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Germinating tomatoes in cubes requires a base tray and a few other key items. Germinate tomatoes in cubes with help from the owner of Eden Condensed, a small space garden design in Los Angeles, California, in this free video clip.
You don't need an expensive pot to cook a fine meal, and the same principle applies to compost. The recipe for compost is simple: Mix dead vegetation, food scraps, water and air. The shady spot where the garbage-to-compost transformation takes place can be big or small, fancy or homemade, as long as it keeps the ingredients together for six months. You can buy compact bins to fit small gardens or build low-cost compost bins from materials in your garage.
Working in an office all day can make a person long to be outdoors. Consider adding a beautiful miniature office garden to liven up a drab work space. Group together carefully selected green plants that can thrive under fluorescent lights in a waterproof, shallow dish that's terra cotta, resin or ceramic. The space where it will be displayed will determine its size; shape is personal preference. This type of small office garden, often referred to as a dish garden, provides an easy and inexpensive way to bring a little bit of nature indoors.
Multiplying succulents is easy, so long as you're following just a few basic steps. Multiply succulents with help from the owner of Eden Condensed, small space garden design in Los Angeles, California, in this free video clip.
Pruning is one thing - pruning using the right technique is something else altogether. Learn how to prune with help from the owner of Eden Condensed, small space garden design in Los Angeles, California, in this free video clip.
Landscaping a small garden is a really great design opportunity that shouldn't be taken for granted. Landscape a small garden with help from the owner of Eden Condensed, small space garden design in Los Angeles, California, in this free video clip.
Growing succulents for your wedding always requires you to keep a few very important things in mind. Grow succulents for your wedding with help from the owner of Eden Condensed, small space garden design in Los Angeles, California, in this free video clip.
There are a lot of different varieties of sage that would all make great additions to your garden. Learn about caring for and trimming of purple sage with help from a small space garden designer in this free video clip.
If you're stuck with a tiny front yard, or you live in an apartment, you may think picking your own freshly grown produce and flowers is just a dream. Think again. You don't need a sprawling yard to have your very own at-home garden filled with the veggies and blooms you love. A small-space garden only requires some planning and effort. “Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have a lot of space," said Susan Littlefield, horticultural editor for the South Burlington, Vermont-based National Gardening Association. "You can still harvest, even if it’s a few herb plants on a windowsill. You…
A brick garden wall can be an attractive piece in your yard, but it can become an eyesore if it's not well-maintained. The constant exposure to the elements can cause the mortar to crack. This not only makes the wall look bad, it can destabilize it as well. Patching the cracked and missing mortar can protect the wall, keeping its appearance intact and holding the bricks in place.
Create another world within your own backyard by utilizing patio space to construct a Japanese garden. Japanese gardens serve as sanctuaries for spiritual retreat and contemplation, and these gardens are therefore steeped in nature. Utilize assorted natural items when designing your garden, such as stones and boulders, water features and small trees. As you are creating your garden on a patio, stick to smaller plants whenever possible for container and planter purposes.
Although it may seem difficult or impossible to grow vegetables in an urban setting, most apartment balconies can support a wide variety of container-grown plants, provided they receive enough sunlight, and proper container culture is followed. Although it requires different techniques than traditional gardening, container gardening allows those with limited or no yard space to enjoy homegrown vegetables throughout much of the year.
Although necessary to any homeowner, trash cans are an unsightly and odorous part of your backyard. Rather than allowing them to ruin your landscaping efforts, look for ways to hide your trash cans at little or no cost to you. Hiding your trash cans can also be part of a larger effort to de-clutter your lawn to make it a more pleasurable area in which to live, play and work. Wherever you end up stashing your trash cans, remember to keep seal-able lids over them at all times to avoid raccoons, possums and other critters getting to what's inside.
Vegetable, fruit and flower gardens bring beauty to the home garden with their foliage and blooms. They gain important support from the surrounding decor. Decorative walls, boxes and planters add to the garden’s beauty and charm, improves drainage, separation and soil control. Build your own enclosed garden with everyday items for separation and additional decor in the garden.
Sidewalk gardens are small plots of landscaping installed next to a sidewalk. They are gaining popularity in big cities as a beautification project, and as a way to increase the environmental friendliness of the area. Sidewalk gardens are sometimes installed in place of a removed piece of sidewalk border, so space is very limited. Always check with your local government before landscaping public property, such as sidewalks. Some cities require permits and have guidelines about what you can and cannot plant.
Apartment dwellers needn't despair about their lack of space for a garden. With a little planning and some suitable containers, urban farmers can grow a few tomatoes, green beans, peppers, cucumbers, herbs and even flowers. Even if you have no outdoor space at all, it's still possible to grow salad greens and small vegetables, as well as herbs and tropical houseplants, in pots next to a sunny window. Select dwarf or compact varieties, grow them vertically and enter the world of fresh, homegrown food.
Cabbage comes in many varieties and sizes, from compact red heads to loose green ones. The vegetable stores well when harvested at peak maturity, but it becomes prone to rot and insect depredation if left to grow to long. When planting new cabbage seeds or seedlings, make note of the days to maturity listed on the seed packet or plant label. Begin surveying your plants as this date approaches to ensure you harvest them before the pests find the cabbage.
It is difficult, but not impossible to grow tomatoes, peppers and onions in a small area. Peppers and onions do not need much room, but tomatoes do -- to provide good air circulation necessary for avoiding disease. All three vegetables require the same type of soil, same amount of water and same nutrients to grow. They all grow well together as companion plants, and may even enhance the flavor of each other.
Most tillers use a Kevlar drive belt to acts as a drive between the clutch and the transmission. If the drive belt requires adjustment, you will notice the clutch "slipping." This means, when you let go of the clutch handle, the tines on the tiller will not spin. This decreases the power output of the tiller and decreases its ability to cut into the ground. Proper clutch belt adjustment is very important for a properly working tiller.
Your Yard-Man tiller utilizes a belt driven clutch system. Since the tines on your tiller dig into very hard ground, it is very important to have proper tension on the clutch belt at all times. If the belt is loose, it could snap when the tines on the tiller hit a solid object such as a large rock or buried tree stump. You adjust the belt via the clutch handle and clutch cable.
Today's gardens serve many purposes. First and foremost, they beautify the yard, bringing color and fragrance to the home to create a warm and welcoming environment. Gardens can also attract various birds and insects, such as butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Herb gardens are colorful and aromatic yet also provide fresh herbs and spices. And perhaps the most rewarding type of garden is the vegetable garden, with its offerings of fresh tomatoes, lettuce, beans and more. Before planting your garden factor in the work involved both before and after it is planted.
Just as a surgeon uses a specific precision tool for a specific task, a builder uses one of a range of tools to do his a job well and efficiently. Hammers, mallets, chisels and mauls each have their role in a builder's armory, and each has a shape and structure that makes it an efficient tool for a particular task. Lump hammers are cheap and plentiful on the market -- they are a highly useful and well-shaped tool and fit their purpose perfectly.
Warm days and warm nights promote the fast and prolific growth of melon vines in the garden. Intolerant of frost, watermelons, cantaloupes, muskmelons, honeydews and casabas are sown after the danger of frost passes in late spring. A fertile soil that is moist but well-drained encourages fast vine and leaf growth as well as production of flowers. Pollinated blossoms swell into the sweet-fleshed melons used in summertime fruit salads. Cross-pollination of blossoms doesn't affect fruit quality.
Harvesting squash and melons is the reward for weeks or months of care and cultivation. Some types of squash are easy to harvest; others require a little more cautiousness. Timing can be very important when harvesting. Picking melons or squash at the wrong time can lead to disappointing results.
A scarecrow is often thought of as the classic depiction of a human figure on a stake, clothed in rags and stuffed in straw. The cinematic retelling of The Wizard of Oz cemented that image with its goofy, brainless Scarecrow character. However, a scarecrow can be anything set up in a field to repel birds from crops. In actuality, the traditional scarecrow may not scare away as many birds as a simple glass bottle and nail. This lesser-known scarecrow may be the key to solving many of your bird problems.
Even small backyards can be turned into beautiful spaces with a bounty of plants, vegetables, flowers, herbs and of course a deck for a relaxing place to sit. Whether landscaping a large yard or tiny outdoor space, the starting point is always the same: a drawing. Always sketch the shape of the space you have available and include any existing structures, trees or shrubs that are already present. Choose the location of the deck first, as this will take up the majority of the space.
During the late summer and autumn months, pumpkins are in season. This makes it easier to incorporate the gourd fruit with country decor and festive themed ornaments. You can also create a spooky pumpkin-head scarecrow to protect your garden plants as well as to provide embellishment to your landscape during the season. Knowing how to make a scarecrow with a pumpkin head isn't hard and it's something you can do with your family as a quality-time craft project.
Your garden may look like a veritable feast to the critters in your neighborhood. Mylar, a light-weight, durable polyester film that reflects light, can be added to a scarecrow in your garden to deter birds, raccoons, squirrels, deer and other garden predators. Mylar comes in several forms, including red and silver tape and bright yellow balloons, which are readily available at garden centers.
Moles contribute to effective soil management in yards. Because they create underground tunnels, they help break down particles of soil, which promotes better aeration. By tunneling and shifting soil fragments, they help dry out sod and allow humus to travel deeper into the soil. Moles also help control undesirable grubs and insects by feeding on them. Moles are still considered a nuisance in the garden, however, and are often blamed for crop damage. Fortunately, control measures are available. Many types of traps are on the market for mole; one popular type is a choker loop mole trap. These have a…
The Kubota BL4690B backhoe is a multipurpose "loader backhoe" that digs from the rear and loads material into a front-mounted bucket for transport around a construction site. The BL4690B comes in three different models, the L3130-LA513, L3430-LA723 and the L3830-LA723, each differing primarily in engine horsepower output and overall operating weight.
Scarecrows stem from a functional need of farmers who first used the characters to ward off pesky crows in their vegetable garden. However, you do not have to have a garden to have a scarecrow; you can stake up one as an addition to your outdoor fall décor. You can make a 3D scarecrow using items found in your closet and woodpile.
The rose-covered cottage is not a far-fetched image of the old English flower garden. English gardeners, though challenged by the weather, try to produce as many flowers and vegetables as possible whether the garden is large or small. Famous country mansions had extensive greenhouses that could produce orchids in the dead of winter and tiny yards could be a tangle of bloom. Many flowers used in traditional English gardens are common in the United States. It can be easy to recreate such a garden anywhere.
Fungus are among the most common living organisms on our planet. Spores that fungus uses to reproduce occur in nearly every indoor and outdoor environment. Typically we see only mushrooms and other "fruiting bodies" of fungi, but mushrooms are just a small component of what are sometimes enormous colonies of fungus living underground. Yards around homes are more likely to house fungus than other parts of our homes, and understanding why this is so is key to controlling fungal growth and protecting your family.
Trees are an important part of a home's landscape. They provide shade and often, all other plantings in the landscape are chosen to complement the the surrounding trees. Trees are a long-term investment and making the right decision when planting a tree is critical to both its potential as a decorative part of your landscape and as a future source of shade. Selecting a shade tree involves considering factors like density of foliage and the size of the mature tree.
Forward-thinking and eco-friendly home and property owners turn to everyday, biodegradable organic materials to help cultivate their gardens and landscapes, two of which are empty eggshells and shells from nuts. Usually after the shells are cracked and the contents emptied, the shells are discarded. Those with a green thumb realize the shells can be put to good use as mulch around trees, shrubs and garden beds. Doing so gives the plant or tree a constant supply of needed calcium and nutrients.
Gardeners with patios, especially those in urban areas without yard space, can grow a variety of plants in containers on the patio. Patio gardens do not require much space and usually do not require a ton of care with the right supplies. Patios with some natural light can support decorative flowering plants as well as practical edible herbs and vegetables.
As the human population grows and natural resources dwindle, more and more people turn to products made from recycled materials. From household objects to notebook paper, recycled products save energy, curb the destructiveness of deforestation and serve not only the current generation but generations of humans to come. As recycling invades the marketplace, more and more products are proving themselves truly remarkable.
Landscaping ideas for a small sunny spot include herbs in container gardens as well as Mondo Grass, pansies, potted ferns and other sun-loving plants. Unite the forces of nature with the help of this free video on landscaping tips.
Flax seeds are a vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids that possibly help fight cancer, according to the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. Flax is also a good source of fiber, and the substance is used to lower cholesterol and aid in heart disease prevention. According to the Mayo Clinic, nutritional experts recommend grinding flax seed in order to benefit most from its healthy properties. Whole seeds are able to leave the body undigested. After grinding, flax stays fresh in an airtight container for a few months. Refrigerate whole seeds to keep them fresh longer.
Whether to scare pests out of gardens or to serve as crafty yard decorations, scarecrows are fixtures in rural America. On occasion, however, you may want a scarecrow to be both ornate and functional. To do this, you can make a moving scarecrow. Because you will be relying on the wind to move the scarecrow parts, you'll need to employ some non-traditional materials and building techniques. When done right, you'll have a scarecrow that is one of a kind.
The Bobcat CT122 is a compact utility tractor. It is designed for light construction excavation, small farm applications, commercial landscaping and for mowing large plots of residential land. The CT122 has tight turning maneuverability to work around obstacles in built-up environments where full-size tractors can't operate. A rear Power Take-off connection drives implements like mowers, cutters or backhoes, and dual hydraulic pumps provide ample lifting power for an optional front-end loader attachment. The Bobcat CT122 and its optional implements are designed for one-person attachment and operation, eliminating the need for extra personnel on small projects.
Charcoal is the carbon residue of burned wood. Ancient societies used charcoal as a drawing material in cave paintings, as a fuel and in the development of metal smelting. Its present-day uses include domestic barbecue fuel, artists' material, medicine, and water and air purification. Charcoal is made by setting fire to wood and then cutting off the air supply. This wood must be at least six months old, unpainted and untreated. Hard wood, such as oak, beech or apple, makes the best charcoal.
Scarecrows have moved beyond the corn fields and are standard fall decorations for many homes. Starting with either a pumpkin head or a fabric head, make your scarecrow face warm and welcoming for kid-friendly gatherings or create a devilishly frightening scarecrow face for a Halloween celebration.
The task of selecting a garden fence is a crucial one. Your garden fence is more than just the structure that defines the lines of property around your garden; it's the structure that keeps out intruders. One particular garden fence isn't ideal for all people, as each individual has different needs. The key to choosing the right garden fence is by examining your needs and habits.
Quinoa is an ancient grain that is high in protein that is a heavy producer and easy to grow. Quinoa is a cool-season crop that grows best in spring and germinates in nighttime temperatures that are below 60 degrees Fahrenheit or after stratification or refrigeration. Quinoia forms a big fluffy seed inflorescence that develops into the seed head of the plant. The seeds are coated in a bitter substance called saponin that needs to be washed off before use. Quinoa contains less sodium and more of many minerals than wheat or barley. Quinoa cannot grow where temperatures are routinely below…
The Kubota Corporation, headquartered in Osaka, Japan, offers both consumer and commercial tractors and mowers. It released the Kubota B7800 mower from 2003 to 2008. While the company no longer produces this tractor, you can still find replacement parts, including replacement tires. This is an open-air tractor designed for various work including industrial, lawn and agricultural.
Garden gnomes and butterflies brighten any garden area and add interest to a landscape. Garden gnomes have been popular garden ornaments for years, and butterflies are attracted to many nectar-bearing plants. The right mix of flowers will ensure a garden full of life all summer long, and the gnomes will help to watch over it.
The Cub Cadet is a brand of four-wheel riding lawnmowers manufactured by MTD Corporation. The Cub Cadet LTX1040 is the mainstay of the 1000 series, designed for medium-acreage, residential use. This is a fully automatic machine, with a single forward and reverse gear and even a cruise control that eliminates the need to keep your foot on the pedal during long stretches of mowing. The mower deck has 12 grass cutting levels, from 1.5 inches to 4 inches. The Cub Cadet's Smart Jet Deck Wash System uses high-pressure water to flush grass cuttings and debris from the underside of the…
While it can be easy to stumble upon wild mushrooms growing on a dead log or standing boldly in an open forest, truffles have a more of a cloak-and-dagger cachet, owing to their underground existence. Truffles are a tuber-like subterranean fungus that can be found growing near the roots of oak trees, primarily in France and Italy. With a hint of chocolate essence in its aroma, the black truffle hails from Périgord, France. Its white counterpart and milder Italian cousin, the white truffle, comes from Alba and has faint garlic-like aroma. Truffles are typically prepared in dishes with ingredients that…
Being carnivorous, moles do not pose much of a problem to the vegetable garden. In fact, they can be beneficial as they eat slugs and other unwanted lawn pests. Moles can, however, be a blight on otherwise beautiful lawns, creating mounds as they tunnel in their search for food. There are several methods of controlling mole populations, but traps, including the choker loop trap, offering the best results.
The front garden provides beauty not only to the homeowner but to all who pass by. Additionally, front gardens can raise the status of a home as well as indicate the homeowner's appreciation for the natural world. Because the front garden is presented to the public, some plants may not be suitable. Still, many plants and flowers can be combined to create a long-lasting and elegant addition to the front landscape.
Gardening in a small space may test your ingenuity. Downsizing your plant selections is one way to meet the challenges of working with a confined area. Small variegated evergreen shrubs pack high performance into their compact forms. They add year-round foliage colors -- at least two on each shrub -- and texture to the small garden. Some produce bright flowers and berries. Use these shrubs as garden edgings, or scatter them as eye-catching specimens.
Palm trees should be fertilized on a regular basis. One recommended method is to use an organic or a slow-release fertilizer three times a year. Sometimes purchased fertilizers can be too harsh for palm trees, especially those that are newly planted, and can burn the roots or cause the fronds to die. Worm castings make a good fertilizer for palm trees at any stage, as they can be used in large quantities if desired, and will not burn the roots even if applied directly to them.
You may want to install a garden fence to increase the aesthetic appeal of your landscape or to keep out garden pests such as rabbits and deer, which eat vegetables. Decorative fencing can feature large openings in the fence, but functional fencing should have small holes if you hope to keep small animals out of the garden. You can recycle old materials and use your own creativity to create a garden fence that is truly unique. Depending on the size of your garden, you may be able to install your choice of garden fence in a single afternoon.
For an easy care landscape, incorporate shrubs into your setting. As an addition to the landscape, shrubs add interest, texture and beauty. The evergreens perform this task all year long. If you're passionate about flowers, you won't be disappointed with the many flowering shrubs you can find at any garden center.
Many aspects of garden planning depend on color, size and placement. Selecting plants according to height gives the garden a well-balanced, layered appearance. Grouping certain plants together illustrates harmony and a well-manicured garden.
Compact versions of large shrubs are becoming more widely available as growers turn their attention to producing plants that fit into small urban lots. Landscaping with smaller shrub varieties can provide gardeners with structural plantings that give their flowerbeds year-round interest without overwhelming the space.
A small garden doesn't have to limit the amount of plants and produce you grow. Make the most of what space you do have by implementing intensive gardening practices on the bed. Intensive gardening uses a variety of approaches to fit more plants into a small garden bed without reducing the overall yield. You may not be able to grow giant pumpkins in a small bed, but you can grow most garden vegetables.
Short, cute and bearded, garden gnomes can bring character and charm to flower bushes, grassy lawns and leafy shrubs. The fun little fellas have been perking up gardens in Europe since the mid-19th century and were originally made of ceramic. Antique gnomes can fetch a high price, though many garden centers carry affordable plastic versions. For the creative, fun with gnomes goes beyond the traditional and into the creative and wacky.
Garden fences serve a variety of purposes. They provide a barrier to keep animals and neighbors from munching and trampling on precious crops. Decorative garden fences enhance the beauty of the home and landscape. Others serve to block the wind or simply separate the garden from the rest of the yard. Choose from a wide range of materials and designs for a practical or purely decorative garden fence.
Southern Georgia is known for its sultry summer weather. The hot, humid climate may be difficult for people to cope with, but it is the ideal environment for a wide variety of flowers, fruits, vegetables and vines. The rich clay soil holds water well, which keeps many plants from wilting in the summer heat. While a small Southern garden leaves little room for elaborate designs, there is no need to feel limited by a lack of square footage. Smaller spaces allow gardeners to pay attention to design details and make use of a vast assortment of plants to create an…
Quinoa -- pronounced "keen-wah" -- is a weedlike plant that yields a bountiful harvest of high-protein fruit, similar in size and texture to small, hard grains. Unlike most grains, quinoa fruits provide an ideal balance of amino acids and lysine. Like all plants, quinoa thrives under certain environmental factors; if your garden meets the conditions the plant prefers, you can probably grow quinoa. Luckily for green thumbs, quinoa is a tough and hardy plant that readily adapts to varied growing environments.
For vegetable gardeners, knowing how much to plant is just as important as knowing what to plant. Plant too little and you won't have enough fresh vegetables; plant too much and you'll have more work to do as well as have too much to harvest.
Famed for their color and fragrance, common lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) grow 8 to 12 feet high and wide. Smaller varieties, such as Palibin (S. meyeri), are available for smaller yards. Lilacs are very hardy and make excellent windbreaks.
Kubota Corporation, headquartered in Osaka, Japan, started in 1890, and it produces different types of farm and landscaping equipment, including tractors, backhoes and loaders. A backhoe has a bucket on the back of the machine that you can use for digging and moving material. One of the Kubota backhoes is the BL4690 series. You can purchase this machine from authorized dealers or rent one for short-time needs.
Homeowners with large lawns need a mower, or tractor, that can cut grass quickly. A mower, such as a Cub Cadet, can perform this service.
Think twice before you discard used soup, coffee and vegetable cans. With a little creativity, these used cans can add personality to your garden. To make a garden scarecrow from tin cans, you'll need a variety of can sizes; larger cans work to make the body and the head, smaller cans work best to make the arms. Your tin can scarecrow can stand or sit in your garden to scare away the birds, or give them a place to rest.
While some homeowners enjoy large garden plots, others struggle to find a small area in which to grow some vegetables. Proper planning helps gardeners with small plots determine what they have room to grow and the best placement to maximize production.
The Kubota Corporation began in 1890 in Japan and began selling engines in 1922. It wasn't until 1976 that the company began selling engines and tractors in America. There is actually no Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) by that name on a Kubota, but there is a serial number and a model number. The serial number is on the engine block in at least one location. The model number is not anywhere on the engine, but appears on the parts list that come with the machine.
Create a tranquil spot in the garden with the addition of a bubbling solar water fountain. Depending on the size of budget and space, fountains can be unadorned or elaborate. Ranging from one container to tiered fountains of any size, create a relaxing atmosphere and draw wildlife to the garden or patio. A solar-powered fountain with self-contained solar panels allows for energy conservation and placement anywhere in the garden without the worry of plugs or electrical outlets. Solar-powered floating fountains can be found on the Internet and at most home and garden stores. Construct a simple, solar-powered fountain with minimal…
Farmers have historically used scarecrows to frighten birds away from crops and discourage them from infesting or eating plants in fields and gardens. You can make a scarecrow from a vast array of materials, including old clothes, pillowcases, leaves and burlap. Burlap is a strong, rugged material that is weather resistant; you can use it to form the face and head of the scarecrow. You should change your scarecrow's appearance periodically as birds will become accustomed to a scarecrow over time and eventually will no longer fear it.
The Cub Cadet 1650 is a garden tractor that was manufactured by International Harvester from 1974 to 1980. The Cub Cadet 1650 used a single-cylinder Kohler gas engine with a displacement of 557 cc, which produced 16 hp.
Quinoa is a popular grain with ancient beginnings going back 5,000 years. It is a cool-season crop native to the Andes. Quinoa provides complete protein, which makes it invaluable for vegetarians and vegans. The grain is eaten like rice, pasta or cereal. Quinoa flowers before the seed heads form, producing red or purple blooms on tall stalks. The leaves are also edible and can be cooked as a green. Seeds are viable for up to two years and sprout readily in about 12 hours with full germination in four to five days. Quinoa is an easy crop to grow with…
Quinoa is a grain native to the Andes Mountains in Chile, Bolivia and Peru, where the native people enjoy the highly nutritive seeds as one of their staple foods. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) classifies quinoa as important or as nutritive as dried whole milk. The plant itself is not a grassy legume like many other grains, but rather a broadleaf plant that looks more like a garden plant. Growers pick the young leaves and eat them as a vegetable similar to spinach. The seeds will sprout easily for planting in the garden.
Limited gardening space is becoming more common for homeowners, particularly in urban areas. Just because you have limited space to landscape or grow a garden does not mean you cannot plant your favorite trees. There are trees that are known to mature smaller, plus dwarf hybrids of many tree varieties have been developed that grow to a height under 10 feet.
Truffles are famously found in Italy and France. However, according to the Mycological Society of San Francisco, different varieties of truffle are found all over the world. Dogs and pigs help to find and dig them up in Europe. In North America, mycological enthusiasts usually dig them by hand after careful observation. Since dogs and pigs require special training to dig up truffles, plan on bringing a few tools and digging them up on your own.
The Kubota BX1830 was a sub-compact tractor first released in 2004. The tractor was part of a series designed to combine the function of a small tractor with the user-friendliness and comfort of a lawn and garden tractor. Kubota no longer makes the BX 1830, but they are still found, new or used, along with their parts, at dealerships and online. Kubota also has a program to equip older tractors with a roll-over protection structure (ROPS) and seat belts.
Muskmelons, including cantaloupe, honeydew and Crenshaw melons, grow on sprawling, robust vines and produce fruit in 60 to 100 days, depending on the variety. They need full sun and moist, fertile soil to thrive. Muskmelons are related to pumpkins and watermelon and, although their leaves and vines are smaller, they still require 2 to 3 feet of garden space per plant. Try trellising them if you have limited garden space. They'll grow vertically, requiring about half the space. Use this technique for growing cucumbers, too.
Expensive commercial pecan harvesters make it difficult to justify the expense, especially if pecan farming is not your full-time job. Building your own tool for collecting pecans, however, could be an affordable alternative.
Variegated weigela is a deciduous compact shrub that grows from 4 to 6 feet high and wide. It has grayish-green leaves with creamy white edges and produces trumpet-shaped pink and white flowers in early spring that attract hummingbirds. The upright weeping habit of the variegated weigela makes it a desirable plant to use in a shrub border. Variegated weigela thrive in well-drained soil that is moderately fertile. It is best to fertilize weigela only annually in the spring after the soil has warmed up and before new growth appears.
Even if you live north of the tropics, you can use some plants that evoke the allure of the South Seas. And if your front yard is small, your task of landscaping it with tropicals will be easy. Look for frost-hardy plants, such as bird of paradise, Mexican fan palm and others. Consider growing some truly tropical plants as annuals or in containers you can bring indoors before Jack Frost visits your neighborhood.
When pollination is left up to nature, vegetable gardeners may worry if cross-pollination can occur between fruit and vegetable flowers, especially in a small garden. In general there is no reason for concern. Squash and melons, for example, will not cross-pollinate to create a new vegetable.
Small stones provide many benefits in the garden, both under and above ground. When used properly, small stones can improve soil drainage, maintain a constant soil temperature, reduce weeds, protect roots and reduce the amount of water needed to refresh the plants. Aside from the benefits to soil, the stones give gardens a pleasant look that differs from the appearance of most conventional gardens. Best of all, this inexpensive material is easy to use, regardless of your gardening experience.
Native to the sunny slopes of Mediterranean hillsides, basil is a tender annual culinary herb. There are many different types of basil, including sweet, clove, cinnamon, lemon, holy, Thai and Mexican. Basil is primarily used as a flavoring ingredient in pesto, sauces, soups, stews and salad dressings. Easily cultivated in home gardens, basil grows best in a sunny location in nutrient-rich soil that is well-drained. Very susceptible to frost, basil thrives at temperatures between 50 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Harvested in midsummer at the peak of its flavor, basil can be dried and stored for winter enjoyment.
When planting a small garden -- such as a vegetable garden -- you may consider surrounding it with a fence to deter animals from invading and destroying your plants. A privacy fence isn't suitable for such an area, as you probably would like to be able to view the garden. Instead, install a fence that enables you to see your garden and still provides the protection that you desire.
Small front gardens are used when you want passers-by to see the beauty in your yard. Create a beautiful part of your yard with help from a professional gardener in this free video.
The Cub Cadet 149, a product of the International Harvester Company, saw production from 1971 to 1974. The small tractor falls into the lawn or garden tractor category and is commonly used by homeowners for lawn mowing, garden chores and small-scale snow removal. Some of the tractors, 25 years old or older, are still in use.
Pecan shells are often discarded once the nut has been extracted and eaten, although there are a few reasons to keep the shells around. For an eco-friendly project, save pecan shells and crush them to use as a garden mulch. The shells are a slug deterrent and keep moisture in the soil. Additionally, pecan shells are used as a natural exfoliator when added to homemade soaps and scrubs.
Piper nigrum, commonly known as black peppercorn, is a fruit commonly used as a seasoning. Black peppercorn plants thrive in tropical regions. The peppercorns should be picked before ripening; after ripening, black peppercorns rapidly lose flavor. Black peppercorn plants do not begin producing fruit until reaching three to five years of age. After reaching maturity, black peppercorn plants produce fruit for approximately seven years. Peppercorns are best picked during dry summer months, as this is when the fruit is mature enough to be used.
Quinoa is a plant native to Bolivia, Chile and Peru, and has been consumed for 5,000 years, according to the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension. Quinoa is used as a cereal grain and is often used by those with restricted diets for its high-protein content. Buying quinoa at organic or specialty shops may be expensive, so growing quinoa at home is an economical option. If you live in an area with warm summer days and cool nights, quinoa will grow quite well in your garden.
Small garden spaces can present challenges to gardeners. Fitting in colorful shrubs and plants is not as difficult as you may think. There are many plants and shrubs that remain small when mature. Sometimes the most difficult choice is deciding the time of year you want to enjoy that splash of color. By mixing different plants in your garden, you can have color year round.
Pruning loppers are one of a gardener's essential pieces of equipment. Loppers are used to cut small branches in the garden. Think of them as the gardener's scissors. Loppers have long handles that allow a gardener to reach deep into bushes or up into trees to prune branches. Choosing loppers that work well for you will greatly increase your ability to make a clean cut instead of struggling to cut off the branch in question.
Working with a reduced area is slightly different than working with large spaces, and many gardeners with little planting space feel limited. Fortunately there are several options available to those who are looking for a fun garden theme to decorate a small area.
The permaculture (permanent agriculture) philosophy of establishing self-sustaining gardens works in nearly any area, even if your space is very limited. Regardless of the size of your garden, research and examine your yard and surrounding area in depth to get an idea of what plants and wildlife occur naturally. Once you've come up with a plan for your permaculture garden, grab a sketchbook and brainstorm design ideas.
Many pet owners consider their furry companions to be part of their family. If this is the case, having a sick pet can be extremely worrisome. There are many things that can make your dog sick, including the presence of fungus mites in your yard. Fungus mites are small, gnat-like bugs that live around plants and the surrounding soil. Fungus mites can sometimes be mistaken for tiny mosquitoes.
The front garden of your property is the first impression of your home. A small front garden presents an opportunity to develop a well-organized, low-maintenance garden that enhances the architecture of your home and provides additional usable outdoor space. Create a design that uses the entryway as a focal point, utilizes the area for seating and adds color to the landscape.
True gardeners, green-thumb enthusiasts, farmers, and growers will be successful anywhere. Give them a little dirt and a plant or a seed, and they will plant it, water it, and nurture it, and probably get a bumper crop from it. They don't need 40 acres and a mule to grow things, although they've probably dreamed many times of planting a farm or homestead. Even the smallest spaces can accommodate green-growing things, and there are many creative ways to use even the smallest backyard spaces to garden.
If your budget is as small as your yard, you can still create an attractive space for growing flowers, vegetables and even a dwarf fruit tree or two. With a minimal investment in a bit of compost, a shovel and a few seeds or plants, you can make one or more garden beds in your small yard that will support the plants you want to grow.
A septic system is a very reliable and dependable means of processing waste products from you home. The key to your system's efficient and trouble-free operation is the proper design and installation of the septic field lines. These lines disperse the waste water as it exits the septic tank and allow the water to be slowly absorbed back into the soil and evaporate into the atmosphere. Proper planning and preparation are essential to a trouble-free system.
Moles, not to be confused with voles or gophers, have a long, hairless snout that points outward about 1/2 inch from the creature’s mouth. The ears and eyes are not visible and the animal’s forefeet are large, wide and have webbed toes. Although moles feed on insects that may cause damage to your lawn, the underground burrows left in their wake cause destruction to flower beds, grass and gardens. According to the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management, the most effective natural way to kill moles is by trapping.
A small backyard is not always an ideal place for growing a garden. The lack of space can limit the number and types of flowers and plants that can be grown successfully. However, it is possible to make a backyard garden beautiful and productive. With a bit of ingenuity and some planning, you can create a garden within a small backyard.
When your outdoor space is no larger than a child’s sandbox, gardening may seem like merely a dream. But flexing that green thumb is possible even if you don't have a yard to call your own. You have many options for sprucing up even the smallest outdoor area.
Bushes or shrubs are important features in landscapes, where they help to bridge the gap between smaller perennials and annuals and larger-sized trees. Evergreen shrubs are especially useful for maintaining year-long interest in the garden. When choosing evergreen shrubs, keep in mind the general growing conditions. Also consider the mature size of the shrubs, as this helps in the selection of the best site with proper growing space.
Courtyards present a particular landscape design challenge, as you must design them from two perspectives--from within the courtyard and from the outside looking in--and consider the view from each of these locations before beginning work. Focus a small courtyard on one major design element and avoid clutter or oversized patio furniture. Keep additions to the courtyard in scale with the space.
Urban gardeners transform the smallest areas into welcoming spaces that offer havens from hectic city life. Inspiring, well-designed urban gardens feature careful plant selection, attention to detail, creative use of space and minimal decoration. Whether you have a small plot of land, a balcony or only a window box, all you need is a bit of soil and sunlight to keep your green thumb busy in the big city.
A garden is not restricted to the back yard. Planting a garden in the front yard will create more visual appeal for visitors. Dedicate an area to plant a small garden. Options include below the front windows or the outside borders of the front walkway. A garden can include flowers, herbs or even vegetables.
You don't need to till a large plot on the family farm to have a kitchen garden; every cook with a few feet of open ground can enjoy clipping herbs for a delicious soup or tossing homegrown vegetables into a salad. With a little planning, kitchen gardens are easy to maintain and offer sweet smells, an intriguing science project and the freshest food for everyone.
The Old English cottage garden utilizes an informal design. Full of dense plantings and a mixture of edible plants, herbs and flowers, the Old English garden creates a graceful and charming landscape. Gardeners created the first Old English gardens for practical reasons, with an emphasis on useful plants. Flowers were used to add color in between more important plantings.
The tropical plants with big leaves and bright colors evoke a sense of relaxation in many people. Many tropical resorts are filled with gardens that encourage guests to wander, relax and stay awhile. Working with tropical plants at home helps provide people with that same sense of vacation. Recreating a tropical garden at home involves proper plant choice, informal design and lots of color.
A Nash choker loop mole trap is a highly effective and practical way to eliminate moles from a lawn or garden. If a choker loop mole trap is improperly set, however, moles will detect the trap and move to another area of the lawn or garden. Properly setting the mole trap is essential in order for the trap to be effective without causing additional damage to the lawn or garden area.
Garden gnomes---whether large or small, fanciful or glum---can add a dash to whimsy to your back or front yards. But, if you truly want your garden gnome to make a visual impact, you can't just place him in the center of your yard. You need to use a bit of imagination to create an entire world for your mythological friend. Fortunately, only your creativity limits your options.
Dig your own water garden complete with waterfall. Cut your installation cost in half and enjoy the tranquility. You do the labor, and afterward you relax in your backyard while the rhythmic waterfall splashes down. Meanwhile, the sun glistens on the water lilies and lotus flowers that bob up and down in your small pond. Create it by installing a flexible rubber liner rather than a preformed liner so you can better control the depth and shape of the pond.
Decks and gardens are the gentle merging of structures and organic property within your own home. There are a number of ways to incorporate your garden into your deck or vice versa with the proper small garden decking ideas.
You can still have a garden even if you live in an apartment or have a small yard. You may be surprised at how much produce you can harvest from just a few plants. Small space gardens are also great for those who don't have a lot of time to spend maintaining a large garden. Making a small space garden takes some planning, but the work is worth it when you eat your fresh, homegrown vegetables.
Whether a garden patch is devoted to vegetables or flowers, the scale of its border is important. To avoid overwhelming a small garden, the border should consist of relatively low-growing plants that will complement the vegetables or flowers they enclose and not compete with them. Annual and perennial plants are both suitable for borders; which to choose is a matter of personal preference and the amount of time available for gardening.
A solar garden fountain beautifies the landscape with no energy cost. Building your own provides the satisfaction of a do-it-yourself project. Transform a sunny spot in the yard into an oasis of tranquility. Create an economical water feature with a wine barrel or large ceramic pot, solar panel and pump. The necessary materials may be obtained in most areas at hardware or landscaping supply stores, or order a kit on the Internet.
Antique roses, also called "heirloom roses" or "old garden roses," produce some of the most fragrant and attractive blooms in the rose family. Identifying antique roses is not too difficult if you know a few basic characteristics. It helps, too, that antique roses just seem to appear old fashioned, perhaps because of their presence in so many old still life paintings, fabrics and china ware.
One of the most rewarding backyard projects you can take on is a vegetable garden. With some hard work and diligence your backyard can provide you with delicious homegrown produce. Getting your garden going requires some initial planning and preparation and a whole lot of care.
Small flowerbeds offer the benefit of beautifying limited spaces along apartments, rooftop gardens and next to houses. Create a tranquil setting, grow edible plants for fresh-tasting dinners or experiment with different types of landscaping styles. Decide what type of look you want and research the flowers that grow in your area. Check out magazines, drive past homes or visit local nurseries to get ideas. Find out how you can arrange a small garden bed to fit the aesthetic and practical needs of your home.
Calculating the correct amount of topsoil will prevent you from buying too little or too much. This saves you money when you go to the garden supply store. Be sure to take your measurements and do the calculations twice to double check yourself. If you still feel uncomfortable with your math, have a friend use these procedures to calculate the total cubic yardage needed for your topsoil.
Planning a small garden is a smart way to learn some basics without becoming too overwhelmed. After you plan and execute a small garden, you'll have gained the confidence, knowledge and skills to plan a larger project or expand the small garden you have created.
Formal gardens are fashionable again. This garden style features a symmetrical design, often based on geometric shapes like circles and squares. It uses clipped hedges and tiny squares of lawn rather than open fields and billowing clouds of flowers. Because the regular geometry reflects the surrounding streets and buildings, formal gardens are especially suited to gardens next to houses or in the city.
If you're trying to grow a vegetable garden in a small space, you may find it challenging, but it can be done. Patio and backyard gardeners have been producing delicious vegetables for their dinner tables for years in small gardens. The secret lies in good planning, succession planting and crop selection.
Cucumbers are a popular summer vegetable to add to salads and other dishes. They are also incredibly easy to grow in your garden if you have enough space. Being a vine plant, cucumbers grow horizontally along the ground instead of vertically like most other vegetables. For this reason, it is often difficult for people with small gardens or potted gardens to grow cucumbers. But if you stake the cucumbers, you can get them to grow vertically which saves space and allows you to grow them virtually anywhere, even on patios.
Gnomes are legendary creatures that have been part of Western culture for centuries. The tradition of placing small statues of gnomes in gardens has its roots in the 19th century, when it was thought that a gnome in the garden would bring good fortune to a home. Since then, garden gnomes have had a memorable history, filled with periods of popularity, controversy, decline and resurgence.
Creating a tier tower garden can add charm to small spaces. Tier gardening is a great way to Introduce children to begin a small garden for themselves without all the work. It can function as a herb garden or low maintenance garden for gardeners who have little time to spent gardening. A tier tower garden can be used for a host of different type of plants or garden flowers for door step decorations or patios.
Small gardens can be designed to best maximize the space by planting a variety of plants, grasses and flowers that bloom at different times of the year. Design a garden in a small space, taking note if it is a sunny or shady spot, with creative ideas from a professional gardener in this free video on gardening.
Garden totes provide an organized approach to finding and using your small garden tools quickly and easily. Totes can hold your trowels, hand rake, weed popper, gloves, masks and other small items needed while you work in the garden. Totes store the items and make them readily available each time you go into your garden.
Fountains are an exciting way to spruce up lawns, gardens or greenhouses. The sound of running water produced by a fountain can have a soothing effect, and fountains can also increase the amount of moisture in the air. Store-bought fountains can be expensive and difficult to match to your unique layout. Luckily, you can make a small garden fountain using a few flower pots, a fountain pump and some plastic tubing.
While growing up, my mother has always sectioned off a portion of the back yard to plant a few vegetables or (and) fruit. Even now she has a few green beans growing, hot peppers, tomatoes, pumpkins, and even some peanuts! There is great satisfaction of eating food you've raised.
When your outdoor space is small, advance planning is critical to get the highest yield -- and the most enjoyment -- from your garden. Flowers, vegetables, fruit and herbs can all thrive, but you need to be selective in the varieties you choose to make the most of a small area. A tiny garden space kicks your creative senses into high gear, so draft the garden plans early, leaving time to incorporate the practical requirements of successful gardening before planting season arrives.
So you have decided it is time for your own garden but don't know how to start, well this is exactly what you are looking for then. Most people think a garden is too much work, too expensive, or just not worth the effort. In reality it is quite easy if you keep it simple and start off small. Then as the years go by you can add if you want more because once you realize how good fresh produce is out of your garden you will want to make it bigger!
All organic material decays. Compost speeds up the decaying process and returns the organic material to the soil. Compost produces rich, organic material full of nutrients that plants need for exceptional growth. For small yards and small gardens, consider a simple chicken-wire bin for your compost. You can easily relocate the compost bin anywhere in the garden. Your compost should be ready in three to four months. Shovel the compost into your small garden and till it into the soil.
In small gardens, the emphasis should be on plants that have much to offer or on compact growth. The hedges suggested here are just some of the plants that could be used to mark your boundary without being dull or oppressive. Be prepared to experiment with others.
When you see signs of a small animal causing damage in your garden, to your flowers or to your car, you are left with few options for relieving this destructive and annoying invasion beyond a 24-hour yard dog, expensive surveillance and alarm systems or elaborate fencing. However, for $60 you can purchase a Hav-a-Heart trap from a local garden store that will allow you to capture the culprit without killing or maiming it. Then you can decide what to do with it-depending on whether it's a squirrel or the neighbor's cat.
Create a shovel scarecrow for your garden that can be used from spring to early winter. This scarecrow will serve as a creative decor piece for your garden, as well as a tool for scaring off black birds, deer and other animals and keep them from invading your garden.
Many people would like a garden, but think they do not have the space to grow a garden. Even if you have a small garden space, you can grow a bountiful crop of vegetables each year by conserving space and growing plants in certain ways.
Small garden tractors are the perfect solution to big yard projects. Whether making new vegetable or flower beds, hauling away wood and debris or pulling a cart, small garden tractors make even the largest lawn more manageable.
Dried twigs are used as the base of many nature crafts. These come in as many sizes, shapes, and natural hues as you can imagine. Not only are they attractive and effective in bringing a bit of nature to your home, they are free for the taking along roadsides or in wooded area. The key to creating an attractive arrangement is to gather the twigs that suit your design while they are still young and supple and drying them yourself before using them.
