Posts Tagged ‘plants’
How To Grow Fine Asters
The Aster is a well-established favorite in all flower gardens. It Was highly esteemed in the old-fashioned garden under the name of Queen Marguerites. The botanical name of the original single-flowered Aster is Callistephus Chinensis which was introduced from China in 1731.
Comparatively few are fully aware to what degree this beautiful flower has been developed during recent years. We know of cases where gardeners have been deceived by well-known flowers and have mistaken them for fine Chrysanthemums. The resemblance has been the more striking on those like the Comet and Crego types with their fine feathery petals, and the late branching type with their very large flowers on long, stiff sterns. The improvement made in the fine dwarf strains used for bedding or pot plants is equally marked.
Asters suceed best in the cool temperatures of the northern states but with proper attention to the season of planting, equally fine flowers can be had in almost every section of the country and especially in the Middle West.
By sowing seed of the very early varieties under glass in March, carefully transplanting the seedlings when large enough to handle, gradually hardening them off and setting the plants in the open when all danger of frost is past, one is rewarded with lovely flowers toward the middle and last of July. Naturally the fine flowers raised by this method-creates a desire for a longer period of bloom. We have learned that by making a second sowing during early May, the plants grow well during the summer months. If properly cultivated (and watered during dry periods) the plants will commence flowering early in September and furnish us fine blooms until the plants are cut down by the heavy frosts late in the autumn. I find that a mulch of grass clippings around the plants in the hot, dry weather will not only help to pre_ serve .the moisture in the soil but will greatly assist the fine growth of the plants by keeping the soil cool during the heat of mid-day.
There are many lovely varieties to choose from with many lovely colors and are wilt-resistant.
Cultivation has much to do with success in growing Asters as with other plants. A good rich soil is essential with some fertilizing but mainly, constant cultivation. This not only keeps the bed free from weeds but keeps the soil always loose and fine and prevents it from becoming baked and hard. Water should be applied at the roots instead of spraying it on the plants if the weather becomes hot and dry. Should a wilty or yellowish plant develop, pluck it out at once and burn. Spray the soil with some good insecticide to destroy any insects or disease that might be lingering there. Insects often cause trouble in Aster plantings but fortunately I have had very little trouble. Grasshoppers have been most bothersome with me but if one is on the alert, they can ’soon be’ encouraged to move on. I have found that by spraying a time or two with neem oil - a natural pesticide - will help do away with roots aphids, tarnish beetles, etc.
Eight inches is a good distance to set the plants apart each way. This gives room for cultivation and for branching of the plants. To make the plants branch, pinch out the tops when they are about two and a half or three inches high, and again when more branches are formed.
Plant questions your monther could not answer and more can be found at plant-care.com
Tags: art, car, disease, fashion, flowers, garden, improvement, pet, plan, plants
Kitty Scratching Posts
Felines like a really good scratch. And also, the more expensive the cloth they are scratching, the more they love to scratch it. That is why it pays to provide your kitty cat scratching posts upon which it can fulfill its need to scratch.
A cat scratching post is an low-priced bit of custom made cats furniture, reasonably attractive, enjoyable preference for scratching. A cat scratching post can be purchased, or you can build it yourself. The right cat scratching post apart form permitting your kitten hours of pleasure, will make life much easier for your home furniture, drapes and indoor potted plants as well.
Cats may start using a cat scratching post for quite a few motives. The chief reason is to help shed the outer cellular layers of their nails. Another reason, is to place an identifying tag on new territory, not simply visually, but, using the tiny scent glands on the underside of their paws. It’s an inherent characteristic that kittens and cats do not lose. It’s advantageous for them, and with the proper cat scratching post, it will be beneficial for you, too.
Certain Features to Think about.
When constructing, or buying a cat scratching post, consider the size and design of the post, matching them to the size of your cat. A very small cat scratching post won’t allow for your kitty to stretch to its entire length. That is essential for exercising the pussycat’s fore limbs and backbone. Whereas, a cat scratching post that is about 5 feet high and purple, would definitely take up space, and might not be the most elegant article of furniture in the room.
A cat scratching post should be covered with hard fabric, like sisal. While you cover up a cat scratching post with carpet, take into account that the kitten is being told that it is OK to scratch carpet on the cat scratching post, it will definitely decide that it is perfectly all right to scratch the carpet that is on the floor.
A number of kittens and cats could get on top of the cat scratching post, and scratch by reaching down from that position. Ensure that the cat scratching post you decide on is firm, and will support such use.
A number of cats will be able to use one cat scratching post, nevertheless you may perhaps want to consider multiple posts. Remember, that the more appropriate spots you give your kitties to scratch, the less they will scratch your costly furnishings.
Keep away from any cat scratching post that has lose and hanging things that can be torn off and ingested. Examine your cat scratching post for any loose or torn covering material, and remove it.
The Ideal Cat Scratching Furniture.
The appropriate cat scratching post is one that is the perfect size for your feline friend, is secured against tipping, and is covered in rough fabric, such as sisal, that that is quite durable, and will not wear and tear easily. It’s easy to set up, transport, and store.
Tags: art, car, cat, furniture, pet, plan, plants, purchase
Some Treatment for Allergies
Over 10 million Americans suffer from allergies to pollen alone, which equals out to approximately one in every five people. Suffers of allergies have a disorder of their immune system and that is what causes the symptoms. There are many people that are super sensitive to dust, pollen, nuts, and bees these are allergies that could be life threatening if it turn into an anaphylactic reaction and not treated right away.
In hot dry climates it has been found that there are more allergens floating around in the air, rather then humid and cooler climates, which is not to be confused with nasal steroids by anyone. Another time when there are a lot of allergens in the air is in the spring and early summer this is because plants and trees are budding helping pollen to be thrown into the air.
Antihistamines, decongestants, and also nasal spray are medical treatments that help ward off some of the uncomfortableness of allergies. But any expert in the allergy field will say that the best way to treat the allergy is to stay away form it. In your house it would be a good idea to use an air cleaner with a HEPA filter, unlike nasal steroids. Filters that are HEPA eliminate just about all dust, and pollen out of the air. If you happen to be allergic to smoke, look into an activated carbon filter, they work awesome.
Allergies can cause many different symptoms and they do effect lifestyles, ask anybody you know with an allergy. New products are now available to aid on allergy problems. In the United States there are an increasing amount of people that have allergies, when people get tested over fifty percent have at least one allergen, and occassionally allergies as well. So with this said if you are a suffer to seem that you will at least be able to find somebody that is ready to talk about the problem you both suffer from.
Disclaimer: As with any kind of health-related information, you should always consult your own personal doctor or physician before following any kind of medical advice.