Click picture to enlarge When most people think of orchids, the genus Cattleya is usually what they have in mind. They come in a very broad range of colors and most of them are delightfully fragrant. These orchids require more light than Phalaenopsis or Paphiopedilum. In a greenhouse they can be grown in 25 to […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: 3 6′-8′ bamboo stakes Bamboo lashing cord Scissors This simple bamboo trellis is ideal for growing sweet peas. You can build it in just a few minutes. Click picture to enlarge Lay two 6 or 8′ bamboo stakes on the ground as shown, at a 15 degree angle. […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Clay pot Cardboard strip or folded up newspaper Cactus potting mix Even slow growing cacti eventually need to be transplanted. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the pot the cactus is currently in. Clay pots are the best choice for cacti. Click picture to enlarge […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: 1 bag of cement(portland cement is best) 1 bag of sand 1 bag of fine peat moss Coffee can or other measuring device Plastic dishpan Large plastic tub for mixing Plastic bag or plastic wrap Piece of 1/2″ wooden dowel Wire brush Thick rubber gloves Hypertufa is inexpensive […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Strawberry pot Crock Assorted 4″ herbs Slow release fertilizer Potting soil The first step is to place some crock in the bottom of the pot. The crock will aid in drainage and keep the herbs from getting “wet feet”. Click picture to enlarge Next, fill the pot with […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Wooden labels White plastic labels Metal labels (Steel, Zinc, Copper) Permanent marker 8-oz. yogurt cups Scissors Do you remember what’s growing in your garden? Nursery plants generally come with labels, but if you start plants from seeds, get plants from friends, or want to replace a broken or […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: 1 quart glass jar Seeds Cheesecloth Rubberband Edible vegetable seeds can be easily sprouted using a glass or ceramic jar and some cheesecloth. Start by placing the seeds in a jar and covering them with some warm water. You want about four times the volume of the seeds […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: String Wooden stakes Shovel Rubber mallet Stones First, run a string line. You will use the string line as a reference point while building the wall. Dig a trench behind the line that is 4-6″ deep and as wide as your largest stone. Click picture to enlarge Start […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Length of thick bamboo Bamboo saw or hacksaw Drill and ” bit 2″ long, 1/2″ sprinkler riser Epoxy Pump (no larger than a 60gph capacity) Clear tubing 5/8″ Large ceramic urn Shallow ceramic pot Decorative rocks This soothing and decorative bamboo fountain can be the centerpiece of your […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Oil Rag Toothpick or skewer Scrub brush Properly store your spraying equipment during the winter months to assure that is is ready for service when you need it next year. Click picture to enlarge Examine the spray control valve and nozzle assemblies for broken or deteriorated gaskets. Inspect […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Assorted 4″ annuals Potting soil Time release fertilizer Gravel or crock Large ceramic or plastic container Add about a 1/2 inch of gravel to the bottom of the container to aid with drainage. Next, fill the container about 3/4 of the way up with soil. Arrange your annuals […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: 3 inch perforated drain pipe Drain cloth Uility knife Shovel Begin by measuring and cutting a 3″ inch perforated drainpipe to the length of the proposed drain tile. When measuring the length for a circle you can use a flexible landscape tape to estimate lengths, or if the […]
Click picture to enlarge Buying bulbs from a bin is like selecting produce. Superficially they all look pretty much the same, but a sharp eye and discerning fingers can spot the good bulbs and avoid the bad. The bigger the bulb, the better the display next spring, so look for top size bulbs which are […]
Click picture to enlarge A hoe is an essential tool for the gardener; learning to use it correctly is important. Click picture to enlarge Since the hoe is a cutting tool, it performs at its best when sharp. Sharpen the blade with a file before each use. File the hoe by hand instead of using […]
