Great Ideas For A Container or Tower Garden In Small Spaces

Nowadays we often live in restricted spaces that don't allow for big gardens for flowers or especially for vegetables and other food crops.

But there are innovative ways to grow plants in even tiny spaces, including using Container Garden ideas or the popular trend for Tower Gardens and Wall Gardens.

I have been growing even lemon trees and other fruit trees in containers, and enjoying a good crop every year or lemons, mandarins, peaches, plums, figs, and even vegetables like tomato and asparagus.

Very often, people start out with container gardening with very good intentions but don’t really have the know how to make a go of it.

It can be quite common for a hopeful container gardener to do very well with one kind of plant and  not well at all with another.

What do you need to know and do to be successful at container gardening?

In this article, we’ll share some great ideas for successful and productive gardening in your little corner of the world.

You may be surprised to know that there are lots of easy-to-grow plants out there. You can grow a wide variety of veggies in containers.

The key is knowing what kind of soil to begin with and what kind of placement will work best.

Veggies are like people. They have their preferences.

The best way to determine where to put your containers is to simply consult the information on the backs of your seed packets.

They will tell you how much sun each type of veggie needs. Additionally, you will learn what kind of soil you need and how often to water. What could be easier than that?

You may want to set up several mini-container gardens around your home to accommodate all the different types of fresh veggies you want to plant. For example, you could keep all your herbs in a nice rack in a sunny kitchen window.

Just line the rack with peat moss, add the right kind of soil and plant your seeds or seedlings. For minimum mess, it’s best to put this kind of arrangement above your kitchen sink for easy, tidy watering.

Put larger containers out on your patio or balcony. Patio tomatoes are perfect for this. Be sure to choose the type that is intended for container gardening. These shorter, bushier tomato plants don’t need to be staked to stand up straight, and they are stellar producers.

Make the most of your tomato containers by adding radishes at the base of your tomato plants. They are fast and easy to grow, and they help keep bugs away.

For a pretty touch, add some marigolds for more natural bug repelling.

Bell peppers are another pretty and tasty choice for outdoor container gardening. Choose red, yellow, green or all three for an attractive display and a tasty addition for salads, soups and other dishes.

Be sure you get the right kind of soil for your container gardening project. Avoid heavy soil. You can get a good commercial mix and add vermiculite, perlite or peat to lighten the soil and provide good drainage. In this way, you can avoid root rot.

You can also compost your own soil mix from kitchen scraps by establishing a compost bin or small compost heap if you happen to have the room. Invest in a batch of garden worms to help you compost your kitchen waste super-fast to make rich potting soil. You will still need to add vermiculite, perlite or peat to lighten the mix.

It’s smart to use large, high quality planting containers outdoors so that you can easily return to them and amend the soil year after year, just like in a standard garden.

When you place your containers, don’t worry too much if you can’t provide full sun all day.

This is really too much for container gardening. Six hours of good sun is really plenty for most types of veggies.

Container gardening is really quite simple and lots of fun even in an apartment or home with a small yard.

You can amend your family diet and enjoy a relaxing hobby with simple and easy use of a few inexpensive resources. Follow the tips presented here for fun with container gardening in a small space.

I have a very detailed online guide that can explain fully the methods of Tower Gardening in any small space ... just click here to learn more about
 >>  How To Make Your Own Tower Garden!


Here are some products you can buy online about how to make your own tower garden that I think look very useful:

Hydrofarm GCTB Tomato Barrel with 4-Foot Tower

The Vertical Gardening Guidebook: How To Create Beautiful Vertical Gardens, Container Gardens and Aeroponic Vertical Tower Gardens at Home (Gardening Guidebooks)

Mr. Stacky Stacking Hydroponic Pots Tower - The Vertical Container Hydroponics Growing System to Grow Vegatables, Herbs, Strawberries, Peppers, and Much More - Indoors or Outdoors - Terra Cotta Plastic Stackable Planters

Hydrofarm TMTOP6 Tower of Power

Garden Scene CP614 Flower Tower, Evergreen

Easy Gardening, Self Watering, Vertical Growing Garden, Raised Bed, Patio Planter, Dirt Free, Coconut Coir, Deck Pot, Deck Planter, Vegetable Planter, Strawberry Planter, Fruit Planter By Verti-gro

3-FOOT COLUMN PLANTER TOWER FOR FLOWERS VEGETABLES FRUIT HERBS - HOLDS 30 NURSERY-SIZE PLANTS

Akro-Mils RZJMEDI Medium Stack-A-Pot, 30-Quart

Flower Tower Freestanding Planter, 3-Feet

Gronomics VG3245 Vertical Garden Planter, 32-Inch by 45-Inch by 9-Inch

Vertical Gardening: Grow Up, Not Out, for More Vegetables and Flowers in Much Less Space

BrightGreen BG8 Living Wall Planter with Mounting Strip

The Urban Garden-vertical planter, hanging garden

BrightGreen BGWM8W Living Wall Planter Kit with Frame, Dark Walnut

Vertical Vegetables & Fruit: Creative Gardening Techniques for Growing Up in Small Spaces

Algreen 34002 Garden View, Vertical Living Wall Planter

Akro-Mils RZJMEDI Medium Stack-A-Pot, 30-Quart

Living Wall Planter INDOOR/OUTDOOR USE w/Reservoir (Color: Chocolate) Vertical Garden (Modular, Sustainable, Eco, Green) Hanging Planter

A Couple of Things To Consider When Shopping For Blenders

If you are a cook who likes to prepare healthy meals for yourself and your family you will be processing a lot of fruit and vegetables every day.

And any helpful household gadget that makes that job a bit faster and easier is a blessing!

Blenders are must-items in every household nowadays especially if you are very health conscious.

You see, blenders are pretty nifty when it comes to making fruit juices that are rich sources of vitamins and minerals.

On top of this, you can also use this gadget to create vegetables dishes that can resemble meats.

This is the reason why most people who are into a specific diet plans or those who have become vegetarians are investing in good blenders.

After all, you will be taking in only fresh foods and drinks with it.

Even those who have restaurants also invest in blenders for their ingredient preparation.

Like a food processor, blenders can help in mincing and in grinding ingredients.

In fact, it can even turn some hard to bit into ingredients into powder form. Chefs do this with spices that may be bitter when bit into.

In a powder form, these spices can easily flavor the food that they are cooking.

But with all the different kinds of blenders in the market, one cannot be sure of just what to buy for the home or for the business.

Another question is if a blender is the right choice or would a food processor be better.

If you are serious about including juice in your daily diet you will be best off investing in a good quality electric Juice extractor machine to make the job fast and simple.

Here are some tips to help you in your decision.

1. Function

One of the things that you should consider before buying a blender is what you will be doing with it.

A lot of things will depend on the answer to this question— the price of the blender, the power, the brand and even, the dilemma between food processor and blender.

If you are planning to use it for making shakes and juices at home, the blender is the obvious choice. It is after all not called a liquidizer for nothing.

A blender can be best used when making liquid concoctions, from milkshakes to alcoholic drinks. You can create Zombies and margaritas with this gadget.

If you are planning to crush ice with it, go for the more expensive blenders as the smaller cheaper ones will not have enough power to do it.

They may be able to do the job once or twice but crushing ice often will cause the blades and the machine to big down.

If you are however planning to use it for preparing ingredients when you cook a meal, the best thing to buy is actually the food processor.

 With this gadget, you can slice your tomatoes, mash potatoes, mince pork and shred cabbages. You can even grate cheese with it.

You see, food processors have with it interchangeable razors and blades that you can use. These blades perform a variety of function, depending on what you want.

Between the two, the food processor is actually the more versatile as it can also make juices for you. It will be a harder job but it can be accomplished.

You can learn more in my online How To Guide about Juicing and how it can improve your overall health, as well as recommending some of the top blenders to choose from.

Click here to learn all about >>> Juicing Benefits

2. Budget

Another consideration when buying blenders for your food and drinks is the price range that you can afford.

If you really want a good blender, I suggest that you save your money for the expensive ones with a good brand.

 That way, you won't need to worry about it not being able to do the things that you want to do.

After all, you cannot be too sure just what you will need the blender for in the future.

One of the essential pieces of equipment you will need to become a regular juicer for health is a good quality reliable and strong electric juicing machine that will extract the juice from your fruit and veg without stress or strain. 

 

You also want to read customer reviews to make sure that the cleanup of the equipment is simple and fast.

 

Click below to check out the most popular models being sold on Amazon right now. 

 

Note: You will often get a good discount on the usual retail prices, and sometimes even free shipping to your door, when you buy from the links featured here!

CLICK HERE >>> for details of Juice extractor machines

 

Which Juice Extractor Do I Use? I personally own and use the Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus 850-Watt Juice Extractor and it has done a brilliant job for me over the years. I especially love the fact that I can feed it whole apples and fruit without having to chop it up first. It is tough as nails. And clean up is a breeze!

Omega J8005 Nutrition Center Single-Gear household Masticating Juicer, Chrome and Black Review

The Omega J8005 Nutrition Center is a slow speed, or masticating juicer. It processes at a reduced speed of 80 rpm, while most other juices operate at 1.650-15,000rpm. This preserves the enzymes and increases shelf life of the juice.

Auto-pulp ejection makes continuous juicing and maximum extraction possible. This machine can be used for many other processes such as making soy milk, grinding nut butter and making baby food. It also extrudes pasta and grinds coffee.

Omega J8005 Nutrition Center Single-Gear household Masticating Juicer, Chrome and Black Specs

* Low speed juicing at 80rpm Preserves enzymes that increase juice stability
* Dual stage juice processing for hard and soft produce and wheatgrass
* Can make soy milk, grind nut butter and make baby food
* Auto pulp ejection for continuous juicing
* Extrudes pasta and grinds coffee

What's Hot About the Omega J8005 Nutrition Center Single-Gear household Masticating Juicer, Chrome and Black

The Omega J8005 Nutrition Center features low speed juicing which prevents oxidation and protects enzymes in the juice making it last longer in the refrigerator. Dual stage processing system handles all types of produce including leafy greens and wheatgrass.

Other  uses such as making nut butter, baby food, soy milk, extruding pasta, grinding coffee and processing herbs and spices makes the Omega J8005 Nutrition Center a multiuse appliance worth considering. Very easy to take apart and clean.

Why It's Not So Hot

The only slight complaint from consumers was that the Omega J8005 Nutrition Center was made of indestructible lexan or other plastic and not metal. They said it did not affect performance and some buyers owned their juicers for ten years or more.

Who is the Omega J8005 Nutrition Center Single-Gear household Masticating Juicer, Chrome and Black Perfect For?

The Omega J8005 Nutrition Center is a juicer for serious juicers who will use the machine everyday. Ease of cleaning and juicing and the fact that the juicer lasts so long makes this a great buy.

Omega J8005 Nutrition Center Single-Gear household Masticating Juicer, Chrome and Black

Omega J8006 Nutrition Center Juicer - Black and Chrome

Omega J8004 Nutrition Center Commercial Masticating Juicer, White

Omega J8005x Nutrition Center Single-Gear Commercial Masticating Juicer, Chrome and Black (Certified Refurbished)

Omega 8005 Juicer + "Juicing Start Up Guide" eBook - Chrome Masticating slow nutrition center j8005

Omega 8005 Juicer (Color: Chrome & Black / J8005) Plus Organic Wheatgrass Growing Kit: Combo Includes Omega Juice Machine & Wheat Grass Grow Kit

Multi-Purpose Juicer/Food Processor in Chrome/Black

  

(You can read actual buyer comments and reviews here)

Getting Set Up With Your Hand and Power Tools

When you first begin to undertake DIY home projects you need to set up your initial tool kit.  It will have a combination of hand tools that are essential, along with a few basic power tools to make the work that little bit easier and faster.

Hand and power tools are created to get the job done and make life easier.

You need them for around the house, for repairing things and for the cars you drive too.

It doesn’t matter if you’re the type of person who works regularly with tools in a professional capacity or if you an around the house fixer, you’re going to have a need for the right tools.

The best time to stock your toolbox is before you discover a need for a tool that you don’t have.

There are your basic tools such as screwdrivers, socket sets, wrenches and pliers and then there are your hand and power tools.

Power tools increase productivity and can make a job go a lot faster and with much less sweat equity.

Trying to get a screw to go through a steel door goes a lot smoother using a cordless power screwdriver than it does using a hand held one.

You can get tool kits already combined for you, even buy them online and get them delivered to your door!

Black & Decker BDCD2204KIT 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion 4-Tool Combo Kit


Drills, Power Tools and More

Drills, power tools and more can cut down on the time you spend working and give you more time to relax. Drills can bore holes in some of the toughest materials known to man or it can quickly put a screw in place when it’s used in place of a regular screwdriver.

You can find these tools in either electric or battery charged. Most people prefer the battery charged due to the convenience of being able to use the drill anywhere they need to.

The downside of course, is if you forget to charge the tool before a job, you can run out of juice and you’ll be stuck waiting for the recharge. Not only are they good for driving in screws but in removing them as well by their reverse action.

The drill bits will vary in size and the drill itself can range in size from lightweight to fairly heavy. Try out the drill you’re thinking of buying before you take it home so that you’ll get the one that won’t strain your hand and wrist.

Depending on what you plan to use the tool for, look for the longest lasting battery life that you can find.

Drills, power tools and more are meant to make life easier, not harder but choosing the wrong model can not only be a waste of time and money but can leave you frustrated as well when it fails to perform as you expect it should.

 Check out some of the online DIY powertool kits here:

 

Black & Decker BDCDMT1206KITC Matrix 6 Tool Combo Kit with Case

You can also see a selection of top sellers on Amazon, read the customer reviews, order online often cheaper than buying at retail stores, and you even get it home delivered - what a great time saver!

power tools combo kits

You’ll find that with some tools, there’s a big difference in cost even between brands. What you have to do is look at the reputation of the tool. If you’re always replacing it, you’re better off purchasing the tool that stands for quality.

Hand and power tools aren’t just something that you want to have around, they’re tools you must have to keep up with life’s little breakdowns.

How To Use Seasonal Affective Disorder Lights Safely And Effectively

 Its Winter here now where I live, and it is bitterly cold, wet and overcast.  The whole world seems very grey and gloomy which makes it easy to fall prey to the SAD syndrome if you are not prepared with the right equipment and lights around your home to combat this form of depression.

If you didn't already know that there are special SAD lights and lamps that help everyone stay happy and balanced through even the darkest of winters, you need to check this out.

Although seasonal affective disorder lights are generally considered safe and effective to use, there are a few important points you need to bear in mind before you use them. Here’s a quick guide to how to prepare for their use, and the risks involved in using them.

Preparing To Use An SAD Lamp

The useful thing about light therapy boxes is that they are widely available from a number of different retailers. They can be purchased at relatively low cost, and are generally easy to use. You can purchase and use a light box without guidance from a doctor, though you may want to speak to a medical professional who will let you know if they have any specific recommendations or concerns.

Light therapy is best started early in fall, while conditions are still mild. Sufferers of SAD will often find that symptoms get worse as the winter progresses, so early use of light boxes can help to combat this, leaving better moods and higher energy levels. Some people do get Seasonal Affective Disorder during the summer months, especially when the weather is rainy or cloudy. In this case it’s important to use the light box when you feel is right for you.

In order to make sure that light therapy is as effective as possible, there are a few factors to consider:

* Timing: Most people find that light boxes produce better results when used earlier in the morning. Avoid using them later at night, as this may affect your sleep. Daily use is recommended, as the effects of light therapy often wear off.

* Duration: Seasonal Affective Disorder lights can be used for different lengths of time, depending on your own specific symptoms. Manufacturers of light boxes will generally recommend how long you should use them for. This will usually be a period between 30 minutes and a few hours, depending on the intensity of the light you are using.

*Intensity: Different light boxes have different intensities, and their brightness is measured in lux. It’s recommended that you use a product with at least 2,500 lux, though as high as 10,000 can be useful and will usually require 30 minute sessions.

Here are some of the most populat SAD lights that you can see online and get delivered to your door:

NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp$64.45

Lightphoria 10,000LUX Energy Light Lamp$64.59

Carex Health Brands Day-Light Classic 10,000 LUX SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) Lamp (DL930)$132.99

Verilux VT05FWW1 HappyLight Energy Lamp 5000$65.00

HappyLight Compact Energy Lamp$32.85

Philips Hf3470 Wake-up Light, White$67.50

Omega Sunlight SAD Light Therapy (Seasonal Affective Disorder) Super Bright$73.40

Philips goLITE BLU Light Therapy Device$100.00

Verilux HappyLight Deluxe Sunshine Simulator$139.99

How To Get The Most From Your Light Box

In order to get the very best results from light therapy, you’ll need to make sure that you make time in your routine to do it every day. If you miss out certain days, or give up, then you’re not going to feel all of the benefits. The good news is that you don’t just have to sit there when the light is shining. You can carry on with your daily routine, as long as you stay nearby to the light box to get the full effect.

The Risks Involved

Seasonal Affective Disorder lights can produce some side effects, which are usually mild and fade quickly. These include:
* Eyestrain,
* Headache,
* Nausea,
* Dry mouth,
* Sleep problems.

If side effects don’t disappear then it’s important to seek medical advice, or try reducing the time you use the light box, start taking breaks and using them at different times of the day.

Seasonal Affective Disorder lights are generally very easy to use, and work quickly and effectively as long as you use them for long enough. The risks are very slim, but speak with your doctor if you’re concerned about how a light box could affect you.

You don't have to be depressed and sad all winter long... just plug into one of these great lighting systems and enjoy a natural way to beat depression!

- Helene Malmsio