Wow! That is all I can say about my recent experience using a warming mat for my newy planted seeds. I had seeds start to sprout in about 8 hrs!! I couldn't believe it. I knew the warming mat was supposed to speed up the germination, but I had no idea it would be such a difference. I am very eager to see how these new seedlings will fare after getting such a fast start.
Author Archive
Saturday, March 21st, 2009
Recycled Seed Trays
When deciding to grow some of your plants from seed, you do not need to rush out and buy commercial quality seedling trays and biodomes. There are many items currently in use in your home which can be recycled into seed trays when they have served their initial purpose. Not only does this save you money, but it is good for the environment too!
Below are a few examples of everyday items that I have easily converted for use in starting plants indoors from seed. Continue reading Recycled Seed Trays
Monday, February 23rd, 2009
Gardening Gloves
Many jobs or hobbies often require special or protective equipment. While it is not a sophisticated piece of equipment, gardening gloves can be very useful to us gardeners. There are different types of gloves to be used for different purposes in the garden (ones to keep your hands dry, ones to improve your grip, ones to protect your hands from chemicals, etc.). Many people prefer not to wear them citing that true gardeners don’t mind getting their hands dirty. But, for many people, it’s not a matter of getting dirty, but protecting their skin from possible irritants due to allergies or other skin conditions. Whether or not you wear gloves really has no effect on your success as a gardener or your passion. However, it just may make clean up a little easier!
Tags: gloves, protective equipment
Monday, February 16th, 2009
Gardening as a Family
“Emma, get your shovel and your gloves – we’re going out in the garden!”
This is a statement that gets our daughter very excited – excited enought to turn off the television or put down her dolls! Does that sound odd to you? Well, it shouldn’t. Over the past few years we have involved our daughter in our gardening activites and she absolutely loves it! We tell other family and friends and they too can’ t believe that a 5 year old can or would want to go outside and work in the garden instead of play. So, the purpose behind this article is to help people realize that a love of gardening can start at a very young age and that there are many benefits to gardening as a family.
trips to the garden centre or nursery
spending more time together
spending time out in the fresh air
exercise
pride and satisfaction in our results
teaching and encouraging a love of nature
an opportunity to experiment and express your creativity
Our gardening endeavours involve both ornamental gardening/landscaping as well as organic fruit and vegetable gardening. It really doesn’t matter what you plant (or where)
Tags: children, family, gardening, outdoor activity
Thursday, September 25th, 2008
The Easter Lily
Did you know?
- Lilium longiflorum is the Latin name for the traditional Easter Lily (native to the southern islands of Japan).
- Easter Lilies naturally bloom in June or July but are “forced” to bloom in controlled greenhouse conditions in order for us to have them for Easter.
- When choosing a Lily plant, look for one with lots of dark, rich green leaves that go all the way down Continue reading The Easter Lily
Thursday, September 25th, 2008
Gardening in Winter ?
It’s the middle of January and the ground is covered with snow. Why is someone submitting an article on gardening? Well, as most avid gardeners know, gardening is pretty much a year round hobby. During the spring and summer we plant, fertilize, and enjoy the fruits of our labor. During the fall we transplant, prepare for winter, and watch our plants die back yet another year. But what about winter -what do we do then? Well, although we may not be physically working in our gardens during the winter months, many things can be happening to improve our gardens come spring. Continue reading Gardening in Winter ?
Thursday, September 25th, 2008
A Waterfall without a Pond?
Water features have become very popular in gardens today; the most popular being a waterfall and small pond. You can hire professionals to design and install your waterfall and pond, or visit your local home improvement center and buy a DIY kit. While it appears they have become somewhat more affordable, the project can still be somewhat expensive, depending on the size, type, setting, etc.. One of the biggest expenses is the pond itself. It requires specialized equipment to excavate the hole, a special liner, careful backfilling and of course mainentance of the water, filtration, and pump systems. For this reason, many people opt not to install a water feature at all. But, if you are willing to set aside the notion that you can’t have one without the other, then you can still have a beautiful water feature in your garden without the Continue reading A Waterfall without a Pond?
Thursday, September 25th, 2008
Gardening Lessons Revealed: Planting Methods, Tools, Crop Rotation & Clothing
1. Planting Methods: There are several methods for planting.Picking any of these methods depends on the vegetable, the size of your garden, and your fondness. Three methods of planting, namely, single rows, wide rows, and hills are clarified as follows:
A) Single Rows: In this method, seeds are sown in rows or lines that are spaced equal distances apart. The distances between the rows and between the seeds within the rows differ from vegetable to vegetable. If you want the rows to be straight, which gives a pleasant appearance to your garden, stretch a string between two stakes and sow the seeds along it. If you think this is too much work, use a stick to mark a line on the ground and try to make the line as straight as possible. With some training, you will get it straight.
Continue reading Gardening Lessons Revealed: Planting Methods, Tools, Crop Rotation & Clothing
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008
