I am new to Texas but want to start a garden. What is the best time to break ground and start planting? Any helpful hints would be greatly appreciated also@ Thanks
After the rains and before the drought.
Don’t be afraid to trim those flowering shrubs and trees that need it. Failure to prune is probably the biggest gardening mistake a person can make. I spent 20 years landscaping homes and businesses, and I watched people make the investment in my services, then they failed to prune when the plants needed it, and before you know it their landscape looked terrible.
If you make a mistake pruning, don’t worry about it. It’s like a bad haircut, it will grow out. Of course use common sense and read the previous articles that I’ve written on pruning.
Along with summertime comes high humidity. High humidity can cause a lot of problems with the plants in your garden and around your house. One of the simple things you can do is don’t water just before dark. Make sure your plants are nice and dry when you tuck them in for the night and you can cut down on the chance of fungus being a problem.
One of the more common fungi that I get asked about a lot is powdery mildew. This appears as a white film on the leaves of ornamental plants. Dogwoods and Purple Sandcherry are often the victim of powdery mildew. Powdery mildew isn’t extremely harmful to the plants, it’s just that the foliage is damaged, and little growing takes place once it sets in. Your local garden center will have a general fungicide you can spray if you’d like to try and control it. Usually once the plant defoliates in the fall the plant is back to normal.
If you have Perennial Rye Grass in your lawn, and you probably do if you’re in the north, you must be careful not to leave your grass wet at night. There is a fungus known as Pythium Blight that appears in very humid conditions. This fungus attacks and kills perennial rye grasses. Here in the north most of our lawns are a blend of fescues, perennial ryes, and Kentucky Blue Grass.
If you have problems with Pythium blight you will lose the perennial rye grass in large areas of your lawn, and even though the other grasses will still be there and fill in, your lawn will have areas that are much darker green than the rest of the lawn because you will then have concentrations of Kentucky Blue Grass.
You can see this fungus in the early morning. It looks like white cotton candy laying on top of your lawn. It usually appears along walks and driveways where the soil is wet if you have been watering. To prevent Pythium blight water as early in the day as possible.
Another nasty little blight that likes summertime is Fire Blight. Fire Blight attacks ornamentals, especially Apple trees, Crabapple trees, Cotoneasters, and Pyracantha. You know you have Fire Blight when a branch on one of your plants dies and turns almost red. The leaves usually hang on but turn reddish brown. The damage usually starts out near the end of the branch and works its way toward the main stem of the plant. There is little you can do except prune out the affected branch, cutting it as far back as possible.
Fire Blight is very contagious to plants so you should burn the branches you prune out. You should also dip or wash your pruning shears in rubbing alcohol after each cut to keep from spreading this deadly fungus.
Unfortunately, I’ve got one more summertime culprit to warn you about. It’s a handy little fungus that grows in mulch. Actually there are all kinds of fungi that tend to grow in mulches, and most of them are really disgusting looking. But this little gem is unique in the fact that as it grows it tends to swell. Then somehow it manages to explode, and it will spatter your house with tiny brown specks. The experts have appropriately named this one “Shotgun Fungus”. Isn’t that a cute name?
These tiny little brown specks will fly as high as eight feet into the air, and once they stick to your house or windows, they stick like glue. I know that right now there are people hollering across the house at their spouse, “Hey, remember those brown specks all over the house? I know what they are. It’s from the mulch!” Tell me I’m wrong, but I know I’m not.
A lot of people are victims of this nasty little fungus, but they don’t know it. All they know is that there are tiny brown specks on the house that look like paint. So far they have blamed everything from spiders to aliens.
There’s not a lot you can do to prevent this fungus. I have found that if you keep the mulch loose so air can circulate it is less likely to grow fungi. Don’t just keep adding layer after layer to the mulch around your house. You should skip at least every other year and just loosen the mulch you already have down. If you loosen it and then rake it flat it will look like you’ve just mulched. Mulch is great, just don’t let it get packed down hard. Loosen it up at least once a year.
Michael J. McGroarty is the author of this article. Visit his most interesting website, http://www.freeplants.com and sign up for his excellent gardening newsletter. Article provided by http://gardening-articles.com/
Michael J. Mcgroarty
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/summer-gardening-tips-3975.html
Vitamins are sort of like building blocks for the human anatomy when it comes right down to it. They are organic byproducts of the fruits and vegetables we eat, and are even found in some of the meats we consume, pastas, grains and most other foods that aren’t processed to death, usually in trace amounts.
Of course, the ideal way to get the vitamin nutrition that your body needs to keep on functioning at peak levels is to get them all through eating the fresh fruits, vegetables and grains that contain them in the highest amounts.
However, in this day and age, it’s hard for us to actually “eat” our vitamins and minerals in the proper amounts by consuming the foods, so we’re lucky enough to have highly advanced and effective vitamin and mineral supplements at our disposal to help us meet those crucial daily requirements.
The amazing part about our bodies is that we actually are able to synthesize the needed vitamins and trace elements that are needed for us to continue functioning, on our own, without the supplementation of the diet and vitamin supplements that are taken orally.
Vitamin D is a well known example of how our amazing abilities to synthesize certain vitamins works. We actually are able to convert natural sunlight into vitamin D in our bodies, and this is the best form of that particular compound that can be attained - pill forms are inferior in this case.
However, there are some that are needed in greater amounts than what our bodies are capable of manufacturing through other means, and that is when it is necessary that we either get these additional requirements through our diet or through some sort of supplementation. This is where a good pill-form product can help you achieve the necessary levels and maintain optimal health.
The first vitamin I think everyone should be taking on a daily basis, since it is expelled from the body regularly and needs to be replenished every day, is vitamin C esther. The difference between vitamin C esther and regular ascorbic acid is that some argue the esther form is actually more readily absorbed into the body, and better able to protect cells from free radical damage.
This nutrient is a valuable antioxidant and is often overlooked because so many people feel that it’s easily obtained through diet. However, in the winter months, you may not be so inclined to eat the fresh citrus that tends to be rich in this compound, and additional supplementation is needed.
The second recommendation is a good fish oil or flax oil pill. These usually come in a liquid gel form, and although it’s not technically a “vitamin”, it’s very much needed by the body since the omega 3 fatty acids it contains are vital for many of your body’s functions, and it has a reputation for enhancing heart and circulatory health, is excellent for the skin, hair and nails and other connective tissues, and may even help to enhance brain function and mood. That’s not the end of the list either, there are numerous implication to the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids.
If you feel that you lack energy a lot of the time, a good vitamin B12 supplement may do the trick for added energy, and it may also enhance brain function as well.
Some people take vitamin E as a daily supplement, but you have to be careful with this one, because this one is not like vitamin C in that it is not expelled from the body regularly, so it’s easy for one to build up the nutrient to levels that are too high.
Just be sure to follow the labeling and take it as recommended. This one is good for the skin, is a very powerful antioxidant that helps to destroy free radicals which harm the integrity and health of all cells, and may also be integral in immune function and heart health and function.
Some people argue that supplements don’t do much of anything, because they are not real food and the body is not designed to absorb them in the same effective way. While I cannot argue that whole foods are the best source of nutrition, I disagree wholeheartedly that taking supplements is in vain.
While I may not be a scientist, I know that from personal experience when I have stopped taking my supplements, not only do I feel different, I notice the signs physiologically as well that I have stopped them.
Not only that, but logically it seems absurd to say that your body cannot synthesize supplements when we certainly can synthesize and come under the influence of a myriad of pharmaceuticals that cause notable and obvious physiological and mental outcomes, and yet a vitamin cannot do this same thing.
In the end, the choice is a personal one when deciding on whether you want to supplement your diet with oral dosages of certain natural compounds, however, just know that millions of people can’t be wrong, some of them really do make a difference in your health and state of mind.
Danna Schneider
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-best-supplements-to-start-taking-in-2009-719664.html
Greenhouses come in a wide variety of different styles and types. Each is suited to a special need or want and degree of seriousness for greenhouse gardening. For the beginning greenhouse gardener there are smaller versions available that come in the form of portable greenhouses, a hobby greenhouse, or mini greenhouses. There is also the option to build your greenhouse from scratch with a foundation.
What exactly is a greenhouse? A greenhouse is a structure that creates a protected environment for plants to grow in, thus extending the productive lives of plants. Greenhouse gardening is a fun and functional way to garden all year around. You can pick tomatoes in the winter. Grow herbs and vegetables and start seedlings and cuttings. Some of the reasons to start a greenhouse:
Carrying over garden plants to be used as Greenhouse plants next season
Getting an early start for tender plants started from seed
Increasing the possibilities of a greater variety and continuous supply
Easier culture of small vegetables for winter use
To propagate and experiment with various plants as a hobby
Develop new varieties of plants
As with most projects, begin your greenhouse gardening with a plan. You want to consider the type of greenhouse you want (a cold house or a heated greenhouse) and the construction and type of foundation that is required. What type of equipment you will need, covering for your greenhouse, and what type of watering, humidity control, heating, and air circulation systems that will be best suited for your needs.
A cold house is the most uncomplicated of greenhouses. This type of greenhouse is not equipped with any artificial means of heat therefore the growing season is shortened when the outside temperature drops below freezing. Frost sensitive plants will not grow between late fall and the middle of spring unless you provide heat, which of course would not then be a cold house. A cold house does lengthen the growing season from that of gardening outdoors by trapping the heat from the sun throughout the day. In addition, it provides a cosy respite for you to enjoy your gardening away from the elements of wind and rain; it also protects plants from these same elements too.
Monitoring the temperature of your greenhouse is very important. If the temperature inside your greenhouse becomes too hot, your plants will wilt and die. On the other hand, lower temperatures can decrease the vigour and growth of your plants. Try to develop a daily schedule that maintains the best possible temperature. It does not take much to destroy all the work you put into your greenhouse; one hour of intense heat is all it takes. It is better to leave your greenhouse open, and have it a bit cool, than to have your plants die from the heat. For the first few days, check the temperature of your greenhouse several times. If you necessary, open the doors more and/or provide more vents to maintain desired temperature control. During the late afternoon or early evening, when the temperature has cooled, close up your greenhouse. This is a great time to water your plants and flats if they require it.
If you begin greenhouse gardening with a cold house, once you install a heater you will then be able to enjoy a true greenhouse. When you do this, you will transform your love of gardening into a year-round hobby. To grow greenhouse plants throughout the winter the minimum temperature is 45 degrees.
Unlike gardening outside where the rain waters the plants, it does not rain inside a greenhouse. Watering greenhouse plants is not simply taking a hose and saturating the soil. Within the soil, there are small open-air pores that roots depend on for providing them with nutritious gases. When you water your plants, these small pores fill up with water; which then causes suffocation for the plants roots. When the roots suffocate, the plants wither and it is very common for most gardeners when they see this to water the plants further thus causing further suffocation. Remember the watering needs inside a greenhouse are different because the environment is enclosed a majority of the time and a fair amount of moisture becomes trapped lessening the amount of water required. A good rule for watering is to check the soil and if it is dry then add water.
Paul P. Duxbury
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/an-introduction-to-greenhouse-gardening-86428.html
When it comes to landscaping your garden, stones do often make a great addition and they come in a variety of different sizes and colors to suit every gardeners needs. You can make pretty features, use them as stepping stones and you can even build small little walls for the garden too. Whatever you decide to use them for, there is certainly no getting away from the fact that stones can be great for landscaping.
Knowing Which Stones to Purchase
As there is such a wide variety of stones to choose from, you should find that there is something to suit both you and your gardens needs. The various colors available allow you to create a unique look which will help to make it that little bit more scenic.
In order to decide which colors to use you will first need to create a plan which will help you to see what colors go best with what features. Perhaps you just want to stick to natural looking stones and if so that is fine. Natural stones create a natural look which can make the garden seem like an even more peaceful place to be.
One of the best ways to use stones within the garden is by placing them around flowers. Instead of using flower pots, stones create a more modern and serene look. Or, you could use them to build small walls. Obviously the types of stones that you will need will depend entirely upon the feature you are making with them. Stepping stones for example need to be flat so you will have to look around for flat stones rather than pointy ones.
Where to Find the Right Stones for You
Many times you can find the right stones for you actually within your garden or within your local area. They are free and they can be used to make natural features. If you cannot find any stones near you however then you can purchase them from local garden stores or even on the Internet. The Internet will have quite a large range to choose from and you won’t have to carry them home either! However, this does usually mean that delivery will be higher as stones can be quite heavy.
Overall the best types of stones to use within the garden seem to be flagstone or river rock. If you are going to be using them to keep weeds away from flowers then river rock is an ideal choice. However, if you need the stones for large areas of the garden, flagstone may be better for you.
A.Caxton
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/make-the-most-of-your-garden-with-landscaping-stones-97792.html
I live in an apartment & miss having a garden. I’d like to start a container garden on my patio and grow some vegetables. Which vegetables do best in this type of situation?
Hi, again! Wow, the response I’ve got has been great– could you guys (and gals) please expand on what size containers, how much attention I have to pay to light, etc? Any pertinent details I should know/ keep in mind when endeavoring to do this?
Thanks so much for all the great answers!
tomatoes
onions
carrots
pole beans (green beans)
lettuce
cabbage
zucchini
i am doing a project on seed germination and we have to do these experiments during january and february. do you know what seeds grow best during these months? i will need to go somewhere like Lowe’s or home depot. Please help!!
i do a little gardening myself here in florida. out of all my seeds, the spinach germinate really fast. the package of seeds i bought stated 7-14 days but most of them germinated in 3 days. some might take a week but they’re fast. try lettuce too! have fun.
I’d like to try and grow some artichoke this summer and I the package claims that I should germinate the seeds 10-15 days before sowing them. What is the best way for me to germinate the seeds?
Hey Salix,
Wow, artichokes - I had to go look this up -
Direct Seeding
Where winters average above 15°F, seeds can be sown in the fall. Sow artichoke seeds ¼" deep in lightly moistened soil. If seeds are soaked ensure the soil is adequately drained or the seeds will probably rot before germinating.
Transplants
Sow artichoke seeds indoors about 8 weeks before the last spring frost date. Sow ¼" apart and ¼" deep in lightly moistened potting mix in a flat or in a pot. As soon as seedlings can be handled, transplant to 2-4" pots or cell trays and grow at 60°F - 70°F days and 50°F-60°F nights. If seeds are soaked ensure the potting mix has adequate aeration ability or the seeds may rot. Artichokes are a not poplar garden crop in most areas, they are , as the expression goes "an acquired taste". If you have at least 100 frost-free days in your area you can grow them. The Artichoke is generally grown as a perennial, but can also be grown as an annual.
Planting Root Stock
Rootstock can be purchased from a nursery or alternately, a healthy plant can be dug up, the root divided into two or more parts and replanted. Root sections should be set at 6" - 8" deep in the soil. Irrigate the soil thoroughly before planting.