Have you ever known a gardener that just never seems to have a successful crop of anything? Ask them what they plant and where- there’s a good chance they plant the same thing in the same place, over and over. They’re not bad gardeners- they’re just missing a step. Suggest they begin to rotate crops from one are to the next, and with a little work, they’ll enjoy harvesting their own food. Why Rotate Crops in a Home Garden? Bugs get used to the same crops in the same place. You might as well set plates out when you plant the same thing in the same spot- or in the same container, for that matter. Diseases that affect one plant will often affect plants in the same botanical family, but not in another. Instead of buying expensive “soil fixers” and pesticides, crop rotation cuts down on disease and pests. The same pest that adores your tomatoes could starve when faced with corn or another vegetable. That’s worth the effort. How Proper Crop Rotation is Accomplished Begin on paper whil
Tips for Eco-Friendly Landscaping – When we give to the earth, the earth gives back to us. We all know that it is very important to be ecologically conscious by not wasting resources and keeping our land clean. A positive way to give back to the earth and help yourself too is to have an eco-friendly plan in mind when you plan to do your landscaping. 3 Tips for Landscaping Eco-friendly Landscaping #1. Compost! Compost is a very good way to feed your plants and make sure they have all the necessary nutrients to grow, while responsibly disposing of certain materials from your home. Compost is a form of recycling that is very beneficial to plants. To begin, you can make a compost using any old vegetables and fruits, tea bags, grass clippings, pine needles, wood ashes (in small amounts), hay, cardboard, newspaper, leaves, sawdust, or manure. Mix this into your garden and landscape soil, and your plants will thank you for it! #2. Keep ’em safe! Use only eco-friendly fertilizers and