Water gardening made easy: an in-depth look 2

* ESTABLSIHING PLANTS

For ponds, consider a mix of emergents, submergents and floating species. Emergents plants (those that have their roots in the water but their shoots above water) can be added to the margins of pools. These includes cattails (Typha spp.), arrowhead (Sagittaria spp.) and water lilies (Nymphaea spp.).

Submergent species (or those that remain under water, such as Elodea) are often used as oxygenators. These are plants that remove carbon dioxide from the water, add oxygen and are essential in most ponds to keep the water clear. Floating species, or those that are not anchored at all in the pond, include plants such as duckweed (Lemna minor), water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). While attractive, water hyacinth and water lettuce can be serious weed problems in the south; however, since they are not winter hardy, there is no problem with them spreading in northern climates. While not as effective as oxygenators, these plants help keep the water clear by limiting the amount of sunlight that algae receive. In tiny ponds created in barrels and similar containers, these plants may be adequate to maintain clear water.

* CHOOSING AND ESTABLISHING PLANTS FOR PONDS

1. Consider the following when selecting plants:

a. How deep is the water? This will be a factor in establishing plants and their survival over winter if you live in colder regions. Some species need a minimum depth of two to three feet to grow well.
b. Is your pond permanently installed in the ground or is it a small tub that will be moved inside in the winter? In this case, even tropical plants may be an option.
c. Will you drain your pond in the winter? If you intend to drain your pond, you should consider plants that can spend the winter in a basement in d dormant state.
d. How much sunlight does your pond receive?
e. How large is your pond? If your pond is small, consider dwarf species.

2. Purchase plants from a reliable vendor. Remember to include some oxygenator plants, such as Elodea.

3. Emergent and submergent plants should be planted into pots. A wide assortment of pots is available, from plastic baskets to pulp planters. Choose pots that are large enough for your plants.

4. If using baskets with numerous perforations, line the baskets with burlap or two layers of newspaper to keep the soil from falling out of the holes.

5. Fill the container about half full with a mixture of good garden topsoil. Do not use potting mixes or peat moss. These are too light and will float out of the pot. Adding aquatic plant fertilizer to this bottom layer of soil is recommended for some species. Follow directions on the label for amount.

6. Place the plant on top of the soil and fill the container with topsoil within one inch of the top.

7. When planting water lily rhizomes, make a mound of soil in the middle of the pot. Place the rhizome at a 45-degree angle. The crown of the rhizome should be toward the center of the pot. Cover the roots with soil, but not the crown.

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Water gardening made easy: an in-depth look

Backyard ponds and water gardens are for birds, butterflies, frogs, fish ... and you and your family. These ponds are typically small, sometimes no larger than three to four feet in diameter, and may be built in barrels or other patio containers. Water is effective in drawing wildlife to your backyard, as well as a natural, relaxing and scenic addition that can provide interest and enjoyment.

* WHERE TO PUT A BACKYARD POND
Consider locating your backyard pond where you can see it from a deck or patio and it blends in with its natural surroundings. Elevate the soil around the pond slightly so excess water will flow away from the pond, not into it, and be sure any drainage from the pond is away from your house. Plan to landscape around the pond to provide a habitat for frogs and birds that need land and water. If you would like to use a pump to re-circulate water, use a filter or light the area, be sure electrical service is readily available in that area. Additionally, there will be less maintenance if your pond is not under a tree, and most aquatic plants will grow better in full sun.
If you do not have space in your yard for a built-in earthen pond, consider a "tub" pond or large water bowls. These can be placed on the patio and provide many of the same benefits as a built-in pond. There are numerous tub kits available that can be as simple as adding water, a pump and some plants. They can also be moved inside in the winter as long as good lighting is provided for plants.
* POND LINERS
Pond liners keep water from seeping into the soil. Even in heavy clay soils, a liner is necessary. You can buy rigid pond liners in a variety of shapes; they are quite durable, and some may even include built-in waterfalls. However, many are quite small, and if you want a larger pool or would like to design your own shape, consider using a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) liner. Use a liner specifically designed for pools--while other plastics initially may be cheaper, many are not resistant to ultraviolet light and will break down quickly. Examine the toxicity of the plastic as well, as some plastics may be lethal to fish. Also, look into the thickness of the liners--a thicker liner tends to be more resistant to punctures.
If you do use PVC, to determine the amount of the piece you will need, measure the maximum width, length, and depth of your pond. Multiply the maximum depth by three, then add this number to both the length and width. This will allow enough plastic to be securely held down around all pond edges.
As a side note, while expensive and requiring more expertise to install, cement is also an option as a pool liner.
* INSTALLING THE POND
You can put in a backyard pond anytime the ground is not frozen or overly wet. If using a pre-formed liner, dig a hole to the correct depth and slightly wider. Insert the liner, making sure it is level and sits securely in the ground. Backfill around the sides, then add water, pump and plants. Complete landscaping around the pool.
If using a PVC liner, plan at least a weekend to install and landscape.
* STEPS TO INSTALL A POND WITH A PVC LINER:
1. Decide on your pond's location.
2. Using a hose or rope, lay out the shape of your pond on the ground.
3. Once you are happy with the shape, start digging. Stockpile your topsoil so you can use it to landscape around your pond.
4. Plan for part of your pond to be at least 18 to 24 inches deep; 24 to 36 inches is even better. This will allow for a greater diversity of plants and fish to live in the pond. You may want to make tiers around the inside of the pond at various depths on which to place pots of different aquatic plants. Make tiers about 12 inches wide to accommodate the pots.
5. Remove any rocks from the excavated area.
6. To help prevent punctures in the plastic, put a one-inch layer of damp sand on the bottom of the excavated area.
7. Spread the plastic liner over the hole. Let it sag gently in the hole. Place a few rocks or bricks around the edge to hold in place.
8. Slowly, start filling your pond. The weight of the water will help smooth out the liner. Remove rocks holding the edges to allow liner to conform to the edges of the hole. Smooth out wrinkles but do not pull too tightly. You can walk on the liner if you remove your shoes.
9. Finish off the pond by placing rocks around the edge to securely hold the liner in place.
10. Install pump and filter, if desired. Many smaller pumps have a built-in filter, but for larger pools, a separate pump and filter may be necessary. Be sure the filter and pump are adequate for the volume of water in your pond. Pumps not only add interest but are important in adding oxygen to the water. If you want a fountain or waterfall in your pond, you will need a pump to circulate the water.
11. Let the pond sit for a few days before adding fish and plants. This allows chlorine to evaporate from the water. Chemicals are also available that will quickly neutralize chlorine and other harmful compounds.
12. Place plants at various depths and add fish.

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Vegetable Gardening Tips At Your Backyard

Would it be possible for you to grow a vegetable garden at your backyard? Consider this option, healthy foods just within your reach. Even your children can help and cultivate their own vegetables. Having fun while learning is not a bad idea right? But you have to plan ahead before you start.

Which Veggie?

Plan which vegetables you would like to grow in your garden. Choose early, middle of the season and late kinds of these vegetables, which you like best.

Against all veggie odds

You have to know the odd characteristics of certain vegetables and use them to best advantage. Some vegetables bloom even in partially shaded positions, while others require lots of sunshine.

Goodie veggies

Good vegetables are of exceptionally slow growth during the seedling stage of development. You have to take advantage of this by using space between rows for quick-growing crops. For example, propagate beet seed by middle of April and position young lettuce plants between the rows.

Don't let the water run dry

Throughout dry periods, vegetable gardens need extra watering. Most vegetables benefit from an inch or more of water each week, especially when they are fruiting.

De-pest the infested

During the growing season be attentive against insect pests. If you discover a bug problem early it will make it much easier to take suitable action and get rid of the pests. But be careful to not use pesticides once the vegetable have grown unless it becomes an absolute necessity. Organic gardening is one healthy and environment-friendly option. Once you have reaped your crop, put the used up vegetable matter into your fertilizer pile so that it can be recycled for next spring.

Animal appeal not needed

It is important to protect your vegetable garden. In most cases, the garden is surrounded by a fence adequately high and close-woven to keep out dogs, rabbits, and other animals. The harm done by wandering animals during a season can equal the cost of a fence. A fence also can serve as a frame for peas, beans, tomatoes, and other crops that need support.

Protection is needed in order for your vegetable garden to yield a bountiful harvest. Hard work would pay off if necessary precaution has been made. Learning is a process, vegetable gardening needs time. See to it you have patience and dedication to it.

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Gardening For Kids

This article will list these things and give you great tips on gardening for your kids. Gardening with your kids can serve three purposes. First, you get to spend time with your kids. Second, it is great exercise for you and your kids and third, it can be a very valuable teaching tool.

Your children can learn about the importance of plants, the different types of plants and flowers and why we need plants and flowers to maintain the cycle of life. When planting a garden with your kids, there are some things that you should take into consideration to make it successful.

The first thing you should consider is the type of garden that you want. Do you want strictly flowers or would your child be interested in growing vegetables. How about both? There is no hard and fast rule that says that a garden can't be flowers and vegetables combined. Just make sure that all plants are compatible and need the same basic nutrition.

Another thing to take into consideration is the size of your garden. If the garden is too big, it will easily overwhelm you and your child, but if it is too small, it won't be productive. A great alternative would be to plant flowers and vegetables in different types of containers. This will prevent the child from becoming too overwhelmed. The advantage of container gardens is that the containers may be moved from one location to another.

The shape of the garden can be very important also. You want your children to maintain an interest in gardening so it should be as appealing to a child as possible. Experiment with different shapes and plants. Maybe you child likes waterfalls. Try designing a flower garden and use a small pond insert with a waterfall for the centerpiece. The more interested you can get your kids, the more they will want to garden with you. You could pretend that the waterfall garden is a magical wishing garden where all of their wishes can come true.

Before the spring planting season starts, have your child look through seed packets. Let him pick out his favorites. Plant the seeds in small containers in the house. Make your child responsible for caring for his "garden" each day. Once the seeds start to sprout, they should become big enough to transplant in the garden. It may be fun to let your child name each plant and have him check their growth process each day.

Planting a garden can be hard work. But if you plant a garden with your kids, it can be a great learning experience for both of you. Use your imagination and most importantly, use your child's imagination to design a beautiful garden that you both can enjoy all summer.

Source: FreeArticles.com

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Gardening For Dummies

This article will give you gardening basics to get you started. Planting a garden should not be an overwhelming task. However, for a lot of people it is. If you don't know the difference between a perennial, biannial and annual, then you have some research to do.

The very first thing that you need to do before deciding on what to plant in your garden is to determine three things, the type of climate, how much light and what kind of soil that your yard has to offer. Once you have these three essentials, then you can research what type of plants grow best in your conditions.

The term climate refers to several different factors. These factors include average high and low temperatures, frost dates, average rainfall and winds. These factors will affect your choice in plants. The United States Department of Agriculture has made it a little easier for you to determine the temperature or hardiness zone that you live in. They have created a plant hardiness zone map that divides the country into eleven different temperature regions. This map assigns a zone number to each region.

You can do a search online and find the maps there. Once you find out your hardiness zone, it gets easier to figure out which plants will thrive in your area. When choosing your plants, take into consideration the amount of rainfall that you normally get and the windiness of the area. You wouldn't want a tall plant, that requires a lot of moisture, in a dry, windy area.

The next thing to take into consideration is the amount of light that is available for your plants. If you will be planting flowers or shrubs in a wide open area that has 100% sunlight, make sure that the plant is able to handle this. The same goes for planting in a shady area. You want to make sure that your plant is able to thrive without sunlight. Seed packets and the plant sticks that you find in pre-potted plants will tell you where your plant grows the best.

The last thing to take into consideration is the type of soil that you have. There are basically three types of soil; clay, sandy or loamy soil. Clay soil is the worst soil you can have for a garden. The characteristics of clay soil are sticking together when wet. If you pick up a ball of wet soil and it is sticky and looks like you could throw it on a pottery wheel and make an ashtray, then your soil is clay. Sandy soil has a light loose feel. The water drains through it very quickly. Unfortunately, it can drain through so quickly that the roots of your plants will not get the water they need. Loamy soil is the best soil for a garden. It consists of of large sand particles, tiny clay particles and medium silt particles. The sandy part of the soil provides a loose soil for good drainage while the clay and silt will hold some of the moisture in to nourish your plants. If you have loamy soil consider yourself very lucky.

This is the very basics of gardening for dummies. Once you have the above three items identified, it will get a lot easier for you to choose plants that will thrive. Do your research and choose carefully. You could have the most beautiful garden in the neighborhood!

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