What Is Vertical Gardening?

By Janet Combs

ve you ever dreamed of harvesting your own fruit and vegetables, fresh from the garden? Have you ever baulked at rising produce prices, and spent an arm and a leg on fresh produce only to take it home and find it bland? Have you ever wished you had a spacious backyard to grow your own corn and strawberries, but gave up your dreams because you work in the city and live in an apartment?

What if I told you that you can harvest as much fresh fruit and vegetables as you'd like from your very own garden with only the space on your balcony or windowsills.

You might think it is a crazy idea right?

With today's vertical gardening techniques, you can grow your own produce as long as you have somewhere sunny, be it a balcony, porch, or alleyway along a fence. With vertical gardening, you train your veggies to grow up, not out.

So what exactly is vertical gardening and why can it give you season after season of satisfaction and impressive crops of fruits and vegetables?

Vertical gardening relies on the fact that plants will grow where ever there is light, nutrients, and support. This means that even if your cucumber vine is growing from a pot straight up a wall, it will still produce!

Long ago, it was commonly thought that only with expansive amounts of land can one grow produce. The problem was that before the advent of pots, irrigation, and soil conditioners, each plant relied strictly on what was in the soil beneath it to survive.

This meant that a given plant would consume a large amount of soil in order to produce a given amount of fruit.

Today, we can engineer optimum conditions for a given plant in a milk jug, and watch it produce many pounds of vegetables. This is possible through the application of science and careful planning of your garden well before planting the first seed.

Do not be discouraged, although the process may seem labor intensive and difficult, it truly isn't. After only a few weeks you will understand most of the theory and after a single season you will become a seasoned professional at growing your own produce indoors or in small spaces. Imagine covering an entire wall with bean vines, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

Imagine the satisfaction you will get when you bite into your very own produce, which will taste many fold better than that which is available at the store. This and much more is possible with vertical gardening!

So, if you have decided that vertical gardening may be something you would like more information about, scour the Internet for more info. You will be surprised at the resources available, and I am sure if you set your mind to it you could be harvesting your own fruit and veggies this year. Vertical gardening may be bringing fresh produce to a balcony near you soon.

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Flower Garden Layouts Benefit Any Landscape

By Katie Appleby

Flower garden layouts are as diverse as the plant varieties within them. And for the gardener looking for an original touch this is great news. When it comes to garden layouts a little preparation is all that is needed to create a beautiful and bountiful garden space worthy of any garden show.

The best time to get a jump start on any flower garden layout is well before the last frost has broken. During the bleak months of January and February sunny prospects come in the form of mail order seed catalogs. This is the time to access your garden needs. Garden catalogs offer exceptional plants as well as information and tips to help gardeners have a successful season. And as the color deprived minds flips through a catalog in February while the ground is most likely frozen ideas often soar.

One of the first issues that any gardener must decide is where the garden will be located. The soil and lighting conditions will have a tremendous amount of influence over what type of layout and plants can be used. Shady conditions will accommodate different plants than sunny ones so gardeners must know their area before investing in plants. Another major consideration is space. Obviously larger spaces can accommodate larger garden layouts. However an extremely large space may look better with several small shaped gardens as opposed to one large grouping of plants. Small spaces, although a challenge, are not necessarily at a loss for grandeur. Incorporating texture, color and even potted plants can mean putting many different plants in a small space while creating a manageable and beautiful addition to any landscape.

Once these considerations have been calculated gardeners are free to begin deciding on colors, textures and pleasing plant combinations. Perennial plants, plants that will generally survive growing season to growing season, are a great way to invest in a flower garden for years to come. But for color and bloom all season long incorporate annuals or flowers that will last only one season.

For the look and feel of a traditional English Garden look for a combination of perennials and annuals that will tolerate moderate sun. Tall perennials can be planted in threes behind a colorful array of annuals for a flower garden layout that is guaranteed to please.

Flower garden layouts can be functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. Borders and background gardening can add major curb appeal to almost any property. Buildings, fences and hedges make great backgrounds for most flower garden designs. They add depth to the garden and the garden in turn adds depth to the structure. Creeping plants such as Morning Glories or Clematis are an asset to fences and they create a wonderful backdrop for other flowers such as a tall Zinnia or a random grouping other colorful annuals. Walkways look great with a trim boarder of low growing flowers such as Begonias, Pansies or Marigolds. But remember to allow room for each plant to grow or the walkway will become a path of overgrown flowers.

Katie Appleby is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about flower garden layouts benefit any landscape please visit Free Gardening Guide for current articles and discussions.

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Sharpening Gardening Tools

By James R Shaw

Sharpening serrated or straight blade kitchen knives is relatively easy. Gardening or woodworking tools, on the other hand, can look a bit more challenging to sharpen, especially if you are not an experienced knife sharpener. Still, with a bit of experience and the right sharpener, it is possible to sharpen your own tools, including axes, shears, pruners, and chain saw blades.

When these blades start working poorly, you know it's time to sharpen them. Instead of taking them to a professional knife sharpener, considering using a sharpener at home. You'll be able to quickly sharpen those blades and get on with your work, instead of having to take them in another day.

You can sharpen most of these with a simple sharpening file. This metal file has ridges on both sides to remove some of the metal on your blades. Sharpening stones can be used not only on knives but also on these larger tools. There are even specific files for sharpening axes, chainsaw blade teeth, and other tools. Chainsaw blades do require a specific round shape and the size of the file depends on the size of the teeth, so make sure you are using the right one for your chain saw.

Coarser files remove more metal, making them ideal for blades that have been nicked or otherwise damaged by use. Smooth files can make a smooth finish and razor-sharp edge; depending on the tool you are sharpening, you may not need a very smooth file.

To use a file to sharpen your axe, chainsaw blade, or other tool, simply use it as you would for a kitchen knife. Draw the blade across the file, removing metal. Because of the size of the blade, it may be easier to hold the blade in place with a clamp or vise, and then draw the file across the blade. Unlike with kitchen knives, the most important step when dealing with gardening or woodworking tools is that you remove enough of the edge to expose a new surface. At the same time, do not remove too much metal, making the blade too thin, or it will bend or break if you try to use it against a hard surface, like wood.

When sharpening garden tools, especially grass clippers, pruning shears, or similar tools, make sure that you keep the original angle on the blades. Each is designed to have a very specific bevel. Always try to keep this angle when sharpening the blades. Use long strokes, covering as much of the length of the blade as you can on each stroke.

This method does require some practice, but outdoor tools, due to their thickness, are often the best blades to practice your knife sharpening skills on. Other methods for sharpening tools include stones, sharpening wheels, and bench grinders. An electric sharpening wheel or grinder will be the fastest method of removing metal from the edge of the blade, but you don't need expensive or professional sharpening equipment to keep the edges of your tools sharp. You just need to know how to use the equipment you do choose.

Sharpen 'Em Has a huge selection of sharpeners for your gardening tools check out our Bench Stones.

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Basic Gardening Tools for the Home Gardener

By Gene DeFazzio

Basic Garden Tools

With a handy supply of primary garden aids, you won't be constantly thwarted by commonplace tasks, such as digging a hole or cutting a twig just when the moon is in the proper phase. If you're in doubt as to those tools you would like, try out some of your neighbor's tools. But don't be a permanent borrower; it's bad for everyone's disposition.

Tools can be bought at garden supply, department or hardware stores and at some lumber yards. Shop carefully for your first garden tools and be sure to only buy quality tools. Good tools should last for many years.

You'll need as a minimum :

A spade or long-handled shovel for digging holes to place large plants.

A spading fork for turning over and loosening soil. (You'll find there are "ladies' sizes" available for both spade and fork.)

A trowel for digging holes for small plants, mixing soil, and innumerable other small chores. My preference is for a sharp-pointed one similar to a small mason's trowel, because it's useful for cultivating, too. Those with slightly rounded sides, like miniature shovels, are excellent for digging small plants and making holes in which to place them.

A rake for smoothing soil that's been dug, and tidying up messes.

A hoe for cultivating and weeding.

Hand pruners for pruning small size growth and picking flowers. These should be of good quality and should fit your hand and grip. Try out several at the store.

A watering can and/or garden hose

Buy your tools a little at a time

If you follow your hunches, and buy the most familiar tools-shovel, rake, and hoe-you'll be right. But how about all the other tools offered? Actually, most of these were originally introduced to do specific agricultural jobs, but sometimes a home gardener found other functions for one or two of them, or the manufacturer altered a tool's design to fit the home gardener's needs.

The asparagus knife, for example, makes a dandy weeder, and the Warren hoe, originally designed for making furrows and for seeding operations, is now used more in home gardens for cultivating around shrubs. These are things that you will learn as you go along. So, start your tool collection sparingly and build it up as your needs become apparent.

Quality counts

When you buy garden tools, get the very best you can afford. A top quality product, if properly taken care of, will last you through most of your gardening years.

Don't buy any tool until you have checked it over thoroughly. Lift and swing the piece of equipment around a bit to test its weight and proper balance. A man-sized hoe may be just right for you but too heavy for anyone else in the family. How about handle length?

You may feel that a long-handled spade or fork is easier to wield. (It's a good idea to take along all the gardening members of the family when you're out buying garden tools.) Try the grip on all small hand tools. Get the one that "feels right" in your hand. Armed with the proper gardening tools you are ready to start your garden.

http://www.moonGROW.com is a website delving into Moon Phase and Zodiac Sign Organic gardening. By Gene DeFazzio, this site provides the basics of both astrological and organic growing for the home gardener.

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Easy Square Foot Gardening

By Julie R. Holland

Square foot gardening offers an ideal method for new gardeners. It is also perfect for busy people, and those with arthritis or other physical limitations. If you are looking for the easiest way to garden, this method offers real advantages. Square foot gardening can even be done in raised beds, or in containers, to make it easy on your back.

Square foot gardening is simply dividing a well-planned garden into one foot sections. Each of these one foot sections is part of a four foot square block. These garden blocks are designed to be four feet on each side so you can easily reach all of the plants from outside the planting bed. When you step in a garden bed, your weight will compact the soil and make it harder for plant roots to grow. Each individual square foot is then divided so each plant gets just the space it needs.

Gardening in simple squares allows you to plant only what you need instead of having to plant a whole row of one crop. With this method, you can also plant crops in succession so they do not ripen all at once. If you have too many plants it can become overwhelming to care for them.

Square foot gardening works well in raised beds. By raising the beds 12 inches (or more if needed) it also makes it easier to reach them. Wheelchair users or those with severe back problems may choose to have truly raised beds built so they can tend to their garden without having to lean over.

Container gardening can be adapted to the square foot method as well, although you will need to take care to select containers that are deep enough for the roots. When using containers, plan to use rich soil and water often for best results. Container plants are dependent on you for nutrients and can dry out quickly in hot weather.

An example of a four foot block planting for maximum production might be one tomato plant in each of the first two squares, four bush squash plants in the next two squares. The next four squares could hold one eggplant, one cabbage, one pepper plant, and one cauliflower. Broccoli in two squares, 16 onions in one square, 32 carrots in two squares, a dozen loose leaf lettuce in one square, four marigolds in one square, and nine spinach in one square (each square is one foot). As produce is harvested, short season or late season crops such as baby lettuce or cabbage can be planted in the empty spots.

Gardening in squares instead of rows saves space too so you will probably be able to put your garden closer to your house. You will need about twenty percent less space than with traditional garden rows. With your garden just beyond your back door, you will enjoy it more and spend more time tending to our vegetable garden. A closer garden is also easier for harvesting since you can pick vegetables as they ripen and use them right away.

You'll find that square foot gardening is much easier for both new gardeners and experienced gardeners. Not only will you plant only what you want and not too much, but you will be planting in rich, loose soil and in raised beds that are easier on your back. No need for exhausting double-digging and pulling out excess seedlings. You can plant closer to the house and you use your space more efficiently. Once you try square foot gardening, you'll love having your own fresh vegetables with much less effort.

Julie R. Holland is the editor of Gardening it Easy blog and e-newsletter. Want more tips and hints about how to raise a lush, beautiful garden while saving money, time and your back? Subscribe to the free Gardening it Easy e-newsletter and get the Beginner's Guide to Organic Gardening for free! http://www.gardeningiteasy.com

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Get Started With Container Herb Gardening

By Doug Esetroc

Herb gardening is one of the most productive and beneficial types of gardening that one can choose to be involved in. Most gardens are used as a means to grow food, while others are used to grow flowers and are admired simply for their beauty. The great thing about herb gardening is that it combines a mix of the two, while also bringing some completely different elements to the table. Herb gardens can be as pretty as a flower garden, can be used to enhance the many different types of foods you enjoy, and can even offer different healing abilities. With all of those things in mind, it's hard to find a good reason not to have an herb garden!

The list of herbs that you can grow and their various uses is a very expansive one, and the only thing holding you back from getting started is deciding what types of herbs you would like to grow. Culinary herbs are those that you can use to add flavor to your cooking and add flair to an otherwise ordinary dish. Some of the types of culinary herbs you may choose to grow are basil, mint, sage, oregano, and parsley.

A few of these culinary herbs, such as rosemary and garlic, can also offer medicinal benefits. Then there are those types of herbs that are simply there for decoration, called ornamental herbs. They may not have many uses, but they can be just as beautiful to look at as your favorite flower. Even if you are simply growing a vegetable garden, it can pay off big time to plant some of these herbs alongside your veggies because they can ward off many different types of insects.

If you can grow your herb garden in the soil in your yard, that is outstanding. However, if the soil does not permit to you to grow the types of herbs you would like to grow then perhaps you could look into a raised bed with soil that you can go out and purchase. With just a small amount of work building a bed, you can have the freedom to grow what you want to grow and have a garden that is easy to tend to. You could also just grow some of these herbs in a small indoor garden using this type of method. Sure, standard flower and vegetable gardens are great by their own standards, but they simply do not offer the benefits that herb gardening does.

Visit our site to learn more about herb gardening and tips on starting a container herb garden as it is much easier than you think and the rewards are enormous.

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