it a project. On the other hand, you can enjoy both holidays and plants if you are absent for only short periods. The best safeguard is to entrust your container garden to a responsible friend. Or if you are going away for a vacation at your second home, or one that you have rented, take the container garden with you as a little bit of home.

Several techniques can be practiced. One is to arrange smaller containers in boxes of peat moss, sawdust, or soil, which has been well soaked. Then there is the pot-in-pot method, whereby small pots are set in larger ones, with moist peat moss inserted between.

As mentioned above, in many of the garden centers self watering containers are offered for sale. These are ideal for your container garden when you are traveling or taking a vacation.

Happy Container Gardening!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Gardening Plants

Do you love to garden but just not sure how? Are you bored with the same ‘ole landscape or gardening plants year after year? So why not try something different this year? There are many ways that you can go about finding different plants to plant and make your garden look professionally landscaped.

Sure, you can go spend hours and/or days walking around at various garden centers looking for different kinds of plants to use or you can stay at home and do all you’re shopping right from your own computer.

Before you can start shopping online you must be able to answer a few questions such as…how much room are you looking to fill or what is your soil type, climate and time of year? These are all very important questions that need to be answered before you can start shopping for gardening plants.

One of the hardest times of year that people have trouble with is the winter months, winter seems to be so hard to get plants to grow. Winter gardening begins well before the first frost has a chance to settle on the plants in your garden. If fall is quickly approaching and you have not begun adding plants that will bloom during winter months, or designed your garden to have winter appeal it is time to start.

There are very few plants that do bloom in the winter, but the ones that do can greatly enhance an otherwise drab garden in the dead of winter. To begin gardening for the winter months you need to first learn about the different types of plants that can be used to add contrasting color, texture and height to your yard.

Here are different types of plants and different ways to use them in your garden to add appeal during the cold winter months.

Shrubs are a great way to add character, foliage, and height to your garden. Shrubs that flower during early and late or throughout the winter months are even better. The foliage provides a backdrop for your garden throughout the summer months, fall sees the leaves change color, and finally colorful blooms add color to a drab winter garden.

Witch hazel is shrubs that will bloom during late fall to late winter, depending on the variety. Orange witch hazel, Vernal Witch Hazel and Common Witch Hazel are three different varieties that can be used with winter appeal in mind. Rhododendrons are another shrub that can be added for its blooms which make an appearance during the last of the winter months.

At Tennessee Nursery you can find many grasses, shrubs, flowers and trees that will last all winter long blooming to its full potential in making your yard look professionally landscaped all year long not just in winter but all year. Now in the cold months when your neighbor’s entire yard looks dead and dreary you can be the envy with your beautiful yard. Check them out at www.tnnursery.net  .

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Organic Container Gardening Tips

Organic container gardening can be done even in the smallest apartment. Gardening in this way gives you a fresh supply of herbs that are chemical-free as well as decorating your apartment or patio.

You can control your herbs environment by moving the pots into the sun or shade whenever needed, giving you the chance to create perfect conditions for growing herbs even in poor climates.

Another advantage of organic container gardening is that you can give the herbs just the right soil and nutrients to thrive and do not have to depend on garden soil for a great harvest.

Potting Mix
Herbs do well in potting soil because it is free of insects and diseases that might be found in the regular garden soil. Garden outlets and landscape places sell organic mix, or you can mix your own soil. Just blend equal parts of:

– natural compost like dry cow or horse manure
– purchased organic potting soil
– washed coarse builders sand.

Containers
Next, in establishing your organic container gardening is to clean the pots with soapy water and rinse them out well as this minimizes any chance the pots become contaminated. Then line the bottom of the containers with pottery shards or small rocks and fill them 2/3 full with the soil. Allow some space for inserting the plants, then finish filling the pot with soil and remember to leave two inches of space under the rim of the pot for watering the herbs.

Pests and insects
One of the advantages of organic container gardening is that it attracts fewer insects than herbs grown in a conventional garden. If you do get insects however, spray them with some soapy water or some leftover black tea.

Favorite Herbs
Organic container gardening is easy and gives great results provided that the basic requirements are met. Some ideal herbs for organic container gardening are mint,oregano, sage, thyme, marjoram and basil, which grow well in pots.

Invasive herbs
Be careful not to grow the more invasive herbs together with slow growing herbs like sage. Mint is an example of an herb that should be grown in its own pot because it does eventually take over the space thus preventing the other plant to develop fully.

Organic container gardening takes only a little effort and in return it will beautify your home, provide a wonderful aroma and fresh healthy herbs to enjoy.

Herb Gardening Secrets
A powerful step-by-step guide to cultivating a successful herb garden the Right way.
Herb Gardening Secrets

Container Gardening

Container gardening is quick becoming a favorite with a lot of
gardeners. Generally you will find people living in apartments
and condos without any lawn area are container gardeners. You
will see flowers, tomatoes, lettuce and herbs spilling over the
railings of balconies. However, the popularity and ease of
container gardens has spilled over to homeowners.

Although the majority of container gardens are seen around
decks, patios and porches, you can have a container garden
anywhere, even spread among your yard based flower garden. Some
gardeners use container gardening to add accents to spots in
their garden that may be thin while awaiting perennials to
bloom. This is also a way to help achieve just the right color
scheme for your garden. Annuals in containers are a way to add
color to your perennial garden all season long.

A lot of people now seem to use their gardens as extensions of
their homes, adding garden ornaments and furniture, with some
people creating garden “rooms”. These gardeners are also finding
the variety, shapes, and sizes of containers helps them pull
together specific garden themes. Garden containers come in a
wide array of colors from unglazed orange clay to bright and
brilliant emerald and blue. There are containers that are made
from wood, metal, plastic or resin.

Using a container garden can also help you and your plants and
flowers co-exist happily together. With container gardening you
can see that each flower receives the correct amount of light,
or shade to make it thrive. It’s also easier to have greater
accuracy when watering as you do it dependent on the needs of
each plant. The rule is that you should first feel the soil, if
it’s dry, pour water into the container just until it starts to
come out of the bottom of the pot. Wait about one half hour then
dump the excess water out of the saucer.

At the end of the summer your favorite plants and flowers can be
brought inside to be enjoyed until they can be safely put out
for the next year

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Organic Container Gardening – Simple and Easy Ways to Grow Vegetables and Flowers in Pots

Organic container gardening is an excellent way to grow flowers and vegetables at home. It has removed the limit that associated home gardening with a large yard space. It makes possible for urban gardeners to grow plants in their high-rise apartments and compact condominium units. It is so space efficient and beneficial that even countryside gardeners still have some plants growing in pots despite owning a sizeable garden area.

The biggest and obvious difference is that instead of planting directly in the ground, you’ll be using containers to grow your plants. But using containers is where the added benefits come into play.

Containers double as barriers protecting plants from soil-born diseases and pests larvae that are present in the soil. It offers flexibility to move plants around as and when needed, to protect from unfavorable weather conditions such as hot summer and freezing winter days, for example. It allows for easier plantscaping, giving you more freedom to design a functional and attractive organic garden, as often as your whim dictates. Best of all, organic container gardening makes it possible to bring your garden indoors where you can enjoy the same benefit as you would outdoors.

And if that’s not enough, growing plants in pots is also fairly easy and requires no special effort. To illustrate the point, here are seven simple ways to grow vegetables and flowers in containers.

1. Choose the size of the container based on the size of the mature plant and its root system. Plants with expansive root system need large containers. The size and material of the container affects its ability to hold moisture. But moisture-retention capability can be improved through the soil or by lining pots with non-porous and non-absorbent materials. Choose decorative pots with provision for collecting drained water for indoor plants. Choose durable containers that can withstand the elements for outdoor gardening.

2. Ensure that containers are fitted with enough drainage holes to prevent standing water. Line the bottom of the container with coarse gravel to ensure proper drainage.

3. Start with a good standard potting soil mixture. Add compost to the potting mix to supply nutrient to the plant. Use organic liquid fertilizer to give your plants instant boost. Use slow-release fertilizers for a steady and longer nutrient supply.

4. Place plants in containers where they can enjoy adequate sun exposure everyday. Five to eight hours are recommended depending on the plant’s light requirement. Turn your plants regularly for equal exposure of all side to the sun.

5. During extremely hot days, move your plants under a shade to avoid wilting. Consequently, move them indoors to protect them from frost once winter sets in.

6. Water plants in containers more frequently than you would plants in the ground. Containers can only hold relatively small amount of soil and dry out quickly. Don’t water too often. Overwatering will suffocate the roots causing them to rot. Frequent watering also washes away the fertilizers in the soil. Don’t wait until your potted plants start to wilt before you water them.

7. Maintain 1:1 plant-container ratio for bushy flowering plants and vegetables. If you’re going to grow more than on plant in a container, make sure that they have the same sun, water and fertilizer requirement. Don’t have too many plants in a single container. Overcrowding impedes good air circulation that plants need.

How to Care and Grow Crassula Ovata or Jade Plants Flowering Container Garden Favorites

Crassula ovata or Jade plants are shrubby succulent plants that make excellent choices for dry gardens and container plants.  Xeriscaping with drought tolerant cactus and succulent plants has become popular in dry areas or places where water conservation is a concern.  Jades have thick, deep green leaves sometimes tinged with red on the edges. The leaf shape, like the name ovata implies, are oval from 1 – 2 inches long.

Crassula ovata develop thick, fat trunks that have an aged look and will eventually grow up to 8 feet tall.  In late winter jade plants get 3 inch clusters of light pink to pale salmon flowers with five petals. These perennial plants are drought tolerant and only need water once a month or so.

Indoors, succulent jade plants make good houseplants in containers.  They prefer bright, indirect light and can take a few hours of direct sunlight but they are also adapted to low light.  In a pot, Jade stay small and can even be used for bonsai.  Crassula ovata is sometimes confused with Crassula argentia, which has a similar growth habit, but has silvery grey leaves.  Crassula are usually not bothered by insects or disease.  The biggest problem crassulas face may come from over watering.  This will result in a soggy brown, rotting trunk.

In the garden, drought tolerant jade plants will grow in light shade to full sun.  In hottest desert areas, crassula do better when they don’t have an entire day of full sun.  Crassula ovata are hardy to 41 degrees (5 degrees centigrade).  A light frost will show up at brown dots on leaves.  Overhead protection is usually enough to protect succulents during a light frost.  Heavy frost, or a deep freeze will turn leaves brown and shriveled.  Frozen leaves will fall off, or you can brush them off with your hands.  If the plant branch or trunk is not damaged, new sprouts should form in a few weeks.

Green jade plants are able to live off rainfall alone in many areas.  In my southern California garden, crassula are happily growing in both full sun and shade, in heavy alkaline, clay soil.  You can see photos of flowering jade plants at http://www.theGardenPages.com .

To root cuttings like jade plant or gollum jade, start with a 5 or 6 inch cutting.  Bury about half of the stalk in soil.  This will give you deep roots and helps the plant withstand drought better.  Keep the soil moist (like a squeezed sponge).  After a month, cut back to monthly watering.  The leaves will probably shrivel a bit as the plant forms roots: it is living off the stored energy in its leaves.  This is normal.  You may also lose a few leaves, which is also normal.  The plant will start growing again and may even flower in a year.

Visit at http://www.theGardenPages.com to see crassula plant photos and read about more plants that are versatile and easy to grow.  Their winter bloom make jade plants a great addition to any garden or home.

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Planting Your Container Garden

There are so many horror stories from novice and experienced gardeners about using an incorrect soil mixture for their garden planters and containers.  Here is the best advice that we have culled from many sources, especially from those growers that specialize in container plants.

Bagged commercial potting mixes are the very best choice for filling containers.  These mixtures contain a variety of ingredients, including composted bark, sawdust, peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, or sometime real soil which is usually pasteurized.  Some container mixes also contain fertilizers, and if you wish your planters and pots to be organic, you will want to avoid those.  Although perfect loamy soil may be used as an ingredient for your homemade potting mix, most ordinary garden soil is not suitable.  It is too heavy and compacts easily in pots and planters and doesn’t drain properly.

Here are some suggestions if you wish to create your own container mixture – 100% compost, 100% soil-less mix, 25% garden soil with 75% compost or soil-less mix and we have also seen 50% soil-less mix and 50% compost.  There are a lot of variations; however, garden soil may contain weed seeds or pathogens that cause plant diseases.

Initially, you will need to purchase enough container soil to fill all your planters and urns, but you may cheat a little the next year and just replace half the soil from the previous year and top-up for the next year.  This may be false economy and it is very good practice to replace all the soil every year and then you know that you have the best conditions for your new plants.  Just add the spent soil to the compost pile or the “old” soil to pot up those plant sale donations.

Your very large planters and pots may be cumbersome to move around, so consider setting them in position before filling them with your potting mix.  Even with the lighter pots, it is often easier to fill them where they will eventually reside.  Just move around with your container mix and plants and fill up your planters with those flats of beautiful new flowers, herbs and perennials.

A long lasting container mixture is the perfect medium for long-term plants such as woody plants and perennials.  Use one part:  peat moss, composted bark, compost, sand and perlite.  If your compost is too heavy, just add more perlite to ensure good drainage.  You can use extra compost for mature plants; however, it may be too rich for young plants and could damage their delicate roots and stems.

If you are considering Cacti and Succulents for your planters and containers this year, they certainly use less water; this is a soil mixture that may be considered.  Start with five parts perlite, 4 parts bagged potting soil, 1 part coarse sand and a pinch of rock dust. Once your plants are in, just top dress with small rive rock, gravel, aquarium stone or a fine grade of gravel to keep the crowns of the plants from rotting.  To increase the acidity (succulents thrive in acid soil), add a tablespoon of white vinegar to 5 gallons of water when watering.

To sum up, always moisten potting mixture before filling containers.  Pre-moistening is essential, potting mix may be difficult to wet and you may end up with pockets of soil that stays dry.  This dry soil will just pull the water right out of the plant roots and damage them. Some gardeners even consider pre-soaking their plants before filling the pots and containers.