Gardening Safety Tips

Many people enjoy gardening as a daily pastime, especially in the spring. There are even some people who take their gardens very seriously, and enter them into expert gardening contests! However, most gardeners are either newbies or seasoned green thumbs who just enjoy making their flower beds look lovely and presentable. Whatever your interest in planting flowers and plants, you should take steps to be safe in the garden.

Stay Cool in the Heat

One of the worst things that can happen while you are gardening is that you can get dehydrated. Being outside in the heat can sap your energy and hydration level pretty fast, so be sure to keep a cup of ice water in the shade nearby, and take breaks often. Make sure you rest in a shaded area so you do not get sunburned while you are inactive. And speaking of sunburns...

Use Sunscreen

The sun can get hot and cause your skin some major damage if you do not protect it with some sunscreen. Check the sun protection factor (or SPF) level on your sunscreen and make sure it is at least SPF 15 or higher. You also must remember to reapply it every hour or two, because even if the SPF level is high, you will sweat it off depending on how long you are outside. Keep in mind that the sun's rays can get to you every day, even (and especially) when it is cloudy. Another thing you should use to help protect you from the sun is a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses, if necessary.

Protect Yourself from Bugs

Keeping your skin safe from bugs that like to suck your blood is important while you are out in the garden. Be sure to wear breathable pants tucked into your socks and lightweight long sleeved shirts. There are even some types of clothing that come with insect repellent built in, so you might want to consider investing in those. Use bug repellent; the best ones contain a product called DEET.

Take Care in Lifting Heavy Objects

If you must lift a heavy object like a rock or some heavy equipment, be sure to bend at the knees. Do not use your back to lift, as this can cause major back strain. Lower yourself down on your heels, bending your knees as you go down, and use the strength in your legs to lift.

Keep Your Tools in Working Order

Take care of your gardening tools, and keep them in working order. Sharpen your pruning shears, because dull shears are actually more of a hazard than sharp ones. Check all your tools and make sure they are not rusting or falling apart.

Be Careful With Pesticides

If you use pesticides in your garden, make sure you wear proper protective gear before using it on your plants. You can end up inhaling some chemicals that can cause major health problems. Also make sure to avoid working with dangerous chemicals, like pesticides, on windy days. The wind can spread these chemicals far and really make someone sick; surely you do not want to be held responsible for that!

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Challenged by Space? Grow Up, Not Out

Gardening is usually thought of as happening in two dimensions - flat on the ground. There is, however the ability to grow plants in the third dimension - vertically. This is particularly useful in the field of hydroponics gardening.

Many hydroponics systems are based on circulating nutrient solution between adjacent plants, and growing them above one another provides not only a practical extension, but a space-saving one as well.

What is a Vertical Hydroponics Garden?

If you were to plant some strawberries in pots, empty plastic bottles, or some other similar container, using some sort of hydroponic substrate such as expanded clay or Rockwool, then position these vertically above one another and pass some hydroponic nutrients from the top plant down to the bottom one, you would have yourself a vertical hydroponics garden. It's not only strawberries that could be planted in such a system, but essentially any plant for which the container would be large enough to contain and support the root system. Typical plants that are grown in vertical hydroponics systems include strawberries, many different types of herbs such as basil, dill, parsley, thyme, and mint, as well as mini tomatoes and mini peppers. It is also feasible to grow larger plants such as pumpkins and gherkins in vertical gardens, although this would take some attention to the runners!

Why Drip Systems Work Well

Because of the vertical positioning of plants in these hydroponics setups, vertical systems are typically based on the drip system of hydroponics, where hydroponic nutrients is pumped up to the top-most plant and allowed to drip continuously. The nutrients feed the plant and passes down to the plant beneath it, feeding it as well. The nutrients continues dripping onto all of the plants in turn, finally ending up in a reservoir beneath the bottom plant, from where it is recycled and pumped back up to the top again. The recycling of water and nutrients in this way means that vertical hydroponics gardens require very little water compared to traditional soil gardens, and they are very much self-sustaining.

Buy Kits For a Quick Solution

The popularity of vertical hydroponics has grown so much that it is possible to purchase kit systems to assemble all manners of vertical gardens. These gardens can be positioned in an absolutely huge variety of spaces. Putting vertical gardens within windows is particularly popular, as in this way they take up unused space and have access to sunlight throughout the day. They are also popular on walls, and have even been used on the sides of city buildings.

There are farms that have converted their entire growing systems to the use of vertical hydroponics systems. They are able to generate vastly bigger crops than what would be possible with traditional soil gardening, as then are not only utilizing the benefit of being able to grow plants in close horizontal proximity with hydroponics methods, but have enhanced this by growing them vertically as well.

Utilize All 3 Dimensions

Vertical hydroponics provides gardeners with the ability to utilize all three dimensions of space to grow plants and maximize crop yields. Although any type of hydroponics system could theoretically be converted into a vertical garden, it is the drip systems that are most suited to this method of gardening. Any plant with a root system that can be held by the containers of the vertical garden could be grown, and the whole system can be installed in a place that is normally under-utilized, such as within windows and on walls.

For more information about hydroponics, visit Hydroponics Habitat.com.

There are over 100 articles about vertical hydroponics, other hydroponics methods, and much more related information.

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Having Apple Trees And Other Fruit Options In Your Garden

It can be wonderful to have a fruit tree in your yard. A fruit tree provides stunning foliage and flowers, as well as delicious, plump fruit. They give you a beautiful tree growing in your backyard, and fruit in your kitchen. Being able to grow your own produce is great all by itself. There is nothing better than eating produce that has not been sprayed by chemicals. These trees provide you health and beauty both outside and inside.

You have a lot of options in fruit trees. There are so many varieties to decide from. There are even dwarf options for a little space. The key to growing a successful fruit-bearing tree is to find a variety that does best in your local weather environment. Do some studying so you know what those might be. Ask someone at your community nursery for knowledge and advice. All you need is a bit of help and you can have your very own tree growing in your yard.

Next, you should take into consideration your lifestyle. Are you an experienced gardener or home every day? Maybe you are a working homeowner. This will be critical in making your final selection. Get something hardy if you don't plan on being around often. Plum and persimmon trees can grow with very little care. Planting peach trees or trees may take a little more maintenance. You will have the most success with a tree that suits your lifestyle.

Fruit trees often need a lot of area to flourish. Select a dwarf fruit tree if you don't have much space. There are a number of dwarf tree options. These trees can grow nicely right in potted containers. They grow the same size fruit, but take much less maintenance. Dwarf varieties come in pear, apple, plum, and many more. They are ideal for any gardener. It gives you a chance to try out tree planting in a much simpler way.

A tree is a fantastic addition to your landscape. You will be able to enjoy one of these for seasons to come. After you have taken into consideration your schedule and local weather climate, you can decide on the best tree for your landscape. You and your family will be able to enjoy stunning foliage outside and delicious, fresh fruit inside for years to come. You will definitely become the envy of your whole neighborhood. Having a gorgeous tree is probably much easier than you thought.

Smith Nursery is the right place if you're looking for healthy trees or plants. Everything from Smith Nursery is grown on family-owned orchards where quality and care techniques are handed down from generation to generation. Choose from countless varieties of fruit trees, peach trees, and many more live products.

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Steps to Having a Successful Organic Garden

Healthy soil.

Healthy soil is the basis to organic gardening. Your plants need food to grow; so regularly feeding the soil is the first step to a healthy garden. Veggie plants, berries, perennial flowers and shrubs all need a balance of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus to grow well. Most soil has some of these nutrients, however the plants use them in order to grow and produce their fruits, flowers, and seeds so adding in fertilizers at least once a year is an important step to keeping your soil healthy. A strong root system will produce a healthier plant as it will be able to fight off any problem or pest that my come along.

Rotate your vegetable crops.

Rotation is another way to keep you soil healthy and keep pests and disease from your garden plants. Rotating vegetables basically means not planting the same vegetables in the same spot for at least 3 or 4 years. Each veggie plant uses different nutrients from the soil, so by moving the vegetable to a new spot each year your soil is not being totally depleted of that specific nutrient. Various veggie plants attract different pests and diseases as well, so moving the plants discourages these pests or diseases.

Proper Watering.

Along with nutrients, sunlight, and good air circulation, plants need the proper amount of water to grow well. Often we water too much or too little. A good rule of thumb is most gardens and vegetable patches need about 1 inch of water each week a little more if it is extremely hot and dry. It is important to give the plant enough water so that it reaches the root system; the roots can be a foot or more below the surface so deep watering every few days is better than just a surface watering every day. After you finish watering a good test is to dig down into your garden to see how far the water actually penetrated, you want the soil to be damp at least 6 inches below the surface.

Use mulch.

Use organic mulch such as compost, aged animal manures, straw, leaves, hay, and wood chips to conserve water and as they break down they are adding organic matter to your soil.

Make compost.

Making compost is an easy and effective way of recycling your garden debris and using your kitchen waste to produce an amendment to put back onto your garden beds or around your berries and shrubs.

Keep your garden clean.

Keeping your garden clean is another way to discourage pests and diseases, which will create a healthier garden. If you have any diseased plants make sure you place them into a garage bags right after pulling or cutting them, that way you are not spreading the problem to other areas by carrying them through your garden. Debris lying in your pathways or garden beds is a perfect place for pests to live, so take the time every spring and fall to make sure your garden is clean and tidy.

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The Scotts Reel Mower: The Environmentally Friendly Alternative

In today's current economical climate, following the recent downturn, all of us have become more aware of our spending habits! We are also all too well aware of the major issue concerning the environment. If you are looking to purchase a new lawn mower, it may or not surprise you to know that in certain online store best seller lists, you will find several push reel lawn mowers, such as the Scotts reel mower.

Your basic choice of mowers amounts to either (i) Gasoline/engine driven. (ii) Electrically powered (iii) Person powered or more specifically, the push reel mower.

So why have these mowers become so popular? Well certainly the aforementioned, environmental and economical, but they really do provide a very viable alternative. As added bonuses, you not only cut out gasoline pollution but you cut down on noise pollution, and you maintain your fitness levels into the bargain.

By way of a review, let's look at 3 examples that hopefully reflect a useful selection for you to consider. They are as follows:

Fiskars 6201 18-Inch StaySharp Max Push Reel Lawn MowerGreenworks 25052 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower With Grass CatcherScotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower

The"Fiskars 6201 18-Inch StaySharp Max Push Reel Lawn Mower" claims the following features:

The patent pending InertiaDrive means that compared to other reel mowers it is 60% easier to push.The powerful reel provides twice the cutting power meaning that other reel mowers would jam when tackling tough spotsIts Unique StaySharp cutting system ensures that the blades stay sharper for longer, and avoid the cost of regular blade sharpening.It offers a closer edge cut with an inset wheel design; the uniquely designed discharge chute means grass clippings are cleanly discharged forward.Cuts all types of grass, even the toughest

Pros

On the plus side, this machine is probably top of the range, and offers some very unique features and is therefore excellent value for money.

Cons

The Fiskars is quite expensive and perhaps if you were looking to buy a push reel as a back up to buying a gas driven or electric, you may find yourself only able to purchase one only. The mower may not be for everyone, particularly if garden is at all hilly, as it could get tiring.

With the "Greenworks 25052 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower With Grass Catcher"

there are no market leading unique feature claims to note other than basic specifications as follows:

There is a 2-inch rear rollerFront wheels of 10-inchesHeight adjustment from 1-inch to 2-1/8-inchWeight is 26-pounds4 Year Parts & Labor WarrantyThe product carries a 2 times industry standard of 4 Year Parts & Labor Warranty

The last point is backed by the manufacturer assertion that they are confident about giving a 4 year warranty as the product will give a performance of the highest level and reliability. As they do guarantee 4 years at least, it would certainly suggest a model built to last. They also assert a general point of all reel mowers that they will emit ZERO pollution. Also it is estimated that 54 million Americans are mowing lawns every weekend. As far as gas driven mowers are concerned, 800 million gallons of gasoline is consumed each year. It is also suggested that of the gas users, an estimated 17 million gallons of gasoline alone is actually spilt whilst re fuelling. It certainly is food for thought as far as saving money on costly gasoline consumption.

Pros

Actually the cheapest model of the three, and a very generous 4 year warranty makes this a very tempting machine to consider. The machine also comes complete with a catcher.

Cons

Certain reports that the grass catcher falls off quite easy and is perhaps easier to use without. Although it does jam on sticks and mulch clumps etc, these are easy to clear. Again not so easy up hill, but having said that, a lot of gas/electric mowers are not exactly self propelled, so would probably take the same effort.

Finally "The Scotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower"

Again the Scotts Reel Mower offers some excellent specifications including:

A cutting width of 20 inches which is the equivalent of most power mowers.Its rear unique 10 inch dual tracking wheel design and tough radial tires are said to give the machine added manoeuvrability and also reduce dragThe quick snap adjusters give a controlled grass cutting height of 1 to 3 inches.5 heat-treated, steel blades;

The five heat treated steel blades of the Scotts reel mower, offer consistent cutting efficiency and accuracy. The five blade smooth ball bearing reel feature is designed to provide precision and reliability. The mowers tough design incorporates heavy duty steel that is built to last.

Pros

The Scotts reel mower, as do the others, offers excellent value for money. The machine does offer some unique features but remains uncomplicated and therefore easy and efficient to use. The price is also very competitive, probably closer to the Greenworks model.

Cons

As with the other mowers, the Scotts reel mower does take a certain amount of physical effort, and some have reported that it is perhaps best to keep on top of your grass cutting. In other words it is perhaps best not let your grass grow beyond the natural cutting height, as this will probably make it more difficult.

Hopefully this review has provided sufficient insight to research further into these excellent mowers. As it has already been said, provided the purchaser does not have any unrealistic expectations, the machines will provide the user a very worthwhile alternative on a number of very important levels. For more great information on Scotts reel mower and other reel mowers please visit push reel lawn mowers

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The Essentials of Trimming Fruit Trees

Pruning is an essential process that many people neglect to do when they are growing fruit. Pruning does not produce more fruits, but the ones it does produce are usually bigger and do not come in the inedible variety that happens occasionally. Pruning is actually a really advanced process, but with some care and research can be a straightforward process that can be followed as needed.

Creating better fruits by pruning is an important thing to understand before learning how to prune. Trees can create fruit buds throughout their lifetime that will either develop a fruit or a branch that will simply grow and not develop any fruits on it. Trimming buds that are too close to one another is a good way to make sure they are pruned appropriately, but one must be able to identify which is a branch and which is a fruit based on the type of tree first. Most fruits grow inadequately when they are bunched closely together since they have to split the limited resources that are supplied, and as a result, there are only a couple of good ones or none at all.

There are just a couple basic ideas for trimming. The winter is one of the best times to prune since there is nothing developing on a tree during that time. Given that they suck resources a lot, pruning water spouts at the base of the tree trunk and suckers is important. Crossing branches generally battle with each other, and also broken branches pull energy from the tree to heal themselves and ought to be pruned as close to the source as possible. It is also crucial to prune the tree so branches are evenly spaced apart and air can easily move through them so the fruits each have an equivalent environment. The circumstances ought to delegate how it is done, but typically the tree needs to be left alone regularly when it is producing.

Cutting someone's skin is closely related to how a tree should be cut. Sharp tools should always be used so the end result is not jagged and screwed up. Diseases and bugs also find clean cuts far more difficult to take full advantage of. Trimming really closely to the base also makes sure that the tree is not shelling out too much energy pushing healing power to the end of branches.

Men and women will also gain an advantage by doing some research for the specific trees they are growing. The ideas behind pruning often stay the same from plant to plant, but the specific process that fruit trees require can be disparate from that required by apple trees.

Smith Nursery is the right place if you're looking for healthy trees or plants. Everything from Smith Nursery is grown on family-owned orchards where quality and care techniques are handed down from generation to generation. Ensuring your plants are disease-free and suitable for planting, we make sure you receive them in top condition so you can enjoy them right away and for years to come. Choose from countless varieties of fruit trees, apple trees, and many more live products.

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Do I Need More Than One Tumbler to Make Compost?

Being a crazy composter, I'm often asked whether or not I use more than one compost tumbler to make compost.

The short answer: No way!

Composting is a natural process that occurs regardless of what we use to facilitate it. My first recommendation for anyone new to composting is to consider digging a hole and burying their stuff. I did this for years, and it has its obvious benefits: it's easy, it's free of charge and you don't have to turn the material. In a year or so, it'll disappear.

But now I'm getting ahead of myself a bit.

Everyone's situation is different and relies on a few factors: space, concern for aesthetics and amount of material, among other things. Maybe you have nosey neighbors or there's wild animals around...both of these can be remedied, more or less.

Since you are reading this article, I'm assuming you either have a compost tumbler or are considering one, so let's imagine the scenario. Think about how long it might take you to fill one: A few months or a few weeks? If you think you'll fill it up quickly, how long will it take you to bury that same amount next to the compost tumbler until the tumbler batch is complete? If this sounds familiar, maybe you should consider building a compost bin.

Although a compost bin is not nearly as neat and tidy as a compost tumbler, it certainly has its advantages. It's super cheap to find some chicken wire or a few pallets to tie together. They can handle essentially as much material as you want, and due to the sheer volume of stuff, you'll create higher temperatures and will most likely create compost faster. However, you'll have to turn your pile periodically and also pay attention to moisture levels a bit.

I mess around with both of these types, but I also have a worm composting system, too. I feel like tumblers are best for city slickers like me that have small backyards, neighbors and critters like rats, raccoons and possums strolling around. If I lived out in the country, I'd definitely make large bins since I'd have plenty of yard waste to add. Of course, there's always exceptions.

So do you need two compost tumblers? Nope. Hopefully my experience makes this answer a bit clearer for you. Two compost tumblers would be fun, but is definitely a bit over the top, especially for someone that's just started composting. Get familiar with the process for a while first before you spend a bunch of money unnecessarily.

If you're unsure of where to start in your composting journey, I'd suggest checking out http://www.crazyaboutcompost.com/. Right now, I have a free 7 day email course that will prepare you for your very own compost project.

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Garden Gnomes Like to Move Around

I told my mother that her new garden gnome was going to be nothing but trouble. I could tell by the devilish twinkle in his eyes. But when I was called to pick her and Kitschi up at the Antique Mall, I could tell she was in love with it.

I tried to explain to her that even though it was an inanimate object, it would call out to pranksters. I told her about the "traveling gnome" prank where a gnome such as Kitschi would be kidnapped, or "liberated" and sent on a tag team trip around the world. Pictures would be posted on the internet with the stolen gnome posed in front of the Pyramids or the Eiffel Tower. Sometimes the gnome was returned to the owner, sometimes not.

I'd heard that there was a local chapter of the GLF (Gnome Liberation Front) that would steal her new buddy and set it free in the local woods. My pleas were to no avail and Kitschi was placed in a prominent spot in a flowerbed in the front lawn.

I don't know if what happened next was supposed to be performance art or an attempt to drive Mom mad. A few days after Kitschi arrived, she noticed a small female gnome had taken up residence in her garden. A few days after that a young gnome suddenly appeared. After that, an elderly one. After three weeks she had a whole gnome family in her yard.

They were all very nice looking and Mom was both puzzled and pleased at their sudden appearance. "He's just called for his family" she said. But it wasn't long before she was calling me, claiming that they were moving around when she wasn't watching them. "Ma, you know that's impossible!" I told her. "Then how did they all get in my car?" she asked, her voice quivering. "And this morning they were all on the garage roof, trying to look in my bedroom window".

I reminded her about my warning concerning pranksters. They were obviously having fun at her expense. Once the prank had run its course, they would retrieve their gnomes and leave her alone. And sure enough, one morning all the little figurines from hell were gone. Unfortunately, they also took my mother's friend Kitschi.

Peace and calm returned to Mom's home. The roses were blooming without the oversight of a garden gnome.

One evening after dinner with Mom, we decided to take in a movie on the telly. Much to our surprise, during a commercial for an online travel agency, there was her old friend Kitschi, posed in front of the Taj Mahal. "He looks much happier now" was all she said.

You too can have an adventure with a Garden Gnome! Check out the varieties of whimsical statues at http://longwoodmarkets.com/. We have a great line of stepping stones, lanterns, windchimes, birdfeeders and other terrific items for your lawn and patio.

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Grow A Safer Garden By Utilizing These Organic Gardening Tips

Organically produced foods are getting to be more and more common in shopping malls. These products are usually easy to recognize and you ought to be able to notice a difference in quality. You will find that they're usually packaged differently than their counterparts and the price is significantly higher. Go through the following advice to learn steps to start an organic garden.

Use fruit peelings and scraps of vegetable and fruit waste to create your own compost. Fruit peels along with other organic waste create spectacular compost. These all-natural items will offer your garden an extremely healthful, vibrant look, and the cost is very low in comparison with store-bought compost.

Ensure that you plant your crops in segments at three-week intervals. You won't have to harvest the tomatoes simultaneously. If tips over to ruin your harvest, you have time for you to repair the problem before the next set of tomatoes arrives, sparing area of the harvest.

Over-watering plants is counterproductive, as sinking reduces plants' capability to absorb nutrients from your surrounding soil. Look into the weather for the following couple of days to see if you really want to water your plants. If showers are headed the right path, it's probably to your advantage to leave the water hose switched off.

Annually, you must rotate your garden. Planting exactly the same family of plants in the same area again and again can cause disease and fungus to start growing. These items can get into the ground, and attack plants the subsequent year. Moving the plants to various areas may prevent these invaders from growing on your plants.

When employed in the garden, try to function as efficiently as possible. Drop the idea of looking for missing tools. Get all your tools together prior to going into your garden, then put them in a safe spot when you are carried out with them. You can preserve your garden tools in a tool belt, or in your pockets. One other good idea is to keep them all in a bucket that you take with you with you.

Growing a garden at home might not be probably the most convenient thing for you, however, you will save a lot of money and constantly have the confidence that that which you are eating and feeding your folks are as fresh and as healthy as you possibly can. Use the tips you've learned here and obtain started on a garden today.

Permaculture design Course is designed nature oriented to help improve a specific aspect of higher education access of education, research and innovation. Permaculture planting is intense planting, the objective being to cover the earth and leave no part exposed to the elements!

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Growing Tomatoes Using Companion Planting

How Growing Tomatoes Alongside Flowers, Herbs And Select Vegetables Can Improve Their Growth And Flavor.

Are you growing tomatoes in your vegetable garden this year? And with all that effort, you're definitely going to want to grow bright, juicy, red fruit that tastes heavenly. Growing tomatoes together with other, very specific vegetables, herbs or flowers can be of great benefit to the health of the plants you are putting all your time and effort into.

Companion planting is a gardening method that involves pairing vegetable plants together so they thrive better when they are grown together. It has been shown that strawberries and green beans grow better together than they do when they are grown separately. Another known pairing is Bibb lettuce with spinach. These plants are known to have complementary physical needs, thus making them great companions.

Every beginner gardener needs to know that when growing tomatoes, the plants need to be pollinated to produce fruit. Attracting pollinating insects is the best way to pollinate your fruit. If there are no insects around, an alternative is to gently shake the plants by hand so that the pollen from the males reaches the female receptors. Companion planting with flowers is a terrific method for attracting pollinator insects such as bees. Try planting petunias or heliotrope beside your growing tomatoes. Pollination is just one of the benefits of companion planting.

The other benefit to companion planting is that you can actually repel unwanted insects that might otherwise be attracted to your vegetable plants. If you place flowering plants such as pot marigolds (Calendula) near your growing tomatoes, you will be armed with one of the great pest deterrents of the garden. Pot marigolds discourage many insects such as asparagus beetle and tomato worm.

Garlic is also a great repellant. It can help keep spider mites at bay, especially during the hottest summer months. I always find that garlic and onions smell so strongly when they are planted in the vegetable garden. Just imagine what kind of a sensory response an insect might have!

Parsley and basil, when planted around growing tomatoes may help to grow vigorous plants. Many gardeners have noted healthier, tastier fruit when planted together with parsley and basil. Perhaps this is why they taste so great together! Bee balm and mint are some other herb companions for growing tomatoes as they help improve growth and flavor.

On the other hand, there is a case to be made for avoiding growing tomatoes and potatoes together. They are both in the nightshade family, which means they are susceptible to the same diseases, in this case, blight. If one vegetable gets blight, it will easily spread to the other plant. Other vegetables to avoid having nearby are fennel, cabbage and Kohlrabi.

Other tips for growing tomatoes successfully include using the tomato plants themselves to make compost. Tomatoes love to rise out of the compost of previous tomato plants. And, it is beneficial to use the same spot for growing tomatoes for a period of five years. That sounds like a commitment well worth the effort, given the succulent rewards.

And finally, if you want to discover more about vegetable gardening, you should visit myraisedvegetablegarden.com for more resources like this article. Discover raised bed vegetable gardening and tips for growing, planting and harvesting your own vegetables grown at home. Click on the link above and visit the website. Jessica Salvador is a Certified Landscape Horticulturist living in Vancouver, BC.

Thanks for reading!

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Gardening - Interesting Research And Facts About Talking To Plants

Do you talk to your plants in the garden? It has been cited that many people do talk to their plants just as they do to their children or household pets. They regard and treat houseplants in the same way as treating cats, rabbits, dogs and other pets in the house. They feel disturbed and get upset when their plants are not growing healthily and showing signs of sickness. They will seek advice and find ways to heal their plants by giving them prompt treatments whenever there is any suspected case of attack by garden pest, fungus growth and plant disease.

Extensive research has been carried out continually to conclude that plants are in many ways similar to human beings. Researchers are deeply involved with the study of plants for conclusion on this. It had been cited that by using the electrodes of a lie detector connecting to a plant, there was evidence to show that the plant was able to respond in some way to the impact of maltreatment. It is not surprising to conclude that plants can hear when those plants which have been intentionally and continually exposed to loud noisy rock music eventually die, probably caused by severe noise pollution.

Similarly, the specific needs of each individual plant must always be considered in order to get them to grow normally, if not vigorously. The person talking to his or her plants need to treat them as individuals and be responsible for their well-being throughout the various growing stages of the plant. Consideration for the needs of plants is important. Results of plants not growing as healthy as their normal growing specimen types are clear signs of plants responding to ill-treatments for being placed in dark corners without of light or in dry humidity environment. Such ill-treatments may be done unintentionally as there may be the need to hide an unsightly spot within the home or to fill up an empty space, overlooking the fact that plants do have specific needs too!

While scientific research on plants responding to humans is still in progress to get more conclusive findings, horticultural therapy treatment is cited to have been implemented to treat patients with physical or mental sickness. This therapy of encouraging patients to talk to plants may be very helpful as the patients can find solace through stressing out their inner thoughts and mental problems with friendly partners in a calm environment, without fear of being challenged or attacked by an opponent.

We can also try talking to our plants that are growing in the garden and treat them as neighbours and friends, motivating them with words of encouragement so that they can grow happily and vigorously. Probably by this way we may win their trust and get them to start producing flowers and fruits. On the other hand, if they do not respond to our praises, we can communicate with words of threats to find out whether there is any correlation by threatening to stop giving them good care and nourishment. This practice of talking to plants may be considered as motivational for healthy plant growth, and also relaxing for gardening enthusiasts.

I am now growing indoor herbs and fruit trees in my garden to help make our living environment greener and cleaner.
GARDENING TIPS is my website which can provide precise and useful gardening guidelines for who are also interested to take up gardening as beginners. Environment protection is everyone's responsibility for healthy living.

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1000 Watt HPS Bulb - High Pressure Sodium Lights

If you have been looking for options for growing light, you are going to find that you have two primary options, though some designers have been introducing new models that contain features of both kinds of lamps. In short, however, you have metal halide lamps and high pressure sodium lamps. These lamps are similar in that they are both better than lights that use mercury, though many people don't understand which is going to be better for their own growing rooms. In this article, we will discuss the 1000 watt HPS bulb, which is a high pressure sodium lamp. This kind of lamp is being used more and more often in public situations, such as in streetlamps, because they cause minimal degrees of light pollution.

For those who are environmentally concerned, the 1000 watt HPS bulb is the best choice. This lamp operates by discharging sodium when it is in a highly energized state. When this gas is highly excited, it produces light. The amazing thing about these lamps is that they produce quantities of high intensity light without the use of lead or mercury. Not only is this great news on the anti-pollution front, but it's also great news for those who are concerned about their own health and the health of their plants and flowers when they are making growing accessory decisions. As a matter of fact, the HPS bulbs are often the only choice of those who want truly sustainable growing practices.

One thing you have to keep in mind about the 1000 watt HPS bulb is that it is a high intensity bulb. This means that it is not the kind of bulb that you would in your home, for example, to light a room. On the contrary, this is the kind of bulb with which you are going to want to use a special system that can contain this compact, efficient high intensity light bulb. For many people, the best lighting systems will regulate the amount of heat and light that plants get, this way they don't risk overexposure.

When it comes to the best way to get a 1000 watt HPS bulb, you will need to look at online vendors. These are the only suppliers nowadays who can offer the lowest prices on the highest quality bulbs. You also can benefit from having easy access to bulbs that will help your growing to take on a more luscious and aggressive behavior, allowing you to reap the most from your own growing practice.

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How to Create Compost for Your Organic Garden

When you're building your own organic garden, composting is an important part of your garden environment.

Although you could add some of the materials which you make compost from directly to the soil and save some time and effort, the composting process reduces weeds and other threats, reduces or eliminates odor and allows the nutrients to be more easily taken up by your plants.

Making your own compost is fairly simple. Some people have tried it but may not have been successful. That is usually because of lack of knowledge or not being consistent in maintaining their compost pile or using some inappropriate material in its construction.

You can buy a plastic compost bin from a garden store or make a container for your compost heap yourself. They are fairly simple but need to be well made so that you reduce the possibility of problems like a vermin attack or the development of anaerobic bacteria which will result if the material is too dry or compacted to cook and convert to humus as intended.

You don't really need a bin - you could just pile the scraps in layers in a loose pile. But, I suggest that you use some sort of container so that:

· You remove the material from view while it is converted to compost.

· You deter vermin.

· You reduce the possibility of neighbors complaining to you or the local authorities about the appearance or supposed odor of your compost pile. A well-balanced and maintained pile will have little odor anyway, but neighbor relations are very important.

· You will substantially reduce the time it will take to produce your compost. A pile will probably take at least a year but using a container will reduce that a lot.

· A pile will take up more valuable garden space.

· Moving a bin is not recommended but moving a pile, if it became necessary, would be a lot worse.

Locating your compost bin will need thought. A shaded position which is warmed by the sun and out of the busiest areas is preferred.

But, you need to make sure that it is not so isolated that family members start to dump their scraps in the waste bin instead to save themselves some time.

Home-made structures are more likely to let vermin in or interfere with the proper processing of the contents which can results in a smelly mess.

Whatever sort of bin you decide to use, these are important features to have:

· Design should include an easy way to get out the prepared compost from the bottom of the heap. This could be a hatch near the bottom which you open to remove the content after it is processed.

· A tight but easily removable lid to keep vermin and bugs out.

· Small gaps that will let air in but not so big that smell (if any) or contents can get out.

You might want to shred any raw material which you have a lot of to reduce the time it will take to be processed.

Possible Content

Garden clippings - Avoid anything which has bugs, sprays or infection on it or is very wet. Don't include large amounts of one item such as grass clippings which could make the balance between different carbon or nitrogen components become unbalanced. Wet grass clippings will also be a problem if they become a mouldy layer in the heap.

Kitchen scraps - Avoid bones or meat (attract vermin and causes smells), citrus (especially skins) and anything which has mould or other problems.

Newsprint - It should be shredded before use.

Manure - Avoid dog, cat or human waste.

Sometimes, compost heaps don't produce the right result. That is usually due to an imbalance between the amount of the various types of ingredients, contamination, too much moisture, lack of aeration or because there was not enough material in total for the bacteria to thrive and do its work.

With the above advice, you can reduce your kitchen and garden waste and at the same time, put it to work for you in a positive way. You will feed your organic garden, which will in turn, help to feed your family and you!

Find out how to create your own rich, organic garden. "Your Organic Garden Guide" is packed full of tips and advice. It's available from: http://www.organic-garden-guide.com/.

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Vegetable Seeds to Plant in April

Spring has officially sprung and April is the time to get those vegetable seeds in the ground. The traditional April weather, which usually consists of sunny days mixed with heavy rain downpours, is the perfect recipe for successful seed sowing.

Here are some of the best vegetables to sow in April.

PLEASANT PEAS:

Peas can be sown directly into the ground, two inches deep and ten inches apart. The shoots should begin to show in around two weeks and when they start growing, you will notice that peas have feelers, which naturally grip as they grow upwards. Garden canes constructed into a simple pyramid or garden netting will provide ideal support. For dwarf peas or beans, small sticks propped up in the soil will do the job just as well. Peas, especially those of the dwarf variety, can be grown in troughs or pots on your patio as well as in the ground.

TANTILISING TOMATOES:

Tomatoes are ideal for planting in April and the seeds can be sown in small pots to start. Place them in a warm spot such as a kitchen or conservatory and they will appear in as little as two weeks. After around eight weeks they can be carefully transferred to the ground or grow bags where they will be ready to pick from July onwards.

CRUNCHY CARROTS:

The best way is to plant carrot seeds is to dig neat rows and scatter them in, perhaps with some radish or other root vegetable. One of the points in favour of growing carrots is they do like cool weather, so are best planted a couple of weeks before the last frost. Carrots do fair better in quality moist soil, so it's worth picking out any stones or foliage. Sand can also be added to added to help drainage.

LOVELY LETTUCE:

Lettuces are another seed that is ideally started off in a warm, sunny spot. However, Lettuces don't like being moved so it's best to put them straight into the ground and perhaps sheltering under glass. Lettuces are ideal for growing in England, as they prefer cooler climates and fair well in our temperamental weather. Lettuces, cabbages and cauliflowers are all prey to bugs, so a handy tip is to scatter crushed up eggshells over the soil. The eggshells will divert slugs and bugs with their sharp edges and are also an excellent source of calcium for the soil.

SPECIAL SPRING ONTIONS:

Spring onion seeds can be sowed as early as February, but planting in April usually ensures minimal frost damage. Like lettuce, spring onions don't really like being disturbed so it is best to plant them where they are to remain. Spring onions are a yearlong vegetable, and sowing a row every few weeks will guarantee a crop well into summer and autumn. Spring onion seeds are tiny and black, so an eagle eye is needed for sowing. As they don't need much room to grow they can also be planted in containers or window boxes.

Graeme is writing on behalf of Kings Seeds - Vegetable Seeds & Seed Potatoes

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Gardening in the Month of April

April is a wonderful time in the garden. Spring has sprung, with daffodils and other bulbs brightening up the outdoors, while the weather is getting warmer every day, making it the perfect time to crack on with the many outstanding tasks.

General preparation
All beds, whether for flowers or vegetables, need to be weeded, and dug over to aerate the soil, while being careful not to damage those plants that remain in situ. Fading flowers on spring bulbs should be removed along with those on any other winter or spring-flowering plants. Any dead or diseased plants should be removed and burnt along with any other dead matter lying around that may harbour disease. Now is also a good time to apply a general, all-purpose fertilizer to replace the goodness used up last year.

Flowers
If you've been active over the winter period and got on with your indoor sowing, now is the time to start planting out hardy annuals such as sweet peas. If you are a bit behind in this respect, sow your hardy and semi-hardy annual seeds in trays now. If it is particularly mild, you can sow them directly into the garden. It is also the time to plant any summer-flowering bulbs, but be sure to prepare the ground so it drains well and doesn't become waterlogged.

Herbaceous perennials can be divided to make new plants, rejuvenate the mother plants or just reduce the space they occupy. Where new shoots are showing, cut the old shoots down by at least half, leaving the other half as protection against any late frosts.

Vegetables
Ideally, the vegetable plot will have been prepared earlier, but if not do that now and start sowing your seeds directly into ground. You should also get your potatoes and onion sets planted.

Trees and Shrubs
If the rose bushes weren't pruned before the winter, now is the time to produce those secateurs, cutting back quite hard to force new growth. Giving them and other shrubs a good organic mulching will help the ground to retain water and keep down weeds. Prune shrubs, where necessary, but leave spring- flowering ones, like Forsythia, until they have finished blooming. Check that any stakes, props or ties are secure around shrubs and trees that require them.

Lawns
Give lawns a light mowing, straighten the edges and repair any bare patches, hollows or bumps that have appeared. Next, using a lawn rake, scarify the lawn to remove dead moss etc. Finally, aerate the lawn using a garden fork and apply a nitrogen fertilizer. If necessary, also apply a weed and moss killer.

Greenhouses and other structures
All structures should be tested for winter damage and repaired where necessary. Paths should be treated to rid them of moss and algae, while guttering on sheds and greenhouses should be cleared of dead leaves and so forth.

April can be a difficult month because of the weather, so always keep your eye on the forecast and take suitable action should there be any late frosts.

Graeme is writing on behalf of Kings Seeds - Seeds & Tomato Seeds

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Make Use Of This Advice For Being An Organic Gardening Expert

If you wish to improve your diet, you should think of organic gardening. Looking after a garden does require effort to make things grow. Knowing how to start when planning an organic garden could be a little confusing.

Make use of a beer trap to capture slugs and prevent them from eating your plants. Obtain a clean, empty glass jar to use as a trap. Bury it using its mouth facing upwards. Keep putting dirt within the jar until the mouth is at the outer lining of your garden. Fill the jar with beer a good inch less than the top. The slugs are going to be attracted to the beer and will become trapped inside the jar.

Whenever you clean vegetables, do it outside and save water. This water will retain the nutrients removed from the produce and they're going to help fertilize your garden. A number of these nutrients are essential and aren't found in rain or tap water. For the greatest mix, don't use chemicals or cleaners whenever you wash the produce.

Try making your organic garden a shade garden. Shaded gardens require hardly any upkeep, which makes them causing them to be ideal for many amateur gardeners. You won't have to water them as often that will save you a lot of time. This makes slower plant growth, but you'll also have fewer weeds to deal with in the garden.

When you're working in your garden, you will need to have all of your tools in a location. If it takes you a half-hour to find a needed tool, then you are doing a problem. Before you begin work in the garden, be sure you have the necessary tools, and try to make sure to put them away when you're finished. Obtain a tool belt, or wear pants with lots of pockets.

A great tip to help your plants remain healthy and fight diseases is by using aspirin water. One and half tablets of aspirin inside a couple gallons of water are a wonderful help to the plants you have. It is simple to spray the plans with this particular concoction to assist them to fight of disease. You should spray your plants about once every three weeks.

As the article has recommended, organic gardening takes work, research, and energy to become successful. You're going to get achievement if you're consistent and patient. Make use of the tips presented here, along with some thoughts of your own, and you will be a thriving organic gardener very quickly.

Permaculture planting is intense planting, the objective being to cover the earth and leave no part exposed to the elements! Permaculture design Course is designed nature oriented to help improve a specific aspect of higher education access of education, research and innovation.

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Vegetables That Do Well in a Drought

Last year was a very dry summer with many areas experiencing little enough rain warrant a hose pipe ban. This winter has also seen low amounts of rainfall and another dry summer now looks likely. Gardeners in Britain are used to having an abundant supply of water and can be said to have adopted a rather care-free attitude when it comes to conserving water. In recent years though we have begun to look at planting schemes for our gardens which include drought tolerant plants, but one area of the garden which has maybe been overlooked in relation to planning for dryer seasons is the vegetable garden. Most vegetables we grow in our gardens require a fair amount of water to produce healthy prolific crops. So which vegetables can we expect to do well in a drought?

Cabbage is a hardy vegetable and can survive well with little water. Raise seedlings in modular trays, one plant per cell, and then plant out in early May. When planting drop each seedling to a water filled hole - known as puddling-in - this will give the young plant a head start and you will find it can survive and grow on to maturity with little or no extra watering.

Beetroot, spinach, brussel sprouts and kale have all evolved from plants found on the thin soil of coastal areas and are therefore quite capable of surviving drought conditions. As with cabbage, drop young plants into a water filled hole when planting. If treated in a similar way, leeks will also grow well in dry weather. They originally came to this country with the Romans and so originate from sunnier climbs. Grow them in modules and then plant out in holes the thickness of a pencil in early May, making sure you fill the hole with water first. You may need to water them a little more often and in extremely dry weather they make take a little longer to plump up.

Parsnips and carrots are also winners in dry conditions. Because they prefer poor sandy soil, they have developed very long tap roots which enable them to search deep into the ground for moisture. The seeds of umbellifers such as carrot and parsnip need warmth to germinate, so the uncharacteristically warm spring months we have recently experienced also give them a good head start. An unexpected benefit of having a dry summer on the vegetable garden is that it helps to keep away diseases that thrive in warm moist conditions like potato blight.

There are however, some mainstay crops on the vegetable plot that will require extra watering if the summer is dry. Be prepared by investing in more water butts. 'Grey' water from washing up or bath water can also be saved and used on the vegetable plot. Adding a good amount of organic matter to vegetable beds also helps to conserve moisture. If you are growing vegetables in garden planters be extra vigilant about watering and make sure you mulch well to help retain water.

Jo Poultney is one of two people behind Garden Planters. I have an RHS general certificate in horticulture. Garden Planters source unusual outdoor and indoor planters, and other garden related gifts - whatever your taste, be it traditional, modern or just a bit quirky, we will have something for you. I believe garden planters are an integral part of any garden - they enhance the overall design and say a little something about the person to whom the garden belongs. If you would like to know more about Garden Planters, visit our website at http://www.gardenplantersshop.co.uk/

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Jobs to Do in the Garden During May

May is the month when everything starts happening in the garden. The garden is bursting with life and everything seems to grow faster and greener. If you have been taking it a bit easy in the garden up until now, you are going to have to start getting your skates on if you are to keep up with your garden as it forges its way into summer. Here are just a few of the jobs you should be getting on with during this most fertile month of May.

In the garden

It is not only your garden plants that are putting on vigorous growth during May, perennial weeds such as couch grass and bind weed are also growing at a rate of knots, so make sure you dig them out from borders as soon as you spot them. Clear out any containers where you have had spring displays ready for planting summer bedding plants. Bulbs can be moved to a trench or a different pot and allowed to die back naturally. Take softwood cuttings from your favourite herbs to ensure you have a plentiful supply of young plants throughout the summer. Now is also the time to take cuttings from hydrangea, fuchsias and penstemons, using the soft shoot tips.

In the greenhouse

May is the time to plant young tomatoes in grow bags if you are growing them in the greenhouse. Position strong cane supports before you plant and water well. French beans can also be sown into individual pots ready for planting out next month. Make sure you ventilate the greenhouse on warm sunny days by opening the windows and door, but close again at night as it can still be chilly. Sow seeds of herbs, such as parsley, chives, coriander, garlic, basil, dill, fennel, mint and thyme.

In the vegetable garden

Earth up the soil around emerging potato shoots to encourage a higher yield. The seeds of radish, spring onions, coriander, parsley and chives and also be sown outside this month. Tie in new shoots of blackberries and cane fruits to support wires. Sow the seeds of sweetcorn in deep pots to then be planted out during June.

Flowers

If you haven't done so already, now is the time to plant up hanging baskets with summer bedding plants. Make sure you use a variety of both trailing and upright plants to create a stunning display. Keep them in a cold greenhouse or in a sheltered spot to establish a little before hanging them out in their final position. Prune spring flowering shrubs such as forsythia, ribes, chaenomeles, pyracantha and kerria once they have finished flowering. Make sure you regularly water any newly planted shrubs, trees or roses. Spread a good layer of mulch around trees and shrubs and also on borders to help conserve water during the drier months of summer. Fill any garden planters you haven't yet planted with summer bedding plants such as geranium, petunia, begonia, fushia and lobelia. Mix the compost with a slow release fertiliser before planting to ensure a longer flowering period.

Jo Poultney is one of two people behind Garden Planters. I have an RHS general certificate in horticulture. Garden Planters source unusual outdoor and indoor planters, and other garden related gifts - whatever your taste, be it traditional, modern or just a bit quirky, we will have something for you. I believe garden planters are an integral part of any garden - they enhance the overall design and say a little something about the person to whom the garden belongs. If you would like to know more about Garden Planters, visit our website at http://www.gardenplantersshop.co.uk/

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Greenhouse Gardening: Grow What You Want, When You Want

Have you ever considered greenhouse gardening? Growing plants in a greenhouse can expand your gardening horizons far beyond the limits of your geographical bounds. With a backyard greenhouse, the growing season lasts year round.

Is it mid-winter in your backyard, with snow piled deep on the ground and an arctic nip in the air? Not in your greenhouse, where it's a delightful, sunny 72.

Do outside conditions make it impossible for you to grow the plants you love right now? Are you months away from enjoying homegrown, summer savory tomatoes? Not if you have a backyard greenhouse. You could be serving your very own homegrown summer veggies with Christmas dinner - picked Christmas morning.

Growing in a greenhouse will give you the freedom to grow almost anything you want, anytime you want, without waiting for a by-your-leave from Mother Nature.

Isn't Gardening in a Greenhouse a Frighteningly Expensive Pastime?

To be sure, you can spend lots of money on a garden greenhouse if that's what you want to do.

There are some beautifully elegant backyard greenhouses available that would complement the finest of mansions in appearance and aesthetics.

But there are also some surprisingly cheap greenhouse kits that you can purchase and assemble to create your own fully functional greenhouse. Or you can build your own greenhouse from scratch, and really save some money.

Thanks to modern greenhouse technology and space age materials, virtually anyone who wants a greenhouse can have one, no matter how humble or majestic it may be.

What Can You Grow in a Greenhouse?

What do you want to grow? That's the more appropriate question, because you could grow virtually anything you want in your greenhouse.

Sure, there are exceptions. Not every plant on Earth is a candidate for greenhouse growing. But when you're deciding what to grow in your greenhouse, you'll find that there really aren't many limitations.

And for the most part, the limitations you face will be of your own choosing. If you choose not to heat your greenhouse during winter, for example, the list of plants that will be candidates for your greenhouse will be shorter. Or if you decide not to use artificial lighting to extend the day length during the short, dreary days of winter, that will be a limiting factor.

But the magic of a greenhouse is that you can create almost any environment you choose. And with that power you can make your greenhouse a happy home for most any type of plant, whether ornamental or edible.

You Can Grow Food of Unparalleled Quality in a Greenhouse

I've been involved in greenhouse gardening on a commercial scale for many years. My primary crop has been greenhouse tomatoes.

But though I'm always delighted, I'm no longer surprised when a customer tells me that my tomatoes are the best that he or she has ever eaten. I've heard that many times.

And they don't say: "Your tomatoes are the best I've had except for summertime tomatoes." Nor do they say: "Your tomatoes are the best I've had except for the homegrown tomatoes I grow in my own garden." They just say: "Your tomatoes are the best I've ever had!"

Why are our greenhouse tomatoes so good?

It's pretty simple, really. We grow them in a controlled environment, where the pampered plants receive exactly what they need to produce perfect tomatoes. That's the advantage of greenhouse growing.

And it applies to everything you'll grow in your greenhouse, not just tomatoes. (But trust me - you're going to love your greenhouse tomatoes!)

By the way, the sheltered environment of your greenhouse will allow you to grow the most cosmetically perfect plants and produce you've ever seen. Think about it: Your plants won't get rained on, wind blown, dust stormed, hail battered, frosted or sun-scorched.

The result will be exotically lush plants producing food that is off-the-charts delicious and nutritious - and beautiful to boot!

No, Your Greenhouse Won't Be the Garden of Eden

I don't want to get carried away and paint too positive a picture. Growing plants in a greenhouse isn't a perfect panacea for eliminating all of those gardening thorns-in-the-side. You can have pest problems in a greenhouse. You can have disease problems, too.

But I don't know of any potential negative that isn't more easily prevented or controlled within the protected environment of a greenhouse.

An example: My greenhouse tomatoes that I was so shamelessly bragging on a few paragraphs up? They are grown without any form of pesticide. We can control insect pests in our greenhouse without ever spraying insecticides, and we can control fungal diseases without ever spraying fungicides.

From season's beginning to season's end, not a single drop of pesticide enters the doors of our greenhouse.

Doing Your Growing in a Greenhouse Puts You In Control

If you've been gardening for a while, you're accustomed to nature dictating the terms of your relationship. Try planting too early in the season or grasping for a few extra precious days late in the season, and nature is liable to slap you down hard. It's happened to all of us.

But in your backyard greenhouse, you'll set the terms.

First frost date - last frost date? Meaningless. Shortest day of the year? So what?

In your small greenhouse, the temperature can be what you want it to be. The day length can be whatever you need it to be. What you'll be able to grow will be dictated by what you want to grow.

If you're accustomed to playing by nature's rules, you'll find that doing your gardening in a greenhouse offers an exhilarating sense of freedom - and lots of gardening fun.

And by the way: Though I've admitted above that a greenhouse isn't a Garden of Eden, it's easy to believe otherwise when I step inside one of my greenhouses on a bitter cold winter's day.

I can remove my coat, and comfortably work among my plants in shirtsleeves. Though winter rages outside, it's magically held at bay by only a few thousands of an inch thickness of plastic.

As I work, my breath provides a bit of extra carbon dioxide for my plants, and they enrich the atmosphere with oxygen for me. And we all enjoy the virtual springtime oasis created by the snug and cozy greenhouse.

No, it's not the Garden of Eden. But it can't be far off.

Are YOU Interested in Greenhouse Gardening?
Learn more about the fun and fascinating world of gardening in a greenhouse at the author's website. You can also download a free report about growing lettuce and tomatoes in a greenhouse.
Click here to learn more about greenhouse growing.

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Aquaponics At Home Set Up

A number of people ask me what is Aquaponics? Can we set up Aquaponics at home? What are its main benefits? Because, people are curious about, Aquaponics food cultivation. You can easily set up aquaponics in your home. It is not difficult. It is more suitable for congested places where no one can even think of farming or fish farming. It does not matter if you are living in a flat of a high rise building or you are staying in your separate home, you can have your own aquaponics system. If you have some space on your roof top, you can easily set it up there on the roof. You can place it anywhere inside your home.

First of all let us put some light on Aquapoincs. It is basically the product of both Hydroponics and Aquaculture. Hydroponicsis the latest method of farming, in this method of farming plants are not seeded in soil, or we can say no soil is used in such farming, and all required minerals and nutrients are provide directly through the roots of the plants. Under this technique of farming we can easily grow organic vegetables and fruits.

Now the Aquaculture is a type of farming technique involving fish. This method of farming is related to fish farming for consumption purposes.

Now the new farming technique of aquaponics is that the waste produced from both hydroponic and aquaculture is actually meeting each other's food requirement and resulting in the growth of both. So in simple words the waste produced by fish allows different types of vegetables and fruit to grow, and the same way the waste produced by those vegetables and fruits are used to feed the fish to grow or reproduce.

So, when you set up an aquaponics system at your home, you will get not only fresh fruits and vegetable without too much labor, but you will also be able to raise fish and other marines.

These days when fruits and vegetables and other food items are getting out of the reach of everyone such farming is the need of the hour. We must focus on such innovative way of farming. Once you set up Aquaponics system in your home, you will be able to get almost free vegetables and fruits, plus fresh fish for the rest of your life. Once the system start functioning, going to the market and buying fish, vegetables and fruits are no longer required. It would not only save you precious time but a lot of your money.

It will also give you a chance to stay connected with nature. It will be a great experience for you to raise such a well purposed farm and see it flourishing and growing in the most amazing way without your active support.

Jonathan Dylan is an aquaponics expert. For more information on setting up aquaponics at home, visit http://www.aquaponicsculture.com/index.html

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Growing Vegetables During Winter in Temperate Climates

One of the more frustrating aspects of growing your own vegetables is finding that most crops stop growing in late autumn, leaving you with few crops to harvest in the spring. However there are some crops that can be grown through the winter for a welcome spring harvest. Some good plants to start with include:

Broad Beans - not many vegetable seeds will germinate in cool winter temperatures, but broad beans are one of them. However, they sometimes struggle to germinate in wet conditions. If you have heavy soil it may be a good idea to plant them in raised beds and put black plastic film over the ground for a few weeks before planting to raise the soil temperature.

Broccoli - If you plant out winter broccoli varieties in autumn, you'll be able to harvest the heads in mid to late spring. A great thing about broccoli is that it continues to produce secondary shoots after the main head is harvested.

Celery - like Spinach, celery actually grows better in the cooler months as it's less likely to run to seed at this time. Plant seedlings out in early autumn with plenty of compost and they should grow slowly but steadily through the winter. By mid spring the first storks should be ready for harvest

Lettuce - a number of winter lettuce varieties are available which grow well in cooler temperatures. If you love your salads I'd recommend planting them under plastic cloches so you can harvest them through the winter, otherwise plant them out in autumn in a sunny, reasonably well-drained position and they should be ready to pick by early to mid spring.

Spinach - grow seedlings indoors and then plant out in a sunny spot in late winter. Since spinach is a fast growing crop, you should be able the first leaves in less than eight weeks.

The main keys to growing vegetables in cool conditions are adequate sunlight and good drainage. Get these aspects right and you shouldn't have too many problems.

If you have heavy soil that gets water-logged in winter you'll need to construct raised beds with timber, stones or masonary blocks and then add plenty of organic matter to make your soil darker and more friable (darker soil absorbs more sunlight, which helps raise soil temperatures).

Generally, pests and diseases are less of a problem in winter, but watch out for slugs and snails. These can take a heavy toll on young seedling but can be easily controlled by inexpensive slug and snail pellets or removed by hand.

Once the temperate starts to warm up in spring, it's also important to keep plants adequately watered. If plants dry out quickly in spring after a wet winter they are more likely to run to seed early.

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