Basics for a newbie
Ed V
7 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (45)
bronxfigs: New York City/7b
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoRelated Discussions
very much new to containers need some input
Comments (2)I switched this year to grow bags and things couldn't be better. I don't have a regular garden bed to grow in, plus my sunny area's change through out the year, hence grow bags. I bought several different ones to try out, and the winners go to the thicker ones with handles. The thinner one's top rim always rolls over and gets in the way when watering, plus as the shadows have moved I just pick up the bags and move them. For my situation they have worked better than anything else I have tried. This year has been the best year, and a big part of that goes to the soil in my containers, I switched to a 5-1-1 mix. Look it up on here, I highly recommend it. My herbs I did put in plastic pots since they will be in them for awhile, big herb big pot, small herb small pot, all on rollers so that I can move them also as the sun moves, plus I used Al's Gritty Mix since they are long term plants. Best of luck, Jerry...See MoreSome basic questions from newbie
Comments (8)Welcome Newbie! As for your two tomato plants it is possible that your soil is nutrient deficient, however, if your other tomato plants are doing well you might want to consider other options. It is possible that these plants have not established a strong root system. The way you can tell is to carefully dig up these underdeveloped plants and see how deep the roots have gone. If you find that the root ball is very compact and tight, simply break it up with your fingers and plant it deep enough that at least 1" of the stem is beneath the soil. This will help establish a stronger root system and will help carry the proper nutrients to your plant. Always remember to water very well after replanting. When planting tomatoes I use a solution of ¼ cup of bloodmeal, 2 tbsp of sugar and 2 tbsp of Epsom salt. Mix this together and sprinkle over the base of the planted tomato plants and water in well. I fertilize with Miracle Grow tomato food every 3 weeks thereafter. As for your squash, if you can distinctly tell that the flowers are being cut off then chances are it is squirrels. The unfortunate thing about squirrels is that there isn't much that will keep them out of a garden. However, one proven suggestion would be dog hair. Squirrels hate dog hair and it will definitely ward them away. If you don't have a dog you can always get this from your local groomer. However, if you are not a dog lover or want the look of hair everywhere, I was told by a friend that the same cayenne pepper solution I use for my tomatoes works well for squirrels as well. Take 5 cayenne peppers and boil them for 5 minutes in a medium saucepan of water. Once tender place the peppers and water in a blender and pure. Strain all seeds through a fine strainer and put in a spray bottle. Spray the flowers every 3-4 days and after every rain. I have been told that this is a wonderful solution to use. Hope these suggestions help - Kara...See MoreGood Basic Tutorial for Newbies...
Comments (1)Tango88 here are some excellent Tutorials as well: 1. Very detailed: http://www.efildoog-nz.com/hypertufa.htm 2. http://www.schundler.com/hypertufa.htm 3. What to plant in the troughs: http://www.backyardgardener.com/tufa.html 4. http://www.minifarmhomestead.com/gardening/hypertufa.htm 5. http://www.the-artistic-garden.com/hypertufa.html...See MoreBasic Orchid Care - Newbie
Comments (1)You have cymbidium(s). Very easy to grow orchids in coastal southern California. The dead looking parts are called "back bulbs". They will never grow leaves or flowers again but they are certainly a viable and alive part of the plant. As long as they are connected to the rest of the plant they won't do anything. More on that in a minute. As for fertilizers, at this time of year they don't need anything, just watered enough to keep them from drying out for too long, about every 10-14 days depending on rainfall. Nothing should be done to them while they are producing flowers. Actually the only thing you could do is use some thin bamboo stakes to tie up the flower spikes, they'll look much better when you do that. Beginning in April as long as you are done enjoying the flowers, the plant should be divided into several plants. Each plant should have at least 3 to 4 solid bulbs, with at least one of them being new from the past growing season. This is called "dividing" into "divisions". Now back to those back bulbs - if you "disconnect" them from newer parts of the plants, preferably in sets of two or three connected to each other, they will sprout new growth from dormant growing "eyes" (sort of like a potato). It may take a year or two or three to bloom again based on your growing talents but it's a great way to increase your collection cheaply. The back bulbs are surrounded by dead leaf tissue but they are loaded with green life. Peel off the dead stuff as the plant will look much better and it will eliminate places for bugs to hide. Anyway, divisions do not need to be limited to 3 or 4 bulbs, they can be a lot bigger obviously. Use black hard plastic pots just like the one pictured but give plants only enough growing room for two years. There's a lot more to repotting and these links should help. http://cymbidium.org/cymbidium.html http://orquideas.com/growing/potting/cymbpot.html http://www.orchardnursery.com/pdfs/orchids/repotcyms.pdf Have fun! Matt...See MoreSinha
7 years agogreenclaws UK, Zone 8a
7 years agoEd V
7 years agoMarica 7 high Sierra's Ca 4,000ft
7 years agobronxfigs: New York City/7b
7 years agoEd V
7 years agoMarica 7 high Sierra's Ca 4,000ft
7 years agoStuart( Paramaribo, Suriname) Hofwijks
7 years agoStuart( Paramaribo, Suriname) Hofwijks
7 years agoEd V
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoPagan
7 years agoEd V
7 years agoPagan
7 years agoMarica 7 high Sierra's Ca 4,000ft
7 years agoMaria Elena (Caribbean - USDA Zone 13a)
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoEd V
7 years agoEd V
7 years agoMarica 7 high Sierra's Ca 4,000ft
7 years agoMaria Elena (Caribbean - USDA Zone 13a)
7 years agoEd V
7 years agogreenclaws UK, Zone 8a
7 years agoEd V
7 years agoPagan
7 years agogreenclaws UK, Zone 8a
7 years agoEd V
7 years agoMarica 7 high Sierra's Ca 4,000ft
7 years agoCynthia Curry Russo
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoEd V
7 years agoEd V
7 years agogreenclaws UK, Zone 8a
7 years agoEd V
7 years agogreenclaws UK, Zone 8a
7 years agoMarica 7 high Sierra's Ca 4,000ft
7 years agoMaria Elena (Caribbean - USDA Zone 13a)
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoMonique Blackburn
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoMarica 7 high Sierra's Ca 4,000ft
7 years agoEd V
7 years agospacecoast_fl_zone_9
7 years agoMarica 7 high Sierra's Ca 4,000ft
7 years agoEd V
7 years agoMarica 7 high Sierra's Ca 4,000ft
7 years agoEd V
7 years agoMonique Blackburn
7 years ago
Related Stories
WOODWORKING7 Must-Have Measuring Tools for Woodworking
Whether you're a newbie DIYer or building cabinets from scratch, using the right woodshop tools makes all the difference
Full StorySMALL HOMESHouzz Tour: An Illinois Loft Sparks Renovation Fever
Home improvement newbies (and newlyweds) find joy and a new income source while redoing their space themselves
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES10 Tips for Beginning Gardeners
With a simple sketch, basic tools and the right plants, you’ll be on your way to growing your first flowers or edibles
Full StoryFURNITURESmart Shopper: How to Judge Antique Furniture Quality
Pick the treasures from the trash without expert experience by learning how to evaluate antiques and what questions to ask
Full StoryDIY PROJECTS10 Terrific DIY Home and Garden Projects
Add spring panache inside your home and out with these engaging DIY projects for all skills levels
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNKitchen Remodel Costs: 3 Budgets, 3 Kitchens
What you can expect from a kitchen remodel with a budget from $20,000 to $100,000
Full StoryMATERIALSWhat to Ask Before Choosing a Hardwood Floor
We give you the details on cost, installation, wood varieties and more to help you pick the right hardwood flooring
Full StoryLIFE7 Things to Do Before You Move Into a New House
Get life in a new house off to a great start with fresh paint and switch plates, new locks, a deep cleaning — and something on those windows
Full StoryPETSWhat You Need to Know Before Buying Chicks
Ordering chicks for your backyard coop? Easy. But caring for them requires planning and foresight. Here's what to do
Full StoryPLANTING IDEASGreat Garden Combo: Silver Sparkles Amid Purple and Blue Foliage
Get the look of this modern foundation planting by focusing on a restrained color palette with tasteful accents
Full Story
rcharles_gw (Canada)