Dirt-Cheap Ways to Grow a Garden

These days, it's money that makes a garden grow.
Gardening has long been one of the top leisure activities for many Americans. But green thumbs are finding that this hobby can quickly become quite expensive.
It doesn't have to be. With a little bit of effort and keeping an eye open for plants that are looking for a good home, you can fill your garden without emptying your wallet.
In fact, beautiful gardens can be created at a very low cost, and many plants can be obtained at no charge.
Here are 10 great ways to build your garden with plants that don't cost a dime:

1. Look for Unloved Plants

You probably think your local nursery will have the highest prices for garden plants. That's probably true if you are looking for plants in the main retail area. But frugal gardeners look behind the building to find free plants.
Plants that don't look healthy won't sell and take up valuable retail space, so they usually end up back by the trash bins. Most people who run nurseries hate to throw out any kind of plant -- no matter what condition it's in -- and will usually let you take any plant you'd like.
Simply ask the manager if there are plants that can't be sold, and if you may claim them. While they won't look as beautiful as those on the retail floor, these plants (especially any that are native to your area), with a little bit of care, can be nursed back to health in no time.

2. Bartering and Trading

If you want to be a little more choosy when it comes to plants for your garden, consider bartering with a neighbor. This works especially well if you have junk lying around the house that you no longer want or need.
The stuff doesn't even have to be garden-related. This is also a great way to get gardening tools and supplies that can cost a pretty penny when purchased brand new.

3. Plant Rescues

Simply keep your eyes open when driving down the street, especially on trash days. Many people move during spring and abandon their plants in the process.
While you are likely to find more houseplants this way than garden plants, they are still worth rescuing, even if you don't plan to keep them. These plant rescues are excellent for trading and bartering. While it may be an extra step, it still will allow you to get free plants.

4. The Internet

The Internet is a wonderful place to pick up free plants. FreeCycle will allow you to makerequests for free plants, which should get you plenty.
People who are moving who are a bit more organized will try to find homes for plants they won't be talking with them. Most gardeners love to share extraplants that they have when preparing their own spring gardens.

People who are doing new landscaping often have perfectly good plants that don't fit their new look that are in need of a new home. Free plants can also be found by placing wanted ads through CraigsList. 

5. Dig Your Own Plants

While this will take a little muscle work on your part, there are often offers by homeowners where you can take any plants that you dig yourself. These property owners need to get rid of plants for many reasons but don't want to put in the labor to dig up the plants themselves.
If you are willing to dig them up, they are yours for the taking. These can be found on Web sites such as CraigsList and in the classified section on local newspapers.

6. Landscaping Crews

An often overlooked place to find free plants for your garden is from landscaping crews. Landscaping crews are usually paid to keep landscape fresh and in season meaning that they often take out perfectly good plants that just happen not to be at their peak.
These plants usually are thrown out or composted even thoughthey are still in good condition, but the crews will often be willingto give you them for free if you ask.
This is especially true if they need to pay to haul them away. In this case, giving them away to you will actually save them money.
During spring you should be able to find crews alongside the road who you can ask, but you can also use the Internet or phone book to find local landscapers in your area to see if they have extra plants from jobs.

7. Gardening Friends

Friends who also garden can be a wonderful sourceof free plants for your garden. Most gardeners have extra plants thatthey are more than willing to give away.
Even if they don't have full plants to give away, most will have new starts from dividing their established plants or cuttings that can be used to begin growing new plants.

8. Participate in Community Garden Groups

If there is a local garden group that you can join, this is an excellent way to get free plants through other members and through projects that you may undertake.
It's also a great place to get quality gardening information and toget answers to all your gardening questions.

9. Join a Gardening Forum

If there are no garden groups in your community, another option is to join a gardening forum. The key to be successful in getting free plants is to be an active participant in the forum.
Most gardeners are more than happy to help out people whomthey have come to know, but many also takea dim view of those who pop in for the sole purpose of trying to getfree plants.

10. Keep an Eye Open for 'Volunteer' Plants

Your own garden may provide you with free plants that you never expected. Plants that grow unexpectedly from seed in the early spring are called "volunteerplants," because they volunteer to be part of your garden.
When they appear, these plants can be dug up and potted and then replanted in the garden when they grow bigger.
While creating a new look for your garden can be expensive, using the tips above can greatly reduce the costs while giving you a large variety of new plants to add to your garden this season.  http://www.thestreet.com/story/10409962/1/dirt-cheap-ways-to-grow-a-garden.html

Hanging Flower Baskets

 

Hanging Flower Baskets

Hanging flower baskets are a wonderful way to add color and fragrance to the exterior of your home. Depending on the flowers used, hanging baskets can last a very long time. They are easy to build, grow and maintain. A well manicured hanging flower basket will keep its color long after most flowers have wilted for the season. Hanging baskets can be brought indoors as well. This allows you to keep your plants out of harsh weather, and bring some color and fragrance inside.
Getting a hanging flower basket started is a simple task. You can either buy baskets or make your own. There are many different styles of baskets to choose from if you choose to purchase one. There are a few things to consider first before purchasing your basket. Consider where you would like to hang the flower basket, and what types of plants to grow.

Hanging Flower Basket

Plants to use

For baskets that are going to be exposed in full sun Bacopa, Felicia, geraniums, helichrysum, lobelia, lotus vine, marigolds, nemesia, petunias, scaveola, tagetes, trailing schizanthus, verbena are good plants to grow.
For Baskets that are going to be kept in mostly shaded areas Alyssum, fibrous begonias, fuchsias, ivy geraniums, hedera, impatiens, trailing ivy, lobelia, tuberous begonias are good choices.

Materials needed

• A basket, wire or plastic
• A liner. Sphagnum moss or a synthetic liner made from coconut fibers or wool. You can use bamboo leaves, fern fronds or even phormium swords as an environmentally friendly alternative to sphagnum moss.
• Potting compost
• Fertilizer. A small amount of time release fertilizer is a great option
• Plants

Assembly: Wire Hanging Basket

Line the basket with the sphagnum moss or other liner. This holds everything together and will help retain moisture. Cover the bottom of the basket with the potting compost, pressing down to eliminate air pockets.
Now you’re ready to start planting your plants. To achieve a nice full flowering basket, it is important to plant in layers. Start at the lowest layer with trailing plants; use the middle layer for hanging plants, building up to the top layer for tall, upright plants. Lay bedding plants on the compost through the wire mesh from the outside. Press down to secure roots in place. When this layer is fully planted, cover well with compost to make the next layer. Continue to fill the basket with plants followed by layers of compost to within two inches of the rim.
The top layer can be planted with taller plants. Geraniums and Marigolds are good choices for this layer. Remember that these plants will spread so do not overcrowd the hanging basket.
Attached your chains or wire to hang the basket from, making sure that they are strong enough to handle the weight. Hang the basket in the desired area, water and enjoy.
Remember to feed, water and deadhead (remove dead flowers and blooms) the basket regularly. This will help your hanging flower basket grow and last all summer long. Pruning helps plants grow larger, bushier and promotes additional flowerings. So don’t be affair to trim and prune plant growth that trails too far.  http://www.workingoutside.com/gardening/hanging-flower-baskets

Watering and Feeding Hanging Baskets

The best time to water hanging baskets is early in the morning, so that the plants are prepared for the coming day. In the heat of summer, plants need plenty of water and should be checked at midday, if possible, and in the evening too. Multipurpose compost is difficult to rewet once it dries, so water regularly and mix swell gel into the compost to prevent it drying out completely. It’s a good idea to put a container display underneath your hanging basket to catch the drips, rather than allowing excess water to drain away.

The best, and safest, way to water a hanging basket is using a “lance.” which delivers water right into the heart of the basket and helps to avoid wetting the foliage and flowers, which can damage them and encourage disease. You can make your own lance by attaching a hose to a bamboo cane, leaving the end of the hose overhanging by 6 inches to create a bendy “spout.” This is much safer than standing on a ladder and watering with a can, but if you have to do this make sine the ladder is secure and the watering can is lightweight and filled only with as much water as you can carry safely. It’s easier to have a tall stepladder and hold the can at arm’s length than trying to water at head height. Ideally, install an irrigation system??it saves considerable time and effort and makes watering more efficient.
Plants in hanging baskets need regular feeding as there arc-lots of roots packed into a small space. Until the plants are established, feed at the same time as watering using soluble plant food dispensed through a container at the end of the hose. Alternatively, you can use a lightweight watering can or add slow-release fertilizer to the compost mix. Start with general fertilizer, then change to a high-potash fertilizer, such as tomato feed, once the baskets are established; apply once a week to boost flowering, feed regularly to prolong the display and check regularly for signs of pests or disease.   http://www.gardeningadviceguide.com/watering-and-feeding-hanging-baskets/

Hanging Baskets for Hummingbirds

Use these tips to create an irresistible floating garden of nectar-rich blooms.

By Kris Wetherbee, Oakland, Oregon

 

Hanging flower baskets are a great way to brighten the view almost anywhere. But if you plant blooms that also attract hummingbirds, the scene can be even more spectacular.
Imagine several gorgeous hummingbirds hovering around your hanging baskets, each vying for a dining spot. And once they find your flowers, it's likely they'll return again and again all season long. Luckily, it's not difficult to make that dream a reality. Just start with the simple tips and ideas on these pages.

1. Select the Right Flowers

There are several factors to consider when choosing flowers that will thrive in hanging baskets and attract hummingbirds.
Nectar. First, look for nectar-rich, tubular blooms, such as those on penstemon, salvia and petunia. Hummers are able to access the nectar easily with their long, narrow bills and tongues.
Plant form. Since hummers typically feed while hovering, flowers that stick out from a plant's foliage, by either protruding or dangling, provide ample air space so the birds' beating wings easily clear any leaves.
Color. People often associate hummingbirds with the color red, and for good reason. These inquisitive birds can see red from a great distance, so offering nectar-rich flowers in crimson shades should always get their attention. However, they'll eagerly sip nectar from flowers in almost any hue, including orange, pink, purple, white and yellow.
Number of flowers. The amount of blooms a plant produces also plays a big role in attracting these tiny birds. Plants with multiple flowers in open clusters are more appealing than plants like hibiscus that feature a small selection of large blooms.

Think about it from their perspective. How much more enticing is a buffet table laden with multiple food offerings than several tables spaced 10 feet apart, each featuring only a few dishes of food?
Bloom time. Plants with a long flowering season will provide nectar for an extended period of time. Another way to achieve this is to choose flowers with staggered bloom times—whether in one basket or by offering several hanging baskets.

2. Basket Basics

Hummingbirds aren't going to care what type of container you use—whether you select plastic, wood, pottery or a wire basket lined with sphagnum moss. However, the size of the planter will affect its upkeep and placement.
Hanging baskets for hummers should be at least 12 inches in diameter. Lightweight pots or smaller containers are easier to handle, but larger containers hold more plants, make for a more eye-catching display and keep plant roots moist longer.
Just remember that a heavy pot or large container can easily weigh 50 pounds or more when filled with damp soil and plants. These will need heavy-duty hooks and require strong support.

3. Compose the Display

The sky's the limit when it comes to the variety of flowers and foliage that work well in hanging baskets. You can always count on traditional hummingbird favorites—geraniums, fuchsias, nasturtiums, petunias, lantana and impatiens, for instance—to create a spectacular hanging display.
But even vines and upright perennials, such as garden phlox, veronica or penstemon, can look attractive in larger baskets and appeal to a hummingbird's appetite. Here are some other design factors to consider:
Color and texture. A combination of both foliage and flowers creates the most alluring effect. For example, the purple foliage of some coral bell cultivars add drama, while the blooms provide nectar. Combine different leaf shapes or forms for a striking arrangement, and create special tactile interest by using plants with different textures.
Height and form. Bring depth and visual interest to your hanging garden by combining plants with staggered heights and habits. For example, you could place mounding or upright plants, such as salvia, penstemon or zinnias, toward the center of the pot, then accent with trailing plants—such as verbena, parrot's beak or trailing petunias—positioned along the outer edges to spill over the sides.
Plant requirements. No matter what combinations you select, be sure that plants destined to share the same basket also share similar water and light needs.

4. Put It Together

Now that you know what you'll be planting, it's time to gather the materials needed to make your baskets. Start with the soil. A good lightweight potting mix is a must, preferably one that includes peat moss and perlite or vermiculite to provide aeration and drainage.
Plan the arrangement. It's a good idea to set out your plants ahead of time to figure out the best arrangement. The spacing needed between each plant will depend on the varieties and the container you've selected, and the nature of the plant's growth habits and characteristics.
Smaller plants can be spaced closer together than larger plants, so the total number will vary. But as a general rule, a 12-inch container will house about five to seven plants. Wire baskets fit more plants since you can also plant in the sides.
Time to plant. Once you've determined the arrangement, fill the pot two-thirds full with potting mix and plant the largest plants and those in the center first, followed by the smaller plants and those around the outer edges of your container.
Be sure to place the plants at the original depth as they were in their containers. Then secure them in place with additional soil and water well. Wire baskets are a bit different because in addition to the top, both the sides and even the bottom of the container can be planted, creating a colossal sphere of living color.
Line the basket with a thick layer of damp sphagnum moss or a preformed fiber mat liner. Plant the bottom and sides by poking holes through the moss or liner and gently pushing in the plants' roots from the outside. Add potting mix and secure the roots as you work your way toward the top of the basket. Then plant the surface as you would for a regular basket.

1. Hang It Up

When hanging your basket, choose a sunny, sheltered location within easy viewing range so you can watch the hummingbirds up close. Or, if your basket contains low-light garden plants, pick an appropriate spot in the shade.
And don't limit locations to areas near windows—think of the other places you spend time outside. Add pizzazz to boring entrance areas by hanging several baskets near the front door, bring a new dimension to walls and doorways, or add colorful charm to a courtyard. Or, why not expand your hanging garden to a balcony, arbor or gazebo?
Wherever you decide to hang your hummingbird garden, be sure to include a comfortable place nearby where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the view.
Editor's Note: Kris Wetherbee is the author of Attracting Birds, Butterflies & Other Winged Wonders to Your Backyard.   http://www.birdsandblooms.com/Birds/Hummingbirds/Hanging-Baskets-for-Hummingbirds

How do I save tomato seeds?

Saving tomato seeds is not difficult, but you need to use open-pollinated varieties (as most heirloom tomatoes are) in order to have them grow true to type.
1. Start by taking the best tomatoes from a number of plants of that variety will give you a good genetic mix. They needn't be rotten, just ripe.
2. Cut the fruits in half at their waistlines, and squeeze their seeds into a labeled container such as a glass jar.
3. Add several inches of water to the jar and set it aside, out of direct sunlight but in a warm spot. A flotilla of fungal matter will form after a few days, but you may cover the jar to avoid the smell, deter fruit flies and prevent a tidy family member from throwing out the whole thing. Keep the lid loose, though, to encourage the fermentation that is the key to this little operation. The gel coating that has kept the seeds from germinating will break down, and any good, viable seeds will sink to the bottom. Stir from time to time.
4. After no more than five days, spoon off and discard the moldy debris on the surface, and pour off the water. Add fresh water to the seeds, stir and let them settle again. Do this until the seeds are clean, then drain them well in a fine strainer and spread them on a screen or a plate so that they'll dry quickly, out of the sun.
5. When they are absolutely dry and are easily separated with your fingers, they can be stored in an airtight jar or plastic bag and will keep for at least five years.
Source: Barbara Damrosch  http://kitchengardeners.org/questions/how-do-i-save-tomato-seeds

Daily Garden: Rose Garden

 
Have I ever mentioned that I L.O.A.T.H.E rose gardens in the typical English public park garden setting. You know the ones where 5 million different roses are painstakingly grown in rows and patterns with absolutely nothing else. UGH. I don’t think there could be a more irritating garden…..but this, AHHHH, this is wonderful. A rose garden that I could promise.   http://www.studiogblog.com/plants-natives/plants/daily-garden-rose-garden/

Daily Garden #2 : My Shed Garden

I know we already had one Daily Garden today….but I just don’t want to put this off until monday….now that I have these images uploaded from my camera I am giddy to share them with you.

I got a Macro Lens for my birthday and I have been doing a little playing around with it. My Foxgloves are just about to go off now, but I snapped these pictures about a week ago. This little corner of my own garden is about the only area I am mostly happy with at the moment. I look around and all I can see is projects. When I get overwhelmed (constantly) I cast my eyes back to this, take a deep breath, put my head down and keep chugging away in other areas. Eventually it will all be this beautiful and I can look in any direction I want from my garden chair (which desperately needs to be repainted) and feel the smug satisfaction of “yeah, I created that”.


oh — and the foxgloves (which really are show stopping) — 6′ tall, from seed, scattered haphazardly, 3 years ago, by my then 4 year old.

  http://www.studiogblog.com/garden-inspirations/daily-garden/daily-garden-2-my-shed-garden/