Horizontal Or Vertical Drywall Application

Let's start with the basic eight-foot sheet of drywall. Most drywall contractors apply drywall horizontally however I have seen some contractors working with metal stud framing install 10 foot sheets of drywall vertically.

The reasons for installing the 10 foot sheets of drywall up and down or vertically in this situation are quite simple. There is no structural strength required in these walls because they are simply partitions dividing rooms and usually the drywall only needs to be finished up to 9 feet. This is the only time I have seen drywall ran vertically.

In a wood framed house the drywall actually adds a little sheer value to the home itself.

The manufacturer suggests installing eight-foot sheets of drywall horizontally. The horizontal application of drywall means installing the 4 foot side of the drywall up and down and the eight-foot side of the drywall side to side.

What is the reason for installing the 4 x 8 sheets horizontally?

When it comes to finishing the drywall the 4 foot seams that run up and down or vertical will not be as noticeable as a seam running up and down the entire wall. If you haven't read one of my last articles on eye level window setting then let me give you a brief eye level education.

A person 5'8" in height will be more apt to notice things between 4'6" off the ground and 6'6" off the ground. If we ran the drywall vertical there is a good chance the eyes would be able to pick up any finishing flaws in the drywall. Running the drywall horizontally will just put us a little out of range from the lower eye level of 4 foot six with our finish.

Another reason for installing the drywall horizontally is there is a good chance your eyes would be able to pick up four foot lines in the wall going from floor to ceiling quite easily. On older homes you will see lines in the ceilings about every 24 inches. This is because the plaster or drywall ceilings is starting to sag in between the ceiling joist.

These lines are difficult to do anything about once the drywall is finished. The only alternative you would have is to remove the ceiling and re-drywall and finish it.

Drywall ran vertically will tend to crack easier than staggered drywall ran horizontally. The four foot section of drywall is stronger than the 8 foot section. If you stagger your drywall breaks every four feet this will increase the strength of your wall as well.

Try not to break the drywall at any door openings. The door openings seem to crack easily from the corners working their way towards the ceiling. Let the drywall run over the doorway and then cut the doorway out leaving the rough door opening during wallboard installation.

If you have ever seen a house that was drywalled by a professional crew the waste is unbelievable. The reason for this is simply that the drywall contractor does not want to come back and patch cracks in the walls three or four years after he is done. It can be quite labor intensive installing scrap pieces of drywall versus using larger sheets to cover the same area.

Don't forget and always remember that. Horizontal installation of drywall is recommended by the manufacturer.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more Building and Remodeling Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Fungus On Roof Shingles

Origination of Orchid

Orchid is one of the most assorted genes of plants. Basically, it derives its expression from the term Greek Orchis testicle through its emergence from the pseudobulbs in certain worldly genus. By far, around 30,000 genus of this plant have been discovered, and around 60,000 additional types are on the verge of discovery through various horticulturalists. Normally, they are referred as monocotlydons, with blossoms compiled of a total of 6 petals, in which one is customized into a "lip". Majorities of Orchid derive the moisture and nutrients directly from the sunlight and grow on other plants without parasitic residuals on those plants.

The attractiveness, the dimensions and classiness of this particular species has fascinated humans through centuries. Certain kinds of this diversified species also feed on earth quite frequently under specified sheltered atmosphere. Approximately, every kind of this species closely depends on mycorhizal connections, along with a variety of crumbled fungi adjoined to it releasing water-soluble nutrient contents. The seeds of Orchid are exceptionally very minute, without any food storages and are not tend to nurture, until all these connections provide it the necessary nutrients under a suitable natural environment.

Varieties:

Now-a-days, several methods have been formulated by mankind to successively sprout the seeds in a coagulated nutrient liquid, for eradicating the need of essential fungi. This technique significantly assists the breeding of this exceptional and scarce genus. The credit for the glowing feature of Orchid goes to their regenerative routines. One of finest variety of this species is the Paphiopedilums, possessing a profound sack that firmly attracts the spectator's attention with only one outlet that escorts it for pollination.

A Large numbers of male bees are appealingly attracted towards a Eurasian kind of this species, because of its flowers that somewhat resembles the female bumble bees. A typical form of this species in Australia never gives a glimpse to the sunlight. However, it fools the ants to protect itself from pollinating by the ants. Another kind of Orchid known as the Masdevalia that smells similar to a decayed Carcas, and the woodland flies are drawn towards it greatly helps in its reproduction process. One of the amazing kinds of this species is the Darwin, which opens its pollen bags with provocative strength, when it is pressed.

Availability:

In Malaysia, a unique kind of this species can be found known as Phalaenopsis that utilizes fine climatic conditions for harmonizing bunches of flowers. The Orchid comes in large varieties of both subtropical as well as tropical forms and these also are the most usual available form of this species. Hence, they are frequently available in various societies of orchids and garden center across the entire globe. Certain varieties of this species are capable to blossom in severe freezing climatic atmosphere, though there availability in the market is quite rare.

If you would like to learn more about Growing Orchid and receive a FREE Newsletter on the subject visit the authors site http://www.growingorchidhelp.com

Get the Most From Your Fallen Leaves

Nature's way of returning the nutrients back to the tree is through the leaves of the tree. Fallen leaves contain up to 80 percent of the nutrients that a tree absorbs during its growing season. Leaves return their store of nutrients to the soil when they are allowed to decay on the ground. The nutrients are reabsorbed by the tree's roots and channeled back to a new season of growth.

It makes common sense to use this potent substance for your flower or/and vegetable garden. Leaves serve as a key component in your soil. You miss the opportunity to add a rich, natural source of organic matter to your garden if you don't use the annual bounty of leaves. Regular applications of compost, mulch, and other matter, such as fallen leaves need to be mixed into your soil. Otherwise your soil becomes humus-deprived losing its ability to retain moisture and nutrients. The pH levels will drift out of balance making it less hospitable to microorganisms.

Fallen leaves are a favorite food of earthworms everywhere making it nature's perfect mulch. Turn your soil into an earthworm factory with a thick layer of fallen leaves enriching it with one of the natural world's finest-quality fertilizers-worm castings.

Large, leathery leaves such as oak can take years to break down. If left in thick layers, they become barriers between rainfalls and the soil, so shred these larger leaves. Leaf vacuums/shredders can reduce a mountain of leaves to one-sixth of its volume. Instead you can also shred leaves by mowing the lawn and raking the bulk into your flowerbeds or collecting them in bags to be used as summer mulch. Place a thin layer of shredded leaves in direct contact with the soil so that microorganisms can turn them into dark, fungi-rich leaf mold. Thin layers of shredded leaves will keep the ground cool, hold in moisture, and keep the weeds at bay. Shredded leaves make attractive winter mulch piled around garden plants after the ground freezes. This mulch provides protection for tender plant roots while allowing winter moisture to reach into the ground. You can also mix partially decomposed leaves into the soil to provide aeration while improving nutrient and moisture-holding capacity.

Over time, leaf humus tends to balance out soil that's too acidic. The exception is large quantities of oak leaves, highly acidic themselves; so the opposite effect on your soil can happen. Apply leaves to your garden beds in the fall after plants are dormant. It is a good idea to also add a nitrogen source such as fish emulsion. Of course, do not use leaves from any diseased trees. They should be carried off your property actually to prevent the infection from spreading. Also avoid black-walnut leaves because they contain a toxin that can retard the growth of garden plants. The benefits from using fallen leaves far outweigh these few precautions.

Dayelle Swensson is an avid writer for the web on a number of topics. Having gardened herself for many years, she is able to advise others about a variety of things including gardening tips, lawn and tree care, watering, hose reel and keeping your home garden looking good and healthy.

Organic Vegetable Gardening - Easier Than You Think

If you happen to be one of those people who think that growing your own organic food is just too hard or takes too much time...think again! The world's best gardeners seem to have one trait in common, and that is just how little physical labor they actually put into their gardening efforts. Organic gardening does not have to be a chore.

In the book Organic Gardening Magic, the author shows you how to avoid those common mistakes that tend to cause you extra hard work and added frustration. It is a book that can teach you how to start using an all natural gardening method, even if you have never planted anything in your life.

The dangers of pesticides and chemical fertilizers are no joke. These substances are not only dangerous, but they also rob your fruits and vegetables of flavor. If you have ever tasted an organic apple side by side with an apple grown with chemicals, you know what I'm talking about. Chemical fertilizers actually destroy your soil as it kills off the bacteria that your soil needs. And bug sprays are no better. They kill off everything along with the pests, including things that are beneficial to your garden.

It's well worth it for your health as well as the environment to learn more about the methods of Organic Gardening. Today there are many resources available to help you do just that. If you'd like to find out more about all natural organic gardening, and other ways of organic living, please visit the website listed below.

Here's to a healthy planet!

http://www.organic-market.blogspot.com

Organic Gardening - Easy, Fun, Healthy & Cheap

There are many benefits to organic gardening including better tasting food, healthier plants, and having fun. One of the most important reasons to begin organic gardening is to keep yourself, your family and your pets away from pesticides. The environment is full of toxic chemicals and pesticides these days, and it is probably impossible to avoid them all. However, you can control some of your exposure by not adding more to it.

Another benefit of organic gardening is that it seems that homegrown vegetables and fruits often taste better, especially when no chemicals are used. No tomato purchased at the store ever tastes quite like a chemical free organic tomato from your own garden. There is a marked difference in color, taste, and possibly even the amount of nutrients. Not only is organic gardening healthy, it is fun too. It is so rewarding to watch your plants grow from tiny little organic sprouts into abundant plants and produce. Some examples of easy to grow plants include tomatoes, squash, lettuce, roses, daisies and cucumbers. These plant varieties will not only make your dinner plate pretty and tasty, but the flowers will spruce up decorations inside your house as well.

Furthermore, other benefits to growing your own organic plants is that you will save money. With soaring gas prices, it could cost more than it is worth just to drive to the grocery store. This year it seems that all food prices have gone up dramatically along with the gas prices. This is another good motive for a person to do their own organic gardening. It costs less to make your own compost and grow your favorite plants and foods. Even if gardening is not your favorite thing, you can support your local farmer at a nearby farmer's market. Often these people use organic techniques to grow their foods, and you can find out just by asking them.

If you have never had experience with this type of gardening before, you may wonder what to grow or how to begin. Information can be found all over the internet, at the library, or even at the local health food store. From these sources, an interested person can find a wealth of information. To begin your own organic gardening, it is recommended to use an all natural fertilizer to increase your plant yield. You can actually make your own by tossing out vegetable peels into your garden and making a compost. Bugs can be kept away by watching your plants and their leaves for eggs or any other bug disturbances. It is worth the extra work to not ingest more toxic pesticides into your body.

As you can see, there are many benefits to organic gardening, and everyone should try it at least once. It may take some trial and error to get things right, but with time your garden will be your own masterpiece. It is worth all the effort for the beautiful, healthy plants you will produce.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

To learn more about organic gardening, please visit Green Organic Garden for current articles and discussions.

Plant Containers - Ideas on the Best Containers For Beautiful Plant Displays

Here's how to create containers of show stopping blooms for your patio, deck and porch.

Plant Containers can be created from things you would otherwise throw away and this activity therefore has the double appeal of creating an attractive flower display while at the same time going green!

I have found that planting in old ice buckets or flour or sugar containers or pots and pans or even old boots or children's toys like wagons and doll cribs, produces an amazing effect. I love to put these out on the front of the house and see the number of adults and children that smile and comment to their friends as they pass. The fun is in the looking.

Sometimes the plant may be a little top heavy and unstable depending on the plant variety, but most of the time there is no problem. In fact when I first started I was disappointed to find that midway through the flowering season the plants lost their vigor. I gardening friend soon pointed out to me that I was not fertilizing. Plants in containers won't thrive if you don't fertilize. If you find this job too time-consuming, there's an easy way to do it: just mix slow-release fertilizer pellets into the top layer of potting soil.

You can also create wonderful multi-layered flow display by putting additional planting in hanging containers or by raising the containers to allow drainage on forms and tables. Just make sure that you have devised a watering access strategy for the higher hanging baskets though or you will strain your arms stretching up to water, and quite possibly make yourself wet while doing it to the bargain!

If you don't have containers that you can recycle, any type of clay planter pots that have drainage holes in the bottom and "saucers" to keep the soil from washing away, will work just fine; pick a size that fits the area you intend to grow your display blooms and how many containers you have. My local garden centre sells a 2O Inch Oval Planter is 6 1/2 inches tall from the bottom of the saucer and about 9 1/2 inches at the broadest point. It holds four or five annuals or small herbs or two large ones, and takes 2 gallons of soil. I have obtained outstanding results from plants growing in this manner.

Another tip is to make an arrangement of plants in your basket at the garden centre before you buy. You may see the other shoppers looking rather strangely at you, but why not? You'll easily find out whether the combination of colors/leaf textures, and growth habits, plus blooms will work together. Remember, if you cannot make up your mind on what pot would suit the plant, experiment, and don't be afraid to try something original. You can always re-pot the following year into a more preferred style. I find that a wide-based and tall container can be placed as a contrast, with larger plants to be a focus rather than a background.

In situations where my house plants have obviously had the attention of some leaf munchers, I isolate them in a plastic bag with a no-pest strip overnight. That procedure usually works quite well for me.

If you experiment you will learn how to do intensive gardening in small areas. Moveable containers such as pots and tubs rally are so flexible that all the year round your display can look neat and trim.

In dim areas, or near entryways, try using warm colors (reds and oranges). They grab attention and can be seen from farther away. When planting in exposed or public areas, heavy concrete tubs have the added advantage of discouraging anyone from "accidentally" walking off with your prized plants or pots. Concrete planters can be left outside over the winter in frost prone areas without harm, which is good since you're probably not going to want to move them. Take care with clay though as one sharp and intense frost can cause many of the unglazed types to fall apart within 3 months.

Wood containers are also suitable. I do not recommend wine or whiskey barrels as they are too shallow and fall apart with the first transplant. Traditional cottage style wooden planters are some of my favorites. Some garden centers sell faux lead containers, and reformed granite planters, some of which offer simple antique rustic looks, and others have period style sophistication.

Planting flowers in containers adds immediate color and liveliness to your yard. They are great for adding color to a spot in a garden that 'needs something,' and they can be moved around for when you are entertaining in a certain area.

Steve has a great enthusiasm for container gardening, including container vegetable gardening and organic container gardening, which comes across in his writing and information about plant containers. For inspiration you could not do better than visit the Container Gardening site.

Indoor Gardening Tips For Healthy Plants

Bring nature inside and start an indoor garden to make your home more colorful, but be careful to follow these indoor gardening tips. Plants are so soothing to look at and many indoor gardeners feel that they add that extra little spark to any room. An added benefit is that plants are nature's purifier, taking carbon dioxide out of our air and changing it into oxygen cleansing the air in your home. Mix up your plants; try a few exotics or tropical plants, anything you choose will make your room shine with their fresh beauty and their colorful blooms. To maintain their beauty here are some indoor gardening tips to keep your plants lush and healthy.

Light is the one thing you cannot skimp on. Without this essential ingredient your plants will wither and die. Each and every plant have different requirements so for one indoor gardening tips here is some things to look for when shopping for houseplants. Ask the person at the nursery center how much light the plants you are consider will need. Some plants need direct sunlight while others crave indirect sunlight. For a direct sun plant, place the container near a window that faces south. For indirect plants they can be placed near a window but keep them far enough away so their foliage will not burn. Plants that require little light, like philodendrons, African Violets or ferns, can be arranged anywhere in the room as long as a little natural light filters in.

Indoor gardening tips on watering your plants are always needed. If you over-water your plants you are subjecting them to insects and disease and you will eventually kill it. Over-watering will also rot the roots. Plants hate wet feet. Once you have discussed the watering needs with the nurseryman invest a small amount of money into a water gauge. The gauge will tell you the moisture level of the plants soil. They are extremely helpful in deciding whether to water or not and really only cost a little money, a very wise investment.

Another indoor gardening tip is to fertilize. At the nursery center they fertilized the plants to encourage them to grow so they can sell them to you. If you do not fertilize your plants they will droop and wither. Find out from the center or from the internet what each plants feeding schedule should be. The secret to keep happy, lush plants is to feed them on a regular basis.

You want to keep a close eye on each plant for any pests. If you find pests on one plant isolate it from the rest and treat it immediately. Try not to use pesticides on your plants especially if it is a plant you will eat, like herbs.

A very good pesticide free natural formula for eradication of pests is:

In a jar, combine 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty spray bottle, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture and 1 cup water. Use at ten-day intervals (or more often if needed) to rid plants of whiteflies, mites, aphids, scales, and other pests.

If you follow these few indoor gardening tips you will have beautiful houseplants that enliven every room. Take time to enjoy your indoor garden. Let it relax and soothe you, after all thats why you planted an indoor garden.

Happy Gardening!

Copyright Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at Gardening Landscaping Tips Gardening Outside and Herb Gardening

Nearly Work-Free Vegetable Gardening

Growing vegetables from your own garden is one of the best ways to provide your family with healthy and fresh produce. But starting a garden can be a time consuming and intimidating process, particularly for beginners. Fear of the amount of labor and time involved in planting and maintaining a garden keeps many would-be gardeners out of the garden and in the supermarket instead.

Much of this fear may be misplaced, however. There has been much experimentation in the gardening community in recent years aimed at developing innovative ways to reduce the amount of time and labor spent gardening, often with sensational results. Although there may be no such thing as completely work free vegetable gardening, there are definitely ways in which you are able to dramatically reduce the amount of labor and time you need to spend in your garden.

One of the best ways to lessen the work spent preparing and weeding your garden is through a gardening method known as "Lasagna Gardening" or "Sheet Mulching." Lasagna gardening is a non-traditional, no-till method of gardening that relies on blanketing a garden plot with multiple layers of mulch obtained from locally available, and preferably organic, sources (such as weed clippings, chopped leaves, animal manure, compost, sawdust or seaweed). The lasagna gardening method greatly reduces the time and labor needed to prepare a new garden plot, and some gardeners report that they spend almost no time at all weeding a well-mulched lasagna garden. This may be as close to work free vegetable gardening as one can get.

Here are some additional suggestions to greatly reduce the amount of time and labor spent in your vegetable garden:

- Grow prolific vegetables. Vegetables like summer squash, pole green beans and indeterminate tomatoes produce large quantities of produce for extended periods during the summer. The amount of labor they require is very small in comparison to the harvest you will reap.
- Keep your garden small. It is easy to be overwhelmed by your garden, and many gardeners end up either producing much more than they can consume or giving up entirely. You will only need one or two zucchini or tomato plants to feed most families.
- Choose vegetables well suited for your climate. Although growing a long-season winter squash in Maine or keeping a heat-sensitive lettuce variety from bolting in Florida may be noteworthy accomplishments, they are also time-consuming projects. Stick to growing vegetables that are best suited to your region.
- Choose vegetable varieties that have a reputation of being easy to grow. Many seed catalogs will mark certain vegetable varieties as being especially easy to grow. Select these varieties if they are available.

By using gardening methods such as lasagna gardening and focusing on growing the most prolific, easy to grow vegetables for your region, you are on your way to nearly work free vegetable gardening.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about Work Free Vegetable Gardening, please visit Garden World Online for current articles and discussions.

Container Gardening Tips to Refresh and Purify Your Home Without the Use of Harmful Chemicals

Many of us worry about the state of our family's health. With the increase in allergies in children it is even more important to seek natural and organic ways to clean and refresh our homes. Nature - in the form of plants - has provided incredible gifts and tools to do just that.

Most people don't link container gardens and organic living - simply because the organic industry marketed towards organic cosmetics or food. On A small scale - container plants and flowers can enhance our home environments without the toxic chemicals and airborne particles which could irritate our throats and respiratory systems.

Container Plants are useful additions to the home - in the following ways:

1. Particular container plants have been scientifically proven to absorb radiation emitted by electrical devices such as TV's, PC's and laptops. This reduces the amount of radiation absorbed by you or your family.

2. Some container plants and flowers are naturally scented - jasmine being one of my favorites. So instead of reaching for the sprays or scented candles (some are made of man-made chemicals) get some or a collection of naturally scented plants and flowers around the home.

3. Plants have been scientifically proven to have a calming and relaxing influence on us humans. So if you or a family member is feeling stressed, irritable, or lacking focus - a few strategically placed specimens could lift your spirits quickly.

4. Are you sick? Or recovering from an illness? Plants have been proven to have a positive effect on the healing and recovery process.

Simple changes in the home and in our habits often produce the greatest of results. Unfortunately in our busy lives today, convenience and speed often take over from healthy and balanced. Begin your road to healthy organic living -- by exploring container plants and flowers, and by introducing some space, creative stimulation and care of the body and soul.

I'm Eric Samms and I'm here to share my passion for Container Gardening with you all. After years of starting, maintaining and developing my own Container Gardens for the last 11 years - it's time to give away my secrets. Now it's your turn to learn all about Container Gardening and it's many amazing benefits in your life! Visit http://www.containergardeningexpert.com today for more great container gardening tips plus pick up Your 2 Free Gifts!

Gardening - Buying Tools For an Outdoor Hobby

Gardening is a fantastic hobby for young and old alike. Children love to see plants and flowers shooting up through the soil or blooming in beautiful colors. Adults find gardening to be a relaxing break from the stress of work and worries. Retired adults enjoy gardening for the rewards they get from spending their days in their own favorite work.

Gardening tools and sets make great gifts for that person in your family who loves to plant seeds or seedlings and watch them grow. An apron stocked with tools like a couple of trowels and a repotting rake or cultivator can bring joy to your gardener's day. The apron keeps the tools handy at the wearer's waist so that they can be used and stashed away again at a moment's notice. There is never any need to go searching over ground they have already covered to find missing tools.

Gardening tools may be high-density plastic or mirror-finished metal. As long as they are sturdy, they will do the job. Your plant lover will thank you for thinking of her after receiving the gardening tools. They will make the job so much easier. Some kits come in a handsome wooden case, just right for a tidy garden shed.

Along with the usual gardening tools, a set might include an extension pole for more comfortable gardening as well as pruning shears, garden forks, or weeders. Some come in different types of containers, such as plastic bins for carrying potting soil or live plants. A gardener might also like a folding chair to sit on while digging in the soil.

An outdoor hobby is an extraordinary way for people to get needed fresh air and sunshine. Do your garden enthusiast a favor and find her the best gardening tool set for her needs. She will be pleasantly surprised and she may thank you by growing something especially for you.

For purchasing information visit Bargains Delivered Garden Tools.

The Basics of Organic Gardening

Many people ask What Is Organic Gardening? Organic gardening is simply the non -use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. The basic of organic gardening is replenishing the soils natural resources as it uses them. Replacing some of the depleted soil with composted plants and using cow and other animal manures as fertilizers is one sure way of replenishing the soil naturally, in other words co-operating and being in sync with Mother Nature herself.

The organic matters used in organic gardens is nothing more than decaying plants and/or animal wastes, compost made from dried leaves, grass clippings, with added household food scrapings make for good soil enrichments to be used as a top soil dressing for established garden or added and then worked into the soil for a new garden. With the addition of organic matters into the soil it naturally improves its texture while enriching it for the plants to get the air, water and nutrients that they need.

When you opt for organic gardening it does not entail the use of synthetic pesticides, so keeping your garden free of pest means keeping a close eye on it and constant inspections of your plants and if you do start to notice garden pests address the issue immediately.

There are many organic pesticides available on the market, but before you begin any treatment be sure that the pest you are treating is a pest and will become a problem. Organic pesticides are very effective and they are less toxic to humans and pets. The best defense when treating is knowing what your problem is before you start to treat it.

Given the right growing conditions plants will grow strong and healthy without a lot of stress than plants that struggle to survive and less stressed plants attract fewer garden insect pests. The use of mulch in your organic garden will serve many purposes, such as water conservation, helps to moderate the soil temperature, feeds the soil and best of all its very attractive and it helps to prevent weed growth. Once you have selected a site for your garden, a good rule to remember is to plant plants that require full sun in the sun and plants that require less sun should be planted in partial shade and of course shade loving plants deserve a shaded area.

Plant a variety of plants to help attract the beneficial insects to your garden. As you get more and more into organic gardening you will soon discover which seasonal changes that plants go through and this will help you to determine any problems that you may encounter. Organic gardening is a wonderful and a challenging experience, a gardening experience that one will surely come to enjoy.

Eudora DeWynter offers tips on The Basics of Organic Gardening on her blog at http://www.gardentoolguru.com

Home Landscaping Design - 3 Easy Steps to a Beautiful Home Garden

Home landscaping design can add great amount of value to your garden. However in order to make your efforts successful it is necessary to first plan your entire effort into a scheduled plan so that you get most out of your efforts.

Most people start out with excitement for a great home landscape idea but without much knowledge of executing them in the backyard or front yard their efforts may go into vain.

That's why here is a simple 3-step plan that works for every type of home garden very easily and with least efforts.

Step 1) Write down what you intend to have in the finished garden on a piece of paper. This step is absolutely important and many guys mess it up or completely eliminate from the process.

Once you know what you want in the home garden it becomes a simple task of getting it together in the assigned budget. Gardening is a simple process of planning and executing within the limitations of budget and the physical boundaries of the backyard.

Step 2) Create simple sketches using pencil and paper or a landscaping design software (if you can). Try various alternatives of the design. Garden planning works best when you let your imagination go wild.

Use the list of items you created in the first step to place them in your backyard or front yard. You can go in for a grid floor plan or a random or informal layout with circular pathways to move around in the garden. There are absolutely infinite options available here. Get out in the backyard and start to visualize the finishes and completely planned
garden already in place.

Step 3) With the finished garden sketches you can start to actually mark boundaries of various spaces on the site and have a landscaping contractor do the execution work for you.

Here is a great home landscaping design tip that will add extra beauty to your garden with little to no extra cost to spend. When you locate various spaces in your home garden see to it that they are visible from the interior rooms.

For example if you have planned a children play area such as a sand pit, you can locate it at a place, which is visible when you are sitting in the living room, so that you can keep an eye on kids and their activities.

There are many critical steps involved to speed up the process of garden planning and home landscaping design with less work yet beautiful results. Visit http://www.homelandscapingtips.info/ to learn more.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya

Vegetable Gardening - How to Protect Your Crops From Frost and Bad Weather

Crop Protection - Introduction

In early spring it is possible to sow and grow early vegetables, but to do so requires crop protection, or perhaps growing indoors under cover. It is crucial to avoid exposing your newly sown, or planted vegetables to extreme cold, wet,snowand icy conditions. Just to put this in perspective at the time of writing this article (End of March) we have had very strong, cold winds, heavy rain showers and a couple of storms where we have been blasted with hail stones up to 1cm in diameter. Any crops, or seedlings that were growing if not protected could have been destroyed in a matter of minutes without some form of protection.

This can mean using a heated greenhouse or poly-tunnel to help start some vegetables, or utilizing cold frames, cloches, forcing jars (e.g rhubarb), or fleece and floating mulches.

The use of these can also enable growing and harvesting later into the Autumn too. Use at beginning and end of season can lengthen the growing season considerably enabling a more productive and high yielding vegetable garden.

Greenhouses and Poly tunnels

For starting early crops and ornamental bedding plants greenhouses and poly-tunnels are worth their weight in gold, as they enable you to create a perfectly protected environment where you can control all aspects of your plants development. The temperature, airflow, and watering can all be closely monitored to achieve healthy vegetable plants.

These can be sown directly into modules, or in seed trays and pricked out later into individual pots. When all risk of frost has passed, the plants can be `hardened off` by placing outside during the day and bringing back in at night over a period of a few days, before being planted in their final growing position.

Cold Frames

Cold frames can be used in a similar fashion to greenhouses and poly tunnels, but generally are not heated. These can be ventilated if the weather is warm by opening the top up, and can be insulated against the cold. They are a little more difficult to control the environmental conditions than a greenhouse but can work well.

Cloches

Cloches are a more portable version of a poly-tunnel. They can be made from glass, or plastic sheeting over hoops, or rigid plastic. The idea is to cover a row or several rows of sown vegetables in situ with a protective tunnel. These can be closed, or open ended, although it is advantageous to be able to close the ends particularly in windy weather. The tunnels provide shelter from the cold, heavy rain, snow and wind to give the emerging plants a chance to thrive. For watering it may be helpful to be able to remove thecloches or install seep hoses, but for narrow cloches, watering should not require removal as water from the surrounding area should spread inwards.

Fleece and Floating Mulches

Fleece can be used to cover your crops during cold weather, and nights when frost is expected and should provide around 2 degrees of frost protection.

Floating mulches are similar to fleece but are left on, and rise up as the crops grow underneath. When the conditions are eventually favourable the mulch can be removed.

Good luck with your vegetables!

For more detailed information on gardening techniques, news, reviews and guides please visit
http://www.how-to-vegetable-garden.com
http://www.garden-assistant.co.uk

Waterfalls As Landscape Garden Design Elements

A landscape waterfalls can be added to flow into your pond, pool, or water garden, be freestanding and fountain-like made of stone, fiberglass, or concrete, or formed by enhancing existing natural water features that exist in your property. If you don't have a stream or pond on your property, it's no problem. Waterfalls can still be designed from scratch or installed by using a kit... and, a pond or water garden can be added.

Depending on their width and height, they can create different sound and sensory effects. Larger stones and boulders can be used to create a narrower, splashier waterfall; flat flagstone will provide a wider, sheet-like fall with a more gently flowing sound. Whichever you choose, not only do waterfalls lend a sense of serenity, spirituality, and touch of class, they have also been known to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

Some say it is simply their beauty and the soothing sound of water cascading over an edge and down onto another surface or into a pool of water. More exacting afficianados know it that it is the negative ions (a molecule with an extra electron attached) that are somewhat responsible for positively affecting our serotonin levels and promoting the elevation in our mood, energy level, and health. Have you ever noticed how much more alive and full of wellbeing you feel around rushing water?

Waterfalls, as with the ocean and fast flowing rivers, are the best source for negative ions; their motion disturbs the water molecules so that electrons become displaced. That spare electron will then seek another oxygen molecule, thus adding to it an extra electron, and giving it a negative charge. With all the research correlating negative ions to health benefits, there is a new and upcoming market for negative ion salt lamps. Add one to your den or office space.

Meanwhile, especially in more metropolitan areas where smog, allergens, and cubicled or enclosed office spaces cause higher counts of positive ions to be the norm, I highly recommend adding a waterfall to your home or yard. Side bonuses? The addition of a waterfall can increase your property value, reduce traffic and pedestrian noise, and discourage mosquitoes, while creating a tranquil oasis in your yard. Your waterfall's negative ions can help to alleviate symptoms of asthma and hay fever, seasonal affective disorder and chronic fatigue, and have even been known to reduce depression to a certain extent. Of course, just knowing that you have, for a minimal cost, added a flowing water component to your home that offers aesthetic beauty and health benefits is enough to make one smile.

Article from The Landscape Design Site.com which offers free landscape design plans, pictures, advice, and a free landscape designer directory. For more information on landscape designers, visit http://www.the-landscape-design-site.com

Gardening Vegetables - The Best Vegetables For Garden Beginners

Gardening vegetables is extremely fashionable and popular at the moment, and for good reason too. You will save yourself large sums of money by growing your own fresh vegetables, and you can also be sure that you are eating food that is free of potentially harmful chemicals. In this article you are going to learn more about gardening vegetables, most importantly the best vegetables for garden beginners that are easy to grow, and that will save you the most money.

One of the easiest vegetables for garden novices is spinach, or any related vegetable such as silverbeet. Spinach itself prefers a cooler climate, so if you live somewhere with a warmer/temperate climate you would be better off with spinach. As a bonus, spinach and silverbeet are extremely good for you (in fact, spinach is one of nature's "superfoods") Part of the appeal of gardening vegetables is growing ones that will give you the most "bang for your buck"; spinach and silverbeet definitely fall into this category.

Butternut pumpkins are a very popular and tasty vegetable for gardeners to grow at home. They are also quite easy to grow, and yield extremely well, meaning that a few dollars worth of pumpkin seed could quite easily supply you for an entire years needs. Pumpkin prefers a warmer climate to grow (as do most vegetables) and is ideal for a beginner as it does not need much maintenance. Butternut pumpkins are different to traditional Halloween style pumpkin in that they are quite a bit smaller, but definitely tastier and more nutritious.

If you want to grow vegetables, another very good choice is either capsicum or chillies. One of the principal reasons that these two varieties make such good gardening vegetables is that they are quite expensive to purchase in the supermarket, meaning that you can save money on groceries quite easily. Frugality is important these days, so try growing more expensive vegetables to save the most money. You can also grow capsicum and chillies indoors if you live in a colder climate- wait for them to go red to get the best flavor and the highest vitamin c content.

Click one of the following links to learn more about gardening vegetables to save you money, and so that you can eat and live a healthier lifestyle. Discover the best vegetables for gardening, as well as the exact plans that the Obamas themselves are using in the White House vegetable garden. Don't suffer with high food prices as well as bland, tasteless and downright dangerous supermarket vegetables- click one of the above links to learn how you can master your garden and grow vegetables just like the Obamas do.

Using Outdoor Lighting to Highlight Your Garden

Outdoor lighting is a functional addition to your yard, but it can also add beauty, too. Outdoor lighting will add security to your property, and be esthetically pleasing as well. If you choose the right kinds of outdoor lighting, your home will look more inviting for visitors. Plus, you can increase the safety of your garden features by lighting stairs, decks, and patios. Line your pathways with a beautiful string of lights, or make your pool glow with landscape lighting. Properly placed lights will emphasize the beauty of your garden, spotlighting its most impressive features. Gazebos, fountains, or other garden structures might get lost in the darkness, but when illuminated, you can enjoy them at dusk as well as midday.

Flood lights can be used to draw attention to interesting areas of your garden. Recessed lighting is the perfect way to spotlight small areas or specific plants. When choosing lighting for your yard, consider both electric and solar lights. Electric lighting involves wires buried underground, but solar lights do not shine as brightly as electric lights. Consider the effect you want, as well as where you will be placing them, before choosing a type of outdoor lighting.

When you decide to use landscape lighting in your yard, make sure that they are installed correctly. If you aim the lights in the wrong direction, you will not highlight the areas you want to highlight with your lights. If you are lining pathways, your lighting will look odd unless the lights are evenly spaced along the path.

Keep in mind that your garden will look different in the darkness, so check out your lighting placement in the dark first before you finalize your lights' positions. There should be the same number of lights on both sides of a path or other structure so that it is symmetrical. If you are using the kind of landscape lights that come on a post which sticks in the ground, all of your lights should be the same height. Otherwise, your lighting will look haphazard and not put together.

Landscape lighting is a beautiful way to highlight areas of your yard. Besides using lighting as a safety feature, light the areas that you'd like to use after dark. You've worked too hard on your yard for it to disappear into the darkness at nightfall. Once you install landscape lighting, you can sit on your patio or deck and enjoy your garden after dusk.

Today is the perfect time to find out more about low voltage landscape lights. Learn from our years of experience, visit plant-care.com.

Useful Gardening Tips

A garden is a treasure house of happiness for most owners. One can forget all their work tensions and stress of life by spending quality time in their garden area, but for that you'll need a garden that's not only lush green and colorful but a healthy one too. If you are just about to start setting up your garden, however small or big, some of these tips might be mighty handy for you.

- Plan a garden that you can easily maintain and also one that suits your home and personal needs. Often we make the mistake of building a large and fancy garden which cannot be maintained in the absence of additional help.

- Give your garden a multi colored hue, if you do not have favorable climate for exotic plants or flowers do not plant them since they would need extra care and the chances of survival are lesser. Often we make the mistake of planning a garden based on what we see in gardening books. It always makes sense to incorporate plants that are more suited to local climate and conditions and that which need minimum of care.

- Make your garden a riot of colors not only with the flowers you plant but also with trees that have different colored leaves. In the absence of seasonal flowers you won't be deprived of color in the garden.

- Keep your garden weed and insect free, it makes for a healthy garden one where you can relax and your children can play safely.

- While buying new plants for the garden make sure they are healthy and well taken care of. Ensure that you have the right planting conditions and soil ready before bringing the plant home. You should check a new plant for shape as well as signs of disease and insects.

- If you have a large garden, you might think of decorating it with different ideas. Ornamental clay pots or earthen figures are often a good way of decorating the garden. Securing a reading zone or a reading area for you could be a good idea for all of those who love the idea of a good outdoor read.

- Buy yourself a set of good and sturdy gardening tools that you will be able to handle yourself. Tools should always be kept clean and away from small children. Allot a separate place for gardening tools as well as manure and pesticides; remember to keep them away from children.

- Introduces variety to garden decoration. A corner of your garden could be set up to be a small pond, replete with water lilies and lotus plants; it gives that exotic touch to your garden and relaxes you too.

Gardening is a relaxing recreation. For all of you who want to have that ideal garden, go ahead and plan for it, you could involve your children or take the help of friends who could pitch in to build a garden both relaxing and one that will be an integral part of you.

http://www.researchbody.org

What is Soil in the Victory Garden?

In a recent talk with one of my best friends we realized that she didn't understand what soil is. Dirt is what she kept calling it and dirt is all she thought it is. It is common to call it dirt, so common that the true meaning is lost and that can spell disaster for a garden.

Basically dirt is a collection of mineral particles, rock broken down by wind, water and ice. By itself it will support some very hardy forms of plant life. After all even the Gobi Desert has some grasses and bushes. But try to grow corn or cucumbers there and you will be sorely disappointed.

So what is soil? We begin with dirt, but soil is so much more. A large part of soil is organic matter, animal and plant remains in various stages of decay, along with water and air which supports billions of micro organisms and insects. All of this is necessary to support plant and animal life.

These seemingly insignificant life forms provide an indispensable service without which you cannot have a decent chance of growing a pollution free and nutrient rich food source. Take worms for instance. Worms work their way through the soil munching away on the soil and their waste, often called castings, is the optimum food for plants.

Then we have soil fungi, algae, molds, bacteria, just to name a few. They all contribute to a healthy and nutritious "soil" which in turn make for healthy and nutritious plants. When we eat the fruits and vegetables from these plants we, in our turn, get improved health and a feeling of "well being." AND if we participate in this cycle of life we get a tremendous sense of satisfaction and pride, not to mention lots of free food.

There are five main types of soil or "loams" and knowing what soil type you are dealing with can make it easy to grow health giving plants. And I am all about easy. We will take on these loams in the next few essays.

From our family to yours in good health.

naomi@best-victory-garden.com

If you would like to learn more about getting started try http://www.best-victory-garden.com

The Water Garden and Koi

The water garden and koi are a natural combination. Let's take a closer look at this beautiful and entertaining fish.

Although koi and large goldfish have certain similarities, koi are actually carp. They do grow bigger than even the biggest goldfish, attaining up to 3' in length under optimal conditions. They also come in a greater variety of colors and patterns. Their names bespeak their glittering looks, including living jewels, flower carp, or brocade carp.

They will even follow their owners around the pond for food morsels, and will allow friendly hands to gently stroke them. They can also live for years under protected conditions (i.e., exposing a koi to the local owl population will not aid its longevity). Koi can be horrifically expensive, although beginner fish can cost considerably less. Ideally your koi will breed to increase the population.

The most important thing to remember with koi and water gardens is that they require a certain depth. 18" is the absolute minimum and 2' to 3' is better. It must also be large enough to support koi, especially if you are fortunate enough to breed them. 1000 gallons is a minimum volume, which translates to a water garden that is 10' long by 8' wide and 20' deep. (If you don't have this kind of room please don't think that it's koi or nothing. Goldfish can thrive in much smaller volumes of water and are a tiny fraction of the cost of koi.)

Also consider that we are not talking about a 8'x10' box. The koi pond should have shelves for shallower depths, which helps the koi at feeding time. The depth is also an escape hatch for frozen surface water or in case predators come too near. These shelves also serve to house bog plants in containers, making them a very common element in water gardens.

Koi do need some specialized equipment to keep them healthy. At a minimum they will require an aerating pump to keep the water oxygenated, and a filter -- mechanical and/or biological -- to comb ammonia and other harmful compounds from the pond water. Of course, the koi themselves will do a great job at keeping the local insect population down.

Assuming you don't have $2000 lying around to blow on a fish, you will probably be looking for less expensive sources for healthy fish. For example, look out for the shape. It should be broad at the shoulders and shaped like a torpedo. You do not want a koi that is string-shaped or eel-like. Buy one that looks and acts healthy. Reject fish with deformities, that are lethargic or swimming upside down (hello!), that are in isolation, or that have parasites. Also reject a koi that does not want to eat. Koi are notorious hogs when it comes to eating, and a koi with no appetite is a sick koi. And finally, look at the color - the more brilliant, the better.

Christine Taylor is a happy amateur water gardener. She shares her experience and insights about building the simple water garden at http://yourhomewatergarden.com

Growing Delicious Organic Blueberries in Your Home Garden

There is no better tasting blueberry than ones that are grown and picked fresh in your backyard garden. Blueberries are high in antioxidants, low in calories and sodium. They contains no cholesterol and are high in fiber, folic acid, carotenoids, vitamins C, A and B. A major component of the fiber is pectin, which is known for its ability to lower blood cholesterol levels. Blueberries have a very sweet flavor and can be eaten fresh or used to make jams, jellies, preserves, and even juice.

The first step in having a successful blueberry crop is to plant varieties that are best for your climate. Blueberries produce a large fruit and will produce a bigger crop if they are planted with different varieties to allow for cross pollination. When planting blueberries with multiple varieties that have different maturity dates you will lengthen the harvesting season.

There are a few different types of blueberries. Highbush blueberries are the type that are usually found in supermarkets. They are named because there large, dark berries grow on a bush that can grow from six to eight feet high. The northern highbush blueberries grow best in zones 4-7. There popular northern varieties include 'Blueray,' 'Bluecrop,' 'Jersey,' and 'Patriot.' Southern highbush types, which grow best in zones 7-10,they include 'Cape Fear,' 'Gulfcoast,' 'O'Neal,' and 'Blue Ridge'.

Lowbush blueberries are a hardy plant that is good for zones 3-6. This makes them a great choice for gardeners who live where winter temperatures regularly drop below zero. They are a ground-hugging low-bush. There stems grow only six to eighteen inches high and spread by underground runners. The berries are small and sweet, with a powdery, sky blue blossom. There are a few varieties of low bush blueberries and plant size will vary from one seedling to the next.

Half-high blueberries were born when growers cross pollinated the high-bush blueberries that grows best in zones 7-10 to the cold-hardiness of low-bush that does best in zones 3-6. These plants don't grow as tall as the high-bush and they don't spread by underground runners. Some of the varieties of a half-high blueberry are 'Friendship,' 'Polaris,' 'Northland,' and 'North-blue.'

Rabbiteye blueberries grow best in zones 7 to 9. This gives southern gardeners another option besides the southern high-bush. They are typically smaller than high-bush blueberry and they ripen later in the season. There are newer varieties like 'Bonita' and 'Climax'. Rabbiteye bushes can grow to ten or more feet tall and the plants are less fussy about the soil they grow in than other types of blueberries are.

Blueberries like there soil to be well aerated, moist, very high in humus, and very acidic. These soil conditions are not difficult to create. First you will need to do a soil test. The ph level that blueberries like is between 4 and 5.5. If you need to alter the soil to make it more acidic you can do this by mixing in sulfur the season before you plant your blueberries, sulfur is a natural mineral. The amount of sulfur to use is going to depend on your soil's existing pH level and the soil's texture. It can range from as little as one pound per hundred square feet to seven pounds per hundred square feet. If you indicate on your soil test that you want to plant blueberries in the area of your soil sample most testing laboratories will tell you the amount of sulfur to use or if any other amendments are needed. When applying surfer you want to mix it into the top six inches of soil across the area of the plants fully matured root zone.

Planting blueberries is a fairly simple job. The spacing of the plants is going to be different depending on what variety you choose. Low bush blueberries need to be spaced two feet apart, highbush need to be six feet apart and rabbiteyes need to be spaced fifteen feet apart. Once you have the hole for the plants dug, you want to mix composted leaves into the soil. This will help with maintaining the acidity of the soil below the plant, soil aeration, retain moisture and add nutrients.

Once you have finished the planting, mulch around the plants with a three to four inch layer of compost, straw or shredded leaves. When applying mulch keep the mulch away from the stem of the plant. The mulch will help to suppress the weeds, retain moisture, add nutrients to the soil and keep the ground cooler.

Blueberries like between one to two inches of water per week. Once your plants are planted keep checking to make sure that the soil around them doesn't dry out. Keeping the newly planted blueberry plants watered is very important until they are fully settled in. Keeping a rain gauge setup in your garden is a good way to know what the rain fall amounts were in your garden. If there is a time where there is a lack of rain you can water the plants with a gallon container or watering can, figure about one gallon of water for every square foot of root zone area.

For the first two years it is best to remove any buds that form on the plant to let it get fully established. There isn't much care that needs to be give to blueberry plants for the first two years. The third year once the plants are fully established and start producing berries you should do a soil test to maintain the acidic levels of the soil, blueberries don't like a rich soil. After the third year you can start a late winter pruning and remove the old wood that is unproductive to make room for new young growth to start. Pruning will aid the plant into producing a larger and sweeter berry.

Once your plants start to produce berries care needs to be taken to protect the berries from birds. Birds will eat every berry that are on the plant. The only way to protect this from happening is by netting or building a wire cage around the plants.

A environment friendly and healthy way of gardening. Organic Gardening is away of gardening in harmony with nature. Growing a healthy and productive crop in a way that is healthier for both you and the environment.

John Yazo

http://www.organicheirloomgardening.com

Enjoy Your Garden by Buying the Right Garden Furniture Set

There is no point in having a lovely garden if you are not able to sit out and enjoy it. Having the right garden furniture set can truly enhance your experience as you thrill in the sights, sounds and smells of your garden. Creating a gardening masterpiece is hard work, time consuming, and even expensive to a degree. In order to maximize your creation, you need to be out in it and this is where garden furniture sets come in.

There are several things you need to keep in mind when selecting the right garden furniture set. First of all, you need to know how much you have available to spend. You want the best quality possible that will fit your budget, but will also be long-lasting. Pay special attention to the hardware with which the furniture is constructed. This can tell you how durable the piece is.

Whether or not you plan on leaving your garden furniture set out year-round, will depend on the type of furniture you buy. If the furniture is going to be outside during the winter, you will need something very weather resistant if it's going to last long. Lighter weight, less bulky furniture is easier to store during the winter months, so keep that in mind if you decide to go that route. You might want to even make sure that each piece folds up compactly in order to conserve storage space.

If you decide on all-wood garden furniture, then be aware of the care that must go into maintaining it. The furniture will need to be stained periodically and weather-proofed occasionally as well. Make sure the type of wood you select is sturdy and not a softer wood, prone to rot.

One of the most important factors in selecting the right garden furniture set is comfort. You will not be able to truly enjoy your beautiful garden if you are dealing with an aching back. Your garden furniture should be comfortable for even long periods of sitting. Test it well before finalizing your purchase.

When planning your budget for buying a garden furniture set, you might want to include also buying covers for each piece of furniture. Even if you plan to store your furniture during the winter, covers can keep rain, dust, and dirt off the furniture when they are not in use. This will help them last longer and will save you time in cleaning them off every time you want to sit down.

Make sure that your garden furniture set enhances the look and mood of your garden. For example, if you have a tranquil serenity garden, then bright, bold colors and patterns might not be the best choice for setting the mood. But remember the style of furniture is not as important as the feeling you get from sitting in it and enjoying nature in your own back garden.

Source for the best Garden Furniture Sets

Lawn Irrigation

Irrigation is the artificial water supply to a garden. Due to the changing climate one has to think of other ways of supplying water to their garden rather than waiting for the rain season. A lawn is a area planted with grass or specific plants which are kept at a specific height. A lawn in most cases is for beauty purposes.

The most commonly used method of irrigating the lawn is the overhead sprinkler system. This ensures that the whole area gets water evenly and there is no water wastage. For this type of lawn irrigation you need pipes, adequate supply of water, sprinkler heads and irrigation valves. You need an adequate supply of water to meet the pressure required for the sprinkler heads to function with ease. For lawn irrigation, drip irrigation is not applicable. This is because a lawn needs a lot of water supply. According to the lawn size you can use as many sprinkler heads as you want. You just attach them to the pipe system.

For those who travel a lot, you don't have to worry about your lawn getting wasted away. You can take advantage of the automatic lawn irrigation systems that come with rainfall sensors. It is set to go off at particular times of the day or night. If it rains the whole system shuts down. In this way, water is conserved. The main components of an automatic lawn irrigation system are the controller or a timer, irrigation valves, underground piping systems and sprinkler heads.

Peter Gitundu Researches and Reports on Sprinklers. For More Information on Lawn Irrigation, Visit His Site at LAWN IRRIGATION You Can Also Post Your Views About Lawn Irrigation On My Blog Here LAWN IRRIGATION

Tomato Gardening - 5 Tips To Grow These Luscious Fruits At Home

The following tips are all you need to know for growing a bountiful of beautiful tomatoes. Gardening tomatoes are not at all difficult, all it requires are some attention and care while you get started. Most tomato varieties require just the same or slightly different strategies for effective produce hence tips for gardening tomatoes is the same for all types and varieties.

The tips to be followed for gardening tomatoes, both indoors as well as outdoors are given below. They are very effective by being organic in nature so as to prevent concerns about using pesticides or herbicide in the garden

*The plant should be deep inside the gravel of the garden or the container. Make sure that the entire roots are two or three inches inside the soil. This should be ensured specially if a tomato variety is of the large type. If the tomato plants are rooted shallow they will require support or staking as it will fall over when it starts to bear fruit. The best of tips from the gardening experts on tomato are to see that the seedling is buried up to the last bottom leaves.

*Plant the tomatoes under direct or indirect sunlight and also in moist soil. The soil should be damp but not water saturated. Watch out for signs of the leaves appearing dry or curling in which case the plant needs more water. This requires immediate attention.

* Prior to farming, Stake or tomato cages are to be placed around the plants so as to prevent the plant from falling over or being uprooted. This tip should be given due importance. Also gardening tomatoes require advanced planning to ensure that the plant matures properly.

To begin with the quality of the seed is of utmost importance. It is important to find out what are the varieties that grow best and in which soil and stay with what works best. The Heirloom varieties of tomatoes are a good option to plant as this variety has a natural immunity to most type of soil. It also has a natural immunity to plant insects and plant diseases.

* Do mulch around the tomato plant. It's a must even when it is planted inside a container. Mulching will prevent weed growing around while conserving the moisture.

*The leaves at the bottom of the tomato plant needs to be removed as they start ageing. The first signs of aging appear on the bottom leaves as brown spots, moulds or fungus. This is because the moisture levels vary at the bottom of the plant and the absence of enough sunshine on these leaves.

These tomato gardening tips and techniques are for keeping the plants healthy and to get a bountiful yield. For an interesting start up its better to try the heirloom variety or the yellow and even the purple variety of tomatoes. The tips and advice for tomato gardening and the strategies will all be the same for different varieties of tomatoes and of course for the standard varieties most gardeners love growing.

Abhishek is an avid Gardening enthusiast and he has got some great Gardening Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 57 Pages Ebook, "Your Garden - Neighbor's Envy, Owner's Pride!" from his website http://www.Gardening-Master.com/762/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Reasonable Expectations When Installing Solar Powered Garden Lights

Many eco-friendly or frugal homeowners have flirted with the idea of installing solar powered lights to illuminate their garden at night. Admittedly, some solar powered lighting installations are tempting in the way they pep up houses. There's nothing more mesmerizing than colorful display of lights on a house in the dark of night.

But when in the market for sun powered outdoor lights, it is best to first understand how they work. They are not like the traditional lights that are familiar to us. They're not powered by electricity or alkaline batteries. And they rely on optimum placement to work properly.

A solar powered outdoor light uses solar panels to absorb sunlight during the day. The panels are connected to solar cells that convert the sunlight into energy which is then stored in a battery. At night, the battery powers the bulb until energy is used up. The cycle repeats the next day so that light is available at night. The great advantage of a solar powered garden light is that it never needs any electricity.

However, there are a few things that one must understand about solar powered lighting, else they might be great disappointment.

First, in order to receive full performance, there must have been an ample supply of direct sunlight to charge the battery. Some solar powered garden lights can recharge using any daylight including during cloudy days. But having direct sunlight is the best source. This means that in most places, a solar powered garden light will perform better in the summer than in the winter. And that's just normal.

Also, by it's nature, a solar power bulb is not as powerful as a typical 60 watt bulb. So lighting may seem dim when compared to traditional light. But it's enough for some purpose, such as pathway or driveway lighting and evening garden decor. It is best to use as many solar lights as possible since these do not use electricity. The more lights, the better. Additionally, a solar powered LED light might be a better pick than non-LED light because it is brighter.

To summarize, solar powered lights are fantastic for low light duties such as pathway lighting, accenting garden floral arrangements, or mood lighting. They don't use electricity and can save money in the long term. If the need for light is for reading or other activities requiring brightness, then it's better to use the traditional light bulbs.

The author is a web show producer and writes as a hobby on various topics such as installing a solar powered outdoor light for homes.

Choosing Landscape Lighting

Landscaping takes a lot of effort and a person loves to show off their work, so it is only natural for a person to finish their landscape project by adding landscape lighting. There are a variety of lighting choices, as well as, a variety of ways to use lighting to highlight and accent the landscaping. A person will find that landscape lighting is just the final touch their project needs.

To begin adding landscape lighting a person needs to start with identifying what it is they are going to do. This includes their needs and anything special they wish to do. A person should start by listing everything they wish to light up. Good choices are walkways and driveways. Also any special highlight lighting should be noted. Sometimes people wish to spotlight a certain aspect of their landscaping, such as a sculptured hedge or bush. After a person understands what they want to light up they need to decide the method and type of landscape lighting to use.

There are five main landscape lighting methods. There is up light where the lighting is on the ground and shines up. Down light is where the lighting is mounted above and the light shines down. Ground light is on the ground, but unlike up light, it shines at the ground not up. There is also spotlight, like mentioned earlier, used to highlight certain objects. Finally there is backlight where a light is mounted behind an object to make it stand out in the dark.

Besides the lighting method there is also the consideration of the type of light. There are both solar powered and traditional electric powered landscape lighting options. Solar lighting is powered by the sun and are fairly easy to set up. Some solar lights include a solar panel for power. However, there is no digging to install electric. Electric lights are more reliable, though. They do require the burying of electrical wires, however, new wireless models require no wires at all and are as easy to set up as solar lighting. With electric, though, there is the cost of electricity where with solar lights there is no extra utility cost.

After decided on the lighting method and the type of lighting, a person is ready to purchase and install their landscape lighting. Landscape lighting adds a touch of class to a landscape project. It shows off the hard work that was put into the project and shows the pride of the home owner. Landscape lighting is also helpful to light walkways and provide a sense of security. There are so many choices in landscape lighting that a person can easily find the landscape lighting that works for them and their needs.

Yardist.com is an online Landscaping Information Center. The site is filled with landscaping ideas to help you make the most of your landscaping or gardening projects. The site offers information covering a variety of landscaping topics from design and building to maintenance. Subjects include gardening, landscape designs, plants, soil, pest control, construction, tools, and other pertinent content.

Landscaping Services & Supplies - Not Just Sticks and Stones

Landscaping services and supplies provide the manpower and materials in designing open spaces for homes and buildings. Landscaping services are available for both residential and commercial structures. These usually include gardens, patios, decks and entrances. Landscaping supplies, on the other hand, include retaining walls, pavers, decorative pebbles, stone, rock, and sandstone, among many others. Both landscaping services and supplies are available from local contractors (who can be easily found online).

Landscaping refers to the visible features of an area of land including the physical elements such as landforms, plants, flowers, and stones among, many others. This is an important aspect for the aesthetics of homes, commercial buildings, and other structures. This is especially true for buildings constructed in busy cities where most natural landscapes have been replaced by concrete structures. Manmade gardens add to the ambiance and help reduce air pollution as well.

The origin of landscaping as an art is said to have started in China and grew in popularity in ancient Rome. The landscaped gardens of the Romans were designed with mosaics and water fountains. This art was lost during the Middle Ages and was only revived during the Renaissance period. Examples of Renaissance landscaping are found in Villa d'Este in Tivoli, Vaux-le-Vicomte, and Versailles, among many other locations. 18th century England featured some of the most prominent landscapers such as William Kent, Humphrey Repton, and Lancelot Brown, all of whom created vast parklands and renovated the gardens and grounds of large properties and homes owned by wealthy families.

Aside from landscape designing and architecture, landscape services offer assistance in the following:

• spring clean up - yard cleaning, lawn thatching, yard raking, cleaning of flower beds and bushes, removal of all debris
• fertilization - crabgrass preventer, lime application, insect control, grub control, winter fertilizer
• lawn maintenance - cutting of lawn, trimming edges, sweeping walks and driveways
• mulching
• bushes and hedges trimming
• weeding
• fall clean up - removing and disposing of leaves
• snow removal - plowing and shoveling of snow from driveways, front stairs, walks and sidewalks

Landscape supplies are available if you want to design the landscapes in your home yourself. Products available include:

• retaining walls - bricks or stones to create walls for plants and flowers
• pavers - tile like stones used for walkways and pathways
• decorative pebbles - colorful stones which you can add to the design of your garden
• stones, rocks and sandstones - essential materials for any landscaping
• bark and mulch - used to improve soil, deodorize and kill pests depending on the kind used
• soil - can be taken from your own backyard but those available from suppliers are treated to help plants to grow faster and healthier
• treated timber - helps structure to be sturdier and lasting
• cobbles, pebbles and boulders - decorative and will help your landscape to hold the soil and plants
• ground cover fabric - used for driveways, patios or as weed suppressants
• drainage products
• fertilizer
• plants and flowers

Zipcodez.com is a widely-used local business listings service and search engine. It features a complementary collection of useful topics and resources from "Arts & Entertainment" to "Wireless & Telecommunications." If you are interested in "Landscaping Services & Supplies," you might also want to read "Make the Outside Look As Great As the Inside - Landscaping" available at http://www.zipcodez.com/article/featured-articles.htm.

Copper Weathervanes - Just the Thing to Put a Unique Stamp on Your Home

Your home, it's located in a suburb with probably more than a hundred, even 200 hundred other homes that have the same similar look to them. Now, they all look nice, but the thing is, you kind of want yours to stand out a little bit from the rest and a great way to do just that in a decorative way is with copper weathervanes. One is just the thing put a unique stamp on your home.

How so, because copper weathervanes have a gorgeous appearance and there are ones available in all sorts of types, styles, and designs. This is great for you because then it lets you easily pick out one to match your tastes and personal style. For example, maybe you have a bit of a wild side and really like motorcycles. You have a Harley sitting in your garage and want to show your love of the bike. Well, you can get one of these fine outdoor accessories that are in the shape of a motorcycle of the same kind, really, that's an option.

Or, maybe you are more of an outdoorsy type person. You're in luck too because there are many copper weathervanes that depict that breathtaking theme. Like, you can get one that is in the shape of a large moose, another that looks like a deer, one that is molded in the form of a bear, some that look like a forest of pine trees, and some that are in the shape of fish.

These are just some of the copper weathervanes that are available because there are a ton more to choose from as well. So many in fact that there really isn't time to list them all, but a few out there include some fantasy options, ones that look like ships, and some in the shape of farm animals. To check out all the choices, all you have to do is go online and do some comparison shopping. All you have to do is surf through all the websites and their offerings. When you come across something that you like, it generally will be at a pretty reasonable price and will be shipped right to you.

In addition to copper weathervanes, there are also ones made from other materials as well that you could get too. Like, stainless, steel, aluminum, and even wrought iron if you wanted. Each is pretty sturdy and will last for years in your outdoor space, but the thing is, copper is still the best out of this bunch when it comes to material option. Basically, it is just a strong metal that can take a beating from the weather, plus, it has one luscious appearance with its polished new look that will weather to a lovely antique patina color over time.

When it comes down to it, if you want your home to be different from the hundreds that are sitting next to it, make a subtle change with copper weathervanes. One is just the thing to help you break that dreaded cookie cutter home mold.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of different niche online stores like http://www.weathervanes-store.com that offer customers not only products, but information relating to furnishing and decorating indoor and outdoor living spaces. Whether you want to redecorate your living room or create the ultimate outdoor environment perfect for entertaining, there is a lot of helpful advice to take advantage of to make it happen. Today, she shares her insight when investing in a luxurious copper weathervanes. One is the perfect way to set off the look of your outdoor space.

Grow Your Own Vegetable Garden Easily!

Learning how to grow your own vegetable garden can be a lot of fun! If you just need some guidance then you have come to right place. I'm going to get you started with setting up your own personal little garden that you can watch as your vegetables pop up!

The process I'm about to describe is very easy. Its vegetable gardening at its more basic form but will get you started so that you can get your feet wet so to speak. Basically just follow the steps below and you will be on your way to growing your own vegetable garden!

- First clear out the garden area and make sure there are no leaves or any weeds or any kind.
- Next you will need to till the soil and really break it up so that your vegetables can breath.
- Get the fertilizer that you need to apply it to the soil.
- Get to tilling again after this so that you mix the fertilizer and soil together well.
- Next apply some water to the soil. Apply just enough so that the soil becomes moist and not too wet. If you apply too much and there is standing water you can simply wait until the soil soaks it up which might take a few days.

Now your all ready to plant your seeds! See learning how to grow your own vegetable garden is not that hard is it? Ok so this is the most basic form and the results you get will vary on different factors. But its an easy way to get started and learn what works and what does not. Check out my bio box for more help and you will be on your way! So I hope this simple little walk through on how to grow your own vegetable garden has helped!

Get A Free Vegetable Gardening Guide At http://www.vegetablegardeninghelp.com/getting-started-in-vegetable-gardening/

And Ask Me Any Questions You Want And Learn How To Grow Your Own Vegetable Garden

Plant Growth Factors - How to Make Plants Grow Healthy

Growing a beautiful and fruitful garden takes more than a green thumb. There are several plant growth factors that effect your garden, including the soil in your area and the climate of your region. You may even have different conditions than your neighbor, so it is important that when you want the best garden possible that you take into account all of the factors of your property.

Soil

The soil on your property is perhaps the one thing that can make or break a great garden. Before you plant anything, you can have your soil tested to make sure the pH balance is going to work for the garden you have planned. For example, herb gardens need a balanced pH that is between 6.0 and 7.0 on a pH tester. You can pick up a pH tester at your local gardening center, or you can have your soil tested for a small fee through your local health or water department.

Your soil can easily be adjusted, if necessary, using oyster shell lime for more acidic soil, or sulfur for less acidic soil. You can simply mix the recommended amount into your soil to promote plant growth.

Climate

Climate is one of the plant growth factors that can't be controlled easily, and can change depending on the location of your property in a certain region. For example, living on a hillside can be cooler and windier than surrounding areas. The best way to prepare your garden for the climate of your property is to choose plants that grow well in your specific area.

Planning your garden according to your soil and climate will help you have a beautiful and productive garden. It may take a little time to find the right combination of plants, especially in extreme climates, but it is worth the effort to add a little beauty to your property.

Space for Plants

When you are planning your garden, you may want to determine which plants you are going to use, and then determine how much space you are going to need. Some plants, such as squash, need a larger space than other plants, such as tomatoes. If you are growing a combination of flowers, herbs, and vegetables or fruits, then you may need to consider grouping these plants and treating the soil according to each groups needs.

Space is one of the plant growth factors that is easily controlled by you. Each of your plants will need enough room for their root system to grow undisturbed, and you will need enough space between each plant to work in your garden. When you are planning your garden, taking the time to find out how much space each type of plant needs will help your garden become more productive.

Fertilizer

Lastly, you will want to use some kind of fertilizer in your garden. If you want an organic garden, then you can consider using manure to fertilize your garden, or you can use a commercially prepared fertilizer. Either way, fertilizer is one of the plant growth factors that can improve your chances of a bountiful garden.

Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about plant growth factors, please visit Classy Gardens Site for current articles and discussions.

The Art of Garden Designing

The difference between a bush, a forest and a garden lies in the layout. That is what separates a garden from a bunch of green trees and plants. Gardens are made to look beautiful and to add to the beauty of the surroundings. The gardens have drawn admiration for years, but a wonderfully inviting garden is the result of careful garden designing.

The entire garden designing procedure should be absolutely functional. Gardens should be designed according the owner of the garden. Do not have racks of a single plant species, just because it is your favorite. It might spoil the entire design of the garden. The available garden space, proper sunlight and effortless cleaning are to be carefully considered. A proper garden layout unfolds some revelation or surprise at every corner.

It could be a fountain, an all way wooden pathway or bunch of bright flowers in contrast to the surroundings. Sometimes walls, trellis or hedges are used as dividers, to lend the designer look. Low walls have minimum maintenance but are a bit expensive to build. The trellis is cheaper and flexible, it is time consuming to maintain. Low hedges in the garden give it a very natural look. It requires regular trimming to keep it neat. The choice of the garden designing expenditure depends on the space and time available at your disposal.

The available shape and size of area are important in garden designing. The flower beds grown on square, rectangular or triangular shapes can be placed at strategic locations, like the corners or the center. It is preferable to enhance an available pond; it works to attract the birds. Garden designing is a personal choice depending on ones own tastes, so let your creativity flow.

The various styles of garden designing include Asian style, formal, informal, gravel, water garden, cottage style or plain contemporary stylized garden. The effort and time consumed for garden maintenance has to be considered while garden designing. Asian style generally refers to the traditional Japanese or Chinese style of gardening where water bodies were a common feature. The cottage gardens add a pensive touch to the surroundings. It is an informal design, with plants ranging from wild flowers to even vegetables. Contemporary designs have more of a concrete garden than the plants. Formal garden designs are by and large seen in heritage homes. They consist of geometric shapes and patterns, as far as the trees and hedges are concerned.

Garden designing includes the walls and pavements to be colored brightly, instead of bringing them down. It is convenient to grow a garden along the pavement, instead of having to make a pavement along the gardens. Often, it is the carefully nurtured natural, unhindered growth of plants which lends that different look to the garden. Hence, garden designing is not only about getting the design right. It is about applying the right designs for the right homescape.

Gardening and landscaping are one of life's simple joys. Learn more about Garden Designing by visiting our Garden Facts web site.

Basic Information About Bonzai Trees

Bonzai is a Japanese word that came from the Chinese words "pun sai", which means 'tree in a pot'. It can also be a shrub or a vine and not just trees. Many people mistakenly think that a bonzai tree is a naturally small plant or some kind of a special plant when in fact a bonzai tree is an average tree or plant that has been trained to retain its small size. They still go through the same stages of growth each season. It bears flowers or fruits and shed leaves just like its normal-sized counterpart.

Another common misconception about bonzai tree is that it originated in Japan. The growing of a bonzai was a Chinese practice that was brought to Japan some 5 centuries ago where it was transformed as an art form. The West came to know of it only in the early 1900s and since then, it became not only a favorite hobby by many but was also considered a serious art form in horticulture. Today, exhibits and shows, bonzai stores, bonzai auctions all abound in the West.

An important concept that every beginner should understand in cultivating a bonzai tree is pruning, which is the technique that allows the tree to stay small. Without regular pruning, the tree will by all means grow to its normal height and size, doing away with the whole idea of a bonzai tree.

The roots of it must be pruned annually so that it will remain healthy. When the roots are pruned, it produces a tiny dense ball or pack of root that allows it to be transplanted to a suitable container. In root pruning, one-third of the roots are removed yearly so that you can introduce new soil and give space for new roots to develop.

The height of a bonzai tree can vary. There are trees that are a few centimeters high and some reaching up to a meter. There are no limitations as long as they are grown in a pot and achieves the image of a full grown tree as it would in nature.

One of the first things you will learn in growing a bonzai tree is that it has two aspects - aesthetic and horticultural. There are plenty of rules under these two but when it comes to aesthetics, do not be too focused on following the rules. Do not be afraid to experiment and be creative. Just remember that the key to a beautiful tree is creating a miniature image of a tree that looks so natural as if no human intervention was involved.

Learn More Techniques To Proper Bonzai Care and The Understanding To Growing a Bonzai Tree

A Sustaining Stance - An Essay About Why Sustainability Should Be Important to You

Our view of the finite in modern times fluctuates with the current assessments and discoveries of the universe and our place in it. In the earlier periods of human history, the earth and its resources appeared infinite; new lands to be discovered just over the next hill or the latest scientific findings giving an ever widening view of our world and our access to it.

This marching mindset of mankind was halted abruptly with the popularized photo showing the blue planet Earth hanging alone in the dark space of the present unknown. It was a winnowing of the consciousness, blowing away the chaff of myth and speculation that had clouded and obscured our view of the finite and infinity.

This mass realization of the finite stores of our "Earthship" began the movement toward the concept of sustainability. But acceptance of such ideas are slow to take hold, even when prime examples, such as the dust bowl years of the plains states, pointed to the need for soil conservation, a concept even today not fully realized.

Like many terms and words that pop into our media-broadening culture, sustainability is thrown into the mix of organic-conservation-green-global warming-hybrid vehicle hype. For the vast majority of those who hear these words, they remain just that, words and concepts hastily agreed to as necessary but, "don't bother me with it now". It is hard to imagine famine with a full larder.

Our dictionary shows ten ways the word "sustain" can be used. The three held most in common are: to keep an action or process going; to supply with food or other necessities of life; and to keep the spirit or mind from giving way.

In all species from bacteria up, communication is possible because of shared senses and interests. Survival, no matter the level, is the shared interest of all, contrary to the fact of disappearing species from the actions of trying to keep a process, which worked well in the past, continuing. The evolving complexity of any system makes it harder to maintain the status quo of that system.

There are a only a finite number of avenues that can be pursued until it is realized that a new system must be installed. Agriculture at present is pinning final hopes on larger machinery, more chemicals, and genetic manipulations. At present, these approaches have resulted in higher food prices from petroleum costs, pollution of our environment, and a monoculture vision of future food production which could end in a global famine.

Often it is easier to maintain the physical than the mindal or spiritual. The chore-like nature of life demands a cadenced obedience for continuation, with change coming from within individuals out into the larger thinking construct. Change always begins with an individual whose actions are then taken up by another individual and then passed on. Swimming upstream to spawn newness is often the hardest thing to sustain.

Friends, neighbors, or relatives may wonder why one spends so much time and effort on trying to be more self-sustaining. As with anything of a lasting nature, foundations must be put down before anything else can be added. Innovation needs to be not only introduced, but also practiced.

Aside from a farmers market, at which one can obtain fresh produce and baked goods, there exists a need to procure other staples to round out the diet. An enterprising neighbor has taken an old building and refurbished it into a feed and general store. Although it works as a distribution point for feed going out, it also is becoming a distribution point for feed coming in. Local cheese and eggs are presently available with organic beef coming soon.

It is estimated that if everyone ate just one meal a week from locally grown or produced food, it would save 1.1 million barrels of oil presently used for transportation of food from around the world.

The ability to sustain change, no matter how small, in the face of a seemingly unchanging majority perspective, requires the same patience and dedication that it takes to plant a seed and continue its care until its fruition benefits all, proving we can grow.

Copyright (c) 2008
Giannangelo Farms Southwest
http://www.avant-gardening.com