Here are some quick tips and best buys for some cheap gardening tools which will be important tools in your garden. A trowel is needed in your gardening tools set as you will need it, especially for planting and weeding. It comes in handy when you need to mix some fertilizer or other additives into the soil.
A pruner is another important tool to have in your tools set since you would need to maintain your crops and plants by occasionally pruning them. This process involves the trimming of parts of the plants such as branches, roots or buds to help the plant grow. Always be careful when using such tools and keep them out of reach of children!
A pick-up tool is also vital if you intend or have trees in your garden. This will make it easier to pick up those fruits which are in an unreachable place and will make life easier for you in your garden!
Abutilon
The Abutilon or Flowering maple has lovely maple-like leaves and drooping bell-shaped flowers that resemble hollyhocks. The flowers are white, yellow, salmon and red. It can grow to a vigorous 180 cm (6ft) even in a 7-inch pot. The Abutilon is happiest in light airy spots with at least 3 hours of full sun every day. The average home temperature is fine but keep it in a moist environment. In winter it must be kept cool.
The large soft leaves lose moisture fast so keep the soil evenly moist at all times. Never let the plant stand in water. Since the Abutilon has a long flowering season it requires a regular feed every two weeks.
Soft, juicy growth attracts aphids and red spider mites so check the undersides of leaves regularly. Control with an insecticide.
Since this plant does need frequent pruning, new plants can be grown from the cuttings. Take care not to let the plant become straggly. Pinch out the growing tips so that the plant will become bushier and produce more flowers.
Birdscaping
Birdscaping involves every aspect of the enjoyment of wild birds in your backyard. Bird habitat, housing, feeding and bathing is all here. And the most important part: Bird watching is also included. For one of the better bird websites on the net check out Bird House Specials.
There are 3 main aspects to birdscaping in your yard or garden. They are:
Plant seed-producing foliage for year-round bloom. No matter what plant zone you live in or what time of year it is, there is foliage beneficial to wild birds.
Provide a multitude of nesting and hiding spots. Evergreens are ideal; they offer year-round protection. They’re also available in varieties for virtually every growing condition and space allowance. Offer a mix of deciduous trees, too, especially fruit, sap, or nut-producers like crab apple, sugar maple, and mountain ash.
Vines like grapes and trumpets attract hummingbirds, while shrubs and tall grasses lure ground nesters. Set up man-made birdhouses for the nesting needs of purple martins, wrens, nuthatches, bluebirds, and more. Our Bluebird House and Wren House are excellent options, with quality construction throughout.
Supply clean, moving water. A birdbath with a re-circulating pump may be all it takes to get a visiting bird to stop. Birds will not likely stop at unclean water sources, however, so clean frequently and change water daily in baths.