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Archive for February 21st, 2010

The 5 Fundamental Rules Of Crop Rotation

February 21, 2010 By: Dale Odeyemi Category: Advice General

There is another thing to be considered in making each vegetable do its best, and that is crop rotation, or the following of any vegetable with a different sort at the next planting…

With some vegetables, such as cabbage, this is almost imperative, and practically all are helped by it.

Even onions, which are popularly supposed to be the proving exception to the rule, are healthier, and do as well after some other crop, “provided” the soil is as finely pulverized and rich as a previous crop of onions would leave it.

If the same vegetables are grown in the same place year after year, there is a risk that soil borne pests and diseases will become a problem, and that plant health can decline as a result of this. (more…)

Autumn Gardening Tips

February 21, 2010 By: Daniel Collins Category: Gardens - Other, To do: Autumn

Autumn is the perfect time to start preparing the garden for winter. Indeed, the months of September and October present the ideal opportunity to get outside while it is still relatively warm, in order to tidy up the bedding and ensure everything is fully organised before the cold weather and frosts set in. Not only that, but laying down the right groundwork now will help the garden to reach its full springtime potential.

One of the first autumn tasks any gardener should tackle is the weeds, particularly if they have been left to run riot throughout the summer months. In addition to helping the soil prepare itself for spring, regularly removing weeds should weaken their persistence, thus encouraging them to stay away. What’s more, by pulling up any weeds now, there is less opportunity for them to spread their seeds and further infiltrate the garden. (more…)

3 Secrets to Choosing a Planter Pot

February 21, 2010 By: Florin Ciobanu Category: Gardens - Container

You may have been impressed with someone’s garden or yard because of the type of planter pot or plants that they use. It’s easy to be impressed with others who know how to create such a beautiful setup however learning how to do it can be rather challenging. One of the easiest ways to enhance the look of your house both indoors and outdoors is by your style of planter pot.

Since a planter pot can come in many different shapes, sizes, colors, and materials you will have to make several choices before you actually buy a planter pot.

Your planter pot should be able to blend into its surroundings. Although this is easier said than actually done it’s the key to having a beautiful setup. When you are trying to select a planter pot that you can blend into its surroundings you can use these tips to help you. (more…)

Greenhouse Kits: Where Do I Start?

February 21, 2010 By: Michelle Torres Category: Buildings 4 Gardens

If you want to get your own greenhouse it can be easy to do. First decide how you will use it (to winter over plants, get an early start on seeds, grow cool or warm weather crops, or a combination), and find out what greenhouse will best work for your plants. There are many different greenhouse kits to choose so it’s important to read lots of information about greenhouse kits to make an informed decision and know your greenhouse is right for your area and your crop.

When looking for a greenhouse kit, you will also have to consider size. Measure how big of space you have for the greenhouse (preferably in an area of your yard that gets southern exposure). You may be fortunate to live on acreage and space is not an issue. A majority of hobby greenhouse kits start at 8?x8? or 8?x12?. Anything less than 8? wide does not give you much room to work comfortably in your greenhouse. If you have a smaller space, there will be less kit options to choose from. You may need to consider a custom designed unit and look for greenhouse covering options.

If you have never used a greenhouse before, you may find that a cold frame would work better for you until you know how you will use your greenhouse. It will be less expensive and you can use it during two seasons to let you grow a bit longer out of the year. This will give you the chance to see and learn how growing under cover can open up your growing possibilities. What you choose is up to you. There are many greenhouse kits and companies that are ready to help you along the way. You just have to get online and find a greenhouse that works for you and fits in your budget.

About the Author:
Michelle Torres has nearly 20 years experience using and designing greenhouses and is an Oregon avid gardener. You can find additional useful greenhouse information at http://www.greenhousecatalog.com

View more articles from Michelle Torres

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Word of the Day: bromeliad

February 21, 2010 By: Garden Dictionary Category: Garden Dictionary

An epiphytic plant of the family Bromeliaceae, or pineapple family.

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