Fresh Garden News

Designing Your Own Irrigation System

2015-02-03T11:46:00.000-05:00

Designing Your Own Irrigation System

Do you get tired of dragging out the water hose whenever the flowers in your yard look droopy? You may be wondering if designing your own irrigation system is a good idea. The fact is that you can install an irrigation system on a budget if you take the time to learn more about it and do the work yourself.

You may be surprised to learn that adding an irrigation system can add value to your home. Having an irrigation system can also save you time and money. If you’ve been considering including a new irrigation system to your home improvement projects, now is the perfect time to get started.

Start by getting a lot survey of your property. This will show the size of the property, location of the house on the lot, driveway, sidewalk, fences or water and electrical lines which are already in place on your lot. This will ensure you don’t damage the utilities when digging.

Check to see if there are permits required to add an irrigation system. You will also want to find out what the water pressure is, either by calling the local municipality or using a pressure gauge. The size of the water meter for your home may also be a determining factor in the type of irrigation system you can have.

Look at your yard, any landscaping which has already been done and where you’ll need the irrigation system. Think of the sprinkler heads you’ll need or if you’ll use a different system such as a soaker system. You’ll also want to consider putting the system on a timer to ensure the irrigation works at the time when it is most beneficial to your landscaping.

What plants will need to be watered? You may need a different type of system for the types of plants you have. They may need to be watered at different times so you may have to design watering zones. You can learn from books, magazines, hardware or garden center employees.

Depending upon the system you design, it can be an expensive project. Some irrigation systems can cost well over $2500. Of course, if you do much of the work yourself, you can cut out some of the associated labor costs.

Measure the distance from the water source or spigot and each of the watering zones. Add several extra inches for non-direct path hoses or tubing. Add the distance on the drawing you make or start another sheet of paper with a list for each of the water zones.

You may end up designing two or more systems for your yard. There may be differing requirements for summer than you would need during other times of the year. Perhaps the actual design won’t have to change, but when you have the timer set may change throughout the year.

Having an irrigation system can save both in water conservation and your water bill. Instead of over watering, your system on a timer will start and stop at a specific time of day when the plants need the most water. You’ll also save time because it will be automatic rather than your having to stand out in the yard with a hose.

By designing and installing an irrigation system, your yard will look great and you’ll have more time to spend with your family.

How to Build an Outdoor Play Space for Your Young Children

2015-02-03T11:39:00.000-05:00

How to Build an Outdoor Play Space for Your Young Children

Parents spend a good portion of their time at work, earning the money needed for their family. Children, on the other hand, either spend their time in school or at their job – playing. Learning how to build an outdoor play space for your young children will give them somewhere to use their imaginations as they play.

Young children need to have time for unstructured play. This means they can pretend to be whatever they want or however they want without input from adults. Depending upon the outdoor play space your children have available, it can actually encourage this type of play.

Before you begin building an outdoor play space, ask your children what their ‘dream’ play area would include. Perhaps they want to emphasize nature because they love to find bugs and chase after butterflies. Or they may want outdoor play equipment like a swing or climbing platform. Find out what they want and then try to incorporate those ideas in the space you create.

Find a level area in your yard in which to place the outdoor play space. Why is level important? If the area isn’t level, any equipment you purchase may not be able to be used correctly, there may be puddles which could cause problems, and having unlevel ground could possibly lead to accidents because your children trip more easily.

If you’re planning on adding outdoor play equipment, it is important to put mulch or another cushioning surface under the equipment and several feet beyond the equipment in case children fall. This will provide a softer landing than hard ground and could lessen the extent of any injuries.

Provide shade at one location on the play space. Young children can sunburn so easily, and it’s important to provide places for them to get out of the sun. Of course you’ll use sun screen to protect them, but having shade in the area will also help.

Choose outdoor play equipment which is age appropriate. If your children are very young, you won’t put in equipment which is meant for school-age or older children. You’ll also want to ensure that the equipment is safe for your children by not using equipment which has sharp edges or is made with chemically-infused wood.

It may also be a good idea to build a border around the play area. Use child-safe plastic edging to help keep the surface material inside the play area. If you do use the edging, make sure it is brightly colored so your children will recognize it and then avoid it so they don’t trip and get hurt.

There is so much to think about when trying to figure out how to build an outdoor play space for your young children. Safety is obviously going to be a primary concern. Don’t forget to ask your children what they want and try to use those ideas when the plans are made.

How to Build Your Own Patio

2015-02-03T11:34:00.003-05:00

How to Build Your Own Patio

Wouldn’t it be great to have a place to relax outdoors after a long day at work? A great do-it-yourself project is to learn how to build your own patio. With some time and hard work, you can create a getaway spot your whole family will enjoy.

Begin by laying out the proposed location for the patio. Think about the other buildings or landscaping features of your yard. Will you have more than one level of the patio, a built-in barbecue pit or retaining walls? Draw out exactly what you’d like the patio to look like so you can determine what materials are needed.

Decide on the material you’ll use to create the patio. You can use brick, flagstone, wood or even concrete. If you’re not handy with tools, you may want to ask for help or advice from home improvement employees or friends who have built their own patios.

Rather than depending upon pictures in a book, magazine or printed store display, try to find a real-life display which shows exactly what the colors of the pavers are. You don’t have to match the color of your home. Contrasting or complimentary colors are common. Darker colors are also less reflective which can make your patio more user-friendly.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. There’s nothing set in stone which says you can only use one type of paving or surface for your patio. You may want to have a gravel walkway leading away from brick or tiles. Use contrasting edging or plants to enhance the finished look of the design.

Draw out a pattern to get an idea of what the finished project will look like. You’ll also want to purchase more tiles or pavers than you think you need at the beginning of the job. This will ensure you have the materials from the same lot so there isn’t a large difference in color.

The foundation to your patio is so important. If the ground where you’ll put your patio is well-compacted soil, you may not need the hardcore sub-base. Prepare the ground by adding a compacted base of hardcore rubble followed by gravel or a sub-base material which is compacted.

For your first patio, you’ll want to start with something small. An average brick patio can be made within two to three days if the weather cooperates with you. Create a patio design which is simple – rectangular is easier than curves – a design which doesn’t require you to cut the bricks would also be simple compared to a design which needed to have bricks cut.

Another way to build a patio is to find a book at the library that gives step-by-step directions, if necessary. You want the patio to look good so you’ll want to learn all you can about the type of patio you want to build. Take your time and you’ll have a patio you can be proud of when it is finished.

The Benefits of Natural Lawn Care

2015-02-03T11:25:00.000-05:00

The Benefits of Natural Lawn Care

What is natural lawn care? Essentially, caring for your lawn naturally means you don't use synthetic chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn. It means you do use natural fertilizers and organic means of dealing with pests. Natural lawn care can apply to a few methods or you can go "all the way" and have a lawn that is "given back" to nature and not maintained artificially at all.

There are many benefits associated with natural lawn care. Here are some of them.

Healthier

If you stop spraying your lawn with chemicals every season, your lawn will be free of these dubious substances. This may make your whole family healthier in the long run. It is probably healthier for the environment, too - lawns that are not doused with chemicals are lawns that do not shed these chemicals into the surrounding ecosystem and water supply each time it rains.

Also, caring for your lawn naturally usually results in lush, green grass that is healthier. Healthy grass absorbs more carbon dioxide from the air and puts out more oxygen.

Saves Water

If you engage in natural lawn care, you will probably set up a rain barrel to provide water for your lawn. Even if you don't, you may find that you water a naturally-maintained yard less, because the grass is healthier, longer, and able to withstand dry conditions better.

Easier

As you engage in natural lawn care, you may find it's a lot easier. There is less mowing involved, for one thing; natural lawns are generally allowed to grow to four inches or more. You can use your grass clippings as mulch, and you won't have the added chore of pouring on synthetic fertilizer and pesticides.

Saves Money

Synthetic chemicals cost money. If you switch to natural lawn care, you will no longer be paying annually for chemical treatments and sprays.

Biodiversity

If you go "all the way" with your natural lawn care and decide to let nature take over, you will find "weeds" setting in. Many of these "weeds" are valuable plants that are important to the surrounding ecosystem. Some of them are edible or medicinal, too.

Beneficial Insects and Birds

A lawn that is cared for naturally will tend to attract wildlife, especially bees and birds. These important members of the ecosystem appreciate a sanctuary that is free from chemicals and where there is suitable habitat.

Bee Stings and Anaphylactic Shock – How to React

2014-07-14T12:40:00.000-04:00

Bee Stings and Anaphylactic Shock – How to React

Insects are a common problem during the warmer summer months. For some people they’re nothing more than a nuisance; for others they could be a serious problem. This is especially true for people who get bee stings and anaphylactic shock sets in. Even if you think you don’t know someone with this type of allergy to bee stings, it’s a good idea to know how to react. Your actions could save a life.
People don’t often think about how serious a bee sting can be, unless they have had a severe reaction to a sting themselves.
Know the symptoms of anaphylactic shock so you can help someone who is having a severe allergic reaction:
* Severe and sudden headaches
* Difficulty breathing
* Swollen tongue
* Nausea
If you find someone having these symptoms, get them to a hospital at once.
Experts believe the reason bee stings are more harmful and cause anaphylactic shock (more so than other stinging insects) is because their stinger is barbed. When a wasp, hornet or yellow jacket stings, the stinger remains with the insect and the poison is removed when it flies off. Bees, on the other hand, lose their stinger when they sting a person and fly off to die.
The stinger, which is connected to a poison sack, remains in the skin. As long as it is imbedded in the skin, it can still pump poison into the body. This can continue for several minutes. If the stinger isn’t removed it can quickly turn to anaphylactic shock.
Be careful how you remove the stinger. Don’t press on the venom sac or this will inject more poison into the person. Instead use a fingernail or credit card to scrape the stinger out. Wash the area with soap and water immediately and place ice on the area that was stung. If you notice any of the above symptoms, get the person medical help immediately.
People who know that they have that serious an allergic reaction to bee stings will generally carry an epinephrine (or Epi) pen with them. The pen provides a specific dose (0.3 milligram) of epinephrine. Even if this doesn’t seem like much, this little amount can literally save a person’s life if they’re going into anaphylactic shock from an allergic reaction.
If you have to use an EpiPen on someone, remove the gray safety cap. Place the black tip on the thigh at a right angle and press it into the outside of the thigh. Hold the injection there for several seconds and then massage the injection site for at least 10 seconds. NEVER give and EpiPen shot to any other area of the body.
Watching someone go into anaphylactic shock can be traumatic. However, when bee stings and anaphylactic shock are a possibility it is best to be prepared. Learn what you can about this condition so you can help someone experiencing it and possibly save their life.

Allergic to Bee Stings

2014-07-09T10:44:00.000-04:00

Allergic to Bee Stings

A certain species of bees (belonging to the Hymenoptera order) are more likely to cause anaphylaxis in humans. If you have discovered that you are allergic to bee stings, prepare to stay safe while you enjoy the summer outdoors.

Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction to a food, insect or other substance once it enters the body. The effects are usually felt almost immediately. They can be life threatening if treatment is not administered right away.

For those who are allergic to bees, you may find that anaphylaxis occurs even if you have been stung before with no adverse effects. The venom of the bee enters the body and causes a severe allergic reaction.

Those who are allergic may experience:

* Swelling of the tongue and throat
* Dizziness
* Labored breathing
* Headache
* Nausea and vomiting

After you have been exposed to a bee sting leading to a bout of anaphylaxis, your doctor will more than likely prescribe an epi-pen. This is an injector pencil that delivers a dose of epinephrine into the system to reopen the blood vessels and the airway. Epinephrine, or adrenalin, is found naturally in the body. It dilates blood vessels.

An immediate shot can provide enough relief to get medical attention. One thing to remember is that one epi-pen dose can wear off and the anaphylaxis begins again if the venom is still present. That is another reason why it is important to seek medical attention right away.

Preparing for a Summer Full of Bees

Don’t let your allergy to bees keep you from getting out and about in the summer sun. You can still live your life the way that you want by taking a few precautions.

One main precaution is to ask your allergist about immunotherapy. This consists of allergy shots to help boost your protection against any future stings. The more medicine that is in your system, the more you are protected. This doesn’t mean that you ignore a sting, but it gives you more time and control over the situation.

Here are some items to carry with you for first-line protection.

* Epinephrine auto-injector (epi-pen) – Your doctor has probably prescribed an epi-pen. They may even give you two. A second dose may be needed if it takes you longer than 30 minutes to reach medical attention. When one wears off the anaphylaxis may return. Carry them with you always in a cool, dry place. Check expiration dates to get a fresh refill if yours has expired.

* Use antihistamines – This can cut down on the amount of histamine released by the body. Histamine leads to the rash, itching and redness that are exhibited at the sting site.

* Salt or a credit card – Certain bees leave the stinger in the skin. This continues to release venom into your system. Using salt as a rub or a credit card, scrape over the surface of the sting area to remove the stinger.

* Cold packs – These reduce the pain and spread of venom so you can get help.

Those who are allergic to bee stings need to take precautions when spending time outside. This doesn’t mean that you have to stay indoors, as long as you are protected.

How Much Gardening Can You Do In Winter?

2014-02-02T14:18:00.000-05:00

Easy to Follow Tips for Your Winter Garden By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brody_Wilson]Brody Wilson

If you are one among those nature lovers you will sometimes realize that winter season is not the best time of the year for you. I bet being cooped up inside the confines of your homes makes you giddy and restless.

However, to those who are sensitive to cold hate this season. But if you are one of those keen gardeners, you'll be busy working on your winter gardens. Your garden must not be dull during winter seasons. Snow and cold temperature must not be a hindrance for you to manage your garden.

You might not like the idea of tending and nurturing your plants as temperature drops down. Starting a winter garden is not that hard if you want to break the dull surroundings brought about by winter.

You may also come up with great ideas to make a beautiful garden despite the season's cold chilly nights. Coming up with creating a winter garden needs different plants, trees and grass. A new set of plants will surely make your garden a success. Evergreens, hedges and ferns add color to your gardens while winter and early spring blooming plants not only add color but scent as well. When looking for possible plants to use, take into consideration those that can withstand harsh winter storms. You can choose red twig dogwood, holly, winterberry or nandina. These plants offer additional colors complementing the white winter surroundings. Covering up your grounds also prevents weed from taking control.

One of the best ground covers during winter season is the English Ivy. Periwinkle, alba or bugleweeds are among the other examples. Try planting vegetables in your winter garden. There are vegetables that are typically used in a winter garden. Among these are winter rye, beets, carrots and several breeds of winter-ready broccoli and cabbage. While attending to these chores, try changing your scenery. Adding birdhouses, sculptures and benches might add a little change in your garden. Provided that you add feeders, some birds that'll be seen lurking into your garden are finches, woodpeckers and cardinals.

With a little planning, you can enjoy watching great view from your window. Even flagstones may entice you to go out to your garden to take a look at the blooms of witch hazels or heath. You may also think of creating pathways made of old bricks, gravel or stone. This will surely liven up your winter gardens without a sweat. Don't let the chill of winter season stop you from doing what you want.

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Need Great Hosting?

2013-11-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving !

2013-11-27T09:25:00.001-05:00

Help a Fellow Gardener ?

2013-11-11T11:56:00.001-05:00

Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe - Easy to Make

2013-11-11T10:44:00.004-05:00

Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe - Easy to Make
By Susan Pittser

Here is a recipe I created that was inspired by my grandmother for
homeade pumpkin pie.

This is always a huge hit in the fall for Our Oldest son's birthday its his special request and I have found through the years that even people who never liked pumpkin pie before are asking for second helpings and the recipe once they give it a try,

This is very mild in flavor and just a super easy recipe,

So if you want to impress your family and friends
you should give this recipe a try. Every time I make this it gets rave reviews.

Susan Pittser's Pumpkin Pie Recipe

1 pack of Pillsbury Ready Roll out Pie crust
4 eggs
1 15oz can of 100% pure pumpkin
1 3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 teaspoons of Cinnamon Or the Tupperware CINNAMON/VANILLA seasoning blend
2 cans of milnot Evaporated milk (12oz each)
(pet milk, carnation evaporated milk or other brand will work)

You can choose to make either TWO 9 inch pies or
One 9x13 cake pan with a larger pie for larger crowd, I make the 9X13 version a lot and use my Tupperware Rectangular Cake Taker to transport it to potluck and get togethers.
To make the cake pan size I just put two of the pie crusts together and shape the dough out to fit.
To make the filling
Beat Eggs, Add Sugar and Pumpkin and salt and mix together add cinnamon vanilla seasoning blend and then last add the milnot to the mixture then pour the filling into your pie crust and bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes,
You can tell if the pie is done by piercing the center of pie with a butter knife, if it comes out clean the pie is done, if it doesn't come out clean then bake at 5 minute intervals and testing until done.
Let Stand and Cool and
Top each piece with Cool Whip if desired, Keep refrigerated when storing leftovers.
Susan Pittser- Tupperware Director and Floral Designer for 18 years http://my.tupperware.com/spittser Me and My Husband have 7 children and I have always enjoyed cooking and sharing recipes and fun with family and friends
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Best-Pumpkin-Pie-Recipe---Easy-to-Make&id=259580] Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe - Easy to Make

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Happy Veterans Day

2013-11-11T09:03:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wanted to start your own blog?

2013-11-05T11:44:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wanted to start your own blog?

Write a book about your recipe's?

Sell your woodworking plans?

Don't know where to start?

I too had a desire to start a blog and you are reading it right now!

This gardening blog is just one of the blogs I write.

I was lost when I began.

But I persisted and learned and read some books and read some more.

That's one way of doing it...

But there is an easier way.

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I liked the way this system worked,

and it is so much easier than the way I started a couple of years ago.

I would love to teach you how to get started for WAY less than you could imagine.

There is one problem.

I can only teach so many people at a time.

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Winterizing Your Roses With Confidence

2013-11-05T11:18:00.001-05:00

Winterizing Your Roses With Confidence

Winterizing Your Roses With Confidence
By James Z Stroud

Winterizing Roses

If you have roses in your garden, what do they need to get through the winter?

Basically, nothing.

Don't cut them back and no need to cover them if they are winter hardy in your region. Prune only in spring because any exposed wound on a rose cane will be damaged by the wind, snow, or freezing rain. In the past if I really had to prune a cane or two I would apply a little vaseline to the pruning site, just for extra protection.

Here are a couple of steps you can follow just to make sure your roses stay nice and healthy through the harsh winter months.

Put a couple of shovelful of compost over the roots of the rose plant.
Non-nitrogen fertilizer is great for this time of year. Late fall is the best time to give your rose a dose of Epsom salts (about 1/2 cup per plant), rock phosphate and a little potassium. These fertilizers will not encourage new growth on the canes, which could be hurt by the wind or frost. Instead, they promote root growth that can continue into December if the ground is mulched.
A well hydrated plant can survive winter better than one that is dry and stressed so water during dry months of the winter.

And that's it for winterizing roses. If you're not sure if your roses are able to take on the winter, then mound soil or compost about 6 inches over the base for extra protection.

Winterizing Roses In Low Climate Areas

If you live in Zone 5 or colder be prepared to give your roses complete protection.

Two Options:

1. Dig a trench beside the rose. Cut the rose back to two feet tall. Dig up half of the rose' roots on the opposite side and gently tip the rose into the trench. Completely cover the rose and its roots with about 6 inches of soil and water. Then cover the tops of them with mulch or compose for extra protection. This technique has works well, but you can't be guaranteed.

2. Cover the circumference of the rose with chicken wire. Cover the base of the rose with 8 inches of fresh mulch. Then start packing leaves down the chicken wire until the rose is completely covered. This is pretty easy to do and works on lots of roses but it not guaranteed.

It is always good practice to contact your local rose society members for advice on preparing roses for winter in your area.

In summary, if your roses are in the 6 or higher zone climate there is not much you have to do to protect them from winter. If your roses are in zone 5 or lower you'll need to give them complete protection.

For more information on roses please visit http://www.growbeautifulroses.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Z_Stroud
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Lou Reed, Velvet Underground Leader and Rock Pioneer, Dead at 71

2013-10-27T14:39:00.000-04:00

Rolling Stone By Jon Dolan Lou Reed, a massively influential songwriter and guitarist who helped shape nearly fifty years of rock music, died today. The cause of his death has not yet been released, but Reed underwent a liver transplant in May. Look back at Lou Reed's remarkable career in photos With the Velvet Underground in the late Sixties, Reed fused street-level urgency with elements of European avant-garde music, marrying beauty and noise, while bringing a whole new lyrical honesty to rock & roll poetry. As a restlessly inventive solo artist, from the Seventies into the 2010s, he was chameleonic, thorny and unpredictable, challenging his fans at every turn. Glam, punk and alternative rock are all unthinkable without his revelatory example. "One chord is fine," he once said, alluding to his bare-bones guitar style. "Two chords are pushing it. Three chords and you're into jazz." Lewis Allan "Lou" Reed was born in Brooklyn, in 1942. A fan of doo-wop and early rock & roll (he movingly inducted Dion into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989), Reed also took formative inspiration during his studies at Syracuse University with the poet Delmore Schwartz. After college, he worked a staff songwriter for the novelty label Pickwick Records (where he had a minor hit in 1964 with a dance-song parody called "The Ostrich"). In the mid-Sixties, Reed befriended Welsh musician John Cale, a classically trained violist who had performed with groundbreaking minimalist composer La Monte Young. Reed and Cale formed a band called the Primitives, then changed their name to the Warlocks. After meeting guitarist Sterling Morrison and drummer Maureen Tucker, they became the Velvet Underground. With a stark sound and ominous look, the band caught the attention of Andy Warhol, who incorporated the Velvets into his Exploding Plastic Inevitable. "Andy would show his movies on us," Reed said. "We wore black so you could see the movie. But we were all wearing black anyway." "Produced" by Warhol and met with total commercial indifference when it was released in early 1967, VU’s debut The Velvet Underground & Nico stands as a landmark on par with the Beatles' Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band and Bob Dylan's Blonde On Blonde. Reed's matter-of-fact descriptions of New York’s bohemian demimonde, rife with allusions to drugs and S&M, pushed beyond even the Rolling Stones’ darkest moments, while the heavy doses of distortion and noise for it’s own sake revolutionized rock guitar. The band’s three subsequent albums – 1968’s even more corrosive sounding White Light/White Heat, 1969’s fragile, folk-toned The Velvet Underground and 1970’s Loaded, which despite being recorded while he was leaving the group, contained two Reed-standards “Rock & Roll” and “Sweet Jane,” were similarly ignored. But they’d be embraced by future generations, cementing the Velvet Underground’s status as the most influential American rock band of all time. Read Rolling Stone's 1989 Lou Reed cover story After splitting with the Velvets in 1970, Reed traveled to England and, in characteristically paradoxical fashion, recorded a solo debut backed by members of the progressive-rock band Yes. But it was his next album, 1972’s Transformer, produced by Reed-disciple David Bowie, that pushed him beyond cult status into genuine rock stardom. “Walk On the Wild Side,” a loving yet unsentimental evocation of Warhol’s Factory scene, became a radio hit (despite its allusions to oral sex) and “Satellite of Love” was covered by U2 and others. Reed spent the Seventies defying expectations almost as a kind of sport. 1973’s Berlin was brutal literary bombast while 1974’s Sally Can’t Dance had soul horns and flashy guitar. In 1975 he released Metal Machine Music, a seething all-noise experiment his label RCA marketed as a avant-garde classic music, while 1978’s banter-heavy live album Take No Prisoners was a kind of comedy record in which Reed went on wild tangents and savaged rock critics by name (“Lou sure is adept at figuring out new ways to shit on people,” one of those critics, Robert Christgau, wrote at the time). Explaining his less-than-accommodating career trajectory, Reed told journalist Lester Bangs, “my bullshit it worth more than other people’s diamonds.” Reed’s ambiguous sexual persona and excessive drug use throughout the Seventies was the stuff of underground rock myth. But in the Eighties, he began to mellow. He married Sylvia Morales and opened a window into his new married life on 1982’s excellent The Blue Mask, his best work since Transformer. His 1984 album New Sensations took a more commercial turn and 1989’s New York ended the decade with a set of funny, politically cutting songs that received universal critical praise. In 1991, he collaborated with Cale on Songs For Drella, a tribute to Warhol. Three years later, the Velvet Underground reunited for a series of successful European gigs. Reed and Morales divorced in the early Nineties. Within a few years, Reed began a relationship with musician-performing artist Laurie Anderson. The two became an inseparable New York fixture, collaborating and performing live together, while also engaging in civic and environmental activism. They were married in 2008. Reed continued to follow his own idiosyncratic artistic impulses throughout the ‘00s. The once-decadent rocker became an avid student of T-ai Chi, even bringing his instructor onstage during concerts in 2003. In 2005 he released a double-CD called The Raven, based on the work of Edgar Allen Poe. In 2007, he released an ambient album titled Hudson River Wind Meditations. Reed returned to mainstream rock with 2011’s Lulu, a collaboration with Metallica. “All through this, I’ve always thought that if you thought of all of it as a book then you have the Great American Novel, every record as a chapter,” he told Rolling Stone in 1987. “They’re all in chronological order. You take the whole thing, stack it and listen to it in order, there’s my Great American Novel.”

21 Steps To a Green Lush Lawn

2013-10-21T12:48:00.000-04:00

<b>21 Steps To a Green Lush Lawn</b> 21 Steps To a Green Lush Lawn by NapoGino

21 Lawn Care Tips

1. Remove the debris –
One of the best things that you can do to get your lawn in shape
for the coming season is the remove any debris; such as branches and rocks that may have accumulated over the winter. Not only will this help give your grass room to grow, but it will also prevent safety hazards once mowing season begins.

2. Do not over fertilize with nitrogen –
Traditionally, many people would prepare their lawn with high amounts of nitrogen-based fertilizer in the spring. Unfortunately, this often leads to a significant amount of damage to the grass. If you are going to use nitrogen, be sure to wait until you have mowed at least a few times before you fertilize with nitrogen and wait until there will no longer be frost on the ground.

3. Use controlled release fertilizers –
If you are going to use a fertilizer in the spring, then you are best to look for one that contains nutrients that are released slowly over time, rather than all at once. You should also consider fertilizing over time, so that you help your grass to grow slowly rather than all at once.

4. May 1st is a good date to start weeding out crabgrass –
In most areas of the country, crabgrass does not start to root until around the middle of May. Therefore, if you are going to apply an anti-crabgrass formula to your lawn it is a good idea to begin doing so around May 1st. Of course, this is not set in stone and if your climate is unusually warm or you notice crabgrass developing earlier, you can feel free to apply the formula earlier in the year.

5. Seed your lawn in the fall, not in the spring –
Although many people do prefer to seed their lawn in the spring, it is not as optimal as seeding in the fall. Although it may seem that new grass would have a hard time surviving the winter, it is actually more at risk of damage from the high heat and sunlight of summer. Therefore, consider seeding your lawn before winter this year!

6. For best results, use a blended fertilizer –
A high-quality fertilizer should contain a small amount of nitrogen that is non-water soluble, potash and phosphate. The key to a balanced formula is knowing how much of each of the ingredients your lawn really needs. There are also other minerals that are frequently added to fertilizers - some lawns require these and some do not. Depending on your soil type, geographic
location and climate, the fertilizer that you choose needs to contain the right amount of each nutrient. Check with your local gardening center to learn more.

7. The darker your lawn color, the better –
Do you realize that your goal should be to get your lawn to the darkest possible color? With this goal in mind, you will have a way to determine how well your lawn and garden preparations are working. Of course, it may take you several seasons to determine the correct approach, but in the end your efforts will be rewarded.

8. Consider a mechanical seeder for best results –
If you find yourself needing to seed or re-seed your lawn, it may be more work than you are anticipating. Therefore, a mechanical seed spreader may be an investment worth making. Or, consider renting one from a local lawn care center. There are also seed sprayers, however they are not recommended for inexperienced landscapers because of the precision that must be applied to achieve proper coverage.

9. If you want fast results on your lawn this season, consider sodding -
If you don’t know what sod is, you probably have seen it and don’t realize it! Sod is simply instant grass. You can purchase sod in squares or rolls, or you can hire a professional to create your lawn. Sodding is best done in the late spring.

10. Find out how short you should be cutting your grass –
Before the mowing season begins, you should take care to find out what the best height is for your lawn. Most people who experience problems with their lawn burning are cutting it too short. And, those whose lawns get out of control between mowing may not be going low enough. A good rule to keep in mind is that you should never mow more than 1/3 of the visible grass when you are mowing in order to avoid damaging the blades.

11. Prepare a watering schedule –
Do you realize that when you water your lawn several times a day in short intervals, you may not be helping your grass to grow? Studies have shown that the best watering technique is to water for an extended period of time at infrequent intervals. Much like nature waters your lawn with rainfall.
For example, if you live in an area with clay soil you really need to water for about 5 hours at a time a few days a week. Most people do not water this way, but for the best results this is what you should do.

12. Don’t skip spring lawn and garden preparation –
If for some reason you opt not to do preventative spring maintenance on your lawn and gardens, you will undoubtedly pay for it for the rest of the year! While you may be able to take some shortcuts, be sure not to completely skip this important step.

13. Never skip raking –
It is just as important to rake your lawn in the spring as it is in the fall. Thatch is what accumulates on your lawn during the winter to protect the roots from snow and freezing temperatures. This thatch must be removed in order to
keep your lawn healthy. Pros will tell you that even a half of an inch of thatch
accumulating can cause serious problems with your lawn. So, don’t skip this
important lawn care step!

14. Raking can show signs of more serious problems –
You should rake your lawn deeply every spring, because when you do you are not only removing dangerous build-up, but you are also freeing any tangled grass blades. Additionally, if your lawn has been affected by snow mold or other problems over the winter, raking may eliminate the eventuality of bare patches.

15. Aeration is important when traffic is high –
If you have a high traffic lawn - or even just some spots that get a lot of foot traffic - you should aerate every spring to avoid a condition known as compaction. If you see a significant amount of moss build up in your lawn, then this is a sign that your lawn could be in need of aeration. You can get an aeration tool that is inexpensive at your local lawn and garden store.

16. Keep an eye out for moss –
If you see a significant build up of moss in and around your lawn and garden, this could indicate significant problems including a need for aeration or a need to combat high acid levels in the soil. Both are simple procedures,
which will not require a significant investment of time. However, it is important to address the problems as soon as possible to get your lawn healthy for the coming season.

17. Watch for bare spots –
If you see bare spots developing throughout your lawn as a result of your pets, or high traffic, you can do what is called overseeding. Basically, you will be placing seed in the bare spots to sprout new growth. The best time to do
this is late in the fall, when temperatures are mild and the sun is not as hot as in the spring and summer.

18. Use preemergent herbicides –
The difference between conventional herbicides and preemergent herbicides is that while conventional herbicides kill weeds as they are located, preemergent herbicides treat your lawn to prevent the growth of weeds, crabgrass and other irritants from the time of their application. There is a specific window of time in which the herbicides are effective when applied, check with your local lawn care center to determine the best time for your specific region.

19. Aerate first and then apply chemicals –
If you intend to aerate your lawn or garden, do so prior to applying any chemicals, herbicides or fertilizers. Otherwise, you will be wasting the chemicals. Also, herbicides form a blanketing shield over the soil. Aeration will puncture this blanket, which may lead to problems.

20. Be on the lookout for dandelions –
Dandelions are probably the largest lawn pest known to man. If you want to keep them from spreading once they begin to appear, snap off the head of the flower before it turns to seed. Otherwise, you can expect to have a sea of yellow blanketing your lawn all summer long. You can treat dandelions upon emergence with a spot killer. Preemergent herbicides are generally ineffective
against dandelions.

21. Check out your mower –
Spring is a good time to perform preventative maintenance on your mower, and to make sure that it is working in optimal condition. At the same time, you can take a few minutes to check your other landscaping tools to ensure that they are in good repair for the coming season.

Gino (Napogino) Napolitano is a gargening enthusiast. To get the free report "Introduction To Gardening". go to http://yardandgardentips.com

Article Source: 21 Steps To a Green Lush Lawn

Fall and Winter Lawn Mowing And Maintenance

2013-10-21T12:38:00.000-04:00

Fall and Winter Lawn Mowing And Maintenance Fall and Winter Lawn Mowing And Maintenance by Majestic Modifications

A successful (green) lawn usually starts in the fall and winter months, getting ahead of weeds and getting the right mix of nutrients in the soil. Starting in November, reduce your mower height about a half inch to an inch shorter than you normally do. Be sure to bag any clippings to reduce the amount of weed seeds that get left behind. Getting all the thatch picked up will help it stay healthier during the cold winter months. When spring returns, you will be rewarded with less weeds and a healthier lawn right from the start.

A winter fertilizer will put potassium back into the soil, making it more resistant and healthy during the dormant winter months. It is important to get it fertilized before it stops growing in mid to late November, so make this a fall routine. When spring returns, you want to start with a higher nitrogen mix. Aim to do your spring fertilizing in mid to late march or whenever temps return to the mid 60's. Then follow up with another application every 8 weeks or so (every two months). This will keep the nutrients in the soil, and keep your lawn extra healthy and green. Try to do any weed reducing mixes along with the fall/winter fertilizer or with the first round of fertilizer in the spring.

Over the course of a year, your lawns soil can get packed down pretty good. The more dense the soil is packed, the more difficult it is for water and nutrients to penetrate to the roots. Aerating a lawn is simply using a tool to create small holes in the soil to allow the much needed water and nutrients to get back down to the root systems. Grasses can’t survive long in compacted soil. If you notice your lawns soil becoming compacted, it is time to call someone to aerate. You can tell by taking something like a match or toothpick and pushing it into the soil. If it is difficult to push in, then you have compacted soil and should have it aerated to keep your lawn from thinning out and eventually dying.

Overseeing is an often overlooked maintenance service. It is a good idea to over-seed your lawn at least every couple of years. Your lawn will begin to slow down in its reproduction. Lawns can get thinner over time, and over-seeding will keep new grasses growing which will keep the lawn thicker. A thicker lawn is more tolerant to disease, more weed resistant, and will stay greener longer. If it has been a few years since you have over-seeded your lawn (or if you can’t remember when), then now is a good time to schedule it. The best time to over-seed is in September, so think ahead and remember to get it done this year.

As we mentioned above, the winter fertilizer application should include a weed reducing component. Weeds usually take their toll over the winter months due to leaves blocking sunlight and reduce air flow in the lawn, and from thatch containing weed seeds left to sit and cultivate over the winter months. When the spring time rolls around, this combination can create a free for all for weeds. The process to keep your lawn weed free begins by keeping it thatch free, keeping the leaves cleared, and adding the winterized fertilizing with weed control to your lawn maintenance routines.

When you consider calling a landscaping company to provide lawn maintenance services for your lawn, be sure to call the professionals at Vision Landscaping. We have trained and seasoned professionals to get the job done right so you can enjoy it – not work on it.

Vision-Landscaping provides Atlanta landscaping and lawn maintenance services, including fertilizing, mowing, overseeding, and monthly lawn and landscape maintenance.
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Article Source: Fall and Winter Lawn Mowing And Maintenance

Educational Halloween Games

2013-10-01T10:49:00.000-04:00

Educational Halloween Games Educational Halloween Games by Terri Evans

There are many different educational Halloween games that can be used to entertain kids and educate kids in the lead up to Halloween. Kids love to have fun at Halloween and they love to play games. But that doesn’t mean that the games are just for fun. There are games that are also educational.

These games are ideal for school and can be used for a Halloween classroom party or can be used prior to Halloween as a treat for a class that has been working well. There are also educational Halloween games that are suitable for a few children to play together at home.

Here are a few that you might like to try at home or at school.

Halloween Hangman

This popular spelling game is ideal as a Halloween game. The traditional hangman diagram can be used and is most appropriate for this time of year. It can be played in the usual way but instead of using any word, a Halloween themed word can be used. You might use the words vampire, witches, potion and haunted.

A slightly different version can also be used. Instead of using just a word that has to be spelled out, try using a whole sentence. Create a spooky, Halloween themed sentence like, ‘As we walked along the deserted road a fog surrounded us and we heard an eerie wailing close behind.’ Draw a dash for every letter of the sentence leaving a space between the words. The game is then played in the same way as the traditional game. You probably won’t get much of the hangman drawn but it is a good educational Halloween game that gets kids using their spelling skills as they try to work out the words in the sentence.

Halloween Riddles

If you are looking for educational Halloween games that will involve some reading or writing, you might like a try Halloween Riddle Match up or a progressive Halloween story.

To play Halloween Riddle Match Up, you will need about eight to twelve Halloween riddles. Write the question for each on a card and the answer for each on a separate card so that there are now two cards for each riddle. It is best to use a slightly different sized card for the answers so that children pick up a riddle card and an answer card each time. This game is played like the game of Concentration. All of the cards are turned face down and the players take turns to pick up two cards and see if they have a complete riddle. They keep the cards if they do or return the cards if they don’t. The person who gets the most riddles is the winner.

Progressive Story

There are a few educational Halloween games that will get kids writing creatively. One of these is the Progressive Story. A simple way to do this game is to use a notebook. To begin, a story starter is written on the first page of the book. The first sentence might be, ‘On a dark, moonless night three witches gathered around a caldron.’ Each person adds a sentence to the story but the interesting twist is that as they do they are only allowed to read the preceding sentence. This does create a rather disjointed story but it is usually a humorous one that children enjoy reading over and over. They can also illustrate the story after it is completed.

There are many different educational Halloween games that can be used at school or at home. Kids deserve to have fun a Halloween but if you choose the right kind of Halloween games there will also be lots of learning that goes on too!

For your set of free printable Halloween games click here. www.kids-halloween-activities.com Terri Evans is a parent and teacher who has created a range of printable educational Halloween games and activities at www.kids-halloween-activities.com.

Article Source: Educational Halloween Games

Choosing Fresh Fruit or Who Put the Worm in My Apple? Part 2

2013-09-30T11:31:00.000-04:00

Oranges are supplied year-round from California, Florida, Texas, and Arizona.
The Washington Navel and the Valencia, both with a rich orange skin color, are leading varieties from California and Arizona. Available from November through early May, the Navel orange has a thicker, more pebbled skin than the Valencia. It has the advantages of its skin being more easily removed by hand and that the segments come apart more easily. The Navel is best for eating as a whole fruit or in segments in salads. The Western Valencia, well suited for either juicing or for slicing in salads, is available from late April to October.
Early October until late June are the months to market orange crops from Florida and Texas. Parson Brown and Hamlin are early varieties. The important, high quality for eating Pineapple orange is harvested from late November to March. Late March to June give us Florida and Texas Valencias, while the Florida Temple orange is available from early December until early March. The Florida Temple is somewhat like the California Navel in easiness of peeling and separating into segments, along with excellent flavor.
Look for firm and heavy oranges with reasonably smooth, bright looking skin. Avoid light-weight oranges, which are likely to be dried out in its interior. These oranges tend to have very little juice.

There are many varieties of Peaches but it takes an expert to tell one variety from another. Available from May to November, peaches fall into two general types: freestone (flesh easily separates from the pit) and clingstone (flesh clings tightly to the pit). Freestones are generally consumed fresh or for freezing. Clingstones are used primarily for canning.
Look for peaches that are rather firm or becoming a bit soft. The skin color between the red areas should be yellow or creamy. Avoid fruit that has distinct green ground color or that is very soft.

California, Washington, and Oregon produce great quantities of Pears. The Bartlett pear is the most popular variety for canning and for eating fresh. With use of cold storage, Bartletts are available from early August to November.
There are several other fall and winter varieties grown in Washington, Oregon, and California which are shipped to fresh fruit markets. Through the technology of cold storage, the varieties of Anjou, Bosc, Winter Nellis, and Comice are available from November to May.
Look for firm pears in all of the varieties. Pears will probably ripen at room temperature but it is a good idea to pick pears that have already begun to soften to get good ripening.

Pineapples can be found at the grocery year around but are most plentiful from March to June. The come primarily from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Many pineapples are already fully colored when seen at the grocery but if necessary, a mature green pineapple should normally turn yellow to orange within a few days at room temperature.
Look for pineapples with bright color, a pleasant pineapple aroma, and a very slight separation of the eyes or pips (the fruitlets patterned in a spiral on the fruit core). When mature, pineapples are generally dark green, firm, plump, and heavy for their size. When fully colored, pineapples should be golden yellow, orange -yellow, or reddish brown.

Plums and Prunes have very similar quality characteristics and buying tips. California produces a number of plum varieties from June to September. Only a few varieties of prunes are marketed. Prunes are purplish-black or bluish-black. The flesh is moderately firm and separates easily from the pit. Most commercial prunes are harvested in the Northwestern states and are available from August to October.
Look for plums and prunes with good color and are fairly firm to slightly soft.

Blackberries, Raspberries, Dewberries, Loganberries, and Youngberries may differ from one another in shape or color but they closely share quality factors. Look for a bright, clean appearance and uniform good color. The berries should be plump and tender. Avoid leaky and moldy berries.

The first shipments of Strawberries come from southern Florida, with crops increasing monthly. The best strawberry harvest is in May and June but lasts until the fall.
Look for strawberries with shiny red color, firm flesh, and the cap stem still attached. Small to medium berries have the best taste. Try to avoid berries with large uncolored areas or with large seedy areas.

Tangerines come primarily from Florida but California, Arizona, and Texas provide large crops. Available from late November to early March, tangerines peak in December and January.
Look for deep yellow or orange color with a bright luster. Tangerines will frequently not feel firm to the touch due to the typically loose nature of tangerine peel. Avoid tangerines with very soft spots, a sign of decay.

Terry Kaufman is Chief Editorial Writer for www.niftykitchen.com and www.niftyhomebar.com. See more Hints, Insights, and Unusual Facts about Food and Cooking, at www.niftykitchen.com/site/339522/page/65097. ©2006 Terry Kaufman. No reprints or any commercial usage without written permission.

Article Source: Choosing Fresh Fruit or Who Put the Worm in My Apple?

Choosing Fresh Fruit or Who Put the Worm in My Apple? Part 1

2013-09-27T11:12:00.000-04:00

Choosing Fresh Fruit or Who Put the Worm in My Apple? Choosing Fresh Fruit or Who Put the Worm in My Apple? by Terry Kaufman

Fresh fruit! Everybody likes fruit. Imagine biting into a crisp red apple, tantalizing your taste buds. How about tossing sweet , seedless grapes into your mouth, anticipating that satisfying pop!! with each bite. Then there is the ultimate fruit treat! Ice-cold watermelon, juice dripping down your chin and all over your hands. Is there a better feeling? Absolutely not.

Your taste buds are ready for that first bite of succulence. Yum! Absolutely delicious! But what is this...? Your smile is turning into a frown. That beautiful apple is mushy!! You dig further into your refrigerator for some grapes. What can go wrong here? Pucker, pucker. Sour, you say? And where did these seeds come from? You move onto that all-time favorite. The only thing wrong with watermelon is that once you put it into your refrigerator to chill, suddenly there is no room for anything else, with the possible exception of a tin of sardines. You excavate the refrigerator, digging for that melon with the juice of ambrosia. Cutting yourself a hunk, you take that first big bite, waiting for bliss. Hmm! You had better take a second bite. Oh, no! Guess what? You just bought 14 pounds of water and rind.

It’s now time for revenge! With the following list, you will be ready and able to properly choose FRESH fruit to titillate your tongue. Happy eating!

Let’s take a look at 20 of the most frequently eaten raw fruits. Included in this list are bananas, apples, watermelons, oranges, cantaloupes, grapes, grapefruit, strawberries, peaches, pears, nectarines, honey dew melons, plums, avocado, lemons, pineapples, tangerines, sweet cherries, kiwifruit, and limes. It is fairly easy to judge the quality of most fresh fruits by just looking at their external appearance.
The following alphabetical list can help you with what to look for.

Apple For good snacking, try Red Delicious, McIntosh, Granny Smith, Empire, and Golden Delicious. Tart or slightly acid varieties such as Gravenstein, Grimes Golden, Jonathan, and Newton make good pies and applesauce. However, for baking, use the firmer-fleshed varieties such as Rome Beauty, Northern Spy, Rhode Island Greening, Winesap, and York Imperial.
When selecting apples, chose those that are crisp, firm, and well-colored. Apple flavor depends on the stage of maturity at the time that the fruit is picked. Make sure to select mature apples at the time of picking to insure good flavor, texture, and storing ability.
Avoid overripe apples (Fruit that yields to slight pressure on the skin, and soft, mealy flesh) and apples damaged by freeze (Internal breakdown and bruising). Taste will not be seriously affected by scald (irregularly shaped tan or brown areas).

Apricots Most fresh apricots are available in June and July while a limited number of them can be found in large cities in December and January.
Apricots should do their maturing while still on the tree and be firm to the touch when picked. Choose apricots that are uniformly plump, golden orange, and juicy looking. They should yield to gentle pressure.
Avoid dull-looking or mushy fruit and hard, pale yellow, or greenish yellow apricots. This indicates fruit that is overmature or immature, respectively.

Groves of Avocado trees in California and Florida make the fruit available all year. There are two general types, with a number of varieties within these types. Avocados can vary greatly in shape, size, and color. Most of them are pear-shaped but some are almost spherical. The most commonly available tend to weigh under 1/2 pound. Some of the fruits have a rough or leathery textured skin while others are smooth. Most avocados are some shade of green but certain varieties turn maroon, brown, or purplish-black during the ripening process.
Avocados are ready to eat when they are slightly soft. It usually takes from 3 to 5 days at room temperature for “grocery store hard” avocados to ripen. Refrigeration slows ripening.
For immediate consumption, pick slightly soft avocados which yield to gentle pressure but for use later in the week, select fruits that are still firm to the touch.
Sometimes the outer skin of an avocado has irregular light-brown marking. This generally doesn’t affect the flesh. Avoid avocados with dark sunken spots or cracked or broken surfaces. This is a sign of decay. Avocado Cooking Tip: To avoid the browning of avocado flesh when it is exposed to the air, immediately place the exposed flesh in lemon juice until ready to use.

Bananas are best after they have been harvested. They are available year-round and are imported from Central and South America. Bananas will get injured in temperatures below 55º and should never be kept in the refrigerator. Ideally, bananas should be kept in an area that is between 60º and 70º.
Look for firm bananas with a bright skin and no bruises. When the solid yellow color is specked with brown, the banana has reached its best eating stage. Avoid bananas with green tips, bruised fruit, discolored skin, or a grayish, aged appearance.

Fresh Blueberries are available from May through September. The large berries tend to be cultivated and while the smaller berries are wild. Look for dark blue berries with a silvery coating. Purchase blueberries that are plump, firm, uniform in size, dry, and with no stems or leaves. Try to avoid soft or mushy blueberries.

Most sweet Cherries, excellent as a dessert fruit, come from the Western states and are available from May through August. Sour or pie cherries, also known as red tart cherries, are used primarily in cooked desserts and have a softer flesh, lighter red color, and a tart flavor.
Look for a very dark color to indicate good flavor and maturity in sweet cherries. Bing, Black Tartarian, Schmidt, Chapman and Republican varieties should range in color from deep maroon or mahogany red to black for the richest flavor. Lambert cherries should be dark red. Rainier cherries should be straw-colored. In all varieties, look for bright, glossy, plump-looking surfaces and fresh-looking stems. Avoid cherries with soft, leaking flesh, brown discoloration, and mold growth, all indications of decay.

Fresh Cranberries are available in large volume from September through January. Look for plump, firm berries with lustrous color. Avoid brown or dark, discolored berries; soft, spongy, or leaky berries should be sorted out before cooking or else they may produce an off-flavor.

Grapefruit are available all year, most abundantly from January through May, from Florida, Texas, California, and Arizona. Grapefruit are marketed as “seedless” (having few or no seeds) and “seeded.” The color of the flesh is another distinction of the various varieties: pink- or red-flesh is the most common but white-flesh is also on the market. Grapefruit is picked “tree ripe” and ready to eat.
The best tasting grapefruit are firm and heavy for their size. Thin-skinned fruits tend to be juicier than the coarse-skinned ones. A grapefruit is likely to be thick-skinned if it is pointed at the stem end. Avoid fruit with soft, tender peel that breaks easily with finger pressure.

Most table Grapes sold in your local grocery are of the European type and are grown principally in California and Nevada. European-type grapes have a firm flesh and usually have a high sugar content. Common varieties are Thompson Seedless (an early, green grape), Red Seedless (an early, red grape), Tokay and Cardinal (early, bright red, seeded grapes) and Emperor (late, deep red, seeded grapes).
American-type grapes have softer flesh and more juice than the European varieties. The blue-black Concord has outstanding flavor. Delaware and Catawba are also popular varieties.
Look for well-colored, plump grapes firmly attached to the stem. Bunches will most likely hold together if the stems are predominantly green and pliable. Avoid soft or wrinkled grapes.

The Kiwifruit is a fairly small, elliposid-shaped fruit. The pulp is bright green, slightly acid-tasting, and surrounded by many small, black, edible seeds, which in turn surround a pale heart. The exterior of the kiwifruit is light to medium brown and “furry” in texture. Most domestic kiwifruit is produced in California.
Look for kiwifruit that is plump and unwrinkled. It is fully ripe when it is yielding to the touch but not soft. Ripening can be speeded by leaving it for a few days at room temperature. Avoid fruit that is shriveled or excessively soft.
Special Note: Kiwifruit contains the enzyme actinidin which reacts chemically to break down proteins. Actinidin prevents gelatin from setting, so if you are planning to serve kiwifruit in a gelatin dish, cook the fruit for a few minute's before adding it to the gelatin.

Available year-round, most Lemons come from California and Arizona. Look for fruit with a rich yellow color, and fairly smooth-textured skin with a slight gloss. Lemons that are firm and heavy tend to be very juicy. Rough skin texture is a sign of thick skin and not much flesh.

Most Limes are grown in Florida and Mexico and come to market when they have matured. Imported limes are primarily smaller, with seeds. Like lemons, look for limes that have a glossy skin and heavy weight for their size.

Selecting Melons for quality and flavor can be difficult. Consider several factors when choosing a melon.

Cantaloupe (Muskmelons) are generally available from May to September and come from California, Arizona, and Texas. There are 3 major signs of full maturity in a cantaloupe: A) The stem should be totally gone, leaving a smooth, shallow base called a “full slip.” If any stem base remains, or if the stem scar is torn or jagged, the melon is probably not fully matured. B) The veining (or netting) should be thick, coarse, and corky. C) The skin color (ground color) between the netting should have changed from green to yellowish-buff, yellowish-gray, or pale yellow.
A cantaloupe might be mature, but not ripe. When handling a ripe cantaloupe it will yield slightly to light thumb pressure on the blossom end of the melon. It will also have a yellowish cast to the rind and have an enticing cantaloupe aroma.
Many cantaloupes on display in the grocery are quite firm but most are not quite ready to eat. It is best to keep them at room temperature for 2 to 4 days to let them finish ripening. Avoid cantaloupes that are soft all over or have a pronounced yellow rind color.

A Casaba melon is sweet and juicy. Pumpkin-shaped, it has a very slight tendency to be pointed at the stem end. It is not netted like the cantaloupe but has shallow furrows running from the stem end to the blossom end. The rind is hard and the stem must be cut when harvesting. Casaba melons are grown in California and Arizona and are available from July to November.
Look for fruit with a gold-yellow rind color and slight softening at the blossom end. Casabas are aroma free!

The Crenshaw melon, a large fruit, is rounded at the blossom end and tends to be pointed at the stem end. It has a rather smooth rind with very shallow lengthwise furrowing. The delicious flesh is pale orange and juicy. Crenshaws come from California July to October, with peak crops in August and September.
The crenshaw has three signs of ripening: a deep golden yellow rind; a surface that yields slightly to moderate pressure, especially at the blossom end; and a pleasant aroma.

The Honey Ball melon is very similar to its cousin, the honey dew. The honey ball is much smaller, very round, and slightly and irregularly netted over the surface.

The Honey Dew melon is highly prized as a dessert fruit. Large (4 to 8 pounds), the fruit is bluntly oval in shape and generally very smooth with only occasional signs of surface netting. Depending upon the stage of ripeness, the rind is firm and ranges in color from creamy white to creamy yellow. The stem must be cut for harvesting.
A soft, velvety texture indicates maturity (ready to be picked) while ripeness (ready to be eaten) is indicated by a slight softening at the blossom end, a faint pleasant fruit aroma, and a rind a yellowish-white to creamy color.

Closely resembling cantaloupes, Persian melons are rounder, have finer netting, and are about the size of honey dews. The Persian melon’s flesh is thick, fine-textured, and orange in color. California supplies a fair number of these tasty melons in August and September.

Even though Watermelons can be found in groceries, to some degree, from early May to September, the peak harvest comes in June, July, and August. It is very difficult to judge the quality of a watermelon without cutting it in half or quartering it.
Look for a watermelon with firm, juicy flesh that is a good red color. The flesh should be free of white streaks and should have dark brown or black seeds. Small white immature seeds are normal for “seedless” watermelon. Avoid melons with pale-colored flesh, white streaks, and whitish seeds.
If you are brave enough to purchase an uncut watermelon, there are a few appearance factors that might be helpful (though not totally reliable). The melon surface should be relatively smooth; the rind should have a slight dullness (neither shiny nor dull); the ends of the watermelon should be filled out and rounded; and the “belly” of the watermelon should be a creamy color.

Nectarines, combining characteristics of both the peach and the plum, are available from June to September, from California.
Look for plump, rich-colored fruit with a slight softening along its “seam”. Nectarines that are firm or moderately hard to the touch should ripen in 2 to 3 days at room temperature.

End of Part 1...To Be Continued!

Terry Kaufman is Chief Editorial Writer for www.niftykitchen.com and www.niftyhomebar.com. See more Hints, Insights, and Unusual Facts about Food and Cooking, at www.niftykitchen.com/site/339522/page/65097. ©2006 Terry Kaufman. No reprints or any commercial usage without written permission.

Article Source: Choosing Fresh Fruit or Who Put the Worm in My Apple?

How To Preserve Your Garden In The Winter

2013-09-23T10:45:00.000-04:00

How To Preserve Your Garden In The Winter How To Preserve Your Garden In The Winter by Joey Singer

Old Man Winters' arrival doesn't mean that the Winter garden can be neglected. Keeping the garden on an even footing against the ravages that winter can bring is an ongoing. Neglecting proper garden closing chores and winter maintenance tasks is only a recipe for a headache in the spring. Follow a few of these winter garden tips and a bountiful spring will be waiting in a few months time.

Setting the winter garden table
An interesting to look at and healthy winter garden depends upon taking steps in the late fall or early winter. Clean up the garden. Make sure that any garden trash is picked up before the snow flies. If this "trash" is left behind it presents an opportunity for bacteria to find its way into any cuts in the plant or onto the plants roots. Bacteria growth, and possible disease, on the plant is the biggest danger to a winter garden.

Watch out for color when trimming
If you have had your garden for at least one winter season you know what has color during winter and what does not. Trim this color judiciously looking for maverick branches, but be sure to keep the overall form of the shrub so that winter color can shine in a uniform way. If you are not sure, leave it alone and get a feel for what has winter color for next winter. If a shrub has a winter bud on it, leave it be as this is where the flower will come from next spring.

Trim out the cut or torn limbs
Chances are that a torn or cut (looks like a knife cutting into an apple about an eight of an inch deep) limb will end up dangling, or on the ground, as winter progresses. Take care of it early and your garden will look sturdy and ready for whatever the winter has to offer. Look for a nodule on the limb (looks like a knuckle of sorts) and cut about one quarter of an inch above it on an angle for a proper cut.

Weed to a clean ground
Weeds also present a messy problem through the winter. Not only will they decay and offer disease potential, they will also continue to grow their roots until the ground freezes hard. This will only make them more invasive in the spring. Besides, if you weed to a clean ground you will have a nice clean contrast to the dormant plants in the garden.

A nice clean edge
Unless you are going for a more informal look, give a nice edge job to your garden flower beds before the ground freezes. Not only will this make for a crisp look during the winter months, as the edge freezes, but it will put you one step closer to a solid start in spring.

To wrap or not to wrap
If you look at many winter gardens you may notice that people have wrapped burlap or some other material around their evergreen shrubs. Generally, this is to prevent a snow load or high wind from damaging the plant. Unless you have the potential for a snow load or predictable high winds this is not necessarily needed. The wind issue is an issue, but remember that all plants need air circulation, no matter what type of plant they may be. If you wrap a shrub/plant to tightly air circulation will diminish and present the opportunity for moisture build up and disease. If you wrap your shrubs make sure to do it securely but with air circulation in mind.

It cannot hurt to mound
Mounding around the base of a plant is intended to give the root systems of a shrub/plant a little extra insulation during hard winters. Depending upon which zone you happen to be gardening in the need for mounding rises and falls. In any case, you want to make sure that you compress the dirt of the mound with a firm push of the hands. This gets some of the air out of the mound and generally makes a mound of dirt look a bit nicer. It also shows that you took a little care in your gardening. This sometimes impresses people that visit your winter garden.

Trees are plants too
Take a few moments to assess your trees before the winter winds start to howl. Look for any branches that may have grown old, look to be growing across the desired vertical path of a properly trimmed tree or have died during the season. What you are looking for is any limb or branch that may rub constantly on another opening a wound in the bark. Generally, you would not want to cut a branch as winter approaches, or during the winter months, but sometimes you need to.

Want to find out about gardening problems and organic vegetable gardening? Get tips from the Starting A Garden website.

Article Source: How To Preserve Your Garden In The Winter

The perfect landscaping tree

2013-09-13T13:02:00.000-04:00

The perfect landscaping tree There is no better way to spruce up a new home, or an old one for that matter, than to use a landscaping tree or two. These trees can add so much to your home, in fact they can even add to the value of your home for when it comes time to sell. There are many different kinds of tree for you to use when you are in need of a landscaping tree and the choice is all yours. The best place for you to find out what kind of landscaping tree you should be using is the internet. Online you will be able to find out everything that you need to know about every kind of landscaping tree that there is on the market. Everyone will have a different taste in landscaping tree and that is why it is so important for you to find out what yours actually is. If you do not take a look at all the landscaping trees that are out there, who will you know which one is the right landscaping tree for you?

The kind of landscaping tree that you will choose will have something to do with where it is that you live. Some trees do not do well in certain places and certain climates. You will have to make sure that the landscaping tree that you choose can grow and flourish where you live. There is no point in spending money on a few landscaping trees only to find out that it is going to die in just a couple of months. So ask the seller and do some of your own research to find out just what you should be getting for your yard. Trees matter to the look of your home. It is with trees that you will be able to give your home a pretty garden feel and lets fact it, trees are much easier to deal with than flowers and other plants. There is practically no maintenance for most trees. It will not be hard for you to find a great landscaping tree that will require very little work.

The Mimosa tree makes for a wonderful landscaping tree because it is so gorgeous and lovely. The foliage on this gorgeous tree is like fern in its delicacy. It will make any home instantly more beautiful with its addition and they are deciduous. This is a perfect landscaping tree for any home including yours

The landscaping tip of all time

2013-09-05T12:11:00.000-04:00

The landscaping tip of all time There is many a landscaping tip out there to satisfy even the most desperate of landscapers or would be landscapers and you can find hundreds of them online. But in all of my years as a landscape artist I have come to the conclusion that while there are many different landscaping tips only a few are universal and there is a good chance that only one landscaping tip will do you any good. The landscaping tip that you need the most will be different than the one I needed because each project is different, so take your time and learn about as many landscaping tips as you can before you start your project.

The landscaping tip that everyone can learn from is to always make your yard one that will look great at any time of the year. This can be tricky because in the middle of winter many things do not look so hot. This is why it is so important to learn about the kinds of plants and trees that will still bring beauty to your home in the depth or winter and in the summer heat.

To find the plants that will make this landscaping tip work will require you to do a little more work. You will have to find out what plants will thrive in your climate all year round. Of course some will do better during certain months but you need to always have something going on that is attractive in your yard. The best place for you to find out the best plants for this landscaping tip is your local garden center. They are the experts and they should be able to answer all of your questions about what your choices in plants and trees should be. If this does not work for you then take a trip to the library and check out some books on local flowers and trees. These can be gold when you are trying to choose just the right things for your yard.

Another good landscaping tip is to layer all of your planting beds. This will bring a sense of unity and balance to your entire yard. To get this particular landscaping tip working at its best you should also use repetition in this design. Have these layers repeated throughout the yard and it will look that much better to those walking by.

Getting Ready For Fall Clean Up

2013-09-02T11:06:00.000-04:00

Getting Ready For Fall Clean Up Getting Ready For Fall Clean Up
By Shane Zimber
Yes, it's that time of year again! It happens every year, doesn't it? You get the flowers growing and the gardens are producing like crazy and then you look up and realize the days are getting shorter, the nights are getting cooler and your plants start to die off and turn brown. It's time to start thinking about what you are going to do with all of the natural waste; i.e. leaves and dead plants you are going to have between now and the end of October.

One of the things that I still see and wish I didn't was the burning of leaves and brush. These are perfect to put in a compost pile and use to produce new dirt for the following year. Burning these items simply puts more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and takes away a great way for the earth to recondition itself through the compost method.
Another thing that people do this time of year is to cut their yard with the intent of cutting up the leaves and small brush and leaving it in the yard. Though this is preferable to burning, it is not the optimum way to use these natural materials to effectively produce compost for your garden next year.

One thing you can do is create a holding bin for the leaves, small brush, dirt and plants to draw from to mix in with your other natural plants scraps throughout the winter months as it takes elements from both these types of materials to make optimum compost.
Another thing you may run into this year is a lack of storage space for all the new stuff added to your family. Summer months produce some great additions such as bikes, skateboards and an assortment of balls and bats. You may be one of those people that take a look into your garage and say, "That's enough!"

If that is you, don't fret. There are some great end of the summer deals on sheds that can make your life a lot easier. You will be able to find a shed for your budget whether it be a metal unit or a vinyl storage unit. Either one of these come in kits and can easily be put together in a day.

The main thing is to take a look now and get it done before the weather gets to cold and while you can enjoy the wonderful weather of fall. There is no better time of the year to do an outdoor project!
Great storage options can be found at BEVO Works. You can also find compost tumblers and other composting information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shane_Zimber
http://EzineArticles.com/?Getting-Ready-For-Fall-Clean-Up&id=2813834

Why use landscaping stones?

2013-08-29T11:52:00.000-04:00

Why use landscaping stones? There are many reasons why you should incorporate landscaping stones into your landscaping design. The main one however is for beauty, pure esthetic beauty. For a landscaping design to look perfect it needs to have layer and this can be a hard thing to achieve without the use of landscaping stones. Landscaping stones are not the only way to give your yard depth but they are the easiest way. You could try to change the slope of your yard. You could dig lower spots and build up higher ones but this could take forever and you would have to know a lot about landscaping to try to tackle a job like that. Just think of the trouble you could get into with the drainage issues if you were to make a mistake! No, it is far easier to simply use landscaping stones to bring some depth to your yard.

You can use landscaping stones to accent certain portions of your yard, you can even plant some plants in these landscaping stones. They look great round the patio and the fence and you can even get colored landscaping stones to bring more color into your yard. This kind of color is especially nice to have in winter when everything is so bare and cold looking. The fact of the matter is that you can transform the whole look of your yard with the simple use of landscaping stones. They are like jewelry only for the yard.

There are many different kinds of landscaping stones and they come in all shapes and sized. The landscaping stones that are right for you will depend on the effect that you are trying to create with your yard. And different parts of the yard might require different sized landscaping stones. You can get a wide variety of colors for your landscaping stones and in some cases you may want to mix a couple of colors together to create a whole new and interesting look. If you are planning to overhaul your yard this year then you need to start looking into using landscaping stones in your design. These will bring the whole yard together and if they are used right will add balance and harmony to your entire garden.

You can get landscaping stones at your local gardening center and even some home building stores will carry them. Shop around and find the landscaping stones that suit your home and your needs best before you make a purchase.