Growing Your Own Herbs

If you're not the type of person that wants to spend their time managing an elaborate fruit or vegetable garden, you might consider planting and maintaining an herb garden. While the product might not seem as significant, you'll still enjoy the constant availability of fresh, delicious herbs to flavor your meals with.

First you'll want to choose the herbs that you'll plant. You might have a hard time doing this because of the huge scope of herbs available. But the best way to choose is to do what I did; just look at what you have in your kitchen. By planting your own collection of these herbs, you can save money on buying them from the grocery store while having the added benefit of freshness. Some of the herbs you might start with include rosemary, sage, basil, dill, mint, chives, and parsley among others.

When choosing an area to put your herb garden, you should remember that the soil should have extremely good drainage. If the dirt gets watered and stays completely saturated, you have no chance of ever growing a healthy plant. One of the best ways to fix the drainage problem is to dig a foot deep in the soil, and put a layer of crushed rocks down before replacing all the soil. This will allow all that water to escape, thus saving your plants.

When you are ready to begin planting herbs, you might be tempted to buy the more expensive plants from the store. However, with herbs it is much easier to grow them from seed than it is with other plants. Therefore you can save a bundle of money by sticking with seed packets. Some herbs grow at a dangerously fast rate. For example, if you plant a mint plant in an open space then it will take over your entire garden in a matter of days. The best way to prevent this problem is to plant the more aggressive plants in pots (with holes in the bottom to allow drainage, of course).

When it comes time to harvest the herbs you have labored so hard over, it can be fatal to your plant to take off too much. If your plant isn't well established, it isn't healthy to take any leaves at all, even if it looks like its not using them. You should wait until your plant has been well established for at least several months before taking off any leaves. This wait will definitely be worth it, because by growing unabated your plant will produce healthily for years to come.

Once you've harvested your delicious home grown herbs, you'll want to use them in cooking. Why else would you have grown them? Well first the process begins with drying them out. This is easily achieved by placing them on a cookie sheet and baking them 170 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 4 hours. After they're sufficiently dried to be used in cooking, you can consult the nearest cookbook for instructions on using them to effectively flavor a dish.

If you want to store your herbs for later usage, you should keep them in a plastic or glass container. Paper or cardboard will not work, because it will absorb the taste of the herbs. During the first few days of storage, you should regularly check the container and see if any moisture has accumulated. If it has, you must remove all the herbs and re-dry them. If moisture is left from the first drying process, it will encourage mildew while you store your herbs. Nobody likes mildew.

If you enjoy herbs or gardening, or both, then you should probably consider setting up an herb garden. It might require a little bit of work at first to set it up for optimal drainage, and pick what herbs you want to grow. But after the initial hassle, it's just a matter of harvesting and drying all your favorite herbs.

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/Growing-Your-Own-Herbs/69594

How to Make Compost

Compost is a simple, but valuable item that is extremely easy to make. If you have a garden or flowerbeds you can easily make compost to naturally fertilize your plants. There are typically three different types of compost piles. You have what is called a pile, which is exactly what it sounds like. It's when you gather your composting materials and pile them up on the ground. You can also build a small cage out of wood or some type of fencing. The best way to compost is to purchase a composting bin. You can recycle many of your household waste items into your compost pile. Almost all organic matter is suitable for a compost pile; you need both brown and green products for your pile. The brown items which will include tea bags, coffee grinds, manure and almost any other brown organic items are rich in carbon. Green materials which include everything from grass clippings to banana peels are rich in nitrogen. You want your compost heap to have a good equilibrium of carbon and nitrogen. Whatever you do, don't put any protein materials like meat into the compost heap. The protein will rot and cause an awful smell. You can put garden clippings, grass clippings, leaves, kitchen waste, wood ash, pine needles, and even egg shells into the compost pile. Once you have a good pile going you have to ensure that water is introduced and that the sun will raise the temperature of the pile. Composting is a natural process of breaking down organic matter into a rich substance that plants thrive on. Micro-organisms, fungi, bacteria, insects, and worms will eat up the discarded waste and turn it into an excellent organic fertilizer for your garden or flower beds. This is the same process that happens every year when leaves fall to the ground and slowly decompose. All you are doing is speeding up the process. Compost works best when the temperature of the pile is above 100 degrees and below 140 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature many seeds and bad items for the compost pile will die in less than a quarter of an hour. If you chop up the items using a lawn mower it makes for much faster composting. If you just pile up all the organic matter and leave it could take up to a year to have good compost, but if you manage it carefully you can have compost in as little as a month. By managing the compost you have to ensure that the temperature is hot and there is a good level of nitrogen and carbon. If you feel the pile and it is warmer than the temperature outside then it's doing its job, if not then you must add more nitrogen materials such as grass clippings or manure. You also must ensure that the pile stays moist; it needs water to properly decay. The pile should always have a little moisture, about as much as a wrung out towel. Not only is this excellent fertilizer for your garden, but it also helps cut down on wastes at the community land fill. And with more and more waste services refusing to take grass clippings, leaves, and tree limbs this is an excellent way to discard of those materials. Composting is not only good for your garden, it's good for the community and can be a fun process. It's neat to watch nature at work and see how we have found ways to speed up the natural process. Happy composting!

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/How-to-Make-Compost/68216

Ideas for your Toronto Balcony

One of the most popular trends of the new millennium is on towards outdoor living. What this means is that more and more people are seeking to use their land as well as their houses as living spaces, moving living areas out onto decks and patios and even lawns. By doing his, people can enjoy nice weather outdoors and still have the comforts they expect inside.

Contrary to popular opinion outside of our borders, Canadians are certainly not exempt from the draw of outside living. In fact, one might say that we appreciate really great weather even more than our neighbours to the south, since we know what BAD weather is really like. So it's not surprising that all across Canada people are creating their own outdoor living rooms, from the rural areas right to the big cities such as Toronto.

Of course, when you are talking about the majority of Toronto residents in the downtown area particularly, outdoor living spaces are going to be centred around the balconies of apartment and condominium complexes. In this article, we are going to take a look at some ideas to incorporate into your outdoor living on your Toronto balcony.

Start with your furniture. The best place to begin when it comes to setting up a living area outdoors is with your furniture choices. Most balconies are covered, so you won't have to worry about the effects of rain, but wind can still do some weathering on susceptible furniture. Take a look at pieces made form hardy materials, but which are still comfortable to sit or lie down on. You might want to include a couple of different pieces for sitting or lying down on; chairs, hammocks, even swings are all great options. And don't forget a nice table, of a size that can suit your snacking or even outdoor dinner ideas!

Decorative touches. Once you have your furniture picked out, you can start thinking about those little touches that will give your balcony a flavour that is uniquely you. Your touches should include decor that flows well with your furniture choices.

Plants and flowers. Including plants and flower will add to the atmosphere, complementing the outdoor location of your home outside of home. Plastic arrangements are wonderful when done properly, and of course don't require the labour needed for the real thing.

So don't let living in Canada, or living in a high-rise building, stop you from creating your own room outdoors. Outdoor living spaces are easy, trendy, and they convey a true sense of freedom.

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/Ideas-for-your-Toronto-Balcony/66821

The Truth Behind Why Many Gardens Fail

With spring on the way and people getting ready to garden, some for the first time; this might be a good time to review some of the mistakes that most of us have made at one time or another.

* Not preparing your soil properly. If your soil is barren, you can add peat moss, perlite, vermiculite,humus, clean straw, compost, or composted-manure. A good mix is 2/3 soil with 1/3 amendments added. You are feeding the soil, not the plant.

* Not planting in an area that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

* Over planting. Fewer seeds spaced evenly are usually enough. The majority of your seeds will sprout, so why waste them, your time and your money by going back later and than thinning them out?

* Not watering properly. Consistent and frequent watering it is best. Initial watering can be light, but as the growing season wears on, deeper soaking is encouraged. One inch of water per week is the standard. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems are ideal for this chore. Water deeply, not daily. Improper watering is the number one cause of garden failure.

* Planting too deep. If using transplants the hole should be approximately the size of the root ball. The root-ball should stick out of the ground a fraction of an inch. If the root ball is bound up, open it so the roots will spread out. Do not bury seeds too deeply and remember to read the instructions on the seed packet.

* Planting vegetables that are not suitable for your growing zone. Check to see what your growing zone is.

* Using unhealthy transplants in the hope that they will recover. They might, but you are making a long-shot bet.

* Not weeding. Start out by weeding before the weeds get ahead of you. They will be competing with the vegetables for food water, nourishment and light, early weeding will make life a lot easier for you and your vegetables.

* Over fertilizing. More fertilizer is not better. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive foliage growth with spindly stems and less produce. 1 in. of compost should be enough to grow annual vegetables for a season. Fertilize sparingly and only as necessary.

* Creating too large a garden. When gardening gets to be a chore, it becomes too easy to let upkeep slide.

Remember, too much food is wasteful unless you have a lot of hungry neighbors. Grow only what you need.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/The-Truth-Behind-Why-Many-Gardens-Fail/148972

Organic Gardening Tip - 5 Tips To Successful Organic Gardens

Unlike the popular theories that state that the space shuttle could miraculously appear if blown up enough times, an organic garden is usually not the result of an accident. People that have a successful garden have created one based upon their consistent upkeep, planning, and a desire to make their garden grow. Regardless of the therapeutic value the gardening has, relaxation has little to do with the steps that it takes to ensure the success of your gardening endeavor. Here are a few organic gardening tips on how to make sure that your organic garden goals are reached by looking at planning, soil preparation, fertilizers, irrigation, and insect and disease control.

As with all things that eventually come to pass, a plan is always needed. Not something that is thought of and reconsidered over time intermittently, but a specified plan of action that leads to a specified end result. When you decide to grow your garden, and you choose to do it in an organic matter, you will need to take a few things into consideration such as location, the environment that the plants will grow it, the time that it will take in order for you to properly take care of your garden, how much effort will be involved and are there any resources that you may or may not be able to acquire in order to reach your final goals.

Once you have a clear written outline of what it is you need to do and what you need to acquire to reach your garden goals, it is time to start the plan into action. Action is everything once the goals are defined. If you set your goals but neglect factors such as good seed, compost, or even a source of good water for your plants, you will fail in your attempt because any compromise will lead to an overall failure.

The next thing you begin doing is prepare your soil. Soil preparation is the foundation of the growth of any and all plants that you have. From the soil, the plants will be able to get their nutrients. Soil that is hard or dense will be almost impossible to aerate and therefore the plants will not get enough oxygen through the root system in order to thrive and flourish. Likewise, if there is no way for the water to evenly percolate to the plants roots in your garden, some plants will make it while others will die without consistent moisture, and some will be oversaturated and get root rot.

Another organic gardening tip is that you must also consider the consistency of the soil in regard to the amount of compost and nutrients that will be accessible to the seeds that will grow into the plants in the garden that you desire. By adding natural compost or other fertilizers to enhance the nutrients within the soil such as nitrogen or potassium, you will need to prepare this ahead of time, specifically as you are preparing the soil and getting ready to plant your seeds.

With reference to fertilizer, if you are doing this in an organic matter, some of the best fertilizer that you can get can either come from your compost pile or from a worm bin that you have created through your vermicomposting efforts. This needs to be prepared several weeks in advance so that it is ready to use when you are ready to plant. Compost that has not had time to properly finish will be detrimental to your soil and therefore proper preparation is always mandatory before getting ready to add these nutrients to the soil that will bear the fruit of your labor.

The consideration of water is also paramount in your success. You must have a way for your organic garden to get enough water on a regular basis so that it can grow unimpeded by the periods of droughts that are self induced by someone to did not plan ahead of time and create an optimal situation for the gardens irrigation needs. This includes having enough access to water, easy access through an irrigation system or hose system, and potentially a sprinkler system on a timer which can ensure that the garden is receiving water on a regular basis.

One final organic gardening tip that you should consider is that when your plants begin to grow, insects will appear. Weeds will also appear as well as potential diseases that can kill off your crop. This will take some wisdom on your part knowing the types of plants you are growing and finding natural alternatives to pesticides that may inhibit or deter the natural growth processes of your plants. If you are an organic gardener, you will not want to use these anyway and therefore finding beneficial insects that attack bad insects or natural scents or plants that will deter weed growth or disease is paramount in ensuring the healthy growth of your garden.

When considering all of these things together in a big picture, you realize that gardening cannot possibly be the result of an accident. There must be proper preparation and access to all of the tools necessary in order to make a garden successful and to make your efforts worthwhile. Take some time and use these five organic gardening tips to your benefit and make your garden one of the best you have ever had.

People that have a successful garden have created one based upon their consistent upkeep, planning, and a desire to make their garden grow. Here are a few tips on how to make sure that your organic garden goals are reached by looking at planning, soil preparation, fertilizers, irrigation, and insect and disease control.

About the Author:

Chris Dailey is the owner of Super Organic Gardening Secrets, a free online service that provides valuable information on organic gardening. To download his 7 free organic gardening reports, go to http://www.superorganicgardeningsecrets.com

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Organic-Gardening-Tip---5-Tips-To-Successful-Organic-Gardens/128450

What Garden Plants Last Year After Year?

Different plants have different life spans. Annual plants live only one year. Perennial plants live for many years.

There are two types of perennial plants; woody perennials, which are shrubs and rose bushes, and herbaceous perennials, which make up the bulk of the perennial flower plants.

Annuals

Annuals generally propagate by seed and can be easily grown from seeds. Local garden centers also carry a variety of annual plants that can be easily transplanted into your garden.

Established annuals should be planted in the garden in the spring after all danger of frost is past. You can find out typically when the growing season begins, in your area of the country, from your local garden center or possibly from a farmer's almanac.
Another good source of information for growing seasons in different areas of land would be the farmers association accessed through your local chamber of commerce or library.

Each variety of annual will have different needs for sun exposure and water. Making sure that you give your annuals the proper sun exposure and water will give you longer lasting plants and more colorful blooms in your garden.

Perennials

Many perennials also propagate by seed and are easily grown from seed. However, unlike annuals, some perennials may not bloom the first season and will not reach their full growth for at least two years and often for three to four years. Perennials offer great advantages in the garden for their brilliantly colored blooms and because they do not need to be replanted each year.

Like annuals, perennials also have specific needs for sun exposure, watering and fertilizing.

Bulbs, Rhizomes and Tubers

Bulbs, rhizomes and tubers are part of the root systems of plants like Day Lilies, Iris, Tulips and many other perennial plants. Unlike annuals and perennials that are planted from seed, the bulbs and rhizomes must have at least two months at temperatures below 40 degrees F in order to bloom.

Therefore, these plants should usually be planted in the fall. Perennials may sleep like bears in the woods, throughout the entire winter, but will flourish and blossom come the next Spring.

Tom Straub is a successful author and webmaster of the Best Gardening Tips website. Discover everything you ever wanted to know about gardening... but never dared to ask.

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/What-Garden-Plants-Last-Year-After-Year-/15036

Worm Castings - Natures Time Release Fertilizer

When a gardener goes out to his fields to start planting, one of the top concerns that he has on his mind is what will potentially be able to kill his crops. Modern man has created many alternatives to natural protection of crops such as pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides which can be harmful not only to the soil but also to the people that eat the plants as well as the aquifers that hold our drinking water beneath the ground. One of natures natural fertilizers as well as insect and disease repellents is called a worm casting. These small nodules are created by red worms as they participate in the composting process, something that they naturally do and have done for millions of years. Here are a few ways that you can use worm castings to not only enhance your organic garden but also protect it from harmful invaders.

Redworm compost is used by many people as a source for organic compost. By simply feeding them some organic scraps from their garden, over a period of time these scraps are processed into a compost that can be used as a mulch or a fertilizer. As the worms process the waste into compost, they also create what are called worm castings. Basically, the poop of the worm, castings can be used for a variety of reasons.

Primarily used as an organic fertilizer, most organic gardeners rely on worm composting and castings to not only balance the pH levels in the soil but also to help retain as much moisture as possible, something that all worms need an abundance of. Unlike most fertilizers, castings will not burn plants or roots if used too much. Moreover, they act as repellents for both insects and diseases that may strike your crops without you knowing.

Worm castings also contain a great variety of nutrients that are used by almost all plants today. Some of these nutrients include magnesium, nitrogen, and potassium which are necessary ingredients for a healthy crop or garden regardless if it is organic or not. What is also interesting is the castings are almost like a time release capsule that will, over time, release the necessary water soluble ingredients into the soil thus making it possible to simply top dress the castings on the soil and allow them to disintegrate over time.

Another aspect of castings are that they have many living components such as aerobic bacteria, the good kind, and organisms that will actually take gasses such as nitrogen from the atmosphere and fix them into usable nitrogen in the form of nitrate, thus feeding the roots of the plants even more.

Castings are naturally harvested over time. They tend to move to the lower levels of the worm bin and if the worms and their environment are regularly aerated by moving the dirt around, through vibration and churning, the castings will fall to the bottom of the bin to be harvested.

Many people are confused as to what worm castings actually are because some people have been shown a bag of castings mixed with compost. Pure castings look like black sand grains with no compost or dirt mixed in. If you get a bag of compost, and there is anything that does not look uniform, like sand grains, then you know that the castings were also not sifted properly from the compost itself. Having a mixture of vermicompost and castings can be beneficial as it will provide a steady stream of fertilizer as bacteria continue to break down the compost over time.

As a general rule, you can spread 10 pounds of worm castings over 150 foot to 200 foot area and be assured that this will properly fertilize your soil in the days to come as it begins to break down in a natural way. Many people that have large gardens or if they are growing crops on a commercial level may have their very own red worm compost generating system where they can access thousands of pounds of castings in order to maintain the vast spread that they are growing.

Another way to extract the nutrients from the castings is to add water to them and aerate them, then spray this castings tea which is high in organic nutrients onto the leaves, called foliar feeding, and into the soil. This is used by those who will use the bacterial nature of the castings to fight outside microorganisms that may land on the leaves and begin to sicken or weaken the plant. These beneficial microorganisms will destroy bad bacteria, fungus, and molds that may be growing on the leaf surface.

If you ever do decide to create a little organic garden, be sure to find a way to get worm castings for your garden. If you like the aspect of doing very little manual labor to achieve compost and fertilizer for your garden then create a supply of vermicompost and spread the compost and castings over your garden soil. Then let nature begin to naturally decompose these castings, through regular watering, so that your soil will have the optimum amount of nutrients necessary for a successful organic crop.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Worm-Castings---Natures-Time-Release-Fertilizer/146995

Vermicomposting Systems - Fast Composting On A Shoestring Budget

One of natures most underrated workers are the eisenia fetida or red wiggler worms. Commonly found in organically rich soils that they help to create throughout the world including North America and some parts of Europe, these special creatures do an absolutely amazing thing: they can take vegetation that is currently rotting and process it in a way that creates compost as the natural end product of what they do with this organic matter. Contrasting this to the regular composting process, red worms have become a staple product for organic gardening enthusiasts not only by the worms used to create their own compost, but also in the way of helping decrease waste in our landfills and at the same time creating fresh organic compost. Here is a very easy vermicomposting system that anyone can do in order to create their own worm compost machine.

Organic gardening is slowly becoming one of the most popular hobbies of not only environmental enthusiasts but people that happen upon this natural way to improve their health. Organic food is known for its ability to retain more nutrients per gram of dryweight of almost every vegetable or fruit grown in this manner. One of the key ingredients is making sure that proper amounts of rich compost are added to the soil in order to ensure that the final product is in rich with vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that will help a persons general health through regular eating of organic foods.

Vermicompost or worm compost is an ideal additive for any garden because of not only the nutrient value, but the system that is so easy to set up which almost anyone can use to create their own natural fertilizer. Depending upon the size of your garden and your needs, you can take a simple container in the shape of a box or a large garbage can and begin this composting process.

The first thing to consider with your vermicomposting bin is that you need to have proper aeration and drainage. Remember that your container will have a living population of red worms so it is important to consider their needs. You will want to provide fresh air and also a way for water to flow out so that it does not become stagnant. You are, in essence, creating a community of workers that will create a product for you and all they ask is that you feed them organic waste from your table on a regular basis along with keeping proper moisture and ph levels.

There are several types of vermicomposting systems that you can try out. Some have a continuous vertical flow of air and water. These are stacked on top of each other in the format of trays that our filled from the bottom up. The top tray is where you will put the organic matter that the red wigglers will eat and process. The subsequent trays will be used to catch various things such as compost, worm castings, and worm cocoons. It is also okay to build your trays horizontally but this of course takes more room. Depending upon the size of your operation, and how much space you have, you could literally create a business of creating compost from worms given enough organic waste and room in which to grow.

Thinking again from the worms perspective, you want to create an environment that is similar to the natural environment that the worms are used to in a natural setting. Imagine walking through the forest and considering the temperature underneath the trees and the layers of leaves which will soon be decomposing on the forest floor. Likewise, you want to have a similar soil makeup in your bedding as well as an equivalent temperature so that the worms feel as if they are in a natural setting and will begin to process your organic waste.

Therefore, the bedding should be moist. The bedding materials that you can use that will mimic a natural setting would include peat moss, dried manure, or even newspaper from your local store. The bedding should also allow aeration so that the decomposition process, as well as the worms ability to access air, is available. The temperature should be about where humans feel comfortable or a round 60 to 70 degrees. Lastly, there needs to be a ratio between carbon and nitrogen in the bedding mix so that not only the worms, but the other organisms that will be living with and helping the worms decompose the organic material, can feel comfortable. This ratio is about thirty to one with the majority of the bedding content being carbon based and the rest being nitrogen based.

Once you have thrown all of this together which should not take longer than a few hours of your time, especially if you have access to soil and a source for worms, you should begin adding organic material to your vermiculture system and let the process begin.

A last thing to consider is the maintenance of the worms and their habitat. The most important thing to ensure the health of your population of worms is to make sure that it is aerated properly. There needs to be enough oxygen to allow their habitat to be aerobic and not anaerobic. The difference is aerobic allows for the decomposition process to occur via the worms. Anaerobic is just the opposite and that is similar to what you would smell if you left your organic material on your counter for several days or smelled meat rotting. This is more of a stagnant process whereas the worms perform a natural processing of the waste.

The entire project should cost you no more than forty dollars to get access to worms and a container, and a few hours of your time for setup and maintenance. In doing so, you will create a small vermicomposting system that will produce for you not only the freshest compost that you will ever smell but also a rich compost that will add flavor and nutrients to your organic garden products in a way that you have never seen, or tasted, before.

One of natures most underrated workers are the eisenia fetida or red wiggler worms. They can take vegetation that is currently rotting and process it in a way that creates compost as the natural end product of what they do with this organic matter. Here is a very easy vermicomposting system that anyone can do in order to create their own worm compost machine.

About the Author:

Chris Dailey is the owner of Super Organic Gardening Secrets, a free online service that provides valuable information on organic gardening. To download his 7 free organic gardening reports, go to http://www.superorganicgardeningsecrets.com

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Vermicomposting-Systems---Fast-Composting-On-A-Shoestring-Budget/128597

Four Steps to an Easy Successful Garden

Every garden is the end result of four basic steps: Planning, Preparation, Planting and Maintenance. These four steps can be as simple or as complicated as the gardener chooses to make them.

Gardeners who want a small and simple cutting garden will use the same steps as gardeners who want a large and elaborate series of gardens.

Planning

Plan where you want to put your garden, checking carefully for sun exposure. Know how much sun the plants you want to grow need and how much water they will need.

Know how much sun the plants you want to grow need and how much water they will need. Make sure you do not place plants with heavy water requirements next to plants that like dry conditions.

Preparation

Your soil is the foundation of your garden. Give your plants the best foundation possible by preparing your garden spot in three simple steps.

1. Remove all grass and weeds from your chosen gardening spot
2. Till the soil, removing stones and breaking up large clods of earth.
3. Amend or improve the soil.

Planting

Sketch a rough drawing of what you want your completed garden to look like and follow through with planting seeds and established plants according to your plan.

Guard against late spring freezes and give your new seedlings and plants plenty of water to give them a good, healthy start.

Maintenance

Maintain your garden simply and easily with consistent attention to weeding and watering. Feed your plants well but don't over feed them. Deadhead your flowers to encourage re-blooming and to keep plants from expending energy on seed production. Be prepared for the onslaught of destructive insects and take steps to control the damage.

By following these important and simple steps you will be on your way to a successful garden.

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/Four-Steps-to-an-Easy-Successful-Garden/15105

Faraway Furniture Now Selling Indoor Furniture As Well As Garden Furniture

Faraway Furniture, the UK's favourite garden furniture manufacturer and supplier has just announced the launch of a new and exciting range of exclusive indoor teak furniture for spring 2007. The collection will include both rustic and contemporary styles of indoor bedroom furniture, console tables, dining room sets and accessories.

Faraway Furniture's product development manager, Naomi, states the furniture is made entirely of quality solid teak framework which has been designed and handcrafted with immaculate attention to detail. She confirms that the new range will use reclaimed teak wood in its construction of rustic items, which makes this an eco friendly option completely in harmony with Faraway's ethos of using only renewable and green sources. The teak wood used has mainly been salvaged from sources such as disused buildings, fencing, railways and even old ships. Naomi says that customers can look forward to seeing an increased use of recycled teak where possible across the company's whole range of furniture, including its popular brand of garden furniture.

The indoor range has a luxury feel to it with handcrafted stitched leather handles, solid brass and stainless steel fittings and there are styles to suit all tastes.

The rich, dark and opulent 'Persian' collection with complete bedroom and dining room furniture sets will add that eastern aura to any setting. The modern yet sophisticated 'Marrakech' collection is lighter in colour enhancing the natural grain of the teak wood to give that luxurious feel. Style and elegance converge together to form the 'Sutra' range. With its earthy tones and rustic style this range will be a striking addition to any home.

This exciting new indoor furniture range as well as some new garden furniture products will be available to view in detail on Faraway Furniture's website www.farawayfurniture.co.uk.

From the promotion pictures we have seen, I can only say that we cannot wait to see the review samples we have been promised. It looks like Faraway Furniture are making good on their promise to take the UK furniture market by storm. I for one, hope they continue to establish themselves as a company that offers great unique and contemporary designs while maintaining great customer service, experience and prices.

Shai is a garden furniture expert. He has a popular and loyal readership of his daily furniture blog and has written several articles which have been published in numerous home and garden furniture magazines. If you would like to find out more about faraway furniture and their garden furniture or home furniture then please visit www.farawayfurniture.co.uk.

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/Faraway-Furniture-Now-Selling-Indoor-Furniture-As-Well-As-Garden-Furniture/15441

Choosing Exciting Features To Brighten Up Your Garden

Garden design involves attention to many considerations connected with the character and position of the site and its surroundings. For them, the garden prayer beads offered more paced prayers for greater reflection and mediation than the spoken prayer beads. Chop the leaves up first by track over them with the lawn mower. This is achieved by workings close within the lead designers and skilled craftsmen. You can even look up the specific contractor to make sealed he or she is licensed for the type of propose you need.

The garden features naturalistic plantings of indigent wildflowers, shade perennials, ferns and rock garden plants. They are aesthetically pleasing and have a soothing bring about on nerves. Pick maturate fruit regularly, so those pieces not yet ripe will educate properly. For instance, the living room has shiny terracotta walls that contrast beautifully with elaborate gold mirrors hung over twin marble fireplaces. This may not be to all tastes but I feel a garden should reflect your personality.

The placement of all these various textures with harmony and contrast has to be achieved to get the ultimate desirable event. This article describes designing of garden in contingent. While annuals must be implanted each year, most perennials come up year after year with minimal work. You might adjudicate to alter your allowance once you see the options available but that should be your choice, not your designers. Prices for the designs vary greatly according to contingent and available funding. Earlier planning a pattern one must be sure for what purport the garden is to be made whether for the purport of usefulness or smasher or both.

So an addition off the back of the house added a sunken family line room with fireplace and patio doors on the first take a back, as well as a get the hang sleeping room and bath on the minute take aback. At least six weeks before the onset of winter cold is an ideal time to split plants and water parting perennials. California natives and water wise plants contribute a low carbon copy footprint to this adorable easy care garden.

Pick senesce fruit regularly, so those pieces not yet ripe will modernise properly. In spring, these notes will help you determine where to turn up any new plantings. They may not have the resolution to your trouble at their fingertips, but they have the resources to research it and get back to you. As the break of day sun is vital for all flowers, the designer has to take into calculate while planning.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Choosing-Exciting-Features-To-Brighten-Up-Your-Garden/145566

Container Gardening - Easy Steps To Successful Container Gardening

One of the more popular forms of gardening, as of late, is called container gardening. Its popularity is based upon the fact that you can bring almost any type of vibrant arrangement into your garden, home, deck or patio, bringing life to your surroundings in a very neat and tidy way. By adding different types of flowers including perennials, garden variety plants, or herbs of your choice, container gardening will create an inspirational treat for your family and friends alike. Here are a few ways that you can successfully grow plants and create treasures throughout your home with this new gardening fad.

The main focus of container gardening at first is choosing the type of container that you would like to put your plants in. Depending upon your particular interest or taste, you may want to use a variety of different kinds of containers including metal, concrete, and even plastic. Very popular models are wood or wood tone materials that look organic in nature. Also very popular are containers made of stone which give a very earthy feel to any area of your home or even outside your home.

When choosing a gardening container, you must also think about price and weight. Most plastic containers are very affordable and can be found in hundreds of different colors to match any particular setting that you may have in mind. If you are going for a stone motif, if you have had a bad back before or back surgery, perhaps a better choice would be something lighter than stonework, perhaps plastic replicas of stones in a container format that will give the same look and feel as the real thing.

The other thing to consider is the weight of the dirt that you are going to be putting into the container. If you are an organic gardener, and you are using worm castings or some other form of compost that is rich, this will help lighten the load as this material is light and fluffy in the beginning. Although you can grow plants of almost any type in your worm compost, it is better to mix it with regular soil or potting soil which will add density and weight to the container that you are placing it in.

If you are concerned about the quality of containers, you may think about the price you are paying for each one along with the style of each gardening container. Terra-cotta and concrete, depending upon where you buy them and who has made them, will probably last several years. Prices, due to the exponential popularity of this type of gardening, have gone down and you can also count on them not weighing as much as they did in years past with the added benefit of being weatherproof and possibly even more sturdy than before.

Going back to basics, wood gardening containers are still very popular. If this is your choice, it is a good idea to make sure what kind of wood they are made out of and that the wood itself is rot resistant wood. Types of wood that are good for this are Cedar and Redwood because they are made of a higher density than typical pine lumber. Oak may be a poor choice due to the acidic levels in the wood itself. Either way, make sure that you can live with your decision based on price and appearance before you choose a wooden container that may not be there in just a few short months due to natural decomposition.

When choosing plants for your container, your best bet is to choose something that is colorful and matches the surroundings that you are placing it in. Some people, however, like their planters to stand out and will choose very bright colors for the planter as well as the flora that they plant within it. If you are using them inside, make sure that the plant you use are geared to live in warmer climates and likewise the ones outside should be designed to live in colder weather conditions. Also consider where you live and how long you would like your plants to grow. Replacing plants can be costly and therefore you should consider these options before making your purchase.

Overall, like most fads, container gardening may pass in just a few years. However, with the advancement of most people toward a more organic society that grows its own food and creates its own compost to ensure healthier and more nutritious and tasty food for themselves and their family, using containers may play a large role in this advancement and may go a long way into the future as a permanent mainstay in most people's households that are organically oriented. Choose wisely, and make your home a better place by adding a gardening container that is just right for you.

One of the more popular forms of gardening, as of late, is called container gardening. Here are a few ways that you can successfully grow plants and create treasures throughout your home with this new gardening fad.

About the Author:

Chris Dailey is the owner of Super Organic Gardening Secrets, a free online service that provides valuable information on organic gardening. To download his 7 free organic gardening reports, go to http://www.superorganicgardeningsecrets.com

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Container-Gardening---Easy-Steps-To-Successful-Container-Gardening/127972

Cultivating Beauty: Rose Gardening

Roses have received a reputation of requiring high maintenance and being difficult to grow. It is a shame because they are one of the most beautiful and distinctive flowers. But, with a little knowledge how and tender love and care, raising roses can createa fragrant and beautiful mainstay to your gardens. As a result of the efforts of many hortaculturists, modern hybrids and hardy varieties make rose gardening simpler and more rewarding than ever.

One can find roses in colors from white to almost black, and every shade in between. Along with the vast variety of colors, rose plants can be found with a different growing habits and degrees of hardiness. One can find roses that vary from a low growing shrub to elegant climbings. One of the most enjoyable experiences of rose gardening is being able to choose the varietie and color to plant. One type of rose that is becoming very popular is the antique. These can be found at many rose emporiums and have been nurtured from cuttings taken from old cemetaries.

Planting

To create a successful rose garden, one must choose the a good location for planting. Roses like full sun with well-drained soil to thrive. the prefered condition is rich soil containing plenty of organic matter. But roses are very hardy and can tolerate most soil types. To make sure your rose plants are placed in the ground as soon as possible, prepare your rose bed before purchasing your plants.

You have two options when you purchase your rose plants: bare root and potted. The least expensive of the two are bare root roses because they are packaged and shipped in their dormant state. But, if you want a quick start to your rose garden, you will probably want to purchase potted roses. As they take root and bloom more quickly, potted roses are a good choice for beginning rose gardeners.

After the bed has been prepared and the plants purchased, it is time to begin planting. To make sure you rose has the best chance of quality growth, the hole must be prepared properly. It should be large enough to contain the entire root system of the rose. This means that is should be deep enough to cover the root ball to the crown.

Pruning and Care

To maintain the health of your plant, rose gardening involves some ongoing upkeep. To encourage growth and maintain health, roses should be pruned in both spring and fall. If done properly, pruning will cut out any dead or weak branches and remove twiggy, non-productive growth.

If you live in an area of cold or snowy winters, preparing your rose bushes for winter is an important part of rose gardening. To protect your rose bushs from winter chills, simply mound mulch around the base of each rose bush and secure it in place with a collar or cage.

Often known as the hobby of royalty, rose gardening has a long, rich history. It is being enjoyed by an increasing number of modern gardners because of the beauty and hardiness of the plants. To enjoy this beautiful hobby only a little knowledge, a patch of garden space and a love for beauty.

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/Cultivating-Beauty--Rose-Gardening/16009

Your Children Should Learn Vegetable Gardening

If you can create a sense of nature, patience, and an appreciation of work they've done themselves in your children, you will have accomplished something great. This will have provided them one of the longest lasting gifts you could give them. One way to accomplish this is to encourage them to learn vegetable gardening. All that is needed is a small patch of earth, some seeds, and water. Some other things that may be added along the way will be wonder, laughter, and dirty faces. All of this will be mixed together to provide a very memorable project and experience.

Obviously, it is best to have your vegetable garden outside. That is if you have the space available. With a good shovel, you can cut an outline of the garden in the grass. Your child can then pull the sod away and set it aside it for composting. This will be another great lesson involving the cycle of nature that can be saved for another day. After you have bare earth, your child can help turn the soil with a spoon or trowel until it's workable by hand. Have your child place the seeds on the top of the soil, cover lightly with earth, and add water. You have just taught your little one the basics of vegetable gardening!

How Can I have A Vegetable Garden In the City?

Even if you do not have a backyard, you can do vegetable gardening. A perfect place for a container garden are apartment balconies. They will get plenty of sun and they will be pretty displays until the vegetables are ripe and ready for harvest. Rather than using plot of earth, your child can fill a container with soil you have purchased from the store. To provide for drainage, you can use a recycled margarine container. Punch holes in the bottom for drainage. Your child can sprinkle on seeds, cover lightly with soil and be responsible for watering the plants every day.

Vegetable gardening can help teache children patience. This is because they have to wait for the seeds to sprout. Once the plant has broken above the soil, they can watch the daily growth of the sprouts. They can follow the growth until the plants are full sized. Because this can be a long process for little kids that may have short attention spans, you might plant something new every week. This will keep them entertained for the whole summer. After the plants have bloomed, you and your child can read about how they will soon grow food. Your kids will be excited to finally see little red tomatoes or green peppers appear on their plant.

It can be a satisfying experience for the children of today's throwaway society. Returning to the olden days, when we raised our own fruits and vegetables. Not just for the hard work but for the feeling of accomplishment. When children know that what we buy in the store is not the only option as to how we get our food instils a sense of responsibility. They will carry this feeling and knowledge with them all their lives. As they grow older, they will think back on their vegetable gardening with fond memories. And they will probably share the experience with their own children.

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/Your-Children-Should-Learn-Vegetable-Gardening/16088

Caring For Long Stem Roses

Long stem roses are widely considered to be the most popular roses for all occasions. What many people think of as classic long stem roses are in fact Hybrid Tea Roses. A mixture between the Hybrid Perpetual and Tea Rose from China, these long stem beauties have long pointy buds with up to 30-50 petals per bloom.

Since the first discovered Hybrid Tea Rose in 1867, there has been an explosion leading to thousands of long stem rose varieties coming in virtually every color except for blue or black. These long stem roses tend to flower continuously and can grow 2-6 feet tall. High susceptibility to disease and less fragrant smell, when compared to other types of roses, is often attributed to the great deal of inbreeding that has taken place to achieve the attractiveness of long stem roses.

Keep your long stem roses growing tall.

When planting your long stem roses, be sure to select an area where they will get 6 hours of sunlight and good air circulation.

Do hard pruning in the late winter or early spring just as new growth begins. Remove old damaged canes from the center to let in fresh air and sunlight, leaving the thick healthy ones forming a circle on the outside. Cut the remaining stems to 12-24 inches and fertilize in a few weeks time.

To protect during harsh winters, tie the canes together and mound with soil. Surround the mound with insulating materials such as leaves or straw and shelter with a cylinder, perforated with breathing holes.

Adopt a regular spray program to protect the roses and their leaves from disease.

And, don't forget to give your long stem roses lots of water!

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/Caring-For-Long-Stem-Roses/16117

Using ladybugs for pest control

When you're learning about something new, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This informative article should help you focus on the central points.

We have all heard of ladybugs, but many did not know the exact name for them is the ladybird beetle. They are not insects at all, but beetles. Worldwide there are nearly 5,000 different kinds of ladybugs of which 400 are found in north america. The most common beneficial species of the ladybird beetle in north america is called the convergent lady beetle.

If we want to spend most of our time in the garden, physically taking out the pests is the best natural way to get pests under control. Either picking the bugs and insects off of the plants or creating barriers at the base or over the whole area or filling in holes where pests are entering the area. The trouble is, they seem to always find another way in.

No garden is completely pest or disease free. But, you can minimize pests by using these conditions to keep your garden in harmony and from attack. To correct problems, always go with the least toxic pest control options for your garden's sake, starting with these home remedies. They will help alleviate pest problems, but are less toxic on the environment and safer for your family and your pets.

I assume that what you've read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.

The life cycle of all ladybugs are mainly the same. They lay their eggs in the spring. When the eggs hatch, their larvae will feed for 2 weeks and then pupate into adults. In wintertime, they hibernate or will have died in the fall. Springtime they awake to feed and lay more eggs again.

Ladybugs are best known for their biological pest control. They eat mites, scales, whitefly, mealy bugs and most other soft insects, besides eating their favorite aphids. They also eat cabbage moths, bollworms, tomato hornworms and broccoli worms. Ladybugs will eat up to one thousand aphids in their lifetime in both their larvae and adult stages. Ladybugs are one of the best, most effective forms of biological pest control that we have.

Since you can't put a vacancy sign up to bring ladybugs, most people order them through the mail. You receive a package of thousands of ladybugs, which you can release into your garden or yard. Yes some will die and some will fly away, but the ones that remain will begin to work quickly. People complain that the ladybug when released will fly off and leave behind aphids to eat your plants. Not all of them will leave, the rest will eat all the aphids they can find and then fly away sending back more of their friends to eat what is left behind.

Now you can be a confident expert on pest. OK, maybe not an expert. But you should have something to bring to the table next time you join a discussion on pest.

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/Using-ladybugs-for-pest-control/16700

Finding The Right Patio Furniture Is Not Hard To Do

You need to think of your patio as an extension of your house, so when choosing furniture or decorating the patio you need to make feel like you are in your house and make sure the patio mimics the other rooms of your home. After your patio or deck is complete bring your outdoor space to life by finding elegant designs of iron patio furniture, it is not only beautiful but weather resistant. When you place patio furniture outside it makes your outdoor are more enjoyable and will make your summers more enjoyable.

When looking at patio furniture you need to look at the different designs and types before making a decision on purchasing, you need to know the differences between wicker, teak, plastic or iron furniture. There is something dramatic and romantic about it that makes wicker quite unique.

Many prefer the look of natural wood to aluminum or plastic, and there is nothing more beautiful than the natural look of teak patio furniture. Choosing the correct design or style for you home depends on many different factors, if you have a pool you will need to get the style that matches the pool design, if you have a deck you will need to find a style that compliments the deck.

In contrast to wrought iron sets, cast aluminum patio furniture won't rust. When your furniture is aluminum this is as easy as one two three. Cast aluminum is the most popular choice because it is lightweight and sturdy. Your cast aluminum patio furniture needs to be top of the line.

Today's the technology is so advanced that manufacturers are able to make resin and plastic patio furniture that mimic painted wood furniture, the detail is so close that at first look you cannot tell the difference. One of the most resistant materials for patio furniture is heavy plastic resin. If you are looking for furniture that can withstand the weather and climate changes one of the best types of furniture is plastic and corrosion treated metal.

After you purchased your patio furniture set many people decided to purchase cushions that compliment the set, this is a wise idea since it will make sitting all the more comfortable. When looking for patio furniture cushions they are not all created equal, you need to test the softness; weather resistance and you need to make sure that they match your set. Many people like the cushions that have that plump look and the feel of sinking into the cushions. The next thing that you want to look at when you are shopping patio furniture cushions is the type of foam used in them.

Another type of garden furniture that is more common is rattan or wicker. Depending where you live there are certain type of furniture that work better in different climates, for example rattan furniture works better in dry climates, while cedar or teak will work in any type of climate.

Many stores offer patio sets that are complete; they come with an umbrella the base and all accessories. If you get an umbrella make sure you get a base for a firmer footing.

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/Finding-The-Right-Patio-Furniture-Is-Not-Hard-To-Do/17148

Banyan Bonsai - A Very Fascinating Tree

The banyan is a very mystical kind of tree in the way that it grows and develops. It looks both reassuring and forbidding at the same time. Many Asian countries have a deep belief that spirits and ghosts reside in banyan trees. When you can apply it's majestic beauty and turn it into a bonsai, you will truly get an exquisite work of art.

The Banyan Bonsai Tree - A Hot Favorite on the Global Market

If you were to do some research on the Internet, chances are you'll see that the banyan bonsai tree would gross the highest global sales. These trees look absolutely beautiful because of their aerial roots which, when minimized look like a magic tree. This along with the fact that the tree will almost grow by itself makes the banyan bonsai tree a hot seller all over the world.

All you have to do to get an exceptionally beautiful tree is to let it grow wild, while you might like to wire train it to grow a bit curved here and there. So in about two to three years, you can have an absolutely beautiful banyan bonsai tree without too much effort.

In terms of popularity, this tree is near the very top. You can do a bit of research on the Internet and see how many times people are looking for this type of tree. There are many local nurseries that will sell starter kits for this species. Why not run down to your local nursery and pick one up. As a matter of fact, giving someone a bonsai starter kit is a fantastic way of making someone's day, or even year.

Once that person receives the starter kit, you can rest assured that you will be remembered as long as the bonsai tree lives. Every time someone praises the tree or the person who grew the tree, they will think of you. This type of gift is not only very popular in terms of giving, but also in demand for getting.

My family for example, always asks me to present them with a bonsai when I come to visit them. As a result, my family has a number of beautiful bonsai trees all over the home. Those trees certainly do add a nice touch to their home. So my advice to you is, the next time you want to give a special gift to someone you love, give him or her a bonsai tree.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Banyan-Bonsai---A-Very-Fascinating-Tree/145058

Escape to Tranquillity (in your garden)

We live and work in a fast moving, fast talking, fast acting world. The pressure is on us from the minute we start our day. Working breakfasts and lunches mean even more phone calls to make, email to answer and meetings to attend but when the day draws to a close and your work is done it is great to get home, unwind and relax.

Although we recognise a powerful need to reduce stress levels many of us actually find it rather difficult. So why is this? For many people the answer lies in the way they manage their lives. They simply don't make room for relaxation.

Sharing our living space with others often means it can be very hard to find a quiet place to relax. Even a brief period of time without noise and interruptions can be difficult to arrange. We can find ourselves wishing for an 'oasis' of quietness; a spot where housemates don't force us to share their musical preference or loud conversations or where we can indulge our own musical tastes without disturbing others..

So where are you going to find this magical space? How can you find room in an already overcrowded house? What compromises would need to be made to enable you to find the peace and quiet you need? Can it really be done?

It has been said many times that if you really want something then you will find a way to make it happen. It isn't too hard to imagine the ideal situation where you actually add another complete room to your house. Imagine how you could have it soundproofed, you could choose the right colours, windows, lighting, furnishings - in fact everything you need to provide a retreat from the world.

At first, this dream room may sound a little far fetched and potentially expensive but actually it is quite easy to arrange. Creating a lovely quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of daily life is actually really easy and need not cost the earth but it may require careful thought and planning to organise.

The answer is simple. A bespoke, carefully designed garden room would give you the space to be yourself. A garden room could give you a place to meditate and think your own thoughts and most of all, would provide a wonderful place to relax - a special place where the rest of the world is kept at bay

The first thing you need to do is decide where you want the room to be situated. Think about proximity to others. Would it be best to be at the bottom of the garden right away from other people? Perhaps you would like to take advantage of existing hard or soft landscaping and give yourself a peaceful garden view?

You may want to look out over buildings or perhaps you prefer to see shrubs and trees. It isn't important. Right now, just concentrate on exactly what you need to create your own personal garden of tranquillity. Easy isn't it?

We live and work in a fast moving, fast talking, fast acting world. The pressure is on us from the minute we start our day. Working breakfasts and lunches mean even more phone calls to make, emails to answer and meetings to attend, the list seems to go on and on. But there are ways to make sure you can cope with it all, and one of them is to create a garden retreat, read on.

About the Author:

Graham Baylis is as busy a business man as you can be and he knows that it's a well known fact that people need space to think, and what better space is there than a peaceful spot in your own back garden. This is just the thinking behind Garden Escape's unique range of Garden Buildings. See their site at www.thegardenescape.co.uk

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Escape-to-Tranquillity--in-your-garden-/127379

Knowing Your Miniature Roses

This article on miniture roses should be of great interest to anyone with even a passing interest in gardening, especially rose gardening. It lists some simple, informative tips that will help you have a better experience with caring for miniature rose bushes.

Miniature roses have all of the fragrance and beauty of a regular rose, but they have smaller blooms. These particular roses are great for indoor planting.

Miniature roses are one of many varieties of roses available widely. These roses, as their name implies, are smaller versions of the more common roses. They offer the same beauty and fragrances as their larger cousins. The consumer can find a large selection in a variety of colors and shape available to them.

Caring for miniature roses is no more difficult then caring for the larger variety. But, taking the time to learn about the miniature rose is key in maintaining them over a long period of time.

If you don't have accurate details regarding miniature roses, then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don't let that happen: keep reading.

Miniature roses come in many colors and varieties. There truly is something to please everyone. These roses are great additions to a flower bed, window box or even inside the home or office as a potted variety. With so many choices available, the demand for these roses has risen.

Once hard to find, they are now available in most garden centers and even in discount department stores as well. Now, this is not to say that the consumer can't find better, more hardy options other places.

If a consumer is dead set on a color, shape, or texture in their miniature rose, they should use the internet to help them find the right miniature rose for them. This is as simple as going a search in a search engine and finding wholesale sellers. There is a constant demand for miniature roses and in that they are always developing more varieties to please the public. So, many of these wholesalers can offer more then the local garden center can.

Anyone in the market for miniature roses needs to know their facts. The miniature rose is no different from other plants in that it needs certain elements to help maintain it. The soil type, sun exposure, and nutrients it needs all depend on the variety. Asking the retailer for this information is a must.

Grab a book on caring for miniature roses if needed to give the most information possible. Doing all these things will lead to owning a beautiful miniature rose or several. It will also be the foundation of a love of miniature roses as well.

So now you know a little bit about miniature roses. Even if you don't know everything, you've done something worthwhile: you've expanded your knowledge.

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/Knowing-Your-Miniature-Roses/17432

Your Vegetable Garden and the Soil That It Grows In

You've decided that you wanted vegetable garden, but how do you know if it will grow well in the soil that you have? A successful garden starts with a fertile, well-prepared soil.

You should know your soil type, if you need fertilizer, what type of fertilizer you should use, and your soils pH.

Soil structure

You may think of your garden earth as just dirt. It is actually a mass of mineral particles, living and dead organic matter, air, and water. The size and shape of a soil's mineral particles determines its characteristics. The smallest are clay particles, the largest are sand particles and intermediate size are silt particles. There are four basic soil types: clay, silt, sand, and loam -- a soil composed of all three particle types.

Clay soil is the most difficult type to grow a garden in. It is gummy and unworkable when wet and when it's dry, it cracks apart. It also allows for poor drainage.

Sandy soils have large particles with large spaces between them which makes for well-aerated soil, but water pours through it taking the nutrients with it.

Loam is a mixture of clay, silt and sandy soils which preserves the best characteristics of each and is considered the ideal soil for gardens. It retains moisture, and provides enough air for root growth.

pH

A soil's acidity or alkalinity is expressed in terms of pH, determined on a scale of one to 14. Seven is considered neutral, any pH less than seven is acid, and any pH greater than seven is alkaline. The ideal vegetable garden soil is slightly acid to neutral which is about six to seven, but you can grow gardens at pH seven to eight successfully.

Acid soil is the most common in areas that have heavy rainfall. If the pH is less than 5.5, add ground limestone or lime to counteract the acidity. Dolomitic lime is best because it contains both calcium and magnesium. Check with a local nursery to determine the amount of lime necessary to correct the soil acidity in your area.

Alkaline soil is found in areas that have low rainfall, or drainage, and that have natural limestone deposits. There is also a lot of salt in the soil. Fertilize with an acidic fertilizer to reduce mild alkalinity. The garden should be watered thoroughly 24 to 48 hours before fertilizing. This is called leaching. It drains the limestone to below the planting area.

You should always test a garden's pH before planting. You can purchase inexpensive test kits at garden supply stores, catalogs or online stores.

If you are lucky enough to have loam, you may still need amendments for a successful garden. Again, testing is the best way to know if this is necessary. Some common amendments would include manure, peat moss, compost, and wood products such as sawdust and bark.

As you can see, knowing the type of soil that is in your garden is very important to its success. So, test before you start planting.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Your-Vegetable-Garden-and-the-Soil-That-It-Grows-In/144392

Worm Compost - Why Worm Composting Works

Perhaps you have heard the age old adage that you can't get anything for free. This is true for most things in life with the exception of vermicomposting or what many call worm composting. Basically, worms will take your organic garbage and transform it almost magically into a type of compost that is rich and ready to be planted with your garden plants to enhance their growth and make your food that much more nutritious. There are a few things you should know about worm compost that will show you clearly why it works so well.

Regardless of the affordability factor, worm compost is one of the richest forms of fertilizer that you can use in your garden today. Although this is a very simplified idea, it simply has to do with you taking a handful of worms, dumping them in a bin of dirt with some newspaper, a little water, and your every day organic trash such as leftover vegetables and in a few weeks you will have your worms producing the richest fertilizer that you may ever use for your indoor or outdoor plants.

The reason why this is possible is that worms are ultimately natures greatest recyclers because they can take your organic garbage and turn it into expensive gardening real estate. Red worms are typically used in any worm composting bin which can be as small as a Tupperware container with holes or as large as a rain barrel depending upon how much compost you actually want to produce.

Be careful how much food that you give the worms because over time they will begin to overcrowd themselves and you may need to expand your operation which can only be good for you especially if your garden is in need of extra compost from time to time. Some people will actually use buckets and harvest the compost in as short as two to three weeks. Often times 50 to 60 days is necessary in order to keep a proper balance of happiness with your worms as well as moisture content and cocoon productivity.

Probably the most expensive thing that you will have to invest in is in the worms themselves which run about $25 to $35 a pound, which is about a thousand worms. Also remember that the container that you keep them in should be relatively warm as red worms do not produce well or create compost well in colder climates.

As far as a worm bin goes for your worm compost, you can usually pick one up for $20-$30 for a medium-sized one or if you are interested in a barrel, it would be a good idea to get a plastic one. Typically water barrels are made from oak because oak wood is used in wine barrels that are commonly seen in many landscaping schemes. Oak wood has an acid which is detrimental to your worm population so you would be better served to spend her money on a sturdy plastic container.

The average amount of worm compost that you harvest may vary depending on whether or not you provided the worms with ideal conditions of air, moisture, and food. Make sure that the bottom of the bin or the container that you are using has drainage holes for the excess water and if you have a lid on top it needs to be aerated with holes on the sides as well as on top of the container itself. Worms can be very finicky and you will have to get to know how the worm bedding feels with your hands in order to make sure that it is moist enough for the worms to continue breeding and creating compost. The moisture content should feel like a wrung-out sponge.

Once you have your worms supply, and you have your bedding and dirt ready in your worm container, simply put the worms on the top and they will penetrate down to about six to 8 inches beneath the bedding. Add the food scraps on a regular basis on the top making sure to close the lid because despite the fact they do not have eyes, worms are photophobic and will not come to the food if there is too much light.

That is it! You are now on your way to creating the best vermicomposting for your garden. By following the simple steps provided, you should have enough compost to add to your small garden and create and enough food for your family on a regular basis all year long. And the beauty of the system is not only is it repeatable but it can grow to exponential proportions. By simply adding more material and increasing the area in which you work, you can create your quality worm compost for not only yourself but over time could probably sell enough of it to pay for all of your gardening needs.

Did you know that worms will take your organic garbage and transform it almost magically into a type of compost? Here are a few things you should know about worm compost that will show you why it works and how you can do this yourself.

About the Author:

Chris Dailey is the owner of Super Organic Gardening Secrets, a free online service that provides valuable information on organic gardening. To download his 7 free organic gardening reports, go to http://www.superorganicgardeningsecrets.com

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Worm-Compost---Why-Worm-Composting-Works/127652

Apply Fertilizer And Keep The Dark Green Color Of You Lawn

The type of grass is another important step in lawn and garden care. There are many types of grass seed, shade, sun and a mix of sun and shade you will need to analyze your lawn requirements and choose the correct seed. You want your grass to have deep, healthy roots. You need to make sure you feed the soil this is very import for lawn growth. One of the most import things to remember is choose the soil that fits your climate and yard. If you find you have too much spring in your step, then check to see how difficult it is to reach the soil under your grass.

If you're serious about growing your lawn care business, you can't afford NOT to have a website. You need to put your time and energies into growing your lawn business or landscape business.

Keep in mind if you fertilize your lawn it will stimulate the growth and thickness of your lawn, you will need to cut your lawn more often because of this.. When taking care of you lawn most of the fertilizer manufactures recommend your fertilize 4 time a year or more, there are many different fertilizers on the market and different mixes for certain times of the year, you should apply spring fertilizer early spring, turf builder in late spring, summer guard that won't burn your lawn in the summer and winter fertilizer, this will give you great results and next season your lawn will look amazing.

As you grass becomes more and more dense the weeds have a tougher time growing through the grass. By watering your lawn each day keeps the roots near the top, if you water your lawn and skip a couple of days it makes the roots go deep for water and stabilizes your lawn and makes it green and healthy. Sometimes you will be performing some of the lawn care tasks on your own, such as watering and it is essential that you comprehend your part in keeping the lawn in good shape. Your lawn will give you many signs when it needs water. Lawns need water to grow, and maintain color.

If you use fertilizer and lawn care products the maintenance of your lawn will be a lot less time consuming, and easier to take care of. The best place to start with your lawn care is to get the products and materials you need to take care of your lawn. Read the back of the packages and make sure you follow the instructions. In the early spring make sure you fertilize and use grub be gone to get rid of those unwanted grubs. In the late spring make sure you use fertilizer that has weed killer in it to get rid of the weeds before they start growing.

When cutting your lawn, make sure the blade on your lawnmower is sharp and your mower is tuned. If you take care of your lawn it will reward your with a deep green color and you will virtually have no weeds.

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/Apply-Fertilizer-And-Keep-The-Dark-Green-Color-Of-You-Lawn/18650

Garden Equipment are Important in Organic Gardening

Nearly every gardener has some type of gardening equipment. In fact, it's nearly impossible to have a garden without using gardening tools. What kind of garden tools you use will obviously depend on the size and extent of your garden, what you are able to handle, if you want to spend a lot of time in your garden or get done quickly, and finally, how much money you are willing to spend.

While most organic gardeners do not have expensive or high-tech gardening tools, all of them have some type of gardening equipment for cultivating. Tools for cultivating can include both hand held tools and power tools. What kind you buy depends on how serious of a gardener you are. Hand tools include your everyday items like shovels, spading forks, rakes, trowels, and diggers. These can all be used to get a garden ready for planting and are relatively easy to use and do not require a great deal of strength. Other tools include a wheel cultivator, pickax, and mattock.

While power tools are a little more expensive than hand tools, they can really cut down on the hard labor. The most essential power gardening tool is undoubtedly the tiller. The tiller will break up the ground and get it ready for planting, chop up any debris, and help mix in fertilizer and compost. If you don't want to spend the money on a tiller (or give up the health benefits double digging brings!) you can always hire someone or rent a tiller for one time use. Other power tools that are very popular include chippers, garden shredders, and chain-saws.

If you have shrubs, hedges, or small trees in your yard, pruning tools are a very necessary piece of gardening equipment. Pruning shears are good for branches about ¾" in diameter, while lopping shears can handle branches from a half inch up to about 2 inches. Pole pruners are on a pole extension and are used to reach branches up to 15 feet above ground. Hedge shears and pruning saws are both larger, more heavy duty pruning tools for the serious gardener.

Since garden plants must be watered in order to survive, and lets face it, it doesn't rain whenever we want it to, gardening equipment for watering is a must have. The one thing you can't get along without is a water hose, everything after that is optional. Many gardeners use sprinklers or s drip irrigation hose. There are even timers you can purchase for sprinklers or drip hoses, if you are willing to part with the hard earned cash those tomatoes brought in last summer.

Gardening without some sort of tools to help would surely be much harder than it needs to be. Some people truly enjoy getting some dirt under their fingernails while planting and weeding, but even those like me that do, have the most basic of gardening tools. I'd be absolutely lost without my hand trowel. Gardening equipment is a part of gardening and is as important as the seed and the soil.

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/Garden-Equipment-are-Important-in-Organic-Gardening/18796

Tips For Better Lawn Garden Care

If you want to be sure that the landscape around your home is beautiful and in the best possible condition, then you will want to be sure that you properly take care of the lawn garden portions of your landscape design. It is very important that correct maintenance of the lawn is carried out so that they not only stay attractive but also healthy. In most cases, the lawns are the most expansive and first noticed areas of the overall landscape.

Watering the lawn and garden is one of the most important parts of good grass maintenance. In some parts of the country, there is enough rainfall so that the roots are properly supplied with moisture. But even in what would be considered soggy areas, such as the Pacific Northwest, there are periods or dry weather and no rain. When this happens, it is vital to the survival of the lawns that they be properly watered.

The first sign of an impending drought condition of the lawn garden area of your landscaping is a change in color. The grass in lawns that are suffering from insufficient moisture will start to lose their intense greenness and will soon turn to a straw color, or even brown if the lack of moisture persists.

The best time of day to water a lawn or garden is during the coolest part of the day. This means that turning on the grass sprinkler early in the morning or in the evening after the sun has set is best. Garden lawn experts also say that the rotary sprinklers provide the best coverage if you don't have a built in sprinkler system for your lawn maintenance.

In most cases, it is best to water your grass just once a week, unless the weather is extremely hot or dry. When doing your weekly watering, you can place an empty tuna can on the grass and let the water run until it is filled up.

This will help you know when you have watered enough to give the deep roots enough moisture without over watering. Watering in this way will also help your lawns develop a deep root system which will also help them survive periods of drought.

Another aspect of lawn and garden maintenance is proper fertilization and weed control. Good basic maintenance techniques will go a long way in keeping the lawns of your home and garden healthy, thriving and with few weeds.

Spring is the best time to fertilize lawns as this is when the grass is "waking up" and will need the extra nutrients from the fertilizer to assure healthy growth. The best garden lawn fertilizers will have a combination of nitrogen, phosphates and potash.

In addition to a "spring feeding" of your lawn garden, you can also boost the health and vitality of the grass in your lawns with a second round of fertilization during the summer. This will help assure that your grass is healthy enough to help push out the weeds that might try to take root and you can also use a fertilizer that combines a weed-killer to control these unwanted plants.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Tips-For-Better-Lawn-Garden-Care/144157

Infrared Log Cabins For the Garden And Your Wellbeing

Imagine coming home after a hard day's work knowing that your aches and pains will soon disappear, once you have jumped into your infrared log cabin (also known as an infrared sauna).

Unlike traditional saunas that need to warm up the air to a certain temperature before the body is heated, an infrared cabin only heats approximately 20% of the surrounding air, and the remaining 80% is converted to heat within the body. In addition, an infrared cabin does not use steam or humidity and consequently breathing is easier.

Infrared light is part of the sun's invisible spectrum. It is a form of energy that is directly transmitted onto objects because of its specific wavelength. It has nothing to do with ultraviolet light, which causes sunburn and damage to the skin.

Infrared log cabins come in variety of sizes and they can be custom-built or chosen from a standard range. There are a variety of extras to choose from: CD player, colour light panel, aromatherapy dispenser, air purifier, ioniser, and a full spectrum light panel. Infrared log cabins do more then relax you - they can improve your health.

For thousands of years ancient cultures have understood that the action of sweating was an effective way to cleanse the body. The Finns are one of the main cultures that continue to maintain a focus on saunas as a primary method of encouraging sweating. Sweating is one of the body's ways to eliminate toxins, such as metabolic by products from our own cells, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy body. In today's modern world characterized by our inactive lifestyle, the need for a 'good sweat' is very important if we want to look ourselves.

Medical researchers from across the world have found that regular use of an infrared log cabin can have enormous health benefits. In Japan, there is an 'infrared society' composed of medical doctors and physical therapists dedicated to further infrared research. Their findings support the health benefits of infrared therapy as a method of healing. In recent times, Japanese research studies have found treatment in an infrared cabin relieved burn pain and promoted the healing rate with less scarring, reduced hypertension (high blood pressure), improved short-term memory loss, relieved arthritis pain, and improved weight loss results. They also found that ear, nose and throat conditions were relieved: tinnitus (ringing in the ears), nosebleeds and chronic middle-ear infections.

Swedish researchers found joint-pain had been resolved when infrared therapy was used, and in Germany, physicians have used whole-body infrared therapy for over 80 years. Chinese research studies have reported over 90% success rate of ailments treated with infrared therapy, such as: chronic soft tissue injury, sciatica, infected eczema, post-surgical infections, and pelvic infection. Ailments associated with poor circulation can respond very well to sessions in an infrared cabin, due to an increase in peripheral dilation (dilation of the capillaries), such as: leg ulcers, oedema, and fatigue. Skin problems can also be helped: dandruff, ketoids (raised scar tissue), acne, blackheads, and psoriasis.

There are contraindications to using an infrared log cabin, for example: if you're using certain prescription drugs, because of possible changes in the drug's effect due to an interaction with the infrared energy. As well as for people who have lupus or multiple sclerosis, recent joint injuries, surgical implements, and silicone implants.

Infrared therapy is reputed to offer an amazing range of possible therapeutic benefits in research conducted around the world. However, the information in this article is provided for reference purposes only. If you have any health problems/health concerns, be sure to consult your physician before you commence time in an infrared log cabin.

Infrared log cabins are a fantastic way, not only to relax in, but to improve your health as well. Medical research from across the world has shown many ailments have been cured or improved when regular sessions of infrared therapy have been used.

About the Author:

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Infrared-Log-Cabins-For-the-Garden-And-Your-Wellbeing/127538

Get The Shed Builders On Your Side And Win!

Have you decided that it's time to call in the shed builders? This happens when the backyard begins looking like a disaster area. In other words, an unsightly mess with kid's toys, lawnmowers and all other manner of home handyman tools which your wife is forever tripping over, and consequently giving you a hard time about. Providing you have the room, deciding to build a shed is not only a great solution to your storage problems, but it will add value to your property.

There are several ways you can build a shed. The most economical way is to buy a shed kit and construct it yourself. These are usually constructed of lightweight materials, and consequently are well suited to small gardens where storage requirements are not so large. If you are able to use professional shed builders you will definitely pay more, but you will have a shed built to your needs, and one that will stand the test of time.

There are plenty of shed builders around, but not all of them are registered with the relevant building authorities. It is important to verify this before you go ahead or you could wind up with one of those deals that sounded too good to be true, and ended up by being exactly that. Choosing a shed builder which comes highly recommended by friends or family will usually keep you out of trouble.

Professional shed builders offer peace of mind right throughout the building and planning process. They will see to any permits, and you know their workmanship is covered by their relevant building organization. Having the shed built onsite means less disturbance to garden and fences. There are however a growing number of people who choose to have their concrete poured professionally, and then build the shed themselves, solely for the enjoyment of building.

Using shed builders will mean that your shed is going to be up and ready for use within a couple of days, depending of course on how large and how fancy it is. If you don't have time to waste, then this is obviously going to be the best course of action. Some sheds can be completely erected within one day.

There is a growing trend among home handymen to construct their own shed, particularly if they are not able to afford to pay for the services of professional shed builders. The savings of DIY construction are substantial and can easily amount to several thousand dollars on a reasonable sized shed. Fortunately there is plenty of help available now to anyone wanting to build their own shed and it is a great way to spend a couple of weekends. It's a good time to invite your friends along to lend a hand.

Choosing the style and size of the shed is always the first hurdle that needs to be crossed. The materials should be a nice compliment to the house, and so too should be the style. Expert shed builders will be able to help you with these decisions, as well as help you choose the correct location, placement of windows and doors etc.

Now, time to place an order for your new garden shed!

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/Get-The-Shed-Builders-On-Your-Side-And-Win-/19118

Winter Provides The Time To Improve Gardens

As the winter months approach now could be a good time for many Britons to consider carrying out improvement work in their garden, an industry expert has stated.

According to Ceri Thomas, editor of Gardening Which?, the now unpredictable weather could mean that many homeowners could find themselves cutting their lawn "in the middle of December". Consequently, she reported that such conditions may provide an ideal opportunity for people to get out into their gardens to prepare them for the colder months. The gardening expert claimed that "quite a lot of plants that do look good now", suggesting that the likes of hardy cyclamen, dogwoods with colourful bark and witch hazel make for attractive winter decorations.

In addition, she reported that filling a container with flowers such as violas and pansies can also bring colour to gardens, with a competitively-priced homeowner loan one possible way of meeting the cost of such property improvements. However, for those plants which may not survive the winter period, for example pelagoniums and fuschias, consumers were advised to wrap them up in items such as bubblewrap plastic or a fleece to help avoid the financial difficulties that replace such items can entail should people have to repurchase them if they do not survive colder months.

She said: "Really it's a time of year when things aren't growing particularly much, so you can be thinking about whether the layout of the garden is working ... or whether there is anything you can do to improve things, looking back at any notes you made over the summer or photos you took."

Ms Thomas also pointed out that there are a "lot of catalogues out at the moment" documenting the various seeds and plants which are available for next spring and summer. However, she claimed that budding Alan Titchmarshes and Charlie Dimmocks wanting specific items should look to place their orders for such products immediately before they have sold out.

In addition, the Gardening Which? editor reported that gardeners should look to move equipment such as lawnmowers and secateurs inside from the outdoors environment as the nights become colder. Winter, she claimed, is an ideal time to clean and sharpen the blades on such items ahead of the following spring. However, should they find that their gardening tools are in need of replacement, then applying for a loan could be one way in which to meet such expenses effectively.

Taking the time to carry out garden improvements, whether this is funded through a homeowner loan or by other means, can not only make consumers' homes look more attractive but also boost their value. In turn, property owners could also have access to larger secured loans should they wish to wish to withdraw the equity that their house has built up. Earlier this year, research conducted by Halifax Estate Agents revealed that elements such as mature shrubs and trees set inside a paved area such as a patio can help to increase the cost of a property should it go up for sale. The study also revealed that 58 per cent of consumers see flagged patios as an attractive garden feature, while just over a third (37 per cent) are looking to have decking laid out.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Winter-Provides-The-Time-To-Improve-Gardens/100555

Broadband: Understanding the Jargon and How to Get the Best Plan

If you find yourself reading this article online, then odds are you are no stranger to the vast wilderness that is the internet. Uploads, downloads, blogs, videos, podcasts, pictures, forums, games, news, email, animation, flash, webmail, webcams and music can all make for a vast and limitless real-time environment that is constantly changing. It is often the seemingly inexhaustible amount of resources that has many net users tearing out their hair due to strolling performance and extended loading time for content. However, in many cases, the real culprit is not the content or the website itself, but rather the combination of an ill-equipped connection speed and an

Before roaming free in the World Wide Web, every internet user must first choose a connection plan and connection speed that will be able to accommodate both their budget and their user needs. The following article seeks to outline some of the basic areas that novice users should address when deciding to connect to the internet. For some, it may seem like commonsense, but for those suffering easily avoidable headaches and long load times it may just make a world of difference.

Connection Speeds

Before beginning it would first be wise to explain the two types of connection speeds and how they fundamentally differ. All methods of internet usage around the globe only use either one or the other of these types of connections.

Kbps: Is the common acronym for 'Kilobits per second'. A Kilobit is one thousand bits of data - a 'bit' being the most fundamental form of binary code that makes up all information available both online and on your home PC. Essentially, a 'bit' is the building block of all computer technology and communication. In layman's terms it is simply the combination of 1s and 0s that form the language of computers.

Mbps: A much larger unit of data, Mbps refers to the term 'Megabits per second'. A Megabit is one million 'bits'. This form of data transference is used by every internet connection above Dial-Up speed.

Types of Connection

Dial-Up: The most basic connection available, a Dial-Up connection uses the existing phone line in a business or household to transfer data at around 56Kbps. This is the slowest connection currently available in Australia and is in the process of steadily being outdated due to faster connections being more widely and readily accessible for a lower cost.

ISDN: Is anIntegrated Services Digital Network and is twice the speed (at 128Kbps) of Dial-up. It can be difficult to obtain due to its reliance on what is fast becoming outdated technology. ISDN was essentially the technological stepping stone between Dial-Up and ADSL.

ADSL: Stands forAsymmetric Digital Subscriber Line, also most commonly referred to when the term 'broadband' is used, and is a one-way connection where the download speed is much faster than the upload speed. This is a common trap for the average consumer because the speed of the connection is always referenced in terms of the maximum download speed (i.e how fast a page loads up / time it takes to save a file), rather than the much slower upload speed (i.e how long it takes to send an email / send a file to another computer)

Cable: The fastest connection available for both business and residential use (Fibre Optic connections, which are the next level up, are currently exclusive to business due to the high cost of installing and maintaining). Cable internet uses a similar system of connections to most pay television providers. It is completely separate to the household phone line and connection speed is substantially faster for both uploads and downloads. However, speed can be compromised by the number of separate households located in close proximity that use the same cable as only one cable is generally provided for a whole neighborhood. Generally cable runs at around 1.5 - 6 Megabits of bandwidth which is substantially faster than ADSL.

Connection Plans and Common Traps

To maintain a steady and consistently fast connection you need to take care in the selection of your plan. Having selected the telecommunications company with which you wish to subscribe for the service you then need to select a plan based on the cost of installing and maintaining your connection, the type of connection you wish to have installed, the speed of the connection, the download limit, if any, and the consequences if that download limit is exceeded.

The download limit or 'shaping' of your plan dictates how much information you can access from the internet within a month before being subjected to either additional costs (which can be significant) or slower connections (usually Dial-up).

According to Miles Humphrys, IT Manager for Corporate Executive Offices, one of the largest international chains of serviced offices throughout the Asia Pacific Region, a common pitfall when deciding on your internet plan is, "not knowing what it is that you, or your business, wish to use the connection for". According to Mr Humphrys, "Before connecting the business or user must first decide what their primary methods of usage will be. Will they be sending a substantial amount of emails? Downloading live videos or music? Or simply surfing for information? All these factors must be weighed up before signing up to a limited connection or one with a capped amount of usage. Nothing is more frustrating for a business, or home office, than being crippled by an incredibly slow connection because they have gone over their download limit during the day-to-day requirements of the business or user."

If you are unsure of the amount of data which you are likely to download in a month make sure you select a plan that gives you sufficient download capacity to enable you to then monitor your usage without fear of exceeding your limit. Make sure that your plan is flexible enough to then change if your download requirements are either substantially less or more than you expected.

"The one piece of advice that I would give for anyone looking to connect to the internet either now or in the future, above all, is to - read the fine print! The things to look out for are capped plans, download limits, shaping and especially 'extra charges'. If you see anything that looks a little odd, always ask questions or consult an IT Professional", concluded Mr Humphrys.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Broadband--Understanding-the-Jargon-and-How-to-Get-the-Best-Plan/101120