Tips
DID YOU KNOW
Container gardening is a fun way to grow a garden anywhere there is sufficient light and access for water and fertilizer. Container gardens solve a myriad of garden challenges and allows one to change the look of their garden by using different pots. Similar pots provide visual continuity while a mix of different pots gives a more eclectic look. It's all in what you like! Check out Solutions to the right for planters and outdoor materials.
QUICK TIPS
Speaking of containers, a cachepot is an ornamental receptacle usually used to conceal a flowerpot. Some gardeners plant directly into a cachepot, but don't realize they don't have drainage holes. If you use a cachepot for your container garden, you must provide adequate drainage. To do so:
Container gardening is a fun way to grow a garden anywhere there is sufficient light and access for water and fertilizer. Container gardens solve a myriad of garden challenges and allows one to change the look of their garden by using different pots. Similar pots provide visual continuity while a mix of different pots gives a more eclectic look. It's all in what you like! Check out Solutions to the right for planters and outdoor materials.
QUICK TIPS
Speaking of containers, a cachepot is an ornamental receptacle usually used to conceal a flowerpot. Some gardeners plant directly into a cachepot, but don't realize they don't have drainage holes. If you use a cachepot for your container garden, you must provide adequate drainage. To do so:
- keep your plant in a pot and choose a cachepot 1-2" deeper than the pot. Put a layer of gravel or a small plant stand in the bottom so the pot will not sit in water.
- To plant directly in cachepots, drill drainage holes using a 1/2 inch masonry bit and then place in a saucer to catch dripping water.
Tips
DID YOU KNOW
Solar lights are a great way to add evening light to your garden. These ingenious lights contain a solar cell that harnesses the sun's energy and converts it to electricity. The more sunlight received during the day, the longer the light will operate at night. To view different designs, click on the Yardiac icon on the right.
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I don't know about you but many of my friends receive cut roses for a variety of celebrations. The problem we all encounter, though, is that many times the blooms will wilt and begin to die within one day of receipt. A florist friend of mine shared a tip with me to keep that from happening in the future. When you first receive the roses, place them in a sink filled with water. Hold under the water and snip about 1/2" off of the end of the stem diagonally. Then bring the flower out and place in a vase with water and an aspirin. Trimming the stem releases any air bubbles that may have been caused by the first cut and will provide your beautiful cut roses with a longer life.
Solar lights are a great way to add evening light to your garden. These ingenious lights contain a solar cell that harnesses the sun's energy and converts it to electricity. The more sunlight received during the day, the longer the light will operate at night. To view different designs, click on the Yardiac icon on the right.
QUICK TIPS
I don't know about you but many of my friends receive cut roses for a variety of celebrations. The problem we all encounter, though, is that many times the blooms will wilt and begin to die within one day of receipt. A florist friend of mine shared a tip with me to keep that from happening in the future. When you first receive the roses, place them in a sink filled with water. Hold under the water and snip about 1/2" off of the end of the stem diagonally. Then bring the flower out and place in a vase with water and an aspirin. Trimming the stem releases any air bubbles that may have been caused by the first cut and will provide your beautiful cut roses with a longer life.
Plant Tips
DID YOU KNOW
There are a variety of garden pests out there ready to nibble on your prized veggies and flowers. But, how do you know what's what and how to treat the problem naturally? Gardens Alive can provide an ecologically sensible solution for you through their comprehensive Pest and Disease Library. Click on the icon at right for more information.
QUICK TIPS
To make the best use of your vegetable garden space this year, grow up! The veggies, that is. Cucumbers and other vining crops can be trained to grow vertically, saving space and creating an attractive living screen. Other examples include squash, pole beans, and a variety of melons. Growing crops vertically also results in better sunlight and air circulation for plants as well as reduced pest damage.
There are a variety of garden pests out there ready to nibble on your prized veggies and flowers. But, how do you know what's what and how to treat the problem naturally? Gardens Alive can provide an ecologically sensible solution for you through their comprehensive Pest and Disease Library. Click on the icon at right for more information.
QUICK TIPS
To make the best use of your vegetable garden space this year, grow up! The veggies, that is. Cucumbers and other vining crops can be trained to grow vertically, saving space and creating an attractive living screen. Other examples include squash, pole beans, and a variety of melons. Growing crops vertically also results in better sunlight and air circulation for plants as well as reduced pest damage.
Plant Tips
DID YOU KNOW
Sunflowers aren't just yellow and 8 feet tall anymore. Gurney's Seed & Nursery offers "Pastiche" a painted mix of yellow, red and buff growing to about 5 feet. "Velvet Queen" blooms in dark red petals while "Sunspot" produces 10-inch bright yellow blooms on 2 foot stems. All flower in 80-100 days after seed is started.
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Speaking of sunflowers, they are easy to grow and are actually an American native plant. With the varieties now available, you can grow a beautiful garden and watch the birds flock to your yard. Cardinals, doves, finches and sparrows, to name a few, particularly love sunflower seed and will visit at the end of summer for this treat. The best way to serve is to either just let the birds help themselves right from the flower head or you can rake out seeds and place in the birdfeeder. Either way, our bird friends will love you.
Sunflowers aren't just yellow and 8 feet tall anymore. Gurney's Seed & Nursery offers "Pastiche" a painted mix of yellow, red and buff growing to about 5 feet. "Velvet Queen" blooms in dark red petals while "Sunspot" produces 10-inch bright yellow blooms on 2 foot stems. All flower in 80-100 days after seed is started.
QUICK TIPS
Speaking of sunflowers, they are easy to grow and are actually an American native plant. With the varieties now available, you can grow a beautiful garden and watch the birds flock to your yard. Cardinals, doves, finches and sparrows, to name a few, particularly love sunflower seed and will visit at the end of summer for this treat. The best way to serve is to either just let the birds help themselves right from the flower head or you can rake out seeds and place in the birdfeeder. Either way, our bird friends will love you.
Plant Tips
DID YOU KNOW
The pulp of a cucumber can be as much as 10 degrees cooler than the air on a hot day. Florida is attributed with the phrase "cool as a cucumber." Cucumbers are quite easy to grow and vary in size from long and thin to short and fat. Several varieties are available for eating and pickling. Plant vertically for maximum space efficiency.
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As Spring approaches, everyone begins thinking of spending more time outdoors on their patios, decks and porches. As you prepare your outdoor room and shop for furniture, keep a few things in mind:
The pulp of a cucumber can be as much as 10 degrees cooler than the air on a hot day. Florida is attributed with the phrase "cool as a cucumber." Cucumbers are quite easy to grow and vary in size from long and thin to short and fat. Several varieties are available for eating and pickling. Plant vertically for maximum space efficiency.
QUICK TIPS
As Spring approaches, everyone begins thinking of spending more time outdoors on their patios, decks and porches. As you prepare your outdoor room and shop for furniture, keep a few things in mind:
- Function - how will the area be used - dining, conversational seating, or several purposes?
- Materials - look for material that will withstand wear and tear, from the frame to the cushions. Several choices include hardwoods, wrought iron, and all-weather wicker.
- Fabric - look for something decorative but also mildew-resistant. Store cushions in a dry place if you won't be using your patio for extended periods of time.
Plant Tips
DID YOU KNOW
Sunshine is vital for the growth of many plants. Experiments have shown that even one percent more light can make one hundred percent difference in plant growth! A tree that shades a vegetable garden at mid-day can prevent the proper ripening of warm-weather crops like tomatoes and eggplants. This is good to remember when preparing your vegetable bed.
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Often, gardeners are faced with some negative aspects that cannot be changed like a glaring wall or the ever-present trash can. While some things can't be changed, they can be camouflaged. For instance, paint the wall a color that will recede or complement your garden. You can also apply a faux finish, like stone or marble, to help it blend in. Trash cans can be screened by a shelter made of lattice. Plant a vine that will grow well in your area such as ivy, clematis or bougainvillea, and you'll have it covered!
Sunshine is vital for the growth of many plants. Experiments have shown that even one percent more light can make one hundred percent difference in plant growth! A tree that shades a vegetable garden at mid-day can prevent the proper ripening of warm-weather crops like tomatoes and eggplants. This is good to remember when preparing your vegetable bed.
QUICK TIPS
Often, gardeners are faced with some negative aspects that cannot be changed like a glaring wall or the ever-present trash can. While some things can't be changed, they can be camouflaged. For instance, paint the wall a color that will recede or complement your garden. You can also apply a faux finish, like stone or marble, to help it blend in. Trash cans can be screened by a shelter made of lattice. Plant a vine that will grow well in your area such as ivy, clematis or bougainvillea, and you'll have it covered!
Plant Tips
DID YOU KNOW
Barbie is now offering gardening tools made especially for children. Shovels, watering cans, hats, gloves, and a gardening apron are some of their garden accessories. What a great way to peak childrens' interest in nature. Visit Barbie.com for more information.
QUICK TIPS
Want an easy way to help your plants grow more quickly? Water container plants between 3 and 6 PM. Studies have shown that if you water too early in the day, evaporation causes water stress resulting in inhibited growth. Don't go the other way either. Watering at night can cause fungus.
Barbie is now offering gardening tools made especially for children. Shovels, watering cans, hats, gloves, and a gardening apron are some of their garden accessories. What a great way to peak childrens' interest in nature. Visit Barbie.com for more information.
QUICK TIPS
Want an easy way to help your plants grow more quickly? Water container plants between 3 and 6 PM. Studies have shown that if you water too early in the day, evaporation causes water stress resulting in inhibited growth. Don't go the other way either. Watering at night can cause fungus.
Plant Tips
DID YOU KNOW
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) originated in Japan and was introduced into Europe in 1816. It grows well in sun or light shade outside in northern climates and produces beautiful rosy-pink, heart-shaped hanging flowers with whitish tips. Water well when plants are in full flower.
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Bamboo is an excellent alternative for fencing. According to Bamboo Fencer, bamboo grown in managed groves is the most efficient hardwood available. Bamboo is a grass, and like lawn grass it can be harvested without destroying the plant. The poles (culms) thrust upward from rhizomes below the ground. The removal of up to one fourth to one third of the culms each year can actually improve the health of the plant.
Bamboo fences are beautiful and longlasting, and create a tremendous backdrop for setting the mood in your garden.
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) originated in Japan and was introduced into Europe in 1816. It grows well in sun or light shade outside in northern climates and produces beautiful rosy-pink, heart-shaped hanging flowers with whitish tips. Water well when plants are in full flower.
QUICK TIPS
Bamboo is an excellent alternative for fencing. According to Bamboo Fencer, bamboo grown in managed groves is the most efficient hardwood available. Bamboo is a grass, and like lawn grass it can be harvested without destroying the plant. The poles (culms) thrust upward from rhizomes below the ground. The removal of up to one fourth to one third of the culms each year can actually improve the health of the plant.
Bamboo fences are beautiful and longlasting, and create a tremendous backdrop for setting the mood in your garden.
Plant Tips
DID YOU KNOW
To ease the pain of a bee sting, dab the area with toothpaste or a mixture of baking soda and water. The jelly from the Aloe vera plant is also commonly used for stings and to treat sunburn.
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Raised garden planters are the solution to urban yards and gardens with problem soils. According to Bill Thomas, Educational Division Manager at Longwood Gardens, planter boxes offer several advantages. Soil dries out and warms up more quickly than the open ground in spring for earlier planting. Hand tools can be used for soil preparation, eliminating the need to own or rent bulky garden machinery. Since there is room to sit or kneel on the top edge of the raised planters, gardening is a simple, pleasurable experience for all.
Planter boxes are displayed in Longwood's Food Gardening exhibit. The boxes are constructed of lumber and rest on a bed of crushed stone for drainage. They are capped with an 8-inch ledge to hold soil in place and provide seating. About 2 feet above ground level, they enclose an area of 50 square feet. Garden soil amended with organic materials such as compost, manure or leaf mold, and fertilizer fills the boxes to provide a fertile medium for plant growth.
To ease the pain of a bee sting, dab the area with toothpaste or a mixture of baking soda and water. The jelly from the Aloe vera plant is also commonly used for stings and to treat sunburn.
QUICK TIPS
Raised garden planters are the solution to urban yards and gardens with problem soils. According to Bill Thomas, Educational Division Manager at Longwood Gardens, planter boxes offer several advantages. Soil dries out and warms up more quickly than the open ground in spring for earlier planting. Hand tools can be used for soil preparation, eliminating the need to own or rent bulky garden machinery. Since there is room to sit or kneel on the top edge of the raised planters, gardening is a simple, pleasurable experience for all.
Planter boxes are displayed in Longwood's Food Gardening exhibit. The boxes are constructed of lumber and rest on a bed of crushed stone for drainage. They are capped with an 8-inch ledge to hold soil in place and provide seating. About 2 feet above ground level, they enclose an area of 50 square feet. Garden soil amended with organic materials such as compost, manure or leaf mold, and fertilizer fills the boxes to provide a fertile medium for plant growth.
Plant Tips
DID YOU KNOW
Citronella, thyme, eucalyptus and clove oils, cedar and verbena are great all-natural, plant-based alternatives as mosquitoe repellents. While these products have a shorter lifespan than those containing DEET (N,n-diethyl-m-toluamide) and have to be applied more often, they are a healthier alternative and are effective against those pesky pests.
QUICK TIPS
Want to hide that ugly garden hose? You can camouflage it using color. Many people use green hoses, but black rubber can be your best solution, according to Barbara Damrosch and Elliot Coleman, horticulture experts. They are long-lasting and pleasing to the eye, while the dark color recedes into the background.
Citronella, thyme, eucalyptus and clove oils, cedar and verbena are great all-natural, plant-based alternatives as mosquitoe repellents. While these products have a shorter lifespan than those containing DEET (N,n-diethyl-m-toluamide) and have to be applied more often, they are a healthier alternative and are effective against those pesky pests.
QUICK TIPS
Want to hide that ugly garden hose? You can camouflage it using color. Many people use green hoses, but black rubber can be your best solution, according to Barbara Damrosch and Elliot Coleman, horticulture experts. They are long-lasting and pleasing to the eye, while the dark color recedes into the background.
Plant Tips
DID YOU KNOW
There is a colorful variety of cauliflower that looks as good as it tastes. Graffiti cauliflower is grown like any cauliflower and harvests heads in 80 days. Served raw, its radiant purple color brightens up any vegetable platter. When cooked, the color changes to bluish-purple.
QUICK TIPS
Make sowing those small seeds easier. Just mix them with a handful of fine sand in a grated cheese shaker. Prepare your soil and then shake on your seeds.
There is a colorful variety of cauliflower that looks as good as it tastes. Graffiti cauliflower is grown like any cauliflower and harvests heads in 80 days. Served raw, its radiant purple color brightens up any vegetable platter. When cooked, the color changes to bluish-purple.
QUICK TIPS
Make sowing those small seeds easier. Just mix them with a handful of fine sand in a grated cheese shaker. Prepare your soil and then shake on your seeds.
Thanks to Andrew Stenning who contributed the photograph for our masthead