Vigorous Vines

With gardens today becoming smaller and more compact than in years past, avid gardeners find themselves looking to use every possible space available. This has re-newed the interest in creating vertical gardens, which in turn has led to some really good ideas for growing vegetables in small areas, as well as the innovative use of climbing plants and vines in today's garden designs.

Climbing plants and vines are versatile additions to most gardens, providing shade when grown over a pergola, porch or patio. They soften the look of a bare wall, and cover an ugly fence or shed, some even make stunning ground cover, like Jasmine or Honeysuckle. Climbing plants are also superb used indoors,especially the tropical vines.

Climbers can also be used to enhance a balcony or verandah and can block out unsightly views.

Climbing plants or leafy vines can add height, drama and interest to both outdoor and indoor gardens. Garden designers are creating visually stunning effects using large framework shapes, mirrors and vines.

Without support your climbing plants and vines will trail. In their natural habitat climbing plants have different ways of clinging to their hosts. Some, like Ivy, have aerial roots that cling to rough surfaces. Aerial roots need plenty of moisture and thrive in humid conditions.

Some plants will entwine themselves around trellis or a taught wire or string, while others will send out curly tendrils that attach themselves to any stationary object.

Most climbing plants can be trained to form beautiful espaliers, or cover small or large frameworks. For some artistic ideas using vines go to:

Most vines will grow in low as well as bright light, and will need to be trained and maintained to prevent unruly growth. The end result will be worth the extra effort.

Until next time,

Margarete
www.antspantsgardening.com

Hydroponics For Your Indoor Plants

Hydroponics- A centuries old idea for todays growers. Research into growing plants in water with added nutrients actually began in 1699, but it wasn't until the 1930's that any serious interest was taken in this method of growing plants.

I grow my indoor plants using the hydroponic method and it has been a very satisfying experience.Apart from having a wonderful array of happy healthy plants, the lightweight growing mediums allow for easy moving of even the largest pots.

The use of soil is completely eleminated. Soil is replaced by clay granules, perlite, vermiculite and pebbles.I use the self watering pots and add nutrient solution to the water. Kits are available that makes hydroponic growing very easy for beginners. You just have to follow the instructions.

If it's possible try to obtain plants that have been germinated hydroponically. You can still use soil raised plants, but the soil needs to be completely removed, and your plants will suffer as their soil grown roots die back and the new roots start to grow. I usually germinate my own seeds in vermiculite, or 'strike' cuttings in perlite.

Although there are many individual approaches to growing plants hydroponically, once you have perfected the method your plants will grow faster, bigger, and look wonderfully healthy.


All the best and happy gardening

Margarete

www.antspantsgardening.com