Container Garden Guide

Trying to control pests and bugs in an organic garden can be challenging, just ask an organic gardener. No matter the flora, all have their variety of insects that they attract. No plant leaf, stem and/or flower are immune.

The most time consuming yet most natural way is to inspect each leaf and flower for bugs and removing them by hand. This is not ideal if you have a large garden and obviously not a favorite method among gardeners. Thank goodness, there are other methods one can use.

Persistent control of weed growth is a step in the right direction. From the beginning of planting, especially in vegetable gardens, a large enough space for a hoe to work easily should be left between rows and seedlings. If done early on, weeds are easily taken out and are not given time to drop their seeds and attract unwanted vermin to your patch.

Certain plants used as by-standers in the garden are also deterrents. These herbs and flowers act as natural repellents and aid in controlling annoyances. Some to consider are chives, elderberry, garlic and lemon balm.

Each plant is used differently to repel. When chives are planted around rose bushes they prevent black spot and they also prevent scab, when around apple tress. Elderberry branches and leaves can be used to displace moles just by simply putting them into a mole’s hole.

The tea you make from the leaves of this same plant can also be used to fend off aphids, carrot root fly, peach tree borers, and cucumber beetles. The smell from garlic is another repellent but be careful not to plant them near other vegetables that might absorb its flavor. Scattering lemon balm leaves throughout can also repel in your backyard landscape. Did you also know, by rubbing the crushed leaves of lemon balm you can ward off mosquitoes? These methods are all repellents that can be used in your organic garden to keep pests away.

Herbs have been around forever it seems and serve different kinds of purposes. Herbs have been used to treat illness, maladies, and flavor cooking as well as being used in many craft type projects. Interested in starting your own herb garden? Here are a few pointers on how to start an herb garden. Make your garden plan. Think ...

Lots of Bonsai lovers are starting to focus on the great look of Bonsai miniature rose trees. People might think it takes a light touch to grow a miniature rose tree, but when these gorgeous trees are in full bloom, they are hardier than one might expect. Most Bonsai miniature roses are at least five inches ...

Whichever job that stirs up dust and particulates calls for respiratory protection. Most people think respirators are necessary only for recognized hazards such as lead, asbestos, chemicals, and gases, but all kinds of airborne particles can aggravate the lungs and cause breathing struggles. For instance, you are supposed to wear a respirator when welding, machining metal, quarrying stone, mixing ...

When it comes to outdoor furniture, its a good idea to go with something that doesn't require constant upkeep. There are usually more than enough other patio chores to be done without having to worry about treating wood furniture or other high maintenance items. The ideal patio furniture can be left out during just about any kind of weather and doesn't rust or rot from moisture. It should also be available in the look you want and add ...