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 Include an elevated garden to increase planting space and make
planting, weeding and harvesting easier on the back and knees. Liven
things up with a robin egg blue VegTrug™ or washtubs elevated on a
support for a bit of rustic charm.
Add wheels to make it easier to move planters around the patio or
deck. This allows you to follow the sun or make room for company at
summer gatherings.
Recycle items into containers or invest in some of the new planters
made from galvanized metal, wooden apple crates and more. Look for
new colors or personalize them to create a warm greeting for you and
your guests.
Increase growing flexibility with lightweight grow bags. They now
come in a variety of colors and sizes. These fabric containers fold
flat for easy storage when not in use.
Save space with sleek designs and built in trellises. You’ll be
growing pole beans, tomatoes and flowering vines in a compact space.
The colorful flowers and fruit will brighten a blank wall or screen
a bad view.
 Use containers and elevated gardens to increase the fun factor at
your summer gatherings. Start your party with a trip to the outdoor
bar. Weather-resistant butcher-block with built in planting space is
sure to get the conversation going. Gardener's Supply Company is
offering a new reclaimed wood outdoor bar with an integrated planter
called “Plant A Bar.” Fill the planting space with some favorite
cocktail herbs. Then mix up your beverage and let your guests add a
bit of homegrown flavor.
Include the next course by growing your own salad bar. Guests will
enjoy harvesting and creating their own bed of greens to accompany
the main course. Fill a pot or elevated garden with greens,
radishes, onions, carrots, herbs and your other favorite salad
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Keep your containers healthy and productive with proper care. Water thoroughly
whenever the top inch of soil is dry. Check pots daily and water as needed.
Extend the time between watering with self-watering pots. Look for features such
as weep holes that allow excess water to drain, funnels for top watering, and
moisture indicators that let you know when it is time to add more water.
Further reduce maintenance by adding a slow release fertilizer to the potting
mix at planting. Small amounts of nutrients are released over time, eliminating
the need to mix and fertilize weekly. Give planters a mid-season boost or when
making a second planting by sprinkling slow release fertilizer over the soil
surface.
Harvest regularly to keep vegetables producing and looking their best. Replace
early plantings as they fade with a second crop. You’ll extend the harvest and
your enjoyment.
So take a second look at your patio, deck or front steps and move in a bit of
color, fun and flavor for this growing and outdoor entertaining season.
[By Melinda Meyers, Photo by
PersonalizedCrates.com]
Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers
has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written
over 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening and the
Midwest Gardener’s Handbook. She hosts The Great Courses “How to
Grow Anything: Food Gardening For Everyone” DVD set and the
nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio segments.
Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms
magazine and was commissioned by Gardener’s Supply Company for her
expertise to write this article. Myers’ web site,
www.melindamyers.com, offers gardening videos and tips.
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