Hardy - Teeny tiny gardening : 35 step-by-step projects and inspirational ideas for gardening in tiny spaces

teeny tiny
gardening teeny tiny
gardening 35 step-by-step projects and inspirational ideas
for gardening in tiny spaces Emma Hardy Published in 2013 by CICO Books
An imprint of Ryland Peters & Small Ltd
519 Broadway, 5th floor, New York NY 10012
2021 Jockeys Fields, London WC1R 4BW www.cicobooks.com 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Text Emma Hardy 2013
Design and photography CICO Books 2013 The authors moral rights have been asserted. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. A CIP catalog record for this book is available from the Library of Congress and the British Library. eISBN 978 1 782492 96 2
ISBN 978 1 908862 80 8 Printed in China Editor: Caroline West
Designer: Geoff Borin
Photographer: Debbie Patterson
Illustrator: Jane Smith

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contents chapter 1
bright &
beautiful chapter 2
fabulous
foliage chapter 3
crops
in pots Teeny tiny containers are a great way to garden when you are short of space or simply enjoy gardening on a small scale. The idea behind this book is to create gardens in small spaces (both inside and out), using a range of different containers and a wide variety of gorgeous plants.

Whether you want to create a short-lived garden for a special occasion or a more productive and fruitful display, you will find lots of ideas here. From vegetables grown in an old wooden crate and fruit in a vintage enamel bread bin to a fun dinosaur garden for children and adorable little succulents in glass tumblers, there are lots of suggestions for gardening in miniature. Each project includes a materials list and simple step-by-step instructions. I have also included a list of the plants used in each project, which can be followed closely or simply used for inspiration. A visit to your local garden center should provide you with all that you need, with on-line gardening stores making more specialist plants readily available. I recommend using soil-less potting mix for most of the projects unless something more specific is requiredyou are probably unlikely to want to invest in a range of different potting media if you are gardening on a small scale.

As you gain experience (and possibly more space!), you may want to experiment with more in-depth soil mixtures, but a good-quality, soil-less potting mix should be fine for small, and often temporary, gardens. A few gardening tools will also come in handy, and it is worth investing in some good-quality basics. A decent garden trowel, a good pair of hand pruners (secateurs), and a watering can with a fine rose will all prove useful. Before you start, it may be helpful to read through the Basic Techniques section (see pages ), which explains some of the terms used in the book and offers advice and information on containers and materials. Look around for interesting and unusual containers, recycling and salvaging where you can, and think about using things around you in different and eye-catching ways. Gardening on a teeny tiny scale requires very few special techniques, but these pages offer general advice and information, plus explanations of some of the gardening terms used in the projects that follow. A plastic liner will help to conserve moisture in a container, but cut a few holes in it for drainage. A plastic liner will help to conserve moisture in a container, but cut a few holes in it for drainage.

Choosing containers and plants All sorts of containers can be used to create sweet little gardens, including teacups, old wooden drawers, and enamel bowls. The most important requirement is that the container has at least one hole in the bottom for drainage or is made from a material that can be punctured to create drainage holes. If you cant make holes in the base of the container, then it will be more suitable for an indoor garden where you can monitor the watering carefully and make adjustments as necessary. As you are gardening on a tiny scale, its a good idea to think carefully about the type of plants you are going to grow. For instance, you may wish to look out for dwarf, miniature, or compact varieties of plants such as alpines, dwarf bulbs, and patio roses or opt for slow-growing plants like conifers (as in the evergreen Topiary Garden on pages ). Preparing pots and plants Once you have decided on the container that you would like to plant up, youll need to prepare both the pots and plants before planting.

Some of the key tasks include: Making drainage holes Few plants (apart from bog and water plants) like to sit in very wet soil, so it is important to provide adequate drainage in each container. If the container you are using does not have drainage holes in the bottom, then you can make some by drilling or hammering a heavy-duty nail into the base a few times. Using drainage crocks These are bits of old plant pot or tiles that are placed over the drainage holes in the container so that the hole will not become blocked by potting mix and inhibit drainage. Simply break up old pots or tiles with a hammer (take care not to let small shards hit you) and keep them for use in future projects. Getting the container ready To reduce the likelihood of infection by pests and diseases, clean the container on both the outside and inside with warm, soapy water before planting up. Loosening plant roots Sometimes plants can become root-bound if they have been sitting in their plastic pots for a long time. Loosening plant roots Sometimes plants can become root-bound if they have been sitting in their plastic pots for a long time.

Loosening the roots slightly will encourage them to spread out and grow when you re-pot them. Gently press your fingertips into the roots and then tease them out slightly, making sure that you do not damage them as you do so. Soaking plants before planting Before re-potting a plant, always soak it in water for at least 10 minutes to get the potting mix really wet. Choosing potting mixes There are two main types of potting mix (also sometimes known as potting compost): soil-based and soil-less (usually either peat- or peat-substitute-based). Soil-based potting mix is a good, all-round mix that provides container plants with adequate food for the first few weeks after planting and is also free-draining, which encourages good root growth. It retains moisture well, but is also less prone to water-logging.