Gardening Tips

How To Make The Perfect Garden

Gardening can be cheap and fun as well and if done regularly, does not really need to take up a lot of time. It is a great advantage for the homemaker to have a green thumb. When winter is severe and there is no greenery around, it is good to turn towards the home or office to find a patch of greenery for some relief. As a hobby, indoor gardening is found to be greatly relaxing and stress busting. One of the most fun and rewarding aspects of gardening is starting plants from seeds. Gardens can be created today with no or little money, so of the best gardens have been created with no money at all.

Depending on the climate and plant there are many different types of soil that can be used, water that is needed and light or shade that is required, all of these factors need to be considered. Make sure the location in your garden can provide the proper environment for the plant to flourish. Select a garden location that gets plenty of sunlight a healthy garden need six hours of direct sunlight everyday. One of the first things to consider when choosing a plant for your garden is to determine if it is suitable for your area.

Looks can be deceptive, so to see if your soil is dry enough to water, try the finger test. The plant should be watered thoroughly when the top half of the soil is dry. When planting new plants you need to water them for weekly until the plants become acclimated to its new environment. If leaves show signs of wilting, but the soil is moist, you can mist the foliage lightly. How often you water will depend on the conditions in your home more humidity means less watering. Water should seep from the drain holes in the pot and the plant should feel “heavier” after watering. Roots around the edge of the pot are a sure sign of being pot bound.

Many people use silk plants because they don’t want to be bothered with real plants, they don’t want to take care of them and they don’t have to worry about them dying. One of the benefits of silk plants is that you don’t have to replace or maintain the plants. It is very easy to take care of silk plants, clean them with a wet rag and make sure they are looking good so they maintain the illusion that the plants are life like. For a plant to grow successfully it must be planted in the right growing conditions. For example, shade-loving plants aren’t going to be flourishing if planted in an area where they’re going to get full sunshine. They should also do well with bright, indirect light.

One of the major benefits of compost is that compost provides natural nutrients for the plants to feed on. Utilizing compost is an inexpensive way to better the soil. When the compost is ready you can use it for new gardens or already established gardens.

Every element that makes up a plant, as well as everything in our bodies, and everything in the soil in which we grow is chemical. Indoor plants are also a way to start new growths and give them a better chance of survival.

Article Source: http://www.freegardeningarticles.com

David Marc Fishman is the owner of an the ask an expert advice site. Watch experts give good advice via video on gardening.

Hydrangea

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are a wonderful plant that can give a garden a lot of color. The hydrangea originated out of Japan and was discovered there and brought back to the western world during the mid 18^th century. There are five main species but one is more common then the rest, hydrangea macrophylla. They like to be in a part sun/shade area of the garden. Hydrangeas are a flowering shrub, which flowers through the spring, summer, and into the autumn. The color of the flower is dependent on the type of soil. Soil rich in alkaline will produce pink flowers and acidic soil will produce blue flowers. The common species that most gardens contain is hydrangea macrophylla. The common name is Bigleaf of French hydrangea. There also other types of hydrangeas found in gardens: hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf), hydrangea arborescens (Smooth or Annabelle), hydrangea paniculata (Grandiflora or Peegee), and hydrangea anomola petiolaris (Climbing hydrangea).

Flowers

Out of all the species of hydrangeas the three common colors of flowers are: white, pink, and blue. They do come in lavender, or lilac color, a deep red/brown, and a light green. The flower blossom is a collection of small flowers about a quarter in size that bloom in a cluster. They can have three basic shapes to the clusters: mophead which is round and shaped like a sphere, lacecap which is more of a flat shape with blossoms blooming around the edge, and panicle which has more of a cone shape to the flower. They make great cut flowers and can last up to a week in a vase. As you cut the flower stems the hydrangea will produce flowers. Make sure you prune those stems back to ensure that the shrub blooms again.

Gardening Tips

Hydrangeas like to be in a partial sun and shade area of the garden. They do not like the heat of the afternoon and like to be protected by the shade. They love water so be prepared to keep them wet. The flowering season is from the spring to the autumn and need to be pruned back in the autumn. If you want for flowers to bloom you should prune the stems to be about 6-12� from the ground. In the in the early spring add compost and humus to the soil and the type of fertilizer you want to determine the color of the flower. I have some of my hydrangeas next to azaleas and rhododendrons which like acidic soil. This gives the flower a blue color. The color is determined by the amount of aluminum that is in the soil. You can apply aluminum sulfate in the spring and keep the pH around 5 and 5.5. For the beautiful pink flowers you want a more alkaline soil mixture so liming the soil will change the pH to 6 and give you the pink color.

Hydrangeas can grow up to 6 feet high and wide; they are bushy and have woody stems. As the new grow emerges stake the stems of the flowers and needed otherwise let them grow and enjoy. As the seasons progress keep the hydrangea well fertilized with a general fertilizer 10 10 10. You must always water after applying fertilizer so that it reaches the soil. To propagate the plant you need to have a small trench next to the plant. Then remove a little of the bark and lay it in the ground and cover it with soil. Make sure that the tip of growth is uncovered and it will root under the soil.

Bonsai

Bonsai is an ancient art form and gardening pleasure. The history of this wonderful and stylish form of plant manipulation and art dates back to about the 4th century. It originated out from China and spread to Japan. Throughout Asia container planting with trees and shrubs is hundreds of years old. They could be found in India, China, Japan, and even ancient Egypt. The philosophy of this fabulous type of gardening and plant care is to create miniature gardens contained in pots. Each gardener can produce an amazing and wondrous world with bonsai. They do need care and focus and can be a delight in your yard.

Bonsai Tips

Four basic components are important to focus on while growing bonsai. First, is the type of tree or shrub you want to grow. Second, is the soil mixture and an extremely important part. Third, is the watering or the humidity in the environment. And fourth, care and styling of the bonsai. When considering all of these important aspects to bonsai gardening incorporate your personality and you will have wonderful miniature gardens.

Type of Plants

The varieties that you can use are numerous, it is the care of the bonsai that is important. Depending on your environment and if you want outdoor (aka temperate) or indoor (aka tropical) bonsai the trees or shrubs you use will dictate what you plant. Traditionally bonsai is an outdoor garden and keeping them indoors can damage the plant, because they will still need lots of light. Remember that the plants used in bonsai are always found outdoors. You need to consider the tree itself; if it is a deciduous tree then you would want it to get its’ rest, if it is a tropical tree or plant then it should get full sun and have a warm and humid environment. I think this is the important part to bonsai gardening; some people try to have control of the bonsai and fight its nature.
For the outdoor bonsai the variance in temperature is an important element to consider. If you live in cold or freezing regions you would want trees that can handle the cold. Juniper, maples, and conifers are great choices for the cold zones. I have my juniper outside and it loves where I have it because of the sun. Depending on the plant they need to go dormant and will die if they are kept inside or are in warm zones that don’t get cold winters.
Indoor or tropical bonsai can be kept indoors or outdoors depending on the zone you live in. Just like all tropical plants and trees they don’t like the cold winters and will die if left outdoors in cold zones. So bring them and give them plenty of sun and warmth. They will be happy to be inside if they get enough light (remember they are outdoor plants). Some of the great trees or plants you can use are: ficus (most common), hibiscus, and bougainvillea. There are some many choices that you should explore what will do well in your environment.

Selecting A Bonsai

When looking for a bonsai take into consideration the root foundation, the mature growth of the plant, and your environment. The root foundation of the plant will determine if the plant will survive. You want to have a strong well rooted plant. If the plant is young and the root foundation is not well developed then it will take a long time to get established growth. Depending on how large you want it to grow to, you would want either a dwarf tree or a naturally small shrub. Also consider your style and your taste; I love flowering and fruiting bonsai. Azaleas are one of my favorite shrubs to turn into bonsai because they have such wonderful blossoms.

Bonsai Soil Mixture and Pots

This area is as varied as the plants that you choose for your garden. Depending on the plant the soil combinations of grit and humus is important. Because it is a contain plant the soil mixture for bonsai is extremely important. For example azaleas are acid lovers they like their soil a specific way and will die if not given the right fertilizers. Bonsai is just like any other container gardening fertilizing with the right ratios is important. Do some research on specific plants and give them what they want.

One of the easiest and fun parts to bonsai is picking out the pot it will go in. This is totally an individualist element to bonsai. I like to consider the type of plant and the style of it. I have seen bonsai in pots that complement the plant and ones that distract or take away from the beauty of the bonsai.

Watering Bonsai

Bonsai is container gardening and like all container gardening you have got to think about watering. Because you don’t want the roots sitting in water having a plate under the pot is not recommended. You do want to keep them well watered if that type of plant requires it. Once again you need to look at the type of plant you have and go with what it likes.

For your tropical bonsai keeping them well watered and in a humid environment is important. One of my friends mists his bonsai with a spray bottle to keep it moist. I have heard of some people using a drip system. One good test to know when to water is when the top layer of the soil is dry. Never over water and drown the root and never under water. Bonsai is a care intensive type of gardening and watering is just another important element to focus on.

Styling and Care of Bonsai

Well this is an area of bonsai that is divided into two areas: wiring and cutting. If wiring is the direction you want to go into then you need to consider the type of wire used. Copper and aluminum are the most common types of wire used. Basic rules to wire are for support and manipulation of style. Also to care for the plant by not leaving it in the sun or the cold while the wire is on. And finally to remove the wire if it cuts into the plant which will damage and could destroy your bonsai.

The other method is more traditional it is the cutting or pruning method. This is where you manipulate the growth by pruning the plant in to a shape. This method is great for people who are unsure about using wire.

Some people like to use both which I feel is more common then using one or the other.

Dahlias

Spectacular, this is the word I would use to describe dahlias. They will give you wonderful cut flowers all summer up until the first frost. They originate from Mexico, Central and South America and were transported to Europe during the 16th century. This tuberous perennial has numerous varieties, rich with amazing colors. Some people are intimidated by the care that dahlias require, but I feel that any garden takes care. The flowers are so amazing with an incredible amount of variety whatever care they need is worth it.

Storage:

The tubers need to be stored in a cool, dry, and dark environment. The frost will turn them to mush; dig up the tuber before the frost comes. Dahlias can be stored in different materials: paper bags, peat moss, vermiculite, and many more. Find out what works for you, I use paper bags or recycled paper. Keep them dormant until the last frost has is over.

Growing Tips:

Plant the tubers after the last frost and in a full sun environment. Dahlias love their faces in the sun and will grow fast in the sun. Plant the tuber about 6″ into the soil and don’t worry too much about the direction the tuber is in. Dahlias will grow up towards the sun. Slugs, snail, and pests love to eat Dahlias sprinkle snail bait on the soil. When the Dahlias are growing make sure there is an adequate about of snail bait. I use “Slugo� because it is great if you have pets. Other wise you can use the hard core stuff. Keep them watered, but don’t over water. They can do well on less water, but will rot if over watered. Add fertilizers to the soil before you plant and keep the nitrogen level low. If you are going to stake them which is recommended do this before they grow. It is always great to establish the support before they get too big. Remove the finished blossoms throughout the season to ensure lots of blossoms.

drought resistant plants

Soquel, CA area is a great location to get started on planting drought resistant plants because of the water situation locally.

Bergenia Cordifolia

Bergenia Cordifolia is a wonderful shade garden plant, because of its low height (2 feet max) it makes a wonderful boarder. Bergenia likes filtered sun and will flower through out the season. This perennial is an excellent addition to any garden. Bergenia Cordifolia is also know as Elephant’s ear and Pigsqueak the leaf is large about 7-8 inches across and 12-17 inches long. Bergenias are native to Siberia and can be grown in many different environments.
Growing Tips 

Bergenia is an evergreen that produces a lot of tubers for division. When one area fills up with the plants dig them up separate the tubers and spread them out.  It will grow quickly if it is well watered and if it is kept dry it will grow slowly . I like to keep them well watered (not over watered) so that I can divide it and spread it around my yard. The blossom is a dark pink to light pink and will bloom in late winter through summer. I can get mine to bloom most of the year, but I have found that they take a break through part of the winter. Its USDA zones are 4-7 and will thrive in a variety of soils. Bergenia prefers alkaline soils and will tolerate some acidic soil. It also likes heavy clay soil and can be divided in the Autumn.
Regional Tips 

Here in Santa Cruz, CA they will produce an abundance of flowers. My mom grows them in a heavy shade garden and they rarely produce flowers. When she comes to my garden she always wonders how I get mine to flower. We enjoy reminding her about the wonders of the sun. My bergenia is in a part shade garden, which is the best. Bergenia don’t like full sun and intense heat. I like to separate the tubers and use them to fill the bare spots in my yard.

Pictures of Sunflowers

Every year we grow lots of Sunflowers and one of my favorite things to do is to wonder how they have changed over the centuries. The Sunflower has many varieties ranging in colors of white, pale yellow, golden yellow, burnt amber, and red. It can grow from15 inches to 12 feet high and can be eaten, pressed for oil. or used as bird feed. I love to grow a variety of colors together to get the most showy of Sunflower beds. They are easy to grow and will tolerate different types of soil but need full sun.

Depending on your zone get sunflower seeds in the early spring. After the last frost sow the seeds either directly in the ground or in the starter pots. Use starter pots because you can put them in different spots in your yard. Once the plant is about 8-12 inches you can transplant the sunflower into the sunny spot in your yard. Always water your soil before you plant. If the soil is dry it will take the water from the plant. Water the container before you plant it in the ground. Water wells around the base of the plant will help keep moister in the soil. Mulch the ground to finish the look and as a great last step. Sunflowers can brighten your day and are as great cut flowers. Some varieties will produce many stocks of flowers and last through out the summer and fall.

Japanese Anemones (x hybrida)

This is the season for the wonderful perennial known as Japanese Anemones to flower. The long stocks of the flower shoot up to 4 feet tall. They do range in height from 2-4 feet with an incredible flower. They are not a cut flower, but make a wonderful back drop to any partial shade garden. They are one of the best plants for late summer and fall color with their brilliant flowers in colors of dark pinks, pale pinks, and white.

The Japanese Anemones x hybrida originated in China and was found in Japan in the 17th Century giving it its name. Three popular varieties were developed in the 19th Century: Honorine Jobert, Whirlwind, and Konigin Charlotte. These varieties produce the best of the colors and new varieties are gaining notoriety for their even richer color of dark pink and lilac. They are easy to grow and can be slightly evasive in your yard if you let them.
Japanese Anemones grow in sun/partial shade gardens. Grow them in the USDA zones 4 through 8. They work great under trees and as backdrops in the yard. They like to be protected by larger vegetation or by built structures. The leaf of the plant is around all year and is about 1 foot from the ground. It is a large soft petal from 2-5 inches wide. A stem grows from the ground and is tipped with a leaf. In the late summer the stocks of the flower grows from 2 to 5 feet tall. They are topped with multiple flowers and small leafs. The flowers petals are small 1 inch in diameter and there are 5 petals that are fanned out.

Growing Tips

• Sun/Partial shade
• Protected from sun and wind
• Well drained soil
• Keep watered but don’t over do it
• Acidic Soil ranging from 4.6-6.0
• Lime in the soil is recomended
• After two years the plant will produce and spread
• You can divide in the Winter and the Spring

Residential Solar Power

I’ve been wanting to add solar power to my place of residence since I did a report on residential solar power in 4th grade. That was quite awhile ago, and honestly I’m a little disappointed that we haven’t achieved residential solar power independance yet.

There is a good bit of solar power information at wikipedia.org, including advantages and disadvantages.

After all, plants have been living off solar power for millions of years. I’d like to invest in in when it is cheap enough. As I walked through Home Depot today, I checked the price for a residential solar power installation and it was around $20k for one that would provide energy for a larger home.

I will wait until that price drops by half before I really start considering it. One of the primary advantages aside from not burning oil is that in off-peak hours, you can sell the solar power back to the power company. I think that’s reason enough, depending on your rate of usage coupled with the savings in lower electric bills to pay for itself over 10 years.

Community Gardens As Appleseeds

$50 “Seeds of Encouragement” available. Check our brief website to see if you or someone or group you know might like one.

Pete Seeger sent us a note of encouragement!

www.CommunityGardensAsAppleseeds.info