Your Backyard Garden Information Source
Nothing tastes better than fresh, crisp vegetables on a summer day. But, did you know that summer is not the only time you can grow fresh vegetables? Most people think that if you live in Portland or other cold places, it’s hard to enjoy fresh vegetables year-round. But, with some help and guidance, your summer vegetables can frequent your […]
Seed sowing Many garden plants are propagated from seed and good germination is encouraged by providing the seeds with the best conditions. Moisture and air must be present in the propagating medium (whether soil or a special compost) and the temperatures must be suitable. Very high temperatures are seldom necessary. Most garden and greenhouse sown seeds need temperatures of 50-60°F […]
The following data is provided by Thompson & Morgan Successful Seed Raising Guide. This guide is out of print. A seed is an embryo plant and contains within itself virtually all the materials and energy to start off a new plant. To get the most from one’s seeds it is needful to understand a little about their needs, so that […]
Prepare for Seed Starting by Arzeena Hamir How do you satisfy the gardening itch in the middle of winter? Easily! Start plants from seed. Now is a great time to get a jumpstart on the gardening season. Just a little preparation will help ensure you seed starting success. Here is some of the equipment you’ll need: Containers Almost any type […]
Tomatoes Outdoor tomato growing Provided that an early-ripening variety is chosen, worthwhile crops of tomatoes may be grown in the garden in most parts. `Outdoor Girl’ is outstanding for its early-ripening quality. In colder parts frames and cloches give protection to the plants during June and early July. Plants may be raised from seed in a cold frame, in an […]
GARDEN LOAM POTTING SOIL Pass the garden loam through a 1/4 in (0.6 cm) sieve Warm oven to 180 degrees F (82 C) for 10 minutes Place on center rack Place foil over tray and make sure the soil reaches the above temperature. Use a meat thermometer Potting soils using garden loam Potting soils should be placed through a sieve […]
Planting the vegetable seed There is no part of the garden work which calls for such nice judgment and careful attention as the sowing of seed. Most of the failures originate right here, and a large share of the blame devoted to the seeds and seedsman, if traced back to its original source, would be found to rest on the […]
The selection of seeds available to start your own plants is unbelievable. With such a variety to choose from, and beautiful pictures on the packages, it is difficult to make up our minds which ones to plant in our gardens. Well, there are many that we can successfully grow in our gardens and even our planters. The old-fashioned varieties, […]
Friends and family who visit my garden when the Iris in bloom, often exclaim, “Aren’t these colorful! What type of Iris are they?” They are referring to the Siberian Irises, which are planted in long drifts above the bog garden path. Apparently, for all their graceful beauty, with flowers poised like resting butterflies on tall, reed-like stems, they are not truly […]
Looking for ways to improve the appearance and usability of your home’s backyard space? You have many different options. You could choose to use stacked stone. You could go with traditional brick. You might decide on customer concrete. However, Besser blocks offer a lot of versatility and the ability to create just about any sort of aesthetic you might desire. […]