Wednesday, November 19, 2008

What is Compost Tea? | The Dwarf Fruit Trees Blog

Great information on different ways to make compost tea. What is Compost Tea? The Dwarf Fruit Trees Blog

Thursday, November 13, 2008

What should I be doing in my garden for November?

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

YouTube - dervaes's Channel

Take a look at this video. Urban Homesteaders, a hmegrown revolution. YouTube - dervaes's Channel

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Working with dahlias

Dahlias are among the most beautiful and most exotic residents of any garden. The large blooms of the dahlia are impossible to ignore, and they stand out in any garden in which they are planted. The sturdy, large blooms of the dahlia are available in a variety of colors, and in sizes ranging from as small as an inch to as large as a foot. In addition, the flowers themselves come in a variety of shapes. Some dahlia blooms are shaped like baseballs, while others curve back on themselves to where they nearly touch their stems. Dahlias are known as sun loving plants, and they definitely do better with sufficient sunlight. Gardeners recommend providing dahlias with at least a half day of sunlight every day. In addition, dahlias need enough water to thrive, and most varieties require from one to two inches of rain, from either rainfall or artificial watering, every week. In addition, dahlias need a good rich soil with plenty of organic material, a regular pruning schedule, a good insecticide to protect them from beetles and grasshoppers and possibly staking as the plants grow ever taller. In addition, dahlias should be fed with a quality low nitrogen fertilizer as needed. Dahlias are actually grown from a tuber, a bulb like structure, and dahlias are actually classified as bulb plants. It is best to plant dahlias near the beginning of June, and those dahlias will usually bloom around October. Dahlias can be planted earlier in the season as well, and those dahlias will provide late summer blossoms. Dahlias should be dug up after the first frost of the year. After being dug up, the dahlias should be divided and stored for the winter. Doing so will allow the gardener to replant the dahlia tuber the following year. Dahlias come in a great many varieties, but one of the most popular varieties is the David George. The David George variety of dahlia features a bloom of deep red color and medium size. Other popular dahlia varieties include the Bonaventure, featuring large bronze colored flowers, and the Allie Yellow, with features a tiny yellow bloom. In addition to staples like orchids and roses, dahlias are often seen at flower shows, and many gardeners grow dahlias purely for these competitions. A prize dahlia can certainly be the star of any flower show, due to their striking beauty and large size.

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Monday, June 02, 2008

Garden checklist for June

Hi, I haven't posted in awhile. Just too busy getting my garden in shape. Here is the checklist for June.
  • Tomato, pepper and eggplant seedlings can be planted outside now in NJ.
  • Continue planting warm weather crops such as vegetables, herbs and flowers.
  • Mulch bedding and vegetable gardens to a 3 inch depth to maintain even moisture and to control weeds.
  • Fertilize rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas immediately after flowering. Now is the time to prune these, if needed.
  • Check plants for insects and control as needed. All insects are not necessarily harmful. check with your local agricultural extension for help in identification and control.
  • Dig and divide spring perennials after flowering.
  • If you move houseplants outdoors, be sure their containers have drainage holes.
  • If spring rain is deficient, water new landscape plants to 1 inch per week.
  • Check for black spot and powdery mildew on roses and treat accordingly.
  • Japanese beetles can be picked by hand and drowned in soapy water.
Happy Gardening

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Facebook | Barbara Chick

Facebook Barbara Chick: "Planting Tomatoes" A video on planting tomatoes. Good tips

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Have a cutting garden.

Make room for it somewhere, usually off to one side and surrounded by a fence. Here several kinds of flowers can grow in regimented fashion, like rows of vegetables, for abundant cut flowers for indoor and outdoor bouquets. Dahlias, tall, medium and dwarf, can hardly be surpassed for performance. Other easy to grow cut flowers are zinnias, marigolds, calendulas, blue saliva, nicotiana, larkspur, gladiolus, scabiosa, bachelor buttons, china asters and chrysanthemums.

Sunday, May 04, 2008

It's time to Divide Chrysanthemums and discard old woody central parts. Protect pansies, phlox and other preferred rabbit food with dried blood or a commercial repellent. Disbud peonies for largest terminal bloom. Support peonies with grow-through types of supports. Wait at last two more weeks before setting out dahlias, tuberous begonias, caladiums.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Only 3 more weeks to Mother's day!

Sign up for the Eco Signup for a sweepstakes. One lucky winner will win 3 months of flowers for their Mon--or an important woman in your life. The first month's delivery will arrive for Mother's day.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Algae problem in your birdbath?

This really works! First clean your birdbath with equal parts of vinegar and water. Next pick about 5 0r 6 stems of lavender off you plant and tie together. Now float the bundle in the water. I find this will keep your birth bath clean about 2 weeks.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Keep after those weeds!

Knock down carpets of smaller ones with a hoe and make sure it's sharp, and it will do an impressive job. Otherwise, hand-pull individual ones. You can use boiling water on those stubborn ones between the cracks of your sidewalk. I have also zapped weeds in the cracks by filling a spray botle with white vinegar and a few drops of dish soap and hit the weeds. Just be sure that you do not hit grass or flowers. If the weeds isn't dead in a day, spray it again and that should do it in.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Why landscape your property?

Economic Benefits:
  • Homes with attractive landscaping sell quicker-by as much as five to six weeks.
  • Landscaping adds an average of 14.* percent to a home's value.
  • Landscaping enhances property values, which add to the community's tax base
  • As home improvements go, landscaping is an excellent investment. Recovery value at selling time can be 100-200 percent.

Environmental Benefits:

  • Trees moderate urban "heat islands!" created by extensive paved areas. Lawns cool a home at the same rate as a one-ton air conditioner. Lawns also trap dust, absorb noise, and provide outdoor living areas for children and adults.
  • One tree removes 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air every year and releases about 13 pounds of oxygen-enough for a family of four on a daily basis.
  • Plants reduce noise pollution up to 50 percent.
  • Plants control runoff and erosion. They allow soil to absorb water, returning it to aquifers, decrease runoff means less urban flooding.
  • Lawns slow the spread of wildfires to homes.
  • Plants provide food and habitat for wildlife, which contributes to biodiversity and a healthier environment.
  • Landscaping creates green space for human rest, recreation and renewal.

Tips courtesy of the Ocean County Vocational Technical School Agriculture and Environmental Science Program and the NJ Nursery Landscape Association.

Thursday, April 03, 2008

How can you disinfect your pot/cantainers without chlorine bleach

Here is a great tip on cleaning your plant containers, if you want to clean you containers organically instead of using chlorine bleach. Wash containers well in warm soapy water, then rinse them in 2 cups of white distilled vinegar diluted with 4-6 gallons of water and allow them to air-dry. The vinegar can kill pathogens in recycled containers.

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Moving a shrub or tree?

Thinking of moving a shrub or small tree to a new location? Early spring is a great time to do this, while the plant is still formant (so it won't be traumatized). Just be sure the soil is workable before undertaking this project. Trim you evergreen hedge before it really starts growing for the year. Remove old stems at their bases. Shorten others that are too long. Shape so that the top of the plant, when viewed from the side is narrower than the base. This not only looks better but is easier to maintain.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Save your kitchen scraps?

Yes, Kitchen scraps are ideal for your composting. Instead of throwing away pounds of fruit and vegetable, coffee grinds plus filters, you can feed back the earth what chemicals are taking out. Just look at all the money you can save also. By shredding foods into smaller pieces, a faster decomposting will occur. And, remember those wet paper towels.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

List of Things to do for March

  • Fertilize perennials. Lime as soil test shows need.
  • Prune roses when vegetative buds swell. Fertilize and lime as test shows need.
  • Fend off hungry rabbits with dried blood, a commercial repellent or a mulch of prickly prunings.
  • Plant dormant roses, lilies, perennial and biennial plants.
  • Enjoy blooming snowdrops, squills, crocus, hellebores, primroses, heaths.
  • Start seeds of tender vegetables needing 10 to 12 weeks before settling out.
  • Plant hardy seeds marked "as early in the spring as the ground can be worked" as soon as a handful of soil from a spade's depth will crumble rather than making a soggy ball.
  • Root cuttings of sweet potatoes on a sunny windowsill.
  • Fertilize asparagus.
  • Prune, repot, propagate as plants resume active growth.
  • Begin fertilizing when active growth begins.
  • Keep potted spring-flowering bulbs and cyclamen, cinerarias, calcerolarias where nights are cool, as low as 50 degrees.
  • Begin a "rainy season" for cacti, watering once a week, to induce flowering.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

It's time to get seeds planted indoors

Starting Your Seeds Think clean if you plan to raise your own garden plants from seed. The dreaded damping-off fungus disease lurks in containers that haven't been thoroughly disinfected and in used potting media. In you are using last year's flats and cell packs, wash them with hot water and some bleach. Be sure to buy sterilized seed started. Fill your containers to about a half-inch from the top, then moisten the mix. If using a community pot, sprinkle the seeds on top, spacing them evenly, then cover as directed on the seed packet and spray them with tepid water to bring the seeds into good contact with the medium. Cover the container with a clear cover. Keep the medium moist but not soggy. If you are planting in 1 inch cells, use one or two seeds per cell, then remove the weakest one after germination. If using 3 inch cells, sow three seeds per cell, keeping the strongest one. Follow the directions on the seed packet for light exposure and temperature. Tender seedlings can be set outdoors in the sun, then brought indoors at night. Before the seedlings are to be planted in the garden, harden them off, whether you grew them or they came from a nursery. A cold frame is the ideal place, where they are covered and protected at night. Prepare your garden beds using fertilizer as shown by a soil test, plus lime, to bring the pH to that mandated by the plant, and compost or peat moss for organic matter. Seeds marked to plant out as early in the spring as the ground can be worked can be planted when the soil is no longer soggy and won't clump when worked. Be sure that danger of frost is past. Don't rush the season, If plants are chilled, time is wasted before they regain their vigor.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Native Plants

Native Plants A native plant is one that was growing naturally in a particular area before humans introduced plants from other places. Native plants adapted to the soil, moisture and weather conditions of their growing sites and have a positive effect on the environment. Many make excellent garden plants. Once established, native plants are practically maintenance-free. They require little or no irrigation or fertilization. They have adapted to the change of seasons in their habitat and are resistant to most pests and diseases. Native species are rarely invasive and have root systems that help rainfall to soak into the soil and reduce runoff and erosion. They thrive in areas where they are suited because they are part of an ecosystem that includes other plants, animals and microorganisms. Birds, butterflies and insects depend on native plants for food and shelter. Purchase native plants from a nursery that sells nursery-propagated native plants. Do not dig them up in the wild. They are hard to transplant and also may be protected by law.

Friday, February 29, 2008

Soil testing

If you are going to sow seeds directly into the garden, have a soil test done first. Only sow when the ground can be worked and is warm enough. Spade the ground and work in compost when the soil is moist and crumbly. Then add an all-purpose fertilizer and correct the soil pH if necessary.
You still have time to have your soil tested by your county agricultural extension. Vegetables grow best in soil with pH of 6.0-6.5; grass in a pH of 6.0-7.0. Amend if needed.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Benefits of Organic Gardening

If you are a person who is interested in reaping the benefits of organic gardening, you may be wondering where you can turn for helpful and reliable resources and information pertaining to organic gardening practices. As with so many things in the 21st century, the Internet and World Wide Web has become a wonderful resource and source of information for men and women interested in organic gardening in this day and age. There are a growing number of websites on the Net that deal with organic gardening. For example, there are organic gardening coops that maintain websites that provide a whole host of information on organic gardening. In addition to organic gardening and organic food coops, companies that market products for organic gardeners oftentimes now maintain very user friendly websites on the Net. These sites provide information and also include the ability through which you can purchase product to meet your own organic gardening needs. Some colleges and universities now maintain website venues through which you can access information about different types of gardening practices, including organic gardening. These websites can very helpful to a person who is looking for information about organic gardening. There are now enterprises on the Net that publish in cyberspace magazines that deal with organic gardening. By subscribing to these publications, you can have delivered through email organic gardening magazines that can keep you abreast of the very latest developments when it comes to organic gardening in this day and age. These magazines strive to give you the very latest information about organic gardening practices from around the world. In short, these can be very vital resources to a person interested in organic gardening in today's world. There are also organizations that you can join in cyberspace. Through these organizations you can further your own self education about organic gardening. In addition, you can share information with like minded gardeners, with other men and women who are interested in organic gardening practices. Finally, in association with these organization, there are websites that offer community forums and bulletin boards. Through these services, you can link up with other men and women around the world who are involved in organic gardening. In so many ways, the best ways to learn about organic gardening is to share experiences with other organic gardeners from different parts of the globe. About the author: Jena Luthowski writes about Graden Coupons,Save on Gardenning and A pricots

Monday, February 18, 2008

Getting ready for spring gardening

Hi, Here we are in February, and in the North East spring is around the corner. I know all the gardeners are getting ichy to start digging. But, before that here are some tips to get ready for spring. February • Study seed catalogs and gardening books. • Research building a compost pile. • Check garden tools and supplies. • Place wood ashes around lilacs, fruit trees, and berries; most love the alkalinity, and their blooms and fruits will benefit from the potassium. Here is a great site that may be of interest to you. http://www.seedswaps.com/

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Watching Birds

There are many stages that we go through in our lives that call for adjustments. Starting as a child we need to adjust to the different spaces that we are put in. We go from a crib to a toddler bed to a twin bed. We adjust to sharing our bedroom spaces to having a space of our own. When we go on to college we often have to adjust to once again sharing out space with others in dorm rooms or shared housing. Fro some people this is not an issue, but for others it is a difficult transition. When we marry or move in with our partner we need to adjust to them. My mother is going through one of the hardest adjustments that we need to make in life. She is adjusting to not only being alone after fifty-one years of marriage, but also moving to a much smaller space. After my father died it became obvious that my mother could not take care of the five-bedroom farmhouse that she and dad had shared for over forty years. The house was large and old and she was not safe trying to go up and down stairs to do laundry and to get to the upstairs bedroom area. We considered remodeling the house, but we were also concerned about her living out in the country by herself with a large yard and the need for snow removal services in the winter. She agreed to move into a senior high rise building in the small town that was located close to the farm. Moving from a five-bedroom house in the country to a one-bedroom apartment in town was quite an undertaking. She needed to get rid of many belongings. My mother loved being outdoors so the biggest thing for her to get used to was opening her door and being in a hallway. We wanted to give her some reminders of being of the farm so we bought window bird feeders for her to have in the living room and bedroom. She had always fed the birds at home so this was something that she could still enjoy. The window bird feeders were shaped like a small house. They are made of clear plastic so they are lightweight and they suction cup to the windows. The roof of the house keeps the seeds dry. At first we were concerned that the window bird feeders would not stay on the windows, but the instructions that came with them worked. We were instructed to clean the space on the window where the suction cup would be with rubbing alcohol. We then put a very thin layer of vegetable oil on the suction cup and stuck it on the window. The suction cup fit very firmly. We filled the dishes with food and within a day the birds were coming to eat. We kept the bag of food in the closet and each time someone visited we would put more in the feeders. Mom gets a great deal of enjoyment watching the birds come to her window bird feeders.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Houseplants in January

Since there is very little gardening to be done outdoors in January, it's a great time to focus on houseplants. Consider the five main factors that affect the culture of houseplants: light, temperature, soil, water and humidity. The short days and low light at this time of year make it very important to maximize the effect of available light on houseplants. For plants with large leaves, use a wet, soft cloth to remove dust and dirt that might interfere with light absorption. To clean other plants, spray the leaves with water over a sink. Proper watering and humidity are necessary for vigorous and healthy houseplants. A warm home will cause the soil to dry quickly. Some plants wilt when they are dry; others drop their leaves. Use a water meter or stick your finger in the soil as far as possible. If it feels dry, it needs water. Only water when needed. When in doubt, wait. Excessive watering will cause crown rot. Heated homes are fine for cacti and succulents, but other houseplants will benefit from an occasional misting or being placed on a tray of stones and water to increase humidity. For most of the year, houseplants will need a standard fertilizer for indoor plants, used according to directions on the label. However, during the winter period of short days and very little growth, no fertilizer is needed. To avoid pests, remove faded flowers and leaves as soon as possible. Use only scrupulously clean pots and sterilized soil. Check upper and under foliage for signs of pests or disease. If discovered, treat immediately with a forceful stream of tap water or use horticultural soap according to the label. Isolate new houseplants for at least two weeks to avoid infecting other plants in the home.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

There's a new crop of gardening catalogs

There's a new crop of gardening catalogs by Newsday Given that January is National Mailorder Gardening Month, it comes as no big surprise that catalogs have begun trickling in. I'm expecting I'll have a nice collection covering my dining room table by the end of the month. Burpee's new catalog is sporting a beautiful tomato-themed cover, with delicious-looking fruits of yellow, red, orange and white gracing its first page. New Burpee exclusives include the Razzle Dazzle Hybrid Tomato, described as having a silky smooth texture, balanced flavor and shiny, deep raspberry color on tomatoes up to 12 ounces each. Fruit is promised in 75 days. Tangerine Mama Hybrid Tomato (68 days) is being touted as the first yellow paste tomato that keeps its hue when cooked. The Italian Ice Tomato (65 days) are 1 to 1 1/2 inches small, like cream-colored cherry tomatoes. The Boxwood Basil is as ornamental as it is functional, mounding tightly in bushy plants with small leaves that resemble boxwood plants. It's being recommended for use in pesto. In one of my favorite catalogs, The Cook's Garden, I was intrigued by a new colorful butterhead lettuce called Yugoslavian Red. Heads grow a foot across and boast green and red marbled leaves. Bean Parisian promises haricot verts with "a more complex flavor than typical green beans." And if you have the space -- which I don't -- you might want to try Pumpkin Galeux d'Eysines, a tasty pink French heirloom that looks like it's covered in warts or spider webs, or Corn Quickie, a sugar-enhanced corn that matures in 68 days. If you're tired of blowing $5 on a thimble-size glass of wheat grass juice at the health food store, why not try growing your own? The new red winter wheat from Thompson & Morgan resists mold and is being touted for its reliable germination and vigor. At Seeds of Change, which sells only 100 percent certified organic seeds, new introductions include Quinoa Brightest Brilliant, which packs quite a protein punch. The grain plant also is gorgeous to look at, with rich burgundy, orange, yellow, white and pink flower head spikes. And Artichoke Imperial Star has been bred to produce artichokes in the first season, if exposed to three weeks of below-50-degree temperatures.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Dried Flowers

A lot of people are familiar with the pine Christmas wreaths that So many folks like to put on their doors nowadays. Few people realize, however, the variety of different wreaths that you can make. Basically, anything from a plants can be used in a decorative wreath. You don't need to use Pine boughs. You can use vegetables, fruits, fresh flowers, herbs, and spices. Most of these, of course, have their drawbacks. Fresh flower wreaths will wilt and wither, and almost any style will eventually start to fall apart, dropping its of decaying plant matter on your porch in a most untidy display. That is why I am such a big fan of the dried flower wreath. The great thing about dried flower wreaths Is that they will not decay. If the flowers and twigs that you use have been properly dried, they will last for a long time. The whole thing will have a certain delicate, ethereal beauty to it, yet a timeless quality as well. Year after year, your dried flowers will give up the same beautiful, slightly melancholy appearance. That isn't to say that there aren't any disadvantages to a dried flower wreath. First of all, they are very delicate. If you have one on your door, it is likely to shed petals every time the door is forcefully opened or closed. It can be susceptible to changes in weather, and will not do very well in any kind of rain shower. Still, as an indoor wreath it is one of your best choices. Dried flower wreaths are surprisingly easy to make. By pressing flowers in a large book for a few months and gathering Willow branches or something else malleable in the fall, you can prepare to make your dried flower wreath well ahead of time. Preparation is everything. If you have the right supplies, weaving the stems and sticks together is simple. And a few ribbons, some string, and a bow if you wish, and you have your dried flower wreath! Of course, artificial wreaths are also a great solution nowadays. Although it can be very satisfying to Make your own, an artificial one has some advantages. They are realistic enough to be virtually indistinguishable from the real thing, and they are much tougher. They come in a variety of different colors and appearances, so you can get one that incorporates plants that do not grow in your area. This means that you can choose you dried flower wreath based on appearance as opposed to availability.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.

It covers:

  • The best blogging techniques.
  • How to get traffic to your blog.
  • How to turn your blog into money.

I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.

Friday, January 04, 2008

Garden Stores

There are many different types of garden stores from the ones that specialize in certain aspects of gardening to the small corner garden store to the large nationwide chains. Whatever you are looking for in terms of gardening there is store to fill your needs. Many garden stores are more of the nursery variety as they sell plants, flowers, trees, and soils. If you are looking to add these things to your garden then this is the place to go. If you do not have the best green thumb and want to plant something in which the process of growth has already begun then this type of garden store is the variety for you. The garden stores of this type also generally sell different kinds of mulch and soils which can enhance any garden. In the larger nationwide chains of garden stores there is not as much live already grown garden additions but they do have everything, and more, when it comes to home gardening such as tools, seeds, pest killer, and plant food. This is a great place for someone who wants to start their project with the planting of flower or vegetable seeds. If you are looking to manicure your garden or for general upkeep these are the types of garden stores that you’ll want to go to. An advantage to the larger stores, besides the large quantity of gardening items, are generally they have some employees which are specialists in gardening and any questions posed to them will probably be answered. Along the lines of the large nationwide garden stores there are also large nationwide home improvement centers which have a garden section in them in which to fill your needs. Many times these stores also have a better selection of tools as well. They will not be a specialized garden store but they will carry gardening equipment. The smaller variety local garden stores do not carry as much merchandise as the larger stores but the workers will generally be more knowledgeable and have more time to cater to your individual gardening needs. A good way to pick out a gardening store that is reputable is go to the source and talk to any gardener. What garden stores do they go to purchase their products? By talking to a professional about where they purchase their supplies you can get a good idea which garden store has a solid reputation as the professionals generally use the best products on the market. Garden stores can come in many varieties you just need to find the one that fits your personal gardening needs whether it is buying a packet of seeds, a hoe, or one-hundred pounds of choice gardening soil.