Consider Drip Irrigation For Your Landscaping!
By admin | November 12, 2008
Drip irrigation
- reduces water usage,
- easily irrigates odd-shaped and narrow areas,
- accommodates hanging baskets and other types of planters,
- may be exempt from water restrictions imposed during drought.
Installation of a drip irrigation system is relatively easy and can be accomplished by most home handymen. The required parts, pipe, fittings, tubing, valves, emitters (nozzles) and controllers to install a drip irrigation system are readily available at most of the “Big Box” home improvement centers in both individual units and packaged systems. As well, most landscaping and garden centers now carry a complete inventory of drip irrigation systems and parts.
Drip irrigation utilizes a network of plastic pipes and tubing. Water is distributed slowly, at a low flow and pressure rate to all plants, unlike sprinkler style irrigation systems, which always end up “over spraying” the areas that need watering.
A normal in-ground sprinkler system has an efficiency of between 50 and 70 percent, whereas a drip irrigation system should provide efficiencies in excess of 90 percent, providing the systems watering scheduled has been considered and programmed properly.
Plant growth is highly improved with drip irrigation because it inherently maintains a proper balance of air and water in the soil around the plants roots. With drip irrigation water is not supplied in excess quantities, it is delivered often and at low flow rates keeping the soil continually moist. Sprinkler irrigation systems have the inherent problem that produce a much more dramatic wet to dry variation in the soil and hence restrict plant growth.
Drip irrigation systems have been available to commercial growers involved in vegetables, orchards, nursery plants and greenhouses for many years. As with many products and systems originally designed for commercial use, drip irrigation has been packaged and re-engineered for residential applications. In home landscaping, drip irrigation systems provide exceptional service in vegetable, herb and flower gardens and can be readily adapted to provide watering for fruit trees and hanging baskets.
If you are considering adding or currently have a berm or mound in your landscaping, drip irrigation provides the most efficient and effective method of watering any associated plants. Any slope in landscaping is difficult to water as large quantities of water run off prior to soaking into the ground. By using the low flow rates associated with drip irrigation on a berm or mound, water is more likely to soak into the soil than run off.
For additional information on drip irrigration systems for your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.
Tags: drip irrigation, flowers, in ground, landscaping, Plants, sprinkler system, Vegetables, wateringGuide To Growing Annuals
By admin | July 4, 2008
Annuals are beautiful flowers that grace almost every garden. Depending on your zone, they will last only the season and die off in winter. Sometimes called bedding plants they are relatively inexpensive and loved for their bright flowers which bloom all summer.
Annuals start and end their life cycle in one growing season. Typically, you would purchase them in spring and plant them after threat of frost has passed (although some hardy varieties may survive a frost). Some popular annuals include pansies, impatiens, petunias, marigolds and begonias.
You can buy annuals for your garden and most garden centers and even the big home centers like Lowes and Home Depot. Annuals are sold in different packages - some come in large pots but many come in tiny little individual packages like an ice cube tray with about 6 plants per pack. You can buy as many packs as you need to fill in your area, but be sure to read the instructions on the tag as to how far apart to plant so you know how many to get.
Planting them depends on the particular variety that you have but most annuals like a sunny spot with well drained soil. Annuals need warm soil and stable temperatures so you want to wait until it is well into spring and you know the ground is warmed up and it won’t be getting too cold.
One good way to figure out where you want to place the plants is to place them in different spots and configurations while still in their containers. Once you have found the perfect arrangement, you’re ready to plant!
It’s a good idea to moisten the soil before you start planting. Then dig the holes deep enough so that the base of the plant stem will be even with the top of the dirt (all the roots will be under the ground just like when it was in the pot). Carefully remove the annual from it’s original container, shake some of the dirt loose from the roots and place in the hole. Then put the dirt back around the plant, pat gently and water thoroughly. You might want to add some organic mulch and liquid fertilizer.
As your annuals begin growing and producing flowers you’ll want to be sure to water them every day - not too much though, just enough to soak the ground. Also, get a good fertilizer specifically for flowers and use it as directed. Inspect your flowers for pests or disease and remove dead flowers, leaves and branches regularly. This will prevent fungi from growing which can hurt your plants. Look for signs of wilting and yellowed leaves and adjust your care accordingly.
Planting annuals in your garden can give you variety of plants and color year after year. It will allow you to experiment with different plants until you find the combination perfect for your garden.
Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.backyard-garden-and-patio.com where you can get more articles on annuals and gardening.
Tags: annuals, flower garden, flowers, garden, gardening, landscaping, PlantsEasy Tips For Planting Garden Bulbs
By admin | June 30, 2008
Garden bulbs are a great way to get color in your garden year after year without having to replant. But many people are intimidated by planting and caring for bulbs, and never get to experience these great flowering plants. These easy tips for planting garden bulbs will show you there is nothing to fear and have you planting your first bulb garden in no time!
Most bulb plants are actually rather hardy and planting them is quite easy. All it takes is a bit of planning and being able to follow the directions on the bulb package. As is the way of nature, your bulbs will really put in an effort to bloom so you really have to screw up to get them to fail.
The most important thing to do to ensure good blooming plants is to read the package. On there you will find the depth that the bulb needs to be planted. This is important because each type of flower likes to be put in at a different depth. As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the bulb the deeper the hole. Usually you will find the directions telling you to plant 3 times as deep as the bulb or 4 times as deep. Each bulb is different so follow the directions for best results.
Another important thing is not to skimp when digging the hole. Be prepared to dig out anywhere from 5 to 10″. It helps to have a good digging tool and to pick a spot where the soil is loose and not full of roots. Loosen up some of the oil around the bulb and plant it with the pointy part up. Of course, it’s not obvious in all bulbs which part is the pointy part but don’t panic if you can’t tell. Just do your best and nature will take over and usually get the flower growing in the right direction.
If you buy bulbs ahead of time, store them in a cool dry place and keep them in the package until you are actually digging the hole for them. This way you will be able to tell which bulbs you are planting. If you take them out, you might get confused as to which is the tulip and which is the daffodil as many bulbs can look amazingly similar.
Most bulbs like to be planted in full sun and always in soil with good drainage. It’s a good idea to decide on where you will be planting the bulbs before you buy them so you know how many to get. You don’t want them to be overcrowded at fist as they will multiply over time. Be sure to read the package to determine how far apart they should be planted and the optimum conditions for the type of flower you are planting.
Preparing the soil is another important step in planting bulbs. You want to loosen the soil in the bulb hole and mix in some compost or organic matter. Don’t put fertilizer in the hole as this can damage the young roots and it is not necessary - your plant has all the nutrients it needs right inside the bulb!
Place the bulb in the hole and cover loosely with dirt. Dig a shallow moat around the bulb and water thoroughly so that the moat is full. Let the moat drain then fill in the rest of the soil and pack lightly. Give it a final thorough watering and you’re done!
Planning your bulb garden is important for antithetic purposes. Put the taller bulbs in back and the shorter ones in front. If you have a garden that can be viewed from all sides then put the taller bulbs in the middle. Since most bulbs only bloom for a few weeks, you need to include bulbs with all different bloom times in your garden. Buy bulbs that bloom in early spring, late spring, early summer and late summer and plant them all in the same area for color all season long. You can plant them next to each other or even in the same hole. If you time things perfectly, you will have one plant starting to bloom as another is ending.
Keeping your bulbs healthy and vibrant is easy. Remember to water them per instructions and fertilize them yearly. When your flower is done blooming, do not remove the leaves until they have turned brown - the green leaves are gathering nutrients to be stored in the bulb for next years flower!
Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.backyard-garden-and-patio.com where you can get more great gardening tips
Tags: annuals, Bulbs, flowers, garden, gardening, landscaping, Plants