her gardening blog

Archive for April, 2008

When growing a vegetable garden, you want to do all you can to get the most for your hard work and effort. Here are five steps that you can take to ensure that your vegetable garden this year is successful.

Location, Location, Location
You will want to choose an area that will offer a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. If you are planning to plant near a building, be sure that you choose the south side of the building. And be careful to stay away from large trees that will cast shadows over your garden.

Amend the Soil
Be sure that you place organic material such as compost in your soil. This will help to increase the water retention capacity as well as offer aeration for the roots of your vegetable plants.

Choosing the Right Plants
You will want to make sure that you choose the right plants for your area. Know when it is safe to plant different vegetables and avoid the danger of frost damage. Your local garden center will be able to help you know when it is safe to plant each type of vegetable.

Proper Spacing of Plants or Seeds
Your vegetables will need room to grow. Be sure that you follow the recommended spacing guidelines for each vegetable in order to see the best results.

Proper Watering and Fertilization Techniques
Know how to avoid underwatering and overwatering your vegetable plants. Your plants will need more water at first in order to become established and then again when the sun is extremely hot. Watch them closely so that they do not wilt and become overly dry.

If your plants begin to turn yellow, then you are overwatering them. In that instance, you will want to back off on your watering schedule.

Feed your vegetables on a set schedule with a good quality fertilizer. You can choose a water soluble fertilizer or a slow release fertilizer. Remember that if you choose a water soluble one that it will dissipate each time you water and will leach out and away from the plant.

Understand what the numbers on the fertilizer actually mean. There are three different numbers on a package of fertilizer and they all stand for something different. Understanding what those numbers mean will help you to get the most out of the product as you use it in your garden.

The first number on the package always stands for the nitrogen content. This is what causes green growth in your plants. This is very beneficial in corn.

The second number always represents phosphorus. This is what encourages blossoms and fruit production. You will want a higher number of this for your tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and squash plants.

The third number always stands for potassium. This helps improve the overall health of the plant. You will want to use this in minimal amounts as not much is needed by your vegetable plants in order to be healthy.

By following these five steps, you will have a vegetable garden that is sure to bring you great yields and pleasure. What do you consider to be the most important thing when preparing your vegetable garden?

Photo provided by: Freefoto.com

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When we think of weeds in the lawn, we often think of the friendly or not so friendly dandelion. As children, we pick the pretty yellow flowers and offer them up as tokens of our undying love and devotion. When the yellow flowers give way to the fluffy white cotton, we make a wish and blow the seeds into the wind, effectively ensuring another crop. As adults, we fail to remember the magic of the dandelion and we look for the best way to kill it.

But what actually constitutes a weed? If we actually think about it, a weed is anything that isn’t in its proper place. In this definition, any plant can be considered a weed. However, there are two main categories of weeds that will plague your lawn.

Broadleaf Plant or Weed
There are over 100 different common types of broadleaf weeds that are commonly found in lawns. Some of the most notable characteristics of these weeds are yellow flowers, purple leaves, and jointed nodes. The root systems of these can be either small or can be ones that seem as if they are going clear to China.

Narrow Leaf or Grassy Weeds
There are many different varieties of narrow leaf weeds that will infest a lawn. These are also commonly referred to as grassy weeds. These usually have a wider blade than regular turf or lawn grass. Some of these are annual weeds that will only live for one season. But they will give off a lot of seed for the next year’s crop.

Some grassy weeds will grow faster than your normal lawn and stand a little taller. They seem to announce to the world, “Here I am…I’m different!” Other grassy weeds have a fine, fine blade and will grow in small patches. These usually will die out in the summer heat.

With so many possibilities and similar characteristics, learning to identify the exact species or varieties of weeds may seem difficult. But for proper identification, you will always want to look at the complete plant in question. This includes the root and stem and whenever possible, the seed and/or flower of the weed.

Which weed causes you the most grief in your lawn?

Photo by: Jak

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Many people feel that pruning your trees and shrubs is a difficult and confusing process. But it really isn’t as difficult as you might think. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your next pruning session:

Use the Right Tool
It is far easier to use the correct tool for the job. Be sure that your tools are sharp as this will be safer for you and healthier for the plant that you are pruning.

• Hand Pruners-Depending on the size, these can be used for branches up to ¾” in diameter.

• Lopping Shears-These are best used on branches which are ¾” to 1 ¼” in diameter.

• Pruning Saws-This tool should be used on branches which are larger than 1 ¼” in diameter.

Follow the Steps in Chronological Order

• Remove any branches which are dead, broken or diseased.

• Remove any branches that crisscross, any water sprouts and any weak crotches.

• Thin out as needed. This will encourage blossoming and increase the air circulation of the plant.

• If necessary, prune to shape and reduce the size of the tree or shrub.

Other Helpful Tips

• Remember that what you leave is the most important, not what you actually remove.

• You should make all of your cuts above the union of a branch or a bud that grows in the direction you desire.

• Do not ever leave a stub.

• Leave the collar of the branch intact when pruning large branches back to the trunk area.

• You should never “top” a tree. This will result in growth that is rapid and weakened. You will end up with “witches’ brooms”.

• Remember that how much you prune will directly influence the re-growth. Light pruning will equal light re-growth and heavy pruning will equal heavy re-growth.

• Pruning in the spring will produce more breaks and re-growth than pruning in the summer.

• Prune your spring blooming shrubs right after blooming. This will encourage blossoming the next year.

• Prune apple trees and pear trees to the modified central leader. Stone fruit trees should be pruned to open the center.

• Shear your hedges in a slightly pyramidal shape to keep them full to the ground. Do not prune in an inverted pyramid shape.

• Pruning sealers are really not necessary. However, they do help to prevent the entry of borers on roses.

• Remember that pruning and disease control go together. One should not be done without the other.

• Sterilize your pruners between plants, using a 10 % bleach solution. Sterilize your pruners between each cut if fire blight or another disease is suspected. This will aid in not spreading the disease. Rinse your pruners after use to avoid corrosion.

Following these suggestions will help you to have beautiful and healthy trees and shrubs. Please share any other pruning tips that you may have learned over the years.

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There are several reasons that you may choose organic gardening instead of using other methods in keeping and growing a garden. One of the biggest reasons might be the choice to not use synthetic chemicals in your garden. When you grow an organic garden, you are not using any synthetic chemicals and many people find that to be very appealing. This is a great consideration of the environment and your health. Eating foods which contain synthetic chemicals can cause disease and ill health.

When you choose to grow an organic garden, you are choosing to not use any synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers in your garden or landscape. This is in consideration of the ecosystem that is found locally in your garden and landscape. Organic gardening works in harmony with the natural systems and helps to minimize and replenish continually any of the resources the garden consumes. The organic gardener adheres to the principle of feeding the soil instead of feeding the plant. If the soil is well nourished, then the plant will be able to get what it needs from that source.

In creating a balanced and healthy soil, the ecosystem is restored. This will support many creatures which are soil dwelling such as beetles, grubs, worms, fungi and bacteria. An organic gardener will create this balance by adding organic matter to the soil. They will do this by using any locally available resources whenever and wherever it is possible to do so. This helps to create a habitat that is healthy and will support many different creatures that are found above the ground. These include creatures such as snakes, birds, insects and toads. The healthy habitat and the healthy soil will not only lead to plants which are productive and healthy, but will also lead to a healthier environment. The guiding principle of organic gardening is to do no harm.

Initially, the process of establishing an organic garden will probably be more expensive than not growing an organic garden. Your soils are probably depleted and will need to have their balances restored. However, in the long term, you will receive many benefits as you reduce the risk to your health and the environment. What are the reasons that you can think of to grow an organic garden?

Photo by: Dawn M. Turner

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Now that the sun is shining, the birds are chirping and the leaves are growing back on the trees, we all know that spring is here! One of the many pleasures of spring is that we can enjoy our garden. Here are some tips that anyone can use for their garden this spring.

Starting the Garden
The first step in starting your garden is to plan it. Many people sketch a layout and plan their gardens on paper before doing anything else, so that they can get a grasp of what they need to purchase, what they need to do, and how the garden will look when finished. There are plenty of resources for this online, to help you out. When planning your garden, be sure you factor in the environmental conditions surrounding your area, to help you choose the right plants. Once you have planned the look of your garden, you can move on with preparing for planting.

Preparing for Planting
Here is where things start to get interesting. You will need to take your Spring Gardening plan with you when you shop for soils, plant bulbs, seeds, and other gardening equipment. This will help you make sure you have everything you need in one trip, and that you have all the tools for growing a healthy garden. After you have everything you need, it is time to prepare the land for the plants. Clear out any dead foliage. Improve your soil with fertilizers and compost heaps, and make sure the ground is ready for planting. When you are sure that you are ready to begin planting the garden, then you can move on the next step.

Planting the Garden
Here comes the fun part. Following the plan that you drew up earlier, and the instructions that came with the bulbs and seeds you purchased, plant your garden accordingly. Be prepared to spend a hefty amount of time on this step, as this should be done with the utmost care. When you have finished planting all your bulbs and seeds, water the garden if necessary, and wait for the blooms to start appearing.

Caring for the Garden
To help keep the weeds out of the garden, and the water in it, you should cover your seedlings with a few inches of mulch. This will ensure that the garden stays healthy when you cannot tend to it, and help you along. The most important thing about caring for a garden is to make sure you keep up with it. Water the plants whenever necessary, pull the weeds before they get so big they try to take over, and always remember to stop and smell the flowers!

Nothing says you have to have a green thumb to be successful when it comes to spring gardening. All it takes is a little planning, tender love, and care, and you will soon be able to bask in the beautiful glory of your own garden. Following these steps will make you a gardening pro in no time!

Submitted by: Cindy Watrous

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Mowing your lawn is a tradition as well as a chore. When you select the right lawn mower, it can become a chore that is perhaps a little more enjoyable. There are several things you will want to consider when you are choosing a new lawn mower. With the many options that are available, you shouldn’t have a problem finding one that matches your needs and wants.

Where Should You Purchase Your Mower?

According to All About Lawns, the best place to make your purchase is through a dealer.

Buy your lawn mower from a dealer or retail store that offers equipment options for your mower. Service dealerships are best for people who have neither the time nor inclination to tune up their own mowers, but non-servicing dealerships usually offer the best prices. Dealerships tend to carry more brands at a better range of prices than major chain stores. Buying a used mower may be the cheap way to go, but it also may mean that you can’t get replacement parts later. Finally, check any model with a current recall list before you buy–mowers often get recalled.–All About Lawns

Cutting Size

When choosing your lawn mower, you will need to determine the size of your lawn. This will help you to choose a mower in the correct cutting width.

• Less than 1/2 acre —You will want to choose a mower that is 20” to 22” if your lawn is within this size range.

• 1/2 to 3/4 acre — When your lawn falls within this range, you will need to choose a mower that is 21″ to 22″ and has a higher horsepower.

• More than 3/4 acre — If the lawn you are cutting falls into this group, you will want to consider a lawn or garden tractor.

Type of Terrain

You will want to choose a lawn mower that will work best with the type of terrain that you have in your yard.

• Small Yard-If you have a small yard, then a push mower will be just fine and will help you to get a little exercise while you mow.

• Large Yard or Hills-Consider using a self-propelled lawn mower in these types of yards.

• Rough Terrain-Choose a high wheel mower in yards with rough terrain. This will provide you with maneuverability that is easier.

• Lots of Obstacles-If you need to mow around several obstacles, then a rear bagger makes a great choice. This will allow your work to be easier and faster while allowing for greater maneuverability.

Mower Terms

When you begin looking at lawn mowers, there are many different features available to choose from. Here are some of the terms you should be familiar with:

• Mulching—With this feature, no bagging of grass clippings is required. A mulching lawn mower will cut the grass clippings into fine pieces. This is a great way to add organic material back into your lawn.

• Side Discharge— In this model, the grass clippings are dispersed back onto your lawn. This is a great choice if you do not have many obstacles to deal with or if you prefer to cut your grass high.

• Rear Bagger—This mower will collect your grass clippings and thus provide you with an immaculate lawn. It is preferable to have a rear bag rather than a side bag as it is easier to use around trees, fences and many other obstacles.

• Assembled in Carton—This simply means that you will need to just add gasoline, oil and start.

• 3-In-1—This lawn mower is capable of performing side discharge, mulching and bagging functions. It is a great option when you want the flexibility to change how you mow your lawn.

Other Options

There are many alternatives to the standard gasoline powered engines available. Mowers which are powered by electricity have greatly improved over the last few years. There are models which are corded and cordless that will offer you a choice when selecting one of these models.

Another great choice is a manually operated reel lawn mower. This lawn mower will work on most grasses if the grass doesn’t become too tall between cuttings. The majority of these lawn mowers have five blades and they are adjustable to different heights. The mowing function is similar to that of a pair of scissors. You will need to mow more often in order to maintain your cut, but this mower is a great choice when properly maintained. It is an efficient, quiet and lightweight tool.

What are your favorite options in a lawn mower? What things do you look for when you are choosing a lawn mower for your yard?
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I came home a little while ago and found part of my creeping ficus lying on the floor. I immediately knew what happened and went to confront the furry culprit-my cat. For reasons unknown, some cats look at houseplants as a free kitty salad bar. Some vets speculate that the plant material helps with digestion. Others think cats simply love a little green on their menu! While I make sure that any plants within the cat’s reach are non-toxic, I still don’t appreciate having them chewed up by him!

Take this cat for instance:

Here are some things to try if you have a plant loving kitty:

–Obviously, simply moving the plant out of the cat’s reach is the best, but if it’s not possible, try putting aluminum foil or contact paper (sticky side up) around your plants. Cats hate the feel of both on their paws and will stay away.

–You can also try spraying your plants with one of the sprays (such as Bitter Apple) made to keep pets from chewing on cords. You can make your own by blending up citrus fruits or hot peppers in a blender and then mixing the puree with water. Keep in a well-labeled spray bottle. The drawback to this is that it can make the leaves of your plants sticky and that will attract dust.

–If your problem is your cat using your plants as a bathroom, try covering the surface of the soil with aluminum foil or sticky tape. Using polished river stones, which can be found in most garden centers and craft stores, is a more decorative alternative.

–Another easy remedy to keep your cat away from your plant is to buy him his own plant! Most pet stores sell pots of cat grass, or you can easily grow your own from seed, which can be found at most garden centers. You can also buy pots of catnip but don’t expect it to last long! Chances are if you give your cat his own plant, he won’t nibble on yours.

Ironically, the cat species as a whole are carnivores and can’t survive on a vegetarian diet, even if they wanted to!

What are some of the things you have tried to get your cat to stay away from your plants?

Submitted by: Sue Walsh

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The sun is shining and the birds are beginning to sing their sweet songs. The flowers are pushing their heads up through the fresh soil announcing the arrival of spring. So what can you do to prepare your yard for spring? There are several things that you can do to ensure that your yard receives the proper start to a fantastic year.

Flower Beds

* Rake-Clean up the leftover debris from last year. This will include items such as leaves, twigs and any garbage that has blown in during the winter.

* Uncover any plants such as roses you have protected during the winter.

* Maintenance pruning-clean up any winter damage.

* Amend the soil-add compost to create a rich soil for this year’s plants.

* Fertilize-choose a slow release fertilizer and add it to all of your flower beds, roses and perennials for a healthy start.

* Add pre-emergent weed preventers-this ensures weed-free gardens throughout the summer.

Lawns

* Apply a humic acid based fertilizer such as Natural Guard Soil Activator. This can be found at your local garden center. Applying this at the beginning of the season aids in nutrient enhancement without stimulating premature growth.

* Mow-if you allowed your grass to grow long during the fall, an early maintenance cutting is recommended.

* Apply a pre-emergent crabgrass and weed preventer. This will cut down on or reduce the amount of weeds that will develop in your lawn throughout the season.

Trees

* If you have ornamental trees, then pruning is recommended in the spring.

* Prune-do any necessary repair pruning that might have come from winter damage. This is also a great time to thin out any excess growth in your trees.

* Apply a dormant spray-this will depend on which type of tree you have. But a dormant spray will help to control any overwintering insect eggs and funguses.

* Fertilize with a tree and shrub specific fertilizer. This will give your trees a great and healthy start for the year as they wake up from their winter slumber.

Taking these general steps in the spring will help you to have a yard you can be proud of during the summer months. Where do you begin when you are preparing your yard for spring?

Photo provided by Gracey

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I have a confession to make: I kill plants. Or at least I used to. If there was a plant around with any life in it, I could kill it without even trying. I have been known to kill everything from your average, everyday houseplant to an air fern. Since an air fern only requires air to grow, this was a special talent that was manifest when I killed it. I have even been known to kill the occasional silk plant. What?! A silk plant, you ask? Well, it is amazing how they melt when you knock them into a fireplace.

As the years progressed, I became quite skillful in my never-ending manifestations of my talent. This was very disconcerting to my parents as I grew up in a family that gardened. In fact, it was so bad that during a period of time when my grandmother was in the hospital, she actually asked me to not touch any of her plants as she wanted them to still be there when she arrived back home.

So how did I turn this around? Well, some would say that I married well. I was fortunate enough to marry a man who was pursuing a degree in horticulture. I was lucky in that he loved me enough to marry me despite my professed talent for killing plants. During the early years of our marriage, I learned a few things and when he graduated with his degree, I graduated from plant killer to mere maimer.

As time progressed, he managed to teach me even more about plants and gardening. To the amazement of my family, I was even able to one day secure a job in a local garden center. I had finally gone from being a plant killer to having the ability to grow a healthy plant.

Now, while everyone isn’t as fortunate as I was to marry a plant doctor, there are still things that you can do to turn your brown thumb into a green one. Hey, if a self-professed former plant killer can do it, then anyone can!
Here is a list of things you can do to experience success in the garden:

Educate Yourself
One of the most important things that you can do is to learn all you can. This can be done in a variety of ways and methods. You may want to check with your local department of Continuing Education for community classes. Many successful gardeners participate in the Master Gardener Program, which is usually facilitated through their local county extension office. Your local garden center may offer how-to classes and this is a great place to get information.

Ask, Then Listen
Another great way to learn about gardening is to ask people who are experienced in gardening for advice. Then be sure to listen to what they will tell you. You are sure to find friends and neighbors who are successful in gardening and will be willing to offer you great advice.

Read, Read, Read
There is a vast array of knowledge to be found in printed matter. You should be able to find plenty of books, magazines and online articles to answer any question you could possibly think to ask.

Don’t Get Discouraged
Sometimes, no matter what you do, a plant will die. Some plants will just die no matter who is growing them. Don’t let this discourage you from your quest of growing healthy plants in your home and in your yard or garden.

Practice, Practice, Practice
Remember that practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the better your garden will grow.

With a concerted effort, you too can go from plant killer to plant professor. What are some of your past failures and successes in the garden?

Photo by: Dawn M. Turner

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