Tag: gardening

5 Things You Should Know About Climbing Roses

climbing roses on a white wall to grow for beginners
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Nosy neighbors are the worse. Between bothering you while you are gardening or even while you are enjoying yourself outside in general, as Roz from Monsters Inc says, “Always watching.” Okay, yes. That was a bit of a paraphrase. However, it isn’t very comforting to live through and think about.

Climbing roses help with this problem. These plants give you the solution that you need. Everyone hates having their privacy evaded by anyone. These plants don’t only help you with privacy, but they are beautiful. No matter what rose you pick for your yard.

Bonus points are that roses make your yard and house smell nice, or so I hear (someone who has a damaged olfactory nerve and needs to call a friend to borrow their noses).

So, what are some things that you need to know about climbing roses before you buy them or decide that they are the best for you?

1. When is the best time to buy climbing roses?

Planting anything this time of year is challenging; the ground is hard, and hitting yourself in the face with a shovel from attempting to dig and plant something… well, let’s say I do NOT recommend it.

You will want to give the climbing roses time to branch out their roots before they bloom. The best time for planting climbing roses is in early spring or before the growing season in autumn.

2. The ideal place to plant

These plants need at least 6 hours of sunlight. So if you have a place in your yard where you know climbing roses is a good suntan for this amount of time, plant those bad boys in that spot.

If not, use your best judgment. You know your yard.

3. What conditions do climbing roses need for growth before considering a type of climbing rose?

I live in Pennsylvania. We have 4 seasons in one day or one week. If you live in the New England states, you understand this. Climbing roses are great to grow in these states. When teeth-chattering weather out and you freeze your posterior off, the roses keep calm and grow on.

Of course, every growing or hardiness zone is different for the rose you want to plant in your yard. Make sure that you get the right climbing rose for you.

4. Common Diseases

According to the Clemson Cooperative Extension, three primary diseases target climbing roses that are essential for you to need to know. They are powdery mildew, rust, and black spot. Of course, there are more that are important. However, I felt like you needed to know about these.

They include:

  • Powdery Mildew
  • Rust
  • Black Spot

Please click on the common disease link above for more information on the Clemson Cooperation Extension about preventing these diseases and treatments for each kind of disease. Their page also gives the types of pesticides you will need to fight and what roses are resistant to. The Clemson Extension has excellent information on all of these things, which I admit, I don’t have any personal experience with.

5. The easiest types of climbing roses to grow

According to the HGN and their article on 10 Beautiful, Easy-to-Grow Climbing Roses for Your Garden, ten kinds of climbing roses are the easiest to grow. These climbing roses will be perfect for you, especially if you are afraid that you have more of a brown thumb than a green thumb.

The post includes the following as the easiest climbing roses to grow:

Highwire Flyer

Creator: Rob Cardillo Photography 

Tangerine Skies

credited by Edmund’s Roses

Zephirine Drouhin (aka Bourbon Rose)

Credited by David Austin Roses

Lady of Shalott

Cécile Brünner

Don Juan

Gertrude Jekyll (aka English Rose)

Eden (aka Climbing Rose)

Florentina Arborose

Quicksilver Arborose

Choosing a suitable climbing rose shouldn’t be a hard sell for you. However, if you are anything like me, it takes me a long while to decide that an employee comes over to ensure I’m not trying to steal anything.

You can do this! Go. Beautify that garden by choosing one of these roses and get stress out of yourself that’s pent up from this life. Trust me. That knot in your back will smooth out, and the smell of the roses decreases anxiety. Love yourself and plant those roses.

Please let me know how you like or dislike this post by leaving a note in the comments section. I would love to hear from you. If you don’t have time to do that, please share with your friend and loved ones who you think might need some roses in their life.

Happy Gardening, lovelies! 🙂

How To Compost And Why It’s Important?

Composting is one of the aspects of gardening that is gross but essential to growing plants. It’s the circle of life. There is dirt to grow crops. Crops grow, and we harvest them. We eat it, then throw it away. But where does it go after it’s thrown out? Usually, a trash dump, right? Of course. However, what if you can help your garden by throwing out the things you eat by composting them instead of tossing them to improve your soil? How does this help me, and why would I compost?

What is Composting? Why is it important when gardening?

Composting is a mixture of decomposed organic materials, which helps with fertilizing your plants. Your pile comprises green and brown materials from your yard or food waste. Once you have the elements for your Compost together, add water regularly and sunlight. Finally, ensure you turn over the Compost, and abracadabra, you get rich Compost.

Composting is important for plenty of reasons:

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  • By composting, you return food waste back to agriculture and not into a dump
    • It keeps food waste out of the dumps. Did you know that more than 25% of food is tossed into dumps that could be composted instead?
    • It also helps with reducing methane gases from landfills.
  • You have better quality and growth of crops with compost.
  • Compost helps to repair your contaminated soils from hazardous waste, and it doesn’t break your budget.
  • It helps with reforestation, wetlands restoration, and habitat revitalization by remedying and improving their soil.
  • Protects the quality of groundwater
  • Prevents erosion and turf loss from roadsides, hillsides, etc.
  • Reduces the use of fertilizers
  • Increases earthworms in your soil to aid in producing good quality crops
  • If you have sandy or clay soils, compost will increase soil content.

What Do I Need to Start Composting?

Before you start composting, you have to decide or think about where you live and how that will affect your composting. You can compost if you live in a city or a rural environment. But, you need to consider what kind of gardening you are doing and how much soil you need for your plants. Again, this depends on where you live; you can build a compost pile in your backyard.

You will need a few things before starting your pile. The supplies are below. Some are optional, and you can use them, depending on how deep your bin or pile is.

Supplies include:

  • Water (a hose or a watering can)
  • A bin (depending on where you live)
  • Compost pitchfork (a long one lets you toss the organic matter better if it’s a pile)
  • Shovel or Spade (to turn the almost completed compost

These supplies depend on what compost container or pile you use.

Now that you have your supplies in your compost pile, you are ready to begin composting. All you need now are the main elements to make compost.

Green VS Browns of Composting

Composting consists of both green and brown materials in a pile. Each has its job of creating rich soil for your garden. There are nutrients that your compost pile needs to create quality, rich soil.

Greens are materials that add nitrogen to your compost soil. In addition, these materials give decomposer organisms that assist in creating healthy soil and protein. Some examples include vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee, tea, green clippings, and plants.

Brown materials are carbon materials. Browns help by being energy for organisms in the soil. It also needs to be triple the number of greens. Some examples are dead leaves, pine needles, hay, and newspapers.

 A GOOD THING TO KNOW:

The compost pile is NOT supposed to smell. What if it does? What should I do? When it starts to reek, you have more green materials in your bin than browns. The ratio of your Compost is 2:1.

So, remember adding more brown materials than greens equals better and less stinky odors. A bonus point for you is that your neighbors won’t complain about the smell if you do this. I know it’s easier to put in green materials than add browns.

What Can I Put in the Compost?

GreensBrowns
Most kitchen scraps, such as most fruit and vegetable wasteHay and Straw
EggshellsNutshells
Pet fur and human hairCereal boxes
Tea grounds and tea leavesString, wool, and cotton thread
Corn husks and cobsLeaves
Coffee grounds and filtersToilet paper and paper towel rolls
Fresh grass clippingsSawdust, wood chips, and ashes from wood

Above are only some examples of green and brown materials that can go into your compost bin.

What Cannot Put in the Compost?

  • Plastic (like plastic grocery bags
  • Animal bones
  • Meats
  • Fat, oils, and grease
  • Colored newspaper
  • Dairy products
  • Whole eggs
  • Pet waste and kitty litter (only put waste in the compost if the pet has a vegan diet)
  • Glossy paper
  • Coal or charcoal
  • Large wood pieces
  • Treated wood
  • Leftovers (unless they are vegan)
  • Combustible utensils and take-out containers
  • Tissues and paper towels (REMEMBER: ONLY PAPER TOWEL AND TP ROLLS)
  • Plant waste treated with pesticides

Where Should I Put My Compost Pile or Bin?

It would help if you had your compost pile or bins somewhere easy to access. However, please do not put it where your neighbors catch wind of the awful smell of the pile. As a side note: your compost should NEVER smell.

Make sure the compost bin or pill is placed on leveled, well-drained land and a place that gets ample sunlight.

How to Get Quicker Results for My Compost Pile Since I Need It Now?

 There are quite a few opinions about the completion rate of your compost pile. The average rate you can have completed Compost is from 1 month to 1 year, depending on how much you are tending to the mound and how much is in a pile.

Is there a way to get your compost to finish faster? Yes, there are a few ways. You can:

  • Air it out. Organisms in the compost pile need a bit of oxygen every once in and while to live. Turn over your pile weekly to ensure that these little creatures helping you out are properly oxygenated.
  • Increase your space inside the bin for new materials. Use your pitchfork to get in there and break down the compost into smaller bits before adding more into the pile. This aids the organisms in breaking down the compost easier and faster.
  • Check the Water of your compost pile. I
    • If you want to speed up the process for your compost pile, make sure you have about 40-60% water in your compost pile. Your compost proceeds slower if you have a dehydrated pile.
      • To test your pile, take the clumps of the piles from different areas and squeeze them. You are on the right track if the clump feels like a wrung-out sponge. If not, water that pile.

If I Have More Food or Yard Waste Than I Need for My Compost Bin or Cannot Compost, How Can I Contribute and Help the Environment? Where Can I Take It?

If you want to help your community and have extra brown and green materials that you need for your compost pile, you can:

  • Check out the Compost Now website at compostnow.org to see if they service your area. The service office, homes, and restaurants help reduce food waste in trash dumps.
  • Donate to a local farmer.
  • Contact your county extension agent for possible places to donate food waste
  • Look into local nurseries or landscapers to see if they make compost for their business
Rachel Wagaman

Rachel is a content writer who helps create engaging content for clients to succeed in their endeavors. You can see her snuggling up with her pitbull, gardening, or watching old movies in her free time.

10 WAYS HOW TO TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT GARDENING

Do your kids love to play in the dirt? Do you live in a rural or urban setting? Well, teaching your children about gardening can happen anywhere and inexpensively. Here are some ideas about how to interest your children in gardening.

1.   SHOW YOUR KIDS YOUR GARDEN (IF YOU HAVE ONE)

With this, it doesn’t matter where the garden is. It can be a container garden hanging off the balcony in the city or a traditional garden in your backyard. When you want your kids to experience gardening, have them put their hands in the dirt.  Kids love dirt and enjoy understanding where and how their food is grown and nurtured.

2.  TEACH YOUR CHILD ABOUT PLANTING SEEDS INDOORS IN SEEDING TRAYS

Photo by Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash

When you teach your kids about seeds and show them how seeds grow, they get excited when the plants start to sprout. Show your kids how many seeds should go into the slots. They will also need to show how to water them. A fun way to show your kids how plants grow is to have them measure the sprout daily to see the improvement.

3.    START WITH AN INDOOR GARDEN OR WITH POTTED PLANTS

If you want to start your kids in a garden as an experiment before giving them more responsibility in your garden, start with a potted flower indoors. Show your kids how flowers can grow by giving them love and attention daily.

4.  HAVE YOUR KIDS COMPETE WITH EACH OTHER

If you have multiple kids growing produce together, make it a game or a competition to see who can grow the biggest squash or the tallest sunflower. The competition will help get them excited about gardening and to compete in healthy competition.

5.  HELPS WITH YOUR CHILD’S SELF CONFIDENCE

When your kids see the plants they grow, they know they have a skill they can cultivate for the future.

Photo by Joseph Gonzalez on Unsplash

6.  HAVE THEM CHOOSE THE PLANTS THEY WANT TO GROW

Your kids might know what they want to grow. If they don’t, teach them what plants thrive in direct sunlight and partial sunlight

7. INTEREST IN NEW FOOD/EXPERIENCES

When kids plant their food, they have a better chance of eating it, especially if they haven’t tried it before. This is a benefit of their gardening growth.

8. MAKE IT PART OF YOUR ROUTINE

Have your kids check on their plants when they go out to play. Educate your kids about how much moisture plants need and how to water them.   If they are ready to pick, show your kids what they can pick.

9. TEACH YOUR KIDS WHAT IS NECESSARY TO GARDEN

Teach your kids what is needed to garden: soil, seeds, water cans, or hoses to water the plants daily. Also, make sure they have equipment that is their size.

Check out my blog post, 7 Tools That are Essential To Garden, to help teach your kids what essential tools they will need for gardening, especially if you are new to gardening.

10. GARDEN IN THE AREA NEAR WHERE YOUR KIDS PLAY

Keep their plants near where they can monitor them. Make sure it is easy for them to access their plants and tend to them in the backyard.

NOW, WHAT…?

It’s been hard for parents to get their kids to focus and keep them busy during the summer. When they get active in the afternoon and can’t concentrate on their schoolwork, have them take a break and channel their energy into gardening and knowledge of growing food. Remember to keep their plants near where they play, plant what they want to grow, and make gardening a game for them.

How to Make Container Herb Gardens

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Herb gardens are excellent for beginners. They are easy to grow and will relax you by the beautiful aromas. One sniff will relax you from a stressful day. Let’s face it. We could all use relaxation from things happening in today’s world.

Herb gardens are one of the most calming and straightforward in horticulture. Herb gardens are also universal and versatile plants. You can grow them in your backyard, in containers on your porch, or even inside during the winter. Herb gardens are also beneficial in other aspects of your life.

Other examples that herbs are beneficial are:
  • Remedy headaches and cramps.
  • Repel certain pests from your house, such as lavender, repelling insects like spiders and mosquitoes. You can plant it, use it as a cleaner, or apply it to your body.

Things to know before Planting

Before starting, consider where you will place your container gardens. Please think about the best place to place them, so the plants get full sun.

After deciding the location of the plants, you’ll need some supplies. Then, of course, you’ll need to make personalized decisions, such as what seeds or plants you want to grow and what type of container is best for you.

The supplies listed below are necessary for a container garden. The rest depends on your choice of herbs you want to grow or need and your lifestyle.

Supplies That You Need for Container Garden:

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  • Clay or plastic pots, milk jugs, bushel barrels, a window planter, etc.
    • The type of container you use depends on where you put it. Ensure the containers you choose have access to drain water properly for your herbs.
    • Also, a side note: I do not recommend any metal containers. They will rust in a few years. The metal container bins are pretty, but if you are on a budget, I won’t recommend them because you will have to repurchase them in a few years.
  • Water. Depending on the location of the herbs, make sure that they are close to or at least easily accessible to water. This can be a hose, watering can, or sink. As long as you can effortlessly access water, you are golden.
  • Seeds.
    • Use whatever seeds or plants you prefer for a garden. You can get them at your local hardware store or plants at your local nursery.
  • Markers.
    • These will help you remember what is growing in your yard or your containers. For me, I know I forget what is germinating in my garden. Life gets in the way, and the brain farts come on from trying to remember everything. So, markers, like colored popsicle sticks, will work wonders. It doesn’t have to be expensive.
  • Soil.
    • You can also put composted soil in your garden. I like Miracle-Gro for beginners because it’s easy to use and has the nutrients your plants need.
  • Gloves.
    • If you are not used to getting your hands dirty, it’s okay. Grab some gloves and plant the herbs.

Step By Step Instructions

  1. Figure out the location outside where you want your container gardens. Make sure you factor in how much sunlight that location gets.
  2. Get all necessary supplies for the garden, such as soil, containers (if applicable), bolts for window container gardens (again, if that’s what you are doing), and a water source.
  3. Assemble the supplies and prepare the space for gardening. For example, if you need to sweep off your railing from grass clippings or a wasp nest near where you will be gardening. Make sure that you have a safe garden environment.
  4. Take the container you choose and fill the soil with 3/4 of it.
  5. Sprinkle a few seeds onto the top of the soil. I like to do about 4-5 seeds in a container if one of the seeds doesn’t germinate as it should.
  6. Put a thin layer of soil over the seeds and water. Please don’t drench the poor things. Instead, water them to dampen the soil.
  7. Repeat to other desired plants.

Congratulations! You now have an herb garden. You are probably thinking, now what? How do I tend to these herbs?” Well, no worries. You are in good hands. Every herb has different ways of caring for herbs. However, below, I have given you a basic “How to” so you can care for your container gardens.

How to Care for Herbs

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  • Put your herbs in full sunlight.
  • After establishing your container gardens, ensure you water regularly for a few days so your seedlings develop roots.
  • You don’t need to use much fertilizer, if any, to feed these herbs. However, too much fertilizer will attract pests that you don’t want.
  • Turn your herbs every 3-4 days to ensure a balance of sunlight and your plants’ health. The herbs will lean to one side and look unhealthy if not.

Other Quick Tips for Herb Gardens

  • Herbs, such as peppermint, fancy sweet soil (or soil that has a higher pH, AKA alkaline soil)
  • If you test your soil for pH level, check to see that there isn’t too much alkaline. If you have too much acidic or alkaline-based soil, your herbs will not grow as healthy.

How To tell if your herbs have enough water:

  • If the top of the soil is slightly dry, stick your finger into the dirt. You only need the first knuckle of your finger to tell if it is hydrated enough. If the soil is still wet where your knuckle is, your herb is okay for a day or two.
  • Start with each container per herb. This way, there aren’t any issues with companion plants.

Now, you have all the tips and steps to build your herb garden outside. Whether you create a hanging container garden, place one on a railing on your apartment building’s balcony, or grow herbs on your porch, herbs are pretty simple to grow and thrive in.

Things to Remember

  • 6-8 hours of full sunlight
  • Check if the soil is damp by sticking your finger one knuckle down in it. Then, naturally, check the wet soil to see if you need water. This will give you an understanding of future watering.

Container gardens are my personal favorite. They are versatile. Take your herbs with you instead of leaving them behind if you need to move. The main thing to remember is every plant has different needs.

All that is left is to Enjoy Your Herbs! Happy Gardening, lovelies!