Top Manual Guide

Wildflower Meadow Gardening

Selecting the Appropriate Meadow Species A successful wildflower meadow is a complex, interactive plant community, not just a collection of individuals. Choose a mixture of native species that, over a period of time, will naturally sort themselves out; the species best adapted to the site will be the ones that thrive after the first few years. [...]

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Wildflower Meadow Gardening

Gardening for Butterflies

Gardening for Butterflies Because butterflies are attracted to flowers, it is easy to plant a garden that both you and they can enjoy. Some of the species you may attract are listed in the table at right. A butterfly-friendly garden contains both adult nectar plants and caterpillar host plants. A few common vegetables also serve as [...]

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Gardening for Butterflies

The Fall Vegetable Garden

Fall is an excellent time to grow many vegetable crops. During this season the gardener can take advantage of cooler temperatures and more plentiful moisture. Many spring-planted crops such as lettuce and spinach tend to bolt, or produce seed, and become bitter in response to the long, hot summer days. Fall gardening helps extend your [...]

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The Fall Vegetable Garden

Small Plot Vegetable Gardening

This publication provides recommendations and techniques for growing quality vegetables in a limited space. Site Selection and PreparationChoose a site that receives at least six hours of sun each day. Vegetables grown in shady locations are usually less productive and of poor quality. PlanningPlan your garden on paper before planting. Determine the amount of space you have [...]

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Small Plot Vegetable Gardening

Organic Vegetable Gardening

ORGANIC MATTER A major basis for organic gardening is the use of abundant quantities of organic material applied to the soil. Usually, it is in the form of animal manures, plant manures, cover crops, compost, or mixed organic fertilizer. Benefits of Adding Organic Matter Improves tilth, condition, and structure of soil. Improves ability of soil to hold water. Improves [...]

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Organic Vegetable Gardening

Intensive Vegetable Gardening

Interplanting Planting two or more different crops in the same row or bed without overcrowding is called interplanting. For example, mature pepper plants need a 12-inch spacing. After a pepper transplant is set into the garden, there will be space between plants that won’t be needed until the pepper plant matures. This leaves room between the [...]

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Intensive Vegetable Gardening