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	<title>Starting a Garden &#187; Garden Care</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.startingagarden.net/category/garden-care/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.startingagarden.net</link>
	<description>Gardening Tips &#38; Basics On Garden Care</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:16:38 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
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		<title>Using Garden Planning Worksheets for a Successful Garden</title>
		<link>http://www.startingagarden.net/using-garden-planning-worksheets-for-a-successful-garden.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.startingagarden.net/using-garden-planning-worksheets-for-a-successful-garden.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 29 Jan 2012 01:43:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden Care]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.startingagarden.net/?p=1720</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When using garden planning worksheets, you can ensure a successful garden that will satisfy your every desire and by the envy of the entire neighborhood. Planning is a big part of designing a garden, as special consideration must be paid to every detail, from watering to soil preferences to sunlight exposure and everything in between. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When using garden planning worksheets, you can ensure a successful garden that will satisfy your every desire and by the envy of the entire neighborhood. Planning is a big part of designing a garden, as special consideration must be paid to every detail, from watering to soil preferences to sunlight exposure and everything in between. Below, find downloadable worksheets to ensure plants thrive in their ideal environments.</p>
<p><strong>1. Seed starting schedule</strong>: Start plants from seeds at their ideal times to get a head start on the season in an economical way.</p>
<p><strong>2. Garden wish list</strong>: This will ensure you have every beloved plant or flower growing in your garden. Perfect as a record for future purchases, especially if budget does not allow for all of them at one particular time.</p>
<p><strong>3. Garden notes</strong>: A must-have worksheet to keep records on the condition of plants, helping to correct any mistakes.</p>
<p><strong>4. Description of plants</strong>: This worksheet can take all the guesswork out of gardening so that you know exactly which plants are growing and where.</p>
<p><strong>5. Daily outdoor journal</strong>: The journal will ensure that plants thrive. Any problems can be quickly identified and remedied.</p>
<p><strong>6. Future garden reference</strong>: Use this worksheet for your future plantings.</p>
<p><strong>7. Garden chore list</strong>: Nothing will ever go wrong if you use your chore list and stay on top of your plants&#8217; needs. Plus, it will always be neat and without weeds.</p>
<p><strong>8. Garden contacts</strong>: A great way to stay organized with names and phone numbers of other knowledgeable gardening enthusiasts.</p>
<p><strong>Righ Click on the link and &#8220;Save Target As&#8221; to download: <a href="http://www.startingagarden.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/gardeplanningworksheets.pdf">Garden Planning Worksheets</a></strong></p>
<p>Here is a peek at what is inside the PDF File:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.startingagarden.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/seed-starting1.png"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1724" title="Seed Starting" src="http://www.startingagarden.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/seed-starting1-218x300.png" alt="seed starting1 218x300 Using Garden Planning Worksheets for a Successful Garden" width="218" height="300" /></a><a href="http://www.startingagarden.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/description-of-plants.png"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1725" title="Description of Plants" src="http://www.startingagarden.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/description-of-plants-227x300.png" alt="description of plants 227x300 Using Garden Planning Worksheets for a Successful Garden" width="227" height="300" /></a><a href="http://www.startingagarden.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/garden-notes.png"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1726" title="Garden Notes" src="http://www.startingagarden.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/garden-notes-237x300.png" alt="garden notes 237x300 Using Garden Planning Worksheets for a Successful Garden" width="237" height="300" /></a><a href="http://www.startingagarden.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/wish-list.png"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1729" title="Wsh List" src="http://www.startingagarden.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/wish-list-224x300.png" alt="wish list 224x300 Using Garden Planning Worksheets for a Successful Garden" width="224" height="300" /></a></p>
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		<title>Natural Garden Care Is Best</title>
		<link>http://www.startingagarden.net/natural-garden-care.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.startingagarden.net/natural-garden-care.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:58:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden Care]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.startingagarden.net/?p=297</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Now that warmer weather is here, you can be expected to be bombarded by advertisements for chemical products to kill weeds or fertilize your plants. Maybe you don’t want to use chemicals on your garden because you feel natural garden care is best. By using natural products, you not only help protect the environment but [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Now that warmer weather is here, you can be expected to be bombarded by advertisements for chemical products to kill weeds or fertilize your plants. Maybe you don’t want to use chemicals on your garden because you feel natural garden care is best. By using natural products, you not only help protect the environment but you’re also doing your best to take care of your children.<span id="more-297"></span></p>
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One of the most natural ways to care for your garden is to use compost. This is natural, organic matter that has decomposed and been broken down into nutrients the soil can use to feed and nourish the plants.  By incorporating the organic matter into your soil, the soil in your garden will become a living substance which will be able to ward off disease, weeds, and insects without the use of harmful chemicals. Natural fertilizers and pest control is used in place of chemicals, and they won’t bother the natural ecosystem.</p>
<p>Besides composting, you want your garden soil to be aerated. How do you do that? Well, you can physically go out to the garden with tines of a pitch fork and aerate the soil, or you can allow earthworms to do it for you. By having healthy, composted soil, you’ll create a habitat where earthworms can thrive.</p>
<p>Use companion planting. By planting vegetables by flowers or other plants, it is feasible to drive pests away. For instance, if you plant tomatoes near marigolds, the plant secretions from the marigolds will cause harmful nematodes to find another garden to infest. You can also plant garlic near plants to drive insects away.</p>
<p>Rotate your crops every year. In other words, don’t layout your garden with the plants in the same location every year. This depletes the soil of vital nutrients. For example, move the legumes into the location where corn stalks are usually placed because one places nitrogen into the soil and the other uses a lot of nitrogen. Rotating plants can also help prevent the development of some types of soil disease.</p>
<p>After the harvesting has been done, use the tiller to turn the dead plants back into the ground. This will put organic matter back into the soil and nourish it. It will also allow you to plant cover crops like clover, alfalfa, and rye which will keep the soil from becoming compacted during the winter months and can protect the soil. When it’s time to prepare your garden in the spring, you can again till the plants back into the soil to add much needed nutrients.</p>
<p>Regularly hoeing or manually weeding your garden will help keep plants healthy. They’ll be more resistant to insects and the weeds won’t be leaching the nutrients from the plants. You can also pour boiling water over the weeds to kill them. Using mulch around the plants can also keep weeds at bay and will help the soil retain more moisture.</p>
<p>If you notice that your plants are looking sickly, realize that every garden is going to have some pests. Sick plants attract predators. Add back beneficial insects such as lacewings or ladybugs to help diminish the number of bad insects in your garden. Some insects, however, may need a more direct and personal approach such as tent caterpillars; they can only be removed by hand to ensure you get them all.</p>
<p>Try using some of these ideas for natural gardening care this year in your garden. You, too, may decide that natural gardening is best. You’ll find you have better crops, you’re not poisoning the environment, and not risking poisoning the family you love.</p>
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		<title>Why Should I Use Native Plants In My Garden?</title>
		<link>http://www.startingagarden.net/why-should-i-use-native-plants-in-my-garden.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.startingagarden.net/why-should-i-use-native-plants-in-my-garden.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:35:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden Care]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.startingagarden.net/?p=422</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is some debate as to what is considered a native plant. Some people in the US think they&#8217;re plants that were growing on the continent before the arrival of Europeans or people from any other continent. But a broader definition accepted by others is any plant that grows naturally in an area without human [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There is some debate as to what is considered a native plant.  Some people in the US think they&#8217;re plants that were growing on the continent before the arrival of Europeans or people from any other continent.  But a broader definition accepted by others is any plant that grows naturally in an area without human interaction.  Either way, a native plant is not an exotic plant that has been introduced to the area and has taken over and choked out other species, or one requires constant attention and resources to get it to grow.</p>
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On the whole, native plants require less care from us.  They&#8217;re native to the area and have adapted to living off the native soil.  The exception is when you first bring them into your garden as transplants.  They do require care until they&#8217;re established, and after that they&#8217;re fine.  Starting them from seeds means they&#8217;ll establish themselves as they grow.</p>
<p>Native plants are able to handle the area&#8217;s weather.  They can survive extreme weather conditions such as hot dry summers and cold snowy winters.  They have adapted to the normal amount of available groundwater or rainfall.  In other words, you don&#8217;t have to constantly water these plants and that&#8217;s a relief to your water bill and less time spent in the garden.</p>
<p>Another benefit to planting local species is their ability to resist local pests and diseases.  They thrive and are healthy, naturally.  And for you this means cutting down and hopefully eliminating pesticide usage, which is, of course, better for everyone&#8217;s health and wellbeing.</p>
<p>Another benefit of these natural plantings is they can help slow down erosion.  This is particularly true for riverbanks, cliff tops, wetlands, ocean shores and your storm drains.</p>
<p>These reasons save us time, money, and frustration for sure, but there are also reasons to plant native that include the birds, bees and wildlife.  They depend on native species for food and shelter, plus the chance to pollinate.  In addition, the plants provide wildlife protection from predators.  The plants and the wildlife help make up our ecosystem and make for a healthier, well-rounded environment.</p>
<p>When you include native plants and grasses in your garden, you have vegetation that is not invasive, but rather fits seamlessly in the landscape, looking perfectly at home.  You are also contributing to diversity and preserving various species of vegetation and the animals that depend on it for their habitat.  </p>
<p>These are all good reasons to &#8220;go native&#8221; with your plantings.  Remember native plants when you plan your garden and keep in mind it doesn&#8217;t have to be all or nothing. </p>
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		<title>Easy Bonsai Garden &#8211; Caring For Bonsai Tree</title>
		<link>http://www.startingagarden.net/easy-bonsai-garden-caring-for-bonsai-tree.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.startingagarden.net/easy-bonsai-garden-caring-for-bonsai-tree.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:50:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bonsai]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Caring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Easy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tree]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.startingagarden.net/easy-bonsai-garden-caring-for-bonsai-tree.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[by Philip Talmage The term Bonsai refers to a plant in a pot. It is indeed a very satisfying and fulfilling hobby wherein you are creating an art of miniature landscape, garden or a tree. With this hobby you would want to create the appearance of great size, age and proportional beauty.  For this reason, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left;margin:5px;font-size:80%;"><img alt="3900712391 7df3e2a885 m Easy Bonsai Garden   Caring For Bonsai Tree" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2641/3900712391_7df3e2a885_m.jpg" width="160" title="Easy Bonsai Garden   Caring For Bonsai Tree" /><br/> by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15645561@N00/3900712391">Philip Talmage</a></div>
<p>The term Bonsai refers to a plant in a pot. It is indeed a very satisfying and fulfilling hobby wherein you are creating an art of miniature landscape, garden or a tree. With this hobby you would want to create the appearance of great size, age and proportional beauty.  For this reason, you need to grow a bonsai with strong roots that generates a sense of stability, a large trunk and well formed and placed branches. Here&#8217;s some more helpful information you need to know with regards to caring for bonsai tree.</p>
<p><a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" href="http://bit.ly/9Kx04b">Click Here For Easy Bonsai Garden Instant Access Now!</a></p>
<p>As a beginner, you need to know that there is no single wrong or correct style. The key is to for you to strive to make your bonsai trees look as natural as possible. Take a close look at your tree and let it tell you how it wants to grow, so for example, if the trunk bend to the right then let it bend that way.</p>
<p>One can start training a bonsai from a seedling, however, be warned that you will have to be very patient to see the results; this is the reason why it really takes time and dedication when it comes to caring a bonsai tree. It may surprise a novice but contrary to what they think, bonsai trees are not special in any way. They are just exactly like the trees you see around every day. </p>
<p>The most popular bonsai trees are cotoneasters, juniperus and lonicera varieties. The dwarf garden juniper can be considered as the perfect choice for beginners since they are readily available, take pruning well and are generally not costly.</p>
<p>In caring for bonsai tree, the key factor is to make sure that the tree will grow well in your own garden. Make it a point that it will receive adequate sunlight, good soil conditions and the climate.</p>
<p><a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" href="http://bit.ly/9Kx04b">Click Here For Easy Bonsai Garden Instant Access Now!</a></p>
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<p>This author writes about <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" href="http://www.slideshare.net/chrisbfenton/easy-bonsai-garden-how-to-grow-bonsai-tips-review">Easy Bonsai Garden</a> and <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" href="http://bit.ly/9Kx04b">How To Grow Bonsai Weed</a>.</p>
<p><br/>Article from <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/easy-bonsai-garden-caring-for-bonsai-tree-3272573.html">articlesbase.com</a></div>
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		<title>A Few Words on Garden Layouts</title>
		<link>http://www.startingagarden.net/a-few-words-on-garden-layouts.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.startingagarden.net/a-few-words-on-garden-layouts.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:13:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Layouts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Words]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.startingagarden.net/a-few-words-on-garden-layouts.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[by Philip Talmage Three difference between wild nature and a contemporary garden is in the layout and design. That is what separates a manicured outdoor space from mother nature and the great outdoors. Gardens are designed, cared for and made specifically for a persons personality. If you design your garden carefully it can be inspiring, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float: left; margin: 5px; font-size: 80%;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2655/3899844241_0abf7eb080_m.jpg" alt="3899844241 0abf7eb080 m A Few Words on Garden Layouts" width="160" title="A Few Words on Garden Layouts" /><br />
by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15645561@N00/3899844241">Philip Talmage</a></div>
<p>Three difference between wild nature and a <a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.contemporarygardendesignlondon.co.uk/" target="_blank">contemporary garden</a> is in the layout and design. That is what separates a manicured outdoor space from mother nature and the great outdoors. Gardens are designed, cared for and made specifically for a persons personality. If you design your garden carefully it can be inspiring, inviting and a great place to relax.</p>
<p>The complete guide to designing the procedure should be a very careful process. For example you do not want to have border after border of a single plant species just because you like it. This could ruin the overall design and feel of the outdoor space. Make sure you think about combinations of plants, bushes and trees. Allow good water drainage and lots of natural sunlight.</p>
<p>A good garden layout will include some key features, this could be anything from a water feature to a seating area or even an outdoor room created by a simple screening. It is also very important to think about shapes in your garden. Not everything has to be square and symmetrical, you could think about having some triangular raised beds or a flowing free form shaped lawn. This again can act as a fantastic eye-catching feature to your garden design.</p>
<p>For some great contemporary garden design inspiration it may be worthwhile looking at other countries and cultures. Some of the best garden designs I have seen taking on an oriental theme, as they can be both relaxing and inspiring. However my all time favourite has to be the traditional English country garden. The following lines and natural planting of the British Isles species looks incredible all year round and I particularly love the deep green lawn walkways that can take you on a journey around a vibrant, colourful and fragrant outdoor wonderland.</p>
<p>Hopefully this article has given you some ideas and inspiration for designing your own <a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.contemporarygardendesignlondon.co.uk/" target="_blank">garden</a> wonderland.</p>
<div>
<p>For more tips and advice visit this blog &#8211; <a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.contemporarygardendesignlondon.co.uk/">Contemporary Garden Design London</a></p>
<p>A great blog packed full of gardening designs and tips.</p>
</div>
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		<title>Living Christmas Tree Care for Lively Holidays</title>
		<link>http://www.startingagarden.net/living-christmas-tree-care-for-lively-holidays.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.startingagarden.net/living-christmas-tree-care-for-lively-holidays.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:28:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden Care]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.startingagarden.net/?p=1682</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Christmas tree has become a norm during the Christmas holidays. Most people celebrate this special day around their Christmas trees and there they perform the traditional gift-giving activity. For some, Christmas would not be complete without a tree to decorate on. But rather than a cut one, why not try a living Christmas tree? [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Christmas tree has become a norm during the Christmas holidays. Most people celebrate this special day around their Christmas trees and there they perform the traditional gift-giving activity. For some, Christmas would not be complete without a tree to decorate on. But rather than a cut one, why not try a living Christmas tree? You would not only feel the presence of this holiday but you get to conserve mother Earth and help the environment. Moreover, growing, nurturing and maintaining this type of plant is not complicated at all. It is just like you are taking care of a typical houseplant. Here are some of the few tips you might need in your potted Christmas tree care.</p>
<p>First you must introduce your plant both to you indoor and outdoor environment. It must feel the warm sunshine outside even for a short while to begin its growth. You may expose it on your lawn and afterwards place it on the garage or the porch. Before bringing the tree indoors, check it for insects or other bugs to ensure its health. When moved indoors, place it in a large incited tub that will help stabilize the pot and maintain water in place. Use bricks or rocks to stabilize the tree in a straight and vertical pose. Place it in a cool area, away from the sunny places including the windows.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/F7x4Euo6Z9M" frameborder="0" width="560" height="315"></iframe></p>
<p>One more factor to consider in potted Christmas tree care is the water. As for the water requirements, you must always keep the roots of the plant moist. This may be enhanced by adding up mulch into the soil to preserve moisture longer. But nevertheless, pay careful attention with over watering the plant because its roots may tend to become soggy when watered too much.</p>
<p>Now that you have your own living Christmas tree inside your home, you may start decorating it for a festive holiday season. Gather around the tree with your family and hang pieces of ornaments, stars, angels and other Christmas decorations that will help hype up the spirit of Christmas in your home. You may also add in Christmas lights but make sure that it gives off as less heat as possible.</p>
<p>Now, pay attention to this: the tree should not be kept inside the house longer than ten days. Once it gets accustomed living inside the warmth of your home, it may not survive the chill of the winter outside. Therefore time placing your tree inside your home. Once it serves its purpose for your holidays, you need to take it out of the house and plant it somewhere, either your lawn or at the forest. But if you are going to plant it in your home turf, it is advised that you dig the spot where you are supposed plant it before snow accumulates thick enough that you would not be able to dig anymore. Moreover, you must not expose it to abruptly shifting temperatures. You must again gradually introduce it to the chilling wind.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VR3TLpfXhvk" frameborder="0" width="560" height="315"></iframe></p>
<p>So you now know the essentials in potted Christmas tree care. What are you waiting for? Plan your Christmas tree plan ahead of time and celebrate Christmas with it.</p>
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		<title>Gardening: Caring for Roses</title>
		<link>http://www.startingagarden.net/gardening-caring-for-roses.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.startingagarden.net/gardening-caring-for-roses.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 03:55:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Caring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gardening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[roses]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.startingagarden.net/gardening-caring-for-roses.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A lot of people would love to consider gardening caring for roses. These flowers are among the most beautiful in the world. The usual problem though is that growing roses may become difficult if you aren&#8217;t familiar with the right methods to handle them. Here are some basic tips to follow when caring for roses. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A lot of people would love to consider gardening caring for roses. These flowers are among the most beautiful in the world. The usual problem though is that growing roses may become difficult if you aren&#8217;t familiar with the right methods to handle them. Here are some basic tips to follow when caring for roses.</p>
<p>Preliminary Set-Up</p>
<p>You can&#8217;t just plant roses when and where you want to. You have to carefully prepare the environment of your rose plant. The first decision you have to make is to look for a rose plant that will actually grow in your locality. Not every rose type will survive in your area. If you want to be absolutely sure of your rose choice, you can always ask a neighbor who grows roses for the right rose type to grow. The soil bed for your roses should also be perfectly suited. Make sure the soil is clean and that there is enough extra space so the roses do not become constricted. Make sure too that your plant will get sunlight from where it is growing.</p>
<p>Feeding</p>
<p>Roses are plants that can really figuratively munch. You should therefore have a ready store of food for your roses. Not every rose expert will agree on the right way to feed roses. Some suggest giving roses small but regular meals. There are stores that sell packed rose food but always pick a brand with lots of nutrients.</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t get too excited though. Some roses will simply not do well if you fertilize them too much. The general rule is that new rose plants should only be minimally fertilized. Only full grown roses should be given standard cup fertilizer rations. Some fertilizers are especially formulated for weekly use. These kinds of fertilizers however are not necessary. You can always opt for rose fertilizers that need to be mixed with the soil only once or twice annually.</p>
<p>Watering</p>
<p>You can&#8217;t proceed with gardening caring for roses without water. The problem though is that you can easily give too much water which can lead to diseases. Some people though don&#8217;t give enough hydration. The general guide is that roses need one to two inches of water per week. Water should be able to penetrate the soil deeply. Soil that stays moist all day could result in sick roses.</p>
<p>Cutting Stems</p>
<p>Pruning is a basic rose grooming tip you shouldn&#8217;t neglect. You can start pruning as soon as buds make an appearance. Before you cut healthy stems, remove all the dead ones first. You should then consider diagonally cutting some chosen stems. This will allow you to shape your rose plant according to your preference.</p>
<p>Spraying</p>
<p>You may opt for an organic or non-organic spray for your rose plant. There are many products that you can buy from a plant store to use for rose spraying. This is an important step you shouldn&#8217;t miss because it is one of the ways that will help prevent diseases.</p>
<p>Gardening caring for roses may be a great challenge for some. The crucial point though is to just maintain a passion for roses to make them bloom.</p>
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<p>Know the secrets of being a greenthumb. Know more concerning gardening from <a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.gardeningtips321.com">gardening tips &#8211; caring for roses and more</a> to <a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.gardeningtips321.com/ideas ">vegetable gardening brisbane</a> style.</p>
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<p>Find More <a href="http://www.startingagarden.net/category/garden-care">Garden Care Articles</a></p>
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		<title>A Discussion Of Hedge Trimmer Garden Care</title>
		<link>http://www.startingagarden.net/a-discussion-of-hedge-trimmer-garden-care.html</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:12:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Discussion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hedge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trimmer]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Hedge trimmer garden care is important to most any homeowner, gardener, and landscaping business. The trimmers aid people in maintaining neat, decorative, and well taken care of bushes and shrubs on properties. Besides being decorative, well-maintained shrubs and bushes have the ability to create defined areas within a garden or landscape. With this said, the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hedge trimmer garden care is important to most any homeowner, gardener, and landscaping business. The trimmers aid people in maintaining neat, decorative, and well taken care of bushes and shrubs on properties. Besides being decorative, well-maintained shrubs and bushes have the ability to create defined areas within a garden or landscape. With this said, the hedge trimmers&#8217; important role in the upkeep of a nice looking garden can not be stressed enough.</p>
<p>While the mentioned trimmers are a very common gardening tool, there are many different types of them to choose from today. They can run anywhere from under one hundred dollars to over three hundred dollars. Furthermore, there are many divergent features available. Given this dynamic, a consumer needs to think about the level of use that he or she will be giving to the trimmers and what the specific needs of his or her garden are. For example, a radically different type of trimmer set would be purchased to maintain a small garden than one that would be bought to take care of a farm.</p>
<p>Manual trimmers are available, as are trimmers that are powered by electricity or gas. Manual trimmers are best for small gardens, and they are also extremely useful with providing detail to bushes and shrubs. Electronic trimmers are cheaper than gas-powered ones, and they also tend to be more silent. Some electronic ones are available with cords, though these models are only practical for small gardens since the cords usually do not extend beyond one hundred feet. When the decision is made to use a gas or battery powered trimmer set, the person using the trimmers should make sure that he or she has an extra battery on hand or that the trimmers are fully loaded in the case of a gas model. Gas-powered trimmers are almost always the choice used by professional landscaping companies.</p>
<p>Some hedge trimmers of extended lengths are available. However, this feature is only of use if the gardener would like to reach higher hedges. Furthermore, some trimmers come with additional security features. For instance, some trimmer sets have the ability to make blades shut down completely for a few seconds after the handle is released. Other brands have a protective shield in front of the blades.</p>
<p>The uses of the trimmers are many, and they include maintaining bushes and hedges; harvesting fruits; and cutting grass. Each of these areas will be discussed in detail below.</p>
<p>To begin, the hedge trimmers can be used to maintain bushes and hedges. This includes shaping, trimming, and thinning them. Overall, manual trimmers are best for small jobs and also tend to offer the most precision and detail. It should also be noted that trimmers can be used to transform ordinary bushes and hedges into eccentric animal, number, and/or letter shapes. This is often done by professional landscaping companies for decorative purposes, and a combination of electronic and manual trimmers is used to this end.</p>
<p>Hedge trimmers are also used to harvest fruits. They can be used to cut fruit off of trees, which in turn makes fruit picking easier. This process also leaves unpicked fruit intact, and it prevents it from falling down. This is significant as lots of fruit falling down from trees can equate to lost revenue for a farmer.</p>
<p>Last but not least, hedge trimmers can be used to cut grass. In this instance, electronic or gas-powered trimmers are typically attached to tractors to cut grass from large properties including farms.</p>
<p>In conclusion, <a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.hedgetrimmergarden.com/">hedge trimmer garden</a> care is important to anyone who owns a home and would like to have a well- maintained garden. There are manual, electronic, and gas-powered trimmers available, and they vary in cost as well as features. Some of the many uses of the trimmers include maintaining bushes and shrubs; harvesting fruit; and cutting grass.</p>
<div>
<p>Al Smitty is a writer who loves to discuss many topics ranging from <a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.hedgetrimmergarden.com/bosch-hedge-trimmer/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Bosch Hedge Trimmer</span></a> to American football. Thanks for reading!<br />
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<p>Bermuda grass grows best in full, hot sun with frequent watering and fertilizer added two to three times a year. Cut Bermuda grass slightly shorter than other grasses with advice from a professional landscaper in this free video on lawns.</p>
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		<title>Garden Weeds &#8211; Garden’s Common Enemy</title>
		<link>http://www.startingagarden.net/garden-weeds-garden%e2%80%99s-common-enemy.html</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:56:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Weed]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Garden is a nice place to enjoy. Looking at your plants may cause you to smile especially if you really exerted your effort in making them grow and healthy. However, there are some elements that disturb your garden. At the mere sight of crawling insects that feed on your plants as well as the garden [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Garden is a nice place to enjoy. Looking at your plants may cause you to smile especially if you really exerted your effort in making them grow and healthy. However, there are some elements that disturb your garden. At the mere sight of crawling insects that feed on your plants as well as the garden weeds steals the nutrients that are supposedly for your plants, you cannot help but take an immediate action to eliminate them.<span id="more-100"></span></p>
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Garden weeds are one of the garden’s common yet threatening enemies. Annual. Biennial, and Perennial are the three types of weeds that may appear in your garden. Weeds can be removed using your bare hands but some of them, such as Perennial type is difficult to remove and may need some careful procedure to be successful in eliminating them.<br />
 <br />
To give you some basic tips on how to eradicate the presence of the garden weeds your garden, try to consider the pointers given below:<br />
 <br />
 If you notice that these foreign intruders are starting to shoot up in your garden, immediately remove them manually. This may be the safest and easiest method to remove them and it will be more effective since the weeds are still young and active.<br />
 <br />
 You can use certain type of herbicide except on windy days, provided that you will pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions. Improper use of this chemical may become beneficial for the weeds. Avoid mowing the area after using the herbicide.<br />
 <br />
To prevent the annoying greenies in your garden from coming back, it is better to pull the entire roots. A little dig will help you to do this.<br />
 <br />
Weeding may seem to demand little of your patience and effort. However, this is the only way to prevent your garden from looking wilted.</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" title="Zemified by Zemanta" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/1add1bc9-40ee-41a1-a6d3-b27ac66056a1/"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=1add1bc9-40ee-41a1-a6d3-b27ac66056a1" alt=" Garden Weeds   Garden’s Common Enemy"  title="Garden Weeds   Garden’s Common Enemy" /></a></div>
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		<title>Fall Gardening Tips</title>
		<link>http://www.startingagarden.net/fall-gardening-tips.html</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:08:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden Care]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[While things are winding down in the fall, there are still some gardening tips and strategies that you can employ. You can add some color and life to your garden, and prepare it for winter. Depending on where you live, fall can be a busy time in the garden. Here are some tips. Color Fall [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>While things are winding down in the fall, there are still some gardening tips and strategies that you can employ. You can add some color and life to your garden, and prepare it for winter. Depending on where you live, fall can be a busy time in the garden. Here are some tips.</p>
<p><strong>Color</strong></p>
<p>Fall is a colorful season, and you can add some of that color to your garden this time of year. Chrysanthemums (mums) come in a variety of yellows, bronzes, reds, and purples. Fall is the time to plant these and take advantage of the season&#8217;s colors. It&#8217;s worth noting, however, that mums will return each year &#8211; they&#8217;re perennials. So take that into consideration as you decide on their placement in your garden.</p>
<p><strong>Get the Weeds before They Seed</strong></p>
<p>Fall is the time when many weeds go to seed, sending the makings of next year&#8217;s invasion all over your yard. Thankfully, fall can be a rainy time, and wet soil is easier to pull or hoe weeds out of than dry soil. You&#8217;ll thank yourself next spring when the weeds are fewer.</p>
<p>Another word about weed control in the fall &#8211; you can lay down several layers of newspaper on your garden once the plants are spent. Anchor the newspapers with rocks or soil and, by the time spring arrives, the weeds will have been deprived of the light and air they need to sprout. The newspaper will decompose and can be tilled into the soil to enrich it, and another layer applied in the spring before planting (poke holes in the newspaper layer to plant).</p>
<p><strong>Pests&#8217; Hiding Places</strong></p>
<p>Remove the dead leaves and spent plants from your garden before winter sets in. Many invasive and annoying pests overwinter beneath leaves, boards, tools, and anything else left lying on the ground.</p>
<p>However, some gardeners like to leave a layer of autumn leaves on their garden to act as a mulch and compost in one. So depending on what kind of pests you have in your area and how cold it gets, leaving the leaves may work for you.</p>
<p><strong>Plant Bulbs</strong></p>
<p>There are a <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=lP5d3OophMM&amp;offerid=197781.10000008&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0">variety of bulbs </a>that need to be planted in the fall. If you grow garlic, it will need to be put into the garden in the fall. Flowers like hyacinths and daffodils are typically planted in the fall so they can complete their growth cycle in time to come up in spring.</p>
<p><strong>Trees and Shrubs</strong></p>
<p>Now is a good time to prune back trees and shrubs, including shrub roses. It&#8217;s also a good time to plant them. In the fall, trees and shrubs are in a dormant state, and the planting and pruning are less shocking to the plant.</p>
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		<title>Secrets On How To Creating The Best Rose Soil &#8211; To Ensure Excellent Rose Garden Care</title>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:44:08 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category><![CDATA[Rose]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Secrets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Soil]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[by Philip Talmage Successful rose garden care starts with the soil.  Although there are a variety of factors that influence the growth of a healthy rose plant, starting with the best soil for your roses will make it easier for you in the end.  Soil does not only serve as the anchor for your roses, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float: left; margin: 5px; font-size: 80%;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2451/3900748349_a14b9bcd32_m.jpg" alt="3900748349 a14b9bcd32 m Secrets On How To Creating The Best Rose Soil   To Ensure Excellent Rose Garden Care" width="160" title="Secrets On How To Creating The Best Rose Soil   To Ensure Excellent Rose Garden Care" /><br />
by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15645561@N00/3900748349">Philip Talmage</a></div>
<p>Successful rose garden care starts with the soil.  Although there are a variety of factors that influence the growth of a healthy rose plant, starting with the best soil for your roses will make it easier for you in the end.  Soil does not only serve as the anchor for your roses, it is also the main source of nutrition for your plants.  In this article, we discuss with you the considerations to keep in mind when preparing the soil.  These are: pH level, type of soil, and mulch. </p>
<p>The pH Level<br />
A soil’s pH level can be tested by purchasing home testing kits from the nearest gardening supply center.  If you are inexperienced in this area, it is better to send a sample of your garden soil to testing laboratories designed to do exactly just that.  The pH level is important because it determines the acidity or alkalinity of a certain soil sample.  Low pH levels indicate that the soil is too acidic for rose garden care, while pH levels on the higher end of the spectrum signify alkalinity.  The perfect soil pH level if you want to grow healthy roses is somewhere between 6.5 and 7.0, where 7.0 is neutral—it is neither acidic nor alkaline. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, the ideal pH level rarely occurs for most types of garden soil.  In colder regions, for instance, such as in the Northern states of the United States, the soil’s pH level is a little too low for the best care of roses.  But this can be remedied by digging in ground up limestone to increase its alkalinity.  On the other hand, soils with higher pH levels can be made more acidic by adding some sulfur or sphagnum peat in it.  These amendments to soil’s pH level should be checked periodically, at least once every year, to make sure they remain near the 6.5 to 7.0 neutral mark. </p>
<p>The Type of Soil<br />
There are two main types of soil: clay and sandy soil.  Common knowledge has it that clay soil is the best type for the care of roses because it contains minerals like feldspar and mica that retain high amounts of water.  On the contrary, soil that has too much clay in it is not good for roses because too much minerals block the passage of water and air within.  Sandy soil, on the other hand, is the opposite of clay.  It is composed of silica or quartz grains, allowing too little moisture retention and too much aeration. </p>
<p>Therefore, the best type of soil when growing roses is a cross between clay and sandy soil because it is rich in nutrients and holds just the right amount of moisture.  In fact, most un-amended garden soils are a combination of clay and sand.  You just have to work in your own improvements to make your soil as ideal as possible.  And the best thing to do that is by adding organic matter which further enriches the soil to keep your plants growing and healthy.  Organic matter is mostly made of manure and compost, which you can make by adding together amounts of biodegradable waste such as coffee grounds, fruit and vegetables peelings, eggshells, shredded bark, and the like.  Another fine type of organic matter for rose garden care is peat moss, a fibrous moss specie that holds water and air in the soil effectively. </p>
<p>Mulch<br />
The best way for successful care of roses is by mimicking the forest environment where plants naturally grow and flourish even without the help and training of human hands.  Unfortunately, a cultivated garden is not the best environment for your rose plants.  Too much summer heat causes the soil to dry up, thus reducing the nutrients accessible to your plants, and when the rains come rolling in, water gushing through the garden patches can cause erosion.  There is one solution to this problem, though—mulching. </p>
<p>Organic mulches that are made of leaves, grass clippings, wood chips, bark chips, and peat moss are the best for your roses.  Mulch is the perfect way to simulate the “forest floor” environment to insulate your roses from extremely hot weather and to absorb the running rainwater that may cause erosion and the growth of fungi and bacteria.  The breakdown of organic matter also stimulates a healthy environment for insects and earthworm, which encourages further soil enrichment. </p>
<p>As we have promised, we have presented to you the factors that determine a soil’s viability for rose planting.  You do not have to look for an area to find the best soil for your roses, you can simply make the soil ideal.  We hope that this article helped you in determining what kind of actions you can take in preparing your own rose garden soil.  Now it’s time to get out into the garden and do some little digging and testing.  Happy gardening!</p>
<div>
<p>Catherine Martin comes from a long line of passionate rose lovers, growers and enthusiasts. As an author, she is committed to demystifying the common rose, so that all who wish to can grow them easily. For more great information on <a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.rosegardeningexpert.com/best-rose-soil-mix/" target="_new">the best rose soil</a>, visit <a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.rosegardeningexpert.com/" target="_new">http://www.rosegardeningexpert.com</a><br />
Related <a href="http://www.startingagarden.net/category/garden-care">Garden Care Articles</a></p>
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		<title>How to Prepare Your Garden for Fall and Winter</title>
		<link>http://www.startingagarden.net/how-to-prepare-your-garden-for-fall-and-winter.html</link>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Sep 2011 00:54:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden Care]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Taking some time to prepare your garden for winter may make for an easier time in the spring. As the days get shorter and the cold sets in, it&#8217;s time to get your garden ready for its long winter&#8217;s nap. Here are some ideas as to how to do that. 1. Prepare for Pests and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Taking some time to prepare your garden for winter may make for an easier time in the spring. As the days get shorter and the cold sets in, it&#8217;s time to get your garden ready for its long winter&#8217;s nap. Here are some ideas as to how to do that.</p>
<p>1. <strong>Prepare for Pests and Diseases</strong></p>
<p>While freezing winter temperatures kill many insects, many of them are just lying low in dormancy. Insects, after all, have been surviving year after year for millions of years! Plant diseases, too, may seem to be vanquished only to reappear in the warmth of spring. So prepare your garden in order to decrease pests and diseases next year.</p>
<p>Remove dead plant matter, as this can harbor insect eggs and fungal spores. For annuals and vegetables, remove the entire dead plant; for perennials, cut them back to several inches above the soil.</p>
<p>Remove any other plant matter that does not belong &#8211; dead leaves (insects love to overwinter under leaves), weeds, and tree fall-out.</p>
<p>2. <strong>Compost</strong></p>
<p>Work some compost, hummus, or other organic material into the soil. If you have chickens, let them roam in the garden area and leave their little &#8220;gifts.&#8221; Over the winter, the manure will break down and be ready for spring planting.</p>
<p>Green fertilizer &#8211; or a cover crop &#8211; is another option. Rye, winter wheat, red clover, and/or rapeseed can be planted over your garden as each bed dies back. In spring, these crops can be tilled under to enrich the soil.</p>
<p>3. <strong>Mulch</strong></p>
<p>Many gardeners take the time to mulch in the fall. This protects roots against freezing temperatures and, if using cedar mulch, discourages pests. Mulch also holds in moisture during a season when most gardeners do not think to water. You can use chopped leaves or the needles and boughs of evergreens. It&#8217;s a great way to use your old Christmas tree if frost comes late in your area, or if you need additional mulch protection later in the season.</p>
<p>Covering the garden with newspaper and weighting it down with rocks is another possible approach to protecting the soil and perennials. Cut slits in the newspaper around the perennials. This prevents winter weeds and discourages pests. The newspaper breaks down and makes excellent worm food when it&#8217;s tilled under in the spring.</p>
<p>4. <strong>Trees and Shrubs</strong></p>
<p>Fall is a good time to cut back trees and shrubs that need hard pruning &#8211; just make sure it&#8217;s late enough in the season that new growth won&#8217;t start. If you apply pesticides, consider a systemic pesticide that can be applied to the roots of your trees and shrubs so that the plants will be &#8220;armed&#8221; when spring comes.</p>
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		<title>How To Make Your Summer Garden Grow</title>
		<link>http://www.startingagarden.net/how-to-make-your-summer-garden-grow.html</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Aug 2011 21:51:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grow]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Summer]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.startingagarden.net/how-to-make-your-summer-garden-grow.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For as long as there have been gardens there has been some degree of garden envy. Whether the garden is made of flowers, plants, or vegetables, there always seems to be one garden that is more prolific, greener, more colorful, or yields more food. Whatever you are envious of in the gardens of others, chances [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For as long as there have been gardens there has been some degree of garden envy. Whether the garden is made of flowers, plants, or vegetables, there always seems to be one garden that is more prolific, greener, more colorful, or yields more food. Whatever you are envious of in the gardens of others, chances are that if you take the proper time to learn about the placement of the plants, the optimal growing conditions for each plant, preferred soil treatments for each plant, and best case scenarios when it comes to sunlight and watering for the plants in your summer garden you could create a summer garden to rival the best in your locale no matter what you happen to be growing.</p>
<p>Of course it requires a great deal of time, effort, and energy to become the absolute best and your efforts may be best suited into making small improvements each year in your summer garden rather than creating a massive overhaul that may burn you out on your summer garden all together. That being said, you may find some of the information below useful when working with your summer garden to help it become the best it can possibly be.</p>
<p>The first thing you need to do is check to see what regulations exist in your state in regards to plant food. Your local county extension office is often a good place to turn for information regarding these particular regulations as they exist not only for plant food but any other restrictions that may be in place for adjusting the soil in your summer garden. Once you have the information in hand you might want to test the pH in your own soil to see what kind of conditions you currently have and what, if any, adjustments need to be made before planting.</p>
<p>You should also make sure you are aware that every decision you make in regards to your summer garden will affect the yield and output to some degree but no matter how carefully you plan there will always be events that are beyond your control. This summer alone we are seeing record rainfalls in part of the country that have flooded and devastated crops while experiencing frighteningly low rainfall in other parts of the country and a very real drought in parts of the heartland that are responsible for much of the corn and soybean production for the nation. Stuff happens and for this reason the best of plans can easily go astray.</p>
<p>With this in mind, plan your garden carefully around the things mentioned above. Each plant will have its very own needs that must be met for optimal growth and yield. If those needs are not met chances are you will still have a plant but it will not provide the best possible flowers, the most vegetables, or the greenest leaves. If average is your goal then some care is needed but not as much as if your goal was to create and grow blue ribbon winning vegetables or flowers and that isn&#8217;t everyone&#8217;s goal when it comes to creating a summer garden.</p>
<p>Keep the local laws in mind when fertilizing and feeding your flowers and plants, avoid using pesticides that could be harmful electing instead to go with methods of pest control that are more natural and humane, this is particularly important when planting vegetables as you do not want to expose your children to potentially harmful chemicals that may be used as pesticides. Grow according to the needs of the plant and within the limits of the space you have for gardening. This means that if you only have shady space available for your summer garden choose flowers, plants, and/or vegetables, that thrive in shady conditions rather than those that need copious amounts of sunlight. More importantly, plant according to those things you wish to include in your garden. It is there for your pleasure after all; you may as well get as much pleasure as possible from it. That often makes it grow best at any rate.</p>
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		<title>Learn How to Care for a Container Garden</title>
		<link>http://www.startingagarden.net/learn-how-to-care-for-a-container-garden.html</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:01:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Container]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Learn]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.startingagarden.net/learn-how-to-care-for-a-container-garden.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[by Philip Talmage Now that you have planted your flowers, foliage, or vegetables in their containers, you need to know how to care for them. Just like your outside garden, container gardens require nurturing to keep the plants productive and healthy. One of the challenges of container gardening is the fact that a pot is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float: left; margin: 5px; font-size: 80%;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/3899929193_096f1412d8_m.jpg" alt="3899929193 096f1412d8 m Learn How to Care for a Container Garden" width="160" title="Learn How to Care for a Container Garden" /><br />
by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15645561@N00/3899929193">Philip Talmage</a></div>
<p>Now that you have planted your flowers, foliage, or vegetables in their containers, you need to know how to care for them. Just like your outside garden, container gardens require nurturing to keep the plants productive and healthy.<br />
One of the challenges of container gardening is the fact that a pot is an unnatural place for flowers and vegetables to grow. Soil dries out faster and roots can become cramped.<br />
Also, the containers themselves are prone to drainage and decay problems. In addition, they need to be tended more often because they are so visible on your patio or deck. Plants that are not maintained properly can get pretty ugly.<br />
On the plus side, many containers can be moved easily, allowing you to protect plants in poor weather and to move them into sun or shade as necessary.<br />
Also, because they are well contained, managing the container plants is not an overwhelming task, nor does it require a great deal of time. If a plant should die, it&#8217;s a simple matter to replace it.<br />
Here are a few things to think about when caring for your container garden:<br />
Watering<br />
Watering is one of the most important aspects of plant care. Without water, plants will not live produce flowers, vegetables or herbs. In an outside garden, plants can extend their roots to find the moisture they need when the soil next to them runs dry. This is not possible, however, in containers.<br />
For this reason, any plant in a pot requires more regular watering than one planted in an outside garden the general rule for almost all plant varieties, whether inside or outside, is to keep the soil moist but not soggy during the growing season.<br />
If your plant has wilted leaves or flowers, it is probably stressed from lack of water. A container with a dry plant will weigh less than anyone that is properly watered.<br />
Fertilizing<br />
When a container plant runs out of food, it has nowhere to go to replenish it. Even if you buy potting mixes that contain nutrients, the plant will use them up within a month or so. Some of it is taken up by the roots and some is lost through drainage.<br />
The solution is to mix in some fertilizer twice a month with your watering, or to periodically add compost as a top dressing. The nutrient most necessary to plants is nitrogen. it helps the development of leaves and its growth.<br />
Nitrogen deficiency shows itself by turning the leaves a pale shade of green or yellow. Too much nitrogen can delay a plant&#8217;s bloom or crop.<br />
The other nutrients that plants need are potassium, for hardiness and color, and phosphorus, for root formation. Nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are available in complete fertilizer form or as separate ingredients that you can mix yourself.<br />
When you apply fertilizer, make sure that the soil is moist by watering beforehand. This will help to prevent chemical burns.<br />
Pruning<br />
Most plants will require some pruning, especially those grown in containers. Some people may be afraid to prune their plants for fear of killing them. However, if a mistake is made in pruning, it will not usually kill the plant.<br />
Pruning includes the removal of dead or dying stems or branches so that the strongest can survive. Sometimes, trimming also means clipping flowers, normally only toward the end of their bloom. This is called deadheading.<br />
Controlling Pests<br />
Pests are just as apt to visit container gardens as an outside garden. It is fortunate that pests are easier to control on plants that are planted in pots.<br />
The key to pest control starts with the plans that you select and the soil that you use. Some plants have a natural resistance to pests.<br />
Do not use soil that has been used before unless it has been sterilized. Better yet, purchase new soil for new plantings.<br />
Inspect plants periodically to check for bugs and larvae. Sometimes all you need to do is pick them off your plant leaves. Other times, they will require chemical or natural insecticides.<br />
Diseases<br />
Usually by the time you know that a plant is diseased, too much damage has been done to it to save it. These plants should be quarantined or removed. Signs of disease include rust colored leaves or spots on the plants.<br />
Container gardens are less likely to become diseased than those plants that are planted in a regular garden. And, if they should become diseased, it is easier to isolate them from the rest of the garden.<br />
Caring for your container garden is not a difficult task if you use common sense. The main thing to remember is that container gardens will dry out much faster than a regular garden. That is the most common reason that plants do not grow or produce as expected.</p>
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<p>For more information on <a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" rel="nofollow" href="http://guideforgardeners.com">Container Gardening</a> visit <a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.guideforgardeners.com">GuideForGardeners.com</a>, a website that provides tips and information on all types of gardening.<br />
More <a href="http://www.startingagarden.net/category/garden-care">Garden Care Articles</a></p>
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		<title>Trees In The Garden &#8211; Don?t Stop With Just Shrubs.</title>
		<link>http://www.startingagarden.net/trees-in-the-garden-dont-stop-with-just-shrubs-3.html</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:22:23 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Garden Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dont]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Shrubs.]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[by Philip Talmage Thinking about flower gardens brings up the images of begonias, pansies and sometimes the majestic bird of paradise as well, in ones mind. Trees, however cannot be spotted anywhere in the imaginative illustration. Nevertheless, it must be mentioned that some flowering trees can enhance the beauty of your flower garden in manifolds. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float: left; margin: 5px; font-size: 80%;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2641/3900712391_7df3e2a885_m.jpg" alt="3900712391 7df3e2a885 m Trees In The Garden   Don?t Stop With Just Shrubs." width="160" title="Trees In The Garden   Don?t Stop With Just Shrubs." /><br />
by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15645561@N00/3900712391">Philip Talmage</a></div>
<p>Thinking about flower gardens brings up the images of begonias, pansies and sometimes the majestic bird of paradise as well, in ones mind. Trees, however cannot be spotted anywhere in the imaginative illustration. Nevertheless, it must be mentioned that some flowering trees can enhance the beauty of your flower garden in manifolds. Such trees not only sport beautiful leaves, but also some colorful fruits that attract the attention of birds.</p>
<p>Proper care must be taken while venturing into the option of planting trees. They should not overshadow the beauty of your flowers by sticking out in a grand manner. You must plant the kind of trees that complement your flowers well and enhance the overall look of the garden. Avoid planting many of them if you have space constraints, else all one will be able to see in the flower garden is a dense array of big trees. Thought also must be given to the kind of fruits that are born by the trees. You wouldn’t want spending half of your time in the garden picking up the fallen fruits on the ground. If left as it is they may also rot and turn into breeding grounds for many harmful insects and diseases.</p>
<p>Trees need the same consideration while planting as the normal plants do, therefore, some research is desirable before one heads out to purchase trees for ones flower garden. Care must be taken that trees are planted in topsoil that is fertile, deep and with excellent drainage qualities. It is rare to see trees growing in the type of soil that is either very wet in nature or very dry and sandy. In the event that you don’t have the most conducive conditions for the type of trees you have in mind, you must be flexible enough to look out for the other types. You can even give thought to the idea of creating elevated beds where the appropriate kind of soil can be added.</p>
<p>Trees normally require sunlight in great abundance as compared to the flowers in a garden. Thus, one must make sure that they are planted away from other bigger trees and buildings, so that they receive their regular feed of sunlight. It is needless to state that even if provided the best conditions, a tree will normally take many years to bloom to its full potential, quite unlike the annuals and perennials in your flower garden that are expected to bloom within one season or at the maximum two. So, please learn to be very patient well in advance.</p>
<p>A famous type of tree known as Calley Pear Tree is a fairly good option for planting in your flower garden. It generally produces beautiful white flowers that lead to small round fruits later. However, precaution must be taken that they are not planted in narrow regions. A Calley Pear Tree can be grown even in challenging conditions where the soil type may not very good and is infested with a few pests too. As long as the soil is not extremely wet or poor, Calley Pear Trees will continue to grow to their full potential. The foliages of the Calley Pear Tree flowers are a visual treat as they turn from orange to scarlet and then scarlet to crimson during fall season.</p>
<p>Crab apples Trees are another feasible option for your flower garden as they bear breathtaking flowers and fruits that attract the attention of birds. Crab Apple trees require much more attention in comparison to the Calley Pear Trees, as they need frequent pruning and observation. If avoided, they can easily get infected with different insects and diseases. They also have a limitation of not being able to grow in dry and hot weather conditions.</p>
<p>Flower dogwoods can make another good addition to your flower garden as they yield amazing looking red mid-size fruits and yellow flowers during the entire fall season. At the end of fall its leaves start turning scarlet in color. To grow to their full potential, these trees need moist and deep soil that is well drained. Flower dogwoods, like Crab Apple trees don’t perform well in dry and hot climatic conditions. It may be a good idea to try mulching to enhance their growth in testing conditions.</p>
<p>The last variety of flower gardening plant trees that we’ll cover here is the flowering peach that produces pink, single flowers. If given the apt environmental conditions and good soil, this species can grow very fast, however, has the tendency to slow down if not maintained properly. One may need to regularly prune, fertilize and protect the flowering peach tree from pests. It is encouraged to not to plant these trees in wet soil.</p>
<p>There are several other types of flowering trees that you can research on to find which one will fit the best in your flower garden. What’s of prime importance while you engage yourself in growing flowering trees is patience. You need to give them good time and chance to show their capabilities. In the end, you’ll be the one who’ll be the happiest!</p>
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<p>Abhishek is an avid Gardening enthusiast and he has got some great <strong><a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.Gardening-Master.com/762/index.htm">Gardening Secrets </a></strong>up his sleeves! Download his <strong>FREE 57 Pages Ebook</strong>, &#8220;Your Garden &#8211; Neighbor&#8217;s Envy, Owner&#8217;s Pride!&#8221; from his website <strong><a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.Gardening-Master.com/762/index.htm">http://www.Gardening-Master.com/762/index.htm </a></strong>. <em>Only limited Free Copies available.</em><br />
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