Drainage and Irrigation Systems for the Landscape

by Kent Higgins

This next couple of months is a good time to check up on the drainage of your yard. Whenever you have a patch of lawn, shrub planting, evergreen planting, or garden that has water standing on it, it may show the need of installing drainage pipes to carry this excess moisture off to a lower level.



Four-inch plastic pipes set 12 to 15 inches from the soil surface to the top of the pipe with the lines 25 to 30 feet apart, will do a wonderful job of draining surplus moisture. You need a drop of only one inch to each hundred feet of tile line. Also to be more green consider collecting the water run off and reusing it to irrigate the landscape later on.



If you have no lower place to drain to then you will have to put in a sump hole two or three feet deep and install a sump pump to pump the water some place where it can run off.



It is possible to garden in the spring much earlier than most people think. As soon as the pussywillows start you can start taking off your winter protection. You may get a little damage from frost later on - yes, but it won't be nearly as much as the damage you will get from removing that same winter mulch after growth has started.



The young tender growth under mulches is so easy to break and damage with a rake or pitchfork. And of course all this mulch can be piled in the back corner of the yard to decompose.



Have you ever visited one of the big spring flower shows? If not, why. not plan on it? You will find that they are just as exciting as seeing the azaleas in the south, the Smoky Mountains with installed french drain systems in the spring, or visiting some big conservatory with french drain parts during the spring or fall. The flower shows in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Boston, and often in other larger cities are well worth a special trip.



In Ohio we usually have three or four planned tours, package deals, that include transportation, hotel and usually a stage show or two in addition to the flower show.

About the Author:

Unmask more on the topic of french drain parts today!

Bonsai Organic Gardening Techniques

by A Nutt

Because of the toxins associated with fertilizers and pesticides, many people are turning to organic gardening. The Bonsai is one plant that people are adding to their organic gardens. Originating in Asia, bonsai gardening has become very popular throughout the world. Bonsai plants require a lot of loving care. Growing them is often considered an art form.



Organic Soil and Fertilization The proper soil mixtures and fertilizers are essential for healthy bonsai growth. Research shows that the best bonsai soils are soils that have organic matters. Bonsai soil tends to be a loose, quick-draining mix of natural and non-chemically treated soil. The foundation is a mixture of sand or gravel, fired clay pellets, or shale, which is mixed with an organic compound such as peat or bark. Volcanic clay soils are a preferred selection in Japan. Kadama and Kanuma are two popular choices.



Bonsai trees require a fair amount of organic fertilizer. Fertilizer should only be given to the bonsai after watering. Feeding is usually performed once every two weeks during the summer months, and then reduced to once a month for the remainder of year. Organic fertilizers, organic liquid fertilizers are available at many online organic plant stores. You should call your local plant store to see if they have any organic bonsai supplies in stock. Manure and compost are two examples of organic feeds that can used when growing a bonsai tree. It is important to work organic mixtures into the soil.



You use your own compost in your bonsai organic soil mix. To do this, you will require more than one type of compost. According to most bonsai experts, the best organic bonsai soil mix is 40% compost, 30 % seramis clay granule, and 30% grit.



Watering Your Bonsai With minimal space in a bonsai pot, careful and frequent attention is required to make sure the tree is adequately watered. Sun, heat and wind can dry bonsai trees in a short time which ca result in permanent damage. You need to know the needs of your particular tree because some trees can survive short periods of dry spells, while others need constant moisture. Deciduous trees are more susceptible to dehydration. Evergreens can appear to handle periods of dry conditions better, but do not display any signs of damage until it is has occurred. One indication of damage is that the leaves will start wilting.



The process of watering is different than how you would normally water regular houseplant. Bonsai trees require submersion of the whole pot in water for several minutes. Once you remove the pot, allow the bonsai to drain. Too much watering can result in root rot and fungal infestations. Free draining soil prevents water-logging. To maintain proper soil, provide water in small amounts frequently because there is a flushing effect when the water is added. Bonsai plants are repotted regularly during their development. This encourages new feeder root growth so that the tree will be able to absorb moisture better. When they mature, they are repotted less often.



Young bonsai, known as potensai, are placed in 'growing boxes.' The large boxes permit the roots to grow which allows for food and water consumption as well as adding life to the tree. When the bonsai has outgrown the 'growing box,' it is then replanted in a 'training box.' This box is smaller allowing for a denser root mass. This makes replanting the bonsai in its final pot much easier.



Growing bonsai trees can be a very peaceful and spiritual experience. With the right care and trimming techniques, you can grow a beautiful living piece of art.

About the Author:

Organic gardening guide features tips and solutions to common garden issues - Redenta's is committed to a natural and sustainable approach to organic gardening and organic gardening supplies

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

by Jackson Blythe-ONeill

A lawn mower is one of the more expensive pieces of equipment that every homeowner needs, so it's important to main it properly. When maintained as they should be, a lawn mower can last for many years and will operate well during this time. Unfortunately though, not maintaining your lawn mower can eventually lead to the mower not working properly and in turn, it won't last as long.



There are certain key aspects of lawn mower maintenance that need to be borne in mind.



Maintenance After Each Use



After every use, you should clean the top and also the underside of the lawnmower so it stays free of dirt and help it to stay free of debris that can clog the underside and cause issues for bagging. Another good idea is to clean the grass out from under the wheels each time you cut the grass and also clean the grass that may be trapped under the blade. If you were to leave the grass there, after time the lawn mower will rust and you will need to purchase a new mower. If you own a water cooled mower, make sure to check the coolant level after use and also clean the radiator. For 4 stroke mowers, make sure to check the oil and add oil if it's low as low oil level will cause the engine to fail.



Lawn Mower Care before winter



When winter arrives, it is time to put the lawn mower to rest as the lawn will be covered with snow. It is best to prepare the lawnmower for this long rest. Drain the machine of all remaining fuel. Evaporation of fuel during a long dormant fuel may cause the carburetor to clog up. Run the engine until all remaining fuel is burnt up.



Proper Lubrication



Depending on how often you use the lawn mower, you will need to change the oil at least one time per season. It may also be wise to lubricate the throttle linkage and the choke to ensure that they move freely. Look for grease fittings that will also need to be greased each season.



Replace Blades



Dull mower blades damage the grass and results in uneven cuts. It is therefore important to check the blades regularly for any signs of dullness and replace them accordingly. Usually, blades are replaced at least once a year.

About the Author:

Researching riding lawnmowers before you buy them is a great idea. Finding good lawn mower reviews is hard to do, but they are available online. Jackson has written for other sites and often helps local neighbors with their own mower maintenance.

LED Grow Lights Make Indoor Vegetable Growing Simple and Safe

by Kenny Powers

The year round fresh food that comes from growing indoors is a beautiful thing. You are growing your own food, saving money while eating healthy and organically. Plus, you eat the freshest vegetables you've ever tasted, even in the middle of winter, even if you're living in a metropolis.



Many people are concerned about growing indoors because of the risk of fire. Lamps can get hot, and there's often complicated wiring involved that may be best left to an electrician. Grow lights also tend to get pretty hot, which can damage the plants and increase the chance of fires. No fresh vegetables are worth compromising the safety of your home and family.



Safety is one of the biggest advantages to using LED grow lights. You don't need the experience of an electrician. You simply just plug the light into any standard electrical socket. There's no complicated mounting systems as the lights can easily be suspended. The beauty of an LED plant light is how safe it is to install. It's safer because it's so simple.



LED grow lights also produce virtually no heat, so you don't need to worry about heat damage to your plants. An LED plant light also uses only a fraction of the electricity as a HPS bulb, leaving an undetectable carbon footprint. A 90-watt LED light produces as much optimal light as a 400-watt HPS light. LED technology can cover a 12-foot square growing area while using just a little more energy than a typical reading lamp.



With LED technology, you can grow your own vegetables without having a noticeable difference on your electric bill. It's really no different than adding a couple of extra reading lamps to your living room.



They use the optimal frequency for your plants by emitting the same wavelengths that plants use for photosynthesis. This encourages optimal plant growth for healthy, vibrant plants and hearty vegetables.



LED lights also last considerably longer than HPS lights. While fluorescent lights significantly lose their power after only a season or two, LED lights produce optimal light for decades.



LED technology delivers efficiency and safety with optimal light that brings out the best in your plants. LED lights make indoor gardening safe. Peace of mind is knowing where your vegetables come from.

About the Author:

About Author: He is an expert on indoor gardening and writes helpful articles on LED grow lights and LED plant light for the beginning gardener.

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The Bucket Buddy Power Shovel is a multi-use front end loader attachment.

The Bucket Buddy Power Shovel is a tractor implement for your front end loader bucket. The shovel attachment increases the functionality of your bucket by allowing you to easily dig holes for transplanting trees and shrubs, digging trenches, uprooting trees, and digging up hard dirt and other dense material. The Bucket Buddy Power Shovel has a universal mounting and adjustable links so it fits most front-end loader buckets whether you are using a large mid-size or small tractor . The loader bucket power shovel is durable made of 3/8-inch rolled steel. The main force of the implement comes from the tractor's hydraulics that govern the bucket.

The Bucket Buddy Power Shovel can be used for:

• Transplanting tree & nursery stock
• Bucket loading hard soil and other dense materials
• Soil excavating
• Trenching-Drainage-Irrigation
• Controlling erosion - relocating sod
• Pouring concrete or other liquids if adapted
• Clearing fence lines
• Digging trees