Garden tubs: March 2013

Clawfoot Bathtubs - Vintage or Premier Bathroom Design?

Clawfoot bathtubs have been a favorite style of bath fixture for hundreds of years and remains a popular choice today for new bathrooms. So the question arises: are clawfoot bathtubs considered vintage design or premier modern style? Here are the facts.

Vintage Clawfoot Bathtubs. The true vintage styles from past times were made of cast iron. These antique bathtubs were very long lasting, but difficult to move. They can be found in older homes and antique shops, but are no longer manufactured in the original cast iron material. Replicas of the old designs are still made, but lighter materials are now used.

\"Garden Tubs\"

Modern Clawfoot Bathtubs. The advancements in technology have allowed clawfoot bathtubs to be manufactured from fiberglass and acrylic materials, therefore weighing only a portion of what the true antique tubs weighed. The same look of vintage style can still be purchased, but new clawfoot bathtubs are also available that have a modern look, such as stainless "claws" and fixtures with massaging controls.

Clawfoot Bathtubs - Vintage or Premier Bathroom Design?

So, the answer to the original question is both. Clawfoot bathtubs can be incorporated into either vintage or premier modern bathroom designs. If you want to make your bathroom design vintage, select a plain claw foot bathtub that has the look of traditional Victorian style. Floral wallpaper or borders, large marble floor tile, and decorative mirrors will complete the look. For a modern plan, choose a new style clawfoot bathtub that has deluxe features and stainless fixtures. Select simple, geometric designs, and plain accessories that have character. Regardless of the style you choose, you can enjoy one of these bathtubs in your new bathroom design.

Clawfoot Bathtubs - Vintage or Premier Bathroom Design?

To find out more about clawfoot bathtubs and other luxury bathroom designs, simply click on the link today. Also, learn about garden tubs, steam showers, walk in bathtubs, soaking tubs and more at: http://www.bathtub-depot.com

Vegetable Garden Plans - 7 Types Of Vegetable Gardens

Are you considering making a vegetable garden? If so, you should check into some vegetable garden plans. Garden plans inspire new, creative ideas even as they allow you to plan things out in advance before you do the "real" work of moving things around and planting and transplanting. It's always best to have a plan on paper first before you do the harder-to-correct work of actually putting things in order and planting things. Having garden plans in advance will save you time, money, and frustration.

Vegetable garden plans should be designed around factors such as personal taste, where you live geographically, and how much space you have for planting. Let's consider some garden plans that you may want to implement.

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Patio vegetable garden. Make a compact and easily tended garden on your deck or patio. Use two small soil beds and have a dense, synergistic mixture of herbs, vegetables, and flowers in each one.
Colorful vegetable gardens. Use harmonious but contrasting colors in your choice of things you plant. These are interesting gardens. They also tend to be very healthy for you, since it's recommended that you get a "mixture of colors" in your veggies and fruits for optimal health.
Heritage vegetable garden. Now, what's this mean? It means make it full of heirloom varieties of veggies. Again, this is diverse to the end of good health while at once being interesting and artistically inspired to create.
The Asian vegetable garden. You might have to look online for some (or most) of the veggies you would grow in this garden. But it would yield different tastes than what you may be used to. Furthermore, Asian vegetables tend to need less space for growing than what could be found in Farmer MacGregor's garden.
The Italian garden. We all know that the Italians make incredibly tasty food. Imagine having the tomatoes and herbs and other ingredients you need to make your own spaghetti or pizza sauce among other Mediterranean dishes.
The All-American veggie garden. Hey, who says Americans just make hot dogs, burgers, fries, and take-out pizza? Research American veggie varieties and put together a garden that you'd be proud to "drag" a Chicago-style hot dog through.
Autumn yield garden. What's better than still harvesting fresh produce on crisp mornings or evenings, just before the Winter sets in? Lay up your stores for the months of plant dormancy.

Now you've seen some very interesting and creative garden plans. To learn even more about vegetable garden plans that you can use, just follow the link below.

Vegetable Garden Plans - 7 Types Of Vegetable Gardens

Absolutely everything you need to know to set up a garden [http://www.foods4wealth.info/] that produces many times more than a traditional vegetable garden that only requires 8 hours of light easy effort per year at [http://www.foods4wealth.info/]

Basic Yard and Garden Tools List

This is a list of commonly used yard and garden tools. For those that maintain their own yard, you will probably say that all the tools listed are already in your garage or backyard shed. The list was developed for first time home owners wanting to care for their own lawn and garden. This should provide them with the basics- enough to begin normal lawn maintenance. On the other hand, it may be enough of a warning to help them decide that they do not want to tackle what seems to be never ending task of lawn care.

To prevent this article from sounding like an advertisement, I will not list any lawn and garden maintenance companies for those that prefer not to purchase all the necessary yard and garden tools. After factoring in the time, manual labor plus the cost of the tools, there will no doubt be some drop outs for the do it yourself lawn maintenance program.

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For those of you that want to go join the club and go forward with caring for your lawn, you may notice none of the tools have related prices. There are several reasons. Mainly the prices can change at anytime and I simply cannot keep up with them all. You can get pricing while shopping for the tools. I recommend that you do that anyway.

Basic Yard and Garden Tools List

Basic Yard and Garden Tools List

Gloves
Rake
Hoe
Shovel
Spade
Trowel
Pruner
Pruning Saw
Sprinkler
Garden Hose
Lawn Mower
Edger
Weedeater - gas or electric
Blower - gas or electric
Fertilizer Spreader
Wheelbarrow
Hedge Shears
Tank Sprayer
Hammer
Heavy Duty Extension Cord

Again, this is not an all inclusive list of yard and garden tools. It does cover most of the basic tools necessary for regular lawn maintenance. While many home owners have acquired a large number of other gardening tools over the years, the basic list here should be enough for the average startup home gardening and lawn care maintenance project.

The benefit of shopping for the tools yourself is that you can find the best prices. An additional benefit is that you will learn more about each tool and its respective manufacturer. So, review them all. Whether searching locally or on the internet, you will learn about quality and prices. Both will help you determine the right yard and garden tools for your lawn care needs.

Basic Yard and Garden Tools List

Loren Bailey is one of the content advisors and contributors for TopLawnCareTips.com, which offers tips and suggestions for lawn and garden care

John Deere, Vintage Garden Tractors

Besides being old & rusty or not even working, those John Deere lawn & garden tractors that were built & sold in the 1960's, 70's or 1980's my be more valuable than you could ever imagine. Unfortunately, after many years of faithful service many of them have been placed in an isolated corner of our yards to rust away, or have been brought to the local junk yard to be disposed of. Many of these early model tractors are now nearing the official classification as Antiques & highly sought after by collectors & restorers of John Deere tractors.

Unfortunately, many people are not aware of the value or the historical significance of many of these little tractors. Ironically, this has to some degree added to their overall value because many of the parts needed to restore & repair these little machine are no longer available from the original manufacturer. Not only is there a shortage of parts, the information to repair them as well is in high demand & has now become just as valuable as the machine itself. This has opened up another whole new area to collectors & restorers. Many people are now specializing in the collection & sale of the vast amount of official repair manuals & bulletins that the original manufacturer provided when these machines were originally sold.

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A John Deere Model 110 lawn & garden tractor that sold new in 1963 for less than 0 is now easily worth four, five, six thousand or possibly more to the right collector. And while condition is always a factor, this is an area where condition is usually not the top deciding factor in price. This is because many collectors & restores will add value to a machine if it has the working parts needed to complete the restoration or repair of another machine. Both collectors & restorers want original equipment parts, even when a replica or reproduced parts may be available. Many are willing to pay for original used parts well over the cost of a reproduced part due to the historic value & significance. Keeping it all John Deere & all original is probably the number one factor in driving the price.

John Deere, Vintage Garden Tractors

There is a growing number of collectors who do not collect or restore these old tractors, but who collect & sell all the thousands of pages of owner's manuals, shop service & repair manuals, repair bulletins, sales literature & marketing material. Of course the value of this material is that it must all be original & issued by the manufacturer. In mint conditions many of these items can be worth from hundreds to thousands of dollars. For many, who do not want or cannot handle the actual collection & storage of the machines, the collection of original catalogs, manuals & sales sheets is ideal. And it cannot be stressed enough, that without this documentation, it would prove almost impossible to bring these vintage machines back to life & back to the condition they were in when they left the factory.

or those who have an interest in these old machines, there are many fine sources that one can utilize to broaden their knowledge. There are many local & national clubs. Some clubs are dedicated to one brand of machine or a specific line of tractors. Other clubs cover the entire range of available brands. If you do an online search for these clubs you will be amazed what you will find. I am sure that in your own hometown you will be able to find a club, or individuals that share a similar interest. On the worldwide web you will find many dedicated websites run by clubs or individuals & covering almost every aspect of this hobby. And if you have a local John Deere Dealer, an independent power equipment dealer or other brand dealer, you could ask them about local clubs, events or other collectors & hobbyists in your area. Your local public library can also be a source for reference materials & contact information.

The very nature of this activity requires individuals to share their knowledge & expertise with each other. Many lifelong friendships have become a byproduct of this activity & I am sure that once you get involved you will find yourself making new friends too.

John Deere, Vintage Garden Tractors

The author of this article has had a long time interest in the history of Deere & Co. and its founder, John Deere. The technological advances along with manufacturing capabilities from Deere & company played a significant part in the advancement of agriculture in America.

In later years Deere & Co. realized the needs of the smaller farms & rural home owners & developed a line of small tractors & attachments which entered the market place in the 1960's. Now in the twenty first century of high tech, these twentieth century machines have gained a place in American history. Many of the individuals involved in the collection & restoration of these vintage machines do it in the spirit of historical preservation.

At Jerrys Deere Barn [http://www.JerrysDeereBarn.com] you will find free information on repair & restoration, a member's forum, a photo gallery and many other features. Participation is free & we invite everyone who has an interest in John Deere to stop by and visit us. Individuals are encouraged to join the forum & participate by asking & answering the questions of other members. Please share your knowledge.

Every John Deere vintage tractor enthusiast is invited to this friendly & FREE website. visit us at [http://www.JerrysDeereBarn.com]

Garden Design Ideas For Awkward Shaped Gardens

The temptation with an awkwardly shaped garden is either to do as little as possible to it -- maybe a lawn surrounded with flowerbeds -- or to add too many hidden corners and details, which might work well in an enormous plot, but won't make the best of an average-sized garden. The ideal is to come up with a layout that's simple but uses design tricks to correct the shape of the garden. Better still, a clever layout can make the awkward shape an advantage, using odd corners for hidden storage or raised levels to define areas of the garden.

We asked Katrina Wells of Earth Designs to come up with three solutions for three classic problems: a sloping site, an L-shaped garden and a tapering plot. Our advice is to simplify the look of the garden, where possible, by using similar shades to unify the different elements such as decking, paving and walls. As for budget, we've suggested where you can make savings. Now all you have to do is pick the plan that's best for you.

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Designs For A Sloping Garden

Garden Design Ideas For Awkward Shaped Gardens

Make the most of a sloping garden by creating different levels, each with its own purpose. This design has an area right next to the house for outdoor dining and a barbecue. Then, wide steps lead down (or up, depending on which way your garden slopes) to an area with built-in seats (with lift-up lids for extra storage) and a water feature, or sandpit if you have children. The last level includes a play area and lawn, plus a shed and compost heap. Hardy plants that don't need lots of water, such as osteospermum, are great for a low-maintenance garden. Will it take much looking after? The lawn will need cutting up to once a week in high summer, but if you choose raised borders planted with hardy perennials, such as hosta and astilbe, they won't need much care or constant maintenance. Add splashes of colour with drought-resistant osteospermum and gazania. How can I cut costs? Shifting earth and shoring up the terraces can be quite costly. In a gently sloping garden, save money by just decking over the top of the old surface, and swap raised planters for pots (which you could always add later when you've saved up).

Designs For An L Shaped Garden

The trouble with L-shaped gardens is that the slimmest part of the ?L' is often wasted space. Try and use it to tuck away things you don't want to see from the patio, such as the bins and shed or a play area. Keep the rest of the garden simple and break up the straight lines with a curved patio, borders and lawn to make the most of the space and give it a relaxed feel.

Will it take much looking after? The lawn will need cutting in summer, but if you use bark chippings the kids' play area will be maintenance-free. For borders, choose long-flowering, care-free perennials, such as yarrow, bleeding heart and black-eyed Susan. How can I cut costs? This garden shouldn't be expensive to create or maintain, as long as you keep the borders quite narrow. You can make them seem deeper, though, by planting evergreen climbers, such as Clematis armandii.

Design For A Tapering Garden

The best design for a tapering garden uses strong diagonals to trick the eye. The main border comes into the middle of the garden, while the lawn widens as the garden narrows, balancing the tapered shape. The shed hides behind a water feature at the far end, making the narrowest part of the garden a useful spot.

Will it take much looking after? In the summer the lawn will need cutting once a week and the plants in the borders will need regular watering. Put down a weed-suppressing membrane (from garden centres) to cut down on the amount of weeding, then plant the border with ground cover plants, such as geraniums or catmint. Geraniums, in particular, provide good ground cover and colour through the summer. Use tall pots planted with grasses for an eye-catching display. How can I cut costs? Replace the pots with tall plants set into the ground -- bamboo would be a good choice because it's evergreen and makes a good screening plant. Making the lawn area larger and the border narrower will also save money.

Garden Design Ideas For Awkward Shaped Gardens

You can find more information on garden design ideas and garden advice at house to home, helping you create a look you'll love

Condo Hot Tubs are Becoming Very Popular

The popularity of condo hot tubs is very much on the rise. Many condos now offer a hot tub for everyone to use, or jacuzzi tubs or jet tubs in the individual condo units, or both. Hot pools are a great way for the neighbors to get to know each other. Neighbors are bound to run into one another when they are using the hot tub.

What better way to start up a conversation and get to know a little bit about one another than when you are sitting in the hot tub. Another great benefit to a condo hot tub is that you don't have to worry about the maintenance; all you have to do is enjoy it.

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If you are not a very social person you will probably prefer to stick to the jet tubs that come in most condos. These tubs offer you the same relaxing feeling that a hot tub does. If you would prefer to relax in the comfort of you own home this is the way to go. You can come home and start the tub and climb in and relax. You can listen to your own music, or light a few candles and enjoy a glass of wine.

Condo Hot Tubs are Becoming Very Popular

You used to only find condos that had a pool for its occupants to enjoy, but not anymore. As life gets more and more stressful and fast paced, the need for ways to relax becomes more and more important. With everyone being so busy with work and children and other activities it is easy to get stressed out. With so many pressures on us it is easy for us to forget to unwind at the end of the day. One way we can unwind and relax is to slip into the hot tub.

Hot tubs are becoming very popular due to their many benefits. In addition to relieving stress, and the pain or sore muscles, they can be used for a get together with friends. What a great way to spend time catching up with your friends. Having a relaxing evening with your friends may be just what you need.

Hot tubs and saunas have many things in common. Both can be very relaxing, and both can be helpful in relieving stress, and the pain of sore muscles. Some people prefer one over the other, depending on their individual likes and dislikes. If you do not enjoy sitting in the tub, or swimming you will probably not want to go out and purchase a hot tub, you may instead want to get a sauna. On the other hand if you do not like to sit in a small room you will probably not go out and purchase a sauna. Going to a spa to see which one you enjoy may make your decision of which to buy easier.

Condo Hot Tubs are Becoming Very Popular

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Garden Art Ideas -- How to Make Your Planters Into Beautiful Garden Art

Garden stores have so many different types of garden art for your to choose from - there are beautiful water features like ponds and fountains, as well as statues, wind chimes, birdhouses, and so much more. But why not go ahead and make your own garden art? Why not make sure that your garden fully reflects your own personality, and nobody else's?

When it comes to making your own garden art, there are so many different possibilities as to what you can do that it can almost be overwhelming. That is why I am going to focus on just one type of garden art in this article: planters. Check out these fun and unique ideas for your garden pots and planters:

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The Spilt Planter

Garden Art Ideas -- How to Make Your Planters Into Beautiful Garden Art

Add a little humor to your garden with a "spilt planter." Find an ordinary pot or barrel and tip it on its side in your garden. Fill the planter part way with soil, and then spread the rest out in front of it as though it has spilled out. Choose a few of your favorite flowers and plant them in the spilled-out soil. Warning: this fun and whimsical idea is one that may have do-gooders coming up and trying to fix the spill... until they see that the plants are actually planted in the ground.

Bathtub Planter

Find a bathtub (a clawfoot tub, preferably) at a thrift store, garage store, or even from your remodeled bathroom. Fill her up with good soil and then plant a small garden! It can also be fun to use a bathtub as a pond. It is even possible to find a way to hook your garden hose up so that you can have water coming out of the bathtub waterspout.

Thrift Stores Gems

There are many other things that plants can be planted into (besides planters and pots... and bathtubs). Why not go to an antique shop or a thrift store and see what you can find! You can plant a pair of cacti in a pair of cowboy boots. Why not plat a snapdragon in a tea cup? You can use vases, pots and pans, tires, helmets, and so many other things as planters. You may not know what item can double as a perfect garden planter until you go out and find it.

Pottery By Your Own Hand

Why not sign up for a pottery class and make your very own planter! Granted, you may make a pot that is only large enough for one petunia, but it is so much fun to create your own shapes and to glaze your pot in whatever color you want. Homemade pots with a flower in each make excellent gifts, as well.

Pot makeovers

If you already have a pot that you like, why not just dress it up a bit? Go ahead and glue a ribbon around the rim or even add sequins, buttons, scrabble letters, or other items! You can also completely makeover a pot - you just need some Mod Podge (a wonderful, glue-like substance) and some magazines. Cut or rip out some favorite pictures from magazines (or use photographs, newspaper, brown paper bags, tissue paper, etc.) and Mod Podge them all over your pot. Use a weather-proofing finishing spray to top it off. (If you are using a terra cotta pot or another pot that breathes and is not glazed, be sure that you heavily coat the pot with Mod Podge before you add your pictures, and consider placing another planter inside the pot to keep the magazine pictures from puckering when you water your plant.

Garden Art Ideas -- How to Make Your Planters Into Beautiful Garden Art

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on gardening and garden art, please visit Garden Art [http://www.garden-art-inc.com].

Make Your Manufactured Home Your Dream Home With Replacement Mobile Home Parts

A mobile home is more than just a trailer; it is your house. You may live in a traditional mobile home or a more modern manufactured or modular home; this set of home styles has its own special group of needs when it comes to supplies and accessories. Usually dictated by a need to conserve space in small rooms, these aftermarket items are for sale through a wide range of retailers and suppliers. These vendors will know what you need and what supplies and hardware you must buy to install the parts you have chosen.

Replacement mobile home parts are a key part of any remodeling project. You may have bought your mobile home new and are noting that over the years, your siding has fallen out of good repair, or perhaps you bought your manufactured home used and believe that it is time to replace your furnace. Either way, you will be able to find what you need, including the hardware necessary for installation, when you shop through suppliers that specialize in mobile home parts and accessories. Very often, you will be able to find the products that best suit your needs at discount or even wholesale prices.

\"Garden Tubs\"

Often the first place that renovations will take place is the bathroom. Here you can make a big splash with a new bathtub, shower, or combination of the two. Mobile home tubs are available in traditional styles, made of plastic or fiberglass and sized such that they conserve space in a potentially small room. Other bathtubs are garden tubs, which are square or near square. The tubs fit nicely in the corner of your bathroom and are still large and comfortable enough for a warm, relaxing bubble bath.

Make Your Manufactured Home Your Dream Home With Replacement Mobile Home Parts

If you are replacing your bathtub, you should be certain not to forget the mobile home faucets as well. Whether you prefer contemporary or traditional styles, you will not find it difficult to find exactly the right accessories for your personal tastes. Simple fixtures leave you with a variety of decorative options, while something more complex will dictate in which direction your renovations are taking you.

Once you have chosen your bathtub and faucets, which may include fixtures for both the tub and the sink, it is time to choose the ideal mobile home shower doors. Sliding and bypass doors are great for smaller bathrooms because they need no extra space for the door to swing out to open. They are available in heavy tempered glass with durable frames so it is easy to keep them clean and in good repair. You are limited only by your own decorating ideas when you choose what you decide how you want your bathroom to look.

Once you have put these things together, added a few pictures to the walls, and chosen the ideal lighting fixture for your bathroom, the results will be fantastic. You will have customized your bathroom to meet your own particular tastes and sense of style. This will mean even more the first time you settle in for a long, relaxing bubble bath in your newly redecorated bathroom.

Make Your Manufactured Home Your Dream Home With Replacement Mobile Home Parts

For more Replacement Mobile Home Parts for your diy repair needs, pay a visit to http://www.replacementmobilehomeparts.com.

Treating Skin Rashes From Hot Tubs

Most of the common skin rashes originate from the chlorine from spa waters and hot tubs. While all of us may love to go for our indulgent sessions in a resort or spa it is a known fact that many hot tubs contain the harmful bacteria which causes these rashes.

What is the bacteria which causes this?

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The skin rashes that typically happen from spas and hot tubs occur from a bacterium known as Pseudomonas Aeruginosa also abbreviated as PA. This bacteria is very nasty especially as it can bring about a host of other infections as well. Some of these infections include urinary tract infection, Swimmer's Ear, HotTub Lung syndrome and even Dermatitis.

Treating Skin Rashes From Hot Tubs

How does it spread?

People who do not shower properly before they enter into a hot tub can cause formation of oils and grime in the water. This is what this bacteria PA thrives on. If the sanitation and hygiene of the place is questionable then the bacteria can multiply rapidly. It primarily attacks the hair follicles on the body and can spread skin rashes rapidly.

Typical symptoms to look out for:

If you have been swimming in a hot tub and notice any of the following then you can be sure you got skin rashes:

Within 8 hours to 2 days you notice an itchiness on the skin
If you experience an itchiness or rash on the torso, legs or arms
If you don't treat it and the rash goes away on its own in 7 or 10 days

How you can prevent this?

If you are a spa owner and wish to prevent skin rashes from occurring in your customers then try the following:

Remove water from spa
Soak filter in chlorinated water
Fill up water again till the jets
Use a chlorinating concentrate (4 times more than regular dose)
Circulate water for 3 hours or so
Use a cleaner for plumbing out any bio-film accumulation
Refill new water

What if you got the rash?

If you have contracted the rash then you can use either Emu oil directly or in a lotion form. Both work effectively. Emu Oil will remove any scars or rashes you have while soothing the skin. It will also help get rid of the itchiness and redness you are experiencing. Plus, since it penetrates deep into the skin the rash will be gone soon.

Emu Oil is an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial. It is transdermal and works deeply to heal skin rashes fast.

Treating Skin Rashes From Hot Tubs

Shop online at SkinEnergizer for effective and popular treatments for skin rashes - including Emu Oil.

SkinEnergizer carries and manufactures a complete line of skincare - targeted solutions for wrinkles, acne, antioxidants, cellulite, spider veins, and Skin Rashes.

How to Start a Vegetable Garden From Scratch!

1. Plot out your garden area. Decide on what you want to plant and how much room you will need to grow those plants. Also, the amount of sunlight is very important in picking out the proper placement of your garden. You will want an area that gets direct sunlight most for the day. Something else to take into account is the drainage of the land. You will not want your garden in a depressed area of land because water will tend to flood those areas and won't drain properly. I prefer using a slightly sloped piece of land or a flat piece of land that retains and drains water properly. Once you have chosen the location and size of you garden you will want to mark the boundaries of the garden with stakes or flags.

2. Next is the part of the job that will likely take the most time, preparing the soil. Preparing the soil means two things to me:

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A. Cutting and removing the sod. You have several options when deciding how you want to get rid of the grass and get down to the soil. If you have a very large garden you may want to hire somebody or rent the equipment (bobcat) to tear up the grass. If you own a rototiller (you can rent one), you can use this to remove the sod. There a two main types of tillers, front tine or rear tine. Rear tine tillers have the blades in the back of the machine and typically are a bit easier to use due to the fact that you (as the operator) get more weight/leverage over top the blades. Front tine tillers have the blades in the front and can be a bit harder to use on hard sod or compacted soil since there is not as much weight/leverage over top the blades to make them bite in as well as a rear tine tiller. If you have a very small garden area then you may also choose to use a shovel to tear up the sod. Personally, my brother and I used a tiller to tear up a rather large patch of land for our garden. We would run the tiller over the grass to break it up then rake the grass clumps into one large pile in the corner of our garden, which eventually decomposed to plain dirt. We had to run the tiller over the garden area several times and rake clumps of grass each time before we had a workable dirt area. This can be a back breaking task so make sure to take your time and rest occasionally.

How to Start a Vegetable Garden From Scratch!

B. Getting the soil ready to plant in. Plants will produce their best when they have a healthy, somewhat loose, soil to grow in. This means that you want a nutrient rich soil that retains just the right amount of moisture. You can take soil samples into many garden centers to get a test done. A soil test will tell you what you need to add or balance out in your soil. The three key nutrients in soil that you will need to worry about are: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Any and all of these nutrients can easily be added using organic or non-organic methods. Ask your garden center what you should use for your soil. I was fortunate with my garden because the land we put our garden on used to be old farm land and was great soil. We simply tilled the soil several times to loosen it up before we created rows.

3. Next you will want to create your rows and plant your seeds or seedlings. To do this, follow the directions for row and seed spacing on the back of your seed packages (you can also find all your planting information at the website listed in the resource box below). Many plants require 24" to 36" between rows. Make sure to leave adequate room between your rows to allow you to walk and/or till between them. I like to mark where my rows will be, by driving stakes into the ground on each end of the row and tying twine between the stakes (I use a tape measure to mark the distance between my stakes).

How to Start a Vegetable Garden From Scratch!

Steve Gunther is passionate about vegetable gardening. Though only introduced to gardening himself a couple of years ago, he has immersed himself in the gardening community. Steve is currently starting a website dedicated to vegetable gardening [http://getready2garden.com/] and a blog: http://getready2garden.blogspot.com/

English Garden Landscape Design - The Mystery and Romance of a Secret Garden

Materials, accessories, and, of course, appropriate plant life are all important aspects of a romantic cottage style garden design that brings elegance and beauty to your outdoor space, as well as your home. Natural, twisting walkways, edged with flourishing plants and shaded by majestic trees, thriving lawns for relaxing and playing, and traditional county cottage style accessories create a simple outdoor living area full of beauty that complements your home.

Building English Garden Paths

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Secluded walkways with graceful curves and abundant, free-flowing plant life are the foundation to creating a genuine English landscape design. Garden paths meander through the landscape, allowing peaceful enjoyment of nature's pleasures. The materials used to build the walkways are the key to a romantic, English atmosphere.

English Garden Landscape Design - The Mystery and Romance of a Secret Garden

These materials and design tips are perfect for your English garden style outdoor living area:

Natural materials, like gravel and bark, make beautiful paths with a simplistic look. These materials are inexpensive and relatively low-maintenance.
Stylish brick or stone pavers are a more luxurious option, lending an element of charm and grace to your outdoor design.
Combine stone, gravel, and brick materials for a more genuine English garden landscape design.
Avoid formal angles and conservative patterns, integrating soft lines and curving designs that suggest romance instead.

The Charm of English Garden Accessories

Your quaint English garden should be a relaxing and tranquil place that allows you to enjoy the beauty of fine outdoor living. The garden accessories you choose are an important influence on the overall atmosphere and theme of your outdoor space. Select decor that complements the free-flowing, natural uniqueness of the English countryside.

Green lawns with picturesque views of the most beautiful aspects of your design are made functional with wooden garden furniture, like teak, that has an antique, aged appearance. Romantic benches or intimate cottage style outdoor furniture, along with quaint arbors and fragrantly adorned trellises, create the appeal of the country without detracting from the modern beauty of your home. Gazebos, quaint foot bridges, and rustic fences can also add the charm of your country style garden.

Wildlife's Role in the English Garden

Traditional English gardens were abundant with a variety of insects, birds, and other wildlife that only complements the natural beauty of this landscape style. Garden accessories, like water gardens and rustic bird baths or feeders, are one way to attract a number of species to your outdoor living space.

Certain plants and ground coverings are known to attract wildlife like butterflies and hummingbirds. Plant fragrant lavender, clover, and small bushes with bright colored berries throughout the garden. Undisturbed grasslands and natural rock arrangements are also inviting to area wildlife.

English Garden Plants

The country garden style is characterized by a lavish array of flowers, shrubs, and vines in a rainbow of vibrant hues, complemented by majestic, curving trees providing relaxing shade from the afternoon sun.

Select a variety of country garden plants for your design, including blooms that provide color in each season. Some flowers and shrubs to consider are:

Traditional country rose bushes, aromatic honeysuckles, foxglove and primroses, and the native, graceful lily of the valley are excellent plants for shady areas.
Potted herb gardens and planters filled with cornflowers, violas, and petunias can tolerate the tranquil shade of your English garden as well.
Native flowers, peonies, easy to care for geraniums, and fragrantly luxurious sweet peas are other suggestions.

English garden landscape designs provide unique outdoor living areas with a fun and whimsical atmosphere. A landscape design plan that blends the style of your home into the simple, natural charm of your outdoor space can be perfected with the assistance of a professional landscape architect or garden designer. Your design firm can also offer advice on the best country garden style for you and your home.

English Garden Landscape Design - The Mystery and Romance of a Secret Garden

Allen Quay is a professional landscape designer in the Southern California area and specializes in custom high-end landscape designs. You can find more valuable landscape design tips and information on Allen's website, the Landscape Design Advisor: http://www.landscape-design-advisor.com