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Is Fertigation Good for My Garden? Pros and Cons

Is Fertigation Good For My Garden? Pros and Cons

A mix of fertilization and irrigation, fertigation can be a garden game changer. Learn all about fertigation and decide if it is a good fit for your garden.

If you’ve never heard of fertigation before, don’t worry! By the time you’ve read this entire article you’ll basically be an expert, and you can decide whether it is something you want to use in your garden or not.

What Is Fertigation?

Well, as you may have guessed from the name, fertigation is a combination of fertilization and irrigation. This way of delivering nutrients to plants is most commonly used in hydroponic farming operations, because hydroponic systems use no soil at all and rely on water-soluble fertilizers to nourish crops. But fertigation has much broader application potential than hydroponic systems. Read on to learn all about how fertigation works, what options there are, and how to use it in your own garden.

How Fertigation Works

Many gardeners feed their plants with granulated, time-released fertilizers that are broadcast onto the soil surface. This approach, while convenient, poses a few problems. For one, it is very difficult to control or calculate the amount of fertilizer plants actually get, because a hard rainfall or lack of rain can affect the release of fertilizer to the soil. Another significant issue is that heavy rain can wash out the fertilizer into gutters and wastewater systems, contaminating waterways. Even gardeners who use organic means of fertilizing may find that the compost they use to top dress planting beds does not adequately feed the plants below because it takes a long time to work!

Fertigation solves these problems by delivering the two things plants need most at the same time. The principles behind fertigation are simple: by using fertilizer dissolved into water, plants receive a precise amount of nutrients directly to their root zones. Less fertilizer is wasted, and plants produce higher yields.

How and Where Is Fertigation Used?

Fertigation can be applied in several different ways:

Overhead spray irrigation is something seen often in agriculture and in lawn sprinkler systems. Incidentally, lawns respond extremely well to fertigation, and are an ideal residential application of this method. A typical lawn should be fertigated up to four times per year, during the growing season.
Hand-application system uses a siphon mixer that screws onto a hose bib and distributes a specific amount of water-soluble fertilizer into the water as it is sprayed from a nozzle. This is a practical way to use fertigation in a garden where a number of ornamental plants have the same nutrient requirements. It gives an exceptionally high level of control over which plants get fertilized and how much water and fertilizer they receive.
Drip irrigation systems are commonly used in row crops and ornamental gardens, and offer the advantages of keeping leaves dry, minimizing evaporation, and eliminating issues with overspray. In order to fertigate in a drip system, you need a fertilizer injector system and a backflow preventer. This is an efficient way to fertigate gardens where most of the plants have similar nutrient needs.

In addition to being efficient, fertigation also allows you to more closely control the amount of microelements that are delivered to a garden—useful because these are expensive. Fertigation makes a lot of sense in agricultural settings where consistency and high crop yields are the top priorities and irrigation systems are already present. Farmers usually deal with large-scale areas where wasted fertilizer is detrimental to the environment and costly to the business. Fertigation is a straightforward way for agricultural growers to improve outcomes.

Drawbacks of Fertigation

Fertigation may not hold the same appeal for home gardeners that it does for farmers. Unlike an agricultural field, a garden contains many different types of plants, each with different, specific nutrient needs.

Corrosive Solutions

Chemical fertilizers applied in a spray irrigation system can be damaging to the paint on cars and houses, and fertilizer that isn’t properly dissolved into water can burn leaves that it’s been applied to.

Additional Equipment

To fertigate a lawn, you need to already have an irrigation system installed or are considering installing one. Irrigation systems can be expensive to install because they require lines, emitters, pumps, valves, and a controller—all of which typically must be installed by a licensed professional. Fertigation systems need to have a backflow preventer as well.

Local Restrictions

In drought-prone areas there may be restrictions on how often you can use irrigation in the summer, preventing you from fertigating when your lawn needs it most.

That being said, fertigation can be extremely effectively as long as it is used properly and on plants that have similar requirements.

Is Fertigation for You?

Despite drawbacks, fertigation can be an efficient way to feed lawns and gardens in some situations. If you have an existing lawn sprinkler system with a backflow preventer, then fertigation offers an excellent alternative to broadcasting granulated fertilizer onto the lawn. If you’ve struggled with coordinating the timing of your irrigation and fertilization in the past, then fertigation may provide you with the right balance of water and nutrients at the right time.

Hand fertigation is an expensive method for delivering nutrients to your ornamental beds. If you are a dedicated gardener, or if you live in a region where drought means water restrictions are a part of your life, this may be the ideal solution to your summer water limitations.

And for vegetable gardens with drip irrigation systems, fertigation can deliver the right nutrients to the roots of your plants, giving you an outstanding yield.

The bottom line is that fertigation has some very practical applications, and can be useful in the right setting. Do your research to decide if it is good for your garden.

Why You Should Use Distlled Water for Plants

Distilled water has been proven to help your indoor plants grow better as it removes unwanted bacteria, chemicals, and more. If you want to keep your plants healthy, you can purchase distilled water at the store or you can distill it yourself at home.

Even if you’ve never owned plants before, you probably know they require three things to survive: sunlight, soil/nutrients, and water. You can always adjust the amount of sunlight your plant gets and change up the fertilizer/soil, but what about water? It’s all the same, right? Well, not quite. Not all water is created equal and that tap water you’ve been using for your plants might not be the best option.

What Is Distilled Water?

Most water that you get from the tap will contain chlorine in order to make it safe for human consumption. Unfortunately, it turns out chlorine isn’t so great for plants. While outdoor plants can handle some chemicals in their water as the rainwater will dilute them, indoor plants have to rely on the water you give them. These can build up in the soil and eventually kill your plant.

So instead of just pouring tap water on your plant, it’s important to first distill it. Distillation is the process of separating a liquid into the substances that make it up via evaporation. This process removes:

Once you complete the process, you are left with very close to pure water.

Making Distilled Water

It’s very simple to make distilled water at home so long as you have some space and don’t mind heating up the kitchen by boiling water. All you need to do is follow these steps to create your own distilled water:

Fill a stainless steel pot with a quarter inch of tap water
Put a heat-resistant glass bowl on top
Turn a glass lid upside down and place it on top of the bowl. Place ice on top.
Turn on the stove and bring the water to a boil
Once it starts boiling, turn it down to a simmer
Add more ice to the lid if it melts

Continue this process until you get the desired amount of distilled water. Essentially, this method allows the water in the pot to evaporate, but when it reaches the cold lid it will condensate. This condensation will then drip into your bowl giving you distilled water! Of course, if you don’t want to go through that process, you can just buy distilled water from your local grocery store. You can also let tap water sit out on the counter for 24 hours before using it on your potted plants as chemicals like chlorine and fluoride will dissipate.

Using Distilled Water for Plants

In a side-by-side comparison, plants that were watered with distilled water grew faster and stronger than those watered with tap. This is because many of the chemicals found in tap water can inhibit a plant’s ability to absorb nutrients from the soil.

With that said, distilled water isn’t perfect and you still need to consider a few factors if you want your plants to thrive

pH - perfectly distilled water should have a completely neutral pH of 7, but some plants prefer a slightly lower pH.
Nutrient deficiency - plants need magnesium, potassium, and calcium in order to grow. Distilled water will not contain any of these trace elements, so you will have to provide this through the soil through fertilizer. If you are creating a hydroponic garden, you have to be even more careful to add in the appropriate nutrients.

Once you’ve figured out what your plant needs in terms of pH and nutrition, it should be smooth sailing from there for the most part. You can water your plants as you normally would. Make sure not to under or over water as distilled water doesn’t have any remarkable properties that provide more or less hydration.

Conclusion

You might not need to water all your plants with distilled water, but it is something to consider, especially for the more delicate houseplants you might have. If nothing else, look into your local water supply for the pH, chlorine usage, and trace minerals and metals in the water. If your water is very acidic and hard, it might be worth it to go the distilled water route.

Of course, even if you have a great water supply, you might want to try out distilled water anyway. There’s no harm in testing it out on your indoor or outdoor plants, so you might as well try it out. Do an experiment to see if it actually makes a difference on your plants. Even if you don’t, you lose nothing by trying it out!

Uses and Benefits of Mint Hay Compost to Know

While it is one of the most beneficial garden amendments you can use for your soil, mint hay compost is not familiar to most people. This material holds many benefits and should have a place in your garden. This article will introduce you to a few of the main benefits and uses of mint hay compost.

There are so many different types of mulch and soil amendments that you have likely heard of some obscure materials that people add to their gardens. Among these many materials, one of the strangest sounding ones is mind hay compost. However, while that name may be unfamiliar for some, mint hay compost has many uses and benefits in nearly any garden. This article will introduce you to a few of the most notable advantages of using mint hay compost.

Improved Moisture Retention

Soil moisture is one of the most important matters you must address before planting any plant. As you probably know, each plant species comes with a specific set of growth requirements. Within those requirements, a certain level of soil moisture is one of the most vital factors. Achieving the ideal soil moisture often requires some sort of soil amendment. If you are hoping to make your soil better at retaining moisture after watering, mint hay compost is a great option for you. Add some to your garden beds, and you will no longer need to worry about your soils drying out.

Additional Organic Matter

Most plants will grow best in soil that has plenty of organic matter. This matter enriches the soil and provides copious amounts of nutrients to support plant growth. As such, it is important for you to make sure that your garden soil has plenty of organic material if you want to see the best results from your plants. Adding mint hay compost as a soil amendment is a great way to do that. Mint hay compost contains countless micronutrients that your plants will appreciate.

Amendments for Clay and Sandy Soil

One of the greatest challenges for many gardeners is dealing with poor soil quality. For those who attempt to plant on properties with clay or sandy soils, this issue is especially prevalent. Thankfully, mint hay compost can help in either scenario. When you add this material to sandy soil, it will improve moisture retention and add some much-needed nutrients to the soil. Interestingly, it can have the opposite effect on clay soils by improving the soil drainage characteristics. That means that mint hay compost is a soil amendment you can rely on in many situations.

Weed Suppression

Mint hay compost can act as a soil amendment or as a form of mulch. In the latter case, the mint hay compost will act as any other type of mulch would. This includes the suppression of weeds in your garden beds. After adding a few inches of mind hay compost to your garden, you can expect to spend less time on your hands and knees pulling out unwanted plants. However, you should know that mint hay compost can break down quickly, which means it can only ward off weeds for so long.

Pest Prevention

Unlike other types of compost, mint hay compost has a strong scent. That scent can go a long way in discouraging pests from entering your garden and afflicting your plants. Many plants can fall victim to rodents and insects. So, the presence of mint hay mulch may be what you need to aid your plant in fending off an infestation.

No Bacteria or Fungus

Any time you add a material to your garden, you run the risk of introducing some harmful substances as well. Even a beneficial material such as mulch could be hiding fungus, bacteria, or seeds that will later develop into weeds. However, that is not the case for mint hay compost. The process that leads to the creation of mint hay compost also causes it to be completely clean by the time your get to use it.

A Sustainable Approach

This final benefit may be the most impactful of them all. Using mint hay compost is an environmentally friendly practice. Much of this relates to the way in which mind hay compost comes into being. Mint hay compost is a by-product of the spearmint and peppermint oil manufacturing process. During that process, those essential oils companies use steam to extract oil from the mint plant. Once they have that oil, they do not need the rest of the plant.

The companies can throw out that plant material, or it allow it to become mint hay compost. Continuing to buy mint hay compost creates a demand for the product and therefore reduces the waste that would normally accumulate through the essential oil-making process. In other words, by using mint hay compost, you are not just doing the best for the plants in your garden. You are also contributing to the health of the earth.

How to Pollinate Your Garden Plants by Hand

Pollination is something that most gardeners expect to take place automatically. However, there are some cases in which you may need to hand pollinate your plants. Read here to learn how to perform this important gardening skill.

While insects and birds do a great job of pollinating plants, there may come a time when you have to perform this task on your own. In fact, those instances are only on the rise, considering the significant declines in pollinator populations in recent years. To deal with that unfortunate reality, you’ll need to find a way to pollinate your plant by yourself. Read on to learn some techniques that will allow you to do just that.

Hand Pollination for Plants With Male and Female Flowers

Some plants come with both male and female flowers. These plants are often the ones that are most likely to need some assistance with pollination. Since the male flowers typically have pollen while the female flowers have the capacity to produce fruit, there needs to be some way to transfer the pollen from the male flower to the female flower.

In the absence of pollinators to move the pollen from one flower to another, you will need to perform this transfer by hand if you hope to see any fruit form. Here is a reliable process that you should follow to complete that task:

That method should get the job done. But if you don’t happen to have a paintbrush, there is another method that you can use. Here is how that alternative approach unfolds:

Hand Pollination for Plants With Perfect Flowers

The methods we described above are fantastic for plants that have male and female flowers. But as you likely know, not all plants have those types of flowers. Instead, some plants have perfect flowers. A perfect flower is nothing more than a single flower that contains both male and female parts.

Plants with perfect flowers usually don’t need your help to pollinate since the male and female parts are in such close proximity. But, if your plant is still struggling to produce fruit, there is an easy way to stimulate pollination. At times, hand-pollinating a plant with perfect flowers is as easy as giving the flower a gentle shake. That motion can cause the flower to release its pollen, leading to fertilization. If that doesn’t work, you can try this technique:

Be Persistent With Hand Pollination

The processes for hand pollination that we just shared with you should be effective in most scenarios. But what you need to remember is that each method can require some persistence on your part. There is no way to know if your hand-pollination efforts were successful until you begin to see fruit forming. For that reason, you should continue to practice your hand pollination until you see fruit emerge. Try repeating your hand-pollination once a week until you find success.

How to Know if You Need to Hand Pollinate

Now that you know how to hand-pollinate your plants, it is time to understand when you should apply these new skills. As we mentioned before, most pollination happens as a result of the activity of pollinator species. Hand-pollination is only necessary when that activity does not take place. You should consider hand-pollination if:

The Main Advantage of Hand Pollination

Pollination is something we expect to take place on its own. For that reason, hand-pollination can feel like just one more chore on your long list of gardening tasks. However, the good news is that hand-pollination offers you a significant advantage. With this approach, you can drastically increase your crop yields. Since you won’t be relying on a pollinator species, it is up to you to decide how many flowers you choose to pollinate. This can lead to more mature fruits in your garden than ever before.

What Is Happening to Pollinator Species?

Throughout this article, we have alluded to the fact that natural pollinators are on the decline. That decline is what is making and-pollination increasingly popular. However, it also has some dire consequences. Human land use has led to lower biodiversity and an increase in pesticides. Those two factors have consistently cause pollinator populations to decrease. This not only impacts the ecosystem as a whole but also makes it more difficult to produce crops. So, if you don’t want to do the work to pollinate your plants on your own, the best you can do is take action to support the native pollinator species in your region. Planting native species and pollinator gardens are great ways to help these vital species thrive.

Useful Pruning Tools Every Gardener Should Know

Having the right pruning tools makes your job much easier and more effortless. The best pruning tools include secateurs, long-handled loppers, pruning saws for larger branches and hedge trimmers. Here’s a guide to these useful pruning tools.

Just as a capable chef might geek out about their knowledge and collection of kitchen tools, an accomplished gardener takes pride in their pruning tools.

A gardener’s tools should not only reflect one’s commitment to their profession or hobby but also make the job easier. As with any trade, there is a proper tool for each pruning job. Here are five pruning tools worth investing in.

1. Secateurs or Hand Pruners

Bypass pruners are an essential tool for any gardener. Make sure to buy one that is small enough to fit in a sheath. A sheath will allow you to keep the tool handy on your belt and help protect the blade when the tool is not in use.

There are many types of hand pruners and they come in a wide range of prices. However, you get what you pay for. Pricier pruners will often have replaceable blades and the entire tool can be taken apart for proper sharpening and cleaning. Many professional gardeners and landscapers still have their very first hand pruner. If kept oiled and well protected, this is a tool that can last for years.

2. Loppers

Loppers are hand pruners with longer handles and are often more sturdy than a pruning blade. They are suitable for cutting larger branches that are a diameter of 2″ or less, though some with larger blades can cut branches up to 3″. Handle length also factors in as the longer the handle the more difficult it will be to make a complete cut.

As with hand pruners, cost often dictates quality. Look for detachable blades since they can be sharpened. Materials vary with brands, not just with the blades but with the handles and grips. Look for strong materials, such as aluminum alloy, and hand grips that are soft yet sturdy. Better designs have bumper pads between the handles that help keep your hands from getting pinched. Most brands have handles between 20 – 30″ long but the handles of orchard loppers are often longer. Know that the longer the handle, the less leverage one will have when trying to cut hardwood.

3. Pruning Saw

Pruning saws are useful for branches with a diameter of 2″ or more, and are essential for cutting cleanly close to tree trunks. The blades on a pruning saw are curved slightly, and they often fold into the handle. They are much shorter than construction saws and are typically around 12-14” long.

Very sharp pruning saws often come with or require a scabbard to store the saw. The scabbard also helps keep the saw sharp when you are not using it. As with any pruning tool, sharpness is key. While it may be possible to sharpen the blade on a pruning saw, look for one that has a replaceable blade and keep extras on hand.

4. Manual Hedge Sheers

Hedge sheers are a connoisseur tool for many serious gardeners. Good hedge sheers can be expensive but are treasured like a fine chef’s knife might be to a serious cook. Again, it all comes down to materials and craftsmanship. Inexpensive sheers can be found at nearly any hardware store, but you get what you pay for. Go with what you can afford but look for blades that you can frequently sharpen, as this is one tool where the results are directly connected to the blade’s sharpness. Good quality Japanese sheers are often the go-to tool for topiary artists and for those who are obsessive about perfect trims on their boxwood parterres. If the blades are well-oiled, a good quality pair may last you a lifetime.

5. Electric/Battery Hedge Trimmers

Electric (or battery-powered) Hedge Trimmers are perhaps the most commonly used, yet misused pruning tool. They often come with longer blade wands and can be very useful for big jobs, particularly tall and longer hedges. Experts may scoff at their ease of use, but they are essential for those with larger gardens. They also are good for making straight or perfectly flat surfaces.

Where people often falter is when cutting twigs that are too thick, as the blades can jam. Furthermore, it is easy to over-trim a hedge and cause irreparable damage. Always remove a few inches at a time until you reach the proper depth. This is especially important for evergreen shrubs as they may not be able to grow back once the foliage is cut too deeply.

Always follow manufacturers’ directions as blades are sharp. Safety is key with any electric or battery-powered tool but especially with trimmers. Look for those with an automatic shut-off switch and always wear safety equipment. A common complaint with electric trimmers is that the long electrical cord can easily be cut during the trimming process. Some pros wear the cord over their shoulder to help keep it out of the way.

How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden

Hummingbirds are delightful little birds that are a joy to watch when they visit your garden. They are primarily nectar feeders but also eat a variety of insects. Here are some tips on how to attract them to your garden.

Few garden visitors are as exciting and beautiful as are the hummingbirds.

There are more than 330 species of hummingbirds all found in the Americas, but only a few species migrate and visit gardens in North America. Yet throughout North, Central or South America gardeners cherish these winged-wonders that excite and captivate anyone who is lucky enough to see them. While many hummingbirds pass through our gardens unnoticed, keeping them coming back all summer can be as easy as setting out a nectar feeder or better yet – planting some of their favorite flowers. Here are some of the best ways to attract hummingbirds to your garden no matter where you live.

Nectar Feeders

The easiest way to attract hummingbirds is to set out nectar feeders either in your garden or near windows (as many hummingbirds are not shy). It helps to learn a bit of the natural history of the particular hummingbird species found in your region to know when they arrive in spring.

What many people don’t know, is that Ruby-throated Hummingbirds often arrive much earlier in North America. Savvy bird watchers set out nectar feeders long before the first spring flowers or before trees leaf out in spring in mid-March through April. Early arriving Ruby-throated Hummingbirds feed not on nectar (as it is too early for flowers), but on sap drawn from active woodpecker feeding holes. If nectar feeders are set out early, one is more likely to have hummingbirds stay for the summer.

If you live in a warmer climate such as the South Western US, Central American or South America (where Hummingbirds are active year round residents), it’s wise to keep nectar feeders up throughout the year.

What to Feed Hummingbirds

Nectar feeders are often filled with a pre-mixed commercial nectar, but one can make a good substitute at home. Mix 1 part of refined white sugar to 4 parts of boiling water until the sugar is dissolved. Experts recommend to never substitute honey, brown sugar, or agave syrup or to add red food coloring. The mixture is safe to keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks but should be replaced in outdoor feeders weekly.

Planting a Garden to Attract Hummingbirds

While nectar feeders are useful in initially attracting migrating hummingbirds early or late in the season, once flowers begin to bloom, hummingbirds begin to adjust their diets, adding insects and opting to visit real flowers if given a choice. Gardeners are at an advantage as they can plant nectar-rich plants, often ensuring that hummingbirds will stay around longer. Since many flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds are also attractive to humans, this can be a win-win situation.

8 Plants That Hummingbirds Like

Red flowers are a first choice, but also the shape of a flower often provides a good hint. Long, tubular shaped flowers are evolved to be pollinated not exclusively by insects, but often by nectar feeding birds.

1. Columbine – Spring visitors can’t resist the dangling, nectar rich flowers of Columbine. Both native species and hybrid columbine attract hummingbirds in northern gardens from April through June.

2. The Mint Family – All flowers in the mint family will attract hummingbirds, but especially the larger flowered species. This includes all Catnip (Nepeta sp.) true mint (Mentha sp.) all Salvia including the sages and bee balm (Monarda sp.). Plants in the mint family have a four-sided stem (like a square, when cut), making them all easy to identify.

3. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) – Maybe the most iconic of hummingbird flowers the Cardinal Flower blooms in late June through mid-July. The wild species prefers damp or wet conditions and partial shade, but many hybrids and selections are now available in a wide-range of colors for perennial borders. All the colors will attract hummingbirds.

4. Petunia – Tube-shaped flowers with flared petals are incredibly irresistible to hummingbirds. Petunias and their close allied the calibrachoa, are nectar-rich and will attract hummingbirds regardless of their color. Still, the richer, saturated jewel tones will work better than the near-black varieties or pure white.

5. True Lilies (Lilium) – True lilies (not daylilies) are an excellent mid-summer addition to the hummingbird garden. Lilies produce copious amounts of nectar as well as large flowers that make accessing such nectar easier. The tall, downward-facing or outward-facing Oriental lilies, Trumpet lilies and Intersectional lilies produce more nectar than do the early-blooming, up facing Asiatic lilies.

6. Blue Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus sp.) – Although most are blue or purple, Agapanthus often will steal the hummingbird show in mid-summer when they bloom either in large containers or out in the garden in temperate zones.

7. Fuchsia – Whether grown as an upright shrub, potted plant or even as a hanging plant, Fuchsia is not only a go-to summer flower for hummingbirds; they are often a primary wild source for food in South America where many migrating hummingbirds spend their winter. Look for upright forms with long, slender flowers for the best results and nectar production.

8. Lantana – Mid summer and late summer flowering plants that with lots of blooms are tempting to hummingbirds, but factor in tubular shapes and hot colors and you have a virtual hummingbird magnet. Lantana check off all of these boxes. Look for hanging plants or upright varieties for pots, window boxes and in the garden.

How to Attract More Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds will stay and nest for the summer if they find a food source but it’s not unusual to only see a pair in your garden until later in the summer. Hummingbirds are fiercely territorial especially while nesting and raising young earlier in the year. By mid-summer however, they become slightly less territorial. By late summer one may see more than a pair of hummingbirds, especially at nectar feeders. They still may fight, but often will just keep their distance while the opposing foe is feeding on a favorite plant.

How to Grow a Balcony Flower Garden? Start From Here

Growing flowers on your balcony can be both fun and immensely rewarding. It helps to brighten up your living space and gives you the pleasure of growing when you don’t have a garden plot to tend.

If your green thumb is itching, but you don’t have a yard to dig around in, a balcony flower garden just might be what you need. These flower gardens will add a beautiful look to your balcony, delighting you and passersby. And live plants really brighten up a home and make it feel like your space. Living in an apartment or condo doesn’t mean you can’t have a garden! Keep reading for tips on a how to grow a flower garden on your balcony.

Start Small

If you are just starting to flex your green thumb, don’t worry about going all out. It is so easy to go pick out a ton of very pretty flowers you want to grow. Nurseries and other stores selling plants will have a lot to pick from and you likely will be drawn to many plants. Try not to fall into that trap just yet. Start small with only a few pots for your balcony. Three or four plants is a great starting place. You can care for them, get a taste of gardening, and most importantly not get overwhelmed. Plus this means a smaller initial investment as you test the waters of balcony gardening.

What to Think About Before Selecting Your Plants

Once you decide you want to go for it and start a balcony flower garden, you really need to decide what can grow. You don’t want to just pick out pretty flowers to have them die because they can’t get what they need to survive in the space. This will only make you frustrated. Plus it’s a waste of your time and money.

Above all, if you live in an apartment or condo, check with the building to see if there are any specific rules you need to follow. After that, there are a few basic things you need to consider. How much sun does the space get? And when is it getting the most sun? There are some plants that do best with a little morning sun, but can’t tolerate the harshness of heavy afternoon sunlight. Does it get really hot on your balcony? Sun reflecting off the windows can really heat up the space.

Is the space windy? If so, you might need to consider a lattice or trellis for support. Don’t worry they sell these specifically for pots. Also with wind, the plant will need more water as it will dry out more quickly. If so you might need self watering pots.

You also should consider how much space you have. Will having large pots take away from seating space? Can your balcony accommodate large plants and their pots or would a vertical garden be a better use of the space?

Also think about how much time you will be able to spend taking care of the plants. If you are constantly on the go, you might want to look for a hardy plant that doesn’t need a lot of help from you. There are so many finicky plants that will give you trouble if you miss even a day of watering or temperatures change too much too quickly.

Select Your Containers

As you select containers for your plants, consider the size and weight of the container. This means thinking about how heavy it will be when it is full. Check to make sure your balcony can support the weight of the containers at their heaviest. You might even need to consult your building’s maintenance staff. To make your containers weigh a little less, you can add filler to the bottom like empty milk jugs or coco coir. This will take up some space you would have otherwise filled with potting soil.

You can find all sorts of garden containers at your local hardware store, box store or garden nursery. They will range in all sizes, shapes and weight. Not only that, but you will find they are made from a variety of materials and quality. You can also find containers at garage sales. This is especially good if you are trying to keep costs low to start.

Adding some hanging baskets into the mix is just another great way to create another layer to the overall look of your balcony flower garden. Just make sure they are secured as high winds can knock them around.

Picking Your Plants

Now that you know what the conditions on your balcony are and what size you are looking for, it is time to select your plants. Some balcony gardeners will start out with a mix of annuals and perennials. Annuals live only for one season, while perennials can winter over and return year after year. With perennials, look for native plants, as they will have an easier time growing in your location.

Here are some flowers that work well as balcony plants in containers:

Petunias
Begonias
Fuchsia
Chrysanthemums
Pansies
Marigolds
New Guinea Impatiens
Roses
Sweet Alyssum
Hydrangeas

In addition to flowers, succulents, ferns and herbs can also make great additions to balcony gardens. If you find you want to expand your balcony garden, there are fruits and vegetable plants you can also look into.

Try Combining Plants in Containers

Not all plants need to grow in separate containers. Annuals especially can make a beautiful arrangement when planted together in the same pot. Doing this will give you several different textures, levels and colors in one container. If you need help selecting annuals that go together, nursery workers are always ready to work with you to create the perfect combinations. As with any container plant, make sure you aren’t overcrowding them. You want to give them plenty of space to grow and not be fighting for resources.

Caring for Your Balcony Garden

You’ve determined what you need, picked the plants and the containers, and set everything up. Now you get to enjoy the space you have created, but you also have to remember to care for them. Different plants will need different care. Some need a lot of water and others not so much. You will also need to think about regular checks for pests, ensuring your hard work doesn’t go to waste with an invasion. This is often considered easier because you are working in such a small space and you don’t have expansive beds to check over. Regular pruning and dead heading might also be necessary.

As winter begins to set in, consider if you want to save your plants or not. Perennials may survive outside on their own if the containers are large enough, but you may have to bring them indoors. Your annuals won’t survive outside if you leave them, but this means you can start over next year with new combinations. These pots of annuals can be brought in and placed in a window. With care, you might just be able to keep them around to go back out once the spring comes.

The Top 3 Useful Bulb Planters to Choose

A bulb planter provides a foolproof method of planting your flower bulbs. You can choose from three different options: handheld, stand-up, or drill-powered depending on your needs. While it might not be necessary if you only plan on planting one or two bulbs, it can be a lifesaver if you want to plant a lot!

Flower bulbs are a favorite among many home gardeners as they are easy to manage and net some beautiful flowers come spring or summer. With that said, bulbs do require certain conditions to grow to their full potential such as well-draining soil, nutrients, and appropriate planting depth. In most conditions, you should bury the bulb around three times the width of the plant for best results. For drier and hotter climates, you should go a bit deeper to ensure the bulbs retain their moisture. In more compact soil, you can bury them about two times as deep.

While you can certainly use a shovel or spade to bury your bulbs, a more foolproof method is using a bulb planter. These handy garden tools can make the process faster and take out a lot of the guesswork.That means you can have a beautiful garden in just half the time.

Types of Bulb Planters

There are several types of bulb planters you can get depending on your needs. The cheapest and most common one is the handheld manual device. These have a depth measurement and will remove a certain amount of soil to the level where you should plant the bulb.

Other planters are a variation on the basic tool. Some will have a plunger that allows you to release the soils you cut into the hole on top of the bulb. Others will have longer handles allowing you to stand up instead of kneeling or stooping over your garden. If you have a lot of bulbs to plan, you can invest in a drill powered option. It looks similar to a hand-planter, but it comes with a drill attachment for your power drill. This works great for light and medium weight soils.

How to Use a Bulb Planter

Not everyone needs to use a bulb planter for their garden. In fact, if you’re just burying a handful, you can probably get away with the typical trowel and/or shovel option that you use for the rest of your garden. However, if you are planting dozens or hundreds of bulbs, a bulb planter is a great option as it can save you a lot of time and legwork. Just remember that most of these planters work best in light and/or medium soil and do not do well in clay. If you are dealing with clay soil, you should hand-till it and add some compost to increase drainage and add much needed nutrients to the ground.

Once you have your bulb planter, you can start using it. For the most part, they are fairly intuitive to use, but usage will change based on the type of bulb planter you use:

Handheld bulb planters - these are fairly self-explanatory. Basically, press the bulb planter straight down into the soil at the depth needed. Twist the planter in either direction and then lift it up from the soil. You should see a plug inside the planter. Place your bulb into the hole root side down and release the dirt trapped in the planter over the bulb.
Long-handled bulb planters - unlike the handheld planter, the long-handled bulb planters will also deposit the bulb into the soil. Of course, first you have to put the bulb into the center, bottom reservoir of the bulb planter. After that, set the drive the planter into the ground and step on the hinges to push it further down. Once you’ve gone deep enough, place one hand on each handle and pull it apart. Pull the planter up and out of the hole. This will also deposit the bulb into the soil.
Drill-operated bulb planter - Before you start drilling the soil, check your power drill to see if it’s powerful enough. You want a 3 amp or larger drill that has a ¾ inch chuck. Also, make sure your battery is fully charged! Once you’ve done all that, attach the bulb planter to the chuck and make sure that it’s fitted properly. Press the end of the bulb planter lightly into the soil and then start the drill slowly at first. As the bulb planter enters the soil, you can increase the drill speed. Once you’ve reached the desired depth, release the drill and pull up the drill and planter out of the hold. Plant the bulb and then cover.

When using the power drill, make sure to wear safety glasses to prevent small rocks and dirt from going into your eyes. As well, if you do not have a cordless power drill, do not operate it in rainy conditions or near standing water as you can electrocute yourself this way.

Conclusion

While the tools might look slightly different, they essentially all remove a small plug of soil so that you can then place the bulb at the appropriate depth. After that, you’ll release the soil in the tool either from a plunger or covering the hole manually. Whichever tool you use, you’ll definitely save yourself a lot of time and back pain especially if you plan on planting a lot of bulbs.

Choose a Stylish Container: Types and How to Use Properly

When it comes to container gardening there are so many types of pots to choose from, it can be overwhelming. In this informative guide, we delve into the different types of containers and explain how you can use them properly.

Have you ever gone to the garden store and just been overwhelmed by the number of plant containers available? If so, you aren’t alone. With so many sizes, styles, materials and prices, it might seem impossible to make a decision. Many gardeners will use all sorts of containers for their plants, from old pots and pans to galvanized buckets from the hardware store. Feeling like you don’t know where to start? Read on for everything you need to know about the most common types of containers you’ll find at the store and how to properly use them.

Plastic

You’ve likely seen tons of brightly colored plastic pots as you walk the aisle. Not only is this type of container easily available, they are usually pretty reasonably priced. As an added benefit they are also lightweight, making your life a little easier if you have to bring your plants inside on a cold night or when winter sets in. As a downside, these just aren’t as durable as some other types of containers. You will find them in all shapes, sizes and colors.

Terracotta

Chances are you are familiar with the rusty orange terracotta, or clay, plots that gardeners have been using for generations. These traditional containers are very popular pots and have a neutral color that compliments most plants. The price tag on these containers can be from the inexpensive to high priced based on the size and the brand. While some of the higher end versions are pretty durable, terracotta is known to be very brittle and easily broken as weather changes, the more inexpensive pots become even more fragile, often flaking away. These pots are porous and allow air to travel through them more easily, but this means the soil dries out more quickly and you will likely have to water the plants more frequently. Drought tolerant plants such as succulents work well in these pots.

Ceramic or Glazed

Ceramic or glazed containers have probably caught your eye in the store. They look very stylish, coming in different shapes and colors, but they do come with some issues. These containers can be really heavy and then nearly impossible to move once you add your soil and plants. Now this might be a benefit if you are placing the pot in an area that gets very strong winds or if you have a top heavy plant. With the heft of the container, it likely won’t tip over. These extra sturdy containers usually come with the highest price tag of all.

Concrete

Concrete containers are an attractive option for many gardeners. They are long lasting and very durable. Additionally, the concrete is a good insulator, keeping root temperatures steady, when the weather is not. If you are considering a concrete container, don’t plan on moving it often, if at all, especially if it is large. These hit the high end of the weight scale and adding dirt only increases the weight. Gardeners who want to add these to their balcony, should look at the structure before purchasing. If your structure doesn’t have adequate support, you could do a lot of damage and things can get dangerous.

Wood

Wooden containers are another great option for your plants. They look great on a deck or patio and are slow to dry out. They also can be left out in the colder weather and don’t crack. The main drawback for these types of planters is that they have a danger of rotting. To minimize the risk of this, consider installing a plastic liner inside, with some holes for drainage.

Other Options

When it comes to containers for your plants, the options are really endless. You can use old pots and pans, mason jars, metal cans, or even galvanized buckets from the hardware store. This can be a cost effective way to find containers for your garden, and it is a chance to show off your personality. If you are converting something into a plant container, you will need to consider drainage. Your plants need a well drained container to avoid over watering. If possible, drill or punch holes in the bottom of your container. But that isn’t always possible. We recommend not planting in containers without holes, unless you have a little experience and know exactly what the growth requirements are for the specific plant. If you still want to use the container, you can always use it as a decorative outer pot, often referred to as cachepot. The plant is actually sitting in a slightly smaller, removable inner pot that does offer drainage.

Using Your Container

Now that you know your options, the next thing you need to think about is how you are going to use your container. This means you need to think about what you are going to put in it and so much more.

The number of plants you want to add to the container really will help you determine the size you need. You don’t want to plant too much in a container or else nothing will grow that well as the plants will all be fighting for root space and resources. You might think the pot looks a little empty when you first plant in the spring, but don’t worry, they will grow and fill out the entire space. A good rule of thumb is to pick a pot that is at least one or two inches larger than size of the plant you are putting in the container.

When you select a pot make sure it allows for proper drainage. Plants don’t like to sit in water and besides that, too much water will cause mold to grow on the roots.

Choosing a container doesn’t have to be so overwhelming. With so many options you, you can find something that works for your garden plan, your decor and your personality.

Zodiac Flowers: Leo

Leo’s birth flowers are bold, bright and happy. The four birth flowers for Leo are marigold for passion, sunflower for loyalty, dahlia for dignity and safflower for magnetism. Find out how to grow these beauties in your garden.

Born between July 23 and August 22? Then you’re a Leo! Leo is represented by — you guessed it — the lion. And if you guessed that, you probably can also guess that it’s ruled by the sun and the lion’s element is fire.

You were born to be an outstanding leader. Because you see your teammates with the same confident lens that you see yourself, you encourage and inspire them to greater heights. When you take on a project, you dedicate yourself to it with a passion. Because you project such radiant confidence in yourself, others don’t see your vulnerabilities and insecurities, that you too need a hug and reassurance.

If you take your natural leadership and confidence too far, you dominate a group, refusing to admit that you were wrong. Instead, listen to others and allow yourself to be a little vulnerable. Your birth flowers are as strong and radiant as you are!

Your birth flowers are as strong and radiant as you are! Here are 4 Leo birth flowers and their meanings.

Marigold for Passion

Marigold is called the “herb of the sun”, as it is like a little yellow, orange, or red ball of petals that opens when the sun rises.

Marigolds represent powerful passion, especially orange marigolds, a quality that you, as a Leo, are quite familiar with. They also represent the creativity that you bring to a project.

Yellow marigolds represent positive energy and emotions like warmth, happiness, and joy. They look like little suns. When you lead a team, you bring that energy to your teammates. At your best, you help them see themselves the way you see them — competent and brilliant in their unique way.

Outside of their beauty, gardeners plant marigolds as companion plants to repel pests like aphids, flea beetles, and nematodes. If you keep deadheading (removing dead flowers), marigolds will continue to flower until the first frost.

As a cut flower, pair marigolds with other boldly coloured flowers like pink roses. You can also sew marigold blossoms together to make a garland.

Sunflower for Loyalty

Like marigolds, sunflowers are also a symbol of the sun. It does rather look like how you’d draw a sun symbol, with a circle surrounded by flames, and a sunflower turns its head toward the sun. The yellow colour symbolises vitality, intelligence, and happiness. Just looking at one boosts your spirits.

Sunflowers can also symbolize loyalty, longevity, and adoration. Loyalty is a big part of your leadership, and because of your loyalty and confidence in your teammates, your team is equally loyal to you.

Sunflowers are super easy to grow. Because they’re native to North America, they can adapt to most locations. If you have a large garden, go for the giant sunflowers towering over 6 feet tall. If you have a small garden or a container garden, pick a dwarf-sized variety.

They can also be really easy to arrange in a bouquet. Choose a large, tall vase with a smaller opening. Otherwise, these giant flowers will topple the vase. Cut the sunflowers to different heights to create an appealing sense of movement.

Dahlia for Dignity

Dahlias are another big and bold flower that stands out from the crowd, but also works well with other flowers. Likewise, while Leos like to be found in the centre of attention, that doesn’t mean they like to upstage others or push them out of the spotlight. Their plethora of petals comes together to create stunning patterns, just as you pull people toward you to a common goal.

While sunflowers and marigolds are all about the cheer Leos bring, dahlias represent their elegance, inner strength, and dignity. You take centre stage because you’re confident in your abilities, not because you’re a class clown.

To grow dahlias in your garden, plant tubers in the late spring once the cold has passed. They’re pretty sensitive to the cold. If you live in a cold zone, dig up the tubers in the autumn and store them during the winter. They blossom over your birthday from mid-summer into the autumn.

Dahlias are one of the longest-lasting cut flowers, and as a bonus, when you cut dahlias for bouquets, the dahlia plant produces more flowers! Dahlias are a versatile cut flower. Place a single bloom in a bubble vase, arrange an all-dahlia bouquet, or pair them with other blossoms of varying sizes.

Safflower for Magnetism

Safflowers aren’t the brightest or boldest of flowers. In fact, they’re quite prickly looking, resembling a thistle more than anything else. Leos are bold and confident, which can come off to others as arrogant and intimidating (not all signs are born with such confidence, Leos!). Your confident exterior hides your insecurities. If you need reassurance, you need to be open or even your closest companions may miss your needs.

On the flip side, safflowers are thought to represent attractiveness to others because of its sticky webbing. When you’re at your best, listening to others, revealing your vulnerabilities to others, and being loyal, people flock from all around to join you.

To grow this prickly-looking but utterly delicious flower, sow seeds after the last frost. They’re pretty heat-tolerant, requiring only occasional waterings to survive, although regular waterings will help them thrive. Avoid watering too heavily though. They like dry, quick-draining soil.

Safflowers add an unusual flair and fullness to a bouquet, and work well in everything from formal arrangements to old-fashioned bouquets.

Leos, celebrate your zodiac sign by planting marigolds, sunflowers, dahlias, and safflowers for the cheeriest cut flower garden on your block. Non-Leos, celebrate your favourite Leo team leader and friend with a bouquet of their zodiac birth flowers.