Gardening – Page 2 – eGardening Today

How to start a new garden?

Although you may be excited to start your new garden, there are a few areas to consider before you start your new garden project.

Evaluate and choose a site – If you want to grow a specific type of plant, it is best to consider the conditions it requires. For those planning on growing vegetables, you will need at least 6 hours of sun exposure a day.

Your soil – Once you have identified where you want to plant, look at the soil and check its PH levels. For your plants to take up nutrients, they will need a somewhat neutral PH level between 6.2 – 6.8.

Preparing the garden bed – Your chosen site should be rid of grass and weeds to give your plants ample space and nutrients to grow.

Choosing your plants – If you are planning on growing a vegetable garden, then start with growing vegetables you and your family like to eat. On the other hand, if you are growing plants to beautify your surroundings, look at plants that grow quickly, to give your confidence a boost.

Planting – It is best to plant on an overcast day to stress new plants as little as possible. Before you plant, water your plants the day before and avoid removing all your plants from their pots before planting. For plants that have densely packed roots, gently tease them apart before planting them. Soon after planting, water your plants to hydrate them as soon as possible.

4 Tips for a successful indoor herb garden

Herbs are essential to enhance the taste of your dishes. While dry herbs can be a good alternative, fresh herbs on the other hand provide more flavor and nutritional value. Here are some tips to creating your own indoor herb garden.

Provide strong light for your indoor herb garden – The more light you provide your herb garden, the better they will grow and taste. You should look at providing your herbs with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
The temperature – Look at providing your herbs with a temperature of between 60-70 degrees. If your herbs are maturing and you want to slow its growth, look at reducing the temperature to 65 to 70 degrees.
An infrequent, slow watering – Look at watering your herbs once they have dried out. Test the soil by using your finger. The soil should be dry two inches from the top before you give your herbs any water.

Select the best herb pots – Your herb pots should have proper drainage holes to let out extra water. Your pots should also include saucers to collect extra water and reduce damage to a tabletop or a shelf. Select the size of your pot according to how your herb will grow, for example, if your herb has longer roots; it may benefit from a deeper pot. Choose the material for your pot, according to the humidity levels in your home. For example, clay pots will dry out fast, while ceramic will hold in water.

Planting ferns

Article Written by : Home Interior Advices

Ferns are a beautiful addition to a home or garden. However, most people may be reluctant to plant ferns as they may think that ferns are difficult to grow or maintain. Here are some tips to help with planting and maintaining ferns.

Best time to plant – The best time to plant your ferns will depend on your geographic location. If you live in an area that experiences cold, wet winters, then you should plant your ferns in Spring. In warmer climates, look at planting ferns in cooler, wetter months as this will help the fern deal with the stresses of summer.

Moving a fern – If you want to move a fern, start by digging a generous root ball around the plant. Then dig a hole the same size as the root ball in the place you want to plant your Then gently place the fern in place and firm the soil around the plant. Potted ferns can be gently coaxed out of the pot. You will then need to shake the excess soil before replanting. Newly planted ferns should be well watered for them to catch root in their new surroundings.

How far apart to plant your ferns – The spacing will depend on the size and the type of growth. Look at pictures of a fully grown fern in the variety you are planting to ensure you keep sufficient space.

Growing tips – Ferns will grow fronds and roots from their stem. Most ferns will have the majority of their roots on the surface and therefore can be easily disturbed by other plants, rakes, and feet.

How to grow lucky bamboo

Lucky bamboo is an easy houseplant that looks great in kitchens and bathrooms. Here are a few tips to grow and maintain a healthy lucky bamboo plant.

Selection – Choose a plant with bright green leaves and stems. You can also look for plants that have been braided or curled to create intricate designs.

Grow your bamboo hydroponically – The easiest, cleanest way to grow your bamboo is in water. You will need to fill a tall glass vase (avoid shallow bowls) with at least 1-3 inches of water.

Positioning – Place your plant in a space that gets filtered light, similar to the light that creeps through a forest canopy. The plant will thrive in temperatures of between 65ºF and 90ºF.[4]

Changing the water – You should change your water at least once a week. It is best to use bottled water as the plant can be very sensitive to chemicals such as fluoride and chlorine.

Increasing roots – To increase the amounts of roots increase the amount of water. The more roots, the lusher your top foliage will become.

Fertilizing your plant – It is best to use liquid fertilizer every month.

Tip burn – Tip burn is when the leaves start becoming dead and dry. Reduce tip burn by using bottled water instead of tap water.

Trimming – Over time your plant can become top heavy. It is, therefore, important that you trim your plant with sterile scissors every 3 months to encourage growth and maintain balance.

Five gardening tips for beginners

For some growing a garden can be hard work and for others it can seem effortless. If you haven’t found your green thumb yet ,h ere are 5 garden tips that will help you get started.

Know your region – All plants will not grow in any region. Therefore, it is best grow plants that are suitable for your climate and soil type. This will make maintenance a whole lot easier and give you a garden that will flourish. Speak to someone at your local garden centre and ask them what plants are native to your region.

Test your soil – Send a sample of your soil to your local nursery to get an idea of your soil’s PH and nutrient levels. The results will let you know how acidic or alkaline your soil is. This will be a good indication on what type of compost you will need to add to your soil to make your plants thrive.

Start with “easy” plants – Vegetables are an easy way to start your garden, since they grow fast and will give you confidence to venture into other plant varieties. Sunflower seeds or ferns are also a good option, because they grow quickly and require less maintenance.

Create a plan – Create a plan for your garden, so that your plants have space to grow. When planning your space, plant shorter plants at the front and taller plants at the back, closer to a wall or fence.

Keep a notebook – Jot down your plan for your garden. This will help you keep track of your garden’s activity and give you a clear idea of your end goal.

4 Tips for evaluating your garden design

eGardening-Today july 2016 Most gardeners will dream of a ideas on how to redesign or improve their garden. Instead of getting frustrated at your gardening set backs, here are 4 tips for evaluating your garden design and creating a space that is rewarding.

What worked – You should have an idea of a section of your garden that always worked well. This is the key to letting you know what sort of style and plants work best for your garden. Following this style will ensure your garden is always looking its best and an easy garden will give you more time to enjoy its beauty.
What didn’t work – Remember the plants that always needed your attention, or those that never really grew to the plants you had hoped, these are the plants that should be avoided. These types of plants will increase insects and cause stress for you and the rest of your garden. Look at replenishing this section of your soil and putting in irrigation to assist the new plants you intend to grow in its place.
Right plant, right time – Choose plants that flower when you are at home most. For example, if you work during the day, choose plants that flower at dusk. You could also add some plants that add fragrance to the air, creating a relaxing evening for you and your family.

Over Achieving Plants – Usually new gardeners will choose fast growing plants that spread quickly. However, as your garden grows you will need to be selective on what you grow to maintain space.

The advantages and disadvantages of a cottage garden

eGardening-Today june 2016 A cottage garden is defined as an informal garden with old fashioned flowers and plants. Signature modern cottage gardens will have self sowing plants, bushes and plants spilling off the edge of pathways. Although this style of garden may look like it requires no care, a good deal of maintenance is involved. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of creating and maintaining a cottage garden.

Advantages

Personalized garden – Each cottage garden will look different from each other. Usually the plants in a cottage garden will change and flow with each passing year.

Inexpensive and Economical – To create a cottage garden you will need a few packs of seeds and some patience. If you decide to spend money on larger plants like rose bushes and flowering shrubs, you can mix your garden with less pricy plants.

Your garden doesn’t have to be perfectly maintained – Cottage gardens need not be maintained immaculately and therefore a few stray weeds are not a problem.

Disadvantages

Can look messy – Cottage gardens if not maintained for extended periods of time, can look overgrown and messy.

Thinning out plants – It is important that you thin out your plants to avoid plants and vines moving in on each other.

It can be hard to find space for new plants – Finding space can be difficult as your garden grows. Remember to ensure you have a clear plan as to how you want your garden look in a few months.

5 Great ground cover plants

eGardening-Today Ground cover plants take the fuss out of landscaping. They are dependable, hardworking plants, that will carpet your garden floor with minimal fuss. They also offer to control erosion for hilly landscapes and thrive in dry conditions, all the while beautifying your garden. Here are 5 great ground cover plants.

Thyme – Thyme is a great aromatic plant that is best grown in borders, beds and containers. The plant features tiny, fragrant leaves and flowers, that can be used for cooking fresh or dried. The type that creeps, can handle a bit of foot traffic. Thyme will need sun, therefore tuck them between plants and stepping stones on garden paths.

Sedums – These plants that have succulent leaves and stems. They grow best in low water areas and start blooming in shades of white, pink, red, yellow, purple and orange. They need full sun or partial shade and grow best in well drained soil.

Hens-and-chicks – This is an old fashion favourite and great in tight spaces. The plants succulent rosettes grow 3-6 inches tall and need almost no maintenance.

Sweet woodruff – This plant grows best in the shade and is great to plant below trees and shrubs. The plant will grow about 6-12 inches tall and when in bloom will have tiny white spring flowers.

Bishop’s weed – This is a fast growing plant and is best for shaded slopes. Since this plant will grow and run off the space, it will work best in a contained area between a building or a paved space.

5 tips on how to control and deter rabbits from your garden

eGardening-Today Although rabbits are cute, they can cause a lot of damage to your garden. Rabbits usually will eat any plant if they are hungry enough and can cause a lot of damage in just a few hours. Here are a few methods that will help you control and deter rabbits from entering your garden.

Repellants – Rabbits are picky when it comes to certain scents. Therefore, buying a rabbit repellant that has to be applied to your plants is a good deterrent. However, you will have to reapply the repellent if there is a good amount of new plant growth or after a rain. It is best to alternate your repellants, so that the rabbits to not get familiar with the scent.

Fertilizer repellants – Blood meal and bone meal make very good natural rabbit deterrents. Since rabbits are herbivores the smell of slaughterhouse by-products makes them go elsewhere for food. These fertilizers are available in garden centres and are high in nitrogen and phosphorus. You will have to reapply the fertilizer every 2 weeks.

Plants – Rabbits dislike marigolds and onions. You could plant a border of these plants to deter for rabbits and insects.

Pets – Pets like domestic dogs or cats are great deterrents, as they tend to bark or chase rabbits.

Home remedies – There are a number of home remedies that have shown some success. Remedies include burning human hair or spraying black pepper on your plants.

Clever gardening tips

egardening-today If you’re new to gardening, you will understand the enjoyment you get from spending time in your garden and watching things you plant grow. To keep your garden in good shape, here are a few clever tips, used by professional gardeners.

Pot-in-pot landscaping – Most new gardeners will have no idea where a plant would grow or look best. To make it easier for you to transfer your pots, dig a hole and place an empty plastic pot. You can then grow your seasonal plants or vegetable in your plastic pot and easily move them when needed.

Packing peanuts in large pots – To lighten the load of large flower pots, place packing peanuts at the bottom of your pots. To keep the soil from sinking add a layer of landscape fabric.

Calcium for your garden – Egg shells are a great way for your garden to get a bit of calcium. To make it easier for your plants and soil to absorb the calcium, grind your egg shells in a blender.

Keep pets out – Pets can ruin all your hard work in the garden. To keep them from littering in your special herbs, vegetable or fruit patches, place plastic forks (handle end in the soil).

Diaper to retain moisture – If you travel a lot or just don’t have the time to water your plants daily, place a open diaper at the base of your pot. Then cover the diaper with soil and add your plant. This will help your potted plants retain moisture for longer.