Gardens come in different varieties like the plants you find in them. There are several gardening tips that can be used for all type of gardens.
1.Mulching protects your garden topsoil from being blown away. It also provides nutrients as it decomposes and improves the appearance of your gardens. Mulching has other benefits and is one of the most recommended gardening tips by gardeners and farmers alike.
2.Healthy plants are more disease resistant. Plants are like people, a person with a strong immune system can combat diseases. A healthy plant does the same.
3. Pests can be eradicated by cleaning the plant with a watery solution of soap. Just make sure to rinse after. This gardening tip is best heeded for fruit bearing trees or edible plants.
4. Using compost fertilizers are a great way to have healthy plants. It is also a great way to save money on expensive fertilizers. Non -organic fertilizers also tend to leave chemical residues that can accumulate in garden soils and harm not only the plants but the gardeners as well. They cause toxins to go to the water supplies. Another gardening tip recommended not just by farmers and gardeners but also by environmentalists.
5. There are several plants that are only suitable for a specified climate, a certain kind of soil or can only grow with certain plants. You have to know what plant grow in the conditions you have in your area this is for you to avoid unnecessary purchases. This is a money saving gardening tip.
6.Landscaping is a good investment which can double the value of your home. This is one gardening tip that can earn you money.
7. Growing grass on bare ground is an easy way to make your home look better and appreciate in value. This is one gardening tip that promotes earning money while growing grass legally.
8. Aside from looking great in your home, trees also provide some sort of protection from direct sunlight exposure and strong winds.
9. Vines on the walls, fences and overhead structures also would offer some protection and would also look great.
10.Flowers are beautiful, but they are also expensive. Get one that is resistant to many elements. Flowers from your local community already have developed resistance to conditions present in your area.
11.For most gardens plants, their roots go only as deep as 6 inches. Putting fertilizer deeper than that would be a waste of money. Put them shallower as they seep down when the plants are being watered.
12.Earthworms are important to plants. They till and aerate the soil for the roots to breathe. Non-organic fertilizers can kill them. This gardening tip dates back to the old days of gardening.
13. Having several kinds of insects that are beneficial to your garden would be good. These insects can be encouraged to stay by having diverse plants in your garden.
14. Spot spraying weeds with household vinegar, instead of using commercial weed-killers, can eradicate them. This is another environment friendly gardening tip.
15. Avoid putting too much mulch on tree trunks; this would encourage unwanted pests to reside on them.
16. Use plant varieties that are common to your area or have been taken from an area with similar conditions.
17. Be sure to know the plants that are poisonous. If you are intent on growing them, make sure to have the necessary cure available in your household. Take note of this gardening tip, it can save your life.
18. The best time to water plants is during mornings.
19. Before planting a new plant in your garden, you must consider its height and size when it matures. This garden tip can help you save money in the future.
20. Newly transplanted plants may require special attention during its first week. This is to reduce the stress and shock it got during transplantation.
And last but not the least of the gardening tips...
21.Plants are living entities. If you want them to grow in your garden you have to treat them as such. They need to be taken care of. They are like your pets, you look out for them. In return you get that feeling of contentment watching them thrive.
A good way to take care of them is to consider that plants might have some feelings too.
more gardening tips here
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mat_Nayie
Monday, 12 April 2010
Sunday, 4 April 2010
Types of Garden Tools Required For Gardening
A garden tool is equipment that is used for gardening, agriculture or horticulture. There are a number of garden tools available in the market, however you might or might not require every tool for gardening. The tool size and requirement of a particular tool depend on the size of your garden and other physical conditions of your garden such as soil conditions, strength required to plough your garden, the plants or grass you prefer to grow in your garden etc.
Some of the common types of tools used for gardening include hand tools, power tools, cutting tools, pruning tools, wheelbarrows, watering tools, etc.
Hand Tools:
o The most common type of garden tools used by majority of people all across the globe is still hand tool especially if the garden is small. These garden tools are in use since long time.
o If you use your garden for growing vegetables or you just want to landscape it, you need some of the common hand tools such as spade, garden rake, hoe, garden fork and trowel.
o All these equipments are available in varying sizes and depending on your strength you can buy the particular equipment that suits your requirement.
o You may require spade, shovel, hoe and forks generally, however your requirement will depend on size of your garden and various other factors.
Power Tools:
o The second type of garden tools comes under the category of power tools. In addition to the hand tools, people also use power tools for landscaping and growing various vegetables especially if the garden is bigger.
o The most common power tool required by the people is tiller or rotary tiller.
o Tiller blades make the soil loose so that it becomes ready for planting. It generally comes in two models front-tines and rare-tines and if you have a small garden, front-tines tiller will be the best choice for you.
Other garden tools:
o You may also require pruning or cutting tools especially if your garden is large and have various types of plants that require pruning from time to time.
So, for an easy and enjoyable gardening, you should have the required garden tools.
Depending on your garden area and the types of grass, flowers, vegetables or other items grown in the garden, you will need a few or all of the above tools.
If you are an avid gardener Please visit [http://www.garden-tools-guide.com] for more information about Garden Tools [http://www.garden-tools-guide.com] and all your other gardening requirements.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashish_K_Arora
Some of the common types of tools used for gardening include hand tools, power tools, cutting tools, pruning tools, wheelbarrows, watering tools, etc.
Hand Tools:
o The most common type of garden tools used by majority of people all across the globe is still hand tool especially if the garden is small. These garden tools are in use since long time.
o If you use your garden for growing vegetables or you just want to landscape it, you need some of the common hand tools such as spade, garden rake, hoe, garden fork and trowel.
o All these equipments are available in varying sizes and depending on your strength you can buy the particular equipment that suits your requirement.
o You may require spade, shovel, hoe and forks generally, however your requirement will depend on size of your garden and various other factors.
Power Tools:
o The second type of garden tools comes under the category of power tools. In addition to the hand tools, people also use power tools for landscaping and growing various vegetables especially if the garden is bigger.
o The most common power tool required by the people is tiller or rotary tiller.
o Tiller blades make the soil loose so that it becomes ready for planting. It generally comes in two models front-tines and rare-tines and if you have a small garden, front-tines tiller will be the best choice for you.
Other garden tools:
o You may also require pruning or cutting tools especially if your garden is large and have various types of plants that require pruning from time to time.
So, for an easy and enjoyable gardening, you should have the required garden tools.
Depending on your garden area and the types of grass, flowers, vegetables or other items grown in the garden, you will need a few or all of the above tools.
If you are an avid gardener Please visit [http://www.garden-tools-guide.com] for more information about Garden Tools [http://www.garden-tools-guide.com] and all your other gardening requirements.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashish_K_Arora
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
A Few Gardening Tips For You
Below are some gardening tips that I feel are worth mentioning, and may possibly get you on your way to earning your green thumb. There are never to many gardening tips and I will just brush up on a few to get you started. I am sure if you do a search in Google for "gardening tips", you will have more at your disposal than you can ever ask for.
You could also try garden magazines and books and even gardening clubs. There is plenty of knowledge to go around. The list below will sum up tips on planning your plot, soil preparation, mulch, compost and the watering of the plot.
Garden Tip Number 1
Always plan out your garden before you start digging away at your yard. A good way to start is to take a long look at your garden a try to picture your finished product. Take into account the hight the plants can grow to, the sun spectrum, and the proximity to a water source. Once you see a place you like take a seat and start your gardening plot plan on paper. This way you can get more detailed and include things that you may forget otherwise. Make sure to include in your plans the proximity of your garden hose or garden hose reel and fixture.
Garden Tip 2
Possibly the most important tip of all is correct soil preparation and mixture. It is extremely important to use the non toxic soil nutrients when you are growing anything that you plan on eventually consuming.If you are growing vegetables in your garden then a homemade compost is by far the best fertilizer for your garden. The results will speak for themselves. It is not as hard as you think. Do some research and you would be surprised. If compost is not available the next option is mulch. If you are going to go with this rout, it is best to look for soft woods such as redwood or spruce. Softer woods have an easier time breaking down and spreading the nutrients to the soil in the bed. If you are not growing vegetables there are loads of fertilizers that can fit your project. Just go to your local nursery and they will lead you in the right direction. When you decide on your fertilizer, make sure everything is mixed well and aerated properly. A garden tiller can make this part of the job a lot easier but is not necessary.
Garden Tip 3
Once your plant area is picked out and the soil in properly spread in your garden, you can then start laying your plants in the pattern you thought up in your plans. Laying the plants out can give you a better picture of your end results. It is also best to arrange the plants from the largest growing in the back and decreasing toward the fron of the garden. You can group the plants together according to characteristics. This way you can get the most out of your area with all the plants getting the full benefit of the suns rays. This alone can make a huge difference.
Garden Tip 4
It is always best to use gardening sprinklers but this is not always possible for your first garden. If you cannot afford garden sprinkler you can still automate the garden with a hose attachment sprinkler.You can use timers that attach to the hose fixture and place the sprinkler wherever needed and this can make the watering automated also. You might still need to use the garden hose here and there. If you don't mind watering than a garden hose and garden hose reel setup can work nice and fulfill all the necessary watering you need.Another option is the drip irrigation systems although this will also cost you a little more.
Though the above tips are very important for the basics of your garden you can get a lot more from doing your own research on the internet search engine, ordering a book, or joining a garden club. Ordering a magazine or joining a club can help a lot as you get new informative tips every month. I hope the tips are helpful and wish you good luck on your green thumb quest. You will be there before you know it.
Simon Moris is a horticulture specialist with more than a decade experience. For more Gardening Tips visit his site at: http://www.ourgardensource.com/Gardening/Gardening-Tips.php
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Morris
You could also try garden magazines and books and even gardening clubs. There is plenty of knowledge to go around. The list below will sum up tips on planning your plot, soil preparation, mulch, compost and the watering of the plot.
Garden Tip Number 1
Always plan out your garden before you start digging away at your yard. A good way to start is to take a long look at your garden a try to picture your finished product. Take into account the hight the plants can grow to, the sun spectrum, and the proximity to a water source. Once you see a place you like take a seat and start your gardening plot plan on paper. This way you can get more detailed and include things that you may forget otherwise. Make sure to include in your plans the proximity of your garden hose or garden hose reel and fixture.
Garden Tip 2
Possibly the most important tip of all is correct soil preparation and mixture. It is extremely important to use the non toxic soil nutrients when you are growing anything that you plan on eventually consuming.If you are growing vegetables in your garden then a homemade compost is by far the best fertilizer for your garden. The results will speak for themselves. It is not as hard as you think. Do some research and you would be surprised. If compost is not available the next option is mulch. If you are going to go with this rout, it is best to look for soft woods such as redwood or spruce. Softer woods have an easier time breaking down and spreading the nutrients to the soil in the bed. If you are not growing vegetables there are loads of fertilizers that can fit your project. Just go to your local nursery and they will lead you in the right direction. When you decide on your fertilizer, make sure everything is mixed well and aerated properly. A garden tiller can make this part of the job a lot easier but is not necessary.
Garden Tip 3
Once your plant area is picked out and the soil in properly spread in your garden, you can then start laying your plants in the pattern you thought up in your plans. Laying the plants out can give you a better picture of your end results. It is also best to arrange the plants from the largest growing in the back and decreasing toward the fron of the garden. You can group the plants together according to characteristics. This way you can get the most out of your area with all the plants getting the full benefit of the suns rays. This alone can make a huge difference.
Garden Tip 4
It is always best to use gardening sprinklers but this is not always possible for your first garden. If you cannot afford garden sprinkler you can still automate the garden with a hose attachment sprinkler.You can use timers that attach to the hose fixture and place the sprinkler wherever needed and this can make the watering automated also. You might still need to use the garden hose here and there. If you don't mind watering than a garden hose and garden hose reel setup can work nice and fulfill all the necessary watering you need.Another option is the drip irrigation systems although this will also cost you a little more.
Though the above tips are very important for the basics of your garden you can get a lot more from doing your own research on the internet search engine, ordering a book, or joining a garden club. Ordering a magazine or joining a club can help a lot as you get new informative tips every month. I hope the tips are helpful and wish you good luck on your green thumb quest. You will be there before you know it.
Simon Moris is a horticulture specialist with more than a decade experience. For more Gardening Tips visit his site at: http://www.ourgardensource.com/Gardening/Gardening-Tips.php
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Morris
Monday, 29 March 2010
Vegetable Gardening - Which Type Will Suit You?
Every gardener has his own set way of growing things, this is what makes him suitable for certain gardening styles. If you know this yourself and your gardening style, then you will adapt the growing of your organic garden to your abilities. This will be a big help for the yield of your vegetables. Doing this will pretty much give you an edge over other gardening enthusiasts. But the Question is, just what are these different gardening types? This article will cover some of the types that you may consider suit you.
Residential Gardening
You will find that this type of gardening is the most common of all the gardening techniques. If you have just started or are a beginner may not be ready or inclined to produce vegetables for commercial reasons yet, Thus, residential gardening will be just right for you. The main objective of residential gardening is to try and sustain a family of two with a regular supply of vegetables.
Residential gardening requires very little space. It can also be done in window boxes on balconies and on many other small areas that are available to you, that is as long as they have enough of a light source. Growing this way is easy for you to monitor, also it is easy to maintain as well, which means you can keep on top of any nasty little pests. The best thing about residential gardening is that way it ushers the gardening wannabe with ease from having no prior planting experience to expanding to the various other gardening styles
Specialized Gardening
Specialized gardening is normally for non residential areas that are often marketed as parks, botanical gardens, amusement parks and other tourist attractions fall under this category. Normally a staff is required to maintain these places, this is due to there size, also administrative skills will be required on top of gardening expertise.
Indoor Gardening
Indoor gardening comes under the huge scope of residential gardening. The types that come in this category are conservatories, greenhouses and academic institutions. Buildings with heating and air conditioning may used to grow certain types of plants. If you are the type of gardener who really loves cultivating plants in and out of season, then indoor gardening is for you
Water Gardening
If you want a garden that requires only minimal supervision, then water gardening will be for you. This can normally be quit a bit of a challenge for most gardeners, this is because it moves away from the traditional gardening techniques that most people are used to. But this style appeals to many because of the aesthetic look it brings to there garden.
So there you have a few different styles to help give you an idea on what may suit you, there are many more for you to choose from yet. Just do a quick search on the internet and choose the garden style to suit you.
Greg F Williams runs a content site about Organic Gardening A popular website that provides free advice and resources to include information on Organic Gardening Tips
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_F_Williams
Residential Gardening
You will find that this type of gardening is the most common of all the gardening techniques. If you have just started or are a beginner may not be ready or inclined to produce vegetables for commercial reasons yet, Thus, residential gardening will be just right for you. The main objective of residential gardening is to try and sustain a family of two with a regular supply of vegetables.
Residential gardening requires very little space. It can also be done in window boxes on balconies and on many other small areas that are available to you, that is as long as they have enough of a light source. Growing this way is easy for you to monitor, also it is easy to maintain as well, which means you can keep on top of any nasty little pests. The best thing about residential gardening is that way it ushers the gardening wannabe with ease from having no prior planting experience to expanding to the various other gardening styles
Specialized Gardening
Specialized gardening is normally for non residential areas that are often marketed as parks, botanical gardens, amusement parks and other tourist attractions fall under this category. Normally a staff is required to maintain these places, this is due to there size, also administrative skills will be required on top of gardening expertise.
Indoor Gardening
Indoor gardening comes under the huge scope of residential gardening. The types that come in this category are conservatories, greenhouses and academic institutions. Buildings with heating and air conditioning may used to grow certain types of plants. If you are the type of gardener who really loves cultivating plants in and out of season, then indoor gardening is for you
Water Gardening
If you want a garden that requires only minimal supervision, then water gardening will be for you. This can normally be quit a bit of a challenge for most gardeners, this is because it moves away from the traditional gardening techniques that most people are used to. But this style appeals to many because of the aesthetic look it brings to there garden.
So there you have a few different styles to help give you an idea on what may suit you, there are many more for you to choose from yet. Just do a quick search on the internet and choose the garden style to suit you.
Greg F Williams runs a content site about Organic Gardening A popular website that provides free advice and resources to include information on Organic Gardening Tips
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_F_Williams
Saturday, 27 March 2010
How To Grow Vegetables
Everybody has vegetables listed in their diet. Vegetables are healthy and should be eaten regularly. It is nice to grow vegetables by yourself and eat them. But the question arises as to how to grow vegetables. We shall further see some tips and hints on how to grow vegetables.
If you are thinking on how to grow vegetables in the house then it is not very difficult. Growing vegetables requires a lot of sunlight. So it is necessary to see that your garden does get sufficient sunlight. Start from the spring season. It is always better to have a vegetable garden close to the kitchen. This way you have easy access into the garden that would provide faster cooking. The seeds need to be soaked and require moisture. Once they are a little plump they are ready to be grown. Some vegetables like cabbage and broccoli do not require you to soak their seeds. Over doing the soaking the process could cause harm to the seeds. Do not leave them overnight.
Thinking of how to grow vegetables in the cold then you will have to utilize tepees that are filled with water around the vegetables that are gentle. There are certain plastic sheets that are available in the market which acts as a barrier to the plant once water is filled. Sun can also easily pass through this sheet so that the plants stay warm later.
Wondering how to grow vegetables that are leggy then, you should be planting them deep inside. If you have planted them inside the house then they may grow a little awkward and tumble in the garden. So if it is more deeply sown then they get more support. Tomatoes require to be planted horizontally in the trench. This is not necessary to be sown deep in the soil. It would grow well without it itself.
Try to avoid cutworms that spoil gentle and tender plants. When planting vegetable plants always try to put them vertically, this would save some place. Vegetables like cucumber, beans, melons etc. can be left to go on trees or pillars rather than spreading them across. All the vegetables require fertilizers timely. So do take care that you take good care of them. This would ensure that they keep giving vegetables at regular intervals.
Cucumbers and melons can easily grow in compost. Any kind of remaining food and fruits can be thrown into them. They would act as manure and see that the vegetable grows well. This is the best way to grow such vegetables.
Robert Grazian is an accomplished niche website developer and author.
To learn more about how to grow vegetables [http://growvegetablesonline.info/how-to-grow-vegetables] visit Grow Vegetables Online [http://growvegetablesonline.info] for current articles and discussions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Grazian
If you are thinking on how to grow vegetables in the house then it is not very difficult. Growing vegetables requires a lot of sunlight. So it is necessary to see that your garden does get sufficient sunlight. Start from the spring season. It is always better to have a vegetable garden close to the kitchen. This way you have easy access into the garden that would provide faster cooking. The seeds need to be soaked and require moisture. Once they are a little plump they are ready to be grown. Some vegetables like cabbage and broccoli do not require you to soak their seeds. Over doing the soaking the process could cause harm to the seeds. Do not leave them overnight.
Thinking of how to grow vegetables in the cold then you will have to utilize tepees that are filled with water around the vegetables that are gentle. There are certain plastic sheets that are available in the market which acts as a barrier to the plant once water is filled. Sun can also easily pass through this sheet so that the plants stay warm later.
Wondering how to grow vegetables that are leggy then, you should be planting them deep inside. If you have planted them inside the house then they may grow a little awkward and tumble in the garden. So if it is more deeply sown then they get more support. Tomatoes require to be planted horizontally in the trench. This is not necessary to be sown deep in the soil. It would grow well without it itself.
Try to avoid cutworms that spoil gentle and tender plants. When planting vegetable plants always try to put them vertically, this would save some place. Vegetables like cucumber, beans, melons etc. can be left to go on trees or pillars rather than spreading them across. All the vegetables require fertilizers timely. So do take care that you take good care of them. This would ensure that they keep giving vegetables at regular intervals.
Cucumbers and melons can easily grow in compost. Any kind of remaining food and fruits can be thrown into them. They would act as manure and see that the vegetable grows well. This is the best way to grow such vegetables.
Robert Grazian is an accomplished niche website developer and author.
To learn more about how to grow vegetables [http://growvegetablesonline.info/how-to-grow-vegetables] visit Grow Vegetables Online [http://growvegetablesonline.info] for current articles and discussions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Grazian
Friday, 26 March 2010
Garden Advice And Tips For People With A Small Garden
Perfect Designs For A Small Garden
The trick to getting the best from a small garden is planning. Before you begin, you need to narrow your wish-list to your top priorities. In a bigger garden, for example, you might have a barbecue area; in a small garden, you may have to settle for a space for a portable barbecue and devise a storage plan when it's not in use. Small family gardens are hardest to plan as you'll need to find room for a play area.
We asked garden designer Katrina Wells of Earth Designs to come up with three different designs. Our tip is to choose light-reflecting colours and add details you'd find indoors, such as mirrors, to increase the sense of space. As for budget, we've suggested where you can make savings. All you have to do is choose the right plan for you.
Low Maintenance In A Small Garden
Creating a two-level garden linked by steps and flanked by split-level pools fed with waterfalls gives the space more interest. The design is bordered by raised flowerbeds and built-in bench seating, which can seat more guests than garden chairs. A colourful buddleia is an ideal standard plant for this kind of garden; easy to care for, it will attract lots of bees and butterflies when it flowers.
Will it take much looking after? Raised beds can be much easier to look after than borders and you won't need to get on all fours to tend them. The rest of this garden is given over to paving, which will only need an occasional sweep.
Are there any space-stretching tricks I can use? An attractive standard plant, urn or statuette at the end of the garden will provide a focal point and draw the eye to the garden's furthest part, tricking you into seeing it as larger than it is. Benches with lift-up lids give more storage. If you need a play area for children, swap tiles for decking in the lower part of the garden and sink a hidden sandpit beneath a section of it?
How can I cut costs? Raised beds look great, but will cost money to install, so you could opt for ground-level planting. Small gardens are more interesting if you add extras, like water features, but you could replace these with more borders and swap decorative paving for gravel or decking.
Small Family Garden
Strong shapes such as circles (arranged diagonally) will make a small garden appear wider and longer. At the heart of this garden is an open grassy circle (to give kids room to run about), while the smaller paved circles are used as seating/dining areas. Stepping stones lead to a tucked-away play area. Children will also love the shape of the allium plant, or ornamental onion. It flowers in early summer, likes most soils and is easy to care for.
Will it take much looking after?
The lawn will need cutting once a week in the summer, and if you go for low-maintenance plants, such as hebes, you'll only need to give it a quick tidy.
Are there any space-stretching tricks I can use?
Paint walls and fences white to make space appear bigger, keep planting in borders low to make the garden seem wider, and go for a low-level chest storage unit instead of a tall shed.
How can I cut costs?
This is not an expensive garden to create, but you can cut down on planting by making the central grassed area larger, or by stretching it into an oval to fill more of the borders.
Small Secluded Garden
Want seclusion? Then this is the garden for you. All walls/fences have trellis panels fixed to their fronts and tops so that climbers can be trained up to hide the space from onlookers. The wide S-shaped path is cobbled for a relaxed feel, so make sure you choose a table and chairs with chunky legs to avoid wobble. Go for low-maintenance exotics, which provide year-round interest, and place large plants, such as tree ferns and a windmill palm, in the borders, so that the shed can't be seen from indoors and the bench is hidden from neighbouring houses. Passionflowers grow quickly, but won't damage fences or brickwork if given supports, such as a trellis, to cling to.
Will it take much looking after? Once planted, this garden will look after itself -- aside from the odd pruning of climbers, such as clematis, and the addition of some bright summer blooms, like lilies or poppies.
How can I cut costs? There's an urn water feature here, but you could replace this with an eye-catching plant, such as zebra grass. Swap the patio cobbles for gravel, which is cheaper to buy and easier to lay.
You can find more information on garden advice and gardening tips at house to home, helping you create a look you'll love
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penny_Day
The trick to getting the best from a small garden is planning. Before you begin, you need to narrow your wish-list to your top priorities. In a bigger garden, for example, you might have a barbecue area; in a small garden, you may have to settle for a space for a portable barbecue and devise a storage plan when it's not in use. Small family gardens are hardest to plan as you'll need to find room for a play area.
We asked garden designer Katrina Wells of Earth Designs to come up with three different designs. Our tip is to choose light-reflecting colours and add details you'd find indoors, such as mirrors, to increase the sense of space. As for budget, we've suggested where you can make savings. All you have to do is choose the right plan for you.
Low Maintenance In A Small Garden
Creating a two-level garden linked by steps and flanked by split-level pools fed with waterfalls gives the space more interest. The design is bordered by raised flowerbeds and built-in bench seating, which can seat more guests than garden chairs. A colourful buddleia is an ideal standard plant for this kind of garden; easy to care for, it will attract lots of bees and butterflies when it flowers.
Will it take much looking after? Raised beds can be much easier to look after than borders and you won't need to get on all fours to tend them. The rest of this garden is given over to paving, which will only need an occasional sweep.
Are there any space-stretching tricks I can use? An attractive standard plant, urn or statuette at the end of the garden will provide a focal point and draw the eye to the garden's furthest part, tricking you into seeing it as larger than it is. Benches with lift-up lids give more storage. If you need a play area for children, swap tiles for decking in the lower part of the garden and sink a hidden sandpit beneath a section of it?
How can I cut costs? Raised beds look great, but will cost money to install, so you could opt for ground-level planting. Small gardens are more interesting if you add extras, like water features, but you could replace these with more borders and swap decorative paving for gravel or decking.
Small Family Garden
Strong shapes such as circles (arranged diagonally) will make a small garden appear wider and longer. At the heart of this garden is an open grassy circle (to give kids room to run about), while the smaller paved circles are used as seating/dining areas. Stepping stones lead to a tucked-away play area. Children will also love the shape of the allium plant, or ornamental onion. It flowers in early summer, likes most soils and is easy to care for.
Will it take much looking after?
The lawn will need cutting once a week in the summer, and if you go for low-maintenance plants, such as hebes, you'll only need to give it a quick tidy.
Are there any space-stretching tricks I can use?
Paint walls and fences white to make space appear bigger, keep planting in borders low to make the garden seem wider, and go for a low-level chest storage unit instead of a tall shed.
How can I cut costs?
This is not an expensive garden to create, but you can cut down on planting by making the central grassed area larger, or by stretching it into an oval to fill more of the borders.
Small Secluded Garden
Want seclusion? Then this is the garden for you. All walls/fences have trellis panels fixed to their fronts and tops so that climbers can be trained up to hide the space from onlookers. The wide S-shaped path is cobbled for a relaxed feel, so make sure you choose a table and chairs with chunky legs to avoid wobble. Go for low-maintenance exotics, which provide year-round interest, and place large plants, such as tree ferns and a windmill palm, in the borders, so that the shed can't be seen from indoors and the bench is hidden from neighbouring houses. Passionflowers grow quickly, but won't damage fences or brickwork if given supports, such as a trellis, to cling to.
Will it take much looking after? Once planted, this garden will look after itself -- aside from the odd pruning of climbers, such as clematis, and the addition of some bright summer blooms, like lilies or poppies.
How can I cut costs? There's an urn water feature here, but you could replace this with an eye-catching plant, such as zebra grass. Swap the patio cobbles for gravel, which is cheaper to buy and easier to lay.
You can find more information on garden advice and gardening tips at house to home, helping you create a look you'll love
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penny_Day
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Top Vegetable Gardening Tips For Tomato Growing
Vegetable gardening tips for tomato growing are readily available. Most gardeners are happy to share their tomato growing tips and even non-gardeners who attempt to grow tomatoes every spring will offer advice. The difficulty for the novice tomato grower comes in trying so sort the valuable vegetable gardening tips for tomato growing from the old wives' tales.
One of the best sources for vegetable gardening help is a local nursery. Buying plants at a supermarket or a chain store with garden center may allow you to purchase plants at a cheaper price, but it is unlikely that the staff in these stores know a great deal about gardening. For reliable vegetable gardening help, visit a local nursery. Many nurseries carry plants that they themselves have grown from seed, and they will be knowledgeable about each variety of plant and can advise on local conditions.
Local Garden Club
Most towns have a local garden club and meeting together with other gardeners is a great way to obtain vegetable gardening help and improve your knowledge. Other gardeners from your locality will have abundant information about the requirements of vegetables in your zone. When you enlist the aid of gardeners that are local to your area, you will get vegetable gardening help that you can use because these gardeners understand the unique needs of your particular zone.
Local garden clubs often run workshops or classes on topics ranging from composting, to growing a particular variety of heirloom vegetable, to pest control in the garden. Many often sponsor projects such as community gardens which can provide gardening space to those who live in apartments and have no garden space of their own. and taking part in an altruistic endeavor with your fellow garden club members is a fantastic way to learn all sorts of gardening secrets and tips.
Even if you don't join a garden club taking part in some workshops will provide you with an opportunity to meet fellow gardeners and form friendships with people with a common interest.
The County Extension Office
Another top resource for vegetable gardening advice is your local county extension office. They specialize in solving the gardening problems unique to your local environment. They can perform soil tests, identify plants and diseases and sometimes supply free seeds or plants
Once you've gained some gardening knowledge it's time to get your hands dirty.
Tomatoes and other vegetables are easy to grow if you start with good soil. Before you plant your garden, till the soil to about a depth of ten inches and dig in some well rotted compost or other organic material. Complete this step several weeks before you want to plant your tomatoes.
For a larger garden, you can rent a tiller, but for a small garden space you can use a gardening fork to dig in the compost.
When risk of frost has passed, drive a ¾ inch stake into your prepared garden bed. Dig a hole a little deeper and wider than the size of the tomato plant's pot next to the stake, gently place the plant into the hole and firm it in. A trellis or tomato cage can also be used for support in lieu of a stake. These are readily available at nurseries and hardware stores. Use soft twine or tomato ties to tie the plant's stem loosely to the stake or trellis. As the tomato plant grows, check the ties regularly and loosen them occasionally to prevent stem damage. The tomato seedlings should be planted 18 inches apart to allow the sun to reach the ripening fruit.
Feed Your Tomato Plants
Feed your tomato plants regularly using a potassium-based plant food or you can create your own organic fertilizer mix. Planting basil adjacent to your tomato plants will assist in keeping pests at bay.
Watering is as important as feeding. Water your tomatoes regularly with a hand-held hose. Direct the water at the base of the plant and avoid wetting the leaves which can lead to rot.
Never let your tomatoes dry out to the point that they wilt. Although you can usually save the wilted plant by watering it, the dry period will take its toll on the plant and affect the quality of the fruit. Extended dry spells may cause your tomatoes to crack.
Regularly nip out by hand any side shoots that develop between the leaf and the stem. This will help to channel the plant's energy into its fruit. When your tomatoes have ripened, pick them by bending back the fruit at the notch on the stem. Ripe tomatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Continue to water and feed the plant to help the remaining tomatoes to ripen and mature.
Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains Grow Great Tomatoes website to assist anyone who wants to get started growing tomatoes and other vegetables.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Stevens
One of the best sources for vegetable gardening help is a local nursery. Buying plants at a supermarket or a chain store with garden center may allow you to purchase plants at a cheaper price, but it is unlikely that the staff in these stores know a great deal about gardening. For reliable vegetable gardening help, visit a local nursery. Many nurseries carry plants that they themselves have grown from seed, and they will be knowledgeable about each variety of plant and can advise on local conditions.
Local Garden Club
Most towns have a local garden club and meeting together with other gardeners is a great way to obtain vegetable gardening help and improve your knowledge. Other gardeners from your locality will have abundant information about the requirements of vegetables in your zone. When you enlist the aid of gardeners that are local to your area, you will get vegetable gardening help that you can use because these gardeners understand the unique needs of your particular zone.
Local garden clubs often run workshops or classes on topics ranging from composting, to growing a particular variety of heirloom vegetable, to pest control in the garden. Many often sponsor projects such as community gardens which can provide gardening space to those who live in apartments and have no garden space of their own. and taking part in an altruistic endeavor with your fellow garden club members is a fantastic way to learn all sorts of gardening secrets and tips.
Even if you don't join a garden club taking part in some workshops will provide you with an opportunity to meet fellow gardeners and form friendships with people with a common interest.
The County Extension Office
Another top resource for vegetable gardening advice is your local county extension office. They specialize in solving the gardening problems unique to your local environment. They can perform soil tests, identify plants and diseases and sometimes supply free seeds or plants
Once you've gained some gardening knowledge it's time to get your hands dirty.
Tomatoes and other vegetables are easy to grow if you start with good soil. Before you plant your garden, till the soil to about a depth of ten inches and dig in some well rotted compost or other organic material. Complete this step several weeks before you want to plant your tomatoes.
For a larger garden, you can rent a tiller, but for a small garden space you can use a gardening fork to dig in the compost.
When risk of frost has passed, drive a ¾ inch stake into your prepared garden bed. Dig a hole a little deeper and wider than the size of the tomato plant's pot next to the stake, gently place the plant into the hole and firm it in. A trellis or tomato cage can also be used for support in lieu of a stake. These are readily available at nurseries and hardware stores. Use soft twine or tomato ties to tie the plant's stem loosely to the stake or trellis. As the tomato plant grows, check the ties regularly and loosen them occasionally to prevent stem damage. The tomato seedlings should be planted 18 inches apart to allow the sun to reach the ripening fruit.
Feed Your Tomato Plants
Feed your tomato plants regularly using a potassium-based plant food or you can create your own organic fertilizer mix. Planting basil adjacent to your tomato plants will assist in keeping pests at bay.
Watering is as important as feeding. Water your tomatoes regularly with a hand-held hose. Direct the water at the base of the plant and avoid wetting the leaves which can lead to rot.
Never let your tomatoes dry out to the point that they wilt. Although you can usually save the wilted plant by watering it, the dry period will take its toll on the plant and affect the quality of the fruit. Extended dry spells may cause your tomatoes to crack.
Regularly nip out by hand any side shoots that develop between the leaf and the stem. This will help to channel the plant's energy into its fruit. When your tomatoes have ripened, pick them by bending back the fruit at the notch on the stem. Ripe tomatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Continue to water and feed the plant to help the remaining tomatoes to ripen and mature.
Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains Grow Great Tomatoes website to assist anyone who wants to get started growing tomatoes and other vegetables.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Stevens
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