Beauty of Spring in the Summer – Botanical Garden

Working in a garden is an all-round health booster. Some people, especially women, love taking care of their gardens and are passionate about gardening as a personal interest/hobby. Gardening is not only for nature lovers but it can also help improve your health and induce a therapy for your stressed-out mind. Additionally, when a gardener grows fruits and vegetables etc in their garden, they are more likely to eat them as they have invested their time, money and hard work in them. Understandably, these vegetables and fruits help us gives life to our brain cells and protects one from aging.

Gardening is the Best Health-Booster!

 

Following are the ways in which you may be able to use gardening as a stress reliever and health-booster:

1. Gardening gives you a break from the general rush of life. This not only benefits your general well-being but specifically enhances your strength and flexibility. Moreover, weeding, raking, digging, and lifting serve to increase stamina and build muscle tone. Such activities not only improve your physical fitness but also help reduce depression and anxiety.
2. Greenery in a garden helps ease your muscles and lowers your blood pressure. Generally speaking, green is a cool color which has a calming and serene effect on your mental health and state of mind.
3. Gardening gives you an excellent opportunity to grow vegetables and Fruits which have a high nutrition value and also taste a lot better than the ones available in the market. It is observed that gardeners tend to eat more fruits and vegetables than others and consider their healthy eating patterns to be one of the rewards. A few easily grown vegetables and fruits in your house garden are cabbage, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, mangoes, carrots etc.
4. An hours of moderate gardening will result in 300 calories burnt, on average. Essentially, gardening acts as a natural gym for a gardener and helps you exert off unwanted calories. So, gardening also helps reduce your weight and saves you from diseases related to obesity.
5. Gardening also provides various items which can make your skin look healthy. A good example is Aloe Vera which helps heal chronic skin disorders like acne skin and minor burns etc. Herbal medicines can also be extracted and processed from your own garden if you have the time and knowledge.
6. When you work in your Garden, you absorb the light and heat of the sun which helps produce Vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D helps prevent from 16 different types of cancer including pancreatic, lung, breast, ovarian, prostate and colon cancers etc
Hope you find these tips interesting enough to adopt gardening as an active hobby. Stay good, stay fit=)

Lemon Queen loves full sun, is an annual, and grows between 5′ and 7′ tall. It is also the sunflower variety being grown for a multi-year bee count project to gather information about native bee populations

How To Grow An Organic Sunflower in Your Garden!!!!!

 Here’s the thing – sunflowers are easy to grow in almost any well-drained soil. If you want continuous bloom, sow a new crop every 2-4 weeks up until 3 months before first fall frost and you will have total sunflower domination in your neighborhood for months. Gently push the seeds in the ground, water the first week or two, then ignore. Do not fertilize or spray with chemicals of any kind – no need – as you will be amazed at the results.

Annual. Lemon Queen is the sunflower variety being grown for a multi-year bee count project to gather information about native bee populations. More than 100,000 citizen-scientists across the U.S. and Canada participate in the research by counting the number of bees that visit their Lemon Queen plants. Bees and other pollinating insects are attracted to the nectar and pollen provided by the large, pale lemon yellow colored flowers with dark brown centers. Majestic, branched plants provide gorgeous cut flowers throughout the summer. Easy to grow in almost any well-drained soil. In areas with a long growing season, sow a new crop every 2-4 weeks up until 3 months before first fall frost for continuous bloom.

FLAME OF THE FOREST

A native of Madagascar, it is a well known shade tree, up to 60 feet high with rapid growth. The spreading branches form a large rounded crown. Propagated by seeds and mascots of woody branches, The Flame of the Forest does well in good well drained soil. During the flowering seasons, trees turn into a mass of red color. When planted in an avenue, the sight is magnificent. Flowers are faintly scented, scarlet, one Patel white red spots

How To Plant Bush Green Beans !!!!

Many people that are new to vegetable gardening may be wondering what are bush green beans. Bush green beans are also commonly referred to as green beans, string beans, or snap beans. There are typically two types of green beans most vegetable gardeners grow – pole beans, which grow as a climbing vine, and bush beans, which grow as a bush.
Bush green beans grow different than pole beans because bush beans grow as a bush and are generally grown in rows, similar to butter beans. Planting bush beans is really not much different than planting pole beans. They both require similar planting depths, but the spacing is a bit different
Here is how I plant bush green beans.
Preparing The Bush Green Bean Seeds
Just like pole beans, bush green beans should be soaked in a shallow container with warm water over night to speed up the germination process. The bush bean seeds will swell up as they soak up some of the water. Once the seeds have soaked overnight, drain out the water. The bush green bean seeds are now ready to be planted.
Here is how I plant bush green beans.

Preparing The Bush Green Bean Seeds!!!!!

Just like pole beans, bush green beans should be soaked in a shallow container with warm water over night to speed up the germination process. The bush bean seeds will swell up as they soak up some of the water. Once the seeds have soaked overnight, drain out the water. The bush green bean seeds are now ready to be planted.

You may find some seeds that have split apart or are broken. Just add these to the compost pile or discard. Don’t try to plant them because they probably will not germinate.

Preparing The Garden Row or Garden Bed For Planting !!!!

Bush green beans should be grown in fertile soil amended with good compost or organic matter and have adequate drainage. I will be growing my bush beans in a row this year. For planting in rows, bush beans need to be spaced about eight to twelve inches apart

Planting The Bush Green Bean Seeds!!!!

First, place two bush green bean seeds at eight inch intervals down the center of the entire row. Just place the seeds on top of the soil for now. Continue placing the bush bean seeds on top of the soil at eight inch intervals until you run out of seeds or run out of row; whichever comes first.

Bush bean seeds typically need to be planted at a depth of 1-1/2 inches deep. Make sure to read the seed packet for the planting depth of your particular bush beans. Here I am planting 'Early Contender' bush beans.

Bean, Contender Bush
Great bean flavor.
A heavy cropper of round-oval pods with strong,distinctive flavor. One of the best bush beans ever. Ready to harvest in 55 days.
Product Details
Days to Maturity: 55  days
Sun: Full Sun 
Spread: 18-30  inches
Sowing Method: Direct Sow 
  

Days to pick the first ripe fruit from the time the plant is transplanted in the garden.

 The Hole Method of Planting Bush Green Beans!!!!

To plant the seeds, I simply take my index finger and poke a hole in the soil 1-1/2 inch deep right beside the bush green bean seeds I placed on top of the soil. By poking the hole right beside the seeds, the seeds will just fall right in the hole on their own

Once the seeds fall into the hole, use your finger to gently tap the seeds in the hole to make sure they seat properly in the soil. Avoid pushing the seeds deeper into the soil, just make sure the seeds are seated in the soil. This is to make sure the seeds come in good contact with the soil for proper growth after the seeds germinate.

Now simply cover the hole with soil and give it a light pat with the palm of your hand. Again, do not pat too hard as this is to just make sure the seed contacts the soil well.

Continue this process until all the seeds have been planted along the row.

The Push Method of Planting Bush Green Beans!!!!

Another method for planting bush beans is to simply use your index and middle fingers to push the bush beans seeds down into the soil to plant them. Simply take those two fingers and place them on top of the seeds. Gently push the seeds down into the soil until you get to the second knuckle of your fingers. This is typically about an inch and a half deep

Once you have the bush bean seeds at the proper depth, simply cover the hole with soil and gently pat with the palm of your hand. Continue this method for all of the bush bean seeds along the row until finished

Water The Bush Green Bean Seeds!!!

Once all of the bush green bean seeds are planted, give the entire row or bed a drink of water or compost tea. Thoroughly water them each day to keep them consistently moist but not soggy. The bush green bean seedlings should emerge in six to fourteen days. After the seedlings have reached about three inches high, thin them out so there is one plant every eight inches.

 

 

What is Organic Gardening - The Basics for Gardening Organically

Question: What is Organic Gardening - The Basics for Gardening Organically?

What does it mean to have an organic garden? Does organic gardening mean you have to put up with insects eating your plants or unattractive flower beds? 

Answer: The short answer is that organic gardening means not using synthetic products, including pesticides and fertilizers. Ideally, organic gardening replenishes the resources as it makes use of them. Like feeding depleted soil with composted plants, or planting legumes to add nitrogen to an area that had been planted with heavy feeder. The bigger picture involves working in cooperation with nature, viewing your garden as a small part of all the natural system.

Here are some basics to get you started with organic gardening:

What is Meant by Organic Matter?

Organic matter is decaying plant and animal waste. It includes everything from compost, grass clipping, dried leaves and kitchen scraps to manures and fish heads. Organic matter is used as a soil amendment or conditioner. It can be worked into the soil of a new garden or used as a top dressing or mulch in an existing garden.

What's so Important About the Soil?

One of the basic tenants of organic gardening is to "Feed the soil and the soil will feed the plants". It's really common sense. Plants get water, air and nutrients from the soil. Clay soil is higher in nutrients than sand and hold water better. Sometimes it holds water too well and the plants can't get enough air. Sandy soil is well drained, but can use some amending to make it great garden soil. This is where organic matter comes into play. Adding organic matter improves any soil's texture as well as attracting soil organisms that create nutrients in the soil.

How Do You Control Pests and Diseases without Chemicals?

Organic gardening doesn't mean you have to share your apples with the worms, but you will probably have less than pristine looking plants and produce. Since you are trying to garden in cooperation with nature, sometimes you have to accept the occasional pest in the garden. Your first line of defense should be vigilance. Inspect your plants regularly for signs of a problem and take action quickly. Keep in mind that not every insect is a foe and that action doesn't necessarily mean pesticide.

• There are many organic pesticides available, but first make certain that there is a problem and that you know what it is. You can live with a little damage. Some insects, like the 4-lined plant bug, do their damage and then move on for the season.
• Consider if you are having a pest problem because your plants are stressed and don't have the resources to defend themselves.
• Interplanting and diversity will protect you from losing an entire crop to an infestation. Large swaths of a single plant are pretty, but are also a landing strip for interested insects.
• Many insects and larger animals are considered beneficial, preying on the insect pests. Reaching for the spray can every time you see a pest, you will be killing of the beneficials too. Lady bugs and parasitic wasps enjoy an aphid banquet. Birds will munch on grubs. Frogs, lizards and even snakes all contribute to the balance in your garden and prevent a pest population from becoming a problem.
  
• Barriers prevent problems. Floating row covers prevent moths from landing and laying eggs. Yellow sticky traps can easily catch dozens of flying pests. Foil collars around the base of plants will foil cut worms and many borers.
• There will probably come a time when you will need to apply a pesticide or lose your plants. Organic or natural pesticides can be very effective and are usually less toxic to wildlife, pets and humans than synthetic pesticides. Many organic controls can target specific problems, such as using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a type of bacteria, that kills caterpillars, but not much else. Just be sure that you know what the problem is before you treat it and that you always follow the label instructions.

What Else Is Involved in Gardening Cooperatively with Nature?

There are many elements that can contribute to a healthy garden climate.

• Select plants that are suited to your site conditions. Plants that are happy with their growing conditions will be healthier than plants that are stressed. Stressed plants are very attractive to pests. Don't choose plants that require full sun if you live in a shady woodland. Similarly, don't select plants that like a moist environment if you have sandy soil and lots of sunshine.
• Mulching your garden beds serves multiple purposes. Mulch suppresses weeds, conserves water, moderates soil temperature, feeds the soil, prevents erosion and is attractive to boot.
• As mentioned above, create diversity in your garden. A mix of plants will attract more beneficial insects and prevent a problem from spreading throughout your garden.
• Most importantly, get to know your plants so that you will notice if a problem is manifesting Nature is cyclical and learning the seasonal changes your plant will go through can help you anticipate problems. Organic gardening is a constantly evolving dance that allows you to be a full participant in your garden.

Synthetic and Organic Chemicals

Learn the differences between synthetic and organic chemicals!!!!

Millions of gardeners distinguish between synthetic and natural products by calling the former chemicals and the latter organics. The truth is they're all chemicals.The difference is that synthetic chemicals are man-made, whereas organic chemicals are derived from natural sources. As a result, most people think that all synthetic chemicals are toxic, and all organic chemicals are safe

In fact, there are organic chemicals that are every bit as dangerous as synthetic chemicals, yet people who use them assume – often incorrectly – that because something is labeled organic it must therefore be safe!!!

• Regardless of which type of chemical you choose to use, make sure you read the product label carefully and follow the instructions. Don't assume that if two tablespoons per gallon is called for, then four tablespoons must be twice as good. It doesn’t work that way, and the results of using such a mixture can be dangerous to you and your plants.
  
• Don't combine chemicals. In other words, don't mix an insecticide with an herbicide in an attempt to destroy both insects and weeds in one fell swoop. Certain chemical combinations can be dangerous.
  
• Understand what the chemicals do. A number of organic chemicals are just as non-selective or indiscriminate as their synthetic counterparts. For example, Bacillus thuringiensis, or BT, the popular bacterial pesticide that controls caterpillars, doesn't distinguish between the larval form of the destructive cabbage looper and the monarch butterfly. It kills them both. The same is true of garlic oil, a popular organic insecticide that is equally effective against both pests and beneficial insects.
  
• Whether you use synthetic or organic chemicals in your landscape, take physical precautions. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, and perhaps even a mask. And when you've finished spraying or dusting, wash your hands thoroughly.

• solution!!!!

  Synthetic Chemicals, Compost and Your Soil

  To have healthy soil, ditch the synthetic fertilizers and bring on the compost.

• 
  The secret to successful gardening is healthy soil. In a single tablespoon of healthy soil, there are literally billions of organisms — from protozoa and nematodes to bacteria and fungi — that together form interdependent food chains.
  In other words, the soil itself is a living organism, and it needs to be treated as such. But every year many gardeners destroy the vital soil food web by using synthetic chemicals, specifically synthetic fertilizers.
  The frequent use of synthetic fertilizers leads to an accumulation of soluble salts, and those salts are toxic to the organisms of the soil food web. That leads to a variety of problems, including decreased soil fertility, a lack of vigor, lower yields, reduced flowering and greater susceptibility to pests and diseases.
  So if you've been relying on synthetic fertilizers, consider making the switch to organic products, and use the one thing that can keep your soil healthy: compost. Compost teems with all the organisms that make up the soil food web. When applied routinely to the soil, whether around the base of plants or spread evenly over an entire garden bed, compost makes soil come alive. And in the process, it creates conditions that lead to healthier, happier plants with amazing vigor and the ability to ward off pests and diseases
  

•