How to Take Care of Your Lawn All Year Round

As a homeowner, you need to know that your garden is a reflection of your personality. A well kept garden shows that you are responsible and know exactly what to do with your lawn, plants and flowers and when.
Let us tackle what you need to know about caring for your lawn all throughout the four seasons. Let us start with Spring.

Spring

This is the best time to maximize the beauty of your lawn. Fresh from a long winter, your lawn is set to turn green again. It is a sensitive time for your yard though as the soul is spongy, the weather is unpredictable and the plants are tender. You must address a couple of important gardening tasks.

1. Be very aware of the kind of grass that you have in your lawn. Determine whether they are cool-season or warm-season grasses. For example, fescue, rye, and bluegrass are cool-season whereas Zoysia, Bermuda, St. Augustine and centipede are warm-season grasses. By understanding the type of grass you have as well as the its peak, you can address your lawn accordingly.

2. You must avoid heavy yard work in the spring until the soil dries out. Hard raking and foot traffic can disturb the soggy soil which eventually damage new and tender grass shoots. The minute the soil is good and dry, give your lawn a good spring cleaning in order to encourage the growth of the grass. Remove the fallen debris and leaves and rake the fluff up in order to separate the grass shoots and decrease the possibilities of pests and diseases.

3. The type of grass you have influences when and how you should fertilize your lawn. Cool-season grasses must not be heavily fertilized during the spring. If the lawn is in bad shape, then this should be fertilized lightly with a balanced, slow release fertilizer. As for warm season grasses, you can fertilize these in late spring as soon as the lawn greens up. This is usually done in April or May.

4. Other spring lawn tasks includes aeration. This is best done during the peak's growing season. Then there is dethatching which is also done during the peak growing season, immediately right after aerating. Mowing must be done as soon as the lawn needs it and watering when the grass starts growing. Insect control and caring for your lawn equipment should also be looked into.

Summer

You have to take care of your lawn during summer more than spring, especially when you live in really hot states. The hotter the weather, the more effort you should exert in keeping the lawn intact.

1. Fertilize your lawn about 30 days before the hot summer temperature arrives. Use slow-release fertilizer that has a small amount of nitrogen. Follow the instructions carefully when applying fertilizer.

2. Water your lawn properly. The heat from the summer evaporates the water faster and because of this the grass needs more water in order to seep into the roots. Measure how much water you put your plants. Your lawn needs about 1 inch of water every week to stay healthy especially during the hot summer. Water early in the morning and in the middle of the day or night, whenever is convenient for you.

3. Keep children's swimming pools and plastic water toys off the lawn as these will smother the grass which cause brown spots.

4. Mow your grass to the right length. The average is 1 ½ to 3 ½ inches long, depending on the kind of grass that you have. The cool-season grasses must be kept between 1 ½ to 2 inches and the warm-season grasses must be kept to 2 ½ to 3 ½ inches. Rather than mowing weekly or biweekly, you can mow when the grass grows beyond the ideal height. Mow the lawn early in the morning or in the evening as opposed to the hottest time of the day.

5. Tackle the weeds the minute you see them growing. Use spot-treatment weed control product that is designed for lawns. Use this sparingly so that you do not burn the grass.

Autumn

Autumn is the harbinger of winter but this does not mean that you should not spend much time thinking about your lawn. Because it has cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall but this is the ideal time to prepare your lawn so that you have a green and lush one in the spring. Many homeowners think that this is the time when you can care less because the grass grows slower anyway. This is not true.

1. You have to continue mowing as needed especially throughout autumn. As soon as the season is about to end, you already let in more sunlight to reach the crown of the grass. There will also be less leaf to turn brown during the winter.

2. Aerate the soil. Fall is the ideal time to aerate your lawn so that the oxygen water and fertilizer can reach the roots of the grass. Make sure that there are holes in the soil so that you can extract the plugs of dirt.

3. Rake the leaves. This is not fun but it is very important to remove the fallen leaves from the lawn as soon as possible. If you don't, then the leaves become wet from the morning dew and the rain and it stick together, forming an impenetrable mat that suffocates the grass and is the breeding ground of fungal disease.

4. Fertilize your lawn. If there are bald spots, this is the best time to fix it. You can use a garden rake to scratch the loose soul. Spread the thick layer of the lawn and compact the mixture. Water every other day for two weeks.

Winter

Finally, you still need to take care of your garden during the winter, especially that they are battling the cold temperature. This season is unpredictable and might even put your lawn through extreme conditions so you have to monitor the weather and keep your sidewalks clear.

1. You have to clean your lawn. Do not leave debris, dry leaves or toys out on the lawn as these smother the grass and create disease conditions. These also invite insects, mice and other damaging pests.

2. You have to mow as often as you could. It might be freezing and thawing when you do this but it should be done whenever the weeds are growing longer than normal.

3. Be aware of weather conditions. The turf is very resilient and can also tolerate extreme weather but some plants may not be able to handle this in the long run. It might be worth your while to chip away the little exposed ice in the low spot especially if a winter storm or deep freeze is fast approaching.

Taking care of your lawn all year round may require so much effort from you but you will feel the reward especially when your guests compliment your hard work. You can be the judge of your own work. If you think your garden can look better, then go out there and do what you can.

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Start to Grow Herbs Today

Why not start growing your own fresh herbs? Mainly, because fresh herbs are so much better than the dried ones you buy at the grocery store. For one thing they are stronger so their flavors are better. You will notice that difference immediately.

There are other reasons to take the plunge of growing them. For example, there is cost. The dried herbs you buy at the grocery store are at best a bit costly. Also, the longer that you have these dried herbs sitting on your shelf, the less potent they become. Dried herbs have an average shelf life of just one year. With fresh herbs, you always have them on hand and you can rely on their potency.

Two more reasons to grow fresh herbs are: 1.) it is a learning experience; and 2.) it is fun. You will learn how easy it is to grow your own herbs, indoors or outside. Also, you will learn new ways to use the herbs you grow as well. Actually, you will experience the joy of planting your herb, watching it grow, harvesting its leaves, seeds, or roots, and learning how to use them often in many different ways.

You can get started immediately regardless of whether or not you have space in a yard that you can use for an herb garden. How? Simply start an indoor garden. The good news is that you don't have depend on the weather, either. You begin anytime you choose. So, follow me along and I'll show you how.

The first thing to get started is to select where you will have your indoor garden. Do you have a sunny window location that you can dedicate to it? If you don't have such a location, that's o.k. You can use a grow light.

Once you have determined the site for growing herbs, you need to select which ones you plan to grow. My suggestion for beginners is to start small. Plan to grow only three or four different herbs. Once you have success with growing and using them, you can select others to add to your garden.

How do you select the herbs to grow? Ask yourself, "what are my favorites?" Usually, beginners will select three or four from this list.

• Basil
• Chives
• Thyme
• Mint
• Sage
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• French tarragon
• Dill
• Lemon balm
• Lavender
• Lemon verbena
• Chervil
• Cilantro
• Marjoram
• Savory
• Bay
• Fennel
• Lovage
• Oregano

The more popular ones are basil, chives, parsley, thyme, French tarragon, rosemary and mint. Years ago, as a beginner, I started with basil, thyme, rosemary, and mint.

Next, you'll need to buy three or four pots for planting. The size of the pots will depend on the size of the herb plant and the space you have chosen for them. Be sure to get a pot big enough for each plant. Also, be sure to get some saucers to go under each pot. The saucers will capture any excess water from the pots when you water the plants.

There is one elegant solution to pot selection. That is to find one big pot with pockets for each herb. That way the plants share the same pot and soil, but each have their own space in which they can grow. And often there are more pockets than the number of herbs you plan to grow. So, you have spare pockets to add different herbs later. Or you could use them all immediately. Just plant several of the pockets with the same herbs from the three or four you select.

Then, fill these pots with a good potting soil. Find a potting soil that drains easily and has plenty of good nutrients in it. Generally herbs do not like to have their roots kept in moisture because many of them experience root rot when their roots are left in standing water. That is the reason that the potting soil should drain easily.

If you don't have a sunny location for your herb plants, buy a grow light. There are several inexpensive ones available. You can buy a fluorescent tube type, or a round reflector with light bulb type. Whatever the type of grow light you buy, be sure, also, to purchase a timer. Set the grow light's timer to remain on for 14 to 16 hours a day. Thus, the timer is the best way to ensure that your plants get sufficient light each day. The grow light is turned on and turned off on a regular schedule.

You can start to grow herbs either from seed or plants. When you want to start herb plants from seed, one of the easiest ways to do it is by purchasing an herb kit. These kits usually come with everything you need to get started -- seeds, pots, soil and instructions for how to get going. It does take you longer to get to the point where you can begin harvesting from your herb plants, however.

It is much easier to start with small plants which can be found at a local nursery or on the internet. Also, herb plants are not available year round, especially during the fall and winter months.

Once you have the herb plants, the pots and the potting soil, you're ready to begin you new garden. Fill the pots to within two inches of their tops. Carefully dig a hole wider than the roots of the herb plant you are potting. Pour a small amount of water in the hole and let it settle. Carefully remove the herb plant from its small nursery pot. Then, gently place the herb plant's roots and attached soil into the hole. Gently fill in around those roots and press the soil gently but firmly down. When finished, water the plant until water starts to come out onto the saucer under its pot. Then, stop immediately. Remember this procedure and use it each time you water your herbs. It is important not to overwater them.

Other important factors to keep in mind when growing herbs indoors are air temperature and air flow. The ideal temperature for growing herbs indoors is between 60 to 70 degrees. Also, be sure there is good air circulation in the room where you grow them.

Keep in mind, too, that the air inside is much drier than the air outside. So, you need to check your herbs frequently to be sure whether or not they need to be watered. If the soil in the pots is dry to the touch, then water them. Remember to water them only until the water begins to drain out of the pot onto the saucer below it. Then, stop immediately.

Also, at least once or twice a week, use a bottle sprayer filled with water and spray your herb plants. This action will protect them from the dry air indoors and refresh them.

When you start an indoor garden from small plants, you will be able to harvest herbs from your garden within a few weeks of starting. When you are ready to harvest, just snip the tops of your plants and use the leaves from them. This action will stimulate your herb plant's growth and give you more to harvest for use later.

In this article, I have shown you how you can start to grow your own herbs immediately. I have walked you through the process for getting the materials you need to get going and shown you exactly how to start an indoor herb garden, today.

Sanford H Kirkland is the owner of SHK Enterprises, LLC, the operator of the website http://www.plantyourherbs.com Plant Your Herbs. He has been growing, using, and learning about herbs for the past 39 years and is an At-Large Member of the Herb Society of America. Want to learn more about growing herbs indoors? Then, visit the Plant Your Herbs website, http://plantyourherbs.com/growing-herbs-indoors/ today.

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Three Easy Steps for Growing Tomato Plants

If you want to start growing tomato plants so you can enjoy fresh natural nutrition, this article is for you. I am going to share with you three easy steps for growing tomato plants that taste great and give you great nutrition! First I will share with you what seeds to plant. Then, I will give you the information on what your soil should be. Then I will share the basics of watering your tomatoes properly. By reading this article, you will gain a basic understanding of how to grow tomato plants naturally.

To start growing tomatoes, you will want to choose your seeds wisely. I always use heirloom seeds. Heirloom seeds have been continuously saved and used for at least 50 years. They are organic and will produce the tomatoes that produce the sweetest taste and the most nutrients. Give yourself a variety to plant and try. I believe that you can get 10 varieties for $18.

Now that you have some seeds to plant, you need some soil to grow them in! To start growing tomato plants, you will to germinate the seeds by placing the seeds in small containers with a damp seed starter mix soil. Make sure the seeds are in contact with the soil. After the seeds have sprouted, you will want to transfer the seedlings into larger containers with the following traits: proper draining, good structure, proper Ph of 5.5 to 6.8., texture and organic content. If you are new, the best place to ensure that you get the right soil, is to go to your local nursery and purchase soil for growing tomatoes. That will save you a lot of time and they will answer all of your questions about your specific area.

Finally, now that you have the seeds you will grow, and have acquired the soil to grow it in, it is time to give it life giving water. You want the soil to be damp, but not soaked and drowning in too much water. Water thoroughly, to encourage the tomato roots to seek water and nutrients deep in the soil. With an extensive, deep root system, the plants will hold up better during dryspells. When watering, soak the soil to a depth of at least 15-20 cm (6-8 inches).

Water only when your plants need it. Tomatoes like moisture, but over-watering is harmful. You not only waste water, but soggy soil will prevent the roots from getting the air they need. Now that you know how to start growing tomato plants, the right seeds to choose, best soil, and very importantly how to water it properly so that you will have happy healthy tomato plants and lots of great tomatoes.

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How to Start Your Own Compost Manure

Compost manure refers to organic materials or matter that have been made to compose by following certain procedures over a period of time to improve the soil fertility and amend the soil. Compost manure is a natural means to improve soil fertility and is prepared by collecting natural materials such as peas and beans pods, grass, maize stalks, straws, potato peelings and food leftovers. These materials are put together in a heap pit and left to decay. The materials break down into humus after a period of time and ready for use after about four months.

Important Components of Compost Manure

· Water: this is to enhance decomposition of the compost materials and to allow aeration.

· Oxygen: to ensure oxidation of the carbon hence decomposition process.

· Carbon: this is to provide energy; the oxidation of carbon produces heat that ensures decomposition is successful.

Significance of Compost Manure

· Destroying pathogens and weeds; as a result of the heat produced during the process of decomposition, the pathogens in soil such as thermophilis and mesophilis and unwanted weeds are destroyed.

· Soil conditioning; the humus and bacteria in the soil ensure aeration in the soil, oxygen,nitrogen.

· Fertilization of soil: the nutrients in the manure enhances soil fertility and and the humus hold the right amount of water hence improving soil fertility.

· Improves soil structure; that is, soil profile, water, humus, air, and the living micro organisms

· It is cheap because it uses the locally available materials

Preparation of Compost Manure

Materials needed are tools such as jembe, panga, rake, spade, organic materials, grass, bean pods, shrubs, animal waste for example cow dung, rabbit and poultry droppings and food left overs.

Water is also needed and land or site that is free from running water, away fro home but near the garden. The compost pit should be away from home because it has a bad smell.

It can be prepared by digging a pit or by heaping the materials on the ground.

Preparation of Compost Manure

Compost pit is a place where farmers make their own compost manure. Plant waste, animal manure, wood ash are put in the pit.

Steps

1. Select a suitable site.this should be a place that is so near the home but closer to the garden where the manure will be used.

2. Clear the site by cutting down the bush using a panga and a rake.

3. Prepare the pit using a jembe or spade. The pit should be 1 ft deep and of any width that the farmer wishes.

4. Collect the materials for the compost. These are grass, crop residues leaves, cattle dung, chicken, goat and sheep droppings, egg shells, ash, peas ans bean pods.

5. Put hard leaves at the base. Then put the first layer of materials you have collected. Put a layer of soil rich in organic matter on the first layer, ans the sprinkle water.

6. Repeat the above steps up to about one and half meters high.leave the hip for 3 to 4 weeks undisturbed then re-arrange the layer starting from top layer going up for another 3 to 4 weeks, repeat the re-arrangement until the 4th month and the manure will be ready for use.

7. If the material is prepare in a pit, a separate pit should be prepared so that the compost material is put there when it is changed. if it is a heap, it should be turned on the ground next to the heap.

If you are interested in starting your own compost garden and interested in buying an Australian made steel compost tumbler visit the website: http://www.compostbins.net.au/compost-tumbler/

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Using Variegated Plants in the Garden

Gardeners have long valued variegated plants in the garden. The usually lighter coloured variegation is used to lift blocks of solid green foliage in planting schemes. Variegation in plants is due to two quite distinct things. The first and the simplest is pigment variegation, where the non-green parts of the leaf lack chlorophyll. This form of variegation is a mutation, but one often encouraged by plant breeders. The second is structural variegation which creates a visual effect due to the reflection of light from the leaf surface. This happens when an air layer is located just under the epidermis resulting in a white reflection. Here are just a few of my favourite variegated plants and how to use them in your planting scheme.

Euonymus japonicus is a shrub worthy of any garden. Robust and hardy it is evergreen and will provide all-year-round colour in the middle of a border or provide you with a good screen. With this plant look out for what is known as green or 'reverted' shoots which should be removed or they will take over and your plant will lose its variegation. Ivy is another often under-valued favourite. Use it to disguise unsightly walls or fencing. It also provides a lovely contrast to brighter colours in a seasonal display.

Variegated varieties of hosta are often more attractive than single colour varieties. Try 'Fire and Ice', it will light up a shady corner of any garden. Pulmonarias or lungwort are a fine group of plants that provide masses of flowers in spring with blue, pink, purple and white varieties available. This plant can be herbaceous or semi-evergreen and has velvety green leaves spotted with white.

Persicaria 'Red Dragon' is a vigorous perennial grown for its spear-shaped purple-green leaves that have a bold central splash of purple colour. The Japanese painted fern is a deciduous herbaceous plant. It is one of the most colourful of ferns with its silver-grey fronds that are dusted with purple towards the centre. The leaves are set off by purplish-red veins and stems. They will tolerate partial shade and so look stunning picking up the light in dappled shade under a tree.

Finally dead nettle or lamium adds under-stated elegance to a shady area. They make superb ground cover and have nettle-like flowers of pink, purple or white in summer. They are evergreen in all but the most severe winters and so make them an excellent choice for winter garden planters teamed with winter pansies and polyanthus.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jo_Poultney