Dissolve an aspirin in a cup of tea for a perfect “perk” for your plants. All soil has a Ph rating ranging from 1 to 14 with 7 being neutral, and this cup of tea is great for plants such as camellias, azaleas and orchids because it will raise the level of acidity in the soil giving the plants exactly what they need.
There’s nothing worse than spending a lot of time getting leaves raked and loaded into the wheelbarrow only to have a bump on the path or a gust of wind empty them out for you. Here’s a solution that will make collecting leaves easier and keep them in the wheelbarrow.
Newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials need gentle and thorough watering, but watering slowly by hand takes time. Instead, create a low-tech irrigation system using gallon-size plastic juice jugs. (They’re sturdier than plastic milk jugs). Fill a clean jug with water and carry it to your planting. Poke a small hole into the bottom of the jug and set it beside the newly planted plant.
You don’t usually see them during the day because they feed at night, but the holes in your plant leaves (such as Hostas) are most likely from slugs. Although chemical methods of eliminating slugs may prove effective here’s a natural method that even the kids can help with.
Protect vulnerable shrubs and trees from potential weed whacker or lawn mower accidents. Keep a plastic juice bottle, slit down the side (with the top and bottom removed) tied to your machine. Stop before working too close to plants and slip the bottle around the trunk while you weed or mow in that area. Remove the bottle when you move on.
Controlling weeds is high on every homeowner’s to-do list and Dr. Trey Rogers, Yard Doctor for Briggs and Stratton, explains that it may be easier than you think. Practicing proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing will actually prevent a lot of weed problems because healthy lawns leave little room for weeds.
Gardening in a dry climate can be a challenge but Southern Californian Tricia Craven Worley explains that it is possible to create a beautiful landscape if you choose your plants carefully. The staples of such gardens are drought tolerant plants such as Pride of Madeira, Rosemary and Thyme.
In situations where two pieces of wood need to be tightly connected at right angles (for example constructing a wooden gate) a half-lap joint is ideal. Here are a few tips to make an easy half-lap joint.
