tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47767596657372155832023-11-16T02:57:30.557-08:00Gardening Helpful IdeasHelping the garden enthusiasts with simple wording information, that can be implemented in their gardening activities. Always something fresh and new ideas in our gardening and landscaping posts.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18114519741840046730noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4776759665737215583.post-18303843309911088032011-12-16T08:40:00.000-08:002011-12-16T08:40:10.800-08:00All the Dirt on Gardening: How to prune trees and shrubs<a href="http://allthedirtongardening.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-prune-trees-and-shrubs.html">All the Dirt on Gardening: How to prune trees and shrubs</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18114519741840046730noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4776759665737215583.post-2459949595746163872011-12-15T14:38:00.000-08:002011-12-15T14:38:39.097-08:00Backyard Landscaping Tips You Could Do Yourself<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Carrying out some landscaping does not always have to mean you go and hire a company to come in and do the work for you. As long as you are healthy enough there are a number of things that you can manage to do yourself without too many problems. So here are some backyard landscaping tips that you could do yourself.<br /><br />A lot of people love the idea of having a rock garden but they imagine them as having large rocks that weigh a lot and their ideas are too big. You can easily make a smaller rock garden using smaller rocks at the end of a border which can create a new feature. It is also best to have it sloping rather than being completely flat.<br /><br />If your backyard has a natural slope then consider trying to build in some kind of terracing at some part. It helps to break it up more and you can have different parts of the terracing doing entirely different things.<br /><br />People often like the idea of having a water feature installed and this does not have to be as big a job as it may seem. You can do a small pond or install a fountain in very little time over a weekend as long as you have all of the relevant parts. It does not have to be deep or anything to create the right effect.<br /><br />If you are good with wood then you can build a relatively simple, small decking area where you can sit and have various plants in pots. It can just be in a corner which attracts the most sun so you can take full advantage of it in the right weather. Just take time to treat the wood so it lasts no matter what is thrown at it.<br /><br />To try and be different have flower beds that are in different shapes instead of sharp squares or rectangles. Try to be different with how they are lined or have plants coming up through bark or small pebbles to create a different effect.<br /><br />If you enjoy cooking at home then you can easily spend a weekend creating your very own herb garden. It can be a nice addition to any backyard and it does have the added bonus of not just looking nice but also tasting nice. Herbs are easy to grow and do not need that much attention compared to other plants.<br /><br />There may be an area of your yard which is walked on more often than others. A good idea to keep it looking clean and tidy is to have it as some form of path rather than have lawn there. The grass can become worn down and looks terrible with too much use so the path really does improve things.<br /><br />So these are just a few ideas as to what you can do to landscape your backyard yourself. They are not too difficult and can be done at your own pace over a weekend. There are many other things you can do if you just think it through before beginning.<br /><br />Published At: Isnare.com Free Articles Directory - http://www.isnare.com/<br />Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=637591&ca=Gardening</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18114519741840046730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4776759665737215583.post-7246911075346849582011-10-11T10:46:00.000-07:002011-10-11T10:46:44.453-07:00Where And How To Sell Your Own Plant Material To Create An Income?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As I was writing in the previous articles about how to propagate plants by rooted cuttings, and to grow your own plants for a profit in a small space, now you might want to know how and where to sell your own plant material to create a steady solid income.<br />
<br />
Some people believe that it is too much trouble and too much work to get started and to put your foot in the door, so to speak, to be successful in this business.<br />
<br />
Or that it takes too long and it's too complicated to achieve a level of success. And this gardening and landscaping industry requires a lot of expertise.<br />
<br />
Actually that's not really the case. There is not too much trouble and it is not that complicated as some folks want to make it. Considering the vast resources of information available at your finger tips on the web related to the gardening industry, you can access anything you need in a mater of minutes.<br />
<br />
If you like gardening and working with nature it is fun and easy. It is relaxing, peaceful, enjoyable, and very rewarding. <br />
<br />
So don't hang around with the naysayers that will just hold you back from achieving your dreams! Think positive, dream, and act upon it. That's right, take action and keep going! Believe in yourself and in what you are doing.<br />
<br />
If you are reading this article, it means that you are interested in growing plants for a hobby or for profit, so you are at the right place and at the right time. <br />
<br />
It is never too late to start. And once you've started to grow your plants, let's find out how and where to sell them. Even if you don't have a large variety as of yet, you can still sell what you already have.<br />
<br />
First, make a little home made sign on a piece of plywood or cardboard and write on both sides of it 'Plants For Sale' and nail it on a stake that you drive in the ground in front of your property, so that it can be visible from both directions of the traffic.<br />
<br />
Set a table and fill it up with some plant material you have for sale, to create interest from your neighbors and the people that pass by. Or you can set them right on the ground, as long as the plants are visible. You'll be surprised how many will stop! People loves plants!<br />
<br />
If you grow some blooming plants, that would be a fantastic way to draw the buyers to your little plant growing and selling operation.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.borlovansnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Hydr3G.jpg.jpg"><img alt=""The Pink Hydrangea" " class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-341" height="225" src="http://www.borlovansnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Hydr3G.jpg-300x225.jpg" title="Hydr3G.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
Another way to sell your plants is to find a spot at an intersection with heavy traffic, preferable at a 4 way stop, or at traffic lights. While people stop they will look, and even if they don't stop right then at your stand, they are likely to come back or tell others about you!<br />
<br />
If you can't set up every day, try to be there on certain days of the week, so people will expect to see you at those particular days.<br />
<br />
Flea Markets are a great place to sell your plant material, since there are people that go though with the intent to buy. Once you get established and known for the quality and variety of plants you offer, you will build a healthy repeat business, that is priceless!<br />
<br />
You can also look to EBay and see for yourself the vast possibilities that they offer to sell your plant material. Of course, you'll have to be prepared to pay some hefty fees, and have the shipping supplies and other requirements in place to operate your business.<br />
<br />
Another way to sell your plants is to approach some local business and ask permission to sell in front of their store. This could work well for benefiting both; you and the owner of the business, by attracting some extra traffic to their store, that otherwise would not stop, if they were not attracted to your plants stand.<br />
<br />
Now you can see that it is not that hard or too complicated to sell your plant material for a profit. It is okay to have some doubts, but now since you know that it can be done, there is nothing to stand in your way, except you! <br />
<br />
This is true. It is not something that I read or heard about. I tried and experimented it myself, and I'm speaking as one who have done it and achieved a great level of success. It requires commitment, determination, and action.<br />
<br />
The possibilities of making a serious and steady income from growing plants is incredible! If you want it or not, you will have to grow and expand. Provided that you are taking good care of your plants they are growing while you sleeping, and you must step them up in larger containers, and sell for a higher price.<br />
<br />
Now since you have a pretty good idea as how and where to sell your plant material, I will write some articles to give you some ideas about what to grow to be more successful and profitable. <br />
<br />
We will talk about growing blooming plants, and specifically bedding plants. It is good to dream, make plans, stay informed and take action!<br />
<br />
Until next time, <br />
<br />
Mike Borlovan </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18114519741840046730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4776759665737215583.post-50692275815387525162011-10-11T10:41:00.000-07:002011-10-11T10:41:35.523-07:00What Shrubs Do You Need To Take Cuttings To Root your Plants?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The answer to the question of what shrubs do you need to take your cuttings from, to root your own plants, is not that hard.<br />
<br />
As I've suggested in the previous <a href="http://www.borlovansnursery.com/">article</a> the way to have a good start is to make cuttings off of some woody shrubs, that are many times readily available around your property, or your neighbors' and your friends properties. <br />
<br />
I recommend the woody shrubs for the simple fact that the finished product does not need too much heating, or any heating at all. But while you root the cuttings, they will need a warm and humid environment to grow roots.<br />
<br />
As the little branches that you cut off from the mature shrub does not have any roots to feed through, they must feed somehow in order to live and grow roots on their own.<br />
<br />
Well, how do they do it? Very simple: they feed through the leaves, and that's why the cuttings will need to be sprinkled with a fine mist of water, and kept in a humid confinement, the greenhouse. They need water, light and heat.<br />
<br />
Provided that you have the source to take the cuttings from, let's start with the number of cuttings you want, and then we proceed to the way you'll make the cuttings.<br />
<br />
But first make sure you have your cell trays filled up with fine potting soil, and sprinkle them until the cells are wet all the way down. And then you can start cutting the little branches from the mature shrubs.<br />
<br />
Let's assume you want to make cuttings from a winter green Boxwood shrub, or Korean Boxwood, and you want to fill up 10 trays of 72 cells, to obtain about 700 rooted plugs to start your plant operation business to sell plants for a profit. This is going to be a first step to create a steady income.<br />
<a href="http://www.borlovansnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/boxwood-plugs1.jpg"><img alt=""The Boxwood Plug"" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-331" height="225" src="http://www.borlovansnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/boxwood-plugs1-300x225.jpg" title="boxwood plugs" width="300" /></a><br />
That's a pretty good start and 10 trays shouldn't take that much room. The next batch of cuttings can be a different kind of shrub, like Compacta holly, Burford holly, Azalea Formosa, Hillari Holly, Crape Myrtles, Weeping Willows, Wigelia, Wisteria, Loropetalum, or any other shrubs and trees that could sell well in your area. <br />
<br />
The possibilities are too vast to mention them all in this article. But let's now just concentrate on the first batch of boxwood cuttings.<br />
<br />
To make the cuttings in a proper way, and to obtain the greatest number of rooted plugs, you need a good sharp knife. Do not use any scissors to make cuttings. Use a sharp knife and cut the little branches in a slanted manner at about 45 degrees. <br />
<br />
You want to select the tips of the shrub branches that are not too hard nor too soft or too green. Kind of in between. You want to cut them just a little lower from the point where it turned green, in the brown portion of the branch. <br />
<br />
In other words they should not be too mature nor too tender green. You will get used to it as you go, and it will produce a greater and faster amount of rooted cuttings.<br />
<br />
Once you collected the desired number of cuttings, sit down in the shade, and pinch off the lower leaves at the portion that you'll stick in the dirt, and leave only the upper leaves above the soil. You should also cut off the tips to encourage branching. <br />
<br />
Now start sticking the lower part of the cuttings in the soil, and pack gently the dirt around them to eliminate any air pockets and for the steams to contact the soil.<br />
<br />
Set them in the shade or your greenhouse and mist the leaves every 1 to 2 hours for several days. Make sure they get enough light and some source of heating to keep them warm. <br />
<br />
After several weeks, you will notice the little roots coming out from the bottom of the trays. They are not ready yet! You don't have to water them that often now, but keep them wet, not soggy, and never let them dry out completely.<br />
<br />
At this point you can apply some light liquid Miracle growth fertilizer, or some granulated micro-nutrients on top of the soil, and the little plants will turn in a nice vibrant green. <br />
<br />
It's a good start! Once they developed a good root ball, they are ready to be stepped up in some 4 to 5 inch plastic round or square containers, and as they grow, when they become a little root bound, you step them up in 1 Gallon containers.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.borlovansnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Boxwood2.5in.jpg"><img alt=""Boxwood In Container"" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-337" height="225" src="http://www.borlovansnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Boxwood2.5in-300x225.jpg" title="Boxwood2.5in" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
At this point they are ready for sale. In order to stimulate bushing and branching, you'll need to trim the tips off. The more you trim the bushier they get.<br />
<br />
Every time you step them up in a larger container, apply some slow release fertilizer, like osmocote or other fertilizers available at your local Garden Centers.<br />
<br />
That's how you should do with any other woody shrubs cuttings you want to start growing. It is a lot of fun and at the same time you can create a wonderful source of income.<br />
<br />
Another easy to start and grow plant that is in a pretty great demand on the market, is the weeping willow tree. These weeping willows love water, and their majestic weeping branches waving in the wind, are creating an awesome accent in any landscape.<br />
<br />
These can be rooted in some one gallon plastic containers filled with sand, and watered well and often. Just stick some short branches or switches in some containers filled with sand and set them in the shade or greenhouse.<br />
<br />
If properly watered the weeping willows are growing fast, and will be ready for sale in several months. <br />
<br />
As you become better on rooting cuttings, and you enjoy doing it, you can sell them by the trays to the gardening people to grow their own finished products. <br />
<br />
In the next article I will offer some suggestions as where to sell your finished <a href="http://www.borlovansnursery.com/">plant products</a>.<br />
<br />
Until next time, for your success, dare to take action!<br />
<br />
Mike Borlovan<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18114519741840046730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4776759665737215583.post-18873426123223965232011-10-11T10:28:00.000-07:002011-10-11T10:28:29.286-07:00Rooted Cuttings To Start Growing Plants To Create Your Income<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The rooted cuttings to start growing your own plants and selling them to create your own income, is the most economical way to start, and it makes more sense.<br />
<br />
Of course for a faster start, if you don't have the time and the means to root the cuttings yourself, or you don't have the stock to harvest your cuttings from, you can purchase rooted cuttings readily available from Wholesale Nurseries locally or on the internet.<br />
<br />
That would be a faster process to achieve a finish product for sale to the public. The rooted cuttings usually are grown in cell trays of 36, 50, 72, or other sizes, that are also called plugs. <br />
<br />
The prices per tray or per plug varies as there are so many sources available where you have a chance to shop around and compare prices. <br />
<br />
This alternative is preferable if you want to save time, because the rooting process could take 6 to 8 weeks or even longer for some <a href="http://www.borlovansnursery.com/">varieties of plants</a>.<br />
<br />
Another alternative for plant propagation is by seeds, and the little plants obtained by sowing seeds are called seedlings.<br />
<br />
If you love blooming bedding plants, you might want to wait until late winter, very close to the spring season, to start them by seeds and have them readily available as a finished product for sale just in time for planting season.<br />
<br />
Since a lot of gardeners and nature loving people have been cooped up indoors in a long winter, they are itching to get out in the garden and plant those vibrant color spring bedding plants. Therefore, the bedding plants operations are very profitable and fun. <br />
<br />
I will tell you about it in a separate article about how to grow and sell bedding plants. It is going to be awesome!<br />
<br />
In any situation you've got to have the right environment to achieve the starter plants in order to have a reasonable number of plants to make any income. But no mater what you choose to do, to start the plant plugs or seedlings, you'll need a greenhouse.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, if you are living in a warm climate, you probably don't even need a greenhouse, and you can start your rooting and sowing process in a shady location under some trees, as long as you have the water source close by.<br />
<br />
In other situations where the region you are living in has cold weather and freezing temperatures, the plants will need protection. You will need a good greenhouse to grow them and protect the young plants from the elements. <br />
<br />
But the rooting and sowing process should be started in the spring and early summer. You can root the cuttings even in the winter if you heat the greenhouse and create the proper temperature for the plants to catch roots. <br />
<br />
That is for the larger professional operations that can afford it and are aiming for large production of plant material. You can achieve that too, if you'll stick with this business long enough and grow as you go. <br />
<br />
Once you start it, you will expand, if you want to or not. If you want to increase your income you will have to expand. <br />
<br />
I've started with a small humble 10x30 greenhouse, and in about 3 years I've ended up with a 10 Acres vibrant Nursery operation with lots of greenhouses, irrigation systems, two deep commercial submersible pumps, plenty ground covers for the finished plant material, and then after another 3 years I expanded with a nice profitable Landscaping Division.<br />
<a href="http://www.borlovansnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sweet-olive-3g.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-318" height="225" src="http://www.borlovansnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sweet-olive-3g-300x225.jpg" title="sweet olive 3g" width="300" /></a><br />
With hard work and dedication you can become successful in this plant growing business in a relatively short period of time. <br />
<br />
As I will continue to write these articles relevant to the plants growing and selling for profit business, I will suggest different methods of selling your finished plant material both, wholesale to Garden Centers, Landscapers, and retail to the general public. <br />
<br />
In a special article I will try to tell you my story, how I started, what kind of resources I've used, the obstacles I've encountered and how can you avoid them by learning from my mistakes.<br />
<br />
But for now lets talk about the subject of how to start with the rooted cuttings: to grow them yourself or to buy them from other sources.<br />
<br />
This depends on your possibilities and the time that you have available or if you want to wait until the little cuttings will grow roots.<br />
<br />
Once you have build your little greenhouse, and purchased a few cell trays, fine potting soil to fill the cell trays with, then you are ready to harvest some cuttings to start propagating by roots.<br />
<br />
For a greater success and a faster rooting process you will need some root hormone to deep the cuttings in, before you stick them in the cell trays. However, you can root the cuttings without the root hormones, so it's not really strictly necessary. Who knows, you might already have a "green thumb".<br />
<br />
We joke around here when we talk about my wife that if she sticks a dry stick in the ground it will catch roots. I tell you, does she have a "green thumb" or what!<br />
<br />
Before you do that you have to decide what kind of plants you want to propagate and sell. As I've suggested in the previous article, it would be a good idea to start with the woody evergreen shrubs that don't need heating in the winter.<br />
<br />
Just have everything ready and in the next article I'll talk about how and where to collect the cuttings from, and how to cut and make them ready to stick them in the rooting cells.<br />
<br />
In the meantime just make sure you are working on building your first greenhouse and have it ready. If you do it right, this thing will grow wings and there's no telling where and how far can it take you!<br />
<br />
Just stick with me and get your <a href="http://www.borlovansnursery.com/">hands dirty for a profit</a>, and a good one, too!<br />
<br />
Until the next article,<br />
<br />
Mike Borlovan<br />
<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18114519741840046730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4776759665737215583.post-35763701456482544642011-10-11T10:22:00.000-07:002011-10-11T10:22:29.645-07:00Growing Plants In A Small Space To Create A Steady Income<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This article is about growing plants in a small space to create a steady income from your own home. Even if you have a larger place it is still wise to start small and grow as you go.<br />
<br />
If you have fallen on some hard times, like we all do once in a while, loosing your job, trying hard to make ends meet and pay your bills that never seem to go away, then this could be your way out! You never know.<br />
<br />
In other words you feel like you are in a crises, and you've exhausted all attempts to find a job to get on your feet, but no success!<br />
<br />
That is if you look at the situation and conclude that it is hopeless. <br />
<br />
But remember, there is always hope and opportunity even in crises, and in hard times. Sometimes we have no idea what resources we have inside of us, if we would just stop for a moment and look around in search for some way of getting ahead, we'll be surprised of what we could be capable of achieving, just by trying and not seating idle.<br />
<br />
Getting back to our article subject about how to grow plants to create a steady income in a small space, it could be easier than you've ever thought. With a strong will and determination you can do it! Just don't doubt yourself.<br />
<br />
And believe me, I'm talking about my own experience, it is not something I've just read about. I have done it myself. So I know pretty much what it takes and I also know for a fact that it can be done! This is true.<br />
<br />
It is almost impossible to write everything about this vast subject in a single article, but if you stick with me for a while, I will explain the best I can in a series of articles related to this very subject.<br />
<br />
Please notice that I'm not trying to sell you anything! This article is simply to help you get some ideas of how to start this plants growing business, and where to begin. Growing and selling garden and landscaping plants for a profit, even from your own backyard, is easy.<br />
<br />
And let me tell you a little secret of mine. I've been involved in the sales business most of my life. And at times when nothing else seemed to sell, plant material always were selling! <br />
<br />
There is something about gardening, that many people find pleasurable and enjoyable just to get away in the tranquility of their little paradise! <br />
<br />
And another thing about growing plants is that they never talk back! They just grow while you sleep. Isn't that nice! <br />
<br />
But let's get to it orderly and in a step by step fashion to achieve this simple start up business of growing plants for a profit, as much as the size of this article will permit.<br />
<br />
First you need some space, be it a small space or a larger one if you have available. If you have a back yard and a front yard, you'll need to start your growing operation in the back, and a small sales space in the front if you can.<br />
<br />
Or you can sell the shrubs and seedlings from the back yard as long as you let your friends and neighbors know that you have plants for sale. There are many other ways to sell plant material, that I'm going to explain in another article.<br />
<br />
Now let's get started by choosing a nice sunny spot in the back yard, where you want to place a small greenhouse. <br />
<br />
When you choose the spot, there are a few considerations to keep account of: <br />
<br />
1) A close source of water. That's a must. You can not grow anything without water. <br />
<br />
2) A plot that is level and not too sloppy. <br />
<br />
3) The plot should be clear of rocks, tree roots protruding from the ground, and free of grass and weeds. <br />
<br />
If you can get some gravel for the ground base that would be perfect. If not, a roll of ground cover from your hardware store would be great, to keep the weeds from growing in your greenhouse.<br />
<br />
4) Build a small greenhouse. This is not as hard as you might think. You can build it on the cheap, with very little investment. <br />
<br />
A) Mark the spot that you prepared for the greenhouse in the 4 corners with stakes. Let's say you have a small space of about 40 x 20, or 20 x 50, or 30 x 10. It doesn't matter.<br />
<br />
B) Measure from the extreme stakes in diagonal from one corner to the other: adjust the stake in the ground accordingly, to make sure the whole layout is a perfect rectangular shape. This will make it easier for you when you'll cover your greenhouse.<br />
<br />
C) Drive in the ground some treated 2 x 4's pieces of about 3' long, on the sides, front, and back of the greenhouse in a straight line, leaving 1 foot above the ground. The distance between the 2 x 4's depends on the size of your greenhouse. I would drive them in the ground at about 4 feet apart.<br />
<br />
D) Get some 1x4x10 and nail them against the 2x4 driven in the ground at the base level, all around the frame of the greenhouse, to have something to staple the plastic film cover. (After you covered the greenhouse, nail a strip of 1x2 alongside and on top of plastic film and the 1x4, to keep the plastic cover from being snapped up by the wind.) <br />
<br />
E) Get some 20' long PVC water pipes 1.5" or 2" diameter, with a schedule 20 or 30. They are more flexible and easier to work with to create several bows. Doesn't have to be schedule 40. <br />
<br />
F) Fasten the ends of the pipes to the 2 x 4 that you've driven in the ground, using nails or brackets from the hardware store. Make sure the end of the pipe bows are well fastened to the 2x4 that' driven in the ground.<br />
<br />
G) Get some scrap wood of 2x4 and 1x4 to build some kind of frame in the front and back of your greenhouse to enable you to fasten the plastic cover. Make sure you have doors in the back and front for access and air circulation. <br />
<br />
The doors can be made of light frames with 1x2's or 2x4's and covered with plastic film. And have a pair of hinges on each door. <br />
<br />
Once you've fastened the end of the pipes across on each pair of 2x4's making a bow, you are ready to cover your greenhouse.<br />
<br />
G) Buy a roll of clear plastic film, 3 or 4 mil is preferable, about the size of your greenhouse. Now you are ready to cover your new project to house your rooted cuttings and seedlings. <br />
<br />
Before you start rooting your own starter plants, it would be a good idea to just buy a few from an online or local Nursery source, just to get you started. <br />
<br />
You are going to need this Greenhouse to grow and protect your rooted cuttings and/or seedlings during the winter time. You want to buy and grow the kind of woody shrubs and tree plants that do not require heating in the winter, only some protection from the elements while they are still young.<br />
<br />
We'll talk about the rooted cuttings and the seedlings a little later. For now we are working on a little greenhouse made of cheap materials, many times available around the yard. The PVC water pipe system is inexpensive, is pretty flexible and it will withstand the wind.<br />
<br />
You need to put them to good use. It's so easy, and very achievable and profitable, too.<br />
<br />
If you really need to get to some money faster, you can locate some reasonable wholesalers of plant materials in your area, and start buying and selling for a profit.<br />
<br />
In the autumn and winter people buy shrubs and dormant trees to give the plants time to get established in the ground for the next growing season. So plants are selling anytime.<br />
<br />
Another thing you want to look for, is to find some source of used plastic pots and trays from some Nurseries around your area, or from some large department stores that have a Garden Center section. Many times they give them for free or very cheap. Just ask around. <br />
<br />
Get a feel of it, and in the meantime you can start to google all you can, to learn about plants and the Nursery business, as much as possible. Or just read our <a href="http://www.borlovansnursery.com/">nursery</a> related articles.<br />
<br />
In the following articles we'll be talking about how to collect and root your own starter plants, how to water and fertilize, and a lot more related to this growing plants business in a small space for profit.<br />
<br />
Until next time, keep your hands dirty, and <a href="http://www.borlovansnursery.com/">profit</a> from it!<br />
<br />
Mike Borlovan <br />
<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18114519741840046730noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4776759665737215583.post-25065562866726736982011-09-20T11:03:00.000-07:002011-09-20T11:03:11.372-07:00How To Build Your Own Wooden Shed Like A Real Professional?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">How To Build Your Own Wooden Shed Like A Real Professional? It's easier than you think! Just by using and following some simple common sense rules, you can achieve it anytime.<br />
<br />
If you are a homeowner and care about your landscaping and your yard maintenance tools, you need a good <a href="http://c0e8570h1umwyr1qxztkz6-met.hop.clickbank.net/">wooden shed plan</a> to protect them from the elements, and to keep them locked up.<br />
<br />
There are unlimited resources to accomplish that, but if you want to build it like a professional you will need a good solid plan, as well as a step by step guide to do it right.<br />
<br />
In this article we are talking about wooden build sheds, that will not only protect your yard assets, but at the same time it will improve the looks of your property as well.<br />
<br />
A nicely designed architectural wooden shed, and strategically placed, will very much elevate the looks of your landscape as a whole.<br />
<br />
Without a good plan and step by step guide, you might end up with an odd looking shed that would seem like an elephant in a room. Or too big, or too small and disproportionate to the size of the yard or the landscape. You don't want that.<br />
<br />
Then the choosing of the right material could be tricky, if you don't have a clear plan from start to finish. That could spell trouble in the end by wasting your hard earn money.<br />
<br />
So to build your wooden shed like a professional could be a challenge if you are not prepared to take the necessary first steps to do it right from the beginning.<br />
<br />
But where and how would you start? Maybe your imagination could go wild contemplating in your mind what kind of wooden shed would you like to have.<br />
<br />
Well, how about a resource of 12, 000 plans of wooden sheds and other woodworking projects, and all these in one single place?<br />
<br />
All the plans, lists of materials and blueprints all in one place to get started anytime. It cannot get any easier than that, isn't it?<br />
<br />
Even if you are a good handyman and an accomplished do-it-yourself person, you still need some good and well organized plans for any project you want to take. Everything at your fingertips, step-by-step guide to achieve your desired wooden shed.<br />
<br />
As for the value of your property, a well build wooden shed could make a lot of difference. The improvement and the image of your home could grow dramatically!<br />
<br />
If you enjoy woodworking, you are most likely aware of the time and effort required to plan for a good project. And at the same time, you have probably come up against the same old brick wall like most of us have now and then. I don't know about you, but I like simple. The common sense way.<br />
<br />
By applying these readily available wooden shed projects, you will save a lot of time and headaches.<br />
<br />
If you are a woodworking enthusiast, you see better than most the value of a beautifully crafted piece of workmanship. Once finished you can be proud of a well planned and well executed project that will last for many years to come.<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
It is a great satisfaction and enjoyment to see your wooden shed coming up the way you like it, the way you probably imagined it for a long time.<br />
<br />
So why postpone the project and why not start it right away? It is offered to you like on a plate, take it, and you'll be glad you did. To get started click <a href="http://c0e8570h1umwyr1qxztkz6-met.hop.clickbank.net/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Mike Borlovan<br />
<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18114519741840046730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4776759665737215583.post-53904488501430225062010-10-22T08:38:00.000-07:002010-10-22T08:38:41.657-07:00How to Build a Simple Potting Bench<h2 align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #660033; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times; font-size: 18pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">How to Build a Simple Potting Bench</span></h2><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">by Michael J. McGroarty</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">You are welcome to use this article on your website or in your newsletter as long as you reprint it as is, including the contact information at the end. You must include an active link back to the author's website, as well as an active link back to </span><a href="http://gardening-articles.com/" style="color: #993300;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">http://gardening-articles.com</span></a></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The potting bench that you are about to read about is not fancy, but very functional. It is also very easy to build and use. Except it doesn't have any legs! Don't panic, having a legless potting bench is actually a benefit, I'll get to that a little later. </span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The potting bench described in this article is actually identical to the potting bench that we have been using for years in our backyard nursery, and it has served us well, potting up tens of thousands of plants. I like it because it is large enough to pot up around ten small plants at a time, and it holds a significant amount of soil.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">However, since I originally wrote this article, I designed and built a potting bench for home gardeners that you may like better. There are lots of photos and step by step plans for building it on this page: </span><a href="http://www.freeplants.com/free-potting-bench-plans.htm" style="color: #993300;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">http://www.freeplants.com/free-potting-bench-plans.htm</span></a></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">On the above page you will also find a photo of one of my other potting bench designs, <b>an outhouse with a flip out potting bench!</b> It's unique, that's for sure.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Okay, back to my legless potting bench.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Here's a short list of what you'll need to build Mike's rugged, but functional potting bench.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Tools: A screwdriver, a small box wrench or crescent wrench, or if you have a 1/4" drive socket set that's even better. A tape measure, a small square, a drill, and a power saw.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Materials: One full sheet (4' by 8') of 3/4" treated plywood. Make sure it is treated so it will last a long time. Untreated plywood does not hold up well at all outdoors.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">15 dohickeys (you know, those little metal angle brackets, or corner brackets used to connect two boards together at a right angle. These metal brackets are bent in a 90 degree angle and have two holes drilled in them).</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">30 bolts with nuts 1-¼" long, and the correct size to fit the angle brackets you buy.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">60 flat washers that fit the bolts</span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://freeplants.com/potting-bench.gif" width="385" /><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">This is the potting bench you are going to build.<br />
"Mike's Legless Potting Bench"</span></b></span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small;">If you use this article you can use the photos that accompany the article, as long as you leave the reference to </span><a href="http://www.freeplants.com/" style="color: #993300;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small;">http://www.freeplants.com</span></a> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small;">on the photos.</span></b></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://freeplants.com/potting-bench2.gif" width="391" /></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Notice in the above photo that one end of the bench is resting on the potting soil pile, and the other on concrete blocks. Not having legs is really an advantage because you can get the potting bench much closer to your potting soil pile.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Before you start, draw this out on paper so you know exactly what each piece of wood is supposed to look like before make any cuts. This way you won't make a mistake that will ruin your piece of plywood.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Lay the plywood on a flat surface, like your garage floor. From one end measure in 16" and draw a line across the sheet of plywood. With your saw, cut along this line. The piece that you are cutting off is 16" by 48".</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Now draw a diagonal line across the smaller piece of plywood. (The one you just removed from the sheet.) Cut along this line. You should now have two triangular pieces that measure 48" on one side and 16" on one side.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">These pieces should be in the shape of a right triangle. Now you are going to remove a small piece from the pointed end of the triangular pieces. To do this, measure 24" from the right angle, along the 48" side and make a mark. Using a small square draw a line from this mark across the pointed end of the plywood. This line should be at a right angle to the 48" side of the board. This line should only be about 4" long. Cut along this line, removing the small piece from the pointed end. Discard the small piece you cut off. The piece you have left should be 16" on one end, 24" on one side, and about 4" where you made the cut to remove the pointed end. </span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The two smaller boards you have left should be identical. These are the sides for your potting bench. </span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Now back to the larger piece of wood. This piece should now measure 80" by 48". From the long side measure over 16" and draw a line from one end to the other. Cut along this line. The piece you are removing should be 16" by 80", leaving a piece 32" by 80". </span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">These two pieces will serve as the bottom and the back of your potting bench. Take the back piece and stand it on edge, on top of the piece that will serve as the bottom of the bench to get an idea of how your potting bench is going to fit together. Make five marks where you will mount the angle brackets that will hold these two pieces together. Just space the five brackets along the two boards, making sure not to put any too close to the end so they don't interfere when you install the two end pieces. Just keep the brackets about 1-½" from each end. </span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Note: Once you have the brackets installed and the bolts all tight you might want to cut off the ends of the bolts and file them smooth if they are sticking out so far as to be a hazard when you are handling the potting bench. </span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Once you have all five brackets installed and the back of the potting bench mounted to the bottom, you can then install the two side pieces. With the two side pieces installed you are now the proud owner of a legless potting bench. You can install legs if you'd like to, but I like mine without legs because I can get it much closer to my pile of potting soil. </span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">What I do is rest one end of the bench right on the pile of potting soil, and then support the other end with a saw horse, concrete blocks, or milk crates. By placing one end right on the soil pile, it is very easy to shovel the soil onto the bench. Not having legs also makes the bench easier to store and move around. </span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">When I want to use it as a table for making cuttings, I just put a saw horse under each end. </span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">There you have it. Mike's famous legless potting bench. It ain't pretty, but it's very functional. </span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Michael J. McGroarty is the author of this article. Visit his most interesting website, </span><a href="http://www.freeplants.com/" style="color: #993300;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">http://www.freeplants.com</span></a> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">and sign up for his excellent gardening newsletter. Article provided by </span><a href="http://gardening-articles.com/" style="color: #993300;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">http://gardening-articles.com</span></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If you use this article the above two links must be active.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><a href="http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=1255729">http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=1255729</a></span><br />
<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', 'Times New Roman', Times;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18114519741840046730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4776759665737215583.post-30710058263827046262010-09-09T17:41:00.000-07:002010-09-09T17:41:51.357-07:00Composting For Successful GardeningHow to use composting to have a successful garden? Composting is absolutely essential if we are to achieve an abundant harvest.<br />
<br />
For any successful garden, composting is an essential element for the soil improvement. <br />
<br />
<br />
Especially when the dirt is lacking nutrients, and the soil in your garden is poor. Any kind of dirt can be improved. Be it loamy, sandy, or clay. This is done by adding amendments, mainly composted organic matter. The darker the dirt in your garden, the better success for an abundant and healthy crop. When the garden soil is fertile, the plants are growing more robust and it is easier for them to fight and builds resistance to different diseases.<br />
<br />
Every serious gardener should consider composting, to amend and help the garden plot become nutrient again for the next season harvest. Once the nutrients are depleted, which it happens naturally, they must be replaced perpetually. Every year if possible.<br />
<br />
If you don't have the time or the means to make a fast or active compost, you can easily go for a passive composting. While this might be a slower process, nevertheless it will do the job. It can absolutely be implemented with less care and no cost.<br />
<br />
Even in a kind of neglected pile of compost with organic waste, the organic material will decompose even if it does it slowly. But it can be done without any significant effort. <br />
<br />
The compost pile can consist of leaves, and lots of them. About two thirds leaves and one third nitrogen material will assure a good and consistent organic matter. The leaves will provide the carbon necessary for decomposing. The nitrogen can be obtained by adding cow manure, chicken manure, fresh grass clippings, and blood mill. <br />
<br />
When you have a garden, it just doesn't make sense to burn the leaves! It would be a waste of a very important source of organic matter that can make a world of difference in the improving of your garden soil. <br />
<br />
Just rake the falling leaves and put them in a pile out of the way, in a corner and just turn them and sprinkle with water when it is not raining. The leaves are a very good and important source of carbon. The microbes, those hard working little creature, will do the job. They live on the decaying material and that's why it is important to turn the compost pile to allow the oxygen and the newly added leaves in contact with the invisible microbes that are working day and night. And they are working for free. You don't even have to pay them! He, he, he!<br />
<br />
So all these elements must be considered when composting for a better gardening: the composition of the material by combining the right proportion as described above. Moisture (by sprinkling water), aeration by turning it now and then with a pitch fork. Mother nature will take care of the rest. Some material will decompose faster, others slower. But they will decay.<br />
<br />
Once the proper conditions have been created, the micro organisms will get in action, as well as the earth worms. They will multiply and as you apply the compost in the garden, the worms will aerate the soil to allow the oxygen where it is needed the most.<br />
<br />
Once the compost is decayed enough, spread it on the top of the dirt in your garden plot and till it in the ground to blend in. This way it will decay even more, and make the soil rich and nutrient with all that good organic material. Gradually will build up the humus, that nice rich, dark looking color of the soil.<br />
<br />
This is the cheapest and more economical way of composting. It would cost you hardly anything. By burning the leaves, you are burning your hard earned money. So why not put them to a useful purpose and save a bundle. Not withstanding the benefits of a successful gardening. To produce the nice, fresh, full of vitamins and minerals fruits and vegetables, with vivid full of life colors for your healthy living.<br />
<br />
Gardening is wonderful. If you are not gardening yet, you are missing out on a lot of amazing things, and on the satisfaction of having your own quiet little place of retreat, from this noisy and crazy world. You will soon discover the enjoyment of gardening, and how beneficial it is for you.<br />
<br />
Let's get our hands dirty. It is good for you.<br />
<br />
Mike BorlovanAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18114519741840046730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4776759665737215583.post-79741623421746277592010-08-14T09:35:00.000-07:002010-09-09T18:07:58.742-07:00Gardening With Raised Beds The Easy WayEasy gardening with <strong>raised beds</strong>, is a simple solution and much easier to manage. <br />
<br />
<br />
To have a good variety of fresh <em>vegetables</em> and <em>herbs</em> to spice up your dishes and salads, the "raised beds" is the way to go. Just a few pieces of boards, a few nails, and you can have your rectangular frames done in no time. There might be some old boards laying around your property, that can be brought to good use, to make them useful again, thus keeping your cost very low.<br />
<br />
So, the raised beds are easy to build and they should not be expensive, either.<br />
<br />
Choose a good sunny spot close to your house to make it more accessible and easier to water. Hook your hose to a spigot and just water when it's not raining. And of course, closer to your kitchen for easy access for harvesting whenever you need to.<br />
<br />
An ideal width of the beds should not be wider then 4 feet, for easy reach from both sides of the bed, and as long as you like. It depends on how much space you have, and how many kinds of vegetables you want to grow.<br />
<br />
You can use 2 x 6 x 8, or 10 or 12, or if you have some 2 by 4 laying around unused, put 3 layers of frames on top of each other, to make it higher, to give the plants more room to spread the roots in the ground. <br />
<br />
Nail the boards at the corners and you've got your frames for your raised beds. Set them in your selected spot, and lay some cardboard on the bottom, to keep any weeds from coming up through the soil. That is necessary if you lay the frames on top of the sod, and if you don't want to remove it. It's easier that way, and less work.<br />
<br />
Now you are ready to put some top soil in your beds, or if you do not have access to some top soil there is another solution that I use: ground pine bark. This works real good and it's easier to work with, because it is lighter, and more porous, allowing the water to drain and the air to get to the roots. I'm not talking about 'air pockets', just some air to the roots as it happens naturally. <br />
<br />
At this point it's a good idea to add some well composted cow <strong>manure</strong> and mix it into the soil. The <strong>vegetables</strong> love rich nutritious dirt. Now level the soil with a rake, and you are ready to get your hands dirty. <br />
<br />
Choose the vegetables you like the most, and have them ready when you want to start planting. Once you have your list of the veggies you want to grow, shop for your seeds. A few examples of vegetable seeds would be: tomatoes, bell peppers, banana peppers, hot peppers, cucumbers, radish, lettuce, spinach, broccoli, squash, snap beans, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, parsnip, etc. The list could be endless, but since your space is probably limited, you choose what you like best.<br />
<br />
Build as many beds as you want. I would dedicate one of the beds, for the herbs, like: parsley, dill, basil, fennel, cilantro, arugula, chives, thyme, tarragon, rosemary, peppermint, oregano, sage, etc.<br />
<br />
If you have the space, think about a bed for the strawberries. Rich in vitamins and minerals, and excellent to eat fresh or to make jams. <br />
<br />
Once you have the selected seeds, you can plant them indoors, in small peat-pots, like jiffy pots, and when the danger of a late frost is gone, you plant them in your raised beds. If you don't want to start the plants by seeds, purchase the starter plants from your local Garden Center, and plant them directly in your vegetable beds. For the herbs, I would rather start them myself from seeds in some 3 to 4 inch plastic pots, and then plant them in the beds. It's much cheaper like that. Soon I will have a special article dedicated to growing herbs successfully in small containers.<br />
Here are some raised beds made of lumber that was laying around, and I've put them to use.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijj-KUB_hC75PLdTeR-lMFXVR6AedPrlJWVx4zQRwqhf-yOTqPsO1glOu0KNy_Y7RAN7t6ogfZDnZyq5VperNmQ9vRWQwgzKDlXLZFYxYOL8wleo8heo-a13e357DgyrS1blXoKS1tVHEE/s1600/bed1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 242px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 347px;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijj-KUB_hC75PLdTeR-lMFXVR6AedPrlJWVx4zQRwqhf-yOTqPsO1glOu0KNy_Y7RAN7t6ogfZDnZyq5VperNmQ9vRWQwgzKDlXLZFYxYOL8wleo8heo-a13e357DgyrS1blXoKS1tVHEE/s320/bed1.JPG" width="320" /></a>As you can see, they don't really take too much room, and you can plant quite a few vegetables in a small bed like that. In the bed on the left you can see as I've nailed two thin 2x2's in the frame, and tied a wire mesh for the cucumbers to climb on, thus saving a lot of space. It worked out pretty good. In front of the cucumbers, I've planted a second crop of tomatoes, after an initial crop of snap beans was over. On the right bed I have some Black Krim Tomatoes. They have an excellent flavor, seeds originated from Russia. Very productive!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As you can see it's simple and practical. The beds are placed close to the house for easy access and easy watering. Once you planted the raised beds, there is not much ells to do, other then enjoy the fruits of your "easy labour", and just keep an eye now and then for any weeds that might pop up in your little garden. Pluck them out and toss them in your compost pile, where you can slowly but surely accumulate some composted matter for the next season. Leaves work wonders! Don't burn them, but rather gather the leaves and put them in a pile for future use.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5m9yKZdb9EXYVrSXAreTmcz1ZtcSZYYpUoP6X-2dKM714u3WEIfduYhwnAifg1BChilILZsJYGTPN7TbRwXvbTeoC1UlYrzLxwbDwqE1QGUon0JuqTQiIY1sV9yN_31u4yrekc6kPEhhq/s1600/bed5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5m9yKZdb9EXYVrSXAreTmcz1ZtcSZYYpUoP6X-2dKM714u3WEIfduYhwnAifg1BChilILZsJYGTPN7TbRwXvbTeoC1UlYrzLxwbDwqE1QGUon0JuqTQiIY1sV9yN_31u4yrekc6kPEhhq/s400/bed5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Here is another view of the modest but useful raised beds.<br />
<br />
It's so easy, and I have a lot of fun! Now I can enjoy the freshest vegetables possible with a low cost and plenty convenience. So do you! Why not eat healthy and fresh, besides the fact that you can watch every faze of the growing process, of your little garden paradise.<br />
<br />
The vegetables that travel long distance from imports or even domestic, can't even come close to the freshness of what you can pluck from your garden whenever you please. And they cost you very little compared to what you are paying at your supermarket, or the produce stand. I would not trade this for anything. What is more beautiful then relax in the tranquility of your home, gardening for better living. <br />
<br />
Enjoy the chirping of the birds, and the butterflies dancing in the sun. As a bonus you get the free exercise, that is good for your body, your soul, and your mind.<br />
<br />
See how easy it is to garden with raised beds? For more gardening Articles, please visit my other <a href="http://borlovans-nursery.blogspot.com/">blog</a>.<br />
<br />
If you like what you read in this article, please leave a comment and follow me on this blog. I will publish new and useful articles that I think it would help you make the right decision in your gardening endeavours.<br />
<br />
I sure appreciate you taking the time to visit my blog, and until next time, happy gardening, and get your hands dirty, in your garden, of course.<br />
<br />
Grand-pa MikeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18114519741840046730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4776759665737215583.post-22999290151038676112010-07-30T22:30:00.000-07:002010-07-30T22:30:44.350-07:00How To Plant A Vegetable GardenHow To Plant A Vegetable Garden<br />
<br />
If you think about having your own vegetable garden where you can pluck them out with your own hand, fresh, ripe, juicy, and full of vitamins and minerals, there is nothing really to compare or even come close to it. The vegetables will taste better and they are much more nutritious than the produce that is grown and shipped and travels long distance.<br />
<br />
And many times they are picked green, and they are forced riped in the trucks on the way to some warehouses, before they get to the store shelf. Now, how does that compare with the fruits and vegetables that you can grow in your own little paradise?<br />
<br />
For convenience, you probably used to go to the supermarket to buy your fruits and vegetables, but honestly, they just cannot compare with what you can grow and eat raw or cooked from your own garden. <br />
<br />
If you never had the experience to create your garden yet, and all you have eaten was the produce from your local supermarket, or from the roadside fruit stand, than you are missing out and you owe it to yourself, to think very seriously to start your garden, if you really want to eat fresh and healthy. It is not really that hard, and it sure is not complicated at all. And once you have it, you'll be glad you did.<br />
<br />
Just think of the benefits to be outdoors, in nature, and work in the tranquility of your little paradise. Not withstanding the free exercise you are getting in the process. That's good for your body, mind, and soul.<br />
<br />
And you want to do it right. So it is a pretty good idea to make a little plan, and stick to it.<br />
First, choose a good sunny spot, where you don't get too much shade or no shade at all, if possible, and the plot should be free of rocks or debris. But it should be close enough to the house to be able to water with a hose hooked to a spigot, when you need to water if and when it's not raining.<br />
<br />
<strong>Preparation of the soil:</strong><br />
<br />
Preparation of the soil is very important, and your success will very much depend on how you prepare the site. If the soil is clay or sandy and lacks nutrients, it must be amended and enriched with composted matter, like cow manure, organic fertilizer and minerals if needed. To make it even cheaper for next season, collect the leaves and other vegetation, kitchen leftovers, and make your own compost. The humus that the plants strive on. The soil will need nutrients to replace those used and depleted by the vegetables as they feed from the soil.<br />
<br />
Now think of what vegetables would you like to grow, something you enjoy eating the most. So, buy the seeds for the vegetables you choose, and go from there. It could be an endless list, but just a few examples would be; tomatoes, bell peppers, hot peppers, squash, radish, carrots, spinach, cucumbers, cabbage, lettuce, onions (sets). Maybe a few herbs to spice up your cooking with, like, dill, parsley, oregano, basil, fennel, arugula, rosemary, cilantro, etc. It all depends on how much space you have, and how large a garden you want to have. Herb plants don't take too much room, and they are fun to grow. Just think of that nice aroma they so freely give, in exchange of just a little LTC. Loving Tender Care. <br />
<br />
To have a good and early start with your garden, start your seeds indoors, and plant the transplants after the danger of late frost is past. It depends on where you live. One of the best methods would be to start the seeds in little peat pots, like the Jiffy-pots, so that when you plant the little plants outside you plant them with the Jiffy pot, thus not disturbing the tender roots of the transplants. If you prefer, you can plant the seeds directly in rows, according to the instructions on the seed packets. <br />
<br />
Plant the plants according to their size, and group them together. The low growing ones, should be separate from the tall growing ones, as to not block the sun light from reaching evenly on all the plants.<br />
Water well and keep the soil moist. Don't let the soil dry completely out between watering, nor keep it too soggy either.<br />
<br />
Once they started to grow, you can water them good, and then leave them alone and give them a chance to drink and feed. Water again before the soil dries out completely. <br />
<br />
Now sit and relax on a bench, somewhere in the shade, and watch how the little seeds sprout out of the soil. It is very rewarding to see, as the hard part of gardening is pretty much over, except that now and then watch for them pesky weeds to pluck them out, and don't let them invade your little paradise. Wait patiently for the time when you take out of your garden, with your own hand, and enjoy those healthy, juicy vegetables. It is simply wonderful. <br />
<br />
A lot more information is coming periodically, through related Gardening Articles. So please, leave a comment and help me improve the quality of service I'm providing to you, my fellow gardeners, freely. Your following me on this blog, as well as linking to it, is highly appreciated.<br />
<br />
This Article was written by Mike BorlovanAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18114519741840046730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4776759665737215583.post-59946481545557036252010-07-24T17:56:00.000-07:002010-07-24T18:57:50.407-07:00Garden Like A Pro with modest meansGardening like a professional with modest means. <br />You don't really have to be a professional gardener to grow quality, vibrant, healthy and full of life vegetables. You need a desire to learn, to experiment, and apply in practice what you've learned. <br /><br />Mather nature is so rich, and so freely giving, that we could never exhaust her of the never ending resources she has. The only thing we need to learn is how to receive and take from her, as long as we do not try to destroy her. <br /><br />And we need to give some of it back, by composting the leftovers, and help the soil to get fertile again, through natural means. <br /><br />Sometimes the plot we intend to grow our vegetables in, is depleted of the best nutrients it used to offer. The first impulse would be to apply some chemically based fertilizer, but that's obviously not the best solution. <br /><br />The land is so over fertilized in the lands where the produce is grown, and we purchase it from the supermarket shelf, they are hardly safe to eat anymore. You don't know what kind and how much fertilizer and pesticides was used to increase their bottom line for their productivity! <br /><br />So what are we going to do? We have to eat fruits and vegetables, we've got to feed our families. But thank God there is an alternative to it: start your own Garden and grow your own fruits and vegetables, if you don't have one already. That's the smart thing to do. Especially today, when most of our produce is coming from imports, and we don't have a clue how were they grown!<br /><br />We don't need to poison our bodies with chemical fertilizers and pesticides, that we don't even have any idea how much was there applied. We don't know how was the produce handled. <br /><br />In my humble opinion, the best way to make the soil fertile is through natural means. Let's think of the forest, where the trees have grown and survived for hundreds of years. They even survived fires, and revived again stronger then before. Why? <br /><br />Because of it's ability to replenish the nutrients by its natural means, without the intervention of the humans. The trees are dropping the dead limbs, and the leaves that decompose, and turns back into the soil, with the help of rain, wind, sun, heat, and our little invisible friends, the micro organisms that feed on them, and thus turn the decaying leaves into humus. That's exactly what the plants need to continue the cycle of life. Humus.<br /><br />And that's exactly what we should do for the soil in our own garden. Collect the leaves from one year to another, have a pile in a corner of the garden, and let it decay. Just turn it now and then with a pitch fork, and you'll have the best natural fertilizer possible. For Free! <br /><br />A lot of people are burning the leaves. Well, if they don't have a garden it's OK, I guess. But if they do have a garden, and they burn the leaves, and then they go to the supply store to buy that expensive chemical fertilizer, in my opinion that is a mistake. But, hey, who knows, maybe they have money to burn!<br /><br />As for you folks, who are passionate about gardening and save the leaves, that's like money in your pocket, as well as prime quality fruits and vegetables, much safer to eat, than a lot of other people who maybe do not care. <br /><br />If you have also access to some cow manure, that's perfect. But the leaves are the cheapest and smart way to make your own compost. <br /><br />Now there are a lot of ways to make your own compost, of course, food leftovers, sea grass, seaweeds, ground oyster shells, peanut hulls, grass clippings, etc, etc, etc. I don't doubt that. But what I'm saying is that the leaves are the cheapest and the most readily available for almost anyone.<br /><br />Spread your compost on top of the soil, till it in and reap the benefits of an abundant crop of fresh, vibrant, healthy, and happy fruits and vegetables of your own garden. <br /><br />Create your own paradise and live smart and well.<br /><br />Until next time,<br /><br />Happy Gardening!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18114519741840046730noreply@blogger.com0