Diamond Garden Buzz

The Daffodil is the birth flower for the month of March, representing rebirth, rejuvention, friendship, warmth and regard. Daffodils are perennial bulbs of the Narcissus species that will bloom six weeks to six months, depending on where you live and the type of cultivars you grow. Daffodils are renown world wide for their charm and beauty.

Narcissus in the Latin or botanical name for the commonly called daffodil and Daffodil is the common name for all members of the genus Narcissus. The two words mean the same (Narcissus & Daffodil).

There are at least 25 different species of daffodils, some are not cultivated to the same extent as others. There are over 13,00 different hybrid varities available. Having this large number to choose form, it shows that Daffodils are very popular spring blooming flowers that are cultivated world wide.

There are thirteen descriptive divisions of daffodils. Divisions are (#1)Trumpet Daffodils, (#2) Large-Cupped Daffodils, (#3) Small-Cupped Daffodils, (#4) Double Daffodils, (#5) Traindrus Daffodils, (#6) Cyclamineus Daffodils, (#7) Jonquilla Daffodils, (#8) Tazetta Daffodils, (#9) Poeticus Daffodils, (#10) Bulbocdium Hybrids, (#11) Split-Cupped Daffodils, (#12) Miscellaneous Daffodils, (#13) Consists of the wild, natural daffodils. The American Daffodil Socciety has beautiful photographs showing the divisions.

Daffodils are easy to grow and require low care. Daffodils require a soil with good drainage. Preparing the soil for planting your daffodil bulbs is most of the work. After they are planted at the proper depth, make sure they are watered correctly and fertilize them during their growing season. Daffodils are actually maintenance free until a few years later when you want to divide your bulbs. You may want to read a previous article on my site, on How to Prepare the Soil for Planting Bulbs.　

People need to be aware that the whole daffodil plant is poisonous;it contains two poisonous alkaloids, narcissine (lycorine) and galantamine as well as glycoside scillaine (scillitoxin). Only certain insects can eat the daffodil leaves and bulbs with immunity. Squirrels and rodents will not eat daffoidils, but may dig them up. There have been some incidents of daffodil bulbs mistaken as onions for cooking. Ingesting daffodil bulbs can can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Do not plant edible plants and vegetables near daffodils. To prevent poisoning, by daffodils, store any unused bulbs in a plastic bag and write  DAFFODIL BULBS on the label. Keep them in a separate storage plave away from any root vegetables or edibles you have at home.

Under good growing conditions daffodils will multiply to increase the amount of bulbs you have. There are two ways they multiply. By bulb division after new bulblets develop, which will cause exact copies of the flower. It may take two years or more to increase the amount of bulbs under the ground but it is well worth the wait. Daffodils can also be started from seeds where new and different flowers will result. The wait for a bloom for a plant grown from seed is about 5 years.

During the stay indoors days of winter you can also Force Daffodils to grow inside just like other types of bulbs. Grow some spring flowers inside to bring cheer and joy.

Below are three videos, the first is on How to Find the right Daffodils, second is on Dividing Daffodils and the third is a poem written in 1804 by William Wordsworth. Hope you enjoy them.

Daffodils

The Violet (Viola) is the birth flower for the month of February, which symbolizes faithfulness, humility and chastity. Most wild violets are perennial plants, also some are annuals that are cultivated in gardens, and a few are small shrubs. There are around 400 to 500 species that are distributed around the world. These small plants are grown as ornamental flowers in rock gardens and borders.

Violets are ideal for growing in shady areas and can spread all over if not controlled. Violets have fragrant leaves and flowers that have been cultivated for cooking and medicine purposes for thousands of year. Violets grow 4 to 8 inches tall.

The Violet flower is the plant desiganated as the state flower for Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. The hardy perennial that grows wild in these four states flowers in the early spring in fields and lawns.

Violets need to grow in semi-shade and are tolerant if they do not dry out. The plants need to be protected in the hot afternoon sun in hot climates. So select the correct area in your yard before planting violets. The are also ideal for growing in containes with the right care.

The soil should not be too acidic. Soil pH needs to range between 6.0 – 7.5. Violets like a moderately heavy rich soil. Violets can directly seeded in the ground or started indoors early and transplanted outdoors as soon as weather allows. Space them 6″ apart Soil should be moist but not wet. Violets perfer cool to warm climates. Add a general fertilizer when planting and once a month during tthe growing season.

Violets are edible to be added to salads, used as garnishes in chilled soups, and decorations in festive punshes. The Sweet Violets can also be used to make butters, spreads, vinegars and jellies. Violets can also be sugar coated with egg whites and fine sugar to decorate cakes and pastries. Tea can be make by soaking the flower petals in boiling water to make syrup for cooking many types of edibles. Violets have even been used for medicine throughout the years.

As you can see not only are violets pretty in the garden, but also have many other uses.

Violets (violas) are usually the first seedlings in nurseries for sale in the spring. So enjoy checking the different varieties available in your area.

Hummingbirds are the most fascinating and unique birds as far as I am concerned. Their captivating actions furnish entertaining moments throughtout the Spring and Summer months right in my own backyard. Family and friends enjoy sitting out on the patio to watch our hummingbird friends after their migration from their winter homes. It is never boring as the hummingbirds are not shy and actually fly in close to entertain everyone.

There are many plants that attract these wonderful birds. I do not place hummingbird feeders out to feed them liquid nectar, as the feeders need a lot of attention to keep them sanitary and safe. Feeders need to be cleaned throughly every 3-4 days to guard against transmitting germs and diseases to hummingbirds. I love watching the hummingbirds move around my yard and visiting the different plants that we maintain for their use. Natures’ way allows the hummingbirds to choose their favorite plants for nourishment.

There are many species of plants that will attract the hummingbirds. I have planted various plants in different locations, as these wonderful hummingbirds can become very territorial when it comes to plants and feeders. They will defend and chase each other away from the plants, and also the liquid feeders. When the food source (plants and feeders) are not grouped together in an area, it allows more hummingbirds to feed without having to fight amongst themselves. A distance of six feet apart or more between plants and feeders seems to be best and cuts down on the territorial fighting between the hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds must eat more than their weight in food in order to survive every day. The energy stored by the end of the day is usually just enough to survive overnight. They get most of the protein from eating small insects, beetles, ants, mosquitos, wasp and aphids every day.

Here is the recipe for making Hummingbird Nectar in case you would like to use the liquid to feed your visiting hummingbirds: Mix 1 part white sugar and 4 parts water. Boil the mixture and let cool. Fill your feeder and store the leftover in the refrigerator. The reason for boiling is not to make syrup, but to drive out the chlorine in the water and to kill mold and yeast spores that might be in the sugar. This will help make the nectar last longer both in the feeder and in your refrigerator.

Living in zone 9 in California provides ideal weather conditions for many different types of plants. The olny draw back is sometimes the extreme high heat temperatures, but there are plenty advantages also.

The following plants are usually somewhwere in my yard every year. Hummingbirds are frequently flying around at different times during the day and evenings before dusk arrives, as hummingbirds need to eat all day long just to survive.

Salvia Sage plants seem to be a favorite of hummingbirds, and there is a large variety of colors and types of Salvia sage plants in the mint plant family that are very suitable. The red and white colors of the Hot Lips Sage plant attracts hummingbirds like a magnet attracts iron. I have been planting them the last few years. I even have trained them in hanging baskets for the patio. The Hot Lips Sage plant in an upside down basket will actually grow up the sides toward the light and furnishes a beautiful addition to the patio and of course, it’s a delightful food source for hummingbirds.

Trumpet Vines in the bright red and orange colors are another favorite for hummingbirds. Trumpet vines in Orange, Red and Yellow Flowers furnish nectar and hummingbirds flock around them for nouishment. Trumpet vines are hardy in zones 5 – 9 and need sturdy supports as they can grow to 40 feet when mature. They are adaptable to heat and cold and need some maintenance pruning for best flowering. This native American plant has been a favorite for hummingbird survival in the Northern states.

Fushias are another flower that I like to plant in hanging baskets for the patio. Hummingbirds seem to enjoy darting into the cool shade on a hot day to feed from the bright fushia  plants. Our hummingsbirds have became so friendly and will fly within two feet when you are on the patio.

One day I was standing in the shade on the patio when a hummingbird came within 2 feet of my face and hovered like a little helicopter to check me out. The hummers are fascinating creatures and it’s very entertaining to watch their gravity-defying acrobatics.

Morning Glories are another favorite flower for hummingbirds and so easy to grow with over 1,000 species of flowering plants. I have a trellis on the west side of my patio to grow these annual vines. They will quickly grow to 10 feet and produce bell shaped flowers with heart shaped leaves. Morning glories come in many colors and are also can have multi colored floweres depending on a gardener’s choice. The flowers last for a day and will reseed themselves from year to year.

Lantana is a genus of 150 species of perennial flowering plants in the verbena family. The Trailing lantana is a blooming plant that is available in number of colors. Some have different shades of colors that are very attractive to hummingbirds. I love to use different colors for hanging baskets around my back yard and patio, which the hummingbirds seem to enjoy.

Nasturtiums is still another flower that I plant every year for hummingbirds to feed on. I like to plant dwarf double plants in containers for setting them around the edges of the patio. Hummingbirds enjoy the bright mixed colors and the flowers are even edible for salads and food decorations. They are easy and fast to grow.

Gardening is enjoyable when you are rewarded with visits from our amazing hummingbird friends. There is a large honeysuckle hedge on the west side of my yard and there are always hummingbirds flirting around it. Have fun planting and helping to nurture your neighhood wildlife.

With the use of protective garden products, such as cloches, grow tunnels, and kozy coats, the growing season can be extended as much as six to eight weeks in the spring. Getting an early start can make a big difference when it comes to growing vegetables in a garden.

The growing season can also be extended in the autumn season with the use of garden fleece covers to protect against early frost weather. It makes a big difference of another five or six weeks of harvesting fresh garden vegetables.

Scheduling is the most important obstacle when it comes to planning an early garden. When to plant garden seeds indoors in seed trays or rootrainers, so the seedlings are ready to be placed outdoors. Garden cloches, grow tunnels and kozy coats need to placed outdoors seven to ten days to warm the soil prior to planting seedlings. As you can see, time factors can be very important when it comes to extending the growing season.

Some gardeners may want to plant their seeds directly in their garden soil and not start their seeds indoors. It’s a matter of choose with each individual gardener of when, where and how you decide to set up a garden.

No matter which way a garden is started, garden cloches, grow tunnels and kozy coats offer an early start. Construction of your own garden tunnel is easier with garden tunnel hoops and fleece fabric that comes in a roll.

These plant protectors furnish a jump start with any plant they are used for.

Kozy Coats offer protection from frost on individuals plants, while cloches and grow covers provide protection for multiple plants. Gardening is so much easier with all the  products that are available for gardeners today.

Garden Decor at it’s best with these Ceramic Tinkling Toadstools created and sculptured by Josh Johnson from his Potting Shed. The colorful tops of the toadstools move in the breeze and gently touch against the stems or each other, and creates a gentle tinkling sound.

The tinkling toadstools bring magic to rock gardens, around water features and also among plants wheather indoors or outdoors. They are frost- proof glazed cermaics, that come in many different colors and since they are hand crafted they will be slight varitions.

This wonderful collection of Potting Shed toadstools come from Europe. There are also eye-catching creatures created for everone’s enjoyment made from frost- proof ceramics. The creatures include ladybugs, garden frogs, tree frogs, tortoises and snails. They are so adorable, that you will want the whole collection for decorating your patio or garden beds and planters.

These enchanting creations make fantasic gifts for gardening friends world wide. The Tinkling Toadstools are available gift in boxed sets of three for Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

These cute creatures can be set among plants in the flower beds or planters, or mounted on fence post or walls near your garden area for fantastic Garden Decor.

Thank goodness we have the internet. While browsing on my computer, I’ve come across a few odds and ends on gardening information that I would like to share with you. Now that the season is changing, I like to browse on my PC and read gardening books when it’s too cold to venture outdoors.

Definitions 

Getting started with gardening requires more that an garden plot and garden tools, of course you need a shovel, hoe and a rake, and garden knowledge skills. Don’t forget the will power and energy reqiured.

Garden terms and definitions should be on the top of your list. One of may first obstacles’ was understanding the terms and definitions required in gardening. I have run across words that need to be defined, that I already thought I knew. I have planted gardens and have had houseplants in my home all my life. But to explain what is what, I needed a refresher course on basic gardening terms.

Gardening Books

My favorite gardening book by Sunet seems to reside somewhere else these days. Guess I need to purchase an updated version as soon as possible of Western Garden. There are books on most gardening subjects available today, like pruning, composting, growing organic, roses, vegetables, trees, and many others too numerous to name. Of couse, don’t forget The Old Farmer’s Almanac, which has volumes of gardening information, such as the average dates for Frost/freeze temperatures, best planting days for vegatables seeds and flowers. The new volume of Farmers’ Almanac for 2012 is now available.

Garden Helpers

Here are a few inexpensive items at Garden Indoors Today that might be of interest to you. I enjoy using different and unique garden products.

Garden Flexi Balls are designed for constructing a quick and easy frame to cover with protective netting or polythene. Keeps all those flying or walking critters out of your garden vegetables. Erect a fast garden cloche for seeds and seedlings with these Flexi Balls.

The Birdscare is so simple and easy to use to scare birds away from your vegetable garden. It is made of polypropylene tape that emits a penetrating vibration, with a humming sound that birds do not like. The humming line is chemical free and does not harm pets and children and is environmental friendly. Scare birds away and enjoy your fresh garden vegetables.

The Seed Sower has been around for ages, but it is a handy little garden gadet to have in  your gardening supply cabinet. The dail seed sower has five different sized holes for planting tiny to large sized seeds. Plant your rows of vegetables and flowers the easy and time saving way. It also can save the amount of seeds you use and plant your seeds more accurately.

Days’ End

At days’ end, when I’m finished with my gardening chores, I like to sit back back and relax, listening to this outstanding Prayer – Secret Garden. Enjoy it with me. Hope you enjoy the music and beautiful autumn scenery!

Once all the leaves have fallen from the trees, now you can really see the “bones” of your garden. Walk around your garden and view it from different angles. Is there a gap that needs filling in? Is there a place that needs a focal point, such as a statue or other structure….?

Go sit in your favorite kick-back chair on you patio or deck. With all the leaves gone, look at the view, do you have notice a place to add that water fountain you’ve always wanted? Maybe you can move a shrub here and there to place a fountain, will it really fit? Anything is possible with a little energy and muscle work.

When the “bones” season has arrived, it’s also a good time to inspect your trees. Are there limbs and branches crossing each other, growing too tall or wide, too close to a structure? Check out what needs pruning or cut to give your trees the proper shape.

Also look at your shrubs and bushes. Check for height and width, do they need pruning and shaping. Now that it’s eaiser to see, check everything in your yard to know what garden tasks are needed.

What makes gardening fun is that you actually see rewards for your hard work. Fresh vegetables from the garden, beautiful flowering plants. Also all those different blooming plants reward you with a multitude of scents.

I receive an unxpected reward in may yard most days during spring and summer. Hummingbirds come around on and off all day long. I don’t sit out feeders for them to feed from because they also eat insects and spiders. Hummingbirds migrate south in the fall and if you have food in feeders they may become dependent on the food source and not migrate to the warmer climate areas.

I like to grow plants that attract hummingbirds. There is a large honeysuckle hedge on the west side of my yard and there are always hummingbirds flirting around it. They also like morning glories, trumpet vines, salvia and a large variety of other plants. I’m always looking for a spot to put in another hummingbird plant or a trellis to grow more trumpet vines.

Go back and recheck out your landscape for gaps, you might have missed something the first time you looked. A second look might be helpful.

It’s that time of year again that everyone look’s forward to. Family and friends gather to celebrate Thanks Giving and Christmas. Sharing the good moments and bad. Remembering those that are gone with love and fond thoughts.

Guiding the young and teaching them right from wrong. It’s a time to be happy and have fun with those you love. Decorating your home and yard and sharing good times with everyone. Almost every home owner has their favorite christmas decorations.

Nows the time to inventory your garden tools and supplies and let Santa know if you are missing anything. Get that gift wish list going, as the season to be jolly is just around the corner.

I have ran across these Garden Light Balls to add to my christmas collection of decor items. Now I can light up my patio without having to turn the overhead lights on. The garden ball lights will sparkle and flicker and add a magical night display to the fun of any christmas party. These lighted christmas balls can be used indoors or outdoors and come in three diameter sizes.

We also carry a Globe Topiary Frame that can be used for christmas five inch diameter x 20 inch high ball decorations. Decorate them with greenery and battery powered wreath lights. The globes are ideal to make lights for a walkway or entry way.

You can also make ball lights by taking 2 wire hanging baskets and wire them together to make a ball. Wrap christmas lights around them and hang them in a tree for a magical night – time display.

Now’s the time to bring out your christmas plants out for everyone to enjoy. Christmas Cactus Plants are beautiful plants when given the proper care that will last year after year and are enjoyed when in their beautiful bloom stage.

Start planning on what kind of christmas decorations you want to use while there is still time. Christmas is my favorite time of year, so I start early. Now is the time for showing friends and family how great festive gatherings can be fun for all ages.

Images: Horn of Plenty & Santa Delivering Gifts byFree Gifs & Animations” http://www.fg-a.com

There are many different types of composters that are available for composting kitchen and yard waste. There are even kitchen composters if your want to put one in your kitchen. Some composters are small enough to place on a porch or patio, most people place them in the sun in their backyard near their garden area.

Worm Compost Bins

Vermiculture or Vermicomposting is the term that applies to compostering with earth worms. One of the main advantages to worm composting is that it does not require a lot of space and can be done year around indoors or outdoors. Worm compost and worm castings contribute greatly to any garden or potting soil function that they are assigned.

Composting with worms uses organic waste from vegetables, fruit and paper scraps and composts them into a natural fertilized soil for your plants. Recycle your waste products to and have an on going Life Cycle system year after year of organic compost soil material.

 Wire Compost Bins

Wire Compost Bins furinsh good aeration composting right in your backyard. Nearly all wire bins have a swing front gate that enables easy access for loading compost materials and removing the finshed compost after decomposition. Wire composting bins are economical to use and are ideal for most first time composting.

Wire Composters can be purchased ready made or you can construct your home built one from building materials. It is sometimes good to have two or three wire compost bins for the different stages of composting, to guarantee having organic compost material when planting seedling and plants is needed. Also smaller size compost piles cook and decompose materials faster. 

Wood Compost Bins

Wood Compost Bins need to be constructed with space between the boards to furnish plenty of aeration, which speeds the composting process. Again, like wire composters, wooden composters are very economical and can be placed anywhere in your yard.

If you are going to construct and build a backyard wooden composter, do Not seal the wood with a non organic paint product, as paint residue will taint the composted materials. Wood compost bins have unlimited size requirements and can be constructed to suit your desired choice.

As stated above, it good to have two or three compost piles going at the same time. If your are building for your backyard, construct it long enough to divide into sections, to provide composed soil for plants and seedlings at all times when soil is required, as smaller size compost piles cook and decompose materials faster.

Enclosed Compost Bins

Plastic Compost Bins offer a large chioce of styles, shapes and sizes to select from. There are tall ones, short ones. Check out the cubic feet to find out the capacity of composting material it will hold. Make sure there is good aeration, on sides and top, and Easy access to fill with composting materials. Size is measured by the capacity by gallons or cubic feet.

Does the plastic composter have an easy lid access for using an aerator tool. A good composter should have good access at the bottom to remove your decomposed compost. Are they easy to keep clean? Plastic Compost Bins have a large range of prices, depending on thier size and offered features.

Composting Tips

Having problems with pests, just add a few drops of peppermint extract to your composter or compost pile.

A good book on composting that has been out for awhile is Home Composting Made Easy by C. forrest McDowell, PhD & Tricia Clark-McDowell. It is inexpensive and paperback form can be found at varies places on the internet.

Keep you compost bin or pile in the direct sun and and it will decompose faster. Composting of raw materials occur best between 135 and 160 degrees.

Check out Composting 101 to learn about composting and composting terminology. The basics, from start to finish all in one place.

These are three tools that are neccessary when it comes to the process of composting. Without a compost aerator or compost & mulch fork, it can be compared to a kitchen without any spoon to stir the food when fixing a meal. And of coarse a thermometer helps know how high to cook something, whether it’s a meal or a compost pile.

Compost Aerator Tool

Compost Aerator Tools are also called Compost Turners or Compost Turning Tools. The compost aerator tool has a double duty job. Mixing and stirring at the same time. Aerators help bring by pushing or pulling the uncomposted material in the center to mix with the outer edge materials, making sure it composts properly. When you have proper mixing and efficient air ciriculation, it accelerates the speed of decomposition.

Compare composting to making good gravy, when gravy is not stirred, you end up with burnt flour on the bottom of the skillet and a lumpy mess. When compost is not stirred and mixed properly, you end up with raw compost mess that is not decomposed.

As you can see, compost aerator tools are neccessary to move the pile at all different depth levels, insuring distribution and moisture efficiently throughout the compost container or pile.

Finding a good and sturdy mixing & turning tool is very important. An aerator tool is ideal when using enclosed plastic compost bins. 

Compost & Mulch Fork

Compost & Mulch Forks are invaluable when it comes to mixing and stirring a compost pile. Using a compost fork insures proper air ciriculation that is required for decomposition of compost materials.

Stirring and mixing a compost pile, spreads the moisture and furnishes efficient air ciriculation, which accelerates the speed of decomposition.

A Compost & Mulch Fork has a curved neck with a steel head to form a basket shape with closely spaced tines, that aids in transfering and mixing compost in the compost pile.

Most compost & mulch forks are able of spreading mulch and loose materials, such as mulch pile, handling wood chips, compost and leaves.

Compost Thermometer

Compost Themometers are important in aerobic composting. Maintaining a high temperature between 135 to 160 degrees fahrenheit ensures rapid composting for the process of decomposition occuring.

Using a reliable compost thermometer allows checking your compost pile to see what going on inside of it. When the temperature is too low, it slows down the bacterial process of decomposition. When the temperature is too high, it can actually stop the decomposition process.

The compost fundamentals require a balance of raw composting materials (greens and browns), mixing and stirring for air ciriculation and moisture balance (add water if needed) before you can achieve success at composting. When this balance is at the correct level, the temperature will be between 135 to 160 degrees fahrenheit which is the optimum degrees for decompostion.

Through the years you probably have amassed a large collection of gardening tools. Now, where are they stored? Can you find the right garden tool when needed? If the answer is No to the two questions, then something needs to be done. The gardening tools are probably not clean and sharp either. With winter weather near, it’s the perfect time to remedy the gardening tool maze.

Take Inventory

Are some of your gardening tools in the backyard shed and others in the garage? Then you need to tackle this garden tool adventure with an inventory and categorize by size, how many, short handled, long handled and hand tools and so on.. Find the measurements of the largest tool and smallest tool. How many of each do you have? Now we are talking about the manual gardening tools.

All those power tools require a storage wall in the garage around our place for the edgers, weeders, hedge trimmers and such. Power tools are in another department right now. The power Tools need their own place. (My husband tends to them and does a great job.)

Storage Methods

Okay now that you have an inventory list, (my list was almost two pages long), what do you need to take care of storage of your tools? Racks or a hanging system can be built for storing long handled tools. Home improvement stores are a great place for finding ways to organize your tools from sheds to hooks and different storage systems.

Shelves are ideal for those small hand tools and metal cabinets work great of all those odds and ends such as garden twines, scissors, plant markers, seed sowers and small items that are easy misplaced without a special place for storage.

It takes a lot of work to organize your gardening tools, but it makes it easier to find the tools you need when spring comes. Every tool should have it’s own space. Replacing your tool in it’s proper spot after using it, will make your gardening much more enjoyable next time you need a garden tool.

Keeping your gardening tools clean will extend the life of your tools and prevent bacteria, weeds and help control insects and pests from spreading in your garden, lawn, and flower beds. Dirt and dirty caked on mud is like a carrier that transports weed seeds, insect eggs, and fungi everytime it comes in contact with with soil and plants. Your tools should be cleaned everytime they are used.

The moisture in wet mud also contributes to rust accumulating on the heads of garden tools, if left to dry over any length of time, the rust will eventually mar and pit the finish of the metal of your gardening tools. A smooth, polished metal will slide through soil and make your digging cuts easier. Bring in your tools and put them away every time they are used to extend the life of your gardening tools.

A gardener needs to work out his own system for garden tool maintenance methods and types of products to use. On researching information for this article I have tried to furnish different views. There is no cut and dried methods for accompolishing these tasks. About the only real thing that everyone seems to agree upon is that — “Gardening Tools need to be cleaned, sterilized, sharpened, oiled and wood handles coated for weatherproofing every year or more often if a tool has frequent use”.

Cleaning Garden Tools

Now that winter is around the corner, you should have time to clean and get all of your gardening tools in good working order and organized for next spring.

Get all those spades, digging shovels and forks, hoes, trowels, hand tools, rakes weeding tools, in fact any garden tool that comes in contact with soil, needs to be hosed off. Use a steel wire brush for those tough caked on clods that have adhered to your tools. Steel wool works great to remove any accumulation of rust build up on the metal heads. Get all the moisture off by wiping your tools down with soft rags and make sure that your garden tools are good and dry.

Now it’ time to clean all your pruning and cutting tools. Round up those bypass and avil pruners, loppers, shears, edgers, saws, garden knives, scissors, and all other cutting tools.

Some people recommend using a water hose and spraying garden pruners and cutting tools, just like all your other manual tools to remove the dirt and particles with a small brush while spraying. Then turn the water off and dry them completly with clean soft cotton rags.

I’m not too fond of getting my pruners all wet, as there is usally not much dirt or garden soil on them. If there is sap from conifers or a accumulation of sap from shrubs, I’ll apply a little paint thinner with a small brush. Let it set a bit, then wipe with a rag to remove the tough stuck on sap or whatever it is.

All pruners and cutting tools need to be need to be sterilized often to prevent the spread of disease from one plant to another. A good disinfectant to use on garden tools is Lysol, because it has been found to be the least corrosive to pruning tools. Lysol comes in spray cans or concentrate form, the concentrate would probally be less expensive as it would go further than a spray can. You can use a small brush for applying the concenterated lysol to make sure and get it into all the curves and grooves.

Actually it’s best if you sterilize all of your gardening tools with good disinfectant treatment that is noncorrsive to gardening tools. Clorox bleach has been found to be the most harmful disinfectant to use on pruning tools.

Sharpening Garden Tools

A sharpened digging tool will cut through tough or harden soil easier and requires less engery by the person digging. Sharpened pruners and cutting tools will furnish cleanier cuts and cut more accurataely. Tools should perform at their peak efficiency at all times. That is why a good gardener should clean and sharpen their gardening tools at least once a year or more often if a tool has heavy use.

The basic tool needed for sharpening garden tools is an 8-inch long mill file with a bustard cut, which cuts finer than that of a coarse file. The videos below show how others sharpen garden tools.

There are requirements of sharpening each and every type of garden tool. Sharpening gardening tools depends on the angle of the blade or head, how the tool is used and also for the purpose of the tool.

Oiling & Preserving Garden Tools

All garden tools need to be oiled with a god household oil, such as WD40 or 3 in 1 oil. Spray WD40 or squirt a little 3 in 1 oil onto the metal head or blades or your tool, the rub it around to coat all the metal parts of your gardening tool.

Take a piece of fine sand paper and make a few quick sanding runs up and down the handles to knock off any bumps on the wood. Use linseed oil and apply a little on a clean rag to wipe all the wood of the handles down. Cover every wooden part and weatherproof it. Now your gardening tools should look like the day they were bought.

These Deep Rootrainers are a unique system for starting garden vegetables and flower seeds. The Deep Rootraines allow the gardener to get a jump start when it comes to propagation of vegetable and flower seeds. The secret of Deep Rootrainers are they allow deeper and straighter unbound fibrous roots for growing healthy vigorous plants.

The Rootrainers are designed of 4 cell compartment opening cells that open like a book for planting seeds. Each cell has a bottom drainage hole that intakes or releases water, so the growing soil does not stay too moist. The bottom center drainage hole location, causes the roots to be naturally air-pruned and encourages the roots to grow straight down and out from the plant while preventing spiraling root-bound roots.

These Rootrainers straight-grooved cells are 1 1/2 inch square x 5 inch deep, allowing growing deeper, straighter and healthier root systems on each plant. This seed starter kit is perfect for cuttings, plugs and seedlings. Grow your plants more quickly to get a jump-start on your growing season.

The plant growing kits have hinged openings to remove your seedlings so they can be placed directally into your garden soil or planting beds, without having to repot as the plant grows. You can even open the hinges to check the progress of seedlings without disturbing the plants.

The advantages or using the deep rootraines will amaze you once you use them for yourself. Seeds started in the deep rootraines grow so much faster and the seedlings develop healthier root systems which in turn means for vegetables are harvested and quality outstanding blooms on your flowering plants. The easy removal of the seedlings when you go to plant is a big time saving feature the all gardeners will enjoy.

These Deep Rootrainers are fantastic. They are so easy to start my seeds with, that I’m going to order two more kits. Just thinking about how many types of squash, cucumbers, tomato and other seeds that I want to order. Now is the time to make my heirloom seeds order list to be ready for an early start. Catch you later, as you can see I,m going to be busy!

Bulbs require a soil that offers good drainage and aeration in order for them to grow and survive. Soil with high clay content, doesn’t allow water drainage and excess water is an ideal situation for disease and fungus. Wet soil can actually rot bulbs. Good nutrient rich soil is a must for growing bulbs, not only for the flower display but for allowing the roots to grow bulblets underground for furture bulbs. After the flowers die down, your plants need topping because this is the time when the underground roots start producing new bulbs for the next crop.

As you can see when growing bulbs it is neccessary for good soil preparation. Clay soil can be improved by addition of sand and soil based compost, peat moss and other additives, such as alfalfa pellets, gypsum. The optimun pH range for bulbs is 6 to 7. Test your soil and check with your local nursery for types of nutrients that have proven useful in your area.

The depth of planting bulbs is important, as bulbs are different sizes depending on age and type. Longer bulbs need to be planted deeper than a smaller bulb. The planting soil needs to be worked and able to supply nutrients for at least a depth of 12 inches for growing healthy plants. Bulbs can be placed inside shallow baskets for planting directly in the soil with the pointed end of the bulb placed upwards.

Make sure your bulb planting area is not in a low area that collects standing water, as bulbs can drown from too much water and suffocate from not receiving enough air. Bulbs thrive on a hill or raised flowers beds that furnish good drainage and sunlight. The planting location is important because of requirements of sunlight and temperature range. Low areas contribute to cooler tempertures when wind or breezes come along as the air is colder in low laying areas. If you live where there is foggy weather, you can actually see the fog stay in the low areas and that they are the last areas to warm up.

Fertilizers also need to be worked into the soil before planting bulbs as there is an on going growing cycle that needs nutrients in order for proper growth. When starting a new bed for bulbs, the soil should be worked for a depth of twelve inches or more, for easy root growth. I like to work the soil for a least 12 inches and incorporate a soluble fertilizer below the root level of any new plants or bulbs. Make sure the roots or bulbs do not touch the fertilizer, so they do not burn. A soluble 10-10-10 fertilizer or bonemeal will give your plants a good start on life.

The requirements for bulbs are like many other plants. My favorite bulbs are the Pink daffodils. A little energy and muscle work required, but it’s worth it when you can view the multi colored display of all the different types of flowering bulbs that are available.

Are Christmas Poinsettias Poisonous? No, but poinsettias have gathered a lot of bad press over the years that have tarnished their reputation. Is it a myth, legend, rumor or what? Poinsettias come from the genus Euphorbia and most of them are highly toxic, but the poinsettia is not classified as being among them.

The Euphorrbia pulcherrima is a species of flowering plant indigenous to Mexico and Central America. The name “poisettia” is after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico who introduced the plant into the US in 1825. In Mexico, the poinsettia is known as the “Flower of the Holy Night”.

Testing of the poinsettia plant has been very extensive and there is no evidence to show that they are toxic and unsafe to have in your home. Poinsettias are not meant to be eaten by humans, pets or livestock and is only mildly toxic when injested.

Poinsettias like all euphorhibias exclude a milky sap when broken. Some people are sensitive to the sap, which may cause an itchy rash. Just be careful not to rub your eyes, after touching the plants. Wash your hands with warm soapy water and rinse.

There was a rumor that in 1919, that a child died after consumption of leaves of a poisettia plant. The American Society of Florists said “there was never any proof that the child died from ingesting the poinsettia”, and later that report was concluded as hearsay. The poinsettia plant has actually been tested for toxicity more so than any other plant by the American Society of Florists and many other sources through the years.

Poinsettias can be saved year after year if given the proper care and attention. Make sure you cut a hole in the foil while they are being used for decoration and set them on gravel or something coarse for good drainage. Poinsettias need a way for the excess water to drain, otherwise they will die.

There are many beautiful colors of poinsettias to enjoy and decorate your home with over the holidays. I usually have two or three nearby for everyone’s enjoyment. The poinsettia is a traditional Christmas flower and used by thousands of people world wide during the Christmas holidays.

 Plant Images: http://www.todaysgardencenter.com/magazine/?storyid=11

Mistletoe is the common name for a number of parasitic plants within the order of Santalales. The plants bear evergreen leaves that grow attached to and within the branches of a tree or shrub. The hemi-parasites are able to produce sugars through photosynthesis and are able to tap into stems and roots of other plants to obtain water and minerals. As an adult, the plant manufactures only a small proportion of the sugars it needs for photosynthsis but as a seedlings, they actively photosynthsizes until a connection is established to the host plant.

The mistletoe seedlings actually grow on the branches or trunk of a tree and send out roots that taps into the host tree to take up water and nutrients that is required for their growth. The adult mistletoe plant produces small white or red berries that are eaten by birds that fly from tree to tree. The seeds are unable to be digested by the birds but are excreted in their fecal matter, which often lands on the branches of trees where birds perch. The mistletoe seed then is able to germinate in a new place to tap into the host plant. Extreme infestation can ultimately kill a tree if the tree already is, or becomes, diseased or damaged.

The mistletoe berries have a sticky flesh, known as viscin which surround them, causing some of the seeds to become glued to birds’ beck when they are eating them. Then when the bird tries to wipe the seeds off his beck by rubbing it’s beck against the bark of a neighboring tree, the seed then sticks to the bark instead and causes the embryonic plant to start growing.

Birds have an immunity to mistletoe’s poisonous qualities and birds are neccessary for propagation and distribution of the plant. The entire plant is poisonous, especially the berries which are extremrly toxic. Eating of the berries by humans, pets, and other wildlife will cause acute stomach and intestinal pains, diarrhea, weak pulse, mental disturbances, and the collapse of blood vessels. Death has occurred within ten hours after ingestion.

If you have mistletoe in your house this holiday season, be sure that it is in a place where children and pets won’t be able to get to it.

The origin of the word “mistletoe”, comes from the Anglo-Saxon (Old English) words “mistel” which means “dung” and “tan” for twig. Therefore mistletoe literally means “dung-on-a-twig.”

Mistletoes has a long history throughout different cultures with many concepts of legends, rituals and myths. Some have revered, feared, or thought of them having magical properties. Others view mistletoes as symbols of fertility and romance, protective qualities, healing properties.

The history of mistletoe goes back to the Vikings in the 18th century and is very interesting to research. There is volumes of history concerning mistletoe throughout ancient cultures.

The act of kissing under a sprig of mistletoe may date way back to the Greek festival of Saturnalia where it was believed to confer fertility. In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace and today kisses can be exchanged under the mistletoe any time during the holiday season.

Mistletoe it is a plant of which we use only during the holidays and forget until the following christmas season. Every christmas party is not complete without a few sprigs hang for sneaking a kiss underneath.

Is a Garden Wonder Cart better than a Wheelbarrow? It depends on the type of gardening task you are undertaking. The small 3 cubic feet garden cart is a lot easier to use though and safer, but both are very useful.

There are risks when using the larger six cubic feet standard wheelbarrow. Years ago, my older brother was redoing his lawn in his first new home. He loaded a large amount of the old cut out lawn turf and sod into his wheelbarrow. Not aware of the hazards to his health, after all he was young and heathy and in a hurry to replace his lawn with the new turf.

My brother lifted the loaded wheelbarrow and collapsed, out cold to the ground. Thinking he had a heart attack, an ambulance was called and he was rushed to the hospital. Thank goodness it wasn’t a heart attack, but he had the misfortune of damage to his back and spine. It took months of therapy for him to recover. Now he watches and uses caution when lifting things.

So as you can see I am always cautious and watchful when it comes to lifting and moving objects from one place to another. When to comes to gardening, it’s better to avoid situations that have the possibility of being harzardous to one’s safety.

I use my garden wonder cart lots more than the wheelbarrow. When I weed the flower beds and garden the garden cart is lower and easier to toss the weeds and debris into it from a sitting or standing position. With the two smaller wheels, the cart is easier to maneuver forward or backwards. The design of the cart allows the cart to be tipped forward to quickly load or remove the yard waste.

The wheelbarrow also has it’s place for gardening and tasks around the home. We like to use the wheelbarrow for heavier tasks, like bringing up firewood and moving fill dirt or gravel round. Just make sure the wheelbarrow is not overloaded where it can cause any harmful situations to occur.

Growing bulbs indoors can be immenssely rewarding. When those winter melancholy days arrive, chase them away with spring flowers that grow indoors. Crocuses, dallodils, hyacinths, paperwhites-narcissus, amaryllis, and even some varities of tulips are able to forced for beautiful flowers and fragrant scents. Brighten up your moody dull winter days and enjoy life with indoor plants all winter long.

You should you use top quality good sized bulbs when forcing them to grow in water. Special clear or colored glass vases are available for hyacinths and crocus bulbs. Hyacinth bulbs are ideal for forcing in vases and are available in different colors. The vases are shaped to hold the bulb in the upper section, with the bottom section for the roots of the bulb to grow. You may want to place some decorative rock in the bottom of vase to prevent the vase from falling over before filling with water. No potting soil required. When buying the bulbs they should say, suitable for forcing, because they are already pre chilled. Blubs need to be pre chilled in order to force them to grow indoors.

There are also others methods for forcing bulbs besides the water method in vases. Amaryllis Bulbs are fantastic gifts to receive or give during the holiday season. Amaryllis are available in white, pink shades, reds and mixed colors (white with pink or red edges) for forcing. Make sure they are pre chilled.

Amaryllis are able to be forced with potting soil or vases in the water method. Most bulbs are varsatile to be forced to bloom using different methods, which gives the gardener a chose of containers to place them in. Arranging bulbs for forcing is quick and easy a well worth the time and effort.

All bulbs that are able to be forced make perfect home decor items, hostess gifts, or for gift giving to friends and neighbors. Everyone always loves to receive a beautiful plant.

Paperwhites- narcissus and daffodils make a splendid display for forcing, especially when grouped in a container. Start a container of bulbs about every three or four weeks and you can have continuous flowers all winter long. Keep that green thumb busy and have Fun!

The holly plant is most often associated with the holiday season. Ilex aquifolium is the scientific classification of holly or European holly to distinguish it from related species, is also called Christmas holly or Mexican holly. It is a dioecious plant, meaning it can be male or female.

The female plant has bright red berries that are produced only if a male plant is located nearby in order for pollination to occur. All female plants produce berries, males do not. It is very hard to distinguish the difference between the male and female plants. The best way to determine the sex of a holly plant is by examining the flowers, which are located between the leaf and branch joint. Although the small clusters of creamy white flowers are similar in appearance, males have more prominent stamens than females.

A holly plant can take 4 to 7 years before it blooms and it grows an average of 12 to 24 inches in height each year. Therefore to solve the problem of male or female, look for mature plants with berries and flowers when purchasing holly plants.

The red berries of varies species are dangerous to eat, especially to young children and especially in large quantities. They can cause drolling or salivating heavily, vomiting, diarrhea, severe stomachache when ingested by humans. Keep the holly berries out of reach of children and pets.

Birds are able to ingest the berries after the frost have reduced the toxicity levels. The bright red berries attract birds are an important food source and shelter for smaller birds to roost with the thorny leaves for defense against predators.

Holly wreaths have been used as a decorative sign of Christmans for centuries. The circular shape represents eternity, as there is no end or beginning. Wreaths are used in many ways and settings. At the office, on front doors of homes to welcome visitors. The meanings behind using wreaths for celebrations by different faiths and religion beliefs vary greatly over the years.

I have not gone into the history of the holly plant or tree, as this would require an extensive report to explain the pagan and christian religious beliefs throughout the centuries. This article is about the use of holly for decorating purposes during the Christmas holiday season.

Today the holly wreath symbolizes the christmas holiday season celebration that everyone has come to enjoy and love. Holly wreaths are beautiful and make oustanding decorations for everyone’s enjoyment. There are many wonderful holly arrangements and wreaths available for your home decor. Share your joy and celebrate with your family and friends and have a fantastic Christmas.

Images

Christmas Holly with Bells: http://www.christmasgifts.com/christmasclipart08v.html

Christmas Wreath: http://oregonholly.com/store/store.php/products/24-deluxe-holly-and-greens-wreath

Coir is an outstanding product that needs more attention from the everyday gardener. A lot of home gardeners don’t even know what coir is, moreless use it as a growing medium in their gardens or flower beds. Potted plants also benefit greatly from the use of coir as a growing medium and soil amendent.

Coir is the coarse fibers that are extracted from the fibrous outer shell of coconuts. The coconut coir fiber is 100 percent natural, pH Neutral and a renewable resource that is disease resistant. The spongy texture of coir furnishes excellant air space with water holding abilities that will hold 8 to 10 times more water then its volume in weight. Make sure you use prewashed coir that has the salt already removed. The coir offered at Garden Indoors Today is salt free.

Coir comes in compressed block, brick or bale forms of different weights. Therefore when soaked in water it expands 5 to 7 times it’s size. A large container needs to be used when water is added to the coir so there  is enough room to hold the expanded product. A wheelbarrow works great for expanding coir and coir has spongy characteristics, that will furnish excellent air space and drainage with a water holding capacity of 70%.

Always keep the expanded coir that you don’t use. Coir is a material that will keep its properties and can be stored covered for several years. The long lasting coir replaces peat moss, rockwool and perlite. Coir can account for up to 40 percent of a potting mix when added as a ingredient for your potting soil.

Most people think coir is just for using for vermicomposting (worm composting), but it is an outstanding product for improving any gardening soil. It’s fantastic for amending sandy and clay soils. When coir is mixed into the soil, it requires less fertilizers and water and your plants develop more elaborate and stronger root systems, making them resilient to disease, pathogens and weeds.

Coir makes gardening so much easier and when used regularly, every plant will benefit greatly. Since coir is 100% natural, what more can organic gardeners ask for? In the long run, it is less expensive to use coir because you don’t have to purchase as much peat moss and potting soil. Coir can be mixed wth compost or any potting soil to help retain water for growing healthy and sturdy plants

The christmas tree is the central figure that is recognized world wide for the tradition of christmas. Over 30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States every year. The oldest record of a tree being cut and decorated as a christmas tree goes back to 1605 in Germany.

There are traditions that were adopted by different countries throughtout the centuries. The christmas tree was on display in 1830s for the first time by the German Settlers of Pennsylvania. They were asked to take it down because some thought it as a return of paganism (thank goodness this view point has changed).

The history of the christmas tree is quite long an involved and I will leave it to the historians to do it justice. Nowdays the christmas tree symbolizes Christmas and Santa Claus, and family traditions celebrated to bring family and friends together.

Over 30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States every year. Eighty percent of artificial trees are constructed in China from PVC and plastic materials, that are not biodegradable, and contains enough lead that requires a warning label. It’s up to everyone to decide, plastic or environmentally friendly with a living tree.

Decorating a christmas trees is one of the best times for family coming together to place ornaments on your tree and share all the fun teaching the young the art of tree decorating.

I WANT TO WISH MY READERS A

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The month of December is a busy time of the year with short days and long nights. Winter arrives on the shortest day of the year which is December 22nd. There is plenty to keep gardeners active, dressing up the yard for Christmas and welcoming in the new year.

Don’t forget those maintenance chores, like garden and plant watering and cleaning leaves and debris from gutters. Even if it’s damp amd cold outside, and you like staying indoors, removing leaves and watering must be done.

Order seed catlogs and start planning your garden needs. Planning ahead is ideal when working with a fixed budget. Don’t forget the cost of fertilizers that are required for existing lawns and plants for yearly care of your plants and garden.

Maybe you intend to plant a new garden raised bed, measure the square footage to determine the size and go from there. Calculate the type of materials required, quanity of building supplies, even number of seeds or plants, amount planting soil needed. Cost can be a big factor in determining the size of a raised bed.

Plant spring bulbs in the ground so they are ready for their spring show. I am in zone 9, so my planting schedule my be a little different then in colder planting zones. Most bulbs can be planted year around here in California.

Still haven’t gotten around to cleaing and sharpening your garden tools. Well there is still plenty of time during cold winter weather to accomplish this task. Clean and sharp garden tools make gardening so much easier.

After christmas, the foil wrap needs to removed from the drain holes of your holiday plants and make sure they are given the proper care that is required for each plant. Plant another container of paperwhites or any gift bulbs that you received as christmas gifts.

Start making your gardening lists of things to do. Writing them down in black and white helps greatly when spring arrives.

Now that 2011 is coming to an end, I want to wish my readers the best for the coming New Year. We get to leap forward this year with an extra day added to the month of February.

It’s amazing when I receive nice comments about my articles. I want to thank everyone who has visited my site. Your kind words give  me encouragement to continue on improving my writing skills and searching for topics to write articles about.

I look forward to better times and hope I can do my part on helping others, by sharing hints and tips on gardening. I’m no master, but I like interacting with others through my writing. Have a great new year and be safe!

The Carnation (dianthrus caryophyllus)  is the birth flower for the month of January, which represents love, facination and distinction. Carnations are also known as pinks. Carnations will bloom as a perennial or annual and biennial, they can be planted almost anywhere. They are ideal for rock gardens and are outstanding for growing in containers. The Scarlet Carnation, Dianthrus caryophyllus is also the state flower for Ohio.

Carnations are grown from seeds and can be sown directly in a flower bed or started indoors for transplanting later outdoors. January and early February are the best months to sow carnation seeds. They are easy to grow, prefering full sun and a rich well drained, netural to slightly alkaline soil. Water them once or twice a week and make sure the soil is not too wet. Carnation plants can be purchased from most garden nurseries.

The scent of carnations are similar to a spicy clove fragrance that everyone notices as soon as they come near the beautiful long lasting blooms. Carnations grow from 18 inches to 24 inches tall, with over 300 different speices and with many additional different hybrids available. The blooms are long lasting and will last up to two weeks in vases. There are also dwarf carnations that grow beetween 10 to 12 inches, which are called border carnations or pinks, to meet most garden requirements.

Red carnations are grown by many gardeners world wide because the beautiful bright red blooms are very attractive to hummingbirds. The easy to grow carnations make a garden delightful and entertaining when watching the fantastic antics of our colorful hummingbird friends.

There are traditional meanings attached to carnations. The use of carnations is long and varied throughout history of carnations. Carnations express love, pride, fascination, honor and respect. White carnations are associated with purity and luck. Pink is usually a sign of gratitude. Dark red carnations represent deeper sentiments of love and affection. There are many different color uses of carnations, for instance: Red and pink carnations are meant to honor a mother who is alive and white carnations are used to honor a mother who is dead.

White carnation blooms can be tinted to different colors with the use of food coloring. Being able to dye the blooms enables one to make some very interesting and beautiful floral arrangements. Click here to find out how to change the color of white carnations.