This might not be what you think when you read the title of this post. We are talking about planing out your vegetable garden. Those plants that play nice together and those that do not. We are talking today about the ones that play nice together. They are good friends they like to be near each other.
By planting certain flowers, herbs, and vegetables together, you create the conditions each needs to grow and thrive. Companion plants help each other out by supplying nutrients the others need, or by warding off insects. Plant the following "friends" side by side in your garden and watch the results. Vegetables and the companions that they enjoy:
* Asparagus enjoys being with Tomatoes
* Beans enjoys being with Beats, cabbages, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, and potatoes
* Beets enjoys being with Beans, kohlrabi, onions
* Cabbage enjoys being with Chamomile, dill, mints, potatoes, rosemary, and sage
* Carrots enjoys being with Chives, leeks, lettuce
* Cauliflower enjoys being with Celery
* Celery enjoys being with Cauliflower, leeks, tomatoes
* Corn enjoys being with Beans, cucumbers, melons, peas, potatoes, pumpkins, squash
* Cucumbers enjoy being with Cabbages, potatoes, radishes
* Eggplant enjoys being with Green beans
* Kohlrabi enjoys being with Beets, onions
* Leeks enjoys being with Carrots, lettuce, radishes, strawberries
* Lettuce enjoys being with Carrots, radishes, strawberries
* Onions enjoys being with Beets
* Peas enjoy being with Beans, carrots, corn, cucumbers, radishes, turnips
* Potatoes enjoys being with Beans, cabbages, corn
* Pumpkins enjoys being with Corn
* Radishes enjoys being with Chervil, cucumbers, lettuce, peas
* Spinach enjoys being with Strawberries
* Tomatoes enjoys being with Asparagus, celery, marigolds, and parsley
This is a great way to lower the cost of your food bill this year. This will help you plan out the plant that should be next to each other. This is a good time to be thinking about the vegetable garden. Even if you have just a small space to grow plants. Use it to the best advantage, your dinner table. It can feed you now and into the winter by canning what you do not use now. Enjoy the harvest.
Do not be afraid of sharing with your friends the harvest that you bring in. It helps those in need as well, share it with the food banks they always need the help.
Copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Treasure That Is Your Roses Garden
Roses are considered to be the representation of love. Down though the centuries, roses have adorned the likes of kings and queens. Even for the commoner, the rose was the moment when he transcended his commonness to aspire for the higher plains.
In a word, your roses should be fertilized regularly. If you have planted your roses right now, you can begin fertilization after the first time it blooms. Otherwise, while your roses are blooming, they can be fertilized every two or three weeks. It is also good to remember that chicken manure is great for roses.
Normal utilization of chemicals controls the majority of these infections as well as of the sucking and chewing insects. But some insects are also beneficial to your roses.
You can prevent your roses form any type of insects through a lime-sulphur spray in early spring followed by a regular regimen of fungicide every 10 days beginning in mid spring. Remove all the infected stems, leaves, and canes and discard them. You have to continue this program until the rust is gone.
Fungal infection is very common for every breed of rose. In summer, fungus usually appears on the petals and black spots also seem to appear on the flowers. Insects like red spiders are the main troublemakers as well.
So, the demand for roses has always been good. Rose gardening thus has been in vogue throughout the history of the civilized world. To get a good harvest of roses, you have to look after the garden at all times of the year.
Enjoy your rose garden. May it be beautiful every year for you to enjoy. We would welcome your comments.
copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
In a word, your roses should be fertilized regularly. If you have planted your roses right now, you can begin fertilization after the first time it blooms. Otherwise, while your roses are blooming, they can be fertilized every two or three weeks. It is also good to remember that chicken manure is great for roses.
Normal utilization of chemicals controls the majority of these infections as well as of the sucking and chewing insects. But some insects are also beneficial to your roses.
You can prevent your roses form any type of insects through a lime-sulphur spray in early spring followed by a regular regimen of fungicide every 10 days beginning in mid spring. Remove all the infected stems, leaves, and canes and discard them. You have to continue this program until the rust is gone.
Fungal infection is very common for every breed of rose. In summer, fungus usually appears on the petals and black spots also seem to appear on the flowers. Insects like red spiders are the main troublemakers as well.
So, the demand for roses has always been good. Rose gardening thus has been in vogue throughout the history of the civilized world. To get a good harvest of roses, you have to look after the garden at all times of the year.
Enjoy your rose garden. May it be beautiful every year for you to enjoy. We would welcome your comments.
copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
Friday, March 27, 2009
Container Growing Of Miniature Roses In Your Garden
People often consider miniature roses as indoor plants, not knowing the fact that though the flowers are miniature, the plant itself can grow to a height of four to five feet.
But if at all these easy-to-maintain flowers are to be grown indoors, a few simple measures will give the best results.
Choosing the right containers:
* The plastic containers that look like clay or molded concrete. They are practical, they won't break, they retain moisture longer on hot surfaces than clay pots do. They are easy to clean up when not in use. They store easily, and not to expensive. They are lite weight for when it comes time to re-potting the plants that are in them. Moss and mold don't grow on them in the shade.
* The size of the container matters. If you are re-potting a plain choose the next size up to move the flower into. That gives it room to grow and it is not dwarfed by the big pot that you put it in.
How to have the best potting soil for putting in containers? ( This is good for any plant that you want to plant in the containers.)
Mix in 3 equal parts:
Sharp sand
Clay loam
Organic matter or professional planter mix
Per cubic foot of soil mixture, add:
1 1/2 cups of Epsom salts
3/4 cup of coffee grounds (rinse them clean first)
12 eggshells ( dried and crushed to powder)
Mix them all together. It is ready to place in the containers.
(For more mixes look at Jerry Baker )
The primary requirement for the miniature roses is ample and direct sunlight, the lack of it can result in stretched out branches and gaps between the leaves. To prevent this, additional light arrangements have to be made.
As a matter of fact, the miniature roses can be grown in flower pots, hanging baskets as well as in the ground but it is mandatory that they receive direst sunlight. If planting it in the ground, the roots should be free of tangles and placed carefully into a one foot deep and wide hole which is to be leveled properly with loose soil. Proper care has to be taken for the first three weeks.
It is a good thing to give your plants a bath once a week with a solution of 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap mixed with 2 gallons of warm water. Put it in a spray bottle so you can give the roses and other house plants a bath. This helps with keeping the dust off of them as well as the pest that like to come live on the plants like spider-mites.
Watering the plants once a week, keep them healthy. Keep the soil moist.
The outdoor plants usually bloom from spring to winter. A covering of mulch may help to protect them from frost and wintry chill.
Please leave your comments. We would love to hear from you. Let us know how your garden is growing in containers for beauty all around.
copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing unscrambled"
But if at all these easy-to-maintain flowers are to be grown indoors, a few simple measures will give the best results.
Choosing the right containers:
* The plastic containers that look like clay or molded concrete. They are practical, they won't break, they retain moisture longer on hot surfaces than clay pots do. They are easy to clean up when not in use. They store easily, and not to expensive. They are lite weight for when it comes time to re-potting the plants that are in them. Moss and mold don't grow on them in the shade.
* The size of the container matters. If you are re-potting a plain choose the next size up to move the flower into. That gives it room to grow and it is not dwarfed by the big pot that you put it in.
How to have the best potting soil for putting in containers? ( This is good for any plant that you want to plant in the containers.)
Mix in 3 equal parts:
Sharp sand
Clay loam
Organic matter or professional planter mix
Per cubic foot of soil mixture, add:
1 1/2 cups of Epsom salts
3/4 cup of coffee grounds (rinse them clean first)
12 eggshells ( dried and crushed to powder)
Mix them all together. It is ready to place in the containers.
(For more mixes look at Jerry Baker )
The primary requirement for the miniature roses is ample and direct sunlight, the lack of it can result in stretched out branches and gaps between the leaves. To prevent this, additional light arrangements have to be made.
As a matter of fact, the miniature roses can be grown in flower pots, hanging baskets as well as in the ground but it is mandatory that they receive direst sunlight. If planting it in the ground, the roots should be free of tangles and placed carefully into a one foot deep and wide hole which is to be leveled properly with loose soil. Proper care has to be taken for the first three weeks.
It is a good thing to give your plants a bath once a week with a solution of 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap mixed with 2 gallons of warm water. Put it in a spray bottle so you can give the roses and other house plants a bath. This helps with keeping the dust off of them as well as the pest that like to come live on the plants like spider-mites.
Watering the plants once a week, keep them healthy. Keep the soil moist.
The outdoor plants usually bloom from spring to winter. A covering of mulch may help to protect them from frost and wintry chill.
Please leave your comments. We would love to hear from you. Let us know how your garden is growing in containers for beauty all around.
copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing unscrambled"
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Organic Rose Gardening, Beautiful And Healthy For Us And The Environment
Naturally grown roses are just as beautiful. They are safe, they are healthy, and they don't pollute your environment which is saying a lot! A yard full of organically grown roses, setting off the house that it encloses, aah, that is the home one dreams of coming back from work to . Don't you agree?
The first thing you need to do is to plan, plan, and plan. Start where you wish to see your roses grow, what colors and hues they must sport and envision what they will look like when they are fully grown. Evaluate the other colors in your garden or your window grow boxes, see the colors of the walls, the other flowers, ect.
Contrast works very well with roses. Brighter shades look nice in front of darker walls, and roses must set your walls or your house in sharp profile. Look at the beauty all around with your organic rose garden .
Organics are the ideal way in which to protect your loved ones, your domesticated pets, and even the environment from damaging chemicals. Roses are pretty, elegant, and real treasures to have around your house.
You like roses, you grow them organically-it is cheap and easy. The real secret of a successful organic rose garden is to know what to look for and how to deal with the problems that might come up in your rose garden. Once you understand this, then looking after your own organic rose garden will be a piece of cake.
Our grandparents knew how to use everyday items to create lush, abundant crops and flowers. Yet lawn and garden retailers would have you believe you need to buy expensive products. That is not true. These are a few of the things that you can use to help your rose garden grow better and more beautiful every year. Try these things:
* Try using "brown gold" some people call it compost. Use the throw-outs from your yard and garden to make the compost. Gather up your organic throw-outs ... weeds, overripe crops, grass clippings, kitchen scrapes,leaves. These things are great in the compost pile, cattail reeds, coffee grounds, corncob ashes, corn stalks and leaves, crabgrass-green, oak leaves, pine needles, ragweed, tea grounds, wood ashes. They add nitrogen, potash, phosphorus. You can also add old produce, sawdust, spoiled hay, manures ( not from cats or dogs, they can have diseases that can transfer to humans), chopped corncobs, chopped tobacco stalks, ground tree bark, cannery or winery wastes. Things not to use in the compost pile cooking fats, meat and fish. They cause odors, attract insects and varmints. This also slows down the decomposition of the pile. Usable compost in about 14 days.
* Use mulch to keep out weeds and keep the moisture in the ground so you do not have to water as much.
* Cut up banana peels let them dry out and bury them a few inches in the soil around your rose bushes.
* Avoid watering the foliage, use a soaker hose for watering the rose garden.
* Coffee and tea grounds mixed into the soil around the roses help to have big beautiful flowers.
* Some people also use horse pellets as easy-to-use fertilizer and soil additive, mix a handful into the soil when the first buds come on the plants.
* A good way to keep aphids away is to plant these two companion plants in the rose beds, garlic and parley between the plants.
These are but a few of the things that you can do to help your rose garden grow bigger, stronger, and healthy. If you listen carefully and keep your ears close to the ground, you'll hear the latest buzzword loud and clear: Organic Gardening. It is good for all of us.
Let us know what you have found that might help others with the rose garden that they are growing. Leave your comments.
copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
The first thing you need to do is to plan, plan, and plan. Start where you wish to see your roses grow, what colors and hues they must sport and envision what they will look like when they are fully grown. Evaluate the other colors in your garden or your window grow boxes, see the colors of the walls, the other flowers, ect.
Contrast works very well with roses. Brighter shades look nice in front of darker walls, and roses must set your walls or your house in sharp profile. Look at the beauty all around with your organic rose garden .
Organics are the ideal way in which to protect your loved ones, your domesticated pets, and even the environment from damaging chemicals. Roses are pretty, elegant, and real treasures to have around your house.
You like roses, you grow them organically-it is cheap and easy. The real secret of a successful organic rose garden is to know what to look for and how to deal with the problems that might come up in your rose garden. Once you understand this, then looking after your own organic rose garden will be a piece of cake.
Our grandparents knew how to use everyday items to create lush, abundant crops and flowers. Yet lawn and garden retailers would have you believe you need to buy expensive products. That is not true. These are a few of the things that you can use to help your rose garden grow better and more beautiful every year. Try these things:
* Try using "brown gold" some people call it compost. Use the throw-outs from your yard and garden to make the compost. Gather up your organic throw-outs ... weeds, overripe crops, grass clippings, kitchen scrapes,leaves. These things are great in the compost pile, cattail reeds, coffee grounds, corncob ashes, corn stalks and leaves, crabgrass-green, oak leaves, pine needles, ragweed, tea grounds, wood ashes. They add nitrogen, potash, phosphorus. You can also add old produce, sawdust, spoiled hay, manures ( not from cats or dogs, they can have diseases that can transfer to humans), chopped corncobs, chopped tobacco stalks, ground tree bark, cannery or winery wastes. Things not to use in the compost pile cooking fats, meat and fish. They cause odors, attract insects and varmints. This also slows down the decomposition of the pile. Usable compost in about 14 days.
* Use mulch to keep out weeds and keep the moisture in the ground so you do not have to water as much.
* Cut up banana peels let them dry out and bury them a few inches in the soil around your rose bushes.
* Avoid watering the foliage, use a soaker hose for watering the rose garden.
* Coffee and tea grounds mixed into the soil around the roses help to have big beautiful flowers.
* Some people also use horse pellets as easy-to-use fertilizer and soil additive, mix a handful into the soil when the first buds come on the plants.
* A good way to keep aphids away is to plant these two companion plants in the rose beds, garlic and parley between the plants.
These are but a few of the things that you can do to help your rose garden grow bigger, stronger, and healthy. If you listen carefully and keep your ears close to the ground, you'll hear the latest buzzword loud and clear: Organic Gardening. It is good for all of us.
Let us know what you have found that might help others with the rose garden that they are growing. Leave your comments.
copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
Monday, March 23, 2009
How Roses Have Changed With Time As The Centuries Go By
Gardens can have species from the genus Rosa. These look very attractive because of these rose flowers can grow to be big in varying colors of white, red, or pink.
Roses have a big range, whichever country you go to, whichever part of the globe you trek, a rose has a universal appeal across cultures. Let us discuss the intricacies of this beautiful flower, from a horticulturist's point of view. Roses can be classified in several types and so can rose gardens.
How rose gardens were is centuries past, to how they are now. They have changed because man has helped them to change. They wanted this color or that. They like this shape not that. They want it to resist diseases. They want it to bloom more than one time in the season.
If you feel particularly adventurous, you might commission a botanist to cross-breed and create your own distinct type of rose. It will cost a small fortune but it will be worth the extra cost. Organized in various and varied types, a rose in any incarnation rules the world of the flowers.
Old European Garden Roses-are hybrids that were popular before the Rosa chine sis took prime place of beauty in the 18th century. The good old garden rose, humble yet popular, is perfect for new gardens.
It weathers extreme cold very well, can be resistant to many rose diseases, looks lovely when it blooms and emits a heady fragrance.
New Age Roses, better known as modern roses are man-made variety made from a cross bred tea rose. Several rose gardens contain such roses along with a selection of shrub roses. These are popular because they look pretty, are tough and durable, and are very tolerant of most types of rose diseases.
These are a few of the different kinds of roses that we have today:
* Climbing Roses such as ramblers with small flowers in heavy clusters, bloom early summer, and large repeat bloomers. These are great for trellises and fences, post and pillars add great charm to your garden.
* Hybrid Teas are long stemmed, large, shapely flowers so admired for cutting. They bloom repeatedly from early summer to late fall. They grow 2 to 6 feet tall.
* Floribundas are produced both one to a stem and in clusters; smaller blooms than the Hybrid teas, but just as well formed. Bushy and very free flowering over a long season. They make beautiful hedges.
* Grandifloras are said to combine the best traits of both the Hybrid teas and Floribundas.
* Shrub Roses such as Carefree Wonder and Robusta are extra hardy but usually not continuous blooming.
* Miniature Rose, grow 8 to 12 inches tall, they are excellent in rock gardens, as edgings or in containers. And any desired rose variety may be produced in tree or standard form.
What great beauty these different kinds of roses can have in your garden. We hope that you enjoy all the different kinds of roses. How have you used the different kinds of roses? We would like to hear your comments.
copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
Roses have a big range, whichever country you go to, whichever part of the globe you trek, a rose has a universal appeal across cultures. Let us discuss the intricacies of this beautiful flower, from a horticulturist's point of view. Roses can be classified in several types and so can rose gardens.
How rose gardens were is centuries past, to how they are now. They have changed because man has helped them to change. They wanted this color or that. They like this shape not that. They want it to resist diseases. They want it to bloom more than one time in the season.
If you feel particularly adventurous, you might commission a botanist to cross-breed and create your own distinct type of rose. It will cost a small fortune but it will be worth the extra cost. Organized in various and varied types, a rose in any incarnation rules the world of the flowers.
Old European Garden Roses-are hybrids that were popular before the Rosa chine sis took prime place of beauty in the 18th century. The good old garden rose, humble yet popular, is perfect for new gardens.
It weathers extreme cold very well, can be resistant to many rose diseases, looks lovely when it blooms and emits a heady fragrance.
New Age Roses, better known as modern roses are man-made variety made from a cross bred tea rose. Several rose gardens contain such roses along with a selection of shrub roses. These are popular because they look pretty, are tough and durable, and are very tolerant of most types of rose diseases.
These are a few of the different kinds of roses that we have today:
* Climbing Roses such as ramblers with small flowers in heavy clusters, bloom early summer, and large repeat bloomers. These are great for trellises and fences, post and pillars add great charm to your garden.
* Hybrid Teas are long stemmed, large, shapely flowers so admired for cutting. They bloom repeatedly from early summer to late fall. They grow 2 to 6 feet tall.
* Floribundas are produced both one to a stem and in clusters; smaller blooms than the Hybrid teas, but just as well formed. Bushy and very free flowering over a long season. They make beautiful hedges.
* Grandifloras are said to combine the best traits of both the Hybrid teas and Floribundas.
* Shrub Roses such as Carefree Wonder and Robusta are extra hardy but usually not continuous blooming.
* Miniature Rose, grow 8 to 12 inches tall, they are excellent in rock gardens, as edgings or in containers. And any desired rose variety may be produced in tree or standard form.
What great beauty these different kinds of roses can have in your garden. We hope that you enjoy all the different kinds of roses. How have you used the different kinds of roses? We would like to hear your comments.
copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Growing The Most Beautiful Rose Garden
Gardening is an art. Of all the flowers that bloom in the whole wide world, the rose is the most celebrated. The rose is a beautiful flower and naturally you have to maintain it properly. There are a few steps for planting a rose and they are as follows:
* If you do not mind waiting for about three years try planting your roses from seed. These steps will help you with growing the seed:
1. Let the rose hips mature on the plant until they begin to crack open. Snip them off, and remove the seeds. (Late summer.)
2. Plant the seeds in a prepared seed-bed, and cover them lightly with sifted peat or sand. Water and cover with clear plastic.
3. When the seeds sprout, cover the young plants with jars, and mulch heavily around their bases to protect them during the winter.
4. Remove the jars in spring after all danger of frost has come and gone.
* The best time for planting dormant roses is in the spring. You can plant them in early spring or mid spring according to your convenience. But one thing you should remember that if you plant it in mid spring then you have to be careful that all the frost has dissolved.
* To encourage big and beautiful blooms fertilizers are also necessary. You have to fertilize the plants once every six weeks. To avoid any type of fungal diseases and infections, once a week give your plants a bath. Use a solution of 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap, 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 2 gallons of warm water. Spray it on the plants as the leaves are coming out and once a week until fall.
* Warm climate is necessary for this activity. Choose a spot carefully for planting because roses require proper sunlight (at least 6 hours) to bloom nicely. Roses also like soil which is drained properly, however, water is also necessary for blooming roses.If you do not water deeply enough then the roots will become shallow. Avoid water on the foliage, your plants can get black spots. Use a soaker hose for watering.
* Work a handful or two of bonemeal around your roses before you cover them for winter. You will have great blooms next year.
* Getting your roses ready for winter. Prune the roses down to about 12 inches. Make sure that you seal the areas that you pruned so that bugs and disease do not get inside the plants. Make sure that the beds are clean of leaves and branches. Rose cones are good insulators. They are made out of foam polystyrene with a lot of tiny air chambers that keep the heat in and the cold out. They come in two sizes small and large, small for the young plants, large for the mature bushes. They can be used for other plants that you want to protect also. This promotes sturdier plants and ensures heartier growth in the spring.
* An other way to get your plants ready for winter. Prune the plants far enough to slip a box over the plants. Lay the flaps flat on the ground at the base of the bush. Large boxes for mature plants, smaller ones for young plants. (Boxes can be used for other plants as well.) Weight
down the box by putting rocks and soil on the flattened flaps. This insulates the plants roots and also holds down the box during those winter storms. Remove the box after the last hard spring freeze. You can replace it if it gets cold again. After you remove the box if the canes are longer than 10 to 12 inches. Prune them back now. Don't forget to feed them (fertilize them.)
* Finally, if you hear of bad weather coming protect you roses. Roses cannot adjust to extreme temperatures. Make sure they get lots of sunlight, proper amounts of water, and fertilizer.
Enjoy your beautiful roses. Let us know how yours are doing. We would like to hear your comments.
copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
* If you do not mind waiting for about three years try planting your roses from seed. These steps will help you with growing the seed:
1. Let the rose hips mature on the plant until they begin to crack open. Snip them off, and remove the seeds. (Late summer.)
2. Plant the seeds in a prepared seed-bed, and cover them lightly with sifted peat or sand. Water and cover with clear plastic.
3. When the seeds sprout, cover the young plants with jars, and mulch heavily around their bases to protect them during the winter.
4. Remove the jars in spring after all danger of frost has come and gone.
* The best time for planting dormant roses is in the spring. You can plant them in early spring or mid spring according to your convenience. But one thing you should remember that if you plant it in mid spring then you have to be careful that all the frost has dissolved.
* To encourage big and beautiful blooms fertilizers are also necessary. You have to fertilize the plants once every six weeks. To avoid any type of fungal diseases and infections, once a week give your plants a bath. Use a solution of 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap, 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 2 gallons of warm water. Spray it on the plants as the leaves are coming out and once a week until fall.
* Warm climate is necessary for this activity. Choose a spot carefully for planting because roses require proper sunlight (at least 6 hours) to bloom nicely. Roses also like soil which is drained properly, however, water is also necessary for blooming roses.If you do not water deeply enough then the roots will become shallow. Avoid water on the foliage, your plants can get black spots. Use a soaker hose for watering.
* Work a handful or two of bonemeal around your roses before you cover them for winter. You will have great blooms next year.
* Getting your roses ready for winter. Prune the roses down to about 12 inches. Make sure that you seal the areas that you pruned so that bugs and disease do not get inside the plants. Make sure that the beds are clean of leaves and branches. Rose cones are good insulators. They are made out of foam polystyrene with a lot of tiny air chambers that keep the heat in and the cold out. They come in two sizes small and large, small for the young plants, large for the mature bushes. They can be used for other plants that you want to protect also. This promotes sturdier plants and ensures heartier growth in the spring.
* An other way to get your plants ready for winter. Prune the plants far enough to slip a box over the plants. Lay the flaps flat on the ground at the base of the bush. Large boxes for mature plants, smaller ones for young plants. (Boxes can be used for other plants as well.) Weight
down the box by putting rocks and soil on the flattened flaps. This insulates the plants roots and also holds down the box during those winter storms. Remove the box after the last hard spring freeze. You can replace it if it gets cold again. After you remove the box if the canes are longer than 10 to 12 inches. Prune them back now. Don't forget to feed them (fertilize them.)* Finally, if you hear of bad weather coming protect you roses. Roses cannot adjust to extreme temperatures. Make sure they get lots of sunlight, proper amounts of water, and fertilizer.
Enjoy your beautiful roses. Let us know how yours are doing. We would like to hear your comments.
copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
Beautiful notes
This is another short and sweet note. This is a little different for this blog but it is well worth reading. It is by my friend Giovanna Garcia. Go to http://imperfectaction.com/blog/2009/03/18/personal-development/you-can-make-a-difference-2/ . Enjoy
Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"
Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"
What An Anazing Website On Gardening
This is short and sweet. We found this great website on gardening. Check it out at: http://www.pooktre.com/ . You will really be surprised by what you find on this site. Enjoy.
Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Log home stands as new building regulations come into effect today
Jason Dowling
March 11, 2009
IAN Clarke gave his meticulously built
log home just a 5 per cent chance of
surviving the February 7 bushfires.
The 10-hectare bush block surrounding
it was burnt, and he was not there to
activate the sprinkler system on the
house at the base of the Cathedral
Ranges, north of Marysville.
But returning after the fires, Mr Clarke
found the log home still standing,
despite several nearby houses being
destroyed.
The State Government's tough new
building guidelines for homes in
bushfire-prone areas come into force
today.
According to the Government, homes
built in the most extreme bushfire areas
must have outside walls built from noncombustible
materials.
But this does not mean a total ban on timber.
Sofia Dedes, a spokeswoman for Planning Minister Justin Madden, said last night that "selected
timbers" could be used.
She said building approval would depend on the type of timber and the level of fire threat in a particular
area.
Mr Clarke said his home had no wooden decks, a concrete slab, double-glazed windows framed with
aluminium and thick logs that did not catch fire easily.
The logs were sealed with "four-hour fire-rated" putty and the roof has "low-nose" terracotta tiles that
resist a build-up of embers.
Mr Clarke said he spent $1000 developing a fire plan before building the log home, including clearing
all ground vegetation for 45 metres around the house and clearing trees closer than six metres.
The State Government is reviewing native vegetation clearing laws and a Government spokesman said
it was expected the review would be completed in time for the bushfire royal commission's interim
findings in August.
Justin Leonard, project leader for bushfire research with the CSIRO, described Mr Clarke's cabin as the"Rolls-Royce" of log cabins, but was unable to say if it would pass the tough standards required to build homes assessed as under extreme threat in areas called the "flame zone".
He said weatherboard construction would have more difficulty passing than log homes.
Cornel van der Heyden has been building log homes for 12 years, and is the director of Great Bear
Log Homes based in Mansfield, which built Mr Clarke's home.
Mr van der Heyden said there were many misconceptions about log homes and bushfires because of
the traditional cheap Australian version of treated pine log cabins. His fire-resistant log homes cost
about $300,000.
"Log homes do survive bushfires," he said, adding that he had built 35 log homes built to North
American standards and not one had been destroyed by bushfire.
This story is shared by Vaughn at Satterwhite log Homes. www.satterwhiteloghomes.com
Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
March 11, 2009
IAN Clarke gave his meticulously built
log home just a 5 per cent chance of
surviving the February 7 bushfires.
The 10-hectare bush block surrounding
it was burnt, and he was not there to
activate the sprinkler system on the
house at the base of the Cathedral
Ranges, north of Marysville.
But returning after the fires, Mr Clarke
found the log home still standing,
despite several nearby houses being
destroyed.
The State Government's tough new
building guidelines for homes in
bushfire-prone areas come into force
today.
According to the Government, homes
built in the most extreme bushfire areas
must have outside walls built from noncombustible
materials.
But this does not mean a total ban on timber.
Sofia Dedes, a spokeswoman for Planning Minister Justin Madden, said last night that "selected
timbers" could be used.
She said building approval would depend on the type of timber and the level of fire threat in a particular
area.
Mr Clarke said his home had no wooden decks, a concrete slab, double-glazed windows framed with
aluminium and thick logs that did not catch fire easily.
The logs were sealed with "four-hour fire-rated" putty and the roof has "low-nose" terracotta tiles that
resist a build-up of embers.
Mr Clarke said he spent $1000 developing a fire plan before building the log home, including clearing
all ground vegetation for 45 metres around the house and clearing trees closer than six metres.
The State Government is reviewing native vegetation clearing laws and a Government spokesman said
it was expected the review would be completed in time for the bushfire royal commission's interim
findings in August.
Justin Leonard, project leader for bushfire research with the CSIRO, described Mr Clarke's cabin as the"Rolls-Royce" of log cabins, but was unable to say if it would pass the tough standards required to build homes assessed as under extreme threat in areas called the "flame zone".
He said weatherboard construction would have more difficulty passing than log homes.
Cornel van der Heyden has been building log homes for 12 years, and is the director of Great Bear
Log Homes based in Mansfield, which built Mr Clarke's home.
Mr van der Heyden said there were many misconceptions about log homes and bushfires because of
the traditional cheap Australian version of treated pine log cabins. His fire-resistant log homes cost
about $300,000.
"Log homes do survive bushfires," he said, adding that he had built 35 log homes built to North
American standards and not one had been destroyed by bushfire.
This story is shared by Vaughn at Satterwhite log Homes. www.satterwhiteloghomes.com
Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
Monday, March 16, 2009
Precautionary Things You Can Do To Protect The Beauty Of Your Rose Garden
There are several precautionary measures you can adopt in order to protect your precious rose garden.
Your rose gardening efforts might have been zilched by extreme weather conditions, diseases, and viruses. The dreaded mosaic disease affects 9 of 10 rose gardens and black spots are as infectious as the common cold. But don't give up yet. These are things that you can do to keep your rose garden looking beautiful all season, and many more to come.
Extreme weather conditions-There is not much you can do to change the weather and short of erecting a hot-house you can't even protect your roses from harsh climates. However, you can keep an eye out-and when you see harsh weather approaching take protective measures like covering your roses with tarpaulin to keep out the rain.
Hygiene-It is not just enough to clip away the dead stems and leaves. You must also brush them away from the rose beds and dispose of them in the trash can or compost pile.
Plug the cuts-If you prune, you leave behind exposed inner area of stems. Seal them up with a special plant glue so that diseases and insects cannot erode or eat away the delicate inner parts.
Cleanliness-On a regular basis, clean the beds and remove dead leaves, fallen debris, clippings, and so on.
Regular pruning-Most gardeners will prune the sides of rose bushes without really thinking about what is going on inside. Well, you need to prune within the bush as well so that enough air is circulated to the inner flowers, leaves, and stems.
Winter-ready roses-1. Start by pruning them back in the fall, cutting them only enough to keep them from whipping around in the wind. Climbing roses should be pruned only to keep them from rubbing the roof or the walls. Do not forget to plug the cuts.
2. Lightly tie your rose bushes with an old nylon stocking. Use one stocking per bush, tying about 3/4 of the way up the bush to keep it from breaking in a storm.
3. Remove all fallen leaves and petals from beneath the bushes. Spread mulch around each plant to a distance of at least 18 to 24 inches. Place a "No-Pest" strip from the branches,cover the plant with straw, and they are now ready for a nice cozy winter.
Now you know the precautionary things to do to help protect your rose garden. May it grow beautiful for many seasons to come.
Copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
Your rose gardening efforts might have been zilched by extreme weather conditions, diseases, and viruses. The dreaded mosaic disease affects 9 of 10 rose gardens and black spots are as infectious as the common cold. But don't give up yet. These are things that you can do to keep your rose garden looking beautiful all season, and many more to come.
Extreme weather conditions-There is not much you can do to change the weather and short of erecting a hot-house you can't even protect your roses from harsh climates. However, you can keep an eye out-and when you see harsh weather approaching take protective measures like covering your roses with tarpaulin to keep out the rain.
Hygiene-It is not just enough to clip away the dead stems and leaves. You must also brush them away from the rose beds and dispose of them in the trash can or compost pile.
Plug the cuts-If you prune, you leave behind exposed inner area of stems. Seal them up with a special plant glue so that diseases and insects cannot erode or eat away the delicate inner parts.
Cleanliness-On a regular basis, clean the beds and remove dead leaves, fallen debris, clippings, and so on.
Regular pruning-Most gardeners will prune the sides of rose bushes without really thinking about what is going on inside. Well, you need to prune within the bush as well so that enough air is circulated to the inner flowers, leaves, and stems.
Winter-ready roses-1. Start by pruning them back in the fall, cutting them only enough to keep them from whipping around in the wind. Climbing roses should be pruned only to keep them from rubbing the roof or the walls. Do not forget to plug the cuts.
2. Lightly tie your rose bushes with an old nylon stocking. Use one stocking per bush, tying about 3/4 of the way up the bush to keep it from breaking in a storm.
3. Remove all fallen leaves and petals from beneath the bushes. Spread mulch around each plant to a distance of at least 18 to 24 inches. Place a "No-Pest" strip from the branches,cover the plant with straw, and they are now ready for a nice cozy winter.
Now you know the precautionary things to do to help protect your rose garden. May it grow beautiful for many seasons to come.
Copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Problems And Solutions For A Beautiful Rose Garden
The first step is to know the problems. If you are aware of the possible issues then you can also take preventive steps to solve the problems. So take heart, read more articles like this one and you will know what to do for the problems when they come.
If you are aware of these problems then you are also armed with valuable knowledge. There are several solutions and remedies for such rose gardening problems.
Things to look out for are: rose fungus, rose rust, block spots on the rose leaves, mosaic disease. These are some of the bugs that like to bother the rose plants: aphids, bristly rose slugs, borers, fuller rose beetles, caterpillars, Japanese beetles, spider mites.
Fungus in the rose garden: This white, powdery mildew is deposited on the top and bottom of leaves and stems. It stunts the plants growth and ultimately kills the flowers and stems.
Solution: Prune off the affected areas. Then you can by something already made up or go to you own kitchen and get these things for an organic formula: * Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in 2 quarts of water. Spray on the roses when you first see signs of this fungus. Spray it on them every two weeks after that.
Rust in the rose garden: This red or orange powder which appears on the underside of leaves and has the same detrimental effects as the fungus.
Solution: Remove and destroy all infected leaves. Avoid overhead watering ( use a soaker hose.)
Water early in the day so plants will dry out before nightfall. Avoid splashing water on the foliage. Spray infected area with sulfur. (You can get it at any gardening store.)
Black spot in the rose garden: This appears as tiny black spots on the leaves and the stems of the roses.
Solution: The foliage and canes must be pruned off and use this organic formula: * 15 tomato leaves, 2 small onions, 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol
Chop the tomato leaves and onions into very, very fine pieces, and steep in the alcohol overnight.
Apply to your rose bushes with a small, sponge-type paintbrush, hitting the tops and bottoms of all the leaves. Avoid water on the foliage.
Mosaic Disease in the rose garden: This appears like an intricate yellow-green mosaic pattern and is amongst the most deadly rose viruses that can affect your plants. Apparently, there is no viable treatment for this disease.
After pruning sterilize your tools before moving to another part of the plant that is not affected or to another plant. * Use a mixture of one part rubbing alcohol or chlorine bleach to 10 parts water. Soak the tools for several minutes before wiping them dry and moving on.
These are things that can be used before you have a problem with bugs, they are hard to get rid of after they are on the plants.
- Dust your roses, use a small hand-powered dusting machine if you have more than five bushes. The best time to dust roses is when the leaves are coming out in the spring and continue until growth stops in the fall. The best time is late in the evening when the air is still. The second best time is predawn. If it rains repeat the process immediately thereafter; in times of heavy dew, twice a week. With light dew and the hotter, drier weather of summer, once a week is enough.
- Give the roses a bath once a week with * 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap mixed with 2 gallons of warm water spray it on the roses.
- Put one or two garlic cloves among the roses to keep aphids and other pests away.
- In a blender chop up a *medium-sized onion and a quart of water. Pulverize, then strain off the liquid. Add 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to the onion juice, then liberally apply to your rose bushes with a hand-held mist sprayer.
- Their are beneficial insects as well. Ladybugs are great if you have them in your garden. Praying Mantis are also good in the garden.
Have a very beautiful rose garden now that you know what to look for and what to do about the problems that you can have in the rose garden. ( * For more organic gardening tips, Jerry Baker America's Master Gardener at: http://www.jerrybaker.com/ . )
copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
If you are aware of these problems then you are also armed with valuable knowledge. There are several solutions and remedies for such rose gardening problems.
Things to look out for are: rose fungus, rose rust, block spots on the rose leaves, mosaic disease. These are some of the bugs that like to bother the rose plants: aphids, bristly rose slugs, borers, fuller rose beetles, caterpillars, Japanese beetles, spider mites.
Fungus in the rose garden: This white, powdery mildew is deposited on the top and bottom of leaves and stems. It stunts the plants growth and ultimately kills the flowers and stems.
Solution: Prune off the affected areas. Then you can by something already made up or go to you own kitchen and get these things for an organic formula: * Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in 2 quarts of water. Spray on the roses when you first see signs of this fungus. Spray it on them every two weeks after that.
Rust in the rose garden: This red or orange powder which appears on the underside of leaves and has the same detrimental effects as the fungus.
Solution: Remove and destroy all infected leaves. Avoid overhead watering ( use a soaker hose.)
Water early in the day so plants will dry out before nightfall. Avoid splashing water on the foliage. Spray infected area with sulfur. (You can get it at any gardening store.)
Black spot in the rose garden: This appears as tiny black spots on the leaves and the stems of the roses.
Solution: The foliage and canes must be pruned off and use this organic formula: * 15 tomato leaves, 2 small onions, 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol
Chop the tomato leaves and onions into very, very fine pieces, and steep in the alcohol overnight.
Apply to your rose bushes with a small, sponge-type paintbrush, hitting the tops and bottoms of all the leaves. Avoid water on the foliage.
Mosaic Disease in the rose garden: This appears like an intricate yellow-green mosaic pattern and is amongst the most deadly rose viruses that can affect your plants. Apparently, there is no viable treatment for this disease.
After pruning sterilize your tools before moving to another part of the plant that is not affected or to another plant. * Use a mixture of one part rubbing alcohol or chlorine bleach to 10 parts water. Soak the tools for several minutes before wiping them dry and moving on.
These are things that can be used before you have a problem with bugs, they are hard to get rid of after they are on the plants.
- Dust your roses, use a small hand-powered dusting machine if you have more than five bushes. The best time to dust roses is when the leaves are coming out in the spring and continue until growth stops in the fall. The best time is late in the evening when the air is still. The second best time is predawn. If it rains repeat the process immediately thereafter; in times of heavy dew, twice a week. With light dew and the hotter, drier weather of summer, once a week is enough.
- Give the roses a bath once a week with * 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap mixed with 2 gallons of warm water spray it on the roses.
- Put one or two garlic cloves among the roses to keep aphids and other pests away.
- In a blender chop up a *medium-sized onion and a quart of water. Pulverize, then strain off the liquid. Add 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to the onion juice, then liberally apply to your rose bushes with a hand-held mist sprayer.
- Their are beneficial insects as well. Ladybugs are great if you have them in your garden. Praying Mantis are also good in the garden.
Have a very beautiful rose garden now that you know what to look for and what to do about the problems that you can have in the rose garden. ( * For more organic gardening tips, Jerry Baker America's Master Gardener at: http://www.jerrybaker.com/ . )
copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
Monday, March 9, 2009
Tips For The Best Looking Rose Garden Around
Getting the rose to bloom perfectly in one's garden is one of the few unadulterated joys one can experience in this complex world.
In order to maintain a rose garden and enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the rose, remember the following tips:
* Buy good plants, which are young and field grown organically, unwaxed.
* For best results when planting your roses follow these steps:
- Carefully select planting sites with good drainage, good soil and be sure that the roses have full sunlight for half a day. If possible shelter form the wind.
- Fill a bucket full of water and add 1 tablespoon of shampoo, 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt, 1 tablespoon of instant tea granules. Let the plants soak for an hour or so before planting.
- While plants are soaking, dig the holes for the plants 20 inches wide by 18 inches deep should do it to accommodate the roots of the plants without crowding them- and save the topsoil.
- Fill the hole one-third of the way with a small handful of superphosphate, a mix of good-quality peat moss, and the some of the top soil you saved. Build a mound in the bottom of the hole with this mixture.
- Place the rose roots on the mound so that the bud or graft union is at or slightly below normal ground level.
- Fill the hole two-thirds full with more of the soil / peat moss mixture, then water slowly to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate any air pockets.
- ( for fall planting only)Wash down the rose cane with a mild soapy water solution just before you cover them with a mound of soil for protection from severe weather. In areas where you get heavy freezes, cover your rose with soil and leaf mixture.
* You might need to water if not enough rainfall.
* Put one of two garlic cloves among your roses to keep aphids and other pests away.
* The best time to move roses are late fall, when they are dormant, when the leaves have dropped and scales have formed over the growth buds for next year. The other time would be early spring before the new growth starts on the plants. Move them with as much soil around them as possible. Dig and prepare the hole that you are to move the plants to before you dig up the plants. They do not get dried out that way, you can dig and move them right away to the new place for them.
* Do not let the flowers die on the vine, this attracts pests and diseases. Cut and share them with other and yourself inside.
* Always cut above the five-leaf cluster to encourage new growth.
* Remember, winter mulching is important. Use straw or some other material in order to protect the roses from low temperature.
Rose gardening is a hobby that has few matches. One of the greatest gifts that Nature has provided man with is a flower. The rose, especially has inspired poetry over generations and civilizations, the rose is a most coveted prize for a lover.
Remember the tips can help you maintain a rose garden and enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the roses.
Copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
In order to maintain a rose garden and enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the rose, remember the following tips:
* Buy good plants, which are young and field grown organically, unwaxed.
* For best results when planting your roses follow these steps:
- Carefully select planting sites with good drainage, good soil and be sure that the roses have full sunlight for half a day. If possible shelter form the wind.
- Fill a bucket full of water and add 1 tablespoon of shampoo, 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt, 1 tablespoon of instant tea granules. Let the plants soak for an hour or so before planting.
- While plants are soaking, dig the holes for the plants 20 inches wide by 18 inches deep should do it to accommodate the roots of the plants without crowding them- and save the topsoil.
- Fill the hole one-third of the way with a small handful of superphosphate, a mix of good-quality peat moss, and the some of the top soil you saved. Build a mound in the bottom of the hole with this mixture.
- Place the rose roots on the mound so that the bud or graft union is at or slightly below normal ground level.
- Fill the hole two-thirds full with more of the soil / peat moss mixture, then water slowly to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate any air pockets.
- ( for fall planting only)Wash down the rose cane with a mild soapy water solution just before you cover them with a mound of soil for protection from severe weather. In areas where you get heavy freezes, cover your rose with soil and leaf mixture.
* You might need to water if not enough rainfall.
* Put one of two garlic cloves among your roses to keep aphids and other pests away.
* The best time to move roses are late fall, when they are dormant, when the leaves have dropped and scales have formed over the growth buds for next year. The other time would be early spring before the new growth starts on the plants. Move them with as much soil around them as possible. Dig and prepare the hole that you are to move the plants to before you dig up the plants. They do not get dried out that way, you can dig and move them right away to the new place for them.
* Do not let the flowers die on the vine, this attracts pests and diseases. Cut and share them with other and yourself inside.
* Always cut above the five-leaf cluster to encourage new growth.
* Remember, winter mulching is important. Use straw or some other material in order to protect the roses from low temperature.
Rose gardening is a hobby that has few matches. One of the greatest gifts that Nature has provided man with is a flower. The rose, especially has inspired poetry over generations and civilizations, the rose is a most coveted prize for a lover.
Remember the tips can help you maintain a rose garden and enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the roses.
Copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
Thursday, March 5, 2009
For Those Who Are Just Begining A Rose Garden, These Are The Tools That You Will Need
What kind of tools are needed for a rose garden? Gloves, knee pads, shovels, pruning shears, loppers and a wheelbarrow.
1. Rose Gardening Gloves-select industrial strength gloves because roses have prickly thorns.
2.Rose Gardening Knee Pads-knee pads are required to keep the pressure off your knees. You can select between waterproof pads with handles or perhaps pads with velcro straps.
3. Rose Gardening Shovels-select one with padded handles which just might save you a few bruises. Also, see if you can buy one made out of fiberglass as that tends to be more lightweight, yet it is sufficiently strong to do the down and dirty work.
4. Rose Gardening Pruning Shears-you'll need this tool almost everyday and it comes in 2 varieties. A bypass pruner looks somewhat like scissors and is more preferable to an anvil pruner because it doesn't seem to crush the tender stems of a rose. The blades of an anvil pruner meet on top and are stronger than a bypass pruner.
5. Rose Gardening Loppers-well, you won't need these to start off ( in about 2 years) if you are just starting your rose garden. These are much more efficient than both the pruning shears and are required when the stems of the roses become much stronger and thicker. Don't waste your money buying these right away, just wait for a few years when your roses have become more mature.
6. Wheelbarrow For The Rose Garden-buy a sturdy one. As your rose gardening hobby grows, you'll need a durable wheelbarrow to lug stuff in and out of the garden.
Now for a few tips about your tools.
* Do not be fooled into the cheep stuff. Instead, buy first-class quality and pay a decent price. Good quality gardening tools will last you a lifetime. Go somewhere that the sales staff really know if it is good quality tool or a piece of tin.
* To winterize your tools clean them off and cover them with a light coat of WD-40. They will be ready to use next spring and rust free.
* If you forgot last fall to winterize the tools and they now have rust on them. It is OK, to get them clean again-rub them with a soap-filled steel wool pad dipped in kerosene or turpentine. Do this outside and wear gloves. Finish it off by rubbing deeply with a wadded-up aluminum foil to make them shine.
* During the season of gardening have a clean pail of sand that you put your hand held tools in to help them stay rust free. (Keep the pail of sand away from cats, it will defeat the purpose if you do not do this.)
* When pruning, sterilize your tools before moving from one plant to another. This is needed more if one of them is showing signs of disease. Use one part rubbing alcohol or chlorine bleach to 10 parts water. Soak the tools for several minutes before drying them and moving on
For all kinds of garden secrets look up Jerry Baker America's Master Gardener at:
http://www.jerrybaker.com/
copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
1. Rose Gardening Gloves-select industrial strength gloves because roses have prickly thorns.
2.Rose Gardening Knee Pads-knee pads are required to keep the pressure off your knees. You can select between waterproof pads with handles or perhaps pads with velcro straps.
3. Rose Gardening Shovels-select one with padded handles which just might save you a few bruises. Also, see if you can buy one made out of fiberglass as that tends to be more lightweight, yet it is sufficiently strong to do the down and dirty work.
4. Rose Gardening Pruning Shears-you'll need this tool almost everyday and it comes in 2 varieties. A bypass pruner looks somewhat like scissors and is more preferable to an anvil pruner because it doesn't seem to crush the tender stems of a rose. The blades of an anvil pruner meet on top and are stronger than a bypass pruner.
5. Rose Gardening Loppers-well, you won't need these to start off ( in about 2 years) if you are just starting your rose garden. These are much more efficient than both the pruning shears and are required when the stems of the roses become much stronger and thicker. Don't waste your money buying these right away, just wait for a few years when your roses have become more mature.
6. Wheelbarrow For The Rose Garden-buy a sturdy one. As your rose gardening hobby grows, you'll need a durable wheelbarrow to lug stuff in and out of the garden.
Now for a few tips about your tools.
* Do not be fooled into the cheep stuff. Instead, buy first-class quality and pay a decent price. Good quality gardening tools will last you a lifetime. Go somewhere that the sales staff really know if it is good quality tool or a piece of tin.
* To winterize your tools clean them off and cover them with a light coat of WD-40. They will be ready to use next spring and rust free.
* If you forgot last fall to winterize the tools and they now have rust on them. It is OK, to get them clean again-rub them with a soap-filled steel wool pad dipped in kerosene or turpentine. Do this outside and wear gloves. Finish it off by rubbing deeply with a wadded-up aluminum foil to make them shine.
* During the season of gardening have a clean pail of sand that you put your hand held tools in to help them stay rust free. (Keep the pail of sand away from cats, it will defeat the purpose if you do not do this.)
* When pruning, sterilize your tools before moving from one plant to another. This is needed more if one of them is showing signs of disease. Use one part rubbing alcohol or chlorine bleach to 10 parts water. Soak the tools for several minutes before drying them and moving on
For all kinds of garden secrets look up Jerry Baker America's Master Gardener at:
http://www.jerrybaker.com/
copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
A Checklist For Starting A New Rose Garden
Soil preparation is the key to your success with your garden. The best soil you can give your plants is one that will hold moisture while letting extra water run off. To get that kind of soil, some work must be done first, clear out the bedding area and fortify the soil. The effort you do now will be worth it when you see your plants thriving.
Prepare now for the success of the plants. Roses need direct sunlight and well drained soil. Make sure that it is not a pocket that hold water and not under a tree to where they are in the shade most of the day.
1. Condition the soil for 100 square feet of intended garden area, spreading on top of the soil 50 pounds of gypsum, 35 pounds of lime, and 25 pounds of dried manure ( cow or sheep). If it is a smaller space use the formula with the smaller amount.
2. On top of the soil conditioning (above), pile decaying leaves, grass, saw dust, and fire place ashes in layers.
3. As soon as this is dry enough to spade or plow, turn it over, try to get it deep as you can. Let it set for 3 days. Rotary till the soil as fine as possible. You will know when it is ready to plant when you firmly squeeze a handful of the soil and it will crumble in your hand.
4. The soil conditioning will help with the ph balance of the soil so that it is not to acidic or alkaline.
5. Once the soil is prepared to the right texture and the soil is ready, it is now time to purchase your roses. This step is crucial, with no compromise on the quality of the plants. Buy the best ones that you can find. You can choose plants grown in pots or bare root plants that are dormant. A healthy plants that are dormant gives a better bloom than those with long new shoots.
6.Early spring is considered to be the best planting season for the roses. You can check with your local nursery for the best time in the area that you live in.
7. The preparation that you did on the soil will pay off now as you are planting your plants. Start by soaking the roots for a few minutes and the broken root-ends need to be pruned. The roots should not be exposed to the air to long or they will dry out the root fibers.
8. The hole should be approximately one inch in width and depth larger than the root ball, so that the roots can spread out. You should refill the hole until it is three-quarters and water the plant thoroughly. Let it soak in.
9. Finish filling the hole and the soil is made firm around the roots. The planting procedure is the same for potted plants where the pot has to be removed.
10. Now enjoy the beauty of your plants with regular watering and feeding. You will be the envy of the block for the beautiful roses that you have.
We would like to hear about your beautiful new curb appeal that you just added with your roses and other flowers.
copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
Prepare now for the success of the plants. Roses need direct sunlight and well drained soil. Make sure that it is not a pocket that hold water and not under a tree to where they are in the shade most of the day.
1. Condition the soil for 100 square feet of intended garden area, spreading on top of the soil 50 pounds of gypsum, 35 pounds of lime, and 25 pounds of dried manure ( cow or sheep). If it is a smaller space use the formula with the smaller amount.
2. On top of the soil conditioning (above), pile decaying leaves, grass, saw dust, and fire place ashes in layers.
3. As soon as this is dry enough to spade or plow, turn it over, try to get it deep as you can. Let it set for 3 days. Rotary till the soil as fine as possible. You will know when it is ready to plant when you firmly squeeze a handful of the soil and it will crumble in your hand.
4. The soil conditioning will help with the ph balance of the soil so that it is not to acidic or alkaline.
5. Once the soil is prepared to the right texture and the soil is ready, it is now time to purchase your roses. This step is crucial, with no compromise on the quality of the plants. Buy the best ones that you can find. You can choose plants grown in pots or bare root plants that are dormant. A healthy plants that are dormant gives a better bloom than those with long new shoots.
6.Early spring is considered to be the best planting season for the roses. You can check with your local nursery for the best time in the area that you live in.
7. The preparation that you did on the soil will pay off now as you are planting your plants. Start by soaking the roots for a few minutes and the broken root-ends need to be pruned. The roots should not be exposed to the air to long or they will dry out the root fibers.
8. The hole should be approximately one inch in width and depth larger than the root ball, so that the roots can spread out. You should refill the hole until it is three-quarters and water the plant thoroughly. Let it soak in.
9. Finish filling the hole and the soil is made firm around the roots. The planting procedure is the same for potted plants where the pot has to be removed.
10. Now enjoy the beauty of your plants with regular watering and feeding. You will be the envy of the block for the beautiful roses that you have.
We would like to hear about your beautiful new curb appeal that you just added with your roses and other flowers.
copyright Dan and Deanna Finlinson "Marketing Unscrambled"
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