A Compost Primer

Author: Dean Novosat

Article: Most gardeners and landscapers will agree almost unanimously that the single best thing you can do for your lawn is to add compost. Good, organic compost can remedy almost any problem you have with your soil. If you soil is too acidic, adding compost will help neutralize it and bring it back to a proper pH level. If your soil is too alkaline, ditto! Adding compost will help balance the alkalinity in the soil. If you live in an area with a lot of heavy clay, adding compost will help loosen and aerate the soil. If you live in a coastal or southern area with a lot of sand, adding compost will help bind it together. Soil lacking nutrients? Add compost to add new life to overworked soil.

So how do you make compost? It's easier than you can imagine and cheaper than anything else you will do. How cheap? How about free! All composting is, is the natural decomposition of organic matter. Walk through a dense forest and take a deep handful of soil from under your feet. Notice how black and rich it is. It didn't get that way from fertilizers or manure. It got that way from all the decomposing organic matter. A forest takes care of itself by recycling. It recycles every leaf, branch, berry, and bush. It does this quite simply. All the organic and living matter in the forest decomposes into compost which feeds the existing plants (and some animals!).

In the forest, when leaves fall from the trees, they all gather on the forest floor. In storms, branches may fall, as well as entire trees. This creates layers of organic matter on the forest floor. Eventually it rains adding fuel to the mixture. The rain aids the microbes that begin to eat the organic matter, eventually turning it into the rich, thick carpet you see on the forest floor. This compost feeds the living trees and other plants providing nutrients that rival the best fertilizers.

You can emulate the forest by creating your own compost. Avoid store bought compost, especially those made from manure. There's nothing natural about spreading rotted and decomposed cow feces on your lawn or garden. It's actually pretty gross! Especially considering the number of chemicals and steroids that are given to cattle and cows in the United States. If you must purchase or acquire compost from somewhere else, call your local municipal office. Many municipalities have their own composting facilities and they give away the compost to their residents for free! In our township, for example, all the leaves that are gathered in the fall from the local streets, are mulched up and composted in a huge field. In a year or two, once the leaves have thoroughly composted, we are permitted to haul away as much compost as we like! The only catch is that we must load it ourselves, but this is a small price to pay for free, organic mulch.

About the author: Dean Novosat is an avid gardener and landscaper. He has transformed many boring yards into beautiful landscapes. He has several websites including <a href="" http://www.the-garden-doctor.com "" target=""_blank""> http://www.the-garden-doctor.com and <a href="" http://www.dr-landscape.com "" target=""_blank""> http://www.dr-landscape.com.

3 Things to Consider when Building a Greenhouse

Author: Holly Masters

Article: A greenhouse has the potential to provide many benefits for the average flower-lover. However, if they are not built in the appropriate location the results can be detrimental. That said, before you build a greenhouse, it is important to consider all aspects in order to ensure you receive the best results possible.

If you are thinking of building a greenhouse, but are unsure of factors which can affect the outcome, read the information below which will inform you on everything you need to know before you start building. Consider the following factors when determining where you are going to build your greenhouse:

1.Light – Everyone knows that plants need light to grow and sunlight is even more crucial for greenhouses because there are so many different types of plants and flowers requiring light. You do not want to build your greenhouse in an area which receives no sunlight at all however you do not want to build it in an area which receives too much sun either. Not enough can be harmful to the plants and flowers, yet so can too much sun. You will want to build your greenhouse in an area which receives a minimum of 6 full hours of sunlight a day. You may also want to consider planting a tree on either side of your lighthouse which will provide some shade through the day. Overhanging trees are not a good idea and may put your greenhouse in danger due to falling branches.

2. Convenience – You will want to build your greenhouse in a convenient area which can be easily accessed, but is not in an area which may be targeted by high winds. You don't want to have to walk a mile just to get to your greenhouse because chances are you won't maintain it as well this way. Other things to consider when building your greenhouse are access to electricity and water. These are important in the successful functioning of your greenhouse.

3.Setting – The actual setting of your greenhouse will greatly affect its overall performance. Many areas throughout the world receive high levels of rain during certain times of the year. This can be detrimental to operation of your greenhouse since too much rain can cause flooding inside. The best way to ensure this doesn't happen is by building your greenhouse in a high level area that is a great deal higher than most of the other property.

Choosing the location of your greenhouse is the most important factor you will need to consider. Take your time and research all your options before you start building. A greenhouse is a large investment and you want to make sure the money you spend now will be worth it in the future.

About the author: Holly Masters loves to garden and takes pride in her greenhouse. She has spent much time learning proper <a href=""http://www.greenhousesandgazebos.com/hydroponics.aspx"">hydr oponics</a> and serves as a contributing writer for http://www.greenhousesandgazebos.com – a site that offers information about everything from <a href=""http://www.greenhousesandgazebos.com/storage-sheds.aspx"">st orage sheds</a> to gazebos.

How to Choose the Right Bulbs for Your Spring Flower Garden

Author: Linda Paquette

Article: Choosing the right bulbs involves more than just selecting colors and cultivars. Timing, bulb size, and most importantly, bulb health are equally significant factors in designing your spring garden.

Before purchasing any bulbs, know the differences in bulb types. Along with true bulbs, several types of flowers, sold as bulbs, grow from the underground stem growth of rhizomes, tubers, and corms. <ul> <li>True bulbs are rounded, self-sufficient, underground storage organs. True bulbs are an incubator for a flower bud embryo already inside.</li> <li>Many perennial flowers grow from tubers, which are flat underground stems that store food and plant energy. </li> <li>Corms are thick underground stems that produce the new roots, leaves and flowers of their cultivars.</li> <li>Rhizomes are modified plant stems that grow horizontally under the surface of the soil. New growth emerges from several different points along each rhizome.</li> </ul> <b>Bulb Health</b>

The first part in selecting healthy bulbs is knowing the bulb parts. <ol> <li>The tunic of a bulb is the paper-like outside of the bulb that protects it from damage and keeps it from drying out. </li> <li>The scale leaves are under the tunic and hold all the nutrients needed to grow the cultivar. </li> <li>The first parts of the plant to push through the soil are the immature leaves, closely followed (or so we hope) by the flower bud and the stem.<li> <li>The roots of bulb cultivars grow from the basal plate, which lies at the bottom of each bulb. </li>

Healthy bulbs are firm, well rounded, and heavy for their size. Although bulbs come in a range of colors, some even with distinctive patterns, color should be uniform with no dark patches or light splotches. Discard any bulbs with weak spots or spongy area, which are signs of rot caused by disease or other damage.

<b>Bulb Size</b>

<b><i>A double-edged tip for selecting bulbs is "the bigger the bulb, the bigger the bloom". </i> </b>

First, it helps you select cultivars and decide where to place them in your spring flower garden. For instance, crocus and anemone bulbs are tiny imps that beg a front row or outside border seat, while giant tulip or daffodil bulbs stand tall in back rows or keep watch over the center of your garden. Second, larger bulbs, within a particular cultivar, are generally more robust than smaller bulbs and produce stronger, healthier plants and blooms.

<b>Timing</b>

When choosing bulbs for a spring flower garden, consider both when they need to be planted as well as when you want them to appear. Most spring bulbs need to be planted in late summer or autumn. However, the reasons for the timing in planting spring bulbs usually aren't relative to when the bulbs sprout in the spring. Rather, bulbs usually need to be planted when it is cool enough to keep them from sprouting, but warm enough to allow roots to become established before winter.

All spring bulbs need a cool weather rest period below 50°F in order to sprout successfully. If your climate is warm, you'll need to provide them with a simulated winter before planting them.

•Tulips — 14 weeks •Hyacinths — 12 weeks •Snowdrops and scilla — 6 weeks •Crocus — 4 weeks

Although crocuses and windflowers are tiny, they are brave little imps and often the first heralds of spring. Generally, they'll be followed by smaller tulip cultivars and narcissus. Still, even some of the larger daffodils and giant tulip hybrids may surprise you with an early appearance.

The best way to try to synchronize bulb growth with your garden plan is to check the growth patterns of each individual cultivar before purchasing and planting the bulbs.

About the author: Linda is author of the <a href=""http://www.gardening-guides.com/related-articles/flower-gar dening/related-flower-gardening.htm""> Tulip Flower and Bulb Flowers </a>section of <a href=""http://www.gardening-guides.com"">Gardening-Guides.com</a>

Plan for Winter Plantings

Author: Dean Novosat

Article: Part four in a series

It's hard to think about winter when our gardens are in full bloom and the vegetables are ripening on the vine! But we must keep winter in mind when we are planning our landscape. Afterall, we have to look at our landscape all year long, including winter. (Unless, of course, you are fortunate enough to be able to move to warmer climates in the winter or live in a climate that is tropical all year long!) But for most of us, we have to contend with four seasons and the life cycle of our landscape.

So when you are planning your landscape, keep in mind this life cycle of the plants you choose to add to your landscape design. Some plants, like flowering trees and shrubs look their best in Spring, others reach their full beauty in Summer, others still attain stunning and vibrant color in the Autumn, and yet, some evergreens look beautiful in the Winter, offset by a striking snow-covered landscape.

Add plants to your landscape that offer a variety of looks in different seasons. Don't plan your landscape with plants that all reach their peak of beauty at the same time. For example, a bed of perennials will provide a rainbow of color all summer long, but in the fall and winter, you will have to contend with a big empty space in your landscape. The same holds true for evergreens. While evergreens look beautiful in the winter-white of the colder months, they don't offer much in the summer.

So, try to choose plants for your landscape that have different focal points for different parts of the year. Look for plants that may keep red or orange berries through the winter months, or that keep a beautiful bud head through the winter for a variety of shapes. You can also postpone dead-heading some of your flowering plants until the end of winter so you have some visual interest all winter long.

Just don't be afraid to experiment. Remember, this is your landscape. Use your creativity! And if something you've tried doesn't work, try something else! You can always move a planting somewhere else and try something new.

About the author: Dean Novosat is an avid gardener and landscaper. He has transformed many boring yards into beautiful landscapes. He has several websites including <a href="" http://www.the-garden-doctor.com "" target=""_blank""> http://www.the-garden-doctor.com and <a href="" http://www.dr-landscape.com "" target=""_blank""> http://www.dr-landscape.com.

Picking the best flowers for your home garden

Author: Tony Robinson

Article: Choosing the right flowers is one of the most critical decisions when planning a new garden, and combining colors and textures can make any garden a showplace. The many different colors and varieties of flowers for the garden makes finding the colors you like best very easy.

Of course plants should be chosen for their health and hardiness in addition to their beauty. When choosing seedlings for transplantation, it is important to choose only the healthiest, best looking seedlings, and to reject those that show any signs of disease or insect infestation. Choosing only the healthiest plants will make sure your new garden gets off to the right start.

Some problems with seedlings will be apparent even to the beginning gardener. For instance, it is easy to see things like spots on the leaves, holes in the leaves, or wounds in the stems. Other problems, however, are more subtle, and they may easy to miss for the beginning gardener. If you are planning your first garden, you may want to take along a more experienced gardener, or solicit the advice of the nursery staff, to find the best seedlings for your needs.

As you browse around the garden center, be sure to carefully examine the flowers, the leaves, and the foliage of the plants you are considering. Look especially for white and black spots on the flowers, leaves and foliage, as these spots are often signs of a bacterial or fungal infection.

It is also important to be on the lookout for wilted leaves and waterlogged roots, as these can mean the plants will fail to thrive after they are planted. Plants with cut stems or other types of wounds should also be avoided.

Of course, finding the healthiest plants is only part of the battle. The other part is transplanting those seedlings properly, and caring for them once they are in the ground. It is always important to get the transplants into the garden as quickly as possible. When planting seedlings or young plants, the hole you dig should be slightly larger than the root ball of the plant. Making the hole larger will ensure that the plant can be placed into the ground without disturbing the delicate root structure. After the plant is in place, the earth should be gently tamped down, and the plant should be given plenty of water and fertilizer.

When starting a new garden, it is also a good idea to have a good soil analysis done before buying your first plants. A soil analysis will tell you if your soil is of sufficient quality, and help you be sure that it contains the nutrients your plants will need. A soil analysis will also spot common problems, such as soil that is too acidic, too alkaline, too sandy, contains to much clay, etc. There are ways to fix all these problems, but it is important to have a soil analysis done so you know how to correct any problems found.

In addition, understanding the type of soil you have can help you to choose the plants that will do best in that soil. Tailoring the plants you select to the soil you have is a great way to reduce the use of pesticides and other chemicals while still enjoying a healthy and robust garden.

About the author: Tony Robinson is an international author and webmaster. In his busy life he finds time to ""Smell the Roses"". For geat tips, techniques and articles visit http://www.rose-bloom.com

Layer Your Plantings

Author: Dean Novosat

Article: Part three in a series

In our last article, we helped you layout your new landscape. In this article we'll explore which plants to put where and what makes an effective landscape.

If you think of your landscape as a stage, you can easily imagine the basics of layout. On a stage, you have a nice background or backdrop in the back. The backdrop is usually large and fills your entire view. In front of the backdrop, you have some smaller items that set the scene. These may be small pieces of furniture. And then in the very front you have your actors…your stars. They take the front and center to get the most attention. So, looking from back to front, you have your backdrop, your accent pieces, and finally your stars.

Laying out a good landscape uses the same principles: we start with a backdrop in the very back, then we add some accents, then finally, our stars!

The Backdrop The backdrop can be any number of things but the basic principle is that the backdrop simply serves to show off the items in front of it, and can also be used to hide things behind it. A good backdrop could be something as simple as a wall or fence, or something as elaborate as a planting of evergreens. As long as the evergreens have one common element (perhaps they have the same color or same texture), they will serve as a good backdrop.

The Accents Your accent pieces are plants that help to dress the set. These work well if planted in groupings of at least three. For example, a clump of bushes off to the left of your "set" and a clump or flowering plants on the right. Or perhaps some clumps of grasses would serve as a good accent.

The Stars Now for the stars! Taking center stage are your accents. And they don't have to be centered! As long as they are different from your backdrop and accents plants, they will become your stars. For example, an evergreen backdrop with some grasses used as an accent set up a nice monochromatic green image. Place some white flowering plants in front and they become the stars of your landscape. Because of their different color from the rest of your "set", they will stand out.

You can create multiple "sets" in your landscape. Just break up your landscape into smaller mini-scapes. As long as each area is separated by backdrops and accents, you can easily achieve a beautiful look.

About the author: Dean Novosat is an avid gardener and landscaper. He has transformed many boring yards into beautiful landscapes. He has several websites including <a href="" http://www.the-garden-doctor.com "" target=""_blank""> http://www.the-garden-doctor.com and <a href="" http://www.dr-landscape.com "" target=""_blank""> http://www.dr-landscape.com.

Pest Control Tips for Maintaining Your Greenhouse

Author: Holly Masters

Article: Greenhouses provide a warm, humid atmosphere and are home to a variety of different plants and flowers which is why they are a perfect target for insects. There are numerous types of insects which will want to live in your greenhouse and feed off of the wonderful plants and flowers which you have put so much time and effort into maintaining. The information below will provide you with tips and guidelines to follow in order to ensure you are doing everything in your power to ward off any unwanted pests.

The first step in learning how to prevent and eliminate insects from entering into your greenhouse is to understand and become familiar with the types of insects which are likely to reside there. The following is a list of the most common types of insects which you will likely find in your greenhouse:

&#9679; Aphids &#9679; Fungus Gnats &#9679; Flies (many forms) &#9679; Bloodworms &#9679; Thrips &#9679; Caterpillars &#9679; Mites &#9679; Slugs and Snails

Now that you are aware of the different types of bugs and insects which may have taken up residence in your greenhouse, it's time to learn how to prevent and/or eliminate them from remaining there.

Here are a number of things to keep in mind in order to ensure there are no bugs in your greenhouse:

1. Always keep all doors, screens and windows shut when not being used for specific purposes.

2. Inspect all new plants to ensure there are no bugs on them to begin with. Bugs have the ability to multiply quickly and can potentially cause a huge infestation in your greenhouse.

3. Make sure there is no water lying around whether it is in jugs, cups or in a puddle on the floor. Insects are attracted to wet areas.

4. Keep your greenhouse in good, clean condition. Not only do insects like water but they like to disguise themselves under areas of clutter. This also means keeping the lawn around your greenhouse mowed and neat at all times. Many pests reside in weeds, if you keep your lawn cut there will be no weeds for the insects to reside in.

5. Bright colors such as yellow and red attract insects. Try not to wear or display (other than on the flowers themselves) any bright colors which may attract unwanted insects.

These guidelines will provide you with the basic knowledge you will need to ensure there are no unwanted insects in your greenhouse. Now you can relax and enjoy all the hard work which went into creating such an amazing atmosphere.

About the author: Holly Masters loves to garden and takes pride in her greenhouse. She has spent much time learning about <a href=""http://www.greenhousesandgazebos.com/"">greenhouses</a> and serves as a contributing writer for http://www.greenhousesandgazebos.com – a site that offers information about everything from <a href=""http://www.greenhousesandgazebos.com/sunrooms.aspx"">sunroom s</a> to greenhouse kits.

Selling Your House? Trim Your Shrubs!

Author: Jan Nicholas

Article: Shrubbery and other greenery that has an unkempt appearance can often be misconstrued as a sign of neglect, and gives a bad impression of your house overall. Prospective homebuyers who see shrubbery that has not been well maintained may not even be aware of their observation, but it will have an impact on the way they view your property as a whole.

If they do observe the unkempt shrubbery directly, they may make the assumption that the rest of the home has not been properly maintained.

Keep bushes and shrubs neat, and well-shaped, to give the overall impression that the entire property has been well cared for.

For that added touch, try to keep the shrubbery in line with the other greenery and outdoor decorations that you have on your property. This will be even more eye-pleasing from the street level, creating more interest.

Should the size of your shrubbery be such that it makes walking up to your home a challenge, you should consider taking them out. Shrubbery that is too large not only makes the home appear much smaller, but it also creates a hazard where safety is concerned.

This may also make prospective buyers think of it as a hindrance because they'll think of it as something that will need to be taken care of; this even before they've even entered your home.

It's a very inexpensive task that you can do yourself, and it shouldn't take more than a couple of hours of your time to get done. If you don't have the time, the ability, or the inclination to trim the shrubbery, don't just let it go. This can only risk losing a lot of time and money in the long run.

Instead, consider hiring a professional. This will cost approximately $35 to $45 per hour, but it will be well worth the small investment in the end.

With a bit of luck, you'll only need to do it once before your home is sold – a one time effort that will go a very long way.

About the author: For more landscaping and gardening tips go to <A HREF=http://www.GardenArticles.com>http://www.GardenArticles.com< /A> today!

Make the Most from Your Vegetable Garden

Author: B. Ellis

Article: Make the Most from Your Vegetable Garden

All your hard work has paid off, and now you are presented with a dilemma, too many vegetables! After sharing your wealth with friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and anyone that happens to come to visit, there are alternative options of what you can do with your extensive supply of tomatoes, zucchini and other bountiful crops that will bring great joy to the community around you.

There are many different ways to approach this, the easiest would be to look up in your local phone book for organizations that you could donate your vegetables to. A good place to start would be food banks, women's shelters and half-way houses. Don't be discouraged if at first you are turned down, some community resources have to follow guidelines that will not allow them to accept fresh fruit or vegetables. You can also look up on the internet for locations near you that would find great joy in being the recipient of your sharing.

Another great idea is to do a "vegetable exchange" with other gardeners, you neighbor could have a bumper crop of beans or corn and not a great harvest on tomatoes, exchanging them will give you the best of both vegetables! The only thing of caution here is that it's a good idea to exchange with people that have the same basic gardening ethics, if you grow organic vegetables then you may not want to exchange with someone else that prefers to use chemicals or pesticides in their garden.

Preserving your vegetables for the rest of the year is also a great option. There are many sources online that can walk you through step by step on how to preserve your vegetables, either by canning, freezing or making something more specific like salsa sauce with your tomatoes. You can use the same approach to this as the idea above as well, have a variety of vegetables gathered from people around you and have a harvesting party. Get each person to bring enough of something from their vegetable garden that each person that attends will have an item to go home with. (For example if you have zucchini, another has tomatoes, and yet another has beans, you would walk away with at least two other types of vegetables)

The first hint that you need to find alternative options is to realize that when your friends, family, and neighbors start running in the other direction and turning off all the lights and pretending they are not home when they see you walking towards them with more of your delicious vegetables, that there are alternatives that will not only help others in your community but make all your hard work in your vegetable garden go a little bit further in spreading the joy to others.

For more gardening tips you can go to www.gardening-tips-n-tools.com

About the author: None

Why Should You Create A Butterfly Garden?

Author: Christi Vega

Article: Have you noticed you do not see as many butterflies as you once did? It is sad that we do not see as many butterflies as we might like. You can change that by planting a butterfly garden.

There are many reasons that we don't see many butterflies. One is the destruction of their habitat. Every day more and more spaces of open land are being used to build houses, apartments, and businesses. When the woods and fields are cleared, there is no place for butterflies to live and raise their young. Butterflies are especially affected by land development. Because butterflies and their caterpillars require specific kinds of plants and habitats, land development has caused their numbers to drop. One species, the Xerces Blue, has already become extinct through alteration of its habitat. Many more are on the threatened and endangered species lists.

Another reason for the decline in butterfly populations is the wide use of pesticides. Farmers use them to control the insects that threaten to destroy their means of making money. Homeowners use them to prevent the destruction of their homes from termites and the destruction of their yards from the pests that eat their flowers, grass and shrubbery. Many places do widespread spraying to kill disease-bearing mosquitoes. These pesticides, while not targeted at butterflies, do kill butterflies, too.

We need insects. Many plants depend on insects to distribute their pollen from one flower to the other. We would have no vegetables, or pretty flowers to enjoy for that matter, if it were not for the insects that pollinate them. Butterflies are important plant pollinators. They, as well as other insects also fill an important role in the food chain. Many birds depend on insects for food.

So construct a butterfly garden and create the habitat necessary to help preserve these beautiful creatures. Remember, don't use pesticides.

About the author: Christi Vega is the author of ""The Joy and Serenity of Creating A Butterfly Garden"". Go to http://www.abutterflygarden.com to learn how you can create a beautiful garden that attracts these marvel winged creatures to your home. You may reprint this article in its entirety as long as the resource box is included.

A Look at Colorado Flower Delivery

Author: Eddie Tobey

Article: If you are in Colorado and looking for flower delivery or looking to have flowers delivered to Colorado you will find a plethora of resources online. You can start your search by visiting Yellow Pages and searching within the city to be delivered. National flower delivery companies will deliver to cities within Colorado as well.

Brady's Florist is a family owned and operated floral business. This company serves the Metro Denver area and is one of the most popular florists in that area. Brady's Florist has the ability to deliver flower arrangements worldwide but still pride themselves on being a local, hometown florist and enjoys delivering by hand.

Another popular florist in the Denver area is In Full Bloom. This florist specializes in same day and rush delivery. Specialty arrangements are available for funerals and weddings and they have a wide variety of fresh, silk and dried flowers. In Full Bloom also offers discounts via their website for future purchases.

About the author: <a href=""http://www.i-flowerdelivery.com"">Flower Delivery Info</a> provides information on same day, next day, international, and online flower delivery in various regions Flower Delivery Info is the sister site of <a href=""http://www.e-flowerbulbs.com"">Flower Bulbs Web</a>.

Selling Your House? Mow Your Lawn!

Author: Jan Nicholas

Article: A property that has a well manicured lawn has one of the best chances at showing pride in ownership than any other outdoor technique.

For one thing, there is a large upswing in the priority that homeowners place in their outdoor living spaces.

Therefore, the landscaping of your front yard (especially) as well as that of your back yard should look its very best when it's selling time. Your landscaping will make a huge contribution to the resale value of your home, so make sure that it's doing its best to help you out.

In fact, studies have shown that when the landscaping of a home is in excellent condition, it can sell for about 4 to 5 percent higher, while homes with landscaping in very poor condition can sell for 8 to 10 percent less. That's a huge difference in the overall selling price of your home.

You might be wondering exactly how much time you should dedicate to sprucing up the landscape of your property. How much time and money is worth it for your sale?

Even if you put a minimal amount of money, effort, and time in to your landscaping, it will help you in selling your home, and perhaps even getting a boost in the selling price. Every effort you make will help.

However, don't overdo it. Remember that it's not a selling feature; it's only something to help the overall appeal of your property, so that the other selling features will be better appreciated.

You should keep your lawn mowed so that it is even, and neatly short. Keep it well weeded, as these will only appear as blemishes to your landscaping. Make sure to use a weed eater to do the edges, as this gives your work a superior finish touch.

If there are any "bald" patches in your lawn, buy a small bag of seed and care for the spot, filling it in. This is especially important if you have a dog who digs or who leaves "pet damage" where s/he does his or her business.

After you fill in the dead spots that your dog has left, make sure to water the areas after your dog "waters," to prevent new dead patches from forming. Watering the areas will dilute the urine to stop it from burning the grass.

This effort makes an immeasurable difference in the overall neatness of the house, and the impression that it will leave potential buyers.

About the author: For more landscaping and gardening tips go to <A HREF=http://www.GardenArticles.com>http://www.GardenArticles.com< /A> today!

A Look at Planting Flower Bulbs

Author: Dave Lavinsky

Article: Flowers are a favorite of many backyard gardeners. Thanks to their ease of planting and relatively low cost, flower bulbs are a popular choice for flower gardens. Not only are flower bulbs beautiful, but planting them is a very simple undertaking.

Planting flower bulbs is so easy, in fact, that it's almost foolproof. The most important consideration is timing. Flower bulbs need to be planted when the ground is cool—not too hot and not too cold. It's best to plant them about six weeks before the ground freezes.

The next consideration is location. You'll want to choose a place where the soil drains well—bulbs do not grow well in areas with standing water. Bulbs also need a location that is well lit and sunny.

Make sure that the soil is loose. It does not require any fertilization or special treatment. However, you might want to add compost or peat moss if you're working in a new flowerbed.

The next consideration in planting flower bulbs is purely cosmetic. You'll want to consider the placement of the various flowers. Generally, bulbs should be densely planted—they do not look as nice planted alone or in thin lines. Taller flowers should be planted behind short ones. Consider the finished product as you are planning your flower beds. Think about which color combinations work best together, as well as which varieties of flowers best complement each other.

Once you have determined placement, you are ready to plant. Dig your holes about six to eight inches deep (follow package directions). Place the bulb in the ground with the pointed end facing up. Cover the hole and pack it firmly to release any air holes. Water the ground thoroughly.

As you can see, planting flower bulbs is a fun and easy project. With a little patience and creativity, you can have a beautiful and enjoyable flower bed.

About the author: <a href=""http://www.e-flowerbulbs.com"">Flower Bulbs Info</a> provides detailed information on wholesale, discount, spring, summer, and fall flower bulbs for sale, flower bulb catalog and company information, and advice on planting flower bulbs. Flower Bulbs Info is the sister site of <a href=""http://www.i-flowerdelivery.com"">Flower Delivery Web</a>.

You Take The Vacation - Not Your Garden

Author: Marie K Fisher

Article: If you are planning to go on vacation, there are some important tasks that you really must undertake to ensure that your garden continues to maintain that well cared for condition which you constantly strive for.

After all, because you have spent so much of your time during the rest of the year trying to achieve perfection, it would be a great pity if some of that good work were to be undone.

You do deserve that well earned vacation however, so I put it to you that you will enjoy the break even more, in the knowledge that you will not be returning home to any unpleasant surprises.

Here are a few simple steps that I would advise you to take to help to make sure that all remains well.

Just how much you need to plan in advance depends entirely on how long that you intend to be away from home.

Even if you are only going away for a week or just over it, I strongly recommend that you make the time to attend to those basic garden chores the day before you leave.

For example, I always mow the lawn, deadhead all my flowers, and I make a point of moving any house plants that I might have temporarily placed outdoors to blossom, back indoors.

Naturally I make sure that they are watered thoroughly.

If you intend to be away from home for two consecutive weeks or longer, I suggest that you make some provision well ahead of the time, especially for the care of the lawn.

Perhaps you know a reliable teenager looking for some extra money in your neighborhood. If you do, strike a deal with him to cut the lawn once a week during your absence.

Whether he uses his lawn mower or yours though, do make sure that he knows to cut the lawn at the highest setting on the mower, which will usually be about three inches or so.

If you have an exceptionally large area of lawn however, or you intend to be away from home for a much longer period, you would probably be best to hire a professional Gardener, or a Garden Maintenance Company to attend to this. (funds permitting of course)

The day before you leave, preferably in the late morning, prune just recently opened blossoms, taking long stems with the cut flowers.

I suggest that you also carry a container of water and water thoroughly.

On the same day prune flower buds also, as the blossoms will have most likely have opened and wilted during your absence.

Check your annuals and perennials for blighted foliage, removing any discolored leaves.

Your house plants will also need to be cared for as well during your absence. If you intend a long period away, then you really should arrange for someone to attend to their needs if at all possible.

A good friend or neighbor will most likely be more than willing to oblige, especially if you offer to return the favor.

Your plants should be fine though, if you are only going away for a few days or so.

However if you have a situation where you simply cannot call on anybody to assist, or perhaps you do not want to impose on anybody, then I have outlined a few useful steps that you can take, particularly if you are intending to be away for an extended time.

Move all those plants that are summering outdoors back inside, but place them in a shaded area first. Do this during the week before you leave, so as to let them acclimatize to the change in conditions.

Then bring them indoors, and place them in a spot where they will be most likely to get the benefit of indirect sunshine.

In the morning before you depart, spread sheets of newspaper on the floor of the room where your plants are situated. Water all your plants thoroughly, (whether they need it or not), and then place them on the newspaper sheets.

Place four large bowls of water around the plants, and cover them with a large white sheet. Make sure that the sheet drapes down beyond the plants onto the newspaper.

This will help to keep your plants moist and healthy.

Remember that the first priority is to have a fantastic vacation.

If you are like me however, you will enjoy it all the more, because you know that you have taken the time to make sure that your cherished garden and house plants have been well looked after.

About the author: Marie K Fisher is an avid gardening enthusiast with a passion for exotic flowers and wonderful colors. She is a regular contributor to Garden Center Showplace a leading online Garden Center. For more details of the superb range of products offered, and also more Featured Articles And Tips on Gardening visit <a href=""http://www.gardencentershowplace.com"">http://www.gardencent ershowplace.com</a>

Find Weapons Of Wood Warfare At Bigchainsaw.com

Author: Ray La Foy

Article: Find Weapons Of Wood Warfare At Bigchainsaw.com

A chainsaw is a big part of a tool user's tool shed. Especially when dealing with wood and similar materials, a chainsaw can make fast work of heavy task, saving you the time and the effort. Whether dealing with old furniture, pruning trunks and branches or making a large wooden sculpture, find the chainsaw that is right for you at Bigchainsaw.com.

A very popular product is the Stihl chain saw. The Stihl Company was started in 1926 by Andreas Stihl in Cannstatt near Stuttgart, Germany. He designed the first bucking chainsaw with an electric motor. Now, the STIHL company has grown and the Stihl chain saw is by far the most widely sold chainsaw brand in the world. The company also branched out into production of other garden power tools including hedge trimmers, blowers, vacuum shredders, grass trimmers, brushcutters and pressure washer cleaning systems. Modern Stihl chain saws like the MS 280 CQS and MS 270 C are equipped with features like the Quick Chain Adjuster, Side Access Chain Tensioner, Chain Sprockets, Ematic Bar Lubrication, OILOMATIC Chain Lubrication System and the STIHL Quickstop Chain Brake.

Husqvarna chain saws come not only in gas powered models but also in electric ones. Gas powered saws are usually used for heavy jobs like felling and limbing. Gas powered Husqvarna chain saws feature Air Injection, Smart Start, Three-piece crankshaft, Quick chain adjustments and a transparent fuel tank. The Husqvarna two mass principle is also an effective vibration dampening system. This model also boasts easier starts, smoother operation and easy cleaning. Electric models used for pruning and other lighter cutting jobs have transparent oil levels, replacement carbon brushes and an assortment of cutting attachments.

Like Husqvarna, Poulan also produces gas and electric powered chain saws. Under the Electrolux Group, a known manufacturer of quality kitchen and outdoor appliances, Poulan chain saws offer durability, affordability and high performance. Poulan chain saws also include innovations like SuperClean system and DuraChrome cylinders which make their chain saws run smoother, cleaner, and longer.

The Mcculloch company has been manufacturing quality power tools, cleaning machines, generators and lawn and garden equipment for more than 50 years. Gas powered McCulloch chain saws are available in a variety of engine sizes and bar lengths, and also offers increased power and complete portability. Standard features, which can also be found on Electric driven Mcculloch chain saws include chain brakes for operator safety, automatic oilers and electronic iginition for easier starting. Optional features include carry cases, anti-vibration handles, and the SmoothPull starting system for a 60% reduction in starting effort.

The Echo company also specializes in power outdoor equipment like trimmers, brushcutters, edgers, blowers, clippers, pruners, sprayers and chain saws. Echo chain saws are equipped with a high performance, 2-stroke engine and Pro-fire ignition system that ensure fast starts and smooth operation. Echo chain saws are also ensured balance and control are enhanced with vibration reduction technology and grouped controls that provide easy access to all saw functions.

When shopping for new or replacement chain saw parts, always remember to purchase only original chain saw parts from the manufacturer of your product. If you're not sure what part to buy or how to replace it, contact your product manufacturer, they'll be glad to give you assistance. Chain saws are hazardous equipments which should always be in top condition to avoid mishaps and accidents due to malfunction.

About the author: All Your Chain Saw Needs Learn more at http://www.bigchainsaw.com

Gardening with bulbs

Author: Tony Robinson

Article: Bulbs have been among the most popular types of flowers for many, many years. Tulip bulbs were once so popular in Holland that a single bulb was worth more than an entire herd of cows, and Tulip mania as it was popularly called, is widely seen to be the first example of a market bubble.

Even if bulbs are not quite so popular these days, bulbs are still among the most popular, beautiful and useful of all plants for the home gardener. Bulbs are renowned for their hardiness and for their ability to rebloom season after season. In addition, most bulb flowers are very easy to grow and very inexpensive to buy. With all these advantages, it is easy to see why bulbs are so popular with all kinds of gardeners.

Another advantage of bulbs is that it is usually easy to choose the healthiest bulbs. The best way to choose healthy bulbs is to choose the firmest, largest bulbs you can find. Firm bulbs are generally very healthy bulbs, and large bulbs typically produce the largest and best blooming flowers.

Unhealthy bulbs are generally very easy to spot as well. Bulbs that are very light, cracked or soft should be avoided. Many bulbs are susceptible to rot, and a soft bulb may be showing signs of rot. In addition, a lightweight or shriveled looking bulb may be unable to bloom. A good, healthy bulb will be surprisingly heavy for its size, so it is important to handle the bulbs to choose the best ones.

Most types of bulbs should be planted in the fall of the year, but it is important to get planting instructions when you buy your bulbs. Some bulbs bloom in the fall of the year, and they are usually planted in the springtime instead.

When planting bulbs in the fall, they should be planted around early to mid October. The goal is to have the bulbs in the ground around six weeks prior to the time the ground starts to freeze. This means that the optimum time for planting bulbs will vary according to your own location.

It is important to plant bulbs in a soil that has been properly prepared. The depth the bulbs should be planted will vary from variety to variety, so again it is important to get planting instructions if you are unfamiliar with the needs of the bulb. For instance, crocus bulbs should be planted four inches deep, while daffodils and hyacinths need to be planted to a depth of six inches. Tulips should be planted even deeper, to a depth of about eight inches.

One great tool to have on hand when working with bulbs is the bulb planter. A bulb planter is a great way to dig consistent size holes when planting a row of bulbs, and a bulb planter is also a great way to keep your rows uniform.

Gardeners who want a more wild and natural look to their bulb garden often prefer to dig a trench to the appropriate depth and simply lay the bulbs in. This approach can provide a unique, if somewhat unpredictable, look when the bulbs begin to emerge.

When you plant your bulbs, it is a good idea to lay a small amount of fertilizer in the bottom of each hole, then cover that fertilizer with a layer of soil. The fertilizer provides much needed nutrients for the bulb to start its growth, but it is important that the bulb not make direct contact with the fertilizer, since this could potentially cause the bulb to be burned.

Bulbs should always be planted with the pointed end sticking up and the flat side pointing down, directly on top of the layer of soil covering the fertilizer. After the bulbs have been planted, they should be covered with more soil and provided with a good, thorough watering.

About the author: Tony Robinson is an international author and webmaster. In his busy life he finds time to ""Smell the Roses"". For geat tips, techniques and articles visit http://www.rose-bloom.com

Water Pond Wildlife - How To Attract More Animals to Your Backyard

Author: David Ray

Article: Wildlife require water just as humans do. Water is essential for life. Songbirds use it for bathing and preening; waterfowl and shorebirds for finding food and escaping predators; and muskrat, mink and beaver for every part of their existence.

Providing water can be as simple as a bird bath or small fiberglass water pond or as complex as the construction of a large, excavated wetland with an artificial or clay liner.

The simplest method of providing water is a bird bath. The structure need not be elaborate, an old pie tin works as well as a prefabricated concrete structure. Make sure the water is no deeper than three inches and that smooth bottom baths are enhanced with some type of structure or objects for perching. To cut back on maintenance, simply hang a garden hose above the bath and allow water to drip into the bath at a slow rate.

Birds also require water in winter. By providing open water, you may potentially attract more birds for viewing. There are a variety of options including dog and poultry water heaters as well as commercial water heaters designed specifically for bird baths.

It is important that you always keep placement in mind both for the bird's safety and for your viewing enjoyment. Keep the bird bath near a favorite viewing location but at least ten feet away from vegetation or other cover. This will help in preventing neighborhood predators such as domestic cats from killing birds.

Small backyard ponds with artificial liners are another method of providing water for wildlife. Choose a location that receives sun part of the day to stimulate plant growth. Begin pond construction with a pre-fabricated fiberglass shell or similar item such as a kid's wading pool or old washtub. A good option to both of these methods is utilization of 20 mil black plastic.

If you begin with a child's wading pool or washtub, it should be lined with 10-30 mil black plastic. This will insure water does not leak from the pond and will give a more natural background color than that of a wading pool or other structure.

Begin by excavating soil out of an area roughly equal to the size and shape of your liner. Remember, the location of your pond should be where you can view it from your house. You should also consider keeping it within reach of a garden hose for filling purposes or and electrical supply for powering any pumps or aerators. A pond need not be more that ten feet long and two to five feet wide. Providing varying depths from a few inches to a couple feet will increase chances of different wildlife using your pond

After fitting the liner, field stones, flat rocks or timber can help hold and hide the edges of the plastic liner. Adding soil over the top of the positioned liner will allow future planting of aquatic vegetation. An alternate method to lining the entire pond bottom with soil is to put aquatic plants into pots and then submerge the pots in desired locations within the pond. Stabilize pots with rocks or other means to prevent tipping. Plan to have enough aquatic plants to cover 30-40 percent of the surface area.

Provide areas for birds and turtles to make use of your pond by adding log perches or a rock island. Creating a sandy, gravel beach in one corner can provide the grit birds require for digesting food. A sandy substrate also makes looking for wildlife tracks an educational experience. After you have completed all the necessary preparations, fill the pond with water. If using tap water rather than well water, let stand for a week to let chemicals like chlorine dissipate.

You may choose to see if plants will come naturally. This could occur through transfer of seeds on bird's feet or from their droppings. Another method to introduce potential plant and invertebrate life is to scoop muck from an existing wetland and transfer it to your pond.

Keep an eye on your pond often and log the plant growth as a family activity. And be sure to keep watching for new wildlife to your new oasis.

About the author: This article is courtesy of D.R. Ray, owner of the Water-Pond-Guide.com website. <a href=""http://www.water-pond-guide.com"">Learn more about backyard and patio ponds at Water-Pond-Guide.com.</a>

1-2-3-4 Never Scrub the Bathroom Anymore

Author: Carole Pagan

Article: One of everyone's least favorite chores is cleaning the bath- room. You put it off ... and put it off... until it takes nothing short of an atomic bomb to get it clean. It doesn't have to be that way.

4 steps, about 2-3 minutes a day- and you will never have to deal with soap scum build up or scrubbing the bathroom ever again.

The tools you will need-

* a shower squeegee * paper towels * glass cleaner * Scrub Free

These should be kept in the bathroom. Splurge on the extra bottle of glass cleaner and an extra roll of paper towels to keep in the bathroom.

Here are the 4 steps-

1. When you get out of the shower, after you have dried off and put on your lotion and such... do a once over on the shower walls with the squeegee.

2. Take 2 pieces of paper towel and clean in this order- mirror, counters, quick wipe over towel bars, chrome in shower, and toilet lip. Throw paper towel away.

3. Do one of these chores each day or two-

*Spray tub with scrub free and do a quick wipe down with wet rag or sponge, or *Clean the toilet, or *Do a quick wipe up of the floor, or *Do a quick cleaning on your shower doors, if you have them, or if you have shower curtains- spray any spots with Clorox Cleanup.

Each of these only take seconds if you don't let it get bad in the first place.

4. Watch for any mold, or discoloring of the grout. Spray with Clorox Cleanup and just let it work.

That's it. Your bathroom will always look terrific, and it'll be a lot healthier too.

Don't let build up happen in the first place. Keeping it clean in the first place is so much easier than trying to clean it later.

About the author: Carole is the Author of Secret Confessions of a Clean Freak. If you Love a really clean home, but Hate cleaning it, you'll want Carole's time saving secrets. Get your own copy here - http://CleanFreak.CommonSenseLiving.com

Tips For Successful Backyard Grape Growing

Author: Jim Bruce

Article: Growing grapes in the backyard or garden can be a rewarding experience. It can also be quite a failure if not done properly. Grapevines are perennial plants and will grow for years to come. There are a few things to consider before you just jump in and start planting your grapevines. Otherwise, mistakes made at planting will haunt you in the future.

Grapes need lots of sunshine. One of the biggest mistakes that the home gardener makes when growing grapes is to plant them in the shade under a tree or where they get shaded by houses most of the day. If you watch wild grapevines grow, you will notice they make all efforts to climb trees and shrubs to get into the daylight. Without proper sunlight, proper ripeness cannot be obtained. Be sure the spot you choose has good sun most of the day.

A second mistake that many home gardeners make is to not take into account the grape variety's growth habit and vigor. These two factors come into play when planting the grapevine and deciding on how to trellis the vine.

Vigorous varieties need lots of space. You can find out how vigorous a variety is by consulting your local nursery where you bought your vines. Vigorous varieties need eight feet between vines when planting. Less vigorous varieties can be planted closer at six feet between vines. Very low vigor vines can be planted as close as four feet.

Growth habit determines the trellis type and how the grapevine will be trained and pruned. Grape varieties with a large portion of their ancestry coming from wild American species tend to droop. These are like the wild vines that grow to the top of small trees and shrubs then cascade downward during the summer. The gardener will find that it is best to mimic this natural growth.

Vines of this type will be trained to a high wire about six feet off the ground. The grapevines are pruned to two to four long canes each year. As the shoots grow each year from the canes left at pruning time, they will grow outward from each side and soon start drooping towards the ground, forming a curtain of leaves by the end of the growing season.

Many varieties have the European grape, V.vinifera, in their ancestry. The European grape varieties tend to have a more upright growth. These grape varieties need a more extensive trellis system. At least four wires are needed to contain them. The first wire is approximately three feet off the ground with the two additional wires at eight inch intervals above the bottom wire. The vines are trained to a trunk that extends to the bottom wire.

Two to four canes are pruned and tied to the bottom wire on each side of the trunk. As the shoots grow during the spring and summer they are tied straight up to the wires above. Once the shoots have reached approximately 16 inches above the top wire, they are cut off at the tips. This ""hedging"" prevents further growth and shading of the vine below.

Grapes need a good water supply when they are actively growing in the spring and summer. They should be watered at least once a week in areas of little rain. More often under droughty conditions. This watering shoud be continued until the berries begin to turn color. After coloring, watering is not needed and will in fact slow the ripening process. Once the leaves have fallen in the fall, one last large watering should be undertaken before the ground freezes to get the vines through the winter.

Perhaps the biggest mistake I see with home gardeners growing grapes is neglecting pruning the vines each year. This is a must! Without pruning the grapevine becomes an overgrown tangled mess. The grapevines overbear and the berries don't ripen properly. Disease sets in as the vine is over shaded and doesn't recieve drying winds. The vines will weaken over time and eventually die before their time.

Pruning removes 90-95% of the previous year's growth. It keeps the vines in balance and aids in controlling the crop and ripening the fruit. Pruning the grapevine is an art, not a science. Information on grapevine pruning can be obtained through your local Ag Extension agent. They have agricultural bulletins that detail the pruning process. You can also find comments at: http://www.ristcanyonvineyards.com/grapevine_pruning_and_training .html

Growing grapevines can be a nice hobby that will provide you and your family with fresh fruit or grapes to make wine with. Table grape varieties and wine varieties are distinct. Make sure you are planting the proper varieties for the wanted purpose. Home gardeners should also make sure that the varieties they are planting are adapted to their local climate. Some varieties cannot take cold winters, while others can tolerate freezing temperatures down to -25-30F.

Varieties that have American grape species in their ancestry can tolerate colder winters. Make sure you consult with your nurseryman to fit the variety you are planting to your conditions. The variety you choose must also be able to ripen in your climate. I see too many home gardeners planting varieties that take up to 170 days or more to ripen in areas that have only 150 days or less in their growing seasons.

If you are thinking of growing grapevines in your backyard or garden, be sure to consider the above factors before you start planting. Choose your grape varieties based upon what you plan to use them for, how they are adapted to the local growing conditions, and plan the trellis according to the variety's growth habit. I wish you all the luck in your endeavor.

About the author: Jim Bruce has been growing grapes since the mid-seventies under a range of growing conditions. His Rist Canyon Vineyards is a research project to aid others in growing grapes. More information can be found at http://www.ristcanyonvineyards.com

Planning Next Year's Garden

Author: Carole Pagan

Article: Seems like it's a little early to start thinking about next year's garden, doesn't it? But now is the time to survey your gardens and see what's going on. What needs to be changed?

The first thing you want to look for is where does the sun hit, and when?

Roses and vegetables do better in an area where they get morning sun, especially when it starts getting cooler. The morning sun will warm them up faster and keep them producing longer. Using this method, you will be out in the first snowfall gathering the last tomatoes before they freeze!

Plants like lilies and petunias, stuff that has a natural growing, bloom cycle anyway, will do fine with afternoon sun.

One of the greatest tools for planning your garden are the catalogs from places like Gurvey's or Spring Hill. These catalogs will give you all of the details about each plant -

* How much sun they need

* How big the plant gets

* What is it's growing/ blooming time

* How far apart to plant

One thing that scares people away from catalog buying is not being able to see what you're getting ahead of time. Imagine my shock when my 80 lilac bushes were nothing but a bunch of sticks! But I followed the directions, and they grew. Except for a couple, and those were replaced. So, don't be afraid.

I had also order tall hedge. Another 60 sticks. Imagine my neighbors amusement when I was out there planting all those sticks. It was a brand new subdivision at the time. Everyone basically had mud for landscaping. By the next spring, everyone else was trying to figure out what to do with their yard. My landscape was in full bloom and hardly required any work at all. Even the lilacs bloomed, even though they were only about 2 feet tall that first year.

I had an ever-exploding landscape. tulips, daffodils, lilacs, assorted lilies that bloomed at all different times, yucca, roses, balloon flowers, butterfly bushes, 4 o'clocks, I mean, it was amazing.

And I did it all by using the catalogs to map out the garden plans. So grab a catalog and get out in your yard and start planning for next year.

About the author: Carole will show you how to quickly and easily keep the inside of your home clean, so you have more time to do the things you love. Find the secrets here - http://CleanFreak.CommonSenseLiving.com

Dog Days of Summer - August Gardening tips

Author: Gary Guzman

Article: Well these truly are the ""dog days of summer"". It is still hot some days really humid and every now and then not a bad day at all. Here are a few tips to keep your garden and a few specific problems from getting away from you during the month of August gardening. Your lawn, again usually three things or any combination of them may be the culprit(s) for making your lawn or patches of your lawn turn brown.

Check water first. It may be that your sprinkler is just not applying enough water to certain areas of your lawn. Remember if you can see your footprints in the lawn after you walk on it then it is time to get water on it asap. If the patchy brown areas of your lawn feel slightly ""warmer"" than the green areas of your lawn it usually means that particular area is not receiving enough moisture. It is best to core holes in this area, which will help deliver water right to the roots. The second item you may want to check will be for grubs.

There will be no mistaking these creatures. They are usually about the size of your thumb, creamy white with a brown head. They will feed on the grass roots to store up for winter and ""hibernate"" and emerge next year as adults.

These adults are the May and June beetles your see flying around at dusk in early summer. There are granular and liquid insecticides as well a natural beneficial nematodes to help control these critters.

The third item to check for will be a fungus. If you look closely at the blades of grass that are just around the edge of a dry patch you may notice lines or markings on each individual blade(s) of grass. If you have already checked for water or grubworms and are sure these two are not the problems this could be whats making your lawn turn brown.

There are also granualar and liquid fungicides available to help with this situation.

If you have any flowering trees or shrubs such as roses, crape myrtle, vitex, bird of paradise, oleander, among others it is very important to remove the ""spent blossoms"" as they appear. This action will help keep your flowering plants blooming up until frost. If this is not done the plants will spend a lot of energy into forming seeds at the expense of new blossoms.

Remember this usuallly works on just about any flowering plant. If your plants are looking a little pale in color you may want to incorporate some iron into your soil. Plants and lawns can lose some of their deep green color this time of year due to so much watering.

The soil may get leached out of it's nutrients by August so it is important to replace these minerals with chelated iron or Ironite. This not only puts a deep green back into the foliage but also makes flowers more vibrant.

If it has been more thant 5 to 6 weeks since you last fertilized your lawn then it is time. For this area a 16-8-8 fertilizer with iron, sulphur and zinc is recommended. This may be used on a fescue, rye or bermuda lawn, as well as trees and shrubs. This article ""Dog days of Summer"" is free to use as long as the following is attached: - Author Gary Guzman Website: http://guzmansgreenhouse.com

About the author: Gary Guzman: Owner of Guzman's Greenhouse. Over 25 years retail gardening experience.

Tips on Growing Lettuce

Author: Marilyn Pokorney

Article: REQUIREMENTS FOR REPRINT: You have permission to publish this article free of charge in your e-zine, newsletter, ebook, print publication or on your website ONLY if it remains unchanged and you include the copyright and author information (Resource Box) at the end. You may not use this article in any unsolicited commercial email (spam).

You may retrieve this article by:

Autoresponder: lettuce@getresponse.com Website: http://www.apluswriting.net/articles/lettuce.txt

Words: 235 Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney

Please leave the resource box intact with an active link, and send a courtesy copy of the publication in which the article appears to: marilynp@nctc.net ------------------------------------------------------------ Lettuce is an easy to grow spring and autumn vegetable. It's two worst enemies are hot temperatures and slugs.

Here are some tips to grow lettuce all summer long, even when temperatures soar.

*Make sure soil contains a good supply of nitrogen for good leaf production.

*Make early plantings in full sun.

*Plant the seeds 1/8 inch deep in a wide row, 6 inches apart in all directions.

*Plant every two weeks for a continuous harvest all summer long.

*As the weather warms up, start planting in partial shade. Either on the side of the house that receives morning sun or in the shade of other taller plants such as corn broccoli etc.

*Keep weeds under control as lettuce has shallow roots and can't compete with deep rooted weeds.

*Keep soil moist but not wet. Water at the base of the plant and not the leaves wet leaves will encourage disease.

*Aphids, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, leafhoppers and leaf miners are some of the insects that attack lettuce, but slug are the most notorious for loving lettuce.

*Avoid pesticides as lettuce leaves are very tender and delicate, and can absorb many insecticides. An insecticidal soap or handpicking usually alleviates the majority of lettuce pests.

*One tip to avoid slugs is to avoid mulching lettuce.

For more tips on how to control slugs on lettuce and in the entire garden visit:

http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/slugs.htm

About the author: Author: Marilyn Pokorney Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading. Website: http://www.apluswriting.net

Cleaning for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers

Author: Carole Pagan

Article: My daughter recently had a bout with asthma. The strange thing is, she hadn't had any problems for a couple of years. In looking at the possible triggers - She had a new batch of puppies at her dad's. While the 2 dogs didn't seem to bother her, the addional puppies seemed to put her over the edge.

To make matters worse, since we hadn't had problems for a couple of years, I had become lax in some of the cleaning that I would have done when she had problems every year.

Once I realized what her problem was, I immediately started cleaning for asthma. That means thoroughly vacuuming walls, behind furniture, matresses, pillows, upholstery, screens, and vents, and dusting every crevice- including things like behind the tv and stereo inside the cabinet, the backs of furniture.

I normally dust the ceiling fans and blinds, but if you kinda skip those, you need to pay more attention if you have any allergies or asthma in your home.

A quick carpet clean and changing air filters and furnace filters finishes up the cleaning job.

You also want to change your hand towels everyday, just in case it's a virus triggering the response.

If you have pets, keep them clean and brushed, and their living areas cleaned. Keep pets out of the bedrooms of affected people.

The things that typically trigger asthma is actually pretty long-

House dust mites found in carpeting, mattresses, bed linens, toys, upholstered furniture, dampness, poor ventilation, unvented cooking, humidifiers

Animal-derived allergens from dogs, cats, rodents, and birds.

Mold found in carpeting, walls, and windows, caused by leaks, poor ventialtion, water damage, or dampness.

Nitrogen oxides produced by space heaters or gas-fueled cooking stove, used with poor ventilation.

Wood Smoke from wood stoves or fireplaces, used with poor ventilation, or faulty equipment causing fumes to come back into the room.

Fumes from cleaners, aerosols- like hairsprays, perfumes and even air fresheners, pesticides, formaldehyde found in some older household products.

Viral respiratory infections - exposure to infected people

Endotoxins from bacteria growing in soil, humidifiers, and other moist places.

Cockroach allergen

Tobacco smoke

Excess weight.

If there is one thing you can do to minimize allergy or asthma suffering- it is to become a vacuuming fanatic. The more you get into that bag, the less you have floating around in the air. It's healthier, and you'll have less dusting to do in the long run.

About the author: Carole is the author of Secret Confessions of a Clean Freak. If you Love a really clean home, but Hate cleaning it, you'll want your own copy of the secrets. Click on the link to get it now-http://ThinAttitude.CommonSenseLiving.com

How To Make Gourd Birdhouses

Author: Gene

Article: Making Gourd Birdhouses takes a little patience, but can be well worth the time and effort. Watching birds nest in your own homegrown gourd birdhouse will bring you joy and satisfaction.

Harvesting: Harvest a hard-shell gourd when the vine has withered. Be careful to leave the stem attached. It's best to cut the stem with pruning shears so you don't bruise it. Hang it in a sunny spot or put it on newspaper in a warm dry place for 3 - 6 months.

If it is lying on a flat surface, be sure to turn frequently, A proper size for birdhouses has a diameter of about 8 to 13 inches. Wash thoroughly in water, rinse in a solution of 1 part bleach and 10 parts water, and dry with a towel.

Drying: As it dries, it will begin to mold. This is a natural part of the drying process. If dried indoors it will grow more mold and should be frequently wiped clean with the bleach solution.

Discard any that become soft or wrinkled. To check if it is dry, give it a good shake - if the seeds rattle, you can begin making your birdhouse.

Turning Your Gourd Into A Birdhouse: Soak the gourd for 15 minutes in hot soapy water, and then scrape with a dull knife to remove the outer skin and mold. Scrub in the water with fine steel wool. Rinse it well and allow to dry thoroughly.

To locate the birds entrance hole, hold it by its stem between your index finger and thumb and let it hang. Mark a center point along the outermost part of the curve so the hole faces straight out. Not toward the sky or the ground.

The entrance hole can be easily drilled with the proper-size hole saw or by using a keyhole saw.

Wear a facemask, as the dust is a caustic substance.

Drill 2 sets of holes about 2 inches from the neck for hanging and ventilation. Also drill 2 or 3 1/4 inch holes in the bottom for drainage. Drill the size hole necessary to encourage the birds you want to attract.

Remove the seeds and membrane of the gourd through the entrance hole with a long-handled metal spoon, screwdriver or a wire coat hanger.

Dip the whole thing in a wood preservative of 15 minutes, weighting it down with a brick. Then remove it and hang it up to dry for several days. Sand the gourd smooth and paint with and oil-based primer. Allow it to dry thoroughly. Paint the house with exterior enamel paint (do not use water based latex paint as it will peel) Apply 2 coats. Decorate anyway you like and hang it in the proper place to attract the birds you want.

There you are, Well on you way to making your own gourd birdhouses.

Vist <A HREF=""www.wild-bird-watching.com"">Wild Bird Watching</a> for information on the habits and sounds of your favorite backyard birds.

About the author: None

A Look at International Flower Delivery

Author: Eddie Tobey

Article: As our global community continues to expand we often find ourselves with friends and families who live in countries outside of the U.S. In the past this caused somewhat of a dilemma if a person wanted to send a gift of flowers internationally. It was not as simple as calling the local florist; it was almost impossible to find a florist who could wire transfer the order to another florist in a different country. This has changed, however, because of the availability of resources via the Internet.

Do a simple search in any major search engine for "International Flower Delivery" and you will yield hundreds of results. Many companies are now offering international flower delivery and it is usually just as simple as ordering domestically.

Many online flower companies have access to florists worldwide. It is usually simple to find an online company, select your product and specify that you need the order to be shipped internationally. The company will then relay your order to the affiliate florist in that area and your flowers will be delivered.

Some companies may charge a processing fee for international flower delivery orders and others will not. The same holds true if the recipient resides in a very small or rural area where flower delivery may take additional time. Some companies will also have a delay in delivery to verify the recipient's address. With all flower delivery orders but especially true with international orders, it is very important to have the correct address including spellings for street and city names.

About the author: <a href=""http://www.i-flowerdelivery.com"">Flower Delivery Info</a> provides information on same day, next day, international, and online flower delivery in various regions Flower Delivery Info is the sister site of <a href=""http://www.e-flowerbulbs.com"">Flower Bulbs Web</a>.

Mole Traps: Can you use them?

Author: Andy Beard

Article: Mole control is one of the most complicated problems that can face a gardening enthusiast.

It is not from lack of information. Plenty of information is available. University research and white papers, government brochures, and plenty of expert opinions.

It is not from a lack of products either. At any time there are 10 or more different varieties of mole trap on sale, plus various poisons and repellants.

The experts, university professors and even the government, when they express an opinion, even come close to a concensus. Mole traps are probably the most effective method of mole control, if set correctly, checked on a regular basis etc.

Most reports however take a very simplistic view:-

A single plot of land

No regard to whether neighbouring plots are residential, farmland or wooded. No recommendations on how to co-ordinate efforts with neighbours. If one neighbour has a huge infestation of moles, but refuses to take action, can they be force to do so? If you used fumigation in such a case, could they hold you liable for killing their moles?

Rules apply to specific locality

There are states in the US where the use of mole traps are restricted. There are areas of Canada where both the Eastern Mole and the Townsend mole are a protected species. The bordering states in the US have no restrictions, yet species conservation is meant to be a global concern.

Lethal methods of mole control can only be used in Germany where the moles are a confirmed hazard. The use of traps in many US States currently falls under hunting regulations which can require a license, and specific measures to be taken. This is often not enforced.

About the author: <a href=""http://andybeard.name"">Andy Beard</a> is researching mole control to combat the moles in his garden. More information can be found at <a href=""http://getting-rid-of-ground-moles.com"">Getting Rid of Ground Moles</a>