Whenever most people think about getting their garden ready for the new growing season, they typically think about tilling it up in the early spring. The fact of the matter is, you should begin preparing for the new garden season long before the old garden season is over. What benefit would there be to you doing this?
During the long winter months, whenever your garden is laying dormant and nothing really seems to be going on, there are actually several things which are taking place. During the freeze and thaw cycle that takes place in many cold areas, nutrients are being fed down into the soil and it is being prepared naturally for another year's growth. You can hurry this process along and actually make the garden more rich and ready for an awesome garden by adding things to it before the cold weather comes.
One of the best ways for you to be able to do this is to add some organic compost to your garden whenever the last plants are removed. You actually start to prepare this compost in advance so that you have a rich abundance of it whenever the growing season is finished. Spread it out thin over the garden and allow it to soak in during the long winter and in the spring. You can then till it in completely whenever it comes time to plant your new garden and you will get some great vegetables and plants because there will be a lot of life existing in the soil.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Fight Garden Bugs With Garden Bugs
Even though gardening is a relatively trouble-free hobby, there are some things that can cause us some problems from time to time. Typically, the only problem that we run into, other than weeds, are bugs that want to take a first bite of everything that we are growing. If you're trying to keep your garden organic, and I really suggest that you do, you will be left with very few options when it comes to fighting these pests.
Believe it or not, your best line of defense against harmful bugs are bugs. Although it may sound rather strange, if you add some of the right kind of bugs in your garden, they will feed on these harmful insects and leave behind a garden that is pest free and totally organic. What kind of bugs can you use in order to get rid of these harmful invaders?
Actually, there are two different types of bugs that are commonly used. The praying mantis is able to eat an amazing amount of insects and does no harm to any of the plants in your garden. The same is also true of the ladybug and they are an interesting thing to have around as well as adding some welcome color to the environment. Each of these is available in an egg form through most of your local garden shops or through mail order. All that is really necessary for you to do is to hatch these insects and release them into yur garden environment. Before you know it, you will have taken control of the pest situation.
Believe it or not, your best line of defense against harmful bugs are bugs. Although it may sound rather strange, if you add some of the right kind of bugs in your garden, they will feed on these harmful insects and leave behind a garden that is pest free and totally organic. What kind of bugs can you use in order to get rid of these harmful invaders?
Actually, there are two different types of bugs that are commonly used. The praying mantis is able to eat an amazing amount of insects and does no harm to any of the plants in your garden. The same is also true of the ladybug and they are an interesting thing to have around as well as adding some welcome color to the environment. Each of these is available in an egg form through most of your local garden shops or through mail order. All that is really necessary for you to do is to hatch these insects and release them into yur garden environment. Before you know it, you will have taken control of the pest situation.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Growing Your Garden Indoors
Most of us that grow a vegetable garden for a hobby get a feeling of excitement whenever spring time is near. It is typically something that we look forward to all winter long and it signals the beginning of another great growing season for most of us. The fact of the matter is, you really don't need to stop your gardening efforts whenever the weather turns colder. All you really need to do is to bring those efforts inside.
Although most of us don't have the room to plant a full out garden in our homes, it is possible for us to dabble a little bit and even to grow some herbs and vegetables during the cold winter months. All that you really need is some kind of a medium in which to plant your plants, either soil from the outside or by artificial means and to make sure that you are watering the plants on a regular basis as well as giving them enough sunlight.
Some people enjoy growing a garden indoors so much that they actually keep one going all year long. There really is no need for you to take these plants outside and they will continue to grow happily, even as your garden is growing in your yard as well. Imagine how good it will be to use these fresh herbs while you were cooking and to put vegetables on the table. It's an amazing way to enjoy your hobby year round and to make sure that it doesn't go south for the winter.
Although most of us don't have the room to plant a full out garden in our homes, it is possible for us to dabble a little bit and even to grow some herbs and vegetables during the cold winter months. All that you really need is some kind of a medium in which to plant your plants, either soil from the outside or by artificial means and to make sure that you are watering the plants on a regular basis as well as giving them enough sunlight.
Some people enjoy growing a garden indoors so much that they actually keep one going all year long. There really is no need for you to take these plants outside and they will continue to grow happily, even as your garden is growing in your yard as well. Imagine how good it will be to use these fresh herbs while you were cooking and to put vegetables on the table. It's an amazing way to enjoy your hobby year round and to make sure that it doesn't go south for the winter.
Friday, July 25, 2008
A Garden For The Birds
If you are a bird lover, then you can use your garden to attract these feathered friends.
One thing you can do in your garden to attract the birds is to have water available for them as birds love water. You could have a fountain, a bird bath, or a goldfish pond. Just don't let the water stagnate as this will make it a mosquito magnet.
Put some bird houses in your garden and before you know it there will be baby birds hatching. Trees for building nests is also a good way to attreact some birds.
You can also put out bird feeders but make sure they are the type that the squirrels can't get into or your bird seed will disappear rapidly.
There is nothing like birdsong to fill your garden with peace and tranquility. Sitting in your garden will be something you can look forward to as you relax and watch your birds and listen to their birdsong.
One thing you can do in your garden to attract the birds is to have water available for them as birds love water. You could have a fountain, a bird bath, or a goldfish pond. Just don't let the water stagnate as this will make it a mosquito magnet.
Put some bird houses in your garden and before you know it there will be baby birds hatching. Trees for building nests is also a good way to attreact some birds.
You can also put out bird feeders but make sure they are the type that the squirrels can't get into or your bird seed will disappear rapidly.
There is nothing like birdsong to fill your garden with peace and tranquility. Sitting in your garden will be something you can look forward to as you relax and watch your birds and listen to their birdsong.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Growing Miniature Roses
Most people tend to think of miniature roses as only indoor plants but they will grow just as well outside. They can grow up to five feet high, so if using them indoors you need to take that into consideration.
The maintenance of these roses is not much different than with your other roses. They need direct sunlight to stay full and healthy.
Miniature roses need water at least once a week. Be sure and clean off all of the leaves to keep down insects and dust.
There are several options of where to grow your miniature roses. They can be put in hanging baskets or flower pots and in the ground. The most important thing to consider is where they will get the best sunlight. If you have them in a flower pot or hanging basket, be sure they have sufficient room to grow and transplant them to a larger pot or basket when necessary.
If you plant your miniature roses outside, pay close attention to their watering needs. Also be sure to cover them well in freezing temperatures. It is a good idea to keep a layer of mulch around them to protect and help retain their moisture.
Miniature roses in the house is not something you see as often as other indoor plants. Be adventurous! Be unique! Put some miniature roses in your house and before you know, everyone you know will be growing them when they see how beautiful they are.
The maintenance of these roses is not much different than with your other roses. They need direct sunlight to stay full and healthy.
Miniature roses need water at least once a week. Be sure and clean off all of the leaves to keep down insects and dust.
There are several options of where to grow your miniature roses. They can be put in hanging baskets or flower pots and in the ground. The most important thing to consider is where they will get the best sunlight. If you have them in a flower pot or hanging basket, be sure they have sufficient room to grow and transplant them to a larger pot or basket when necessary.
If you plant your miniature roses outside, pay close attention to their watering needs. Also be sure to cover them well in freezing temperatures. It is a good idea to keep a layer of mulch around them to protect and help retain their moisture.
Miniature roses in the house is not something you see as often as other indoor plants. Be adventurous! Be unique! Put some miniature roses in your house and before you know, everyone you know will be growing them when they see how beautiful they are.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Vines In The Garden
Vines can be used as a decoration or to hide something unattractive, like an ugly fence. Vines do not require a lot of maintenance once they are started and they grow quickly. You just need to decide which type of vine will be of most benefit to you.
Ivy is one of the most frequently used as it will climb on anything very quickly. It can also be used as a ground cover. Be careful to keep it off your house or other buildings as it may deteriorate that building.
Some vines have little tendrils that will attach to nearly any surface. If you use a vine such as a Virginia Creeper, in a few months you could cover a whole wall. Sometimes these vines can get out of control and take over your garden or house. Be vigilant and be ready to prune if the vines get out of hand.
Some vines twine and are good to put on lattices. They can be trained to climb up mesh or trees. You can really dress up a pergola with vines very quickly. They do take some guiding when first getting started, but it will be worth the extra effort as you watch them follow the path you have set them on.
One of the best features of vines is the ease of getting them started. They will thrive and grow quickly. If you've never used vines in your garden, you might want to give them a try for a different look and architecture in your yard and garden.
Marilyn Roberts
Ivy is one of the most frequently used as it will climb on anything very quickly. It can also be used as a ground cover. Be careful to keep it off your house or other buildings as it may deteriorate that building.
Some vines have little tendrils that will attach to nearly any surface. If you use a vine such as a Virginia Creeper, in a few months you could cover a whole wall. Sometimes these vines can get out of control and take over your garden or house. Be vigilant and be ready to prune if the vines get out of hand.
Some vines twine and are good to put on lattices. They can be trained to climb up mesh or trees. You can really dress up a pergola with vines very quickly. They do take some guiding when first getting started, but it will be worth the extra effort as you watch them follow the path you have set them on.
One of the best features of vines is the ease of getting them started. They will thrive and grow quickly. If you've never used vines in your garden, you might want to give them a try for a different look and architecture in your yard and garden.
Marilyn Roberts
Mulching Your Garden Tips
Using your grass clippings as a mulch across your yard will help stop evaporation and cut down on the growth of weeds. Therefore, you won't have to water your yard as often. You can spread out the clippings so that your yard still looks good.
Also, if your plants are not as green as you would like, you could layer some grass clippings around them and they will benefit the same as your yard would.
If you do a lot of pruning you can use the twigs and branches to make some mulch. You can use a wood chipper and produce a lot of free mulch this way.
If your plants are not growing as well as they used to, then you may need to replenish your mulch. the organic mulch will decompose over time and use up a lot of the nitrogen in the soil. This is a nutrient all plants need so watch your plants carefully and be aware of when you need to replenish your mulch.
Marilyn Roberts
Also, if your plants are not as green as you would like, you could layer some grass clippings around them and they will benefit the same as your yard would.
If you do a lot of pruning you can use the twigs and branches to make some mulch. You can use a wood chipper and produce a lot of free mulch this way.
If your plants are not growing as well as they used to, then you may need to replenish your mulch. the organic mulch will decompose over time and use up a lot of the nitrogen in the soil. This is a nutrient all plants need so watch your plants carefully and be aware of when you need to replenish your mulch.
Marilyn Roberts
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