(ARA) – As fall harvest season begins, many gardeners find themselves with bushels of tomatoes, baskets of cucumbers and armfuls of lettuce. So when your garden is overflowing with produce, how do you make the most of your harvest?

Gardeners know that the best way to experience fruit and vegetables at their prime is to grow them in their own backyards or in community gardens. Some of the most popular veggies grown in the United States include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions, beans, lettuce, corn and carrots, while the most popular homegrown fruits include apples, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries.

The experts at ScottsMiracle-Gro offer some top tips to help you take advantage of your fresh produce:

* Harvest your food the same day you plan on using it. This ensures it will stay fresh and won’t dry out or wilt.
* Do your picking in the morning when fruit and vegetables are most fresh.
* Once you’ve picked your produce, store in a cool place and don’t wash until you’re ready to use it.

How do you know when your produce is ready to be pulled from the ground or plucked from the plant or tree?

* Tomatoes are ready to pick when they’re smooth, heavy, glossy and red or orange.
* When sweet peppers are between 3 and 4 inches wide and are firm, they’re ready to pick. The longer you leave them on the vine; they’ll turn red, yellow or orange and become sweeter.
* When your cucumbers are ready to come out of the garden, they’ll be firm and the spikes will easily rub off.
* When lettuce leaves are young and tender they’re ready for a tasty salad.
* Tasting apples is often the best way to know if they’re ready to pick, but you can also grab one and lightly tug. If it easily comes off the branch, there’s a good chance it would make a great snack.

One of the biggest challenges for gardeners this time of the year is having too much produce at the same time. In many cases, it’s simply too much to eat on your own. So this harvest season, ScottsMiracle-Gro is asking Americans to donate their extra produce to a local Feeding America food bank for their neighbors in need. One in eight people is at risk for hunger and, with record numbers of people turning to food banks, it’s more important than ever to contribute fresh, delicious and healthy produce.

To make sure your extra harvest doesn’t go to waste, visit GroGood.com to find and donate to your local Feeding America food bank.

“I believe that everyone should have access to fresh produce and the GroGood campaign allows Americans to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of their gardens and share their extra harvest with others,” says celebrity cookbook author Katie Lee Joel. Inspired by her mom’s vegetable soup, Joel created this recipe for GroGood Garden Vegetable Soup to use produce fresh from the garden.

GroGood Garden Vegetable Soup

Makes eight servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 bay leaf
3 medium carrots, chopped
2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
1 medium turnip, peeled and chopped
1 pint Brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered
1 3/4 pounds fresh tomatoes, chopped (can substitute a 28-ounce can of whole tomatoes with juice, chopped)
2 quarts chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 cup baby lima beans
One 15-ounce can great Northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

Heat the oil in a stock pot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and bay leaf and cook until the onions are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots, parsnips, turnip, and Brussels sprouts and continue cooking until the vegetables are just tender, about 5 more minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juices and the stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour. Add the beans, salt, and pepper, and simmer for another 30 minutes.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Beauty and nutrition combine in a fall garden that features super green Swiss Chard and cheerful white pansies. Bonnie Plant transplants make it easy to get your fall vegetable garden started.

(ARA) – If you haven’t yet joined the “grow your own vegetables” craze, it’s not too late to join in. You can produce a bounty of vitamin-rich veggies from plot (or pot) to plate this fall, plus you’ll save a bundle by growing them yourself.

You may be surprised to find that with just a little attention and effort, growing fall vegetables in the backyard garden and in planters is even more enjoyable than planting a vegetable garden during the spring and summer seasons. Why? Cooler autumn temperatures make it a delight to spend time outside in the garden and also provide an advantage when it’s time to harvest your crops.

You’ll spend less time caring for your fall crops because of the favorable cool weather growing conditions. Plants will grow rapidly at first and gradually slow as the days become shorter and colder. Destructive insects won’t be as numerous in autumn as they are in summer months. Weeds germinate less frequently and grow slower than they do during the warmer seasons. Compared to hot and dry summers, fall usually brings an increase in the amount of precipitation, eliminating another time-consuming chore – watering.

What you need to know:

1. Let the sunshine in. Most vegetables need full sun – at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They also require a steady supply of moisture and nutrients from the soil. You can help ensure your plants get both by mixing a 2-inch layer of compost into the soil (bagged compost is available at garden centers). Or spread a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, according to labeled instructions. Plants will need an inch of moisture per week, either through rain or supplemental watering.

Lettuce and herbs make a lush harvest when potted for fall. Bonnie Plant biodegradable Pots make it easy to get your fall vegetable garden started.

2. Start with transplants. Transplants buy you lots of time. Plants are six weeks or older when you put them into the ground, so you will begin harvesting much sooner than if you start from seed. Bonnie Plants transplants in biodegradable, environmentally friendly pots make planting easy and spare the use of much plastic. Just cut off the bottom of the pot, water and plant … pot and all. Garden centers typically supply optimum fall varieties for your geographic region.

3. Don’t fear frost. When frost threatens, cover plants with a floating row cover, cold frame or a cloche. Or, you can grow fall veggies in a container and move the pot to a protected location on frosty nights.

Essential, preliminary planning tips for fall vegetable gardens include:

* Before planting any new plant make sure that you clear the area of summer and spring crops planted previously, as they may decay and encourage bacterial infection.

* Spread a few inches of mulch or compost over the area. Make sure that you turn up the soil’s top layer and water well. Allow the soil to rest for a day before planting new fall plants.

* During the fall season most areas experience rain and even frost, so make sure that your soil is well drained and doesn’t get soggy.

Vegetables best suited for fall gardens:

After following the essential preliminary steps for fall vegetable gardening, it’s time to select vegetables for planting. Here’s a list of fast-growing, cold-hardy crops that are ideal for fall vegetable gardening:

Winterbor Kale – This nutritious leafy green is a vigorous producer that endures winter easily, even in very cold climates. Cut the outer leaves so that the center can continue growing. Space transplants about 12 inches apart

Georgia Collards – Another leafy green similar to kale, collards offer a larger, stronger, sweet cabbage-like flavor. Leaves taste best when young. Space transplants 36 inches apart.

Romaine Lettuce – Romaine packs more vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients than other popular types of lettuce. Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, romaine is an especially good vegetable for heart health. Space transplants 18 inches apart.

Early Dividend Broccoli – Popular, productive and easy to grow, this broccoli is high in fiber and calcium. Set transplants 18 inches apart

Mustard Greens – Offering spicy hot leaves, this is a very fast-growing, nutritious vegetable. Mustard greens always taste sweeter when nipped by frost. Space plants 12 inches apart

Bonnie Hybrid Cabbage – Bonnie’s best cabbage. Grows large, round, blue-green heads. Cabbage is especially high in beta-carotene, vitamin C, K and fiber.

Arugula – These fast-growing leafy greens are great for salads or gourmet recipes. This peppery-tasting green is a super food for your bones. The leaves are “nutrient dense” and low in calories. They are especially high in vitamins A, C, and K.

If you put these practices into place this fall, you’ll get your garden off to the right start and set it up for a fruitful season. Preparation is key, but the reward is a healthier, more productive garden – and fresh food that tastes better than anything you can buy at the store.

To learn more about vegetable and herb varieties as well as gardening tips, visit www.bonnieplants.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – Whether city or country, bird watching is fun and you can create an environment for it in your own backyard in less time than you think.

John Robinson, chief ornithologist and manager of Scotts Birding Center of Excellence, says there are three components to making your backyard an oasis for feathered friends:

1. Vegetation provides shelter
Having a variety of shrubs and trees in your yard makes it bird friendly. Birds use trees, shrubs and plants to hide from both the elements and their natural predators, as well as to roost or nest in. Additionally, the right types of vegetation also provide fruit or seeds for the birds to eat.

White pine, arborvitae, spruce, juniper, cedar, holly and other broadleaf and needle evergreens provide essential protection all year as well as food. Hedges of serviceberry or viburnum provide food, shelter and nesting spots. Flowers like columbine and trumpet vine attract hummingbirds with their sweet nectar.

2. Quality food nourishes
Not all bird food is created equal. Look for blends that were researched in the field and created to attract the types of birds you want to see in your backyard. Avoid filler material like milo, wheat or cracked corn.

To attract colorful birds, Robinson recommends Scotts Songbird Selections Colorful Bird Blend, which was developed by ornithologists. This mix is made from 10 high-quality ingredients that are blended in a specific ratio designed to attract more colorful birds. Results may vary by region and/or season, but Colorful Bird Blend has been proven to attract up to twice as many than with ordinary wild bird food. The mix is also less attractive to blackbirds, grackles and cowbirds, which are often considered a nuisance.

Another good option is Scotts Songbird Selections Wild Finch & Small Songbird Blend, which was scientifically mixed to attract goldfinches. Field research done across the country by Robinson, his team, and university partners, shows that while results may vary by region and/or season, this mix can attract up to two times the amount of finches as other types of ordinary wild bird food. Additionally, it also attracts other interesting small birds such as nuthatches, chickadees and native sparrows.

3. Water quenches thirst
Putting out a birdbath, especially one with a trickle or fountain, makes your garden a very popular spot in any season. Whether you put a decorative birdbath in your backyard or simply place a large clay saucer on the ground or on top of a tree stump, make sure it has a rough surface and a shallow bowl. If you have a pond or stream, place flat rocks in them for bird perches.

Birds require fresh water, so clean birdbaths often and replace water every couple of days.

For more information and additional ideas on how to create a bird habitat in your own backyard, visit www.scottswildbirdfood.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The arrival of autumn doesn't mean your days of enjoying your garden are over.

(ARA) – Your vegetable garden has supplied your family with flavorful, nutritious fare throughout the summer. But the arrival of autumn doesn’t mean your days of enjoying your garden are over. If you plant now for the future and prepare for the coming season, it’s possible to enjoy a few last tasty morsels from your garden and ensure next spring’s landscape will be dazzling.

Here are a few tips to ensure your fall harvest is as fresh and fabulous as possible:

Plant a bit of fall flavor

Add a few short-season vegetables to your garden for fresh-from-the-field flavor this fall. Simply count the days from planting to the average first fall frost to determine how many growing days are left in your area. Select vegetables that will mature and can be harvested in that time. Leaf lettuce, spinach, mustard greens, radishes and carrots grow quickly, tolerate cool weather and are great additions to your fall cuisine.

Get these vegetables off to a good start with a side dressing of low nitrogen fertilizer like Milorganite. Incorporate it into the soil prior to planting or sprinkle a narrow band along the row of plants. “This organic nitrogen will provide needed nutrients without damaging the tender seedlings. It is safe to use on all your edible and ornamental plants,” says Melinda Myers, nationally known horticulturist and author.

Cover ‘em up
Protect tender vegetables like tomatoes and peppers from the first few fall frosts. Floating row covers, cloches and cold frames can protect tender plants from frost. Or harvest green tomatoes before the killing frost and finish ripening them indoors. Spread them out on heavy paper or wrap them in newspaper so the tomatoes don’t touch and store them in a 65-degree location. They will ripen over the next few weeks. Speed up the process by moving a few tomatoes to a bright, warm location a few days before they are needed. And don’t leave green tomatoes behind. They taste great fried or made into relish and other tasty treats.

A fall planting of daffodils, grape hyacinths and other long-lived bulbs can provide many springs of beauty.

Plant some spring color
A fall planting of daffodils, grape hyacinths and other long-lived bulbs can provide many springs of beauty. Prepare the soil and add a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer like Milorganite to the soil. “This organic source of nitrogen releases needed nutrients including phosphorous and potassium from the soil without promoting unwanted fall growth,” according to Myers.

Give them a boost
Don’t forget about your trees. As the temperatures cool, and even after trees lose their leaves, tree roots are in their most active growth period. Fertilize trees in need of a nutrient boost about one month after the first killing frost but before the soil freezes. Use Milorganite to encourage balanced growth without the risk of damaging the roots. The organic source of nitrogen is slow release and stays in the soil. The non-staining iron is available to plants no matter the pH. So, you can give stressed trees a boost without encouraging excess growth or incurring root damage.

Prep your lawn for winter
Help your lawn recover from the heat and drought of summer and prepare it for winter with fall fertilization. University research has shown that fall fertilization is the most beneficial practice for home lawns. Less disease problems and slower weed growth mean your lawns — not the pests — benefit from the nutrients. Fall fertilization also helps lawns recover from the stresses of summer because it encourages deep roots and denser growth that can better compete with weeds, and tolerate disease and insects.

“Northern gardeners can follow the holiday schedule and fertilize Labor Day and Halloween. Southern gardeners should make their last fall fertilization at least 30 days before the lawn goes dormant or the average first killing frost to avoid winter kill,” recommends Myers. Use a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer, for best results.

Tuck them in for winter
A good, long drink and bit of winter protection goes a long way to help struggling and less hardy plants through the winter ahead. A blanket of evergreen boughs, straw or marsh hay applied after the ground freezes will prevent frost heaving and early sprouting, and increase the chance of winter survival for bulbs and perennials.

Wind breaks and mulch can reduce winter drying and death of broadleaf and other evergreens. Water these and other plantings thoroughly before the ground freezes to increase overwintering success.

Add a layer of wood chip mulch on the soil surrounding trees and shrubs to moderate soil temperatures, conserve moisture and reduce weed competition. Keep mulch off tree trunks and shrub stems.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – With all the bending, lifting and stretching involved, gardening can be a fun and effective workout – if you know how to make the most of it.

Stacy Walters, registered kinesiotherapist, fitness director and creator of the Fit to Garden program, provides tips on how to turn a day of lawn and garden care into a day of healthy exercise.

Gardening warm-up
Like any other workout activity, gardening requires a warm-up to prepare the heart, muscles and joints. Begin with five to 10 minutes of stretching the legs, ankles, arms, shoulders and wrists as well as light aerobic activity to help reduce the risk of injury and decrease soreness.

Proper technique
Time spent in the garden can be relaxing, and it’s important to make sure you’re in a comfortable position when planting or weeding. To keep from getting stiff, try alternating between squatting, kneeling on a pad and sitting on a stool. Remember to keep your work close to you and tighten your abdominal muscles to protect your back when you reach and move.

Garden workout
When lifting heavy bags of soil or mulch, remember to keep your feet shoulder-width apart, tighten your abdominal muscles and bend at the hips and knees, not at the waist. This activity helps strengthen the upper body and the abdominal muscles.

Mulching is an important step when gardening and an excellent way to help conserve water in your garden, prevent weeds and keep your outdoor spaces looking neat. Scotts NatureScapes Advanced is a color-enhanced mulch made of natural forest products that comes in a variety of colors and textures to maintain moisture and create a groomed landscape all year long.

To mulch efficiently, use a wheelbarrow and stand close to your work when shoveling. Scoop and lift the mulch with a shovel while keeping stomach muscles tight and avoid twisting the spine.

Raking is another way to build upper body strength, but make sure to vary your movement during the task. If you’ve been raking right to left, change direction and alternate arm and hand positions so one arm isn’t doing most of the work. When you’re finished, use the proper bending and lifting technique to move the product of your labor.

Gardening cool down
Following a garden workout, be sure to cool down. Stretching the hips, hamstrings, back, neck and shoulders will help balance muscle groups that may have been overused and decrease post-gardening soreness.

In addition to the physical health benefits of working in a garden, multiple studies have shown the mental and emotional benefits of creating and working in green spaces. Gardens have a calming effect and can help relieve stress, improve attention skills and reduce feelings of anger, fear and aggression.

For more information on garden workouts, visit Scotts.com or OutdoorLivingWithStacy.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – While some people see gardening as simply playing in the dirt, the physical and mental benefits are well-documented. In addition to being good for your mind and body, sustainable gardening is a great way to be kind to the planet, and to connect you to nature and the food you eat.

Gardening is Good for You

* Being active in the garden increases your connection to nature and gets you up off the sofa. Remember, weeds won’t wait.

* Growing a garden takes patience, follow-through and problem-solving skills, making it a great activity for the entire family.

* Gardening helps increase endurance and physical strength, and improves coordination, balance and agility. Working in the garden strengthens muscles, improves blood flow and releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers.

* Activities like pushing a wheelbarrow and carrying plants help to strengthen your heart and bones.

* Life can be stressful. Time in the garden can be meditative and calming. Research has shown that people who interact with plants recover more quickly from stress and fatigue.

* Growing plants — especially fruits, vegetables, herbs and other edibles — gives a sense of accomplishment and improves nutrition. You’re more likely to eat healthy foods you’ve grown and prepared yourself. If you’re growing fruits and vegetables, make sure to grow a little more than you need and take the GroGood pledge to donate the extra harvest to your local food agency. Gardening is good for your health and giving is too.

Gardening is Good for the Earth

* Test your soil to find out the pH and how much nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium it contains, and then use a fertilizer that contains the right nutrients for your soil type. Always be sure to sweep any loose fertilizer off sidewalks or driveways to prevent runoff.

* Keep an eye on your plants and pay attention to the bugs that you find. Not all bugs are pests. Some, like lady-bugs, are actually beneficial and eat the insects that would otherwise harm your garden.

* Many regions of the country experience droughts and water usage restrictions during the summer months. Use a rain barrel to collect water from the roof and gutters and you’ll have a ready supply of water. If you’re not sure when to water your plants or how much, try Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Garden Soil. It improves existing soil to build strong roots and is specially formulated to hold up to 25 percent more water than native soil. If your current soil condition is worn out, compacted and drained of its essential nutrients, Moisture Control Garden Soil mixed with your existing soil can turn bad soil into great soil.

* Pull weeds by hand as soon as you see them to eliminate the competition for space and water.

For more information on gardening and healthy soil, visit the Miracle-Gro Web site, and for additional information on the GroGood pledge, edible gardening resources or how to locate a local food agency that accepts fresh produce, please visit www.GroGood.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Photo Credit: www.terranovanurseries.com. Echinacea "Mac 'n' Cheese" and Echinacea "Pink Poodle" from Terra Nova Nurseries provide striking color when planted solo and bold color contrast when planted as a pair.

(ARA) – Lawns and gardens that are eye-catching have harmonious colorful plants in bloom and dramatic foliage varieties patterned in a way that appeals to the senses.

Unifying blooming and foliage plants in gardens has become a popular trend because it allows homeowners to think outside the box of traditional flower beds. If planted with care, a garden space can result in a heightened presence of sight, smell, movement and even touch. However, starting from scratch without proper knowledge can be tricky. From bold plant selection contrasts to color continuity, understanding bloom and foliage combinations will lead to an alluring escape in any backyard.

Ambiance Matters

Photo Credit: www.terranovanurseries.com. This Heucherella "Tapestry" from Terra Nova Nurseries is a breakthrough in breeding by providing unique color and texture in shady areas.

Foliage plants bring as much interest to the garden and provide as many options as blooming plants. However, these combinations often exist in the form of variegated textures and nontraditional color contrasts. It is important to keep in mind the differences between a flower bed and foliage design. Foliage is all about leaf shape, vein coloration, outlines and textures. Some foliage selections are tall, dramatic and vast; others are soft, petite and simple. Arrangements are often subtle and focus on creating a mood, drawing the eye outward or upward and creating dimension.

Because common foliage colors include variations of blues, silvers, greens and deep reds, a soothing design concept is often a favorite among homeowners. To achieve this delicate ambiance, it is best to use strong textural contrasts to insight supplemental interest instead of bright colors alone. A mix of matte and velvet-like foliage may be best for this style, with groupings of smooth and serrated edges. The blue-green summer leaves of Heucherella ‘Tapestry’ are accented with deep-red veins which complement dark foliage plants such as the deep purple of Heuchera ‘Plum Royale.’ These two plants from Terra Nova Nurseries, a world leader in plant breeding and genetics in Portland, Ore., work well together to infuse drama and fullness to beds or containers.

Introducing soft hues blended with striking color contrasts adds range and seems to extend the space. Plant colors such as silver, auburn, russet and deep green will also add a calming effect and develop a sense of assortment without over-complicating the layout of the garden.

By choosing colors such as yellow, chartreuse, bright reds and greens, a foliage garden will take on a more vibrant energy. While vivid hues were once less common in foliage plants, many are now cultivated with high-level color power to tackle the need. When trying to make an impact, pair several bright- and true-green foliage varieties of different textures in an area with one or two unusual foliage colors. Complementing a heavy green palette with plants of crimson or wine will become an instant focal point. For example, the shiny, lacy leaves of Tiarella ‘Sugar and Spice,’ from Terra Nova Nurseries, have heavily marked reddish centers in summer. When used with Tiarella ‘Mystic Mist,’ showcasing bright green leaves with white-speckled variegation and red veins, the combo is breath-taking.

Two other garden-worthy options from the growers of Garden Splendor varieties include Sedum ‘Angelina’ with evergreen needle-like, yellow foliage that makes a stunning ground cover or container plant and Sorbaria ‘Sem’ boasting a spectacular chartreuse leaf accented with softer bronze-red young tips that turn green in summer.

Color Congeals

When planning the colors for a landscape, especially spring or summer gardens, it is wise to think in terms of diversity. When placed together, flowering blooms in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes creates a medley with enticing appearance. Professional growers like Terra Nova Nurseries and Garden Splendor make great strides each year to cultivate a wide range of colorful bloomers. Planting unexpected combinations like Terra Nova Nurseries’ Echinacea ‘Pink Poodle’ and Echinacea ‘Mac ‘n’ Cheese’ will stop garden visitors in their tracks with a bold and beautiful surprise. The names alone are enough to draw attention.

The alternating-stripe blooms of Phlox ‘Peppermint Twist’ are a stunning choice for beds, borders and mass plantings. True to its name, pink and white blooms appear as if peppermint candy atop this compact grower. The Garden Splendor brand horticulturists say it is a mainstay of summer garden color.

Following the home-gardener trend of developing a collection or menagerie of color in the landscape, the Terra Nova Nurseries team introduced Echinacea ‘Tomato Soup,’ a coneflower with tomato-red blooms that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It follows Echinacea ‘Tiki Torch,’ now well known for its broad florets and burnished-copper seed cones. When creating beds, borders, containers, and other gardens, blooming color and attractive foliage will unify the areas by their sheer visual appeal. Learn more about these plants and gardening tips at www.terranovanurseries.com and www.gardensplendor.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Mini-orchids are a great way to spruce up your interior in delicious shades of pink and yellow without breaking the budget on redecorating.

(ARA) – From corsages pinned to prom dresses to exotic specimens in greenhouses, orchids are the most glamorous flowering plants in the world, but few know just how easy orchids are to grow and how affordable they’ve become.

“Believe me, orchids are easy to grow,” says orchid grower Steven Frowine in his book “Orchids for Dummies.”

“Phalaenopsis or ‘moth orchids’ are among the most popular plants in the world,” he says. “They’re the perfect choice for first-time orchid fanciers because they are so easy to grow, the colors are spectacular and the flowers last for months.”

Plus orchids are a great gift for today’s budget conscious shoppers and they keep blooming for months with little to no effort. Look for new ‘phalaenopsis’ mini-orchids this season that are only 12-inches tall and come in decorative pots with gift tags for under $15.

A great gift for today's budget-conscious shoppers, mini-orchids will keep blooming for months with little effort.

These affordable mini-blooming machines make perfect “living gifts” for birthdays, housewarming and teacher gifts, college students, and your boss and colleagues. In other words, give an orchid to someone — even if it’s to yourself.

“What attracts most people to orchids are the exotic colors,” says Alex Calzadillia, orchid expert with Costa Farms. From sublime pear and lime yellows to passionate orangey reds and rich purples, orchids surprise with colors and patterns like individual snowflakes.

Orchids are a great way to spruce up your interior in delicious shades of red and yellow without breaking the budget on expensive redecorating.

But orchids are more than just a pretty face. They provide oxygen and are great natural air filters that clean indoor air of carbon dioxide and many indoor toxins. And since orchids do their “heavy breathing” at night, they are perfect bedroom buddies. Learn more about the fascinating world of indoor plants at www.O2foryou.org.

How to choose and care for your mini-orchids

From sublime pear and lime yellows to passionate orangey reds and rich purples, orchids surprise with colors and patterns like individual snowflakes

Years ago, the methods of orchid growing were well-guarded secrets, hoarded by commercial growers and private estate gardeners, but now the secret is out. Calzadillia offers these tips to help you have success with orchids:

* Water your mini-orchids thoroughly by drenching them in a sink or watering container until the pot feels weighted. After a few days when the orchid becomes very light in weight, it’s time to re-water. Remember never to leave your orchid in standing water.
* Feed your orchids with a good high-nitrogen fertilizer weekly, but remember to dilute the fertilizer as instructed. This will help to bring blooms back the following year.
* Orchids enjoy indoor temperatures between 60 to 75 F during the day and above 55 F at night.
* Remember to place them in a well-lit area, but not in direct sunlight.
* Depending on the growth of the orchid, you may consider repotting every one to two years. When repotting, use a medium of large bark and/or moss-like mix, which you can purchase at your local garden center.

Available at your neighborhood retailer, these mini-orchids come in a wide variety of colors in both 3-inch and 6-inch pots with eight to 10 blooms on every plant.

For more tips on growing orchids or to find a retailer near you, visit www.costafarms.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – Now more than ever we are all looking for ways to find affordable, earth-friendly hobbies and leisure activities to bring us moments of pleasure in a stressful world. Investing in a planter or two (or more!) can provide you with colorful blooms or delicious vegetables to brighten each day throughout the growing season.

Start from scratch to save
Pre-planted containers at the garden center are beautiful, but you often pay a premium. Consider planting your containers from scratch instead. Spending time in your backyard or balcony amidst your own creations can be a wonderful respite from life’s daily stresses without the expense of leaving home for entertainment. You’ll feel good because you’ve saved money and helped the environment too.

Consider using some edibles in your containers. Vegetables, leafy greens and herbs grow well in smaller containers and can decorate your dinner table for many meals. If you have a furry friend in the house, reuse an old watering or food dish and plant cat nip or grass to offer some feline treats.

In order for plants to thrive, a high quality potting soil is recommended, but that can start to add up at the cash register. Save money by mixing your own. Purchase a more affordable generic brand and mix it 50/50 with finely ground bark mulch. Other potting soil recipes can include perlite, peat, vermiculate, sand or lime, but if you’re planting a seasonal container, simpler is cheaper and just as effective.

Help the environment
Composting kitchen waste is one of the easiest, fastest and most affordable ways that each person in America can help our environment. The valuable nutrients contained in kitchen scraps are wasted when put into a landfill. Since it is literally free, adding compost to your container’s soil is a great way to reduce or avoid store bought chemical fertilizers and still provide your plants with the nutrients they need.

Select your container
Pre-planted containers usually come in petroleum-based plastic pots that end up in the landfill after just one season. By planting your own containers, you are free to select interesting vessels to use for many years to come. Try old kitchen kettles or buckets you no longer use, salvaged old pots found in your garage, or colorful containers found at your local thrift store.

Planting your container
Be sure your planter selections have proper drainage. If they don’t have drain holes, you’ll need to drill them. To ensure proper drainage for your plants, add a material to the bottom of your container to create an air space. This allows oxygen to more easily reach the plant’s roots which helps the plant absorb the nutrients it needs with each watering. A great alternative to rocks or broken terra cotta pieces is Better Than Rocks. This planter drainage material is placed in the bottom of containers. It creates a pocket of air within the planter, so it helps provide the critical oxygen your plants need to thrive. Optimal drainage leads to superior plant health and an abundance of blooms. Your pots will be lighter and you’ll use up to 1/3 less soil in each container. The product is made in North America from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic. Since you can use it year after year, not only will your potting soil savings add up over time, but you’ll help keep some of those water and soda bottles out of landfills.

“I wanted my containers to be lighter and drain better,” says inventor Sarah Atkins. “The results were better than I imagined. My plants were noticeably healthier and my containers provided even greater personal rewards.”

Once your drainage system is in place, fill the container with potting soil until two-thirds full, leaving four to five inches for plants. Next, take the plant plugs and set them in the pot. Rearrange until you are satisfied, fill in with potting soil and water thoroughly.

Water every day
Tending your container garden is a daily reward in itself. It’s fun to spot new buds, nurture by removing spent blooms and take time to smell the flowers. Daily water is a must. You can save a great deal of water (and money if you pay for your water) by investing in a rain barrel to capture rain as it washes off your roof. Place your barrel at the bottom of your rain spout and use the water for your landscaping or containers.

For a special discount on your Better Than Rocks purchase, log on to www.betterthanrocks.com and use code “btrara09” or call (888) 994-7855. With this special code, you will receive 20 percent off your total order.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

A 15 by 15 feet garden can produce more than 100 pounds of garden-fresh vegetables and herbs.

(ARA) – The economy is tanking, grocery bills are climbing and food safety scares are on the rise. For the 43 million Americans planning a vegetable garden this year, growing your own is a matter of dollars and sense.

Food gardening will jump 19 percent this year over last year, according to a new survey by the National Gardening Association (NGA). Homeowners with shrinking household budgets are looking for help in their own backyards. Can planting a veggie patch really save you money? Government agencies and gardening organizations say yes.

Every $100 spent on vegetable gardening yields $1,000 to $1,700 worth of produce, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates. That’s a serious hedge against skyrocketing food prices, expected to jump another 5 percent this year.

Your backyard can become your own personal grocery store, producing enough vegetables to feed your entire family all season long.

You’ll get a half-pound of edibles from every square foot of ground devoted to backyard crops, NGA experts say. Even a modest garden (15 by 15 feet) can produce more than 100 pounds of garden-fresh tomatoes, salad greens, vegetables and herbs. Better flavor and bragging rights come with the harvest.

Planting a vegetable plot and keeping it productive isn’t that hard if you start small, keep the basics in mind and plant reliable varieties. Take it step by step:

Lead with Location — A sunny, well-drained spot close to a water spigot is ideal. Leafy greens tolerate some shade, but other crops want eight hours of sun daily.

Suitable Soil — Adding organic material is the key to an easy-care garden. It loosens stiff soil, helps retain moisture and nourishes important soil organisms. Good “ingredients” include manure, humus and chopped-up leaves. Spread a 4-inch layer of amendments on your plot and till into the top 9 to 12 inches.

Fertilize Faithfully — All edible plants remove some nutrients from the soil, and can quickly exhaust the soil without the help of a fertilizer. Always follow the rates given on the label when deciding how much to use.

Water Wisely — One inch of water weekly is adequate for most vegetables. Soaker hoses or drip systems deliver water efficiently and keep foliage dry, fending off leaf diseases.

Patrol for Pests — Monitor insect damage but try to keep your crops pesticide-free. Hand-pick pests or dislodge them with a jet of water, then let natural predators do the rest. If you must spray, do it late in the day when beneficial insects are less active.

Pick the Right Plants — Flower gardeners gravitate to the newest, showiest varieties, but smart food gardeners appreciate the tried-and-true. Bonnie Plants, available coast to coast, are time-tested varieties selected to suit regional conditions. For best results you’ll need to choose veggie and herb varieties suitable to your geographical location. Because Bonnie’s varieties are distributed regionally, you will automatically have suitable varieties available to you at retail locations in your area.

Look for Bonnie Plants in eco-friendly biodegradable pots that not only keep tons of plastic pots from ending up in landfills, but also reduce transplant shock. Just tear off the bottom, set the pot in the ground and water.

If you’re ready to try your hand at creating your own backyard grocery garden, here are 10 easy crops to plant:

Basil — Perfect with tomatoes. Choose sweet basil or the compact ”Spicy Globe.”

Beans — Bush beans like “Bush Blue Lake’”are easier to pick, but tall “pole” beans have higher yields.

Bell peppers — Harvest green or red, when vitamin levels are higher. Try “Bonnie Bell” or the new, hot bell pepper “Mexibell.”

Chard — This leafy green tolerates cool temperatures well. Varieties like “Bright Lights” have brilliantly colored stems.

Cucumber — Plant after the weather warms. Choose the mild Japanese cucumber or the old favorite “Burpless Bush Hybrid.”

Eggplant — A much-loved favorite, eggplant thrives in hot weather. Try “Black Beauty” or the white-skinned “Cloud Nine.”

Lettuce — Go for easy “leaf” lettuces like “Buttercrunch,” “Red Sails,” or Romaine.

Parsley — Pick curly types or flat Italian parsley. This herb is rich in vitamins and a breath-sweetener, too.

Summer squash — Squash are very productive plants and easy to grow. Try zucchini “Black Beauty” or yellow crook-necked squash.

Tomatoes — These crimson favorites are the most popular backyard vegetable. Choose disease-resistant “Better Boy,” “Bonnie Original” or the extra-easy cherry tomato “Sweet 100.”

For gardening tips and more herb and vegetable varieties, visit www.bonnieplants.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent