I like to grow a wide variety of plants and I have been finding that a lot of different types prefer pure leaf mould to peat such as: feverfew, sunflowers, pumpkins, etc. I found that sunflowers grown in peat based soil rotted because it holds too much water and the same happened with pumpkins. So the question is Why in every Garden centre is every plant grown in peat when better results are obviously obtainable with leaf mould and garden soil mixtures ?
Is leaf mould a better growing medium than bog peat ?
Peat is cheaper and more available. It's pressed into pots and so forth which makes for ease of use. Commercial avenues do not always do what is best for the plant, just what helps their profits. And if you don't know better and the plant dies, chances are you'll come back and buy another one!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
What places do you like to browse around?
I enjoy Garden centres and antique shops.
What places do you like to browse around?
The library.
When I go hiking I often end up turning up paths I'm unfamiliar with to see what's on them. Sometimes I just stroll a little way up them and turn back to my regular route.
Salvation Army, Goodwill and other stores like the day-old bread place where I get bread for pennies on the dollar.
Macy's. What's that you say? Well they have these readers in the stores now that will display the price of any item for you. I go to the clearance rack and pick up items that look like they've been there a while (pants usually) and run them through. Every now and again they come up at a penny. This means they should have been pulled from the shelves by the staff but they missed them. It's Macy's policy that if you find them and bring them up to buy them, they'll sell them to you. This works in all areas of the store by the way and not just in clothes. Very occasionally there will be a very expensive bag or dress that gets by and then you save several hundred dollars. So now you know why I like to browse Macy's.
Reply:i love car booting and chairty shops
Reply:Clothes shops
Reply:Antiques stalls and flea markets love 'em. I used to have a stall years ago and still miss it!
Reply:Trinket shops that sell all sorts of sparkly things, I love places like Accessorise and a little shop in the next village that sells all sorts of girly things. OOOH anywhere that sells fancy knickers too !!
Reply:Garden shops , fruit stands etc etc , because they are so peacful... also smell good lol
Reply:Boutiques, garden shops and card shops (for a good laugh)
Reply:browse? Libary! Pictures!
Reply:Jewelry stores! I could browse around forever!
Reply:the mall and the shoes places and gameshop
rain roots
What places do you like to browse around?
The library.
When I go hiking I often end up turning up paths I'm unfamiliar with to see what's on them. Sometimes I just stroll a little way up them and turn back to my regular route.
Salvation Army, Goodwill and other stores like the day-old bread place where I get bread for pennies on the dollar.
Macy's. What's that you say? Well they have these readers in the stores now that will display the price of any item for you. I go to the clearance rack and pick up items that look like they've been there a while (pants usually) and run them through. Every now and again they come up at a penny. This means they should have been pulled from the shelves by the staff but they missed them. It's Macy's policy that if you find them and bring them up to buy them, they'll sell them to you. This works in all areas of the store by the way and not just in clothes. Very occasionally there will be a very expensive bag or dress that gets by and then you save several hundred dollars. So now you know why I like to browse Macy's.
Reply:i love car booting and chairty shops
Reply:Clothes shops
Reply:Antiques stalls and flea markets love 'em. I used to have a stall years ago and still miss it!
Reply:Trinket shops that sell all sorts of sparkly things, I love places like Accessorise and a little shop in the next village that sells all sorts of girly things. OOOH anywhere that sells fancy knickers too !!
Reply:Garden shops , fruit stands etc etc , because they are so peacful... also smell good lol
Reply:Boutiques, garden shops and card shops (for a good laugh)
Reply:browse? Libary! Pictures!
Reply:Jewelry stores! I could browse around forever!
Reply:the mall and the shoes places and gameshop
rain roots
Can you suggest a species name for an extremely tall thistle-like plant with very broad, grey-green leaves?
This plant grows around six feet tall, and is definitely not invasive, although it does self-seed somewhat. It is rather like cardoon, but taller, with fewer leaves. A full-grown specimen makes a visual impact like a tall cactus. I have seen it in a few gardens, but never in a garden centre.
Can you suggest a species name for an extremely tall thistle-like plant with very broad, grey-green leaves?
stinging nettles
Reply:maybe hogweed?
Can you suggest a species name for an extremely tall thistle-like plant with very broad, grey-green leaves?
stinging nettles
Reply:maybe hogweed?
How to get rid of pondweed?
I have a small garden pond which is being riddled with pondweed, at least i think thats what u call it, its horrible slimy green stringy stuff thats enveloping everything. It started last year and i tried a product from my local garden centre which didnt work at all and was expensive. Any tips anyone?? If it carries on much longer it will be overtaking everything and is beginning to look like something like a creature from a horror film.
How to get rid of pondweed?
Take the bulk of the algae out with a rake or suchlike.The cheapest and most environmentally friendly way is to get a couple of good handfulls of straw and wrap in cloth or net and put in your pond .You may need a stone to pin this down.The straw releases chemicals that inhibit algae growth as it breaks down.You will need to change straw every six months.A faster way is to put chlorine tablet(s) in your pond , but these are poisonous to fish ,wildlife etc.
Reply:take a rake and get what you can out by hand.
buy some grass carp and put in your pond. fish and wildlife department in your area should be able to tell you where you can purchase them. The website below tells you about the fish and shows you pictures of what they can do.
edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FA043 - 28k
How to get rid of pondweed?
Take the bulk of the algae out with a rake or suchlike.The cheapest and most environmentally friendly way is to get a couple of good handfulls of straw and wrap in cloth or net and put in your pond .You may need a stone to pin this down.The straw releases chemicals that inhibit algae growth as it breaks down.You will need to change straw every six months.A faster way is to put chlorine tablet(s) in your pond , but these are poisonous to fish ,wildlife etc.
Reply:take a rake and get what you can out by hand.
buy some grass carp and put in your pond. fish and wildlife department in your area should be able to tell you where you can purchase them. The website below tells you about the fish and shows you pictures of what they can do.
edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FA043 - 28k
How can I turn baby goldfish gold quicker?
I have a lot of baby goldfish in my pond, they were born last summer and are still brown. I was wondering if anyone knew a way to speed up the process of turning them orange?
I know they turn orange when exposed to full spectrum light but they're outside already, the man at the garden centre said that they give their babies a supplement to turn them orange but I can't find anything about it anywhere.
Any ideas?
How can I turn baby goldfish gold quicker?
They will just have to grow really, as the colour comes with new skin and scales.
However, Carotin based foods should help, if you ask your petshop for a carotin based food. If he doesn't sell them then he's garbage!
DO NOT use any Dying or staining substances, it is cruel to fish, maybe not to maggots, but definately fish!
Carotin is the natural substance that makes carotts orange (hence the name), cooked prawns pink, and the same reason flamingo's are pink, because they digest all the Carotin in the prawns and other shellfish they eat.
Good luck!
Reply:u cud try anatto dye its used to dye maggots for fishing also used in margarine so its pretty harmless
Reply:They sell pellets that inhances the colour of your fish that might help. They will change colour when they are old enough though.
Reply:The same way you turned yourself PINK.
Reply:try the new spraypaint,fishy orange...just don't spray it in the pond!....
I know they turn orange when exposed to full spectrum light but they're outside already, the man at the garden centre said that they give their babies a supplement to turn them orange but I can't find anything about it anywhere.
Any ideas?
How can I turn baby goldfish gold quicker?
They will just have to grow really, as the colour comes with new skin and scales.
However, Carotin based foods should help, if you ask your petshop for a carotin based food. If he doesn't sell them then he's garbage!
DO NOT use any Dying or staining substances, it is cruel to fish, maybe not to maggots, but definately fish!
Carotin is the natural substance that makes carotts orange (hence the name), cooked prawns pink, and the same reason flamingo's are pink, because they digest all the Carotin in the prawns and other shellfish they eat.
Good luck!
Reply:u cud try anatto dye its used to dye maggots for fishing also used in margarine so its pretty harmless
Reply:They sell pellets that inhances the colour of your fish that might help. They will change colour when they are old enough though.
Reply:The same way you turned yourself PINK.
Reply:try the new spraypaint,fishy orange...just don't spray it in the pond!....
How do I save my Bamboo plant?
I bought a sort of bamboo bush that had no care guide. I re-potted in in beginner soil from the garden centre and in a much larger container. However recently all the outer stems and leaves have gone yellow. The soil is moist yet not water logged. What am I doing wrong ???
How do I save my Bamboo plant?
Way too much water.
Reply:It could just be transplant shock. Give it some time. It normally takes 2-3 weeks for it to bounce back. Don't fertilize until you see active new growth. It would help to keep it outside in partial shade or indoors at a bright window in that time. I can't be more specific since I don't know what species of bamboo it is. The link below might give you an idea of what your bamboo is as well as more information on how to take care of it. Hope this helps.
Horticulture student.
Reply:hi!! bamboo plant is it? well, you see its a plant and you can take care of it by putting it in a pot and water it everyday.
Reply:my bamboo grows through straight water no soil more shade that son. It is indoors in a pot and does well.
Why do hotels always use white towels
How do I save my Bamboo plant?
Way too much water.
Reply:It could just be transplant shock. Give it some time. It normally takes 2-3 weeks for it to bounce back. Don't fertilize until you see active new growth. It would help to keep it outside in partial shade or indoors at a bright window in that time. I can't be more specific since I don't know what species of bamboo it is. The link below might give you an idea of what your bamboo is as well as more information on how to take care of it. Hope this helps.
Horticulture student.
Reply:hi!! bamboo plant is it? well, you see its a plant and you can take care of it by putting it in a pot and water it everyday.
Reply:my bamboo grows through straight water no soil more shade that son. It is indoors in a pot and does well.
Why do hotels always use white towels
Can I feed my young chili plants with Baby Bio House Plant Feed?
I posted yesterday about the tips of the leaves turning white and dying (they are potted outside). Someone suggested that I am not feeding them enough, and that I should try a high-nitrogen feed. Havent managed to get to a garden centre yet, but wondered if Baby Bio would do the job? it has 10% nitrogen in it...
Can I feed my young chili plants with Baby Bio House Plant Feed?
Hello,
The answer to your question is yes. Any feed is good, their all the same really. I use tomato feed on all of my conservatory plants and they have very quick growing sperts.
Any more questions don't hesertate to ask.
Thankyou
Reply:yes
Reply:I agree with Eoghan. I use bio on mine and have not had that problem.It sounds like the last frost got them and burnt the tips.Snip them off to prevent any disease spreading from the dead leaves better the energy go into new growth then into ugly leaves.
Reply:If you use a high nitrogen plant food you will end up with all leaf and very little crop. Nitrogen is used to stimulate green growth which is why lawn foods are high in nitrogen. whatever food you use make sure it is balanced and is suitable for a food plant as not all are and may leave residue that you do not want to consume! The best liquid feed is a soup made from manure, this is not always practical otherwise the nearest decent garden centre.
Reply:hi i have always been told that if you do not feed chili plants you get hotter fruit?
Reply:Yes - I feed mine with it and they are fine - last years crop was excellent
Can I feed my young chili plants with Baby Bio House Plant Feed?
Hello,
The answer to your question is yes. Any feed is good, their all the same really. I use tomato feed on all of my conservatory plants and they have very quick growing sperts.
Any more questions don't hesertate to ask.
Thankyou
Reply:yes
Reply:I agree with Eoghan. I use bio on mine and have not had that problem.It sounds like the last frost got them and burnt the tips.Snip them off to prevent any disease spreading from the dead leaves better the energy go into new growth then into ugly leaves.
Reply:If you use a high nitrogen plant food you will end up with all leaf and very little crop. Nitrogen is used to stimulate green growth which is why lawn foods are high in nitrogen. whatever food you use make sure it is balanced and is suitable for a food plant as not all are and may leave residue that you do not want to consume! The best liquid feed is a soup made from manure, this is not always practical otherwise the nearest decent garden centre.
Reply:hi i have always been told that if you do not feed chili plants you get hotter fruit?
Reply:Yes - I feed mine with it and they are fine - last years crop was excellent
Can't get our fish pond to clear despite buying several products to do the job?
We have quite a large fish pond, holds approximately 7,500 litres. Size is about 14 feet by about 6, kidney shaped, deeper at one end than the other. There's about 30 fish in it - mainly goldfish and koi
We can't get the water to clear. Filter, pump and UV are relatively new. We've bought several "pond clearing" products from the local garden centre but still can't get it to clear. We've had the water tested so we know that's OK
Any help would be much appreciated
Can't get our fish pond to clear despite buying several products to do the job?
I presume that you just have green water.
The UV should take care of this, Have you checked its actually on, some models are difficult to see if they are.
You say that the Uv is relativly new, if the tube is over 12 moths old I would recoment getting a new one, I replace mine every 12 months.
Also barly straw is also quite good at reducing green water.. I would recomend the pellits rather than just the bag of straw, the only draw back is that it take a while to mature.
If its blanket weed you have then I would recomend Answer Blanket weed Inhibitor.
Its great stuff.
My first port of call would be your UV.
Which model do you have and how many watts??
Reply:Go to your local Wal-Mart and purchase "cotton Batting" in a sheet (not pull type for stuff animals) but for quilting. This is the VERY same material they make you pay an arm and a leg for in the filter system. Take out the charcoal filter (or you can leave it in, but should change often with the proplem going on), and the dirty filter material and replace with a "cut to fit size" from the quilting material. Each day with running the pump, replace the material. You can even sew your own charcoal packs using the quilting material, and sink them down into the water until needed. This way you will always have a "seasoned" filter pack ready.....while it is waiting to be used, sitting in the water it is already helping. You just need to rinse under running cold water before placing into the filter box.
You didn't happen to say how long you have had this pond, so I don't know if it fully cycled yet, or if it was newer and you loaded it with that many fish. Either way, the suggestion above will get you started.
I don't know what you have been doing .... adding to the water to try to clear it, or what medications or treatments you've added. What does the water look like that isn't correct. Green, slimey, fish death, milky, smells fishy?
At this point I wouldn't try adding anything else but a few fish called plecos (spelling might be wrong because their real name is longer and this is a known nick name) but they eat left over fish food and other matter that causes pond problems. They are sold in all fish stores, are bottom feeders and look like small cat fish. They are not Corries tho. They grow to quit a large size, are not harmful to other fish and benefit all fish tanks and ponds. If you add a few of these, they alone can clear up most all problems and help get things in perfect balance.
GOOD LUCK
Reply:There are many good websites that have tons of information on ponds, filters, water quality and so forth. You have to match your pump/filters with the size of the pond and number of fish. They have to reduce the amount of waste material produced by the fish or the water quality will suffer. Clear water in a fish pond is a tough job and requires the correct combination of biofilter, mechanical filters, maybe uv and pumps. There is no magic cure that you can buy at wal mart to achive water quality. Try americanaquariumproducts.com. They have some good discussions on water quality.
Reply:we had the same problem, it is now four years old and this is the first year it is clear so i guess doing nothing seems to work
Reply:Your local aquariium or garden centre should sell barley straw. Suspend some in the outflow from the pump making sure you use enough for the size of the pond. It should clear (and stay clear) within about 7-10 days although you will need to renew the barley straw every 6 months or so.
Reply:It is time to call in a swimming pool service to check out everything and give advice.
We can't get the water to clear. Filter, pump and UV are relatively new. We've bought several "pond clearing" products from the local garden centre but still can't get it to clear. We've had the water tested so we know that's OK
Any help would be much appreciated
Can't get our fish pond to clear despite buying several products to do the job?
I presume that you just have green water.
The UV should take care of this, Have you checked its actually on, some models are difficult to see if they are.
You say that the Uv is relativly new, if the tube is over 12 moths old I would recoment getting a new one, I replace mine every 12 months.
Also barly straw is also quite good at reducing green water.. I would recomend the pellits rather than just the bag of straw, the only draw back is that it take a while to mature.
If its blanket weed you have then I would recomend Answer Blanket weed Inhibitor.
Its great stuff.
My first port of call would be your UV.
Which model do you have and how many watts??
Reply:Go to your local Wal-Mart and purchase "cotton Batting" in a sheet (not pull type for stuff animals) but for quilting. This is the VERY same material they make you pay an arm and a leg for in the filter system. Take out the charcoal filter (or you can leave it in, but should change often with the proplem going on), and the dirty filter material and replace with a "cut to fit size" from the quilting material. Each day with running the pump, replace the material. You can even sew your own charcoal packs using the quilting material, and sink them down into the water until needed. This way you will always have a "seasoned" filter pack ready.....while it is waiting to be used, sitting in the water it is already helping. You just need to rinse under running cold water before placing into the filter box.
You didn't happen to say how long you have had this pond, so I don't know if it fully cycled yet, or if it was newer and you loaded it with that many fish. Either way, the suggestion above will get you started.
I don't know what you have been doing .... adding to the water to try to clear it, or what medications or treatments you've added. What does the water look like that isn't correct. Green, slimey, fish death, milky, smells fishy?
At this point I wouldn't try adding anything else but a few fish called plecos (spelling might be wrong because their real name is longer and this is a known nick name) but they eat left over fish food and other matter that causes pond problems. They are sold in all fish stores, are bottom feeders and look like small cat fish. They are not Corries tho. They grow to quit a large size, are not harmful to other fish and benefit all fish tanks and ponds. If you add a few of these, they alone can clear up most all problems and help get things in perfect balance.
GOOD LUCK
Reply:There are many good websites that have tons of information on ponds, filters, water quality and so forth. You have to match your pump/filters with the size of the pond and number of fish. They have to reduce the amount of waste material produced by the fish or the water quality will suffer. Clear water in a fish pond is a tough job and requires the correct combination of biofilter, mechanical filters, maybe uv and pumps. There is no magic cure that you can buy at wal mart to achive water quality. Try americanaquariumproducts.com. They have some good discussions on water quality.
Reply:we had the same problem, it is now four years old and this is the first year it is clear so i guess doing nothing seems to work
Reply:Your local aquariium or garden centre should sell barley straw. Suspend some in the outflow from the pump making sure you use enough for the size of the pond. It should clear (and stay clear) within about 7-10 days although you will need to renew the barley straw every 6 months or so.
Reply:It is time to call in a swimming pool service to check out everything and give advice.
Can I use peat or substitute peat as bedding for rodents?
The substitute peat is coconut fibre. I need lots of cheap bedding and the garden centre is near me. I can also use the dirty bedding on the garden.
Sadly my hamsters and mice died a few days after using shreaded newspaper. I suspect the paper killed them despite many people saying it was OK to use. The pet shop bedding works out very expensive.
Can I use peat or substitute peat as bedding for rodents?
I use a bedding called aubiose. It is for made for horses but is great for small animals. You can buy it in bales from most farm shops.
Reply:Shredded kitchen paper would be best. Peat can be moist and create humidity and that will not be good for a small rodent. Also, if you have any documents like bank statements that you can put through a shredder they'd be good to use too. Dirty bedding in the garden may attract unwanted pests like rats if there's any food in it, so be careful with that idea. Shredded paper can be put in a compost bin, but make sure there's no seeds or grains in it, unless you don't mind if they grow.
Reply:see does your local builders merchents sell bales of wood chip (saw dust) its cheap and lasts for months i by for 8 euro a bale 100 lts
Reply:Newspapers can contain toxins in the print, which can be dangerous to rodents. I keep chinchillas and hamsters, and will only use newspaper if it is well out of reach of my guys. This means that my chins only have newspaper that lines the tray of the cage, well out of their reach and my hamster has only paper bedding and sawdust from a petstore that is dust extracted.
I think that soil additives, such as peat, will need more regular cleaning and also may soil your rodents' coats if you are not careful. Even petshop bedding is not guaranteed to be safe, sometimes it an choke small rodents or cause allergic reactions in susceptible animals. As a bedding then I can recommend white toilet paper, which doesn't contain any chemicals that can cause problems. Other bedding that is safe, will cost you money but comes from reputable petstores. Try doing some online research and seeing what the expert sites have to say. They have many years experience of keeping these animals and will have recommendations for many eventuality. Your vet will also be able to advise.
Finally, I cannot stress how much importance it is to research on any type of animal you intend to get. There are lots of pros and cons to every animal, and it is imptortant to budget for your eventual choice - no matter what.
Reply:Peat or coconut fibre is no use, both contain fine dust particles and will become for the most part extremely dry in a cage or hutch.
You would cause eyes, ears and breathing problems.
If you need lots of bedding you need to think about bulk buying to reduce your costs.
Sadly my hamsters and mice died a few days after using shreaded newspaper. I suspect the paper killed them despite many people saying it was OK to use. The pet shop bedding works out very expensive.
Can I use peat or substitute peat as bedding for rodents?
I use a bedding called aubiose. It is for made for horses but is great for small animals. You can buy it in bales from most farm shops.
Reply:Shredded kitchen paper would be best. Peat can be moist and create humidity and that will not be good for a small rodent. Also, if you have any documents like bank statements that you can put through a shredder they'd be good to use too. Dirty bedding in the garden may attract unwanted pests like rats if there's any food in it, so be careful with that idea. Shredded paper can be put in a compost bin, but make sure there's no seeds or grains in it, unless you don't mind if they grow.
Reply:see does your local builders merchents sell bales of wood chip (saw dust) its cheap and lasts for months i by for 8 euro a bale 100 lts
Reply:Newspapers can contain toxins in the print, which can be dangerous to rodents. I keep chinchillas and hamsters, and will only use newspaper if it is well out of reach of my guys. This means that my chins only have newspaper that lines the tray of the cage, well out of their reach and my hamster has only paper bedding and sawdust from a petstore that is dust extracted.
I think that soil additives, such as peat, will need more regular cleaning and also may soil your rodents' coats if you are not careful. Even petshop bedding is not guaranteed to be safe, sometimes it an choke small rodents or cause allergic reactions in susceptible animals. As a bedding then I can recommend white toilet paper, which doesn't contain any chemicals that can cause problems. Other bedding that is safe, will cost you money but comes from reputable petstores. Try doing some online research and seeing what the expert sites have to say. They have many years experience of keeping these animals and will have recommendations for many eventuality. Your vet will also be able to advise.
Finally, I cannot stress how much importance it is to research on any type of animal you intend to get. There are lots of pros and cons to every animal, and it is imptortant to budget for your eventual choice - no matter what.
Reply:Peat or coconut fibre is no use, both contain fine dust particles and will become for the most part extremely dry in a cage or hutch.
You would cause eyes, ears and breathing problems.
If you need lots of bedding you need to think about bulk buying to reduce your costs.
Roof garden PICS INCLUDED - ideas needed for decking & general ideas?Thanks!?
Hey,
this weekend I started buying plants and stuff for my project on my roof garden. And, till now, this is how it looks.
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=67l344%26amp;s...
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2ezik2b%26amp;...
So, I'm thinking of adding a pond here in this corner (of course remove the plants and put them somewhere else). It has to be a raised pond as I cant dig ( refer to link )
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=11aeixg%26amp;...
Here is my problem, take a look at these tiles
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2hs5cuh%26amp;...
They are not pretty! I've looked at decking at garden centres but they are so expensive! So here is where I need your help- what can I use to cover up these horrible tiles? Any do-it-yourself cheap decking ideas?
Also, if you have any ideas %26amp; critisism for the garden, dont be hesitant to tell me !
PS-sry about the evident dog droppings but I have 3 dogs!
Roof garden PICS INCLUDED - ideas needed for decking %26amp; general ideas?Thanks!?
Your space is bigger than many people's gardens, so you've got a fantastic opportunity to have a roof-top oasis - I'm jealous! It will be ok to add a decking on top of your tiles, so that you can easily remove/replace it in future.
I use a large plant tub as a pond, growing water lillies etc, in it, though these benefit from plenty of sun light - I guess exposed on your roof terrace they'd get plenty of this. Alternatively, you could look for other self-contained ponds that are free standing.
I'm not sure where you live, so your choice of plants will be dictated by your local climate. If you get winds through exposure on a roof, look for plants that will tolerate this. A tree or so will help provide further height interest - must be wind tolerant though.
Consider adding something like split bamboo cane shields, that will provide some wind shielding, but without being a fully solid wall. Also, use some climbers to add height, and thus interest, to your garden. My overall goal with gardens is to add variety of leaf texture, colour, height as well as to have some year round interest. For climbers, consider Clematis, Bouganvillea, if you don't get frosts, as well as honeysuckle for fragrance.
You get have a herb garden - or vegetables/fruit too - in a section of your roof, and this again increases the interest, as well as saving some money over shop prices. Plants grown now will flourish this year, and makes your job of gardening even more rewarding. Trailing plants will help cover any tiles that you might not cover with decking.
Consider also adding some stones, either as a gravel area, or larger stones, as this provides a break from the flat surface area that you have. Feng shui would have you with earth, stone plants water and wood, so consider what you could use to incorporate these. Your pond adds the water, you'll have earth and plants too.
Hope these quick ideas help. Don't feel pressured into covering the whole area with decking, as standing tubs will break up the view of the tiles, as well as provide some relief. Seeds will help you grow many plants at a fraction of the cost of plant nurseries.
Hope this helps. Good luck! Rob
Reply:im not ready to upload some pics but i suggest the pond part--- you can use a pond liner in a built up pond by stacking boulders wire mesh and pebbles,,,, about the decking--- you can use a rough sawn logs use as stepping pads and to cover most of the tiles use white sand and assorted pebbles,, its much expensive using planks for decks, or redo all the tiles with stampcrete,, think about this might help-- by the way where are you from-------- it is best to use plant indegenous to your area
Reply:Ignore the tiles; center on eye contact toward your decorative taste. Items with color directs eye focus elsewhere where your money would be better invested.
Get items you can transplant and have less pots to tip over or plants becoming root bound. Consider spray painting child's wading pool, pool liners, get long flower boxes with depth, etc... Petunias for borders will give long time bloom and color around your other plants.
Add patio table, umbrella, chairs, etc...
After you have satisfaction with placed items, now take 2nd look at tiles. Are the remaining tiles that you see still bothersome? Spray paint a 'walk way' or lay paving tiles for a walk way.
massage shoes
this weekend I started buying plants and stuff for my project on my roof garden. And, till now, this is how it looks.
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=67l344%26amp;s...
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2ezik2b%26amp;...
So, I'm thinking of adding a pond here in this corner (of course remove the plants and put them somewhere else). It has to be a raised pond as I cant dig ( refer to link )
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=11aeixg%26amp;...
Here is my problem, take a look at these tiles
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2hs5cuh%26amp;...
They are not pretty! I've looked at decking at garden centres but they are so expensive! So here is where I need your help- what can I use to cover up these horrible tiles? Any do-it-yourself cheap decking ideas?
Also, if you have any ideas %26amp; critisism for the garden, dont be hesitant to tell me !
PS-sry about the evident dog droppings but I have 3 dogs!
Roof garden PICS INCLUDED - ideas needed for decking %26amp; general ideas?Thanks!?
Your space is bigger than many people's gardens, so you've got a fantastic opportunity to have a roof-top oasis - I'm jealous! It will be ok to add a decking on top of your tiles, so that you can easily remove/replace it in future.
I use a large plant tub as a pond, growing water lillies etc, in it, though these benefit from plenty of sun light - I guess exposed on your roof terrace they'd get plenty of this. Alternatively, you could look for other self-contained ponds that are free standing.
I'm not sure where you live, so your choice of plants will be dictated by your local climate. If you get winds through exposure on a roof, look for plants that will tolerate this. A tree or so will help provide further height interest - must be wind tolerant though.
Consider adding something like split bamboo cane shields, that will provide some wind shielding, but without being a fully solid wall. Also, use some climbers to add height, and thus interest, to your garden. My overall goal with gardens is to add variety of leaf texture, colour, height as well as to have some year round interest. For climbers, consider Clematis, Bouganvillea, if you don't get frosts, as well as honeysuckle for fragrance.
You get have a herb garden - or vegetables/fruit too - in a section of your roof, and this again increases the interest, as well as saving some money over shop prices. Plants grown now will flourish this year, and makes your job of gardening even more rewarding. Trailing plants will help cover any tiles that you might not cover with decking.
Consider also adding some stones, either as a gravel area, or larger stones, as this provides a break from the flat surface area that you have. Feng shui would have you with earth, stone plants water and wood, so consider what you could use to incorporate these. Your pond adds the water, you'll have earth and plants too.
Hope these quick ideas help. Don't feel pressured into covering the whole area with decking, as standing tubs will break up the view of the tiles, as well as provide some relief. Seeds will help you grow many plants at a fraction of the cost of plant nurseries.
Hope this helps. Good luck! Rob
Reply:im not ready to upload some pics but i suggest the pond part--- you can use a pond liner in a built up pond by stacking boulders wire mesh and pebbles,,,, about the decking--- you can use a rough sawn logs use as stepping pads and to cover most of the tiles use white sand and assorted pebbles,, its much expensive using planks for decks, or redo all the tiles with stampcrete,, think about this might help-- by the way where are you from-------- it is best to use plant indegenous to your area
Reply:Ignore the tiles; center on eye contact toward your decorative taste. Items with color directs eye focus elsewhere where your money would be better invested.
Get items you can transplant and have less pots to tip over or plants becoming root bound. Consider spray painting child's wading pool, pool liners, get long flower boxes with depth, etc... Petunias for borders will give long time bloom and color around your other plants.
Add patio table, umbrella, chairs, etc...
After you have satisfaction with placed items, now take 2nd look at tiles. Are the remaining tiles that you see still bothersome? Spray paint a 'walk way' or lay paving tiles for a walk way.
massage shoes
I'm a TA in an infants school setting up a garden centre role play area. Any ideas , tips would be welcome .
Awwwwww - How Nice !!
We used this idea for our classroom when I worked as a Tss worker with kid's.
We made a box out of 2x4's and made a nice big square and then we put through out the inside of the box, some florist foam and then we used the green florist moss and put that and some decorative rocks through that. Then we made fake flowers daisy's ect out of bright colored pipe cleaner's and wiggly eyes. You can make butterfly's and bumble bee's . You can even add some pom-pom dogs and cat's.At the local craft store you can get some foam looking rock's and paint each childs name on the rock and add it to your flower garden. Good Luck
I'm a TA in an infants school setting up a garden centre role play area. Any ideas , tips would be welcome .
Dress up clothes so they can dress up as a worker etc, a till with money in so they can handle money and numbers etc.
We used this idea for our classroom when I worked as a Tss worker with kid's.
We made a box out of 2x4's and made a nice big square and then we put through out the inside of the box, some florist foam and then we used the green florist moss and put that and some decorative rocks through that. Then we made fake flowers daisy's ect out of bright colored pipe cleaner's and wiggly eyes. You can make butterfly's and bumble bee's . You can even add some pom-pom dogs and cat's.At the local craft store you can get some foam looking rock's and paint each childs name on the rock and add it to your flower garden. Good Luck
I'm a TA in an infants school setting up a garden centre role play area. Any ideas , tips would be welcome .
Dress up clothes so they can dress up as a worker etc, a till with money in so they can handle money and numbers etc.
I have hundreds of tiny snails in my tropical fish tank how do I get rid of them for good?
I've tried emptying the tank, cleaning it, even boiling all the rocks and stones and replacing the sand and gravel - the sods came in on some plants I once bought from a garden centre, must of been some eggs attached, as soon as i hook some of the snails out hundreds more have bred. Is there anything that they dont like to eat which would kill them?
I have hundreds of tiny snails in my tropical fish tank how do I get rid of them for good?
There are several ways to keep snails in check:
Several species of fish just love snails, for breakfast that is. The most common snail eater is the attractive Clown Loach, It will grab the unprotected soft part of the snail and literally suck the poor gastropod out of the shell. If you don’t mind me saying, this can be quite entertaining. In the marine tank, Pufferfish are good snail eaters and will crunch the shell of the snail and eat the soft parts. In fact, some people grow snails specifically to feed to their Clown Loaches and Pufferfishes.
Run some hot water over a lettuce leaf and just before you turn the lights out, tie a piece of cotton around it and drop it in the tank. It will sink to the bottom and in the morning you should find it covered in snails. Remove the lettuce, snails and all. Repeat until the snails are under control
It is important to note that most snail blooms are caused by overfeeding. In these cases, the only reason that the snails are overpopulating is because they are feeding on the excess food that the fish leave behind. Watch your fish when feeding, if they do not eat all their food after 3-4 minutes or less then you are overfeeding.
There are some commercial snail killers available that local fish shop owners might try to sell you. If used as instructed these remedies may well kill your snails. However, these chemical based solutions should be avoided because they tend to kill the bacteria that keep ammonia and nitrite levels in check. In turn, this may also kill your fish.
Prevention is usually better than the cure. If buying plants from a local fish shop and you don’t want to accommodate any hitchhikers then I suggest that you take the following action. Before introducing your plants into the aquarium, make the effort of soaking them in warm salty water. After ten minutes remove the plants and wash thoroughly. This should remove or kill any unwanted gastropod guests. It will also remove potentially harmful parasites such as White Spot
Reply:Some crabs are know to be snail murders. maybe get a few crabs to control your snail problem. another thing is talk to your local fish store maybe they will take them and give you store credit.
Reply:They aren't so bad. They acutally help eat a lot of uneaten, unseen waste, althought they do create a bit of waste themselves.
Reply:there is a treatment called "snail away" and should be available from your local fish shop
Reply:don't....they are really good for keeping the tank clean and will not harm the fish.....take a few out but not all of them
Reply:try removing all your fish and buying some loaches from your local petsmart. they will eat anything in your tank thats alive.
worked for me at least
Reply:Use a product by Interpet called Snailaway. It is fish friendly but will kill the snails.
the link below is just for your information as i don't know which country you are in. I am in th UK, Interpet is international.
http://www.atlantisaquatics.co.uk/acatal...
Reply:DON'T GET RID OF THEM! Snails help filter the fish's water. They fish poo, and all that dust and dirt in the air. They are good! KEEP THEM!
Reply:they eat the algae. good for the tank. but thats a lot
Reply:sell or give them to a pet store, they may not credit u for it but youll have them of ur back
Reply:do they have cone shaped shells and pointed at the end? if so don't get rid of them, they will help to prevent the substrate from clogging and generally help to keep the aquarium clean by eating any leftover foods. If you must get rid of them then try not to use chemicals 'snailaway' etc, try to do it manually or better still invest in some clown loaches or fish of the same family, they will relish the thought of snails for breakfast, dinner, and tea. take care and good luck.
Reply:Thats a really good question, im over run with them, i got one with a fish i bought and they've multiplied.Although they're annoying the snails help to create a realistic habitat for your fish, just keep the numbers down by taking them out, but you'll be fighting a loosing battle.
Good luck
Reply:ummmm
things that u should get some snail-eating-fish
i seen some myself
but i dont like fish
suggest sea-monkeys for pets you heard right
go www.sea-monkeys.com
jus don let snail come out of tank
or add colorine ok
Reply:I had that problem when I got my tank. The person that had the tank before me had snails and they are a pain to get rid of. I boiled everything and then let everything sit out of the tank and dry for two days. It worked. Also try Aquarium Salt.
Reply:well snails are good they clean the tank but if u want to get rid of them get a new everything u have in ur fish tank and a new fish tank and do something with the other one
Reply:You have pond snails also known as tadpole snails.
These snails are assexual and will breed like wildfire.
Option1:
Put lettuce in the tank and manually remove the snails that eat it.
Option2:
Get yoyo loaches
Kuli Loaches
Sid Loaches
Any of these loaches are fine, NO CLOWN LOACHES.
Option3:
Use chemicals
Anything with copper will kill snails, but than you won't be able to have any kind of snail or shrimp in your tank for a while.
________________________________
Personal experience, I have yoyos and they are great, grows up to be 3-4 inches. Also overfeeding can be a factor in the population rise of the snails, you can fast your fish and not feed them for 2 days.
Also, do not get puffers. They belong in a species only tank and will rip up any tropical fish.
New plants can be dipped into a phosphate bath and will kill the snails.
Pond Snails/Tadpole Snails, look like miniature conch shells.
Malaysian Trumpter Snails, have sprial shells, ranging from brown to tan with sometimes having spots.
Ramshorn are like a cinnamon swirl looking pastry.
______________________________________...
I agree on how snails help with waste and algae, but they also contribute to the bio waster. Snails will populate, and snails will die. Decomposing bodies raise nitrates. Be better off with shrimp than snails really, or ottos and plecos(get the best pleco to fit your tank).
I have hundreds of tiny snails in my tropical fish tank how do I get rid of them for good?
There are several ways to keep snails in check:
Several species of fish just love snails, for breakfast that is. The most common snail eater is the attractive Clown Loach, It will grab the unprotected soft part of the snail and literally suck the poor gastropod out of the shell. If you don’t mind me saying, this can be quite entertaining. In the marine tank, Pufferfish are good snail eaters and will crunch the shell of the snail and eat the soft parts. In fact, some people grow snails specifically to feed to their Clown Loaches and Pufferfishes.
Run some hot water over a lettuce leaf and just before you turn the lights out, tie a piece of cotton around it and drop it in the tank. It will sink to the bottom and in the morning you should find it covered in snails. Remove the lettuce, snails and all. Repeat until the snails are under control
It is important to note that most snail blooms are caused by overfeeding. In these cases, the only reason that the snails are overpopulating is because they are feeding on the excess food that the fish leave behind. Watch your fish when feeding, if they do not eat all their food after 3-4 minutes or less then you are overfeeding.
There are some commercial snail killers available that local fish shop owners might try to sell you. If used as instructed these remedies may well kill your snails. However, these chemical based solutions should be avoided because they tend to kill the bacteria that keep ammonia and nitrite levels in check. In turn, this may also kill your fish.
Prevention is usually better than the cure. If buying plants from a local fish shop and you don’t want to accommodate any hitchhikers then I suggest that you take the following action. Before introducing your plants into the aquarium, make the effort of soaking them in warm salty water. After ten minutes remove the plants and wash thoroughly. This should remove or kill any unwanted gastropod guests. It will also remove potentially harmful parasites such as White Spot
Reply:Some crabs are know to be snail murders. maybe get a few crabs to control your snail problem. another thing is talk to your local fish store maybe they will take them and give you store credit.
Reply:They aren't so bad. They acutally help eat a lot of uneaten, unseen waste, althought they do create a bit of waste themselves.
Reply:there is a treatment called "snail away" and should be available from your local fish shop
Reply:don't....they are really good for keeping the tank clean and will not harm the fish.....take a few out but not all of them
Reply:try removing all your fish and buying some loaches from your local petsmart. they will eat anything in your tank thats alive.
worked for me at least
Reply:Use a product by Interpet called Snailaway. It is fish friendly but will kill the snails.
the link below is just for your information as i don't know which country you are in. I am in th UK, Interpet is international.
http://www.atlantisaquatics.co.uk/acatal...
Reply:DON'T GET RID OF THEM! Snails help filter the fish's water. They fish poo, and all that dust and dirt in the air. They are good! KEEP THEM!
Reply:they eat the algae. good for the tank. but thats a lot
Reply:sell or give them to a pet store, they may not credit u for it but youll have them of ur back
Reply:do they have cone shaped shells and pointed at the end? if so don't get rid of them, they will help to prevent the substrate from clogging and generally help to keep the aquarium clean by eating any leftover foods. If you must get rid of them then try not to use chemicals 'snailaway' etc, try to do it manually or better still invest in some clown loaches or fish of the same family, they will relish the thought of snails for breakfast, dinner, and tea. take care and good luck.
Reply:Thats a really good question, im over run with them, i got one with a fish i bought and they've multiplied.Although they're annoying the snails help to create a realistic habitat for your fish, just keep the numbers down by taking them out, but you'll be fighting a loosing battle.
Good luck
Reply:ummmm
things that u should get some snail-eating-fish
i seen some myself
but i dont like fish
suggest sea-monkeys for pets you heard right
go www.sea-monkeys.com
jus don let snail come out of tank
or add colorine ok
Reply:I had that problem when I got my tank. The person that had the tank before me had snails and they are a pain to get rid of. I boiled everything and then let everything sit out of the tank and dry for two days. It worked. Also try Aquarium Salt.
Reply:well snails are good they clean the tank but if u want to get rid of them get a new everything u have in ur fish tank and a new fish tank and do something with the other one
Reply:You have pond snails also known as tadpole snails.
These snails are assexual and will breed like wildfire.
Option1:
Put lettuce in the tank and manually remove the snails that eat it.
Option2:
Get yoyo loaches
Kuli Loaches
Sid Loaches
Any of these loaches are fine, NO CLOWN LOACHES.
Option3:
Use chemicals
Anything with copper will kill snails, but than you won't be able to have any kind of snail or shrimp in your tank for a while.
________________________________
Personal experience, I have yoyos and they are great, grows up to be 3-4 inches. Also overfeeding can be a factor in the population rise of the snails, you can fast your fish and not feed them for 2 days.
Also, do not get puffers. They belong in a species only tank and will rip up any tropical fish.
New plants can be dipped into a phosphate bath and will kill the snails.
Pond Snails/Tadpole Snails, look like miniature conch shells.
Malaysian Trumpter Snails, have sprial shells, ranging from brown to tan with sometimes having spots.
Ramshorn are like a cinnamon swirl looking pastry.
______________________________________...
I agree on how snails help with waste and algae, but they also contribute to the bio waster. Snails will populate, and snails will die. Decomposing bodies raise nitrates. Be better off with shrimp than snails really, or ottos and plecos(get the best pleco to fit your tank).
How do I take cuttings from Roseraie De L`hAY?
I have tried to buy one from garden centres but can`t get one. My neighbour has one in flower and says I can take a cutting, but they failed, please someone help, I want it as a deterant over a small wall (about 5 feet) high.
How do I take cuttings from Roseraie De L`hAY?
your cutting size should only be about 6 inches if longer they usally die trying to feed the cutting
How do I take cuttings from Roseraie De L`hAY?
your cutting size should only be about 6 inches if longer they usally die trying to feed the cutting
Boring Front Garden - What Shrubs Are Best To Plant (UK Only Please) (Novice)?
Hi Guys
My front garden is really boring! At the moment it is basically a square area of grass, with flags leading from the gate to the front door, at the side. At the moment i have a couple of (dont know the name) sort of privet pointed things in pots under the window, which i trimm to keep in a triangle point, but i feel the garden needs a bit more.
I have a dwarf wall at the front edge of the garden and at the right side, so anything i plant can grow up the side of them.
Sorry if i sound like a mad women with the description of things, but im eager to get the garden looking great, as soon as i can. As a complete novice (new home owner) if anyone has any suggestions can you say exact name of plant, and if its available at normal uk garden centres please.
Cheers guys, thanks in advance for reading!
Kate
Boring Front Garden - What Shrubs Are Best To Plant (UK Only Please) (Novice)?
The options are almost unlimited, and a lot will depend on what style of house you have, what style of garden you like and how much time you have to put into it.
As you are a new home owner, I'm assuming you don't have much time to set aside for gardening, and low maintainance would be preferable. I'm also guessing that you're working on a limited budget.
Therefore I'd recommend buying just 1 or 2 things which will make an instant impact, but to but most of your plants young and small, so that they will grow over time and fill out - you have to wait, but it's much cheaper! - If you really want to get into it, then learn to take cuttings from shrubs you like from friends, family and local parks, and grow them on yourself
As for plants, I'd go for a nice clematis to climb along the wall - these are quite quick to establish and should cover your wall within a couple of years. and how about a mexican orange blossom (Choisya ternata ) or a mock orange (Philadelphus 'Manteau d'Hermine')
perhaps some english lavander to line your path?
by the way, I am guessing your mysterious triangle private things might be 'box' (Buxus sempervirens )
and don't forget to plant some bulbs - its not too late to do so now.
Try the bbc plant finder website and see what you fancy: http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/pl...
good luck -
Reply:Tamarix is a lovely shrub/bush. Leaves turn into a pink feather in the Spring.Just what you want to see after a boring winter. Also Broom,which comes in a variety of colours and lavender of course but that loves a sandy soil./
Reply:be creative and imaginative and you can transform that space into a welcoming and beautiful oasis !
i would recommend you visit a few garden centres (go for the big B%26amp;Q they have great plants)
pick simple and elegant pots and fresh healthy looking plants.
you can have combination of hardies (they are evergreen which means they remain green all year round) also hardies come in various shapes and sizes and colours. you can get dark green, light green, white etc and they have diff colour flowers.
place flowers plants around the hardies to add a bit of variety.
You can also get a variety of roses this time of the year which are just gorgeous when they flower.
what you can also do is get some small narrow pots and plant lots and lots of bulbs in them - daffodils, tulips etc and in spring you will have a lovely riot of colours there !
make sure you water them well and also keep putting some compost in from time to time.
remember the main tip for gardening is that you have to enjoy it - you have to enjoy watching your roses grow and enjoy seeing your bulbs sprout.
all the best !!
Reply:Rosemary
Lavender
Bulbs for all seasons-shape and colour to taste
Camellia (hates lime)
Look at what grows well around you..
Reply:All of the above! Gardening is very much a matter of personal preference.
Why not pick up a couple of gargening magazines for inspiration? Also, I use a great little book called RHS Plants For Every Season (1,000 recommended plants for colour all year round). ISBN 0-7513-4644-6. Your library may have a copy. This shows pictures of each of the plants, how big/small they get, whether they like sun or shade, their colour, etc. It's small enough to put in your handbag and take to the garden centre with you - all of the plants in it are easily available in the UK. You didn't say whether your soil is sandy (free draining) or clay (claggy %26amp; moist) - different plants like different things. Good luck - Happy Gardening :-))
Perfect semi formal makeup
My front garden is really boring! At the moment it is basically a square area of grass, with flags leading from the gate to the front door, at the side. At the moment i have a couple of (dont know the name) sort of privet pointed things in pots under the window, which i trimm to keep in a triangle point, but i feel the garden needs a bit more.
I have a dwarf wall at the front edge of the garden and at the right side, so anything i plant can grow up the side of them.
Sorry if i sound like a mad women with the description of things, but im eager to get the garden looking great, as soon as i can. As a complete novice (new home owner) if anyone has any suggestions can you say exact name of plant, and if its available at normal uk garden centres please.
Cheers guys, thanks in advance for reading!
Kate
Boring Front Garden - What Shrubs Are Best To Plant (UK Only Please) (Novice)?
The options are almost unlimited, and a lot will depend on what style of house you have, what style of garden you like and how much time you have to put into it.
As you are a new home owner, I'm assuming you don't have much time to set aside for gardening, and low maintainance would be preferable. I'm also guessing that you're working on a limited budget.
Therefore I'd recommend buying just 1 or 2 things which will make an instant impact, but to but most of your plants young and small, so that they will grow over time and fill out - you have to wait, but it's much cheaper! - If you really want to get into it, then learn to take cuttings from shrubs you like from friends, family and local parks, and grow them on yourself
As for plants, I'd go for a nice clematis to climb along the wall - these are quite quick to establish and should cover your wall within a couple of years. and how about a mexican orange blossom (Choisya ternata ) or a mock orange (Philadelphus 'Manteau d'Hermine')
perhaps some english lavander to line your path?
by the way, I am guessing your mysterious triangle private things might be 'box' (Buxus sempervirens )
and don't forget to plant some bulbs - its not too late to do so now.
Try the bbc plant finder website and see what you fancy: http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/pl...
good luck -
Reply:Tamarix is a lovely shrub/bush. Leaves turn into a pink feather in the Spring.Just what you want to see after a boring winter. Also Broom,which comes in a variety of colours and lavender of course but that loves a sandy soil./
Reply:be creative and imaginative and you can transform that space into a welcoming and beautiful oasis !
i would recommend you visit a few garden centres (go for the big B%26amp;Q they have great plants)
pick simple and elegant pots and fresh healthy looking plants.
you can have combination of hardies (they are evergreen which means they remain green all year round) also hardies come in various shapes and sizes and colours. you can get dark green, light green, white etc and they have diff colour flowers.
place flowers plants around the hardies to add a bit of variety.
You can also get a variety of roses this time of the year which are just gorgeous when they flower.
what you can also do is get some small narrow pots and plant lots and lots of bulbs in them - daffodils, tulips etc and in spring you will have a lovely riot of colours there !
make sure you water them well and also keep putting some compost in from time to time.
remember the main tip for gardening is that you have to enjoy it - you have to enjoy watching your roses grow and enjoy seeing your bulbs sprout.
all the best !!
Reply:Rosemary
Lavender
Bulbs for all seasons-shape and colour to taste
Camellia (hates lime)
Look at what grows well around you..
Reply:All of the above! Gardening is very much a matter of personal preference.
Why not pick up a couple of gargening magazines for inspiration? Also, I use a great little book called RHS Plants For Every Season (1,000 recommended plants for colour all year round). ISBN 0-7513-4644-6. Your library may have a copy. This shows pictures of each of the plants, how big/small they get, whether they like sun or shade, their colour, etc. It's small enough to put in your handbag and take to the garden centre with you - all of the plants in it are easily available in the UK. You didn't say whether your soil is sandy (free draining) or clay (claggy %26amp; moist) - different plants like different things. Good luck - Happy Gardening :-))
Perfect semi formal makeup
How does someone become a Horticulturalist?
I've been looking at the University of Guelph and also Conestoga College. U of G offers a Diploma and the college offers a Retail Garden Cert. I spoke to someone in the garden centre and he mentioned that there are 2 portions to horticulture 1. the science part and 2. the business part (design vs. botany) Can anyone give me some insight ??
How does someone become a Horticulturalist?
I'm a Master Gardener in Ontario and have taken some of the U of G correspondance courses. They cover both science and business. The horticulturalist diploma program is longer and will cover plant growth, soil analysis, lawn care, fertilizing, pest control, propagation from seed and cuttings, plant identification, pruning, garden design and how to start and manage a business. It also includes an internship (working in the field). Horticulturalists can be employed by plant breeders, nurseries, garden centres, garden maintenance
Not familiar with the retail certificate program, but suspect it is more limited to working in a retail garden centre not in wholesale nurseries or gardens.
What is your career goal? Take a careful look at the course outlines and talk to the student program advisors at both institutions to find out what kind of jobs the graduates of each program usually find. Then choose the program that more closely matches your goal.
It might be useful to contact someone doing the job you want to do and ask what kind of training they had and which program they recommend.
Reply:You take your courses in horticulture. Some schools are better than others; perhaps you should look around more.
Reply:You've answered your own ?.
Reply:ya, u just answer ur self
Reply:You need to get a bachelor's degree (4 year degree) in Horticulture. Don't sell yourself short by getting just a certificate or just taking classes. Enroll in a 4-year college and major in Horticulture. Get a part-time job in the industry while you're in school so you will have some experience before you graduate. While in school, talk to professors about what jobs are available in the field and what you can do to get your name out there. Good luck to you.
Reply:college. Try the university of Illinois
Reply:Scroll down this link for information:
http://futurestudents.wsu.edu/academics/...
How does someone become a Horticulturalist?
I'm a Master Gardener in Ontario and have taken some of the U of G correspondance courses. They cover both science and business. The horticulturalist diploma program is longer and will cover plant growth, soil analysis, lawn care, fertilizing, pest control, propagation from seed and cuttings, plant identification, pruning, garden design and how to start and manage a business. It also includes an internship (working in the field). Horticulturalists can be employed by plant breeders, nurseries, garden centres, garden maintenance
Not familiar with the retail certificate program, but suspect it is more limited to working in a retail garden centre not in wholesale nurseries or gardens.
What is your career goal? Take a careful look at the course outlines and talk to the student program advisors at both institutions to find out what kind of jobs the graduates of each program usually find. Then choose the program that more closely matches your goal.
It might be useful to contact someone doing the job you want to do and ask what kind of training they had and which program they recommend.
Reply:You take your courses in horticulture. Some schools are better than others; perhaps you should look around more.
Reply:You've answered your own ?.
Reply:ya, u just answer ur self
Reply:You need to get a bachelor's degree (4 year degree) in Horticulture. Don't sell yourself short by getting just a certificate or just taking classes. Enroll in a 4-year college and major in Horticulture. Get a part-time job in the industry while you're in school so you will have some experience before you graduate. While in school, talk to professors about what jobs are available in the field and what you can do to get your name out there. Good luck to you.
Reply:college. Try the university of Illinois
Reply:Scroll down this link for information:
http://futurestudents.wsu.edu/academics/...
What's the song from the Dobbies Garden Centre ad?
Could it be The Charlatans - Try Again Today from Up At The Lake, sample / download here:
http://www.songofthesalesman.co.uk/ad.as...
http://www.songofthesalesman.co.uk/ad.as...
What's the song in the Dobbies Garden Centre advert?
Is it Something's Got to Change? and who sings it?
What's the song in the Dobbies Garden Centre advert?
Dammit!! I just wasted 5 points asking the very same question a few minutes ago....
Good tune though!
What's the song in the Dobbies Garden Centre advert?
Dammit!! I just wasted 5 points asking the very same question a few minutes ago....
Good tune though!
Where can I buy powder coated wire mesh?
Hello there.
I'm in the process of building a rat cage and have been searching in just about every DIY department store, garden centre and pet shop I can think of, for powder coated wire mesh. But to no avail.
I've read in various books and articles that the "normal" variety of wire mesh is toxic to small animals when wet and can cause zinc poisoning. Hence why i need the posh stuff.
If anyone has any ideas where I can get this elusive material, could you please let me know. Would be most grateful.
many thanks,
Charlotte.
Where can I buy powder coated wire mesh?
a garden centre,its usualy that green coated stuff.what do you mean about a rat cage for wild ones or pets is this cage in or out.most garden do it yourself,or even local builders yards would be able to help you..
Reply:Did you get it done? I am a powder coater. If you tell me what you want, I can buy it at a local pet store and powder coat it for you and ship it to you. Very reasonable prices. As long as the shortest dimension is under 17" Report Abuse
Reply:whoops, i meant the longest dimension is under 17 inches. $55.00 for paint and bake. Colors to choose from black, red, blue, and weathered green. Cost more for different colors. Report Abuse
Reply:Have you looked into the plastic coated type that was what me niece used with her rats.
Reply:Buy the zinc wire mesh than take it to a local powder coaters ,they will coat it for a small charge.
inline skates
I'm in the process of building a rat cage and have been searching in just about every DIY department store, garden centre and pet shop I can think of, for powder coated wire mesh. But to no avail.
I've read in various books and articles that the "normal" variety of wire mesh is toxic to small animals when wet and can cause zinc poisoning. Hence why i need the posh stuff.
If anyone has any ideas where I can get this elusive material, could you please let me know. Would be most grateful.
many thanks,
Charlotte.
Where can I buy powder coated wire mesh?
a garden centre,its usualy that green coated stuff.what do you mean about a rat cage for wild ones or pets is this cage in or out.most garden do it yourself,or even local builders yards would be able to help you..
Reply:Did you get it done? I am a powder coater. If you tell me what you want, I can buy it at a local pet store and powder coat it for you and ship it to you. Very reasonable prices. As long as the shortest dimension is under 17" Report Abuse
Reply:whoops, i meant the longest dimension is under 17 inches. $55.00 for paint and bake. Colors to choose from black, red, blue, and weathered green. Cost more for different colors. Report Abuse
Reply:Have you looked into the plastic coated type that was what me niece used with her rats.
Reply:Buy the zinc wire mesh than take it to a local powder coaters ,they will coat it for a small charge.
inline skates
What could be eating my Tomato Plants?
I have 4 varieties of tomato plant and live in the south of England. Something is eating the "Shirley" but ignoring the "Tumbling Toms" and "Alicante" varieties.
They are about 12inches high and bought from the same garden centre.
Any ideas please?
What could be eating my Tomato Plants?
Sometimes a small cut worm will live in the soil beneath the plant. They tend to come out at night and will eat right through the plant stems. Either a quick transplant to another container or a thorough exam of the soil around the stem. The worm is about 5-6 mm in diameter, grey and about 2-3 cm long.
Reply:If the stems are being severed at ground level, it's grubs.
When planting, wrap the lower stems with newspaper below and above ground. That will prevent that.
If the leaves are being eaten, that is tomatoe worms. You can find them under leaves. They are green, about 1-2 inches long, have horns, and are ugly. Pick them and squash them. Insecticide will prevent those.
I have no idea why one variety would be effected over others.
Eggs could have existed from the nursery, or developed in your garden.
These are experiences in US.
Good luck.
Reply:Is it eating the entire leaf and leaving the stem ? In America I would look at the horned tomato worm. It is about the size of your thumb and is the color of the tomato plant. The reason that it hasn't touched the others is it just hasn't gotten that far. If it is the horned worm that is. Look close under the leaves. It may only come out at night. that would be the reason that it is hard to see. Good luck
Reply:Bugs Ha Ha,Call a local nursery they can help!! Theres a speacial poison that you use to dust the plants,it wont hurt the fruit either,Sorry I cant remember the name but the nursery will no
Reply:Pretty much anything. Slugs, snails, rabbits, assorted insects. Do you have any pictures?
Reply:Rabbit, dog, racoon, alll kinds of animals
Reply:bunnies,birds,dogs, wild animals. put some mesh around the plants or one of those round wire thigns that go over the plant
Reply:bugs or insects or malnutrition
Reply:Rabbits
Reply:buhd.
They are about 12inches high and bought from the same garden centre.
Any ideas please?
What could be eating my Tomato Plants?
Sometimes a small cut worm will live in the soil beneath the plant. They tend to come out at night and will eat right through the plant stems. Either a quick transplant to another container or a thorough exam of the soil around the stem. The worm is about 5-6 mm in diameter, grey and about 2-3 cm long.
Reply:If the stems are being severed at ground level, it's grubs.
When planting, wrap the lower stems with newspaper below and above ground. That will prevent that.
If the leaves are being eaten, that is tomatoe worms. You can find them under leaves. They are green, about 1-2 inches long, have horns, and are ugly. Pick them and squash them. Insecticide will prevent those.
I have no idea why one variety would be effected over others.
Eggs could have existed from the nursery, or developed in your garden.
These are experiences in US.
Good luck.
Reply:Is it eating the entire leaf and leaving the stem ? In America I would look at the horned tomato worm. It is about the size of your thumb and is the color of the tomato plant. The reason that it hasn't touched the others is it just hasn't gotten that far. If it is the horned worm that is. Look close under the leaves. It may only come out at night. that would be the reason that it is hard to see. Good luck
Reply:Bugs Ha Ha,Call a local nursery they can help!! Theres a speacial poison that you use to dust the plants,it wont hurt the fruit either,Sorry I cant remember the name but the nursery will no
Reply:Pretty much anything. Slugs, snails, rabbits, assorted insects. Do you have any pictures?
Reply:Rabbit, dog, racoon, alll kinds of animals
Reply:bunnies,birds,dogs, wild animals. put some mesh around the plants or one of those round wire thigns that go over the plant
Reply:bugs or insects or malnutrition
Reply:Rabbits
Reply:buhd.
How can I stop the water in my water feature (pump action) turning green..I have to clean it every week?
I have tried a powder from the garden centre but this was a waste of money
How can I stop the water in my water feature (pump action) turning green..I have to clean it every week?
A few drop of bleach work, as long as you have no fish or water plants. Usually 1 capfull to every 5 gallons of water is the MOST you want to use. Be sure you use Clorox Brand original formula bleach, since it is the only brand that is pure %26amp; works the best!
Reply:Thanks 2 all who voted! Report Abuse
Reply:Bleach?! I hope no wildlife wants a drink from that thing... Report Abuse
Reply:You don't say if it is indoors or out. Does it contain fish? Does it have associated plants? Need more info.
Reply:just use a few drops of clear food coloring
Reply:where is it/what's the weather like?
Reply:What is the size of your water feature?
Reply:there is a product that is an enzyme that will break algae down. Not sure of what it is called, It is a powder that you premix than add slowly to your pond. It is purple in color and you add it slowly to your pond and let your pump circulate it in. It is not harmful to fish or plants. I believe it was made by Jungle Pond or MacCourt, Essentially it starves the algae. Algae needs sunlight and food in the water to thrive, basically this product breaks that cycle and adds proper bacteria and enzymes to the pond for a healthier pond. The retailer I worked for no longer carries Jungle Pond products, so I am unable to look on the shelf for the name. I have gotten countless positive feedback on this product and a lot of my repeat customers were upset when we stopped carrying it.
Never use bleach if you have plants or fish in your water feature.
How can I stop the water in my water feature (pump action) turning green..I have to clean it every week?
A few drop of bleach work, as long as you have no fish or water plants. Usually 1 capfull to every 5 gallons of water is the MOST you want to use. Be sure you use Clorox Brand original formula bleach, since it is the only brand that is pure %26amp; works the best!
Reply:Thanks 2 all who voted! Report Abuse
Reply:Bleach?! I hope no wildlife wants a drink from that thing... Report Abuse
Reply:You don't say if it is indoors or out. Does it contain fish? Does it have associated plants? Need more info.
Reply:just use a few drops of clear food coloring
Reply:where is it/what's the weather like?
Reply:What is the size of your water feature?
Reply:there is a product that is an enzyme that will break algae down. Not sure of what it is called, It is a powder that you premix than add slowly to your pond. It is purple in color and you add it slowly to your pond and let your pump circulate it in. It is not harmful to fish or plants. I believe it was made by Jungle Pond or MacCourt, Essentially it starves the algae. Algae needs sunlight and food in the water to thrive, basically this product breaks that cycle and adds proper bacteria and enzymes to the pond for a healthier pond. The retailer I worked for no longer carries Jungle Pond products, so I am unable to look on the shelf for the name. I have gotten countless positive feedback on this product and a lot of my repeat customers were upset when we stopped carrying it.
Never use bleach if you have plants or fish in your water feature.
Does anyone grow annuals/perennials from seed?
if so, do you have any tips. It's a no brainer I know - seed, water, water, water....but if there are any please let me know. This is my first year trying seed rather than getting plants from the garden centre. Thanks!
Does anyone grow annuals/perennials from seed?
I grow zinnia's, marigolds, wildflowers, sunflowers (chipmunks were chubby that year), and hollyhocks from seed. I just throw them in the beds I want them to grow in and have never had a problem.
Last year I sent my grandson out to plant zinnia's in my front wildflower bed and he put them in my tomatoes (vegetable garden - back yard). It was awesome to see all those colorful flowers interspersed with our tomatoes. They grew really tall as well because we had to water the tomatoes every night %26lt;very dry summer%26gt;. It actually saved us a lot of weeding because we weren't sure which were zinnia's or weeds at first... Planting seeds is always an adventure... I tried lavender from seed and ended up with no lavender but plenty of wild geraniums...Had to keep the hubby from pulling them up though.
Reply:most are grown from seed whether it be the homeowner or the commercial growers that supply the potted plant.
If you want to plant seeds, it is highly recommended to start then inside whether it be a sunny window or make shift green house. Sow seeds in a shallow container or flat a couple of weeks before the end of your cold weather. When ready to plant, separate each seedling and plant in soil conditioned with ample organic material. soil level should remain the same height against the plant as it was in the containers. Water with a gentle spray 1 to 4 times a day to keep soil moist until the plants have taken root and begin to produce additional tops. After that, water them in the early mornings. this will allow the plant leaves to dry quickly preventing molds and mildews. Plant should never be watered near or after sunset. The leaves will not dry and many of these plants will rot. Fertilize monthly.
Any questions, contact me through my profile.
Reply:Read and follow package directions
Reply:o yeah! the ones that r easiest from me (and i kill every plant i touch) are zinnias. i really don't have a green thumb. at this time i would plant the in a 9 once cup (plastic or foam) indoors and follow the packet directions. use potting soil or seed starter. if the weather isn't sunny and zinnias need full sun, put them under a lamp. leave them under for at least 4-5 hours a day. i use a regular desk lamp and keep the plant no more than an inch away from the light.
Zinnias reseed themselves each year too.
have better luck than i do!
Reply:This is also my first year. I bought a seed starter kit, like the one on this site:
http://www.plantationproducts.com/prefil...
It was $5.oo and has 72 cells, and the soil is provided in a dry pellet which expands with water. It also has a lid so it keeps in moisture and heat, basically a greenhouse. So far my seedlings are doing well, and I don't even water it every day because it keeps in moisture.
I went for seeds because they are so much cheaper, and starting them indoors helps them to be a good size by the last frost date. I recommend trying it, there's not much to be lost in trying, even if they all die.
Reply:I grow almost all of my annuals and some perennials under lights. If you use lights you dint need the expensive grow lights. Use on cool white tube and one warm white tube(kitchen-bathroom bulb) I start most in aluminum bread pans with holes in the bottom and I mix small seeds with a little sand and put these in a bottle you can shake them out of (I use a Cinnamon bottle) and shake the seeds all over the starting soil like you would salt on eggs. Cover or dint cover seeds as planting instructions tell you for each type seed. Bottom water by placing bread pan in a seed flat (will hold 4 small size pans). Keep seeds damp but not wet and the same when they start. More are killed by over watering than under watering. when 3 or 4 true leaves replant into some other type growing flat. I just transplanted 52 aster plants today. any good garden store will have what you need for planters. whats you are looking at is fun, relaxing, and a good stress reliever.
Does anyone grow annuals/perennials from seed?
I grow zinnia's, marigolds, wildflowers, sunflowers (chipmunks were chubby that year), and hollyhocks from seed. I just throw them in the beds I want them to grow in and have never had a problem.
Last year I sent my grandson out to plant zinnia's in my front wildflower bed and he put them in my tomatoes (vegetable garden - back yard). It was awesome to see all those colorful flowers interspersed with our tomatoes. They grew really tall as well because we had to water the tomatoes every night %26lt;very dry summer%26gt;. It actually saved us a lot of weeding because we weren't sure which were zinnia's or weeds at first... Planting seeds is always an adventure... I tried lavender from seed and ended up with no lavender but plenty of wild geraniums...Had to keep the hubby from pulling them up though.
Reply:most are grown from seed whether it be the homeowner or the commercial growers that supply the potted plant.
If you want to plant seeds, it is highly recommended to start then inside whether it be a sunny window or make shift green house. Sow seeds in a shallow container or flat a couple of weeks before the end of your cold weather. When ready to plant, separate each seedling and plant in soil conditioned with ample organic material. soil level should remain the same height against the plant as it was in the containers. Water with a gentle spray 1 to 4 times a day to keep soil moist until the plants have taken root and begin to produce additional tops. After that, water them in the early mornings. this will allow the plant leaves to dry quickly preventing molds and mildews. Plant should never be watered near or after sunset. The leaves will not dry and many of these plants will rot. Fertilize monthly.
Any questions, contact me through my profile.
Reply:Read and follow package directions
Reply:o yeah! the ones that r easiest from me (and i kill every plant i touch) are zinnias. i really don't have a green thumb. at this time i would plant the in a 9 once cup (plastic or foam) indoors and follow the packet directions. use potting soil or seed starter. if the weather isn't sunny and zinnias need full sun, put them under a lamp. leave them under for at least 4-5 hours a day. i use a regular desk lamp and keep the plant no more than an inch away from the light.
Zinnias reseed themselves each year too.
have better luck than i do!
Reply:This is also my first year. I bought a seed starter kit, like the one on this site:
http://www.plantationproducts.com/prefil...
It was $5.oo and has 72 cells, and the soil is provided in a dry pellet which expands with water. It also has a lid so it keeps in moisture and heat, basically a greenhouse. So far my seedlings are doing well, and I don't even water it every day because it keeps in moisture.
I went for seeds because they are so much cheaper, and starting them indoors helps them to be a good size by the last frost date. I recommend trying it, there's not much to be lost in trying, even if they all die.
Reply:I grow almost all of my annuals and some perennials under lights. If you use lights you dint need the expensive grow lights. Use on cool white tube and one warm white tube(kitchen-bathroom bulb) I start most in aluminum bread pans with holes in the bottom and I mix small seeds with a little sand and put these in a bottle you can shake them out of (I use a Cinnamon bottle) and shake the seeds all over the starting soil like you would salt on eggs. Cover or dint cover seeds as planting instructions tell you for each type seed. Bottom water by placing bread pan in a seed flat (will hold 4 small size pans). Keep seeds damp but not wet and the same when they start. More are killed by over watering than under watering. when 3 or 4 true leaves replant into some other type growing flat. I just transplanted 52 aster plants today. any good garden store will have what you need for planters. whats you are looking at is fun, relaxing, and a good stress reliever.
What is the best weed killer for drives?
Its pebbled not slabed, have tried the everyday type of stuff, but doesnt seem to touch them...got to be something you can get from a shop/garden centre
What is the best weed killer for drives?
The best way is with a residual systemic total weed killer. This way it does not grow back for a year. Bromacil or Prometon type weed killers if you can find in your area.
The problem is the liquid or granular weed killer has to be absorbed in the ground to work properly. Tightly packed pebbles will not allow it. So you must airate (poke holes in the ground) the soil.
A landscaper should have the right tools to do that.
Gas and diesel are quite hazardous and should be avoided.
Best of luck with that.
Reply:Triox is a long term vegetation killer.. it has a residual that stays in the soil to keep weeds from coming back.. you can find it at Lowe's or Home Depot (in my area).
Be careful with this stuff though..
Reply:Round Up is usually fairly effective. More expensive but more long term would be to lay some landscaping material underneath the pebbles to suppress weeds. It's the black coloured sheeting that lets water drain but stops light getting to the weeds.
Reply:Bleach and plenty of it.
Reply:Diesel ! pour it on leave it soak in for 24 hours then wash it away
Reply:Roundup or Pathclear are trade names or sodium chlorate is the active ingredient on it's own.
Reply:Roundup works fine for me.
Reply:The only real solution for weeds, which also respects the environment is sweat. Dig them up and try to get the roots. It may take time, but in the long run it's worth the effort. OK it doesn't respect the garden centre clause, perhaps it's even better as it costs nothing.
Reply:Its called roundup its not cheap, but once a year is enough , available all garden centres and some supermarkets
Reply:I am using a product called "erasure" , i think the spelling is correct,,this is second year with it,, as good or better than round up and less than half the money,,I am in ne Texas
Reply:I used to use neet bleach whitch works really but now that iv got a dog i use a small blow torch which is even better
Reply:I use a product called "once - a -year path weeder" for those kind of areas - pretty sure the basic ingredient is one that remains in the soil for some time... I like the diesel for cut-down stumps but you spend a fortune removing the stain if it's a drive/pathway - salt+ boiling water is an oldie as is cooking oil (back to the stainage)
good luck and I'll keep an eye on the answers for my own benefit!
Nik . I'm loving the blowtorch option...giving that a go!
Reply:Round-Up is the most common. It is almost 100% effective if you use it according to the directions. For organic types, vinegar or boiling water are good choices. My dad used gasoline but that choice is now frowned upon by most responsible home owners and is illegal in most places.
Reply:Round up is the best their is,and my partner can vouch for that as he is an experienced gardener,.and knows what he is talking about.Give it a try its brilliant.
Curves VC workout
What is the best weed killer for drives?
The best way is with a residual systemic total weed killer. This way it does not grow back for a year. Bromacil or Prometon type weed killers if you can find in your area.
The problem is the liquid or granular weed killer has to be absorbed in the ground to work properly. Tightly packed pebbles will not allow it. So you must airate (poke holes in the ground) the soil.
A landscaper should have the right tools to do that.
Gas and diesel are quite hazardous and should be avoided.
Best of luck with that.
Reply:Triox is a long term vegetation killer.. it has a residual that stays in the soil to keep weeds from coming back.. you can find it at Lowe's or Home Depot (in my area).
Be careful with this stuff though..
Reply:Round Up is usually fairly effective. More expensive but more long term would be to lay some landscaping material underneath the pebbles to suppress weeds. It's the black coloured sheeting that lets water drain but stops light getting to the weeds.
Reply:Bleach and plenty of it.
Reply:Diesel ! pour it on leave it soak in for 24 hours then wash it away
Reply:Roundup or Pathclear are trade names or sodium chlorate is the active ingredient on it's own.
Reply:Roundup works fine for me.
Reply:The only real solution for weeds, which also respects the environment is sweat. Dig them up and try to get the roots. It may take time, but in the long run it's worth the effort. OK it doesn't respect the garden centre clause, perhaps it's even better as it costs nothing.
Reply:Its called roundup its not cheap, but once a year is enough , available all garden centres and some supermarkets
Reply:I am using a product called "erasure" , i think the spelling is correct,,this is second year with it,, as good or better than round up and less than half the money,,I am in ne Texas
Reply:I used to use neet bleach whitch works really but now that iv got a dog i use a small blow torch which is even better
Reply:I use a product called "once - a -year path weeder" for those kind of areas - pretty sure the basic ingredient is one that remains in the soil for some time... I like the diesel for cut-down stumps but you spend a fortune removing the stain if it's a drive/pathway - salt+ boiling water is an oldie as is cooking oil (back to the stainage)
good luck and I'll keep an eye on the answers for my own benefit!
Nik . I'm loving the blowtorch option...giving that a go!
Reply:Round-Up is the most common. It is almost 100% effective if you use it according to the directions. For organic types, vinegar or boiling water are good choices. My dad used gasoline but that choice is now frowned upon by most responsible home owners and is illegal in most places.
Reply:Round up is the best their is,and my partner can vouch for that as he is an experienced gardener,.and knows what he is talking about.Give it a try its brilliant.
Curves VC workout
If we used natural stones in combination of bricks and cemented them together for building buildings would?
that also help to environment?
Bricks and cement requires chemicals to make and besides there is much rocks that are just lying around.
I'm saying gather every rock because if all the rock barriers from the lake shores, sea shores and ocean shores were taken away then we would have floods.
I'm rocks found in garden centres.
If they were used then less cement would used to make bricks.
What are your thoughts?
If we used natural stones in combination of bricks and cemented them together for building buildings would?
Bricks require no chemicals. They're just clay and sand.
Cement is just rocks made into a powder with water and sand added to form man made rocks. Concrete is cement with rocks (aggregate) added.
Reply:http://www.constuction.com
http://www.buildingstructures.com
Reply:Here in North Carolina, we only have rocks in the western third of our state. What we have plenty of is clay for bricks. So it's a choice between using local materials, or quarries in the west with rock transported by truck across the state....the more environmentally friendly choice for me is brick.
If you have local stone, use it!
Bricks and cement requires chemicals to make and besides there is much rocks that are just lying around.
I'm saying gather every rock because if all the rock barriers from the lake shores, sea shores and ocean shores were taken away then we would have floods.
I'm rocks found in garden centres.
If they were used then less cement would used to make bricks.
What are your thoughts?
If we used natural stones in combination of bricks and cemented them together for building buildings would?
Bricks require no chemicals. They're just clay and sand.
Cement is just rocks made into a powder with water and sand added to form man made rocks. Concrete is cement with rocks (aggregate) added.
Reply:http://www.constuction.com
http://www.buildingstructures.com
Reply:Here in North Carolina, we only have rocks in the western third of our state. What we have plenty of is clay for bricks. So it's a choice between using local materials, or quarries in the west with rock transported by truck across the state....the more environmentally friendly choice for me is brick.
If you have local stone, use it!
How do I get my thyme plant healthy again?
I bought a thyme plant from a garden centre three weeks ago. After keeping in inside for a week, I then repotted it and placed it outside. However since we have had rain all the leaves have turned brown. I have cut these off and now only a couple of stems remain. I have brought the plant indoors. Is there any way to save the plant or is it now ruined?
How do I get my thyme plant healthy again?
Thyme loves sun and "dry feet"....the rain got it well overwatered before it's roots got established from the transplant...Make sure the pot it is in has plenty drainage for "wet feet" will kill it...Cut the plant back to about 1 inch from the ground level...and put it in the sun...do not water again untill the soil drys out somewhat..then water it again..I water mine only about once a week..twice when real hot...Heres my thyme..I have had it here for 2 years now..it is pretty cold hearty if not way below 32 for a week at a time..it will dry up and wither..only to grow back in spring..cut back all the dry twigs about 2 inches above soil..and it will come back then too..
Reply:Thyme is pretty hearty, I would give it a chance indoors for a while.When you plant it outside remember to put it in full sun.Good luck!
How do I get my thyme plant healthy again?
Thyme loves sun and "dry feet"....the rain got it well overwatered before it's roots got established from the transplant...Make sure the pot it is in has plenty drainage for "wet feet" will kill it...Cut the plant back to about 1 inch from the ground level...and put it in the sun...do not water again untill the soil drys out somewhat..then water it again..I water mine only about once a week..twice when real hot...Heres my thyme..I have had it here for 2 years now..it is pretty cold hearty if not way below 32 for a week at a time..it will dry up and wither..only to grow back in spring..cut back all the dry twigs about 2 inches above soil..and it will come back then too..
Reply:Thyme is pretty hearty, I would give it a chance indoors for a while.When you plant it outside remember to put it in full sun.Good luck!
I planted a privet hedge in March, it now looks bare in places, what can I do? Will it grow back in Spring?
I planted individual plants 200mm apart as advised in garden centre, it grew well over the spring/summer but has suffered over the winter.
I planted a privet hedge in March, it now looks bare in places, what can I do? Will it grow back in Spring?
Well the plants obviously have NOT dried out if you are in UK.
Don't worry, they suffering from shock after transplanting. Come spring they will bush out.
Reply:Privet hedges do go dormant and loose the leaves and the birds eat the berries. Not only will they grow back be careful when you prune, the dropped branches will take root.
I planted a 180 ft row they are now tall enough to hid the neighbors junk....
I never had berries on mine until about the 3rd season. At least I never noticed them. The birds in winter are grateful.
Reply:Privet is pretty hardy, if you clip it in the spring it will grow better. There are some good sites on here on privets
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en%26amp;q=p...
Reply:It should grow back in well spring summer time
if not you could by a few smaller versuins of the hedge and cut the root in half and put it in the gaps then that will start growing back
Reply:Keep in mind that pruning generally stimulates growth and fill in gaps. If you have frost damage definitely prune. I cut back a poinsettia last spring so that it was 6 inches tall. It grew like crazy and is now 4 feet tall.
Reply:Don't worry it will be fine, privet is as tough as old boots.
Feed it with a high nitrogen fertiliser in early spring, sometime during mid March to early April depending on the weather. Something like dried blood is best.
Cut it immediately after flowering. The more you cut it the thicker it will become. Remember to batten the hedge so it is wider at the bottom than at the top otherwise the bottom branches will get shaded out and go bare.
Reply:Once it gets started there will be no stopping it lol.
It can take a few years to fill.
Reply:Also consider that plants do suffer transplant shock. Making sure that you take care of it with watering as the first few years are critical until the plants establish themselves in the soil. If you've had decently cold weather they might have suffered a bit, which isn't necessarily unusual. They should grow back in spots, but if you notice that it is dead wood in those damaged places, you might want to consider pruning out that dead wood. Make sure to check on the moisture of the soil that the plants are in throughout the growing season.
Reply:Prune it back by about a third in the spring. That should help it thicken up.
Reply:It will take 2 or 3 years to fill in and become a really nice looking hedge
Reply:Newly Privet hedging takes a while to establish and the first winter it will look fairly raggy.
Even with cold / frost damage the plants will bounce back in the spring.
Keep weeds / grass down around the plants and provide tree / shrub fertilizer in late February lightly dug in until the plants are fully established.
I planted a 300 feet long Privet hedge 4 years ago and it is now going strong despite being in an exposed situation
Prune in summer but only AFTER the hedge flowers. IT is very important not to prune prior to this.
Best of luck with the hedge
I planted a privet hedge in March, it now looks bare in places, what can I do? Will it grow back in Spring?
Well the plants obviously have NOT dried out if you are in UK.
Don't worry, they suffering from shock after transplanting. Come spring they will bush out.
Reply:Privet hedges do go dormant and loose the leaves and the birds eat the berries. Not only will they grow back be careful when you prune, the dropped branches will take root.
I planted a 180 ft row they are now tall enough to hid the neighbors junk....
I never had berries on mine until about the 3rd season. At least I never noticed them. The birds in winter are grateful.
Reply:Privet is pretty hardy, if you clip it in the spring it will grow better. There are some good sites on here on privets
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en%26amp;q=p...
Reply:It should grow back in well spring summer time
if not you could by a few smaller versuins of the hedge and cut the root in half and put it in the gaps then that will start growing back
Reply:Keep in mind that pruning generally stimulates growth and fill in gaps. If you have frost damage definitely prune. I cut back a poinsettia last spring so that it was 6 inches tall. It grew like crazy and is now 4 feet tall.
Reply:Don't worry it will be fine, privet is as tough as old boots.
Feed it with a high nitrogen fertiliser in early spring, sometime during mid March to early April depending on the weather. Something like dried blood is best.
Cut it immediately after flowering. The more you cut it the thicker it will become. Remember to batten the hedge so it is wider at the bottom than at the top otherwise the bottom branches will get shaded out and go bare.
Reply:Once it gets started there will be no stopping it lol.
It can take a few years to fill.
Reply:Also consider that plants do suffer transplant shock. Making sure that you take care of it with watering as the first few years are critical until the plants establish themselves in the soil. If you've had decently cold weather they might have suffered a bit, which isn't necessarily unusual. They should grow back in spots, but if you notice that it is dead wood in those damaged places, you might want to consider pruning out that dead wood. Make sure to check on the moisture of the soil that the plants are in throughout the growing season.
Reply:Prune it back by about a third in the spring. That should help it thicken up.
Reply:It will take 2 or 3 years to fill in and become a really nice looking hedge
Reply:Newly Privet hedging takes a while to establish and the first winter it will look fairly raggy.
Even with cold / frost damage the plants will bounce back in the spring.
Keep weeds / grass down around the plants and provide tree / shrub fertilizer in late February lightly dug in until the plants are fully established.
I planted a 300 feet long Privet hedge 4 years ago and it is now going strong despite being in an exposed situation
Prune in summer but only AFTER the hedge flowers. IT is very important not to prune prior to this.
Best of luck with the hedge
Doe anyone have an Apple tree and know what roostock it is?
We have just bought an Apple tree which I foolishly allowed my husband to pick whilst I went off mooching elsewhere in the Garden Centre.
We decided on m27 rootstock (semi dwarf)
Have just found the label and sly boots has got a mm106.
I have checked on google and have found so many different height estimates.
Does anyone actually have a fully grown mm106 and how big is it?
Doe anyone have an Apple tree and know what roostock it is?
about 4metres in height and 14 feet in width or there abouts.
roller blades
We decided on m27 rootstock (semi dwarf)
Have just found the label and sly boots has got a mm106.
I have checked on google and have found so many different height estimates.
Does anyone actually have a fully grown mm106 and how big is it?
Doe anyone have an Apple tree and know what roostock it is?
about 4metres in height and 14 feet in width or there abouts.
roller blades
Getting rid of flies on houseplants?
I was told by someone working in a garden centre that coffee grounds were good for houseplants, so I got some and put them in the plants' compost. Since then, I've been plagued with tiny black flies (they look like fruit flies). I keep a clean house (we Virgos are like that!) and I've repotted the plants in normal compost. Despite using bug spray, and the fact that I keep my fruit in the fridge, they're still around and that just BUGS me! They seem to like one plant in particular (a peace lily), and I've used spray on it but nothing seems to work. Putting the plant outside worked for a while, but that's not practical in the winter. I can't leave a drink for 5 sec without finding one or more of them in my drink! Any suggestions to get rid of these pests would be greatly appreciated!
Getting rid of flies on houseplants?
take any dead leaves of the compst and then pour very hot water on the compost i have done this before and it has worked 2 out of 3 times
Reply:Put one teaspoon bleach into one gallon of water. Pour this over the soil three times and all fungus gnats should disappear.
Reply:You could try spraying rubbing alcohol on them. That seems to work for white flied (aphids). It doesn't hurt the plant. This only works if you take the plant outside and then spray it.
Reply:I am a florist and all I can recommend is try repotting the plant again making sure you get lots of soil off the root ball. Also wipe the plant all over with a cotton wool ball dipped in warm water.
But if this fails I would throw it out. Sorry.
Reply:I generally use watered down fairy liquid in a spray bottle it get rid of green fly (so my old grandad used to say) so maybe it will work on the little black fly also
best of luck
Reply:Keep the pot free of dead leaves out pot.
Reply:What you have are Fungus gnats! They are a royal pain in the_!
I have them right now, as well. They usually are from over watering of plants. Peace Lillies are notorious for getting them. I have a degree in horticulture and I STILL can't get rid of them. They do sell a granular insecticide that you apply to the soil, but it's pretty toxic smelling and it's not recommended if you have any pets or small children. I'd like to know the answer myself!
Reply:This may sound stupid, and I have to admit it has always been a hit or miss practice for me, but try surrounding the plant by hanging two or three flypapers close to it for about a week, making sure the base of each flypaper is lower then the rim of the pot.
Obviously you don't want to have ugly looking flypapers dangling in full view of everyone so I would suggest moving it away from it's current location to somewhere that is dry and away from condensation.
What should happen is that the flypaper should attract the pests and over a short period of time it will destroy the breeding base of the insect on your plant. Don't be afraid of attaching more flypapers or leaving for longer if you can't see any results after a week.
If you still have the problem come spring, then introduce a couple of Ladybirds to your plant.
Getting rid of flies on houseplants?
take any dead leaves of the compst and then pour very hot water on the compost i have done this before and it has worked 2 out of 3 times
Reply:Put one teaspoon bleach into one gallon of water. Pour this over the soil three times and all fungus gnats should disappear.
Reply:You could try spraying rubbing alcohol on them. That seems to work for white flied (aphids). It doesn't hurt the plant. This only works if you take the plant outside and then spray it.
Reply:I am a florist and all I can recommend is try repotting the plant again making sure you get lots of soil off the root ball. Also wipe the plant all over with a cotton wool ball dipped in warm water.
But if this fails I would throw it out. Sorry.
Reply:I generally use watered down fairy liquid in a spray bottle it get rid of green fly (so my old grandad used to say) so maybe it will work on the little black fly also
best of luck
Reply:Keep the pot free of dead leaves out pot.
Reply:What you have are Fungus gnats! They are a royal pain in the_!
I have them right now, as well. They usually are from over watering of plants. Peace Lillies are notorious for getting them. I have a degree in horticulture and I STILL can't get rid of them. They do sell a granular insecticide that you apply to the soil, but it's pretty toxic smelling and it's not recommended if you have any pets or small children. I'd like to know the answer myself!
Reply:This may sound stupid, and I have to admit it has always been a hit or miss practice for me, but try surrounding the plant by hanging two or three flypapers close to it for about a week, making sure the base of each flypaper is lower then the rim of the pot.
Obviously you don't want to have ugly looking flypapers dangling in full view of everyone so I would suggest moving it away from it's current location to somewhere that is dry and away from condensation.
What should happen is that the flypaper should attract the pests and over a short period of time it will destroy the breeding base of the insect on your plant. Don't be afraid of attaching more flypapers or leaving for longer if you can't see any results after a week.
If you still have the problem come spring, then introduce a couple of Ladybirds to your plant.
How do you get rid of the weed paspalum?
I moved into a rental house %26amp; am trying to get the yard/garden in order. The turf is a very fine blade variety (maybe couch) %26amp; there is paspalum embeded throughout. I have been hand pulling it out by hand an hour a day for the last month filling up the green waste bin twice, but I am still not finished. It just continues to sprout up everywhere. It grows really fast with tall shoots with black seeds and its smothering/killing the turf leaving large bald patches in the lawn. The roots are really thick and hard to pull. I have looked at Big W, Woolworth's, Bunnings, Cole's, %26amp; the local garden centre for a product that says it will kill it but I cannot find anything that specifically says it kills paspalum -- most things say they kill bindi, dandelions, etc. but again nothing lists paspalum specificly. There are products like Zero %26amp; Roundup that I have seen, but they kill the grass too. Does anyone know what I should be looking for in a product's ingredients to kill paspalum?
How do you get rid of the weed paspalum?
Any product that contains 2-4d should work.It will not harm your grass but you have to keep it off any broad leaf plant that you don't want to kill.
Reply:Have you tried "weed and feed" type fertilizers? Hint for pulling stubborn weeds - oh, what fun - use a screwdriver, trowel, or similar tool to poke in the ground under the roots to lever them out. what about having a weed pulling party - invite friends, have plenty of beverage (beer, wine, soda...) when weeding is done maybe some snacks, sandwitches, or a cook out. Good luck.
How do you get rid of the weed paspalum?
Any product that contains 2-4d should work.It will not harm your grass but you have to keep it off any broad leaf plant that you don't want to kill.
Reply:Have you tried "weed and feed" type fertilizers? Hint for pulling stubborn weeds - oh, what fun - use a screwdriver, trowel, or similar tool to poke in the ground under the roots to lever them out. what about having a weed pulling party - invite friends, have plenty of beverage (beer, wine, soda...) when weeding is done maybe some snacks, sandwitches, or a cook out. Good luck.
What to plant in a shady spot?
we have a north facing garden with a border by ahigh fence which I would really like plants in, there's a huge eucalyptus tree, a rose and a casteroil plant there already, so I need to fill the spaces in between- could someone give me suggestions please as a couple of trips to the local garden centre hasn't really left me inspired!
Thank you.
What to plant in a shady spot?
I am blessed with a shady border :-( but there are lots of lovely plants for the area... Hosta (mentioned above), mecanopsis, Alchemilla mollis (lady's mantle), Lunaria annual 'Variegata', Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfennii, Ajuga reptans (colourful ground cover), Hedera helix 'Buttercup' (Ivy to climb up a fence), Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' (variegated grass), Brunnera 'Dawsons White' (foliage interest), Angelica archangelica (for height), Rogersia pinnata (nice flowers), Tiarella cordifolia. Most bulbs will do ok, and for annuals Busy Lizzies love the sun or shade. Good luck :-)
Reply:Yeah if it's damp shade there's all sorts of interesting stuff you can bung in. If it's dry shade however you're very limited.
Damp shade - arums have an exotic looking flower followed by a spike of bright berries.
vinca will give you a good ground coverage and a delicate little blue flower.
foxgloves look a bit naff at his time of year but in summer you'll get an elegant flower spike.
Hosta's - there's squillions of varieties, I like the huge blue mammoth.
Ferns - again tons of different types, Ostrich fern has majestic 6ft fronds, mega!
Ajuga's - good little plants for infilling - they'll spread and look after themselves and treat your bees to lots of small blue flower spikes. look out for one called braunherz which is dark yet variegated and can have yellows reds and bronze colours in the leaf.
Heauchera's - plenty of types, greens, purples, golds, good for infilling.
If you want any more suggestions or advice just e-mail me at hairy.caterpillar@yahoo.co.uk
Reply:FERNS
HOSTAS
FORGET- ME -NOTS ...SHADE OR SUN
FOXGLOVES
THE CLEMATIS NELLY MOSER...you can have it climbing through your trees.....loves full shade
that,s just a few that will brighten your garden up......
I have a north facing garden ...and I have a bamboo with a nelly moser clematis growing through it.....I have a solar light at the back of them and it gives a lovely effect...
Reply:Arum italicum loves dense shade ---nice leaves and berries.
Lobelia cardinalis and its cultivars are a colouful shade lover.
Liliums like shade.
Cyclamen coum, cyclamen neapolitain love shade.
Periwinkle { Vinca major } is a shade lover.
Foxgloves in variety are shade tolerant.
Hope these help
Reply:For flowering plants, try impatiens. Love shade and there are some really brilliant colors now.
Reply:Hosta is a lovely plant
Reply:Try some hosta's they look nice and do well in shade and sun!
Thank you.
What to plant in a shady spot?
I am blessed with a shady border :-( but there are lots of lovely plants for the area... Hosta (mentioned above), mecanopsis, Alchemilla mollis (lady's mantle), Lunaria annual 'Variegata', Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfennii, Ajuga reptans (colourful ground cover), Hedera helix 'Buttercup' (Ivy to climb up a fence), Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' (variegated grass), Brunnera 'Dawsons White' (foliage interest), Angelica archangelica (for height), Rogersia pinnata (nice flowers), Tiarella cordifolia. Most bulbs will do ok, and for annuals Busy Lizzies love the sun or shade. Good luck :-)
Reply:Yeah if it's damp shade there's all sorts of interesting stuff you can bung in. If it's dry shade however you're very limited.
Damp shade - arums have an exotic looking flower followed by a spike of bright berries.
vinca will give you a good ground coverage and a delicate little blue flower.
foxgloves look a bit naff at his time of year but in summer you'll get an elegant flower spike.
Hosta's - there's squillions of varieties, I like the huge blue mammoth.
Ferns - again tons of different types, Ostrich fern has majestic 6ft fronds, mega!
Ajuga's - good little plants for infilling - they'll spread and look after themselves and treat your bees to lots of small blue flower spikes. look out for one called braunherz which is dark yet variegated and can have yellows reds and bronze colours in the leaf.
Heauchera's - plenty of types, greens, purples, golds, good for infilling.
If you want any more suggestions or advice just e-mail me at hairy.caterpillar@yahoo.co.uk
Reply:FERNS
HOSTAS
FORGET- ME -NOTS ...SHADE OR SUN
FOXGLOVES
THE CLEMATIS NELLY MOSER...you can have it climbing through your trees.....loves full shade
that,s just a few that will brighten your garden up......
I have a north facing garden ...and I have a bamboo with a nelly moser clematis growing through it.....I have a solar light at the back of them and it gives a lovely effect...
Reply:Arum italicum loves dense shade ---nice leaves and berries.
Lobelia cardinalis and its cultivars are a colouful shade lover.
Liliums like shade.
Cyclamen coum, cyclamen neapolitain love shade.
Periwinkle { Vinca major } is a shade lover.
Foxgloves in variety are shade tolerant.
Hope these help
Reply:For flowering plants, try impatiens. Love shade and there are some really brilliant colors now.
Reply:Hosta is a lovely plant
Reply:Try some hosta's they look nice and do well in shade and sun!
Can anyone tell me how to successfully grow honeydew melons.?
I have germinated some melon seeds and they seem to be quite strong and ready for repotting. I am unsure what I need to repot them in, the ground or in large pots. I have also read on the gardening page that you have to use composted tea. Is this so, and, would I buy this tea from my local garden centre?
Can anyone tell me how to successfully grow honeydew melons.?
Rake up mounds of soil, we always put a coffee container in the center of the mound, you take a nail and hammer and punch holes in the can leaving about two inches of the can at the top without holes, put this in the mound up to the two inch rim and put the plants around the can about four plants to a mound, when you water and fertilize pour in the can and it will keep the plants watered and fertilized, use a good fertilizer that you mix with water, during dry spells fill the cans once a day with water and fertilize once every week or two. You will have nice juicy sweet melons, try to pick out the two strongest plants in each mound and discard others. This also works well for watermelons and muskmelon and cantalope. Good luck.
Reply:Thanks for your advice. Forgot to mention 2 hungry rabbits that eat my plants if Im not careful. Would it be alright if I used large Plant pots instead, and planted them individualy?. Report Abuse
Reply:Honeydews are pretty easy to grow, Plant them in raised mounds about 48 inches apart in well composted soil. You didn't say how many plants but if you add about one yard per plant that should work. I don't know about composted tea, but try spraying the leaves with one tbsp. dish soap to one gallon of water if you have problems with insects.
Reply:previous answers were good for
the young plants! As far as the tea,used teabags
or coffee grounds will help. I put these in my com-
poster along with the leaves from the fall and mixes
of soils. my flowers look great and the mellons I grew
years ago tasted good!
Reply:All the cucurbits (squash, melons, cucumbers, etc) are very sensitive to root disturbance, so be careful transplanting them . The main thing with melons is heat . Make sure they get as much as possible . Plant in hills, or raised rows , at least 2' across , ~1' high . ( Heat up faster - more exposed soil surface area) . Will help to put a shovel full of manure or compost in the bottom . " Composted Tea"? That's "Compost Tea " ;D Take some compost %26amp; put it in a burlap bag, old pillow case , or something similar . Then soak it (bag closed) in a garbage can, barrel, etc, full of water, for 2 weeks or more . Pull the bag out of the water , %26amp; the liquid created by this is "Compost Tea" Water the plants with it . Essentially , it is homemade fertilizer .
buckles
Can anyone tell me how to successfully grow honeydew melons.?
Rake up mounds of soil, we always put a coffee container in the center of the mound, you take a nail and hammer and punch holes in the can leaving about two inches of the can at the top without holes, put this in the mound up to the two inch rim and put the plants around the can about four plants to a mound, when you water and fertilize pour in the can and it will keep the plants watered and fertilized, use a good fertilizer that you mix with water, during dry spells fill the cans once a day with water and fertilize once every week or two. You will have nice juicy sweet melons, try to pick out the two strongest plants in each mound and discard others. This also works well for watermelons and muskmelon and cantalope. Good luck.
Reply:Thanks for your advice. Forgot to mention 2 hungry rabbits that eat my plants if Im not careful. Would it be alright if I used large Plant pots instead, and planted them individualy?. Report Abuse
Reply:Honeydews are pretty easy to grow, Plant them in raised mounds about 48 inches apart in well composted soil. You didn't say how many plants but if you add about one yard per plant that should work. I don't know about composted tea, but try spraying the leaves with one tbsp. dish soap to one gallon of water if you have problems with insects.
Reply:previous answers were good for
the young plants! As far as the tea,used teabags
or coffee grounds will help. I put these in my com-
poster along with the leaves from the fall and mixes
of soils. my flowers look great and the mellons I grew
years ago tasted good!
Reply:All the cucurbits (squash, melons, cucumbers, etc) are very sensitive to root disturbance, so be careful transplanting them . The main thing with melons is heat . Make sure they get as much as possible . Plant in hills, or raised rows , at least 2' across , ~1' high . ( Heat up faster - more exposed soil surface area) . Will help to put a shovel full of manure or compost in the bottom . " Composted Tea"? That's "Compost Tea " ;D Take some compost %26amp; put it in a burlap bag, old pillow case , or something similar . Then soak it (bag closed) in a garbage can, barrel, etc, full of water, for 2 weeks or more . Pull the bag out of the water , %26amp; the liquid created by this is "Compost Tea" Water the plants with it . Essentially , it is homemade fertilizer .
buckles
Does any one know of a wholesale supplier of seed tays, hanging baskets etc?
We have just bougth a large poly tunnel and want to grow flowers and veg to sell from our gate.
Where can I get the seed trays etc from in large quantities rather than going to the local garden centre.
All advice gratefully read!
Does any one know of a wholesale supplier of seed tays, hanging baskets etc?
if you live near London there is a village just full of garden centres, some of which are trade only and not for the general public, its called Crews Hill, its worth a visit, trust me your first visit will be the first of many, its great there.all these garden centres are in competition with each other and there are some great bargains to be had, the comercial garden centres like Wyvale are also there but most of the trade is from the others
its located just south of junction 18 of the M25, follow the A1005 for approx 2 miles, turn left at Botany Bay into east lodge lane and turn right at the end of the road into Crews hill
Reply:McConkey has everything you need. Happy growing!
http://www.mcconkeyco.com/page.aspx?nid=...
Reply:go to garden supplies on e-bay
Reply:Yes, try http://www.lbsgardenwarehouse.co.uk/ - look under Propagation for the trays, where you can buy packs of several hundred at a discount
Reply:Try this wholesale directory, it has the list of every supplier imaginable. please visit http://gerry16.salehoo.hop.clickbank.net...
Reply:As an ex-grower I would recommend the following suppliers:
H. Smith Plastics Ltd.
HSP Ltd.,
The Mayphil Ind Area
Battlesbridge,
Wickford,
Essex, SS11 7RJ.
tel. 01268 733088 or %26lt;www.plantcell.co.uk%26gt;
also:
LBS HORTICULTURE
Standroyd Mill
Cottontree, Colne,
Lancashire
BB8 7BW
TEL: 01282 873333
FAX: 01282 869850
EMAIL: mailto:custserv@lbs-group.co.uk
WEBSITE: http://www.lbs-group.co.uk/
The first was very keenly priced when I was growing plants.
Any other help in setting up, please email and I'll do my best . Good luck in your enterprise.
Reply:garden nursery
Where can I get the seed trays etc from in large quantities rather than going to the local garden centre.
All advice gratefully read!
Does any one know of a wholesale supplier of seed tays, hanging baskets etc?
if you live near London there is a village just full of garden centres, some of which are trade only and not for the general public, its called Crews Hill, its worth a visit, trust me your first visit will be the first of many, its great there.all these garden centres are in competition with each other and there are some great bargains to be had, the comercial garden centres like Wyvale are also there but most of the trade is from the others
its located just south of junction 18 of the M25, follow the A1005 for approx 2 miles, turn left at Botany Bay into east lodge lane and turn right at the end of the road into Crews hill
Reply:McConkey has everything you need. Happy growing!
http://www.mcconkeyco.com/page.aspx?nid=...
Reply:go to garden supplies on e-bay
Reply:Yes, try http://www.lbsgardenwarehouse.co.uk/ - look under Propagation for the trays, where you can buy packs of several hundred at a discount
Reply:Try this wholesale directory, it has the list of every supplier imaginable. please visit http://gerry16.salehoo.hop.clickbank.net...
Reply:As an ex-grower I would recommend the following suppliers:
H. Smith Plastics Ltd.
HSP Ltd.,
The Mayphil Ind Area
Battlesbridge,
Wickford,
Essex, SS11 7RJ.
tel. 01268 733088 or %26lt;www.plantcell.co.uk%26gt;
also:
LBS HORTICULTURE
Standroyd Mill
Cottontree, Colne,
Lancashire
BB8 7BW
TEL: 01282 873333
FAX: 01282 869850
EMAIL: mailto:custserv@lbs-group.co.uk
WEBSITE: http://www.lbs-group.co.uk/
The first was very keenly priced when I was growing plants.
Any other help in setting up, please email and I'll do my best . Good luck in your enterprise.
Reply:garden nursery
What flowers are safe to plant right now?
I work in a garden centre so I know that the safe weekend is not May 24th this year, it is the weekend after and we are expecting frost up to this date. Therefore, what plants would actually be safe to plant right now?
What flowers are safe to plant right now?
It really depends on where you live, your zone. I live in southwestern Virginia - and have been planting almost everything already. Hoping we have seen the last frost.. =)
Marigolds usually do well this time of year.. As do Pansies.. Petunias..
Reply:It is hard to say, where do you live?We are already planting everything now in oklahoma.Pansies and snapdragons,and marigolds.
Reply:Pansies. Unlike their name, they will bloom even in a late snow fall. My snapdragons even took the couple late freezes we had here in San Antonio.
Reply:perennials
What flowers are safe to plant right now?
It really depends on where you live, your zone. I live in southwestern Virginia - and have been planting almost everything already. Hoping we have seen the last frost.. =)
Marigolds usually do well this time of year.. As do Pansies.. Petunias..
Reply:It is hard to say, where do you live?We are already planting everything now in oklahoma.Pansies and snapdragons,and marigolds.
Reply:Pansies. Unlike their name, they will bloom even in a late snow fall. My snapdragons even took the couple late freezes we had here in San Antonio.
Reply:perennials
Where can I buy plants/seeds mail order in the UK?
My local garden centre is rubbish, so I'd like to try buying online. Could anyone recommend a place for good quality plants and seeds in the UK that does mail order?
Where can I buy plants/seeds mail order in the UK?
The biggest and best in Europe, myself and all the other allotment holders have been using them for year for our fruit and veg. Just click below to order your catalogue, you'll have it within days. good reading too. Loads of ideas.
http://thompson-morgan.com
Reply:Try Suttons.
I have bought from them in the past and have had no problem. You can also request a catalogue
Reply:try
dobies
thompson and morgan
there are others look for ads in sunday supliments
Reply:Chiltern seeds and the Organic Gardening Catalogue are good.
Reply:"Bakkar", "Thompson and Morgan" and "Suttons" are all great firms.
Reply:I got seeds on eBay
Reply:Mr Fothergills are a good name! http://fothergills.co.uk/
Reply:Sutton Seeds
Reply:Fothergills, Suttons and the Organic Gardening Catalogue (links all already above) are the best.
You could also try getting a couple of gardening magazines - they often have really good giveaways, cheap offers, and of course adverts for all sorts of useful companies. I'm a veg gardener and I regularly get Kitchen Garden and Grow Your Own - I can't recommend any flower gardening magazines I'm afraid! My parents love Gardeners' World though...
Reply:Thompson %26amp; Morgan, UK based.
http://seeds.thompson-morgan.com/uk/en/
Where can I buy plants/seeds mail order in the UK?
The biggest and best in Europe, myself and all the other allotment holders have been using them for year for our fruit and veg. Just click below to order your catalogue, you'll have it within days. good reading too. Loads of ideas.
http://thompson-morgan.com
Reply:Try Suttons.
I have bought from them in the past and have had no problem. You can also request a catalogue
Reply:try
dobies
thompson and morgan
there are others look for ads in sunday supliments
Reply:Chiltern seeds and the Organic Gardening Catalogue are good.
Reply:"Bakkar", "Thompson and Morgan" and "Suttons" are all great firms.
Reply:I got seeds on eBay
Reply:Mr Fothergills are a good name! http://fothergills.co.uk/
Reply:Sutton Seeds
Reply:Fothergills, Suttons and the Organic Gardening Catalogue (links all already above) are the best.
You could also try getting a couple of gardening magazines - they often have really good giveaways, cheap offers, and of course adverts for all sorts of useful companies. I'm a veg gardener and I regularly get Kitchen Garden and Grow Your Own - I can't recommend any flower gardening magazines I'm afraid! My parents love Gardeners' World though...
Reply:Thompson %26amp; Morgan, UK based.
http://seeds.thompson-morgan.com/uk/en/
What are those little white balls in potted plants?
If you go to a garden centre and buy a tomato plant, the soil has these little white balls in it. What is it? I've gotten conflicting information whenever I've asked someone. One person told me it was styrofoam, another said it was gypsum.
What are those little white balls in potted plants?
I think it depends on which brand of potting soil was used. Perlite is used in potting soil to improve drainage and aeration. Styrofoam is used as an inexpensive substitute for perlite. Beads of styrofoam help aerate potting mixes and serve as a space filler. Being extremely lightweight, they tend to float to the surface when watered. Also, unlike perlite, styrofoam will compact over time.
Reply:perlite or vermiculite see picture at:
Reply:It's perlite, sort of a manmade pumice stone. Its in there to help keep the soil open and help with drainage.
Reply:it is styrofoam it help keep the soil loose and the roots spread easily in the pot if the is loose and airy.
Reply:Perlite and/or vermiculite. Perlite is a naturally occurring type of volcanic rock. It is used to store and hold water as well as provide aeration in potted plants. Not only that, you can start seeds and plant only it perlite. Here is an article on perlite if you are interested. http://www.perlite.dk/using.htm
Vermiculite is a mineral and it is similar to perlite in that it helps with water retention and aeration. Here is an article on Vermiculite. http://www.vermiculite.org/pdf/horticult...
Hope this helps.
Reply:styrafoam
roller blades
What are those little white balls in potted plants?
I think it depends on which brand of potting soil was used. Perlite is used in potting soil to improve drainage and aeration. Styrofoam is used as an inexpensive substitute for perlite. Beads of styrofoam help aerate potting mixes and serve as a space filler. Being extremely lightweight, they tend to float to the surface when watered. Also, unlike perlite, styrofoam will compact over time.
Reply:perlite or vermiculite see picture at:
Reply:It's perlite, sort of a manmade pumice stone. Its in there to help keep the soil open and help with drainage.
Reply:it is styrofoam it help keep the soil loose and the roots spread easily in the pot if the is loose and airy.
Reply:Perlite and/or vermiculite. Perlite is a naturally occurring type of volcanic rock. It is used to store and hold water as well as provide aeration in potted plants. Not only that, you can start seeds and plant only it perlite. Here is an article on perlite if you are interested. http://www.perlite.dk/using.htm
Vermiculite is a mineral and it is similar to perlite in that it helps with water retention and aeration. Here is an article on Vermiculite. http://www.vermiculite.org/pdf/horticult...
Hope this helps.
Reply:styrafoam
roller blades
Is a multi purpose compost suitable to pot up geraniums, that is pelargoniums, into please?
I'm talking about well grown on plants such as you buy from the market or garden centre.
Is a multi purpose compost suitable to pot up geraniums, that is pelargoniums, into please?
No. Pelargoniums need sharp drainage. They will rot in a compost that is peat based as it does not drain well.
Use a soil based compost ( John Innes is good if you are UK)with added gritsand.
Reply:It's too fertile for pelargoniums,resulting in too much leafy growth.50% compost/50%sharp sand
Reply:Any fine soil is ok for Geraniums.Just make sure that you put some broken crockery or stones at the bottom of your pots.
Is a multi purpose compost suitable to pot up geraniums, that is pelargoniums, into please?
No. Pelargoniums need sharp drainage. They will rot in a compost that is peat based as it does not drain well.
Use a soil based compost ( John Innes is good if you are UK)with added gritsand.
Reply:It's too fertile for pelargoniums,resulting in too much leafy growth.50% compost/50%sharp sand
Reply:Any fine soil is ok for Geraniums.Just make sure that you put some broken crockery or stones at the bottom of your pots.
How do I look after a miniature rose?
I bought one at a garden centre and it doesn't have any care instructions on it. It's in a pot in my desk at work.
How do I look after a miniature rose?
They look good at the beginning and are nice gifts, but they always die! Even if you plant them out in the garden, they lack vitality and fade away with time. So don't get too attached to it. Sorry to be Mr. Grim, but somebody has to give you a wake up call...
Reply:put it in a bright place and make sure the soil doesn't dry out completely. Feed it once a month with plant food in the winter and once every two weeks in the summer.
Reply:Although it undoubtedly looks wonderful at the moment,your mini rose will start going 'soft' and will lose it's flowers and all of it' s leaves if left indoors too long. You need to gradually acclimatise it i.e.start putting it somewhere cooler in stages.and then plunge into a hole in your garden leaving it in the pot.then,in the spring when the frosts have passed plant out.do not feed until spring but do spray leaves with water.
Reply:i have miniature roses in my garden.they don't take much looking after.just dead head it.i you transfer it to the garden mulch it for the winter with leaf mold
Reply:water and a bit of baby bio should be all you need really
Reply:It needs to be watered, not too much though. Clean it's leaves with wet tissue from time to time and you can use fertiliser for roses (according to recommendation on the bottle). If you have a garden, you can plant it there if you decide to remove it from your desk.
Broken Teeth
How do I look after a miniature rose?
They look good at the beginning and are nice gifts, but they always die! Even if you plant them out in the garden, they lack vitality and fade away with time. So don't get too attached to it. Sorry to be Mr. Grim, but somebody has to give you a wake up call...
Reply:put it in a bright place and make sure the soil doesn't dry out completely. Feed it once a month with plant food in the winter and once every two weeks in the summer.
Reply:Although it undoubtedly looks wonderful at the moment,your mini rose will start going 'soft' and will lose it's flowers and all of it' s leaves if left indoors too long. You need to gradually acclimatise it i.e.start putting it somewhere cooler in stages.and then plunge into a hole in your garden leaving it in the pot.then,in the spring when the frosts have passed plant out.do not feed until spring but do spray leaves with water.
Reply:i have miniature roses in my garden.they don't take much looking after.just dead head it.i you transfer it to the garden mulch it for the winter with leaf mold
Reply:water and a bit of baby bio should be all you need really
Reply:It needs to be watered, not too much though. Clean it's leaves with wet tissue from time to time and you can use fertiliser for roses (according to recommendation on the bottle). If you have a garden, you can plant it there if you decide to remove it from your desk.
Broken Teeth
How should I remove an unwanted tree?
The majority of my front garden is concreted over, but with a 3m x 15cm area of soil at the side. In this small area there is a young sapling growing in the corner by the house.
I'm concerned about the roots damaging the house and foundations and I want rid of the tree before it grows much more.
I've heard that most weedkillers would not be effective if just sprayed on.
I'll go to a garden centre for more info later, but I'd appreciate any advice you could give in the meantime.
How should I remove an unwanted tree?
Hi Terrier!!
In order for you to dig deep!!! to expose the roots. It will take you a long and hard work, but doing this gives you the chance to plant it some where else!!!
I know your concern is genuine but, we need trees around, they are very important, as important as you keeping your house in one piece!!!
Trees help the environment tremendously!!! And if we all go and cut out the trees for cosmetic purposes soon we will NOT have clean air to breath!!!
Consider this and first try to look for a nice wide area, where you could re-plant this tree. Look at it this way, after wards every time you can look at it and watch it grow.
You will even benefit from the comfort of it's shadow, reading a good book. Growing old, happy together.
You will NOT regret going through the trouble!!! Trust me.
GOD BLESS YOU %26amp; HAPPY LIFE
ALLIV Z
Reply:Thanks!
I was picturing you in my mind, with your children and grand children, telling and retelling the story about the most important tree
ever!
And I liked the part when you mention my advise, on YAHOO Answers! Probably few years from today! Neat! Enjoy! Report Abuse
Reply:I meant when you will mention to your grand kids, that you took my advise, from YAHOO Answers! I can picture you drinking lemonade
and cookies, while watching the beautiful leafs dancing in the wind. Aaahhh! Nice! Report Abuse
Reply:You could get a tree surgeon out, he will take it out by the roots. but I think it costs about £90-£100.
Reply:If its a sapling dig it out. If too big for that cut down as near to ground as possible drill hole in the centre pour in creosote or brushwood stump killer. Also if possible cover whats left of stump with heavy black polythene and pile some earth over it.leave for about 6 months.
Reply:Get a length of rope tie to tree tie other end to tow bar and put car in first gear the rest is history.
Reply:Cut the sapling down leaving 18" protruding from the ground.Spray the cut with a systemic herbicide.In about a month you'll be able to easily pull the rest of the sapling from the ground.
Reply:Cut the sapling at ground level %26amp; pour two pounds of rock salt (ice cream salt) in a 18 inch circle around the trunk. The salt will kill the roots and the tree won't come back.
Reply:Hi, is the Tree direct against the house wall??? Depending on the thickness of the Tree , there are a number of ways of removing it. 1. Hammer in a few Copper Nails, 2. Dig around roots as near as possible and pour a couple of litres Diesel over it. Leave the roots wide open to the Climate, The Frost will do the rest lol. If U wish to save the Tree then dig around the roots as much as possible and then severe the roots and plant the tree somewhere else.
Reply:copper pipe will kill trees just hammer in to side of trunk ,,drill big hole and diesel, or creosote ,, dynamite is also good but not that practicable
Reply:cut it as low as possible then drill hole in centre of trunk and pour in brushwood killer
Reply:just cut it off at ground level
Reply:cut it down but leave the stump and get some special root killers treat it and put a plastic bag over the stump but as you have to get the root killer from a gardening store you might as well verify this before you waste time get the right advice first to save you time in the long run
Reply:dig it up!
Reply:Call in a tree surgeon
Reply:I worked in a chemist years ago and had to sell copper sulphate which was for killing trees. Don't know if you can still get it now though. Alternatively just hammer in a couple of copper nails, that should do it.
I'm concerned about the roots damaging the house and foundations and I want rid of the tree before it grows much more.
I've heard that most weedkillers would not be effective if just sprayed on.
I'll go to a garden centre for more info later, but I'd appreciate any advice you could give in the meantime.
How should I remove an unwanted tree?
Hi Terrier!!
In order for you to dig deep!!! to expose the roots. It will take you a long and hard work, but doing this gives you the chance to plant it some where else!!!
I know your concern is genuine but, we need trees around, they are very important, as important as you keeping your house in one piece!!!
Trees help the environment tremendously!!! And if we all go and cut out the trees for cosmetic purposes soon we will NOT have clean air to breath!!!
Consider this and first try to look for a nice wide area, where you could re-plant this tree. Look at it this way, after wards every time you can look at it and watch it grow.
You will even benefit from the comfort of it's shadow, reading a good book. Growing old, happy together.
You will NOT regret going through the trouble!!! Trust me.
GOD BLESS YOU %26amp; HAPPY LIFE
ALLIV Z
Reply:Thanks!
I was picturing you in my mind, with your children and grand children, telling and retelling the story about the most important tree
ever!
And I liked the part when you mention my advise, on YAHOO Answers! Probably few years from today! Neat! Enjoy! Report Abuse
Reply:I meant when you will mention to your grand kids, that you took my advise, from YAHOO Answers! I can picture you drinking lemonade
and cookies, while watching the beautiful leafs dancing in the wind. Aaahhh! Nice! Report Abuse
Reply:You could get a tree surgeon out, he will take it out by the roots. but I think it costs about £90-£100.
Reply:If its a sapling dig it out. If too big for that cut down as near to ground as possible drill hole in the centre pour in creosote or brushwood stump killer. Also if possible cover whats left of stump with heavy black polythene and pile some earth over it.leave for about 6 months.
Reply:Get a length of rope tie to tree tie other end to tow bar and put car in first gear the rest is history.
Reply:Cut the sapling down leaving 18" protruding from the ground.Spray the cut with a systemic herbicide.In about a month you'll be able to easily pull the rest of the sapling from the ground.
Reply:Cut the sapling at ground level %26amp; pour two pounds of rock salt (ice cream salt) in a 18 inch circle around the trunk. The salt will kill the roots and the tree won't come back.
Reply:Hi, is the Tree direct against the house wall??? Depending on the thickness of the Tree , there are a number of ways of removing it. 1. Hammer in a few Copper Nails, 2. Dig around roots as near as possible and pour a couple of litres Diesel over it. Leave the roots wide open to the Climate, The Frost will do the rest lol. If U wish to save the Tree then dig around the roots as much as possible and then severe the roots and plant the tree somewhere else.
Reply:copper pipe will kill trees just hammer in to side of trunk ,,drill big hole and diesel, or creosote ,, dynamite is also good but not that practicable
Reply:cut it as low as possible then drill hole in centre of trunk and pour in brushwood killer
Reply:just cut it off at ground level
Reply:cut it down but leave the stump and get some special root killers treat it and put a plastic bag over the stump but as you have to get the root killer from a gardening store you might as well verify this before you waste time get the right advice first to save you time in the long run
Reply:dig it up!
Reply:Call in a tree surgeon
Reply:I worked in a chemist years ago and had to sell copper sulphate which was for killing trees. Don't know if you can still get it now though. Alternatively just hammer in a couple of copper nails, that should do it.
How to save a lawn that has more moss than grass?!?
I was thinking about using a weed killer but- thinking about it and looking at my lawn- i think id be left with a grand total of three grass blades! Should i sow some of the quick grow grass soloution that you can but at garden centres and then try the weed killer? or should i just turf up the lawn and roll down some ready grass stuff? Ideally something long term as i live slap bang in the middle of the new forest and its taking over the house!!Thanks so much- any comments would be appreciated! :-D
How to save a lawn that has more moss than grass?!?
The best thing for you 2 do is remove everything and start over. Make sure to get the soil tested by professionals to confirm PH balance. Select the right kind of grass for your shady growing conditions. Good Luck!
Reply:Weed killers don't work on moss. There are chemicals available at the garden centre for kiling moss in lawns. These are different than the ones used for paths and driveways. There's a good product made by Scott called Lawnsand. It also contains fertilizer and weed killer. it is very good. And there's a really inexpensive granual called sulphite of iron you can get at most farmer supply centres. The garden centres don't sell it because there isn't enough profit in it. they prefer to sell you much more expensive things.
Reply:If it's really as bad as you think just returf it. Then the money you plan to spend on salvaging your existing lawn spend on maintaining and enjoying your new lawn.
Reply:Rototill and use sod
Reply:More moss than grass. Dig it up and start over.
Reply:It sounds as though your problem is primarily shade. Most lawn grasses are not very shade tolerant. The ones that are are the fine fescues and chewings fescues. Your local garden supply should be able to sell you a mixture for shade.
All grasses need some light, especially when young, so sowing your lawn in the autumn is best because then the young plants get the maximum sunlight when the leaves are off the trees (always assuming that the trees round your garden are deciduous!).
Fescues do not like a lot of nitrogen, so there is no need to apply fertilizer more than once a year. Also, a little lime is a good thing. This will also help keep down moss, which likes damp, acid conditions.
Cutting the lawn too short will reduce the amount of leaf area available for photosynthesis, so a shaded lawn needs to be cut a little longer than one in full sun.
If you use a moss killer to kill the moss, you will be left with a lot of dead moss and big bare patches, probably of the wrong kind of grass.
The best plan would be to have the site dug over to a fine tilth (this will also assist with drainage). If there are any wet spots, you could lay simple drains of channels in a fan shape filled with shingle and then covered with 6" or so of soil.
Sow, as I say, in the autumn (late August - September) having raked in a little lime. Take any leaves off the lawn regularly to allow maximum air and light. This should be done every year as well as the first year. Your first cut should be late spring, just to keep it from being shaggy.
You might consider having part of the lawn a wild flower area or a bulb area. This will give you a reason for not cutting the really shaded bits too often!
There are some very pretty wildflowers which are especially good in forest glades (which is essentially what you have). Get to know the woodland plants near you and notice which ones grow where. Primroses, for example love that kind of environment.
A garden which is sympathetic to the area you live in is just as pretty and more likely to be successful than to try to impose suburban standards in a rural area. (I am not saying that you do, of course - just that I have seen people trying it and felt rather sad for them.)
Reply:Well if it was me I would have the yard plowed over (tillered up) and re- sow the grass all together. Weed killer or turf is only a temporary fix. You will be glad you did in the long run.
Reply:it's to wet, get it well drained and the moss will die
Reply:Have a lawn of Moss. You will be the Boss.
The problem is that you have trouble getting grass to grow. You probably have lots of shade. Use LIME, and lots of it to change your lawn. Drop LIME once a week for several weeks.
Talk you the grass seed salesman about the type of grass that you would grow under your conditions.
You really should decide what you really want. GRASS or Forest. You can't have both.
Reply:I have a similar lawn and can't decide whether it's worth the effort, or whether I should just give in and have a moss-lawn. We would need to put drainage in the lawn, which could either mean lifting the turf and digging gravel and sand into the ground beneath it, or putting in drainage pipes.
Then we'd need to rake the moss til most of it came up.
Then we'd have to spike the lawn all over (with a special machine, or in smaller areas, with a garden fork) til there are lots of little holes. The holes need to be filled in with sand and then more grass seed can be sown.
I don't dislike the moss that much; it's quite soft underfoot.
Reply:I had the same problem with one of my properties, this is what I did I bought weed and feed at walmart and a bag of seed (KY blue grass) looks great after 2 yr, but if you are in a fix get the contractors grade at home-depot and a bag of petemoss you already have the water just seed and spread.
Reply:Good question.....even though I don't live at the home that I had this problem, I'm still curious.
I tried "scratching it up" threw grass seed on and still no luck. Had I stayed I was considering having topsoil brought in and start all over.
Also had huge trees that lined that stretch of land that was causing shade....I would not have cut them though ever.
Reply:Moss grows in acidic soil. Lime takes the acid out of soils. Lime your yard. Unless you have Centipede grass. Centipede loves acidic soil.
Reply:maybe ask your local gardner...hehe...sorry...not much help...
Reply:Had same problem these past 20 years and finally gave up and learned to love the moss. I actually helped it to spread and now have a carefree back lawn never needing mowing. (My house is high and shades the back north lawn - nothing grows there except moss). To me moss is alien, but I had to learn to like bugs also - can't seem to get rid of them either.
How to save a lawn that has more moss than grass?!?
The best thing for you 2 do is remove everything and start over. Make sure to get the soil tested by professionals to confirm PH balance. Select the right kind of grass for your shady growing conditions. Good Luck!
Reply:Weed killers don't work on moss. There are chemicals available at the garden centre for kiling moss in lawns. These are different than the ones used for paths and driveways. There's a good product made by Scott called Lawnsand. It also contains fertilizer and weed killer. it is very good. And there's a really inexpensive granual called sulphite of iron you can get at most farmer supply centres. The garden centres don't sell it because there isn't enough profit in it. they prefer to sell you much more expensive things.
Reply:If it's really as bad as you think just returf it. Then the money you plan to spend on salvaging your existing lawn spend on maintaining and enjoying your new lawn.
Reply:Rototill and use sod
Reply:More moss than grass. Dig it up and start over.
Reply:It sounds as though your problem is primarily shade. Most lawn grasses are not very shade tolerant. The ones that are are the fine fescues and chewings fescues. Your local garden supply should be able to sell you a mixture for shade.
All grasses need some light, especially when young, so sowing your lawn in the autumn is best because then the young plants get the maximum sunlight when the leaves are off the trees (always assuming that the trees round your garden are deciduous!).
Fescues do not like a lot of nitrogen, so there is no need to apply fertilizer more than once a year. Also, a little lime is a good thing. This will also help keep down moss, which likes damp, acid conditions.
Cutting the lawn too short will reduce the amount of leaf area available for photosynthesis, so a shaded lawn needs to be cut a little longer than one in full sun.
If you use a moss killer to kill the moss, you will be left with a lot of dead moss and big bare patches, probably of the wrong kind of grass.
The best plan would be to have the site dug over to a fine tilth (this will also assist with drainage). If there are any wet spots, you could lay simple drains of channels in a fan shape filled with shingle and then covered with 6" or so of soil.
Sow, as I say, in the autumn (late August - September) having raked in a little lime. Take any leaves off the lawn regularly to allow maximum air and light. This should be done every year as well as the first year. Your first cut should be late spring, just to keep it from being shaggy.
You might consider having part of the lawn a wild flower area or a bulb area. This will give you a reason for not cutting the really shaded bits too often!
There are some very pretty wildflowers which are especially good in forest glades (which is essentially what you have). Get to know the woodland plants near you and notice which ones grow where. Primroses, for example love that kind of environment.
A garden which is sympathetic to the area you live in is just as pretty and more likely to be successful than to try to impose suburban standards in a rural area. (I am not saying that you do, of course - just that I have seen people trying it and felt rather sad for them.)
Reply:Well if it was me I would have the yard plowed over (tillered up) and re- sow the grass all together. Weed killer or turf is only a temporary fix. You will be glad you did in the long run.
Reply:it's to wet, get it well drained and the moss will die
Reply:Have a lawn of Moss. You will be the Boss.
The problem is that you have trouble getting grass to grow. You probably have lots of shade. Use LIME, and lots of it to change your lawn. Drop LIME once a week for several weeks.
Talk you the grass seed salesman about the type of grass that you would grow under your conditions.
You really should decide what you really want. GRASS or Forest. You can't have both.
Reply:I have a similar lawn and can't decide whether it's worth the effort, or whether I should just give in and have a moss-lawn. We would need to put drainage in the lawn, which could either mean lifting the turf and digging gravel and sand into the ground beneath it, or putting in drainage pipes.
Then we'd need to rake the moss til most of it came up.
Then we'd have to spike the lawn all over (with a special machine, or in smaller areas, with a garden fork) til there are lots of little holes. The holes need to be filled in with sand and then more grass seed can be sown.
I don't dislike the moss that much; it's quite soft underfoot.
Reply:I had the same problem with one of my properties, this is what I did I bought weed and feed at walmart and a bag of seed (KY blue grass) looks great after 2 yr, but if you are in a fix get the contractors grade at home-depot and a bag of petemoss you already have the water just seed and spread.
Reply:Good question.....even though I don't live at the home that I had this problem, I'm still curious.
I tried "scratching it up" threw grass seed on and still no luck. Had I stayed I was considering having topsoil brought in and start all over.
Also had huge trees that lined that stretch of land that was causing shade....I would not have cut them though ever.
Reply:Moss grows in acidic soil. Lime takes the acid out of soils. Lime your yard. Unless you have Centipede grass. Centipede loves acidic soil.
Reply:maybe ask your local gardner...hehe...sorry...not much help...
Reply:Had same problem these past 20 years and finally gave up and learned to love the moss. I actually helped it to spread and now have a carefree back lawn never needing mowing. (My house is high and shades the back north lawn - nothing grows there except moss). To me moss is alien, but I had to learn to like bugs also - can't seem to get rid of them either.
Could u tell me anything about mark earp staunton harold garden centre not sure of the spelling?
Mark earp is the guy to contact at the centre, his email is mark.earp@virgin.net
All you need to know is at the url below: happy planting (or are you after mark!?) lol
Could u tell me anything about mark earp staunton harold garden centre not sure of the spelling?
It's just off the m42 near Coalville!
All you need to know is at the url below: happy planting (or are you after mark!?) lol
Could u tell me anything about mark earp staunton harold garden centre not sure of the spelling?
It's just off the m42 near Coalville!
A good name for a garden centre selling mainly palm trees.?
The business will be in an area called valverde, in the algarve, portugal. %26amp; yes i already thought of valverde palms! any suggestions greatly appreciated.
A good name for a garden centre selling mainly palm trees.?
Heaven Sent
Palms, Palms, Palms
Palms Central
Nothing But Palms
Palms Calms
Reply:Coco de Palm
Reply:1) Rosie PALM-ers
2) Arnold PALM-ers
3) PALMolive
4) PALM Readers
5) PALM Pilots
6) Oakey Pines House of Palm Trees
Los Palms Bonitas (Send me a royalty check for the name!)
Reply:palmy gardu
Reply:Portugal Palms, but "Valverde Palms" really rolls off the tongue. I would say, go with your original thought- it's really good!
-BD
Reply:I would name it like Tropical Breeze, V-Trees, Palms, or Algrave's Breezes.
Reply:The Garden Oasis
Paradise Palms
Palms, Etc.
Evergreen Garden Centre
safety shoes
A good name for a garden centre selling mainly palm trees.?
Heaven Sent
Palms, Palms, Palms
Palms Central
Nothing But Palms
Palms Calms
Reply:Coco de Palm
Reply:1) Rosie PALM-ers
2) Arnold PALM-ers
3) PALMolive
4) PALM Readers
5) PALM Pilots
6) Oakey Pines House of Palm Trees
Los Palms Bonitas (Send me a royalty check for the name!)
Reply:palmy gardu
Reply:Portugal Palms, but "Valverde Palms" really rolls off the tongue. I would say, go with your original thought- it's really good!
-BD
Reply:I would name it like Tropical Breeze, V-Trees, Palms, or Algrave's Breezes.
Reply:The Garden Oasis
Paradise Palms
Palms, Etc.
Evergreen Garden Centre
safety shoes
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