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2010年12月7日星期二

Pots for Your Garden



Choosing proper containers for your plants is essential for your garden to flourish. Containers that are too small may cause stunted growth of plants. You need to choose the right size of pot, but it's almost as important to choose a container that's made of the right material. Different materials will work better in different situations.

Big containers made of wood are good for perennial plants and big bushes. Wooden pots make a beautiful container for plants that you wish to flaunt, as well as for perennial plants.

Containers made of wood are ideal for big plants and are pleasing to the eyes. Wooden pots are generally one of the most expensive types of containers. They are worth their price because they can last a long time.

Be sure to get one that's treated on the outside, but not on the inside. Chemical leaching is a big problem with pots that are treated inside. This is harmful to the plants, and if you eat your plants, you might be harmed too.

Plastic pots are probably the most widely used type of pot for container gardening. For most of them, it's because plastic pots are so affordable. But cheaper isn't always better.

If you only plant to attempt container gardening for one year, then plastic may be a very good option for you. But if you think you might want to have a container garden next year, you might want to stick with something a bit more durable.

Harder plastic pots aren't that much sturdier either. If plastic is left outdoors in the elements for too long, it can start to warp and crack. You won't find much use for pots with cracks.

Pots made from clay are very affordable, too. These pots are quite breakable. They also won't last in very low temperatures.

Fired ceramic pots are a pretty good choice. Most of these pots are sturdy. They're usually glazed on the outside for appearance, but are left unglazed on the inside. This prevents any chemical leaching.

You can also make your own containers by using things you find around the house. Most plastic containers will do, providing that you poke holes in their bottoms.

Tubs, plastic bottles, trash cans, and jugs are just a few of the things at home that you can use.

There are even those people who use bags of soil as containers. There are no strict container requirements. Containers can be used if they are free from leaching, and has good drainage.

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2010年12月4日星期六

Herb Gardening For Kids



Herb gardening is ideal for kids because it teaches kids a lot even if it's easy to do. Herbs will survive when kids forget to water them once in a while.

Nature is a favourite subject for many children. Gardening is a great way for them to experience nature. The fact that they can grow plants and eat them really gets kids going.

It's good to teach your kids all that they don't know yet about herbs. They can learn all about herbs, like the smells, uses and appearances.

Teach things one at a time. Small gardens are fitting for kids. About three to five plants seem right for them. Maintaining the enjoyment of kids for their gardens is important.

A pizza garden seems like a fun idea for kids. You'll help your child grow some of the herbs that are commonly used on pizza. Since children really love pizza, they should be able to relate to this type of garden very well. They'll also have fun knowing what goes into one of their favourite foods.

A pizza garden may have basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley. You could also let the child grow some of the other things that often go into pizza sauce, like garlic and roma tomatoes. While your child has his garden, you can help by planting other pizza ingredients like onions and peppers.

Kids love herbs with special scents. The choices are great for herbs that don't smell the way they are supposed to. You can include flowers here. An example is geraniums that smell like oranges, strawberries, lime, and apricots!

Kids like different kinds of mint, too. Never forget reminding your kids to ask you first before eating any plant.

You can also use herb gardening as a way of teaching children about the differences between varieties of the same type of plant. For example, planting several different varieties of basil can help kids understand that there can be many types of the same animal or plant.

Different varieties of basil can be planted, like Thai basil, lemon basil and so on. Through this, you child can quickly understand the differences and similarities between the varieties. An herb garden is a very good way to teach children responsibility.

They'll learn that they have to take care of their garden on a regular basis. And if not, they are shown the consequences. Seeing their plants slowly dying gives them the realization of how important it is to be responsible.

Most significant is the fact that herb gardens can give kids the opportunity to do something and be proud of it. Growing plants that you can include in your dishes gives your kids a sense of self-importance.

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2010年12月3日星期五

3 Carpet Buying Tips To Keep In Mind



Buying a carpet for your home is a significant investment that requires thought and planning. Once your carpet is installed, you are going to have to live with it, so you should be sure that you've picked the right one. To make your selection easier, let's look at some factors you should keep in mind when shopping for your next carpet.

When it comes to carpets, there are a wide variety of types to choose from. Whatever your allotted budget for a carpet, you want to make sure you are getting your money's worth. One way to verify the quality of a carpet is by looking at the carpet specification label, which is placed on every carpet sample. From this you can learn what fabric the carpet is made of, if any kind of anti-stain treatment was applied to it and the pile density. You have to know such things to understand the actual value of any carpet. Some carpet sellers remove the carpet specification label before showing you samples. If this label is missing, this indicates that the seller doesn't want you to know something. It's best to know all the facts about any carpet you are going to buy.

If you are getting wall to wall carpeting, getting an accurate measurement for your room is essential. Measuring a room for a carpet is not an easy thing to do, as the slightest error can cause a problem. You may want to get an expert to measure your home to make sure you get the right amount of carpet. If possible, have someone not affiliated with the carpet seller measure your home. Not all carpet stores are dishonest, but many will overcharge customers if they think they can get away with it, and one way they do this is by fudging the measurements so you have to pay more.

Synthetic materials such as nylon are cheaper than natural fibers, and some people choose one of these to save money. Synthetic materials can also be more stain resistant, which is another reason some people choose them. Not everyone finds synthetic carpets to be a real bargain, however. Many people believe that there are environmental and health hazards associated with synthetic materials. Moreover, natural fibers such as wool have a more luxurious look and feel compared to synthetic materials. When it comes to synthetic materials, acrylic is one that most closely approximates the natural look and feel.

Do your research and shop around before buying a carpet, as there are many differences in quality and value. You also want to be sure that the prices you are quoted include installation and delivery, if you are having the store do this. We've been looking at some helpful suggestions for buying a carpet, but in the end you have to choose one that looks and feels great to you.

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Growing Herbs Organically



Organic gardening is very simple with herbs. The only thing you need is very healthy soil. You can plant herbs indoors or outdoors, in the garden or in containers.

You'd want some good potting soil to start with. Potting soil should be made mostly of organic material and should be well-draining. Organic compost mix is a good starter if you're planning on a container garden for your herbs. If not, you can mix it with existing soil to enrich and enliven it.

The healthier the soil is, the better able your herbs will be at fighting off diseases and fending off insect attacks. You should never skimp on good soil, even if you're not into organic gardening.

Next, be sure to plant your herbs in the right spot. Most herbs need all the sun there is, though a few can survive in partial shade. Some even prefer it to be a bit shady. Make sure your herbs are planted where they will thrive best.

Choose herbs that are hardy in the zone where you live. Find out which hardiness zone you live in and be sure to select only varieties that are hardy where you live. Or else, you'd be wasting your time, money, and effort on herbs that just won't live.

Choose very high-quality seedlings if you're buying your herb plants. If you choose to start your own seedlings, be sure to thin them carefully so they don't choke each other out. Your seedlings should be thick in diameter and dark in colour.

You can manage weeds by using mulch. Organic mulch placed over your soil can prevent weeds from growing in your garden. It will also help keep moisture in the soil, and will help keep the soil an even temperature.

Companion planting and organic pesticides work well against pests in your garden. Companion planting offers a wide variety of plants that can go together. Most often, garlic and marigolds are planted alongside other plants to control pests.

You also have many choices when it comes to organic pesticides. Some of them simply make your plants inhospitable to insects, and others can actually kill them. You should choose varieties of herbs that are disease-resistant and pest-resistant, if possible.

Although these plants may still have problems, they don't typically have as many problems as their standard counterparts. This is especially useful when you don't want to use chemical treatments for your plants.

Alternate your crop yearly. Move your herb garden to different spots of your yard if you can. It's not a bad idea to alternate the varieties of each herb you have. If you have purple basil this year, then Thai basil is a good idea for next year.

The mentioned keep pests from coming back to the same spot each year to eat the same crops. Pests can be discouraged by crops that are alternated.

About the author: Writer Julia Desai publishes health websites. Follow these healthy living tips and enjoy a feel-good lifestyle. Check this calorie chart for a list of healthy foods with maximum nutrition and minimum calories. Find the healthiest fruit with antioxidants to help you feel better and live longer.



2010年12月1日星期三

What About Marble Tiles For Your New Floor?



Marble is hardly ever considered when one thinks of installing new floors, since most people see it as too expensive or even too fancy for their modest homes.

However, if you are hoping to get the most value for your money, you shouldn't write off marble too fast. Marble tiles not only add beauty and opulence to your home, but they also have a few other benefits as well.

Many people are concerned that marble floors will require maintenance they are not prepared for, but it's not always the case. Marble can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas, and also as a unique touch for walls and showers.

These marble tiles not only add elegance to the home, but are easy to maintain, and will last a lot longer than most other flooring materials. You can also find many colors and styles of them, giving you a wide choice when it comes to decorating your home.

Adding a marble floor will also increase the value of your home. In all honesty, that's why most people do it.

Marble tiled floors don't hold heat like other type of flooring, meaning that even in the hot, humid summer months; your tile floor will be cool to the touch. Marble floors also repel microbes keeping germs away from your home. All you need to do is mop and sweep as needed, and your floor will be safe for whoever happens to be on it, even your babies.

Routine sealing will ensure that your floors remain beautiful and free of damage. Pay attention also to the type of cleaners you use, as some can cause damage.

You should take the time to lay out the tiles before installation to make sure they are laid out the way you want them. Also, make sure that all tiles come from the same batch, to ensure even color distribution. Undoubtedly, you would not want a floor with different shades, unless it is a part of your initial plan.

Using marble tiles on walls can also greatly increase the value of your home. Many people add them in the kitchen above counter tops and between the stove top and range-hood. The tiles will not only add a decorative touch, but they will protect your walls from splashes from the sink and stove, protecting your investment that much more.

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