By Tao Schencks
Using a Mulch in your garden can help improve the quality of your soil in many different ways. By shredding, chipping or breaking down the existing plants, flowers and trees you want to dispose of, you can create an excellent base product that you can apply to your flower beds, pots or plants that will supply them with nutrients and act as an excellent barrier against the elements.
Any plants and flowers in your garden can be reused as mulch. By using a device like a leaf shredder or wood chipper you can break down your garden waste and then store it to be used as mulch or compost. Also, the fact that the plants you are using are from your garden will ensure that the right type of nutrients are being supplied to the plants.
To start making your mulch, follow this simple 5 step guide:
1. Break down, shred or chip all of your garden waste. Try to break it down as small as possible.
2. Store the shredded waste in a compost bin or garden waste sack.
3. Add a generous amount of water (rain water if possible) to the waste and leave it to soak for a few week, turning it regularly.
4. The mulch should only be applied in the winter months and is best applied onto wet or damp soil in layers of around 5 centimeters.
5. When the mulch has begun to turn brown and form into a congealed mass, spread it out onto your soil around the plants. You can spread right up to the stalk or roots of the plants.
Making and using Mulch is a real no-brainer for many gardeners. It is much better to re-use your garden waste rather than dispose of it at the local refuse tip or garden waste scheme. If you have a very rich soil, you could even sell the mulch to fellow gardeners to use on theirs. It works wonders!
The hardest part of making mulch is when you have to break down the plants into smaller pieces. To do this, we recommend buying a used chipper shredder which will make the process a total breeze.
You can find out more about these units at the http://www.chipper-shredder-auctions.com website where the author of this article discusses ways to use shredders and chippers to improve your garden and help the environment.
Also, mulching is not a full time job for any gardener, so ensure that you buy a refurbished chipper shredder rather than a new one. It will save you money!
Types of Organic Vegetable Garden Fertilizer
By Francis King
These days, due to the detrimental effects of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, there has been a strong trend towards organic vegetable gardening. Actually organic gardening is merely the old-fashioned way of gardening and going back to basics. The main difference between organic and conventional vegetable gardening is how fertilization and pest control is done. In organic vegetable gardening, fertilization and pest control are done without synthetic fertilizers or manufactured pesticides. In this article, I wish to focus on how to fertilize your vegetables in organic vegetable gardening.
Before adding any form of fertilizer, remove all weeds, rocks, stones, debris and any other unwanted materials in your soil. Generally, organic vegetable gardening involves applying organic matter to the soil in place of manufactured substances. When it comes to fertilizing the soil, the organic matter pertaining to this is green manure, compost and animal manure. Be sure to add this organic matter to your soil at least four weeks before planting your seeds to give enough time for the nutrients to be absorbed into the soil.
Green manure is primarily a type of cover crop grown to add nutrients and organic matter to the soil. These crops are grown primarily in the non-planting seasons of winter and fall and only for a certain period (until flowering or while green) before being plowed under and incorporated into the soil. They also serve to prevent the soil from eroding and compacting over the winter season. Green manure crops include mustard, clover, hairy vetch, buckwheat, alfalfa, lupine, rye etc.
Compost is another category of fertilizer for organic vegetable farming. Compost can either be bought from garden centers or be made yourself. To make compost, use garden or kitchen waste such as leaf and grass cuttings, stems, twigs, wood chips, plant parts etc. But do not include meat, bones, fish, animal waste, dairy products, weeds that have gone to seed, diseased plants or pesticide-laced plants.
Mix them in a compost bin or heap them up at a certain secluded section of your yard. Be sure not to get your compost wet through the rain or exposed to direct sunlight. Add some soil, a bit of water and ground limestone. Turn the mixture over once a week to aerate it. Leave this compost mixture to decompose over a few months. In about 4 to 6 months, your compost would have been decomposed into humus, which is natural fertilizer for your soil. Spread the humus out evenly over your soil before planting.
Among the most common animal manures are farmyard manure (farm animal feces) and farmyard slurry (liquid manure, usually farm animal urine). Animal manures are normally mixed with straw which has been used for animal bedding and has absorbed the feces and urine. Generally, animal manure can be used for at least 30 days. Animal manure may also include other animal products such as recycled wool, hair, feathers and blood. When applying, scatter each side of the rows of vegetables with the manure. However, manure isn't a complete well-balanced fertilizer so it is advisable to add a rock phosphate and potash.
Using these natural fertilizers, organic vegetable gardening can produce vegetables that are not only delicious but nutritious and safe for consumption.
Francis King is a vegetable garden enthusiast. For more great tips and advice on organic vegetable garden fertilizer, visit http://www.veggietips.com.
These days, due to the detrimental effects of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, there has been a strong trend towards organic vegetable gardening. Actually organic gardening is merely the old-fashioned way of gardening and going back to basics. The main difference between organic and conventional vegetable gardening is how fertilization and pest control is done. In organic vegetable gardening, fertilization and pest control are done without synthetic fertilizers or manufactured pesticides. In this article, I wish to focus on how to fertilize your vegetables in organic vegetable gardening.
Before adding any form of fertilizer, remove all weeds, rocks, stones, debris and any other unwanted materials in your soil. Generally, organic vegetable gardening involves applying organic matter to the soil in place of manufactured substances. When it comes to fertilizing the soil, the organic matter pertaining to this is green manure, compost and animal manure. Be sure to add this organic matter to your soil at least four weeks before planting your seeds to give enough time for the nutrients to be absorbed into the soil.
Green manure is primarily a type of cover crop grown to add nutrients and organic matter to the soil. These crops are grown primarily in the non-planting seasons of winter and fall and only for a certain period (until flowering or while green) before being plowed under and incorporated into the soil. They also serve to prevent the soil from eroding and compacting over the winter season. Green manure crops include mustard, clover, hairy vetch, buckwheat, alfalfa, lupine, rye etc.
Compost is another category of fertilizer for organic vegetable farming. Compost can either be bought from garden centers or be made yourself. To make compost, use garden or kitchen waste such as leaf and grass cuttings, stems, twigs, wood chips, plant parts etc. But do not include meat, bones, fish, animal waste, dairy products, weeds that have gone to seed, diseased plants or pesticide-laced plants.
Mix them in a compost bin or heap them up at a certain secluded section of your yard. Be sure not to get your compost wet through the rain or exposed to direct sunlight. Add some soil, a bit of water and ground limestone. Turn the mixture over once a week to aerate it. Leave this compost mixture to decompose over a few months. In about 4 to 6 months, your compost would have been decomposed into humus, which is natural fertilizer for your soil. Spread the humus out evenly over your soil before planting.
Among the most common animal manures are farmyard manure (farm animal feces) and farmyard slurry (liquid manure, usually farm animal urine). Animal manures are normally mixed with straw which has been used for animal bedding and has absorbed the feces and urine. Generally, animal manure can be used for at least 30 days. Animal manure may also include other animal products such as recycled wool, hair, feathers and blood. When applying, scatter each side of the rows of vegetables with the manure. However, manure isn't a complete well-balanced fertilizer so it is advisable to add a rock phosphate and potash.
Using these natural fertilizers, organic vegetable gardening can produce vegetables that are not only delicious but nutritious and safe for consumption.
Francis King is a vegetable garden enthusiast. For more great tips and advice on organic vegetable garden fertilizer, visit http://www.veggietips.com.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
How to Prepare Lawn and Grass Soil
By David Spelling
The key to a lush and beautiful green lawn lies in the hard work invested while preparing lawn and grass soil. Being a lawn owner, you have to take in account various factors that may affect a lawn's productivity as well as look. Therefore always learn about the different aspects of gardening before taking up the job. This primarily includes learning about the different aspects of lawn preparation as well as soil preparation.
Preparation of Lawn
Once you are well acquired with the task of preparing a lawn and grass soil, the activity becomes enjoyable and pleasurable. Either you are preparing a lawn for seeding or sod, it is essential that the site should be properly prepared. This includes the following steps-
· The first step is to wholly remove any kind of vegetation or debris existing on the lawn site. You can either do this manually or can use a herbicide. The main aim is to get rid of harmful and unwanted weeds like tall fescue, quack grass, etc. Removing debris is essential otherwise the permanent dry spots may cause problem to the lawn in future.
· For equal watering to all the areas of the lawn, make sure that there are no low areas where water may collect. To deal with such situation, you have the option to spread top soil and properly mix it with the three inches of the existing soil. Nothing less than 6 inches of top soil should be added. The added topsoil would facilitate proper water movement in the lawn.
· Before you begin with the plantation, make sure to add good fertilizer and make the necessary lime/phosphorous changes, if recommended by the soil test. The fertilizer should be properly mixed with the top three inches of the soil.
· Lastly, the final grade is established after the seedbed is leveled through a garden rake. Now you lawn is ready to get the new plantation.
Preparation of Soil
It is also advisable to collect information about the preparation of soil to grow grass in lawn. For incurring a flourishing lawn, one must follow the following simple steps for preparing soil-
· The first step is to check the soil for determining the pH level. In this way, you can make the necessary changes or can add nutrients, if required.
· Next, break up soil with a rototiller. This will allow the soil to loosen up and accept the nutrients offered in the future.
· This step allows you to undergo any kind soil treatment on the basis of the results of the test done in Step 1. This may include additions or changes to the soil. You can make use of phosphorous or lime for making the desired changes.
· After the tilling and required changes are done, the soil should be evenly watered. This will help the soil in settling down. After this step is completed, you soil is fully prepared for your lawn.
David S is a Lawn care expert. For more great tips on Lawn and Grass Soil and growing the Greenest Lawn visit http://www.mylawncaresecrets.com
The key to a lush and beautiful green lawn lies in the hard work invested while preparing lawn and grass soil. Being a lawn owner, you have to take in account various factors that may affect a lawn's productivity as well as look. Therefore always learn about the different aspects of gardening before taking up the job. This primarily includes learning about the different aspects of lawn preparation as well as soil preparation.
Preparation of Lawn
Once you are well acquired with the task of preparing a lawn and grass soil, the activity becomes enjoyable and pleasurable. Either you are preparing a lawn for seeding or sod, it is essential that the site should be properly prepared. This includes the following steps-
· The first step is to wholly remove any kind of vegetation or debris existing on the lawn site. You can either do this manually or can use a herbicide. The main aim is to get rid of harmful and unwanted weeds like tall fescue, quack grass, etc. Removing debris is essential otherwise the permanent dry spots may cause problem to the lawn in future.
· For equal watering to all the areas of the lawn, make sure that there are no low areas where water may collect. To deal with such situation, you have the option to spread top soil and properly mix it with the three inches of the existing soil. Nothing less than 6 inches of top soil should be added. The added topsoil would facilitate proper water movement in the lawn.
· Before you begin with the plantation, make sure to add good fertilizer and make the necessary lime/phosphorous changes, if recommended by the soil test. The fertilizer should be properly mixed with the top three inches of the soil.
· Lastly, the final grade is established after the seedbed is leveled through a garden rake. Now you lawn is ready to get the new plantation.
Preparation of Soil
It is also advisable to collect information about the preparation of soil to grow grass in lawn. For incurring a flourishing lawn, one must follow the following simple steps for preparing soil-
· The first step is to check the soil for determining the pH level. In this way, you can make the necessary changes or can add nutrients, if required.
· Next, break up soil with a rototiller. This will allow the soil to loosen up and accept the nutrients offered in the future.
· This step allows you to undergo any kind soil treatment on the basis of the results of the test done in Step 1. This may include additions or changes to the soil. You can make use of phosphorous or lime for making the desired changes.
· After the tilling and required changes are done, the soil should be evenly watered. This will help the soil in settling down. After this step is completed, you soil is fully prepared for your lawn.
David S is a Lawn care expert. For more great tips on Lawn and Grass Soil and growing the Greenest Lawn visit http://www.mylawncaresecrets.com
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Cultural Significance of Flowers and the Ascent of Man
By Elena Price
Humanity has always had a natural affinity with flora and fauna. Prehistoric man evolved into a tribal hunter-gatherer society that relied upon its connection with nature and the world around it. Man has always relied upon nature to provide himself with food and resources. However, nature's resources were not always used in construction or to feed the expanding population.
Archaeological evidence suggests that some of these resources were used for art, decoration, communication and social entertainment. Wall paintings and cave drawings show that mankind has always had an eye for aesthetics. Art, literature, design, song and verse have been instrumental in the development of civilization throughout man's evolution, and flowers have provided inspiration for these devices of social development and interaction throughout history. Who could forget Van Gogh's Sunflowers or Monet's Water-Lilies? Indeed, who could forget Shakespeare's immortal line in Romeo and Juliet:
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." (II, ii, 1-2)
Flowers, with their connection with beauty and nature, and their meanings within society, have been used as inspiration for all mediums of art, and have played an intrinsic part in the development of human civilization.
Flowers have also played an important role in burial customs throughout history. In the 1950s, an excavation was carried out in a site known as Shanidar Cave, situated in Northern Iraq, and nine Neanderthal skeletons, dating from between 60-80,000 years BP, were discovered. An analysis of soil samples taken from the area around the fourth skeleton, Shanidar 4, showed that there were pollen grains from various flowers around the body, suggesting that the flowers had been placed there deliberately, either for medicinal or ritual purposes.
In Egypt, as far back as 3,000 BC, flowers were an essential part of burial customs. For example, a sarcophagus discovered in the Valley of the Kings in 2006 was found to contain many woven flower garlands. There are also numerous tomb paintings and friezes depicting the importance of flowers within Egyptian life. Family members and mourners are believed to have worn garlands and left flowers at the tombs of loved ones, much as we do today.
Flowers were also seen as a symbol of prosperity. Coins from the Ptolemaic dynasty often depict the Cornucopia, or the Horn of Plenty, which is filled with flowers, fruit and vegetables, and was considered to be a symbol of wealth and prestige.
As well as being symbols of prosperity, grief and artistic inspiration, many ancient cultures considered flowers to be a suitable gift to symbolise prestige and honour. Flowers and wreaths were often presented to the champions of both Pan-Hellenic and Roman festivals, and victorious military generals were given wreaths when they marched through the streets of Rome. Archaeological evidence from Pompeii suggests that there were thriving flower garland businesses in Roman cities during both the Republic and the Principate eras.
History shows that flowers have always been an important part of human existence. Today, flowers are used for many occasions, as declarations of love and respect and even just for simple enjoyment or decoration. It is certain that flowers will continue to be a significant source of inspiration and joy to us for many years to come.
Humanity has always had a natural affinity with flora and fauna. Prehistoric man evolved into a tribal hunter-gatherer society that relied upon its connection with nature and the world around it. Man has always relied upon nature to provide himself with food and resources. However, nature's resources were not always used in construction or to feed the expanding population.
Archaeological evidence suggests that some of these resources were used for art, decoration, communication and social entertainment. Wall paintings and cave drawings show that mankind has always had an eye for aesthetics. Art, literature, design, song and verse have been instrumental in the development of civilization throughout man's evolution, and flowers have provided inspiration for these devices of social development and interaction throughout history. Who could forget Van Gogh's Sunflowers or Monet's Water-Lilies? Indeed, who could forget Shakespeare's immortal line in Romeo and Juliet:
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." (II, ii, 1-2)
Flowers, with their connection with beauty and nature, and their meanings within society, have been used as inspiration for all mediums of art, and have played an intrinsic part in the development of human civilization.
Flowers have also played an important role in burial customs throughout history. In the 1950s, an excavation was carried out in a site known as Shanidar Cave, situated in Northern Iraq, and nine Neanderthal skeletons, dating from between 60-80,000 years BP, were discovered. An analysis of soil samples taken from the area around the fourth skeleton, Shanidar 4, showed that there were pollen grains from various flowers around the body, suggesting that the flowers had been placed there deliberately, either for medicinal or ritual purposes.
In Egypt, as far back as 3,000 BC, flowers were an essential part of burial customs. For example, a sarcophagus discovered in the Valley of the Kings in 2006 was found to contain many woven flower garlands. There are also numerous tomb paintings and friezes depicting the importance of flowers within Egyptian life. Family members and mourners are believed to have worn garlands and left flowers at the tombs of loved ones, much as we do today.
Flowers were also seen as a symbol of prosperity. Coins from the Ptolemaic dynasty often depict the Cornucopia, or the Horn of Plenty, which is filled with flowers, fruit and vegetables, and was considered to be a symbol of wealth and prestige.
As well as being symbols of prosperity, grief and artistic inspiration, many ancient cultures considered flowers to be a suitable gift to symbolise prestige and honour. Flowers and wreaths were often presented to the champions of both Pan-Hellenic and Roman festivals, and victorious military generals were given wreaths when they marched through the streets of Rome. Archaeological evidence from Pompeii suggests that there were thriving flower garland businesses in Roman cities during both the Republic and the Principate eras.
History shows that flowers have always been an important part of human existence. Today, flowers are used for many occasions, as declarations of love and respect and even just for simple enjoyment or decoration. It is certain that flowers will continue to be a significant source of inspiration and joy to us for many years to come.
Monday, June 1, 2009
5 Things You Need to Know Before Mulching Your Lawn
By David Spelling
Mulching is a technique of spreading organic matter on the surface of the lawn. This matter naturally decomposes and is converted into humus through the soil organisms. The process gives the soil a dark color, along with a rich smell. The technique of mulching your lawn is generally preferred over composting. It is a great way to avoid producing organic waste and also helps in retaining water in the soil.
Maintain a Healthy Lawn
Mulching is a great way of maintaining a healthy and colorful lawn. It helps in protecting the growing plant and provides the needed ingredients for fertilizing them too. Before applying mulching, it is important to collect relative information about its motives and features. Some of these include-
· The activity of mulching protects the plants from mechanical injury only then if applied in the right quantity and manner. One should apply a layer of mulch ranging between one to three inches deep. Anything more than this and you may end up with the roots growing in mulch.
· If you want to fertilize the lawn, then grass clippings are the best source of mulching. It is easy to apply. The clippings are chopped into small bits that breakdown and provide the necessary elements like nitrogen to the plant. You can also take the help of a mulching mower.
· While setting up a new lawn, mulching your lawn is a great way of seeding. The process enables the seed in retaining moisture, along with boosting the germination as well. You can also mulch the lawn if you plan to patch the lawn and give it a fresh look.
· One of the motives of mulching is to protect the trees from fading away. For this, you need to choose the right mulch type that should be spread around the base of the trees. Such activity will help the tree in flourishing and stop it from growing under it. It would also eliminate the need to mowing and protect the roots from lawn mower nicks. Make sure the mulch is not too close to the base of trunk as it may result in decaying.
· Since plastic will not decompose therefore always avoid using plastic under the mulch layer. It extracts the moisture needed by the roots and result in drying of soil that could prove hazardous for the root's growth.
Need to Mulch
There is a false notion regarding mulching your lawn. Some people believe that mulching may result in big, thick, harmful thatches and spoil the lawn. Contrarily, the process increases the fertilizing power and maintains a strong lawn. Since grass consists of approximately 90% water content, the clippings used for mulching disappear within one to two days. Mulching is also recommended as it is easy to adopt and saves a lot of time. It is recommended to mulch the lawn especially during summers as it removes weeds, helps in retaining moisture, protect roots, and most importantly add nitrogen to the soil.
David S is a Lawn care expert. For more great tips on Mulching Your lawn and Growing the Greenest Lawn visit http://www.mylawncaresecrets.com
Mulching is a technique of spreading organic matter on the surface of the lawn. This matter naturally decomposes and is converted into humus through the soil organisms. The process gives the soil a dark color, along with a rich smell. The technique of mulching your lawn is generally preferred over composting. It is a great way to avoid producing organic waste and also helps in retaining water in the soil.
Maintain a Healthy Lawn
Mulching is a great way of maintaining a healthy and colorful lawn. It helps in protecting the growing plant and provides the needed ingredients for fertilizing them too. Before applying mulching, it is important to collect relative information about its motives and features. Some of these include-
· The activity of mulching protects the plants from mechanical injury only then if applied in the right quantity and manner. One should apply a layer of mulch ranging between one to three inches deep. Anything more than this and you may end up with the roots growing in mulch.
· If you want to fertilize the lawn, then grass clippings are the best source of mulching. It is easy to apply. The clippings are chopped into small bits that breakdown and provide the necessary elements like nitrogen to the plant. You can also take the help of a mulching mower.
· While setting up a new lawn, mulching your lawn is a great way of seeding. The process enables the seed in retaining moisture, along with boosting the germination as well. You can also mulch the lawn if you plan to patch the lawn and give it a fresh look.
· One of the motives of mulching is to protect the trees from fading away. For this, you need to choose the right mulch type that should be spread around the base of the trees. Such activity will help the tree in flourishing and stop it from growing under it. It would also eliminate the need to mowing and protect the roots from lawn mower nicks. Make sure the mulch is not too close to the base of trunk as it may result in decaying.
· Since plastic will not decompose therefore always avoid using plastic under the mulch layer. It extracts the moisture needed by the roots and result in drying of soil that could prove hazardous for the root's growth.
Need to Mulch
There is a false notion regarding mulching your lawn. Some people believe that mulching may result in big, thick, harmful thatches and spoil the lawn. Contrarily, the process increases the fertilizing power and maintains a strong lawn. Since grass consists of approximately 90% water content, the clippings used for mulching disappear within one to two days. Mulching is also recommended as it is easy to adopt and saves a lot of time. It is recommended to mulch the lawn especially during summers as it removes weeds, helps in retaining moisture, protect roots, and most importantly add nitrogen to the soil.
David S is a Lawn care expert. For more great tips on Mulching Your lawn and Growing the Greenest Lawn visit http://www.mylawncaresecrets.com
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