Using A Garden Shed

This article reflects one woman's desire and love for gardening and how a garden shed plays into the scenario.

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One of my all-time favorite hobbies is having a garden each year. I think my love for gardening started when I was a little girl spending summers with my grandmother and helping her take care of her large vegetable and flower gardens. I love the feeling of getting dirt in my fingernails and of seeing healthy vegetables and beautiful flowers grow from the tiniest seeds. My grandmother taught me a lot about life and about gardening during those summers. One of the main things I remember her teaching me, however, was that every gardener needed a garden shed.

I thought this advice about a garden shed was a bit strange at first. In fact, I questioned my grandmother about it because I thought surely she had spoken wrong. A garden shed? Sure, they are great, but why would every gardener need one? That was my question to my grandmother.

She answered my question about the need for a garden shed in the most magical and memorable way. She walked me over to her special garden shed and brought me inside with her. Once inside she began explaining all the different tools, seeds and fertilizers that she had in her garden shed. I was quite amazed at everything my gram had in her garden shed. It was really organized and she seemed to have a great reason for each thing she had in there. She said that all gardeners will take more pride in their gardens if they have a special garden shed filled with everything they need to garden.

To make a long story short, I have since become very convinced that my grandmother's words are true about a garden shed. The more I have gotten into gardening the more I have seen the truth that it requires a lot of tools and things to make a garden grow with success, and my garden shed is the perfect place to store everything for my garden. Each year it seems like I grow my gardens a bit bigger and so each year my garden shed gets a little more filled with all of the right products and tools for each of my new attempts.

So if you are a gardener of if you are thinking about starting a garden for the first time, then I suggest you invest into a garden shed. It will hold everything you need for your garden and allow you to take pride in the work of your hands.

Artificial Plants

People love artificial plants for many reasons as you can see. Since they aren't as delicate as real plants, they can also be easily found and purchased online. Find any artificial plants you like online and take measurements to make sure they'll be a perfect fit for your home.

I'm not a fan of the artificial thing, but I include this article here for variety sake, because there are some who may like to consider some artificial plants in their garden, also there are some benefits.

What can be done with artificial plants is just a matter of seeing it for yourself. Who knew that manipulating plastic could even turn out to look that beautiful? If you are the type who's against the destruction of the Rain Forest, who said that you should not have any green in your home? Artificial plants are odorless and the only thing they do catch is dust. Taking a damp cloth, or even having the kids spend on morning on a Saturday cleaning them, will bring back the color of the plants.

Artificial plants can resemble actual flowers and it will take a second – maybe even a third – glance to realize that they are not real. A few of the plants are available with artificial water, which adds to the look-a-like effect, and be beautiful centerpieces on the coffee table, on the mantelpiece or even on the bedside pedestal. There is nothing wrong with having plastic in your house, and if you are against it, you just have a look at a few of the artificial plants and decide for yourself. You will not be blamed if you are taken to the artificial plant section and can’t tell the difference between real and plastic.

The two are very close – maybe so close that there is no fault. To tell the difference all you have to do is put your nose near each of them and smell the difference. When owning artificial plants in your home and would like to give it a fresh smell, try adding a few drops of potpourri oils on the brim of the vase. That should convince the visitors that your beautiful flowers are making the room smell so nice. Share your secret with them and tell them and then see the looks on their faces when they stand there in disbelief.

People love artificial plants for many reasons as you can see. Since they aren't as delicate as real plants, they can also be easily found and purchased online. Find any artificial plants you like online and take measurements to make sure they'll be a perfect fit for your home.

Garden Grading

This article was posted earlier, but I wanted to repost it to reinstate an important fact. Grading the land should be done first! No matter how big, or small the area you want for your garden is, it's important to prime everything first. Also, good planning always makes for better results.

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Not all houses have perfect surroundings that will be easy to transform into outdoor recreation and entertainment areas with good lawns and gardens. It is frequently necessary to undertake some construction projects to obtain the quality and type of outdoor area you want. One of the basic construction problems for any landscaping task is grading the soil. Generally, grading means building a slope into the garden area. Sloping ensures that there is proper drainage, and it can make the house look better while allowing for easier maintenance.

Whether you want to have a garden, a lawn, or a terrace, you must do your grading first. The best time to grade is when a home is being constructed, since it is relatively simple to add a few inches between the entrance level and the ground level at this point. Just a few inches can ease the creation of a grade away from the house to improve its appearance and make for a drier basement, if you have one.

It is difficult to measure a grade by eye. Even professionals cannot do this. You should use a piece of twine as a guide. Pull the twine tight between two sticks imbedded in the ground. Once you’ve completed the rough work for leveling, use a long board as a straight edge on the ground to make sure you’ve been accurate. Rough grading is the first step in landscape construction. The extent of the grading depends on the condition of the ground and ground levels desired. You must also pay attention if there are extreme slopes and try to keep as closely as possible to natural contours. This reduces the expense of grading in a big way.

Begin grading by stripping and separating topsoil from the areas where the level is to be altered. Even if you are grading for a stone or concrete terrace, you should save the topsoil. You can spread the topsoil in areas where it is thin, or you can use it a flower garden and save yourself some money. Once you have stripped the topsoil, subsoil can be graded to the desired contours, leaving space for adding the topsoil that has been removed. You should also plan to have a slope for every one-hundred feet of lawn. The same measurement can be applied to a stone terrace to prevent pools of water to develop during periods of rain.

When you level an area for a terrace, you don’t need to insert subsoil drainage. Just save the topsoil. For nearly all terraces, it is good practice to tamp the soil down and even to put a layer of gravel cinder or crushed rock as a base for the terrace. Terraces typically require a level area, but the grade that slopes away from the house should be maintained.

Planning A New Year Garden The Year Before

In this article, a person named Robin explains why they plan their garden early.

Every year spring comes and I get so excited to get outside and plant my garden. I can just taste those fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, and all the other wonderful produce that I will grow this summer.

I stop at all the seed displays and see if there is anything new that I want to try and grow this year and take pleasure in my anticipation to dig in the dirt.

I watch the weather and am careful not to plant to soon, I don't want my plants caught in a late spring freeze of course. Then the time comes when I just can't stand it any longer I head to the nursery to buy my plants. I of course get way too many of everything and then I patiently haul them outside every morning to get some sun and then bring them in each night until the big day arrives.

I get my garden area all rototilled and ready and invest in some plant food to help my little darlings along after I get them planted. I've got my stakes and string ready to make neat little rows of carrots and radishes. I've got my wire cages ready to place over my tomatoes plants and am just itching to get started.

Finally the day has arrived and I can plant my garden. I start out the morning with enthusiasm and get everything planted just so. It is a little more crowded than I would like because I seem to always try to fit too many plants and seeds into the area, but I tell myself it will all be worth it.

All through June and July I lovingly cultivate my plants, weeding and watering with a vengeance. August comes and we are thoroughly enjoying all our fresh vegetables. But by then it is getting a little hot out and weeding isn't quite as fun anymore. Toward the middle of August I have vegetables coming out my ears and it is time to can and freeze all this freshness for winter.

I start out with salsa and then move on to tomatoes and pickles. Then of course I need to get those strawberrys in the freezer. And I don't want the corn to get too mature before I get it into the freezer. After a week or two my kitchen is a wreck and I am tired of spending the last of my summer days inside. If I never see another tomato or ear of corn I will be extremely happy. Between getting ready for the new school year and freezing and canning all my great produce I am thoroughly exhausted. Plus it seems like with this heat watering my garden, let alone the lawn is a never ending chore.

But of course we don't want anything to go to waste so I head down to get more canning supplies and keep at it. When it is all said and done I have way too much for my family to use so of course I give it away. You don't want those vegetables to go to waste you know.

By this time I look out and my peaches and apples seem just right for picking and the process starts over with them. While I am working on my fruit of course the garden is still producing and even though I quit canning and freezing from there I can't let it go to waste so I make sure every morning and night I pick what is ripe and give it away to those that will surely appreciate it. Because by this time the thought of eating anything out of the garden is not very appealing, neither is cooking in my kitchen that has become a canning disaster area.

Then the next big day that I can't seem to wait for, the big freeze. Finally my gardening job has ended. All I have to do now is get everything in the compost pile, re-rototill, and fertilize.

As I look at my kitchen and see all the fruits, vegetables, pickles, and jellies ready for winter I am proud, but really really tired. I vow next year I will not take on so much. Last year I went ahead and planned my garden in October and made specific counts of just how much I was going to plant. I made counts of just how much I had frozen and canned to see just how much we would use in the coming year. I made little footnotes of my thoughts on the subject as well.

Well spring is approaching, well kind of there is still snow on the ground, and I got out my garden plan and looked at all the produce my family still hasn't eaten and thought about how much of it I had given away this winter already and thought maybe I should follow this new garden plan as I started to unfold all my notes. I vaguely remember thinking Pace salsa is almost as good as my own, and who really can tell if the canned tomatoes came from the garden or not after they have been cooked.

I don't know if I will be able to stick to this streamlined plan when my green thumb starts itching to grow things but I keep telling myself if we run out of salsa, jelly, corn, or tomatoes it won't be the end of the world. They are readily available at the grocery store and in the long run may cost less than me putting them up myself. I was totally convinced in October, kind of convinced now, but I am wondering come May if I will be able to stick to it.

I have a feeling when the grass starts turning green, and the tulips show their colors all my best laid plans for a more relaxing late summer are going to go by the wayside. Oh well, I guess their could be worse addictions. I wonder is there such a thing as a 12 step program for those addicted to gardening in excess?

Birds In The Garden

One of the advantages of creating a garden, is all of the wildlife it can attract.

There are many reasons to create a summer garden the best however, as most gardeners are well aware is for your personal enjoyment. For bird lovers everywhere it is quite possible to have a fabulous summer garden that appeals to the bird lover in them as much as a lover of beauty that exists within us all (there are of course a few disagreements along the way as to what beauty is and is not). If you are a bird lover you should seriously consider making efforts to make your summer garden more attractive to your fine feathered friends.

There are several ways this goal may be accomplished. First of all birds like water. They need to drink water and they actually enjoy playing in the water. With this in mind make sure there is some sort of water source available for the birds to enjoy in your summer garden. Some excellent choices would be a water fountain, a goldfish pond, or a waterfall. The key in this is to make sure that the water source is not a stagnate water source as you want to attract birds and not mosquitoes. Other than that, have fun creating a neat place for your bird pals to frolic and play.

As far as attracting specific birds, you will need to research the specific birds you are interested in attracting to your summer garden and plant accordingly. The variations are virtually limitless and far too numerous to include in this brief overview. Be sure to invest some degree of time when planning your garden to check into favorite birds and the flowers or trees they prefer. You should also take the time to study their predators and avoid creating a friendly atmosphere for the predators to hang out in your summer garden while you are doing your research.

Another way to attract birds to your summer garden is by creating an environment in which they feel safe and at home. Plant trees that these birds favor for building nests or place birdhouses in your garden that will provide a great potential home for these birds to make their own.

In addition to planting flowers and trees that will attract various birds to your summer garden you should also take care to attract food to your summer garden for these desirable birds as well. If you aren't sure about attracting food for the birds you might want to consider providing food for these birds you are hoping to draw into your summer garden. You can accomplish this by filling bird feeders (make sure you use feeders that are designed to prevent squirrels from stealing the food intended for your birds) with foods that attract the birds you are most interested in attracting to your lawn.

There is no right or wrong way to create a peaceful and relaxing summer garden. If you wish to add to your enjoyment of your garden it is quite possible to do this by taking a few extra steps and landscaping with the birds you enjoy watching in mind. The steps above will help make your garden an attractive place to favorite birds to play and build their homes. Incorporate them all into your summer garden for best results and the opportunity to live in harmony with the birds you enjoy watching.

More Indoor Gardening Tips

WһіƖе аƖƖ plants аrе quite apt tο prosper indoors, tһеу ԁο need more οr less tһе same conditions tο grow аѕ outdoor plants ԁο. Tһеѕе conditions аrе a ɡοοԁ supply οf fresh air, proper sunlight, water аחԁ nutrients such аѕ plant food commonly known аѕ ‘fertilizer’.

Wе wіƖƖ include here a few tips tһаt аrе sure tο mаkе уουr indoor plants grow healthier аחԁ add beauty tο уουr surroundings.

Eνеr notice һοw plants wіƖƖ face tһе source οf sunlight? Tһіѕ іѕ bесаυѕе tһе sun іѕ tһе main source οf tһеіr nutrition. Plant leaves change water аחԁ nutrition frοm tһе soil tο food through a process called ‘photosynthesis’.

A couple οf hours οf sunlight іѕ a mυѕt fοr уουr indoor plants. If уου ԁο חοt һаνе a рƖасе wһеrе уου саח һаνе adequate sunlight, аחԁ саחחοt mονе tһе plants уου ѕһουƖԁ consider purchasing a couple οf indoor gardening lights.

Ordinary lights wіƖƖ חοt ԁο. Indoor gardening lights provide enough οf ultraviolet light tο nourish tһе plants.

Provide adequate water tο уουr plants. Yουr indoor plants need ‘room temperature’ water tο survive. Dο חοt over water tһе plants, mοѕt plants die due tο a lack οf water οr a surplus οf іt tһаח tһеу ԁο οf аחу οtһеr reason.

Follow a rule οf thumb, Ɩіkе уου test a cake уου ѕһουƖԁ pierce a knitting needle іחtο a plant container. If tһе needle goes іח wіtһ ease tһе soil іѕ јυѕt tһе rіɡһt dampness, іf חοt increase tһе quantity οf water a bit.

Fertilizers аrе аƖѕο іmрοrtаחt, once a fortnight add a scoop οf indoor plant fertilizer tο уουr plant pot. Used tealeaves аrе аƖѕο a very ɡοοԁ supply οf nutrition tο уουr plant.

Follow tһеѕе simple tricks аחԁ уου wіƖƖ see уουr indoor garden prospering very soon.

Some Tips For Organic Gardening Soil

Dο уου really tһіחk organic gardening soil іѕ tһе same аѕ regular garden soil? If ѕο, boy аrе уου sadly mistaken аחԁ уου һаνе a rude awakening coming уουr way. Tһаt’s kind οf blunt isn’t іt? Dіԁ I ɡеt уουr attention, I really hope ѕο. Tһе information іח tһіѕ article wіƖƖ һеƖр уου ɡеt a better understanding οf tһе facts аbουt organic gardening soil.

Tһе first misconception mοѕt חеw organic gardeners һаνе аbουt tһеіr soil іѕ tһаt аחу thing саח grow іח аחу type οf soil. AƖƖ уου һаνе tο ԁο іѕ throw a few seeds іח tһе ground аחԁ boom уου һаνе a natural garden. Yου need tο lose tһаt preconceived notion іf іt applies tο уου.

Yου mυѕt take іחtο consideration tһе overall climate conditions wһісһ wіƖƖ impact tһе soil. Aח example οf tһеѕе things wουƖԁ bе rain, wind, temperatures аחԁ exposure tο tһе sun light. Tһеח tһе next thing tο consider іѕ tһе amount οf rocks аחԁ density οf tһе soil.

Aח example οf bаԁ density soil wουƖԁ bе wһеrе tһе dirt іѕ tightly compacted аחԁ allows fοr חο circulation οf air οr moisture. Tο һаνе ɡοοԁ organic gardening soil іt mυѕt bе loose, wіtһ ехсеƖƖеחt air аחԁ moisture circulation. Nοt tο worry though bесаυѕе one οf tһе things уου саח ԁο іf уουr dirt іѕ tightly compacted іѕ introduce earthworms tο tһе ground аחԁ allow tһеm tο ԁο tһеіr thing.

Frankly though tһе earthworms take time tο сrеаtе tһеіr magic аחԁ tһеу һаνе a tendency tο ɡеt out οf tһе designated planting area quickly. Hοwеνеr, tһеrе іѕ a simple solution tο tһаt problem аחԁ уου wіƖƖ һеƖр improve уουr soil quickly.

Yου саח ɡο tο уουr local nursery οr hardware store аחԁ рυrсһаѕе organic soil bу tһе bag full οr even bу tһе truck load. Many organic gardeners wіƖƖ рυt tһіѕ soil οח top οf tһеіr compacted soil аחԁ tһеח plow іt іחtο tһе regular soil. Hοwеνеr, fοr tһіѕ method tο bе effective уου mυѕt һаνе enough organic soil tο bе frοm a minimum depth οf three inches up tο six inches οr more. Tһе ɡrеаt thing аbουt іt іѕ аѕ уου repeat tһіѕ procedure through several growing seasons уου wіƖƖ soon һаνе brought tһе life back tο уουr original soil.

Another tip аbουt уουr soil іѕ tһе proper levels οf phosphates, hydrogen аחԁ acidity іח tһе soil. Tһіѕ іѕ οftеח times referred tο аѕ tһе ph factor іח tһе soil. It’s qυіеt easy today tο ɡο οח tһе World Wide Web аחԁ order a testing kit fοr уουr soil. Hοwеνеr, one οf tһе best ways tο determine іf уου һаνе rіɡһt kind οf soil fοr organic gardening іѕ tο take a sample οf уουr soil tο уουr county agriculture agent οr tο уουr local nursery. Fοr a small fee οr חο fee аt аƖƖ tһеу wіƖƖ tеƖƖ уου everything уου need tο know аbουt уουr soil.

Iח addition tο providing уου tһе information аbουt уουr dirt tһеу саח аƖѕο advise уου аѕ tο tһе best type οf plants tһаt wіƖƖ grow іח уουr soil. Furthermore, tһеу аrе a ɡrеаt source fοr additional tips οח growing аח organic garden successfully.

Tһеѕе tips аrе јυѕt a few οf tһе things аbουt уουr organic gardening soil wһісһ аrе іmрοrtаחt. Tο really ɡеt ahead οf tһе game οח уουr soil уου ѕһουƖԁ continue tο further уουr education.

Precautions for Composting

Earlier we spoke about composting with worm bins. Now, we would like speak a little about composting precautions.

There are living creatures that you want in your compost bin such as microbes and red earthworms and then there are the creatures you wan to stay away like raccoons, rodents, and bears). A compost bin can be very appealing to an animal, easy access to food. As a rule, you should never put animal matter into compost (left over meat and bones) not only do they not make for good composting they will be a magnet to wild animals. Following are some more tips to help keep your compost bin free from pests of all sizes.

An odor-free compost bin is less likely to attract bears or any other animal friends. You can achieve this by rotating or turning the compost pile at least once per week. Another precaution that should be taken is to have a bin with a cover whether it is commercially made or one you make yourself.

Another thing you can do is to put brown food such as lawn clippings on top of the green food (food scraps and other kitchen waste). You can purchase lime at your local nursery or hardware store to sprinkle on the top of your composting materials that will increase the rate at which everything decomposes.

The location of your compost heap should not be near the edge of your property especially if you live near a forest or park area. This makes it very easy for animals to help themselves without being exposed by walking through your backyard.

If bears or raccoons are a big concern in your community you can look into a neighborhood compost pile. In addition to making composting more accessible to a larger group of people, you can look into an electric or barbed wire fence to ensure no unwanted animals come looking for a free lunch.

Raised Bed Gardening

If your current planting goals involve plants that require good water drainage, I am sure you know how frustrating it is to have a yard that just won't cooperate. Some plants can handle the excess water that comes about from being in an area that doesn't drain properly. In fact, it might just cause them to bloom more lushly. However, other plants don't cope as well, and it will cause them to die a gruesome, bloated death. You should always find out about the drainage required for every plant you buy, and make sure that it won't conflict with any of the areas you are considering planting it in.

In order to test how much water your designated patch of soil will retain, dig a hole approximately ten inches deep. Fill it with water, and come back in a day when all the water had disappeared. Fill it back up again. If the 2nd hole full of water isn't gone in 10 hours, your soil has a low saturation point. This means that when water soaks into it, it will stick around for a long time before dissipating. This is unacceptable for almost any plant, and you are going to have to do something to remedy it if you want your plants to survive.

The usual method for improving drainage in your garden is to create a raised bed. This involves creating a border for a small bed, and adding enough soil and compost to it to raise it above the rest of the yard by at least 5 inches. You"ll be amazed at how much your water drainage will be improved by this small modification. If you"re planning to build a raised bed, your prospective area is either on grass or on dirt. For each of these situations, you should build it slightly differently.

If you want to start a raised garden in a non grassy area, you won't have much trouble. Just find some sort of border to retain the dirt you will be adding. I've found that there is nothing that works quite as well as a few two by fours. After you've created the wall, you must put in the proper amount soil and steer manure. Depending on how long you plan to wait before planting, you will want to adjust the ratio to allow for any deteriorating that may occur.

If you"re trying to install a raised bed where sod already exists, you will have a slightly more difficult time. You will need to cut the sod around the perimeter of the garden, and flip it over. This may sound simple, but you will need something with a very sharp edge to slice the edges of the sod and get under it. Once you have turned it all upside down, it is best to add a layer of straw to discourage the grass from growing back up. After the layer of straw, simply add all the soil and steer manure that a normal garden would need.

Planting your plants in your new area shouldn't pose much difficulty. It is essentially the same process as your usual planting session. Just be sure that the roots don't extent too far into the original ground level. The whole point of creating the raised bed is to keep the roots out of the soil which saturates easily. Having long roots that extend that far completely destroys the point.

Once you have plants in your new bed, you"ll notice an almost immediate improvement. The added soil facilitates better root development. At the same time, evaporation is prevented and decomposition is discouraged. All of these things added together makes for an ideal environment for almost any plant to grow in. So don't be intimidated by the thought of adjusting the very topography of your yard. It is a simple process as I'm sure you've realized, and the long term results are worth every bit of work.

Learn more raised bed gardening tips

Keeping Water Gardens Clean

There are many new aims coming about in gardening, and water gardening is one of the leading new interests. Water gardening can be in the form of waterfalls, basins, fountains, all of which can be enhanced by rock work aggregates and lighting, plants, and fish. Water gardening doesn’t have to be a pond or natural water source either, it can consist of just a plastic tub, basically anything that can hold water.
Gardening books come in all different shapes and sizes and offer more information on gardening than can be found anywhere else. Anything anyone ever wanted to know about gardening can be found in a gardening book. Gardening books are not expensive, and will end up being worth much more than you will pay for one. Not only can gardening books be used for personal use, they are also an excellent gift for a gardening friend.
One of the main difficulties in water gardening is keeping water clear of algae. Algae problems are usually caused from too many nutrients in the water from feeding fish too often or from over fertilizing plants. If ponds are made correctly and are maintained properly algae problems and control will be kept at a minimum.
Water gardening doesn’t take anymore time than regular gardening, but obviously isn’t near the same thing. You may be the type person who couldn’t grow a flower if you tried but would be excellent at water gardening. If you are looking for a way to occupy some time or to beautify your yard, water gardening is an excellent way.

Growing In A Greenhouse

Once you’ve got your greenhouse ready, it can be difficult to know exactly what to grow. All sorts of things will grow in a greenhouse, and most will grow at least a little better than they would outside, but there isn’t much point doing so much work just to end up with a slightly bigger crop.

The two things that most people grow in greenhouses are tomatoes and cucumbers, as they grow quite badly outside but very well inside. They are also easy to grow, as the seeds available are of such high quality: often you will be able to grow quite good tomatoes and cucumbers even if you’re too useless at gardening to even follow the instructions on the seed packet properly.

After a while, though, this gets dull. So what should you do next? The answer is that you should get a little more adventurous with what you grow in your greenhouse. Strawberries are a good start, as they are very nice, expensive in shops, but not too difficult to grow yourself. Other bush fruits such as raspberries and blackcurrants also work well in a greenhouse.

Once you’re a greenhouse pro, though, the hardest thing to try is a melon. There’s a reason why farmers have competitions to see who can grow the biggest melon: melon-growing is more of an art than a science, and it’s very difficult to master. Generally, the key is to give your melons as much support as you can: as soon as the plant starts growing, support it with a length of string tied to the roof of your greenhouse, and once melons start to appear, support them with string nets. One other thing to be aware of is that it is easy to accidentally drown melons if you water them normally, so you should set up an alternative system, such as a pipe leading directly to the plant’s roots.

Healthy Houseplants

Houseplants bring a little bit of nature indoors-a beautiful touch of green that's not only soothing but that softens hard lines and glaring light in home or office. They can even improve indoor air quality.

"Houseplants can be a natural way to decorate your home," says Bayer Advanced™ garden expert Lance Walheim, who is a regular contributor to Sunset magazine and who has authored or contributed to more than 30 books. "They can last for years if you provide the proper care".

• Match plants with light conditions. Houseplants vary in their light requirements. Some prefer strong light found right next to a south-facing window. Others thrive in the soft morning light of an east-facing window. For more information on choosing houseplants for various lighting situations, visit http://www.bayeradvanced.com/garden/gardening/house-plants/.

• Use quality potting soil. Good potting soil (never use regular garden soil in containers) promotes healthy roots by providing a balance of proper aeration, nutrition and moisture-holding capability.

• Water properly. Houseplants need frequent watering. Stick your finger into the top two inches of soil. If it is dry, it's probably time to water. Water thoroughly, so the entire rootball is wet and the excess water runs out the bottom of the pot. Don't leave standing water in the catch tray for more than a day or two because that can promote root disease.

• Fertilize regularly. The frequent watering required by most houseplants leaches nutrients out of the soil. Be sure to fertilize regularly.

• Increase humidity and avoid drafts. Keep plants away from heater vents, doorways or drafty windows. Increase humidity by setting plants on trays layered with small pebbles and filled with water. Or place them in naturally humid areas like kitchens or bathrooms (but only if there is adequate light).

• Keep the foliage clean. Dust that accumulates on the leaves of houseplants will block light and harbor insect pests. Clean leaves by wiping them with a moist towel or, in mild winter areas, take plants outdoors and hose them off.

• Control insect pests. Many insect pests, including aphids, white flies, mealybugs and scales, can quickly get out of control on houseplants. You can keep them at bay with Bayer Advanced™ Dual Action Rose & Flower Insect Killer. Its two-way action kills insects on contact and keeps on protecting for weeks. One 24-ounce container treats 34 medium-size plants.

Garden Bridges

Just because you dont have huge, elaborate gardens, does not mean you cant accentuate what you do have with garden bridges. Garden bridges could be just what you need to turn those mediocre garden areas into something quite splendid. Not only that, garden bridges enhance the look of a garden.

Garden bridges can add a touch of country or formal design to a garden. Small garden bridges are easy to find. There are many garden bridges that you can find in garden centers or home improvement centers. One of the best places to find small garden bridges may be online. There are lots of sites that have many ideas for small garden bridges.

If you are good with a hammer and nails you may even be able to make your own garden bridge. Plans are available at building stores and at online sites. You will find many choices for garden bridges at these online sites and you can also see photos of many different bridge styles.

A garden bridge can be a big benefit for your garden space. A small garden bridge will look attractive in a smaller garden and draw attention to a specific area.

You can choose the right small garden bridge if you do a little planning ahead of time. If you have a smaller garden you will want a smaller garden bridge. Look at the space you have and decide where a bridge would fit in. Consider more than one area and then choose your favorite.

There are some lovely gardens that are small in size but large in beauty because garden bridges have been added in just the right places.

Arguments For Gardening in The Garden

Not all houses have perfect surroundings that will be easy to transform into outdoor recreation and entertainment areas with good lawns and gardens. It is frequently necessary to undertake some construction projects to obtain the quality and type of outdoor area you want. One of the basic construction problems for any landscaping task is grading the soil. Generally, grading means building a slope into the garden area. Sloping ensures that there is proper drainage, and it can make the house look better while allowing for easier maintenance.

Whether you want to have a garden, a lawn, or a terrace, you must do your grading first. The best time to grade is when a home is being constructed, since it is relatively simple to add a few inches between the entrance level and the ground level at this point. Just a few inches can ease the creation of a grade away from the house to improve its appearance and make for a drier basement, if you have one.

It is difficult to measure a grade by eye. Even professionals cannot do this. You should use a piece of twine as a guide. Pull the twine tight between two sticks embedded in the ground. Once you’ve completed the rough work for leveling, use a long board as a straight edge on the ground to make sure you’ve been accurate. Rough grading is the first step in landscape construction. The extent of the grading depends on the condition of the ground and ground levels desired. You must also pay attention if there are extreme slopes and try to keep as closely as possible to natural contours. This reduces the expense of grading in a big way.

Begin grading by stripping and separating topsoil from the areas where the level is to be altered. Even if you are grading for a stone or concrete terrace, you should save the topsoil. You can spread the topsoil in areas where it is thin, or you can use it a flower garden and save yourself some money. Once you have stripped the topsoil, subsoil can be graded to the desired contours, leaving space for adding the topsoil that has been removed. You should also plan to have a slope for every one-hundred feet of lawn. The same measurement can be applied to a stone terrace to prevent pools of water to develop during periods of rain.

When you level an area for a terrace, you don’t need to insert subsoil drainage. Just save the topsoil. For nearly all terraces, it is good practice to tamp the soil down and even to put a layer of gravel cinder or crushed rock as a base for the terrace. Terraces typically require a level area, but the grade that slopes away from the house should be maintained.

Compost Tumblers and More

If you’re looking to turn your garbage into gardener’s gold and do it in a hurry, then you should try a compost tumbler. If you have a compost bin then you know how great it is to add compost to your flower beds and vegetable garden. But making compost takes time and it’s usually in short supply. A compost tumbler is a great time saver when making compost.

Some gardeners believe that compost is better than fertilizer because it doesn’t just feed your plants, it also improves your soil. Improving your soil keeps your plants healthier so they grow stronger and more capable of fighting off diseases or beating droughts. Compost is decomposed organic matter and is high in nutrients that plants love. Bacteria and other micro organisms help break down that decomposing organic matter and their short life cycles become part of the process itself. When they reproduce their offspring continue the process while the parents bodies break down and add to the organic matter. It’s nature’s way of recycling.

Creating compost will usually take a couple of months. If you get the ratio of browns to greens right, turn the pile to keep it aerated and don’t let it dry out you’ll be rewarded with fresh earthy compost. The more you tend your compost pile, the quicker your garden waste will become compost. Neglect the pile and it will still become compost but it’ll take a lot longer. For an example of this examine the rich soil in a forest. As leaves and tree litter fall to the ground, there isn’t anyone there making sure it’s the same wetness as a wrung out sponge. But by the time the next season rolls around, a lot of those leaves have begun decomposing and in the process, they’re feeding the trees and the cycle continues without any help from man.

The gardening season can be very short depending on where you live. In the Northeast we have about 4 months of time to grow the flowers, fruits and vegetables that we love. So unless you have a huge bin of compost ready to go on the first day of spring you’ll need some more during the growing season. A compost tumbler is perfect for making compost fast. Now you probably won’t make enough compost to fill new beds but the amount you can make is perfect to give your plants and nice top dressing.

Or if you are a composter with a pest problem, the compost tumbler will keep the critters out of your pile. The most popular tumblers are sealed up and only have holes for air. If rodents or snakes have been problems for you in the past then the compost tumbler is the solution that you’ve been looking for.

There’s a few things you’ll need to do a little differently if you’re used to bin composting. First off, you’ll need to add all the raw materials at once. Don’t continue adding or else your compost will never be done. Add what you want and then start turning. Try to turn it everyday. If not everyday then at least a few times a week. The first few batches will take the longest unless you already have some compost that you can toss into the tumbler. Or you can use a compost activator. That’s all activators really are anyway. Just someone’s else’s compost to help get your pile started. The bacteria and micro organisms have to get in there somehow.

Be sure not to over water when using a compost tumbler. Moisture doesn’t escape as easily inside the tumbler as with a regular compost bin. And most likely your ingredients such as grass clippings or coffee grinds were already moist to begin with.

After about 3 weeks the compost should start to look like compost. It should be an even color and you shouldn’t be able to tell what you put in the tumbler. If your waste is still recognizable then let it decompose a while longer. And don’t forget to smell your compost. It should have a nice earthy smell to it.

If you’re looking for a neat & compact composting solution that works quickly and won’t receive a lot of attention from your neighbors, then look into a compost tumbler. You’ll be tumbling your way to a great garden this season.

Figurines For Your Yard

Decorating your yard does not have to involve the same tacky pink flamingos that your grandmother used to have. There are many more options available to you and are as simple as going to your local store.

The same goes with Yard figurines as it does for everything else in life. Too much of a good thing can cause anything too go bad. Too many yard figurines can make your land go from inviting sanctuary to cluttered want to be outdoor museum. Moderation is key in decorating outdoors.




Placing reasonably sized statues randomly through out the yard can create a visually enjoyable experience. Placing a figurine of a small animal under a bush or by a plant is a cute idea that can give the illusion of an actual animal peaking out. Yard figurines that involve animals, fairies or small angels are always a pleasant choice. If the statue is larger than average height of a person, it is best to avoid it. Think simplicity when it comes to a yard figurine’s size as well. Keeping the figurines the size they are in real life is more visually appealing to the average on looker. If you do choose a large piece keep it simple, have other plants around it to detract from the size and never ever have more than one large piece together.

Another aspect to take into consideration is a yard figurines practicality. A small figurine of a turtle or hedgehog by the door that also serves as a boot or shoe scraper. This is helpful in so many ways if you have problems with dirt being tracked into the house. Some yard figurines can also double as planters bringing in more nature to your yard in a quirky pleasant way.

Yard figurines don’t necessarily mean just statues of animals and such. Yard figurines also include fountains. The sound of water can be very calming adding beauty and a little bit of nature to your yard. Other not so thought about options are gazing balls. These are glazed often colored balls that are either on a fountain like podium or placed in clusters through out the garden

Never underestimate the use of a plain rock as a yard figurine. Yes there might not be much to it. Of course it is just a rock but a pretty colored somewhat large rock placed in a flowerbed or on the edge can help create visually pleasant experience.

They key to yard figurines is to not only keep it simple but to also think creatively. Let your yard figurines reflect you and your home. Choose pieces that are visually pleasing and add a reflection of who you are. Look at other people’s gardens to take in inspiration for ideas. Taking these steps can help transform your yard into an inviting sanctuary and keep you from having a yard like your grandmother’s.

Using A Terrarium As An Indoor Garden

There is a solution for you if you love the look of plants indoors but don't have the time or a green thumb to take care of them. A terrarium is a self-contained plant habitat. Once you have set-up the terrarium and closed the lid (on the jar or other container you have chosen) the plants inside create their own eco-system – all you have to do is enjoy it.

The choices for terrarium containers are only limited by your imagination. Traditionally a smaller aquarium is used with a lid but a glass jar or other container will work nicely too. Plastic will work as well, just make sure that it is a clear plastic or you won't be able to admire your handiwork once it is completed. Whatever size or material you choose for your terrarium the most important factor is that it does not leak. You need the water and moisture to stay inside for it to work and you don't want a mess inside your house.

The plants that you choose should all thrive in similar conditions and grow well in a humid environment. Popular plants to put into a terrarium are carnivorous (Venus Fly Trap, sundew, or pitch plant) or rain forest plants (chamaedorea palms, small ferns or fittonia).

Terrariums are a low-maintenance indoor garden. They need indirect sunlight (not too bright) and no water is needed after the initial water is added. The heat from inside the terrarium evaporates the water and then it condenses on the lid falling back down to the plants. This process will continue keeping your plants alive. If there is too much water present, you may need to vent the terrarium (with a vented lid or opening the top a small amount) just be sure to keep an eye on the soil's

Growing Your Own Fruits And Vegetables

Having your own vegetable patch or fruit garden was once commonplace, but fell out of favor as the food industry become more commercial and supermarkets began to take over. In recent years however, more and more people have started explore growing their own produce again. Here we give 5 reasons why you might consider starting your own kitchen garden.

- Freshness

Fruit and vegetables taste better and are healthier if eaten as soon as possible after picking. Most fruit you buy from supermarkets and the like is picked well before it is properly ripe, to extend shelf life, and this usually has an impact on flavor. Growing your own lets you taste the freshest possible produce as it's meant to taste.

- Quality

Commercially grown crops are often selected for their high yields, uniform appearance and long shelf lives rather than for quality and taste. When you grow your own, you can concentrate on the quality rather than the economics.

- Price

Much supermarket fresh produce is hugely overpriced, despite their advertising claims. Growing your own from seed is about as inexpensive as you can get, and even growing from small plants you buy is likely to provide you better food at a lower cost. With many plants, you can use the seed from one growing season to provide plants for the next - a self sustaining cycle that will cost you only time and effort to keep going.

- Provenance

More and more people have concerns about how our food is produced, with chemical pesticides and GM food a particular worry. With your own vegetable patch, you know exactly where your food is from and how it was grown.

- Variety

There are literally thousands of different varieties of fruit and vegetables, but supermarkets tend to concentrate on only the most profitable and easy to sell. This means that our choice is often limited to a few select varieties of apple, for example, rather than the hundreds of traditional kinds that exist. Growing your own lets you pick the varieties you like the most, and experiment to find new ones you'll rarely see on sale.

There is of course a downside to all this - it takes time and effort. In these increasingly busy times, we might not think we have the time to spare, but starting small with a few herb plants on your windowsill, or even the odd tomato plant, will give you a taste of growing your own and might even be enough to hook you into it for life!

Garden Compost - Worm Bins

One of the best ways to improve your garden is to stop throwing out your garbage. That's right, your used coffee grinds and banana peels can help your tomato and cucumber plants grow larger and stronger. When that same garbage is eaten and digested by a worm it becomes a powerful plant supplement known as worm castings. Starting a worm compost bin is a great way to create a steady supply of worm castings for your flower and vegetable gardens.

First thing you'll need is a bin. You can buy a commercially made worm bin but where's the fun in that. Those plastic or rubber storage bins make great worm bins. Drill a few holes in the bin so your worms get plenty of air. Just be sure to cover those holes with small pieces of window screen or something else that will keep the fruit flies out. And if you have any plumbing experience, why not add a hose spigot near the bottom of the bin to take advantage of worm tea. Worm tea is even better than compost tea for your plants. All you have to do is add a cup or two to a large watering can and fill the rest with water. Then water as normal.

Next you'll need some worm bedding. Most commonly used worm bedding for home bins is shredded newspapers. The bedding must stay moist but not water logged. Use a spray bottle to keep the bedding just right for your worms. When your order worms in the mail they will usually ship in a container filled with peat moss. Some people have stopped using peat moss as a political statement. You see peat is not a replenishable resource. Peat takes centuries to develop in swampy regions and it's just being used up too quickly. Other's argue that Peat is now created in a safe quick way and what's all the fuss about anyway. The two sides contradict each other so it's up to you to decide if you want to use it. Newspapers are readily available and you probably have a stack of them in your house already. So why not avoid the whole controversy and go with what's on hand.

And don't forget to put some dirt in the bin too. Worms don't have teeth, so they need some grit to help grind up their food. You can also use rock dust or powdered limestone instead of dirt if you like, but regular dirt from your yard will work fine.

And of course, let's not forget the worms. Digging up some worms from your yard will not work in a worm bin. Worms that come from the soil, like to live in the soil. For worm bins, you'll need red wigglers. They'll love the environment that you've created in your worm bin. How many should you buy, that depends on the size of your bin. Let's assume that you've created your worm bin for the worm castings and not to have tons of worms for your weekends fishing. That means that you're going to leave the worms in the bin until they've turned most of the bedding and food waste into vermicompost. The worm to garbage ratio is usually 2:1. That means that if you're going to put a half pound of garbage into the bin on a daily basis, then you should start with a pound of worms.

Check your bin everyday to ensure that you get off to a good start. Keep the bedding moist and the bin should stay in a spot that's about 60 to 70 degrees. Leaving the bin outside in the summer sun is a good way to cook all of your worms. And remember if the worm bin starts to smell, then you probably need more bedding.

Starting a worm bin is a fun project for everyone in the family. Get your kids involved, they'll love watching those little worms wiggle around your bin. And if you're lucky, you may see one of the kids chase your mother in law around the house with a handful of worms. Like I said, worm bins are good times for the whole family and great for your garden too.

Caring For Plants

The most basic part of any garden preparation is caring for plants. Here are six ways we can care for our plants when we plant our gardens.

Many people worry a lot when it comes to caring for their plants. When talking about house plants, there is no need to worry. There are just a few things you need to consider.

1. Watering
A watering can is a must-have in every garden. It is recommended that you purchase the one with a narrow spout to ensure adequate watering. But that does not always apply, so the finger test may come in handy. Insert your index finger up to the first joint into the soil. If you feel that the soil is damp, don't water it. Otherwise, do.

2. Feeding
With foliage plants, they always need to be high in nitrogen. For flowering plants, on the other hand, K2O is needed. Fertilizers such as the slow release ones can be mixed with the compost. However, some plants like cacti and orchids need special feeds. Feed plants on the height of their active growth.

3. Lighting
Plants like Sanseveria and Aspidistra require no shade. They can be placed away from a window. Spider plants need semi-shade. You can put plants like these near a window that does or does not get sunlight. Others need sun or no sun at all like cheeseplants.

4. Temperature
With houseplants, they can survive in temperatures a little bit higher than 15 - 250 C or 55 - 750 F. But drastic fluctuations of temperature may not be good for them.

5. Humidity
Some houseplants require a humid environment. One tip to maximize humidity is to put the pot inside a larger pot and fill in the gaps with stones or compost to keep in the moisture. The compost will not dry out. Plants are capable of creating their own climate if grouped together. This tip can also be used for keeping the soil moist. If you want, you can spray them with water once or twice a day depending on the day's temperature.

6. Repotting
Other plants require repotting for optimum growth but some plants may not be suitable for this idea. They would not want their roots to be disturbed or other plants' root system is small. One way to check if your plant needs repotting is to turn it upside down. Tap the pot to release the plant and check its roots. If roots are all you see, then repot.

You just need to have a little care for your plants and in turn, you'll reap its benefits. You don't only have a garden that can add to your house's beauty you can also learn how to respect and nurture life in its varied forms.

Adding a Garden Fountain

A great way to improve the looks of a well made garden is to add a fountain. This can
add both a calming feel and be esthetically appealing. There is nothing more restful than taking a seat on a garden bench and listening to the sparkling sounds of a fountain while reading a book or meditating.

Installing a garden fountain is easy and relatively cheap. It will also adds to the joy of being in the garden. Commonly, people set up garden fountains mostly for its natural ambiance. Being around a beautiful scene of water feeds positive energy. It is also great for the those who practice Tai Chi or any sort of yoga or meditation. The steady drone of the water is precisely what most folks need to focus on while they're mediating. Even if without mediation, just enjoying
a garden with a fountain can have a peaceful demeanor.

Here is one person's point of view and insight into installing a garden fountaain:

As you first determine to put in a fountain, you want to put a lot of care
into choosing one that will fit with the balance of your garden. Whenever
you have any other ornamentation, you would like to consider if it goes good with
your motif. Does the garden fountain you are thinking of stand out in your garden
like a painful thumb? Or does it appear like it was meant to be there? If You are like me, you can not naturally tell whether the fountain will be a fine add-on to your garden by merely by looking at it. And so my answer was to bring my mother (a born natural at fashion design and that sort of things) along with a image of my garden to the garden shop. I was able to get her skilled judgment, in addition to that i can see for myself what it would appear like. By doing this I was able to pick a fine-looking stone fountain that goes terrifically with the balance of my garden.

Nevertheless, I still had a slim problem with providing my fountain with electricity. You see, my garden Is not near to my home. I believed it would look pretty nasty to run an extension cord over my back yard, and so I had to think up another answer for my problem. I talked over my problem with a professional, and he rapidly found me the precise solution I wanted: an extension cord intended for to being buried! Altogether it took was a a couple of hours of digging out a small ditch across my backyard, and I had electricity to my fountain without an ugly cord coming across my yard. After I got over this
Small hitch, my garden fountain plan went great.

So if you are seeking a way to form your garden into a more fashionable and
beautiful place to be, I hope you think of installing a garden fountain. The Whole thing is astonishingly cheap, and I believe that you'll be very pleased with the results.

Gardening For Children

As we move more towards outdoor activities this year, it's important to get children involved. Gardning is an excellent way to help teach life lessons to children. Below are a few examples of how to get children involved in and the benefits.

1. Science

In planting, children are indirectly taught the wonders of science like the plants life cycle and how humans intervention can break or make the environment. They can have a first hand experience on the miracle of life through a seed. This would definitely be a new and enjoyable experience for the kids.

2. Life

Watching a seed grow into a tree is just as wondrous as the conception to birth and growth of a child. In time, kids will learn to love their plants and appreciate the life in them. Gardening could actually help simulate how life should be treated -- it should be with care. The necessities to live will be emphasized to kids with the help of gardening - water, sunlight, air, soil. Those necessities could easily be corresponded to human necessities, i.e., water, shelter, air, food. By simply weeding out, one could educate how bad influences should be avoided to be able to live life smoothly.

3. Relaxation

Studies show that gardening can reduce stress because of its calming effect. This is applicable to any age group. More so, it stimulates all the five senses. Believe it or not, gardening may be used as therapy to children who have been abused or those who are members of broken homes. It helps build one's self-esteem.


4. Quality Time with the Family

You can forget about your stressful work life for a while be soothed by the lovely ambience in the garden. You can play and spend quality time with your children. You can talk while watering the plants or you can work quietly beside each other. The bottom line is, always do what you have to do, together with your kids. You might discover a lot of new things about your child while mingling with them in your garden.

Let kids become aware of their environment's needs. And one way to jump start that environmental education may be through gardening. It's hitting two birds with one stone -- teach them to respect life while you bond with them.

Gardening For Emotional Stability and Happiness

Here is an interesting article that touches on gardening and our emotions and gives good advice as we move into a new decade.

If we fill our time taking care of plants we can get rid of stress, it is a scientifically proven fact. Taking care of our plants, we will discover new hidden sides of our personality that we never knew before, and can better get to know how to love and care for others, mainly because a plant that is not cared for suffers.

Gardening and accepting a plant makeus us assume a new responsibility, we are adopting a breathing being. This way, we learn just what it means to pay attention to those around us.

We have to concentrate over needs that are exterior to our ego. We become aware of the needs of another being: we know how much water the plant needs, how much light it gets, the intervals it needs to receive water again, and slowly we will transfer these cares and abilities in our social relations. We become more and more aware of others. Visual contact with a beautiful plant makes us realize our own beauty.

Studies show more and more that taking care of plants can be the most efficient method to improve our physical and emotional general condition. They have a serene effect, they can reduce stress and relax muscles and therefore improve the mood people taking care of them are in.

Different studies have demonstrated that the existence of plants reduce mental exhaustion. When we are overwhelmed with work, we just have to look up for a couple of minutes to a plant and we’ll instantly feel more relaxed. In conclusion, plants fascinate and attract people, they break boredom and monotony generated by forced attention. The oxygen generated by plants creates a feeling of mental agility.

Some big plants placed in the right spot will help us insolate ourselves from annoying surrounding noises. The technique is the same as the one of hanging paintings in an empty room to minimize the echo effects. The thick leaves will absorb a part of the noises, including the sound of the phone, printer, coffee maker or any other noise, making these sounds a little bit friendlier.

Planting Zucchini, The Italian Squash

Zucchini is perhaps the best known of the summer squashes. It is interesting to learn how to grow it, companion planting, and its uses in the kitchen.

Dating back to 7000 B. C., zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) is native to Central and South America. Sometimes called by the nickname “Italian Squash,” zucchini was brought to North America by its southern neighbours. Early European explorers introduced zucchini to Italy and other countries in Europe. Italians initially grew zucchini for their sweet, edible blossoms, later the hearty fruits were experimented with producing the delectable dishes that resulted in zucchini being dubbed Italian squash. Up until the 20th Century, most Americans considered zucchini a treat reserved for eating on special occasions and were store-bought instead of grown in gardens.

Part of the summer squash family, zucchini is an excellent source of manganese and vitamin C, a very good source of magnesium, vitamin A, potassium, calcium, iron, folate, copper, riboflavin, niacin, and phosphorous. Many of the nutrients have been shown to be helpful for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Summer squash’s magnesium has been shown to be helpful for reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Together with the potassium in summer squash, magnesium is also helpful for reducing high blood pressure. All summer squash are perfect diet foods - low in calories, sodium, fat-free, and provide a source of fiber. All parts of the zucchini are edible.

How To Grow

Zucchini is probably the best known of the summer squashes. It is a type of narrow squash that resembles a cucumber in size and shape. It has smooth, thin skin that is either yellow or green in colour and can be striped or speckled. Its tender flesh is creamy white in colour and features numerous seeds. Its edible flowers are often used in French and Italian cooking.

Zucchini can be planted by direct seeding or by transplanting young plants that have been started indoors. Seed directly into the ground as soon as the soil reaches temperatures of 60°F/16°C. for vines. Fill the holes with compost and mound slightly. Plant seeds 1in/2.5cm deep.

Zucchini is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family that includes cucumbers, melons, gourds, and squash, all particularly sensitive to frost. Select a sheltered spot, and prepare holes about 12in/30cm in diameter and 12in/30cm deep. Measuring from the centre, space the holes 36in/90cm apart for bush types, 6ft/1.8m apart for vines. To conserve space, squash can be trained over a sturdy trellis, in which case 2ft/60cm between plants is enough.

Zucchini grows best when exposed to 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Regular watering is essential for summer squash. Feed the plants with a high-potassium organic liquid feed to produce a higher yield. Thick mulch added after planting will preserve moisture and keep the fruits from touching the ground where they will become soiled and be exposed to insects and diseases.

Harvesting

The flavor of zucchini is best when it is less than six inches long. They should be firm, but not hard. Zucchini are prolific producers and regular harvesting will promote continued yield throughout the growing season. Harvest by cutting the stems from the plants gently with a paring knife. As they are composed mainly of water, summer squashes dehydrate rapidly. Harvest just before cooking and keep in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag until cooking. Don’t forget that squash blossoms are delicious to eat.

Small summer squashes are used skin and all. Larger squash need their skin and seeds removed: slice lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Wash summer squash under cool running water and then cut off both ends. You can then proceed to cut it into the desired size and shape for the particular recipe.

In the kitchen, zucchini can be steamed, sautéed, boiled, baked, fried, grilled, and stuffed. Some ideas include: serve raw as an appetiser with a vegetable dip or salad dressing, grate and sauté with thinly sliced garlic, add to breads, muffins, cakes, stews, casseroles, soups, sprinkle grated zucchini or other summer squash on salads or sandwiches. It can be preserved by canning, freezing, and drying.

In the garden, some gardeners let the squashes ramble through the corn patch, where their sandpapery leaves deter raccoons. Good companion plants for zucchini are: corn, marjoram, and nasturtium. Don’t grow zucchini and Irish potatoes together as they are incompatible.

Winter Plant Survival

With the onset of winter in North America, gardeners wonder: Which plants are best for the season? The answer are perennial plants. The explanation follows.

One reason why the perennial plant is sought after is because of its remarkable ability to survive year round through most weather conditions. Not unlike your local mail delivery person, perennials lives on through rain, sleet, or snow - perfect for the year round gardener. What is it about perennials that enables it's winter survival abilities, whereas other plants will shrivel up and die as soon as the going get tough? Why can't scientists engineer annuals or biennials to last as long the perennial plant?

As with most things in the natural world, not all plants are created equal, however some biologists have succeeded in re-engineering annual and biennial plants to last longer. To do so, they must examine the perennial plant and find out what allows it to survive in the same environment that causes other to perish. Although stretching the life of a non-perennial would certainly make the plant and floral businesses flourish, marketing isn't the only reason scientists and many others have this question. If we had vast amounts of plants that have medicinal and life saving properties, we could study their curing capabilities at an exponential rate. The longevity of the perennial plant is definitely an exciting curiosity for many people.

Interestingly enough, the perennial plant is able to thrive year after year due to a few survival tricks it has up it's sleeve. Take trees and shrubs for example. These drop their leaves and protect their next year's growth with waxy scales. Examine the bud of a perennial plant and you'll see that it covered with a sticky looking waterproof wax.. When the bud begins to bloom, it scars as its scales fall off and the distance between its scars are an indicator of how many times a year that perennial plant grows.

The perennial plant gears up for the winter by draining its own food supply from its leaves down inside its trunk, branches, and twigs. As the weather gets colder, the tissues of the perennial plant will slowly change and become cold resistant in a process called "hardening." During these changes, the chlorophyll of a perennial plant will decompose and lose its propensity to project a green hue - leaving the tree with its trademark red, yellow, orange, and brown autumn leaves.

Accessories and Procedure For Gardening

If you enjoy gardening, you are not alone. Each year, millions of Americans grow a garden. If you are interested in becoming one of those individuals, you may need to purchase some supplies. These gardening accessories may not only make gardening easier, but they may also help to produce better results.

When it comes to gardening accessories, there are a number of different items that are included. To start a garden and maintain it, it is likely that you will need gardening supplies. To grow plants or food, you will need to have seeds. To help your seeds flourish, you may want to have plant food and other feeding supplies. The gardening tools and supplies that you need will all depend on what type of garden you are interested in developing. Despite the difference in supplies, there are many common accessories that you may wish to have.

The first step in starting a garden is to pick a space. Since your plants, flowers, or food will need sunlight, you will want to select an area that receives an adequate amount of it. This area can either be large or small, depending on the size of your garden. You may also want to make sure that this area is not in the way of your other activities. Developing your garden in a fairly secluded area will help to reduce the risk of destruction.

To get started, you will need to have a number of important gardening tools. These tools should be used to dig a hole for your seeds and to create a smooth ground surface. Popular gardening tools include, but should not be limited to, weeding forks, surface rakes, shovels, and hoes. If you do not already have these tools, you will need to purchase them. Most of these garden tools, along with other gardening accessories, can be purchased online or from most department stores or home improvement stores.

Once you have created a safe gardening area, you will then need to start planting your seeds. Your seeds will all depend on which type of garden you plan on having. Many gardeners choose to have a flower garden, plant garden, or a vegetable garden. It addition to having one or the other, you may also want to incorporate plants, vegetables and flowers all into one. You can easily obtain seeds by visiting your local home improvement store, garden store, or department store. For hard to find seeds, you may need to resort to online shopping.

Depending on the type of flowers, plants, or vegetables you planted, you should begin to see results in a few weeks. Plant food and special soil may help to increase the appearance of your garden. While most gardeners prefer to use plant food, it is optional. In some cases, you may find that your plants, flowers, or vegetables will grow just as well on their own. Plant food and premixed food soils can be purchased for an affordable price at most retail stores.

Gardening is a backyard activity that many enjoy themselves. If you are a parent, you may also want to include your child. Depending on their age, age appropriate gardening tools can be purchased. These tools are similar to most traditional tools, but they tend to be safer. In fact, most play gardening tools are made of plastic and have dull edges. To purchase these gardening supplies for your child, you will want to visit your local retail store or shop online.

Make Your Own Garden

In the new year, it's important to improve our gardening skills. For beginners this can be a challenge. Let's have a look at making our garden from the ground up.

A look at Plants and the colorful flowers on it at the garden or backyard calls for creativity. The plants to live for a long time require beautiful planter boxes with concrete structure or wooden structure. Planter boxes are available in different styles and shapes and colors. Planter box is a functional exterior décor that adores the patio. Planter boxes are portable. Different kinds of materials are used to make Planter boxes such as terracotta, plastic, teak or cedar wood and concrete blocks. Planter boxes can be filled with beautiful flowers according to the choice of individual. Planter boxes help to make the patio as paradise.

Even people who do not have much space for a vast garden can create small flower garden or vegetable garden in the balcony area or roof top with the help of planter boxes. Small trees can also be raised in planter boxes to keep them indoor. Recycled plastic is also used to make planter boxes.

So, if you live in the city and think that it is impossible to bring a little green into your outdoor space that is made of concrete, think again. All you have to do is purchase some lovely planter boxes. An ideal option for planting almost anything, they are exactly what you have been looking for and would be a wonderful addition to any outdoor area. Remember, that includes that twelfth story balcony.
When choosing the planter boxes, the principal of feng shui i.e., simplicity must be kept in mind. Planter boxes made up of natural materials like terracotta or wood is better than plastic material. These add good appearance to the garden or patio.

The boring front porch area can be converted into a beautiful place by placing planter boxes with bunch of flowers. Planter boxes made up of redwood or cedar will please anybody in the porch area. These planter boxes are very strong and durable Planter boxes are available in rectangle, hexagon and square shapes also. Planter Boxes provide safety, beauty and security to the street or entrance and can also serve as safety barriers. There is also drainage facility inside the planter box. Road side lawns, parks, corporate lawns also use planter boxes. Planter boxes are also used indoor and outdoor for waste water management.

In many countries separate programs are charted for beautifying the cities by using planter boxes filled with beautiful plants and small trees around the cities. Planter boxes are the best way to display the beautiful flowers and plants and create interest among who visit the garden.

Planter boxes made up of teak or cedar wood is an ideal investment for a long time. Wooden planter boxes is perfect fit to all weather and act as insulators and also protects the plants from winter and summer. Wooden planter boxes painted or varnished with natural colors appears fantastic. Wooden Planter boxes definitely makes the porch area very decorative and attracts those who walk through the area.

Gardening Insight: Chinese Tea and Its Production

As an added insight into Gardening, we would like to explore the Chinese culture and their production of tea.

Chinese has been drinking tea for approximately 4,000 years. Along with firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, and vinegar, the Chinese considered tea as one of the seven necessities to begin a day.

Types of Tea

The Chinese tea may be classified into five types according to the different methods by which it is processed. Here are the classifications:

• Green Tea – is the variety which keeps the original color of the tea leaves without fermentation during processing.

• Black Tea – This is known as “red Chinese tea”, the type which is fermented before baking. Note also that black tea is a later variety developed on the basis of the green tea.

• Wulong Tea – Also known as Oolong Chinese tea, this category represents a variety half way between the green and the black teas. This is being made after partial fermentation.

• Compressed Tea – is the kind of Chinese tea which is compressed and hardened into a certain shape. Many people considered this as good for transport and storage and are mainly supplied to the ethnic minorities living in the border areas of the country.

• Scented Tea – This kind of Chinese tea is known as “scented” because it is made by mixing fragrant flowers in the tea leaves in the course of processing. The flowers that are commonly used for this purpose include the jasmine and magnolia, among others.

The Tea Production

Chinese has maintained that a new tea plant must grow for five years before its leaves can be picked. The trunk of the old plant must then be cut off to force new stems to grow out of the roots in the following year. This sort of rehabilitation must be repeated as this allows the tea plant to serve for about a hundred years.

The season of tea picking generally depends on the local climate and it varies from area to area. As you all know, China is the homeland of tea. It has tea shrubs as early as five to six thousand years ago, and human cultivation of these plants dates back two thousand years. Today, it was reported that tea is produced in vast areas of China from Hainan Island down in the extreme south to Shandong Province in the north, from Tibet in the southwest to Taiwan across the Straits. To sum up, the Chinese tea grows at more than 20 provinces.

On the shores of West Lake in Hangzhou, where the famous green tea Longjing comes from, it was reported that the picking starts from the end of March and lasts through October. A skilled woman picker can only gather 600 grams of these green tea leaves in a day.

After the harvest, the new leaves must be parched in tea cauldrons. Accordingly, this work has now been largely mechanized, although the top grade Longjing tea still has to be stir-parched by hand, doing only 250 grams every half hour. Then, the tea cauldrons are heated electrically to a temperature of about 25 degree centigrade or 74 degree Fahrenheit. It then takes four pounds of fresh Chinese tea leaves to produce one pound of parched Chinese tea.

For the processes of grinding, parching, rolling, shaping and drying, different kinds of machines have been developed and built. This work turned out about 100 kilograms of finished Chinese tea an hour, relieving the workers from much of their drudgery.

Gardening in The New Year

With 2010 approaching, it is important that we understand the new trends we have in gardening.

Spring will soon be here and another exciting season of gardening will be upon us! Gardening has made a huge resurgence in recent years, as the hobby of choice for thousands of homeowners across this great country of ours. Our task, in this article, is to document some of the hottest trends in yard and garden décor for 2010.

One thing we have noted over the years is the increasing use of yard space as an extension of one's home. With each passing season, more and more homeowners are treating their patios and decks as yet another room.

With the ever decreasing amount of land available for housing development, it would appear that the pleasure of having an extensive backyard space is becoming a thing of the past. So what is a homeowner to do? You have to make the best of the space you have available.

The whole notion of creating a backyard that is but an extension of one's home can be challenging to comprehend. In essence, this is a way to create a livable space that is both comfortable and low-maintenance. One of this year's biggest trends is to move towards these low-maintenance, attractive spaces. The best place to start, if you are considering this sort of backyard transformation, is to give some thought to "hardscaping".

Hardscaping (or hard landscaping) can be defined as creating the skeleton of your yard through the use of physical elements such as pathways, patios, and decks. To give yourself some idea of what the end result might look like, consider spending some time producing some sketches.

After the fixed elements are in place, it is simply a matter of accessorizing your new "room". You can approach this the same way you would approach interior decorating. Wicker and rattan furniture continues to be extremely popular, as it is both versatile and stands up well to the elements of nature. For an extremely fair price, you can find quality wicker or rattan furniture to meet your every need.

On the gardening side of things, the use of planters and pots has reached fever pitch. The wonderful thing about using planters and pots is that you can move them whenever the need arises. Another recent trend we have spotted this year is the creation of vertical gardens, employing the use of lattice and other materials. These garden types are especially useful when you have limited space to work with. Happy Gardening!

Garden Invasion - Prevention

I never really thought of weeds as being evil, but occasionally a plant finds its way into your garden and refuses to leave. It turns into a stubborn house guest, spreading its roots through every available patch of dirt, and paying no heed to existing plants in their quest for dominance. You'll spend an entire season pulling and possibly even spraying, but eventually you'll see them rearing their ugly heads, almost in defiance.

Ridding your garden of these invasive plants is not just a personal peeve; these pests can smother native plants that provide food and habitats for birds and insects. There are approximately 50,000 non-indigenous species in the United States that have created damage and losses totaling about $137 billion per year. This has become a genuine concern in the State of Oregon, so much so that The Oregon Zoo and the Three Rivers Land Conservancy are publicly campaigning to remove certain invasive plants.

The Oregon Zoo has pledged to remove 20 percent of six of the invasive plants on their property, with a goal of removing 90 percent within 10 years. The culprits they are focusing on include English Ivy, Himalayan blackberry, butterfly bush, traveler's clematis, Japanese knotweed and drooping sedge.

The Three Rivers Land Conservancy in conjunction with the West Willamette Restoration Partnership, local businesses, government organizations and 15 neighborhood associations is working to create a Backyard Habitat Certification Program. Their intention is to educate and provide incentives to homeowners to rid their yards of ivy, blackberry, knotweed and traveler's clematis, along with garlic mustard and periwinkle.

Part of their program will involve home visits, handouts, workshops and a three-part certification program that provides signs, gift certificates and event tickets. Incentives are increased based on the percentage of invasive plants removed by homeowners, and the amount of re-planting of native plants. Their goal is to remove ivy from trees in 300 acres and 90 percent of the six plants in 50 acres.

Although a labor intensive solution, the best fight against invasive plants is to pull them out, and keep on pulling until they stop coming up. They need sunlight to survive, the less they get, the harder it is to perpetuate.

Leading By Example - First Family Vegetable Garden

In an effort to promote healthier living. The First Lady, Michelle Obama, will plant an organic vegetable garden at the white house. The garden will not only provide food for the First family, but will also serve as an educational example for children around the country to learn about the health benefits of growing their own fruit and vegetables. This comes at a time when obesity, diabetes, and a poor nutrition is a national concern.

Organic vegetable gardens are becoming extremely popular in the gardening world. Organic gardening is gardening in harmony with nature, without using artificial chemicals such as pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Organic gardeners instead emphasise the importance of "feeding the soil, not the plant".

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Organic Vegetable Garden

Backyard Japanese Garden

When constructing a Japanese themed garden for your backyard, it's essential that you reflect the correct ideology of a true Japanese garden.

Typical Japanese gardens portray calmness and serenity of the environment. Japanese gardens reflect man's efforts to harmonize with the beauty and force of nature.






Moon Bridge and Pond in a Japanese Garden, Seattle, Washington, USA

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The characteristics used to obtain this effect are a body of water, perhaps thin streams, short bridges or artificial hills made of gravel and rocks. The Japanese gardens become resonant with the mellow notes of spirituality and tranquility.

Backyard Japanese Garden

So to create your backyard japanese garden you could probably have:

Bonsai - These are small trees are characteristics of japanese gardens.

Koi Pond - A small lake with perhaps some goldfish to expound the theme of being in Japan, and creating a tranquil feel.

Decorations - Perhpas a makeshift bridge, or some japanese styled benches.

Stones - Japanese legend say that stones are actual beings with spirits that need to be treated with reverence. Stones are used to construct the garden's paths, bridges, and walkways. Stones also represent mountains where actual mountains are not viewable or present. They are always placed in odd numbers and a majority of the groupings reflect triangular shapes.

For more Japanese gardening ideas ideas you can check out Backyard Japanese Garden at Garden Tip Info

Backyard Japanese Garden Books

Protecting Yourself When Gardening

Here are some quick and easy tips to protect yourself when working in your garden.

When going out to do work in your garden or yard, it's good to protect yourself in different ways. The key areas to protect are your hands, your feet, your face, and your skin/body.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from any dirt, waste, or insects that might be in the soil. Use bigger gloves if your hands are sensitive, and use waterproof gloves (ex. rubber) if the soil is too wet.

Wear boots, or good shoes to protect your feet from any rocks, waste, or mud that might be in the yard.

Wear protective goggles and/or masks to prevent allergens, or dust particles from going in your eyes, nose or on your face. This is especially true for doing lawn work with a lawn mower when particles are flying all over the place.

Wear insect repellent and/or sunblock to help prevent damage to your skin while working outdoors. During the warmer months, mosquitoes and other flying, biting insects are prominent.

By taking these protective measures into consideration, you can work more comfortably in your yard/garden, and get more work done.

Moles, Voles, and Grubs

With Spring coming up, it's important to start preventetive measures for those pesky critters in your yard. Here are some ways to help get rid of Moles, Voles, and Grubs.

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Don't Let Moles, Voles and Grubs Ruin Your Yard

(ARA) – As surely as spring will soon arrive, so will the critters that drive you crazy -- moles and voles. Make this the year you send them packing before they can cause damage in your yard.

First, an attack plan for dealing with voles. They are herbivores that if left unchecked will attack flower bulbs and eat the roots from underneath garden plants. Stopping voles can be accomplished simply by placing a six-inch deep perimeter of sharp rocks around your garden or other plantings. They don’t have the clawing power to burrow through rocks, so if a barrier exists, voles will go elsewhere.

Dealing with moles, on the other hand, will take a lot more effort. Through the years, homeowners have tried everything from throwing balls of pre-chewed gum into mole tunnels to thrusting sharp pronged pitchforks into mole tunnels, to no avail.

Want to get rid of them once and for all? Try a two-pronged approach. First apply non-toxic Holy Moley, a granular product from St. Gabriel Organics, to your lawn with a fertilizer spreader to drive the moles away.

Since you don’t want to leave anything to chance, destroy their favorite food source too. Moles snack on earthworms, and other underground insects like beetle grubs, but they are attracted to grubs more then anything else.

A survey of mole problems by the University of Missouri found that moles consume up to 80 percent of their body weight each day. In the stomach of one mole, researchers found the remains of 187 grubs.

To eliminate the grubs in your yard, apply Milky Spore, also from St. Gabriel Laborato-ries, to your lawn. It is guaranteed to eliminate grubs quickly and efficiently, and once applied, will remain viable in the soil for ten years. The spores in the product will not kill beneficial insects such as earthworms and one application keeps working for many seasons, unaffected by freezing or pesticides.

Both Holy Moley and Milky Spore are pet approved by veterinarians and neither will af-fect wells, ponds or streams. For more information on Holy Moley and Milky Spore or to purchase, call St. Gabriel Organics at (800) 801-0061 or visit www.MilkySpore.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Decorative Garden Wall Plaques

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decorative garden wall plaquesare the perfect touch for any garden. Whether existing or custom-made, they can add a beautiful extra dimension to any garden decor.

garden wall plaques can be used as garden accents or emblems for family crests. Some people have the first letter of their family name engraved in a wall plaque for displaying on either side of the gates or strategic points in the garden. But the most common outside garden wall plaques are actually address plaques that usually bear the resident's name and address. Some homeowners even use decorative stepping stones in the garden as wall plaques. This is a great idea especially if the stepping stones are made of quality materials. Such plaques can tie in the whole look of the garden space.

outside garden wall plaquesare also popular as historical signage. They can tell about when a building was constructed, or when a business was established. Many companies also use decorative garden wall plaques to display their company name and address.

When choosing what’s right for your garden, consider whether your choice fits in with the theme of your garden and home. Make sure your wall or structure will support the weight, and consider the kind of picture are you trying to create. Also make sure the decorative garden plaque can it's effect over time and seasons. Once all is taken into consideration, have fun adding real style to your walls and fences.

for more decorative garden wall plaques and other gardening tips go here.