By Steve Charles Habib
If you've been gardening for a while or are just getting started you most likely have heard of mulch. But what you may not have heard are the many benefits it brings to plant, lawn and vegetable gardens. That's all about to change with the help of this article. Once your finished reading this you will have a better understanding and appreciation for mulch. Let's dig in.
If you are living in an area that receives much rain, mulch is quite useful. Quality mulch has been known to substantially shield your soil from erosion during heavy rains. In addition, it will reduce ground compaction. The soil where mulch is placed will remain at a more consistent temperature during summer and winter.
Adding 3 to 4 inches of mulch will also help to control weeds. Weeds need sunlight and air to grow, mulch deprives them of both. Mulch absorbs water so it will also prevent the ground from becoming too soggy after a heavy rain. Because it also conserves moisture, there is less waste of water.
Mulch promotes root growth, feeds plants essential nutrients, and creates an ideal environment for earthworm and other soil organisms. If you are growing fruit and vegetables they will stay cleaner during rainfall, since dirt won't splash onto them. In addition, wherever it is spread will have an attractive finished appearance.
Different kinds of mulch materials
Grass clippings can be used as mulch. They may not be as pretty as store-bought brands but they will return nutrients into the soil. Some people use newspapers, because they help control weeds and hold moisture. Tree leaves make great organic mulch and provide plants with a nutritious food source. Other mulch materials include bark chips, hay, straw, seaweed and pine needles.
By now you should see that adding mulch to your plants, crops and landscape is good move to make. It will become quickly obvious your plants are thanking you by their rapid growth and impressive health.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Steve Habib is an online researcher on the subject of growing and caring for a variety of plants. You can find more insights and groundbreaking research into how people all over the world are becoming better gardeners at: To receive automatic updates whenever changes are made to our site visit our BLOG PAGE today. To discover more about the BENEFITS OF MULCH visit here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Charles_Habib
For gardening products go to http://digitalmomento-n-more.com
Friday, July 31, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Gardening - The Gardening Book
By Alice C. Serrano
Good gardening books are the best source of information, no matter how experienced a gardener you may be. They come in all shapes and sizes carrying with them all that you have wanted to know about gardening. Gardening books don't cost much and anyways the information that they carry will pay for itself long before you have finished reading them. Gardening books are useful as personal belongings and are also a great gift to give to a friend who is into gardening.
Gardening books are a must have for beginners. They are full of information that a beginner needs to start working on a garden. These books have step-by-step easy to follow instructions about everything you need to know; from how to prepare your garden soil to how much water is required by your plants. You can easily get information regarding each type of plant, how much sun and water it needs, what fertilizers to use and how to protect it from infections.
Gardening books are full of information irrespective of whether they are pamphlet sized of about a few pages or whether they are novel sized with many pages. Most of the information these books give may not be found anywhere else and is priceless. Books tell you how to grow healthy plants, to keep your garden weed free and also how to fight diseases.
Gardening books are a treasure trove of information. Many a times they will give you ideas that you may never have thought of. For example, you may never have thought of growing exotic herbs in your garden, but a good book could tell you that you can do it and also how to go about it successfully. Similarly you may not have thought of flowers other than the ones you normally see all around you. a gardening book could easily tell you about the hundreds of exotic flowers that you could grow instead of the rose bush you were planning. You could learn of unusual plants that you could grow in your climate. Imagine growing herbs, exotic plants and flowers that are not to be seen in neighboring gardens.
Even if you are not the one to grow a garden, a gardening book can be a great present a friend or loved one who has the green thumb. It is a very personal gift and not too expensive also. You may even gift it to a friend who does not have a garden and may be the book will inspire them to grow their own garden.
A gardening book is an excellent possession for a gardener no matter what his experience in this field. No matter how much you know there will be something or the other that a good gardening book might teach you. It does not matter what kind of a garden you have or what you grow in it whether flowers, shrubs, vegetables, trees or fruits, you will definitely find a gardening book that will show you the way to a better maintained and better looking garden. So go ahead and gift yourself a gardening book.
Find out more about home garden tips as well as techniques and lessons on hydroponics gardening when you visit XXx, the top resource portal on http://www.gardeningplanning.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_C._Serrano
For more info and products go to http://digitalmomento-n-more.com/
Good gardening books are the best source of information, no matter how experienced a gardener you may be. They come in all shapes and sizes carrying with them all that you have wanted to know about gardening. Gardening books don't cost much and anyways the information that they carry will pay for itself long before you have finished reading them. Gardening books are useful as personal belongings and are also a great gift to give to a friend who is into gardening.
Gardening books are a must have for beginners. They are full of information that a beginner needs to start working on a garden. These books have step-by-step easy to follow instructions about everything you need to know; from how to prepare your garden soil to how much water is required by your plants. You can easily get information regarding each type of plant, how much sun and water it needs, what fertilizers to use and how to protect it from infections.
Gardening books are full of information irrespective of whether they are pamphlet sized of about a few pages or whether they are novel sized with many pages. Most of the information these books give may not be found anywhere else and is priceless. Books tell you how to grow healthy plants, to keep your garden weed free and also how to fight diseases.
Gardening books are a treasure trove of information. Many a times they will give you ideas that you may never have thought of. For example, you may never have thought of growing exotic herbs in your garden, but a good book could tell you that you can do it and also how to go about it successfully. Similarly you may not have thought of flowers other than the ones you normally see all around you. a gardening book could easily tell you about the hundreds of exotic flowers that you could grow instead of the rose bush you were planning. You could learn of unusual plants that you could grow in your climate. Imagine growing herbs, exotic plants and flowers that are not to be seen in neighboring gardens.
Even if you are not the one to grow a garden, a gardening book can be a great present a friend or loved one who has the green thumb. It is a very personal gift and not too expensive also. You may even gift it to a friend who does not have a garden and may be the book will inspire them to grow their own garden.
A gardening book is an excellent possession for a gardener no matter what his experience in this field. No matter how much you know there will be something or the other that a good gardening book might teach you. It does not matter what kind of a garden you have or what you grow in it whether flowers, shrubs, vegetables, trees or fruits, you will definitely find a gardening book that will show you the way to a better maintained and better looking garden. So go ahead and gift yourself a gardening book.
Find out more about home garden tips as well as techniques and lessons on hydroponics gardening when you visit XXx, the top resource portal on http://www.gardeningplanning.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_C._Serrano
For more info and products go to http://digitalmomento-n-more.com/
Monday, July 27, 2009
How To Divide Bulbs For Bigger Gardens
By Lee Dobbins
Flowering bulbs are a favorite of many gardeners due to their diverse array of color and the fact that they bloom for many seasons without replanting. One added bonus with bulbs is that they can be divided and transplanted to other parts of the garden.
Many bulb patches, if not tended to properly, become overcrowded and the health of the plants starts to deteriorate. In this case you need to prune out the patch to restore both the health and the beauty of the landscape.
It is generally easy to tell when a planting of bulbs needs to be divided. One sure sign is when a previously well blooming planting of bulbs has begun to provide only sparse blooms. Most times the culprit is overcrowding, and the solution is to divide those bulbs. Properly dividing the bulbs will reduce the overcrowding and allow the remaining bulbs to bloom for vibrantly.
There are 5 types of bulbs corms, tubers, true bulbs, rhizomes, and tuberous roots and each has a different method of division.
True bulbsTo divide a true bulb, you should begin by carefully separating the original bulb from the smaller bulb growing at its base. When dividing lily bulbs, you should be careful to first remove the outer scales from the basal plate. After the outer scales are removed, the ends of the bulb should be dipped in a rooting hormone, and the bulb should be planted immediately.
CormsCorms renew growth each year by producing a new corm. Sometimes they will grow small corms (or cormels) at the top of the parent corm. Wen you divide corms, just seperate any new corms or cormels from the original plant.
TubersAs tubers mature, they increase both their size and the number of growing points. However, most tubers do not form distinct increases. Therefore, to divide tubers, a large tuber should be cut into two or more sections, being sure that each section contains at least one growing point.
RhizomesRhizomes produce new plants from growth areas on their sides. You can divide them by breaking each section off – be sure that each of the new divisions has at least one growth point on it.
Tuberous rootsA tuberous root will contain several growing points. Some, like daylilies, form separate and distinct plants, which can simply be pulled apart. This type of sectioning is generally done in fall or summer while the plant is still in its growth stage. Other tuberous root plants, such as dahlias, are more difficult to separate. In order to separate more difficult plants like dahlias, you will need to cut the clumps apart so that each root has a growth bud from which to start. With these types of plants, it is best to separate them in early spring, before planting.
Lee Dobbins writes for Backyard Garden and Patio where you can find more articles on gardening, garden ponds, garden decor and much more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins
For more ideas on gardening go to http://digitalmomento-n-more.com
Flowering bulbs are a favorite of many gardeners due to their diverse array of color and the fact that they bloom for many seasons without replanting. One added bonus with bulbs is that they can be divided and transplanted to other parts of the garden.
Many bulb patches, if not tended to properly, become overcrowded and the health of the plants starts to deteriorate. In this case you need to prune out the patch to restore both the health and the beauty of the landscape.
It is generally easy to tell when a planting of bulbs needs to be divided. One sure sign is when a previously well blooming planting of bulbs has begun to provide only sparse blooms. Most times the culprit is overcrowding, and the solution is to divide those bulbs. Properly dividing the bulbs will reduce the overcrowding and allow the remaining bulbs to bloom for vibrantly.
There are 5 types of bulbs corms, tubers, true bulbs, rhizomes, and tuberous roots and each has a different method of division.
True bulbsTo divide a true bulb, you should begin by carefully separating the original bulb from the smaller bulb growing at its base. When dividing lily bulbs, you should be careful to first remove the outer scales from the basal plate. After the outer scales are removed, the ends of the bulb should be dipped in a rooting hormone, and the bulb should be planted immediately.
CormsCorms renew growth each year by producing a new corm. Sometimes they will grow small corms (or cormels) at the top of the parent corm. Wen you divide corms, just seperate any new corms or cormels from the original plant.
TubersAs tubers mature, they increase both their size and the number of growing points. However, most tubers do not form distinct increases. Therefore, to divide tubers, a large tuber should be cut into two or more sections, being sure that each section contains at least one growing point.
RhizomesRhizomes produce new plants from growth areas on their sides. You can divide them by breaking each section off – be sure that each of the new divisions has at least one growth point on it.
Tuberous rootsA tuberous root will contain several growing points. Some, like daylilies, form separate and distinct plants, which can simply be pulled apart. This type of sectioning is generally done in fall or summer while the plant is still in its growth stage. Other tuberous root plants, such as dahlias, are more difficult to separate. In order to separate more difficult plants like dahlias, you will need to cut the clumps apart so that each root has a growth bud from which to start. With these types of plants, it is best to separate them in early spring, before planting.
Lee Dobbins writes for Backyard Garden and Patio where you can find more articles on gardening, garden ponds, garden decor and much more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins
For more ideas on gardening go to http://digitalmomento-n-more.com
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Flower Gardens - Sweet Smell of Summer
By Barbara Wibault
Ahh, Summer in your own flower garden. Butterflies, the sweet smell of ornamental herbs and blooming plants. There is something about a flower that seems to spark something inside of everyone. It could be that the flower is the ultimate reminder of spring and summer. The scent of freshly bloomed roses, the feel of the downy petal of a lily or the sweet sight of a bright daisy brings with it a feeling of joy.
Growing a beautiful flower is not a difficult task, but it does require planning and perseverance. A flower represents the ground from which it is placed and the gardener must know this before attempting growth.
Flowers are like real estate It is all about location, location, location. They must have environments that are suited to their particular needs. Take for example an African violet. This delicate plant's fuzzy leaves and petals are easily marred by droplets of rain. If winning the local fair's flower award is in mind, then imperfection in leaves and petals is important.
An Azalea is the chameleon of the flower world. Its beautiful puff ball flower has the ability to change color depending on the Ph of the soil. So, do not freak out if your Azalea is blue and your neighbor's Azalea is pink. There are feeding systems that can change the color, but you have to first know what the Ph of your soil is. Roses seem to be the most sought after growing flower but they can often be the trickiest. The key with roses is to know what variety you want. A climbing rose bush is not going to do as well as a standing rose bush without some sort of a support system.
Regardless of the level of green thumb, there is a flower for everyone. Most flower manufacturers and growers put instructions on the package and wrapping. If you feel lost, don't worry the flower gardening team at our site will be glad to help you on your way.
And talk to or owners of gardens you come across when you are on the road. Most owners of great gardens are proud of their creations and will be happy to tell you about them. And as added value nothing boosts property value quite like a well tended yard with flowers. A bonus is the peace of mind that comes with seeing a beautiful flower in bloom right in your front yard.
A flower garden is the ideal way to relax and dream away on sunny afternoons, get outside air and healthy exercise plus as an additional bonus your property is breathing the atmosphere of well being, an added value beyond compare.
Barbara writes about flower garden design at http://www.gardening-guides.com She is a semi professional landscaper and loves to share her knowledge and ideas
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Wibault
For more ideas for your garden go to http://digitalmomento-n-more.com
Ahh, Summer in your own flower garden. Butterflies, the sweet smell of ornamental herbs and blooming plants. There is something about a flower that seems to spark something inside of everyone. It could be that the flower is the ultimate reminder of spring and summer. The scent of freshly bloomed roses, the feel of the downy petal of a lily or the sweet sight of a bright daisy brings with it a feeling of joy.
Growing a beautiful flower is not a difficult task, but it does require planning and perseverance. A flower represents the ground from which it is placed and the gardener must know this before attempting growth.
Flowers are like real estate It is all about location, location, location. They must have environments that are suited to their particular needs. Take for example an African violet. This delicate plant's fuzzy leaves and petals are easily marred by droplets of rain. If winning the local fair's flower award is in mind, then imperfection in leaves and petals is important.
An Azalea is the chameleon of the flower world. Its beautiful puff ball flower has the ability to change color depending on the Ph of the soil. So, do not freak out if your Azalea is blue and your neighbor's Azalea is pink. There are feeding systems that can change the color, but you have to first know what the Ph of your soil is. Roses seem to be the most sought after growing flower but they can often be the trickiest. The key with roses is to know what variety you want. A climbing rose bush is not going to do as well as a standing rose bush without some sort of a support system.
Regardless of the level of green thumb, there is a flower for everyone. Most flower manufacturers and growers put instructions on the package and wrapping. If you feel lost, don't worry the flower gardening team at our site will be glad to help you on your way.
And talk to or owners of gardens you come across when you are on the road. Most owners of great gardens are proud of their creations and will be happy to tell you about them. And as added value nothing boosts property value quite like a well tended yard with flowers. A bonus is the peace of mind that comes with seeing a beautiful flower in bloom right in your front yard.
A flower garden is the ideal way to relax and dream away on sunny afternoons, get outside air and healthy exercise plus as an additional bonus your property is breathing the atmosphere of well being, an added value beyond compare.
Barbara writes about flower garden design at http://www.gardening-guides.com She is a semi professional landscaper and loves to share her knowledge and ideas
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Wibault
For more ideas for your garden go to http://digitalmomento-n-more.com
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Tips To Create A Perfect Flower Garden
By Peter Finch
Gardens, employing flowers as their primary elements, are called flower gardens. Plants, shrubs, trees and the other contributing components are present as well, but the focus is on flowers. These flower gardens are usually cultivated for ornamental purposes.
How Did The Idea Evolve?
Todays flower gardens have an interesting history behind them : While pruning, some farmers noted a few colorful weeds. They liked the colors and so left them there. The concept of tolerating these beautiful weeds, gradually caught on and led to the culture of cultivating flowers.
Knot Gardens
Flower gardens arranged artistically, are known as Knot gardens. Knot gardens are designed by a systematic composition of plants, herbs and shrubs. The plants are planted in a pre-calculated way so that when they grow, they end up forming a desired design. Most common ones are rectangle-regions or square-compartments. The edges are given shape with herbs planted in queues, with almost no space left in-between. These are also cut accordingly to maintain the width of the edges throughout in synch. The fence in this fashion, often brings paths in flower gardens, for the visitors to walk through.
These paths derived by boundaries, are sometimes filled with sand, gravel or concrete, and the trend of growing lawn in the regions traced is now on the rise. The number of square regions a Knot garden can carry, depends on the size of a garden and varies in the range of one to ten. These types of flower gardens were first designed in the times of Queen Elizabeth I in UK.
Plants used to form Knot flower gardens are lemon balm, hyssop, costmary, germander, marjoram, acanthus, mallow, chamomile, rosemary, calendulas, violas, thyme, southernwood, santolina etc. Such flower gardens are also called parterres.
Herb Gardens
The gardens with plants used for medicinal and cooking purposes are known as herb gardens. Some flowers are edible, one can eat them freshly-cut, while some others may only be eaten when cooked or baked. Flower gardens are at times, cultivated to grow medicinal plants too, such as aloevera. In ancient times, there were no modern physicians, just the nuns and monks, who were said to heal pain by using extracts of plants.
Aloevera is still widely used today for skin treatments, especially for treating acne. The others herbs falling in this genre are : rosemary, parsley, sage, marjoram, thyme, mint, rue, angelica, bay, basil etc.
Tips For Your Domestic Flower Gardens
Flower gardens need that extra attention from their creators:
- The color, aroma, height, leafage are all attributes of the plants, should be studied carefully before sowing their seeds in your flower gardens. One thing to be kept in mind is that no two plants with similar colored blossoms should be placed beside each other.
- Spacing between the plants should also be worked out in advance.
- A well-examined flower-seed-mix can be used to take care of the arrangements and designs of the flower-plants.
- Different plants bloom in different seasons. Paying due attention to this fact, the plants should be grown in such a way so as to make the flower gardens look colorful throughout the year.
Get all of the latest in flower garden know how from the one and only true gardening resource at http://www.flowergardensadvice.com/ Be sure to check out our flower garden pages on our web site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Finch
For more gardening ideas go to http://digitalmomento-n-more.com
Gardens, employing flowers as their primary elements, are called flower gardens. Plants, shrubs, trees and the other contributing components are present as well, but the focus is on flowers. These flower gardens are usually cultivated for ornamental purposes.
How Did The Idea Evolve?
Todays flower gardens have an interesting history behind them : While pruning, some farmers noted a few colorful weeds. They liked the colors and so left them there. The concept of tolerating these beautiful weeds, gradually caught on and led to the culture of cultivating flowers.
Knot Gardens
Flower gardens arranged artistically, are known as Knot gardens. Knot gardens are designed by a systematic composition of plants, herbs and shrubs. The plants are planted in a pre-calculated way so that when they grow, they end up forming a desired design. Most common ones are rectangle-regions or square-compartments. The edges are given shape with herbs planted in queues, with almost no space left in-between. These are also cut accordingly to maintain the width of the edges throughout in synch. The fence in this fashion, often brings paths in flower gardens, for the visitors to walk through.
These paths derived by boundaries, are sometimes filled with sand, gravel or concrete, and the trend of growing lawn in the regions traced is now on the rise. The number of square regions a Knot garden can carry, depends on the size of a garden and varies in the range of one to ten. These types of flower gardens were first designed in the times of Queen Elizabeth I in UK.
Plants used to form Knot flower gardens are lemon balm, hyssop, costmary, germander, marjoram, acanthus, mallow, chamomile, rosemary, calendulas, violas, thyme, southernwood, santolina etc. Such flower gardens are also called parterres.
Herb Gardens
The gardens with plants used for medicinal and cooking purposes are known as herb gardens. Some flowers are edible, one can eat them freshly-cut, while some others may only be eaten when cooked or baked. Flower gardens are at times, cultivated to grow medicinal plants too, such as aloevera. In ancient times, there were no modern physicians, just the nuns and monks, who were said to heal pain by using extracts of plants.
Aloevera is still widely used today for skin treatments, especially for treating acne. The others herbs falling in this genre are : rosemary, parsley, sage, marjoram, thyme, mint, rue, angelica, bay, basil etc.
Tips For Your Domestic Flower Gardens
Flower gardens need that extra attention from their creators:
- The color, aroma, height, leafage are all attributes of the plants, should be studied carefully before sowing their seeds in your flower gardens. One thing to be kept in mind is that no two plants with similar colored blossoms should be placed beside each other.
- Spacing between the plants should also be worked out in advance.
- A well-examined flower-seed-mix can be used to take care of the arrangements and designs of the flower-plants.
- Different plants bloom in different seasons. Paying due attention to this fact, the plants should be grown in such a way so as to make the flower gardens look colorful throughout the year.
Get all of the latest in flower garden know how from the one and only true gardening resource at http://www.flowergardensadvice.com/ Be sure to check out our flower garden pages on our web site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Finch
For more gardening ideas go to http://digitalmomento-n-more.com
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Gardening is a Rewarding and a Relaxing Hobby
By Bruce A. Tucker
I became introduced to gardening when I was just a kid. My dad was an avid gardener for many years, and he showed me all the tips, tricks and techniques that he used that made his vegetables turn out great.
Because the end result of gardening is the production of great tasting food, it quickly, for me, became a hobby that I have fallen in love with. Fast forward thirty plus years and you will still find me tending to my garden every year.
If you are looking for a hobby that is fulfilling and rewarding then gardening is it. Beyond that is also educational, and you can even take gardening to many niche directions. For instance you might find that you enjoy growing peppers. Well you have choices of many peppers to grow.
Anything from habanera to bell to jalapeno, so many varieties that you can dedicate an entire garden to just peppers.
If vegetables aren't your thing and fruit is, then strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are within reach as well.
Along with the relaxing atmosphere of growing fruits and vegetables, gardening can teach you a wide array of skills that are helpful to the environment, such as learning how to turn your food scraps into nutrients for your soil and plants. You will also learn how leaves, twigs, and the grass clippings from your lawn can actually benefit your garden.
Just like any other hobby you won't become an expert overnight, but if you stay with it, and venture into learning new things or expanding on your current knowledge, you will be amazed as to the things you will learn and the skills you will gain.
As if you needed anymore benefits for gardening as a hobby, how about growing your own fruits and vegetables will save you money at the grocery store. The cost you will put out for seeds and watering your garden is far less than buying vegetables by the pound or a bag of greens. One grape tomato plant can literally produce in the hundreds where as at the store they can run about $1.99 per pound. One season growing a grape tomato plant can save you up to $50 depending on how many of them you eat and that is just one plant.
So if you are looking for a hobby that is relaxing, rewarding, educational and can save you some money, then gardening is the perfect hobby for you. All you need to get started are some seeds, a place to plant them and some water.
About the AuthorBruce is the co-author of the book Vegetable Gardening for the Average Person: A guide to vegetable gardening for the rest of us. It is a practical easy to follow book that teaches gardeners everything from composting techniques, aeration and frost conditions, to choosing the right tools and picking the right seeds. To learn more about Mr. Tucker or to inquire about the book you can visit: AveragePersonGardening.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_A._Tucker
For great gardening products go to http://digitalmomento-n-more.com/
I became introduced to gardening when I was just a kid. My dad was an avid gardener for many years, and he showed me all the tips, tricks and techniques that he used that made his vegetables turn out great.
Because the end result of gardening is the production of great tasting food, it quickly, for me, became a hobby that I have fallen in love with. Fast forward thirty plus years and you will still find me tending to my garden every year.
If you are looking for a hobby that is fulfilling and rewarding then gardening is it. Beyond that is also educational, and you can even take gardening to many niche directions. For instance you might find that you enjoy growing peppers. Well you have choices of many peppers to grow.
Anything from habanera to bell to jalapeno, so many varieties that you can dedicate an entire garden to just peppers.
If vegetables aren't your thing and fruit is, then strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are within reach as well.
Along with the relaxing atmosphere of growing fruits and vegetables, gardening can teach you a wide array of skills that are helpful to the environment, such as learning how to turn your food scraps into nutrients for your soil and plants. You will also learn how leaves, twigs, and the grass clippings from your lawn can actually benefit your garden.
Just like any other hobby you won't become an expert overnight, but if you stay with it, and venture into learning new things or expanding on your current knowledge, you will be amazed as to the things you will learn and the skills you will gain.
As if you needed anymore benefits for gardening as a hobby, how about growing your own fruits and vegetables will save you money at the grocery store. The cost you will put out for seeds and watering your garden is far less than buying vegetables by the pound or a bag of greens. One grape tomato plant can literally produce in the hundreds where as at the store they can run about $1.99 per pound. One season growing a grape tomato plant can save you up to $50 depending on how many of them you eat and that is just one plant.
So if you are looking for a hobby that is relaxing, rewarding, educational and can save you some money, then gardening is the perfect hobby for you. All you need to get started are some seeds, a place to plant them and some water.
About the AuthorBruce is the co-author of the book Vegetable Gardening for the Average Person: A guide to vegetable gardening for the rest of us. It is a practical easy to follow book that teaches gardeners everything from composting techniques, aeration and frost conditions, to choosing the right tools and picking the right seeds. To learn more about Mr. Tucker or to inquire about the book you can visit: AveragePersonGardening.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_A._Tucker
For great gardening products go to http://digitalmomento-n-more.com/
Friday, July 10, 2009
Garden Decor For a Peaceful and Relaxing Atmosphere
By Shirely Patterson
A garden is a private retreat for an individual wherein he can relax and contemplate, appreciate and soliloquize, unwind the mind and sooth the soul. With the right garden decor you can fulfill the innate urge for creativity found in many people and is a very popular hobby for the same reason. Most people tend to enjoy gardens not just because they make for good ambiances but also because of the psychologically soothing effect that they have.
A stroll through a lovely garden full of flowers that are in full bloom would cheer up any manic depressive. Gardens have traditionally been places of relaxation and unwinding. Buddhist monks created versions that were also used as meditating spaces and were serene enough to bring spiritual tranquility to the soul.
Japanese monks have of yore tended to the idea of gardens being quiet places for soul searching and deep meditation and spiritual contemplation. Japanese miniature and mega versions have been long popular and the Buddhist techniques of landscaping and flora selection for a garden are still in vogue.
Garden decors are accessories that enhance the natural beauty of the garden by including within it fountains that spew water, bird baths and bird houses, statues, furniture and lighting fixtures that transforms the landscape at night. Sculptures, fountains and patios are the most common accessories. Some gardens, especially English ones, sport gnomes within.
A small brook in your garden or having chirpy little birds fly among amidst the shrubbery would bring in so much natural beauty to an otherwise drab space that is riddled with plants. Gardens usually reflect the personality of the person who made it. Although many people still tend enthusiastically to their own outdoor spaces, more and more home owners are turning to landscape architects and professional designers to create serene spaces in their back yards. Most of these specialists bring in a lot of additives like aesthetic appeal and space saving.
Traditionally, gardening has been seen as a hobby and a recreation and most gardens were tended to by the home owners themselves. Nowadays there is an increasing trend to employ the services of specialists such as garden designers or landscape architects who do not come cheap. What these experts bring with them is a wealth of knowledge on aesthetics and choice of accessories and decors as well as the ideal ingredients for a complete garden.
Many gardens sport patios that can be used both in summer as well as in cold climates, these patios coupled with sun roofs provide for great lounging spaces and excellent locations for barbecue parties and outdoor eating. Properly lighted patios accompanied by heaters that keep people warm during cold weather can also become ideal venues for hosting outdoor dinners.
Most American home owners tend to spend at least 5 to 10 percent of the expenditure on their homes on gardens that are inclusive of barbecue, lawns and outdoor kitchens and patios. If you are located in places that are prone to fickle weather can sport water proof canopies and furniture.
Ideally, accessories should be catalysts that trigger subtle changes in the overall landscape and should not be the prime features. Trees, shrubs, grassy meadows, exotic and colorful plants and gravel drives should be the main components with a sprinkling of garden accessories amongst all that.
Shirley P. enjoys entertaining outdoors. You can learn more about the various types of garden decor at the web site Garden Decor Essentials.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shirely_Patterson
For garden products go to http://digitalmomento-n-more.com
A garden is a private retreat for an individual wherein he can relax and contemplate, appreciate and soliloquize, unwind the mind and sooth the soul. With the right garden decor you can fulfill the innate urge for creativity found in many people and is a very popular hobby for the same reason. Most people tend to enjoy gardens not just because they make for good ambiances but also because of the psychologically soothing effect that they have.
A stroll through a lovely garden full of flowers that are in full bloom would cheer up any manic depressive. Gardens have traditionally been places of relaxation and unwinding. Buddhist monks created versions that were also used as meditating spaces and were serene enough to bring spiritual tranquility to the soul.
Japanese monks have of yore tended to the idea of gardens being quiet places for soul searching and deep meditation and spiritual contemplation. Japanese miniature and mega versions have been long popular and the Buddhist techniques of landscaping and flora selection for a garden are still in vogue.
Garden decors are accessories that enhance the natural beauty of the garden by including within it fountains that spew water, bird baths and bird houses, statues, furniture and lighting fixtures that transforms the landscape at night. Sculptures, fountains and patios are the most common accessories. Some gardens, especially English ones, sport gnomes within.
A small brook in your garden or having chirpy little birds fly among amidst the shrubbery would bring in so much natural beauty to an otherwise drab space that is riddled with plants. Gardens usually reflect the personality of the person who made it. Although many people still tend enthusiastically to their own outdoor spaces, more and more home owners are turning to landscape architects and professional designers to create serene spaces in their back yards. Most of these specialists bring in a lot of additives like aesthetic appeal and space saving.
Traditionally, gardening has been seen as a hobby and a recreation and most gardens were tended to by the home owners themselves. Nowadays there is an increasing trend to employ the services of specialists such as garden designers or landscape architects who do not come cheap. What these experts bring with them is a wealth of knowledge on aesthetics and choice of accessories and decors as well as the ideal ingredients for a complete garden.
Many gardens sport patios that can be used both in summer as well as in cold climates, these patios coupled with sun roofs provide for great lounging spaces and excellent locations for barbecue parties and outdoor eating. Properly lighted patios accompanied by heaters that keep people warm during cold weather can also become ideal venues for hosting outdoor dinners.
Most American home owners tend to spend at least 5 to 10 percent of the expenditure on their homes on gardens that are inclusive of barbecue, lawns and outdoor kitchens and patios. If you are located in places that are prone to fickle weather can sport water proof canopies and furniture.
Ideally, accessories should be catalysts that trigger subtle changes in the overall landscape and should not be the prime features. Trees, shrubs, grassy meadows, exotic and colorful plants and gravel drives should be the main components with a sprinkling of garden accessories amongst all that.
Shirley P. enjoys entertaining outdoors. You can learn more about the various types of garden decor at the web site Garden Decor Essentials.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shirely_Patterson
For garden products go to http://digitalmomento-n-more.com
Monday, July 6, 2009
How to Get Started Gardening - Seven Tips For Beginners
By Geoff Wolfenden
A lot goes into developing a successful garden, and many beginners don't see their rewards right away. Here are a few tips and tricks beginning gardeners should know.
Choose your plants wisely. Plan your garden carefully and accept that finding the right mix of plants often takes considerable trial and error.
Assess your soil. You should take your soil into account when choosing the plants that will go in your garden.
Know your pests. Pests you'll have to worry about might include slugs, birds, gophers, rabbits, woodchucks, and caterpillars. Keeping them out of your garden can be tricky-and it may require the erecting of fences and bird netting or the use of pesticides.
Plant at the right time. The timing of planting and harvesting is crucial.
Start with a small plot. Many beginning gardeners get carried away in their enthusiasm and set aside huge tracts of land for gardening. Bear in mind that you'll have to plan, plant and weed all that space.
Talk to experienced gardeners. A more experienced gardener can help you plan a garden that will work in your environment and alert you to possible problems you may encounter in soil conditions and area pests.
Recognize your sprouts. When you first start out, baby weeds can look a lot like baby vegetables-and the last thing you want to do is pull out your entire crop, thinking that they're weeds.
Gardening can be a fun and exciting hobby-but it's also a lot of hard work. But with proper planning and knowledge of your environment, you should be able to get your garden right the first time.
G Wolfenden is a director at LBS Garden Warehouse. For more information on discount gardening equipment and supplies visit http://www.lbsgardenwarehouse.co.uk/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geoff_Wolfenden
For gardening gift ideas go to http://digitalmomento-n-more.com/
A lot goes into developing a successful garden, and many beginners don't see their rewards right away. Here are a few tips and tricks beginning gardeners should know.
Choose your plants wisely. Plan your garden carefully and accept that finding the right mix of plants often takes considerable trial and error.
Assess your soil. You should take your soil into account when choosing the plants that will go in your garden.
Know your pests. Pests you'll have to worry about might include slugs, birds, gophers, rabbits, woodchucks, and caterpillars. Keeping them out of your garden can be tricky-and it may require the erecting of fences and bird netting or the use of pesticides.
Plant at the right time. The timing of planting and harvesting is crucial.
Start with a small plot. Many beginning gardeners get carried away in their enthusiasm and set aside huge tracts of land for gardening. Bear in mind that you'll have to plan, plant and weed all that space.
Talk to experienced gardeners. A more experienced gardener can help you plan a garden that will work in your environment and alert you to possible problems you may encounter in soil conditions and area pests.
Recognize your sprouts. When you first start out, baby weeds can look a lot like baby vegetables-and the last thing you want to do is pull out your entire crop, thinking that they're weeds.
Gardening can be a fun and exciting hobby-but it's also a lot of hard work. But with proper planning and knowledge of your environment, you should be able to get your garden right the first time.
G Wolfenden is a director at LBS Garden Warehouse. For more information on discount gardening equipment and supplies visit http://www.lbsgardenwarehouse.co.uk/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geoff_Wolfenden
For gardening gift ideas go to http://digitalmomento-n-more.com/
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