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Why not use some of that scrap shadecloth lying out in the
shed to make your own hanging grow bags, these planters are
an ideal way of growing things like petunias, strawberries
or any other plant which works well in a hanging basket.
They are also good for growing plants, where space is at a
premium. This is a great way of growing plants for people
who can't bend over for plants in the ground.
With these bags you also have the choice of being able to
use them on a flat surface either on the ground or raised up
on some sort of frame, or bench for people who can't bend
over easily. If you are keeping the bags of a flat surface
instead of hanging them you can change the dimensions of the
bags to whatever suits your purpose. In this case you could
grow any plant that can be grown in a container, from
annuals, herbs, vegetables, or even up to shrubs.
What you will need
- Section of shadecloth 600mm (2ft) to 900mm (3ft) long, by
about 300 (12in) to 450mm(18in) wide.
- Nylon thread or fine grade fishing line
- Scissors or sharp knife
- Potting mix
- Suitable plants like strawberries or petunias etc.
- Strong twine, string, fishing line or even light wire for
the bottom and top of the bag or for hanging the bag.
- Fishing swivel (optional, only necessary if hanging the
bag).
- Bean Bag beans (optional)
Instructions
- Sew the shadecloth together into a long tube with the
thread or fishing line.
- Thread the twine/string/fishing line around the bottom of
the bag and tie off like a shoe lace, (This is to make
emptying of the bag easy when it is time to repot the
planter).
- Fill the bag loosely with potting mix. (You can mix a
small quantity of beanbag beans into the potting mix to
lighten the weight of the filled bag for lifting and moving
purposes.
- Attach the fishing swivel into the top hanging
twine/string to allow you to turn the bag around so that
different parts of the bag will get sunlight as required.
- Decide where you will be placing the plants around the
bag. Cut a small gap into the shadecloth at these points.
- Gently prise open the cuts and insert the young plants.
- Hang the planter bag up and water gently, at this point
you may find that you need to add some more of the potting
mix into the top of the bag.
Because the bag is made of shadecloth it will need regular
watering as the water will evaporate through the mesh
quicker than from a plastic hanging pot.
If the plants on one side of the hanging bag appear not to
be growing as well as those on the other side, then turn the
bag around to give the weaker plants more sunlight.
So why not get out there are make your own planter bag/s
from some scrap shadecloth and grow vertically today.
About The Author: Copyright 2002 Ron Williams - Ron Williams is a Freelance writer,a Horticulturist and a Rehab' Therapy Aid at a Psychiatric Hospital in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. He writes ezines for wz.com. He runs his own Website called Bare Bones Gardening. He also owns a discussion group about Aussie' Gardening, called Austgardens at Yahoo.com.
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