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	<title>Home and Gardening  &#187; Gardening Tips</title>
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		<title>Growing Sweet Peas is no Rocket Science</title>
		<link>http://home-and-gardening.info/2012/05/16/growing-sweet-peas-is-no-rocket-science/</link>
		<comments>http://home-and-gardening.info/2012/05/16/growing-sweet-peas-is-no-rocket-science/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 14:18:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kikonja</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gardening Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[growing sweet peas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sweet peas gardening]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://home-and-gardening.info/?p=1651</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Gardening is an easy job once you know the basics. After learning the basics you can kick start the job and you will continue to learn from your own experiences and soon you will be in a position to give tips to others as we all know that experiences teach a lot more than books. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Gardening is an easy job once you know the basics. After learning the basics you can kick start the job and you will continue to learn from your own experiences and soon you will be in a position to give tips to others as we all know that experiences teach a lot more than books. Every gardener wishes to have the best plantation. They like to display variety to their visitors and guests. This season you can choose sweet peas to add a different colour to your garden. Growing sweet peas is not a tough job; just a little care is all it asks for.<br />
<img src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/sweetpeas1.jpg"/><br />
Sweet peas do not like cold climate and extreme hot weather is also not appreciated; so if you are growing sweet peas during summers just ensure that the plant is under some shady region all the time. They require lots of water for good growth. Get some good seeds for your garden and open their outer coat. This job will help the seeds to absorb water faster and they will grow earlier. Before adding the seeds ensure that the soil is fertile and ready to provide the required nutrients for the growth of the plant. If not so then you can add manure or some good environment friendly fertilizers to the soil just a few days before the addition of the seeds. Spread the seeds in rows with a considerable distance between two adjacent seeds. The seeds need to be buried at least one inch under the ground.</p>
<p>After burying the seeds water them. Do not splash water with full force as this might force the covering mud to move away. The seedlings of you sweet peas might be in danger because of the attack of birds and snails. For birds; all we can do is put a net on the seedlings. For the slugs we can use insecticides that are not injurious to the environment.</p>
<p>When the plant grows tall a few inches; remove the upper part of the plant just above the leaves. This removal will make the plant grow faster and taller. Remove those flowers that seem to have lost the strength of producing further. This will prevent them from pulling the necessary nutrient for them when they are not going to produce anything in return. The flowers will not only make your garden look beautiful but can work as a very good decoration of bouquets in your house.<br />
<img src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/sweetpeas2.jpg"/></p>
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		<title>Growing Bananas, Looks Like Very Easy!</title>
		<link>http://home-and-gardening.info/2012/05/01/growing-bananas-looks-like-very-easy/</link>
		<comments>http://home-and-gardening.info/2012/05/01/growing-bananas-looks-like-very-easy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 13:29:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kikonja</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden How to]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gardening Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dwarf Cavendish]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[easy banana gardening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[growing banana]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[luminous glasshouse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://home-and-gardening.info/?p=1635</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It is a fantastic work to grow bananas for all ages. It is just a fun to grow them. They may grow at their striking rate.  Whereas, in colder climates, they are optimistic about sunny windowsills  or glass house, and in hot weather all around the year, they are seemed to show an perfect for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It is a fantastic work to grow bananas for all ages. It is just a fun to grow them. They may grow at their striking rate.  Whereas, in colder climates, they are optimistic about sunny windowsills  or glass house, and in hot weather all around the year, they are seemed to show an perfect for a bright ledge or glasshouse in colder weathers, and in hot season or all year-round in warmer areas, they can make an eye-catching garden plant.<br />
<img src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/banana_1.jpg"/><br />
It is a fact that harvesting the bananas at their right variety and keeping them warm enough is quite easy and is found to be a truly an outstanding plant among other&#8217;s plants.</p>
<p>The Banana family is found to be varying in size, growing rates, their color and so on, in fact distinctly same bananas of all variety. The classic banana fruit that is Cavendish varies is usually derived from others banana actually gets from taking small cuttings that get from other plants reach adultness. The Dwarf Cavendish shows the same look other than that will grow with additional size at homes.</p>
<p>Most of the unusual plants of bananas that can be matured from seed and which unusually show sometimes rapid growing plants. These  types  of  plants  have  been  observed  after  a  long  period  of  time.</p>
<p>The conditions required for growing bananas includes warmness, dampness and brightness along with rich soil. However, they show the best result when kept on south that is facing window sill  or even in  Bananas like hot, moist, light conditions with well-off soil if they are to perform do best so the plants are usually kept on a south facing windowsill or in the luminous  glasshouse. It is found difficult to grow but rather in just easy three ways they are easy to grow that will enhance the rate of growing bananas. .</p>
<p>Initially steep the germinating seeds for at least 2 days in order to suck up water as it can. Secondly, take out them and check them. Some of the species of the Bananas are found to be damaged while other grows without any harm. However, some of the seeds reach huntress that will be a risk. If such damages are observed that will be removed by scratching small notches that will be seen in the seeds.<br />
<img src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/banana_2.jpg"/><br />
At last plantation of seeds is in moistly rich container. Ensure that you checked them on daily basis or on alternate days.</p>
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		<title>Cucumber Growing Tips and Techniques for Gardeners</title>
		<link>http://home-and-gardening.info/2012/04/26/cucumber-growing-tips-and-techniques-for-gardeners/</link>
		<comments>http://home-and-gardening.info/2012/04/26/cucumber-growing-tips-and-techniques-for-gardeners/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:25:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kikonja</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gardening Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[appetizer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cucumber gardening techniques]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cucumber growing tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[multipurpose plant]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://home-and-gardening.info/?p=1631</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Gardeners have to watch the weather, when they are Growing Cucumbers in their gardens. By their nature, cucumbers come up with many uses in the daily human life. Mostly, cucumbers are used as an appetizer, some people just eat raw cucumber, some use them with salads, or lastly they can be use in the making [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Gardeners have to watch the weather, when they are Growing Cucumbers in their gardens. By their nature, cucumbers come up with many uses in the daily human life. Mostly, cucumbers are used as an appetizer, some people just eat raw cucumber, some use them with salads, or lastly they can be use in the making of pickles. However, today they are very important in relaxing your eyes and minimization of wrinkles on your face.<br />
<img src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/cucumbers_1.jpg"/><br />
This multipurpose plant also possesses various remedial characteristic. Growing cucumbers on your own garden therefore should be on the top of gardening list of yours. This is an amazing plant. There are many tips and techniques, which gardeners can easily adopt to grow cucumber in their gardens without facing any kind of hassle.</p>
<p>The very first thing you must consider is weather, when you trying to plant cucumber in your garden. They are basically belonging to tropical plant family, so by nature they require a lot of space and sunlight as well. An early summer season will be the ideal time to plant cucumber as it can’t be survived in the cold season, so it is better to keep watching weather when you are planning to plant cucumber.</p>
<p>Another important tip, cucumbers usually flourish in the wide open spaces. The cucumber plant could fade if it has very little space for its growth. If you are facing shortage of space in your garden area, you can build perpendicular lattices where the plant can easily go up and flourish.</p>
<p>It is also important that you must prepare your garden soil before you can actually plant cucumber in your garden. You can do this by integrating fertilizer and cultivating it more systematically. But you make sure that the land soil is loose and have enough number of drains in order to avoid water logging, etc. You have the option to introduce some organic fertilizer in order to begin conditioning your garden. This process will definitely allow the swelling of nutrients on the land soil which is much beneficial for growth of cucumber. In order to retain some moisture and keep grass growing, you can include mulch to your garden soil. The ideal materials are wood chips, saw dust, and tree bark etc.<br />
<img src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/cucumbers_2.jpg"/><br />
After your soil gets conditioned, you can start planting your cucumber in two different ways. Firstly, you can wait for three weeks to allow starter plants grow further.</p>
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		<title>How to Care for Odontoglossum Orchids</title>
		<link>http://home-and-gardening.info/2011/05/14/how-to-care-for-odontoglossum-orchids/</link>
		<comments>http://home-and-gardening.info/2011/05/14/how-to-care-for-odontoglossum-orchids/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 14 May 2011 08:34:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kikonja</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Flower Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Garden How to]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gardening Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Orchids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Outdoor Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[How to Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to grow Orchids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Odontoglossum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Odontoglossum Orchids]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://home-and-gardening.info/?p=1392</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Odontoglossum Alliance is a huge group of orchids, at the centre of which is the genus Odontoglossum. These plants will readily interbreed with many other closely related genera, producing some of the most complex hybrids in the orchid kingdom. Sometimes up to seven or eight different genera have been involved in producing a hybrid [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Odontoglossum Alliance is a huge group of orchids, at the centre of which is the genus Odontoglossum. These plants will readily interbreed with many other closely related genera, producing some of the most complex hybrids in the orchid kingdom. Sometimes up to seven or eight different genera have been involved in producing a hybrid unlike any naturally occurring species. Oncidiums and miltonias are some of the plants most readily hybridized, but these are classified under their own heading as they produce many fascinating hybrids within their own groups.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1393" title="orchid-odontoglossum-grande" src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/orchid-odontoglossum-grande.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="525" /></p>
<p>Odontoglossums and their related genera are widespread throughout Central and South America. They are mostly high-altitude plants, requiring cool conditions, from the Andes, crossing the Panama isthmus and as far north as Mexico. Recent taxonomic changes within these closely related plants have resulted in many of the families being split up, with the creation of new genera. For example, all the former odontoglossums that came from Guatemala and Mexico have now been regrouped as Lemboglossum, Rossioglossum and so on, leaving only the plants found in the Andes, mosdy from Colombia and Ecuador, in the genus Odontoglossum.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1394" title="odontoglossum_grande040" src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/odontoglossum_grande040.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="777" /></p>
<p>The area from which these orchids originate is cool cloud forest which, although dose to the equator, is never too hot during the day and always cool at night. These orchids are, therefore, difficult to grow in tropical countries. In Britain, the Victorian growers fell in love with the odontoglossums and called them the queen of orchids. At one time they were being imported at a rate of 100,000 plants each year, many of which perished on the long sea journey from South America, or failed through lack of understanding in overheated Victorian greenhouses.</p>
<p>O. crispum fascinated them the most as it came in several hundred different varieties, from pure white to heavily spotted yellow and maroon flowers. Because of the inaccessibility of the high valleys in which these orchids grew, each variety had evolved separately in its own isolated environment.</p>
<p>As well as O. crispum, O. pescatorei, O. hallii and O. triumphans were among the orchids that were available in unlimited quantities at the turn of the century. The over-collecting of these plants led to their near extinction in the wild and, sadly, very few of them are to be found in cultivation today.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1395" title="odm nobile full moon x tiffany" src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/odm-nobile-full-moon-x-tiffany.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="436" /></p>
<p><strong>The Hybrids</strong><br />
The greatest demand is for Odontoglossum hybrids that have been crossed with related genera such as Miltonia, Oncidium and Cochlioda, which not only increase the range of colour, shape and size but give a more vigorous plant. When two genera, such as Odontoglossum and Cochlioda, are crossed together, the two names are used to produce the name for the new plants; in this case, the resulting hybrids are called Odontioda. When such a hybrid is crossed with another genus, for example Miltonia, the new plants are named after the breeder, in this case Vuylstekeara, named after Charles Vuylsteke. All intergeneric hybrids arising from three or more natural genera are named after a person in this way.</p>
<p>The introduction of Brassia or Oncidium into the blood of such hybrids will make the resulting plants more heat tolerant, which means that some of them can be grown in Florida and other places that would normally be too warm for the pure odontoglossums.</p>
<p><strong>Cultivation and Care</strong><br />
A strong, healthy, mature plant should consist of four to six pseudobulbs each with a strong new growth. These orchids do not make enormous specimen plants and will seldom grow at the same time as they flower. Each pseudobulb consists of two basal leaves and one or two terminal leaves from the top, the flower spike coming from the base or side of the pseudobulb.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1396" title="odontoglossum_grande045" src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/odontoglossum_grande045.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="525" /></p>
<p>Due to their origins, living in almost perpetual spring-like weather, these orchids know little or no seasonal change and therefore grow continuously without a definite flowering season. In fact, most of these plants will grow and flower on a nine-month cycle, so they seldom bloom at the same time two years running, with the result that a mixed collection of the Odontoglossum Alliance will give flowers almost all the year round.</p>
<p>These orchids are best grown in a cool greenhouse with a minimum night-time temperature of 10 °C (50 °F), with a variable daytime rise depending on the weather. From early spring onwards, the greenhouse should be well shaded to prevent overheating and scorching of the foliage, especially on hot summer days. The floor and staging should be kept constantly moist to provide an even humidity; combine this with fresh air to give a buoyant atmosphere.</p>
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		<title>How to Grow Lycaste and Anguloa Orchids</title>
		<link>http://home-and-gardening.info/2011/05/02/how-to-grow-lycaste-and-anguloa-orchids/</link>
		<comments>http://home-and-gardening.info/2011/05/02/how-to-grow-lycaste-and-anguloa-orchids/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 May 2011 15:48:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kikonja</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Flower Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Garden How to]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gardening Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Outdoor Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Anguloa Orchids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[growing Orchids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[How to Grow]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to grow Orchids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lycaste Orchids]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://home-and-gardening.info/?p=1350</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The genus Lycaste has always been popular with amateur growers. These Orchids are easy to grow, flower freely and have large decorative blooms. They are found mainly in the Andes of South America, with numerous representatives as far north as Guatemala and tropical Mexico. The plants grow either as terrestrial orchids or as epiphytes, depending [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The genus Lycaste has always been popular with amateur growers. These Orchids are easy to grow, flower freely and have large decorative blooms. They are found mainly in the Andes of South America, with numerous representatives as far north as Guatemala and tropical Mexico. The plants grow either as terrestrial orchids or as epiphytes, depending on the particular species. They all produce round or oval pseudobulbs, closely joined together, and as a rule they have two large leaves at the apex. On a large plant, the leaves can appear somewhat untidy and are never kept on the plant for very long. This is annual foliage, which is discarded during the resting season, so it is soft and vulnerable to spotting and general disfiguration. Growers may prefer to remove the leaves when they become too unsightly.</p>
<p><a href="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Lycaste-Orchids-1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1352" title="Lycaste Orchids 1" src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Lycaste-Orchids-1.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="525" /></a></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Lycaste Orchids</h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">These orchids usually flower during their resting season and the best hybrids produce a profusion of blooms from around the base of the leading pseudobulb. Each flower is borne on a single stem and it is possible to have 20 or so blooms from one pseudobulb. These large, attractive flowers are often highly scented. During the flowering season it is best to keep the plants on the dry side, which enables the blooms to last longer and prevents spotting.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Lycaste-Orchids.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1353" title="Lycaste Orchids" src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Lycaste-Orchids.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="534" /></a></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Lycaste Orchids</h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">The new growth will quickly appear when flowering has finished, or sometimes even at the same time. In the growing season, give plenty of water and fertilizer to encourage as large a pseudobulb as possible before the season&#8217;s growth is completed. When resting begins, give less water, although there are no hard-and-fast rules as they will not all grow in the summer and all rest in the winter. If it is growing, water it; if it is resting, don&#8217;t.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Anguloa-Orchids.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1354" title="Anguloa Orchids" src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Anguloa-Orchids.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="525" /></a></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Anguloa Orchids</h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">The soft, tender leaves make this orchid susceptible to aphid attack. It does not like to be sprayed with any form of insecticide, as foliage burn will result, so using water and a sponge is the best way to control this pest.</p>
<p>Most famous of all the species is L. skinnerii, sometimes known as L. virginalis, a species from <a href="http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2045.htm">Guatemala </a>with huge pink flowers. It is seldom seen in cultivation today but at one time was so popular that collections would be made of all the different colour forms, from pure white and soft pink to the darkest of rose-coloured blooms. Other species include L. aromatica and L. cruenta, with their golden-yellow sepals and greenish petals. The greenhouse will be filled with their perfume.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Anguloa-Orchids-1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1355" title="Anguloa Orchids 1" src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Anguloa-Orchids-1.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="525" /></a></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Anguloa Orchids</h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">Some terrestrial species arise in <a href="http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/sa.htm">South America</a> and these have to grow in competition with many other plants on the ground. Because of this, they have developed long foliage and equally long flower stems. One of these is L. locusta, which has dark green flowers.</p>
<p>Closely related to Lycaste is the genus Anguloa. These plants are mostly restricted to the higher altitudes of the Andes, Ecuador, Colombia and Peru. Their vegetative parts and habit of <a href="http://www.panynj.gov/airports/ewr-taxi-car-van-service.html">growth </a>are the same as the lycastes but they are somewhat more robust. They make larger plants and their big foliage at the height of the growing season makes them very demanding on the greenhouse space available. Their cup-shaped flowers are borne on single stems, but never open fully. This has earned them the name of tulip orchid. The best known is A. clowesii, with its brilliant yellow, strongly scented flowers. There are numerous other species with white and pink flowers.</p>
<p>These two genera have been extensively hybridized since the earliest times, producing both hybrids within their own genera and intergeneric hybrids where members of the two different groups have been crossed together. The results are some outstandingly beautiful orchids, which are greatly sought after.Soght after to the point where people rent a <a href="http://www.carshipping.com/"><span style="color: #000080;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">car transport</span></span></a> that can tow their car, fill the back of the transport full of orchids and fill your <a href="http://www.epa.gov/region1/topics/air/carfree.html"><span style="color: #000080;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">car</span></span> </a>that you are towing as well. Ok, maybe that is a little over the top but it could be true.  These make excellent houseplants, thriving well on a windowsill in a cool room while resting, then being given warmth and light during the growing season. Their delicate foliage should be protected from direct sunlight through glass, to prevent scorching.</p>
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		<title>The Art of Indoor Gardening</title>
		<link>http://home-and-gardening.info/2011/04/09/the-art-of-indoor-gardening/</link>
		<comments>http://home-and-gardening.info/2011/04/09/the-art-of-indoor-gardening/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 09 Apr 2011 09:11:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kikonja</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gardening Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indoor Gardening]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://home-and-gardening.info/?p=1286</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Not all of us are lucky enough to have a garden or perhaps have one which is not easy to use for growing things. However, this should not be something that stops you from growing plants. You can have a lot of fun with producing lovely plants, flowers and even growing fruits, vegetables and herbs. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Not all of us are lucky enough to have a garden or perhaps have one which is not easy to use for growing things. However, this should not be something that stops you from growing plants. You can have a lot of fun with producing lovely plants, flowers and even growing fruits, vegetables and herbs. Having plants is a great way to brighten up a house as well as lovely way to get some food.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1287" title="Art of Indoor Gardening" src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Art-of-Indoor-Gardening.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="523" /></p>
<p>The obvious starting point is to have some herbs in the kitchen. You may like some green plants in the hallway and perhaps some flowers in the bedrooms. Of course, it is completely up to you. There are a few important things that you have to remember when growing plants indoors. Firstly you need to make sure that they get some sunlight. This means that they are best placed on a window sill or at least in a room which is quite light. They will also need regular watering. Plants vary in how much water they like, some like to be watered every day and others need to just have slightly damp soil. It is a good idea to find out about this before you start. If you think you are likely to forget to water them then it might be better to grow one which is happy when it gets dry. Also if you go away on holiday a lot because otherwise you will need to get someone to water them for you while you are gone.  If you are growing flowering plants then it is worth considering when you might like them to flower.</p>
<p>Perhaps you have regular visitors at certain times of the year or you want something to be looking good at Christmas. It is something to consider when choosing. Once you have your plants, then you will need to remember to feed as well as water them. You can buy fertiliser for indoor plants and this will need to be used to ensure that there are enough nutrients for the plants. As the plants begin to thrive, consider taking cuttings or planting the seeds so that you get more plants. They could make great gifts for friends and family.</p>
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		<title>Tips on Growing Asparagus</title>
		<link>http://home-and-gardening.info/2011/04/01/tips-on-growing-asparagus/</link>
		<comments>http://home-and-gardening.info/2011/04/01/tips-on-growing-asparagus/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2011 05:21:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kikonja</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Garden How to]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gardening Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asparagus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[growing Asparagus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tips on grow Asparagus]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://home-and-gardening.info/?p=1270</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Asparagus is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the Europe, Africa and Asia. Asparagus is cultivated as a vegetable crop across the globe. Asparagus can be grown from 100 – 150 cm in height. Asparagus has been grown as a vegetable and medicine since a long time ago. Asparagus can be propagated through [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Asparagus is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the Europe, Africa and Asia. Asparagus is cultivated as a vegetable crop across the globe. Asparagus can be grown from 100 – 150 cm in height. Asparagus has been grown as a vegetable and medicine since a long time ago.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1272" title="Asparagus" src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Asparagus.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="525" /></p>
<p>Asparagus can be propagated through seed or crowns. If propagate through seeds, they can take a long time to produce the crop. Most people grow asparagus from the crowns that are already a few days old. The crown is located on the roots from where the stems sprouted. The asparagus crowns can be purchased from nursery centers. You can also buy them from online store. If you live in a cold region, you can plant them in the early spring. For warmer regions, you can plant them during the late winter season.<br />
After that, you should choose a site for planting the asparagus. The site should be exposed to full or partial sunlight. It is best if it receives full sunlight throughout the day. The suitable pH for the soil is between around 6.5. In addition, the soil should be organically rich in potassium and phosphorus.<br />
You will have to dig a 7 inch deep hole for your asparagus plant. The hole should resemble a v-shaped furrow. After digging the hole, you can hand shovelful of composts including eggshells, bonemeals, manure, and straw into it.<br />
Before planting the crowns, you must soak it in compost tea for approximately 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can lay the crows on their sides on top of the organic matter. The asparagus plants should be spaced 12 – 16 inches apart in rows of 4 feet apart.<br />
If there are weeds, you must pull them up with your hands. The weeds and debris must be burned off. After putting in the plant, you can fill the furrows with soil slowly until it level with the soil surface. You should not attempt to spread the soil over the root because they will eventually find their own way. You can mulch the ground to encourage good draining system and keep weeds away.  The materials that is used in the mulch include straw, hays and etc.<br />
During the first year, you should refrain yourself from harvesting the spears. Instead, you must fern out the spear so that it can maintain a healthy growth. In the second year, you can start harvesting the asparagus when it reaches the size of your index finger. In the third year, you can harvest the asparagus for 2 – 4 weeks in spring. Later, you can bring in all the finger size spears for 6 &#8211; 8 weeks in the spring.<br />
Asparagus is worth three years of waiting time before harvesting the first full crop. If the vegetable bed is maintained properly, you can enjoy abundant crops for 10 years and above. In the fall, the foliage should not be cut down to keep away pests. Asparagus tend to suffer from fusarium wilt when it is cultivated in certain regions. To prevent this problem, you can check with the local extension service to find out the certified disease free asparagus crowns from a nursery garden center.</p>
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		<title>Growing Lychee Fruit</title>
		<link>http://home-and-gardening.info/2011/03/21/growing-lychee-fruit/</link>
		<comments>http://home-and-gardening.info/2011/03/21/growing-lychee-fruit/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2011 05:33:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kikonja</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Garden How to]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Growing Lychee Fruit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lychee Fruit]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://home-and-gardening.info/?p=1280</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Lychee is a tropical and subtropical fruit tree which belongs to member of the Litchi in the soapberry family. Lychee is can be found in tropical countries in Asia, and Mexico. The Lychee fruit has a fragrance smell and sweet taste. The Lychee tree can be grown from seeds. Despite that, Lychee tree grown [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Lychee is a tropical and subtropical fruit tree which belongs to  member of the Litchi in the soapberry family. Lychee is can be found in  tropical countries in Asia, and Mexico. The Lychee fruit has a fragrance  smell and sweet taste. The Lychee tree can be grown from seeds. Despite  that, Lychee tree grown from seed is unlikely to you produce fruit. If  you want the fruit, you must use non hybrid Lychee seed. Lychee tree  will starts to bear fruits about seven years after planting.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1281" title="Growing Lychee Fruit" src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Growing-Lychee-Fruit.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Image <a href="http://avrotor.blogspot.com/2009/11/yes-you-can-grow-lychis-in-your.html">source</a></p>
<p>The soil must be rich with alluvial loam. The ideal pH of the soil is  6.5. If the soil is acidic, you can add lime. To propagate by air  layering, you should girdle a branch for about two days to make it  become callus. After that, you can apply some mud and straw to the  branch and wrap it with burlap the branch should be watered frequently  until it develops roots. After 100 days, you should prune off the  branch. The diameter of the earth ball should also be increased to 1  foot. The air layer should be grown in a sheltered nursery for  approximately one year. While in the nursery, the plant must be exposed  to the full sun before replanting it in the orchard.<br />
The best season to plant Lychee tree is during the late spring when  there is no more frost.  Once the tree is mature, you will only have to  water it when there is no rain for a long period of time.<br />
<a href="http://avrotor.blogspot.com/2009/11/yes-you-can-grow-lychis-in-your.html"></a></p>
<p>The planting site should be exposed to the  sunlight all day. The soil of the ground should be organically rich with  composts. In addition, moist soil and good drainage will encourage the  growth of the tree. If the site did not get enough sun, the tree will be  unlikely to produce fruit. The site also must be protected from the  wind because new growth is fragile and can be destroyed easily. The soil  should acidic and have a pH in the range of 5.5 – 7.5. Lychees will  thrive in the soil that has a pH range of around 5.5.<br />
You should use organic compost to fertilize the tree. If you use  artificial fertilizer, it can easily burn the roots. Artificial  fertilizer will also kill the earth worm in the soil. Earthworms provide  many benefits to the soil because of their physical and chemical  effects in the buttows.  Earthworm casts consists of the waste that is  produce from the residue of digested plants. Earthworm enhances the soil  fertility through the waste excreted in the form of the casts near the  roots of the trees. If there are no earthworms in the soil, you can add  them to the soil. Composts provide a source of nitrogen for the tree.  Instead of using raw manure, you should use fully composted manure.  Mulching can also increase the fertility of the soil.</p>
<p><a href="../"><br />
</a></p>
<p>After planting the Lychee tree, you must  frequently prune it and remove the dead leaves. Removing dead leaves  from the tree can encourage to tree to have a lush growth. Pruning can  make the Lychee tree produce a more abundant fruit Lychee tree is  suitable for growing in tropical climates. They are a native to the  southern regions in China. They can also be found in countries such as  Hawaii, India, Madagascar, Pakistan, and Thailand.</p>
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		<title>How to Grow Organic Tomatoes?</title>
		<link>http://home-and-gardening.info/2011/03/07/how-to-grow-organic-tomatoes/</link>
		<comments>http://home-and-gardening.info/2011/03/07/how-to-grow-organic-tomatoes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:00:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kikonja</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Garden How to]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gardening Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grow Organic Tomatoes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to Organic Tomatoes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Organic Tomatoes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://home-and-gardening.info/?p=1259</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[During the season of summer eating fresh, ripen and organic home grown tomatoes is one of the pure joys for many people all around the world. Many people consider growing tomatoes within their homes as they are used in making of salads, salsas and spaghetti sauces. Tomato plants are very versatile as they can be [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>During the season of summer eating fresh, ripen and organic home grown tomatoes is one of the pure joys for many people all around the world. Many people consider growing tomatoes within their homes as they are used in making of salads, salsas and spaghetti sauces. Tomato plants are very versatile as they can be grown anywhere regardless the topographic condition. The quality of the organic tomatoes is usually better than the mealy tomatoes which are available in the market. However to grow the tomatoes organically there are certain steps which a gardener needs to follow.</p>
<p><a href="http://home-and-gardening.info"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1261" title="Organic Tomatoes" src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Organic-Tomatoes.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" /></a></p>
<p>First of all, the soil needs to be very healthy where the tomatoes would be grown. If the soil does not possess enough nutrients, the tomatoes would not be able to grow to its full potential. When preparing the soil it is necessary to use appropriate quantity of compost. After the preparation of the soil the gardener must find a sunny spot to grow the tomatoes. The required amount of heat is very much useful for a vigorous and healthy growth. Afterwards, the gardener needs to select a particular variety of tomato to grow. The selection must be based on the previous track records of success in that particular area. Super sweet 100 and roma are those varieties which do well in hot climates.</p>
<p>After selecting the appropriate variety and planting the tomato the next step comes is to fertilize these tomatoes..Fertilization process mainly depends upon the nature of the soil and the surrounding climate. The organic fertilizer must to be given every other week until they set fruit, then again after each flush of fruit. Moreover providing air circulation and plastic mulch can really help the tomatoes to grow well and more quickly. Surrounding the tomatoes with a layer of saw dust, straw and pine needles can really make the roots to remain cool, retain moisture and prevent weeds from sprouting. Finally water the tomatoes when required and give a spray of pesticides and insecticides for a healthy growth. Appropriate watering is important to prevent blossom end rot and encourage vigorous growing.</p>
<p>So all these steps are very helpful to produce fresh, juicy and organic tomatoes. However when the tomatoes are produced the gardener must provide them the support. This means that the gardener must use a cage to support the stems as tomatoes will be damaged if they touch the flooring or the surface of the <a href="http://home-and-gardening.info/2011/02/15/how-to-setup-a-greenhouse-garden/">garden</a>.</p>
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		<title>How to Create a Sensory Garden?</title>
		<link>http://home-and-gardening.info/2011/01/19/how-to-create-a-sensory-garden/</link>
		<comments>http://home-and-gardening.info/2011/01/19/how-to-create-a-sensory-garden/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:31:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kikonja</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Garden How to]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gardening Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Outdoor Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[How To]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[How to Sensory Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sensory Garden?]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://home-and-gardening.info/?p=1212</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sensory gardens are created with the help of plants that possess special sensory qualities that can stimulate our sense of smell, touch, sight, sound and taste. Using up of sensory plants really helps to give a natural look to the garden and also make that particular area a pleasing area for many visitors. Moreover, these [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sensory gardens are created with the help of plants that possess special sensory qualities that can stimulate our sense of smell, touch, sight, sound and taste. Using up of sensory plants really helps to give a natural look to the garden and also make that particular area a pleasing area for many visitors. Moreover, these plants also attract the humming birds and the butterflies thus adding more sensory stimulants to your garden.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1213" title="Sensory Garden" src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Sensory-Garden.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="464" /></p>
<p>In the past few years, the sensory gardens were usually designed for the people who have emotional needs and also for those who are visually impaired. But however during recent years it has been observed that many sensory gardens is being built up which helps to create a greater appreciation for all around the world and can enjoy the pleasure. Making a sensory garden is really easy and below there are certain steps which can be followed in order to make a sensory garden.</p>
<p>Sensory gardens are mainly designed for our senses so for this particular reason whatever design is selected it must have a specific intention of stimulating all of our senses. If the gardener is planning to give the enjoyment to the people by means of sound than it is advisable to make garden waterfalls, fountains and fish ponds in your sensory garden. This will help the people to relax themselves and will allow them to listen soothing sounds. In the same way, when the sensory garden designed is for smelling senses than the gardener must put fragrant roses. The odorous flowers and plants must be separated so that people can smell beautiful fragrance once they enter the sensory garden.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-1214  aligncenter" title="Sensory Garden new" src="http://home-and-gardening.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Sensory-Garden-new.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="480" /></p>
<p>In the same way the gardeners must design the sensory gardens in such a way that it can be used as a way of treating the weak and the old people. Even the people who have the problem in their senses can come and enjoy themselves in these gardens. Using green plants and fragrant flowers in the sensory gardens can really work as a source of therapy for many people. Similarly, when designing the sensory garden the gardeners must plant different fruits and vegetables so that the people can touch and taste it. However poisonous and harmful plants must be avoided.</p>
<p>So the sensory gardens can be a good relaxing place for individuals who are suffering from various diseases. They can be a recreational point for them where they can relax themselves and can enjoy every moment of it.</p>
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