Basic Gardening Tips

September 1, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Tracy Ballisager asked:


Are you looking out for ways to enhance the exteriors of your home? However, at the same time, do you feel a little lethargic? Well then, you are lucky. There are some basic gardening tips that can help you to add a decorative touch to any deck or patio area, plus add some greenery to it. Once you decide on decorating your garden and if you are a beginner at it, then you should understand some basic gardening tips, to make it a delightful pastime.

Gardener’s gain satisfaction when they see their creation, smell the blooms and sit in the fresh air. Just imagine spending a weekend in the yard that you have created with a lot of love. As a beginner, you need to understand and follow some basic gardening tips that can help you create a masterpiece. In the beginning, you have to go quite slow and start small, by using your imagination. Therefore, choose a task that does not take long to complete. Initially you have to start of by controlling the weeds and pests, but first enlarge the garden. There are some key considerations for successful gardening like-

Soil

Initially you should always start with good soil and you may have to purchase some testing tools from the local gardening shop to find out what your soil needs. If your present soil has clay or shale, then you need to treat the soil before planting. You might have to treat around 60% of the soil to make it fertile enough to start your gardening. You need to include peat moss, garden compost, planting mix, perlite and composted manure.

Water

The condition of the soil determines the amount of water it needs and if you treat the soil properly then you will need less frequent water. If you have decorated your garden with lawns, then you should water them every 2-3 days during the first week and then stop watering them every day during the next week, as too much water usually prevents oxygen from entering the soil space and this suffocates the roots. Shrubs and roots need frequent and deeper levels water ever 7-10 days. Once the plant settles into the ground, then it requires less watering. You should saturate the root thoroughly; water only after the soil dries up.

Fertilizers

Basic gardening tips suggest that you should not fertilize a dry plant. You should always mix the fertilizer with water and then gradually pour it over a plant. You should first water the plant before fertilizing as the fertilizer burns the roots of the dry plant. You should fertilize the plants every week or after every third watering session. Perennials should be fed late in April or through August.

Pesticide

After planting, you should keep the plant pesticide free. Good quality pesticide can be made in a jar, by combining 1-teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty bottle that has a spray nozzle attached, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture with 1 cup of water and then you can use this solution every ten-days to avoid whiteflies, aphids, mites, scales and other pests.



Gardening Tips Every Gardener Should Know

May 12, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Matthew Hick asked:


If you are a gardener, then you most likely know that gardening can be one of the most peaceful and enjoyable hobbies. This hobby can also enable you to have a great abundance of flowers, vegetables, spices, and fruits; all completely home grown. Whether you are a novice or an extremely experienced gardener, one thing is for certain: there are many gardening tips you can follow to make the experience as pleasant and fruitful (no pun intended!) as possible. Let’s take a look at some things that can enhance gardening in your backyard.

When initially starting your garden, one of the most important things you can give your future plant is good soil. So, initially it’s best to prepare your garden’s living environment. First loosen the soil and remove any weeds. Good soil is light in texture and dark in color. It will be able to absorb water well and provide adequate drainage. Through nature’s process, soil is restored through the cycle of falling leaves, plants and bark. You can restore your soil with peat moss or compost. They contain organic matter that will refurbish the soil with nutrients that have been pulled from it by other plants. Mix the added compost with the original soil and you have given your plants a great nurturing environment.

When planting seeds, always follow the packet’s instruction on how deep to place them. It is important not to bury them too deep. By planting too deep, you may eliminate natural sunlight’s ability to reach the seeds for germination. Some people will begin their garden from plant starts instead of seeds. They believe it will save time, but they are missing out on the true miracle of plant growth.

You can encourage a plant’s growth by using foods, which will supply nutrients, such as, nitrogen for the leaves and stems, and phosphorus and potassium for increase flowering and root growth. These are water-soluble fertilizers. If you do not wish to expose your plants to chemicals, you can go organic by using slower but healthier compost. However, do not fertilize until you see at least two true leaves on your plant. Early fertilization can be harmful.

Seeds or plants should be watered as soon as they are put in the ground, and on a regular basis thereafter. The soil must be kept moist in order to promote a healthy and productive growing environment. In addition, regular weeding is required. Get rid of these bad boys as soon as they show up. They will rob your seedlings and mature plants of the nutrients and water in the soil, and leave them looking unhealthy.

Protect your seedlings and plants from harmful pests. You can use chemicals or other nontoxic solutions available at your gardening center. Support tall or droopy stems through the use of twigs or stakes as they grow. This will protect them in harsh downpours. Also, keep plant-eating animals out through the use of a fence.

There’s nothing quite like being outdoors, especially in the spring, summer and autumn days. There is also nothing quite like sitting amidst the beautiful scenery created by your very own garden, in your very own yard. If it’s a vegetable garden you are growing, can you imagine your sense of pride as you make dishes from your creations? Or simply being able to go out your door to pick something for your dinner, as opposed to having to run to the grocery store on yet another trip. You can enjoy what you and Mother Nature both helped to create and feel a sense of fulfillment.