How To Replace Irrigation Valve

Cover Crop Karen Lanier Let's say that Bermuda grass has overtaken your garden beds and you're between growing seasons. Another possibility is taking out purple loosestrife and replacing it with purple coneflower, aka Echinacea.

Smiles lit their faces when they realized the flowers were still there – still growing strong, and still beautiful.Winter came, and with it the death of the melampodiums. Year after year it reseeds in the flowerbed out by the street where it is subjected...

They will help retain soil moisture and help protect plants during winter, but they do not enrich the soil or add beneficial bacteria and nitrogen, like natural mulches do.Dyed mulches break down much slower than natural mulches.

Apply 1 cup of nitrogen-richIf you use grass clippings, apply thin layers on multiple passes to avoid it becoming a slimy mess. Spread your dead leaves around your plants several inches deep.

Use of tea tree mulch in gardens keeps the soil surface cool in hot weather. And it disintegrates more slowly than some mulches, generally lasting a full year on the soil.Last but far from least, when it comes to tea tree mulch benefits, is its role in...

In some areas, the mulch is available at the Department of Environmental Quality or city recycling facilities. Larger mulch measuring 1 to 2 inches or more usually requires at least twice as much to cover the ground effectively than smaller mulch.The...

They decompose much faster than natural mulch and may contain toxic ingredients that can affect plants, pets and children. To combat this potential mulch problem in the garden, add a nitrogen source likeor high nitrogen fertilizer before spreading your...

If your soil is too, you will have to adjust your soil or watering habits to give the plants the water they need. If the area drains too slowly, or water stays pooled up, you'll need to amend the soil with organic materials or usefreestar.queue.push(function()...

So, is pine straw good mulch in comparison to bark mulch? Pine straw mulch benefits go beyond the listed attributes and create ideal conditions forMany gardeners find the constant pine needles under their trees an unsightly mess, but using pine straw...

Many gardeners view the piles of dropped autumn leaves as a nuisance. Some of us, purchase manures or even buy soil additives. Once dry, use a lawn mower to chop them into little pieces.

There is no need to till the soil or enrich it with topsoil. This is especially good for seeds and starter plants. Instead, it will start to compost, creating a rich layer of nutrients for your plants.

Likewise, if you already have it, spray clear plastic mulch or landscape fabric with reflective silver paint.When temperatures peak, be sure to remove the mulch to avoid overheating and burning the plants.

Read on for information about using corn cobs as mulch.Ground corn cobs are highly resistant to compaction, so the mulch remains loose even if your garden gets plenty of foot traffic.Corn cob mulch is fire-resistant, unlike bark mulch that is highly combustible...

This is a good time to attach a timer — another time-saving device. When the hose is in place, attach an end cap and bury the hose with bark or another type of organic mulch. No precious water is wasted by evaporation, and water is delivered directly...

This is much like a toddler, but it is harder to watch Fido every second of the day if he/she is an outdoor pooch.Hemlock mulch has been deemed safe by the ASPCA. Hemlock mulch on veggies will not harm the food, but the thick pieces compost more slowly...

Position the rain gauge twice as far away as the height of a tree or other object and be sure to empty it after every rain shower.Check with your local garden supplier or online retailers for different types of rain gauges for home use.

And is it okay to toss nuts in compost piles? It's baseball season again and he who shall remain nameless is blowing through bags of not onlyas well. Read on to learn more.The simple answer is yes, but with a few caveats.

Unfortunately, landscape fabric isn't a perfect solution because some determined weeds will push through the fabric, and those weeds will be extremely difficult to pull.Sometimes, good old hand-pulling is still the most effective way of getting rid of...

In case of a fire, smoldering mulch can go unnoticed for long periods of time. Many landscape professionals advise gardeners not to place organic mulch within 5 feet (1.5 m.) of homes or wooden decks, especially in areas prone to wildfires.

The plastic mulch is much less expensive, especially in comparison to glass mulch. It provides a brighter look to a garden, reflecting light off the pieces of recycled glass. Is a standard practice for helping to reduce weeds and maintain the preferred...

Another factor to consider is the longevity of the mulch. It also decomposes at different rates, creating a diverse environment for soil organisms.freestar.queue.push(function() { googletag.display("div-gpt-ad-300x250-ATF-1"); });Wood bark is another...

By hand watering, you are forced to get up close to each plant; therefore, you're able to adjust each plant's watering to its specific need. Yes, it really is as time consuming as it sounds.

It is usually covered with organic or inorganic mulches to make it look more appealing.So what's the downside? Or landscape beds is to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, protect plants in winter, add nutrients to the soil or simply to make it look...

It is usually safe for drinking and, therefore, safe for using on edible plants. About 71% of the Earth is water. While some of these tests can be a little pricey, the cost is pretty reasonable compared to what doctor/emergency room visits and medications...

If you are interested in improving your soil fertility, choose organic mulch that suits your needs.Gardeners wishing to keep their gardens completely organic should be careful when choosing natural mulch that contains dyes.For gardeners with a large landscaped...

Put simply, it's white marble that has been crushed to the consistency of gravel and spread in a layer around plants just like other mulch. Don't use marble chips as mulch around plants that prefer acidic soil.White marble chip mulch can be laid directly...

They also reflect sunlight up at plants, causing excessive transpiration and drying out. This article will address the question: what is river pebble mulch, as well as ideas for landscaping with rocks and pebbles.When we hear the word “mulch,” we...