The Cool Pepper » Garden

Why Soil Gardening is Not as Effective as Hydroponics

Jackson — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:13:04 +0000

By this point in life almost every person knows the advantages of hydroponics versus soil. There are many people that take the time to debate this topic, but most times than not, this will lead to them losing the debate, as they will see the results first hand in the form of looking at their soil grown vegetables as opposed to those that have been placed and grown using hydroponics. The difference is quite noticeable and will be one of the main points that a person will use in their debate.

Looking at this subject, it will be clear as to the reasons why this will be one of the better ways of growing plants to get the needed items that you are seeking out. One of the most common of these is that of the growing of herbs for the cooking of their food. The money that is able to be saved as well will be a large part of the decision making process that has to be addressed, the more that this is known, then the better that the end result will be for all of the people that are looking to make an impact with the use of hydroponics.

There is the issue of those that are seeking out a healthy alternative to all of the chemicals that are used in a number of the applications for a person’s growing experience. The more that are careful when dealing with this topic, then the more positive that the end result will be for a number of the people seeking to take advantage of this on the whole.

The use of hydroponics is also a cheaper alternative in the way of the chemicals that have to be used as well as the equipment that will be part of the entire experience. The more that is looked at in this regard, then the better that the entire process will be for the person in question. While there will still be those that will doubt this as being a reliable form of growing, the truth will lie in the finished product that will be part of the entire experience. Knowing this information can go a long way in assisting a person to make a decision that will be wise for a number of different reasons. The least of these reasons is that of needing to make sure that the person is not wasting their time and trouble with this endeavor.

It’s Surprising What Garden Tasks You Can Do With A Whipper Snipper

Jackson — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 19:44:04 +0000

If you’re only using your whipper snipper (the Australian name for a line trimmer or weed whacker) to trim weeds around your lawn and in places that your mower can’t reach, then you’re not using it to its full potential. This is especially he case if you have a fuel powered model as the motor can drive a wide range of different attachments. Below we have listed some of the most popular ones below:

Blade Attachment – A standard whipper snipper uses a single spinning nylon string as its cutting head. A blade attachment replaces this with a plastic or metal blade adding considerable cutting power. If you find that there you have a hillside of brush you want to clear or some thick undergrowth around your outbuildings then a blade attachment may may be what you are looking for.

Edger Attachment - For most edging work, your existing whipper snipper head will do the job nicely (once you’ve adjusted the cutting line to cut in a vertical direction). But if you want more precision and more efficiency, consider getting hold of a specialized edging blade attachment. In some models the attachment comes as standard.

Blower Attachment – There are some great blower attachments available on the market. So once you are done with the trimming, edging and cutting just remove the head and replace it with a blower. Now you’re ready to tidy things up.

Pole Saw Attachment - At its most basic, a pole saw attachment, replaces the standard trimmer head with a small chain saw. The chain saw that is used for these attachments tend to be very light and easily maneuverable. They are designed for cutting overhead branches.

Hedge Trimmer and Cultivator Attachments – Slightly more specialized than the attachments already listed, but perfect if you’ve got a hedge to trim or some land that needs to be tilled, ready for planting.

Need more information? For reviews of Australian Whipper Snippers, head over to http://whippersnipperreviews.com.au/

Essential Gutter Cleaning Tools for Portland

Jackson — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 20:08:54 +0000

Gutters are important parts of our home that need extra maintenance and cleaning every once in a while. Gutter cleaning tools and equipments are essential parts of tool collection for home maintenance. For some people, it is already a thing that they own. They are basic tools to keep your home nice and hassle free. Example of gutter cleaners are gutter cleaning rakes, scoops and other cleaning tools that are usually needed due to frequent cleaning of gutters. These tools will help you work faster. In cleaning out your gutter, you will also need a utility ladder to help you reach the unreachable parts. This is also an important and very basic tool to keep up with most of the home maintenance work. You can always try the pitch of the roof but it is always wise to be safer than sorry. Use a ladder instead. Make your work easy and fast. Always choose a safe and reliable ladder with good foundation and balance that will ensure your safety such as “A” ladders. They can also be folded and assembled in convenient sizes for storing after use. (Also see Gutter Cleaning Portland.)

Some people use extension ladders only, it will only lean on the house wall or roof. These are good to use too but safety is a greater concern. Make sure to use extension ladders that can bear heavy weight and durable enough to be used. Ladders that has good balance and very light are pretty useful because of frequent movement and change of locations. If you are planning to clear of the gutter with your bare hands, think twice and ensure your safety. There might be sharp edges and items stuck on your gutter. Use gloves that are heavy duty and not easily punctured with sharp objects. After picking up clogs and dirt, take a high pressure nozzle and spurt some water on your gutter to wash away debris and other dirt. In this way, you leave your gutter all clean and free from clogs. You can also hire people who will do the cleaning of gutters by contacting Portland Gutter Cleaning.

Tree Removal Extras

Jackson — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 07:32:39 +0000

Most homeowners live fairly hectic lives and as a consequence rarely have the time to properly care for their yard. They usually leave the task of watering the plants and pruning the trees to their children, who may be far too immersed in television or video games to remember. This constant cycle of abuse can often cause trees and other plants to die prematurely.

When it comes time to remove dead trees, most people secure the services of an arborist. This is not to say that they don’t contemplate going about the process themselves to avoid any tree removal cost. In cases involving short trees with small trunks, pursuing the project may be fairly effortless and result in a sizeable savings. Bigger trees, however, can be more difficult to master. Cuts need to be made precisely to ensure that the tree falls along an intended trajectory, otherwise it may end up causing damage.

One thing that’s not readily evident about the tree removal service which most companies offer is that it doesn’t include extraction of the stump nor the cost of tree root removal. Most people would consider these to be parts of the tree as well. While they may be, there’s no escaping the elevated cost of tree removal when these elective services are preformed. Cutting a tree trunk is a cakewalk compared to severing through a network of roots to loosen a stump.

If you’re constrained to a small budget, you don’t have to get everything done at once. As a matter of fact, most people don’t mind having to contend with a small stump in their yard. Furthermore, unless the tree’s roots are noticeably protruding outwards from the ground, they too can be tolerated. You actually stand to gain from putting off these “extras” as you might be able to manage these projects yourself in the future. Mother nature will also help soften the remaining wooden segments over time. You can expedite the process by introducing a nitrogen fertilizer into the stump and leaving it to absorb over several weeks. At this point, the stump will be so fragile that an axe will tear it into pieces with a few swings of the handle.

Many people have also reported success with dousing the remaining stump with kerosene, letting is absorb for a few weeks, and then setting the stump ablaze. This creates a low intensity fire that makes quick work of the stump. Look at your budget, decide what work can be completed now and everything else will fall into place later down the line provided you have a solid plan to execute.

Is a gas-powered lawn sweeper really necessary?

Jackson — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:42:02 +0000

Lawn sweepers come in three basic types, and each is best suited for a particular situation. Your options are a “push” sweeper, a “towed” version, or a powered one. The push lawn sweeper is self-explanatory, it works by pushing it along manually. A rotating brush connected to the wheels picks up leaves, grass, and other debris. These are ideal for small lawns, and the exercise you gain might be a bonus too! A towed lawn sweeper may work for you if you have a lot of lawn to cover. If you already own an ATV or garden tractor, you can simply attach these sweepers to the back and tow them along. However, many people have lawns somewhere in between the two. Going over the whole thing by hand would be a pain – quite literally – but at the same time, your place is nowhere near big enough to justify a riding mower. Do you need a gas powered lawn sweeper? For most people, some sort of powered sweeper is ideal – especially those with an in-built shredder.

Powered sweepers are driven by either gas or electricity. One thing to consider is the environmental impact. An electric lawn sweeper is cleaner and more efficient than a gas-powered model, and if you are concerned about the long-term footprint you’re leaving on the world, this might influence your purchase decision. An electric model will have a lower cost to run, too.

However, one downside to most electric devices is the power cable. Not only is it awkward to drag around, it is also a trip hazard and could even be very dangerous if it were damaged. A gas-powered lawn sweeper is self-contained, and for many people its advantages will vastly outweigh its disadvantages. A gas-powered sweeper will likely be more powerful too, and have a higher speed of collecting leaves. Beware, though, that gas-powered sweepers are noisier, and if you live in an area with stringent noise regulations, that might be a problem.

Planting Container-Grown Flowering Shrubs

Jackson — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:45:23 +0000

So, you are going to plant some flowering shrubs for your next landscaping project. You got the plants at the local nursery, got the shovel, got the gloves on, dug the hole….but now what? Here are a few simple steps to get those shrubs out of the containers they grow in and up and blooming in no time!

Step 1: Remove the plant from the container
The first thing you will want to do is water the plant. This will help loosen the soil. Next, lay the container on its side. To get the plant out, try tapping the sides. If it does not come out with tapping, cut the sides of the plastic container with a box cutter and pull it off.

Step 2: Break up the roots
After you have the plant out, you are going to want to help the roots spread out after you plant it. You can do this by taking a garden spade or garden rake and breaking up the clump of roots. The bigger the roots are, the more you will need to break it up.

Step 3: Check the depth of your hole
Place your new plant in the hole, and let it rest on the bottom of your newly dug hole. You want the crown of your roots to be a couple inches above ground. It is best to dig the hole a little deeper than you need and then add dirt back to the hole. This gives the roots some soil beneath them that will be easy to grow through and will help the plant quickly become established.

Step 4: Plant the shrub
Put the plant in the hole and add half the soil around the plant, but do not cover the crown of the roots. Gently step on the soil to stabilize the plant. Save the remaining soil for later.

Step 5: Water the shrub
Take a hose or bucket and fill the hole until the water pools. After the water has been allowed to soak in, add the rest of the soil to the hole. The root crown should still remain above ground.

Step 6: Make a moat around the shrub.
Take a shovel or small rake and create a small moat around the plant. Add more water, and allow it to soak in. Sprinkle a little fertilizer around the roots, and wait for your plant to take off!

For more information on garden and landscaping planning, see this article on flowering shrubs.

The Solar Garden Lights Solution

Jackson — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:38:56 +0000

Whether you live in a house, apartment or even a loft, chances are you have a little bit of a garden. To help accent your garden why not add some solar garden lights? What makes the solar variety of garden lights so great is that you’re not bound by how far an extension cord can reach. While patio lights are nice, in general the light is too harsh for the atmosphere that we are trying to create. In essence, you want to create another room, another living space, and garden lighting will help you do just that.

Outdoor lighting fixtures have come along way in the last 20 years. In the past, homeowners were stuck with hardscaping wiring in order to send light to the far reaches of the backyard or the garden. Renters, of course, would make do with stringing extension cords from the house, making an unsafe and unsightly solution to outdoor lighting. Outdoor string lights, the summertime equivalent of Christmas lights, have long been popular. They’re particularly useful for people with a simple and small garden on the balcony. And yet there’s still the problem of how to provide electricity to light them.

In even the last five years, solar lighting has made great leaps in both price and variety. There are simple stake-style solar lights used to accent a walkway, solar string lights, and even solar garden task lighting. All powered by the power of the sun. Not all solar lights are created equal, however. If it’s in your budget to spend a little bit more, the lights will be brighter and they’ll last longer. So take a careful look at your budget and, if you can afford it, spend a little bit more now to ensure longer-lasting lighting for the future.

With solar garden lights your imagination is limitless. The boundaries of what you can do and where you can do it have been pushed back. Let’s say you want to add a small light on the bird feeder that sits in the corner of the backyard, with inexpensive, efficient solar lighting you can do just that. That’s one of lighting solutions that even five years ago, would’ve cost the equivalent of a month’s rent. Now, you can go to any home improvement superstore and pick up a light for the price of dinner. So have fun lighting your garden. Have fun taking chances and playing around with the varieties of lighting solutions that are now available to you.

The Most Common Mini Greenhouse Myths

Jackson — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 04:04:53 +0000

Anyone who knows anything about gardening understands that greenhouse growing provides many advantages over traditional growing methods. Not only do greenhouses provide protection from wind, rain and cold, but they also allow people to grow many different species of plants under one roof. Depending on where you live, your local climate may prohibit you from growing certain cold-sensitive plant species, though this is no longer an issue when using a greenhouse. Although greenhouses were once reserved for a professional grower with a large budget and unlimited space with which to expand, mini greenhouses have made it possible for the average homeowner to get in on the action.

While the evolution of the mini greenhouse has made gardening easier, it doesn’t mean that the element of challenge has been completely eliminated from the equation. In fact, there are certain things that make greenhouse growing even more challenging than growing plants outdoors. People automatically assume that they can set up a greenhouse, place some plants inside of it and be guaranteed of a positive result. Unfortunately, things just don’t quite work out this way. Just as you do when you grow plants in an outdoor garden, you need to ensure that your greenhouse plants stay free from pests and diseases. You also need to pay close attention to irrigation practices when growing indoors, as plants grown in pots tend to dry out much quicker.

Ultimately, growing high quality plants in a greenhouse requires careful attention to detail. You must consistently monitor the growing environment to ensure that your plants are receiving the proper conditions for maximum growth and development. Setting up a structure that includes things like automated irrigation and basic climate control is a great way to provide your plants with what they need without having to do everything manually.

For more information on purchasing a greenhouse and for some tips on growing healthy plants, please visit Your Mini Greenhouse.

Reasons to Buy Solar Lights For Driveways

Jackson — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:05:52 +0000

As their name indicates, solar lights for driveways are powered by the energy of the sun. This energy can be stored during the day when the sun is at its brightest and can eventually be used for more than 8 hours at night. If this isn’t enough to make you reach into your pocket and invest in these lights, then here are more reasons why you should give up on your traditional electric-powered driveway lights:

Since the purpose is for the driveway and landscaping to be well-lit, there are many variations on the designs of solar driveway lights. Some come in the conventional hanging lights, some come in in-ground style or the so-called driveway markers; still others, look like stakes or posts.
Since these lights are sun-powered (they come with rechargeable batteries), there is no need to consume electricity or even go through the task of wiring the lighting units.
If you are a lover of the environment and are concerned of the Earth’s depleting energy sources, then these lights should be your choice. They are ecologically-safe and have zero-emissions, thus, you wouldn’t have to worry about any pollutant.
Budget could be an issue when buying your first set of solar driveway markers, but don’t let this deter you from doing a good investment. It may cost more on the onset but remember that there are no costs in installing these lights, as well as there are no running costs.
These lights are also set to last for years (lifespan is a decade!) as they are rust-proof. This means that they can withstand the harshest weather and there are now variations which can store energy even if the weather isn’t too friendly.
Charging the lights take only 6 hours; this is reasonable as it can run anywhere from 8-12 hours.
These lights are also the best lighting option for festivities and other gatherings since they are safe and economical!

As with many other products in the market, there can be flaws to solar-powered lights but these are far outweighed by the advantages they can offer. So, go ahead, reach into that pocket and buy your first set of solar driveway lights now.

Earthway Precision Garden Seeder

Jackson — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:44:58 +0000

After you get your garden ready for planting, the most tedious part is yet to come. Seeds require proper spacing so they don’t get overcrowded as adults. This require you to fumble around with tiny seeds, try to pick one up without losing them all, and then drop them one by one at the proper placements. Not only is this backbreaking at times, you might not be able to do this with the precision of a machine. The Earthway Precision Garden Seeder does this job for you. Using special seeding plates, it distributes seeds at the correct intervals. The distributer has a handle and wheels for easy use. This works great for people who have large garden plots who need a helping hand.

The Earthway system works by using special seed plates. Each plate is designed to be used with a certain type of seed. In the box you get a plate for these seed varieties: corn, peas, beans, carrots, radishes and beats. First you need to install the plate you want to use. Then you place your seeds in and it will automatically place your seeds at the right spacing. This intuitive machine opens the ground, places the seed, and closes it back up automatically. No trench digging or shoveling required. It marks the next row ahead of time for your convenience.

Years of reliable use are ensured because of the weather resistant, durable materials this system is made with. If you want to plant different types of seeds than the plates provided, additional ones are available for purchase. Some experience assembling mechanical objects is suggested, as this system requires assembly out of the box. If you’re looking to free up your time and spend more time enjoying your garden, this seeding system is for you. It is intended for use on large plots of land. Outdoor work can be difficult. Check out Yardsurfer.com for some tips on how to make it easier.