Archive for the ‘How To Care For Plants’ Category

The Basics Of Container Vegetable Gardening

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

Container vegetable gardening has become more commonplace in these times of lesser back yards and more dangers with our food supply. More individuals would like to cultivate some of their own fresh vegetables so that they can refrain from purchasing non-organic merchandise or having to pay the high costs of organic food. With the present incidence of breakouts of e. coli and salmonella among other things from food items like spinach and green onions, we are left thinking about whether or not any of the fresh foods we purchase is actually safe. The thing is, the food we consume is mass produced and mass processed. This simply means lots of hands are holding every single product we end up eating. Once you cultivate your own fruit and vegetables, you are aware of whose hands are pressing the food!
Needless to say, many of us do not have the room for large home gardens. A lot of us have extremely small back yards. Condo and apartment residents might have no space! This is where container vegetable gardening is extremely useful. Growing vegetables in pots means you can cultivate your own veggies on a patio or terrace, or possibly inside your home with the use of special grow lights. Because of container gardening, we are able to grow our own vegetables regardless of where we reside.
Several varieties of vegetables tend to be more suitable for container vegetable gardening than others. A few of the larger varieties will not do as well in pots. Case in point, corn is so big that an individual would need to make use of a huge, extremely large container to hold it. Big melons grow on lengthy vines and can put down several root systems; therefore they won’t prosper in containers. Large types of squash and tomatoes might be hard to grow in containers.
Several varieties do particularly well in containers. Spinach, lettuce, and various other leafy vegetables usually prosper in containers. Smaller types of tomatoes like plum tomatoes, salad tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and grape tomatoes are ideal for container vegetable gardening. Various kinds of bush peas and beans flourish in containers. If you utilize huge containers, it’s also possible to plant potatoes. It certainly is not challenging to accomplish this, plus they grow extremely well in this particular way. The reality is a good number of smaller types of vegetables will flourish perfectly in containers.

Thank You to all of our gardener friends and we really appreciate your support. Please contact us anytime with any questions,
The Watch Us Grow Team

How To Set Up And Maintain A Raised Vegetable Garden In The City

Monday, February 7th, 2011

Raised vegetable bed gardening has turned out to have quite a number of advantages for both the novice and the professional gardener. It is quite a simple task to set one up and sustain it. The major benefit of this type of garden is that it allows you to better control the growing conditions for your vegetables.

No matter what your location, you will be able to set up and use a raised bed vegetable garden effectively. If you live in the city you can always use old newspapers to make compost. You can maximize on the little space that you have with ease and set up a no dig gardening option. To get this set up you would have to place organic materials on the soil like straw, manure or compost to make the soil rich in nutrients. You can even add microorganisms like earthworms to further help with drainage. The key is to have the most nutrient soil with easy drainage.

Raised vegetable bed gardening can be modified to, as said before, to fit into any space no matter how limited it may be. All that you have to do is to select the best spot for the raised beds and do the proper calculations to ensure that you will have enough edging material. In case you really are pressed for space you can resort to using large tubs or other containers.

How To Successfully Execute The No Dig Method

The first thing that one has to do is to line the bottom of the garden bed that you have constructed with wet newspapers. After that you can add some soil along with some organic material to the bed. If you wish you can even separate the bed into three sections. You can have one layer of straw, one of compost and one of soil. In the long run you want to make sure that you have healthy enough soil for your vegetables to thrive and grow. As soon as you have completed that task you can begin to plant your vegetables of choice. It will be even easier than the regular method as you do not need to do any digging.

Raised vegetable bed gardening is also a great thing for persons who may have limited space but still want to do a bit of gardening. In the long run think of the benefits. You will have healthy organic vegetables and you will save a bundle on buying fresh produce each time you need it.

Thank You to all of our gardener friends and we really appreciate your support. Please contact us anytime with any questions,
The Watch Us Grow Team

Issues That A Raised Vegetable Garden Can Solve

Saturday, February 5th, 2011

Lots of people have inquiries about the best way to cultivate their own vegetables. They may have heard of various kinds of garden styles and are hoping to locate a source that can help them to start the process of growing veggies without a great deal of difficulty.

Those that wish to cultivate their own vegetables will often be challenged with four typical issues with regards to getting a vegetable garden up and running. Included in this are challenges with space, issues with poor soil, complications with water drainage and issues with ease of access.

Many individuals reside in subdivisions or city blocks which generally have minimal yard space. You are able to grow an adequate amount of vegetables for use at home in a garden which is elevated with the use of just a tiny amount of space. A garden bed which is a couple of will certainly yield an adequate quantity of vegetables for the household.

There are plenty of locations which have an excessive amount of sand or clay and others which have inadequate or excessive organic soil nutrients like alkaline for vegetables to thrive. By having a raised bed vegetable garden your vegetation is above ground and you select the blend of soil that the bed contains. Using this method you can add natural growing materials along with additional soil combos.

Several yards simply do not drain properly. Attempting to grow your own home grown vegetables in soil which doesn’t drain adequately can rob your crops of oxygen which is essential for their existence. Inadequate drainage can also result in the growth of diseases which can attack your plants due to the extremely drenched soil. Creating a raised bed vegetable garden can get rid of this challenge since the vegetables will be well above ground level with adequate water drainage outlets as you construct the bed.

For a few people ease of access to the plants they are cultivating can be a hassle. Raised bed gardens can be completely off the ground so that the elevation of the bed can allow eliminate the need to kneel or bend as with a typical garden. This technique can certainly assist individuals with physical handicaps who wish to grow vegetables but just weren’t in a position to before. You also eliminate the need to walk-through rows with this style of garden layout so looking after and harvesting your crops would only be a reach away.

Thank You to all of our gardener friends and we really appreciate your support. Please contact us anytime with any questions,
The Watch Us Grow Team

How To Set-up A Raised Bed Vegetable Garden

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

Lots of people have inquiries about the best way to cultivate their own vegetables. They may have heard of various kinds of garden styles and are hoping to locate a source that can help them to start the process of growing veggies without a great deal of difficulty.

Those that wish to cultivate their own vegetables will often be challenged with four typical issues with regards to getting a vegetable garden up and running. Included in this are challenges with space, issues with poor soil, complications with water drainage and issues with ease of access.

Many individuals reside in subdivisions or city blocks which generally have minimal yard space. You are able to grow an adequate amount of vegetables for use at home in a garden which is elevated with the use of just a tiny amount of space. A garden bed which is a couple of will certainly yield an adequate quantity of vegetables for the household.

There are plenty of locations which have an excessive amount of sand or clay and others which have inadequate or excessive organic soil nutrients like alkaline for vegetables to thrive. By having a raised bed vegetable garden your vegetation is above ground and you select the blend of soil that the bed contains. Using this method you can add natural growing materials along with additional soil combos.

Several yards simply do not drain properly. Attempting to grow your own home grown vegetables in soil which doesn’t drain adequately can rob your crops of oxygen which is essential for their existence. Inadequate drainage can also result in the growth of diseases which can attack your plants due to the extremely drenched soil. Creating a raised bed vegetable garden can get rid of this challenge since the vegetables will be well above ground level with adequate water drainage outlets as you construct the bed.

For a few people ease of access to the plants they are cultivating can be a hassle. Raised bed gardens can be completely off the ground so that the elevation of the bed can allow eliminate the need to kneel or bend as with a typical garden. This technique can certainly assist individuals with physical handicaps who wish to grow vegetables but just weren’t in a position to before. You also eliminate the need to walk-through rows with this style of garden layout so looking after and harvesting your crops would only be a reach away.

Thank You to all of our gardener friends and we really appreciate your support. Please contact us anytime with any questions,
The Watch Us Grow Team

The Intrinsic Benefits Of Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening

Friday, January 28th, 2011

Vegetables that are grown by the raised bed vegetable gardening method tend to be much larger in size and much healthier than those grown by other methods. They also tend to have a more powerful flavor. Building a raised vegetable garden not only permits one to properly monitor to level of water and soil amendment but also allows you to fertilize a smaller area.

How To Effectively Water A Raised Bed Vegetable Garden

There are a number of ways in which this type of garden can be watered. The downspout system is highly recommended as it is an environmentally friendly way to water your garden. All that you have to do is direct the water run off to the garden and allow the water to soak the garden bed.

If this type of garden is set up in a location which is not conducive to using the downspout method then a garden hose can be used. All that you have to do is ensure that the flow of water to the garden is controlled. It is actually best if the water is allowed to gradually fill garden base. The water supply should be turned off after it is filled. The water should never be allowed to carry away the soil.

The two methods above will ensure that the vegetables roots are above the water and also encourage the growth of these roots as they stretch to get to the water at the base of the bed. Raised bed vegetable gardening is not as hard as it may seem.

Last but not least you can always use sprinklers to water your vegetable garden. There are quite a number of systems out there so you can find one that fits into your budget. Of course the best option is to get a sprinkler system that comes with a timer. It is a bit costly so you may have to settle for a hand-held sprinkler that you simply attach to your garden hose. All that you have to do is ensure that the garden is watered at around the same time.

How To Provide The Perfect Soil For Your Vegetable Garden.

There are times when the soil that you have available is not the best soil for your vegetables growth. This is why many persons turn to raised bed vegetable gardening in the first place as it allows you to infuse the soil with other organic agents or compost until you have the perfect medium for the vegetables growth. As long as the vegetables have well draining soil that is rich in nutrients it will grow.

How To Fertilize A Raised Bed Garden

When carrying out this type of gardening it is imperative that the soil have the right level of fertilizers in order to ensure the most healthy and beautiful vegetables. Fertilizer choice will be dependent on the type of vegetables that one decides to grow. If you are a novice at vegetable gardening consult with an expert to ensure that do it right the first time. You will not get your bumper crop from raised bed vegetable gardening unless you know what to do.

Raised bed vegetable gardening Part 5

Thursday, January 20th, 2011

Raised bed vegetable gardening is one of the most popular types of gardening you will come across. However, you can also grow flowers and fruits in a raised bed garden. While vegetables is often the most popular choice many people also have great success growing fruits and flowers in their raised bed gardens. Most of the raised bed containers are created out of wood. Although wood is the most popular choice you can also use cinder blocks, brick, natural stone or even fiberglass. If you are extremely limited on funds you could even place bales of hay in which ever shape you desire and fill it with good soil and compost. Below are some great tips to help you get started with your very own raised bed garden.
Step one is to choose a site for your garden. Raised bed vegetable gardening is not very difficult but choosing a bad place can cause your project to fail. You want a spot that gets at least eight hours of sun per day. Also, be sure the area you choose is flat and can be accessed very easily.

Step two is to determine the size and shape of your garden. Be sure to think about the layout of your garden ahead of time so you know exactly what you need. This will save you a ton of time and money when you go to the store to purchase your supplies.

Step three is to prep the site you have chosen to build your raised bed. Raised bed vegetable gardening will require at least a six-inch deep bed. In order to save time, use newspaper, cardboard or landscape fabric to cover and smother the ground. Once you complete this process you can put your choice of soil on top.

Step for is to construct the bed for your garden. If you are using wood be sure to use rot-resistant lumber. Cedar is the most popular but you could also use newer composite lumbers to construct your bed. Once you have your pieces cut to the desired length be sure to pre-drill holes and connect the boards with galvanized screws. Another important step is to make sure the bed is level. If it is not level water may run off one part and build up on another.

The fifth and final step is to fill your garden. Raised bed vegetable gardening gives you the opportunity to use which ever soil you desire. You can also mix the soil with the proper nutrients needed to ensure healthy vegetable growth.

Thank You to all of our gardener friends and we really appreciate your support. Please contact us anytime with any questions,
The Watch Us Grow Team

Raised bed vegetable gardening Part 4

Monday, January 17th, 2011

If you are suffering from poor soil in your yard and still wish to grow vegetables you are in luck. Raised bed vegetable gardening is a very effective method for growing healthy vegetables without using any natural soil from your yard. The basic idea of a raised bed garden is to escape harsh weather conditions, battle against poor soil and build above ground where you have complete control over everything. This includes the location of the garden, which soil you use and ease of care.

You can build your raised bed garden out of wood, cinder blocks, bricks or even fiberglass. Raised bed gardening has become very popular among elderly and young people alike. Below are a few more advantages to building a raised bed garden.
When you build a raised bed it will warm up in the spring much sooner than if you were to plant in the ground. This will allow you to plant your vegetables much sooner and get more use out of the spring season. They also drain much better than anything else. This will allow your plants to take the water they need and not be suffocated by trapped water. One great tip to help with drainage is to place a layer of rocks below the soil.

After the initial cost and time investment, they require less maintenance. If you are careful in your planning and placement of your raised bed then overall maintenance is slim to none. Be sure to choose a place that you can work in without hassle. You want to be as comfortable as possible so you continue to keep an eye on your vegetables to ensure they are growing properly. Place your raised bed close to a water source so you do not have to carry large buckets of water or drag a hose across your yard.

The best advantage is the ability to keep pets and other pests away. If you build your container high enough you can avoid the problem of having dogs, cats or any other four legged animals running through your vegetables. You will also notice other insects much sooner in a raised bed. By avoiding pets and other insects you can ensure your vegetables grow quickly and are healthy.

Raised bed vegetable gardening is a great hobby for any plant enthusiast. It just takes proper planning to make sure the process is a success.

Thank You to all of our gardener friends and we really appreciate your support. Please contact us anytime with any questions,
The Watch Us Grow Team

Raised bed vegetable gardening Part 3

Friday, January 14th, 2011

Every person who plants vegetables wishes to have an abundance of crops by harvest time. With the uncertainty of Mother Nature, many people fall victim to bad weather or pests and lose many vegetables. Perhaps, this is the reason for an increased popularity in raised bed vegetable gardening. The advantages of going with a raised bed garden are becoming more difficult to ignore. The time and money spent up front to build a proper container is well worth it. Raised bed vegetable gardening is time consuming and expensive in the beginning but the success rate of healthy vegetables increases dramatically. Below are a few tips for you to consider before building your raised bed garden.

The first step in the process is finding a good spot for your garden. You will need to find a place that has a great deal of sunlight. This will ensure that your vegetables get the proper sunlight needed to grow. Be sure to also pick a place that you feel will be permanent. Moving around a raised bed garden can be very difficult and should be avoided. Finding a place close to a source of water is another great suggestion. This will keep you from having to drag a hose or carry pitchers of water to the location of the bed. Getting this first step right is crucial to your raised bed vegetable gardening success.
The second thing you need to decide is what type of material you wish to build your container out of. This will all depend on the budget you have available and how much work you are willing to put in. Many people opt to use treated wood and build a customized container. However, you can also use cinder blocks, bricks or even fiberglass. Just be sure that you have a solid plan and the process with go much smoother and save you a ton of money.

The final thing you need to do is decide on which soil you want to use. Once your container is built finding the perfect soil for your garden is all that is left before choosing your vegetables. Raised bed vegetable gardening gives you the ability to choose any soil you wish and mix it with the proper fertilizers and nutrients to ensure proper growth. Just be sure to do proper research to find out if any particular soil or nutrients works best with what you are looking to grow.

Thank You to all of our gardener friends and we really appreciate your support. Please contact us anytime with any questions,
The Watch Us Grow Team

Raised bed vegetable gardening Part 2

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

If you have been considering raised bed vegetable gardening, then you are not alone. In fact, many people are starting to grow these vegetable gardens. The popularity has spread because of how many advantages one will have when choosing to use a raised bed. Not only that, but you can build a container in any shape you wish and can use this gardening system no matter where you live. You can make your vegetable garden as simple or complex as you wish. Perhaps the best thing about raised bed vegetable gardening is you can choose which soil you want to use. This allows your vegetables to stay healthy and produce year round. Below are a few more advantages to building a raised bed vegetable garden.

With a raised bed vegetable garden everything stays in place. You do not have to worry about certain plants or vegetables growing wildly within your garden. You will also be able to pick and cut over grown plants with much ease. No more bending over to pull weeds out of the ground and fight with deep plant roots. With your raised bed garden, weeds and plants can be removed easily. This is a major reason why raised bed vegetable gardening has become so popular.

Another great thing about having is the ability to have no concerns with draining. You will be able to see the water draining from your plants out of the bottom of your container. In order to ensure proper drainage however, you must make sure your container has small holes about an inch from the bottom. Another great tip is to place rocks under the soil to help drain the water. No longer will you have to drag a heavy hose all around your yard, because you can strategically place your raised bed garden close to a water source. Are you starting to see the beauty in this type of vegetable gardening?

You do not have to worry about pets or children messing up your produce. You can build your bed high enough to avoid any interactions with dogs or kids who may harm your plants. Another great precaution is to line the bottom of your bed with netting so you can also stop burrowing pets.

If you are thinking about raised bed vegetable gardening then you have an exciting road ahead. It takes time and money to get started, but the advantages of building a raised bed are too great to overlook.

Thank You to all of our gardener friends and we really appreciate your support. Please contact us anytime with any questions,
The Watch Us Grow Team

Raised bed vegetable gardening

Sunday, January 9th, 2011

What is raised bed vegetable gardening and why are so many people interested in it? Basically, it means planting vegetables that are not directly in the ground. Instead, you plant the vegetables in some kind of raised bed containers. They make square raised vegetable beds, round raised vegetable beds and rectangular raised vegetable beds. You can make a raised bed in just about any shape you want. Raised bed vegetable gardening is very popular and offers many advantages to the person planting the vegetables. By using raised beds you do not need large pieces of land. Below are a few more advantages of designing a raised bed garden.

If you build a raised bed it is much easier to reach the plants or vegetables that you are growing. You can design the bed to be as high or low as you wish. Not only that, but you can build the container in a place that is easy to get to. This is why raised bed vegetable gardening is very popular among senior citizens and people in wheelchairs.
Another great thing about raised bed vegetable gardening is increased visibility. You will be able to see your produce and ensure that it is growing properly. It will also allow you to see things such as weeds and pests much easier. When the garden is raised, it will make it easier for you to take excellent care of your garden to ensure healthy and nutritious vegetables.

Having the ability to create your own soil is perhaps the biggest advantage to raised bed vegetable gardening. When you build a container you will be importing your own soil to create the bed. This allows you to choose high quality soil and mix it with the correct fertilizers and compost. You can spend time researching the best mixture of fertilizers and compost to add to the soil. The benefits will be much healthier vegetables or plants.

Once you build the container the last thing to decide is which vegetables you want to grow. Raised bed vegetable gardening is an investment of time and money, but it will also pay you back with better plants, more room and easier access. Not only that, but raised bed gardens require much less maintenance. The problem with weeds and keeping the area cultivated is cut down. You will be required to water the plants more often, but hooking up a drip irrigation system is easy enough. Just be sure to evaluate the pros and cons of raised bed vegetable gardening and make a decision that best suits you.

Thank You to all of our gardener friends and we really appreciate your support. Please contact us anytime with any questions,
The Watch Us Grow Team