Garden Tips

By John Yazo

Organic gardening is becoming more popular and gardeners are looking for organic fertilizers along with other organic products for there gardening needs. Organic fertilizers are either animal, mineral or vegetable based. Animal based organic fertilizers are a by-product of the farming and meat industry. Products like manures, blood meal, bone meal and fish products are all part of this type of fertilizer.

Manures are the most common type of organic fertilizer that comes to mind to the home gardener. They can supply a lot of organic matter to the gardens soil to improve the soils structure. Most manures can be low in nutrients depending on there content, except for a few. Like chicken manure, it is high in nitrogen and should be used only after composted. When applied directly to plants it can burn the root system of young tender plants very easily. Other bird based fertilizers like bat or seabird guano can be purchased at most local garden centers. It comes in a pellet form and is also high in nitrogen.

Blood meal is a powdered blood that is a by-product from slaughtered animals. It has a high nitrogen content usually around fourteen percent and also has many micro-nutrients. It is excellent to be used on leafy nitrogen loving plants like lettuce.

Bone meal is commonly used as a source of phosphorous and calcium. It is the by-product of animal and fish bones. It comes in powder form and is commonly used on root crops.
Fish by-products are excellent fertilizers and they come in several different forms. There is fish emulsion that is in the liquid form and has a strong fish odor. It is an excellent complete fertilizer and will add needed trace elements to the soil for plants to benefit from. When diluted with water it is gentle and very effective in stimulating the growth of young seedlings.

Hydrolyzed fish powder is another by-product of fish and is high in nitrogen. It is commonly mixed with water and applied as a spray on plant foliage

Fish meal is a fish by-product that is high in nitrogen and phosphorus. It is applied to the soil and is usually a blend of fish, seaweed and kelp.

A environment friendly and healthy way of gardening. Organic Gardening is away of gardening in harmony with nature. Growing a healthy and productive crop in a way that is healthier for both you and the environment.

John Yazo
http://www.organicheirloomgardening.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Yazo

By Keith Markensen

Because bamboo naturally grows in the tropics, they are used to warm weather and regular rainfall. When you bring them indoors to enjoy their beauty and simplicity, you should know how to care for them correctly to help them thrive. Growing bamboo indoors is not as difficult as you might think, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Always remember that your bamboo plant is used to warmth and humidity. Once you bring your bamboo plant home, try placing it outside first, in a sheltered area with plenty of light and some shade. That way, it will begin to get used to the levels of light in your region. You should not fertilize your plant immediately, since most nurseries and plant stores will already have put some fertilizer in already.

How much to water your new bamboo plant will depend on the climate in your area. If your bamboo plant is located indoors and the soil typically dries out fast, water it deeply, saturating the soil to keep it from drying out. You may not need to water your bamboo plant every day; keep an eye on the soil to determine when the plant needs water. If the leaves begin to curl up, your bamboo plant needs to be watered more frequently. If the leaves are drooping, you have added too much water to the soil and should not water your bamboo plant as much.

Another way to add humidity and water is by misting your indoor bamboo plants with a spray bottle. Misting will mimic the humid conditions that your new bamboo plant is used to in the wild. You can also use a pebble tray to add water. Fill a tray with pebbles, and then saturate it with just enough water that the pebbles peek out above it. Then place your pot with bamboo on top of the pebbles, so that it does not touch the water. The water in the pebbles will evaporate into the soil of your bamboo plant.

Once your bamboo plant has been in your home for awhile, it will begin to acclimate to indoor conditions. You should still take it out to the garden regularly or add lights near the plant to mimic sunlight, because it is used to very sunny tropical conditions. Bamboo plants make beautiful additions to your home, but they should be cared for properly if you expect them to thrive.

Today is the perfect time to find out more about lucky bamboo plants. Visit us at plant-care.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Markensen