Best Organic Gardening Secrets

Water scarcity all over the world has evolved into a problem that needs immediate solution by all those involved. The water facilities, public or private, the local, governmental or international associations and organizations, the national environmental departments and the vast public have to be informed on what water quantities they should be consuming and how that translated into a deficit or overflow of water resources.

Especially when one considers watering gardens and back or front yards, watering them deeply and thoroughly sounds like the only option. But there is also another issue that one has to consider; water frequency. The number of times one waters the plants that exist outdoors as well as indoors is extremely important for controlling the overall water consumption patterns. Watering plants infrequently, depending on their specific needs, is not a bad idea. Instead of leaving the watering process last for more than three hours each time-which does not benefit the soil or the plants-it is best if one decides to water them twice or once a week; again depending on the season and specific plants watering requirements. Since plants send out extra roots in dry conditions to seek water, this type of watering plan will encourage rooting and greater tolerance to dry spells. In addition, as nature illustrates, plants often bloom more profusely when stressed, as the natural instinct to reproduce creates more flowers.

Thus, you should water responsibly, using correct watering techniques. For example, you can water only during late in the afternoon, but before the sun comes down, so as to prevent the weather conditions from heating the water and thus reducing its evaporation loss. Moreover, you should water less often and for longer lengths of time to encourage deep root growth. Extremely important is for your irrigation system to be in its proper working condition. If drip irrigation will not work for you, try a hand held hose rather than a sprinkler. If you use a sprinkler, make sure you don’t water sidewalks or driveways. Install a drip or other water conserving irrigation system, as slow drip and deep root watering systems can save up to 60% of all water used during garden care. Professionally installed and maintained irrigation systems will further help conserve water. Many people have also invested in developing some kind of rainwater capturing systems from their roofs, in order to use it later to water their garden and ornamental plants.

Another important issue is the proper condition of your soil. Since water does not easily penetrate clay soils and it manages to pass too quickly beyond the root zone of plants in sandy soils, adding an organic matter to clay and sandy soils will increase the penetrability of clay soils and the water holding capacity of the sandy ones. Furthermore, you should consider keeping your lawns to a proper height. Gradually let lawns reach a height of 3 to 4 inches, as longer blades of grass can mean going 3 to 4 days longer between waterings.

Concluding, saving water and keeping your garden looking beautiful is easy when you think about it and you can always follow these ways to see how water wise you can be around the house.

Jonathon Hardcastle
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/use-water-efficiently-59372.html

Planes, trains, motorcoaches, boats, cable cars, gondolas, lake steamer, funicular, cog wheel train and ferry were our modes of transport. We were 60 singles with 124 bags who came, who saw, who conquered Switzerland & Italy. Aside from the traffic delays of high holiday season, it went without a hitch. No lost passports and no one lost. It was a whirlwind vacation but my theory has always been carpe diem per dollar, that is to squeeze in all experiences possible enroute of any journey. After all, travel is intensified living as we attempt to absorb the maximum thrills per minute. (When I compare this to my Suzy’s Taste of Europe trip 11 years ago, this was easy. We then did 6 countries in 7 days, like The Amazing Race.)

In charming Lucerne, we were led on a walking tour of Old Town followed by a welcome dinner of Swiss fondue. There was a folklore show which provided us the opportunity to blow an alpine horn. At the end of the evening was a yodeling contest where the bold wailed out like dying cows into the mic. We enjoyed a real alpine adventure up to and over the 7000 ft. Mt. Pilatus which legend says is infested with dragons. From here we boarded a paddle steamer and sailed across a crystal lake to meet our motorcoach in Fluelen.

Our driver, Peter was super-human as he transported us 7 days over narrow mountain roads in our Super-Size-It double-decker bus with a luggage trailer hitched in tow! At times local farmers would peer out chalet windows in awe of such a feat. We stopped to visit the Merlot Del Ticino Winery set in cliff-side vineyards. So simple, so pure. The family owners stated we were their largest group ever. As we imbibed on 3 fine vintages, Peter spends a half hour trying to turn the coach around with help from dozen locals. Finally we arrive in Lugano. Is it Switzerland or Italy? You Google it. We unpack for 3 glorious nights at Hotel De La Paix.

If it is Tuesday, must be Italy. We set out to tour the lush Lake District which sprawls dreamlike as a watercolor painting. This is the Rio of the Old Continent. In Tremezzo we view the famous Villa Carlotta Gardens and water taxi over to elegant Bellagio. The town has fallen asleep for its 3 hour siesta. Nothing to do but manga so I amble up the cobbled streets for my third pistachio gelato of the day. A shopping stop is scheduled in Como. Some women do not even glance at the mirrored lake lined with palm trees. As if on steroids, they march forward armed with Euros, Swiss francs and a MasterCard. Their motto on this 2 hour marathon is if the shoe fits, charge it. Our day ends with a visit to Alprose Chocolate Factory. The tour is disappointing, but offers good buys on sweets.

Our evenings are totally free and we disperse in mini-groups to discover the best local cafes. Seafood is ultra fresh here but on my budget in this land of a weak dollar, I settle each night for Pizza Margarita, paper thin with slabs of buffalo mozzarella. On Wednesday, half the group defects to explore the region on their own. Some do nature trails, boating, Mt. Bre, the fishing villages and even Milan in a day. A few others lounge poolside at our hotel sunning like lizards. We are graced with perfect weather up to departure. The other half of the group joined me with our wonderful guide Isabelle. (She has an obsession with George Clooney whose villa faces Lake Como.) We begin at the Ponte Tressa market where Europeans flock for bargains, but depart early as it resembles a giant garage sale. We ferry from Lavino along with our monster bus across Lake Maggiore to Intra and then drive to Stressa. Now heres a place I would like to linger for its Mediterranean feel. From here, some visit the Borromean Islands.

Time to check out and head to Switzerland on one of the worlds most diverse rail journeys. The Bernina Express corkscrews its way up and over the Alps with a Kodak moment at every turn. We pass 3 glaciers and Lake Bianco named for its glacial milk. In 3 hours we arrive at top of the world to glitzy St. Moritz. Our hotel was upgraded to the 5 star Hotel Kempenski Grand, according to our driver the finest hotel in Switzerland. We quietly enter the chandeliered lobby in T-shirts and denim shorts as if we too are part of the rich and famous. This is as elegant as it gets. I do not want to leave my suite with its marbled tub and feathered duvet. The designer boutiques in town are closed now. We scatter on nature trails towards the lake. For dinner, some splurge at the hotels world class restaurant on fresh lamb enveloped in herbed crepes and deserts of spun sugar. Twenty of us enjoy an outdoor BBQ of organic local products. Later I take advantage of the complimentary spa with a swim and 4 treatment rooms.

I have always said that if I was forced to trade my passport with another country, I would choose Switzerland. Even the cows with their bells are happy here. It is the purest air and purest food. It is the efficiency. Like the Boy Scouts, Swiss count neatness, punctuality, cleanliness and hard work as virtues. It is the serenity in the verdant hills where one feels safe. And it is the beauty in the rugged geography of rocks, bubbling brooks, clean lakes and snow capped mountains.

The highlight for me was our morning excursion by 2 gondolas ascending to a lone restaurant 9000 ft high. Here we are greeted with a private champagne toast on a sun drenched terrace. Some of us hiked down through the Ice Palace, a grotto-like cave in sheer ice. The majesty of this mountain humbled me.

Peter must drive us to Zurich over a seemingly insurmountable mountain pass before reaching the highway. In 27 years, he is driven tour buses over 3 million kilometers and tells me he hates driving this road. We pass cows mating and villages with populations of 12. After a lunch stop in Heidiland, we arrive safely in Zurich. It is raining now as if Mother Nature mimics the sadness of our departure. I overnight here with a solid 9 hours sleep and reminisce of another journey well done.

Susan Davis
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/chocolate-cowbells-cable-cars-swizerland-and-italy-102487.html

As the school busses begin to rumble down the road again we are
reminded that the gardening season is drawing to a close. For
the gardener with an eye toward next spring, however, the season
still promises plenty to be done in preparation of a showy
spring to come. Early fall is the time when we should be
planting our bulbs.

Good soil drainage is paramount for spring-blooming bulb
success. If you have a mostly clay soil be sure to mix in
organic material such as compost to lighten the soil. The soil
pH should be between 6 and 7. If you need assistance in
determining your soil pH or in discovering how to manage its
level refer to your local agricultural extension service for
help.

Spring flowering bulbs are great for beds, in borders, and in
rock gardens. These early risers prefer to be planted in areas
which will not receive direct sunlight during the midday,
especially once the hot summer months roll back around.

Wait until soil temperatures are below 60 F (16 C) before
planting. If you purchase your bulbs before the cold season sets
in you may keep them in your refrigerator until the soil has
cooled sufficiently. The fall planting ensures the bulbs will
have adequate opportunity to develop a strong root system before
they come up in the spring and early summer to greet you.

When you are ready to plant your bulbs, follow the directions
carefully for the depth and spacing requirements and be certain
to loosen the soil beneath the depth of planting. The easiest
fertilization method for your spring bulbs is a single
application of a sulfur-coated, slow-release fertilizer
incorporated into the bottom of your bulb hole at planting time.
After having placed the bulbs in their new home, begin to cover
them with the soil you removed to dig the hole. When you have
covered the bulbs halfway give them a thorough soaking before
covering them with the remaining soil.

With such wonderful options as corn lily, grape hyacinth and
tulips your work will be rewarded in the spring with the finest
of gardening pleasures. The joy can possibly only be compared to
the sound of the school busses rumbling down the road

Ed Rooney
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/fall-garden-chores-for-spring-flowering-bulbs-1494.html

Over a lifetime (or in the case of an ecological disaster, an alarmingly short time), the human body assimilates a number of toxins. Some of these are in such trace amounts that we really needn’t worry about them, but it is still wise to avoid as many toxins in the diet and the environment as possible. Here are ten of the most common toxins found in human blood and cells:

Free Radicals

These are the toxic waste products of the process of oxidation within our bodies. Oxidation (like rust on iron) is what causes the deterioration of cells, like a bruised apple when it goes brown and mushy. This goes on at a cellular level within the human body and accelerates the aging process.

The effects of free radicals can be reduced by the consumption of anti-oxidant-rich red, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, along with increasing our exercise and eating less.

Mercury

The commonest sources of Mercury are amalgam fillings and the eating of large marine fish such as tuna. Mercury is implicated in Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, heart failure, irregular heartbeat and even some cancers. There is debate as to whether it is worthwhile to have amalgam fillings removed and replaced. Similarly, the health benefits of eating oily marine fish should be weighed carefully against the risks of mercury consumption.

Sugar

Refined sugar is known as “the white death”. We all know it’s bad for us, that it contains calories without nutrients. Too much of it can cause insulin resistance, diabetes. The answer is simple; eat less white sugar.

Caffeine

Many people enjoy caffeinated drinks and find that they give them a much-needed “high” in times of fatigue. Don’t forget that caffeine is quite a powerful drug and taking yourself off it can cause quite severe withdrawal symptoms. Some people are “allergic” to caffeine and it can cause irrational mood swings and exacerbation of PMS, even heartbeat irregularities. Best to wean yourself off it.

C-Reactive Protein

Perhaps it is wrong to consider this a toxin in itself, but its presence in the blood is an indicator of inflammation in the body. A high reading of C-Reactive Protein in the blood can indicate a propensity to heart attack. It is elevated by infections, inflammatory conditions, insulin resistance, and certain hormones such as those in the contraceptive pill or HRT. It is thought that a preventative dose of aspirin may be effective in reducing the level of C-Reactive Protein.

Cholesterol

A buildup of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or “bad” cholesterol in the blood is implicated in heart disease via hardening of the arteries. Avoid high cholesterol by eating less saturated fats, exercising regularly, eating supplements rich in plant sterols or (as a last resort) Statins (prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs).

Cortisol

This is produced by the body at times of worry and stress, therefore it is commonly called the stress hormone. Eliminate cortisol by exercising, laughing, relaxing, enjoying a hobby and not allowing your own personal stresses to fester and thrive within you!

Pesticides

We encounter these in our own gardens (unless we garden totally organically) and on most bought fruits and vegetables. At least trace amounts are probably found in most people’s bodies. Either buy organic or make sure you thoroughly wash any fruit and veg you buy.

Dioxins

These are unwanted byproducts of heating processes and can increase cancer risks. They are suspected as contributory factors in diabetes, low sperm counts and behavioral problems. They are everywhere so it is hard to avoid them on an individual level. Buying organic produce and avoiding saturated animal fats (which tend to harbor dioxins) may help.

Homocysteine

Homocysteine is an amino acid. It can contribute to the risks of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, furring of the arteries, toxicity in pregnancy, or even birth defects.

Its build-up can be caused by kidney disease, genetics or vitamin deficiencies. Supplementation of Vitamins B12, B6 and Folic Acid may be wise. These vitamins enable the conversion of homocysteine into less dangerous amino-acids in the body.

We are all exposed to toxins in the environment and our food over our lifetimes. Some are easy to avoid, others less so. Clean living and regular detox programs are probably the best we can do to avoid overexposure to toxins.

Sid McCarthy
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/10-most-common-toxins-in-the-human-body-114820.html

Over a lifetime (or in the case of an ecological disaster, an alarmingly short time), the human body assimilates a number of toxins. Some of these are in such trace amounts that we really needn’t worry about them, but it is still wise to avoid as many toxins in the diet and the environment as possible. Here are ten of the most common toxins found in human blood and cells:

Free Radicals

These are the toxic waste products of the process of oxidation within our bodies. Oxidation (like rust on iron) is what causes the deterioration of cells, like a bruised apple when it goes brown and mushy. This goes on at a cellular level within the human body and accelerates the aging process.

The effects of free radicals can be reduced by the consumption of anti-oxidant-rich red, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, along with increasing our exercise and eating less.

Mercury

The commonest sources of Mercury are amalgam fillings and the eating of large marine fish such as tuna. Mercury is implicated in Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, heart failure, irregular heartbeat and even some cancers. There is debate as to whether it is worthwhile to have amalgam fillings removed and replaced. Similarly, the health benefits of eating oily marine fish should be weighed carefully against the risks of mercury consumption.

Sugar

Refined sugar is known as “the white death”. We all know it’s bad for us, that it contains calories without nutrients. Too much of it can cause insulin resistance, diabetes. The answer is simple; eat less white sugar.

Caffeine

Many people enjoy caffeinated drinks and find that they give them a much-needed “high” in times of fatigue. Don’t forget that caffeine is quite a powerful drug and taking yourself off it can cause quite severe withdrawal symptoms. Some people are “allergic” to caffeine and it can cause irrational mood swings and exacerbation of PMS, even heartbeat irregularities. Best to wean yourself off it.

C-Reactive Protein

Perhaps it is wrong to consider this a toxin in itself, but its presence in the blood is an indicator of inflammation in the body. A high reading of C-Reactive Protein in the blood can indicate a propensity to heart attack. It is elevated by infections, inflammatory conditions, insulin resistance, and certain hormones such as those in the contraceptive pill or HRT. It is thought that a preventative dose of aspirin may be effective in reducing the level of C-Reactive Protein.

Cholesterol

A buildup of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or “bad” cholesterol in the blood is implicated in heart disease via hardening of the arteries. Avoid high cholesterol by eating less saturated fats, exercising regularly, eating supplements rich in plant sterols or (as a last resort) Statins (prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs).

Cortisol

This is produced by the body at times of worry and stress, therefore it is commonly called the stress hormone. Eliminate cortisol by exercising, laughing, relaxing, enjoying a hobby and not allowing your own personal stresses to fester and thrive within you!

Pesticides

We encounter these in our own gardens (unless we garden totally organically) and on most bought fruits and vegetables. At least trace amounts are probably found in most people’s bodies. Either buy organic or make sure you thoroughly wash any fruit and veg you buy.

Dioxins

These are unwanted byproducts of heating processes and can increase cancer risks. They are suspected as contributory factors in diabetes, low sperm counts and behavioral problems. They are everywhere so it is hard to avoid them on an individual level. Buying organic produce and avoiding saturated animal fats (which tend to harbor dioxins) may help.

Homocysteine

Homocysteine is an amino acid. It can contribute to the risks of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, furring of the arteries, toxicity in pregnancy, or even birth defects.

Its build-up can be caused by kidney disease, genetics or vitamin deficiencies. Supplementation of Vitamins B12, B6 and Folic Acid may be wise. These vitamins enable the conversion of homocysteine into less dangerous amino-acids in the body.

We are all exposed to toxins in the environment and our food over our lifetimes. Some are easy to avoid, others less so. Clean living and regular detox programs are probably the best we can do to avoid overexposure to toxins.

Sid McCarthy
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/10-most-common-toxins-in-the-human-body-114820.html

Many people who maintain gardens have a large amount of organic waste, from grass clippings to leaves and dead plants. Unfortunately, many waste money and time having these wastes transported to a landfill. It isn’t just a waste of good compost; it’s a waste of everything that goes into the process of transporting it (the garbage man’s time, the money you pay for the removal, etc). It is truly a travesty.

All this garbage that people are trying to get rid of can be a better supplement for your garden than any fertilizer or chemical. If you properly facilitate the decomposition of all of the garbage, it will alter chemically until it is in such a state that it can be nothing but beneficial nutrition for other plants. Therefore you can turn all the stuff you would have thrown away into top grade fertilizer for your garden.

Usually compost is maintained in a pile somewhere in your backyard. Usually the thought of a compost heap brings disturbing images to ones mind; heaps of rotten garbage emitting a horrid odor. However, if you maintain it correctly you’ll be able to produce great compost without producing an offensive odor. When I first began my compost pile in an effort to improve environmental health, I made several major errors. These included preventing the pile from the oxygen it truly needed, and keeping it to dry. It ended up decomposing in a very non-beneficial way, and producing an odor so foul that I had government agents knocking at my door.

When you are choosing your spot where you will be putting all of these materials, you should aim for a higher square footage. Having a really deep pile of compost is not a good idea, because generally the deeper sections won’t be exposed to anything that is required for the process to work. It is better to spread it all out over a large area. If you have a shed or a tool shack of some sort, it is a possibility to spread it over the roof (with boards to keep it from falling off, of course). I have seen this done several times, and it helps keep the pile out of the way while still maintaining a large square footage.

A compost heap can consist of any organic garbage from your yard, garden or kitchen. This includes leaves, grass, any leftover food that won’t be eaten, or newspaper (no more than a fifth of your pile should consist of newspaper, due to it having a harder time composting with the rest of the materials). Usually if you have a barrel devoted to storing all of these things, it will fill up within several weeks. It is quite easy to obtain compost, but the hard part truly comes in getting it to compost.

After you have begun to get a large assortment of materials in your compost heap, you should moisten the whole pile. This encourages the process of composting. Also chop every element of the pile into the smallest pieces possible. As the materials start to compress and meld together as they decompose, frequently head outside and aerate the pile. You can use a shovel to mix it all up, or an aeration tool to poke dozens of tiny holes into it. Doing this will increase the oxygen flow to each part of the pile, and oxygen is required for any decomposition to take place.

If maintaining a compost pile sounds like something that would interest you, start considering the different placement options. The hardest part about maintaining a pile is choosing a spot that provides enough square footage without intruding on the rest of your yard or garden. While usually you can prevent the horrible odors that most people associate with compost heaps, it’s still not a pleasant thing to have to look at whenever you go for a walk in your garden.

Josiah Smart
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/consider-making-a-compost-heap-746842.html

Many people who maintain gardens have a large amount of organic waste, from grass clippings to leaves and dead plants. Unfortunately, many waste money and time having these wastes transported to a landfill. It isn’t just a waste of good compost; it’s a waste of everything that goes into the process of transporting it (the garbage man’s time, the money you pay for the removal, etc). It is truly a travesty.

All this garbage that people are trying to get rid of can be a better supplement for your garden than any fertilizer or chemical. If you properly facilitate the decomposition of all of the garbage, it will alter chemically until it is in such a state that it can be nothing but beneficial nutrition for other plants. Therefore you can turn all the stuff you would have thrown away into top grade fertilizer for your garden.

Usually compost is maintained in a pile somewhere in your backyard. Usually the thought of a compost heap brings disturbing images to ones mind; heaps of rotten garbage emitting a horrid odor. However, if you maintain it correctly you’ll be able to produce great compost without producing an offensive odor. When I first began my compost pile in an effort to improve environmental health, I made several major errors. These included preventing the pile from the oxygen it truly needed, and keeping it to dry. It ended up decomposing in a very non-beneficial way, and producing an odor so foul that I had government agents knocking at my door.

When you are choosing your spot where you will be putting all of these materials, you should aim for a higher square footage. Having a really deep pile of compost is not a good idea, because generally the deeper sections won’t be exposed to anything that is required for the process to work. It is better to spread it all out over a large area. If you have a shed or a tool shack of some sort, it is a possibility to spread it over the roof (with boards to keep it from falling off, of course). I have seen this done several times, and it helps keep the pile out of the way while still maintaining a large square footage.

A compost heap can consist of any organic garbage from your yard, garden or kitchen. This includes leaves, grass, any leftover food that won’t be eaten, or newspaper (no more than a fifth of your pile should consist of newspaper, due to it having a harder time composting with the rest of the materials). Usually if you have a barrel devoted to storing all of these things, it will fill up within several weeks. It is quite easy to obtain compost, but the hard part truly comes in getting it to compost.

After you have begun to get a large assortment of materials in your compost heap, you should moisten the whole pile. This encourages the process of composting. Also chop every element of the pile into the smallest pieces possible. As the materials start to compress and meld together as they decompose, frequently head outside and aerate the pile. You can use a shovel to mix it all up, or an aeration tool to poke dozens of tiny holes into it. Doing this will increase the oxygen flow to each part of the pile, and oxygen is required for any decomposition to take place.

If maintaining a compost pile sounds like something that would interest you, start considering the different placement options. The hardest part about maintaining a pile is choosing a spot that provides enough square footage without intruding on the rest of your yard or garden. While usually you can prevent the horrible odors that most people associate with compost heaps, it’s still not a pleasant thing to have to look at whenever you go for a walk in your garden.

Josiah Smart
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/consider-making-a-compost-heap-746842.html