Top Terrific Tomato Tips

 Is it too early too be thinking about your tomato plants? Not if you're the competitive tomato gardening type who wants the earliest and sweetest tomato on the block. Unfortunately, growing great tomatoes doesn't just happen. Sample some of the science experiments on sale at your grocer's this winter, if you don't believe it. Start early with some time tested tomato growing tips to insure you bragging rights this year.

1. Don’t Crowd Seedlings.

If you are starting tomatoes from seed, be sure to give the seedlings room to branch out. Close conditions inhibit their growth, so transplant them as soon as they get their first true leaves and move them into 4" pots about 2 weeks after that.

2. Provide lots of light.

Tomato seedlings will need either strong, direct sunlight or 14-18 hours under grow lights. Place the young plants only a couple of inches from florescent grow lights. Plant your tomatoes outside in the sunniest part of your vegetable plot.

3. Put a fan on your seedlings.

It seems tomato plants need to move and sway in the breeze, to develop strong stems. Provide a breeze by turning a fan on them for 5-10 minutes twice a day.

4. Preheat the soil in your garden.

 Tomatoes love heat. Cover the planting area with black or red plastic a couple of weeks before you intend to plant. Those extra degrees of warmth will translate into earlier tomatoes.

5. Bury them.

Bury tomato plants deeper than they come in the pot, all the way up to a few top leaves. Tomatoes are able to develop roots all along their stems. You can either dig a deeper hole or simply dig a shallow tunnel and lay the plant sideways. It will straighten up and grow toward the sun. Be careful not to drive your pole or cage into the stem.

6. Mulch Later.

Mulch after the ground has had a chance to warm up. Mulching does conserve water and prevents the soil and soil born diseases from splashing up on the plants, but if you put it down too early it will also shade and therefore cool the soil. Try using plastic mulch for heat lovers like tomatoes and peppers. (See Tip #4)

7. Remove the Bottom Leaves.

Once the tomato plants are about 3' tall, remove the leaves from the bottom 1' of stem. These are usually the first leaves to develop fungus problems. They get the least amount of sun and soil born pathogens can be unintentionally splashed up onto them. Spraying weekly with compost tea also seems to be effective at warding off fungus diseases.

8. Pinch & Prune for More Tomatoes

Pinch and remove suckers that develop in the crotch joint of two branches. They won’t bear fruit and will take energy away from the rest of the plant. But go easy on pruning the rest of the plant. You can thin leaves to allow the sun to reach the ripening fruit, but it’s the leaves that are photosynthesizing and creating the sugars that give flavor to your tomatoes.

9. Water the Tomato Plants Regularly.

Water deeply and regularly while the plants are developing. Irregular watering, (missing a week and trying to make up for it), leads to blossom end rot and cracking. Once the fruit begins to ripen, lessening the water will coax the plant into concentrating its sugars. Don’t withhold water so much that the plants wilt and become stressed or they will drop their blossoms and possibly their fruit.

10. Getting Them to Set Tomatoes.

Determinate type tomatoes tend to set and ripen their fruit all at one time, making a large quantity available when you’re ready to make sauce. You can get indeterminate type tomatoes to set fruit earlier by pinching off the tips of the main stems in early summer. 
This information is taken from- http://gardening.about.com/od/growingtips/tp/Tomato_Tips.htm

Butterfly Bush

What is a butterfly bush? Does it really attract butterflies? Buddleia does indeed attract many varieties of butterflies including Fritillaries, Western Tiger Swallowtails, Tortoiseshells and Red Admirals. Red varieties may attract hummingbirds!
The butterfly bush was brought to England in the 1700s. It's a native of China where it's called summer lilac. Buddleia comes in many varieties and blooms from midsummer through September. When in bloom, butterfly bushes are covered with blossoms in shades of white, red, pink, yellow, purple, blue and maroon They look much like lilac blooms and are honey scented.

Buddleia grows best in fertile, well-drained soil, however, it's very drought tolerant and will survive in some pretty tough situations. In fact, in some places it's considered invasive, so it's recommended that if you live in a natural, wilder area it's best to pull up any volunteers rather than let them spread. The bush can grow from 5 - 10 feet and it has a wide, arched branching. You'll need about 6 foot between bushes when spacing.
It's recommended that you cut back the bush each year in winter - in cold climates cut back around November. How close you cut it depends on where you are. If you have a lot of heavy snow it's better to trim back to around 3 foot or so and mulch. If your snow if light then even a foot is okay. It will grow back the next season, and it helps keep it under control. If you don't do this, then at least prune well each year and remove the old woody branches. In warm climates you may cut it back after blooming to encourage a second bloom. Deadheading the blooms can also extend the bloom time, so it's worth the effort.
The butterfly bush needs full sun but will grow in light shade if that is what's available. They are great grown on their own, or in the very back of a border. Of course they are perfect for a butterfly or hummingbird garden. New bushes can be grown from seed, though it's a challenge. Pre-chill the seeds for 4 weeks before sowing. They need light to germinate so just press them lightly onto the soil. They will take up to 90 days to germinate. Cutting or layering stems is an easier way to propagate.
A note if you've never grown butterfly bushes:
They look dead first thing in the spring and some branches die, but wait until May and June to see how it's done over the winter. If there are some dead branches, simply trim them off. In climates like Michigan and other Midwestern states it dies back, and growth only comes from the new wood, so you will have pruning to do in the spring.
Buddleias also make pretty cut flowers. Cut when half the flowers on the stem are open, but before they begin to fade. These should last about a week in a vase with a conditioner if you refresh the water now and then.
This article is taken from- http://www.gardenguides.com/625-butterfly-bush-garden-basics-flower-perennial.html

A Guide To Natural Insecticide

Organic gardening appeals to some people because it sounds important. It makes gardening sound exotic, like it’s on some higher level. Organic gardening is accomplished by avoiding the use of laboratory-made fertilizers, growth substances, antibiotics, or pesticides.
This means using nature’s tools to grow your plants, fruits, and vegetables. It’s a way of being kinder to the earth. Using natural insecticides is a part of that process and has grown in popularity. If done properly, it costs less.
You may use nature to your benefit if you understand and bother to make it work for you. If you learn how to grown or produce your own pesticides, you’re also assisting the eco-system by not putting synthetic fatal mixtures into the dirt and air. You can help reduce the negative effect on the ozone layer by doing your part to help nature.
Botanical is of plants. Plants are natural. Hence botanical pesticides are naturally made from plants and plant parts. One such insecticide is sabadilla. It’s gotten from the seeds of a plant similar to a lily and used in dust or spray form before harvest. It poisons insects when it touches them or gets inside their bodies.
Natural insecticides must still be used with caution. They are not without complications or issues. You need to find out how to use them correctly so that they’re an advantage and not an obstruction. Washing your fruits and vegetables is still recommended before eating them or using them in cooking if you use natural insecticides
A misconception about insecticides of any kind can be that if you use a stronger concentration and/or more of it, the benefits will come quicker and will last longer. But this is an unhealthy approach in several cases. If a technique or product isn’t working, make a change only by being aware of the effects. What you want might be a different product or an additional helper to go with it.
Some of the natural insecticides that are well-known are pyrethrum, nicotine, sabadilla, rotenone, and soap. Cornmeal and some hot peppers may also be effective against insect pests.
It’s still best to try and catch any gardening or crop pests in the beginning stages than to load up on insecticide of any sort. The best control can be awareness and early removal.
This article is taken from- http://www.backyardgardeningtips.com/gardening/a-guide-to-natural-insecticide/

Tips for Utilizing Trellises and Arbors in Your Garden

Denver, Colo. (PRWEB) -- Landscaping elements can enhance the style of your home and also serve as a smart investment. A recent study by Michigan State University shows that a good landscape design can add 6 percent to 12 percent to the base value of a home.
"Choose your garden structures wisely," said Wayne Lewis, president and head designer of GI Designs. "Make sure that the trellises, arbors and gazebos you buy now, not only fit your landscape design, they also should fulfill the future needs of your plantings."
"Study the entire landscape before you begin your project," said Lewis. "This helps to ensure harmony and flow."
Lewis knows about metal garden accessories. Through GI Designs he has provided sculptures, arbors, tripods and the entryway to the Children's Garden in the Denver Botanic Gardens, arbors for the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Mich., and tuteurs to the Chicago Botanic Garden.
"Garden structures like arbors or trellises must complement your home's exterior and landscape design as well as fit the growth requirements of the vines or plants you are planning to use," said Greg Isabel, vice president and founding partner of GI Designs.

Keep your plant materials in mind when choosing landscape elements. Many arbors and gazebos simply aren't strong enough to support the weight and abuse that a mature wisteria or grape vine can bring, said Isabel. Structures that look great the first year or so after planting are later overwhelmed by the heavy, woody vines.
"It's a shame that a favorite plant may have to be severely cut back or even removed because the gardener didn't plan ahead and pick the right trellis or arbor to fit the future needs of the plant," said Isabel.
"Think of your garden structures like furniture," said Isabel. "Spend a little more on the big pieces to guarantee many years of enjoyment. Then spend less on accessories such as garden stakes and yard art to easily update the look of your garden."
Isabel recommends selecting metal garden structures that are easy to assemble, yet have strong welds and a substantial feel to the supports and cross-members.
When deciding on an arbor, look for one that serves more than one purpose. Some newer arbor designs feature integrated side planter boxes for easy planting and can be placed on decks or patios without having to be permanently mounted, as well as used in the landscape.
Combining a garden trellis with a planter box is one of the new trends in products for landscape design. Some units feature casters to allow easy movement around the porch or patio. Hotels and restaurants can use these planters and their trellis screens to separate parties and areas, or create a temporary wall and move it back as the party grows.

"Few items of home or garden decor are as versatile as this all-in-one planter and trellis. Use indoors or out for large house plants or climbing, flowering vines," said Isabel. "You can also utilize arbors with integrated side planter boxes for easy planting on decks, patios or in the landscaping."
To find examples of metal garden structures and landscape d�cor, visit the GIDesigns web site.
this article is taken from- http://www.designingonline.com/home-and-garden-news/trellises-arbors-garden.html

Plan a Summertime Party Your Guests Will Remember

It's summertime now, the sun is shining, gentle breezes are blowing, and the flowers have been in peak bloom for several weeks now. The holidays seem like ages ago, as do memories of stress-filled weeks of gift shopping, wrapping, holiday parties and events. After the hectic holiday season, it feels nice to stay home in late winter and leave the many parties behind. By summertime, however, everyone gets the urge for picnics with friends and family get-togethers, soaking in the beautiful skies and playing in the lush grass.

How do you make your summertime party the event of the season? A few tips will go a long way in ensuring that your guests will remember the day long after the heat of the summer gives way to cool autumn days.

1. Decide on a budget. Often overlooked, your available budget will determine the number of guests you can invite, menu and drink offerings, party themes, location and d�cor. Remember that once you settle on a number you must stick to it.

2. Brainstorm the party theme. Let your imagination run wild and don't limit yourself to summertime themes. Here are a few unique ideas:

a. "Summertime Ski Slope Soiree" if your guests enjoy winter skiing or have never seen snow - create fake "snow". Use your imagination here... maybe it's a kiddie pool filled with a little water and a lot of bubbles/foam, or if it is indoors you have the air conditioning turned up to provide a distinct chill in the air when guests are asked to arrive in their parkas to a warm cup of hot chocolate. Menu items could include hot toddie style drinks, warm appetizers and soups.

b. BBQ King Grill-Off - invite the neighbors and let the guys (or gals) register for a BBQ competition with plenty of spouses and children invited as tasting judges of the anonymous entries. Use fun novelty gifts as "trophies" for the winners, like this cute grill condiment set. The menu becomes easier because the guests do your cooking! Provide accoutrements such as corn on the cob, spicy salsa with chips and margaritas to complete the theme.

c. Beach Bum Bash - although this party would be great with a pool at the party location, adding a kiddie pool or lawn sprinklers would be just as fun, and maybe more entertaining! Instruct guests to bring their bathing suits if they desire, and serve light appetizers of tropical fruit salads and trays of fun serveware, chicken salad wraps and fruity drinks (remember non-alcoholic varieties for the designated driver attendees as well). Fun summertime beach games can be arranged, including volleyball or the limbo.

3. Find your location. If your budget is low, you may not have a choice other than your home... but you can do so much with a little imagination! Change out lightbulbs to colored varieties to add ambience for different themes, use lengths of fabric draped around to provide a feel of "sheers" or "fur" for varying temperatures. Bring in potted flowers or kid toys to coordinate your themes, and search your home for props you may already have.

4. Create a menu. Forget "ham sandwiches" and "pasta salads", and promise yourself that nothing will get added to the menu that doesn't have a fun and memorable name. Think along the lines of "piratey pesto pasta" or "apple blossom marigold cheesecake", "tangy texas tinis" or "ski lift saucy sundaes."

Once you let your imagination take hold, it will be easy to create the memorable party your guests will talk about long after you finish the dishes. Just remember to plan early, create lists to ensure details aren't missed, and cook ahead as much as possible to allow yourself the benefit of sitting back and enjoying the party with your guests.

by
Pam Anderson
This article is taken from- http://www.dreamsalivemagazine.com/summer2007/plan-summertime-party-guests-remember/index.html

The Planning Basics of Home Interior Decorating

All of us love to surround our world with things, which are both beautiful as well as exotic. Our homes are one of the most intrinsic parts of the world around us. Therefore, most of us enjoy making our homes more than a mere structure made up of four walls and a roof. Home decor styles range from a number of themes, designs, and materials.

While planning your home decor project, you can either opt for the theme being implemented throughout the house or use one specific theme for a specific room. For example, a house was once designed in such a way that each room was decorated with the styles of the different countries the home owner had visited. All rooms included authentic art and furniture from each visited country.

An assessment of your needs is preferrable before embarking on the process of a new home interior decorating project. The next point to keep in mind would obviously be taste such as personal likings and dislikings. You can then choose from several themes that can stretch from Victorian to more contemporary themes, which are more suited to the modern and urban lifestyle.

One of the modern themes including home decor ideas that are really catching up is the use of bamboo. Eco-friendly and beautiful, bamboo has a number of advantages that account for its popularity as a first choice for home interior decoration. Transform your home to a tropical paradise of peace and harmony with the use of bamboo. Another benefit of using bamboo is the fact that the material is famous for its sheer versatility. You can incorporate it into almost anything beginning with floorings to even towels!

The main point to remember when using bamboo for decorating your home interior is the fact that the glue that is used for sealing the sheets into a pattern should be non-toxic glue. This is especially important when bamboo flooring is glued with inexpensive or low quality glue. The flooring can cause the floors to dent and also cause them to give out a harmful gas called Formaldehyde.

Curtains can also match with the flooring with convenience as bamboo curtains can be easily purchased all over the world. It is best to keep the interior spaces clutter-free while using bamboo flooring, as this would go a long way in enhancing the ambience. The color that this theme would necessarily involve would be slightly muted. Furthermore, this color is quite fashionable in this decade. In case you want to add color to the space, cushions and rugs make make nice floor decor additions.

To add a bit of freshness to the room, accentuate the muted sophistication of the theme with a couple of bright hibiscus flowers and perhaps a well chosen painting with a color selection that matches the home decor accessories.

by
Julien Raynal
This article is taken from- http://www.dreamsalivemagazine.com/summer2007/planning-basics-home-interior-decorating/index.html