Plant Gardens 101

If you are considering whether it will be right for you to grow your own vegetables organically, here are a few of the most common asked questions.

Why should I consider organic gardening?
Organic gardening is for the individual that would like to control food quality. You should consider it if you are concerned about high food prices, low quality of commercially grown food, and if it is at all even healthy for you.

How hard is it to do?
Organic gardening is very simple. With the proper instructions and guidance, you will soon learn that it almost takes care of itself. Preparations are simple and will last for seasons with minimal care.

How much space is needed?
All you need is enough space for a pot and a plant to get started. Expand as you go. You will be amazed at the amount you can grow in very limited space with potted vegetables. (more…)

At present, the concept of hydroponic drip irrigation system is somehow starting to gain ground among garden enthusiasts. Questions about it are also starting to build up, which is why this article is written to provide you the answers to some of the questions that have been raised. This article will also help you have a better understanding of what hydroponic drip is all about. So what is a hydroponic drip system? There are a lot of types of hydroponic techniques and the drip irrigation system is one of it. The drip irrigation system is the most commonly used hydroponic technique, because of its simplicity and effectiveness in plant cultivation. In this system, plant nutrition is provided on a pre-determined basis by the use of a timer that controls the submerged pump. This pump is connected to a main tube that further branches out into smaller tubes from where plant nutrients are being distributed unto the base of each plant. The nutrients will then tickle into the grow media, into the roots and finally into the reservoir. To get a better picture of it, just think of your home’s drip system and add a little bit of twist of hydroponics to it then you have a hydroponic drip irrigation system. (more…)

How do you start gardening is quite a common question.
The answer is simply to have a go. It is like most things, if you don’t try you will never succeed.

1. But you have to be born with green fingers?
It is inevitable that some people will be better than others. That goes for most things in life. You can have enjoyment picking out a tune on a piano without having to play a Beethoven concerto. The same is true of gardening.

2. I like to plant and create but all I seem to do is weed and deadhead.
This is a common complaint but the weeding and deadheading, in other words maintenance can be so relaxing. Once planted, a garden needs time to mature and it needs some tender loving care to attain the best results. Don’t make it hard work and tackle large areas all at one go and mix up the jobs. Working like a Trojan weeding the whole garden in a day can be very tiring and although you will see the fruits of your labour it can produce a mental barrier for the next time. Take it slowly and it might surprise you how your mind drifts off onto other things. It is called relaxing your mind. You begin to work out many things that are subconsciously worrying you. (more…)

A miracle happens each spring. The Earth returns from its dormant phase during winter. The land begins to turn green again and tiny plants begin emerging from the soil. It becomes the season for flowers. But you do not have to wait until spring just to see a flower or smell one.

Thanks to the internet, florist shops and the ability to ship world wide, you can have a flower anytime you want one. A flower makes an excellent gift for everyone. Even men enjoy the beauty that a flower can bring to their home.

In this article we will cover the basics of planting as well as what type of flower to send on each occasion. You may not immediately develop a green thumb but you will at least know the basics.

Is it better to plant flowers from seeds, bulbs or starters?

As you already know, a flower can be purchased in three ways: bulbs, seeds and starters. The flower that you pick up at a nursery is what is known as a starter. Someone else has planted the seed in very rich soil and it has grown to the point it is blooming and green. If you do not want to wait on your blooms, it is a good idea to go ahead and pick up starters. (more…)

When is it safe to plant vegetables outdoors?
You log on to the USDA website, find the frost map for the United States, look up your zone and low and behold it is time to plant. But wait there’s more! The dates give for the last frost in your area are only a suggestion and the recommendation from most gardeners I talk to is two weeks after that date to avoid that rare case of cold weather that could wipe all of your indoor growth.

When should you start fertilizing your vegetable plants?
In short, never. Let me explain. Products like miracle grow and others similar to it do work and they work well. But if you really want to build a great garden and one that is chemical free, you need to compost. If you started your seedlings in a potting soil enhanced with products like miracle grow that is fine, but there is really no need to give it anymore than what is required and that is sun and water. Your plants will do fine. (more…)

1. What is a scarecrow?
A. A device to scare birds
B. A device to keep farmers company
C. A device to motivate gardeners
D. A device to entertain visitors

A. A device to scare birds TOPICS: A scarecrow is a device (traditionally a mannequin) that is used to discourage birds such as crows from disturbing crops.

2. Why is it a scarecrow instead of a scarebird?
A. Crows are more easily frightened
B. Crows are not easily frightened
C. Crows are the biggest problem bird
D. Crows are the least problem bird

C. Crows are the biggest problem bird TOPICS: Crows are large and eat a lot plus they are smart and tend to congregate in large groups. The combination makes them one of the biggest problem birds for farmers and gardeners. (more…)

Garden Life Magazine
March, 2007

Q: Do I really need irrigation for my home garden?
A: The most compelling reason to use any type of irrigation system is to provide an assured, continuous supply of the most vial requirement for plant growth – WATER. Drought stress for even decidedly short periods of time like a week or even just a few days can dramatically affect the yield and quality of your garden at harvest. A reliable, efficient irrigation system protects the substantial amount of time and money you have invested in your landscape and garden projects, so yes, we believe it is absolutely essential to use an irrigation system for your home garden.

Q:What type of irrigation system is best for my needs?   (more…)