Posts Tagged ‘Grow’

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Extreme Gardening is the quintessential gardening guide to organic gardening against all odds. Written by the well-known gardening guru, the “Garden Guy,” David Owens shows the experienced and novice gardener how to gro… More >>

Extreme Gardening: How to Grow Organic in the Hostile Deserts

I was convinced about fresh organic food one weekend when I visited a local ‘Farmers’ Market’ for the very first time.  The vegetables were so different from the stuff I usually bought in my local supermarket.

Firstly they were in season, not flown in from somewhere halfway across the world.  Secondly they smelled different. They smelled of something! I guess they smelled ‘fresh’. Finally thay tasted so different. They burst with flavour. You know, I forgot how good eggplants and zucchini could taste!

The only drawback was availability and price. You see the farmers’ market only happened on a Sunday, just once a week. There was an organic section in the supermarket but, wow, the prices were so high. I could see buying just organic vegetables as a treat but every day? Forget it, far too much money!

So I started to research how I could grow some vegetables myself. Now I was always led to believe that vegetables growing was very hard work. Also there was so much jargon involved I assumed that only ‘experts’ could do it. The third false assumption I made was that I couldn’t grow enough my small garden to make it worthwhile.

Then I was recommended a vegetables growing step-by-step instruction program by a friend. This program, called Food4Wealth, promised to show me how wrong I was on those three assumptions I had made! Jonathan White, an environmental scientist and horticulturalist, explained how he had developed a simple, low-effort gardening system based on principles he had examined, researched and taught over 20 years.
To quote Jonathan, his method is……

“ based on ecology, and not horticulture. You see, the problem with horticulture is that it is problem-focused. Have you noticed that gardening books are filled with ways to fix problems? People seem to love creating problems where problems don’t need to exist. Well, it doesn’t have to be that way!
In my experience, the study of natural ecosystems reveals everything we need to know about growing food. After all, Mother Nature has been doing it this way for millions for years.
From my own results I can say, with absolute certainty, that this is the way we will be producing food in the future. It’s just commonsense. Why wouldn’t the world want to use a method that produces many times more food with a fraction of the effort? The biggest challenge is convincing traditional gardeners. Like many industries, the gardening industry gets stuck in doing things a certain way. And for many dedicated veterans, it can actually be quite threatening when an embarrassingly simple solution comes “

So I bought his course of a step-by-step manual which comes with 14 short videos and action plans and actually, for once in my life, ‘followed the script’ and I can tell you the results are quite amazing.If I can do this, so can you!

Jonathan suggests that a family can save up to $5000 off their grocery bill by following his system and he’s not wrong. But I am getting so much pleasure from producing my own food – which I know is healthy -  and that is almost compensation enough.

In the last ten years there has been huge advancements in technology which has led to homogenization and mechanization of farming. Now farmers have access to herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, mass production, additives and pesticides. This is most definitely affecting the health of mankind. New diseases, like bird flu, are spreading very quickly among humans as well as animals.

The W.H.O. (World Health Organization) has produced certain reports that show how chemicals as well as other dangerous products that are used in our food along with the process in which the food is manufactured is actually threatening our health.

If your garden has a little extra space where a few pots can fit, you should consider growing an organic vegetable garden of your own. Here you can see seven reasons why this would be good for you:-

1. There are no additives in organic vegetables – Many organic food associations have studied and concluded that additives in the food you eat can lead to osteoporosis, migraines, hyperactivity and heart diseases.

2. There are no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides – These chemicals are applied on crops so that they can be grown irrespective of weather conditions or plague and they greatly affect quality of the crops. Also, most pesticides are poisonous to human beings.

3. No genetic modification [GM] of vegetables – Hormones, drugs and antibitoics are used on many vegetables to get more, larger vegetables. This practice has one consequence. That the vegetables all look similar and are pretty much tasteless.

4. Eating organic vegetables made yourself is healthy – These vegetables won’t have any of the chemicals or products mentioned above. They are much more natural as compared to any ones that you may find at a super market. You won’t be risking your health as there will definitely be nothing dangerous added in your vegetables.

5. Home grown organic vegetables are more tasty – When pesticides, hormones, antibiotics and synthetic fertilizers are used to grow vegetables, they grow un-naturally and have no taste. When you grow them yourself you will be able to experience their full flavor.

6. Growing organic vegetables is environmentally friendly – Since you are not using pesticides or any  other harmful substances, you won’t damage the air or the soil with these harmful components.

7. If you grow organic vegetables of your own then you are adding to self sustainability as well as sustainability of our planet. There are many small communities across the country where vegetables are grown naturally and then exchanged between the members and this creates a better, much more friendly place for everyone.

Lastly, growing organic vegetables simply means that we will not add anything, that they are not naturally meant to have, to help them grow. As you will be able to guess, fertilizers, additives, hormones or pesticides are all components that are not found in food that is grown naturally. To take good care of your own health, you should grow organic vegetables of your own. All you need is a few pots.

How to grow tall naturally?

We all know that by changing our diet will affect our body structure due to the lack of nutrient or overtaking of nutrient. In order to grow tall naturally, you should take a diet which is rich in protein, calcium, amino acids and calories. Calcium help in increasing our bone length, make our bone healthy and strong. Protein is mainly useful for the growth of our muscles. Protein and amino acid are helpful in many reasons. As we all know that amino acid is the main building block of our life. So if you take the diet which is rich in protein and amino acid will make your body’s muscle, bone, organs grow faster. Thus taking diet with these nutrients will grow your height faster. Calcium is also one of the most essential components in our life. As we grow, our old and sick cells die and are replace by the healthy cells. This happens in our skin, organs, tissue and mainly in our bones. Our Growth-FlexV Pro System will help and work efficiently to grow tall naturally. Go to http://www.growth-flex.com/ .

How to grow tall by exercises?

There are many exercises which help to grow tall like Swimming- regular swimming in teenage improve your growth as swimming makes our whole body exercise, which make you stronger and look fit. Regularly swimming in your childhood will also prevent you from backbone disease in your old age. According to me it is the healthiest sport I know. Hanging- It’s the simplest exercise I have ever known as it need not require any skill to work out and it’s an important exercise to get taller. You just hang from a bar which is 7-8 feet above the ground will lengthen and straighten your backbone. Work out this exercise for at lease 20-30 minutes a week. Get more info at http://www.growth-flex.com/ .

Planter boxes offer a garden plot for those who live in cramped spaces. Even residents of studio apartments can grow their own fresh herbs. If you want to give herb gardening a try, you should first consider the growing requirements of herbs. If your planter boxes can expose your herbs to the proper levels of light, your experiment could succeed. Set up your planters with good drainage and soil before planting your herbs. When the time comes, harvest your herbs and enjoy the crops you’ve produced through your own nurture.

Like all plants, herbs require certain levels of sunlight and water. While herbs can be very tough plants, even withstanding drought, they can’t forgo water. Use your fingertip to gauge the dampness of the soil in your planter boxes and evaluate if you need to water. If the soil feels damp, it’s good. If the soil feels wet, you have likely overwatered. Wait until the soil dries, and use less water next time. If the soil feels dry, water your herbs (but don’t try to compensate by saturating the soil). A slightly drier soil is better than soggy soil for herbs.

In addition to some water, most herbs require full sunlight. Your planter boxes should be on a side of the house that is sunny for much of the day. Herbs probably won’t thrive in a shady area, so if your planter boxes will be in shade, use plants other than herbs.

When you prepare your planter boxes, you need to provide good drainage and good soil for your herbs. Line the bottom of each container with pebbles, which improve drainage. Use a good potting soil, as well. You can mix multiple types of herbs in the same container. If you stagger the plants instead of placing them in a straight row, you can fit more herbs in the container, plus you give the planter a pleasing look.

As your herbs grow, you will need to prune and harvest them properly. You should pinch back annual herbs and prevent them from blooming. Pinching back encourages the leaves to grow fuller. If you don’t want to actually use the parts you pinch off, you could dry them and use them later in your cooking. You shouldn’t do much heavy harvesting until you see several sets of leaves on the herb. Some say that perennial herbs taste best when they first begin to flower, but you can continue harvesting these herbs after that point.

Planting and tending an herb garden takes minimal time and care, compared to some other plants. Even when you have little space, or no ground area at all in which to garden, you can grow an herb garden in planter boxes. Ensure that your containers will receive high levels of sunlight. Herbs don’t require a lot of water, so gauge the soil to evaluate how much water to give your plants. Before you plant, remember to prepare your containers so they afford the herbs excellent drainage. Prune, when appropriate, to encourage fuller growth. When it comes time to harvest your herbs, enjoy the enhanced flavor in your cooking.

The Urban Gardener’s Journal: Hydroponic grow box systems for year-round organic growing

There is a big dilemma for modern urban gardeners these days. Unlike those who live in a house urban gardeners do not have their own plot of land to grow their fresh organic fruits and vegetables. So urban gardeners living in high-rise condos are forced to use their small patio if they even want to grow any kind of federal. Often they are forced to use a confined area with inadequate lighting and no for an odor reduction whatsoever. It can be a huge issue for gardeners who appreciate creating the best possible conditions for their plants and a little control over mother nature really never hurt anyone at all.

Not to fear. The modern urban grower has an arsenal of hydroponics grow box systems at their disposal. You can choose to purchase a prebuilt hydroponics grow box or the more crafty individual can build their own. With hydroponics grow boxes you don’t need to rearrange a room to say the least or go out of your way whatsoever. There is no cutting or drilling holes in your walls and making a huge mess. No need to rip up carpets or drill holes into the attic for ventilation. There is no need for a giant mess when you decide to grow with a hydroponics grow box instead of building your own or converting a room. These are fantastic machines of varying sizes that makes it simple to grow plants all year round, no matter where you grow. Most grow boxes are usually shipped assembled and ready to use the very same day you get them. Often a hydroponics grow box systems will contain everything you need to grow using hydroponics like lighting, intake and exhaust fans, and timers and nutrients to go your plants with relative ease and with no mess such as in soil grows. To sum it up a hydroponics grow box is everything you need to grow your plants in a high-tech fashion and is very simple for even the most novice gardener to use and understand. There are numerous free DVDs on hydroponics available to make you an expert in no time.

Now consumers are not forced to pay the high prices from companies like Whole Foods who offer organic foods and foods add a huge surplus that cost us more than a way to grow own. Now with hydroponics you can simply grow your own food right at home with no waste and organic nutrients only. No more pesticides! The grow box can be installed right in a closet or spare room of your condo or apartment, turning that entire room or just part of it into a hydroponics garden containing all your own fruits and vegetables. It’s up to you how much space you want in your hydroponics garden based on how many machines you buy, the size of the grow boxes you decide to get. For instance you can get a very small grow box that sits on the tabletop and looks like it is a computer tower case or you can get a much larger unit that sits on the floor that’s 4 feet tall or even larger systems that are 5-6-7 and even 8 feet tall!

What’s fantastic about a hydroponics grow box versus trying to grow on a patio is that you have complete and total control over your environment at all times. You’re able to turn the lights on and off when you want to simulate the sun. You can’t do this on your patio that is open and not enclosed. Sometimes it’s important to keep plants and in that dark during the flowering portion of their development. You can’t do that on a patio because there’s still way too much light out there even at night from your neighbors and from passing cars. This will disturb your plants dark cycle and really stress them. However with a hydroponics grow box your plants are growing inside of an enclosed environment, there is no light at all when the light is turned off in your grow box. This is a huge benefit to going with a hydroponics grow box versus trying to grow outside on your patio. But the benefits are not just in the enclosure, it’s also with the older control as well as with the privacy you now have.

With a hydroponics grow box all your odors are completely self-contained and eliminated so you can now grow plants with a strong odor of garlic and that smells to deal with. A hydroponics grow box is all about convenience with built-in lights and odor reduction and everything else you need to get your urban gardening going from the ground up is included.

If you would like to learn more about hydroponics and how to use a hydroponics grow box check out this very useful website under the hydroponics tutorial section. There’s about 100 videos you can watch to learn all about hydroponics and grow boxes and their various features, as well as tutorials on stuff like using CO2 to enhance your growth, various types of nutrients and how to make sense out of various options available out there, as well as simple stuff like adjusting your pH levels, and even choosing light wattages and lots more. All of this information is available completely 100% free of charge for the new or intermediate hydroponics grower alike.

The humble parsley herbs have been around for centuries. The Greeks planted the parsley herb as a border for their gardens. They also used the parsley herb to crown winners at competitions and to decorate tombs. The Romans believed that the herb parsley could prevent intoxication. They used it in great quantities. It can be used as an herb parsley tea which many say is useful in curbing a stubborn cough. Parsley herbs are used to make herbal remedies.

The parsley herb is a biennial, which means it will last two years after which the parsley must be replanted. The parsley herb will produce an umbrella of small yellow flowers. The first year of the parsley herb will have a more delicate flavor.

Curly parsley, the most commonly grown, is very pretty as a border around an herb garden. Parsley produces crisp, curly, bright green leaves. Parsley is one of the most nutritious herbs around containing potassium, calcium, vitamins A and C and many other needed minerals. It is also the most widely used herb in the kitchen. It can be used in virtually every recipe, salads, meats, soups, stews, even parsley sauce or an herbal parsley tea.

The flavor of the herb parsley is mild and savory. Parsley is good at masking other harsher flavors. Parsley is said to sweeten the breath after eating garlic. The parsley herb is good for the circulation and the digestive system. The parsley plant can be used to make herbal remedies. It is a diuretic. It is thought to be an herbal remedy for the kidneys, removing excess water from the body. For this reason many think that is a slimming herb. The herb parsley is a detoxifier and helps with rheumatism, gout and arthritis. Many women believe it aides in menstrual pain and period irregularity.

To grow the herb parsley, plant the seeds gradually through the warmer months. There are two ways to speed the germination of the parsley herb. You can either soak them in warm water for 24 hours or you can pour boiling water over them just before you plan to plant the parsley herb. It will take about eight weeks before the parsley herb can be planted in the garden or in a container garden. After the seedlings have grown several leaves on it, plant them about 10 inches apart.

If you live in a tropical area it will be necessary to provide shade for the parsley herb. If you live in a colder climate, dig up the parsley and pot it for inside growth and year round harvesting. It enjoys a well drained but moist soil that has enriched with fertilizers. The parsley herb will ward off pests and disease if it is planted near roses or tomatoes. Parsley also attracts bees.

The herb parsley can be planted inside on a sunny windowsill or greenhouse. When you buy the pot for the herb parsley, be sure you have a depth of at least eight inches which will allow the roots space to grow.

The other popular variety of the herb parsley is the flat leaf or Italian parsley herb. This parsley has a slightly stronger taste. Grow both varieties for some interesting textures when using in your recipes.

You can use either fresh or dried parsley to make an herbal parsley tea. When using the parsley herb fresh, use one quarter of a cup of the herb. Pour boiling water in the cup and let steep for 5 minutes. Cover the cup to keep the steam in. Strain the tea and drink it. If using dried parsley, use two teaspoons per cup of water. Sweeten with honey. For relieving bug bites and stings, pulp the parsley and apply to afflicted are to heal and soothe.

Think about planting the herb parsley. There are so many uses for it. It will be a healthy addition to your garden and your kitchen. Here’s a recipe for Parsley Sauce to help you use your parsley herb crop in a tasty way:
1 pint Milk, warmed
1½oz Flour
1½oz Butter
4 tbsp Parsley, chopped
Salt and Pepper
Melt the butter in a saucepan over a low heat.
Stir in the flour and cook gently for 2-3 minutes.
Remove from the heat and slowly add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Bring to the boil, still stirring, simmer for about five minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once it’s smooth and creamy, remove from the heat; throw in the chopped parsley and season to taste. Serve it hot with fish, poultry or vegetables.
Here’s to Good Eating and Happy Gardening!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Growing herbs has become a very popular hobby today. Not only are they decorative, but growing herbs yourself gives you an ongoing fresh supply of herbs for cooking.

A good thing about growing herbs is that they can be done indoors. This way, they can be enjoyed even if you are living in the city and do not have room for outdoor gardening space.

Helpful Tips for Growing Herbs in Containers

1. Herbs ideally thrive in the ground, but with proper choices and the right precautions, they can flourish in the indoor garden. They have to be positioned inside the house where they can grow well.

2. You can combine herbs of different colors to create an atmosphere inside your house. For example, you can get calendula or lemon thyme, herbs with sunny colors for a brighter effect.

3. Let the herbs grow together. They can create a climate among them that will further encourage their growth. They also create a fuller and healthier appearance.

4. Limit the amount of herbs you will plant in a container. It should depend on the size of your container. There should at least be an allowance of four inches square in between each type of herb.

5. Get a clean container to start with the hobby. The container must allow good drainage for the herbs. Use also the type of soil that is porous enough to let water easily go down to the roots.

6. Try to pick commercial potting mix instead of the usual garden soil. They especially contain minerals that can support the needs of your herbs in containers.

7. Check out regularly your herbs, especially if they need some watering. Different herbs will have different moisture requirements.

Just make sure that they do not get too much dry. At the same time, do not drown them either.

10 Herbs to Grow in Containers

There are many kinds of herbs to choose from for your indoor garden. It is best to choose those that can be arranged together. Here are some of them that should be in your top 10 consideration.

1. Silver Plants

Most herb growers would choose according to a color scheme. The herb containers can have an arrangement according to the hue of the plants.

There are herbs that give out silvery hues. They are best for creating an elegant look in the corner of your house and perfect for a garden to be enjoyed in the evening.

You can use artemisias, curry plants and santolinas.

2. Golden Herbs

There are also golden herbs that can add a bright attitude in your mornings. They are perfect for days when the sun shine greets you inside the house.

Your golden garden can have lemon thyme, calendula, nasturtium and even the variegated sage and lemon balm.

3. Blue Garden

If your favorite color is blue, then you can have your indoor herb garden in all blue also. Choose or combine borage, hyssop, rosemary and catmint for that blue collection.

4. Italian Choices

People who love anything Italian can make use of the Italian selection.

Sweet basil, oregano, marjoram, thyme and the Italian parsley can perfectly grow together and respond to your Italian needs anytime.

5. Salad Bar

To vegetarians out there or people who simply enjoy salads, planting herbs like garlic chives, salad burnet, celery and rocket will be a good choice. You need not go to the market to enjoy a bowl of salad.

6. Go French

People who enjoy French cooking can also tend tarragon, parsley, sage and chervil.

7. Enjoy the Scent

Some households can make use of a lovely scent to set the mood. Lavender, lemon thyme, pineapple sage and the rose scented geranium are some of the perfect choices for a pleasant garden.

8. Insect Repellent

You can also grow herbs in your container that can function as insect repellents. This is especially useful for a household with kids.

9. Culinary Herbs

It is also nice to grow and tend culinary herbs inside your house. It is like having your own kitchen needs at hand anytime you want them.

Some of these culinary herbs that can be grown in containers are rosemary, mint, chives, or sage.

These are good seasoning for most of your cooking. The lemon balm is also perfect for your barbecue afternoons.

10. Loner Herbs

There are herbs that have to be kept and maintained in their own containers. They tend to overpower other herbs if they are put in a group.

Oreganos, lemon balm or bee balm and even mints are herbs that must be on their own or else they will overtake all the plants in your indoor garden.

Conclusion

Planting herbs in containers will definitely let you enjoy the delight of growing herbs even if you do not have any space outdoors.