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While snagging the last 2 bags of potting soil in the garden center, you begin to frantically calculate in your head. And no matter how you work it out, you’ll barely have half the soil you need for your plant containers? So what do you do now? What can you do? Sure, you could hit …
Can I Reuse Old Potting Soil (And How To Do It)? Read More »
Container gardening is become more and more popular. Planting in containers (that you can place on top of a stand or table) makes it easier to reach the plants without bending over and straining your back. And they’re not just for apartment dwellers anymore! Even gardeners with plenty of outdoors space are starting gardens on …
Raise your hand if you took up gardening during lockdown. For some people, growing their own fruit and vegetables guaranteed them fresh produce amid dwindling grocery store supplies. For others, gardening was a way to get outdoors for a little fresh air and exercise. Whatever your reason, welcome to the club. Now, raise your hand …
In recent months, gardening has emerged as a leading pastime for many people in lockdown situations all over the world. For people living in urban areas with small garden areas, or those in apartments and condominiums whose only outdoor space is a small balcony, container garden can be a great option. And, while vegetables and …
Homeowners and gardeners spend countless hours caring for their property and ensuring it appears its best at all times. It’s plain to see that nothing accessorizes your home and garden better than a lush and green lawn. Fertilizing your lawn is one of the most important ways you can care for and protect it – …
To achieve greatness in any sphere, you must start with – and master – the basics. Begin with the fundamentals, and build upon your foundation in order to succeed. It goes without saying that the foundation of any thriving garden is the soil – here’s the dirt on identifying what kind of soil you have …
What Kind Of Soil Do I Have In My Area: description and photos Read More »
As anyone can tell you, a solid foundation is the key to success – whatever the endeavour. If you choose to build a house on a shoddy base of ragged stones and sand, you can’t possibly expect that home to stand as long as one built on a firm bed of well-drained cement. The same …
How Is Soil Created: profiles and horizons explained Read More »
Spring is a fantastic time to be in the garden – everything around you is waking up and signs of new life can be seen everywhere. On your rose bushes, you may also be able to spy signs of life: tiny aphids, clinging to the stems and undersides of the leaves. This article will show …
Aphids On Roses Home Remedy: Identify and remove Read More »
Choosing from the hundreds of different outdoor equipment designs can be confusing and time consuming. If you have always cleaned or maintained your outdoor area by hand, then continuing this labour may seem easier than deciding on which make and model of equipment to invest in. A mere rake can be easily judged by the …
Leeks, sometimes referred to as the poor man’s asparagus, are members of the onion family that, instead of forming a bulb, form a long shank. Not only are these hearty vegetables easy to grow – they also provide lots of vitamins and minerals: C, A, folate, and the phytochemical kaempferol, which is believed to help …
At the beginning of a new season, it is a great idea to consider what you can do to give your garden a head start. Doing this will often enable you to harvest more throughout the season as well as be able to harvest your produce earlier. One easy way to be able to get …
How Long Does It Take for Vegetable Seeds To Sprout Read More »
In chemistry, pH is a scale that ranges from 1 to 14 and is used to specify how acidic or alkaline a substance is. Acidic solutions have a lower pH number, while alkaline – or basic – solutions have a higher pH number. If the pH level is exactly 7, such as that of pure …
In chemistry, pH is a scale used to specify how acidic or alkaline a substance is. Acidic solutions have a lower pH, while alkaline – or basic – solutions have a higher pH. If the pH level is exactly 7, such as that of pure water, it’s neutral. If your soil is too alkaline some plants won’t grow well so you’ll …
How To Lower pH In Soil Fast: what to add and why Read More »
What is a compost tumbler?: A compost tumber is a rotating drum with a hatch or lid which is opened to empty your composting materials inside. The lid is then closed and you turn a handle which rotates the drum around. This mixes the contents of the drum and keeps the heat and gasses trapped …
These tiny, tart apples can be a healthy treat for dogs, if served properly. Though the flesh of the apple is safe, the leaves, stems and pips are all toxic to mammals – even humans, if they consume a large quantity. Are crab apples poisonous? The chemicals in these parts of the crab apple tree …
It is important when gardening to use the proper tools for the task at hand. And while any pair of heavy-duty kitchen scissors could handle basic yard work such as deadheading flowers, or pruning foliage, the best tool for the job is a great pruner. A tool that can be found in any gardener’s collection …
It could be argued that a gardener is only as good as their tools – having the right tool for the job makes working in the garden less of an effort and infinitely more enjoyable. While some tools are specific to certain types of gardening and not necessary for everyone, a good pair of shears …
More than any other factor, the fertility of your soil will impact the success of your garden. Whether you live in a new suburb or an old farming town, you may encounter infertile soil – and whatever is causing the soil infertility needs to be addressed before you can expect the maximum yield from your …
There are few things more delicious than the taste of a ripe tomato – they are synonymous with summer, topping burgers and salads as well as making up lovely sauces and condiments like salsa and ketchup. But how do you select the best tomato varieties for a greenhouse – read on to find out! As …
All organic matter will decompose naturally sooner or later. Microorganisms – tiny living creatures invisible to the naked eye – feed on decaying food, plant matter, and other organic materials and help transform them into a nutrient-rich soil additive. Rather than have this organic material sitting all over the place, nowadays we keep it in …
It is no secret that homeowners all want the thickest, greenest lawn on the block. They seed it, spread fertilizer and pesticides, and water it regularly. They use chemical or organic methods to improve the health of their grass and keep it weed-free. But what can you do when you’ve tried all that and your …
The tomato grows from a plant native to the Americas, which although it was thought to be poisonous when introduced to Europe in the 17th century, eventually became wildly popular worldwide. Hydroponics were not in use in those days as we know it – this is a 21st century guide to how to grow tomatoes …
It’s no secret that gardeners all hope to achieve the highest yields. One of the surest methods to succeed is to start with a soil perfectly suited to the needs of the plant about to grow in it. But how do we achieve this? There are so many different types of soil additives – some …
Should you add perlite or vermiculite for vegetables? Which will help achieve the best result and why? Every gardener hopes for the best possible result from their crops – and will seek out the best techniques and tricks to improve the yield of their garden. Recently, several soil additives and alternatives have become popular. But …
When we think of drought-resistant plants, succulents and grasses come immediately to mind – and while these are beautiful, not every gardener wants a sea of greens and browns. Similarly, if we think of perennials, we envision wildflowers and colourful blossoms – yet these plants usually require regular watering to look their best. So, is …
Drought Tolerant Perennials That Bloom All Summer Read More »
Though there are as many different gardeners as there are gardens in the world, there is a common thread binding them all. Every gardener hopes to raise the perfect specimen – countless hours have been spent inventing new tools and gadgets, and experimenting with new methods of cultivation. Some methods are extremely successful, and some …
One of the oldest tools known to humankind, the axe has been in use since the Stone Age. They have changed and evolved over the years, every successive generation of axe makers and wielders improving on what came before. Now, at least in the forestry industry, axes have been replaced almost entirely by chainsaws and …
In this article i will take you through the various steps required to show you how to build a concrete block pillar from start to finish. Positioning your pillars First thing you need to do is mark out the ground where you want your pillars to be – sounds easy but there are a few …
Many outdoors enthusiasts have a host of modern tools and gadgets they can use when preparing to go into the wilderness. Although many of these top survival tools include high tech modern equipment, speciality knives and GPS machines, one of the greatest tools of the trade for outdoor survival is a simple bushcraft hatchet/axe. Finding …
Flowers are ornamental plants used in designing landscapes, interiors and exterior areas of our houses. They add life and colour to our rooms and buildings and they also release oxygen and soothing smells. Many of us love flowers, we want them in our houses, on top of our kitchen counters and on our dining table, …
Easiest flowers to grow in pots: and to maintain. Read More »
In this article we are going to talk about how to prune an apple tree in winter and what are the important steps to be followed and if there any issues to be aware of. Winter pruning apple trees It is important to carry out any pruning the apple tree may need during winter time …
What do you call a cactus that isn’t a cactus? Answer – A Euphorbia Lactea. Sometimes known as the candelabra plant, the crested euphorbia, or the crested elkhorn, the coral cactus is actually a combination of two succulent varieties. The grafted plant resembles an unusual coral, and depending on the variety, the edges of its …
Caring for Coral Cactus: and how to graft your own Read More »
Chlorophytumcomosum has many common names: Airplane plant, St. Bernard’s lily, Spider ivy, Ribbon plant, and Hen and chickens. But we know it best as the Spider plant – not because they attract or harbour spiders, but rather because of the way it reproduces. The offshoots hang from the ends of long wiry stems like spiders on a silken …
This article is titled how to cut long grass by hand. It is an unusual title because in these modern times, people usually use engine-driven equipment for labor-intensive tasks. If you have long grass and by long I mean more than a foot long, there are a couple of hand tools you can use if …
The purpose of this article is to give you a brief introduction to what hydroponics systems are, what benefits they have, and how they are used in everyday situations. Explaining hydroponics systems Simply put, hydroponics is a method of growing plants that uses a nutrient-rich, water-based solution instead of soil to support plant growth. The …
If you live in coastal areas you will understand the importance of picking your outdoor fixtures carefully, as the salt air can cause havoc with standard-grade outdoor fittings, leading to premature rusting and failure. The best outdoor lighting for salt air in coastal areas will have their housings made of noncorrosive materials such as bronze, …
Best Outdoor Lighting For Salt Air: Which lights perform best in coastal areas? Read More »
Though it may not seem like it right now, spring is just around the corner. And homeowners everywhere will be looking for a tried-and-true method for a greener, healthier lawn – fast. Epsom salt lawn tonic is a well-known home remedy – used for soaking sore and tired muscles, or exfoliating away dry skin, and …
Epsom Salt Lawn Tonic: big boosts for a small cost Read More »
In this short article, we will discover if it is safe for humans to eat crabapples. Can you eat crabapples? Yes you can eat crabapples, although they have a very sharp, bitter taste if you were to eat them raw and if you ate too many of them they would cause you to have an …
Windmill water pumps, which is actually an incorrect term for them – A “windmill” is something that harnesses the power of the wind to drive a grain mill. Years ago people used a wind powered water pump for pond, but nowadays they are mostly used for land drainage. The correct term is a “windpump”. although …
Wind Powered Water Pump For Pond: boosting land drainage Read More »
You will have seen perlite when you open up a bag of compost, all the little white specks mixed throughout the compost are pieces of perlite. In this article, you will find out what is perlite made of, how, why, and where you should use it in your garden. What is perlite Perlite – also …
What Is Perlite Made Of: No.1 volcanic super product Read More »
Parsley is a beautiful herb that really excels when pulled fresh from the plant- but can you freeze fresh parsley? Read on to find out more about how you can enjoy this wonderful herb too! Though mainly used as a garnish, one of the world’s most popular herbs is surprisingly nutritious and contains vitamins K, …
Mark Twain once said that cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education! Thankfully, a college education is not required for growing your own cauliflower at home, but are you aware of problems with growing cauliflower? This cool weather plant can even yield 2 harvests per growing season outdoors if you plan carefully. It …
Problems With Growing Cauliflower: the correct method of growing Read More »
Dig out the hole 6 inches 15cm wider than the outside side of the pillar you want to build. It should be 2 to 3 feet/ 60cm to 100cm deep depending on how soft your ground is – the softer the ground the deeper you’ll need to go to hit hard ground. Add services If …
Adding just a fist-sized portion (100g) of mushrooms to your diet can provide a laundry list of important vitamins and minerals. They are a natural source of protein and vitamin D and contain many B vitamins such as niacin and riboflavin, fiber, and potassium. If you are interested in growing your own do you know …
In this article i will describe to you how to hang a field gate from start to finish. How to hang a field gate Measure the length of the gate you want to hang. Add 6 inches 150mm to the gate length (4″ 100mm for the gate hanger brackets and 2″ 50mm clearance at the …
One of the most common issues faced by gardeners – hobbyists and professionals alike – is powdery mildew. This disease is easily recognized by its namesake powdery residue.Most commonly found on young leaves and shoots, powdery mildew is not usually fatal to the plant though it is a nuisance. There are multiples causes that contribute …
There’s nothing more satisfying than eating fruit and vegetables you’ve grown yourself. Yet, in most climates, it’s too cold for plants to grow outdoors for much of the year. Luckily for gardeners, nowadays many greenhouses are quite affordable and easy to assemble. Some gardening stores have pre-fabricated greenhouses in stock with experts on hand to …
Type of Greenhouses: a guide to the different types Read More »
The title of this article means more to me than to most people because I learned the hard way what the differences are between ordinary garage floor paint vs epoxy resin floor paint. I have an insulated room which I wanted to have a wash clean floor in. I had heard about epoxy resin floor …
Peas are one of the first things I like to plant in early spring. They love to germinate in cool temperatures and can handle being planted as early as a month before the final frost date for your area. Discover all the different pea plant growth stages in the article below. Peas don’t like to …
Having a nice looking hedge around your home or garden is something everyone enjoys. Studies have shown that homes with plenty of green space nearby provides a positive mental boost to those who live in the home. I have a yew hedge at the front of my house which is still in its infancy, but …
Yew plants require deep, well-aerated, drained and fertile soil to grow and thrive in. It will not matter if the yew is being planted to be a tree or as part of a hedge, if you do not provide these conditions you may end up with a yew hedge that is not growing properly. One …
In this article I will be covering how to grow Turnips (and Swedes), how long do turnips take to grow and how to nurture them through the early (risky) period, and the pests and diseases you may encounter along the way. Turnips Turnips and swedes are similar vegetables although slightly different. A turnip usually grows …
How Long Do Turnips Take To Grow: sow to harvest Read More »
It is only when you have your garden looking really good and things are growing well that you start to notice how much of a pest slugs and snails can be. When I am asked how to keep slugs and snails out of my house or out of a garden, the first question I ask …
Why Do Slugs Come In The House: how to repel them Read More »
In this article we look at the different ways you can go about digging up a flower bed. We cover what to do if you have an existing flower bed with plants already growing in it and if you don’t have an existing flower bed how to go about creating one which will best suit …
Edging your lawn has to one of the most high impact jobs to improve the appearance of your property. It really does catch peoples eye and gives your home a tidy appearance. Learn how today in this great article, how to edge a lawn by hand. Edging a lawn is the process of leaving a …
The topic of best chemical for cleaning my driveway is one which is brought up many times. If you have spent a lot of time mowing, edging your lawn and planting beautiful flowerbeds it would be a shame to have an unsightly driveway let you down. Types of Cleaners There are basically two types of …
In this article I will look at how to get rid of leaves without raking, using other implements rather than using the traditional hand rake. Why bother to lift the leaves from your lawn? It is a good idea to lift the leaves from your lawn because if the leaves lie on the grass for …
The main secret of how to make stripes in yard and improving the visual impact of your lawn is having a lawnmower with a heavy roller behind the cutting blade. It is this rolling of the grass in one direction and then rolling the next stripe in the opposite direction which makes the grass reflect …
How To Make Stripes In Yard: transform your lawn Read More »