Gardening Online » Gardening Tips

Practical 2-for-1 solutions for gardeners

Christine — Sun, 13 May 2012 17:56:31 +0000

Practical 2-for-1 solutions for gardeners

(ARA) – What gardener doesn’t find tasks like weeding and watering tiresome? To tackle recurring chores like these and more with greater ease and efficiency, consider some practical tools that offer two-in-one solutions.

Watering well: For a new twist on watering, try the new Dramm ColorStorm Spinning Sprinkler. It takes the usual hose-attached sprinkler experience in a different direction. The spinning head is designed to cast arcs of water up to 38 feet in diameter, while atomizing water into fine droplets for more efficient water usage and more thorough soil penetration. It’s geared for use on properties with practically any water pressure, from low to high, making it an especially welcome solution for those on the no-oomph end of the pressure spectrum.

Weeding and mulching: To gardeners, weeding is the very definition of “relentless.” With new Preen Mulch Plus you can apply mulch and prevent weeds for six months in one easy step. Preen Mulch Plus is a premium shredded wood mulch with two highly effective weed preventers already mixed in. It stops weeds, as seeds, before they start growing. It comes in three non-fade colors that add a finished look to any garden or landscape: midnight black, russet red and chestnut brown. As an added benefit, Preen Mulch Plus provides full weed protection when spread only 2 inches deep, instead of the usual 3-inch depth recommended for other bagged mulches, so each bag covers 30 percent more ground. The only mulch with six month weed protection, it’s available at Lowe’s and independent garden centers.

Cutting, digging, rock removal, crack cleaning, planting and more: A. M. Leonard’s classic soil knife is a multi-solution tool that now comes in a deluxe model. The horticultural tool and supply company founded in 1885 considers this their “must-have tool.” The Deluxe Soil Knife is made of rust-resistant Swedish stainless steel, which adds strength to its versatility, with each 6-inch blade crafted to withstand over 300 pounds of pressure. Definitely a two-for-one item, on one side the blade features a tapered slicing edge, on the other a deeply serrated cutting edge. New features include a more comfortable grip and inch markings on the blade shaft.

Lugging, trugging and cooling: In Spain, where they’re made, Trug Tubs are used in orchards for harvesting fruit. There are imitators, but the originals are sturdy, black and indestructible. This versatile garden carrier is one tool that tackles two, three and more garden tasks with ease. The Trug Tub is a broad, round, rubbery tub with two handles. Grab it by the handles with one hand and the flexible sides bend in to form an elongated trug shape, great for carrying tools or firewood. In its round tub shape, it’s ideal for mixing potting soil or lugging yard debris. Made of 100 percent recycled polyethylene, it’s easy to clean. Freezing cold temperatures are no problem so, when garden chores are done and it’s party time, use it as an ice chest for cooling backyard beverages.

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How to use the three Ps of decorating for an instant home and garden makeover

Christine — Sun, 13 May 2012 17:54:53 +0000

How to use the three Ps of decorating for an instant home and garden makeover

(ARA) – Looking for a trendy home and garden makeover that gives instant gratification and doesn’t require a lot of time and resources? The latest trends in fashion and home decorating are drawing inspiration from the bright colors and laid-back attitudes of the tropics.

“Vibrant tropical colors are influencing home decor and gardens this spring and summer,” says Doug Jimerson, editor-in-chief of gardening for Better Homes and Gardens.

Whether you want to makeover a deck, patio or porch, add some tropical flair by following the “three P’s” of outdoor design: plants, paint and punch.

Plants

“New tropical plants are easy to grow for any outdoor space,” Jimerson says. “With fantastic colors and foliage, it’s simple to add splashes of intense color throughout your garden, deck and patio.”

Jimerson suggests going big and bold with gorgeous blooms of colorful hibiscus that come in dozens of bright tropical colors.

“Whether you’re planning a summer luau, graduation party or just want a restful retreat, decorating your backyard with easy care, sun-loving hibiscus offer a blaze of color for any occasion. Cut hibiscus flowers floating in water make an exotic centerpiece, and using the blooms as garnishes takes al fresco dining to the next level,” Jimerson says.

New Bloomtastic! and Patio Tropics! tropical plants from Hines Growers, offer immediate color and impact for any sized garden, deck, porch or patio. Simply leave them in their pretty pots to add lush flowers and foliage to your outdoor spaces or grow them throughout your landscape for a pop of vivid color.

One of the best hibiscus varieties is Bahama Bay Hibiscus “Amazon Queen” with huge blooms that match the Pantone Color Institute color of the year, Tangerine Tango. Pair it with the new bright yellow Bahama Bay “Enlightenment” hibiscus and add some Tiki lights for a festive garden party or luau.

“People have already warmed up to mandevilla for splashes of intense color throughout gardens and outdoor spaces and use them to create a natural privacy screen on trellises and arbors. And don’t be afraid to mix plants, colors and textures when decorating your outdoor spaces,” says Jimerson.

Cool tropicals like desert rose have a unique bonsai-like appearance. Adenium Kissable Pink, Red and Blush come in eye-popping colors and striking flowers and best of all, can be overwintered indoors.

For a garden party in a pot, the new Bougainvillea Garden Party Patio Tree’s multi-colored flowers bring tropical flair and a formal topiary appearance to gardens, entryways and outdoor living areas like patios and decks. To see a full range of tropical plants and more inspiration, visit www.hinesgrowers.com.

Paint

Paint is one of the easiest, most economical ways to create a tropical feel inside or out. Choosing a color that reminds you of the beach sets the theme for your overall design.

Margie Grace, of Grace Design Associates, and a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), advises not to limit painting to just walls. “Paint an old set of chairs Caribbean blue, containers coral red and sunshine yellow,” she says. “Just remember when choosing a shade, tropical colors aren’t going to fade into the background. They’re going to make a vibrant statement.”

An accent wall on a deck or patio painted in key lime or ocean blue instantly transforms a space. Carry the tropics inside with a less saturated color like a warm mango tone or pair a rich, intense color accent wall with neutrals.

If you want to turn up the heat, try one of the eight new Bambino and Babybino bougainvillea in rich colors for a blast of gorgeous blooms for decks, poolside, patios and porches.

Punch

Adding tropical patterns and fabrics into your decor brings flexibility and endless possibilities.

Cushions in tropical colors, throw pillows with bold floral designs and tropical inspired linens on the table are an easy way to add punch to your outdoor decor.

Use a single pattern to underscore your tropical theme or mix things up with a variety of prints and stripes. Keep in mind the many patterns that fall into the tropical category, including floral, greenery, and ocean and beach elements. Think Hawaiian shirts.

Then kick it up a notch with a new intriguing Black Hawaiian Spider Lily, Crinum Purple Dream. “Crinum’s exotic-looking dark purple almost black foliage and deep pink flowers on dark red stalks is trendy and looks nice mixed in the landscape or in containers,” says Jimerson.

Surround yourself with lush tropical flowers and foliage for immediate impact and tropically inspired colors to turn your home into your favorite staycation paradise.

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Summer games in the garden

Christine — Sun, 13 May 2012 17:48:54 +0000

Summer games in the garden

(ARA) – The sun is shining, birds are singing, butterflies are darting from colorful flower to colorful flower … and children across the country are complaining about being bored. Eliminate this by taking advantage of the weather. Get the family outside and interact with nature.

Head out to the garden toddlers in tow – or to a local park with flowers – and create a list of items to find and count. For example, ask them to find one blue object, two soft and fuzzy plants, three flowers that smell pretty and four objects that are round in shape. This game incorporates shape, smell, touch and counting – all into one fun activity. Taking or drawing pictures together is a great way to document each finding. When you get back inside, print the photos and hang them along with the pictures you have drawn as a collage on the refrigerator. Or, arrange photos or pictures together into your very own counting book, so that the days’ fun can be enjoyed again and again.

Colorful birds singing beautiful tunes and flitting from tree to tree are a great attraction for younger, elementary school children. To encourage birds to visit the backyard, work with your child to create a songbird habitat. It is simple – all you need to provide is food, water, shelter and a place for birds to raise their young. Supply food by making your own bird feeder out of recyclable materials like soda bottles and milk cartons. Fill these feeders with different kinds of foods – dried fruit, peanuts or Scotts Songbird Selections NutriThrive. Then, place a dish filled with water near the area and ensure there are nearby native plants or trees. Now that your habitat is ready, visit savethesongbirds.com to pledge to care for your habitat and receive an official songbird habitat certificate. Not only have you connected your children with nature, you have helped Scotts in its commitment to save 1 million songbirds by creating 50,000 acres of songbird habitat through the Save the Songbirds program.

Organize a scavenger hunt game for your children with some neighborhood kids in the garden or a local park. Make certain you have one adult to help every team. Equip each team with a camera – digital is better so you can review the photos quickly while still on site – and a plant identification book. Assign the teams to find and photograph items – both living and nonliving – that start with each alphabet letter. For example, an apple starts with A, so the teams would bring back a photograph of an apple, found in the orchard. Be sure to have a list of items that start with some of the more difficult letters handy. For example, share with the players that zinnia would work for the letter Z, but do not tell them what a zinnia looks like. Demonstrate how to use the plant identification book. Have a small garden-themed prize for teams that complete the entire alphabet. Seeds, watering cans, garden gloves and small kid-sized hand shovels work great.

For older kids, create seed bombs to share and plant in fun spots. This is a great, hands-on craft project that can be used to decorate not only your yard, but the community as well. First, use a mixture of either Miracle-Gro Potting Mix or Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Potting Mix and flower seeds. Wild flower seeds work well here but a blend of annuals and perennials is also nice. Work with your children to pick the best seed mixture. Once the seeds are selected, carefully mix the ingredients together and form balls. Have your children wrap two or three seed bombs in colorful tulle, secure the package with a ribbon and hand them out to family and friends to plant. Once planted, the seeds will germinate and blossom beautifully all season. Find fun spots in the neighborhood or community that are available to plant. It is important to ask the property owner first. Continue the project by returning to the planting sites, keeping the mini-gardens watered and beautiful all summer long.

Visit Miracle-Gro for outdoor game ideas that are not only are fun, but educational as well.

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Ways To Add Variety To Your Garden

Christine — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:31:58 +0000

Ways To Add Variety To Your Garden

A garden is a very personal thing. For me I love the look of my hydrangeas amidst the roses and azaleas. For others it is a completely different gardening scheme. Finding what makes you happy is part of the fun journey of gardening!

Here are some ideas to make your garden unique:

Container Gardening – this is great for small spaces and adding unique details to your gardening space.
Shrubs – shrubs are an inexpensive way to fill space and add different heights and uniqueness to your gardening space.
Trees – planting a tree is one of the best things you can do! I recently planted a crape myrtle to my flower bed and it added a lot of contrast and height to the visual lines of the garden. The best part is the beautiful tree was only around $75, and will be the investment of a lifetime.
Water gardening – a great idea to add some charm to a garden is with some water. A small pool or stream can do wonders to a garden!

These are just a few ideas. If you have any ideas, please let us know in the comment section!

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Don’t let arthritis come between you and your garden

Christine — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:19:42 +0000

Don't let arthritis come between you and your garden

(NC)—Spring is a time of renewal. Hundreds of thousands of Canadians mark this rite of passage every year by raking, pruning and planting to make their gardens beautiful. Yet for the more than four million Canadians living with arthritis, the bending, stretching and lifting that gardening entails can seem daunting. Gardening is actually an excellent form of exercise that helps maintain strength and mobility without putting additional stress on your joints. The Arthritis Society offers the following tips for smart, safe gardening:

• Always be sure to stretch and warm up before working in the garden. This will help reduce stiffness and decrease your risk of injury.

• Use raised flower beds that allow you to stand or sit comfortably while you work.

• Search for garden products that have been designed to be used by people with arthritis. Tools bearing an “arthritis friendly” logo have received a passing grade by an independent third-party research organization.

• Use tools that have long handles to avoid bending or stooping. Handles should be as long as your own height.

• Pad the handles of your hand tools with foam to enlarge the grip.

• Wear a carpenter’s apron with large pockets for carrying frequently used tools.

• Make sure your tools are sharp and well oiled. It will make them easier to use.

• Switch tasks often and take lots of breaks.

• Plan rest areas in your garden—benches, chairs, etc.—or use a rolling stool that you can move easily.

• If kneeling, use kneepads or a foam kneeling pad.

More tips for living well with arthritis can be found online at www.arthritis.ca.

www.newscanada.com

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Organic Gardening Tips

Christine — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:35:12 +0000

Organic Gardening

Are you interesting in growing your garden but keeping it organic? Some people are not sure what “organic” actually means and how to accomplish that. Today I’ll give you just a little bit of information on how to achieve an organic garden!

Organic gardening or horticulture is the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants by following the essential principles of organic agriculture in soil building and conservation, pest management, and heirloom variety preservation. This simply means mulches, cover crops, compost, manures, vermicompost, and mineral supplements are soil-building mainstays that distinguish this type of farming from its commercial counterpart. You are simply gardening for the environment, not against it.

The key to organic gardening is keeping the soil healthy and rich. Pesticides are not utilized in this form of gardening and that should always be kept in mind. Organic horticulture (or organic gardening) is based on knowledge and techniques gathered over thousands of years. In general terms, organic horticulture involves natural processes, often taking place over extended periods of time, and a sustainable, holistic approach – while chemical-based horticulture focuses on immediate, isolated effects and reductionist strategies.

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Garden Supplies

Christine — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:28:35 +0000

Garden Supplies

One of the very first steps in starting a garden is to pick up the necessary garden supplies! This can be a few things, or a quite a few things, depending on what you are looking to achieve. Gardening is a long process that takes time to figure out what you want your garden to look like! After you have figured it out, getting there is more than half the fun.

Here are some basic supplies that can get your garden growing:

Seeds – things like seed starting kits, soil mixes for seeds and even mature plants are a great place to start when thinking about forming a garden
Flower or vegetable gardening? Or perhaps both? Things you need to think about here is purchasing flowers, flower supporters, fertilizers and soil. There is also fertilizers that are made specifically for flowers and some for fruits and vegetables.
Pots and Planters – you have a variety of options to choose from! Pots, planters, window boxes, hanging planters and so much more are available for purchase.
Yard & Landscaping supplies – such as edging and mulch, fences, trellises, and lawn care supplies
Composting – composters, worm bins, and accessories.
Garden Tools – this one is very important! You need things like: garden carts, labor-saving tools, planting and weeding tools, pruners and loppers.
Watering – you have to make sure your plants and flowers get plenty of water! Things likes hoses, watering cans and rain barrels are a great start to a garden.

After a few supplies, and a lot of love, your garden will be growing in no time!

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Easy lawn and garden tips for summer

Christine — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:55:10 +0000

Easy lawn and garden tips for summer

(ARA) – Having a beautiful lawn and garden doesn’t mean the work has to be difficult or complicated. With a little planning and the right tools, you’ll spend less time working and more time hosting cookouts, lounging in the sun and watching the kids play in the backyard.

“Selecting the best tools for your outdoor space can make all the difference if you’re looking for simple, year-round maintenance,” says Duane Utterback, marketing manager for Remington, a leading manufacturer of electric and power tools. “That’s why when you’re shopping for new equipment it’s important to consider the size of your lawn and garden, how much power you’ll need and who will be using it. It’s also just as important for the tool itself to be comfortable and easy to use.”

For example, a string trimmer is a useful handheld tool that can get into places that a lawn mower can’t reach – but if you don’t get the right one for your needs, it could make the job more difficult than it has to be. If you have a larger yard or tough brush to cut down, you should consider a higher-powered gas trimmer like the Remington RM2510. But if your lawn is smaller or you prefer something lightweight, an electric trimmer like the Remington RM115ST may be exactly what you need.

Beyond choosing the right tools, here are five more tips for easy lawn and garden care this spring:

1. Grow low-maintenance plants and flowers. When deciding what to grow in your garden, you’ll want to consider the layout of your space, as well as the climate. To keep it easy, try undemanding perennials such as coneflowers, hostas, peonies and black-eyed Susans.

2. Cut your planting and weeding time in half. Using a garden cultivator like the Remington RM151C Electric Cultivator speeds up the process of preparing soil for new plantings, quickly works in compost, manure and fertilizers, and can be used to eliminate weeds between garden rows.

3. Give your body a break. Many lawn and gardening activities like trimming edges, planting or weeding require repetitive movements that can be stressful on muscles and joints. Take some of the work out of your work by selecting tools that feel comfortable and easy for you to use.

4. Try a container garden. If you want to change the look of your garden throughout the season in a matter of minutes without the hassle of digging up your plants, try a container garden. Glazed ceramic pots with holes in the bottom work best. Put newspaper at the bottom to keep the soil from escaping.

5. Go ahead, recycle your clippings. Not only does this save time and energy (versus bagging), but leaving the clippings on the lawn after you mow adds vital nutrients back into the soil as the clippings decompose. And, if you have the proper mowing height set, the clippings will quickly break down.

“By following simple tips and guidelines like these, you can create an outdoor space that you love, without spending the entire season working,” says Utterback. “Start with a good plan, have some fun working outside and take the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.”

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Simple solutions to common landscaping issues

Christine — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:20:45 +0000

Simple solutions to common landscaping issues

(ARA) – There’s one in every neighborhood – the house with the bright green grass, perfectly trimmed shrubs and flowers in full bloom. As you look at your own lawn, plagued with weeds and sparse patches, you wonder how your neighbor is able to achieve such a beautiful outdoor space. The secret isn’t in how much time or money can be invested, but rather taking the right steps at the right time to eliminate lawn and garden problems.

Here are some common landscaping issues and the easy steps any homeowner can take to correct them:

Sparse, brown lawn

If your lawn is looking sparse and brown, the likely culprit is thatch. Thatch is the layer of dead grass, leaves and stems that block water and nutrients from reaching the roots. To revive your grass, you need to remove this layer and prime your lawn for strong regrowth.

A dethatcher, also known as a power rake, is the easiest way to get rid of the layer of thatch. Then you’ll want to use an aerator to poke small holes in the dirt so that nutrients, air and moisture can get to the roots. These two pieces of equipment are critical for repairing sparse, brown lawn, but purchasing them outright is costly. Consider renting them from your local American Rental Association rental store. Find the one nearest you by www.RentalHQ.com.

Weeds
No single method will eliminate all weeds, so the best action really depends on what types of weeds you have. Here are some tips on the most common:

* Dandelion – It’s imperative to dig out dandelions before they go to seed. You can also spot treat dandelions with a broadleaf weed killer. If you do this, make sure your product does not kill grass.
* White clover – This weed can spread quickly on undernourished lawn. Combat by watering regularly and applying nitrogen fertilizer. You can also use a broadleaf weed killer for spot treatments.
* Crab grass – If it’s early in the season, consider applying a pre-emergence crabgrass herbicide. Because crabgrass thrives on shorter lawns, set your mower to a higher setting, about 2.5 to 3 inches.

Overgrown hedges, shrubs and trees

Meticulously trimmed hedges and trees make a yard look perfectly manicured. The tools of the trade will make the job a breeze, but you don’t need to purchase a tree trimmer or chainsaw. You can easily rent those at your local American Rental Association rental store for a fraction of the cost of buying them.

The most important consideration when operating a chain saw or trimmer is safety. When you rent, you get personalized training on the equipment. Tell the rental professional what you want to accomplish and they will help you find the equipment you need to get the job done, while providing you with tips on how to use the equipment and safety.

When you’re done trimming and clearing out your area, renting a chipper can make cleanup quick and easy.

Wilting, dead plants

No matter where you live, if your outdoor plants start to wilt or turn brown, it’s likely that they need water. Sounds simple enough, but it’s also easy for plant novices to overwater – which can kill your plants and flowers just as easily as under watering them.

Start by always watering during the early morning or late evening hours. Watering during peak sun hours will cause most of the water to evaporate and little will reach the plants’ roots. Research the recommended watering schedule for your lawn and plants so that you can create a weekly watering schedule. Some plants may only need watering once a week, while others may need it daily. You can also ask your local nursery or the Extension Service of the US Department of Agriculture for planting and watering recommendations in your area.

Striped lawn
Nothing is more frustrating than the homeowner who spends lots of time on yard work only to wake up one day to a striped lawn. If you have healthy lines of green grass that alternate with yellow or brown stripes, likely the cause is uneven fertilizer application.

The trick to fertilizing evenly with a drop spreader is overlapping wheel tracks by an inch or two. This will help ensure no area gets missed and any potential for stripes is eliminated.

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Better Homes and Garden

Christine — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:02:14 +0000

Better Homes and Garden

Unless you have been living under a rock, you are probably quite familiar with the magazine, Better Homes and Gardens. After all, Better Homes and Gardens is the fourth most popular selling magazine in all of the United States! The incredibly popular magazine focuses on interests regarding homes, cooking, gardening, crafts, healthy living, decorating, and entertaining.

The magazine was founded in 1922 and is published once a month by the Meredith Corporation. The Meredith Corporation publishes a number of books on home economics and gardening under the BH&G brand, the best known of which is the Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book, colloquially known as the “Red Plaid” book. Now in its 15th edition (published in August 2010), the Red Plaid was originally published in 1930. Meredith also publishes the New Junior Cookbook for children learning to cook.

This is truly one of the best magazines out there for finding ideas on all home and garden projects!

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