Click picture to enlarge Rake the soil to a fine tilth. The finer the soil, the better foundation you will have for your seedlings. Click picture to enlarge Sprinkle the seeds over the area to be seeded. If the seeds are very fine, mix them with sand to spread them more evenly. Click picture to […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Occasionally it is necessary to completely remove a shrub. Start by trimming off all the foliage and branches using loppers. Click picture to enlarge Dig a trench around the shrub’s crown. The depth required depends on how far the roots penetrate the surrounding soil. Usually 1-2′ is deep […]
Click picture to enlarge Removing spent flowers is referred to as “deadheading.” Deadheading lengthens the bloom time of a perennial, prevents seeding, and enhances the appearance of the plant. Here is a bearded iris with several spent flowers. Click picture to enlarge On each flower stalk there are several flowers and/or buds. As a general […]
Click picture to enlarge Cymbidiums come in a broad range of flower colors. Their blossoms are noted for being very long lasting. In frost-free climates that have cool evenings, Cymbidiums are popular outdoor plants. These orchids require more light than Phalaenopsis or Paphiopedilums. In a greenhouse they can be grown in 25 to 50% shade. […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Black lashing cord Scissors Lashing bamboo together is easy once you get the hang of it. Begin by cutting a length of lashing cord about 5′ long. Then lay it over the top piece of bamboo at a 45 angle. Click picture to enlarge Pull the ends of […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Cut Christmas tree Tape measure Hand saw Tree stand Watering can The Christmas tree is a central part of the holiday season! If you pick the right one and care for it properly, it will reward you with a month or more of beauty. Begin by selecting the […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Capillary matting and a tray Terra-cotta spikes (Terra Wicks)and 16- or 32-oz. soda bottles Slo-Drip Bottle Tap, plastic tubing, and -gal. or 1-gal. milk jug The most common way to water plants automatically is to allow the potting mix to wick water from a reservoir. A variety of […]
Click picture to enlarge Place the culvert pipe in the hole making sure it sits at least four inches below grade. This dry well allows water to percolate into the ground. Click picture to enlarge What you need: Shovel Drain cloth 18 inch diameter culvert pipe Drain rock Cobblestones Begin by excavating a trench along […]
Click picture to enlarge The fertilizer bag label contains much useful information. Here are some tips on how to read the label. Click picture to enlarge At the top of the label will be the description of the brand name of the plant food or fertilizer. Directly under that will be three numbers. Each number […]
Click picture to enlarge Aeration benefits your lawn in several ways. First: it allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to penetrate further into the soil, encouraging deeper root growth. Second: it reduces soil compaction. The result can be a healthier and more vigorous lawn. A power aerator is the fastest and most efficient way to aerate […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Twine Pruning shears Opaque glass or ceramic jar The best time to harvest herbs is in the morning. Sunlight and heat deteriorate the herb’s essential oils, so avoid harvesting at midday. Select only healthy undamaged shoots for harvesting. Click picture to enlarge Find a warm, dry place to […]
Click picture to enlarge Having the right hand tools is very important in gardening. Buy the best quality you can afford. Be sure to choose a sturdy hand trowel of cast steel, aluminum, or forged steel. Avoid cheaper trowels made of stamped steel which will bend easily under the strain of heavy soil. Click picture […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Living Christmas tree Large plastic container Pot tray Rubber mat Anti-transpirant Keep alive the memories of a special Christmas by watching the tree grow and flourish in your garden. A living Christmas tree can bring magic to the season, or disappointment, depending on the care it receives during […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: 48″ fluorescent light fixture 1 48″ cool white fluorescent light bulb 1 48″ warm white fluorescent light bulb Light rack Timer Gardening under lights is a great way to extend your gardening season. It is most useful for starting new plants from seed in the spring and growing […]
