Plant Tissue Culture PPT

The olive tree is synonymous with the Mediterranean and warm climates so it may seem surprising to know that the olive is actually very hardy and adaptable to a wide range of climates. In the UK they do best in milder microclimates such as coastal areas and urban settings. Here is a short guide to growing and caring for olives in your garden.

The position of your olive tree is most important. Make sure you site it in a sunny position, ideally south or west facing with some protection from cold winds. Olives prefer free-draining soils that do not become too wet. Olive trees do not require much in the way of pruning but can be cut according to shape and size. They will benefit from a light pruning in mid-spring, followed by a harder prune in early to mid-summer. Olives should be fed every two weeks or so from May to September. Seaweed feed is a good fertiliser to use.

In winter, olives can withstand temperatures down to around 5 degrees C but will need protection if it drops below this. Wrap horticultural fleece around the base and crown of the tree. Olives grown in containers run the risk of root damage due to frost. This can be remedied by layering the pot with bubble wrap and then re-planting before winter or adding bubble wrap to the outside of the pot, secured with twine.

It is possible to harvest olives from your tree in the UK. However, olive production can be hampered if the summer is overly wet or cool. Choose a variety that has been successful in producing olives in cooler climates. Try Olea europaea 'Cipressino'. You cannot eat olives straight from the tree, they need to be pickled and then marinated first. Pickle the olives in salt water for about five weeks and then marinate them in olive oil along with either garlic or lemons or both.

Olives can be successfully grown in garden planters and will be happy in a pot for many years. Standard trees make particularly nice specimens either side of a sheltered doorway or as a focal point in a sunny spot. There are a few things to remember when planting olives in containers. Don't over-pot your olive but use a container just slightly larger than the original pot. This rule should also be followed when re-potting olive trees. Use a good quality multipurpose compost mixed equally with John Innes no. 3.

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Tomato

Lycopersicon esculentum

Soil facts and preparation

Requires fertile, well drained soil with lots of organic matter. Often grown in pots of compost or grow bags. Make sure pots have been thoroughly cleaned to prevent any possibility of disease in this seasons plants

If growing in the ground dig a hole 50cm in diameter and 50cm deep and fill with well rotted manure or compost. Create planting stations at least 1m apart.

The site you choose should be in full sun for the majority of the day, ideally south facing in the northern hemisphere and north facing in southern hemisphere.

To prevent the build up of pests, do not plant tomatoes in soil that has grown either peppers, aubergine (eggplant), potatoes or tomatoes in the past year.

Sowing and planting

Sow 2 or three seeds into small pots or cells containing good quality compost. After germination and after the first true leaves appear, remove all but the strongest looking seedling.

If plants do not get enough light at this stage they can become leggy. Transplant into larger pots when the roots show at the bottom of their current container. Do this until it is warm enough both during the day and night to plant out in their final position, either in a large pot (min 40cm diameter) or their prepared plot.

Plant deeper on each transplant to encourage the plants to grow roots from the bottom of the stem.

Do not be in too much of a hurry to plant outside, tomato plants love the warm and will not tolerate a cold period however brief. It is best to very gently harden off the plants before moving them outside, do this for a week or so at least and do not expose to cold.

It is advisable to place a steak or cane before required so that roots aren't damaged at a later date

Growing a bumper crop

There are three main types of variety of tomato, determinate, cordon indeterminate, and non-cordon indeterminate.

Indeterminate varieties will need to be pruned and cordon varieties will need to be trained up a garden cane or steak (approx 2m tall) as the plant grows at approximately 20cm intervals.

Prune indeterminate varieties by removing what are called 'suckers', these are shoots that grow from where the leaf stems join the main plant stem. Ideally they should be removed when they are about 5cm long. The main stem of an indeterminate variety should be stopped from growing by 'pinching out' the growth of the main stem when the plant has developed 6 fruit trusses.

Water regularly to ensure an even level of moisture in the soil, if growing in pots this can mean twice on a hot day. Add a dilution of potassium rich tomato feed once a week. A top dressing of fresh compost once a month is beneficial but not essential.

Harvesting the fruits of your labour

Harvest tomatoes when they bright red and eat as soon after picking for the very best flavour. The smell and taste of a home grown tomato really is infinitely better than any bought at a shop.

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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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The hydrangea originates from southern and eastern Asia and North and South America. It is a very popular shrub that can be either deciduous or evergreen. There are two main flower types in hydrangeas, mophead flowers which are large and round and resemble pom-poms, or lacecap which are flat flower heads with small fertile flowers in the centre surrounded by more showy larger sterile flower heads around the outside. Flowers come in various shades of pink, white, purple and blue. Here is a short guide on how to grow hydrangeas and some of my favourite varieties.

Hydrangeas will thrive in moist but well-drained soil, in a semi shady part of the garden. They are ideal for north-facing sites, but avoid east-facing positions where cold winds can easily damage new growth. Likewise, avoid overly dry and sunny spots. One of the attractions of hydrangeas is their ability to change the colour of their flowers. This only happens in the mophead varieties and is due to the soil pH. Those hydrangeas whose flowers turn blue tends to be in more acidic soil. To keep them blue grow in acidic soil of pH 4.5-5 or add hydrangea blueing compounds that can be bought from good garden centres. The flower heads also dry extremely well and look stunning instead of cut flowers over winter.

Hydrangeas are normally very hardy and don't suffer many problems. However, non-flowering can be caused by frost damage to flowering wood. It is a good idea to keep the dead heads on the plant until spring as this will provide a bit of protection against harsh frosts.

Hydrangea 'Annabel' is a stunning white variety with large flower blooms that can be up to 30cm across. Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanille Fraise' provides generous blooms that emerge white and mature to a lovely raspberry pink. 'Expression Blue' has a very long flowering season and produces fragrant mauve waterlily-like florets. It is a compact variety and so ideal for containers. Hydrangea Adria is another compact variety suited to small gardens. It has stunning blue flowers that dry very well for use in floral arrangements. 'Limelight' has conical flower heads that start off bright lime green and gradually turn creamy-white with a delicate pink blush.

Hydrangeas can be grown successfully in garden planters. There are however a couple of considerations to take into account. Hydrangeas tend to very quickly out grow a container and so will need to be re-potted once a year. Regular watering is also essential as a potted hydrangea should never be allowed to dry out.

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Hostas are herbaceous perennial plants that vary in size from miniature varieties to over 30cm in width. With their broad leaves in various shades of green, they make excellent focal points in shady areas of the garden. They are also grown for their flowers which are often fragrant. Here is a short guide on how to grow them and some of my favourite varieties.

Hostas are hardy and will grow on any moisture-retentive soil. Adding plenty of organic matter before planting will also help conserve moisture. They require very little in the way of maintenance. The leaves die back in winter and can be composted. The plant will then put up new shoots in the spring. The main problem with growing hostas is that they are a favourite food for slugs and snails. To help prevent the leaves being stripped by these pests use an anti slug mat such as sharp sand, grit or even egg shells. Do this as the new leaves begin to emerge. Hostas are easily propagated by division in autumn or spring. Simply lift the clump with a garden fork and then divide in half with a sharp spade or kitchen knife. Replace one half into the ground and place the other in another part of the garden.

Hosta 'Big Daddy' is a large hosta with crinkled sea-green leaves and brilliant white flowers in summer. Hosta 'Patriot' has variegated leaves of mid-green with splashes of creamy white. 'Halcyon' is a popular variety with leaves of a bluish tinge and large flowers on upright stems. Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' is a small hosta with small round thick blue leaves that form a clump. 'Dancing in the Rain' is another variegated variety with large leaves that have white centres and green-blue streaks and edges. For more unusual varieties try hosta 'White Feather'. This hosta has large leaves that emerge creamy white in spring that then develop green streaks which spread to gradually turn the whole leaf a bright shade of green. Hosta 'Praying hands' has upright, narrow, tightly folded leaves that resemble hands folded in prayer. The leaves of hosta 'High Society' emerge with egg-yolk-yellow centres in spring which pales to white by mid summer.

Hostas can be grown in garden planters using any good general purpose potting compost. Hostas grown in containers must be regularly watered to make sure that they don't dry out. Also feed once a month with a liquid fertiliser. Once they plants become too big for the pot, they can be lifted and divided as described earlier.

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The benefits of having a windowsill herb garden are numerous. The act of tending to the garden is relaxing and rewarding. The ability to add fresh herbs to one's cooking gives even the simplest dishes a richer, more elegant taste and presentation.

General Tips

Growing an indoor herb garden is easier than one might think. Most of the plants will grow best with strong sunlight, so a southern windowsill is the best choice. An eastern facing window will also work well.

It's inadvisable to over-fertilize these little plants as that will dilute their flavor, which undermines the entire purpose of having the garden. Fertilizers that have a controlled release of nutrients or slowly decompose are the best options for growing the most flavorful herbs.

The wetness of the soil also directly impacts their flavor. Soil that is too wet reduces the intensity of their flavor. However, different varieties require different types of soil, which means there are different watering needs. The amount and frequency of watering also depends on the weather. The hotter and drier the weather, the more they'll need watering.

Regardless of how much watering is good for any specific herb, they all should be in pots with good drainage. They do need enough water to moisten the soil at least six inches down, but it's not good for them to sit in water.

The most flavorful part of the plant is its newest leaves. Therefore, one shouldn't let the plant grow too long without pinching off the top leaves. Even if they're not going to be used in cooking, keeping the tips fresh will ensure that the most succulent part of the herb will be used when one is ready to cook with it.

The other advantage to pinching of the tops of each plant regularly, even if not cooking with them at the time, is that this releases their fragrance into the air. This is just another benefit to having a windowsill garden.

Best Choices for a Windowsill Garden

Here are some popular flavors for cooking that are also easy to grow:

- Rosemary

Rosemary is great with chicken and fish. The best way to start is with a clipping from another rosemary plant in a potting mixture that doesn't contain soil. Once the clipping sprouts roots, then transfer it to a pot with soil.

- Basil

This sweet herb is a great addition to salad dressings and pastas. It's also a great tea for upset stomachs. Start basil from seeds in the soil recommended on the seed package.

- Sage

This Mediterranean herb likes a particularly dry atmosphere with lots of sunshine. It has a sweet, savory flavor that works well with fattier foods like cheeses and pork. It also makes a lovely addition to the windowsill garden because of the purple-grayish sheen of its leaves.

- Thyme

A mild version from the mint family, thyme has a slightly pungent taste. Lemon thyme has a more obvious citrus flavor without being too strong. An indoor thyme plant is best started by planting the soft tip of full grown plant in soil to take root of its own.

- Parsley

Parsley adds good flavor to any dish. It can be started either by planting seeds or potting a clipping from a grown plant. It needs a lot of sun, so will grow more slowly without southern exposure.

Lizzie Simmonds has been growing her own food for over 15 years. For easy fruit & veg growing tips and advice, Lizzie suggests signing up for the Woolly Green Weekly, a great source of gardening chat, products, offers and competitions. Woolly Green is a new website, for people who like to garden as a bit of an antidote to their otherwise busy lives.

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This article is a relaxed, but informative introduction to people who are quite new to gardening and are looking to start growing vegetables. It provides step-by-step instructions for beginners which guide the reader through selecting a suitable growing space to choosing plants. It also provides some general and specific tips for vegetable growing and highlights some of its benefits in terms of saving money and improved relaxation.

Now you know what vegetables you want to grow you need to buy some seeds. There are many places that stock theme, anywhere from garden centers to news agents. Typical vegetable seeds are quite cheap, usually under two or three pounds. However, the number of seeds that come in a packet varies significantly based on the type of vegetable. For example, a packet of carrot seeds may contain about a hundred seeds whereas a packet of bean seeds may only contain about twenty. This variation is usually proportional to the seed's rate of germination, in effect far fewer carrot seeds germinate than bean seeds.

Once you have the seeds you would like to grow the next step are to plant them. This is usually the most labor intensive part of the process. The majority of seed packets will have basic instructions for sowing, maintaining and harvesting the crop you will hopefully produce. If you don't have any instructions to hand then there is plenty of useful information on the Internet and your local library is also a good resource. There are many different types of vegetables and the growing requirements and difficulties associated with each of them could fill several books, so rather than addressing all of these the rest of this article is going to focus on general growing tips.

One of the most fundamental elements of a plant's success in its environment is the soil that it's grown in. Identifying your soil type and making sure that it's compatible with your plants can make a real difference to their growth. Your soil type is not completely fixed though, adding some fertilizer from a garden center can alter its properties and make a noticeable difference in a plants health. This subject goes hand-in-hand with feeding plants as they grow. It's important to keep a careful eye on the plant feed that is being given to vegetables that you plan to eat, what you put on the roses may not be quite so good when eaten! There are several special, organic feeds out there for vegetable plants that are very good. An interesting experiment is to buy a few and try them out on a couple of the same plants to see the differences in performance.

One of the biggest difficulties with growing vegetables is other animals eating them before you do. There are two main ways to prevent this: growing your vegetables in your house, or growing them inside a greenhouse. Growing vegetables in your house is possible, especially if you have a conservatory, and can be a nice project to do with young children. However, the soil and dead leaves that inevitably make their way onto the carpet and throughout the house discourage most people from doing this on any scale. Greenhouses are an excellent alternative as they allow you to protect your plants from almost any pest, however they are expensive and not always a viable solution.

Cristopher K. Abbott is an avid organic gardening advocacy and photographer. To learn more about gardening, visit his website at: best organic gardening

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