There are many methods of controlling grubs in your garden.  You can use a couple of them at the same time to make your grub control more effective and to eliminate as many grubs as you can.  Using excessive chemical methods is not recommended, but you can double up on your chemical and organic or your chemical and mechanical methods if you want to.  This should just increase your effectiveness and help you to kill the grubs faster.

Some of the really good brands of grub control are ortho Max and Scott’s summer guard.  Both of these brands have been tested and proven to work in the majority of cases.  If you suspect that grub worms might be attacking and destroying your lawn, you probably want to apply this as soon as you can.

On top of that, you can also use a method called milky spores.  Milky spores are a disease that can contaminate and kill grubs.  If the grub control doesn’t work to kill them, then the milky spores will.  Even if the grub control only weakens them, the milky spores will be much more effective at reducing the grub worm population in your lawn.  Another method that you can use is actually a mechanical method of grub control.  It involves using 2 inch long aerator spikes on the bottom of your sandals and walking across your lawn multiple times.  This works to kill grubs because most of the grubs live right next to the surface where they are chomping down on your grass roots. By walking over your lawn multiple times, you inadvertently kill 20 to 25% of the grub worms that are living in your lawn. It might even be a good idea to walk across your lawn first, and then apply the grub killer.  This way the grub killer will have an easier time getting an inch or two down into the soil where the grubs live and it will be able to kill them faster.

Keep in mind that although grub worms are a common pest, they do have their place in your garden and yard just as all creatures do, and they offer positive benefits to your soil structure.  Although they may seem pesky, they have evolved a symbiotic relationship with the soil and may actually be beneficial enough to leave alone.  If your lawn in dying, it is most likely due to entirely different causes which involve soil microbes, poor soil, or over saturation of chemical fertilizers.

Broccoli is probably one of the easiest vegetables to grow. You do not have to have much experience in horticulture to learn how to grow broccoli. And you do not have to wait for the season to enjoy fresh broccoli shoots either. In just less than a week, you can pick fresh broccoli shoots from your own garden. Almost everybody knows that broccoli is rich in nutrients. It has a good amount of vitamin A, B, C, E and K and other nutrients such as protein, calcium, zinc and antioxidants known to fight cancer. Perhaps that is why broccoli is one of the most popular home grown vegetables. Keep reading to learn how to grow broccoli sprouts.

Besides the health benefits of broccoli, they are known to be more tolerant than most other vegetables. Thus, it would not be so many problems to develop their own broccoli sprouts. So to get you started, here are the practical steps to grow your own broccoli sprouts: First, you should have all the necessary materials. What you need seeds for sprouting broccoli scored, shallow containers, compost and plastic wrap. Soak the seeds from the previous night at room temperature. When selecting seeds, be sure to choose the right ones and check the label carefully. It should be marked for germination. In addition, I strongly recommend you use organic seeds.

Some commercial seeds are treated with special chemicals that are bad for the environment. Prepare the container. Fill it with just the right amount of compost. Scatter the seeds on the soil surface. You do not need to worry too much or spraying seed spacing. You will not grow adult broccoli, if space is not a problem. Then cover it again with another thin layer of soil. Cover the container with plastic wrap. Drill some holes in a plastic bag for air circulation. Keep the seeds in a warm area and dry. Make sure it is away from heat and direct sunlight. After 2 days, you’ll be able to see the first sprouts. After five days, the sprouts will be ready for harvest. Learn more at DIY gardener, where you can try out our dill pickle recipe.

Recycling your organic waste by composting at home is an economical way to better the environment while feeding your garden. Many natural waste items never get the chance to turn into soil because of the anaerobic conditions of many landfills – if no oxygen reaches the trash it will never degrade. This wastes space and money, making a home composter look pretty convenient in comparison!

Here are three simple bins designs that you can use to compost at home:

1. Basic Pile

What is composting? Composting is throwing a bunch of appropriate organic matter into a pile to accelerate the natural decomposition process that inevitably results in the creation of rich soil. Does this operation sound like it needs something fancy? Composting started with bare piles of organic waste simply heaped up and occasionally covered with burlap – and this method works just as well now as it ever has.

2. Pallet Bin

Wooden shipping pallets are given away for free at many big retail stores and warehouses. Stand three pallets on their sides and you have the perfect container to start composting at home. Erect two more half-boxes and you’ll end up with a three-phase composting system for advanced gardeners.

3. Turning Tumbler

Tumblers look like perforated barrels turned on their side and stuck through a rotating barbeque skewer – you stick your compost in the side, give it a good turn every few days, and remain patient until you start smelling that satisfying earthy aroma that announces that indicates that you just made some awesome compost.

4. Compost Rotator

Rotating home composting systems come in many different designs and some are definitely easier to use than others are. Most are just simple compost barrels set vertically on a rotating base that contains an interior paddle that aerates the compost – making the procedure quick and painless for most garden needs.

If you find the right composting system you just might find that this hobby is flexible, fun, and incredibly educational. You will never be closer to your garden than the first time you feed it something that you made yourself through months of patient turning. Composting at home is extremely fun – especially when you have the right equipment – so why wait? Get started today!

Not everyone can afford to build a greenhouse, but it’s easy to get the same functionality of a greenhouse with a grow tent. Grow tents are canvas enclosures for controlling the environmental variables of plants, herbs and flowers—namely temperature, humidity and light. Tight spaces are no longer a constraint, since grow tents are available in sizes small enough to fit in a closet, while larger models can turn a spare room into a grow room.

Grow tents are typically designed with a framework of steel tubing and a black vinyl or canvas exterior. The inside is illuminated with an HID grow light, which is reflected by a Mylar or other type of reflective lining. Older models used white plastic lining on the inside, but Mylar is 30% more reflective; and since the HID lights are much less efficient than LED grow lights, it’s important to preserve as much light as possible in order to maximize plant growth.

Perhaps more importantly, the older white linings made of polyurethane or PVC were prone to toxic out-gassing (the release of chemical fumes in volatile organic compounds) that would lead to whitening and withering of plants. These types of grow tents are almost all out of production, but it’s important to check the type of lining used if you’re buying a grow tent online.

Grow tents are heat resistant, and can keep the internal temperature constant. By opening flaps or using fans, the temperature can be reduced when necessary. For instance, the sides can be left open in the day and closed at night. Tents can be accessorized with exhaust fans and filters by attaching them to ports in the sides (depending on the model, a grow tent can have from one to four ports).

They’re also ideal for protecting against household menaces like spider mites, gray mold, and other threats that thrive in dark, humid conditions. Spider mites can be discouraged by keeping the temperature inside the tent around 60 degrees, and mold can be discouraged by keeping the humidity below 50%.

For anyone who regrets not having adequate space to germinate seeds or grow plants and flowers, grow tents are an excellent way to become a grower on limited resources. They can be used indoors and outdoors, in hot or cold climates, and in large or small spaces. Homeowners and apartment dwellers who live in the city and are anxious to exercise their green thumb should seriously consider investing in a grow tent.

Bonsai is a traditional art form that originated in Japan and China, in which a living tree is shaped by the gardener to form a miniature landscape. The aim of bonsai is to create an impression of serenity and harmony with nature in even the smallest home, or the most crowded urban environment.

There are certain traditions and formal classifications, based on properties like overall height or the line of angle from the trunk, that have emerged during the history of bonsai despite variations of stylistic preferences.

For example, a straight upright trunk is required for the Formal Upright style, a slanting trunk for the slanting style, and a slight slant or a curve for the Informal Upright style. A Semi Cascade style tree has a trunk that grows upwards and then curves down as well, while a Cascade style tree has a trunk that curves downwards more dramatically.

The tree trunk should ideally grow to a height of around six times the width of its base, with a tapering trunk to create an illusion of perspective. Bonsai plantings will typically include an odd number of trees, and overall shapes are appreciated for the sense of asymmetrical balance they create.

Listings of bonsai trees for sale will typically list a standard size category. These range from miniature, at under six inches tall, to the largest category, which begins at 24 inches tall.

The texture of the bark on the trunk is also important, as an appearance of age and weathering is prized in bonsai specimens. Some bonsai gardeners like to create scarred or stripped areas on the trunk to create an appearance of storm damage or weathering.

The color of leaves and bark will largely be determined by the species of tree, as well as the color of blossoms if it is a flowering bonsai tree. Typically, bonsai kits will include a pot, but you may want to upgrade this if you find another pot whose color and appearance harmonize with your tree better.

In the end, the true art of bonsai is to combine all these natural and artistic elements to create an impression of natural beauty and serenity as a unified effect.

Our oceans and rivers are suffering from ever-growing amounts of toxic chemicals that are shed and transported with rain and sewage.  One of the largest pollutants in our water is cleaning solution.  This includes body soap, shampoo, detergents, air fresheners, glass cleaners, de-greasers and stain removers.  All of the products we use in our home and on our bodies get washed down the drain and end up in the water supply.  You can help curb this problem by switching to biodegradable, non-toxic cleaners.  As I heard it said recently, one grasshopper on the tracks won’t stop a freight train, but a billion grasshoppers will surely slow it.

One of the best and most gentle alternative cleaners and household products is vinegar.  Vinegar is readily available in several forms and is good for replacing all of the above mentioned cleaning products, plus more.  All forms of vinegar are suitable to replace some chemical or another for household purposes, except perhaps brown cider vinegar, which may stain some porous surfaces.

Here I have accumulated a list of several useful ways to use vinegar that replace those toxic and sometimes expensive chemicals.

1. Weedkiller – pour undiluted on weeds or unwanted grass to get rid of it.  Works great for killing grass on the driveway.

2. Flea and Mange deterrent – add a little vinegar to your cat or dog’s water to keep fleas and mange away.

3. Rust Remover – soak rusty tools, bolts, spigots and showerheads in undiluted vinegar overnight to remove rust and corrosion and unblock any clogs.

4. No Frost – Coat car window with a solution of 3 parts vinegar to 1 part water to keep your windows frost-free.

5. Salve – Relieve sunburn, itching, and insect stings by pouring some vinegar on a cotton ball and applying to affected area.  If you’re itchy all over, add a few tablespoons to a bath.

6. Hair Care – Add 1 cup of vinegar plus 1 cup of warm water in a glass and rinse your hair with it after conditioning to add natural highlights and relieve dandruff.  It also restores the pH of your hair and scalp, and removes excess oil and shampoo residue.

7. Miracle Cold Cure – Soothe a sore throat by adding 1 teaspoon to a glass of warm water and gargling and swallowing.  To cure a cold, mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup honey and take 1 tablespoon every two hours. This cure is also said to help relieve arthritis. (My dad used to mix one teaspoon vinegar with hot water in a shot glass and take that every morning.  I swear, I’ve never seen that man get sick!)  You can also treat sinus and respiratory infections by adding 1/4 cup vinegar to a humidifier.

8. Cough Relief – get rid of a cough by mixing 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tsp cayenne pepper and 4 tsp honey.  Take 1 tablespoon every hour until cough subsides.

9. Color care – To keep colors bright in clothes, soak in full-strength vinegar before the first wash.  You can also add 1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle to brighten fabrics.

10. Stain remover – Gently rub on fabrics to remove most organic stains, then wash as usual. You can also remove perspiration and deodorant stains, as well as smoke smell and other persistent odors, by adding 1 cup of vinegar to the wash cycle. You can also remove scorch stains from your iron plate or coffee maker by heating equal parts vinegar and salt in a small pan and rubbing the solution on the cooled surface.

11. All-purpose cleaner – Use vinegar to clean and disinfect your dishwasher, garbage disposal, kitchen counters, refrigerator, stainless steel surfaces, china and glassware, microwave, cutting boards, dishes, and teapots.

12. Deodorize or unclog your kitchen drain by pouring a handful of baking soda down the drain and adding 1/2 cup vinegar.

13. Make buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk and let it stand for 5 minutes.

14. Substitute lemon with vinegar in a recipe by adding 1/4 teaspoon vinegar per 1 teaspoon lemon juice.

15. Prevent grease buildup in your oven by wiping it down (while cool) with a rag that has been moistened with vinegar and water.

16. Naturally Antibacterial – Vinegar will naturally kill any bacteria it comes into contact with.  Use it to clean surfaces and fixtures in the bathroom by mixing it half and half in a spray bottle and use on sink, counters, toilets, and even floors.

17. Remove soap scum and film on showers and bathtubs by spraying or wiping on vinegar and ten dust with baking soda.  Rinse with water.

18. Air freshener – Vinegar is a natural deodorizer – spray into the air to freshen it up.  You can also set out a bowl of vinegar to rid a room of paint fumes or cigarette smoke. To add a scent to the air, place a bowl of vinegar in a warm spot and add spices or scented oils.  This takes the bad smells out while scenting the air with the good smells!

19. Remove bumper stickers and decals by soaking a cloth in vinegar and then pressing it over the sticker for a few minutes.  The sticker should peel right off.

20. Leather can be easily cleaned with a mix of distilled vinegar and linseed oil.  Rub the mixture in and then polish with a clean cloth.  Also wipe onto patent leather to make it shine brilliantly.

21. Create your own wood polish to remove water stains and make surfaces shine. Mix equal parts distilled vinegar and olive oil.  Apply with a soft cloth and rub with the grain for best results. You can also use this mixture on wood paneling to clean and remove dust and grime.

22. Prolong the life of cut flowers by adding 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 3 tablespoons of sugar per quart of warm water.

23. Increase the acidity of your garden soil by adding 1 cup of vinegar per gallon of tap water.  This will release iron into the soil for plants to use and increase acidity in clay or alkaline soils.  Some acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons, gardenias and azaleas will benefit from adding diluted vinegar to the soil.

To be healthy and grow properly under controlled environment, optimum conditions are required by the plants. Signs will appear if plants are unable to get the proper amount of light. If the gardener’s home lacks sufficient light because of the limited windows or incorrect plant positioning then indoor greenhouse lighting can be the perfect solution.

If the plants have to be put back on the recovery mission, investing in some fixtures for greenhouse lighting is needed. These lights will provide the special light spectrum that is required by the vegetation while on the growth curve. This light is also needed by the plants that produce fruits or flowers. The lighting provides not only the right look but also makes it feel like warm and inviting from the fresh and healthy green plants.

A typical LED light fixture for a greenhouse

LED grow lights are the perfect economical way to get started. These provide the plants an efficient source of light and also prove cost effective. Blue spectrum is emitted when cool white bulbs are used. This type of lighting help plants in its growth. These bulbs do not have that much intensity.

Light would be emitted through the red spectrum if a warm white light is used. For plants that produce fruits and flowers this is the light that is needed. These lights work best when it is used for the plants that grow to the ground level and to sprout seeds. Generally these bulbs produce low output so it is advised that the fixtures be placed not more than 2 inches around or above the plants. This will provide better results.

When it comes to greenhouse lighting techniques there are several options available. For people who are not aware of this an online research is recommended. This is sure to yield better information regarding arrangements and lighting sources and even tips about the planting.

Garden lighting can showcase the various features, such as a fountain or a pond. It allows one the ability to enjoy the space long after the sun goes down. There are many different types of products that can be used and many different ways to accentuate the outdoor space.

The products chosen to illuminate the area will depend on what features you want to highlight and how much coverage is needed. There are fixtures that are mounted on a pole, those than hang from a hook and others that are placed at ground level. Some require an additional power source. Others do not require any special work to be done and can be installed very quickly.

If you want to cover a large space and need some added security, a fixture mounted on a pole or on the house that shines onto the area may require an electrician or someone who can add the proper wiring. If this is not an option, you can choose from several different styles of solar lights. They have the advantage of not requiring any additional power sources. Using energy from the sun is a very environmentally friendly option that incurs no additional costs after installation.

There are lantern style fixtures that can hang from a post or a tall shepherd’s hook. They are very classy products that can be used on an arbor or gazebo as well. Some fixtures come with their own steel bases, so they can be moved as desired. This is a great feature, as they can be placed in a sunny area during the day, and moved to where they are most needed at night. Other fixtures are pushed into the ground with stakes. They can accentuate a stone path or other features, like fountains and ponds. There are many more ideas and most are relatively inexpensive to purchase.

Growing from seed is difficult sometimes with particular species of plants. It may be soil related or just that you are not ‘green fingered’ enough. To bypass the effort needed for seed growing it is possible to obtain ‘ready to plant’ miniature plants in their own individual garden pots. These are plug plants and as the name suggests they can be plugged into the earth without too much ceremony.

A plug plant ready to go into the ground.

What to do with plug plants

1    Keep them lightly watered for ease of removal before they go into the ground.
2    Don’t remove one from its plant pot until the last minute before planting.
3    Too wet or too dry plug plants are equally distrastrous.
4    Learn from experience is best way to understand plug planting.
5    You need to prepare the holes, roughly the same size, for the plug plants.
6    Keep the existing stem at ground level if possible.
7    Readjust the depth of the hole to suit.
8    When planted water them in well.

The modern garden is less labor intensive that a garden from 20 years ago. Many more labor saving devices have come on the market to help the modern gardener, who might be holding down a 9 to 5 job, leaving only a small amount of time to invest in the outdoors. As a time saving means, the plug plant is invaluable as the hard work of the early growing stage is already completed. They are a more expensive way of growing vegetables and flowers so it may not suit all pockets. Other gardeners too, prefer the old way of growing from seed to edible produce and find the holistic experience far more pleasurable than taking shortcuts. Plug plants however do have a market and are worthy of consideration even if its only a trial basis so as to form your own views. Good luck and happy plugging.

Most people think that molded or rotten food should be put directly into the garbage can, when in fact this can be quite a waste. Many things around the home, including kitchen waste, can be converted into compost to create new food. Composting is a process that breaks down organic material of all types and converts it into plant feed known as compost. This material looks a lot like soil with its black color and fluffy texture, but is actually many times more powerful in nutritious content. Compost is made by putting your waste into a plastic bin where it begins to degrade over time. This process uses bacteria, fungus and even small bugs to break down the waste.

The amount of time needed to complete a composting cycle varies among methods, but usually takes about a month. Standard compost bins require users to load waste into the top of it. At the top of the bin, the materials have not begun to degrade, while at the bottom, materials are just finishing up. Users must tumble the contents using a shovel to add oxygen.

To avoid tumbling, you can purchase a compost tumbler. Tumblers have a rotating drum that you spin around every couple days. These units require no shoveling and are quite easy to use. These composters are usually small enough to be placed on a back porch without taking up too much room. If you don’t want to travel outdoors to the composter every time you generate trash, you can use a kitchen compost bin. These bins keep the waste from smelling up your kitchen until you are ready to bring the load out to the composter.

A faster method of composting involves using worms to break down the waste. Wormeries are a great way to compost if you can stomach working with worms.