Plant Gardens 101

There are several ways to plan successful greenhouse heating. Since greenhouses have to let sunshine in, they do not have the same high insulation as other structure such as your home. The greenhouse heating decisions you make are crucial to keep your plants from getting frost bitten during cold nights.

Greenhouse heating should be kept at a constant level. Plants do best when the temperature fluctuates gradually, which is why twin-wall covering is ideal. Greenhouse heating needs to be carefully monitored at all times and in every season.

Heat loss occurs through the covering of the greenhouse on cold, windy and clear nights and this can wreak havoc on your plants without proper greenhouse heating. There are many heaters to choose from to keep your greenhouse at a constant warm temperature. Some may hang from the structure of the greenhouse and others are designed to sit on the floor. It is best to have the heaters at ground level for slower heat loss.

Some heaters have built in fans or distribute the hot air with convection heat. If there are still cold spots in the greenhouse, circulation fans can also help with greenhouse heating needs. There are a variety of fans on the market that will help circulate the air to the places where it’s needed.

Greenhouse heating requires planning. Make sure to consider the location of the greenhouse. If you have a lean-to unit, you might be able to use air from your home. Otherwise plan to wire electricity or bring a gas line to your greenhouse for an energy source for your greenhouse heater. When considering greenhouse heating, you will also have to consider the type of plants or flowers you will be growing. Cool weather crops require far less greenhouse heating than tropicals or tomatoes. So figure out what temperature level you will maintain in your greenhouse. To determine what your greenhouse heater you need, calculate the surface area of your greenhouse and use a greenhouse heating calculator.

Greenhouse heating is one of those areas of greenhouse gardening that requires some planning and calculating if you are striving for success in the greenhouse.

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

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Have you shrubs or perennials that are borderline hardy? Anew Hampshire gardener placed large rocks to the northwest of his tender heathers on a south-facing bank. In summer, the rocks add a pleasing design element to the garden.

In winter, they absorb the sun’s heat in the day and retain some of that heat at night. They also protect the plants from chill northwest winds.

Put bales of hay around tender plants to protect them in winter.

Strawberry plants need winter protection. Save weeding headaches next season by using weed-free winter mulch, such as pine needles. You can give the plants a dusting of mulch after the first few light frosts, but wait until the temperature drops to 20° F before applying it to a depth of three or four inches. (more…)

The female reproductive organ of a fern or moss.

In pruning, cutting off most of the crown of a tree without regard to the natural shape. A drastic and unattractive method of pruning, it is often used on too-large trees under power lines.

Like so many other problems in gardening, this one will go away if you make a slight adjustment of attitude and decide to embrace the shade rather than be daunted by it. A visit to any of the big gardens will show shady areas that have been successfully planted, and there is no reason why you should not do the same on a smaller scale.

So, how do we cope with shade? For some reason, many people simply ignore the fact that an area is shady and attempt to grow annuals and other sun loving plants in it. These inevitably languish and frequently die, and the gardeners get very despondent.

There is really no excuse for these problems as a large number of plants are available that actually like shady conditions. Perhaps the colors of these plants might not be so dazzling as the sun lovers because there are not many bright reds, for example, but they are still colorful enough to put on a good display. Many plants that like shade are yellow, and so stand out well in the gloomy light. (more…)

Daisy family
Compositae
Am-moe’bi-um. A small genus of Australian herbs, valued as an everlasting because its white blossoms do not fade with age.

Description
Leaves white, felty, alternate or basal. Flowers yellow, in chaffy heads that are solitary at the ends of the small branches and surrounded by silvery white bracts. No ray flowers.

How to Grow
Easily grown in ordinary garden soil. Start seeds indoors and set out when night temperatures are above 50° F (10° C). Before flowers are mature, cut and hang with heads down in a shady, cool place; when dry, they will hold their color almost indefinitely. This species prefers warm weather.

Ammobium alatum
Winged Everlasting . Bushy, to 3 ft. (1 m) high, the branches prominently winged. Heads 1 in. (4 cm) wide, the bracts petal-like and silvery white. Australia. Cultivar ‘Grandiflora’ has larger heads. Will self-sow in sandy soil. Tender perennial grown as a tender annual.

While many types of insects, birds and animals seen in the home are unwanted intruders, others play a necessary position in pollinating plants and stirring seeds from one place to another. In fact, lacking the animal and insect helpers, most plants would be unable to mimic.

Even while most gardeners understand how important this rotation of pollination and seed disbursal is, few copious understand why it occurs, or how it profit both the plants and the animals.

The rewards of pollination and seed disbursal to the plants are painless to determine – they get to divide their seeds far and large, and inception new plants in far-off locations. The rewards the insects, birds and mammals grow are many as well, and they contain:

Nectar – nectar is actually a sweetened mixture, and, hence it is very cherished by all kinds of animals both for its good bite and for the ample energy it provides. Getting at this nectar is what prompts most pollinating insects, birds and animals to do such a good job. (more…)

If you are going to take up a new hobby, you might as well do something that is productive as well as fun. One such activity is vegetable gardening. Vegetable gardening is a very relaxing activity that millions of people love to do. There is also a certain pride when you know that you can grow your own fruits and vegetables right from your own backyard. In order to become a successful vegetable gardener, though, you must have a specific plan involving the kinds of plants you want in your garden, as well as the placement of these plants.

Basic Requirements for Vegetable Gardening

A flat, level surface is necessary for vegetable gardening to ensure that the water will flow evenly, giving sufficient nourishment to all the plants in your garden. If you have an uneven terrain, some of your plants may drown while others might be dehydrated. Good soil is essential as well so make sure that you buy quality gIf you are going to take up a new hobby, you might as well do something that is productive as well as fun. One such activity is vegetable gardening. Vegetable gardening is a very relaxing activity that millions of people love to do. There is also a certain pride when you know that you can grow your own fruits and vegetables right from your own backyard. In order to become a successful vegetable gardener, though, you must have a specific plan involving the kinds of plants you want in your garden, as well as the placement of these plants. (more…)

The botanical name for lilac.

It should be pretty obvious what biogenesis has to do with organic gardening. In fact, it’s a central principle upon which organic gardening is built: a healthy, living soil produces healthy plants. If your soil doesn’t contain dynamic, living organisms, it’s, well, dead. This principle holds true whether your “garden” consists of a field of corn, a raised rose bed, containers of herbs, or a living room full or African violets.

But there is great news! You can fix your soils fertility! The scientific term ‘biogenesis’ simply means, living things can only come from other living things and cannot be created spontaneously.

Wikipedia says that, “until the 19th century, it was commonly believed that life frequently arose from non-life under certain circumstances, a process known as spontaneous generation. This belief was due to the common observation that maggots or mold appeared to arise spontaneously when organic matter was left exposed. It was later discovered that under all these circumstances commonly observed, life only arises from the replication of other living organisms.” Only God one can create life from lifeless matter. (more…)

A piece of the root used for propagation. This method of producing new plants is especially useful for plants that tend to sucker, such as blackberries and raspberries.

Herb gardening is becoming more and more popular every day, and for a good reason. Herbs have practical value, serve a purpose, and with herb gardening you can actually use your plants. When most people think of herb gardening they automatically think of cooking, but herbs are also grown for their pleasant aroma and their beauty.

One important part of herb gardening is drying the herbs for use during the winter months, especially if you plan on cooking with them. First the tops of leafy herbs have to be cut, washed, and hung up for the water to evaporate. Then, tie stems together and hang up in a paper bag to dry. After two to three weeks they must be removed; crumble the leaves, dry them out in the oven, and store in a glass jar. (more…)

I was very dubious when I heard about compost bin tumblers. The claims just seemed to optimistic. The more I researched, however, the more I have become convinced.

Because of the way they work you can make compost in a matter of weeks and not months. How is this possible?

They work by being rotated every few days. You spin the rotating compost bin on its axis. This means that a steady temperature is always working away at the contents. It also has the added advantage of keeping the contents well aerated and chops up what is inside at the same time. The claims are that this ensures a rapid heating and decomposition of the contents. From everything I have read it seems that this way of making compost will give you a rich mix in about three weeks. (more…)

Throughout the spring and summer, we are treated to the melodious songs and chattering conversations of a variety of birds in our trees and shrubs. As summer turns to autumn, then autumn to winter, the songs die down and the conversations are less frequent. Is there a way to keep the birds around during the winter too? You bet! Every region is blessed with a variety of non-migratory birds. With just the right tasty treats, you can draw these non-migratory birds to your yard. Food, water and protection are the three things you need to provide for your feathered friends.

When you consider feeders, have mercy on the little birds who will visit your yard. Be sure to supply tube feeders for them, designed in such a way to keep out larger birds. Thistle feeders are a favorite of finches. Thistle ocks Shepherd hooks make great thistle feeders and come in various sizes. Green feeders with weighted trap doors will keep out squirrels and crows. (more…)

Evening primrose family
Onagraceae
Clark’i-a. Very showy herbs, mostly from the w. U.S., some popular in the flower garden.

Description
Leaves alternate, narrow, sometimes with very small marginal teeth. Flowers solitary or in small clusters. Petals 4, clawed, the upper part widely spread and sometimes 3-toothed.

How to Grow    (more…)

When you look at a rose garden in full bloom, you see all the vibrant colors and smell the heady fragrances. But when you think of starting a rose garden of your own, you think of all the difficulty in maintaining them and how time consuming it all is. But in actuality, starting a rose garden isn’t any harder than growing other plant or shrub in your landscape.

Roses have been around a long, long time. Fossilized roses have been discovered that are over 35 million years old. Although mainly a native to Asia, the 150 different wild and cultivated species of roses can be found all across the Northern Hemisphere. Ancient cultures from China to Egypt to Greece to Rome have grown and revered this perennially flowering shrub.

Roses have been symbols for war, love, forgiveness, beauty and clandestine meetings. In fact the Latin expression “sub rosa“ (under the rose) comes from the Romans who would often set out or display roses at gatherings as a signal that whatever was talked about or discussed was to remain “secret”. (more…)

The tendency of shoots and leaves to grow toward the light. Also called heliotropism.

We live in an age of convenience. 8 minute microwave meals have replaced the hours it took to prepare a home cooked meal. Veggies come peeled and seasoned; all you need to do is pop them in the cooker and innovative easy meals line the shelves of our supermarket aisles.

Yes, convenience is king in the 21st century. We also, however, live in an age where we are hyper aware of what’s getting added to our foods – organic is in!

While it may be easier to pop a packet of peeled baby carrots in a lemon butter sauce into the microwave, there is something so rewarding about growing and preparing your veggies from scratch. Not only are you completely confident that no horrible pesticides have been used but the feeling of accomplishment of going back to the earth is so satisfying – and rather impressive in the eyes of your dinner guests too.

Now, while starting your own vegetable garden may sound a little too Alan Titchmarsh for you, you’d be surprised how easy it actually is. Not only will you acquire a gratifying new hobby, but you will also be saving money and ensuring that you are in complete control of what you are putting into your body.

Deciding to start a vegetable garden is a no-brainer. It’s preparing for planting, selecting your veggies and the maintenance that scares off most people. All you really need to do is follow these steps and in a few short weeks you will be reaping the benefits.

Step One: Where to place your veggie garden
Think about your garden carefully before you haul out the spades and rakes. Make sure that you consider the children’s play areas, where the wind hits the hardest and where the sunniest parts of your garden are located – most vegetables thrive when they are exposed to 6 hours of full sunlight a day. Once you’ve decided where the ideal place for your veggie garden is, you can decide on how big or small it can be. If you have a really small garden or a paved outside area you can grow some vegetables in pots and troughs.

Step Two: Preparing the garden
Mark out the area for your vegetable patch and get started. You can add some finishing touches, like paving or fencing, to make it look prettier once the initial steps are complete. You will need to remove all weeds, stones, roots and debris from the area by churning the soil. Once you are happy with that you’ll need to prepare the soil – arguably the most vital step in the process.

Step Three: Preparing the soil
Key to the success of your veggie garden is rich, fertile, well draining soil. If you already have that, this is going to be really easy. If, however, your garden rarely breeds anything other than weeds, it may take a little longer to get the soil in this part of your garden up to scratch.

Adding 6 to 8 centimetres of compost or rotten leaves, if you have them available, in spring will help improve both the fertility and drainage of the soil. The ideal pH for vegetables is 6.0 to 6.5 and you’ll be able to get a testing kit from your local gardening store. You may also want to test your soil and then head off to chat to one of the experts at the garden store. They will be able to advise you on what you need to add to the soil in order to improve its quality – after a few months you’ll be an expert too. Once your soil is in tip top condition (this may take a few weeks depending on the condition of your base soil) – the fun can really start.

Starting a compost heap is also a wonderful idea. That way you can ensure that any organic matter goes straight back into your veggie garden.

Step Four: Choosing your vegetables
The variety of vegetables you’ll be able to plant really depends on the size of your veggie patch as well as the demand for those specific vegetables in your home. It’s no good to grow a hundred heads of lettuce if you’re the only one in the house eating it. It’s probably best to start with a few vegetables that are renowned for being easy to grow: carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, spring onions, spinach and celery. Some vegetables thrive in soil of a specific pH level, so your expert at the garden centre will be able to tell you exactly what will grow best in your new garden.

Step Five: Planting your vegetables
It is important that you follow the instructions on your seed packs to the letter. Plant them at the exact depth and space apart as stated and make sure you mark the various veggies. You will need to cover the seeds and then firmly compact the soil. Follow up with thorough yet soft shower from the hosepipe.

Step Six: Caring for your veggie garden
Vegetables need approximately 3 – 5 centimetres of water a week, but remember to keep the showers light – the seedlings will still be quite fragile for a while. Remember not to water during the hours where your bed is exposed to full sunlight as it will cause your plants to burn – early morning and early evening are the best times for watering your vegetable garden. After a few weeks you will see the seedlings coming up to the surface – if you notice that you may have placed too many in your bed or that they are going to start encroaching on one another, now is the best time to thin your bed down. You also need to ensure that you are weeding and maintaining the bed weekly.

Step Seven: Protecting your veggies
One of the biggest concerns for gardeners is the insects and creatures like snails that attack their plants. Keep an eye out for them; it’s easier to put a stop to this problem if you catch it early. Tedious, but definitely the best way of avoiding pests, is to pick them off of your plants by hand – it’s also chemical free.

If you do wish to use pesticides, make sure they are organic. There are also several that you can create yourself – a quick search for “make your own organic pesticide” on the internet will reveal a variety of solutions you can create to keep the bugs at bay. Again, if in doubt, please consult the staff at your local garden centre.

Step Eight: Reaping the rewards
Once your veggies are ready to harvest you can remove from the soil as needed or prepare home-grown veggie baskets as gifts for you friends and family. Remember not to over cook fresh veggies – you will be amazed at the difference in taste from store bought products.
Another great idea is to harvest some of the additional vegetables and donate them to a charity in your area, be it a soup kitchen or a school feeding scheme.
Happy gardening!

More About Breadline Africa
Breadline Africa is a grant-making organisation that raises funds and uses them to provide sustainable support to a number of community-based charity projects. Many of the projects supported by Breadline Africa are sustainable agricultural projects like food gardens. Give Africa a hand up by donating to this charity.

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“Green” is an interesting word these days. It, of course, still means the primary color green. However, recently it has taken on the new meaning of being ecologically helpful, prudent and sustainable. Within the context of a home landscape, it means talking about a “green” green garden.

“With a design for a green garden, the goals are basically the same as for any other landscape project, except we focus on using materials, plant and non-plant, that reduce the Big Four of ongoing maintenance: watering, trimming, weeding and mulching,” says Jeff Halper, “green” expert with Exterior Worlds.

Following are some ideas for your home landscape design that use less energy and money—to help you get a green garden and still get to keep some green in your pocketbook:

1. Plant drought-tolerant and disease-resistant varieties of bushes, trees, ornamentals and grass. Good choices include pampas grass, spring bulbs, and black-eyed Susans. You might even choose older rose varieties, which are hardier than modern large-flowered hybrids. A green garden such as this reduces the water requirement and the number of chemical treatment needed to fight diseases. Houston landscape designers will be able to point you in the right direction for other plants that grow well in our climate.

2. Install drought-tolerant lawns or lawns that don’t require mowing on a frequent basis. In some areas, you might even consider artificial turf. (more…)

You have a number of choices, here. A compost bin, box, tumbler, trench or heap – all will work, its a matter of personal preference. Let us look. Compost Bin. This can be made out of just about anything; discarded 44gal. drums are good, provided they are clean of petro-chemicals; plastic cherry-bins are ideal. For the most part, it needs to be big enough that you could climb into it. Cut off the top and bottom – keep one of these for the lid. Make a number of ‘breathing-holes’ around the shell – these can be either cut or drilled through. A plastic rubbish bin will do. Once again, cut off the bottom, make holes in the side – then turn it upside-down, so that the wider opening sits on the ground. The idea of no bottom, is to allow the insects, worms and micro-organisms which help degradation of your waste materials the freedom to migrate into and out of your compost. Compost Box. This can be made out of anything you have to hand, be it old pallets, bricks, or spare lumber. Bales of hay work quite well – the hay ultimately becoming compost itself. Plastic Composters. There are a number of plastic composters available, stand alone units and tumblers. These are made of a special grade plastic that ‘breathes’. (more…)