Blog

Your Own Garden of Eatin': Building an Edible Landscape in Five Easy Steps

Your Own Garden of Eatin': Building an Edible Landscape in Five Easy Steps

Shrubs, trees, and turf. Throw in an ornamental garden, and you’ve got the typical American yard. There’s no denying the beauty of flowering roses surrounded by emerald grass. But what if you could turn your landscape into a cornucopia of free, mouthwatering food? That’s the idea behind edible landscaping. Let’s look at some garden design ideas that deliver fresh, delicious produce for you and your loved ones. In five simple steps, you’ll be growing crops of your very own! 1. Scout Before You Sprout Prior to planting, carefully observe your yard. What areas receive the greatest sun exposure? Where are your irrigation lines, water hoses or other sources of moisture? Are you working with trellises, a patio, greenhouse or raised vegetable garden? Make a rough sketch of your space and develop a vision of how it will look when it’s finished. “Planning before planting” is a great rule of thumb for any gardener. 2. Plan Your Plate Now that you have a vision and a sketch, it’s time to match edible crops with the strengths of your landscape. If you’re working with a trellis or pergola, vine crops are an excellent choice. Grapes, cucumbers, and sugar snap peas will turn your scaffolding into a source of delicious flavor and nutrition. In extra-sunny areas, tomatoes, peppers, squash and eggplant will be right at home. And for your partially shaded patio? Broccoli, onions, leeks and cabbage are perfect. Looking for patio design ideas? Try Smart Pots. They radiate heat, keeping your crops nice and cool in the hot summer sun. 3. Add Some Eye Candy Growing an edible garden doesn’t mean giving up flowers. Plenty of varieties are equally appealing to the eyes… and taste buds! Depending upon the cultivar, carnations can be sweet or peppery. Hibiscus delivers notes of cranberry — perfect for your cup of tea. And lavender exudes a perfumed essence that compliments both sweet and savory recipes. REMEMBER: Many plants are poisonous to humans. Carefully research edible flowers in your garden before putting them on your plate. Never consume flowers picked in public spaces, including parks. These flowers may have been treated with toxic herbicides. And it goes without saying: Don’t use toxic herbicides or pesticides in your edible landscape. 4. Keep Pests Suppressed Since you’ll be dining on the fruits of your labor, it’s important to use organic pest control. Keep rabbits, raccoons and squirrels at bay with hot pepper spray. Puree a few cups of very hot peppers and mix it in a spray bottle with soap and water. Spray your edible garden a couple of times a week, and your furry friends will lose their appetites. Creepy crawlies plaguing your crops? Diatomaceous earth kills snails, slugs, ants, aphids, mites, earwigs, and cockroaches. Essential oils are another effective solution. Rosemary repels fleas, flies and mosquitoes, while peppermint drives away squash bugs, spiders and beetles. 5. Get Creative! Once you’re hauling in bountiful bushels, it’s time to have some fun in the kitchen. Zucchini and squash make delicious vegetable spaghetti. For a fresh take on melon, try some watermelon ice cubes or infused water. Or kick your cucumber game up a notch with a cucumber sandwich or Asian cucumber salad. Partaking in the fruits of your hard work is the crowning experience of edible landscaping. So go all out. Whip up a wildly tantalizing recipe… And dig in!Shrubs, trees, and turf. Throw in an ornamental garden, and you’ve got the typical American yard. There’s no denying the beauty of flowering roses surrounded by emerald grass. But what if you could turn your landscape into a cornucopia of free, mouthwatering food? That’s the idea behind edible landscaping. Let’s look at some garden design ideas that deliver fresh, delicious produce for you and your loved ones. In five simple steps, you’ll be growing crops of your very own! Top rated products Smart Pot Raised Bed Planter $61.59 – $109.99Price range: $61.59 through $109.99 Select options Smart Pot Lil’ Shorty Raised Bed Planter $55.59 Add to cart View cart Smart Pot Urban Compost Sak $60.59 Add to cart View cart
How to Spot a Fake Smart Pot

How to Spot a Fake Smart Pot

First, a Quick History Lesson… In 1984, High Caliper Growing introduced fabric pots to the tree farm industry. Invented four years earlier by Ralph Reiger from Oklahoma City, fabric pots immediately drew the attention of progressive tree farmers and nurseries. These early adopters were eager to find a product that improved the speed and efficiency of tree growing. The result was nothing less than spectacular. Growers found they could plant and harvest trees in a fraction of the time required by ball-and-burlap planting. Mortality rates, labor costs and shipping costs all plummeted. As it turned out, container planting produced trees that were not only hardier but much easier to harvest. And 2 to 3 times as many trees could fit on a truck. It all added up to massive savings on production and shipping costs. In 2006, High Caliper introduced Smarts Pots to the retail market. These air-pruning pots were designed for smaller plants. Commercial growers and home gardeners quickly discovered Smart Pots’ numerous advantages over traditional growing containers. Before long, a wave of competitors flooded the market with cheap, low-quality imitations. Nothing Beats the Original High Caliper Growing’s original fabric pots provide numerous benefits, features and advantages that benefit home and commercial growers: 1) Unlike traditional containers, which cause root circling, Smart Pots promote a process known as “air pruning.” When roots reach the boundary of fabric pots, they sense the presence of oxygen penetrating the fabric container. Instead of circling the pot seeking an exit, roots form finely branched structures that deliver moisture and nutrients to the growing plant more efficiently. A larger, healthier root mass leads to vastly improved yields. 2) Smart Pots promote excellent drainage. Excess moisture drains directly through the fabric, virtually eliminating root rot and its associated parasites. 3) Smart Pots are completely free of chemicals, dyes and BPA. They are chemically inert, so there is never a danger of harmful chemicals leaching into the soil. 4) Smart Pots are made 100% in America. American manufacturing gives High Caliper Growing total quality control over the manufacturing process. 5) High Caliper Growing’s fabric pots are incredibly durable and made specifically for your grow or garden. When properly used, stored and maintained, they deliver a minimum lifespan of five years. And Now, a Look at the Competition. Imitation fabric pots can’t live up to the extraordinary benefits delivered by Smart Pots. Here are just a few of their shortcomings: 1) They’re typically made overseas. Primarily in China, to be exact. Chinese imitations not only lack quality control. They lack something every grower relies on—consistency. Buyers can’t be sure they’ll get the same quality, design or fabric from one batch to the next. 2) Many foreign-made fabric pots contain lead, harmful dyes, and BPA. When you’re growing plants for consumption, the risk of chemical contamination is high. Why risk your health — or the health of your customers — just to pinch a few pennies? 3) They lack durability. Some imitators are of such poor quality, they split open when filled with soil. Extra stitching and hems are telltale signs of lackluster fabric. If it requires extra stitching to remain intact, its effective lifespan is limited. 4) They’re too thick or too thin. This defeats the greatest advantages of authentic Smart Pots. Fabric that is too thin results in excessive drainage. Overly thick fabric inhibits drainage. That causes root circling, rot and a host of other problems. So How Can You Tell Smart Pots from Cheap Knock-Offs? Actually, it’s pretty simple. Just look for the white Smart Pot tag. If it’s not there, you’re probably getting less than you bargained for. The Smart Pot tag is a symbol of American-made quality since 1984. Thanks to rigorous testing, refinement and top-quality craftsmanship, you know you’re getting the best. Perhaps you’ve heard the popular saying, “Fake it until you make it.” When it comes to fabric pots, you’re better off choosing the real deal. So be sure to look for the white Smart Pot tag. When you see (and taste) the incredible results, you’ll be glad you chose the world’s original fabric pot.
spring flowers

Spring Flowers for Containers

Spring Flowers for Containers Smart Pots help impatient gardeners get a jump on the gardening season. Instead of waiting to plant in cold wet garden soil, fabric containers allow for earlier planting. Above ground containers warm up faster than garden beds and the containers can be filled with soil-less potting mixes that are at a temperature ready for planting. If you’re looking for early spring color, you can start planting flower seeds as soon as the danger of frost has passed. These flowers are those that typically don’t do well with transplanting. Other flower seeds need to be started indoors about 6-8 weeks before the average date of the last spring frost to allow time for sprouting and growing before moving them outside. Top 10 Spring Flowers Here’s Smart Pots top 10 spring flowers that can be directly sown in Smart Pots starting in March or April, depending on the last frost date for your area. For a succession of beautiful blooms, continue planting seeds every week through May. Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila) Bachelor Buttons (Centaurea) Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) Calendula (Calendula) California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) Candytuft (Iberis) Clarkia (Clarkia elegans) Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) Sweet William (Dianthus) Wallflower (Cheiranthus) Select a full-sun location for the containers and fill them with a well-draining potting soil mix. The addition of a slow-release plant fertilizer will help keep flowers growing through the season. Loosen the top few inches of soil and smooth it out to keep it loose and crumbly. Break up any clumps of soil and discard any debris that might keep seeds from sprouting. Sprinkle seeds thinly over the soil, keeping seeds about an inch apart. To get good coverage with small seeds, mix them with fine sand in a salt shaker for sowing or use a damp toothpick tip to place individual seeds where you want them. Cover seeds lightly with about ¼ inch of soil and mist with water to get the seeds and soil moist. Avoid planting seeds too deeply. Seeds will take 7-14 days to germinate so be sure to keep seeds and soil moist and don’t let either dry out. After seeds sprout and start to grow, thin plants to several inches apart. Spring flowers like violas and pansies take longer to germinate and need to be started indoors. If you want to see pansy flowers by late spring, start seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date. As a faster alternative, simply fill your Smart Pots with potting soil and visit your favorite garden center to buy a flat of flowers. Not only will they add early spring color to your containers, but they’ll also provide an early food source for hungry insects.
Tulip builds to be planted in Smart Pots

Right Now: Plant These 5 Bulbs In Smart Pots For Summer Blooms

Bulbs are a great way to add color and interest to your garden, and they are grown better in Smart Pot! Smart Pots are made from breathable fabric, which allows for better drainage and aeration than traditional pots. This helps to prevent root rot and other problems. Smart Pots are also lightweight and easy to move, making them ideal for container gardening.
A woman is holding a red flower in a greenhouse. The greenhouse is filled with many red flowers, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The woman is enjoying her time in the greenhouse

Everlasting Poinsettia | Top Garden Gifts

The poinsettia is the star of the holidays, whether it’s the centerpiece of your dinner table or the welcome mat for your guests at the front porch. These beautiful plants are a must-have for any winter home. They bloom in mid-winter, and their stunning colors are created by bracts (persistent colored leaves) instead of flowers, so they last longer than regular flowers. They even bloom naturally under the long winter nights, so nurseries can easily bring them into color in time for the holidays. The beauty of poinsettias can last from Thanksgiving through Christmas, and sometimes even to Valentine’s Day! fun fact: you can keep your poinsettia blooming all year round if you give it the right care With Smart Pots, you can easily keep your holiday poinsettias looking their best all year long or gift one to your favorite garden friend! Smart Pot planters produce healthier roots by air pruning, which creates lots of smaller, fibrous roots. These roots absorb moisture and nutrients more efficiently, so your poinsettia grows faster and year-round. Smart Pot products support healthy root growth, and strong roots mean a stronger plant. Smart Pot containers stay cooler because they allow air to flow through the sides of the fabric. This means you won’t have to worry about circling roots and can keep your poinsettia in its Smart Pot for longer than traditional containers. Let’s transplant this poinsettia from its plastic nursery pot into a powerful Smart Pot! Step 1 First, you’ll want to unfold and prepare your Smart Pot. For this project, we are using 3-Gallon Smart Pots to transplant quart-sized poinsettias. Step 2 Next, fill your Smart Pot with a high-quality potting mix about 1/3 of the way up. We like using SunGro’s Black Bear Indoor & Outdoor Potting Mix which is formulated with biochar, a sustainable alternative to perlite that optimizes aeration. This will provider a layer of fresh soil for your plant to grow in. Step 3 Then, place your poinsettia with its nursery pot inside the Smart Pot to help guide where it will sit. Fill around with soil (just above the roots) Step 4 Take out your poinsettia, and remove it from its original nursery pot. Examine the roots for any disease and plug it into the center of your Smart Pot. If necessary, backfill with more soil and when you’re ready, generously water your transplanted poinsettia. SHOWSTOPPER 📸🪴 Aside from making great gifts, when summer comes around, you can transplant your poinsettia into the garden to add a beautiful pop of color! Choose a location with well-drained soil that gets 4 to 5 hours of sun per day. Mix in organic matter such as peat moss or compost into the soil. This will help maintain soil moisture and create a good growing environment for the roots. Grow a Loving Herb Farmacy This Mother’s Day, plant a Loving Herb Farmacy for yourself or a loved one! This charming little herb garden is the…Read More Grow a Loving Herb Farmacy How to Care for Norfolk Island Pine – Lifelong Houseplant From Holiday Tree to vibrant indoor houseplant, here’s how to make your Norfolk Island Pine last for years! Remember that charming…Read More How to Care for Norfolk Island Pine – Lifelong Houseplant 5-Minute Sunflower Garden Plant a 5-Minute Sunflower Garden with Smart Pot and Park Seed Ready to brighten up your garden in no time? A…Read More 5-Minute Sunflower Garden
Branch Out Burlington! | Planting Smart Pot Forests

Branch Out Burlington! | Planting Smart Pot Forests

Branch Out Burlington! is a volunteer organization dedicated to planting trees in Burlington, VT and educate the public on the values of the urban forest. By Margaret Skinner / Branch Out Burlington! Vice President Branch Out Burlington! Branch Out Burlington! (also known as BOB!) is a volunteer organization committed to planting and caring for trees in and around Burlington, Vermont. Our mission is to educate the public about the importance of urban forests and foster a sense of community through tree planting. A key component of BOB! is our community tree nursery, established 26 years ago in collaboration with the Burlington Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront. Every spring, we organize a festive event where people of all ages participate in planting 100 bare-root trees in Smart Pot commercial grow bags. This event is particularly gratifying as we involve the younger generation, ensuring that they will carry on our legacy in the future. the Burlington Community Tree Nursery Over the years, our nursery has supplied the city with over 2,000 trees, which have been planted along the streets and in our parks. However, with the recent discovery of the emerald ash borer, our locally grown trees are in high demand to replace the over 850 ash trees that are expected to succumb to this pest. We are deeply grateful for the sustained support from Smart Pot over the years, which has enabled us to expand our urban forest and make a positive impact on our community. BOB! Website | Click Here BOB! News | Click Here Volunteer | Click Here Learn More | Click Here Cultivate’25 Trade Show Find America’s Favorite Garden Planter, Smart Pots, at AmericanHort’s Cultivate ’25 Trade Show 🪴🇺🇸 Smart Pot Booth #2324 Smart Pot planters,… Read More Cultivate’25 Trade ShowContinue Commercial Resources Welcome to Smart Pot’s Commercial Resource Center. Here you will find our most recent catalogs, upcoming trade shows, Smart Pot news,… Read More Commercial ResourcesContinue
5-Minute Sunflower Garden Thumbnail

5-Minute Sunflower Garden

Plant a 5-Minute Sunflower Garden with Smart Pot and Park Seed Ready to brighten up your garden in no time? A 5-Minute Sunflower Garden is just what you need! With Smart Pot and Park Seed, you can plant a vibrant, pollinator-friendly station with minimal effort. Why choose sunflowers? These cheerful blooms are not only beautiful, but they also attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. Plus, they’re a great way to add height and drama to your garden. Watch the full YouTube Video of Smart Pot Edvin and Carrie (From Seed to Spoon) planting a wide variety of Sow Effortless Collection™ Seed Mats from our friends at Park Seed Here’s what you’ll need: Smart Pot Lil’ Shorty Raised Bed Planter This compact 3-foot raised bed planter offers excellent drainage, aeration, and portability Park Seed Sow Effortless Collection™ Sunflower Fantasy Mix Seed Mat Innovative seed mat, ensuring consistent germination and bountiful sunflower display High-quality potting soil (we recommend SunGro Black Gold®) 4 Cubic Feet Formulated by professional horticulturists to best suit your local garden soils Lil’ Shorty Raised Bed Sunflower Fantasy Mix Seed Mat Black Gold Garden Soil Let’s Get Started: Step 1: Prepare your Smart Pot Unfold your Lil’ Shorty, place it in a sunny location, and fill it with a high-quality potting mix like SunGro Black Gold® Natural & Organic Garden Soil. This nutrient-rich soil contains organic compost and controlled release fertilizer that will feed your sunflowers through their stages of growth. Remember: Sunflowers love sunshine! Place your Sunflower Garden in a sunny spot and watch your garden bloom. The Smart Pot Lil’ Shorty Raised Bed Planter also has built-in handles, giving you the ability to move your Sunflower Garden around your deck or patio. Attract pollinators to your vegetable garden or maybe move them in front of a window to act as a privacy wall. Step 2: Cut and plant your Seed Mat The Sow Effortless Sunflower Fantasy Mix Seed Mat is 6 feet long, while the Lil’ Shorty is 3 feet long, so we will need to do some cutting. Trim your Seed Mat to fit your Smart Pot and lay it on top of the soil. Cover lightly with more soil and save the excess Seed Mat for future use. These dwarf sunflowers, in these seeded mats only reach a height of 24 to 30 inches, but they create a pollinator’s paradise with a range of solid to multicolor flowers that bloom from early summer into fall. Each Sunflower Seed Mat includes pre-spaced, non-GMO seeds embedded in biodegradable tissue. This design ensures even planting and minimal maintenance, as the seeded mats dissolve quickly upon watering, leaving perfectly spaced sunflowers. Step 3: Water Wisley Give your seeds a good watering, and keep the soil consistently moist. With minimal effort, you’ll have a stunning sunflower garden in no time. Remember, these sunflowers typically take 70-100 days to mature, so patience is key. In the Smart Pot Content Greenhouse, we experienced nearly 100% germination in 7 days! To deepen your understanding of sunflowers and gain more gardening insights, visit the following resources provided by our friends at Park Seed: From Seed to Spoon Garden App Read Their Blog Make gardening even more enjoyable and fruitful! Plus, don’t forget to sign up for the special November Giveaway in partnership with Park Seed, Smart Pots, and Farmer’s Defense! Three lucky winners will receive a Grower’s Kit, including: 🌼 (1) Packet of Park Seed’s Sow Effortless Seed Collection 🌿 (1) 5-Gallon Smart Pot with cut handles 🛡️ (1) Pair of Farmer’s Defense Protection Sleeves HOW TO ENTER: Like the video 👍 Follow @SmartPots, @ParkSeedCo, and @FarmersDefense on Instagram Sign up through the link below for your chance to win! 🔗 Enter the Giveaway here: seedtospoon.net/contest How To · Outdoor · TIps Your Own Garden of Eatin’: Building an Edible Landscape in Five Easy Steps Shrubs, trees, and turf. Throw in an ornamental garden, and you’ve got the typical American yard. There’s no denying the beauty… Read More Your Own Garden of Eatin’: Building an Edible Landscape in Five Easy StepsContinue How To · Tips How to Spot a Fake Smart Pot First, a Quick History Lesson… In 1984, High Caliper Growing introduced fabric pots to the tree farm industry. Invented four years… Read More How to Spot a Fake Smart PotContinue Cover Crops · Outdoor · Seasonal Spring Flowers for Containers Spring Flowers for Containers Smart Pots help impatient gardeners get a jump on the gardening season. Instead of waiting to plant… Read More Spring Flowers for ContainersContinue
Smart Pot Raised Bed Collage

The Future of Raised Bed Gardening

Raised bed gardening has become increasingly popular for its numerous advantages. It allows gardeners to cultivate thriving plants even in less-than-ideal soil conditions, and it offers improved drainage, better pest control, and ergonomic benefits. But what if there was a raised bed solution that was even easier to use and offered additional benefits? 6′ Raised Bed Planter Smart Pot Raised Bed Planter: Innovation in Raised Bed Gardening At the heart of the Smart Pot Raised Bed Planter lies the same innovative Smart Pot Geotextile Fabric™ that has revolutionized container gardening. This breathable material offers a multitude of advantages over traditional raised bed materials like wood or plastic: Simple Setup: Forget about the hassle of constructing wooden raised beds. Smart Pot Raised Beds require no tools! Simply unfold, fill with soil, and plant. Flexible Design: The non-rigid, flexible fabric conforms to uneven or slightly sloping terrain, making it perfect for yards that aren’t perfectly level. Built-in Sections: Unlike traditional raised beds, Smart Pot Raised Bed Planters feature built-in 16″ x 16″ sections. This allows for easy customization of your planting layout and provides additional structural support. Durable and Long-lasting: Made in the USA with high-quality materials, Smart Pots are UV-resistant and designed for over 5 years of outdoor use. Leave your Smart Pot Raised Bed outside year-round, or fold it up for easy storage during the off-season. Smart Pot Raised Bed Planters come in three standard sizes – 6ft, 8ft, and 12ft – offering plenty of space for a variety of plants. But for those with professional or commercial ambitions, Smart Pot can custom-build a raised bed to your exact specifications. Reach out to our Expert Team How to Use the Smart Pot Raised Bed Planter Choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter Unfold your Smart Pot Raised Bed Planter Fill the Raised Bed Planter with soil Plant your seeds, seedlings, or starts Water your plants regularly Fertilize your plants as needed Enjoy your beautiful, healthy plants From vegetable gardens to flourishing herb havens, Smart Pot Raised Beds empower you to cultivate your dream garden with unmatched ease and success. Find your perfect Smart Pot Raised Bed Planter and discover the future of raised bed gardening today! FUN FACT: The Smart Pot Raised Bed Planter is one of nine patents honored from the US Patent Office to Smart Pot. —————————-> Where to Buy the Smart Pot Raised Bed Planter The Smart Pot Raised Bed Planter is available for purchase online and at select retailers. To find an Authorized Retailer near you, click here Smart Pot Bed Wetters Rated 5.00 out of 5 $9.49 – $11.79Price range: $9.49 through $11.79 Select optionsLoading Done This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Smart Pot Raised Bed Planter Rated 5.00 out of 5 $61.59 – $109.99Price range: $61.59 through $109.99 Select optionsLoading Done This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page My Favorite Smart Pot Product! I love the size of it and the opportunities are endless. This year I have mini watermelon growing in one compartment, yellow neck squash in another, and cantaloupe in the 3rd compartment. This is year 3 using the same raised bed and it still looks great! Diane K. Verified Smart Pot Gardener
Smart Pot Loving Herb Pharmacy

Grow a Loving Herb Farmacy

This Mother’s Day, plant a Loving Herb Farmacy for yourself or a loved one! This charming little herb garden is the perfect way to add fresh flavor to any meal, and it’s surprisingly easy to create using a milk crate and our trusty Smart Pot Milk Crate Liner. Milk Crate Gardens offer a ton of benefits Compact and portable: Place them anywhere, indoors or outdoors – on patios, driveways, rooftops, or even basements Easy to maintain: Smart Pot Milk Crate Liners provide excellent drainage and hold in soil, making watering and care a breeze Intensive planting: Maximize your growing space with a variety of herbs in a single container Sustainable: Repurpose a milk crate and grow fresh herbs without waste We’re not the only ones who love Smart Pot Milk Crate Liners. Even the Boston Red Sox use them to grow fresh produce from their rooftop garden, Fenway Farms. They use the bounty from Fenway Farms for chef cuisine at the suite level and in their concessions. Let’s get started on your own edible pharmacy! Here’s what you’ll need: Milk Crate (repurpose or purchase a crate) Smart Pot Milk Crate Liner (12”x12”x12” or 12”x18”x12”) Herbs of your choice (we’re planting chocolate mint, thyme, rosemary, Swiss mint, oregano, and Greek oregano) Quality soil (add compost for best results) Planting Your Herb Farmacy 1. Plan Your Herb Layout Arrange your chosen herbs in the configuration you’d like them planted in the crate 2. Unfold & Liner Up Unfold your Smart Pot Milk Crate Liner and place it inside the milk crate. Press the liner into the corners and flatten the bottom for a secure fit. Fold any excess liner over the edges of the crate 3. Fill Your Milk Crate Liner Fill the liner with a mixture of good quality potting mix and compost (optional) up to 2 inches from the top. Water the soil thoroughly until it reaches the consistency of brownie mix 4. Press Your Guide Using the pots of your herbs as a guide, press them gently into the soil to create indentations for planting. This will help when digging your planting holes 5. Planting Party! Remove the plants and carefully dig holes in the soil according to the root depth of each herb. Plant your herbs in the prepared holes and backfill with soil 6. Water Your Farmacy Give your Loving Herb Farmacy a good watering to settle the soil around the plants. For optimal growth, place your herb farmacy in a location that receives plenty of sunlight 7. Care Fertilize your herbs as needed according to the specific fertilizer program you choose. Smart Pots work with all fertilizer types Milk Crate Gardens can be placed almost anywhere, both indoors and outdoors – directly on the ground, on patios, driveways, rooftops, or basement floors. The Smart Pot Milk Crate Liner is a porous fabric, so place a tray or saucer underneath the milk crate when gardening on a valuable surface. This is a gift that will keep on giving throughout the season. it’s a thoughtful & sustainable alternative to traditional bouquets for Mom. With a little time and sunlight, your Milk Crate Herb Farmacy will soon be overflowing with fresh, flavorful herbs ready to elevate your culinary creations. Using Milk Crate Liner Smart Pots for Small Space Gardening Read More Using Milk Crate Liner Smart Pots for Small Space Gardening How to Care for Norfolk Island Pine – Lifelong Houseplant Read More How to Care for Norfolk Island Pine – Lifelong Houseplant Planning a Smart Pot Garden Read More Planning a Smart Pot Garden
Three Sisters Plants in Smart Pot

Corn, Beans, And Squash Growing Together - Three Sisters Method

Three Sisters Method involves growing corn, beans, and squash together in a mutually beneficial arrangement. For centuries, Native American communities have nurtured this unique and sustainable agricultural practice.
Norfolk-Island-Pine-in-Milk-Crate-Liner

How to Care for Norfolk Island Pine - Lifelong Houseplant

Bring your holiday Norfolk Island Pine back to life as a thriving indoor houseplant. With the right care and a breathable Smart Pot, these tropical evergreens can grow happily for years. Learn how to repot, refresh your soil, and keep your Norfolk hydrated, healthy, and reaching for the light all year long.
Smart Pot Winter Care Blog Title Image

Smart Pots In The Snow | Cold Winter Care

As the frost settles in, you might be wondering how to protect your beloved plants in Smart Pots? Fear not fellow Green Thumbs! Smart Pots offer many unique advantages that make them surprisingly winter-hardy companions for your garden. Here's how:
Growing Cool Weather Vegetables in Smart Pots

Fall Gardening in Smart Pots

Fall is a great time to start a new garden or revitalize an old one. The weather is cooler, the days are shorter, and the soil is still warm from the summer sun. This makes it the perfect time to plant cool-season vegetables, herbs, and flowers.Invented in 1984 by a US Veteran, Smart Pots are fabric grow bags that allow air and water to circulate freely around the roots of your plants. This helps to prevent root rot and other problems, and it also encourages air root pruning. This has proven to greatly improve any plant’s health by allowing for maximum nutrient and moisture uptake. Smart Pots are also lightweight and easy to move around, so you can easily adjust them to the changing sunlight and temperature conditions. What to Grow in the Fall There are many vegetables, herbs, and flowers that can be planted in Smart Pots in fall. Here are a few suggestions: Cool-Weather Vegetables: Lettuce, spinach, kale, carrots, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, garlic, radishes, turnips, peas, beans Herbs: Parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, lavender Flowers: Mums, asters, pansies, snapdragons, zinnias, cosmos When to Plant The best time to plant in Smart Pots in the fall depends on your climate. In general, you should wait until the weather has cooled down and the ground has started to cool. In some areas, this may be as early as September, while in others it may be closer to October or even November.For specific planting dates in your area, visit Farmers’ Almanac, the annual American periodical that has been in continuous publication since 1818. Their online Planting Calendar is an essential tool for any gardener. Simply enter your Zip Code or Location and receive a comprehensive planting calendar tailored to your location.Check out the Almanac Planting Calendar here: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar How to Plant When planting in Smart Pots, it is important to use a high-quality potting mix; the plant’s roots will uptake any available nutrient that is in your Smart Pot Aeration Container. We also recommend adding compost or other organic matter to the mix to improve drainage and fertility. Harvest your own backyard Black Gold with a Smart Pot Compost Sak! Caring for Your Fall Garden in Smart Pots Once your plants have started to grow, you will need to fertilize them every few weeks and water regularly. We recommend closely monitoring moisture levels in your Smart Pots for the first week as watering schedules will differ from traditionally containers. Plant’s roots in Smart Pots are vigorous and fibrous due to the pot’s ability to air prune. This allows for maximum nutrient and water uptake. You may also need to stake taller plants to prevent them from toppling over.In addition to watering and fertilizing you will also need to keep an eye out for pests and diseases. If you see any problems, take steps to correct them immediately. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful fall harvest from your own Smart Pot Garden! Here are Some Additional Tips for Fall Gardening in Smart Pots: Choose a location that receives full sun Water the pots regularly but avoid overwatering Protect the pots from frost if necessary (e.g., Cold Frames) Visit your local extension office for tailored lists and tips for fall gardening crops in your area Play Grow Lettuce in Smart Pot NoCoco Liners for Pest-Free, Healthy Plants 3 Basic Ways to Overwinter Your Container Garden Planting a Salad Bowl Composting Tips for Fall to Spring
Grow Lettuce in Smart Pot NoCoco Liners for Pest-Free, Healthy Plants

Grow Lettuce in Smart Pot NoCoco Liners for Pest-Free, Healthy Plants

Lettuce is a delicious and versatile vegetable that is easy to grow in containers. But if you're growing lettuce in the ground, you know that it can be susceptible to pests like slugs and snails. That's where Smart Pot NoCoco Liners come in.
Combat Pests in Your Garden with Companion Planting

Combat Pests in Your Garden with Companion Planting

Summer is in full swing, and that means it’s time to start thinking about pests. As the weather gets warmer, insects like aphids, beetles, and caterpillars start to become more active, and they may be looking for a place to call home; Your Smart Pot Garden is the perfect place for them, as it’s full of food and water. Companion planting is the practice of planting certain plants together to deter pests or attract beneficial insects. For example, marigolds are a great companion plant for tomatoes, as they help to repel nematodes, which can damage tomato roots. Garlic and chives can also help to deter pests, while mint attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, which eat aphids. When choosing companion plants, it is important to consider the needs of your plants. For example, tomatoes need full sun and well-drained soil, while cucumbers prefer partial shade and moist soil. By matching your plants’ needs with the right companion plants, you can create a healthy and productive garden that is resistant to pests. In addition to deterring pests, companion planting can also improve the health of your plants by: If you are looking for a natural way to protect your garden from pests, companion planting is a great option. By planting the right plants together, you can create a healthy and productive garden that is resistant to pests. Here are a few of the best companion plants for deterring pests: MARIGOLDS Marigolds are a great choice for companion planting, as they have a strong scent that deters many types of pests including aphids, beetles, and whiteflies GARLIC Garlic is another great companion plant, as it contains sulfur compounds that repel pests ONIONS Onions are another member of the allium family, and they have similar pest-repelling properties to garlic and chives CHIVES Chives are similar to garlic, and they also have a strong scent that deters pests MINT Mint is a popular herb that can also be used as a companion plant. Mint deters many types of pests, including ants, mosquitoes, and slugs ROSEMARY Rosemary is a fragrant herb that can be used to deter pests such as cabbage moths and tomato hornworms DILL Dill is a member of the carrot family, and it attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which help to control pests BASIL Basil is a popular herb that can also be used as a companion plant. Basil attracts beneficial insects such as bees and wasps, which help to control pests By planting these companion plants in your Smart Pot Garden, you can help to deter pests and keep your plants healthy. In addition to companion planting, there are a few other things you can do to protect your plants from pests: Inspect your plants regularly: Inspect your plants regularly for signs of pests, such as holes in leaves, insect eggs, or droppings Remove any infested plants: If you find any infested plants, remove them from your garden immediately Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil: If you see a serious infestation, you can apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to your plants. Be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully Attract beneficial insects: Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, help to control pests. You can attract beneficial insects to your garden by planting flowers that they like, such as marigolds, dill, and fennel By following these tips, you can help to keep your garden pest-free and healthy!
Bees on Smart Pot Growing Flower

Grow Pollinator-Attracting Plants In Smart Pot

Pollinators are essential for our food system. They pollinator crops, fruits, and vegetables, which helps to ensure that you have a bountiful harvest. However, pollinators are under threat from habitat loss, pestices, and climate change. One Way to help pollinators is to plant pollinator-friendly plants in your garden.
Urban Compost Sak filled

Introducing the Smart Pot Urban Compost Sak: The Perfect Composting Solution for Small Space Gardeners

The Smart Pot Urban Compost Sak is a small, lightweight, and portable composting bag that's perfect for small space gardens. It's made from durable, breathable fabric that allows air and water to circulate freely, which helps to speed up the composting process. The Urban Compost Sak also comes with a fitted cover to help keep out pests and moisture.
Smart Pot 3-Foot Raised Bed Planter

Smart Pot Lil' Shorty Raised Bed Planter: The Perfect Solution for Urban Gardeners

Do you live in a small space? Do you dream of growing your own fresh vegetables and herbs, but don't have the room for a traditional in-ground garden? If so, the Smart Pot Lil' Shorty Raised Bed Planter is the perfect solution for you!
California Composting Laws And How To Compost The Smart Way

California Composting Laws And How To Compost The Smart Way

In 2016, The CA State Legislature, as a part of SB 1383, updated state law regarding mandatory composting. The program will mandate the composting of organic waste by residential and commercial businesses. The biggest challenge faced will be from restaurants and grocery stores, but regular folks are going to have some decisions to make, soon. The law is supposed to be fully enforced by the start of 2024. Californians should start to learn what is coming down the pipeline, and Smart Pot® is here to help!
3 Basic Ways to Overwinter Your Container Garden

3 Basic Ways to Overwinter Your Container Garden

Bring it In/Heel it In/Tuck it In The frost may not quite be on the pumpkins where you garden, but the days are getting shorter. Overnight temperatures are trending downward, and your first average frost date is probably just weeks, if not days, away. To extend your container gardening season, look at three basic ways to protect your plants and their root zones from frost and freezes. Bring ‘em in… If you are lucky enough to have a greenhouse, grow tent, or lights set-up, even the most tender tropicals and houseplants will readily transition indoors. Just be sure to check for insects or disease and give them a good clean-up before bringing them inside where they may spread. Otherwise, check out one of the light meter smart phone apps to find your best indoor growing location. A sunny windowsill or countertop with a handful of one-to-three-gallon Smart Pot herbs can bring the flavors and fragrances of summer home all winter long! Water sparingly, add additional light sources if needed (full spectrum LED bulbs in an ordinary floor lamp is a simple supplement), and enjoy your herbs by lightly harvesting often. Tuck ‘em in… Harness Mother Nature’s power to overwinter your big and beautiful herbs outdoors. Larger containers provide more winter protection for your plant’s root zone through a greater volume of soil, one of nature’s insulations. You can quickly and easily add to that natural protection from harsh temperatures and winter winds by putting your larger herbs along a south facing wall where they’ll catch the sunshine as well as the radiant heat from the building. In colder climates, tuck those Smart Pots in with shredded leaves or hay wrapped in chicken wire or an old tomato cage and then cover with lightweight plastic from your home improvement store. Open up your home-made mini-greenhouse on mild days, be sure to maintain some soil moisture to prevent dry-freeze root damage and enjoy your perennial herbs through out the winter and in the coming seasons. SMART POT BONUS—no freeze-thaw winter breakage with your fabric container growing Smart Pot Gardening!! Heel ‘em in… The most labor-intensive method to overwinter your container gardens is tried-and-true but definitely requires lots of space a strong and a strong back! Heeling in is the practice of digging a trench deep enough to lay a container down at about 45 degrees, and covering the containers with soil. Primarily a commercial practice, heeling-in is commonly used in the tree industry to prevent containers blowing over and protect the root zone from winter freeze, thus holding a container tree or shrub over for transplanting in the spring season. A modified version could consist of a mulch berm, providing winter temperatures are not too severe. Regardless of which method you choose, Smart Pot containers lighten the load with durable fabric gardening to carry you through the winter season with superior gardening results!