How to make bird nest materials to attract birds and hummingbirds

The spring season in a garden is magical, as flowers shoot up from the ground. Hummingbirds and colorful birds love to see the plants rise from their roots. Carol Garringer was an artist who established The Artisan’s Garten in Eugene. Her designs are also made from vintage materials like old pot lids or chandelier pieces.

FAQ

What is the best way to determine what kind of soil I have?

The color of the soil can tell you how much organic matter it contains. The soil color will tell you if it contains more organic matter than the lighter ones. A second option is soil testing. These tests assess the soil's nutritional content.

What is a planting calendar?

A planting calendar lists the plants that should all be planted at various times during the year. The goal is to maximize growth while minimizing stress for the plant. The last frost date should be used to sow early spring crops, such as spinach, lettuce, and beans. Spring crops later include squash, cucumbers, summer beans, and squash. Fall crops include cabbage, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli and cauliflower.

What vegetables are good to grow together and what are the best?

The combination of tomatoes and peppers is great because they love the same temperatures and soil conditions. They work well together as tomatoes need heat to ripen and peppers need lower temperatures for optimal flavor. If you want to try growing them together, start seeds indoors about six weeks before planting them. After the weather has warmed up, you can transplant the pepper plants and tomatoes outside.

What's the difference?

Hydroponic gardening uses nutrients-rich water to feed plants. Aquaponics blends fish tanks with plants to create a self sufficient ecosystem. Aquaponics is like having your own farm in your home.

What's the first thing you should do when you begin a garden project?

Preparing the soil is the most important step in starting a garden. This includes adding organic matter like composted cow manure, grass clippings leaves, straw, and so on, which will help to provide plant nutrients. Next, plant the seeds or seedlings in the holes. Then, water well.

How much space do vegetable gardens need?

A good rule is that 1 square foot of soil needs 1/2 pound. Therefore, 100 pounds of seeds is required for a surface of 10 feet x 10 feet (3 m x 3 m).

Do I need to buy special equipment to grow vegetables?

No, not really. All you need is a shovel, trowel, watering can, and maybe a rake.

Statistics

• Most tomatoes and peppers will take 6-8 weeks to reach transplant size so plan according to your climate! - ufseeds.com
• As the price of fruit and vegetables is expected to rise by 8% after Brexit, the idea of growing your own is now better than ever. (countryliving.com)
• 80% of residents spent a lifetime as large-scale farmers (or working on farms) using many chemicals believed to be cancerous today. (acountrygirlslife.com)
• It will likely be ready if a seedling has between 3 and 4 true leaves. (gilmour.com)

External Links

almanac.com

• Old Farmer's Almanac

planthardiness.ars.usda.gov

• USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

How To

Basil growing tips

Basil is one herb you can use to make many different dishes in your kitchen. Basil is great for flavoring foods, including soups, sauces and pastas. Here are some tips to grow basil indoors.

1. It is important to choose the right location. Basil is an evergreen plant. If it's not located in the right area, it will only last one season. Basil likes full sunlight but can be tolerant of partial shade. If you plan to grow it outside, make sure there is good air circulation.
2. Plant the seeds. Basil seeds should be planted two weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in small pots filled with potting mix. Cover the pots with clear plastic wrap and keep the pots in a warm area out of direct sunlight. Germination usually takes about ten days. After the pots have germinated, place them in a sunny area where temperatures are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, transplant them. Take off the plastic wrap and transfer the seedlings to larger containers. Fill each container with potting mix and add some gravel or pebbles to help drain excess moisture. You can add more potting mix if necessary. The containers should be placed in a sunny location or under indirect lighting. Mist the plants regularly to keep them from wilting.
4. Apply a thick layer mulch to the top of your plants after the danger of frost has passed. This will protect them against cold weather and reduce water losses.
5. Water the plants regularly. Basil requires regular watering in order to thrive. You can use a rain gauge or a water gauge to determine the amount of water that your plants need. Use a timer to automatically turn off irrigation during dry spells.
6. Take your basil out at the peak of its life. Pick leaves frequently to encourage bushier growth.
7. The leaves can be dried on paper towels or screens. Store dried leaves in glass jars or bags in the refrigerator.