Garden And Butterfly

Butterfly gardening has become popular, both to attract the beautiful travelers and to help preserve species of butterflies that were dwindling due to human encroachment into their natural habitats. Butterflies love sunlight! Whether you choose to plant a traditional garden or a container garden, make sure that

the plants are in direct sunlight for much of the day.

If you’re planning a butterfly garden, it’s important to keep in mind that there is no one recipe for a successful garden. Butterflies like to “puddle.” Your garden needs a sort of watering hole for the butterflies to drink from. This can be done by simply filling a terra cotta pot or small plastic bucket with small rocks or pebbles about two inches from the brim. Butterfly species that are indigenous to different areas are attracted to different types of plants. In order to foster butterflies, you’ll need to know the butterfly species that are found in your area, and provide them with plants that are favored food sources for adult butterflies as well as those plants that they prefer for laying their eggs and nourishing larva.

Add water to fill the remaining space. Place the puddle in the center of your garden, some standards that apply to all butterfly gardens. Wherever you live and whatever butterflies you hope to attract, you’ll attract more of them if you follow a few simple basics, Butterflies love to eat nectar. Use several of these nectar-producing plants to attract them: milkweed, azalea, goldenrod, black-eyed susan, zinnia, aster, phlox, Japanese honeysuckle, ironweed. A few nectar-producing shrubs are butterfly bush, various fruit trees, privet, lilac and redbud.

Butterflies will flock to large expanses of flowers in similar colors that bloom at the same time rather than to single plants with just a few blooms. A carpet of violets, a sea of buttercups or a wide open field full of Queen Anne’s Lace is sure to be visited by dozens of butterflies. Butterflies like lots of color! Group clusters of the same plant together to make them easier for butterflies to see. A group of colorful flowers attracts them easier than

single flowers.

Butterfly gardens need to provide both sun and shade.

Like all insects, butterflies are cold-blooded creatures. They thrive on warm sun, and will bask on flat rocks or perch for long minutes on the branches of a high bush in the sunlight. At the same time, they need shade and shelter when the sun is too hot, or on cool, cloudy days. An area that gets bright sun for at least 4-6 hours per day is the best spot for a butterfly garden, but don’t forget to include landscaping details that offer shade.



By: Jasmine Yap

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Tomatoes are in my opinion the best fruit vegetable there is. Cherry tomatoes with their sweet and tangy taste can be eaten whole. As they are small in size you can just pop them in your mouth. Tomatoes give salads a dash of red color. Pasta and pizza are made even tastier with fresh tomato sauce poured over them. And these are just some of the benefits you will get from tomato gardening.

While tomatoes come in many different shapes, sizes and colors there are actually only two varieties of tomatoes. One is the Determinates and the other is the Indeterminates. Determinate tomatoes grow on vines that stop growing at a certain point. These tomato plants are small and compact vines that produce fruits early in the growing season. Determinates tomatoes plants can be grown in containers or even in small spaces.

The best way to grow Determinates is to space them out about 1 to 2 feet apart. The tomato rows need to have a distance of 4 feet between them. With determinate tomato gardening if you wish to plant any other vegetables near the tomatoes, then you will need to keep some additional space around those tomato rows.

Indeterminates tomatoes on the other hand continue growing. They need support in the form of cages or trellises. The distance that you should keep between the cages is about 3 feet. Once the Indeterminate tomatoes have caught on to the trellis or their cage, you will need to train them to climb the supporting frame. Sometimes it will be necessary to tie the vines to the frame stakes so that the whole tomato plant does not fall over due to its own weight.

You can start your tomato gardening with seeds or starter plants brought from nurseries. The best new tomato plants are those without any yellow speckling on their leaves. The other thing to check is to make sure that your plant roots are not coming out of the containers bottom. The root’s growth can tell if your plant will grow successfully or if it will be stressed out and produce a poor harvest. For the best growth to be made, a good vegetable gardening tip is to see that your soil is a rich, sandy loam type of soil.

The best time to start tomato gardening is when all of the other trees in your garden are fully in leaf. By this time the season will be warm and your acclimatized tomato plants will receive about 8 hours or more of life giving sunlight. The roots of the tomatoes should be fully embedded within their soil bed. This lets the tomato receive all the nutrients that it can from the soil.

With tomato gardening you need to keep an eye on the weather. Hot sunny days might be great for you, but they mean that your tomato plants will need regular watering at least once a week. Other than this you can sit back and relax. Once your tomatoes are fully ripe, just pluck them off the vines and enjoy your fresh tomatoes.



By: Dtm

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If you are looking to add value and some glamour to your outdoor living room, consider outdoor fire pits. Fire pits are an excellent way to bring beauty and fun to your outdoor living space. They can add style, personality, and a welcoming gathering place.

A backyard with a fire pit is a place of enjoyment for friends and family. Of course, part of the enjoyment is in knowing that your outdoor fire pit is safe. When entertaining or just spending time with your family, added safety will give you peace of mind.

Propane fire pits are a great choice because they are safe for your home for a number of reasons. Some elements of safety are:

1. Propane fire pits do not have smoke. There are no worries about smoke causing red, burning eyes or coughing. The air surrounding your pit will be fresh and clean. If you are enjoying food around your fire pit, your food will be free from containments that can be found in smoke.

2. Propane fire pits do not have ashes. Friends and family gathered near your fire pit will not have to watch for stray ashes that may burn skin. Pets will also be safe from the sting of stray ashes.

3. Propane fire pits light with the flip of a switch. Dangerous lighter fluid and matches aren’t needed. This keeps everyone safe, especially children who may want to play with matches left outside.

4. Propane fire pits are safe for the environment. Propane is approved by the government as a clean fuel. It is non-toxic so it does not harm the soil or water around it. It is a clean-burning fuel so it won’t make the air harmful to breath.

5. Propane fire pits can be turned off with the flip of a switch. If a person or piece of furniture gets too close to the fire, simply flip the switch to off and the fire is put out. Having this control at your finger tips, can give you added peace of mind.

6. Propane fire pits cool quickly. Once propane fire pits are turned off, there is no worry about lingering sparks or embers that may reignite. You don’t have to wait around for a fire to extinguish for fear of children or animals being harmed.

7. Propane fire pits allow you to control the height of the flame. With the turn of a knob you can make the flame higher or lower. This gives you the control to create a safe environment. No matter how you are enjoying you outdoor fire pit, controlling the flame height will give you added safety.

Whether you are entertaining friends, enjoying some family time, or spending time alone you can feel safe with a propane fire pit. The elements of safety give you the freedom to create a relaxing, beautiful outdoor living space. Friends and family will enjoy time spent in this exciting and safe environment enhanced by your fire pit.



By: Kirk Mathews

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Garden bridges can be traced to the earliest civilizations, where they decorated landscapes from the stately grounds of ancient Roman and Greek aristocracy, to the exotic water gardens of Japan and China. They were built as much for decoration as for practicality, and, in many cases, were designed to be in harmony with the surrounding plant life and the water.

There has always been a certain mystique about water, with different cultures using it to symbolize life, rebirth, purification, immortality, tranquility, and more. Its ability to induce feelings of serenity and contentment, while rejuvenating the spirit, has made it central to the gardens that have been used as places of meditation in many civilizations. The bridge has always been equally important in the scheme of the landscape, as the vantage point from which to enjoy the full splendor of the scenery.

The irresistible allure of water has caused another renewal, in the current resurgence of interest in water gardens, which are springing up in backyards everywhere. Even where there is no natural source of water, people are creating their own stunning koi ponds and ornamental pools, using the durable, flexible pond liners that are now available.

Consequently, the garden bridge is also riding a new wave of popularity. Beautiful, versatile, functional, and ornamental, it will add a whole new dimension to your landscape. Even if you don’t have a pond, stream, or creek, you can still use an attractive garden bridge as a decorative accent among your flowers, along a path, or across your walkway. No matter where it’s situated, it will instantly bridge the gap between an ordinary backyard, and a picturesque haven.

Of course, it’s important to shop for a high-quality bridge that will stand up to all kinds of weather. At CedarStore.com, you’ll find an impressive array of garden bridges that will endure the elements for years, while retaining their beauty and structural integrity. The selection includes gorgeous, hand-crafted, decay-resistant cedar and treated pine bridges, as well as an assortment of incredibly durable, maintenance-free vinyl bridges.

CedarStore.com has all of the most popular styles, including enchanting single and double rail bridges, charming picket and half-picket rail bridges, elegant plank bridges, and a captivating covered bridge. It’s also the only place you’ll find the spectacular Opti-Breeze™ Bridge, an astounding feat of engineering, which creates a dazzling optical illusion that will cause a sensation in your neighborhood.

With sizes up to 16 feet long, and an amazing 6 feet wide, and custom options available, there’s a garden bridge for every garden or backyard at CedarStore.com. They also offer free shipping on all bridge kits, which can be quickly and easily assembled. For more information, or to reach one of their professional consultants, call 888-293-2339, or e-mail e-mail contact@cedarstore.com.

By: Kathy Moran

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Gardeners have a saying that beautiful gardens start with beautiful dirt.  You might not think of the stuff that sticks to your shoes during a rainstorm as beautiful, but to gardeners who work hard to achieve the perfect growing conditions for their favorite plants can attest, working on your garden’s soil is one of the best steps you can take to have healthy plants that flourish, producing glorious foliage and flowers.  One way to improve your garden success is to use appropriate soil amendments, and one of those that you should consider is Hydroton grow rocks.

Hydroton grow rocks are made of clay.  As anyone who has a garden that contains clay, and that is most people in northern states, clay holds onto water very well.  Since Hydroton grow rocks are made from clay pebbles, they also provide ample water storage capacity.  

Hydroton clay brings other beneficial qualities for those who use it for container gardening.  Hydroton clay is odorless, which is an excellent attribute if you are gardening indoors in a home or greenhouse.  Hydroton is also very clean, making it much easier to work with than other types of soils and garden amendments.

Preventing pests from entering your container garden soil is a major obstacle facing gardeners.  Hydroton grow rocks can be used to prevent soil pests from gaining a hold in your container soil.  Because the Hydroton clay pebbles are perfectly round, they make it easy for your plant roots to receive enough oxygen, and this quality also helps to prevent root rots from too much water saturation in the soil.  By using Hydroton grow rocks, you will also help to prevent excess acidity in your soil.  This has to do with the pH of your soil.  Certain plants prefer acidic soils, while others prefer more alkaline soils, so if you wish to grow blueberries or tomatoes, you will need very acidic soil, whereas many vegetables, including lettuce, beets and spinach, prefer only lightly acidic soils for optimal growth.

Hydroton expanded clay media can be used for hydroponic gardening as a type of growing medium for growing vegetables and flowers.  Gardeners also use Hydroton expanded clay media for decoration, especially as a top layer of soil for your indoor containers.  Hydroton expanded clay media is perfect for use in hydroculture, a form of hydroponics that uses capillary action to allow the nutrient solution to get to the plant roots.  Hydroton expanded clay media can also be used in hydroponic gardening to anchor plants.

Hydroton is available online via hydroponic gardening supply outlets.



By: Susan Slobac

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Looking for ways to improve your tomato yields? Or maybe you don’t have a traditional garden, and are looking for a way to grow tomatoes on your porch, or maybe an apartment balcony. Growing tomatoes is almost a national pastime, and we are always on the hunt for better ways to grow tomatoes. So let’s take a look at some of the advantages of growing tomatoes in hanging planters.

First, as we mentioned, a hanging planter can be used in many places where a traditional garden is out of the question. For a condo or apartment dweller, some type of balcony planter is the only option, and a hanging planter is probably the most efficient use of space. This can work for a patio as well.

You have very few problems with weeds and a hanging planter, as you control the soil mix yourself, and can even use a soil less mix if you want which will also control many diseases as well. And you can change it out every year to further reduce soil borne diseases. The limited surface area of a planter controls weeds, too.

Since the plants are hanging, and the vines grow down, the whole issue of needing tomato cages and stakes is virtually eliminated. If you use a determinant variety, even the need for pruning is reduced.

You can extend your growing season as well, since you can move the plant inside for those nights at the beginning and end of the growing season that are just cold enough to kill the plant, but if you can get through one or two of them you can get an extra week or two of growing season.

The thing to keep in mind with any container gardening is to water well, as this will make or break the success of your tomatoes in a planter. And of course some planters work better than others for this.



By: Jon Ruppel

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Preparation for a bountiful harvest of tomatoes begins while snow still covers the ground. Before you can plant a beautiful row of seedlings, you must take several planning steps. Consulting a comprehensive cultivation guide on growing tomatoes will aid your planning process and help ensure you end up with a bountiful disease free crop.

Choose Your Tomato Varieties

Hundreds of choice tomato varieties abound – enough to confuse gardeners. Tomatoes come in every shape, size and color. Huge tomatoes that take two hands to carry are related to tiny grape tomatoes no larger than the top of a thumb. Purple, yellow, orange and red tomatoes all spring from the same gene pool. Perfect round tomatoes, oblong tomatoes, little marble-sized tomatoes, and huge scrunchy looking tomatoes grow around the world. Tomatoes that grow as a never-ending vine share space with tomato plants that grow in a compact, shrub form. For your summer tomato garden, choose several tomato varieties, as each variety is best suited for its own culinary responsibility, and each takes specific care and tending.

For summer-long harvesting, choose tomato plants that are “indeterminate,” or keep growing and growing and growing. These tomatoes will continue to set new fruit throughout the entire summer. These varieties are best for small cherry or grape sized tomatoes, as getting large fruit from these types of plants requires more work.

For shorter harvesting periods and larger tomatoes, choose “determinate” varieties, which grow to a certain size and stop. These plants put more energy into producing each fruit, resulting in larger, juicier fruit.

Pre-Order Seedlings or Sow Seeds

Tomatoes are fragile in the beginning. Growing a tomato from a seed and harvesting fruit in the same growing season takes advance preparation. If you prefer not to gamble with starting your own seeds, many companies offer mail-order seedlings of endless varieties. Plan for your seedlings to arrive for planting once the danger of frost is completely past. Tomato plants are tropical in origin and have little tolerance for cold.

For adventurous gardeners, harvesting a tomato grown from seed to fruit is a rewarding experience. Start seeds at least eight weeks before you wish to plant. Sow seeds thinly on a bed of light potting mix inside. Keep the seeds moist, but not overly wet. Misting daily does the trick. Once the seedlings have their second set of leaves, “prick out” the seedlings (gently remove seedlings one at a time, while holding the leaves) and plant into small pots of their own. Once frost danger has passed, “harden off” your plants by putting them outside during the day, and bringing them in at night. After a week or two of “hardening off,” you may plant outside.

Prepare the Garden Soil

While your tomato seeds are germinating on their warm and comfy windowsill, use the time to prep the garden soil. Tomatoes need an organically rich, yet well-draining soil. If you have extremely wet and heavy soil, avoid walking on it during the winter, as excessive walking with compact the soil. Add organic matter on top of the soil to help prevent winter erosion. Once the soil warms enough to be workable, double-dig the soil (Dig all of the soil out, mix in some organic matter, and put soil back in) to break up hardened areas and allow for good root penetration.

Plant the Garden

Once the soil is prepared, seedlings are hardened-off, and temperatures are warm (or warming), plant your tomato garden, and prepare for a summer of delicious harvests.

If you want more detailed tomato garden advice and tips from a world horticultural expert, visit www.bestjuicytomatoes.com



By: Annettew

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Japanese have perfected the technique of growing miniature Artificial Bonsai trees in containers, but many people all over the world have taken up the Bonsai cultivation as a sort of hobby. Artificial Bonsai trees are generally used for aesthetic purposes and are popular as beautiful showpieces or gifts.

Common types of Artificial Bonsai trees include plum, semi-cascade, bamboo, pine, and azalea. Modern techniques have led to five different styles of Artificial Bonsai trees which include cascade, semi-cascade, slanting, informal upright, as well as formal upright. The braided Bonsai money plant tree is one of the most popular out of devoted bonsai growers. This type of tree consists of a group of four or five trees whose trunks have been braided together. Braided Artificial Bonsai trees can be ten to eighteen inches in height, and is said to bring good fortune by Feng shui practitioners.

Artificial Bonsai trees are usually very small with a height that varies from around two inches all the way up to three feet and the shape of Bonsai trees can be changed by wiring the branches and trunk of the tree. You can place your tree in a nice decorative container that matches your décor because they can live for literally years if you take good care of it.

Maintaining Bonsai isn’t difficult at all. You will need a decent set of tools such as root trimmers, shears, pliers, and branch cutters if necessary. If you are a first timer you can enlist the help of a skilled professional who is willing to teach you the art of training and maintaining Bonsai.

Your plant can be trimmed using bypass pruners and the roots should be trimmed to reduce the size. All Bonsai trees need appropriate amounts of fertilizers to grow nice and healthy. Be careful not to over water you Bonsai tree. Those who are new can begin with a common variety such as azalea, boxwood, hibiscus, camellia, or cotoneaster.



By: IC

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As it is rewarding, hydroponics is also a very delicate and soliciting system. Regardless of whether you’re an amateur or professional, you will need at least some hydroponics schematic plans before you actually start the crop. You need to get an idea what the growing place will look like, what its maintenance necessities will be and how much further you will have to invest before you finally harvest the crop.

To get a picture of what a hydroponics system looks like, it is a good idea to turn to someone else who works in the field and see the real indoors culture. Yet, if that is not possible for you, try one of the hydroponics schematic plans available online.

Virtual growing rooms

Meeting the need of having a model starting point, many sites provide hydroponics schematic and detailed plans of a soilless growing system. One of the latest idea was that of organizing a virtual growing room where visitors interested in hydroponics can really see what it is like for themselves. Not only accurate images, but very professional explanations of the working parts come together with these virtual tours. Growing rooms on display online help increase interest in the soilless culture growing and increase the self-confidence and knowledge of the growing community.

You may be wondering why anyone would let you find out the secrets of a business, even by simply revealing the hydroponics schematic plan. It comes without saying that such plans are provided by companies that very often sell hydroponics equipment, and have a commercial interest in the business too. Or, they may want to promote some of the complete hydroponics plans online.

However, mention should be made that there are cases when such virtual growing rooms are displayed by environmental organizations in order to increase population awareness. All in all, regardless of such reasons, having a look at the hydroponics schematic rooms and plans is a terrific opportunity. Don’t miss such a useful experience!

Small or large hydroponics schematic plans

The hydroponics schematic plans available on the Internet are applicable to different business sizes. Not any plan matches all types of growing systems, even there may be differences particularly in the type of irrigation you choose for your plants.

Many of the systems proposed online include designs that can be monitored from the distance in all respects, either nutrient solution concentration or environmental control over the small indoors garden. Then it is up to you what kind of hydroponics culture you want to grow.



By: Ann Marier

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There is no need to let kitchen waste go to waste! Gardeners can spend lots of money buying good soil or compost to make the garden grow. There is, however, no need to do that if you eat at home more than once a week! Composting kitchen waste solves several problems simultaneously by converting kitchen scraps that would otherwise be thrown away into rich, organic soil for the garden. Incorporating compost into the soil helps keep the soil alive and life-sustaining. Creating your own compost saves money and helps the environment.

Composting 101 There are a few things that every new composter needs to know: · Kitchen compost can include any vegetable matter or paper. Do not add oils, meats or fats to your kitchen compost, as it will cause your compost to smell and attract animals. Additionally, you need certain conditions of heat and bacterial activity to properly compost these materials. · Shred your scraps or tear them up into the smallest pieces possible. This will help the scraps break down faster. · Compost operations need green and brown materials. Kitchen waste falls into the category of green materials. In addition to the kitchen waste, you will need to add dried shredded leaves or other brown matter. · One of the most efficient ways to compost kitchen waste is to use worms. Vermicomposting can be done outside or under the sink, depending upon the space available and the winter climates. (Worms cannot sustain chilling temperatures.)

Kitchen Composting Many successful gardeners make all of their compost in the kitchen! You can compost in the space under your kitchen sink, especially if you employ worms to help. This is how you build an under the sink worm bin: 1. Get a Tupperware or a small trash can and poke holes in the top for air. 2. In a separate container, soak a mix of grass clippings and dry shredded leaves overnight. 3. Put about two inches of gravel in the bottom of the container and fill with water up to ½ inches below the rock line. 4. Drain the grass/leaves mix and place it in the container. Let it sit for 48 hours. Once the temperature has stabilized to 100 degrees or lower for at least 24 hours, you can add the worms. 5. Let the worms become acquainted with their new space for about a week. At that point, you can begin adding food for the worms. 6. One pound of worms can consume about one pound of kitchen scraps per day. After about two months, you can remove some of the composted material and continue to add food.

Composting Kitchen Scraps Outside

If you have plenty of space outside in a part sun/part shade area, consider a compost pile to compost your kitchen waste outside in the garden. You can decide whether you want to maintain a hot compost pile or a cold compost pile. Hot compost cooks faster, but you do have to turn it and monitor it. With cold compost, you can employ worms to help break down your kitchen scraps. With either type of pile you will need a combination of green materials and brown materials to start your pile. If you are composting cold and not using a container, build a bottom framework of larger twigs and materials. Alternate layers of green materials (kitchen scraps and freshly cut grass) and brown materials (shredded leaves and straw). You can continue to add layers to the pile, occasionally building in a layer of sticks. The layer made of sticks allows oxygen into the pile that helps the bacteria and other soil organisms that will eventually break down the kitchen waste in the pile. Composting kitchen waste is a simple and rewarding way to recycle your green kitchen scraps and have rich, fertile soil for your garden.



By: Casey Coke

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