Gardening

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5
Jun 11

Benefits of a Having a Hummingbird in Your Yard

Hummingbirds are lovely birds and can draw a ton of interest to your yard. I know that I love being able to watch this tiny little bird come zooming through my yard as they travel from flower to flower pollinating them all. For many people they do not even realize the benefits that are available from having this bird in their backyard.

The first great benefit of having this type of bird in your backyard is that they will be able to pollinate the flowers that other birds and insects are not able to reach down into. This would be the flowers that have long stem going down into the flowers pollen area. Which is nice because if your home is like mine those flowers will be located close to your home and you do not really want that many bees and other insects close to your house.

The second great benefit of hummingbirds is that they are a very beautiful bird that you can look at and watch for the entire time that they are around your yard without getting bored of them. I know that for some people they might think that watching a bird is fairly boring, but then you might not have seen a hummingbird. A humming bird when you think about how fast the wings have to beat and how quick they dart from flower to flower or feeder to feeder without ever landing is just amazing. For me I would never be able to do that let alone be able to keep up with that fast pace of lifestyle because the energy that the bird uses has to be tremendous.

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2
Jun 11

Transplanting Your Vegetable Seedlings

Particularly in the North, where the growing season is shorter, it is necessary to transplant several garden crops in order to make sure that strong plants will be able to mature and produce within the growing season. In the Southern states, the growing season is longer, and transplanting is generally not necessary, as many plants can be direct-seeded at the same time that Northerners are starting their seedlings indoors.

Transplanting should be done as soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, from the starter pots into larger pots in which they’ll remain until they can be transplanted again into the garden.

Though the transplanting process is a good option for many plants, it has a greater effect on some plants. Some vegetable seedlings cannot undergo transplantation, as the process tends to bend or break their small roots, and, in the case of carrots or other straight-root vegetables, this defeats the purpose. Other vegetables, like celery, that are not grown for their roots benefit from the transplant process as it tends to build a wider root structure to support and nourish the plant.

There are several vegetable crops that simply do not transplant well from the seed-bed to the garden plot. Plants such as melons, cucumbers and beans should be direct-seeded when possible, though in short-season areas this may mean they cannot be planted at all. In these cases, some gardeners use planting pots that can be placed directly in the garden, providing an opportunity to start the plants indoors, without having to later transplant them. Peat pots, or pint or quart berry boxes work well for this use.

Another method is to cut sod into 6" square pieces about 2 inches thick. Place them, root side up, and plant the melons, or other garden plant, in hills directly on the loamy soil, supported by the grass roots.

When the weather warms, and it’s time to "transplant" these garden seedlings, simply place the peat pots, berry boxes or sod squares into the prepared hole. You can also trim the bottom of the berry boxes, if so desired.

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1
Jun 11

Growing Wild in the Garden

We can’t all afford a country cottage or enjoy regular access to areas of remote wilderness. With some careful planning and thoughtful planting, however, we can make any sized yard a haven for nature and bring the great outdoors a little closer to home.

With just a little effort anyone can transform a corner of their own habitat into a place enlivened by the splashes of color and soothing sounds that many of our wild neighbors bring to our home environment. The key to creating a successful and rewarding area for wildlife is in the plants that you choose, and making sure that shelter and food are available to your wild guests all year round.

If you want to attract a wide variety of creatures, from garden friendly insects to birds and squirrels, it is well worth spending considerable time planning your backyard refuge.

During spring and summer plenty of bright, scented flowers should attract dazzling butterflies and hummingbirds. Evergreen shrubbery and small trees will create safe feeding and roosting areas for a host of wild birds all year round.

Berry-bearing plants such as mountain ash and holly not only look attractive, but also provide a valuable food supply for hungry garden visitors in the harsh winter months.

Make sure that clean, fresh water is available in all weathers and the birds will be queuing up to have a drink or take a bath. If you have room, create a pond with a few well chosen water plants and you’re sure to attract such fascinating creatures as frogs, newts and impressive dragonflies.

With a huge range of feeders and specially packaged foodstuffs available it is easy to bring many types of wild bird to your backyard sanctuary. Even the most modest of spaces should draw grateful feathered diners by the dozen.

Brightly colored seed-eating finches, juncos and towhees will jostle alongside the robins and chickadees while woodpeckers and nuthatches may be tempted by strategically placed suet feeders. Hang a hummingbird feeder in view of a window and enjoy the comings and goings of these stunning avian jewels as they return time and again to the high energy nectar you provide.

Try to place your feeders close to shelter so that the birds can quickly escape from predators when they need to, but make sure that they’re far enough away from places where hungry cats or hawks can hide undetected.

Provide safe breeding sites by putting up a nest box or two, though never place these too close to the feeders as most nesting birds don’t appreciate sharing their intimate space with others when trying to raise a new brood. Most garden birds need a constant supply of insects and caterpillars to feed their growing young, so by encouraging these natural pest controllers you will help reduce those pesky garden bugs in a natural, chemical-free way.

A bat box too may entice these delightful winged mammals into your garden and keep the number of irritating midges, mosquitoes and other nocturnal bugs to a minimum. Check out your local bookstore or online forums for further information on how to attract these natural wonders into your yard. Soon, the whole family will be enjoying the wildlife that chooses to share your neck of the woods.

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31
May 11

Garden Lights – Alternative Energy Options

Basic Alternative Options

Your garden lighting doesn’t always have to run on electricity. You might want to try using candles, flares, torches, or lanterns, although many of these options tend to work best around seating areas. For the rest of your garden, you may want to try solar lighting, which is covered below.

You can set up these types of portable lighting anywhere, but wind can be a problem, especially when it starts to blow smoke in people’s faces. Many candles and flares release pleasant scents, which can add greatly to the ambiance of the mood you’re trying to create for your guests or even for yourself. You can also get scents or oils with chemical repellents that will deter insects (especially mosquitoes) that are attracted by the light. Here are some options for non-electrical lighting:

昄anterns, lit either by candle or oil, can be hung around the garden to give a gentle, golden light.
旻lares or torches resemble large candles. They are often on sticks (short or tall) that can be stuck into the ground. They’ll burn for 6 to 8 hours and cast a warm, romantic glow all around.
旵andles, while they don’t provide a great deal of light, create a magnificent atmosphere with their gentle flickering. Protect the flame so that it doesn’t blow out and so that no one gets burnt or gets smoke in their face.

Solar Lighting

Solar garden lights are constantly improving. They may be a great option for you to use in your garden. There are more and more options for battery and solar-powered lighting equipment for garden use, which is especially useful if you have a garden where it’s difficult to provide a cable power supply.

You can buy single, stand-alone solar-powered units mounted on a spike that you can simply push into the ground wherever you want. They’ve got a small integrated solar panel that collects and stores energy during the day. They can be turned on manually at night, or many even have a light sensor that will turn them on automatically when it gets dark and off when it gets light again. You could even set up a cluster of lights that are all linked to a single large solar panel, but remember that this option would also require cables and wiring.

Solar-powered lights have a lot of great “green-energy” qualities, but they also have drawbacks. Solar lights work best in bright, sunny locations where plenty of sun light is available for energy storage. Yes, solar panels are definitely becoming more and more efficient as years go by, but their storage life is still limited. The sensors and circuitry within the panels are also delicate and easily damaged, so you’ll need to handle them with care. In the proper location, solar lights are ideal for lighting remote paths. And they’re great if you have children, because there is no risk of electrocution.

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30
May 11

Create Your Own Garden Paradise

More and more Americans are realizing that their own homes and backyard gardens can be the paradises they are looking for. As travel becomes too expensive and too inconvenient-with delays, traffic, security checks, and weather problems-homeowners are turning to their own homes as sources of relaxation and fun. All it takes is flowers and garden accessories to turn your outdoor space into your own personal heaven.

First of all, you want to attract friendly wildlife into your garden. There is no better way to do that than with bird feeders. Different birds like different kinds of food and favor specific shapes and styles of feeders. Tubes of red-colored sweet liquid bring hummingbirds to sip the nectar. Chickadees like seeds; you can watch them husk sunflower seeds before they eat them. Woodpeckers prefer suet, which provides both fat and protein.

Many hardware stores and garden centers carry a variety of tube and suet feeders, as well as birdhouses. If you want to be creative you can make your own, or you can buy bird feeders that look like barns, parrots, angels or houses and birdhouses that look like churches, garden statues, or even gas stations.

The birds bring life to your garden during the day. You can carry the feeling of life and the energy of light into the evening with solar lights. Solar lights collect the power of the sun during the day, and produce light when the sun goes down. You can use solar lights for safety and security and to create just the right atmosphere in your paradise garden. They are ideal for areas without access to electrical power.

You can light up a path by placing solar lights shaped like mushrooms in the ground every few feet. Top your fence posts with solar fence post lights and you have instant lighting. Solar lights vary in their power and length of service. A typical life for the LED bulbs they use is 100,000 hours. The rechargeable batteries last about two years and can be replaced.

Candles complement solar lights, providing a feeling that nothing but that flickering light can bring. For an international flare, try a Moroccan or Asian candle lantern. Or let an elephant sculpture hold your candle. Tee lights placed along the edges of a deck create an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

Nothing is as soothing as the sound of water. No matter how big or small your garden is you can find a fountain to fit. You can place a wall fountain on the side of the house or tuck a cherub fountain in with the plants.

Another way to get enjoyable sound into the garden is with chimes. While there’s nothing wrong with putting wind chimes in the house, they are perfect additions to an outdoor living space. The sound they make depends on their size and the material they are made from. Acrylic chimes, for example, will sound very different from aluminum or ceramic chimes.

Let your imagination be your guide as you create your own garden paradise.

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30
May 11

Use a Grow Tent to Improve Germination and Speed Plant Growth

If you are trying to start your own seeds, you might have discovered some of the challenges in this project. One issue that has to be dealt with is appropriate air and soil temperatures for germination to occur. The other is adequate light, and a third is sufficient moisture. If all of these areas are at suitable levels, you will have a better chance of your seed having a higher germination rate. If any of these three are missing or at too low a level, however, you will not get any germination from the seed at all. What many growers do to take the guesswork out of seed starting is to use a grow tent, also known as a grow closet.

Grow tents essentially work like a perfect little room especially suited to starting seeds. Better grow tents have a reflective inner lining, which helps to spread the light around the entire grow tent and plants held therein.

A great grow closet should feature a black-colored material for the outer layer. This is important, because black absorbs heat and helps to heat up the interior of the grow tent. Depending on the type of seed you are trying to germinate, it needs a particular soil and air temperature in order to achieve germination. You can find out specific temperature needs for seed germination from your local county extension office. Some seeds, such as peas, prefer a cooler temperature for germination, while others, such as tomatoes, eggplant, basil and sweet or hot peppers require much higher heat in order for germination to occur. You can place a thermometer inside your grow closet and make adjustments to the lights and grow heat mats in order to bring the internal temperature to exactly what your seeds need for optimal germination conditions.

Of course, the lining and exterior covering of a grow room tent need a frame from which to hang. You will want to find a grow tent that comes with heavy steel tubing for strength and durability. It is also easier to access the grow closet if it is made with heavy-duty zippers that will not snag and break easily.

Air circulation is also a consideration in a grow room tent. You will want to look for duct flanges and the ability to add an exhaust fan and filter to your unit, in order to provide appropriate air circulation to reduce soil-borne diseases that can rapidly spread in a moist, closed-off environment.

All of these features are available in the best-quality grow tent styles.

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30
May 11

Organic Home Gardening – Getting Started With the Basics

Have you ever thought about gardening organically at home, but weren’t sure where to start?

Many gardeners would love to garden without all the chemicals and sprays, but worry that organic home gardening is difficult and time consuming. Not so! It can be a straightforward and easy way to garden. And it’s also cheaper as you no longer have all those chemicals and sprays to buy.

In this article we’ll look at the basics of organic gardening – they keys to getting a good foundation so your plants have the best possible chance of success. We’ll look at how to prepare your soil, and see how easy it actually is to understand and improve your soil from the outset. We’ll also have a quick look at the bugs in your garden, and how you can protect your plants from the bad ones, and encourage the good ones.

Organic gardening may require a little more time and understanding from you as a gardener, however the rewards and satisfaction are huge. Read on to find out the basics you need to know.

The main things to know about organic gardening:

Soil:
Your soil is the lifeblood of your plants, and time spent now (boring as it is!) will really help you later. Firstly, you need to understand what type of soil you have. Most soils fall along a continuum from sandy to clay, and all can be improved by digging in rich organic matter. It also helps to know the acidity of your soil and the easiest way to find out is using a pH testing kit from your local garden center. These are very simply to use and will let you know if your soil is acid, alkaline, or just right. Ideally you want your soil to be just slightly acid – between 6.0 and 7.0 pH is ideal – and there are a number of organic ways we can achieve this. If you need to improve the pH of your soil then your garden center is your best place to start, as they will understand the soil types in your region.

Once you start gardening then feeding your soil twice a year with organic fertilizers and compost will help keep your soil in great condition.

Plants:
If growing from seed then you can find a huge range of organic seeds available these days. It’s also best to try to find plants that are naturally disease resistant – they will often say so on the packet. Heritage seeds can be ideal, and also provide another point of interest in your garden. If you’re growing vegetables, then only plant vegetables that you will eat! This will help to keep you interested in your garden and reduce waste.

Finally, work out a crop rotation plan to help maintain the health of your soil. A 4 year rotation plan is ideal.

Pest Control:
Pests are a constant menace in the garden and tend to worry organic gardeners in particular. However there are a range of pest control methods available. These can include companion planting, manually removing the bugs – either from the plant or the planet, depending on how annoyed you are with them – and there are also a range of homemade organic sprays and teas which can be very effective. A simple spray of dishwashing detergent (only a few drops), water and neem oil is great for aphids, whitefly and other pests.

But remember that your garden needs the good insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies, so be careful when you spray.

Fertilizers and soil conditioning:
Homemade fertilizers and compost are a great way to feed your soil and also reduce your household waste – all your green waste can go into your compost bin and worm farm. Generally, depending on your climate, homemade compost will be ready to use after 3 to 4 months. It will smell sweet and be crumbly in your hand.

Fertilizers can also be animal-based if you have a local friendly farmer with a ready supply of the main ingredient, however if you are using animal manure make sure it is completely rotted and decomposed before you add to your garden.

Equipment:
The only other equipment you may want to consider when gardening organically is a compost bin or worm farm. You can buy these from your garden centre or make one yourself. Just ensure that your bins are easy to reach from the house on a clean path, otherwise you are less likely to add your green waste.

And now you’re ready to plant! I wish you happy, healthy and successful gardening.

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28
May 11

How Does Growing Herbs in Garden Areas Affect Your Health

Growing herbs in garden areas has been a rewarding activity for centuries. They are not only good for cooking and for oil infusions but they also have direct health gains. There are medicinal herbs that help cure everything from coughs and colds to anxiety and depression.

Chamomile and lavender are lauded for their calming effects. Chamomile flower heads are used in a tea or tincture and they help relax your stomach and gut when you are undergoing a stressful situation. The scent of lavender alone is enough to make one feel peaceful and sleepy. It is infused in oils used for massage. Used as tea, dried leaves and flowers can also be a good remedy for migraines and even indigestion. We all know parsley that is used in our food. However, parsley has natural chemical substances that can boost the immune system. It even has the ability to improve one’s cardiovascular system.

In tea form, sage is good to treat excessive sweating and hot flushes in women during menopause. It also is a good diuretic, and can help by removing toxins from the body. Thyme is thought to aid in warding off bad dreams, but superstition aside, it is also good for curing cough and colds, as is ginger. Mints lessen stomach pains, and may heal sore throat. A bay leaf infusion in water can be used as a hair rinse that can cure dandruff. Aloe vera is used to heal minor burns, and the sap is rubbed onto the scalp to thicken hair and prevent it from falling out. Lemon balm also has a calming effect, and may be used as tea to treat irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and even depression. Ginkgo has proven to slow down the effects of Alzeiheimer’s disease.

Growing herbs in garden areas has countless effects to our health and even the very act of growing herbs in itself can achieve relaxing and meditative states. Planning your own garden can give you focus and perspective. Nurturing a garden can also bring feelings of peace and harmony with the earth. The act of planting, and then waiting for your herbs to grow helps one practice delayed gratification, which can also increase emotional intelligence. Also, gardening can provide some physical exercise, and relieve stress from routine office work or other jobs that you do. Plant and nurture an herb garden with your children, and it will promote in them cooperation with others. Also, when you use your own herbs in your cooking and in your infusions or tinctures, and your teas, you are sure that they are organic, chemical-free, and absolutely fresh and safe.

Growing herbs in garden areas can also improve air quality. If you have a garden, imagine what it can do to the air around your house. And if you have indoor herbs, the quality of the air inside your house can also improve.

Finally, there is no feeling in the world like being in a fragrant garden of herbs. It is a fact that plants contribute to a general happy feeling. Imagine yourself amidst sweet smelling lavender, lemon balm, chocolate mint, or basil. It is not that difficult to do. With a little effort, and some time and patience, your herb garden will give you more than you know. These are some of the ways in which growing herbs in garden areas can be beneficial to our health.

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26
May 11

Mulch – 6 Choices Keep Your Garden Weed-Free

So, you’ve decided to mulch your garden. But what materials do you use for mulch? There are many organic and several non-organic options available to use to mulch your garden. The important thing to remember is to put down a thick enough layer of mulch material so that it keeps weeds from germinating and conserves soil moisture.

Another thing to remember is to keep the mulch from touching the base or main stem of the plants. This helps keep slugs and other pests from taking up residence in the warm, dark area right next to your plants.

Fallen autumn leaves are a free, abundant material you can mulch your garden with. They have a tendency to mat down so find a way to shred or break them apart. You can use a wood chipper or shredder. If you don’t have access to one of those, you can spread them on the ground in a 2 to 3 inch layer and mow over them with your lawn mower. Another way to break them up is to put them into a hard plastic bucket or trash can and go after them with your weed wacker. Spread shredded autumn leaves 2 to 3 inches thick.

Grass clippings are another free mulching material. It’s best not to apply freshly mown grass clippings to your garden because their decomposition process causes them to heat up enough that they may damage your plants. Set them aside in a pile for a couple weeks before you add them to the surface of your garden soil. Spread them no more than one inch thick. Grass clippings break down rapidly, so collect and save them each time you mow.

Hay can be a low-cost alternative if it is spoiled and therefore unsuitable for livestock. Apply hay to a depth of 6 to 8 inches or 2 to 3 inches if you chop or shred it first. The downside of hay is that it usually contains weed seeds. However, so-called second- or third-growth hay that has not gone to seed will eliminate that problem. This is usually available after midsummer. An alternative is straw, which is weed-free but more expensive.

Wood chips are aesthetically pleasing and decompose slowly. Some municipalities offer wood chips to their citizens free for the taking. Spread wood chips to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Because they rob nitrogen from the soil, fertilize the plants with high-nitrogen fertilizer.

Buckwheat hulls look good, retain moisture and decompose slowly. However, they can be expensive and may sprout and begin growing. Spread them no more than two inches thick. They may blow around in high wind or move around from rainfall.

Newspapers are another free source of mulch. Lay them on the ground at least two layers thick. They will only last one season but work very well in suppressing weeds. A good way to use newspapers as mulch is to lay them in the paths between the rows. Another way is to put them under a more aesthetically pleasing but more expensive mulch material. You’ll be able to stretch the more expensive material by putting down a thinner layer of it.

Whatever you choose to mulch with, it will go a long way to helping your garden be more productive and less work for you. And who doesn’t like that?

Copyright Sharon Sweeny, 2009. All rights reserved.?/p>

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25
May 11

Herbs in Pots – Getting the Most Out of Your Container Garden

When you just need a bit of color or a dab of the unusual, it is the herbs one will use to get the job done. Most popular herbs thrive in pots and containers which can be situated in a windowsill or on a balcony close by for quick use. Then in the winter months, some are brought in for a continued fresh supply for culinary use.

Mint has a widely invasive root system so is well suited for containers. This is among the easiest perennial herb to grow and one of the most aromatic. Mint should be planted in moisture retentive soil and favors a full sun position. The leaves of the ‘Moroccan’ variety are best for teas and garnishes and all round usefulness.

Dill a feathery, aniseed flavored leaf with seeds that follow a tiny cluster of flowers. They make a delicate addition to any summer container and it is useful as well. The dwarf varieties of Dill, “Bouquet” or “Fernleaf” should be planted in a container in full sun and should be watered regularly to prevent plants from setting seed or bolting. Dill is used in many recipes either dry or fresh with seeds for infusions in vinegar and olive oil.

Coriander when fresh, leaves are used to flavor soups, sauces and as a garnish. Coriander will do well in partial shade if its fresh leaves you require. If you require Coriander seeds for pickles and curries place your container in full sun. This aromatic annual has bright green leaves with pale purple flowers which are followed by the seeds.

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