Most every gardener knows some of the benefits of compost, but often they have a hard time making enough for their use.  Here are some tips to getting your composting bin working faster.

We all want to have all the compost we can get for our gardens. Compost does good things for your garden in more than one way.  It improves the tilth of the soil, which improves drainage while allowing the soil to retain water better in hot weather.  It buffers the pH of the soil, reducing that acidity of soils that are too acid, and reducing the alkalinity of alkaline soil.   Sifted compost is a good seed starting medium, great for those small seeds like carrots.

While the exact ratio of high carbon to high nitrogen materials doesn’t have to be exact, it does help to make sure that we don’t have too much of one or the other. Avoid using all one type of compost material like leaves or lawn clippings. Ratios will vary , but an even mixture of green and brown materials will keep most compost piles heating up well.

The smaller the pieces of material going into your composter the faster it will compost.  That cuts down on the work the compost pile hast to do, and it exposes more of the internal cell structure of the plant material to the activity of the pile. Chop down the size of the larger pieces with a pruner, or even use a lawn mower for larger amounts. You may want to buy a electric chipper shredder to do a thorough job.

A batch approach works best for fast compost.  Once you have a pile working, start another pile or keep your kitchen waste in a kitchen compost pail. One idea is to have a small compost bin near the house, and move the contents to a larger pile in the yard for a large batch of compost.

To get compost the fastest, it’s necessary to turn the bin or pile every day or so.  This has the dual advantage of bringing fresh composted material into the hotter center of the pile, while improving the air flow throughout the pile as well, refreshing the oxygen supply to the microbial activity in the hot middle of the pile.

The ideal moisture level is a pile that is like a damp cloth. Don’t allow it to get too wet, which can lead to a soggy slimy mess, while letting it get too dry will have things grind to a halt. With this in mind, make sure that you can cover the compost pile when the rainy season arrives. Give a few of these tips a go, and you should have more compost the next garden season.

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I have loved to cook for more than half my life. Then we bought a second lot with our property so we could have a garden. From there it only seemed right to start a great garden recipe site to go with our garden site.

My recipe site is just a newbie blog and I have a lot to work out but there are some recipes up there. It will get better with time, just like some meals are better the next day, well ours will be better every day.

We don’t grow meat in our garden, it’s strictly fruits and veggies but I don’t plan on leaving my recipe blog as vegetarian, we love meat a little too much to leave out all those recipes just because they have meat included.

I may keep a vegetarian section but my recipe site will be filled with all kinds of recipes.

What I plan to do is link through to specific cateories for recipes but I am really not sure exactly how I’m going to do it so perhaps until I figure it out I will just link to single recipes.

If your garden needs updating, you might want to consider installing a timber decking area. Decking is a lovely alternative to a hard, concrete or paved patio.Also, a timber deck creates a transition between the interior and exterior in a way that a concrete or paved patio just can’t. Your garden decking doesn’t have to be the same as your neighbour’s because there are different types of decking and different ways of building the deck.

No matter what sort of wooden decking you choose, a good timber treatment will mean that the wood will fare better in bad weather. Treated timber often looks better than untreated and it is less likely to suffer from woodworm and other problems that can affect the wood. You’ll probably be surprised by the durability and toughess of hard and solid woods. Treated and sealed timber is more weatherproof and stays looking at its best for longer.

Many people choose the attractive, warm tone of redwood as their material of choice for garden decking. Like many other timbers redwood comes in a number of different grades. Which grade you choose will determine how durable the wood is and how long it will retain its original appearance. When you are choosing redwood you need to bear in mind that color can vary from a very lightly toned red to a rich red brown color. When shopping for wood you need to know that decking comes in different grades and some grades may require a different type of timber treatment to others. Wood that is meant for decking is graded as follows: construction common, construction heart, clear heart and B grade.

You should always remember that a good deck needs a really strong foundation – if you’re going to install the deck yourself rather than employ a professional, you need to remember this. Most decks are designed to stand up to a lot of weight, which is why they need a strong foundation underneath. If you have the confidence and experience to build a large structure like a decking area, you’ll find that your local DIY store or garden centre will stock all of the materials you need. If you aren’t so confident, there are any professional firms who can build the deck for you.

Some people prefer their decking attached to their home so that the whole thing looks more of a piece, whereas others may prefer to have a free standing deck in the middle of the lawn. A main consideration is the regular maintenance that wil be required after the deck has been built. You should use wood preservatives on your deck as this helps to protect if from the weather, as well as keep it looking good. Some people choose to have their deck made from composite wood but it does not have the same warm looks or natural feel that a regular hardwood deck would have.

Well the sky in the east is just starting to light up with gorgeous shades of red, orange and yellow, just beautiful. It reminds me of why I like it here so much. I will get a few more things done in my home office before I go out for my early morning walk. I kind of like to get out before all the kids are on the side walks heading for school, so it’s early before 8am or I will leave it until just after 9.

I like living in Moncton, New Brunswick and can’t think of any better place to live. Nature is just so close you only have to look out your window to see the beauty. Well okay, right now it’s mid November and it’s cold and wet plus all the leaves are gone from the trees and my flowers are all sleeping now. We need a blanket of snow to take away that dead and gloomy look.

Looking Out My Office Window This Morning

It is easier to see all the birds in our shrubs and bushes, normally they are all hidden in amongst all the leaves. Now I can see them munching on all the nice berries our shrubs have. That will keep them coming around for most of the winter.

I am planning to increase the size of our garden again this coming spring.

Last year I planned to grow many more things than we did because I got a little more on the go than I had expected. This coming year we will have things planned out far in advance so we can do more with less confusion.

We had planned on having sunflowers growing and I didn’t even think about it until I saw others who had 3 foot sunflower plants already. I will do better this time around.

We have more birds and butterflies this past gardening season and we plan on having even more by planting the right flowers.

One of the things I like about Moncton is that it’s not a big city and there are plenty of properties that have great gardens so I spend a lot of time walking and taking pictures.

I can leave the house and head in any direction and I will find homes with something that catches my interest. This time of year we just pasted pumpkin viewing on the front porch and then as soon as that was over I started seeing Christmas decorations showing up on those same porches.

Having enough knowledge about the common plant names is the key in order for you to establish a good windowsill herb garden. Many botanical shops deal with seeds and full-grown plants using their common plant names, thus you need to be able to match these names with their scientific names. There are a lot of ways to do this. You can use plant encyclopedias and databases, because they can give you images of plants along with the list of all their names. If you have kept any of the seed packets when you bought your plants, you will observe that naming the scientific name goes hand in hand with the common plant name.

In most cases, a common plant name is the latin version of the name translated into english. Common plant names for herbs are the following: Cudweed, Duckweed, Dove, Ammania, Beggarticks, Annual, Buttercup, Conzya, Crimson Monkeyflower, among others. For the flowering types, we have the Amazon lily, baby’s breath, African lily, Alpine thistle, bells of Ireland, tulips, roses, gerber daisy, clover, Amaryllis, among others.

If you are living in a region where poisonous plants thrive and grow, being able to know their common plant names will be able to prevent any confusion if ever you or somebody you know (especially your loved ones) will be exposed to them. Various names for poisonous plants include yew, poison ivy, pokeweed, english ivy, poison hemlock, poison oak, belladonna, alder buckthorn, foxglove, monk’s hood and poison sumac.

If you have been poisoned by these kinds of plants, look for medical attention immediately. Remember that plants that are toxic shouldn’t be kept inside your home, unless you have taken the needed precautions to prevent any kind of injury. Also, some herbs can become poisonous if they are not used appropriately, therefore a lot of references list useful herbs such as garlic, cinnamons and chives as poisons for improper usage.

Despite this, knowing the common names of your plants alone isn’t really enough to make sure that you can keep them in your windowsill herb garden. You still have to make some research about your plants and ensure that you live in the proper climate for your plants too. Doing this will guarantee that your plant will live a long and healthy life. In order for you to get more helpful information, you can also watch programs that give herb garden tips on TV, as these can be helpful as well in taking care of your plants.

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My mom was a gourmet cook and also had a green thumb. It seems she always had fresh herbs right outside our kitchen to use in her latest test recipe.  I have discovered that growing an herb garden really isn’t that difficult.  In fact, it doesn’t matter if you live in an apartment or have a large yard.  The type of soil you have doesn’t matter either and growing an herb garden can be done anytime of the year.

Growing an herb garden can be started with seedlings, indoors in early spring.  When the weather warms up your plants will be ready to put in the ground outside.  Start the herb seeds in 4 inch containers in a sunny location or in a greenhouse, if you have one.  You can use a variety of containers such as flats or trays instead of the individual pots.  If you plan to use old containers thoroughly clean them with one part bleach to nine parts water this will protect your herbs from any disease organisms.

If you choose a larger container, then several herbs of the same kind or different herbs could be grown together.  For the best flavor from fresh herbs, flower heads need to be removed.  When choosing herbs, there are annuals, which grow only one year, and perrinials, which return each year.  Some of the favorite choices include basil, oregano, and parsley.  If you want to grow an herb garden outside, you could choose larger plants that include lavender and rosemary, among others.  Then, for perennials, you might think of herbs such as chives, mint, sage, etc.  Along with pinching off flower heads, if herb plants get leggy, the stems would also need to be clipped back.

If you have poor soil such as heavy clay you may want to consider growing an herb garden in a raised bed.  Raised bed planter boxes can be made easily and filled with a rich soil mixture. These boxes provide great drainage that most all herbs require.  Place the planter boxes in an area that receives plenty of sun, possibly even a spot near the kitchen for easy access.  These planters are also great for planting and growing summer veggies or spring and
summer flowers for cutting.

As you can see, methods on how to grow an herb garden is actually relatively easy.  Therefore, if you love the flavors of mint, oregano, marjoram, thyme, basil, chives, sage, tarragon, lavender, rosemary, and other herbs, this would be a great option.  Without doubt, cooking with fresh herbs creates a wonderful flavor that does not come from dried herbs.

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Of all the rose types, the Shrub Rose is somewhat confusing because a rose, any rose in fact, is actually a shrub. Most varieties of roses can be considered shrub roses including hybrids, modern roses, old garden roses, and even miniature roses.In appearance this type of rose looks like a type of shrub, hence its name. Shrub roses are a great colorful alternative to use anywhere you would plant another type of shrub.

These rose types can be used as a screen or hedge plant for privacy, as a border, in the background, and any other way you can think to use this bountiful bush. Although the flowers from Shrub Roses carry little fragrance, they do come in a wide assortment of colors. Pink, red, white, and yellow are all common colors for a shrub rose’s abundant and vibrant flowers.

Unlike many other roses, Shrub Roses are perfect for planting anywhere. They’re “plant-friendly” and can mingle into any mixed assortment of flowers. These rose types are very hardy and generally disease resistant. Rose bush care maintenance of these is easy but they are not suitable for growing roses in containers. Many older Shrub Roses can grow up to six feet in height. If desired, Shrub Roses can be trained to grow like hedges.

It’s generally the modern shrubs that are much smaller in size. Several modern shrub rose types have been popularized in recent years. Different types of ground cover rose types such as Cliffs of Dover, Flower Carpet and Jeepers Creepers have been a treasure for homeowners with sloped or uneven lawns. They also grow wonderfully in hanging baskets and containers. Regardless of the variety you choose, Shrub Roses can be a wonderful feature at the entrance to your garden or home.

If you purchase your shrub from a nursery, you’ll want to dig a hole that is double the width and length of the pot that contains your shrub. Use a sharp instrument to cut the plastic pot away. The idea here is to disturb the roots as little as possible. Once you have the plant free from its container, place it in the hole. Fill in the remaining space with loose soil and soak the plant with water. Make sure the plant is in a very sunny location. All the different types of roses require plenty of sunlight and this rose type is no different. The direct light combined with moist soil will ensure maximum flower production.

Of all the different types of roses gardening caring for these rose types is by far the easiest. The soil should always be moist. If you live in a climate that receives very little rain during the summer months, you’ll want to water your shrubs twice a week. If you’re looking for gorgeous results and optimal growth, fertilize your roses in the spring and fall with organic fertilizers. Pruning is not necessary with this shrub, as it is basically self-cleaning. Shrub roses will release their own dead foliage, creating a neat appearance through every season. Their flowering season is long flowered by very pretty ‘hips’.'  Purchase this type of shrub if you’re looking to purchase a recurrent bloomer that will profusely bloom several times annually.

Before you plant another green shrub, consider planting some different types of Roses instead. The biggest problem you will have with these types of roses are picking from the wide range of rose types available!

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Of all plant species, flowering plant identification is among the easiest. As you have the ability to see the plant’s leaves as well as the flowers it produces, you have a much higher chance of making a positive identification than if it is a plant that does not bloom. This is due to having another factor to compare against when you are researching and studying the plant.

As there are some types of vegetation that have very similar aspects, differing only in the number of leaves, the number of veins in the leaf, or the size of the specimen itself, inspecting the flowers can make the difference between not knowing what [plant you have|uncertainty] and confirmation. However, flowering plant identification should be done while the flowers are present, which limits the timetable that you can make a positive identification.

Once a plant has begun to bloom, a positive flowering plant identification can be made. This is best done well after enough of the plant has bloomed to flowers, though you should take the time to inspect the buds as well, as this data will assist in identification.

When working on flowering plant identification, you should have a good eye for detail. Just because you have the aid of the blooms to help in your identification, it does not mean that it will be a simple task. In a few cases, some rare or exotic species of plants differ slightly enough to be mistaken for a common household plant. However, these plants have different care requirements than their similar brethren. If you suspect you have acquired a rare or exotic plant, proper identification is key. In the case of some exotics, a confirmed flowering plant identification may allow you to breed the plant, which has multiple benefits.

If you are planning to do flowering plants identification, there are a few tools that you should keep on hand. You will want a plant encyclopedia to confirm the physical aspects of the plant as well as learn what the care requirements of the plant are. In addition to this, you should keep life cycle diagrams readily available. As many plants change during their reproductive cycle, this will give you clues on the identification of your plant. Finally, if you are having difficulties identifying your plants, you should keep a notebook on hand to take any notes for later reference. All of these things combined should allow you to properly label the flowering plants that you own.

When landscaping your yard you want to find things that will complement each other. Hedges along with flowers and trees can make for a dramatic enterance to your home. Planting hedges to ensure some privacy is an ideal way to incorporate them into your overall design.

Hedges are plants that are placed in the form of a wall and are available either in deciduous or evergreen varieties. Evergreen include both broad leaf and standard needle types and deciduous shrubs include lilac, rose of Sharon, azaleas and forsythias, just to name a few. Your choices when it comes to such shrubs will be strongly affected by your choice to have flowers in the warm months, or continued privacy in the cold months. Evergreen is a stand out choice for year round privacy.

Think about using evergreen broadleaf for privacy, holly is a good example. Their prickly leaves discourage both people and animals from entering your yard, potentially protecting your vegetation. In cold, windy climates where you are required to put up a snow fence each winter, many municipalities will accept a proper hedge in lieu of fencing. When it comes to beauty, a hedge is by far the winner over a fence. Your local landscaping expert will have many ideas to help you decide.

Many hedges will add flowering beauty to your yard along with privacy. Forsythia is often the first of the spring bloomers. As soon as the winter snows start to melt, forsythia shrubs send out busts of yellow, cheerful flowers that will make you smile in anticipation of the returning warmth of spring. Azaleas, a much shorter shrub, can be used to make moderate hedges, and produces beautiful blooms in dozens of colors. While flowering shrubs can make beautiful hedges and give you some privacy during the warm months, come winter they lose their leaves and they spent the cold weather bare and see through.

For taller hedges you might want to consider adding some arborvitae trees to your landscaping. These Cyprus relations grow more like shrubs and don’t tend to reach the heights of traditional Cyprus trees. If your yard is large, the hedge may be just what you are looking for to add a border or privacy. Growing well in climate zones two through seven make them ideal for most of the USA.

If you grow a hedge, especially if you want a formal look, you are going to have to do some trimming. A hedge is, after all, composed of various plants placed closely together, and each will grow in its own way and at its own pace. The result is disharmonious. Properly pruned hedges will be wider on the bottom than on top. This allows adequate light to reach the bottom of the plant. Invest in a light but effective hedge trimmer and use stakes, string and guides, placed before you start, to create an even line and appropriate look for your landscaping. If you try to shape a hedge by eye, you will end up with an uneven mess.

A hedge can become a wonderful maze with a little work. The hedge can add more then beauty to your landscaped yard, it can add elegance as well. Well worth the effort of planting and maintaining, hedges have been with us for centuries, and will be here for a long time to come.

I love sitting in my office looking out into our backyard. We have trees and shrubs that have berries and friut that attract a lot of birds. Some of the berries stay on the bushes all winter so it’s easy to see the birds.

Question About Bird Friendly Gardens.

I am trying to design a bird-type garden to put in next spring – yes I know we still have to live through this summer – but, I have the need to plan ahead. I would really like to include a crab apple tree in this area, but need some advice on what to buy/look for. Something that is both bird and people-friendly would be nice. Maybe a tree that doesn’t drop the fruit everywhere. Any ideas?

Answer.

What a lovely idea…right up there with designing a butterfly garden! As for clean, not fruit-dropping, that is a very hard call. Most of them are messy. What you need are trees whose flowers attract birds, but not necessarily produce fruit. Nature wants to bear fruit as that is its means of reproduction. Plus, many birds are attracted to fruit to eat.

These trees will not drop fruit:

• flowering plum
• spirea
• redbud
• lilac
• dogwood
• mock orange [fragrant!]

Other plants, not trees to consider:

• forsythia
• fuchsia
• honeysuckle
• jasmine
• trumpet vine

You could include a couple hardwood trees to bring in the downy woodpeckers in search of insects.