Build A Garden Fence - Low Cost Ideas

If you want to add a wonderful country touch to your garden, building a country style fence is not as difficult, or as expensive as it might seem. Here at The Garden Glove, we wanted to add a gothic picket style to the front garden. However, purchasing and installing 150 feet of picket fencing was NOT in the budget. So we chose to add just two sections of fencing to the corners of the front drive as accents. We also used inexpensive materials to create the fence. Using the low cost materials and keeping the amount of fencing small but in a focal point area kept costs way down. Here's how we did it.

Materials Needed

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Pressure treated or cedar 2x4 lumber for posts and cross pieces

2 ½ inch screws

Quick Setting Concrete (I used 1 60 pound bag for every two posts)

Pickets

Saw

Drill

Using 2x4's instead of heavier posts saved me 50% of the cost. Pressure treated 2x4's won't rot quickly, and will give you the most bang for your buck. Do not use pressure treated lumber near edible plants.

Step 1:

Measure the height you want the posts, and then add 18 inches to 2 feet, depending on how heavy your freeze is in the winter. The harsher your winters, the deeper you should set the posts. Mark where you would like the post holes with flour. Post hole should be as far apart as you decide to cut your cross pieces. We used 8 foot 2x4's that we cut in half, so each post hole was 4 feet apart, on the outside. (On the outside refers to the outside edges of the posts being 4 feet apart.) Dig post holes 2 feet deep.

Step 2:

Place posts into holes and check to make sure all posts are at the same depth. You can check this with a level along the tops of all the posts. Using the same level and another person to help, pour the quick setting cement into each post hole. Have your helper hold the post straight (check with a level) and slowly add water as directed on the package. Have your helper continue to hold the posts until the cement starts to set, should take only a few minutes. Allow the posts to set overnight.

Step 3:

Using a drill and screws, attach the cross pieces to the posts at the inside of the fence.

Step 4:

Attach with nails or screws whatever material you chose to use as pickets to the cross piece. Use a measuring tape to mark equal distances that are pleasing to your eye; remember, this is a country fence. You can use traditional pickets, branches or even scrap wood all cut to the same size as the "pickets".

Done! Plant a climbing plant at the base to add old fashioned country charm such as morning glories or a climbing rose. With just a couple of sections of fence instead of a whole row of expensive fencing, you've added a wonderful architectural element to you garden!

Build A Garden Fence - Low Cost Ideas

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Simple Children's Garden

What better way to encourage your kids to eat vegetables than to plant a vegetable garden? Children will learn about where their food comes from, how seeds sprout, and how plants grow. They will do some work planting, weeding and harvesting and a lot of healthy playing. They will get a little dirty, and that's all to the good.

For best success, involve your children in planning their garden. If you're a think-ahead person, you can order seed catalogs now. When you see the first seed packets in the stores, it's time to begin your plan.

Grow Calendar 2011

Before you begin, you'll need to know how big your garden will be. If you don't already have a garden, you need a sunny spot not too far from the water spigot, so the children can handle at least some of the watering. If you don't have a garden spot, you might be able to find a community garden space. Otherwise, think containers!

Don't make the space too large the first year. You want your kids to have fun with their garden and too large a garden is just too much work for little hands.

Once you know how big you want your garden to be and where you'll put it, draw the garden space on graph paper. Use one inch on the graph paper for a foot in the garden. Put the tallest plants on the north side of the garden, where they will not shade the other plants. Otherwise, let your imagination rule.

Ask the children what they want to grow. Seed catalogs, other gardeners or your county extension agent can tell you if a particular crop will grow in your climate. Or, you can simply experiment.

Consider tying poles together teepee-style and growing runner beans on them to make a secret spot the kids can play in. Remember to include some things that sprout fast, such as radishes, so the children have "instant" success.

There is no rule that says paths must be straight, but do leave room for them so the children can weed and harvest -- and just run around. Don't be afraid to mix flowers and vegetables. You will have fewer insect pests and other problems if you do. Plant in rows or in patches, whichever you prefer.

Once you have your garden plan worked out, the children can put pictures of the plants in the appropriate places on the plan. Use cutouts from seed catalogs or magazines, or have them draw and paint the plants and flowers they hope to grow.

If you have a sunny window, follow up your plan by planting some summer squash seeds in paper cups. Punch drainage holes in the bottom of the cups, fill them with potting soil, and push in the seeds. Water and put them on a tray in the sun. (If some die, that's OK, because you'll have more squash than you can give away anyhow!)

When it's time to plant the garden, make sure you have all of the necessary tools on hand so that the kids do not get frustrated when you have to stop to find something. Depending on how much time you have to work in the garden, you may want to break up some of the tasks into separate days. For example, getting the soil ready may be a task for one Saturday; planting can be saved for the following Saturday. Or, you may wish to prepare the soil beforehand, so that the children can just do the fun part!

Gardens need daily care, so make a simple growing calendar for your children. Purchase a large desk calendar for the wall or use poster board and mark off the days of the month. Use colorful stickers or construction paper images of watering cans, weeds, and other tasks to help children remember what they need to do and when they need to do it.

Above all, remember to have fun. If the rows aren't perfect, or the garden gets too much water one day, let it go. This garden is your chance to instill in your children a lifelong love of growing and caring for living things. It also can be a great source of pride for your children, so remember to make a big deal about it and praise the garden often.

When it's time to harvest the small crops, have your children help you choose recipes to use the vegetables, and pack up gift baskets for the extra bounty. Don't forget to take a picture of your child in the garden!

Simple Children's Garden

Grow Calendar 2011

Spring Around the Corner? Prepare For Your Garden

Even while many parts of the country are still under a blanket of snow (with more in the forecast!) the calendar tells us that spring is in fact, on the way. It's easy to forget how close it is, but for everyone hoping to put in a garden this spring, there are some things you can do to get your garden ready for the warmer days of spring.

As you are waiting for the last of the snow to melt away, you can start thinking about what plants you will grow. It's important that the plants you choose can grow successfully in the climate you live in. Don't assume that just because your local nursery sells a certain type of plant or flower that it will grow in your climate. You can consult a USDA zone map to find out what zone you live in, and then use books or websites about flowers and plants to find out which zones each variety grows best in. Many gardners end up with problems with pests or having to use chemicals to get their plants to grow- and it could be that the wrong type of flowers were planted for the climate.

Grow Calendar 2011

In addition to the climate conditions, you'll also need to consider the type of sunlight your garden area receives and how much light the plant varieties you are selecting require to grow. Sunflowers need full sun most of the day, and will not grow in areas that are shady. Your local nursery can help you select plants depending on how much sun the area receives, or you can consult a book about plants as this information is generally included.

Once the snow melts, and the danger of cold, frosty nights has passed, you can begin to prepare the soil for planting. Soil preparation begins with testing your soil to find out what pH level your soil is, as well as how much of various nutrients are in the soil, including phosphorus, nitrogen, calcium, potassium and magnesium. You should test your soil before beginning a garden; and then every three years after planting the garden. There are many facilities that will test the soil for you, including many local universities. You just put some soil into a sealed plastic bag, label it and send to the testing service.

The health of your soil depends on the drainage. Root growth is effected by soil with poor drainage, and the absorption of nutrients by the plants is greatly effected by too much or too little drainage. You can test your drainage ability with a simple, do-it-yourself test. Dig a hole about six inches across and twelve inches deep. Put water in the hole and let it drain. Once the water has drained, fill it again and time how long it will take the water to completely drain out of the hole. If it takes more than eight hours, you have a problem with your drainage that will affect the growth of plants.

Spring Around the Corner? Prepare For Your Garden

Grow Calendar 2011

Garden Hose Holder - What You Need To Know

One of the issues that come up with having a garden hose is where to put it. Many people simply let them lay on the ground, but the solution is something far easier and much better. Get a garden hose holder to store it on.

Not only with a garden hose holder keep your hose neatly wound, but these holders come in many different styles and materials. For instance, you can find a hose holder in wrought iron that is decorated in lavish detail that adds a special touch to any yard. These types of garden hose holders make a statement about your homes landscape and really set them apart from an ordinary plastic holder.

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For an added touch you can even find one that is adorned with your family initial.

How do you find these quality garden hose holders? The Internet is the perfect place to start any search. You will find numerous companies that offer all types of holders for any style and length of garden hose. Prices can range from under to as much as 0 or more depending on the style and type of materials used.

You can also find these holders at some of the bigger home improvement stores like Lowes or Home Depot, but the online world is your best bet for ones with added features and uniqueness.

So, before you just lay that hose down on the ground, check out a garden hose holder that gives your yard or garden area that special touch. With a little searching you can quickly find the one that is just right.

Garden Hose Holder - What You Need To Know

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Perfect Garden Shed Drawings

Now that you have decided to build your own garden shed yourself, with the help of your very supportive wife and kids, it's time to purchase a set of garden shed drawings.

Shed drawings come in several forms. Paper, digital download from the internet and drawings by my dad from a vision he received at 3 am one morning on how to do it himself. FYI dad, I know you get excited but I'm still sleeping at 3 a.m.! The problem with a great set of garden shed drawings sent from some "higher source" is you never can tell when the "refresh" button isn't going to work anymore! My dad is 78 years old. I must give credit though; most of his plans are pretty good they're just hard to follow since I can't read his mind.

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A more common form for shed plans is paper. Most guys will drive to Lowes or Home Depot (I'm an equal opportunity pluger!) and purchase a book for - bucks on how to build a shed, pick a drawing and get right into it. One thing to consider with a paper or book form of garden shed drawings is DURABILITY! I have a son who is Autistic which means any set of unguarded garden shed plans wouldn't last very long. You may own a dog with a destructive habit. If so you know what I mean! Also, who hasn't placed a piece of paper on the kitchen counter only to discover later that it was wet, or borrowed something to a friend never to see it again? Bye bye bucks it was nice having you!

The best way to purchase your shed drawings is a digital download from the internet. You can get over 12,000 different shed drawings and woodworking plans. They come complete with detailed how to videos and woodworking courses. In fact, I'm using a how to course from the internet right now. Mostly because my wife grew tired of me asking her for help on how to set up a blog. With a digital set of your garden shed drawings you can simply print off two sets of plans. One to use during the construction of your garden shed and the second set to use when you lose the first set. What, you've never done that?

Perfect Garden Shed Drawings

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General Garden Storage Sheds

Why do you need garden storage sheds? For one, they are the best replacement ideas to have if you want extra storage space for your garden essentials such as lawnmower and tools. Some are large enough to store even your big sports equipment such as jet ski, bicycles or boats.

Garden storage sheds are available in many different sizes. They can be small to store only basic gardening tools or large enough to house your boat and jet ski or can even be converted into a garage. Materials also come in wide array of choices such as resin, vinyl, plastic, wood, metal and steel.

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Types of Storage Sheds for Your Garden:

There are several types of storage sheds for your garden. There is the general storage shed which one of the most popular types. This type is used for storing law equipments and it comes in many shapes and sizes. Another type is the 3-in1 shed which functions as a multi-purpose storage. It comes with both gazebo and potting shed and has ample space for storing your garden tools and accessories.

Another storage shed to consider is the tool shed which is perfect for people who enjoys gardening as it has enough space for storing all the gardening essentials. The shingle shed is usually made of cedar trees and red woods, thus it has an advantage when it comes to the long life department. The large storage shed is common in many large gardens, lawns or backyards. It has enough space for almost anything that you want to store and protect.

Some Garden Storage Sheds to Consider:

The extra-wide storage Heartland DIY Country Manor 10x16 Wood Storage Building features 64 inches double doors, wood floor, 16 inches joist spacing, 3-point locking handle, aluminum threshold to protect the entrance and premium 2 by 4 construction. It comes with a 15-year limited material warranty. Specifications include engineered wood siding, primed and paintable, 10 feet interior width and 16 feet length and storage capacity range of over 100 square feet. This unit is available under model number 18305-8 at lowes.com for only ,499.00.

Rubbermaid Horizontal Plastic Storage Shed has 25 to 40 cubic feet available space. It is designed to be durable, weather-resistant and easy to assemble. Additionally, it is impact resistant floor, leak-resistant, dent resistant and maintenance free. Buy this unit at homedepot.com under model number FG3747SWOLVSS at homedepot.com for only 9.00.

Part of the Tuff Shed line of factory-built buildings for your garden or backyard, Garden Ranch is the storage solution for your space problem. Affordable prices and great features are what you can expect from these factory-built units. This particular unit features six-foot exterior sidewalls, 5/12 roof pitch and overall ground to top heights ranging from 7 feet and 8 inches to 6 feet width to 8 feet and 6 inches on 10 feet width. Prices for this unit vary by options. Go to tuffshed.com for more information.

Give your utility tool, backyard and garden essentials a stylish storage space. Lifetime 8 Feet x 7.5 Feet Outdoor Storage Shed is large enough to store all your necessary outdoor equipment. It features shelves, pegboard to organize smaller supplies and utility tool, low-maintenance design, durable construction, high-density polyethylene plastic, powder-coated steel reinforcements, a double door with interior dead bolts, internal spring latch and exterior padlock loop. This unit is rust-proof, does not fade and needs no painting. And it is backed by a 10-year warranty. Buy this shed for only 9.00 at homedepot.com under model number 6411.

The best garden storage shed will not just drop into your garden or backyard. You have to take time to research your options. To make it easy, check online suppliers or retailers such as Sears, Lowes and Home Depot.

General Garden Storage Sheds

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An Introduction to Roses - How to Choose and Grow Roses in Your Garden

Roses are truly the queens of any garden. Stately, dramatic and classic, their blooms reoccur throughout our lives as symbols of love, admiration, and beauty.

We give people roses in romance and at death. Young girls wear roses to their first dance. We give roses to cheer the sick and to congratulate the successful.

Grow Calendar 2011

Roses are popularly grown by the wealthy in fabulous formal gardens. They are also grown in postage stamp sized garden plots in the yards of humble row houses.

If you want an attractive garden without the fuss of herbaceous plants, and perennial or annual flowers, roses provide an easy solution. The blooms stand out against a backdrop of greenery, or look wonderful grown in front of a wooden fence or brick wall.

When you decide to grow roses, you need to first assess the area. You will need well drained soil in a sunny location which means the site should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.

Roses come in many varieties and a wide range of colors. Some bloom throughout the season (repeat bloomers) while others bloom just once. Some, like Tea roses, feature a single flower on a tall, sturdy stem, while floribundas have many blooms on a stem.

There are heirloom varieties of roses that have been grown for generations. The older species are generally very fragrant. Certain newer hybrids have very little scent as the genetic trait has been sacrificed in favor of another trait, such as hardiness or color that was highlighted.

There are delicate, sensitive plants and other, like Rosa ragusa that is strong and study enough to grow at the beach within yards of the ocean. You can purchase tree roses, or climbers. The varieties are endless.

Then, there is the color choice. Even if you decide that you want a pink flower, you will soon find that there are more shades of pink than you can possibly imagine.

Rose plants are named, like the widely popular, classic Tea rose called Chrysler Imperial, a large, deep red bloom. Genevieve is a beautiful double bloomed, old fashioned looking hybrid by David Austin. There are roses named for famous people as well as places like the Chicago Peace Rose, Queen Elizabeth, and John Kennedy.

If you are new to growing roses, read the garden catalogues so that you can select a hardy, easy to grow specimen. If you shop for roses at a garden center, read the tag thoroughly. Follow all directions carefully. Sometimes, instructions may seem silly but never skip recommended steps for planting, feeding, watering, and pruning.

New plants usually need a lot more water than older, established plants. Water deeply to encourage the roots to grow. It is best to water in the morning as evening watering can create conditions that attract insect infestation, fungal problems, and disease. Water the soil below the plant and try not to wet the leaves.

Follow recommendations for feeding and pruning. Roses need to be pruned or cut back in early spring. And of course, you should remove wilted, or dying blooms to encourage the growth of new buds.

With a little care and attention, you can make your garden beautiful with classic, dramatic roses.

An Introduction to Roses - How to Choose and Grow Roses in Your Garden

Grow Calendar 2011

What to Plant in March: Garden Planning Calendar

March can get a bit tricky for gardeners. A lot depends on the weather and the rest depends on the area of the country in which you live. Gardening really begins in March. If you get a head start on your garden now, you'll be rewarded with a full, healthy garden the rest of the gardening season. The following are general gardening tips for gardening in March and what to plant in March:

1. March is garden cleanup month. Even if you live in warmer gardening zones, March is an excellent time to get in your garden and clear away leaves and old foliage from the previous year. Cut away any dead wood on deciduous trees and shrubs and prune brown branches from evergreens. (Don't prune evergreens for shape, however.)

Grow Calendar 2011

2. March is a good time to fertilize. (If you live in colder gardening zones and the ground is still covered with snow and ice, or it's still too frozen to dig, you may need to wait until the ground begins to thaw to fertilize. Don't fertilize until the ground has thawed.) Fertilize bulb plants that were planted in the fall with fertilizer slightly high in nitrogen (promotes growth). Fertilize evergreens and deciduous trees and shrubs. Fertilize (with iron and trace minerals) wisteria, roses and other plants that tend to get yellow in mid-summer.

3. Get your lawn mower ready by cleaning and sharpening the blades. If there's no snow on the ground, rake and aerate bluegrass and tall fescue lawns. This will get the lawn ready for pre-emergent.

4. If you've had problems with crabgrass or weeds in your lawn, March is the best month to spray pre-emergent. (In warmer gardening zones, the last half of February will work as well.) This is really the only thing that will help with crabgrass short of cutting it out. You must do this early enough that the crabgrass (and other weeds) don't have a chance to germinate.

5. Deep water trees, shrubs, and roses as needed.

6. Plant the following: Pansies, snapdragons and calendulas, container and balled and burlapped trees and shrubs, bare-root roses, plant seeds of peas, onions, carrots, lettuce, spinach, beets, Swiss chard and radishes, plant seedlings of broccoli, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, plant potatoes, bare-root asparagus and rhubarb, bare-root grapes, raspberries, strawberries and fruit trees, perennial seeds, and in warmer zones, perennial plants.

7. Divide and transplant perennials in moderate to warmer gardening zones.

It's been a long, hard winter for most states this year. But now is the time to look forward and begin preparing for a wonderful spring, summer and fall! Just follow the above garden planning calendar for March and you'll be rewarded later!

What to Plant in March: Garden Planning Calendar

Grow Calendar 2011