Entries Tagged 'Garden' ↓

Thompson and Morgan Seed Catalogue

Thompson and Morgan seed catalogue is one of the best for the information they give for  each of their packets of seeds. Not only do they list the height, spread and general descrition of the plants, they also give information about the type of soil conditions required, the amount of sun and also the number of days required for germination of seed. They also give a ‘green finger guide’ axplaining the level of experience and care required to get the best results. Should you need to soak seed for optimum germination, or any other treatment, they list that too. In fact, it gives just about all the information you could probably want. And on top of that, they print pictures of almost all their plants.

Broad Beans – An Easy Crop To Grow

Broad beans have significantly better textures if you pick them young. If you leave them too long they tend to end up a bit like cardboard when cooked. You do not necessarily lose quantity in the harvest by picking early, since the plant will continue to crop after you have picked them. Because they are an early harvest, once you have finished with them, you can clear the site and still have time to grow another late crop of a different vegetable.

What Experts Know About Fish Pond Care

If you have a fish pond in your backyard, you should learn how to take care of it by yourself especially if you are on a tight budget. In this time of economic crisis, you can hardly afford to pay for those expensive fish pond care services anymore.  Fortunately, fish pond care is not really that difficult and you do not need to have some training to be able to care for you fish pond well. With the right pond care products and some practice, you can do just like a professional. To help you care for your fish pond, here are some easy steps for you.

Lettuce – pretty in your flower beds.

When choosing lettuce, you really are spoilt for choice. I like the texture and taste of Cos type lettuce so I always grow a row or two of them. I start them off  by sowing a pinch of seed in a 3 inch pot and when they are large enough to handle, I transplant into rows which are 6 ins apart, leaving 3ins between plants. This means that when they become a bit crowded, I pick alternative plants for salads. Lettuce seed will not germinate if the temperature is too high so you can only do this in the spring. If you want to sow more lettuce in the summer, you must do so outside. Alternately, sow loads in the spring and do not prick them out. Leaving them crowded will stop them growing and you can then plant them out when you want them. You must be careful, though, that they do not become ‘leggy’ because they are fighting for light.

Brussel Sprout – better in cold weather

The snow continues to fall and whilst it is very pretty, it does create some immediate problems. I have a plastic covered tunnel which I use as a cold greenhouse. I keep some pot plants such as fuschia in it overwinter. These do not mind being cold or even occasioinally getting frozen, but they don’t like to be wet during cold weather. So they live in the tunnel during winter and are kept totally dry.

Apart from harvesting some brassicas (Brussel Sprouts are  supposed to taste better after they have been frosted) there is very little you can do currently out of doors.

The start of the gardening year

Today is twelfth night and tradition has it that all the Christmas decorations must be taken down and packed away by midnight or you will be inviting the devil into your house. The house always looks a bit bare after its splendour during the festive period. The official ending of Christmas. However, it is also the beginning of my gardening year. Today is the first time I look at the seed catalogues and also the catalogues for small plants. I can begin planning what I am going to grow next year and imagine how great my garden will look. (It never looks as good as my imagination as it always has some weeds where they shouldn’t be but, nothing daunted, I can imagine.)

Follow My gardening Year

Pond Care Tips That Can Help Your Garden Pond Look Lovely All The Time

Having a garden fish pond is one of the luxuries that only a few people have these days. Most people simply do not have enough space at home to have their own garden fish pond. If you are one of those people who are lucky enough to have your own garden pond, you should make sure that you take good care of your pond. Remember that there are many people out there who would give almost anything to have a garden fish pond of their own so not take your blessings for granted. To help you take care of your pond, here are some tips for you.

Promote Airflow with Greenhouse Window Vents

When choosing the right greenhouse window vent for your needs and desires, you will need to consider the proper ventilation to promote plant growth. Greenhouse windows with sliding operable side vents are a nice option for proper airflow, and can work wonders for your indoor garden. But if cost is a consideration, a simple window sill greenhouse can be a very economical way to grow a garden indoors.

Energy Management with a Greenhouse Window Opener

Energy management is very important when it comes to greenhouse windows. You will have to measure your window properly to get just the right fit; but keep in mind that some dealers say the greenhouse window can be slightly larger than your existing window, while others recommend an exact fit. Installation assistance can be of great benefit, reducing any potential gaps between the frames, which would let heat out, as well as cold air in. While the proper fit is required to optimize resources and maintain a comfortable environment for your plants, a greenhouse window opener may also be necessary for some window locations, particularly during the hot summer months.

Garden Fish Pond: Adding Ambiance and Lively Character in Your Personal Area

A garden is mainly defined as the personal space of each person surrounding his or her house structure. This is mainly the outdoor extension of the house where each person can linger and relax in his or her personal comfort and secured space. The garden can be off various characteristics but everyone is made to cater to the qualities, characteristics, and preferences of its owners to achieve a comforting and relaxing abode to reside in. In this aspect, a garden fish pond can be a great asset.