Raised bed gardening has a lot of advantages, such as less weeding and accessibility to vegetables or flowers. Since the soil in these beds drains easily, proper watering in a raised bed can be problematic. Because of the high drainage properties in these beds, it may be difficult to over-water, but under-watering is probable. To prevent under-watering, small and frequent applications produce the best results. Drip irrigation is the best way to water in these situations.

Instructions

1. Drill a hole in the side of a plastic garbage can approximately 1 inch from the bottom. The hole should be slightly smaller than the drip irrigation line. Situate the garbage can near the raised bed in an area higher than the bed itself. This will ensure that the water will exit the can through the force of gravity to reach the bed.
2. Insert the drip irrigation line into the hole in the garbage can to where the line has approximately 1 inch exposed inside the can. Push the line into the hole firmly by hand. The small area of the hole will help provide a more water-tight seal. The drip irrigation line must be long enough to stretch from the garbage can to the furthest end of the raised bed.
3. Screw the female end fitting equipped with a small screen to the exposed drip line inside the garbage can, and then push the fitting until it is flush with the inner side of the can. Squeeze plastic sealant generously around the fitting and the drip line inside and outside the can. Allow the sealant to set according to the product's instructions.
4. Stretch the drip irrigation line across the center of the raised bed to the farthest end from the garbage can. Fold the end of the line over and secure it with a hose clamp. Use a screwdriver to tighten the clamp so the water cannot escape from the end of the drip irrigation line.
5. Poke holes for the micro-tubing into the drip irrigation line using the tool provided with the micro-tubing. The amount of holes and tubing necessary depends on how many plants are in the raised bed. Each plant requires one line of micro-tubing. Press the ends of the micro-tubing without the end weights into the holes. Stretch the micro-tubing to the base of each plant. The end weights will hold the tubing in place when you water.
6. Fill the garbage can with water. Put the lid on the garbage can to prevent evaporation and keep debris from entering the water supply. The drip irrigation system will continuously apply small doses of water to the raised bed. Refill the can with water as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• If a poking tool was not provided with the micro-tubing and end weights, use a sharp knife to poke the necessary holes. If needed, apply plastic sealant around where the micro-tubing is inserted into the holes to achieve a water-tight seal.

Source: eHow
Author:Elan Kesilman

Beginning gardeners often look for easy-to-grow plants that will allow them to enjoy the gardening experience without a great deal of maintenance or die-off. Fortunately, there are many kinds of plants, flowers, shrubs and grasses that give great results with a minimum of time and trouble. Of course, you must choose plants that are suitable for the climate in which you live. Consult the U.S. hardiness zone map and your local county agricultural extension for advice on the best plant species for your area.

Easy-Care Annuals

A number of varieties of annual flowers are very easy care and produce beautiful results in outdoor gardens. Marigolds and zinnia are very hardy annuals that you can start from seed, and they will do well even in the heat of summer. Cosmos are a type of flower that is often recommended to beginning gardeners because it is so easy to grow in almost any kind of soil. It is self-seeding, which means it will make more cosmos without having to do anything. Dahlias are another easy-to-grow flowers that give rich rewards with its beauty. It thrives in the sun and will bloom from late summer to early fall.

Hardy Perennials

Perennials are a natural choice for those who want easy-to-grow flowers with few maintenance chores. Peonies produce huge blooms in white, pink, and deep red on tall, woody stems in late spring and early summer and will continue to reappear year after year with just a minimum of care. Hosta is a favorite in many Midwest gardens because it thrives in any shady area and needs little care. Its lush foliage complements any landscape and its tiny purple flower adds interest to any garden. Daylilies produce beautiful orange flowers throughout the growing season, need little care, and spread easily to fill any area.

Bulbs

Once properly planted, garden bulbs will produce blooms year after year, spreading easily to fill the spot they are given. Bulbs come in many different varieties, from tulips and hyacinth to lilies and amaryllis. The trick is to plant them at the correct depth. Always follow package directions carefully to produce good blooms.


Flowering Shrubs

Shrubs are a mainstay of every landscape and are a wonderful backdrop for other plants. For the easiest-care shrubs, plant evergreens like evergreen azaleas that produce lovely flowers in the spring with little care. In the South, crape myrtle produces long-lasting white, pink, lavender or red flowers in the summer and leaves turn orange or red in the fall.

Low-Maintenance Vegetables

There are even a number of easy-to-grow vegetables to add to your garden that will yield tasty results with a minimum of work. Plant carrot seeds in a sunny area and let them grow. Radishes spring out of the ground days after planting and are ready to eat in four to six weeks. Try planting the large seeds of bush beans for an easy-care crop that produces one or two yields per season. They need at least six hours of sun per day.

Source: eHow

A cottage garden evokes a sense of whimsy, as it's comprised of sprawling paths, informal seating areas and seemingly haphazard plantings. Since these gardens are so carefree, they are fairly easy to plant and following some simple tips will help you create a cottage garden that will provide you with years of enjoyment.

Hardscaping

Hardscaping -- paths and patios, for instance -- are an important element of a cottage garden, as they allow you to enjoy the plantings that fill the space. When planning a cottage garden, begin by laying out the design for your hardscaping. Create meandering paths that wind through the space and patios where you can arrange sitting areas. Natural materials, such as slate and river rock are ideal materials; however, if you're seeking a less expensive option for these surfaces, brick, cobblestone, stamped concrete or even crushed seashells or pea gravel are all attractive alternatives.

Architectural Elements

Once you've laid out the pathways and patios, incorporate some architectural elements. A gazebo or an arbor with a bench placed in the middle of a path is an inviting place to sit and take in the beauty of the garden that surrounds you. If you happen to have a stream running through your property -- which, coincidentally, fits in well with a cottage garden -- build a rustic bridge over it. A waterfall or fountain adds visual appeal, in addition to bringing a soothing sound to the garden.

Plantings

After the architectural details have been paved out, it's time to incorporate the plantings. While the gardens in this space may seem chaotic, they actually do require planning. Plant spreading wildflowers, such as lavender, purple coneflower and black eyed Susans in mounds. Flowering vines -- wisteria, honeysuckle and clematis -- and climbing roses add interest and height to the garden. Arrange these plants in front of trellises, a gazebo or next to an outdoor wall. Add color along the walkways and borders of the garden with bright, colorful annuals -- dianthus and impatiens, for example. Don't forget to incorporate trees in this garden, as they provide shade and add beauty. Ornamental trees to consider include dogwood, sugar maple and chokeberry. Fruit trees, such as pear, apple and cherry, not only lend beauty, but can also be harvested.

Furnishings

Tie the look of the garden together with furnishings. Create a seating area with Adirondack chairs, a wicker sofa and a wood chaise lounge. Relax in the midst of the garden while swinging in a hammock that's suspended from two trees. A fire pit or outdoor fireplace warms the garden on cool evenings. Hang strings of lights from trees and line paths with lanterns or solar lights.

Source: eHow