Seven Gardening By the Yard Tips Having a small yard doesn’t mean you have to compromise on having a beautiful garden. With a bit of determination and knowledge, you can transform your yard into a lush, well-maintained space. Here are seven tips to keep your garden vibrant and attractive. 1. Deadheading Regularly remove wilted flowers and dried leaves from your plants. Deadheading encourages plants to produce more blooms and maintain their beauty for longer. ...
Electricity is a major household expense, but with proper maintenance and a few simple habits, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and save money. Here’s how you can keep your appliances running efficiently and keep your bills in check. 1. Keep Your Appliances Clean and Well-Maintained Regular cleaning and upkeep are essential to ensure your appliances work at their best. Dirty or neglected appliances consume more energy, leading to higher bills. By keeping them in good condition, you’ll enjoy better performance and energy savings. ...
Safe Pest Control Tips Pest control is essential to maintaining a healthy garden, but it must be done with safety in mind—for plants, animals, and humans. This is particularly important for vegetable and organic gardens, where the use of harmful chemicals can negate the benefits of growing your own produce. Here are some environmentally friendly and effective pest control tips to help protect your garden while minimizing harm. 1. Use Physical Pest Control What It Is: Physically removing pests or preventing their entry. How to Apply: Pick grubs off plants by hand. Create barriers and traps to prevent pest access. Plug holes and seal entry points in the garden. Snails often hide in damp places, such as under rocks or near plants with strap-like foliage; manually remove them from these spots. 2. Apply Biological Pest Control What It Is: Using natural predators or biological agents to control pests. How to Apply: Encourage beneficial insects like green lacewings and dragonflies by adding a shallow bowl of water to your garden. These insects feed on aphids and other harmful pests. Use bacterial insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) to control caterpillar infestations. 3. Use Chemical Pest Control as a Last Resort What It Is: The use of chemical solutions to control pests, but only when other methods fail. How to Apply: Opt for organic or less-toxic options, such as insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, or dehydrating dusts. Check the label to ensure the chemicals are specifically designed for the pests you are targeting. 4. Consider Safer Pest Control Alternatives Homemade Recipes: Against Green Aphids and Mites: Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid soap with 1 cup of vegetable oil. Dilute 1 teaspoon of this mixture in 1 cup of water and spray it directly on the pests. Against Cockroaches: Apply boric acid dust to cracks and entry points. Place bay leaves on pantry shelves to deter cockroaches naturally. Key Takeaway Using safer and more sustainable pest control methods protects your garden, the environment, and your health. Prioritize natural and non-toxic options whenever possible, and only resort to chemicals as a last measure. ...
What’s in Store for National Home Gardening Club Members? Are you passionate about gardening? Joining the National Home Gardening Club might just be the best decision for you! Known as the largest paid home gardening organization, this club offers a wealth of benefits tailored for gardening enthusiasts. Let’s explore what’s in store for members. Exclusive Member Benefits Becoming a member of the National Home Gardening Club unlocks these amazing perks: ...
3 Tips in Landscaping Your Garden Landscaping is often a large task that requires both time and energy. But before you hire a professional, here are a few tips that could save you time and money. 1. Plan Your Design Spend some time thinking about exactly how you want your garden to look in the final design. Consider both style and function. Do you want to include an area for entertaining or a barbecue? Will there be a space for children to play, a fishpond, or a swimming pool? Also, think about the types of plants you’d like. Start by focusing on the area where you spend the most time, as that’s a good place to begin. ...
Modern Gardening Equipment The types and quality of tools you use for gardening affect not only your plants’ health but also your comfort and efficiency. Defective or poorly designed equipment can harm plants and strain your body, leading to blisters, fatigue, or even injuries. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable gardening experience, invest in tools suited to your gardening style, with sufficient power to get the job done while minimizing physical strain. ...