Posts Tagged ‘ Garden ’

Spruce Up You Garden With Blueberry Plants

February 25, 2011
By

From their trademark blue berries in the summer to their rich glossy green leaves in the late fall and early spring, blueberry plants are marvelous additions to any garden. Often overlooked by gardeners, blueberry bushes can add a splash of color and a fresh attitude to all outdoor spaces. Known for their hardy nature and low maintenance, blueberries can add that extra something special you didn’t know your yard was missing!

The blueberry fruit has been hailed as a miracle substance for years due to the high levels of antioxidants and nutrients found within the navy flesh. Its sweet harvest and quaint, wholesome attitude has long made blueberry plants a favorite of north eastern properties. But did you know that blueberries can grow in lots of different climates? From the humid reaches of Florida to the arid climbs of Arizona, you can find a blueberry variety that is able to adapt to the elements and flourish. All they need is a little TLC and they will yield a succulent berry crop just about anywhere.

The key things that blueberries need to flourish are good soil and proper moisture level. When selecting soil to put around your blueberry plant, remember that they do best with slightly acidic earth. Not too acidic, of course, because you’d corrode the root system, but somewhere around a pH of five to six is best. Also, be sure the soil is nice and loose so that the roots can properly drain. Water-logged root systems will cause the blueberry bush to go into survival mode and prevent any flowers or berries from being produced.

When watering your blueberry plant, it is important to resist the urge to overwater. Remember that outdoor plants already receive a lot of their moisture from the natural humidity in the air and any precipitation. Unlike house plants that are literally on a restricted water diet, outdoor plants receive water from myriad other sources than you; it is vital to keep this in mind when you have the garden hose in hand. Your blueberry plant will tell you when it needs water by drooping its leaves, however the only way it will tell you it has had too much water is by refusing to bloom or produce fruit, and by that point it is often too late for the season.

Blueberry bushes can live a long time; some last over fifty years. As you cultivate your bushes, prune judiciously, especially in the first five years of the plant. At this point, it is at its most vulnerable, and any over pruning or attack on the major artery branches of the bush will stunt its growth and ability to produce fruit for the rest of its life. A good rule of thumb when it comes to pruning is to pause before you cut and ask, “Do I really need to remove this branch, or is it just a cosmetic change I am trying to make?”

Blueberry plants are truly wonders of nature. Their beautiful flowers, bright and cheerful leaves, and beloved fruit are a wonderful addition to any garden in just about any climate. Whether you are deep in the woods of New Hampshire or out along the plains of Kansas, there is a blueberry variety that will bring your outdoor space to life. So make some room in your garden and pull out your blueberry cook book, because this is sure to be a wonderful harvest.

Sandy Winslow is a writer on topics relating to health and wellness. Hardy blueberry plants are beautiful additions to any garden and can bring even the most casual gardener joy year round.


Article from articlesbase.com

Growing Blueberries In The Home Garden

February 25, 2011
By

Blueberry fruit is also low in calories and sodium, contains no cholesterol, and is a source of fiber. A major constituent of the fiber is pectin, known for its ability to lower blood cholesterol. In studies blueberry contain measurable quantities of allergic acid, which has inhibiting effects on chemically induced cancer in laboratory studies blueberry juice also contains a compound that prevents bacteria from anchoring themselves to the bladder, thereby helping to prevent urinary tract infections. Blueberries could make a good fruit crop for home gardens since they require small space. At present, blueberry plants are not common in home plantings because the plants require highly acidic soil conditions for best results. The grower of blueberries must, there fore, make extra effort to acidify the soil before plant establishment. Then, the acidity level must be maintained over the life of the planting. Due to the special concerns associated with the rather demanding soil requirements of growing the crop, the soil must be amended with organic matter and the pH must be corrected before proceeding to establish the planting. Once in production, it is necessary to protect the fruit from loss to birds. There are three main types of blueberries: high bush, rabbit eye, and southern high bush. Only high bush blueberry is recommended for Ohio rabbit eye and southern high bush blueberries are recommended for the southern United States. There are many good blueberry cultivars available. Climatic Requirements In general, the climate throughout Ohio is suited to the production of blue berries. The high bush blueberry requires full sun for optimum yield and quality, and grows best where the soil is very acidic and well supplied with moisture. Blueberries have a very fresh taste when picked straight off the bush. Beyond the initial challenge of establishing a new planting, there are really few pests that attack blueberry bushes. The bush should be narrow at base, open in the center, and free of vegetative clutter. Normally, fruiting buds are not counted on blueberry bushes to determine the maximum fruit load. How to grow blueberries Preparing the soil Blueberries require an acid soil, relatively high organic matter content, and good drainage. Poor blueberry plant growth resulting from soil pH that is too high is the most common problem when growing blueberries in the home garden. You also can grow blueberries in containers Northern high bush blueberries require a large container such as a wine barrel. Use mixtures that contain potassium sulfate rather than potassium chloride, blueberries are very sensitive to chloride. Also, make sure the N is in the form of ammonium, not nitrate, blueberries do not take up nitrate N. Blueberries can be grown in home gardens anywhere in North Carolina, if the right species and proper soil modifications are used.

Blueberries are typically used in the landscape as hedges for screening purposes, but they can also be used in cluster plantings, or as single specimen plants. Blueberries are an ideal year round addition to the landscape. Soil pH – Blueberries require a lower pH than many other small fruit crops. What Species – Both high bush vaccinium corymbosum and the rabbit eye Vashei types of blueberries can be grown in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont. Since the pH of most Iowa soils is above this range, the soil pH must be lowered to successfully grow blueberries. High bush blueberries are hardy in central and southern Iowa. Half-high blueberries possess greater cold hardiness and are the best choice for gardeners in northern Iowa. For the best chance at success with blueberries, buy your plants already started from a nursery or garden center. Some other things to consider when growing blueberries are, if your soil conditions aren’t right for blueberry plants but you still want to add them to your garden, you can grow blueberries in containers with great success. Blueberries prefer full sun, although the plants will tolerate partial shade. The roots of blueberries will suffocate if they remain in water-saturated soil for even a few days. Even though blueberries are considered a bog plant, avoid low-lying locations since they may be poorly drained and prone to frost. Weather your still preparing your ground site or just strapped for room, blueberries do quite well growing in containers. Plant size should determine how large of a container the plant will need to support it. Blueberries establish better, grow more vigorously and yield more fruit if organic matter is incorporated in to the soil prior to planting. I use a lot of pine needles and peat moss when planting blueberries in the ground. There are various categories of blueberries including: low bush, northern high bush, southern high bush, and rabbit eye types. The other critical factor when growing blueberries is your soil. Some growers even use a hundred percent peat moss to grow their blueberries. I prefer planting blueberries in early spring but they can also be planted during the fall. If you have a problem with birds eating the blueberries, set up a framework covered with a protective netting. Am mending the soil with plenty of peat moss during the inital planting will really help. Just keep in mind that the ideal time to plant blueberries is when the plant is dormant, before fruit appears. I hope you these try these tips so you can enjoy growing blueberries in your home. For more information on gardening go to http://www.Teegoes.org

Timothy Samuel I live in Wilmington,De enjoy writing on many topics from food to travleing. And you hope my articles be enjoyable and helpfull to all.


Article from articlesbase.com

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Acai Splash Mixed Berry Drink by Garden Greens – 30oz.

February 22, 2011
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A Honeyberry plant enriches the garden

September 30, 2010
By

A Honeyberry plant enriches the garden

Gardening Articles | September 3, 2010


Sustainability is the name of the game these days.  Many people want to do their part help ensure a long life for the planet.  Some people choose to drive electric cars while others may ditch their cars entirely for zero emission bicycles.  Families growing their own fruits and vegetables, even raising goats for milk and chickens for their eggs, are becoming increasingly more common.  Of course, growing fruits and vegetables may also just be a part of establishing a beautiful garden for the home.  There are certainly those that grow gardens simply for the sake of aesthetics and for their own peace of mind.  They may not even think about the positive impact they have on the environment, they just want to have a garden to be proud of.  One way to do so is to feature plants that others are not likely to have.  The Honeyberry plant is one that is growing in popularity.  It is rare, beautiful, and it also produces a delicious fruit.

While the Honeyberry plant is not terrible well known in America, it is widely regarded in most of Eastern Europe as well as in parts of Asia.  The fruits from the plant have been consumed in these parts of the world for centuries.  For many years, families have been eating the plant’s berries to promote good health and to stave off illness and disease.  It is a plant that is closely related to the honeysuckle, which is common in America, but it yields a much more delicious product. 

Gardeners and fruit lovers around the world are getting more excited about this plant every day.  Because it is adaptable to almost any region in the United States, the Honeyberry plant continues to grow in popularity among American gardeners and farmers alike.  This unique berry variety has the ability to sustain harsh winters and dry seasons. There are numerous varieties, all of which possess unique advantages in certain conditions.  Most varieties of the plant will typically grow up to seven or eight feet tall and yield up to ten pounds of berries or more.  Fruit farmers love this plant because they can produce a lot of product with little effort.  These plants are easy to grow and have very few problems with pests or disease. 

The average urban gardener is enjoying the fruits of this plant as well.  Not only is it delicious, it is healthy as well.  There are many uses for the berries it produces as well.  Of course, they are quite tasty on their own.  A bowl of these berries at breakfast is a great way to start the day.  They can make delicious preservatives and deserts as well.  Many families that grow these fruits find countless uses for them.  Since each plant is able to produce so much fruit, it is easy to experiment with new recipes all the time. 

Neighbors will certainly be envious of the beautiful addition to the garden.  If they are truly lucky neighbors, they will also enjoy the many delicious concoctions created from the berries.  Since there will be so much fruit produced by each plant, your favorite neighbors will thank you at each harvest when they receive a big bag of berries from your Honeyberry plant.  It is one that is very unique and fairly unknown in the states as of now.  While some plant nurseries around the country may carry the seedsScience Articles Article Tags:
Honeyberry Plant

A blackberry plant for every garden

September 30, 2010
By

A blackberry plant for every garden

Gardening Articles | September 3, 2010


Ensuring that your family eats right is no easy task.  You want to know that everyone in the family is consuming a healthy amount of fruits and vegetables each day in order to live a long and healthy life.  Promoting healthy living is essential in an age where television, video games, and computers rule the lives of many people, young and old alike.  When you are out grocery shopping, however, purchasing fruits and vegetables is not always on the top of the list.  One reason many people skip over such important food groups is the length of shelf life.  These items often spoil before they are eaten and enjoyed.  That is why many people around the globe turn to their own production of produce.  A fruit garden is just one way to maintain a steady supply of a very important food group.  Starting a fruit garden provides sustenance, aesthetics, and a peaceful way to spend some free time gardening.  Beginning with a blackberry plant and continuing to an apple tree, you can give yourself a garden to be proud of.

Grocery store fruits are great, but you must consume them quickly before they spoil.  Since the stores are looking out for their own profits, they do not always purchase fresh, local fruits.  More often than not, the fruits you find at the store are making their way into your refrigerator all the way from Mexico or beyond.  They will likely still taste great, but after such a long journey, their life in your hands is cut way short.  When you allow yourself the opportunity to watch fruit plant grow and mature, you have the luxury of knowing exactly when they ripen and for how long their fruits are good. 

Fruit is expensive too.  After such a long import process, the cost just continues to rise.  In addition to the import, farmers around the world are facing heavy taxation for their goods and consequently must charge a lot more to the stores.  These fees trickle right down to the consumer.  And while many people would like to support their local farmers, the costs for their products can be astronomical.  It is easy to understand why when you see their small operations and what they are taxed for their land, but it makes it difficult for the average family to afford their products. 

Berries tend to be the highest priced fruit of them all.  They are generally grown on a smaller scale and are more difficult to produce and harvest than larger fruits.  Planting a blackberry plant or growing your own strawberries is a great way to save on these costs.  It may seem like a lot of work, but it is actually quite easy to maintain a successful fruit garden.  The availability of seeds and plants is astounding.  You can find them in any nursery or even purchase them over the Internet.  It is even possible to go online and purchase a blackberry plant that is ready to go right into your garden.

There are many reasons to begin your fruit garden.  Of course, there are the obvious health benefits.  You can keep your family healthy and energized with a proper amount of fruit in their diet.  The financial benefits are not too shabby either.  By growing your own produce, you save on expensive purchases at the store and on the gas to get there.  Then there is the enjoyment factor.  Planting and maintaining your own strawberry, blueberry, blackberry plant, and any other fruit you decide on provides a peaceful escape from the stresses of the day.  Enjoy some time alone or with the family in your fruit gardenArticle Submission Article Tags:
Blackberry Plant, Many People

Save Your Garden From Rabbits

September 21, 2010
By

Save Your Garden From Rabbits

Pets Articles | July 22, 2010

Learn how to save your garden from rabbits the organic way.

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While rabbits may be cute and cuddly, they can also cause major
destruction to a backyard garden. Wild rabbits are herbivores, and while their
diet consists mainly of grass, they’ll eat virtually any plant or vegetable
they come across in your yard. 

 

When you’ve seen one rabbit in your yard, you definitely haven’t
seen them all. Rabbits reproduce at an amazing rate. One rabbit couple can
ultimately be responsible for an extended family of 800 in a single season.
Over a five-year period, the number can swell to 350,000.

 

Common Methods of
Controlling Thumper

 

What is the best method for keeping rabbits away from your yard?
Learning how to trap a rabbit can help lower the rabbit population and is a
good first step, but may not be a long-term solution in all cases. With the way
rabbits multiply, you want a solution so they steer clear of your yard
altogether. Fences can be dug under, jumped over, and chewed through by those
rascally rabbits. Don’t waste your time and money. What you need is a rabbit
repellent to keep the riff raff out.

 

How to Trap Rabbits Humanely and Effectively

 

To diminish the rabbit population, you don’t have to hurt
them.  By learning how to trap rabbits
humanely, you can achieve a happy coexistence between man and beast.

 

Today, there are many live animal traps available to the consumer.
The best traps to use are ones that are quick and easy to set and release.
These traps are perfect for the inexperienced trapper. Learning how to trap
rabbits is a breeze with new innovations like these easy
set rabbit traps.

 

They work by first enticing the rabbit into the cage with bait.
Some of the best lures include carrots, lettuce, brussels sprouts, and apples.
When the rabbit enters the cage to get the bait, the spring-loaded door will
snap shut behind him. You can then safely escort the rabbit off your property
to a new location. Make sure you check your traps at least once a day to
prevent a trapped rabbit from becoming overly stressed and possibly harming
himself by attempting to escape.

 

An important part of knowing how to trap rabbits effectively is
the proper placement of the trap. Rabbits don’t like to stray far from safe
havens like thickets of bushes, and they tend to be creatures of habit as they
travel the same way each day. By placing traps along their paths between food
and shelter, you increase your chances of capturing them.

 

Another helpful hint when learning how to trap rabbits is to be
patient. Your backyard rabbit may be wary of the trap at first and steer clear
for a few days. Eventually, curiosity and the opportunity for a good meal will
lead him to do some investigating.

 

Rabbit Repellents Send Rabbits Running

 

While knowing how to trap rabbits will help you thin out the herd,
it won’t get rid of all your garden bandits completely. That’s where a rabbit
repellent can prove invaluable. While your trap will help you catch a random
rabbit here and there, a repellent will keep them out of your garden before
they can do damage. Rabbit repellents are easy to use simply spray the repellent
on your plants. It’s that simple.

 

What should you look for when shopping for rabbit repellents?
First of all, you want one that’s made of a strong smelling ingredient like
putrescent egg. The pungent aroma of this ingredient (undetectable to humans)
affects the heightened sense of smell possessed by common garden pests like
rabbits, deer, and elk. and squirrels. The smell triggers the “flight”
response, making the rabbit flee the vicinity. The most effective rabbit
repellents only need to be reapplied every few months.

 

It’s important to choose an organic
rabbit repellents that’s all-natural with no synthetic or man-made chemicals. Look
for the OMRI logo on the label, to signal a rabbit repellent that has been
certified organicArticle Search

 

It’s good to know how to trap rabbits. It’s even better to know
how to repel them!

Article Tags:
Trap Rabbits

Spruce Up You Garden With Blueberry Plants

September 10, 2010
By

Spruce Up You Garden With Blueberry Plants

Gardening Articles | September 3, 2010


From their trademark blue berries in the summer to their rich glossy green leaves in the late fall and early spring, blueberry plants are marvelous additions to any garden. Often overlooked by gardeners, blueberry bushes can add a splash of color and a fresh attitude to all outdoor spaces. Known for their hardy nature and low maintenance, blueberries can add that extra something special you didn’t know your yard was missing!

The blueberry fruit has been hailed as a miracle substance for years due to the high levels of antioxidants and nutrients found within the navy flesh. Its sweet harvest and quaint, wholesome attitude has long made blueberry plants a favorite of north eastern properties. But did you know that blueberries can grow in lots of different climates? From the humid reaches of Florida to the arid climbs of Arizona, you can find a blueberry variety that is able to adapt to the elements and flourish. All they need is a little TLC and they will yield a succulent berry crop just about anywhere.

The key things that blueberries need to flourish are good soil and proper moisture level. When selecting soil to put around your blueberry plant, remember that they do best with slightly acidic earth. Not too acidic, of course, because you’d corrode the root system, but somewhere around a pH of five to six is best. Also, be sure the soil is nice and loose so that the roots can properly drain. Water-logged root systems will cause the blueberry bush to go into survival mode and prevent any flowers or berries from being produced.

When watering your blueberry plant, it is important to resist the urge to overwater. Remember that outdoor plants already receive a lot of their moisture from the natural humidity in the air and any precipitation. Unlike house plants that are literally on a restricted water diet, outdoor plants receive water from myriad other sources than you; it is vital to keep this in mind when you have the garden hose in hand. Your blueberry plant will tell you when it needs water by drooping its leaves, however the only way it will tell you it has had too much water is by refusing to bloom or produce fruit, and by that point it is often too late for the season.

Blueberry bushes can live a long time; some last over fifty years. As you cultivate your bushes, prune judiciously, especially in the first five years of the plant. At this point, it is at its most vulnerable, and any over pruning or attack on the major artery branches of the bush will stunt its growth and ability to produce fruit for the rest of its life. A good rule of thumb when it comes to pruning is to pause before you cut and ask, “Do I really need to remove this branch, or is it just a cosmetic change I am trying to make?”

Blueberry plants are truly wonders of nature. Their beautiful flowers, bright and cheerful leaves, and beloved fruit are a wonderful addition to any garden in just about any climate. Whether you are deep in the woods of New Hampshire or out along the plains of Kansas, there is a blueberry variety that will bring your outdoor space to life. So make some room in your garden and pull out your blueberry cook bookBusiness Management Articles

Go Green with an Organic Garden

September 8, 2010
By

Go Green with an Organic Garden

Gardening Articles | July 29, 2010

How to your own organic fertilizer.

Have you considered growing an organic
garden? If you’re like many homeowners, you have concerns about the chemicals
you use daily. Preserving our plants and protecting are bodies can be as simple
as growing an organic garden. With so many effective organic fertilizers and
pesticides, you can easily protect your plants, the environment and yourself.

 

Bad
Chemical Fertilizers

What are the problems with chemical
fertilizers? Most chemical fertilizers provide a rapid release of nutrients
that’s short-lived. Your plants will experience a growth spurt, then the
nutrients fizzle out. This uneven growth can lower the yield and quality of
your harvest. The chemicals in the fertilizer can leach deep into the soil when
there’s a hard rain, thus making them inaccessible to the plant’s roots and
possibly polluting the groundwater. Chemical fertilizers broadcast a salty
environment, which is damaging to soil. In addition, chemical fertilizers can be
harmful to the soil’s microorganisms, such as earthworms.

 

Why
We Love Organic Fertilizers

Organic fertilizers improve your soil
by allowing it to retain nutrients and moisture better. Organic fertilizers are
added to the soil. As microorganisms break them down, the nutrients are
released which feed your plants. Since this decomposition occurs slowly, your
garden is nourished slowly and steadily. You never have to worry about
overfertilizing your plants and burning them, which often occurs with chemical fertilizers.
Plus, organic fertilizers ensure the long-term fertility of your soil by
stimulating the growth of microorganisms. Since organic fertilizers are
all-natural, they are safer to use around your children, pets, and family.
Going organic is the natural solution.

 

Making
your own Organic Fertilizer

Of all the recipes that I’ve tried,
this is the organic fertilizer mix that works best for my garden. Since the
basic composition of soil varies from region to region, some experimentation
might be necessary for you to find the combination that works best. These
ingredients can be bought at your local farm supply and feed store. If kept
dry, the organic fertilizer you mix today should be good for a few years. Want
a great organic fertilizer for your lawn without the trouble of making you own?
Ringer Lawn
Restore is the perfect choice. It feeds your turf the appropriate mix of nitrogen,
phosphorous, and potassium, releasing nutrients only when the conditions are
right.

 

 

Organic
Fertilizer Mix

4 parts seed meal

1 part dolomite lime

½ part kelp meal

½ part bone meal

½ part rock phosphate or high-phosphate
guano

 

Make
Your Own Organic Compost

Recycle your grass clippings and yard
debris to make your own compost. With an organic
compost starter, you can be composting in no time,
thanks to the specifically designed microorganisms that rapidly and efficiently
start the process of decomposition.

 

Fertilizing
with Your Organic Fertilizer

Knowing when to apply an organic
fertilizer will depend on where you live and how early spring has sprung. Three
weeks prior to planting your garden is the best time to add organic fertilizer,
manure and compost to your soil. Your local lawn and garden store can advise
you when the time is right.

 

Let’s consider a garden that’s 100
square foot. You will want to add from ¼” to ½” of compost or manure plus 5
quarts of organic fertilizer mix. Then till the soil to distribute the
additives evenly. This involves digging down the length of the shovel, lifting,
and turning the dirt over. This loosens the soil and prepares the area for
planting. After your garden is in the ground, you can add small amounts of
organic fertilizer every few weeks to the individual plants as needed.

 

Controlling
Pests in Your Organic Garden

With organic fertilizer and compost,
your garden is off to an excellent “green” start. You’ve come too far to resort
to a chemical pesticide, so be prepared to defend against bugs with an organic
insect killer. These
products break down naturally into elements that are beneficial to plants and
the environment. Look for an organic tomato
and vegetable insect killer that’s all-natural with no synthetic
or man-made chemicals. Be sure to check
for the Organic Materials Review Institute-listed®(OMRI) and
USDA-approved National Organic Program seals, because these are the only products approved for organic
gardening. The most effective insect killers have the ingredients Pyrethrins
and potassium, and kills a variety of insects, including caterpillars, aphids,
bean beetles, tomato hornworms, asparagus beetles, and leaf hoppers.

 

You deserve a bountiful garden free
from chemical pesticides. With the right organic fertilizers and pesticidesFree Articles you can enjoy the true tastes of your produce. Good luck and happy gardening!

Article Tags:
Organic Garden, Organic Fertilizers, Chemical Fertilizers, Organic Fertilizer

I am a senior copywriter who enjoys writing about my favorite hobbies.

Plant Nutrition – The Crucial Importance Of Trace Elements For Your Garden Plants

May 25, 2010
By

Plant Nutrition – The Crucial Importance Of Trace Elements For Your Garden Plants

Hobbies Articles | February 14, 2008

Do not be fooled into believing that the trace elements are any less important for plant nutrition than nitrogen or phosphorus. This article shows the dry climate gardener in particular, how to ensure that the garden plants receive what they need.

Most home gardeners are aware that the garden plants require a supply of mineral nutrient for their growth and development. As elements like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the names that usually appear on fertilizer packages, it is sometimes assumed that they are the “important” nutrients. On the other hand, the so-called trace elements, with the possible exception of iron, are often considered to be of negligable importance.

Nothing could be further than the truth. Trace elements like Manganese, Iron, Zinc, and Copper, are every bit as vital to plant metabolism, as they play essential functions in such processes as respiration and photosynthesis, and so a deficiency in even one element will adversely affect the healthy growth of the plant.

Trace elements are called as such because they are required by the plants in miniscule quantities, while the macro elements such as nitrogen are needed and consumed by plants in large quantities. For this reason the latter are sometimes lacking in sufficient amounts, and so have to be supplied artificially by means of chemical or organic fertilizer. Recognising then that the trace elements have to be available to the plants, how can the home gardener ensure that they be so? To answer that, let’s understand a few basic points about trace elements particularly as they apply to dry and Mediterranean climates.

*In the chalky, alkaline soils common to most arid regions, trace elements are normally present in sufficient quantities.

*When present in excessive concentrations however, some are actually poisonous for plants, no more so than the essential element, boron. In fact one of the problems associated with the increasing salinity of dry climate soils, is the rising concentration of trace elements to the point where they are liable to poison garden plants.

*Deficiencies in one or more trace element are most likely to be caused by soil conditions that render the element unavailable to the plants. For instance, in alkaline soils, iron tends to crystallize into a solid state. Due to the fact that plants take up the elements as mineral salts dissolved in the soil water, it follows that in solid form an element cannot be absorbed by the plants’ roots. Poor aeration, typical of many heavy, clay soils is another factor preventing the uptake of essential elements.

*An excess of one trace element in the soil water, (where it is available to be taken up by plant roots) can cause another one to become absorbed by the mineral clay of the soil particles and thus be removed from the soil water. Such is the case with iron, which in high concentrations, “pushes out” manganese and zinc. It follows therefore that iron fertilizers should be used with great caution, as their misuse, is liable to create a deficiency in other minerals.

*In most cases, sound management of the soil should suffice in preventing trace element deficiencies. This entails ensuring adequate drainage and high percentages of organic matter, by way of compost, in the earth. As a result, oxygen levels in the soil rise, and it also becomes less alkaline, thereby increasing the solubility of many mineral salts. In principle, fertilizers which contain trace elements are best reserved for the artificial potting media in use for container culture.

*The most common symptom of iron deficiency is the yellowing of the plants’ foliage – a condition known as chlorosis. Yet these symptoms could alternatively indicate nitrogen deficiency, which can occur under anaerobic soil conditions, even when copious amounts of nitrogen fertilizer are regularly applied. It’s better therefore to try and improve poor conditions such as compacted soil in lawns, before rushing in with iron fertilizer. A soil test may be suitable as well.

*Applying iron fertilizer though is sometimes the answer for plants growing by walls, where building material residues raise the pH (acid-alkaline scale) to a level of alkalinity that prevents iron from dissolving in the soil water. Iron fertilizers normally come in chelate formFree Articles

Article Tags:
Trace Elements, Garden Plants, Trace Element

My name is Jonathan Ya’akobi.I’ve been gardening in a professional capacity since 1984.I am the former head gardener of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but now concentrate on building gardens for private home owners.I also teach horticulture to students on training courses.I’d love to help you get the very best from your garden,so you’re welcome to visit me on http://www.dryclimategardening.com


How To Choose A Garden Storage Shed

May 17, 2010
By

If you own a house, at some point the need for extra storage space soon becomes evident. Arguably the most common solution is to purchase a storage shed. There are hundreds of styles and options available, but taking the time review these 5 key steps will enable you to make a smarter decision.

1. What is the primary function of the shed? In most cases, storage space is the key requirement, so figure out how much space is needed. A small 4’ x 8’ lean-to style provides sufficient space for small tools, but larger items do require more space. I strongly recommend choosing the largest size that you can afford, which still blends in with your landscape. Remember that most municipalities require building permits for any building over 100 sq. ft.

2. Is the shed going to play a prominent role in your day to day activities? If so, make sure that you choose a style and options that give you good access and provide adequate lighting. Windows and skylights provide plenty of natural light, but it is common to run electricity to the shed. For easy access, make sure that the doors are at least 34” wide, as most lawn mowers will easily pass through.

3. How important is the look of the shed to my property. Remember that anything you erect will either add or impair on your property value. Metal and vinyl are the least expensive options, but these tend to look ordinary. Wood and pre-finished sidings normally add character and value, but are usually more expensive.

4. Consider the grade and accessibility of the location. A level site is the starting point for all shed construction The greater the grade, the more work needs to be done. Typically a grade of 6” or less over the dimension of the shed can be compensated for by using patio stones, especially for smaller units. In areas faced with frost upheaval or poor drainage, it is recommend that at least 6” of topsoil be removed and filled with screening stone (1/2” or smaller gravel is also acceptable).

5. Be considerate to your neighbors! Don’t put up something that belongs in a junkyard beside your neighbor’s manicured backyard. Most municipalities require that storage sheds be 2 ft from the fence or property line, so be sure to check ahead of time to avoid any aggravation. Talk to your neighbors about your intentions – 99% of the time they will appreciate your concern and be very supportive of your project.

The internet is an excellent source for information on the hundreds of suppliers and styles available. If ordering online be sure to read the warranty and returns information carefully as often goods of this nature cannot be returned. Just because a company has a fancy website it does not mean it stands behind its product – try searching for articles or information on the particular company. Most companies offer either pre-cut or pre-fabricated kits delivered to your residence. If choosing a fully installed product, deal with a local company with a fixed location (avoid the ones that set-up at seasonal locations), and again be prudent with your research. I strongly recommend avoiding companies that require more than a 30% deposit – you’ll end up waiting longer than you should. A storage shed is an important purchase – a little research will go a long way in helping making the right decision.

Vic Maia is currently the owner and operator of http://www.english-garden.com. English Garden is a family-owned business that has been designing and building Garden Sheds, Gazebos, Cabanas and Bunkies for over 30 years. We are dedicated to providing personalized customer service.

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