Tag Archives: Gardening

Vegetable Gardening – 3 Organic Vegetable Gardening Tips For Newbies

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Organic gardening has become very popular over the past several years and many people practice some form of organic gardening without even realizing it. Growing vegetables using only natural methods is known as organic vegetable gardening. Artificial chemicals are avoided when it comes to pest control, weed control and fertilization.

With organic gardening, the chances of your family members being exposed to harmful chemicals are being reduced drastically. No harm will be committed to the environment and you are actually helping to save planet Earth. Expenses such as the purchase of fertilizers and pests control products can be waived if you are into organic gardening.

The use of compost in place of much and fertilizer is a basic concept in organic gardening. You must also learn the basic techniques of how to protect your plants from diseases as organic fertilizers such as manure does not contain chemicals that will reinforce the immune system of your plants.

Organic Vegetable Gardening Tips #1 Soil

The soil used for your gardening efforts will determine your success because you will not be depending on chemical fertilizers. While you are planting your crops, you have to make sure first that you have a healthy soil of pH Value 6.8, however, pH values will differ for different types of vegetables.

Organic Vegetable Gardening Tips #2 Water and Sunlight

Water is essential to the growth of your plant. Sunlight is also another important element in organic gardening. However, it is hard to control the exposure of your vegetables to sunlight. Make sure that you choose a vegetable gardening spot that will receives at least 6 hours of sunlight everyday. Otherwise, it will not receive the maximum growth it should have.

Organic Vegetable Gardening Tips #3 Pests Control

The use of natural pest predators such as ladybugs, hornets and preying mantis is an effective alternative for pesticides or insecticides. If these predators cannot be found in your garden, you can always purchase them from nurseries or even online shopping sites like Amazon and eBay.

As for weeds control, pulling weeds by hand is more beneficial than killing them with weed killers as you will do no harm to the environment.

Sacrificing a small portion of the harvest to the bugs in order to provide their families with natural foods free of chemicals is definitely not a problem for organic vegetable gardeners. Composted kitchen scraps and weeds reduce the amount of waste that is deposited in landfills and sewers.

How to Be Cost-Effective When Gardening

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There is no doubt that having and maintaining a beautiful garden costs money. A lot of the plants, materials, furnishings and décor which are commonly used for gardens today are a bit expensive. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways on how you can work within your budget while having the garden that you have always wanted. Here are some tips.

1. First off, relax. As with other projects, you should never bite off more than what you can chew. If possible, divide your gardening project into smaller ones. If you have been planning remodel your entire garden, try to divide it into smaller sections that you can do over a certain period of time. For instance, you can work on one small gardening project every month for six months or until you finish everything. By doing this, you would not only be able to have the opportunity to save up for each project but also have more fun in doing them.

2. If you have been doing your research on the costs of setting up a garden, then you probably already know that a big chunk of the total cost goes to labor. This is why if possible, try to work on your gardening projects by yourself or with your spouse or family. You can enlist some friends, relatives or even turn it into some kind of wholesome family activity that your kids can participate in. Choosing to work on your gardening project without hiring professionals is great and very cost-effective, as long as you have the knowledge, tools and equipment needed to do the job. If you do not, however, be sure to consider the advantages of hiring professional landscapers and contractors. Setting up your garden without actually knowing what you are doing could just be a waste of time and money if you realize later on that you could not do the job by yourself.

3. It would also save you a lot of money if you would be growing your plants from seeds instead of buying the ones which are already grown. Aside from saving money, knowing that you were able to grow your plants from seeds is a lot more rewarding.

4. You can also get plants and seedlings from people you know who have their own gardens. There are some people who are more than willing to give you any surplus plants they have. You can even offer surplus plants you have in return. If you do not know a lot of people who tend their own garden, you can try joining a local garden club, which could give you the opportunity to meet other gardeners.

5. Instead of buying fertilizer, you can try making your own compost. You just need to do a bit of researching to know how to make it – you might be surprised how simple it is to make it, allowing you to not only save money but grow your garden organically as well.

6. When looking for gardening tools, equipment and supplies, try browsing yard sales and antique shops. These usually offer a wide selection of bargain gardening supplies and equipment that would help you set up your garden without burning a hole in your pocket.

7. Lastly, make sure that you would be taking care of your garden. To get the most out of the money you invested in it, take the time to know how to maintain your garden and how to take care of your plants. Through doing this, you would be able to have a beautiful garden that you and your family can enjoy for a long time.

Herb Garden Plants to Enhance Your Landscape and So Much More

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When you hear the phrase, Herb Garden Plants, what comes to mind? Do you see witches casting spells, a small bottle of a magical potion, or an amulet containing herbs? Do you see a medicine man or monk with their assortment of herbs for healing? Do you see an old farmhouse with bundles of herbs hanging from the rafters and drying? Perhaps you are remembering the scent of lavender or rosemary. You may be thinking of the herbs you or someone you know use in cooking.

Today the popularity of herbs can be attributed to their practical uses and this makes them appealing to both gardeners and non-gardeners.

For centuries home herb gardens and herb garden plants have been the focus of cooking, medicine, tonics, oils, nutrients, essences, charms, salves, love potions, amulets, bouquets, shampoos, bath oils, incense, vinegars, salts, butters, teas, wine, preserving food, and many more uses. These all fall into one or more of the main 4 categories of herbs.

Culinary herbs are used in cooking and fresh dishes. The nice thing about growing culinary herbs is they can be grown outside in the garden or landscape or in containers as well as indoor. Culinary herbs planted outdoors make a great edible landscape. They are the perfect plant to grow in the kitchen and are right there when you need or want them for your cooking.Many of the culinary herbs are also medicinal herbs.

Medicinal Herbs used in herbal medicine is the oldest form of “healthcare” known to mankind. You can’t find one culture throughout history that didn’t use some form of a herb plant to treat the ill members of its society. Different parts of herb garden plants are used: leaves, flowers, stems, fruits from certain plants, oils, and especially their roots to relieve symptoms or to even prevent certain health conditions from ever occurring. Consult with your physician before using or trying any herbs for medicinal purposes.

Ornamental herbs are grown for decoration both in and out of the garden as well as in crafts. Their flowers and foliage colors can vary in hues from bright to very dull and some are prized for the texture of their leaves. Some of these herbs have light-colored or whitish flowers or variegated foliage. These plants make perfect accents for a balcony or to line your flowerbed. Many of the medicinal herbs are also ornamental herbs.

Aromatic herbs are grown by the perfume industry to be used as additives in products such as perfumes, toilet water and other items needing a radiant fragrance. These herbs are used for aromatherapy. In the home herb garden we grow aromatic herbs for our pleasure, to use for potpourris, as well as for companion planting and pest control.

Herb plants can span more than one category. Basil, Calendula, Chives, Fennel, Lavender, Mint are just a few of herbs which are used in all 4 categories.

Herbs are using in companion planting to increase other plants productivity and also as insect repellents, keeping pests off of and away from other plants. Some herbs are used to enhance the soil.

When it comes down to it, herb garden plants come in all sizes, shapes, and colors and are an important part of the landscape around our homes. Herbs consist of annuals, perennials, and biennials. Herb garden plants have attractive flowers; they attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They make up hedges, backgrounds, low borders, and ground covers. They can take full sun, some tolerate shade, and others tolerate moist soil or dry soil.

You may already have herb garden plants in your landscape in the form of flowers such as Marigolds, Calendulas, Pansies, Passion Flower, Scented Geraniums, Juniper, Wormwood, Violets, Ladies Mantle, Nasturtiums, Roses, Columbine, Hollyhocks, Carnations, and many, many more.