Natural materials can be used in gardens for a variety of reasons. For example, they can add character and interest to an area, they can provide a source of wildlife habitat, and they can be environmentally friendly.
If cooking leaves a bad smell in the kitchen, some people grow herbs to help disguise the smell. Herbs can be planted near a sunny window or near an oven to help with cooking smells.
We often think about watering our plants when we see the weather forecast specifying a wet or dry day. Is this the best time to water them? There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on a variety of factors specific to each individual plant. However, some drought-tolerant plants are usually watered in the spring and summer when the weather is hot and dry, and less often in the fall and winter when conditions are colder and drier. So, it's useful to check the weather forecast ahead of time to determine when watering might be beneficial for your particular plants.
I love planting plants, it is a great way to enjoy nature and find beauty in the earth. I often choose plants that I find aesthetically pleasing, or that are useful for the environment. This is sometimes difficult, as many plants are poisonous or invasive. However, if I am patient and research the plant before purchasing it, I can usually find a suitable option.
Watering: Most plants can handle a regular watering schedule, but overtime or if it is especially dry, give them a deep water soak. Directly pour water on the soil surface and use your fingers to spread it around. Remember to rain gardens! When watering ornamental plants, avoid getting water on the leaves or flowers. Periodically check soil moisture levels and adjust watering as needed. Weeding: Weeds should be pulled out by hand when they are small, before they take over an area. If you are having difficulty pulling weeds by hand, use a weed whacker with broken pieces of wood laid across the blades to chop at the weed stems. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection to avoid staining skin with weed killer. It is also important to remove competing vegetation such as grass and privet from around plants so they can get enough sunlight. Protecting Plants from Pests: Keep pests at bay by planting bug-resistant plants and using beneficial nematicides such as Bayer Advanced Action Concentrate or spinosad when necessary. Once you have identified a pest problem, coat infested plant parts with a barrier spray made of pyrethrum or neem oil.
The fruits and vegetables that we grow in our gardens are some of the most nutrient-dense foods that we can enjoy. In addition to being high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, these foods are also low in calories. As a result, they are great for weight loss or maintenance. We can use these crops to create delicious meals or add them to smoothies for a healthy boost.
