From teacups to oil drums, there is nothing you can’t use as an outdoor plant container. Your choice of plants, your decorative style, your budget, and your creative imagination will all influence your plant container choices. However, there are several things to consider before you start adding plants to your outdoor pots.

Very small containers will dry out quickly, and they offer limited growing room, so that teacup is probably not a wise choice. Very slow growing plants, such as sedum or cactus, will grow well in a restricted environment. However, keep water needs in mind. Some succulents do need a fair amount of moisture.

Be certain that any container you choose has good drainage. With the exception of pond plants, decorative plants do not like to have their feet constantly wet. If you are concerned that your potting soil will be drained out along with excess water, cover the holes with a single layer of newspaper or a coffee filter before adding your planting soil.

Clay or Terra Cotta Planters

Available in just about any size and shape, clay plant containers are traditional garden standbys. Their look is especially attractive in warm and sunny southern or Mediterranean garden designs.

Un-glazed clay pots are porous, which means that water in the soil will evaporate through the sides of the container. They will have to be watered more frequently than less porous containers. Painted or glazed clay pots will retain more moisture through a hot day.

These pots are heavy for their size. If you are planting a large pot, moving it will be difficult. If you anticipate having to move a large terra cotta pot, place it on a decorative wheeled dolly before filling it with your planting mixture. This way you will be able to move it even when the soil within is moist and heavy.

If you line these containers with plastic before planting you can reduce water loss through the sides. The easiest thing to use is a plastic bag large enough to touch the sides of the pot all around. Remember to punch drainage holes in the bottom. When you add your planting mix, hide the sides of the bag by pushing them down into the mix before you plant.

Because all clay pots are porous, they do not do well outside during cold winters. Moisture in the pot will expand if it freezes, often cracking the pot. Cement and other stone containers will also often crack in freezing temperatures for the same reason. Consider whether you will be able to bring your pots into warmer shelter during the winter. If this will not be possible, and you want to keep your plantings, choose another kind of container.

Wooden Plant Containers

Whiskey barrels and other wooden patio containers are popular. Because wood will eventually deteriorate when exposed to water and sunlight, lining wooden plant containers with heavy plastic will extend their life and reduce water stains on the outside.

Cedar, redwood and teak are naturally resistant to water decay. Containers made of treated wood or lumber will usually last quite a bit longer than untreated wood. However, some chemicals used to treat wood are not suitable for edible plants, and may pose a health risk. Always check the materials used to treat any wooden planter for safety.

Metal Pots, Tubs and Wagons

So long as there is drainage at the bottom you can use any metal container to hold garden plants. Be aware that any large metal container will be heavy, so place it where you want it to remain unless it has wheels.

Plastic and Resin Containers

Plastic plant containers are the most lightweight and often the most inexpensive containers for the garden. Of course, this is why your plant nursery uses plain plastic pots.

You can find resin containers that mimic the look of cement or glazed pottery. These pots are handy if you don’t want to worry about freezing and cracking or excess weight. Most are quite handsome, as well.

Plastic and resin pots are not porous, so they will not lose moisture as quickly as un-glazed pottery. Because they don’t lose moisture, it is especially important to be sure that they have sufficient drainage at the bottom so that plant roots do not become waterlogged. Many resin containers have holes that must be opened by the end user. Be sure that you do this before you begin planting.

Thin plastic pots will have a short lifespan, as they will eventually crack in the sun. However, because they are inexpensive, they will be less costly to replace every few years.

Color Makes a Difference

Dark plant containers will absorb summer heat. If the roots of your plants get too hot they will be damaged or even killed. In hot climates choose lighter colored containers to reduce heat buildup.

Avoid Outdoor Pot Saucers

Many planting containers come with saucers to hold water outflow. Avoid saucers under your outdoor plants as these are great places for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Your plants may wick up a little extra water between watering, although this is not always the case. However, your yard and patio will be overrun with mosquitoes.

Whatever container you choose as a planter, the three main things to remember are: 1) choose the correct size for your plants. A too-small container will not have growing room, and a too-large container will overwhelm and dwarf your plants; 2) make sure your container drains well; 3) monitor soil moisture regularly and maintain the kind of moisture that your plants require. Don’t plant a cactus and a rose in the same container – their water needs are vastly different.

The neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is an incredibly versatile plant with many uses. In India it is known as “the village pharmacy”–over 75% of Ayurvedic remedies contain some form of neem!–and lately the tree has also been called “the world’s most researched tree.” But even though neem has been used traditionally for several thousand years it is still relatively unknown in the western world.

Apart from the seemingly all powerful neem oil–pressed or extracted from the seeds–there are a whole range of other neem products: neem capsules, neem soap, neem tea, neem bark powder… Most people have heard about neem oil only and they don’t know much about it. For neem to live up to its reputation you need to use the right neem product the right way, at the right time for the right purpose!

In this article I will look at the most common use of the oil: as an insect spray in the garden.

Neem oil is an absolutely wonderful alternative to chemical insecticides because it is totally non toxic to humans. If used correctly it works wonders and it only affects the bad bugs while leaving the good bugs unharmed.

The keywords in the above sentence are “if used correctly.” Here are seven things you should understand about neem oil before you use it in the garden.

1. Neem oil is NOT an instant knock down insecticide. Neem does not kill insects or grubs instantly! It acts as a feeding repellent and it also interrupts their breeding cycle. Neem is similar to insect hormones. When insects take up the neem ingredients they “forget” to eat, to mate, or they stop laying eggs. Some forget that they can fly. If eggs are produced they don’t hatch, or the larvae don’t moult. Don’t conclude neem doesn’t work just because it doesn’t kill everything instantly. Neem oil needs to be used regularly. Spray it once a week to once a fortnight and it WILL protect your garden from sucking and chewing bugs.
2. Neem CAN kill honey bees. Neem is not toxic to honey bees or other beneficial insects but it can certainly kill them! Any oil you spray can coat insects and suffocate them. In that respect neem oil makes no difference between good and bad bugs: coat them with oil and they suffocate. To protect beneficial insects, only spray neem in the very early morning or late afternoon, when insects are least active. Once the oil has dried it only harms the bad bugs.
3. Neem CAN harm your plants. If a little bit helps, then more will help better. Right? Wrong! Any oil spray can burn plants. If you spray during the day it burns better. Again, use neem spray early in the morning or late in the afternoon, so it can dry before the sun hits it. Some plants are so sensitive, they don’t need the sun to suffer. Having their delicate leaves coated with too much oil is bad enough. Stick to the instructions! Use the lowest concentration and do a little test application first. Neem oil is strong stuff. A little goes a long way.
4. Neem CAN harm aquatic organisms. This aspect is rarely mentioned. Research studies showed that neem ingredients can hurt many aquatic organisms, including fish and tadpoles. Luckily it takes more than just traces to do damage. Spraying near ponds is generally safe, but do not spray neem directly into the water.
5. Neem oil is NOT registered as an insecticide. In most countries neem oil is not registered as an insecticide or insect repellent. So the sellers are not allowed to call it that or to mention that it kills or deters insects. If you try to buy neem at the local hardware store, don’t look in the aisle with the poisons. Rather look for leaf polish… Seriously, that’s what one manufacturer sells it as. The easiest way to find it? Ask for it. But beware…
6. All neem oils are NOT made equal. Many people hear about neem oil, go to the hardware store or garden center and buy some “neem plant spray” or “neem based insecticide” or other ready to use mixture of who knows what. Some of those bottles contain nasty chemicals with a bit of token neem. Few contain raw neem oil–the most potent neem oil–but rather a clarified hydrophobic extract. Those extracts are not as powerful as the raw or crude neem oil. The best neem oil to buy is raw, cold pressed, organic oil with a high Azadirachtin content. Azadirachtin is the main insecticidal ingredient and most sellers of good neem oil advertise the high Azadirachtin content. By the way, you are unlikely to find the raw oil at your local hardware store. Try health food stores instead!
7. Neem oil STINKS! The descriptions of the smell vary. Rancid peanut butter, rancid garlic, rancid burnt onions… do you detect a theme here? How about garlicky peanut butter with some rotten eggs thrown in?

I’d say, just get some and come up with your own description. And get used to it. Because the stuff really works!

An upside down garden is not only a great idea but it works wonders too. Now you don’t need to be an expert in growing a garden, neither will you need to do a lot of hard work to get a decorative and great looking garden. All you need are hanging garden planters and you are on your way.

Some of the advantages that are hanging garden containers have:

-Hanging containers are ready to be used and come with their own instructions for filling the soil and planting the seedling. In other manual planters, you would need to make the planters from the scratch. Moreover, pre made planters have standard holes and standard sizes. You may not find the perfect container sizes right away if you make your own. Also you would need a drill or a utility knife to make a hole. Not many time starved people would want to invest their time and energy in making the containers.

-These containers can be used for growing various types of vegetables, herbs and flowers for a great looking garden that happens to be upside down.

-Since plants growing upside down do not touch the ground, there is less possibility of weeds and insects destroying the blossoms or the fruits. It also reduces the chances of the fruits rotting away.

-Watering the seedlings is quite simple. The plants are often healthier when they are grown in hanging planters.. The nutrients and water flows directly through the plants via gravity making them vibrant and healthy. The pre made planters so readily available are very reasonably priced and can be shipped to any place that you want.

-The planters can be shifted around and this will allow you’re upside down gardening pleasure to be taken with you if you plan to shift your home. Your hanging garden can be created on a terrace, balcony and any open space that you may have. Since these planters can get very heavy, it’s advised that they should be secured according to the instructions. Else your tomato planter has a great chance of falling on the ground and becoming a ground garden.

Inserting the seedling

For growing upside down tomatoes in a hanging planter, all that is required is some good potting soil that should have been mixed with compost and fertilizer. You can get ready made potting soil which has a mixture of all three from your nearest garden shop. Now choose the plant seedlings that you require for your hanging garden.

Before inserting the plants in the containers, all you need to do is remove the holding cup. Slowly ease in the seedling and leave as much of the stem as you can. The stem will sprout more roots giving added advantage to the plant.

Watering the plant

Fill the container with potting soil using a small cup. If you fill the planter directly from a heavy potting soil bag, then your seedling can be damaged.

When it’s filled adequately, replace the top lid of the container (the container comes with its own lid). Add a gallon of water to the container such that the soil is adequately moist. This helps the plant to soak up the nutrients. It will make your upside down garden healthier.

Ensure that you follow these steps for getting the upside down garden that you want.

Vegetable gardening shouldn’t be hard work. Look at all of the abundance that mother nature grows, do you see her out digging, weeding, pruning, fertilizing? No, of course not! Natural systems do all of the work and synergistic vegetable gardening puts those systems to work in your garden, producing a bountiful harvest the natural way.

So how do you get started building a synergistic vegetable garden?

#1. Build raised beds. You don’t need to build wooden frameworks and fill them with soil. Just create long mounds of soil about 4 feet wide and 10 – 30 inches high. Flatten the top of the mound.

#2. Cover the mound with mulch. This can be a mixture of materials – straw, shredded cardboard, sheeps wool, leaves, sawdust, shredded branches, newspaper etc.

#3. A few days before you are ready to start planting open the mulch on top of the bed to allow the soil to warm up.

#4. Plant seedlings in the bed and close the mulch back up around the plants. Seeds are planted in the same way.

#5. Place beneficial plants – called companion plants – through out your garden. You can plant them into the sides of the beds. Marigolds, will for example protect your plants from nematodes.

#6. Do not use compost on your garden or add fertilizer. It is not necessary and causes harm to the soil.

#7. When it is time to harvest from your garden, cut plants off just above the soil and leave the roots in place. All of the vegetation that is not used should be placed on top of the mulch right where that plant was growing.

#8. Never walk on your beds, till them or dig them.

#9. Weeding is still necessary at first, but due to the mulch the amount of weeds will be greatly reduced. Over time as the mulch builds up, less weed seeds will find there way into the soil.

#10. Water the beds during dry spells. The mulch prevents a hard surface developing on your soil which leads to water run off. The mulch also reduces evaporation. A hummus rich soil holds onto water, making it available to the plants for longer.

So there you have the basics in a nutshell. The idea of synergistic gardening is to mimic a system which builds the soil naturally. It is the bacteria and earthworms in our soil that create this fertility through their life processes. We do not need to interfere with a process that nature has perfected. When we do, we just create more work for ourselves along with reduced soil fertility.

• Happy Frog Cavern Culture fertilizer
• celebrity tomato
• lavender plants

In this age of global warming of our planet, increasing pollution and fast food, many people no longer are confident of fresh products that are offered as many try to exert some control over what they eat.

Similarly, chemicals that have been used for so long within gardens are no longer accepted as the only means of channeling the vicissitudes of nature.

One of the key ways to improve our environment (and our health) is to ‘be organic. “

Why organic gardening?

Organic gardening is one that uses only naturally occurring materials and does not use artificial fertilizers or chemicals.

Try to work with nature rather than against it.

Advantage

Organically grown foods taste better than those grown with artificial fertilizers.

Costs: the organic material can be created by returning all waste back to the land, which is a cheap process compared to Inorganic which tend to be way more expensive in the long run.

Same with chemical sprays, If an orchard where parasites do not prove a problem is created, it saves a lot in the cost of chemicals.

Another advantage is that by adding organic material to Earth, it keeps getting better, pitching chemicals ultimately impoverishes the soil.

The size of the fruits of an organic garden are usually larger and higher quality.

Tips for planning organic garden

The first step to take when planning a garden is to make a list of what you want from it, imagine what you can achieve within the space and time available.

Once you have determined the priorities, then its time to situate or organize space available within that garden.

Some areas will be sunnier, others will have better land or soil, some spots much more humid and so on.

To cultivate a good garden you will have to look for the best position in relation to the sun and air.

If weeds grow better in one part than another, this may mean that the land is better there, Note the areas which have sun all day or only a partial day.

Caring for the Earth

Land is the most important part of your garden, the soil composition varies so keep a watch for this variance.

Sandy soils are very light and friable and easily drain.

The clay is formed consists of fine particles that stick together creating the stickiness characteristic of the clay. Clay drains very slowly, so clay soils create a wet and slippery environment in which few plants feel comfortable. Sticky and dry land is also very difficult to work.

Between these two types, clay and sandy soils can be improved simply by addition of fertile mulch.

A soil may be acidic or alkaline. The relative acidity / alkalinity of the soil pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14 where 7 is neutral.

For the best organic garden soil it should be on the acid side of neutral point, at point 6.5, Below that the soil is too acidic and will not allow some minerals that plants need.

But clay soils, sandy, alkaline or acid can be modified.

Another consideration of soil structure is its profile. usually in a garden the topsoil contains the best land. The layer beneath it is known as groundwater. And below this is the true underground.
It is essential to keep these layers in their respective places.

Identification of layers of earth

Surface layer: is the darkest and richest part of the garden profile. It is where plants grow mainly and also where the most worms, bacteria and insects reside, many of them beneficial for plant growth.

Finally we must consider the area of hardness which can occur between the different soil layers. This is a correctable problem if it is not known early, If not correct it may compromise ones digging depth.

Soil analysis

To find out if your garden soil is clayey or sandy place a sample of it in a jar with water then shake it up, allow the different components to settle in layers and any organic material will float to the top.

For their ability to retain or lose water, dig a hole depth of a shovel and fill with water. Allow to drain and refill the hole. If that water disappears quickly that means that the soil drains well too. On the other hand if you still there after a few hours or even days it is clear that it is blocked to the opposite extreme.

If it disappears on a regular basis in half an hour or so, then its usage and capacity is correct.

There are several natural indicators of acidity or alkalinity of your soil. For example, if ferns are rowing in your garden or rhododendrons this means the soil is acidic.

Improve the land

Once the soil is analyzed only then will it be possible to see what can be done to improve it.

In light soils, such as gritty, its best to add decomposed organic material, this will help retain moisture and also provide nutrients for plants.

Clay soils are more problematic to treat, especially because they are hard and difficult to work. To improve it, you must add stones (gravel), because it improves drainage, separates the soil and makes it easier to work.

You can also add ash burnt weeds, organic material in the form of manure or poultry manure also help transform the ground into a lighter medium. Worms will constantly break it up and mix with the ground, worms will mulch most of the new layer down so that the original ground becomes fertile and usable again.

Sewer system

Drainage is an important part of improving the your soil. In the waterlogged terrain you can add gravel but if it’s a serious problem with water stagnating after each downpour, you must install a proper drainage system.

This is done by digging ditches in the form of drainage pipes.

Cover with small stones or simply fill trenches with gravel covered rubble.

An alternative is to use water to create a pond then install water drainage pipes.

Gardening is not just about planting seeds and then sit back and wait for the harvest. In between these two events weeds try to colonize the bare soil and crop eating bugs seek these succulent plants.

Gardener job is to prevent this from happening.

For some, hoeing and weeding can be a very relaxing and not to mention therapeutic. When control of weeds or soil balance is lost, the gardening becomes a battle.

The secret is “little and often”. If time permits devote an hour a day.

Another obstacle will be nature, it tends to get in the way of the gardener with occasional bad weather.

You can take steps to minimize their effect:

Wind

Creates several problems. First the wind can easily bring down the whole garden bed.

Windbreaks is something to consider in setting up any garden, although it may not be essential if you live in an urban area where the buildings protect it from the wind, but in rural areas it can be vital.

The best windbreaks are those that allow air to seep through. Although a wall or a fence will have a solid look and seem the best against strong winds, actually they cause much turbulence that can be as devastating as the wind itself.

A row of trees allows the wind to seep through naturally.

A much quicker solution is to build a fence to allow the wind to pass through it, It can be built of wood or bamboo.

A modern alternative is to use screens, sold especially for this. this type of wind shield must be firmly anchored in the ground and need to be renewed or replaced from time to time.

A hedge creates a perfect barrier slowing the wind causing it to seep through at a moderate stream.

Cold

The cold is not bad during the winter. It helps break down and kill the bugs that have surfaced. But when spring starts and you have started plantations, frost can be a killer or at very least a hindrance.

The gaps can be covered with metal or fabric, place a fence or a hedge at an angle across the slope above the frost hole so that the cold air is diverted to one side and go elsewhere. A row of shrubs or curve as V uphill also divert cold air frost.

It is always advisable to have a flower garden near a field of vegetables. In some cases it may even help to mix the two.

An alternative preferred by many organic gardeners is to create a series of raised beds, each with one type or more of vegetables, planted in blocks rather than in rows.

Some plants grow better in containers or trays for planting later.

It is best to plant on cold days, preferably if there is a possibility that a light rain may fall. The damp and cold help the plant survive.

Unwanted and nasty weeds can be a nuisance in any garden if they get out of hands. Most of the people use chemicals and other toxic substances to control weeds in their garden. However, there are many other home remedies that can be used for getting rid of unwanted weeds. These home remedies are non-toxic and they are also inexpensive weed killers.

Homemade weed killers are far better than the harmful toxins as they do not contaminate the soil. Excessive usage of chemical based herbicides can harm your plants and turf as well. So, it is advisable to use alternatives for weed control. One of the basic weed control method is to pull them by hand as soon as they appear. But this method is generally not very effective if the weed growth is excessive.

Some of the effective home remedies for weed control that you can try in your home garden are:

Vinegar: Vinegar can be directly sprayed on the weeds. It is advisable not to dilute vinegar as the concentrated liquid will be more effective. The best time to use vinegar is when there is no chance of rainfall as it gives vinegar time to penetrate the roots and kill the weeds. Take care while applying vinegar on the weeds and avoid spraying it on the roots of your plants and seedlings.

Boiling Water: You can pour boiling water directly on the weeds to kill them. This method can potentially harm the turf as well so apply carefully on the weeds. This method is safe for pets, humans and also the environment.

Salt: Salt is another very effective way which can help in getting rid of unwanted weeds. However, excessive use of salt can damage the surrounding soil, as salt can easily seep into the ground. You can apply salt directly over the weeds and diluted salt with water can also be sprayed on the weeds. Make sure to use this method only in places where you do not want any growth.

Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is pretty much like kitchen vinegar, you can apply it directly on the weeds to control them.

Newspapers: If you have a large area that has been affected by weeds then you can effectively control them by covering the area with a thick layer of newspaper. The newspapers will not allow sunlight to reach the weeds and it would eventually kill them.

Apart from all these easy homemade remedies you can also try Citrus Oil, Soap Water and Liquid dish detergent to get rid of weeds from your home garden.

It is easier and probably much less expensive to buy and plant roses that are common, but when you purchase a few rare roses, it adds immense value to any garden or to any occasion. It makes the experience more authentic. The most popular rose is, of course, the red rose, as it conveys the message of devotion, love and respect, but will it not mean so much more if you give someone or even show someone a unique, rare rose?

Many rare roses can be man-made. For example, black roses are made by intensifying the color of a very deep-red and many times you will find that people, in fact, use dyes on roses to give them different colors. You will not see black ones in nature and usually symbolize bereavement and death. You do find blue roses in nature, but to enhance this color, people usually take white roses and dye them. Blue roses are among the rarest, because the color is difficult to achieve. They are, however, some of the most visually pleasing ones and are seen in pop culture, music, television and theater productions. Purple roses are also extremely rare and symbolize enchantment and charm. They are made by mixing blue and red rose-hues. Taking care of rare roses is also no problem and requires little effort, because they merely need enough water and little exposure to harsh elements of nature.

There are countless types of rare roses that can make your garden unique and add individuality to your surroundings. For example, Oranges ‘n Lemons is a yellow and orange stripes rose with double blooms. It is vivid and gives off a mild fragrance. The Celebrity rose is classified as a hybrid tea rose with a yellow color and fruity fragrance. Another rare hybrid tea rose is the Bride’s Dream. This rose has a delicate pink color, a mild rose fragrance and very large blooms. Some shops will refer to it as either the Marchenkoningin or the Fairy Tale Queen due to its “royal” appearance. Another member of the royal rose family is the Diana, Princess of Wales, a rose with different shades of pink and a sweet tea-rose fragrance. This rose needs protection in winter, just like the Brigadoon, an elegant pink and white rose with a mild and almost spicy scent. This rose is for the adventure spirited.

For the playful heart, there is the Topsy-Turvy, a dark red or white and red floribunda with an eye-popping firecracker shape when it is opened. The fragrance contains elements of apple. More rare and beautiful rose types include Madame Louis LƒÂ©vƒÂªque, which is a deep pink moss rose. This one blooms throughout the season. You can also find the Joseph’s Coat, which, being true to its name, is a colorful red and orange rose equipped with thorns. The mister Lincoln, on the other hand, is a big and bright red hybrid tea with a very strong fragrance.