Monday, July 30, 2012

Check Out These Tips For A More Abundant Garden!


A lot of people think tending a garden is totally beyond them, but that's true only for people who don't do their research. The right information can help anyone become a master gardener. This article's tips and advice will help you become an amazing gardener.
Put your compost vegetation in plastic garbage bags. The large ones work really well. Ideally, this should be completed during autumn after all leaves have been raked. After you've raked up the leaves, store them in bags in a relatively warm, humid place. You will then have the perfect soil additive for a compost pile when spring arrives.
Trying to shovel through clay soil can be extremely difficult and tiresome. Rubbing wax on the shovel prior to digging can kick this challenge to the curb. The wax will help keep dirt from sticking to the shovel, and will also keep the metal from rusting.
Go green with rain water to irrigate your garden. You can save money by using this free natural resource collected in a container or barrel set in an open space. This is a great way to ensure an all-natural garden and to save money.
Use rubbing alcohol and vinegar to remove salt from clay pots. As plants grow inside clay pots, they deposit salt on the outside of the pot. Combine equal portions of water, white vinegar and rubbing alcohol and spritz that mixture on the pot. Scrub the pot with a brush to remove the salt residue. After rinsing, allow the pot to air out prior to using it again.
Do not use broad-spectrum pesticides within your garden. Besides killing the insects you don't want, this type of pesticide will also kill beneficial insects. Bugs that are good for your garden tend to be more susceptible to these types of pesticides, and using them could mean an increase in the pests you are actually trying to get rid of. When this happens, you will spray another round of pesticides to get rid of the pests, thus creating a never-ending cycle for yourself.
Coffee grounds can be used to amend soils that are high in alkaline. The coffee grounds are an inexpensive way to give some acid back to the dirt. Balanced soil will produce more flavorful, crisp vegetables and greens.
A garden needs the right type of soil to grow properly. Soil analysis costs a little money, but the report can inform you how to enrich your soil and open the door to a lush garden. Ask about this service at a local university or the county Cooperative Extension office to improve the soil and insure fruitful crops.
Bumble bees can help with the pollination of your garden. Keep in mind though that there are some bees that can harm your garden. Carpenter bees for example destroy the wood in trees to create their nests. Generally speaking, bees help your garden so it's best if you leave them alone.
Water your garden wisely. Use a type of soaker hose so that you don't need to do individual waterings with the hose nozzle, or be refilling a watering can constantly. Turn the water on at low pressure so your delicate plants will not be damaged by the soaker hose. Let it water your garden for a few hours, so you're available to do other stuff.
If you want to develop strong roots in your plants, you should make sure to plant them in the fall. Since the ground is still warm compared to the air temperature and the plants do not have leaves to grow and support it, their resources will be concentrated in the root system, thus creating a strong foundation.
Your tool handles can double as measuring sticks. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, hoes, and shovels can be converted into handy measuring sticks. After laying the handles on the floor, run the measuring tape along beside them. Label the distances onto them using a permanent marker pen. Now you will always possess a large ruler ready for your use in the garden.
All that is required is a little research, patience, and putting in some work time out in the garden itself. The effort will pay off, and you will see a good reward for your hard work.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Learn How To Get The Most Out Of Your Garden


If you have always wanted to have a stunning garden, you understand that there are a lot of things that you need to consider as you get started. Gardening does require labor and effort, but at the same time, gardening can also be fun. The following hints and tips can reduce the effort and increase the fun!
Re-potting is required by some varieties of houseplants, while others dislike it when you disturb their roots. To check the roots of your plants, simply up-end the pot and gently tap the bottom. The plant will slide out into your hand, and you can look at the roots. If many roots are visible, you need to give your plant a larger home. You do not have to transfer the plant to a new pot if you are not seeing any roots, or just a few.
Grow some wheat grass or cat grass next to the plants your cat seems to prefer. Additionally, use your cat's keen sense of smell to your advantage. Citrus fruit peels and mothballs both smell horrible to cats, so put them on the soil near the plants your cat likes to eat.
To attract insects that will benefit your garden, plant heather. Heather will attract bees early in the spring as well as other beneficial insects. If your heather bed is undisturbed, as it would be in nature, many beneficial insects will make it their home. Always remember this, and wear your gardening gloves if you prune your heather!
When you are growing a garden, make sure you do not water your plants too much or too little. If the soil is too moist, the plant is more vulnerable to root rot, whereas failure to provide enough water will dry out the soil and kill the plant. Check the moisture level of your soil to determine if it is getting adequate water.
Deciduous shrubs should be protected from the elements. Cold weather is very hard on these tender shrubs, and potted shrubs should be shielded and protected. Tie the canes together, and drape a sheet or blanket over the top of the wigwam. You will protect your shrubs from the cold without having to cover them in plastic, which can cause rot.
If you want to develop strong roots in your plants, you should make sure to plant them in the fall. All of the nutrients for sprouting plants need to come from the root system, making a strong one vital for a good garden.
Know when is the best time to harvest your vegetables. For the optimum flavor, be sure to follow the guidelines for planting and picking. For instance, for the best flavor, zucchini and baby peas should be picked when they are young. However, tomatoes should be as ripe as they can be when pulled from the vine to ensure the best taste. To get the most out of your gardening efforts, find out when to harvest your crops.
It is particularly important for new gardeners to read and follow instructions that come with tools, as well as chemicals. If you use your gardening chemicals wrong, you can abrade or even burn your skin. Prevent issues, and use your garden chemicals safely.
Take care of your knees when you're gardening. Bending over for extended periods can be harmful to your joints and muscles. Kneeling is a great way to reach your plants without causing stress to your back. Many types of gardening pads and cushions are available so that avid gardeners can kneel for longer periods of time without experiencing knee pain.
Try growing your peas indoors for the first couple months. If you plant them inside, they might germinate more effectively. The seedlings tend to be healthier, which would help them resist diseases and pests more easily. Once the seedlings are sturdy enough, they can be transplanted to their rightful place in the garden.
Your tool handles can double as measuring sticks. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, hoes, and shovels can be converted into handy measuring sticks. After laying the handles on the floor, run the measuring tape along beside them. Label the distances onto them using a permanent marker pen. Now you will always possess a large ruler ready for your use in the garden.
Gardening is a rewarding and pleasurable hobby. Whether it is the beauty of flowers or the fresh vegetables, the benefits are evident and never ending. If you heed these suggestions, you can enjoy gardening more than ever.

Easy To Follow Advice For A Better Garden


Go ahead and get started now. You may have many questions and concerns about initiating this, but rest assured that the following paragraphs will give you the answers you seek. Read on for some helpful tips to get started in gardening.
Spray old aftershave, perfume, or scented products around the grass of your garden to prevent your dog from entering it. This covers up the smells that bring dogs to gardens in the first place, which means dogs are less likely to enter the garden.
Pest control can present a challenge for successful vegetable gardening. It is important not to use harmful chemical agents, because you are growing produce that is intended to be eaten. The key to keeping garden pests at bay is to be relentless. Taking the pests off of the plants by hand is one of the best fixes if you are able to catch the infestation in its early stages.
Grow heather so that you can attract useful insects. Bees are naturally attracted to heather for its nectar. Because it is usually left alone, heather beds can become a home for spiders, beetles and other insects. With this knowledge at hand, it is in your best interest to wear gloves when tending the heather.
Be vigilant about keeping moisture off your plants. Plant moisture is a big attraction to both parasites and plant diseases. Fungi is a common problem in the world of plants. It is possible to control fungi with sprays, but the key is to treat your garden before any problems arise.
Invest in a quality wheelbarrow and a kneeling stool if gardening work is going to happen often. Spending time on the ground is rough on the knees, a portable and light stool can help make gardening easier. Also having a garden usually requires moving heavy dirt and objects, so investing in a wheelbarrow is a very sound investment.
Dwarf fruit trees are an option for space-constrained gardens. Many areas only allow for small gardens, and that is where dwarf fruit trees fit in best. Dwarf fruit trees yield fruits about three or five years after they are planted, but the fruit is fully sized. The best time to plant your dormant trees is early springtime, and remember to water them liberally until they are well established.
Having healthy soil in your garden is your number one defense against pests! If your plants are healthy, they can more easily resist insects and disease. So if you want your garden to provide plants that are as healthy as possible, you need a good quality soil that contains few chemicals and that can accumulate salts over time.
Bumble bees can help with the pollination of your garden. Keep in mind though that there are some bees that can harm your garden. Carpenter bees for example destroy the wood in trees to create their nests. Generally speaking, bees help your garden so it's best if you leave them alone.
To get the best results in your garden, you need to use a good quality soil. What plants you desire determines what type of soil you need in your garden, and whether or not it needs to be amended. You can simply use one type of soil to make an artificial area.
Water is an essential component of any thriving garden. Just like people, plants require water for their survival. When it it hot outside, the soil in your garden can start to dry out, so it is very important that you are preventing this by watering your plants every day. Watering the garden properly can make a garden be productive.
Your tool handles can double as measuring sticks. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, hoes, and shovels can be converted into handy measuring sticks. After laying the handles on the floor, run the measuring tape along beside them. Label the distances onto them using a permanent marker pen. Now you will always possess a large ruler ready for your use in the garden.
A little bit of research will go a long way, especially when you pair it with patience. The effort will pay off, and you will see a good reward for your hard work.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Think You Have A Black Thumb? Try These Easy Garden Plants

A large amount of people think that gardening would be difficult to accomplish, but it is not true when you know what to do. Using some basic advice, most people can be great gardeners. This article will present you with all the advice you'll need to become an expert gardener.
Use gardening to relax. Many methods of relaxation can be employed to lead a peaceful life. One of the best ways to do this is gardening. You will not need to spend a lot of money to grow your garden, and it provides many benefits. The biggest dividend is the emotional satisfaction of planting and growing greens on your own.
Add more value to your property. Landscaping your property provides one of the best returns on home improvement. Certain plant investments could raise your home's resale value by approximately 20% or possibly more! Look for hardy, low moisture plants that are naturally suited for your region.
To attract insects that will benefit your garden, plant heather. Heather will attract bees early in the spring as well as other beneficial insects. If your heather bed is undisturbed, as it would be in nature, many beneficial insects will make it their home. Always remember this, and wear your gardening gloves if you prune your heather!
Humidity might be needed by some houseplants. You can create humidity in any environment by grouping different plants together in one pot, or replanting the specimen into a larger pot and filling the gap in with compost or stones. The humidity for your houseplants can be increased by a daily mist of water.
If you want to effectively weed out young plants, you can try "boiling" away the weeds. Boiling water can be considered as an herbicide, and it is a safe one. Literally pour the water on the weeds, avoiding any wanted plants near them, and watch the weeds die over time. Boiling water is not good for the weed roots and will stunt further growth.
Try using annuals and biennials to add color to your flower beds, and brighten them up. These usually grow quickly, and provide an easy-to-change solution to making your flower beds bright and beautiful. They allow you to select different flowers from one year or season to the next. You can use them between the gaps in shrubs and perennials where there is plenty of sun. There are many different varieties to choose from such as daisies, marigolds, impatiens, and lantana.
You can prevent pests from invading your garden with certain plants and natural materials. A good way to keep slugs away is to create a border with onions around a garden with vegetables. Marigolds would do this trick as well. If you place wood ash around the base portion of a shrub seedling or tree, you will ward off insect pests. With these natural methods, there is no need to purchase expensive, harsh pesticides.
Regular weeding is essential to the health of any garden. Weeds will cause your garden to become overgrown and cluttered. White vinegar can be a good solution. It can kill weeds. Putting white vinegar on your plants gets rid of much of the need to pull out the weeds.
Water your garden wisely. Use a type of soaker hose so that you don't need to do individual waterings with the hose nozzle, or be refilling a watering can constantly. Turn the water on at low pressure so your delicate plants will not be damaged by the soaker hose. Let it water your garden for a few hours, so you're available to do other stuff.
Instead of leaving clumps of irises intact, divide them so that your flowers can grow in a more healthy manner. You can increase the number of irises you have by splitting clumps that are overgrown. Uproot bulbous irises if the flowers have wilted. The bulbs often divide in your hand with no intervention on your part, and when you replant them, they will usually flower the following year. For plants with rhizomes, use a knife to divide them. Throw away the center after carefully cutting new sprouts from the exterior. Don't plant any pieces that don't have any strong offshoots. Plant immediately.
Your tool handles can double as measuring sticks. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, hoes, and shovels can be converted into handy measuring sticks. After laying the handles on the floor, run the measuring tape along beside them. Label the distances onto them using a permanent marker pen. Now you will always possess a large ruler ready for your use in the garden.
A little bit of research will go a long way, especially when you pair it with patience. The effort will pay off, and you will see a good reward for your hard work.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Four Ways To Prepare Your Garden For Winter


When you garden, you can grow delicious vegetables and fruits in your backyard; this gives you plenty of dietary options for the future. There's nothing quite like going outside and grabbing some toppings for your salad, or better yet the whole salad. This article will provide great tips for gardening that will help you enjoy it.
Put your compost vegetation in plastic garbage bags. The large ones work really well. Ideally, this should be completed during autumn after all leaves have been raked. After you've raked up the leaves, store them in bags in a relatively warm, humid place. You will then have the perfect soil additive for a compost pile when spring arrives.
If you are going for a British feel with your garden, then vary the heights of your plants. If you use plants of similar heights, the result will be pretty boring and uniform.
Fertilizing is an important step in preparing your garden soil. If you decide to use manure, which is great for your plants, choose a pathogen free commercial product. There are a wide variety of fertilizing options available, although which type you use is not that important; just make sure to use something.
You need water for a healthy garden. Just like people do, plants need to have water in order to live. It is important to make sure gardens are properly hydrated. This is especially important in the dry summer months where the garden gets very little rain. A good watering routine will maximize the beauty of your garden.
If you have children, then gardening can be a great hobby for your family to bond with each other. Most kids have a blast working in the garden, whether they're pulling weeds or planting flowers. They think that it is a great thing to have permission to be dirty, especially if it is with their parents.
Use a chicken tractor for fertilizing your garden project. Chicken tractors are chicken coops that can be moved from one place to another. They feature open floors and an area in which the chickens can be protected from the elements. The tractor makes it easy for chickens to eat insects and deposit fertilizer. It is possible to move the chicken tractor to various areas, so that each area can be fertilized.
A garden needs the right type of soil to grow properly. Soil analysis costs a little money, but the report can inform you how to enrich your soil and open the door to a lush garden. Ask about this service at a local university or the county Cooperative Extension office to improve the soil and insure fruitful crops.
When gardening, try not to use broad-spectrum pesticides. If your pesticide has too wide a range of targets, it can kill off useful insects that fight off other pests. Beneficial bugs usually have more sensitivity towards pesticides than bad ones. Therefore, if the number of beneficial bugs drops, the problem with pests can get bigger. As a result, gardeners often have to resort to using more toxic pesticides to get rid of garden pests.
Get a slug-proof variety of perennials. These mollusks are capable of consuming an entire garden full of flowers in a single night. They tend to enjoy perennials that have thin, smooth, tender leaves, especially those of young plants. Perennials that have tough or hairy leaves are often times unappetizing to snails and slugs. Several good choices include heuchera, campanula, achillea, and euphorbia.
Instead of leaving clumps of irises intact, divide them so that your flowers can grow in a more healthy manner. You can increase the number of irises you have by splitting clumps that are overgrown. Uproot bulbous irises if the flowers have wilted. The bulbs often divide in your hand with no intervention on your part, and when you replant them, they will usually flower the following year. For plants with rhizomes, use a knife to divide them. Throw away the center after carefully cutting new sprouts from the exterior. Don't plant any pieces that don't have any strong offshoots. Plant immediately.
Your tool handles can double as measuring sticks. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, hoes, and shovels can be converted into handy measuring sticks. After laying the handles on the floor, run the measuring tape along beside them. Label the distances onto them using a permanent marker pen. Now you will always possess a large ruler ready for your use in the garden.
You can use these hints whether you garden alone, or with family and friends. The advice in this article can be used to teach your children or grandchildren how to develop their own green thumbs, to share the pleasures of gardening with friends, or to simply enhance the time you spend alone tending to your plants.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Help Your Garden Grow With These Simple Tips


Gardening is a most enjoyable and relaxing hobby that will not drain your savings away in the process. Family and friends can spend an enjoyable afternoon together, working in the garden. If you have children that help you in the garden, you will notice their fascination with the way that the seeds will grow into vegetables and flowers. Gardening also teaches life lessons and can make you truly appreciate the wonders of nature. This article is packed with tips you should use to improve your garden, perhaps with the help of the people you care about.
Knee pads are absolute miracle accessories if you work in a garden with plenty of low-growing plants. Kneeling on the ground as you garden will eventually cause serious discomfort for your knees. Buy yourself a pair of knee pads to use in the garden to cushion and protect your knees.
If you are going for a British feel with your garden, then vary the heights of your plants. If you use plants of similar heights, the result will be pretty boring and uniform.
Grow heather so that you can attract useful insects. Bees are naturally attracted to heather for its nectar. Because it is usually left alone, heather beds can become a home for spiders, beetles and other insects. With this knowledge at hand, it is in your best interest to wear gloves when tending the heather.
Create your own garden from scratch with seeds, rather than plants. The most "green" way to create a new garden is starting from seeds. Most nurseries use a lot of plastic that is not recycled. If you want to buy plants, find a nurseries that uses organic methods or grow your plants from seeds.
Know when is the best time to harvest your vegetables. There is a specific time to pick every sort of vegetable in order to maximize its taste and cooking utility. For instance, zucchini and baby peas have the best taste when you pick them early. However, you get better taste out of tomatoes that have been allowed to ripen as much as practical while still on their vine. Find out what the best harvest time is for your vegetables.
If you want to develop strong roots in your plants, you should make sure to plant them in the fall. All of the nutrients for sprouting plants need to come from the root system, making a strong one vital for a good garden.
Water is very important to having a healthy garden. Just like people. plants need water in order to survive. The sun will dry out the soil if you do not water your garden regularly. Consistent watering contributes to a flourishing garden.
If you want to keep dogs our of your garden, take some aftershave, old perfume, or any other scented item and spray the grass around the area. This will mask the garden smell that is attracting your dog, and it will make it a less appealing place for your dog to visit.
Use biennials and annuals to add color to your flower beds. These types of flowers grow at high speed, which gives you more flexibility in changing the look of your flower beds as the seasons change. In addition, you might need something to fill empty spaces in your flower garden. Fill gaps with annuals or biennials. Just make sure the flowers will get enough sun to thrive. There are many different varieties to choose from such as daisies, marigolds, impatiens, and lantana.
Instead of leaving clumps of irises intact, divide them so that your flowers can grow in a more healthy manner. You can increase the number of irises you have by splitting clumps that are overgrown. Uproot bulbous irises if the flowers have wilted. The bulbs often divide in your hand with no intervention on your part, and when you replant them, they will usually flower the following year. For plants with rhizomes, use a knife to divide them. Throw away the center after carefully cutting new sprouts from the exterior. Don't plant any pieces that don't have any strong offshoots. Plant immediately.
Your tool handles can double as measuring sticks. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, hoes, and shovels can be converted into handy measuring sticks. After laying the handles on the floor, run the measuring tape along beside them. Label the distances onto them using a permanent marker pen. Now you will always possess a large ruler ready for your use in the garden.
In conclusion, gardening is a tremendously rewarding hobby. It is also a hobby for which a substantial amount of understanding is required to ensure the best results. When you implement good advice and carefully plan your garden, you'll reap many rewards. Take these tips and apply them to your garden and you are going to be overjoyed with the results.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Think You Have A Black Thumb? Try These Easy Garden Plants


It's the right time to start. You may have several questions on how you should begin and what you need, and this article is the perfect resource for you. In the following paragraphs you will find insights and ideas you can apply to your gardening dreams.
Choose trees that come to fruition in the fall. Although fall color may be associated with foliage, there's a lot of tress that give out decorative fruit. The berries that appear on the tree will range in color from yellows to reds. These can still be seen late into the winter season, and will provide some color into your garden, as well as bird food. The best varieties include hawthorn, holly, crab apple and choke berry.
Add more value to your property. Landscaping your property provides one of the best returns on home improvement. Certain plant investments could raise your home's resale value by approximately 20% or possibly more! Look for hardy, low moisture plants that are naturally suited for your region.
Mulching is a very efficient method. Mulching allows the soil to retain much-needed moisture; it also makes it easier to keep weeds from taking over your garden or flowerbed.
Get every last drop of value from your land. Landscaping can make the value of your property go up. A simple investment in plants can elevate your property value by as much as 20% or more. You should purchase plants that are well-suited to your landscape and environmental conditions.
Start your plants in containers, and then transplant the seedlings into the garden later on. Your plants will be more likely to mature this way. It also permits you to tighten the time between plantings. You will have healthy seedlings that are ready to be planted when you get rid of old plants.
Try to ensure your plants are dry and have enough air, daily! Excess moisture creates an appealing environment for disease and parasites. Fungi commonly afflict a number of plants. You can rid your garden of fungi with fungicidal sprays. However, it is best to treat your garden before there are problems.
Plant with autumn colors in mind. That doesn't have to be the case. The autumn season can be one of the best growing seasons and is certainly the most colorful. You can find beautiful maple and beech trees in many different fall colors. Some vibrant shrubs include hydrangea, barberry, and cotoneaster.
Utilize trees around your garden that supply decorative fruit during the fall. September to November is usually thought of as the season of orange leaves, but some trees produce fruit that really go well with the fall color scheme. There are many fall plants and trees that produce berries which will add color to your garden, as well as food for winter birds. The berries can range in color from yellow to red. Some examples of colorful berries are holly, chokeberry, hawthorn and crabapple.
Take care of your knees when you're gardening. Bending over for extended periods can be harmful to your joints and muscles. Kneeling is a great way to reach your plants without causing stress to your back. Many types of gardening pads and cushions are available so that avid gardeners can kneel for longer periods of time without experiencing knee pain.
Select plants that produce a relatively high yield. It is quite common to find that hybrids, which are often able to resist disease and withstand cold climates, produce yields much larger than their conventional counterparts.
Your tool handles can double as measuring sticks. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, hoes, and shovels can be converted into handy measuring sticks. After laying the handles on the floor, run the measuring tape along beside them. Label the distances onto them using a permanent marker pen. Now you will always possess a large ruler ready for your use in the garden.
With these tips, you're better equipped to grow the most beautiful garden you can imagine. In learning how to create your dream garden, you'll also be growing as a person. That's because learning how to nurture your plants will not only help you reach the goal of having a great garden, but it will help you learn to nurture yourself.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Huge Profits From Growing Your Own Microgarden

Gardening is a most enjoyable and relaxing hobby that will not drain your savings away in the process. Family and friends can spend an enjoyable afternoon together, working in the garden. If you have children that help you in the garden, you will notice their fascination with the way that the seeds will grow into vegetables and flowers. Gardening also teaches life lessons and can make you truly appreciate the wonders of nature. This article is packed with tips you should use to improve your garden, perhaps with the help of the people you care about.
Put your compost vegetation in plastic garbage bags. The large ones work really well. Ideally, this should be completed during autumn after all leaves have been raked. After you've raked up the leaves, store them in bags in a relatively warm, humid place. You will then have the perfect soil additive for a compost pile when spring arrives.
Choose perennials that slugs are not attracted to. Slugs and snails can decimate a plant in one night. They often enjoy feeding on perennials with very smooth and tender leaves. Young plants are a special favorite of theirs. Some perennials, however, leave a bad taste in slugs' mouths or are difficult to chew through because their leaves aren't tender. Wonderful varieties of such perennials include euphorbia, campanula, helleborus, achillea, and heuchera.
The boundaries of a garden should be well-established, ideally with a fence, long before the first seed goes in the ground. You can use a thick shrub, decorative border or a fence to keep large animals away from your plants.
Clay is difficult to dig through with a shovel, as it is sticky and compact. Get better results in clay by rubbing car wax or floor wax onto the shovel, then buff off and dig. Not only will the clay slide off the surface, but it will keep the end from rusting.
Do not use broad-spectrum pesticides within your garden. Besides killing the insects you don't want, this type of pesticide will also kill beneficial insects. Bugs that are good for your garden tend to be more susceptible to these types of pesticides, and using them could mean an increase in the pests you are actually trying to get rid of. When this happens, you will spray another round of pesticides to get rid of the pests, thus creating a never-ending cycle for yourself.
Make sure to pre-soak seeds, preferably in a dark location. Place a small amount of seeds in a little container, while filling it to the brim with water. This will allow your seeds to be hydrated and get a head start when growing. Seeds that are grown in this way have a higher survival and maturity rate.
There are several kinds of annuals that do well in winter's colder temperatures. If you want to help these plants to remain healthy and beautiful, prune them back as necessary. After a few short weeks, these plants will bloom once more and they will look beautiful during the autumn time. Some annual plants that love the cold are petunias, snapdragons and dianthus.
You need to consider beginning the plants into pots. Then, you can plant the seedlings into your garden. They are then more likely to survive and to become thriving, mature plants. This will also allow you to stick to a tighter, cleaner planting schedule. When you take out the prior set of adult plants, your seedlings will then be prepared to go in.
Get a slug-proof variety of perennials. These mollusks are capable of consuming an entire garden full of flowers in a single night. They tend to enjoy perennials that have thin, smooth, tender leaves, especially those of young plants. Perennials that have tough or hairy leaves are often times unappetizing to snails and slugs. Several good choices include heuchera, campanula, achillea, and euphorbia.
Snails may be sprayed with an ammonia and water mixture. Your valuable plants will not be hurt by the ammonia. In fact, it converts to helpful nitrogen later. You will, however, prevent snails from causing future harm to your garden. This spray works best when used every day.
Your tool handles can double as measuring sticks. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, hoes, and shovels can be converted into handy measuring sticks. After laying the handles on the floor, run the measuring tape along beside them. Label the distances onto them using a permanent marker pen. Now you will always possess a large ruler ready for your use in the garden.
Gardening is a rewarding and pleasurable hobby. Whether it is the beauty of flowers or the fresh vegetables, the benefits are evident and never ending. If you heed these suggestions, you can enjoy gardening more than ever.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Compost Your Own Fertilizer For A Better Garden


For hundreds of years, people have enjoyed gardening. Many garden to help feed the family; while others enjoy the sheer pleasure of it. This article will help bring the delight of gardening into your life.
Avoid sun damage by dressing appropriately whenever you will be gardening in the sun. Put on some sunglasses, sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. Utilizing the correct sun protection makes it less likely that sunburn will occur and decreases the chance that skin cancer will develop.
If you are going for a British feel with your garden, then vary the heights of your plants. If you use plants of similar heights, the result will be pretty boring and uniform.
Your first and best line of defense against pests is having healthy soil. The healthier the plants you grow, the more resistant they'll be to illness, fungus, or bugs. So give your garden a kick start by beginning with a healthy batch of natural and organic soil.
Make use of root cuttings to create many new plants. Cut the roots during the winter because they are dormant at this time. You can use a sharp kitchen knife to cut the thickest roots. Divide the roots into two inch lengths. Mix moist grit and peat in a seed tray and then place the cutting on the top. Cover it with a small layer of grit and peat. Wait a month after you put it in a colder place and you'll get new seedlings. Place the seedlings in pots until they have matured enough to be outside.
Do not use broad-spectrum pesticides within your garden. Besides killing the insects you don't want, this type of pesticide will also kill beneficial insects. Bugs that are good for your garden tend to be more susceptible to these types of pesticides, and using them could mean an increase in the pests you are actually trying to get rid of. When this happens, you will spray another round of pesticides to get rid of the pests, thus creating a never-ending cycle for yourself.
A great tip to implement when gardening is to plant only what you enjoy to eat. This reduces your grocery bills and allows you to use everything you grow. Do not grow foods that the family will not consume, especially if you do not have the room for it.
Make a plant you love the focal point of your garden. You need a focal point that can catch your eye in garden design. Usually, the focal point will be a plant that is unique from the plants around it.
Efficiently water your garden. Use a hose with a soaker attachment to save you time, so the garden can get watered while you are doing other tasks. Turn the water pressure on low so the soaker hose will not harm tender plants. It can water the plants for two hours so that you can do other things.
Draw up a planting schedule before you plant anything. This calendar allows you to plan ahead for each planting season. It is then easy to see at a glance what you need to buy ahead of time so that you are ready to plant. You might want to create your calendar on paper so you can refer to it easily, or you could use a program on your computer to create and store it.
Instead of leaving clumps of irises intact, divide them so that your flowers can grow in a more healthy manner. You can increase the number of irises you have by splitting clumps that are overgrown. Uproot bulbous irises if the flowers have wilted. The bulbs often divide in your hand with no intervention on your part, and when you replant them, they will usually flower the following year. For plants with rhizomes, use a knife to divide them. Throw away the center after carefully cutting new sprouts from the exterior. Don't plant any pieces that don't have any strong offshoots. Plant immediately.
Your tool handles can double as measuring sticks. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, hoes, and shovels can be converted into handy measuring sticks. After laying the handles on the floor, run the measuring tape along beside them. Label the distances onto them using a permanent marker pen. Now you will always possess a large ruler ready for your use in the garden.
It's pretty easy to see that these tips don't require too much effort to follow. All it takes is some basic information and then you can set out to apply those ideas within your garden. Pay attention to how your plants respond to the methods that you use. If one thing doesn't work, try another. With a little patience, you will end with a garden all of your neighbors will be jealous of.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Simple Tips For A Beautiful, Thriving Garden


It can be somewhat overwhelming to learn everything there is to know about gardening. Luckily, gardening can be researched easily, taught and learned. Now you know what you need to do, you can hopefully be more knowledgeable about gardening, so you can get more from it.
Propagate additional plants by carefully taking cuttings from the roots of your best specimens. Ideally, cut roots during the winter season when the roots are dormant. Cut off the thickest, longest roots of the plant with a sharp knife. Then, cut the root to about two inches. Fill up a tray with seeds with dirt and grit and put your roots on the surface of that. Cover it with a small layer of grit and peat. Leave in a cool place, and in about a month you will have new seedlings. Plant each seedling in its own small pot until it is developed enough to be transplanted outdoors.
If you are going for a British feel with your garden, then vary the heights of your plants. By using plants which are all the same height your garden will appear flat and boring.
To attract insects that will benefit your garden, plant heather. Heather will attract bees early in the spring as well as other beneficial insects. If your heather bed is undisturbed, as it would be in nature, many beneficial insects will make it their home. Always remember this, and wear your gardening gloves if you prune your heather!
When you are growing a garden, make sure you do not water your plants too much or too little. If the soil is too moist, the plant is more vulnerable to root rot, whereas failure to provide enough water will dry out the soil and kill the plant. Check the moisture level of your soil to determine if it is getting adequate water.
Protect cuts from dirt and chemicals, and think about staying away from gardening until they heal. Cuts have a much higher likelihood of getting infected if they are in contact with dirt when you garden. Bandage all cuts completely, using bandages that cover and seal cuts.
If you want to develop strong roots in your plants, you should make sure to plant them in the fall. All of the nutrients for sprouting plants need to come from the root system, making a strong one vital for a good garden.
Water is very important to having a healthy garden. Just like people. plants need water in order to survive. The sun will dry out the soil if you do not water your garden regularly. Consistent watering contributes to a flourishing garden.
In order not to shock your plants, you have to gradually accustom them to the change of temperature and conditions. At first, only leave them outside for a brief period of time. Throughout the week, gradually increase the time they are spent outside. The plants should be prepared to move outside permanently at the end of this week.
Take care of your knees when you're gardening. Bending over for extended periods can be harmful to your joints and muscles. Kneeling is a great way to reach your plants without causing stress to your back. Many types of gardening pads and cushions are available so that avid gardeners can kneel for longer periods of time without experiencing knee pain.
Water is an essential component of any thriving garden. Just like people, plants require water for their survival. When it it hot outside, the soil in your garden can start to dry out, so it is very important that you are preventing this by watering your plants every day. Watering the garden properly can make a garden be productive.
Your tool handles can double as measuring sticks. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, hoes, and shovels can be converted into handy measuring sticks. After laying the handles on the floor, run the measuring tape along beside them. Label the distances onto them using a permanent marker pen. Now you will always possess a large ruler ready for your use in the garden.
All that is required is a little research, patience, and putting in some work time out in the garden itself. The effort will pay off, and you will see a good reward for your hard work.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Bring Your Garden To Life With These Top Tips


Humans have been enjoying gardening for centuries. It can be done for sheer pleasure or it can be done to feed a family. Read on for ways to find your own joy in gardening adventures.

Do you enjoy fresh mint leaves though hate how they grow so fast and take over your entire garden? Keep your mint growth under control by planting them in pots and/or garden containers. If you would like, go ahead and plant the container and the plant right in the ground to prevent root overtake.

You should get a wheelbarrow and a kneeling stool for garden work. Working on the ground for long periods of time can be painful on the knees, so a small garden stool can really allow you to work in comfort. You often need to move large objects from place to place, so it's a good idea to have a sturdy, well-balanced wheelbarrow.

Your first and best line of defense against pests is having healthy soil. The healthier the plants you grow, the more resistant they'll be to illness, fungus, or bugs. So give your garden a kick start by beginning with a healthy batch of natural and organic soil.

You should think about planting evergreens that yield berries in your garden. These types of trees can offer your garden a splash of color, especially during the winter when all other plants and trees have lost their hues. Some plants that will provide color in the winter include the American Cranberrybush, the American Holly, the Common Snowberry, and the Winterberry.

If beautiful flowers throughout the warmer months are important to you, make sure you put bulbs into the ground. Most bulbs are hardy and require little to no care in order to develop into beautiful perennials that will reappear each and every year. Different bulbs bloom at various times, so choosing appropriately, you may have blooms early spring to later summer.

You can get rid of salt deposits on clay pots with rubbing alcohol and vinegar. When you have plants in clay pots, ugly looking salt deposits may accumulate on the outside after a while. Spray a solution on the pot that is comprised of water, white vinegar and rubbing alcohol in equal parts. Scrub lightly and you will see the salt begin to disappear. Rinse the pot thoroughly, and allow it to dry before you plant anything in it.

Dress to protect your skin from sun damage when you garden. Wear hats and sunglasses, and make use of sunscreen. When using the right protection in the sun, you will lower your chance of getting a sunburn and decrease your risk of getting skin cancer.

A simple way to lower the alkaline content of your soil is to dilute it with coffee grounds. This is an easy and inexpensive method to increase the acidity of your soil. Balanced soil will produce more flavorful, crisp vegetables and greens.

Water your garden wisely. Use a type of soaker hose so that you don't need to do individual waterings with the hose nozzle, or be refilling a watering can constantly. Turn the water on at low pressure so your delicate plants will not be damaged by the soaker hose. Let it water your garden for a few hours, so you're available to do other stuff.

Try growing your peas indoors for the first couple months. If you plant them inside, they might germinate more effectively. The seedlings tend to be healthier, which would help them resist diseases and pests more easily. Once the seedlings are sturdy enough, they can be transplanted to their rightful place in the garden.

Your tool handles can double as measuring sticks. Tools with long handles, such as rakes, hoes, and shovels can be converted into handy measuring sticks. After laying the handles on the floor, run the measuring tape along beside them. Label the distances onto them using a permanent marker pen. Now you will always possess a large ruler ready for your use in the garden.

You now have the tools to assist you in making your garden grow beautifully. When you have the right knowledge, gardening is easy. After you take the time to educate yourself about all the ins and outs of what it takes to be a great gardener, you will can look forward to success in all your gardening endeavors.