Posts Tagged ‘gardens’

This episode of ‘Vaasthu’ showcases Aluva’s famous palatial bungalow ‘Rose Garden’s’.

Linton’s Christmas Open House November 2nd & 4th, 6th & 8th

For More Info or to Buy Now: www.hsn.com Starting a home garden is a cinch with the Fertile Earth Set of 2 Simple Gardens. The compact, modular planters are easy to manage and can be arranged in any location or configuration to make… Prices shown on the previously recorded video may not represent the current price. View hsn.com to view the current selling price. HSN Item #309575

Pakistan is a rich and varied country in its own right. It is ancient and modern also. Besides the several historic and cultural sights that Pakistan has to offer, there is geographical and environmental diversity that makes Pakistan truly a destination for all seasons. Indeed Pakistan today presents a rich mosaic of nearly 60 centuries of continuous, eve changing history and culture in settings which range from the beaches of Karachi to the deserts of Thar and Cholistan, and from the green plains of the Punjab to the majestic and challenging mountains of the Hindukush, Himalayas and the Karakoram ranges. And then there are the cities, Peshawar, Lahore, Multan and Thatta, the folkloric histories of which have the ability to charm both the casual tourist as well as the visitor with special interest. The rich diversity that Pakistan offers the visitor is evident as you travel within Pakistan.Visitors to Pakistan have often noted that in some places of the country you get the feeling that time has come to standstill since ages. In the gently undulating foothills of the mighty Karakorams and in the middle reaches of the towering Hindu Kush Mountains, there is a timeless beauty that is hard to surpass elsewhere. In these two mountain ranges you can experience a Pakistan version of the mythical Shangrila.It is in these mountains that you have Gilgit, linked with China, in ancient times and in new, by the fabled Silk Route, the world’s highest oldest and toughest mountain road. This road was used for centuries by caravans from China which carried fabulous silk and other oriental merchandise to Arabia and Europe, Gilgit is also the place where the game of polo was born. Centuries ago it was played there at night with balls of fire. Today it is still played there at more or less the same site it has been played at far all these years. In these ranges too is Nanga Parbat, which at 26000 feet is one of the highest peaks in the world. Here too is the Khyber Pass, the route that most foreign invades used to enter the subcontinent from the North. Through this pass came at one time or another the might Mongols, the Turks, the Huns the Moghuls, and other.The sense of history does not end there. In the foothills town of Chitral you will find that the inhabitants are the descendants of the Macedonians that rode with Alexander the Great when that great conqueror led his armies through the plains of Pakistan centuries ago. Here you will see the Kafir Kalas, called many a pagan tribe because they practice ancient Greak prayer rituals. But after a single look at the Kafirs you will say that this is the legendary land of health and beauty their unlined faces are just as serene at seventeen as at seventy. And all of this can be observed against the majestic backdrop of the 25290 feet high Trichmir Peak.The reason that these regions in the north of Pakistan are said to be beyond the reach of time is that they are snowbound for most of the years, so modern life has not affected the way of life. In fact most of the inhabitants have not seen the outside world at all. Even the dialects they speak are all but extinct. To be there is indeed to take a trip beyond time, into land of great natural beauty and splendor. Over the centuries the land that is now called Pakistan has been the cradle of many civilizations. The ruins at Harappa and Mohenjodaro are evidence of the high level of civilization of the people who lived there almost 5000 years also in the down, as it were of human history. Several centuries later, the Greeks led by the indomitable Alexander, left their footprints – indelibly as it turns out in the sands of north of Pakistan.Soon after Alexander came the rise to prosperity of the great Gandhara civilization, an ear devoted mainly to Buddhist art and architecture. And with the passing of those years came Muslim rule of the subcontinent and the majestic grandeur of the Mughals.They build the Badhahi Mosque, laid out the exotic Shalimar Garden and erected magnificent mausoleums for their families and the loved ones.Traveling through Pakistan today, one can easily pick up the threads of history . One can experience it in the museums, the ruins, the shrines and bazaars. And can relive it in the stories and legends that still surround these places of beauty. In Karachi for instance, one could visit the Mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam the founder of the Nation of PAKISTAN.The mausoleum is built entirely of white marble, it has an impressive dome that holds a huge crystal chandelier of Chinese origin. Then there is the quaint Bohri Bazar whole narrow streets and yelling hawkers make an unforgettable sight. And you should not leave Karachi with out visiting National Museum, whole Gandhara Art collection is said to be the finest in the world. Then you could visit Moenjodaro the ‘ Mound of Dead ‘ which was discovered in 1922 and opens up a fascinating window of life of the people who lived there around 2000 B.C.Old Persia comes to life in Lahore, at the Shalimar Garden designed by the Persian land-escapist Ali Mardan, There are marble pavilions, a marble waterfall and more then 400 fountains, all in area of 42 acres. Emperor Shah Jahan ordered the construction of this Garden of Heaven in 1642 . Also in Lahore is the Anarkali Bazar, named after a pretty dances who was put to death by Emperor Akbar for having an affair with his son Prince Salim, who later became the Emperor Jehangir. Jehangir’s tomb is also in the city as is Wazir Khan’s Mosque which was constructed under the stewardship of the Governor of Lahore in 1643. But the most rewarding sight of all in Lahore is probably Lahore Fort a marvel of Mughal architecture begun in the 11th Century and completed finally by the end of the 16yth Century. Among the emperors who contributed to its splendour were the emperors, Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan. Here too is the beautiful Palaces of Mirrors, Shah Jehan’s quadrangle, and the pearl Mosque.Overlooking the fort is the Badshahi Mosque the world’s largest which was constructed during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb. Pakistan famous poet-philosopher Dr. Mohammad Iqbal lays buried outside the mosque. Some 18 mile from Rawalpindi is the ancient seat of Oriental culture, Taxila. It was first mentioned in the literature as a satrapy of the Achemenian empire in the 6th century B.C. It was later invaded by Alexander the Great and passed through the control of subsequent rules until it came under the rule of Ashoka the Great, who molded the city into a center of learning philosophy and art. The city prospered during the creative Gandhara period that followed shortly after, but came to a catastrophic and pathetic end when it was attacked by the White Huns.Today Taxila is a archaeologist’s paradise with a museum and historic sites scattered within a radius of a few miles. In Pakistan today one can indeed relive the past, transport oneself into bygone era of great kinds who were both warriors and philosophers, men in whole lifetimes rich and majestic histories unfolded. Sand not only is the visitor hound to the spellbound by the stories of the past, he will also be overwhelmed by the splendid natural beauty of the countryside which can be tranquil at times and awe-inspiring at others.

Needless to say, the easiest to grow and maintain aquatic plant is the water hyacinth. There are seven varieties of water hyacinth, all belonging to the genus Eichhornia of the family Pontederiaceae. The leaves are glossy, green, large and ovate shaped with a spongy petiole at their base. And below the water surface, a highly branched, purple colored fibrous root system is present. Based on the species, spectacular lavender or light blue flowers in groups of 8-15 are borne in a single spike inflorescence.Being considered as an invasive aquatic plant, not many hobbyists prefer growing water hyacinth in their ponds and rock gardens. But, what we do not know is that they are the best aquatic plant species for phytoremediation or natural treatment of polluted water. So, you can imagine how easy it is to take care of a water hyacinth. It improves the water quality by removing organic nutrients and limiting algal growth. In home ponds, water hyacinth care involves controlling excess production of stolons and seeds.A fish tank at home can be a wonderful sight, which can get unsightly with the growth of algae. Algae growth in fish tank is a normal phenomenon, as algae is like any other plant, which needs sunlight, water and nutrition for growth. Small amounts of algae in an aquarium is considered to be beneficial, as it becomes a feed for the fish. But, in large amounts, it can be detrimental to the life of the fish and aquatic plants in the tank. Excess algae growth in a fish tank is like overgrowth of weeds in a garden. Both algae and weeds ruin the appearance of the otherwise beautiful fish tank and garden respectively. Apart from that, weeds can lead to the stalled growth of the garden plants, whereas algae in fish tank is not good for the health of the fish. It is natural to see algae present in fish tank. The algal growth mostly contains bright green, yellow-brown or red algae. Most of the species, including the green algae, are harmless to the life of fish, particularly when present in small amounts. A little growth of green algae in the fish tank may even be pleasing to the eyes. However, its overgrowth may make the fish tank water appear green and cloudy. This is definitely not pleasant to look at. In fact, the green cloudy fish tank water indicates its ignorance or poor maintenance. Therefore, it is very important that you take some measures to get green algae off your fish tank and provide fish a cleaner place to live in.You can remove green algae more effectively if you know what causes its growth in an ecosystem like fish tank. Keep reading to collect useful information on the causative factors and removal methods of green algae. Implement the knowledge in maintaining the population of green algae in fish tank at home. Read on algae growth and green algae facts.There are several factors which may lead to the growth of green algae in a fish tank. The foremost is that your fish tank is overstuffed with nutrients. This may happen when you either provide too much nutrients to the fish or you do not change the fish tank water as often as required. It might be the case that you may be doing both, and thus promoting the overstocking of nutrients in the fish tank water. The presence of nutrients, which the fish refuses to consume, is available to the already present green algae. As a result, green algae is flourishing and making the water look green and cloudy. The second prominent factor which can lead to the overgrowth of green algae is the direct exposure of the fish tank to sun light. Even other sources of light, when received for too long hours, can promote the overgrowth of green algae. Last but not the least, absence of algae eating fish and aquatic plants can result in overgrowth of dark or bright green algae in fish tank. The algae eating fish feed on green algae and keep their growth under check. Some of the examples of such fish are Otocinctus cats, Siamese algae eater and Plecostomus or Plecos. The aquatic plants use up the nutrients present in the water. In this way, the algae almost starve and never over grow. These are some of the reasons behind the excessive growth of green algae in fish tanks. You need to take some steps to free your fish tank from green algae. A point worth mentioning here is that it is impossible to completely remove green algae from a water body containing fish. oreover, it is not required as a small amount of green algae is needed to oxygenate the water. Green algae does it by photosynthesis. This helps making oxygen available to the fish present in your fish tank. The presence of blue green algae in fish tanks indicates lack of oxygen. You can control the growth of green algae in fish tank by following the given measures.Change the water of the fish tank regularly. You need not change the entire water but only 15-20%. Replace the removed water by clean water. Doing it once a week is recommendable. Removing water also removes nitrates and phosphates, which contribute to the growth of green algae, from the fish tank. Scrub the sides of the fish tank with a scraper or sponge, the edge of a razor blade, or a squeegee. Scrub before you change the water. This will help you remove the green algae floating freely in the tank along with the dirty water. Click here to learn how to clean a fish tank.Keep the fish tank in a place where direct sunlight is not available. The availability of sunlight even for a short interval of time or on a part of the fish tank can contribute to excessive growth of green algae. Do not over stuff the fish tank with nutrients. Feed the fish once a day. Make sure that the food is consumed by all the fish within a couple of minutes. Provide filter maintenance whenever needed. It includes cleaning gravels and changing cartridges. And last but not the least, keep the population of fish in fish tank under control. More than required number of fish would contribute to increased nitrate and phosphate levels in the fish tank. This, in turn, will result in increased maintenance, poor health of fish and excessive growth of different types of algae including green algae. Fish are aquatic animals and all varieties of fish are vertebrates, which means that they have backbones. They have two fins on the side of their body and their body is covered with scales. Being cold blooded, these creatures can’t tolerate extreme temperature conditions and their body temperature changes according to surrounding conditions. There are several tropical fish which only live in warm waters while others can live in ice cold water as well. As of today there are more than 25,000 different kinds of fish and can be categorized into three main groups – bony, cartilaginous and those without jaws. Some fish have a special sense organ which works like a radar and it is used when they travel through murky or dark waters. Here we not only give you a list of different kinds of deep ocean fish but those found in river water as well.What are perch fish? Perch fish are freshwater species belonging to the family Percidae. With more than 6000 species and over 150 families, they are distributed largely among different geographical locations. The natural habitat of this fish ranges from Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Southern China, Taiwan, Philippines and Cambodia. It is also found in Europe, Nigeria, Mississippi, South Carolina, Hudson Bay, Chesapeake Bay, Nova Scotia, and Atlantic coast. These fish species are also known by many common names, derived from their place of origin. They have unique anatomical features, that distinguish them from other fish types. Go through the following content to get details about perch fish facts.Blood parrot fish is an interbreed of different species of cichlid and they do not occur in nature. It is also known as parrot cichlid and bloody parrot fish. They are unique in their appearance. Blood parrot fish was first created in Taiwan by sexing different breeds of cichlids and was first marketed in 1986. They have different anatomical features. They are called parrot fish as their nose looks like parrots beak. They have a round balloon shaped body and a very small mouth. Calico patterned blotches in their body make them look very beautiful. Due to their dark red body color they are known as blood parrot fish. Go through the following content to know more about blood parrot fish. Know more about different types of fish.Blood parrot fish can survive well in tanks or aquariums under suitable conditions. The tank should have plenty of hiding places, so that they are able to carve their niche. Rocks, clay pots and driftwoods can be used to make caves and hiding places. They also love to dig in gravel. Use soft material for the substrate. These freshwater parrot fish require a fish tank of minimum 35 gallons and when they grow bigger they need tanks of 55 gallons. They grow up to 8-10 inches. Read more on parrot fish care.Blood parrot cichlid fish is a fresh and soft water species. They survive best at a temperature range of 70°C-80°C and pH 6.5- 7. Sufficient light should be maintained inside the tank and the water must be replaced twice a month.Blood parrot fish are gentle and shy. They are compatible with breeds that are not aggressive and are of similar behavior. Since they are shy, they are often unable to compete for food inside the aquarium. They adjust well with peaceful fish like catfish, danios, angelfish, cory cats, silver dollars, and barbs. In one word, blood parrot fish behavior is extremely decent. It is known that blood parrot fish eggs are usually infertile. Though they mate and lay eggs, their eggs do not hatch. Sometimes crossing with non-hybrid fish leads to successful spawning. The eggs which are infertile will turn white with fungus and then the parents eat those eggs to avoid spread of fungus inside the tank.
Blood parrot fish food include frozen, freeze dried, live, flakes and crushed food. Brine shrimp and blood worms are their favorite food. They live more on sinking foods than floating foods inside the tank. Foods rich in beta carotene and canthaxanthin help to retain their bright hue. Read more on parrot fish info.Black spot disease is one of the most common blood parrot fish diseases. They get black spots on their body due to poor habitat and water quality. However, sometimes this condition depicts their spawning mood. Before buying, always verify that the fish is disease free.Blood parrot cichlid colors vary from red, orange, violet and purple color. The color depends on the type of crossbred species. They can also be dyed albinos or pale red. Since they are hybrids, the parrot cichlids are also found in green and yellow colors. One of the most popular mating is between the midas cichlid (Cichlasoma citrinellum) and redhead cichlid (Cichliasoma synspilum). There are other varieties of cichlids produced by cross breeding between pink convict cichlid and blood parrot cichlid. They have purple color and are commonly known as bubble gum parrots and jellybean parrots. Few blood parrot breeds do not have tail fins and are known as love heart parrot

Part 2 – Learn how to create a terrarium container garden in this free home gardening video. Get beginner gardening tips, ideas & advice. Expert: Scott Reil Contact: www.safelawns.org Bio: Scott Reil is an accredited nurseryman and longtime horticulturalist with over two decades of experience in the field. Scott is now working for www.safelawns.org. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

A lot of people, myself included, are growing our own vegetables to beat the credit crunch. And why not? Planting a few seeds in containers on your patio or in your backyard yields delicious, organic results – and money savings, too! Growing organic vegetables is easier than you think. Here are the 12 vegetables you will have no problem planting, tending for and harvesting in your own garden, even if you are a first-time gardener!

#1 Radish

Radishes are particularly easy to grow and can be intercropped with rows of lettuce to take up a minimum amount of space! Great thing about radishes is that very few pests bother them. Choose a sunny, sheltered position in soil, well fed with organic matter. Sow the seed thinly, evenly at ½ inch below the soil’s surface with one inch of space between each. Water the soil thoroughly before sowing and after the seeds emerge water them lightly every couple days. Radishes are a great source of potassium, folic acid, magnesium and calcium, and are perfect in salad dressings or as a garnish for salads. Radishes are fast growers and should be ready to pull in several weeks.

#2  Zucchini/ Squash

Zucchini and squash do well in most climates and they need very little special attention. If you plant zucchini you’ll probably end up with way more than they can even eat!

Zucchini and squash are very low in calories but full of potassium, manganese and folate. Sow several zucchini seeds in a heap pile of composted soil a foot high and a couple feet wide. Space each heap pile approximately 3 feet apart, water them heavily every other day and wait for them to sprout in a couple weeks. They should be ready to harvest about a month later. For any early start sow the seeds singly about ½in (1.25cm) deep, in small pots and place in a temperature of 65-70F (18-21C). After germination of seeds, grow on in a well lit spot, harden off and plant out after the last spring frost when the weather is warm.

#3 Carrots

Carrots tend to be pest free and need little attention. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, antioxidants, carotene and dietary. Dig a hole less than an inch deep and plant a couple of seeds in each, and leave several inches in between holes. Thin out in stages to 4-6in (10-15cm) apart. Keep the soil moist but remember to water the carrots less as they begin to reach maturity.

#4 Spinach

A highly nutritious and easily grown crop, high in both calcium and iron. Spinach can be eaten plain, cooked, and made into a chip dip. Turn over the soil with compost and plant seeds less than an inch deep, placing them at least 4 inches apart to give room for growth. Pick young leaves regularly. Sow the soil a couple more times in the first month and keep this area well-watered.

#5 Peas

Peas are another high-yield crop, both sweet peas and sugar peas. Other than fruit flies, these guys attract very few pests. A good source of vitamins A, B and C. Cultivate the soil just prior to sowing top dress with a balanced fertilizer. Keep in mind that your soil must drain well in order for peas for flourish. Space each seed several inches apart and sow them one inch deep. Freshly planted seeds require ½ inch of water every week, while more mature plants need a full inch. Any surplus peas can be frozen very successfully.

#6 Peppers

Peppers contain nutrients like thiamin and manganese. Peppers can be stuffed with meat and rice or used in salsa and pasta, and raw in salads. Till the soil with compost and Epsom salts, this will make it rich in magnesium to help the peppers develop healthily. Peppers can be produced outside in growing bags, large pots etc. Since they grow best in warm soil, sow the seeds a foot or more apart in raised beds or containers. Water them frequently, keeping the soil moist, or they may taste bitter once harvested.

#7 Lettuce/ Baby Greens

Lettuce is one of the easiest vegetables to grow; you just have to plant the seeds, water and watch how fast it grows. Lettuce is a good source of folic acid and vitamin A, used as the main ingredient mostly in salads, but also can be stuffed with various ingredients to make a lettuce wrap or top sandwiches, hamburgers and tacos. When cultivating the soil with nutrient-rich compost, break up any chunks and remove debris. Make sure that seeds are planted between 8 and 16 inches apart and water them every morning. Avoid doing so at night because this could cause disease. Loose-leaf varieties are ready to start cutting about seven weeks after sowing.

Baby greens are simply greens that are harvested while they are still young and tender. They are true instant gratification vegetables – you’ll be harvesting your first salad in under a month! Sprinkle the seeds as thinly as possible across the soil in a 2- to 3-inch wide band. Space rows of baby greens 6 to 8 inches apart. Or plant baby greens in a pot, and cut your salad fresh every night!

#8 Onion

Rich in dietary fiber, folate and vitamin C, onion need little care – just give them plenty of water. Plow the soil a foot deep and get rid of debris. The easiest way to grow onions is from sets which are small onions. Plant sets so that the tip is showing about 5in (13cm) apart in rows 12in (30cm) apart. Or, plant the seeds a couple centimeters deep and several inches apart. Weed this area frequently but gently and provide them with about an inch of water every week.

#9 Beets

The beet (beetroot) can be peeled, steamed, and then eaten warm with butter; cooked, pickled, and then eaten cold as a condiment; or peeled, shredded raw, and then eaten as a salad.. Betanin, one of the primary nutrients in this deep red or purple vegetable, can help lower blood pressure. Clean and strengthen the seeds by soaking them in water at room temperature for a day. Plow the soil and remove any stones from the top 3 feet. Plant each seed 2in (5cm) apart, thin out to 4in (10cm) apart and water them at least once every day.

#10 Broccoli

For the most part doesn’t need a lot of special care, broccoli is easily grown vegetable that gives the best return for the space it occupies and is cropped when other green vegetables are in short supply. One row of 15ft (4.5m) will accommodate six plants to give self-sufficiency for a family of four. Sow broccoli seed in spring in a seed bed ½in (1.25cm) deep and transplant when the seedlings are about 4in (10cm) tall 2ft (60cm) apart each way.

#11 Tomatoes

There are many benefits to growing tomatoes – they’re good for you, they’re tasty, and the dollar value of the yield can be very significant. Tomatoes are rich in nutrients like niacin, potassium and phosphorous, antioxidants like lycopene, anthocyanin and carotene, and vitamins A, C and E.

Sow the seed just below the surface in a tray of peat-based compost. When the seedlings have made two pairs of true leaves prick them out into 3in (7.5cm) pots and place them in a light, warm place indoors (like windowsill). After the last danger of frost has passed, pick a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight and test the soil’s pH level – needs to be between 6 and 7. (To decrease pH level add sulfur, to increase it add lime). Spread compost over this area and mix it with the soil. After hardening off, set tomato plants 2ft (60cm) apart in rows 3ft (90cm) apart, bush plants 3ft (90cm) apart. Water them a couple times per week.
Tomatoes do need a little more attention then the other vegetables on the list. However, for the little bit attention that tomatoes do need, you get an incredible reward in the large amount of fruit that they produce. Here are a few tricks for growing tomatoes.

#12 Herbs

There are many herbs including thyme, rosemary, basil, mint, sage, chives, parsley and oregano that need very little attention and can be grown successfully in containers on a patio, balcony or terrace. Purchase some of your favorite small herb plants from your local nursery and get a container that is at least 6-12 inches deep. You can plant multiple herbs in a wide or long container or use at least a 6″ pot for individual plants and you will enjoy not only their fragrance and beauty but also their culinary benefits. Water sparingly because herbs don’t like to sit in wet soil.

If you are a little apprehensive about planting an organic garden, start slow with any of the veggies I’ve mentioned. Soon you will gain confidence and have a beautiful organic garden, complete with delicious vegetables and bragging rights!

Part 1 – Learn how to create a terrarium container garden in this free home gardening video. Get beginner gardening tips, ideas & advice. Expert: Scott Reil Contact: www.safelawns.org Bio: Scott Reil is an accredited nurseryman and longtime horticulturalist with over two decades of experience in the field. Scott is now working for www.safelawns.org. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

The Home Gardening Project (www.jeffnet.org/~hgpf) built over 1400 raised-bed vegetable gardens for elderly, poor and handicapped people in Portland, Oregon. The gardens were built at their homes and were complete with soil, trellises, seeds, starts, and instructions. This 6 minute video.featuring the Home Gardening Project and its founder Dan Barker, was made for the “Spirit of the Northwest” series on a local TV channel. It includes footage of garden-building, interviews with recipients, and a meal prepared from a garden.

Learn how to plant window box container gardens in this free home gardening video. Get beginner gardening tips, ideas & advice. Expert: Scott Reil Contact: www.safelawns.org Bio: Scott Reil is an accredited nurseryman and longtime horticulturalist with over two decades of experience in the field. Scott is now working for www.safelawns.org. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

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Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a member of the lily family. It has been grown for more than 2,000 years and is quite popular in the home garden today. On the other hand Asparagus is an excellent source of vitamin A and contains significant levels of calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin, thiamine and Vitamin C.

Asparagus characteristics:

Asparagus is a perennial and will produce for many years when properly planted and maintained. It has underground storage roots and compact stems called rhizomes. The roots store food and the rhizomes produce edible shoots or asparagus spears. If the spears are not harvested, they rapidly develop into fern-like bushes 4 or more feet tall. The foliage produces carbohydrates, which is again stored in the roots.

Asparagus has both male and female plants. Both sexes flower and the female plants produce small, round, red berries in the fall. Female plants do not live as long or produce as well as male plants.

Asparagus growing conditions

Asparagus climatic Requirements:

Asparagus is a cool-season vegetable and prefers cool temperatures without frosts throughout the growing season. It is better adapted to the Cumberland Plateau and the high elevations of East Tennessee than to West Tennessee, but will survive and produce significant yields throughout the state given a suitable location.

Asparagus best location:

It is best to locate asparagus plantings to the side of the vegetable garden with other perennials such as rhubarb, strawberries and brambles. This will keep the plants away from cultivation and other gardening activities. Asparagus should be planted where it will receive a minimum of seven or eight hours of sunlight on sunny days. North or east slopes are preferable to south or west slopes, as they are slower to warm in the spring. Early developing asparagus spears are frequently killed by late freezes.

Asparagus soil:

Asparagus will survive in any well-drained soil. The best soils for asparagus are deep and loose, such as sandy loams. Heavy-textured clays and shallow soils should be avoided, since they restrict root development and promote root rots. Extremely sandy soils may not retain enough moisture for vigorous asparagus growth. Soils that warm up quickly in the spring promote early growth and harvest. This may be a disadvantage, as developing asparagus spears grow slowly in very cold weather and will be killed to the ground by freezes. Asparagus grows best on soils with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.

Asparagus varieties:

‘Martha Washington’ is an old, standard asparagus variety. ‘Mary Washington’ appears to be a newer, improved cultivar. ‘Purple Passion’ is a relatively new variety with very large spears and a high sugar content.

In the last few years there have been many new hybrid asparagus varieties released. These varieties usually produce all or nearly all male plants. This increases their yield, because male plants produce about 25 percent more than female plants and because of hybrid vigor.

Asparagus fertilizer and lime:

Asparagus grows best on soils with a pH of 6.0-6.5. Take a soil sample to determine lime, phosphate and potash levels before planting. In addition, before spears emerge in the spring and after harvest, annually supplement the above fertilizer recommendations with one pound of ammonium nitrate or its equivalent per 100 square feet of asparagus bed.

Asparagus planting and spacing:

Plant asparagus early in the spring while it is still dormant, usually in February or early March.

Asparagus plants can be started from seed, but this is not recommended for home gardeners. Germination of asparagus seed is slow and weeds can be difficult to control. Plants grown from seed are transplanted to a permanent bed the following spring; so asparagus grown from seed also requires a longer time to begin bearing.

It is preferable to purchase 1-year old dormant crowns. This will cut the time before harvest by at least one year and eliminate caring for the tiny seedlings the first year.

Dig a trench 6 to 8 inches deep and place the crowns in the bottom. Space the plants 15 to 18 inches apart and leave 3 to 4 feet between rows. Spread the roots evenly and cover them with 2 to 4 inches of soil. Fill the remainder of the trench after the plants begin growth.

Do not try and fill in skips in an old planting with young plants, as the remaining old plants will inhibit the growth of smaller, younger plants. If seedlings appear in an old planting, they are best pulled out or transplanted to another area.

Asparagus irrigation:

During the first growing season, apply sufficient water to wet the soil 1 foot deep once a week. If it doesn’t rain, this may require as much as 1 inch of water. After the first growing season, watering every other week is usually sufficient. A 2-inch layer of an organic mulch such as shredded leaves or pine needles will be of considerable help in retaining moisture, as well as in reducing weed growth. Mulch will also reduce fluctuations in soil temperature during the winter which, in turn, will reduce the incidence of crown rot.

Trickle or drip irrigation is preferable to sprinkler irrigation, as it reduces the possibility of foliage diseases.

These systems may need to be run for two or more hours to wet the soil to the required depth of 1 foot.

Asparagus weed Control:

Weeds must be controlled if asparagus is to perform well. They can be pulled or removed with a hoe, cultivator or rototiller, but cultivation must be shallow to avoid damage to the asparagus roots.

Organic mulches such as grass clippings, straw or leaves help control weeds, as well as retaining moisture. Apply a 2- or 3-inch layer in the fall after the foliage dies. This will reduce weeds throughout the year. The asparagus spears will emerge through the mulch in the spring.

Do not use table salt or other salts to control weeds in asparagus. They build up in the soil and reduce yields, as well as shortening the lifespan of the asparagus planting.

Asparagus disease control:

Asparagus is subject to asparagus rust and fusarium root or crown rot.

Rust appears as small, reddish-yellow spots on the stems near the ground. Spores may be scattered by the wind and, if sufficient moisture is present, all the plants may be infected. Fusarium rot attacks feeder rootlets, main storage roots and plant crowns. It weakens and eventually kills plants. It rarely produces wilt symptoms, except on young shoots of seedlings. The fungus builds up in the soil and persists for many years. Asparagus spears infected with fusarium may show a brown surface discoloration. The varieties in this publication have some tolerance to fusarium. In addition, gardeners should always plant asparagus in well-drained soil, avoid replanting in old asparagus beds and keep crowns cool during the winter by using organic mulches.

Asparagus insect control:

Asparagus beetles are the main insect attacking asparagus. They are 1/4 inch long, blackish beetles with yellow to- orange markings on their wings. They over winter as adults in trash around the garden and in old asparagus stalks. The adults feed on young spears and attach tiny, black eggs to both spears and foliage. Larva hatch from the eggs and feed on the plant. In severe infestations, most of the foliage may be damaged.

Begin control of asparagus beetles by removing old foliage as soon as it is killed by freezing weather. Burn this residue or turn it under. Asparagus beetles are easily killed

by available home garden chemicals.

Asparagus harvesting:

Asparagus should not be harvested the year it is planted. A light harvest of about two weeks the second year will increase the number of buds on the crowns and result in subsequent higher yields. Harvest for about four weeks the third year and six to eight weeks thereafter.

Harvest by snapping the spears off at the ground level when they are 6 to 10 inches tall. This will result in less damage to un emerged spears and less chance of introducing disease into the plant than the traditional harvesting method of cutting the spears below the ground level. It is desirable to harvest at least every other day during cool weather and every day during warm weather to prevent spears from growing too tall. Too many spindly spears indicate weak storage roots. Cease harvest for the season if too many spindly spears appear. Additional fertilizer may be needed and the harvest season may need to be shortened in future years.

There are a number of watering methods that have proven to be effective in the home garden. In this article, we will focus on one that emphasizes conservation and yet will promote lush and vigorous growth, no matter what varieties of plants you grow.

Promote Healthy Growth

The Deep Watering method has proven to save water and encourage plants to develop strong, active root systems.

It’s basically very simple – you irrigate less often, say once every 1 to 2 weeks, although each time you irrigate more deeply.

For example, you have flowers or vegetables that have been in the ground for at least a month. When the plants have started to put out new “top” growth (new leaves or buds), you know they’ve acclimated to their environment.

Tip: Seedlings and fresh plantings (less than a month old), will always need more water until their root systems have started to expand and become established. Wait to start a deep watering program until your plantings start to show new growth. Even then you’ll want to slowly introduce them to this system.

Tip: Plants in hot, sun-drenched areas of your garden, will generally need to be watered more often, but you can off-set this by choosing plants that are “drought tolerant.” Cooler, shady areas will need much less water.

Take a few minutes to till or loosen the top one-inch of soil in the plant bed. Be careful around newer plantings, as some of the roots will be nearer the surface and will be fragile.

Deep watering will encourage the roots to go deep, looking for food and water, which is exactly what we want them to do. Loosening the top one inch of the soil will allow the water to penetrate and not run off.

There’s no need to be too fussy about tilling at this point, all the “hard” work was done when you prepared the bed for planting and will carry you through the entire growing season.

Tip: A good water nozzle is one that breaks the water flow into multiple, gentle streams.

Tip: Adding a good mulch on top of your garden bed, about 1 to 2 inches thick, is a good idea when starting a deep watering program. A mulch will help in retaining moisture and will protect roots from temperature extremes. Also, as an added benefit, will help keep weeds down to a minimum.

Start watering at a point in your yard that you can work your way back to. Slowly work your way around your garden, making sure to thoroughly water each individual plant, and any open or unplanted area around them.

In a typical 10′ x 3′ bed, you may spend 5 minutes watering, then slowly work your way around the rest of your garden.

Now you’re done for about a week, depending upon the weather. As you condition your plants to a deep watering system you will slowly stretch the length of time between waterings.

Your goal is to drive the water deep into the ground, and thoroughly saturate the soil to about 12 to 14 inches in depth. This will create a reservoir of moisture below the roots.

As the upper part of the bed dries out the roots will naturally seek the water that’s stored below them. This encourages a deeper root system which is healthier, and that is better able to tolerate low water conditions.

When you first start a deep watering program, you’ll want to keep an eye on younger plants, and plants in hot areas of the garden.

If you notice plants starting to wilt, water them deeply again. Over time you will find that watering twice, or even once a month will be all an established plant needs, depending upon specific species or variety of plant.

Tip: Low-growing annuals like pansies will have naturally shallow root systems and although a deep watering program will encourage deeper roots, any plant with a shallow root system will naturally require more regular waterings.

You can off set this tendency by planting annuals in cooler areas of your garden or using taller plants to shade surrounding areas. In essence you’re creating a small micro-climate to protect more sensitive plantings. Additionally, annuals generally need about 1 inch of water per week.

As with most gardening activities, you may need to adjust this process to suit your particular growing conditions.

Deep Watering has proven over time to save water, reduce maintenance, and still promote lush and vigorous growth throughout your garden or landscape.

Good Luck & Happy Gardening!

Not all homes are fortunate enough to have lawns and backyards to grow in home gardens. This is especially true nowadays when most families live in apartments and condominiums that definitely do not offer space for planting and growing a full garden. These homeowners may try and find satisfaction in having plastic plant decorations but aficionados know all to well that this comes nothing close to the real thing. Fortunately, plant lovers can still fulfill their garden fantasies with container gardening. This type of gardening is now preferred by most individuals as they entail easy and uncomplicated maintenance as compared to their lawn counterparts.

The one advantage of having your garden in containers is mobility. We have at one time or another heard complaints from some gardeners and home owners wishing that they could have planted a tree that is perhaps obscuring the view somewhere else or have come to realize that positioning the flowering shrub on the left side corner instead of the right would have created a better landscape. With flower gardening, this does not pose a problem. You simply pick up your pot and then set it in a different location in minutes. Container gardening gives you the option of growing indoor and outdoor plants too. For those plants that are sensitive to weather conditions particularly winter, you can safely shelter them inside during the cold balmy season and then let them out to gather some fresh air as the sun peeks its head in the sky during summer. The mobility offered by container gardening is a good thing especially if there is a chance of you moving residences. You can easily take your garden with you without the dirt and hassle of digging, transporting and replanting your garden in another location.

If you are a person who likes to rearrange furniture according to your moods or perchance loves to match up your home arrangements with the season, you will be well pleased with container gardening. Flexibility does not end with your layout but also with the kind of plants and flowers that you have for your home. You can go wild on a selection of colors and species without the worry that they may contradict and go against each other as you always have the option to situate them in another room. In short, there are no limitations so go ahead and indulge yourself.

In container gardening, you are enhancing your abode’s ambiance as well. Vividly colored plants and flowers can easily brighten any room in the house. Garden pots can create variation and sparkle on dull colored walls and corners. You can go for a particular theme for your house during the different seasons like choosing sunny and cheery bright pottery plants during the summer or opt for winter poinsettias and rosemary through the holidays. Further, you may find yourself having no more need to light up scented candles for aroma as the natural fragrance that flowers and blossoms give off could very well do the job. What is more, the scent can last all season long.

Heirloom Gardens Interior Decor Inc www.talkingphonebook.com

As food prices climb higher and organic foods rise in popularity, many homeowners are starting their own home gardens. Of course, supplementing the food supply is not the only reason to maintain a garden. Some nurture a relaxing green getaway in their own backyard by growing fragrant flowers and privacy bushes. No matter what kinds of flora you keep in your garden, it is necessary to allow plants to get plenty of sunlight and water.

Even the savviest gardener cannot control the sun, but the true green thumb knows how to encourage growth through prudent pruning, proper fertilization, and customized watering. The best rate and amount of water to give certain plants often stumps those who are trying to garden for the first time. Finicky species of plants can be just as put off by too much water as they are by dry conditions.

If you find yourself in a dampening dilemma, take a look at these common watering tips:

Research your plants. Just like people, pets, and snowflakes, every plant is different. Depending on where they are found in nature, some may need monsoons while others can go weeks without moisture. Beginning gardeners should try to pick local plants for their first effort, because they are likely to thrive with only natural rainfall levels.

Books, landscapers and nursery owners are all good sources of information about how to care for certain plants. If you are still confused after seeking instruction, set up a simple experiment. Try watering different plants of the same type with the same amount of light at different intervals. Within a few weeks, it should be clear which method produces the desired results. Reliable information is certainly attainable with the proper amount of research, ask around or do your own searches to find the answers you are looking for.

Water in the late evening or early morning. It may seem as though the middle of the afternoon is the perfect time to spend time in the garden tending to the plants, but it is best to leave the patch alone during the day. Plants are working hard in the heat to produce food from the sunlight and store it.

Though it does not hurt or “boil” the plant to water when the sun is at its strongest, the heat and wind cause loss of water and evaporation. This means that less of the moisture actually makes it to the plant. Waiting until the evening or working early in the morning allows the water to soak into the soil. Actually, morning watering is even more preferable because the sun will dry the crust of the dirt and keep the soil around the roots damp for most of the day.

Use the right food. If you decide to add a fertilizer or any other additive to the water, make sure that the product is appropriate for the particular variety of plant. This is especially important for vegetable and herb gardens because certain chemicals can leave harmful substances on the food. The product should have plant recommendations and directions for use clearly listed on the packaging.

Plan irrigation systems carefully. A professional landscaper can create a pleasing green area and advise the homeowner on proper watering techniques, but often they also design irrigation systems. These systems do not always need to be professionally installed, but they do need to be properly planned in order to ensure that all of the plants receive the correct amount of moisture.

Many systems use sprinklers and drip hoses that dampen the soil around the flora on a regular basis. Some can even be set to deliver more liquid to certain areas or change watering frequency automatically at different times of year. These setups also tend to conserve more water than hand watering.

Be consistent. If you opt not to install an automatic irrigation system, make sure to stick to a regular watering schedule. Light, frequent showers encourage strong root systems that are less susceptible to drought. Giving the plant lots of water once a week may produce the same green, healthy appearance, but it will be less likely to bounce back after a dry spell or pruning.

Though watering is essential to the success of your garden, there are a number of other tasks at hand for the home gardener. Nurturing vegetables and flowers from seeds often takes months of hard work, but even planting mature plants can be a challenge. Proper preparation of soil, weeding, pruning, and fertilization are mandatory for a lush, lovely garden.
However, by observing these watering tips, you can get one step closer to growing your dream garden. After all, your plants depend on water to grow into herbs, vegetable, and flowers. Only you can provide them with this live-giving substance.

Learn about container gardens in this free home gardening video. Get beginner gardening tips, ideas & advice. Expert: Scott Reil Contact: www.safelawns.org Bio: Scott Reil is an accredited nurseryman and longtime horticulturalist with over two decades of experience in the field. Scott is now working for www.safelawns.org. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

Learn how to grow herbs in a container garden in this free home gardening video. Get beginner gardening tips, ideas & advice. Expert: Scott Reil Contact: www.safelawns.org Bio: Scott Reil is an accredited nurseryman and longtime horticulturalist with over two decades of experience in the field. Scott is now working for www.safelawns.org. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

Home gardens can be hard work but for many it is a great hobby that gives you many rewards. Gardening is the most popular hobby in this country. It helps you to relax and many say it is very therapeutic. Look at it this way, you are outside in the fresh air and you are working on a project that helps to relieve stress and worry. It is also a great way to work out without having to get in your car and go to the gym. Think of the hours of enjoyment you will get when your hard work turns into gorgeous, lush gardens. Along with the enormous enjoyment you will get from your garden, you will also reap the harvest of any fruit trees and enjoy that too. There are a few garden tips that you should follow that will reward you with a beautiful home garden for you and your friends to enjoy.

There are some home gardening tips to keep in mind when shopping for new trees or shrubs. Usually, when you purchase and plant trees and shrubs they are very small. The gardener comes home and plants under a window or near the house. These plants will start to grow and can cause some tricky problems. This is a mistake to avoid. As the plants grow, so do their root systems. If planted to close to the house they could do harm to your foundation, sewer or water lines. Not only can they cause damage to these things but then it will be necessary to pay to have the tree or shrub removed. When planting shrubs around your house they may grow tall enough to block out sunlight or be a detriment to your landscaping scheme. To avoid this trouble in your home garden, find out exactly how tall and wide the shrubs and trees will be at maturity, a very important tip. Remember, never plant a tree too close to your house. The roots could cause very costly damages and you would have to have the tree taken out.

To encourage new spring growth, prune your shrubs in the fall to allow air flow. Until the shrub or tree is established you must water them liberally. Proper watering of your trees or shrubs is essential if you want them to survive and in some cases to keep the guarantee valid. Lawn sprinkler irrigation is generally inadequate for watering these new plants. Trees and shrubs must have a deeper, soaking watering of the root ball. Moist but not “sloppy wet” is the rule. The recommended watering schedule when your trees and shrubs are first planted is as follows:

Days 1-30 – Everyday

Days 31 – 60 Every other day

Days 61 & following – At least twice per week

Plants that you have watered well survive far better during the cold months than plants starting winter without enough water. Depending on your zone, it is best to plant trees and shrubs in the fall, never in the summer. Take care of your home gardens and you will have years of enjoyment adding texture and beauty to your home and yard.

Happy Gardening!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at Gardening Landscaping Tips and Gardening Outside and Herb Gardening

Learn how to water container gardens in this free home gardening video. Get beginner gardening tips, ideas & advice. Expert: Scott Reil Contact: www.safelawns.org Bio: Scott Reil is an accredited nurseryman and longtime horticulturalist with over two decades of experience in the field. Scott is now working for www.safelawns.org. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso