Zucchini Time Is Here!
There has been an abundant amount of zucchini coming into my kitchen this summer and I have found many things to do with it.
The first thing I do is shred the zucchini and freeze it so I can have my winter zucchini bread. I measure out 2 cups of shredded zucchini and put it in a zip-lock freezer bag. Steam blanching is recommended for shredded zucchini. Make as many 2-cup bags as you think you will need over the winter. (more…)
Lighting is one of the essential aspects of hydroponic gardening. Indoor grow lights are commonly used in hydroponics to provide lighting to plants. This is because, for an indoor garden, indoor grow lights are a suitable alternative to sunlight.
There is a wide variety of indoor grow lights available. Here are some tips to help you choose the best lighting system for your needs:
High Intensity Discharge Lights
High intensity discharge lights or HIDs are electrical lights that are highly efficient. Depending on the spectrum of light they produce, they are classified into two types, i.e. metal halide (MH) and high pressure sodium (HPS). While MH lights provide light in the blue spectrum, which promotes leaf and shoot growth, HPS indoor grow lights are more suitable for flowering, as they emit red or orange light. Here are some tips to maximize the benefits of HID lights: (more…)
If you have farming, you are not deserted. Each year, millions of Americans grow a patch. If you are interested in right one of those individuals, you may essential to foothold some equipment. These farming accessories may not only make farming easier, but they may also help to crop better outcome.
When it comes to farm accessories, there are several different objects that are included. To birth a patch and sustain it, it is prone that you will penury farming supplies. To grow plants or food, you will want to have seeds. To help your seeds expansion, you may want to have deposit food and other feeding supplies. The farming tools and supplies that you necessity will all depend on what brand of backyard you are interested in developing. Despite the difference in supplies, there are many everyday accessories that you may desire to have.
The first step in early a backyard is to choice a liberty. Since your plants, plants, or food will necessary sunlight, you will want to wish a theme that receives an adequate total of it. This zoned can each be large or small, depending on the extent of your plot. You may also want to make loyal that this topic is not in the way of your other activities. Developing your plot in a justly secluded question will help to slash the peril of destruction. (more…)
It’s important to keep your greenhouse and greenhouse accessories clean and in working order if you want to have strong and healthy plants. A greenhouse is a warm and humid place and if you aren’t careful your greenhouse will be afflicted with pests and diseases that are often difficult to get rid of.
Decide on a schedule for greenhouse maintenance and include your greenhouse accessories as well. Get a calendar and write down the various chores that need to take place. When you do this you will have a greenhouse and greenhouse accessories that are in good working condition at all times.
You will have several greenhouse accessories to keep the plants weed-free and trimmed. Be sure to keep these tools clean so they do not spread disease from plant to plant. These hand-held tools and greenhouse accessories should be cleaned regulary to assure you keep your greenhouse healthy.
The greenhouse itself should get a thorough wipedown one or two times a year. Use a bleach and water solution and wipe down the greenhouse frame, the greenhouse benches, vents and fans and the greenhouse covering. You might also want to treat the foundation to make sure it’s disease-free.
Make sure all greenhouse accessories are in working order. Check to make sure the vents, heaters, and watering supply and see if they are in need of replacement or repair.
Maintain your greenhouse and your greenhouse accessories to keep your plants and flowers in the best shape possible.
About the Author: Michelle Torres has nearly 20 years experience using and designing greenhouses and is an avid gardener. You can find additional useful information about greenhouses and greenhouse gardening at The Greenhouse Catalog
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Do you want to learn how to grow the biggest strawberries ever…
How to grow the biggest strawberries ever
How I discovered how to grow the biggest strawberries ever
I have been growing strawberries for a number of years now, along with a few other fruits and vegetable. Anyway about 6 months ago I was talking with one of my friends about a pest problem I had with a few of my strawberries plants. Anyway my find told me about this TV program he had been watching about how farmers can now grow all kinds of plants in water without soil (hydroponics), which helps to stop pests from affecting the crop. (more…)
.One. The first survival food storage secret is to learn to garden and use whatever space you have available. From a back yard area, raised beds, container gardens on a deck or tiny herb pots in the kitchen window, people can grow more than they think with a little creativity and effort. Use edible landscaping for plants that are ornamental as well as that provide food. Need a couple shade trees? Why not use fruit or nut trees – they will supply shade as well as food.
Two. Learn how to ‘put up’ food – canning, food dehydrating and other techniques are increasingly easy with modern gadgetry designed to save food. It needs a little effort – but on a kitchen counter you can dry enough herbs for a year ; you can make real powdered and flaked pepper, garlic and onion. (more…)
Greenhouses are accurate more and more admired to those people with “green thumb.” Even home gardeners are considering having one for their plot for the repayment that it gives. Since packed-sized, reliable greenhouses can sincerely be exclusive and costly to retain, it may be impractical for these small home gardeners to encourage one.
Nevertheless do not trouble! It is because there are new portable and baby greenhouses now offered for one to grip and conveniently place in their gardens. These portable greenhouses are ultimate for those who want to gain their budding period early in the bound and offer it during the descend. These are also best for overwintering crops and are inexpensive too.
Because these greenhouses are portable, they are light in import and compact for easy group, pleasing down and transporting. Most of these portable greenhouse kits can be set up in 30 summary or even minus. And because they are compact, they can simply be stored in any convenient place in the garage or closet when it is not yet time to use them. (more…)
An indoor herb garden takes many forms, and growing herbs in pots is just one of many options available to a natural herb enthusiast. Potted herbs are easy to maintain and typically require less maintenance than herb gardens grown outdoors. A decorative hanging basket or window box can also be an attractive addition to your indoor environments. Let’s take a closer look at some of the aspects involved with growing potted herbs.
Potted plants, or all plants for that matter, require three basic ingredients to thrive – controlled sunlight, good soil, and an adequate water supply. Fresh herb gardens are no exception. Proper placement and regular care will ensure your plants thrive and produce regularly. The amount and variety of the herbs you grow will allow determine how they should be lit.
Where would you place potted herbs to offer the best sunlight? Find a room with a window that faces south or west. These directions give the most favorable light. Some people utilize supplemental lights like fluorescent grow lamps that offer more consistent, even lighting for potted plants. These lights work well in isolated, temperature-controlled areas, if there is indoor space to set them up properly. (more…)
There is a solution for you if you love the look of plants indoors but don’t have the time or a green thumb to take care of them. A terrarium is a self-contained plant habitat. Once you have set-up the terrarium and closed the lid (on the jar or other container you have chosen) the plants inside create their own eco-system – all you have to do is enjoy it.
The choices for terrarium containers are only limited by your imagination. Traditionally a smaller aquarium is used with a lid but a glass jar or other container will work nicely too. Plastic will work as well, just make sure that it is a clear plastic or you won’t be able to admire your handiwork once it is completed. Whatever size or material you choose for your terrarium the most important factor is that it does not leak. You need the water and moisture to stay inside for it to work and you don’t want a mess inside your house.
The plants that you choose should all thrive in similar conditions and grow well in a humid environment. Popular plants to put into a terrarium are carnivorous (Venus Fly Trap, sundew, or pitch plant) or rain forest plants (chamaedorea palms, small ferns or fittonia). (more…)
The herb garden you’ve carefully tended has yielded great results, and now the plants are thriving. The question is how do you harvest and utilize the herbs you’ve grown? Here are some ideas on how to get the best use from your plentiful home herb garden.
First, hearty plants need to be harvested. How do you know when herbs are ready? Depending on the herb, a good general rule is to harvest plants just before they start to flower. In the case of lemon balm or mint, for example, you can trim the plants pretty close to the roots, since they will come back quickly over time. (more…)
Nothing spoils a garden faster than a few pests. Sprays and gasses that do the trick to kill insects can also harm your garden and the environment in general – to say nothing of how unpleasant it can be for you, your children, or your pets to breathe in!
Store bought chemicals can get pretty pricey, too, and in most cases, there are methods to solve most insect related problems that plague you.
Trouble with Aphids? Ladybugs control the aphid population – you can usually buy a load of Ladybugs at your local nursery to take care of your aphids gone wild, for significantly less than a fumigation spray would go for. (more…)
Many people worry a lot when it comes to caring for their plants. When talking about house plants, there is no need to worry. There are just a few things you need to consider.
1. Watering Overwatering kills most houseplants. Looks can be deceptive, so to see if your soil is dry enough to water, try the finger test. Insert your index finger up to the first joint into the soil. If the soil is damp, don’t water it.
2. Feeding Foliage plants usually have high nitrogen needs, while flowering plants, K2O is needed. Slow release fertilizers can be mixed with the compost. However, certain plants like cacti and orchids need special fertilizer. Feed plants during their most active growth period.
3. Lighting Plants like Sanseveria and Aspidistra require no sun. They can be placed away from a window. Spider plants need semi-shade. You can put plants like these near a window that does or does not get sunlight. Check the label to see what your plant needs.
4. Temperature Houseplants can survive in cool or warm temperatures, but drastic fluctuations of temperature may not be good for them. One thing that most plants cannot survive is gas heating. If you have a plant that likes warm conditions, don’t put it near an air conditioner in the summer.
5. Humidity Some houseplants require a humid environment. One tip to maximize humidity is to put the pot inside a larger pot and fill in the gaps with stones or compost to keep in the moisture. Grouping plants together often creates a microclimate that they will benefit from. If you want, you can spray them with water once or twice a day depending on the temperature.
6. Re-potting Some plants require re-potting for optimum growth but there are others that resent having their roots disturbed. Or their roots system may be small enough that they don’t require re-potting. One way to check if your plant needs re-potting is to turn it upside down. Tap the pot to release the plant and check its roots. If roots are all you see, then re-pot. Sometimes the roots will come out of the pot. You should either cut them off or re-pot the plant.
You just need to have a little care for your plants and in turn, you’ll reap the benefits. Indoor plants not only add to the beauty of your décor, but also give much pleasure to the indoor gardener.
Learn about yoshino cherry and cherry pitter at the Cherry Facts site.
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There are many reasons to learn beginner organic gardening. Creating an organic garden is simple and easy and does not require as much work as you would think. A little know-how goes a long way.
As an Organic Gardener myself, I hope these tips will help you create your own organic garden. The first thing is to choose a location for your vegetable garden. Choose a location that receives the most sun through out the day. Plants love the sun. Determine where the sun rises and sets so you can choose where to plant accordingly to size so that no plant shades another. (more…)
A plant or sometimes just a branch or shoot of a plant that shows a marked change from the normal, typically as a result of mutation. Sports are often the source of new cultivars. See also mutant.
A group of individual plants that share many characteristics and interbreed freely. The species is the basic unit in plant classification. An individual plant is described by two Latin words; the first indicates the genus, the second the species. See also Linnaeus, Carolus; genus.
Roses have gotten a bad wrap over the years for being difficult to grow and maintain. If you are thinking of rose gardening don’t let this rumor stop you. While rose gardening can prove to be challenging, once you get the hang of it, it really isn’t that bad.
When you first start rose gardening, you will have to choose what type of rose you wish to plant, and no, I’m not talking about the color. You will have to choose between bare-root, pre-packaged, and container-grown roses. Bare-root roses are sold in the winter and early spring. They should be planted as soon as frosts are over and the ground is warm and workable. Pre-packaged roses are bare-root plants that are sold in a bad or box with something around the roots to retain moisture, such as sawdust. Container-grown roses are grown; you guessed it, in containers. They will be either budding or already in bloom when they become available in the early spring.
Planting in rose gardening is not that much different than any other type of plant. The most important thing, as always, is good, healthy soil and a prime planting area. It doesn’t matter whether your roses are bare-root or container-grown, the planting methods are the same as any other shrub. Make sure the spot you choose has good drainage, gets plenty of sunlight, and will not overcrowd your roses. Before planting, any dead leaves and thin or decayed shoots need to be cut off. Any damaged or very long roots also need to be trimmed. Soak bare-root roses in water about 10-12 hours to restore moisture in the roots before planting and water the soil before planting as well. Make sure the hole you have dug is large enough for the root growth of the rose. Also it is a good idea to use compost or mulch. After all, roses like extra nutrients just like any other plant. (more…)
An orchid that is related to another orchid by virtue of having been produced from the same seedpod.
Many people anxiety a lot when it comes to care for their plants. When talking about house plants, there is no must to fear. There are just a few effects you oblige to deem.
1. Watering Overwatering kills most houseplants. Looks can be deceiving, so to see if your soil is dry enough to water, try the touch analyze. Insert your pointer handle up to the first joint into the soil. If the soil is damp, don’t water it.
2. Feeding Foliage plants commonly have high nitrogen desires, while zenith plants, K2O is needed. Slow delivery fertilizers can be mixed with the muck. However, certain plants like cacti and orchids essential unique fertilizer. Feed plants during they’re most active progress interval. (more…)
Container gardens can create a natural sanctuary in a busy city street, along rooftops or on balconies. You can easily accentuate the welcoming look of a deck or patio with colourful pots of annuals, or fill your window boxes with beautiful shrub roses or any number of small perennials. Whether you arrange your pots in a group for a massed effect or highlight a smaller space with a single specimen, you’ll be delighted with this simple way to create a garden.
Container gardening enables you to easily vary your color scheme, and as each plant finishes flowering, it can be replaced with another. Whether you choose to harmonize or contrast your colors, make sure there is variety in the height of each plant. Think also of the shape and texture of the leaves. Tall strap-like leaves will give a good vertical background to low-growing, wide-leaved plants. Choose plants with a long flowering season, or have others of a different type ready to replace them as they finish blooming.
Experiment with creative containers. You might have an old porcelain bowl or copper urn you can use, or perhaps you’d rather make something really modern with timber or tiles. If you decide to buy your containers ready-made, terracotta pots look wonderful, but tend to absorb water. You don’t want your plants to dry out, so paint the interior of these pots with a special sealer available from hardware stores. Cheaper plastic pots can also be painted on the outside with water-based paints for good effect. When purchasing pots, don’t forget to buy matching saucers to catch the drips. This will save cement floors getting stained, or timber floors rotting. Always use a good quality potting mix in your containers. This will ensure the best performance possible from your plants.
If you have steps leading up to your front door, an attractive pot plant on each one will delight your visitors. Indoors, pots of plants or flowers help to create a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. Decide ahead of time where you want your pots to be positioned, then buy plants that suit the situation. There is no point buying sun lovers for a shady position, for they will not do well. Some plants also have really large roots, so they are best kept for the open garden.
If you have plenty of space at your front door, a group of potted plants off to one side will be more visually appealing than two similar plants placed each side. Unless they are spectacular, they will look rather boring. Group the pots in odd numbers rather than even, and vary the height and type. To tie the group together, add large rocks that are similar in appearance and just slightly different in size. Three or five pots of the same type and color, but in different sizes also looks affective.
With a creative mind and some determination, you will soon have a container garden that will be the envy of friends and strangers alike.
To read about carolina cherry and weeping cherry tree, visit the Cherry Facts site.
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(1796–1866)
German doctor who traveled extensively in Japan and introduced many Japanese plants to Western gardens, such as the lovely Oyama magnolia, Magnolia sieboldii.
