Gardening Tips - 6 Helpful Gardening Tips For An Enchanting Garden!

A number of the finest gardening hints center on not only on the growing of plants but also on the right mix of garden plants to enhance greatly the look of the landscape. Changing the appearance of your garden is not only affordable, but in fact, it comes to you free. Gardening hints for getting the maximum out of your garden area consist of:

1. Place large plants to the rear and middle of the landscape. It gives depth to the gardens and makes them appear larger, even though they may be miniature terrace or small patch gardens.

2. Perennial plants should be used to form the basis of your garden layout. A couple of big perennial plants helps retain the garden shape and does away with the need to redo the landscaping each year. Luxuriant perennials are favored for the verdant color and their lovely flowers.

Leaves of a dark green color present a rich appearance to the garden while leaves of multicolor or of pale green shade lend a tropical or stunning impression. The best gardening hints would be to compare excerpts or articles of perennial plants with neighbors to develop your garden without the need to buy plants.

3. Plants that bloom every year should be placed in the front and all around the garden border. These annuals have the most brilliant flowers that bloom for a longtime but they survive just one season. By placing them on the external face of the garden, the complete garden catches the eye, thus enhancing the garden size. The profuse and copious perennial undergrowth in the backdrop also aids in setting and exhibiting the annuals.

4. Arrange plants in clusters, instead of just single plants. A thicker set of plants in clusters creates a more alluring exhibit and prominently attracts attention to the flowers and display.

5. Monochromatic color shades should be attempted to bring about a stunning presentation. For imparting a dreamy, tender look to your garden, experiment with the concept of using a wide variety of white flowers. Reds and oranges convey an arresting look. The use of dark and brilliant flowers makes the garden look attractive while the use of white makes the garden seem big.

6. A few plants are there that are mutually beneficial to each other when grown jointly. A large number of these plants also benefit other varieties by way of fending away insects and checking plant diseases. A few of the plants that profit from being grown together:

a. Regarding marigolds and roses, aphids are lured naturally by roses, and these feed on the flowers and leaves. By planting marigolds around the roses, they will keep at bay insects.

b. Garlic, when grown in annual and perennial gardens, aids in warding off insects that feed on leaves.

c. Bee Balm is not only an herb but also a striking flower, and this plant draws hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies to the flower garden to assist with pollination.

d. Dahlias hold off insects and enrich the soil with nitrogen.

By adhering to these helpful gardening hints and carefully selecting flowers that bloom well together for your garden, will ensure your garden is not infested with bugs and the need to use herbicide is not required.

Article Source: http://www.1articleworld.com

Fighting Plant Enemies

The devices and implements used for fighting plant enemies are of two sorts:

(1) those used to afford mechanical protection to the plants;

(2) those used to apply insecticides and fungicides.

Of the first the most useful is the covered frame. It consists usually of a wooden box, some eighteen inches to two feet square and about eight high, covered with glass, protecting cloth, mosquito netting or mosquito wire. The first two coverings have, of course, the additional advantage of retaining heat and protecting from cold, making it possible by their use to plant earlier than is otherwise safe. They are used extensively in getting an extra early and safe start with cucumbers, melons and the other vine vegetables.

Simpler devices for protecting newly-set plants, such as tomatoes or cabbage, from the cut-worm, are stiff, tin, cardboard or tar paper collars, which are made several inches high and large enough to be put around the stem and penetrate an inch or so into the soil.

For applying poison powders, the home gardener should supply himself with a powder gun. If one must be restricted to a single implement, however, it will be best to get one of the hand-power, compressed-air sprayers. These are used for applying wet sprays, and should be supplied with one of the several forms of mist-making nozzles, the non-cloggable automatic type being the best. For more extensive work a barrel pump, mounted on wheels, will be desirable, but one of the above will do a great deal of work in little time. Extension rods for use in spraying trees and vines may be obtained for either. For operations on a very small scale a good hand-syringe may be used, but as a general thing it will be best to invest a few dollars more and get a small tank sprayer, as this throws a continuous stream or spray and holds a much larger amount of the spraying solution. Whatever type is procured, get a brass machine it will out-wear three or four of those made of cheaper metal, which succumbs very quickly to the, corroding action of the strong poisons and chemicals used in them.

Of implements for harvesting, beside the spade, prong-hoe and spading- fork, very few are used in the small garden, as most of them need not only long rows to be economically used, but horse- power also. The onion harvester attachment for the double wheel hoe, may be used with advantage in loosening onions, beets, turnips, etc., from the soil or for cutting spinach. Running the hand- plow close on either side of carrots, parsnips and other deep-growing vegetables will aid materially in getting them out. For fruit picking, with tall trees, the wire-fingered fruit-picker, secured to the end of a long handle, will be of great assistance, but with the modern method of using low-headed trees it will not be needed.

Another class of garden implements are those used in pruning but where this is attended to properly from the start, a good sharp jack-knife and a pair of pruning shears will easily handle all the work of the kind necessary.

Still another sort of garden device is that used for supporting the plants; such as stakes, trellises, wires, etc. Altogether too little attention usually is given these, as with proper care in storing over winter they will not only last for years, but add greatly to the convenience of cultivation and to the neat appearance of the garden.

As a final word to the intending purchaser of garden tools, I would say: first thoroughly investigate the different sorts available, and when buying, do not forget that a good tool or a well-made machine will be giving you satisfactory use long, long after the price is forgotten, while a poor one is a constant source of discomfort. Get good tools, and take good care of them. And let me repeat that a few dollars a year, judiciously spent, for tools afterward well cared for, will soon give you a very complete set, and add to your garden profit and pleasure.

Indoor Gardening Tips

Even if you're not an avid gardener or flower lover, the sight of a well-maintained indoor garden is impressive. However, if you've tried your hand at indoor gardening, it's not as easy as bringing the plants indoors. Here are some tips to start you off on the right foot.

The first crucial decision has to do with lighting. Ask yourself, exactly how light should I give the plants? Your house may not have enough light for your plants to exist, so this is a prime consideration. Are you prepared to supply your plant with light through artificial means? It could be expensive. If possible, try to select plants that require minimal lighting such as Philodendrons and Boston ferns.

If there are not that many indoor plants, you may consider bringing them out into the sun during the day before bringing them back inside. Think of your plants as batteries. If you expose them to enough sunlight outdoors, they can store this as a reserve source of energy indoors. This is especially effective during summer.

It's also important that you know how to spot the signs that will tell you whether your plants are getting the right amount of light. One sign is in the leaves. If the plant has small leaves and thin stems, it needs more light. The same is true if the color of the plant turns paler than usual.

You may even have to condition your plants, which is a way of making them used to the lights in your house gradually, especially if they came from a place that has brighter lights than your home. You start by exposing the plants to the brightest possible light in your house. Move them around daily while lessening the amount of light they get, until they reach that point where they are exposed to their regular amounts of light.

When it comes to watering, the rules are fairly simple. Make sure to water the soil thoroughly and to have the water drained at the bottom of the pot. The quantity of water depends on the plant. The biggest mistakes here are not watering them enough or watering them too much, so avoid both. Also, use water that has the same room temperature.

Try to keep the room temperature at an even level, ideally in the 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit range.

Other items such as fertilizers and humidity levels depend a great deal on the type of plants you choose.

Indoor Gardening

Having a nice-looking indoor garden adds a certain dash of life and natural flavor to any home. Looking at them, indoor gardens look easy enough to do, and it is. But it’s not easy as picking up a few flower pots from the outside and bringing them inside. Take your cue from the following tips.

Lighting is the first consideration or, more specifically, the quantity of light needed to properly nurture an indoor plant. Look at around your house and identify the areas which afford the brightest light possible, ideally, sunlight and not merely artificial light. The best thing may be to opt for indoor plants that require the least amount of light. Perhaps the most ideal of this breed to serve as indoor plants are Philodendrons and Boston ferns.

On the other hand, the most beautiful plants and flowers are those that require a lot of sunlight. These are the ones that bring great cheer into the home. Hence, if you are not setting up that many indoor plants either, one possibility is to bring them out at least once a day to give them a taste of the sun’s nourishing rays before bringing them back in the house again. Experienced gardeners say that we should regard our plants as batteries. The more we expose them to sunlight, the longer we can keep them indoors.

Keep an eye out for those signs that indicate that your plant is not getting enough light. Do the leaves of the plant seem smaller and are the stems getting thinner? Does the overall color of the plant of flower look a bit paler? If so, the plant may need more light.

There is a way to condition the plants to make them used to the level of lights that you have in your house. The way to do this is gradually, especially if the plants are coming from a place where it is bright all day. The first step is to position the plants in the area of the house where they are exposed to the brightest possible light. After prolonged exposure to such light, move the plants around in such a way that you lessen the amount of light they get. Gradually lessen the amount of light they are exposed to until you reach that point where they will be getting their regular amounts of light.

A Home Garden Fun for the Whole Family

Home gardening is a wonderful pastime that the whole family can enjoy. In addition, gardening has become an increasingly popular hobby for people of all ages. Currently, studies show that in the United States, eight of ten households take part in some type of home gardening endeavor. Based on these statistics, gardening is one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities in the nation.

Typically, when people start planting their garden, they start with flowers. In addition, most people will pursue planting roses. The novice garden does not realize that roses usually take the most time and effort as compared to other flowers. With such an enormous array of flowers to choose from, it is best for the novice to start of with easy care plants and flowers.

Vegetable gardens have become quite popular too. A vegetable garden can bring a sense of pride and accomplishment when you place those fresh vegetables on your dinner table. The list of vegetable plants is endless, therefore when planning your vegetable garden choose the right vegetable for your growing climate. For instance, cool weather crops would be green beans, zucchini, and cucumbers.

Many gardeners will consider planting fruits as well. In a warm climate, you could plant watermelons, and trees such as apricots and peaches. A berry garden is also fun, planting strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. These types of berry gardens are easy to care for and take less space than a traditional vegetable garden.

Herbs are another favorite for the home garden. If you have limited space, you can grow your herbs indoors in a sunny window. The most often used herbs for cooking are basil, thyme, oregano, parsley, and cilantro. These herbs are easy to grow too.

Landscaping your yard is another form of gardening. There are different types of grasses and shrubbery to decorate your yard. Decorative rocks, ponds, and statues are also included as a form of landscape gardening. Landscaping your yard is not limited to plant life. As with a garden, your lawn and shrubbery need upkeep.

As mentioned earlier, gardening can be fun and educational for the whole family. In addition, what a delight to see the flowers bloom and harvest the vegetables. However, as with anything else, to be a successful home gardener takes work. Plants need to be weeded and watered. Do not get discouraged if the flowers are not as brilliant as expected or the beans did not do so well. Research the plant in question and then try again next planting season, eventually you will have a wonderful garden.


For more information about a home garden or gardening in general, visit these sites Home Garden and Garden Info Center

About The Author:

David Chandler

Making A Garden

The first thing in garden making is the selection of a spot. Without a choice, it means simply doing the best one can with conditions. With space limited it resolves itself into no garden, or a box garden. Surely a box garden is better than nothing at all.

But we will now suppose that it is possible to really choose just the right site for the garden. What shall be chosen? The greatest determining factor is the sun. No one would have a north corner, unless it were absolutely forced upon him; because, while north corners do for ferns, certain wild flowers, and begonias, they are of little use as spots for a general garden.

If possible, choose the ideal spot a southern exposure. Here the sun lies warm all day long. When the garden is thus located the rows of vegetables and flowers should run north and south. Thus placed, the plants receive the sun's rays all the morning on the eastern side, and all the afternoon on the western side. One ought not to have any lopsided plants with such an arrangement.

Suppose the garden faces southeast. In this case the western sun is out of the problem. In order to get the best distribution of sunlight run the rows northwest and southeast.

The idea is to get the most sunlight as evenly distributed as possible for the longest period of time. From the lopsided growth of window plants it is easy enough to see the effect on plants of poorly distributed light. So if you use a little diagram remembering that you wish the sun to shine part of the day on one side of the plants and part on the other, you can juggle out any situation. The southern exposure gives the ideal case because the sun gives half time nearly to each side. A northern exposure may mean an almost entire cut-off from sunlight; while northeastern and southwestern places always get uneven distribution of sun's rays, no matter how carefully this is planned.

The garden, if possible, should be planned out on paper. The plan is a great help when the real planting time comes. It saves time and unnecessary buying of seed.

New garden spots are likely to be found in two conditions: they are covered either with turf or with rubbish. In large garden areas the ground is ploughed and the sod turned under; but in small gardens remove the sod. How to take off the sod in the best manner is the next question. Stake and line off the garden spot. The line gives an accurate and straight course to follow. Cut the edges with the spade all along the line. If the area is a small one, say four feet by eighteen or twenty, this is an easy matter. Such a narrow strip may be marked off like a checkerboard, the sod cut through with the spade, and easily removed. This could be done in two long strips cut lengthwise of the strip. When the turf is cut through, roll it right up like a roll of carpet.

But suppose the garden plot is large. Then divide this up into strips a foot wide and take off the sod as before. What shall be done with the sod? Do not throw it away for it is full of richness, although not quite in available form. So pack the sod grass side down one square on another. Leave it to rot and to weather. When rotted it makes a fine fertilizer. Such a pile of rotting vegetable matter is called a compost pile. All through the summer add any old green vegetable matter to this. In the fall put the autumn leaves on. A fine lot of goodness is being fixed for another season.

Even when the garden is large enough to plough, I would pick out the largest pieces of sod rather than have them turned under. Go over the ploughed space, pick out the pieces of sod, shake them well and pack them up in a compost heap.

Mere spading of the ground is not sufficient. The soil is still left in lumps. Always as one spades one should break up the big lumps. But even so the ground is in no shape for planting. Ground must be very fine indeed to plant in, because seeds can get very close indeed to fine particles of soil. But the large lumps leave large spaces which no tiny root hair can penetrate. A seed is left stranded in a perfect waste when planted in chunks of soil. A baby surrounded with great pieces of beefsteak would starve. A seed among large lumps of soil is in a similar situation. The spade never can do this work of pulverizing soil. But the rake can. That's the value of the rake. It is a great lump breaker, but will not do for large lumps. If the soil still has large lumps in it take the hoe.

Many people handle the hoe awkwardly. The chief work of this implement is to rid the soil of weeds and stir up the top surface. It is used in summer to form that mulch of dust so valuable in retaining moisture in the soil. I often see people as if they were going to chop into atoms everything around. Hoeing should never be such vigorous exercise as that. Spading is vigorous, hard work, but not hoeing and raking.

After lumps are broken use the rake to make the bed fine and smooth. Now the great piece of work is done.

Easy Home Improvement Tips

Home improvement is an increasingly popular pastime for many homeowners, and it
can be particularly beneficial as a way of enhancing your home, for very little cost.
Of course, improving your home also inevitably increases its potential sales value,
which makes home improvement an even more valuable pursuit. In this article, we'll
look at some of the key things you should consider when thinking about improving
your home, and some obvious and simple tips that could definitely help you out.

Before you begin any home improvement work, it's always a good idea to check the
state of your house. If you're thinking about doing work that could have structural
implications, for example knocking through walls, it's a good idea to consult a
specialist to ensure your home is structurally sound. Additionally, it's a good idea to
treat problems such as damp and excess condensation before you begin your
improvement work, so you don't end up wasting your money.

After you're home is given the all clear, why not consider starting off by improving
your kitchen? The kitchen is not only one of the busiest rooms in the house, but the
room that can really make or break your home on the open market. Buyers love
attractive kitchens, so focusing your efforts there might not be a bad move. A great
place to start is by tiling a section of your wall. After tiling, you can create an
amazing rustic-farmhouse effect, by painting the center of certain tiles to form a
pattern. Section off the tile with masking tape to leave a small square in the middle,
and paint this any color you like. You could try a terracotta finish, or some simple
yellows and green for a farmhouse look. Be creative and have a go – you'll be
amazed how effective this can be!

Another good home improvement tip is to look at the bathrooms. Bathrooms and
kitchens sell homes, so make sure yours are in top shape. Reseal bathtubs and any
tiles in the bathroom, and theme with pastel colors, right down to the last detail. You
might also like to consider a white theme, with dark blue to give your room that
luxurious feel. Additionally, add a thick hand towel and nice, color-coded hand soap,
to add the finishing touches.

Home improvement is a great hobby, and if you do it well, you could end up adding
more value to your house. On top of that, you can leave your house looking great,
making DIY improvements one of the most rewarding things you can do.

Organic Gardening

Few pursuits are as rewarding as growing your own organic garden. Not only do you get to enjoy the fruits of your own labor, but you have the satisfaction of knowing that the produce you are eating was grown without chemicals, pesticides, or herbicides. Supporters of organic gardening stress that it produces healthy, more diverse ecosystems, which are better able to resist significant pest damage through their own natural way and that every single individual should consider shifting to organic gardening. The reason they provide is simple; we need to take this big step so as to stop poisoning the food we eat and the earth we stand on.

Organic gardening is a form of gardening that uses substantial diversity in pest control so as to reduce the use of pesticides and to provide as much fertility as possible, based on local nutrients rather than purchased fertilizers.

A professional gardener for over 25-years once told me that he had spent a fortune to purchase chemical substances that large companies produce since this road was the easiest at the time to protect plants. After probably spraying 10,000 gallons of pesticide in his career, he chose not to continue doing it any more. He urged me to consider not only my body's health but that of my future children, and grand children, and to give up just one of my garden chemicals, for good. Whether it would be a fungicide, a herbicide or a fertilizer, I was advised to choose at least one and take it to the local toxic collection day hosted at my city. I was convinced and so I did.

Thus, my advice to you is that if you decide to do only one thing this season for your garden, consider making it friendlier by switching to alternative methods of pest control. It's time for all of us gardeners to examine and begin to make a few changes in the way we do things in our gardens. We have got to think about putting an end to the old ways of gardening - and by that I mean our chemical arsenal of pesticides and fertilizers. Even if you are afraid of doing it all at once-old habits are hard to break-consider changing your usual methods month over month one step at a time. Next time you are out taking care of your garden, do just one thing to make it more earth and human friendly.

Finally, avoid some common mistakes beginning organic gardeners make. Do not water plants too much, as over watering prevents the plants from creating deep root systems. Over watering as well as under watering are both bad for the plants. Thus, maintain a stable watering schedule and water your plants deeply once a week. Do not use inorganic fertilizers. Although you might think this is harmless, these heavy on salts crystals do not feed the soil and are a magnet for bugs. You are much better off with natural slow release organic amendments and compost. Not only they provide major nutrients, but let your plants use them over an extended time period. You should be using a balanced approach and feeding the soil and not your plants; they know how much to feed themselves. Finally, do not use too many fertilizers. Even organic ones are advised only when used in the appropriate quantity.

Introduction - Gardening is the art

Gardening is the art and craft of growing plants with a goal of creating a beautiful environment. Gardening Life is looking for your best tried and true green-friendly tips WinSears. Gardening is also the cultivation of individual plants in pots or other containers either indoors or outdoors. Gardening is closely related to the art and science of horticulture, a branch of agriculture specializing in growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and trees. Garden Guides gives you all the gardening tips, techniques & tricks to help your green thumb improve. Information on this method of gardening using mineral preparations and planetary rhythms, and services including workshops and garden design.

Lawn and Garden Care

Rules of Thumb for Water Use on Lawns and Gardens

* One deep watering is much better than watering several times lightly.
* Lawns need about 1 inch of water each week. If the weather is very hot, apply an inch of water about every 3 days.
* Watering to a depth of 4-6 inches encourages deeper, healthier root development. It allows longer periods between watering.
* To measure the water, put an empty tuna can (or cat food can) on the lawn while watering. Stop watering when the can is full or if you notice water running off the lawn.

Know Your Soil

Different soil types have different watering needs. You don't need to be a soil scientist to know how to water your soil properly. These tips can help.

* Loosen the soil around plants so it can quickly absorb water and nutrients.
* Use a 1- to 2-inch protective layer of mulch on the soil surface above the root area. Cultivating and mulching reduce evaporation and soil erosion.
* Clay soil: Add organic material such as compost or peat moss. Till or spade to help loosen the soil. Since clay soil absorbs water very slowly, water only as fast as the soil absorbs the water.
* Sandy soil: Add organic material to supplement sandy soil. Otherwise, the water can run through it so quickly that plants won't be able to absorb it.
* Loam soil: The best kind of soil. It's a combination of sand, silt, and clay. Loam absorbs water readily and stores it for plants to use.

Water at the Right Time of the Day

* Early moring or night is the best time for watering to reduce evaporation.
* To help control where your water goes, water when it's not windy.

Rules of Thumb for Proper Fertilizer Use

Fertilizers provide nutrients necessary for plant health and growth, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These are what N, P, and K stand for on bags of fertilizer. Nitrogen (N) is needed for healthy green growth and regulation of other nutrients. Phosphorus (P) helps proper roots and seeds develop and resist disease. Potassium (K) is also important in root development and disease resistance. When properly applied, the nutrients in fertilizers are absorbed by plants and little of these nutrients enters ground or surface water resources.
Use the Right Fertilizer

* Test your soil to find out what nutrients ar needed. Contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service or Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extention Service office to get information on obtaining a soil test. Local fertilizer dealers can also be helpful.
* A soil test will help you understand what your plants require.
* Follow label directions.
* Choose a fertilizer that has at least one-fourth of the nitrogen in a slow-release form, such as sulpher-coated urea.

Mow Your Lawn Frequently

Leave the grass clippings to decompose on the lawn. Annually, this will provide nutrients equivalent to one or two fertilizer applications. Set mower at 2 inches to reduce water use during hot weather.
Apply Fertilizer Properly

* It is best to apply fertilizer when the soil is moist and then water lightly. This will help the fertilizer move into the root zone where it is available to the plants, rather than stay on top of the soil where it can be blown or washed away.
* Watch the weather. Avoid applying it immediately before a heavy rain system is predicted to arrive. Too much rain (or sprinkler water) will take the nutrients away from the lawn's root zone.
* Use the minimal amount of fertilizer necessary and apply it in small, frequent applications. An application of 2 pounds of fertilizer five times per year is better than 5 pounds of fertilizer twice a year.
* Calibrate your fertilizer spreader to be sure you know exactly how much material is being discharged in a given space. Follow instructions accompanying your spreader.
* When spreading fertilizer, cover ends of the lawn first, ten go back and forth across the rest of the lawn, using half of the recommended amount. Shut the spreader off before reaching the ends to avoik over-application. Apply the other half of the fertilizer going back and forth perpendicular to the first pattern.
* Dispose of fertilizer bags or containers in a safe and state-approved manner.