Garden Catnip Life

Garden Catnip Life Tube. Duration : 7.78 Mins.

Friday, August 27th, 2010 Life in my catnip garden.... The peak of the bloom is past and now most of the flowers are seeded. Many of the plants have already ...

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#153 Grow a Beautiful Vegetable Garden

#153 Grow a Beautiful Vegetable Garden Tube. Duration : 4.50 Mins.

153. Grow a Beautiful Vegetable Garden pumpkin, catnip, chamomile, tomato, asparagus, onion, potato, romaine lettuce, jalapeno, green pepper, green beans, bl...

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Catnip Garden

Catnip Garden Tube. Duration : 0.88 Mins.

The shame of Catnip Addiction.

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my garden, husband and cats 051713 020 green eyes with catnip

my garden, husband and cats 051713 020 green eyes with catnip Video Clips. Duration : 1.50 Mins.

my rescued kitten after giving birth to 5 babies experiencing catnip.

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Fresh catnip plant in the garden

Fresh catnip plant in the garden Tube. Duration : 2.05 Mins.

Moms and Duley discover new plant.

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My cat Socrates diggin on some Organic Catnip near my outdoor garden

My cat Socrates diggin on some Organic Catnip near my outdoor garden Tube. Duration : 0.92 Mins.

He just started munchin so I started filmin :)

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Which Types Of Perennials To choose For A Scented garden And Why choose Those Types Of

Scented gardens not only fill one with nostalgia, but also give that glorious feeling of pleasure. Nothing is more breathtaking than sitting in a scented arbour in the warmth of the evening, breathing in the heady scent of assorted types of perennials nearby.

[b]Catmint[/b]

It isn't only flowers which are scented, many types of perennials have wonderfully aromatic leaves, when crushed. Others issue their scent if one plainly brushes against them. There are even those whose perfume pervades the air in the early morning, or just after a shower of rain.

Garden pinks will fill the organery with their perfume from several yards away, but some types of perennials need to be planted close enough to be able to catch the full aroma. Next to a path or patio, or on low walls, is ideal for small plants.

It is important to remember what time of year scented plants flower. No-one will appreciate winter flowering types of perennials, if they are at the far end of the garden. It is so important that they are planted close to the house.

Adenophora lilifolia Ladybell, is a relative of the campanula, and produces scented, blue, bell shaped flower in summer. It prefers sun or partial shade, and reaches about 18" in height.

Artemesia schmidtiana, is a low growing range of this aromatic foliage plant, reaching no more than 12" high.

Clematis heracleifolia davidiana, is a herbaceous clematic, which will scramble straight through shrubs. It has small, pale violet coloured flowers which are very sweetly perfumed and grows to nearby 4 feet.

Cosmos atrosanguineus Chocolate plant, which is a relative of the dahlia, produces deep maroon flowers, smelling of chocolate in the summer. It grows to nearby 24" tall and like the dahlia, needs to be lifted in the autumn.

Geranium Cranesbill, many species of these long flowering plants have strong, rose scented erfume.

Hemerocallis Day lily, has many scented varieties, especially the yellow ones.

Hosta Plantain lily, these yield tall spikes of sweetly perfumed flowers in the summer.

Lilium, most lilies are very scented and are easy to grow surrounded by your herbaceous plants and low shrubs.

Nepeta faassentii Catmint, is loved by some for its scented leaves, very involving to cats.

Phlox, both the small and the taller varieties have a lovely spicy perfume.

Tellima grandiflora, is a plant for the shady border.In the early summer it has tiny, sweetly scented, greenish flowers.

Verbena bonariensis, a tall graceful plant, about 5 feet tall, with intense blue, scented flowers on the tip of each stem.

Herbs, are breathtaking planted nearby the garden, not just in the a herb bed.

Hopefully these ideas for types of perennials to grow in your scented garden, will fill you with inspiration. There are lots more ideas and information to be found at: Perennial Flower organery Ideas [http://www.janesjems.com]

Which Types Of Perennials To choose For A Scented garden And Why choose Those Types Of

Garden 2011 ~ CatNip Harvest

Garden 2011 ~ CatNip Harvest Tube. Duration : 5.00 Mins.

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Getting Buggy in Your Garden Patch? - See Herb Garden Plants That Double As Natural Bug Repellents

One of the major concerns for the herb gardener is how to protect plants from insects, plant diseases, and even animals such as deer from nibbling away at their prize herbs.

Companion plants are the natural bug repellents for the home herb garden. They not only aid other plants to grow better, but they deter insects, disease, and animals from eating anything in close proximity. In so doing, they protect your plants without you having to use expensive insecticides which enable you to stay organic. This is particularly important since much of what you grow you probably intend to eat.

Catnip Plants

There are many herbs and flowers that act as companion plants. While you can certainly experiment, start with plants that are native to your area that insects already recognize.

Some of the more popular companion plants used as natural bug repellents are:

Anise - attracts wasps that will devour aphids that attack nearby plants.

Basil - repels flies and mosquitoes.

Borage -- repels tomato hornworms, Japanese beetles, squash bugs, and cabbageworms, but attracts bees and wasps.

Catnip - repels mice, ants, aphids, flea beetles, and weevils.

Chives - drives away Japanese beetles and carrot rust fly.

Chyrsanthemums - kills root nematodes, and when flowering, repels Japanese beetles.

Coriander - repels aphids, spider mites, and potato beetle.

Dill - repels aphids and spider mites.

Elderberry - when made into a spray from the leaves, will kill aphids, carrot root fly, cucumber beetles, and peach tree borers.

Garlic - repels aphids.

Geranium - repels cabbage worms and Japanese beetles.

Hyssop - deters garden pests from cabbage and grapes.

Lavender - repels fleas and moths.

Mint - deters white cabbage moths, ants, rodents, flea beetles, fleas, and aphids.

Mole Plant - repels moles and mice.

Nasturtium - chases away the squash bug and whitefly.

Peppermint - repels white cabbage moths, aphids, and flea beetles.

Petunias - repels the asparagus beetle, leafhoppers, tomato worms, and Mexican bean beetles.

Radishes - deters cucumber beetles and rust flies.

Rue - will repel aphids, flies, slugs, snails, flea beetles, and Japanese beetles.

Soybeans - repels chinch bugs and Japanese beetles.

Thyme - deters cabbage worms.

Some of the herbs listed here can be made into teas and powders that can be applied directly on herb plants or soaked into the soil. However, we suggest that you consult a garden guide on this approach as some herbs can be toxic in this form and could hurt pets and children.

And finally, companion plants are compatible with some herb and vegetable plants, but not friendly with others. Research companion plants first before you plant and you will have a healthy and bug-free garden every season.

Getting Buggy in Your Garden Patch? - See Herb Garden Plants That Double As Natural Bug Repellents

Cottage Garden Plants and Companion Herbs, What Are They?

When we think of romantic country gardens, a garden full of Cottage Garden Plants comes to mind. Many do not realize that many of these plants are also herbs and help each other grow and thrive. Cottage Garden Plants and companion herbs are synonymous.

The different properties of companion herbs turns the garden into an organic garden; one that doesn't require toxic pesticides.

Catnip Plants

What is a Cottage Garden?

These were the gardens of the commoners or poor in England and contained everything the family needed for food and medicinal use. Informal garden of a rambling nature that is interplanted with flowers, herbs, vegetables, berries, etc. All space is used and plants are crowed in together to form a living mulch and conserve moisture and cut down on weeding The beds are wide and paths are narrow

What are Cottage Garden Plants? (The flowers are also herbs)

Flowers: Asters, Baby's Breath, Bachelor's Buttons, Clematis, Cosmos, Dame's Rocket, Delphinium,Cranesbill Geranium, Hydrangea, Hollyhocks, Iris, Lady's Mantle, Lavateria, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Pansies, Peony, Petunias, Phlox, Poppies, Roses, Sweet William, Violet, Wisteria, Zinnias Herbs: Artemisia, Artichokes, Basil, Bee Balm, Calendula, Catnip, Chamomile, Chives, Coral Bells, Cornflowers, Costmary, Daisy, Dandelions, Dianthus, Dill, Echinacea, Evening Primrose, Feverfew, Foxglove, Garlic, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lovage, Oregano, Onions, Parsley, Peppers, Plantain, Rosemary, Sage, Sedum, Sunflowers,Thyme Fruit: Blueberries, Strawberries, Apple Trees, Peach Trees Cherry Trees Vegetables: Beans, Beets, Carrots, Eggplant, Loose leaf lettuce, Peas

What is a companion herb or plant?

Plants which release chemicals and help other plants grow and increase their productivity. Plants which help enrich the soil by providing nutrients and organic matter or pulling up nutrients from deep within the soil. Plants which provide shade or mulch for shorter plants and protect bare soil. Plants which prevent pest problems by repelling unwanted bugs Plants and herbs with the ability to attract beneficial insects, repel pest insects, and can even ward off weeds. Companion plantings combine more than one crop in a given area, so garden space is used efficiently.

How to create a Cottage Garden?

Create a bed that is wider than regular beds. No need for a designer. Create the bed to your liking. Plant Cottage Garden Plants and Companion Herbs closer together using all available space to help conserve moisture and cut down on weeding. Any paths should be narrow. Mix annuals in with perennials. Use lots of color. It should be brimming full of flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Add a bird bath and bird feeders. Place a bench where you can sit and enjoy its beauty. It should be inviting and bring pleasure and memories to everyone that looks at it.

Planting companion herbs takes a little know how, but it really isn't that hard to do if you plan out your garden, and know which herbs to use for what. You'll want to plant these in the spring, at the same time you would plant your vegetables and flowers. Knowing which ones to plant can eliminate the need to use toxic pesticides.

Please visit Cottage Garden Plants for a list of Companion Herbs and the pests they repel.

The main thing is be creative, do some experimenting and most of all have fun in creating your Cottage Garden. Enjoy!

Cottage Garden Plants and Companion Herbs, What Are They?

Keeping Cats Out of the Garden - Cat Repellent Plants

Cats always use bare earth in which to do their toilet duties in the absence of cat litter. A cat wouldn't even notice a few sprouting seedlings you so carefully planted, but which they ruin with their claws as they dig them up as well as the dirt they use to cover over their crap.

If you having a problem with cats in your home vegetable garden consider buying some plants that are known cat repellents.

Catnip Plants

1. Curry Plant - This plant grows wild in the Mediterranean area (nothing more than a nuisance). This plant has a strong smell, but has no culinary uses at all. It is a frost tender perennial that is known to deter cats, who dislike the smell.

The curry plant is a member of the daisy family.

However, I would highly advise against planting this plant unless you have a severe problem with cats as it will just become another difficult weed to remove from your home vegetable garden long after the cats have left well alone.

On the other hand, this plant has some medicinal uses, one of them being soothing sunburn, and/or reducing inflammation and healing infections.

2. Scaredy-cat plant - coleus canina - unfortunately, this plant's name makes a mockery of the word scaredy. Truthfully, the plant does smell a bit of dog pee, which is just what every gardener wants in their garden isn't it?

It is supposed to deter both cats and dogs but this only works on those animals with a sense of smell.

Use this test to determine if this plant and the curry plant work: If catnip works on the cats that are visiting your vegetable garden, then both the curry plant and the scaredy-cat plant will work too.

A note to keep in mind: cats will just walk round these plants and go to another part of the garden, so if you want to protect young seedlings from being scratched up by cats, then you will want to plant a ring of cat deterrent plants around your growing area. Cats can jump over them (simple, right?).

3. Lavender - due to the fact that lavender can grow quite shrubby, plant them in a line as a deterrent to stop the cat wandering further into your vegetable garden.

Look for a tall growing variety to be the most effective against cats. Because cats are inquisitive creatures, but like the assurance of seeing what it is they are getting into, if you grow your lavender plants taller than a cat to block their line of sight you are on your way to success!

4. Rosemary - grows wild in the Mediterranean area and is useful in cooking.

This is a woody perennial, so it will re-grow each year after planting, and has a sweet fragrance.

The only problem with rosemary is that it really needs a warm and dry climate in which to thrive, and really dislikes cold, wet ground.

Based on this simple fact, you may be wiser to plant rosemary in containers so that this plant can be moved indoors when the weather changes.

5. Prickly bushes - cats will never attempt to squeeze through a prickly hedge, so if you plant perimeter hedging that has prickly leaves or thorns on their stems, you will succeed in keeping cats out of your home vegetable garden.

Some suggestions:

· Hawthorn - may be pruned into a dense hedge that will keep out cats and burglars.

· Wild Rose - forms a dense thicket when pruned into shape.

· Bramble - make sure it is not one of the new thorn less varieties. Brambles are almost impossible for either human or animal to pass with their thorny stems.

· Holly - forms an impenetrable hedge when planted close together.

· Prickly Currant - spreads easily, has thorny stems, and edible fruit.

· Pyracantha - likes sun or partial shade and can grow to form a dense barrier around your garden.

· Berberis - check for height and spread to find the perfect berberis for hedging or space-filling at the edge of your garden.

· Pampas grass - the leaf edges of the pampas grass are razor-sharp and act as a perfect cat deterrent.

· Blackthorn -- the vicious spines are one advantage and are a perfect cat deterrent.

If you don't feel like protecting your home vegetable garden with some of the suggestions mentioned here, plant plenty of catnip - cats are extremely attracted to catmint (catnip) which acts on their central nervous system like a feel-good drug, and then may become so mesmerized by this plant that they forget to go and dig up your seedlings.

Cat repellent plants work best as barriers to not allow cats in, but unfortunately the most determined cat will get past all barriers no matter what!

If you would like to deter cats away from a tree that may have a bird's nest in it, use citrus peel on the ground around the base of the tree - this works as my own cats have proven!

It may sound strange, but no matter how much you love your cats, you really don't want them in your home gardening plot. Are you willing to take action to keep cats out of your home vegetable garden?

Keeping Cats Out of the Garden - Cat Repellent Plants

Louie the Cat Found the Catnip Growing in the Garden

Louie the Cat Found the Catnip Growing in the Garden Video Clips. Duration : 1.85 Mins.

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Tips For Growing a Cat garden

Cats love the relaxation of exploring overgrown, jungle-like gardens, bewitched by playful insects and enjoying the scents and textures of a myriad of inspiring plants. The feel inspires a sure hunting instinct in them that lets them roam with passion.

[b]Catmint[/b]

Exactly what should be included in a orchad in order for it to request for retrial to those fierce feline foragers? Try these straightforward yet clever tips:

(1) Cats are preeminent for adoring the heady scents of catmint, catnip and cat grass. As the names suggest, these selections are the excellent type (wink) to start with. But why not also plant an array of other scented delights? Herbs such as sage, lemon balm, thyme and chamomile will give an whole fragrant cornucopia to your Puss's Paradise.

(2) Plant some larger, bushy shrubs to contribute shade and inspiring nooks to explore. Although it can be a daunting challenge to take non-toxic varieties that won't pose a question for your pets, there are many nonpoisonous choices that are excellent orchad additions. Asparagus ferns, fuchsias, hibiscus, honeysuckle, Norfolk Island pine trees, palms, rose, umbrella trees and others are all considered safe for not only cats but children too!

(3) Your pet will love to catnap after a session of exploring so plant some soft, springy grasses to contribute a comfortable bed. Any of the varieties of mondo grasses, available from your local nursery, would make a good choice.

(4) A great idea to protect your young tree seedlings is to contribute a scratching post, handily positioned for any needed claw-scratching sessions; your trees will thank you for the inclusion!

(5) You want the orchad to have some splashes of color to add some visual interest so consider planting out a flower bed or two to add a dash of vibrancy. considered take annuals and perennials from the following proven safe list. African violets, carnations, dandelion, gardenia, geranium, impatiens, lilac, marigold, pansy, petunia, snapdragon, zinnia. Leave one bedded area clear and well dug, in a secret corner, to encourage toileting activities.

(6) Add a few potted plants and well located rocks for privacy and camouflage purposes and couple perches and look-out posts to let your beloved friend claim the best vantage point in her new domain.

(7) A gather fence as a border may be practical to keep the orchad area contained.

With sensible planning and a bit of practical forethought an inspiring orchad is achievable and affordable for most budgets and need not come to be an overgrown, jungle-like 'cat'astrophe! Happy gardening cat lovers!

Tips For Growing a Cat garden

Let Bugs Do the Work! How Good Bugs Can Help Your Garden to Thrive

You've worked the soil, sprouted the seeds or carefully chosen your plants, watered faithfully, and finally your plants are growing and you can almost taste that fresh tomato or crunchy cucumber. But something else is eating your veggies before you get the chance. After all your hard work, those nasty bugs are having a feast at your expense. But you don't have to douse your garden with harmful chemicals to safeguard your crop. Let bugs do the work for you!

Using good insects to remove insect pests that damage or destroy your plants is just one of the ways you can manage your garden without harmful pesticides. Remember, most insects in your garden are either harmless or actually help your plants. When you stop using pesticides, and you have a variety of plants growing near or in your garden, you will attract many allies. There are two types of helpful insects. They are predators: those that eat their prey, and parasitoids: those that deposit their eggs on or into their hosts, eventually killing them.

Catnip Plants

To take advantage of these natural predators, you want to make your garden into a friendly habitat where beneficial insects feel at home.
Make sure you provide:

o Shelter: Keep the soil covered with plenty of organic matter.
o Pure Environment: Never put harmful chemicals into your beneficial insect's habitat. If you use any insecticides to rid your garden of pests, you also run a very strong risk of getting rid of insects that are helpful. When you stop using all chemicals, you might temporarily experience a sudden increase in pests. It could take a while for the beneficial insect population to grow to adequate levels
o Food: Keep in mind that most of the predators and many of the parasites also use pollen and nectar for food. You'll want to include plants that bloom at different times throughout the growing season so you always have a source of pollen and nectar.
o Water: Keep the soil moist and water plants in the morning. You can also provide shallow dishes filled with water, or birdbaths with a couple rocks protruding from the water surface, so insects have access to plenty of water.
o Create your garden habitat to lure beneficial insects quickly. Plant annuals like alyssum, cosmos, sunflowers, and marigolds. At the same time, plant perennial flowers and herbs, like yarrow, lavender, mint, fennel, angelica, and tansy. After you have harvested your dill, parsley, carrots, and cilantro, leave the plants in the garden to flower; your insect allies love them.

Here is a list of some of the beneficial bugs you want to attract to your garden.

APHID MIDGE
The aphid midge is a small mosquito-like fly with long legs and long antennae that eats aphids. The aphid midge larvae are effective predators of aphids.
Plants that attract aphid midge include:

o Apples, Blueberries
o Cabbage, Dill
o Ornamental bushes

DRAGONFLY or DAMSELFLY
Dragonflies vary in color, have long narrow bodies 1" - 2" inches long, large compound eyes, and 4 transparent wings. They eat mosquitoes, aphids and other pest bugs.
Plants that attract dragonflies include:

o Caraway, Cosmos
o Fennel
o Goldenrod

GROUND BEETLE
Ground beetles vary in shape and color, but they are usually shiny with jointed legs. Black is a common color, sometimes with a metallic sheen of another color on their wings. They rarely fly, preferring to run when disturbed, and they generally hide in piles of weeds or debris. They are dark, and about 3/4 inch long . They hunt at night in leaf litter looking for insect eggs and larvae, and they feed on cutworms, root maggots, slugs, caterpillar moths, aphids, flies, chiggers, earwigs, and snails.
Plants that attract ground beetles include:

o Evening primrose
o Mint, Rosemary, Thyme
o White clover

HOVER FLY
Hover flies (also called syrphid flies) look like small bees, with yellow, black, or white bands, but they move through the air like flies. Adults must feed on nectar before they reproduce, so they are good pollinators. They lay their eggs near aphids or other soft-bodied insects. When the eggs hatch, the hungry larvae eat up to 60 aphids each day. They also eat mealybugs, small caterpillars, and other small insects.
Plants that attract hover flies include:

o Caraway, Carpet bugleweed, Catnip, Coriander, Cosmos, Daisy, Dill
o Fennel, Goldenrod, Lavender, Morning glory
o Parsley, Peppermint, Spearmint, Sunflowers
o Queen Anne's lace, Sweet alyssum, Wild buckweed, Wild carrot

LACEWING (the most effective predators you can buy)
Lacewings have light green bodies, clear lacy wings, and are 1/2" - 3/4" inch long. The larvae are small, grayish brown, and narrow, and look like little alligators. The larvae and adults devour aphids, mites, caterpillars, mealybugs, leafhoppers, insect eggs, and whiteflies, and other small insects. Individual white eggs are found laid on the ends of inch-long stiff threads.
Plants that attract lacewings include:

o Angelica, Caraway, Coriander, and Cosmos
o Dandelion, Dill, Fennel, Tansy
o Queen Anne's lace, Sweet alyssum, Wild carrot, Yarrow

LADY BUG
Lady bugs prey on aphids and other soft-bodied insects, such as aphids, mealybugs, scale insects and spider mites as well as insect eggs. Lady bugs eat as many as 50 aphids per day. If the lady bugs lay eggs, each larva will eat about 400 aphids before beginning its pupa stage. Spray non-crop plants with sugar water to attract lady bugs.
Plants that attract lady bugs include:

o Angelica, Butterfly weed, Sweet alyssum
o Carpet bugleweed, Coriander, Cosmos, Dandelion and Dill
o Fennel, Goldenrod, Tansy, Wild carrot, Yarrow

MASON BEE
These bees look more like house flies than honey bees, yet they are good pollinators for fruit trees. Most mason bees live in holes and can be attracted by drilling short holes in a block of wood.
Plants that attract mason bees include:

o Fruit trees with staggered bloom (apricot, peaches, plums, cherries, apple, and pear)
o Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries,
o Roses

MINIATURE PARASITIC WASP (braconid, chalcid, ichneumid, trichogramma)
These tiny wasps will defend your garden against aphids, caterpillars, tomato fruitworms, tent caterpillars, whiteflies, cabbage loopers and hornworms. Parasitic wasps lay up to 300 eggs in moth or butterfly eggs. They don't live long, so time their release to coincide with the presence of pest eggs. Braconid, chalcid, and ichneumid wasps are much larger than trichogramma, and lay eggs in or on the caterpillar. The hatching eggs eventually kill the host. These wasps do not sting people or pets.
Plants that attract parasitic wasps include:

o Allium, Caraway, Coriander, Cosmos, Crocus, Dill
o Fennel, Goldenrod, Parsley, Queen Anne's lace
o Sweet alyssum, Tansy, Wild buckweed, Wild carrot, Yarrow

PIRATE BUG
The pirate bug eats aphids, thrips, mites, whiteflies, and insect eggs. It lays its eggs on the leaf surface near its prey. The cycle from egg to adult takes only three weeks.
Plants that attract pirate bugs include:

o Cosmos, Fennel, Queen Anne's lace
o Sweet alyssum, Tansy
o Wild buckweed, Wild carrot

ROVE BEETLE
Rove beetles resemble tiny scorpions when they hold the tip of their abdomen up in the air. They are 1/10" -1" inch long, and depending upon species, eat aphids, springtails, mites, nematodes, slugs, snails, fly eggs and maggots. These beetles thrive in leaf litter, fallen decomposing fruits and loose bark off fallen and decaying trees

SOLDIER BEETLE
The soldier beetle has a narrow, black abdomen and bright red head, and is about 1/2" inch long. They look like a firefly, but cannot produce light. The larva is orange with black markings. Soldier beetles eat aphids, caterpillars, grasshopper eggs, other soft-bodied insects, and beetle larvae.
Plants that attract soldier beetles include:

o Coneflowers, Fennel,
o Goldenrod, Hydrangea
o Milkweed

TACHINID FLY
Tachinid flies look somewhat like house flies. They can be brown, gray or black, and some are very hairy. They eat caterpillars including cutworms, codling moths, tent caterpillars, cabbage loopers, squash worms, and gypsy moth larvae.
Plants that attract tachinid flies include:

o Caraway, Cosmos, Dill
o Fennel, Parsley, Spearmint
o Queen Anne's lace, Sweet alyssum, Tansy

You can see that dill, fennel and sweet alyssum appear again and again in the list above, and you can attract many beneficial insects just by including these three plants in your garden. By helping the good bugs to thrive, you can grow more natural and healthy vegetables for you and your family, and keep pesticides out of your food and out of our water supply. For more tips and great links, see the link below to Organic Eden. Happy gardening!

Let Bugs Do the Work! How Good Bugs Can Help Your Garden to Thrive

My garden June 17th

My garden June 17th Tube. Duration : 2.28 Mins.

:) all my plants... two types of tomato (Mr stripey and Early girl), bell pepper, crookneck squash, zucchini, Bush type green beans, catnip, okra, carrots, sunflowers

Keywords: tomato, pepper, squash, zucchini, bean, catnip, okra, carrots, sunflower, garden

Hydroguy's Indoor Garden - August

Hydroguy's Indoor Garden - August Tube. Duration : 2.37 Mins.

Having perused the outdoors plantations in the last video, we get a quick tour around the indoor Waterfarm, DWC, and soiless potted plants. Banana plant, stunted mini-corn, some brown DWC root.. good times. Music: Pink Floyd Intro Animation: Grubbycup www.youtube.com

Keywords: Hydroguy, garden, indoor, hydroponics, DWC, bucket, biofilm, corn, watermelon, herbs, catnip, plants, growing, Waterfarm

Bug Off - Protecting Your Garden From Mosquitoes

For those of us who enjoy gardening, mosquitoes are a frequent pest. As they aim to feed on the nectar of flowers, gardens, to mosquitoes, are like all-you-can-eat buffets - we are open, come on in. This not only hurts your landscaping and ruins your garden, but it can also be detrimental to your health - mosquitoes are well known for spreading disease.

You could ignore these facts, of course, and go on with your gardening and with your life in some kind of West Nile denial. But, when ignoring mosquitoes and the problems they cause proves futile, you may find yourself in need of a solution. Luckily, there are natural ways to get rid of your problem.

Catnip Plants

Fill your Water with Fish and Frogs:Water, particularly stagnant water, is highly attractive to mosquitoes; it's where most mosquitoes lay their eggs. For this reason, having water in your backyard, such as a stream or a fountain, can leave you wasting away in mosquito-ville.

Removing water from your backyard is one solution, but if you can't part with your pond, try adding in frogs, toads, and fish. These creatures feed on mosquitoes and larvae, helping to rid your water, your yard, and your garden, of these pests. Activating the food chain, this way of extermination is completely natural; many aquatic creatures dine by the mantra "mosquito, it's what's for dinner."

On shore, setting up a bird house or a bird feeder may also help control the mosquito population: mosquitoes make great snacks for our fine feathered friends.

Use Garlic Spray: Just like blood sucking vampire, blood sucking insects also hate garlic. Perhaps they don't like the taste, perhaps they don't like the smell, or perhaps they once had a very bad run in with a pasta dish. Whatever the reason, garlic is one way to send mosquitoes on their way.

Planting garlic, or showering your garden with garlic sprays and powders, might not deter every mosquito from entering your yard, but it's sure to discourage some. Just the presence of garlic has the potential to let mosquitoes know your garden is cloved, er, closed.

Plant Marigolds: These vividly colored flowers are a beautiful and lively addition to any garden. But, unlike some flowers, they also have bug fighting characteristics. Marigolds produce an odor that mosquitoes don't like, and aim to avoid.

Marigolds are very easy to grow and can thrive in any environment, with exception of the extreme cold. Yet, they aren't alone in their mosquito fighting mission: catnip, rosemary, and citronella grass are other plants known for telling mosquitoes to bug off.

The above ideas should help you control your garden's mosquito population at least on some level. Wearing repellent, long sleeves and long pants can also aid your own personal protection. If all else fails, and you find mosquitoes just won't go away, you can find relief by simply taking your hand and relying on your own version of the SWAT team.

Bug Off - Protecting Your Garden From Mosquitoes

Cats in the Garden

Cats and our gardens are generally a bad combination. Whether it's our own beloved feline crushing our prized perennials or a neighbour's cat improvising a litter box on our lawn, cats and gardens are a bad mix. However don't lose hope, cats are intelligent and can easily be conditioned to respect our gardens. This can be applied to whether we want to create a "cat zone" in our garden for our own feline, or if we want to keep the marauding mass of neighbourhood cats away.

Of course the best and most effective solution would be to keep our cats indoors and only allow them outdoor on a leash. The primary cause of early cat mortality and development of infectious disease is from their unsupervised outdoor wanderings. While we can insure that our own cats become "leash lovers", we cannot control the actions of others, thus we need to be aware of the variety of ways to keep cats from claiming our gardens.

Catnip Plants

While some prefer to "acquaint" unwelcome cats with a quick and unexpected squirt from their garden hose, this method can traumatize the poor animal and only works if you guard your property militantly for weeks until they have associated your property with "water attacks". A more subtle, yet effective method would be to plant Rue throughout your garden wherever your "guests" frequent. Cats find the strong odour of Rue to be extremely offensive. Other "odourifous" methods include: Scattering cayenne pepper after every rainfall in your garden, spreading crushed hot peppers, and pouring a mixture of grapefruit and lemon rind throughout the garden.

Another possible solution is to spray your property with predatory urine. Cats mark their personal territories through the process of spraying their "turf". Individuals can purchase "urine" sprays for their garden that in effect "mark" their lawn, signifying a dominant cat has already claimed the garden. You can even go so far as to order Coyote urine to mark your property (just don't tell the neighbours what you are spraying or they will think you are insane). Another possibility is the "Get off my Garden" crystals from Australia. These clear crystals ward off neighbouring cats through an intense odour (unnoticeable to humans). They actually become more effective after each rainfall. Finally, there are the American electronic-fright devices such as Scat Cat and Scarecrow. Both apply the same method of unexpected movement, flashing lights and surprise.

On the other hand, creating a "Cat Garden" within your existing garden can be both enjoyable for yourself and your beloved pet. By creating a "room of their own" in the garden, you not only increase their stimulation, but also deter them from approaching or damaging other areas of your garden.

Of course the plant to begin with is Nepeta Cataria, otherwise known as Catnip. This lush, beautiful plant with its scattering of pale blossoms will not only amuse your cat, it will be a beautiful addition to your garden. Just remember to put it into the mid or back section of your "Cat garden", as it will take a fair amount of abuse from your feline. Other plants to include in your cat's garden are: Catmint (Nepeta mussinii), an elegant hardy plant with attractive silver leaves that your cat will enjoy rolling in. Cat thyme (Teucrium marum) a member of the mint family, will provide hours of enjoyment with its subtle and intoxicating aroma. Silver Vine (Actinidia plygama), Valerian (Valeriana officianalis) and Cat grass, will all create a sense of ecstatic frenzy in your cat. Their intoxicating aromas and enjoyable texture will amuse your cat for hours. In addition, all of these plants are visually stunning and will help you to create a beautiful and dramatic design.

To truly create a Garden of Eden for your cat you will also need to have a secluded (hidden) area of litter for your cat, just remember to use the non-clumping formula.

Through a mixture of these methods our furry felines and we can live not only in harmony, but appreciate the wonders of nature together.

Cats in the Garden

Mosquitoes in Your Garden? Try Planting These

If you are a serious gardener, you spend lots of time outdoors. And, for sure, you would rather be tending your plants than swatting mosquitoes.

While there are many things you can do to keep mosquitoes away, there are some plants that will beautify your yard and help repel mosquitoes.

Catnip Plants

As one more way to keep mosquitoes away from you and your yard, try planting these attractive plants.

HORSEMINT

Horsemint has a scent similar to citronella. Horsemint grows wild in most of the Eastern United States, from Mexico, Texas up to Minnesota to Vermont. It is partial to sandy soils and will grow in USDA Zones 5-10. Native Americans used it as a treatment for colds and flu. It has natural fungicidal and bacterial retardant properties because it's essential oils are high in thymol.

ROSEMARY

This wonderful herb we use for seasoning is also a great, natural mosquito repellant. It has been used for centuries to keep pesky mosquitoes away. Rosemary is a native of the Mediterranean, so it likes hot, dry weather and well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-10, and must be grown as a pot plant in colder climates. If you happen to live in a part of the country where rosemary does not grow, you can get a good quality rosemary essential oil; mix 4 drops with ¼ cup olive oil. Store in a cool, dry place. When it comes to fresh plant oils as natural mosquito repellants, there is every reason to have the plant in your yard, if they will grow in your area. It is an inexpensive and attractive way to boost the appearance of the landscape and have natural mosquito repellants on hand as well.

MARIGOLDS

Organic gardeners have used marigolds as companion plants to keep aphids away. Mosquitoes don't like its scent any better (and some humans feel the same way). Marigolds are sun-loving annuals that come in a variety of shapes and sizes for almost any landscape. They are quite easy to grow from seed.

AGERATUM

This charming little bedding plant contains coumarin, and mosquitoes detest the smell. It is used in the perfume industry and is even in some commercial mosquito repellants. Don't rub ageratum on your skin, though. It has some other less desirable elements that you don't want to keep on your skin in quantity. Ageratums are annuals, and the come in a muted blue and white that compliments most other plantings.

MOSQUITO PLANTS

There are two types of plants that are called mosquito plants. One is a member of the geranium family that was genetically engineered to incorporate the properties of citronella. Citronella only grows in tropical places, but it is a well known repellant for mosquitoes. This plant was created to bring the repellant properties of citronella into a hardier plant. It will grow where any geranium will thrive. Many have questioned its usefulness as a mosquito repellant, but it is attractive enough to warrant planting for it's ornamental value.

The other kind of mosquito plant is agastache cana. Its common names include Texas hummingbird mint, bubblegum mint, giant hyssop, or giant hummingbird mint. As you might guess, hummingbirds are quite attracted to it.

It is a New Mexico native, also found in parts of Texas. It is, in fact, a member of the mint family and its leaves do have a pungent aroma when crushed. In its native habitat, it is perennial, and is usually hardy in USDA Zones 5a-9a. It blooms late summer to early fall, so it catches hummingbirds on their annual migration. The long, medium pink flowers reel in butterflies as well.

CATNIP

One of the most powerful mosquito repellant plants is ordinary catnip. Recent studies have shown that it is ten times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. It is a short lived perennial throughout most of the United States. It is easy to grow from seed, and quickly reseeds. Aside from its intoxicating effects on cats, the leaves make a very soothing tea.

With all of these plants, the leaves must be crushed to release the aroma. Otherwise mosquitoes can't smell them. And, with rosemary and catnip, you can simply crush a few leaves and rub on your skin and clothing to enhance the effect.

So, next time you are revising your plantings, consider using some of these attractive plants to do more than just enhance the landscape. You can have pretty ornamentals that also drive mosquitoes away.

Mosquitoes in Your Garden? Try Planting These

Make a Simple Medicinal Indoor Herb Garden

Make an indoor medicinal herb garden to have your own year-round supply of herbs, for medicines, food flavourings and lovely aromas. Incidentally, the aroma in herbs derives from oils in the cell of the plants. So, a herb garden is not that difficult to make, and gives great satisfaction to adults and children alike.

Begin by selecting a suitable container, as large as possible within your home. You can use different materials including plastics, but the most recommended are clay, wood or ceramic pots. You can use many containers placed around the house, preferably in areas near windows, all of them with a different kind of herb.

Catnip Plants

Around autumn/fall time is the best time to divide grown herbs such as mint, sage, chives, and parsley, placing some of them outdoors and one or two as part of your indoor herb garden, bringing plants indoors prior to the frost period. Please, remember that young perennials like bay, sage, rosemary, can be destroyed by a harsh, cold frost, so they are best grown in pots and brought inside in winter.

When growing herbs in dry climates, supplemental watering is necessary, but not in temperate parts of the world, because excess of water could harm the plants or promote worms. A good quality, compost, from your own garden or bought can be used. Herbs aren't fussy about their soil and very often grow like weeds in their native habitat. Plant seeds just under the surface of a warm soil and water well. Germination will happen in a few days. Several perennial herbs grow for more than one season, including parsley, thyme, marjoram, sage, mint, and chives. Annual herbs include coriander, oregano, basil and dill. So try when possible, to begin annual herbs from the seed and perennial herbs from fairly young plants, however, parsley is advised to be grown on from a good quality seed. If you are hoping to grow your herbs totally from seed, purchase it from online seed companies or at your local garden supply stores. This ensures the quality of the seed, thus improving your chances to grow all of them successfully.

Some gardeners advise to plant the herbs outdoors and let them 'grow on' for a while, then moving them indoors before a frost, re-potting them to other containers. Once your herbs start to grow, pick them, even if you are not going to use them on a daily basis for cooking, as gathering them regularly encourages them to flourish, and you can dry them to store for later use, all-year-round. Dried herbs can last for up to a year, keeping the most of their full flavour.

Some herbs require sun, moving them onto a window ledge where sunlight will fall on them is sufficient, some herbs may require darkened glass pots, to help protect them against deterioration.

So, outdoors or indoors, herbs thrive in temperate areas, flavouring foods with their leaves and seeds and their aroma filling the kitchen, or wherever you set up your indoor herb garden, with aromatic essences, eliminating household cooking or smoking/pet odours. But best of all, you have the satisfaction of having your own home-grown supply of medicinal herbs, that can be taken alongside your conventional medicines. Also, think about taking herbs for preventative medicine, rather than waiting for your body to get sick. Lots of cultures around the world think of herbs as foods and take them with every meal, to prevent sickness.

Make a Simple Medicinal Indoor Herb Garden