potting shed.

photo credit: Nadya Peek

Here are a few ideas for gardening tips and tools that I have not seen before and they look like ideas I should use in my gardening.

I also don’t have a potting shed but after seeing this shed I think it’s a must add to my backyard and garden area.

I don’t think it will be quite as neat and tidy though!

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photo credit: Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com

The one thing I like about square foot gardening is that you can always add a garden later in the season if you find you have more plants to plant or want to add an additional mini garden. This season a have a small curved straw bale garden, tiered straw bale garden and a straw bale square garden, which is perfect for heavy feeding crops.

But one question I am asked a lot is about roots crops. Normally you do not plant root crops in straw bales. But I do have a straw planting technique for potatoes that is perfect for me. It saves space, time and the backache from digging up potatoes. I love gardening – but I do not like digging root crops!

Planting Potatoes in Straw.

Get your potatoes seeds ready. I cut the potatoes, leaving several eyes on each piece and let them dry for about two days before I plant them. During this time find some decent soil, and a container. I often use a bushel basket for my first crop.

Note: your container can be as large as you want. I usually go for a bushel basket or smaller garbage can. I have used old wood crates (check for stains that could be toxic). Also make sure the container has drainage holes.

Once you have your container place it in the spot you plan to leave it during the growing season. The location you choose should get six to eight hours of sun. Add 6 inches of dirt to the bottom of the container; place the potato seeds in the soil and cover. Water well and go plant more of your garden.

In about a week you will see new growth coming out of the ground. When the growth is about 6 inches tall, cover with straw. Repeat this process during the summer.

The potatoes will set out new roots in the straw and in turn will produce more potatoes. I save time, space and digging using this method. There are two other added benefits. Since the potatoes grow in straw they are dirt free and very clean. The other benefit is that I don’t get potato bugs using this method.

The only problem I had was one year I grow them in the garden with no container and used hay. It was a big mistake. The hay attracted mice looking for seeds and I lost most of the crop.

One other plus to growing potatoes using straw and a container, you always have small potatoes to use and they are very easy to harvest, just pull the straw back and pick them. I also grow a new crop of potatoes mid summer.

Try growing potatoes in straw. I think you will enjoy it. This growing process really saves space and makes growing potatoes fun.

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As summer is approaching for many of use, we are planning our gardens and deciding what type of vegetables, flowers, shrubs and trees to add to our backyard. Today as I was planning I went through my vines and started several varieties that take a longer growing season so benefit from being grown indoors.
photo credit: deb roby

Vines are in many ways an overlooked plant in the yard and gardens. I must admit for many years I avoided them, but then I was given seeds for the hyacinth vine and scarlet runner bean. After growing both of these and seeing the wonderful color it added to the garden areas, I was hooked on vines. Vines will also add shade and privacy to your yard.

Annual vines are fast growing and very lush, while perennial vines often take one to two years to fill out and develop. I grow both in my gardens and yards. Annual vines are usually started outdoors, unless I want earlier blooms and vines are started indoors four to six weeks before I plan to set them out.

Vine tips:

• Grow vines on bar walls or privacy fences to soften their look and add flair to the backyard
• Disguise those cold looking chain link fences with an evergreen vine such as ivy. And add an annual vine to add color among the greenery.
• Arbors and trellises are wonderful for vines to climb on. And if you have a bare wall that you would like to add a vine to but its too smooth, tack up plastic mesh for the vine to grow to.
• There are many vines to choose from. Some flower all season and some peak at certain times so do better if mixed with another vine.
  photo credit: mscaprikell

When selecting your seeds or plants for this year consider adding the versatile vine to you garden areas. You will find it blends into different areas of the backyard and enhances your plantings. One of my favorite mixes is the evening moonflower for stunning nighttime color and the scarlet runner bean for bright color during the day. The possibilities of vine arrangements are endless.

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photo credit: hans s

Broom corn is not truly a corn plant. It is a grass-like sorghum plant that grows in a large fan-shaped bloom and it is striking in a garden. You can purchase seeds for a natural broom look or corn seed that will give you blooms in soft natural colors. The colored blooms are wonderful in arrangements while the natural color makes great natural-bristled brooms. The uses for this dried crafting material are endless.

You may be able to find the seeds in a larger garden center but I have found I need to order seeds in my area. Most seed catalogs will have them or check online for seeds.

Planting Broom Corn

Choose an area to plant your broom corn that receives full sun. You can also mix the corn in with other ornamental plants to be used as a background later.

First prepare the soil and make sure to add plenty of nutrients; any corn plant is a heavy feeder and produce better in fertile soil. Next make a 1-inch furrow in the soil the length of the row. Corn seed does better in rows of at least four deep; it helps pollination. If space is limited plant short rows, but keep the depth in planting to insure a good crop.

Plant each broom corn kernel 1-inch deep making sure you have waited until two weeks after the last frost in your area. Cover the seed with soil. You will want to Water the broom corn very well once a week. Proper watering will mean that the soil is soaked down into the ground to about 5 or 6 inches.

Water plants in the early morning or late afternoon so that the water does not evaporate in the sun. It is always best to water deeply and not as often. Deep watering gets to the roots and is absorbed into the plant at a high rate.

As the season progresses watch you plants for disease and insects. Remove any diseased plants immediately. The insect you will be watching for are
Corn earworm caterpillars. You can prevent their bothering your plants by placing a small amount of mineral oil at the very tips of the plant. This discourages the moths from laying their eggs. The mineral oil is harmless and if you have a small patch this does not take long. And its much better than using a chemical spray.

Your crop is ready in the fall when the stalks turn tannish brown. The seed packet will give you an idea of how many days it takes to mature.

I cut the stalks on a sunny day and lay on the ground to dry. Pick up the corn before dark. I also tie it up and hang it upside down so that the corn heads dry straight. It will take a few weeks to totally dry. You can remove the seed from the head or leave on, depending on the use you have in mind for the corn. 
photo credit: saebaryo

Broom corn has many uses and you will find it’s a fun crop to grow. Add other decorative corn, pumpkins and a few dried flowers and you will have a festive fall arrangement.

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photo credit: amatern

I saw this blog article and it is a wonderful challenge. I plan to watch its progress and hope that other will follow too and start a victory garden. Gardens can be costly to start but with care you can create one for very little cash output and raise wholesome food that is better for your family. You will also cut down on you grocery bills.

Check the article out! Twenty Dollar Organic Victory Garden Challenge

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And there has always been a decision on whether to start your own seedling for the garden or to buy transplants.
photo credit: Maria Keays

There are three answers to that question. One is the experience you have in starting seeds. Do you have the right soil, lighting and know where to look for information on how to grow strong healthy plants. 

The second is cost of starting seeds verses buying plants. You will need seeds, soil, and containers for your seedlings. There is also adequate lighting, space for plants and possibly a cold frame or greenhouse for storing and protecting plants. Do these costs balance the costs or buying transplants in the spring?

And the last is plant variety and plant health. This is usually the reason I start seeds. There are varieties of vegetables and flowers that are not available in my area. I like heirloom plants and they are not as popular and many plant varieties are impossible to find.

You also do not know how the plants were handled before you buy them. If they sat in a cold climate they may have suffered plant shock and will not be as healthy or produce flowers or blossoms well. They also may have suffered from lack of water or have insect infestation. Bringing an unhealthy plant to your garden could set back your harvesting and may even hurt your other plants.

The decision on starting seedlings will be based on the answers to these questions.

• If you decide to start seeds, follow the directions on the back of the seed pack and ask questions. The Internet has almost any solution you need and remember you favorite garden center. They will be more than willing to help.

With that said, here is one of my quick tips for starting seeds. I use this method with seeds that germinate slow or need a warmer climate for germination. and for my shrub seeds. This week I am starting Rose of Sharon Shrubs and they flourish using this method. All my shrub seeds do better with the Milk Jug Hot House

Milk Jug Hot House

The milk jug hot house works well for slow starting seeds and is a great project for children for any seedling.

Rinse out a clear plastic milk jug with hot water and dish soap. Make sure it is very clean. It may not hurt to rinse it out with vinegar and to let it totally dry.  Using a knife or sharp scissors, carefully cut the jug in half. Fill the bottom half of the jug with three or four inches of good quality potting mix. Plant your seeds and water gently – you do not want to over water the seeds and soil. A very light mixture of water and liquid fertilizer will also help the seeds germinate quicker. Close the jug by placing the top back on and taping it into place with clear tape.

Place in a sunny place. The jug will create its own mini hothouse effect and take care of itself. Watering will not be necessary. The seedling will be healthy and strong in two to four weeks, depending on the seed variety. When the plants look crowded, you can transplant they into their own pots. I often use homemade newspaper pots at this time so that I can place the plant into the ground in a few weeks and not disturb the root.

You can also use clear plastic pop bottles instead of milk jugs.

Starting seeds can be a fun project and will save you money but you need to ask questions to ensure a healthy plant crop.

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photo credit: jpopesku1

There are many different types of gardens and it helps to narrow down the purpose that your garden will serve. A garden can tend to grow and get to big, which add to the work and takes away from the fun. You may also not have enough time to work in the garden area so its best to think small, use creative organic gardening methods  and keep the fun in gardening. Plants that are properly tended will be healthier.

Will you choose a flower garden, vegetable garden or combine the two? Is your garden space limited and container or balcony gardening would suit your lifestyle better? Are herbs your passion? I myself combine all of these and like to redo the patio and deck areas about twice a summer. It just makes my backyard oasis an exciting retreat for all my friends and family.

One tip I will pass onto you is I find it a timesaving step to group my plants that need the same care in the same area. I also group any plants that need additional watering as close to my water source as possible.

Here are a few more tips that have saved me time in the past. Perennial flowers take less time and last from year to year. Properly planned, you can have a perennial garden with color from spring until fall. And just to make sure, I add annual flowers to the flower garden border and where any of the perennial plants are a little thin. Herbs will work just as well, and I have to admit I really like adding vegetables like colored Swiss chard or scarlet runner beans in flower gardens.

Herbs are amazing plants. They have wonderful color and texture. For anyone that is new to gardening herbs are good plants to start out with. They are hardy, thrive in most soils and are not bothered by as many insects.
photo credit: lcm1863

Herbs have many culinary uses, make great teas, and can be used for a variety of crafting projects. I also mix them in with my other plants for their beneficial use of insect control. Herbs are also one of the plants I grow on windowsills and teacup planters. They just have such an inviting look I have to have them everywhere.

Vegetable gardens require a little more work and planning. They also take more knowledge in how to plant and harvest numerous kinds of produce. Vegetables also add color and texture and are a very pretty addition to any yard. With proper choices there will be fresh vegetables all season long. And again I add flowers to my vegetables gardens. It adds color and fun and several flowers repel insects and small animals.

If you set up a vegetable garden in a raised bed you can grow many varieties of vegetables in a small area. Growing vertically and square foot gardening principles offer advice on how to get the most use out of limited space. I grow many of my vegetable varieties in hanging baskets or containers. This gives me fresh vegetables that are either growing on my porch or just a few steps away from the door. One of my favorite hanging baskets is a tomato plant that growing from the bottom of a hanging basket and on the top has fresh herbs and lettuce greens.

Another way of growing both vegetables and flowers would be in mini theme gardens or on windowsills. What is all comes down to is keeping your gardens fun and adding to that festive backyard feeling you have created for your home.

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For many years blueberries were not on my fruit list. They were rather expensive and not many people grew them in this area. But for some reason they have caught on in popularity and there are many blueberry farms in this are that offer you the option of “pick your own,” which brigs the price down.

I enjoy picking this fruit. They pick easy and store well. My favorite berry farm is on Foxhill Road in Russell, Pa. I head up early in the morning when the fog is just lifting off the hills and the temperatures are still cool. In a few hours I can easily pick 20 quarts of berries, most of which I will freeze for later use in the winter months.

For those of you who do not know, blueberries are very high in anti-oxidants and great for your health.

Below is a link to a You Tube video on this amazing fruit.

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As I would like to start a gardening business I headed up to look for bargains. And what bargains I found. I came home with a car so packed I hardly had room to steer the vehicle.

My purchases included 12 bushes, more than 88 perennial plants, strawberry plants, seven flats of annuals, vines, vegetables plants, and 4 hanging planters. And I purchased all of this for 84 dollars.

There was a festive air at the auction with plant and nature lovers selecting plants, shrubs and trees for their yards and gardens. The crowd numbered more than 300 people at first and getting to some of the areas for bidding could be challenging. The perennials seemed to draw the largest crowds.

Bringing home this many plants at one time created quite a rush at my house. I used a trench method for a few of the plants to at least give them a temporary home and rototilled up a new area for the perennials until the fall when I will give then a permanent home.

The strawberry garden goes in tomorrow. I had to make sure the ground was properly prepared for strawberries so that they will grow well and stay healthy. I also built a raised circular bed out of foraged bricks for the strawberries. The vegetables have been planted and the annuals have been potted up for a garden sale.

At this time of year you will find garden centers and greenhouses having end of season sales. It’s a great time to pick up perennials and extra pots for next year.

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No matter what type of garden you have garden art add cheer, color, whimsy or personality to the yard. It may even add time saving features with a little flair.

When you add garden art you first need to think about the space you have. Is your garden wide open and spacious and need some warming up or is it tree lined and crowded?

You also need to take into consideration the existing structures. Do you have garden fences that could hold some adornments or trees that could be adorned?

Take into account the feel of the garden and space. Are you going shabby chic and plan to add antiques in your yard or will you be adding a sculpture garden? You can also set a feminine or masculine tone to the garden. It’s just important to stick to a theme once you pick it or you will get a cluttered look.

Tips:

• Local garden centers, nurseries and garden catalogs are a great place to get ideas.
  Wide open spaces can handle larger garden art including ponds or fountains, a nice bird sanctuary including a feeder, bath and wild flower area, or some larger sculptural pieces.
• Use existing structures as backdrops. Hang items from that barn, utility shed or fence and create a small area of rest in an otherwise work-related area. Tucked away corners in yards make a great secret garden
• Those smaller tree-filled spaces could be used in a three dimensional approach by hanging items from the trees and around the bases. Wind chimes, lanterns, tea candles and hanging plants are among my favorites.

I use garden art as the final touch to my gardens and yard. I change their positions each year to give the yard a new fresh look.

Tags: Garden art, shabby chic, using antiques in the yard and garden, setting a garden mood

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