Tuesday, July 31, 2007

About bonsai tree pruning

Bonsai pruning is one of the most important things in bonsai
care. By doing the pruning you'll give to the bonsai tree the
shape that you want, you can shorten it and get the bonsai tree
stem thickening too.

First of all, we want to point out that you
have to: * name it for a better contact with the bonsai tree,
which is good too for its health and vigor * water bonsai plant
once a day or two, but don't over water it * keep it in high
humidity places * do not expose the bonsai in direct sun and hot
temperature * make the pruning in spring (there are some
particular species of bonsai tree that are admitting the summer
cuttings) * prune the bonsai crown so that it takes the triangle
shape * cover the cut sector or branches lesion with diameter
over 0.5 cm with lute, for helping the bonsai healing. * use
only clean and sharp gardening and cutting instruments * the
above part of the bonsai tree is growing faster than the
inferior part of it, so cut mostly the edge of bonsai treetop


Continue To Read The Full Article Here : About bonsai tree pruning

Friday, July 27, 2007

How Does A Wise Lawn Care Tip Help You To Save Time And Money

Who does not want a beautiful lawn when it can make for great
pictures, exciting football games and settings for romantic
picnic lunches. A well maintain pretty lawn can be the perfect
place to take an afternoon nap when the sunshine is bright and
cheery. Anyone keen on cultivating a luxuriant lush lawn will
find out that a lawn care tip can be the most helpful. There are
many ready sources to find lawn care tips that will help produce
a beautiful lawn while you save money. Fortunately, for all
those keen on enhancing their home with a lawn, there are
botanists and other scientists researching to supply the best
seeds, nutrients and equipment to help the hopeful gardener.

Most information produced by the scientists is available at the
nurseries and garden centers in most cities and towns. The
personnel on duty at these places are often experienced
gardeners who have used the gardening tools and other products
in their own gardens. These people usually know about the
success or failure of their products in the lawns of other
customers. The representatives of the companies visit and bring
with them lawn care tips and advice on the proper use of each
product and tool. These people know which of these works and
does not work.

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : How Does A Wise Lawn Care Tip Help You To Save Time And Money

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

How Does Your Garden Grow...?

The thing to remember while gardening is to start small.

A small plant bed, about 25 or 30 feet square is perfect, just
enough room for about 30 plants.

This will give you a chance to try out your green thumb and if
you find that you enjoy your garden you can always expand and
increase your plantings.

The next thing you will want to do is choose a site.

Gardening must be done in an area that gets at least six hours
of sunlight.

Try and stay away from large trees that will take your plants
water and nutrients, and at least three feet from any fences or
buildings.

In hot climates, it's a good idea to choose a place that will
have shade for a part of the intense afternoon sun.

It is possible to have a healthy garden with only ten to twelve
hours of sunlight, but the type of plants must be adaptable.


Continue To Read The Full Article Here : How Does Your Garden Grow...?

Monday, July 16, 2007

Why A Small Garden Should Not Be A Problem

A garden can be successful without necessarily being vast and
holding oodles of plants. Not everyone will have sufficient
space for a garden on that scale, but it can still be possible
to grow flourishing plants in a small locality, as long as
there's still access to sunlight.

Gardens may be grown in many spots - from a relatively small
area of ground outside your home to simple planting pots located
outside one's front door. The size of the garden should not be
seen as a problem, as it's the quality of your gardening talent
that will afford you with blossoming flowers.

It's generally a good idea to research the plants that you wish
to grow within your garden, as this will allow you to discover
which plants may be located near to each other, what ones
require the most sunlight, and if any plants have their own
particular care instructions.

This will assist you in the layout of your garden, whether you
intend to plant in a small scale patch or in an outdoor planter.
As some plants need to be planted ahead of others, make a plan
of when each plants needs to be planted.

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Why A Small Garden Should Not Be A Problem

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

How To Get Rid Of Ants &Bugs

Insects are incredibly adaptable creatures and have evolved to
live successfully in most environments on earth, including
deserts and even the Antarctic. Insects are generally regarded
as bad creatures but they are extremely useful to humans,
pollinating our crops as well as flowers in meadows, forests,
deserts and other areas. Insects are vital to the immense cycle
of life, furnishing food for other creatures and breaking down
natural materials to chemicals and nutrients for recycling into
new life. Believe it or not, they are the biggest group of
animals on earth, and there are more than 800,000 different
kinds (or species) of them

In the Garden

Gardening tips: The intelligent gardener promotes sustainable
gardening that is safe for the local environment. When it
becomes necessary to use chemicals to control and eliminate an
infestation of destructive garden insects, he considers these
pesticides and herbicides to be a tool, and a necessity to
protect his plants. Consider putting these beneficial insects to
work for you, in your garden and hopefully reduce or eliminate
the need for much of the use of insecticides in the home garden.
You can also purchase many good bugs at most larger nurseries
and garden centres, but you will still want to provide them with
suitable plants. After the adults are released into the garden
they will immediately seek out mealy bugs and consume them. Once
you have made the decision to utilize beneficial insects to help
you with your pest control in your garden, keep in mind that
insecticides are no longer an appropriate option.

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : How To Get Rid Of Ants & Bugs

Monday, July 02, 2007

Calm Yourself While Gardening

Gardening can be cheap and fun as well and if done regularly,
does not really need to take up a lot of time. It is a great
advantage for the homemaker to have a green thumb. When winter
is severe and there is no greenery around, it is good to turn
towards the home or office to find a patch of greenery for some
relief. As a hobby, indoor gardening is found to be greatly
relaxing and stress busting. One of the most fun and rewarding
aspects of gardening is starting plants from seeds. Gardens can
be created today with no or little money, so of the best gardens
have been created with no money at all.

Depending on the climate and plant there are many different
types of soil that can be used, water that is needed and light
or shade that is required, all of these factors need to be
considered. Make sure the location in your garden can provide
the proper environment for the plant to flourish. Select a
garden location that gets plenty of sunlight a healthy garden
need six hours of direct sunlight everyday. One of the first
things to consider when choosing a plant for your garden is to
determine if it is suitable for your area.


Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Calm Yourself While Gardening

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Lawn Care Solutions - Removing Crabgrass!

REMOVING CRABGRASS

Unlike thatch, these grass-like weeds will spread all over your
lawn. They may even invade your driveway, walkway, and
sidewalks. Removing these weeds is a little trickier since they
are heartier than other kinds of weeds. Pulling them out at the
roots can be a lot harder than it would seem. With a network of
underground roots, these weeds can cling to the ground for a
long time.

Removing them may require the use of chemicals, such as
herbicides, in order to remove all of them.

Crabgrass

Crabgrass is yellow or pale green in color and resembles a crab
because it grows in an outward direction. There are two ways to
kill crabgrass; destroying the seeds, or destroying the plant.
Knowing a little bit about their growing season will help you
determine the best time to kill them.

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Lawn Care Solutions - Removing Crabgrass!

Monday, June 11, 2007

A Gift Fit for a Gardener!

Giving gifts by interest isn't always as easy as it sounds. So
often the person has just about everything they want in that
category, and so more stuff in that area is hard to find. They
either have a better one or don't want it most of the time.

Fortunately, sometimes you can get around that, especially for
gardeners. You just have to figure it out.

The obvious gift for a gardener is a plant. The right plant
depends on what type of gardening they enjoy.

Some strongly prefer roses, for example. If you want to give the
gift of a rose bush to a rose lover, you will want to pick very
carefully. Look at the varieties the person is growing right
now. If there's a strong preference for a particular type or
color, that is something you will want to keep in mind. Maybe
you can find a somewhat unusual rose bush for them that would go
well in the garden.

Bonsai would be another option, rather than giving something
meant to be planted outside. There are many beautiful varieties
of bonsai out there, from trees to bushes to flowering plants.


Continue To Read The Full Article Here : A Gift Fit for a Gardener!

Friday, June 08, 2007

Lawn Soil Content and Types of Grass in Your Lawn!

Soil content

This refers to the color, smell, and feel of the soil. Since
soil can vary greatly from home to home, you will need to do
your research to find out how your lawn's soil measures up.

You should have your soil analyzed in order to determine the pH
level, nutrient level, and chemical properties. If you are not a
gardener or a chemist, you can call your local gardening service
who can take a sample. You may have to wait a few weeks for the
results, however.

The soil content is a very important part of cultivating a
good-looking lawn. Once you know more about the soil content,
you will be able to choose flowers and plants that will survive,
learn about ways to enhance existing soil, and also find ways to
add nutrients to the soil so that the grass will be able to grow.

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Lawn Soil Content and Types of Grass in Your Lawn!

Thursday, June 07, 2007

Bonsai : What And What Not To Do

Bonsai plants are all tree. By definition, a bonsai tree is a
tree in a pot if we literally translate the word bonsai from
Japanese to English. However bonsai as an art form requires more
then a tree in pot which some may call a stick in a pot.

A few elements are essential to a great bonsai tree and here is
a list of the elements I consider the most important when
designing a bonsai in the most respectuous manner of the
japanese art form of gardening.

- A well developed, rounded crown with delicate branches

- Trunk must have a gradual taper, an interesting shape and a
smooth bark without any marks or scars.

- Excellent branching structure with detailed ramification
(short internodes.)

- Healthy and vigorous green foliage or needles

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Bonsai : What And What Not To Do

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

9 Essential Tips On How To Build Your Own Green House

Have you ever thought about the pleasure you would get from
building your own greenhouse? There are numerous sizes and
designs for you to choose from. By building your own greenhouse
you will receive the satisfaction of tending to your own
vegetables, plants, flowers, or whatever you decide to grow. A
greenhouse will also provide your plants the sunlight and
humidity that they need. Every time you visit your greenhouse
you will have a sense of pride knowing that when each crop comes
to fruition your efforts are rewarded.

By building your own small greenhouse you will save more money.
Depending on your budget there are many materials and supplies
at your disposal to build your dream garden. If you have the
space, a larger greenhouse may be in your best interest because
you can maximize the space that you have to grow more plants and
vegetables.

There are many factors to consider when building a greenhouse to
utilize the area you have to propagate more plants. Here are
some tips and factors for you to consider when building your own
greenhouse:

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : 9 Essential Tips On How To Build Your Own Green House

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Preventing Gardening Injuries--Dig In!

Everybody likes to make their yard look beautiful. Taking just a
few steps to prevent gardening injuries after our winter
hibernation will make this even more enjoyable. Your goal this
year is to have beautiful gardens and grass like carpet, so
don't waste any time getting started.

Believe it or not you can burn an average of 300 calories per
hour, and gardening can be an effective form of resistance
training.

Think about every time you dig in and start pulling weeds. You
are working your upper body. When you use rotating equipment
like the "claw", you again get a major upper body workout. And
what about when you rake the leaves and use the hoe? You are
using your biceps, triceps, shoulders, and back muscles. When
you squat down and dig, you can target your butt (gluteus
maximus) and your legs (quads). You can even get your heart rate
up and get a cardio workout in while mowing the lawn. Before you
dig in and start your gardening, follow these simple tips to
reduce aches and pains commonly reported after gardening.

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Preventing Gardening Injuries--Dig In!

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Bonsai Tips

In my view bonsai gardening is the one hobby you can take up and
create something which can only be described as a stunning art
form, even if, like me, you were born with as much natural flair
for painting and drawing as Andre Agassi has for understanding
retirement speeches.

There is now doubt that a well kept Bonsai tree is a thing of
beauty; a miniature version of a full size tree that replicates
the full sized tree but is small enough to fit in a pot on a
table.

Genuine living art at its best.

So, how easy is it to grow one of these magnificent, miniature
plants? There is no doubt that it takes some skill, patience and
a little luck but it is not in fact as difficult as it seems.
Let's find out a little more about the fascinating hobby of
bonsai gardening.


Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Bonsai Tips

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

How to Prune and Grow Bonsai Trees

Trees are very refreshing to look at. That is why going outdoors
and enjoying the pretty sight of trees around surely would be a
perfect unwinding activity. But if you are living in the urban
jungle, looking at trees would be a luxury. But did you know
that you could actually grow trees at the comfort of your own
home or inside your office? You could take care and grow bonsai
trees so you could have trees right inside your comfortable room.

Growing bonsai is a very popular hobby nowadays. When you grow
bonsai trees, they are technically trees because all the
attributes of a real tree is present. However, a bonsai does not
grow sturdy and tall as any other tree. At most, if you grow
bonsai trees, they could grow about two feet and at the very
least, could be just as short as two inches.

If you grow bonsai trees, no matter the height and width, bonsai
is still a tree. What is more interesting about a bonsai is that
even if it does not grow very tall, it could develop and look
exactly like a normal but miniature tree.

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : How to Prune and Grow Bonsai Trees

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

What Is Hydroponics And Hydroponic Systems?

Hydroponics is crop production with mineral nutrient solutions
instead of soil containing silt and clay. Terrestrial plants may
be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only
or in an inert medium, such as perlite, gravel or rockwool. A
variety of techniques exist.

Perlite is a volcanic rock that has been superheated into very
lightweight expanded glass pebbles. It is used loose or in
plastic sleeves immersed in the water. It is also used in
potting soil mixes to decrease soil density. Perlite has similar
properties and uses to vermiculite but generally holds more air
and less water. If not contained, it can float if flood and
drain feeding is used.

Like perlite, vermiculite is another mineral that has been
superheated until it has expanded into light pebbles.
Vermiculite holds more water than perlite and has a natural
"wicking" property that can draw water and nutrients in a
passive hydroponic system. If too much water and not enough air
surrounds the plants roots, it's possible to gradually lower the
medium's water-retention capability by mixing in increasing
quantities of perlite.

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : What Is Hydroponics And Hydroponic Systems?

Monday, May 14, 2007

Container Gardening Ideas For Pots And Planting Herbs

For container gardening ideas, scan the internet, the library or
a bookstore. The challenge is to come up with a lovely container
garden plan. There are a widespread collection of containers
available for your container garden. These range in size from
small-scale house-plant pots to sizeable boxes and planters.
Equally varied are the materials from which they are made. These
include wood, glass, clay, aluminum, bamboo, straw, plastic,
fiberglass, terra cotta, tin, cast iron, zinc, copper, and
brass, each with select advantages and disadvantages. What you
choose will depend on availability, price, background, and
attraction not to mention the characteristics of the gardening
pots.

Here are some container gardening ideas. In addition to
run-of-the-mill circular pots and tubs, there are modern and
ultra-modern forms such as square, rectangular, triangular,
hexagonal, and octagonal. Also eligible are old iron kitchen
pots, kettles, pails, jugs, casks, vases, crocks, jam tubs,
barrels and nail kegs, Japanese fish tubs, aged sinks, bathtubs,
bamboo soy tubs. There are novelty containers such as driftwood,
wheelbarrows, donkey carts, spinning wheels and boxes attached
to a roadside mail container. There are also bird cages,
decorative well heads, animal figures, and Strawberry jars.
Woven baskets may be used to conceal unattractive containers.
Even tar paper pots, handled by garden centers and florists are
worthy if painted or veiled to upgrade their exterior. Any of
these can be used in your container gardening ideas.

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Container Gardening Ideas For Pots And Planting Herbs

Friday, May 11, 2007

Some Organic Gardening Tips

Most synthetic fertilizers contain components and chemicals
which can be harmful to living organisms, and therefore organic
gardening usually is a wiser option. If you wish to apply
organic gardening techniques, you should start by avoiding all
synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and use natural options
instead.

Once you have decided where you will plant, you should apply
natural compost and rock materials to it. If you have flower
beds, you should add about 3" of organic material to them; this
will add enough nutrients and humus as well as help conserving
water.

If you have acid-loving plants, a good idea is to place a layer
of pine needles over their bed every fall, since these needles
have a nourishing acid which will help the plants growing strong
and healthy. Try to avoid using any pesticide by making sure of
adding enough organic soil, since this component strengthens the
immune system of the plants and helps them growing strong.

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Some Organic Gardening Tips

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Jumpstart The Spring Garden - Gardening Tips For March & April

Snowdrops stand guard over tiny daffodil buds. Daylight is
lingering a bit longer. The snow is receding and the robins are
returning. The big thaw has begun. There's no denying the signs.
Spring is right around the corner.

If you're like me, you can't wait to get your hands into the
soil. While you're holding out for higher temperatures, there's
plenty you can do today to jumpstart the spring gardening
season.

Sow Seeds Indoors

Take a trip to your local nursery or home store and buy seeds to
start indoors. In March I like to start annual flowers for my
pots and containers. Currently, I have Coleus, Zinnias,
Impatiens, Petunias and Marigolds germinating. Follow the seed
packet instructions and you'll get excellent results. Some
plants will take longer than others to bloom or bear fruit, so
plan accordingly. This is also a great time for starting
culinary herbs and vegetables. If you're looking for something
new this year, try moonflower vine or cathedral bells to climb
your fence or trellis. Both can be started from seed. If you
have children, get them involved. Many children have a natural
affinity for gardening. It's a great quality to encourage and
nurture in them.

Dust Off The Birdhouses

I put my birdhouses out in early March. Small birds like
chickadees will be actively searching for appropriate homes to
raise their families. Mine were up for less than 24 hours before
the home tours began.

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Jumpstart The Spring Garden - Gardening Tips For March & April

Monday, May 07, 2007

Overlooked Gardening Tips

Garden advice is not that hard to come by. In fact, you can get
gardening advice from another gardener, in a gardening
catalogue, gardening books, gardening magazines, and even on the
Internet. Although you will have variations with every plant,
there is some gardening advice that is universal and that goes
for any plant.

For example, the gardening advice given for planting is pretty
much uniform. You must place plants where they will have room to
grow so they don't overcrowd each other. Good air flow is a
plus, and plants must be in a position where they will receive
adequate amounts of sunlight. Advice will always tell you to add
some type of nutrients to the soil to lead to better plant
growth, such as mulch or compost.

Gardening advice on watering plants is a little more varied,
because every type of plant needs different amounts of water.
For example, you wouldn't want to water a cactus near as much as
you water a tomato plant. How much you water will obviously also
depend on where you live, the climate, and how much rain your
area receives.

Gardening advice from nearly every source will tell you that
your plants not only need fertilize when you first plant them,
they will also needed to be fertilized throughout their growing
season. What type of fertilize used will depend on the soil
content and pH balance, but fertilize will definitely be needed
on most all plants. Compost can be used instead and it is easy
to find advice on how to make a compost pile as well as when
fertilize and compost needs to be used.

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Overlooked Gardening Tips

Friday, May 04, 2007

Organic Vegetable Gardening For Beginners

To be successful at organic vegetable gardening you must draw up
detailed plans. The soil is your first consideration; how to
make it rich and fertile, and how to prepare it so harmful pests
won't attack your vegetable garden. The two ways that organic
vegetable gardening differs from conventional gardens is the
usage of fertilizer and how to keep pests under control.
Phosphorous, nitrogen and potassium are the three components
essential to your organic garden.

For lush, green foliage you must have nitrogen. For strong roots
and stems phosphorus is needed. And for the important protection
from disease and brief cold snaps, potassium is a must. Let's
call them the big three. The big three are available in
commercial fertilizers however they are synthetic. In organic
vegetable gardening the big three are added in a much different
way.

The best way of enriching your soil is by compost. Dig some pits
in your back yard to start your compost from kitchen refuse. Use
things like pine needles, corn stalks, leaves, carrot tops,
fruits or vegetables that have spoiled, manure, egg shells and
coffee grinds. Some organic gardeners use weeds in their compost
but I do not recommend this for obvious reasons. As the compost
materials decompose they release bacteria and fungi into the
soil that you are preparing. The bacteria and fungi convert
nutrients like nitrogen to ammonia and nitrates that will be
usable for your vegetables.

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Organic Vegetable Gardening For Beginners

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Container Gardening- Tips on How To Choose Healthy Plants

One of the keys to a successful is the choice of healthy plants.
Healthy plants make for longer-lasting, lower-maintenance, and
more vibrant displays. Therefore, before you head off to your
local garden center, you need to know what types of plants
you're looking for, and you need to know how to distinguish
between the healthy and unhealthy plants. To follow are some
tips that can be followed on how to pick out healthy plants for
that perfect display.

1. GENERAL CONDITION OF PLANTS

Avoid plants that do not look healthy on first inspection. The
moss and weeds growing on the surface of the potting mis
indicate that the plant has been in its pot for too long. Spots
and speckles on the leaves may indicate damage from pests and
disease.

2. POT BOUND ROOTS

Ensure that the roots of the plant are not packed in a tight
mesh because buying it. Plants packed in a tight mesh will take
longer to establish itself in a container display. Check this by
lifting the plant out of the potted container.

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Container Gardening- Tips on How To Choose Healthy Plants

Monday, April 02, 2007

Free Tips on Finding the Best Gardening Tools

Different kinds of gardens require different kinds of garden
tools. Hardware stores mostly cater for a wide range of tools,
but there are shops that specialize in the more expensive kind
of garden tool that shouts quality. Wherever you decide to shop,
here are a few pointers to advise you.

Do you have small garden or a large one? A small garden will not
require the same large equipment that would be of use in an
extensive one. A ride-on mower is unnecessary if you only have a
small strip of lawn. Another point to consider is who does most
of the gardening? Some tools are too heavy for use by women.

When you buy secateurs make sure the blade always stays sharp to
avoid damaging the plant. Look for models that have blades that
can be sharpened or replaced, models with tension control and
with sizes that best fit your hands. Secateurs usually cost
around $50 - $130.

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Free Tips on Finding the Best Gardening Tools

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Gardening Tips You Can Use

Bring up the topic of gardening in almost any social situation,
and you're bound to receive plenty of gardening advice. Everyone
from greenhorn to green thumb has plenty of gardening tips to
offer. Some homegrown ideas can produce bountiful results, so
ask around and see which ideas grow on you.

There are plenty of sources available when you're looking for
gardening tips. You can read gardening books, catalogues and
magazines. You can enquire at a garden center or check the
Internet. Of course, you can ask a more seasoned gardener for
his or her advice. Gardening methods, tricks and tips can vary
depending on the type of garden or variety of plant your
tending, but some gardening tips are universal and apply to any
type of plant.

Gardening tips for planting tend to by fairly universal. All
plants need room to grow, so space them so the roots can develop
and the plants won't overcrowd each other. It's important to
know the amount of sunlight required. Some plants, like hostas,
prefer a shady corner of the garden while others, like most
annual flowers and vegetables, thrive in open sunlight.
Ventilation is also important because like all living things,
plants need proper air circulation. Sources offering valuable
gardening tips will also tell you to add some type of nutrients
to the soil, such as mulch or compost, to help your plants grow
bigger and stronger. Every plant will benefit from these general
gardening tips.

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Gardening Tips You Can Use

Monday, March 12, 2007

Getting the Best Price for your Home Includes Landscaping for Curb Appeal

If you own a home, then sooner or later you are going to be ready to sell that home. Maybe you've already sold a home or two. People tend to move more often than our parents did.

There are a lot of things that go into getting the best possible price for
your home, but the very first thing your home needs is curb appeal. When a prospective buyer, or a realtor for that matter, pulls up in front of your home, they immediately form an opinion about your house. Fair or not, that's what people do. You can have the most beautiful home in the city, but if prospective buyers don't get a super positive feeling about your house the minute they lay eyes on it, they are going to enter and view the rest of your house with a negative impression.

Fixing that problem is easy enough to do.

When people pull up in front of your house there are two things they see. A house, and the landscaping in front of that house. If the landscaping is unattractive, the house will appear to be unattractive. Landscaping for curb appeal does not cost a lot of money, it's simply a matter of making sure the landscaping is neat, with well defined edges, and colorful. But when landscaping for curb appeal, the most important thing you need to do is to raise the beds with topsoil. Of course you have to do this before you plant.

Plants do much better in raised beds, and the plants in the beds really
stand out. In order to raise the beds around your house you do not have to buy expensive stones and build retaining walls. Just establish the outline of the planting beds, cut an edge into the soil with a spade, and fill the planting beds with approximately ten inches of good rich topsoil. You'd be amazed at how much you can raise a planting bed without any type of retention.

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Getting the Best Price for your Home Includes Landscaping for Curb Appeal

Friday, March 09, 2007

How To Grow Tomatoes In Your Vegetable Garden

For many people, growing big juicy tomatoes is part of what
makes vegetable gardening so enjoyable. Whether purchasing
plants from your local nursery or starting tomatoes from seed,
there are a few basic steps to follow to ensure that you harvest
an abundant crop at the end of the growing season. There are
many different varieties of tomatoes to choose from, depending
on whether you will be cooking, canning, slicing, or eating
miniature or grape-like varieties right off the vine. Sweet
100�s are very abundant, and are good for salads as well as
eating fresh from the garden. Roma tomatoes are good for making
salsa, because the peels are not as tough as others so you don�t
need to peel the skins off. Romas are also known as the classic
paste and sauce tomato. There are Early Girls, Early Boys, Big
Boys, Big Mamas, Sweet Baby Girls, Beefsteaks, French Rose
hybrids, Big Rainbow, specialty tomatoes and many more. So start
by choosing the kind of tomato you would like to grow.

Planting Tomatoes from Seeds

Tomatoes grown from seed will require six to eight weeks before
they can be planted in the garden. Purchase individual
containers or flats, starter soil or mixture, and the seeds of
your choice. Fill each container with soil, pressing it tightly
to remove air and to avoid settling problems after watering.
Typically, seed companies print instructions for planting right
on the tomato seed package. Each variety is a little different
so follow instructions carefully. Prepare a label identifying
the type of tomato and the date started. You can make your own
from Popsicle sticks or purchase them at the store or garden
center.

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : How To Grow Tomatoes In Your Vegetable Garden

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Spring Planting Tips

Spring means that the garden centers are packed with people, and car trunks are packed with plants. Everybody has dirt on their knees, dirt under their nails, and are excited about gardening. To make certain that this excitement yields positive results, let's discuss the basics in this article of spring planting tips.

Installing new plants and having them grow successfully is not difficult, nor is it as complicated as some would have you think. Is it as easy as just digging a hole and setting the plant in? Yes, it certainly can be. I won't get into bed preparation, as I have covered that in other articles that are available at http://www.freeplants.com

Let's start with B&B plants. B&B is short for balled in burlap. Closely examine the ball on the plant that you have purchased. Did the diggers wrap twine around the ball to hold the plant secure? If they did, you should at least cut the twine and lay it in the bottom of the hole, or remove it completely. Pay close attention around the stem of the plant where it emerges from the root ball, as diggers often wrap the twine around the stem several times as they tie the ball. This is extremely important because if the string is nylon, it will not rot and will girdle and kill the plant two or three years from now.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : Spring Planting Tips

Monday, March 05, 2007

Container Gardening

Container gardens can create a natural sanctuary in a busy city street, along rooftops or on balconies. You can easily accentuate the welcoming look of a deck or patio with colorful pots of annuals, or fill your window boxes with beautiful shrub roses or any number of small perennials. Whether you arrange your pots in a group for a massed effect or highlight a smaller space with a single specimen, you'll be delighted with this simple way to create a garden.

Container gardening enables you to easily vary your color scheme, and as each plant finishes flowering, it can be replaced with another. Whether you choose to harmonize or contrast your colors, make sure there is variety in the height of each plant. Think also of the shape and texture of the leaves. Tall strap-like leaves will give a good vertical background to low-growing, wide-leafed plants. Choose plants with a long flowering season, or have others of a different type ready to replace them as they finish blooming.

Experiment with creative containers. You might have an old porcelain bowl or copper urn you can use, or perhaps you'd rather make something really modern with timber or tiles. If you decide to buy your containers ready-made, terracotta pots look wonderful, but tend to absorb water. You don't want your plants to dry out, so paint the interior of these pots with a special sealer available from hardware stores.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : Container Gardening

Friday, March 02, 2007

Plus Points For Organic Gardening

Organic gardening is the way of growing vegetables and fruits
with the use of things only found in nature. Why would one want
to indulge in organic gardening?

1.One can easily make compost from garden and kitchen waste.
Though this is a bit more time-consuming than buying prepared
chemical pesticides and fertilizers, it certainly helps to put
garbage to good use and so saves the environment.

2. Organic farming does not use chemicals that may have an
adverse affect on your health. This is especially important when
growing vegetables. Chemical companies tell us that the
chemicals we use are safe if used according to direction, but
research shows that even tiny amounts of poisons absorbed
through the skin can cause such things as cancer, especially in
children.

On the average, a child ingests four to five times more
cancer-causing pesticides from foods than an adult. This can
lead to various diseases later on in the child's life. With
organic gardening, these incidents are lessened.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : Plus Points For Organic Gardening

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Caring for and Planting a Balled in Burlap

Tis the season when lots of people drag a real tree into their house and decorate it. Some people buy live trees that are balled in burlap instead of a cut tree. A live tree is a great idea, but many people make serious mistakes when it comes to handling a live tree, and they end up losing their money. The information in this article also pertains to any live tree you are planting, be it now during the winter, or during the summer.

1. Before you even take the tree in the house, dig a hole for the tree where you expect to plant it after the holidays. Put the soil in a wheelbarrow and park it in the garage. You'll need loose soil to backfill the hole, and the ground might be frozen after the holidays.

2. Keep your live tree in the house for as short a time as is possible.

3. Keep the ball plenty moist while in the house, but not in a tub full of water. You don't want the ball to dry out completely, but by the same token it shouldn't be soggy all the time either. Just moist. You can wet it thoroughly, but then don't water again until the water is almost gone.

4. After Christmas move the tree outdoors as soon as possible and plant it immediately. If you were not able to dig the hole earlier, the ground is frozen, and the tree can not be planted, leave it outside and pack bags of leaves or bales of straw around the ball. Find a way to heel it in in such a way that the amount of sun and wind the root ball receives is minimal.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : Caring for and Planting a Balled in Burlap

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Summer Gardening Tips

Don't be afraid to trim those flowering shrubs and trees that need it. Failure to prune is probably the biggest gardening mistake a person can make. I spent 20 years landscaping homes and businesses, and I watched people make the investment in my services, then they failed to prune when the plants needed it, and before you know it their landscape looks terrible.

If you make a mistake pruning, don't worry about it. It's like a bad haircut, it will grow out. Of course use common sense and read the previous articles that I've written on pruning.

Along with summer time comes high humidity. High humidity can cause a lot of problems with the plants in your garden and around your house. One of the simple things you can do is don't water just before dark. Make sure your plants are nice and dry when you tuck them in for the night and you can cut down of the chance fungus being a problem.

One of the more common fungi that I get asked about a lot is powdery mildew. This appears as a white film on the leaves of ornamental plants. Dogwoods and Purple Sandcherry are often the victim of powdery mildew. Powdery mildew isn't extremely harmful to the plants, it's just that the foliage is damaged, and little growing takes place once it sets in. Your local garden center will have a general fungicide you can spray if you'd like to try and control it. Usually once the plant defoliates in the fall the plant is back to normal.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : Summer Gardening Tips

Friday, February 02, 2007

When Gardening What Are The Right Tools That Anybody Will Need

For different kinds of gardens you will need different kinds of tools. Most hardware and DIY stores now have a wide range of tools available in stock, but if you want there are shops that specialize in the more expensive ranges that shout quality to you. But wherever you decide to purchase your tools from here a few points to help you make an informed decision.

Firstly you need to look at the size of your garden, is it small or is it large? A small garden does not require the same large equipment that would be used in a bigger one. Why bother purchasing a ride-on lawn mower if you only have a small lawn. Also you need to look at who in your household does most of the gardening. If you say it is your wife that spends a vast amount of time gardening then you need to look for tools that will suit her, there are some out there that are too heavy for women to use.

You are looking to purchase a pair of secateurs and you should always ensure that the blade is kept sharp to avoid causing undue damage to your plants. If you can look for a pair where the blades can either be sharpened or they can be replaced, as well as a pair that have a tension control system and a pair that best fits your hand size. Normally a good quality pair of secateurs can cost from around $50 to £130.

If you have a hedge or considering growing one (to provide that all important privacy that you crave) then you need to look at purchasing a good quality hedge trimmer or a good quality pair of shears. You may find that some hedge trimmers have a curved blade which stops branches from sliding out when cut, and as with secateurs the shears you decide to purchase need to be suitable for the blades to be sharpened or replaced.

Essential items you should have in your gardening tool kit are a fork, shovel, rake, chipping hoe and a pruning saw (not essential unless you have trees or large shrubs in your garden).

Continue To Read Full Article Here : When Gardening What Are The Right Tools That Anybody Will Need

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

15 Tips For Making A Container Water Garden

Potted plants, they're common. But when container water gardens
are mentioned, chances are, not too many people will be able to
answer what it is. Do you know what they are for? No? You'll
know in a minute.

Before, most people who would want to enjoy the beauty of water
garden plants would need to set up a pond in their homes. Today,
that is just an alternative. Container water gardens are for
water plants as pots are for flowering plants.

1. Just like planting the usual garden plants, water plants such
as water hyacinth or water lettuce should be packed with clay
while submerged in water. 2-3 potted plants together with some
plants with broad leaves would be attractive enough.

2. Container water gardens should be kept in places with a high
distribution of sunlight (at least 6 hours in a day) and ample
supply of water. The containers should be refilled as soon as
some of the original content has evaporated. During the
afternoon, though, a bit of protection is required for your
containers.

3. You must never worry about mosquitoes that might make a lair
out of your creation. The water in the container would not
become stagnant because of the plants in it. In rare cases where
mosquito larvae do develop, take them off immediately and put in
fresh water right away.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : 15 Tips For Making A Container Water Garden

Monday, January 29, 2007

Green Gardening Tips

The winter has lived up to being a cold and windy months (for
most of us). Annual rye will stay green throughout the winter
months and begin to die off in the summer heat. You should be
able to plant just about anything, including pansies, (which
will last through next May) mums, winter veggies (starts), most
trees and shrubs.

There are a few exceptions: Palm trees might be better planted
in the spring and summer, in order to get a good root
establishment before the winter sets in. Preparing for the
Winter Months: Gardening in October. They can be used in vases
in the house throughout the winter to brighten the decor.

This will keep them in the warmest water available and allow
them to go dormant for the winter without sustaining damage. I
am delighted for the opportunity of presenting free �-day
vegetable gardening seminars again this winter and spring to a
limited number of groups who request them.

These are just a few gardening tips for you to consider here in
late June. In gardening, there are some tips that many have
found more useful over others. Whether you have a green thumb or
simply want to start learning the art of gardening, it's a good
idea to be prepared for all of those little surprises that may
pop up along the way.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : Green Gardening Tips

Thursday, January 25, 2007

How To Decide The Style Of Your Garden

All garden have styles, just as with furniture and interior
decorating. Sometimes styles can be blended and sometimes not.
Generally, you want your more intensive formal-looking areas,
like roses and annual flower beds, closer to the house; then you
can let the garden become more natural as you move farther away.

Adding a small perennial flower bed next to the garage works
beautifully. But a yard starts to look funny if you have a
Japanese cloud-pruned pine, an English perennial border, some
natural-looking shrubs, and a fish pond all at one time. If you
live in the woods, among towering forest trees, one sheared bush
will look odd. Pollarded trees look good next to the chateaux in
France, but they look silly as the only two treated that way out
of a row of trees on the parking strip in front of your house.
Pollarded trees are the ones pruned to look like 6-foot
lollipops.

Below are seven examples of popular garden styles:

1. Formal English: Clipped hedges, roses, knot gardens 2.
English Cottage: Lots of fruit trees and perennials rambling
around in great profusion 3. Japanese: Highly trained and
maintained pines and other trees with masses of low sheared
shrubs, placed rocks, and sand seas 4. Early American:
Forsythias, quince, peonies, bearded iris 5. Pacific Northwest:
Rocks to look like mountain outcroppings, rhododendron, pines,
heather, vine maples, Douglas firs 6. Woodland: Tall trees with
understory plants and groundcovers 7. Prairie: Grasses and
sun-loving wildflowers

Continue To Read Full Article Here : How To Decide The Style Of Your Garden

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Container Gardening Should Include The Herbal Plant Scented Geraniums

Planting an herbal garden that includes scented geraniums is not common to container gardening. Most gardeners think of scented geraniums as a floral plant, not an herbal plant but the species, called pelargonium, is an herb with many uses. This delightful herb has many different aromas and gorgeous colors to delight your senses. The scented geranium is best used in container gardening for two reasons. One, you can control the soil and moisture, and two you can bring it indoors when a frost is imminent.

The scented geranium was found in Africa in the 1600's and shipped to England where it became most popular. The gardener of King Charles I grew a variety of scented geraniums in the royal greenhouse. The Victorians thought they were geraniums rather than an herbal plant but if you look at their asymmetrical leaves you can see the difference between scented geraniums and regular geraniums.

The scented geranium is truly a herbal plant for all seasons. It grows and has a lovely aroma throughout the spring and summer and when the chilly winds of autumn threaten this sturdy herbal plant will gladly co-exist inside with you. Nothing could be better when container gardening includes scented geranium with their exquisite flowers, lovely scented leaves, and sturdy characteristics for year round enjoyment of your senses.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : Container Gardening Should Include The Herbal Plant Scented Geraniums

Monday, January 22, 2007

Grow Great Tomatoes Using Container Gardening Methods

CONTAINER TOMATO GARDENING Tomatoes can be grown easily in container gardens.

Here's how:

USE LARGE CONTAINERS Tomatoes are large plants when they mature. For this reason, your container size should be at least 12 – 14" in width or diameter. Any smaller container than this and your tomatoes will not last the season. With smaller pots, the plant dries out early in the season and the bloom simply doesn’t happen. The choice is yours. Whether you want to be stingy now or repent later. Pay for the bigger pot to ensure that you get great tomatoes in August.

GOOD QUALITY SOIL Use good quality soil all the way to the bottom of the container. By using an artificial soil mix rather than the garden soil; you prevent the soil from compaction. Compaction stunts the growth of the tomatoes and kills them. The soil should also have the right pH balance for the tomato to thrive fully. The soil should be mixed properly and good quality fertilizer should be added at the time of filling the container this is why garden soil is seldom used. Tomatoes need lots of soil with constant watering. You should put in at least six shovels of soil in the container. Any less than that can spell doom for the plant.

Continue To Read More Here : Grow Great Tomatoes Using Container Gardening Methods

Friday, January 19, 2007

Green House Gardening Tips and Tricks

Gardening enthusiasts in the more interesting temperate climates
and any place where there are four seasons are faced with great
benefits as well as challenges. Because of the four seasons,
gardeners are blessed with huge plant varieties conducive for
planting on one or two of the seasons. In the period of a year,
they are given an opportunity to plant varieties that must grow
in cooler climates, and take advantage of the sunny summer to
plant those that would require more exposure to the sun.
However, the seasonality of plant varieties may pose challenges
to those who would rather grow plants continuously, regardless
of season. This is especially true for flower and fruit
varieties that require continuous sunlight for an entire year,
for example, or fruit and vegetable perennials that do not bear
fruit and instead shrivel up in the winter.

The response to these challenges is the creation of greenhouses
or greenhouse facilities. A greenhouse is a structure made of
glass or plastic that stores up the sun's rays in order to
simulate the temperatures in the spring all year long inside. By
storing up heat inside a greenhouse, it allows individuals to
grow plants continuously even while winter rages hard outside
it. Greenhouses also go by the name glasshouses or hothouses.
The glass or plastic used in the construction of greenhouses are
specially designed to have transmission qualities that will
allow for the sun's ultraviolet rays to be stored inside the
greenhouse facility, providing a warm atmosphere inside, and in
effect, warming the plants and the soil. A greenhouse leaves
little or no openings through which the air heated by the stored
sunlight can escape; leaving a small window or hatch open in a
greenhouse will lead to a drastic drop in temperatures.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : Green House Gardening Tips and Tricks

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

An Introduction to Greenhouse Gardening

Greenhouses come in a wide variety of different styles and
types. Each is suited to a special need or want and degree of
seriousness for greenhouse gardening. For the beginning
greenhouse gardener there are smaller versions available that
come in the form of portable greenhouses, a hobby greenhouse, or
mini greenhouses. There is also the option to build your
greenhouse from scratch with a foundation.

What exactly is a greenhouse? A greenhouse is a structure that
creates a protected environment for plants to grow in, thus
extending the productive lives of plants. Greenhouse gardening
is a fun and functional way to garden all year around. You can
pick tomatoes in the winter. Grow herbs and vegetables and start
seedlings and cuttings. Some of the reasons to start a
greenhouse:

Carrying over garden plants to be used as Greenhouse plants next
season Getting an early start for tender plants started from
seed Increasing the possibilities of a greater variety and
continuous supply Easier culture of small vegetables for winter
use To propagate and experiment with various plants as a hobby
Develop new varieties of plants.

Continue To Read More Here : An Introduction to Greenhouse Gardening

Monday, January 15, 2007

Layer Your Landscape

If you're planning to redo your landscaping design, don't think
'flat'. By incorporating elements of height, you can layer your
landscape and bring new excitement to your gardens.

While gardening is a great way to clear the mind and soothe the
soul, garden landscaping can get your imagination working
overtime and let your creativity run wild. It's fun to plan and
to implement all of your wild designs.

When you layer your landscape beds, you will be adding an
entirely new level of beauty to your property. Your yard is the
first thing that people see when they visit your home, and it's
exciting to cap a home visit with a grand tour of a really
fabulous garden. Taking the time and effort to create striking
landscaping will make you the talk of the neighbourhood -- for
all the right reasons.

It's actually quite easy to layer your landscape. First, choose
the flowers and plants that you really want to have, and study
their planting requirements and growing habits. Echinacea, for
example, comes to you as a six-inch plant, but can grow to an
impressive six feet tall! This planning stage is crucial to the
success of your landscape design. Be sure to position taller
plants behind shorter ones.

Continue To Read The Full Article Here : Layer Your Landscape

Thursday, January 11, 2007

How to Make a Weed Dabber

The tool that I am going to tell you about is for using herbicides such as RoundUp. The biggest mistakes that people make when using non-selective herbicides like RoundUp is over spray getting the herbicide on plants that they did not intend to spray, and over applying the product. If you spray to the point of run off, you are applying way too much.

The weed dabber is a tool used for spot treating weeds without getting the herbicide on other plants.

Start by going to your hardware store and buying a piece of 1- ½” PVC pipe. You only need a piece 30” long, but they might make you buy a 10' section. It's pretty cheap though. You'll need a plastic PVC cap for one end of the pipe, and on the other end you'll need an adapter to convert the PVC pipe to a standard pipe thread. You'll have to let the clerk at the hardware store help you find the best combination of fittings to use. What you need to do is to get the PVC pipe reduced down to a male garden hose type fitting. Hardware stores sell brass fittings that convert standard pipe thread to the same thread used on garden hoses.

Probably what you'll end up with is an adapter that will convert the 1-½” PVC to 3/4” male pipe. Then an adapter to convert the 3/4” male pipe to a male garden house fitting. They also make a cap that you can install on the end of a garden hose, you'll need one of those. This cap must have a rubber garden hose washer in it so it seals properly.


Continue To Read Full Article Here : How to Make a Weed Dabber

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

How This Simple Landscaping Tip Can Save You Big Money

A beautifully decorated backyard can serve you in many ways. It
is proved by the experts that proper landscape gardening in the
backyard not only increases the beauty of the house but also
saves money by reducing the cost of hot or cooling system during
the winter or summer, which amounts nearly $250 worth a year.

To make the yard energy efficient, the following steps may be
taken for both the existing and soon-to -be-developed landscapes.

Keep out the Sun

The main thing, which should be taken into account, is the
weather prevailing in the area. If there is Sunshine, the path
the sunray follows should be taken into consideration as almost
90% of heat is absorbed if the house is hit directly by the Sun.
This imparts extra load on the cooling system.

Deciduous, dense and big trees can be planted to the south or
west of the house, and this would protect the house best from
Sunrays during the summer as their foliage creates shades.
Temperatures up to 10degrees Fahrenheit can be reduced in this
way.

Throughout the winter these deciduous trees lose their foliages
making access to the Sun's heat which the walls and the
foundation of your house need during this season.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : How This Simple Landscaping Tip Can Save You Big Money

Monday, January 08, 2007

5 Tips To Make Organic Gardening Easier

Organic gardening has many advantages and this article will
offer you 5 tips to make organic gardening easier.

Organic Gardening Tip #1: Mulch your trees and flower beds with
3" of organic material. When you use this organic gardening tip
you will be able to add humus and nutrients. You can also
conserve water and keep weeds at bay. If you are growing plants
that need acid you can use a thick layer of pine needles.
Organic gardening with pine needle mulch will be perfect if used
in the fall because over the course of the winter they will
decompose and the needed acid will be added naturally to the
soil.

Organic Gardening Tip #2: You need to maintain healthy soil if
you want to be successful at organic gardening. The most
important step in maintaining healthy soil while engaged in
organic gardening is to keep on top of pest management. When
pests are controlled in organic gardening the plants will be
healthy and more able to withstand insect and disease damage. If
you are bothered while organic gardening with aphids you can
spray the infested leaves, stems and buds with a diluted
solution of soapy water followed with clear water.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : 5 Tips To Make Organic Gardening Easier

Friday, January 05, 2007

What Makes For A Beautiful Garden?

What makes a garden look good? Generally, you want shrubs and
trees, plus grass to soften the hard, angular lines of your
house and lot. Some people eliminate grass altogether and use a
patio surrounded by beds. However, a flat sea of green grass add
contrast for your shrub beds. Grass is also good if you have
kids. Cool grass on the sole of a bare foot in summer is a much
savored treat.

A few very tall things are essential to put your house in scale,
or set it off, especially if it's a tall or big house. But you
don't want so many tall things that they block all the light. A
tall tree takes up a lot of space but it adds the element of
'grandeur.' A big tree goes on the south or west side to protect
you from the blazing hot sun. It also adds habitat for kids and
songbirds.

Carve out your beds in gentle sweeps around the outside
perimeter. Make them three times as big as you think you need
them. The amount of grass you need is really quite small, maybe
enough for six chairs and a picnic table or perhaps three beach
towels. A 50/50 ratio of lawn to beds is recommended. If you are
lucky enough to have a lot of land, you may wish to break it up
into 'rooms' with shrub bed peninsulas or fences, the path
winding from one 'room' to another. These rooms are not square,
they are just spaces that are separated, more or less.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : What Makes For A Beautiful Garden

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Weed Control Facts, Winning the Battle of the Weeds

Keeping your landscape plantings, flower beds, and nursery crops free of weeds is a battle, but if you approach it with a strategic plan, you will prevail. In order to develop a plan, you first must understand how weeds work, and what kind of weeds you are dealing with.

Basically weeds grow either from seed, or they reproduce from their roots. As the roots grow outward from the parent plant, new plants sprout up from the lateral roots, creating more parent plants and the process continues and the weeds thrive. Weeds that tend to reproduce from the root are usually more difficult to control.

Weed controls facts? Weeds are plants, and they function just like the desirable plants in your yard. They need water, sunlight, and nutrition to survive. Of these three key survival needs, the easiest one for a gardener to eliminate is sunlight. Through proper mulching you can eliminate the sunlight.

But first, let’s look at the steps you should go through before you mulch, then we’ll discuss the best mulching techniques to use. In order for your weed control efforts to be truly effective, you should do everything in your power to make your gardens as weed free as possible before you plant or mulch. There are a couple of ways you can go about this, either organically or with chemicals. I don’t like using chemicals, but I do use them for weed control, and I use them for pest control when necessary.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : Weed Control Facts, Winning the Battle of the Weeds