Planting Vegetable Gardens For Beginners
Planting vegetable gardens can be a very rewarding endeavor, not to mention that it's good for your body because of all the exercise you will get, and the vegetables that you'll get to eat. These… [more]
Planting Vegetable Gardens For Stress Relief
More than letting you reduce the sum of money allocated for food, there is another very beneficial effect of planting vegetable gardens that will really give your health a great deal of favor:… [more]
No Backyard? Try Planting Vegetable Gardens Indoors!
Nothing beats the fresh wholesome taste of vegetables freshly picked from your own garden. Planting vegetable gardens can be a challenge if you don't have a backyard, but you can still grow vegetables… [more]
Planning Before Planting Vegetable Gardens
In periods of financial difficulty, planting vegetable gardens becomes a viable option that achieves two things: it helps the family reduce expenses related to buying food, and it offers the… [more]
Long-Term Plans for Planting Vegetable Gardens
A lot of people are beginning to see the benefits of planting vegetable gardens. It's usually healthier because you get to decide whether or not to use commercial pesticide on them. Since vegetable… [more]
The Basics Of Planting Vegetable Gardens
Not a lot of people try planting vegetable gardens these days, especially not in the city. What with the busy lifestyle, constrained spaces, and pollution, it seems inconceivable that a vegetable… [more]
Save Money And Get Healthy By Planting Vegetable Gardens
Instead of setting up a swimming pool or a Zen garden in your backyard, why not plant vegetables instead? Planting vegetable gardens is a great way to spend a quiet time de-stressing while getting… [more]
Laying Out And Planting Vegetable Gardens
As you start planting vegetable gardens it's important to know how the garden will be laid out. The layout of your own garden will depend on what vegetable you want to grow, the planting space… [more]
Advantages Of Planting Vegetable Gardens
Is there a patch of land in your backyard that's been left useless all this time? If you're still undecided to what to make out of it, maybe it's high time you consider planting vegetables in… [more]
While installing an outdoor shower isn’t exactly rocket science; there are plenty of considerations you need to keep in mind — especially with the drainage. Neglecting the drainage and other important maintenance features of your shower will result with an inadequate and dysfunctional shower area.
Here are some tips on what to keep in mind when setting up your very own outdoor shower drainage.
Outdoor shower drainage is often the most cited complaint of these features.
Outdoor Shower Drainage Issues
You need to maximise your shower area first.
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Connecting with the main water source
There’s no problem setting up an outdoor shower as long as you have an accessible water supply or connection outside of your home. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to be near to the water source to have an efficient outdoor shower. You can just connect pipes from your water source to the shower area. Of course, it may be more expensive to attach multiple pipes if you plan on placing a shower that is from the water source.
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Consider what surface material you’re placing your shower
If you want to make the most out of your shower, you need to ensure that the surface is durable against constant water exposure. Generally, surface materials that are hard like stone patios are ideal for shower floors due to their resilient properties. Wood types can also be used but just be sure it’s water resistant.
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The outdoor shower drainage itself
It’s not enough that you focus on the water source connections and the aesthetics of your shower, you should also place great importance on creating a proper and functional drainage. We advise that your drainage outlet goes through a different manhole or a storm drain instead of connecting it to your house’s main drainage system. The purpose of this is to avoid overloading your main drainage system with too much water and hence; avoid flooding.
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Add safety with outdoor path lighting
Not everyone wants to shower in the middle of the day so when installing an outdoor shower you may want to consider some outdoor path lighting. This allows yourself, and guests, to easily and safely access your outdoor shower. Without lighting around path areas, and even in the shower surrounds, you restrict the usability of this great garden feature.
The shower area should also get direct sunlight as much as possible. This helps prevent water and moisture from accumulating in the shower. You don’t want your shower to become too humid and wet simply because it will cause mould growth and water build-up.
Photo Credit: akaitori Flickr via Compfight cc
This post came from Gardening Tips ‘n Ideas – Gardening tips and advice to help gardeners enjoy their gardens.
Think Penstemon digitalis, and you automatically match it with cottage gardens. Think beardtongue, and matching with a dragon with facial hair issues is not a far stretch. Yet, these virginal beardtongues could sit happily in most garden designs – and still not scare the kids.
Growing a Penstemon Digitalis is relatively simple
Penstemons were an annual fixture in my garden for many years. They were a delight with their tall spires and trumpet-like inflorescences (flowers). Watching them dance gently upon the breath of a warm summer breeze somehow reminded me that life was alright. They were dainty. Tall. So elegantly dainty.
The problem with my penstemon was the year I decided NOT to grow them. Then, like a bipolar junkie they turned on me and began self-seeding with abandon. Each year, I thought I’d curtailed their growth and each spring they would bounce back up in another fitful act of revenge. Today, I no longer have penstemons in my garden, and I no longer have them sprouting through my garden beds, but I miss them. My cottage garden feels somewhat incomplete.
Growing Penstemon Digitalis
My garden has missed them way too much. So, I’ve decided to plant some Penstemon digitalis. I’m not ignoring their self-seeding wanton ways, I’m just better prepared. This time ’round they will not be the feature of the garden but a pleasant focal point. They’ll compete with the Delphiniums, Foxgloves, the towering Stocks and the perennial cottage plants. No more will they dictate their growing conditions. It is I who will determine where and when.
As an annual, Penstemon digitalis works great, but its perennial nature is more highly regarded. They prefer free-draining, loamy soil, a satisfactory reward of organic fertiliser (blood & bone is best) and moderate watering. Once this has been achieved, your task is to sit back and enjoy the spires of flowers dance amidst their garden buddies.
Types of Penstemon Digitalis
There’s literally hundreds of types to choose from and finding something a little different will certainly set your garden apart. Here’s a few of the more common varieties going around at the moment.
- Husker Red
White-Pink flowers that bob above a clump of purple-green foliage. The flowers emanate from a red-pink cloak.
- Red Riding Hood
As the name suggests this variety hosts an abundance of vermilion flowers on green stems. Delightful flush for any garden that won’t scorch your retina.
- Gold Foil
Penstemon digitalis “Gold Foil” is all about the foliage. Sure, those little white flowers adorn this seasoned eye-popper but the leaf tone is amazing.
- Mystica
Dainty mauve-white flowers.
- Midnight
Deep violet flowers make a supreme statement in any garden lacking joie de vivre. If you’re tired of the boring virginal whites then this one is sure to set tongues wagging.
- Blackbeard
Naming a flower “Blackbeard” conjures thoughts of dark ivory, but that’s not the case with this variety. The stems and foliage are darker than your average penstemon but the flowers are an insipid mauve.
Growing Penstemon Digitalis From Seed
If you’re wondering why they propagate so profusely it’s because, according to this site, they produce more than 130,000 seeds to the ounce. The only way to stop it self-seeding is to deadhead your penstemons on a regular basis – good luck with that. Instead I will be attempting to do, smothering the rampant seedlings with very competitive companion plants.
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin Flickr via Compfight cc
This post came from Gardening Tips ‘n Ideas – Gardening tips and advice to help gardeners enjoy their gardens.
You only need to learn them and use them.
TIP! Try not to cause shock to your plants by gradually changing their conditions and temperature. On the first day, put them out in sunlight for about an hour or so.
Cover any wall or fence with lots of climbers. Many climbers are so robust that they can cover the wall or fence in as little as one growing season. They can be trained to grow over an arbor, or can be easily taught to cover any size arbor. Some varieties of these plants will have to be tethered to some sort of support, but others will have to be attached to something. Some climbers that have proven to be reliable are honeysuckle, clematis, jasmine, clematis, and wisteria.
When mowing your lawn do not cut it too closely to the dirt. If you leave a bit more height, the roots grow further into the ground, helping the grass grow better and remain hydrated. Short grass means short roots and turning brown.
TIP! Start your plant in pots before you plant them in your garden. They are then more likely to survive and to become thriving, mature plants.
Most vegetables that can be grown need that much sun to grow the right way at a faster pace. Some flowers have the same requirement for a portion of each day.
Make a plan for your first hole. This helps you in recognizing your tiny plants when they begin to sprout.
Fertilizing is an important step in preparing your garden is essential.Manure is very effective in helping plants grow, though you should use products which minimize pathogens.
You can keep pests from your garden by using other plants and natural materials. Slugs can be kept at bay with either onions or pungent vegetables. These are proven methods prevent use of harsh chemicals.
TIP! When you are mowing your lawn do not cut it too closely to the dirt. If you leave some of the grass when you mow, the roots grow further into the ground, which makes the grass less prone to drying and other hazards.
If you want to grow peas, try starting them off indoors rather than planting the raw seeds in outdoor beds. The seeds will grow better germination rate if you start them indoors.The seedlings will also be heartier, which would help them resist diseases and pests more easily. You could transplant the seedlings outdoors once they are sturdy enough.
American Holly
Try placing evergreens in your garden. Some plants that will provide color in the winter include the American Cranberrybush, the American Holly, the Common Snowberry, and American holly.
Chamomile tea applied to plants can be an effective in combating a fungus attacking plants.
This will also gives your flowers appear beautiful and finished all year long.
Plastic bags can be kept on hand and reused to slip over your dirty gardening shoes when they get muddy.
Coffee Grounds
Put used coffee grounds in your soil. Coffee grounds have nitrogen that plants need.
TIP! It is possible to use natural materials as well as other plants to help keep pests away from your garden. Slugs stay away from marigolds and onions when they are planted in a garden.
Do you want to know how to kill weeds without using commercial chemicals?You need to have many layers of newspapers. Weeds cannot grow without sunlight. The newspaper will block sunlight and weeds because they no longer receive any sunlight.Newspapers tend to break down nicely over time to become part of the compost.You can add a mulch layer right on top for aesthetic reasons.
While horticulture organically requires more work than horticulture with the help of chemicals, it is healthier and more gratifying than regular gardening. While chemical pesticides and fertilizers may claim to do great things for your garden, organic gardening will always provide the most rewarding and healthy crops.
TIP! You should get a wheelbarrow and a kneeling stool for garden work. It can be very uncomfortable on the knees when working so close to the ground, so a light, portable stool makes gardening easier.
Adjust your watering according to season and climate. For example, if you are in a warm and humid climate, avoid getting any water on the leaves because this will cause leaf fungus.
A superior garden can be created when one has adequate knowledge about how they can render the most from their plants. Use what you have learned to make your garden grow!
If you invest your time in doing organic horticulture properly, you will produce notably positive effects for your plants and your planet.It proves you want your plants to be healthy plants. As with all skills, there is always room for improvement. The following advice in this article will help in your quest for the perfect organic garden.
TIP! Sod should be laid correctly. Be sure to get your soil prepared before you start laying the new sod.
When horticulture, beware of stink bugs and other insects, keep an eye out for sink bugs. They enjoy tomatoes, peppers, beans, and beans. If they are left in the garden, they can decimate your garden, so it’s best to do all you can to get rid of them.
Be sure to get rid of the weeds growing in your efforts to banishing weeds!Weeds will cause your garden and turn it into a shell of its potential. White vinegar can be used as a good solution. White vinegar can kill those pesky weeds. If you are too busy to pull weeds by hand, simply spray them with a white vinegar solution.
Most vegetables require this amount of sun to grow properly and successfully. Some flowers have the same requirement for a portion of each day.
Knee Pads
Get some gardening knee pads if you have low-growing plants. Having a pair of excellent knee pads for horticulture can help cushion your knees to provide additional comfort.
Moisture on your plants is sure way to attract parasites and disease. A common parasite is fungi. It is possible to control fungi with sprays, but it’s better to spray at-risk areas before fungi appear.
TIP! Grow wheat or cat grass in the area around the plants that your cat is eating. You could also place something that will cause your cat to go away from your plants, such as citrus peels or mothballs.
A good green garden starts from seeds. The environmentally conscious way to create a new garden is starting from seeds.The plastic used in nurseries often end up in landfills, so it is best to start with the seeds or buy from nurseries who use organic materials in packaging their plants.
Pest control is very difficult when dealing with a vegetable garden. One way that you can help control gardening pests is to remain vigilant. If you happen to notice them early on, you can remove them by hand effectively.
TIP! You should start pea seedlings indoors instead of planting them outside right at the start. When the plants are started inside, the seeds will have an easier time germinating.
If you have a cut, you can use a glove to protect it from germs and chemicals until it heals. A cut may become infected if it’s exposed to dirt or grime when gardening.
After your seeds begin to sprout, they require less warmth than they did prior to sprouting. Check on your seeds often so you catch them when to remove the films.
TIP! Vegetables tend to soften during the hottest part of the day, which means they are easily damaged, even when handled with care. Use garden shears to remove your vegetables from the vine to avoid damaging the plant.
Space is important when you plant an organic garden. It is easy to underestimate how much space that the plants will need once they begin growing. Plan accordingly and leave enough space between the seeds.
Don’t let all the little chores in your organic garden pile up. If you can’t get out in your garden every day, do small tasks to avoid having so much work when you do have some time. For example, if you are playing in the yard with your child, take the time to pull out a few weeds.
TIP! To attract the right kind of insects, plant heather. Bees will go straight for these plants in the spring.
You now have your garden tools, seeds and supplies needed to skillfully grow an organic garden, using the tips given here. Good for you! If you read this article carefully, you probably learned something new about organic horticulture. Try new things, and keep looking for more resources as you progress with your garden.
Read up on some great organic tips you can use.
Select plant types that produce a higher profits and yield.
Pick the correct soil to get the best outcome. You may also make an artificial area that contains one type of dirt.
Most vegetables need at least that much sun exposure to grow well and quickly. Some flowers also have the same requirement for growth.
Make a plan before you dig your garden. This helps you in recognizing your tiny plants when they begin to sprout.
Mint Leaves
Do you love fresh mint leaves but hate how they grow so fast and take over your garden? You can control the growth of the mint leaves by planting them inside a large container rather than in your garden. If you would like the mint leaves to still be in the ground, you can even place the container in the ground, but the pot’s walls will prevent the mint from spreading and being a nuisance in your garden.
TIP! Try to have a plan with your garden. Planning gives you a map of your garden.
If you’re going to grow peas, start them indoors before putting them outdoors in your garden. The seeds will grow better germination rate if you start them indoors. The seedlings will also be heartier, which means that they can better resist disease and attacks from pests. You can transplant the seedlings outdoors once they are sturdy enough.
Place organic mulch at the base of your vegetables as you can. The soil will stay damper through the use of mulch. It can also prevent weeds from popping up around your plants. This will save you lots of time from pulling out tons of weeds.
If you are new to horticulture, follow all the guidelines and rules on your chemicals and tools. If you use your gardening chemicals wrong, you could wind up with skin irritations or other issues. Keep your body safe and follow the directions to the letter.
Pest control can present a challenge for successful vegetable garden. One way that you can help control garden pests is to remain diligent about your garden. If you catch pests early, the best removal technique is just to take them off your plants by hand.
TIP! Irises should be divided. You can get more irises by dividing the overgrown clumps.
Take the time when planting seeds. You need to start by moisturizing the soil.Bury them 3 times deeper than the seed’s size. Some seeds you do not be buried at all as they require light to grow.
Make the most of the time spent in your garden every day. Don’t waste your time by searching high and low for missing tools. Prepare them all ahead of time and have them handy before you need to garden, and put them away nicely when you are done. If you use lots of tools, purchase a tool belt or heavy duty pants with plenty of pockets.
TIP! Think about putting some berry-producing evergreens into your landscape. This will keep your garden colorful, even during those months when other plants are not growing.
Pine makes a much better mulch so do not discard the idea. Cover the beds with a couple inches of needles and as they decompose, and they will disperse acidity to the soil below as they decompose.
Don’t let the little chores in your organic garden pile up. Even if you are too busy to tend to your gardens needs every day, do small tasks that will help you avoid having to do large tasks when you finally do have time. For example, while your canine is outside going to the toilet, take a few moments to pull some weeds as well.
Organic Gardening
The more organic gardening tips you are able to pick up, the easier gardening will eventually become for you. Keep in mind that this advice is the beginning of your organic gardening knowledge.
There are many sources of different places that are willing to give you excellent horticulture information. You could spend an entire day online looking for the horticulture information that is pertinent to your particular garden. This article contains just the best tips into one place so you don’t have to do so much searching.
TIP! Your plants need to adapt and must be gradually introduced to changes in temperature or condition. Try placing them outside in sunlight for about an hour or maybe two the first day.
Plant perennials that slugs and snail infestations. Slugs and snails can destroy a plant very quickly. These pests are particularly fond of young perennials and those varieties with leaves that are tender, herbaceous stems and leaves, particularly seedlings and young plants. Some varieties of perennials are not preferred by snails and slugs, especially if their foliage is hairy and tough, tough leaves or a taste that isn’t appetizing. Some of examples of these are achillea, heuchera, campanula, hellaborus, and euphorbia.
Be diligent in your garden. Weeds can take a once promising garden and take away all its potential. White vinegar can be used as a pesticide-free way to battle weeds. White vinegar will kill the weeds! If you’re annoyed with pulling up weeds manually, make a white vinegar solution and keep it handy for a quick spray when needed.
TIP! It can be very hard to shovel clay soil, especially when it sticks to your shovel as you are working. One way to get around this problem is to coat the shovel with wax.
Plant bulbs in your garden if you want spring and summer flowers. Different bulbs bloom at various times, so choosing appropriately, you can have blooms from early spring to late summer.
Coffee Grounds
TIP! When autumn has arrived, you must plant everything you want to eat before winter. Try something different by planing kale or lettuce inside a pumpkin, instead of using the planter pots you traditionally use.
If you learn that your soil has a high amount of alkaline, mix some coffee grounds into it. The coffee grounds provide a cheap way to add acid back into the dirt. This simple act can lead to vegetables you grow healthier and more appealing.
Deciduous shrubs need to be protected. Tie the tops together, and cover the wigwam with a sheet or blanket draped loosely over it. This method is superior to covering plants in plastic, because air can freely circulate, which will help to prevent rotting.
TIP! When you go to mow your lawn, make sure you don’t mow it too closely to the ground. Cutting your grass at a taller height allows grass roots to grow deeper and stronger, which helps lessen the chance of your lawn drying out easily.
Try “boiling” weeds in your garden with boiling water to get rid of them.Boiling water is a pot is a safe alternative to other potent herbicides. Boiling water damages the roots and can prevent them from growing.
Moisture on your plants is an invitation to pests and illness. Fungi is a very common and irritating pest in the world of gardening. It is possible to control fungi with sprays, but it’s better to spray at-risk areas before fungi appear.
Mint Leaves
Do you want fresh mint leaves though hate how they grow so fast and take over your entire garden? You can control their growth of the mint leaves by growing them in a large container rather than in your garden. The container will keep the roots from spreading throughout you garden, and it will still prevent the plant from dominating the garden.
TIP! Many people think the best green gardens start from seeds, rather than plants. When you begin a garden, it’s most eco friendly to do so with seed.
You can keep pests from your garden with certain plants or natural materials. Slugs are repelled by bordering your vegetable garden with either onions or pungent vegetables. These are proven methods prevent use harsh chemical pesticides.
Know the ideal times to harvest the vegetables you plant. Each veggie has its own prime time for harvesting at the peak of flavor. For example, peas and zucchinis are tastiest when picked young. Tomatoes, in contrast, are tastiest when they have been allowed to ripen on the vine as long as possible.
TIP! Peas have a better chance of survival when their seeds are started indoors as opposed to outside, exposed to the elements. The seeds will have a better germination rate if you start them indoors.
Gardening is a very relaxing and rewarding hobby. The more you know about gardening, the more your skills will increase. It is always a good idea to keep learning new information about horticulture. Try using these tips so you can get a better horticulture experience!
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