I love spending time in the garden during the summer... what’s better than being surrounded by the beauty of nature?
Enjoying gardening as much as I do, it was only natural for me to create my In The Garden eye shadow!
It’s a pretty, pearlescent antique bronze, and looks so gorgeous against summer skin. With just the most dreamy hint of shimmer, this is a shade that really illuminates every eye color :)
On that note, thinking about gardening and enchanting earthy eye shadow shades, I thought I’d dedicate today’s HOME blog to green thumb tips to guarantee that you will have success with your own garden!
Sally Field (love her!) has proclaimed her passion for gardening, and I’m doing the same! Do any of you have a magnificently green thumb?
Ah, the elusive green thumb. Some people have one, allowing their plants and flowers to flourish with beauty, while some people need a little help.
If you’ve had less than stellar luck with gardening in the past, don’t give up hope!
The horticulture staff at Virginia’s Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden have taken to the internet to share a few of their favorite tips for those of us who could stand for their thumbs to be a bit greener.
Listen and learn - I sure did!
1. Compost is free fertilizer, so why not use it? Compost holds close to 90 percent more water than topsoil, increases soil fertility and reduces landfill waste.
Check out this supercool video on eHow.com about how to make your own organic compost!
2. Mulch: Avoid "mulch volcanoes," horticulturists' tongue-in-cheek term for the buildup of mulch over time. Though a 4-inch layer of mulch has its benefits, excessive mulching (more than 12 inches) can smother plant roots, rot tree bark, attract rodents and waste resources.
3. Tools: You get what you pay for when it comes to tools, so opt for strong, high-performance tools made of steel that will last more than one season. For shovels and blades, clean after using and store in a bucket of sand mixed with mineral oil to help reduce rust.
4. Diseased plants: Cut off diseased branches and clean tools afterward to avoid spreading the disease. Individually wrapped alcohol swabs tucked in your gardening tool bag make decontamination of tools easy and convenient.
5. Perennials: Deadhead (remove spent flowers) regularly to prevent seed production. Divide clumps of iris in July and August. And keep in mind that ornamental grasses are another perennial option that attractively complement container pots, terrace borders and landscapes.
6. Watering: Now's the time to invest in tree-hugging watering bags, soaker hoses and rain barrels that support water conservation. If using sprinkler systems, keep spray volumes low and low to the ground to reduce evaporation. Also, water deeply, in the early morning, and less frequently for maximum benefit. Most established landscapes require 1 inch of water per week.
A sin I frequently find myself accidentally guilty of is over-watering. Be careful not to over-water... I’ve learned this the hard way :/
7. Selections: Prepare for fall planting by stocking up on seeds for cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, lettuce and garlic, as well as flowering bulbs that bloom in spring. Remember the guideline "right plant, right place" to avoid plant loss and dollars wasted. Before you buy, know your soil and sun conditions, read plant labels, talk to experts and consider the maintenance that will be required over time. You'll have good luck with native trees and plants, especially ones with berries, fruits and flowers that invite birds, butterflies and other wildlife into your yard.
8. Soil beds: When preparing future beds, consider raising them 8 to 12 inches to improve drainage and warm soil temperatures more quickly in early spring.
9. Insects: Mosquitoes require just a little water and a few days to reproduce, so regularly refresh water in birdbaths and dump runoff water that collects in plant trays, container bases, wheelbarrows and outdoor grill covers. Also be prepared for bee stings by having medical kits quickly accessible.
10. Self: During summer, remember that you also need attention. Wear long sleeves, a hat and sunscreen, and keep the water handy.
I love their last self tip! How cute :)
While we’re on the topic of botanical gardens, I love-love-LOVE visiting Austin’s Zilker Botanical Garden!
Often called “the jewel in the heart of Austin,” they have theme gardens such as rose, herb and Japanese gardens are interconnected with streams, waterfalls and Koi-filled ponds. The Hartman Prehistoric Garden recreates local dinosaur habitat. Fun!
My favorite feature of the Zilker Botanical Garden is (you guessed it) the Green Garden, a garden that demonstrates attractive, yet environmentally-sound, alternatives. Featuring native and adapted plants, this garden showcases designs by nine different designers that can be adapted to the home landscape.
I love how environmentally conscious the various aspects of the Green Garden are! Take a look at them below:
- * Austin-hardy plants (natives and adapteds) that require fewer pesticides and less water
- * Appropriate turf varieties to limit water, maintenance and fertilizer needs
- * Compost, and/or Dillo Dirt, to recycle waste products while providing nutrients
- * Trees to reduce energy needs and improve air quality
- * Don't bag lawn clippings to reduce waste in the landfills and replenish nutrients to the lawn
- * Reduce pavement to allow water to filter into the yard and avoid runoff to the street
All of this talk of gardens has made me put together an informal collection of earthly delights... eye shadow shades in a glamorous, earthy palette!
In addition to In The Garden, we have:
Volcano Blosom, a deep black with a brilliant infusion of rich gold shimmer.
....Boardwalk, a chocolaty shimmery brown with tons of sparkle.
and Cypress, an evergreen shade with earthy browns.
I hope I’ve inspired you to either give your green thumb a shot, or at the very least, create an earthy look on your lids!
FUN TASK:
Do you have any amazing green thumb gardening tips to share with us? Any secrets that deserve to be shared with your fellow gardening enthusiasts? Let’s hear them! :)
I am going to send off all four of these fab shadows (In The Garden, Volcano Blossom, Boardwalk, and Cypress) to a few of my favorites :)
xoxoxo,
Carina
My favorites are...
AlexandraNegoda
ArtLvr
fo
connie
jbroni100
aneleHGeraldo
FairyWitch86
goldeyes
xxxooo,
Carina
KEEP UP WITH CARINA ON TWITTER - CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW HER!
Comments (37)
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Everything - plant or animal should be treated with love
written by AlexandraNegoda, August 04, 2010
written by AlexandraNegoda, August 04, 2010
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my tricks to enrich the soil - my mother trick for roses
written by alafair, August 04, 2010
written by alafair, August 04, 2010
I love gardens, especially botanical gardens. In my town there is a botanical garden founded in 1543 and, when I was a student, I often went there during my lunch breaks to eat my sandwich and relax myself admiring plants coming from different places in the world.
Unfortunately, I have only a "balcony garden".
Anyway, this is my trick. To liven a plant a little bit spoiled, I wet the soil of the pot with water used to boil vegetables. After boiling, I let the water lose heat and I dilute it with with tap water (half a liter of tap water for a liter of boiled water). The water used to boil vegetables is rich in vitamins and minerals and feed the plants. Instead of this, I also use tea to wet the soil. Tea also is rich in good components. Finally, I also use coffee waste to fertilize plants adding it to the soil in the pots. ;-)
My mother, who has a garden, taught me this trick to protect rosebuds from aphids. She buries in the soil some garlic. The garlic makes the lymph of the rose disgusting for aphids. ;-)
Nice gardening to all
XXX
Unfortunately, I have only a "balcony garden".
Anyway, this is my trick. To liven a plant a little bit spoiled, I wet the soil of the pot with water used to boil vegetables. After boiling, I let the water lose heat and I dilute it with with tap water (half a liter of tap water for a liter of boiled water). The water used to boil vegetables is rich in vitamins and minerals and feed the plants. Instead of this, I also use tea to wet the soil. Tea also is rich in good components. Finally, I also use coffee waste to fertilize plants adding it to the soil in the pots. ;-)
My mother, who has a garden, taught me this trick to protect rosebuds from aphids. She buries in the soil some garlic. The garlic makes the lymph of the rose disgusting for aphids. ;-)
Nice gardening to all
XXX
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written by whoosthemoo, August 04, 2010
written by whoosthemoo, August 04, 2010
I know that it sounds totally scary but making your own compost is great!! It is the
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written by Tututuyou , August 04, 2010
written by Tututuyou , August 04, 2010
Water your plants well so that you do not have to water every single day! and water early in the morning rather then late at night because you are more likely to bring disease on your property if you water in the evening
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written by janya45, August 04, 2010
written by janya45, August 04, 2010
When watering flowers do not water the actual flower especially if it is hot. It can cause the flower to burn
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written by 3Morgan3, August 04, 2010
written by 3Morgan3, August 04, 2010
I love this post and I love gardening but I am not ery good at it. Thanks for all of the tips!
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written by Poohbear213, August 04, 2010
written by Poohbear213, August 04, 2010
You can kill your plants including your grass if you overwater it!
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written by Muddybunz, August 04, 2010
written by Muddybunz, August 04, 2010
I know that this one sounds like common sense but if you have a timer it can lead to you forgetting to turn it off. Dont water when it is raining. It is a waste.
Also your sprinkler should not hit the cement!
Also your sprinkler should not hit the cement!
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written by Wadyado, August 04, 2010
written by Wadyado, August 04, 2010
In the winter, if you are going to bring your plants inside make sure that they have plenty of light.
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written by DianK29, August 04, 2010
written by DianK29, August 04, 2010
Just try and if it does not work try again with something else :0
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written by CowgirlUp, August 04, 2010
written by CowgirlUp, August 04, 2010
Plant for the area.
If the area is shady buy plants that like the shade, if the area is partly sunny then gopartly sunny plants and so on. I made this mistake before......
If the area is shady buy plants that like the shade, if the area is partly sunny then gopartly sunny plants and so on. I made this mistake before......
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crabs
written by esterpeixoto, August 04, 2010
written by esterpeixoto, August 04, 2010
Because Portugal is a country rounded mostly by ocean is very easy to go to the beach and catch a few crabs. They turn into a flavory snack and it does also very well to the ground. the shells of the crabs must be put in the land, they work like natural manure. I do not use any chemical product in my garden and this manure of crab has been working perfectly 
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written by Minute, August 04, 2010
written by Minute, August 04, 2010
Here are my tips:
Crushed egg shells and water from washing rice can promote growth. Just add to the soil.
Play some relaxing music. I guess even if this doesn't work for the plant, it is good for us to enjoy.
If you are going on a long vacation, you can water your plants well, wrap the entire pot in a clear plastic bag which helps to retain the water in the soil.
Crushed egg shells and water from washing rice can promote growth. Just add to the soil.
Play some relaxing music. I guess even if this doesn't work for the plant, it is good for us to enjoy.
If you are going on a long vacation, you can water your plants well, wrap the entire pot in a clear plastic bag which helps to retain the water in the soil.
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Give it a pinch
written by Michelle Wolff, August 04, 2010
written by Michelle Wolff, August 04, 2010
One of my best tips for growing veggies and flowers is pinching back some of the new growth at the tips. Plants only have so much energy at a time and if your plant is putting all of its energy into creating new shoots, it's not putting energy into the blooms/veggies that are already on the stems.
For example, on basil I always pinch off the tips when it starts to get flower buds. My basil plants are HUGE and healthy. I have more basil than I know what to do with. A friend of mine did not know about pinching it back and has terrible basil this year. Needless to say, next year he'll be pinching back his basil.
I do this when my tomato plants get big too and then the plant can send more energy into the tiny tomatoes and they can grow big and strong!
It seems scary at first, like you're hurting the plant, but trust me, it works and your plants will thrive!
For example, on basil I always pinch off the tips when it starts to get flower buds. My basil plants are HUGE and healthy. I have more basil than I know what to do with. A friend of mine did not know about pinching it back and has terrible basil this year. Needless to say, next year he'll be pinching back his basil.
I do this when my tomato plants get big too and then the plant can send more energy into the tiny tomatoes and they can grow big and strong! It seems scary at first, like you're hurting the plant, but trust me, it works and your plants will thrive!
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SOIL
written by jojo2739, August 04, 2010
written by jojo2739, August 04, 2010
I'll say soil is the most essential part in gardening. Most planting instructions did indicate how to take care of the plants, however, it usually did not specify which type of soil you should be use when moving from pot to garden!
Different types of plants will need different soil mixture, pH, and even different soil structure (the way soil clumps together). Some people they didn't realize the importance of soil and use whatever cheapest soil they can find in the market, usually these cheapest soil does not contain enough fertilization.
Different types of plants will need different soil mixture, pH, and even different soil structure (the way soil clumps together). Some people they didn't realize the importance of soil and use whatever cheapest soil they can find in the market, usually these cheapest soil does not contain enough fertilization.
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Organic Garden
written by organically, August 04, 2010
written by organically, August 04, 2010
I do not like to put anything on my garden and nor does my mom... she's really the one with the green thumb and I just sit, listen and learn what to do here and there when problem arise is my veggie pots... to keep aphids or other bugs at bay I like to put fresh cut garlic, hot pepper or even neem oil on a spray bottle with water to dilute and spritz my plants that are becoming the prey in my backyard!
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Animal Friendly
written by Rachel Morrison, August 04, 2010
written by Rachel Morrison, August 04, 2010
I am a huge animal lover and animal rights activist. I know many people want to keep animals out of their garden, but I plants bulbs, and grasses and flowers that will allow them to feed on them. I have many that attract bees, and butterflies. But it is also important to plant some plants that will be food for the caterpillars. I also plant bulbs that are bunny friendly. And I even have corn for my ducks that visit the area. I think it is important not to hand feed any wild animals, because I want them to remain completely wild. But I also want to provide food for them, as well as a beautiful landscape for myself.
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Insects
written by CYepez, August 04, 2010
written by CYepez, August 04, 2010
Gardening has healed my arachnophobia along with my fee of bees. Because I love my veggie and herb garden so much, I now welcome and commune with my little helpers while I'm watering. They help pollinate and eat up unwanted pests.
I'm container gardening on a high patio and never got why I wasn't producing much. The problem was I used to never have bee attracting plants in my garden for fear of them. Now I have marigolds and others sprinkled here and there and my yields are up big time.
I'm container gardening on a high patio and never got why I wasn't producing much. The problem was I used to never have bee attracting plants in my garden for fear of them. Now I have marigolds and others sprinkled here and there and my yields are up big time.
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The tree and the cat
written by Ana_hazel, August 04, 2010
written by Ana_hazel, August 04, 2010
I participated in a contest on an EU site for promoting green activitiy and i received a mini tree. Because is was winter, i waited until spring came so I can plant it.
So i went at countryside, to my grandmother's house.I started diggind a hole, to put the tree in it. I even went to the garden, where they take the garbage from the horse, to take good earth
But when i wanted to put the tree in the hole, my grandmothers cat came in, sniffed the hole and the took a good pee in that hole ) After that he just waited for me to plant the tree. I belive the cat did a good to the tree, because now is very grown up )
So i went at countryside, to my grandmother's house.I started diggind a hole, to put the tree in it. I even went to the garden, where they take the garbage from the horse, to take good earth
But when i wanted to put the tree in the hole, my grandmothers cat came in, sniffed the hole and the took a good pee in that hole ) After that he just waited for me to plant the tree. I belive the cat did a good to the tree, because now is very grown up )
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written by Heather H, August 04, 2010
written by Heather H, August 04, 2010
I only have a small container garden in my front yard and I'm no expert. But I think talking to your plants helps them grow. Love makes everything grow! Plus, the extra CO2 doesn't hurt (that's the science behind talking to plants). lol
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written by laurajean, August 04, 2010
written by laurajean, August 04, 2010
I would say following the guidelines that come with the plants. My hostas grew like crazy and I feel I could have spread them out more, but didn't really follow the guideline of 36". Also find out about your soil and ensure what you're planting with flourish. I had a problem with my Japanese Iris because the soil wasn't acidic enough. I've heard vinegar can make the soil more acidic, but does not last as once it dissipates the pH level goes back to what it was.
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Revenge
written by cristie j, August 04, 2010
written by cristie j, August 04, 2010
I have an amazing green thumb. I can grow almost anything.
My tip~~~
Don't think that you've lost your summer squashes and zucchini, if they have wilted and look like their dieing!
You probably have stem borers. So this is where the revenge comes in
Take a sharp knife, make a slit up the stem at the dirt line.
Pry open the stem and pull out that fat, juicy little worm and do away with it. I throw them to the birds.
Now throw a handful of dirt over the wound and forget about it. These plants self heal.
You're plants will be saved.
cj
My tip~~~
Don't think that you've lost your summer squashes and zucchini, if they have wilted and look like their dieing!
You probably have stem borers. So this is where the revenge comes in
Take a sharp knife, make a slit up the stem at the dirt line.
Pry open the stem and pull out that fat, juicy little worm and do away with it. I throw them to the birds.
Now throw a handful of dirt over the wound and forget about it. These plants self heal.
You're plants will be saved.
cj
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written by Dee09, August 04, 2010
written by Dee09, August 04, 2010
Although I think some bugs are a bit icky I don't reach for usual pesticide option in my garden. Instead, I cover my rows of tomatoes, cucumbers and green and red peppers with light netting to keep out many bugs and also to let the sun shine on through Also, although this sounds a bit gross, it's really effective - I don't toss out trash but instead create a thatch of decomposter mix to apply on my garden early on in the spring before planting anything. This "waste" makes the soil oh so rich and hence my veggie garden grows better because of it
Also, although this sounds a bit gross, it's really effective - I don't toss out trash but instead create a thatch of decomposter mix to apply on my garden early on in the spring before planting anything. This "waste" makes the soil oh so rich and hence my veggie garden grows better because of it
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Reuse
written by booklilac, August 04, 2010
written by booklilac, August 04, 2010
I have a container garden. The best tip I have is to repurpose empty 2 liter bottles. You can rinse them and then fill them with water and then stick them in the soil. This is great for people who forget to water, want to avoid overwatering, or are going out of town for a few days. Just be sure to check and refill them.
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GARDENING TIPS
written by fo, August 04, 2010
written by fo, August 04, 2010
Here are my contributions:
WATERING
If possible, use a drip system that operates on a timer to water your garden. The drip system allows you to water plants from just under the soil and in strategic locations that you choose. This makes the most use of water, with far less waste. The timer ensures you won't forget to water. No over-watering or under-watering. We really love ours.
NUTRIENT SOIL
I totally agree with the composting, but since that was already covered in the original blog, I'll move on.
NATURAL PEST & DISEASE CONTROL
Lady bugs and praying mantes are among a gardeners best friends for natural pest control because they are carnivorous and do not eat foliage, but dine on the bugs that eat our foliage. They also bring their own beauty, delight, and wonder into the garden.
Neem oil can be sprayed on leaves for natural, toxic-free, effective pest control. The recipe is 1 tablespoon of Neem oil per 1 gallon of water.
It does not harm pets, humans, or the beneficial insects. You can do this once a week as needed.
Further, Neem oil is also a non-toxic, effective fungicide. You name the fungus, it kills it.
Just a few precautions: Do a 24-hour-test check on one leaf before applying to whole plant. A few plants won't tolerate it. Don't apply to plants in extreme weather conditions or to plants that are stressed.
THRIVING
I know this might sound silly to some, but living things respond well to positive vibrations, which cause them to thrive. So sing and speak lovingly to your garden plants.
Some researches say the plants feel the love; others say that it is the ultrasonic sound that they respond to. In any case, the agreement is that the plants respond to pleasant speaking or singing voices/tones and soothing music with faster, lusher, taller, and greener growth. Many studies and experiments have shown that plants exposed to soft, classical music actually grow toward the music, but plants subjected to hard rock actually withdraw from the sound and eventually wither and die. {I so love classical music, it's nice to know my plants enjoy it, too.
}
Funny/interesting point:
I got a kick out of an article I read about a research experiment performed at the Royal Horticultural Society in England with tomato plants. In the experiment, the plants that were sung to by men grew faster than the plants that were deprived of singing. However, the plants that were sung to by women grew twice as tall as those sung to by men. Further, some low-voiced males actually stunted the growth of their plants.
{Would you consider this one more area in which woman show superiority as nurturers? }
The advice to deep-voiced males is to speak or sing to their plants in a falsetto, but "expect to get looks." Ha, ha, ha.
RECIPROCATION
Enjoy your plants or garden. They give back. I always feel so much better when I've been in the garden--physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, creatively.
WATERING
If possible, use a drip system that operates on a timer to water your garden. The drip system allows you to water plants from just under the soil and in strategic locations that you choose. This makes the most use of water, with far less waste. The timer ensures you won't forget to water. No over-watering or under-watering. We really love ours.
NUTRIENT SOIL
I totally agree with the composting, but since that was already covered in the original blog, I'll move on.
NATURAL PEST & DISEASE CONTROL
Lady bugs and praying mantes are among a gardeners best friends for natural pest control because they are carnivorous and do not eat foliage, but dine on the bugs that eat our foliage. They also bring their own beauty, delight, and wonder into the garden.
Neem oil can be sprayed on leaves for natural, toxic-free, effective pest control. The recipe is 1 tablespoon of Neem oil per 1 gallon of water.
It does not harm pets, humans, or the beneficial insects. You can do this once a week as needed.
Further, Neem oil is also a non-toxic, effective fungicide. You name the fungus, it kills it.
Just a few precautions: Do a 24-hour-test check on one leaf before applying to whole plant. A few plants won't tolerate it. Don't apply to plants in extreme weather conditions or to plants that are stressed.
THRIVING
I know this might sound silly to some, but living things respond well to positive vibrations, which cause them to thrive. So sing and speak lovingly to your garden plants.
Some researches say the plants feel the love; others say that it is the ultrasonic sound that they respond to. In any case, the agreement is that the plants respond to pleasant speaking or singing voices/tones and soothing music with faster, lusher, taller, and greener growth. Many studies and experiments have shown that plants exposed to soft, classical music actually grow toward the music, but plants subjected to hard rock actually withdraw from the sound and eventually wither and die. {I so love classical music, it's nice to know my plants enjoy it, too.
} Funny/interesting point:
I got a kick out of an article I read about a research experiment performed at the Royal Horticultural Society in England with tomato plants. In the experiment, the plants that were sung to by men grew faster than the plants that were deprived of singing. However, the plants that were sung to by women grew twice as tall as those sung to by men. Further, some low-voiced males actually stunted the growth of their plants.
{Would you consider this one more area in which woman show superiority as nurturers?
} The advice to deep-voiced males is to speak or sing to their plants in a falsetto, but "expect to get looks." Ha, ha, ha.
RECIPROCATION
Enjoy your plants or garden. They give back. I always feel so much better when I've been in the garden--physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, creatively.
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written by HaleyGirl, August 05, 2010
written by HaleyGirl, August 05, 2010
Try to get soil from a farmer's pasture. My husband's dad is a farmer and we used soil from his cow pasture to plant in. The plants grow so large due to the natural fertilizer in cow pasture soil and nothing else is needed to be added to the soil.
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written by am.b, August 06, 2010
written by am.b, August 06, 2010
I'd love to have a garden, but in my tiny apartment in Paris nothing would grow 
you're all so lucky!
you're all so lucky!
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Ecofriendly remedy
written by Experimental, August 07, 2010
written by Experimental, August 07, 2010
To protect your strawberry plants against harmful insects just plant the garlic bulbs between your strawberry plants. Insects don't like garlic but they love strawberries 
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written by connie, August 07, 2010
written by connie, August 07, 2010
This is a neverending discussion in my house. We are garden fanatics......
I absolutely love my vegetable garden and i have a few suggestions....
1. sprinkle a little epsom salts around the base of your plants
2. put matches around your tomato plants....
3. add nutrients back to your soil (i throw old veggies in, leaves, bananas, egg shells, shrimp shells) etc....
4. I love mushroom soil and add it to my garden every year
5. if you grow your basil near your tomatoes...it makes the tomatoes sweeter
6. I always stagger my growing cycle...plant some vegetable one week and then others 2 weeks later and other 2 weeks after that--it helps extend your season.
7. try to be as natural as possible --I do not use any insecticides, fertilizers etc...i try to use only natural items as much as possible
and most important
LOVE....your veggies will treat you good if you treat them good! and let some of the animals have a few nibble here and there (i usually grow enough for us and them
this year i have the best corn ever (first year growing it) and my neighbors are now just coming into my yard and picking....we have such an abundance this year
I absolutely love my vegetable garden and i have a few suggestions....
1. sprinkle a little epsom salts around the base of your plants
2. put matches around your tomato plants....
3. add nutrients back to your soil (i throw old veggies in, leaves, bananas, egg shells, shrimp shells) etc....
4. I love mushroom soil and add it to my garden every year
5. if you grow your basil near your tomatoes...it makes the tomatoes sweeter
6. I always stagger my growing cycle...plant some vegetable one week and then others 2 weeks later and other 2 weeks after that--it helps extend your season.
7. try to be as natural as possible --I do not use any insecticides, fertilizers etc...i try to use only natural items as much as possible
and most important
LOVE....your veggies will treat you good if you treat them good! and let some of the animals have a few nibble here and there (i usually grow enough for us and them
this year i have the best corn ever (first year growing it) and my neighbors are now just coming into my yard and picking....we have such an abundance this year
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written by jbroni100, August 08, 2010
written by jbroni100, August 08, 2010
I find gardening such a stress reliever, really relaxes you, i love growing plants, it gives you so much joy and pleasure and it gives you a good workout.
GARDENING TIPS
LABEL YOUR PLANTS
its good idea to label your various plants especially if you have seeds in pots so that you can know what each plant is and be able to take better care of them. It is also useful if people come and look at your garden and they can know straight away the name of the plant.
GET A PLANT BOOK
understand the needs of each plant such as how to look after them this way you can learn about them and also look after them accordingly, some plants like the shades, others thrive outside.
GROW YOUR OWN VEGETABLES
i find growing your own vegetables fascinating because you can watch them grow, and when they start producing vegetables you get a feeling of accomplishment. I am growing peppers, tomatoes, aubergines, remember they are thirsty plants. The aubergines have grown wonderfully, and they have tastedelicious. I grilled them with onions, pepper, and you can really tell difference in taste in comparison to supermarkets.
CLIMBING PLANTS
You need to provide adequate support to plants which like climbing or simply need support for example trellis, fence, bamboo canes are appropriate for such plants.
PLANT POTS
There is so much variety when it comes to growing plants, so get baskets, pots which are most suitable to the plants. I have got the following sheep planters, because when i saw them i just wanted them, they are so adorable, and feels like you on a farm.
I have one that is grazing and the other just relaxing.
PLANT BUDDIES
I read a fascinating article about how plants, like people, get along with one another, like how different plants do well as neighbors and actually help each other grow but other plants growing near each other don't get along. for example, carrots and peas grow very well when they're planted near each other. Tomatoes and parsley grow well together, too.
But some plants can also stop other plants from growing if they're planted too close to each other.
Plants with strong odors, such as herbs and certain flowers, will keep bad insects away so they won't harm other plants in the garden. If a plant's smell is good and attracts harmful bugs, however, it will need help from a companion, or good neighbor, plant.
The rose is vulnerable aphids attack rose, this is when a buddy is needed, Marigolds, if planted thickly around the rose garden, help chase aphids away. Marigolds may not keep all the aphids away, but they can help, and they do it naturally.
- Tomato plants chase asparagus beetles away from asparagus plants.-
- Potatoes keep Mexican beetles away from beans.
- Radishes planted among the cucumbers discourage cucumber beetles.
- Garlic also keeps aphids away from the garden.
GARDENING TIPS
LABEL YOUR PLANTS
its good idea to label your various plants especially if you have seeds in pots so that you can know what each plant is and be able to take better care of them. It is also useful if people come and look at your garden and they can know straight away the name of the plant.
GET A PLANT BOOK
understand the needs of each plant such as how to look after them this way you can learn about them and also look after them accordingly, some plants like the shades, others thrive outside.
GROW YOUR OWN VEGETABLES
i find growing your own vegetables fascinating because you can watch them grow, and when they start producing vegetables you get a feeling of accomplishment. I am growing peppers, tomatoes, aubergines, remember they are thirsty plants. The aubergines have grown wonderfully, and they have tastedelicious. I grilled them with onions, pepper, and you can really tell difference in taste in comparison to supermarkets.
CLIMBING PLANTS
You need to provide adequate support to plants which like climbing or simply need support for example trellis, fence, bamboo canes are appropriate for such plants.
PLANT POTS
There is so much variety when it comes to growing plants, so get baskets, pots which are most suitable to the plants. I have got the following sheep planters, because when i saw them i just wanted them, they are so adorable, and feels like you on a farm.
I have one that is grazing and the other just relaxing.
PLANT BUDDIES
I read a fascinating article about how plants, like people, get along with one another, like how different plants do well as neighbors and actually help each other grow but other plants growing near each other don't get along. for example, carrots and peas grow very well when they're planted near each other. Tomatoes and parsley grow well together, too.
But some plants can also stop other plants from growing if they're planted too close to each other.
Plants with strong odors, such as herbs and certain flowers, will keep bad insects away so they won't harm other plants in the garden. If a plant's smell is good and attracts harmful bugs, however, it will need help from a companion, or good neighbor, plant.
The rose is vulnerable aphids attack rose, this is when a buddy is needed, Marigolds, if planted thickly around the rose garden, help chase aphids away. Marigolds may not keep all the aphids away, but they can help, and they do it naturally.
- Tomato plants chase asparagus beetles away from asparagus plants.-
- Potatoes keep Mexican beetles away from beans.
- Radishes planted among the cucumbers discourage cucumber beetles.
- Garlic also keeps aphids away from the garden.
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A garden in a small flat? Why not? ;-)
written by storyteller, August 08, 2010
written by storyteller, August 08, 2010
I came here just to read your advices, but after reading am.b post I decided to give mine ;-) For am.b and people like her - who love to have a garden but live in a small flats.
I also live in a small flat in the city and i can't dream about the real garden, but I can't live without plants. And I have a lot of them!
You don't really need a huge garden around a big house to enjoy the green plants around you, see how they grow, bloom and change in time. You can have plants in a flower-pots even in a smallest flat.
start from the "easy" plants. I know that in different countries the climate is good for different plants and here are the people from all over the world, so I think the best way is to ask your friends who have plants or in the store where you buy it which of them are "easiest" to grow. Don't start with the more demanding - it can be very bad for the plants and you may become discouraged.
When "beginners" ask me what to grow first I advice them to try with herbs like basil or rosemary. They grow wonderfully. Just put some seeds to the pot and remember to water it. Very soon you can enjoy fresh herbs on your table. ;-)
I observed that the plants prefer pots made of clay than the plastic ones. They are more natural and allow the roots to "breathe" and don't gather too much water. It's very important to care for the light for your plants and to water them as often as they need it. My grandmothers taught me that it's good to talk to plants and... call me crazy... sometimes I do that. The effects: my plants fill my flat (and I live here only 6 years). In all the flats I lived I had a lot of them and I often gave them away to my friends, because some of them became to big for my spaces.
The "garden-in-pots" have another one advantage - you can enjoy it also in winter (In my country very severe).
I also live in a small flat in the city and i can't dream about the real garden, but I can't live without plants. And I have a lot of them!
You don't really need a huge garden around a big house to enjoy the green plants around you, see how they grow, bloom and change in time. You can have plants in a flower-pots even in a smallest flat.
start from the "easy" plants. I know that in different countries the climate is good for different plants and here are the people from all over the world, so I think the best way is to ask your friends who have plants or in the store where you buy it which of them are "easiest" to grow. Don't start with the more demanding - it can be very bad for the plants and you may become discouraged.
When "beginners" ask me what to grow first I advice them to try with herbs like basil or rosemary. They grow wonderfully. Just put some seeds to the pot and remember to water it. Very soon you can enjoy fresh herbs on your table. ;-)
I observed that the plants prefer pots made of clay than the plastic ones. They are more natural and allow the roots to "breathe" and don't gather too much water. It's very important to care for the light for your plants and to water them as often as they need it. My grandmothers taught me that it's good to talk to plants and... call me crazy... sometimes I do that. The effects: my plants fill my flat (and I live here only 6 years). In all the flats I lived I had a lot of them and I often gave them away to my friends, because some of them became to big for my spaces.
The "garden-in-pots" have another one advantage - you can enjoy it also in winter
(In my country very severe).
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Bizarre (but oh-so-TRUE) Gardening Tips
written by aneleHGeraldo, August 08, 2010
written by aneleHGeraldo, August 08, 2010
After reading this post, I asked my mom if there were any family secret gardening tips that my grandmother used for her plants back in the province and this is what she told me, "Once in a while, we water the garden using fresh (diluted with water) URINE. O_O! -> this was my reaction to what I heard.
So of course I researched if it was possible to do this, and to my surprise it's true and that it even helps to keep the environment clean. Here are a couple of websites:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1350372/fertilizing_your_garden_with_urine.html
Fertilizing your garden with your urine is a concept that you likely have not thought of before. In Western society, we have been taught that human waste products are unsanitary and dangerous. In some circumstances, they are. Urine, when left out in the open, will eventually develop high levels of ammonia and bacteria, which can be harmful if consumed. However, when urine first leaves the body, it is bacteria-free and high in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, the three main nutrients required by plants to flourish. The best part is that it is free!
http://www.howtodothings.com/home-garden/how-to-use-urine-as-a-fertilizer
Every day, gardeners across the world flush away a valuable and sustainable source of fertilizer for their plants -- urine. Urine is a good source of nitrogen and other minerals and, providing it is used correctly, is completely safe. Using urine as a fertilizer saves money, fossil fuels (used extensively in the production of chemical fertilizers) and water (no need to flush!).
# Use it fresh. We all know that stale urine smells. That's ammonia, and it's made from nitrogen. The smellier your collected urine, the less nutritious it will be for your plants, as well as being unpleasant to apply.
# Always dilute. Urine is too strong to be used neat on plants. Dilute at least 5:1, and it can be diluted up to 10:1 for use on tender plants and seedlings.
# Water at the roots.
# Spread it around. Urine can be salty, and using too much of it in one place can harm plants. Use it throughout your garden so no one area suffers from an overdose, and don't use it every time you water a plant.
# Other uses. Neat urine is too strong to be used directly on plants, but it can be used as a weedkiller; a few applications, especially if used on hot days, should finish off your weeds. It can also be used neat as a winter spray for fruit trees, to discourage fungal diseases.
# Activate! A final use for urine in the garden is as a compost activator. The nitrogen in urine will speed up the composting process and kick start a slumbering heap.
***Go to the websites to read the full articles.***
The second thing that my mom told me was that whenever she cooks fish, the water that she used to wash the fish in, was also used to water the plants. I tried researching this but nothing came up, but at the same time, my mom has never had a plant die on her whenever she does this.
Enjoy!!!
So of course I researched if it was possible to do this, and to my surprise it's true and that it even helps to keep the environment clean. Here are a couple of websites:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1350372/fertilizing_your_garden_with_urine.html
Fertilizing your garden with your urine is a concept that you likely have not thought of before. In Western society, we have been taught that human waste products are unsanitary and dangerous. In some circumstances, they are. Urine, when left out in the open, will eventually develop high levels of ammonia and bacteria, which can be harmful if consumed. However, when urine first leaves the body, it is bacteria-free and high in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, the three main nutrients required by plants to flourish. The best part is that it is free!
http://www.howtodothings.com/home-garden/how-to-use-urine-as-a-fertilizer
Every day, gardeners across the world flush away a valuable and sustainable source of fertilizer for their plants -- urine. Urine is a good source of nitrogen and other minerals and, providing it is used correctly, is completely safe. Using urine as a fertilizer saves money, fossil fuels (used extensively in the production of chemical fertilizers) and water (no need to flush!).
# Use it fresh. We all know that stale urine smells. That's ammonia, and it's made from nitrogen. The smellier your collected urine, the less nutritious it will be for your plants, as well as being unpleasant to apply.
# Always dilute. Urine is too strong to be used neat on plants. Dilute at least 5:1, and it can be diluted up to 10:1 for use on tender plants and seedlings.
# Water at the roots.
# Spread it around. Urine can be salty, and using too much of it in one place can harm plants. Use it throughout your garden so no one area suffers from an overdose, and don't use it every time you water a plant.
# Other uses. Neat urine is too strong to be used directly on plants, but it can be used as a weedkiller; a few applications, especially if used on hot days, should finish off your weeds. It can also be used neat as a winter spray for fruit trees, to discourage fungal diseases.
# Activate! A final use for urine in the garden is as a compost activator. The nitrogen in urine will speed up the composting process and kick start a slumbering heap.
***Go to the websites to read the full articles.***
The second thing that my mom told me was that whenever she cooks fish, the water that she used to wash the fish in, was also used to water the plants. I tried researching this but nothing came up, but at the same time, my mom has never had a plant die on her whenever she does this.
Enjoy!!!
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Grandma Tips!
written by FairyWitch86, August 09, 2010
written by FairyWitch86, August 09, 2010
When I read this post, I instantly thought to my Grandma.
Her passion for Gardening is something I've ever looked with admiration and wonder till I was a child.
When I was a little girl I always wanted to help her while she was gardening: so She bought to me a little watering-can and a pair of gloves!
I was so Happy, and I wanna thank her to taught me how's important Care and Love plants and flowers.
She has the most beautiful Garden I've ever seen, just because she really LOVES what she does with plants and flowers, she spends so much time near to her garden, with care and attention.
This passion grew in her since she was a child, because her father was a farmer and a florist, and she passed long time in the greenhouses!
I decided to ask her some green thumb tips to share with me, and with all of you
The first thing (she ever told me too) is that every plant is like a different person: like every person has a different personality, you have to discover the distinctiveness of every species of plant/flower and caring in different ways. So you can't use the same products indistinctly, you have to use different amount of water when you watering, and different ways also to prune.
Only in this way your plant can grow and flourish at its best.
Another thing she always said to me is that gardening is a way to live. You've to dedicate your full attention to your garden to understand its needs and its exigences or eventually its problems (and take it in time). Only with a constant care your garden will be prosperous.
My Granny also uses some old tricks to avoid the use of pollutant products and obtain the same result!
She is for a kind of Biologic Gardening (be more natural as possible) and she knows lots of different tips!
Here you are some:
For example, put some nails in the soil when the plant has iron-deficiency (because the nails rusting release iron) or Mineral Water when the plant need minerals.
She re-use the ashes of fireplace or cigarettes, diluited in water and soil, to chase little insect from the plants! It isn't harmful to plants (as it is for Humans!). She has lots of tricks to chase different kinds of insects.
Also She often re-use the water (without salt) when she boiled some vegetables, to irrigate (it contais minerals); and the egg shells, she dry them in the oven, then grind them to use it in the soil like a homemade fertilizer.
She has the most beautiful plants of roses I've ever seen, she dedicate to them a particular care (Maybe because her name, Rosa, reminds of Roses!)
I tried to steal her secrets for roses coltivation but me and my mum aren't able like her to obtain the perfect rose plant!
She's definetly my Gardening Hero!
xoxo
Her passion for Gardening is something I've ever looked with admiration and wonder till I was a child.
When I was a little girl I always wanted to help her while she was gardening: so She bought to me a little watering-can and a pair of gloves!
I was so Happy, and I wanna thank her to taught me how's important Care and Love plants and flowers.
She has the most beautiful Garden I've ever seen, just because she really LOVES what she does with plants and flowers, she spends so much time near to her garden, with care and attention.
This passion grew in her since she was a child, because her father was a farmer and a florist, and she passed long time in the greenhouses!
I decided to ask her some green thumb tips to share with me, and with all of you
The first thing (she ever told me too) is that every plant is like a different person: like every person has a different personality, you have to discover the distinctiveness of every species of plant/flower and caring in different ways. So you can't use the same products indistinctly, you have to use different amount of water when you watering, and different ways also to prune.
Only in this way your plant can grow and flourish at its best.
Another thing she always said to me is that gardening is a way to live. You've to dedicate your full attention to your garden to understand its needs and its exigences or eventually its problems (and take it in time). Only with a constant care your garden will be prosperous.
My Granny also uses some old tricks to avoid the use of pollutant products and obtain the same result!
She is for a kind of Biologic Gardening
(be more natural as possible) and she knows lots of different tips! Here you are some:
For example, put some nails in the soil when the plant has iron-deficiency (because the nails rusting release iron) or Mineral Water when the plant need minerals.
She re-use the ashes of fireplace or cigarettes, diluited in water and soil, to chase little insect from the plants! It isn't harmful to plants (as it is for Humans!). She has lots of tricks to chase different kinds of insects.
Also She often re-use the water (without salt) when she boiled some vegetables, to irrigate (it contais minerals); and the egg shells, she dry them in the oven, then grind them to use it in the soil like a homemade fertilizer.
She has the most beautiful plants of roses I've ever seen, she dedicate to them a particular care (Maybe because her name, Rosa, reminds of Roses!)
I tried to steal her secrets for roses coltivation but me and my mum aren't able like her to obtain the perfect rose plant!
She's definetly my Gardening Hero!
xoxo
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Gardening tips for those with no land
written by goldeyes, August 09, 2010
written by goldeyes, August 09, 2010
I love to garden. It's my me time.. when I get to relax and do something I enjoy.
I know a lot of people think that if you don't have land, then you can't garden. That's not true at all! All you need is some kind of outdoor space.. I have a small, tiny balcony where I do my gardening. What I do is buy pots from any home improvement store, fill it up with dirt and plant the veggie of my choice. You can grow virtually anything.. tomatoes, bell peppers, green onions, onions, strawberries, jabaneros, jalepeno. These are some of the things that I've grown over the years in my pots.
Here are some other gardening tips.
* Don't water during the day. Water evaporates faster during full sun so more water is lost and less is available for the plant.
* Pick vegetables before they rippen. To rippen, put veggies in a brown paper bag. Keeps the bugs from getting to them and keeps the fruit/veggies from spoiling in the sun.
* Yellow sticky paper is great for a white fly infestation. I learned this the first year of gardening. White flies love tomatoes.
* If insects are a major probelm, Insecticidal soap is a great alternative to pestisides. I buy one of those small pumps, mix some Insecticidal soap and water and spray my plants. It is great at controling pests!
I know a lot of people think that if you don't have land, then you can't garden. That's not true at all! All you need is some kind of outdoor space.. I have a small, tiny balcony where I do my gardening. What I do is buy pots from any home improvement store, fill it up with dirt and plant the veggie of my choice. You can grow virtually anything.. tomatoes, bell peppers, green onions, onions, strawberries, jabaneros, jalepeno. These are some of the things that I've grown over the years in my pots.
Here are some other gardening tips.
* Don't water during the day. Water evaporates faster during full sun so more water is lost and less is available for the plant.
* Pick vegetables before they rippen. To rippen, put veggies in a brown paper bag. Keeps the bugs from getting to them and keeps the fruit/veggies from spoiling in the sun.
* Yellow sticky paper is great for a white fly infestation. I learned this the first year of gardening. White flies love tomatoes.
* If insects are a major probelm, Insecticidal soap is a great alternative to pestisides. I buy one of those small pumps, mix some Insecticidal soap and water and spray my plants. It is great at controling pests!
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Rice Water
written by AB, August 10, 2010
written by AB, August 10, 2010
It's in my culture to eat rice every night, and whenever my grandma washed the rice, she would always save the first 2 batches of water she used instead of pouring it away. She watered our plants with rice water because she said it was full of nutrients. She passed away a few years ago but this tip she taught will always be with me.
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Write comment
I really like gardening, I am dealing mostly not with flowers but with fruits and vegetables. And my main secret is that EVERYTHING SHOULD BE DONE WITH LOVE. If you hate gardening do not even try it, because every leaf feels your mood and negative emotions. The plants are able to feel just like any of us. Moreover, it was proved by the scientists that they can hear. The scientists made the plants "listen" to classical music and rock. And the results were astonishing - the plants which "listened" to the classical music grew better and had more tasty fruits. Amazing, is not it? That is why you should talk to your littles and treat them like little child. Only in this case they will bring pleasure to your heart and eye. This is my little secret.
Also want to tell you a little story from my life about the miracles that love can do with the plants. 4 years ago I married my husband and moved in to his house. In our yard there is an ancient and huge tree of sweet cherries, my husband wanted to cut it down and plant a new one because it did not fruit for nearly 10 years but I asked him not to do it, cause there is a beautiful summer house under it and the tree protects from sun and also I wanted to assure that tree is not able to fruit anymore (I extremely love sweet cherries). So we spent many-many-many romantic evenings under that tree...
Perhaps it is a coincidеnce but I want to believe that this tree felt our love...
P.S. Just in case, sorry for my sometimes not too well English.