Anybody who has ever tried their hand at gardening will put themselves into one of two categories; those with green thumbs, and those who are all thumbs. People with green thumbs are natural born growers, they can make anything they plant grow and thrive. People who don't have green thumbs are usually the ones who have an interest in gardening, but every time they try to grow something, or even keep it alive, it shrivels up and dies.
Gardening has been around since the beginning of time, and has become more popular for what it once was, and for the many new reasons of today. The homesteader of years ago planted, plowed, and picked for basic survival. He couldn't find a whole foods store to go and buy all his organic foods from, he had to harvest his, and sometimes even an entire village worth of people's, food to survive. Now the agriculturists of today have many more reasons for harvesting the land that include the altruistic and aesthetic varieties.
Gardening is one of those things that can come off as being very unappealing at first glance, especially when you start off with an unkempt piece of land and have no idea where to start. To get yourself to the state of mind that opens it and your eyes, you need to realize that no matter what condition the land is in, it s a living breathing entity; a living entity that has the power to sustain us, with or without our help. But we cannot say the same about it, and we cannot live without it.
Getting down to level of the soil is a good way to stretch our bodies. As we let our hands and fingers dig deep into the ground, we are allowing ourselves to experience life on a whole other level, not just from where our bodies meet the ground with our feet. But the life that exists and goes on without detection or voice, so that we can continue to go on. This life that already exists even with no visible flowers or fruit, is waiting to have contact with us, and will respond to us. With respect to what we plant, if we are mindful to plant crops that will be able to easily thrive in the area and soil type that we plant them in; we will experience the wonder of having taken part in the creation of new life.
For any time or effort that we put into the soil, and the things it grows, we get a hundred fold in return. We can choose to be considerate and plant one thing at a time, in the correct climate and condition for what we are planting. We can choose to plant flowers that will scent the air around us with fragrances more exquisite than any that man can make. And we can carefully tend to fruit trees that will yield fruit sweeter than candy.
There really is no way to become this close to nature and its wonders and not start to feel the bounty of health and peace that the garden plants within us each time we go out to tend to it.
The author writes about gardening, in particular organic gardening.http://www.organic-gardening.net/
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
10 Things to Grow in Your Garden This Season
Are you hoping to establish a flourishing garden this year? If so, you are not alone. More people than ever are starting gardens. Some are hoping for organic produce. Others are looking for ways to cut down on the grocery budget. The following are ten of the most beneficial items to grow in your garden and why you may want to do so.
1. Tomatoes: Perhaps the best option for long term use is the tomato. Choose a variety like Italian Romas or Beefstake which are hearty. Use them in salads, make tomato sauce with them which you can store long term in jars. You can also make stewed tomatoes and salsa and have it available to you year round. Tomatoes are fairly easy to grow, too.
2. Herbs: Growing a few herbs in your garden (or in a small container near a kitchen window) is a fantastic way to freshen up meals. Choose herbs like rosemary, cilantro, parsley, and basil. They can be dried for long term use.
3. Cucumbers: These are some of the easiest vegetables to grow. They do take up a bit of room, but kids love this fresh taste.
4. Peppers: Bell peppers are relatively easy to grow in warmer climates. If you wish to grow hot peppers, you definitely need high temperatures. Still, they can be added to sauces and salsas both fresh and canned. You can dry hot peppers, too, to use throughout the winter months as a way to warm up.
5. Strawberries: Those who love these fresh berries will enjoy growing them. You can also grow them in pots in a sunny location. They continuously produce crops of berries. You may even wish to consider raspberries and blueberries if your climate allows for them.
6. Squash: Summer squash and butternut squash are two favorites. They provide for a hearty meal and they last a long time after harvesting them when stored in a cool, dry location. Add them to soups, stews or serve as their own dish.
7. Beans: Beans are very easy to grow. After sowing them, it only takes a few weeks before you'll have a strong growth and will be nearly picking them. They will continue to produce so long as you are gentle with the removal of the beans. Choose from many varieties.
8. Corn: For those with a large area for growing vegetables, consider corn. Most people love its taste and it can be a good producer. The only drawback is the long growth time and the amount of space it can take up.
9. Watermelon: Summer is never complete without watermelon. You can grow it in your garden without a lot of work. It does spread widely so be sure that you have enough room to allow for its long reaching arms!
10. Salad Greens: Greens of all types can do very well in a garden. You can grow salad greens, collard greens or any others that you prefer. You can also consider broccoli and cauliflower, green cabbage and red cabbage.
These top ten items are just the start. There are so many wonderful vegetables and fruits to enjoy fresh from the garden.
Whitney Segura is an expert at Rion Hobby Greenhouses and Portable Mini Greenhouses.
1. Tomatoes: Perhaps the best option for long term use is the tomato. Choose a variety like Italian Romas or Beefstake which are hearty. Use them in salads, make tomato sauce with them which you can store long term in jars. You can also make stewed tomatoes and salsa and have it available to you year round. Tomatoes are fairly easy to grow, too.
2. Herbs: Growing a few herbs in your garden (or in a small container near a kitchen window) is a fantastic way to freshen up meals. Choose herbs like rosemary, cilantro, parsley, and basil. They can be dried for long term use.
3. Cucumbers: These are some of the easiest vegetables to grow. They do take up a bit of room, but kids love this fresh taste.
4. Peppers: Bell peppers are relatively easy to grow in warmer climates. If you wish to grow hot peppers, you definitely need high temperatures. Still, they can be added to sauces and salsas both fresh and canned. You can dry hot peppers, too, to use throughout the winter months as a way to warm up.
5. Strawberries: Those who love these fresh berries will enjoy growing them. You can also grow them in pots in a sunny location. They continuously produce crops of berries. You may even wish to consider raspberries and blueberries if your climate allows for them.
6. Squash: Summer squash and butternut squash are two favorites. They provide for a hearty meal and they last a long time after harvesting them when stored in a cool, dry location. Add them to soups, stews or serve as their own dish.
7. Beans: Beans are very easy to grow. After sowing them, it only takes a few weeks before you'll have a strong growth and will be nearly picking them. They will continue to produce so long as you are gentle with the removal of the beans. Choose from many varieties.
8. Corn: For those with a large area for growing vegetables, consider corn. Most people love its taste and it can be a good producer. The only drawback is the long growth time and the amount of space it can take up.
9. Watermelon: Summer is never complete without watermelon. You can grow it in your garden without a lot of work. It does spread widely so be sure that you have enough room to allow for its long reaching arms!
10. Salad Greens: Greens of all types can do very well in a garden. You can grow salad greens, collard greens or any others that you prefer. You can also consider broccoli and cauliflower, green cabbage and red cabbage.
These top ten items are just the start. There are so many wonderful vegetables and fruits to enjoy fresh from the garden.
Whitney Segura is an expert at Rion Hobby Greenhouses and Portable Mini Greenhouses.
Tomato Growing - 3 Things You Need to Know
There are three major issues that you should know to get the most out of your tomato plants. Growing tomatoes is easy, but a little planning ahead of time ensures that your tomatoes will be disease-free, plump, juicy and prolific. Here are three tomato growing tips to begin your gardening journey:
1. Choose the best location - Tomatoes love sun, so the location you choose should be sunny, whether it's a spot in your outdoor garden or a container on the patio. You must have a minimum of 6 hours sunlight for your tomatoes to produce their fruit.
2. Nutrients and water consumption - Your tomato plants must have the proper nutrients and the right amount of water to produce the fresh-tasting and fruit-bearing results you want. Before you plant the tomatoes, work the soil with a compost or fertilizer to create a rich venue for your seedlings. Periodically give your plants a lift with a fertilizer - used coffee grounds placed around the base of the plants will also help.
Your tomato plants are thirsty little creatures when they're growing, so it's important that you water them frequently. Don't let the soil dry out and then deluge the tomato plants with water. Consider a drip water system to ensure that the plants receive water on a timely basis. A great tip for do-it-yourself gardeners is to wash out gallon milk jugs, pierce the sides and bottom with holes, and then bury them in the soil between your tomato plants with only the top sticking out of the ground. Fill the jugs with water and they'll release it as the soil dries out, ensuring that the plants are watered deeply.
3. Stake or cage your tomato plants - Tomatoes are vines and must be kept from growing across the ground, leaving them susceptible to disease or fungus, so be sure to stake your plants early on. Some people prefer cages that you can purchase at any garden store. Staking your tomato plants while they're young will also prevent disturbing their root formation later on.
These are the three main tips to get started growing tomato plants. But, you must also be diligent in pruning dead leaves and branches and harvest the tomatoes when they're ripe and ready to eat.
If you have a problem, there's plenty of information online or in helpful books that will address some of the roadblocks you may come across when growing tomatoes. Be patient and soon you'll have the fresh, sun-ripened taste of tomatoes on your table.
Growing tomatoes isn't just fun - it's downright rewarding and delicious. When you know what your tomatoes need to grow and you are picking bucket-loads of them you will be the envy of your neighborhood.
Start the backyard revolution today and discover how to grow the most mouth-watering tomatoes you have ever eaten.
Chinedu
1. Choose the best location - Tomatoes love sun, so the location you choose should be sunny, whether it's a spot in your outdoor garden or a container on the patio. You must have a minimum of 6 hours sunlight for your tomatoes to produce their fruit.
2. Nutrients and water consumption - Your tomato plants must have the proper nutrients and the right amount of water to produce the fresh-tasting and fruit-bearing results you want. Before you plant the tomatoes, work the soil with a compost or fertilizer to create a rich venue for your seedlings. Periodically give your plants a lift with a fertilizer - used coffee grounds placed around the base of the plants will also help.
Your tomato plants are thirsty little creatures when they're growing, so it's important that you water them frequently. Don't let the soil dry out and then deluge the tomato plants with water. Consider a drip water system to ensure that the plants receive water on a timely basis. A great tip for do-it-yourself gardeners is to wash out gallon milk jugs, pierce the sides and bottom with holes, and then bury them in the soil between your tomato plants with only the top sticking out of the ground. Fill the jugs with water and they'll release it as the soil dries out, ensuring that the plants are watered deeply.
3. Stake or cage your tomato plants - Tomatoes are vines and must be kept from growing across the ground, leaving them susceptible to disease or fungus, so be sure to stake your plants early on. Some people prefer cages that you can purchase at any garden store. Staking your tomato plants while they're young will also prevent disturbing their root formation later on.
These are the three main tips to get started growing tomato plants. But, you must also be diligent in pruning dead leaves and branches and harvest the tomatoes when they're ripe and ready to eat.
If you have a problem, there's plenty of information online or in helpful books that will address some of the roadblocks you may come across when growing tomatoes. Be patient and soon you'll have the fresh, sun-ripened taste of tomatoes on your table.
Growing tomatoes isn't just fun - it's downright rewarding and delicious. When you know what your tomatoes need to grow and you are picking bucket-loads of them you will be the envy of your neighborhood.
Start the backyard revolution today and discover how to grow the most mouth-watering tomatoes you have ever eaten.
Chinedu
Organic Gardening - Growing Zucchini in Containers
Growing zucchini in containers is a great way to add to the decor of your landscape. They can be grown on a patio, deck or even planted in pots around the yard. They are an attractive bushy plat with dark green leaves and bright yellow flowers. It is a great crop that you can easily include in your edible landscape. Enjoy there beauty while producing a thriving crop at the same time.
It is a fast growing crop of the squash family that produces a long cylindrical shaped fruit that has a smooth dark green skin and creamy whitish-green milky flavored flesh. They are a warm weather crop that needs a soil temperature of above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Containers are an ideal way to grow this crop. The plants can be started indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost and the pots or containers can be moved outdoors once all dangers of frost have past in your area. This gives them a head start to producing a healthy and thriving crop.
Planting your zucchini in pots or containers also gives them the advantage of having less of a problem with pests or disease. The pots allow the plant to be higher off the ground, this increases the air circulation around the plant making it a place that most pest wont want to make there home and keep the plant drier to prevent common problems like powdery mildew.
Container growing your zucchini is a cost effective way to grow a high yielding crop.
A environment friendly and healthy way of gardening. Organic Gardening is away of gardening in harmony with nature. Growing a healthy and productive crop in a way that is healthier for both you and the environment.
John Yazo
http://www.organicheirloomgardening.com
It is a fast growing crop of the squash family that produces a long cylindrical shaped fruit that has a smooth dark green skin and creamy whitish-green milky flavored flesh. They are a warm weather crop that needs a soil temperature of above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Containers are an ideal way to grow this crop. The plants can be started indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost and the pots or containers can be moved outdoors once all dangers of frost have past in your area. This gives them a head start to producing a healthy and thriving crop.
Planting your zucchini in pots or containers also gives them the advantage of having less of a problem with pests or disease. The pots allow the plant to be higher off the ground, this increases the air circulation around the plant making it a place that most pest wont want to make there home and keep the plant drier to prevent common problems like powdery mildew.
Container growing your zucchini is a cost effective way to grow a high yielding crop.
A environment friendly and healthy way of gardening. Organic Gardening is away of gardening in harmony with nature. Growing a healthy and productive crop in a way that is healthier for both you and the environment.
John Yazo
http://www.organicheirloomgardening.com
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