Category: Organic gardening

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landscaping Organic gardening

What is the cheapest way to landscape a backyard?

What is the cheapest way to landscape a backyard?

What is the cheapest way to landscape a backyard? Cheap Landscaping Ideas : A quick guide to how to cheaply stop weeds in your garden.

Crushed Stone. Utilizing crushed stone or garden rocks

is one of the easiest cheap backyard landscaping ideas you can find. Instead of having to pay a hefty price for lawn turf such as grass or other plants, you can easily fill a lot of space by using the type of crushed stone pictured or even garden rocks, gravel, etc

And other points :

This blog is on cheap landscaping ideas.

One of the main hassles of a garden is not planting, but weeding. Weeds grow with remarkable speed and can quickly overtake a garden. Using a poison or herbicide like roundup is not recommended as you might kill your plants. I know that the manufactors claim the product breaks down in the soil very quickly but I find with my lawn edges after a second dose of roundup no grass is growing there six months later.
In moving into a new rental property I had a large front garden with a nice quickkerb concrete border to highlight the beautiful weeds. So I began to weed, got sick of it and left it for a month. Big mistake, there were now more weeds than ever. I was going to have to have mulch it or spend everyday in the garden. With the landlord not interested in paying for it it was going to have to come out of my own pocket. Now I don’t mine paying for gardening supplies, plants, etc when its my own place, but I’m certainly not keen on giving my landlord a free ride.
So I needed a cheap mulching option, that would look good, work, but not cost too much.
I chose three basic supplies, newspaper -the local rags free and it doesn’t take long to build up a stock pile of papers, sugar cane mulch – its comes in a big bags and is cheap, and finally a few bags of bark – not so cheap, but as you will see its used to give colour not as a mulch so only a little bit is required.

What is the cheapest way to landscape a backyard? Step One:

Prepare the garden, yes this means a huge effort, and weed the whole garden by hand. Rake over the soil so it’s nice and smooth and then apply the newspaper. The thicker the better.
Min. six sheets thick. Spread it out and then with a hose wet it all down so it soaked. The now heavy paper won’t blow around in the wind and will mold better to the ground’s surface.

What is the cheapest way to landscape a backyard? Step Two:

Next spread out the sugar cane mulch. If you cant access cheap sugar cane mulch, try straw, but ensure it has no seeds in it. Make sure all the paper is covered. It doesn’t have to be deep, just enough to cover all the paper. Once again apply water to damp down the mulch. Once watered it takes on a lovely golden colour.

What is the cheapest way to landscape a backyard? Step Three:

Now apply the bark. Just grab handfuls and throw it around. You don’t want to totally cover the yellow mulch, the barks mainly to give color and to contrast with the mulch, explains Nantes paysagiste.

I have found this to be a very effective mulch. A year later and few weeds can get through. Nutgrass was the only successful one and I pulled those out by hand and even the nutgrass gave up the fight. The beautiful browns and golden color, unfortunately, fade under the harsh sun, but by that time you should have plenty of flowers to make up for it. Best of all – NO WEEDING, yes.

What is the cheapest way to landscape a backyard?

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landscaping Organic gardening

What do you put around trees for landscaping?

What do you put around trees for landscaping? https://www.landscaper-lexingtonky.comWhat do you put around trees for landscaping?  What Mulch to Use for Trees: one question that comes up this time of year a lot is what is the proper mulch to use for trees. It’s easy to grasp the basic premise of mulch, but when people go to their local nursery they see many different kinds. How do you know which one to use? The short answer: wood chips.

The very best mulch to use for trees is something that is going to decompose gradually. Mulch made from wood chips fits the bill perfectly, since it rots slowly, and as an added bonus, this mulch is quite low in nutrients so will not encourage weed growth. Composted wood chips are the preferred material; these can be used as durable, low-maintenance mulch, which weathers to a silver-gray color.

The bad news is that most wood chip mulch is sold as fresh material, not in a composted or aged state. These chips also decompose slowly, but as they do decompose, microorganisms develop in the mulch and use nutrients from the soil that might otherwise be available for plant growth. Composted material will not support these microorganisms, which is why it is the preferred material. One solution to this dilemma is to buy un-composted wood chips ahead of time and compost them yourself. Put them in a backyard composter along with some leaves, twigs, and bark. Make sure to keep it well aerated and turned to prevent bad-smelling mulch.

Go Organic

Organic mulches are advantageous also for their soil-enhancing characteristics, as opposed to inorganic mulch materials like crushed rock, gravel, tarps, and landscape fabrics. As organic mulches decompose over time, they slowly discharge tiny quantities of nutrients and to the soil. Therefore your layer of mulch should be renewed as needed to maintain a 2- to 4-inch depth.

For individual trees, your mulched area should cover from 3 to 6 feet out from the tree’s base. It is best to clear the mulch away 1 to 2 inches from the base of plants to help prevent damage to the tree trunk from insects, excess moisture, and diseases. In fact, this is the classic mistake that many people make with mulching trees.

You shouldn’t have a pile of wood chips around your tree that resembles the thing Richard Dreyfuss made in his kitchen in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, explains Tree Service Lexington KY. Rather, it should look more like a flattened donut. This also holds true for mulching shrubs, by the way.

Follow these simple tips and your tree should do well and require less watering and fertilizer than an unmulched tree.

What do you put around trees for landscaping?

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landscaping Organic gardening

5 ways to save money on your gardening budget

5 ways to save money on your gardening budget https://www.landscaping-philadelphia.com

5 ways to save money on your gardening budget : it’s easy to spend a fortune every year creating a beautiful yard. These five tips can help save you money in both this and future gardening seasons.

1. Plan your vegetable garden according to what your neighbors are planting so you can share your vegetables when they’re ready for eating. Often I’ve had too many of one kind of vegetable I couldn’t give away because my friends were ripe at the same time.

2. Select perennials rather than annuals for your flowerbeds. As they multiply each year, cut them back and exchange them with your friends so you both have lovely gardens and save money at the same time.

3. Compost your kitchen scraps, as well as your coffee grounds. The end result is much better than any potting soil you can ever get buy from a nursery or hardware store. The price is right, and this is definitely recycling!

4. Instead of using mulch, try pebbles or small rocks in your garden as ground cover. This will save you lots of cash since you won’t need to buy mulch in the spring and fall of every year.

5. Spend more money now by purchasing better quality gardening tools and you will save in the long run. They will last for years, saving you dollars because you don’t need to replace them every planting season. The same goes for gardening gloves- make sure you buy the best you can afford so they last all season.

Reminder of miscellaneous ways to save money on your gardening budget Use seeds instead of starts. Buy smaller plants. Make your own compost. Shop sales: Search out group plant sales, usually abundant in spring. Save seeds. Hold a plant and seed swap. Make use of recycled materials. Build your plant collection with cuttings. etc

This post ” 5 ways to save money on your gardening budget ” has been kindly provided by Philadelphia Lawn Care

Happy Gardening!

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landscaping Organic gardening

What are the principles of organic gardening?

What are the principles of organic gardening? Landscaping AlbuquerqueWhat are the principles of organic gardening? The Basics of Organic Gardening : The stress brought by modernization has made people realize that there is a need to cultivate healthy foods. Thinking that these will ensure the health of future generations, more and more of people became interested in the basics of organic gardening.

As defined, organic gardening refers to the act of planting and growing crops without relying on the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other synthetic products. This is to ensure that the crop is 100 percent all-natural and free from harmful chemicals and elements that can lead to illnesses to people.

What are the principles of organic gardening? Pointers for organic gardening

In organic gardening, the basic consideration is the soil where the crop will be placed. Veterans say that the perfect soil for organic gardening should be filled with nitrogen, which will contribute much to the health of the crop being planted. The soil should also be placed in an area where sunlight and air reach it.

Experts also advise that clay soil is the most ideal type to be used in organic gardening because it is relatively high in nutrients compared to other types of soil. Aside from containing a higher amount of nutrients good for the plants, it is best in holding the water for replenishing the plants. Although some types can also be used such as sand and garden soil, they cannot produce better crops just like the clay soil can. What you can do is add some organic matter to make it more suitable for the plants.

Aside from the soil preparation and the area where it should be placed, here are some of the basics of organic gardening to help you get by:

1. Preparation of organic matter.

This will be the one where the plants will get their nutrients. Then the preparation of organic matter should be paid attention to very carefully. As defined, organic matter can be a plant that is decaying or an animal waste . These are mixed together with the soil. Aside from decaying plants and wastes of animals, organic matter can also be a clipping of grass, leaves that are dried, scraps from the kitchen such as vegetable stalks and peels of fruits as well as heads of fresh or cooked fish. Organic matter is very important in organic gardening. It serves as a conditioner for the soil to support the growing crops in it. Organic matter should always be regularly replenished. It can be put on top of the soil or can be mixed with it so the nutrients and other minerals can be absorbed very well.

2. Controlling pests and other plant-related diseases

without the use of synthetic chemicals. The basic premise of organic gardening is using all-natural products. It is then best if you familiarize yourself with the natural means of controlling pests in your crops. These natural means of controlling pests include worms and other insects that can defend your plants against other harmful elements. You can also prevent your plant from diseases if you inspect them regularly for any sign of damage. You could suspect that there is a threat of plant illness. If it is the case, remove the plant affected quickly to avoid the spread of the disease to nearby plants.

3. Selecting the ideal plants for your organic gardening.

One of the basics of organic gardening, explains Albuquerque Irrigation and Sprinkler systems , that all people should know is how to select plants that will fit your natural condition. It is very important to understand that not all plants are suitable for all climates. To ensure that you will grow healthy plants, make sure that you check your site conditions. Decide which are the plants that can withstand the environment available.

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landscaping Organic gardening

How do you stop pests in an organic garden?

Pests in Organic Gardening landscaping-rochestermn.com

How do you stop pests in an organic garden? Pests in Organic Gardening? No need to worry : If you’re into organic gardening, there are a number of things that you need to consider and one of them is a very interesting one: if you see a bug, it’s not the end of the world, or in this case your garden, as you know it. A bug doesn’t mean you have a problem. A pest in organic gardening is only normal. But there are times that one bug becomes a pair, and then more bugs join in forming a small group, and then eventually the population of the insects will grow beyond your control. Only at this point, you are allowed to panic and be paranoid. I’m just kidding you on that last statement. You should follow the opposite. Be calm, carefully observe the insects, look at the damage they cause, and then properly consider your course of action.

Among the most common pests

that will bug your garden are ants, aphids, armyworms, cabbage worms, grasshoppers, slugs and snails, pillbugs, spider mites, whitefly, thrips, and all sorts of beetles.

Controlling your pests the organic way has a number of benefits. First, the use of chemical pesticides can cause a number of diseases and other health problems including but not limited to infertility, birth defects, cancer, allergies, encephalitis and even lymphoma. Aside from that, chemical-based pesticides can damage the water, soil, air, and other animals as well.

Not to mention, that pesticides can be quite hefty to your wallet.

There are cheaper alternatives which you can easily get from your kitchen.

You can manage your organic garden by paying particular attention to your plants themselves. Try and understand how specific insects affect different plants. The asparagus beetle for instance can be quite damaging to your cultivated asparagus vegetables so you need to watch out for those earlier on.

Also, a tip that most organic farmers give is to plant native varieties as much as possible. Native plant species usually have their own systems to repel common pests. By planting local varieties, you will have a bigger success rate when harvest time comes to an end.

It is a good thing to mix plants species among other varieties. Each plant has their own unique abilities to protect themselves from the onslaught of pests. By placing them in the same area, they will be able to help each other out when pests start invading their town.

Healthy soil is important as well.

It has been found out that healthy soils attract fewer pests. You can achieve and maintain healthy soil by crop rotation, adding of composts, or other animal or plant-based fertilizers like manure.

You can also time your planting season to avoid the weeks or months where bugs are at their peak.

Be aware that there are friendly bugs out there that will help you control other pests. Ladybugs and ground beetles are some insects that are very helpful in control pests. If you use chemical fertilizers, the good bugs will also get caught in the crossfire.

Again a pest in organic gardening is a natural phenomenon that cannot be totally avoided. You will eventually come across pests and therefore should be prepared to address the situation with a clear mind and a serious disposition. Be prepared to do the dirty jobs as well. If you see one bug, just pick it off your plant. Its crude, I know, but it still remains an effective means to eliminate pests in your garden.

This post How do you stop pests in an organic garden? has been kindly offered by Lawn Services Rochester MN

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What is organic gardening?

What is organic gardening? https://www.san-antonio-landscaper.com

What is organic gardening? A basic definition of organic gardening is gardening without pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. But organic gardening is much more than simply replacing manmade chemicals with those derived from natural sources. It is a philosophy of gardening that supports the health of the whole system.

Organic food products are more important than they were before. This is after numerous studies have shown that inorganic farming techniques which have been used in the past are harmful to our health. To give you an idea, here is some organic gardening information that you should know.

Having healthy soil is the basic foundation

of organic gardening. There are three types namely clay, sandy and silt. Each one has its own pros and cons but clay soil appears to be the best to have since it is able to retain water especially during droughts so the plants will be able to stay alive.

Also, organic gardening is a technique that does not involve the use of fertilizers or pesticides. Nature does most of the work. By following an organic pest management system you will be able to protect your crops from insects that once threatened the field.

Such a system could mean introducing certain insects to provide security to your crops. You can also use some livestock, birds, and toads to do the same thing or plant some of them as they work as a natural insecticide.

To maintain the fertility of the soil,

farmers and hobbyists are encouraged to rotate their crops. This simply means planting a new vegetable or fruit every few months so the nutrient levels do not change.

Organic gardening is often referred to as a holistic approach because various methods are used. Aside from crop rotation which was just mentioned, you can also make this happen with the application of compost, manure and cover cropping.

Some farmers may also use processed fertilizers that are environmentally friendly such as seed meal and other mineral powders like rock phosphate and greensand that is a natural form of potash.

To create a set of standards for organic gardening,

the US government designated the US Department of Agriculture to oversee things. This is similar to what the European Commission has been doing since 1991 . This has proven to be very successful as a lot of their products are imported into the States.

But the governing body for organic gardening is provided by the IFOAM . The International Federation of Organic Agriculture has been in operation since 1972.

Although organic gardening is labor-intensive, it generally produces lower yields but is very effective in times of drought. This is because the crops do not require that much water to help them grow which means there is a steady supply that will be harvested.

Because fertilizers and pesticides are not used,

it means fewer nitrates and there are more nutrient qualities in the soil especially the number of flavonoids which are important antioxidants.

The demand for organic products will continue to grow in the future. This is as people become more aware of food safety issues and there is a concern for the environment.

If you do some research over the web, you will realize that there is a lot of organic gardening information out there. This available information will help you get started if you want to plant fruits or vegetables in your own garden.

Armed with the proper tools, explains San Antonio Irrigation and Sprinkler Systems , you will be able to know how to work the soil. You will know which plants are ideal to plant depending on your location. You will know the season and how to take care of them until it is time for harvesting. This just goes to show that you can go a long way with some organic gardening information.

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landscaping Organic gardening

How do I start an organic container garden?

https://www.atlanta-landscaper.net How do I start an organic container garden?

How do I start an organic container garden?

  • Select Your Site. Choose a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. …
  • Use Great Soil. Excellent soil filled with nutrients is one major key to a successful organic garden. …
  • Pick the Perfect Plants. …
  • Feed Your Plants. …
  • Water Wisely. …
  • Rotate Crops. …
  • Maintain With Mulch. …
  • Clean Up Debris….

Organic gardening isn’t just for people who have beautiful backyards . This is because you can also do it when you live either in an apartment or a condo with the help of organic gardening containers.

How do I start an organic container garden? 0rganic gardening containers

have advantages despite their limitations. They may serve as décor when this is placed in the balcony or patio, it can easily be brought indoors during the winter and you will not encounter that many problems normally found in the garden like weeds, insects or soil-borne diseases.

When you decide to buy organic gardening containers, you should also use premium potting mix instead of soil since it is much lighter and provides excellent draining for whatever you are growing. Chances are you will also be using nutrients so make sure you follow the directions since too much organic fertilizer will burn the roots.

Organic gardening container plants

require more water than those you plant. This should be given in small amounts half an hour after initial watering so you avoid drowning your crops. It is best to hang them instead of putting them on the ground and if there are no holes, go ahead and make a few. Since it gets pretty hot during the summer, you can add mulch which really helps prevent it from drying out.

What plants or herbs work well with organic gardening containers? Some examples of these are capsicum, carrots, bush beans, eggplant, lettuce, onions, peas, radishes, spinach and tomatoes. Strawberries will also grow well here so if you want to know more ask someone at the local gardening shop or do your own research online.

Plants inside organic gardening containers need sunlight. Ideally, this should be about six hours every day preferably in the morning rather than the later afternoon. If the area where you plan to put them is quite windy, it is best to group these together with the tallest along the walls to give cover for the others.

What is the ideal organic gardening container?

Fortunately, it can be made of clay, plastic or wood. The important thing is that it can drain the water because your plants will die if it is unable to. Since they come in different sizes, you have to know the right one to get from the store.

Your basis should be the average root depth as well as the diameter of the plant. If your plant has 6 inch deep roots and grows about 10 inches wide, the ideal organic gardening container should be 8 inches deep and 10 to 12 inches wide. There must always be a small room for allowance because it is possible that whatever you are growing will grow to be bigger than you anticipated so better to be safe than sorry.

Should there be bugs like hookworms around your plant,

bring them to the sink and wash the leaves. If there are slugs, sprinkle diatomaceous earth on the soil so you can get rid of them.

If there are aphids on your plant, get some other insects to kill them by buying a pack of ladybugs so they will eat it without causing any collateral damage to your produce.

You could say, as Atlanta Tree Service  , that organic garden containers are an innovation to gardening. This is because you can do it almost anywhere like in a condo or an apartment so that you no longer have to buy organic fruits or vegetables from a store when you can just get it from the balcony or the window.