Tips For Raised Bed Gardening Soil And Plants

By Graham Doherty

When you're through with building a garden bed, be sure to congratulate yourself because now that your garden is set in place you can start raised bed gardening. It may be a bit empty now, but through this article you can begin the fun part.

Use the proper soil, water properly and maintain your plants and keep them healthy, and you'll have a beautiful yard, with your raised bed gardening as a delightful focal point.

The pH Levels Of Your Soil

Obviously, your first task is to level your raised bed garden with some quality soil. One great combination is to use a mixture of one quarter yard soil and three quarters of sand and compost. This should provide a great starting point in your garden. Test your soil's pH levels too. If the alkaline is overkill, nothing will end up growing.

Weed Killing

The structure of your raised bed should make weeds a minor annoyance, but sometimes bad luck will strike. Put mulch of an organic sort over the top of your bed. This can help cut down on weeds drastically, without introducing potentially harmful chemicals.

If that doesn't work, try products for weed guarding to make sure those pesky weeds stay away. If this still doesn't stop them, don't worry too much. They're simple to get rid of, and remember gardening is ongoing work. There are going to be setbacks occasionally.

Reasonable Watering

Overdoing the water is just as harmful as starving your plants, because long periods of wetness can help promote disease and general bad health in your garden. Do your watering by hand, keeping the water on the areas in which the plants are buried, but not straying to the surrounding areas.

If you'd rather not bore yourself, buy an advanced irrigation system with drip technology to keep water even and of a good quantity - and of course in autopilot while you sleep.

Take Care Of Your Raised Bed

Though raised bed gardening actually requires little maintenance, there are still things you have to stay on top of as a gardener. First, obviously you need to water your plants as necessary, being careful not to overdo it. Next, try turning the soil over periodically, adding in new organic matter as you go.

In the event that disease gets a foothold in your garden, empty the bed and replace the soil with all new soil/compost/sand mixture and reseat your plants. It's also important to keep an eye on your garden and make sure it's not tipping over time.

Raised bed gardening is a simple form of gardening that allows people with little or no experience to indulge themselves in a beautiful accessory for their lawn that will attract attention for years.

By following the tips above, you'll keep your garden beautiful and secure -- for the plants and you, as the owner. - 29857

About the Author:

Raised bed gardening is a very low maintenance task with high rewards. Why not learn more about raised garden beds and transform your garden into a vegetable haven? Buy accessories, tools, and raised bed gardening kits from authorized dealers only for the best quality and products to maximize your gardening habits.

Indoor Flowering Plants ? Three Great Reasons Why They Are A Gift For Any Occasion

By John Jay Amarant

Loads of nice-looking plants can be kept inside the whole year. So what is the rationale for us purchasing so many cut flowers?The rose is considered one of the most beautiful and romantic flowers in the world and yet we cut them down by the millions, particularly about Valentines day. Numerous shops nowadays offer a large assortment of tiny roses which can be kept inside the entire year and will even bloom a couple of times a year.There is always the orchid.

These have countless varieties and occasionally they can be problematic to keep, but various are easier to look after and these are simply obtained.Usually they will need little water and a lot of not direct sunlight.So with some of the most wonderful flowers available to keep at home why are we not actually utilizing them? Below are three reasons why indoor flowering plants make a better present than a bouquet of flowers.

Beneath there are 3 good points why indoor flowering plants will make a longer lasting and better gift than a bouquet of flowers.

1.This is a present that will be about a lot longer - Even though we do not want to give unneccesary clutter to our acquaintances, a flowering house plant will brighten up a window or a table for far longer than a bouquet of flowers.

2. When you give a bunch of flowers they are usually wrapped in paper and plastic, thus creating more environmental trash. Even if the plant dies, the pot can be used again and again.

3.Educating the next generation? we are constantly trying to teach our children to respect the earth they live in, isn?t showing how simple it is to grow house plants a great instance of the rewards of care and attention to detail?

As a final point, it is a great habit for children to begin. As soon as I knew that we were going to move last time, my four year old planted some seeds, which had sprouted by the time we left, to give away to his friends as a going away gift. Far more pleasing than giving another plastic toy. - 29857

About the Author:

Explore the facts about Cactus Cultivation at www.indoorgardenplants.com

Build An Outdoor Pond In Just One Day

By Michael Wezsky

Before you start your own backyard pond, it's best to get used to building one first. Don't worry if it sounds difficult - this outline will have you building and finishing a pond in just one day.

That's right. One day.

Why build a starter pond?

People who build their first pond usually haven't a clue as to how to go about it. They don't know what tools to buy, what size they're going to pond and what equipment they'll need to install. A starter pond walks you through the basics, allowing you to get accustomed to the needs and requirements of pond building.

Now, the idea of the starter pond is that you should keep things small. As Mel Gibson said in The Patriot, "Aim small, miss small." If you limit the size of the pond, you also limit the things that could go wrong. With that in mind, you'll be able to judge just how big your starter pond should be.

Getting Ready

You'll need to prepare some tools and equipment for your starter pond. It may not be as complicated as some other construction projects, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take it seriously. There are some tools and implements that you absolutely must have to successfully accomplish this project.

First of all, you're going to have to excavate your pond. You'll need some sturdy digging tools and maybe a few friends to help. If you're planning to use a pre-made shell for your pond, make sure that you dig a hole to match the shell's proportions.

Pond liner is a great alternative to pre-made shells. Canvas is usually sufficient for a starter pond. But if you like, go out and browse through the different types of liners available in stores.

The next thing you need is a garden hose or spray paint. What for? For marking your pond location of course! Before you start digging, use the hose or paint to outline where your pond will be.

Pond water gets dirty and unless you want to clean it yourself, you'll need to install a water pump and filter in your pond. Keep in mind that these are electrical; you should put up a power source nearby. Choose a spot that's hidden or easily camouflaged so that your equipment blends into your pond's aesthetics.

The Starter Pond Building Procedure

This is an outline of the pond building process:

1. Make a pond plan.

2. Mark your pond's shape with a garden hose or spray paint.

3. Dig the desired depth and shape of your pond.

4. Put in the pre-made pond shell or pond liner.

5. Install the pump, filter and tubes that will cycle your pond's water.

6. Fill up the pond with water from the tap.

7. Activate the filtration system by plugging it into a nearby power source.

And with that you've successfully built your starter pond! If you like, you can treat it just like a full-blown pond by adding plants and fish. Just make sure that you're ready to handle them. While the pond may be small and a bit plain looking, the experience will undoubtedly help when it's time for your real pond building project. - 29857

About the Author:

Want to find out more about Pond Building, then visit Michael W.'s site on how to build the best outdoor pond for your needs and dreams.

A Planting Time For October And Evergreens

By Thomas Fryd

October brings a change in the air and things to do outdoors in the landscape or garden. Here are a few quick reminders that will payoff when the Spring shows up.

Continue to Plant Evergreens

Transplant evergreens in deep, rich soil, mixing peat moss, well-rotted manure or compost to retain moisture and encourage strong root growth. Select upright yews for accent in the foundation planting and box-leaf holly or Japanese pieris for foliage contrast. Viburnums, azaleas and rhododendrons are excellent subjects under oaks and high branching trees.

Fall Planting of Roses

Plant roses in well prepared soil that is rich in organic matter. If they cannot be planted immediately upon arrival, heel in a foot deep trench by placing them at a 45 angle and working soil around roots before covering them completely. If plants come too late and cannot be planted, they may be kept in a trench all winter. Cut back rose canes to 12-15 inches and for winter protection, mound earth 7-8 inches around the stems just before the ground freezes.

Consider the Lawn

Continue mowing lawn 1 1/2 inches to two inches high as long as it grows. Rake leaves and put on compost pile, otherwise they will mat and harbor diseases. Dig out weeds like crab-grass, plaintain and dandelions and re-seed bare spots. During dry periods, water newly sown lawns so that the roots will become well established before cold weather.

Caring for Trees

Guy newly planted trees or foxtail palm and brace or cable those with weak crotches and limbs to prevent winter injury from snow and winter winds. Near the first branches, stretch and tightly fasten guy wires to stakes, four to five feet from the tree trunk, and drive firmly into the ground. Guy wires should remain tightly fastened to newly planted trees during the first two years to allow trees to become fully established.

Plants for Fall Color

Visit gardens and public parks to study plants with very brilliant autumn coloring. Trees that turn a brilliant red are the black tupelo or nyssa, red maple, oxydendrum or sourwood, red oak and sweet gum or liquidambar. Gingko, yellow-wood, birches and tulip tree all take on a lustrous yellow. For contrast against a gray or white wall, use the rock spray or spreading cotoneasters, with long-lasting bright red berries. - 29857

About the Author:

Various methods have been published on foxtail palm. Most of these methods can be found on our evergrowing library at http://www.plant-care.com/foxtail-palm-fieldgrown-i809.html.

How Biomass Boilers Can help You ?

By Scott Rodgers

Fossil fuels are non-renewable fuel sources that can not be reused or regenerated. So, they are a valuable source of energy, but if we want to use it in future, better ways will have to be devised so as to preserve them and to reduce the pollution caused by them.

No doubt, electricity saving is very important but to keep environment pollution free is also important. We should try to use a appliance which cause minimum possible harm to our surroundings and try to keep it healthy like a biomass boiler does.

Using biomass heating system is very advantageous as it produces heat and electricity by burning waste products such as agricultural, forest and industrial residues and waste, with a nominal effect on environment.

This kind of energy production has little effect on environment because carbon present in biomass is a part of natural carbon cycle, while carbon present in fossil fuels is not and increases the amount of carbon in environment when burned.

No doubt, biomass heating devices consume electricity, but it is much less than the amount consumed in other heaters. It is also more effective than other ones as it produces more temperature with same amount of fuel. Moreover, it does not harm environment in any way and enables you to be a part of healthy environment.

For a person who thinks of a way to save money, biomass heater is a good solution. It will save your money of maintaining a boiler and also in form of electricity charges. Such boilers use waste of human and plants to produce energy hence, contribute in recycling of resources.

In this competitive era it is quite difficult to decide from where to take the required boiler because many suppliers offer it with different schemes. In such scenario it is very important to wisely decide and take a cost effective and efficient boiler. Also think of all the advantages and disadvantages of biomass heater before buying it.

The aforesaid description shows that choosing this kind of boiler can really deduct your electricity bills and can save a lot in your pocket. Hence, such boilers are beneficial for you as well as environment. - 29857

About the Author:

Scott Rodgers is a fine author who has been authoring on roofing for a long time now. His great guidance has given motivation to a host of workers, ranging from La Palma Roofers (Need one? click here!) to Los Angeles Roofers (Need one? click here!).

Electrician's Safeguard

By Scott Rodgers

Electricity in a home is a basic requirement, so is it's maintenance. For this purpose we need a electrician. Now for our safeguard we should call a electrician who has good knowledge in the field. The selection of electrician should be done very cautiously.

The main heart of connection is wire. Hence, using wire of appropriate diameter is must to assure proper flow of current. If the electrician uses a small diameter wire and flow of current is high, the wire will not be able to bear the load. It could result in sparks or fire. So care must be taken by electrician in choosing the wire size according to the amount of current flow.

Electric switches often gets loose by continuous use and starts sparking. Periodic checks and maintenance of it is very important to avoid all the inept consequences.

During cables fixing, the wires should be properly checked against any rip. The cable should be sealed in a thick tube or anything like that to protect it from external cuts or damage.

The master point for all wires from where all the defects are checked, and this region is very sensitive so extra care is required for protecting it. Total load that this point can handle is limited and depend on some criteria. So electricians should take care not to go beyond that limit to avoid its adverse effects.

While making connections, electricians need to take care of wiring the most. They should use wires of appropriate length. The length should be such that it solves our purpose completely. Using short wires may cause a hazard.

Best way to protect the connection is to make underground connections. This is the safest form of wiring, away from all the side effects. But the wire should be examined very precisely as re- installation or repairing of wires in this case would be very costly. Moreover, this kind of connections can not be checked again and again.

All electricians are supposed to have a basic knowledge of safeguards mentioned above. We should examine the electrician to have at least the basic knowledge to assure the security of work done by him. - 29857

About the Author:

Scott Rodgers is a writer with ample experience in electricians work all over the country. His exemplary guidance has generated business opportunities for a lot many New York Electricians and Corbett Electricians .

How To Unblock A Drain Pipe With The Help Of A Plumber's Snake Tool ?

By Scott Rodgers

The frequently occurring problem of clogged drains can be diagnosed and fixed if proper measures are adopted from the very onset. Instead of making way for a plumber straightaway, you can yourself unclog the drainage pipe and the associated plumbing component by making use of some basic plumbing tools.

When it comes to the problem of clogged drains and traps, the basic plumbing tools such as plungers and augers (plumber' snake) can save the day for you. Though it is always a better idea to employ an appropriate plumber's snake prior to a plunger as the plungers normally disturb the sanitation of the toilet to a large extent.

A plumbing drain snake is a plumbing device that is used to unblock the drainage pipes, traps, vents etc. It comprises of a tightly wound metal cable that reaches out to an underlying clog in a particular pipe. One end of the cable has an arm to handle the tool well. The other end of the cable is the business end that is inserted into the affected drainage or vent to explore the clogs.

There are two types of plumber's snake that are employed in plumbing assignments, the drain snakes and the closet snakes. The drain snakes owing to their lengthy metal cable and efficiency, are the popular choice of the plumbers whereas the closet snakes (or closet augers) possess a shorter metal cable in order to locate the clogs lying at a moderate depth.

Put on the gloves and make sure that the gloves have a non-slippery grip which helps in holding the snake firmly. Kick off the campaign by inserting the corkscrew end of the tool into the affected pipe, vent or trap. Keep pushing the snake into the pipe until it stops turning any further. While the snake is pushed in, keep turning the crank in a clockwise direction to enhance the penetration of the snake tool.

Once the snake stops turning any further, pull it out and clean off the soil and foreign materials accumulated on it's head.

Insert the snake into the pipe again and keep repeating the same until the flow of water is eased in the pipe.

Make sure that the supervision of an expert is always in tact to handle the complications arising in the project. - 29857

About the Author:

Scott Rodgers is a distinguished author who has been providing great guidance on plumbing works all over the country. His splendid wisdom has, in fact, sparked significant rise in revenue for talented plumbers across the nation, from Telford Plumbers (Need one? click here!) to Little Ferry Plumbers (Need one? click here!).