Category Archives: Tips

Using and Choosing Rain Barrels!

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Rain barrels are a thing of the past, or they used to be. They are making a big comeback due to the contribution they make to the local ecology and for water-saving abilities. Rain barrels were used since pioneer times as a water collection system.

Ibackyard rain barreln the past, rain was pristine and could be used for human consumption, but because of pollution and other contaminants, it is not suggested to drink rainwater anymore.

Still, it comes in handy for watering plants, lawns and washing cars. It is worth having a rain barrel especially if you live in a drought prone area.

The traditional way to collect rain in a rain barrel is to connect the downspout from the gutter system to flow into the barrel.

We attached a rain chain to our rain barrel, as you can see in the photo on the left. Continue reading →

Growing Vegetables In The High Desert!

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Growing vegetables in the desert is a challenging process. High temperatures, burning sun, wind and lack of moisture can make for difficult circumstances. Still, it is very possible to build and maintain a successful garden in the desert with just a few considerations.

high desert

Soil

Desert soil is not conducive to planting or growing. It is often sandy, rocky, salty and very hard. Planting soil needs to be moist, full of nutrients and light and airy. It is essential to make proper soil available in desert areas and the best way to do that is to create a raised bed. Continue reading →

Make Money From Herbs and Vegetables!

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In this guide we will discuss how to make money from herbs and vegetables you grow from home.

Front yard farmer’s markets are a common sight in rural areas. Just travel a few miles out of town in late summer and find two or three selling fresh tomatoes, peppers, corn and other vegetables. The owners of these little stands are making money selling their home-grown produce and today, locally grown food is making a big comeback. Continue reading →

What to Plant In The Fall!

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Not only are there flowers and vegetables that can be planted in the fall for beautiful viewing and harvest that same season, but also for prep for beauty the following spring.

You can also make sure your garden is ready for the next seasons as well when the chore list around the garden is dwindling down for the cooler, end-of-year months.

Gardening organically doesn’t have to change what you plant or when, although it will help if you do some prep work for the next year. You also want to keep in mind what types of pests you will be encountering so you know how to head them off easiest.

Seed Flowers

There are certain flowers that grow from seed you want to plant in these cooler fall months. It will lay dormant for the cold winter and sprout in spring and summer, used mostly for ground cover in larger gardens. Continue reading →

Managing Powdery Mildew!

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Powdery Mildew is a common disease that affect many different plants including vegetables, fruits, flowers, trees, shrubs and more.  This fungus grows best in warm and humid environments and it will overwinter in the soil in even the coldest temperatures. 

It is spread by insects, water run-off and wind.  If your plants are affected by powdery mildew there are many things you can do to stop it and prevent it from even happening. 

Identification

Continue reading →

7 Veggies to Plant In The Spring When Growing Organically!

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Organic gardening not only ensures you will have a beautiful garden that provides you with a bountiful harvest but that the foods you bring into your home or the homes of your family and friends will be safe and healthy.

Enjoying foods that are free of chemicals is important to many of us which is why we choose to garden for ourselves, not to mention the act of gardening is peaceful and relaxing.

The following 7 vegetables are perfect for planting in the Spring and are hearty enough to grow organically without too much trouble. Are you ready to dig into your garden?

Carrots

There are several varieties of carrots that will give you a rainbow when harvesting, from the typical orange, to red, yellow and purple. Grow a rainbow of carrots. They are not only sweet, but they are packed with vitamins and minerals. Continue reading →

Best Gifts For The Organic Gardener!

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Any gardener appreciates a gift that will help in the garden. Organic gardening tends to be a little costly at first, until the garden starts to thrive, and a little help with things to enhance the garden would be a great help for any organic gardener.

The following are some gifts to be found just about anywhere that will make gardening a little easier.

Organic Seeds

Many different garden companies sell certified organic seed and tomatoes are a big favorite. The organic gardener is always ready to try new things even if it is a new type of pepper or pole bean. Baker Creek has heirloom seeds from over 70 countries and D. Landreth Seed Company has unusual seeds. Continue reading →

How Do Self Watering Planters Work?

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In many cases, self watering planters and containers are very beneficial especially if you live in a dry zone or are prone to forget to do the watering of the garden. The way self-watering containers work is that there is a reservoir at the bottom of the container that holds enough water for a long period of time.

The plant receives water from the reservoir through a channel of soil that works as a wicking agent pulling the water up through capillary action.

How Does It Work?

Continue reading →

Balcony Gardening Tips!

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Balcony gardens are a good option for those that live in apartments, and love to garden. Most plants including vegetables, flowers, herbs and some fruits grow beautifully out on a balcony during the summer months.

Balcony Gardening Requirements.

One of the most important requirements in starting a balcony garden is to assess how much sun the plants get. A good 6 to 8 hours is necessary so that flowers bloom, vegetables produce and herbs stay healthy. Some balconies are just not situated in the right direction to get that much sun, or they may be shaded by trees and other buildings. Continue reading →

Making Money Microfarming!

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Can you make money microfarming? Well, decades ago, the only way to make money from agricultural pursuits was to invest the time and money necessary to build up a major farm operation.

But these traditional, sprawling farms are beginning to become less and less common. In their place is rising a new trend, and it’s providing average hobbyists with opportunities to pursue their passion while potentially making some money along the way.

Continue reading →