Have you ever noticed those tiny white balls that look like Styrofoam in a bag of commercial potting soil? Wonder what Styrofoam has to do with plant health, right? Those tiny, white round specks are actually perlite. Perlite is an important resource for plants and offers some amazing benefits that every gardener should know about. …
Blueberries are flavorful and nutritious fruits and brighten up the garden with the beautiful bush laden with brightly coloured berries in the summers. They’re easy to grow and very productive, as long as they get the right growing conditions. Though blueberries aren’t very demanding, the one thing they won’t grow without is – acidic soil. …
Clay soil may not be the choicest soil for gardeners, but it’s not without its benefits. In fact, it’s richer in nutrients than other types of soils. Owing to the high density of clay particles, the soil also tends to retain moisture well for absorption by the roots. Of course, the bad reputation of the …
Most brands of multi-purpose compost sell material that has as much as 70 to 100% peat. This fact is quite alarming considering that even small amounts of peat lay long-lasting environmental effects on the environment. Unless the packaging specifically mentions “peat-free”, expect your compost package to have high volumes of peat in it. Why should …
Weeds are the worst uninvited guests in the garden. They’ll spring up just about anywhere they get a chance, vegetable garden being one of them. It’s not surprising to see them peeking out from cracks in driveways. Though you’ll find yourself weeding during the major part of your gardening time, it may seem like they’re …
You’re looking at your garden wondering how it turned into such a mess. After all, you grew vegetables in it just last season. Weeds have taken over and you don’t know what to do? There are no chances for a vegetable garden now unless you get rid of the weeds. Weeds are every gardener’s worst …
Mulches bring a host of benefits for the plants. They lower evaporation to retain water for the roots, keep the soil cool in summers, and suppress weeds. Organic mulches also improve the soil structure, drainage and nutrient levels as the organic material decomposes and seeps into the soil layers. Continue reading, and you’ll learn how …
Soil is the key factor in deciding your garden’s fate. The right soil will promote a healthy, thriving garden that brings loads of delicious harvests, while poor soil can have the opposite effect. Another thing to keep in mind is the soil preference of different plants. The right soil for one species might not be …
Clay soil is the last thing a gardener wants in their yard. Without a doubt, it’s very hard to grow anything in clay soil, especially if you don’t want to amend it. In its raw form, clay soil is heavy, compacted, and prevents water and nutrients from moving between the soil layers. The result is …
Will pumpkins grow in clay soil is a question I am asked frequently because my vegetable garden is all clay soil. Each year I grow pumpkins and each year I try and grow them even bigger than the year before! This versatile veg is great in pies, soup, or stuffed. Pumpkin is a traditional favorite …
