When you grow medicinal plants, you can literally cultivate your own health. Being out in the fresh air and digging in the soil is good for your soul. Relaxing in a blooming garden is for your health. Cultivating medicinal plants in your garden can be incredibly beneficial to your health. The Benefits of Growing Your Own Medicinal Plants Growing and using medicinal plants is a great way to be proactive about your health. You’ll eat much healthier, which keeps you physically fit, preventing future medical issues and boosting your overall internal health. As a result, you won’t have to visit the doctor as often. And you won’t see as many major surgeries or chronic illnesses as you age. Fortunately, that can mean spending less money on healthcare expenses. You can also live more sustainably and use fewer resources when you grow your own plants. You also decrease your carbon footprint because you don’t have to visit the store as often. Finally, growing your own medicinal … [Read more...] about Healing Gardens: How to Grow Medicinal Plants
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Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Plants
Here are the most common nutrient deficiencies in plants and how to fix them. In this story, we will cover symptoms of plant nutrient deficiency and treatment using widely available fertilizers. Plants need nutrients from soil, water, and air for healthy growth. The composition of the soil directly affects the health of the plant. Important soil nutrients include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, and many others. If any element is missing, the plant gets sick and may even die. But how do you know what element the plant is lacking? The answer is in the plant itself. Each vital nutrient deficiency has its symptoms, which can be detected through monitoring. If identified in a timely manner, these deficiencies can be treated and the affected plant can return to health. Editor’s Note: The “Big Three” plant nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These “N-P-K” numbers are prominently printed on most plant fertilizer packages. For … [Read more...] about Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Plants
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
The Joys of Fall Gardening
The joys of fall gardening include planting bulbs, planting cool season vegetables, planting trees and shrubs, and getting the garden ready for the winter to come. That's because fall just happens to be a great time in the garden. Even novice gardeners know that spring is a wonderful time for planting. Spring is Mother Nature’s season for rebirth, as new leaves emerge and flowers bloom. In Spring, every garden center is filled with annuals and perennials for planting. And seeds are sown for millions of backyard vegetable gardens. But experienced gardeners know the joys of fall gardening. They know autumn is also a wonderful time for gardening. And especially for planting. The summer days have cooled down, and plants are growing roots to help them hunker down for the chilly winter weather. Mike Lizotte is an experienced gardener. He is the managing partner of American Meadows, one of the top gardening companies in the United States. Mike is also known as "the seed man," … [Read more...] about The Joys of Fall Gardening
Great Tools Make Fall Yard Cleanup Easier
Fall yard cleanup season is here! The blazing heat of summer is over, and the cooler days of autumn have arrived. And, right on schedule, the leaves are falling from the trees. Now is the traditional time for fall yard cleanup. It’s time to harvest the remaining fruits and vegetables from the garden, rake the leaves, and generally clean up the yard and garden to get ready for winter. Fortunately, there is a full arsenal of labor-saving tools to make fall yardwork easier. For pruning, we've got heavy-duty loppers. For controlling fallen leaves, we're got a powerful cordless electric leaf blower. Plus, there's always room in the shed for a quality pair of gloves. Here are some of the best tools that make fall yard cleanup easier and faster. Fall Yard Cleanup: Loppers Make Quick Work of Pruning A great pair of loppers is a handy tool when it’s time to prune a tree or trim a shrub. You can even cut off dead canes from a favorite climbing rose. The Extendable … [Read more...] about Great Tools Make Fall Yard Cleanup Easier
