Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Garden Guides, Your Guide to Everything Gardening

Whether you are new to gardening, or a seasoned gardening pro, Garden Guides has everything you need. For more than eight years, Garden Guides has been a leader in online gardening information, providing thousands of pages of detailed and extensive information on plants, pests, gardening tips & techniques, gardening recipes, seeds & bulbs, gardening books, nurseries & landscapers, and much more.
Get started by following the links below.

Garden Plants
Garden How-Tos
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Garden Guides Community


Visit our new and improved garden and gardening community section, featuring the most active garden forums on the internet, blogs, photos, messaging, and more!
Use our garden forums to discuss any and all aspects of gardening, from when to plant your bulbs, to dealing with garden pests, to what to cook with your home grown vegetables and fruits, and more.
Create and update your very own gardening blog.
Upload and share your flowers and other gardening photos.
Keep up to date with all of your gardening friends by reading their blogs and sending personal messages.
Sponsored LinksOrganic Gardening Garden Decor Garden Plants Gardening Tips Garden Pests Garden Supplies

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Organic Gardening


Seed Starting Chart
Check out our seed starting chart to help you keep track of when and what seeds you started. More
Composting 101
We asked the pros for their secrets to composting. Find out about the compost equation and two ways to compost here. More
Prevent Plant Disease Now!
It seems simple, but a key to organic gardening is choosing disease resistant varieties. More
Organic Gardening's WaterWorks
We are joining forces with the ACGA, Aveeno, and Nature's Path Foods to bring rainwater harvesting systems to 15 community gardens this season. More
Test Garden Favorites
We try out the hottest new varieties in our test garden each summer. Find out our new favorite flowers and vegetable and where to find them. More

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

About US!

Our blog site began as a vision for Gail to use her networking skills in a way that could benefit moms. As the journey continued and she recruited Amber, the vision started to become a reality. We, as mothers, know that in order to succeed at our jobs of being a mother, it is important that we are educated, organized, and informed about all aspects of our lives and the lives of our children. Therefore, it is our goal through this website to “network” with other moms in the Sumner County area to help each other along the journey of motherhood. Together, with the help of our friends and family in Sumner County, we are building a “networking” site that will help moms to meet the needs of a running a family, household, and our lives more efficiently in hopes to succeed at our jobs of being a mother, the highest calling of a woman’s life!

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

The Garden Rant Pack!



Just Who Do They Think They Are?


Susan Harris
Elizabeth Licata
Michele Owens
Amy Stewart
About Us

Thursday, May 8, 2008

BACKYARD WILDLIFE

Articles for your interest:


Attracting Birds in Winter
Audio Bird Quiz
Backyard Bird Feeding
Bird Attacting Evergreens
Chicken Resources
Create a Butterfly Garden
Fall Bird Feeding Tips
Fast, Free Butterfly Baths
Mason Bee House Care
The Bee Crisis
Wildlife Garden
Winter Bird Feeding
Winter Birdbaths
Winter Plants That Birds Love
Seed Swap



One gardener's extras are another's treasures


In this free forum, you can find the seeds you've been looking for, or share your excess seeds with others.


Traditional swaps are a 2-way trade. Interested parties will contact you by phone or email. If you don't have any seeds to offer, don't dismay, you may still find someone willing to help you out with your request.


Your submission will remain posted for 30 days.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Gardening Tips



Gardens Alive

Caring for Your Plantings While Conserving Water

Efficient Water Use on Outdoor Plantings.



The use of water has become more and more of an issue for many communities. All across the country we see rationing and restrictions. And why not? Water takes valuable resources to process and make potable. Have we become much too reliant on a cheap source of clean water? We water our lawns to keep them fresh and green. We use chemical fertilizers that increase the amount of water required and do it, with little regard to how, when and why we water our plants.



What can we do?



Here are some tips to make the most of our water use.



Watering Lawns

1. Allow your lawn to experience natural cycles. Well established lawn grasses are tough and resilient. It is their nature to become dormant under drought conditions. Watering keeps them active and dependant upon an artificial source. In addition, if done incorrectly, it will encourage roots to grow nearer to the surface where they are unable to seek moisture effectively. If outdoor watering is limited to the extent that it is not possible to irrigate the lawn properly, it would be advisable not to water at all and to allow the lawn to go dormant.



2. Only seed your lawn in the fall. Seed and new grass require almost constant moisture. Often times spring is too short or dry to provide what is needed. In addition, weed germination is at a height in the spring and competition is fierce.



3. If you are inclined to water your lawn, water slow, long and deep. A sprinkler should spread water evenly and slowly. Run off is considered very detrimental to your water use as well as your soil.



Lawns require an inch of water weekly for best growth, either from rain or irrigation or both. Inexpensive rain gauges may be purchased, or a coffee can be used to measure the amount of water applied. It takes about 625 gallons of water to apply an inch to 1,000 square feet of lawn area. The soil should be saturated with water to a depth of 3 to 4 inches.



Use of a good organic fertilizer is recommended. Chemical fertilizers draw roots shallower and reduce valuable microbes that your grass needs for survival. This combination greatly increases thatch, an ideal condition for disease.



Watering Trees, Shrubs and Flower Gardens During dry seasons, watering is necessary to maintain healthy plants. Water is more important for new planting than for established ones.



Established trees and shrubs do not require as much water as new plantings, but during extended dry spells some watering may be necessary. Some principles of watering are as follows:



• Watering with a hose and nozzle is not recommended. Merely syringing the plants and soil is of little value to the root system through which water is absorbed.



• An open hose placed at the base of a tree with the water flowing slowly will provide needed water to the root zone. If the water is allowed to trickle into the soil gradually, it will seep down and saturate the area around the roots. Since the composition of soils varies, the rate of absorption will vary, but the water pressure should be as high as possible without surface run-off.



• By saturating the soil around the plants, less frequent watering will be necessary. Each plant or bed should be saturated approximately once every two weeks or less depending on the weather.



New plantings will require more frequent watering than established plants. The same type of saturating should be exercised, but once a week may be necessary for new plants.



A ring of soil around newly planted trees and shrubs in the form of a saucer is recommended. This could be built from gravel or excess soil after planting. Fill the ring at each watering to allow gradual seepage into the soil. For the first month, water new plantings twice a week, then weekly for the rest of the season.



Mulching can help to reduce water loss. The use of mulch on new or established plantings is an excellent method of conserving water. Beds, which are exposed to the sun, and drying winds without cover will dry out rapidly. Trying to keep these areas moist by watering is not adequate, and a great deal of water is wasted.



Some of the more common materials used for mulching are peat moss, wood chips, straw, salt march hay, sawdust, pine needles, hay, leaf mold, compost, dried bark, leaves and many others. Much less water will be required to maintain vigorous plants with the use of a 2-inch mulch.



Overall Watering Program for Outdoor Plants.In trying to conserve water and to realize greatest benefit from water used, it is wise to set up a regularly scheduled program.



• Do not try to water all planted areas at each watering.

• Section off your areas, and concentrate on these areas individually for maximum benefit.

• Saturate each area, and then allow to dry out before watering again.• Plan to use mulch around all planted areas to reduce water loss.

• Do not allow plants to wilt before beginning a watering program.

• Remember—two hoses at low pressure without a nozzle is the best method of watering.

• Over watering can be more harmful to plants than under watering. Roots need air as well as water. Do not keep soil saturated with water continuously.



THE SAFE SEED PLEDGE

Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative:



"We pledge that we do not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered seeds or plants."



The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political, and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately people and communities.



http://www.organicaseed.com/

www.greenpeople.org/seeds.htm

www.mariseeds.com/



Garden Guides,



Your Guide to Everything Gardening
www.gardenguides.com/



Whether you are new to gardening, or a seasoned gardening pro, Garden Guides has everything you need. For more than eight years, Garden Guides has been a leader in online gardening information, providing thousands of pages of detailed and extensive information on plants, pests, gardening tips & techniques, gardening recipes, seeds & bulbs, gardening books, nurseries & landscapers, and much more.



Garden.com

In our new home garden center you will find the best collection of information, tips and garden supplies anywhere on the Internet. Whether you are a professional or home gardener our online garden center will stock the garden supplies you need including: tools, decor, gates, statues, gloves, gifts, gnomes, fountains, sculptures, tractors, sheds and much more.



www.garden.com/

Friday, February 22, 2008

CINNAMON
1. Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol!
2. Studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for peiople with Type II diabetes..
3. In some cases cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections.
4. In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
5. It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.
6. In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month.
7. When added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.
8. One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.
9. Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices.
10. It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium
Tumeric
Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric (spice) to your diet:
1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.

Once you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it's fun to find new ways to use it in recipes. My favorite way to use it is to add a pinch of it to egg salad. It adds a nice flavor and gives the egg salad a rich yellow hue.

Contraindications: Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.
Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is one of nature's most healing and therapeutic foods. I put it in many of my recipes not only because I love spicy food, but because of its healing and therapeutic properties. You've probably heard of capsaicin. It's the main ingredient of cayenne pepper and is used topically to treat everything from osteoarthritis to cancer. According to the University of Maryland:

Native Americans have used cayenne (or red pepper) as both food and medicine for at least 9,000 years. The hot and spicy taste of cayenne pepper is primarily due to an ingredient known as capsaicin. Although it tastes hot, capsaicin actually stimulates a region of the brain that lowers body temperature.

Taken internally or applied topically, capsaicin is a great natural healing remedy. To read more about the health properties of cayenne pepper and capsaicin, read the rest of the University of Maryland article.

Cayenne has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, diuretic, analgesic, expectorant, and diaphoretic properties. Cayenne is used worldwide to treat a variety of health conditions, including weak digestion, chronic pain, shingles, heart disease, sore throats, headaches, high cholesterol levels, poor circulation, and toothache. Capsaicin in cayenne pepper has very powerful pain-relieving properties when applied to the surface of the skin. Applied topically, cayenne cream eases pain by providing diversionary discomfort and by depleting the body's supply of substance P. External preparations are used to reduce arthritic pain and inflammation and to relieve symptoms of bursitis, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, and nerve pain that often follows shingles. Cayenne cream or ointment is particularly effective in easing the joint discomfort of arthritis. Applying cayenne cream to irritated areas may help psoriasis sufferers.

Cayenne is the most useful of the systemic stimulants. It stimulates blood flow, strengthening the heart, arteries, capillaries and nerves. Cayenne is used to regulate blood flow and to strengthen the heart, arteries and capillaries. Cayenne is been used as an overall digestive aid and is considered to improve the entire circulatory system and act as one of the best stimulants. When taken internally, cayenne soothes the digestive tract and stimulates the flow of saliva and stomach secretions. These secretions contain substances that help digest food. Cayenne is also used to relieve constipation as it stimulates gastric secretions, thereby activating a sluggish gastrointestinal tract. Cayenne can be an effective remedy for relieving congestion and coughs. It acts to thin mucus, thus improving the flow of body fluids. It is also used to boost energy and relieve stress-related fatigue and depression. Cayenne has a revitalizing effect on both the mind and body, dispelling tiredness, lethargy, and depression, mainly by opening passageways and dilating blood vessels. Cayenne may reduce the risk of heart attacks. It has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and the risk of blood clots.

Side effects, precautions, interactionsCayenne should not be used by children under two years of age. Topical cayenne ointments should not be used for more than two consecutive days in children. Capsaicin cream may cause an itching, burning sensation on the skin, but these symptoms tend to subside quickly. Capsaicin capsules may cause stomach irritation. Applying too much cayenne cream may produce coughing, sneezing, teary eyes and a scratchy throat. Large internal doses of cayenne may produce vomiting and/or stomach pain. Using capsaicin cream on the skin may increase the risk of cough associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.