| |
| |
|
Landscaping & Gardening Information |
|
|
|
Preparing Successful Seedlings
Growing your own seedlings is very gratifying and far more economic than purchasing them. It also gives you far greater control over your existing growing conditions. Vegetable seeds need a light, friable soil that will hold moisture, to grow. Seeds must absorb 40-60% of their weight in water to trigger germination. They also need air. When they sprout, they take up moisture from the film of water around the soil particles, they take up air from the space between thoseparticles. So soil quality is extremely important. Compacted soil will not allow your seeds to sprout. A good seed raising mixture could be the answer if you are unsure of the quality of your soil. Individual 'peat pots' are a great invention because the whole pot goes into the ground without disturbing the roots of your baby plants. Warmth is also important to growing from seed. Most garden seeds will germinate if soil temperature is around 20C. For colder climates seed beds must be kept warm either by having them in a sunny protected spot in or near the house (like a porch or garage, out of the elements) or in a glass covered cold frame. For most vegetable seeds you can expect a germination time of 6-20 days. In another 4-5 weeks, those seedlings should be transplanted into your outdoor no dig garden bed. It's a good idea to treat seeds with a good, all purpose fungicide (something like a Rose Dust or Tomato Dust will be fine) before planting. Place a small amount, justthe tip of a knife end, into the packet, reclose and shake until the seeds are covered. This will protect them from 'damping off', a common problem with very youngplants. Care of Seedlings Seeds must be kept moist but not wet until the seedlings emerge. This may take between 1-3 weeks, depending on the plant type. As they grow stonger, thorough but less frequent watering is required. They will need shade when young but should be increasingly exposed to the sun so they become used toconditions in the garden. Water in the morning rather than at night. Your no dig garden bed should be prepared about one week before you are ready to transplant. That will give it time to settle. Transplanting Mark where you plan to put each of your plants. Use a trowel to make a hole large enough to take the root system. Gently prise out the seedling from its container taking as much of the soil as you can with it into the garden bed. Firm the soil around the plant in its new position, cover the area with mulch and water in gently. It is best to transplant in the late afternoon or evening to give the plants time to settle in less stressful conditions. Judy Williams (http://www.no-dig-vegetablegarden.com) splits her time between being an executive and an earth mother goddess. No Dig Vegetable Gardens represents a clean, green way to grow your own food. The site covers all aspects of growing, cooking and preserving your harvest.
MORE RESOURCES:
Landscaping-Gardening - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Orchids Are One Of Natures Most Beautiful Flowers Orchids are beautiful flowers. The interesting thing about orchids is that they seem to draw people to them. Growing Your Own Herbs for Tea If you love herbal teas, as I do, you know they are just a little bit pricey. However, growing your own herbs is easy and so much fun!Here are just a few of the herbs you might want to consider for a tea garden:Chamomile: Remember the favorite tea of Peter Rabbit? Only the flowers of this fragrant herb are used when making tea. Mole Traps: Can You Use Them? Mole control is one of the most complicated problems thatcan face a gardening enthusiast.It is not from lack of information. Landscape Design Landscaping is a wonderful pastime enjoyed by many. It provides a natural beauty and needs no ornaments or other attractive items to help achieve its magnificence. y, Fun Garden Plants I have a love for funky, fun and unique garden plants. Here's one to try. How to Grow Bananas If your grocer says, "Yes, we have no bananas. We have no bananas today," it isn't surprising since the banana is the world's second favorite fruit, surpassed in popularity only by the apple. Decorative Garden Accents Think of your garden like you would a room in your home. After planning the shape, tilling the soil, choosing the right plants the last step is to add those personal touches. Unique Flowers make a memorable gift! Think "outside of the box" when sending your next floral gift! The possibilities are endless! Floral Design is an art and florists can customize a masterpiece of flowers!Many florists put a sampling of arrangements on their websites for you to see, but don't feel confined to the photos! The most impressive arrangements are of an "original" design.Ask the florist about any "specialty" flowers they may have in stock. Winterizing Your Pond For many parts of the country, it's getting to be that time of year again. Time to start thinking about getting your fish and plants ready for old man winter. Flower Meanings Certain types or colors of flowers mean different things, and you don't want to send the wrong message if you give them as a gift! Of course, not everyone knows what a particular flower means, but you can never be too sure!FLOWER NAME and/or COLOR -- FLOWER MEANINGSCarnationsCarnation (General) -- FascinationCarnation, Pink -- Emblem of Mother's Day, I will never forget youCarnation, Purple -- Antipathy and CapriciousnessCarnation, Red -- Admiration, my heart aches for youCarnation, Striped -- No, Sorry, I cannot be with youCarnation, White -- Pure Love, Sweet Love, InnocenceCarnation, Yellow -- Disdain and RejectionLiliesLily, Calla -- Majestic BeautyLily, Day -- CoquetryLily, Orange -- Hatred and Disdain, Wealth, PrideLily, White -- Majesty and Purity, VirginityLily of the Valley -- Purity and Humility, SweetnessRosesRose, Coral/Orange -- Enthusiasm, DesireRose, Dark Pink -- Thank youRose, Light Pink -- AdmirationRose, Musk -- Capricious BeautyRose, Pale -- FriendshipRose, Peach -- Let's get together, Closing of the dealRose, Pink -- Love, Grace, Gentility, You're so LovelyRose, Pink & White -- Love, Desire, Respect, Courage, Job well doneRose, Red -- Majesty and Purity, VirginityRose, Red & Yellow -- CongratulationsRose, White -- Charm, Secrecy, Silence, You're HeavenlyRose, White on Red -- Unity/Flower Emblem of EnglandRose, Yellow -- Infidelity, Joy, Friendship, Welcome Back, Remember meRose, Yellow & Orange -- Passionate thoughtsTulipsTulip -- Symbol of The Perfect LoverTulip, Red -- Believe me, Declaration of loveTulip, Variegated -- Beautiful eyesOthersDaffodil -- Emblem of Annunciation/Regard, Unrequited loveDaisy -- Gentleness, Innocence, Loyal loveIris -- Faith, Wisdom, Valor, Your Friendship means so much Orchid -- Magnificence, Love, Beauty, RefinementSunflower -- Homage and DevotionA Heath is a gift researcher for http://www.the-gift-wizard. Flowers and Butterflies, the Perfect Combination! Spring is coming fast and with it the colors of the world come to life. The spring season is not just a time for the gardens to bloom, but a season for the butterfly to come to life as well. The Amazing Hummingbird Without a doubt, hummingbirds are beautiful and interesting creatures.Those living in the wild usually have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years. Drying Roses There are many reasons why you might want to dry your roses. Some people just want to keep a memento of a special moment. February in the Garden Often in February there is a surprisingly warm day. Everybody sheds their coats and puts a bounce in their step. The Hosta - A Shade Loving Perennial My first introductions to Hostas were four small green and white clumps edging a small section of my mother- in- laws driveway.I was not terribly impressed, they looked more like scraggly lettuce plants with a few sticks growing out of the middle plus their size never seemed to change from year to year. With So Many Choices For Patio Furniture, Finding The Perfect Set To Complement Your Yard Is Easy There is nothing more relaxing than kicking back with a cold drink on a hot summer day. Or unwinding with a big backyard barbeque with all of your neighbors. Mosquitoes in Your Garden? Try Planting These If you are a serious gardener, you spend lots of time outdoors. And, for sure, you would rather be tending your plants than swatting mosquitoes. Koi Pond Aeration To achieve Koi pond aeration, there are some things you can do. One, you can go to your local hobby store or pet supply store and purchase one of those small air pumps, hook some tubing to it, along with an air diffuser or sometimes called an air stone, and place it in your pond. Set Out a Feast for Your Feathered Friends February is "Feed the Birds" month in much of North America. And what great timing! If you're going through a cold winter, you can help the wintering birds that are going through it with you. A Look at Planting Flower Bulbs Flowers are a favorite of many backyard gardeners. Thanks to their ease of planting and relatively low cost, flower bulbs are a popular choice for flower gardens.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |