Gardening Tips

Grow Herbs and Vegetables Right in Your Kitchen

2007-12-01T07:22:00.000-08:00

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Gardening in Small Spaces

2007-09-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

An effective garden doesn’t mean it has to be huge and hold tons of plants. Not everyone has the space for a garden like that, but they can grow thriving plants in a small area as long as there’s access to sunlight.

Gardens have grown in many places - from a small patch of ground outside of a home to planting pots placed outside one’s front door. The size of your garden doesn’t matter because it’s the quality of your gardening skills that will provide you with thriving plants.

You’ll want to research the plants you want to grow within your garden. Find out what plants can be planted near each other, which ones need the most sunlight and any care instructions needed to grow a particular type of plant.

This will help you plan the placement of your garden, whether you plant in a small patch of land or in planters. Next, you’ll need to find out when each plant should be planted. Some need to be planted ahead of others, so plan accordingly.

Now you’re ready to purchase the plants or seeds, whichever you choose to grow in your garden. Make sure you have the right size planters for your garden if you go with gardening pots. The plants need some space to grow, so don’t overcrowd them.

Make sure you use top quality potting soil. Your plants could use the extra effort to provide them with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. Your local gardening center can help you decide which soil would be best for you to use.

Even gardens grown in small areas will have problems with insects that feed on your plants, so make sure you purchase plants that are inviting to the insects that will keep the harmful ones under control so they won’t have time to destroy your garden.

Some fertilizing soil has ingredients mixed in that will help repel some of the pests, so check them out as well. If you feel you must use pesticides, use them sparingly. Most of these harmful chemicals can affect the plants as well as animals and children, so use only what’s absolutely necessary for your garden.

Every garden, no matter if it’s big or small, needs to be nurtured. Stay on top of the weeds, aerate the soil once in awhile and water as often as needed. No garden will thrive without the proper care and nurturing from the gardener, so don’t neglect them.

Small gardens can thrive just as much as larger ones, so if you don’t have the space for a big garden, just make use of the space you do have and grow healthy and robust plants. With the proper care, any garden can produce excellent plants.

Take the time to plan out your garden to use the best areas of the small space that you have. Your small garden could then outmatch any large one if you put forth your best effort and make it successful.

Vegetable Gardening Tips At Your Backyard

2006-06-20T17:46:00.000-07:00

by George Hapgood

Would it be possible for you to grow a vegetable garden at your backyard? Consider this option, healthy foods just within your reach. Even your children can help and cultivate their own vegetables. Having fun while learning is not a bad idea right? But you have to plan ahead before you start.

Which Veggie?

Plan which vegetables you would like to grow in your garden. Choose early, middle of the season and late kinds of these vegetables, which you like best.

Against all veggie odds

You have to know the odd characteristics of certain vegetables and use them to best advantage. Some vegetables bloom even in partially shaded positions, while others require lots of sunshine.

Goodie veggies

Good vegetables are of exceptionally slow growth during the seedling stage of development. You have to take advantage of this by using space between rows for quick-growing crops. For example, propagate beet seed by middle of April and position young lettuce plants between the rows.

Don't let the water run dry

Throughout dry periods, vegetable gardens need extra watering. Most vegetables benefit from an inch or more of water each week, especially when they are fruiting.

De-pest the infested

During the growing season be attentive against insect pests. If you discover a bug problem early it will make it much easier to take suitable action and get rid of the pests. But be careful to not use pesticides once the vegetable have grown unless it becomes an absolute necessity. Organic gardening is one healthy and environment-friendly option. Once you have reaped your crop, put the used up vegetable matter into your fertilizer pile so that it can be recycled for next spring.

Animal appeal not needed

It is important to protect your vegetable garden. In most cases, the garden is surrounded by a fence adequately high and close-woven to keep out dogs, rabbits, and other animals. The harm done by wandering animals during a season can equal the cost of a fence. A fence also can serve as a frame for peas, beans, tomatoes, and other crops that need support.

Protection is needed in order for your vegetable garden to yield a bountiful harvest. Hard work would pay off if necessary precaution has been made. Learning is a process, vegetable gardening needs time. See to it you have patience and dedication to it.

About the AuthorYou Too can have a green thumb. Visit Georges Blog here http://www.daveshealthbuzz.com/gardening

Vegetable Garden Ideas

2006-06-19T17:43:00.000-07:00

by Kara Kelso

The first year I lived in a "real house" I was excited to get a garden started. I just couldn't wait until spring when I could plant all kinds of veggies. While this seems like a good idea, it really wasn't. Being a new gardner, I let my excitement get the best of me. Luckily, part of my family made sure I still had a very nice garden that year.

Here are a few tips I learned:

1. Make sure you have enough room Some plants get bigger than others, and take up more space. Make sure you give certain plants more room than others, and plan enough sunlight for smaller plants. I've had smaller plans die in previous years because they eventually end up in the shadow.

2. Start small Don't plant everything you can find. Ask your local gardening supply store what will work best in your area for beginners. Tomatoes work best where I live, but don't work well in other areas.

3. Start with plants, not seeds Instead of throwing seeds in the ground, start off easy buying plants that are already started. They have been started at the right time of year by experts, and are much easier to grow.

4. Know your time limits If you can only devote 10mins per day to your garden, make sure you only have a few plants. Pulling weeds can quickly become a problem, so if you have limited time don't make a big area that will take a long time to weed.

I hope these ideas will help you this spring when you start your first garden!

About the AuthorAbout the Author: Kara Kelso is the mother of 2 and owner of several online businesses. For more ideas like this, visit: http://www.idea-queen.com/

Tips For The Rose Gardener

2006-06-18T17:41:00.000-07:00

by Gray Rollins

Rose gardens are probably the most popular type of garden in the world, ranging from Marie Antoinette's famous gardens before the French revolution to a few shrubs tucked in a tiny backyard. With their wonderful scents and lovely blossoms, it is no wonder these surprisingly sturdy plants are so popular. After all, no other flowers are used as frequently as roses to symbolize love and friendship. If you'd like to grow beautiful roses in your yard, try a few of these simple rose gardening tips.

1. Roses need to eat regularly, just like any other living thing. Start feeding your roses before you even place them in the planting hole by adding a scoop of compost.

2. Use specially formulated rose food to help your roses really bloom. If you prefer organic methods, give your roses each a small scoop of Epsom salts, a banana peel, and some rotted compost. They will absolutely love these homegrown garden remedies.

3. Roses need to breathe. Be sure you don't allow other plants to get to close to your roses. Keep weeds away from the base of your roses with a 2 to 4 inch layer of rotted compost or chip mulch, but be sure you don't place these weed barriers right against the rose's stems.

4. Mulch also helps keep your roses from getting too dry. Mulch retains water, so your roses need to be watered less frequently during the summer months.

5. Trim out dead wood. Rose canes that are brown and dead may even be harboring insect pests, so remove them immediately. Always make a clean cut instead of crushing the canes as you remove them.

6. Prune out canes that cross over other canes. Those sharp thorns damage the rose's outer skin as easily as they snag your hands. Always prune a cane above a bud that faces away from the inside of the plant. This bud will react to the pruning by sending out a new shoot.

7. If your roses are infested by aphids, spray them with insecticidal soap.

8. Always remove pruned canes and spotty leaves from the ground. If you don't, any fungus on them will re-infect your roses when there is a heavy rainfall.

Finally, the most important rose gardening tip may just be to wear long sleeves and thick gloves when you are working with your roses. A rose thorn can really hurt, especially if it becomes deeply embedded in your hand.

About the AuthorGray Rollins is a featured writer for RoseGardenSecrets.com. For more rose gardening tips and for more on starting your own rose garden, visit us.

Tips For Easier Garden Care

2006-06-17T17:39:00.000-07:00

Tips For Easier Garden Care by Lee Dobbins

Gardening is an enjoyable leisure time activity for many and it can be quite easy to see the fruits of your labor bloom all summer long. Although gardening can be simple and rewarding, that doesn't mean that you won't have to put some hard work into it. There are times when gardening can be a lot of hard work!

In this article, you will learn about how you can get ahead of your gardening tasks. Keeping up with the chores and being organized and prepared can make you're the whole thing much easier.

Start feeding your soil. You need to start a healthy soil before you can grow healthy plants. You should also remember that healthy plants have fewer possibilities to succumb to disease. You should make sure your soil is perfect at the beginning of the season and then fertilize all summer as needed for each type of flower you have.

Using organic fertilizer is the best course of action. Other fertilizers may kill all the beneficial organisms that are essential for plant growth. Organic is better for your plants and for the environment as a whole.

To get healthy vibrant plants, make sure you plant them in a spot where they will be happiest. Plants that need direct sunlight must be placed in a spot where there is an adequate source of sunlight. Plants that need large amounts of water can be placed near a spot that has an abundant water supply.

You should also remember to choose plants that grow profusely, reseed or come back every year. Choosing plants like this can cut your gardening time in half. There are plants like sedums and astilbes that grow in any season. It is easier and even economical, because you do not need to change it every season.

A large garden is fun, but a smaller garden will be easier to manage and will require less of your time. You can also make some container gardens which are easier to control, water, and maintain.

All plants need consistent watering so consider installing dripping irrigation so you do not need to water your plants by hand everyday. Make sure that you only drip enough water for your plants and avoid over watering as standing water in the garden can invite disease as well as make some plants get droopy and sick.

To add beauty to your garden and keep down on weeds you can add mulch to it. Mulch not only looks good but keeps the soil and plants cool. It also retains moisture so you don't have to worry so much about watering your plants.

To make the job of gardening easier, invest in some good gardening tools. A rocker chair and knee pads are a must. Make sure you have the appropriate tool for the job and remember, a cheap tool will probably make you work harder, so go for the best quality you can afford.

Happy gardening!

About the AuthorLee Dobbins writes for Flower Gardens at Gardening-Wise.com where you can get more great tips on gardening.

Tips for a Bulb-o-licious Garden

2006-06-16T17:36:00.000-07:00

by Nikki Phipps

Want a successful garden? Try planting bulbs into your landscape. Flowering bulbs are not only easy to grow and popular among garden plants, but they can fit into nearly any type of gardening style. And with proper care, bulbs will continue to bloom year after year. Flowering bulbs make lovely additions to any garden, especially when planted in groups or mixed borders.

Bulbs are widely available at most garden centers; however, most of the more spectacular ones need to be purchased through mail-order catalogs or nurseries that specialize in these types of plants.

Actually, ordering your bulbs through catalogs or obtaining them from nurseries can provide many benefits. Since bulbs are dormant, shipping them is easy and done so according to their appropriate planting times. This means all you have to do is simply stick them in the ground. There's no worrying with keeping particular bulbs stored elsewhere until needed.

The quality of your bulbs from a mail order company is normally better, too. They are healthier and picked for you by experts; whereas, picking them yourself may not always be easy, unless you know what to look for.

When selecting bulbs yourself, try choosing only those that are firm. You don't want any soft, withered, or blemished bulbs as these will not produce a healthy plant.

Always consider your landscape prior to planting or choosing bulbs. Observe your surroundings, taking notes as to the types of plants already growing within the landscape.

Choose bulbs which will thrive in your particular area and climate. Check reference books, labels, and packaging for the bulb's hardiness requirements.

Consider the color, bloom time, height, and compatibility of the plants you want to grow. You want to select bulbs that will offer significant blooming throughout the seasons with plenty of ongoing color year-round.

Mix them up with a variety of annuals and perennials as well as interesting foliage plants such as hostas and ferns.

Proper planting of bulbs will keep the garden full of blooms through the seasons and ensure healthy, vigorous growth for years to come. Place your bulbs in the ground as soon as possible; otherwise, keep them stored in a cool, dry area. Bulbs are normally planted well before the ground freezes in the fall or after the planting of perennials, annuals, and other plants in the spring.

Both winter and spring bulbs require a dormant period in cool temperatures in order to stimulate their growth and development. These types of bulbs include crocuses, cyclamens, tulips, daffodils, snowdrops, and hyacinths. Generally, these bulbs are hardy enough to be left in the ground throughout the year; however, your summer and fall bulbs may require lifting.

Gladiolus, begonias, dahlias, and autumn crocuses fall into the summer bulb category. These bulbs are usually considered to be quite tender and cannot survive in excessively cold environments. Spring is normally the best time to plant these bulbs. After the first initial frost, they should be dug up and kept in a dry, frost-free area.

Regardless of the type, bulbs prefer and thrive in light, well-drained soil. To improve the quality of your soil, you can easily work in some sand and compost. Make sure the site you choose for planting does not stand in water at any time as this will ultimately cause your bulbs to rot. Larger bulbs are planted about 8 inches deep; while the smaller ones can be placed about 5 inches in the ground. However, the lighter the soil, the deeper the bulb can be placed. Always place the bulb with its point facing upward. Water generously after planting, but take care not to drench the bulbs. Cover with a layer of mulch.

Flowering bulbs make great companions for woody plants, providing the landscape with an array of sizes, shapes, and colors. As spring bulbs die out, you can add various annuals and late-blooming bulbs, like lilies, to keep these areas of the garden looking their best. Adding an assortment of perennials into the bulb garden will provide a nonstop procession of flowers and foliage.

If you want to try a naturalized effect with your bulbs, take them by the handful and gently toss them out into the yard or garden. Plant the bulbs wherever they land.

If you want to test out different plant combinations before incorporating them into the garden or you simply don't have a lot of space for one, you can grow your bulbs in a container. A variety of bulbs can thrive in containers, and when mixed with annuals, you will have a beautiful miniature garden. Choose a container that has sufficient drainage and line it with pebbles. Add some potting soil and a few bulbs and annuals. Keep the container moist but not too wet.
If you follow these tips, pretty soon you will have a bulb-o-licious garden.

About the AuthorThis article was written by Nikki Phipps and sponsored by Gardening Know How - Information about your garden. Reproductions of this article are encouraged but must include a live link back to http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/.

Some Simple Gardening Tips To Keep Your Garden Tip-Top After The Winter Months

2006-06-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

by Gary Milroy

Some simple gardening tips to keep your garden tip-top after the winter months
Sometimes getting into the garden and doing the simple things will be most beneficial to your garden.

February has lived up to being a cold and windy month (for most of us). However, with all the changes in the weather recently, who knows, we might get a heat wave soon. This is a good time to take stock and check the condition of trees and shrubs.

Recently planted stock should be checked to make sure that they are still firm in the ground. The frosts can kill the roots if exposed. If they are too unstable, support them with a suitable stake. Also make sure that existing staked trees don't have their ties too tight.

The cold frosts can be your friend too. If you have heavy clay soil you should dig it over leaving it in big lumps. Pick a dry day when the soil itself is not too wet. A lawn that is prone to inadequate drainage will benefit from aeration. Ideally use a hollow tined fork (although an ordinary garden fork will do). This will remove small plugs of soil to a depth of about 6 inches, which can then be incorporated in the beds. If using a garden fork push it in to the full depth of the tines and wiggle it back and forth to leave holes. In each case immediately brush washed sharp sand all over the lawn, which will fill the holes. The area may look messy when you are finished but a shower of rain will soon clean it up.

Lawn Maintenance
DON'T FEED OR CUT YOUR LAWN YET.
Any reputable gardener will tell you that feeding your lawn too early will do it more harm than good.

Feeding the lawn causes fresh new young growth, which would be damaged by frost. The first feed should be no earlier than April and should be a lawn sand with a low level of feed, just enough to act as a tonic for the grass. Let it start the new season gently. Also don't be tempted to cut the grass yet even if it started growing during the recent warm spell. Frost damage could again result.

Being a gardener is one of the most enjoyable experiences you can have. But remember to keep doing the simple things.... Your garden will pay you back for doing it.

About the AuthorGary Milroy is a keen gardener and lawn care expert. He writes for the garden website http://.gardens.aroundbritain.info/
His advice can help you make the most of your garden and become a better gardener.

Planning Your Flower Garden

2006-06-14T17:31:00.000-07:00

by Lisa Sousa

You've wanted a flower garden for such a long time. They just add so much color and interest to your yard. You have waited in anticipation through the winter to start digging a place for a flower bed, purchase and plant your bulbs, seeds or plants, and to reap the many benefits of a well cared for flower garden. But maybe you need some tips and ideas for getting started. Here are some helpful hints for you to get going on that special gardening project.

It is wise to plan out your flower garden before getting your flowers. The fist step is make a sketch of your house, garage, trees, and any other buildings or landscaping on your property. An important consideration is the direction your property is facing as well. You don't want to plant a flower garden, and then find that it doesn't get enough sunlight for the flowers to grow. Flower gardens are also best when planted on a level or gently sloping ground because the water runoff from steep slopes will cause the soil to erode.

Another thing to consider would be the style of flower garden that you would like. Flower gardens can be straight or curved in shape, formal or casual. Your house can be a guide on deciding on your particular style. For example, if you have a traditional house, then a symmetrical, formal design might be for you. If you have a country-style house with gingerbread trim, then a less symmetrical and more casual planting maybe for you.

The next step in planning your garden is to decide what kind of flower beds would be desirable to your yard and you. A flower border is set against a backdrop such as a house, shrubs, or the edge of your patio as well as other places such as property edges. This choice of flower bed is a good option for those with smaller yards. Another type of flower bed which will work well with bigger lawns is called an island bed. An island bed is a flower bed that is planted in the middle of the lawn itself so it will give the effect of a splash of color washed up on the lawn itself. It is best to plant the taller plants in the middle of the island and to have the smaller plants around the them so they will look great on all sides. It is advisable though, to avoid making the island too small and having it made in the middle of the yard when the yard is otherwise empty.

When digging your flower bed, be sure to consider the width of the flower bed, so that it will be wide enough to accommodate the front, middle and back layers, and provides enough room for your plants to grow. As a rule, the longer your flower bed is, the wider it should be as well. Most flowers need well drained soil, so it is advisable to avoid locating your garden where there is standing water after heavy rains or during a spring thaw. The exception to this woud be when plants that can tolerate boggy soil conditions are desired. You should take the sun exposure into consideration as well because this is key to your garden planting. Some plants like full sun while other love shade

After the flower bed is dug up, and the landscaping is in place, the next thing to consider is the plants themselves. Do you want to have color throughout the year or only in certain seasons? Do you leave town in certain times such as the mid summer? If this is often the case, be sure to obtain flowers that are low maintenance during those times, such as mid summer or that bloom in the springtime. Flowers that bloom in late summer, as well as a few shrubs and trees that provide great autumn color can also add beauty to your garden through out the year if year round enjoyment is desired. Light-colored flowers, evening-scented plants, as well as garden lighting, can make your flower garden into a pleasant evening retreat after a long day at work.
Now for the fun part of planning your garden begins. The overall color of your garden is very much based on your own personal tastes. However, there are a few guidelines to follow. It is not a good idea to add too much contrast or too many colors to your flower bed due to the fact that these colors will cancel out each other and will give a visual overload. However, if the contrasts are used in moderation, it can add some spark. Colors can also reflect mood as well as the seasons themselves. Hotter colors such as reds, oranges and yellows work very well in mid summer, while the soothing effects of lighter, pastel colors go well with the springtime of early summer. Or perhaps you would like a single color garden is more to your tastes.

With careful planning and preparation, you can create a spectacular spectrum of color and fragrant scents right outside your door for you and your family to enjoy.

About the AuthorVisit Flower Garden Bulbs to find great deals on flower bulbs to plant, or visit Garden Style Decor to find garden decor accessories.

Landscaping Tips- the Water Garden

2006-06-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

by Carlo Morelli

There are a lot of new trends surfacing in gardening, and water gardening is one of the new interests. Water gardening can include waterfalls, ponds, streams and fountains, all of which can be combined with lighting, plants, and fish. Water gardening need not have a pond or natural water source moreover, it could be a plastic tub, plastic lined shallow in the back yard or, almost anything that will hold water.

An important consideration in planning a water garden is the choosing a location. Plants and fish both need plenty of sunlight, places in direct light away from trees and bushes are the top places. This will also help prevent leaves and debris from collecting in the water.

When planning for a water garden the next step is to choose the size you want. This depends of course on the resources you want to dedicate to it, how much money and time you are willing to spend. A water garden can be expensive if you go for a big garden filled with plants, rocks, fish, and lights. Also think about your property's size, which will also affect amount of time you'll spend maintaining your water garden.

Aquatic pond plants can be free floating, submerged, or marginal. What type you select is a matter of aesthetics and preference. Some plants are known for their scents, some for supplying oxygen keep the pool healthy, and some are just picturesque. Remember that the plants should only cover about half of the water, especially if you have fish. Fish are not only nice to look at; they're beneficial in that they help keep debris at a minimum and help in controlling larva and other insects.

One of the big challenges in water gardening is maintaining water free of algae. Algae problems are usually the result of nutrients in the water from feeding fish too often or over fertilizing plants. By cutting back on feeding and fertilizing, adding more plants, putting in a pond filtering system, or replacing the water with fresh water, algae is easily controlled. If a pond is constructed correctly and maintained properly algae problems can be kept at a minimum. All garden pools, no matter the size, require some maintenance during the year. With proper planning you can create a healthy equilibrium between living and decorative features of a water garden that can almost care for itself with simple maintenance inputs from you.

About the AuthorCarlo Morelli writes for OnlineTips.Org, where you can read about landscaping to attract birds, Murray lawn mowers and other home/garden topics

Landscape Gardening - 8 Tips to Wow Your Neighbors

2006-06-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

by Beth Gabriel

1. Planning your landscape is like painting a picture on canvas. Just like your art teacher in high school told you - have a main point of interest and add several sub points to make your beautiful landscape more interesting. You imagine it in your mind, draw sketches and fill in all the details that you've dreamed of. Keep revising your sketch until it looks like the picture you have in mind.

2. Not feeling very artistic? If you're a more 'concrete' person, try laying out garden hoses or heavy string in your yard to get a feel for how and where you want to divide up your space. Remember to think balance, not symmetry. Some people think that they have to plant trees and flowers in straight, boring rows. Tip: pick an odd number when planting trees or flowers. With flowers, plant several of the same plant in groups to make a large color splash. Better to have a few, well chosen, bold splashes of color than to have tiny spots of color spread all over a large area.

3. If you're having a hard time thinking of what your chief point of interest can be, close your eyes and think about what you like most about your yard. Is there a tall, solo pine tree, a grouping of birch trees, a rocky ledge, an old weathered fence or something else that catches your eye? If you can't find something of interest that's already in place, think about adding something that you admire from a picture in a magazine or something that caught your eye when you were driving through a beautiful neighborhood. Tip: do NOT copy something that your next door neighbor is doing. They won't appreciate it and it won't look nearly as special if both of you are going for the same effect.

4. Still can't think of a chief point of interest? What about creating a spot for a water fall? Not a pond - that's old news! With a re-cycling water fall, you don't have to worry about standing pond water or algae. Just pick some interesting rocks or boulders of varying sizes, arrange them to cascade down a slope, add plants and water. Viola! Or, how about a rock path winding through your yard? Or a rock wall of native stone to create interest?

5. If you choose a tree or group of trees to be your main point of interest, don't center them in your yard. It's far more interesting to place them a bit off center. Don't choose a huge, overpowering tree; the tree should have a good shape, with something interesting about its bark, leaves, seed pods, flowers or fruit. Tip: while the poplar is a striking tree and a rapid grower, it sheds its leaves early and so is left standing with bare branches in early fall. The poplar makes a better choice for a backyard tree or when creating a dividing space between your yard and your neighbors. Good choices for trees are the mountain ash with bright berries, the brilliant leaves of the sugar maple or the bark of the white birch, which all add interest to your total landscape.

6. It is always best to choose trees and shrubs that thrive in your local climate. It's tempting to choose something exotic out of a catalog but you'll be unhappy if the tree you choose is not right for your climate. Trees are a big investment, choose wisely.

7. Flowering vines can also be used to create interest. Whether you choose an ivy to climb the bricks on your house or a trumpet vine to wind around an old weathered fence along side your house, both can be used as sub points to accent your main point of interest. Tip: perennial vines can be used to form a permanent addition to your landscape scheme. The Virginia creeper, wisteria, honeysuckle, a climbing rose or clematis all make excellent choices for creating interest and can be used to minimize minor imperfections in walls.

8. And for a final flair, add a colorful flag to your landscape design. Whether you choose a whimsical, garden flag or a majestic, patriotic American Flag, both will create interest and add color to your landscape. Tip: choose polyester for greatest durability of a flag that is flown daily. Choose nylon flags for flying in the lightest breeze. There are several new, flag hanger styles available if you don't already have a flag pole in your yard. The spinning flagpole mounts on your house, deck or mailbox post, and is designed to keep your flag from wrapping. And the telescoping flagpole easily extends up to 20 feet in seconds or down to 7 feet for portability.

About the AuthorSimply the best! Offering quality Flag Hanger, Flagpoles & Flags, low prices and fast deliverty at http://www.flagwave.com/!

How Does Your Garden Grow Tips For Hiring A Landscaper

2006-06-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

by Jason Flintstone

Just when you're done with shoveling snow, you can set your sights toward spring (and summer) and mowing the lawn. But, for many the grass would be a lot greener if they could just get someone else to do it (the mowing that is). But, weeding out a reputable landscaper, one who not only knows what he is doing, but also one you can trust and can afford can be quite challenging and tricky, especially if your not sure of what to ask about or look for. With that said, professionals offer the following advice for homeowners who are a bit "green" in the gardening arena.

1. Put Your Money Where Your Word Of Mouth Is: If you're going to invest in any professional, your best bet is to chose among those that come highly referred by those you know and trust. After all there's no better advertising, than a content client. And, by all means don't be afraid to ask strangers and neighbors (with lovely lawns) for their recommendation.

2. Dig A Little Deeper: Go beneath the surface and unearth some solid references. Not only should you ask for client approval but ask to take a look at their yards. You'll also want to ask your potential service provider to see a sample of his work, including photo albums and any work featured in magazines.

3. Refrain From Planting A Financial Seed: Sometimes service professionals will charge you based on what they think you can afford, or a "comfortable" number you've revealed to them. Instead experts suggest giving the prospective landscaper a detailed wish list and allowing him to generate an estimate.

4. Sign On The Dotted Line: Although many (service) professionals may insist that their word and their handshake is as good as a written contract, experts suggest "getting it in writing" It's likely your chosen landscaper will request a 50 percent down payment (up front) with the balance due upon completion of the job/services. However professionals point out that a landscaper worth his weight in soil will honor the contract even if you hold back 10 percent of the payment until 30 days after completion (or sooner if you're happy with the work). And, they suggest asking for a specific guarantee for the services agreed upon.

5. Get An Education: Get informed by brushing up via the latest gardening books and magazines, you that you learn the lingo and can properly ask for what you want, and maybe even have some pictures to show making your expectations more concrete and clear.

6. Insta-Garden Alternatives: If you've got the time, energy, and ambition about doing much of the the work yourself, experts suggest hiring a landscaper or landscape architect to draw up the plans and a planning schedule (preferably starting in the spring). And they note that some nurseries offer this service either for free or for a nominal fee.

About the AuthorLong Island community resource

Gardening By The Yard Tips

2006-06-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

by George Hapgood

You have always been envious of your neighbors' spruced up garden by the yard. Flowers and lush shrubs abound in their tiny nook of paradise. You ask yourself why you never get to have that kind of garden. And, you usually dismiss such wondering with lines like "I don't have a green thumb!" or "I can't afford a gardener or a professional landscaper," which are both lame alibis.

If you want your yard to look regal with a simple but well-maintained garden, you only need two things - determination and the know-how of such an endeavor. Psyche yourself to muster such will that would consequently urge you to look for sources of information on how to go about it.

For your own gardening happiness, here's a rundown of tips on how to make your gardening by the yard endeavor a very rewarding one.

1. Deadheading

One good rule of the green thumb is to keep your border free from wilted flowers and dried leaves. Deadheading or removing dead flowers' heads will promote the blooming of your plants. Some perennials such as phlox, daylily, and Lady's Mantle get their growth jumpstarted by deadheading.

2. Prune selectively

It is a must to shorten the size of your annuals through selective pruning. This will help the plants to grow more.

3. Pinch out tops.

Certain plants respond when their tops get pinched out. Such plants include Coleus (a foliage plant) and herbs.

4. Fertilize lightly.

A minimal amount of fertilizer will further boost the growth of your vegetation. If you water your yard frequently, you have to fertilize it more regularly because of nutrient depletion.

5. Weed out.

This is one of the best ways to preserve the beauty of your garden by the yard. Moreover, removing weeds also provide better absorption of the soil's nutrients. If you can't help but use herbicide, do this safely and make sure that other plants don't get affected.

6. Water them well

One good tip when it comes to watering your garden by the yard is to do it for shorter periods of time, more often. It will do well if you increase your frequency of watering a bit come summer time. But doubling the time you water your plants will do more harm than good, e.g. erosion.

7. Say no to chemicals

Chemical is just as bad to plants as it is with humans. So better avoid using it as a pesticide. Physical pest controls or other alternatives are better options.

With these simple tips, soon enough you won't have to go green with envy with your neighbor's spectacular garden by the yard.

About the AuthorYou Too can have a green thumb. Visit Georges Blog here http://www.push-button-online-income.com/gardening

Gardening

2006-06-09T17:18:00.000-07:00

by Ross Bainbridge

If you are new to gardening, this article will give you a few tips to help you make your first garden as good as any seasoned gardener. The first thing you should consider for many reasons are what you are going to plant, and where are you going to plant? For obvious reasons, location is important when growing plants that need sun, as is shade when it is required for survival. Try not to plant to close to trees, as trees will compete for water. However, if your plants require little water, than planting around a tree is encouraged.

The next step requires that you prepare your spot for planting. You must remove all grass, weeds, stones, etc. You can either do this buy digging or by using herbicides. When this is done, you can till the garden area and add nutrients like compost, manure, peat or sand to the soil. The way to decide what you need is to look for things like a large content of clay in the soil. If you see it, you need to ad sand, peat and compost. If your soil is too sandy, you'll need to add compost to give it the necessary nutrients it needs. These additives will also reduce the acidity in the soil, allowing for more of a variety of plants.

Decide on what you want to plant keeping in mind that taller plants should be placed in the rear section of the garden and shorter plants to the front. This holds true for vegetable plants as well. Above all, remember that watering is very important. Plants should be watered every day initially, then every two days for the second week and at least once a week thereafter. This allows for the roots of the plant to take hold and stay strong.

About the AuthorGardening provides detailed information on Gardening, Organic Gardening, Flower Gardening, Gardening Supplies and more. Gardening is affliated with Garden Décor.

Create That Lovely Garden You've Always Wanted

2006-06-08T17:15:00.000-07:00

by Timothy Eisden

Are you one of those people that dream about what their yard could look like some day? While you browse through gardening catalogs packed with pictures of beautifully landscaped yards, beautiful trees, flowers and shrubs--complete with ponds and garden sculptures--the options seem to go on forever. But before ordering hundreds of plants or giving up because it's hard to decide what you really want, here are a few things to consider.

Relatively common in landscaping is the issue of creating a peaceful, private environment. Although fencing can provide immediate privacy, think about a buffer strip of shrubbery between your yard and your neighbor's. A lot of shrubs will grow quickly--within a couple of years--and act as a screen while also providing habitat for a variety of birds. It's a good idea to plant native shrubs because they're generally well adapted to local conditions and often offer the best habitat for local wildlife. Also worth considering: whether the plants have special characteristics such as fruits or flowers, how large they will eventually grow, and how much maintenance they require to remain healthy and in scale with your yard. You may want to check with a local garden center for recommended species.

Perhaps you always thought it would be fun to have a pond. If that's the case, why not try it? Looking at the variety of materials available, anyone can have a garden pond, regardless of the size of their yard. If you have a lot of space, one option is to build one right in the ground. It's possible to purchase a pre-formed mold or dig a hole and line it with a plastic pond liner. A simple type of pond consists of a plastic lined barrel or tub. You only have to add water, plants, a pump, and even fish--and you have a pond for your patio. Make sure you consider electricity sources if you're thinking of adding a pump. It's also very important that you use caution and take security measures if small children have access to your yard and the pond. Another factor to consider is maintenance. A pond may require a lot of effort to keep it clear of algae, debris, and leaves.

You can avoid spending your weekends maintaining a yard, by turning part of it into a wildflower garden. Depending on where you live, this could be an alpine garden, desert landscape, or prairie. Remember to check on local zoning ordinances. Some communities have not yet recognized the value of "native landscaping" and may consider this a nuisance area. If you want a more maintained yard, consider ground covers instead of grass and use mulch to control weeds in foundation plantings and flower beds.

When selecting plants, it's always best to choose those that are adapted to your area. Think about both the minimum and maximum temperatures, amount of moisture, amount of sunlight, and soil characteristics. Ask yourself: Do you want an annual that will need replanting every year or a perennial that comes up year after year? Do you want cut flowers for inside your home or to give to friends?

Usually, the best option is to use native plants. They are better adapted to local conditions and don't require too much maintenance. Be cautious about introducing exotic species such as purple loosestrife that will become invasive and is prohibited in many US states.
Most importantly, choose what you like. There is a huge variety of plants that will provide food and shelter to a wide variety of wildlife. With a little planning, you and the local wildlife can both enjoy the garden of your dreams.

For more info and gardening tips please visit The Landscaping Ideas Blog, and The Lawn Maintenance Blog.

About the AuthorTimothy Eisden runs two blogs related to gardening. The Landscaping Ideas Blog, and The Lawn Maintenance Blog.

Characteristics of Different Types of Soil

2006-06-07T17:13:00.000-07:00

by Alex Fir

The most important factor when beginning to cultivate your garden is to know your soils texture. Take a handful of moist soil and roll it between your palms until it forms a sausage shape. If it feels gritty and breaks apart immediately, the soil is predominately sand. If the soil feels smooth, and holds its shape for a short time before breaking apart, it is mostly silt. However, if it feels sticky and holds together, then it is clay.

Sandy Soil Easy to cultivate and warm up quickly in spring. It drains well so the plants do not stand with their roots in water for too long. However, as it drains quickly, plants need to be regularly watered and fed if they are to thrive.

Silty Soil This soil type is richer in nutrients than sandy soil. It is also heavier because it can retain moisture and has a tendency to become compacted. It does however tend to drain well and much easier to cultivate than clay. Clay Soil Weighty to lift and difficult to work. Drainage is usually bad; the soil is acid and clinging to the feet in wet weather. When preparing the beds for vegetables in clay soil, the organic fertilizer should be added at a rate of two bucketfuls to the sq. yd.

Loamy Soil Contain sand, silt and clay, in such well-balanced proportions that none produces a dominating influence. These are amongst the most fertile soils. Almost any crop can be grown in them. They warm up quickly in spring and rarely dry out in summer. Chalk Soil It fertility depends largely on the depth of soil overlaying the chalk bed formation. If the topsoil is thin the ground will be poor and hungry. It will be bone dry in summer and the plants will need far more watering and feeding than on any other soil. If however, it is fairly deep, good growing conditions are possible.

Peaty Soil It occurs in fen or boggy areas. Peat is composed of excessive quantities of humus and is associated with water-logging. The soil is usually very acid and contains few nutrients. It does have one advantage in that it warms up quickly in spring. It is excellent for plant growth if fertilizer is added.

Visit Gardening Information website and learn gardening tips. You will also discover which gardening tools match the tasks in your garden.

About the AuthorVisit Gardening Information website and learn gardening tips. You will also discover which gardening tools match the tasks in your garden.

8 Tips To Get Your Kids To Enjoy Home Gardening

2006-06-06T17:05:00.000-07:00

by George Hapgood

Dirt has always been one of the kids' best toys, so home gardening could just be one fun activity for your children. Excite them by allowing them to pick whichever plant they want to grow. Here are some tips to help you make your little ones become enthusiastic with home gardening.

1. Choose the right plants

Kids will more likely choose plants and flowers with bright colors, so have a load of varieties of plants. Examples of bright flowers are zinnias and cosmos; these will keep your children fascinated. Don't forget the sunflowers. Anything that is tall and fuzzy will surely overwhelm a kid. Make sure these plants will not cause any allergic reactions from your kid.

2. Starting seeds

Give your children the freedom to help you with the staring seeds. Some seeds might be too small for the tiny fingers, but their digits can be of help in covering them with dirt.

3. Home Gardening Memoir

To last the kids' enthusiasm until the plants grow, make them create a home gardening journal. This activity will allow them to use their imagination to sketch on what the plants will be like and write down when they placed in the ground the seeds and when they first witnessed a sprout pushing up.

4. Make sure that the garden is somewhere very visible for the kids.

Before you start home gardening, pick a spot where the kids often play or walk by. Every time they see and pass by their garden, the more they will sight changes.

5. Dirt playing

Always remember that children are fond of playing with dirt or mud. They can help you ready the soil, even if what they are only doing is stomping on the clumps. To make home gardening with the kids more fun, you can provide them with kid-sized tools to make home gardening very engaging for them.

6. Your kids own the garden

A picture of each plant will enable the children to foresee what the flowers will look like. You can also put your child's name on a placard, so everyone can see that it's their garden.

7. Playing with the water

Playing with water is right up there with playing with dirt. Look for a small watering can that they can use to water their garden. You can show them how to let the water go right to the roots of the plants. Hoses want only trouble. They are simply formidable for little hands to control.

8. Kids commit mistakes

Adults, too, are sometimes impatient. Give the kids full control to their garden. If they create a mess, let it be, it's their mess. Allow them to get pleasure from it and take dignity in their own piece of territory. Just don't forget to tell them how to clean up that mess.

About the AuthorYou Too can have a green thumb. Visit Georges Blog here http://www.push-button-online-income.com/gardening

Why You Should Consider Organic Gardening

2006-06-05T12:13:00.000-07:00

by Tony Robinson

Organic gardening is one of the fastest growing facets of gardening, and more and more people are discovering that it is possible to enjoy a beautiful, thriving garden while still keeping the use of chemicals and pesticides to a minimum.

One reason to avoid the use of chemicals and pesticides is that long term use of such chemicals can deplete the soil and leave it unable to sustain further growth. In many cases beds of perennials suddenly stop blooming for no apparent reason, and the culprit is often found to be the overuse of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.

Concern for the health of the gardener's family members, pets and the environment as a whole is another reason many people choose organic gardening methods. Runoff from many commercial pesticides and chemical fertilizer can leach into ground water, damage wells, and cause problems with fish ponds and other parts of the landscape.

In addition, a well planted and well landscaped home interior has been shown to improve the value of the home, and when that garden is an organic one its value is further enhanced. A beautiful organic garden can be a great way to provide a cost effective enhancement to any landscape.

Pest control is one of the places where organic gardening can actually be superior to chemical methods. Instead of using harsh pesticides to get rid of garden pests, it is often better and more effective to use beneficial insects to get rid of harmful ones. Harmful insects are often unable to compete once more beneficial insects have been brought in to the organic garden.

One of the most common pests encountered by gardeners, and one of the biggest reasons they use chemical pesticides, is aphids. These common garden pests can be organically controlled by spraying the infested stems, leaves and buds with a diluted mixture of soapy water, then an application of fresh, clear water. This technique has been used by organic gardeners for many years, and it is effective even against heavy infections of aphids.

Selecting the right plants is also important to success as an organic gardener. Choosing the right fertilizer is an important consideration as well, since there are organic equivalents for just about every type of chemical fertilizer. When choosing plants and fertilizers, be sure to research the best plants and organic fertilizers for your own area. If you have an organic gardening club in your area, you may want to join in order to swap tips about the best types of plants and fertilizers.

One great element of any organic garden landscape is a good ground cover. Planting ground covering plants in areas where grass has a hard time taking hold not only enhances the beauty of your home, but it provides better soil drainage and water retention as well. Many homeowners have discovered the power of using native species as natural ground cover.
Flowering vines are another popular centerpiece of many organic gardens. Flowering vines are great for enhancing the beauty of fences, walls, sheds and other structures, since they can easily be trained to grow along these structures.

These any many other plants and flowers can enhance any organic garden and make it the showcase of the community. Growing an organic garden is a great way to protect your home, your family and even the environment.

About the AuthorTony Robinson is an international author and webmaster. In his busy life he finds time to "Smell the Roses". For geat tips, techniques and articles visit http://www.rose-bloom.com/

Vegetable Gardening Tips

2006-06-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

by Nicky Pilkington

With the costs of living rising all the time, it may be possible to save money and increase your family's health at the same time by growing vegetables in your backyard.

It's a good idea to choose your favourite vegetables to grow and plan beds for early, middle of the season and late varieties.

Most vegetables require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, some need 8. Some quick growers like lettuce and radish can be grown between the rows of plants that take longer to mature, like beet or corn, thus making full use of the area available.

Throughout dry periods, vegetable gardens need extra watering. Most vegetables benefit from an inch or more of water each week, especially when they are fruiting.

During the growing season watch for insect pests. If you discover a bug problem early it will be much easier, but be careful to not use pesticides once the vegetable are close to being picked unless it becomes an absolute necessity. Organic gardening is one healthy and environment-friendly option. Once you have reaped your crop, put the vegetable waste into your compost pile so that it can be recycled for next spring.

It is important to protect your vegetable garden from wild animals looking for a tasty treat. Make sure your garden is surrounded by a fence that will keep out dogs, rabbits, and other animals. The harm done by wandering animals during one season can equal the cost of a fence.

A fence also can serve as a frame for peas, beans, tomatoes, and other crops
that need support. Protection is needed in order for your vegetable garden to yield a
bountiful harvest. Hard work will pay dividends if necessary precautions have been made.

About the AuthorFind more about gardening and some useful gardening tips at About Gardening

Tips on How to Plan a Harmonius Family Garden

2006-06-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

by Paul Curran

Introduction: Keeping your garden looking good whilst using it for a variety of needs is not as hard as you might think with a bit of garden planning. This article looks at a few solutions that will enable the whole family to enjoy a perfect outdoor living.

Ideally you want your garden to work for you and at the same time look good. You want to use it to relax in and also use the space as an extension to the house, for other members of the family to enjoy as well. Initially this might seem a problem; kids want to play, adults want to entertain and everyone wants to relax.

1. Identify exactly what you want from your garden. Do you want to entertain a lot; barbecues etc? Do you need somewhere for children to play? Do you want a vegetable patch to grow your own produce? Will there be a greenhouse? Are you planning on having garden furniture? Come up with your ownlist.

2. Design your garden accordingly Remember there are no rules here. You have a blank canvas. Most problems arise between children playing and adults wanting to garden or relax. a) Consider hardy shrubs and grasses that will take the odd bashing from a football. b) If your garden is small and space is at a premium, why not grow upwards? Put climbers on a pergola. Until the plants have established themselves you can cover the sides temporarilry with sheets for shelter from the wind. Use the space inside for relaxing or eating. c) Take advantage of plants in containers. That way you can move them at will to accodomodate various situations or when you just feel like a change. d) Situate your garden furniture and dining area away from the potential play areas and use wind breaks as barriers. Buy weatherproof and rustproof products. e) Try to locate your barbecue in a safe area. Consider a mobile barbecue so you can adapt to any situation and weather conditions. And get a gas controled one. Don't spend all day trying to light one! f) Consider games that both adults and children can enjoy. Croquet is ideal, although ,make sure the kids don't take chunks out of your lawn! Show them how to play. The best solutions are those that allow you the greatest flexibility. Try to establish the different activity elements of the garden so that in theory they can be moved around with the minimum of effort. With some pre-thought you can plan a garden that will suit all members of your family and accomodate visitors when you are entertaining. Work, rest and play all at the same time..honest!

Paul Curran is webmaster at Gardening World featuring nature hills plant nursery products, including fruit trees and flower seeds. Also an extensive article library and photo album facilities for registered users.

About the AuthorPaul Curran is webmaster at Gardening World featuring nature hills plant nursery products, including fruit trees and flower seeds. Also an extensive article library and photo album facilities for registered users.

Tips for Raised Bed Gardening

2006-06-02T12:06:00.000-07:00

by Robert Schpok

Raised bed gardening will provide you with the unique opportunity to have a garden that will be the envy of the neighborhood. You will produce more, have higher quality vegetables and spend less time maintaining them. All of the work is done the first time your rasied beds are created and you will enjoy the fruits of your labor for years to come.

1. Reasons for Raised Beds

Creating a raised bed gardening system is a fantastic way to control the soil you use, control weeds and produce the most garden vegetables and flowers in the smallest space possible.
Rasied bed gardening allows you to easily control the environment in which your garden plants grow - temperature and moisture.

Raised bed gardens allow you to start your garden sooner and extend the growing season by greenhousing the raised bed.

Raised bed gardening additionally makes it very easy to fertilize and control any types of garden pests that might otherwise damage your garden plants.

2. Materials for Raised Bed Gardening

A limited number of materials are required to create a raised bed for gardening - To build one 4'x8' Raised Bed:

(3) 2"x12" treated wood from any local lumber yard (12) Screws or long nails (24) small nails or tacks string or twine

Optional: These are used for staking, creating a greehouse effect, and controlling weeds in your rasied beds:

Roll of clear plastic, stakes, and black plastic.

3. Building the Raised Bed

Take one of the 3 pieces of wood and cut it in half - creating two 4ft end pieces. Now just create a box by nailing or screwing the four pieces of wood together. When finished you will have a 4'x8' box that stands 12" high.

Find a good location, consider amount of sun and mark off a spot that is 4x8 feet for your raised bed. Either by hand or with a rototiller prepare the area, digging at least a foot deep. If the soil is poor you may want to add things to improve the drainage before placing the raised bed over the area.

4. Create great soil for your Raised Bed

Having great soil filling the Rasied bed is the key to having a fantastic garden. Use a combination of regular garden soil from your yard, compost, perlite, manure, etc. so that the soil in your raised bed box is rich for growing garden vegetables and/or flowers. You can purchase garden soil additives at the lumber yard, department store or local greenhouse.

5. Raised Bed Gardening - Finishing Touches

Once the garden soil is in, place small nails every 12" around the top and run your string to create one foot squares. These act as dividers and planting guides for your raised beds, also referred to as square foot gardening.

Now you are ready for planting. If you are planting a little earlier than usual, you may want to greenhouse your rasied beds if the weather is a bit cold. Merely place stakes around the bed at the edges, cover with plastic and hold it in place with clothes pins.

Another nice touch is to place a dripper hose that runs up and down the rows of your rasied beds for an instant irrigation system.

I have been using raised bed gardens for years and would never go back to traditional ways. Once established, raised beds require minimal time year after year. One can vary the size of their rasied bed(s) to create a very well organized and designed layout. Give raised bed gardening a try - you will love it!

For more detailed information and photos visit the site below.
Robert Schpok - Has been using raised bed gardening in combination with square foot gardening techniques for fantastic results for decades. See rasied bed gardening at http://www.verygoodbuys.com/Raised_Beds.html :
http://www.verygoodbuys.com/

About the AuthorRobert Schpok - Has been using raised bed gardening in combination with square foot gardening techniques for fantastic results for decades.

Tips for a Successful Garden

2006-06-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

by Tony Robinson

Gardening methods are as varied as the gardeners who use them, and it seems like every gardener has his or her own preferred method of achieving a beautiful garden. Many beginning gardeners find that the best way to learn how to garden is directly from an accomplished garden. One of the best ways to find those master gardeners is to join your local garden club. These clubs can be invaluable for the beginning gardener, as the members are able to swap tips and tricks picked up through years of successful gardening.

The importance of proper watering One of the keys to a successful garden is to water the plants properly. A weekly deep watering is preferable to a daily spray with the hose, as most plants prefer a thorough but deep watering to a frequent more shallow source of water. One great watering method many gardeners use is a soaker hose. A soaker hose is a great way to make sure the roots of the plant get sufficient water.

Grow your own compost Another thing many experienced gardeners have picked up is the importance of creating their own compost. Using a compost bin is a great way to recycle household waste and turn it into rich organic soil that will be useful for every plant. Items that can be successfully composted include leaves, kitchen scraps and other organic materials. A home compost bin is a great way to reduce the overflow of landfills while helping your garden grow its best.

Composting can also be a great way to balance the pH level of soil that is too acidic or too alkaline. High quality humus, which is the last step in the compost process, is a great, completely natural way to rebalance the pH of soil that has been damaged due to past neglect or chemical use. In addition, a good quality humus contains important nutrients such as iron, phosphorus and manganese, which are often lacking in commercially available fertilizers.

Cultivation methods After the flowers have been planted, it is best to avoid further deep cultivation. Digging too deeply or too often in the soil can damage the roots of the plants, disturb valuable microorganisms, dry the soil and bring weeds to the surface. It is best to cultivate deeply when preparing the flower bed, then to leave things in place after the flowers have been planted.

Using color in the garden landscape The beauty of flowers lies greatly in their bright, vibrant colors, and flowers can be used to enhance any landscape. When choosing flowers for the garden and landscape, it is best to choose colors that highlight and enhance those in the landscape. For instance, combining bright, vibrant colors like reds and oranges with more soothing pastels can provide a striking contrast for any area of the garden.

In addition, it has become increasingly popular to combine the home garden with other landscape elements like ponds and waterfalls. These water elements provide a beautiful retreat from the stresses of everyday life.

Landscaping with flowers can even improve the value of your home. Studies have shown that a well landscaped exterior can enhance the resale value of the home, as well as provide a beautiful treat for the senses.

About the AuthorTony Robinson is an international author and webmaster. In his busy life he finds time to "Smell the Roses". For geat tips, techniques and articles visit http://www.rose-bloom.com/

Spring Gardening Tips

2006-05-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

by Clark Covington

It's April, the sun is shining, and there is this sudden feeling of panic in your body, its gardening season once again. Many people feel overwhelmed when gardening season hits, and they aren't sure how best to get things going. Gardens are such complex, intricate plant and flower groups that it becomes a challenge to find the right way to start your spring garden off right. A few tips are below to help the average stressed out part time gardener be ready for the spring season. So take a deep breath, put down the miracle grow, and read on for insight into the wonderful world of gardening.

Make a plan that actually won't require a greenhouse for this year. Some of us gardeners have a tendency to go over the top with our gardening plans. If you're garden is to include trees, exotic plants, or science experiments you may want to reconsider. The hardest part of gardening is dedicating the time to plant, nourish, and tend to your garden on a daily basis. By making realistic plans you will save yourself hours of stress. For those over achievers that can't help themselves, try over simplifying your garden plans for insured success.

Search magazines, and the internet for inspiration. Don't be afraid to get ideas from others when it comes to gardening. There are many credible sources available online, and in books and magazines that offer many innovative ideas for gardens. Be sure to take advantage of such resources before planting your mixed garden of whatever you could find on sale at the local hardware store.

When in doubt, create a theme for your garden. There are many popular themes for gardens these days, including Asian, desert, and rock themes. Give your garden some personality and come up with a theme. Once a theme is chosen it should become much more clear as to what, and where, and how to plant certain things in your garden.

Plant something you can eat for instant gratification. Don't be afraid to do it. Plant some mint, grow it, and put it in your ice tea. You'll feel like a true American living off the land. If you're daring, try planting some pepper seeds, those never tasted as fresh then from your own garden. When you put them in your kid's fajita's they'll look at you with great admiration, if they don't just tell them if they don't save their lunch money everything is coming from the garden.
It's now spring and gardeners are out of their burrows to plant, and watch their seeds grow. Be sure to follow these tips to allow for a pleasant gardening experience

About the AuthorClark Covington is a professional writer who provides information on gardening for Home Decor 101 and also contributes to A1 Gourmet.

Quick Tips for a Great Flower Garden

2006-05-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

by Holly Mitchell

So, you've been thinking about buying some flowers and creating a little garden for yourself to maintain. Before you decide to go out and buy some flowers on instinct, there are a few things you need to know.

The first thing that you should decide is how long you want your flowers. For this, you must consider their lifespan. Some flowers (called Annuals) will only last for one season, so you will have to keep buying them every year in order for them to grow back. Other flowers (called Perennials) will grow back year after year, though you should make sure they are arranged in a formation that you won't get bored of. You can also mix these two types of flowers as well.
If you live in an area where there are a lot of trees around, creating a large amount of shade, you need to be careful what type of flower you buy. Some flowers require lots of sunlight in order to grow and flourish. However, some flowers are find with some shade. There are many varieties of flowers though, and I'm sure you will find the perfect kind for you to grow properly.

Once you have found the perfect flowers, you want to make sure you arrange them in a way where they will be colorful and tasteful. Directions on planting the flowers should be on the back of the seed package. If you have purchased transplants, which are tiny flowers that have already sprouted and are sold at flower markets, then you may want to lay them out before you plant. This way, you will be able to rearrange and tell which way the flowers look best to you. Before the summer is up, I'm sure you will have a lovely garden that you and others can certainly enjoy. For more flower gardening tips, just Click Here!

About the AuthorPassionate about everything related to flowers. Check out my website for more flower resources: Click Here

No Garbage Here: A review of "Gardens from Garbage"

2006-05-29T11:55:00.000-07:00

by Lisa A. Koosis

Although I consider myself an avid gardener, living in a one-bedroom apartment has sometimes hindered my hobby. My apartment complex, though landscaped nicely, doesn't leave much room for individual tenants to care for individual gardens, and there are no outdoor windowsills for outdoor window boxes. So, that leaves indoor gardening, and consequently, I've become something of a houseplant aficionado.

The trouble with houseplants and indoor gardening in general, is that it tends to limit you creatively. When is the last time you've found a selection of houseplant seeds in your local garden center? Houseplant seeds just aren't to be found. In fact, the only place I've been able to locate them is on the Internet, and then they don't come cheap.

Then along comes a book like Gardens From Garbage. It's not the kind of book you're going to find stocked at your local bookstore. I'll be honest about that. I found this book during one of my many searches for truly creative books about indoor gardening. There aren't many.

Unfortunately, most books that are billed as "creative indoor gardening" books, really just talk about creative ways to arrange houseplants. They give ideas about which houseplants to put where, offer tips for decorating flower pots, and suggest houseplants which -- when you go hunting for them at the nursery -- don't, in reality, seem to exist.

Gardens From Garbage is actually billed as a children's book, but I think it's a must-have for indoor gardeners of all ages. The gist of the book is that many of your kitchen scraps can be turned into unique and aesthetically pleasing houseplants. From garlic to watermelon...from avocados to yams, Gardens From Garbage gives the average gardener everything he or she needs in order to successfully grow plants that you're not going to see anywhere else.

Did you know that you can grow garlic sprouts that will smell and taste like garlic? You can even snip them and use them for cooking. Did you know that you can grow root vegetables such as carrots in a medium of pebbles and water? Now how easy is that?

I loved this book for its simplicity. Although it does cover -- very briefly -- general planting instructions and plant care, it doesn't waste a lot of time going into detail about plant propagation or ideal gardening conditions. In fact, most of the gardening projects dealt with in this book are for very hardy plants. No fuss necessary.

Gardens From Garbage is also peppered (no pun intended) with bite-size pieces of the history of the vegetables and plants being discussed -- where the plants come from, why they were grown, etc. The blurbs are informative, and small enough to be interesting even for children (or adults) with small attention spans.

If you're looking for a book with detailed botanical instructions, high-gloss photos, and exact time frames and measurements, then Gardens From Garbage is not the book for you. Go to the houseplant section of your local bookstore, and there'll be plenty of books that you'll enjoy. Instead, this title is more for the hobbyist, for the creative indoor gardener.

Unfortunately, as I mentioned, Gardens From Garbage is not the kind of book that you're going to find in your local Barnes & Noble. You will more than likely have to place a special order for this title, but it is well worth it. For $6.95 (the price of a small flower pot) you will have hours of indoor gardening fun. It would also make a great gift for a youngster just finding an interest in plants. After all, what better way could there be to teach a child (or ourselves) about recycling and becoming environmentally friendly, than by growing a living thing?

Happy planting!

About the AuthorLisa A. Koosis is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers.

Landscaping Ideas: Buying Healthy Plants

2006-05-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

by Timohty Eisden

When buying plants for your garden it really pays off to do some homework and be absolutely sure what you're buying. The tips can help you a great deal with your decisions.

Always analyze the leaves and stems to make sure they don't have plagues nor diseases: stained leaves, holes in the leaves... the purchase of an ill plant will result in infection of the rest of your plants in your garden.

Avoid plants whose roots come out through the drainage holes of the flowerpots; it's an indication that they've been waiting too long for a transplant; the same can be said of plants that have slight root formation on the surface of the soil.

The plant must have perfectly taken root. Verify that the plant is well stabilized by giving the stem a slight pull; it shouldn't come out with ease. This can happen when plants are removed from the soil too soon and put in a pot to be sold, without it having taken root properly.
Avoid plants that display an unequal development on each side.

Winter it is not a good time to buy interior plants because the house is heated, and has dry air and less luminosity. These are conditions very different from those in let's say a gardening center. The change can kill them.

Inspect the leaves and stems to be certain they don't have insects or suspicious spots.
Remove the root ball from the pot to watch the roots. It shouldn't fall apart when removing, because that would be signal of bad rooting.

The roots must be abundant, with a nice clear color which indicates good health and growth, and not blackish, which indicates rottenness.

But if there are roots in excess, it means that this plant has spent too much time in that pot and should have already been moved to a larger container.

Avoid buying plants if they have roots showing outside the pot..
Is it's a flower plant you're buying, choose those that still have lots of closed buds.

Remember, garden care takes a lot of patience; especially if you want to have a garden that stands out.

For more info and gardening tips please visit The Landscaping Ideas Blog, and The Lawn Maintenance Blog.

About the AuthorTimothy Eisden runs two blogs related to gardening. The Landscaping Ideas Blog, and The Lawn Maintenance Blog.

Water Garden Magic Blog

2006-05-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

We've just opened our new Water Gardening Blog!

Come visit and discover how you can easily and inexpensively put a beautiful water garden in your own backyard to create a peaceful and relaxing oasis just a few short steps from your backdoor!

You don't have to spend a fortune and it's not really as complicated as you may think...find out more and hear from the experts.

You can subscribe via email and receive instant notifications when we post new articles or you can add us to your favourite RSS Reader.

Water Garden Magic Blog

Kick Start Your Landscape With Winter Gardening Tips

2006-05-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

by B Hirst

Winter Gardening Tips

Winter can be a bleak hard time of the year for the grower of nursery stock. The days are short and the nights are long. Yet growing plants is a year round activity that does require the grower to be performings tasks.

Watering plants can be be on your list. The ground may not be frozen and plants still use water. If the ground is not frozen you can still water if the ground will accept the water. Most plants are dormant so the amount of watering is not as high as in the hotter seasons. Evergreens lose water through their needles in the winter. So if one keeps watering as long as possible into the winter, seedlings and plants will suffer less stress. Winter drying of evergreens is a major stress factor in growing seedlings and potted stock.

Snow and ice on your seedlings and liners can be problematic. Starting with a more developed plant is the best solution to this problem. Tall thin seedlings that have not been root pruned and transplanted are not as sturdy a plant. They tend to bend under snow loads and may require staking later to train them strait. If your seedlings have a light amount of snow covering them you may ease the snow burden by lightly sweeping the snow with a broom. Don't shake them, they are like babies ... they get shaken baby syndrome. If snow or ice is frozen to the branches, allow it to melt rather than attempting to correct. If any branches are broken, you probably don't need to do anything unless there is a split in the trunk. If the breakage of the plant is sever, the seedling or liner shoud be discarded. The labor to correct is not worth the value of the plant. Also a poor quality seedling will probably be a poor quality mature plant. There is a market for such plants however, we have had many customers who want, " Charly Brown Trees" or stunted trees for unusual customer needs.

Warm spells in the winter occur. Suddenly, there can be days of warmer temperatures. This should not be a problem. If you have covering on or over the plants, you may need to ventilate. We normally open the doors to our greenhoses and this is usually all that is necessary. Cold frame temps may rise so ventilation will be helpful. Close up as nightfall arrives as the temperature will fall. Note that when sunlight intensity is high, plant tissues become active. Water loss at this time can't be replaced if the root balls are frozen. This is called plant desiccation. Also if there many freeze-thaw cycles, the crown of the plant will be heaved up exposing the roots. Root systems have a lower tolerance to temperature extremes and can killed by freezing low temperatures.A common way to prevent desiccation is to screen plants in exposed areas with Burlap .

Varmit control is important in the winter. Mice and rabbits feed constantly . Their teeth grow constantly and they love to chew on tender plants. We spread rat and mice bait about every two to threes weeks as long as we see it being consumed. Try and place the baits in a place where its easy to moniter, dry, and accessable only to the varmits. When the snow gets deep mice will feed up higher on the plants. They don't like to dig in the snow for food. They take the easy to reach food first. Thus tracks in the snow are an important sign to watch for. Mouse damage is usually not correctable. You may not see root feeding damage to stock till spring, so over baiting is the best solution. Care should be taken that the baits are only available to the target varmit.
Ordering seedlings early in the winter is your best way to assure a supply. We can ship many of our seedlings durring the winter but we recommend that you have them shipped after the winter weather is over. This will vary according to your location. If you get the seedlings and you can't plant them upon arrival, keep them in a cool place in your house or barn. Your basement may be an ideal place. Keep the roots from freezing. It will be hard to get your order filled in April because growers do sell out. What we dont sell, we line out for our nursery, Highland Hill Farm. We sell all sizes of plants from seedlings to large caliper trees. We also have our free use planters for you to use when you buy seedlings and liners from us. You can see more articles by Bill Hirst at

http://www.seedlingsrus.com/http://seedlingsrus.com/Arborvitae.html http://seedlingsrus.com/FreeFencing.html http://seedlingsrus.com/Winter http://zone5trees.com/Hedges http://zone5trees.com/PlantingInstructions.html http://zone5trees.com/ProfitsGrowingTrees.html http://seedlingsrus.com/GrowingRhodies.html

About the AuthorBill has been growing trees and Plants on his Doylestown farm for 25 years.

Gardening in Retirement - Tips & Wellbeing

2006-05-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

by Heather Rudge

What a difference a little warm weather makes! Although Spring has been so late this year, my garden is starting to grow...especially the weeds. Why is it that they grow so well, even with the cold and lack of rain? But at least my tomatoes and runner beans are starting to grow too. The trouble is, I'm spending so many hours bending over to do the weeding and digging, that I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever stand up straight again. It is important to remember that we cannot do the things we used to be able to do when we were 20! Or maybe we can still do them, just not for so long. Gardening is a very healthy pastime, though, if you enjoy it. Lots of different bending, stretching and lifting...all while outside in the fresh air. But when we have been sitting indoors through the winter, we need to get our muscles used to working harder again, so we don't sprain something.

It is also surprising how much you can catch the sun without realising it when you are concentrating on a patch of garden. I have just spent the weekend outside and, although it was not very hot or sunny, I have managed to get some pink skin round my neck and hands. It's not just for a two-week holiday abroad that we need to sunscreen. Quite a short time in a sunny, but breezy, garden can mean sore skin and we often don't realise that we are catching the sun at this time of year because it is not that hot. Better to be safe than sorry, though, and put on some skin protection and a hat.

There are many gadgets available now to help with the garden chores and all sorts of sprays to keep the bugs at bay....but, please remember to be careful if you use weed-killer or bug spray - as the chemicals can be just as dangerous to you, if you accidentally get some on your skin or swallow some. This is even more important if you have grandchildren helping you in the garden. I rarely wear gloves when I garden, but I always make sure to wear them now if I'm using any sprays. I prefer not to use bug-guns, but didn't have any trouble zapping the weeds - until I managed to get a lot of spray on my hand. I was holding some plants out of harms way, while I sprayed the weeds underneath and missed! I suffered for a day with a bad headache. Maybe it was coincidence, but I prefer to take better care now. And swallowing some is not so difficult if you have a partner that brings you tea and biscuits while you're working. If you have some spray on your hands, then pick up a biscuit and eat it!

And talking of tea & biscuits - I don't have any spare cash to spend on a new coffee table for the garden, but I managed to get a large wooden drum that had been used for storing cable. I stained it with the same preservative as my fences and laid it on one side. It gives a large enough surface for several cups of tea and a plate of biscuits!

About the AuthorVisit Mabels...Maintaining Bygone Times, containing numerous articles thoughtfully researched mainly for the older person. You may access these articles by visiting http://www.mabels.org.uk/ - You will learn about the best tips to improve your retirement, health, fitness, finances, safety as well as information on nostalgic topics, places to visit, leisure & lifestyle, mobility & helpful organisations to make the most out of life.

Gardening: Tips for Autumn Vegetable Growing

2006-05-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

by Carlo Morelli
Due to their fears of early winter frosts, a lot of gardeners do not think about fall gardening. If you're one of them maybe a few tips can make you change your mind. You should, because fall gardening produces some first-rate vegetables long after spring planted plants are finished. Autumn garden vegetables are can be sweeter and milder than those grown in summer and present a different taste to the same old veggies. What are the best plants to grow during the fall, of course, depends on space available, your climate zone, and what you like to eat, just like spring planting. Even heat-loving crops, like tomatoes, sweet potatoes and peppers, will produce until frosts hit, which can be fairly late in the year in southern zones.

Then there are other plants that will give up as early as the end of summer, such as cucumbers, snap-beans and summer squash. Still, they can be harvested up until the first frosts also if planted mid-summer. Hardy vegetables - potatoes, carrots and other root and tubers will keep growing until the temperature is as low as 20 degrees, but those that aren't as strong can only grow through light frosts.

When planning for fall gardening, look on seed packages for the words "early season", or seeds sporting the least days to maturity. Choosing the vegetables with the shortest growing season helps ensure they can be fully grown and harvested prior to the appearance of frost. You may want to shopping for fall gardening seeds in spring or early summer when the stores are still completely stocked. Seeds stored in a cool and dry location will keep until time to plant.
Speaking of time to plant, you need to know when the first hard frost will usually hit your area in order to know exactly when the best time to plant for fall gardening is. I recommend looking this up in a Farmer's Almanac. They are rarely wrong and will give you specific dates. You also need to know just how long your plants are going to take to mature. Then you will be able to match up the plants with the right growing times to your area.

Prepping your soil for fall gardening starts with getting rid of any leftover spring-summer crops and debris. These leftovers may spread bacteria and disease to your new plants if left in your garden. Increase the nutrients in the soil by spreading a couple inches of compost or mulch over the garden area. If summer plants were fertilized heavily it may not need much, however, if any. Turn over the soil's top layer, moisten it, and let set for 12-24 hours. Congratulations, you're ready to start planting. Many gardeners shun fall gardening in order not to deal with frosts, but if robust, hardy vegetables are planted properly they can survive a few frosts and provide some wonderful tasting fresh food.

About the AuthorCarlo Morelli writes for http://www.onlinetips.org/, where you can find tips on installing fiberglass insulation, how to replace an entry door and many other home and garden projects.

Just Released! Water Garden Magic

2006-05-23T04:33:00.000-07:00

Finally - Now You Can Have Your Own Water Garden

Without The Huge Expense!

Introducing "Water Garden Magic"

A Do-It-Yourself Guide To Creating Beautiful

Ponds And Enchanting Waterscapes

Order Your Copy Today!

Easy Rose Care Tips

2006-05-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

by Marc Entz

Many people can't resist a rose's beauty and scent. Although these flowers are known to be a bit complicated to grow, anyone can start rose gardening in the comfort of his own backyard.
To make sure that your most prized roses are in the best of health, simply follow these tips on dealing with rose dilemmas:

1. Black Spots on Leaves
This disease is commonly known as black spot. Black spots appear as circular with fringed edges on leaves. They cause the leaves to yellow. The solution is to remove the infected foliage and pick up any fallen leaves around the rose. Artificial sprays may be used to prevent or treat this kind of rose disease.

2. Blistered underside of leaves
A disease of roses known as rust, it is characterized with orange-red blisters that turn black in fall. In spring, it attacks new sprouts. This disease can even survive winter. What you can do is to collect and discard leaves that are infected in fall. Benomyl and Funginex spraying every 7-10 days may help.

3. Malformed or stunted leaves and flowers
What could have caused this is the presence of spider mites. They are tiny yellow, red or green spiders on the underside of leaves. They also suck juices from leaves. The application of Orthene or Isotox may help in treating this infestation.
4. Weak and mottled leaves with tiny white webs under them

This might be caused by aphids. They are small soft-bodied insects that usually brown, green or red. Often clustered under leaves and flower buds, they suck plant juices from tender buds. Malathion or diazinon spray may help roses to survive these bugs.

5. Flowers that don't open or are deformed when they open.
Thrips could be the reason behind this deformation and unopened flowers. It is characterized with slender, brown-yellow bugs with fringed wings thriving in flower buds. They also suck juices from flower buds. One should cut and discard the infested flowers. Using Orthene and malathion may also treat this health problem of your roses.

These are some tips to help you produce beautiful roses in your garden every season. Just remember to follow the manufacturer's directions when using pesticides. And do not contact the chemicals with your skin. Always wear gloves when applying these chemicals because they are highly toxic.

About the AuthorMarc Entz writes articles for InterMarket Publications.
If you want more complete information on rose gardening, Marc recommends that you visit the CBMall Infoproduct website for more options. Click here now... http://tinyurl.com/6zdyj

Container Water Gardening Made Easy

2006-05-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

by Cathy Kinser

You don't have to spend countless hours or lots of money installing a pond to enjoy the calming sights and sounds of a water feature. I am going to tell you how to make a few different types of small water features and still enjoy the calming elements of water, fish and blooming water plants.

Urn Bubbler

If you don't have lots of time or money this is a great way to bask in the calming sights and sounds of your very own water feature. This projects features a 3 foot tall urn with a fountain kit installed in it.

1st Simply drill a hole in the bottom of the urn with a carbide tip drill bit.
2nd Snake the fountain kit line through the hole.
3rd Seal around the edge of the hole with Silicone-this is the fish tank glue found in any fish or pet store.
4th Fill the urn with water, plug it in, and enjoy!

Pond in a Tub

This pond just takes a few hours to make and it can be made out of anything from a half whiskey barrel planter, one of the new foam pots ( I got my last year on clearance for $3), old sinks, old metal planters-found at many auctions or garage sales, even old bathtubs! It is really simple gather all your supplies:

Small fountain Pump - If you want the sound of water-I don't have one because my pot is not near a power source and I just enjoy looking at the blooming plants but it's totally up to you.

Container of your choice.

Pea Gravel - enough to cover the bottom of container up to 3 inches deep.
Pond Plants - I like a Water Lily to enjoy blooms all season and a few floaters like Hyacinths which also provide beautiful blooms all summer.

Fish - You just need one or two goldfish or none it's up to you. Just to let you know with the plants in the container you never have to feed the fish, they will get more than enough food from the algae in the water and the bugs that land on top, just like fish in nature!
Simply wash gravel then place in bottom of container, wash dirt off roots of water lily or any other plants and plant in gravel. No pond plants don't need dirt to survive, I have had three ponds in my yards and one in my home for over 10 years and no dirt in any of them but lots of beautiful large blooming plants! Fill with water and then you can either wait 48 hours for chlorine to clear out of water before adding fish or if you are like me and want the fish now just use the chlorine remover found at pet stores. Then add fish and enjoy!

More Tips

Like a natural pond, this one depends on a delicate balance of plants, snails(if you want) and fish. You can experiment with different types of plants including oxygenating grasses to have plenty of oxygen in the water for your wildlife (if you're like me and don't use a pump) and floating plants which give great hiding places for fish. Each year I also seem to end up with a visitor - a cute little frog that always seems to move into my pond for the summer and disappear each fall.
When winter comes, plants stay under water and winter over very well, except for hyacinths which you replace each year. Fish can winter inside in a goldfish bowl.

About the AuthorCathy's website The Garden Room is dedicated to garden lovers. Providing gardeners with the most fabulous Garden Accessories including Angels, Birdbaths, Birdfeeders, Windchimes and more. Cathy has been an avid gardener for the last 20 years and has taken many courses on gardening including completing the Master Gardener Program.

10 Great Gardening Tips & Ideas

2006-05-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

by John Elliott aka Oaky Wood

Well my gardening friends, spring is once again nearly upon us, early flowers such as snowdrops are already in bloom and the daffodil's are rearing their heads, so here's a nice handy collection of my favourite gardening tips & ideas that may make life in your garden that little bit easier, or at least show you that gardening doesn't have to be expensive to be enjoyed.

I've amassed these 10 tips over my many years of being an avid amateur gardener, and nature-loving enthusiast, from old gardeners, neighbours, friends and my own tried and tested methods. I'm no expert and would never claim to be one, I only pass on a small part of my accumulated knowledge in the hope of helping others enjoy the most rewarding of pastimes "Amateur Gardening".

1. To prevent animals from digging up and eating your spring bulbs, you should have first, wrapped them in a thin layer of steel wool. It does no harm to the bulbs, as its shoot will push right through it.

2. Washing up liquid makes a great insecticidal soap when you mix it with water. Take 1 to 3 tablespoons of washing up liquid and mix it into 4 litres of water, add a tablespoon of vinegar too, put it in a spray bottle and mist spray the entire plant. Small left over soap bars, you remember the ones that clutter the soap tray in the bathroom, and no one likes to use, can be utilized also and easily dissolved using warm or boiling water. Of course always remember to let it cool before applying to your plants. Soapy dish or bath water can also be collected and used effectively.

3. Cut all flower stems at an angle, as it creates a larger surface area for the flowers to draw up more water and you must remember to put your flowers into water immediately. When I cut long stemmed flowers I take a deep pale almost full to the brim with water which was stood in my glasshouse or shed overnight just for this purpose. If you don't then tiny air pockets will form in the stems and cause the flowers to droop. Oh yes and don't forget to drop an aspirin in your vase with the water, your flowers will love you for it and repay you by staying fresh looking for longer. A small piece of an Alka-Seltzer tablet or a part spoon of liver salts, once the fizzing has stopped are good alternatives to aspirin. Don't put long stemmed flowers in a small vase, and visa versa, for small stemmed ones. Always choose the appropriate vase and your cut flowers will certainly last a little longer, provided you maintain the correct water level. Last but not least, never ever use water straight from your tap for your vase of flowers, always put water in your vases the night before and stand them on a windowsill to gain room temperature, as tap water is very cold and causes those little air bubbles to form.

4. If you didn't plant your trees and shrubs late last autumn, to get well established before the onset of winter, then it's nearing that time of year in temperate zones, when the ground is free from hard frosts. They can be planted out now or as soon as they become available at garden centres and nurseries. Always choose the ones with the freshest or plumpest buds, as these are raring to get growing. A good handful of bone meal or other general-purpose plant food, even the pellet form of chicken manure dug well in the bottom of the hole will help feed your new addition to your garden. Large trees will benefit from the addition of a length of garden hose being buried alongside their roots to help watering in long dry spells.

5. Use old bubble wrap to line your pots and containers, it will help warm the compost and prevent late frosts from damaging delicate new roots.

6. When planting up your fresh spring hanging baskets why not use your old knitwear or newspapers for a no cost basket liner, this will save you plenty, and the money saved can go towards better quality compost and plants. Don't throw away the remnants of last summers baskets; either dig it into your garden or at the very least put it in your compost bin.

7. When giving your garden hedges that spring prune, get nice neat level edges and flat tops by fastening a length of rope to two points across it. Or push broom handles into the hedge at each end and tie your line to them. An old washing line or strong garden twine are ideal, remember not to cut through your line. Although not 100% accurate it will certainly help achieve a better-looking hedge.

8. So now the path has over wintered, and the mosses, lichen's and of course the weeds have all taken over. Salted Boiling water and a good stiff broom will do the trick. It may need to be repeated, but will not damage surrounding soil like commercial products can, and is the safest where pets are concerned.

9. We all love our own pets, but we simply hate it when that old cat from down the way decides to use your garden and freshly dug flowerbeds as a toilet. Now I've tried just about everything in the book apart from a shredder LOL and I've still yet to find a really good solution to this problem, as most only seem to work for only a short time. Please don't say get a dog, frankly my dog is fast asleep just like me when our neighbourhood cats come calling. The closest I've come to a deterrent is rose thorns on your flowerbeds, the cats simply hate them as its like walking on glass and as any gardener knows who has ever had rose thorns in his/her fingers that really hurt and are difficult to get out. It's often easiest to grow lots of plants that cats don't like.

10. Now dogs are a lot different, because of their acute sense of smell, old perfume, or the ones given you for Christmas, you know the ones that you always give away as presents to those you don't really like, well use them in your garden instead. Even aftershave will work wonders. Cayenne, White or Black Pepper powders can also help but are easily washed away by rain.
I hope you've enjoyed a few of my gardening tips and ideas, it's off to my potting shed for me, as there is always plenty to do no matter what time of year it is, an amateur gardener's work is never done. Do look out for any of my other articles, but most of all........"HAPPY GARDENING until we meet again"

About the AuthorJohn Elliott Aka Oaky Wood has been an amateur gardener for over 25 years and is currently the Agony Uncle and Co-Founder of The Corner 4 Women.com ©2006 Is a Poet, Writer, Artist, Webmaster and Designer. He is also the owner of the Oakwood Grafix ©2005 group of websites

3 Easy Tips for Successful Gardening

2006-05-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

by Doug Green

Here are several tips for creating a wonderful hanging basket or container this summer. The first is to use an artificial soil composed mostly of peat moss. Good soils such as Fafard or Pro-Mix use perlite, peat, and other ingredients to produce a soil that will not compact over the summer. Real garden soil compacts and turns into concrete under the pressure of regular watering. And when it does, plant roots stop growing because they require good open spaces to move into and absorb nutrients. Hard, compacted soils do not grow good plants so do not use real soil in your containers. I re-use my artificial potting soil from year to year. I dump it out of the pot. Chew it up with a shovel to cut up all last year's roots and add approximately 10 % by volume of compost. The compost increases air spaces and gives plants a boost in healthy nutrition for great growth.

Feed your plants weekly. Nitrogen, the engine of plant growth, is water soluble and as you water your containers from the top the dissolved nitrogen is leaving from the bottom. I use a fish-emulsion liquid feed with seaweed to provide all the trace nutrients my plants require and recommend it highly. You can use any liquid plant food (like Miracle Grow or Shultz) to promote growth. Compost tea is the Cadillac of liquid plant food and if you make your own compost tea, your plants will respond with bigger and better blooms as well as increased vigour.
And finally, no matter the size of the container, it is important to soak it all the way to the bottom at each watering. Continue watering until water emerges from the pot bottom. This ensures the roots can reach all parts of the container and grow properly.

Follow all these three easy steps and your container gardening efforts will be successful.

About the AuthorDoug Green, an award winning garden author with 7 books published answers gardening questions and gives container gardening advice in his free newsletter at http://www.simplegiftsfarm.com

A Review of Dave's Garden

2006-05-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

It's funny, at work we often talk of different plants for our gardens and are constantly searching the web for answers.

Today, my girlfriend was looking at a calendar at a beautiful picture of scarlet ivy covering the outside of an old building. We just had to get more information to see if we could incorporate this gorgeous creeper into our own landscaping.

So, we did a search for scarlet hued Virginia creeper (ivy) and came across a site that not only gave us information about the plant itself, but included comments from others offering their own experiences with this particular plant.

Turns out, many have had "not so great" experiences with it. Due to it's similarity to poison ivy, it is highly irritating or as they say on Dave's Garden website "Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction".

Not only have people had what seems to be severe allergic reactions, they have also found that it is out of control and rather invasive.

I am glad we took the time to search out the details on what we still think is a true beauty...ain't it always the way...beautiful yet dangerous?

I wanted to share this website with you and encourage you to bookmark it for future reference...before you go out and pick an unfamiliar plant...head over to Dave's Garden to get the full scoop BEFORE running to the nursery:)
http://davesgarden.com/

Gardening Tip Review: Starting a Garden from Scratch

2006-04-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

Gardening Tip Review on one of our favourite websites.

We've been in our house for a while, but with everything else we needed
to get done, the garden was last on the list.

This year, I want a garden...front and back!

But, we don't have much of a yard. The front is great and will allow for
some creative ideas, but the back yard is all house and garage with just
a tiny section for flowers.

One other challenge we face in the back yard is the southern exposure
which will require us to find plants and flowers that can stand up to the
major heat.

So I decided to head over to the BHG website for some new and fresh
ideas. I could spend hours watching their videos and slideshows alone,
but I was on a mission and needed to stick to my plan...creating a garden
that will work for this house.

You'll find tons of great stuff like:

What's new for 2006,
Colour combinations,
Free landscaping plans,
Creative garden design plans,
and Plan-a-garden online software

They have everything you'll need to plan, maintain and grow.

(You can download the plans in pdf format so it's easy to print out
and take with you to your local garden center. )

I'm heading over there now to plan out my new garden...

Better Homes and Gardens Store!

This link will take you to the BHG store, but if you scroll down to the
bottom of the page and click on "Garden", you'll find all of gardening
tips and treasures I mentioned.

Gardening Tip: Getting A Jump On Spring

2006-04-16T21:58:00.000-07:00

Gardening Tip

Try these ideas to get a head start on your spring garden.

Try wintering over a late planting of lettuce by covering it with a
foot of loose hay. This also works for other crops such as greens
and parsley, but the flavor will be stronger.

In areas where the ground stays frozen all winter, try planting a
crop of peas after the ground has frozen. You'll get a big jump on
the next growing season.

To warm the soil more quickly, cover the ground with clear plastic.

Many plants can be started indoors from seeds, then transplanted
to the garden when the soil warms. Some plants that start easily
from seeds are cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and
lettuce. Some other plants are more difficult to start from seeds.
They require just the right amount of sunlight and water, as well as a
warm environment. These include peppers, eggplants, tomatoes,
celery, petunias and begonias just to name a few. Find out more in
Starting Plants from Seed.

Hotbeds and coldframes are great season extenders. Oregon State
University Extension Service has an excellent article on Constructing
Coldframes and Hotbeds available online in Acrobat Reader format.

Hot caps act as little greenhouses for tender young plants. They can
be purchased at your garden supply store, or you can make your own
from gallon milk jugs. Cut the bottom from the milk jug, and anchor it
firmly to the ground over your plant. Leave the lid off to allow air to
circulate.

This Gardening Tip is brought to you by ChamomileTimes.com

Gardening Tip: Prepare Your Soil for Spring Planting

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Gardening Tip

Miracle-Gro:

Whether you're planting a whole new landscape bed, a single shrub,
or a flat of annuals, properly preparing the soil will help your plants
grow faster, stronger, and healthier. You can begin improving your
soil as soon as it's workable in spring. (Quick test: Your soil is workable
when a handful of soil doesn't stick together in a clump.)

Add Organic Materials to the Soil

Organic matter breaks up clay soil, adds substance to sandy
soil, and provides the porosity that's needed to encourage your
plants' root systems. You can't have a healthy plant without a
good root system, and soil with proper porosity will:

- Make more oxygen available to plants' roots
- Reduce runoff compared to hard, crusty soil
- Allow more water and nutrients to reach the roots
- Encourage roots to spread out and develop into a sturdy
underground network

How to Do It

Add organic materials by spreading them over the top of a
bed, then turning or tilling them in—or by mixing them with
soil removed from planting holes before backfilling around transplants.

Continue Reading

This gardening tip is brought to you by Miracle Gro

April is National Gardening Month

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Gardening Tips Alert!

National Gardening Association:

ENTER TO WIN!

This is My Garden

GRAND PRIZE: A $2,500 gift certificate to the NGA Garden Shop

To be eligible for the Grand Prize, we invite you to submit your
'This is My Garden' story.

Plus, we're giving away $10,000 in gift certificates.

Simply submit your e-mail address and you'll be entered in a drawing.

Click for details

Welcome To Gardening Tips

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Hi and welcome to our Gardening Tips Blog!

We want to share with you many tips that will save you time and help you create the perfect garden.