tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499918221735120272023-11-16T02:38:17.186-08:00Garden Design and VegetablesGarden Designs, Soil Amendmets, Plant Care, Growing Your Own Vegetables and Much MoreUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger278125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-72881920729594831742015-01-06T09:18:00.001-08:002015-01-06T09:18:44.759-08:00Garden on the Cheap! How to Create a Palate Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have a green thumb (well, at least when it comes to outdoor
gardening, I can kill a houseplant faster than anyone I know). But this
year, I have been limited by the inability to dig into the ground.
Military housing will let us grow flowers, but not food. I know I want
to grow food for ourselves. Gardening is a wonderful activity to share
with my dirt-lovin' kids. It is an important tool to teach. You know,
the whole "Show them to fish" scenario. I started thinking about how I
could build a garden, from the bottom up, without digging. It was on one
trip to our local home improvement store that it hit me--wooden palates
would be perfect!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our local store has palates in the back. I asked
an associate, and she said that they recycle them BUT if I ever saw some
back there, that I was welcome to help myself. So, I stalked the store.
Not really...the next time we went, there was a huge stack. So, we
grabbed two. I also bought one roll of landscape fabric. I had a staple
gun already, so I didn't need anything else but soil. I got 4 bags of
Miracle Grow garden soil, and I got some plants. I am in the deep south
(military life--enables me to learn how the weather systems work in all
parts of our great nation), so I was able to get all kinds of plants in
early March. I started with some tomato, broccoli, peas, and swiss
chard. I got seeds for lettuces, herbs, and green beans. And I got some
marigold plants, because they are helpful to keep ants away &
attract butterflies instead. We loaded up the minivan & headed home.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once home, I took the palate and flipped it over. I unrolled the
fabric (with the help of my 2 year old assistant) and measured enough to
cover the bottom & wrap up each of the 2 end sides. I stapled it in
5 or 6 places on each end, until I felt it was secure. Then, I took it
outside. I found a spot that got sunlight most of the day, but you need
to place it specifically for the plants you choose (partial sun, full
sun, etc). I emptied a bag of soil (1 cubic ft.) into the palate &
spread it evenly. Then, I unpacked the plants and placed them where I
wanted them to live (making sure to pay attention to how much space the
plants needed) & then dug them into place. Some needed a little
extra dirt to pack them in tight, so I opened bag #2 & filled in as
necessary. I also did a quick web search to find beneficial companion
plants for my selected veggies, and placed them together in the layout. A
quick watering from the hose, and it was done.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>From start to
finish,each palate garden cost around $5 plus the cost of plants.</b> I have
created 3 so far, with a couple of palates waiting in the wings if I
can convince my husband to lose a little more yard space. Gardening is
good for my soul & that is a feeling I want to pass on to my kids,
no matter the capacity.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-63234284562828821112015-01-06T09:15:00.002-08:002015-01-06T09:15:36.668-08:00Take Your Spring Planting Vertical for Dramatic Effect<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_G90D3MtTNn6vMSLi-BexElvixjJhyphenhyphenlQ4q9KSO3aS0Bo66q4EJb4HzdnT7Pf63SHWgTH19TsCXuKIgyNG-vDcNHFp-GyYx5vuPg6ypmkTW3Ny8kGhZj8SmHZF_sPDeRcAqSs-0IPfCaE/s1600/Take+Your+Spring+Planting+Vertical+for+Dramatic+Effect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Take Your Spring Planting Vertical for Dramatic Effect" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_G90D3MtTNn6vMSLi-BexElvixjJhyphenhyphenlQ4q9KSO3aS0Bo66q4EJb4HzdnT7Pf63SHWgTH19TsCXuKIgyNG-vDcNHFp-GyYx5vuPg6ypmkTW3Ny8kGhZj8SmHZF_sPDeRcAqSs-0IPfCaE/s1600/Take+Your+Spring+Planting+Vertical+for+Dramatic+Effect.jpg" title="Take Your Spring Planting Vertical for Dramatic Effect" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The past few years, I have noticed more and more ways to go
vertical in your garden. Bringing your plants and flowers up and away
from the ground level not only expands the area available for planting,
but greatly increases the interest and visual impact of your space. If
you have only ever placed plants in ground level pots or in the soil
directly, you may be a little reluctant to explore this vertical space,
but there are easy ways to get started. Here are a few.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Install hanging planters</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you have an expanse of fence or a blank wall, that could be a
perfect place to install hanging planters and add a beautiful splash of
color. Make sure to anchor your planters securely using the proper tools
and fasteners for the base material you are working with, be it brick,
wood, stucco or another surface.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Take caution when selecting
plants, as the raised and exposed surface may be much warmer and more
brightly lit than the nearby ground. A brick wall facing west, for
example, retains heat long after the sun goes down. You may need to
select plants that are better able to handle heat and direct sunlight
and water more frequently in order to keep your blooms healthy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Build a flower tower</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can build a tall, flowering tower of sorts using either large
diameter PVC pipe drilled with randomly spaced holes or a cylinder made
of sturdy fence lined with black plastic. If you use the fence and
plastic, cut X-shaped holes, randomly spaced in the plastic up and down
the cylinder.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fill the cylinder of your choice with potting
soil, then plant petunias, impatiens or other bright, spreading flowers
in the randomly spaced holes. Plant flowers in the top of the cylinder,
too. You can stick with all one color, or place a variety of colors for a
more striking effect. The tower will look sparse at first, but with a
little water and fertilizer, the flowers will fill in quickly and give
you a blooming column of color all summer long.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Climbing vines of color</b></div>
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One of the easiest ways to add color to a porch or trellis is to plant
a hardy, climbing vine that flowers all summer long. Morning glories or
clematis add gorgeous blossoms within ever climbing greenery, and you
can train them to go wherever you want with just a little bit of twine.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not sure if you want to keep a spreading vine in your garden forever?
That's okay. Just plant it in a large pot, like you would any other
seasonal plant, and let it grow for the summer. If you want to do
something different the next year, just pull the vines down in the fall
and replant with something different in the spring.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-75791304256115998112015-01-06T09:14:00.002-08:002015-01-06T09:14:25.656-08:00Spring Cleaning Outdoors: Sprucing Up Your Landscape After Winter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Does your home's exterior look drab after being neglected all winter?
Spring is the perfect time to clear the outdoor clutter in anticipation
of the planting season. You instantly improve your home's curb appeal
and get to soak up all the warm spring weather. Here's how to do it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Turn Over a New Leaf</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We raked and raked last fall, but we always seem to end up with dead
leaves in our yard come spring. Removing the brown leaves makes the lawn
look better and gives the grass an all-access pass to the sun and
rainwater of spring. While you're at it, pick up any sticks or branches
that fell into the yard.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Clean the Beds</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now is
the time to clean out your existing planting beds to prep them for the
flowers or vegetables you'll plant soon. Get rid of any leaves or
leftover plant debris in the beds. Till the soil to make it workable.
This is also a good time to add organic material like compost to your
planting beds and any soil amendments needed to make the soil fertile.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Don't forget your planters. If you use them for annuals, empty the
soil you used last year and clean the pot. You can sanitize your flower
pots with a mixture of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts of water. Soak
the containers for 10 minutes or longer and rinse thoroughly.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>All Hands on Deck</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Your patio and deck can probably use a spring cleaning, too. Hose off
the outdoor living spaces to get rid of dirt and sand that build up over
winter. If you have a brick patio or walkway, check the joints to see
if they need more sand. Scrub down your patio furniture so you're ready
for outdoor entertainment.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Spruce It Up</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With
everything outside cleaned, you can look for little improvements that
will make your landscape pop. Repaint the fence. Power wash the
foundation. Add shutters to your windows. Replace the railings on your
deck. These little outdoor home improvement projects get your home's
exterior in shape and improve curb appeal with just a little effort and
money.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-40710359306052456442015-01-06T09:12:00.003-08:002015-01-06T09:12:54.209-08:00Living Off the Grid - Seed Saving<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSSUi5d7Adnh9OqZvENiZgMK_jww2cSW1hFduRhuL3D8oQsdpMJ2LXS9v57tafNwoJkdqBVcIV8D-RSVpyheLH26fyfUk_zPp2NR1f0G05bvrWMsDOeMxSf-jhjn_rp195BIN_sF4M4Qc/s1600/Harvesting+Seeds+for+Sustainable+Living.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Harvesting Seeds for Sustainable Living" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSSUi5d7Adnh9OqZvENiZgMK_jww2cSW1hFduRhuL3D8oQsdpMJ2LXS9v57tafNwoJkdqBVcIV8D-RSVpyheLH26fyfUk_zPp2NR1f0G05bvrWMsDOeMxSf-jhjn_rp195BIN_sF4M4Qc/s1600/Harvesting+Seeds+for+Sustainable+Living.jpg" title="Harvesting Seeds for Sustainable Living" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Harvesting Seeds for Sustainable Living</h3>
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<div id="article_text_blocks">
While seed saving can be done whether you are hooked up to PUD or not,
the entire process of gardening and harvesting your heirloom seeds is
the kind of thing sustainable living is all about. Seed saving can be
tedious work but the benefits are wonderful. <br /> <b><br /> What is an Heirloom Seed? </b> <br />
Heirloom seeds are those handed down generation to generation.
Although they are found in some seed catalogs or available for sale
online, true heirloom seeds are more often passed among individuals.
They are seeds that come from plants that have grown in open pollination
and without human intervention. <br /> <b><br /> Benefits of Seed Saving </b> <br />
Saving seeds can be a beneficial as well as rewarding activity. By
saving seeds from your garden, you can save money on next year's garden.
If you save your seeds, you won't have to buy more. Saving seeds also
ensure quality. If you grow organic fruits and veggies, you know the
seeds you save are organic as well. <br /> <b><br /> How to Save Seeds </b> <br />
The basic process for preparing fruits and vegetables for seed
harvesting is to separate the seeds from the flesh, rinse the seeds and
then let them dry before storing them.<br />
Last night I read an
article in Sunset magazine about saving tomato seeds. Here's a quick
rundown of the process they suggested: <br />
<ol>
<li>Place the seeds and juice of a garden tomato in a jar. </li>
<li>Let
the jar sit out for a few weeks or until there is a layer of mold on
top. The viable seeds will sink to the bottom of the jar. </li>
<li>Carefully discard the top layer of mold and any seeds that didn't sink. </li>
<li>Add 1/2 cup of water to the mix and repeat the process until the seeds at the bottom are clean. </li>
</ol>
If
you want to save seeds from flowers the consensus seems to be that you
should let the seeds dry as long as possible while still on the plant.</div>
<div id="article_text_blocks">
</div>
<div id="article_text_blocks">
Need More Reasons to Save Seeds? <a href="http://garden-design-ideas.blogspot.com/2014/12/7-reasons-to-save-garden-seeds.html">7 Reasons to Save Garden Seeds </a></div>
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<b></b></div>
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<b></b></div>
<div id="article_text_blocks">
<b><br />Tips for Storing Seeds</b>
After your seeds have dried completely they can be stored in small
paper bags. Be sure to label the bags so you know which seeds are where.
Some seeds, such as flower seeds, store better in sealed jars. When the
seeds are packaged keep them in an area that is cool and dry. If you
can, use your seeds the following year as the quality of the seeds
decrease year by year.</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-16567932717968847112015-01-05T07:17:00.001-08:002015-01-05T07:17:43.271-08:0010 Reasons to Have an Herb Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40shCMHFOf0gcoIet9s8I0m5sBtiuqgSaVxo2XnJxCoSidcmL3rSx-VWAWleylcoZ7oxeH4PKWkojFkUOjDzuJZjlj5rxO7rbba88WBXZkamI5S5V2ukpCm67l2esEEMLlBbAVb1FF1I/s1600/10+Reasons+to+Have+an+Herb+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="10 Reasons to Have an Herb Garden" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40shCMHFOf0gcoIet9s8I0m5sBtiuqgSaVxo2XnJxCoSidcmL3rSx-VWAWleylcoZ7oxeH4PKWkojFkUOjDzuJZjlj5rxO7rbba88WBXZkamI5S5V2ukpCm67l2esEEMLlBbAVb1FF1I/s1600/10+Reasons+to+Have+an+Herb+Garden.jpg" height="320" title="10 Reasons to Have an Herb Garden" width="224" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you've ever walked by the fresh herbs at your local grocery
store, chances are you've noticed their delicious fragrance. And if
you've checked out their selling price, you've probably just kept
walking by. Buying fresh herbs can get quite expensive; but if you have
an herb garden of your own, you'll find that they are very inexpensive
and easy to grow. But these aren't the only reasons to have an herb
garden.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>You don't have to be a gardener</b> - Anyone can grow
herbs! Even if you've never had a garden before, or even planted
flowers, it doesn't matter. Herbs are a great way for a novice to get
started learning how to grow their own food supply. There are even
beginner's herb growing kits for those that are skeptical of their
abilities.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>You don't have to have a lot of space</b> - An
herb garden doesn't take up a lot of space. If you have a bay window, or
even a large windowsill, it will be plenty of room to accommodate a
small herb garden.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>They look great -</b> Seriously, have you
ever seen a bunch of herbs growing?? They're gorgeous! And the fragrance
they'll put off is amazing. Try growing fresh mint for an aromatic
show-stopper.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>They can be grown in pots</b> - If you don't
have room to grow an herb garden indoors, try growing them in pots on
the patio. This makes them easy to reposition, plus container gardening
is always an attractive way to bring life to any space.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Just wait till you taste them!</b> - Food tastes better when it is seasoned with fresh herbs, just as it tastes better when you use any fresh ingredient.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Fresh herbs save money</b>
- Not only will you save money on the herbs you use this year, but you
won't have to worry about buying herbs for many years to come. That's
because fresh herbs will come back year after year. Just remember to
bring them indoors during cold winter months.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>They have medicinal purposes</b>
- Ever heard of herbal tea being used to help you sleep, relieve
constipation, or cure an upset stomach? Of course, you have. Even
doctors recommend the use of herbs for medicinal purposes in certain
situations. Check out this Medicinal Herbs Guide we found at HerbsGuide.net. You won't believe how many different uses there are for fresh herbs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Pets can benefit from them too</b>
- Oftentimes there is a danger of the plants we grow indoors being
dangerous for our pets, but not when it comes to growing herbs. In fact,
many of the herbs we grow can be used to make your pet healthier.
Whether you have a dog, cat, or reptile, there are plenty of ways to use
the herbs you grow for their benefit. <a href="http://garden-design-ideas.blogspot.com/2014/12/pet-friendly-gardens-and-plants.html">Take a moment and read the useful pet guide for gardeners.</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Use less salt and packed seasonings</b>
- Because fresh herbs have are so flavorful, you'll find that you don't
need to use as much salt of other pre-packed seasonings that include
salt. That means a healthier diet for you and your family, without
sacrificing taste.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a class="link interlink" data-rapid_p="4" href="http://garden-design-ideas.blogspot.com/2014/12/home-remedies-for-garden-pest-problems.html" rel="&content_type=theme&content_type_id=587" title="Pest control"><b>Pest control</b></a> - In a previous articles we discussed using herbs as a way to keep deer out of your garden.
Deer don't like the strong aroma of herbs, and by planting them by your
treasured rose bushes, you'll see a decrease in the amount of deer, and
other critters that show up uninvited.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://garden-design-ideas.blogspot.com/2014/12/basil-kings-herb.html">Can't decide which herbs you should grow?</a> Think back on the foods you cooked the most over the
last month. For example, we cook a lot of Italian food at my house.
Thus, parsley, basil, and oregano are must-haves in my herb garden,
while fresh dill wouldn't be something I would use that often. Just a
little common sense will steer you in the right direction.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-54650539124225809462015-01-05T07:12:00.000-08:002015-01-05T07:12:20.285-08:00Six Garden Trends from Plantasia 2014 in Western New York<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievOm1Jhp7g8seJyKXV5f9mFVZwiVcZBtixGf9UFHDlLFCiyJ895gItdCgcoPVdGW8cBSg0hagQvVVMGT9Ez5P0mSZvevMifkSizwSZ7Idyq501AiA3xrZ33abEnUzBt3-0iO2FJEdr2o/s1600/Six+Garden+Trends+from+Plantasia+2014+in+Western+New+York.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Six Garden Trends from Plantasia 2014 in Western New York" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievOm1Jhp7g8seJyKXV5f9mFVZwiVcZBtixGf9UFHDlLFCiyJ895gItdCgcoPVdGW8cBSg0hagQvVVMGT9Ez5P0mSZvevMifkSizwSZ7Idyq501AiA3xrZ33abEnUzBt3-0iO2FJEdr2o/s1600/Six+Garden+Trends+from+Plantasia+2014+in+Western+New+York.jpg" height="320" title="Six Garden Trends from Plantasia 2014 in Western New York" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div id="article_text_blocks">
Plantasia,
known as "Western New York's premier garden and landscape show,"
brought some indoor sunshine to the cold Buffalo-Niagara region Thursday
through Sunday, March 20 through 23 at the Hamburg Fairgrounds. The
annual collection of what's hot and happening for the gardens and
backyards of the area showed off some of the newest trends and what
continues to be hot in the garden, with this year's theme of "Party in
the Garden" shown off to full effect. These were six of the top trends
viewed at Plantasia this year.<br />
<br />
<b>Whimsy</b> - Whether it was
small items like garden stakes in the form of birds, flowers or Easter
eggs, or life-sized iron sculptures of giraffes or horses, whimsy was a
huge feature at Plantasia. Other examples of whimsy included a huge
23-foot tree house from Buffalo Tree House that was constructed from
reclaimed hemlock and included a suspension bridge and throne fit for a
backyard king; the display won three awards at the show.<br />
<br />
<b>Water features</b>
- Water continues to be a trend in the backyard, and was used in
combination with whimsy at the tree house site. Another combination of
the two: a backyard party display featuring a champagne bottle waterfall
into a pyramid of glasses.<br />
<br />
<b>Outdoor lifestyles</b> - Not just
"outdoor living," but "outdoor lifestyles" - a backyard "theatre" set
up for the kids (and adults later on in the day), a putting green for
the future golf pro and backyard kitchens, which have been popular for a
few years. The theory: you have a beautiful backyard, use it as both an
extension of your home and an extension of your life.<br />
<br />
<b>Fairy gardens and succulents</b>
- Miniaturized fairy gardens at the show often featured succulents, as
the combination can be used indoors and outdoors. Fairy garden supplies
can be found at many nurseries and garden centers, as well as craft and
hobby stores like Hobby Lobby. While the plants and accessories are
often petite, gardens themselves can be any size.<br />
<br />
<b>Recycling</b><b> in the garden</b>
- One display featured wooden pallets turned into patio furniture,
including chairs and tables; another featured a piece of drift wood used
as a planter. This is another continuing trend, as the 2013 show
featured objects like metal can lids and wine bottle corks as plant
markers and pallets as gardens.<br />
<br />
<b>Polywood</b> - Polywood, a
plastic-like material often made from recycled milk cartons, has been
featured for a few years as well, and continues to be an up-and-coming
furniture product at the show. The benefits of polywood include its
resistance to mold and rot, the fact that it is made in numerous colors
(and requires no painting) and the fact that it can be left outside
year-round - a big plus for the Western New York winters and for people
without a lot of storage space.</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-64627703992526715852015-01-05T07:10:00.000-08:002015-01-05T07:10:30.650-08:00Best Ways to Garden in Small Spaces on a Budget<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMt_YE7cd5GxovCyMwJC8tLIJ3Vh79NoaqkzVxI8WjWKl-WisWQpUPq58fFG546mG1wvhtP16lyjLqgy7wj5DJ2x3a-HTa4xjyG15cVVZNUcpOkExNZrfztjOrrelWCBzjby-MUZf__f0/s1600/Best+Ways+to+Garden+in+Small+Spaces+on+a+Budget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best Ways to Garden in Small Spaces on a Budget" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMt_YE7cd5GxovCyMwJC8tLIJ3Vh79NoaqkzVxI8WjWKl-WisWQpUPq58fFG546mG1wvhtP16lyjLqgy7wj5DJ2x3a-HTa4xjyG15cVVZNUcpOkExNZrfztjOrrelWCBzjby-MUZf__f0/s1600/Best+Ways+to+Garden+in+Small+Spaces+on+a+Budget.jpg" height="320" title="Best Ways to Garden in Small Spaces on a Budget" width="238" /></a></div>
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If you are anything like me, you love to garden but also know that
sometimes it can be difficult to know how to start out. This is
especially true if you live in an apartment or don't really have the
space to start a garden, and if money is tight. Luckily, there are
plenty of ways to garden in a small space, all while sticking to your
budget and not breaking the bank. This easy guide for gardening in small
spaces will help point you in the right direction.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br />1.) Coming Up With A Plan</b>
The first step in gardening in small spaces is to come up with some
sort of game plan. If you live in an apartment and only have a balcony
or patio to garden on, then you are going to have to be a bit more
creative when it comes to finding a way to plant everything, while not
taking up all of your space with plants. The first step to coming up
with a good plan is to find inspiration. I have found that following
gardening, DIY, and landscaping boards on Pinterest
has helped inspire some of the best and most creative ideas when it
comes to gardening! Occasionally, these ideas have also helped me save a
few dollars in the process. If you do not already have a Pinterest
account, I highly recommend you get one and start following a few
gardening boards. They are loaded with all kinds of fun and quirky
ideas!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<b>2.) Collecting Items</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once you have
a plan or at least some sort of idea on where you are going to start
with your garden, or what you would eventually like to achieve, the next
important step in gardening in small spaces is to start collecting the
tools and items you will need to garden in a small space. Reusing and
upcyling household items is a great way to garden efficiently, all while
saving space and money. Looking for items on websites like Craigslist or Freecycle,
or checking for gardening supplies at resale & thrift shops is
another great way to get more bang for your buck, and find unique items
that will work great in any garden! Some of my favorite garden treasures
have come from thrift stores.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Household Items That Work Great To Use As Planters</b> </div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Cans </li>
<li>Milk Crates </li>
<li>Bottles </li>
<li>Jars </li>
<li>Toilet Paper Rolls </li>
<li>Lanterns </li>
<li>Fish Tanks </li>
<li>Fish Bowls </li>
<li>Tires </li>
<li>Old Toolboxes, Mailboxes, or Baskets </li>
<li>Glassware </li>
<li>Gutters </li>
<li>Pipes </li>
<li>Cinderblocks </li>
<li>Concrete </li>
<li>Wagons, Wheelbarrows, Wagon Wheels <br /> </li>
<li>Lightbulbs </li>
<li>Coffee Mugs </li>
<li>Pallets </li>
<li>Old Bird Baths </li>
<li>Laundry Baskets </li>
<li>Broken Terra Cotta Pots </li>
<li>Metal Tea Canisters </li>
<li>Watering Cans </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>3.) Get To It!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once
you have a plan and the items you will need to start your garden, you
will want to buy soil, seeds, and plants if you have not already done
so. I have learned from experience that planting flowers, fruits,
veggies and herbs from seeds tends to usually work better than
transplanting plants that are already half grown and sold at the stores.
Seeds are also usually fairly inexpensive to buy, with prices usually
ranging anywhere from $1.00-4.00. I've found a variety of good seed
starters at places like Lowes and Target. Another thing you might
consider when purchasing seeds is trying to find items that you can
re-use later. What I mean by this is being able to save the seeds again
for next year, or replant from recycling plant parts.
(i.e. green onions, celery, pineapples, etc.) Once you've got all your
seeds and everything else you need, its time to get to it! Here are some cool ideas to help get you started: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /> Savvy Small Space Gardening Tips</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Shoe Organizer Garden</b>
- One cost effective and quirky way to garden in a small space is to
invest or recycle a canvas shoe organizer. This shoe organizer can be
hung up and kept off the wall with a few strips of wood. This type of
garden planter works great for growing herbs.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Salad Box</b> -
If you are looking for an ideal way to plant lettuce, kale, or other
greens, then you might consider creating your very own salad box. Raised
beds on table legs or platforms work great for this type of garden
planter, and also require less bending over to tend to your garden,
which is even better. You can create your own simple salad box by
upcycling and hollowing out an old desk, or taking the drawers out of a
dresser. Other items that work well are redwood planter boxes with a few
1 x 4's. Simply piece these items together with a few tools like a
hammer, nails, and some glue, etc. and you're good to go.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Pallet Garden -</b>
One of the easiest and most efficient ways to garden in a small space,
like on a balcony or patio is to get a pallet and set it vertically.
This type of planter works great for herbs like basil or rosemary, or
even to make a "catio" for your feline friend. You can grow some catnip
and other types of cat grasses within the pallets. Check out this easy <a data-rapid_p="5" href="http://garden-design-ideas.blogspot.com/2014/12/easy-as-is-pallet-projects-for-gardener.html" target="">DIY guide</a> to build your very own pallet garden.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Gutter Garden</b> - Gutter Gardens are becoming more and more popular in small gardening spaces. This brilliant solution involves taking gutters
and connecting them to walls in a sunny area, so that they are off the
ground, away from bugs, animals, and a foundation that can sometimes
become too wet. Check out these cool DIY guides for gutter gardens and hanging gutter gardens.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Canning Jar Garden -</b> Making a wall mounted Spice Rack from Canning Jars
is another cheap and easy way to garden in small spaces. This idea can
even be used by those individuals who don't have outdoor space to garden
in, at all. A canning jar garden will work great outdoors on your
patio, fence, balcony, garage wall, etc. or indoors on the wall of your
living room or kitchen.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Terraniums</b> - Terraniums are a fun
idea for any gardener who loves to get creative and have fun while
gardening. Some of my favorite terraniums that I've made came from items
that I thrifted. (i.e. old fish bowls and spice bowls with lids, garden
gnomes, fake flowers and vines, rocks, pebbles, sand, etc.) A terranium
will add flair to any garden that is on a patio or balcony, or any
garden that is indoors. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /> Rain Boot Planter -</b> Another
cheap and whimsical way to add a bit of style to any garden is to use
old rain boots as a planter. They can be hung from the walls, a fence,
or just sit on top of a table or the ground. This specific planter is a
fun idea to do if you like gardening with your kids.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Window Boxes -</b>
Another cute and simple way to garden some of your favorite flowers or a
few of your favorite herbs is to invest in a window box. These can
usually be found at your local gardening store or a home goods store.
You can even re-use household items like wine boxes, baskets, and wooden
crates to make your very own window box. To add a bit of pizzaz, try
painting your box and distressing it. You can even buy some stencils and
write some cute messages or words on the box, to turn any plain old box
to an adorable window box in no time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Coffee and Soup Can Garden-</b> A coffee and soup can garden
is another easy idea when it comes to gardening in small spaces. Coffee
cans and soup cans are two everyday items that you probably already
have lying around the house. If you paint them to add a bit of charm and
then plant your favorite flowers or herbs in them, they can be placed
on the ground, window ledges, or tables, or even be hung from ceilings,
rafters, roofs, walls, fences, trees and poles. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /> Square Foot/Raised Bed Garden -</b> Making your own <a data-rapid_p="11" href="http://garden-design-ideas.blogspot.com/2014/12/raised-bed-preparation-tips-for-optimum.html" target="">raised bed garden</a>
doesn't have to be as difficult as it seems. In fact, you can even
measure out the specific amount of distance and feet you want the garden
to be. You'd be surprised just how many vegetables and flowers you can
manage to fit in just a few square feet. Cinder blocks work great for
this type of garden, especially if you are planting something like
strawberries. If you don't have enough space to build a raised bed
garden, you might even consider just using a few cinder blocks by
themselves and planting a select few plants and inside them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Laundry Basket Garden -</b> Laundry Baskets work great for gardening things like <a data-rapid_p="12" href="http://garden-design-ideas.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-to-grow-potatoes-in-tires.html" target="">potatoes</a>.
They also work great for keeping around your garden when it comes time
to harvest your plants and rinse them off. Even better? A laundry basket
works as a natural strainer. Gone are the days of having to lug
everything in the house one item at a time to rinse and strain.</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Conclusion</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Feeling inspired yet? Remember, just because a space is small, doesn't
mean it can't have gardening potential. I live in an apartment and for
my garden I literally just went into the woods and collected buckets
full of rocks. Then I dug around our windows where the grass was dead,
and laid down some soil and river pebbles which I got on a summer sale
at Lowes, and then I outlined the landscape with the collected rocks. I
planted from seeds and spread mulch around, bought $2 solar lights from Target, and thrifted gardening tools like watering cans, and materials to make terraniums and gnome gardens. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also bought 6 red bricks from Lowes for less than $20 and just dug
up a bit of grass in front of our patio where I wanted to place them,
placed them down in a curved path and patted the dirt back down. It took
about a year for the grass to grow in around it (I could have bought
grass seed and planted, but I was lazy) within a year's time, we now
have a cute DIY path leading from our patio do our small garden. With a
little bit of imagination, and creativity, and a bit of hard work, your
small garden space can be thriving in no time, and you don't even have
to spend outside your budget to make it all happen. Best of luck!</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-81093628173250495772014-12-29T10:34:00.003-08:002014-12-29T10:34:56.164-08:00Growing and Eating Flowers, Stems, and Leaves<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The part of the plant to eat for broccoli is the flower, for kohlrabi
is the stem, and for brussels sprout is the leaf. I grow all of these in
the hardiness zone five of the Midwest.<br />
<br />
<b>The first week of April</b>
is the best planting time for all three vegetables in my garden. I
either purchase the seedlings or grow them from seeds inside. Also I
have started the seeds outside around the first of May. When I start the
seed in the garden I make a hole the same size as the container used
for starting the seed inside and add the same starting medium. Also I
use an insecticide dust on the plants after they come above the ground.
This keeps insects and other animals away from the seedling as it
develops into a 4 to 5 inch plant.<br />
<br />
<b>Broccoli can be eaten</b>
during first week of June, with the help of the weather. Broccoli can
have a bad taste if the large stem is eaten or after the yellow flowers
have started from the buds. The groups of buds is the part ate.
Typically the first and largest grouping of the buds tastes the best.
After the initial harvest the plants grow several smaller groups of buds
which are also ate. Around the middle of July the smaller buds loss the
original taste. So I remove the plant and put winter squash seeds in
its place.<br />
<br />
<b>Kohlrabi is ready to eat</b> from the first day of
summer to the 4th of July. The ones in my garden taste best went
they're about 1 and 1/2 inch in diameter. Any larger the stem will
become hollow and crack inside. I peel off 1/4 inch of the outside to
reach the better taste of the inside. After harvest I remove the cut
stem and its roots to plant winter squash seed.<br />
<br />
<b>Brussels sprouts can appear to stop growing</b>,
during the warmer days of summer. But they should be left in the
ground, because they start the growth again as the days get cooler.
Brussels sprouts need one or two freezes to get their good taste. For
the temperature to reach 25 degrees is better than falling just below
freezing. For my growing area it might be necessary to wait until middle
of October to get the good taste. When harvesting, I remove the bundles
of Brussels Sprouts leaves themselves. By not cutting off the stem, new
leaf bundles will grow until a hard freeze ends the season.<br />
<br />
<b>All three vegetables grown</b>
in my garden are rather small. My Kohlrabi grows too around 1 and 1/2
inches in diameter and my Brussels sprouts leaf bundles reach less than 1
inch in diameter. The first time I ever saw the larger ones pictured in
catalogs, I was in the hardness zone 4 of Wisconsin. One Saturday
morning, at a farmers market, I purchased 4 inch diameter Kohlrabi and 2
inch diameter Brussels sprouts. <a href="http://garden-design-ideas.blogspot.com/search/label/Vegetables">Vegetable care articles</a></div>
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</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-85506292452496360892014-12-29T10:32:00.002-08:002014-12-29T10:32:44.681-08:00Guide to Calla Lillies: Planting Elegance in the Spring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The calla lillies are in bloom again. Such a strange flower--suitable
to any occasion. Remember the famous line from Katharine Hepburn in
classic movie "Stage Door." Gaining in popularity of late, this South
African lilly is a beautiful choice for bouquet or garden and is easy to
grow. Here is the what, when, where and how of calla lillies. (The why
is obvious--just look at them.)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>What</b> <br /> Zantedeschia aethiopica <br /> Perennial <br /> Zones 7-10 <br /> Long, trumpet-like blossoms in a variety of colors (white, yellow, pink, orange, purple) <br /> Medium green foliage, sometimes spotted <br /> Low maintenance <br /> Grows from bulb, spreads by rhizome <br /> 1-3 feet high (except for some extra tall varieties) <br /> Up to a 3-foot wide plant <br /> Easy to grow <br /> Deer resistant and provides ground cover</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>When</b> <br /> Spring <br /> When the ground is warm, damp and soft <br /> Can be started indoors and may bloom indoors <br />
I have a cala lilly on my desk at home. Grown indoors in a terra cotta
pot by my son during this harsh Western New York winter, the bulb
produced 2 perfect white flowers during the first week of March.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Where </b> Full sun to filtered sunlight <br /> Beds or borders <br /> In soil which drains well (Soggy is not good.) <br /> In shallow holes with eyes up and exposed to the air</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>How</b> <br /> Look for sprouts and roots in 2 to 3 weeks after planting these bulbs. <br /> Keep soil moist but not soaking. <br />
Divide plants to keep them healthy (more air and sun and fewer bugs
and fungi). Water them first, and dig up the entire root system with a
shovel. Split at root level. Plant them right away; make sure you have
scoped out other sites beforehand. Calla lillies spread easily; so
dividing them keeps them within borders.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Don't leave all your
calla lillies in the garden. Cut and enjoy singly or as a bouquet in a
vase. They will last a good week or more. They are also popular for
wedding bouquets. Individual stems sell at florists for $5 or more each. Your gardening efforts can pay off in a very real way with this outstanding flower! <a href="http://garden-design-ideas.blogspot.com/2014/12/of-flowers-and-failures-spring.html">General flower care</a></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-89066795451219880192014-12-29T10:30:00.000-08:002014-12-29T10:30:01.713-08:00A Little Greenery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Recently, with Spring finally here, I have attained two plants. Living in a cramped apartment with three other people you would think having some greenery would be kind of hard to keep up with. Oh contraire. In fact, adding some greenery to your urban abode is good for you. Plants are alive; they need care and support just like every other living thing on planet Earth. They take in our carbon monoxide and provide clean, pure oxygen for us to breathe. How cool is that?<br /><br />Finding the right plant for a small space is relatively easy. My first plant of the season came from Hinterland Trading as a part of a terrarium kit. It's a darling little air plant that only requires a few squirts of water a week or an hour soak in a bowl once a week. Air plants are small and easy to take care of and it will eventually sprout a pretty, purple flower. It's just a bonus that it looks like the top of a pineapple.<br /><br />The avocado plant I was given is still in its toddler phase. It has produced its roots and sprouted a stem but it still needs a little TLC. To grow an avocado plant you poke the sides of the seed with toothpicks and elevate it while it sets halfway in water. It will sprout roots and a stem so it's able to go into a pot of soil. Now, understand, avocados come from trees. So, it will need to be transplanted into the ground eventually. The cool thing about this plant is that one day you can pick a nice tasty avocado from a branch and say, "I grew you and now I shall taste the fruits of my labor."<br /><br />There are other great plants for small spaces but each plant requires different care methods. Do research and find the right plant for you. Spruce up your dorm room or tiny apartment with some greenery. A little fresh air in an enclosed space never hurt anyone.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-69012450952882955792014-12-29T10:29:00.000-08:002014-12-29T10:29:01.086-08:00Can I Reuse Potting Mix?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqVpbYuQbLMWM2wmGIzz1Rrq72zbDzOraMcxxKkDawPibVCuOgETLo3j6caTQNkuwPAv8xNTXtb_8aZAAULhf6EWq-guEcxT16MGp2gzwWyymqi5Had_DJqtidGFiPpEwQgq2saDPvJ0/s1600/Can+I+Reuse+Potting+Mix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Can I Reuse Potting Mix?" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqVpbYuQbLMWM2wmGIzz1Rrq72zbDzOraMcxxKkDawPibVCuOgETLo3j6caTQNkuwPAv8xNTXtb_8aZAAULhf6EWq-guEcxT16MGp2gzwWyymqi5Had_DJqtidGFiPpEwQgq2saDPvJ0/s1600/Can+I+Reuse+Potting+Mix.jpg" title="Can I Reuse Potting Mix?" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With gardening season around the corner, it's time to dig out the
flower pots and seeds to start a new batch of vegetables and flower to
grow in the yard. One way I save money with my garden is by reusing many
of the supplies I used last year such as old trays and pots, stakes,
frames, and string. And what about re-using that potting mix? That's a
good question!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I won't reuse potting mix in my container
vegetables "as is" for several reason. For starters, most of the
nutrition has been depleted which means that it won't support a new
plant without adding fertilizer. There's also the problem of the organic
material in the potting mix which break down over time into fine
particles which lead to compacted soil and drainage problems. And for
people like me who garden organically, reusing potting mix for the same
type of container crop may lead to a build up of pests and disease.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This isn't to say that old potting mix has no value. Here are a few ways that I reuse potting mix in my yard.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Recharge and rotate it</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Old potting mix can be reused for container gardens as long as it's
been recharged and not used for the same plant. I recharge my old
potting mix by dumping it into a galvanized bucket, breaking up the
clods with my hands while also removing the roots, and then replacing a
third of the mix with finished compost. The recharged mix is then used
to grow a different food crop or flowers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Toss it in the compost</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Potting mix that I don't recharge for use in another container is
thrown in the compost bin when it turns into rich humus along with
everything else. The high temperatures of composting will kill any
pathogens in the potting soil making it safe to reuse once it's broken
down along with the rest of materials in the bin.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>To loosen up clay soils</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another great use for old potting mix is to improve soil texture in
areas where the soil is heavy with clay. Since I have quite a bit of
clay in my yard, I often turn over the soil with spent potting mix and
new compost. The combination of the organic material and vermiculite in
the potting mix along with the compost improves drainage which makes it
possible to grow flowers and vegetables in beds that used to be too
soggy for plants to grow at all.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>As base material in a large container</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A final use for old potting mix is as a base material for super sized
flower pots. When I recently bought a 30 gallon ceramic flower pot, I
filled the container two-thirds of the way with old potting mix and
topped it off with the newer stuff. This is more than enough to provide
nutrition for new plants and a great way to save money too. <a href="http://garden-design-ideas.blogspot.com/2014/12/natural-ways-to-enhance-garden-soil-for.html">If your garden soil is overall poor these tips can help you improve it!</a></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-18837400524650724362014-12-29T10:25:00.001-08:002014-12-29T10:25:09.825-08:00Asparagus, a Spring Favorite<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDThcp5ZR3i5pvNE1KT6JRnkGTH3LEvzfXuEayGYDaysAh2mHgGVQ6SySHzTWMYCTuPZi6fr11C7wixLYBA_kVFDYTueNRRZagrgTK7mI3yt1ZnopgZWub-yfySgm9SxwMtTCXjBaL3y8/s1600/Asparagus,+a+Spring+Favorite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Asparagus, a Spring Favorite" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDThcp5ZR3i5pvNE1KT6JRnkGTH3LEvzfXuEayGYDaysAh2mHgGVQ6SySHzTWMYCTuPZi6fr11C7wixLYBA_kVFDYTueNRRZagrgTK7mI3yt1ZnopgZWub-yfySgm9SxwMtTCXjBaL3y8/s1600/Asparagus,+a+Spring+Favorite.jpg" title="Asparagus, a Spring Favorite" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Spring is here and with it rushes in the excitement of preparing new
meals with the influx of freshly harvested vegatables. A favorite
amongst these new veggies being asparagus. Elegant, delicious and full
of nutrition, asparagus is ready to return to the dining table and
dazzle friends and family.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the great qualities of asparagus
is the many ways to prepare it. Asparagus can be grilled, steamed,
roasted, blanched, cooked on the stove top, and even microwaved. With
asparagus in season, recipes are readily available in many cookbooks and
on most cooking website lists. As a low calorie vegatable, asparagus
makes a great addittion to any spring plate. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Combined with a pasta it
becomes part of the main entree and adds wonderful color to the dish.
Bacon included with asparagus will have even the pickiest of eaters
devouring every last bite. Asparagus added to a salad makes for a
refreshing lunch. Asparagus is here and now is the time to take
advantage of this spring favorite.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Selection and Storage of Asparagu</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dark green and purple tips are essential to selecting great asparagus.
The spears should be firm to the touch while being straight and not
bent. The tips will also be closed tightly. The rest of the asparagus
will be a bright green color. Any blemished or wilted asparagus should
be avoided. When held in two hands the asparagus should easily be
snapped in two when bent, seperating the spear from the stalk.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To store once back home, the ends can be trimmed and placed in a cup
with just a little water in the bottom. Plastic can be wrapped over the
top before placing the cup in the refridgerator. This method will help
the asparagus keep for up to a couple of days. Next article is <a href="http://garden-design-ideas.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-to-plant-and-grow-eggplant.html">How to Plant and Grow Eggplant</a></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-85645189499402860172014-12-29T10:13:00.001-08:002014-12-29T10:13:21.916-08:00Simple Steps to Get Your Lawn Looking Great<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX06Cl8ULUtBDOjRATxHTeCVCf051GUQwPNxycobsB213xlFdYycLhBeRvXI8bJaK3Se7hPQtfnH1gY_CB25VJiamHg-BViNJWIyUHB_sLY6KH3XWE3hcxddFOxirn0kibQE8QNHCsgmA/s1600/Simple+Steps+to+Get+Your+Lawn+Looking+Great.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simple Steps to Get Your Lawn Looking Great" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX06Cl8ULUtBDOjRATxHTeCVCf051GUQwPNxycobsB213xlFdYycLhBeRvXI8bJaK3Se7hPQtfnH1gY_CB25VJiamHg-BViNJWIyUHB_sLY6KH3XWE3hcxddFOxirn0kibQE8QNHCsgmA/s1600/Simple+Steps+to+Get+Your+Lawn+Looking+Great.jpg" title="Simple Steps to Get Your Lawn Looking Great" /></a></div>
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Having a great lawn that you can be proud doesn't have to cost five
hundred dollars a month or your entire weekend. Take a look at your lawn
right now, does it need a little tender loving care? Well I'm going to
tell you how you what you need to do to get your lawn looking great for
summer with a minimum amount of effort. Here is a list of some important
points to follow to have a great looking lawn.<br />
<br />
<b>Mower</b><br />
One of the keys to a great lawn is having a sharp blade on your mower.
Blades can get quite dull and worn down. Take the old blade off and
replace it with a new sharp blade. If you go to cut your grass and your
blade is not sharp, the mower will not cut the grass but pull the grass
up. The changing of the mower blade is quick, easy and well worth the
time in terms of lawn quality.<br />
<br />
<b>Cutting Direction</b><br />
We all have a special way that we cut out lawn. Some people like to
start out by the street while other like to start by the neighbors yard.
They key point here is to always vary you cut direction. One week cut
top to bottom, then the next week cut left to right. This will prevent
the grass from growing in one direction and will give you lawn a fuller
look.<br />
<br />
<b>Fertilizer</b><br />
Another key to have a great lawn
is that you have to feed the lawn. Fertilizer is the key to doing this.
A lawn that is feed can take the beatings from the heat, cold, drought
and foot traffic. You really should fertilize your lawn four times a
year. The best lawn feeding times are early spring, late spring, mid
summer, and fall.<br />
<br />
<b>Aeration</b><br />
Keeping you lawn
aerated will allow your lawn to have proper airflow and proper water
absorption. You don't have to buy some fancy aeration machine for your
local hardware store. You can do a great job with just your basic
pitchfork. The point is to get the holes deep so that water and
nutrients can reach the roots.</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-35508791702192049882014-12-29T10:11:00.001-08:002014-12-29T10:11:24.377-08:00The Best Way to Repair a Leaf Blower Pull Cord<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFLeF8E0VXi0ukjtMRIOSTbe_qFcGrYomlHjhTirYrlawzqPNSlx8RzY7C0O-Y55giRTsP4GTpbO4Vwv5Y_FN-sDFKhyphenhyphenYoRVso3zA-rogVO1e1_mkbcE2eK_QUCzyahbdTGOy_5KH4uo/s1600/The+Best+Way+to+Repair+a+Leaf+Blower+Pull+Cord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Best Way to Repair a Leaf Blower Pull Cord" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFLeF8E0VXi0ukjtMRIOSTbe_qFcGrYomlHjhTirYrlawzqPNSlx8RzY7C0O-Y55giRTsP4GTpbO4Vwv5Y_FN-sDFKhyphenhyphenYoRVso3zA-rogVO1e1_mkbcE2eK_QUCzyahbdTGOy_5KH4uo/s1600/The+Best+Way+to+Repair+a+Leaf+Blower+Pull+Cord.jpg" title="The Best Way to Repair a Leaf Blower Pull Cord" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If your leaf blower pull cord becomes damaged you might wish to replace
it. Over time, the pull cord on a leaf blower might become brittle from
the heat of the motor. Commonly, pull cords fray or tear causing you to
replace them. If this has happened to your leaf blower, you do not need
to throw it away and purchase a new one. Repairing a leaf blower pull
cord does not require extensive tools or skill.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Things Needed:</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hex wrench </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Scissors </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Screwdriver </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Replacement cord </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Work gloves </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Safety goggles</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Step 1</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Remove the hex bolts holding the plastic leaf blower housing in place
with your hex wrench. You may wish to cut the cord with your scissors
and loosen the bolt or screw securing the rope assembly with your hex
wrench or screwdriver.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Step 2</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Remove the spring assembly carefully. Do not remove the spring.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Step 3</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Remove the old cord from the leaf blower pull cord assembly by gently
pulling it away from the assembly with your hands. Notice the direction
the pull cord is wound, as this becomes important in the next step.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Step 4</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wind the new pull cord in the same direction it was removed by you in
Step 3. Make sure the inner end of the pull cord secures in the faster
or slot provided on the pull cord assembly. This varies depending on the
leaf blower manufacturer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Step 5</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Replace the pull cord place and pulley over the spring. This is the white plastic spool.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Step 6</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rotate the pull cord assembly two or three times in the same direction
the cord pulls wearing safety goggles and work gloves. Reinsert the
center screw by screwing it in place with your screwdriver; this holds
the pulley assembly together.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Step 7</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Insert the
leaf blowers cord end into the final end of the handle opening. Secure
the handle by tying a knot at the bottom of the new pull cord; this
prevents the handle from being pulled off the pull cord while the leaf
is started by you blower.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Step 8</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Place the pull
cord assembly back onto your leaf blower in its designated area and
secure by refastening the four hex nuts with your hex wrench.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Step 9</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Replace the housing cover of the leaf blower and refasten the hex nuts
with your hex wrench. The housing was removed by you cover in Step 1. </div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-61881978265465576862014-12-29T10:08:00.000-08:002014-12-29T10:08:06.604-08:004 Steps to Whipping Your Flowerbeds into Shape for Spring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div id="article_text_blocks">
Now that spring has arrived it's time to get my yard in shape. I start
by following my outdoor spring cleaning guide, which usually begins
with conquering our flowerbeds. Despite my best efforts in the fall, our
flowerbeds are always a mess after winter, so it takes a bit of effort
to get them back in shape.<br />
Here are the four steps I take to whip our flowerbeds into shape in the spring.<br />
<br />
<b>The cleanup</b><br />
I'm not sure how it happens, but somehow our flowerbeds always end up
full of leaves, dead plants, and sometimes even trash over the winter
months. I can only guess that the winter winds brings it all in, but
nonetheless, it has to be cleaned up. So, the first step to cleaning up
our flowerbeds.<br />
<br />
<b>Removing or moving old plants</b><br />
Once I have the flowerbeds cleared of debris, I start on removing old
plants that have lived out their lifespans like annuals or older plants
that lost their battle with the elements. Then, I remove plants that
simply don't fit into my new design. If a plant is a perennial, meaning
it lives for many seasons/years I almost always try to relocate it to a
flowerbed where it fits in, but if that isn't possible I try to find it a
home with family or friends before I toss it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://garden-design-ideas.blogspot.com/2014/12/time-to-crown-your-roses.html"><b>Pruning the roses</b></a><br />
Our home came with a number of large rose bushes that have been on
this property for more than 20 years. Though they don't always fit in
with my design, I don't have the heart to risk transplanting them, so I
leave them as they are. However, that means I have to keep up with their
maintenance. Pruning rose
bushes can be tricky, so it's important to identify the type of roses
you have before getting started.We have repeat bloomers that like to
climb, so it's best to prune then in the spring. I start by removing any
dead or damaged wood, then I clip certain pieces to get them into
shape.<br />
<br />
<b>Planting</b><br />
Once I have everything cleaned
up, it's time to rebuild our flowerbeds. I start by replacing the garden
pebbles that were displaced or removed during the cleanup. Then, I
begin planting the new plants. I place our perennials first since they
will be a part of the garden for a few years. Once those are in place I
add in the annuals to fill in the space.<br />
Cleaning up the flowerbeds isn't an easy or fun job, but the result always makes it worth the effort.</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-15562390822003817562014-12-29T10:05:00.001-08:002014-12-29T10:05:10.661-08:00Calendula: Spouse of the Sun<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6N5A95GXmEDhvHJcpqzlic4Yf9XLeOft1-bNwbrWGsIAdMctXqXsp5lcbm_KDbrfmsrMAKmKNMlirB_G2F0YFO54q1HGSEH8ySv1CfQpBQCkf4sOJnjGoxm61I6ADZNFrLffOBCRDfQ/s1600/Calendula+Spouse+of+the+Sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Calendula: Spouse of the Sun" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6N5A95GXmEDhvHJcpqzlic4Yf9XLeOft1-bNwbrWGsIAdMctXqXsp5lcbm_KDbrfmsrMAKmKNMlirB_G2F0YFO54q1HGSEH8ySv1CfQpBQCkf4sOJnjGoxm61I6ADZNFrLffOBCRDfQ/s1600/Calendula+Spouse+of+the+Sun.jpg" title="Calendula: Spouse of the Sun" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Calendula, also called Marigold (not to be confused with the more common
French Marigold), Summer's Bredc, Holigold, Marybud, or my favorite:
Bride of the Sun.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /> History And Folklore</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ancient
Romans were the first to name Calendula, noting that these bright
flowers always seemed to open on the first day of the month, "calends"
in latin. It's also called "Mary's Favorite Flower,"
and some churches decorate their statutes of the Virgin Mary with it.
There is no agreement among folklorists on whether the legend is derived
from the Virgin Mary or Mary Queen of Scotts. It was said to be
effective in love drawing spells.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Cultivation</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Calendula does well in a partial shade environment and can work well in
the corners of a garden and in cooler climates. It's growing season can
extend into October. When growing from seed the planting should be at
about one eighth of an inch deep and should be done right after the soil
has been turned. Plants should be placed at least nine inches apart and
need to be weeded consistently. Calendula can come down with some plant
diseases, leave spot, stem rot, blight, and mildew to name a few. You
can prevent these by ensuring the plant is 6 inches from any other
plants, this allows better air circulation. Insects such as slugs,
snails, aphid, caterpillars, etc can occur too. Mist the plants with a
spray bottle full of soap and water. I recommend a solution of Dr Brauner's and distilled water at least once a week until the pests are gone.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Harvesting</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Harvesting should be done as the flowers open but pinching off the
entire flower at the stem. It's the leaves that are valuable, the stem
and roots are not usable. Flowers can be dried on newspaper in the shade
over a few days. In England it used to be boiled and eaten as a
vegetable but has made a comeback as an addition to salads and soups.
When taken internally it tends to dramatically lower blood sugar and is
therefore dangerous to diabetics. More uses of marigold (calendula) in vegetable garden right here (<a href="http://garden-design-ideas.blogspot.com.tr/2014/12/companion-planting-for-greener-garden.html">Companion Planting for a Greener Garden</a> )</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-68308756595663188692014-12-29T10:01:00.004-08:002014-12-29T10:01:43.207-08:00How to Care for Your Christmas Cactus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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There is nothing more beautiful than a Christmas cactus in full bloom.
With proper care and a little bit of love, a Christmas cactus will grow
larger, stronger and healthier bringing you joy for many, many years. I
have had my cactus for fifteen years and when a sprig would
accidentally get knocked off, I would replant it, but only after doing
one step to prepare it for the soil. When it was healthy enough, I would
give it away as a gift. You don't need a degree in botany to have a
beautiful Christmas cactus, all you need are some directions and the
desire to grow such a glorious plant.<br />
<br />
<b>What is A Christmas Cactus?</b><br />
The Christmas cactus, also known as Schlumbergera and Zygocactus is a
relatively small genus of cacti that grows on trees or rocks in the
coastal mountains of Brazil. According to http://www.wikipedia.org there
are six species of Christmas cacti and they grow in shady habitats with
high humidity and are quite different from their desert dwelling
cousins. The Christmas cactus has several other names such as; the
Holiday cactus, the Easter cactus and the Thanksgiving cactus. When the
Christmas cactus flowers, the flowers can be white, pink, yellow,
orange, red and purple. The Christmas cactus blooms between Thanksgiving
and Christmas in the northern hemisphere and between Easter and May in
the southern hemisphere. Strangely, my cactus usually blooms at both
Christmas time and Easter affectionately earning it the name the
Chreaster cactus.<br />
<br />
<b>Caring For Your Christmas Cactus</b><br />
Caring for and maintaining your Christmas cactus is relatively easy
and by following some basic rules you will be able to enjoy your cactus
for many, many years. When it comes to watering and sunlight, its best to;<br />
<ul>
<li>· <b>Light-</b>
keep your plants in a sunny location indoors, but if move outside
during the summer, keep it in a semi-shady location. Too much light can
burn and damage the leaves. </li>
<li>· <b>Soil-</b> well-drained soil is a must for a Christmas cactus. Use a commercially packaged mix for succulent plants. </li>
<li>· <b>Water-</b>
A Christmas cactus is a succulent plant and can store a reasonable
amount of water in its leaves. Water thoroughly when the top half of the
soil feels dry to the touch. The length of time between watering will
vary depending on temperature, amount of light and humidity. </li>
<li>· <b>Re-potting-</b> plants should be re-potted every two or three years or when the pot is filled with roots and the soil looks depleted. </li>
</ul>
<b>Re-planting A Section That Has Broken Off</b><br />
Don't throw that broken piece away, do what I do. Get a glass milk
jug, tall glass or cup or any other suitable container and fill it just
about to the top with cold tap water. Place the broken piece of the
cactus in the container of water and place it on a windowsill where it
can get some sunlight. If it's during the summertime, place it in an
area where it gets a modest amount of sunlight. As the water level
drops, keep refilling the container. Eventually you will see tiny roots
sprouting from the bottom of the broken piece. When this happens,
transplant it into a new pot of soil and follow the directions for
proper care. Soon you will see it begin to grow larger and stronger.<br />
A Christmas cactus is a beautiful and wonderful plant that will bring you years of stunning beauty when it blooms.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-8712301933694803362014-12-29T09:59:00.003-08:002014-12-29T09:59:44.895-08:00Basil: The King's Herb<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiv9t-np6gRRRlANktUS0fQHIN4CxJj48dugj-s4l0ryGZ8DOpopJ97ARX2WQNCzQtotKX7rVIbeW7nIP-OGW_bIElKy_Bx_hph5eOAJVQ-IHxgzFgQxOSeVNA24qJxmelx-pSCpsvR-k/s1600/Basil+The+King's+Herb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Basil: The King's Herb" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiv9t-np6gRRRlANktUS0fQHIN4CxJj48dugj-s4l0ryGZ8DOpopJ97ARX2WQNCzQtotKX7rVIbeW7nIP-OGW_bIElKy_Bx_hph5eOAJVQ-IHxgzFgQxOSeVNA24qJxmelx-pSCpsvR-k/s1600/Basil+The+King's%2BHerb.jpg" title="Basil: The King's Herb" /></a></div>
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A relative of mint, with squarish stems about two feet high, oval leaves
that are usually dark green with pointy ends, Basil was used by
European royalty for millennia. It has many names and many types but is
easy to cultivate and is great for cooking. Below is a tour of basil's
uses and history.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Types of Basil</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sweet basil is
the most common culinary herb, but there are about 150 different types
of basil. Fortunately the names indicate the taste: there's lemon basil,
licorice basil, cinnamon basil, and anise basil. Other varieties
include lettuce leaf basil, which is great in salads. Ornamental basils
include green ruffle basil and purple ruffle basil. Opal basil is a more
moderate version of sweet basil while Holy basil is extremely pungent.
Camphor basil is good for repelling moths and mosquitoes.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>History & Folklore</b> </div>
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The word "basileus" is Greek for king, which is where the herb was
first associated with royalty. In Greece today it is used to scare away
the "karkanzari,"
souls banished to disturb the living. Medieval Italians feared the herb
and there is a superstition that if one puts a basil leaf under a pot
it will turn into a scorpion. During the Victorian era basil made a
comeback and represented love and good wishes. In Haiti it was
associated with the love goddess Erzulie and was placed on burning
alters to foretell the fate of a relationship. Currently basil is said
to bring luck in most cultures and to clear away negativity. Western
Europeans generally consider it to have protective qualities and will
sprinkle it in the four corners of a room.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Growing Basil</b> </div>
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Basil is an annual, it cannot withstand cold and must be replaced
every year. It grows well once the ground is at least 50 degrees and
does not do well in droughts. It is easy to grow from seed and takes
about 3-7 days to germinate with good water and warm soil. The seeds
need warmth to germinate. Basil should be planted one eighth of an inch
deep and culled within about a one foot area. That means that once the
seeds start sprouting it's a good idea to leave the best seeds alone and
pull out all the weak sprouts within a half a foot of the strong ones.
Growing basil is similar to growing peppers, in fact they can grow near
each other. In addition, basil will enhance the growth and taste of
tomatoes and asparagus - the pungent smell keeps insects away. Do not
plant basil near rue, rue is bitter and the plants will not grow near
each other.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Harvesting</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Leaves should be harvested
while young, before the flowering tops open. When you harvest, take
about a third of the length of the whole plant each time. Depending on
temperature and rainfall you may be able to harvest once a month to once
a week throughout the summer. Leaves can be frozen, dried, or stored in
oil. It takes about four to six days for the leaves to dry on a drying
rack or they usually respond well in a microwave if placed between paper
towels on a high setting for one minute. Any heat will dissipate the
oil in the basil leaves so never leave stored basil out in direct light
or near the stove.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Basil is great to cook with but not for
everybody - it has the flavor of pepper with a trace of mint or lemon,
etc depending on the variety. Always add basil to your dish at the last
minute so that the oil in the leaves will not have time to evaporate. It
tastes great in a pesto or over chicken, fish, or steak. Enjoy! Next article about herbs <a href="http://garden-design-ideas.blogspot.com/2014/12/10-popular-herbs-to-grow-for-kitchen.html">10 Popular Herbs to Grow for the Kitchen</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-11244467890225433562014-12-28T11:29:00.000-08:002014-12-28T11:29:08.326-08:00Best Gardening Apps for Android Devices<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Gardening information has gone mobile and you can be only a few finger
taps away on an Android device from having a green thumb. These free
and handy apps will give you an advantage in creating perfect flower,
herb, or food gardens.<br />
<br />
<b>Garden Manager: Plant Alarm</b><br />
Garden Manager: Plant Alarm
is a cute and essential app that helps you keep track of your plants'
watering, spraying, and fertilizing times by allowing you to set an
alarm on your mobile device. The app also allows you to watch your
plants' growth progress through "selfie" uploaded photos and via notes
of your planting experiences you can share through social media. The
free app comes with advertisements but the paid version disables ads.<br />
<br />
<b>Landscape Calculator</b><br />
The Harvest Power of We nonprofit has a free Landscape Calculator
that helps you regulate how much soil, mulch, or stone you need for a
gardening project. Enter the depth on the handy slider rule, add in the
area of your garden, and the app calculates guidelines on how much
fertilizer and other nutrients you need to nourish the soil. The app
also shows fill conversions of soil into indoor plant containers, as
well as displaying tips on how to apply compost to your garden. It is a
useful app from an organization dedicated to the better management of
soil and organic waste.<br />
<br />
<b>The Beginner's Gardening Guide</b><br />
The Beginners Gardening Guide
is a helpful and free app that has information native to the app and
links to such content as videos, a useful companion website, local news,
and local calendar events. The app is well-organized and the text is
not confusing for the novice gardener when unfamiliar terms are clearly
explained. This is a must-have app for both new and seasoned gardeners.
<br />
<b><br /> Experts Gardening Solutions</b><br />
Expert Gardening Solutions,
by the same author of the Beginners Gardening Guide, is a free app for
those who have more experience in gardening. The app is focused on
garden design ideas, practical budgeting, and organic gardening. This
app offers the same features as the novice version with video links,
website, local calendar events, and news resources. The app, like the
beginner version, is not ad-free, but it's a minimal distraction that
does not detract from the wealth of useful information. <br />
Vegetable Gardening 101
is a useful book app that gives you information ranging from how to
deal with insects to keeping your garden rid of pests like rabbits. The
book has margin ads but this is a small distraction from the wealth of
knowledge in the free app.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-43262614870615873032014-12-28T11:28:00.000-08:002014-12-28T11:28:07.605-08:00Garden Ideas That Kids Will Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When it comes to creating the perfect family garden you have to
have a space for the kids. One thing I always love to see is the kids
out in the yard having a good time. One way for them to want to get out
is to give them their own space and projects in the yard. So I thought
it would be a good idea to list some kid friendly garden ideas, that the
entire family will enjoy. Keep in mind that young children will need to
be supervised in the yard. The ideas listed below are mostly for kids
over the age of eight.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Climbing wall</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A
simple, small climbing wall is the perfect addition to any yard where
there are kids. A climbing wall is easy to add to your yard, since all
you need to do is order it. Then you will need to find the perfect spot
in the yard for the climbing wall. If your yard is big enough then you
will want to add it to the middle of the yard. The climbing wall does
not have to be large like the ones you usually see, where you would need
a harness. It could be a simple one that they can easily climb over to
the other side.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Hopscotch Garden</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A
hopscotch garden is exactly what it sounds like. You can make large
wooden hopscotch pads for your children to skip on. The fun part is that
you can pick up the wooden blocks from your local arts and craft store,
or you can pick up the wood from a local home improvement store. Once
you have the wood pieces you can have your children help you paint them a
variety of colors, and add the numbers. It may be a good idea to put a
water resistant sealant on the wood pieces as well to protect them from
the weather. Then take them out in the garden and plant them. You will
literally need to dig about half an inch into the ground so that the
wooden pieces will be flush with the ground. Then be sure to secure them
by filling in the dirt around the wood pieces.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Wooden Tool shed</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Why not take some time to build your child a wooden tool shed, just
the right size for them. I'm not talking about a club house, but a place
where they can keep their own gardening supplies, and any other tools
they can use to be creative and build things in the yard. Of course what
goes in their wooden tool shed depends on their age as well. This can
also be a nice art space for your kids as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Want your kid to have a green tumb this article will help you achieve that <a href="http://garden-design-ideas.blogspot.com/2014/12/five-vegetables-your-kids-will-love-to.html">Five Vegetables Your Kids Will Love to Grow (and Eat!) </a></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-53307290522500194992014-12-28T11:25:00.001-08:002014-12-28T11:25:49.655-08:0010 Problems You Can Solve With Gardening Apps Today<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Touted as a fun-filled pastime that leaves you envisioning yourself
with a set of pruning shears, a floppy sunhat and a watering can, there
is nevertheless a lot more to successful gardening. When the pests come
along, the white mold covers the leafs and slugs have all but decimated
your seedlings, there is an app for that. Ten gardening apps can solve
the most common gardening problems. What are our favorite apps?<br />
<br />
<b>1. Garden Compass Plant/Disease Identifier for the Brown Thumb</b><br />
Free of charge, this gardening app is suitable for the iPhone and
iPad. If the recurring brown dustings on the underside of your plant
leaf are a mystery to you and the staff at the big box home improvement
store where you bought the plants, this app lets you upload a photo of
the diseased leaf. Gardening experts review and identify your pest. They
even tell you what to use to get rid of it.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Garden Time Planner for the Newcomer to Gardening</b><br />
Designed by Burpee and available as a free download for iPad, iPhone and iPod
touch, you now have the opportunity to have a task list customized for
your garden region. Remember when to sow your seeds or transplant your
seedlings.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Gardening Toolkit Turns Forgetful Beginners into Green Thumbs</b><br />
At the modest cost of $1.99, you can turn your prior gardening
disasters into successes. This gardening app allows your iPhone to teach
you about hardiness zones, lets you set fertilizer reminders and helps
you manage optimal planting times and locations for your favorite crops.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Grow Planner from Mother Earth News Converts an iPad into a Graph Planner</b><br />
At a cost of $9.99, this is one of the more expensive iPad apps you
might consider downloading. Even so, it is well worth the expense when
you are thinking of redoing your garden's layout. Not only can you
transform your iPad into graph paper and plot out your flowerbeds, but
you also have the opportunity to let the app automatically provide you
with plant spacing data and planting schedules.<br />
<br />
<b>5. iGarden USA lets you Time Planting and Harvesting Schedules</b><br />
Compatible with the iPod touch, iPhone and iPad, this app costs $4.99.
Although costly, it serves as a comprehensive scheduler for planting
and harvesting times. Personalization allows you to enter your planting
data and estimate harvesting dates.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Landscaper's Companion Transforms the Hobbyist into an Expert</b><br />
Available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, this reference app
costs $4.99. Priced a bit higher than conventional gardening
applications, it is well worth the money when you want to focus on
expanding and honing your skills with certain plant groups. Specialize
in the growth of herbs, roses, fruit trees and other flora. The app
tells you about the ideal growing environment and some plant backgrounds
as well.<br />
<br />
<b>7. The Plant Doctor Provides Interactive Diagnosis for Plant Diseases</b><br />
A great free resource, the app is available in English and Spanish for
your iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Suitable for the professional as well
as the hobbyist, you supply the photographs and the detailed
description, and a professional plant pathologist gives you feedback. If
you only download one gardening app this year, make it this one!<br />
If you have not yet invested in an iPhone or iPad, do not fret. There are also Android applications available.<br />
<br />
<b>8. Bugs in the Garden Offers a Quick-ID Database for Common Pests</b><br />
Are you wondering what is crawling around on your tomato plant or
chewing away at your artichokes? This gardening app from the Google Play Store costs $0.99 and lets you identify beetles, aphids and other pests in adult and larval stages.<br />
<br />
<b>9. Gardening 101 is a Mix of Education and Entertainment</b><br />
For the hobbyist who is not above the idea of playing flower puzzles,
watching videos and learning about gardening with herbs, this free app
is the right download.<br />
<br />
<b>10. Vegetable Gardening 101 is for the Beginner in Need of Perspective</b><br />
Does the whole idea of growing a vegetable garden leave you
hyperventilating in panic? There is no need for dread! This app is a
succinct reference guide that walks you through the process of seeding,
transplanting, caring for and finally harvesting your vegetables.
Available for free, this is a great way of getting the bigger picture
before plunging into the hobby.</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-41843902787951428522014-12-28T11:24:00.000-08:002014-12-28T11:24:10.252-08:006 High Yield Fruits and Vegetables to Grow on a Fence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDMcSI-W1Wvj5zvt3F-pdntZMtl4qR43sqcRGHYJyP5HGlsM-T8caxQ7PcJwBB2GJcYim9DQryCf1zs-dg-y18jQ0pjj7VEfix3kQy7dXJotYxvm3UyMysVBgab3vkRKQY-6YnWoEjNM/s1600/6+High+Yield+Fruits+and+Vegetables+to+Grow+on+a+Fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="6 High Yield Fruits and Vegetables to Grow on a Fence" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDMcSI-W1Wvj5zvt3F-pdntZMtl4qR43sqcRGHYJyP5HGlsM-T8caxQ7PcJwBB2GJcYim9DQryCf1zs-dg-y18jQ0pjj7VEfix3kQy7dXJotYxvm3UyMysVBgab3vkRKQY-6YnWoEjNM/s1600/6+High+Yield+Fruits+and+Vegetables+to+Grow+on+a+Fence.jpg" height="320" title="6 High Yield Fruits and Vegetables to Grow on a Fence" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you want to grow some vegetables but don't think you have the
space, why not look upwards instead? Vertical gardening lets you take
advantage of fences, trellises and exterior walls to grow fruits and
vegetables in tiny spaces.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Blackberries or raspberries</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I grow my berry bushes along a chain link fence which does a great job
of camouflaging the alley while keeping my family well supplied with
fresh berries. A healthy blackberry bush will produce between 10-20
pounds of fruit a season, a single raspberry bush slightly less.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Grapes</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Grapes are another family favorite at our house though do require full
sun to grow. Grape vines can be trained to grown along a fence, over a
pergola or on a trellis. I usually harvest about 15-20 clusters of
grapes per plant.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Lemon cucumbers</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've only
started growing this unusual vegetable a few years ago and love the
compact size of the fruit which makes it ideal for growing along a porch
rail or small trellis. Lemon cucumber plants are very prolific and easy
to grow. Last year, our average yield was between 20-30 cucumbers per
plant.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Pole Beans</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Certain bean varieties are known
as "pole" plants, meaning they can be trained to climb upon a fence or
trellis for bountiful yields. Pole beans have 2-3 times the yield of
bush varieties and have a much longer growing season. Average yield per
plant is about 5-6 pounds.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Pickling cucumbers</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our
family eats a lot of relish which is why pickling cucumbers are a staple
in my garden too. Pickling cucumbers are much smaller than standard
market cucumbers which means that they won't break the vine as they
grow. Most pickle and relish recipes call for at least 4-6 pounds of
pickles per recipe which is why you'll need to plant at least 8 plants.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Apples, peaches, plums, and cherries</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While we don't think about growing fruit trees along a fence line, the
old art of espalier training makes it possible to grow orchard fruits
in tight, compact spaces along a fence or a wall. The yields are
fantastic in relation to the space -- for instructions for espalier
training fruit trees in your yard, check out the Mother Earth News
article: How to espalier apple trees. Need more ideas? check this article called <a href="http://garden-design-ideas.blogspot.com/2014/12/4-fruits-you-can-easily-grow.html">4 Fruits You Can Easily Grow</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A lack of yard space doesn't mean that you can't have a micro orchard
or vegetable garden. Thanks to vining fruits, pole vegetables, and tree
varieties that can be espalier trained, it is possible to grow food for
your family in hardly any space at all.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-68046881815641928542014-12-28T11:20:00.003-08:002014-12-28T11:20:19.754-08:0010 Android Apps for the Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Apps that Make an Android a Must Have in the Garden</h3>
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The app explosion of recent years has gotten into the gardening game.
And Android users have a plethora of apps to which they can turn while
in the garden.<br />
<br />
<b>1.</b> <b>Garden Manager: Plant Alarm</b><u><br /></u>The
Garden Manager is a lifesaver, namely saving the lives of my plants.
The alarms on this app tells me when watering and fertilizing is needed.
The Manager also allows me to track my progress with a photo log or a
graph of my plants.<br />
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<b>2. The Gardener's Calendar</b><br />
This app introduced me to moon planting. Something I have found useful
for crop producing plants. The Calendar also offers up advice and tips
about soil, pH levels, and germination temperatures.<br />
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<b>3.</b> <b>Garden Squared</b><br />
This app is simple but useful. Garden Squared helped me utilized my
smaller gardening areas to their fullest. The app guides to best
planning and planting practices in any size garden or planter.<br />
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<b>4. ColdSnap! Frost Alarm</b><br />
I discovered this app when I was concerned about my pipes bursting.
But I realized that the alarm could be put to use in my garden. The app
lets me know when I need to protect my agriculture from Jack Frost.<br />
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<b>5. NatureGate</b><br />
Too often I would come across a plant I adored but could not
recognize. NatureGate ended my plant guessing game by providing
identification of several plant species.<br />
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<b>6. Expert Gardening Solutions</b><br />
I have to know what the experts say. So downloading this app was a no
brainer. Not only did this app give me all the expert tips I was looking
for, it showed me how to garden smarter and how to save money doing it.<br />
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<b>7. Pinterest</b><br />
This app gives me gardening inspiration. With an entire category on
gardening and pins from around the web, I never know what kind of
encouragement or advice I will find on Pinterest.<br />
<br />
<b>8. Gardens</b>
Gardens is my new garden scrapbook. This app allows me to take
pictures of my plants, add captions and share via Twitter, Facebook or
email.<br />
<br />
<b>9.</b> <b>Garden Guide<u><br /></u></b>This
app drew me to it for a couple of reasons. It is the #1 bestselling
gardening book on Amazon, and it's app is available for free. Garden
Guide is an easy read and great reference for people of all gardening
levels.<br />
<br />
<b>10. Garden Insects Guide<u><br /></u></b>This
app helped with my squeamishness around insects. I downloaded the Guide
to tell me who were friends and foes of the bug world. And I got info
on how to get rid of the pests while luring planting partners. <a href="http://garden-design-ideas.blogspot.com/2014/12/10-handy-gardening-apps-we-really-dig.html">More gardening apps under this article</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-26310729817037407802014-12-28T11:17:00.000-08:002014-12-28T11:17:01.903-08:00A Guide to Using Gardening Apps<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FtMXRYqCqIHQLTZ2CB7zkcpqPfh6xpH6TUA5EzGSQY6VPCB1nVU728QQ0_vjHu_TfiQXcYAE0cILyT5rCmERgDzsTu8WvVY1MiBAnqVqSpAsvL8Hh0-eBtYNBiCdFgmMine3YhVsjP0/s1600/A+Guide+to+Using+Gardening+Apps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Guide to Using Gardening Apps" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FtMXRYqCqIHQLTZ2CB7zkcpqPfh6xpH6TUA5EzGSQY6VPCB1nVU728QQ0_vjHu_TfiQXcYAE0cILyT5rCmERgDzsTu8WvVY1MiBAnqVqSpAsvL8Hh0-eBtYNBiCdFgmMine3YhVsjP0/s1600/A+Guide+to+Using+Gardening+Apps.jpg" title="A Guide to Using Gardening Apps" /></a></div>
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Every spring is a new chance to grow a garden. Technology has been created to help you plan the best garden you can dream. Your best resource can be a garden app for your phone or tablet.</div>
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If you are using an app from the Apple Store you must download iTunes first. Most apps can be downloaded from iTunes App store or Google Play. Gardening apps give you the opportunity to tap into your digital green thumb. Have fun with gardening. Throw a summer party to show off your garden. This article is written as a guide for using garden apps to grow a garden.</div>
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Tips on Using Gardening Apps</h3>
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Gardening How-To app by North America Media Group has 575,000 members and is the largest magazine in the nation. They provide content for the avid home gardeners.</div>
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The Dirt on Organic Gardening app by JinLi Wang provides information that is presented in an easy to understand way. This app provides straight forward easy to use information. The pictures make it easy to follow the instructions.</div>
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Sprout It app by Vaxa Design Group helps you set up a plan and then gives you customized guidance. They provide easy to read information about the plants you are growing, growing instructions, pest information, disease information, ideas for cooking and preserving your plants.</div>
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Mother Earth News app by Ogden Publications Incorporated offers a free gardening guide for teaching you how to plant, when to plant, how to prevent pests and diseases, which types and varieties to try and how you can save seeds from the crop. There are two departments in the Mother Earth News magazine that the Food Gardening Guide provides expert advice on and they are Crop-at-a-Glance and Garden Know-How.</div>
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Fine Gardening Magazine app by Taunton Interactive offers slide shows, plans, new gardening varieties, seasonal reports. You also get a free issue of the magazine with the app.</div>
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The Essential Garden Guide app cost $0.99. This app teaches you about planting, plant spacing, soil preparation, watering and garden care. You can also find information about pest and disease identification and how to control the problem.</div>
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Gardening ToolKit app by Applied Objects cost $1.99 for iPhone and $3.99 for iPad. This app has an encyclopedia with photos of more than a 1000 plants which include herbs, flowers, fruits and vegetables. This app also gives you a to-do list and reminders of when your plants should be blooming and ready for harvest.</div>
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My Garden Magazine app by Magzter Incorporated provides instructions on plants and flowers. They have a lot of good articles. They also provide information on dealing with pests and weeds.</div>
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Eden Garden Designer app by Herbaceous Software Incorporated cost $1.99. There is an auto-shopping list that is handy. This app does not give tips on care and upkeep. It is basically to give you design ideas. They do provide regular updates.</div>
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Vegetable Gardening Guide app by Rampart Software Development teaches you how to grow a vegetable garden. They give you planting care advice, help with harvesting problems, provide reading material about nutritional value of the vegetables, how to prepare the vegetables, how to preserve the vegetables and recipes.</div>
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Produce Converter app by Primolicious LLC cost $0.99. This app will help you with produce conversions. There are over 100 breakdowns for 55 different fruits and vegetables. They also support custom conversions. You can add your own notes.</div>
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The Plant Doctor app by Adelante Consulting Incorporated collects information about the problem(s) you may be having like diseases in your garden, landscape, nursery or farm and sends it to a professional to get you a diagnosis.</div>
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Garden Compass Plant/Disease Identifier app by TeamSOA Incorporated allows you take a photo and submit it to a garden advisor. They will identify the plant with the problem, pest or disease. You will get a response with some possible ideas as to what the problem may be.</div>
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Growers Edge app by iNet Solutions Group is a free online source for farmers. They will send information to help you find more profits. They will help farmers set a goal and track their profits. Those who use Growers Edge will earn 10 to 30 cents more per bushel.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949991822173512027.post-37590386963971297192014-12-28T11:14:00.004-08:002014-12-28T11:14:33.664-08:00Must-Have Gardening Apps That Everyone Will Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMjkFCTJCJfmL8taIHe4sJbFAkbFAa_KFa-JAiwIX-rJ-UmNZ7bQoiN24_zRPkMc_4dyziM-VLhDvevOIWZ_12TWPnUscfsESYkl3yroucq7u_csjzNZYkuHl_kc6CziF3BlscPguk5w/s1600/Must-Have+Gardening+Apps+That+Everyone+Will+Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Must-Have Gardening Apps That Everyone Will Love" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMjkFCTJCJfmL8taIHe4sJbFAkbFAa_KFa-JAiwIX-rJ-UmNZ7bQoiN24_zRPkMc_4dyziM-VLhDvevOIWZ_12TWPnUscfsESYkl3yroucq7u_csjzNZYkuHl_kc6CziF3BlscPguk5w/s1600/Must-Have+Gardening+Apps+That+Everyone+Will+Love.jpg" title="Must-Have Gardening Apps That Everyone Will Love" /></a>With so many apps out there these days it's hard to pick an absolute
favorite. When it comes to gardening, I hadn't given apps much thought
until I saw a few YouTube
videos demonstrating their usefulness to me. I was surprised at how
in-depth and advanced they were, and that's why I want to share with you
10 gardening apps that I know you will love.</div>
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<b>The Best Gardening Apps</b> <b>1. Gardener</b>: This
instantly became one of my favorites, not just because it allows you to
keep a ton of important information within it, but also because it
allows you to take pictures of your plants' progress. This might not
seem like a big deal, but it helps a lot with keeping track of how long
it takes certain plants to grow and how weather affects them. This app
also won me over because it displayed current and future weather right
at the bottom so I didn't have to go out of the app to find out and plan
accordingly.<br />
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<b>2. Garden Squared:</b> The hardest thing for me
growing up was learning plant spacing. No matter how many times my
grandfather showed me I would always forget the plant spacing for
something. That's exactly why I love this app.
It allows you to input the item you would like to plant and using that
information it will then show you what the correct spacing is. This is
great for teaching kids and it's also great to use as a constant
reminder.<br />
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<b>3. Plant Pal:</b> This is a great app if you tend to forget when to water your plants like I do. With this gardening app
you are able to set up a schedule for all of your plants and keep track
of them in one simple motion. You can determine how much water a plant
needs and when you last watered it. This helps to make sure you never
forget to water your plants.<br />
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<b>4. Gardeners Calendar:</b> This
app is beyond great. It contains a ton of information and tips about
gardening as well as advice on any part of gardening that you can think
of. The best thing about this particular app however, is that it gives you data on soil that allows you to pick the best types of plants for your particular soil type.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Vegetable Gardening 101:</b> This
app is a must for anyone who wants to start gardening for the first
time. Even if it isn't your first time gardening, you will still love
this app. It provides you with a wealth of information about the ins and
outs of gardening. It also teaches you how to move away from store
bought good to organic and how doing so can save you a ton of money.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Garden Tender:</b> This is a lesser known gardening app,
but for someone who likes to keep track of all expenses like myself it
can really come in handy. This app allows you to see just how much you
spend on each gardening item as well as the time you spent. This allows
you to then compare prices from other sources and get the best price you
can possibly get for next time. Additionally it tell you the exact size
of garden you will need for the amount of yield you would like to
achieve, doing all the hard math for you.<br />
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Need more gardening apps? We have plenty of articles about gardening apps try the search bar above or chek this article called <a href="http://garden-design-ideas.blogspot.com/2014/12/10-handy-gardening-apps-we-really-dig.html">10 Handy Gardening Apps We Really Dig! </a><br />
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<b>7. Garden Design Ideas:</b> This one
has mixed reviews, but I personally like it. It does exactly as the
name suggest and there are hundreds of great pictures and ideas for you
to choose from. It's not always easy to come up with a good garden plan,
but this app makes it easy and fun at the same time. No matter what
design you are looking for this app has it right at your fingertips.<br />
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<b>8. My Garden:</b> My garden
is your own personal plant database in an app. It will tell you
everything you need to know about any plant you want to grow from its'
recommended soil type to specific care instructions. You can search
through a drop-down list or just type a specific plant type in and it
will bring up the information instantly.<br />
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<b>9. HortChat Gardening Secret Tips:</b> If you're looking for an app that allows you to connect and chat with your fellow gardeners then look no further. This
app will provide you with a constant stream of updated tips and
information from experts and fellow gardeners as well as the ability to
start your own topic discussions. I like this app because it allows me
to get the answers I need about gardening quickly and effectively with
little hassle.<br />
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<b>10. Gardener's Lunar Calendar:</b> If you're interested in planting the way those in times past did I highly suggest this app.
It works by calculating the phases of the moon and studies in the past
have shown that in this way farmers were able to improve their overall
yield. For me it wasn't so much the potential increase in yield, but the
fact that I could have a way of connecting with gardeners of the past.</div>
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