Solutions for Excess Tomatoes: Make and Preserve for Future Use!
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In the world of gardening, creating a thriving garden setup can be both rewarding and challenging. To help simplify the process, we've compiled a list of recommended supplies for raised garden beds and introduced a compact, indoor gardening solution from the Miracle-Gro brand.
Quality Raised Bed Soil Mix
A pre-mixed custom formulation like the one from Arizona Worm Farm is an excellent starting point. This blend typically includes organic compost, moisture-retaining materials, drainage aids, and high-quality worm castings for nutrients.
Raised Garden Bed Kits
Durable metal raised beds, such as those made from galvanized steel panels with corrosion-resistant finishes, provide good moisture drainage. Kits usually include all necessary hardware and assembly components.
Soil Fill Techniques
For taller beds or to reduce soil cost, consider the Hugelkultur method—filling the bottom with logs, sticks, leaves, or cardboard before adding soil. This aids soil health over time.
Additional Amendments
Branches, leaves, old plant growth, mulch, and earthworms can be added to improve soil structure and nutrient cycling.
Planting Supplies
After soil preparation, use appropriate seeds or starter plants suited to your climate and season.
Watering Systems
For efficient and uniform soil moisture, consider bundles that include irrigation components like watering grids and manifolds.
Containers/Planters Alternatives
If not using traditional raised beds, food-safe resin planters, repurposed buckets with drainage holes, or feed tubs are budget-friendly alternatives.
The Miracle-Gro Twelve: A Compact Indoor Gardening Solution
The Miracle-Gro Twelve is a self-watering container garden system, perfect for growing herbs, vegetables, and flowers indoors. Designed for convenience, this compact system includes a built-in water reservoir, LED grow lights, and a USB-powered water pump.
Other Notable Mentions
The Worm Factory 360 Composter, Jora JK270 Composter - 9.5 Cubic Feet, Stainless Steel Compost Keeper, Corn Gluten Organic Fertilizer 8-0-0 - 40 lbs, Premium Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose - Slim 7/16", Wildflower Farms Eco-Lawn Grass Seed - 5 lb, VegTrug Raised Garden Planter - Natural Wood, and Natural Cedar L-Shaped Raised Garden Beds are other products worth considering for your gardening needs.
Farmstead Raised Garden Bed
Another option for outdoor gardening is the Farmstead Raised Garden Bed, which offers a sturdy and attractive wooden design.
Written by Susannah Shmurak
This article, published on July 21, 2016, aims to provide a comprehensive guide to raised garden beds and compact indoor gardening solutions for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
[1] Arizona Worm Farm (n.d.) Worm Castings Soil Mix. [Online] Available: https://arizonawormfarm.com/product/worm-castings-soil-mix/
[2] Gardener's Supply Company (n.d.) Planters, Containers, & Pots. [Online] Available: https://www.gardeners.com/shop/planters-containers-pots
[3] Home Depot (n.d.) Raised Garden Beds. [Online] Available: https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Gardening-Raised-Garden-Beds-p2-100510401
[4] National Gardening Association (n.d.) Raised Bed Gardening. [Online] Available: https://www.garden.org/learn/encyclopedia/article/143/
[5] The Old Farmer's Almanac (n.d.) How to Build a Raised Garden Bed. [Online] Available: https://www.almanac.com/content/how-build-raised-garden-bed
- Embracing a more eco-friendly lifestyle, one can consider incorporating food preservation techniques such as composting with the Worm Factory 360 Composter or the Stainless Steel Compost Keeper for nutrient-rich soil that aids in plant growth, such as the one in raised garden beds or even the compact Miracle-Gro Twelve for indoor gardening.
- In addition to traditional raised garden beds and planters, an individual might find home-and-garden solutions such as the Farmstead Raised Garden Bed or repurposed containers like feed tubs or food-safe resin planters suitable for their unique lifestyle and space requirements, contributing to a balanced blend of gardening and home decor.
