Plant Tissue Culture PPT

Raised bed gardening refers to gardens whose surfaces are higher than the surrounding ground, whether they're in the yard or on a patio or deck.

Most are constructed by building large boxes to hold the garden soil approximately 8 inches higher than the surrounding ground; but, it is also possible - and sometimes quite practical - to simply mound up the soil into rows of raised beds without any additional support at all.

Some ornamental raised beds may be two or three feet high, depending on their placement in the landscape. And, some are designed as free-standing boxes that are ideal for decks and patios as well as for folks who can't or don't want to bend over or kneel to tend to their gardens.

Regardless of the design, there are many advantages to raised bed gardening:

• They can be highly productive, as most gardeners tend to plant their vegetables closer in raised beds. Properly designed, there's no need for paths between rows of vegetables, as all of the plants can be reached from outside the bed.
• The soil warms up more quickly in the spring, so most gardeners can plant a little sooner than those who garden on a more traditional plot.
• The soil won't become as compacted as soil in a traditional garden, because there's no need to walk on it.
• You have greater control over the quality of the soil. If your soil is heavy clay or very sandy, building a raised bed enables you to create a garden environment with rich, loamy soil... which you can purchase or create with the use of lots of compost.
• Garden maintenance is much easier. Intensive planting and good mulching will significantly reduce weed growth. And, since everything is easily within reach, raised beds are easier to weed and spray as necessary.
• They can be very attractive and can provide a neat and clean border between your lawn and your vegetable garden.

The only disadvantage to raised bed gardening is that there is a small up front investment of time and money; but, the investment will quickly pay huge dividends.

How to Create:

1. Choose a location that is fairly level, if possible, and one that will get at least 8 hours of sunlight each day.
2. Remove any existing turf, as this will significantly reduce the amount of weeding you'll need to do later.
3. Till the soil where you'll be adding your bed. Add sand, if your soil is heavy clay; and, add compost, regardless of the soil type. This will enable you to have both good drainage and a productive foundation for deeper roots.
4. Build the walls of your bed with untreated lumber (cedar is ideal, composite lumber is also okay), or use bricks, concrete or decorative blocks for a more decorative bed. Ideally, raised beds should be about 8 inches higher than the surrounding ground. If you're using 2 x 8 lumber on edge, secure the lumber with 2 x 4 support stakes. Drive the supports at least 18" into the ground to prevent the walls of your bed from collapsing.
5. Free-standing beds - accessible from both sides - should be about 4 feet wide. If your bed is bordered by a fence or building, make it 3 feet wide, so that you can reach into it without walking on the garden's surface.
6. If you are building multiple beds, leave enough space between them so that you can easily mow the grass or create pathways with shredded wood mulch. (Don't use shredded wood mulch for the vegetable garden, though, as it tends to deplete the nitrogen in the soil.)
7. Fill the bed with good garden soil, which can be either purchased or created. The best soil for most vegetable gardening is loamy soil that drains fairly well - that ideal medium between clay and sand. Each year you can improve your soil by adding compost and tilling your soil.
8. Plant intensively; give the plants enough room to mature, but you don't need to allow space for walking. Indeed, one of the main benefits of raised bed gardening is that you don't need to walk on the beds.
9. At the end of the gardening season, add compost to the soil and till it. Cover the soil with a layer of mulch - our favorite is a layer of shredded leaves and grass clippings, which can easily be tilled into the soil at the beginning of next season.

With a little planning, and a little work up front, you'll enjoy years of productive gardening with raised beds.

If you have a large garden, and you're thinking of converting it to a series of raised beds, the Mantis Planter/Furrower attachment for the Mantis Tiller is particularly useful for this.

Writer for Mantis and Mantis Owners.

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September can be a rather frustrating month for the gardener. Summer flowering perennials and annuals are beginning to go over and the garden can on the whole look a little sad. However, now is not the time to dwell on the fading days of summer, but to turn your mind to autumn and tidying up the garden in preparation for winter. Here a just a few of the jobs you can be getting on with in your garden during September.

September is a good month for sowing grass seed. You may have a few patches on the lawn that have become weedy or parched and in need of replacing, or you may be thinking of creating a whole new lawn. The earth is still warm enough for the seed to germinate and there should also be the right amount of rain during this month to help reseeded lawns establish before the cold weather stops growth.

Greenhouse crops should be all but over now and its time to think about clearing out and washing the greenhouse down with mild disinfectant. This will not only ensure that maximum light gets into the greenhouse during the winter months, but also deter pests and diseases. Choose a warm sunny day to do this.

Clip hedges for the last time this season. Once the temperature begins to drop, growth will then slow right down. Now is also a good time to take rose cuttings. Choose healthy stems of the current seasons growth. They will produce roots over the winter months and be ready to pot on in the spring.

In the vegetable garden, clear away any crops that have finished producing such as cabbages or peas. Harvest all those remaining crops that may be susceptible to early frosts such as marrow, squash and main crop potatoes. Pick fruit such as apples as they ripen. If you are lucky enough to have an asparagus bed, cut down the foliage at the end of the month. There are crops you can still plant at this time of the year. If the weather is fine, sow lettuce crops for winter harvesting. Winter purslane and lambs lettuce are good overwinterers. Now is also the time to sow parsley for an early spring crop and the time to plant garlic.

Remove dying annuals from borders and containers to make room for spring bedding and bulbs. Plant spring flowering bulbs in flower beds and garden planters (except for tulips which should not be planted until November). September is also the time to plant prepared bulbs such as hyacinth for indoor flowering around Christmas time.

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Winter is quickly approaching, that doesn't mean that all your hard to work has to go to waste, don't let it beat your garden. Keep yours in tip top shape by following these winter gardening tips.

Clean up

For your winter preparation, the first thing to do is remove any weeds and any diseased leaves should be removed from trees and shrubs.

Cut back any perennials in preparation for spring, these should be cut to around 6 to 8 inches above ground.

As winter approaches any annuals need to be dug up and put on the compost heap, as they will be soon past their best.

The Lawn

Fertilise the lawn in preparation for the winter weather. Fertiliser will help your lawn to battle the cold and frost. Using a fertiliser without a herbicide in it, is preferred for winter care and one with nitrogen and slow release is a good choice.

Your lawn will also benefit from the removal of autumn leaves as a build-up of these can smother the lawn. Smothering can create disease conditions and invite insects and other unwanted pests to your garden.

Only mow the lawn if necessary, depending on conditions and temperatures. Do not mow if the lawn is very wet or bad frost is expected.

Winter Mulch

Mulching over the winter protects plants from the drastic temperature changes that winter brings, as it insulates them against the cold. Mulching is best done after the first frost.

Mulch can be made from dried leaves, pine needles, shredded bark. This will provide a good layer of protection. 4 to 6 inches of mulch will be enough.

Mulch can also be used on plants in containers, perfect if you don't have room for them indoors. Cover the soil with a large amount of mulch and wrap the container in bubble-wrap!

Cleaning and storing tools and furniture

Winter is the time to give your tools some TLC. Give your tools a good clean and sharpen and oil if necessary. Store them in a cool dry place during the winter. Garden furniture should also be stored undercover during the winter weather. A weatherproof garden shed is the perfect place to store your gardening items and furniture during the winter, as they will protect your items from the elements. A range of weatherproof metal garden sheds are available from Asgard, just what you need to see you through the winter months.

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Not everyone is a gardener like Martha Stewart. Although many plants are tricky to care for, there are garden plants for the novice gardener. These easy plants are low-maintenance enough even for the neglectful gardener.

Mint

Mint does not need to be grown, only contained. The hardy herb has a tendency to spread, so plant it in a corner or in containers. Mint should be bought as seedlings and planted in early spring. Although mint does best in shade and rich soil, it will still dominate the neighborhood in any conditions. The seedlings should be planted about a foot apart and watered regularly. Mint oil acts as a deer and rodent deterrent. Uses for homegrown mint include ice tea, ice cream and after dinner refreshment.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are perfect for the absent gardener. They do not require fertilizer. They only need to be planted and watered. Nasturtiums can be used to lure aphids from other plants. They are good in salads and vinaigrette. The seeds can be used as a pepper substitute.

Garlic

Garlic is one of the easiest plants to grow. In fact, it practically grows by itself! The cloves produce bigger bulbs with a little attention to the soil and water. Less attention produces smaller cloves. However, the smaller cloves are stronger in taste. Planting the peeled cloves in fall guarantees a good harvest in spring or summer.

Green beans

Besides being a favorite dinner staple, green beans are easy to grow too! This plant feeds itself by pulling nitrogen from the air. As a bonus, it fertilizes your garden. Quick growers, are excellent as a replacement crop. Gently harvested, they can be enjoyed all summer long. Besides the familiar green color, green beans come in exotic purple or yellow hues.

Peas

Peas also gather nitrogen from the air. They're perfect for impatient planters because they can be planted before, during or after the frost. Early planted peas do fine in full sun although they prefer the shade. They should be given something to climb on to avoid fungus issues. Pea shoots are a delicacy, but children love to eat peas off the pod!

Cilantro

A quick grower, cilantro is hard to keep up with. Plantings of cilantro should be staggered for regular harvests. Cilantro should be planted in full sun. A hit in salsa and salads, cilantro works well with almost any meal.

Chives

Delicious in salads and eggs, chives are also a great substitute for onions. They should be planted after the frost under the sun or in a shaded area. For continuous growth, the stalks should be cut 2 inches from the stalk.

Mustard greens

Everybody loves mustard, which is surprisingly easy to grow. Hardy and versatile, the plant thrives in spring and fall. For the best taste however, it should be harvested before it gets too hot. Mustard lovers can have their very own condiment station in their garden.

Dandelions

Dandelions are a surprising choice for a garden, but are very nutritious. They're great in salads and soups. They give a bright yellow color to cookies and cakes. They should be kept away from areas sprayed with pesticides or herbicides.

Not everybody has a green thumb, but everybody can grow his or her own garden. Low-maintenance garden plants like these make it easy for the first-time gardener.

Poppy Lynch has been helping beginner gardeners for over 15 years. For simple, easy-to-follow gardening tips, Poppy suggests signing up for the  Woolly Green Weekly, a great source of gardening chat, products, offers and competitions. Woolly Green is a new website, for people who like to garden as a bit of an antidote to their otherwise busy lives.

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With the summer months receding into distant memory, now is the time for the astute gardener to turn her thoughts to the harsher winter months and prepare her garden accordingly. Forethought and action now can help your prized plot emerge from the wintry depths in a better condition than would otherwise be the case.

Lawns

A lawn can make or break the look of a garden, and proper pre-winter care is essential if it is to be at its best during the forthcoming year. In late autumn, give it its final mowing, making sure that the mower is set to its maximum cutting height. Also, keep raking off any leaves and debris that fall onto it from surrounding trees so that they don´t shade the grass, thereby excluding air, encouraging disease and inhibiting growth. Now is also the time to scarify the lawn with a spring-tined rake to remove dead grass, moss and other detritus, all obstacles to a healthy lawn. Then, the lawn should be aerated with a garden fork or a rotary aerator. This alleviates the soil compaction that has occurred during the year. The lawn will probably have sustained some damage after the wear and tear of the summer, so sow seed on any bare patches that have emerged, and make good any other repairs to edges and so on. Finally, a top-dressing should be applied to feed the grass and promote growth.

Flowerbeds and borders

In the flowerbeds, all the annuals, which will be dead or dying but certainly well past their best, should be dug up and put on the compost heap, while perennials should be cut back and, if required, divided to give more plants, which should then be planted in situ, or overwintered in a greenhouse. If you have any shrubs that you want to move, do it now, as it allows them time to get firmly anchored before the growing season. However, be sure to stake them, as they may need extra support while settling in. Soil loses a lot of nutrients during the summer, so dig in compost or fertilizer ahead of the next growing period. Roses should be dead-headed and cut back, so long as they are not winter-flowering, and trees and shrubs should be inspected for damage and disease, which can then be cut out. Any plants that have spent the summer outside in pots should now be returned to the confines of the house or the greenhouse before the first frosts.

Ponds

If you have a pond, cover it with some netting, which will prevent leaves etc. falling in and polluting the water. A good idea, if you have fish, is to float a small ball on the surface, so should it freeze over, you only have to lift the ball up to provide a ready-made hole for to allow the fish to breathe.

Building maintenance

Inspect walls and any other garden buildings, such as greenhouses and sheds, for wear and tear. Any weaknesses should be attended to before the inclement weather makes them worse and more costly to repair.

Garden furniture

If possible, garden furniture should be stored away somewhere safe and dry. However, if that is not possible, ensure that it is protected with weather-proof covers. And don´t forget that winter winds can be particularly harsh, so be sure that everything is weighted or tied down.

Tools

Finally, when all the jobs have been completed, it's time to turn your attention to your tools. They work hard and deserve to be treated with care, so clean and oil them well, and let them enjoy a well-deserved winter's rest in a nice, dry shed or garage.

Much of gardening in winter is the tidy up and then the prepartaion for a closed season. However there are of course things you can do for future growth, for example the drying out and storage of seeds or, as may people try, the winter treatment of seeds. Putting them into flats and then putting them outside over winter to see them germinate in spring. If you need ideas, get online and get inspired!

Graeme is writing on behalf of vegetable seeds supplier Kings Seeds

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If you are looking for a new summerhouse you might find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of options that are available. The key to deciding on the right summerhouse for you will be to really think about what is important to you and your garden.

Size
The major consideration for choosing any garden building always has to be size. No garden has unlimited amounts of space, so it is important to have a good look at how much space you can afford to use. It will normally make sense to have as large a summerhouse as your space and wallet will allow, as you will always be able to find a use for any left-over space.

Appearance
A wooden summerhouse is generally designed to be decorative as well as functional, so it is important to consider whether it will look at home in your garden. There is generally a clear distinction between traditional style summerhouses and those built to a contemporary design. The traditional buildings tend to have joinery windows made with smaller panes of glass and aesthetic features such as bevelled gables, while the more modern designs will generally feature plain windows made with a single sheet of glass and smoother lines in areas such as the gables.

Glazing
Many summerhouses come with a range of different glazing options, and upgrades can often be worth every penny. The majority of garden summerhouses come with horticultural glazing as standard; this kind of glazing can do a job for most people; however it can dangerously break into shards and so is certainly not suitable for those with children. Upgrading to Perspex or toughened glass is generally the solution as it is much harder to damage than glass, making it ideal for those with young children. The advantage of toughened glass is that it will shatter into smaller and less dangerous pieces.

Verandahs and Window Boxes
Another feature available on many summerhouses is a verandah. It is worth thinking about whether you would like an outdoor area where you can relax on warmer days, as it could mean that a summerhouse with a verandah is just what you've been looking for.

For those who like a bit of gardening, many summerhouses either come with window boxes or can have them added. Window boxes provide a great place for plants to grow, and as a result your summerhouse will soon be brightened up by some floral delights.

Assembly
If you aren't particularly handy, or would like to save yourself some time and effort, many summerhouses come with additional treatment and assembly options. With pressure treatment, you will never have to treat your summerhouse again as the timber has a preservative forced into it that will protect it from rot. A less expensive treatment option is to have a factory applied top coat; this will usually protect your summerhouse for the first year without costing a lot of money.

There are plenty of reasons for buying a summerhouse, and even more for why one summerhouse might be better than another. The only way to make sure you get the right one for you is to make sure you think about exactly what you need, have a good look around, and see which summerhouse is the best match.

Gavin Graham works for Elbec, an online store selling garden buildings, landscaping products and accessories. From log cabins and summerhouses to potting sheds and play houses, Elbec offers much more than just traditional garden sheds.

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Well, let's face it... not every visitor to your garden is a welcome one. Here are a few to be on the look-out for:

GRASSHOPPERS: These insects are Satan's gift to the world. They are incredibly voracious and will destroy your greenery overnight. They are prolific and the baby ones can eat almost as much as their parents to aid their growing bodies. We feed ours to the black widow spider or the koi.

KATYDIDS: Pretty much the same working plan as the grasshopper. The only difference is that the katydid is cuter- it has back legs/wings that look like a real leaf. Sadly, they are just as destructive.

THRIPS: Those tiny green bugs with wings that live in your grass and weeds and consume your plants. This is why it is so important to pull your weeds so thrips do not have an environment to live and breed in. Their feeding can cause discoloration, deformity and death of plant matter. There are over 20 known plant viruses currently transmitted by thrips.

APHIDS: We all know these butt-heads annoying our roses and plants. Green and numerous, they can be a heartache for a tender rose bush or unsuspecting plant. Aphids are often infected with bacteria, fungi or viruses. Fortunately there are natural enemies of the aphid, the ladybug or parasitic wasp being the strongest. Nothing gives me more pleasure than watching a hungry ladybug devour an aphid.

SNAILS/SLUGS: These vile creatures can undo all your hard garden work in just one night. Voracious eaters, they love tender new shoots and most often work at night.During the day they hide in damp places, such as under fallen logs, rocks or planters, away from the sun. We have heard many different methods to discourage snails and slugs that are safe around pets. One is to spread crushed egg shells around the base of your plant... they cannot go across the sharp shells. We have heard of the beer method, where you sit a small can lid of beer in the ground nearby and they are attached to it, go inside and die; We tried this and it did not work. We also heard of the salt method where you spread a line of salt and when they cross it it kills them... this was not effective for us, either. The best method we have found is to use the gel-like snail killer, which is the consistency of toothpaste and is spread around the base of your plants, When the slug walks through it, there is something in it that makes their skin expand and explode. Problem solved.

SQUIRRELS: Yup, they sure are cute but horribly destructive. They love to chew wires, cords, electric wires, drywall, plaster, you name it. They especially love tender young plants and fruit. They can also carry diseases such as the bubonic plague and rabies. Unfortunately the only permanent solution is not a friendly one.

Making your garden pest-free is an ongoing battle, but, oh so worth it when you can sit back and enjoy your beautiful blooms!

SHARON BLOOM is a multi-award-winning artist, photographer, recycled artist,avid gardener, author and editor of a free family-oriented daily blog called "SHARE OUR GARDEN", which shares beautiful flower photos, inspirations, recipes, garden ideas, recycled art and humor. You can sign up for free at http://shareourgarden.blogspot.com/

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Many factors come into play when choosing plants for a garden. Planting may be the answer to a specific landscaping need, such as screening an unsightly view, filling a shady corner, or preventing erosion on a slope, or you may plant simply for the sensory pleasures a garden provides. The choice of garden plants will depend on the garden's size, climate, and specific characteristics. Each plant must be suitable for the garden's conditions, whether sunny or shady and damp or dry, and soil type. Plants also must satisfy personal taste. Here are some tips for choosing the right plants to enhance any garden space.

1. Start with a plan.

The first step in planning a garden is to put pencil to paper. Draw an outline of the area to be planted, drawing it to scale. Add any landscape features, such as walls or fences, and any existing plantings or trees.

Mark the position of the existing plants and use a circle to show the amount of spread, allowing for future spread. Designating the spread of an existing tree's canopy tells you how much sun the garden will receive. This is important because plants vary greatly in the amount of sun or shade they can tolerate. Also note any variations in soil conditions, like a boggy area, which you will need to know in selecting plants based on moisture tolerance.

As you identify the plants you would like to add, mark them on the outline, again showing planting position and spread. Start with the largest plantings first, and work down in scale from trees to shrubs to ground cover and perennials to annuals and bulbs. Use a garden catalog for information about height, spread, and planting distances as well as sun and moisture tolerance. This plan will help you decide how many plants can be added to the space without overcrowding, and will become a guide when shopping for your garden plants.

2. Consider the plant's function.

Plants can serve many functions in a garden. They can act as a canopy to provide shade, a screen for privacy, or a divider to mark a space. Plants also can function as carpets, accents, or fillers. Determine the functions to be served within your garden plan and select plant varieties that will achieve those purposes.

3. Vary plants for visual interest.

A plant's shape, texture, and color play a critical role in any garden design. While the color of a plant's flower may be its most obvious feature, remember that a flower often is a fleeting thing in a garden. Thus, consider the color and texture of the leaves as well as the blooms. By using plants with different shapes, textures, and colors, you will add visual interest and definition to the landscape.

4. Choose plants for year-round interest.

For year-round interest in the garden, choose plants that bloom in different seasons. For winter interest, include some evergreen plants, deciduous trees with strong silhouettes or peeling bark, or ornamental grasses that give structure to the garden.

5. Choose plants that suit your lifestyle.

Finally, the plants you choose must suit your lifestyle. If you don't have a lot of time to spend in the garden, choose low maintenance varieties. If you have children or pets, choose plants that are not poisonous if ingested.

Poppy Lynch has been helping beginner gardeners for over 15 years. For simple, easy-to-follow gardening tips, Poppy suggests signing up for the Woolly Green Weekly, a great source of gardening chat, products, offers and competitions. Woolly Green is a new website, for people who like to garden as a bit of an antidote to their otherwise busy lives.

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Using garden furniture is the perfect way for people to enjoy their outdoor hangout. A wide variety of products are available. For instance, there are chairs, tables, benches, umbrellas and hammocks. When choosing furnishings, people should look for items that match their style and taste. In addition, it's also important for people to consider functionality while shopping.

Before making any purchases, people should explore their options. No one should ever get the first set that he or she sees. It's better to think about the furnishings carefully. Find items that complement the yard. Make sure that nothing clashes with the existing features and structures around the property. Taking the weather into consideration is also important. If someone lives in a place with harsh winters, then durability becomes a factor. Never choose something just because it looks cool. Otherwise, someone may end up with a wooden table that rots quickly.

People should start the shopping process by thinking about materials. For instance, think about a material that would best match the lawn. Would a cast iron set of table and chairs look good? If not, then maybe a wooden bench is a better option. Many people think that wooden furnishings are aesthetically pleasing. However, it's also important to know that metal is more robust and tends to last longer. Some manufacturers combine metal and wood. The wood adds a beautiful touch, and the metal increases sturdiness. Try to find a material that will not take any focus off the pretty flowers. The material should only enhance the area.

Style is another important factor during the shopping process. Garden furniture comes in a variety of designs. For instance, stores sell round, square, rectangular and oval tables. They also come in different sizes. If someone has a small yard, then he or she may opt for a table that only seats two. Those who like to have parties outside should find a bigger table with more chairs. For people to truly enjoy their outdoor space, they must buy items that are functional. For those who like to host parties, adding a Lazy Susan to the new table is a great option. It's one of the easiest ways to move food around with hardly any effort.

Besides looking at style and material, comfort is another important factor to consider. In order for people to truly enjoy their space, the furnishings must be comfortable. People should feel tranquil while sitting outside. Uncomfortable seating is one of the quickest ways to ruin the peaceful ambiance. Never choose something just because it's stylish. If possible, try to test the merchandise for comfort before checking out.

Although flowers, fountains and statues are important, furnishings are another way to give the yard a unique look. It's more fun to spend time outdoors when comfortable seats are available. No matter how their yard looks, people are bound to find the perfect set of furnishings. It's nice to sit outside during warm weather and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee. Along with that, it's a great place to have the family sit for a dinner night. If people shop around, they will find that furnishings come in a variety of materials, colors and styles. There are plenty of options for people to choose from.

Poppy Lynch has been helping beginner gardeners for over 15 years. For simple, easy-to-follow gardening tips, Poppy suggests signing up for the  Woolly Green Weekly, a great source of gardening chat, products, offers and competitions. Woolly Green is a new website, for people who like to garden as a bit of an antidote to their otherwise busy lives.

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Gardening is potentially a very rewarding task. There is nothing more satisfying than looking out your window and seeing a beautiful flower bed in full bloom or bountiful vegetable garden ripe for the picking. However, these beautiful gardens don't just spring up on their own. They need a lot of careful tending and hard work to make them flourish. There are certain garden tools that are essential for any avid gardener. Here is our short list.

A garden or digging fork is one of the most useful and versatile tools in a gardener's arsenal. It is useful for turning soil, mixing in nutrients and aerating soil. A spade can also be used to carry out these tasks. However, the tines on a fork come in handy for breaking up clods and raking out weeds and stones. Most gardeners will have both a digging fork and spade.

There are several types of garden hoes available to use for weeding and creating seed furrows, including the heart-shaped and diamond-shaped hoe. Every gardener has his or her own favorite type of hoe based on personal preference and the type of gardening being done.

Pruning shears, loppers and a pruning saw are all essential items for keeping a garden neat and tidy. Pruning shears are useful for dead heading flowers and cutting back unwanted vegetation. Loppers come in handy for cutting off twigs and small branches as well as for pruning bushes. A pruning saw is useful for cutting off dead branches from large bushes and trees.

A hori hori knife is a very versatile tool. This multi-purpose knife has a sharp, heavy serrated blade with a semi-sharp point. It can used for many gardening chores, including cutting open bags of soil, planting, weeding and light digging.

A garden cart or wheelbarrow is very useful for transporting bags of soil and plants as well as other gardening supplies and materials. A cart can also be used at harvest time to transport ripe vegetables back to the house.

Gardening trowels are another versatile type of tool that are used for a variety of garden chores. They are especially useful for weeding, planting, digging up plants and mixing fertilizer into the soil.

It's always a good idea to have a sharp-pointed shovel on hand for digging holes and breaking up dirt clods. If a flat blade or scoop is better suited for the task, you will want to use a long-handled garden spade instead.

Use a watering can or garden hose to keep plants watered. For a more automated solution, a drip irrigation system could be used instead.

When shopping for garden tools, always choose the ones made by respected manufacturers with high quality materials such as strong steel and sturdy wood. Ash hardwood is the best material for handles. It is a very strong wood that still has a bit of give to it. Also pay attention to the length, weight and angle of the tool. It needs to feel comfortable to use and fit your body type. Not every tool will be the right fit for each gardener or every gardening task. You may need to experiment before you finally come up with the perfect set of tools that fit your gardening needs. The good news is, once you do find them, quality gardening tools will last for many years to come.

Poppy Lynch has been helping beginner gardeners for over 15 years. For simple, easy-to-follow gardening tips, Poppy suggests signing up for the  Woolly Green Weekly, a great source of gardening chat, products, offers and competitions. Woolly Green is a new website, for people who like to garden as a bit of an antidote to their otherwise busy lives.

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When wood chips are sold or given away as mulch, a lot of people doubt its nutritious value for their precious plants. Maybe it's because it's quite cheap and readily available, especially if you know tree cutters or people from the recycling center. Is wood chip mulch really too good to be true?

The Good

Aside from being an inexpensive and available resource, wood shavings make for good mulch for a variety of other reasons. They look very natural especially in areas that are or were considered woodland. They won't decay very easily making them low-maintenance mulch. They also do not need to be shredded beforehand and help protect and enrich the soil the fresher they are placed. Wood chips are usually made from discarded wooden furniture, uprooted tree stumps, and wood cutting excesses. By using these unwanted pieces, we help recycle and save the planet.

The Bad

Decomposing wood shavings or chips absorb carbon and nitrogen and help make the soil more fertile. However, it is this very same characteristic that could snatch away nutrients from the plant it is supposed to mulch. This makes wood chips a bad match for shallow vegetation with short roots. Wood chips cannot be used on sloping ground as it will not cleave. It could have also originally belonged to diseased trees that contain pathogens and fungi that would not harm plants but would attack the walls and structures around the mulch creating unsightly black spots and mold.

The Ugly

These chipper byproducts get a lot of slack and are judged as good for nothing more than decorative pathways. Some claim that wood chips are a fire hazard, yet the decomposing mulch is usually moist and non-combustible. They also allegedly attract bad bugs like ants and aphids into the compost mix. Nevertheless, not all wood are created equal and cedar woods are well-known for being durable timbers that repel these unwanted insects. The nutrients wood chips absorb are also supposed to make the soil more acidic but this decrease in pH level is normal and occurs with other compost as well. Regardless, this acidity does not affect lower levels in the soil.

Each type of mulch has its own advantages and disadvantages, notwithstanding the idiosyncrasies of plant life which may make them unsuitable to certain types. This is why most gardeners mix up more than one kind. If you find wood chips a better buy for your budget, add other decomposers and fertilizers to compensate for its shortcomings.

Peach Country is the leading landscape supply company in South Jersey. Featuring all types of mulch, topsoil, pavers, mowers and tractors along with all types of small engine repairs. Peach Country is your one-stop landscape supply wholesale warehouse and also the leading mulch New Jersey company.

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Garden buildings are houses designed to be used by people when they are away from their permanent residents. The temporary structures are used to shelter people, their pets and vehicles according to what a client requires. They are located mainly in places without noise and away from any other activity. This is meant to ensure that those who come to relax will be satisfied and have their minds refreshed.

The buildings can be a good place for a father to take his family out or for a mother to go and entertain the kids. In some instances they will play games as they enjoy food and drinks. This will be a good opportunity to improve relations between the family members. In case a new-born baby has come or an adopted child, it will be like an induction of how the family relates. This will create a firm foundation to help in maintaining a healthy relationship.

People involved in some research in the field will be much pleased to find a shed when they are in the field. This will help in keeping their equipments and also host them at night. Organizations can be quite hectic to run when there is a big group of new employees who have not learnt how to mingle well. They can thus be taken to such a place and blend well and when this is transferred to the office circles, the work will be excellent.

Visiting a new place like a wild animal ranch or a forest will require some stopovers. This will be a nice point after climbing a mountain or even swimming. People will also have an opportunity as tourists to see the environment when much closer to it. Birds and monkeys are likely to hover around the buildings and the visitors may even take photographs and file them together. This will be more memorable with all their pets, vehicles and luggage being taken off.

Those planning to tie the knot as long life partners will find it effective to spend time with their best couple in such a place. This is because the secluded area will generally be good for them as they share secrets about marriage unlike at home. This also acts as a very good environment for counseling. The wind, the green environment, water and such attributes help in relaxing the mind and this will promote opening up.

When the boredom about books comes over students, they may lose the interest and concentration. However, when they are taken to a retreat and abandon the study environment, by the time they come back all will be well. They will raise their discipline and even build on their team work in case they are a playing team in certain game.

Creativity is rich in a garden building as those involved in performing arts will prefer to act from such a place. Moreover, it is also cheap to use the buildings unlike in towns. This also brings out the reality in a movie and the viewers will take delight in it if they also once had been in such a place. Singers will also use the same to develop a theme song for their audience.

A garden building is a component that will never miss for family that needs to be difference-free and companies that need a strong foundation. The quality and creative designs help in keeping the clients always loyal to seeking the services. Moreover, they come in many sizes and shape thus a wide variety to choose from.

You can get details about different garden buildings and more information about a reputable manufacturer of contemporary garden buildings, now.

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Moving to a new residence can be a daunting task. It is easy for a property owner to become overwhelmed with the numerous steps involved with getting organized in a new dwelling. One consideration to which a new homeowner should give thought is the organization of lawn equipment, tools and other household items that must be stored appropriately. Acquiring one or more garden sheds is a wise course of action for those who need additional storage space in their new home.

There are many designs and styles from which one can choose when shopping for a storage shed. Most models are manufactured for outdoor use, where objects can be organized that are too heavy or awkward for indoor storage. Outdoor sheds are also an ideal option for individuals who own seasonal items that must be packed away for majority of the year.

The model one selects is typically a matter of personal preference, and units can be found to suit virtually any taste. Units of this type can also be found in a wide price range. Below are some options a new homeowner may wish to consider:

Wooden sheds are the first choice of many consumers. This is because they are attractive and durable, and can be found in a vast array of sizes, colors and styles. Families who live in regions that experience harsh weather on a regular basis should consider garden sheds made from wood.

When shopping for a new shed, homeowners may also wish to consider aluminum or fiberglass models. While the latter are not as sturdy as models made from wood, they are inexpensive and typically very easy to assemble. They are also virtually maintenance free, which many consumers find beneficial.

Homeowners have their choice of shed kits or units that are pre-assembled. Either option provides adequate storage space, and the one selected depends on how handy a person is with such projects. Those who choose kits must make sure that they understand the instructions and have help to assemble the unit. Individuals who are not handy with do-it-yourself projects should consider purchasing a pre-assembled unit.

The size shed one selects should offer an appropriate amount of space to comfortably store each item, while at the same time providing adequate space for one to enter the structure and access the objects inside. If adequate space is not available for such maneuvers, one is at risk for tripping while attempting to reach certain objects. Those who are in doubt should select a large model over a smaller one.

Garden sheds can be purchased at local hardware stores or online. If one chooses the latter option, however, he or she must take the time to read over the terms and conditions of the purchase in case a return is necessary. It is also important to make sure that the website is secure. Regardless of where one purchases the new storage shed, most homeowners would agree that such units offer a convenient way to organize a vast array of items while at the same time adding value to their property.

For info on beautifully designed garden sheds for your yard visit garden buildings online website. If you would like to see some interesting garden shed plans

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Whether you are an avid gardener or just need to keep up with the maintaining your yard, having some sort of garden storage for tools and supplies can certainly make the job easier. Choosing the best type depends on your need as well as the space and budget you have available. Fortunately, there are many options to consider.

Avid gardeners would most likely prefer the convenience and versatility of a greenhouse. Although most homeowners typically opt for some type of large storage shed to contain their supplies and serve as a workspace for their gardening. However, if space or budget is an issue, a smaller shed, or even a potter's bench or tool caddy could do the job.

Having a greenhouse is the dream of most avid gardeners. However, they are definitely on the expensive side of garden storage options. A greenhouse would not only provide ample storage space but would also provide an indoor space for re-potting or cultivating plants prior to the official start of the season.

Unfortunately, having a greenhouse isn't a realistic option for many homeowners, either due to affordability or space restrictions. However, if your yard size isn't necessarily the issue but you'd just prefer something a little less expensive, then a large shed might be what you're looking for. A large shed would offer enough space to store all types of gardening equipment, even lawnmowers, tillers, weed trimmers and the like.

If space is more of an issue, then perhaps a small utility shed would suit your needs. They are less expensive and take up significantly less space than some of the larger full-sized sheds on the market. A smaller shed would be perfect for storing hand tools and other supplies, such as shovels, extra pots, potting soil and fertilizers.

For gardeners who live in very small houses or even apartments, a potter's bench could serve your needs quite nicely. A typical potter's bench has a nice level workspace for splitting and re-potting plants. It would also have an area for small tools, such as spades and trowels, and maybe a watering can and a few small pots.

However, there is even an option for those diehard gardeners who have very little to no space for garden storage. If you are limited to a small balcony or maybe even a large indoor window for your gardening space, then perhaps a tool caddy would suffice. A tool caddy would be a great way to store your small tools and seed packets and carry them to wherever you needed to work on your garden.

For those who are fortunate to have the space and the budget, a greenhouse is a great option for garden storage. However, for anyone who has less space or a smaller budget, there are still several options to choose from. A large or small shed, depending on your space and budget, should have plenty of space for most gardeners. However, for those with less space, or an even smaller budget, a potter's bench or a tool caddy would certainly be able to do the job.

Keeping your garden storage space arranged to optimize your organization is easy when you have the right facility. A garden storage shed makes it possible to keep tools clean and handy.

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Running a business from your home can be difficult, if you do not have a dedicated space for an office. Even then, it may be difficult to achieve the right environment and atmosphere for working. One solution, is to build an separate-office in your garden. There is a wide range of temporary and permanent ready-made or easy build structures that are suitable for use as modern garden offices. Alternatively, you can choose to have a customized office to meet all your needs.

Assess old outbuildings to see if they can be renovated to provide office accommodation. Providing the structures are solid and the amount of work required, will determine whether this is a cost-effective option, or it should be demolished and rebuilt. Any structure which already has water and electricity supplies provides too good an opportunity to miss.

The site you choose for your office and where it sits in relation to your home is crucial. While wanting to provide easy access for clients, you will want to retain the privacy of your home. You need to explore if there is a possibility of opening up another access road and introducing parking spaces that steers visitors away from your home. If there is no alternative access route, placing your office at the side of your house might be the next best option.

Placing your office building too close or attached to your house can be a problem. You may find that noise or other events happening in the house are a distraction when you need peace and quiet to concentrate on your work. If you have a space that will allow plenty of light and does not have tree branches or other obstructions blocking the daylight, it would be a perfect office site.

If you are intending to have a lot of people coming and going from your office, you will need to allow for parking in your plans. If at all possible opening up a new access road that will divert traffic away from your home is the safest option. You need to pay attention to creating a safe environment for pets and young children who like to play outside in the garden.

If you are going to have clients visiting your office you will want to create a first good impression. On the other hand if the office will not be visited by clients, you may be quite happy to opt for a usable structure, regardless of how it looks. Keep in mind that it can add to the overall value of your property should you decide to sell. Engage an architect to draw up plans for a custom-built office and bring their knowledge of the regulations to your project.

Planning and building regulations are set by the state in which you plan to build. What applies in one state may not apply in another, so take expert advise before starting your project. Failing to follow regulations and procedures can see you making errors that can be costly to rectify.

Planning and arranging for the installation of utilities and services is an important part of the project when installing garden offices. You will need as a minimum depending on the size and nature of your business, a phone line, internet access, water and electricity supplies. It will not be convenient if you have to go into the house to take telephone calls, or have a cup of tea or coffee. It will be cost-effective in the longer term to look into green and energy-saving option.

For helpful info on garden offices and Hot Tub Cabins Carry out some research into energy saving and green options to find system that will help control your costs.

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Need an extra room or a private office, garden buildings may provide that room for you. It's an inexpensive way to add extra space in your backyard. They are fairly easy to build mostly because the instructions are provided to you and lots of the equipment comes with easy snaps. So with just a little knowledge of a working hammer your building will be done in no time.

The building parts are delivered to your door usually in a packed down flat project in a box. It does not come with insulation or any of the extras just the main parts of the house. Before beginning to build make sure you have all the parts that are needed. It would be an inconvenience to stop in the middle of the project. Also it's good to plan for bad weather to possibly slow down your project.

Find the perfect spot to build a building. Check to ensure the ground is sturdy enough and leveled for your house. It may suit you to put some form of a base down; concrete is the best to make sure it is sturdy enough. The concrete base should be damp-proof to make sure there would be no possibilities of mold.

If you plan on painting your building it is best to paint it before putting it together. Take each piece apart and spread it out on the yard or some place that it can dry without being disturbed. This part can be extensive as there are many parts to the house that would need to be painted. Prepare for the paint to dry, you can try using a fast drying paint.

After painting it would benefit you to waterproof the shingles. Use a substance that would prevent water from seeping through the wood. This is very important as you would not want leaks or mold to appear. Confirm that all spots are covered and verify that it is dry before beginning your build.

It's also good to know if you will need electricity or internet connection. Plan to make some type of changes for this. For instance you may want an electrician to set up your electricity. If you need internet connections check to see if your connection can stretch from your home. Usually a wireless connection will suffice better than Ethernet.

Lastly once you're done with the building you may want to insulate the walls. This will keep the electric bill down. The insulation also keeps it warm or cooler longer. Make sure to use a foil backed high density foam and not a cheap version. This can cause major problems with your walls.

In the end you can have a project finished within a week, weather permitted, and costs less than a junk car. Forget about adding on space, having to knock down walls in your house. If you have space in your backyard it is much easier to build garden buildings then to add-on to your existing house. In not time you will have a building that fits your budget and your backyard.

A well planned landscape design requires attractive garden buildings for tool storage and plant supplies. Many homeowners create functional garden offices as private work space.

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It's the hottest part of the year, so you need to keep on top of watering your plants to make the most of it. Water at the beginning or end of the day to stop it evaporating in the heat and give it time to soak in.

Pot up any strawberry runners to get free plants!
If you want an easy way to get some extra strawberry plants, just look for any which have sent out runners - these are shoots from the main plant which have a miniature plant on the end. You can snip them off, pot them up and then plant them out next year.

Harvest veg when ready
With most vegetables, the more you pick them, the more they grow (especially beans and courgettes!) so keep picking and freeze any you can't use now. Pick vegetables like sweetcorn on sunny days for the best flavour.

Feed your tubs and containers
To keep your hanging baskets or containers looking great, give them a dose of liquid tomato feed. This can even perk up tired looking border plants.

Deadhead flowering plants
Use a sharp pair of secatuers to snip off flowers which are past their best on shrubs like roses. This means the plant will stay healthy and put its energy into producing more flowers.

Give hedges a trim
Give any hedges a tidy up now as they will stop growing once the weather gets colder. Just watch out for any nesting birds before you get stuck in with the hedge trimmer!

Regularly water your plants
Even if it doesn't seem that hot, plants can easily dry out at this time of year. Watch out for trees and shrubs becoming drought stressed and give them a good soaking. Try to use recycled or rain water where you can.

Cut the lawn often
Keep your lawn healthy by cutting it often - try to avoid cutting it too short or cutting it in full sun as it can go brown or dry out.

Check fruit crops
With a bit of luck your fruit trees should be carrying a good crop, but if all those fruit get to full size the weight can damage the branches. Pull off any fruit which is damaged, diseased or look unusually small to reduce the weight or the branches. You may need to remove more fruit to reduce the weight further - it seems a shame, but is better than damaging the tree in the long run.

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Living in a group of rooms a few floors high inside a concrete building need not be constricting and stressful. With a little guidance and abundant creativity, even the smallest cramped spaces can be turned into the haven each home ought to be. The same goes for apartment homeowners who have dreamt of their own backyards when they were kids. Here are some directional tips and landscape supply options to create that sky-high garden you've always wanted.

Stretch your garden beyond the balcony. When browsing the local landscape supply store, instead of limiting yourself to items that would fit inside your balcony, select structures that would fit inside your apartment. This goes for condo units that do not have balconies at all. With enough fresh air and sunlight entering the room, whether from a window or skylight, certain plants can be sustained indoors.

Look up. A traditional garden is on the ground, for obvious reasons. Apartment gardens, in order to contain various flora, should have small plants that are displayed vertically on a wall or stacked in shelves. Keep an eye out for landscape supplies that can be hung or are taller than they are wider. You can even use an old skid or dresser to store your plants.

Match what's to the left and right of your garden. Select a landscape theme that would complement the rest of the condominium. Whether you make it the highlight or not, the garden should harmonize with everything else in your home and agree with your central theme. Coordinate colors, shapes, sizes and textures.

Make it go a long way. Creeping and crawling vines make for a good backdrop against a vintage table and chair set. Check out your local landscape supply shop for trellises and cyclone wires that could fit your needs. Remember that these vines require a lot of maintenance before and even after you've reached the desired wall of leaves.

"SEN" it down. While you want the garden bright and lively, avoid cramming in too many things into that tiny space. Organize your landscape theme into patterns or sizes. Color-code them to make it more aesthetically pleasing. Use the Zen gardening principles of keeping things Serene, Enjoyable and Natural.

An apartment may have a lot of limitations in terms of what you can and cannot do and this can even make picking out a good theme, a daunting task. Take all these limitations in stride, think of them as a challenge to your imagination and determination.

Peach Country is the leading landscape supply company in South Jersey. Featuring all types of mulch, topsoil, pavers, mowers and tractors along with all types of small engine repairs. Peach Country is your one-stop landscape supply wholesale warehouse and also the leading landscape supply South Jersey company.

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Whether you have extra stones from a previous project or are just looking for unique designs, this list on the use of pavers might be just for you. Let the ideas here inspire you to create masterpieces out of these pavers, paving stones or stone slabs.

To start off, pavers are basically used to create garden paths and outdoor flooring. They can be wedged together for a tile effect or placed apart with gravel or grass in between.

They can have rainwater collecting systems beneath them in response to calls for sustainable landscapes. The pavers are spaced apart or made of permeable material that allows water to seep under and into ground water systems.

For sloping grounds, stairs made of pavers are a lot safer than slanting pathways. Don't forget to add a low ramp for the disabled and to allow heavy loads to be wheeled in.

These stones can also be stacked to create retaining walls that divide the sloping grounds into areas. If the wall stands alone, cap it with wider coping to provide ample seating space for a garden rendezvous as well.

Revamp your old walls by using these bricks to build on top of them. The result is a free-standing wall made of pavers that will keep them guessing.

Circular groups of these rustic stones can create fireplaces and fire pits for homeowners who love bonfires. They can also serve as walls and tabletops for outdoor kitchen gardens.

Border your garden, pool or patio with them. They can be used to add an old-world feel to your landscape.

Create elevated stages and patios using pavers. Remember to apply a cement foundation underneath for a more stable platform.

Alternate the slabs with Bermuda grass for a large game of checkers. Place elevated seating areas on either side for a better view.

You can use them indoors, too. These stones offer a better transition from the solarium or kitchen to the alfresco.

If you plan on a roof deck garden, consider lining the floor with pavers. It will add to the appeal of your high-altitude vegetation.

They can be made into pillars, benches and even a mini Stonehenge for your backyard. The limitations reside only in your imagination.

Flagstones, brick and other pavers need not be confined to pathways and floors. They are great for other outdoor design and landscaping needs as well. Their aged look will give any landscape an air of distinction and elegance.

Peach Country is the leading landscape supply company in South Jersey. Featuring all types of mulch, topsoil, pavers, mowers and tractors along with all types of small engine repairs. Peach Country is your one-stop landscape supply wholesale warehouse and also the leading pavers South Jersey company.

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Part of dealing with an emergency situation is to be prepared. The old-fashioned victory garden is a good start towards preparing for an emergency. The victory garden is from World War II British gardening, where anyone with a small plot of land, even a small front yard, would plant food crops in it, and raise them as a way to deal with rationing.

By having crops on hand, even a few plants, families would be able to make rations go further. As a victory garden is simple to prepare and raise, it makes for a great way to save on groceries now, and an emergency situation should it appear.

The most important decision is which crops to raise. For most people this will end up being non-grains, such as squash, tomatoes, and other vines and plants. Grains are disqualified simply because they require a lot space per person; as most victory gardens are small, typically less than an acre, there is simply not enough space to raise enough grain for even one person. Vines can be planted so that they take on one side of the garden, forming a wall, and plants can be put into rows or areas, making them very efficient for a small space.

The garden itself should be easy to maintain once it is set up. Most of the plants are perennials, so they do not need to be replanted each year. Also, fertilizer is easy enough to find; ash from fireplaces makes a valuable fertilizer, and any organic remainders from meals can be composted, along with yard waste. Store-bought fertilizer can always be bought and stored, and the garden requires very little compared to an actual farm. As long as the garden is watered and has some shade, it will be easy to maintain.

Depending on the size of the victory garden, it may be necessary to can some of the harvest. This simply means that a number of cans and lids need to be ready, and that they can be recycled if they are washed and stored between harvests. Although it can get messy, it is an effective way to store some of the harvest, and possibly use it as a trading item. As the garden is easy to set up and maintain, and can be used as barter, it can be a nice way to be prepared when it is hard to buy food, or at least be used to save money in non-emergency times.

RamboMoe regularly writes informative and sometimes wacky articles on his site, http://www.preparedforthat.com/. Be sure to check it out!

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