essential tool every gardener should have, offering protection from thorns, sharp objects, rough tasks, and blisters. A reliable pair of gloves is a must-have in any gardener's toolbox.
Wednesday, 22 January 2014
Getting Your Hands on a Good Pair of Gardening Gloves
essential tool every gardener should have, offering protection from thorns, sharp objects, rough tasks, and blisters. A reliable pair of gloves is a must-have in any gardener's toolbox.
Monday, 6 January 2014
The Benefits of Growing Fruits and Vegetables Organically
Growing Fruits and Vegetables Organically: A Complete Guide
Thursday, 19 December 2013
Rose Gardening Tasks Early Spring
Preparing Your Rose Garden for Spring and Summer
where signs of spring appear in late March or early April, you’re an "early spring" rose gardener. However, if March and April still bring icy rain and snow in your region, wait out the winter weather until spring truly arrives, and then follow these tips to get your roses ready.
Thursday, 5 December 2013
How To Plant Herbs Together In Container Gardening
Organic container gardening is easy and gives good results as long as some
simple rules are followed. Mint, oregano, sage, thyme, marjoram, and basil are
ideal herbs for container gardening.
You can plant each herb in a separate terra cotta pot or plant a collection in a long window box. You need to use containers that are food safe when choosing pots for herbs. Some glossy or brightly colored pots are made with lead or other materials that you won’t want in your food. Plastic pots are always safe, and most plain terra cotta is safe. Containers that are not safe for food should have a warning label, so it should be easy to find something decorative that will not be harmful to you. Most herbs will do well in small pots or with three or four plants in one long window box. Large plants, such as an old rosemary bush, can be planted separately in larger containers.
It is preferable to plant only one variety per container. Different plants grow at different times, different rates, and to different heights. Inevitably one plant will take over the others or the foliage will be so mixed up you won't know what you are cutting. Strawberry pots are the exception to this rule, just don't plant a mint in one.
If you decide to mix herbs together in the same container, be careful not to grow the more invasive herbs together with slow growing herbs like sage. Mint is an example of an herb that should be grown in its own pot because it does eventually take over the space thus preventing the other plant to develop fully.
Popular herbs for use in cooking are flat leafed parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil, chives, and sage.
All these herbs will grow well together in a large container 24 inches across the top. Plant the rosemary in the middle because it is a taller plant and quite hardy, then around the outside plant the other herbs. Of all the others herbs basil is also quite tall and this could be put beside the rosemary in the centre. All the other herbs grow to about 10 inches, and some will even spill out over the side of the container.
There are basically two kinds of herbs: those that need a lot of moisture and those that don’t. Herbs that prefer moisture-rich soil include basil, cilantro, tarragon, and parsley, while herbs that don’t need as much water, or "Mediterranean herbs," include chives, oregano, sage, rosemary, thyme, bay, marjoram, and lavender.
Plant herbs with the same moisture needs together. For variety, try a tall, medium, and cascading plant together in the same pot.
Plant moisture-loving herbs in plastic containers, which retain water, and put Mediterranean herbs in terra cotta containers, which draw out water. Make sure there are drainage holes at the bottom otherwise, plants can rot from sitting in water.
When planting an herb pot, select a container that has at least a one gallon capacity. If you don't have a gallon pot, use a milk jug or any gallon container to measure your soil. Each plant will need its own gallon of soil. So, if you plant several together, make sure they have enough space by measuring your soil.
Get a container that is at least 6-12 inches deep. You can plant multiple herbs in a wide or long container or use at least a 6" pot for individual plants.
Mint is also a very popular herb but it does tend to take over a pot so plant it in a pot on its own.
Herbs ideally thrive in the ground, but with proper choices and the right precautions, they can flourish in the indoor garden. They have to be positioned inside the house where they can grow well.
You can combine herbs of different colors to create an atmosphere inside your house. For example, you can get calendula or lemon thyme, herbs with sunny colors for a brighter effect.
Let the herbs grow together. They can create a climate among them that will further encourage their growth. They also create a fuller and healthier appearance.
Limit the amount of herbs you will plant in a container. It should depend on the size of your container. There should at least be an allowance of four inches square in between each type of herb.
You can plant each herb in a separate terra cotta pot or plant a collection in a long window box. You need to use containers that are food safe when choosing pots for herbs. Some glossy or brightly colored pots are made with lead or other materials that you won’t want in your food. Plastic pots are always safe, and most plain terra cotta is safe. Containers that are not safe for food should have a warning label, so it should be easy to find something decorative that will not be harmful to you. Most herbs will do well in small pots or with three or four plants in one long window box. Large plants, such as an old rosemary bush, can be planted separately in larger containers.
It is preferable to plant only one variety per container. Different plants grow at different times, different rates, and to different heights. Inevitably one plant will take over the others or the foliage will be so mixed up you won't know what you are cutting. Strawberry pots are the exception to this rule, just don't plant a mint in one.
If you decide to mix herbs together in the same container, be careful not to grow the more invasive herbs together with slow growing herbs like sage. Mint is an example of an herb that should be grown in its own pot because it does eventually take over the space thus preventing the other plant to develop fully.
Popular herbs for use in cooking are flat leafed parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil, chives, and sage.
All these herbs will grow well together in a large container 24 inches across the top. Plant the rosemary in the middle because it is a taller plant and quite hardy, then around the outside plant the other herbs. Of all the others herbs basil is also quite tall and this could be put beside the rosemary in the centre. All the other herbs grow to about 10 inches, and some will even spill out over the side of the container.
There are basically two kinds of herbs: those that need a lot of moisture and those that don’t. Herbs that prefer moisture-rich soil include basil, cilantro, tarragon, and parsley, while herbs that don’t need as much water, or "Mediterranean herbs," include chives, oregano, sage, rosemary, thyme, bay, marjoram, and lavender.
Plant herbs with the same moisture needs together. For variety, try a tall, medium, and cascading plant together in the same pot.
Plant moisture-loving herbs in plastic containers, which retain water, and put Mediterranean herbs in terra cotta containers, which draw out water. Make sure there are drainage holes at the bottom otherwise, plants can rot from sitting in water.
When planting an herb pot, select a container that has at least a one gallon capacity. If you don't have a gallon pot, use a milk jug or any gallon container to measure your soil. Each plant will need its own gallon of soil. So, if you plant several together, make sure they have enough space by measuring your soil.
Get a container that is at least 6-12 inches deep. You can plant multiple herbs in a wide or long container or use at least a 6" pot for individual plants.
Mint is also a very popular herb but it does tend to take over a pot so plant it in a pot on its own.
Herbs ideally thrive in the ground, but with proper choices and the right precautions, they can flourish in the indoor garden. They have to be positioned inside the house where they can grow well.
You can combine herbs of different colors to create an atmosphere inside your house. For example, you can get calendula or lemon thyme, herbs with sunny colors for a brighter effect.
Let the herbs grow together. They can create a climate among them that will further encourage their growth. They also create a fuller and healthier appearance.
Limit the amount of herbs you will plant in a container. It should depend on the size of your container. There should at least be an allowance of four inches square in between each type of herb.
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
What Is Organic Gardening
Organic gardening means using only natural products and fertilizers on your
garden and not using any artificial chemicals such as pesticide sprays or slug
pellets.
The first consideration in organic gardening is the soil. You should add organic matter to the soil regularly. You can make your own compost from waste vegetables and decaying plant waste such as grass clippings and leaves.
The next consideration is choosing plants or vegetables that are well suited to your environment. Plants that are adapted to growing in your climate and weather conditions will stand a much better chance of thriving without too much attention. Whereas, a plant that is not right for your site will need a lot of extra attention to boost it's natural defences just to keep it healthy.
With regard to pest control, you can sprinkle cayenne pepper on your plants or spray them with a water and cayenne pepper solution to stop squirrels and other rodents from eating them.
Spray the leaves of your plants with a mixture of 1 part dishwashing detergent to 10 parts water to deter small insects. This won't harm the plants. Another good repellent for many insects is garlic. You could either have some garlic in your garden or spray your plants with a mixture containing garlic oil.
An inexpensive way to keep grub worms from getting at your potatoes is to use a product called milky spore. This will kill the grubs, and as they decompose they will release new spores into the soil.
The first consideration in organic gardening is the soil. You should add organic matter to the soil regularly. You can make your own compost from waste vegetables and decaying plant waste such as grass clippings and leaves.
The next consideration is choosing plants or vegetables that are well suited to your environment. Plants that are adapted to growing in your climate and weather conditions will stand a much better chance of thriving without too much attention. Whereas, a plant that is not right for your site will need a lot of extra attention to boost it's natural defences just to keep it healthy.
With regard to pest control, you can sprinkle cayenne pepper on your plants or spray them with a water and cayenne pepper solution to stop squirrels and other rodents from eating them.
Spray the leaves of your plants with a mixture of 1 part dishwashing detergent to 10 parts water to deter small insects. This won't harm the plants. Another good repellent for many insects is garlic. You could either have some garlic in your garden or spray your plants with a mixture containing garlic oil.
An inexpensive way to keep grub worms from getting at your potatoes is to use a product called milky spore. This will kill the grubs, and as they decompose they will release new spores into the soil.
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
What Is Lime Used For In Gardening
In very simple terms, and in just a few words, lime is used in gardening to
lower the acidity of the soil.
The acidity of soil is measured by it's pH level. pH is measured on a scale of 1 to 14 with 7 being neutral. Below 7, the soil is acidic and above 7 it's alkaline.
Different soil types will behave differently so one vital tool for the serious gardener is a tester for acidity levels.
There are different types of test kits available. With the first type, you mix a soil sample with water then compare a colour change to a chart. The second type is an electronic meter with probes that you insert into wet soil.
Whichever kit you use, it will come with instructions and will give you a reading. You will need to take samples or tests from a number of spots to get a better general view of your soil’s acidity level.
You can also judge the acidity of the soil by the types of weeds that grow. Sorrel, creeping buttercup, nettle, dock and mare’s tail are all signs your soil is too acidic, or becoming too acidic. Reducing soil acidity will help deter some weeds but lime isn't used as a weed killer.
Each plant species is suited to different growing conditions and slightly acidic soil can help to keep down blight in potatoes for example. On the other hand, slightly alkali soil has a higher level of salt present which may not suit your particular crop. Gardeners generally tend to aim for a neutral PH of around 7.0.
To lower soil acidity you raise the pH value by adding lime to the soil.
Lime can be applied throughout the year, but most gardeners will apply it during Winter or early Spring. Lime is insoluble in water so thoroughly mix the lime with the top soil. Once moisture is applied the lime will start to chemically react, so thorough mixing in dry conditions is very important. Don't forget that different plants thrive in different soil conditions, so make sure you know which pH level your plant needs before deciding how much or how little lime to apply.
Sprinkle the lime over the soil surface and rake it into the top couple of inches, letting it naturally work down to the root zone by spring. Do not till it deeply into the soil, it will leach down soon enough.
To lower pH and increase acidity you can add sulphate of ammonia or urea which are high nitrogen fertilizers. Adding manure will also lower pH and make the soil more acid. Adding lots of manure year after year will actually reduce soil fertility by making it too acid so the plants cannot access the nutrients.
Never mix lime and fertilizer. They will at best cancel each other out in an unpleasant, to the soil, reaction. So never lime in the same year you fertilize if you can avoid it and certainly not in the same couple of months.
Clay soils tend to become acid more quickly than sandy soils and the amount of organic matter has an effect as well. Clay soils can also be slow to react to the addition of lime as well.
The most common lime used in the garden is agricultural lime or ground limestone (calcium carbonate). It contains about 50% calcium, another essential plant nutrient . Once available only as a powder, pelletized lime is now offered as well. It can be dispensed from fertilizer spreaders and isn’t as messy to work with.
Some gardeners prefer dolomite lime, which contains magnesium as well as calcium. Magnesium is an essential nutrient, though needed in smaller quantities than calcium. Alternate the use of agricultural lime and dolomite, to get a better balance of nutrients.
Never use hydrated or slaked lime, sometime called quicklime. While this substance has many commercial uses, it is much too caustic for the garden.
The acidity of soil is measured by it's pH level. pH is measured on a scale of 1 to 14 with 7 being neutral. Below 7, the soil is acidic and above 7 it's alkaline.
Measuring Soil Acidity (pH level)
Different soil types will behave differently so one vital tool for the serious gardener is a tester for acidity levels.
There are different types of test kits available. With the first type, you mix a soil sample with water then compare a colour change to a chart. The second type is an electronic meter with probes that you insert into wet soil.
Whichever kit you use, it will come with instructions and will give you a reading. You will need to take samples or tests from a number of spots to get a better general view of your soil’s acidity level.
You can also judge the acidity of the soil by the types of weeds that grow. Sorrel, creeping buttercup, nettle, dock and mare’s tail are all signs your soil is too acidic, or becoming too acidic. Reducing soil acidity will help deter some weeds but lime isn't used as a weed killer.
Each plant species is suited to different growing conditions and slightly acidic soil can help to keep down blight in potatoes for example. On the other hand, slightly alkali soil has a higher level of salt present which may not suit your particular crop. Gardeners generally tend to aim for a neutral PH of around 7.0.
Changing The Acidity Level Of The Soil
To lower soil acidity you raise the pH value by adding lime to the soil.
Lime can be applied throughout the year, but most gardeners will apply it during Winter or early Spring. Lime is insoluble in water so thoroughly mix the lime with the top soil. Once moisture is applied the lime will start to chemically react, so thorough mixing in dry conditions is very important. Don't forget that different plants thrive in different soil conditions, so make sure you know which pH level your plant needs before deciding how much or how little lime to apply.
Sprinkle the lime over the soil surface and rake it into the top couple of inches, letting it naturally work down to the root zone by spring. Do not till it deeply into the soil, it will leach down soon enough.
To lower pH and increase acidity you can add sulphate of ammonia or urea which are high nitrogen fertilizers. Adding manure will also lower pH and make the soil more acid. Adding lots of manure year after year will actually reduce soil fertility by making it too acid so the plants cannot access the nutrients.
Never mix lime and fertilizer. They will at best cancel each other out in an unpleasant, to the soil, reaction. So never lime in the same year you fertilize if you can avoid it and certainly not in the same couple of months.
Clay soils tend to become acid more quickly than sandy soils and the amount of organic matter has an effect as well. Clay soils can also be slow to react to the addition of lime as well.
The most common lime used in the garden is agricultural lime or ground limestone (calcium carbonate). It contains about 50% calcium, another essential plant nutrient . Once available only as a powder, pelletized lime is now offered as well. It can be dispensed from fertilizer spreaders and isn’t as messy to work with.
Some gardeners prefer dolomite lime, which contains magnesium as well as calcium. Magnesium is an essential nutrient, though needed in smaller quantities than calcium. Alternate the use of agricultural lime and dolomite, to get a better balance of nutrients.
Never use hydrated or slaked lime, sometime called quicklime. While this substance has many commercial uses, it is much too caustic for the garden.
Monday, 2 December 2013
How To Start Indoor Vegetable Gardening
Why start an indoor vegetable garden?
Growing vegetables indoors allows you to control all elements of the plants existence. You have control of the light, moisture, temperature, and fertilization.
Indoor plants are less prone to pests and parasites. On the other hand, there are still potential pest problems. Insect pests common to house plants will also be attracted to vegetable plants.
Indoor gardens also allow for an extended growing season which can provide fresh grown foods even in the cooler or off seasons.
Starting an indoor vegetable garden:
Indoor vegetables can be grown quite easily in any pot or container. Plastic is usually cheaper, but anything will do. The most important part of the container is making sure that there is drainage in the bottom. If you are using plastic or metal containers, use a drill or sharp object to make drainage holes.
It is important that the soil is lightweight and drains well. A mix that works well is an equal amount by volume of perlite, sand, silica, and forest mulch. Another favourite is equal parts of native soil, sharp coarse sand, and peat moss or compost. You will need a light mix of equal parts of black peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite if your vegetables are growing in hanging containers. Nurseries and gardening centres also have pre mixed mixers, but these will cost you more.
The soil should be lightly packed. If the soil is packed too tightly, there will be problems with root development, drainage and aeration. When you fill the container with soil, make sure there is between one and two inches of space at the top for watering.
You can use the same basic schedule for indoor gardening as you do with outdoor gardening for planting particular vegetables. You can start vegetables from seed much easier indoors because you don’t have to wait for certain weather conditions. As the seeds sprout, make sure that you thin them.
After planting, gently water the soil and be careful not to wash out the seeds. Check twice a day to see if you need to water your indoor vegetable garden. Avoid over watering. Excess water can gather at the base of the container, and cause the rots of your plant to rot.
The only downside that is usually found in indoor gardening is the watering. Plants grown in containers need more care and more attention than plants grown outside. Indoor gardeners need to water by hand and more frequently because plants dry out faster in containers.
Put a label with name, variety and date of planting in each container.
A bright sunny south-facing window can be the ideal site for growing fresh vegetables in containers all year. You need special supplemental lighting for growing vegetables during the winter months.
For your indoor vegetable garden, consider growing vegetables needing minimal space such as radishes, several types of lettuce, or carrots. Another option is small fruit bearing plants, like tomatoes and peppers.
Because you won’t have bees or wind to do the work for you, you will need to pollinate your vegetables yourself once they have started to flower. You can use a paintbrush to transfer the pollen from flower to flower. With vegetables that are self pollinating, you can shake the flower a little so that the pollen falls down inside. Other vegetables have separate male and female flowers, so make sure you are pollinating the right ones.
If you are growing vegetables indoors in the winter, you also need to pay attention to the temperature. Some vegetables can handle cooler air, as long as it is not too cold, but others need warm air to do well. Grow lights can add some heat, but if your indoor vegetable garden is in a garage or basement, you may need to supplement with a small heater. Monitor the temperature closely with a thermometer, because too much heat can damage the plants as well.
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