Neglecting to properly do routine spring and fall lawn care can make you end up spending more for the care of your lawn the rest of the year. The good news is there are many tips on seasonal lawn care that you can follow so you can make a good investment on your garden and enjoy the lush green sceneries that are a product of your hard work. Below are a few tips worth keeping in mind if you want to keep your lawn in top shape this spring and fall season.

Don’t forget to rake

One of the first spring and fall lawn care responsibilities that you have to do is to rake your lawn, not only to remove the stubborn dry leaves, but also to control the thatch as well. In fact, it is considered excessive if your thatch already has more than ½ inch of build-up. When raking your lawn during the fall season, make sure that you exert enough energy and effort to rake it deeply. This will not only remove the dry leaves, but will remove any build-up of thatch as well.

Always check for compaction

If your lawn is exposed to an increased amount of traffic every year, you will soon see it declining after a certain period of time. When this happens, your lawn is more likely suffering from compaction, which can be caused by moss plants and weeds that you fail to remove. For spring and fall lawn care, make sure that you provide sufficient lawn aeration. However, many lawn experts suggest that you postpone such process until the fall season. Although this can delay some of your lawn care responsibilities over the summer, it will give you enough time to plan on how to do it when the time comes.

Liming

Aside from compaction, another indicator of soil acidity would be the presence of moss plants. Since grass prefers soil with a neutral pH, you can solve such lawn problems by adding lime to your soil on a regular basis.  However, don’t expect to see quick results since the effects of adding lime will take a longer time to spot. Before doing this portion of your lawn care regimen, make sure you have a soil sample analyzed by experts to determine how acidic your soil is. This will make it easier for you to plan on how to lime your lawn and to what extent to do it.

There are an abundance of benefits when  using container gardening for your planting needs.   Although  container gardening may not be as popular as other gardening methods, the fact that it’s accessible and multipurpose makes it a great planting medium. 

Gardening with containers is very accessible.  Those who have limited ability can easily take care  of their potted plants by placing them within reach.  They still enjoy their gardening hobby without restrictions.

You can move your container garden.  Decided that you don’t like the current spot you have your potted garden, move it to another location.  If your plants are not receiving the right amount of sun you can find a more suitable spot.  If the weather becomes to unruly for your plants you can move them indoors.

Plants in containers are less likely to have disease issues.  Most potting soils, for the most part, are free of disease-causing organisms.  Even though a few container-grown plants are not free of disease, it is far less likely than it would be if those plants were grown directly in the soil. 

Fertilizers work well with container gardens.  Since your plants are confined in a smaller area, the fertilizer can reach the plant with ease.  The only down fall to this is you might have to fertilize more often, if the fertilizer is washed away to fast.

Grow your plants beyond or before the season.  You can start your plants indoors and than transplant them into bigger pots outdoors when weather permits.  You can also use careful insulation to continue to grow plants after the first frost, and then return your plants to the indoors when extreme cold strikes.

One of the most well known benefits of container gardening is it’s space saving ability.  With a potted garden you are able to have your own garden on a patio, porch, or even a kitchen windowsill.  There are no limits to where you can place a garden container.

If you don’t have the space for a traditional garden don’t give up, try container gardening instead.    

Edible landscaping is the process of planting edible plants in a landscape, rather than in a traditional garden.  There are two major benefits to edible landscaping.  First of all, edible landscapes save space, because they combine landscaping and food-growing into a single space. 

Secondly, they turn a standard landscape into more than just aesthetics, but into a useful method of growing some of your own food. Edible landscapes don’t have to be 100% edible.  You can design your edible landscape around any percentage of edible plants you wish. 

You might choose to make your landscape 100% edible, or you might only include a single fruit tree. Edible landscaping has actually been around for a very long time.  Some of the earliest edible landscapes were found in ancient Persia and in gardens in medieval times. 

In some areas of the world, most people plant mostly edible varieties.  Some people see no point in planting anything that isn’t edible, seeing everything else as a waste of valuable food-growing space.

An important part of planning your edible landscape is knowing what conditions each variety needs.  Some plants will need a lot of sun, and some plants require more shade.  You need to be sure the soil conditions are suitable. 

Be sure to check each and every variety so you know its soil requirements, sunlight requirements, and the nutrient and pH balance needed. Start by planning out your landscape on paper. 

Mark off where you want to place certain plants, and be sure those areas are conducive to the varieties you wish to locate there.  Use fruit trees in place of shade trees.  You can plant hazelnuts and currants wherever you might place a deciduous shrub.  You can use herbs in place of low-lying shrubs and ground cover.

Ornamental plants often need very little care.  Edible plants do need a little bit more attention than other plants if you want them to produce a good harvest.  You might have to water them more often or fertilizer them. 

You’ll probably have to work a bit harder to control pests than you would for strictly ornamental plants, because insects tend to target edible plants much more often.  But the food yield certainly makes it worth a bit of additional work.

One of the most important types of edible plants to add to a landscape is fruit trees or bushes.  Fruit trees make excellent shade tree replacements.  And berry bushes can be extremely attractive in place of typical shrubs.  Blueberry bushes can be quite lovely in front of a home, for example.  And apple trees can grow into delightful shade trees!

Instead of planting flowerbeds, you can plant beds of lettuce, herbs, or greens.  Many types of mint have lovely blooms.  Lettuce and other greens can come in all types of colors.  You can get ornamental cabbages and kale in a wide variety of colors, adding a splash of color to any area.  Peppers and tomatoes are colorful additions, as well.

Grape arbors are a spectacular addition to a landscape.  Grape arbors have been used for many years as a beautiful enhancement to lawns, and the fruit is a wonderful bonus. Remember, many types of flowers are also edible. 

Nasturtiums, violas, daylilies, calendula, and borage are all edible, and make wonderful additions to salads and decorations for cakes.  So you can still plant some flowers, even if you want to stay 100% edible!

One of the best rewards you can get from taking good care of your lawn is feeling the soft lush green grass as you take your daily morning stroll. However, you will need to take a number of steps before this can be achieved. For example, selecting the correct fertilizers for your lawn is one of the most important decisions you can make. You will also need to rake your lawn often to help evenly spread your chosen compost or plant food.

Just like the body, you also need to make sure you provide enough nourishment for your lawn to ensure its healthy growth. There are many benefits you can get from fertilizing your lawn, and you can reap all of these if you make sure you select the appropriate fertilizers. By applying fertilizers, you can promote the growth of plant roots and new leaves, as well as make it easier for you to control and reduce the growth of unwanted weeds. This will also replenish your lawn with all the nutrients that it has lost over the years, as well as make pest control more manageable.

As you think about which fertilizers to select for your lawn consider these two types:

Liquid-based fertilizers

If you want to use something that can be absorbed quickly by the soil and can produce fast results, go for liquid-based fertilizers. You can do this by diluting concentrated liquid fertilizers with water and spraying it on your plants. If you want quick and observable results, apply liquid fertilizers on your lawn every other week or once every three weeks.

Granular fertilizers

Granular fertilizers are added to your lawn using a spreader, which is then followed by watering. One of the advantages you can gain from using such fertilizer is that you can estimate the amount of fertilizer you are applying to your garden. There are two types of granular fertilizers you can choose from: slow release fertilizers that can last you for as long as three months, or quick release fertilizers which can show results for up to a month.

There are many factors for you to consider if the time comes when you need to select the correct fertilizers for your lawn. Aside from determining the type of grass in your yard, you also need to take into consideration the type of soil and size of your lawn. You should also remember to follow all instructions carefully, so that you will not cause any damage to your lawn.

Evening Frost Paperwhites

Christmas is in the air! Cold winter air has replaced the warm sunshine. To bring back the bright and cheery sunshine inside your homes, you may do some decorating. Paperwhite Narcissus is a great Christmas plant that you can add in your interiors to make it lively, chasing away the gloomy weather. Paperwhites are one of those plants that easily bloom, without any chilling period as a requirement. It normally blooms with just adding water into it. Once it blooms, fragrance from its flowers will definitely take your breath away. Forcing paperwhite bulbs to bloom is very easy. Here are the steps that you should follow to have that dazzling lustrous flower in your home.

First, you need to gather all the materials that you need— a container that has no drainage holes that is about 8-10 cm tall, can be a clay pot, glass bowl or even a tall vase; pebbles, marbles, stones or even gravel measuring 1-2 inch; the paperwhite narcissus bulbs; and of course, water. Aside from these, you can add a decorative plant ring or a circle of twines to keep your stems mighty tall.

Now for the procedure proper for forcing paperwhites to bloom, you must first prepare the container. Make sure it does not have any holes that will let the water escape. Next, spread the pebbles or any stone of choice at the bottom of the container. Fill it until about 1-2 inches. After that, fill water into the container just until below the topmost part of the pebbles. Afterwards, assemble the bulbs on top of the pebbles, letting it sit on water. This shall stimulate the growth of the bulbs. However, you must maintain this level because if the water exceeded that amount and surpassed the base of the bulb, the plant will become rancid. Moreover, the bulbs must be placed, crowding each other to gain a marvelous appearance once the flowers bloom, mimicking a bouquet arrangement. Now that your bulbs are all set, you must guard it in place. To do that, you simply add more pebbles, occupying the gaps in between.  During this phase, the plant needs no sun or light. It must be placed in a cool area and checked regularly to see if it needs more water or it has grown its roots. As soon as you see roots developing on the plant, that’s the time that it will require sun. Place it on a sunny or bright place, allowing the flowers to bloom splendidly. Once the flowers bloom, place the plant on an area that receives indirect light to make it last longer.

Now, you can start new sets of bulbs every two weeks to have a continuous flow of paperwhites in your home. This plant does not bloom again once it withered so if you want to have it all winter long, produce as many bulbs as possible and force it to bloom at intervals. Forcing paperwhites is indeed very simple and can be done by anyone. Just think about the gorgeousness of its petals in your home and you’ll surely yearn for it. It will turn the murky mood of the winter into a jovial one and Christmas will surely be merry with this flower in your home.

Resource: Gardening.About.com

If you are looking to buy a good quality manual lawn mower then the 14 Inch Deluxe Hand Reel Mower from the Great States lawn mower range would be a great choice.

There are several reasons why a person would choose to buy a manual lawn mower as opposed to the electrical versions that can be easily purchased these days.  If you are someone who is hoping to do their bit for the environment then this sort of garden equipment would be beneficial as it does not produce any toxic chemicals at all.  You will not need to invest in any type of oils or gas in order to power this little machine as it works completely with your own manual efforts.

Click Here for more Product Reviews and Best Pricing for American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch Deluxe Hand Reel Mower at Amazon.com

As there is no mechanical engine attached to this type of lawn mower, you will discover that it is incredibly quiet to use.

The Weight and Dimensions of The American Lawn Mower

The American Lawn Mower is the sort of mower that would be great for someone who has a compact sized lawn.  With a total weight of 19 pounds, this is the type of yard tool that is super efficient and easy to use.  This self assembly mower includes two high impact polymer wheels, an adjustable roller and a 3 spider single blade reel.

Product Features

• Deluxe hand-reel mower ideal for most turf grasses
• Provides a clean, precise, scissor-like cut
• Includes alloy steel construction; assembly required
• 8-1/2-inch diameter high impact, polymer wheels; 3-spider 1-blade reel; adjustable roller
• 1/2- to 1-1/2-inch cutting height; 14-inch cutting width; 19 pounds in weight; limited 90-day warranty

Buy A Quality Brand

The quality of each Great States American lawn mower is assured due to the vigorous tests that each model is put through.  The cutting blades are checked to ensure that each is sharp enough to cut cleanly and precisely as it is manoeuvred over grass.

The 14 inch hand reel mower makes sure that when you cut the grass, the turf will be cut in a smooth and clean manner.  The maximum cutting height that this handy little mower can handle extends to a height of up to 1.5 inches.  You can therefore choose to cut your lawn when the blades of grass have grown to 0.5 inches or you can choose to wait until it is a little longer in length if you prefer.

When it is time to look after your lawn, you want to be sure that the tools that you have are comfortable and this is what you will find with this manual mower.  The handle of this mower is zinc plated and has additional plastic grips in order to provide a greater sense of comfort.

If you live in a home with an extensive lawn then this may not be the most appropriate choice, unless you are looking for a way to create your own type of workout routine while working in the yard.  Therefore a manual or push reel mower would be more suitable for homes with small lawns.

Click Here for more Product Reviews and Best Pricing for American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch Deluxe Hand Reel Mower at Amazon.com

While most people enjoy having a beautiful lawn, not everyone is aware of how to care for their yard. If you are one of those who struggle with keeping your lawn as nice as you would like, there are many books, magazines and online sources with information on how to care for your lawn. By using the easy to follow instructions, you can maintain your lawn like an expert.

Here are five steps we found that will help you when you mow your lawn.

Acquire the necessary equipment for mowing

One of the first things that you need is reliable mowing equipment. If your lawn is not more than 500 square feet in area, you can use a reel lawnmower for the job. Not only is it easier to use, but it does not consume gas or electricity and at the same time is more quiet to use compared to electric lawnmowers. Aside from considering the area that you need to mow, another thing you need to consider is the condition of your lawnmower. Make sure there are no obstructions found in its blade and it is well lubricated so the parts are not tight when using it.

Adjust the wheel height

Lawns are usually mowed to a height of one to two inches during warm seasons. Cold season grasses grow at two to three inches making it necessary for you to adjust your mower’s wheel height so that you can cut according to the season.

Clear any objects and mark all obstacles

One of the most important things you need to keep in mind when it comes to mowing your lawn is to clear any obstacles out of the way by raking the area before starting your lawn mower. Pick up any loose stones, small toys, cans, bottles, or any other objects that can get caught in between the blades or fly out and hurt someone. If there are any obstacles that you cannot move, make sure you mark them so that you won’t accidentally run over them while mowing the lawn.

Follow a pattern in mowing the lawn

When mowing the lawn, make sure that you go in a forward and backward direction, and not in circular motion. As much as possible, maintain a brisk walking pace because moving too slowly can increase the probability of getting the blades clogged by the cut grass.

Clean up after mowing

After mowing the lawn, gather and clean all clippings by raking your lawn. Clean the blades with water and do not forget to lubricate the moving parts to avoid rust from forming.

Flowers are not immune from disease, and you should be prepared to take action to help your flowers if they fall prey to one of these diseases.  Flowers can be attacked by all sorts of things, like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. 

Fungi are very difficult to kill, because they reproduce through spores that can spread very quickly.  A single plant infected with a fungus can spread up to 100 million spores!  Some fungi can enter a plan through the roots, and some enter through the leaves.  You need to work hard to get rid of a fungal infection completely so it won’t return.

Bacteria can’t live in bare soil for very long.  They can’t grow and multiply without moisture and warmth.  Bacterial infections are more prevalent in areas where the weather is warm and wet.  Bacteria is often spread through things like overhead watering that causes water to splash up onto plants.  Bacteria often get into a cut stem or leaf, so you should watch for damage to your plants.

Viruses can’t multiply in the soil.  They are only able to reproduce inside the cells of a plant.  They are usually transmitted by insects, or they can infect seeds or pollen that can be spread to other plants.  Viruses usually enter plants through cuts in the stems or leaves.
The most important thing to do to take care of your sick flowers is to properly diagnose the problem.  You can use books or online resources to attempt to identify any problems.  You’ll really need to have some sort of resource available that can help you identify any problems, because you won’t be able to properly treat your flowers if you don’t know what’s wrong with them.

You can also visit your local garden center or extension service to ask for advice.  If you aren’t able to identify a problem on your own, you can visit one of these places to seek help.  You can simply describe your problem, but it would be best to take in pictures of the problem if you can.  Sometimes pictures can help much more than a description.

If possible, you should try treating your flowers with organic methods first.  Chemicals can sometimes damage your plants as much as the disease, and they’re also very bad for the environment.  Don’t automatically go for those fungicides and chemicals, because you can often treat your problems organically.

Some flowers are more delicate than others.  Roses, for example, can be highly susceptible to a wide variety of problems.  Roses can get a problem called black spot, blistered leaves, and flowers that won’t open due to bugs called thrips.  Be sure to know what problems your flowers can be susceptible to, so you’ll already be prepared to take care of any problems by the time they occur.

by cogdogblog

More and more people are taking up vegetable gardening as it is gaining popularity. Vegetable gardening will provide you with cheaper vegetables compared with those from the stores. Moreover, your home vegetable garden will produce far better tasting vegetables. Vegetable gardening is very similar to growing herbs or flowers in your garden and if the proper procedures are taken and proper care has been given to the plants, they will flourish and provide you with great tasting vegetables.

When you want to start vegetable gardening, the first thing to do is to decide on the size of the garden you want to have and choose a suitable place for it. The place you want to plant your vegetables should have good drainage, good and deep soil, and good air flow. It also needs to have as much sunlight as possible. Because vegetable are so tasty, many animals, such as rabbits, deer, dogs, and others will try to get to your veggies. A good way to prevent this from happening is to build a fence around your garden. You may also want to put out some traps to catch moles, mice, and other small animals.

Before planting your vegetable garden, you need to prepare the soil properly. You achieve good soil for vegetable gardening by cultivation and the addition of organic materials. In order to control weeds, you need to till or plow the soil while mixing mulch into it. For those with a small garden, instead of plowing you’ll be better of with spading.

A vital part of soil preparation is mulching. Minerals, nitrogen, and other nutrients that plants will need to thrive are released when organic matter is added to the soil. Compost is the most popular and ideal type of mulch you can use. Usually, the soil and the types of plants will determine the type and amount of fertilizer to be used. Some plants have specific needs. For example, leafy plants, like lettuce, spinach, and cabbage usually need more nitrogen to grow better, while root crops like carrots, turnips, potatoes, and beets require more potash. Less fertilizer is needed by tomatoes and beans, while plants like potatoes, celery, and onions need a larger amount.

The garden arrangement is a factor that is very important in vegetable gardening. Due to varying conditions, there is no one plan of garden arrangement that will work for each and every garden. One popular way is to group vegetables together according to the amount of space they require. Plant vegetables needing only limited space together, such as spinach, beets, radishes, and lettuce and plant together those that require more room, such as potatoes, corn, and pumpkins. You should also consider planting tall growing plants towards the back of the garden while planting shorter ones towards the front. This will prevent sunlight from getting blocked and ensure that every plant will have sufficient sunlight.

You should begin planting your vegetable garden at the right time of the year. However, if you really want to get started early even when it is not the right time, you may want to start your vegetable gardening in a hotbed indoor and then transplant them later when weather permits. After completing your planting, make sure that your vegetables get the right amount of water. How much to water depends on the type of plant. Usually, most plants will require about an inch of water per week.

Weeds take up nutrients, light, and water that are meant for your vegetables. Hence, they must be controlled in vegetable gardening because they often bring insects and disease into your garden. Cultivation or mulching can get rid of weeds. You may also want to consider using controlled chemicals or buying seeds that are disease resistant in order to protect against disease and insects.

Because you get to eat the vegetables at the end, many people have made vegetable gardening their favorite form of gardening. Home grown vegetables taste much better than those from the supermarket and it is rather inexpensive to start vegetable gardening. If you provide proper care and maintenance to your garden and put in the effort, your vegetable gardening will be fruitful and you’ll be rewarded.

Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video. Check out Howcast for other do-it-yourself videos from TreehouseFlicks and more videos in the Vegetable Gardening category. You can contribute too! Create your own DIY guide at www.howcast.com or produce your own Howcast spots with the Howcast Filmmakers Program at www.howcast.com Grow some of your own food by starting a vegetable garden. You’ll eat better and save money. To complete this How-To you will need: A sunny garden spot A wire mesh fence Seeds or seedlings Flowers A soil test A sunny garden spot A wire mesh fence Seeds or seedlings Flowers A soil test Step 1: Decide on a garden type Decide between a raised-bed garden or an in-ground one. Raised beds, which consist of purchased topsoil that sits within a wooden frame, are ideal if your soil is stony or sandy. The main advantage of an in-ground garden is that it needs less watering. Tip: For an in-ground garden, test your soil to find out what nutrients it needs. Garden centers sell do-it-yourself kits, or you can arrange a test through the Cooperative Extension System, a national agricultural network. Find a nearby office on the USDA web site. Step 2: Pick a good spot Pick a spot that gets a lot of sun and isn’t obscured by tree or hedge shade. Step 3: Prep the land Prepare the land by building your raised bed or clearing and tilling a patch of land to a depth of about one foot. A 10 foot by 10 foot parcel is a good size for a beginner …

There are many reasons why some homeowners prefer not having their own grassy lawn and instead go for alternative spaces created according to their liking. Besides, having a beautiful lawn with its accompanying health and maintenance also depends on the area where it is located and how it is constructed. If the area is deprived of sunlight, you will have a hard time growing lush green grass and the maintenance would be more expensive and tiring.

Another factor that pushes a lot of homeowners to choosing alternative lawns instead is the need of some types of grass for lots of water, which can be costly and wasteful. Creating a unique type of lawn can make it easier for homeowners to grow plants that can be used for decoration and culinary use without the need for too much water consumption.

If you have thought about creating an alternative yard for your home, here are a few ideas you may want to consider.

Use of white clover

If you want to use an alternative to grass for your lawn, go for white clover since it is soft enough to walk onto and would grow in almost any type of soil. If you want to go with white clover and already have plans of seeding your lawn, it would be a good idea to mix the seeds together with sawdust before scattering them in the area. Doing so will make it easier to scatter the seeds evenly and would lessen the chance of having bare patches.

Plant decorative and edible plants

It would also be wise to grow flowers and edible plants in your yard instead of the usual grass. The truth is gardens consume less water compared to lawns thus making them a practical choice, especially when you consider the cost for maintenance.

If you want to have a decorative front lawn, you may want to plant a perennial garden containing sage, roses, hydrangeas, peonies, or daisies. Back lawns on the other hand, can be used as an area for your own vegetable garden. Those living in urban areas may want to consider creating raised beds since the soil in these areas may contain a high concentration of lead.

Make your own Japanese rock garden

Many people living in areas that have hot climates all year round have Japanese rock gardens as an alternative to traditional lawns. You can customize your garden by adding different types and size of rocks to add texture. Also, consider using a wide rake so you can create your own patterns in a rock bed.

When you get ready to make a garden area, proper planning is a must. Without it the project will become much more difficult than it really is. Without proper planning, the finished project may, actually, detract from the beauty of your home instead of enhancing it. Here are some garden design ideas to incorporate into your home garden.

The best way to get ideas for your home garden is to look at other landscaped yards in your neighborhood. Note the ideas that you like, and things you don’t feel comfortable with. Look on internet for ideas and in books in your local library. Pay close attention to the designs, coverings and plants that are used. Each one gives a different aspect to the way the finished project will look.

No matter what you decide to do, always cover the area with a professional weed barrier so you won’t have to constantly battle with weeds in the days and months to come. If you have a small, odd shaped area, use different textures to spark interest. For example: You can use brick for a patio, a natural stone or pea gravel for the walkway and crushed rock in all of the other areas.

Curves are great in any size of space, but when they are used in small spaces they give an illusion of extra space. You can connect the curves or form curves that are parallel to each other. You can connect the small flower and bush spaces by using the same flowers along the edges. Curves create a sense of motion, appeal and flow.

Before you can actually begin the garden, you need to determine what it will be used for. Will it just be for flowers or will there be a sitting area where you can sit and enjoy reading a book or visiting with friends? Will there be pathways that need to be planned? Once the purpose has been determined, it’s time to begin.

It is possible to create a beautiful garden effect just by using pathways that go from different areas to one specific place. For example, you may have two pathways coming off of the street sidewalk from two different directions, and joining in front of the front entry way to the house. Depending on the size of the yard, this can create 3 or 5 spaces for flowers, bushes or trees.

In this type of garden the plant area that is closest to the house and farthest from the road should have a taller tree or bush than the other spaces have so that the eyes are drawn toward the house. This creates height and a focal point in the garden. The other areas should have smaller bushes and flowers. Remember to connect the spaces by using the same flowers or small shrubs around the edges of each section.

Take the time to look and plan exactly what you want your garden to look like before you begin the work. Use the garden design ideas that you have found by looking around your neighborhood and searching the library and internet. When it’s all put together, you will have a garden that will enhance the beauty of your home and raise its value at the same time.

Weeds are one of the biggest problems for organic lawn owners. Not only are they unsightly, but they also kill other plants over time. In the past, weeds were controlled by using chemicals and other harmful solutions. These methods were proven to harm not only the other plants but also humans as well. Now there are alternatives that will only attack weeds while leaving organic lawns in healthy shape.

Vinegar

Nothing really beats good old vinegar. Choose 10 per cent white vinegar that has been manufactured from grain alcohol. Combine one gallon vinegar with one ounce orange oil, one tablespoon molasses, and one tablespoon liquid soap. Spray this solution on the weeds, being careful not to spray it on the other plants. Consider using this method during hot days, as it works best with heat.

Molasses

Molasses are known to kill weeds that are highly resistant to other types of weed control. You may use dry or liquid molasses for this purpose. However, some say that dry molasses work best. The recommended ratio is 40 pounds of molasses for every 1000 square feet to destroy weeds. If you wish to use liquid molasses, one cup mixed with a gallon of water is enough to kill the weeds.

Flame Weeding

Some people who have organic lawns wish to eliminate weeds faster than usual. Flame weeding is great for those who have weed species that are too difficult to control, even when they have used all other possible solutions. You can purchase small and light models for flame weeding that are run by propane gas. Just like any device that uses fire, make sure you employ safety precautions at all times.

Corn Gluten Meal

Corn gluten meal is hailed as one of the natural weed killers and also doubles as a fertilizer. When applied to the soil before you plant anything, it prevents the formation of grass burs, crabgrass, and other types of weeds that start out from seeds. It is best to use corn gluten meal while you are still preparing your organic lawn. It can also be used as a preventive measure to existing organic lawns to keep weeds at bay.

Crabgrass Killer

You can get crabgrass killer from an organic products store in your area. It is considered a natural weed killer that is capable of eliminating crabgrass, chickweed, and other types of weeds that may harm your lawn. The active ingredient in crabgrass killer is cinnamon. It has been proven to ward off weeds and prevent them from proliferating. It is quite selective in such a way that it only acts on weed species and thus prevents damage done to other plants in your lawn.

These are just some of the ways on how to control the weeds in your yard. They are natural and not harmful to other plants in your lawn or garden. Of course, prevention is better than cure so make sure that you look out for signs of possible weed growth at all times.

Great gardens don’t have to be pumped up with chemical fertilizers and pesticides to look good or give you wonderful veggies.  Consider taking your garden to the next level – organic.  There are many reasons why you should garden organically and I will cover some of them here.

The first, and biggest reason to garden organically, is the health issue.  Organically produced vegetables are not passing along chemical residues that can build up in your body.  We don’t know the long term effects of some of these chemicals, but why risk it when there is an organic alternative?

Organic vegetables grown in organic soil may have a higher percentage of vitamins and nutrients. Studies have shown that there is higher vitamin C in leafy greens, potatoes, and oranges that are grown organically.

Gardening organically means you work with the whole cycle.  You plant the seeds, harvest the vegetables or flowers, collect the seeds, compost the remains, and start again.  You’re providing the soil with nutrients and feeding people, birds, and insects.

You can grow your vegetables for full flavor.  There are dozens of seed catalogs with organic seeds that grow wonderful tasting veggies.  You don’t need a tomato grown commercially to have a tough skin for shipping across country.  You need a tomato that tastes great.

Growing organically can mean less work in the long run.  If your soil is organic and healthy, it will produce healthy plants that are more resistant to disease and pests.  Healthier plants will grow bigger and cast shade on their roots which means less watering.  Good soil will also retain water better and that also means less watering.  Bigger plants will also help to choke out the weeds so you don’t have to spend your precious time weeding.

Chemical fertilizers, bug killers, and weed killers can seep into our ground water supply or run off into our rivers and streams. 

We can recycle waste by using our own compost made up of food and garden scraps and additional wastes such as straw and leaves.  Reusing these items keeps them from being burned or added to a landfill where they don’t have a chance to decompose.

Some flowers are edible if you grow them organically.  Add a special touch to your salad presentation with nasturtiums or brilliantly-colored pansies.  Your prepared dish will look like it came from a gourmet restaurant!

Gardening without the use of chemicals can give you healthier plants and save you time.  Healthier plants can mean tastier and healthier vegetables that thrive with less water and have fewer pest problems.  Give organic gardening a try for tastier vegetables and feel good about helping yourself and the earth.

The first thing you have to think about is the soil in your organic garden. Always keep in mind that it is alive and whatever you put in it will affect how it behaves and how the plants grow from it. Soil is quite similar to humans – they drink, breathe, eat, and emit waste. Know what type of soil you have and act accordingly.

Choose the Right Kind of Grass

Some people do not give this much thought but it is important to have the right kind of grass to match the soil that you have, the area that you live in, and the plans you have for your organic lawn. Some grasses require lots of water and others cannot take too much sun. Talk to an expert on what is the best type of grass for your organic lawn.

Create a Compost Pile

Creating a compost pile can help in reducing the waste that you create in your home. At the same time, you will also have something you can add to your organic lawn or garden so the soil is healthier. Compost will provide all the nutrients that the soil needs so the plants will grow better!

Look Out for Weeds

Weeds are a pain for most organic lawn owners. Of course, instinct will tell us to get rid of them as soon as possible. You can use vinegar, molasses, or corn gluten meal. You can also search an organic lawn care store for solutions that you can spray on the weeds to kill them. However, aside from getting rid of the weeds, make sure that you also take note what weed type it is and research more about it.

Sometimes, weeds can also be an indication of the current state of your soil. For example, plantain means your soil is heavily compacted clay. Dandelions are an indicator on high calcium levels and low magnesium in the soil.

Use Natural Solutions for Pests and Diseases

There will be times when pests and diseases will come your way. You can save your organic lawn in different ways but make sure that you only opt for natural or organic solutions. Look for eco-friendly products and organically made products for your lawn. Try to introduce new animals such as frogs or toads by creating a pond and garden friendly bugs by planting broad leaf shrubs, so that you can have predators for the pests. Use nets, collars, or fences to protect your plants as well.

Water Your Organic Lawn the Right Way

It is true that lawns are water guzzlers because they require lots of water so that they are kept green and beautiful for a long time. Make the most out of irrigating your lawn by watering early in the morning to avoid quick evaporation. Soak deeply so the roots can absorb the moisture and boost plant growth. If you use a sprinkler, have it on automatic control so you can limit usage and be efficient in watering your lawn.

There are ways of planting a garden in a way that will ensure you get the most out of a small space. It certainly is possible to grow organic vegetables and also have an attractive looking garden, even if the area is limited. Take a look at our tips for getting the most out of your garden.

1. Plan

When you are planting a garden, it is important to start out with a plan. First, consider which plants you are most interested in growing. This will be influenced by what you want from your garden, whether your main priority is organic vegetables for the table or and attractive flower display to wow the neighborhood.

Then take a few minutes to research your chosen plants. Think about things like color and height. A small garden will look even smaller if you grow the tallest plants at the front; putting them at the back will give your garden more depth. It also makes it easier to reach around everything.

It is also important to make sure that the plants have enough space horizontally. A garden that is overcrowded will not have enough air. The soil needs oxygen. Plants also risk developing fungal diseases in an overcrowded garden.

Many organic gardeners use a system of companion plants when planting a garden. This means that you can plant certain things beside each other to give a natural or even wild look to your garden and more importantly, to ward off pests.

For example, plants of the allium family (especially onions or garlic) can be helpful when planted beside tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, cabbage and carrots. French marigolds provide a pesticide chemical that can kill nematodes and other ground based pests. Squash, maize and climbing beans are so beneficial for each other that together they are known as the ‘three sisters’.

2. Rotate

When planting your garden it is also important to consider plant rotation. This means not growing the same plants in the same places year after year. This is particularly important in organic gardening because it helps to prevent pests without using insecticides, and also prevents the soil from becoming exhausted.

When you rotate plants, be sure to rotate the whole family. The main families of organic vegetables are:

Nightshade family: tomato, potato, eggplant (aubergine), peppers.

Brassica family: cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower.

Allium family: onion, garlic, leek.

Curcurbits: pumpkin, squash, zucchini (courgette), cucumber, melon.

If you are planting a garden that is very small, you may not have space to rotate all of these plant families every year. In that case, you might want to consider growing two of the families one year, and the other two the next. That will automatically provide healthy crop rotation for your garden.

3. Access

Do not forget that you will need to reach all of your plants, both for weeding and for collecting your eventual crop. Leave pathways so that you will be able to get into the middle of beds even when the plants are fully grown.

Some plants will need more attention than others. For example, anything grown in a pot needs more frequent watering. These plants should be near to the house so that you will be reminded of their needs every time you look out the window. You will probably also want to have herbs near the door when you are planting a garden, so that you can easily run out and pick a few leaves for every meal.