This is a great way to grow your own potatoes, no matter where you live or what time of year it is! You can also put the buckets outside and grow them outdoors during the summer if you live in a condo or apartment and don't have room for an outdoor garden. But you can easily move them indoors or into the greenhouse in the winter and grow potatoes year-round. In this video, the first potato example was planted in February, so you can see how well it has grown even during the colder months.
We won't be posting next week, as we'll be traveling and spending Christmas with family, but be sure to check back after the holidays for more year-round organic gardening tips and more! I'll try to post some pics of how my indoor plants are doing as well - they're looking quite lovely right now. 'Til then, enjoy your holidays, and be safe, warm, and well!
Growing Potatoes In A Bucket
Great769 shows you how to grow your very own "potty", the potato in a bucket. great769 also shows you the original "potty" potato planted back in February, my how he has grown!! This is a way people can easily grow good natural food almost anywhere y...
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Growing Winter Potatoes In Your Organic Garden
Growing winter potatoes is best done in a warm climate or in sheltered containers. This is simply because it can be difficult to dig them up if the ground is frozen hard. The potatoes will also suffer from frost if they are left in the ground during winter in a cold climate.
However, there is nothing to stop you growing winter potatoes in a conservatory or greenhouse, for example, even if you live in a place where frost and snow are common in winter. You will simply need a greenhouse heater that switches on automatically to prevent the temperature dipping below the freezing point.
When you are growing winter potatoes it is important to remember that growth will slow down when the days are shorter and colder. Therefore you need to start them in the summer (August or early September) if you want to harvest at Christmas, or a little earlier for Thanksgiving in the northern US. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to serve your own new potatoes with the family dinner on these holidays!
What is chitting and is it necessary?
You will often see recommendations that you should leave potatoes in a dark, cool place and wait for them to begin to sprout (chitting) before you plant them. If you have time to do this, that's great. You may see that some potatoes are failing to sprout and you can pick out the ones with the healthiest looking sprouts to plant. However, if you don't have time for this, don't worry about it. Most potatoes will grow just fine without chitting.
If using tub containers, you can put 3 plants into an 18 inch diameter container. Be sure that the containers are cleaned well with water and have drainage holes. Place a couple of inches of gravel at the bottom of the container to prevent waterlogging.
Then, for growing winter potatoes, place 3 inches of mulch, leaves or straw on top of the gravel. This will produce heat as it breaks down and help to keep the potatoes frost free.
Plant them in about 3 inches of compost and fertilize well. Continue to add more compost and fertilizer as the plants grow, so that you gradually fill the container. (This will increase your yield, as the plants will form potatoes all the way up along the stems once covered.) If you can find organic potato fertilizer, that is ideal. Manure is too strong and will burn the roots of the plants.
The plants will continue to grow after the container is full. Then they will flower and a few weeks later the tops will start to die off. At that time the potatoes are ready. If you leave them a couple more weeks, they will continue to grow bigger.
Good varieties are Maris Peer, Charlotte and many others. You can buy seed potatoes or (provided you are growing in containers) you can use organic potatoes from the grocery store or locally grown organic potatoes from a farmers' market.
Do not plant bought potatoes that are not seed potatoes in the soil of your garden, however, because they can carry disease which will then stay in the soil and affect future crops. For the same reason, if you grow grocery store potatoes in containers, do not spread the compost on your garden after you are done growing winter potatoes.
However, there is nothing to stop you growing winter potatoes in a conservatory or greenhouse, for example, even if you live in a place where frost and snow are common in winter. You will simply need a greenhouse heater that switches on automatically to prevent the temperature dipping below the freezing point.
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| Potatoes growing in container. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
What is chitting and is it necessary?
You will often see recommendations that you should leave potatoes in a dark, cool place and wait for them to begin to sprout (chitting) before you plant them. If you have time to do this, that's great. You may see that some potatoes are failing to sprout and you can pick out the ones with the healthiest looking sprouts to plant. However, if you don't have time for this, don't worry about it. Most potatoes will grow just fine without chitting.
If using tub containers, you can put 3 plants into an 18 inch diameter container. Be sure that the containers are cleaned well with water and have drainage holes. Place a couple of inches of gravel at the bottom of the container to prevent waterlogging.
Then, for growing winter potatoes, place 3 inches of mulch, leaves or straw on top of the gravel. This will produce heat as it breaks down and help to keep the potatoes frost free.
 |
| 1 and a half russet potato with sprouts.(Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
The plants will continue to grow after the container is full. Then they will flower and a few weeks later the tops will start to die off. At that time the potatoes are ready. If you leave them a couple more weeks, they will continue to grow bigger.
Good varieties are Maris Peer, Charlotte and many others. You can buy seed potatoes or (provided you are growing in containers) you can use organic potatoes from the grocery store or locally grown organic potatoes from a farmers' market.
Do not plant bought potatoes that are not seed potatoes in the soil of your garden, however, because they can carry disease which will then stay in the soil and affect future crops. For the same reason, if you grow grocery store potatoes in containers, do not spread the compost on your garden after you are done growing winter potatoes.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Garden Planning: Paving and Walkways
Laying good paving and walkways around your garden can add considerably to the number of months during the year when you will be able to enjoy your garden and whether or not you will be able to work in it comfortably.
During the wet season, unless you have suitable areas to walk without the ground turning to mush and mud, you won't be able to access your garden to do the necessary maintenance.
Paving can also add to the style of your garden by adding a border that will set off the plants. It also allows you to add drainage and redirect water that could end up flowing into the garden and causing damage to the plants by letting them get waterlogged.
Paving is also a good alternative for people who don't like mowing lawn as it is virtually maintenance free if it has been prepared and laid correctly.
Another advantage of paving pathways is the fact that you can transport all your garden supplies around the garden more easily when you have a firm surface to run wheel barrows and trolleys on.
You can also place garden furniture on paving if you allow for a little more area and this will enhance your outdoor living space, allowing for excellent and dry entertaining areas throughout the year.
You can get paving quite cheap particularly if you use second-hand materials such as bricks. While this might not sound very appealing, secondhand bricks already have that chipped and weathered look that can look really good when laid as a path and can often blend in with the garden better than new pavers.
One thing that you will need to consider when laying pavers, and particularly when using seconds, is to ensure that the walking surface doesn't have any areas where someone might trip and fall when they are walking.
Having a few paved walkways through your garden area can add functionality and ease of use, as well as looking quite lovely.
More Garden Design Ideas:
During the wet season, unless you have suitable areas to walk without the ground turning to mush and mud, you won't be able to access your garden to do the necessary maintenance.
 |
| (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Paving is also a good alternative for people who don't like mowing lawn as it is virtually maintenance free if it has been prepared and laid correctly.
Another advantage of paving pathways is the fact that you can transport all your garden supplies around the garden more easily when you have a firm surface to run wheel barrows and trolleys on.
You can also place garden furniture on paving if you allow for a little more area and this will enhance your outdoor living space, allowing for excellent and dry entertaining areas throughout the year.
You can get paving quite cheap particularly if you use second-hand materials such as bricks. While this might not sound very appealing, secondhand bricks already have that chipped and weathered look that can look really good when laid as a path and can often blend in with the garden better than new pavers.
One thing that you will need to consider when laying pavers, and particularly when using seconds, is to ensure that the walking surface doesn't have any areas where someone might trip and fall when they are walking.
Having a few paved walkways through your garden area can add functionality and ease of use, as well as looking quite lovely.
More Garden Design Ideas:
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Garden Planning: Where To Put Your Garden
Generally the location of your garden will be determined by many factors that cannot be changed such as the location of any buildings on the property, low-lying areas prone to wetness, etc.
Aside from the obvious constraints that you will need to work with, you will also need to take other factors into consideration.
These factors will include the lay of the land, where the land is shaded or how much sun it gets during the day, the view from the rooms of the house, privacy factors and more.
Before the first plant goes into the garden you need to have a plan of what you want and what you want the garden to do for you in terms of display, privacy, shade etc. Without a plan the garden won't have a cohesive flow and that will show when the plants have matured.
You will also need to consider irrigation and drainage as these will determine how well you will be able to manage the soil and whether you will be able to supply the plants with the necessary nutrients over time.
Your decisions might even determine whether your plants will survive and as some plants can be quite expensive, you need to get your research right from the start.
You might even need to consider the proximity of the plants on your neighbors side of the fence as these can also affect the growth of your garden if they are shading your property from the sun, or their roots are taking the nutrition from your soil.
When buying plants, also consider their height when mature as a large tree blocking the view can actually devalue your property.
Once you have a good plan that is well thought out for the long term of your garden you will be ready to start digging, and that's when the fun starts.
Aside from the obvious constraints that you will need to work with, you will also need to take other factors into consideration.
 |
| (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Before the first plant goes into the garden you need to have a plan of what you want and what you want the garden to do for you in terms of display, privacy, shade etc. Without a plan the garden won't have a cohesive flow and that will show when the plants have matured.
You will also need to consider irrigation and drainage as these will determine how well you will be able to manage the soil and whether you will be able to supply the plants with the necessary nutrients over time.
Your decisions might even determine whether your plants will survive and as some plants can be quite expensive, you need to get your research right from the start.
You might even need to consider the proximity of the plants on your neighbors side of the fence as these can also affect the growth of your garden if they are shading your property from the sun, or their roots are taking the nutrition from your soil.
When buying plants, also consider their height when mature as a large tree blocking the view can actually devalue your property.
Once you have a good plan that is well thought out for the long term of your garden you will be ready to start digging, and that's when the fun starts.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Tips for A Successful Organic Garden
If you’re considering bringing the joy of organic gardening into your life, you may be intimidated by thinking that you’re going to have to do everything au-naturale. Don’t be. It’s easy to find the best ways to prevent or get rid of pests and fungus invasions and how to plant and care for your organic garden. Here are some organic gardening tips that will help get you started.
Prepare – Prepare your garden long before you begin to plant by mulching the soil with organic materials (compost from plant or animal waste). You’ll be so glad you did when you see the results. Mulching helps the soil retain water and nutrients and even keeps weeds from taking over your garden.
Start a compost pile – Recycling certain food waste and other materials that add strength to the compost. Besides enriching the soil, composting will help your plants develop a strong and healthy root system.
Choose plants according to environment – Plant certain plants where they’ll thrive. If a plant is known to adapt best in the shade, don’t plant it in full sun.
Treat infestations without chemicals – It is important to use natural means to treat problems with insects and other types of infestations. You can find formulas online that can be mixed at home and that will prevent certain pests from invading your garden.
Use organic alternatives whenever possible – There are so many organic and earth-friendly products on the market today that keeps toxic buildup from forming in our drinking water and soil. Look for those rather than chemical and synthetic solutions.
Use soaker hoses – These cleverly made hoses will water the base of your organic plants, keeping moisture from evaporating, and preventing water waste.
Utilize helpful bugs – There are a number of varieties of insects that actually help your organic garden. Insets such as ladybugs, praying mantises, spiders, ground beetles and fireflies work to decompose organic matter and help to pollinate plants.
Organic gardening should be largely simple and fun. There doesn’t have to be a lot of work involved in preparing the garden, preventing problems and addressing the problems organically if they do occur.
Many online sites can tell you everything you need to know about becoming a successful organic gardener – visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/sustainablegardening.html for helpful tips and resources - or if you prefer a book, see below for some suggestions, or check your local library or book store. You’ll learn the best material for composts, how to mulch your garden and how to plant so that you’ll get the most yield from vegetables and herbs and the most beautiful flowers. And of course be sure to check this blog often for more ideas!
After learning a few organic gardening tips, you’ll have more self-confidence to begin your own sustainable organic garden.
A Few Helpful Organic Gardening Books:
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| Cover via Amazon |
Start a compost pile – Recycling certain food waste and other materials that add strength to the compost. Besides enriching the soil, composting will help your plants develop a strong and healthy root system.
Choose plants according to environment – Plant certain plants where they’ll thrive. If a plant is known to adapt best in the shade, don’t plant it in full sun.
Treat infestations without chemicals – It is important to use natural means to treat problems with insects and other types of infestations. You can find formulas online that can be mixed at home and that will prevent certain pests from invading your garden.
Use organic alternatives whenever possible – There are so many organic and earth-friendly products on the market today that keeps toxic buildup from forming in our drinking water and soil. Look for those rather than chemical and synthetic solutions.
Use soaker hoses – These cleverly made hoses will water the base of your organic plants, keeping moisture from evaporating, and preventing water waste.
 |
| Red earthworm enjoying organic garden soil. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Organic gardening should be largely simple and fun. There doesn’t have to be a lot of work involved in preparing the garden, preventing problems and addressing the problems organically if they do occur.
Many online sites can tell you everything you need to know about becoming a successful organic gardener – visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/sustainablegardening.html for helpful tips and resources - or if you prefer a book, see below for some suggestions, or check your local library or book store. You’ll learn the best material for composts, how to mulch your garden and how to plant so that you’ll get the most yield from vegetables and herbs and the most beautiful flowers. And of course be sure to check this blog often for more ideas!
After learning a few organic gardening tips, you’ll have more self-confidence to begin your own sustainable organic garden.
A Few Helpful Organic Gardening Books:
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Revisiting the Basics of Organic Gardening
In case you're just getting started with organic gardening, I thought I'd give you a quick refresher on the concept. As you probably know, organic gardening is basically using a method of gardening that’s free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It’s working with Mother Nature to ensure that you get the best crop of plants and flowers by using the natural eco-system. Here are some helpful tips for making your organic garden successful.
The soil is extremely important when considering an organic garden. You’ll be nurturing the soil with organic matter consisting of decayed plant and animal waste. It doesn’t matter what type of soil you have to begin your organic gardening adventure, feeding it with organic matter will strengthen and improve it.
The first thing most people want to know when they’re just starting out in organic gardening is how can they keep their garden from being overrun by pests and diseases if they don’t use chemical compounds.
There are organic pesticides, but an occasional bug in your garden doesn’t mean you have to immediately rush to get rid of it. It depends on the type and severity of the problem as to how aggressively you treat it.
One thing that’s good to do when planting an organic garden is to diversify the plants. Don’t plant row after row of one type – instead, vary the plantings. Harmful insects are usually attracted to a large amount of the same plants in one place, so placing them randomly and with other plants will help ward off pests - plus your garden will look more interesting!
If you do need to use an organic or natural pesticide, be sure to choose one that targets your specific problem. Some organic pesticides are used to get rid of bacteria and others kill harmful pests. Look online to get the information you need about your particular type of problem or check with a nursery. We've also got some helpful resources on our website at www.newholisticliving.com/sustainablegardening.html.
Using the least intrusive method of controlling pests and diseases in your organic garden is the best way to go. For example, an invasion of aphids can usually be taken care of by spraying them off the plants with a water hose. Caterpillars and other harmful insects can simply be plucked off your plants.
One myth about organic gardening is that you’ll just have to accept the fact that the produce and flowers from your garden won’t be as “pretty” and will be bug-ridden. That’s just not true. If you carefully inspect your garden periodically, you should be able to produce gorgeous and bug-free vegetables, plants and flowers.
Let your organic gardening experience be a great one by not obsessing too much about bugs, fungus and bacteria. Just be observant and take preventative measures to ensure your garden is the best and most productive it can be.
 |
| Young beans (Photo credit: Nick Saltmarsh) |
The first thing most people want to know when they’re just starting out in organic gardening is how can they keep their garden from being overrun by pests and diseases if they don’t use chemical compounds.
There are organic pesticides, but an occasional bug in your garden doesn’t mean you have to immediately rush to get rid of it. It depends on the type and severity of the problem as to how aggressively you treat it.
One thing that’s good to do when planting an organic garden is to diversify the plants. Don’t plant row after row of one type – instead, vary the plantings. Harmful insects are usually attracted to a large amount of the same plants in one place, so placing them randomly and with other plants will help ward off pests - plus your garden will look more interesting!
If you do need to use an organic or natural pesticide, be sure to choose one that targets your specific problem. Some organic pesticides are used to get rid of bacteria and others kill harmful pests. Look online to get the information you need about your particular type of problem or check with a nursery. We've also got some helpful resources on our website at www.newholisticliving.com/sustainablegardening.html.
 |
| (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
One myth about organic gardening is that you’ll just have to accept the fact that the produce and flowers from your garden won’t be as “pretty” and will be bug-ridden. That’s just not true. If you carefully inspect your garden periodically, you should be able to produce gorgeous and bug-free vegetables, plants and flowers.
Let your organic gardening experience be a great one by not obsessing too much about bugs, fungus and bacteria. Just be observant and take preventative measures to ensure your garden is the best and most productive it can be.
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