Plant Gardens 101

To Keep in Mind Using a Hydroponics Air Pump

Instructions for setting up your single or dual air pump

Warning: To guard against injury, basic safety precautions should be observed including the following

· To avoid possible electric shock special care should be taken since water is employed in the use of this air pump equipment. Do not attempt to repair by yourself. Return to an authorized service facility for help repairing this appliance.

· If you’re air pump should accidentally fall into the water do not reach for it. First unplug it and then retrieve it. If electrical components of the air pump get wet, unplug the appliance immediately.

· Carefully examine the air pump after installation. It should not be plugged in if there is water on parts not intended to be wet.

· Do not operate the air pump if it has a damaged cord or plug, or if it is malfunctioning, or has been dropped or damaged in any manner at all. (more…)

How to de-bug your garden

Did you know it is estimated that there are over 100,000 different species of insects that live in North America? If you don’t think you have bugs in your garden - guess again. In a typical backyard there are probably 1,000 little critters setting up house. Remember, not all insects are bad. Less than three percent of all insects are classified as pests. Different plants attract different insects. You will not find a corn worm on a tomato plant, because it’s digestive system simply cannot handle it. It is helpful to know the insects that live in your area. This will enable you to avoid insect infestation by planting plants that these insects do not eat. This is the safest, most environmentally friendly way to de-bug your garden. Unfortunately, this will probably not be enough to keep all destructive insects out of your garden. For many gardeners, it is necessary to use insecticides. When using insecticides, you will have maximum results if you know what kind of insects you have. Always read the label on the insecticide and follow all directions.      (more…)

If you have decided to re-vamp your back (or front) yard, the first thing you must do is to measure it and commit the measurements to a piece of graph paper. The recommended scale is one inch equals ten feet, which is a good size while you are experimenting and roughing out your draft plans. Once you have decided upon a plan, you may wish to transfer it to one foot equals one inch (1′=1″ scale).

Make sure you point which way is north, as this will be handy when you need to choose which plants you want. Map out any utility pipes or cables if necessary. Next thing to go on your ‘map’ will be existing trees and shrubs that will stay where they are already placed.

Other factors you may need to consider are wind in your yard, slopes, privacy and the basic features that you need in your yard. To determine this, you have to consider whether you are primarily designing a children’s play garden, a peaceful haven, a flowering paradise or just a low maintenance lawn with shrubs. (more…)

As a species name, means “found in cultivated fields” (as either a crop or a weed). For example, scouring rush, Equisetum arvense, is a troublesome perennial weed in sandy fields.