Basic gardening advice needed?
October 23, 2011 by Green Thumb
Filed under Articles, Question Corner
Ms. Mimsie asks: Basic gardening advice needed?
I just moved into a condo and have a small patio. It has concrete in the center and dirt and plants on the side. The plants are overgrown (especially the ivy). I’d like to pull them up and maybe put down rocks and some planters. But I’ve never gardened before. Can anyone give me some sources for basic gardening and landscape info?
The answer voted best is:
Answer by greenfingers
Definitely get rid of the ivy. It will just keep growing and can cause quite some damage when it gets going.
This is a brilliant site for a beginner gardener.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/htbg/module1/index.shtml
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Container Gardening: A Basic Guide Containing Small Garden Ideas
October 16, 2011 by Green Thumb
Filed under Articles
Container Gardening: A Basic Guide Containing Small Garden Ideas
There are a lot of reasons why home owners should get a guide for container gardening. Just like with other small garden ideas, planning is necessary when it comes to gardening. That is why home owners who are planning to make a container garden should get a guide for small garden ideas that will help them with the planning process.
For home owners who are interested in making their own container garden, these reasons may help motivate them to try their best in using various small garden ideas for their container garden:
1. Container gardening is easy
For home owners who have not tried other small garden ideas such as raised gardening, container gardening is any easy way to start gardening. With the Easy Outdoor Gardening in Containers book, home owners will be provided with container gardening tips and small garden ideas such as how to create a soil mixture for the plants and how to care for them.
2. It is economical
With container gardening, home owners can try out different small garden ideas such as using old buckets with holes punched at the bottom as containers. For home owners who want small garden ideas in choosing the right materials for their container, the Easy Outdoor Gardening in Containers book will show 14 different materials that can be used for making containers.
3. Space is not limited
Even a small corner of a home can be made beautiful with container gardening. There is no need to worry about the amount of space that can be used. With the small garden ideas at the Easy Outdoor Gardening book, home owners will be shown 16 different places around their home that they can use for their gardening.
When it comes to container gardening, it is not as simple as planting a seed and then watering it daily. It involves considering various small garden ideas such as how to make a container garden, how to care for the plants and other things. With the Easy Outdoor Gardening in Containers book provided by Easy Outdoor Gardening, container gardening will become easy with the small garden ideas provided on the book.
For more information and small garden ideas in container gardening, please visit http://www.easy-outdoor-gardening.com/
Water Gardening Tips ? The Basic Of Excavation And Installation
September 28, 2011 by Green Thumb
Filed under Articles
Water Gardening Tips ? The Basic Of Excavation And Installation
The first thing that any gardener planning to reconstruct a garden should be aware of, particularly if they are undertaking much of the construction work themselves, is that the whole project should be fun.
If you are planning to employ professional landscapers or builders to do the ‘heavy’ part of your garden construction it is always important to get several estimates for work to be carried out. Professionals are likely to work outside in all weathers but, if you’re doing it yourself, you have the luxury of picking and choosing when to do the work.
Nobody really likes the idea of their garden turning into a building site but, if the job involves a lot of concrete work, such as the building of walls and patios – or even that of the pond itself -then it is probably inevitable.
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Site clearance is, arguably, the most fundamental aspect to garden reconstruction. It may involve simply shouting at the dog to get out of the way, or it might require a degree of demolition, lifting and disposal of slabs and the hiring of the ubiquitous skip (this latter operation can be quite costly, so only hire one when there is a genuine need).
The trees that you want to keep can hardly be called obstacles, but in some ways that is what they are. These would normally include trees over 5m (15ft) high which, unless they are diseased or dangerous, are not worth felling. In addition, be aware of hidden obstacles, such as well-heads, drains and drainage pipes, manhole covers, electric cabling and assorted lumps of concrete hidden just under the soil.
With your plan firmly in hand you, or the landscapers, will need to mark out the site and it is crucial to know exactly where any walls are to be built and paths laid. Even a few inches out in any direction can cause big problems (especially with more intricate designs).
Thin lines of white spray paint can be used to mark bare soil and pegs, and taut string can be employed to indicate heights of walls and eventual paths. A good, old-fashioned spade should be used to mark out shallow trenches for such things as the water feature.
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Basic Indoor hydroponics Gardening Guide – Benefits and Types of Indoor Hydroponic Systems
September 23, 2011 by Green Thumb
Filed under Articles
Basic Indoor hydroponics Gardening Guide – Benefits and Types of Indoor Hydroponic Systems
Efficiency in comparison to traditional soil growing systems would be one of the major advantages. Commercial production and just plain hobbyists would find that moving from regular soil growing methods to the modern Indoor Hydroponic systems to be more beneficial. Freedom from uncontrollable variables such as the weather, climate and time of day would be the most important factor over traditional growing methods. Farmers in Middle East countries would be able to grow plants such as vegetables only previously grown in tropical countries. Light and amount of growth nutrients to be absorbed by the plants could be optimized for best results without wasting any resources. Plant care could be individualized as to the amount of nutrients and light they receive at any time of the day. Plants grown in pots or plots tend to reach a growth plateau, wherein they become root bound and transplanting them is the best solution. This may present the individual with a sense of frustration and could be messy. Expert advice and appropriate planning beforehand could eliminate such unwarranted difficulties experienced with soil based planting.
Expenses made at the start of the project can be offset by the advantages in the long run. Fertilizers with their ever rocketing cost are major source of expenses in plant cultivation. Plants only take the nutrients they can absorb so maximum nutrient absorption without the risk of putting too much fertilizers is eliminated. But the risk of putting too much nutrients which leads to root damage remains, so proper nutrient feeding is advised.
All in all, the hydroponic system of growing plants increases plant production and quality of the crops. Nutrients essential for plant growth are readily available, proper ratio and distribution is assured resulting to better efficiency. Pesticides and plant diseases can be avoided as no soil is needed. Soil is an ideal medium for infection and disease, so harm to both plant and the individuals are reduced. Expenses are also reduced as pesticides are eliminated so overall; cost effectiveness is enhanced and make hydroponics a more economical way of growing plants.
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For the environmentalist, the hydroponic system of growing plants also presents a more desirable and alternative way of plant production. The effects of growing plants through this new system has proven to be less polluting as it totally removes the need for pesticides and leaves the soil free from contaminants. Scientifically tests also show that plants grown through the hydroponic system contain more vitamins and minerals compared to those grown through fields.
Productivity is also increased with the use of Indoor hydroponic systems. Limited spaces for plant cultivation are maximized because smaller pots are used. Indoor hydroponic systems utilize different types of automated watering systems like drip, pumps and other means, allowing for a low maintenance operation. Spaces not available for plant growing can be utilized and together with regular soil gardens or fields, maximize each growing season.
Types of Indoor Hydroponic Systems
Wick or NFT
The system most often used, operated and maintained with the outmost ease. It requires very little setup and maintenance. This is done by simply cutting a hole in the bottom of the pot and a wick is inserted. The wick’s other end connects to the water reservoir below the pot.
Reservoir or Ebb and Flow System
A growing medium is directly placed into a pan filled with water and nutrients. It is easy to maintain, the pans contents needs only to be replaced every few days in order to maintain an effective system. Root adsorption is maximized with root surface in contact with the water, oxygen and nutrients are readily absorbed.
Drip Systems
The most common of all systems, drip systems are the most likely choice of hobbyists and professionals alike. The nutrient solution is kept in a container below the plants and is distributed by a pump to each plant thru a drip irrigation system. One type would be the Recovery type system; excess nutrients are recycled and channeled back into the reservoir. Another would be the Non-recovery type where excess system is not funneled back into the system, one advantage of this is that is a low maintenance system. Ph and nutrient concentration remains stable but is not as economical as the recovery type system.
Aeroponic System
Technically, the aeroponic system is the most advance of the three. Plants are suspended either without a growth rock or growing mediums. This permits the plant to breathe more air through the roots. Nutrients and water are introduced by timed misting. Root health is maintained by a timer and is set at intervals of a few minutes.
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Basic Indoor hydroponics Gardening Guide – Hydroponic Nutrient Solutions
September 23, 2011 by Green Thumb
Filed under Articles
Basic Indoor hydroponics Gardening Guide – Hydroponic Nutrient Solutions
Improper use of fertilizers is the common cause of many plant problems. Inadequate amounts cause weak and under nourished plants while an amount above desired quantities may burn and even kill the plant. Good judgment and decisions are required when a plant grows. Below are guidelines for applying nutrient solutions.
Hydroponic nutrient solutions are normally sold in concentrated forms. They are then added to the water supply with a specific ratio. Ideally, 150-600 parts per million consists a normal concentration of hydroponic solution. Normally sold in two or three parts because direct combination is not possible. Remember to mix nutrients into water first before combining, never combine two nutrients together.
How Much Hydroponic Nutrient Solution?
There are specific proportions for each plant type and phase of its growth. Advances in nutrient solutions have greatly improved the precision of concentration based on a plants growth stage. Hydroponic nutrient solutions are usually sold in “grow” or “growth” formulas for the vegetative phases and “bloom” or “flower” for the flowering phase of the growth cycle. Remember to switch to the bloom formula during the bloom stager to increase yields exponentially and max out your plants capacity.
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In poor growing conditions weak nutrients are recommended. Low lighting, overheated gardens, crowding and root bound plants. Weak nutrients are also ideal for newly rooted cuttings and for transporting plants or when they are in the transition of growth cycles.
Normal, healthy plants can be used with regular strength solutions in ideal growing conditions. Increasing nutrient solutions could be utilized to enhance efficiency of your gardens. An ideal system such as high quality lights, proper aeration and ventilation when present is the only instance wherein you could increase the level of nutrient solutions to improve plant growth. Gradually increasing the nutrient solution is advised as not to burn the plant roots.
Various additives are also available for optimum plant growth. Maintain good grow logs or records of types of additives used, when applied and results. This enables you to measure its effectiveness in the future. If there are any negative effects with experimentation, flush or rinse your hydroponic system immediately.
How to measure Hydroponic Nutrient Solutions
Electronic conductivity of dissolved minerals in the water is the usual basis for determining nutrient solution. Parts per million (ppm) is the unit of measure. But this is just a general way of measuring conductivity in the solution and not the actual strength of individual minerals. This is the main reason why hydroponic nutrient solutions are sold as a mix of 3 parts. Once the desired mix is achieved it is very convenient to change the concentration to achieve proper conductivity.
Overuse of Hydroponic Fertilizers
Flushing out your growing medium is the first intervention once any signs of over fertilization are observed this is to prevent further damage to the plant. Clean water is used for flushing until signs of nutrient deficiency are observed in the plant. Normal feeding and schedule is then resumed. Some hydroponic systems require a top down flushing to completely clean out the plant.
2 weeks before your expected date of harvest, flushing is recommended for the plant. It is done to leave your harvest free from the hydroponic nutrients solution taste.
Basic Indoor hydroponics Gardening Guide – Indoor Grow Lights for Hydroponics Systems
September 21, 2011 by Green Thumb
Filed under Articles
Basic Indoor hydroponics Gardening Guide – Indoor Grow Lights for Hydroponics Systems
A great indoor garden requires a good grow light. It could mean the difference between success and failure. Having the right hydroponic light is the single-most important and costly decision in setting up your garden.
Hydroponic grow lights come in three main types:
Incandescent lights
These are the usual lights found in homes. They are generally a poor choice for garden grown lights because of their limited light spectrum and inefficiency.
HID (High Intensity Discharge) grow lights
Producing more light (up to 10x more lumens/watt than an incandescent light),are more efficient. Drawbacks would be, they produce more heat, generally more expensive than incandescent lights and requires the additional expense and maintenance with ballast. It takes around 100 hours before hydroponic HID grow lights reach their optimum working conditions, or until they reach light intensity and color stability.
Natural Sunlight
Expense for acquiring artificial lights can be skipped by using sunlight. This is done with the use of solar room, greenhouse or large windows which allows plenty of sunlight. Or you can do this outdoors; hydroponics does not necessarily mean the cultivation of plants indoors but it growing plants without the use of soil.
Basic setup for an indoor garden is 1000w of lighting for and area of 16-25 square feet of plant area. Reflectors and/or light movers should also be considered as they improve efficiency of the indoor hydroponic gardening system. Ballast may also be needed as numerous hydroponic grow lighting require igniting.
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Some Basic Facts
Before plugging in your grow light
Different plants require different levels or types of lighting, this paragraph would deal on some simple know-how on how to make an effective lighting setup. In setting up your garden, it is essential that you determine your growing area in order to determine the best lighting setup for you. Light is an essential factor in the growth of plants, it is important that the lighting solution you chose for your garden is adequate for its size. A poor or ill advised decision would certainly reflect on the quality of plants you produced. Inappropriate budgeting like cost cutting specially on lighting would just prove to be uneconomical and inefficient in the long run.
A general rule for lighting that area coverage is determined by a light wattage output. Reflectors might be used to increase the light area and reach corners but effectiveness is still determined by this formula.
Day and Night Cycles
The type of plant and its stage of growth generally determine the amount of light needed. A common cycle is that with 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness which is recommended for its vegetative growth phase.
For seedlings, a continuous light source is needed until the first real leaves appear. When the leaves appear, the regular 18/6 light cycle is used. Fluorescent or incandescent lights are best for seedling because of the low heat and soft light they generate. Automated timers maybe used to ensure consistent light cycles. Inexpensive timers are also available; this can be found any hardware or Home Depot/ Lowe’s type store.
Light and Photosynthesis
The plants exposure to light intensity, duration and light color directly affects the amount of energy needed for photosynthesis. The color of the light, Blue simulates the summer sun, Orange for autumn seem to stimulate photosynthesis best. The light spectrum produced by metal halide bulbs (Blue lights) and high pressure sodium bulbs (red/ orange lights) produce this effects. HID grow lights produce these effects owing to their popularity to hobbyist and professionals. Combination of metal halide and high pressure sodium bulbs provides the complete spectrum of light produced by the sun.
Use Caution When Working with Lights
The combination of water, electricity and chemicals in such a closed-in space makes the grow room one of the most dangerous places in your house. Keep in mind to separate your ballast by elevating it from the water-containing areas of your hydroponic growing system.
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Basic Indoor hydroponics Gardening Guide – Plants Growth Factors
September 19, 2011 by Green Thumb
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Basic Indoor hydroponics Gardening Guide – Plants Growth Factors
Complete freedom from environmental factors gives indoor hydroponic gardening its ultimate advantage. All the elements needed for optimum plant growth are provided by the indoor hydroponic gardening system. Light, temperature, pH, CO2 and Oxygen are important factors that should be considered in planning your indoor hydroponic garden system.
Light and Photosynthesis
Essential sugars are created by plants through photosynthesis which is the process of converting carbon dioxide, water and nutrients into energy. Light is considered the most important factor because it provides energy for this chemical reaction. Studies show that an increase in light intensity directly increases the amount of sugar produced. This steadily goes up till the saturation point for light is reached by the plant. Increasing the level of light received by the plant should also be considered. Normally, a plant receives around 8-12 hours of sunlight in a day depending on the season. Plant exposure to this amount of light received in a day should be maintained in an indoor hydroponic garden system. Spacing is also important, be sure that they don’t block the light and ensure all plants received equal amount of light.
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Plants not receiving enough grow light will have lasting negative effects on its growth even when corrected. Some characteristics are stems which are spindly and elongated leaving them ineffective in supporting plant growth. A decrease in the amount and size of the leaves is also one problem. More damaging effects of improper lighting are a decrease or absence of fruits, decreased overall quality and a change into a yellowish pigmentation for the plant.
Carbon Dioxide also plays a major role in Photosynthesis. Plants utilize the CO2 present in the atmosphere than anything else. CO2 systems are available which increase the levels of CO2 in your indoor hydroponic garden system
Good ventilation should also be considered as they maintain temperature and a steady fresh supply of CO2 and oxygen at all times. Complex setups require more complicated ventilation systems but an oscillating fan set on the same timer as the lights would ensure airflow that eventually allows for optimal plant nutrients in an hydroponic system.
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Basic hydroponics Gardening Guide – How to Build Basic Hydroponic Systems
September 18, 2011 by Green Thumb
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Basic hydroponics Gardening Guide – How to Build Basic Hydroponic Systems
Ebb and Flow hydroponic systems or reservoir systems are one of the easiest to build and maintain. Simplicity and low cost in setting up make it ideal for home hobbyists. Basic setup consists of a growing tray for plants in containers. Usually used with pebbles, perlite and rockwool gardening mediums. Reservoirs filled with water and hydroponic nutrient solutions are placed under the growing medium. A timer controls the amount of water pumped back into the growing tray. The draining action helps provide a steady flow of oxygen to the plants roots. An overflow drain is installed to regulate water height and avoid overflow.
Building Ebb and Flow Hydroponic System
The following hydroponic supplies are required for an Ebb and Flow hydroponic system
Growing Tray
Root protection requires a growing light that shields your roots from light. Plastics are preferred to metals and wood due to its light weight and durability. A thorough check of the growing medium is required to make sure that water drainage is complete. Root rot, pests problems and molds are the main problems encountered by improper drainage.
Plant Pots
Any non-metallic plant pot with drainage holes will suffice for a simple ebb and flow system.
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Growing Medium
Ebb and flow systems need no special type of growing medium. Clay pebbles (sometimes called grow rocks) are usually used, they don’t need to be mixed with other mediums. Due to frequent flooding cycles, it is advised that water retention be avoided.
Supports
Support for the tray suspended above the reservoir is needed. The setup of the indoor system would dictate if a simple table or milk tray, or a customized support is required. Something sturdy is what you need for supporting the full weight of your setup. Always include the weight of the water and nutrients in planning. Taking note the mature size and weight of the plants should also be considered. Changing the supports would present an impossible if not very difficult scenario once the plants reach their full growth size.
Reservoir
Any large plastic can be used as a reservoir (rubber tubs and trash cans are also ideal). Rust is the main problem with metal containers.
Drains
Two drains are required for your garden, a drain for the water to return to the reservoir and one for the overflow drain. Fill pipes also serve as a drain pipe, allowing it to run up the same way it came down. Overflow pipes should be designed at the desired maximum level of water for the indoor hydroponic garden system. Be sure that the overflow pipe is large enough to accommodate the amount of water to be pumped out of your grow space. Ideally a figure of 125% to 135% of the amount is desired. This assures a optimum flow of nutrients for the growing medium and avoids salt and mineral to buildup.
Water Pump
Pump size depends on the indoor hydroponic systems needs. The amount of water and distance are factors to be considered for the size of the pumps. Aquarium pumps can be used for most small scale systems.
Timers
The type and cost of timers depends on the specific setup of your gardens need. Hobbyists usually employing a single time schedule can work with a cheap timer readily available at a Home Depot or Lowe’s type store. Larger more sophisticated timers are needed for advance or large scale ebb and flow systems this allows control for more than one section at a time.
Flexible Plastic Tubing
Transparent flexible tubing’s should be avoided to prevent algae build up. Ordinary flexible tubing’s may also be used.
Care of Ebb and Flow Hydroponic Systems or reservoir systems are one of the easiest to build and maintain. Simplicity and low cost in setting up make it ideal for home hobbyists. Basic setup consists of a growing tray for plants in containers. Usually used with pebbles, perlite and rockwool gardening mediums. Reservoirs filled with water and hydroponic nutrient solutions are placed under the growing medium. A timer controls the amount of water pumped back into the growing tray. The draining action helps provide a steady flow of oxygen to the plants roots. An overflow drain is installed to regulate water height and avoid overflow.
Basic Indoor hydroponics Gardening Guide – Hydroponics Growing Mediums
September 17, 2011 by Green Thumb
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Basic Indoor hydroponics Gardening Guide – Hydroponics Growing Mediums
These are the materials that mimic the soil in everyday gardens. It serves as a support system for your hydroponic indoor garden. They function mainly for anchoring the roots and a reservoir for water and nutrient solutions. Special attention is also placed on aeration or proper plant respiration and drainage. A balance must be kept between keeping the plant nourished and over saturating the roots.
Types of Growing Mediums
Choice of a specific growing medium mainly depends on the type of growing system to be used. Certain systems have no mediums used because plant growth is best when roots are suspended in air or water. Improvement made with newer growing medium mixtures has been introduced for optimum plant growth in certain systems. Ideally, an equal mixture of water and air is advised making it available for the roots to utilize at all times. Water by gravity always moves downward through coarse mediums only to be deposited in the bottom of the container. This is eliminated with the use of a hydroponic system as water is constantly circulated in the system. The only system that this would not work would be the Ebb and Flow Systems.
Clay Pebbles
Recyclables, it can be constantly reused indefinitely reducing upkeep costs for your indoor garden. Size of the pot is one limiting factor as they do not possess good nutrient lifting ability, but effectiveness is enhanced in smaller pots and containers. Another advantage would be their neutral pH and they don’t retain nutrients. Ventilation and aeration are also maximized because of the spaces created between pebbles.
Clay pebbles are usually used together with net pots in drain and flood indoor hydroponic gardening systems. Water flow in roots is enhanced by their natural shapes and spaces hey create between them, therefore maximizing the absorption of nutrients. When using the Drip irrigation hydroponic system, use absorbent mediums to provide better retention and nutrient circulation.
Coconut Fiber
Shredded husks of coconuts as a growing medium has also been growing in popularity. Packaged in a variety of ways like blocks, pellets, cubes and shredded fiber it can be a good substitute for any type of growing medium. It is also commonly mixed with other growing media such as perlite or rockwool.
Why Use Coconut Fiber as a Growing Medium?
Coconut fiber is actually a waste product; its ability to be used for other useful means takes a great step towards recycling and environmental awareness. It is the first totally organic medium which could be utilized for indoor hydroponic gardening. It is superior to rockwool in water handling ability and oxygen capacity. Coconut fibers also possess root stimulating hormones and prevent root disease and fungus infection. In its natural state, coconut fibers provide a good and rich medium for the coconut when it lands in the ground.
Special attention should be given as to the quality of the coconut fiber to be purchased. Low grade quality is not well suited for gardening as they contain high sea salt content and fine grain texture.
Perlite
Originally used as an additive to aide aeration and improve soil drainage, it has become one of the popular hydroponic growing mediums. Commonly used with a 50/50 mix with vermiculite, it is derived from volcanic glass with holes throughout produced by exposing it to high temperatures created by water bubbles.
Advantages of Growing with Perlite
Inexpensive and readily available is one of the causes of its popularity. Used in wick type hydroponic systems because of its aerate nature thereby giving a good wicking action.
Disadvantages of Growing with Perlite
Health hazards come with the use of perlite when inhaled, a mask is suggested when working with perlite as a growing medium. A high degree of care and maintenance is also required. Water retention is one of its weakness therefore constant watering is required.
Vermiculite
Used in conjunction with another growing medium compliments the qualities of the other. A popular and common mix is that with perlite. In a 50/50 mix vermiculites property which is water retention (200 – 300% of its weight in water) complements perlites very porous quality and a balance is achieved.
Dangers of Using Vermiculite
Vermiculite can be a health hazard if not handled properly. Due to its nature of containing small amounts of asbestos, it can be very dangerous when inhaled. It easily dries on an individuals fingers when touched even when wet. It is not also practical to reuse because of the rinsing and drying required. Water retention is also a problem, because of its high water retention if not used in pair with another growing medium, root damage is likely and plant death are the result.
Rockwool
Rockwool specifically made for indoor hydroponic gardening systems. It has remained as one of the popular growing mediums. Transplanting plants when grow too big from their previous containers is also eliminated. When this happens the existing cube with the plant is merely placed on top of a larger cube and the roots would grow through both cubes. Water retention qualities of rockwool is 10 times greater that of water. Its porous nature makes it virtually impossible to over water. Recyclable, it can be used for the next crop by merely rinsing, making it economical and environment friendly.
Disadvantages of rockwool
A natural pH found in rockwool is one of its disadvantages, pre-treatment is required before it is used as a growing medium. Methods of lowering its alkaline content includes mixing it with a solution of pH down, trace mineral solutions and a 24 hour fish emulsion and is then rinsed thoroughly. Gloves should be used when handling rockwool because of skin irritation but is not when rockwool is wet.
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Basic gardening tips
September 13, 2011 by Green Thumb
Filed under Articles
Basic gardening tips
Are you looking out for ways to enhance the exteriors of your home? However, at the same time, do you feel a little lethargic? Well then, you are lucky. There are some basic gardening tips that can help you to add a decorative touch to any deck or patio area, plus add some greenery to it. Once you decide on decorating your garden and if you are a beginner at it, then you should understand some basic gardening tips, to make it a delightful pastime.
Gardener’s gain satisfaction when they see their creation, smell the blooms and sit in the fresh air. Just imagine spending a weekend in the yard that you have created with a lot of love. As a beginner, you need to understand and follow some basic gardening tips that can help you create a masterpiece. In the beginning, you have to go quite slow and start small, by using your imagination. Therefore, choose a task that does not take long to complete. Initially you have to start of by controlling the weeds and pests, but first enlarge the garden. There are some key considerations for successful gardening like-
Soil
Initially you should always start with good soil and you may have to purchase some testing tools from the local gardening shop to find out what your soil needs. If your present soil has clay or shale, then you need to treat the soil before planting. You might have to treat around 60% of the soil to make it fertile enough to start your gardening. You need to include peat moss, garden compost, planting mix, perlite and composted manure.
Water
The condition of the soil determines the amount of water it needs and if you treat the soil properly then you will need less frequent water. If you have decorated your garden with lawns, then you should water them every 2-3 days during the first week and then stop watering them every day during the next week, as too much water usually prevents oxygen from entering the soil space and this suffocates the roots. Shrubs and roots need frequent and deeper levels water ever 7-10 days. Once the plant settles into the ground, then it requires less watering. You should saturate the root thoroughly; water only after the soil dries up.
Fertilizers
Basic gardening tips suggest that you should not fertilize a dry plant. You should always mix the fertilizer with water and then gradually pour it over a plant. You should first water the plant before fertilizing as the fertilizer burns the roots of the dry plant. You should fertilize the plants every week or after every third watering session. Perennials should be fed late in April or through August.
Pesticide
After planting, you should keep the plant pesticide free. Good quality pesticide can be made in a jar, by combining 1-teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty bottle that has a spray nozzle attached, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture with 1 cup of water and then you can use this solution every ten-days to avoid whiteflies, aphids, mites, scales and other pests.
