Pumpkins are a wonderful thing to grow if you have kids or grandkids coming around regularly. They are quite easy to cultivate, as long as you have a large patch of land, shelter from cold winds, and access to the sun. The sight of a colourful pumpkin come autumn will be well worth the investment and you can even use it in cooking so nothing should be wasted, even the seeds can be made into…
As the winter weather begins to take its toll and the cold weather weighs on you, rest assured you can add a few autumn and winter bedding plants to brighten your garden and your spirits. Well placed bedding plants can add colour and texture where it is otherwise lacking. So what plants are the best? Hardiness will vary in these plants so be aware of your climate and whether exceptionally cold temperatures is in your…
There are many ways that soil can change, and not always for the best. Thankfully there are ways that you can improve your garden soil to ensure it has all the nutrients needed for growing plants such as shrubs, perennials, trees and even vegetables and fruit bushes. Test the soil to determine what nutrients are missing and the pH It’s much easier to change the composition and nutrient profile than it is to change the…
When trees fall, or when you have them removed, the stumps often remain. It’s important to remove them to prevent root rot but mostly because of suckering. Suckering is where new shoots grow out of the trunk you left behind, trying desperately to become new trees. Now, if the tree stump is completely dead, you won’t run this risk, but in its place, you will have to contend with things like honey fungus. In the…
Leaf mould is the result of decaying leaves, something you can use to condition your soil, use as mulch, and even mixed 50/50 with compost to use in containers if its good well-rotted leaf mould that is at least 2 years old. All leaves and needles will break down eventually into leaf mould. However, you should be aware of what trees you have and decide from there how you might aid the breakdown process because…
Growing from seed isn’t significantly different than growing from cuttings, but there are some key steps for ensuring your propagation goes well. There are over 2,000 types of rockery plants so you want to be mindful of the variety you have chosen so that you have a good idea of how long it will take to germinate, when you should transplant it and what specific growing conditions it requires. But the beginning steps for propagating…
Succulents refer to a category of thousands of plants and they make great household plants because they adapt easily to the conditions of your home and in many cases help purify the air you breathe. Succulents do well indoors as long as you give them the proper growing conditions, which usually means plenty of light and free-draining compost. Choosing the right plant Succulents are native to areas that are not just known for their heat…
Need a jacket you can just throw on and take off when the rain stops? Check out some of the best pack away waterproof jackets to keep you dry during a downpour. Waterproof jackets are a favourite with hikers, mountaineers and other people carrying out everyday activities such as jogging and dog walking. They have convenient features like chin guards and adjustable hoods to offer you more protection than a regular jacket. One of the…
A waterproof jacket is an essential piece of gear for hiking in the countryside. It’s something that will keep you warm and protect you from the elements during your outdoor excursions. You will know that long trips in wet weather can be extremely dangerous for your health if not just uncomfortable, hence the need for a good waterproof jacket. For hiking, in particular, you will want one with excellent breathability as the exercise tends to…
If you are a fan of being outdoors, you do understand that the weather is not always cooperative. When the rain is coming down and you have a couple of things to take care of outside, the solution is to seek waterproof clothing. Having a good pair of waterproof trousers will go a long way in keeping you dry and comfortable. Waterproof trousers are usually worn over other clothing and they come in various sizes.…
