When it comes to improving your garden, it’s important to put down a 2- to 4-inch layer of good compost on top of the soil, but when you want immediate, long-lasting results, a true gardener will turn to compost tea. Compost tea helps control insects, fungus and disease, and is basically just what it sounds like — compost steeped in a bucket of water. To make your own … Read More →
Symbiosis, defined as a cooperative relationship, can be applied to many aspects of life. It also plays a vital role in plant life, maintenance of your garden, and with all agriculture. One of the most well known examples of symbiosis is that of beneficial insects; however, have you heard of one of the best kept secrets of symbiosis in gardening…mycorrhizae? Mycorrhizae, meaning fungus-root, refer to the symbiotic relationship between fungi … Read More →
As the hot weather settles in, we find ourselves cocooning in our homes with the doors and windows tightly closed. When we do this, we trap poisonous gasses from building materials and furnishings inside our homes. This leads to indoor air pollution, which can cause respiratory problems, headaches, eye, nose and throat irritations, fatigue and more. Along with changing air filters every month, providing good ventilation and letting certain types … Read More →
TREES Acacia abyssinica, Abyssinian acacia Acacia aneura, Mulga Acacia pendula, Weeping acacia Acacia salicina, Willow acacia Acacia stenophylla, Shoestring acacia Brahea armata, Mexican blue palm Butia capitata, Pindo Palm Caesalpinia cacalaco, Cascalote Chamaerops humilis, Mediterranean fan palm Chorisia speciosa, Silk floss tree Eucalyptus erythrocorys, Red-cap gum/Illyarri Eucalyptus formanii, Forman’s Eucalyptus Eucalyptus leucoxylon, ‘Rosea’, White Ironbark Eucalyptus spathulata, Swamp mallee Eucalyptus torquata, Coral Flowered Gum Eucalyptus woodwardii, Lemon Flowered Gum Geijera … Read More →
Stop. Don’t reach for those pesticides. Many times, insects end up controlling themselves, but did you know that some plants have insect-repelling qualities? I have picked out a few that will grow here in the Valley and can be planted along with other plants as companion plantings. Thyme works great with cabbage and likes to be grown in an area that receives afternoon shade. It repels cabbage worms and takes … Read More →
Planting an herb garden is going to do a lot for you besides add tasty ingredients to your food. Herbs can help heal many of the problems that ail you. For centuries, farmers, gardeners, herbalists and scientists have grown and developed herbs to help people feel better. They are a source of vitamins and are still used to a great extent in Europe and Asia. Even now, pharmaceutical companies study … Read More →
Our gardens attract a lot of critters, mostly good — but a few are bad. I constantly talk about how biodiversity is the key ingredient to our gardens, but sometimes rabbits, birds, dogs and cats want to use our garden as much as, if not more than, we do. It’s a frustrating experience and one not easily rectified, but the Garden Guy is here with some new and not-so-new ideas … Read More →
It’s summer time and taking care of your lawn becomes an important part of your lawn’s life. I have found that the organic way is the only way to fully enjoy that lawn. You won’t have to worry about those dangerous pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. By going organic, you are encouraging the beneficial macro- and micro-organisms that do so much to maintain the natural balance. To get your lawn … Read More →
One of the greatest benefits of living in the Valley is the warm weather, which allows us to grow a wide assortment of plants. If you want to try your green thumb at a few tropical varieties of fruiting plants, look no further. I have some wonderful tips! Avocado trees can be purchased from nurseries all over town. Certain species do better than others, so purchase the plant from a … Read More →
1 Gallon of The Garden Guy’s 10% Vinegar 3 tablespoons of orange oil (homemade or purchased as Zep’s Heavy Duty Citrus Degreaser avail. at home center stores or any cleanser with D-Limonene) 1 – 2 drops of Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap (Whole Foods) or Dawn Dishwashing liquid Put in plastic spray bottle, shake up and spray directly on anything you want to eliminate. DO NOT spray on anything you want … Read More →
