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Beware Backflow
When water flows backward through the water supply system, it is called backsiphonage or backflow. When that water is ... |
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Compost Aeration
The microorganisms in the compost pile function best when the materials are as damp as a wrung-out sponge and have many air ... |
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Compost Surface
If the microorganisms have more surface area to feed on, the materials will break down faster. Chopping your garden debris ... |
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Compost Temperature
The most efficient decomposing bacteria thrive in temperatures between 110F and 160F. Thus, the hotter the pile, the faster ... |
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Compost Volume
Compost piles trap heat generated by the activity of millions of microorganisms. A 3-foot by 3-foot by 3-foot compost pile is ... |
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Deer Deterrant
If deer are hungry enough, they will eat almost any plant. However, some plants are less appealing than others, depending on ... |
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Heavily Harvested Herbs
Heavily harvested herb plants can look untidy. Consider interplanting herb beds with annual flowers to camouflage the trimmed ... |
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Helping Herbs
Herbs can help repel insects in the vegetable garden, and provide important habitat for beneficial insects. |
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Herb Zones
Perennial herbs that are not hardy in your region can be overwintered indoors, then brought back outdoors in the spring. For ... |
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High-Nitrogen Fertilizer
Nitrogen encourages leafy growth, often at the expense of flowers and fruit. Don't use high-nitrogen fertilizers on tomatoes, ... |
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Insect Check
Want to check for surface feeding insects? Cut out both ends of a coffee can, screw it into the suspected area of infestation, ... |
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Lead in Soil
Lead in soil can be a hazard when children play in bare soil or when people bring soil into the house on their shoes. The ... |
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Morning Showers
It's best to water your yard and gardens in the morning. Night watering allows the yard to stay wet too long, inviting disease. |
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Mulching Annuals
A good mulch prevents water loss, helps control weeds, and can enhance the flower bed appearance. Grass clippings can be used ... |
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Novice Gardening
The best advice for the novice gardener is to start small; a well prepared small garden will yield plenty of produce or ... |
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Perennial Herbs
Perennial mints, including spearmint, applemint, and peppermint, are very vigorous and can become invasive. Rather than ... |
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Pesticide Alternatives
When used incorrectly, pesticides can pollute water. They also kill beneficial as well as harmful insects. Natural ... |
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Tall Sprinkling
To water vegetable and flower gardens containing tall plants that may otherwise block the spray, set sprinklers on a sawhorse, ... |
