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No.200
08/12/12

Intensive Vegetable Gardening In Small Spaces

Instructions Place the length of rain gutter that you desire on a work surface. Clip one rain gutter cap on each end and lock them into place. Turn the rain gutter upside down on a workbench. Drill 1/8inch-diameter holes through the rain gutter every 6 inches along the entire length. The holes will allow the rain gutters to drain. Position the rain gutter hangers along the surface where you want to hang the gutter every 3 to 4 feet. Drive the included screws through the mounting holes in the hangers into the surface with a screw gun to fasten them in place. Slide the gutter into the hangers to lock it into place. Add potting soil to the gutter and fill it up so that it is level with the top edges of the rain gutter. Water the soil with a watering can filled with water. With your finger make a furrow in the center of the soil down the length of the gutter. Plant the lettuce seeds into the furrow, planting approximately 20 seeds per foot. Cover over the seeds with potting soil and gently pack it down with your fingertips. Water the lettuce often as it grows, keeping the soil moist at all times. SPECIAL Hang rain gutters and plant salad greens in them. Are you interested in gardening, but you have limited space? Dont despair; get creative. With imagination and determination, you can find ways to grow vegetables even in the smallest of spaces. How To Grow Lettuce In A Rain Gutter Plant salad greens in rain gutters. Rain gutters provide an ideal space for growing salad greens since lettuce, spinach and other greens have shallow root systems. Fall is the perfect time to plant because lettuce, spinach and salad greens love the cooler weather. You can mount rain gutters the same way you would along the eves, on the side of your house, shed or any other building, on the side of a fence, along a deck railing or under a windowsill as a small planter. All you have to do is cut the rain gutter to size, cap the ends and drill holes for drainage. You can purchase the supplies to hang them at the same place you buy the rain gutters. Supplies needed Rain gutter, any length you desire Rain gutter caps (2 per length) Rain gutter hangers (3-5 per length) mount every 3 feet Drill and 1/8 inch drill bit

Cinderblock Herb Garden If you live in a place that has limited space for a garden and you want to try your green thumb, this cinderblock herb garden might be the answer for you. It doesnt take up much space and can be a creative project along the side of a building or home. Design the cinderblocks in a way that you will get the maximum amount of growing space. Fill each hole with potting soil and plant your favorite herbs in each open block of soil. 1

Maine Republic Free State News, 3 Linnell Circle, Brunswick, Maine 04011 http://maine-patriot.com

Cinderblocks come in many decorative styles can be purchased at places such as Lowes, Home Depot or any outdoor garden store where they sell brick and block. You can get started now and have a fall crop.

Old-Window Hot Houses These easy-to-make old-window hot houses can be made from recycled materials. Collect old windows, place hinges at the top so when you are finished with the windows you can fold them up, and save them for the next spring. Secure them inside a raised bed in the shape of a tepee. These windows warm the soil and keep the plants from freezing on cold mornings. It gives vegetables a head start in the springtime.

Pallet Gardening Pallets can be recycled and used in a whole new way. Simply find a place to put a pallet and fill it with potting soil. Use the wood openings to plant in. You can grow your salad greens in a small amount of space, and it is a good way to recycle old pallets.

Starting Seedlings In 2-Liter Soda Bottles Save your 2-liter bottles and cut them so the top half fits down into the bottom half. Drill a hole through the center of the lid of the bottle. Put string or wick through the hole and tie it so it will absorb the water from the bottom of the soda bottle. Window Herb Garden A fresh herb garden can be grown outside a window in any home or apartment. Anytime you want fresh herbs, just open the window and cut them. This type of herb garden can be

Fill the bottom of the bottle with water. Invert the top of the bottle and fill it with potting soil. Plant your seeds in the bottles and watch them grow. Keep enough water in the bottom of the soda bottle so it will water itself.

easily watered and maintained. It can be taken down and replanted, or it can be moved to the inside of the house in the colder months. It is very nice to have fresh herbs year-round.

Maine Republic Free State News, 3 Linnell Circle, Brunswick, Maine 04011 http://maine-patriot.com