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Small Space Garden Center |
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Right now the trend is "Little Houses" or Miminalists. Our younger generations no longer want the mega mansions with lots of upkeep and unused space. So today we are talking about the little space garden bench. Proving that you don't need a ton of space to get organized and grow a garden. Here are our tips
Get Organized: Whether is a small house or a small garden bench you need to be organized. There is no room for items not used or taking up space. A hardworking potting bench is to gardeners what a well stocked pantry is to a chef.
Start with a seed planner. Keep a small notebook or a collection of empty seed packets to remind you of what you tried, what worked and want you want to give a go of. There is computer apps for your cell phone that will also help with this step. The point is to keep a small record for reference.
Organize your small garden tools in empty flowerpots, burlap bins or metal cans. This keep them all in one place, out of the way and can be a decorative touch to your garden bench. Woven baskets also work so you can fill them with gloves, hand lotion, whisk brooms, garden tools and scissors. Get creative.
If your garden bench doesn't not have shelves built in then place it next to a wall so that you can hang shelves on the wall. These shelves can be used for holding the flowerpots and bins talked about above, they can also have hooks on them so you can hang hand tool, watering cans and lightweight pots from. Try to offer as many ways as possible to keep items organized.
Use small garbage cans with lids for potting mix and other storage containers for fertilizer, straw and other items for pottery toppers. Keep your garden hose in a large ceramic pot come winter. Stack all your clean garden planters at the end of each season by the bench so that they are ready to go come Spring.
When it comes to how much space you set aside for a potting and planting area it can be as small as a shelf on blocks, a folding table you can take down, a piece of furniture like a dresser you can turn into a gardening and planting bench or a card table. Get creative!
Lastly, organize all the items above in a decorative way that shows your artistic taste. Paint the bench in bright bold colors, keep the natural wood look that you love so much or use 2 or 3 colors to match the porch or patio area where it will be displayed. The point of this is to get organized and have fun.
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| potting bench, pottery organization, pot storage, storage bench, garden bench, |
By ArizonaPottery
Post Last Updated: 8/22/2023 11:37:03 AM |
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Let's Talk Citrus in Pots |
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Growing a citrus tree in a flowerpot is nothing new. Gardeners have been doing this for many years. The attractive and edible fruit make these very popular and wanted by most folks whether they have a home or apartment. With a sunny window and a bit of space anyone can grow fruit in a garden planter.
Of course we feel the most important place to start is choosing the correct garden container. We recommend terracotta of course. Most terracotta breathes and is very healthy for a plants roots. It also drains well so it's a healthy choice for moisture control in the soil of pots. If you decided to use a different type of garden planter that doesn't dry out then you may incur issues. A citrus trees roots like to dry out between watering's and do not like to sit in moist soil.
When it comes to the size of the pot believe it or not a citrus plant does not like to be in a huge oversized pot. They really don't mind being root bound in a planter which we normally don't recommend and this is because they like it and tend to remain healthy. When selecting a potting mix they aren't fussy. Just make sure it's well draining and includes some limestone.
Most plants but especially citrus require lots of light so place the potted plants in a sunny window or outdoor area. Bring the planters outside when the weather reaches a 60 degree temp on a regular basis. Place them in full sun for at least half a day.
When it comes to maintaining the potted citrus plants water with a light hand. Do not over water and make sure that the planter drains well after each watering. It's ok to wait until the plant shows a little wilting even. When it comes to fertilizing a regular program is the best. So feed the potted plant when it is actively growing and stop during winter.
Also when it comes to pruning try to prune only when necessary. Even if the plant starts to look unsightly hold off until after the first fruit is picked. In general most potted citrus plants like to be left alone so try your best not to interfere. And lastly, pick fruit when ripened. Or if you prefer just leave it alone for a decorative look and wonderful fragrance. This way they make wonderful houseplants!
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| citrus potted, potted citrus, citrus in planters, citrus in pots, gardening |
By ArizonaPottery
Post Last Updated: 8/22/2023 11:38:05 AM |
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Moving Large Containers |
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As a very first step to consider before buying, planting & placing large garden containers is where do you want them to be placed. It's totally practical to place the pots before you fill them with gravel, pot shards, potting mix and plant materials. The added weight all these items will add make it cumbersome to move the pot after added. If you have to move your garden pots after then here are a few tips to help.
When it comes to moving large garden pots for whatever reason may arise you can use wooden dollies made for this purpose, they make plastic saucer with wheels on them or purchase a pot lifter that we sell that works very well. All are great for moving large pots but just make sure they can handle the weight before trying any of these methods.
Sometimes you can use a hand truck to move heavy pottery so that you are not putting all the weight of large planters on your back. You may need to ask a neighbor or yard person to help out. If you have to move it up or down steps try using 2 wooden planks to form a ram you can slid the large container down or up on.
We have even seen a piece of cardboard placed under the flower pot making it easier to slide the pot along a patio surface. All in all the most important point is to place the planter where it needs to stay before you plant it. And, of course don't water it right before moving so that the potting soil is lighter and not weighed down from the moisture.
Once moved, leave the plant alone so it can grow to the new location. This is not the time to trim or cut back a potted plant. It has already been thru enough of a shock, having been moved.
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| moving large garden planters, moving heavy pots, heavy garden pots, lifting heavy pottery, tips for moving |
By ArizonaPottery
Post Last Updated: 8/22/2023 11:39:18 AM |
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Clear the Air At Home |
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Clear the Air at Home
1. Open the windows for 10 mins a day:
Doing this every day will increase the air circulation in your home, reducing lung irritating indoor air pollution by 20% or more.
2. Pick pump bottles for your lungs' sake:
Virtually anything you normally buy in an aerosol can is now available in a pump bottle - and making the switch significantly reduces the number of lung irritants released into the air.
3. Use an air purifier to banish germs:
Consider buying an air purifier to keep airborne germs - such as a cold or flue bug - from reaching you. Tests show that even smaller purifiers can filter out as much as 99% of a rooms mold, dust, pet dander and airborne germs.
4. Decorate with potted plants to soak up ozone:
Of course we think this one is totally necessary. If you are prone to unexplained headaches, coughing and the like, problem could be ozone, a common pollutant. Not to worry: Decorating with colorful potted flowerpots filled with houseplants can keep ozone levels low 24/7, studies have shown.
5. Opt for healthy cleaners:
Pick products made with vinegar or other gentle cleansers that are free of harsh chemicals that give off gases. Safe brands to try include Seventh Generation and Method.
You can't avoid all indoor pollutants! According to researchers eating a few carrot sticks and an apple every day can shore up your defenses again inhaled irritants, cutting your risk of related health hassles as much as 63% So, who wouldn't place a potted plant around your home or open the windows a few minutes a day. Your health is important to you and we care! Give these a try!
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| potted plants, houseplants that clean air, indoor houseplants, |
By ArizonaPottery
Post Last Updated: 8/22/2023 11:41:53 AM |
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Potted Chili Peppers |
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Have you ever thought about growing colorful chili peppers in a flower pot that can be placed in the kitchen, on a window, or a patio table? They are beautiful, colorful and yummy good to eat and cook with!
Few potted plants get the attention of both you eyes and taste buds as spicy chili peppers. Grow in summer they are easy to pot and grow along with fun to add to any of your bbq or summertime suppers. Maybe you just need a burst of bright red, yellow or green to add that little spark to your patio table or kitchen island.
Select a natural clay flowerpot that is made of rustic terracotta clay. The combination creates a rustic, almost hispanic look that is beautiful and decorative. Maybe you want to really pack on the color. Then choose a red high shine color bowl that will only explode in more color when you pot up the red peppers.
Once established, pepper plants require moderate water and fertilizer. With full sun and plenty of warmth, the potted chilies will grow all summer long. These spicy little pups do not like wet, damp conditions so be careful when transplanting them from the pot to the ground later in the year.
Whether you pick them green or leave them to ripen to a bright red on the vine, they can be used raw, cooked, or preserved by drying or freezing. Maybe you just want dazzling color and don't care to eat them. That is fine also. They will provide all the color you need in a very small flower pot size.
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| potted chilies, peppers in pots, potted peppers, chilies in flowerpots |
By ArizonaPottery
Post Last Updated: 8/22/2023 11:43:51 AM |
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Pottery Herb Beauty Treatments |
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Potted herbs don't just smell great but they are loaded with nourishing anti-aging compounds that can restore radiance and smooth skin, thicken your hair erase dark marks. Growing them is as easy as purchasing the seeds from your local garden center along with some potting mix and small flowerpots from Arizona Pottery of course!
Potted Thyme: White up a purifying scrub. Dry 1 - 2 sprigs and remove the leaves from stems and light mash with spoon. Mix with 1 Tsp baking sod and a few drops of water to make a paste. Massage over clean, damp skin in small circles. Rinse and pat dry. Use 2 times a week. Enough for 1 treatment.
Potted Rosemary: Everyone knows how great rosemary is in the kitchen but here is a recipe hair growth. Place 4 springs of rosemary in a clean jar. Pour 2 cups warm water over the springs. Infuse for at least 4 hours. Strain into a clean spray bottle. Then add 2 T of vegetable glycerin. Shake and mist over scalp and hair. Massage then style. Keeps 2 weeks in the fridge.
Potted Parsley: Fine chop 8 washed parsley sprigs. Mash in a bowl with spoon. Cover with 1 c Hot water and steep 1 hr. Strain into spray bottle and chill in fridge. When ready, mist the liquid over cotton pads and place over closed eyes. Relax 15 mins. Erase dark under eyes.
Not interested in starting herbs from seeds, then purchase the beginner plants from the store. All you need to do is repot them into a Arizona Pottery decorative or terracotta flowerpot. Just make sure the pot has a drain hole since all herbs need well draining soil. Keep them around the house for cooking, sleeping and all of the above beauty treatments.
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| pottery, flowerpots, homeandgarden, gardening, landscaping, planters |
By ArizonaPottery
Post Last Updated: 8/22/2023 11:45:38 AM |
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Modern Garden Designs Using Containers |
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We don't talk much about Modern garden designs in the Pottery Post blog but today we thought we would share some thoughts and see what you think. Since modern garden designs are generally geometric, abstract, and use little plant materials they are not what most would consider when designing a patio or yard area. Mostly contemporary they are designed in the minimalist approach where less is more. The garden containers used now become the main focus with artistic touches or where opposite happens and the plants are the accent point and the pottery is mostly hidden and minor.
It's not that you don't like traditional gardens and landscaping it's that you desire a more simple, feel and look that reflects your personal desire for outdoor living. Since many modern garden containers can be cold, abstract and plain looking they will need a plant that will add something to the design element. Like for an example a concrete wok planter with no pattern or even rolled rim edges is fairly simple and plain. But place a spiky cactus or succulent in the center and it can explode out the top creating a lively display.
Try to consider a Modern garden container a joining of two design elements. Simple, plain, abstract all matched with color, unique plants and minimal displays. Usually you wont see a lot of plant materials mixed but a few displayed distinctive. Plants are not just tools meaning just stick one into a pot and hope for the best. Try to provide a variety of choices that make sense. Example - different succulents, all colorful flowers or evergreens with no color.
Instead of just trying to fill space think of modern designs as an art form. Maybe use a few garden containers that stand tall, proud and empty. Display them as artwork instead of a garden planter. A cigar jar shape usually fits this need. Size matters here. You do not want a small planter sitting in the center of a display that is undersized and gets lost in the surrounding plant materials.
Lastly, when starting out a great place to begin your planning is visualizing the term "Negative Space". This means the space between things. It truly creates a space for the mind and the eye to rest because it is the area where the lest is going on. It allows you to be able to sit there and breathe. There are no hard rules when it comes to designing this way. Just take a deep breathe and get creative.
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| modern garden designs, modern containers, minimalist gardening containers |
By ArizonaPottery
Post Last Updated: 8/22/2023 11:49:37 AM |
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Creative Containers |
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We want to provide some fresh container ideas to brighten up your garden or patio areas. Give some of these ideas a go and let us know how they work out for you.
If you have to have a habit when it comes to your garden and patio areas why not make it trying to create new planters for your home. Planted pots offer color, fragrance and beauty to all areas of your home. By using beautiful flowers or lots of green houseplants you can create wonderful combinations that are decorative.
When thinking about how to create wonderful and healthy garden containers you have a number of things to consider. Start with the plants needs. Most colorful containers start with considering the soil, water, food and light needs your plants need. You don't want water logged roots which will rot if there are no drain holes in the pottery. Make sure to replenish nutrients that leach from the soil by fertilizing containers weekly.
Choose sunny spots if necessary. When you choose plants think about where that container will sit when it comes to sun needs. Try not to mix plants that have different needs so that they will all get along at the same time. Avoid mixing them up to much and try planting one type of plant or flower at a time.
Make sure you use the correct potting soil so that your plants are given the best shot for a healthy production of color and growth. When picking plants pick a combination of richly hued foliage and ruffled leaves and texture if possible. Finally clustering containers together makes a wonderful and colorful display that really brightens up a porch or patio.
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| potted containers, garden, home and garden, flowerpots |
By ArizonaPottery
Post Last Updated: 8/22/2023 11:50:59 AM |
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Garden Chores for March |
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What to do in the garden in the month of March
Spring is coming March 20th and it is long overdue. It has been months of cold and dark and people are tired of this weather. Here are some tips to start to consider to give you something to look for.
Potted Snapdragons, marigolds, petunias, violas, and dianthus can handle cool days. This means you will find them at your local garden center. You can pot them up now with success. Veggies such as broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, kale and onions will also do fine. Wait for warm days for impatiens, basil and tomatoes to pot up.
Potted vines offer vertical solutions for color, fragrance and shade on patio walls, and garden fences. They look lovely when draped over the side of most planters to add a new dimension. Good choices are jasmine, honeysuckle and cross vines. They are colorful and very fragrant.
Now is the time to shop for roses to plant in our garden containers. When placed on a patio or porch they offer stunning beauty and wonderful scents. You can find bare root selections now. By planting them early you encourage good root development. Be sure and add organic matter in the soil to help with drainage and improve fertility.
Lastly, if you have potted up some cool season grasses in your garden planters to get you thru the winter months, now is the time to fertilize those planters to help promote grow thru the warmer months ahead. Bluegrass, ryegrass and others all love the types of fertilizers that are made for their particular types.
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| potted planters, garden containers, pots, planters, pottery, home and garden, planter pots, gardening |
By ArizonaPottery
Post Last Updated: 8/22/2023 11:52:14 AM |
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