5 Essential Appliances for a Homestead Kitchen

Are you in the process of setting up your homestead kitchen? Appliances are an important piece of the puzzle that you don't want to miss. Find out what essential appliances for a homestead kitchen you need, so that you won't waste money on appliances you don't need.

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Premade Pancake Mix from Scratch

Forget about buying the chemically laden pancake mixes from the store. Make your own so that you know exactly what's in it! Just real and natural ingredients.

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6 Ways to Save Water in Your Garden

Author: Erland Schulze

I was recently shaken to hear the news that one of the most important and diverse water tables in our community is below the critical level. It was a striking reality that the water cycle is not as it used to be. Most of us take water for granted. We assume that the rains will replace the water table below. Fortunately, some regions do have enough rain fall to replace those tables. However, conservation still needs to be heeded as it too may soon become victim to drought situations in the future.


It takes a great deal of run off water from rains far away to replenish our underground water. You can do several things to reduce the amount of water you use in your garden.


Step One:


When selecting a garden spot, try to locate the best soil possible. Your garden will only be as good as the spoil you plant it in. Take the time to build soil amendments into it. An inexpensive method is to buy a soil compost in bulk. You will find it easier and less expensive in the long run. There are many local garden centers and businesses that carry soils which can be loaded onto your truck.


Planting in soil that offers no nutritional value or holds no water is simply a waste of time. You can amend your soil by using several different mulches or composts. One of my favorites is earth worm casting. You can find this in bulk wherever earth worms are raised. Such materials are natural, do not burn your plants and are chemical free. Locate a good organic or natural compost either in bulk or bags. Work this well into the soil.


Step Two:


Start your own compost bin. They are easy to make and well worth the time. You can use mesh wire in a barrel form, a wooden framed box, bins or you can buy them from local garden centers. You will find several options to building a compost bin on line.


Step Three:


Start by planting your vegetables so water can be maintained rather than run off the sides. If using row planting, make sure you berm up the isles enough to hold water in between the rows. No water should be wasted. There are many gardens that start our with good berms. During the course of the season, they are worn down. Re build your berms and make sure you always have them in a condition to hold water. If you plant in containers, leave at least 2” at the top for water to stand so it soaks into the container. A common mistake is to fill the pot to the top with soil. Run off water is easily controlled, however, it is the most wasteful mistake in gardening.


Step Four:


How much water do you actually need to use? Each plant is different. A basic rule is to feel the soil . Observe that the soil is just starting to get dry before you water. If the weather is hotter you will be watering more. When you water make sure to water deeply. It is better to soak the soil than to sprinkle or lightly water. Check your plant requirements according to the package.


Step Five:


Use a drip irrigation system. This is probably one of the most important methods you can use to save water. Sprinklers loose water to the air, wind and run off. Local garden centers and home stores usually have some sort of drip system. They will be able to show you how to install and use them. These systems are really very easy to set up.


Begin by making a scaled plan of your garden. Measure the size and how many rows you will have. Take the plan to the garden center and let them help you figure out the components. At the end of this article you will find a resource website to look up most all of your garden needs. You can search for tips and products.


Step Six:


Consider using “gray” water for your garden. This is water generated from your baths, dishwasher, laundry, etc. It is one of the most wasted sources of water. I am not referring to”black” water. It is unusable as it is generated from toilets With some modification you can save about 3,000 gallons of water weekly (from a family of four). Now that\'s a lot of water!


If you use a lot of chemicals and bleach you will need to install a series of treatment filters to eliminate them. The amount of water you save in the long run will easily compensate for the cost of the filters. Do some research before you use gray water.


Most gray water contains phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen, all of which benefit plants. These chemicals are found in organic soaps and shampoos. Check the labels on the products you purchase and look for natural or organic products. Avoid products that contain toxic chemicals and bleaches. If you notice that your plants are suffering damage from the gray water, stop using it and consult a horticulturist or gardener.


These are simple but important steps you can take to help conserve water in your garden.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/6-ways-to-save-water-in-your-garden-742496.html

About the Author
Erland Schulze invites you to learn more about gardening and locate all your gardening needs at:
http://www.gardeningtoolsworld.com

You will find helpful tips, advise and product resources all in one place!

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Tips For Starting Your Garden With Seeds

Author: Jamie
Many gardeners want to get started from the earliest stage of the process. This involves planting flowers and vegetables from seeds. Starting a garden from scratch is possible, as long as you follow all the basics.
Flowers and the majority of garden plants are divided into three groups: annual, biennial and perennial. These are started from seeds. The seeds would grow into seedlings, which can be planted in the garden.

Preconditions

To get plants started from seeds, you will have to consider several factors. The first thing to plan is the type of soil. You may want to plant the seeds in pots and then to move the seedlings to the garden.
Go to a garden store, where you will be advised about the best type of soil for the needs of the specific plant.

The water that you use for the plants should contain no chlorine or salts. Fill a container and let it stay overnight before watering the plants.

When it comes to light, you will have to be more careful. Some seeds need darkness to germinate. These seeds should be covered by soil. Others need sunlight and have to be placed on the surface of the soil (petunias, for example).

The optimum temperature for the germination of the majority of seeds is 15 to 18 degrees Celsius during the night and 21 to 23 degrees Celsius during the day.

Planting the Seeds

For best results, you will have to plant seeds into pots before moving them in the garden. Fill a pot with soil and get it wet. Press the soil slightly with your hands so that it becomes more compact.

Put the seeds on the surface of the soil and use some more soil to cover them. Sprinkle water over the seeds. Place the pot on an even surface and cover the pot with plastic foil, which should not touch the soil.

Maintain the soil wet until the seeds germinate. Once the young plants sprout, the amount of moisture can decrease. The surface of the soil should be dry before you water the plants once again.

Fertilizing Seedlings

To grow, the plants use the nutrients and energy stored in the seeds. You will have to start fertilizing the plants only after several leaves get formed.

Fertilize the plants once a week. Choose a proper water-soluble fertilizer. You can also choose an organic fertilizer, in case you are planting vegetables and you want to keep the plant production ecological.

If the seedlings grow to be too tall before you plant them in the garden, you can cut off the top. Always cut the area above a leaf or above the place where a branch has formed.

Moving the Seedlings to the Garden

In order to get the plants naturalized, you should start taking the pots outside one or two weeks after the seed germination. Maintain the soil moist.

In the first few days, take the plants to a shady part of the garden. After that, you can position the pots in a sunny place. Before you plant the seedlings in the garden, you need to keep them outside at least two times overnight.

Plants That Can be Started from Seeds

Which types of plants can be started from seeds?

You can give various flowers and vegetables from seed. These are easy to take care of and grow.
Try some of the plants which are best for beginners. You can try more difficult tasks once you gain some experience and get acquainted to more complicated planting procedures.

Some of the flowers that you can grow from seeds include marigold, convolvulus, dahlia, petunia, nasturtium, cyclamen, primrose, mimosa and aster.

Other plants that are easy to start from seeds include hibiscus, mountain ash, juniper, chestnut and sycamore.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/tips-for-starting-your-garden-with-seeds-4911409.html

About the Author
Jamie Highland is an article writer and enjoys plants and gardening as a hobby. If you enjoy gardening, then check out these baby shower seed packets, the perfect baby shower gift for gardening enthusiasts.

Note: You can reprint this article in your ezine, blog, or website as long as the credits remain intact and hyperlinks remain active and dofollow. For more articles, visit My Baby Shower Favors and click on the Contact Us link.

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