General Gardening
Fertilizer Types for Your Garden
There are two basic types of fertilizers: organic and inorganic. Organic fertilizers are derived from living organisms, and it adds texture to the potting soil. Bacteria and fungi in the soil break down organic fertilizer so that the plants can slowly but steadily take up the nutrition from the fertilizer. Inorganic fertilizer, on the other hand, delivers more nutrients more quickly to the plants, but it does not improve the potting soil like organic fertilizers do.
Container Pond Shopping List
If you love fish and pond plants, you can create a small container pond on your balcony for just a small amount of money. Before considering a container pond, first decide whether or not you are going to keep fish.
Do’s and Don’ts for Choosing Plants at the Garden Shop
If you want the best success with container plants from your local garden shop, you’ll need to know how to choose healthy plants and how to acclimate them to your balcony garden. Here are some of the Do’s and Don’ts for selecting plants at your local garden shop.
Tips for Propagating Plants with Leaf Cuttings
Many container garden plants can be propagated with leaf cuttings. Some plants can reproduce with just one leaf, such as African violets. Cut a healthy leaf and a short piece of its stem off the mother plant. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and place the stem into moist propagation media. Spray the plant leaf frequently and cover the leaf with clear plastic.
DIY Self-Watering Plant Containers
In the hot summer months, you my find yourself out in the garden watering your container plants every day – even twice a day on very hot and dry days. If you want to go on vacation for a few days and don’t have a drip system, you’ll need to have a “plant-sitter” come over and water your plants.
