Swap your planters for straw bales to easily grow herbs & vegetables (2024)

2nd Apr 2024, 22:00By Amanda Castro

Three rules to ignore: Saying horticultural words correctly

As youstart your gardening journeyand begin to buy and read up on various plants and flowers, you may notice that many have a scientific name.

But James argues that you should not be put off by this and shouldn’t really worry about how you pronounce them.

He argues that the names aren’t strictly Latin, but are a “mishmash” of ancient Greek and many other languages, such as German, Polish, and Mandarin.

This was done to create a more universal naming system, and you should “say them however you like.”

2nd Apr 2024, 21:30By Amanda Castro

Three rules newbie gardeners can ignore

When it comes tobeginner gardenerswho may be intimidated and unsure how to get started, in aGuardianarticle, botanist James Wong said: “It’s that time of year when even the most resolute non-gardeners look out at the spring sunshine and the riot of growth going on outside their windows and feel a pang of curiosity.”

“Yet I think that many of these timid first-timers often feel excluded from embracing the joys of horticulture because of a few deep-rooted cultural myths.”

“Whether it’s memorizing all the complex rules that daunts you, or the fear of mispronouncing Latin names, here are three ideas that we should liberate ourselves from, so we can all enjoy the wonder of the botanical world.

2nd Apr 2024, 21:00By Amanda Castro

Try getting your seed to grow faster

Seed germinates best in early fall or mid-spring, according to theRoyal Horticultural Society.

However, germination cannot be sped up in most cases.

Simply put,getting grass to grow successfullynecessitates some planning, as well as some crucial time and patience.

The RHS recommends:

• Before you put the seeds, get rid of the weeds.
• Dig or rotovate the land to a depth of 20 to 25cm, then add some well-rotted manure or other organic debris to help keep moisture in the soil.
• Remove any weeds that have sprouted during the germination process.

2nd Apr 2024, 20:30By Amanda Castro

More about growing your own avocados

1. Then you need to place the glass or jar in a warm, sunny spot but out of direct sunlight
2. Change the water regularly to prevent bacteria or mold growth.
3. The top half of the pit should dry out and crack, which gives an opening for roots to grow out.
4. Keep this little root submerged until you can see the pit sprouting from the top.
5. Plant in soil one the stem is 15cm long.

2nd Apr 2024, 20:00By Amanda Castro

Get some avocado this summer

Here are some easy steps to follow in order togrow an avocado from its seed:

1. The first thing you need to do is to remove the pit from a fresh avocado.
2. Work out which way is up and which is down – the slightly pointier end is the top.
3. Next, you need to clean it thoroughly under warm water using a soft cloth until you are sure all the flesh is removed.
4. Take three toothpicks and stick them into the pit at even intervals – these are to help balance your pit in water.
5. Sit the bottom half of your pit in the water, the toothpicks should stop it from falling or becoming fully submerged.

LONGER LASTING You’re slicing avocados wrong - the mistake that could make them turn brown

2nd Apr 2024, 19:30By Amanda Castro

Shock ingredient to rid your garden of weeds

There’s no need for harsh pesticides that might harm animals when you can utilize your booze store, according toone gardening expert.

The hack was just disclosed by the experts atInsight Weeds, and it’s completely mind-blowing.

They believe that instead of strong herbicides, the beverage may be utilized.

Because the vodka takes moisture away from the plant, the smart approach works.

The plant will eventually stop growing and wilt as a result of this.

The weed will be dead after the leaves dry off, according to specialists.

2nd Apr 2024, 19:00By Amanda Castro

Keep weeds out of the garden

At the top of your to-do list should be weeding and thinning, according toAlmanac.com.

Plants can’t grow effectively if they’re crowded out, and weeds are particularly aggressive competitors.

Almanac.com recommends:

• Pull any weeds that have overtaken your garden for a half-hour each morning while it is still chilly outside.
• You may go for the large folks first and work your way down to the minor offenders, or you can go for the big guys first and work your way down to the smaller offenders.
• If you stay at it, you’ll ultimately have few or no weeds remaining, at which time you’ll be able to keep up with new ones with ease.

2nd Apr 2024, 18:30By Amanda Castro

Taking care of your gardening tools

As spring comes, make sure yourgardening equipmentis in good working order so you can take on any chore in your yard.

And the best way to achieve that, according toMartha Stewart, is to take good care of them in three simple steps:

• Remove the rust
• Sharpening your trowel
• File your shears

2nd Apr 2024, 18:00By Amanda Castro

How to keep critters out of your garden:Scented Soap

Gardeners have used scented soaps like Irish Spring tokeep pests like raccoonsfrom clawing and gnawing at trees.

The fragrance of the home product is bergamot and citrus, with a flowery undertone.

While there is no scientific evidence, experts atPestPointersthink it is a good tool for keeping deers out of your garden.

You should cut your bar of soap in half to prevent raccoons from scavenging in trees.

And bind it three feet away from the trunk with twine or rope.

Alternatively, the soap can be placed in a bag and hung on a branch.

2nd Apr 2024, 17:30By Amanda Castro

How to keep critters out of your garden: Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is widely used in fiery sauces and may be added to dishes to add taste, but they’re also aneffective pest exterminator, according to experts.

The spice is disliked by critters such as raccoons and squirrels.

If they try to eat pepper-covered leaves, they’re likely to get a shock.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT I'm a gardening expert - use three cheap kitchen items to banish animals

2nd Apr 2024, 17:00By Amanda Castro

Why gardens are so popular

Gardening has become an increasingly common hobby.

During the early months of theCovid-19 pandemic, aninterest in gardeningwas reported by many media outlets, according toThe Ecological Society of America(ESA)

The exact reason for the spikes has not been determined, but the ESA reported that the spikes are being investigated further.

2nd Apr 2024, 16:30By Amanda Castro

Natural weed killer has narrow window

Corn gluten, which you can get on Amazon, is a winning formula for eliminatingweeds, according toMidwest Grows Green.

However, there’s a narrow window of opportunity to use the powder because if you apply it too soon, you’ll allow dormant weed seeds to dodge the corn gluten’s preventative effects.

If it’s applied to established weeds, they’ll just build resilience to its pre-emergency herbicidal effects.

The key is to apply the corn gluten when it attacks a weed just before germination or sprouting.

2nd Apr 2024, 16:20By Amanda Castro

What is used in mulch

Wood chips, leaves, grass clippings, and pine bark are a few examples ofmaterials that can be used as mulch.

By using mulch, you’re adding a protective barrier to the soil, which will work well against the natural elements.

This can also help reduce the number of weeds that grow in your garden.

Smaller materials are better for your garden, and larger materials work well for walking paths and other areas.

2nd Apr 2024, 16:15By Amanda Castro

Importance of mulch

Mulch retains moisture, so you may not need to water your garden as much if you use it, which also helps with themaintenance of your garden.

When it comes to purchasing mulch, if you plan to use it across a large swath of land, you can buy it in bulk.

But beware of the materials you’re purchasing and make sure that they’ll decompose and enhance your garden.

2nd Apr 2024, 16:10By Amanda Castro

Practice companion planting, continued

The experts atOld World Garden Farmssuggestedgrowing basilnext totomatoesand pepper plants.

Since basil is a deterrent against tomato hornworms, aphids, and beetles, planting it next to other plants will help protect them too.

The green-thumbed pros suggest planting it “close proximity to tomato and pepper plants,” since it protects them naturally.

“In fact, as an added benefit, basil supposedly even improves the flavor of tomatoes when grown nearby.”

They also suggested growing onions andgarlicnear cabbage.

“Both onions and garlic are known as an excellent repellent for cabbage moths, worms and loopers, and help keep cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower pest free.”

2nd Apr 2024, 16:05By Amanda Castro

Practice companion planting

Experts atOld World Garden Farmsgave one handy tip to avoid using harsh chemicals to remove pests.

Companion planting could be the key toridding nasty pests from your crops.

“Companion plantinghas been our number one, go-to method for stopping pests naturally in the garden for the last 5+ years. And has it ever worked wonders!” the experts said.

All you have to do is plant certain plants next to each other to reap the benefits.

“There are some wonderful beneficial relationships when certain plants grow near one another.

2nd Apr 2024, 16:00By Amanda Castro

Use sugar in your garden, save hundreds

ExpertJordan Page— the “Fun Cheap or Free Queen” — revealed how she uses sugar to keep herlawn greener than ever.

Rather than spend somewhere around $300-$500 on weeding and fertilizers, you can use white table sugar tosolve many of your lawn’s problems.

Typically costing around $4, sugar is both super cheap and super easy to apply to yourlawn.

Other than making your grass extra green, she said sugar is also beneficial for the environment.

2nd Apr 2024, 15:55By Amanda Castro

Oranges may be more useful than you think

Orange peels have a natural insecticide called D-Limonene which can repel pests, according to TikToker The Ashton Homestead (@theashtonhomestead).

The influencer shared on social media that she saves her orange peels, dices them up, and buries them in her garden as a natural pest deterrent.

She added that the citrus scent can keep out cats and dogs as well.

2nd Apr 2024, 15:50By Amanda Castro

Special tool revealed

Detria’s miracle tool, the Craftsman wood handle action hoe, sells for $27.98 at Lowe's.

It is described as featuring a looped steel blade that allows for push-and-pull action.

The hoe, with its 54-inch hardwood handle that allows for standing weed removal, received a lot of positive feedback for its revolutionary lawn care capabilities.

2nd Apr 2024, 15:45By Amanda Castro

Fans react to special tool

Many of Detria's fans also counted the tool as part of their squad.

"That is the best tool ever. It’s the only garden tool that I always clean and put away. No one is allowed to use it. No one!" said one follower.

"I completely understand. Guard it with your life," she agreed.

GIRL POWER I weed my whole garden in 15 minutes with a super satisfying tool - it's so easy

2nd Apr 2024, 15:40By Amanda Castro

Special tool to tidy up garden for cheap

Detria Rochelle (@detriarochelle) shared with her followers how to weed their entiregardenin just "15 minutes."

"Meet the action hoe," she said in her video onTikTok. "If you're about to have more weeds and vegetables like me, then keep watching. It's so simple and easy to use and it's so satisfying for me," she said.

The stirrup section brought all the weeds up by going underneath the earth, then she used her backyard buddy to rake across the ground.

"I hate using any type of weed barrier or anything like this, so the action hoe is my girl. This little stirrup in here gets the job done. It's sharpened so it slices through those weeds like butter," she said.

2nd Apr 2024, 14:30By Amanda Castro

Composting at home: Turn the heap

It’s important tokeep an eye on your pileand turn it as needed after it starts to take shape.

This introduces air into the mix, which is necessary for composting to take place.

Depending on the size of your pile and the materials in it, a turn with a spade once or twice a week should be enough.

In warmer weather, don’t forget to add water when the heap becomes dry.