Spring is just around the corner. You’ll find several of our articles start out with that sentence, but it’s only because it can not get here fast enough.
So, while you’re waiting, planning, or simply shoveling the driveway – here is a list of beautiful Spring Flowers that are popular, and perfect for that first break in the weather.
Agapanthus
Amaryllis
Anemone
Birds of Paradise
Cherry blossom
Dahlia
Freesia
Heather
Hyacinth
Orchids
Peony
Sweet pea
Tulip
Zinnia
The “square foot gardening” was popularized by Mel Bartholomew in his 1981 Rodale Press book .
An updated book published by Mel Bartholomew in February 2006.
The practice combines concepts from other organic gardening methods, including a strong focus on compost, closely planted raised beds and biointensive attention to a small, clearly defined area. Proponents claim that the method is particularly well-suited for areas with poor soil, beginning gardeners or as adaptive recreation for those with disabilities.
The original square-foot-gardening method used an open-bottomed box to contain a finite amount of soil, which was divided with a grid into sections. To encourage variety of different crops over time, each square would be planted with a different kind of plant, the number of plants per square depending on an individual plant’s size.
A single tomato plant might take a full square, as might herbs such as oregano, basil or mint, while most strawberry plants could be planted four per square, with up to sixteen radishes per square. Tall or climbing plants such as maize or pole beans might be planted in a northern row (south in the southern hemisphere) so as not to shade other plants, and supported with lattice or netting.
The logic behind using smaller beds is that they are easily adapted, and the gardener can easily reach the entire area, without stepping on and compacting the soil. In the second edition, Bartholomew suggests using a “weed barrier” beneath the box, and filling it completely with “Mel’s mix,” a combination by volume of one third of decayed Sphagnum “peat moss”, one-third expanded vermiculite and one-third blended compost. For accessibility, raised boxes may have bottoms to sit like tables at a convenient height, with approximately 6″ (15cm) of manufactured soil per square foot.
Benefits:
If this is your first year gardening, you should probably look at plants that require little maintenance on your part.
Great choices would be the pepper and tomato plants. They thrive in vegetable gardens. Both require plenty of heat, which makes them a great choice for raised beds.
Beans also grow easily from seed. They love the sunlight and provide large crops throughout the summer, you’ll find yourself picking them over and over.
Now is a good time to plant lettuce and spinach, since they do best in cooler weather. You’ll want to harvest them in the spring months and then reseed later in the summer. Late August is a good time for a second harvest.
Well the snow is melting for those who get it and temperatures are starting to warm up! About time to start planning the seasons growing ideas.
In this economy it is no doubt that everyone is looking for ways to save cash, and gardening is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to make
your dollar go further. Tomatoes, Potatoes, Cabbage, Corn, Lettuce, Green Beans, Squash, Cucumbers, Zucchini, Bell peppers and the list goes on
and on; limited only by ones imagination.
Did you know a lot of Plant shops and Gardening Centers are selling more seeds now than they have in the past few years combined. Some stores
can’t even keep vegetable seeds in stock. Seeds last for years so if you need to buy those extra few packages of strawberries or pinto’s then by all
means do so.
The price of produce rises and falls with the economic situation. When gas rises the cost of produce rises, the cost of canned produce rises. So it
is only smart that one plan to grow a garden and watch mother nature do it’s thing. A pack of Silver queen Corn can grow in a couple of months
while feeding your family through the winter. Savings for that alone could save one a hundred plus dollars. Add the other vegetables one grows
during the growing seasons and you could save hundreds of dollars per year.
Yes gardening takes a little more work than driving to your local grocer, but the taste and cost savings will be well worth it. If you have never
planted your own Garden, or have but just haven’t done so in the past few years with the economy the way it is now there is no better time to get
back into it and with the savings take that vacation or buy that new dress you have been wanting.
Who knew there would be so many rewards to Gardening, saving money and stress relieving!
It is very important to get the right basic tools. The right tools make any job easier and gardening is no exception. Gardeners may collect many tools over the years, but they have to start with a few items that a garden can’t absolutely go without. If you are just starting out, there are a few basic tools that will get you started.
The following are recommended for the beginners or novice gardeners:
1. Spading Fork
Before you plant anything, you will need to open and improve the soil. This gardening tool is used for breaking up the firm soil. A spading fork looks like a pitchfork but has a shorter handle and wider tines. It is especially effective in hard soil and could easily turn compacted soil into smooth and even ground.
A hoe is useful for weeding and cultivating the surface of the soil to allow for penetration of nutrients and water. Apart from the cultivation of the soil, hoes can also be used in weeding and digging since they penetrate easier into the soil.
3. Shovel/Spade
Shovels/Spades are needed for larger digging projects, such as planting shrubs and trees. Garden shovels have round, pointed blades while spades have straight bales set at an angle. They’re absolutely necessary for moving soil, digging holes and planting.
4. Trowels
Most planting will require you get down on your knees with a trowel. Steel blades will last longest. Handle choice is a matter of personal preference. Soft rubber handles are easier on the grip. There are also ergonomic designs that take the stress off of your wrist. A narrow blade is good for digging in solid soil. Wide, rounded blades remove soil faster.
5. Rake
Rakes have short tines on one side attached to a metal frame or bow. They are used for leveling the soil after it has been turned and prior to planting, or for removing large clods of earth or rocks from the soil. A bow rake on its the flat side can be used to smooth soil in preparation for planting. Rakes can also help you get fall’s leaves out of your gardens and also collect all your garden debris. As with trowels, many rakes now come with ergonomic handles that put less stress on your back.
6. Watering Can
The size of a watering can is dependent on the individual using it. Ideally the user should be able to lift it and properly carry it while it is full. A good watering can should have a handle that balances in the hand. Long nozzles allow the water to come out at a very gentle flow rate and are useful for reaching across long distances. Select a watering can that has a detachable spray head – this type of watering can is perfect for watering young seedlings.
8. Water Hose
When it comes to hoses, price is often an indication of quality. Points to compare start with burst strength or how much pressure a hose can handle before it bursts open. 50 pounds per sq. inch is a good strength. The wider the hose, the more water can flow through it. ½ inch is fine, but 5/8 inch is better. Finally there is the material the hose is made from. Rubber will withstand the weather better. Look also for one that claims to be kink resistant, to make your life easier.
Some Helpful Tips:
Now we can get started, happy gardening!
