Saturday, May 22, 2010

How do you stop cats from going to the bathroom in your flower garden?

call animal control. if they are neighbor's cats they need to control their animals and keep them on their own property. if they are strays it's best to get them off the streets

How do you stop cats from going to the bathroom in your flower garden?
Spray some orange juice/lemon juice in the area and introduce them to a new area.
Reply:Pine cones covering the soil or a nice layer of gravel - as long as the cat cannot get to the ground it cannot go to the bathroom in it.
Reply:we had the same problem, we went to home depot and bought an can of pure black pepper, we havent seen an cat in our yard in about an month or 2
Reply:maybe get a dog or


you could put a pond since cats hate water
Reply:BB Gun.
Reply:Try a predator scent product - the smell of a larger predator is supposed to make cats think a larger predator has taken up residence in your garden, so the cats should go elsewhere to do their business.





http://www.critter-repellent.com/cats/ca...
Reply:The only reason I know this answer is because I live in the Netherlands and have been working on my garden. I bought cocoa shells to cover the flower beds. This is very popular here. I then read on the bag that cats don't like the feel of it under their little feet and will stop walking and pooing in the area it has been laid. It has prooven to be effective and not only that the weeds don't root, it holds the water in for the plants and the underlayer "molds" a bit and is also very healthy for your plants. I don't see any reason why you shouldn't be able to find this in your garden center near you. It is fairly inexpensive and really gives a nice natural landscaped feel for your garden. I hope you can get this there! Hope it helps! Now, if I can only get my dogs to stay out of it... hmmm.. :-)


What kind of flowers can I grow in Zone 3 Alberta Canada?

I'm doing a garden and flower bed. I've just moved to Alberta and have no idea what does really well.

What kind of flowers can I grow in Zone 3 Alberta Canada?
Most Irises are hardy to zone 3. Irises come in any color you like, multiply like crazy and are easy to care for. The site below includes alot of plants hardy in zone 3. Good Luck and happy planting!

roller blades

Is there anyway to get rid of Crab Grass in my Flower Garden?

It has taken over and keeps coming up through my hardwood mulch. Help Please!

Is there anyway to get rid of Crab Grass in my Flower Garden?
Crabgrass is an annual that will die come the first frosts this fall but it will return next spring from its seeds. RoundUp or hot water may kill the vegetation this season but, again, it will be back next spring. Your problem is the mass quantity of seeds produced by this plant. Use a pre-emergent next spring to control seed germination %26amp; you will not have this problem. Apply a pre-emergent around the time that the forsythia bushes start blooming and water the product in well. Preen Garden Weed Preventer is a typical pre-emergence labeled for the control of crabgrass in an ornamental garden available at most home %26amp; garden centers. Read %26amp; follow all label instructions when purchasing or applying a pesticide.





Also be careful how you water your garden. Frequent, short watering encourages seed germination. It is always best to water deeply and infrequently.
Reply:Well lit is 1,000% right on.
Reply:I think they have a shampoo for that. You should ask your local doctor. In the mean time you should look around and see if you can find a plant poison specifically for crab grass. I think they make things like that. If it's feasible you should take up the bed. You don't have to throw anything, just take it all up, dig down as far as you think the roots of your plants will need to go and place a liner. Then replace all the soil and mulch. Then and crab grass is just a stray seed and can be pulled up as you see it growing. Good luck.
Reply:Your mulch needs to be at least three inches thick. And you may want to go even higher at first. You an use hot water on the crabgrass, also make sure you are pulling up the crabgrass roots and all.
Reply:Spray ROUNDUP, (sold at Wal-Mart) on crabgrass and it will die in a few days and it won't grow back.
Reply:I just did this at my house. I bought roundup regular strength. Use it according to directions. I used a cardboard box to shield my plants. The roundup will kill the weeds but it neutralizes at soil level so it will not harm anything in the soil except what you spray. Mine are dead and flowers fine. Happy gardening.


Where can I have my picture taken with live bunnies in a live flower garden?

I know the photagrapher's name is Chad Engle, but I do not know where his studio is located. I believe that it is somwhere in Kentucky.

Where can I have my picture taken with live bunnies in a live flower garden?
Just about anywhere if you get permisson from a flower shop or person with a live flower garden and go to a farm supply and buy a bunch of bunnies and then try to sell them back after you are done or just give them back if your project is important enough.. the bunnies probaby don't cost much.


Is this good compost for my flower garden?

I bought 6 bags of compost, it contains peat, compost, and loam. its npk rating is 0.02 - 0.03 - 0.02. i usually use miracle grow once every 1 or 2 weeks. and also it has calcium 0.15, magnesium 0.08, and sulphur 0.037. its 100 % organic also:) does this sound good? thanks in advance!

Is this good compost for my flower garden?
i wouldn't use that... nitrogen just kills everything and it is full of it... stings the plant.. i was told to use 20 part of compost to 80 percent top soil or soil prep... but then again, i just realized you said compost not meneur... i still would mix it at least half and have with the above... just to be safe..
Reply:It might be ok. I, however, just use organic compost.





Also, there's nothing organic about miracle grow. It's quite the opposite, and is bad for the soil.


I want to plant a garden (vegie if possible) but I live in Texas and I have a huge tree what should I plant?

There is not alot of sun because of the shade of the tree no grass there either. I would like to plant a vegie and flower garden but what is in season now?

I want to plant a garden (vegie if possible) but I live in Texas and I have a huge tree what should I plant?
I also live in Texas. Tomatoes grow well as long as they get some sunshine %26amp; water.You can even grow them in containers. Watermelons are also a good crop in this area but they require alot of space. A good flower to grow in the shade is petunias.They do very well in shade.
Reply:mushrooms?





they live well under the tree ...


and you can taste it later !!!





I wish I have a big garden myself to plant various plants !!!





If you want pretty mushrooms try poisonous one !!!





They are pretty!!! but keep the children away from it


seriously !!! lol ^.^
Reply:you are a Texan. you want some Yankee from new york giving you advice on your garden? no way. get your info from a fellow Texan right in our own area.


%26lt;www.Texasmastergardener.com%26gt;


state of Texas certified master gardeners at your local cooperative entension service are there to answer your every question with answers for your own back yard. they are there just wait'n for your call. the master gardeners at your local coop office know your yard like you do. weather, soil, bugs %26amp; what plants will grow best for you. not to say anything against these fine people here at yahoo. just no one can know Texas better then a fellow Texan. the Texas master garden association is the best answer to this and every other question you have along the way.

buckles

I would like to plant a flower garden starting from bulbs/ seeds, when should I plant them?

I live in Northern California.

I would like to plant a flower garden starting from bulbs/ seeds, when should I plant them?
Bulbs can go into the ground as soon as it is workable. Seeds should wait until after the last frost is anticipated.
Reply:if you bought the bulbs and seeds in packets, check the label as to when the best time of year for each different plant is. if not, you can always take them down to your local nursery for a bit of advice


How do I stop cats from fouling in my flower garden.?

They are digging up all my bulbs and plants, I don`t want to hurt the cats but they are driving me mental....


Ive tried pepper spray.`





Plz help...

How do I stop cats from fouling in my flower garden.?
Orange peel is a deterent
Reply:SHOOT THEM!











(legally with a 'Super-soaker' type water gun. It's fun and works!





Do not just wet them soak them and chase them out of your garden. They learn eventually.





Watch the wild birds return to your garden. when the cats have gone.
Reply:Sprinkle some pickle juice on the spot. They hate it.
Reply:Buy a big mouse with tattoo's and a shaved head to patrol your garden, or hide the spades that will stop the lil pests!
Reply:Try crunched up mothballs.
Reply:My mum had this problem and tried everything from plants to pellets made from lion poo. The thing which has finally worked is an electrical device which goes in the garden and has sensors. When a cat comes into the garden it emits a high pitched noise which only cats can hear - they hate it and leave the area. It's worked for my mum after years of cats destroying her garden.
Reply:Try a shotgun or a stun gun. Remember, a squashed cat is a great cat!!! Alternatively you could buy a cat deterrent from a garden centre, or ask a vet (they should know what works).
Reply:why dont you try cataway you can get it from most garden centers or failing that just get a dog
Reply:Dig up another area specifically for them. They love pooing in freshly dug earth! If they are your cats so it's your job to provide them space to poop. Try planting rosemary or lavender where you don't want them to go. Or bottles of water in different areas, I don't know what this does but my neighbour does it!
Reply:Get yourself a big Abysinnian boy cat! He won't allow another cat (or dog) anywhere near his territory - ours has been seen chasing large dogs up the road for daring to put their paws on His front drive.


The neighbours called him "The Pit Bull Terror Cat"!


I always told them to chuck a saucepan of water over him if he was a pest in anyway. Loved him to bits. R.I.P.


Otherwise - have you tried "Scoot", hose pipe, any strong smell like moth balls and orange peel around your plants?
Reply:they is a specail high pitch whisle thing that you can leave on during the day diy shops should sell them
Reply:Insult them. Cats hate being made fun of. Seriously. They are curious, but not curious about what others think about them.





meow...





=^_^=
Reply:Hi,


I have the same problem with the neighbour's two cats using our garden and gravel as their own personal toilet and bird larder! I can't do anything in the garden any more without my rubber gloves on.





If you have a gateway or driveway entrance that they come through - Jeyes Fluid in water poured across the entrance. It smells strongly and they really don't like it. It will get diluted when it rains, which it does here in Scotland a lot, but you just go out with another bucket full.


Drawback is that Jeyes Fluid 300ml is not that cheap.





There is also a plant called Scardy Cat or Coleus canina Hybr. It emits a smell that they don't like. The plant likes sunny to partial shade, it tolerates dryness, but you can water it a little. The plant is more efficient if the leaves are dry. Unfortunately it is not hardy and at a cost of £2.50 - £3 per plant it could work out quite expensive.





Good luck.
Reply:Get a squirty bottle and spray water at them. Put pop bottles with water in around ur garden and also orange peel, they hate anything which smells of citrus!
Reply:Orange, lion dung and water pistols might deter them. Annoying the cat might make the problem worse, it depends on the cat.





I also found planting some coleus canina works well over the summer/autumn months. Thompson and Morgan do an attractive verrigated variety. It isn't frost hardy, but its very easy to propergated from clippings and over-winter some indoors.





The cat may not be you're only culprit. Squirrels and magpies may be digging away while you're not looking as well.
Reply:Orange peel


Clear pop bottles with water in (sounds crazy but is supposed to work)
Reply:I use ground cayenne pepper. I sprinkle it on the plants and mulch. It will not harm plants (even if it gets directly on them or washes into the soil). It will not harm cats; they get a snootful of this "hot" substance and go away. I have 9 cats and that's how I keep them away from my plants.
Reply:I put orange peel around the garden and that seems to work for a while, but my best deterrent is the fact i have my own cat now so i don't seem to get anyone else's
Reply:I had this problem with cats going on the gravel part of my garden. I bought these green beads to sprinkle over the area designed to stop cats, can't remember what it's called, think it was "get off". Have a look around your local pet shop. It worked well, and the cats haven't been back since!


Good luck!
Reply:There is a product called "shake away". It's made from predatory animal urine and if completely safe for pets, children, and plants. You can get it for just about any animal that plagues your garden. Check it out here on Amazon.http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search...
Reply:bottles of water.... they dont like them for some reason
Reply:There is a product you can get from gonegardening.com which is called Silent Roar. Its dried lion poo. Basically the idea is a little cat comes along, smells the poo of a big cat and does a runner. I had a mate that bought this and seemed quite pleased with the results, the cats in his garden shot off at the merest whiff. I don' t think its too expensive either.


How can I keep bunnies from chewing up my flower garden?

Just a small flower bed but it makes me mad.

How can I keep bunnies from chewing up my flower garden?
Check out this link





http://www.ghorganics.com/page6.html#Rab...





I've used cayenne pepper before that seemed to work pretty well. Put it around the plants, and the bunnies will stay away because they're always sniffing, and they'll snort it up their noses (won't hurt them, but they won't like it either)
Reply:Install an electric fence if you are really serious.


I'd try mothballs or something that smells bad, or spray something around the edges like perfume. Maybe ask at the pet store, they sell stuff to keep dogs and cats away, ask about rabbits. Good Luck!


Also, they sell predator-like things such as phony owls in garden supply places to scare away birds, I'd ask around and see if something like that wouldn't scare off bunnies, too.
Reply:I'm not sure where you live, but most stores around here sell wolf urine mixed with other components to keep the rabbits out. If they sense they are in wolf territory, they will probablly leave your garden right away. Depending on the size of your yard, you could also have another small garden with more appealing plants for the rabbits or set up a small feed station.


How do I get rid of Chiggers in my flower garden?

The ower of the house before me put red lava rock down right before I moved in. I was planting in the flower bed and noticed the Chiggers. I want to get rid of them without killing my plants, does anyone know what is best to use? I also have pets and children, so I would prefer something that isn't quite so toxic, if possible.





Thanks ahead of time!!

How do I get rid of Chiggers in my flower garden?
I would use seven spray. As soon as it drys you can enter the area. Not very toxic to people and it does a good job on a lot of insects. Don't mix it to strong or it can burn the plants in the sun. Follow the label.
Reply:Blend 40 fresh chilli peppers in 1 pound of water. Add 5 g of Ivory soap flakes to the blended chilli mixture. Apply as required undiluted wearing eye protection.
Reply:There are insecticides for lawns and flowers to git rid of insects. Check with your garden center.
Reply:sevin dust

roller blades

Where can i find a quilting pattern called "Grandmothers Flower Garden?

the flowers are formed from six octagons, but i've lost my pattern on how to peice them together.

Where can i find a quilting pattern called "Grandmothers Flower Garden?
Here you go. This is a very intensive pattern, but turns out quite beautiful.





Enjoy!
Reply:Grandmother's Flower Garden crocheted afghan (based on the quilt design) - this free pattern has a photo of the afghan shown flat, making it easier to see the layout of the way the motifs are joined (fabric quilt pieces would be joined with the same layout plan):





http://web.archive.org/web/2004101019272...
Reply:The website below has several layouts based on how many octagons you use.
Reply:any bookstore, and on the internet!
Reply:Try ebay. I have gotten some really rare quilt patterns there and you can ask the quilt shops that handle these things all the time to find a specific pattern for you. Most are very helpful.


Is it true that after a frost you should spray your flower garden with water first thing in the AM to thaw it?

This is pertaining to Northern NH in the spring after the plants start to come up.

Is it true that after a frost you should spray your flower garden with water first thing in the AM to thaw it?
It is a common practice in most northern climes and certainly can help. One of the results of freezing is water loss in the plant cells. If the plants are not badly frozen spraying with water helps replace some of the lost moisture.
Reply:I'm sorry, but I have never heard this. You need to call your local nursery and ask them if this is true.





I have read and seen on TV that fruit tree growers will spray mist on their trees just before a freeze to insulate the trees to keep them from being damaged.
Reply:We live in central NY, we lightly spray the plants, just as the sun is comming up when we have had late/early frosts. Once the sun is up, its too late. We have saved many plants this way. Something easier is using old sheets to cover the plants before the frost.
Reply:to late:: when you need to spray the water is during the night that is freezing. the water more than likely will form ice but the plants should live. the water acts as insulation and keeps the plant cells from freezing.
Reply:never heard of that before the frost kills so spraying with water would rot them i think.
Reply:yes, I live in Maine, and that is a common practice

Broken Teeth

What kind of bug/insect spray can you use thats not as harmful as sevin dust?I have holes in my flowers, roses

The holes arent perfectly round. I have looked in my garden and see little white looking catepillar short and fat. in the soil. anyone know what it is and how to get rid of them? They are reeking havock in my flower garden. They seem to prefer the petunias and rose bush trees.

What kind of bug/insect spray can you use thats not as harmful as sevin dust?I have holes in my flowers, roses
use Dipel for caterpillars


it is a bacteria that will harm the caterpillars that are eating the plants and make them stop eating but it will not harm birds bees or butterflies





http://www.planetnatural.com/site/dipel-...


Best Flowers For A Garden?

I live in Western Kentucky which is zone 6, I think. I have:





Dahlia


Cockscomb


Snapdragon


Columbine


Larkspur


3 Kinds Of Sweet Pea


Foxgolve


Bells Of Ireland


Caterbury Bells


Forget-Me-Nots


Sweet William


Starry Night Violas


Oreintal Poppies


Lupine


Blue Bearded Iris








I want perinnials and annuals that are pretty and will go in well with the plants I listed. I had calla lily bulbs but the rotted in the soil. My house calla lily is doing great but not blooming just alot of foliage. Any idea why? I also have 1 Freesia plant, the rest of the bulbs rotted too.

Best Flowers For A Garden?
I would try Shasta daisy and Blackeyed Susan to add some height. and check into Sedum, it comes in all different colors and heights ( for a great ground cover between plants)
Reply:you might try adding mini peonies,day lilies, smaller lrises,lupine now comes in many colours too and is about the height of a few things in your garden ....hope this was some help


How do i get rid of vols in my backyard and garden flower beds?

try putting kerosene soaked cloth burried in the voles


tunnels.

How do i get rid of vols in my backyard and garden flower beds?
An old tried and true method is to get a cat. Most cats like nothing more than stalking and killing rodents of all kinds. By nature, they are relentless hunting machines.





Good luck.


I have eggplant in my garden, thus far i have had many flowers and no fruit, what should i do to help them?

The blooms will eventually turn into fruit. Are the blooms falling off and no fruits appear? Try side-dressing the plant with some well-rotted manure or well-aged compost to encourage the fruits.


just be patient and fruits (or vegetables in this case) will develop from those blossoms in no time. Eggplants need much heat to blossom and produce. If I may, I'd like to suggest a spray of Epsom Salts on the blossoms.





For the Epsom Salts spray, just dilute a teaspoon into a spray bottle of warm (NOT HOT) water. Shake till incorporated and spray the entire plant till runoff. Try to do this early in the morning and not in direct sunlight. Even though I know it won't harm or burn the leaves, it's always best to be on the safeside and spray ANYTHING either early in the morning or late in the day, when the sun's off a plant.





Good Luck!

I have eggplant in my garden, thus far i have had many flowers and no fruit, what should i do to help them?
A lot of plants have a first bloom of male flowers followed by a bloom of female flowers. The female flowers are the ones that turn into the fruit or vegetable. If the flower only has a stem under it, its male. If it has an ovary (swelling) right underneath the flower its female. The swelling is the fruit. Check that first before you go crazy with fertilizers and stuff.
Reply:Change your fertilizer. Some help plants grow, Some help the plant flower and so forth.


Go to your plant nursery and they can tell you what kind to use.


I hope this helps


Hope
Reply:two things are possible ,first use a feather duster to tickle flowers touching one after the other therefore cross pollinating them and secondly fine mist spray flower in the cool of the night or early morning to set the fruit use a mixture of sugar and water it helps a weak solution

safety shoes

How do I keep wild animals, out of my flower garden?

I don't want to shoot them, or trap them, I heard that moth balls, might keep them out. Any Ideas?


Thanks..

How do I keep wild animals, out of my flower garden?
Dixie , I am not by no means a Gardener and probally couldn't grow one if life depended on it . However my granny has a bird feeder in her garden and puts Cheyenne Pepper in it to keep out the squirrlies , it won't affect the birds but will run the others off . Trust me if you are offering food for the birds and the other animals have access to the food , they will eat ! ! !
Reply:You didn't mention what kind of animals or what the problem is i.e., trampling or eating. If the problem is eating, then you may try using bloodmeal, I have used this to keep deer, rabbits etc. away from the garden Report Abuse

Reply:anything that makes noise to scare them
Reply:I have heard to spray plants with soapy water.
Reply:first i would try and find out what kind of animal it is....


then i would find out what it hates moth balls are mostly naphtha...and they could damage your garden more than the animals or little children could eat them...or pets...try a scare crow...tinfoil on string blowing in the wind...even wind chimes...you could also try ammonia in an open spill proof container near the base of the garden and spread them out so the create an "odor" wall
Reply:round your garden with sharp metal net.
Reply:3' high Chicken wire fencing with .75" holes works wonders for most everything but mice or voles.
Reply:sprinkle ground cayenne pepper around the plants. It will not harm your plants. It will keep off the crawling bugs too. I have an infestation of ants here. My yard is nothing but sand and a few twigs of grass. So ants are everywhere. To keep them out of my dogs food. I go out every few days and sprinkle cinnimon around the bowl. It doesn't bother my dog but those ants won't cross it. You may have to go out once a week or so and refresh the cayenne pepper by adding more. But you'd have to do pretty much the same with anything you used. This is just real inexpensive since you can get it for $1 for 2 small container at the Dollar General Store.


I want to plant a flower garden, but where should I put it?

We have a huge backyard, but I don't want to plant them in a grassy place. I want to put them under a tree, but that's where all the raccoons and other animals use the bathroom and they mess it up. What should I do?

I want to plant a flower garden, but where should I put it?
You could also go to a home improvement store like Lowes or Home Depot or even Walmart, and get these stones that make a "raised bed" type area. The variety is pretty good... Or, use 1x6's and make a square, pop that in a location that would be eye appealing, fill it with good potting soil and plant whatever you like. You could put more then one, make different sizes, and even grow some tomatoes if you like. (without having to back break yourself ripping up grass, all that dirt will smother the grass spot) Type in your search bar, Gardening ideas, and you will get thousands of sites to look at to get some ideas of all the many things you can do. They are endless!!!
Reply:You could also go to the local flea market or land fill or dump to find things like old wheel barrows and tires amd use them for flower beds. I used the tire idea for lantana and heather, I love them but they attract bees as well as butterflys, so had to put them away from front door. I spray painted the tires to match my home and planted them deep enough that all you see is the part that I painted.
Reply:A "island" in a sunny section . Yes you will need to tear back some grass. We too have a decent size yard. It was a blank slate seven yrs ago. We now have "serveral our door rooms".


It was worth all the work ....Better Homes and Gardens has a great site for ideas.


Can these flowers grow together?

I would like to start a red flower garden consisting of roses, carnations, poppies and impatiens. Will these seeds germinate and grow together?

Can these flowers grow together?
Sounds vibrant!


Roses, carnations and poppies enjoy similiar conditions (sunny, well-drained soil), but the impatiens does not. Impatiens do best in light shade or morning sun with more moisture.





If you want to germinate and propagate the seeds yourself..you could do so with the poppies, carnations and impatiens. The rose is best taken as a cutting in the summer or simply buy a nice red rose...from seed they take too long (and finding exclusively red rose seed is difficult)...and most really lovely red roses are hybrids, grafted onto a hardy root stock.
Reply:yes sounds great,but bear in mind,poppies will only grow in rubbish soil,not a fertile one
Reply:Roses, poppies, and carnations like the sun. Impatients need full shade to live so you'll probably have a problem with those. Just a little sun and those babies will fry!!! If you want an annual to put in their try something like sylvia. Those come in different colors and like the sun.


I need advice for my first flower garden?

I have one partial sun area, and another area with no sun. Bad dirt with weeds. What do I do first about the old dirt? Do you buy new dirt, with like fertilizer in it? Then I know I pick flowers based on the amount of sun, but should I buy them already sprouting? I think that would be easier. So you just dig a whole and put it in the ground surrouned by the fresh dirt? And I'm not big on watering, but when you do water you just get the roots not the actual flower bud part right? haha help! thanks so much

I need advice for my first flower garden?
Till up the soil with a tiller or shovel, and buy plants in lieu of seeds. Shade, go with impatiens. Sun area, petunias are easy and tough. Use miracle grow liquid fertilizer and water regularly. Easy to do, and you will love it.
Reply:seeds+dirt+sun= flowergarden
Reply:You don't need to replace the old dirt-just add stuff to it. The easiest thing is organic matter, usually called compost or (ew) cow manure (comes bagged, sterilized and not as bad as you might think-the really courageous can find an old barn and clean out the old stuff). This softens the soil, and will feed the plants. It's also less expensive than new soil. It's faster to put plants in (seeds will take a couple more months to flower).


Watering-soak the ground around the plants the first time you plant them. Water new plants pretty often for the first two weeks. By then they should be established and require less care except for weeding. If they get wilty, water immediately.


Good luck. Trial and error will teach you the best plants for your area (but if you get some plants at a regular greenhouse, they'll be likely to know more than the people at the discount place, and you can ask questions about plants). I had one corner where nothing I tried grew. It was 4yrs. before I got something growing in there.


I love flowers, but i won't give them special treatment-no winter coddling, and no winter protection. If it didn't survive, I just put something else in there the next year.
Reply:You'll need to work up the soil where the garden is to get rid of the weeds and loosen it up. You can just dig it and turn the ground over with a shovel. It would probably be good to mix in some manure, fertilizer and maybe peat moss when you do that.





Choose bedding plants that suit the area as far as sunlight and check how tall the plants will grow so you don't have tall things in front and short in the back. Impatiens is a good plant for areas with no sun.





Watering is best done early in the morning or later in the evening to prevent the plants from getting sunburn from water on the leaves. Roses are the only plants that you shouldn't get the leaves wet.





**
Reply:Do you want annual or perrenial...difference being annual only flowers to season then dies or drops seeds the other is forever ok...so you have to plan what you want easy care...so I will thow some suggestions and see if you like them...hmm ok the dirt should be ok why dont you give it a good soak leave the hose in for say half an hr depending on the size of the area get your hoe digger..after the good soak and dig all the soil up deep get all the weeds out get some manure and put it over say a few inches thick all over then water that in..preperation you see...now allways put taller growing plants to the back then work height down especially if your against a wall and if you want assorted type rows say...now for the sunny area if you would like hardy easy care type plants daisys are allways nice all you could put seeds in and lightly spray only for seeds you dont want to create a flood...if not seedlings are another choice ...dont for get you can get cuttings of a lot of plants and these will grow daisys are pretty easy to strike....shady area agapanthas are real easy but they like a little sun here and there but like shade to ...now some of your questions well if you buy a plant with say a few flowers and lots of buds this is allways good the reason being you can see the colour of the flower and the buds will open and look pretty in your garden if there all flowers they finish quick then you have to wait a few weeks to flower again...yes the roots only is good but ferns and some plants like a bit of water in there foilage like suculants to....and no you dont dig a hole in the old dirt and mix the new dirt around the plant what use is that the roots need all the nutrition not the plant so if you want to buy some soil as well mix it through just do like I said in the beginning and you will do ok...and a good way to check if plants need water is put your finger in the soil if its damp thats ok dry needs water depends on the weather a lot....summer water in the late afternoon in winter water in the morning.....and I guess you will ask why well the plants drink in the night and earlly morning slowly...so in summer usually the sun dries it up before they even start to drink so of a late evening is good winter the plants keep moist longer because its cold so morning is good so the day dries excess water up because you dont want your plants rotting anyway goodluck hey I am sure you will get a lot of rewards from it....
Reply:Improve the soil by adding compost and manure. Cultivate the ground well. It is usually esier to buy flowers as six packs. Water after planting and make sure they get about an inch of water from rain or watering each week.

internet explorer

Do the flowers of a clemis montania fall off all over your garden, making a mess? Thank's :-)?

Yes, mine is flowering and heavy recent winds that we had here have scattered some dead and live Clematis montana flowers and leaves around my garden. It flowers with abundance, which means tons of debris during and after flowering, but it's such a great plant, that it's worth it! As it's normal for this to happen, consider getting it to grow through a tree where there is some dead part etc, and it could make less mess for you - they are easily trained to the areas that you want them





Hope this helps. Good luck! Rob

Do the flowers of a clemis montania fall off all over your garden, making a mess? Thank's :-)?
Anemone Clematis, even if you manage an old vine of 20 foot or so would not make too much mess from flowers. One could only hope though. Like the Kwanzan Cherry blossems that fall like purple snow, I find it is great! Clematis won't flower like that though as they are simple delicate things with no substance.
Reply:have a large Clematis Montana Rubens growing all over a shed. The beauty of it in full flower makes up for any mess from fallen flowers. The flowers make good natual mulch and rot quickly to improve the soil and feed the worms.


Why would a flower garden be a likely place to see a toad?

any details you can give about where toads hang out.

Why would a flower garden be a likely place to see a toad?
If you can lure a toad into your garden, it will consume insects by the hundreds. Cutworms, grubs, rose beetles, caterpillars, ants, sow bugs, moths, mosquitoes and flies.Provide them with water and a cool place to hide in. One can buy special toad houses out of clay. You can also use an upside-down clay pot. In the winter they bury themselves in the ground and hibernate. Consider yourself lucky when a toad chooses your garden as a home.
Reply:its a moist and soft place.
Reply:Toads eat bugs, and they find coolness beneath the leaves.
Reply:I think they often eat the slugs and other pests that are attracted to the plants.
Reply:as long as the flower garden can provide shade, moisture and sources of food, then yes, its a very likely place to find a toad. you could provide these yourself with a shallow bowl of water sunk into the earth (in the shade) and some kind of shelter--an inverted clay pot with a piece removed for the entrance. as long as you have a variety of flowering plants and shrubs, there should be an abundance of food for the toad.
Reply:because frogs or toads like the envirorment that has flowers and dirt which is good hiding places for them from pretetors


How do I start a flower garden?

I live in rural North Central Florida, and have five acres of land but I want to know how its done in a suburban or urban backyard because five acres is way too much for the show.

How do I start a flower garden?
You have a couple of options.





You can always (in an urban way) create separate flower beds - please don't make them square, make them "organic" in shape - they will be much more pleasing. Then plant your plants keeping those with similar shade/water needs together.





Alternatively, you can make flower pots. Go to your local nursery and see how they have combined flowers. Experiment.





The pots are moveable and easy to water.





After you try some, you may want to take a few digital pics so that you can repeat the experience next year.





Also, if you do pots, combine some green only plants with color plants. You will like the result.
Reply:I use native (to north florida )wildflower seeds , less maintennance and water


Can anyone help with garden choices?

My husband and I are about to move into a new house and we would like to put a quaint flower garden in the front of the house.





I am needing suggestions on lower maintanance flowering plants. Or plant combos that would look nice together in a garden! :) I live in east Texas, near Houston.





I love colorful things. I have already picked out some pink Impatience in hanging pots for my front porch, if that helps..





Thanks in advance for your help and creativity!

Can anyone help with garden choices?
Start a compost pile! Add it each year.


Never let new plants dry out, especially the first year- let them get established before you neglect them! :)





Learn your climate- what zone you're in.





IF IT IS A NEW BED- don't dig down, go up! check out a book called Lasagna Gardening.- if you decide to dig down, get some heat wraps for your back :)...before you start! since you're in TX make sure to put soaker hoses in- unless you like standing out there in the heat all day :) I would also choose plants that have a tough tuber type root that store water- such as day lily.





color combination depends on what look and feel you want to create- if it is a front bed and close to the street, plant softer colors as bright colors make a bed stand out more and make it seem closer. i personally like to combine orange and purple, yellow and blue. if you don't want a big mix of colors, make sure your not purchasing a 'mix', get flowers of one color and group them. if you like a row type look make sure you plant the taller flowers toward the back- if it is an island type bed (no wall behind it) plant the tallest in the center.





I personally would start with perennials that are easy care. go to a nursery to get advice on easy care plants. with perennials you get more bang for the buck because they come back every year :) make sure you put the right plant in the right place, i.e full sun, shade, etc. also get plants that have the same needs and group the same plant together in clumps of 3's or 5's. towards the edges I'd put some annuals (one season plant) that way you can put something different in every year for variety, and during the colder part of the year you'd have some color if you use annuals that like cooler weather such as pansies.





whatever you do, start small. start in one corner of the bed add some perennials at proper spacing for when they are mature- and build it every year. pick some perennials that blooms in spring (say columbine) and some that bloom in the other seasons for color throughout the year. don't be afraid to mix it up! put in a small shrub if the bed is big enough.





Go get some books at your library to find what flowers you like and remember a garden is one thing that if you don't like what you've done- start over or redo it! Not too many things in life you can say that about! Good luck and good gardening!





Hope this helps-Have fun!
Reply:Geraniums are colourful and come in many different colours, and are hardy plants. Irises are beautiful and hardy, and come in every colour you can think of. A few cactus would probably add interest. Wild violets are great and multiply. Pansies are easy to keep, and they will reseed themselves each year
Reply:What are you looking for? A perennial garden or annuals?

bad credit loan

How do you make a flower garden?

It's for a class assignment...Please answer A.S.A.P.

How do you make a flower garden?
Hi





A flower garden adds a great deal of variety and beauty to the landscape. Many people find that laying out flower gardens is a very rewarding task. And, while it is possible to create a very attractive flower garden without planning it out first, it is much more efficient, in the way of saving time and money, to make a plan for what you would like in your flower garden, and to have an idea of where you might like some of the different flowers. Then when you are ready to lay the garden out, you have a pretty good idea of what to do, and you are not bothered with having to re-arrange things to account for something that you may not have realized before.





The first order of business to determine when planning out your flower garden is how many annuals and how many perennials you want. Annuals last only one growing season, and therefore have to be replanted each year. Perennials appear yearly on their own. If you have all annuals, you can change your garden layout as you wish every year, and with perennials you have the same layout (unless you wish to transplant all of your flowers). However, it is possible to have a combination of the two, keeping the perennials where they are each year and varying the charm of the flower garden with a few different annuals in different placement.





Next, you should determine where you will likely place your flowers, taking into consideration the comparative heights of the plants, what time of the year they bloom, and what colors you will use. These things all contribute to an aesthetically pleasing look to your flower garden — one that implies order and beauty rather than looking ill-planned with some plants looking wildly out of place. Also to take into consideration when planning your flower garden: climate and sun exposure. Make sure that all of the plant you choose for your garden will flourish in your region, and that your garden is placed in a location that will allow the flowers to receive a proper amount of light.





After you have determined what will go in your garden, it is time to prepare the flowerbed. You should mark of the dimensions of your proposed garden carefully. Using a garden hose to mark the boundaries is advisable, as it is heavy and will stay in place, but it also provides the flexibility needed to tweak the proposed shape of your garden. After you have determined on your boundaries, you need to strip the enclosed area down to the topsoil. This can be done using a shovel for smaller gardens and a sod cutter for the larger sections.





After getting down to the topsoil, you should loosen the dirt by prying up a section with a shovel and then turning over the dirt. This loosens the soil and provides a good place for flower roots to establish themselves. You can make improvements to the soil but adding organic materials such as peat moss, mulch, compost, or manure. You should probably also roto-till the area to better mix the soil amendments in with the original soil. Next, use a rake to smooth out the soil without packing it down. Create your border with plastic edging, concrete, stones, or by digging around the edges, angling the soil down and creating a gap between flower garden and lawn.





After you have prepared the bed for the garden, acquire the flowers you would like to use. Seeds are less expensive, but you will not be able to see the final result until they spring up. If you purchase flowers in containers, set the containers, with their plants, in the places in the garden that they will inhabit. Then you can get an idea of what the garden will look like. If you need to move the flowers around for greater attractiveness, it is simply a matter of moving the pot around until the garden looks as you wish it to. After you have settled that everything is in place, begin removing the flowers from their containers and placing them in the ground, beginning from the back and working up toward the front.





Good luck with your assignment!





Take care





Paul
Reply:establish where the garden will go.. assign the boundaries and begin to prepare the soil. Spade or till the soil and add organic material to enrich the soil. blend in the organics and rake to achieve the final grades. plant your flowers and then spread mulch around them. Water and watch them grow.





now.. if you do well, I'm going to need a portion of your income for life.. for doing your homework.





Good luck!





Julie
Reply:I am learning myself...good luck. I know you need soil, seeds or bulbs, water and alot of patience.
Reply:Common sense. Stupid Question. Get real. Flower seeds, dirt, water, and sun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply:1. Till the soil (if have time and energy, skim grass/weeds from top of soil first)


2. Amend soil with peat/organic materials if soil has too much clay or sand.


3. May fertilize with granular slow release fertilzer at this point. Working into first 2" of soil.


4. Plant seeds or plants as directed by plant tag/seed packet.


5. If planting plants, mulch bed to control weeds. If sowing seed, wait until seedlings are up, thin per packet directions, then mulch.
Reply:Till the soil. Insert seeds. Water. Wait. Then you have a flower garden.
Reply:get a garden and put flowers in it
Reply:plant flowers is the easy answer. or a lengthier one would be





-till up the ground where you'll be putting ur garden


-lay down lawn fabric or plastic


-set garden/patio bricks or rocks aound the edge of ur


garden on the palstic


-fill the spot with soil


-plant the flowers


-spread mulch around flowers (optional)
Reply:is it at shool or at your house or does it have to be in a window box or what? get good soil, choose the location. if its a flower boxed type deal plant the seeds and put it in a warm sunny place and cover with plastic wrap for a few days to help the seeds germinate properly. then uncover. water when drying out.do not over water. if outside. dig a patch where you want your flower garden to be. weed itand wait a week.every few days go back and reweed whatever else grew, then water the dirt,add your seeds and cover with a plastic that sun can go through for a few days. otherwise the birds will find the seeds and eat them.ha. this is true. then take pictures of all phases.before,during,after etc of you making your garden and put the photos on a poster board.along with your description of how you did it. also note that when you pull weeds, it is easier and you get more of the root if you grab the weed as close to the ground as possible,twisting it in a circular motion as you pull. the reason you wait a week before panting the seeds is because some weeds will continue to grow so leave the soil dug up and loose and every few days for a week or so, go out and pull whatevers growing. weeds kill flowers and grass so you want to minimize the risk that weeds will choke out your flowers. hope this helps


I want to plant a flower garden im SE Missouri.?

I just need some help picking the best ones to stay around all spring and into fall... Are there any like that? Or you can just tell me some good flowers for SouthEast Missouri.

I want to plant a flower garden im SE Missouri.?
Checkout Springhill Nurseries. Their catalogs have "planned gardens" that are designed to compliment each other in color and bloom, with plants that bloom continually with plants that bloom at different times.





I don't know if their website offers the same feature -- but they'll be more than happy to send you a catalog and a discount coupon.





These planned gardens -- some for shade, some for sun, some for around a fence, next to the house, etc. etc., will give you lots of info and inspiration. The catalog -- as well as the site -- will indicate the zone-hardiness for the plants they sell.





Your local garden center will also be helpful, as they will carry plants that are suitable for your locale.





Perennials will offer blooms only once, unfortunately. Annuals will continue to bloom through a season. The ideal is to create a garden with a mix of perennials and easy-to-deal-with annuals. The "exception" to this rule are roses. Hybrid bush roses will bloom intermittently from early summer to the first frost, but rarely will they have blooms continually.





All that aside, look into Columbines. They are billed as "biennials," but are actually perennials -- blooming their second or third year after planting from seed. You can get mature plants from the garden center, and they will reseed themselves, often creating offspring of unusual color. Generally, Columbines start blooming early-to-mid-May and continue through mid-to-late June. Columbines are beautiful, graceful, medium tall, and attract butterflies and humming birds, so I am always eager to suggest a gardener to get a few established in their yard.





Good luck and happy gardening.





ADDED: Laney made a good suggestion, but they are called Purple Cone Flowers, otherwise known as Echinacea. They are perennials, medium tall, and bloom from mid-summer to mid-to-late fall, so they do have a long blooming season. Another is bee balm. This is a perennial that spreads rapidly and comes in various purple to red flowers, is very aromatic, and true to its name, attracts bees and often hummingbirds. This also blooms from early-to-mid summer to late-fall. (Makes great potpourri also).

















http://springhillnursery.com/default.asp...
Reply:Do you know Rush. He's from Cape. he likes to sow disention and unrest and reap hate
Reply:Check with your county extension office. They have lots of information on flower gardening for your area.
Reply:invite to see garden. how many guards are there. any flower stays and blossoms with proper touch.
Reply:morning glories, stay


beautiful and they stay


healthy. also sun flowers,


like purple corn flowers,


they multiply rapidly.





laney
Reply:go with a larg bag of wild flowers they are hardy and most seed during the fall and you can keep the tops and plant them next year


Flower garden for lazy person?

I'd like to plant a flower border around my house but don't like to be outside when it gets hot. What are some good flowers I can plant that don't need much upkeep and can survive in very hot, dry Southern summer weather?

Flower garden for lazy person?
Petunias for summer


Madness Series petunias or


'Purple Wave' (named an All-America Selections winner petunia) blooms all summer without being pinched back. Purple was the first color of the series, but now you can buy pink, lavender, lilac, and blue versions as well.


Easy Wave Series; they grow 8 to 10 inches tall and about 3 feet wide. But it's the new Tidal Wave Series that has me foaming at the mouth. Their 2-inch blooms just shrug off summer showers without missing a beat. 'Tidal Wave Silver,' noted for its silvery-white petals and dark purple centers, can even survive some winters in Alabama gardens and bloom through a second summer.





Hybrid Millifloras, a new class of dwarf petunias. Forming mounds 6 to 8 inches high and wide, they need no pinching to keep blooming. Small 1- to 1 1/2-inch flowers come in every color except yellow. Fantasy Series are perfect for containers and hanging baskets.


Supertunia and Surfinia Series. Used in beds, they grow practically flat; they're wonderful cascaders when planted in containers. Both come in a full range of colors and never require pinching.





Other Annuals For Sun


lantana: particularly lavender popcorn


coleus: The foliage is as colorful as any flower.


Star Hybrid zinnias: Mounds of blooms soften border edges.


melampodium: cheerful, bright green foliage and is profusely covered with 1-inch yellow, daisy-like flowers sporting darker centers, dappled shade in the south


persian shield: large silver viened plum leaves


salvia: old-fashioned blue 'Victoria' salvia.


larkspur








Tough Plants for Southern Gardens: Low Care, No Care, Tried and True Winners


Author: Felder Rushing


120 of the toughest plants for Southern gardens, including annuals, bulbs, perennials, shrubs and small trees, ornamental vines, and lawns.


The primary focus is on describing a large number of no-maintenance plants that do well in the Southern climate and soils. The book is divided into sections by type of plant (perennials, shrubs, and so on); for each plant, details are given on how to plant it, how to care for it, where to put it, and what to expect from it over time. Each has a picture, usually detailed enough to allow you to identify it at a nursery. Additionally, sections begin with short lists of plants that are "Great for beginners" (extremely easy to deal with) or "Kinda tricky." Random advice, like how to successfully plant wildflowers in your lawn, is scattered throughout.
Reply:OF COURSE YOU WILL HAVE TO WATER IF YOUR IN A HOT CLIMATE, BUT MARIGOLDS AND WILD VIOLETS DO VERY WELL, CREPE MERTLES AND ROSE OF SHARRONS ARE BUSHES THAT ARE VERY HARDY AND HOT TOLERANT
Reply:Purple cone flower (echinacea), cosmos and poppies do well in hot weather and are almost care free once established.
Reply:There are many plants that survive in xeric conditions. You probably will need to stay away from annuals, most require routine watering. I have purchased some agastache that continue to thrive despite my neglect. There are some lovely ornamental grasses that are fairly hardy in the heat of summer. Here is a website you might find helpful:
Reply:hi


all plant no matter will need some water and some care.


you could used artificial flower and plant them


no water no worries
Reply:Hi,


At Lowes and Home Depot you can buy these seeds that roll out in like a carpet that are used for borders, I use them in a hot climate and they work just fine plus you don't have to get dirty just water it.


Lammy
Reply:wild flowers


HELP! I have ivy that is taking over my flower garden and porch. How can I get rid of it?

Its taking over my porch and my flower bed. I want to have a nice porch and flower bed.

HELP! I have ivy that is taking over my flower garden and porch. How can I get rid of it?
There is only one way I know of and it is not easy. You must remove all the ivy including the root system. I find it helps to try spraying a good quality weed killer on them about 2 weeks prior to removal. Also pulling them out when the soil is damp is easier. Good luck!
Reply:deroot them and spray 409 on them!!
Reply:I've removed a lot of ivy %26amp; the only way is uprooting it. I use a gardening fork mostly. Yes, it is good to do in damp soil, but dry works too. I have a new mattock I'm anxious to use...





It enrages me to think of the person who planted ivy along all of our fences. I can see them watering %26amp; nurturing it. Grrr. Now it's about 50 years old %26amp; as thick as my forearm. It's become a tree in some places %26amp; has also killed a few trees.

nanny job

What are some of the best 'spreader' flowers?

I have a flower garden and I'd like to know which plants will ''spread' or grow out after planted.

What are some of the best 'spreader' flowers?
It depends where you live and what garden zone you are in- Bugle is a very nice ground cover- So are lots of succulant plants. Go to your local garden shop and ask them what grows best in your area!
Reply:lambs ears, pachysandra, vinca
Reply:Based on your geo location, most annuals will spread as they mature. I like to use Zinnias as once mature, you need to keep them dead headed-that is cut away the spent flowers-and they will expand and rebloom until frost. If you keep the spent flowers pinched off.





If you will pinch off the top portion of most any plant it will grow two or more new lateral buds and expand the plant as it does. Steady pinching will allow the plant to encompass an area and fill in where you desire.





Use the internet and seek out the flowers that do best in your heat zone map.
Reply:alyssium and impations
Reply:Again dependant on your zone-- mine is 7-- Daffodils multiply nicely-- as do grape muscari. In fact, I planted grape muscari over my parent's grave sites-- the cemetary is a "clean cut" type ( they mow over everything possible and edge standing stones-- they don't want any flowers growing)-- and the grape muscari come up-- bloom, reseed themselves before the clean cutting begins here-- I love it when I can break a "rule" and get away with it! Almost covering the entire three spaces now ( Daddy didn't want to be crowded!)


Also a succlent kin to Hen and Chicks-- Sedum Autum Joy-- green in the summer-- flower heads show well thru snow-- and they spread easily. If you want some in a different place-- break off a stem, give it 24 hours exposed to the air-- and stick in the ground and water. Most will root.


Tick seed-- coreopsis reseeds itself- you do need to recognize the leaf so you don't "weed" it out.


Cone flower will reseed itself-- most of the daisys also reseed. Sweet William is a bienniel-- blooms year one, drops seed, dies out-- plants reseed and the cycle repeats. So you'll need to buy one and the next year buy another one-- that should do it-- again, you need to know what the leaf looks like.....


good luck-- there are more .....
Reply:i like the little flower of a good looking long haired women my self


How often should you water your flowers?

I water my flower garden everyday, but with the last question I aksed, that may be too much............so how often should I water them, and how much water should they get at a time?

How often should you water your flowers?
Each type of plant is different but overwatering is the #1 killer of all plants.


Give them a good!!! soaking 1 or 2 times a week. Make adjustments to that schedule if need. Yellow leaves usually mean over watering...cut back. If the plant is wilting give it more water (maybe 3x a week)
Reply:Little sectret Mama told me. Touch the soil, and if the soil sticks to your fingers it dont need watering yet. If the soil feels somewhat dry or very little sticks to your fingers, shes needs watered. Reason why you dont want to over water is so the roots dont rot. Happy Gardening!!
Reply:water when dry give them as much as they can take even if it drains out bottom but dont let them stay dry for more than a day or two
Reply:When the leaves on your plants begin to yellow they are getting to much water. Also moist conditions are ripe for diseases and mold to grow so cut it back to every other or every third day would be best.
Reply:When first planted I water everyday unless it rains. Once established most can go every other day or every three days depending on the types of flowers. Also, water in the evening not in the morning. If you water in the morning the sun could heat up any standing water and actually burn your plants. You didn't say where you live or what type of flowers you planted, but I think 2-3 inches of water every other day should be fine.
Reply:As often as they need it, and as much as they need.
Reply:Depends on the plants you have. The little tag that comes with the plans has instructions. Most should be watered daily. There is a wide vieriety of plants that should only get watered a few times a week though. Look up the type of flowers you have on this website to see care tips;





http://www.oznet.k-state.edu/Topic6.asp





Enjoy!
Reply:it is too much. it depends on the type of flower and type of soil you have, but at most you should do it every other day. if these flowers are indoors then every three days.





good luck
Reply:Well, like the commercial says,"it takes two". That means to water your plants 2 times a week but thats a method for grass lawns, not flowers.
Reply:First you'd have to tell us what kind the flowers are...it depends on what kind of plant you have and what type of soil. Also,the temperature in the room/garden will matter,because if up to 95 degrees,it's not wise to leave plants un-watered for more then 2 days.





I water my tomato plants up to 2 times a day,every day. Some plants will tolerate not being watered up to even 3 days,but if you neglect others,they'll die in a week. With roses,they require less water,and if you do that at least once in 2 days,they should be OK.





Normal house flowers should be watered often,but not more then 2 times a day,because they'll suffer over-watering. A sign of that will be yellowish leaves and withering stems. The types of plants in your garden may vary- from daisies to daffodiles.





Daisies are fragile and you'll have to shower them often- daffodiles if in the rain for 1 day will not need it for 3. I also learned that if you don't give sunflowers their daily amount,they will wither up in the course of about 2 days,unfortunately.
Reply:There are several dependents...but based on temperature and location (sun or shade) and amount of rain...





I water my hibiscus every other day because it sits in full sun and Houston is HOT!!! But I water my other tropical plants weekly (even in the summer) since they sit in the shade.





A rule of thumb, water every other day during the summer months.
Reply:EVERY DAY ...BUT MAKE SURE YOU WATER THEM IN THE MORING WHEN THERE IS NOT MUCH SUN LIGHT IS BETTER FOR THEM


Should I add earthworms to my garden beds?

Can adding earthworms to my flower garden %26amp; to my vegetable garden help in the overall growth of my plants?





I was basically going to buy nightcrawlers from a bait %26amp; tackle shop. But which types of worms should I use?





Lastly, I plan on using compost %26amp; a compost bin in my garden this year. What other natural/organic tips can I use for my garden?

Should I add earthworms to my garden beds?
Buying worms from a bait shop might be a little expensive. There are a number of sources on line such as Acme Worm Farm- http://www.acmewormfarm.com/nightcrawler...





For information on organic gardening and compost, take a look at our web site's page on Organic Gardening-





http://www.gardening-at-the-crossroads.c...
Reply:Yes, adding them will help, however you may want to search for "Earthworm Eggs/Cocoons" online. You'll get way more bang for your buck that way especially if you have a large garden.





Check into "Companion Planting" to assist the garden naturally too.
Reply:If you don't already some, then yes you should. If I remember correctly, you want red worms. Try asking someone at your local nursery.
Reply:It will greatly increase your production. I'm talking thousands! Not a little container to go fishing with.





Do a web search for earth worms.





http://www.wheatgrasskits.com/worm.html?...





http://www.thewormfarm.net/





Or this to google it for others:





http://www.google.com/search?q=earthworm...





Worm casings are one of the best fertilizers you can get, plus the worms aerate the soil. And if you get a hankering to go fishing, it is real easy to get them.





On your compost pile. It will help to inoculate it, but not necessary. Just remember to turn it over and don't let it dry out. Don't drown it either!
Reply:Yes they aerate the soil
Reply:Worms are found naturally in moist, fertile soil. With the addition of compost you will encourage your current population to grow but with out healthy soil to feed them adding more worms will be of no benefit. Add as much compost and organics to your soil as you can afford. It is impossible to add to much.





Feed %26amp; weed organically





Organic Fertilizer for Irises;


1 c. alfalfa meal


1 c. fish meal


1 c. greensand


1/2 c. bone meal


1 c. gypsum (wear a dusk mask!)


Mix well and apply 1 - 2 c. two times a year.





OR:


1 part kelp meal


2 parts alfalfa meal


4 parts any combination cottonseed, fish and/or soybean meal


1 part rock phosphate


Wear a dusk mask and use gloves!


Mix well. Apply 1 - 2 c. per clump twice a year





University of Pennsylvania's Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia:


In a large bucket combine


1 cup alfalfa meal


1 cup fish meal


1 cup greensand


1 cup gypsum


1/2 cup bonemeal.


Mix well. Sprinkle the fertilizer around the base of your roses, and gently scratch it into the soil with a hand cultivator. This makes enough for one large rosebush or several small ones, and it's best applied in early spring. You can store the leftovers in an airtight container.





Alfalfa While at first glance it would appear that nitrogen is the big benefit from alfalfa (Meal: 5-1-2; Pellets: 14-4-8), with a good dose of iron and trace elements, the real benefit comes from a fatty acid alcohol called triacontanol, which occurs, naturally in the waxy surface of the plant’s leaves. Triacontanol is a root stimulant which, when used in small quantities, can increase yields in garden plots by 30 to 60%. It can be applied to roses straight out of the bag or box, or applied in an "alfalfa tea."


For direct application, sprinkle up to a cup of pellets, a half-cup for small shrubs, around each bush and water. The pellets then swell up and break apart. Then scratch the alfalfa into the soil or cover with mulch. If you leave the alfalfa on the surface, it will mold, and, when it dries, it will turn hard and crusty…work it in. Don’t use more than a cup, or its effectiveness will drop.


Orchid and rose growers use alfalfa tea as a foliar spray. If you grow delphiniums and irises, they also love alfalfa tea. Some iris growers mulch their beds with alfalfa meal. And an additional benefit for delphiniums is that the Epsom salts in the tea help to ward off slugs and snails.


For alfalfa tea, add 10 to 12 cups of alfalfa pellets to a 32 gallon garbage can, add water, stir and steep for 2 or 3 hours to a couple of days. You can add 4 to 6 cups of Epsom salts and 8 ounces of fish fertilizer as a "fortifier", if you wish. Apply a gallon per bush, 1/3 gallon per miniature. Stir often to keep it mixed. You can pour the slurry on the bottom of the garbage can onto some of the roses, or add it to your vegetable garden.





Slugs are attracted to chemicals given off by the fermentation process. The most popular bait has been beer. However, not all beers are created equal. In 1987, a study at Colorado State University Entomology Professor Whitney found that Kingsbury Malt Beverage, Michelob, and Budweiser attracted slugs far better than other brands.





The range of slug traps is only a few feet so you need to supply a few throughout your garden. Never, sink the containers with their rims flush with the soil level or you run the risk of drowning ground beetles, important slug controllers. The rims should be 1" above the soil's surface.





Insecticide Garlic Spray:





3 oz Garlic soaked in 2 tsp of mineral oil for at least 24 hours.


Slowly add 1 pint of water that has 1/4 ounce liquid soap or commercial insecticide soap mixed into it. Stir thoroughly and strain into a glass jar for storage. use at a rate of 1 to 2 Tablespoons of mixture to a pint of water. If this is effective, try a more dilute solution in order to use as little as possible.





Alcohol Sprays


The idea of using rubbing alcohol as a spray for plants pests has been around for years. Can cause leaf damage on African Violets, and Apple trees.


Protection offered: Alcohol sprays work on aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, thrips and whiteflies. Alcohol sprays have been used successfully on houseplants and tropical foliage plants. Most of these have heavy, waxy cuticles that are not easily burned.


How to Make: Use only 70% isopropyl alcohol(rubbing alcohol): mix 1 to 2 cups alcohol per quart of water. Using undiluted alcohol as a spray is very risky for plants. You can also mix up an insecticidal soap spray according to the dilution on the label but substitute alcohol for half of the water required.


How to Use: Since alcohol can damage plants always test your spray mix on a few leaves or plants first. Tests results should show up within 2 or 3 days.





MILK AND FLOUR


Here's one for an insecticide against red spider mite and azalea lace bug. Mix together a quarter-of-a-cup of milk and four cups of flour. Add this to 20 litres of water and stir well and constantly. This makes enough to treat several plants. It should be sprayed on to all surfaces of the plants every two days, until the mites or bugs have gone. As with any milk-based recipe, it is best to make only as much as you need each day, for the storage life is very short.








Spray milk on roses with black spot or mildew


Dilute it 1:7 Dried milk is fine.





Floating row cover


The easiest method of pest control is to prevent damage in the first place. Using a physical barrier like a floating row cover will prevent insect pests from reaching your plants and chewing them or laying their eggs on them. I find floating row covers a must when growing carrots to prevent carrot rust fly damage and when draped over my broccoli, I prevent cabbage worm from defoliating my plants.
Reply:do you not already have earthworms in your dirt? earthworms are a good sign for dirt and gardens.


my mom use to have tons in her yard, it didn't matter where we dug, we found em and used them for fishing:) and now she doesn't have as many...


Will Ortho Weed-B-Gon Pro (for broadleaf weeds) harm my garden or flower beds?

Our lawn was serviced by Scott's and the weed killer was added to our flower beds and part of the vegetable garden, which I'm planning on seeding within a few weeks. Everything I've read says that most of the weed killers (except the non-selective ones like Roundup) are safe, but I can't find any info on this particular product. The service company says it'll be fine, but I wanted a few other opinions.

Will Ortho Weed-B-Gon Pro (for broadleaf weeds) harm my garden or flower beds?
BEWARE...vegetables and flowers are mostly broad-leafed plants, and the product you mention is NOT going to know weeds from your garden plants. If it was applied to open soil it does absolutely nothing, as it must be applied to actively growing weeds.


Now if it was a PRE-Emergent control...that stops seed from sprouting if applied before they grow, it should have been applied after planting what you wanted, and I feel it should never be around food crops even if labeled as safe. There really is no good science to guarantee it is not going to hurt you later.


If it was a "weed killer" either remove the top inch of soil to get it out, or add lots of organic amendments to soil and till it all very deep and mix it well. Unless it was over-applied (too much put on soil) that should safeguard your new plantings.


Finally, tell the company that did this, that they should consult with you BEFORE doing any applications, and if you don't trust their knowledge, find out at a local nursery or here before approving it...better yet, get a company you can trust to know better.
Reply:yes, it will. but it needs to be applied to the plant. Chances are good that if Scott's applied it, they were careful not to get it on your garden plants.





Be careful, though if you compost your grass clippings.
Reply:I belive it will I'd add 1-2 inches of soil before it plant.
Reply:Ortho will work provided you use the correct dilution ratios for specific plants and gardens to eliminate broadleaf weeds.

rain roots

A question for the guys: on your 21st b-day, would you rather have garden flowers in a pot and a good meal or?

an x-man III DVD from your girlfriend? Why would you choose this and why?

A question for the guys: on your 21st b-day, would you rather have garden flowers in a pot and a good meal or?
Flowers in a pot symbolising your ever tighter growing relationship, and a good meal symbolising, uh, his birthday or something. Hey, both are far more enjoyable and memorable in the long term. A DVD is only watched at most a couple of times and then forgotten.
Reply:The good meal and the DVD. You keep the flowers! That way, you'd be happy with the flowers, I'd get to enjoy a meal with you and later, I could play my DVD and think how cool you were to have known what to get me.
Reply:meal
Reply:Happy 21st birthday! I remember when I was 21!
Reply:garden flowers in a pot....hmmm...i think i'd rather get a bouquet of flowers, not neccessarily the kind in a pot.





but i'd pick flowers and dinner over the x-men III DVD.
Reply:Prob the x-man as it is for him with him in mind , the other is for you or what you think he should like.


How can i easily add vitamins and nutrients to my garden?

is there something i can just spread over the top of the soil. its a flower garden will all kinds a plants, so i'm looking for something that will be good for all plants.

How can i easily add vitamins and nutrients to my garden?
No need to add vitamins -- they don't do anything special for your garden.





Try adding a top dressing of 1/4-1/2" of well cured compost


as often as possible, assuming you're dealing with perennials. If you've got annuals, dig in as much compost as possible before the growing season, plant and keep things mulched.





HOWEVER, not all plants grow best in a highly organic soil; for instance, the roots of alpine plants may rot in water-retentive soils, and compost increases water retention. But for most common garden plants, compost is great.





Also, get a soils test (talk to your state extension agency) and fertilize and lime per recommendations.
Reply:Compost is great for building up your soil. You can buy bags of composted cow manure at the home center. Or, you can make your own. Making your own takes time and space. If it's a huge flower garden, buy it by the truckload. It's cheaper that way anyway.
Reply:Worm castings (vermiculture) is the best vitamin shot you can give your plants. But second to that would be oak leaf mulch-decomposed-black oak actually-can't be beat!
Reply:Make a compost pile of leaves and grass clippings and other materials from green weeds, coffee grounds and so forth. Let it rot turning occasionally. When it is the consistency of soil add the nutrient rich mulch to your garden.
Reply:Yes, compost or composted manure or both.


I am planting a flower garden, I was wondering what are some ideas for a flower bed that gets alot of sun?

I live in Mississippi, I need something that will hold up to the heat.

I am planting a flower garden, I was wondering what are some ideas for a flower bed that gets alot of sun?
Sunflowers,marigolds,geraniums,snapdrago... hocks,cannas,all roses.Bee balm,cone flower,daisies,juat a few of my favorites,maybe you will like them too.good luck on your flower garden.
Reply:I'll ask the wife when she gets up...she's the flower person....I'm for peas and butter beans myself.
Reply:go to hgtv.com. They have all the gardening shows on there %26amp; can give you the best info on plants for your area.
Reply:Dont plant impatients, cant tolerate heat. plant petunias, marigolds, dusty miller, sun tolerant small perennial shrubs; begonias are best.


I am looking for plants for my zone 8 garden?

In my old house I had a beautiful yard,now we live in a smaller home,I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and can't take care of a "flower"garden.But I would like to find these beautiful blooming shrubs and ornimental trees.Can you help me find reasonably priced ones?

I am looking for plants for my zone 8 garden?
I suggest the local master gardeners-- Here they are affiliated with the local Ag university-- or any public gardens in your city-- they usually have experts--the local library will have plant books by zone and last but not least-- check out the web for plants by zone. I love Jackson and Perkins-- but "reasonable" is not part of the company.
Reply:www.jacksonandperkins.com

Why do hotels always use white towels

A garden plant with yellow, orange or red flowers?

11 characters long

A garden plant with yellow, orange or red flowers?
Honeysuckle...
Reply:bougenvilla
Reply:yellow,marigold,petunias,iris,foxtail lily,lupines,coneflower, primula,loosestrife,yarrow and my favorite is coreopsis





orange,red hotpoker,daylilys,sneezeweed,avens,mums,... lanterns,poppies,celosia,fritillaria(cro... and my favorite is calendula's





and red tulips ,dahlias,dianthus,roses,snapdragons,lupi... penstemon,nasturtium,gladiolus and my very favorite in mondardia.
Reply:Nancy Pelosi It's eleven letters.
Reply:honeysuckle


Beautiful Lupines in my garden--how do I save the seeds for next year?

We moved into a house 2 years ago that was owned by an elderly woman who obviously had a green thumb. I am a gardening newbie. I had a few Lupines come up in my flower garden last year--this year there are more than a dozen! I'd love to have more next year, so how I do store/prepare the seeds so they will come up successfully next year?

Beautiful Lupines in my garden--how do I save the seeds for next year?
If you live in a climate without harsh winter weather, these perennials reseed themselves.





At the end of the blooming period, you will see that the plant turns brown and forms seed pods. Shake the pods into a brown paper bag. Let the pods dry in a single layer in a box near a cool, dry area inside the house.





When the ground is not frozen, plant the seeds.
Reply:I love Lupines too. They are generally considered a short-lived perennial, so it's important to let their seeds drop to the ground in the fall and self-sow. This will usually work to keep new plants coming along each year.


When is the best time to start a flower garden in california?

Are there any tips on gardening for first timers, because I am a first timer, I am 12 (but my mom is going to help me), and the soil in my backyard is very dry. Any tips? Please help! Thanks!

When is the best time to start a flower garden in california?
It would really depend on the specific plants you would like in your garden. I would recommend asking a Master Gardener. These are very knowledgeable people. California has a Master Gardeners program, with a website at: http://www.mastergardeners.org/scc.html





Another option would be to call your county extension office, which can be found in your phone book. Good luck!


Ok is there an easy way to garden ???

Ok I want to plant a garden (never done it before) I want both Veggie and flower garden how hard is it and what is the easiest things to take care and hard to kill I am afraid I will kill everything but I love the looks and I really want to have a sucessful couple gardens (flowers and veggies)

Ok is there an easy way to garden ???
You are gonna love gardening, don't try to do it all in one year. Get to know where the sun shines the most, and where the shaded areas are. Because you will need flowers for the sun areas, and flowers for the shaded areas.








Since you are a beginner, this year start your garden with plants that you get from a garden center or nursery. They are called bedding plants and come in a six pack. Look for a little tag sticking in the six pact showing directions on how to grow the plants. If the tag is not there, ask for one or buy something else. Directions are VERY important.








Seeds are not always easy to grow. And wildflowers are the hardest so don't be disappointed if they don't show up.








Two good things to do for yourself is to call your local County Extension Service and ask for all the information that they have about gardening in your area. They usually have a packet/kit of things for the home gardener.








And number two would be to pick up a couple of beginner books. You really do need to know about soil, compost, mulch and etc.








To keep from over watering or not watering enough, buy a water analyzer from a nursery or garden center. Be sure to read the directions. This will be one of your best tools.








Send for some free gardening catalogs and get use to the different types of plants, colors, and when to plant. They are filled with good informtion and pictures. And they will keep you company during the long winter months. Here is a list of just a very few. There are hundreds more:








http://www.waysidegardens.com


http://www.dutchbulbs.com


http://www.jacksonandperkins.com (Roses)


http://www.parkseed.com


http://www.burpee.com





Other catalogs:


http://www.leevalley.com


http://www.gardeners.com


http://www.GardensAlive.com


http://www.deerbusters.com (all types of animal control)


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~





Container/pots/window boxes needs:








All need holes in the bottem for water drainage,


Potting soil that comes in bags,


Slow release fertilizer for flowers (not for green plants), OR liquid fertilizer that will need to be used more often-read directions,


Water crystals to be mixed into the soil for holding water,


Bedding plants or full grown plants.








Here is an excellent link to check out for color combinations and plants that look good together:








http://www.fernlea.com/awesomeaccents/re...
Reply:start small this year. I would try tomato plants and marigolds. you can plant those together even. you can try them from seed, but if you want to be sure that you'll have plants, i would buy the starter plants from a garden center. plant them in full sun and keep them watered. don't get too caught up in what's the right way to garden. You'll learn for yourself as you go. Good luck.
Reply:gardening is usually easy - hence, makes a great hobby for many people. However, it's a living thing - it needs regular care and maintenance. The websites provide lots of tips on successful gardening, go into any one of them and do some research - you will surely enjoy gardening if you follow some of the tips from the very experienced "gardeners"
Reply:Here's the truth to gardening. It is always easy because it is a learning curve. You are always learning and "enjoying" it. And when harvesting comes around, it is pure joy.


It is never hard work. There will be disappointments, but never regret. Gardening allows you to be alone and escape from the daily grind.


Go for it, I truly hope you enjoy gardening to the hilt.


Do some reading and ask questions here.


Start off with a small plot to get yourself going.
Reply:For vegetable, Tomato plants are pretty darned hearty. Pull off the bottom leaves and leave the top, bury to within @2-3 inches of the top. This will allow the entire stem to root and make a much more stable plant when bigger. Whatever watering method you use, be consistent. Try not to starve them, then drown them. Keep an eye on the leaves. When the just start to curl, you have to water, and probably need to step up your watering frequency. I water mine @every other day for @ 1 hour. The do very well, and the indeterminate types (Indeterminate means they will keep growing taller and taller) can get to 6 or 7 feet if I keep staking them up. I usually look for a mix of early and mid season harvest, determinate and indeterminate types, and a mix of some hybrids with good disease resistance (Look for one with VFNT or better), and plant at least one heirloom, like a brandywine.





Believe it or not, I could go on much longer just on Tomatoes. I know it seems complicated, but they will grow as long as you have dirt, sun, and water. The rest of this crud just helps ensure your tomato harvest is of quality.
Reply:Use a lot of compost. Buy a big bag of peat-moss and mix that in your soil.


Start a compost pile too.


Get a soil sample and take it to your county agriculture office. The test will tell you if you need lime etc.
Reply:easy way to garden? get a gardener.


seriously it is a lot of work but very enjoyable.


talk to neighbors that have gardens you like the looks of, they can be very helpful.
Reply:!st time garden where-what state? In Wisconsin we have some buds forming but snowbanks still around where it isn't raining and too wet yet to plant. as a start- when in your area the trees start getting leaf buds, nights are above 50 degrees consistantly and ground is thawed 6+ inches down and not mudballing when squeezed you can plant peas and pansies. Dig ground hands length depth and turn clods, make shallow cuts and lift waist high before dropping to loosen soil. Poke lumps with shovel or hoe, then rake to break into smaller pieces. Try Little marvel peas planted a 1/2-1 inch deep a hands width apart in a double row 6/8 inches apart. cover lightly and water. Pansies are tough little greenies- plant green house transplants about 6 inchs. Beans and sweet corn need 55 degree ground temperature to sprout- plant them when peas start to flower as a rough guidline 6-8 inches apart 2 foot betwen rows- blue lake bush beans, silver queen or golden cross bantam corn. .Tomatoes - get greenhouse transplants about same time beans planted, plant about 3 foot apart plastic covers helpful here in wisconsin for early cold nights. Rutgers and OG55/wisconsin 55, do good for me, Big boys also fruitful. Dig tomatoe holes a foot deep and mound compost around stems when they get about 2 foot high, then stake or cage to support. sunflower seeds plant about time beans sprout up about 4 inchs. Marigolds can be started from seed or transplant. this will get you started on easiest , relatively hardy plants. If you have sandy soil you might want to amend with clay - compost is good for all types of soil. If wet low soil might want to consider dutch/chinese raised beds.
Reply:plants want to grow, that's the thing about gardening. You and the plant generally have the same goal in mind... well sort of you want some fruits and it wants to set seed and reproduce, but well, almost the same and what I just said is kind of irrelevant besides.





The best advice i could give is to start small! If you work a full time job think about how much time you will realistically have to be weeding and mulching and stuff and then make a good plan for yourself. You could think of this year as a practice round. If it turns into something that you love and you want more of than next year make it even bigger and more wonderful.





Get some good organic growing guides, plant good beneficials near your veggies and attract those pollinators. You can do all kinds of awesome amazing things. But, start with what you can do now. You wouldn't want to get overwhelmed and then give up forever ya know!





Find a local CSA and see if you can volunteer every so often. Meet other gardeners in your area. You'll get lots of wonderful knowledge.

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