Gardening |

Posted on November 9, 2020September 14, 2022 by Wright Holdings, Inc.

Creating and Planting a Beautiful Container Garden

We all have a garden planter or two dotted around our gardens, perhaps filled with a specimen plant or a seasonal display. But there is a lot to be said for using containers as the design basis for creating a garden. Containers are probably one of the most versatile forms of gardening, allowing you not only to choose type of container but also the plant and its location. There are many advantages to container gardening. You can move your containers to different locations within your garden, thereby creating an instantly different effect. You can change planting displays as often as you like, perhaps making the most of the choice of different seasonal plants. You can also grow plants which like different soil types to your own by simply filling them with the right type of compost.

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Types of Garden Planters and Containers

There are an ever increasing number of different types of container you can buy, with materials and designs to suit every climate and different tastes. Pots and tubs are probably the most popular type of planter available. They are for the most part versatile and easily moved to different positions in the garden. Pots and tubs come in an enormous variety of sizes and designs, both traditional and modern. Materials vary from moss covered terracotta and artificially aged stone planters, to reused car tires and fiber glass. There are no rules when it comes to choosing a type of container and there is no reason why you can’t combine traditional with modern. Just be aware that your designs and materials complement each other in some way.

Pots and tubs are equally as versatile when it comes to planting. You can grow almost anything you like in a container. Formally clipped box and other evergreens look stunning as focal points, as do specimen standard plants such as bay trees. Group a number of planters of different sizes together with a plant type such as herbs. A particularly stunning planter can be filled with seasonal annuals for an all year round display.

Window boxes are another great way to grow plants and enhance the appearance of your house and garden. Window boxes are particularly useful if you have a tiny garden or even if you have no garden at all! You can buy ready- made window boxes, have them made bespoke to your requirements or simply make your own. Window boxes don’t have to be made of wood. I have seen some beautifully aged metal ones as well as reconstituted stone ground-level boxes. Grow seasonal displays or plant up a box outside your kitchen window with herbs or easy to grow edibles like lettuce.

Hanging baskets are probably the most versatile of all containers. They can be hung on walls, fences and even in trees. Not only can your display be changed from season to season, but you can also grow edible plants such as tumbling tomatoes and strawberries and even a selection of herbs, hung near your kitchen door. Hanging baskets also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. More traditionally made from wicker, but I have seen some great modern alternatives made from brightly colored plastics.

Troughs and sinks can be used to create mini container gardens in one place. Although strictly speaking you can grow anything you like in a trough shaped planter, the lack of depth makes them more suited to growing alpines and herbs. Stone troughs probably look the best in any garden but why not also think about getting hold of an old Belfast sink which looks particularly effective when planted with herbs under a kitchen window.

Another type of container not readily thought about is the raised bed. Raised beds are a great way of growing both vegetables and garden plants. They are easy to maintain and therefore popular with gardeners with impaired mobility. They are also an easy way of adding structure to an otherwise flat garden space, lifting plants higher up and creating the illusion of different levels to a garden.

Some Container Planting Rules

If you are going to maintain a healthy container garden, there are a few rules you will need to follow whatever type of planter. Drainage is all important for container grown plants. Make sure your container has adequate drainage holes and always add some broken pot or crocks to the bottom of the planter to aid drainage. If your container is to be placed on a hard surface, sit it on some feet to raise it above ground level slightly. Use the right type of compost. Try not to overcrowd your container, most plants will need plenty of room to spread their roots and grow into healthy specimens. Conversely, don’t let your plants become pot-bound. Although there are a few plants which do well in these conditions, as a rule, either divide you plant or re-pot it into a larger container.

In extremely cold weather both your containers and their plants will need some protection. For those that are not frost hardy it is probably best to over winter them into a cold greenhouse. Others can be wrapped in straw or fleece to protect them from frost.

Perhaps the most important consideration of all for container grown plants is water. During dry weather in the summer months you will have to make sure your pots are well watered. Materials like terracotta dry out quickly as the clay absorbs water, so you will often find yourself having to water at least twice a day. Early morning and evening is best. During the winter water container plants sparingly. Waterlogged containers easily freeze killing the roots of the plants in them.

I am a firm believer that a garden reflects some of the personality of the gardener who tends it. Garden planters are a great way of putting your stamp on a garden, particularly if you are a little bit quirky! I have seen old wooden boats used as planters, odd worn out walking boots, pan tiles, antique wash tubs, old car tires and even a disused toilet!

Reusing Plastic Containers and Planters

Anyone who has a garden or ever got a potted plant has had to deal with those seemingly useless plastic pots. Most people throw them out. I save them until they crumble-re-using over and over again. They can be the “greenest” item in your garden that save you the most green.

I have a very small gardening space including containers but big or small practical ways maybe “green” now but will always make sense far after being GREEN loses fashion.

So what to do with all those unsightly plastic pots? Whether you have an established garden or just starting out; when you buy plants you will have to deal with re-using or disposing of them.

Plastic pots have an endless amount of uses in the garden. So before you just think re-cycle re-think they can save you money before tossing them out:

• Seeds eventually become seedlings needing a larger pot; having pots on hand is both convenient and cost-saving.

• Small pots make excellent large pot fillers. Place a small pot upside down in a larger one then fill with soil and plant. Container is lighter with less soil used.

• Instead of throwing out the cell flats, crumble up and use as a large container filler too. [Or wash and use as packing material.]

• Place invasive plants inside of the pot then plant in the ground for keeping them in-check.

• Have too many plants? Bought too many? Divide both annuals and perennials using pots to share plants. Don’t have to worry about loaning out your expensive ones.

• Don’t have drainage holes in that pretty container? Put plant in a plastic pot then place inside the prettier one. [Don’t forget to pour out any excess water.]

• Wish you could afford more expensive containers? Take plastic pots, spray paint assorted colors then add decorative ribbons, beads or sphagnum moss to make appealing.

• Don’t like to water? Plastic holds moisture longer so use instead of terra cotta [I still recommend terra cotta for herbs in almost all instances.] Works for indoor/outdoor plants.

• Just planted a new plant? Use plastic container as a cloche or shield to protect until established.

• Threat of frost? Use containers to cover tender plants. Use 2 pots together to block out holes and create a better insulator.

• Weeding. Keep containers around as receptacles when pulling them out.

• Use to make compost or save potting soil.

• Use small pots as scoops for mulch, fertilizer, etc.

• Use to prop up other containers to create different plant levels.

• Use to hold garden tools.

• Plant below ground level then put smaller pots filled with annuals for easy change-ups.

• Storing bulbs or use for overwintering plants.

As you can see the possibilities are endless. These are the pots that cost nothing but continue to save you money over and over again. $$$$$. How Green is that?

5 Gallon Buckets in the Garden

Continuing the discussion of how important the often underestimated 5 gallon buckets at home, we are now revealing how we can make the best use of these pails in the garden.

As pots

Although the appearance of the 5 gallon pails may not look as charming as the real gardening pots, they are highly functional and cheaper. Good quality 5 gallon buckets cost between $ 3 and $ 6; which is nothing compared to gardening pots’ price. With some little preparation, the pails can be turned into flower pots instantly.

All you have to do is to drill the bottom of the 5 gallon buckets with ½ or ¼-inch holes to allow water drainage. 10 to 15 holes are enough for 5 gallon pails. Next is to fill in the buckets with good quality potting soil and fertilizer. It is now ready to be planted.

If you care about upgrading the look of the modest 5 gallon pails, you may want to put more time before filling in with soil. Get some paint with the color you like, paint the pails, give some accents with different colors of paint, and dry it completely. Remember to paint only on the outer side for vegetables and herbs gardening. You don’t want the vegetables you grow to take the chemical substance of the paint since you will be eating them later.

Another advantage of having 5 gallon buckets garden is that it is extremely practical. You can move the pots wherever and whenever you want. If the growing season is over, you can pile them up and store the soil for the next gardening season, or you can just move them indoor if the plant thrives to survive there. The 5 gallon buckets also make it more difficult for animals like rabbits to destroy your plants.

Now you have not only a cheap way to grow your herbs and plants, but also creative and practical ways too.

As compost containers

Compost plays an important role in the life of a plant. Good homemade compost even plays more important role in the environment. Oddly enough, your plastic 5 gallon pails can help make this happen. As the container of compost making.

First of all, you should drill ¼-inch holes around the sides of the bucket. This will allow air circulation and water drainage. Line the bottom of the pail with dry leaves and soil. After that, dump your table scraps like vegetables, napkins, eggshells, coffee grounds or tea bags inside the bucket. Avoid milk and meaty stuff since this could attract vermin. Cover again with dry plant debris and soil. Do one dry layer after the wet one continuously and wait until the 5 gallon pail is filled up. Have a lid to close the pail and let the microorganisms work the compost. Check it out from time to time whether it is too dry or too wet. If it is too dry, add some water and move it to a shadier place. If it is too wet, place it under the sun to dry a little bit. This process takes from several weeks to months to complete.

The better pails to use for homemade composting are the ones in dark colors. Black will be the best. It will absorb more heat for the microorganisms to live under the shade.

If you use 5 gallon buckets in your garden for those purposes mentioned above, you will definitely promote an environment friendly gardening and at the same time save money for a better use at home.

Happy gardening!

Posted on November 3, 2020November 30, 2021 by Wright Holdings, Inc.

Do Old Coffee Grounds Work As Fertilizer?

First, what makes up brewed coffee, besides caffeine? Nutrition experts agree that coffee grounds contain magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese and trace amounts of calcium. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the ingredients necessary for garden soil. They coincide with the figures you see on most garden fertilizer bags. So coffee does have what plants need to grow.

There seems to be some debate about whether or not coffee produces nitrogen. Most agree that coffee grounds contain 1.5 to 2.2% nitrogen. However, some feel that the nitrogen is not available to the soil or the plants until the grounds themselves begin to decompose.

Others say you must compost the coffee grounds with other plants to release the nitrogen in the decomposition process. They recommend adding nitrogen to the soil if using only the grounds. The rotting grounds attract nitrogen-consuming microbes, thus, the need to add nitrogen if using only coffee grounds as a fertilizer.

So to be on the safe side where fertilizing is concerned, you may be better off tossing your coffee grounds along with other compost into the garden in the fall and winter to allow them time to be of best use for spring planting.

When I emptied coffee grounds on top of the soil last fall and spring, I did not include it in a compost. I did use 8 to 10 cubic feet of a peat and compost mixture in the spring that I emptied all over my garden, which is 13 by 33 feet. I turned the soil about 6-8 inches deep before planting. I’ve never had tomatoes produce so much in my four years of gardening.

How does the acid in coffee affect things? The coffee you drink is acidic, but the grounds afterward are closer to neutral on the pH scale. Some argue that they retain their acid level until combined with compost and its microbes, which neutralize it. Either way acid is great if your soil is low in it (alkaline). In the West, where I live, soils are alkaline and getting closer to neutral or increasing the acid content is a good thing for my strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and radishes. Keep in mind that you have to use quite a bit of grounds to make any real difference in the pH scale.

Coffee grounds have other benefits aside from being a fertilizer. They boost the heat in soil better than most composting materials, including manure. These high temperatures kill seeds from weeds or vegetables that may have made their way into the compost pile. If you are thinking about raised beds, consider lining the bottom edges with coffee grounds to prevent weeds from sneaking in.

Other benefits to using coffee grounds in the garden include its ability to attract earthworms, thereby improving soil structure. It even keeps cats from pooping in your garden. (Our neighborhood stray poops along the outside of the garden instead!) If tomato blight is a concern, there are some who think the copper in coffee grounds keeps this at bay.

Coffee grounds are also good at keeping away pests for both inside plants and outside flowers, like hostas, roses, lilies, peonies or those grown from bulbs. The caffeine discourages slugs and snails. You can add about 2 cups of grounds to a 5 gallon jug of water and let it steep overnight. Use it to water plants and don’t be afraid to water the leaves, too.

So whether or not coffee grounds include enough nitrogen to be used as a fertilizer, its pest deterrent qualities and attraction to earthworms has more than sold me on its benefits. If you aren’t a coffee drinker, just ask your local coffee shop if you can have their leftover grounds. It not only helps them dispose of waste, but it also helps create a more abundant, inexpensive and organic garden.

Posted on October 25, 2020November 30, 2021 by Wright Holdings, Inc.

Herb Garden Kit – Indoor Kitchen Herb Garden

Herb garden kit is perfect for amateurs and professional gardeners. It includes everything you need and it is very easy to use. There are lots of kit variations to choose from. Find one that would best fit your needs. It’s an easy way to start gardening whether it is indoor plants growing in pots or outdoors in the yard. Great thing about these indoor types herb is that they can be easily moved from places to places, especially outside for their need of sunshine and it is always within reach for their maintenance. They already have the utmost ideas of what to consider about. But what they really need is the easier way of gardening.

Some of the herbal garden kit versions have artificial light to keep the plant from growing even if it’s away from the windowsill. If you prefer the window herb garden kit which includes everything but the sunlight and water, you can go with that too. You can even choose a kit with plants that grows and submerge in water, this solution eliminates the possibility of dirt spilling and resulting to a messy home. Professional gardeners have already the knowledge about gardening.

It is a great idea to nurture herbs for whatever reason it is appealing to you and it is also fairly simple. People’s everyday routine is to rush from work to their job and vise versa. Do you have the time to keep your herbs happy and healthy? Any herb that you grow has to be tended to, from beginning to end including the harvesting part.

Determine what herbs you will need to grow. Will it be for flavor in cooking, for medicinal use or even herbal tea? How many times am I going to use it? Will it be for personal use or a source of income? For professional gardeners, getting the herb garden kit is a walk in the park. If they get too busy with other things and less time for gardening, they can just order the kit. Not only does it require a little of your time, but it can also take up a little space at home.

There is also a choice of a larger kit that could take up a 10 by 10 feet space and has different kinds of herbs to choose from. Some kits have field contraptions that are used to make sure that the growth of the herb plants under any weather conditions. A small kit is available if they just need easy access of their herb garden inside the house. If you chose culinary herb garden kit, you can put it near where you cook. If you chose beautification garden kit, you can put it outside to attract beautiful looking insects to your garden with the right mix of colors and fragrances. Or even a medicinal kit for therapeutic needs.

As long as you know the category of herbs that you are planning to grow and the usage it would be easier to determine the space and the kit that would be perfect for you.

Posted on October 9, 2020November 27, 2021 by Wright Holdings, Inc.

Despite the Heat, Summer Gardening Can Be Rewarding

Growing summer flowers can be a rewarding experience. Flowers add a lot of color and beauty to your summer garden, especially if you love summer blooms. You can plant summer flowers as early as the late winter or early spring. When summer hits it is time for summer gardening to get your summer garden in shape! If you are growing summer flowers, these summer gardening tips will help you have a beautiful summer garden. While July is typically too hot to add most vegetables and flowers to the garden, some plants do surprisingly well when planted in the summer heat.

Summer Gardening Tips: Summer Flower Seeds

One of the best summer gardening tips when growing summer flowers is to start with seeds. There are many different types of flower seeds that grow into an array of different summer bloomers. Also, they are usually less expensive than starter plants at garden centers and nurseries.

On average you should start summer flowers 4-6 weeks before the last frost in your area. You can also plant summer flowers that grow into perennials, but be sure to check the summer gardening tips on their specific care needs, such as whether they need to be divided every year or if they spread over time.

When planting summer flower seeds, one of the summer gardening tips is to make sure you have good drainage. Summer flowers prefer well-drained soil and will wilt quickly if there is too much water or rainfall around them. Also furrow planting summer seedlings helps with this problem and ensures a better success rate when growing summer flowers because ground moisture won’t be a problem.

Tips and Ideas for Summer Garden

Plant Hibiscus: Hibiscus trees love heat and will quickly take root when planted in July. Plant in nutrient rich, well-draining soil. Deeply water the tree so the roots remain moist for the first two weeks after planting. Hibiscus flowers only last a day, but new flowers are quick to take their place. Hibiscus can also be planted in pots.

Plant Beans and Squash: While most vegetables should already be producing in July, add corn, cucumber, lima beans and summer squash now for a late summer, early fall harvest.

Plan Your Watering Routine: Although water restrictions have now been lifted, still conserve. Set lawn sprinklers for early morning–6:00 a.m. or earlier, three times a week for 15 minutes. This will enable the water to reach the roots and help reduce evaporation once the sun comes up.

Eliminate Snail Damage Naturally: Snails love to eat their way through tender vegetable leaves, which can damage or kill the plant. Place natural barriers around your garden to keep the snails away. Since they move by sliding on smooth surfaces, place crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth (an abrasive sedimentary rock) around plants. Mulch is another good snail deterrent because it is made of rough wood chips.

Keep Deadheading Flowers: Summer is the time of year when flowers want to grow. Give new buds the maximum nutrients they need by removing fading or dead flowers daily. This way, plants will focus their energy on new growth.

Plant Shrubs: One way to easily fill out a yard is by planting shrubs. Use them as groundcover or low hedges. Easy-to-maintain, low water users are Lily-of-the-Nile, Star Jasmine, Indian Hawthorn, New Zealand Flax, Rosemary and Mediterranean Pink Rockrose. All will need regular watering until established.

Fill In Your Flower Garden: Add summer-to-fall bloomers like alyssum, marigolds, petunias, red sage, verbena, vinca and zinnias to your garden as other plants slow their flower production. Flowers that do well in shade are amethyst, begonia, coleus, geranium and impatiens.

Replenish Mulch: To help cut down on water use, add a 3-inch layer of mulch around plants and trees. The mulch keeps water in and roots cool even during the hottest times of the day.

Unlike plants and trees that enjoy the heat, begin your gardening day early before temperatures rise to unbearable highs.

Posted on September 6, 2020October 27, 2022 by Wright Holdings, Inc.

Garden Flowers – Annuals Or Perennials?

If you have a green thumb and are considering sprucing up the garden, have you decided what you are going to plant? Are you looking at a vegetable garden that will provide you fresh produce to eat or are you looking at a more decorative garden such as a flower garden? Garden flowers are bright and colorful and when in bloom throughout a garden, can make you feel positive and happy. Rex Begonia Plants are excellent houseplants.

It is commonplace to give flowers for many different occasions; birthdays and anniversaries to funerals and get well soon. Garden flowers are very versatile in that respect and if you are ever worried about what gift to give, a hand grown bunch of flowers from your own garden will certainly do the trick. Garden flowers are also a great decorating idea. Arrange a colorful bunch of flowers in a decorative vase and place it in a dull room, it will make an instance improvement on the atmosphere in the room. Perfumed garden flowers such as lilies and roses in a dull room can brighten it up and leave an aroma that is hard to ignore.

There is a huge variety of garden flowers available, some bloom all year, others only for a season, so it is important to know your flowers so you can have a blooming garden all year round. There are two types of flower gardens; annual and perennial. Annual flowers only live for a season. These flowers grow from seed, bloom and die in a single season. They need to be replanted each year in spring and they include petunias and marigolds. Generally an annual flower can bloom from spring through to fall.

Perennials live for three or more seasons and when planted will normally not bloom in the first year if grown from seed as they have not reached maturity. The lifespan of a perennial flower can be approximately three to five years and after this time may need to be replaced with a new plant. Perennials, unlike annuals only bloom for a very short period; anywhere from a week to three weeks once a year. Perennial flowers include African lilies, columbines, English daisy, summer daisy and daffodils.

As you can see, some preparation is required to create a beautiful flower garden. You will need to do some research to learn which garden flowers are perennials and which are annuals so you can have an all year round flowering garden. If you have a creative mind, you could plan ahead and arrange a garden by colors to reveal an artistic, intriguing garden when it is in bloom. Remember to plan ahead and learn about your flowers so your idea will bloom, but also remember that if you’re not a planner at heart, just plant your flowers and see what beautiful creation you end up with, it will be just as beautiful as one that has had hours of planning.

Perennials Vs Annuals – What Are the Advantages of Each?

If you are a new homeowner, planting your flower gardens, bushes and trees are something you thought about from the time you first looked at your new home. You probably have a picture in your mind of what you want your flower gardens to look like.

There are pros and cons to perennial plants or flowers and annual plants and flowers. Those that are perennial will come up year after year, and usually cost more. Annuals are often planted as seeds and nursed into full flowering plants that require weeding and need to be re-planted each year.

You might decide to plant a combination, but those that have little time to work in the yard always choose perennial, because they practically grow on their own and don’t require much more than cutting them back at the end of the growing season. Typically, the flowers aren’t as vibrant as annuals, but there are some perennial plants that can bloom all season and be beautiful and vibrant, such as roses and day lilies and includes seasonal flowers such as daffodils, tulips, lilac bushes, peonies and daisies.

Annuals cost very little, if you plant them from seed. If you want uniform placement, you might consider starter plants to give you instant color and give them an advantage over the weeds. They are cheaper plant initially, but they require more work, such as constant watering, weed pulling and dead-heading. For those that like to garden, they may not mind this hobby. You can find a wide variety of annuals and for those on a budget, annuals are the choice.

The main advantage to perennials is that they can easily adapt to weather conditions and are hardier than annual plants. They are normally planted once, but bloom year after year. Some perennial plants only bloom every other year and newly planted perennial plants may not bloom the first year or two. You have to carefully consider placement, since it is harder to transplant them, once they have taken root. The other great thing about perennial plants is that you can add a few plants a year to your landscape until you get all of the color you want. It is considered a landscaping investment, when it comes time to sell your home.

With annuals, the main advantage is the varieties and bright colors you can get. The affordability is another factor and you can change the look of your landscaping every year, to something different. The main disadvantage is that they are not as hardy and the growing season is not as long as perennials, in most cases. If you have an extremely hot and dry summer, or if fall comes early, your plants may die. Because they aren’t as hardy, you may need to consider whether you have a sprinkler system and placement can be helpful in keeping them alive.

When analyzing the pros and cons of perennial plants versus annual plants for your garden, it might be best to make perennial plants a stable part of your landscaping and supplement it with hints of colors from annual plants, in case weather conditions are unfavorable. This will allow you to continually add to your landscape investment with perennials each year and add hints of plant colors and variety in strategic areas for a beautiful display.

Posted on August 10, 2020March 1, 2022 by Wright Holdings, Inc.

Herb Garden Ideas

As a gardener, you know how important it is to have fresh herbs on hand. You can’t just run down to your local grocery store for them when the need arises! This blog post will give you some ideas on what types of herb gardens work best in different situations. If you’re looking for an easy garden that doesn’t require much maintenance, try planting your herbs in pots with shallow soil and lots of sun exposure. Herbs like basil and thyme do well in this type of environment and they’ll grow fast too!

Herbs are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in cooking or to make tea. They also have amazing health benefits, which is just one of the reasons why more people are starting their own herb gardens! With this blog post you’ll get some ideas on how to start your own herb garden. Whether it’s indoors or outside, there’s an idea for everyone! We hope you enjoy reading about these new gardening trends.

There are a plethora of herb garden ideas you can choose from that will literally spice up your life! Fresh herbs are the ultimate when it comes to cooking and many people now a days want them. What better way to enjoy fresh herbs in your kitchen than ones that are just minutes old. Herb gardens, whether yours is indoors or outdoors, are a great way to begin gardening.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1-UhyFe6jk

Herb Potting

Potted herbs are easy to grow from cuttings or seeds, indoors or outdoors. Start with a well draining soil. Another option is starting out with self-sustainable potting mix that has been sterilized with heat. The majority of these mixes will contain peat moss. Water often until the plants become established, then reduce water to intensify the flavors. Perennial potted herbs may need an occasional root pruning to keep the plant from getting too root bound.

Fertilize once a week with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Incorporating a granular fertilizer at planting will help. Too much fertilizer can lessen the flavor by increasing the shoot mass faster than oils develop in the plant.

Raised Herb Garden Ideas

Building a raised bed for your herb garden can be as simple or as extravagant as you want it to be. Raised herb garden ideas are many and varied. This blog post will explore some of the different ways you can create a raised herb garden, as well as how to care for them. It’s time to get your gardening gloves on!

More Herb Garden Ideas

There is no deep dark secrets when it comes to growing herbs. In fact herbs are really very easy to grow and you don’t need a large space to grow them in either. Most herbs can be grown in an area no bigger than a window box. Actually a window box would be an ideal place to grow a kitchen herb garden. There is enough room to grow parsley, basil, sage, or cilantro and it can all be in a compact container just outside the kitchen door. Combine herbs with a grape vine.

Many herbs can even be grown on the window sill of a sunny window in the house. The trick is to keep the herbs picked and to start new ones before the plants start to get too woody. Basil is an excellent window plant. When growing herbs inside or out remember two things the first is herbs do not like a lot of fertilizer and most herbs like moist soil but it needs to dry quickly wet soil will do most herbs in.

How about a strawberry jar herb garden Plant the top with a tall herb such as dill and then fill in the side with creeping plants like oregano, creeping thyme, or creeping rosemary. They will grow out the sides and hang down. just remember to keep the creeping plants trimmed to keep producing new leaves. You may substitute the plant in the top with something else such as sage if you like.

When planting herbs such as cilantro and basil it is good to do succession plantings maybe about 3 weeks apart so that you will have fresh leaves throughout the growing season. Cilantro and basil will go to seed quickly if not picked often and the flowers removed.

The main thing most herbs have in common is that they do not like wet feet and really do not need fertilizer as I mentioned earlier. Fertilizer will change the growth habits of the herbs and effect it’s strength and flavor. Good soil will provide all the nutrients necessary to grow a productive herb garden. Also be careful what you plant as some herbs can become rather aggressive and take over the whole area chocking out everything else. Mint is a perfect example. Mint is very invasive so if you want to grow it I suggest that you grow mint in a container and never in the ground.

A good herb garden will pay big dividends in as your family and friends will enjoy the great taste coming out of your kitchen. You will have the satisfaction of knowing you are using fresh homegrown herbs to feed them.

Herb Garden Design Ideas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1-UhyFe6jk

Your herb garden should be functional and attractive. If you visit other people’s gardens, it should help you with your own herb garden designs. There are several important things to decide before you plant your first herb.

Research the plants you are thinking of planting. This will help you understand what types of pests you may be attracting to your garden. Each plant’s susceptibility to stagnation and decay when it is transplanted should be another concern.

You must determine what you hope to accomplish with your design. Do you want herbs primarily for medicinal reasons, or are you planting them for seasonings in your food? You can grow herbs of both types, but you will need to plan your garden design accordingly.

How much produce do you need to harvest from the garden? Is the beauty of the garden more important than the actual produce it yields? The answers to these questions are determined by your interests, and you should design your garden with these answers in mind rather than simply duplicating another garden design you have seen.

The herb gardens of centuries past were designed for the necessary functions of life. The garden yielded plants for medicines, seasonings, and dyes. These gardens were sometimes community gardens, and had to cater to several families. Those designs might be different than yours, especially if you just want the garden for the blooms and fragrances.

The amount of space you have to dedicate to the garden will have an effect on the design. If you have plenty of space, you may choose to have every conceivable type herb you can find. However, if space is limited, the garden may be limited to a handful of varieties. The wonderful thing about herbs is the limited number of plants you will typically need for any one item.

How will your garden relate to other landscape features in your yard? Can you plant your herbs in partial shade due to existing trees and plants? What existing landscape features, if any, are you willing to change to accommodate your new garden? Will some of the plants you want to use be a stark contrast to plants that are already there? Are some herbs incompatible with your existing plants?

Where you plant may be dictated in part by the herbs you have chosen. Although some herbs can be grown in shady areas, some require full sun. Some herbs bush into plants and pretty much stay where you put them, while others shoot out runners and want to go everywhere. Keep in mind how the garden will change after you’ve planted it. Decide what changes you are willing to allow.

Don’t be afraid to alter the garden after you plant it. After your original plan is implemented, things may transpire later that make that plan obsolete, or at least not in your best interests. You can relocate plants or have them removed if your interests change.

Freely use your imagination when designing your herb garden. There is no right or wrong place to put your herbs, as long as they get enough water, required sunlight, and proper drainage. Your herb garden designs should be your own and not mandated by the wants and needs of someone else.

Posted on July 27, 2020March 19, 2023 by Wright Holdings, Inc.

Benefits of Raised Garden Beds

Raised garden beds, also known as garden boxes, are a type of gardening structure that elevates the planting area above the ground level. They are typically made from various materials like wood, metal, or stone and are designed to contain soil within a confined space. Raised garden beds have gained popularity among gardeners because they offer several benefits:

Improved soil drainage: Raised beds allow for better drainage, which can help prevent waterlogged plants and root rot.
Easier soil amendments: It’s simpler to add and control the soil mixture in a raised bed, allowing gardeners to create the perfect environment for their plants.
Reduced soil compaction: Since gardeners don’t walk on the soil in raised beds, it remains less compacted, improving root growth and overall plant health.
Accessibility: Raised beds can be built at different heights, making them more accessible to gardeners with mobility issues or those who prefer not to bend down.
Pest control: Raised beds can help deter some pests, such as slugs and snails, by creating a barrier between the ground and the plants. They can also make it easier to add netting or fencing to protect plants from larger animals.
Extended growing season: The soil in raised beds tends to warm up faster in the spring, allowing for earlier planting and a longer growing season.
Aesthetic appeal: Raised beds can be an attractive addition to a garden, offering a clean, organized appearance and the opportunity for creative design.
Weed management: Separating the garden bed from the surrounding soil can help minimize weed growth, making maintenance easier.

Overall, raised garden beds are a practical and versatile option for gardeners looking to improve their growing conditions and make gardening more enjoyable.

How to Build a Simple Wooden Raised Garden Bed

Building a raised garden bed is a relatively simple project that can be completed in a few steps. Here’s a basic guide to help you get started:

Materials you’ll need:

Untreated wood, stone, concrete blocks, or metal (for the frame)
Wood screws or brackets (for wood frames)
Drill or screwdriver
Saw (if you need to cut wood)
Level
Landscape fabric or cardboard (optional)
Soil mix (compost, topsoil, and other amendments as needed)
Plants or seeds

Step-by-step guide:

Choose a location: Select a level, well-draining area that receives the appropriate amount of sunlight for the plants you intend to grow. Make sure the location has easy access to water.
Determine the size: Decide on the dimensions of your raised bed, considering both the space available and the types of plants you’ll be growing. Common sizes are 4×4, 4×8, or 4×12 feet. The width should be no more than 4 feet, allowing you to easily reach the center of the bed from either side.
Select the material: Choose the material for your raised bed frame. Untreated wood (such as cedar or redwood) is a popular choice due to its natural resistance to rot and insects. Other options include stone, concrete blocks, or metal.
Build the frame: Cut the material to the desired length and assemble the frame using screws, brackets, or other appropriate fasteners. For a wooden frame, you can use wood screws and a drill or screwdriver to connect the corners. Ensure that the frame is square and level.
Prepare the ground: Remove any grass, weeds, or rocks from the area where you’ll place the raised bed. You can lay down landscape fabric or cardboard to help suppress weeds, but make sure to leave openings for water drainage.
Position the frame: Place the frame in the prepared area, ensuring that it’s level and secure. If necessary, adjust the ground underneath the frame to achieve a level surface.
Fill the bed: Add a mix of high-quality soil and compost to fill the raised bed. You may also need to add other amendments, depending on the specific needs of your plants. Fill the bed to about 1-2 inches below the top edge of the frame.
Plant your garden: Plant your seeds or seedlings according to their specific requirements for spacing, depth, and care. Water the bed thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil.
Maintain your garden: Regularly water, weed, and fertilize your raised garden bed as needed to ensure optimal plant growth.

Remember that building a raised garden bed is a customizable project, so you can adjust the design, materials, and size to suit your needs and preferences.

Filling a Raised Garden Bed

Protect against pests by lining the bottom of the bed with weed block, newspaper, cardboard or landscape fabric. Fill your beds with the best soil possible. For most applications, a good basic mix is made from 60-percent topsoil, 30-percent compost and 10-percent potting mix. Add enough soil mix to fill the bed. Some settling will occur. And beware of adding anything to your beds that may contain weed seeds or herbicide chemicals.

Raised Bed Gardening Triumphs Over Poor Soil Conditions

Raised bed gardening is the key to success when it comes to having healthy, thriving plants. It takes care of your soil problems and you can even use a raised bed for growing flowers and vegetables! A successful gardener should consider this method if they live in an area that has poor quality dirt-especially ones with sandy soils or heavy clay soils.

What’s the best way to garden? With raised beds! They’re so much easier than digging up dirt and planting your seeds or seedlings, plus they make a beautiful display. Whether you have an acre of land that needs attention or just one little plot in shades salad bowl type area – this is perfect for all sorts o’ spaces (and pockets too).

The ability to manage the soil is one of the most significant benefits of using the raised bed. Because you choose and mix the ground yourself, you can create the perfect soil environment for the plants you want to grow. That means even if you’re going to grow plants that don’t typically thrive in your area because of your local soil composition, you can grow them in raised planters in which you have created the perfect soil for those plants. The benefits of using raised beds extend beyond just the soil environment. Raised bed gardening allows you to create your own mix for perfect plant growth, even if local conditions don’t typically support that type or variety!

There are other benefits to raised areas as well, even if the soil is not an issue in your area. Another significant advantage to consider is the way the raised beds let you target the use of things you put on your garden. Apply fertilizer and mulch where they are needed – and there only – so you end up using less and do not accidentally apply these things where they are not required. If you use chemical pesticides, herbicides or insecticides, you can use a smaller amount of them, and again, you can target their use. Because you apply them only to the raised bed, you don’t have to worry about runoff or the effects these chemicals can have on your pets or kids who play in your yard. All in raised bed gardening makes for more efficient planting.

One great benefit of a raised gardening bed that is the fact that the planting area is, in fact, elevated. Since the garden is not ground level, it is much easier to tend. Garden enthusiasts with back problems will love being able to see their plants and manage them without bending over and dealing with hours of painful work. Raised areas are ideal for people with joint pain and injuries that make it difficult for them to garden traditionally.

Although raised garden beds have all of these benefits and make different kinds of gardening possible in areas where the soil is not ideal, the beds can’t trump every problem a garden may face. You still need to consider the climate in your area and choose plants accordingly – raised planters or not, and tropical plants won’t grow in snowy climates. Also, you will still need to pay attention to what level of sunlight your garden area gets and choose your plants with that in mind. Further, although most people with raised beds deal with less pest infestation, you will still need some way to deal plant-munching insects. Even though raised beds can’t fix everything, however, they are still a great option when soil limits the way you garden.

Final 3 Tips For Building a Raised Bed Garden

Raised bed gardening is a fun, creative, and efficient way to garden. If you are just getting started with this type of gardening, here are a couple tips to get you going in the right direction.

Tip #1 – To Purchase a Kit or Not?

There are many ready made kits on the market now to make building your bed quick, easy, and affordable. If you choose this route, do some research as some will vary in quality and features, not to mention in ease of assembly.

Tip #2 – Building Your Own

If you decide to build your own bed be sure you know the weight of the bed you intend to build once it has soil in it. The bigger the bed, the heavier it is with soil, and the more reinforcement you will need. If need be rebar can be placed at angles to the bed once assembled to give it side support, this is important in larger beds.

Tips #3 – Consider Size

When trying to decide what size to make your raised bed, be sure to consider what types of vegetables you will be planting. A 12 inch raised bed is sufficient for most root vegetables, lettuce and other leafy greens need even less space.

Raised bed gardening can be a great way to create a garden when space is limited. It is a fun, efficient, and easy to maintain way to exercise your green thumb. Hopefully these couple of tips will get you started on your own garden today.