Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Gardening

Organic Vegetable Gardening Book..

..Tools needed for getting started in gardening.First gloves to protect your hands.

Shovel

Shovels are usually used to dig holes, in order to spread soil in a garden. When you are buying a shovel, be sure to choose one that is solid steel and will not bend when digging. Be sure that you can get a good grip on the handle in order to prevent blisters and even splinters. You also want to make sure that there is an area on the head of the shovel where you can use your foot to push down for greater digging force.

Pitchfork

A pitchfork is a gardening tool with approximately 4 prongs and a long handle. The size of pitchforks may vary depending on what they are being used for. The space between each prong will varies as well. Pitchforks are mostly used to separate, lift and throw loose pieces of material such as leaves and sometimes dirt.

Pruning Shears

Pruning shears are tools that have long handles and fine edged blades. This type of gardening tool is used to allow gardeners to prune rose bushes and annoying vines. They can also be used to cut the grass at the edges of a sidewalk or garden beds. Without pruning shears, your garden will end up looking very messy and disorganized. Try to invest in high quality pruning shears. They tend to have a lifelong guarantee and will almost never rust.

Trowel

A trowel is a shovel looking piece of equipment used to dig up dirt to make space for smaller plants. The best ones to buy have an easy grip with rubber material. A trowel with no grip will be difficult to use and will most definitely ruin your garden. Many gardeners will agree that this tool is a must in any gardening arsenal.

Spade

A spade is a gardening tool with a long, thick handle and heavy flat blade. This tool is used to dig and move pieces of dirt from one location to another. Spades can also be used to pack down dirt once a plant has been planted.

Regular baskets

It is smart to carry a basket with you when you are pruning or weeding. You can put garden debris in it to be thrown out or reused later on. Be sure the basket is lightweight so you will not become fatigued from carrying it around while gardening.

Wheelbarrow

A wheelbarrow is a cart with a handle one wheel designed for easy transportation of materials from one location to another. Buying a wheelbarrow will save you a lot of time and effort. This will make life much easier when you need to go to the compost heap.

Watering Can

In order to ensure the survival of a plant, you must keep it well watered. You should choose a watering can that has a long spout in order to place water as close to the roots as possible. Without the proper amount of water, your plant will shrivel up and die.

Rake

Rakes are commonly used to remove leaves and everyday garden debris. When you are selecting a rake, be sure to check the handle carefully. Keep in mind that smooth wood handle tend to last the longest. Plastic handles will wear away within a few months of usage.

Whether you are beginner or expert gardener, you know the essential importance of garden tools. They help you maintain your garden in a descent manner and help you to grow better plants. The tools listed are just the main important ones needed for maintenance.Now click on one of the banner adds on this page and order your tools now thanks Happy gardening.

How to Grow Squash:

Grow squash in full sun. Plant in rich garden soil that drains well. They are big feeders. Mix in plenty of compost into the soil prior to planting.

Plant squash seeds in rows or hills, planting seeds one inch deep. In hills, plant four to five per hill. After they have germinated, thin to two to three plants. Row spacing varies by variety.

Squash can also be started indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost.

Squash plants are heavy feeders. Fertilize when planting, and every 2-3 weeks until harvest.

Water regularly to keep the soil moist.

It is important to weed frequently, to keep the weeds from competing for water and nutrients.

Mulching around will help to feed the plant, minimize weeds, and to retain soil moisture.

Squash is not a hardy plant. They are susceptible to frost in the spring and fall.                                    Tomatoes should be grown in full sunlight and planted away from trees and shrubs to obtain highest yield. Tomato plants require abundant moisture for best growth, so arrange for easy watering. The area selected should be well drained since poor drainage promotes root loss. Tomatoes grown on heavy or poorly drained soils should be planted in raised beds or mounds four to six inches high. More tips soon.