Tim’s Square Foot Garden – A Quick Garden Tour, July 3, 2009

A quick tour of Tim’s Square Foot Garden on July 3, 2009. For more gardening information please visit the following web site: timssquarefootgarden.com

Quick Gardening: Basic Gardening Tips for Beginners

Basic Gardening Tips for Beginners

You’ve decided to plant a garden but you need basic gardening tips for beginners, this is the place to be. Gardening has become a delightful hobby for people all over the world.

There are many rewards for the gardener, the visuals of his creation, the scent of the blooms, great fresh air and lots of exercise. Imagine a weekend spent in the yard with your feet up drinking in the spectacular gardens that you have created the fruits of your labor and love. If you are a beginner gardener, here are some basic gardening tips. No matter how much room you have, you can create a masterpiece garden.

The basic garden tips for beginners will help you create new gardens and make it a successful and joyful experience. In the beginning go slowly, start small but use your imagination. Choose a project that will not take a long time to complete. If it takes you weeks to finish a project you will get frustrated and start to hate the project you wanted to enjoy. Even if you have 75 or 100 square feet you will be amazed at how much you can plant.

If you are determined to have a larger project, then work in sections and turn your attention to one area at a time. This way as each section is finished you can enjoy that completed job. This will also build up your confidence as you go along making the next section not so daunting.

But for a beginner gardener a small scale garden is optimal. You are going to have to learn the basics of gardening, all about disease, the best way to control weeds and pests, the all important watering and when and how to fertilize. After your initial project you can enlarge the garden or plant one somewhere else in your yard with your new found confidence.

To cut down on the weeding of your garden, place mulch around the plants. This serves three purposes; it cuts down on weeding, as well as aiding in temperature control and water retention. Granted there are some gardeners that love to work the soil and weed the plants but it would be more rewarding to tending to the plants or just watching them grow. To maintain really healthy plants water for longer periods of time but less frequently. Do not let the plants dry out. Always water early in the morning so the plant leaves have time to dry out during the day which helps prevent fungal disease.

After planting, try to have your garden remain pesticide free. An especially good natural deterrent is as follows:

In a jar, combine 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty spray bottle, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture and 1 cup water. Use at ten-day intervals (or more often if needed) to rid plants of whiteflies, mites, aphids, scales, and other pests.

These are the basic gardening tips for beginners. Remember, that you can create lovely gardens in containers which you can move around as you please. There are hundreds of different plant combinations and containers that you can use for a container garden. So, if you are an apartment or condo dweller, you can plant lovely gardens on your balcony or patio. The basic tip here is that container gardens will dry out much faster than the plants in the ground so be vigilant about checking them for moisture.

Happy Gardening And Good Luck!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

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Quick Gardening: Flower Gardening Tips- 10 Worthwhile And Handy Flower Gardening Tips!

Flower Gardening Tips- 10 Worthwhile And Handy Flower Gardening Tips!

Anyone can sow seeds or plant seedlings, but to be able to create a breathtakingly beautiful flower garden is something different altogether! And this is where flower gardening tips will come in really useful, transforming something ordinary into something extraordinary! So the aesthetically-inclined gardener would benefit by keeping a sharp lookout for any hints that come his way!

The list of tips keep increasing as people make newer discoveries, but even the most avid gardener cannot keep track of all of them or apply all of them! Here are a few suggestions on what type of flower gardening tips one should basically look out for–

(1) Any garden starts with a designated area, and it is no different for a flower garden. The gardener has to decide on a focal point that captures a visitor’s attention. The center of attraction could be some object or even a gate–it should stand out among the surrounding plants. Ornamental grasses can increase the height of the garden and even add a different texture.

(2) It would be wise to search for those flower gardening tips that give guidance on planning for a year-round garden. They will provide advice on creating a harmonious ecosystem, as well as the plants best suited to that particular environment.

(3) There are plenty of flower gardening tips concerning soil requirements. Soil is an odd mixture of rocks, silt, minerals, sand, loam, clay and organic matter. It can have different pH levels at varied loctions. Checking out these levels beforehand is extremely essential as each species of flower plant and pH level should match.

(4) The pH level indicates nothing else but the quantity of hydrogen ions present in that particular soil. For instance, regions with heavy rainfall produce acidic soil. Addition of limestone neutralizes the effects. In arid or dry areas, sulphur can counteract the effects of acidic soil.

(5) In any kind of soil, addition of compost provides the proper nutrients required to balance the pH level.

(6) If fine gravel is placed under the soil, it facilitates proper drainage. Additionally, moisture retention and control of excessive weed growth is possible with the laying of mulch on top of the soil. Mulch is created from forest floor debris that is allowed to decompose (also called humus).

(7) Coming to the plants themselves, a variety of choices as well as flower gardening tips are available.

There are perennials that grow beyond a single growing season. They flower year after year.

Annual flowers are different. The plant does not last beyond one season–it germinates, grows buds and blossoms, then dies. Bulbs have to be re-planted before the next season, that is, around fall season.

The best flowers are those that survive all seasons. A garden with such flowers will never seem empty! How is this achieved? The gardener cannot have the entire garden covered with one species alone. So different all-season flowers of different species are chosen. Since each species blooms at alternative times, the garden gives the appearance of luxuriant growth!

(8) And that is what seasoned veterans advocate–to mix and match a variety of textures and colors of blossoms to the optimum level! The result is sheer magic!

(9) Sometimes, plants need to be transplanted from a container to the soil in an outside garden. According to flower gardening tips, careful attention has to be paid to the roots to ensure that the root system gets sufficient amount of space to expand as well as receive adequate water. The roots should be stimulated to grow in their new environment. The roots should go deep enough for the plant to remain resilient in all weather conditions.

(10) Furthermore, the time of day has to be taken into consideration while transplanting. The day had better be overcast or cool. And early morning or late afternoon is the best time, according to teh experts providing flower gardening tips.

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Quick Gardening: How To Choose A Garden Kneeler

How To Choose A Garden Kneeler

Most people who love to garden can tell many stories about the damage that has occurred to their knees and back over the course of several years tending and maintaining a thriving garden. The constant bending, pulling, kneeling, and planting is done, for the most part, on your knees and all of the pressure points from the back to the feet are affected by the continuous effort that one puts into caring for their garden. Using a garden kneeler is a critical piece of equipment for the avid gardener. This one piece of garden equipment will help you to maintain and enjoy your garden for several years.

Before you begin your search for the perfect kneeler, there will be a few steps to take to help you in selecting the unit that will work best for you. A person with a raised garden will not need the same type of bench or cushion that a person who is working directly in flower beds will need.

Most people have a basic cushion kneeler on hand for quick gardening and weeding chores. These cushions are very light and usually have a handle cut into the cushion that makes them very easy to carry or attach to your garden tool box. The cushions normally are about 3/4″ thick and designed from the same kind of foam that pool tubes are made from. They are water resistant and available in bright colors so that they do not get lost easily. These types of kneelers are great for short term use, but can become uncomfortable if you are weeding a large garden.

The down side of the cushion kneeler is that it crushes foliage and plants. These cushions are meant to be used on walkways or on grass. It is difficult to use them effectively between rows of plants because their size can easily crush flowers or vegetables when you kneel on it.

Bench style kneelers are made in multiple designs and styles that make extensive gardening very comfortable. The units are made from polyurethane molds or heavy duty steel frames and fold easily. The cushion is attached to the frame and does not come loose easily. Many people keep this kneeler on a hook by their other garden tools or in a garden tool box.

The kneeler provides important support to both the back and knees when you are doing major weeding, planting, and bending. There are ergonomic kneelers made which also relieve pressure from the legs and lower back. These kneelers provide substantial support to all of the pressure points of the body affected by bending, kneeling, and squatting in a garden. The kneelers are designed to fit between rows or flowers or vegetables without crushing the plants.

Testing different types of units will help you to find the most comfortable and versatile garden kneeler for your needs. Many people find that getting a cushion kneeler and two or three bench kneelers gives them the kind of functionality that is required when a person is maintaining a beautiful garden.

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Quick Gardening: Some Great Gardening Tips

Some Great Gardening Tips

A garden is the reflection of ones choice for the outdoors and landscaping. Building a garden is a labor of joy but it is not easy to maintain a garden in its perfect state. Most people prefer smaller gardens for their home as it need less maintenance as well as less time, energy and money. Whatever the size, every garden needs special care to make it bloom and blossom round the year. Gardening tips from experts or professionals guide us through this onerous process. Gardening tips are meant to give the gardener all the guidance he needs to make the garden perfect. The tips differ from garden to garden.

Easy gardening tips

Tip #1 – Gardens not only give a pictorial value to the property but also have other benefits like organic food growth if one loves a kitchen garden idea. For such multi-purpose gardens make sure that you do not have plants that attract too many pests and need pesticides which might have adverse effect on the kitchen garden.

Tip #2 -In a small garden or for house plants make sure they get regular attention to curb overgrowth and have regular pest and weed control.

Tip #3 -The water flow and air circulation in the garden should be adequate so that garden remains fresh.

Tip #4 -The garden grasses should be regularly mowed.

Tip #5 -The plants should be selected according to the climate of the place where the garden is situated.

Tip #6 -If the garden gives priority to the wildlife, attention should be given to their food and shelter.

Tip #7 -The vegetable garden needs proper fertilizers whereas the water garden needs proper water planning while a butterfly garden should have proper plants and climate.

Tip #8 -For the patios and the flooring one should also give proper attention to the quality of the bricks.

Tip #9 -The garden furniture for the garden should also be given a proper notice. Appropriate garden furniture gives an aesthetic value to the landscape.

Tip #10 -A garden is that part of a house full of children need to be safe and free from accident zones. Grasses hide uneven ground, and also give a cushion so that the children dont get hurt while playing. Paths and paved areas should also be smooth, level, and firm.

Even an experienced gardener needs to know the updated gardening tips and techniques in order to expand his knowledge. This knowledge combined with his experiences and observations on indoor or outdoor gardening strengthens the garden idea and maintenance plan. Plants are versatile creatures. They want to grow and will grow in simple soil, with very little sunlight, and little cultivation. All one really needs to do it is regularly water them and provide them with occasional shade and sun as required by their genetic design.

How to keep your tomato plants healthy. Award winning garden expert Steve Brookes shares great fun and informative gardening tips.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Grow a Beautiful Garden the Water Wise Way

Grow a beautiful garden the water wise way

Saving water and enjoying the beauty and environmental benefits of plants are not only possible, but easy says the American Association of Nurserymen (AAN). “Water Wise” gardening is built on some basic, commonsense principles:

Planning

Planning a water wise garden or landscape is as easy and fun-as planning any type of garden. Talk to the professionals at your local center/landscape firm to see which plants will do well in your area. You may be surprised to find that some very beautiful, colorful plants are low on water consumption-and they may fit into your landscape perfectly.

Group together plants that require the same amount of water. Plant trees and shrubs to provide shade to cool buildings, air conditioning units, patios, decks, and other landscape features.  Shelter container plants by moving them to shady areas. Spike or aerate lawns to insure maximum water penetration. Control weeds which compete with useful plants for water.

Soil Improvement

Soil improvement is another easy and beneficial step in building a water wise garden. Soil that is well prepared at the time of planting influences the plant’s initial development and yields the best results. And plants placed in the proper soil will be healthier, often needing less water.

Soil characteristics include texture, structure, depth, and nutrients. To find out more about your soil content, test your soil with the following garden products: Accugrow Soil Test Kit or the Sunleaves Three-Way Meter.  

Wise Irrigation

Efficient irrigation is a critical part of water wise gardening. Your irrigation system can be simple, such as a hand-held hose, or elaborate, such as an in-ground sprinkler system. Consider a drip water conservation system, which can save up to 60% of water used by sprinkler irrigation. Whatever you choose, make sure you plan your watering to get best results.

Deep, infrequent watering, promotes root growth and is the wisest use of water and encourages strong rooting. This provides greater tolerance to dry spells.  Water early in the day, and on less windy days, to reduce evaporation loss. The ideal time is from dawn to 9:00 a.m.   Turn off sprinklers before water is wasted as runoff into gutters and streets.

Mulching

Mulching is always a benefit to your garden and can help prevent soil erosion and evaporation, conserving the water that is available and keeping your plants healthy and strong.

Maintenance

Maintaining your water wise garden means learning how to water all over again. You may find that watering less means having more time to sit back and enjoy your garden. Generally, plants should be watered less often and for a long period of time. Drip, soaker, or deep root watering promotes healthy plants and less water use.

Water Wise Gardening Tips

Follow these handy watering tips from AAN, and you’ll soon be started on your own environmentally sound garden or landscape.  For garden products mentioned in this article, please visit http://www.spray-n-growgardening.com

Outdoor Power Equipment [Magazine Subscription]

Book featuring operation, troubleshooting, and service information for the maintainance and repair of common outdoor equipment such as lawnmowers, garden tractors, leaf blowers, and chain saws.

Book featuring operation, troubleshooting, and service information for the maintainance and repair of common outdoor equipment such as lawnmowers, garden tractors, leaf blowers, and chain saws.

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Havahart 5250 Electronic Deer Repellent

From the Manufacturer

This electronic repellent for deer uses a unique patented technology that attracts deer short range – luring animals that have already wandered onto your property. Simply place a few drops of the acorn scented deer lure onto a cotton ball, install the batteries into the head unit, snap the post together, and stake it in your yard. When the deer repellent is properly placed near a deer path, the lure will attract deer to the posts. Upon contact, the deer receive a gentle static shock (likened to static electric shock received from carpeting, etc.) conditioning them to stay away from your yard. The green and silver colors of the posts blend with your yard, but the tops are bright red to alert humans that they are dangerous. Economical and effective, this electronic repellent for deer is impervious to heat and cold and works like an electric fence, but without the wires! The deer repellent creates a psychological barrier to the deer that manipulates i (more…)

Overland Equipment Pescadero 422-00-47-39-00 (Brown / Garden Green Print)

Some bags you carry and others you wear. The Pescadero drapes across the body like a layer of clothing. The simple construction allows for a double layer of fabric to pad the shoulder strap. A magnet closure at the top keeps it all secure.Constructed of hemp and soy inkOrganic cotton liner with zippered valuables pocketMagnet closure.

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Homemade Contrivances and How to Make Them: 1001 Labor-Saving Devices for Farm, Garden, Dairy, and Workshop (Kindle Edition)

The traditional American devices contained in this intriguing compilation date from an era long before milking machines, pesticide sprayers, and industrial hay bailers.  Yet the simple inventions described for doing everything from managing young bulls to protecting drain outlets can be just as useful for today’s farmer as they were for the homesteaders of over a century ago.  Discover how to make such items as a movable nest for hens, a ribless boat, a contraption to extricate a mired animal, a farm cart with adjustable racks for larger loads, a wire fence tightener, a fruit picker, a grindstone set and frame, and much more.  This book is a boon for the rancher, farmer, or anyone who loves the rural life.

About the Author

Orange Judd (July 26, 1822 – December 27, 1892) was an American agricultural chemist, editor, and publisher.

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