Top 5 vegetables to grow in hanging baskets

Picking the right vegetables for your hanging basket garden is the first step toward planting success. Hanging vegetable plants can truly flourish if they are built for the floating lifestyle. Some of the best vegetables you can grow in hanging baskets at home include the following.

Cherry tomatoes

If you have ever grown a cherry tomato plant before, then you know how wild the plant can get. Cherry tomatoes grow on long vines. These tomatoes are low-maintenance, making them great for hanging baskets. The long vines grow down and over the edges of the hanging basket for a natural look.

Lettuce

Growing your own lettuce can be great, especially if you love salads. There are a lot of benefits to growing your lettuce in hanging baskets, one being that you can keep it safe from slugs and other pests. Unlike cherry tomatoes, lettuce grows in a very compact form. There is no overhang, and the lettuce can grow nicely in the small space provided.

Peas

When a pea plant is fully grown, the thick and luscious green leaves can easily overtake the edges of a hanging basket. It almost looks like a ball of green leaves hanging from your front porch. Peas grow on long vines in bundles, making them perfect plants for hanging baskets. They are low-maintenance and easy to harvest. They also benefit from being off the ground and away from pests.

Pepper

Another great option for growing vegetables in hanging baskets is the pepper. Many types of peppers can thrive in hanging baskets. Hot chili peppers, bell peppers, cherry peppers, banana peppers, and jalapeno peppers are just a few you can grow in your hanging baskets. It is the perfect way to bring some heat and spice to your outdoor garden.

Cucumbers

When grown in hanging baskets, cucumbers tend to be straighter from hanging, more uniform, and less susceptible to pests. Harvesting your cucumbers is also a lot easier.

Where should you hang a vegetable basket

Once you figure out what delicious vegetables you want to grow, you have to figure out where to hang these veggie baskets. There are a lot of options for locations for your hanging vegetable baskets. Each one has different benefits, and it really just comes down to preference.

Front porch or back deck

The front porch or back deck is a great option for hanging up your baskets. Depending on which way your home is facing, it is important to consider sunlight. If your home is facing the sunrise (in the east), you may want to consider putting your vegetables that require less sun on the back porch. It all depends on the type of vegetable, the direction of the sun, and the sun tolerance of each plant.

Inside a sunroom

Sunrooms can provide your vegetables with all the light they need and the protection from pests. They can be a great way to keep your plants safe from the elements as they get good sunshine.

Kitchen by a window

A smaller-sized hanging basket can fit in the kitchen, but it needs to be right by the window. It is also important to consider that the dirt from hanging baskets may cause a bit of a mess in your kitchen sink area.

On a tree

If you don’t have handy hooks ready for hanging up your baskets, you can simply use a nearby tree. Hanging your basket on a tree can be beneficial because it provides good shade and enough sunlight.

What soil is best for hanging vegetable baskets?

Soil is an important factor for a successful hanging basket. If you think about it, hanging baskets feature a lot of plants and root systems, but not very much soil. This is why the type of soil you use is so important. It can mean the difference between a bountiful harvest of veggies and a brown, dying plant.

Because of this, you need to choose a potting soil that has the following characteristics:

• Holds moisture well.
• Light, aerated, and breathable.
• Heavy enough to hold the roots.

Many potting soils can check these boxes, so it is also important to look for some key ingredients that come with store-bought soil:

• Peat moss
• Pine bark
• Perlite
• Vermiculite

Using some of these tips and tricks will have you on your way to a successful hanging vegetable basket. Hanging planters are great for bringing gardening to the sky and celebrating the beauty that nature has to offer. Utilize some of these hardy vegetables that not only survive but also thrive in a hanging basket environment. You will love how bountiful your harvest will be each and every season.

Which herbs do well in small pots?

Conveniently, many herbs grow well in pots. You might choose a mix of fragrant and particularly pretty herbs, or you might choose a medley of those you use most often in cooking. If you want to grow different herbs in the same pot, be sure that those you group together have similar care requirements. We suggest picking a few of the following:

• Basil
• Fennel
• Mint
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Thyme
• Tarragon

Be sure to do research on growth requirements for each herb you are considering including in your garden. Some herbs grow in partial sun (though most do best in full sun), and some herbs should be planted in soil that is continuously moist. All herbs should be grown in quality, well-draining soil.

What types of pots are best for herbs?

Herbs can honestly be grown in any container with good drainage. When it comes to pots, small vessels will usually work fine since a majority of herbs don’t have deep root systems. Herbs that thrive in moisture could be successfully grown in self-watering pots, but others that should dry out between waterings should not be grown in self-watering pots.

The smaller the pot, the less soil it can contain and the fewer plants it can foster. So, if you want to grow multiple herbs together, consider utilizing a larger pot or perhaps long herb planters for your deck. Planter material can also be of concern, as materials like terra cotta will heat up in the sun, which can fry the roots of herbs. Other material options for pots include concrete and tin (which can also get hot). It may be necessary to move your herbs to the shade after they have received their daily six to eight hours of direct sunlight.

A vertical garden setup is also worth considering. The considerations are all essentially the same, but by setting up a vertical garden, it clears up floor space on the patio. You can buy a vertical planter, or DIY one yourself by arranging a series of small pots along the rungs of a ladder.

How should an herb garden be cared for?

Besides sunlight requirements, herbs also differ in their need for watering. Fertilizer isn’t generally needed to grow fruitful herb crops. In fact, too much fertilizer (which some herbs are very sensitive to) can simply kill some herbs. Regularly check plants for pests such as aphids or caterpillars, remove them if necessary, and treat the plant appropriately. A majority of herbs should be harvested when they begin to bud. Some herbs can be grown indoors during winter if gradually introduced to the new environment. Learn how to keep herbs alive indoors year-round so you get to enjoy their flavors and health benefits all the time.

Can I plant vegetables along with my herbs?

Companion planting is something to consider, especially if you have a little extra room for it. Many herbs work great as natural ways to keep pests off of your vegetables, so not only will you be able to create meals from your homegrown garden, you’ll also be doing so without relying on chemicals. When thinking about which herbs to grow as companions to which vegetables, it’s helpful to consider which flavors taste well together—often, if they work well together in a dish, they’ll work well together in a plants.

Companion plants to consider include:

• Basil and tomatoes
• Chives and carrots
• Mint or dill and cabbage
• Chamomile and onions

How to keep pots from staining your deck

There are a number of ways to prevent deck pots from staining the deck they sit on. Firstly, don’t overwater plants — this is a surefire way for unsightly water rings to form on wood. Encourage ample drainage by placing planters on platforms so that they are slightly raised above the ground. Hanging planters can also eliminate the problem of deck stains. Even though your herbs might die in the winter, don’t neglect moving pots off of the deck. For a long-lasting fix that doesn’t require moving planters, consider sealing your deck.

Are herbs better grown in pots or in the ground?

There are advantages and disadvantages to both container and ground gardening. We love container gardening, especially because it allows you to carefully control soil moisture levels and keep weeds at bay. Moreover, potted plants can be brought indoors in winter. You can also control what plants grow where when placing plants in planters. Herbs planted in the ground have more room to grow, so the ground is a more apt choice for some herbs.

A small deck doesn’t have to limit your gardening choices. Pots and planters are quite the helper. And some herbs are quite compatible in terms of growth requirements. If you want a deck herb garden, by all means, go for it! Hopefully, our tips and tricks will help you in your venture. You’ll reap tasty crops in no time and have a fragrant and beautiful miniature garden in the meantime!

What makes a good gardener?

Having the ability to create a plan

You may have heard the phrase, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” The first skill set of an aspiring gardener is to be able to craft an annual plan. Within this plan should be details about the types of seeds you’ll be planting, the time to grow and harvest each one, and the supplies and schedule you will require to properly induce abundant growth. It helps to set goals while crafting a functional framework.

Consistently exercising patience

Some plants can sprout fairly quickly, but the fact is, growing anything takes time. Especially in regard to produce, fruits and vegetables take time to sprout and multiply. Specific plants go through a blossoming phase as well. There are also instances where a seed you planted struggles to sprout at all or becomes jeopardized by pests. Keep trying, and acquaint yourself with as many resources as possible to learn better ways to garden.

What tools facilitate great gardening?

Tools for digging

There are three main digging tools you’ll commonly use. The first one is a spade. You can think of this as a small handheld shovel, typically no more than a few inches long. You can use this to loosen soil and break up lumps. The second is a fork. Not the kind you eat dinner with, but a pronged tool, about the same size as the spade, and used to till small patches of dirt. Lastly, a shovel is needed, which is the largest of the three. Shovels are about the height of a man and hold a large, curved metal scoop at the bottom. A shovel is used to dig large holes or create bigger disturbances in the earth.

Tools for pruning

The two most common pruning tools are shears and saws. Shears can come in a variety of sizes and look very much like oversized scissors or pliers. They are designed for cutting thinner plant cuts like stems, brittle twigs, shrubbery, and flowers. Saws are long metal slats with jagged edges used to cut heavier, thicker plant life, like tree branches, trunks, and other thick, wooden logs.

Tools for working with soil

Tools for working with soil can often include soil itself. Having topsoil on hand is important, as many types of vegetables flourish when protected by dense layers of dirt. If you are looking to work with the soil you have, a tiller is beneficial. Tilling the ground allows oxygen to penetrate deeper into your seeds and stimulate improved root systems.

How can I make my garden eco friendly?

Use local varieties of plant life

As appealing as it may sound to try and grow oranges right at home when you live in, say, a mountainous region, this will be a challenge. It is important to select plants naturally suited to the region in which you live. It improves your chances of success and will cut down on the use of imported fertilizers that may require chemical encouragement.

Avoid chemical pesticides and fertilizers

When battling bugs and other pests, you can use nets, covers, oils, and other plant excretions to protect your garden. The need for chemical alternatives is easily avoidable and will minimize the risk to your plants. Any chemical that is put in the same soil as your produce or flowers will likely reach the roots of your plants.

To know how to be a good gardener and what skills are necessary for great gardening, you don’t need a complex guidebook. Start by creating a game plan and preparing with patience. Assemble the tools, including soils, pruning shears, and digging accessories. Of course, seeds are also an obvious requirement. Choose plants local to your area, and limit the amount of pesticides you use to protect your area. If you can master these basics, you will find success in growing your own green thumb.

Are cactuses hard to take care of?

Native to the hottest regions of both North and South America, the cactus plant is a natural survivor, with the ability to thrive through scorching days and freezing nights. Although varying in size, shape, and color, cactuses are all-in-all very easy to care for. They are among the most popular houseplants and garden plants due to their low-maintenance nature. Beyond their cool and exotic appearance, some other great benefits of cactuses and why they are so low-maintenance include:

• No water, no problem. Some cactuses found in nature can last two years without water replenishment. Once a cactus fills up its thick stems with as much water as it can hold, it is set for a very long period of time. This is because cactuses do not have leaves, unlike most other plants. Leaves are where water disperses and evaporates, causing a higher need for consistent water replenishment. Since cactuses store their water, they can be watered much less than the average plant.

• Shallow root system. A shallow root system may not seem like a big deal when you have ample yard room, but it can be a great feature in houseplants and ones that need to be grown in tight, outdoor spaces. The shallow root system of cactuses means that you don’t need a large container for them when used indoors. It also means that you can plant your cactus as a decorative feature next to your house, driveway, or walkway without the risk of the roots disrupting any underground cables.

• Many are cold hardy. Although you probably think of unbelievably hot temperatures and dry air when you think of cactuses, there are actually quite a few types that can thrive all the way up to Canada. Some great cold, hardy cactus plants include: echinocereus, agave, cholla, and escobaria.

• Put them anywhere and watch them flourish. Whether you want to place your cactus in your living room by the window or on your kitchen counter, this plant will have no problem thriving. All cactuses really need, especially houseplant varieties, are occasional waterings, plenty of direct sunlight, and some porous soil to provide you with a consistently-beautiful view.

How do you keep a cactus alive?

Although these spike-adorned, exotic-looking plants seem like they could be a real handful, they are far from it. Simple, minimal effort is required to keep your cactus healthy and cared for, indoors or out. Once you have your cactus set up in a good location, all it takes is some occasional watering to keep it alive. There is no pruning, trimming, mulching, or fertilizing needed. If you want to see just how easy it is to get your cactus set up in its forever home, check out these tips:

• Plant your cactus in porous soil for the best water filtration. You can find potting soil designed just for cactuses at your local gardening shop.

• Ensure your cactus has access to enough light. Typically, about eight hours of sunlight per day is more than enough for your little plant.

• When it comes to watering your cactus, the frequency depends on whether or not your cactus is in the growing stage. If your cactus is still growing to its maximum size, you should water it once a week. Once you have a mature cactus, you can reduce the frequency.

How often do you water a cactus?

Watering a cactus occurs less frequently than most other plants, but can still depend on the type of cactus you have. Certain indoor cactuses may require more frequent watering, while others may not. Typically, if you have a flowering cactus, it requires consistent weekly watering, even when fully grown.

Most outdoor varieties that are built to be hardy can flourish with monthly waterings. Overall, indoor cactus thrive with weekly waterings, and outdoor cactus thrive with monthly waterings, but it can be helpful to do research on your specific variety to find the exact answer.

Does a cactus need sunlight?

Since the cactus plant is native to hot areas, it is easy to understand why cactuses love the sun. Most cactus varieties can thrive on four to six hours of direct sunlight, but at least eight hours is ideal. Although the cactus can live for short periods of time without sunlight, it must receive enough daily sunlight to survive — just like any other plant.

As you can see, whether you’re a plant pro or have never taken care of a living thing before, cactuses are a great option. With the ability to flourish with little water, harsh temperatures, and varying environments, it is easy to see that this fun plant thrives on neglect. Available in many styles, shapes, sizes, and colors, you can find a cactus plant to match any space in your home. No matter what kind of cactus you get, you will love this undeniably unique and low-maintenance plant.

Herbs have been prized since ancient times for their aromatic fragrances, healing potential, and great taste. Nearly every meal imaginable can be enhanced with a combination of either dried or fresh herbs.

Today, many people love to grow their own herbs to be used in the creation of beauty products such as lip balms, moisturizers, shampoos, and much more. Some even love to grow herbs to create household items such as air fresheners.
Herbs can be used to assist many things that will improve your quality of life such as:

• Providing vital nutrient support and supplementation benefits
• Flavor enhancement of your home-cooked meals
• Hair, skin, and dental benefits
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Improved cholesterol profiles
• Improved circulation
• Immune-system support
• Anticancer properties
• Antimicrobial properties
• Enhanced mood and well-being

All said, there are many incredible benefits that you can derive from growing your own herbs year in a greenhouse. Growing herbs is a wonderful way to create high-quality plant-based therapies and foods that you and your family will love. Species such as rosemary, lavender, and basil are extremely easy to grow and provide a tremendous wealth of benefits for the mind, body, and spirit.

If you are thinking about growing herbs, you will be happy to know they are generally very easy to take care of as long as you follow the general growing care instructions for each plant.

What herbs grow well in a greenhouse?

There is a huge variety of herbs to choose from when it comes to planning the herb section of your greenhouse garden. Herbs such as rosemary, lavender, marjoram, basil, thyme, oregano, parsley, chives, and mint can all do quite well under the warm, controlled temperature of your special grow space.

While the growing specifics can differ from species to species, generally most herbs thrive in warm and dry weather. This makes it quite easy to provide them a stable and supportive environment using a heat-controlled space such as a greenhouse.

Can you grow herbs in a greenhouse in winter?

As long as your greenhouse is heated, you can definitely grow herbs throughout the winter months. If you are available to provide a partially heat-controlled environment, using a greenhouse on a balcony for instance, it can definitely be a great way to extend your growing season.

Overwintering is the process of protecting plants such as your herb garden so they can be replanted once the spring thaw arrives and temperatures become more mild. Even an unheated but well-protected and insulated greenhouse can be useful for helping preserve plants during the coldest and least-hospitable times of the year.

Many herbalists without access to heated greenhouses try to grow an excess of herbs during the warmer months. Many of these powerful plants can be frozen, preserved dried, or placed in oils to extend the length of time they will last.

Can you grow rosemary in a greenhouse?

Rosemary has many varieties that will absolutely thrive under greenhouse conditions. Your space will need to provide well-drained soil with a temperature around 65 F to 75 F. You might be able to get away with temperatures slightly above or below that, but generally these are the ideal conditions to strive for when planning for the temperature of your greenhouse.

Can you grow basil in a greenhouse?

Basil is another herbal powerhouse that absolutely loves to be grown under the controlled conditions of a greenhouse. Basil thrives in places where it is warmer. As a result, you will need your greenhouse to be able to support a temperature of at least 50 F for this staple of Italian cuisine to flourish. Many gardeners start their basil in greenhouses during the winter and then transfer them outside when the last spring thaws have passed and spring is starting to return to the land.

How to set up your greenhouse

When setting up your small herb greenhouse, you want to make sure your plants can be easily accessed for both care and harvesting. You don’t want to trample plants when trying to harvest one in the middle, so try to set up your space accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to maintain a two-foot-wide path that you can easily walk through, but one foot will do depending on how you arrange your space and what you set up.

If all you want is a space to grow herbs, have at it! Set things up where they fit and where you want them; however, you should try to keep the same/similar herbs together so you don’t have to chase down five different batches of basil to water. If you’d like, you could spruce up your herb greenhouse by adding a unifying element. You could try one or two kinds of flowers to grow alongside your herbs to give the space a pop of color.

In outdoor gardens, many gardeners will opt for a larger herb plant to be the focal point of the space. You could do something like that in your greenhouse, as well, perhaps by setting up a large potted rosemary in the back in full view of the door. Keep in mind that whatever you choose for a focal point should still be accessible for watering and/or harvesting, no matter how you lay it out.

How often should you water?

Each plant in your greenhouse will have specific needs, which is why it’s best to keep similar herbs grouped together. Not only will you not have to search all over your greenhouse for that missing thyme plant, you’ll have an easier time remembering what plants require what amount of water. In small herb greenhouses, you can easily maintain this yourself. In larger ones, it may be best to set up a greenhouse watering system to help you. Just be sure to pay attention to each plant and what it needs, and you’ll be OK!

Growing herbs in a greenhouse is a good way to have a fresh supply year-round or even just during colder months when it’s hard to keep herbs alive in your living space. As long as you maintain your space, design your layout to be easily accessible, and care for your herbs, you should have a bountiful harvest.

May you enjoy the benefits of delicious herbs

Fresh herbs are a real treasure for the senses. They smell lovely, taste great, and vitalize many of the body’s essential systems. In short, they are nutrient powerhouses that really deserve a place in your greenhouse. Herbs very typically thrive in warmer conditions. While there are species and varieties that can handle the cold, many of the most well-known and popular ones will really require a warm, heat-controlled environment to be able to thrive year-round in colder climates.

How do you prune indoor plants?

Pruning plants indoors is really not much different than trimming back plants in your outdoor garden spaces. You want to focus the energy of your plants on the areas that are the most healthy and vital. When you prune back areas that are not doing as well, your plant can then redirect its energies toward new growth and sustaining what is already there.

Only trim back parts of your plants that are diseased, damaged, or dead. The characteristics to look for will differ slightly from plant to plant, but generally speaking, anything that has completely dried out, turned from green to yellow or brown, or barely hanging on most likely falls into one of the categories.

Diseased plants differ greatly from species to species. There are many plant identification and photo apps that you can use that will help you to identify what different plant diseases look like. Generally, diseased areas of your plants will look different than everything else. They could be in different colors, have fuzz or mold growing on them, and look like they are starting to decompose. All of these less-than-typical plant looks are signs that you should cut back your flora friend.

Dead leaves, flowers, and stems are pretty obvious because they will be completely dried out. They may change color a bit, but it should be very clear that while one area of the plant is vibrant, green, and strong, other areas will be excessively dry, crumbly, and obviously not looking as healthy as before. Removing dead growth on your plant helps them to function healthier and better. If this is the case, you don’t need to worry about harming the plant.

Damaged leaves, stems, and flowers may have broken because of the wind, your pets, or you walking on them. They may be barely hanging on to the plant. Removing broken pieces is an important home-gardening-maintenance step to take to ensure your plants live their best possible lives. While some gardeners feel bad about pruning, in most cases, it is the healthiest way to deal with the dead, damaged, and diseased areas of your plants.

Be sure to carefully clean your pruning shears after trimming back diseased or damaged leaves, stems, or flowers. You do not want to unintentionally spread any diseases between your houseplants. This is possible but can be easily avoided by washing your gardening tools.

How do you trim overgrown houseplants?

Generally, you do not want to trim too much of a plant back at any one time. You will want to review guidelines for trimming back a specific plant to know what is the best course of action. If you simply want to reduce the size of an overgrown plant, trim some branches only by 1/4 inch, others by a 1/2 inch, and if necessary only cut some all the way to the stem.

We don’t recommend doing all too much trimming in a single day. If you cut back too much and too quickly, you could harm your plant, make it susceptible to disease, or cause it to die. Be gentle and patient about these things — cut back a little bit on different sides over a few days or weeks. The slower and more balanced your trimming, the easier it is for your plant to adapt without becoming overly stressed.

How do you prune plants without killing them?

It’s important that you’re not be too aggressive. Pruning is a delicate art and not become too forceful. Your plants are living, and cutting back dead, diseased, and damaged parts are different than simply trimming back your plant as if you’re styling a person’s hair. Some plants will allow this kind of treatment, but in general, do not get too forceful with your plants — treat them with gentle and loving touches.

Can you cut dead parts off leaves?

We recommend cutting dead parts off your houseplants as soon as you notice them. This will allow the plants to direct their energy toward making other areas grow and flower. When your plants try to direct their energy to dead areas, they will waste some of it trying to revive an area that may already be too far gone. Cut off dead, diseased, or damaged leaves, stems, and
flowers as soon as possible.

Prune with confidence

Pruning is an important part of indoor and outdoor gardening. Prune any dead, diseased, or damaged parts of your plants. General trimming is possible, but you need to be very careful and research what is best for the particular plant you are pruning. Do not trim too aggressively. Pruning and trimming might seem scary at first, but as you practice you will learn how to gracefully support the plants that are around your home.

How do I get started?

Garlic is propagated in two ways. One way is by planting cloves that are separated individually from bulbs. Another way is using the small, unseparated bulbs of hard neck garlic. These bulbs are found in the scape, which emerges in mid-spring up the middle of the developing garlic bulb. It will produce a “flower” filled with tiny garlic cloves, known as bulbils. Removing the garlic scape redirects growth energy into producing a larger garlic bulb. Also, many people consider the garlic scape as a delicacy in cooking.

Bulbils are the best way to propagate garlic because the number of bulbils is higher than cloves, meaning you’ll grow more garlic. Also, unlike cloves, bulbils don’t grow under the soil. So there’s less chance of losing your production because of soil-borne diseases. If you want to propagate garlic from cloves, make sure to use disease-free cloves.

How do I propagate garlic cloves?

To propagate garlic cloves you need to separate the cloves from the bulb and make sure to save the papery thin cover of each clove. The covers protect the cloves from pests.

Next, dig small holes approximately 1 inch deep and 2 inches wide. Maintain a distance of at least 5 to 6 inches between each hole; also, keep an average of 6 to 10 inches between each row.
If you’d prefer, you can also plant bulbils in seedling trays indoors or in a greenhouse. The results will be the same, so you just need to determine what method works best for you. A 6-inch pot should be able to hold about 10 bulbils.

Place a clove in each hole with the pointed side facing upward. The roots grow from the bottom of the cloves and the shoots grow from the pointed side. Cover the holes with well-drained soil and compost and a soil pH of 6 to 7.5.
Keep a handle on the weeds

Make sure you keep your planting area free of weeds so they don’t choke out your tender, new garlic. It will actually look like chives so don’t mistake it for grass. Some experts suggest planting bulbils in furrows so you can easily distinguish shoots from weeds and grass.

The small bulbils can take as much as three years to produce a good-sized bulb while large bulbils will produce small bulbs the first year. This is also the time to make sure you water regularly. The bulbils need to be kept moist; if allowed to dry out in the early stages of growth they will die.

If you are planting cloves in the fall, there is always the risk of losing your crop to winter kill or voles or moles. Use 2 to 3 inches of mulch over the garlic clove beds to protect them from freezing, but do not mulch until just before snowfall. Mulch attracts pests like voles and moles that will make a comfy nest right over their winter snacks!
You’ll know it’s time to harvest when the garlic is mostly brown and starting to dry. Cure in a well-ventilated area with no direct sunlight.

Replenish soil before replanting

Once you’ve been successful harvesting bulbils your first year, you’ll probably want to turn around and replant them. But don’t just leave them in the ground to grow another year! You’ll want to plant them farther apart the second year and you don’t want to use the same soil two years in a row, which would increase your chance for diseases.

It’s a good idea to replenish the nutrients in your soil before the second planting. Composted mature or vegetable compost are both highly recommended.

The key here is patience! It can take a few years to achieve beautiful, large garlic bulbs, but the investment is worth it.

How do you grow beans indoors?

Green beans are delicious. Fresh off the vine, you can pop them open to enjoy the crisp pods inside. Cooking them over heat or tossing them into a salad are also satisfying options. To know how to grow green beans indoors, you’ll want to begin with a receptacle. For green beans, larger containers or pots are ideal. Think narrow, but deep, so that a supportive root system can flourish. Make sure your bean case has holes punched in the bottom for drainage. Position your plant near a window, where six to eight hours of sunlight can be guaranteed each day. Starting green bean plants indoors may also require a trellis if it is a pole variety.

How do you start a bean plant?

Starting the bean plant itself consists of a few steps. Most seed packets will include instructions specific to the variety within. Start by sowing the seeds, about 2.5 inches deep into your soil. Water the container well for the first week, as the early germination phase for green beans is about a week or so. The dirt should remain fairly moist. As the extra moisture drains out of the bottom, you may want to place a pan underneath to catch the overflow.

Once the green beans begin to sprout, take care when watering as keeping the leaves dry is ideal. As the sprouts grow, you should water the ground only when it becomes dry. When you’ve cultivated them to maturity, reap the benefits of your effort by snapping each pod at the stem.

What vegetables can be grown indoors?

The array of vegetables you can grow right in your own kitchen is rather impressive. Carrots, potatoes, and radishes are all root varieties that can be sprouted in a planter with rather acidic soil. Microgreens, salad greens, and green onions are lush options you can grow in containers about 1 foot deep and 2 feet wide. Herbs such as mint, parsley, cilantro, and rosemary can be grown in smaller pots or even in pretty rows.

A pleasant consequence of fresh herbs is that the smell will be enough to reward your efforts. You can dry and store herbs for seasoning. For those that enjoy a little spice in their garden, hot peppers can be grown at home with enough warmth. Peppers need sunlight or even a plant lamp to keep them healthy. A local gardening shop will keep you stocked with all the tools and containers you’ll need.

How much room do green beans need?

Pole varieties of green beans require a higher level of vertical space since a trellis is involved. Bush beans sprawl out a bit more and can benefit from a wider, more square-shaped box. As long as the depth of your pot or planter box is about a foot or so deep, you’ll be fine. Most window boxes are just the right size for a bean plant.

Indoor gardening comes at a minimal cost. As long as you have window space, good soil, water, and healthy seeds, you will be able to sprout a fantastic assortment of produce. Green beans are highly recommended for beginners, as are fragrant herbs. Even hot peppers can be cultivated indoors. The main component to consider is container size. Some plants flourish with deep root systems while others can stay quite shallow. For example, potatoes should be planted deep in acidic, fertilized soil.

The harvest you yield indoors depends on the amount of space you can spare. By growing green beans and other vegetables indoors, you will not be restricted by seasons.

What’s in organic mulch?

The simplest way to describe organic mulch is that it is made of anything that was once living. The term “organic” means something is created from living matter. Because there are so many natural materials, it is easy to see why there are so many great organic mulch options for your garden. From leaves to grass and bark to wood chips, there is no shortage of materials that you can find in organic mulch. Whether you create your own or purchase a store-bought option, organic mulch will benefit your garden, plants, and the environment tremendously.

Is organic mulch good in gardens?

To say that organic mulch is good in gardens is an understatement. With the ability to add a variety of nutrients to the soil and your plants, organic mulch is a great way to improve the overall health of your garden. Organic mulch can add other helpful benefits like:

• Protection from soil erosion
• Plant root insulation from cold weather
• Added attractiveness to the garden bed
• Reduction of weed growth
• Ability to hold onto moisture
• Biodegradation into the soil for increased nutrients and overall health

What’s the best kind of organic mulch?

Although you can’t go wrong with most types of organic mulch, there are a few that stand out from the rest. With all of them offering numerous benefits from water retention to additional nutritional value, you may think it’s impossible to choose. So, to figure out the right type for your garden, check out these homemade and store-bought picks that leave out nothing for the ideal organic mulch:

Bark. Bark is a great, long-lasting option that will stick around and benefit your garden for months. Sourced from tree trunks, tree bark is sturdy, absorbent, and insulating, making it a great option for a variety of garden beds. Common types of bark organic mulch include cedar, pine, and cypress.

Wood chips. When it comes to finding wood chips, it is important to look for completely all-natural options. Many store-bought wood chip varieties are dyed or treated for more long-lasting durability. This should be avoided since it is bad for your plants and the environment.

Pine straw. A truly affordable option, pine straw can work great as a protective layer against weed growth. When it degrades it tends to make the soil quite acidic, so it is important to place it around plants that thrive in this type of environment.

Compost. Compost is a great homemade option. You can purchase a compost bucket or just use any container with a lid as your own compost receptacle. To create your own compost, simply toss in your natural leftovers like banana peels, coffee grounds, or grass clippings and let nature do the rest. When you spread compost around your garden bed, you are adding a remarkable amount of nutrients that will ensure a flourishing crop of plants.
Vegetables typically require a lot of nutrients when it comes to growing a bountiful harvest of healthy goodness. Because of this, many vegetable growers choose to add fertilizer to their soil for the best results. Rather than stick to this traditional method, you can actually give your veggie plants everything they need with organic mulch. When it comes to choosing the best of the best for your vegetables, these options take the cake:

• Compost
• Shredded, dry leaves
• Straw
• Newspaper
• Grass clippings

Organic mulch is all about repurposing a once living aspect of a plant. Whether it be the leaves, pine needles, or bark, all of these materials make a great, nutritious mulch to help your garden thrive. Organic mulch features all of the great benefits of regular mulch with the added benefit of biodegrading into the soil below. This helps your plants gain everything they need to provide you with a lively, lush crop of goodness.