General Article

Simple Instructions to Follow When Making a Compost Pit

The process of making a compost pit – to a gardener – can be quite fulfilling and rewarding at the same time. However, many are they who make it seem like a daunting yet herculean task with expensive hardware and fancy paraphernalia’s. But that notwithstanding, one can make a reliable homemade compost pit using the simplest of methods.

With a few considerable tools, outstanding effort and a quick turn over after every fortnight or so; one can come up with a compost pile in their yard that screams gardening from afar. In order to add nutrients to the soil and enhance the growth of plants substantially, it is paramount to have a compost pile in a garden. This article looks at the simple steps that are needed to come up with a homemade compost pit.

The premier step is to select a piece of ground. It is a requisite that a compost pit be away from direct sunlight or under a complete shade. Both situations are capable of altering the break-down process of a compost pile in a pit. Thereafter mark a square, depending of course on the size of the piece of ground that is at least 3-by-3 feet on average.

Once done, dig out the marked ground. It is very important that the set depth of the ground be at least 6 inches. Not more than that. It must also be noted herein that the soil removed from the pit, not only must it be kept near the edge of the pit, but it must be made free from stones, debris and roots. This soil will be added back to the pit to act as a catalyst to the microbial activity.

At the center of the pit, ensure to deposit enough garden clippings, coffee grounds, household scraps and other fresh organic materials. Crucial elements that make up garden compost are dry leaves and green garden debris. Consequently, it is advisable to balance one part green organic materials to two parts dry leaves materials. Like say, garden clippings, chopped twigs, brown organic materials and small amounts shredded brown cupboard.

Mix and turn the contents every fortnight. While this is very important, there is a set procedure to the exercise. Firstly – and with a pitchfork – heap and turn the assorted materials to the center of the pit. This must be done while adding the dug-out soil. To provide pockets of air to the inner layers, poke holes in the stack. And then lastly, sprinkle water during sultry weather prior to using the compost after it decomposes.It appears that your web host has disabled all functions for handling remote pages and as a result the BackLinks software will not function on your web page. Please contact your web host for more information.…

Types of Garden Lighting For Your Home

Garden lights can add functionality to your home’s green space and provide a welcoming environment for get togethers and evening functions. Whether you have a formal flower garden or simply an elaborately landscaped backyard, garden lights can enhance your enjoyment of your home. Outdoor Lights are available in many different styles and types; some of the most popular types are also among the most affordable.

• Spotlights allow you to showcase specific parts of your garden. Used primarily for visual effect rather than area lighting, they literally shine a spotlight on the areas you wish to highlight. These are usually powered by electricity, since they require a consistently high power level.

• Area lights include lanterns, lamp posts, and overhead garden lights. These offer a warm ambient light that illuminates a large area of your garden. These can be gas or oil powered, electric or, in some cases, solar powered garden lights. Solar garden lights often do not produce enough light to effectively light a large area, so choose carefully when looking for this kind of garden lighting.

• Deck lighting may include spotlights, lanterns, and wall sconce lights. Intended to light an outdoor entertainment area, deck lighting generally provides soft ambient light for visibility and convenience. Gas and oil powered lamps are not suitable for use on a deck, due to their flammable nature.

• Rope lights are used to outline paths, decks, and other borders. Mainly decorative, this type of garden lighting does not provide much ambient light, and is mostly used along deck railings or to outline pathways.

• Decorative lights, as their name suggests, are ornamental in nature. These often come in whimsical shapes like mushrooms, animals, or flowers. Solar garden lights are often used for these delightful additions to your garden.

• Tiered lights offer more light per installation, with multiple lamps on each light fixture. Many newer solar powered garden lights use this design, which allows illumination of a larger area than single bulbs alone.

• Motion-sensing security lights are nearly always powered by electricity, and are used to protect your home and garden. They light only when motion in the area triggers them, and tend to provide a harsh light rather than one suitable for entertaining or relaxing.

Landscape lights are usually available in electric, solar-powered, or fuel-powered models. Electric-powered lights offer the most convenience, but usually have the highest energy cost. Solar powered outdoor lights are the easiest to install and are powered by solar batteries; these do not produce as much light as electric lights, however. Gas or oil fueled lamps offer the nostalgic feel of gaslight, but require the most maintenance and care; many must be lit individually by hand.…

Secrets to Getting Started in a Herb Garden

Visualize beginning dinner. Smell the aroma of the garlic and the onions as they sizzle in the frying pan. The tomatoes are cut up and set to go. Your spaghetti sauce will be the perfect Italian blend with just one additional ingredient. So quickly stepping outside you pick a helping of fresh thyme from your personal herb garden and now your masterpiece will be complete. Ah, what a beautiful dream. But is it only a dream or can it be reality?

Fear stops many people from starting a herb garden because they feel it would be too troublesome for a beginner. But the truth is, growing your own herb garden is much easier than you might imagine, especially, if you start your garden with seedlings. This will save a lot of time and a lot of headaches that come with trying to start your garden with seeds. So just take a trip over to your local plant source like a nursery, Home Depot, or Lowes. Most carry a good selection and variety of herb plants that are ready to go in your new garden.

And you can plant your herb garden in just about anyplace you have the space, indoors or outdoors. Look around and see if you have an area that you could use like near the front walk or maybe a landscaping bed or two. Or if no space is available outside you can easily grow herbs in pots or containers on a porch, patio, or balcony, as long as it is a well lit area. You can get started today in a very short amount of time.

But before you plant, be sure to have some good nutritious soil for your herbs. Mix in some fertilizer or manure and then you’re ready to start putting in your herb plants.

You do need to spend a little time planning your herb garden in advance though. (Don’t worry, it won’t take long) Just review the basic information provided with each of your herbs and notice how tall and wide they are expected to grow. As well as any other details provided and this will help you make sure your garden gets the best start and finish possible.

Leaving adequate space between each herb will allow it the room it needs to grow to its expected size. This type of herb garden saves you from having to dig stuff up later but you may have to tolerate your garden looking thin at times for the first year or so. During this time you can add other short-term plants that flower such as pansies or marigolds to help make your garden look fuller.

Another key to the success of your garden is to plant the taller herbs toward the back of your garden spot, especially if growing next to a fence or your home. If your gardening bed is a circular shape then you’ll need to plant the taller herbs in the center. Then work your way to the outside edge with the shorter plants. Being able to easily reach and pick your herbs is important if you want to use them for culinary purposes.

Warning: Once you start gardening, it is hard to stop. You will be alert and watching to learn other gardening skills throughout your day. When you find something of interest you’ll be anxious to return home and try it out on your own personal herb garden. You will find enjoyment and relaxation as you nurture your gardens growth. And then one day you step outside to get some fresh thyme and without realizing it, your dream has become reality.…

Starting a Garden

To begin a flowerbed can be a quite positive adventure especially if it is a fruit or vegetable garden. With the economy heading nowhere, but definitely burning a hole in your pocket, growing your own supplies is a excellent idea and definitely a better alternative. People today are attempting to begin a garden to grow and maintain organic fruits and vegetables that, not only will help to reduce on your monthly grocery expenses, but you will be astonished at how rich they taste. They come without the use of any dangerous chemicals that abounds in the commercial variety as well.

With summer time around the corner it is an good time to begin a garden. But before you start it is better to retain a few things in mind. The garden must be very easily accessible to you as you will be needing to water the plants and eliminate the weeds from them and take care of the soil to ensure good produce. A few hours a week would be just fine to have your own vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, radish and many others which are quite easily grown.

The concept to begin a garden, especially for the steady supply of clean vegetables, can be overwhelming for many who have never attempted diy gardening. Generally the fresh vegetables will not only save money but they are also tasty and certainly a richer source of minerals and vitamins. You also know that you are not consuming any unsafe chemicals! A vegetable garden will require some commitment from your part to make it successful. It has been found that the cost of fertilizers and seeds are definitely much lower than buying the vegetables from the neighborhood grocery shop.

However, before you start a garden there are certain things that you will need to do to help make the actual garden and the soil ready for planting the vegetables. It is always better to start small as you may possibly not be able to manage the big ones right at the beginning and may feel stressed out. You will want to grow the plants in an area where they will get ample amounts of sunshine. There really should be good drainage as vegetables need loamy soil. You will need to turn your soil and add compost and other organic fertilizers to make certain a good harvest.

However, just before you start a garden plan the vegetables that you would like to have and those that won’t take up much space. Tomatoes, bean, corns, eggplants, pepper, cucumber and squash are all nice options. You may also go for some common herbs that don’t need much space and labor. With daily watering and attention you will be shocked at how your garden benefits you with the wonderful produce and how much you conserve on your yearly grocery bills.…

Guide In Achieving A Better Looking Landscape

Landscaping is no doubt an exciting task to do. The experience can also be challenging but worth it in the long run. Landscaping will not just make your home more appealing and attractive but it can also provide you the satisfaction of good aeration especially during the morning.

If you have done landscaping your yard but the quality is not promising, then you have wasted your money and effort. With this article, you can improve your landscape in a better-looking one.

1. First to consider is the space you have in your area. In landscaping, space matters. The wider space you have, the more room allotted for your plants to grow with. Keep in mind that there are plants, which has longer roots, while other plants grow wider.

These might cause other plants to die killing their rooting system. Other plants like shrubs need to grow at least three to four feet apart from the others. You should also be aware that your plants need ample room to grow with so that they can breathe well and obtain sufficient sunlight exposure.

2. You must know the soil type. There are plants that are sensitive when it comes to their soil preference. Some grow in a more acidity soil whilst others grow in soil with more alkali.

Furthermore, you should consider the presence of loamy soil, clay, sandy, and rocky soil so that you can know what type of plants you will thrive in. If you really wish to have a special type of plant but unfortunately the soil is not fitted for such plant, then changing the soil type will not be a problem.

You can improve the soil type by adding some peat, crushed limestone and clamshells depending on what you want to achieve.

3. Know the seasonal blooms of the plants. There are different varieties of plants that bloom occasionally. You may consider different types and seasonal blooms so that everything will blossom throughout the year.

For example, consider plants that blossom during cold season and those that bloom during summer. In this way, your landscape will not look dull in a year. However if this means is not possible, you can go for bushes and shrubs that appears good green. Stagger them with other plants so that the bloom will cover the whole area.

Improving your landscape will actually save you from future frustrations. You do not have to enhance your garden each year just to have the ideal one you’ve dreaming of. It will let you enjoy the calming feeling of good scenery not just for this moment but also for the years to come.…

Tomato Varieties – Why Not Grow the Best Ones

There are tons of tomato varieties that are easy to grow and not to mention how great they can look in your garden. They all have their unique size, shape, taste and even color. Let’s discuss some of the different types of tomatoes…

Beefsteak Tomatoes

The beefsteak varieties are very popular and make a great ingredient for a sandwich. They’re one of my favorites due to the delicious, sweet flavor. These tomatoes are also very big and contain a meaty texture.

The Big Boy- This one is popular and very big. I guess that’s why it was given that name. They weigh about 1 lb or even more. To accommodate the size, it’s best to disbud to 3 fruits per truss and provide support if necessary.

Dombello- These are one of the best beefsteak tomato varieties. This is due to the excellent flavor; however they are not as big as the others.

Dombito- This is considered to be the ideal beefsteak. They are about A� lb with thick, fleshy walls and a small number of seeds. The disease resistance level is quite good and that’s a very good benefit when planting.

The Ordinary Varieties

Moneycross- If you get excited about making money then this can be a good choice for you. It’s resistant to leaf mould and produces an earlier crop than the basic types.

Moneymaker- This is a popular tomato variety and is a good choice for a beginner. The big trusses produce medium-sized fruits that are heavy. However, they tend to have a bland taste though.

Ailsa Craig- this is another popular type that produces some brightly colored fruits that are medium sized. They mature early and have a great flavor.

Alicante- this is a money maker type that produces some heavy cropping. It’s resistant to greenback and contains a fine flavor.

The Novelty Tomato Varieties

These are some beautiful yellow, orange and striped varieties. These types are not very popular though. Some of them contain a sweet taste and are used in fresh salads. They look beautiful with their bright colors when in blossom.

Golden Boy- This is a great variety to grow if you want to get some big yellow fruits. They are more meaty than juicy and can be worth growing.

San Marzano- This is a well-known Italian tomato. It is well used in a lot of Italian meals such as soups and spaghetti sauce for example. It’s shape like an egg and contains a firm flesh.

Golden Sunrise- This is a common gardener’s choice and is one of the best patio tomatoes. It’s a delicious container gardening tomato that produces some medium-sized fruits.

F1 Hybrid Varieties

Supercross- The fruits are similar to the moneymaker but are more disease resistant than its relative Eurocross. They are also tolerant to the mosaic virus.

Estrella- this type is known to be highly diseased resistant.

Tumbler- This is a very common patio tomato and is also a great fit for a hanging basket.

Cherry Belle- This has an outstanding taste along with a good disease resistance level and tends to crop heavily. It’s great for salads and snacks.

These are some of the best tomato varieties for a vegetable garden among many others. The good news too is that a lot of them are highly disease resistant, easy to grow and incredibly tasty.…

Garden Fountains Can Add More Life to Your Garden

Gardens are great. It may be rose garden or even a vegetable garden. The question is do you want a garden like everyone else. The same look and feel used by all your neighbors can get very boring year after year. About the only that will change is the variety of plants that are being used from year to year.

How can you spice up your cookie cutter boring garden? By adding a garden fountain. Garden fountains come in all shapes and sizes. This allows you to get the right shaped and right sized fountain to fit in the space available. These things are pretty easy to install. Just about anyone can do it. All you have to do is follow the directions.

Garden fountains come is different designs. There is your standard round design. You could go for a more elaborate shaped fountain to add some character. Some of these even have different tiers. You can even make your own garden fountain if the time and effort are put in.

One of the things a garden fountain lends itself to is relaxation. The steady sound of the water flowing will relax you. One of the purposes of you having a garden in the first place was to reduce stress and relax some right. Other fountain designs may produce a knocking sound. This is usually done by having the water flow from one place and hit another place. The water then moves the part it is hitting back and forth creating a rhythmic sound.

Another thing a garden fountain will do is attract birds. Birds are always looking for something to drink in the hot summer months. You are providing this service for them. The fountain may attract a lot of different interesting looking birds to.…