Self Watering Violet Pots

Author: Linda Paquette

Article: Violet Pots

Violets and African violets grow in just about any type of flowerpot they're put in, but usually when someone talks about violet pots, they're talking about the two part ceramic pots, especially made for the African violet.

Although violet pots are a bit more expensive than standard flowerpots, they are well worth the added few cents. The main reason for failure in growing African violets is over-watering. When you use African violet pots for your plants, they have a steady supply of moisture without becoming saturated. Also referred to as "self-watering pots", violet pots are two-piece sets consisting of a reservoir, typically made of glazed ceramic and an unglazed ceramic pot for growing your plants. When you add water to the reservoir and reinsert the unglazed pot, it displaces the water, makes it ride up the sides and provides even moisture for your potting mix. You simply refill the reservoir every week to ten days.

Although filling the reservoir can be tricky at first, some pots have a fill-line to help you keep from over-filling. In addition, African violet pots come in all sizes, from 3-inch wide pots for young plants to 12-inch wide pots for the old-timers. You'll find them in a wide range of both color and style at most nurseries and garden centers that stock African violets and other African violet supplies. Gift boutiques and antique shops are also good places to look for violet pots. Often they are hand-made and nearly as pretty as the flowers your plant in them!

About the author: Linda is an author of <a href=""http://www.gardening-guides.com/related-articles/listings/a frican-violets/list-african-violets.htm"">Gardening Guides and African Violets</a>

Linda writes and inspire you to try new ideas from her own experience.

Grow Your Own SIMPLE Tea Garden

Author: Don Rohde, Cedar Creek Woodshop

Article: <b><u>Materials Needed</u></b> 1 decorative clay or metal planter

1 package of clay pellets (approx. 30 pellets)

3 packets of organic tea leaves seeds (YOUR CHOICE) Grow-rich or nutrient-rich potting soil <b>(ASK YOUR NURSERY FOR THE BEST RECOMMENDATION FOR YOUR AREA)</b>

<b><u>Directions</u></b> 1. Spread the clay pellets evenly along bottom of planter. These will absorb water and promote healthy root development of the tea plants.

2. Moisten potting soil in a large plastic bag and then spread mix over clay pellets in planter, leaving 1/2 inch at top of planter.

3. Sprinkle seeds on soil, leaving about 2 or so inches between different varieties.

4. Lightly cover the seeds with dry soil, and then moisten slightly with a spray bottle or a few drops of water.

5. Label the varieties of tea on the bottom or side of planter, or create popsicle-stick signs to place in the soil.

6. Move planter to a warm place in indirect sunlight until germination takes place. After germination, relocate planter to a warm area with natural sunlight.

7. When tea leaves reach a height of about two inches, thin out seedlings across the total planter surface to provide adequate space for future growth.

8. Water periodically, only when the soil is moderately dry. <b>DO NOT OVERWATER!!)</b>

9. Pick tea leaves sparingly and brew in a hot pot of water. Sit back, sip and enjoy!

About the author: None

Discover Container Gardening with Tomatoes

Author: Cyndi Roberts

Article: An easy, proven way to save you money while providing good nutrition for your family!

You don't think you have a green thumb? That's OK--you don't really need one! Just a little knowledge and info to get you started!!

Those of us who live in rural areas have a decided advantage over city and apartment dwellers. We can nearly always find room for a vegetable garden even if it's a small one!

But even if you don't have an acre or two of land to play with, don't despair! You can still supplement your grocery budget with fresh veggies grown in a container garden--even if the only space you have is on your patio!

Tomatoes are about the easiest vegetables to grow. They come in all sizes: from bite-size cherry tomatoes to great big beefsteak tomatoes. And tastewise, store-bought tomatoes just can't compare to vine-ripened!

The first step to starting a container garden is to locate your container. You can use almost anything. A half-barrel, the kind you see for sale at garden centers, works great. You may have plastic buckets already on hand and these can work, too.

If you use buckets, usually one plant to each bucket is enough. And keep in mind, one plant can produce a lot of tomatoes!

Just put a layer of rocks in the bottom of your chosen container for drainage. Then fill with quality potting soil about 2/3 thirds of the way full.

Tomatoes are best grown from seedlings. Most garden centers, discount stores, and even some grocery stores have these in stock in the spring.

Remove the plant from the plastic pot it comes in by squeezing the bottom of the pot to loosen the soil and gently lift it from the pot. Carefully loosen the roots a little as sometimes they tend to be a little root-bound in the small pots.

Dig a hole a little bigger than your plant ball and just set your tomato into the hole right up to the leaves and fill all around with more potting soil.

Of course, you must water the plants to make them grow! Your tomato plants will respond well to regular feeding. Apply a liquid fertilizer once a week.

Once your plants are larger, you may need to stake them; however, if you are growing the ""bush"" variety, they won't need to be staked.

Once your plants are bearing, you may find yourself with a surplus. Whole tomatoes can be frozen for use later on in soups and casseroles. Just wash and put in sealed plastic bags and place in freezer. When you're ready to use them, let them thaw partway so the skin can come off and they're ready to go in the soup pot!

If you prefer to freeze your tomatoes already chopped, just dip each tomato in boiling water for about 10 seconds. Then the peel will pull right off. Chop the tomato, put in bags and freeze.

Here's a good vegetable soup recipe for using frozen tomatoes.

Combine 1 1/2 cups frozen chopped tomatoes 1 can new potatoes, drained and chopped 1 can sliced carrots, drained 1 large can tomato sauce 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning 1 3/4 cups beef broth

Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes, to let flavors mingle. Add salt and pepper to taste.

About the author: Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the bi-weekly newsletter ""1 Frugal Friend 2 Another"", bringing you practical, money-saving tips, recipes and ideas. Visit her online at http://www.cynroberts.com to subscribe and receive the Free e-course, ""Taming the Monster Grocery Bill"".