For successful gardening you need to have the right texture of soil which will provide the correct amounts of moisture and nutrients to give you healthy, luscious plants. In addition, you can face problems if the soil is too acidic or too alkaline for the plants you are growing. However, there are some guidelines you can follow. Using a pH meter or soil test kit you can find out about your soil and then you will be in a position to rectify any problems.

The soil can be tested and given a pH value; this is a unit for measuring the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. The soil is classed as acidic if the pH level is in the range of 1-7, neutral with a pH of 7 or alkaline with a pH of 7-14. It is important to know the pH of the soil as this affects the supply of major and minor nutrients to the plants, without which they will not flourish. If the pH level is low then all the important elements – nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur – are in short supply. When the pH is high the nutrients which are unavailable to the plants are phosphorus, iron, manganese, boron, copper and zinc. Most plants perform best in a neutral soil with a pH of around 6-7 so your aim should be to get to this level.

Test kits are easy to use and are available at garden centers and nurseries or you can have your soil tested at your local agricultural extension office. It is advisable to test soil samples from different parts of the garden as these can differ, for example, some builders rubble may have been left in the soil in a particular spot which could increase the alkalinity. If you need to lower the acidity of the soil then you should add some lime (calcium carbonate or dolomite), limestone or wood ash. To reduce the alkalinity of the soil you can add sulfur along with organic materials like peat moss, mulches or well rotted sawdust. When changing the composition of the soil you need to take it slowly and aim for the change to take place over a couple of years.

Although many plants grow best in a neutral soil there are several plants that thrive well in acidic soils such as azaleas rhododendrons, daphnes, ericas, and heathers. For those of you with alkaline soils then the plants to grow include gypsophila, scabiosa, anemones, lilacs and carnations. The consistency of the soil may also play a part in the quality of the plants, fruit and vegetables that you grow. There are generally three types of soil: sandy, clay and loam which are all made up of mineral particles which vary in size, shape and composition. You can identify your soil by its feel in your hand when it is moist.

Sandy soil does not stick together, feeling coarse and gritty. It is made up of particles of rock with large spaces in between allowing water and nutrients to drain away often before they have been absorbed by the plants. On the other hand, it does have good aeration and is easy to cultivate. Clearly this type of soil needs improving to ensure that the plants can get the nutrients that they required for proper growth. The addition of animal manure, leaf mould or garden compost will do wonders to improve sandy soil. This will need to be an ongoing practice as organic materials break down over time.

Clay soil sticks together, feeling plastic and sticky. It is made up of fine dense particles which retain too much water making it “heavy” and difficult to cultivate. In hot weather the soil can become very hard and the surface becomes cracked. For good plant growth the addition of large quantities of organic matter such as compost or leaf litter will help with drainage and give good aeration.

Loam sticks together and is friable but not gritty. It is made up of coarse and fine particles, giving good aeration and drainage which is ideal for a great variety of plants. Aeration is important because it allows a good intake of air round the root system, a major plus for abundant, healthy plants.

Once you have achieved a loamy soil in your backyard it is necessary to continue adding organic matter on a regular basis to keep it in good condition and maintain nutrients. If you follow the information given here you will be well on the way to achieving the great, healthy harvests that you desire.

Colin
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/how-to-improve-your-garden-soil-745964.html

Like any thing you can think of, whether it be people, pets or plants, their basic needs must be met to ensure a happy, healthy life.

Plants, of course, are alive, and so have both general and specific needs, depending upon the variety of plant in question.

In this article, we’ll learn about the different parts of plants – root, stem, leaf and flower – and how they work together.

Roots

Most often overlooked and neglected, the root system of any plant plays a critical role in overall plant growth, health and vigor.

The root system is responsible for supplying a plant with water, vitamins and minerals, all necessary ingredients that promote and maintain healthy vigorous growth. As the nutrients around the plant are consumed, the roots will continue to grow out and down, searching for new sources of food and water.

Gardening Tip: Adding a granular or slow-release fertilizer to the soil before you plant will ensure a steady supply of nutrients throughout a plant’s growing season, especially important for vegetables and flowering plants.

Gardening Tip: Growth above ground mirrors growth below ground. For example, if your bell pepper plant is 1 foot tall and 1 foot wide, its root system is 1 foot deep and 1 or more feet wide.

Gardening Tip: Always follow the directions for any gardening product (fertilizer or pest controls). Although if you’re not sure, using less is always safer than using too much. Using the right amount however, will help ensure consistent results.

Roots and Soil

As you may have guessed, the type of soil in your garden plays an important role in overall plant health and vigor.

In general, most plants like a loose, well-drained soil with lots of organic material. Organic material can be peat moss, shredded bark, composted or decomposed plant material, some form of manure (generally cow manure), or even worm casings or rice hulls to name a few.

Potting soil is usually some combination of the above list and may have little or no actual “dirt” in it. Organic material helps to maintain moisture content levels in the soil and helps to prevent soil compaction.

Stem

The stem, stalk or trunk is the “super highway” of the plant. It starts at ground level and supplies the food and water from the roots to the leaves and flowers or fruit.

Leaves

The leaves of a plant take the food and water from the roots through the stem and with the help of sunlight will turn the water and nutrients into energy. That energy is then sent back through the stem to the entire plant, including right back down to the roots. Natures example of Solar Energy at work.

Flowers

The flower or fruit of a plant is responsible for the reproduction of the plant. Whether it’s strawberries, lemons, tomatoes, pansies or pine-cones, their sole purpose in life is to reproduce more of their own kind.

Humans have found over time that various plants either taste good, have a nice scent or are pleasant to look at and have therefore selected out of millions of varieties just a few types to cultivate.

The Gardening Tips and Advice found throughout Your Healthy Gardens are written with the beginning gardener in mind. However, as time passes and the seasons change more and more detail will be added to help any home gardener improve their gardening skills.

Bill Watson
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/tips-on-how-plants-grow-54244.html

Organic gardening is a method of gardening in harmony with nature. It can be done with a minimal amount of cost by using methods of recycling organic matter that you already have on hand and the propagation of heirloom plants that are in your yard..

Saving money gardening takes planning. It is very easy to let the costs get out of hand when you purchase plants and other supplies for a garden, whether it be for a vegetable garden, flower bed and even landscaping. Once you put a plan together you just have to stick with it. The biggest mistake that is made is to many plants and supplies are purchased before a garden is planned out. It is very easy to go to a garden center and see all the plants that you want to plant, then come home to find out there isn’t enough room to plant them.

Methods like the propagation of existing plants in your own yard is a big way to save on landscape plants, recycling organic household along with yard waste is a great way to improve the soil in your gardens and supply nutrients to your plants.

Growing heirloom plants that are open pollinated is also away that you can save by collection and storing your own seeds for the following years to come. Having your own seeds on hand will also give you the ability to grow your own transplants and save on the cost of purchasing plants every year. Starting your own transplants isn’t that hard to do and the seeds can be started in containers that you already have around your house, egg cartons are great to use for starting your transplants in.

Planning your garden is the best way to garden on a budget.

John Yazo
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/organic-gardening-tips-you-should-know-to-garden-on-a-budget-746104.html

Every day, more and more news is coming out on just how damaged the environment has actually become. We are finally awakening to the fact that we have severely damaged our planet and we are looking for ways to live better and not deplete our precious natural resources.

One simple way to help the planet is by planting trees. Trees have a natural ability to convert carbon dioxide that is present in the air, into oxygen. Another way to help is to conserve water so there is enough water for all humans, plants and animals.

Here in lies a paradox. How can we achieve a balance between giving plants very little water while trying to conserve it, yet giving those plants enough water to survive?

Scientists are hard at work trying to develop plants that are genetically engineered to require little water to grow, but we can also do our part. One way is through a gray water rerouting system.

What is Gray Water?

Water that is generated from our baths, dishwashing, hand washing and laundry is called gray water. Black water is water that is generated from our toilets. It is estimated that an average family of four, generates nearly three thousand gallons of gray water weekly. This water is wasted down the drain and could be reused.

The gray water that is discarded does contain soaps and detergents and often bleach. These soaps and detergents do contain certain minerals that can actually help plants, but the gray water also contains chemicals that may harm plans and the soil. Bleach is especially dangerous as it damages the roots and can actually stay in the soil for a long time.

It is possible to reroute the gray water that is now going down the drain and reroute it to your garden. This is done through a series of treatment tubes and a filtration system. This will help the environment by permitting more plant life to grow and you are conserving water by reusing water that would have gone to waste.

The following tips will help you get started to use gray water for your garden.

If you are planning to use gray water to water your garden, then take note of the following tips before you start. Check with a local plumbing supply house or repair shop to see what products are available to reroute gray water.

Drip irrigation systems that direct gray water directly to the plants are available. These types of units are very efficient as they direct water to the root system of the plants where it is needed and best absorbed.

Most gray water does not require treatment, but a filter on the system will help keep dust or debris that may harm delicate plants, out of the water. Your plumbing supply will be able to assist you on how to treat the water. A stop at your local gardening supply center or landscaping professional will be able to give you information on whether or not you can use gray water on the plants you have in your garden.

Most gray water contains phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen, all of which benefit plants. These chemicals are found in organic soaps and shampoos. Check the labels on the products you purchase and look for natural or organic products. Avoid products that contain toxic chemicals and bleaches. If you notice that your plants are suffering damage from the gray water, stop using it and consult a horticulturist or gardener.

Research is needed before you can use gray water. Every garden is different and has different plants with different growing conditions. If your passion is gardenias, you may not want a gray water recycling system as gardenias to not like soap products, and can damage them severely.

If all this sounds expensive and beyond your ability, remember that you can still recycle gray water by keeping a bucket handy whenever you do your laundry, wash your dishes, or take a bath. If you use organic soaps, you can use this otherwise discarded water on your plants.

Beverly Saltonstall
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/tips-on-using-gray-water-for-your-garden-714154.html

Wherever you look it seems that people are going green. They may try and drive using electric cars, or use natural methods of fertilizer or compost. There are even gardeners who use only organic products and tools in their garden. These organic gardeners will need gardening supplies that are a little different from that of your ordinary gardener. Basically they will need an organic gardening supply to continue with their gardening efforts.

As an organic gardener you will of course need a shovel, a spade and a spading fork to dig the soil in your garden and prepare it for planting. Then to take out the weeds and the rocks that are littering your new bed you need a hoe, a scuffle hoe with its forward pointing blade that you scuffle in front of you as you weed your garden, and cut the weeds at the surface. A pry bar is very good item even for organic gardeners to use in their organic gardening supply. With a pry bar you can dig up those rocks and boulders that sometimes seem to litter the surface of your garden.

There is always some pruning to be done in the garden. Rose bushes need to be cut back, especially if you want lots of big, beautiful flowers. A pair of good quality gardening shears or even a lopping shears can cut those large prickly rose stems cleanly without causing any disease causing breaks.

These however are the conventional gardening supplies that any gardener can use. For an organic gardener there are a few different items that need to be added to their organic gardening supply. Whereas the normal gardener has the choice of using chemical enhanced fertilizers the organic gardener can use bat guano or even worm castings.

With these organic fertilizers all that is needed is a couple of applications per month. Worm castings are the tunnels that are created as worms move through the soil. This movement not only breaks and loosens the soil, it also adds fertilizing nutrients to the soil. Organic fertilizers like these help to increase the growth and health of plants within your garden. Therefore they are an essential organic gardening supply item.

Gardening is said to be like painting. The gardener’s canvas is the ground and the paint brushes are the tools that gardeners use. Whether you are a conventional gardener or an organic gardener many of the tools that you will use are the same. However the organic gardener has special items in their organic gardening supply. These items change the looks, taste and smell of the plants that benefit from them.

Organic gardening is 100% all natural and great for the environment. Why don’t you switch to organic gardening and see the difference it makes to your life!

Alan Moore
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/supplies-55751.html