Archive for August, 2009
Hydrangea Planting Guide
With hydrangea planting you first need to choose what type of hydrangeas you wish to plant. There are many different varieties all of which grow to different heights work better in some areas than in others and require different levels of care.
For the most part you will find hydrangeas very large and beautiful plants. With hydrangea planting determine the area you wish to plant this will help you in determining the specific plant you want in regards to height. You can expect a hydrangea to grow anywhere from four to twelve feet tall so you want to take this into consideration when planting.
Furthermore choosing the site is probably the hardest thing about hydrangea planting. You have to be really careful of where you choose to plant your hydrangea. First consider the amount of sunlight the area gets as well as when it gets the most sunlight. Most hydrangeas thrive in areas that receive partial to full sunlight. Performance is at its best when the plant receives full sun in the morning hours and shade during the afternoon areas.
Next look for an area in which the plant will be protected from wind. In an area that experiences high wind the foilage will dry out and cause extensive stress on the hydrangea. Because hydrangea planting is one of the easiest and requires the less fuss you can relax knowing the the plant can grow in many different types of soil. However you do want to check the soil and make certain it remains moist and is prime for a plant. You will have no problems in growing the plant itself in soil with lower pH levels however you will find that the soil itself can have a direct impact on the bloom color.
Hydrangea Planting When To Plant
The most beneficial time of the year to plant hydrangeas is during the early months in the fall season. You should case out the area you wish to plant and make sure you place compost in the soil mixture. Know the size of your root ball this will help in determining the width of the hole you need to dig. You should dig a hole that is about twentyfour inches wider than that of the root measurement.
Hydrangea Planting Care
Hydrangeas require relatively little fuss. You may need to prune the plant lightly to ensure a healthy plant. Fertilization is recommended on a twice yearly basis once in the latter part of the fall season and once during the early part of spring. It is recommended when fertlizing that you use a slow release compound. Be sure you do not over fertilize the plant or you may find that you have beautiful foilage but little to no flowering.
About the writer: Jerry Van Der Kolk has been involved directly with the Horticulture Industry for over 20 years. He now devotes his time to growing hardtofind hostas for hosta collectors via his popular website http://www.DirectSourceHostas.com.
How To Use Soap Nuts
A soap that grows on trees and is free of any harmful chemicals and toxic dyes is called a soap nut! Sounds vague but it is true! Soap nuts are actually the fruit of a tree called Sapindus and have a cleansing property because of the presence of a natural surfactant called Saponin. This Saponin when it comes in contact with water cleans the clothes by allowing the water to enter the cloth fabric and remove the dirt. It is ecofriendly and harmless to the environment as well as having anti microbial properties.
Soap nuts can be used for many purposes. They can be used as laundry detergent or to clean your utensils. They can also be used as a natural pesticide or for cleaning jewelry.
LAUNDRY: Tie 46 soap nut shells in a muslin bag provided with most soap nuts orders and put it in the washing machine load at a desired temperature. You can use the same pouch for 4 to 6 loads of laundry. When the shells become grayish and mushy they are ready to be replaced and added to your compost. 100 g of soap nuts can be used for approximately 40 loads of laundry.
DISH CLEANER: You can use soap nuts liquid to wash your dishes. To make the liquid boil 100g of soap nuts in 12 cups 20 l of water for approximately 30 minutes. Cool the liquid remove the shells and your liquid soap is ready! Storing the liquid in an air tight container helps it to keep longer. Because there are no added chemicals in soap nuts liquid it can go bad after some time depending on the storing conditions. You can use this liquid for washing the dishes or even use 3 tbsp for a large load of laundry.
The liquid soap from the soap nuts can be used for many purposes. It can be used as a shampoo car wash pet shampoo or anything that you wash with liquid soap or detergents.
You can also use your soap nuts liquid for cleaning and purifying the fruits and vegetables that you eat. Just soak them in the liquid for 10 minutes and your food is clean and germs free!
Soak your jewelry in the liquid and then rub it with a clean cloth. This will give back the shine and glaze.
Use your soap nuts liquid as a pesticide. Spray the liquid on trees or plants and the insects will be repelled.
Applying the liquid on your scalp can help prevent dandruff. Use the liquid as a shampoo leave it on your scalp for 510 minutes and rinse as normal. This process can also help prevent hair loss due to excess chemicals our scalp is exposed to every day.
Soap nuts have been used for centuries in India Nepal. We are just now beginning to discover the benefits in North America. Soap nuts are the natural choice for an allpurpose cleaner and an environmentally friendly detergent.
For more information visit http://www.BuySoapNuts.com
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;http://www.BuySoapNuts.com
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How To Select A Christmas Tree
1 Check the delivery date Most precut Christmas trees were cut several weeks before arriving on the lot. Ask the lot attendant when the trees were cut and delivered. Buy your tree early in the season for the best selection.
2 “Drop test” for freshness To test for freshness lift the tree a couple of inches off the ground and drop it on its trunk. If it’s fresh green needles should not shed.
3 Pull on branches Another easy way to test for freshness is to hold a tree branch and lightly run your hand outwards. Very few needs should come off if the tree is fresh.
4 Check the tree trunk Check the trunk for straightness. Securing a tree in a stand can be a challenge if the trunk is crooked. You also want to make sure that limbs can be removed without hurting the tree’s shape.
5 Inspect the Christmas tree for insects Check your Christmas tree thoroughly for egg masses insects and other pests.
6 Be mindful of where you set up your Christmas tree Avoid placing your tree near like fireplaces air ducts radiators and other heat sources. The ideal height for a Christmas tree is at least four feet below the ceiling height.
7 Keep Your Tree Watered select a stand that can hold at least one gallon of water. Place the tree with a freshly cut trunk bottom into the stand. Keep the bottom of the truck always in water tap water is fine. If the bottom tries out sticky sap will seal the area and the tree will be unable to absorb water. A cut tree should last as long as five weeks when watered properly.
Remember to recycle your Christmas tree after you have enjoyed it and use the mulch created from it throughout your garden.
About the writer: Bill Camarillo is CFO of Agromin a Camarillo Californiabased manufacturer of premium soil products for the agriculture and horticulture trades and for consumer use. Each month Agromin receives and processes hundreds of thousands of tons of urban wood and green waste. Agromin then uses a safe organic and scientific system to formulate its soil products from the processed recycled green materials. www.agromin.com.