Aven Gardening

Besides growing your food, you can have a beautiful garden on your patio or balcony! You don’t need a lot of space because you can use the smallest outdoor space you have if you research and plan well.

If you are planning to do it yourself, here are 15 DIY patio ideas you need to consider:

1. Know what to grow

To determine the type of plants to grow, you need to consider these two factors:

The time of the year

This is important because some plants thrive well in one season of the year and fail in another. Therefore, you need to determine the species of the plants you want to grow, the specific times of the year they grow and when you should plant/not plant them.

Whether or not the plant can grow on a balcony

Depending on the nature of the plant, some plants can grow well on a balcony while others can’t. Hence, before you choose the plants to grow, you will have to determine whether the plants can thrive on a balcony or a patio.

Here are some examples of plants to choose from:

There are numerous plants to choose from, and they are easy to grow and maintain on balconies and patios.

2. Determine the amount of sunlight your space gets

When you determine, the amount of sunlight your area gets will help you choose the type of plants to plant and where to plant them.

For instance, if your patio or balcony gets 6 or more hours of sunlight in a day, you can grow a wide variety of plants because that’s considered as full sun.

On the other hand, if your patio/balcony gets 3-6 hours of sunlight in a day, that’s considered as partial sunlight, and only a few plants can thrive. You need to know the amount of sunlight your space gets and to choose the right species of plants to plant.

3. Buy gardening tools

For you to grow plants, you need some gardening tools among them gardening trowels, gloves, shears, pruners, etc. Instead of buying new gardening tools, it is advisable you buy second-hand tools from thrift shops, craigslist, garage sales and even from friends and family members.

The primary objective here is to save money because second-hand tools are cheaper and work the same way.

4. Make your fertilizer

Since you are looking to minimize costs, you can make your fertilizer for free using kitchen scraps and simple procedural steps. The only thing you should remember is the N-P-K rule because Nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium plays a vital role in the growth of plants.

Nitrogen

promotes the growth of leaves and the entire plant.

Phosphorous

it is essential in helping flowering and a healthy rooting system.

Potassium

promotes overall growth, prevents diseases and contributes proteins among other things.

There are other elements that your homemade fertilizer should contain
( e.g., calcium, sulfur, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, etc). Hence, there are specific ingredients you should consider adding to include all these elements.

Here are some examples:

Coffee grounds

They release potassium and nitrogen when they decompose.

Eggshells

They are a source of calcium element because they contain 95% calcium element.

Epsom salt

This salt is ideal to improve the magnesium content in the soil. Magnesium is essential when planting peppers, tomatoes, and roses.

Banana peels

They have plenty of potassium element which is an essential element in growing plants.

Vinegar

It increases the level of acidity and iron in the soil.

5. Grow your plants vertically and not horizontally

Since you are gardening on limited space, you should consider having the plants in a vertical setting rather than planting them horizontally. You will not only economize on space but also use locally available materials to save the cost of gardening.

Some vertical ideas include using hex wire mesh, upright wooden pallets and upcycle old furniture to create additional space.

6. Reuse old containers

Reusing old containers can save you a lot of money instead of buying clay pots or box planters. Some of the old containers you can reuse include:

• Old baskets and crates
• Old cookware
• Old bowls and cups
• Old tea tins
• Old wastebaskets
• Empty coffee canisters
• Empty pasta sauce jars

Primarily, you can use any old container to house a plant. Remember, if the tins or containers are very old, you can use decorative paint to make them appealing and new.

7. Check your lease or talk to your landlord

It is vital to check your lease to determine whether you are allowed to have a garden on your patio on your balcony. Consequently, you can ask your landlord for permission or what you can or cannot do to avoid fines or disagreements after you’ve started gardening.

8. Build a multifunctional table

You can have a wide range of plants on your patio or balcony by adding mosses, succulents, and even flowers. The type and extent of plants to add will be determined by the availability of space, creativity and your location.

9. Paint the patio floor

You can paint your patio using different colors to have different themes or to use the patio for different uses.

10. Plant a vertical garden

Besides maximizing your space, a vertical garden will make your patio garden appealing because of the arrangement and practicality.

11. You can try having a mini bench

Although some people find it tiring and time-consuming, you can have a mini bench to stand out from the neighbors.

12. Choose the correct spacing

Depending on the type of plants you have planted, you need to choose a functional spacing.

13. Hang bistro lights

Hanging a few bulbs on your patio or balcony will make it look beautiful especially at night.

14. Decorate rocks

If you have some rocks, you need to decorate them even if you will do it yourself. Choose bright colors for the stones to be seen clearly.

15. Create a magical garden on your apartment

With all these tips and your creativity, you can have a beautiful garden on your patio or balcony.

Japanese Zen gardens have been around for many centuries. Such gardens mix simple elements like bamboo, moss, sand, stone, and wood with the aim of making a calming haven. There are three basic concepts involved in the creation of these mini gardens, working on a reduced scale, symbolization and also witnessing through a borrowed view.

1. Rock gardens

The idea of rock gardens is that these portray a mini version of the mountains and the sea.

2. Moss gardens

Moss is the main feature of moss gardens as it grows on rocks and trees within the garden.

3. The naturally asymmetric Japanese garden

Most Zen gardens are features such as fish ponds filled with koi fish which achieves skewed balance.

4. Japanese garden with an arched bridge

Arched bridges are used to put something made into gardens, and to balance things out with nature.

5. A Wabi Sabi Japanese garden

The idea of Wabi Sabi is that it brings a balance between the modern and the traditional in Zen gardens. The idea is that the objects picked to go in the gardens are valuable and designed to improve the status of gardens.

6. Stone lanterns and bamboo in a Japanese garden

In Japanese gardens, these features were mainly added to add balance to the design and the feel of the garden.

7. Stone water basins

Traditionally these stone basins were used to wash before the beginning of tea ceremonies though in modern times and outside of Japan the stone basins are purely decorative.

8. Zen garden gates

Zen garden gates are more symbolic than they are functional gateways. These gates are the spiritual entry to Zen gardens as much as they are the physical entrance to gardens.

9. A statue of the Buddha

Statues of the Buddha often feature in Japanese garden designs. That is due to such sculptures enhancing the spiritual nature of Zen gardens.

10. Japanese Maples

Japanese maples are a type of tree found in China, Korea, and Mongolia as well as Japan. They can grow up to a height of 6 meters. Most of these trees are the ones that produce the bright red leaves.

11. Some contemporary Zen backyards

Contemporary Zen backyards have had to change from more traditional designs, mainly due to gardens being smaller meaning that features are scaled down so that more can be fitted in.

12. A Japanese garden showcasing waterfalls

Waterfalls are sometimes used as the showcase feature of a Japanese garden. It is based on the concept that running water is relaxing, and waterfalls have plenty of running water. It can also highlight how pretty the garden is.

13. Simple bamboo fountain in a Japanese garden

This design is straightforward. You use a bamboo fountain as the center attraction within your Japanese garden.

14. A Japanese stroll garden

Stroll gardens are meant for strolling or walking along paths with visitors and garden owner alike relaxing as they view all the features within the garden itself.

15. The small house in a Japanese garden

A small house is frequently found in Japanese gardens as these are places for contemplation and also meditation. Some are also used to host tea parties for small groups.

16. A Japanese garden with moss covered stone

Another design that can be used in your Japanese garden is to use moss-covered stones.

17. A Japanese garden in the of a body of water

Japanese gardens do not have to be landlocked at all. Indeed they can seem to be even more enchanting when they placed in the middle of a body of water.

18. Some indoor Zen garden ideas

You can move some of the Zen ideas, designs and mini gardens indoors. In modern Korean homes, a Zen garden is used to mark the link between the garden and the entrance to your home.

19. The Zen mini garden

If you do not have space for a full-scale Zen garden, then get yourself a mini Zen garden. All the features and plants can be the same, just upon a smaller scale.

20. Using massive rocks to outline a Japanese garden

It is worth separating your rock garden from the remainder of your garden, as the Japanese consider stones to be just as important as trees are for the overall design of gardens.

21. Japanese Yin Yang garden

Ying and Yang are among the oldest Japanese design concepts, so it makes perfect sense to include both in the design of your Japanese garden.

22. Old stone lantern inside a Japanese garden

Including a large and old stone lantern into your Japanese gardens means that you are still sticking to Wabi / Sabi design principles.

23. A Japanese garden with a stone bench

As Zen gardens are meant to be zones for calming it makes sense to add a bench so that you can sit and relax. If you fit some lights, you can have a relaxing sit down at night as well.

24. Sea of stones in a Japanese garden

This design is the opposite of an island of rocks. It is a big sea of rocks. Although it is an alternative on overall Zen designs, it is just as relaxing. It works best if you have plenty of spare with your Zen garden.

Do you crack eggs breakfast and always toss out the shells? It turns out eggshells play a significant role in the health of your garden, so you should stop tossing them out. No matter how big or small your vegetable or flower patch is, letting the soil absorb the eggshells is beneficial. Let’s talk about the 12 benefits of using eggshells in your garden.

1. Can Be Used as Fertilizer

Most fertilizers on the market are toxic if ingested by small household pets or outside rodents. Eggshells contain high levels of calcium carbonate, much like lime, but they make a non-toxic option; calcium carbonate is excellent to use for garden management.

To use as a fertilizer, crush the eggshells up and sprinkle them on the dirt. If you are using pots, sprinkle the eggshells into the potting soil and stir in well. Fertilizer made from eggshells benefits chives, tomatoes, and peppers (to name a few).

2. Rodent and Insect Deterrent

Pesky invaders can be frustrating to deal with, especially after spending hours grooming your garden. Breaking eggshells over the dirt is a helpful way to keep invaders out. The eggshells act as a weapon under the rodent or insect’s feet, often inflicting pain.

As a result, they are less likely to come back to your garden. It is also important to note that if you have a sneaky neighborhood cat that always seems to find itself in your garden, eggshells are a helpful way to keep him or her out; cats are not a fan of eggshells.

3. Chicken Feed

While it may sound odd to feed chickens egg shells because that is where they once came from, eggshells make a fantastic food supplement. Chickens require plenty of calcium to live healthy lives, especially ones who lay eggs.

Therefore, eggshells provide a hearty dose of calcium to chickens. The key to feeding shells is to ensure they are crushed very well and almost transformed into powder. It can be quickly done by hand or with a heavy rolling pin.

4. Patch Holes in Planters

Many planter boxes or flower pots contain holes for drainage, or unwanted holes appear that spill dirt and water. Lightly crushing eggshells and placing them in the bottom of planters and pots can patch unwanted holes. Just remember to pack the bottom very well.

5. Eliminate End Rot

Nothing is worse than picking a pepper or tomato only to notice the end is rotting. It is a prevalent problem that is caused by a calcium deficiency. The garden needs enough calcium carbonate to allow vegetables and fruits to grow. Crush eggshells and plant them in the hole where you plant your seeds, and as the vegetables grow the eggshells will nourish them.

6. Compost

Adding eggshells to compost speeds up the process of composting. Eggshells add beneficial calcium to the pile, and it is ideal if you crush them up before adding them.

7. Help Out Friendly Garden Visitors

Mothers birds, in particular, can benefit from extra calcium in their diet. Washing eggshells and even slightly warming them make great snacks for birds. Additionally, larger eggshells can make great additions to nests.

8. Keep Deer at Bay

Deer are beautiful creatures, but they are known to destroy gardens to no end. A humane way to keep deer at bay is by covering your garden in eggshells. Deer are not a fan of eggshells, particularly their scent.

You should not implement this unless you have a major deer invasion going on, as other rodents love egg shells.

9. Mini Garden Holder

In-tact egg shells make magnificent mini gardens. All you have to do is rinse the shells, let dry, fill with dirt, and plant your seeds. You can even use the egg carton to hold your eggstraordinary baby plants!

10. Amazing Garden Art

Eggshells make beautiful garden art. If you are extra creative, try dying empty eggshells different colors or patterns. Next, crush them as much as you wish and sprinkle them throughout your garden. The result will be an amazing, colorful look to your garden.

11. Water Plants

Water your plants with eggshells are similar to using them as fertilizer. Crush eggshells using a heavy object like a rolling pin, place them in a watering can or jug (as long it has a spout or strainer-lid), and add hot water.

Ensure the water is not scolding hot, as this could damage plants. The hot water mixed with eggshells will provide a healthy dose of calcium directly on the roots and stems. You can do this in combination with planting eggshells and plants together.

12. Encourage Worm Composting

Eggshells not only offer calcium to worms, but they also provide an environment for them to thrive. Additionally, eggshells help with worm digestion and offer a source of nutrition for them. On a side note, research shows that eggshells aid in worm reproductive activity.

Now that you know 12 interesting ways eggshells benefit your garden be sure not to toss out those shells next time. Be careful which critters are in your area, to be sure not to attract them using eggshells.

You can always install a barrier around your garden to keep critters out who do not seem bothered by the shells. I encourage you to try some of these unique tips using your eggshells today! They are more than just a favorite breakfast food.

A design composed of raised beds and paths makes organizing your garden much more comfortable, and if you lay them over a weed control fabric, weeding is less arduous.

Your raised beds are great for recycling, so you can do your bit for conservation by using up containers that you would otherwise throw away with the garbage.

Here are raised garden bed ideas for you:

1. Raised Gardens from Tires

You are having your tire changed and didn’t like wasting the old one, so take it home with you and use it as a planter. Tires make great planters for herbs such as parsley.

2. Pallet Collars from a factory

Pallets are the wooden frames that are used to product delivery goods. Manufacturers rarely want them returned so you can sometimes get a factory or workshop to give them to you. Paint them with preservative and fill them with soil and you will get very useful raised beds that can last for years.

3. Garden using a Bathtub

A recycled bathtub makes an impressive and green garden feature. Lay it against a wall and plant tall flowers, such as hollyhock at the back and in front of them plant smaller flowers such as marigolds or pansies.

4. Raised bed built using Bricks

Bricks make a durable raised bed, but make sure that they are well mortared. If you do not mortar the bricks together, then the internal weight of the soil and the pressure of spreading roots will force the blocks apart.

5. Using Wood barrels

Sometimes you can get your hands on wooden barrels and turn them into flower beds. Plant a tall flower at the middle, and around it plant smaller annual flowers. A well-painted or varnished barrel adorned with flowers can be positioned near the entrance to your house or garden to make a strong architectural feature to impress visitors.

6. Use of Wheelbarrow

Quite fashionable is a wheelbarrow turned into a garden feature and placed for maximum aesthetic effect. A wooden barrow should be varnished or painted to preserve it. Fill the barrow with soil and plant with trailing plants such as trailing roses and fuchsias, verbenas and begonias to create an impressive display.

7. Chest of Drawers bed

Varnished, an old chest of draws can make a quirky recycled bed. Fill it with compost and plant different flowers in each drawer space.

8. Plastic tubing

Old plastic drainpipes cut down to a suitable size and filled with compost can be useful for long-rooted plants.

9. Suitcase or trunk bed

An antique suitcase or trunk filled with compost can grow shallow rooted flowers, such as scabious or bergenia.

10. Chimney pot planters

Use the old pots as decorative planters in your gardens. It created a quaint, olde worlde appearance in the front garden space. Annual flowers will grow happily in these pots.

11. You could create a raised border.

This kind of raised bed is created by erecting a wall a yard or so from a fence or garden wall and piling up the soil. This sort of foundation is often home for shrubs. Or you can use it for a herbaceous border containing perennials such as acanthus and achillea.

12. Rockery Gardens

You can use any natural stone in a rockery, but the idea is to use a variety of kinds of different sizes. Combined large stones with pebbles then partly cover with soil and sow rock garden species, such as phlox, sedum, and other alpines.

13. Sunken Planters

Many herb gardens have herbs in partly sunken pots. Sink it up to two thirds into the ground, fill with compost and grow herbs. The area between the containers should be covered with sturdy weed control fabric and then overlaid with gravel to create an attractive path. These sunken planters are ideal for the dry garden, which gardeners in drought-prone areas is most of the time the problem.

14. Gardens Bed from stone or brick walls

You can design these garden beds to have long space on top for plantings. A carefully designed wall can be a raised bed in itself. Early spring flowers such as snowdrops and crocus are small enough to fit into this kind of space.

15. Garden beds built using blocks of Wood

This kind of beds allow for flexible construction, and so they can be arranged into a variety of shapes and depths. They are most suited to annual flowers that you re-sow every season.

16. Hugel Garden

It is an old German idea that enables you to maximize space. It is a ridge or a mound. You can make a lovely rose bed in one of them, and they are great for vegetables.

17. Beds with willow woven into basketwork

Basketwork gives surprisingly good protection against wind, ideal if you live in a windy space, but ensure that you peg it down using ground staples.

18. Rectangular gardens pegged to the walls.

Smaller annual flowers will grow well in these. Simply fix brackets to the wall. Ensure that they are firmly fastened and place the containers on them. Window boxes are a version of this idea.

19. Use your veranda

All you need is pots placed in line on the terrace and planted with rambling flowers. Some growers decide instead to adorn their verandas or balconies with geraniums.

20. A green wall

A part of a wall can have pots affixed to brackets affixed to it. You can grow small annual plants can on this wall, but you will need spraying system for watering.

21. A pyramidal structured garden

Trailing plants can cascade over the sides. A garden can have several of these pyramids, creating maximum planting for minimal space.

22. A pattern with pots.

The plants are grown in pots and taken to the garden, where you can arrange them into the desired pattern. Then the whole arrangement is covered in compost, and the container covered to make the planting seem natural. The entire garden is a giant raised bed.

23. Create a design of small raised beds.

A thoughtful person with a small garden or yard space can create a pattern of raised beds. The beds give the garden structure, and the spaces between them form paths. You can grow different flowers in each raised bed.

24. Use your trellis.

If you have climbing plants, like winter jasmine, it is a good idea to grow them in a wooden planter adjoining a lattice, for this allows the plant to grow and spread without sagging.

25. A dry stone planter

It consists of carefully stacking stones one an another to create a wall. In a dry stone planter, the stones are retained by a cage of metal mesh to prevent slippage.

26. A wheelchair-friendly bed

Whether made of stone or brick, a wheelchair friendly bed is shaped like an angular letter C. It is wide enough to allow the wheelchair access and has working space on three sides. The height of the bed is set to be manageable for the wheelchair user. Vital to this bed is paved access suitable for a wheelchair.

27. An old stump

If you have cut down a tree, use the stump as a raised feature. It will most likely throw out new shoots if it remains alive. Integrate them with your garden. If the stump is dead accepted the wild fungi that are slowly breaking it down as part of your garden display. Set potted plants on and around the stump for further effect.

28. Raised beds from a fallen log

Unlike a stump, this will be dying or dead. But you can turn it into a feature with green credentials. Fasten pots to the wood and welcome the fungi with their bright yellow and white colors. Plant rambling roses around the trunk and watch them use it as a frame for growth.

Here we have given twenty-eight ideas for you to use. But the garden is a place for your imagination.