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Container Gardening

Growing Squash Indoors: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

by Donna August 28, 2024

written by Donna 4 minutes read

Growing Squash Indoors: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Introduction

Growing squash indoors is a rewarding experience that can provide you with fresh, homegrown produce year-round. With the right conditions, even those with limited space can enjoy the sweet taste of squash.

Choosing the Right Squash Variety

Not all squash varieties are suitable for indoor growing. Bush squash varieties, known for their compact size, are ideal for containers. Some popular bush squash varieties include:

Buttercup
Butternut
Acorn
Yellow Crookneck
Patty Pan
Zucchini

Optimal Growing Conditions

Sunlight: Squash plants need plenty of sunlight to thrive. Aim for at least five to seven hours of bright sunlight per day. If natural sunlight is limited, consider using grow lights.

Container: Choose a container that is at least 24 inches (61 cm.) across and 36 inches (91 cm.) deep to provide ample space for the roots. Ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Potting Mix: Fill the container with a good quality commercial potting mix. A well-draining mix that retains moisture is ideal.

Planting and Care

Planting: Plant four or five squash seeds 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm.) deep near the center of the container. Allow a few inches (8 cm.) between each seed.

Watering: Water lightly when the potting mix feels slightly dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as squash plants are susceptible to rot in soggy soil.

Thinning: Once the seedlings are a few inches (8 cm.) tall and have at least two healthy leaves, thin to a single healthy seedling per container.

Fertilizing: Fertilize the squash plants every couple of weeks with a low-nitrogen fertilizer. Compost tea is an alternative organic option.

Pollination

Squash plants are self-fertile, meaning they have both male and female flowers on the same plant. However, if you don’t have bees or other pollinators indoors, you may need to assist with pollination.

Hand Pollination: To pollinate squash flowers by hand, pick an open male flower (one with a longer stem and no swelling at the base) and gently rub it against the stigma in the center of a female flower (one with a tiny immature fruit just behind the bloom).

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Mildew: Avoid wetting the leaves when watering, as this can create mildew problems. Ensure proper air circulation and use a fungicide if necessary.

Pests: Keep an eye out for common pests like mealybugs, fungus gnats, and aphids. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Harvesting

Squash plants typically begin producing fruit about sixty days after planting. Harvest squash when the fruits are fully mature. For summer squash varieties like zucchini, harvest when the fruits are young and tender. For winter squash varieties like butternut, allow the fruits to mature fully until the rinds are hard.

Conclusion

Growing squash indoors is a simple and rewarding experience that can provide you with fresh, homegrown produce all year round. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the sweet taste of squash grown right in your own home.

Gardening

How to Grow Grapes in a Container: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

by Gregory August 28, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

How to Grow Grapes in a Container: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Growing grapes in a container is a great way to enjoy fresh, homegrown grapes even if you don’t have a lot of space or soil. Container gardening is also a good option for people who live in areas with short growing seasons or harsh winters.

Choosing the Right Container

The first step to growing grapes in a container is to choose the right container. The container should be at least 15 gallons (57 L) in size and have good drainage holes. Dark-colored plastic pots can heat up in the sun and damage the grapevine’s roots, so it’s best to choose a light-colored or wooden container.

Preparing the Container

Before planting your grapevine, you need to prepare the container. Start by adding a layer of stones or Styrofoam to the bottom of the container for drainage. Then, fill the container with a mixture of potting soil and compost.

Planting Your Grapevine

The best time to plant a grapevine in a container is in early autumn. To plant your grapevine, dig a hole in the soil deep enough to accommodate the roots. Place the grapevine in the hole and fill it in with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets.

Watering and Fertilizing

Water your grapevine regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Grapes prefer moist soil, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Grapevines don’t need a lot of fertilizer, but you can give them a boost by fertilizing them once a year with a balanced fertilizer.

Training and Pruning

As your grapevine grows, you will need to train it to grow on a trellis. This will help to support the vine and keep it from becoming tangled. You can also prune your grapevine to control its size and shape.

Harvesting Your Grapes

You won’t see any grapes until the second full year of growth. Once your grapevine starts to produce grapes, you can harvest them when they are ripe.

Common Problems

There are a few common problems that you may encounter when growing grapes in a container. These include:

Overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot. Make sure to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Underwatering: Underwatering can also damage your grapevine. Make sure to water your grapevine regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Nutrient deficiency: Grapevines need a balanced diet to thrive. If your grapevine is not getting enough nutrients, it may start to show signs of deficiency, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth.
Pests and diseases: Grapes can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Be sure to inspect your grapevine regularly for signs of trouble.

Tips for Growing Grapes in a Container

Here are a few tips for growing grapes in a container:

Choose a container that is at least 15 gallons (57 L) in size and has good drainage holes.
Plant your grapevine in a mixture of potting soil and compost.
Water your grapevine regularly, but avoid overwatering.
Fertilize your grapevine once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
Train your grapevine to grow on a trellis.
Prune your grapevine to control its size and shape.
Harvest your grapes when they are ripe.

By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown grapes from your container garden for years to come.

Gardening

Overwintering Coleus: A Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Plants Thriving Year-Round

by Gregory August 20, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

How to Overwinter Coleus: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Introduction

Coleus is a beautiful tropical plant that adds vibrant color to containers and gardens. But what happens when the cold weather comes? Don’t despair! With the right care, you can overwinter your coleus plants and enjoy them again next spring. In this guide, we’ll cover two effective methods for overwintering coleus: bringing containers indoors and taking cuttings.

Bringing Containers Indoors

This method is best suited for small coleus plants that you can easily move indoors.

Prepare the plant: Carefully remove the plant from its pot and rinse the roots to remove any bugs or eggs. Repot it in a clean container with fresh, high-quality potting soil.
Choose a suitable location: Place the coleus in a north-facing window where it will receive indirect light. Make sure the spot is warm and humid. You can use a humidity tray filled with water to increase moisture levels.
Water and fertilize: Water the coleus regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize the plant monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Monitor for pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if necessary.

Taking Cuttings

This method is ideal for larger coleus plants or if you want to propagate new plants.

Take cuttings: Before the first frost, take cuttings from your favorite coleus plants. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and have several leaves.
Root the cuttings: Place the cuttings in a glass of water or in a rooting medium such as perlite or vermiculite. Keep the cuttings in a warm, humid environment until roots develop. You can use a rooting hormone to speed up the process.
Pot up the cuttings: Once the cuttings have developed roots, pot them up in individual containers with fresh potting soil. Place them in a sunny spot and water them regularly.

Getting Coleus Ready for Spring

Whether you overwintered your coleus as a whole plant or from cuttings, it’s important to acclimatize them to the outdoors before replanting.

Gradually introduce outdoor conditions: Take the plants outside on warmer spring days for a few hours at first, gradually increasing the time spent outdoors each day.
Harden off the plants: After a couple of weeks, the plants will be ready to go outside full time. If you overwintered a whole plant, you can now cut it back slightly to remove any faded or browned leaves.
Pinch back the stems: Pinch back the stems of both whole plants and cuttings regularly to encourage fuller growth and prevent leggy growth.

Troubleshooting

Leggy growth: If your coleus plants become leggy, it means they are not getting enough light. Move them to a sunnier spot and pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth.
Pests and diseases: Coleus plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, and fungal infections. Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate pesticides or fungicides.

Conclusion

Overwintering coleus is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy these beautiful plants year after year. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully overwinter your coleus plants and add a splash of color to your garden next spring.

Gardening Techniques

Growing Mint: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners | Easy Tips and Techniques

by Donna August 19, 2024

written by Donna 5 minutes read

Growing Mint: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Mint is a versatile and aromatic herb that can add flavor and fragrance to your garden and kitchen. While it’s known for its aggressive spreading habits, with proper care and containment, growing mint can be a rewarding experience.

Varieties of Mint

There are numerous varieties of mint, each with its unique flavor and aroma. Some of the most popular types include:

Spearmint: The classic mint flavor, with a refreshing and slightly sweet taste.
Peppermint: A hybrid of spearmint and water mint, with a strong, minty flavor.
Pennyroyal: A pungent and slightly bitter mint, often used in herbal teas and insect repellents.
Apple Mint: A sweet and fruity mint, with a hint of apple flavor.
Orange Mint: A refreshing mint with a citrusy aroma and flavor.
Pineapple Mint: A tropical-scented mint with a sweet and tangy taste.
Chocolate Mint: A unique mint with a rich, chocolatey flavor.

Growing Mint from Seed or Cuttings

All mint varieties except peppermint can be grown from seed. Peppermint does not produce seeds, so it must be propagated by taking root cuttings from established plants.

Growing from Seed:

Sow mint seeds in well-drained soil in the spring or fall.
Keep the soil moist and provide plenty of sunlight.
Thin out seedlings to 6-12 inches apart once they emerge.

Growing from Root Cuttings:

Pull or snip off a rooted piece of mint from the parent plant.
Pot it up in well-drained soil and water thoroughly.
Keep the cutting in a warm, sunny location.
Once the cutting has established roots, you can transplant it into your garden or container.

How to Grow Mint Plants

Mint prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, but prefers morning sun and afternoon shade.

Growing in Containers:

To prevent mint from spreading uncontrollably, growing it in containers is recommended.

Choose a container with drainage holes.
Fill the container with potting mix and plant the mint cutting or seedling.
Water the mint regularly and fertilize monthly during the growing season.
Keep the container in a sunny location, but protect it from hot afternoon sun.

Growing in the Ground:

Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve drainage and fertility.
Plant the mint cutting or seedling and water deeply.
Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Controlling Mint Growth

Mint is known for its aggressive spreading habits. To keep it under control, use the following techniques:

Physical Barriers: Plant mint in containers or raised beds to prevent it from spreading into other parts of your garden.
Root Barriers: Install root barriers, such as buried landscape fabric or metal edging, around the planting area.
Pruning: Regularly prune mint plants to prevent them from flowering and setting seed.
Deadheading: Remove any spent flower heads to prevent seed production.

Common Pests and Diseases

Mint plants are generally low-maintenance, but they can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases.

Common Pests:

Aphids
Spider mites
Cutworms
Mint root borers

Common Diseases:

Mint rust
Verticillium wilt
Anthracnose

Harvesting Mint Leaves

Mint leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season. To harvest, simply cut or pinch off the leaves as needed. Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time to encourage continued growth.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

Mint is a versatile herb with a wide range of culinary and medicinal uses.

Culinary Uses:

Fresh mint leaves can be used to flavor teas, salads, desserts, and main dishes.
Dried mint can be added to spice rubs, marinades, and baking recipes.
Mint extract is a popular ingredient in candies, chewing gum, and toothpaste.

Medicinal Uses:

Mint has been used traditionally to relieve digestive problems, such as nausea, gas, and bloating.
It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Mint contains antioxidants that may protect against certain chronic diseases.

Conclusion

Growing mint is a rewarding experience that can add flavor, fragrance, and health benefits to your life. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can successfully cultivate mint plants in your home garden or containers.

Fruit Gardening

Grow Nectarines in Pots: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Fruit Trees in Containers

by Donna August 13, 2024

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Growing Nectarines in Pots: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Nectarines are delicious and nutritious fruits that can be grown in a variety of climates. If you don’t have a lot of space or live in a cold climate, growing nectarines in pots is a great option. With the right care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown nectarines right from your patio or balcony.

Choosing the Right Pot

The ideal size for a nectarine tree container is between 15 and 20 gallons. If you’re planting a sapling, start with a smaller pot and transplant it up every year or two. Nectarines prefer slightly constricted roots, so don’t go too big with the pot size.

Choosing the Right Variety

When growing nectarines in pots, it’s best to choose a dwarf variety that’s bred to stay small. Nectar Babe and Necta Zee are two good options. These varieties will produce fruit even in small containers.

Planting Your Nectarine Tree

Fill your pot with a well-draining potting mix. Dig a hole in the center of the pot that is twice the width of the root ball. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the tree deeply and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Care Tips

Sunlight: Nectarine trees need at least six hours of full sun each day.
Watering: Water your nectarine tree frequently, especially during hot weather. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
Fertilizer: Feed your nectarine tree every few weeks with a high-phosphorus fertilizer. This will encourage flowering and fruit production.
Pruning: Prune your nectarine tree in pots to encourage low, horizontal branches. This will create a shrub-like shape that takes advantage of the tree’s small size.

Overwintering Your Nectarine Tree

If you live in a cold climate, you will need to overwinter your nectarine tree. Bring the tree indoors to a cool, dark place such as a garage or basement. Water the tree sparingly over the winter months, just enough to keep the soil from drying out completely. In the spring, when the weather warms up, you can move the tree back outside.

Troubleshooting

Yellowing leaves: This can be a sign of nutrient deficiency. Fertilize your tree more frequently.
Brown spots on leaves: This can be a sign of fungal disease. Treat with a fungicide.
Fruit drop: This can be caused by a lack of pollination. Hand-pollinate your tree by gently brushing a paintbrush across the flowers.
Pests: Nectarine trees can be susceptible to pests such as aphids and spider mites. Treat with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Conclusion

With a little care and attention, you can grow a healthy and productive nectarine tree in a pot. Enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor all season long!

Berry Growing

Growing Blueberries in Containers: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

by Gregory August 9, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Growing Blueberries in Containers: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Introduction

Growing blueberries in pots is a fantastic option for those with limited space or soil that’s not acidic enough for these delicious berries. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to successfully grow blueberries in containers, from choosing the right variety to overwintering your plants.

Selecting the Right Blueberry Variety

When growing blueberries in containers, it’s crucial to choose a dwarf or half-high variety. Standard blueberry bushes can grow quite tall, making them unsuitable for containers. Some popular dwarf varieties include Top Hat and Northsky, which grow to only 18 inches tall.

Preparing the Container and Soil

Choose a container that’s at least 2 gallons in size, preferably larger. Avoid dark plastic containers, as they can overheat the roots. Blueberry roots prefer acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5. You can create an acidic mix by combining equal parts potting soil and sphagnum peat moss, or equal parts peat moss and shredded pine bark.

Planting Your Blueberry Bush

Carefully remove the blueberry plant from its nursery container and gently loosen the roots. Dig a hole in the potting mix that’s large enough to accommodate the root ball. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with the acidic mix, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Water thoroughly.

Watering and Fertilizing

Blueberry roots are shallow and don’t like sitting in water, so it’s important to water regularly but lightly. A drip irrigation system is a great way to ensure consistent moisture levels. Fertilize your blueberry bush every few weeks during the growing season with a fertilizer specifically formulated for acid-loving plants.

Overwintering Blueberry Bushes in Containers

Because their roots are more exposed to the cold in containers, blueberry bushes need special care during winter. In cold climates, it’s recommended to subtract one number from your local hardiness zone when choosing a variety for container growing.

Option 1: Burying the Container

In mid-autumn, bury the container in the ground in a spot that’s protected from the wind and likely to receive snow cover. Mulch around the container with 4-8 inches of straw and cover the plant with a burlap bag. Water occasionally throughout the winter.

Option 2: Storing Indoors

Alternatively, you can store the container in an unheated building, such as a barn or garage. Water the plant occasionally during storage.

Common Problems and Solutions

Yellowing Leaves: This can be a sign of iron deficiency. Apply a fertilizer containing iron chelate.

Poor Fruit Production: Blueberry bushes require cross-pollination to produce fruit. If you’re only growing one bush, consider hand-pollinating the flowers using a small paintbrush.

Root Rot: This is caused by overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Conclusion

Growing blueberries in containers is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy fresh, delicious berries even if you don’t have a traditional garden. By following these tips, you can ensure your blueberry bushes thrive and produce bountiful harvests for years to come.

Fruit Trees

How to Prune Fig Trees in Containers: A Step-by-Step Guide

by Gregory July 30, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

How to Prune Fig Trees in Containers

Fig trees are a great addition to any garden, and they can be grown successfully in containers. However, pruning fig trees in containers is a bit different than pruning them in the ground. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

When to Prune Fig Trees in Containers

The best time to prune fig trees in containers is after the fruit has ripened, usually in midsummer. This gives the tree time to harden off the new growth that is stimulated by cutting.

How to Prune Fig Trees in Containers

Gather your tools. You will need a sharp pair of bypass pruners and a pair of gloves.
Remove any suckers. Suckers are small shoots that grow from the rootstock of the tree. They can be removed by cutting them off at the base.
Trim off any excess branches. You want to leave three to four strong peripheral branches. Choose one straight stem for a central leader.
Prune the remaining branches. Cut back the remaining branches by about one-third. This will help to create a strong, open canopy.
Clean up the tree. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and cut off any branches that are rubbing against each other.

Tips for Pruning Fig Trees in Containers

Use sharp tools. Dull tools can crush the branches, making them more susceptible to disease.
Make clean cuts. Clean cuts will heal quickly and help to prevent disease.
Don’t overprune. Fig trees do not need to be pruned heavily. Overpruning can weaken the tree and reduce fruit production.

How to Care for Potted Fig Trees

In addition to pruning, potted fig trees need regular care to stay healthy and productive. Here are a few tips:

Water regularly. Fig trees need about 1 inch of water per week. Water more frequently during hot, dry weather.
Fertilize regularly. Fig trees should be fertilized monthly during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer.
Provide support. Potted fig trees may need support to keep them from falling over. You can use a stake or a trellis to provide support.
Protect from cold weather. Fig trees are not cold hardy, so they need to be protected from cold weather. You can bring them indoors for the winter, or you can wrap them in burlap or other protective material.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Potted Fig Trees

Here are a few common problems that you may encounter when growing fig trees in containers:

Leaves turning yellow. This can be a sign of nutrient deficiency. Fertilize the tree regularly to correct the problem.
Fruit dropping off the tree. This can be a sign of overwatering or underwatering. Water the tree regularly, but do not overwater.
Pests. Fig trees can be susceptible to pests, such as aphids and scale. Treat the tree with an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.

By following these tips, you can keep your potted fig tree healthy and productive for many years to come.

Additional Resources

Gardening

How to Grow Mint Indoors: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

by Donna July 30, 2024

written by Donna 4 minutes read

How to Grow Mint Indoors: A Comprehensive Guide

Mint is a versatile herb that can be grown both outdoors and indoors. It’s easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of environments, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners.

Choosing a Container

When growing mint indoors, it’s important to choose a container with adequate drainage. This will help prevent the roots from rotting. Terracotta or plastic pots with drainage holes are both good options.

Soil and Planting

Mint prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. You can use a commercial potting mix or make your own by mixing equal parts sand, peat, and perlite.

To plant mint, simply fill your container with soil and make a hole deep enough to accommodate the roots. Gently place the mint plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets.

Watering

Mint plants prefer moist soil, but they don’t like to be waterlogged. Water your mint plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Humidity

Mint plants also prefer humid environments. You can increase the humidity around your mint plant by misting it with water or placing it on a tray filled with pebbles and water.

Sunlight

Mint plants need at least four to six hours of sunlight per day. If you’re growing mint indoors, place it in a sunny window that receives plenty of indirect light.

Temperature

Mint plants prefer temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night. If your home is too warm or too cold, you can adjust the temperature by using a fan or heater.

Fertilizing

Mint plants don’t require a lot of fertilizer, but you can give them an occasional dose of all-purpose, water-soluble fertilizer or fish emulsion. Mix the fertilizer at half strength and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the herb to lose its flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Yellowing leaves: This can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency.
Brown leaves: This can be caused by too much direct sunlight or low humidity.
Mint rust: This is a fungal disease that can cause orange or brown spots on the leaves.
Aphids: These small, green insects can suck the sap from mint plants, causing them to wilt and yellow.

Harvesting

Mint leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season. Simply snip off the leaves as needed. You can use mint leaves fresh or dried.

Additional Tips

You can also grow mint in water. Simply take tip cuttings of about 5 to 6 inches in length from an established mint plant and place them in a glass or bottle filled with water. Set the container in a sunny window and change the water every few days.
Mint plants can be invasive, so it’s important to keep them contained. You can do this by growing them in pots or by planting them in the ground with a physical barrier, such as a raised bed or edging.
Mint is a great companion plant for tomatoes, cabbage, and carrots. It can help to repel pests and improve the flavor of these vegetables.

With a little care and attention, you can easily grow healthy and flavorful mint indoors all year round.

Vegetable Gardening

Container Gardening Revolutionized: Tater Tubs for Effortless Potato Growing

by Gregory July 17, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Container Gardening: A Revolutionary Way to Grow Spuds

Introduction

Growing potatoes in the garden can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging to harvest them all without leaving any behind. Over time, these forgotten spuds can take over your entire garden, becoming a hidden menace the following spring.

Introducing Tater Tubs: The Self-Watering Potato Revolution

To solve this problem, many gardeners have turned to container gardening, using self-watering containers called “tater tubs.” These ingenious devices make growing and harvesting potatoes a breeze.

How to Make Tater Tubs

Making tater tubs is surprisingly easy. All you need is a large plastic container, a smaller plastic container that fits inside it, a PVC pipe, and some drainage holes.

Drill a large hole in the bottom of the larger container, just large enough to fit the PVC pipe.
Drill several smaller drainage holes in the bottom of the larger container.
Place a bit of soil in the bottom of the larger container and plant your potato starts.
Insert the smaller container into the larger one, leaving some space between the two.
Fill the PVC pipe with water. The water will fill the space between the two containers and wick up through the smaller holes, keeping the soil moist.

Benefits of Growing Potatoes in Tater Tubs

Growing potatoes in tater tubs offers several key benefits:

Self-watering: The PVC pipe ensures that your plants stay moist for several days, even when you’re away.
Easy harvesting: When it’s time to harvest, simply dump the potatoes out onto a tarp. No more digging and searching for hidden spuds.
Portable: Tater tubs are lightweight and easy to move around, making them ideal for small spaces or balconies.
Versatile: Tater tubs can be used to grow other crops as well, such as sweet potatoes and tomatoes.

Tips for Growing Potatoes in Tater Tubs

Choose the right potato varieties: Some potato varieties are better suited for container gardening than others. Look for varieties that are compact and have a short maturity period.
Chit your potatoes: Before planting, “chit” your potatoes by placing them in a warm, dark place for a few weeks. This will encourage them to sprout, giving them a head start when you plant them.
Hill your potatoes: As the potato plants grow, gradually add more soil around the base of the stems. This process, called “hilling,” encourages the plants to produce more potatoes.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, tater tubs are a game-changer for growing potatoes. Their self-watering design, easy harvesting, and versatility make them the perfect solution for anyone who wants to enjoy fresh, homegrown potatoes without the hassle.

Gardening

Gardening Q&A with the Experts: September 2022 | Get Expert Gardening Advice

by Gregory July 15, 2024

written by Gregory 5 minutes read

Gardening Q&A with the Experts

Monthly Q&A – September 2022

Our expert gardeners, Emma Crawforth and David Hurrion, are here to answer your gardening questions every month. Watch their answers below, and don’t forget to submit your questions for next month’s Q&A.

How to Reuse Old Compost

Compost is a valuable resource for gardeners, but what do you do with old compost? Here are a few ideas:

Add it to your garden beds. Old compost can be mixed into your garden soil to improve its structure and fertility.
Use it as a mulch. Spread old compost around your plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Make compost tea. Steep old compost in water to create a nutrient-rich liquid that can be used to water your plants.

Should You Use Pot Feet or Saucers Under Your Containers?

Pot feet and saucers can be used to elevate containers off the ground, which has several benefits:

Improves drainage. Elevating containers allows excess water to drain away, preventing root rot.
Reduces heat stress. The air circulation under elevated containers helps to keep the soil cooler, reducing heat stress on plants.
Prevents pests. Keeping containers off the ground helps to deter pests that may crawl from the soil into your plants.

My Lawn Looks Terrible After Summer, and Crows Are Pecking It. What Can I Do?

A combination of summer heat and drought can take a toll on your lawn, making it look brown and patchy. Crows may also be pecking at your lawn, searching for grubs or other insects. Here are a few tips to revive your lawn:

Water deeply and regularly. Water your lawn deeply and infrequently, rather than shallowly and often. This encourages deep root growth and helps the lawn to withstand drought.
Aerate your lawn. Aeration helps to break up compacted soil and allow water and nutrients to reach the roots.
Fertilize your lawn. Fertilizing your lawn in the fall helps to strengthen the grass and prepare it for winter.
Control crows. Crows can be deterred by using scarecrows, reflective tape, or other deterrents.

My Wisteria Has Died, but Is Shooting From the Base. Will Those New Shoots Flower?

Wisteria plants can sometimes die back to the ground, but they often send up new shoots from the base. These new shoots will eventually flower, but it may take several years. To encourage flowering, make sure to give your wisteria plenty of sunlight and water, and fertilize it regularly.

My Plum Tree Has Brown Rot. What Should I Do?

Brown rot is a fungal disease that can affect plum trees. It causes the fruit to rot and can also damage the leaves and branches. To control brown rot, remove any infected fruit and leaves from the tree. You can also spray the tree with a fungicide.

Additional Expert Answers

What is the best way to revive badly dehydrated potted hydrangeas?
- Water the hydrangeas deeply and regularly.
- Place the hydrangeas in a shady spot.
- Prune off any dead or damaged leaves.
I often read about adding ‘loam’ to compost, but what is ‘loam’?
- Loam is a type of soil that is composed of a mixture of sand, silt, and clay. It is a good all-purpose soil for gardening.
My roses are covered in black spot. I don’t want to spray them. Are there any other methods to control it?
- Remove any infected leaves from the roses.
- Water the roses at the base of the plant, avoiding getting the leaves wet.
- Apply a layer of mulch around the roses to help suppress the fungus.
Why have my runner beans failed?
- Runner beans need plenty of sunlight and support to grow well.
- Make sure your runner beans are getting at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Provide a trellis or other support for the beans to climb on.
Lots of my brassicas have grown with no center – cauliflowers with no curds, cabbages with no heart, calabrese with no heads. What is the cause?
- This is likely due to a lack of boron in the soil.
- Apply a boron fertilizer to your soil to help prevent this problem.

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