First of all, the gardener must decide what type of garden he wishes to plant. There are many styles of gardens from which to choose, including traditional tilled gardens, raised bed gardens, container gardens, and hydroponic gardens.

Though not as well known as some garden types, hydroponic gardening has gained a popular following. The term hydroponic, coming from the Greek words hydros (water) and ponos (labor), was introduced in 1937. It describes the process of growing plants without soil, by using water fortified with a mineral nutrient solution.

Advocates of hydroponic gardening say that the method offers many advantages. Hydroponics can produce plants that grow at a rate of 30-50 percent faster than those in soil. This is because plants growing in soil must expend much energy growing roots that are long enough to glean the necessary water and nutrients from the soil. In hydroponics, the nutrients are readily available to the plant, and it does not have to exert much energy in order to obtain these nutrients. Consequently, plants grown in a hydroponic solution tend to produce higher yields than their soil counterparts. These improved growing statistics may be due to accelerated root growth from the extra oxygen in hydroponic solutions.

Hydroponic plants also tend to avoid many of the problems associated with soil-growing plants, such as bugs, funguses, and many diseases. Thus, hydroponic growers have reduced reliance on pesticides, leading to healthier plants and healthier people. And, of course, healthier plants produce higher yields.

Additionally, it is easier for hydroponic gardeners to monitor the pH and nutrients levels in which they are growing their plants.

Hydroponic gardening is advantageous to environmentally-minded individuals because it uses less water, and of course less soil, than traditional methods of gardening. In fact, when a hydroponic gardener uses a recycling hydroponic system, the water usage is only about 10% of that used in a traditional soil garden. These advantages of hydroponics are particularly beneficial in areas where soil erosion and soil contamination is a problem.

Another big advantage is that hydroponic gardening uses much less space than traditional gardening. In fact, a hydroponic garden only takes about 20% of the space of a regular garden in order to produce a similar yield. For city dwellers, this means that a hydroponic system can produce sizable yields even in cramped spaces.

Though the initial cost of starting a hydroponic garden is more than that of starting a traditional soil garden, a hydroponic garden is less expensive to maintain.

Gardeners interested in implementing a hydroponic system must decide whether they would prefer to buy or build such a system. Buying an inexpensive hydroponic system is usually the best first step for a beginning hydroponic gardener. Once the gardener feels more comfortable with the operation of a hydroponic system, she can begin building a customized system.

Though hydroponic gardening may seem daunting at first, if the gardener does her research and becomes familiar with the method, she can enjoy the many benefits of hydroponic gardening for years to come.

The power source of the landscaping lights is going to be the root of many of the potential problems that could occur, and homeowners need to understand exactly what is wired and to where. Quick installs are often completed by simply plugging in lighting to existing outdoor power outlets. Consumers need to realize that this is not appropriate and could potentially create a fire hazard. Exterior plugs are only designed to be used in good weather, and landscaping lights that remain plugged in at all times could subject the outlet to rain or other sources of water. Responsible homeowners should ensure that their exterior lighting is all wired safely and that there is a sufficient breaker installed to prevent electrical fires. If there is any doubt as to the safety of a previous wiring job, it certainly never hurts to consult with a qualified electrician.

Many consumers make mistakes when shopping for replacement bulbs, but the wrong choice when it comes to landscape light components could be dangerous. Bulbs designed for outdoor use must be able to handle all different types of weather. If the wrong wattage is selected, the result could be a melted light housing or even a fire as a result of overheating. An individual should locate the manuals for any landscape lights that have been installed and make sure that the proper bulbs are being utilized. Some housings will also specify the wattage that is recommended and under no circumstances should the limits be exceeded.

The location of the landscaping lights is of course going to be critical to whether or not they are able to fulfill their intended purpose, but homeowners also need to consider several other factors when it comes to strategically placing the units. Any lighting system can have components that may feel warm to the touch, and families should be particularly careful when installing these options if they have children. The lights should always be kept out of reach, and it is important to understand that hot surfaces can also harm plants and parts of the house. Each of the units should be installed according to the specifications of the manufacturer, and deviations should not be performed unless by a licensed professional. Consumers also need to ensure that no tripping hazards exist due to landscape lights that have been placed too close to a walkway or in hidden areas.

Landscaping lights are often intended to help showcase the beauty of a home, and properly installed units can even make a property more secure by illuminating the shadowy areas. However, homeowners need to recognize the fact that they have a responsibility to ensure that the lighting is installed correctly and in a safe manner. Whether the install job has just been completed, or was actually performed by previous owners, it is always a good idea to conduct a visual inspection. By paying attention to the above key points and considerations, a consumer can rest assured that their landscaping lights will continue to be a safe asset to their property.

A few simple lawn projects can go a long way while still being easy on the wallet. Garden edging can divide planted areas and define spaces to add an appealing and inexpensive charm to your lawn. While some edging products can range in price from relatively inexpensive to costlier options, some remain totally free.

For an entirely inexpensive garden edging option, search your own neighborhood for large or medium-sized stones. Collecting locally found pieces and applying them as your garden edging creates a naturally attractive option for your lawn décor and it costs nothing but a bit of time and elbow grease.

If you prefer a wooden edging style, look for thick branches to lie around garden areas. Stripping the bark from these branches and logs will reveal an attractively smooth appearance while retaining a rugged look against plants and flowers.

To create your own edging products, consider a concrete mold. Concrete molds can be purchased from most home stores, are reusable and relatively inexpensive. However, these edging molds can be made right at home with a few easy household products and a bag or two of cement. Using a plastic storage container in any shape preferred, although a deep rectangle shape is best for garden edging, lightly spray the container with any type of cooking spray. Mix the cement according to manufacturer’s directions and fill the container to just under the edge. Let sit over night or until completely set. To remove the mold, gently tap each side and the bottom to release your edging piece. Repeat this process until you have enough pieces to complete your garden edging project.

These home-made molds can be colored with concrete tint or water-based paints to add a bit of interest to your garden areas. Small stones, beads, leaves or other embellishments may be applied to the bottom of the container prior to filling with the cement. This will produce a more personalized edging piece, unique to your style and taste. This craft makes a wonderful project for the entire family to enjoy.

Cedar plank garden edging is a very useful deterrent for pests in the garden or home. Sweet-smelling and weather-hearty, cedar is an excellent choice for those who wish a low maintenance edging product that offers a softer appearance to a garden area. Cedar plank edging can be purchased at most home stores and is usually found attached together by wires and sold in rolls. However, like the stone molds, cedar plank garden edging may also be made, inexpensively, right at home.

By purchasing planks of cedar siding used on homes and then cutting and joining the pieces yourself, the cost for this popular type of edging can be lowered considerably. Begin with planks 6 – 8 feet long. Cut each plank into 6 inch wide pieces making small blocks. Join each block with a preferred wire or rope using a staple gun and heavy gauge staples, keeping a 1-2 inch gap between each block. Since the color of cedar can change over time, this product can be stained or painted in any color to match the home or can be left to age to a natural gray color.

After your choice of garden edging is applied, add mulch and small plants just behind the edging pieces. Place medium sized plants with flowers in the center and larger shrubs, tall flowers or small trees as a back drop. Flowering plants will add a dramatic touch to any garden area while evergreens and muted tones will present a calm and tranquil curb appeal.

Aphids

Aphids are a very common invader of gardens and, unfortunately, can cause serious damage to the majority of plants, including vegetables and fruits. There are many different species of the insect and they are all capable of attacking the leaves, fruit, and stems of the plant in order to obtain its sap. Aphid infestation is characterized by the curling of the plant leaves as well as damage to the plant shoots. They are also able to damage and kill plants through the transmission of viruses as they can transfer sap from unhealthy plants into the systems of healthy ones. Unfortunately, aphids are a challenge to get rid of as they multiply very rapidly and soon become overwhelming. It is therefore critical to catch the first ones and kill them before they have a chance to spread. The most common method of killing these pests is with insecticides that contain nicotine, malathion, derris, or DDT. This can be sprayed once the aphids have been found or used as a preventative measure during the early period of spring.

Maybugs (Cockchafers)

The entire lifecycle of the maybug, from larva to adult, can cause serious damage to numerous plants. The larva attacks the roots of plants while the adult beetles are able to feed on the leaves of countless trees as well as low lying shrubs. The maybug lives in its larval state for up to 4 years and is therefore not easy to eliminate. In order to prevent and kill these larvas, it is recommended to use BHC insecticides in the dirt surrounding the targeted plants.

Capsid bugs

Capsid bugs refer to a number of different species of insects which feed on herbaceous plants and fruit trees. Although they are not often found on vegetables, they can become quite prolific within gardens which they invade. The most common types of capsids are the apple capsid bug, the bishop bug which is found on flowers such as zinnias and dahlias, and the common green capsid bug which is found in currant bushes, strawberries, pears, peaches, raspberries, blackberries, and gooseberries.

Ants

Ants almost always follow in the wake of aphids. This is due to the fact that ants are drawn to the sweet honeydew which is excreted by these insects. Ants are capable of building enormous nests beneath the soil and are known for their tunneling into the root systems of various plants. This tunneling often leads to the weakening and, sometimes, the complete destruction of the plant’s roots. This often leads to the plant dying. Ants are also able to directly consume many types of plant seeds as well as the fruits themselves. In order to prevent ant swarms as well as nesting, an insecticide containing either BHC or DDT is recommended. For large nests, pouring petrol or boiling water is also efficient.

Caterpillars

The larval forms of many butterflies and moths have been found to be wildly invasive in gardens as well. They not only attack the foliage of the plant but also the roots and seeds. The most common caterpillar garden pests include the buff-tip moth which infests fruit trees, the cabbage moth, the codling moth often found in apple trees, cutworms which can be found in the soil surrounding a variety of plants such as beets and carrots, the swift moth which typically attacks the roots of flowering plants such as dahlias, peonies, as well as strawberries, and the winter moth which attacks fruits and buds as soon as they begin to emerge. Insecticides containing DDT and BHC have also been found to be effective on caterpillars.

First, assess the situation and shape of your yard. Is it long or more squared? Fenced in or not, you’ll want to add some sort of privacy factor. The easiest way to do this is with barrier planting. If you already have chain link fencing, plant climbing vines such as Clematis, a purple flowering vine, or time honored Ivy at the fence. Both are quite hardy and will grow profusely to fill in all those empty pockets. If you’re lucky enough to have a wooden or a 6 ft. privacy fence, you’ll just want to dress it up a little with some tall greenery or flowers planted in front.

If you opt for greenery in the backyard, the type you choose will set the tone for your design. Tropical looking plants will send a beachy vibe, while ferns can give you a feeling of forest serenity. If you don’t have a fence, you may want to choose some shrubbery that has the potential to grow to several feet tall. In a very few years, these bushes will grow together and provide a cozy sense of enclosure. Some suggestions for attractive shrubs would be Spirea or Fothergilla, both of which bloom during the summer and change color in the fall.

If you have enough space, carve out an area for seating. A patio as small as 6 ft. by 6 ft. can be enough room to place a bench or a cafe table and 2 chairs for dining al fresco. If you have enough area, you can even fashion a larger patio as an outdoor living room, as featured in many home decor magazines. A round table with an umbrella attachment is a must for a yard with no shade elements.

Most home improvement stores will have either do-it-yourself patio kits, or the plans to build one. The materials can be inexpensive or more pricey as your budget allows. With materials ranging from concrete pavers to bluestone, purchase the best quality you can afford for your backyard retreat.

Depending on what scene you’ve set with plantings and pavers, decide what other elements you might enjoy. If you’ve saved a patch of lawn large enough, a pretty birdbath or gazing ball is a nice accent when surrounded by some simple flowers. Potted plants are also a nice way to bring some color to your backyard. A larger patio will be inviting with some mixed annuals overflowing from simple clay vessels. Mix whichever colors and shapes appeal to you, since you are setting the scene for your eye. Regular watering and removing of spent blossoms doesn’t take much time with a few pots.

Should you opt for in-ground plantings, try to choose perennials for a continual return on your investment. These flowers will grow back each year and keep your landscaping consistent. You can grow most from seed, or purchase the plants to get a head start.

Finally, make a list of all your ideas before starting, and a materials list so you don’t have too many trips back to the store for forgotten items. Your backyard landscape design can take only a weekend, or more depending on time constraints. Once you have the privacy element and patio area materials chosen there will be opportunity to adjust and refine your strategy for setting the scene.

As mentioned before choose the best materials you can afford, also with respect to your seating. You can go as rustic or as grand as you like with the decor but make sure your chairs are comfortable. You want to enjoy spending time in the habitation you’ve created.