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What makes a landscape design stand out from the usual designs you see all the time? How do you go about having a landscape that everyone talks about and thinks is very special?

First of all you have to start with a good basic design. It must function and yet the layout must have creativity to it. In addition, features should be added that are not run of the mill. So…what are some of these special features?

You can add special features to a patio to make it special. It might be a seatwall which provides a vertical element and also nice seating. You might also add a circle design, depending on which material is being used.

You also might consider adding a landscape structure to your design. This might be an outdoor pergola, which can be part of your patio design or it can be incorporated into your swimming pool decking. Gazebos are another nice feature. They can be located in an open lawn area, integrated into your swimming pool decking and sometimes be added to a large patio.

Consider creating a special entry into your back yard. A beautiful arbor will make a statement. Place plantings or fencing on either side of the arbor to anchor it. You can also add decorative fencing with a lovely gate. Gates can be straigh acroos on the top or they can be curved. I happen to love “moon gates”. These interesting gates have a large circle typically formed from wood where you can see through the garden gate.

Sculptures are nice features also. Often they are thought of as formal, but this does not have to be the case at all. What about a hand carved bear? There are also quite a few interesting contemporary ones that just might add a twist of interest to an otherwise very natural looking garden. Sculptures, fountains or even an urn on a pedestal look well, located in a special place on your property. It might be in a lawn area, in an intimate small garden space, on a patio, or tucked into some plantings.

And who can resist a garden pond? Ponds can be very naturalistic with a tumbling waterfall, or they can be more formal with a fountain in the center. An idea that I like and one which is not used often is to have “bubblers” in your pond or pool. These are subtle mechanisms that make the pond bubble in certain areas. Sometimes there are just a few “bubbles” and other times there are many.

Driveway designs can be made of a simple material such as loose stone or asphalt and they can be edged with concrete pavers, natural stone, travertine or Belgian block. You can also add a circle kit design either at the entry or near your walkway. A circle design is a pattern of either concrete or travertine pavers which radiate from the center forming a circle.

Many people don’t take the time to think about adding these features to their landscape, but by doing so, you will most likely have a garden which will be greatly admired.

About the Author:
Susan Schlenger is a Landscape Designer with a degree in Landscape Architecture. You can read more about landscaping ideas at http://www.landscape-design-advice.com/landscaping-ideas.html

Keyword tags: landscaping ideas, outdoor pergola, ponds, gazebo, seatwalls

Ever since the inception of industrial revolution, life has become fast and the developments in the fields of science and technology has made human life simple and more convenient. All the hassles of day to day activities have been taken care by the complex dynamics of technology. Every night we sleep with a dream and the next morning we are out in the market to buy the dream that has already been converted to reality.

But, in spite of this we are bothered, the cause being the technology itself. With all its goods kept on one side, technology also has a cruel face on the other side of the fence. With all its developments if, technology is giving us a hassle free life, it is also giving us a polluted environment to live in. Water, air and even sound are not being spared. The chemicals coming out as the byproducts are harming our environment and are directly and indirectly harming us. It is just that we are not able to realize until we are in danger.

Keeping aside the macro level alerts like global warming, increase in the sea level etc, let us peep into our daily life and see at micro level, the impact of technical developments. Covering every aspect in the discussion to follow may be outside the scope of this article and hence we will try to limit our discussion only to a simple chemical product- the laundry detergent.

A combination of different chemical substances to clean our clothes is what we call laundry detergent. When mixed with water this detergent creates lather and the chemicals penetrate deep inside the clothes to clean the dirt and the harmful microbes present in them. But studies show that long term usage of these detergents can lead to skin troubles, not to mention about the water pollution which disturbs the balance of the aquatic life!

A question arises, is there something to make the earth greener and pollution free? Yes, there is. Most of us are unaware of a natural substance which can substitute this laundry detergent and is 100% natural. The substance is known as Soap Nut and is a fruit of a tree called Sapindus. Native to Nepal, India and some other South Asian countries, this tree requires a warm and tropical environment to grow. The harvesting process of this soap nut is completely natural and does not call for any toxin or chemical involvement.

The Soap Nut consists of a solid and hard outer shell and a small fruit inside it. This outer shell is used for making cleaning products. After the fruit ripens, it falls to the ground from tree. It is then picked up and then dried under the sun and is ready to use. Saponin, a natural substance, is present in the Soap Nut. When the Soap Nut is soaked in water, the Saponins are released. This helps the water to penetrate the fabric and clean it. The Soap Nut is a good replacement of the commercial detergents also because of the fact that it has a natural anti-microbial property which kills the harmful microbes present in the dirt. Because Soap Nuts do not contain any added dyes or chemicals, they do not create very many bubbles or lather but are capable of cleaning clothes as effectively as the commercial laundry detergents.

Natural and harmless, these Soap Nuts can actually help us to take a step ahead in a greener and more natural world. Soap Nuts do not disrespect technology but rather attempt to save the world from a chemical holocaust. Using soap nuts as a laundry detergent is a tribute to nature and the solutions it gives us.

About the Author:
http://www.BuySoapNuts.com http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com http://www.HotterThanHealth.com/Newsletter.html

Keyword tags: soap nuts, natural, organic, soap pods, soapods, soap berry, soap berries, soap nut, environmentally

Vertical gardening is a unique and practical method of maximizing all of your garden space. When plants such as tomatoes, squash, cucumbers and melons are left to sprawl on the ground; they will take up to 10 times as much space as growing them vertically. With the exception of tomatoes and pole beans, too few gardeners take advantage of this gardening technique.

In addition to saving space, there are a number of advantages to growing vegetables off the ground.

* They are cleaner and more resistant to disease.
* Plants will not be subjected to soil rot which results from the fruit lying on the ground.
* Many crawling and soil borne insects and pests will not bother them.
* Plants receive good air circulation.
* Vertical gardening can provide privacy and screen off unsightly views.
* Gardener’s who find regular gardening physically challenging will enjoy vertical gardening because it eliminates a lot of bending over.

Examples of plants that can be grown vertically:

* Tomatoes
* Acorn squash
* Butternut squash
* Peppers
* Cucumbers
* Sweet and snap peas
* Pole beans and lima beans
* Smaller melons
* Gourds

Considerations

* Plants require watering more often, so mulch accordingly.

* How high will the plants be at maturity? Keep in mind that you will need to reach them easily, so do not build the support trellis too tall.

* Plan so that the vertical structures are on the north side of the plant beds so as to not shade the plants growing on the ground.

* Hanging baskets can be used with success. If the structure that they hang from is too high, rig up a pulley system to raise and lower the plants making access and watering easier.

The first rule in creating your trellis structure is to make it very strong and solid. It must be able to support the weight of ripe vegetables and also be able to withstand winds of up to 30 miles an hour when the structure is covered in vegetables.

Bamboo and heavy cord for lashing are a good solution. Other materials are pressure treated 2 by 2 lumber or 1 ½ inch PVC piping and fittings. If using bamboo or PVC; be sure it is strong enough. It is better to over build than to under build.

You will also require a sturdy system of netting or other support upon which the plants will grow. Strong plastic or wire netting can be used. Wood lattice may work for one or two years, but since it is very cheaply built, it will not last very long or possibly collapse under the weight.

After you have seen the advantages of trellis gardening, a permanent support structure can be constructed using metal poles or 2 by 4 lumber firmly set into the ground with supports for the netting or wire which can possibly be made with a material such as stainless steel cable.

Some crops, such as tomatoes and peppers will require some initial care, as you will have to tie them up or wind them around the supports. Other crops such as peas or beans will only require a start and may need periodic help in getting a firm grip.

About the Author:
Dick Murray is a retired urbanite who keeps his passion for gardening alive with pots of herbs on the window sills and the creation of a web site dedicated to vegetable gardening basics. It is not the same as digging in the soil, but it works for him. http://www.vegetable-gardening-basics.com

Keyword tags: Composting, compost bin, worm composting, how to make compost

You probably want a place to relax and de-stress after a long day. Your backyard and garden are ideal locations, but you’ll get more enjoyment out of your garden if it is a unique reflection of your personality. You don’t want a garden that looks the same as your neighbor’s yard. You want something that reflects your tastes. Many different types of garden art are available to set your garden apart, and make it your own.

Basically, there are three categories of garden art that you can choose for your garden decor.

Formal art refers to statuary and sculptures that you would see in formal gardens. Sundials, stone statues, obelisks, and such are considered formal art.

Semi-formal refers to more light hearted sculptures and decor. Semi-formal can mean resin statues of children and animals, decorative birdhouses, and copper wind chimes. Semi-formal art gives the garden more of a light, happy feeling.

Informal art includes just about everything else. You can let your imagination run wild here. An old sink or bathtub, a pair of old boots planted with flowers, an old washboard, or pretty much anything that will fit.

Don’t feel limited to choosing from just one category of garden art. You can mix and match from all three categories if you want. After all, it’s your garden, and it should reflect your personality. When you choose your garden art, it should be something that you feel some kind of emotional attachment to.

You can find garden art in several places. You can browse through antique shops, flea markets, and garage sales. Or you may have some items in your basement or attic that can be placed in the garden. Another option, if you have the skills, is to create your own. You can easily create some light airy sculptures with some copper wire and some imagination.

When placing your art, look for places that need some visual interest added. You’ll want to place it at a focal point, where the eyes will be drawn to it. Look for bare places that need something added. You can place the art to anchor the end of a path, so that the path will seem to have more purpose than simply a walkway through the garden. If there is a fence along the garden, hang something on it to break up the long monotonous lines.

I could go on and on about where to place your garden art. In general, is should go in an area that needs more visual interest. Just be sure to take into account the size of the garden. You want your garden art to accent your garden, not overwhelm it. You can approach garden decor from either end. Either look at your garden, and decide what you want to place where. You can also pick up some garden art as you’re browsing around the stores, and then decide where you want to put it.

When it comes down to it, the choice of garden art, and its placement should reflect your tastes and personality. The proper choice of garden art will help to set your garden apart from everyone else’s, and it will increase your enjoyment of your own little relaxing oasis.

About the Author:
To buy garden art, or find more garden decor tips and resources, visit http://www.garden-style-decor.com

Keyword tags: garden decor, garden art, sculptures, flower garden, backyard

Do you look around your outdoor living space and see that it is just crying for “something?” You’re not sure what it is but the area just doesn’t seem finished. There is actually a pretty easy way to finish your space and that is with beautiful garden finials. Use one for to make a decorative statement and for balance, you could use a pair.

Garden finials are a beautiful way to add a finishing touch to your yard space and they can literally be used anywhere you like. Originally, they were designed to be placed atop buildings, however they are so versatile they can add a touch of finishing elegance to the sides of a walkway, around your home, your garden to set off a tree, statue or other object; your deck, patio, cottage or in any place your choose.

How is this possible? Well, it is because garden finials are extremely decorative in nature. Generally they will be crafted out of metal, copper is the most likely choice, and will be forged into different elegant shapes to ones that simply have a point and others that have looping scrollwork. Some will even feature stained glass and most will have a polished finish, creating structures that look just like stunning pieces of artwork. What also adds to the lovely look of garden finials is what they are mounted on. Like, the same copper they are made from, or other materials like stone, and some can even be mounted with spacer balls to create an eye-catching piece that will be sure to please.

If you have an area in your outdoor space that needs a little finishing touch, it’s the perfect place for a garden finials. Many people use some of the techniques used in the Feng Shui design and use pairs to obtain symmetrical around their outdoor areas. There are other people however who just place them wherever they feel like, just to spice things up a bit. For instance, you could place a few in your garden to give it some flair or you could put one atop the roof or your home to set your house apart from the rest.

Feel like garden finials are something that you’re interested in purchasing for your outdoor space? If that is the case, then you can conveniently find just the ones for you through comparison shopping on the World Wide Web. Really, Internet shopping is the way to go given that for one, you don’t have to leave your home to do it, and to, you can easily compare prices of the different selections that you like. That way, you can easily find deals and get the best prices possible that are available. Your selection will even be shipped right to your home, so, no wasting gas and a trip to the store.

Now, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and find that finishing touch you need in garden finials. With them, you’ll finally feel like your outdoor space is complete.

About the Author:
Jesse Akre, owner of a variety of online stores focusing in home décor products and information, provides consumers with valuable information that they can use to create one chic outdoor or indoor space. To build your own awesome outdoor environment – Click today: http://www.weathervanes-store.com

Keyword tags: garden finials,garden finial,copper weathervanes,copper weather vanes,horse weathervanes

The Campidoglio Fountain

If you visit the Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome you will find three fountains of interest. In this imposing square, these fountains each have a particularly interesting history. They haven’t actually been in place in their current setting for that long, but each fountain has had a rich and varied background. In fact, the sculptures you’ll see on these three fountains can be traced back to the early days of Christian Rome.

The first of the three fountains that you’ll probably notice in the piazza is the central large fountain that leads up to the magnificent Palace of the Senators. Although originally planned by Michelangelo when he laid out designs for the piazza, the fountain was only constructed in the reign of Sixtus V who diverted a water supply from the Acqua Felice that could then supply a fountain. Original plans had decreed that this fountain would contain the figure of Jove as its centerpiece; instead it was built around the figure of Minerva who stands as the figurehead of Rome. Minerva’s statue has partly been restored in modern times but the torso was brought to Rome from Cori so it is of great historical significance.

In front of the Minerva fountain you’ll find the second fountain-decorated with the sculptures of two river gods. These statues are of great historical interest; unlike many lost treasures they have survived without burial in all of the turbulent times since Rome’s downfall. Initially they were located in front of Aurelian’s Temple of the Sun but they have since been moved around various settings in Rome before settling in their current location. Like the Palace of the Senators before which they stand, much of this fountain is constructed of travertine. This fountain seamlessly melds into the palace, as if it had been placed there at the dawn of time.

You’ll find the third fountain at the Piazza del Campidoglio in the gardens of the Palazzo dei Conservatori. This fountain has barely earned its name as it is technically more of a basin with an unusual sculpture attached. The sculpture, which was added to the square in 1903, shows a lion feasting on a horse. Although this fountain may not look significant, the large statuary itself is of crucial historical import. If you look closely at the lion you’ll note that it appears to show the effects of being exposed to water for long periods of time. It was primarily discovered in the River Almo more than a thousand years ago. Its history before that remains a mystery.

Colonna

The fountain that stands in the Piazza Colonna in Rome is one of the oldest fountains in the history of the modern city. The fountain was built three hundred and twenty five years ago, is made from Porta Santa marble, and is of particular architectural and design note partly due to its original water source. The Colonna fountain was built to be fed water by the Acqua Vergine – this water source was not simply used to feed Rome’s fountains at the time but was also used as a general water supply. This meant that it was difficult to feed a fountain that required the kind of water pressure for high jets. This basically meant that fountain builders of that time had to rely on their design skills to create beautiful fountain structures rather than just making an impact with high plumes of water.

The designer of the Colonna fountain, Giacomo della Porta, was skilled in harnessing the existing water supply while still creating beautiful structures. In fact, the Colonna fountain is widely held to be one the most magnificent fountains within the city to this day. The fountain is designed in a hectagon shape and was originally to be used partly as a fountain basin and partly as a standard drinking trough. The two sections are combined by straps bearing decorations of lion heads.

The fountain’s large water features come from two sources – the first, via a vase sculpture in the center of the structure and the second, by two small jets between the vase and the edges of the basin. The vase currently in place is a replacement to the original vase, which was damaged. During the replacement the current architect, Stocchi, also added some decorative touches of dolphins and shells.

The fountain that stands within the Piazza Colonna is also of interest to historians for reasons other than its design. This fountain has long been used as a pilgrim’s fountain due to its proximity to the Column of St Paul. Whether you wish to appreciate its history or its design, this fountain is worth the visit for any traveler passing through Rome.

About the Author:
Leslie Adams is a freelance marketing writer specializing in finance, home improvements, and travel. For more information on garden fountains please visit http://www.garden-fountains.com.

Keyword tags: large fountain,large statuary,large water features,fountain

A Romantic Design

Landscaping Gardens are a reference to a garden style that was popular in eighteenth century. This style was very popular with the English who took the design to heart. This style is very romantic and elegant. One of the shining lights of landscaping gardens was Lancelot Brown, an English architect and landscaper of great renown. Many of his creations are alive today. You can find just a few fine examples here:

Burghley House Garden
Blenheim Palace Garden
Harewood House Garden
Chatsworth Garden

There are several locations on the web where the landscape gardens are discussed, many with pictures. I encourage you to have a look.

Landscaping Garden: A Modern Term for an Old Design

However, the term landscaping garden only began to be used in the twentieth century and this concept in fact, has a number features that set it apart from other types of gardens. To begin with, there is need to prepare drawings and make plans as well as schedule a timeframe to construct the landscape.

Landscape Garden was coined in the twentieth century, but the concept of design has changed little since the days of Brown. It is a formal style garden and therefore needs some thought applied before the action.

The chief points to consider when venturing on to this garden design are:

1. The preparation of drawings and other plans to mark the course of the landscaping and the feature locations.
2. Specifications and quotes for clearing, debris hauling, and materials.
3. Division of labor between do-it-yourself projects and hired projects.
4. General contractor agreements and hired firms.

Naturally, this is a very “high level” objective set, the actual negotiations for services, design, and labor are more time intensive. The formal landscaping garden is not for the timid or the uninitiated; it is a serious endeavor and as most large projects go, it can be quite a drain on cash, time and patience. On the positive side, when complete, the landscape garden is park like, very beautiful, often like a playground, and very serene.

Landscaping the Home

Up to now, this article has been rather grandiose in its treatment of the landscape garden style. The examples quoted above are huge estates. It the impression was given that this style is not for the private home then nothing could be further from the truth.

On the smaller scale of the private home, landscape gardens can incorporate things like greenhouses, outdoor patios, and dining spaces without obliterating the beautiful but formal design style. If those modern element can be fitted into the design at concept (rather than after construction of the landscape garden), then their decidedly modern profile can be camouflaged in the design, either by stone or hedge features for instance. There is no reason why even a BBQ can’t be made to look “indigenous” with just a little ingenuity!

Pretty in the Planning

To get the best out of landscaping garden you will no doubt have to plan everything properly so as to ensure that each option is given its proper space; other than that, the possibilities facing the gardener are endless and it is up to your own imagination just how much you are able to get out of your landscaping garden.

Getting the best result out of your landscape garden will require planning and careful attention to detail. To ensure you can incorporate all your ideas and needs while still maintaining that classic look you’re seeking, all you have to do is think, plan, and design. After that, the opportunities and possibilities of your landscape garden are endless!

About the Author:
Dean Deal is a successful Internet marketer and the founder and CEO of Live Long, Well! LLC, an information marketing company. Please visit http://www.lotsaboutlandscaping.com your best resource for landscaping design and information.

Keyword tags: landscape gardening

It’s easy,very inexpensive and they taste better too so lets get started!

STEP 1: Which tomatoes should I grow? If you have a long growing season then you would want to go with an indeterminate variety which grows all summer long. If your growing season is short then you would go with a determinate variety which produces its fruit quickly (in as little as 85 days or less) and ripens all at once. Go to www.PennysTomatoes.com for more info on varieties.

Step 2: Now that I have bought my seeds what do I do with them? Six to eight weeks for the end of winter I line up little paper cups filled with peat moss and put one seed in each cup. I then place them in a sunny window sill and water almost daily as peat tends to dry out quickly. Make sure not to over water or let the seed/roots sit in excessive water as this will kill them.

As your seedlings grow transplant them into larger and larger containers, each time burying them up to the first set of leaves. The plant will send out roots from the buried stem and will develop a stronger root system by the time they are ready to be planted outdoors. Once your seedlings have taken off and the threat of frosts are over move your plants outdoors for a few hours each afternoon to get them acclimated, or hardened off, before actually planting them in the garden.

Will any soil work? Tomatoes need a rich, well-drained soil ideally full of organic matter, so get started on that compost pile early.

How much sun do they need? Tomatoes require full sun which translates into no less than 6 to 8 hours a day. Plants will be weak and unhealthy with anything less.

STEP 3: Okay it’s time to transplant. Transplanting is an important step and if you do it carefully, you can look forward to an abundant crop of healthy mouth watering tomatoes.

Once your tomato plants have been hardened, or acclimated to outdoor conditions, and night-time temperatures continually exceed 50 degrees, it’s time to set your plants out into your garden or patio containers.

After planting your tomato plants its a good idea to place mulch around them. Mulch helps keep the soil most and helps keep fruit off the ground, preventing rotting. The advantages to Mulching is that the soil retains moisture requiring less waterings. Also, the Mulch acts as a slow release fertilizer and help keep the weeds down.

STEP 4: It’s a good idea to prune your plants by pinching off the small leaves which appear in the crotch above a larger stem. Don’t pinch off too many large leaves or the sun will burn developing fruit. Pinching back the top of the plant after it reaches the top of your stake or cage encourages more flowering and fruit.

How often should I water them? Your plants should be deep watered 2 to 3 times a week or more depending of your soil type. If the plant is seen wilting in the middle of the day, ignore it. They will perk right back up by late afternoon. If the plants look droopy in the morning, they need water.

All that hard work is getting ready to pay off and depending on what type of tomato plants you chose more than likely you will have an over abundance of ripe tomatoes.

When the fruits have ripened, pick them by bending back the fruit at the notch on the stem. They can be eaten straight from the plant, or can be stored for up to a week in the fridge.

Tomatoes store well in a cool, dry location. Do not put them in the refrigerator. While they last longer in the refrigerator, they will lose their flavor and texture. To slow down ripening keep them out of direct sunlight.

Wow! What do I do with all these tomatoes? We have some great recipes at www.PennysTomatoes.com and we would love for you to share yours.

Good luck and happy gardening!

Penny

About the Author:
Own and operate http://PennysTomatoes.com where I sell tomato seeds and offer advice on how to turn those seeds into tons of mouth watering tomatoes. I have written articles for South Carolina Womans Magazine and was a guest on Southern Style which is a local show in Myrtle Beach.

Keyword tags: gardening, tomatoes, organic gardening, recipes, tomato seeds, tomato catalog, salsa, salsa recipes

In the summer, you’ll be more likely to be in your garden in the evenings, enjoying your pond, watching the fish swimming lazily through the water. The heat of summer, however provides some challenges in maintaining your pond, and keeping the fish healthy. These tips will help you to keep the fish and the pond healthy.

Oxygen

Oxygen levels in your pond are essential if you have fish. When the water temperatures reach 90 degrees F., level of oxygen should be at least 7.0 ppm. You will start noticing signs of stress in the fish when the oxygen level drops to 4.0 ppm, and they will start dying at 3.0 ppm. The oxygen levels in the water will drop as the temperatures rise, so during the hottest part of the day, you should provide shade for the pond and the fish to keep the water temperatures down. Fountains, air stones, or other aerators will help to add oxygen to the water to keep the fish healthy.

Parasites

Parasites such as anchor worms, fish lice, flukes, and other parasites will increase in warm weather. Some of the symptoms will include thick mucous on the fish, rubbing against objects in the pond, jumping, and flashing. Visible parasites, like anchor worms, fish lice, and others can be treated with Dylox, Dipterex, and Masoten. For other parasite infections, you should consult a pond specialist for treatment. Be sure to tell them how the fish are behaving, and what the symptoms are. Follow the instructions on the label carefully to avoid killing off the fish as well as the parasites.

Feeding

As the weather, and the water temperature warms up, so will the metabolism of your fish, so you will need to feed them at different intervals than in cooler weather. Estimate the total body weight of the fish in the pond, then feed them 1%-1.5% of the total body weight in food, 5-8 times a day. Koi will digest their food faster in warmer weather than in cooler weather. When the weather gets warm, you should feed them about 5-8 times a day as opposed to 1-3 times a day in cooler weather.

Shade

If your pond gets direct sunlight during the day, especially during the hottest part of the day, you should provide shady areas for the fish to keep out of the sunlight, especially in shallow ponds. Water lilies, rocks, and other plants will provide shade for the fish. If you have to, you can also shade the pond with a beach umbrella. Just make sure that the fish have shelter from the direct sunlight to prevent them from getting sunburn. Shade will also help to prevent algae.

Evaporation

In warm weather, more water evaporates from the pond, especially with a large surface area. Monitor the level of the water daily, and add water to your pond as needed. Remember not to use water with chlorine if you have fish. You can buy water treatments that will remove chlorine from the water, or fill a few buckets, and let them sit overnight before adding it to your pond.

A pond does require quite a bit of attention in the summer. But by following these simple tips, you can keep the pond and its inhabitants healthy. And you’ll get more enjoyment out of a healthy pond.

About the Author:
Check out http://www.water-gardens-fountains.com for more pond care tips and resources.

Keyword tags: water gardens, fountains, backyard ponds, koi, goldfish

The advantages of growing in soil indoors

The difference here is similar to the difference between indoor and outdoor cultivation. Soil growing requires less equipment, investment and, generally, less work to control the various factors influencing growth.

The only specialist equipment required for the simplest indoor soil set-up would be seeds, organic nutrients, a light and a timer. The remaining equipment – soil, pots, fans, reflective materials and such should be easily available in most countries.

As an organic compound, soil is less sensitive to changes and small variations than a synthetic medium like rockwool. It could be called a self-regulating environment. Thus, pH testing equipment is usually not required.

Similarly, organic nutrients are gentler to plants than the concentrated salts and minerals of hydroponic feed mixtures. Therefore, while it is still possible to over-fertilize an organic system, such a mistake is less likely to ‘burn’ or kill plants. An EC meter is not required for soil growing

In short, soil growing is easier and more forgiving of growers’ mistakes. Therefore it is a highly advisable method for the first time indoor grower.

The advantages of growing hydroponically indoors

Indoor cultivation allows more control over a plant’s life cycle than outdoor. In the same way, hydroponic cultivation allows the grower an even greater level of control.

Since plants in a hydroponic setup are growing in a synthetic, neutral medium the grower is able to dictate exactly which nutrients are given to a plant, and at what levels. Of course, this requires more care than organics and usually necessitates the use of a pH meter (to measure acidity in water) and an EC meter (to measure the level of nutrient in water by means of its Electrical Conductivity).

Hydroponic growing mediums are less bulky and heavy than soil, often easier to handle and possibly easier to dispose of. Pests and fungus are less likely to flourish in rockwool or similar mediums, and are almost never endemic to newly bought synthetic mediums.

Hydroponic nutrients, since they are highly concentrated, take up less space than organics, especially for large crops. They are usually pre-mixed and do not require the grower to supplement them or combine several different formulas. Also, they will often smell less than organic nutrients.

In short, the more in-depth control available with hydroponics, when managed effectively, allows for a bigger, more potent and sometimes even faster crop. While such systems are not recommended for first-time indoor growers, those who have experienced success with soil cultivation indoors may wish to try this as the next step in refining their technique.

The advantages of growing outdoors

Outdoor cultivation requires less equipment, expertise and labour.

For the first few weeks of life, outdoor plants need the same care and attention as indoor ones. However, once a few basics have been well established, outdoor plants may be left (in a good, sunny spot) to take care of themselves. They may need to be regularly watered and fed and, occasionally, pruned but most of their development will be accomplished simply by allowing them to grow over spring and summer.

This feature of outdoor cultivation is what makes ‘guerrilla growing’ possible. Established plants may be placed outside in remote or wild areas and left to their own devices throughout the growing season. The guerrilla grower need only visit them a few times in this period, or even just the once, at harvest time.

Outdoor plants will usually yield more than indoor ones. This is simply because they are able to grow larger. Few indoor setups are able accommodate plants larger than 180cm. Assuming that detection is not a problem, outdoor plants may comfortably grow to 2 or 3m in height. It is possible for a single plant of this size to produce 500g or more of dried bud.

Germinating seeds early in the growing season (March or April in the Northern hemisphere) will allow your plants a long vegetative period before flowering is triggered by the shorter days of late summer.

Some people prefer the taste and effect of organically grown cannabis. Many cannabis lovers insist they can easily differentiate between buds grown with soil and sun and those produced with hydroponics and grow-lights. This, however may simply be the result of their smoking over-fertilized indoor cannabis, or even the fact that indoor buds can taste very different, due to their containing an uncommonly high level of THC that is simply not attainable outdoors.

About the Author:
The author is a Cannabis enthusiast who is committed to promote the environmental and social benefits of Cannabis in general and Medicinal Marijuana in particular. For more information on Cannabis and Hemp please visit the blog of the author on http://www.cannabisseeds.co.uk.

Keyword tags: Cannabis, Hemp, Marijuana, weed, growing, inside, outside, hydroponically, soil, seeds