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Archive for May 31st, 2010

Annuals Dictionary: Mesembryanthemum

May 31, 2010 By: Annuals Dictionary Category: Annuals Dictionary

Carpetweed family
Aizoaceae
Me-sem-bri-an’thee-mum. Fig-marigold . Originally, the fig-marigolds made up a huge genus, but over the past 100 years, they have been divided into several separate genera. Mesembryanthemum contains the original species described by Linnaeus and 40-50 other species, the one below most widely grown.

Description
Leaves alternate or opposite, nearly cylindrical, some flecked with glistening specks. Flowers generally large and showy, often daisylike because of the great number of petals and stamens, mostly white, red, or yellow. Calyx tubular, with 4-5 rather leafy lobes.

How to Grow   (more…)

Home Vegetable Gardening: Growing Cauliflower

May 31, 2010 By: Michael Podlesny Category: Gardens - Vegetable, How To Grow...

Cauliflower is part of the cabbage family. However, unlike the cabbage plant, cauliflower can be easily stressed. If not taken care of properly it will lead to a less than adequate harvest.

If you are a fan of cauliflower (which I am once I cover it with melted cheddar cheese), then you should definitely add a head or two to your home vegetable garden.

Here are the steps you can take to ensure a good cauliflower harvest in your home vegetable garden.

Start by preparing the site where you cauliflower will be planted. Cauliflower grows best when the pH level of the soil is at least 6.5 and no higher than 7.5. You can test the pH level of your soil with a simple home test available at your local home or garden center. (more…)

Heirloom Roses: Three Things Grandma Didn’t Tell You

May 31, 2010 By: K. Finch Category: Gardens - Flower, History of Gardens

Heirloom roses are always mentioned as something good for your garden, but what exactly are they? Heirloom, also known as antique or old roses are the rose varieties that existed before 1867, the year the first hybrid tea rose was developed in France. Heirloom roses lost favor with gardeners since they did not repeat blooms like the new roses do. Today, a lot of gardeners still look at heirlooms as being inferior to the modern varieties. While modern roses bloom several times over a growing season, heirloom roses produce blossoms in early summer for a period of two to four weeks. When they bloom, though, the fragrance and abundance of blooms is astounding.

If you’re thinking of adding some heirloom roses in your garden there are a few things you should know before you plant them.

1. Heirloom Roses are Hardy and Diverse

It is mind-boggling how many colors, sizes, flower forms and fragrances there are to choose from with heirloom roses. If you want climbing roses, or short roses or tall roses… you’ll find something to fit the bill. With all this variety, you’re sure to find one or three that you can’t live without. (more…)

Your First Vegetable Garden

May 31, 2010 By: Oz Gardener Category: Create & Plan..., Gardens - Vegetable

Suggestions from a guy who has gardened for more than 25 years …

Start Small – For most beginners, smaller is better. A 100 square foot garden – say, 10 feet by 10 feet – is plenty. Even a 4 ft. by 5 ft. garden or a few containers on your deck or patio can be very rewarding.

The Basics – there are 5 basic requirements:
- Good soil
- Seeds and/or plants
- Water
- Fertilizer
- Weed and bug control. (more…)

Word of the Day: fiber

May 31, 2010 By: Garden Dictionary Category: Garden Dictionary, Uncategorized

One of the elongated, thick-walled cells that give strength and support to plant tissue.

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Seasoning for All Seasons: Grow Your Herbs in Pots

May 31, 2010 By: J Bassfarm Category: Gardens - Container, Gardens - Herb

Gardening is a productive hobby that should and can be enjoyed by all, not only those who are backyard endowed. An exciting project for the budding gardener, and even children with a hint of green thumb interest, is growing herbs of various sorts in pots and containers. Container or pot gardening is extremely beneficial for city dwellers, as little space is to be had, and little space is needed. A fire escape terrace can be made oh, so much more inviting by adding a little greenery to all that metal. Small spaces are actually quite conducive to herb growth, making an herb garden an ideal candidate for one’s first foray into backyard gardening, especially if space is limited, as when there is no backyard at all.

If your household is one that enjoys eating well, and you and your family especially enjoys cooking, an herb garden should be especially attractive. Adding herbs to your favorite recipes, especially fresh herbs grown in your own little garden will only increase exponentially the wonderful tastes you bring to your dinner table each and every night. Depending of what kinds of cooking you naturally gravitate to, be it Mexican, French, Italian cuisine, etc., a special pot or grouping of pots can be tailored to grow for each style. Now for the growing preparations, because taste buds are growing impatient with all this tasty talk! (more…)