General Article

How to Create a Vegetable Garden

It is not difficult to plant a vegetable garden, but you do have to understand the few steps that are involved. The first thing to do is to plan where you will be placing your garden plot. The next step is to get the soil prepared, and set the seeds or starter plants in place. After that, all you have to do is tend to the plants in your garden and keep the weeds at bay. You will soon be excitedly waiting for your first harvest.

Vegetable Garden Plan

When you are planning the location for your vegetable garden, be sure that you select a place will allow for a minimum of six hours of full sunlight each day. This will play an important role in whether you have a successful garden.

Be sure that you plan the space wisely by taking into consideration the kinds and amounts of vegetables you would like to harvest. Some vegetables take up more space to grow than others, so be sure you understand the requirements of those you like. If you are really serious about taking on the responsibility of a vegetable garden, you will also want to make sure that you can afford to take this space away from other family activities.

One thing that many people do to create a lovely and bountiful vegetable garden in their yards is to prepare space around the perimeter of the yard, like around the fence line. This can render a great deal of space without taking up more active areas of the property. Many even use containers that can be relocated when necessary as an alternative to a traditional vegetable garden.

Soil Preparation

Soil preparation is a very critical part of successful vegetable gardens. You will want to have loose soil that is rich in nutrients. This can be accomplished by using a shovel to turn the soil over and a rake to clear it of unwanted roots and debris. If you have time between when you are planning your garden and the time you will actually be working on it, this is a good time to start a compost bin. You can have new soil ready to put in your garden beds by recycling food scraps and some paper products and wood chips in your compost bin.

Planting Vegetables

If you like getting your hands into the soil, you will enjoy this next step. It is time to plant your seedlings or actual seeds into the soil. Regardless of the location of your vegetable garden, leave enough room between the seeds or young plants to accommodate the mature plants. For seeds, all you need to do is make a slight furrow in the soil and place the seeds in and cover them up. Seedlings need to have a hole dug in the loose soil that is deep enough to accommodate the roots. Once you have completed your planting, water everything in without disturbing the seeds and wait until your vegetables are ready for harvest, weeding when necessary, and providing much needed water.…

4 Reasons For Outdoor Garden Lights

If you have often thought that you really need to add some lights to your garden but have no idea how to go about getting outdoor lights for it. This article will show you why you really to add this type of lighting to your outdoor garden areas as soon as you can.

1. Safety is extremely important.

Lighting is not just about beauty anymore but safety is very important. You and your family members need to be able to see where you are walking in your outdoor areas so you can avoide holes or anywhere you might trip on a sprinkler. Using lighting to highlight a pathways is a choice a lot of home owners make.

2. A secure garden is a retreat.

By installing some security lighting you will help deter burglars from thinking you are out for the evening. Also when you come and go with some well placed lighting you can discourage robbers from thinking your outside areas are a great hiding place as they hide from the police.

3. Extra Lighting will allow you to use that area more often.

As days get longer and weather heats up your backyard areas will be become a haven and retreat for you and your family. You can sit outside and relax and listen to the quiet night while you sip some wine with family and friends. Outdoors lighting fixtures do enhance the area and gives it an almost mystical atmosphere that you will really enjoy.

4. Lighting can really create an amazing seasonal environment.

From Christmas lighting to summer and spring lighting you can really enjoy decorating your backyard for the holidays. You can create almost any type of environment that you desire. Entertain your friends and family with parties and BBQ’s and this type of lighting can really give your backyard a lovely feel to it.…

Tips on Building a Beautiful Garden

Garden construction is just as easy if you follow the steps of the professionals. It is indeed overwhelming to take on a landscape job. There are a lot of things to consider such as garden layout, position of the sun, wind, views drainage, garden style, proper plant selection and many more. To start these, put all the information you need on a paper and do what the professionals do. If you use these as a starting point for your garden jobs, definitely you will come up with good results. Just think that it is like a blue print for the proper construction of buildings or home.

Next, consider the site in which the attractive views are located, whether it may be north or where the windy area is and all the elements that would practically add to the beauty of your garden. This is the part where you need to focus and take a hard look, because you really need to work on spaces that can still be arranged and the most important is where to locate the garden space for plants and the like.

To make a good garden structure which is the next step for your garden construction, you need to have the different tools to start with the essentials such as the building of fences. There are some hand tools available in your favorite hardware, but the job will be much easier for you if you have the portable electric tools such as the saber saw, circular saw and electric drills to make the work faster and hassle free.

On the other hand to make a good fence, consider the proper wood to be used for construction. Choose a wood that does not easily decay and has the resistance to insects to make sure that it will last for a long time. Certain woods such as the red wood or pressure treated wood can be used. The former is an insect resistant wood. This wood is easy to work on and they are good for garden construction. It is beautiful if it has a natural finish or even leave it as it is, the older it gets the beautiful it becomes. However, they are quite expensive and sometimes unavailable because of its unique characteristics.

Another type of wood is the “pressure treated wood; this wood is usually soaked in chemicals to avoid insects from getting through and to resist decays. They are economical because there are plenty of woods that can be treated with chemicals, one of which is the Southern pine; the only disadvantage is that sometimes chemicals leave a harsh smell, making it irritating to some people.

Finally, you need to consider what you want your garden to look like. Pay attention to the decks, perennial beds and walks. Think and you can even purchase catalogues for the different plants which bear pretty flowers, and look also for some garden items, also you can add up furniture, such as cozy wood benches. Try to accessorize, remember that this garden is your own so try to work on a little extra effort, so these will turn out to be unique and beautiful.

Remember that a garden should certainly attract people and at the same time provide the users a comfortable outdoor space. Just always be more creative and artistic, definitely, you will have the garden you always dreamed of.…

Peonies and Hollyhocks

Peonies are one of the oldest documented blossoms. Peonies were in existence 1400-4000 years ago in China. The peony flower is considered a blossom of wealth. In past days, if one could afford a peony plant in their garden they were certainly a prosperous family. For the flower shop, peonies come on around Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. They can be bought at your local wholesaler or at a local farm. We used to purchase peonies grown in Grand Junction, Colorado at a local grower. We would get buckets and buckets and buckets of them. The excitement was on. They come in very tight buds. It is only after a few days in a warm shop they begin to burst open. They are so showy, they sell themselves. Everyone has to have some!!

Peonies come in a nice range of colors from ivory to soft blush, to lavendars, purples and burgundies. They are a very large showy flower, with one big blossom and a few buds on each stem. The stems can range up to two feet tall. Peonies have lush green foliage, almost making it unnecessary to add other foliage to the arrangement. They are fragrant and fairly long lasting. Peonies can be used in floral designs, corsages, memorial pieces, wreaths, and vase arrangements. They can be used fresh or dried. Drying peonies is easy. Just hang blossoms upside down in small loose bunches. Do not crowd. Hang in a dark, cool space. They retain their color very well. They can be sprayed with a specifically designed dried flower sealant when dry, about 2-3 weeks.

Peonies make an impressive, old-fashioned bouquet. While they are very seasonal, it is good to get all you can out of them while they are available. This is a flower that will keep customers coming back year after year. Hollyhocks have to be one of my most favorite flowers. They are easy to grow and forgiving. Of course they can be bought at your local wholesaler as well, in season. You will see them growing along ditch banks and anywhere the wind happens to blow the seeds. They are a tall flower, reaching up to three feet. They range in colors from white and ivory to pinks, reds, purples, and magenta, almost black. Traditionally, hollyhocks are associated with cottage gardens. They need to be planted in the rear of a mixed border or along a wall. There are both single and double forms. Hollyhocks seed freely and will always come back from seed year after year.

In floral designs, hollyhocks make nice line flowers, establishing the height and width in a design. Add carnations and daisies for an attractive garden look. Add foliage such as ivy, asparagus fern and wax flower for a more upscale look. As a matter of fact, peonies and hollyhocks together would make an absolutely stunning design. And for the June bride, well if it is different they want, peonies and hollyhocks, ranging from off white to blush pink to a greening tint, would look spectacular. Again, accent with asparagus fern, ivy and wax flower, maybe even a little heather. Wow!! Beautiful!! Once again, always be creative and different. Do not be afraid to offer your customer savvy and unique. Your shop will stand out from the rest and you be viewed as an artist of floral design.…

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.…

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.…