Gardening Products - These Can Make Gardening Easy!

It is not very hard to find gardening products these days as gardening has become a very popular activity. The gardening products can be bought either from nurseries or stores, or they can even be ordered online. Gardening products these days carry from gardening equipments to the actual plant itself.

Irrespective of what we are planting, we would require the basic gardening products. Water supplies can be provided either by a sprinkler or a water hose. Other than the above mentioned products, gardening products consists of pot (if we are pot planting), arake, sectures, good pair of gloves and spade. Potting soil are the other important products which a gardener should purchase when he starts a garden to get his dirt ready. The various plotting soil which are available are organic potting soil, cactus potting soil, seed starting plotting soil and root development plotting soil.

In order to maintain a very healthy plant life it is necessary for a gardener to purchase gardening products which will help him to add nutrients to his soil. The most famous growing enhancer for plants is a product called Miracle-Gro. This Miracle-Gro comes in various types and your user's choice depends on the type of plants he is trying to grow in his garden. Fertilizers such as triple 13 or 10-20-10 are available which can be used for the fertilization of your soil.

The products which we use fro flower gardening cannot be used for growing herbs or vegetables, these require different products. Tomato gardens need ties and tomato cage to protect them from heavy winds. Growing vines require trellis or fence of some sort as they grow that way.

Gardening products apart from enabling us to maintain our gardens better can also be used for decoration purposes. The various gardening products which can be used as decoratives are sundials, stones or bricks which can be used for pathways , flower pots and lawn furniture?s personal touch can be given to the garden by making use of these decoratives, that way your garden can be made to look attractive.

During the winter months there will be lots of new gardening products to choose from. It is completely necessary for a gardener to put his/her plants in a greenhouse. Greenhouse can be alternated with some sort of trap which can be used to cover your plants. The much need warmth and extra light can be provided to your pants by using a heat lamp or some other type of light source.

Gardening products are always upgraded and these upgraded and new products pop up in the market from time to time. Most of the gardening products, even though are not necessary, they make our gardening chores much easier and our gardening experience most enjoyable.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1658686

Benefits of Gardening: Healing the Mind and Body

Gardening is one of the many small pleasures many people, especially those who live in the suburbs, can indulge in. Gardens not only beautify the environment but also help people in so many different ways. Having a garden of you own is a great thing to have in any home. It gives you a space to relax and ease your mind while at the same time provide a space to simulate your senses.

There are many benefits of gardening that one can get out of this simple task or hobby. Mentally and physically - both can benefit well from gardening. Here are some of the benefits people can get out of gardening.

It Helps Fight Depression

Gardens have that special vibe that uplifts the mood of any person. It has actually been a prescribed activity of many psychologists and psychiatrists to many patients to help them overcome depression, anxiety and stress. Gardens have the healing effect on people and with constant exposure to such, people feel less stressed and actually feel better. This is one of the many benefits of gardening that people can get. If you are fighting some form of depression - mild or severe - do some gardening stuff and you'll be surprised at how much better and happier you'll feel over time.

It can be a form of Exercise

Exercise is also one of the many benefits of gardening. The positive effects of exercise to our bodies are undeniable. But many of us hardly have the motivation to do so because of the muscle fatigue and the feeling of soreness after some time of working out. Other people get bored with exercising because it is not something that they want to do but they have to do in order to stay fit and healthy. If you find yourself bored and undetermined to exercise, try gardening instead. The constant motion and activity to plant, arrange and dig earth are all forms of physical activity that can be considered as exercise. It has less monotonous movements and more appealing than other forms of exercise as you see results in not just your body but in your garden as well.

Reducing Stress

One of the many undeniable benefits of gardening is reducing stress. It has been common knowledge ever since that some form of greenery can uplift the spirit and reduce any stress. It helps ease your mind and provide a sense of tranquility you won't get elsewhere. In gardening, you engage yourself in an activity that can take your mind off your stressors and give you something more beguiling to focus on. And when you see great results after, it gives a sense of fulfillment that can reduce stress levels as well.

Heals the Mind

Aside from fighting depression and reducing stress, one of the many benefits of gardening is to heal the mind. The different sensory stimulants found in a garden stimulate people with all sorts of mental illnesses. It helps them heal their mind.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7240166

Top Fruit You Can Grow In Your Garden

Top Fruit: There is no exact definition of a top fruit. Included in this group are all of the fruit- bearing woody plants which grow as trees in their natural state, but a few (e.g Quince) are shrubs. Remember that the trees will be with you for many years, so pick the site with care and prepare the soil properly.

Apples:
Apples are the most popular of all top fruit trees, they are attractive when in bloom and are rewarding at crop time. Most areas of Britain are quite suitable for Apple cultivation, but some people with small gardens are put off by the thought of large standards. Standard trees are not for the average plot. These days you can buy dwarf bushes which will not reach your height in their lifetime, or you can train cordons to clothe a garden fence or wall.

Site and soil: Apples will grow in most situations, but growth and cropping suffer in chalky soils, poorly drained sites and gardens close to the sea. The choice of variety is completely up to you if conditions are fully satisfactory for Apples, but site and soil should govern your selection if there are problems. For northern gardens, shaded sites and land which is more than 5oo ft. above sea level, choose cooking and/or early -ripening dessert varieties.

Planting: October - March is the planting period. Cut back any damaged or broken roots - ensure that the remaining roots are spread out without bending in the plant hole. For bushes and standards firm staking is essential, drive in a short stake before planting. Plant to the old soil mark - the graft must not be buried. Make sure that the soil is kept moist after planting. Do not grass over the soil above the planting hole for at least 2 - 3 years.

Pears:
Pears are a little more temperamental than Apples. They detest cold easterly winds - young foliage is blackened and torn on exposed sites. Flowers open earlier than Apple blossom, the late spring frosts can be very damaging. Catalogues and large garden centres offer numerous varieties, but choose Conference if you live in the north of Britain. No other Pear is quite as dependable under cold conditions.

Site and soil: Pears dislike shallow soils, chalk around the roots and salt-laden air. They are more sensitive to cold winds and late frosts than Apples, as noted above, but they do have the distinct advantage of thriving in heavier land than is suitable for the more popular rival, the Apple. In general, the site for Pears should be chosen with a little more care than for Apples. Some shelter from cold winds is essential and try to choose the warmest spot in the garden.

Planting: For planting Pears follow the same rules as for the Apple and you will not go far wrong. Remember that Pears are a bit more sensitive and delicate than Apples so choose your site with those points in mind. Happy Gardening.

A large period of my time is spent in my garden, but as I am getting older and things are becoming harder to do. I have decided to make use of a firm called Landscape Gardener London. Up to now they have given me all the help and advice that I have asked for. I still do a bit of pottering around my own garden.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6589099

Growing Healthy Tomato Plants: Care and Feeding

Now that you've gotten your tomato plants successfully transplanted into your garden, it's time to think about the proper techniques for watering and caring for them. It's important to know that tomato plants care about how they are fed, watered, and cared for, so it is really important to make sure you do it right. Following a few simple rules will go a long way in keeping your tomato garden growing healthy, and producing baskets full of ripe, delicious tomatoes.

The first aspect of tomato plant care that I'll be discussing is proper watering techniques. Even though tomatoes are a forgiving crop, and are relatively simple to grow, you still want to make sure you are using the proper method of watering them. The first question to answer is how often should you be watering your plants? One important thing to remember is to not over-water the plants, so somewhere around two waterings per weed should be about right, especially earlier in the season. Once summer heats up however, you should consider additional watering due to the extra evaporation from the heat. Make sure your soil is moist about an inch deep, and that should be a good indicator of when you'll need to water again.

Now that we've answered the question of "how often," we need to make sure we are watering the plants properly. Believe it or not, you shouldn't be watering the entire plant. Many generations of experience in tomato plant care have established that the roots are what really need the water, not the plant foliage. By keeping the leaves and stems dry, you are decreasing the chances of fungal diseases infecting your plants. For the best results, a drip watering system is the recommended way to keep your plants nourished. A small soaker hose, running on a low setting, is one popular way of regulating the amount of water getting to the soil. Some gardeners even purchase watering systems that run on a timer that you can pre-program and it takes care of itself. I also recommend watering earlier in the day so the sun doesn't evaporate the water before it gets a chance to soak into the soil and down to the roots.

I have many people ask me if they need to prune their tomato plants. It can be a bit of a chore, and lots of busy folds don't have the extra time to spend pruning tomato plants. If you are growing indeterminate plants, you should take the time and periodically prune them. If you do, you will get more tomatoes from your plants. The new shoots growing out of the plant "steal" energy from your plant that could be used growing more tomatoes.

Pruning tomato plants is not difficult. Just make sure you are using a clean pair of garden shears, so you don't risk infecting your garden. What you'll be looking for, are the little shoots that will grow in the crotches of the plant. This is the space where newer branches are starting to grow out of the tomato plant stem. Smaller shoots are easily removable by just pinching them off, but once they grow thicker, you'll need to use the shears. You should keep up with your pruning as much as you can, but if you don't it won't harm your tomato plants, only decrease the number of tomatoes you'll see on the vines.

Remember, your tomato plants care how they are fed, watered, and maintained. If you follow these simple rules, you'll find that your plants are thriving and producing an abundant tomato crop. Keep them watered, but don't over-do it, and try to stay on top of the pruning too, as you'll benefit from having more tomatoes to pick and enjoy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6308851

8 Flowering Plants Ideal for Indoors

Selecting flowering plants for indoors needs your thorough investigation as to what are the basic requirements to grow flowers in your home to give the best possible result to succeed. In order not to waste your efforts in growing some indoor flowers, I have identified these indoor plants for your guidance.

Top 8 Ideal Indoor Flower Plants

1. Orchids. Considered as one of the largest group of indoor and outdoor plants from among the favorite flower collections. Waling-waling which is considered one of the most beautiful of the orchids species is only found in the Philippines. It's beautiful flowers attracts flower enthusiasts to include in their pricey flower collections.

In her book "The Orchid Thief", Susan Orlean described an orchid show and the dazzling variety of flowers in all colors and shapes. Some are breathtaking, some are strange, and some border on downright ugly.

2. Begonias. Some species of begonias thrives outdoors, but most are ideal for indoor growing. They are hardy plants and does not demand too much care as long as the amount of water is sufficient for their growth process. There some other varieties of begonias, they includes the trailing type or the bushy type. Others are free flowering with attractive flowers and the foliage varieties that gives beauty of their attractive foliage.

3. Anthuriums. This attractive flowering plant originates in the jungle before it was domesticated in the nursery. It boasts as one of the most striking plants in the world. Anthuriums favors a humid climate, with sufficient heat, enough moisture, good sunlight requirements and good soil rich in organic materials. Most species of anthuriums are attractive with their different kinds of flower colors.

4. African Violets. These plants are compact and free flowering with a wide variety of flowers and colors. You should keep them grow healthy by proper watering, exposing to high humidity and controlled light to keep them flowers bloom all year round to provide with a continues supply of flowers.

5. Poinsettias. This plant is considered as the most popular indoor plant in the world, because of its meaningful characteristics as a symbol for Christmas. There are newly introduced varieties of poinsettias that includes the pink and white variegated colors, an addition to the most popular red color.

6. Bromeliads. They are grown for their beautiful foliage and flowers. Sometimes they are called urn plants, and most of them grows in rosettes of strapped leaves that form a central water-collecting cup. It's hard to bring bromeliads to bear flowers, but there are some new developed type that blooms and sometimes lasts for several months before they died down.

7. Hibiscus. This plant is the most favorite of home gardeners because of its easy propagation techniques. It is popular for its dizzying array of flower colors with its different flower of single and double forms. Hibiscus tolerates in warm climate, light exposure and high humidity.

8. Desert Cacti. This is featured as the most beautiful flower of the world when in full bloom. Many varieties of cactus are usually good collections as house plant in an array of flowers that decorates the homes. Desert cacti tolerates with enough sunlight and just enough water supply.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5567989

Landscape Design Ideas for Your Garden

If at all you're planning on redoing your garden be it in your back yard or front yard, you should definitely put in a lot of thought when it comes to the design as you're going to be looking at it for years to come.

If it's possible you should hire a professional landscape designer to help you out. But, that's not necessary if you know what you need. There are plenty of different kinds of installations that you could put up in your garden to make it look attractive and beautiful and all you need to do to find the best is a bit of online research.

Tips on landscape design:

Let's take a look at a few tips based on your gardens landscape design:

The elements need to be in proportion

One of the most important facts that you need to take care of is elemental equality. You need to make sure that the different gardening elements such as water, foliage, rocks and earth are all present and in harmony with each other - when we say harmony, we mean that it should have a sort of pleasing effect on one's eyes.

Plan for the entire year

Usually people don't put in a lot of thought when it comes to choosing plants for their gardens. However, if you want your garden to look beautiful all through the year you would need to make sure that it's got plants that bloom during different seasons.

Decide what you want to do

There are plenty of things that you could do in your garden. You could convert it into a paradise for toddlers or make it a sort of park where you could sit and gaze at the beauty in the evenings when you return from work.

Install a water feature

You could further elevate the beauty of your garden by installing a water feature. There are plenty of different options that you could choose from - pools, streams as well as fountains.

However, when choosing a water feature you should know that it needs to be maintained and it would cost you to do so. Therefore, make sure that you have the budget to maintain it well before you get it installed.

Add benches

If you love having your morning coffee in your garden you could place a few benches and covert your garden into a sort of Miniature Park - the choice is yours!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7363548

Winter Gardening Tips For Better Success In Spring

I work at a retail gardening store and I literally get hundreds of customers asking gardening questions. The questions are as varied as the folks asking them. They range from "How do I kill a tree - to why are my leaves turning red on my red oak tree?" Most of the answers are stored inside my brain but, I do on occasion have to take out reference books to look up the answer.

Right now the winter gardening questions are coming in quicker than leaves falling on the ground. Here are some of the most common questions:

What do I do with my Lantana and Red Bird of Paradise (outdoor) plants now that we are getting freezing temperatures? Answer: Cut them down to the ground...both of them and cover them up with mulch to protect the root system. Water occasionally during the winter months. Do not get the "Red Bird of Paradise" confused with the "Indoor Bird of Paradise". Your spouse may get pretty upset if you cut down the "Bird of Paradise" to the ground. If you do not have freezing temperatures I'd still cut them down. They will bloom like crazy when the hot weather returns.

When should I winterize my lawn? Answer: Right now during the month of November or early December. Remember, Winterizer is a root vitamin not a fertilizer and should be used on cool seasonal type grasses. Use on all types of Fescue and Kentucky Blue Grasses. Not sure what type you have? If your grass is green during the month of January you have a cool season grass. Water cool season grasses about twice per month. Bermuda hybrid grasses go dormant during winter, water only occasionally and do not fertilize them.

Do I continue watering my trees and shrubs during winter? Answer: Well, yes and no. Water new plants and trees about twice per month during the cold season. Do not forget to turn up your watering system to about 2-3 times per week once spring arrives. Cut down or stop watering drought tolerant plants and trees if they have been in the ground over 5 years. Succulents need water about 2 times per months...tops. Do not water Cactus type plants unless you have them indoors.

Do I prune my roses/plants now? Answer: You can prune them anytime during the year but, only prune roses or plants if there is a need to. Many folks are convinced they have to prune roses during this time of year. Roses that look healthy and formed correctly need no pruning. Brown or dying branches should be trimmed off as low as possible. Foliage or limbs that are touching plants need to be trimmed. Remember to prune right above the leaves for a better looking plant.

I have grubs in my lawn should I apply a grub control now? Answer: Grubs come from the larvae of the Japanese Beetle. The best time to apply grub control is in late summer or early fall. For heavy infestation of grubs apply it during early spring and again in early fall. Grubs will also feed on shrub and tree roots. Most grub control products are labeled for lawns and plants but, not all products will say this. Read the label - if it contains: Imidacloprid your in business.

There you have it some good winter gardening tips. BTW....Here is the answer to the first two questions?

How to kill a tree? Answer: Remove the bark completely around the tree about 6" wide. The deeper the better. This will prevent it from taking most nutrients into the tree. Just like people without nutrients you/it will die.

Why are the leaves on my Red Oak Tree turning red? Without getting too technical I'll try to answer: Chlorophyll... the green pigment in leaves is Chlorophyll this is why they stay green in summer. The production of chlorophyll in trees requires sunlight and warm temperatures. Once fall time temps come around the colder or freezing temps destroy Chlorophyll thus preventing the leaves from staying green. Cool weather along with bright sunshine helps in the formation of anthocyanins. This is the substance that makes red oaks turn red along with other colorful fall season trees.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5421526

How To Shop For Garden Furniture

Using garden furniture is the perfect way for people to enjoy their outdoor hangout. A wide variety of products are available. For instance, there are chairs, tables, benches, umbrellas and hammocks. When choosing furnishings, people should look for items that match their style and taste. In addition, it's also important for people to consider functionality while shopping.

Before making any purchases, people should explore their options. No one should ever get the first set that he or she sees. It's better to think about the furnishings carefully. Find items that complement the yard. Make sure that nothing clashes with the existing features and structures around the property. Taking the weather into consideration is also important. If someone lives in a place with harsh winters, then durability becomes a factor. Never choose something just because it looks cool. Otherwise, someone may end up with a wooden table that rots quickly.

People should start the shopping process by thinking about materials. For instance, think about a material that would best match the lawn. Would a cast iron set of table and chairs look good? If not, then maybe a wooden bench is a better option. Many people think that wooden furnishings are aesthetically pleasing. However, it's also important to know that metal is more robust and tends to last longer. Some manufacturers combine metal and wood. The wood adds a beautiful touch, and the metal increases sturdiness. Try to find a material that will not take any focus off the pretty flowers. The material should only enhance the area.

Style is another important factor during the shopping process. Garden furniture comes in a variety of designs. For instance, stores sell round, square, rectangular and oval tables. They also come in different sizes. If someone has a small yard, then he or she may opt for a table that only seats two. Those who like to have parties outside should find a bigger table with more chairs. For people to truly enjoy their outdoor space, they must buy items that are functional. For those who like to host parties, adding a Lazy Susan to the new table is a great option. It's one of the easiest ways to move food around with hardly any effort.

Besides looking at style and material, comfort is another important factor to consider. In order for people to truly enjoy their space, the furnishings must be comfortable. People should feel tranquil while sitting outside. Uncomfortable seating is one of the quickest ways to ruin the peaceful ambiance. Never choose something just because it's stylish. If possible, try to test the merchandise for comfort before checking out.

Although flowers, fountains and statues are important, furnishings are another way to give the yard a unique look. It's more fun to spend time outdoors when comfortable seats are available. No matter how their yard looks, people are bound to find the perfect set of furnishings. It's nice to sit outside during warm weather and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee. Along with that, it's a great place to have the family sit for a dinner night. If people shop around, they will find that furnishings come in a variety of materials, colors and styles. There are plenty of options for people to choose from.

Poppy Lynch has been helping beginner gardeners for over 15 years. For simple, easy-to-follow gardening tips, Poppy suggests signing up for the  Woolly Green Weekly, a great source of gardening chat, products, offers and competitions. Woolly Green is a new website, for people who like to garden as a bit of an antidote to their otherwise busy lives.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7242607

Winter Flowering Garden Plants

Winter flowering garden plants can create a wonderful array of colour during the dismal months of winter. With little sun and shorter days, most plant growth slows down to a dormant crawl. Deciduous trees look barren and gangly, roses and other summer flowers have long since disappeared and the garden looks empty and colourless.

Following is a list of winter flowering garden plants that can bring your dreary garden back to life, creating an optimistic landscape, a winter bright spot with an endless array of colour. Let's start with the world's number one flowering winter garden plant, the pansy.

Pansies: The world's foremost favourite flowering annual, the pansy has an enormous array of colours and colour combinations. Pansies grow and flower readily in cooler conditions and with correct positioning can flower all year round. A must have annual in any garden anytime, especially through drab winters.

Kale: Renowned for its ornamental foliage, kale is actually a variety of cabbage. With stunning colour displays in pink, brown and purple, the colours deepen and change as the temperature drops.

Viola: Similar to pansies but with smaller flowers, these fragrant little beauties flower abundantly throughout early autumn to late spring. Their masses of flowers in endless colours are a wonderful sight in any garden.

Primula: These slender plants usually grow on a long stem surrounded with either small pink, white, or mauve flowers. Easy to grow and able to withstand climatic fluctuations, primula add a touch of elegance and a cottage garden feel to any array of winter flowering garden beds.

Polyanthus: Low growing and compact, the polyanthus has small but striking groups of flowers which grow from the center of a leafy plant. Polyanthus enjoy cooler conditions, enduring cold days even better than the loyal pansy. They are available in many colours.

Cineraria: A stunning, compact mass of flower and foliage. The cineraria is a shade loving winter annual which proudly displays flowers from winter to late spring. Available in many colours.

Begonias: Another quick growing and winter loving plant is the Gypsy begonia. Small and compact, this shade loving plant can actually grow and flower anytime of the year. vailable in both green and brown foliage with pink, red or white flowers, the begonia requires little water and little care.

While many more flowering annuals are available to bring winter colour to an otherwise dreary garden, the above list is simply 7 of the most popular varieties and easily the most attractive. Preparing and planting up your winter flowering garden plants can begin as soon as summer is nearing its end.

With the waning of the hot, dry Melbourne summers, watering is less intense with winter flowering annuals. Keeping the ground moist and some liquid fertilizer at fortnightly intervals is all it takes to get your winter flowering garden plants looking their best.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3816911

8 Tips for Preparing Your Garden for Spring

When is the perfect time to begin thinking about what needs to be done to prepare your garden for spring? The answer: while the snow and ice are starting to melt! Ensuring you properly prepare your garden for spring will guarantee it will thrive all year. Here are 8 tips for preparing your garden for spring.

1. Plan. Use the time, while the ice and snow are starting to melt, to plan the steps you will need to follow. This includes ensuring you know the last frost date for your area. Having this information will allow you to create a plan with the steps you will need to follow to ensure your garden is ready for the growing season!

2. Clean the beds. Ensure all gardening beds are cleaned of debris from the fall and winter. Pick up all twigs, branches, and rake the leaves and old mulch out of the beds. Also, remove all the annuals left from the last growing season.

3. Sharpen Your Tools. Ensure all your gardening tools are sharpened for the coming season. These include clippers, shears, pruners, saws, and mower blades to name a few.

4. Prune. It is important to ensure your perennials, roses, trees, and shrubs are trimmed. Different plants require pruning at different times of the year. Some will need to be pruned in the fall after all growth has stopped and the plants are in hibernation. Others need to be pruned in early spring when you see growth at the base of the plant. Ornamental grasses, on the other hand, do not require new growth to be seen prior to pruning.

5. Weed/Fertilize/Mulch. Once the snow and ice are gone for good, weed your gardens. This is easily accomplished with wet soil. Wetting the soil will ensure you are able to pull the entire root, instead of breaking it off at ground level. After weeding, it is time to till your soil. Add a fertilizer or compost and till again. Lay your paper, if you choose to use it, then, mulch your beds.

6. Divide & Transplant. Perennials should be divided and transplanted in the early spring. If you divide and transplant in the spring, your plants will grow more robustly and will result in healthier plants. You will need to do a little research to determine when, how, and how often your specific variety of plants will need to be divided and transplanted.

7. Inventory. Take an inventory of all your supplies, including bulbs, seeds, plant supports, and garden decor. It is always best to do this as early as possible, as your favorite gardening stores will have a wide variety and plenty in stock.

8. Start Your Seeds. Using the information you learned regarding your last frost date, you can start your seeds indoors. Using the growing time for the plants you choose to add to your garden, and count back based on that information and your estimated last frost date, to determine the right time to start flower and vegetable seeds.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5913184