Posts Tagged ‘Garden’
Thursday, June 10th, 2010
Summer is a wonderful time in the garden. Green, lush foliage provides a relaxing and cooling respite even during the heat of the day. Have an amazing garden this summer by following these four tips.
Ensure Adequate Water
Provide adequate water based on plant type, soil condition and weather. When dealing with plants with varying moisture needs, supplement general watering with a drip system or individual irrigation rather than over-watering some plants to ensure adequate water for others. Water early in the day to guard against excess moisture loss through evaporation.
[credit: Memotions]
Encourage Optimal Plant Growth
Hoe weeds on a regular basis, thin seedlings, apply liquid manure to crops and pick peas and flowers to encourage new blossoms. Thoroughly check for signs of pests and parasites at least weekly and treat promptly, as needed. Drape netting over all kinds of berries to prevent damage from birds. (more…)
Tags: Flower, Garden, Plant, Soil, WATER
Posted in Cleaning Tips, DIY, Garden, Holidays, Home, Plumbing, WATER | No Comments »
Sunday, April 25th, 2010
April is a month of unpredictability and change. Although the days may be sunny and warm, the threat of hail or frost is ever present. During the month of April, the gardener must be vigilant in protecting any delicate seedlings from damage.
Use this time to finish tidying the garden and prepare for the busy growing season ahead. Ensure that all pruning has been completed and prepare the strawberry beds. Finish planting fruit trees, canes and bushes and renew the grease band around fruit trees, if necessary.
[photo by: Tie Guy II]
Due to the warmer weather and increasing amount of light, rapid growth can be expected in the garden during April. Take advantage of dry days to finish digging and preparing the garden for sowing and to hoe between crops that have wintered over. Early crops may be safely planted if protected by cloches. (more…)
Tags: Garden, Plant, Seedling, spring
Posted in Garden, Home, Interesting | No Comments »
Monday, April 19th, 2010
Image via Wikipedia
Beautiful, edible decorations can be made for a variety of occasions such as garden parties or weddings. All that is needed are organically grown edible flowers and two simple ingredients.
To sugar preserve flowers, start with edible flowers that have been organically grown without the use of pesticides. Pansies, violets and nasturtiums are all good choices. To be completely safe, grow the flowers yourself.
Prior to picking the blossoms, assemble all needed equipment and supplies. For this project you will need scissors, a paper towel, a small bowl of egg white, a small bowl of super-fine sugar, a small paintbrush, a large plate and a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.
Pick the flowers in the morning while it is cool outside. Cut the stems as short as possible and lay the blossoms on a paper towel to dry. Keep the batches of picked flowers small as the sugaring process is time consuming and must be completed in one sitting.
Gently hold each flower by the back and coat thoroughly with egg white, using the paintbrush. Ensure that no part of the front, back or sides is missed. Hold the flower over the plate and sprinkle with sugar until completely coated both front and back. Lay the blossom on the plate if necessary to complete this step. Gently bump or blow on the flower to remove excess sugar. (more…)
Tags: Eco, Flower, Garden, Shopping
Posted in Eco, Garden, Home | 1 Comment »
Friday, April 16th, 2010
Composting at home is good for the environment. Not only does it provide a nutrient-rich amendment for the soil in the garden or flower beds, composting also reduces the amount of waste that must be hauled to a landfill. Most everyone, even folks with a tiny garden, can find a place to compost.
Composting is not difficult. Basically, a compost pile is comprised of carbon and nitrogen. The carbon component breaks down slowly and is supplied by dry materials such as fallen leaves and dead plants. The nitrogen comes from green materials that break down quickly such as grass clippings or weeds. For the best compost, a mix of the two is needed. Items that should never be added to a compost pile include meat and dairy products or human and animal waste.
There are a variety of inexpensive and easy ways to begin composting. The easiest option may be to simply heap yard waste and plant-based kitchen scraps and egg shells in a corner. Simply add to the pile as more material becomes available and turn it over once each summer. Each spring, dig the finished compost from the bottom and add to the garden. (more…)
Tags: diy tips, Garden, Home
Posted in DIY, Eco, Home | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 14th, 2010
A variety of insects are drawn to the garden environment. Unfortunately, some of these visitors can be quite damaging to the plants that are growing there. While pest problems are a common garden occurrence, there are many environmentally friendly ways to combat and control unwanted pests.
Preventive Measures
One of the easiest ways to deal with pest problems is avoidance. Prevent certain pests through the strategic placement of companion plants known to repel various unwanted visitors. For instance, marigolds interspersed with tomatoes or peppers effectively repel nematodes in the soil while garlic may be used to control aphids on roses. Based on garden composition and typical pests, determine which companion plants are appropriate.
Personal Action
Many small infestations can be thwarted through hand-picking. Examine plants regularly for signs of pests and remove any that are found. Carry a jar half filled with soapy water through the garden to hold the insects that are removed. Small insects, such as aphids, can be smashed right on the plant.
Natural Enemies
Garden pests often have specific natural enemies. For instance, aphids can be controlled with lady bugs while the praying mantis has a especial fondness for caterpillars but will happily devour many species of harmful insects. (more…)
Tags: eco tips, Environment, Garden, Pest control
Posted in DIY, Eco, Garden | 1 Comment »
Sunday, April 11th, 2010
A water fountain adds charm to most any setting. Whether used as the focal point in a formal garden or as a whimsical addition to a casual gathering space, an outdoor water fountain is sure to please visitors of all ages. Although there is a wide variety of ready-made outdoor water fountains available for purchase, a much more meaningful and enjoyable feature can be made from an item with sentimental value such as a hand water pump from the family farm or Grandpa’s old whiskey barrel.
To make an outdoor water fountain, the following items are needed:
- Piece that will form the basis of the water feature;
- Water source, which can be as simple as a garden hose;
- Reservoir of adequate size;
- Re-circulating pump with ample tubing and a power source; and,
- Desired supplemental decor such as plants and rocks.
Create the water fountain by positioning the main feature so that water will flow over or through it and into the reservoir. Place the pump within the reservoir and arrange the tubing to circulate the water. Once all adjustments have been made so that the water is flowing as desired, add plants, rocks and other decor in and around the fountain as the finishing touches. (more…)
Tags: DIY, Garden, Home and Garden, WATER
Posted in Appliances, DIY, Garden, Interesting, WATER | 2 Comments »
Thursday, April 8th, 2010
A beautiful yet uncomplicated flower house can be made from just a few materials. All that is needed are four poles or thin boards and some bird netting. Perfect as yard décor or a playhouse for the kids, a flower house adds style and fun to any landscape. 
To build a simple flower house, construct a four-sided tipi-type structure from poles or thin boards cut to the length needed for the desired height of the flower house. Either cut top end of the poles or boards at an angle to fit together snugly and fasten with screws or lash them together with twine.
Once the frame is secure, wrap it in bird netting on three sides and plant vines or annual climbing flowers around the base. Morning glories, nasturtium and sweet peas are all good choices. For additional visual appeal, plant non-climbing flowers around the base, as well. To add fullness and year-round greenery, consider adding ivy. Be aware that the frame will need extra stability to support the additional weight if ivy is included. (more…)
Tags: diy tips, Flower, Garden, Horticulture
Posted in DIY, Garden, Home | No Comments »
Monday, March 15th, 2010
Garden safety is of particular importance whenever children are present as there are many common garden items that may pose a danger to children. Review your garden for the following issues and address any that are found.
Water Features
Children are attracted to water. Regardless of size or depth, a water feature may pose a drowning or injury risk to a child. Use sturdy decorative fencing to secure ponds or pools, strategically place fountains to limit access, and never leave a child unattended.
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Tags: Family, Garden, Home and Garden
Posted in Family, Garden, Home, WATER | No Comments »
Thursday, March 11th, 2010
Image via Wikipedia
March is when things start getting busy in the garden. The hard, cold days of winter are gone and the weather is warming. It’s time to put the plans and dreams of February into action.
You Shall Reap What You Sow
An abundance of fresh produce is the gardener’s reward and now is the time to begin planting some of the early crops. Start garden favourites, like tomatoes, peppers and tubers on a sunny windowsill or in the greenhouse. Early vegetables may be sown under cloches, which will warm the soil to allow germination and protect tender seedlings from cold night-time temperatures.
Examine existing fruit trees to ensure that grease bands are in place and in good condition. Work manure into the ground around all trees and evaluate where grafting may be desired. Put container grown fruit trees, canes and bushes into the ground and mulch well. Tend to the strawberry patch and prune raspberries, if needed. (more…)
Tags: Garden, Home and Garden, Soil, spring
Posted in Garden, Home, Interesting | No Comments »
Monday, March 8th, 2010
Whether or not you have pets of your own, it is important to have a pet friendly garden. Consider the tragedy if a guest, neighbour or passer by should have a beloved pet fall ill or be injured due to something growing or left unattended in the garden. As pets are unable to know which plants are hazardous or that chemicals may be deadly, it is up to people to protect them from the consequences of natural curiosity.
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Tags: eco tips, Garden, Home and Garden
Posted in DIY, Garden, Home | No Comments »
