In times of water shortages, you need to reduce water consumption in your garden. Everyone needs to do their part in conserving this valuable resource. Many states in the United States are experiencing severe drought conditions, including California, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Kansas and Oklahoma. Even if you're not in a drought-stricken area, it's still important to conserve water whenever possible. In this article, we'll give you tips on how to reduce water consumption in your garden – from xeriscaping to using targeted irrigation. Let's get started! Xeriscaping A xeriscape is a type of garden that uses native plants adapted to the local climate. These plants require less water and maintenance than non-native plants. High Country Gardens is a terrific online source for waterwise plants and preplanned waterwise gardens. Xeriscaping can also include using rocks, gravel, and other materials that require little or no watering. If you're not ready to xeriscape your entire … [Read more...] about Reduce Water Consumption in Your Garden
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Lawn Fertilization Tips for Spring and Fall
Lawn fertilization is necessary for healthy, green grass lawns. A well-fertilized turfgrass lawn is healthy enough to withstand stress from pests, foot traffic, and environmental factors. Quite simply, regular lawn fertilization is necessary to maintain optimal health. Here are some quick tips that will help you maintain a healthy green turfgrass lawn. Then I will give a more in-depth explanation of key lawn fertilization principles. Home, Garden and Homestead receives a small commission (at no cost to you) from product links in this story. Thank you for supporting this website! 5 Quick Lawn Fertilization Tips Fast-Release and Slow-Release Fertilization Depending on your lawn’s needs and your preference, you can choose between fast-release inorganic lawn fertilizers and slow-release organic fertilizers. You can even use the blend of multiple fertilizers if you wish. For example, some homeowners use fast-release fertilizers, followed by a top dressing of organic … [Read more...] about Lawn Fertilization Tips for Spring and Fall
Gas vs. Electric Power Equipment
The choice between gas vs. electric power equipment continues to evolve. But one thing is certain: battery powered cordless electric power equipment keeps getting better. For homeowners and even professional landscapers, that makes it easier and easier to buy cordless electric power equipment. I know. As the editor of HomeGardenandHomestead.com, I am on the front line of the gas vs. electric power equipment battle. When I needed to replace my old gasoline powered lawn mower, I bought an EGO Power Self-Propelled Cordless Electric Mower. I replaced my gas-powered string trimmer for a battery-powered string trimmer. I also have a cordless electric leaf blower, too. So, I am firmly in the electric power equipment camp. I think battery powered tools are the future. In the decision between gas vs. electric power equipment, here are the reasons why I choose electric. Gas vs. Electric Power Equipment: Less Maintenance for Electric A cordless electric lawn mower, leaf blower … [Read more...] about Gas vs. Electric Power Equipment
Top Dressing Your Lawn with Compost
Top dressing your lawn with compost is a common practice that has been used for centuries. In fact, in the 15th century top dressing was applied to golf courses in Scotland. Because top dressing provides lawns with beneficial nutrients, many homeowners use this technique along with regular lawn maintenance routines. Read on to discover helpful tips and the benefits to top dressing your lawn with compost. The Benefits of Top Dressing Your Lawn with Compost Top dressing a lawn with compost may seem at first to be ineffective or even harmful to your lawn. After all, the last thing you likely want to see is compost covering up your once lush, beautiful grass. Although top dressing your lawn has a temporary unattractive appearance, its rich nutrients deliver incredible benefits to lawns. Applying compost as a top dressing to your lawn can improve the soil structure. Top dressing can also build up beneficial soil microbes, aerate compact soil, improve drainage, and even reduce … [Read more...] about Top Dressing Your Lawn with Compost
How to Find a Lost Ring
Here’s how to find a lost ring in the yard, lawn, or garden. Lost jewelry, especially a wedding ring or other meaningful jewelry, can trigger a traumatic experience for many women. Whether your engagement ring, wedding ring, or other cherished pieces of jewelry has gone missing in the lawn or garden, don't panic! This article will give you all the tips and tricks to find it. 5 Tips to Find a Lost Ring in Your Garden Here are tips and tricks to help you find your lost engagement or wedding ring: Stay Calm and Think Rationally When you lose a ring, you may be tempted to go out and search for it in the grass immediately. But before you get too involved in this lost ring adventure, you should know that there are some things you should do first. It is important to stay calm. Thinking about what may have happened to the ring can help keep your emotions under control. Once you've calmed down and thought rationally about the situation, think about where your ring might … [Read more...] about How to Find a Lost Ring
