SUCCESSFUL CHERRY TOMATOES ON THE PATIO

It is easy to have success with cherry tomatoes on the patio! The only requirements that cherry tomatoes need are clean dirt, a large pot to grow in, a little fertilizer, adequate water, and the sun with its light and heat. This is the choice for anyone living in an apartment - or those with little ground to plant in. The minimal time and effort to grow these lovely, health-inducing plants is well worth it for anyone with or without a green thumb!

The first requirement is to find a healthy, bushy tomato plant of the cherry variety. Cherry tomatoes are best for salads, relish trays, and for just an occasional healthy snack. They are very prolific if treated well, and will produce fruit as long as the warm weather and regular maintenance are done. You will need a large pot, preferably a self watering variety, since it will alleviate some of the time you will spend on watering daily. If a self watering pot is not available, any pot with adequate drainage will do. Large buckets, barrels or drums cut in half, and storage containers no longer in use can be used to grow tomatoes as long as there are holes in the bottom to let out excess water.

Potting soil is preferable to dirt since it is much lighter, but any healthy dirt and/or compost can be used. If you will ever need to move your pot, weight considerations must be accounted for in the preparation stage. Using light soil, a light pot, and a perfectly trimmed plant will help you keep your tomato plant in the optimal position for production.

Regular watering and fertilizing are a necessity, with watering the most crucial element, especially in the hot, dry summer months. Fertilizing products are plentiful, but avoid overdoing it since the plants can be harmed by too much of a good thing. Do not let the roots dry out, but do not water if there is adequate moisture in the soil. You can tell by sticking your finger into the dirt along the edge and checking for wetness.

Most tomato plants, including the cherry varieties, will need little other maintenance. Keeping the suckers pruned and trellised or staked - along with pest control - are the only other considerations to growing your own tomatoes. If the plants become too unruly, clip some of the limbs back. Never clip a limb that has either of these since you will be cutting back some of your fruit production. Pest control can involve something as easy as planting marigolds, basil, of other strong odored plants with or around your tomatoes. Basil makes the perfect fit, since you can also cut the basil while picking your tomatoes for your Italian salads and cooking.

Growing and eating your very own food is quickly becoming one of the most popular activities in many of the households in the United States. Not only is it fun and therapeutic, but the health benefits far outweigh the difficulty of working on your patio garden. Along with so many other vegetables you can grow in containers, successful cherry tomatoes on the patio are one alternative gardening pastime that should be enjoyed by everyone for a healthier and happier society.

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DECK TOMATO SUCCESS!!

Using tomatoes in your deck or patio gardening should be seriously considered, since tomatoes are one of the wonder foods of gardens everywhere. They not only supply us with more of the necessary vitamins and minerals for health than many other foods, but they carry an extra punch of providing an abundant supply of antioxidants that protect us from killer diseases such as some forms of cancer. They are one of the staples in any gardeners ground, but are growing in popularity for patios and decks because of the ease of growing and long term harvesting of the amazing fruit. And to think it has been only a century or so that these incredible plants were believed to be evil and poisonous!

Growing tomatoes on the deck starts with having a pot that can withstand the elements, the weight of the dirt and plant, and the capability of holding water - while at the same time not waterlogging the plant. There are many self-watering planters on the market today, and filling up the reservoir daily can keep your tomatoes beautiful and healthy, not to mention productive.The type of tomato you grow can be as individual as you are. You can choose from the smallest grape cherry tomato for salads and relish trays, cherry tomatoes that are just right for picking and eating, or the plethora of larger tomatoes that are grown for flavor, meatiness, or beauty. There is always the possibility of growing two or more varieties for the methods in which they will be used.

Tomatoes need clean soil to prevent disease, so when starting you plants in pots always use sterilized soil or soil that comes directly from a bag in a garden center. Never reuse soil unless you sterilize it first or you will be fighting the same disease and insects that you did in the previous use of the soil.

The point is that you can grow tomatoes as easily as any other plant on your deck or patio. They make a great addition to your decorating, and are always a great conversation starter when you have a get together. Deck tomato success starts with you, so don't be afraid to experiment.

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PICKING THE RIGHT OUTDOOR PATIO FURNITURE

By: Sonya Percell

We can't wait for spring to get here, and say goodbye to those long, winter months! That means it may be time to replace our weather-beaten, decrepit outdoor patio furniture. Well, here's good news! Gone are the days when your choices were limited to only 2 or 3 options.

Patio furniture sets or lawn furniture comes in an unbelievable array of styles guaranteed to fit your particular needs and pocketbook. Cast aluminum furniture, wicker furniture sets, and decorative metal chairs or tables lend a beautiful, classic element to your outdoor area. Redwood or teak patio furniture is long-lasting and will weather the elements. Add to that the wildly popular Adirondack chairs, yard hammocks, chaise lounges, picnic tables and even bar stools for your outdoor kitchen or bar, and your choices become endless.

Perhaps you just need to replace your patio furniture cushions, or buy a new patio umbrella for your table. Those are available at many of your local neighborhood chain stores. Maybe you just want to dress up your patio or yard with some water features? Many large garden stores carry a vast array of fountains for every taste, from stone lions to wooden-look buckets and old-fashioned spigots. There are even water ponds that can be set up on your patio or deck, as well as in the yard. Maybe you'd like a garden bench or outdoor concrete statues to lend an elegance to your patio or lawn area.

On the opposite end, perhaps you'd like to have a fire pit to roast weiners and marshmallows with friends and family. These come in a variety of styles & prices as well. Gas or propane grills or cookers from the simple to the complex are available as well to fill anyone's dreams and pocketbook. Outdoor patio heaters, for those months when it's not quite warm enough, but you still want to enjoy the outdoors, are now quite affordable for anyone's budget.

Maybe you have a very small patio with no yard, such as those that come with apartments. If that is the case, you may want to invest in folding patio furniture or even plastic lawn furniture (which are both relatively inexpensive patio furniture types) that you can easily pack up and store during the winter months. Or...get whatever will fit on your patio and cover it up. One way to greatly increase the life of your patio furniture, wherever you live, is to invest in patio furniture covers. The cost is minimal compared to the cost of replacing your lawn furniture every couple of years or so.

As you can see, there are lawn furniture options to fit every taste and budget. From the more expensive but long-lasting teak outdoor furniture to the relatively cheap & inexpensive plastic lawn furniture, you are sure to find something that works for you.

By Sonya Percell 4-13-08http://containergardeningmadeeasy.blogspot.com/
Posted by Sonya at 11:01 PM 0 comments

Container Gardening Made Easy

Container gardening is an excellent substitute for acre gardening. If you have a small backyard, or no backyard at all you can still grow the plants you love by using containers. Most plants that grow outside can be grown inside with the proper containers and lighting if necessary. You would be surprised at the types of plants plausible; you can even grow perennials, annuals, vegetables, and herbs.

Container gardening, like outdoor gardening, requires some planning. Depending on your living situation, different plants may be more suitable for your space. A sunny deck is an ideal spot for your crop, but is not always in your reach. If you have no backyard there are specific plants that can grow in spots with less sunlight. Although, if you want certain plants that need heavy sunlight, a fluorescent light above your window sill can usually do the trick. Your local nursery can be very helpful in pointing you in the right direction. I highly recommend asking plenty of questions when purchasing your plants.

Also remember never to keep your plants outside if your temperature falls below 45 degrees F, or if you have heavy winds.

Container gardening usually requires very little maintenance and can be utilized on a rather stiff budget. Container gardening also requires very little fertilizer in comparison to outdoor plants. Make sure you do not over fertilize your potted plants. This information along with watering measurements can again found at your local nursery. Asking questions in the beginning will really help you in the end.

If you have an apartment vegetables are still an option. You will need to install window boxes for your windowsills. This is usually not a problem, but if you are renting you may want to consult your landlord before proceeding. If you do decide to grow vegetables indoor on your windowsill, I do recommend installing some sort of light fixture to help the plants thrive. A few fluorescents can work wonders.

If what you're looking for is some beautiful blooming annuals or perennials instead, then the same is possible for these. Off course they will grow faster with a fluorescent also, if you get a lot of sunlight this is not always necessary. You can brighten your home and grow your own natural air fresheners this way. There are 100's of flowers to choose from.

If you do live in the colder environment make sure to pick plants that can withstand the cold temperature better. Plants that can withstand the colder temperatures include lavender cottons, jasmine and cornflowers. You can find many more by contacting your local shop.

If you do live in the warmer temperatures then the world is your oyster. You can grow pretty much anything in containers, including perennials, annuals, succulents, bulbs, shrubs, small trees, etc. Do not be discouraged from growing a garden of your own simply because you do not have a yard to utilize. Container gardening can work in any living situation. I have plants all over my home. Plants do not only make your home smell better but can also improve your every day health by cleaning the air that you live in. Take the first step and don't test your green thumb.

Sean Oneil is a gardening enthusiest with A degree in horticulture. For more information on Containor Gardening Visit his site here: http://www.ourgardensource.com/Container-Gardening/Container-Gardening.php

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