Posted in
Garden & Gardening on May 13th, 2012 |
There are things that need to be carefully considered when planning to make a beautiful garden most especially during the month of May. They may include preparing or picking the flowers and vegetables that you want to grow, planning when to do the flower and vegetable planting, taking good care of the lawn surrounding your garden, etc. These things should complete your May gardening checklist.
Preparing or Picking Flowers and Vegetables to Grow
There are flowers and vegetables that are perfect for the month of May. They may include the flowers that give summer spray of colors such as bulbs of dahlia, gladiolus, lily, and tuberous begonia. These flowers can give you summer spray until the month of July; hence, it is a good idea to grow them in your garden. For example, the gladiolus flowers are able to give summer cuttings in to your garden even up to the month of May. Actually, the petals of these flowers can be used as fertilizers later on.
Right Time to Plant the Flowers and Vegetables
The month of May is perfect for planting flowers and vegetables in your garden. It can be considered the best planting time for both. However, there are few things that you need to consider such as the methods to follow to make sure that your flowers will live. One of these things is your need to protect your flowers overnight from the frost. Another thing is planting the flowers on a container before putting on the ground. Also, planting vegetables in no-frost zone should be considered. The month of May is indeed a perfect planting time but there are things that you need to consider.
Taking Good Care of the Lawn
When thinking of having your own garden, it is important that you consider the needs of your lawn. The needs being referred may include the need of removing the grass in the lawn, cutting down the weed growth and so on.
So, when planning to make a beautiful garden during the month of May, there are things that you need to consider and include in your gardening checklist.
Posted in
do-it-yourself on May 7th, 2012 |
There are more to worms than just icky bitty crawling critters. They are nature’s best natural decomposers. Worms will graciously turn your organic wastes into vermicompost, nature’s best fertilizer. Composting with worms is a fulfilling task. It’s easy, affordable and environmental. You will need a bin; beddings, the worms and some worm food start your own worm compost. Below are some compost tips to make you successful.
A worm bin should only be around 8 to 16 inches deep. You can create your own compost bin using recycled materials. Just remember that your compost bin needs a lid to thwart rodents and flies. Don’t forget to cut out quarter inch holes at the bottom of you bin for water drainage and ventilation. The bin size should be two square feet per person’s surface area. Place the bin under a shady area since worms are surface feeders and favor moderate temperatures. You can use old newspapers as bedding materials. Moisten the strips of newspaper and place it on the bin along with some cow dung and a handful of soil. The red worms are the best composting kind of worms available. They have big appetites and can reproduce quickly. Rotate the bin once in a while to regulate the air and moisture. Red worms generally eat everything from bread crumbs to orange peels to coffee grounds. Throw in biodegradable waste only in your compost bin.
Patiently wait for at least three to six months and you will soon see the fruits of your labor. You can either use the vermicompost on your garden sell it to other gardeners. Vermicomposting is a great method of turning your waste into something productive and profitable. Vermicomposting is nature’s way of telling you that even leftovers and tiny worms still play an important role in preserving what is left of our environment. Good green deeds surely go a long way.
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Garden & Gardening on April 27th, 2012 |
A garden that produces food does not only mean that it is growing fruits and vegetables. Planting edible plants and flowers can add colour and life to your garden without reducing the number of your fruits and vegetables. It will also provide something new for your appetite. You can include them in your desserts, soups and salads.
- Nasturtiums. Nasturtiums are quick growing flowers that require little maintenance. They are completely edible that you can eat the seeds, flowers, leaves and stems. The leaves and blossoms are perfect for salads because of its somewhat spicy taste. It is packed with iron and vitamin C. The buds can be utilized as capers. Beginner gardeners can grow this flower easily because it can survive even a poor soil and can grow in little or full sun exposure. This flower needs regular water and can thrive in bare area in the garden or plant container.
- Violets. Violets are considered weeds and they grow in yellow, white and purple flowers that can be used for dessert such as jelly and salads as well. Because it is a weed, it spreads fast and easily and is perfect as ground covers. Violets are delicate flowers that need shade. It can survive full sun exposure with regular watering. There are other flowers that look like violets and are poisonous so you better be careful in eating them.
- Daylilies. This is common in almost all states in the U.S. and is considered as a happy flower. Regular watering and ample sunlight is all they need to thrive. They may grow in your garden without you knowing they exist. It is like squash blossoms that have delicate but tasty petals which is good when deep fried or battered. It is commonly used in Asian dishes but can also be included in your soups and salads. Make sure to consume them right away because they can be bad when left for so many hours. You can sauté the young buds with oil and garlic and the tuberous roots is as great as potatoes. Most lilies should not be eaten because they are not edible so make sure that what you are eating are daylilies.
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Garden & Gardening on April 19th, 2012 |
A great inspiration can help in planning a great home garden. Planning a perfect home garden needs deciding on the size and shape of the garden as well as the plants that you would like to grow. In choosing the right plants for your garden, consider the plant zone of your location.
- Ultimate kitchen garden. Growing edible plants such as fruits and vegetables will not only make your eyes feast but can also satisfy your cravings.
- Porch border garden. Traditional gardening can be too boring so try to dress your home by planting mixture of perennials, trees and shrubs.
- Woodland path garden. A woodland style garden path can make developing new plants a wonderful experience.
- Crevice garden. Putting compact plants that flower in the plain part of your deck or patio can be done by removing some of the pavers and planting new sprawling perennials.
- Water garden. A small water pot is perfect for any home whether it will be placed in a patio, terrace or deck.
- Rose garden. Roses will be forever romantic so it is a good idea to make a rose garden especially when paired with beautiful perennials.
- Raised planter garden. This is suitable for those with poor soil or limited growing space. It is achieved by making a raised planter with properly drained soil meant for plant containers.
- Cottage garden. Integrating perennials, annuals shrubs, and herbs can make a beautiful garden with lots of flowers.
- Fall cutting garden. Dressing your home with fresh flowers is lovely and building a raised-bed cutting garden will make it more lovely because it lets you provide flowers for weeks and tailored according to colour or types.
- Mixed fall bed. A low maintenance perennial and shrub garden is great for any season.
- Fall decorating garden. Growing your own seasonal plants will prevent you from buying seasonal decorations.
- Evergreen scene garden. Planting evergreens can provide privacy, enhance property and hide eyesores.
- Bark appeal garden. Shrubs and trees with evergreen foliage and colourful barks can bring colour in your garden even in leafless season.
- Indoor herb box. This type of garden can bring you fresh herbs throughout the year.
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Garden & Gardening on April 8th, 2012 |
Not all people have access to big gardens for them to be able to plant fruits and vegetables. But even though you are limited to a single container, you still can produce home-grown vegetables for your consumption, especially if you have dishes in mind that you are planning. Basil, chives, chile peppers and tomatoes are the most popular produce that you can grow in your home.
Giving enough space for each plant is the key in growing 2 or more plants in a single container. Use a big container and put holes in it to allow water drainage. Get a location where there is enough sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours a day then fill your container with a good soil mixture. After frost, start planting your seedlings in your pot. You can grow four basil plants, three chives, one chile and tomato keeping your soil moist evenly. After a few months, you can now enjoy your combination of vegetables for your salads and foods. Salad greens are the popular choice of plants for container gardening such as lettuce, herbs and endive. A square foot container can grow various types of plants whether in the same or different varieties.
There are many ways to enjoy your home-grown crops.
- Bloody Mary. Puree some tomatoes then add salt. Add chives, basil leaves and jalapeno then smooth or strain. Get two glasses of water with ice then put some vodka and then add the tomato mixture.
- Pasta. Roast jalapeno, tomatoes and garlic cloves. Chop the vegetables, peel the garlic and then tossed with pappardelle. Sprinkle with some purple basil, chives, salt and pepper.
- Gazpacho. Put a chopped tomato into a tomato puree. Add chopped cucumber and bell pepper and a little lime juice and salt. Put purple basil, chives and jalapeno and then put in bowls.
Combination of pots and troughs relies on the size, shape and contrast of the foliage. If you don’t like Bulb plants, you can choose your favourite plants instead. A large container is easier to maintain and the more soil in your container, the more moisture it can hold.
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Post Caps & Finials on March 30th, 2012 |
Deck lights are an arty way of generating inkling on any composite, cedar or vinyl deck building application. It is ideal for open-air lighting, lower-level step light and balustrade and post caps & backdrop lighting. Lower-level step lights elucidate the staircase for shelter and to meet certain code requisite. Lighting your deck gives added space for outdoor pastime in your home and home turf. It endow with charm in a simple and low-priced way. Deck lighting offers pleasure that by no means impede even at hours of dimness. Whether it is bathe party, kids’ party, barbeque hosting, marriage anniversary or reception, guests and children will stay secure and expedient. It is also great for hosting undersized congregation and events. More so, deck lighting endows cherished mood, and shed light on passageways and pavements while giving the precise ambiance. Deck lighting augments your veranda and desk gives cleverness and stylishness to your home and garden.
Post cap lights are well-designed and patterned finishing inflection on your deck or terrace by placing them on top of post arrangement and deck railing. The blend of lighting and posts adds spirit, fashion and mood. Some of the advantages of post cap lights comprise putting off insects and bugs while getting pleasure from your deck at night, it also adds sanctuary and protection for the family and shields the posts from decaying and weathering. Your deck will directly become a hushed and safer place for rest on a balmy summer season. You didn’t spend a lot of money for deck only to use it during day time. Even at night, you can sit back and take pleasure in the company of your loved ones out in a spanking new air. It allocates an exquisite atmosphere at night. Post cap lights can be bought in electric, flame-powered, and solar lights and in diverse colors, resources and sizes to choose from.
Posted in
Garden & Gardening on March 22nd, 2012 |
Growing your own tomatoes is far better than buying in the supermarkets. A home grown tomato tastes far better than one purchased. Tomatoes need a daytime temperature of 95 degrees or below, while it needs 55 degrees or more during the night. Temperatures outside these ranges can cause your tomatoes to die.
It is great to plant tomatoes before April arrives. Planting in April is the latest, so you do not want to plant tomatoes in May or June. Planting tomatoes too late will not give you as many tomatoes because the temperature can be way too hot. It is best to plant tomatoes right after the cold season so that you can be ready to harvest them by April, May or June – the time when the temperature is getting higher.
Tomatoes are sensitive to cold weather, so you need to consider this factor. During cold nights, you may want to cover your tomatoes with cardboard, buckets or plastic to keep them from being exposed to the frost. Tomatoes must be planted with enough room between each plant, because it can grow wide and tall as they develop.
It is also necessary to consider the location where you will plant your tomatoes. Morning sun is great, but not so much the afternoon sun. In plating your tomatoes, make sure that it is going to be exposed to the early morning sun and wind, but will have its shade on the afternoon.
Tomatoes have a different category when it comes to their maturity. They are categorized as early class, midseason class or late class. They can also be categorized by fruit size – pear, cherry, large or plum – or by plant size – indeterminate, semi-determinate and determinate. When it comes to fruit color, they are categorized into pink yellow, red or orange and when it comes to purpose – process, fresh or dual use.
When it comes to caring, tomatoes need low nitrogen fertilizers. You also need to remove weeds and pests that may harm your tomatoes.
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Post Caps & Finials on March 15th, 2012 |
Deck post caps provide a good impression on any post materials such as composite, cedar, or vinyl application. Deck post caps decorative accent to your house and property. It increases its charm easily and inexpensively. A deck post cap ensures beauty and elegance in your home. It is also great as piece of conversation during small gatherings and events. Most of all, deck post caps and finials work together to decorate not just the deck but also the other parts of our home whether indoor or outdoor. Deck post caps and finials can greatly put an accent to your posts and other structures and also gives elegance and sophistication to your home and add value to your property. If you have an existing deck, you may want to redecorate it by changing or adding deck post caps and finials to the posts.
Post caps and finials are functional and ornamental finishing accent on top of any deck or patio structures. Proper arrangement and design of post caps and finials adds character, style and ambiance. Post cap lights is one type of post caps which prevents bugs and insects when using your deck at night, adding security and safety for your family and guests, and protecting your posts from weathering and rotting. Your deck can be more useful if you can make use of deck post caps and finials with lighting. You do not want to spend too much on a certain area if that area wouldn’t be as useful as you expect. Even at night, you can be able to enjoy the area in your deck while enjoying the cool breeze of air with your family. It allows tender moments at night perfect for every couple and family everywhere. Post cap lights are available in flame powered lights, solar and electric and come in variety of colors and sizes and materials to choose from.
Posted in
Garden & Gardening on March 10th, 2012 |
People have learned to make their food from hunting, fishing, farming and gathering foods. Today, gardening has added to a person’s means of surviving. It started as a hobby that turns into a lifestyle for many people. A few simple steps and planning can make you a successful grower.
- Find out what crops you can grow in your location. Consider such factors as space, climate, rainfall, soil, and many others. You can peek at your neighbor’s garden or visit the nearest garden shop to find out what grows best in your area. You might also want to ask experienced gardeners about the factors mentioned above.
- Learn more about growing your plants. Growing foods are not just about planting and harvesting. There are steps that you need to know before planting your chosen crops, and you should also know that not all crops are the same. Some plants may require different growing style than the others so it is better to be aware of this.
- Familiarize yourself with the various types of foods. In order to have an idea of what to grow in your site, learning the types of foods can help you decide. Types of foods include fruits, vegetables, and grains. You need to consider also the nutrients that each food provides for the body. For example, to make your growing a successful one, you might want to choose one crop for each type. Choose a crop that suits the season in your location.
- Make a plan for your chosen growing site. This means that you need to cultivate the soil in the area. Also, you can improve on other aspects by having a plan such as whether to put up a fence or not, and whether to use fertilizers and pesticides. If you have the budget, you can get a small greenhouse for your growing plants.
- Harvest your crops before strong weather comes, or before they are destroyed by pests. Always be sure to keep animals and pests away from your plants. Harvest on time.
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Post Caps & Finials on February 29th, 2012 |
Metal finials are great if you wish to enhance a particular place in your outdoor area, because they are quite eye-catching. Metal finials are created to be sturdy to place on top of roof or any structures. Metal finials will surely add finishing touch and beauty and elegance to the structure where it is placed. If you want to add some flare and pattern to your garden, home, patio, deck, garage, or porch, a metal finial is a wonderful choice for you and your property. Metal finials create a look of both old and modern design. Metals are known to be durable and long lasting. An antique metal finial will not only add design to your interior or exterior but will also add the value of your property. Some metal finials are installed by using screws or brackets directly to the post.
Post caps and finials are perfect combination in providing design to practically any post structures. Post cap is found on top of fence or posts. Finials are ornaments that give accents on post caps found on top of post caps. Some post caps needs a finial for a perfect combination while there are other post caps that can stand by their own and may no longer require a finial to place on top. A good combination of post caps and finials will create a look of elegance and sophistication. It is best for bare and ordinary fence and deck to make it more decorative and attractive. Post caps and finials provide design and accent for both interior and exterior structures. Wooden and metal post caps and finials are both long lasting amongst other structure of post caps and finials. It can be painted or stained to the color that you want to achieve the design that you want for your home.