Home Sweet Home

Posts Tagged ‘home’

Organic Vegetable Gardening ? Easy Guide For Beginners – Growing a Beautiful Vegetable Garden at Home

Are you looking to plant your very own organic vegetable garden but you’re not sure how to get started? Planting a healthy organic vegetable garden provides so many benefits including an abundance of healthy organic food and saving thousands on your grocery bills. I don’t know about you but I still remember the days when a tomato from the supermarket tasted like a tomato, not anymore unfortunately. Let’s look at some organic vegetable gardening for beginners’ tips to help get you started today.

Vegetable Gardening For Beginners – Tips

Preparation is the key to growing a beautiful and healthy organic vegetable garden. Planning is critical for setting up a organic vegetable garden that you can harvest every daily. Vegetable gardening for beginners does not have to be difficult with the correct planning.

First you must decide on your plot, the area for your garden. The ideal spot is somewhere that receives plenty of morning sun and protection from the elements such as wind. Although you may be limited with the space you have available don’t be discouraged as you will be shocked at how much you can grow by maximizing the space you have. Ensure there is sufficient drainage for water runoff.

Importance Of Soil Quality

One of the most common organic vegetable gardening for beginners’ tips you will hear is never underestimate soil quality. Soil is the life lines of a garden so please do not underestimate its importance. You must ensure that your soil preparations include checking the soil and preparing it by testing its pH levels. The ideal pH level for your soil is 6.5, if you do not have a test kit you can go to your local garden outlet and let them test it for you.

Don’t stress if your levels are out of whack for the moment, you can purchase garden lime that will improve the pH levels of your soil. In a nutshell your pH levels will determine how much nutrients your vegetables will be able to receive.

Preparing Your Plot

Dig your plot and turn your soil over, ensure you dig into a depth of about 12″ (30cm) and remove any weeds you find by hand. Avoid using weed killers and they can affect your soil structure and levels. Once your pH levels are in healthy range, wait 4-5 weeks before you begin planting.

The vegetables that you grow will dependent on where you live. Speak to your gardening outlet that will buy seedlings from for the most suitable vegetables. Ask about purchasing some organic fertilizer which will be the life blood of your garden. Organic fertilizers such as animal manure, blood and bones as well as compost are terrific choices for providing essential nutrients and moisture.

Growing Vegetables Year Round

The key to planting a successful organic vegetable garden is to have vegetables that you can harvest year round. By doing this you can rotate different vegetables to help ensure the health of your gardening by limiting pests and diseases. One of the most common organic vegetable gardening for beginners’ mistakes is insufficient planning and set up process.

If you set up your organic vegetable garden correctly you will have vegetables that you can harvest every single day. With the right planning your garden should require very maintenance and upkeep as it continues to provide fresh, organic food for you and your family for years to come.

Requisites of the Home Vegetable Garden

In deciding upon the site for the home vegetable garden it is well to dispose once and for all of the old idea that the garden “patch” must be an ugly spot in the home surroundings. If thoughtfully planned, carefully planted and thoroughly cared for, it may be made a beautiful and harmonious feature of the general scheme, lending a touch of comfortable homeliness that no shrubs, borders, or beds can ever produce.

With this fact in mind we will not feel restricted to any part of the premises merely because it is out of sight behind the barn or garage. In the average moderate-sized place there will not be much choice as to land. It will be necessary to take what is to be had and then do the very best that can be done with it. But there will probably be a good deal of choice as to, first, exposure, and second, convenience. Other things being equal, select a spot near at hand, easy of access. It may seem that a difference of only a few hundred yards will mean nothing, but if one is depending largely upon spare moments for working in and for watching the garden and in the growing of many vegetables the latter is almost as important as the former this matter of convenient access will be of much greater importance than is likely to be at first recognized. Not until you have had to make a dozen time-wasting trips for forgotten seeds or tools, or gotten your feet soaking wet by going out through the dew-drenched grass, will you realize fully what this may mean.

Exposure.

———

But the thing of first importance to consider in picking out the spot that is to yield you happiness and delicious vegetables all summer, or even for many years, is the exposure. Pick out the “earliest” spot you can find a plot sloping a little to the south or east, that seems to catch sunshine early and hold it late, and that seems to be out of the direct path of the chilling north and northeast winds. If a building, or even an old fence, protects it from this direction, your garden will be helped along wonderfully, for an early start is a great big factor toward success. If it is not already protected, a board fence, or a hedge of some low-growing shrubs or young evergreens, will add very greatly to its usefulness. The importance of having such a protection or shelter is altogether underestimated by the amateur.

The soil.

———

The chances are that you will not find a spot of ideal garden soil ready for use anywhere upon your place. But all except the very worst of soils can be brought up to a very high degree of productiveness especially such small areas as home vegetable gardens require. Large tracts of soil that are almost pure sand, and others so heavy and mucky that for centuries they lay uncultivated, have frequently been brought, in the course of only a few years, to where they yield annually tremendous crops on a commercial basis. So do not be discouraged about your soil. Proper treatment of it is much more important, and a garden- patch of average run-down, or “never-brought-up” soil will produce much more for the energetic and careful gardener than the richest spot will grow under average methods of cultivation.

The ideal garden soil is a “rich, sandy loam.” And the fact cannot be overemphasized that such soils usually are made, not found. Let us analyze that description a bit, for right here we come to the first of the four all-important factors of gardening food. The others are cultivation, moisture and temperature. “Rich” in the gardener’s vocabulary means full of plant food; more than that and this is a point of vital importance it means full of plant food ready to be used at once, all prepared and spread out on the garden table, or rather in it, where growing things can at once make use of it; or what we term, in one word, “available” plant food. Practically no soils in long- inhabited communities remain naturally rich enough to produce big crops. They are made rich, or kept rich, in two ways; first, by cultivation, which helps to change the raw plant food stored in the soil into available forms; and second, by manuring or adding plant food to the soil from outside sources.

“Sandy” in the sense here used, means a soil containing enough particles of sand so that water will pass through it without leaving it pasty and sticky a few days after a rain; “light” enough, as it is called, so that a handful, under ordinary conditions, will crumble and fall apart readily after being pressed in the hand. It is not necessary that the soil be sandy in appearance, but it should be friable.

“Loam: a rich, friable soil,” says Webster. That hardly covers it, but it does describe it. It is soil in which the sand and clay are in proper proportions, so that neither greatly predominate, and usually dark in color, from cultivation and enrichment. Such a soil, even to the untrained eye, just naturally looks as if it would grow things. It is remarkable how quickly the whole physical appearance of a piece of well cultivated ground will change. An instance came under my notice last fall in one of my fields, where a strip containing an acre had been two years in onions, and a little piece jutting off from the middle of this had been prepared for them just one season. The rest had not received any extra manuring or cultivation. When the field was plowed up in the fall, all three sections were as distinctly noticeable as though separated by a fence. And I know that next spring’s crop of rye, before it is plowed under, will show the lines of demarcation just as plainly.

Home Vegetable Gardening – Reduce The Grocery Bill!

to wind and many other factors will need to be considered before starting to plant vegetables. It is a known fact that valleys are colder than hill-tops and some vegetables grow best in specific climate types.

You will need to determine that how much sunlight will be available to the plants, as some of them may require loads of it to grow properly. Some may even do without it. Check up for various artificial means that can be utilized to control the climatic conditions. You can even increase the sunlight penetration by pruning extra foliage.

If you have trees surrounding your potential vegetable garden, then you can utilize their presence by planting few crops like carrots, cucumbers, radishes, beets, cauliflowers and spinach that require enough shade. You must however be cautious about the distance between your plants and the trees. Having them too close to the trees can deprive them of the essential nutrients and water that may be sucked away by the trees roots. It is preferable to maintain a few feet distance from the outer reaches of the trees roots.

In case your yard doesn’t have any flat land for vegetable gardening, you can opt for terrace gardening with the help of timber or stone walls. In such method, you can cultivate the warmth and sunlight needing plants on the terrace and those that need cold environs at the bottom.

Whatever may be the size of your cultivation land, you can significantly alter its mini-climate with the help of mulches, windbreaks, shade plants and irrigation methods.

In the colder regions where the growth season is relatively short, you can employ open, well-drained and small wooden containers, normally 12 by 24 inches is area and 3 inches deep. You can plant some vegetables well ahead of the growth season in such containers so as to fasten their growth during the season.

To indulge in such beforehand cultivation, you can also use paper cups, foam cups, cottage or margarine cheese containers or even the milk containers. Make sure you poke holes in them at few places at the bottom to allow enough drainage. Once the season has arrived, you can shift these mini plants into the main gardening area.

Be patient and dedicate enough energy to your hobby of home vegetable gardening and you will see that in no time you’ll be serving your own produce on the dining table.

You Can Do Organic Vegetable Gardening at Home

Anybody can do organic vegetable gardening at home because the principle behind this is not that different from what they do in the farm. The only difference is that you work in a smaller area and you get to choose what you like plant.

The first thing you have to do is find an ideal location. A lot of people do organic vegetable gardening in their backyard. To make it work, whatever you are planting should get at least 6 hours of sunlight everyday and access to water.

Just like the ancient civilizations that relied on an efficient irrigation system, you too should do the same by making sure there is adequate drainage because if you don’t, you will have to do organic vegetable gardening using a raise bed.

When your ideal location has been found, it is time to cultivate the land. For that, you will need your gardening tools and a pair of gloves to pluck out the weeds on the ground. This might take a few days to make sure the area is ready for planting.

You will only know if the ground you are going to plant your vegetable is a good spot by testing it with some compost and mixing this with the soil. Should it be able to integrate and stabilize itself with the soil, this means that you can start planting your crops and see it grow in the succeeding weeks.

If you don’t like to buy compost from the gardening store, you can make your own using coffee grounds, dead leaves, grass clippings, food waste or even manure. They also serve as excellent fertilizers.

As for your vegetables, take note that some of these may not be suitable in the land you are planting these on. This is because of several factors that are beyond your control such as the weather, pests and other plant borne diseases. You can avoid making this mistake by doing some research on what vegetables are ideal to plant in your area and asking fellow organic gardeners.

One way to protect the organic vegetables you are planting is by planting a variety of them at a time since some of these protect each other from pests. Such practice is better known as crop rotation especially when you want to adapt with the weather in your area. Another defense system that works is getting the help of Mother Nature as birds, certain insects and even toads have proven to be useful.

If you live in an area where wild animals may eat your vegetables, you should put up fences so they are not able to get through. Other tools you can use are animal hair, baby powder and deodorant soaps.

Part of preparing the land is removing the weeds. But remember that new weeds grow after some time so you have to inspect the area from time to time.

Planting your own organic vegetable garden at home will surely save you money as these are quite expensive in the supermarket. If you have some excess stocks when it is time to harvest them, maybe you can give some to your neighbors or make some money by selling it at the local market which isn’t that bad given that you don’t shell out that much cash for this investment.

Inspirational Interior Design Ideas to Transform Your Home

Take inspiration for interior design styles from everywhere you go! Staying in hotels is a great way to get some fantastic home interior styles, remember that the hotel paid for a designer to create their unique look, but you can use the room layouts, soft furnishings and colours to inspire your home particularly for bedrooms, bathrooms and informal seating areas!

You can also use their design ideas to decide what you don’t want as well! Each time you walk into a hotel bedroom your immediate reaction is the one to go by. If you say ‘wow’ then look around at the colours and layouts that gave you that reaction. Equally if your heart sinks when you walk into a room, make a mental note of the aspects you didn’t like! You should also remember that the higher the star rating the more likely the room is going to give you a ‘wow’ factor!

If you don’t have the opportunity to spend time at hotels a great alternative is to browse online at the wonderful blogs and websites which are dedicated to interior design. Your home may not have enormous rooms but you can take inspiration and find some great ideas!

Hotels and interior design journals are rarely seen with vases of flowers, as the add both charm and decadence to a room. The vases are also worth taking note of as they can become a focal point in your living area and always provide a fresh look.

The décor colour is always a great starting point! White or neutral soft tones are a great way to make rooms appear larger. Dark rich tones provide a warm and cosy feeling which is also ideal for giving depth to a room and can create a more sensuous atmosphere.

Some wonderful wall art may also inspire you. Look along hotel corridors as well as in the public places and while their wall art may be far too large for your home the styles provide a great opportunity for inspiration!

Look at the window treatments, many older style hotels have luxurious full length drape curtains complete with fabric covered pelmets. Modern hotels often use blinds in conjunction with medium weight curtains to provide both a chic style and reduce light. On the continent natural wood blinds and shutters are used to help keep rooms cool.

The bedside table lamps can also inspire and quite often are coordinated with large table lamps to bring cohesion and a sense of balance to the room. Subdued lighting effects are ideal in bedrooms as the induce a feeling of relaxation, calm and serenity.

Choose bases and shades which reflect your interior design style. Opt for beautiful glass which will suit both traditional and modern homes and shades in white or cream to coordinate effortlessly with your soft furnishings.

These ideas may help you create a home which has style and comfort and may just inspire you to change the colour scheme or replace window dressings to bring a new and fresh feel to your home!

Interior design ideas – choose the appropriate furniture and accessories for your home

Each of us wanted to change something in the nature of your home – wallpaper, furniture, carpets, etc. Anything can change, it is good to comply with some small things that will save you big headaches.

When you buy furniture is good to evaluate the overall color of the situation, the type of furniture and how many people will inhabit the room. Type of floor / laminate, carpet and the total size of the room are also a determining factor.

Select a heavy thick curtains for the windows of the bedroom and living room, and lighter of the doors. So your home will be comfortable and esthetic. Thick curtains create an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility.

Since it is a choice of furniture, large leather sofa or couch are particularly suitable for modern homes. If you are a fan of comfort and warmth of wood, you can choose vibratory chairs. If you often need to move from one location to another chose the cane, which combine the convenience and low cost. Of course a similar effect can be achieved with PVC chairs and tables.

The amount and type of decor must meet the area of your home. Bright walls and wallpaper suitable for smaller rooms, creating a sense of space. Room accessories – paintings, photographs – must also meet the size of the room. If you have a large home, may set a dark interior and large pictures.

Additional effects can be achieved when combined with sofa shade with light sources. If you choose them at different times choose lamp with a neutral light, to match every color and type of powder.

Another important part of the decoration of the house is carpet. It does not only enhance the effect of interior design, but brings additional style and comfort at home. In addition you can choose decorative glass windows, or even hanging ceiling if you have enough space.

source: http://www.modazadoma.com

Log Home Interiors And Log Home Interior Design Ideas

In log home interiors and log home interior design, the shape and color of the log wood selected is most important since the log wood used will reflect a range of moods, complexities and emotions.

In general, the logs in log home interiors will be the most visual and dynamic element around which all else will revolve. How much log wood is used in log home interiors is a major decision. Log home interior design today seldom uses logs for every wall in the home.

Here are ideas to consider when planning your personal space inside log homes:

• Diameter of Logs – give careful consideration to the size of the logs you will use and how they will visually impact the space. For example, the visual effect of smaller diameter logs in rustic log home interiors can be subtle and somewhat subdued. If your log home is built with large diameter logs, they can be the most powerful and dramatic design element in the room and the entire home. Larger diameter logs will probably require you to build a larger log home, larger rooms, higher ceilings and consequently need more furnishings.

• Interior Light Levels – log home interiors can feel dark and oppressive with dark wood, insufficient natural light and inadequate windows or skylights. Windows give log home interiors natural light, enlarging and enlightening the room space. Orientation, size, location, shape, and style of the windows is very important in log home interior design. An east-facing window gives morning light, and a west-facing window brings late afternoon sun.

Using very small windows in log homes is a thing of the past. You may want the windows or the skylights to frame the view of the lake, the mountains or the blue sky. Skylights are great and they provide natural light all year around and will brighten any room and your logs. Why not have it all!

• Room Focal Points – each room in log home interior design should have a focal point, a feature that attracts the eye. The focal point could be a fireplace, a special picture or painting, a staircase, a beautiful chandelier or a window. If the room is large, you may want several dramatic focal points. If you have a large space, create several smaller cozy sections with different furniture arrangements to entertain small groups of people doing different activities. Use a variety of sizes and shapes of area rugs to visually divide the room.

• Flooring Materials – if you choose not to use carpet under the dining room table and chairs, consider using different types of contrasting flooring materials. Use different materials to create a dramatic look – tiles set into wood, for example, or wood timbers laid into stone. A smaller room will appear larger if you install a floor that is lighter than the walls. If your room has numerous windows and plenty of natural light, a beautiful wood floor or stone floor can create the perfect setting.

• Walls and Materials Used – how the logs in log home interiors are finished is important because of the resulting visual impact made by their color. With log home and rustic interior finishing, you can use sealers, stains, and paint in some areas, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms. Today, a variety of materials such as glass, stucco, stone, copper and steel are often used with the logs, creating striking contrasts. Or the materials used in log home interior design may be associated with the region or state such as combining logs and stucco in the southwest USA.

Creating beautiful log home interiors has many different ways in which the log home interior design can work well, ranging from informal handmade country style to a modern looking interior. The success of log home interiors, like any house style, may be measured by how much the space is enjoyed and by how well the space functions. Whether you are just beginning to have some ideas or are well along in your design, learn as much as you can about the process of creating your own interior space that is comfortable, cozy, stylish and inviting.

Copyright 2006 InfoSearch Publishing

Interior Design Ideas to Brighten Your Home

When you step into your home does it feel like you are stepping back in time? If so, you may need to improve the interior design of your home. You would be surprised at how easily you can update the look of your home and give it a whole new feel. Interior design is something that more and more homeowners are taking on themselves because we truly live in an age where do it yourself projects are all the rage.

Brighten Your Home Now

What about your home seems to have aged? One of the best things you can do to update and brighten your home is to repaint. When you put a fresh coat of paint on the walls you will instantly change the look and feel of the whole place. Consider changing colors instead of just using a fresh coat of the same color paint. Colors right now are very popular and you can choose very neutral colors that will just add that touch of something modern and bright to your home.

In addition to paint you should change out all of the window dressings. When you step into any home one of the biggest elements that ages the interior design is the window dressings. Change out not only the color, but the style. Today curtains and blinds are affordable options and are available in many different styles and colors. Make sure that your new window dressings compliment the color of the paint on the walls. You can choose something in the same color family, or you can add another touch of color by opting for something altogether different.

Another way to change the interior design of your home is to add throw rugs or runners on the stairs. You will want to choose more modern pieces than you currently have. In addition to rugs, you may think about replacing your flooring altogether. If you have old dingy carpet you are automatically aging your interior design. Pull out worn carpet and consider replacing it with new carpet or even tile. Tile and wood floors are really popular right now and the products on the market make these flooring options really easy to care for.

If you are not sure what to do to change the look and feel of your home, why not bring in a professional who deals with interior design? They may give you some great ideas that you can do on your own or with their help. Sometimes the changes need not even be all that drastic and they will change your home instantly!