Showing posts with label organic gardening. Show all posts
Showing posts with label organic gardening. Show all posts
Jan 13, 2015
Even gardening enthusiasts can fall into the trap of common gardening myths, which can make even the most well-intentioned gardening efforts counterproductive. Don Engebretson, The Renegade Gardener™, is a popular speaker and nationally recognized authority on gardening and landscape design. Don shares his top 3 gardening myths below.
1. Shredded Wood Mulch Attracts Termites & Carpenter Ants - Myth.
Carpenter ants don’t eat wood, a simple fact that surprises many (do carpenters eat wood?). Carpenter ants can bore through solid wood, however, and do so for the sole purpose of building a nest. They will nest in live and dead trees and fresh or rotting logs and stumps. And since a telephone pole, fence or porch post or the wood frame of your house look and act a lot like dead trees to them, they will sometimes build their nests in these man-made structures.
2. Weed Barrier Fabric Is Good To Install Because You Won't Have Any Weeds - Myth.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Few products foisted on homeowners by landscapers and the gardening industry are as worthless as weed barrier fabric. The barrier can mask the weeds growing underneath, but eventually, the weeds make their way through.
3. Organic Gardening Products Are Good Because You Aren't Using Harmful Chemicals - Myth.
Just because you are using an organic gardening product doesn’t mean you aren’t using chemicals. It may just be an organic chemical rather than a synthetic one. "Organic" means the chemical is derived from the earth, its deposits or its plants. "Synthetic" means the chemical is made by someone in a lab coat. Either way, the product is still a chemical used to kills bugs. However, Don believes organic fertilizers are superior and uses them exclusively on his plants because they are gentler on the soil and plant root systems. Using organic fertilizers also means you are adding organic matter to the soil.
The Renegade Gardener™ will be appearing live at the Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show, January 16-18 at the Oklahoma State Fair Park. Homeowners can learn the latest trends, innovative ides, and expert remodeling and gardening tips. Don's presentations include "Common Gardening Myths - and the Mayhem they Cause" and "Top 10 Gardening Blunders - and How to Avoid Them". Don't have tickets to the show yet? Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets as part of our Facebook Ticket Deals. Treat a friend to the show - we can't wait to see you there!
JANUARY 16- 18, 2015
1. Shredded Wood Mulch Attracts Termites & Carpenter Ants - Myth.
Carpenter ants don’t eat wood, a simple fact that surprises many (do carpenters eat wood?). Carpenter ants can bore through solid wood, however, and do so for the sole purpose of building a nest. They will nest in live and dead trees and fresh or rotting logs and stumps. And since a telephone pole, fence or porch post or the wood frame of your house look and act a lot like dead trees to them, they will sometimes build their nests in these man-made structures.
2. Weed Barrier Fabric Is Good To Install Because You Won't Have Any Weeds - Myth.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Few products foisted on homeowners by landscapers and the gardening industry are as worthless as weed barrier fabric. The barrier can mask the weeds growing underneath, but eventually, the weeds make their way through.
3. Organic Gardening Products Are Good Because You Aren't Using Harmful Chemicals - Myth.
Just because you are using an organic gardening product doesn’t mean you aren’t using chemicals. It may just be an organic chemical rather than a synthetic one. "Organic" means the chemical is derived from the earth, its deposits or its plants. "Synthetic" means the chemical is made by someone in a lab coat. Either way, the product is still a chemical used to kills bugs. However, Don believes organic fertilizers are superior and uses them exclusively on his plants because they are gentler on the soil and plant root systems. Using organic fertilizers also means you are adding organic matter to the soil.
The Renegade Gardener™ will be appearing live at the Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show, January 16-18 at the Oklahoma State Fair Park. Homeowners can learn the latest trends, innovative ides, and expert remodeling and gardening tips. Don's presentations include "Common Gardening Myths - and the Mayhem they Cause" and "Top 10 Gardening Blunders - and How to Avoid Them". Don't have tickets to the show yet? Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets as part of our Facebook Ticket Deals. Treat a friend to the show - we can't wait to see you there!
JANUARY 16- 18, 2015
OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR PARK
Jan 24, 2014
Gardening doesn't have to be a chore — in fact, planting and caring for flowers, vegetables, fruits and trees can be incredibly fun and rewarding. Dennis Patton, horticulture agent at Kansas State University Research and Extension feels that gardening should be both enjoyable and entertaining. Named by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents as one of the top columnists in the nation for 2010-11 and a regular contributor to KC Gardener Magazine, Patton enjoys sharing expert tips, no-nonsense advice and glints of humor with the world.
You'll be able to hear him speak about picking and maintaining the right trees and visit his booth at the Johnson County Home & Garden Show on Feb. 28 - March 2, 2014 at the Overland Park Convention Center, but first, check out some of the nuggets of gardening wisdom he shared with us below.
Why should someone stop by and see you at the show?
Our booth, Johnson County K-State Extension Master Gardeners is a fun booth that does not sell a product. Instead, it promotes the joy of gardening. This year's booth will feature herbs. We are hoping to have many fresh herbs on display which can be grown in the home landscape and then used in cooking and other uses.
What is the most important trend this year and for spring?
Color, adding more color to the landscape and decorative containers that are easy to care for all year.
If someone wanted to make one change to their home or garden this year, what should it be?
Concentrate more on the fun, enjoyment and benefits of planting and growing, not the concept of hard work.
When planning a new garden space, what is the most important first step?
Determine your wants. What do you want from the space? Go there. Don't concentrate on plants, but your lifestyle and how to make the space work for you.
Name 5 major DIY organic gardening tips that anyone could take advantage of right now.
1. Right plant, right place. Healthy plants have fewer problems.
2. Grow good roots and the top takes care of itself.
3. Keep weeds at bay.
4. Properly space plants for good air circulation.
5. Do not worry about the bugs, as most are beneficial and tolerate a little damage. Share.
In your opinion, what are the most essential gardening tools?
A garden trowel, kitchen knife and pruning shears.
Describe our Home Show in one word.
Dreamland!
 |
| Photo: Kansas State University |
Why should someone stop by and see you at the show?
Our booth, Johnson County K-State Extension Master Gardeners is a fun booth that does not sell a product. Instead, it promotes the joy of gardening. This year's booth will feature herbs. We are hoping to have many fresh herbs on display which can be grown in the home landscape and then used in cooking and other uses.
What is the most important trend this year and for spring?
Color, adding more color to the landscape and decorative containers that are easy to care for all year.
 |
| Photo: Kansas State University |
Concentrate more on the fun, enjoyment and benefits of planting and growing, not the concept of hard work.
When planning a new garden space, what is the most important first step?
Determine your wants. What do you want from the space? Go there. Don't concentrate on plants, but your lifestyle and how to make the space work for you.
Name 5 major DIY organic gardening tips that anyone could take advantage of right now.
1. Right plant, right place. Healthy plants have fewer problems.
2. Grow good roots and the top takes care of itself.
3. Keep weeds at bay.
4. Properly space plants for good air circulation.
5. Do not worry about the bugs, as most are beneficial and tolerate a little damage. Share.
In your opinion, what are the most essential gardening tools?
A garden trowel, kitchen knife and pruning shears.
Describe our Home Show in one word.
Dreamland!
Don’t miss Dennis Patton at our
Johnson County Home & Garden Show (Feb. 28 - March 2)!
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