A Garden in a Bottle
Gardeners all over the world have experimented with gardening in a bottle. They've found it an unique way to express their passion for gardening. So, what is gardening in a bottle? Simple: Find a jar that has a wide mouth, like a goldfish bowl, a large vase, or other type of glass containers. Fill the jar with water at least half way to start working with some of your favorite plants.

Posted Wednesday, April 5, 2006

Some plants do not require water so much as soil or a light mixture of both. Let's explore our options a little further. A small greenery type plant, like a vine, or houseplant can be mixed with other types of greenery in a jar by taking small cuttings and arranging inside. Small bottles that are dome shaped, circular, oval or even square make great additions to your plant displays.

For most plants you are going to want some soil in the bottom of your bottle. To get started, you can take a funnel, and spill a layer of dirt/ soil/ or compost into the bottom of the container. For an average sized jar, that would hold less than a quart of water, you will want just an inch or two of dirt to get started. The tops of your plants, when finished, will be just below the rim of the jar.

If you don't have a funnel of any type to use to pour the soil in, you can roll up a piece of paper or thin cardboard to help you get the soil in. After you have a layer of soil in the bottom of your container, take the your seedlings or cutting with roots, and maneuver the plants into the container as carefully as possible. This is why a wide mouth is needed. if you want, you can start plants from seeds in a small mouth container, but it may be difficult or impossible to get the plant out later.

To make the surface of the soil that you will see most often a pleasant one you can add some type of bark, compost, or even a layer or moss to keep the soil moist but aesthetically pleasing at the same time. After putting the soil in the container, and planting a few plants, you should water the plant lightly. Add your compost or bark and then mist a little more. This will prolong periods between watering.

Try to keep the water from hanging on the inside of the jar. Too much water can cause bacteria or fungus to grow, especially if the plant doesn't receive enough sunlight. To promote a healthy plant, make sure your container garden receives lots of light during the majority of the day.