by Fay Porinsky
In today’s economy, growing some of your own food makes a whole lot of sense. It could be far healthier than you imagine, and may alleviate a few allergic reactions to chemicals used on some plant material. And of course, it’s cheaper to control pests etc. by using and reusing organic materials. Even a small space or a patio garden (herbs and plants are put into half wine barrels) can provide hundreds of dollars in savings for many kinds of vegetables.

And, you don’t need to be a botanist to grow your own veggies. Prepare the plot of soil or wine barrels by putting in a good potting soil (organic is certainly available) or use your own compost and regular garden dirt, if the mixture looks good. Drainage is important for healthy root growth. Steer or chicken manure is a natural way to condition and feed the soil. If this compost or manure is not from your own household, then make sure it’s organic by asking the previous owner, or reading the bag label. Buy organic seeds. Most places that sell regular seeds also sell organic ones now. Start organic and stay organic.

Choose a few vegetables that appeal to you. Perhaps some pumpkins for fall decoration and even pumpkin pies may whet your appetite. And if you want tomatoes or zucchini squash, one plant of each is enough. Tomatoes and zucchini can turn out to be the super-producers of the vegetable world. You can always give extras of anything you grow away to friends, or sell at a local farmer’s market. Don’t let zucchini get too large or they get tough. Lettuce and radishes are quick producers for salads. They grow fast and in a warmer climate (but not too hot) you may get several crops a year. Strawberries are attractive and children love them. In California, they are grown year ’round.

Have access to a garden hose and water your garden according to the temperature. Keep plants moist but not sopping, and plant seeds or cuttings or small plants according to the instructions on the bag or pot. The most popular plants for a home vegetable garden seem to be: Tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, radishes, bell peppers, strawberries (I know, not a vegetable, but they can be used in salads!), and chili peppers (watch out for the degree of hotness). The pest most often associated with your veggie garden is snails. By putting individual pans of water under patio pots, or if you have a plot of land and go out in the morning and hand pick them off, then they will either drown in the water or not cross it, or can be used as food for your fowls (if you keep them). Stale beer can also be used to keep snails away.

Reap your harvest and enjoy!

Fay Porinsky is a retail saleswoman who has 20 years of experience buying and selling cutting edge health products. She has particular experience helping her customers stay healthy with the aid of an herbal Vaporizer, and is an avid user of the Volcano Vaporizer herself.

Article Source: Article Junction Network

by Bob Smith
There are many reasons that homeowners decide to hire a lawn service In Florida. Some do not have the time to due it themselves, and some realize that growing and sustaining a healthy lawn is one of the more challenging tasks that a homeowner can tackle.

Panama City lawn service professionals know the tips that will help keep a yard alive, and without them, it is very difficult to succeed.

Most Panama City Lawn Service companies and environmental groups agree on several tips that need to be applied to the yard in varying degrees year round. They range from environmental care to grass selection, and these can make a huge difference in the rate of success new yards.

The type of grass that is chosen is the most important step. If the soil has a certain makeup that is not friendly to a type of grass, there is precious little that can be done to make the yard survive. The right breed of grass combined with favorable soil elements makes the labor process much easier.

Bahia grass grows better in a slightly acidic soil, whereas St. Augustine grass prefers its soil more alkaline. Bahia grass does not need much in the way of fertilizer or water. St. Augustine grass on the other hand will suffer without constant attention to fertilizer, irrigation and pest management.

Any Panama City Lawn Service will recommend irrigating the yard in varying degrees year round. Florida is very hot, and soil moisture evaporates very quickly. The watering schedules will change with the season.

Spring and Fall historically have the greatest need for supplemental watering. This is because during these times it is still hot outside but the humidity is low. Summertime is the rainy season and little irrigation is necessary, while in the Winter the turf is semi dormant and no watering is needed.

Another tip that is of utmost importance is fertilization. Especially in a yard’s adolescent phases, the type and amount of fertilization can be key. Because the sandy soil in Florida is not especially full of nutrients, fertilizer gives the grass a great boost in taking root in the ground. This also helps it to achieve photosynthesis to its full potential, propelling the lawn’s growth even further. Once the lawn has had a couple seasons to mature, it is acceptable to cut back on the fertilization.

In the summer it is helpful to cut the grass at the maximum height to avoid weakening the roots. St. Augustine turf should be mowed at a height of four inches or better, while Bahia grass can be cut at three inches.

Make sure to always use a sharp mower blade. A dull mower blade will tear, rather than cut the grass. Torn turf is more susceptible to pest and disease infestation.

These tips that are used by the professionals can be applied in any home lawn capacity. They are proven to make a difference, and can ultimately determine a lawn’s survival.

Bob Smith is an author and lecturer on the subject of lawn care. To read more about Panama City lawn service visit his site
Key West landscaping

Article Source: Article Junction Network