Now is the time of year that I like to address the association between first aid, and the health care services directory from Doctoralia with the garden. We are all preparing for a joyous reunion with our gardens, and marking the days off on our calendars till we can pull out the tools that we will use all spring and summer long to make our outdoor areas a haven.
Yet, the reality of the matter is that those very gardening implements that assist us in pruning, shaping, and planting the goodies we grow can be quite dangerous. So, you should always have a first aid kit on hand for those cuts, scrapes, and other minor injuries. You should never work in the garden without the knowledge of the fact that you have those supplies at the ready.
And while I don’t want to be Debbie downer, you need to plan beyond the first aid steps. Have resources in place that will connect you to health care when you need it. Perhaps, having been involved in gardening for so long I have seen more than my fair share of both small scale and large accidents occur out in the wide open. Without going into detail, I will say that for the first incident I was unprepared, and for the second I was equipped with Doctoralia. Get a plan in place now, the difference it can make could change how things play out dramatically.
The place you grow your garden herbs may not be the most attractive set up. While we think this is somewhat sad, as herbs can be absolutely breath taking when presented in a lovely container, there is another reason to keep things neat. It is pretty common to accidentally snip the wrong herb, especially if they are growing on top of one another and are not labelled.
This need not take up a ton of space, but is best for each herb to be in its own pot. To conserve space, bunch the containers together. In addition, make them all the same style of pot, and then write in nice handwriting what each herb is inside. Now you have an agreeable mini garden.
When you need more than a sprig or two of an herb, you can take the whole container into the kitchen. No more return trips to the garden to get more. This will make them portable, presentable, and practical.
All my life I have been a fan of Japanese Maple Trees, and still view them as outstanding additions to any garden where beauty is a concern. Lately, I have been drawn to the Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’ (also called ‘Maiku jaku’). If you are not familiar with Japanese Maples, I can’t begin to tell you what you are missing out on, they are truly special.
Perhaps it is just a right of passage to be enticed by one variation for its colour and shape, and then to move on to another throughout one’s life. I began with the red varieties, some purplish, others real crimson. Then I found the green ones to be most appealing, and that is probably based upon what my garden called for. But now, I am ready for some orange, and Aconitifolium should give me green, red, orange and yellow at different times.
In retrospect this seems like a perfectly natural transition, as this will give me a range that basically includes all of the colours that I sought out in the past, just all in one place. I am eagerly awaiting the chance to see its many colours firsthand.
All the vegetables that grow on vines can become overwhelming if you do not plant the appropriate number of seeds. Once you have decided that you want to grow things like cantaloupes, watermelons or pumpkins you will definitely want to investigate how many seeds to spread. Otherwise they could grow to take over much more than the allocated space you have for it. Then once you have a handle on spacing, numbers and the whole process in a nutshell you can move on to the part where you get to watch your garden grow. Now I know between the time you plant and the time you get to see the results can feel like an eternity, but once you do see those little sprouts pop their heads you will be hooked on growing. And remember, to share what your grow, friends and family will adore you for it, and you might just get canned, jammed, juiced or jellied versions back as a thank you. If you need somewhere to store all your gardening equipment now it is more than a hobby?
Snow has completely covered my garden since the second week in December. While it is exceptionally beautiful, trying to muddle my way though it to get to our wood supply, our oil supply, and the garden shed has been a chore. I can only begin to imagine what it would have been like if I had not purchased a new snow shovel this year. The one we had before, which I must note lasted for more than ten years, was rendered virtually useless last year.
I went out on a limb and bought a totally different model based upon reviews I read online. At the time I felt kind of silly reading up on such a basic implement, but in retrospect it was actually a good use of my time. Sure, when we only experience intermittent snowfall, and it is light, any shovel will do, but when it really comes down consistently the right shovel can make things bearable. That is how things played out for me this year already, and it is not even January yet. TO be sure, there is a great deal more headed our way, and I am confident that I am prepared.
All year long the wildlife in your garden provides you with entertainment and classic sightings. The beautiful song of the bird, the dance of the squirrel, and the other solo appearances that catch the corner of your eye on a frequent occurrence. Seems like winter is the perfect time to show thanks to them for all that they bring to your outdoor world.
Decorate your garden with dried fruits and collections of seeds and nuts. Dried cranberries, and orange slices can be strewn across the lower branches of trees. Tie bundles of seeds and nuts in lightweight coloured cheese cloth and dangle from varying locations. Then wait and see the happy creatures as they find the surprise offerings at this critical time of scavenging and gathering of last minute food supplies.
These will bring the animals that have not yet gone into hibernation out to visit. In addition, you will have aided in the stockpile that fills every burrow and warren around. A very nice touch to be sure.
Since fall is right around the corner, you might be pleased to know that fall is a perfect time to plant a variety of different fruit trees. If this interests you and you set out to the local nursery to find container grown trees to place into the ground of your garden, then remember these things.
You want to ensure that the tree, which has lived its whole life in a container thus far, is not root bound. Things that will tip you off to this is if the roots are peaking above the top of the soil and if they have a train of roots hanging out of the bottom of the container.
By finding a tree that is not affixed to its container you will increase your chances of it being in tip top condition. In addition, you will buy yourself time till you actually plant it because you can be more confident that it is not stressed within its pot.
While we all like the idea of nurturing our gardens from beginning to end, sometimes it is better to purchse greenhouse raised plants instead of trying to raise our own seeds. This is particularly true if you are planning to raise heat loving seedlings like chillies, cucumbers, and peppers.
Some reasons for buying the plants as opposed to the seeds are if you do not have the appropriate space for the seeds to flourish, and if you want to see results sooner. It is important to know that if you buy the plants young they will fare best if you raise them in a greenhouse until June, or July depending on the plant. Then make them a home in your garden in that month.
Should you be working with sweet peppers, then you will want to plant them in the garden in June. If you are working with chilli plants then bring them into the garden in July. This approach should provide you with the best of crops.