He Restoreth My Soul

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". Hebrews 11:1

The question was once asked, "Have you ever thought of your life as being a garden? If we had come to the conclusion, that yes, we could in some ways consider our life as a garden, then that might lead us to ponder the other questions posed, as well. What seeds are you planting? What fruit is being brought forth? What fragrances are you leaving behind?

In the reflection," Garden Fragrances", some examples of "garden-like" lives had been introduced. Through the seeds that were sown, and the fruit that was brought forth, fragrances were left behind that benefited countless thousands. We touched briefly on the skills and labors put forth by Frederick Law Olmsted, a world renowned landscape architect. Some of his life's work produced some of the most exquisite gardens in the world. Those fragrances--left behind in the gardens and grounds of a world famous attraction--are still bringing joy and inspiration to thousands of visitors to the Biltmore Estate each year. Another life that had been mentioned, and continues to bless and inspire people from around the world, is that of Helen Steiner Rice,"America's beloved inspirational poet laureate". Her writings of God's love for mankind continue to bring hope, faith, and love to countless souls, long after her life on earth has passed.

These examples of garden fragrances, left behind to inspire, motivate, and bring comfort and hope, are lives of somewhat famous people, from the era in which they lived. There are numerous examples of lives today, that are once again producing beautiful fragrances, from which we all receive the blessings. For the most part, these wonderful folks won't be mentioned in the evening news or the tabloid papers. Through her book, " In Spite Of Cancer", Georgia Lucas has shared with us numerous instances of lives that have been touched by this disease. They are everyday people, who have been tested through some of life's greatest adversities, and have come through them with a renewed sense of what life is all about. Through their individual trials and tribulations they have come to realize that God has a purpose for each and every one of us. They have come to the realization that we were all put here to love and care for our neighbor. That, through loving each other, we fulfil a part of God's plan for our lives.

Of all the tragic and life altering experiences we could possibly be faced with, cancer would probably be one of the most daunting realizations to come to grips with. At that point in time, we are faced squarely with our mortality. The psalmist referred to walking, "through the valley of the shadow of death". The 23rd Psalm might indeed be one of the many verses of the Bible that is brought to mind at such a time. But, praise be to God, that the verse goes on to say, "I will fear no evil: for thou art with me". Those who have come out of the valley of fear and dread into the glorious light of hope and faith, are the ones who can share their sweet fragrances of God's love with us all. Visit the Cancer Treatment Centers of America and The ACS' Cancer Survivors Network websites, and read some of the stories of the healing, hope, and renewed vision that these survivor's of cancer came away with. In most cases this renewing of their hearts, lives, and minds would not have been possible, had it not been for others who had been through the same valley and were willing to share their experiences. These fragrances, that were brought forth from the fruit of their help and guidance to others, are of lasting value to all.

In telling the story of the lives of those who have left us gardens of inspiration, there is one that inspires above all others. It is the story of a man who came to a garden long ago. He didn't come to the garden for his own enjoyment, but to do what he referred to as a young boy as, "I must be about my Father's business". Before going to this garden it was said of him, "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief". He began at an early age sowing the seeds that would eventually flourish and become the, "bread of life", for all who would trust him. He left a sweet fragrance behind that all of mankind would have a chance to become recipients of. He faced a life altering experience that no man has ever had to, nor will ever be asked to face. As he knelt alone in the garden, he didn't think about himself, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God". He looked forward to the fact that because of the sweet fragrance of his life and sacrifice, many would win the battle over a disease greater than cancer. They would be able to be victorious over sin and it's consequences. The apostle Paul stated, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Of all the lives who have left us "Garden Fragrances", none is greater than,

         "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends". John 15:13.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved". John 3:16-17

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved". Romans 10:13

My friend, today, invite Jesus Christ into your heart and life. Pray this prayer with me.

"Lord Jesus, thank you for taking my place on the cross, dying for my sins. I believe that after taking my place, you were buried and that you rose again the third day just as the Bible says. Please forgive me of my sins and come into my heart and save me Lord Jesus. In your name I pray, amen."

January 2010 Planting Times For Veggies

It is a known fact that in gardening, timing is everything, when it relates to planting. There are, most assuredly, favorable and unfavorable days during the month. One excellent reference for timing, that gardeners have been using for years, is The Farmers Almanac. This reliable publication relies heavily on the tried and true method of moon phases. According to the almanac, for the month of January 2010, the 19th through the 21st, are very suitable times for planting any above ground crops that weather permits. It is an exceptional time for planting peas and other vine-like varieties provided the Hardiness Zone Map for your area permits. The 22nd and 23rd are what is considered barren days. Do not do any planting on these dates. The 24th and 25th are perfect days for planting beans, peppers, cucumbers, melons, and a few other above ground species, providing the weather permits. The 26th and 27th will be primarily poor for planting, as the seeds tend to rot in the ground. The 28th and 29th will be exceptional days for planting above ground crops, especially peas, beans, cucumbers, and squash. Plant seedbeds and flower gardens on the 30th and the 31st. The 30th and 31st will be a great time for killing weeds, briars, and poison ivy. This time frame is also an excellent opportunity for killing plant pests and clearing fence rows and woodlots. The Farmers Almanac has always been an accurate and reliable tool for determining the best planting periods during the month. For the best selection of a wide variety of seeds for vegetable gardening, follow the link below to Gurney's. World famous for selection and quality service for your gardening needs.

Vegetable Seeds

Importance Of Hardiness Zones

One of the most critical factors governing a successful gardening venture is the best planting time for a particular plant in your neck of the woods. There are a number of sites offering a wealth of information on this subject. I have decided to narrow the options down somewhat. As I stated before, one of the best resources available is the Farmer's Almanac.

Another critical issue deals with plant hardiness. An extremely valuable tool for determining the best plants available for your area, based on hardiness, is the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Once again rather than get into a lengthy dicussion, I have provided the links to these tools. First of all some helpful information explaining the use of the map. Then the map itself.

Please use both of these wonderful guides for your gardening enjoyment. Enter your zipcode in the Almanac to find the best planting times. Use the hardiness zone map to determine which plants have the best chance of survival in your area based on temperature ranges.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Vines

Vines and vine-like plants are a beautiful addition to any landscaping project.They add a flair of sophistication to any yard or garden. Unlike trees and shrubs, which have rigid stems, those of most varieties can be guided to grow where you want them. You can have them grow upward or outward on a vertical surface, around a tree trunk, or as you can see by the photos they add an air of elegance to brick architecture.There are four major vine attachments. We will touch briefly on those four and guide you to some valuable resources.Twining vines, twining tendrils, clinging vines, and vines that require tying.

Vine Fact Sheet (Ohio State University)

Vines(purchase)

Planting Trees And Shrubs In The Fall

Fall is an excellent time of the year for planting trees and shrubs. In the more moderate zones, October , November, and December are near perfect times for planting a variety of species. A couple of factors such as water requirements being lower and the fact that most varieties are busy storing nutrients from the ground during the colder months are major advantages. As stated earlier, the hardiness zone tool is a great method for determining what types and species should work the best for your region.

There are a few basic guidelines to consider before starting. Choosing the site is, for the most part, a matter of choice as to curb appeal. Time spent learning the conditions most favorable for the variety you have chosen to prosper is invaluable. One example of this is a tree or shrub that requires a lot of moisture. You would want to consider planting this species a considerable distance from oak trees. The reason for this is that oak trees drain quite a bit of water from the ground to stay healthy. Another factor to consider is the eventual root structure. If you decide on a shrub that does not naturally produce a deep root, you might plan on locating it closer to natural wind shielding areas. Read and follow closely the instructions and directions that come with most varieties you purchase.

Remember to keep in mind as well, whether it is a fruit bearing tree or not. These should be planted away from decks, walkways and parking areas to minimize their dropping messy fruits on heavily traveled areas. Also consider the eventual size once it reaches maturity. The main reason for this consideration is for structural damage to the foundation if it is located too close to your home.

Once you have determined what tree or shrub you are going to plant, adhering to some basic planting tips will pay great dividends in years to come. As to the initial planting, dig a hole that is just slightly shallower than the root ball and about twice as wide. The shallower depth allows the root ball to be at or just above the soil level. Doing this enables the root structure to begin life in the more fertile top soil. Some experts believe also, that if you are planting in harder clay, as opposed to a looser soil, you should dig the hole a little more than twice as wide as the root ball.


These are just a few simple tips for the successful selection and planting of the trees and shrubs you decide on. For more in depth information and ideas we again refer you to some of our excellent resources.

Trees

Curb Appeal Equals Equity

There are a number of reasons the average homeowner decides on a landscaping project for their home or garden. One of the major advantages of considering home improvement by means of landscaping is for the equity it provides to their property. For the DIY home gardener, a landscaping project represents a challenge and a pleasurable experience to them in creating lasting beauty for their homes. The pride they take in accomplishing their goals and the respect they obtain from their neighbors is most gratifying.

Homeowners who are not quite as industrious or experienced at performing landscaping techniques as their DIY counterparts, still see landscaping as being a worthwhile venture to help add curb appeal to their residences. These homeowners must approach the task of landscaping from a somewhat different angle. Whether it is for the simple enjoyment of the landscaping experience, or the aesthetic benefits it provides for the homeowner, curb appeal equals equity for the homeowner.

Even with the fact of the housing market and the overall economy being in a downturn, homeowners can still benefit and add value to their property by improving the outside appearance of their homes. This is accomplished for the most part by landscaping design elements. Landscaping, as it applies to the average homeowner, incorporates two of the three major landscaping concepts. The three concepts of landscaping are Landscape Design, Landscape Architecture, and Garden Design.

Those most beneficial to the average DIYer are landscape and garden design. Landscape Architecture is a concept that is a little bit out of the realm of the average consumer, thus rendering it not as relevant. Some of these landscaping design elements are flowers, shrubbery, trees, and plants. Other design elements include some architectural components, such as ,brick or stone, fountains, ponds and concrete pottery items .

There are a couple of ways consumers can approach the task of improving their home's curb appeal. First, for the DIYer, they can ask questions and get tips and advice from many of the fine home improvement or local gardening centers available to them. The staff and management of these centers are very knowledgeable and have plenty of resources available to assist the homeowner.

For those homeowners without the experience or knowledge to undertake such a venture, there are usually a number of excellent landscaping contractors available locally who provide wonderful services. One piece of advice to those consumers contemplating hiring a contractor. They may need to consider taking advantage of companies such as Angie's List to help them make informed decisions on which contractor(s) to enlist. They have ratings and recommendations on contractors nationwide, based on input from members of the list. These ratings include such criteria as quality of work and the customer service(or, lack thereof) these members have received from the companies and contractors they had hired.

The DIYer has, as stated earlier, a few options available. The advice and tips from home improvement centers, and also from the many books available on the subject. There are also a number of companies available who either produce, or offer at retail, excellent landscape design software. This design software is in the form of CD-ROM, or in some cases, in a down loadable format online. Either way, it is an excellent resource available to the DIYer. The homeowner who desires to hire a quality landscape designer or contractor has the resource of ratings companies, such as Angie's List, from which to turn to for valuable advice. Those consumers that are eventually going to hire a professional, can still benefit from the software programs available. They can design a template of their preferences to present to the contractor during the initial planning stage.

In closing, there are few home improvement techniques that deliver more aesthetic beauty and lasting value than landscaping. The investment made in improving the outside appearance of a home, adds tremendous long term benefits to the homeowner. Whether this is accomplished as a DIY project, or contracted out to a professional, it is a very worthwhile venture indeed. In the midst of an economic downturn and a housing market slump, it is still possible to increase the value of ones home. Landscaping equals curb appeal. Curb appeal equals equity.

Landscaping Ideas

Garden Fragrances

It has been stated before, that your garden is an expression of you. I would like for you to consider for a moment the garden of your life. The garden that people will see after you have gone on. Your garden, your legacy. Have you ever thought of your life being a garden? We touched briefly on the notion that your garden is an expression of you. What seeds are you planting? What fruit is being brought forth? What fragrances are you leaving behind?

Go with me in your mind to some of the most exquisite gardens in the world. One that comes to mind is the gardens and the grounds at the famous Biltmore Estate. Frederick Law Olmsted, a world renowned landscape architect, has touched the lives of untold thousands of people through his creativity. A stroll through those wonderful gardens is an experience that will be etched in your memory for a lifetime. If you ever need the inspiration to create your own little corner of the world, surely you must visit that awe inspiring estate. The work, the dedication, and the love of creating lasting beauty, is most evident in this beautiful garden. What a testimony and a legacy this man has left for all to enjoy.

Another garden of inspiration and beauty that has been left for all to benefit from is the life of a sweet, sweet lady. Helen Steiner Rice has touched and warmed the hearts of countless millions of people around the world. She has been acclaimed, and rightly so, "America's beloved inspirational poet laureate". Her works of inspirational literature have doubtless warmed and comforted the hearts of everyone who has ever read them. The sweet fragrances of God's love for mankind is so apparent in her writings. This well of life that she was able to draw from, she has passed on to us. This garden, that was her life, still continues to blossom anew in the hearts and minds of her readers. What a precious legacy.

The question still remains. Will you cultivate a garden of life today? A garden that your family, friends and the rest of the world will glean hope , happiness, and warmth from? There are a number of fertile grounds that are tilled and ready for planting. Will you begin today sowing those seeds that will blossom, mature, and bring to life your legacy. Remember, your garden, your legacy, your expression of yourself, will flourish and continue to be a sweet fragrance for the world to experience. Consider some of these fields that lay before you. Churches, Homes for the Elderly, and missionaries serving on foreign fields.

Missions To Military

Going Green With Composting

With Americans growing ever conscious of the need for our country to "go green", composting in the garden may be an area that is sometimes overlooked in contributing to this effort. Recycling is indeed a valuable tool in helping with the noble cause of going green. Recycling reduces the burden on our country's waste management systems and landfills on a local and national level. The benefits of recycling benefit us, not only on a national level, but globally as well. So, in essence, the process of composting with household materials that would otherwise wind up in landfills is a major contribution.

It is reported that nearly 2 percent of our nation's natural gas consumption is in the process of manufacturing nitrogen fertilizers. This consumption of natural gas is a drain on our overall supply of a non renewable resource. With Americans looking to lessen our dependence on foreign countries, any conservation of our natural resources is a step in the right direction. Nitrogen fertilizers, as most gardeners know, are not as beneficial to a home gardening project as composting is. With the simple act of using everyday household waste as a fertilizer, as opposed to using fertilizers that cause a drain on natural resources, the home gardener is "going green with compost".

American municipalities produce somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 tons of residential garbage each year. Approximately 68 percent of that total is in organic materials. These organic materials are household waste items such as food, paper, wood, and yard waste. This is a figure that is no doubt going to continue to climb in the foreseeable future. The tax dollars that are required to process this staggering total nationwide, are revenue that consumers could be pumping into our troubled economy. The tax dollars could also be put to work looking for alternative fuel sources, thus contributing to the concept of "going green".

Because composting can be accomplished by using the household waste products mentioned above,(food,paper,wood, and yard), this could drastically reduce the amount of refuse being either processed or landfilled. This reduction lessens the strain on municipalities and county governments in the areas of waste management. This in turn helps reduce taxes and puts more money back into the hands of the consumer.

So you see, home gardeners have been doing their part for years in helping our nation go green. Most home gardeners are very aware of the advantages that composting has over chemicals and fertilizers. By using these methods of successful gardening in areas such as fertilization, home gardeners already do their part each day to help reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizers that need to be produced. This reduction in the production of these fertilizers benefits us all in a couple of ways. First it conserves approximately 2 percent of our natural gas supply. Secondly, the utilization of household refuse for compost as, opposed to overfilling landfills, saves tax dollars. These funds can then be directed towards programs designed to helps us, as a nation, develop "green alternatives".

Going green with compost. Gardeners have been doing it for centuries. The movement of going green is a concept that is not only good for the environment, but for the economy as well. Sometimes the solutions of improving the environment are obvious, other times they may be overlooked. The very simple act of a fundamental gardening principle can have a tremendous impact on a national and a global scale. Happy gardening.

Gardener's Gold TM Premium Compost

Cheap and Organic Techniques to Keep Insects Away From Your Garden

Jeannine L Davidoff

Despite your best efforts, your garden may unintentionally be inviting opportunistic pests are ready to take advantage of weak or stressed plants by setting up residence where it´s easy to find food. Here there are some cheap an organic ways to keep your garden alive and pest free.

Rotate crops
Moving each crop to a different part of the garden every year is a simple but effective way of foiling pests. How does it work? Many insects leave pupae or eggs in near their favorite host plants at the end of the season. This helps the young when they emerge in the spring to find their favorite food nearby. But if their happens to be on the other side of the garden, there is a good chance that they´ll starve before they find it. Diseases can also build up in the soil to infect the same crops each year. Crop rotation is an easily implemented solution for that problem, specially recommended for annual vegetables and flowers that can be replanted each year.

Don't overfertilize

Too many people make the mistake of believing that the more fertilizer you apply, the better the result is. Unfortunately, excess nutrients are as harmful to plants as nutrient deficiency is. Excess nitrogen, for example, causes delicacy for aphids and spider mites because it's easy to puncture and consume. An imbalance of phosphorus encourages egg production in spider mites. The easiest way to prevent nutrient imbalances is to provide nutrients in the form of organic matter and organic fertilizers, which make nutrients available gradually.

Find the right place for the right plant
Choose the best location for each plant, taking into account its particular needs for water, sunlight, and nutrients. Plants emit a chemical signal when they are weakened, and pests get the message loud and clear. Although experts continue to debate the degree to which stress affects human health, in the plant kingdom, no such quibbling exists. When plants don't get their needs met, they become stressed, and the longer the stressful situation continues, the greater the decline in plant health. Even a healthy plant can fall prey to pests, of course, but it will be better able to survive the attack than a plant that is already weakened by stress.

Avoid opening wounds

Damaged foliage or bark provides an ideal entry point for diseases and insects much like an open skin wound. Even something as seemingly insignificant as torn leaves caused can provide an opening for pest invasion.Even though you can't manipulate weather at will weather, you can protect plants from potential damage caused by rotary tillers and string trimmers. By encircling perennial beds, tres and shrubs with a wide band of mulch you´ll keep power equipment away from the plants. While mowing is also important to avoid leaving ragged edges on grass blades which are caused by blunt blades so make sure that mower blades are sharp.

Confuse pests with mixed plantings

When you combine and scatter different types of plants in your garden instead of planting large blocks of each crop it makes harder for insects to find them all.This make diseases less likely to spread and also confuse the chemical receptors used by insects to help them find their favourite foods.

Hope you find this information useful, for any questions mail me at info@familyorganicgarden.com or visit my website, http://www.familyorganicgarden.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeannine_L_Davidoff

How to Build Healthy Organic Soil

Whitney Segura

Organic Soil Gardening How To Guide:

Those new to organic gardening sometimes think that growing one's own vegetables is all that is needed to be an organic gardener. But unless those vegetables are grown in healthy soil, the results may be less than ideal. Not only that, but some soil may contain unhealthy levels of lead or be on property which had contaminants. So it is important to be sure to start with good to excellent soil.

It is really not hard to make sure that soil meets the requirements.

First, consider the land. If it is in your backyard, think about the history of your home and land. Did you buy an older home which may have contained lead? Was reconstruction or remodeling done after purchase? If so, consider having your soil tested. This can be done professionally or with the help of home soil tests. Of course, you'll want to take steps to remove lead from soil.

If lead exists in the soil, you may need to grow herbs and vegetables in containers located in an area of the yard that doesn't have high lead levels.

Another option?

A community garden. These allow gardeners to have individual plots or take home a portion of all vegetables grown, depending on the policies. They also help gardeners to network with others, make friends and have fun while participating in growing organic vegetables in the community.
How do you make sure your soil is rich in nutrients and likely to promote healthy vegetables?

First, consider the types of herbs and vegetables you want to grow.
Some are very heavy feeders while others are not. Make sure you know not only your growing zone but what type of soil exists where you want to put your plants. Even in areas of the country where the soil tends to be very healthy, there can be patches of clay, sandy or other soil.


The nutrient content of the soil can also vary widely, with some areas of the same yard having rich, woodland soil while other areas have very little soil and many rocks (difficult to plow). There are testing kits to determine soil content, either done professionally or with home testing. Of course, you can "test" an area by seeing which plants do well but it is better to start with some knowledge of the soil itself.
Start with a visual test.

Also, don't be afraid to start feeling the soil.
As odd as this may seem, good soil will have a certain feel. If there are plenty of earthworms, that is an excellent sign. Dark, loose soil and plenty of earthworms can be a sign of healthy, organic soil (assuming you've already tested for harmful substances). Adding compost to your soil will help add the nutrition. Of course, you'll want to avoid pesticides and substances that are high in dangerous chemicals. You are aiming for soil that is very loose and porous.
Next, make sure you know the PH level in your soil.

Depending on test results, you'll want to make sure your soil is neither too acid or alkaline.

With luck, the PH will be ideal. Now it is time to move on to digging through the dirt. Is the soil compacted, with little space for plants to get air and water. If so, you may need to use a tiller or other equipment to break up the soil. The final step is to consider adding amendments, or extra fertilizers or nutrients to the soil. Garden centers often carry the specific types needed for certain areas but be sure to use organically friendly products.
These beginning steps will help to build organic soil. Using rain barrels to collect water for the garden can also help to keep chemicals from the soil (depending on the chemical levels in drinking water).

Whitney Segura is the owner of Best Garden Gifts, a company that sells home hydroponics equipment, compost bins, Greenhouses, plant containers, and other green products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Whitney_Segura

Fall Planting

Fall planting and fall foliage are a couple of fun topics to discuss. First of all the fall is a beautiful time of the year for viewing the exquisite beauty of God's creation in all the vibrant colors that are starting to emerge. Whether it be in the trees or the shrubbery that you have in your garden, this foliage is some of the most beautiful of the year. The Firepower Nandina begins it's emergence as a bright red beauty for you and your friends to enjoy throughout most of the winter. Other popular varieties to consider at this time of the year are Mums and Azaleas.

Let's touch briefly on some of the advantages of selecting and planting various species at this time of the year. A tremendous advantage to shopping for and selecting fall planting choices is that many varieties are being marked down considerably at home improvement and garden centers. Now is the perfect time to pick up some of the best bargains of the year. Another advantage is that the majority of the plants and shrubbery are beginning to go dormant or settling in for their winter nap.

Before closing this topic on fall planting let's touch briefly on Mums. Mums are one of the favorite varieties selected by most gardeners in the fall. Keep in mind a couple of the finer points on Mums. Mums are a perennial, so a little attention to detail now, and then again in the spring, will pay dividends for many seasons. First of all, after getting them in the ground, mulch around them pretty good to give them a warm bed for the winter. Secondly, remember to visit them in the spring to keep them cutback.This is done so they don't become too leggy. A rule of thumb to go by on them is, to keep them pruned back until the 4th of July, and let them grow unattended until the fall. Next fall you will then begin this cycle once more.

Most of all enjoy this wonderful season of the year and use it to reflect on all the beauty and majesty the Creator has given us to marvel at. Remember, this is a labor of love, designed to create your little corner of the world. "Your garden is an expression of you"!

Dave@stayathomegarden.com

Site Selection is the Key

One of the major components in a successful flower garden is site selection. This selection process should include factors such as, soil moisture and drainage, sunlight, and temperature. We will touch briefly on each of these areas and how they combine to make a great site for your flower garden.

Soil moisture is an ingredient that most home gardeners overlook. Three factors of soil moisture that are interrelated are drainage, moisture retention, and soil aeration of the site. An area that has received periods of heavy rains and is poorly drained causes a couple of problems that hamper a successful venture. First of all the excessive moisture causes limited air space in the soil. This lack of aeration hampers the growth of any plants that are introduced. Secondly, it increases the chance of root rot. One way of checking if your site has adequate drainage is a tried and true method. Dig a hole about six inches in circumference and about ten inches deep and fill it with water. When the water drains, refill it. If the hole drains in 8 to 10 hours then the site has adequate drainage for most flowers you intend to plant.

The next step in site selection is to gauge how much and what type of sunlight the area will receive. By type of sunlight, we mean the intensity and what part of the day the flowers will be exposed to it. Simply stated, three hours of sun during the morning is quite a bit different than three hours during the heat of the day. Consider what shade will be available to plants and at what point during the day this shade is available. The major reason for sunlight considerations for your site, is the effect it will have on their growth. Too much shade and plants become leggy and experience reduced flowering. Too much sun can fade, or in some cases, burn the foilage of shade loving plants.

The last component we will look at is temperature. A great tool for determining what plants will work best in your part of the country is the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. This useful tool helps the home gardener select plants well suited for their region based on temperature variants. There are some species of flowers that thrive during cooler temps and those that prefer hotter climates. By using this Hardiness Zone Map and comparing the temperature requirements for the flowers that you would like to plant, you will make more informed decisions as to site selection.

In closing, many factors need to be considered for a successful site selection for your flower garden. We feel that by closely examining these areas, soil moisture and drainage, sunlight and temperature, your chances of experiencing a beautiful flower garden are much higher. By following these guidelines in determining your site, you can be assured of having a garden that will bring many hours of happiness and delight. After all, isn't that what it's all about? Happy gardening.

Organic Gardening

There are a number of good reasons for the home gardener to consider organic gardening. While one of the added benefits are that the fruits and vegetables being grown have a much better taste, the major benefit is the minimal impact on the garden, and ultimately the environment.

Home gardeners, in most cases, use far more pesticides and chemicals than are really necessary. The over use of pesticides have many adverse effects. First of all, they can actually make fruits and vegetables less safe to eat because of the absorption of the chemicals by the plant. Secondly, the home gardener themselves are exposed to harmful toxins while applying them. Insects that are actually beneficial to a gardening venture are eliminated. Songbirds that frequent the garden are also threatened, not to mention pets. Another major factor to be considered is harmful runoff to the lakes and streams in the area. This runoff can also significantly affect rural home owner's water supplies if they are on artesian wells.

There are a couple of methods available to the home gardener to help them minimize the amount of pesticides and chemicals being used. First, the concept of, " If a little is good, more must be better", is not necessarily true when it comes to their use. By closely following the guidelines for using these products, as to the amount, the volume of chemicals being delivered can be greatly diminished. Secondly, there are a number of companies available that are producing tremendous organic pesticides and fertilizers. Use of these products can also minimize the harmful effects of over use. Consider also, the use of insect traps as opposed to insecticides. Cucumber beetles, codling moths and Oriental fruit moths can be trapped by products, such as those offered by the company Gardens Alive.

As you can see, the benefits of organic gardening, as it relates to pesticides and chemicals, far outweigh the negative effects. It not only results in better tasting fruits and vegetables, but helps to reduce the negative impact on the environment. This minimizes the harmful effects on people, plants, pets, and water quality. It also contributes to the overall success of any gardening venture by protecting beneficial insects and wildlife.

The next time you are in the local garden or home improvement center, seek out advice. Ask a professional for directions on the proper usage and quantities of pesticides, chemicals, and fertilizers you may purchase. Also ask for alternative methods, such as organic gardening products like these from Yardiac.com. Your family, pets, and all of us who depend on a healthier environment will thank you.

Organic Vegetable Gardening