Plant Tissue Culture PPT

For a real showy display of flowers in spring time there is nothing better than large pots of spring bulbs to create a focal point in the garden. Almost all spring flowering bulbs can be planted in containers, but there are a few considerations you need to take into account when creating your display. It is not a good idea to plant miniature or short bulbs in a very large container as they will just look lost. At the same time, large bulbs in a small container will over balance it as they grow upwards. Also be careful with colour. A planter filled with the same variety of bulb can look stunning, but equally, a mix of bulbs of a similar colour pallet will look just as good.

The best time to plant spring flowering bulbs in containers is from October to December, before the first frosts. If you are using a terracotta pot with a drainage hole in the bottom place a layer of broken crocks inside before planting as this will aid drainage. Fill your chosen pot with general purpose compost mixed with a couple of handfuls of horticultural grit to help with drainage. If you are filling the container with the same variety of bulb, pack the bulbs in close together to ensure a really great show. Check the packet for the correct depth to plant the bulbs and cover over with compost. Water the container well and place in your chosen spot.

There are many varieties of spring flowering bulbs that look good in containers. Use an old galvanised tub as a planter for bright yellow daffodils. Straight stemmed red tulips look stunning in lead or faux lead planters. Place them either side of a front door for a really stunning display. Plant crocus bulbs in smaller containers, old walking boots are ideal and add a quirky twist to a door step or corner of a patio. Equally as nice are dwarf varieties of daffodil and tulip planted in wicker baskets. Short varieties of fritillaria and allium look stunning in terracotta bowls or low troughs. Place them on the flat top of a wall or in groups up the side of stone steps. Grape hyacinths are a great favourite and look good in small long toms and zinc planters. Plant dwarf iris in an old cup and saucer and place on your window sill. Hyacinth bulbs are also lovely to have indoors and will fill the room with their fresh heady scent. The type of garden planters you can use are endless. But you will always find something either vintage, modern or just a bit quirky that will set off your chosen bulbs a treat and help herald the arrival of another spring.

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Vegetable gardening in containers provides gardeners who have limited space the chance to benefit from fresh vegetables. All you need is a sunny patio to grow your favorite veggies. When it comes to the most suitable types of vegetables for container gardening, your choice depends on the zone of your location. You can easily purchase seeds online or from your garden center and nursery in your area.

Aside from determining the best types of vegetables to grow, it is also essential to know the basics about planting vegetables in containers.

Containers. Any type of pot or container will do for your little garden but it is important that the container is lightweight because you have to move it around. You can add wheels to your container or just place them on a cart with wheels to make the moving easier especially if an unanticipated spring frost is predicted or if a severe weather is coming.

Soil. You can purchase bagged soil at your local nursery. Make sure to go for a lightweight soil mixture that can sustain mature plants and provide nutrients to your vegetables.

Sunlight. Your vegetables require full sunlight (6 or more hours everyday). There are some vegetable varieties such as radishes, lettuce and chard that require less sunlight but it is recommended to put the containers in direct sunlight.

Drainage. The containers must have holes in order to let excess water to drain. You can find a lot of lovely resin or plastic planters at your local garden center or nursery that don't have holes in them. Using a drill, just add 3 or 4 holes at the bottom of the planters. Before putting the soil mixture, it is recommended to add a level of pebbles at the base to help with the drainage.

Fertilizer. Expect the fertilizer to be drained quickly every time you water your containers. If you use lighter mixes, you need to fertilize more frequently. It is recommended to employ a thinned liquid fertilizer or liquid seaweed or liquid fish emulsion. However, it is important to note that your plants require different types of nutrients so check the descriptions on the fertilizer to ensure that they have a balanced and complete solution including trace elements.

Watering. A lot of vegetables require a lot of moisture throughout the whole growing season. In addition, if the container plants are placed in exposed areas, they tend to lose moisture rapidly so make sure to water them more often.

Vegetable varieties. When choosing the types of vegetables for the vegetable garden in your patio, it is important to consider what your family loves to eat. In addition, choose those that can grow suitably in a restricted space. There are a lot of gardeners who benefit from growing tomatoes because of the fact that home-produced tomatoes taste a lot better than those bought at the supermarket. You can try the following vegetables for your container gardening:

• Carrots
• Eggplants
• Cucumbers
• Lettuce
• Peppers
• Radishes
• Melons
• Tomatoes
• Herbs
• Green beans
• Green onions
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Garlic
• Squash

Even if you live in a small apartment, you can still engage in gardening and enjoy fresh vegetables anytime. By using your balcony or your sunny deck, growing different varieties of vegetables will be as easy as A, B, C.

Gardening is great for relaxation and spending time with the family. To find out more and learn how to grow a vegetable garden visit http://foopages.com/

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