Gardening with Above Ground Planters

Above ground planters are a great way to garden in small spaces or in areas with poor soil. They are also a good option for people who have mobility issues or who do not want to bend over to garden.

There are many different types of above ground planters available, made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, metal, and concrete. Some planters are portable, while others are permanently affixed to the ground.

When choosing an above ground planter, it is important to consider the size of the planter, the material it is made from, and its portability. The size of the planter will depend on the amount of space you have and the types of plants you want to grow. The material of the planter will depend on your personal preferences and the climate you live in. If you live in a cold climate, you may want to choose a planter that is made from a material that will not crack or break in the cold weather. If you are looking for a portable planter, you may want to choose one that is made from plastic or metal.

Once you have chosen an above ground planter, you need to fill it with soil. The type of soil you use will depend on the types of plants you want to grow. If you are not sure what type of soil to use, you can ask a gardening expert for advice.

After you have filled the planter with soil, you can plant your seeds or seedlings. Be sure to water your plants regularly and fertilize them as needed.

With proper care, your above ground planters will provide you with years of enjoyment.

Here are some additional tips for gardening with above ground planters:

  • Choose a location that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.
  • Make sure the planter has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
  • Fill the planter with a high-quality potting mix.
  • Water your plants regularly, especially during hot weather.
  • Fertilize your plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Protect your plants from pests and diseases.
  • Harvest your crops when they are ripe.

With a little care and attention, you can grow a beautiful and productive garden in your above ground planters.

Finding the Perfect Canine Companion for Your Small Apartment

Introduction: Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the companionship of a furry friend. Many dog breeds adapt well to apartment living, provided they receive proper care, exercise, and mental stimulation. In this article, we will explore the best kinds of dogs for small apartments, considering their size, temperament, exercise needs, and adaptability to confined spaces.

Considerations for Apartment Living: Before diving into specific breeds, it’s important to keep a few factors in mind when selecting a dog for your small apartment:

  1. Size: Opt for smaller breeds or medium-sized dogs that can comfortably move around your apartment without feeling cramped or restricted.
  2. Energy Level: Look for breeds that have moderate exercise needs and are content with daily walks and indoor playtime. High-energy breeds may struggle in a confined space without adequate physical activity.
  3. Temperament: Seek dogs with a calm and adaptable nature. Dogs that are prone to excessive barking or have high anxiety levels may not be well-suited for apartment living.
  4. Trainability: Choose breeds that are known for their trainability and ability to adapt to apartment rules and routines. Dogs that are easily trainable tend to be more adaptable to apartment living.
  5. Noise Sensitivity: Consider breeds that are not easily startled by noises, as apartment environments can be filled with sounds from neighboring units or busy streets.

Top Breeds for Small Apartments:

  1. French Bulldog: Known for their affectionate and easygoing nature, French Bulldogs are small in size and require minimal exercise. They are content with short walks and enjoy spending quality time with their owners.
  2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: These gentle and friendly dogs are well-suited for apartment living. They have moderate exercise needs and are happy to join you on leisurely walks or enjoy indoor playtime.
  3. Boston Terrier: With their compact size and friendly disposition, Boston Terriers adapt well to apartment life. They require regular exercise but are generally not overly demanding.
  4. Shih Tzu: Shih Tzus are small, low-energy dogs that thrive in apartment settings. They enjoy daily walks and indoor play sessions, making them ideal companions for apartment dwellers.
  5. Bichon Frise: These cheerful and affectionate dogs are known for their adaptability to various living situations. Bichon Frises are small in size, low shedding, and require moderate exercise.
  6. Pomeranian: Although small, Pomeranians are lively and spirited dogs. They are adaptable to apartment living as long as they receive daily exercise and mental stimulation.
  7. Corgi: Corgis may seem larger in appearance, but their short stature makes them suitable for apartments. They have moderate exercise needs and can adapt well to indoor activities.

Remember, each dog is an individual, and their personalities can vary. While breed characteristics can provide guidance, it’s essential to meet and spend time with a dog before making a decision. Additionally, adopting mixed-breed dogs from shelters or rescue organizations can offer unique and lovable companions that fit apartment living requirements.

Conclusion: Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean you have to forgo the joy and companionship of a canine friend. By considering factors like size, energy level, temperament, trainability, and noise sensitivity, you can find a dog breed that thrives in a confined space. Whether you choose a French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or another small breed that suits your lifestyle, providing them with love, attention, exercise, and mental stimulation will ensure a happy and harmonious life together in your cozy apartment.

ReoLink Security Camera 810A Review 2022

ReoLink has really been upping the game on security camera products over the last few years. One of the most interesting products from a price/performance standpoint is the 810A security camera. This is a IP camera with PoE, onboard SD card availability and a really good app that makes it a breeze to set up and tweak the settings to get things just right.

Take a look at the specs:

Image Sensor1/2.49″ CMOS Sensor
Video Resolution3840×2160 (8.0 Megapixels) at 25 frames/sec
Lensf=4.0mm fixed; F=2.0, with IR-cut filter
Night Vision30 meters (100ft)
PoE PowerIEEE 802.3af PoE Switch/Injector, 48V Active (Not included)
Field of ViewHorizontal: 87° Vertical: 44°
Video Compression FormatH.265
Smart AlarmMotion detection/Human detection/Vehicle detection
OS SupportedPC: Windows, Mac OS; Smartphone: iOS, Android; Web Browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
Record ModeMotion-triggered recording (default); scheduled recording; 24/7 recording
ReoLink 810 Specs

Setting up the camera is as simple as connecting it to a PoE switch or injector, scanning the 2D code on the camera, and following the prompts. Aside from the drilling and getting the ladder out etc. I had my first camera up in literally minutes.

  • IP66 Waterproof Rating
  • Great App to easily add and monitor cameras
  • No cloud storage fees if you use SD cards in each camera and have reliable internet
  • Integration with Google Assistant on Chromecast connected TV’s
  • Easily share the cameras with other people by simply installing the app and scanning a code
  • UHD 4k Recording
  • Pet/Person/Vehicle detection
  • You can push files to a computer via FTP for 24×7 recording of each camera
  • ReoLink sells a dedicated NVR to store your camera video – bundles with a couple of cameras in the $350 range
  • Did I say no monthly charges for your cameras like Arlo and others?
  • Self hosting your video gives you peace of mind
  • Great night video recording in low light
  • Connect them to other systems like Blue Iris, Zoneminder and Shinobi
  • 2 Year Warranty
  • 4k Video makes 1080p look like the 80’s 🙂

Take a look at the ReoLink 810A and it’s cousin the 811. The wider angle view and integrated lighting of that model may make sense to mix and match depending on your situation. I have tried several other types of cameras over the years, and switching from Arlo to the ReoLink brand has been a win in so many ways. Grab a couple and give them a shot!