Gardening

How can I do some container gardening at my apartment?

Container gardening is a fantastic option for those living in an apartment; especially those who do not have a yard. It can be fun to grow fresh herbs that you can use in cooking. Here are some terrific tips for getting started:

• Make sure containers have good drainage holes and that the containers are large enough to accommodate the plants you choose to grow.
• Most plants will need a window that gets at least five hours of sunlight a day, which is usually a south or west window. Watch out for drafts, and avoid placing near radiators.
• Use a soil mixture that includes two parts potting soil to one part sand for good drainage.
• Start with herbs that are easy to grow, such as chives, parsley, basil, thyme, mint and rosemary.
• Be careful not to over water. Herbs don't do well in really wet soil.
• Make sure to let herbs grow a bit before harvesting them to use in cooking.

With just a little bit of time and care you will have a nice, indoor herb garden. Container gardening can provide you with the satisfaction of an outdoor garden without a lot of the hassle.

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What are some tips for gardening in a small yard?

You generally don't find many apartments with a garden, but if you are lucky enough to be one of the few who finds themselves in this situation, you'll want to take full advantage. There are some great small yard gardening tips out there. Here are some basics:

• Make sure to spend a little time planning out your space. It is one of the key elements in good gardening and can help you make sure you are doing all that you can with your area. Some people like to sketch things out before they begin buying or planting. It can be quite helpful.
• Don't forget to pay attention to areas that are shaded and ones that get full sun. That will help you decide which plants to choose, and where to put them. Vegetables and herbs will need a lot of sun, whereas other plants may do well in partial to full shade. Check tags, or ask at the garden store if you are unsure.
• Allow for some space between plants, so that they have room to grow in fully, or consider using containers for a small garden. It can make the space look pretty, and you can employ shelving or hanging baskets to include more plants. Mix and match containers for an eclectic feel.

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What are some good tips for deciding what to plant in an aparment garden?

If you have some room to garden, you'll need to think about what types of plants you want to have and how much time you are willing to spend on the area. Here are some gardening tips for your apartment yard:

• Flowers. If you choose to go with flowers, have a plan. Are you looking for pretty ones to cut and put in a vase or would you prefer they decorate the yard area? What colors do you like? Do you prefer to tend to them a lot or just let them bloom and fill the air with fragrance? Knowing these things ahead of time will help you do a little research. Either take a look on the Internet or ask at the garden center, but keep your criteria in mind.
• Vegetables. It can be fun to grow vegetables in a garden and then use them in your food. Choose a few favorites that would do well in your soil/sun conditions and make sure you know how to deter any pests that may spoil your goodies. Again, a bit of advance research will set you on the right course.
• Decorative plants. Grasses and other decorative plants can be a great addition to any yard. Many require little maintenance, so they can be a super choice for those who like to garden but don't have much time.

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