Create the Right Environment for Growth

Archive for December, 2009

Create the Right Environment for Growth

Friday, December 25th, 2009

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Many gardeners live in areas where almost anything can grow effortlessly. Just plant the seeds and water it for a few weeks, and you’ve got a beautifully lush plant. But if you live in somewhere like Colorado, you’ll understand what its like to have a slim selection of plants that naturally grow. It can be quite a challenge to facilitate the growth of a large variety of plants, especially when the very world you live in seems to be rooting against you.

Some people solve this problem by loading up their plants with every type of chemical and fertilizer known to man. This usually works, but to me it seems kind of unnatural to rely on man made materials to keep your plants alive. Also, if I’m growing fruits or vegetables, I don’t feel very comfortable eating something that is entirely composed of chemicals.

A gardening theory that I have relied on in the past to grow many types of plants is that of creating a “microclimate” for each type of plant. This is when you regulate the sunlight, shade, moisture, and wind factors for each separate plant. It sounds like a challenge, and it is. But you can regulate these factors in such a way that the plant feels just like it is in the ideal growing conditions. This can be achieved by the use of wind barriers, shading umbrellas, extra water, or different types or amounts of compost.

If you’re ready to make an attempt at creating microclimates, you’ll need to make a detailed plan in advanced. You should start by finding a large shade providing bush or tree that will grow fast and naturally in your area. Just look at some undeveloped plots of land and see what is there. Most likely it grew on its own without any planting or care. This is what you want to happen. Usually the growing of one plant can bring about the growing of another more desirable plant.

If you have a fence in your backyard (you would be surprised at how many people don’t) then you already have a good amount of shade to work with. You can start the microclimate process using just the shade of the fence, combined with (perhaps) a screen or large bush to shade your new plant for the other half of the day that the fence doesn’t take care of. The fence is also useful for shading against wind for very fragile plants.

Once you have established the shade, be it natural or unnatural, you have created a slightly less harsh miniature environment. You must remember this is a gradual process, and find a new plant to put in the shade of the other one. Now your choices are a little more open. You don’t have to go with a rugged plant like the one you did before; you can now choose a plant that survives in cooler weather.

If the plant you are trying to grow next requires more moisture in the air than your area provides, installing a fountain or small pond can fix this problem due to the evaporation. You may think you don’t want to waste water on a pond or fountain, but it’s all going toward the betterment of your garden. It’s just like the watering process, only indirect. As an added benefit, usually fountains are quite aesthetically attractive and a great addition to your garden.

I can’t explain every stage of the process, because everyone’s goals and setups are slightly different. But to reach your goal, you should do research on every plant that you would like to have in your garden. Find out everything you can about the zone that it flourishes in, and ask yourself how you can emulate that zone within your own backyard. Almost always you can take control of the environment and recreate whatever you wish. Usually all it takes is some planning and strategy.

Josiah Smart
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/create-the-right-environment-for-growth-746818.html

Posted in Make Your Own Compost | 9 Comments »

Organic Gardening Tips for Flowers and Herbs

Friday, December 25th, 2009

The popularity of organic food and gardening has certainly increased over the last few years. Not only does it give you a sense of well being but people love the beauty of wonderful colored flowers and the taste of vegetables they helped create. Organic gardening tips on how to successfully start and care for an organic garden are becoming easier to find as this type of gardening continues to become more popular. Along with being relaxing, it is a very interesting hobby. Anyone can organically produce wonderful fruits, herbs and vegetables and know that they are healthy to eat and pesticide, herbicide and chemical free. There will always be garden pests but instead of using chemicals to deal with this problem, there are many organic gardening tips to get rid of them, similar to the way gardeners did many years ago before the use of pesticides and herbicides.

A good homemade pest deterrent to use in organic gardening 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.

Following a few organic gardening tips, you will produce fruits, vegetables and herbs that are healthy, taste wonderful, are less expensive than buying produce at the grocery store and give you the peace of mind knowing exactly how they were grown and what was used on them. Aphids are annoying little insects that often cause a lot of damage in your garden. If you plant marigolds near your vegetable garden, the aphids will quit bothering your plants. If you already have an aphid problem, spray the infected plants with diluted soapy water and then spray them again with clear water. Organic gardening tips you should try are; instead of buying compost for your garden, which could contain chemicals, make your own while you cut down on garbage at the same time. Using your garden and kitchen waste is an excellent and very easy way to make your own compost. In your compost pile use peelings from carrots, potatoes and other vegetables, dead weeds, coffee grounds, egg shells and even the pruning from roses and other plants. The different textures help break down the compost quickly. Compost improves the soil texture, structure and aeration while enriching the soil, which stimulates root development. When choosing plants for your organic garden, make sure you choose ones that are well adapted for your area.

Here are a couple of great organic gardening tips that not only help keep your garden free of weeds but also keep the soil from drying out too quickly. Grass clippings and pine needles mixed or old newspapers make very good mulch, which keeps your garden weed free and the soil moist. Organic gardening tips help you grow healthy organic fruits and vegetable that you, your family and friends will love.

Most important of all, is to enjoy your organic garden and the fruits of your labor. Not only will you have the satisfaction of growing vegetables and herbs organically but you it will also inspire you in your culinary tasks.

Here’s to a great organic garden and fabulous, healthy meals.

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
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/organic-gardening-tips-for-flowers-and-herbs-114630.html

Posted in Kitchen Compost | No Comments »

Gardening Tips – The Best Ways To Create And Use Fertilizer

Friday, December 25th, 2009

When you do your gardening, you always end up with some leaves and weeds, dead plants and probably some grass clippings. Most people see this as rubbish and send it off to the landfill. Not only is this a waste of one of nature’s fertilizers but it takes time and money to get rid of this garden ‘rubbish’. So, what alternative is there? Well, a gardening tip to consider is do what nature would do and use all this garden ‘rubbish’ to provide nutrients for your garden. Following are the gardening tips to help you convert this garden ‘rubbish’ to compost.

The first thing to know is that organic waste is considered better for your garden than any chemical fertilizer on the market. Nature has a decomposition process that promotes proper chemical change resulting in excellent nutritional benefits to the plants in the garden.

Of course, the question is, “Where shall I put this pile of smelly garden ‘rubbish’”? Gardening tips; your compost heap shouldn’t be smelly and if it is, you need to alter the composition of it to prevent it becoming anaerobic ie too much nitrogen. This requires the heap not being too wet and having enough oxygen. Once you’ve got the balance right, you will find that the decomposition process is actually producing some fertilizer that isn’t a pong to the nose!

So, what does this suitable place for a fertilizer heap look like? Gardening tips; is should be an area that has plenty of width space and not too deep. If it’s too deep, the materials down low in the pile will not be able to get enough of the necessary requirements, and you end up with a smelly heap. Try to choose an area where you can spread out the garden ‘rubbish’. You can, if you’ve got the space, have two heaps side by side. Remember, it’s width not depth that’s important.

What rubbish can you put into the heap to be converted to garden food? Gardening tips; it must be quickly decomposable – that is, able to rot away quickly. Did you know that orange peel takes years to decompose? Therefore, it’s not suitable; nor is meat or diseased plants. However, you can use most other organic material including grass clippings, woody plants, leaves, and vegetable scraps. Using your lawn mower, shred garden ‘rubbish’ to help quick decomposition.

How do you start the composting process? Gardening tips; make the materials as small as possible. Mix up the pile quite frequently to allow oxygen into the heap which will aid the decomposing process. Water periodically, but not too much as this is a sure way to invite anaerobic micro-organisms which will give you a smelly pile.

No matter what, your compost pile will be a little unsightly. Gardening tips; find a place that isn’t easily seen and is also near the garden areas that you will want to fertilize. Be aware of your neighbours; it may be out of sight for you but right in the vision of your neighbor. They really don’t want your compost heap near their entertaining area! Construct a compost pen for your pile, or buy a ready-made compost bin to contain all the decomposing material.

Summary:

Use your garden ‘rubbish’ as garden food and put back nutrients into the soil. Some gardening tips will ensure that you get a good start to making your own fertilizer.

Brooke Hayles
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/gardening-tips-the-best-ways-to-create-and-use-fertilizer-59354.html

Posted in How to Compost | No Comments »

Gardening Advice – 3 Important Points For Gardeners

Friday, December 25th, 2009

Most people are not aware about the fact that gardening could actually harm one’s environment. Huge amount of carbon-dioxide could be released while tilling the soil. It contributes to the global warming. As you cultivate and compact the soil, it would destroy good fungi. Some fertilizers like nitrogen and other manure usually leach out soil and pollute water meant for drinking.

Global warming

It is known that the earth’s soil lets out carbon-dioxide in atmosphere ten times more than any human activity. It comes from pill bugs, the microbes, fungi and other worms as it breathes, digests food and then dies. Even though earlier the plants have been always capable of absorbing carbon the dioxide caused by small scale tillage, it is not the case these days. The increase in the earth’s average temperature is due to the carbon dioxide which the oil gives out when tilled. The goodness here is that the tilling could be minimized when sheet composting or mulching.

Good Fungi

Within untilled soil, we can find a beneficial fungi namely, vesicular-arbuscular-mycorrhizae or the VAM in short. VAM essentially forms some symbiotic relationship along with plants. The filaments increase the root hairs and supply the nutrients for the plant. It gives out copper, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus. All plants provide carbohydrates to the fungi for the return. One can always grow a garden without even tilling soil by mulching heavily till the soil gets soft and friable.

The Surplus Nitrogen

Most gardeners waste the nitrogen and related manures; the farmers do it otherwise. Farmers only want around a quarter to a third of the nitrogen to mix it with an inch of horse, compost, or cow manure. Ms. Kate Burroughs from Sebastopol California makes use of the same regulation for her home-grown sweet corns and lettuce. When it gets to pear trees and broccoli, farmers require only a small amount. It is seen that gardeners apply bigger amount of manure and compost than farmers do. Obviously, they not only waste the fertilizer but also the money.

Best gardening tips that is often given to people concerned is doing everything within moderation. It should be ensured that very little or excess of anything is never healthy. This is one valuable advice that could be implemented in gardening.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/gardening-advice-3-important-points-for-gardeners-753635.html

Posted in Composting | No Comments »

The Efficient Use of Water in Gardening

Friday, December 25th, 2009

Living in an arid or semi-arid region that habitually receives scarce rainfall does not mean that you are automatically destined to a dry dusty garden. The term “xeriscape” refers to the designing of a garden that employs seven water-conserving methods. This type of garden works well for areas that are prone to mild drought conditions. Of course, those who just wish to conserve water will certainly appreciate that it is an ecologically friendly method of gardening. It may also prove beneficial for people who do not choose to be bothered with the time and expense of traditional water-consuming gardens during the summer season.

1. Planning and Designing the Landscape

As with any garden, the first thing that needs to be done is to measure the garden plot. Then with a piece of graph paper or a computer gardening software, make a detailed layout of this space noting all elements like the house, pathways, existing trees and shrubbery that will be kept, etc. Also, take note of the topography and exposure. Next, you will want to take into account your budget. Remember that not everything has to be done immediately. Your plan can be carried out in stages. In addition, you may include a wish list of features you would like to add, for example, a hot tub or gazebo. Do not forget to consider how much maintenance you will want to do and how much water will be required.

2. Soil Analysis and Amendment

Good soil is a must for plants to develop deep-root systems that are essential to endure drought conditions. Look at a sample of your dirt first to determine what materials the soil includes. Should your soil be mainly clay, the density of its texture does not allow water to be readily absorbed causing wasteful runoff and it makes it difficult for roots to grow. However if it is mostly sand, water percolates too fast for the plants to soak it up. To correct these problems you need to improve the soil. You can accomplish this goal through incorporating about three to four inches of organic materials such as manure and compost to your dirt by tilling it down into the top six inches of the ground. Still it is important to realize, that some plants actually do thrive in poorer soil.

3. Lawn Location

You should consider how much grass you really need or desire. Typically most lawns require a lot of water and upkeep. Therefore, you should try to reduce the use of turf in your design to areas where its use is prudent. Do not put grass in heavy traffic areas or hard to maintain spots, like slopes or shade. You may wish to try planting more drought tolerant grasses. However, they usually come with drawbacks, such as a longer dormant phase and they are not as resilient to traffic.

4. Selecting Your Plants

The more authentic information about gardening you know, the more likely people are to consider you a gardening expert. Read on for even more gardening facts that you can share.

Through the judicial selection of specific species of plants both native and exotic, then planting them considering their sunlight, soil and moisture requirements, you are able to create an efficient water-conserving garden. Naturally for aesthetic and sensory pleasure, you want to take into account the plants’ colors, heights and fragrances also. Once the plants are established and mature, they will need less water.

5. Use of Mulches

Utilizing mulches has many benefits. Besides keeping moisture in the ground, they aid in controlling the growth of weeds and regulating the soil’s temperature. There are two kinds of mulches. The first type is inorganic like rocks and permeable plastic. The second is organic, such as, wood chips, compost and bark. It has the added benefit of decomposing over time thus improving the soil.

6. Efficient Irrigation

The main thing you want to do is to avoid water evaporation. There are several different ways to water your garden from various sprinkler systems to drip irrigation to soaker hoses. Depending on your budget, the variety of plants and the landscape’s layout determines which system or combination you should employ. Sprinklers are good for covering larger areas like lawns. However, do not use the type that shoots water into the air and wind. Instead, choose the kind that disburses the water as close to the ground as possible. Drip irrigation works well for specific garden beds where the plants have similar water requirements.

7. Proper Maintenance

Believe it or not, proper maintenance does not just improve the look of your garden. It can conserve water. One way is by keeping your irrigation system appropriately maintained by adjusting water flow throughout the seasons as your plants’ needs change. Weeding saves water because weeds consume a lot of it. Also, aerating your soil allows water to seep deeper into the ground. Furthermore, mowing your grass to the correct height is important because if it is mowed too short, it dries out quickly thus requiring more water.

Although it may take some time and planning, xeriscape gardening is well worth the effort. Xeriscape has proven to allow diversity and beauty into gardens as well as being an efficient water-conserving gardening method.

That’s the latest from the gardening authorities. Once you’re familiar with these ideas, you’ll be ready to move to the next level.

Michael Hehn
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/the-efficient-use-of-water-in-gardening-87951.html

Posted in Compost Plan | 3 Comments »

Top Ways to Recycle

Friday, December 25th, 2009

Throughout history, people have been recycling waste materials in some way or another. The main reason that recycled materials were used, rather than new was that second hand material was cheaper to use. Today, we have other reasons for recycling our waste materials, such as preserving our planet, reducing waste materials being buried in the earth in landfill sites, and saving money by using second hand materials, rather than producing new materials.

The first real recycling started out in pre-industrial times when scraps from precious metals were recycled, and melted down for further use. Around this time, Britain was also recycling ash, and dust as the base materials used for brick making. In 1921, Britain also began a waste paper association, which was created to encourage the recycling of used paper. Another example of early recycling was that during the world wars when the governments encouraged citizens to recycle by donating their metals, and conserving fiber to do their part for the wartime effort.

Recycling And its Benefits

Recycling has two main benefits, which are reduction of both energy, and virgin materials needing to be collected, as well as reducing the amount of waste that is disposed of in landfills. Recycling also reduces the negative impact that waste has on the environment, and reduces the space needed to keep refuse sites functioning, it is estimated that in the UK, by the year 2010, almost all of the landfill sites will be full.

By recycling, we are not only helping our planet, we are decreasing the money spent on raw materials, and their production. Currently, the UK is recycling around 17% of their waste, which is a small amount considering that some neighboring countries are recycling up to half of their waste, that would ordinarily end up in a landfill site.

What Are The Recyclable Materials

For recycling to really work, households must be made aware of what is a recyclable. Many people are still throwing materials that could be recycled into their regular rubbish bins. Some of the materials that can be used for recycling are:
- Asbestos,
- Batteries,
- Building Materials,
- Cars,
- Clothing, and material,
- Compost matter,
- Computers,
- Electrical equipment,
- Furniture,
- Glass,
- Metals,
- Mobile phones,
- Paint, and oils,
- Paper,
- Plastic,
- Printer cartridges,
- Wood

Criticism Of Recycling
Recycling is a great thing, and has a positive impact on our long-term economy, living standards, and health of the planet we live in, although there are some factors surrounding recycling that are not ideal. All recycling uses energy of some type whether it is fuel for transportation of the materials, or the processing that takes place to reuse the materials. Additionally, many recycling plants use large amounts of water while preparing, or cleaning the materials they will reuse.

The only way to really benefit from recycling, and reducing the waste that is being produced is to use fewer materials where possible, and reuse materials in their current form.

Derek Both
http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/top-ways-to-recycle-123412.html

Posted in Building Compost | 3 Comments »

Can-O-Worms

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

Can-O-Worms

With our user-friendly “”Can-O-Worms“” composting system, a team of redworms digest kitchen waste into worm castings; an organic, nutrient-rich garden amendment. The perforated stacking trays allow the worms to separate from their castings automatically, making it very easy for the gardener to harvest the resulting “”worm castings.”" The trays rotate so that there is always one available for garbage while the others compost. The handy spigot allows you to capture the “”worm tea”" – a rich liquid amendment your plants will love. Sturdy, odorless and pest-resistant, this earth-friendly composting system is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. Designed to be used indoors or out in warmer climates, it comes with complete instructions. Ideal composting temperature is 60F to 80F. Australia. Worms not included. Find composting worms online at www.findworms.com. This item ships directly from the manufacturer. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Item can not be expedited. See Shipping Information for more details. 29″” High 20″” Deep

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Posted in Worm Compost | No Comments »

Living Like Ed Book

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

Living Like Ed Book

A committed environmentalist for more than thirty years, Ed Begley, Jr., has always tried to “”live simply so others may simply live.”" Now, as more and more of us are looking for ways to reduce our impact on the planet and live a better, greener life, Ed shares his experiences on what works, what doesn’t-and what will save you money! These are tips for environmentally friendly living that anyone-whether you own or rent, live in a private home or a condo-can try to make a positive change for the environment. From quick fixes to bigger commitments and long-term strategies, Ed will help you make changes in every part of your life. And if you think living green has to mean compromising on aesthetics or comfort, fear not; Ed’s wife, Rachelle, insists on style-with a conscience. In Living Like Ed, his environmentalism and her design savvy combine to create a guide to going green that keeps the chic in eco-chic. From recycling more materials than you ever thought possible to composting without raising a stink to buying an electric car, Living Like Ed is packed with ideas-from obvious to ingenious-that will help you live green, live responsibly, live well. Like Ed.

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Posted in Make Your Own Compost | No Comments »

Kitchen Compost Crock

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

Kitchen Compost Crock

Put your kitchen scraps for the compost pile in an attractive countertop kitchen composting crock. The Kitchen Compost Crock has a fully glazed interior that won’t stain or absorb odor and holds up to one gallon of kitchen scraps. An activated carbon filter in the lid prevents odors. With a removable stainless steel handle. Dishwasher safe. Includes one filter. Filters last 3 months. White ceramic crock measures 10″”H x 7″” diameter; Stainless steel crock measures 11″”H x 8″” diameter. China. Keep your Kitchen Compost Crock smelling fresh with carbon replacement filters . The activated carbon prevents odors. Held in the lid, the filter lasts up to three months. Sold in sets of 2, 6 or 12. China.

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Hardcover – Reinforced Hardcover, Composting: Decomposition

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

Hardcover - Reinforced Hardcover, Composting: Decomposition

How does compost help plants grow? What types of food do worms like best? How can using a worm farm help the Earth? Do It Yourself offers an exciting new approach to understanding and investigation. Each book helps you to conduct your own experiments and activities, and to learn more about the world around us.

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Posted in How to Compost | No Comments »

Archive for December, 2009