Container Gardening: A Basic Guide Containing Small Garden Ideas

Container Gardening: A Basic Guide Containing Small Garden Ideas

There are a lot of reasons why home owners should get a guide for container gardening. Just like with other small garden ideas, planning is necessary when it comes to gardening. That is why home owners who are planning to make a container garden should get a guide for small garden ideas that will help them with the planning process.

For home owners who are interested in making their own container garden, these reasons may help motivate them to try their best in using various small garden ideas for their container garden:

1. Container gardening is easy
For home owners who have not tried other small garden ideas such as raised gardening, container gardening is any easy way to start gardening. With the Easy Outdoor Gardening in Containers book, home owners will be provided with container gardening tips and small garden ideas such as how to create a soil mixture for the plants and how to care for them.

2. It is economical
With container gardening, home owners can try out different small garden ideas such as using old buckets with holes punched at the bottom as containers. For home owners who want small garden ideas in choosing the right materials for their container, the Easy Outdoor Gardening in Containers book will show 14 different materials that can be used for making containers.

3. Space is not limited
Even a small corner of a home can be made beautiful with container gardening. There is no need to worry about the amount of space that can be used. With the small garden ideas at the Easy Outdoor Gardening book, home owners will be shown 16 different places around their home that they can use for their gardening.

When it comes to container gardening, it is not as simple as planting a seed and then watering it daily. It involves considering various small garden ideas such as how to make a container garden, how to care for the plants and other things. With the Easy Outdoor Gardening in Containers book provided by Easy Outdoor Gardening, container gardening will become easy with the small garden ideas provided on the book.

For more information and small garden ideas in container gardening, please visit http://www.easy-outdoor-gardening.com/

Beginners Guide for Flower Garden

Beginners Guide for Flower Garden

Beginners Guide for Flower Garden

Flower gardening is an exciting hobby that many people are undertaking as a pastime. People consider that flower gardening means just planting the flower plants and watering them. For the beautiful and attractive flower garden, it is important for you to follow all the flower gardening tips. These tips will help you design an effective flower garden with beautiful blooming flowers.

There are many things that one needs to consider when thinking of planting a garden. Initially one should inspect the garden area and decide on what type of garden you want to design. Following are some gardening tips that will help the beginners for planting a flower garden.

Beginners Tips for Planting Flower Garden

Garden Area

Inspect the area where you want to plant your flower garden. If you have enough space in your backyards, it will be the most suitable place for your garden. But don’t worry if you don’t have a spacious backyard, you can even plant a flower garden in your balcony. Make sure that the area you select for your garden is well equipped with the drainage and water facilities. Also make sure that the garden area receives full sunlight for the maximum time of the day. If you are planting in the containers and pots in your balcony, you can move them in the sunlight during day hours.

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Garden Design

Decide on what type of garden design you want for your garden. You can draw a rough sketch on paper for the design and see of the area you have chosen is suitable for such kind of design. Keep sufficient space in between the garden for walking and watering the plants. You can plant the small and attractive bushes for making fences for your garden.

Choosing the Flower Plants

Selecting the flowering plants for growing in your garden is another important consideration before planting a flower garden. You should select the plants that grow well in your area’s climatic conditions. Roses are the best choice for every type of environment. Along with roses, the combination of lilies and daisies can give a beautiful look to your garden. Every type flower plants have different water and food requirements. Hence, it is important to select the plants with similar requirements. This will enhance the overall growth of all the flower plants.

Preparing the Flower Bed

Inspect the garden area and remove all the weeds from the area where you want to plant the garden. You can do this in two ways – either by removing the weeds with hands or using the herbicides to kill the weeds. Then you can plow the land or dig the soil for about feet. Add the natural mulch and organic fertilizers or compost to the soil. Mulching will avoid the further growth of weeds in your garden area and natural compost will help to increase the nutrient contents in the soil. This will be beneficial in the plant growth.

Planting the Seeds

You can sow the seeds by pressing them two to three inches inside the soil. Water the area gently after sowing the seeds. During early days after planting, water the area daily. You can water the plant alternately after few days of growth.

Plucking the Flowers

Cut the dead branches and twigs from the plants immediately or it may haunt the proper growth of the plant. Pluck the flowers when they bloom completely and do not keep them on plant for long time after blooming.

Free Guide To Buying Garden Furniture

Free Guide To Buying Garden Furniture

Buying Garden Furniture

Your garden is an extension of your home, and creating an outdoor living room is an easy way to add extra space to any home. All you have to do is choose the right garden furniture.

So, just as you choose a sofa or a dining set, you want to make the right decision when it comes to choosing your garden furniture. There are two major factors to bear in mind: what do you want your furniture for, and what materials will your garden furniture be made of.

Who will use your garden furniture?

First, think about how you will use your garden furniture. Are you going to have lots of barbecues and larger gatherings, or is your garden a haven for just the two of you? Or maybe you have a larger garden, and want to create several seating areas – one for dining, one for catching the late evening sun where you can relax with a book, and a secluded little area where you can enjoy a morning coffee and a magazine once everyone else has gone off to school or work.

Dining sets for the garden

For those barbecues, think about a large rectangular table (36-46in), which will comfortably seat 4 or 6 people. Dining-style chairs with high backs (and cushions) will be more comfortable.

Folding garden furniture

If space is limited, and you don’t think you’ll use your larger garden furniture on a regular basis, think about choosing chairs and tables that can be folded up, and stacked in a garage or shed. Folding chairs are useful when you have extra guests.

Table for two

For an intimate arrangement, bistro tables are a great choice. A round table with two chairs is perfect for popping out for that summer drink or cup of coffee and won’t take up too much space. You could add a couple more folding chairs in case you have extra visitors.

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Curl up in a garden arbour

For an attractive seating area off a garden path or next to a beautiful border, a garden arbour bench is perfect. The bench is usually big enough for two (or one, curled up with a good book), and growing climbing plants around it can enhance its beauty. For a quick effect, choose annual climbers such as sweet peas, which will form a scented haven, or a Clematis Montana, which by its second year will be rioting over your arbour, regaling it in pale pink/white flowers. A slower growing climber, such as ivy or Russian vine can be planted at the same time.

What will your garden furniture be made of?

The style of your garden, your budget, and storage facilities will dictate what your garden furniture will be made of.

Mixed materials

For a stylish contemporary look, go for garden furniture comprising wood, metal and glass. Colourful all-weather material will really make a statement.

Hardwood garden furniture

Hardwood such as teak, oak and ash is the most durable choice for wooden garden furniture. Make sure your garden table and chairs comes from a recognised supplier who’s a member of the WWF Global Forest and Trade Network or FSC. To keep it looking its best, wooden garden furniture should be protected from the elements (store in a shed or garage over winter, or invest in some good-quality garden furniture covers) and treated regularly with wood preserver. But wooden garden furniture can also be left outside all year round if you want it to weather naturally.

Softwood garden furniture

Softwood garden furniture, such as pine, is beautiful in most gardens, though particularly suited to more rural, cottage-style environments. Ensure that your chosen garden furniture is made with wood from forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Look out for the FSC logo.

Aluminium and metal garden furniture

If you want low-maintenance garden furniture, metal garden furniture is for you. It’s easy to just wipe clean and metal and aluminium garden furniture can be left outside in any weather conditions.

Glass garden furniture On a cloudy day (and we have a few of those!) glass garden furniture will reflect any sun there is, adding light to a shady area. It’s also easy to maintain – just wipe clean.

Resin furniture

Resin garden furniture is a good budget option. It’s easy to clean and lightweight.

Garden furniture accessories

Parasols

To shade a garden dining table – or even keep off those spots of rain, a parasol is essential. Look out for some fantastic coloured-parasols this year, or stick to classic dark green or cream.

Garden chair cushions

Even the most comfortable garden furniture will benefit from a bit of padding. Adding a new set of cushions is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to update your garden furniture.

Garden furniture buying guide Q&A

I’m short on space? Can I still have garden furniture?

Think about buying a folding garden table and chairs. It can be moved out of the way if the children want a game of football.

How about garden furniture for a sunbathing fan?

Look for a recliner or lounger. Both have several positions, so you can sit more upright if you’re reading, or lie back for a snooze in the sun.

Where will the children sit?

If you have a large family, or have lots of young visitors, you might like to buy them their own garden furniture. There are some wonderful colourful garden furniture sets around for children, with matching chairs, tables and parasols, all built on a miniature scale. If children are going to sit on adult garden furniture, choose solid, stable chairs that are hard to tip over, and with rounded edges to prevent knocks and bumps. Washable cushions are a good idea too!

The Lazy Susan guide to metal garden furniture

The Lazy Susan guide to metal garden furniture

Wrought iron, cast aluminum, aluminum, and steel are the most common metals used in garden furniture and which material you choose really depends on your taste. You can get a whole range of prices regardless of the material but the wrought iron furniture tends to be a little more expensive (and the most heavy!). And while there are many types to choose from, they are all very durable and will last for many years without the need for too much maintenance. With the growing abundance of accessories and options that can be added to any set, garden furniture is ideal for setting up a gathering area outside for your family and friends.

Metal garden furniture was originally inspired by formal Victorian living room sets and before it’s introduction, garden furniture was pretty much limited to rocking chairs made of wood, or folding chairs with canvas backs. Inspired by formal living room chairs from the 1950′s, the first metal patio furniture was curvy and very decorative. Not only have the styles changed, but better functionality has been developed as well. New paint is being used that is similar to the paint that is used on cars, making it last longer and helping to prevent rust. More form-fitting shapes are also now being used, making the seat more comfortable and not as hard on the bottom. The chairs also have ventilation holes or slots built in to allow the body to breathe while sitting, as well as allowing water to drain when it rains so it does not pool.

Metal patio furniture sets have many additional features. Not only do they come in different sizes, but many have removable table leafs to make tables bigger or smaller. Tables can come with glass tops or the good old Lazy Susan. Most come with a hole in the middle to place a large parasol for shade or rain protection. While metal garden furniture can be very decorative and functional, in the hot sun the metal can warm up and be very hot to sit on. On a hot day, a cushion should be used or water placed on the chair to cool it off before sitting down.

Metal patio furniture currently is made from several types of metal such as steel, iron and aluminum. There is a much wider range of styles as well. Wrought iron styles are very decorative and ornate, and most often are painted black. Other styles incorporate more straight lines, suggesting a modern style, and are painted silver, brown, white, black and other colours. Patio sets, pergolas, arches, loungers and benches are some of the more popular metal furniture purchases.

Important factors to keep in mind when purchasing metal garden furniture:

Rust
Anti-rust treatment on most modern metal furniture does a pretty good job but you are still advised to touch up paint work as and when surfaces get damaged and either put your furniture away or store under a furniture cover in the winter. Some of the modern aluminum furniture can really be maintenance free but even still it would be advisable to quickly cover up any chips and scratches with touch up paint. Cheap steel and wire furniture can be a worry as they are really prone to rust.
Temperature
Metal furniture can be hot or cold, depending on the weather which means you might get a warm or cold bottom when you first sit on it, especially if you’re in shorts. Not much one can really do about that apart from consider some furniture cushions, a parasol or look out for the combination materials e.g. metal and wooden chairs.
Cost
You can find some pretty good bargains on the Internet and usually a wider range of metal garden furniture. One would expect the delivery charges to be high but websites like Greenfingers have free national delivery on orders over £45 and lets face it you are probably going to be spending more than that. John Lewis also have free delivery and a decent range of metal furniture.
Type
When choosing a metal patio furniture set, it is best to consider where it will be placed, the surrounding area and decorations, as well as who will be using it. Many sets come in just two chairs with a small table, while many others will have six chairs and a full table similar to what you would see in a formal dining set up. Another consideration is whether cushions will be placed onto the chairs or not.

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For some time at Lazy Susan we attempted to maintain teak garden tables and other similar furniture but to no avail. So it was decided that the best long term solution was to use metal for garden furniture and in particular aluminium, due to its numerous benefits and qualities. Metal garden furniture made from aluminium does not rot nor does it rust, furthermore, it is maintenance free and will not need to be replaced every few years as is the case with other materials. It can also be left outdoors all year round so you don’t have to worry about constantly taking the garden table and chairs indoors or covering them up each time it rains or when it gets cold.

In March 2007 we launched our range of furniture after spending a lot of time searching for the perfect furniture sets. Our aim was to find the best quality aluminium garden patio furniture on the market that was built in a classic design that would still look in fashion in years to come. Since then we have sold hundreds of different furniture sets all of which have been successfully delivered to all corners of the country. Overall we are confident that customers will love our furniture as an alternative to cast iron garden furniture for the main reason that it will never rust.

Wrought iron garden furniture has that classic look and is often crafted into more traditional, ornate and sometimes intricate designs. Heavy and durable, iron can stay outside all year, although if painted it may flake due to rust. So a quick bit of sanding and repainting may be required from time to time. Aluminium can also be cast to appear much the same as iron furniture, however, without the rust problem. It is also lightweight which makes aluminium furniture easier to move around your garden or into storage to keep it safe. However, unlike heavy metal furniture, aluminium items may require storing indoors in strong winds.

Garden tables

No-one disputes that the weather in the UK is unpredictable to say the least, which is why a furniture set for the garden that can be left outdoors unprotected at all times is ideal for this country. When you buy a large round garden table from us, you will be getting a top quality cast aluminium table that will require zero maintenance and that will look elegant now and in the future. Simply having a table is clearly insufficient which is why we have a range of garden furniture sets in a range of styles and sizes to suit all requirements and budgets. If you are simply looking for a few chairs to match an existing table or to augment existing furniture sets then we have a couple of styles to choose from.

The Emma metal stacking chair is available in a choice of antique bronze, verdigris and white and at eight kilos is a very solid chair that can be stacked away for winter storage. If you need some cushions to go with the chairs then our choice of high back cushions are available in stone, navy blue and apple green, colours which we feel suit the colours of the metal chairs. Wrought iron garden furniture is undoubtedly for some people, but we are confident that in time people will start to move towards aluminium furniture as it is equally elegant but far easier to look after and we will see more garden furniture UK stores supplying it.

Iron garden furniture

There is a lot of talk of how only garden furniture made from iron can have a traditional look and that other materials are simply trying to imitate this superior metal. However this is simply not the case. A garden table can have a classic appearance in a range of different materials, however some are simply harder to maintain than others. If you have the time and energy to properly look after teak wood furniture then you are amongst a lucky minority who can. The majority of people who want a set of garden tables and chairs have the time to enjoy them now and again, but not necessarily the time or inclination to uphold them properly.

For those with a large garden who enjoy entertaining friends and family it is certainly worth investing in a quality set of cast aluminium garden furniture. As once you have spent the money and the furniture is set up nicely in your yard, you will never have to replace it. In fact once its there, you wont have to do anything other than enjoy it. The Gloria model is a particularly stylish furniture set for the garden and comes with ten chairs and a revolving Lazy Susan that sits on the metal table top. This metal garden furniture set is made from cast aluminium and so is completely weather proof and thus you will never have to move it after it is set up as you would with cast iron garden furniture.

Aluminium garden furniture

For those who have already bought a nice set of garden furniture from us, or who are thinking of getting an additional piece of furniture, then our range of metal garden benches should be considered. First we have the Jasmine Weave Bench, which is an ideal complement to the Madison Rectangular Table or simply as a stand alone item in a quiet sunny sport in the garden. Navy blue or stone are the choice of colours for matching seat pad cushions that come included with the price of the bench, and if you want a coffee garden table then we have some for you to choose from that will match it nicely.

All our garden benches are supplied flat packed and can be easily assembled in about twenty minutes. For those with a round table the Valerie is a curved metal bench that will look great as part of a contemporary garden furniture ensemble. A choice of three colours of white, green and antique bronze makes them perfect for fitting around our round and oval tables that come in similar tones. If you are looking at furniture individually and need some chairs to complement a bench, then the Mary set of stacking metal garden chairs are well constructed and have a moderate weight of four kilos per chair. They are also particularly comfortable and have been designed with an excellent contour so people can sit in comfort for hours whilst enjoy a lunch on their garden tables.

Metal garden furniture

If you have in mind to buy a non-circular table and matching chairs then be sure to check out our Madison rectangular cast aluminium garden set. This is a very substantial set with the garden table weighing in at around 60 kilos, and comes with eight Emma stackable chairs, although the set can be supplied as a ten or twelve seater if desired. The style is a classic one, and if you like straight edges as opposed to a rounded edge on a table then this 8 seater garden furniture set could be the one for you. If like most gardens yours has a patio area then as long as you have the space, why not think about putting a nice outdoor bench or even a small table and chairs there.

Aluminium patio furniture can make for a lovely addition to an outdoor area, and our diminutive Betty Bistro table and two chairs is a fine example. In a choice of our three standard colours of antique bronze, white and green, you could perhaps acquire this timeless table and aluminium garden chairs to match a larger furniture set that may sit in your garden. Whatever the reasons, we are confident you won’t be disappointed with them, and for a small additional fee you can purchase a two metre parasol to complete the set. In fact we have a range of parasols to match garden tables, so make sure to have a look for a colour that will suit your furniture.

All Season Garden Furniture

People have different ideas as to what constitutes a good quality set of aluminium garden tables and other furniture. Some would argue the most important aspect of it is the style and design. Others voice the opinion that it’s the materials used that is really crucial to the make up of garden furniture. We agree with both points of view and have attempted to combine classic, timeless designs with a quality material in aluminium. Our oval garden table collection constitutes differently styled oval tables with garden chairs and the Summer eight seater is a nice example. Complete with eight Emma metal chairs, seat pad cushions, a parasol and parasol base, the oval table itself is made from solid cast aluminium and weighs in at around 50 kilos.

Of course you could find similar iron garden furniture and we would not dissuade you from going out and buying it if you are of the opinion that garden furniture has to be made from wrought iron. However, if you are undecided or simply open minded then we would urge you to weigh up the pros and cons of aluminium and iron or even teak wood, and compare styles on our metal garden furniture UK website with those sold on iron and wooden furniture websites and then decide what’s best for you. We are confident that our styles and designs are at least as attractive as what you may find elsewhere and hope you find our garden tables suitable for your garden.

About Lazy Susan

Lazy Susan is a small family business that specialise exclusively in wicker, rattan and metal garden furniture, specifically cast aluminium. Visit www.lazysusanfurniture.co.uk to find out more and view our complete product range.

Hydroponic nutrients Gardening Guide – Hydroponic nutrient solutions composition

Hydroponic nutrients Gardening Guide – Hydroponic nutrient solutions composition

Nitrogen (N)

The most essential of all nutrients for leaf and stem development. Nitrogen consumption depends on a plants growth cycle and in a vegetative growth phase of plant nitrogen consumption is greatest. Hydroponic nutrients solutions labeled as “grow” or “flower” contains more concentrations of nitrogen. Nitrogen deficiency is the leading cause of plant growth in indoor hydroponic garden systems. Yellowish, soft and weak plants and leaves are tell-tale signs of nitrogen deficiency.

Half-strength nitrogen solutions are ideal for plants between growing phases. This will prevent plant stretch while it’s switching its energy over to flower development. Normal feeding is resumed once the plant reaches the flowering stage.

 

Phosphorous (P)

Phosphorous plays a major part in root and flower development. Phosphorous deficiency signs are slow and stunted plant growth. Phosphorous is crucial to a plants flowering stage. “Bloom” type formulas contain a 0-50-30 concentration, containing no nitrogen and high levels of phosphorous and potassium.

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Potassium (K)

Different in action from the previous two nutrients, it doesn’t feed the plant directly in any specific stage of growth. It merely facilitates plant intake of other primary and secondary plant nutrients. Potassium deficiency cause irregular plant growth and susceptibility to pests and disease. Potassium inhibits fruit production and should be lessened during this stage.

 

Secondary Hydroponic Nutrients

Calcium (Ca)

Facilitating and filtering the absorption of other nutrients Calcium is one essential nutrient. It is also a natural base that increases the pH level is needed. Commonly used in the vegetative phase of plant growth, calcium consumption is decreased during the flowering stage.

 

Magnesium (Mg)

Mainly for chlorophyll production in photosynthesis, deficiency causes yellow leaves.

 

Sulfur (S)

Yellow leaves are a sign of sulfur deficiency and are only used in small amounts.

 

Iron (Fe)

Used in small amounts, iron deficiency is similar to sulfur deficiency. Yellow leaves are the general signs of deficiency. High pH causes iron absorption problems so constant monitoring is advised.

 

Molybdenum (Mb)

Mainly for nitrogen absorption and converts nitrates to ammonium

 

Boron (B)

Facilitates carbohydrate transport in the phloem, it is not essential and maybe disregarded. Boron overdose causes plant kill, it is not found in regular soils and only supplemented.

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Hydroponics gardening guide – preparing hydroponic nutrient solution, transplant seedlings and taking cutting for clones

Hydroponics gardening guide – preparing hydroponic nutrient solution, transplant seedlings and taking cutting for clones

How to preparing hydroponic Nutrient Solution

Nutrient solution is made of water with dissolved fertilizer. It is preferable to have good quality water to be mixed with the fertilizer, the amount of which is always indicated by the manufacturer. It is very important to check and adjust if necessary pH level of nutrient solution with liquid pH adjusters. Usually, pH level of the nutrient solution depends on the plant; however, most often it is between 6.0 and 6.5 for the majority of the starter cubes, with the exception being Rockwool, which needs pH level of 5.5 to 5.8. Fertilizing young plants, a gardener should use a nutrient solution as weak as ¼ to ½ of the full strength suggested by the manufacturer. Only plants older than two weeks can be fertilized by the full strength nutrient solutions. It is recommended to keep the growing medium moist, but not too wet or soaked with the hydroponics nutrient solution.      

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How to Transplant Seedlings

The seedlings should be transplanted when the roots have grown out of the starter cubes. It is just necessary to place the seedling along with the starter cube on top or into the permanent growing medium, which can be any hydroponic growing medium or just soil. 

Notes in taking cutting for clones

Cutting, as a method of plants propagation, works well only if every step of the procedure is done correctly. Otherwise, experiments may result in devastating consequences. Though, when done properly, up to 95-100% of all cuttings grow successfully, it is still may be a good idea to take twice as many cuttings as needed, if you are making first steps in growing cuttings. 

 

One of the hints to increase chances in successful outcome is to use distilled water, while growing cuttings. Generally speaking, this is one of the most reliable and proven methods of plants propagation, suitable for most of the plants. Other examples of propagation techniques are dividing, air layering, and tissue culture. It is even possible to root cuttings without the use of any growing media in specific hydroponic systems. After forming the first roots, such cuttings are usually transplanted into any type of preferred growing media.

Hydroponics gardening guide -introduction to growing mediums and hydroponic supplies used in hydroponics

Hydroponics gardening guide -introduction to growing mediums and hydroponic supplies used in hydroponics

Growing medium is any medium, in which a plant can grow. Generally, hundreds of multiple types of growing medium exist: some are manmade and some are organic. Sometimes, even old AIR can work as a good growing medium for roots.

 

Defining the best growing medium is pretty challenging and disputable. It is a matter of personal likes, preferences and exact growing needs or requirements in most cases. It is like choosing a car: everyone picks the one, which suits his/her personal likes and requirements: someone chooses a small economic car for city traffic, and someone prefers powerful SUV to conquer sand and morass. Just like choosing a car depends on many factors, while choosing a growing medium it is also necessary to consider many variables, for example, what type of system is used, what plants you are going to grow and under what environmental conditions. Though there are a great variety of factors to consider while choosing a particular growing medium, it often comes to price, availability and personal preferences. 

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The most common types of growing mediums as well the description of their key advantages, disadvantages, their basic characteristics and tips on general use are specified below.

 

Oasis cubes

 Expanded Clay Pellets

 Rockwool

 

Coconut Fiber

 Sand

 Gravel

 

Perlite

 Sphagnum Moss

 Water

 

Vermiculite

 Fiberglass Insulation

 Saw Dust

 

Soilless Mix(s)

 Air

 Lava Rock

Oasis cubes

Oasis cubes are lightweight cubes, which serves the best for plants propagation from seeds or cuttings. Pre-formed oasis cubes are commonly used by hydroponic gardeners. This type of growing medium features neutral pH level and can hold water very well.

Since oasis cubes are usually used at the first stages of plant growth, they are usually not larger than 2” x 2” inches in size. It is very easy to transplant such cubes into any type of hydroponic system, growing medium or even into the soil. 

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Basic Indoor hydroponics Gardening Guide – Benefits and Types of Indoor Hydroponic Systems

Basic Indoor hydroponics Gardening Guide – Benefits and Types of Indoor Hydroponic Systems

Efficiency in comparison to traditional soil growing systems would be one of the major advantages. Commercial production and just plain hobbyists would find that moving from regular soil growing methods to the modern Indoor Hydroponic systems to be more beneficial. Freedom from uncontrollable variables such as the weather, climate and time of day would be the most important factor over traditional growing methods. Farmers in Middle East countries would be able to grow plants such as vegetables only previously grown in tropical countries. Light and amount of growth nutrients to be absorbed by the plants could be optimized for best results without wasting any resources. Plant care could be individualized as to the amount of nutrients and light they receive at any time of the day. Plants grown in pots or plots tend to reach a growth plateau, wherein they become root bound and transplanting them is the best solution. This may present the individual with a sense of frustration and could be messy. Expert advice and appropriate planning beforehand could eliminate such unwarranted difficulties experienced with soil based planting.

 

Expenses made at the start of the project can be offset by the advantages in the long run. Fertilizers with their ever rocketing cost are major source of expenses in plant cultivation. Plants only take the nutrients they can absorb so maximum nutrient absorption without the risk of putting too much fertilizers is eliminated. But the risk of putting too much nutrients which leads to root damage remains, so proper nutrient feeding is advised.

 

All in all, the hydroponic system of growing plants increases plant production and quality of the crops. Nutrients essential for plant growth are readily available, proper ratio and distribution is assured resulting to better efficiency. Pesticides and plant diseases can be avoided as no soil is needed. Soil is an ideal medium for infection and disease, so harm to both plant and the individuals are reduced. Expenses are also reduced as pesticides are eliminated so overall; cost effectiveness is enhanced and make hydroponics a more economical way of growing plants.

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For the environmentalist, the hydroponic system of growing plants also presents a more desirable and alternative way of plant production. The effects of growing plants through this new system has proven to be less polluting as it totally removes the need for pesticides and leaves the soil free from contaminants. Scientifically tests also show that plants grown through the hydroponic system contain more vitamins and minerals compared to those grown through fields.

 

Productivity is also increased with the use of Indoor hydroponic systems. Limited spaces for plant cultivation are maximized because smaller pots are used. Indoor hydroponic systems utilize different types of automated watering systems like drip, pumps and other means, allowing for a low maintenance operation. Spaces not available for plant growing can be utilized and together with regular soil gardens or fields, maximize each growing season.

 

 

Types of Indoor Hydroponic Systems

 

Wick or NFT

The system most often used, operated and maintained with the outmost ease. It requires very little setup and maintenance. This is done by simply cutting a hole in the bottom of the pot and a wick is inserted. The wick’s other end connects to the water reservoir below the pot.

 

Reservoir or Ebb and Flow System

A growing medium is directly placed into a pan filled with water and nutrients. It is easy to maintain, the pans contents needs only to be replaced every few days in order to maintain an effective system. Root adsorption is maximized with root surface in contact with the water, oxygen and nutrients are readily absorbed.

 

Drip Systems

The most common of all systems, drip systems are the most likely choice of hobbyists and professionals alike. The nutrient solution is kept in a container below the plants and is distributed by a pump to each plant thru a drip irrigation system. One type would be the Recovery type system; excess nutrients are recycled and channeled back into the reservoir. Another would be the Non-recovery type where excess system is not funneled back into the system, one advantage of this is that is a low maintenance system. Ph and nutrient concentration remains stable but is not as economical as the recovery type system.

 

Aeroponic System

Technically, the aeroponic system is the most advance of the three. Plants are suspended either without a growth rock or growing mediums. This permits the plant to breathe more air through the roots. Nutrients and water are introduced by timed misting. Root health is maintained by a timer and is set at intervals of a few minutes.

 

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Ed Smith’s W-O-R-D system has helped countless gardeners grow an abundance of vegetables and herbs. And those tomatoes and zucchini and basil and cucumbers have nourished countless families, neighbors, and friends with delicious, fresh produce. The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible is essential reading for locavores in every corner of North America!

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Basic Indoor hydroponics Gardening Guide – Hydroponic Nutrient Solutions

Basic Indoor hydroponics Gardening Guide – Hydroponic Nutrient Solutions

Improper use of fertilizers is the common cause of many plant problems. Inadequate amounts cause weak and under nourished plants while an amount above desired quantities may burn and even kill the plant. Good judgment and decisions are required when a plant grows. Below are guidelines for applying nutrient solutions.

 

Hydroponic nutrient solutions are normally sold in concentrated forms. They are then added to the water supply with a specific ratio. Ideally, 150-600 parts per million consists a normal concentration of hydroponic solution. Normally sold in two or three parts because direct combination is not possible. Remember to mix nutrients into water first before combining, never combine two nutrients together.

 How Much Hydroponic Nutrient Solution?

 There are specific proportions for each plant type and phase of its growth. Advances in nutrient solutions have greatly improved the precision of concentration based on a plants growth stage. Hydroponic nutrient solutions are usually sold in “grow” or “growth” formulas for the vegetative phases and “bloom” or “flower” for the flowering phase of the growth cycle. Remember to switch to the bloom formula during the bloom stager to increase yields exponentially and max out your plants capacity.

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In poor growing conditions weak nutrients are recommended. Low lighting, overheated gardens, crowding and root bound plants. Weak nutrients are also ideal for newly rooted cuttings and for transporting plants or when they are in the transition of growth cycles.

Normal, healthy plants can be used with regular strength solutions in ideal growing conditions. Increasing nutrient solutions could be utilized to enhance efficiency of your gardens. An ideal system such as high quality lights, proper aeration and ventilation when present is the only instance wherein you could increase the level of nutrient solutions to improve plant growth. Gradually increasing the nutrient solution is advised as not to burn the plant roots.

 

Various additives are also available for optimum plant growth. Maintain good grow logs or records of types of additives used, when applied and results. This enables you to measure its effectiveness in the future. If there are any negative effects with experimentation, flush or rinse your hydroponic system immediately.

 How to measure Hydroponic Nutrient Solutions

 Electronic conductivity of dissolved minerals in the water is the usual basis for determining nutrient solution. Parts per million (ppm) is the unit of measure. But this is just a general way of measuring conductivity in the solution and not the actual strength of individual minerals. This is the main reason why hydroponic nutrient solutions are sold as a mix of 3 parts. Once the desired mix is achieved it is very convenient to change the concentration to achieve proper conductivity.

Overuse of Hydroponic Fertilizers

 Flushing out your growing medium is the first intervention once any signs of over fertilization are observed this is to prevent further damage to the plant. Clean water is used for flushing until signs of nutrient deficiency are observed in the plant. Normal feeding and schedule is then resumed. Some hydroponic systems require a top down flushing to completely clean out the plant.

 

2 weeks before your expected date of harvest, flushing is recommended for the plant. It is done to leave your harvest free from the hydroponic nutrients solution taste. 

Hydroponics gardening guide – How to Prepare Starter Cubes

Hydroponics gardening guide – How to Prepare Starter Cubes

Starter cubes, used by hydroponic growers, as well as soil gardeners, are comfortable growing media for starting seeds. Made of inert material, starter cubes provide perfect support to the plant and its rhizomes. The cubes are capable of retaining water, but they do not supply a plant with any nutrients, unless the latter are dissolved in the water. Nowadays, there are 4 types of starter cubes: Organo-Cubes, Oasis cubes, Rockwool and “peat pots”. The most popular among the gardeners are the first three kinds of cubes (Organo-Cubes, Oasis cubes and Rockwool), while “peat pots” lose their popularity due to their tendency to accumulate too much water, which can spoil the seeds and the seedlings. Oasis cubes, Rockwool, and Organo-Cubes, on the other hand, retain water along with enough air, which prevents the medium to be too moist.

Preparing hydroponics starter cubes for the use depends on the type of the cube you have. For example, Organo-Cubes are ready for use, while Oasis cubes and Peat pots should be soaked in water (with pH adjusted to 6 – 6.5) before use. As soon as the cubes are saturated with water, they should be left to drain a bit, and then they are ready to be used. Rockwool is different, since it has high pH. Therefore, it should be soaked in water with pH adjusted to 5.0 in order for this acid solution to be balanced to the pH level required for the plants normal growing. These cubes should be soaked in water approximately for 24 hours, followed by the drainage prior to the use. 

Having done these easy manipulations, the seeds can now be planted. Small holes about ¼ to ½ inch deep should be made in the cube with a tip of a pencil or a pen. Then seeds may be put into the holes and covered with some cube material from around those small openings.

It is best to keep the seed cubes moist, but not wet, always preventing them from staying in the water. The cubes do not need light until the seeds germinate. Similarly, no nutrients are necessary for the plants until they have their first true leaves developed. In this case a diluted nutrient solution

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