Garden Articles


Why rock gardens make sense

zen30717134.jpgHaving a garden in your yard is a way to create a new space and color. You can plant a flower garden, vegetable garden or create a rock garden. Each one of these gardens will give you a different variety and will help your home and your yard stand out. Having a rock garden will give your home a unique look that your neighbors do not have and will also help you save money on your water bill. A rock garden is a low maintenance garden that you will have to take care of and you can change up at any time.

"Why rock gardens make sense" »

Planting a fall garden for a beautiful spring

gardeningtools24245361.jpgThe garden that you have created has become your pride and joy. To continue your garden growing in the fall, whether it is a vegetable garden or a flower garden, start your spring garden in the fall. Planting in the fall is the perfect time of the year to plant different trees, shrubs, bulbs and vegetables. As the fall air creates a cool atmosphere, the dew that is left behind from the overnight temperatures will give your new plants the moisture that they need.

"Planting a fall garden for a beautiful spring" »

How to maintain a perennial garden

children30344134.jpgAs you plant and grow your flower garden, you will add different types of flowers into it. Among these flowers you can add perennial or annual plants and flowers. The flowers you plant will need to give your flower bed some spice and color variations. This can be accomplished with perennial flowers. Perennial flowers are flowers or bulbs that you can plant and they will bloom and return year after year. Keeping maintenance on these flowers is small and will require little pruning. Start your perennial garden today.

"How to maintain a perennial garden" »

How to design a garden

boquet30716336.jpgIf you are trying to decide between a large or small garden, container or bed garden, flowers or vegetables (or maybe both), having a garden, means making a lot of choices. Whether you are designing a garden from scratch, or trying to improve on last year's garden there are tips that can help make the process a lot easier. However, the good news is that there are lots of tips to help you along the ways. Here is what you need to know about how to design a garden-

"How to design a garden" »

Steps to a chemical free garden

basil60503575.jpgToday many homeowners whether they are avid gardeners or not, want to cut down on the amount of chemicals that are used in their yards and gardens. The good news is that with some creativity and planning that can be done! Taking steps to a chemical free garden means that everyone can enjoy the outdoors surrounding your home, without worry of coming into contact with the toxic chemicals that are found in commercial pesticides. Here are some tips to get you started-

"Steps to a chemical free garden" »

How to constructively evaluate your garden design

cuttingflower41826353.jpgTrue gardeners understand that a garden is always a work in progress. Because of this they are constantly evaluating their garden, making changes, and hopefully making improvements. However, if you are a new or inexperienced gardener you may be wondering what factors to look closely at. Here is what you need to know about how to constructively evaluate your garden design-

"How to constructively evaluate your garden design" »

Trends in gardening

daisies39177548.jpgWhile there are new trends in gardening, there are still things that remain tried and true. These factors can become the basics of creating a spectacular outdoor space that provide you and your family to enjoy your yard, year round. Here are some trends that remain constant in gardening-

"Trends in gardening" »

Getting rid of lawn weeds

watering27365040.jpgLawn weeds are a pain in the butt. They make a perfectly beautiful yard look unhappy and frustrating. To the owner of the lawn, they are not just unsightly, but frustrating. So, what can you do to get rid of lawn weeds such as dandelions? Consider the following:

"Getting rid of lawn weeds" »

Easy steps to have a garden

bettles63552695.jpgMany people long, for a way to grow their own garden, but feel overwhelmed by the challenge. However, it is important to understand that there are a number of ways to make this much easier. Here are some easy steps to have a garden-

"Easy steps to have a garden" »

Container gardening

basil60503575.jpgContainer gardening is one of the newest trends in gardening. It is contained, easier to deal with weeds, and gives you ideal growth conditions. The following are some of the biggest benefits of container gardening:

"Container gardening" »

When to plant your summer garden

blossoms30360657.jpgWhen you plant your summer garden, it is important to do it at the right time and place. If you plant too early, frost may get your plants. If you plant too late, frost may get your harvest. The key to a fruitful and plentiful garden is getting the timing right. Consider the following when planting your summer garden:

"When to plant your summer garden" »

Keeping grass lush and green

bench30334537.jpgWater: A lawn that does not get sufficient water is going to die. However, a lawn that is overwatered is also going to die. So, one of the best things you can do to keep your grass lush and green is figure out a watering schedule that provides ample water without drowning the grass. If you do not want to figure that out by trial and error, a great way to learn how much water your grass needs is to do a little research online. If you know what grass type you have, and the average temperature in your area, you can usually find out how many minutes a day or week you should be watering. This is ideal if you have a sprinkler system, as it can then be set to the specifications for your grass type. If you want to get stronger grass, it is important to encourage the roots to grow deeper into the soil. The way you do this is water them less frequently, but well when you do. Doing this makes your lawn more drought and disease resistant.

"Keeping grass lush and green" »

Classy garden art, does it exist?

bench30328730.jpgSome people clutter their yard and garden with whimsical little creatures, like gnomes, metal cutouts of wildlife, and the like. However, in general, the consensus is that this is just not classy. If you want garden art, but don't want your yard to look trashy, or cluttered, look for classy garden art options. The following is a look at some of the things you can do to have classy garden art for a more unique and personal feel, without the cliché items like traveling gnomes.

"Classy garden art, does it exist?" »

Your Pest Control Options

bettles63552695.jpgWe all have basic needs for air, water, food and shelter. When your home is invaded by pests, one of your basic needs are being violated, but the pest is fulfilling one of its basic needs. Before you reach for a chemical to exterminate household pests, you should explore all you options, especially the ones that aren't potentially harmful to you and your family like a pest control chemicals can be. If other avenues don't work, you can always call the exterminators.

"Your Pest Control Options" »

Let it Rain

raindrops10035893.jpgYou've planned your landscape, decided what type of sprinkling system you want to use, and planned the system around you landscape design. You can save on your landscaping budget by installing your sprinkling system on your own. It is relatively simple to do and doesn't take a lot of skills to complete as long as you can follow instructions.

"Let it Rain" »

How to grow pumpkins and other squash

pumpkins63298745.jpgPumpkin is a type of squash, so how you grow pumpkins is going to also apply to other types of squash. Here are the steps you will need to take to grow your own pumpkins and other types of squash in your garden.

"How to grow pumpkins and other squash" »

Growing pumpkins in your garden

pumpkins63298745.jpgOne of the all-time favorite vegetables to grow in your home garden is pumpkins. One of the reasons they are so popular to grow is because of how easy they are too grow. Another reason is that it can save you money towards Halloween because you won't have to buy pumpkins to cut into jack-o-lanterns.

"Growing pumpkins in your garden" »

Fencing your yard or garden

walkway30364872.jpgFencing your yard and garden are a wonderful idea. They serve several purposes and can add value and beauty to your home. The thing with fencing is that your options are numerous. Wood, vinyl, metal? Tall, short? Privacy or decorative? The choices are many. So, the following is a look at a few things to consider when fencing your yard or garden.

"Fencing your yard or garden" »

Where to find do-it yourself landscaping advice

flowers30342442.jpgNot everyone is blesses with a natural ability to have a green thumb. There are many of us who think that we know the basics of gardening and landscaping, but when it comes down to it, we draw a blank. Of course, we can explore many options. There are plenty of qualified landscapers and outdoor designers that you can hire to make your landscaping vision a reality. However, most of us do not have the resources to hire out all that work and there are many who enjoy the process of landscaping and the resulting satisfaction of doing a job themselves. So where can you find do-it yourself landscaping advice that will help you to stay on track as you improve your home? Here are some of the more popular options...

"Where to find do-it yourself landscaping advice" »

Vegetable gardening in small spaces

plants41844189.jpgThe biggest reason that people grow a vegetable garden is because the vegetables that the garden produces can help save money on grocery bills. The biggest mistake that people make is that they think they can only have a vegetable garden if they have a big space. Vegetable gardens do not have to be done in big spaces; they can be grown in any space that you have available.

"Vegetable gardening in small spaces" »

Tower gardening

gardening27363784.jpgTower gardening is a great way to grow some of your fruits and vegetables, such as peas and strawberries, in a limited space. Rather than growing out you build a tower and plant your vegetables inside the tower. The tower will only take up as much space as it is in diameter, which means you can plant more vegetables or fruits next to one another. Tower gardening is also a great way to maximize your crop yield because you can get more crops in a limited space.

"Tower gardening" »

Tips on gardening in small spaces

carrots15619446.jpgJust because you have limited space doesn't mean that you can't have a great garden. Even if you only have access to a deck, patio or a porch you can still enjoy a beautiful garden during the spring, summer, and fall months. All it is going to take is a little planning and a creative mind.

"Tips on gardening in small spaces" »

Tips on choosing plants for a small garden

boquet30716336.jpgWhen you are planting a garden in a small space one of the most important considerations you will need to make is what plants you will have in your garden. This is an important decision because you have a limited space to work with, so you must choose a few essential plants from the large varieties that are out there.

"Tips on choosing plants for a small garden" »

Tips for trimming hedges

cuttingflower41826353.jpgTrimming your hedges may not be the most entertaining chore you have around the yard, but it is necessary for a well-manicured landscape. Hedges that are even and neatly trimmed make your yard and home look well-taken care of and put together.

"Tips for trimming hedges" »

Things you can do to get your lawn ready for summer

flowers39181201.jpgOnce spring hits many of us begin thinking about green lawns and summer weather, which is coming quickly around the corner. In order to get a nice green lawn for summer you are going to need to put in a lot of hard work. Most people who have done lawn care know that getting a green lawn for summer requires the work to be started before summer even hits.

"Things you can do to get your lawn ready for summer" »

Setting up automatic watering for your garden

architect36832024.jpgWatering for your garden is essential for providing a healthy, blooming garden. But when you water your garden also has an effect on the health and longevity of your garden as well.

"Setting up automatic watering for your garden" »

Preventing pests in your garden

blossoms19171094.jpgNo matter what size of garden you have, you will experience pests in your garden at one point. The types of plants that you have in your garden will determine what types of pests you have. In some cases, the types of pests that you have will determine what you need to do about getting rid of them, but in most cases, you can do the same thing for each type of pest. Something else that will determine how you get rid of pests in your garden is going to depend on your individual circumstances.

"Preventing pests in your garden" »

Planting a herb garden in a small space

basil60503575.jpgIf you are limited on space and want to have an herb garden the good news is that herb gardens can thrive in limited spaces. You can even plant an herb garden in a container and it will flourish. Planting a successful herb garden in a small space is great for people who like to cook because they can have fresh herbs at a moment's notice.

"Planting a herb garden in a small space" »

Ideas for gardening in small spaces

bushes71728656.jpgIf you want to grow any kind of plant, including fruits and vegetables, you do not need to have a large backyard. There are numerous things that you can do to grow a successful garden in a small space. In order to grow a successful garden in a small space you will need to have a little ingenuity and a lot of creativity.

"Ideas for gardening in small spaces" »

Going Green without the Green

indoorgarden63500747.jpgLandscape design by a professional can be expensive and take months to put in place. When you have a limited budget you don't have to settle for a dilapidated yard. You can save money on lots of features while making your yard the finishing touch on your dream home. Follow these money saving tips to make your landscape design a reality on a limited budget.

"Going Green without the Green" »

Getting ready for summer

bettles63552695.jpgIn order to get your yard ready for summer you are going to need to begin doing yard work in the spring. The reason for this is that once summer comes all you will want to do for your yard is maintain your yard so that it looks nice. Getting your yard nice, including planting flowers and new grass, is something that needs to be done in the spring. The best thing that you can do to prepare your yard for summer is to begin preparing it for spring and the work you plan on doing.

"Getting ready for summer" »

Fertile lawns, fertile soil, the trick to a beautiful yard

pansies31190389.jpgThe trick to a beautiful yard is to have fertile soil. But there is actually a delicate balance that a person has to reach to make sure that their soil is just fertile enough for their grass and plants to grow without adding the pollutants in the earth's water system. This article discusses fertile lawns and soil for a beautiful yard.

"Fertile lawns, fertile soil, the trick to a beautiful yard" »

Don't break your back weeding

walkway30364872.jpgEveryone wants a beautifully landscaped yard. However, not everyone wants to put the work that goes into caring for it. Keeping your landscaping looking nice means watering, trimming, edging, fertilizing, and weeding it regularly.

"Don't break your back weeding" »

Containers for small space gardening

boquet30716336.jpgJust because you have a small space for your garden that doesn't mean that, you can't create a garden. One way to take advantage of gardening in small spaces is to use containers in the small spaces. Containers actually give you the chance to experiment and try different plants. With containers if you are not happy with how the plant is, doing you can simply remove it and try something else.

"Containers for small space gardening" »

Challenge of gardening in small spaces

blossoms30360657.jpgWhen it comes to gardening in small spaces, the hardest challenge that you are going to face is creating the illusion of space in your small area. It can also be a challenge trying to find plants for your garden; in most cases, you can find dwarf versions of your favorite plants though.

"Challenge of gardening in small spaces" »

Benefits of hydroseeding

hedge30715652.jpgFor a person who has just built a house or needs to do some landscaping in their current yard, there are a couple choices that they have to help them create a beautiful lawn. And one of the great ways to create a beautiful lawn is hydroseeding. Hydroseeding is a mixture of tackifer, mulch, and fertilizer that is mixed with water in a tank. This seed mixture, which is very rich in nutrients, is then sprayed onto soil that has been prepared for a lawn. This article discusses the benefits of hydroseeding.

"Benefits of hydroseeding" »

Plant watering tips

watering32299789.jpgWatering plants is a task that may seem simple, but you may be surprised to find out that 80% of gardening problems are due to overwatering. Overwatering not only drowns and kills your plants, but it also wastes water, especially if what you are overwatering is on an automatic watering system. Sprinkler systems are not perfect. Automatic timers and sprinkler heads are difficult to maneuver in just the right way to ensure that every drop of water is being distributed to where it is needed most. However, there are automated systems that you can buy that consider the specific needs of your lawn, calculating slope, water absorption and systems that even include a wireless download of weather conditions to determine how much water is necessary for your lawn. All this information is then translates into directions given to your sprinkler system. By determining you specific watering needs and cutting back when watering isn't necessary, it is estimated that you can cut your water usage by as much as 30% and still maintain a beautiful and healthy lawn and garden area. If an entire automated watering system is beyond your reach, they now make standard sprinkler heads that you attach to your hose and that use a programmable disk to avoid watering driveway or deck. The sprinkler simply works off the pattern that you give it.

"Plant watering tips" »

Outdoor flower beds

children30344134.jpgMany people take for granted the front of their homes during a large part of the year, but now is the time when people start thinking about outdoor spaces and making them look better. Having outdoor flower beds is a great way to increase the curb appeal of your home and also to make using outdoor spaces more comfortable and enjoyable.

"Outdoor flower beds" »

Keep plants happy in hot weather

blossoms19171094.jpgSummer time is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. The outdoors just wouldn't be the same without flowers and plants, but not everyone is comfortable with their gardening skills. Gardening in the summer time presents its own challenges. All plants need special attention in hot weather and no one wants to be slaving away in a hot garden all summer long. Take steps necessary to stay safe in the sun; because the less time you spend in the garden the better. Fortunately, there are a number of different hot weather gardening tips that will not only help you keep your garden and lawn looking great, but will also minimize the amount of time you spend out weeding and caring for your garden.

"Keep plants happy in hot weather" »

Controlling weeds naturally

daisies31190141.jpgWeeds definitely have a bad reputation. The term "weed" is even used as an insult! A weed is another word for something that is unwanted, uninvited, and that needs to be dealt with. Weeds are the last thing that we want to introduce to our lawns and gardens, but how terrible is it really if they find their way there on their own? Experts suggest that weeds may have been unfairly labeled too harshly and that weeds are actually good things, in small amounts, because they provide good nesting locations for beneficial insects, a mix of weeds may be more aesthetically appealing. A wide range of weeds in your yard strengthens its defenses against insect attacks as each different weed presents its own unique type of defenses much like the body creates antibodies that are able to battle specific components of a cold.

"Controlling weeds naturally" »

The Joys of Compost

gardenart34648547.jpgOne of the best things you can do for your garden is use compost when planting and feeding it. Compost is the soil material leftover when organic materials (kitchen waste, vegetable peelings, grass clippings, manure, etc.) break down leaving behind an excellent source of organic matter needed to grow plants. Compost provides air, water, organic matter, and microorganisms for plants and enhances their growth. There are several methods to prepare compost and dependant on your circumstances, this breakdown can help you decide which method is right for you.

"The Joys of Compost" »

The Hardest Part of a Summer Garden: Preparation

boquet30716336.jpgThe most difficult part of gardening is preparing your garden plot. If it is done right, it cuts back on the work you have to put into keeping your garden maintained and increases how much you get out of it. Half a day of work in preparation can have you enjoying your garden's fruits for months. Here are some simple steps to help you prepare your garden plot for a great summer of gardening:

"The Hardest Part of a Summer Garden: Preparation" »

Looking Good in Your Neighborhood

house9827399.jpgYou want your home to look good, but your probably don't want to do much to keep it looking that way, at least as far as your façade is concerned. The façade of your home is the first impression someone gets, so it is important for it to look good. Below are some low maintenance solutions that will keep your home looking good all year round.

"Looking Good in Your Neighborhood" »

Growing Your Summer Salad

basil60503575.jpgAfter a long and hot summer day, nothing is more refreshing than a crisp cool green summer salad. Summer salads are not only good to eat, but they are good for you. The best salads, however, cannot be bought, but you can grow them quite easily, even if your space is limited. Fresh salad greens plucked from your own garden are superior in taste, crispness, and texture to almost anything you could buy. Salad greens, sprouts and edible flowers enough for at least one, if not more, can be grown in as little room as a plantar box. Of course, the bigger your space, the greater the variety of greens and salad vegetables you can plant.

"Growing Your Summer Salad" »

A Drought-Proof Garden Design

hose30342479.jpgWatering your yard and garden during the summer is not always an option. When a dry spell hits, you don't want your garden to be the one on the block suffering. Keep you garden an oasis all summer long with these drought-proofing ideas that will add sparkle and character to your yard.

"A Drought-Proof Garden Design" »

What do you really need for gardening?

gardeningtools24237802.jpgWhile many people would love to start gardening they are often put off by the numerous items that are found in the gardening section of their local home improvement store or garden center. The gadgets and tools seem to go on forever and can cause a beginning gardener to reconsider whether they really want to take up gardening. But the good news it that while there are essential tools that you must have for gardening they are not as numerous as you might expect. So be sure to check out our list of must haves for gardening to get you started and you may then find that you love it so much that all those "extras" suddenly turn into must haves as well. Here is what you really need to begin gardening-

"What do you really need for gardening?" »

When do you start planning your garden?

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If you want to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the fall, you need to plant your garden at the right time in the spring. The seed packets normally give you a time frame of when to plant for your particular season.

However, "May-June" is a long time and planting too early could mean you will lose your crop, planting too late means it may never grow.

One of the best ways to figure out when you should start planting your garden is to visit some local nurseries. You can even ask some of the local gardeners when they think the best time to start planting is. Universities often have agricultural departments and they will be able to let you know when the best time to plant your garden is. Talk to the gardener about the reasons why you should wait on certain plants. While you are talking to them, also talk about different ways you can keep your plants alive, especially when the intense heat hits.

"When do you start planning your garden?" »

Unique garden décor

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Having a garden at your home can be relaxing and comforting to look at it. Having a personal touch to your garden is what you can add to make your garden unique. Find items that represent who you are and what you like. Use some of the following ideas to help you or to add to your garden.

Choose a waterfall or water fountain. There are many different styles you can make a waterfall out of. You can use rock, plants or concrete to make a waterfall. If you do decide to go with a waterfall, put it in a place that you can get to easily to clean and take care of. Make sure if you have children or pets, that they are safe from the waterfall. The sound of a waterfall can be calming to ones soul. If you have shade and a nice sitting area, anyone can relax and enjoy themselves. Having a simple water fountain is a great idea to add to a patio or to a yard that has children or pets. It will keep them safe from drowning, but will give them that chance to still play in water.

"Unique garden décor" »

Spring cleaning your garden

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If you want to avoid spring cleaning your garden, you can do yourself a favor by getting it ready in the winter. Doing simple things like a final weed before the first snowstorm will really help you out in the spring because you wont need to spend as much time removing leaves and plants that blew in with the weather.

Spring cleaning isn't just about airing out your house, getting rid of those winter cobwebs and letting the sun shine in on clean windows. For avid gardeners it's the time of year when tidying up can make a big difference in what grows and what becomes unruly and overgrown throughout the summer and fall.

"Spring cleaning your garden" »

Maintaining your vegetable garden

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You have already taken the steps and planted your vegetable garden, now you must maintain it. Maintaining your vegetable garden can take a lot of time and some work, but the result in the end is the worth it. You can take maintain a small garden taking about 15 minutes out of every day, for a larger garden it may take 30-60 minutes a day to keep it maintained. Here are some ideas and ways that you can use to maintain your garden.

Water your garden regular, but water it during the right time of day. Try to water your garden in the late evening or early morning. This will give the water to soak into the soil and not evaporate into the air. If the wind is blowing, you will still want to water, but try to do so when the wind has calmed down. Adding mulch to your vegetable garden will also help it retain water. Using mulch in your vegetable garden in hotter climates will help retain the water that plants need to survive during the hottest part of the days. There are different types of mulches that you can use depending on where you live. There are some fabric mulches that you can put down with metal pins and then put wood mulch of the top to help keep as much moisture in as possible.

"Maintaining your vegetable garden" »

Getting your garden ready for winter

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Just because you have eaten all the fruits of your labor doesn't mean you can just leave your garden behind and let the winter weather take its toll. You need to take steps to get your garden ready for winter if you want to plant in it again next spring. The best time to prepare your garden for winter is in the fall. Here are some easy ways you can get your garden ready for winter:

"Getting your garden ready for winter" »

Getting your flower garden ready

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So you have chosen to plant a flower garden. Where do you start? You can start by walking around the outside area of your house. Look at different areas and choose a couple where you might consider planting a garden. Make sure this area gets enough sunlight, a good water source and can I put the size of garden I want here.

Once you have chosen the area you want to make into you flower garden, take some marking paint or a hose and mark out where you would put it. Take the time to try some different options with your garden. Look at different sizes and shapes and consider what you are going to be adding to it.

"Getting your flower garden ready" »

Tips on maintaining a healthy vegetable garden

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If you are going to grow a vegetable garden, you are going to want to make sure that you grow a healthy vegetable garden. The reason for this is that if you do not have a healthy vegetable garden you are not going to be able to grow many vegetables, which will be a waste of time on your part. Making sure that your vegetable garden is healthy ensures that your vegetable garden produces a good yield of fruits and vegetables, which makes gardening worth the effort.

Here are some tips you can follow to ensure that you have a healthy vegetable garden.

"Tips on maintaining a healthy vegetable garden" »

Tips for protecting your garden from pests

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One of the biggest problems that you will face when growing a garden, whether it is a vegetable garden or a flower garden is pests. Pests will invade your garden and will many times destroy your garden because they will eat the plants you have in your garden or they will dig in your garden. No matter what they do the only way to protect, your garden from these pests is to learn how to stop them.

Here are some tips that you can follow to protect your garden from specific types of pests.

"Tips for protecting your garden from pests" »

How to grow melons in your garden

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If you plan on growing melons in your vegetable garden, the best thing you can do is learn about how to grow them before doing it. The reason for this is that melons, no matter what type, are not as easy to grow in a garden as you might think. In fact, in some areas it is nearly impossible to grow melons because of the cold climate. The reason it is hard to grow melons in cold climates is that melons are vine type plants that require a warm and long growing season, your colder climates do not have a long growing season so it is harder to grow melons. If you do live in a colder climate you can still grow melons successfully, you will just have to start the plant indoors so that the plant has enough time to grow.

Here are the steps you will need to take to successfully grow melons.

"How to grow melons in your garden" »

Green gardening-using compost in your garden

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Today's avid gardeners are using green materials including compost for growing and maintaining their gardens. Many people are have mistakenly assumed that making and using compost is difficult but by following these easy to do tips you easily make and use compost in your garden. Best of all your plants, your family and the planet will love it too!

Making compost is as simple as instead of bagging leaves, grass or garden debris from the yard and sending it off to the dump, you can convert this organic matter into compost that will help improve the yard and garden. This organic matter is transformed into compost through the work of microorganisms, soil fauna, enzymes and fungi.

Gardening experts agree that building and maintaining a compost pile is the best way to produce food for a garden because compost improves the soil structure and provides a balanced source of a plant's nutrients. This is why some gardeners will even call compost "black gold."

"Green gardening-using compost in your garden" »

Creating a vegetable garden

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Many people want to start a vegetable garden because they know about the benefits they will receive from eating fresh vegetables. Starting a vegetable garden is a great way to save money because you will not have to buy fresh produce at the store, plus creating your own vegetable garden ensures that you know what has been put on the vegetables. The problem that many people have when creating a vegetable garden is becoming overwhelmed with the work that is required.

If you are thinking about creating a vegetable garden here are some tips that you can follow to make the job easier.

"Creating a vegetable garden" »

Choosing the best vegetables for your garden

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One of the hardest things about growing a vegetable garden is choosing the vegetables to go in your garden. The reason that this can be hard for people is that people are not educated about how to grow different types of vegetables so they pick anything that looks good and just hope it grows. Luckily, there are some tips that you can follow to choose the best vegetables for your garden.

Here are some tips that you can follow to help choose vegetables for your garden.

"Choosing the best vegetables for your garden" »

Creating outdoor rooms

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Your garden and yard space are yours to do with as you please, but it has become very common to see the garden and yard turned into a virtual extension of your indoor spaces. The outdoor areas of your home now have purpose, function, and definition. Many people create outdoor rooms, dividing their yard into different areas, such as a place for the children to play, a place for the family to gather, a place for a vegetable garden, a place to sit and read, or enjoy the outdoors. The following is a look at how to create these outdoor rooms:

"Creating outdoor rooms" »

When to fertilize your garden for best results

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Everyone loves a beautiful garden. There is nothing lovelier than a healthy garden in spring. And there is no greater satisfaction than the type that comes from knowing that you have made something beautiful. A painter has great pride in a fantastic piece of painting. A sculptor loves his greatest work and a gardener loves his or her garden when it is healthy and in full bloom. However, all of us know, a garden is a great deal of work. It can take hours and hours to build a wonderful garden. It also take some real know how to get a garden healthy. Certain environments require special care and all of them have a particular set of constraints or problems. Certain types of soil need special care and more water than others. Some plants tend to attract certain insects. You need to understand things about how to plant and how to water and especially how to fertilize. I mention fertilizing because it is probably one of the wost important things you can possibly do for a garden. Farmers always fertilize because they know that a healthy garden requires it. Plants use minerals in the soil just as we use the minerals that we eat. Without them they cannot build themselves into healthy plants, and often without proper fertilization they cannot survive at all. There are various problems that result from not having appropriate fertilization, so you need to know how to fertilize, and also very importantly, when to fertilize your garden for best results.

"When to fertilize your garden for best results" »

What to do with your garden after you harvest the last of the produce

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Save the seeds

Instead of buying new seeds each year, some people like to save the seeds from their previous garden to plant them in the spring. After a person has harvested the last of their produce and they want to save seeds to plant in the spring there are a few thing they need to do. A person should make sure that the seeds that they want to plant in the spring are dried out and that there is not plant debris still connected to the seed. They should store the seeds in small labeled envelops. The envelops should be stored in a container that is airtight and that is located in a cool and dark place.

"What to do with your garden after you harvest the last of the produce" »

Top weed killers

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A beautiful garden is one of the truly great things in this world. You can sit for hours and hours in it and know that it was something that you created. You can bask in the beauty of the flowers and the wonderful smells of a healthy garden. There are few greater pleasures and I hope that all of us have the privileged some day of having a wonderful garden. But gardens also come with some serious problems. For example, almost every time you step out into your garden you probably notice that there are at least a few new weeds in it. You can never keep up with such weeds and you will never really be able to keep up with all of them. However you can attempt to slow them down in various ways. Ground covers are one options but if you don't want to grow other plants in the garden, you will need to use a weed killer product. However, there are lots of weed killers out there. Which one is the best for your needs? Which one will help you to kill all the weeds but without serious repercussions for the environment or other plants. You want to kill the weeds and not the garden. Read here about some of the top weed killers on the market.

"Top weed killers" »

Tips for making mulch

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When a person adds the right mulch to their garden, it can improve the overall health of the soil and make their landscaping very beautiful. There are a lot of different types of mulch. Because of the varying types of mulch, a person may not know how to make a good mulch. This article discusses tips for how to make good mulch.

"Tips for making mulch" »

Tips for making compost

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When a person makes their own compost it is great for their garden and the environment. Everybody has waste and creating a compost pile as a place to put the waste can help their garden and the earth's landfills. This article discusses tips for making great compost.

"Tips for making compost" »

Low maintenance gardening techniques

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We all love gardens. I cannot think of a person who would not find a large, green, and vibrant garden absolutely amazing. The great gardens of the world are some of the most beautiful things in the universe. Unfortunately, not all of us love gardening itself. Even if you do like gardening you might not have the time to maintain a large garden in the way that you would like to. I love to get my hands into the soil or to watch a plant I have planted grow and become beautiful.

"Low maintenance gardening techniques" »

Keeping pests out of your garden

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Most people put a lot of time and planning into planting their garden. However, there are pests that are more than ready to eat and/or destroy all of the plants that took so long to plant and take care of. So how does a person keep the pests out of their garden? There are actually several different ways for a person to keep pests out of their garden. This article will discuss a few of the ways that a person can keep the pests out of their own garden.

"Keeping pests out of your garden" »

How to prepare your gardens for winter

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Getting a garden ready for winter is an essential thing for every gardener to do to ensure they will have a healthy garden in the spring. Each fall there are several things that a person can do to get their garden ready for winter. This article will discuss several things that a person should do to prepare their garden for winter.

"How to prepare your gardens for winter" »

How to keep your sprinkler lines from freezing and breaking in winter

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Anyone who has a sprinkler system can attest that winterizing it is not something that should be taken lightly. Sprinkler systems cost a lot of money and can be difficult to fix if a problem does occur. Getting a sprinkler system ready for the winter so that the sprinkler lines will not freeze and break over the cold months is something that every home owner needs to do. This article will explain how to keep sprinkler lines from freezing and breaking during the winter.

"How to keep your sprinkler lines from freezing and breaking in winter" »

Best plants for a fragrant garden year round

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For many gardening is a great hobby. Not only does it give a person hours of peaceful time outside with fresh air, but it can also offer a person a lot of beautiful enjoyment when they look at the plants that have sprouted up in their garden. Even though most plants have beautiful smells, there are some plants that have stronger and more beautiful fragrances compared to others. If a person lives in a climate that is compatible for a year-round garden and would like to enjoy fragrant flowers all throughout the year this article will give them some tips for which plants to choose to plant in their garden.

"Best plants for a fragrant garden year round" »

Pruning basics

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If you are an avid gardener you probably love plants and love to care for plants. Those of us who rarely garden think that the only things plants need to survive are water and sunlight. However, healthy plants often require individualized care and excellent soil. If you want a healthy garden you need to pay close attention to each plant. Think of plants like children-each has a distinct personality and needs. One of the things you can do to help improve the health of each and every plant is to prune. However, you might think that pruning is the type of thing that only highly trained experts can do. While this might be the case for large tree pruning, just about any of us can learn how to prune schrubs and bushes.

"Pruning basics" »

Improving your soil

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The avid gardener faces a number of difficult challenges as they attempt to produce healthy, beautiful, and tasty plants. The process requires patience, hard work, and knowledge about what conditions help plants to grow best. Naturally this information will be different depending on the area in which you live, precipitation, and sunlight, but there are some basics that every gardener should know. One of the most important components of a healthy garden is rich, fertile soil. Sunlight and water are necessities for plants, but without good soil they also wilt and die. Many plants cannot even begin to grow in poor soil because they cannot gain the necessary nutrients for development.

"Improving your soil" »

How to start an herb garden

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Herbs are wonderful plants for a number of reasons. They are attractive to look at and they often produce a pleasant smell. They grow in various conditions and can live in small areas indoors. Furthermore, they can be used to make delecious meals. Imagine a complete herb garden growing in your own kitchen. All you would have to do to flavor a food would be to reach up and grab a fresh sprig of parsely or a bit of rosemary. Your friends and neighbors would comment on the wonderful herb garden and the food you prepare with it. Although you might love to grow an herb garden in your house or garden, it requires allot of special skills, doesn't it? Actually starting an herb garden is extremely easy and requires skills that everyone has. If you are interested in having fresh herbs for cooking or any other reason read the following guidelines for starting an herb garden.

"How to start an herb garden" »

How to start plants indoors for your garden

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Looking outside in the middle of February, you're probably not thinking of planting your garden in a few months. After all, you still have time. Unless you're planning on growing some of your own flowers and vegetables from seed. In which case, the time to start planting is now. If you are a novice gardener, this is the place where you can learn exactly how and what you should do.

A great way to jump start your garden (while saving money) is to start your own plants indoors. This way you will be sure of the condition of your plants, unlike those bought in stores. You will also be able to grow a variety of plant that you may not be able to find at a greenhouse.

"How to start plants indoors for your garden" »

How to force bulbs for blossoms in February

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It's that time of year again. It's the dead of winter, with no end in sight. Christmas is over and with it all the excitement and magic of a cold and snowy winter; the New Year has come and gone, and now you've moved on into February-that colorless, sunless month of cold. Seasonal depression seems to be sneaking up on you, and in attempts to keep it away, you've been buying house plants like crazy. Having something alive, inside your house at least, seems to make things more bearable. But here's an idea for next year: take your tulip, hyacinth crocus, etc. bulbs that you planted last year (or even buy some new ones) and force them into blooming in February!

"How to force bulbs for blossoms in February" »

When to plant your garden

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One of the most puzzling aspects of gardening for any gardener is knowing when to plant your garden. If you plant too early, then you risk the chance of your plants freezing. If you plant too late, then you risk your plants not blooming at all. However, each plant needs to be planted at a different time, based on what type of plant it is-annual or perennial-and when it blooms. Here are some basic tips to help you know when to plant your garden based on when you would like it to bloom.

Summer/Spring: perennials, annuals, flowering plants
Fall: foliage
Winter: trees, shrubs, evergreens, berries

Here are some recommendations suitable for each different season.

"When to plant your garden" »

When to fertilize

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One of the major questions that anybody with a garden or a yard has is when they should fertilize your plants. IF you fertilize at the wrong time, you can kill your plants or your lawn, you can end up encouraging weed growth, and more. We will focus on how to fertilize your lawn; if you are wondering when to fertilize your flowers or your vegetable garden, then you should look carefully at the growing recommendations for that particular plant. Talk to the owner of your local nursery about individual plant questions.

When to fertilize your lawn

"When to fertilize" »

Tips for keeping rose bushes healthy

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How to plant your rose bush is a big part of the outcome. Also it increases your chances of thick healthy roses. Here is how it is done.

"Tips for keeping rose bushes healthy" »

Tips for garden fertilization

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Tips for garden fertilizing, how to do it by your self.

Tip 1:Have your soil tested

"Tips for garden fertilization" »

Things you can do to decrease the amount of weeds you have

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Whether you have an enormous flower garden full of exotic blooms, a large vegetable garden in which you grow all of your favorite vegetables for dinner, or just a lawn that you play catch on, weeds are something that you are going to have to deal with. Weeds are the bane of the existence of anyone who doesn't have just a rock garden. Weeds always come back, they always pop up in the most awful places, and they seem to outlive any plant that you actually want to stay in your yard, from pumpkins to grass to roses. But you don't have to give up your yard and your gardens to cheat grass and dandelions. You will always have to be fighting the war, but you can considerably cut down on the number of weeds that you have and you can win all of the battles in this never ending crusade against weeds.

How to cut down on the number of weeds you have

"Things you can do to decrease the amount of weeds you have" »

How to grow a vegetable garden

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Gardening is one of the most rewarding and exciting activities that you can be engaged in. Gardening has long been one of the most popular of occupations for those who simply dabble in gardening as a hobby and those who are much more serious about their treasured vegetable garden. When it comes to successful vegetable gardens, it is important that you do a number of different things correctly: you must choose the right garden seeds, you must plant your seeds or plants in the appropriate place, you must water your plants appropriately, and you have to plant your vegetables in your vegetable garden at the right point in time during the year.

You can actually either be planting in your garden or harvesting vegetables from your vegetable garden during almost the entire year. There are two major planting periods in a typical temperate zone. You should note that these directions are for typically mild and temperate zones; before you plant your own vegetable garden, you should look carefully at what your own climate is and what types of plants are recommended for your climate zone, and when those vegetables should be planted.

"How to grow a vegetable garden" »

Best plants for your climate

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While there are a number of important factors that must be considered when you are choosing the best plants for your climate, one of the most important considerations that you must keep in mind is what your climate is. You can choose the right seeds for your garden when you think about your climate, your soil, and the pests in your area.

In order to choose the best plants for your climate, you have to know how to choose the right seeds for your garden and how to choose the right plants for your area.

"Best plants for your climate" »

What to know about mulching

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Mulching is more popular than ever these days. It's hard to find a flower garden or vegetable garden that doesn't use mulch in some way. Mulch gives a garden a much cleaner, neater look; you have these nice little pathways, dark pathways between bright flowers and vegetables; mulch tamps down the weeds; it's just a very attractive garden product, that's all there is to it.

"What to know about mulching" »

How to keep your compost pile going all winter

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Keeping your compost pile going all winter isn't hard to do at all. Many people seem to believe that once the garden stops growing, the compost pile must inevitably shrink away and die with it. Thankfully, for those who want to keep their compost pile going all winter long, this isn't true. A compost pile, after all, isn't an organic, growing thing quite like a garden is. Rather, a compost pile is heaps of stuff that was organic and growing like a garden. Therefore, so long as you have access to this was element, you have access to the materials you'll need to keep your compost going all winter. Then, come summer, you won't have to start all over again! Your compost heap will be sitting there good as new, ready for action. Let's look at a few ways in which you can keep your compost heap going all winter.

"How to keep your compost pile going all winter" »

When to harvest squash for the best flavor?

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When to harvest squash for the best flavor? That is a question that needs to be answered in two parts. The reason is, that there is both summer squash and winter squash. The both have good flavors. Though, they are harvested at two different times.

Depending on how hot it is in the area you live in will also be a large determining factor in how early you will pick your first squash. The sign that you will want to look for in your summer squash are as follows:

"When to harvest squash for the best flavor?" »

Tips for using pesticides in gardens

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Here are some safe tips for using pesticide in gardens. There are many debates on how safe pesticides are for the environment and for our overall health. However, there are many uses for pesticides in our gardens and yards. The thing is being aware of what are the safety tips to using pesticides when needed.

The main thing when you look at pesticides is to be aware that the chemicals. Those chemicals can be somewhat dangerous, especially if used in wrong amounts. There are also botanical pesticides. Though, use caution with these, they can still be somewhat dangerous.

"Tips for using pesticides in gardens" »

How to know if your garden soil is good for growing plants?

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How to know if your garden soil is good for growing plants? Growing your garden in good soil is beneficial for the overall growth and success of your garden. Good soil holds the nutrients that go into our plants. Therefore, if you have poor soil, the plants you grow will be lacking what they need to grow.

It is hard to know if your soil is truly good soil. The only real way to do this is to test the soil. You can have your soil tested in a few different ways. However the easiest way is to take a bit of it to the local nursery and have them test it. They will do it for free.

"How to know if your garden soil is good for growing plants?" »

Where to place garden fountains

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Adding a fountain to your garden can add a touch of beauty and tranquility. Before buying a fountain you should first decide where you would like to put it. Measure the area so you can select a fountain that will fit properly. Know what sizes will fit properly in the intended area, smallest up to the largest. The size of the area you intend to place the fountain will be one of the factors to consider when selecting a garden fountain.

"Where to place garden fountains" »

Where to grow a garden of flowers

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Spring time is the time to get in the dirt and start your garden. Gardens are a fun to have and they are proved to be therapeutic and relaxing. You can get your whole family involved in the gardening experience, it is a great way to get the kids out to get fresh air. But the question on your mind is where to put your garden. This depends greatly on the environment that you live in. If you live in a house with a large your then you will have endless possibilities for a garden. But if you live in an apartment you wont have much room for anything. Let's talk about some place where you can put a garden.

"Where to grow a garden of flowers" »

Where to go for gardening help

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Most gardeners know that many different kinds of dilemmas and problems that come up in the garden space! Do you have questions about how to take care of your garden? Even the most serious gardeners might have a situation or problem occur in their garden that they aren't sure how to handle. Whether you are a basic, beginner gardener, or a regular "green thumb," you will want to have some places that you can turn to when you need gardening help. Here are a couple of places that you can go to when you need gardening help:

"Where to go for gardening help" »

Where to find up-to-date gardening information

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For avid gardeners, up to date gardening information is key to helping them make the decisions necessary to maintain a fruitful garden. With all of the variables that exist in gardening, having up to date information is almost necessary. Up to date information is especially important for farmers and other gardeners who depend on their crops for their livelihood. Below you will find some suggestions for where you can find up to date gardening information for yourself.

"Where to find up-to-date gardening information" »

When to start a vegetable garden

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Gardening is one of the most rewarding and exciting activities that you can be engaged in. Gardening has long been one of the most popular of occupations for those who simply dabble in gardening as a hobby and those who are much more serious about their treasured vegetable garden. When it comes to successful vegetable gardens, it is important that you do a number of different things correctly: you must choose the right garden seeds, you must plant your seeds or plants in the appropriate place, you must water your plants appropriately, and you have to plant your vegetables in your vegetable garden at the right point in time during the year.

"When to start a vegetable garden" »

What you should know about gardening services

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Gardening has its challenges. Not everyone is gifted with the ability to be a born gardener. But that is not to say that you cannot learn to be a good gardener or that you cannot have a nicely gardened or landscaped property. Whether you take pleasure in having a nicely manicured garden and would rather pay someone else to do the work for you or you take pride in doing something yourself and in putting in a full day of hard work, you can benefit from gardening services now and then.

Gardening services can involve the hiring of gardening professionals or providing services to the gardening novice about tricks of the trade. There is definitely a need for both types of gardening services. Details about these different gardening services and what you need to know as a gardener are listed below.

"What you should know about gardening services" »

What you need to start gardening

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Before you begin your gardening adventure, you must first decide what you want to grow and where you want to grow it. Do you want to grow flowers or vegetables? Where will your garden be located? Will there be enough sunlight? These are some questions you will need to answer before you begin to garden.

Once you decide where you want to have your garden, do some research about the type of flowers or vegetables that you intend to grow. You may want to select flowers or vegetables that will grow the best in the location you have chosen. For example, if you want to grow flowers on your deck that is shaded much of the time, try to choose flowers that need less sunlight. If you choose plants that are unsuitable for the area, you will be disappointed. So be sure to find out before purchasing your garden plants if they will flourish in the location you have chosen.

"What you need to start gardening" »

What it takes to make a zen garden

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Probably Zen's most attractive aspect (aside from the meaning of life) is the famous 'Zen Gardens'. Over 500 years before the development of "Modern Art", monks were saying things with metaphor in the temple dirt. In Japanese, they are call KareSanSui (), Dry-Mountain-Water.

"What it takes to make a zen garden" »

What is square foot gardening?

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Square foot gardening has become more popular among gardeners. This is a method that makes your work load smaller. You will experience less watering, weeding, and thinning of your garden. Square foot gardening is the process in which you grow your plants in a square that is big enough for your plants to grow but small enough that you are are able to tend to your plants from each side of the square. This will decrease the stress on the gardeners body, because it will be easier to reach all parts of the garden. Let's talk about the steps you will need to take to make the square foot garden of your dreams.

"What is square foot gardening?" »

What is shade gardening?

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There are a lot of different types of gardening that are available, and you can pick the type of gardening that is best suited to your interests and area. One popular type of gardening that you might be interested in trying is shade gardening. Shade gardening is a type of gardening where plants are grown in a shady environment. Here is a low down on shade gardening:

"What is shade gardening?" »

What is perennial gardening?

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Are you tired of purchasing and planting new plants in your yard every year? One of the ways that you can avoid planting every single year is by purchasing perennial plants. Perennial plants are plants that are able to come back year after year! Perennial gardening is a very popular form of gardening today, particularly because people often don't want to replant their yard every year. There are many different types of perennial plants available, which include many flowers like foxglove, roses, delphinium, and poppies.

"What is perennial gardening?" »

What is organic gardening?

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If you go to most grocery stores and especially health food stores, you probably will find some fruits and vegetables being labeled as "organic." Organic fruits and vegetables are grown on an organic farm or in an organic garden, and a lot of people think that organic gardening produces a lot of healthier plants to eat. So, what is organic gardening? What makes this type of gardening different from any other gardening method? Here are a couple things which define an organic garden:

"What is organic gardening?" »

What is hydroponic gardening?

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Gardening is labeled as the number one hobby in the United States. There are a lot of different types of gardening, with hydroponic gardening! You might be able to guess that hydroponic gardening involves water, since the Greek word "hydro" (meaning "water") is found in other English words. But what exactly is hydroponic gardening, and what does it have to do with water?

Essentially, hydroponic gardening is based on the idea that you can use less soil to garden and more water instead. It is reported that the Hanging Gardens of Babylon that were built in the Neo-Babylonic era around 575 BCE were based on the hydroponic gardening system. Another one of the earliest examples of hydroponic gardening is also found in the Floating Gardens of China!

"What is hydroponic gardening?" »

What is biodynamic gardening?

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Gardening is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States, and gardeners are constantly looking for ways to improve their gardening skills. One popular type of gardening today is biodynamic gardening. Biodynamic gardening is especially becoming popular as people are becoming more and more aware of their environment and natural surroundings. In a way, biodynamic gardening is a way that gardeners can help to contribute and take care of the planet Earth. Some people think that biodynamic gardening is just like organic gardening, but that really is not the case. So, just what is biodynamic gardening? Keep on reading to find out!

Biodynamic gardening is part of biodynamics, which is a science dedicated to studying life forces. Part of biodynamics is a study and understanding of how different principles work together in nature. With biodynamic gardening, you will take these principles of nature into consideration so that you can find healing and balance to the environment.

"What is biodynamic gardening?" »

What is an aero garden?

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Have you always dreamed of growing your own fresh herbs or vegetables but don't seem to have the time, the experience or the space for it? Don't worry, there is a revolutionized mini-garden called the aero garden that will allow you to grow vegetables and herbs all year round in the comfort of your kitchen or almost anywhere in your home. Wouldn't it be great not to have to leave your home to buy your vegetables or herbs from the grocery store or from the farmer's market? You can impress your family and friends with great tasting vegetables and herbs that you personally grow with little or no effort at all.

"What is an aero garden?" »

What hand gardening tools should you not be without and why?

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As a gardener, the tools that you use are very important. Perhaps you could achieve the same effect of digging or working if you didn't use tools, but it would take a long time to do! In addition, gardening tools also cause less physical strain for gardeners, so you won't be as susceptible to getting back problems or arthritis! Many hand gardening tools are especially useful. Here are a couple of hand gardening tools that you should not be without, and reasons why these tools are so invaluable:

"What hand gardening tools should you not be without and why?" »

What do you need for a rock garden?

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Rock gardens are beautiful additions to any yard. The natural look of rock inspires a feeling of strength, age, and confidence. Rock is tremendously beautiful, and despite what you might think, it can provide allot of variation in the appearance of your yard. In our modern world water is a big consideration. We live in a time, and many of us live in certain places, that have very little water. Bluegrass lawns are great but they tend to suck of tons of water and require a fair amount of care. If you are conservation minded a rock garden is a great option. It can also be a great money and time saver, as rock gardens can be much less of a hassle. You might also think that a rock garden is something that only very rich people can afford, but you are dead wrong there. A rock garden can be very inexpensive if you know how to do much of the work yourself and if you pick inexpensive materials.

"What do you need for a rock garden?" »

What are gardening zones? How do they affect you?

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Even if you are only an amateur gardener, you may have heard the term "gardening zone" before. Gardening zones are geographically defined areas which were first developed by the United States Department of Agriculture. Now these garden zones have also been adopted elsewhere. These garden zones are divided by temperature to help gardeners know what plants are well suited for certain geographic areas. Sometimes you may hear garden zones also referred to as "hardiness zones."

In order to read a gardening gone, you will need to look at the mean of the lowest temperature that is recorded in the winter for each area. This mean is recorded as the "average annual minimum temperature." Then, depending on this temperature range, the area will be categorized in one of the 20 gardening zones that are possible.

"What are gardening zones? How do they affect you?" »

Vegetable gardening tips and advice

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One of the most rewarding types of gardening is vegetable gardening! Many people enjoy having vegetable gardens because they are able to eat and enjoy their crop at the end of the season. In addition, you can freeze or preserve some of your vegetable crop, so that you can enjoy vegetables from your garden at a later date. There are lots of different types of vegetables that people can grow as well, which always make vegetable gardens have a lot of variety and versatility. Here some vegetable gardening tips and advice, so that you will be able to grow a great vegetable garden:

"Vegetable gardening tips and advice" »

Vegetable gardening how it differs from growing flowers

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Are you a big into flower gardening and are interested in trying other forms of gardening? One form of gardening that you might be interested in trying is vegetable gardening! However, before you automatically go out and start to buy your vegetable seeds and starters, you should stop and take a minute to read this! Vegetable gardening is a little bit different than growing flowers, and there are a couple of things that you will need to do differently as a gardener! Here are some of the ways that vegetable gardening is different from growing flowers:

"Vegetable gardening how it differs from growing flowers" »

Top five gardening supplies to have on hand

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If you are thinking about doing some gardening, you need to have the essential tools to do the work and to keep it up. You don't have to spend a lot of money to enjoy a nice garden, but at the same time if you buy the right tools, you will have a beautiful yard that you can be proud of throughout the growing season.

Before heading out to your garden, make sure you have on hand the top five gardening supplies: gloves, quality hand pruners, a trowel, a watering can and kneeling pads to make your gardening experience pleasant and easy. Invest in quality tools that you can rely on over time.

"Top five gardening supplies to have on hand" »

Tools for creating garden designs

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There are lots of ways that you can design a garden. You can just pick a spot in your yard and start planting. But a random place in the middle of your yard is obviously no place for a garden. Take a look around you yard and figure out the possibilities for you garden. You could pick a place maybe under a window and create a blower bed. There are really some endless possibilities when it comes to planting a garden that will suit your taste and appeal to visitors. Let's go over some different garden designs and some tools you will need to create them.

"Tools for creating garden designs" »

Tips for starting a garden

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Having a garden provides you and your family with many different benefits. Having a vegetable garden allows you to benefit from the fruits of your labors. Having a garden can also save you money as growing your food yourself costs a fraction of what you might pay at the super market. Gardening provides adults and children alike with the opportunity to learn valuable lessons about hard work and determination in order to reap the benefits down the road.

So you are interested in starting a garden, but you do not know what to do next. Well, you have some important decisions to make. Here are a few gardening questions that you will need to answer before moving on to the next steps of starting a garden.

"Tips for starting a garden" »

Tips for growing a rose garden

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Having a rose garden can add beauty and style to your home. Growing and maintaining a rose garden can be hard work but well worth the effort. You will need to know a few things about roses and how to care for them to grow beautiful healthy roses. The roses that are easiest to grow are climbing, shrub, and old garden roses. These types are a great choice if you are just beginning to grow roses. Floribundas, grandiforas, and hybrid teas are types of roses that require more work but are a larger bloom with a longer blooming period. Here are some tips to help you grow beautiful roses no matter what type:

"Tips for growing a rose garden" »

Tips for greenhouse gardening

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Are you a serious gardener? If you are really serious about gardening and want to be able to grow plants year round, then you might want to look into greenhouse gardening. In greenhouse gardening, you are able to grow different plants and vegetables during the winter - which can be really helpful if you want to have small vegetables on your table during the cold months! Greenhouse gardening is also a great way to get starter plants ready for planting outdoors! If you are interested in greenhouse gardening, there are a couple of things that you need to know. Greenhouse gardening is not just like outdoor or indoor gardening. Here are a couple of tips for greenhouse gardening:

"Tips for greenhouse gardening" »

Tips for gardening in Texas

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Turn your backyard into a wildlife retreat by growing plants to lure native butterflies of Texas.

Most of the year from spring to fall, butterflies migrate in Texas. This is your chance to create a colorful and lively garden area to sit back and enjoy. Here are a few tips to create a Texas garden that will encourage butterflies to visit.

"Tips for gardening in Texas" »

Tips for gardening in humidity

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Most everyone enjoys having beautiful green plants inside or in the yard. When you add green plants into your home, it gives you the feeling of tranquility, elegance and beauty. Unfortunately, sometimes with your busy schedule the plant can be neglected and face harsh growing conditions such as poor light, not enough water and being exposed to dry air. Here are some simple and general tips to do fruitful gardening in humidity.

"Tips for gardening in humidity" »

Tips for gardening in high heat

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The heat can be overwhelming during the long summer nights and days making it difficult for plants to thrive without the proper care. If you have what it takes to try gardening in high temperatures, consider choosing the toughest plants for your climate conditions. Follow these few tips on keeping your garden healthy and beautiful with minimum effort.

"Tips for gardening in high heat" »

Tips for gardening in a cooler climate

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There is no reason why you shouldn't enjoy growing fresh vegetables in cooler climate. Growing vegetables or many varieties of plants can be achieved successfully if you take the time to get educated and follow these few tips.

"Tips for gardening in a cooler climate" »

Tips and tricks for organic gardening

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Growing an organic garden is much easier than you might think. The one thing to remember is that no chemicals at all can be used in an organic garden. In an organic garden you can only use natural products which includes fertilizers and bug repellent. You can find these types of natural products at your local garden center. Organic gardening has become quite popular, some people do it because it is better for the environment, some want to grow their own food, and some do it just for fun. Whatever the reasons, growing an organic garden is the way to go.

"Tips and tricks for organic gardening" »

The pros and cons of indoor gardening

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Do you want to garden, but you don't feel like you have a lot of space outside? If you live in a large city and still want to garden, you should try indoor gardening. Indoor gardening is a very popular hobby that many people enjoy. There are a lot of pros to indoor gardening, but there also are some cons as well. Here is a run down of the pros and cons of indoor gardening:

"The pros and cons of indoor gardening" »

The ins and outs of container gardening

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You can start a container garden in a number of different places such as a patio, deck, balcony or even a doorstep. These places should provide enough space for a productive display. You can also use a sunny window sill to grow a number of herbs. There are many people that love to garden that can benefit from container gardening. These people include: the elderly that may have limited mobility, people with disabilities that have a need for easy accessibility, and people that just don't have the outdoor space. The lack of space is the main reason many people that love to garden try container gardening. Gardening lovers that live in a condominium/apartment or homeowners with little or no space find that having a container garden is a great way to garden. People that love to garden but just don't have the time to start and maintain a large garden may also benefit from container gardening. A few well-placed pots on a deck or patio can be easily maintained in a short amount time.

"The ins and outs of container gardening" »

The ins and outs of apartment gardening

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Do want to have a garden in your apartment? Many people opt to do apartment gardening because they do not have a yard, or because they simply want to have a little greenery for decoration in their apartment! Apartment gardening is also great because you can enjoy the benefits of having flowers, fruits, or vegetables in your apartment all year long! However, in order to successfully have an apartment or indoor garden, there are a couple of things that you need to know. Here are some of the ins and outs of apartment gardening:

"The ins and outs of apartment gardening" »

Indoor gardening basics

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If you are into outdoor gardening, then you might want to have an indoor garden as well! Outdoor gardeners often turn to indoor gardening as well, particularly because you can grow flowers and vegetables all year long when you do indoor gardening! Here are a couple of indoor gardening basics, so that you can have a successful and healthy indoor garden!

"Indoor gardening basics" »

How to weed around garden plants without hurting them

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Weeds in your garden can be hard to get rid of. Sometimes the only way to get rid of them is to pull then yourself. The problem is that you can't just get in there and start pulling aways at plants. You have to weed your plants so that you sill not hurt your garden plants. There are several methods that you can use to weed your garden. You can by products that will kill weeds, you can dig out the weeds your self, or hire a gardener. Let's talk about these methods of weed removal for your garden, and how you can do it without hurting your garden plants.

"How to weed around garden plants without hurting them" »

How to water your garden appropriately

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One thing that every single plant needs is water-that's right, every plant, even a cactus. As a gardener, one of the most important skills that you must master early on in your gardening career is how to water your garden appropriately. There are a number of different ways that you can water your garden. However, first you have to look at how much water each one of your plants needs, and how much of that water nature will be able to provide.

"How to water your garden appropriately" »

How to terrace a steep garden

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If you are dealing with a steep hill for front or back yard, terracing is a great idea to create an attractive, beautiful and useful garden. It's evident that mowing grass with a lawn mower on a steep slope is not practical and can bring great challenges to anyone. Terracing a steep garden is not a simple job. It involves a lot of time, effort, money and sometimes hiring a professional landscaper. You can expect to dig up lots of dirt, add a large amount of soil with nutrients, build retaining walls, plant flowers and ground covers and buy other landscape materials to strengthen the structure of your garden which will help beautify it for years to come. If you plan your steep garden well, it can be easy to maintain from one season to the next.

"How to terrace a steep garden" »

How to start a herb garden

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What would be better having all the herbs you would ever want right at your finger tips. Starting your own herb garden with all your favorite herbs would be better. You will be blessed with the freshest herbs you can find, and you don't even have to go to the super market you can pick these herbs right in your own home. Herb gardens are easy to take care of and they can be fun for the beginning gardener. The beauty of having an herb garden is the freshness of your home grown herbs, it doesn't take up a lot of space, and it will leave you home smelling like your favorite herbs. Starting your very own herb garden is not hard at all, you don't even have to be an excellent gardener. Let's go over the steps you will need to take to start your very own herb garden.

"How to start a herb garden" »

How to set up your garden shed to make gardening easier

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Gardening can be a fun and rewarding activity. If you are not organized, and don't have very good gardening tools, then it can be a much harder job than it needs to be. One of the ways that you can get organized is to set up a shed that is easy to get to, and that is spacious enough to store and organize all your tools and garden products.

"How to set up your garden shed to make gardening easier" »

How to plant a butterfly garden

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Butterflies are some of the wonders of nature. People all over the world are enchanted by these beautiful creatures. Their unique form of movement and bright colors are just a couple of the reasons for our constant fascination with the butterfly. Perhaps you have a favorite type of butterfly. I do. I am particularly fond of the Monarch Butterfly, which is a large, black and brown butterfly found in the United States. As all of us know, butterflies love plants. Gardens and large patches of wild flowers are just a few of the places that attract these natural wonders. Would you like just a few more butterflies in your life? I know that I would. If you have a garden and would like to attract butterflies to it, there are a number of different steps you can take to get there. The first thing to realize is that butterflies love flowers, and for two reasons. The first is that flowers are the natural food source of many different insects, including butterflies. Flowering plants produce a sweet nectar that insects eat. Butterflies will naturally come to your garden if you have many of the plants that produce this substance. The other thing that butterflies use plants for is laying eggs. Female butterflies lay their eggs inside certain plants, so having more of this type of plant will result in allot more butterflies.

"How to plant a butterfly garden" »

How to install a garden pond

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A garden pond can add tranquility and peace to any garden with its trickling water and visual charm. There are a variety of different garden ponds to choose from that range in size and shape. Check with your local garden center. First there are a few things to take into consideration before you go shopping for a garden pond.

"How to install a garden pond" »

How to have a beautiful flower garden

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Creating a beautiful flower garden can be very satisfying, but it does take a lot of hard work and determination to accomplish. You will need to research different types of flowers and the type of conditions they grow best in. You will also need to put in some hard work, dedication and sweat. But the amount of effort you put into your flower garden will be returned several times over in the amount of enjoyment and pleasure you will receive from your flower garden. Here are some suggestions to help you have a beautiful flower garden:

"How to have a beautiful flower garden" »

How to grow vegetables in garden planters

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Growing vegetables in garden planters is becoming more popular. There are many different reasons that people choose to grow their vegetables in a planter and not in a garden. Some people choose to use self watering planters. These type of planter help your vegetable always have the water that they need to grow. When your plants have the constant water that they need they will grow larger and healthier. Planting your vegetable is garden planters is not a hard task. The hard part about it is taking care of your vegetables to ensure that you will have vegetables to eat when they are ready to harvest. Let's go over the step you will need to take to plant your vegetables in garden planters and how to take care of them.

"How to grow vegetables in garden planters" »

How to get great plants when container gardening

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Container gardening is a popular type of gardening for people who have difficulty getting outside and gardening in their yard. This often includes people who have physical handicaps or elderly people who have a hard time getting around. However, container gardening is also a popular option for people who do not have a garden or a lot of space to grow plants. There are a couple of things that you can do to make sure that you get great plants when container gardening. Here are a couple of tips for container gardening:

"How to get great plants when container gardening" »

How to eliminate garden pests

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Knowing how to eliminate garden pests is one of the most important aspects of successfully cultivating either a vegetable garden or a flower garden. You can work all year round to prepare your soil and to water and to fertilize and to take care of your precious plants, whether fruit, vegetable, or flowers, but if garden pests get into your plants, all of your hard work and dedication to your garden can be destroyed sooner than you expect. It is important that you know how to prevent garden pests getting to your plants, and it is also important that you know how to recognize the earliest signs of different garden pests so that you can properly treat your plants at the earliest sign of pests. Early intervention is really the key to making sure that the plants in your garden remain your plants, instead of being given over to garden pests.

"How to eliminate garden pests" »

How to do your herb gardening

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Are you interested in having your own herb garden? Herb gardens are a lot of fun because you can go out to your herb garden while cooking and get what you need for your food dish! One of the tastiest things in the world is a dish that is made with fresh herbs. There are two different ways to do your herb gardening, which are outdoor herb gardening and indoor herb gardening. Here are a couple of ways to do your herb gardening:

"How to do your herb gardening" »

How to do your garden edging

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Gardens are wonderful additions to almost any home. The natural beauty of well kept plants can improve the feeling of a house in amazing and unexpected ways. People notice nice gardens and wonder about the people who live in the houses adjoining them. Gardening is also an enjoyable activity because it allows you to participate in one of life's most marvelous rituals, namely the production of new life. Every plant you help to cultivate will be unique, and it will be your own. You can look with pride at a beautiful hedge or flower garden, knowing that you helped produce a thing of such remarkable beauty. As any of us who have gardened know, gardening requires allot of work, and partly because gardens have various parts. Some gardens have grass, followed by flower beds, while others may have rocks intermixed with desert plants. All gardens are different, but some require special care. Any garden that has grass and then fixed bed areas needs to be well edged or it will start to look sloppy and will loose its natural shape. You have probably seen gardens like this; the grass does not seem to have any particular shape besides that of a blob, and the grass is also growing into the rest of the yard. There seems to be no barrier between the grass and the rest of the yard, producing a sloppy and ugly appearance. A garden like this needs a good edging.

"How to do your garden edging" »

How to do raised bed gardening

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There are many different types of gardening, and sometimes it can be difficult to find out what types of gardening are right for you and your type of soil! One of the types of gardening is raised bed gardening. This is a popular form of gardening because it allows the plants to get a lot of sunlight, and it also looks very attractive in the yard! Here is a list for how to do raised bed gardening:

"How to do raised bed gardening" »

How to create your own secret garden

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Introduction

Having a secret garden is something that has with it a type of magical quality. A secret garden is place where you can go to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A secret garden is a place for reflection, peace and tranquility.

"How to create your own secret garden" »

How to create a beautiful garden

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Creating a garden that is beautiful and unique can be a challenging experience, but very satisfying. A garden requires a lot of hard work and determination. Here are some simple steps to help you get started creating your own unique and beautiful garden.

"How to create a beautiful garden" »

How to come up with a great garden design

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There are several things you can do to add beauty and style to the design of your garden. You can find many garden design ideas in gardening magazines, websites and at your local garden center. Some unique and stylish garden additions include:

"How to come up with a great garden design" »

How to choose your garden seeds

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Choosing the right garden seeds is one of the most important steps, and one of the first steps, when it comes to successful gardening. More and more people every day are discovering the delights and the joy of growing your own food and flowers-gardening is truly one of the most rewarding and pleasurable activities you can ever engage in. It clears the mind and soothes the soul like no other activity known to man can do.

"How to choose your garden seeds" »

Herb gardening basics

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Are you interested in growing herbs in your garden? Herb gardening is a really fun pastime and it can happen all year long! You can either grow an herb garden outdoors in your yard, or you can grow an herb garden indoors. If you are interested in growing herbs, there are a couple of things that you need to know. Here is a run down of herb gardening basics:

"Herb gardening basics" »

Gardening with annuals in flower beds

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Annuals are a great way to quickly add some color to your flower garden! In addition, annuals can be used to decorate a garden until some perennial flowers grow to their full maturity and color. Most annuals will only stick around for a year. However, some hearty annuals, such as snapdragons, are sometimes able to spread their seeds and come back year after year! Here are some tips for gardening with annuals in flower beds:

"Gardening with annuals in flower beds" »

Gardening tools every gardener should have

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If you are a gardener then you know that there are a lot of tools involved when you are doing your garden work. Of course you can do your gardening with just your hands some dirt and a few plants, but you will need the right tools to ensure that your plants are in the grown right and that they will grow. When you think of tool you think of shovels and rakes right. Well there are more tools that you use in the garden then you think. Let's go over a list of tools that you can use while you are gardening and what they are and why they are important.

"Gardening tools every gardener should have" »

Gardening tips for kids

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Are you a kid that likes to garden, or are you a parent that wants to teach your kids how to garden? Gardening is a great activity for kids to do! For example, gardening helps kids get exercise and spent time in the sun! In addition, gardening can help to teach children responsibility, particularly if they are in charge of planting and taking care of their own garden or plants! Here are a couple of gardening tips for kids:

"Gardening tips for kids" »

Gardening tips for a new gardener

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Starting and maintaining a garden can be a challenging experience. A successful garden requires hard work and determination, but creating your own garden can also be very satisfying. A garden that is well maintained can add style, beauty and even value to your home. If you are new to gardening and would like to start a garden there a few things you may want to consider before you start digging:

"Gardening tips for a new gardener" »

Gardening so that your plants grow up your garden arbor

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Make your garden look even more interesting by adding a garden arbor. This is a structure build with thin strips of wood with small holes. This can be a very attractive add to your garden. The purpose of these arbors in your garden is to get your plants to grow upward onto the arbor. Arbors can serve many purposes, they can serve as a great privacy blocker, they can be added to the siding of your house and make your house more attractive. You can also add more room to your garden with arbors to allow more flowers to grow.

"Gardening so that your plants grow up your garden arbor" »

Gardening ideas for limited space gardens

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Some people feel that they can't have a garden because they don't have a lot of space available to them. That is not true! You don't need to have sweeping acres of land in order to have a garden. In fact, many people who garden to not have a lot of land or space available. If you have limited space for your garden area, there are a couple of different things that you can do to make your garden space work. Here are some gardening ideas for limited space gardens:

"Gardening ideas for limited space gardens" »

Gardening for your yard and space

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When gardening outdoors or indoors, you will need to take your yard or space into consideration. Some people are forced to choose between indoor or outdoor gardening, just depending on the type of space that they have available. For example, many urban residents need to garden indoors because they do not have the yard or space available outside to grow an outdoor garden. Here are a couple of things to take into consideration when gardening for your yard and space:

"Gardening for your yard and space" »

Gardening for teens

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Gardening is one of the most popular hobbies that is found in the United States today, and love for gardening spans to all different types of age groups. Children, elderly people, middle age people and teens all enjoy to garden. Gardening is an especially good hobby for teens to have, because they are old enough to assume responsibility and handle the physical work that sometimes is a part of gardening. Here is a little bit of information about gardening for teens:

"Gardening for teens" »

Gardening for kids

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Encouraging your kids to explore the hobby of gardening can help them to develop a basic understanding of botany as well as positive personal characteristics of self-confidence and a sense of achievement. Children have long been interested in the beauty of nature and gardening offers a character building opportunity for them not only to develop a better understanding of the world around them, but also for them to explore virtues such as patience and responsibility.

"Gardening for kids" »

Gardening basics explained

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Designing the garden of your dreams may seem like a big and complicated project. You can have a great looking garden if you have a basic understanding of what to do.

"Gardening basics explained" »

Gardening advice for plentiful harvest

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There are few people who plant fruit and vegetable gardens without the hope of enjoying their crop at the end of the season. Instead, most people specifically plant fruits and vegetables because they want to eat them at the harvest! Fewer things can be tastier than to eat food that is fresh from the garden. In order to get a plentiful harvest, there are some things that you will need to do while caring for your garden. Some of these activities will need to take place months before you even plant your garden! Here is some gardening advice for a plentiful harvest:

"Gardening advice for plentiful harvest" »

Frequently asked gardening questions-answered

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Even though many people in the United States like to garden, there are still lots of questions that even experienced gardeners have about gardening. Many of the frequently asked gardening questions are really important, because they can affect the way that you plant your garden or how your crop turns out! Here are some of the frequently asked gardening questions - with answers to them included!

"Frequently asked gardening questions-answered" »

Establishing and maintaining an organic garden

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One of the increasingly popular forms of gardening today is organic gardening. Organic gardening means that the gardener has not used any chemicals or pesticides while growing the crop. A lot of people find that organic gardening produces healthier, purer crops because there are not any chemicals. If you are interested in organic gardening, here are a couple of tips for establishing and maintaining an organic garden:

"Establishing and maintaining an organic garden" »

Economic gardening tips

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There are many different reasons why people choose to plant a garden. Some wish to save money on vegetables. Others garden out of a desire to be self sufficient. Some enjoy the taste and wholesomeness of fresh produce that they have grown themselves. Many people would agree that simply choosing to plant a garden is an excellent economic choice. But did you know that there are ways to make your garden even more economical?

If you enjoy doing things that are good for the environment you may be able to apply some of the following tips to your own garden. Even if your focus is not on the environment, there are definite financial advantages to being more economically minded. After all, with all of the other expenses in life there is a great deal of comfort and security that can be gained in growing your own food and landscaping in the most economic way possible. Below are some suggestions for how you can save money and help the environment while you are gardening.

"Economic gardening tips" »

Choosing your gardening plants

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There are many options to consider when choosing your gardening plants. Walking into a nursery without any knowledge of what you are looking for can make the experience very intimidating and maybe even wasteful. Below are some options to consider when choosing your gardening plants. After making some decisions about what you are looking for you can be better prepared to visit your nursery, ask some questions, and get the information that will be important for you as you cultivate your own garden.

"Choosing your gardening plants" »

What weed killers are best for vegetable gardening

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Having weeds in your garden can get very frustrating. The definition of a weed is a plant that doesn't belong. There is nothing worse than having unwanted plants taking up garden space and preventing your flowers and vegetables from growing. Unfortunately there are not a lot of products available that are specifically used for killing weeds in a vegetable garden. Let's go over a list of weed killers that you can use in your garden, some can be store bought and some can be home made.

"What weed killers are best for vegetable gardening" »

Best places to get garden supplies

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Gardening is one of humanity's oldest and most fulfilling practices. For literally thousands of years people have sown the land and reaped the harvest of life. Many of us do not have to farm the land in order to live, but we still enjoy seeing the soil bring forth beautiful and abundant foliage. We love to create beauty around our homes. This is simply a part of human nature and it is something that you should encourage in your life and in the lives of others. If you have the space and the time, gardening might be just about the most fulfilling activity you can imagine. Knowing that you have helped to create a beautiful form of life, and that it is something you have participated in is so rewarding. Imagine all the different types of plants you can grow and the variations that might develop. When you plant a marigold it is your marigold and it is ultimately unlike any other in the world. But for any of us who have tried to participate in this miracle of life we know that it is impossible to garden well without the right supplies. Knowing how to plant, fertilize, prune, and water are some of the tricks of the trade, and they do not come easily to most of us. Even if you know how to plant and tend a plant, how will you know where to go to get good advice and to buy the garden supplies you need?

"Best places to get garden supplies" »

Best online sites for gardening supplies

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Gardening is a hobby that can often become rather expensive. Not only do you need to buy seeds or plant starters for your garden, but you also need gardening supplies so that you can take care of your garden well! One of the best places where you can find gardening supplies is online. Not only are these prices often cheaper than your conventional gardening or outdoor store, but they also are of great quality! Here are a couple of the best online sites for gardening supplies:

"Best online sites for gardening supplies" »

Benefits of solar garden lights

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Garden and yard accent lights can turn a great yard into a fabulous one during the evening. When placed around the garden areas tastefully and artistically, accent lights can help turn your evening gardens into a beautiful and serene place to enjoy. Use lights as part of an overall landscaping design. For best results, plan the entire area of the yard and garden before installing lights. Planning ahead can save you headaches later. If you are adding lighting to an existing landscape, don't worry. There are many lighting options to choose from, including solar powered lights.

There are two main kinds of accent lights to choose from: a) low voltage lighting and b) solar powered lighting.

"Benefits of solar garden lights" »

What is urban gardening?

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Urban gardening is gardening that takes place in urban areas. Many people who live in the city take up urban gardening for various reasons. Some are unable to purchase fresh vegetables and thus decide to plant and grow the plants themselves. Others are environmentally conscious and want to plant things to help the environment. Some people plant urban gardens to escape the cold concrete jungle that is a big city. For whatever reason, more and more people are starting their own urban gardens.

"What is urban gardening?" »

A look at gardening tools

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Are you interested in learning how to garden? When you are gardening, there are a lot of tools that you can use to help you in the gardening process! These tools not only help your work to go faster and more efficiently, but they also can help to reduce some of the physical strain that can come from gardening! Here is a look at gardening tools:

  • Spade: A spade is one of the most helpful tools that a gardener can have. A spade is a small hand shovel that is useful for digging holes for planting. Spades are especially useful for gardeners that have smaller flower beds. They also can be used to help till and turn soil in a small garden bed. In addition, you can use spades to help get the ground loose when you are trying to pull out stubborn weeds!

"A look at gardening tools" »

A comparison of garden tillers

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One of the most important tools that you can have as a gardener is a garden tiller. Tillers make gardening infinitely easier, and tillers are extremely important in the early spring when you are preparing your garden. A garden tiller is absolutely necessary for you to be able to break up the soil where you are going to plant your garden, and also to till your compost into your soil so that you can grow bigger and better plants. However, there is a pretty dizzying array of different garden tiller options out there for you to choose from. What type of garden tiller is best for you?

"A comparison of garden tillers" »

How to start plants indoors for your garden

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Looking outside in the middle of February, you're probably not thinking of planting your garden in a few months. After all, you still have time. Unless you're planning on growing some of your own flowers and vegetables from seed. In which case, the time to start planting is now. If you are a novice gardener, this is the place where you can learn exactly how and what you should do.

A great way to jump start your garden (while saving money) is to start your own plants indoors. This way you will be sure of the condition of your plants, unlike those bought in stores. You will also be able to grow a variety of plant that you may not be able to find at a greenhouse.

"How to start plants indoors for your garden" »

What garden tools should everyone have?

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Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned veteran, when it comes to gardening there are just certain basic thing that every gardener needs. It's actually extremely easy to go overboard when purchasing tools for the garden. With so many choices of just one particular type of tool like pruners and shovels, it can be a little overwhelming. So what garden tool should everyone have then? Here are some of the basic gardening tools you might consider buying before you get into anything special.

"What garden tools should everyone have?" »

Tips for growing climbing vines

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Climbing vines can add extra an extra touch to any garden. There are many different kinds of climbing vines that you can plant to add texture and depth to your gardens. They all grow in a different way but all four different types of climbing vines can add an extra architectural quality to any garden or home.

The first main type of climbing vine such as English Ivy or climbing hydrangea is also be considered as a ground creeping vine. These types of climbing vine plants should be planted at the base of any wall or fence that you want covered in the climbing vines. Make sure the soil is well prepared before planting the vines and that the vines you chose will grow well in your area.

The ground climbing vines can be fairly easy to grow but some types may require more time to establish themselves than others. Follow the directions on the package or any tags that come with your ground creeping vine plants. Keep any of the new plantings moist while they are trying to establish themselves and grow in the areas you want them to. Keep your ground covers from spreading to unwanted places by using black plastic to keep the vines where you want them. Regular trimming is needed to promote new growth and control the areas that the vine is trying to spread to.

"Tips for growing climbing vines" »

Knowing when to harvest your garden

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You have planted your garden and it has produced the vegetables that you want and now you may be wondering when the time is truly best to harvest your garden. Here are a few tips for knowing when to harvest your garden.

There are not any precise dates that you should know when you are looking at harvesting your garden.The harvesting of your gardens will mostly depend on the weather and when you planted your gardens. There are some rules of thumb that can guide you in the harvesting of your garden.

You might think that you need to harvest your vegetables at full maturity but you do not. For the maximum amount of flavor and the best texture your vegetables should be harvested just before full maturity. Some vegetables make it easy to tell when you should harvest them and other vegetables can keep you guessing. Sometimes you can harvest vegetables too late and they will still taste and look fine while other times with certain vegetables if you pick them too early or too late you can ruin both taste and look. To cut down on some of the guessing we can take a look at some of the more popular vegetables that you can plant in your garden and some of those rules of thumb for harvesting them.

"Knowing when to harvest your garden" »

Planting a small vegetable garden

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With grocery prices rising more everyday and your fresh vegetables becoming less safe you may want to consider planting a small vegetable garden of your own. Vegetable gardens are an easy way to start out gardening. You don't need to start anything too elaborate or complicated. A little soil and a few plants are a great way to start. Not only will your small vegetable garden safe you money but it can also help reduce stress.

If you are new to gardening you may want to consult friends or family that may have grown vegetables gardens before. These experienced gardeners can help you plan for your small vegetable garden and help you with any questions you may have. A vegetable garden can flourish when you have a good starting plan. Vegetable gardens need some follow through to get the most out of them.

"Planting a small vegetable garden" »

Having a bright and beautiful flower garden

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Having a bright and beautiful flower garden will take time and some planning. A bright and beautiful flower garden can help reduce stress as well as make your home more attractive. Having a bright and beautiful flower garden will require that you take the time to design and create the flower garden of your dreams.

Before you begin to create your bright and beautiful flower garden you may want to do some research about certain flower types and the best places for them to grow and flourish. If you are looking at having a bright and beautiful flower garden that is easy to maintain you will want to stick with the more native flower plants in your area. You can find flower garden books at your local library to help with your research. Another good source of information for having a bright and beautiful flower garden is to consult your local nursery and take a look at their flowers and ask any questions you may have.

"Having a bright and beautiful flower garden" »

Protecting your vegetable garden from pests

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Pests can be extremely annoying for any gardener. They kill your plants and destroy everything that you have worked so hard for. There are lots of different ways to protect your garden from pests. Using all of them will work perfectly but using just some will also help to protect your vegetable garden from pests.

First off, at the end of winter, you need to prepare your garden. Rake through the soil gently looking for any pests or damage that has been done. This way you will know what kinds of pests will creep up next season. You don't have to rake through all the soil, just a few inches down. If you have plants in the soil from the season before, be extra careful. You don't want to destroy them, but just make sure that they are doing ok.

"Protecting your vegetable garden from pests" »

Making your garden gorgeous

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Making your garden gorgeous can be pretty easy. You just have to find colorful plants and vegetables that will make your garden look beautiful. Here are some tips for making your garden colorful and inviting.

First off, use climbing plants. There are tons out there. You can plant honeysuckle, ivy, and all sorts of vines. They look beautiful along the edges of your garden. They give it a sort of closed in feel with some beautiful color. Often, when you first plant your garden it looks like a huge pile of dirt in your yard. It can really look bad and be a sore spot. Planting some vines or honeysuckle bushes really give it color and make it look great.

"Making your garden gorgeous" »

Growing vegetables in a small space

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Many people want a garden but they don't think they have the space. Well you really do. You have to be creative but that is part of the fun. You don't have a huge space to work with, but you can make your garden look beautiful and have a wonderful crop in the fall. Here are some ideas for you.

If you really don't have any room in your backyard and don't have any soil or area for dirt, get some planters. They create the space for dirt for you. They are great if you live in an apartment that has a deck. It doesn't matter how big or small the deck is, as long as it gets enough sunlight for what you are growing, you are ready to go. You get too pick the vegetables you want this way, and you get to pick where they go and how they look. Pick all different sizes. You can buy ones to match your décor or buy ones that you can paint to match it. Have fun with it and really make it a garden from planters. Remember, you can grow just about anything in them.

"Growing vegetables in a small space" »

Benefits of having a garden

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Having a garden can be a great experience. There are so many benefits to having a garden that it is a wonder more people don't have them! Let's look at some of those benefits.

First off, gardens give you fresh food. When your garden starts to give you produce, you can just pick something and use it for dinner. You don't have to go to the store and waste time and money, but just walk outside and pick something. You can grow just about any kind of produce in a garden so you can just grow what your family likes.

"Benefits of having a garden" »

How to green your garden while protecting the planet

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There have been lots of things that have been written about the global environmental crisis and most of it is not positive. Yet there is also no reason to feel discouraged as there are lots of ways to improve our environmental situation if everyone would do just a little bit. There are encouraging and helpful ideas but they can sometimes be difficult to find. But take heart there are useful and practical ways that everyone who loves to garden can have a positive environmental influence. In the process of creating beautiful gardens and landscapes, we gardeners and weekend warriors unknowingly often waste a lot of water, use harmful chemicals that run off into waterways and put people and their pets at risk, indiscriminately kill beneficial insects and emit greenhouse gases into the air. Yet if you are looking to make a positive difference here are some tips on how to green your garden while protecting the planet-

"How to green your garden while protecting the planet" »

Having a garden wedding

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With warm weather months just around the corner the wedding season kicks into high gear. If you are getting married or just hosting a wedding you may want to consider having the wedding or the reception (or both) in your garden. A garden wedding can provide an intimate feel blessed with the bounty of your landscape. Best of all you can really make the wedding your own with highly personalized touches that just might not be possible in another venue. But there are certain things that you should be aware if you are considering taking on this task. Here is what you need to know about having a garden wedding.

"Having a garden wedding" »

Hosting a garden party

gardening27363784.jpg With spring's arrival and summer just around the corner there will be a lot to celebrate. Whether you are planning a graduation celebration, outdoor wedding reception or just want to have family and friends over having a garden party can be the perfect way to do that. Having a party in your garden also gives you the chance to show off your landscaping, outdoor decorating and best of all usually doesn't present a space problem. But with all the benefits of having parties outdoors there are specific challenges and things to think through before your guests arrive. Here are some tips on hosting a garden party-

"Hosting a garden party" »

Tips for a fragrant garden

flowers34785353.jpg For many people who love plants, scent plays an important role in enjoying a garden. Fragrance adds an indescribable quality to a planting scheme which enhances the beauty of the flowers. Fragrant flowers are able to simultaneously appeal to two of our senses, instead of just one. A fragrant garden also has a wonderful ability to trigger memory -- so often the flower fragrances that most appeal to us are the ones that we loved as children. To get the most out of your garden follow these tips for a fragrant garden:

"Tips for a fragrant garden" »

How to grow an herb garden

garden7685153.jpg There are all kinds of yummy herbs you can grow from home. Whether you like to cook or eat, nothing tastes as good as something you've made from your own garden and care. Your herb garden can be a source of fragrant, delicious seasonings for your favorite meals or can be an herb garden that is pretty to look at. No matter what your reasoning may be, here's how to grow an herb garden:

"How to grow an herb garden" »

Tips for getting rid of weeds in your flower garden

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Whether you have an enormous flower garden full of exotic blooms, a large vegetable garden in which you grow all of your favorite vegetables for dinner, or just a lawn that you play catch on, weeds are something that you are going to have to deal with. Weeds are the bane of the existence of anyone who doesn't have just a rock garden. Weeds always come back, they always pop up in the most awful places, and they seem to outlive any plant that you actually want to stay in your yard, from pumpkins to grass to roses. But you don't have to give up your yard and your gardens to cheat grass and dandelions. You will always have to be fighting the war, but you can considerably cut down on the number of weeds that you have and you can win all of the battles in this never ending crusade against weeds.

"Tips for getting rid of weeds in your flower garden" »

Tips for creating your own vegetable garden

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Gardening is one of the most rewarding and exciting activities that you can be engaged in. Gardening has long been one of the most popular of occupations for those who simply dabble in gardening as a hobby and those who are much more serious about their treasured vegetable garden. When it comes to successful vegetable gardens, it is important that you do a number of different things correctly: you must choose the right garden seeds, you must plant your seeds or plants in the appropriate place, you must water your plants appropriately, and you have to plant your vegetables in your vegetable garden at the right point in time during the year.

You can actually either be planting in your garden or harvesting vegetables from your vegetable garden during almost the entire year. There are two major planting periods in a typical temperate zone. You should note that these directions are for typically mild and temperate zones; before you plant your own vegetable garden, you should look carefully at what your own climate is and what types of plants are recommended for your climate zone, and when those vegetables should be planted.

"Tips for creating your own vegetable garden" »

The best time of year to plant your flower garden

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One of the most puzzling aspects of gardening for any gardener is knowing when to plant your garden. If you plant too early, then you risk the chance of your plants freezing. If you plant too late, then you risk your plants not blooming at all. However, each plant needs to be planted at a different time, based on what type of plant it is-annual or perennial-and when it blooms. Here are some basic tips to help you know when to plant your garden based on when you would like it to bloom.

Summer/Spring: perennials, annuals, flowering plants
Fall: foliage
Winter: trees, shrubs, evergreens, berries

"The best time of year to plant your flower garden" »

Protecting vegetables from the first frost

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Gardens are the pride and joy of the people who create them. They aren't just a source of food but they symbolize hard work and determination. Anyone who has had a garden will tell you that it is hard work but it is always worth the effort for the delicious fresh foods that come from it. Sometimes frost can ruin a garden. Here are some ways that we can all prevent losing our food to the frost.

Firstly you always want to be watching the weather. When it gets later on in the year make sure that you watch the nightly weather report or read the newspaper. Frost can occur even when it is only forty degrees. If you don't take the time to know what the weather is going to be then you might lose your crop. Sometimes weather reports can be wrong so if it is going to be forty three degrees then you might still want to take some precautions. Also temperatures are different depending on how high up you are. If you are in a valley and the weather report comes from up on a small mountain, you probably wouldn't be safe if they said the low temperature was going to be forty five.

"Protecting vegetables from the first frost" »

Keeping slugs and snails out of your garden

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Slugs and snails can ruin your garden and your plants. There are several ways to keep them out of the garden and from eating your food. Some ways won't harm them but will keep them away naturally and some will be a more modern but harmful approach to getting rid of them.

One way to keep away snails is if you have birds in your area. This way you can let nature take its course without having much to do with it. Black birds like to eat snails so if they are common in your area put out some bait for the birds to attract them to your garden. Make sure of course that you put the bait out in a part of the garden where they won't harm your crop or where you aren't growing anything. You actually might try putting it out in another place on your lawn that is near enough to the garden that the snails will be attracted but not near enough to where the birds will bother the garden. Put out some bait for the snails too. Some bait that works is of course snail bait that you can buy at the store but wet dog food also works. You can just let the birds eat them. The birds will eat the snails and take care of the snail problem in your garden.

"Keeping slugs and snails out of your garden" »

Watering tips for dry seasons

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One of the worst things that can happen to gardeners is to have a dry season or even near drought conditions. When there are dry seasons or drought conditions gardeners are faced with tough choices in regards to watering their gardens. It may not always be an easy choice of what to water but it is a necessary choice. There are many watering tips for the dry seasons to help gardeners make their choices. The following are some of those tips for the dry seasons.

For gardeners they should begin by looking at the short term and long term plants they have. Trees and shrubs are more of a long term investment then the vegetable garden or the annual flowers they have planted. When deciding what to water it would be more beneficial to water the trees and shrubs that occupy a gardener's yard. The mature trees and shrubs are harder and more costly to replace then tomato plants or pansies.

"Watering tips for dry seasons" »

Protecting plant roots for mold and decay

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As a gardener you will want to protect plant roots from mold or decay. This can be plants that are in containers or any plants you have planted outside around your home. The roots of your plants are most often the most neglected part of the plant. Your plant roots are also the least maintained part of your plant. The plant roots are the most vital for your plant so you need to take care of the roots to protect your plants from mold and decay.

Watering is one of the main things that will help you in protecting plant roots from mold and decay. Too much watering and you risk mold growing on your roots, too little water and your plant will start to decay. You will want to water the roots and not the soil. Instead of just pouring water in the pots or watering the ground all around the plants you will want to direct the water more towards the roots. This way your plants will get enough water and the risk of over watering is diminished.

"Protecting plant roots for mold and decay" »

How to discourage garden rodents and pests

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How to discourage garden rodents and pests away from your garden is something all gardeners ask. There are many ways to do this with store bought chemicals that are specially made for the certain rodent or pest you want to discourage or you can go with some homemade remedies.

Common garden pests would include aphids, slugs, and spiders. Common rodents that like gardens are gophers, moles, and rabbits. These are just a very few of the types of problems that gardeners deal with. Some rodents and pests are only found in certain parts of the country but as a gardener you are sure to run into at least one rodent or pest no matter where you are from.

You can buy pesticides and other rodent or pest control products at your local greenhouse, home improvement stores and most super stores. These products will tell you on the package what pests they help manage. Some pesticides can not be used around house pets so it is a good idea to read carefully. The directions will also tell you how to use the product safely and accurately. Some of these products need to be used in the morning or on dry gardens. Following the manufacturer directions will help insure that you rid your garden of the rodents or pests you may have plaguing your garden.

"How to discourage garden rodents and pests" »

Choosing your gardening tools

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If you are new to gardening you may be wondering what tools you need to get the job done. There are so many tools and gadgets available for your gardening needs that it can become confusing. You may already be an accomplished gardener and need to replace some of your gardening tools. This can also become confusing because there are new tools available to purchase and you may not be able to find your same old tool that needs replacing. So how are you to choose your gardening tools? Here are some simple steps to help you decide.

There are ten basic tools that every gardener should have. If you are new to gardening you will want to make a list of these ten tools and take it shopping with you. If you are a seasoned gardener you will want to take a look at your tools and see what you may be missing or which tools need replaced.

"Choosing your gardening tools" »

Best plants for rocky soil

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If you have rocky soil in your area it may be a little harder to find plants that will grow well. Rocky soil can be found just about anywhere but finding plants can be hard. If your soil is really rocky, where it seems there are more rocks then soil, you may want to think about using bought soil to raise the beds for gardening. If your soil is just somewhat rocky then there are some options available.

Some of the best plants to purchase to plant in your rocky soil would be plants that have a far reaching root system. This allows the roots to go past the rocks in the soil and take hold of the soil beneath. There are many types of plants, trees and shrubs that fall into this category. Some trees include junipers, pines, aloe plants or salvia plants. All these plants will do well in the rocky soil because they have far reaching roots that can go beyond the rock and find the soil.

"Best plants for rocky soil" »

Tips for keeping your soil nutrient rich

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A nutrient rich soil is something that all gardeners want. Whether the nutrient rich soil is for a flower garden or a vegetable garden doesn't matter. Having and keeping a nutrient rich soil will greatly benefit anything that you decide to plant on that soil. We will look at some tips for keeping your soil nutrient rich after defining which nutrients are best for any soil.

First you need to know what type of nutrients you garden may need. Most gardens need three primary nutrients used by plants which are nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Your soil will need all three of these to stay nutrient rich.

Nitrogen will help with the plants leaf and stem growth. In a nutrient rich soil nitrogen is available to plants by a bacteria that will convert nitrogen into a form plants can use call nitrates. Nitrogen is used quickly and does not stay in the soil very long. The nitrogen is used by both your plants and any decaying matter that may be in the soil. Nitrogen can be washed out of your soil quickly but an excess of nitrogen cause more leaf and stem growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.

Phosphorus is another nutrient that is very important to your soil in your gardens. Phosphorus is responsible for root growth. Flowering bulbs and root crops will always need phosphorus in the soil that they grow in. Bone meal is often recommended for bulbs planted in the fall because of the need for phosphorus. Phosphorous is also crucial for producing flowers. Fertilizers with high phosphorus content are sold for their claim to be flower boosters.

"Tips for keeping your soil nutrient rich" »

Perennial versus annual flowers, which are best?

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Perennial versus annual flowers, which are best? You may be plagued with this big question when you begin planting any of your flower gardens. There are a wide variety of both annual flowers and perennial flowers to choose from in any nursery. To know which flower is best for you and your gardens is just a matter of personal preference and some trial and error on the flowers themselves.

Annual flowers are by definition flowers that are planted every year. Theses types of flowers include pansies, petunias, and forget-me-nots. Annuals are the most likely of flowers to give you blooms from the time you plant them until the colder months when they will die off. Annuals do cost somewhat less then their perennially counterparts but you will have to plant them every year.

A good reason to stick with annual flowers in your garden would be because you like change. Having annual flowers in your garden will allow you to change them every year. If you don't like a certain flower or where it grows you can change it all in the next year. Another good reason why someone would choose annual flowers over perennial flowers is because you don't have to do so much up keep on your annual flowers. Once they die you just need to remove the debris.

"Perennial versus annual flowers, which are best?" »

Hydro-seeding and planting versus sod

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Are you one of the many people who are looking at re-doing their lawn this spring? Or, are you someone who doesn't yet have a lawn and are looking to finally plant one? If you fall into either of those categories or anything in between then you are probably looking at your options. There are more options available today then there were years ago for getting a nice lawn. Not only can you do the regular seed planting that has been done by many homeowners for generations but you can also hydro-seed your lawn or plant sod. Here we will take a look at all three options and both their advantages and disadvantages.

Hydro-seeding is a fast and cost effective way to get a nice lawn. To hydro-seed your lawn it is sprayed on. Then green colored mulch is applied to the top of the seed for protection. The seeds are specially blended for the conditions and requirements you may have. Factors that help you in choosing your seed would include how much sun or shade the area gets, the terrain of the area, your specific type of soil and if you have pets or children.

"Hydro-seeding and planting versus sod" »

Growing an herb garden tips and tricks

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Herb gardening is gaining popularity. It is a perfect way to spice up your foods naturally or make potpourri. Herbs smell good, some look pretty, and some herbs can also help detract pests. There are different ways to grow an herb garden. You can have an herb garden inside or outside. Here are some tips for growing an herb garden.


Indoor and outdoor herb gardens have many advantages. You can also do both if you like. Plant some herbs in a pot and carry inside in the winter. Herbs can be easy to take care and have many extra advantages. Not only do they look nice but you can also use them as borders or companion plant them to help rid pests in your gardens.


For growing an herb garden inside you will need some type of container. This can be a window box, clay pots, or plastic pots. Choose what type of pots you like for a nice view. You will need an area that gets at least 4 hours of sun a day with no drafts. If you do not have enough sunshine then you can use fluorescent lights but your plants should still be kept out of drafts. Avoid putting your herbs in the kitchen. Herbs don't like cooking fumes. Buy your herbs at a specialty store. You will get more of a selection and the employees will be more knowledgeable. Generally bushier herbs like rosemary, thyme or oregano are great for indoor herb gardens.

"Growing an herb garden tips and tricks" »

Why a compost heap is a good idea

Why a compost heap is a good idea. Whatever type of gardening you do, there are benefits to having a compost heap. You will end up having organic waste from your gardening anyway. So why not make the most of your grass clippings, leaves and dead plants. They do not need to be just thrown away.

It is a real waste of money to have these organic materials hauled away, when you will need to purchase fertilizer for your yard and garden. So alternatively you will be saving money, helping the environment and helping your garden grow by working up a good compost heap.

"Why a compost heap is a good idea" »

Mulching, how to have happier, healthier flowerbeds

Mulching, how to have happier, healthier flowerbeds. Mulching is a great way to bring your less that bright flowerbeds to full bloom life. Here is how you can get the most out of mulching.

What is mulching?

That is a good question. Mulching is a layer of a material that can be made of any one of these different things; straw, sawdust, plastic film, or pine bark. Spreading mulch on soil protects the plants and soil from soil crusting, rain, freezing and even evaporation. The mulch can be artificial, or organic material.

"Mulching, how to have happier, healthier flowerbeds" »

What time of year should you plant your flower beds

What time of year you plant your flower beds depends on what kinds of flowers you like. You can have flower beds or container beds through most of the year. Spring and fall flowers may need some extra planning because you plant some of the flowers 6 months before you want a bloom. Trees and shrubs can be planted whenever your soil is workable but take in mind what it needs to take root. You don't want to be spending a fortune watering a new shrub in the heat of the summer. Like wise in the spring you wouldn't want to kill a tree with an unexpected freeze. This should also be the way you look at planting your flower beds. We'll take a look at the seasons and the flowers that can go with them.

"What time of year should you plant your flower beds" »

Tips for growing an herb garden


Herb gardening is gaining popularity. It is a perfect way to spice up your foods naturally or make potpourri. Herbs smell good, some look pretty, and some herbs can also help detract pests. There are different ways to grow an herb garden. You can have an herb garden inside or outside. Here are some tips for growing an herb garden.


Indoor and outdoor herb gardens have many advantages. You can also do both if you like. Plant some herbs in a pot and carry inside in the winter. Herbs can be easy to take care and have many extra advantages. Not only do they look nice but you can also use them as borders or companion plant them to help rid pests in your gardens.


"Tips for growing an herb garden" »

How to keep the pests away from your garden

How to keep the pests away from your garden is something all gardeners ask. There are many ways to do this with store bought chemicals that are specially made for the certain pest you want to rid or by organic and homemade methods.

Common garden pests would include aphids, slugs, and spiders. Animals that can become a bother in your garden are deer, snakes, and moles. These are just a very few of the types of pests gardeners deal with. Some pests are only found in certain parts of the country but as a gardener you are sure to run into at least one pest no matter where you are from.

"How to keep the pests away from your garden" »

Making your own mulch and compost


Making your own mulch and compost. As we all know, it is good for our gardens, grass, and flowers to have fertilizers for them. Using mulch or compost are effective ways to fertilize your vegetation.

You can purchase some of these types of fertilizing options. However, you can also make your own. Here is a brief description of what mulch and compost is and how to you can make your own.

Mulch

"Making your own mulch and compost" »

Knowing how to harvest your garden for the last time

Knowing how to harvest your garden for the last time. Harvesting your garden will depend on the area that you live it. Though, there are a few key things you can look for. This will help to make sure that you harvest in time. That way you do not loose your crop to frost.

Winter is coming

"Knowing how to harvest your garden for the last time" »

Eliminating slugs and bugs from your garden


Eliminating slugs and bugs from your garden. When you start making your plan to eliminate slugs and bugs from your garden, the first thing to do is to figure out what the good and bad bugs are.

Here is a little information about what bugs you will want to be sure to get rid of. See the good bugs in your garden will help to get rid of the bad bugs in your garden. The reason is that they will actually eat the bad bugs. The bad bugs and slugs in your garden will eat the vegetation you are working so hard to grow. It is just the food chain cycle.

"Eliminating slugs and bugs from your garden" »

Tips for pruning your hedges


There are a lot of different things that you can do in your yard to make it better. One thing that can make or break a yard is the hedges. If the hedges are not pruned the house looks like a disaster and looks like it needs some TLC. But if the hedges are pruned the house looks nice and neat and like the personal that owns the house really cares about their yard. If you are thinking about planting hedges or have hedges but do not know how to prune them here are some tips for pruning your hedges that might help you.

The first tip is to make sure that you prune your hedge just enough. You do not want to prune your hedge too much or you will end up with just sticks and no leaves. This will endanger the health of the hedge which you do not want to do because it can cause your hedge to die. You will also want to make sure that if you decide what type of pruning you are going to do before you start. For example you can do a simple prune where you just trim back the excess growth or you can go a little bit further and shape the hedge. If you are shaping a hedge the best thing to do is to start when the hedge is small. But if you just moved into a house or have waited too long and the hedge is mature then it will be a lot harder to prune.

"Tips for pruning your hedges" »

How to distract slugs from your garden


There are a lot of different things that you have to worry about when it comes to your garden. You have to worry about weeds, rodents, and even slugs. If you are having problems with slugs eating all of your plants here are some tips on how to distract slugs from your garden.

The first tip is to make sure that you do not have weeds growing in your garden. If slugs see hiding places they are going to lay their eggs and tend to want to hang out more in these area. Because of this you will also want to keep debris out of your garden like water buckets, old pieces of woods and other things you might leave lying around your garden.

"How to distract slugs from your garden" »

What bugs are good, and what ones are bad for your plants?


Bugs will be found in gardens all over the world. Getting rid of all of your bugs is not plausible, and definitely not a smart idea. Some bugs that are there will do lots of damage to your plants, but others that are hanging around kill the damaging bugs.

Knowing what bugs will do your garden good and which ones will be the end your garden will help you in having a successful garden. The bugs and plants will change according to the area where you are living.

"What bugs are good, and what ones are bad for your plants?" »

Tips for attracting hummingbirds to your garden


Birds can add so much to garden. They add even more color and beauty than you can plant. But getting birds, especially hummingbirds, requires some pre-planting planning, or a strategically placed feeder.

Here are some tips for attracting humming birds to your garden. If you already have a garden in place, you may just need to make a few changes. If you are just getting ready to plant, you will get some great ideas for flower selection and arrangement.

"Tips for attracting hummingbirds to your garden" »

Keeping your soil weed free and nutrient rich

If you are going to put a whole bunch of work into your garden, you want to see lasting results. But if your soil won't support your plants and weeds are taking over, then you just wasted a lot of time and energy.

Make sure that your time isn't wasted by keeping your soil rich in nutrients and keeping weeds at bay. This sounds like a daunting task, but it can be really simple with regular maintenance.

"Keeping your soil weed free and nutrient rich" »

Ideal conditions for growing strawberries


Here you go trying out your green thumb. Well, you couldn't have picked a pickier plant. Strawberries are some of the hardest fruits to grow because they require such perfect conditions.

But don't let that scare you because you have found information for the ideal strawberry conditions. Just make sure that you take into consideration all of the hints given to you, even the smallest and silliest will make a difference in a strong strawberry plant.

"Ideal conditions for growing strawberries" »

How to plant a window box garden


If you live in an apartment with no gardening space, or you just love gardening and have used up all of your space, a window box will suit your needs. Planting a window box can be fun and can make for a beautiful change of scenery.

You decided you wanted to plant a window box, but now you aren't sure where to go from there. Very first thing is know where you are going to put your box. This will make a difference in what you put in your box.

"How to plant a window box garden" »

What flowers should you plant for the best smelling garden?

Gardens aren't just about colors. Gardens are also about smells. There are a number of different flowers that you can plant to really bring out the best in fragrance, no matter what season of the year it is. Don't forget that scent is the most important sense when it comes to memory-do yourself and plant some gorgeous smells in your garden. Your nose and your memory wil thank you for it.

First, let's talk about planning a fragrant garden.

"What flowers should you plant for the best smelling garden?" »

How to grow a garden in a window box


The following are the steps for how to grow a garden in a window box:

Step one: Choose your garden type. It is obvious that you won't be able to grow things like corn, or pumpkins (at least not the large variety), melons, etc. in a window box garden simply because of the space limitation. However, you can choose between things like an herb garden filled with fresh rosemary, thyme, mint, sage, etc. Or, a flower garden, with a beautiful assortment of colors and varieties. But, no matter what you pick, determine if it is going to be able to grow in your climate, in the location of your window box (for example, will it get much sun?), etc. No matter how bad you want to grow Asian lilies, if you do not live where they can grow, you can't grow them.

"How to grow a garden in a window box" »

How to grow healthy roses.

Is it possible for anyone to grow healthy, beautiful roses? Roses just seem to scream high maintenance. Perhaps it's because they look so elegant, or because they're associated with romance, expectation, and inevitable failure or disappointment. The truth about roses, however, is that they're actually pretty easy to grow. Some varieties are more demanding than other ones are, but overall, you just need to follow a few simple steps, and you can have roses just as beautiful and stunning as the next person.

These instructions are for growing roses from already started plants, not from seed.

"How to grow healthy roses." »

What flowers attract bees? What can I do to avoid this?

There are a number of different flowers that attract bees more than others. Here's what they are, and how you can avoid attracting bees to your yard.

Generally speaking, bees are attracted to flowers that are brightly colored. Bees are also attracted to flowers and plants that produce a lot of pollen and nectar. Bees use the flowers to create honey. Bees are important because they carry pollen from plant to plant, and thus enable fruit to grow, flowers to flower, plants to continue growing, and so on. Here are some of the most popular flowers and plants that also attract bees:

"What flowers attract bees? What can I do to avoid this?" »

How to install lighting in your garden

Whether you are keeping a flower garden or a vegetable and herb garden, good lighting makes the work easier. The aesthetics of a few accent lights attract the eyes of friends and neighbors.

A recommended step 1 is to get and install a transformer. The size of a transformer depends on the number of lights you want to install. Transformers come in many sizes or wattages. To figure out what size you need, begin by designing the layout of your lighting.

"How to install lighting in your garden" »

How to test your soil pH

If you have grown a garden or are thinking about growing a garden, even if it is just a flower garden then you have probably heard of people talking about the pH levels in the soil and how you want to test the pH levels in your soil about once a year. The reason for this is that the pH of the soil is the most important thing that enables plants to consume fertilizer and nutrients, which means that if the pH levels are too high (acidic) or too low (alkaline) then the way that plants can consume the fertilizer and nutrients from the fertilizer is blocked, which means that the plants can not grow and thrive like they are supposed to. The numerical scale for the pH level ranges from 1.0 to 14.0 and 7.0 on that scale is considered neutral which means that the soil is neither to acidic nor to alkaline. When it comes to your soil you want it at the proper pH level so that the soil is unlocked, which will allow the plants to receive the nourishment that they need to grow and thrive. When it comes to your soil levels you want the pH level to range between 5.8 and 6.6, this is the best level so that the plants can absorb all of the nutrients from the soil and the fertilizer that you apply.

Difficulty rating: Moderate to difficult

"How to test your soil pH" »

How to kill weeds without killing flowers


If you have any type of garden you have probably already dealt with weeds. It seems that no matter how many days you spend outside doing yard work, which means pulling weeds; new weeds seem to grow faster than you can keep up. And the problem with weeds is that if you just leave them alone they will end up growing out of control and taking over your pretty flower garden. Not to mention the fact that they can actually kill your flowers if you don't get rid of them fast enough. But one thing that you might not know about weeds is that what you consider a weed might not be a weed to somebody else and this is because a weed is simply a plant that is out of place. But the good news is that there are ways that you can kill weeds without killing your flowers.

Difficulty rating: Easy to moderate

"How to kill weeds without killing flowers" »

How to grow vegetables in your window sill


Do you live in an apartment and want to have fresh vegetables without having to go to the store? If you answered yes to that question the good news is that you can actually grow vegetables in your windowsill, which makes it the perfect garden for somebody who lives in an apartment or who just wants to get a jump start on the growing season.

Difficulty rating: Easy

"How to grow vegetables in your window sill" »

How to have a colorful garden all year round

Too often our yards and gardens look fantastic for spring and summer. Bright colors, beautiful flowers, green trees, a gorgeous lawn. But that kind of beautiful only lasts for about four or five months. You still have to live with your yard and your garden for the other eight months of the year! Fortunately, with a little creativity and by getting to really know your plants and your local nursery, you can have a colorful garden throughout the entire year.

The first thing to remember when designing your year round garden is that different plants flower at different times. You can organize your garden so that different plants bloom during different seasons, and you have a colorful garden all year round that shows off colors appropriate for the season. Remember that different seasons will use different plants to provide colors:

"How to have a colorful garden all year round" »

Preventing pests in your garden dos and don'ts


If you have a garden then most likely you probably have some kind of a problem with certain types of pests. What you might be wondering is what you should or shouldn't do when trying to prevent pests from making themselves at home in your garden. Basically what the dos and don'ts of preventing pests in your garden will vary depending on your individual circumstances and what kind of pests you have in your garden. But here are some general guidelines on the dos and don'ts of preventing pests in your garden and the good news is that you can even try some of these things in your home too.

Here are some dos and don'ts to preventing pests in your garden.

"Preventing pests in your garden dos and don'ts" »

How to choose a good fertilizer


If you have a lawn, garden, flower beds, or houseplants than you have probably bought fertilizer before, but what you might be wondering is how you can buy good fertilizer. Or perhaps you are wondering what good fertilizer is. The problem that many people face when trying to buy fertilizer is that there are so many different types of fertilizers available that nobody ever really knows which kind to pick or which kind is better than the others. Some people say that in order to purchase good fertilizer you are going to have to spend a ton of money because you get what you pay for, while others say that cost is not an issue if you know what you are looking for. And the good news is that if you know what you are looking for and know a little bit about fertilizer you can choose a good fertilizer for relatively cheap.

Difficulty rating: Moderate

"How to choose a good fertilizer" »

How to choose a good fertilizer

If you have a lawn, garden, flower beds, or houseplants than you have probably bought fertilizer before, but what you might be wondering is how you can buy good fertilizer. Or perhaps you are wondering what good fertilizer is. The problem that many people face when trying to buy fertilizer is that there are so many different types of fertilizers available that nobody ever really knows which kind to pick or which kind is better than the others. Some people say that in order to purchase good fertilizer you are going to have to spend a ton of money because you get what you pay for, while others say that cost is not an issue if you know what you are looking for. And the good news is that if you know what you are looking for and know a little bit about fertilizer you can choose a good fertilizer for relatively cheap.

Difficulty rating: Moderate

"How to choose a good fertilizer" »

Tips to help remove mold and mildew from your garden.

Gardens have several types of mold and mildew for the gardener to deal with.

GRAY MOLD is a fungus that attacks a wide variety of plants and probably causes more plants to die than any other. Botrytis blight attacks nearly any plant in the garden or landscaping. A geranium especially is affected along with fruit and vegetables.

"Tips to help remove mold and mildew from your garden." »

Tips to help condition cut flowers

To keep flowers and greenery lovely as long as possible, some steps need to be taken. These tips to help condition flowers are taken from professional green houses as well as gardeners and florists.

One of the most common reasons flowers become droopy or loose their colors is that they were not correctly conditioned. There are some basic steps to help you have high success.

"Tips to help condition cut flowers" »

How to choose fertilizer for your garden

To have a healthy garden, you need to have the right nutrition for your plants. This is the job of the fertilizer.

There are 3 main ingredients on all fertilizer bags. They are the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen is needed for foliage growth. Phosphorus helps with the growth of flower buds being set and plants rooting well. Potassium is for overall health and vigor.

"How to choose fertilizer for your garden" »

Best time to plant your garden

For centuries, fruit and vegetables have been planted based on the moon's cycle. Is it a full moon, a new moon, or a last quarter, etc? The moon greatly influences the gravity pull on the earth. Certain types of plants seem to do better in different moon phases.

Many studies have been performed on these planting habits. Native Americans use the moon cycles for hundreds of years. Gardeners in Europe planted by the full moon etc.

"Best time to plant your garden" »

How much should you water your house plants?


There are so many different things that you need to know when it comes to plants. One thing that you need to know is how much you should water your house plants. House plants do not need as much water as plants that are outside need but they still need water. Here are some tips on how much you should water your house plants.

The first tip to know how much you should water your house plants will depend on which type of plant it is. Different plants need different amounts of water depending on what their natural climate it. There are some plants that you have to be very careful about not over watering them because if you do it will kill them. While others can handle being over watered a little bit better but it

"How much should you water your house plants?" »

How to keep your flower bed bright, beautiful, and weed free


The following is how to keep your flower bed bright, beautiful, and weed free:

1. Prepare bed before planting. If you want your flowers to blossom large, and you want to keep the weeds out, you can't just stick them in dirt and expect them to grow. You will want to fertilize your bed a few weeks before planting. Make sure the soil is rich in nutrients, and use a good potting soil on the top layer to deter weeds. You will also want to till it up so there is air, and a good place for roots to establish.

"How to keep your flower bed bright, beautiful, and weed free" »

How to grow tomatoes in a small space


Tomatoes are one of the best things to grow when you have a small space. The following are some tips for your small space growing of tomatoes:

 Tomatoes should be planted only after danger of frost has passed if your small space happens to be outdoors. (Which it should be).

"How to grow tomatoes in a small space" »

How to attract hummingbirds to your garden


Hummingbirds are beautiful little birds that delight those who watch them feed, flutter around, etc. They build fragile itty bitty nests the size of a golf ball, and take great care of their young. They are fascinating, beautiful, and something every gardener should want to attract.

So, how do you attract hummingbirds to your garden so you can enjoy the beauty and splendor of watching their behavior? If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, you have to plant a hummingbird garden. What is a hummingbird garden? It is a garden that provides them a natural diet, and that will attract them. This can be accomplished without a feeder, but by planting plants that attract birds. Hummingbirds feed by sight on regularly-followed routes, so if you want to attract hummingbirds, you will want to fuel their inquisitive nature which will lead them to investigate any possible new source of food.

"How to attract hummingbirds to your garden" »

Best plants to grow when you have limited space

Growing a garden is an accomplishment and something many want to do, and yet it is difficult to do so when you have limited space if you do not know the best plants for that area. The best plants to grow in limited space are as follows:

 Compact Varieties: Basically if you are going to grow food in a small space, you probably want to grow something small. For example, do not try and grow corn and pumpkins, instead try things that the words patio, pixie, tiny, baby or dwarf in their name. The plant is bred to be small so that you can grow it in a small space, but this doesn't mean the fruits will be small or the yield will be less. Each year seed companies come out with more and more seeds that are smaller and will produce vegetable and fruits in smaller spaces. So, look for new things each year. Also, be on the look out for key words like: bush, compact, and space saver.

"Best plants to grow when you have limited space" »

How to keep your flowers blooming


Perhaps one of the most frustrating things for gardeners or aspiring gardeners is to plant flowers, only to have them wilt a few weeks later or stop blooming altogether. This is especially true in the summer months, when dry air, heat, and more sun than usual can make plants harder to care for.

The following are a few tips that will help you to keep your flowers blooming:

"How to keep your flowers blooming" »

How to discourage bees in your flower beds


When summer rolls around, many gardeners become frustrated by the number of bees that appear in their gardens and flower beds. While bees can be helpful in gardens, some people don't like them for fear of being stung, because they have allergies, or they are have young children who play in the flowers and don't want them to get stung.

Whatever the reason, if you don't want bees in your flower beds, the following are a few tips for keeping them away:

"How to discourage bees in your flower beds" »

What you should have in your potting shed


If you have a garden, you will want to have a wooden cupboard or shed devoted to holding your gardening supplies. These sheds are called potting sheds. The following are some of the things you should have in your potting shed to help make your garden beautiful:

 Pots: so you can pot plants that you grow, or wish to grow.
 Bulbs: bulbs are what you plant to grow flowers, and they hould be stored in your potting shed as inspiration for your growing needs.
 Seeds: vegetable, flower, ground cover, it does not matter, you are going to want to keep seeds of whatever you like to grow in your potting shed.
 Fertilizer: this helps your plants to grow, and your garden to be greener, keep it on hand, and easy to find.
 Potting soil: This is great for filling in flower beds, or for transferring your plants to your pots to beautify your home's interior.
 Hose: without a hose, it can be difficult to water your plants.
 Gardening essentials: this includes tools, sheers, spades, mowers, etc.

"What you should have in your potting shed" »

How to take care of your flower garden

There are so many different things that people do to improve their yards. One thing that a lot of people do in the summer to make their yards look better is plant a flower garden. If you are thinking about planting a flower garden but you don't know how to take care of a flower garden. Here are some tips on how to take care of your flower garden.

The first tip on how to take care of your flower garden is to make sure that when you are buying flowers that you buy the right flowers for your yard. You want to make sure that you get flowers that do well with the climate you live in and your yard conditions. You want to make sure that if your flowers are going to be in the shade that you buy shade plants and flowers. These are flowers that do better in shade. If you buy normal flowers and put them in an area that sees more shade than sunlight they are probably going to end up dying because they need more light to survive.

"How to take care of your flower garden" »

Best weed killers for your vegetable garden

If you have a vegetable garden you want to be careful not to use any sort of week killer that could be harmful to you. If you were to eat your weed killer, would it make you sick? If you did not wash something well, would your weed killer poison you? These are questions you want to ask yourself. The following are some of the best weed killers for your vegetable garden:

Mulch. This is not something you spray on your weeds, or your garden, it is what you lay on the soil. It is a great way to keep your garden healthy, moisture in, and weeds out.

"Best weed killers for your vegetable garden" »

Creating a great garden in a tiny backyard.

Just because you have a tiny backyard doesn't mean that you can't have a great garden/ Here are some basic tips to help you turn your small plot of land into a luxurious garden that everyone will be envious of.
Here are some of the challenges and difficulties of designing a garden in your small back yard. All of these point to a need for planned unity in your garden design. You won't have a lot of room, so create a garden that ties together.

"Creating a great garden in a tiny backyard." »

Not a green thumb? Plants that grow for anyone

Even if you don't have a green thumb, even if you have a black thumb that ends up killing everything, you can still have a gorgeous garden and yard. Here are the top ten plants that will grow for everyone. These plants look great, are easy to grow, and don't require too much attention. As long as you don't plant them and then forget them for the entire summer, these plants will grow for even you. Your mother will be so proud.

Top 10 plants that will grow for anyone

"Not a green thumb? Plants that grow for anyone" »

How to build a compost heap

The following is an explanation of how to build a compost heap:

1. Choose a location.
You will want to choose a place for your bin that has good drainage and that gets some sunlight during the day. You will want to place the bin 8-12 inches away from fences, decks, buildings, etc. to discourage pests.
2. Line the bottom of the bin.
You will want to use corn husks, coarse twigs, or chopped brush, or a combination of all of them. You will want at least 6 inches of this.
3. Add green.
You will want to add on top of the husks, etc. a few inches of "green".

"How to build a compost heap" »

How to take basic gardening to the next level

So you've got your geraniums planted all in a row in your front flower bed. The new sod on your lawn has been laid, and the grass looks great. You have a few nice trees, and you have carefully mulched your perennials and your annuals. So how can you take your basic garden and landscaping to the next level?

There are a number of different things that you can do to take your basic yard-nice looking, but a bit ho hum-to a fantastic yard that people slow down to look at as they drive by. The overall idea that you need to follow is that you will be looking at your yard and your garden as a real cohesive work of art. Everything fits together to create a unified effect-you just have to decide what effect that is.

"How to take basic gardening to the next level" »

How to make your garden smell better

Spring is here and everyone surely everyone is excited about getting there flower gardens going for the season. And this year is not just about colorful flowers and beauty. It's also about smell! So it's time to create some instant fragrance in your flower garden. It's dirt cheap, easy and so much fun! So plant these flowers to grow a garden that is yummy, wonderfully delicious, filled with fragrant, perfumed with floral scent and in bloom all season from spring through fall.

Every gardener whether beginner or advance, loves a fragrant flower, be it zesty, musky or sweetly scented. Spend some time to select what works for you. Then you can design and plant a flower garden to give special scents and aromas to appreciate and enjoy from spring all the way through fall. You can plant them in a small garden to concentrate the aroma of the flowers or spread them throughout your flower garden to get a mixture of beautiful fragrance when you walk by your flower garden.

"How to make your garden smell better" »

5 ways to build a compost heap

Are you tired of bagging your lawn clippings every week? Don't know what to do with those numerous bags of leaves every fall? Or are you simply looking for some better fertilizer for your garden? If you answered yes to any of these questions then composting might be the answer for you.

Here are five ways to build a compost heap in your own garden or yard.

"5 ways to build a compost heap" »

Best plants to avoid erosion

Whether you have a particular problem with erosion on your property, or if you are just being a proactive and prudent gardener, you need to know what plants you can use to help avoid erosion problems in your garden and on your property.

Using particular plants can help you keep your soil where it needs to be. Problems with erosion are caused by plants that don't have strong root systems, are caused by too much water, are caused by wind, and are also just a natural occurrence. Here are the best plants that you can use to help prevent and avoid erosion.

"Best plants to avoid erosion" »

How to apply mulch to control weeds

One of the best ways to take care of your garden and your beautiful landscaping is to control the weeds that inevitably grow up around your flowers, shrubs, and other plants. Mulch is one of the best ways to prevent weeds, as long as you apply the mulch correctly.

How to apply mulch to control weeds

"How to apply mulch to control weeds" »

How to start plants indoors for your garden

Looking outside in the middle of February, you're probably not thinking of planting your garden in a few months. After all, you still have time. Unless you're planning on growing some of your own flowers and vegetables from seed. In which case, the time to start planting is now. If you are a novice gardener, this is the place where you can learn exactly how and what you should do.

A great way to jump start your garden (while saving money) is to start your own plants indoors. This way you will be sure of the condition of your plants, unlike those bought in stores. You will also be able to grow a variety of plant that you may not be able to find at a greenhouse.

"How to start plants indoors for your garden" »

How to force bulbs for blossoms in February

It's that time of year again. It's the dead of winter, with no end in sight. Christmas is over and with it all the excitement and magic of a cold and snowy winter; the New Year has come and gone, and now you've moved on into February-that colorless, sunless month of cold. Seasonal depression seems to be sneaking up on you, and in attempts to keep it away, you've been buying house plants like crazy. Having something alive, inside your house at least, seems to make things more bearable. But here's an idea for next year: take your tulip, hyacinth crocus, etc. bulbs that you planted last year (or even buy some new ones) and force them into blooming in February!

This is not a terribly difficult process, but does take some know-how and understanding of how plants grow. This six step process will teach you the quick and simple way to force bulbs for blossoms in February.

"How to force bulbs for blossoms in February" »

Making your own mulch and compost

Mulch and compost are not the same things. They both are in gardens or landscaping but they are used for two different things.

Here we'll see the differences between mulch and compost. We will also see how to make your own mulch and compost to create the gardens and landscape you desire.

"Making your own mulch and compost" »

Making your own mulch and compost

Mulch and compost are not the same things. They both are in gardens or landscaping but they are used for two different things.

Here we'll see the differences between mulch and compost. We will also see how to make your own mulch and compost to create the gardens and landscape you desire.

"Making your own mulch and compost" »

How and When to Plant Roses

When spring comes and the ground is thawed, it is time to start planting your rose garden. Roses have been a cherished aphrodisiac since biblical times. They have been around for over 3000 years, yet they still hold a particular mystery and fascination, not to mention the fact that they just look and smell good!

One of the most important rules of growing roses is to plant the rose bush in an area that receives around 4 to 6 hours of sunlight every day.

It is preferable not to plant too many trees or other plants around the rose bush because most of these are likely to either mix with the rose or stifle it's growth. If you are replacing an old rose bush, approximately 1 1/2 cubic feet of old soil should be removed, and fresh soil added to replace it. When positioning your rose in the garden or landscape, consider the growth habit of the rose.

For example, place climbers and ramblers along fences, trellises, or next to arches or pergolas. This location offers them free range of growth, and optimal potential for the showiest blooms.

Roses also look beautiful in island beds interplanted with perennials. Miniature roses make great edging plants in front of their taller cousins. Planted singly, shrub roses make excellent specimen plants or they can be clustered to make a flowering hedge. You can also use them to camouflage unsightly garden objects.

"How and When to Plant Roses" »

Plastic & Resin Patio Furniture - What You Don't Know

What is the first thought that comes through your mind when you hear "resin patio furniture" or "plastic patio furniture"? Is the word cheap or flimsy? You are not alone. But what you may not know is it is the latest trend and spreading fast.

Today's manufacturers make resin and plastic patio furniture in such a way that it closely resembles painted wood. There are some that make their plastic Adirondack chairs and resin patio furniture out of Polymer. This material is made of HDPE which is a high density version of polyethylene plastic. It is a hard, strong, and heavy plastic resin that has been purified and UV protected. Other manufacturers use EnviroWood which is a synthetic wood substitute made from 100% recycled plastic bottles and containers. The plastic is permeated with UV stabilized coloring that is consistent throughout.

Plastic Adirondack chairs and furniture have been designed for comfort and are built to last. They are unaffected by sun, rain, snow, even chlorine and saltwater. There is no need to paint or sand your plastic or resin patio furniture or apply a treatment seasonally. It does not rot, warp, crack or splinter. And because the furniture has solid color throughout, you can leave your plastic Adirondack chairs outside year-round because they will not fade.

"Plastic & Resin Patio Furniture - What You Don't Know" »

Unique Flowers make a memorable gift!

Think “outside of the box” when sending your next floral gift! The possibilities are endless! Floral Design is an art and florists can customize a masterpiece of flowers!

Many florists put a sampling of arrangements on their websites for you to see, but don’t feel confined to the photos! The most impressive arrangements are of an “original" design.

Ask the florist about any “specialty” flowers they may have in stock. Inquire about alternatives of greens, grasses, ruscus, palm leaves, etc. Have your local florist use a unique urn vase, a large basket or another unique container instead of a standard vase.

When in doubt, play to the senses, ask for aromatic lilies, roses and orchids in striking colors. Combined in a unique elegant vase, this floral gift will make quite an impression!

"Unique Flowers make a memorable gift!" »

The Home Garden

The garden should be near the house and away from trees. If it's some distance away from the house, it will not be as well looked after, nor will most use be made of vegetables grown. Vegetables near trees cannot get full sunshine; even more important, tree roots will rob them of water and fertilizer they need to do their best.

If you can, move the garden spot every 10 years or so to help keep down diseases. Proper rotation and use of disease-resistant varieties will help, but sooner or later the old garden spot becomes so full of various disease spores and nematodes that you cannot grow a good crop of many vegetables without use of special soil fumigants.

Soil should, of course, be well drained. Few vegetables can stand "wet feet." A sandy loam with a clay subsoil is best. Heavy clay soils may be made quite suitable by adding heavy quantities of stable manure or compost, or by turning under cover crops, preferably legumes such as vetch, clover soybeans.

Since the best quality quantity of vegetables cannot be duced on anything but a fertile soil, do whatever is needed to make it fertile.

Requirements for growth.

1. Proper degree of heat.

2. Moisture.

3. Oxygen in the air is essential for seed germination and good growth.

"The Home Garden" »

How To Grow Luscious Tomatoes

The tomato is the most commonly grown vegetable in the States. Here are some tips on how to grow your own bountiful crop of tomatoes.

Tomatoes should be grown in full sunlight.

Tomato plants require abundant moisture.

Tomatoes grow well in many types of soil but prefer fertile, well-drained soil with pH of about 6.5.

Garden soil may be improved by adding rotted manure, leaf mold, peat moss, or other organic materials.

The ideal tomato plant should be six to eight inches tall, dark green, with a stocky stem and well-developed root system.

For each family member three to five plants should be grown for fresh eating. If production for canning is desired, then five to 10 plants person needs to be grown.

Plant tomatoes when the weather has warmed and the soil temperature is above 60°F and air temperature is never lower than 45 degrees at night.

"How To Grow Luscious Tomatoes" »

Mix Perennials into Your Garden for Staying Power

Perennial plants and flowers stay around for more than just one gardening season. Some of them bloom again for only about 3 years, while others will continue to bloom for many years to come.

Now sometimes the first year you plant a perennial, you won't be overly impressed. You see, that first year the plants need to get used to the new environment. Some of them will produce blooms that first year, but some of them won't do a thing until at least the second year. And that's when you start seeing progress too. The perennial plants and flowers start really filling out and taking hold in the second year. And by the third year, they're so well established you'll look like a gardening pro.

When planting perennials - as with any plant, flower, shrub, bush or tree - you need to choose a location for the plant based on soil quality, water availability, and sunlight. Once you have the location chosen, plant your perennials with plenty of room for them to grow over the years. If you put them too closely together in the beginning, you'll find yourself moving them frequently as time goes by.

Planting them with room to grow will make your perennial garden look sparse though, so you may be unhappy with it after you're done. One way to help fill in the bare spots, and add some quick color, would be to scatter annuals in between.

"Mix Perennials into Your Garden for Staying Power" »

New for 2006 - Granite Flexible Preformed Rock Ponds

Traditionally, preformed ponds are large shells, which are extremely burdensome and difficult to transport. For example, a typical preformed pond kit would come in a box that is 60” x 48” x 24”, which is too large for many car trunk sizes. Liner kits, on the other hand, present many difficulties for the beginner pond gardener. Since every liner pond shape is different, pond gardeners must customize their own pond and ensure that it is level, and that it does not have excessive wrinkling.

Recently, Algreen Products Inc. has helped leverage both these problems by introducing a flexible preformed pond. The folding preformed/liner hybrid is created with a proprietary blend of materials, which allows it to hold a customized shape. Yet it is easily transportable, since a typical folding kit comes in a box one-sixth the size of a regular preformed kit.

The only problem with the folding pond shell was that it was a dark solid black color. Black is a color that does not occur naturally in a pond environment, nor is it very easy to disguise. No matter how much landscaping you apply around the black shell, it is still extremely difficult to hide the fact that you are using a preformed pond.

New for 2006, Algreen is proud to announce the development of a granite flexible rock pond kit! This new folding pond shell has all the benefits of its black preformed predecessor, but both the pond and the streamlet look like rock.

"New for 2006 - Granite Flexible Preformed Rock Ponds" »

Planting Bare Root Roses

Before planting, the plants must be prepared. The following suggestions will help insure that your roses grow into healthy bushes, trees, etc.:

1. Your new roses have probably dried out during shipping or storage, therefore before planting, either bury the roots in wet saw dust or peat moss for several days or soak them overnight in water. Keep the roots wet when planting, do not let them dry out.

2. Prune damaged and broken roots.

3. Prune main roots just enough to reveal white healthy tissue. This will help more roots grow.

4. Prune the plant back to three or four healthy canes. Try to keep the center of the plant empty. Prune the healthy canes back to about six (6) inches using sharp pruning shears. Keep the cutting blade on the lower side. Cut at a 45 to 60 degree angle. Cut about one fourth inch above an outside bud union.

5. In order to prevent infection, treat the cuts with some type of sealent or sealing paint.

6. Make sure that you have removed any suckers that may have started growing during shipping or storage.

"Planting Bare Root Roses" »

Herbs: Growing Your Own

The first thing you need to do when deciding to create your own Herb Garden is to decide on the size of the plot of land you want to use. This will depend on what herbs and how much you want to grow. Unless you are an experienced gardener or a herb fanatic don’t make your plot too big at first. Remember, you can always add to it later. You can create a raised bed to grow your herbs in and always add more when you decide you need to grow more. Remember to plan out your planting sequence and keep records of what is planted where as well as marking your planting with plastic nametags.

You need to remember that most herbs usually like well-drained soil so start your bed with a good layer of gravel that will help drainage. Place your soil on top of this but remember to add some compost into this. If you have a free draining soil to start with you should be able to manage without the gravel. Make sure your plot is in full sun as many herbs originate in the Mediterranean region.

"Herbs: Growing Your Own" »

Butterfly Gardening

Butterfly gardening is not only a joy, it is one way that you can help restore declining butterfly populations. Simply adding a few new plants to your backyard may attract dozens of different butterflies, according to landscape designers at the University of Guelph.

Butterflies, like honeybees, are excellent pollinators and will help increase your flower, fruit and vegetable production if you provide them with a variety of flowers and shrubs. They are also beautiful to watch, and are sometimes called "flowers on the wing."

- Begin by seeding part of your yard with a wildflower or butterfly seed mix, available through seed catalogues and garden centers. Wildflowers are a good food source for butterflies and their caterpillars.

- Choose simple flowers over double hybrids. They offer an easy-to-reach nectar source.

- Provide a broad range of flower colors. Some butterflies like oranges, reds and yellows while others are drawn toward white, purple or blue flowers.

- Arrange wildflowers and cultivated plants in clumps to make it easier for butterflies to identify them as a source of nectar.

"Butterfly Gardening" »

Black Walnut Trees Produce A Natural Insecticide

The black walnut tree manufactures a substance that is a natural insecticide according to experts at the Texas State University in Austin.

American black walnut tress contain a tannic acid chemists call juglone. The reddish yellow substance leaches from leaves, and some believe exudes from roots, or transfers from branches and foliage to the roots. Tree physiologists agree that roots of other plants that come in contact with those black walnut tree roots die--even other black walnut seedlings.

Juglone is sometimes washed out of the still green walnuts during late summer or even autumn rains. The growth of plants 60 to 80 feet away are inhibited by the juglone. The substance affects plants of various families. Studies have found that tomatoes, alfalfa, potatoes, apples, blackberries, rhododendron, mountain laurel and pine trees are all affected.

According to a professor and extension forester at Iowa State University, juglone is known to repel various garden insects. Just by placing branches of the tree around the house and under furniture dog and cat owners are amazed to find that their pets have fewer fleas.

For more information on natural flea control:

http://www.apluswriting.net/onlynaturalpetstore/fleacontrol.htm

For more information on natural garden products:

http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/gardensalive.htm
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net/articles/juglone.txt
Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney


Author: Marilyn Pokorney Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading. Website: http://www.apluswriting.net

How To Prevent Damping Off

Damping off is the single term used to describe underground, soil line, or crown rots of seedlings due to unknown causes. The term actually covers several soil borne diseases of plants and seed borne fungi. The fungi which cause root rot are species of Phyium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia and Fusarium.

There are two types of damping off: pre-emergence and post- emergence. In pre-emergence damping-off, seeds may rot and seedlings may decay before they emerge. In post-emergence damping off the seedlings emerge then may pale, curl, wilt, and collapse from a rot at the soil line and below. The base of the stem is generally water-soaked at first then turns gray to brown or black then rots.

Vegetable seedlings often do not grow well under humid conditions, particularly if the soil is cold and wet. Damping off fungi flourish in moist, unhygienic conditions. The disease often starts at one end of a seed tray, and quickly spreads to the other end. A fluffy fungal growth may also appear on the soil surface as well as on the dead seedlings.

When preparing to plant be sure that flats, tools, plant containers, and benches are clean. Damping off pathogens can live in these containers. The easiest way to disinfect them is to dip them in a bleach solution for 10 seconds. Use 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. Or use 70 percent rubbing alcohol.

"How To Prevent Damping Off" »

Winter Gardening ~ Looking Towards Spring

Ok, the title "winter gardening" might be a tad bit misleading. I am not suggesting that you actually garden during the winter but you should be using this time to plan your upcoming garden. As you look out at your yard and garden area during the cold months of winter, let your thoughts run wild and you will be amazed at what images you can conjure up. You might even want to try some of your new found ideas this spring!

1. Pour through garden catalogs, flip the pages and fold down the corner anytime you find something you like. Go back to it often until you decide what new plants and flowers you would like to try this spring.

2. Purchase some gardening books or magazines to get new ideas. Look at what other people are trying in their gardens and see if their ideas inspire you to try something new.

3. Look out your windows and try to visualize how you would like your yard and garden to look like. Study the sun....notice the shady spots.

4. Make a list of what is important to you, in other words, what do you want from your yard and garden? Do you want to create a patio area for entertaining, a vegetable garden so you grow all of your own vegetables, a quiet area for relaxing, or maybe an area that will attract wildlife. Anything is possible but it is important to recognize what you want before you actually start any gardening project. Ultimately, knowing what you want will save time and money!

"Winter Gardening ~ Looking Towards Spring" »

What is Compost Tea?

Organic gardeners all know compost is fantastic stuff. But now, there's something even better and that's compost tea. If you start with a good compost you'll have a versatile elixir for all your garden needs. Compost tea helps prevent foliage diseases and at the same time increase the nutrients to the plant and shutdown the toxins hurting the plants. It will improve the taste/flavor of your vegetables. So why not give this tea a try either by buying it or brewing it yourself. You won't believe the results!

Four ways that good bacteria work:


Help compete for the nutrients

Dine on the bad varmits

Help produce antibiotics to use against the varmits.

They shove the bad varmits out.


Compost tea that is correctly brewed has a wealth of microorganisms that will benefit your plants' growth and health as well as the soil that they live in. Compost tea can be considered yogurt for the soil. The microorganisms living there are both good and bad. What the tea does is make sure the good guys win by introducing helpful bacteria, fungi, protozoa and beneficial nematodes.

"What is Compost Tea?" »

Get your Garden Cooking with Friable Soil

Oh sure, fried green tomatoes are ok; but I'll take an extra helping of friable soil any day! This is the desire of any gardener who attempts to sink a shovel into the clay found in our area. Clay just does not make a great sandwich. Takes a lot of mustard...

Ok, ok… put the wok and the peanut oil away; and don't forget to turn off the stove. I wonder how many times I've used the term "friable soil" in our garden center and not been understood? Their heads nod up and down but the eyebrows narrow in puzzlement and I have to wonder what horrible things are served at dinner later that day.

Friable means easily crumbled. Loose, open, un-compacted, well drained, friable soil gives the best results in most gardening situations. There are of course plants that will thrive in clay soil; otherwise Midwestern Ohio would be a barren desert! However the vast majority of desired ornamentals and food crops will perform better in a deep bed of improved soil.

Plants need to move and breathe!

A typical complaint I hear from the weekend home improvement landscaper “Our soil is so hard to dig in!” Well if it’s tough for you, it’s also tough for the plants roots to move in. And the more developed a plants roots are, the better it can grow and handle stress, drought etc. Also most of us know plants need water, but may forget that the roots also need oxygen. Dense, wet, soils have little “airspace” between the soil particles. Friable soil’s loose structure allows the water to drain through and lets the air in; making the plants grown there more tolerant of heavy rains or (gasp!) over-watering.

"Get your Garden Cooking with Friable Soil" »

Aluminium And Wooden Greenhouses

An important addition to any British back garden, greenhouses are firmly established in the British way of life. It's probably the inclement weather that drives the british gardener 'inside'. If you are visiting this site then you are probably thinking about obtaining a new greenhouse. It is possible you don't know the type of greenhouse you need or even how to decide on the type of greenhouse. Greenhouse design was revolutionised with the arrival of aluminium frames and the scarcity of pine. This article takes a brief look at the differences between metal and wooden greenhouses.

Wooden Greenhouses

Wooden Greenhouses are the choice for the traditionalist and the expert gardener. They are commonly made from Canadian Western Red Cedar, which is renowned for it's exceptional long life outdoors as a result of it's effective rot resistance. Wooden greenhouses are the traditional style of greenhouse before the aluminium greenhouses and plastic greenhouses became more popular towards the end of the last century.

"Aluminium And Wooden Greenhouses" »

Organic or Chemical Feeding of Plants - What's Best

A fundamental question in vegetable gardening is - what is the proper use of organic and/or chemical materials? Let’s determine the truth of the matter, with four basic principles and a few brief examples from Dr. Jacob R. Mittleider’s worldwide experience.

I. First, let's consider what plants need, and where and how they get it. Plants require 16 elements for healthy growth, and 95% of the plant is the result of photosynthesis using just 3 elements – carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen - all of which it gets from the air without man’s intervention. The other 13 elements come from the soil and make up only 5% of the plant, but are nonetheless very important, for without them the plant will fail. Most importantly, the plant can only access these 13 nutrients as water-soluble minerals through its root system.

II. The next important principle to understand is that everything in this world is a chemical. Every element that makes up a plant, as well as everything in our bodies, and everything in the soil in which we grow is chemical. Therefore, we must not get carried away in refusing to use chemicals in the garden in favor of something else, because there is no something else!

"Organic or Chemical Feeding of Plants - What's Best" »

Storm Damage and Mature Tree Pruning

One winter evening I was working on the computer when the power went out. The freezing rain that had been forecast must have been the culprit. It was getting late so I went to bed figuring we would have power again by morning.

Thunder and lightning woke me a couple times, but then I heard something a little different. An explosive popping sound followed by what seemed to be a shower of sparks. In my minds eye I tried to picture the cause of this sound. An exploding power transformer with hot lines arcing around it? There is nothing like a puzzle to keep me awake; but I didn’t want to get up and lose the warmth I had built up under the blankets. Just drifting off again I heard the sound repeated but up the hill behind my house and more distant... more crackly sounding but still accompanied by the sparkling shattering sound my ears were now more tuned in to analyze. Suddenly realizing the impact this freezing rain was having I shot out of bed and ran to the window. Large tree limbs were on the ground. Major branches were bending under the cumulative weight of the ice; then noisily busting sending thousands of 3” icicles to break with a sparkly shattering sound.

"Storm Damage and Mature Tree Pruning" »

Gardenscape On A Shoestring

Many of us flip through garden magazines, all the while thinking that it takes years, a professional, or tons of money to landscape the gardens featured in the glossy pictures. This isn’t necessarily true. You can design a breathtaking garden and be the envy of the neighborhood by following some of the following tips.

Know What You Like and What Works

Drive around your neighborhood and see what’s out there that grows well in your zone. You can jot down what you see on index cards, so they are organized and handy. Start gathering page clippings from magazines and collect some pictures of the designs that interest you. This can help you decide what garden style you like. You’ll have an easy reference for plants and placement too.

Select Location and Color

Next, look at your notes and clippings and choose the color scheme you‘d like to have in your garden. Don’t forget to keep in mind if you’re designing and planting in shade, sun, or partial shade or partial sun. Are you looking for something bright and vibrant or something more calming and soothing? Consider starting with a foundation of shrubs and accenting with some perennials, bulbs, ornamental grasses, and annuals for more seasonal color. Perhaps, you want all flowers. Decide on a shape that complements your house style. Straight styles give a more formal appearance while curves give a more informal feel. If you don’t feel confident selecting colors, you can use a color wheel to help pick contrasting and complimenting colors.

"Gardenscape On A Shoestring" »

Planning a Vegetable Garden

It is important when you start to plan a garden, to know what you want the garden to do. For instance, if you are hoping to feed a family of four all year round, you will need to plan a garden that is approximately 100 square meters of space (not including walking paths) that produces more than once. If you live in a cold climate, you will not be able to grow year round. So asking yourself a few basic questions is a good way to start.

Where do you Live?

Climate can be broken down into three basic categories when planning a garden. Cold, temperate and tropical/sub-tropical. Of course there are many shades of climate in these categories and only you can determine exactly how where you live, fits into the mix.

What will grow Where?

Different plants have different requirements so take that into consideration when doing your vegetable garden planning.

Plants like beans, broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, cauliflower, turnips, onions and peas grow best at temperatures between 10-20C. These plants prefer a cooler time of the year to grow and will usually tolerate frost.

"Planning a Vegetable Garden" »

Protecting your Garden Pond from Pesky Predators

Notice any fish disappearing lately? While herons are present year-round, water gardeners notice the challenges they bring to the pond in spring and early summer when herons feed their young.

An adult heron needs about 13 ounces of food daily, which is equivalent to three 6" koi. If herons find an easy source of food (i.e. colorful fish in a shallow pond), they'll return on several consecutive days. They can quickly decimate your fish population.

They're generally shy birds who typically visit early in the morning or in the evening, when everything is quiet.

Prevent herons from attacking your fish with these simple precautions. If you do lose some fish, don't resort to harming or killing the herons; they are a protected species.

• Netting: The most effective deterrent for herons is to suspend a net 6"-12" above the pond surface. Make sure the net is taut and cannot fall into the pond if the heron tried to land on it and spear the fish through it.

"Protecting your Garden Pond from Pesky Predators" »

Avoiding Unsightly Algae

Excessive organic matter in the pond provides nutrients for algae, contributing to its growth. Algae can obscure the view of colorful fish, and more dangerously, it robs the water of valuable oxygen and releases harmful pollutants.

UV clarifiers also are effective tools that use ultraviolet light to destroy the reproductive ability of suspended algae. Dead, microscopic algae will clump together into particles large enough to be removed by filtration.

"Avoiding Unsightly Algae" »

5 Simple Steps To Dividing Your Hardy Water Lilies

If you missed the springtime window of opportunity to divide your hardy water lilies, don't worry, it's not too late. Although springtime is the best time, you've actually got the entire normal growing season to get it done.

The reason for dividing your water lilies is that they eventually run out of room in their existing pots and need more room for the roots to spread out so the plant can flourish. Not only is this relatively easy to do, but you end up with more plants as a bonus!

Step 1

Remove the plant from the pot and gently rinse the dirt from the root system.

Step 2

Cut the older growth from one end of the tuber, and the newer growth from the other. If there are new "eyes" along the tuber you can snip them off and pot them if you wish.

"5 Simple Steps To Dividing Your Hardy Water Lilies" »

Beauty With Indigenous Species

A garden a serves a man's every day need for s refreshing and pleasent experience.We have to appreciate that the garden serves as a home not only to the trees and plants that appear, but is a home to lots of small and big creatures of animal kingdom. Thus a garden is a conservatotory in these modern times of fast industrialization and increasing threat to ecological balance.

Thus a gardener has to keep in mind the need for aiding ecological balance or nature conservation when designing or planning or restructuring a garden.

In India, garderners (government and private) show a strong tendency for planting exotic species (totally foreign species or exotic to that particular microclimate, as seemingly they beleive that exotic species are attractive.Yes every thing new is attractive and indigenous species look ugly as our eyes got used to them.This tendency for exotic plants and trees either in gardening or largescale social forestry is atrocious and gives no regard for the essence of nature conservation and ecological balance that these gardens can serve for!

A indigenous plant or tree supports numerous other soil flora and fauna, birds and other animals through various ecological relations.An exotic plant or tree on the other hand, while not supporting the flora and fauna of that particular area, may actually have a deteriorating effect!

"Beauty With Indigenous Species" »

Hammocks Create a Stress Free Zone

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Stress is all around us, from the office to the front yard and everywhere in between. Homeowners are buying hammocks and porch swings to create that stress free zone they need to unwind after a busy day. All hammocks and porch swings are not created equal. A hammock can come with a stand for easy set up anywhere such as at poolside or by a lake; or others are hung between trees or from a ceiling. You will have to decide what type and style you want as there are so many sizes and types available. You might also want a chair style that can be hung from the ceiling. There are different sizes available in these as well. These are especially nice if you live in an apartment or townhouse. A hammock and swing are great sources of leisure for any backyard or porch. Combine a quality hammock with all of your other patio furniture and create a getaway in your very own backyard that rivals any trip to the islands. Hammock stands can be placed anywhere in your backyard to create the perfect oasis setting.

"Hammocks Create a Stress Free Zone" »

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