Posts Tagged ‘Lawn’

How to Water the Lawn Effectively

Sunday, June 20th, 2010

Keep your lawn green and healthy with adequate water delivered on a regular schedule. As the amount of water needed varies based on climate, type of grass, soil composition, and rainfall, research online or ask the local garden centre for quantity and frequency recommendations for your area.

Measure the amount of water delivered to the lawn by placing several open containers four to six inches in diameter within range of the sprinkler. Time how long it takes the containers to fill to the level of water required in your area.

[credit: Matt McGee]

As it is common for sprinklers to deliver water unevenly, note variations in the amount of water in the cans and adjust the watering schedule accordingly. To ensure a green lawn, calculate the watering time based on the slowest filling container. If the cans are placed within the sprinkler area but off the grass, leave them in place to measure rainfall, as well. Check the amount received after each rain and provide supplemental water to the lawn, as needed. (more…)

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Water in the Winter Garden

Friday, November 27th, 2009
Harsh winter
Image via Wikipedia

Adequate water in the garden is essential all year-round, even during the coldest months of winter. Although plants and trees may be dormant above ground, root systems continue to grow and develop despite frigid temperatures. Unless sufficient rain has fallen, supplemental watering is required. During winter, meet your garden’s various watering needs to ensure that plants stay healthy until warmer weather arrives.

Grasses and Other Plants

During winter, grasses and other plants need about 2.5 cm of water 2-4 times each month. Use a rain gauge to monitor the amount of rainfall and supplement, as needed. Do not water the lawn or garden when it is freezing. To prevent damage to plants, avoid spraying bare branches or foliage and water just at the ground level. (more…)

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Burn Off Calories in the Garden

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
Agriculture
Image via Wikipedia

For people who love to stay fit and active, the garden offers a way to trim the foliage, as well as the waist. By digging up the soil or tending to vegetables, gardeners are also giving their bodies a great workout. Using the major muscle groups, gardening exercises the legs, arms, neck, back and stomach. The 2009 National Trust’s survey, A Space to Grow, states that the same number of calories is burned by either 30 minutes of weeding or 30 minutes of walking.

Considering the various movements needed while gardening, it is not surprising that outdoor work provides excellent fitness opportunities. A 150-pound adult burns close to 280 calories with only 60 minutes of active digging, weeding and tilling. For 60 minutes of planting, this same adult can burn approximately 238 calories. Moderate garden chores, such as water plants or pruning, burn close to 200 calories. With increased activity levels, the more calories are burned. In addition, people who weight more burn more calories than their thinner peers. (more…)

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