Fresh, bright red and juicy strawberries are often used as dessert toppings and decorations because they make any food appear visually sweeter and mouth-watering. No wonder why many people love strawberries. But did you know that you can grow strawberries in your home? And for those interested in organic container gardening, strawberries are actually one of the easiest fruit-bearing plants to grow in pots. As long as all their growing requirements are met, strawberries can thrive well in any potted environment.
But before you rush to your local nursery to purchase a seedling, here are some points that you must consider to in order to successfully grow your own potted strawberries:
One: Choose the variety that suits your climate. There are two main types of strawberries - seasonal and ever-bearing. Seasonal variety bear fruits during May-June while Ever-bearing produce crops twice a year, one early in summer and another late in summer. If you live in colder regions, you're more suitable to grow the seasonal variety because ever-bearing strawberries don't thrive well in cold weather. But you can winter your plants by covering them with plastic sheets to keep the cold out. And since they are in containers, you can easily bring them in, especially during the night, to protect them from the cool evening draft.
Two: Pick pots or containers with enough drainage holes. Strawberries do not like to sit in soggy soil so good drainage is important. You containers must be at least 8-10 inches deep.
Three: Start with a good potting soil and enhance it by mixing organic matters in. You can also add fertilizers to the starting soil. When transplanting a young seedling, add enough soil such that the roots are covered and the bottom leaves are level with the top of the soil. But also, make sure that you leave at least 1 to 1 1/2 inch space between the rim of the pot and the top of the soil.
Four: Strawberries like it warm so give them daily doses of sunlight, making sure that you turn the plant around on a regular basis to expose all sides evenly.
Five: Avoid overwatering your strawberry plants. Water only when the top ½ inch of the soil feels dry to the touch.
Six: Feed your strawberries regularly with organic fertilizer to encourage them to bloom. Organic fertilizers that are high in phosphorus are your best bet because they aid plants in flowering and seeding.
Seven: Strawberry plants may produce fruits during the first year, but don't expect too much. For the ever-bearing varieties, you can suppress flowering (by removing the buds) during the first season to ensure more fruits on the next year. They are sure to yield a good harvest during the second year. Wait until spring before your strawberries ripen.
Eight: When picking strawberries, pick only the ones that are already bright red in color with no green patched left.
Nine: Like you, some pests will not be able to resist the sweetness of your strawberry fruits. Slugs and ants are most likely to pester on plants that are placed at ground level. You can hang your potted plants to prevent these pests but make sure that the hooks are sprayed with ant-sprays. Birds, raccoons and other bigger animals can be attracted to the bright red berries too, so install a barrier or cover your plants with netting to stop them from enjoying your strawberries before you do.
Follow these organic container gardening tips and you'll enjoy a sweet harvest of fresh, plump and red strawberries every year.
Nova Person is an organic gardener who's been growing different types of plants including fruits, flowers and vegetables in her home garden. She especially loves Organic Container Gardening and shares her tips on her site at http://theorganicgardeningsecrets.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nova_Person
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
An indigenous ritual of crop pest controlling from Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is basically an agricultural country, having the weather, soil, and geographical conditions all favorable for that. Sri Lankans have had many indigenous rituals which they perform at various stages of growing crops. They are gradually fading away now, with the arrival of modern technology. But many of them have a sound scientific basis, there for it’s very advisable to study them thoroughly because of today’s environmental problems use of chemicals and machinery in agriculture.
Let’s get know one such ritual that Sri Lankans used to get rid of pest insects in paddy fields. This is how it’s done. In the house that belongs to one who has some paddy grown, a pot of milk rice [rice cooked with coconut milk extract] is prepared, with pieces of fruit mixed in, early in the morning. Then the farmer takes it to the paddy field and spreads it evenly on the paddy growth by hand. No one involved in this speaks during all this.
How do you think this rids the paddy field of insects? It’s simple. The milk rice and fruit pieces attract many birds to the field, some of them omnivorous. These birds take care of the milk rice and fruit as well as insects in the field. It’s a bio pest controlling.
This is originally used in paddy cultivation, but you can use it with other crops, even in your garden. This is applicable only on insects that attack crops before the emergence of harvest because otherwise the birds will eat the harvest too. You can also alter what you use to attract birds accordingly.
Let’s get know one such ritual that Sri Lankans used to get rid of pest insects in paddy fields. This is how it’s done. In the house that belongs to one who has some paddy grown, a pot of milk rice [rice cooked with coconut milk extract] is prepared, with pieces of fruit mixed in, early in the morning. Then the farmer takes it to the paddy field and spreads it evenly on the paddy growth by hand. No one involved in this speaks during all this.
How do you think this rids the paddy field of insects? It’s simple. The milk rice and fruit pieces attract many birds to the field, some of them omnivorous. These birds take care of the milk rice and fruit as well as insects in the field. It’s a bio pest controlling.
This is originally used in paddy cultivation, but you can use it with other crops, even in your garden. This is applicable only on insects that attack crops before the emergence of harvest because otherwise the birds will eat the harvest too. You can also alter what you use to attract birds accordingly.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Fall is an Important Time of the Year When Organic Gardening By John Yazo
The end of the gardening season has arrived in many areas. The leaves are falling and winter in close to arrive. There is still a lot that needs to be done in an organic garden so that you will be ready to plant your early spring crops and to get the most of your growing season.
Soil structure is the most important part to grow a successful, healthy and thriving crop. In an organic garden, fall is the time to add the soil amendments needed to your garden so you are ready for next gardening season, it always seams to sneak up on us when we aren't ready.
Once your crops have stopped producing, clean all debris from the garden. Composting this organic matter is the best and most beneficial way of getting the most out of your garden. The compost will add the nutrients needed back into your gardens soil for your plants to benefit from, flowers, herbs and vegetables all will greatly benefit from the nutrients and the organic matter compost will provide to the soil.
When adding organic matter to your gardens soil, you are feeding the soil food web. This is what keeps an organic garden alive. It keeps the needed microorganisms in the soil working hard for you, improving the soils tilth in your gardens soil and supplying the nutrients needed for plants to thrive. These organisms are what do all the work in your garden to keep the soil healthy.
There is a large, complex community of life in your organic gardens soil that is working behind the scene to make sure your garden will be healthy and thrive, along with aiding in pest and disease control naturally.
Fall garden maintenance is an important part of organic gardening. A environment friendly and healthy way of gardening. Organic Gardening is away of gardening in harmony with nature. Growing a healthy and productive crop in a way that is healthier for both you and the environment.
John Yazo
http://www.organicheirloomgardening.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Yazo
Soil structure is the most important part to grow a successful, healthy and thriving crop. In an organic garden, fall is the time to add the soil amendments needed to your garden so you are ready for next gardening season, it always seams to sneak up on us when we aren't ready.
Once your crops have stopped producing, clean all debris from the garden. Composting this organic matter is the best and most beneficial way of getting the most out of your garden. The compost will add the nutrients needed back into your gardens soil for your plants to benefit from, flowers, herbs and vegetables all will greatly benefit from the nutrients and the organic matter compost will provide to the soil.
When adding organic matter to your gardens soil, you are feeding the soil food web. This is what keeps an organic garden alive. It keeps the needed microorganisms in the soil working hard for you, improving the soils tilth in your gardens soil and supplying the nutrients needed for plants to thrive. These organisms are what do all the work in your garden to keep the soil healthy.
There is a large, complex community of life in your organic gardens soil that is working behind the scene to make sure your garden will be healthy and thrive, along with aiding in pest and disease control naturally.
Fall garden maintenance is an important part of organic gardening. A environment friendly and healthy way of gardening. Organic Gardening is away of gardening in harmony with nature. Growing a healthy and productive crop in a way that is healthier for both you and the environment.
John Yazo
http://www.organicheirloomgardening.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Yazo
Monday, October 5, 2009
Organic gardening: How to grow an organic vegetable garden
Hi folks! Here I share another interesting video. Tell me how you find it.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Growing Organic Roses By Joe Griffon
More and more organic roses are being grown in gardens. People have been caring for roses for thousands of years. This was before there were any chemicals to take care of them. These roses didn't need any of the chemicals to thrive all of these years. Your roses will be beautiful, and there are more great benefits when organically growing your flowers. There won't be any toxic chemicals around the family or pets.
Planet Earth and all of the vegetation in it have successfully survived millions of years without the help of man. Plant life absorbs water and nutrients from their roots, and then the leaves use the water and sunlight for photosynthesis. Different kinds of bacteria, nematodes, fungus, and other organisms are naturally in soil. The bacteria and organisms are broken down to enrich the soil. When you use herbicides, patricides, and some fertilizers, you are killing the natural organisms and disturbing the natural exchange from the soil and roses. The organisms and bacteria support the roots and leave the plant in danger of damaging fungi. Some roses even get addicted to the chemicals and heavily depend on it, depending on usage.
Since you don't have to buy the pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizer it will be a lot cheaper to maintain an organic rose garden. Your roses will still grow nice and healthy without the use of such chemicals. If roses do need any extra attention you can easily add compost to newer soil, or maybe add mulch to the already settled rose bushes. If you want to start your own compost pile it's not very difficult. All you have to do is throw the dying plant cuttings, animal waste, trimmed grass, and some kitchen shreds into one pile and allow it all to slowly decompose. Sometimes the piles have to be stirred to make sure everything is properly decaying.
Organically grown roses do not use most pest controlling chemicals, and this make the plants prone to infestation. There are natural ways to cure thus problem. You can get some insects that prey on the harmful bugs. A lot of the pesticides out there destroy both the harmful and helpful bugs. Wasps and ladybugs are known to eat the harmful pests. Birds and other insects will pluck up any worms or caterpillars, and small reptiles and amphibians eat certain pests. If your organic garden desperately needs a pesticide then be sure to purchase a natural one. If chemical aid is needed, some natural, organic chemicals are still powerful but less toxic. Some chemicals can specifically target the pests in your garden.
Most rose growers want to have massive, fragrant blooms. By spending time in the garden, you can organically achieve these results without spending money on the hazardous chemicals.
Joe Griffon is a rose enthusiast. For more great tips on Organic Roses visit http://expertrosecare.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Griffon
Planet Earth and all of the vegetation in it have successfully survived millions of years without the help of man. Plant life absorbs water and nutrients from their roots, and then the leaves use the water and sunlight for photosynthesis. Different kinds of bacteria, nematodes, fungus, and other organisms are naturally in soil. The bacteria and organisms are broken down to enrich the soil. When you use herbicides, patricides, and some fertilizers, you are killing the natural organisms and disturbing the natural exchange from the soil and roses. The organisms and bacteria support the roots and leave the plant in danger of damaging fungi. Some roses even get addicted to the chemicals and heavily depend on it, depending on usage.
Since you don't have to buy the pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizer it will be a lot cheaper to maintain an organic rose garden. Your roses will still grow nice and healthy without the use of such chemicals. If roses do need any extra attention you can easily add compost to newer soil, or maybe add mulch to the already settled rose bushes. If you want to start your own compost pile it's not very difficult. All you have to do is throw the dying plant cuttings, animal waste, trimmed grass, and some kitchen shreds into one pile and allow it all to slowly decompose. Sometimes the piles have to be stirred to make sure everything is properly decaying.
Organically grown roses do not use most pest controlling chemicals, and this make the plants prone to infestation. There are natural ways to cure thus problem. You can get some insects that prey on the harmful bugs. A lot of the pesticides out there destroy both the harmful and helpful bugs. Wasps and ladybugs are known to eat the harmful pests. Birds and other insects will pluck up any worms or caterpillars, and small reptiles and amphibians eat certain pests. If your organic garden desperately needs a pesticide then be sure to purchase a natural one. If chemical aid is needed, some natural, organic chemicals are still powerful but less toxic. Some chemicals can specifically target the pests in your garden.
Most rose growers want to have massive, fragrant blooms. By spending time in the garden, you can organically achieve these results without spending money on the hazardous chemicals.
Joe Griffon is a rose enthusiast. For more great tips on Organic Roses visit http://expertrosecare.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Griffon
Monday, September 7, 2009
How to Raise Organic Vegetables : Designing an Organic Garden
This video gives you some very useful tips to start off with an organic garden.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Building Your Own HPS Grow-Lights By Mark P Hudson
Many different lighting systems around your home or garden may already use High Pressure Sodium. As you build on to your home or add additional security systems or build a garden, you will need to look into the best lighting system for you to successfully light multiple areas, but without breaking your bank account . This is why many people these days are turning to building their own lighting systems. There are many websites that can help you do just this. You simply pick from an array of different lighting parts, and then follow the steps to have your very own, working lighting system! When building your own grow lighting system for your newly formed garden, you will need to purchase a kit to help you install High Pressure Sodium Ballast lights, which will be the best, most energy efficient lights to help you grow your plants.
Choosing to purchase a high pressure sodium ballast kit will help ensure that your seeds get the best lighting possible at a fraction of the price. They are terrific lights because they will last for a very long time without needing any replacement parts. They also provide consistent bright light so you can grow your plants anywhere at any time.
When purchasing a ballast kit to construct your very own lamps, you don't need to purchase a bunch of individual parts. You will need to follow the steps you will find online, and purchase a kit which will contain a high pressure sodium ballast, a transformer, a capacitator, an igniter and a socket. Included in your kit will be instructions for how to set your kit up and get it ready to provide high powered light to your growing plants. If you are confused by any of the instructions, consult an expert. Do not leave any wires out to be exposed to the elements.
After installing your kit, make sure to test your new ballast lights and make sure that they work properly. Double check that they are set up close enough to your plants to ensure optimum growth. The bulb, when turned on, should immediately begin to glow. If your bulb does not glow, then turn it off and wait five minutes before you try to turn it on a second time. You need to be very careful while handling the ballast lights, as you do not want to inadvertently shock yourself during the installation process.
Purchasing a high pressure sodium ballast kit to build your own grow light can be a safe, inexpensive and simple process. It is important to follow all of the instructions for installing your new light. There are many things to consider while purchasing your new lighting system, but luckily the High Pressure Sodium Ballast lighting systems have a lot of advantages to their credit, and very few disadvantages. Luckily these lights, once installed properly, should provide strong light, and last a very long time. Your energy bills will thank you for choosing such an energy efficient system, and your plants will certainly benefit as well.
Mark Hudson has been an indoor gardening hobbyist for over 10 years. He is an expert in high pressure sodium and indoor gardening.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_P_Hudson
Choosing to purchase a high pressure sodium ballast kit will help ensure that your seeds get the best lighting possible at a fraction of the price. They are terrific lights because they will last for a very long time without needing any replacement parts. They also provide consistent bright light so you can grow your plants anywhere at any time.
When purchasing a ballast kit to construct your very own lamps, you don't need to purchase a bunch of individual parts. You will need to follow the steps you will find online, and purchase a kit which will contain a high pressure sodium ballast, a transformer, a capacitator, an igniter and a socket. Included in your kit will be instructions for how to set your kit up and get it ready to provide high powered light to your growing plants. If you are confused by any of the instructions, consult an expert. Do not leave any wires out to be exposed to the elements.
After installing your kit, make sure to test your new ballast lights and make sure that they work properly. Double check that they are set up close enough to your plants to ensure optimum growth. The bulb, when turned on, should immediately begin to glow. If your bulb does not glow, then turn it off and wait five minutes before you try to turn it on a second time. You need to be very careful while handling the ballast lights, as you do not want to inadvertently shock yourself during the installation process.
Purchasing a high pressure sodium ballast kit to build your own grow light can be a safe, inexpensive and simple process. It is important to follow all of the instructions for installing your new light. There are many things to consider while purchasing your new lighting system, but luckily the High Pressure Sodium Ballast lighting systems have a lot of advantages to their credit, and very few disadvantages. Luckily these lights, once installed properly, should provide strong light, and last a very long time. Your energy bills will thank you for choosing such an energy efficient system, and your plants will certainly benefit as well.
Mark Hudson has been an indoor gardening hobbyist for over 10 years. He is an expert in high pressure sodium and indoor gardening.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_P_Hudson
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