Monday, October 1, 2012
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Vegetable Gardening For Beginners - 6 Easy Tips To Start You Off
Healthy vegetable gardens do more than provide a beautiful area in your yard. They repay your labor with nutritious food and a healthy varied diet. Vegetable gardeners are in tune with the environment, giving back to the soil what they take from it. Abundant vegetable gardens start with healthy, rich soil. Compost and mulch contribute to that natural wealth.
About 11,000 years ago, the first farmers began to select and cultivate desired food plants in the southwest Asian Fertile Crescent - between the ancient Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Although we believe there was some use of wild cereals before that time, the earliest crops were barley, bitter vetch, chick peas, flax, lentils, peas, emmer, and wheat. About 9,000 years ago, Egyptians began to grow wheat and barley. About the same time, farmers in the Far East began to grow rice, soy, mung, azuki, and taro.
Then, about 7,000 years ago, ancient Sumarians established the first organized agricultural practices that made large-scale farming possible. Of particular note, they established irrigation as a way to nurture crops where none were possible before. Vegetable gardeners today use many of the same techniques established in early history. But today's vegetable gardeners have millennia of experience behind them. Trial and error today is success or failure at the margins. Failure is not disaster.
As in centuries passed, a successful vegetable gardener cultivates the garden before planting for three main reasons: to eliminate weeds, to distribute air and nutrients throughout the soil, and to conserve moisture. Preparation of the soil is the single most important step in assuring abundant harvests.
Weeds are the most powerful enemy of a healthy vegetable garden. Letting them multiply in your vegetable garden will create much work and disappointment through the growing season. And when your vegetables begin to grow, removing weeds can your new vegetable plants beyond repair. Weeds also steal the precious nutrients necessary to produce healthy vegetables.
Rather than sacrificing the new garden to a patch of weeds, the successful vegetable gardener will cultivate the bed often, breaking up the soil to maintain healthy air, moisture, and heat to facilitate desirable chemical processes that produce abundant plant food. Ancient growers learned by trial and error the importance of keeping the soil loose around young plants. Early farmers deposited rotten fish beneath their crops as fertilizer and then used tools of shell and stone to nurture healthy soil and get plentiful air to the roots of their crops.
As important as air is water, even when the vegetable garden is a promise waiting for new seeds. Consider the process of "capillary attraction" - the ability of a substance to pull another substance into it. When you dip one end of a strip of blotting paper into water, you'll see that the moisture moves up the invisible channels formed by the paper's texture. But when you place the side edge of the blotting paper into water, the moisture won't move upward. In a vegetable garden, capillary attraction describes the attraction of water molecules to soil particles. Well cultivated, loose soil maximizes capillary action, maintaining an even distribution of moisture throughout your vegetable garden soil.
Even so, water stored in soil during rain immediately begins to escape, evaporating into the air. Surface water is the first to vaporize into the atmosphere. With capillary action, sub-surface water moves upward and evaporates. Left to natural processes, your garden will lose its moisture as quickly as if you left sponges in the topsoil. Cultivating your vegetable garden by hoeing the soil around your plants disturbs natural capillary action and slows the loss of water for your vegetables.
It's important to hoe your vegetable garden often, particularly those areas not shaded, at the very least every other week. If this seems too difficult, using a wheel hoe will reduce your labor and keep your vegetable garden healthy and productive. Looking somewhat like an old-fashioned plow, the wheel hoe allows you to cultivate very close to your healthy plants, maintaining an even depth and destroying new weeds before they get established. With the wheel hoe, you can cultivate as fast as you can walk.
If you wait until weeds are established, you'll have to pull the weeds by hand, damaging the root systems of your vegetables, depleting the soil of nutrients, and creating a much greater workload for you as gardener. And the work you invest will not be to cultivate a productive crop. It will be to prevent damage that may have already been done. A wheel hoe is essential for a large vegetable garden, but it will also save much time and effort in a small one. However, a simple scuffle hoe is effective in small spaces as well. It takes less storage space and cultivates the soil effectively.
Preparing your vegetable garden properly before you plant vegetables is well worth the investment in time and labor. Keeping your vegetable garden rows free of weeds later on is slow going and difficult. Here are a few tips for keeping your vegetable garden clean and clear of weeds as your plants mature:
1. Work at the weeds while the ground is soft and/or moist. Soon after a rain is the best time. Weeds will come out by the root easier without breaking off, leaving the unwanted plant to grow again.
2. Just before you weed your vegetable garden, cultivate the rows with your wheel or scuffle hoe very shallow in the topsoil and as close to your vegetable plants as possible. This will loosen the soil and make weeds easy to see. A double-wheel hoe with discs is best for this purpose, especially for large plants.
3. Make sure all of the soil is loosened when you cultivate. Pull all the weeds out carefully, avoiding disturbing the vegetable plants. Your weeder will destroy weed seedlings, but you'll have to hand-weed near plant bases and where weeds have matured.
4. Use a small hand-weeder near your vegetable plants. It will loosen the soil, making weeds easier to eliminate, and save a lot of wear and tear on your hands and fingers.
5. Practice with your wheel hoe. At first, watch the wheel's direction and the pressure you put on the handles. The discs or rakes will follow automatically, maintaining an appropriate cultivation depth in your vegetable garden rows.
6. "Hilling" was once a common way to nurture young vegetable plants. This is done by building the soil up around the stems of young vegetable plants, usually the after you've hoed your garden two or three times. In wet soils or dry climates, hilling may still be the way to go. But in most areas, level soil is best. It makes it easier to cultivate the soil in the long run, thereby assuring healthy vegetable plants through the growing season.
Rotating Vegetable Crops
Crop rotation, or growing different vegetable crops each time you plant, is an important part of maintaining a healthy, productive vegetable garden. Some Roman texts mention crop rotation, and early Asian and African farmers also found rotation a productive method. During the Muslim Golden Age of Agriculture, engineers and farmers introduced today's modern crop rotation methods where they alternated winter and summer crops and left fields fallow during some growing seasons. With Chemical Revolution of the mid-20th Century, crop rotation lost some of its appeal. But for home vegetable gardeners, rotation eliminates the risks of using dangerous chemicals and prevents the environmental consequences associated with modern pollutants.
Each different vegetable plant depletes the soil of different nutrients, and each leaves different nutrients as its roots and stems decay. Rotating crops with each planting keeps the soil balanced and rich. Planting the same crop time after time drains it of necessary nutrients, leaving it less productive. Crop rotation also reduces the build-up of pathogens and pests that destroy healthy vegetable gardens. Rotation helps maintain a healthy mix of essential nitrogen in your vegetable garden.
Rotating crops is more important with vegetables like cabbage, but it is a good practice for your vegetable garden generally. Even the hardy onion benefits from rotation, especially if you've done a good job of breaking up the old garden soil and mixing the remaining vegetable plants to serve as compost for the following crop. Here are some basic tips about crop rotation:
1. Do not rotate crops of the same vegetable family, for example turnips and cabbage. Be sure the following crop is a complete different type of vegetable.
2. Deep-rooting crops like carrots or parsnips, should follow vegetables with roots near the surface like onions or lettuce.
3. Follow root crops with vines or leaf crops.
4. Rotate vegetable plants that have long growing seasons with quick-growing crops.
5. Decide on your vegetable garden rotation when you're constructing your planting plan. Making these decisions in the middle of the growing season will be more difficult and waste time and money.
Abhishek is an avid Gardening enthusiast and he has got some great Gardening Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 57 Pages Ebook, "Your Garden - Neighbor's Envy, Owner's Pride!" from his website http://www.Gardening-Master.com/762/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.
Article Source: http://www.EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abhishek_Agarwal
About 11,000 years ago, the first farmers began to select and cultivate desired food plants in the southwest Asian Fertile Crescent - between the ancient Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Although we believe there was some use of wild cereals before that time, the earliest crops were barley, bitter vetch, chick peas, flax, lentils, peas, emmer, and wheat. About 9,000 years ago, Egyptians began to grow wheat and barley. About the same time, farmers in the Far East began to grow rice, soy, mung, azuki, and taro.
Then, about 7,000 years ago, ancient Sumarians established the first organized agricultural practices that made large-scale farming possible. Of particular note, they established irrigation as a way to nurture crops where none were possible before. Vegetable gardeners today use many of the same techniques established in early history. But today's vegetable gardeners have millennia of experience behind them. Trial and error today is success or failure at the margins. Failure is not disaster.
As in centuries passed, a successful vegetable gardener cultivates the garden before planting for three main reasons: to eliminate weeds, to distribute air and nutrients throughout the soil, and to conserve moisture. Preparation of the soil is the single most important step in assuring abundant harvests.
Weeds are the most powerful enemy of a healthy vegetable garden. Letting them multiply in your vegetable garden will create much work and disappointment through the growing season. And when your vegetables begin to grow, removing weeds can your new vegetable plants beyond repair. Weeds also steal the precious nutrients necessary to produce healthy vegetables.
Rather than sacrificing the new garden to a patch of weeds, the successful vegetable gardener will cultivate the bed often, breaking up the soil to maintain healthy air, moisture, and heat to facilitate desirable chemical processes that produce abundant plant food. Ancient growers learned by trial and error the importance of keeping the soil loose around young plants. Early farmers deposited rotten fish beneath their crops as fertilizer and then used tools of shell and stone to nurture healthy soil and get plentiful air to the roots of their crops.
As important as air is water, even when the vegetable garden is a promise waiting for new seeds. Consider the process of "capillary attraction" - the ability of a substance to pull another substance into it. When you dip one end of a strip of blotting paper into water, you'll see that the moisture moves up the invisible channels formed by the paper's texture. But when you place the side edge of the blotting paper into water, the moisture won't move upward. In a vegetable garden, capillary attraction describes the attraction of water molecules to soil particles. Well cultivated, loose soil maximizes capillary action, maintaining an even distribution of moisture throughout your vegetable garden soil.
Even so, water stored in soil during rain immediately begins to escape, evaporating into the air. Surface water is the first to vaporize into the atmosphere. With capillary action, sub-surface water moves upward and evaporates. Left to natural processes, your garden will lose its moisture as quickly as if you left sponges in the topsoil. Cultivating your vegetable garden by hoeing the soil around your plants disturbs natural capillary action and slows the loss of water for your vegetables.
It's important to hoe your vegetable garden often, particularly those areas not shaded, at the very least every other week. If this seems too difficult, using a wheel hoe will reduce your labor and keep your vegetable garden healthy and productive. Looking somewhat like an old-fashioned plow, the wheel hoe allows you to cultivate very close to your healthy plants, maintaining an even depth and destroying new weeds before they get established. With the wheel hoe, you can cultivate as fast as you can walk.
If you wait until weeds are established, you'll have to pull the weeds by hand, damaging the root systems of your vegetables, depleting the soil of nutrients, and creating a much greater workload for you as gardener. And the work you invest will not be to cultivate a productive crop. It will be to prevent damage that may have already been done. A wheel hoe is essential for a large vegetable garden, but it will also save much time and effort in a small one. However, a simple scuffle hoe is effective in small spaces as well. It takes less storage space and cultivates the soil effectively.
Preparing your vegetable garden properly before you plant vegetables is well worth the investment in time and labor. Keeping your vegetable garden rows free of weeds later on is slow going and difficult. Here are a few tips for keeping your vegetable garden clean and clear of weeds as your plants mature:
1. Work at the weeds while the ground is soft and/or moist. Soon after a rain is the best time. Weeds will come out by the root easier without breaking off, leaving the unwanted plant to grow again.
2. Just before you weed your vegetable garden, cultivate the rows with your wheel or scuffle hoe very shallow in the topsoil and as close to your vegetable plants as possible. This will loosen the soil and make weeds easy to see. A double-wheel hoe with discs is best for this purpose, especially for large plants.
3. Make sure all of the soil is loosened when you cultivate. Pull all the weeds out carefully, avoiding disturbing the vegetable plants. Your weeder will destroy weed seedlings, but you'll have to hand-weed near plant bases and where weeds have matured.
4. Use a small hand-weeder near your vegetable plants. It will loosen the soil, making weeds easier to eliminate, and save a lot of wear and tear on your hands and fingers.
5. Practice with your wheel hoe. At first, watch the wheel's direction and the pressure you put on the handles. The discs or rakes will follow automatically, maintaining an appropriate cultivation depth in your vegetable garden rows.
6. "Hilling" was once a common way to nurture young vegetable plants. This is done by building the soil up around the stems of young vegetable plants, usually the after you've hoed your garden two or three times. In wet soils or dry climates, hilling may still be the way to go. But in most areas, level soil is best. It makes it easier to cultivate the soil in the long run, thereby assuring healthy vegetable plants through the growing season.
Rotating Vegetable Crops
Crop rotation, or growing different vegetable crops each time you plant, is an important part of maintaining a healthy, productive vegetable garden. Some Roman texts mention crop rotation, and early Asian and African farmers also found rotation a productive method. During the Muslim Golden Age of Agriculture, engineers and farmers introduced today's modern crop rotation methods where they alternated winter and summer crops and left fields fallow during some growing seasons. With Chemical Revolution of the mid-20th Century, crop rotation lost some of its appeal. But for home vegetable gardeners, rotation eliminates the risks of using dangerous chemicals and prevents the environmental consequences associated with modern pollutants.
Each different vegetable plant depletes the soil of different nutrients, and each leaves different nutrients as its roots and stems decay. Rotating crops with each planting keeps the soil balanced and rich. Planting the same crop time after time drains it of necessary nutrients, leaving it less productive. Crop rotation also reduces the build-up of pathogens and pests that destroy healthy vegetable gardens. Rotation helps maintain a healthy mix of essential nitrogen in your vegetable garden.
Rotating crops is more important with vegetables like cabbage, but it is a good practice for your vegetable garden generally. Even the hardy onion benefits from rotation, especially if you've done a good job of breaking up the old garden soil and mixing the remaining vegetable plants to serve as compost for the following crop. Here are some basic tips about crop rotation:
1. Do not rotate crops of the same vegetable family, for example turnips and cabbage. Be sure the following crop is a complete different type of vegetable.
2. Deep-rooting crops like carrots or parsnips, should follow vegetables with roots near the surface like onions or lettuce.
3. Follow root crops with vines or leaf crops.
4. Rotate vegetable plants that have long growing seasons with quick-growing crops.
5. Decide on your vegetable garden rotation when you're constructing your planting plan. Making these decisions in the middle of the growing season will be more difficult and waste time and money.
Abhishek is an avid Gardening enthusiast and he has got some great Gardening Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 57 Pages Ebook, "Your Garden - Neighbor's Envy, Owner's Pride!" from his website http://www.Gardening-Master.com/762/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.
Article Source: http://www.EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abhishek_Agarwal
Monday, July 12, 2010
Home Garden Basics - Simple Tips to Get Your Home Garden Started
There are hundreds of gardening tips that you can find in the internet, and if you are just new with this hobby, it may seem like a lot to you. You would like to focus on the most basic home garden guides that can help you get started. Here are a couple of gardening tips that are easy to follow, if you are just starting with your home garden:
Choosing the Best Garden Site
Preferably, it is best to choose a site for your home garden that will receive a lot of sunlight, and has potentials for good drainage. If you think that the soil is not fertile enough, you can always buy good topsoil from your local gardening supply shop and put fertilizers regularly. You must not choose an area where there would be other shrubs or trees that may compete with sunlight and water.
Get the Right Garden Tools
When buying your home garden tools, choose the right tools for the job, and only buy the ones you need. Gardening tools made of stainless steel are the best buys because they last a long time and can they help you dig into the soil easily. Make sure that the tools are comfortable to grip, as you may be using these home garden tools for a long time.
Choosing Your Plants
You may want to check your neighboring areas to see which plants are suited to your area's climate and terrain. If you need to transplant some of your newly bought plants, be sure not to transplant them too deep or too shallow to give the roots enough room to grow. Some plants, especially vegetable varieties are ideal for rotation during the year. You could find more information on which crops will be best for your home garden from your local library or through research on the internet.
Using Fertilizers
There are many commercial brands available for fertilizers, but using organic fertilizers have been proven the best choice. They are not only safe for most plants, but they are also good for the environment. As you develop your hobby, you would also learn the benefits of composting, from where you can get free organic fertilizers.
Gardening is one of the most relaxing hobbies, and rewarding as well, because you see the results of your efforts through beautiful flowers and tasty fruits and vegetables. It may take a while before you can see some harvests from your home garden, but through time, you would learn to appreciate the bounties of gardening more.
Lisa Tanady has been writing articles professionally, both online and offline, for more than 4 years. She is not only writing in the subject of health, but also in dieting, weight loss, acne and many other more. Check out her latest website in creed perfume which discusses and explains about coty perfume.
Article Source: http://www.EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Tanady
Choosing the Best Garden Site
Preferably, it is best to choose a site for your home garden that will receive a lot of sunlight, and has potentials for good drainage. If you think that the soil is not fertile enough, you can always buy good topsoil from your local gardening supply shop and put fertilizers regularly. You must not choose an area where there would be other shrubs or trees that may compete with sunlight and water.
Get the Right Garden Tools
When buying your home garden tools, choose the right tools for the job, and only buy the ones you need. Gardening tools made of stainless steel are the best buys because they last a long time and can they help you dig into the soil easily. Make sure that the tools are comfortable to grip, as you may be using these home garden tools for a long time.
Choosing Your Plants
You may want to check your neighboring areas to see which plants are suited to your area's climate and terrain. If you need to transplant some of your newly bought plants, be sure not to transplant them too deep or too shallow to give the roots enough room to grow. Some plants, especially vegetable varieties are ideal for rotation during the year. You could find more information on which crops will be best for your home garden from your local library or through research on the internet.
Using Fertilizers
There are many commercial brands available for fertilizers, but using organic fertilizers have been proven the best choice. They are not only safe for most plants, but they are also good for the environment. As you develop your hobby, you would also learn the benefits of composting, from where you can get free organic fertilizers.
Gardening is one of the most relaxing hobbies, and rewarding as well, because you see the results of your efforts through beautiful flowers and tasty fruits and vegetables. It may take a while before you can see some harvests from your home garden, but through time, you would learn to appreciate the bounties of gardening more.
Lisa Tanady has been writing articles professionally, both online and offline, for more than 4 years. She is not only writing in the subject of health, but also in dieting, weight loss, acne and many other more. Check out her latest website in creed perfume which discusses and explains about coty perfume.
Article Source: http://www.EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Tanady
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Planning An Herb Garden With Culinary Herbs, Medicinal Herbs and Aromatic Herbs
Planning an herb garden can be fun and rewarding. Herbs have been in use for centuries for culinary, medicinal and aromatic reasons. For generations tribal leaders and healers passed down the herbal secrets. Many modern medicines have an herb base. Modern herbalist mix medicinal herb for their clients. Many herbalists also mix aromatic herbs for beauty purposes. But, of course, the culinary herb is still the most widely used. You can become a kitchen gardener by growing an herb garden right in your kitchen on a sunny windowsill.
For the discussion of herbal gardening today we will plant the herbs found in the Elizabethan Era and so often mentioned in William Shakespeare's works. The plants selected will be culinary herbs, medicinal herbs and aromatic herbs, all to experience the aromas and flavors of that time.
Herbal gardening is wonderful since the herbs can be grown in a variety of ways. Plant a container garden for you deck or patio for great colors, different textures and super aromas. Planning an herb garden in the ground will allow you to cultivate a traditional kitchen herb garden outside. Or if you have limited space, become an inside kitchen gardener and plant your herbs on a windowsill or in a window box.
When planning your herb garden remember that the herbs need well drained soil, they hate wet feet. Test your soil for the herb garden and make sure it is alkaline. All Herbs need at least six hours of sunlight.
When Elizabethans planted aromatic herbs, culinary herbs and medicinal herbs they used either a symmetrical rectangular or square patterns. The Elizabethans were very formal and felt their herb gardens should be too. Their herbal gardens had walkways, as strolling through the garden was a popular pastime. They had no TV'S! If you are planting your herbal garden near a patio, think about adding a strolling path for yourself. The paths will add character to you herbal garden.
In planning an herb garden be sure to take in to consideration the growing habits of each herb. Plant the taller busier herbs in the back of the garden, the small, compact ones in the front. Most herbs are perennials meaning they will grow back each year. Any of the herbs that need to be planted annually should go in a spot in the herb garden that is easy to get to. Give each herb plenty of room to grow. The herbs need air circulation to prevent mold. This stage of planning an herb garden is essential since once the plants become mature they do not like to be moved.
When you plant an herb garden, you can either start from seeds or get small plants from your garden center. The garden center plants will give a better chance of achieving success in the herb garden. When using seeds, plan ahead because the seeds may need to grow for several months before they are ready to plant into the herb garden. Especially if you are a beginner, I would recommend using the small plants from the garden center.
Go to a reputable garden center to purchase you herbs. Inspect your herbs closely to make sure they are healthy. One infected plant can ruin your whole herbal garden. When using the small herbs from the garden center you will be able to harvest your herbs much sooner. When you take the herbs out to be planted in the herbal garden, gently remove the plant from the pot and loosen the soil around the roots. Place the herb in the spot you have chosen or the container that you have prepared. Cover all of the roots with soil and gently tamp down. Give your new herbs plenty of water checking the moisture each day. Never let the soil dry out but don't make your herbs roots too wet. If you are planting a container garden remember that the dirt in a container will dry out more quickly then the ground. You might find that the herbs will droop for a couple of days. Don't fret that is shock but they will recover.
Once you have learned the herbs growth patterns you can start pinching off to get a bushier herb. When you first start out, keep a journal for your herb garden to keep track of each herbs strengths and weaknesses. After you get to know your herb garden you will be able to tell when the plants need attention.
Over the centuries herbs have evolved into very hardy plants. Once you herbal garden is established it will need very little care. To hold moisture for the herb longer, mulch around the plants. This is a good garden tip whether you plant the herbs in container gardens or in the ground.
Herbs are natural insect repellents but if you have to treat for pests be sure you use a non toxic treatment since you will be eating your harvest. Marigolds are a natural repellent so you may want to plant of few of these flowers. Planting companion plants is how most Shakespearian gardens were done.
Harvest can begin as soon as you have several leaves on the herb. It is best to cut your herbs before they begin to flower for the best flavor. This is when the most oils are stored in the leaves. Wait until any morning dew has dissipated before cutting but harvest before the full sun is out. You can cut your herbs right before you wish to use them. If the stems are tender these too can be used in your recipes.
If you have an abundant harvest you can freeze or dry the herbs. Dry them by hanging them upside down, in a bunch tied together, in a warm and dark place. You can microwave them by placing them between two paper towels and microwaving for 2 minutes. Put them in an air tight container, they will last up to 1 year.
Freezing the bounty of your herb garden will let them last a little longer, a year to year and a half. Chop up the herbs and place on a sheet of wax paper. Freeze for at least 2 hours. Another method is to put the herbs in ice cube trays with water. Freeze until firm, pop them out and put them in to zip lock bags. When ever you need the herbs for soups, stews or sauces, just throw in an herb ice cube.
Now, here is the list of Shakespearian Herbs to plant in your Elizabethan herb garden including culinary herbs, aromatic herbs and medicinal herbs. It will truly make you a kitchen gardener.
Bay, box, Broom, Calendula, Chamomile, Chives, Heartsease, Hyssop, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Parsley, Peppermint, Rosemary, Rue, Salad Burnet, Summer Savory, Bachelors Buttons and Thyme. For more information on each herb, email me or search on the internet.
Happy Gardening!
Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.
Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.GardeningHerb.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com
Article Source: http://www.EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Hanna
For the discussion of herbal gardening today we will plant the herbs found in the Elizabethan Era and so often mentioned in William Shakespeare's works. The plants selected will be culinary herbs, medicinal herbs and aromatic herbs, all to experience the aromas and flavors of that time.
Herbal gardening is wonderful since the herbs can be grown in a variety of ways. Plant a container garden for you deck or patio for great colors, different textures and super aromas. Planning an herb garden in the ground will allow you to cultivate a traditional kitchen herb garden outside. Or if you have limited space, become an inside kitchen gardener and plant your herbs on a windowsill or in a window box.
When planning your herb garden remember that the herbs need well drained soil, they hate wet feet. Test your soil for the herb garden and make sure it is alkaline. All Herbs need at least six hours of sunlight.
When Elizabethans planted aromatic herbs, culinary herbs and medicinal herbs they used either a symmetrical rectangular or square patterns. The Elizabethans were very formal and felt their herb gardens should be too. Their herbal gardens had walkways, as strolling through the garden was a popular pastime. They had no TV'S! If you are planting your herbal garden near a patio, think about adding a strolling path for yourself. The paths will add character to you herbal garden.
In planning an herb garden be sure to take in to consideration the growing habits of each herb. Plant the taller busier herbs in the back of the garden, the small, compact ones in the front. Most herbs are perennials meaning they will grow back each year. Any of the herbs that need to be planted annually should go in a spot in the herb garden that is easy to get to. Give each herb plenty of room to grow. The herbs need air circulation to prevent mold. This stage of planning an herb garden is essential since once the plants become mature they do not like to be moved.
When you plant an herb garden, you can either start from seeds or get small plants from your garden center. The garden center plants will give a better chance of achieving success in the herb garden. When using seeds, plan ahead because the seeds may need to grow for several months before they are ready to plant into the herb garden. Especially if you are a beginner, I would recommend using the small plants from the garden center.
Go to a reputable garden center to purchase you herbs. Inspect your herbs closely to make sure they are healthy. One infected plant can ruin your whole herbal garden. When using the small herbs from the garden center you will be able to harvest your herbs much sooner. When you take the herbs out to be planted in the herbal garden, gently remove the plant from the pot and loosen the soil around the roots. Place the herb in the spot you have chosen or the container that you have prepared. Cover all of the roots with soil and gently tamp down. Give your new herbs plenty of water checking the moisture each day. Never let the soil dry out but don't make your herbs roots too wet. If you are planting a container garden remember that the dirt in a container will dry out more quickly then the ground. You might find that the herbs will droop for a couple of days. Don't fret that is shock but they will recover.
Once you have learned the herbs growth patterns you can start pinching off to get a bushier herb. When you first start out, keep a journal for your herb garden to keep track of each herbs strengths and weaknesses. After you get to know your herb garden you will be able to tell when the plants need attention.
Over the centuries herbs have evolved into very hardy plants. Once you herbal garden is established it will need very little care. To hold moisture for the herb longer, mulch around the plants. This is a good garden tip whether you plant the herbs in container gardens or in the ground.
Herbs are natural insect repellents but if you have to treat for pests be sure you use a non toxic treatment since you will be eating your harvest. Marigolds are a natural repellent so you may want to plant of few of these flowers. Planting companion plants is how most Shakespearian gardens were done.
Harvest can begin as soon as you have several leaves on the herb. It is best to cut your herbs before they begin to flower for the best flavor. This is when the most oils are stored in the leaves. Wait until any morning dew has dissipated before cutting but harvest before the full sun is out. You can cut your herbs right before you wish to use them. If the stems are tender these too can be used in your recipes.
If you have an abundant harvest you can freeze or dry the herbs. Dry them by hanging them upside down, in a bunch tied together, in a warm and dark place. You can microwave them by placing them between two paper towels and microwaving for 2 minutes. Put them in an air tight container, they will last up to 1 year.
Freezing the bounty of your herb garden will let them last a little longer, a year to year and a half. Chop up the herbs and place on a sheet of wax paper. Freeze for at least 2 hours. Another method is to put the herbs in ice cube trays with water. Freeze until firm, pop them out and put them in to zip lock bags. When ever you need the herbs for soups, stews or sauces, just throw in an herb ice cube.
Now, here is the list of Shakespearian Herbs to plant in your Elizabethan herb garden including culinary herbs, aromatic herbs and medicinal herbs. It will truly make you a kitchen gardener.
Bay, box, Broom, Calendula, Chamomile, Chives, Heartsease, Hyssop, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Parsley, Peppermint, Rosemary, Rue, Salad Burnet, Summer Savory, Bachelors Buttons and Thyme. For more information on each herb, email me or search on the internet.
Happy Gardening!
Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.
Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.GardeningHerb.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com
Article Source: http://www.EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Hanna
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Green Gardening - A Modern Approach to Organic Gardening
Each and every day, large quantities of toxic chemicals are poured into the soil of millions of backyards around the world. By whom? By millions of un-informed, unsuspecting, ill-informed and yes, even uncaring backyard gardeners. How? By growing plants in home gardens. More specifically, by using commercially manufactured, chemical and organic fertilizers to enhance the growth of plants in home gardens.
Gardening has always been a popular backyard activity and its appeal has increased dramatically in recent years. This increase in the number of home gardens is unfortunately, accompanied by an increase in the use of commercially manufactured fertilizers and the needless wasting of millions of gallons of water.
Yes, most of the environmental threat still comes from the large commercial gardeners, but an increasingly significant portion of it is coming from personal, home gardens. And that means that you can reverse this trend and make a positive difference by changing your current gardening practices.
Many of the commercial gardeners are doing it, and you can use the same tactics to help your own garden, and reduce its impact on the environment.
Reduce your use of commercial fertilizers
Before you apply any fertilizers to your garden, or your yard, you should test your soil. A soil test, even a basic one, will tell you which nutrients are present in your soil, and at what level. A basic soil test will also tell you the acidity level of your soil. This is important because even though a particular nutrient is present in your soil, it may be unavailable to your plants if your soil pH is outside a certain range.
You can perform this test on your own by purchasing and using one of the inexpensive testing kits available online, or locally at most lawn and garden centers. You can also use the services of your county extension office to get your soil tested. This will usually result in a more detailed analysis of your soil, and some specific recommendations for adjusting and improving your soils condition.
Read and follow your fertilizer product instructions and recommendations
Knowing how much fertilizer to apply and when to apply it is important information for you to consider. In fact, it is essential that you read and follow the manufacturers recommendations for the amount needed and the appropriate timing of your fertilizer applications.
Applying too much fertilizer, the wrong formulation of fertilizer, or applying fertilizer at the wrong time can cause serious health risks to you and your plants, and create an additional burden on our already overburdened environment.
Avoid unnecessary watering
One effect of the misuse or misapplication of commercial fertilizers is plant dehydration. In an attempt to remedy this effect, many home gardeners over-water their gardens. This is wasted water, and it is unhealthy water, for both you and the environment.
Unfortunately, water is not an an antidote for fertilizer-poisoned plants. Water will not make your plants healthy again, some may even die. Those that live will not produce, or will produce a product full of chemical or nutrient toxins. And that is not good for you or the environment.
Where does all the excess water go? It goes into the soil and eventually into the groundwater, and with it goes a majority of the fertilizer residue containing those same chemical and nutrient toxins. From the groundwater system, it will make its way to the creeks, streams, rivers and lakes, and poison you and all of the other marine, plant and animal life on the planet.
Practice green gardening; protect yourself, your plants and the environment
Green gardening is a modern approach to organic gardening. It effectively combines the "natural" elements of organic gardening with the "conserve and replenish" elements of the green movement.
To that end, green gardening uses more naturally created, organic materials in place of commercially manufactured, chemical and organic fertilizers to foster healthy plant development and growth.
Naturally created, organic materials such as home-made, or home-grown compost and mulch add nutrients to soil in a more natural way and over a more relaxed and beneficial time frame. Liberal amounts of natural, organic compost and mulch applied on top of your garden soil and around plants helps to conserve water by retaining moisture in the soil and promotes a healthy environment for beneficial insects and microbes.
Since the chemicals and nutrients produced are used and replenished in a more natural cycle, there is virtually no risk of them accumulating to toxic levels. And therefore, little or no risk to you, your plants or the environment. Green gardening really is a modern approach to organic gardening!
Learn more great, green gardening tips today! Visit lifeinthebackyard.com now!
Dave Harding is a writer, blogger and avid organic gardener. He writes primarily about ideas and projects that will improve and transform the average backyard into a "personal paradise."
Article Source: http://www.EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Harding
Gardening has always been a popular backyard activity and its appeal has increased dramatically in recent years. This increase in the number of home gardens is unfortunately, accompanied by an increase in the use of commercially manufactured fertilizers and the needless wasting of millions of gallons of water.
Yes, most of the environmental threat still comes from the large commercial gardeners, but an increasingly significant portion of it is coming from personal, home gardens. And that means that you can reverse this trend and make a positive difference by changing your current gardening practices.
Many of the commercial gardeners are doing it, and you can use the same tactics to help your own garden, and reduce its impact on the environment.
Reduce your use of commercial fertilizers
Before you apply any fertilizers to your garden, or your yard, you should test your soil. A soil test, even a basic one, will tell you which nutrients are present in your soil, and at what level. A basic soil test will also tell you the acidity level of your soil. This is important because even though a particular nutrient is present in your soil, it may be unavailable to your plants if your soil pH is outside a certain range.
You can perform this test on your own by purchasing and using one of the inexpensive testing kits available online, or locally at most lawn and garden centers. You can also use the services of your county extension office to get your soil tested. This will usually result in a more detailed analysis of your soil, and some specific recommendations for adjusting and improving your soils condition.
Read and follow your fertilizer product instructions and recommendations
Knowing how much fertilizer to apply and when to apply it is important information for you to consider. In fact, it is essential that you read and follow the manufacturers recommendations for the amount needed and the appropriate timing of your fertilizer applications.
Applying too much fertilizer, the wrong formulation of fertilizer, or applying fertilizer at the wrong time can cause serious health risks to you and your plants, and create an additional burden on our already overburdened environment.
Avoid unnecessary watering
One effect of the misuse or misapplication of commercial fertilizers is plant dehydration. In an attempt to remedy this effect, many home gardeners over-water their gardens. This is wasted water, and it is unhealthy water, for both you and the environment.
Unfortunately, water is not an an antidote for fertilizer-poisoned plants. Water will not make your plants healthy again, some may even die. Those that live will not produce, or will produce a product full of chemical or nutrient toxins. And that is not good for you or the environment.
Where does all the excess water go? It goes into the soil and eventually into the groundwater, and with it goes a majority of the fertilizer residue containing those same chemical and nutrient toxins. From the groundwater system, it will make its way to the creeks, streams, rivers and lakes, and poison you and all of the other marine, plant and animal life on the planet.
Practice green gardening; protect yourself, your plants and the environment
Green gardening is a modern approach to organic gardening. It effectively combines the "natural" elements of organic gardening with the "conserve and replenish" elements of the green movement.
To that end, green gardening uses more naturally created, organic materials in place of commercially manufactured, chemical and organic fertilizers to foster healthy plant development and growth.
Naturally created, organic materials such as home-made, or home-grown compost and mulch add nutrients to soil in a more natural way and over a more relaxed and beneficial time frame. Liberal amounts of natural, organic compost and mulch applied on top of your garden soil and around plants helps to conserve water by retaining moisture in the soil and promotes a healthy environment for beneficial insects and microbes.
Since the chemicals and nutrients produced are used and replenished in a more natural cycle, there is virtually no risk of them accumulating to toxic levels. And therefore, little or no risk to you, your plants or the environment. Green gardening really is a modern approach to organic gardening!
Learn more great, green gardening tips today! Visit lifeinthebackyard.com now!
Dave Harding is a writer, blogger and avid organic gardener. He writes primarily about ideas and projects that will improve and transform the average backyard into a "personal paradise."
Article Source: http://www.EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Harding
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
How to Plant a Variety of Vegetables in Your Garden
It is common knowledge and it is well known that home grown fruits and home grown vegetables tend to taste much better than ones bought from a supermarket. It is more psychological than anything else but home grown produce are much tastier then those fruits and vegetable that have been grown and are processed by companies. Some of the pleasure is derived from growing and producing your very own fruits and vegetables. This is the case especially if the whole family is involved and it can be done as a family and it can be done together.
The best way to plant a variety of plants in your garden takes a bit of patience, perseverance, and careful planning. There are quite a number of things that must be taken into consideration. A lot of planning is required and some people believe that winter is the best time to plan your garden. This gives you ample time to adequately prepare so that once summer comes around you are ready and rearing to go. When it comes to planning a variety of plants in your garden a lot of things must be taken into consideration. You may opt to have a very large garden or you may settle for small containers in and around your patio area. There is more to gardening then just planting seeds, it is an art with many things to consider and this art must be carefully studied, practiced, and mastered.
In order to plant a variety of vegetables in your garden you must consider:
Climate-you must understand and identify the type of climate in and around your area. The nature and type of climate you have will definitely influence and affect the type of crops and plants you will plant. The climate will affect the number of varieties that you can grow in your garden. You must grow crops or plants that are favourable and will do well with the kind of weather and climate you have in that area. Hard vegetables tend to do well in cool and cold climates while tender plants and crops prefer warm and hot weather. Frost and cold will definitely damage and destroy certain plants. Take note of the local climate and weather since it has a huge bearing on the variety of vegetables you will be able to grow.
Soil-the nature of the soil composition will play a very huge and crucial role in the variety of vegetables that you can grow in your garden. Certain soils favour certain types of vegetables. So you must pay very close attention to this and get the soil tested and checked. The fertility of the soil will determine the type of vegetable that you can grow in that particular area or you may be forced to invest in top soil and improve the nature and soil composition.
Vegetables-the gardener must decide what type of crops he or she may want to grow and in what quantities. This is also crucial because without this info it is almost impossible to begin planning and preparing for the vegetable garden. There are so many varieties of vegetables and they all have different properties. Be wary to avoid areas that are hidden, under big trees, building or shrubs when it comes to choosing the area or location of your garden.
Design-by designing the garden it helps you both mentally and physically visualize the nature and type of your garden. You will be able to really see the size and space that you really have. This also helps you plan and allocate the space you have both efficiently and effectively. Designing also helps you draw up a scaled map and this helps you plan the layout and nature of your vegetables and garden.
Healthy eating habits are very effective in improving the overall health of you and your family. Learn how to easily implement a healthier lifestyle by visiting my website at http://EverydayHealthGirl.com
Article Source: http://www.EzineArticles.com/?expert=Becki_Andrus
The best way to plant a variety of plants in your garden takes a bit of patience, perseverance, and careful planning. There are quite a number of things that must be taken into consideration. A lot of planning is required and some people believe that winter is the best time to plan your garden. This gives you ample time to adequately prepare so that once summer comes around you are ready and rearing to go. When it comes to planning a variety of plants in your garden a lot of things must be taken into consideration. You may opt to have a very large garden or you may settle for small containers in and around your patio area. There is more to gardening then just planting seeds, it is an art with many things to consider and this art must be carefully studied, practiced, and mastered.
In order to plant a variety of vegetables in your garden you must consider:
Climate-you must understand and identify the type of climate in and around your area. The nature and type of climate you have will definitely influence and affect the type of crops and plants you will plant. The climate will affect the number of varieties that you can grow in your garden. You must grow crops or plants that are favourable and will do well with the kind of weather and climate you have in that area. Hard vegetables tend to do well in cool and cold climates while tender plants and crops prefer warm and hot weather. Frost and cold will definitely damage and destroy certain plants. Take note of the local climate and weather since it has a huge bearing on the variety of vegetables you will be able to grow.
Soil-the nature of the soil composition will play a very huge and crucial role in the variety of vegetables that you can grow in your garden. Certain soils favour certain types of vegetables. So you must pay very close attention to this and get the soil tested and checked. The fertility of the soil will determine the type of vegetable that you can grow in that particular area or you may be forced to invest in top soil and improve the nature and soil composition.
Vegetables-the gardener must decide what type of crops he or she may want to grow and in what quantities. This is also crucial because without this info it is almost impossible to begin planning and preparing for the vegetable garden. There are so many varieties of vegetables and they all have different properties. Be wary to avoid areas that are hidden, under big trees, building or shrubs when it comes to choosing the area or location of your garden.
Design-by designing the garden it helps you both mentally and physically visualize the nature and type of your garden. You will be able to really see the size and space that you really have. This also helps you plan and allocate the space you have both efficiently and effectively. Designing also helps you draw up a scaled map and this helps you plan the layout and nature of your vegetables and garden.
Healthy eating habits are very effective in improving the overall health of you and your family. Learn how to easily implement a healthier lifestyle by visiting my website at http://EverydayHealthGirl.com
Article Source: http://www.EzineArticles.com/?expert=Becki_Andrus
How to Plant a Variety of Vegetables in Your Garden
It is common knowledge and it is well known that home grown fruits and home grown vegetables tend to taste much better than ones bought from a supermarket. It is more psychological than anything else but home grown produce are much tastier then those fruits and vegetable that have been grown and are processed by companies. Some of the pleasure is derived from growing and producing your very own fruits and vegetables. This is the case especially if the whole family is involved and it can be done as a family and it can be done together.
The best way to plant a variety of plants in your garden takes a bit of patience, perseverance, and careful planning. There are quite a number of things that must be taken into consideration. A lot of planning is required and some people believe that winter is the best time to plan your garden. This gives you ample time to adequately prepare so that once summer comes around you are ready and rearing to go. When it comes to planning a variety of plants in your garden a lot of things must be taken into consideration. You may opt to have a very large garden or you may settle for small containers in and around your patio area. There is more to gardening then just planting seeds, it is an art with many things to consider and this art must be carefully studied, practiced, and mastered.
In order to plant a variety of vegetables in your garden you must consider:
Climate-you must understand and identify the type of climate in and around your area. The nature and type of climate you have will definitely influence and affect the type of crops and plants you will plant. The climate will affect the number of varieties that you can grow in your garden. You must grow crops or plants that are favourable and will do well with the kind of weather and climate you have in that area. Hard vegetables tend to do well in cool and cold climates while tender plants and crops prefer warm and hot weather. Frost and cold will definitely damage and destroy certain plants. Take note of the local climate and weather since it has a huge bearing on the variety of vegetables you will be able to grow.
Soil-the nature of the soil composition will play a very huge and crucial role in the variety of vegetables that you can grow in your garden. Certain soils favour certain types of vegetables. So you must pay very close attention to this and get the soil tested and checked. The fertility of the soil will determine the type of vegetable that you can grow in that particular area or you may be forced to invest in top soil and improve the nature and soil composition.
Vegetables-the gardener must decide what type of crops he or she may want to grow and in what quantities. This is also crucial because without this info it is almost impossible to begin planning and preparing for the vegetable garden. There are so many varieties of vegetables and they all have different properties. Be wary to avoid areas that are hidden, under big trees, building or shrubs when it comes to choosing the area or location of your garden.
Design-by designing the garden it helps you both mentally and physically visualize the nature and type of your garden. You will be able to really see the size and space that you really have. This also helps you plan and allocate the space you have both efficiently and effectively. Designing also helps you draw up a scaled map and this helps you plan the layout and nature of your vegetables and garden.
Healthy eating habits are very effective in improving the overall health of you and your family. Learn how to easily implement a healthier lifestyle by visiting my website at http://EverydayHealthGirl.com
Article Source: http://www.EzineArticles.com/?expert=Becki_Andrus
The best way to plant a variety of plants in your garden takes a bit of patience, perseverance, and careful planning. There are quite a number of things that must be taken into consideration. A lot of planning is required and some people believe that winter is the best time to plan your garden. This gives you ample time to adequately prepare so that once summer comes around you are ready and rearing to go. When it comes to planning a variety of plants in your garden a lot of things must be taken into consideration. You may opt to have a very large garden or you may settle for small containers in and around your patio area. There is more to gardening then just planting seeds, it is an art with many things to consider and this art must be carefully studied, practiced, and mastered.
In order to plant a variety of vegetables in your garden you must consider:
Climate-you must understand and identify the type of climate in and around your area. The nature and type of climate you have will definitely influence and affect the type of crops and plants you will plant. The climate will affect the number of varieties that you can grow in your garden. You must grow crops or plants that are favourable and will do well with the kind of weather and climate you have in that area. Hard vegetables tend to do well in cool and cold climates while tender plants and crops prefer warm and hot weather. Frost and cold will definitely damage and destroy certain plants. Take note of the local climate and weather since it has a huge bearing on the variety of vegetables you will be able to grow.
Soil-the nature of the soil composition will play a very huge and crucial role in the variety of vegetables that you can grow in your garden. Certain soils favour certain types of vegetables. So you must pay very close attention to this and get the soil tested and checked. The fertility of the soil will determine the type of vegetable that you can grow in that particular area or you may be forced to invest in top soil and improve the nature and soil composition.
Vegetables-the gardener must decide what type of crops he or she may want to grow and in what quantities. This is also crucial because without this info it is almost impossible to begin planning and preparing for the vegetable garden. There are so many varieties of vegetables and they all have different properties. Be wary to avoid areas that are hidden, under big trees, building or shrubs when it comes to choosing the area or location of your garden.
Design-by designing the garden it helps you both mentally and physically visualize the nature and type of your garden. You will be able to really see the size and space that you really have. This also helps you plan and allocate the space you have both efficiently and effectively. Designing also helps you draw up a scaled map and this helps you plan the layout and nature of your vegetables and garden.
Healthy eating habits are very effective in improving the overall health of you and your family. Learn how to easily implement a healthier lifestyle by visiting my website at http://EverydayHealthGirl.com
Article Source: http://www.EzineArticles.com/?expert=Becki_Andrus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)