4 Simple Steps to Grow a Hundred Pounds of Potatoes in a Barrel Container gardening isn't only for savvy urban gardeners and folks with limited space to grow, it can also be for folks who want to maximize their yields in a controlled environment. Not only does growing potatoes in a barrel reduce the amount of weeding and exposure to pests and fungi, you don't even have to risk shovel-damage to the tender potatoes by digging them out of the ground when they're done, just tip the container over! After extensive research to plan my own potatoes-in-a-barrel, I've boiled all of the recommendations down to 4 simple steps to a winning potato harvest. 1. Select and prepare a container You'll need to pick out a container such as a 50-gallon trash barrel or one of those half whiskey barrel planters. Good drainage is critical for the cultivation of healthy potatoes so you'll want to cut or drill a series of large drainage holes in the bottom and bottom sides of your container. 2. 3. 4. Other tips to grow bushels of barrel potatoes More gardening tips
10 Gardening Tips For Beginners The rewards of gardening are great — fresh air, exercise, beauty and relaxation, to name a few. But designing and planting your very first garden can feel like an overwhelming task. Luckily, gardens are surprisingly forgiving creations, and the best way to learn is by simply diving in. Here are 10 tips to help get a new garden off on the right foot. 1. Take a leisurely stroll around your property with a notebook and make a rough sketch of the existing planting areas.Add notes to your garden “map” about which areas get the most sun and which are shaded.A simple soil test from your local garden center will tell you whether your soil is well-balanced in nutrients and pH.If you’re thinking of growing edibles (vegetables, fruit or herbs), it’s a good idea to have your soil tested for lead. 2. For instance, maybe you’ll decide your style is Industrial Zen or Playful Modern or Simplified Cottage. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9. 10. Tell us: Are you a newbie gardener?
Alan Titchmarsh's tips on creating a hidden hideaway | Garden From left: A sunken garden at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2009 A patio with potted plants and a trellis The last thing you want, when you fancy some quiet time in the garden or you’re entertaining friends outdoors, is to feel as if you’re living in a goldfish bowl. We all enjoy our privacy, but in a small garden surrounded by other houses, even the least nosey neighbour can’t help but be aware of your every move as you enjoy a glass of wine, do a spot of weeding or – when the weather allows – slide into a sun lounger to top up your tan… Screening That’s why the first thing a lot of people do on moving to a new garden in a town or a modern housing estate is to put up six-foot fence panels. If it’s essential to have a solid barrier between yourself and the outside world, try hurdle-style panels made of hazel, willow, bamboo or heather. There’s no need to rip out any existing chain link fencing; just wire the new panels on to it. Living curtains Tight corners That sinking feeling Far pavilions
END OF SEASON LIVING WILLOW PROJECTS STILL POSSIBLE - WITH 10 DISCOUNT OFFER. Living Sculpture Website Template Printable PDF version Related videos: In turf works, we create living sculpture by shaping soil and covering it with grass or moss. These sculptures take on many shapes and sizes, from sod animals and other figures, to more abstract creations. One of the most popular forms is a very literal translation of the term “lawn furniture.” Sod sofas, chairs, and chaise lounges are all the rage in both public and private settings. No matter what shape the sod seating takes, the basics of construction are the same. Design The sky’s the limit when it comes to design and there is plenty of inspiration in the home and lawn furniture that we encounter every day. Another design consideration is to carefully examine the space at hand. Almost any site with adequate drainage and sun exposure will work. Materials Soil Sod Shovels Water Ground staples A large, knife for cutting sod Hammer or mallet Some notes on materials: Soil quantity: The biggest question when it comes to soil is: how much do we need?
Grape Trellis becomes a Grape Tunnel! – Vicki's Garden Tips This is what I was seeing in my mind when I realized our grape trellis had rotted out: (Double click next to the word Vimeo to get it full screen- it is so much prettier!) My poor grape vines have been suffering in the last few years because the trellis is slumping. The post finally rotted away this spring and so we had to come up with a new plan. We debated putting in new posts- rent a post hole digger, buy post hole cement, new posts, and sturdy wire. First, you have to figure out how to get 2- 16 foot panels to your house. We first placed the ranch panels on the ground and wired them together (with fencing wire) to have about a 3 foot overlap. Now, I have tied the dormant grape vine as best I can- to the arbor and once it leafs out I will keep training the vine to grow over the arbor. Vimeo video of the building of the grape arbor. A view of the grape tunnel in August that same year:
My garden is my symphony View full sizeAnn NickersonThis amazing Hillsboro garden, owned by Margie Butts, is a tapestry of texture, color and beauty that can only be created with a diverse mix of plants. By Ann Nickerson - Special to The ArgusEvery time someone new comes into our home and sees our baby grand piano they ask, "Who plays?" I sheepishly reply, our kids and me. I took up piano more than 20 years ago when I was looking for a creative outlet. I remember explaining to my piano teacher once that designing a garden is like composing a song. When composing a new piece, the composer starts with a basic melody. To expand this analogy, I'd equate the Oregon garden to a modern symphony. A well-designed garden is composed of layers of plants, starting with ground cover, then perennials and small shrubs, moving up to larger shrubs, vines and small trees, and when there is room, tall trees. When I design a garden, I start by defining the bones, the hardscape. Don't forget about the garden club sales.
Willow Fedges and other Living Willow Structures West Wales Willows West Wales Willows Living fences (also called “fedges”, as they are a cross between a hedge and a fence) are a wonderful way to create borders. The principle that is used in building them can also be applied to the building of arches, tunnels,tepees, domes and arbours. (For further information see also our Tepee & Domes page.) You can now order one of our Bespoke Fedge, Tepee or Dome Kits ! Willow Fedges: Planting time: The right time for planting is when the willow rods are dormant, this is generally between late November to the beginning of March. Maintenance: Variations: Willow Archways: Below are three different examples of archways: For TUNNELS simply use multiples of the pattern above - or make up your own pattern! If you want to find more ideas for work with living willow, we recommend Jon Warnes Book "Living Willow Sculpture", which will show you how to make all these items and also living willow seats (scented, if you like!).