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Sunday, November 23, 2008

A Beginners Guide For Organic Gardening

Organic gardening is not as difficult as many beginning gardeners believe it is. It is true there is a bit more work and increased attention levels to the details of an organic garden than a regular garden. However, with the proper guidance you will soon discover it's not anywhere near as difficult as you thought it was. This guide will provide you with the basic steps you need to get you started.

Assuming you know little to nothing about organic gardening lets make certain you understand what it is. Quite simply it means you are going to plant your garden without using synthetic fertilizers, for making the plants grow and chemical pesticides to control the bugs.

To really maximize your garden, regardless if its going to be flowers, herbs, veggies or a mish mash of several plants it's best to have a detailed plan. And the best time to formulate your plan is in the fall, right after the fall growing season ends. The reason for this is you will have time to prepare the ground before the spring planting season begins.

Perhaps the most critical thing you must do before anything else is to select the optimum location for your organic garden or for that matter any garden. Your plants will do extremely well if they can receive about six hours of sunlight per day. In almost all cases positioning of your planting area in the southeast part of your ground will give more than adequate amounts of sunshine. Also make sure your ground has easy access to water and the ground has good drainage, to allow water run off and aeration of the ground.

Once the proper location has been determined the next step is preparing the ground where you will be planting. This means it's time for the physical labor part. You are going to till the ground using a yard fork or a tiller, then get on your knees to start pulling weeds, grass and removing the rocks. To make the weed and grass removal successful you should perform the initial removal, then go back a couple of weeks later and remove any weeds and grass which have grown up in the meantime.

Now it’s time for you to actually determine what your selected ground is going to need, in the way of the proper nutrition to help your vegetation grow. You do need to have the soil tested for the proper ph level. If you’re not sure you would do an accurate job of this take a sample of your soil to your local nursery or garden center and they can do this for you.

Once the testing has been completed by the nursery folks they can tell you exactly what kind of natural fertilizers and pest control product you will need. While you are at the nursery or garden center you should ask their advice on the proper plants and vegetables which will grow best in your treated soil.

In conclusion this guide has given you the basic things you need to start your organic gardening project the right way. It has covered the location of the garden, the sunlight exposure, preparation of the ground prior to planting and the proper nutrition your ground will need. Organic gardening is not as complicated as it seems.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

All About Garden Treasures Patio

After the garden furniture shopping is done and the furniture all in its place, now is the time to go for the garden treasures patio. Look at the overall layout of your patio get a sense of the accessory that would compliment that spot. The garden treasure patio is all about adding your own personal touch and style to your special domain. If you live in a site that only has a small courtyard to work with, you might want to consider things that hang rather than placed on the ground taking up walk space. If you want to grow plants with eatable fruits such as strawberries or tomatoes, there are many creative ways to grow these plants, such as in hanging baskets, in small confined spaces. A window box is a perfect spot for growing herbs that will be used fresh from your garden patio to the current spaghetti sauce or other savory dish. Wall art can be hung on the wall nearest your garden patio to complete the look of your garden treasure patio. To add shading to your garden treasure patio you can find a trellis and incorporate a sprouting vine to the spaces.

If your garden treasure patio is a much larger area, you can find additional novelty items to enhance the atmosphere of your garden treasure patio. You may want to turn a small space into a kitchen or grilling area for those outdoor barbecues. For the warmer months, a small fountain gives the garden treasure patio a peaceful ambience. The soothing sound of running water will aid in relaxing you while you read or just rejuvenate yourself from a hard day at work. A fountain will not be a distraction when entertaining guests, instead would add a measure of character to your garden treasure patio. For the cooler months, a fireplace would be another highlight to your garden treasure patio. The warmth of a fire and watching the glow of burning embers is as peaceful and soothing as the fountain in the warmer months.

Your garden treasure patio might be in need of shading from the scorching sun during the hot summer months or maybe to protect you and your guests from a quiet falling rain in the spring. Then you will want to check into awnings, canopies, or other structures made for the purpose of adding cover. An umbrella works for a small space. If, however you are looking to cover a much larger region, you will need a much larger cover. These coverings come in several different sizes and construction. You will want to find what works best for you in your situation.

You may want to incorporate large tropical plants to your garden treasure patio. If so you will find an array of large pots and huge tropical plants to pick from. If you like the whimsical, you will discover small or large woodland creatures from gnomes, to squirrels to cute puppies that will add a special touch to your garden treasure patio.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

3 Tips For Organic Gardening Soil

Do you really think organic gardening soil is the same as regular garden soil? If so, boy are you sadly mistaken and you have a rude awakening coming your way. That's kind of blunt isn't it? Did I get your attention, I really hope so. The information in this article will help you get a better understanding of the facts about organic gardening soil.

The first misconception most new organic gardeners have about their soil is that any thing can grow in any type of soil. All you have to do is throw a few seeds in the ground and boom you have a natural garden. You need to lose that preconceived notion if it applies to you.

You must take into consideration the overall climate conditions which will impact the soil. An example of these things would be rain, wind, temperatures and exposure to the sun light. Then the next thing to consider is the amount of rocks and density of the soil.

An example of bad density soil would be where the dirt is tightly compacted and allows for no circulation of air or moisture. To have good organic gardening soil it must be loose, with excellent air and moisture circulation. Not to worry though because one of the things you can do if your dirt is tightly compacted is introduce earthworms to the ground and allow them to do their thing.

Frankly though the earthworms take time to create their magic and they have a tendency to get out of the designated planting area quickly. However, there is a simple solution to that problem and you will help improve your soil quickly.

You can go to your local nursery or hardware store and purchase organic soil by the bag full or even by the truck load. Many organic gardeners will put this soil on top of their compacted soil and then plow it into the regular soil. However, for this method to be effective you must have enough organic soil to be from a minimum depth of three inches up to six inches or more. The great thing about it is as you repeat this procedure through several growing seasons you will soon have brought the life back to your original soil.

Another tip about your soil is the proper levels of phosphates, hydrogen and acidity in the soil. This is often times referred to as the ph factor in the soil. It’s quiet easy today to go on the World
Wide Web and order a testing kit for your soil. However, one of the best ways to determine if you have right kind of soil for organic gardening is to take a sample of your soil to your county agriculture agent or to your local nursery. For a small fee or no fee at all they will tell you everything you need to know about your soil.

In addition to providing you the information about your dirt they can also advise you as to the best type of plants that will grow in your soil. Furthermore, they are a great source for additional tips on growing an organic garden successfully.

These tips are just a few of the things about your organic gardening soil which are important. To really get ahead of the game on your soil you should continue to further your education.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

How To Benefit Others And Yourself With Organic Gardening

What benefits are in organic gardening besides having a more beautiful garden or eating healthier veggies and fruits? Actually there are more special benefits than most people and organic gardeners ever think about. This article will tell you about the additional benefits and give you some thought provoking ideas that may surprise you.

Did you know you can feed children around the world with your organic garden? "How in the world can you do that?" you ask. It's really quite simple and only takes a little more planning and work on your part.

When you began to plan your own personal natural garden you should layout a larger and grander garden. It doesn’t make any difference if it’s for flowers, veggies, fruits or bushes to beautify your yard. That’s right! Make it bigger. When it's harvest time you will have more flowers, plants and veggies than you can possibly use.

Instead of plowing under the excess crops from your organic gardening or inundating your friends and relatives with it take it to the local Farmers Market or the Flea Market and sell it. Chances are you won't have a problem selling it and you may end up with a pocket full of cash. Take the cash from the sell and donate it to your favorite "Feed The Children" charity. When you do this a starving child will benefit from your garden, long after you harvested your crops.

Another great benefit from raising your own organic fruits and veggies is it's a great school project for your child’s school. Help your child and their classmates set up their own organic garden. The immediate lessons they learn will be about how to help the environment, healthy eating, teamwork and it makes learning fun for them. Again, set it up, so the children can take the crops to the local Farmers Market or Flea Market to sell.
The proceeds from the sell can be used to buy something which will benefit all of the children of the school.

This next benefit is one that is seldom thought about by your children or possibly by you.
This is the benefit of the physical exercise you and the kids will receive by working in the garden. You know that the kids today don’t play outside the way you did when you were a kid. An hour a day of working in your garden will help in weight loss (burning calories), lowering blood pressure, strengthen the heart and lungs, build muscle, sharpen the mind. Relieve stress and sleep better. The end result being you and kids will be much happier and healthy to boot.

One last benefit you will realize by you when working with the earth and growing things organically is the restoration of your sprit and soul. You will receive such a sense of well being when you have a fruitful harvest, you just can’t beat it. You will know you have done your part to help “Mother Nature” return to her natural state and touched all the other human beings by doing so.

As you have just read the benefits to organic gardening can benefit not only yourself and your family, but you can actually reach out and make a difference in the world.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Why Metal Garden Furniture?

Metal garden furniture has come a long way from the days of the woven seats and backs. Aluminum and wrought iron garden furniture has a new look. You don't have to buy those flimsy lawn chairs and loungers that you grew up with any more. Metal garden furniture has taken on a look of dignity and beauty. The aluminum line of the metal garden furniture is more enduring than it was in the past. The braided aluminum line has a polished quality that the aluminum line of the metal garden furniture was lacking. The aluminum line of the metal garden furniture is sturdy and durable while retaining its lightweight quality. It is easily moved around. This metal garden furniture is not required to be stationary in one location. This allows you flexibility when planning a backyard affair. You may need to add room for additional seating or clear a floor area to accommodate dancing.

The colors of the cushions and the frame will beautify the décor of your patio, garden or lawn. There are pieces of metal garden furniture available in the aluminum line that will meet your every need such as the conversation sets, the dining sets, additional chairs and tables, as well as hammocks and swings. The aluminum frames are rust proof making them weather resistant. There is little to no care required to maintain the dignified beauty and cleaning is as simple as spraying the furniture with a hose. The aluminum line of the metal garden furniture is a wonderful asset to any patio or backyard.

As with the aluminum line, the wrought iron and steel lines of the metal garden furniture have a look of dignity and grace. They differ from the aluminum line by their weight. The wrought iron and steel lines of metal garden furniture are made of a denser metal than the aluminum line adding to the look of sturdy durability. The flexibility of mobility is not an option with this furniture, but you have the comfort of security. The frames of the iron and steel lines of the metal garden furniture are mostly black, but the selection of colors for the cushions will add the polish to this graceful style of metal garden furniture. The array of piece and sets available in these lines of metal garden furniture is not lacking. Allowing you to furnish your patio, garden or backyard to its full potential.

There are the conversation sets, dining set, add-on chairs and tables, bars with chairs, and benches. Maintenance for the wrought iron and steel metal garden furniture is minimal. As always check with your retailers for any specific care or maintenance required to maintain the polish beauty of your furniture. Umbrellas are available to add to your sets to protect you and your guests for the heat of the afternoon sun. Wrought iron and steel metal garden furniture will be a timeless treasure that you and your family will enjoy for many years to come. It is available at your local home improvement stores, department stores and discount department stores.

Why Teak Outdoor Garden Furniture?

Teak Outdoor Garden Furniture is made from the teak tree found in the tropical region of Javanese. Most companies that build teak outdoor garden furniture purchase their teakwood from farming companies that practice environmental harvesting. The cut trees are replace by newly planted trees, so that the chance of teak trees becoming obsolete will not be a reality of the future. The teak trees will be growing for generations to come.

The teakwood has a beautiful golden hue to its natural finish. It has a natural resistance to the elements of the weather. Teakwood is the perfect material to be used in the making of teak outdoor garden furniture. Teak wood is known for is durability and strength, and its timeless beauty even after being exposed to the weather is unequaled to that of any other material. After being exposed to the rain and the sunshine, the wood will turn a lovely silver-gray color. Teak outdoor garden furniture never requires additional oils added to the finish of the wood the teak outdoor garden furniture may mildew or the color will become irregular. Care and maintenance is involved to aid the wood in retaining its natural beauty, but only an insignificant amount depending on the look you want.

The Teak outdoor garden furniture's design are simple and elegant.. Teak outdoor garden furniture is built to be sturdy and durable. Teak outdoor garden furniture is available in the same notable pieces comparable to that of other wooden outdoor garden furniture lines. The conversation sets are cushioned for comfort and the colors will be an asset to any garden's décor. The dining sets are equally as elegant as any furniture you might find. You can choose from a round table style of dining table or a rectangle style of dining table. You will also have the option of choosing chairs with or without arms. The styles of teak outdoor garden furniture available to choose from vary from manufacture to manufacture. Teak outdoor garden furniture is extremely lightweight so it can be easily rearranged to accommodate any additional seating needed for a special occasion. Bench seating is also available in the teak outdoor garden furniture for you to choose from ranging from the straight-line bench seats to the tree base bench seating. Intimate porch swings are available as well as single chairs, small tables, sofas and love seats. If an outdoor bar is an option you wish to incorporate into your outdoor garden or patio setting, you will want to look into the bar chairs and stools.

Cushions are available in a range of colors to choose from for the teak outdoor garden furniture that does not come equipped with them. The cushions will add comfort and color to enhance the décor of your garden or patio. Teak outdoor garden furniture is a immense investment into your future and the future of your home. You will want to contemplate your decision of the style and design of the teak outdoor furniture wisely. Because of teak outdoor garden furniture's strength and durability, it will be a part of your home for many years to come.

Wood Garden Furniture

Garden furniture made from wood seems to out last many other outdoor products. There is a large variety of out door woods that make Garden furniture. The favorites seem to be Red Wood, Oaks, Pine, Teak and Maple as these woods last for a very long time and maintain their beauty. The woods all have their own particular facets, which call for an individual to choose according to their own preference.

Oak Wood Garden Furniture chosen a lot for its durability and for the fact that Amish artisans make some of the most beautiful pieces that last forever. The Oak Wood noted for its beauty and its unique appearance makes the best in outdoor garden furniture. Each piece of Garden Furniture has its own distinct coloring. The finishes used by the Amish can help with the coloring, but they know that a clear finish is not acceptable, as it will change each piece color.

Red Wood Garden Furniture has a beautiful color and stands out in anyone's patio. Chinese red wood also has its own unique qualities. The red wood or cherry wood natural beauty is in part due to the natural variations in wood grain and coloring. Variations in grain and color are expected, as each solid wood piece will have its unique characteristics. The beauty of your outdoor wood garden furniture is brought out in red woods.

Teak is a very precious wood and outdoor furnishings for your patio can be very expensive. The beauty and the durability makes teak wood a real collectors item when found. Teak furnishings often last over many centuries and known in the antique world as quite a find.

The most gracious of woods is the Maple, which comes from the Maple trees. This wood makes delicate furniture items that add beauty to your patio. Since the wood is very delicate, it advised that you use it only on a built in patio or deck. The beauty of Maple is unsurpassed but the nature of the wood is not useable in outdoor weather conditions.

Wood Garden Furniture is economical to use and that is why many people like using some sort of wood or another. The beauty that the wood generates for your garden and home makes having wood garden furniture a must. Some people have wrought iron pieces as well because they like to accent their patio and garden with both wood and wrought iron.

The artisans who make the furniture have a talent that is beyond compare and well worth the price of each piece for all their labor and artisanship. Preference to wood made by artisans is most likely for most people. Manufacturers do make replica's that are exact to the craftsmen even though they are not of the same high quality they still represent good wood furniture for your patio. Many people who do not want to pay the high price charged by the artisans prefer to buy their wood garden set from stores like those that Target who get replica's made by manufacturers in duplication of the real wood furniture.