Railing Planters – Going Over The Edge!

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Railing planters take flowers to a whole new level by setting the planter right on the railing of your deck, patio, or porch. You can create a fence of flowers that surround your deck.

Riding the Rail
Make every inch of your deck beautiful by installing a deck railing planter. These planters create a floral fence that adds beauty to your deck. Planters that go on your railings will give you that garden look without containers taking up space on your deck.

These planters sit on your railing and have a molded planter bottom. These are usually in the form of plastic planters mainly due to the fact that these are more lightweight. Railing style planters can also resemble traditional window boxes and these can be attached to the back of a deck bench or other sturdy seating you may have.

For those of you that don’t have a porch or a patio you can still use a rail planter. If you live in an apartment, the planter can be attached to the rail of a balcony or window sill. Some railing style planters also double as porch planters that can be placed anywhere.

A railing planter is also easier to maintain than flower beds that are dug into the ground.

This means they can give your backyard the beauty of a garden with less work. In fact, you’d be surprised how much a flower planter on your rail will liven up your porch, patio, deck, or balcony.

How to Use a Rain Barrel to Conserve Energy and Save Money

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As utility bills continue to climb and conservation becomes more of a public issue, rain water barrels or rain water tanks are once again the focus of popular attention. What is a rain barrel and why do you need one? How can a rain barrel save you money when it comes to gardening?

Rain water barrels come in all shapes and sizes. Rain barrels can even be purchased as parts of complete systems designed to catch and retain as much rain as humanly possible; water that can then be used to water your garden.

A 55-gallon rain water barrel will water a 4-foot by 10-foot garden for a week at the very most, so if you want to get all your gardening needs met with rain water, you will want a fairly large system. But even a single rain barrel is saves more money than no rain barrel at all.

The simplest is a simple steel drum or plastic drum (the kind used for trash cans) set beneath the rainwater runoff from your roof to catch and hold water. The trouble with that kind of homemade system is that using the stored water requires scooping it out of the open barrel and toting it to the plant by hand.

That gets old fast.

Open containers of water can also become breeding grounds for mosquitos and other insects, and evaporation is another issue. Homemade rain barrels are a fine start, but the drawbacks are many.

A covered rain barrel equipped with a hose at the bottom that you can fasten to a standard garden hose or use to fill a watering can without opening the barrel itself is a much more pleasant and efficient option. Prefabricated PVC and metal rain water barrels are readily available, from sites like Homeclick (or sometimes Woot has a great deal on them), and usually come in 35, 45, 55, 75, or 100 gallon sizes.

Larger tanks of up to 242 gallons are also available. Any of these systems will conveniently trap rainwater runoff from your roof and dispense it as you need it to water your garden. Some of the larger rain water barrel systems can also be hooked up to store ‘grey water’ (water used to wash dishes and clothes), which is especially helpful in arid parts of the U.S. where water shortages are a big issue. Many such areas have periodic bans on watering with tap water, so a rain barrel can really save the day, especially if it includes grey water too.

You can also buy stacking PVC units that give you the capability of expanding your system as your garden grows and your water needs grow with it. Even a small barrel can save you an enormous amount of money over the course of a growing season. It’s easy to just turn on the tap as necessary, forgetting that 99 out of a 100 cities do charge for water use, and in some areas of the country that charge is very high indeed.

A rain barrel or a system of barrels can easily save an avid gardener hundreds of dollars in water charges over the course of a single season, paying for itself in no time. Check out some of the rain barrel options available online to get an idea of which system might work for you, and then give it a try. When the water bill comes, you’ll be happy you did!

Metal Garden Planters – Instant Garden Elegance!

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Metal garden planters add instant elegance to any yard. These shiny and long-lasting planters make great containers for any type of plant.

These Planters Have Metal
Metal are the longest-lasting planter you can purchase. These are also the only planters that get more beautiful as they age. Metal is an ideal choice for winter planters because the metal keeps heat inside. But this tendency to retain heat also makes a poor choice for warm climates or summertime. Also, because of their weight, they have to be used for fairly permanent plants or to anchor heavier ones.

Despite some drawbacks, metal can be an excellent choice because it adds elegance to your garden that other planters lack. Metal is also a great choice for inside pots. They will be less affected by weather changes and still maintain their beauty. A great choice for inside is a wrought iron wall planter and elevated urns.

Another idea is to use silver pots and urns to draw attention to particular spots in your garden. The little areas in your garden or patio will stand out and emphasize whatever you decide to plant there. Another idea is to use a metal trough to create a flower bed. You could then plant small plants in a rectangle around the trough.

Maybe you can think of more ways to use metal planters in your garden. But whether you choose to use these planters inside or outside, you’ll definitely be adding elegance to your environment.

Wheelbarrow Planters – Rolling Into Your Garden!

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Wheelbarrow planters make a great rustic statement in any garden. Here are some ideas to help you plant a wheelbarrow full of beautiful flowers.

Filling Your Wagon

Unlike other metal planters, a wheelbarrow can be easily moved across your yard, giving you a mobile planter. This is useful if your sunny spot changes a lot. You can wheel your planter to find the proper sun requirements if they change. This also allows you to change the look of your garden if you want to.

There are two wheelbarrow flower planter ideas that you can use. You can fill the cart with compost or mulch and then you automatically have a planter. You could also fill the wheelbarrow with flower pots so that you can switch up the flower or plants as much as you want.

If you decide to plant your flowers directly in the cart, you need to plan carefully. Use a lightweight soil. This will allow for more drainage in the shallow wheelbarrow. Also be sure to cover only the roots to prevent your flower or plants from rotting inside the planter. Since everything planted in your wheelbarrow planter will be receiving the same nourishment, sun, and water you need to make sure that all of the flowers or plants have matching growth requirements. You will also need to plant the taller flowers or plants in the back of the cart to prevent root tangling.

These are just a few ideas about what you can do with a wheelbarrow planter – feel free to come up with some of your own. Imagination is unlimited.

Stackable Planters – Build A Towering Garden!

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Stackable planters create a unique look inside or outside. These stackable containers can create a waterfall effect that is ideal for small corners or other narrow spaces.

Lego for Your Garden
A stackable planter is a series of planters that can be stacked on top of each other to create a cascading display. This can be an especially beautiful ornament to any room, patio, or yard. You can vary the colors in each container for extra color or vary the type of plant for a unique combination. Using planters that can be stacked together allows you to be as creative as you want.

These planters can be used to grow almost any type of plant. A popular use for stackable style planters is for herb gardens. Since many people grow herbs inside their kitchen, these containers save valuable counter space. Stacking planters are ideal for apartment dwellers or anyone else that has limited space. These planters can also fit inside a window sill if you choose to place it inside the house.

Stacking planters can be made out of different materials. Fiberglass planters are lightweight and easy to stack. They can also be made into a large variety of designs and colors to fit the specific needs of your garden. Ceramic planters have long been a favorite of gardeners and they can also be stacked together. You can even create your own stack by turning one container over and placing another container on top. Ceramic planters can also be easily painted with colors to match your plants or flower arrangement or a design to match your overall décor.

Stackable style planters are an excellent selection for those with limited space and for those who want to be extra creative.

Cedar Planters – A Gift From Nature!

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Cedar Planters are an excellent choice for any garden. These planter boxes are made from cedar, which is naturally weather resistant and stable.

The Ideal Wood

Gardeners with plans for an organic garden should choose cedar because it is safe for both you and the environment. Because cedar is a resilient wood that is naturally weather and water resistant, it does not need to be chemically treated for outside use. Organically, cedar will resist rotting or cracking like other woods. This makes cedar an excellent choice for any of your garden or outside needs. You can use cedar in your planters, boxes, your deck, patio furniture, or outside railings and lattices. Cedar is also lightweight enough to be used in hanging planters.

A cedar planter box is ideal for extreme climates – whether hot or cold. Unlike garden planters and patio planters made from other materials, cedar planters will insulate your soil and the plant’s roots from the climate changes. This is why cedar boxes have been used in trunks and blanket boxes. This will also protect you and your family from being burned by the sun if you use cedar in your deck or patio furniture. These planters also have an odor that is pleasant to humans but unpleasant to insects. This makes cedar an organic insect repellant – perfect for gardeners that want to avoid using chemical pesticides.

Cedar is the ideal wood for any gardener that is looking for a long-lasting patio and garden. A cedar deck is an ideal way to keep you and your family safe and cedar style planters are an ideal way to keep your plants safe.

Trellis Planter – Climbing To New Heights!

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The trellis planter is an exciting mix of the everyday planter and a lovely garden trellis. You can use the planter trellis in a variety of ways, making your garden climb to new heights.

More Than Just A Wall

A planter with a trellis is a modern twist on the traditional trellis. This one-stop planter allows you to plant your climbers in the base box container at the bottom and then watch them grow up the lattices of the trellis. Even if the planter trellis wasn’t a part of your initial plans for your garden, it can be a great choice for filling any empty spaces. In fact, the elegant trellis is the perfect addition to any garden, deck, or patio.

The planter trellis can be purchased in plastic or wood. Plastic garden planters are a great choice because these planters stay in the garden all year long. The plastic will ensure that the trellis does not rust or rot, endangering your plants.

No matter what the individual plans for your yard, garden, or patio are, a planter with trellis can be a great addition. You can use it to grow shade-giving plants that will make your patio cooler. You can line them up for lovely natural fencing to add privacy to your yard. Some trellises come in arch shapes, giving your yard an elegant entry way.

Imagine being greeted into your yard by a colorful archway with fragrant roses or tulips.

The trellis style of planter offers a unique way to add shade, privacy, or elegance to your garden.

They can add an extra burst of beauty by displaying your climbing plants. The trellis style planter is great addition to any garden.

Wood Container Planters – The Natural Choice!

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A wood containers planter is a natural choice to add beauty to any garden. Wood planters offer many advantages over other planters, making them a versatile choice for any garden.

Old Fashioned – New Options!

Every gardener desires to build their own private oasis. By including a wood planter into your plans, you can achieve virtually any layout that you desire. One of the many advantages to wooden planters is their versatility. Wood planters can be painted to a color that matched perfectly with your house or the color of your plants. You could also choose to paint a mosaic or other designs on the box. Wooden planters can also be crafted into practically any shape – a box, a barrel, or even an old time wagon wheel. Wood planters can even be used as hanging planters or birdhouses. But planters aren’t only for gardens. They are also a great addition to your home or office.

Versatility isn’t the only advantage of choosing wood planters. Most companies are building planters out of rot-resistant cedar, making them exceptionally long lasting and weather resistant. You can also extend the life of your planter even longer by lining them with plastic landscape fabric. Wood planters are also a great choice for gardeners that live in colder climates. Wood doesn’t get as cold as ceramic or other planter materials. This keeps the soil warmer and the roots of the plant more protected.

If you’re looking for a container that is versatile, sturdy, and beautiful, then wood planters are an excellent choice for your garden.

Wooden Mailbox Planters – Recycle Your Old Mailbox

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Wooden mailbox planters are an interesting and quirky way to brighten up your patio or garden outdoor space.  A mailbox planter can also be a great way to recycle and reuse your old mailbox.

Recycle And Reuse

If you are thinking of either making or buying a new wooden mailbox and are not sure what to do with the old one, then why not try turning it into a decorative garden planter.  Garden planters are available in countless shapes, sizes, and materials but having a homemade planter in either your front or back yard can add an extra touch of character and individuality to your outdoor space.

Turning your old mailbox into a planter is easy. Simply remove the top, close up the mail slot, and plant away.   Your new planter will however, last much longer if you take the a few extra steps. Drilling a succession of water drainage holes in the bottom of the mailbox, will prevent rotting. You can also avoid unnecessary damage from weathering by using a liner or place your plant pots inside your mailbox to hold your chosen flowers or plants. This way your mailbox is protected.

Your mailbox planters will look great planted with vibrantly colored flowers and trailing plants and if watering the garden is one of the children’s chores, then putting the mail flag up or down might also be a good way for them to indicate that this chore is complete.

Planter Liners – Make Your Planters Last Longer

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Planter liners are the ideal way to ensure that the planter you have painstakingly chosen for your garden lasts as long as possible. In cold weather, the soil used in your planters contracts and expands. Over time, if your planter boxes are not protected, this expansion and contraction can lead to cracks and unnecessary wear and tear.

Defeating The Cold Weather With A Planter Liner

Choosing to plant your flowers in secondary plastic containers, otherwise known as liners enables you to avoid this problem.  The liner helps to absorb any possible damage from cold weather and prevents damage to your pots.

Outdoor wooden containers and planters, such as antique whiskey barrel planters also suffer from this form of weather damage.  This can eventually lead to the wood warping. You will find however that a whiskey barrel planter liner will help to minimise any such damage.

The majority of liners tend to be made from plastic although there are liners available in steel, copper and other metals. These liners are sold at most garden centers and nurseries and are well worth investing in if you are buying garden planters.

If you are looking to buy a new planter box or container, then you will probably discover that a great many of the more decorative planters actually come complete with their own liners. These liners are usually removable for easy cleaning before planting. If you are replacing a dead plant you should always ensure that the liner is removed and cleaned before reusing your planter.