Green Nation Gardens

New Product: Liquid Fence Tank Pump Sprayer 5 Liter

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:51:00 +0000

Why risk mixing any chemicals with your natural repellents, and fertilizers. Our sturdy and durable Liquid Fence 5-Liter Tank Sprayer, made from recycled milk bottles, allows you to use one sprayer for natural and organic products. Keep your other sprayers for non organic use. Your plants will thank you.

Capacity: 5lt

Features:
Made from recycled milk bottles!
Safety/pressure release valve
Locking on /off trigger
Easy to Pump, Easy to use
Sturdy enough for all of your spraying needs
Adjustable brass spray
1.5 meter heavy duty hose

Liquid Fence 5-Liter Tank Sprayer

New Product: Cow Manure Tea 3Pk

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:52:00 +0000

Haven's Natural Brew Cow Manure Tea conditions soil so your plant's root systems will better absorb rich nutrients needed to build a strong root base. Place Haven's Natural Brew Cow Manure Tea in a 1 to 5 gallon container of water and let steep for 1-3 days. Treat plants at least 4 times during the growing season. Your house plants, container plants, vegetable gardens, shrubs and lawns will thrive when you condition the soil with Haven's Natural Brew Cow Manure Tea

Raising Chickens…Backyard Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:46:00 +0000

Chickens, that’s right, chickens are becoming America’s newest pet. People all over are raising chickens of all sizes and varieties right in their backyards. As the Green movement surges forward, consumers have been looking for ways to increase their sustainability level in their daily lives. Chickens are great for a number of reasons.
Chickens eat bugs! Lots and lots of bugs! Never again worry about fleas, ticks or mosquitoes! Chickens are also great for eggs, organic of course. They are inexpensive to purchase, baby chicks average $3.00 -5.00 a piece. And the chicken poo! What a great fertilizer for the lawn and gardens! Chicken manure is some of the best fertilizer, organic gardeners love it.
There are literally hundreds of varieties of chickens you can purchase. The Bantams are a smaller version of their original counterpart. Great if you have a smaller yard. To keep them from flying (yes chickens fly) just clip the end feathers of their wings, they won’t be able to take off. Chickens do need a Coop, and nesting boxes for laying eggs. You can buy chicken coops inexpensively or make a homemade one. They need shelter from the elements and a soft place to lay their eggs. Otherwise you will find them all over the yard, hidden under bushes, etc.
We let our chickens have the run of the yard. Free Range they call them. Chickens are much happier when they can run. And no bugs! We decided to get some chicks after several visits to my brother’s house. He lives on the water of a creek. His house has fabulous views, but at first it also had tons and tons of mosquitoes. His neighbor got 4 chickens and a pair of ducks. Since then, he has not had to spray chemicals to get rid of the bugs, put flea and tick chemicals on his 175 lb. Mastiff or spray himself. The chickens and the dog even coexist peacefully! The chickens have free run of the 2 neighboring properties, as they have no fences.
So now we have our own feathered friends. We have 5 kids, a dog and we live in the North East, so we chose a variety of Bantam that is friendly and can withstand the cold. Chickens are fun to have, the eggs are great and the benefit of all natural bug control is the best! Our neighbors don’t mind at all, because we have no Rooster. The chickens are generally quiet, unless they are alarmed by something. Much quieter in fact than my German Sheppard.
Keeping chickens is a great way to live Green and reduce our carbon footprint. Try it!

Save Water and Grow Healthy Plants

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:45:00 +0000

Plant Nanny products were developed to make plants healthier; most plants thrive when their roots are consistently moist. Watering globes support hardier root growth by slowly releasing water through a special Ceramic stake as the soil begins to dry. They are revolutionary due to the fact that the Ceramic stake stays in the soil. No clogging! And it releases water throughout the entire stake, not just one tiny area.

Plant Nanny Stakes come in several varieties, to match anyone’s taste.

Hand-blown glass watering globes are a simple solution to keeping your plants healthy. Most plants thrive with consistent watering. Since the stake remains in the soil the plant roots will actually grow around the stake and use water more efficiently. The water level is visible through the globe even at a distance, so you'll know exactly when to add water. There are the Clear Glass Globe, The Swirl (in 3 decorative colors) and the Globe with Finial (a gorgeous addition to any planter, in 2 colors). Just remove the Globe, leaving the stake in the soil, and refill with water, you can even add fertilizer if you choose! They are so easy to use!

For the wine lover and anyone who likes to be GREEN, recycled wine bottles & Wine Bottle Plant Nanny Stakes work together to water your plants. Made from a specially-engineered ceramic, our 7.5 inch Plant Nanny® Stakes are designed so that a wine bottle rests securely inside, providing a ready supply of water. Designed to water a larger container plant, these can be used indoors or on a deck or porch. Any long neck glass bottle will work, so you don't have to love wine to love this product. They work well outside, to keep your summer planters from drying out. And the size of the wine bottle means you wont have to refill everyday and the water won’t reach boiling temperatures in the sun.

The Add-a-bottle Nanny and the Vacation Nanny are great for any planter as well. They have the same great stake, only you use your recycled water or soda bottles instead. They are a great way to make use of water bottles and easily care for your plants. Decorate your bottles for a one of a kind look.

The Plant Nanny’s are also great in the ground! Use them to water newly transplanted shrubs or perennials! This will help to reduce transplant shock.

All in all the Plant Nanny has revolutionized the Watering Globe. By utilizing a stake that stays in the soil, they eliminate clogging of the globe and disruption of the plants roots. Your plants will grow healthier for it!

Check out this link for all the Plant Nanny products:

Plant Nanny Watering Stakes

Most Popular Green Products

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:45:00 +0000

As an online retailer of green products for home and garden, we at Green Nation Gardens pay close attention to what our customers want. "It's very gratifying to see that more people within main stream society are becoming interested in products that have some sort of positive affect on our environment", says Mark Pappas, Co-Owner of Green Nation Gardens. Listed, are just a few of the most popular products becoming widely accepted within the realm of "Green Living". Do you have a favorite "Green Product"? List it here

Wine Bottle Plant Nanny Set - Cone shaped stakes made from terracotta. Finally put those used wine bottles to work.

Odor Free Kitchen Caddy - Made from 100% recycled plastic. Collecting kitchen scraps is a must for organic gardening.

All Natural Coco Fiber - Coir Fiber made from coconut husk has numerous uses including potting medium.

My Two Favorite Fertilizers

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 06:57:00 +0000

Two of my favorite organic (that's all I use) fertilizers are TerraCycle All Purpose with Worm Poop and Merrill's Compost Tea.

I love them because they are 100% Natural Organic Products. These companies each make a product that is organic and beneficial from waste.

Milorganite has been around for over 80 years and is a by-product of Milwaukee's water treatment system. It is safe to use in any climate at any time of the growing season...even drought.

Milorganite contains no salts (that can burn turf) so it doesn't even need to be watered in to work. It relies on natural microbes in the soil to break down the nutrients.

Milorganite not only contains Nitrogen and Phosphorous, it also contains calcium, which is essential for nutrient uptake and Iron that makes everything a nice dark green. I use Milorganite on my lawn, trees, shrubs and perennials.

Merrill's Compost Tea is one of the most fantastic products I've ever used. They look like tea bags (don't drink them by mistake!). Keep an old gallon jug handy. Fill it up with tepid water and drop in one tea bag. Let it steep for an hour or so and then water your plants. I like to let my "tea" steep overnight. This is the best fertilizer for houseplants, annuals, roses and perennials. You can water as you normally would or foliar feed with a spray bottle. The first time I used this was in the middle of winter on my houseplants. The results were amazing! If they could have my plants would have jumped up and done a jig!

Both companies are committed to using natural resources and sustainable agriculture. These are truly earth friendly products. They are easy to use and inexpensive. The results will astound you!

Coconut Fiber...its sustainable and beneficial!

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 01:17:00 +0000

Coconut Fiber or Coir has many uses. It is totally sustainable and biodegradable. Coconut fiber can be used as a soil additive, in composters and worm farms.

Soil Additive - As a soil additive, Coir is generally used as a substitute for peat moss. It has better water absorption and has naturally occuring Trichoderma, a beneficial fungus that works simbiotically with plant roots to protect them from damaging pathogenic fungi. Coconut fiber also holds approximately 1000 times more air than soil.

Composters - Used as an additive in Composters it replaces other types of brown matter such as leaves, sawdust and wood pellets. It is sustainable, affordable and readily available. Coconut Fiber is also great to use in Compost Pails in the kitchen. It absorbs excess fluid, controls odor and slows down decompostition of food scraps before they go into the compost.

Worm Farms - In worm farms it is essential to have non-toxic, fluffy bedding that holds moisture well and allows air to circulate.

Coco Fiber is available in pucks or bricks. Put the puck or brick in a bucket, add water and voila! In about 30 minutes you have a light, fluffy beneficial additive with a number of uses.

Turf Diseases: Causes and Prevention

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:27:00 +0000

Turf Disease is a common problem that occurs in spring and summer and plagues lawn enthusiasts each season. Most people will run out to the local garden center and buy a bag (or two) of expensive fungicide to apply to the disease once it has started to take over. There is a better way.

There are a number of issues that contribute to the infestation of disease. By eliminating these problems, you can reduce the chance of the turf being attacked by disease greatly.

Water - watering deeply and less frequently, the roots of the grass will grow deep into the soil keeping drainage at its optimum. Watering often and for short periods of time keeps the roots at the surface creating a barrier that does not allow the water to drain properly. The root system also dries out fast as the top surface of the soil heats up from the sun quickly. When you water also matters greatly. The best time to water is in the early morning hours. This will allow the turf to absorb the water it can, and the water that is left on the surface will be evaporated by the sun. Watering in the late afternoon or evening is a big cause of disease. The lawn will absorb what it can, and what is left, stays in the thatch and on the blades of grass until the morning. This is like inviting disease over for dinner.

Aerate - Aerating the lawn brings necessary oxygen to the roots of the plants. It also reduces compaction of the soil allowing the roots to grow more easily and healthier. A gas powered lawn aerator, aerating shoes, and/or reducing foot traffic will help to reduce soil compaction.

Thatch- Thatch is a layer of dead matter that forms between the turf and the soil. This is where many diseases originate. Water cannot easily pass through thatch, therefore creating a wet layer at the base of the grass. Use of a Thatching machine or thatching rake will reduce the amount of thatch in the lawn. It will also help the turf to grow thicker and healthier. If you have heavy thatch and thin turf, once you thatch the lawn (Use a gas powered thatching machine, it will save you hours and hours of backbreaking work) be prepared to overseed the lawn. The best time to thatch and seed the lawn is in the fall.

Fertilizer - Fertilizing with high levels of nitrogen and using fertilizers that are not balanced, (ex: 32-4-8 or 25-3-5) can encourage lawn fungus. Use a fertilizer that has a slow release nitrogen in it, or better yet use a balanced organic fertilizer. Chemical based fertilizers generally have a high nitrogen content for that quick green effect. Although Nitrogen can be helpful to certain diseases is can make others grow and spread. Use of an organic fertilizer will give you the same dark green effect by using a balance of many nutrients. You will also fertilize less often with organic products, as they have a slower release.

Fungicides - Fungicides work best as a preventative. By applying a fungicide at a preventative rate (usually half) you can stop a problem in its early stages. When you have full blown disease in the turf many things occur. Disease is rampant, the turf is thin and stressed and now the fungicide must be applied at a curative rate (heavy rate) to stop the disease. Fungicides can actually hasten the return of new healthy grass.

Shade - Shady lawns have a tendency to stay wet for longer periods of time. Most turf grasses also require full sun. This is why it is so hard to get a nice thick turf in the shade. Thinning of large trees and shrubs will allow more light to the turf, helping to reduce disease.

By taking these preventative measures, the lawn will be healthier naturally. By implementing natural care practices we can reduce the amount of chemicals being applied to our lawns, reduce the leaching of these chemicals into our waterways and keep our hard earned money where it belongs, in the bank.

Vera Pappas is author of several articles on organic gardening and environmental issues and is owner of
Green Nation Gardens, suppliers of unique and eco-friendly garden supplies. Visit www.GreenNationGardens.com today.

Planting

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Thu, 28 May 2009 10:55:00 +0000

Well, yesterday was a great day for planting. I spent about 6 hours on my knees planting Hot Pink and White Vinca. What a striking contrast and I know that the hours of my hard labor will turn heads for the rest of the summer. But my knees are paying the price. They are sore! I guess there is something to be said about knee pads or kneeling cushions. And all this was done the old fashioned way, with a shovel. So much fun! It was a good day.

Glorious Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:39:00 +0000

This year spring has been slow in arriving..at least here in the North East. Is been chilly and rainy for about a month now. Finally the sign of spring I've been waiting for! A warm, 75 degree, sunshine filled weekend!

Even the sesonal allergies that have me and everyone else in New Jersey sneezing and popping antihistamines can't bring me down.

I've had piles of organic leaf compost and shredded mulch in my driveway since mid-March...today is the day! I can get started on my vegetable garden, clean out my flower beds and make everything look fresh and new again, a much awaited, longed for task.

Other People's stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 11:36:00 +0000

Re-using, re-purposing and recycling other people's stuff...it's an amazing feeling. We are always on Craig's List looking for articles we may be able to use and keep out of a landfill. Most recently, we got a free pool! More than having a great pool for our kids to swim in this summer, we kept a huge amount of materials from being thrown into a landfill. We are reusing a huge amount of previously manufactured materials.

Sure, we could have gone out and bought a new above ground pool and built a large wood deck, using all new virgin materials, but at what cost? Manufacturing, transporting and storing all of these materials is a huge contributing factor to the degradation of the environment.

There are literally thousands and thousands of items that still have lots of usefulness left in them, that end up in the garbage, because they are unwanted by their current owner. The old addage, "One man's trash is another man's treasure" has never been so true and important.

I am very grateful to the family that thought enough of the environment to see their unwanted, but still very useable pool and deck, go to a family who would recycle it and enjoy it for years to come.

Just about anything can be re-used, re-purposed or recycled from one person to another. Cars, clothes, toys, furniture, decorations, plants, the list can go on and on. We believe it is important for our future to reuse and recycle whenever possible, it's a gratifying feeling to make something new again. Try it!

QUICK FACTS ON PLASTIC POLLUTION

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:46:00 +0000

A plastic milk jug takes 1 million years to decompose.

A plastic cup can take 50 – 80 years to decompose.

Recycled plastic can be used to make things like trash cans, park benches, playground equipment, decks and kayaks.

A plastic soda bottle begins to decompose in 700 years.

Americans use 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour.

Plastic bags and other plastic garbage thrown into the ocean kill as many as 1 million sea creatures every year.

Recycling plastic saves twice as much energy as burning it in an incinerator.

If plastic bottles are thrown into incinerators they release toxic gases.

Today, Americans generate 10.5 million tons of plastic waste a year, but recycle only 1 or 2 % of it.

An estimated 14 billion pounds of trash, much of it plastic, is dumped into the world's oceans every year.

The worldwide fishing industry dumps an estimated 150,000 tons of plastic into the ocean each year, including packaging, plastic nets, lines and buoys.

About 1,200 plastic soft drink and salad dressing bottles could carpet the average living room.

It takes 1,050 milk jugs make a six foot plastic lumber park bench.

Every year we make enough plastic film to shrink wrap the state of Texas.

NEARLY EVERY PIECE OF PLASTIC EVER MADE STILL EXISTS TODAY!

Made in "Green" China

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:42:00 +0000

Today, more than ever, our products are manufactured in China. It's cheap. Even companies that are pushing "GREEN" products are having them manufactured in China. That seems like a giant oxymoron to me.

China is a polluted country because of all the manufacturing. Everyday more pollution is produced in China than anywhere else in the world. Waterways are polluted, in some cities residents have to wear masks just to leave the house. People are getting cancer at alarming rates. How can anything made there be green?

Companies that manufacture "GREEN" products also want to save a buck. They use recycled or recyclable materials in items such as composters, pots and planters, wall paper, etc. and have them made in China. But are they being manufactured in an environmentally friendly way? Some products say, "maufactured under our strictest guidelines". What is that supposed to mean? A broad statement that is supposed to make us feel good about the product we are buying, but doesn't really mean crap.

Products that are made from recycled or recyclable materials are a good thing and automatically will reduce our footprint when we purchase them and not items made from virgin materials. I wouldn't mind buying eco-friendly products made in China, if I knew they were really being manufactured in a responsible way. Chinese manufacturing plants do not have the best track records for being safe and environmentally responsible.

We as a whole, (Americans and Chinese) are suffering the effects of poor manufacturing safety standards and guidelines in China. The chinese are suffering ill health and disease, poor working conditions and low pay. We Americans are suffering from a poor economy, lack of jobs, lead poisoning in our children and the list goes on and on.

We need to choose our products wisely, think about what they are made of, where they were made, how they were made and... do we really need them? We are a society of "Must Haves". We Americans have lots of stuff. Lots. Lots of stuff goes to waste, in our basements, garages, and landfills.

We as a people have the power to change how things are made. Buy responsibly. If we don't buy products made irresponibly from virgin materials made in China, there will be no need to make them anymore. If we start buying responsibly made products made in America (and other countries), the manufacturers will be forced to make changes.

CHANGE IS GOOD! I do believe Ghandi said it best,

"YOU MUST BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE"

WE CAN DO IT!

Green Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 11:53:00 +0000

The way we shop is changing. It used to be that if you needed something, you'd just hop in the car and go get it. Those days are changing, born out of necessity. The way we shop is changing because the way we are thinking is changing.

Our environment for the first time in history is on our minds. Our crumbled economy and volatile fuel prices are on our minds. All of these things affect the way we shop.

Consumers are consolidating their shopping trips to save on fuel. They are doing without extra niceties to save money. Time is also a huge factor in our very busy lives.

So... what ARE consumers doing to maximize their shopping dollars?

They are shopping on the internet! No big surprise. Internet shopping has been gaining momentum for years now. Shopping on the internet can save you time, money and the environment. Let me explain.

Time - shopping from the comfort of your own home when it is convenient for you. The internet stores are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can order your groceries online at 2am and pick them up the following day, already bagged for you! How great is that!? You can order just about anything online in just a few minutes and have it shipped right to your door.

Money - The internet is famous for it's competitive pricing. They have entire sites focused on finding you the best prices. (Priceline, Amazon) There are also coupon sites. These sites are becoming very popular. Sites like www.couponselect.net offer coupon codes, deals and printable coupons. Simply go on the site and do a search for whatever it is you need. You can find coupon codes for extra discounts or free shipping. The competition on the internet is fierce and the companies know it, so they offer incentives all the time to buy their products...all you have to do is know where to find them.

Environment - This one's got you scratching your head, right? The environment is impacted every time we turn our ignition switch. What most people fail to realize it that fossil fuels are one of the leading causes of Global Warming. When we drive our individual cars everywhere we need to go, we are contributing to global warming. We may think that one car and one person doesn't have that much of an effect, but add a few million individuals and the effects are huge and catastrophic. We are being forced to stop thinking in that ME mentality and begin to think WE. So how does this affect our shopping habits? If we consolidate our shopping trips together, we save on fuel. If we order our products over the internet and have them shipped, we personally use no fuel. The shipping companies do, however, they are shipping and moving many, many packages across the nation in an efficient manner, thereby saving on fuel. Believe it or not, these simple shifts in the way we shop will have a huge impact on our environment.

Shoppers are also thinking about what they buy. Is it made in America? Fair trade made? or made in China? Does the company outsource its jobs? Is it made of first generation plastic or recycled milk jugs? Shopping on the internet gives you choices. You can find environmentally friendly products more easily on the internet than anywhere. You can also find unique and beautiful hand crafted items from talented artists all over the world.

The internet is the largest shopping mall in the world, and it's right at your fingertips. So what are you waiting for? Save time, save money, save the environment and have more available to you than you've ever thought possible! Enjoy!

Indoor Gardening Basics

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:48:00 +0000

For many parts of the country, indoor gardening is about all we can do for the next several months. Indoor gardening can be fun and keeps your hands in the dirt.

Most of us think of the common houseplants such as Spiders, Pothos, and Philodendron. There are many, many types of beautiful and colorful plants for indoor gardens. For example, herbs can be grown indoors in the off season providing you have a sunny window to grow them in. Bromeliads also make great houseplants. Many Bromeliads are colorful, low maintenance and when they bloom, they bloom for a long period of time.

Ferns are a little more difficult to keep going indoors when the heat is on. Unless you have a good humidifier or mist them often, Ferns tend to dry and brown easily. A good spot in the house for a Fern is the bathroom. They love the extra moisture.

Whatever houseplants you do have in your home, they all need attention. A good water soluble organic fertilizer monthly will help to keep your indoor plants healthy and looking their best.

All plants have different watering needs. Plants can just as eaily be killed by over watering as under watering. Keeping a regular watering schedule is usually not a good idea. The best way to determine whether your plant needs watering is by checking the soil. If the first top 2 inches of soil is dry it needs to be watered. There are two basic ways to water your plants. If you water from the top, water until it drains out the bottom of the pot. You can also water from the bottom. Fill the saucer with water and allow the plant to absorb the water. The plant will have enough water when the surface of the soil is moist. Either way do not allow your plants to stand in a pot of water continuously. Don't wait for your plants to wilt between watering. This will put and keep the plant in a stressed condition and they will not perform well, not to mention look terrible.

A great way to keep your plants watered properly is to use plant minders. They are decorative or utilitarian stakes that push down into the soil that have a reservoir for water. This will release the water as the plant needs it. These plant minders are also great for when you are away from home for extended periods of time.

Pruning your houseplants from time to time may also be necessary. Any dead or dry, brown leaves should be removed. This will help to keep the plant healthy.

If you have an insect infestation on your plants, There are a few things you can do. Try a solution of soapy water sprayed on the foliage. This will control many pests. You may have to repeat if necessary. There are also chemical insect controls specifically for houseplants to eradicate those tough pests. There are sprays (I recommend you use them outside) and there are systemic granules you sprinkle on the soil and water in. The chemical is released into the soil and taken up by the roots. If your houseplants have been outside in the summer it is always good practice to treat them before you bring them in to their winter home.

Whatever type of houseplants you have, proper care is essential. If you are not sure how to care for a specific plant, the plant tag that came with the plant is a good place to start. For more detailed information or if you are not sure what type of plant you have, a good book or a search on the internet will give you all the information you need to be a successful Indoor Gardener.

There is a choice!

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:29:00 +0000

Good tips on Green Living Products. I am going to challenge anyone reading this to actually go out and commit themselves to start replacing their regular products with green, eco-friendly products. I'm not talking about buying everything today. I am speaking of making small changes, but start making them today. Begin to make small changes today in you daily lives. We no longer have a choice. This environment and the world we live in has been decimated from years of careless living. It is now our responsibility to begin to repair and respect that which has been given to us. Our children learn by example. Teach your children to live green and respect the world they live in. My kids fight over who's going to run the kitchen scraps to the composter. They know about recycling. As they mature they will live a certain way, and they will teach their children to love and respect the world we live in. Small changes today will transcend throughout time and the people of tomorrow will get to enjoy the very same that we and our parents, and their parents enjoyed. Small changes.

Shopping Green?

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:58:00 +0000

The Holiday season is upon us and I'm wondering who is shopping green this year?

I don't see many people out shopping in a frenzy yet. Is this a sign of our troubled economy or is it a sign of consumers becoming more conscious of their purchases? Hopefully the latter.

It is this time of year that we are the most wasteful. Buying and spending more than we should on those that we love. And its not just the gifts...it's the fuel we waste doing all that shopping. Driving from here to there to save a few bucks. And then to yet another 15 different stores trying to find just the right gift. Don't get me wrong I like to shop just as much as the next person, however, I'm trying to consolidate my shopping this year. I'm making lists and getting things online whenever possible. I know people hate to pay shipping, but if we figured what we spend in gas and time making all those trips, paying for shipping is actually cheaper on our wallets and easier on the environment. Try shopping with a friend and carpooling together. I know most of my shopping is being done online this year and when I do go out it will be an enjoyable relaxing trip where I can enjoy all the sights of the season without all the stress.

Many of the stores you would generally shop at like department stores or toy stores all have great, easy to use websites. The sales are generally the same or in some cases even better, because they can show every item from every store on their site.

You can also find much more unusual,unique and hard to find items on the internet. The internet is like the biggest shopping mall of all time! You can find everything from the latest Barbie or Game system to the most unique jewelry and art made by hand from artisans all over the world. Want to get the one you love something really unique and special? A gift they'll never forget? Look online! When you shop online, the world is your shopping mall.

Did you know? Especially during the holiday season it is much safer to pay with your credit card online than in a store? It is much harder for a thief to get onto a secure website than it is to go to a department store or a shopping mall and steal someones wallet or purse, or simply take down the numbers of your card while standing in line behind you! I didn't write this to make you afraid to shop, but many people are wary of shopping online because they feel the internet is not safe. If you are not sure whether a site is safe or not, look for a "secure site" logo. It will differ from company to company, but if the site is verified as secure by an outside company it will say so.

So... save a little GREEN this holiday season! Keep some green in your wallet by shopping online and save some environmental green by reducing your shopping trips this year!

Winter is coming

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 13:34:00 +0000

Well, it's officially cold in New Jersey. Fall has come to an end and I am already waiting for spring to get here. My vegetable garden has been pulled out and It seems as if I've been raking leaves forever. The beginning of a long winter. I don't know how people do it in Minnesota or North Dakota. I guess they like the cold. I just want to hibernate. At least the inside of my house gets the attention it needs. Can't wait for Spring!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle for a Greener Life

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 13:28:00 +0000

Today, being Green is a necessity. It's not just for hippies and tree huggers any more. Actually being a tree hugger is a good thing, but that's another article. We are in a time that if we continue our bad habits, the children of our not too distant future will not have one.

The 20th Century brought technological growth and change for the masses, however, it was not always for the good of the environment. Now we are suffering from the effects of change. We need to get back to basics and lead less extravagant lives. We all have lots of stuff. Generally everything we buy is new, and that takes a toll on our environment. What we manufacture takes energy, causes a certain amount of pollution, and uses precious natural resources.

We need to reduce our waste, reuse what we can and recycle just about everything. Just recycling our cans and bottles is not enough anymore. (Lots of us don't even do that!)

We can reduce waste, just by not purchasing so much stuff. Every time we buy something, we throw away the packaging, bags are used to put our stuff in and paper is used to print receipts. Not to mention the energy it takes to power the store we bought the item in and the energy we used driving our vehicles to get there. If you need something try to condense your shopping trips or order it over the Internet.

Reuse what you can. By reusing items or re-purposing them, we can save money, energy, and keep our stuff from unnecessarily being sent to the land fill. Use old broken dishes for the bottom of you flower pots for drainage. Use old socks or t-shirts as dust rags or to wash the car. I know it seems small and simple, however if everyone did it we could make a significant change for the better.

Recycle everything. We can recycle leaves, grass clippings and food scraps into a composter and it will turn into beautiful rich organic compost that is good for the earth. (Some countries in Europe have made this a requirement.) Recycle your cans, bottles, paper, clothing, old household items, furniture etc. Habitat for Humanity will accept old cabinets, doors, windows, appliances, furniture etc. The Veteran's Association will come pick up clothes and small household items right at your door. Good Will has drop off locations where you can take your unwanted clothing and household items. Share your children's clothes they so quickly outgrow with family or friends. It is amazing how much money you can save by sharing. Vintage and slightly used clothing stores are popping up as cool chain stores for teenagers and young adults. Plato's closet is a nationwide chain that sells gently used brand name clothes for the young adult. You can take in your unwanted brand name clothes, (in good condition)and they will pay you for them, then you can shop and get fantastic deals on the latest fashions. There is even a shoe company that makes their shoes from recycled materials, and when you are done with them, you can send them back to the company and they will recycle them back into new shoes. (Oka-B Shoes)

The products to live greener are out there, and becoming more readily available. By reducing our household waste we can reduce the amount of greenhouse emissions coming from our already overtaxed landfills. By Reusing and recycling our unwanted stuff we can cut down on production, which also saves the environment's resources and reduces pollution. By purchasing less and purchasing only environmentally friendly products, it will also force the manufacturing companies to adopt cleaner, greener processes.

The general consensus has been that to live green one must sacrifice and perform tasks that are difficult and unpleasant. Living Green is simple. You may have to plan a little more or take a few more steps to the recycling buckets, but it is simple and necessary.

Many people are resistant to change. But change is good! By simplifying our lives, our lives become simpler, easier and more peaceful. We are always busy running here or there, keeping tight schedules, have to go pick up this or that. Take it easy…stay home and relax. Life is only as complicated as we make it. Getting back to a simpler life is not only good for the health of our environment, it is also good for our personal health as well. Being relaxed and taking things a bit easier creates a balance in our minds and bodies. Stress is the number one contributing factor of disease. Take the word DISEASE and break it down… DIS EASE. That says it all.

If we all make these small changes in our lives, the effects would be huge! We can collectively make a difference in our lives today and drastically change our future for the better. Your children will thank you for it.

The Jora Composter

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:35:00 +0000

When I find a product I love, I want to share. This particular product is revolutionary in the world of composting.

The Jora Composters are by far the best composters I have ever come across! And I have tried many. The Jora comes in two sizes, the JK125, for up to 4 people and the JK270 (which I have) for the larger family, up to 12 people.(We have 7)

This composter was invented in Sweden, where the recycling regulations are very strict. Jora designed the JK125 and JK270 for the homeowner. They also designed commercial composters for schools, businesses and Apartment Complexes.

The major difference between the Jora Composters and others is that the Jora is insulated. It regulates the temperature for year round composting. Both sizes have a dual chamber, so you are always making fresh compost. Once one chamber is full, simply start on the other chamber and let the first mature, so you always have a fresh supply. The first batch takes less than 8 weeks, once you have both chambers going you will have fresh compost every 3-4 weeks year round! Most composters stop composting in the winter months when the temperatures drop. Not the Jora! I know I enjoy composting throughout the winter months. My food scraps don't end up in the trash and I have fresh soil for indoor gardening and seed starting.

Another benefit of these composters is that they are made of metal. They are recyclable and they are packed and shipped flat (like most things from Sweden) and that saves on shipping and fuel. You gotta love a company that thinks green.

Try one of the Jora Composters! I know you will love it. I do. The environment and your plants will thank you.

Appreciation and Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 11:38:00 +0000

Appreciation and Gratitude are two of the strongest and most powerful emotions we humans can generate. Appreciation and Gratitude are also the most lost emotions in today's societies.

How often do we feel grateful for someone letting us into merging traffic? How often do we feel grateful that the lines are not long at the grocery store? How often do we appreciate that our morning went smoothly? We usually take it for granted.

Taking time to appreciate the little things in our everyday and to feel grateful for what we have, is powerful. It brings us peace and allows us to feel joy. This is why the musician plays, why children imagine, why the gardener grows.

If we start to appreciate what we already have, even little things, our awareness grows. We are nicer to ourselves, our neighbors and even our environment. Appreciation and gratitude allow us to care and feel good about what we are doing.

For so long we as a whole have been in a "ME" attitude. Expecting without giving. This has taken a toll on us, our health, our families, and our environment. Our awareness over the last 100 years has shrunken to only what immediately affects us.

It is my intention, to live joyously, appreciate everyday, and feel grateful for this wonderful life. By feeling these positive emotions, I am able to expand. Expand enough to become aware of the wonders around me.

This world we live in, is a direct reflection of our thoughts and actions. It is in dire need of repair. It needs to feel our appreciation for it. The earth needs to be nurtured, cared for and loved.

Living a responsible, sustainable lifestyle is essential.

Everything around us is life. The water, the air, the ground.

How can life continue to be if we only take and never give back?

It is all in our hands. All of it...Everyday. Life is not for someone else to care for. Be responsible for your actions.

I do believe Ghandi said it best..."You must be the change you wish to see".

Getting Ready for a Green Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:32:00 +0000

Christmas is not usually what one thinks of when thinking Green. This year let's green up our holidays.

There are many ways to reduce our energy consumption during this time of year.

1. Switch from traditional Christmas lights to L.E.D. Lights. They will reduce your energy consumption greatly, the average string of 50 lights uses 300 watts of energy, the same 50 set of LED lights only uses 4 watts of energy and last up to 100,000 hours.

Talk about savings! Not only are we saving a huge amount of energy, we are also keeping precious dollars in our bank accounts.

2. Put all your lights on timers. By putting all your lights on timers (inside and out), you will save energy by controlling the amount of hours your lights are on.

I don't know about you, but I've fallen asleep with the lights on many times!

3. Try buying gifts that will actually get used for more than a week or two. Books, movies, actual toys like soccer balls, roller skates (toys that use kid power). Buying all that plastic crap that the kids see on TV is just like throwing money down the drain, and polluting our environment. Buy them art supplies that will foster their creativity or a musical instrument. We are so caught up in giving our kids what THEY think will make them happy. The toy of the month is not going to make them happy. It may satisfy them for a week or two, but not more than that.

Help them to find their passion, something they will love and grow with.

4. Don't waste food. The holidays are the biggest eating time of the year. We cook more we bake like crazy, we basically overindulge. This means that much food gets wasted. Make sure any and all food scraps go into the compost, not the trash can! Freeze or share what you cannot eat yourselves. If you have an abundance of leftovers, take it to your local homeless shelter, a shut in neighbor, or maybe invite someone less fortunate to share your meal. Cookies, cakes and pies given to a shelter or nursing home would be greatly appreciated.

5. Use eco friendly wrappings. Use recycled gift bags, Comics, decorate brown paper bags for wrapping paper. At the very least do not throw your wrapping paper into the trash! Wrapping paper can be recycled just like any other paper.

These are easy tips to Green up your Christmas. Now I'd like to pose a question and get some feedback...

What do you think is more environmentally friendly? A live Christmas tree that has been cut down, or an artificial Christmas tree that is reusable, but made of polyethylene that causes pollution during production?

Backyard Safety

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:11:00 +0000

If you have children, grandchildren or even have friends with kids there are some things you should be aware of. Most people assume their backyard is a safe place, please take a good look around and become really aware of your surroundings and the potential dangers that may lurk for little ones.
An unlocked garden shed is an invitation for danger. Sharp tools and chemicals are enticing to small children. They like to do what the grown ups do. A pair of hand pruners left out can mean a trip to the hospital for stitches. Tools left around the yard even while you are working, can be hazardous. If your kids like to help, get them child size tools. It will be much easier for them and more enjoyable for you. Using power tools like a chain saw or hedge trimmers should only be used when children are not present.
If you have a pond, please beware of small children that want to have a closer look at the fishies. If you have ever had to pull a child out of a pond, you know how scary that can be. Even at only 2 feet deep it is dangerous. Either keep a pond screen over it (one they cannot fall into) or never leave them alone in the yard.
Pools are the biggest danger in the yard. Pools are great fun and we have always had one, I’d hate to go through a hot New Jersey summer without one! But they are dangerous if not monitored properly. One cannot be safe enough when it comes to small children or anyone for that matter that cannot swim.
An inground pool should have its own fence and locking gate around it. A pool alarm is also a good measure to take. It floats on the water and if the water is disturbed an alarm goes off. An above ground pool should always have the ladder up and locked when not in use.
Never, never, never leave anyone, especially a child alone in the pool. Not even for a minute. If the responsible adult must leave the pool, make an unbreakable rule that everyone comes out of the pool, even if it is just for a minute. If you have ever known a child that has drown, this rule would never be broken. Drownings are avoidable. Drownings are preventable. Simple safety measures must be taken. The heartbreak of losing a child in a drowning is unimaginable.
We never like to think of bad things happening and we should not focus on them. Being aware is enough. If we are aware and use good safety practices, we nearly eliminate the element of an accident occurring in our own backyard.

Getting the Gardens Ready for Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 11:54:00 +0000

September is the time of year I always start planning for spring. Even though we have a few good months of gardening left, I like to plan ahead.

Fall is the perfect time to get started on next year’s garden beds. I like to move the plants that didn’t perform very well in their current location. It is a great time to add to the landscape. I like re-designing or creating new beds and preparing the soil for the spring. A new landscape design is always a fun project for the fall. There is plenty of time to create a drawing and choose plants. Fall is also a great time to get a head start on next year’s plantings.

In late fall, pruning of the bushes is a must. This is the time to trim your flowering shrubs, such as Hydrangea, Hibiscus, Crepe Myrtle, etc. I would recommend trimming all your shrubs to keep them looking great. They will flush out fuller and bloom better next season if you prune in the fall.

As for the vegetable garden, once there is a frost that kills your summer garden, it is time to remove your crop and prepare the soil for spring. Turning the soil, (at least the top six inches) and adding compost is a good start. I like to have the soil tested by the local Agricultural extension to see what needs to be added. They test for everything and it’s not expensive.

Planting bulbs that will bloom in the spring is yet another way to add to the spring landscape. There are so many spring blooming bulbs, it is hard to choose. Planning and planting carefully can create a spectacular spring show.

Late Fall is also the time for raking leaves, over hauling the yard and weeding the beds to keep them looking great through the winter. Don’t put all the leaves in the compost pile or in the street for pick up. Fallen leaves are a great insulator for tender plants. They are great around roses, herbs, tender perennials, and can even be used to prevent wind damage. If you have a plant that is susceptible to winter wind damage (like a sapling), make a circle around the plant with chicken wire (leave plenty of room), stake it to the ground (a cut up wire hanger works great) and fill it with leaves. This will insulate the plant and protect it.

Enjoy the benefits of fall gardening and preparing for spring. The temperatures are cooler, the mosquitoes are dwindling, and watching the seasons change is amazing.

Fall Plantings

noreply@blogger.com (Green Nation Gardens) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 11:22:00 +0000

Soon it will be time for fall gardening. Removing the spent annuals, pulling the endless weeds, cultivating mulch and planting fall flowers.

Just because mums are available now (in August), does not necessarily mean you should start today. Growers push an early batch because the retailers have been sitting idle for most of July and August. There are early blooming varieties of Mums and Asters, but generally not this early.

Fall gardening is just that. It feels great to get outside when the temperatures are in the mid 70’s instead of the high 90’s. Fall is the best time to do many, many things in your garden.

Mulch - Fall is a great time to cultivate all the mulch in your beds. Over the season the mulch has a tendency to become compacted. The necessary water and air cannot get to the roots of the plants where it is needed. Use a 3 or 4 tined garden Hoe to turn the mulch.

Fertilizer and weed preventer - Once you have cultivated your mulch, a good organic fertilizer and a weed preventer, such as Cockadoodle-doo organic fertilizer and Cockadoodle-Doo corn gluten weed preventer is a great fertilizer for your plants and shrubs and a natural weed preventer to keep those winter weeds away.

Plantings - The fall season is the best time to plant trees and shrubs. As the temperatures are in a cooling pattern, trees and shrubs are less likely to go into shock after transplanting. They take root more easily, because the plant is not working so hard to keep the foliage from becoming stressed due to the heat. Many trees are dug in the fall. To get trees that have been freshly dug, go to your local nursery (not big box store) in October. Ask the nursery salesperson if they are getting any fresh trees for the fall. On the East Coast, trees normally get dug in October, depending on the weather. If all you can find are trees that were dug in the spring, ask for a discount if they are already not on sale. No Nursery wants to keep too much stock over the winter. There is too much loss. When you do plant shrubs and trees in the fall they still require water, mulch and TLC. Plant your fall flowers in mid to late September so the color lasts well into the fall. Plant your bulbs late in the fall, so they don’t start to grow. Tulips and Daffodils not to mention the dozens of other spring blooming bulbs will do best planted in early November once the temps are going to stay cold.

The Lawn - Fall is the absolute best time of year to overhaul the lawn. Get a soil test to check the Ph of the soil. Lime if necessary. Aerating and or thatching are best done in the fall. Aerating is the process of making holes in the lawn, about 2 inches deep, so water and air can get to the roots of the turf. Thatching is the process of getting rid of the “thatch” or dead build up that can choke out the good turf and prevent water and fertilizer from reaching the roots of the turf. Once you aerate or thatch the lawn, I would recommend over seeding and fertilizing. Thatching the lawn will leave bare or thin areas in the lawn, if you do not over seed, the weeds will just take over. Once you have over seeded and fertilized it is a good idea to get that seed covered, to keep it from drying out between watering and from becoming bird food. Straw is a good cover, except you need to pull it up. Peat moss is a good cover and you don’t have to pull it up. A reusable grass germinating mat is also great. The grass germinates faster because it generates warmth and allows water to flow through, yet still protecting it from critters. A good organic fertilizer will get the turf through the winter without becoming stressed.

Fall is also a great time to prune your trees and shrubs. Give them a good haircut so they keep their shape. When they flush out in the spring they will be nice and dense, not stringy.

Take time to enjoy your fall gardening. Working in the yard this time of year will ensure you of a beautiful and lush spring season.