Gardening inside the Greenhouse

By Ahmed Hajouj.


Most homes have a front lawn or a backyard with trees and grass. The person can easily make a few changes then it will be better than it was before.  A good hobby that some individuals have taken in the spare time is gardening and the same thing can be done if one decides to have a greenhouse.

The first thing that needs to be done is assess the area where the greenhouse will be. If there is not that much space in putting a free standing version, then perhaps attaching the greenhouse to the home is a good idea.

The first thing to be done is to measure the area. The greenhouse should have enough sunlight for the plants and shade when it gets too hot. This can be done by making some observations at different times of the day.

The home may be affected by the cold climate or the heat during the summer. Preparations need to be done to install and heater and a ventilation system which could to counter the threat and make the flowers grow in the greenhouse. 

The kind of heater to be used for a greenhouse can be powered by electricity since the area isn’t that big. Getting something like those that use oil or gas may only be needed if the structure is expanded.

Both systems will provide the gardener sufficient oxygen and carbon dioxide that is needed for the plant to grow. 

Another way of giving plants enough space to grow is the type of panels used for the greenhouse. Since plants need sunlight to grow, the type of material used for the windows and ceiling are important.

Traditionally, glass can do the job but some studies have shown that too much sunlight passes through and kills the plants. To avoid this, panels made of film, plastic or Plexiglas is much better.

The greenhouse should also use the ideal kind of flowers that will survive the climate. The person can ask the sales representative at the gardening store or look at the label posted on each plant before buying and bringing it home. 

When everything is ready, the person has two options. The first is draw the design then go to a supplier who can do that or go directly to the contractor to make a drawing then have it made.

If the person doesn’t have an idea where to start, one can look at how the other people who do this as a hobby in the neighborhood do it. The person can also visit the arboretum or look at gardening magazines just to get an idea what kind of greenhouse is best for the home. 

The soil in that part of the house should be prepared before construction is under way. Basically, this is just to enclose the area so it is alright if there are plants in the site already.  

The greenhouse can later be improved to not only have soil but have water at all times that will enhance the plants growth. This technique which is done by farmers to increase crop production is called hydroponics farming. 

When the gardener, has enough money, soil can be changed to water channels that release water mixed with nutrients to the plants. There are various ways to do this and doing some research on the way this can be implanted will get the gardener moving on the right track. 

Another thing needed to properly work in the greenhouse is having the right equipment. This can easily be purchased at the local gardening store and these should be stored properly when not in use.

It will be a good idea to have this locked to prevent children from playing with it and accidents from happening. 

Gardening doesn’t always have to be done by a professional. The person can do in a creative way to make the house stand out. By doing some research first before having it installed, the place will really look great when construction has been completed. 

By knowing the proper techniques in maintaining the greenhouse and planting the right flowers, this place will be another room that will really make the individual feel at home.

How Greenhouse Climates Work in the Growth of Plants

By Ahmed Hajouj.


There are geothermal heated greenhouses that support a plant’s life process in changing climate conditions. These heated greenhouses consume a large amount of heat energy when it comes to gardening and agriculture. However, it should be satisfying to most gardeners because of the good results they provide to the growth and development of a plant.

Most of these energy needs and geothermal conditioning are basically structured according to the environmental and ecological orientation of most greenhouses. The energy needs are adjusting based on the certain climate changes that may occur from the different seasons of the year. They are built with light materials that have minimal insulating features to create a stable climate inside the greenhouse. 

The external climate brings a different approach to an internal climate system in a greenhouse. The necessity to have a greenhouse may occur during colder seasons where there is limited sunlight. The main purpose of having an internal climate system is to optimize the needed factors for plant growth. The internal climate factor that will be obtained is the photosynthesis process involved in environment and plant reactions. 

Photosynthesis is the reaction process between the plants and the sun’s solar radiation. This means that carbon dioxide is supplied by sunlight to create a life process for the plants. There is a certain amount of climate heat that is calculated to designate the needed supply for lighting and heating. The greenhouse climate is essential in calculating the needed heat and coldness to the demand of the greenhouse. 

The existence of heating and humidifying systems can adjust to the conditions of any external climate changes. Some processes that take part to the continuous energy balance maintained in any greenhouse is the water transport through the soil, plant canopy, and air. The formation of chlorophyll affects the entire internal climate. This happens because of the effect of heat transfer, solar light, oxygen and carbon dioxide cycle. 

Here are some factors in valuing each aspect of parameters that is important to the climate condition and character of the internal climate. 

1.  The air movement in the greenhouse may influence the needed heat transfer on the air composition to the plant canopy. It also involves the process of water transfer to the plant canopy. This process will sustain the energy balance needed by the plants to continue a healthier life process in the greenhouse. 

2.  The heating installation is essential for the proper distribution of temperature inside the greenhouse. It also allows a controlled air movement to maintain the humidity and moisture in air characteristics that is affected by the external climate changes. 

3.  The water transport in the greenhouse also plays a big role in sustaining the photosynthetic process in the environment the plants. The roots have aspects pertaining to cultivation base that offers a needed amount of water, which is also needed in humidity and greenhouse temperature. 

4.  The air temperature affects the whole energy state inside the greenhouse. It is the connective heat supplied in the different aspects of the environment. The characteristic of the air movement in the greenhouse influences the leaves and stems of each plant. 

5.  The light factor is very essential in producing photosynthesis reaction to the plant’s canopy and to the formation of carbon dioxide that serves a big role in the respiration of the plants. Its necessity takes significance on the plants’ development and life process inside the greenhouse. Solar radiation provides instant intensity of light spectrum to supply the needed warmth and heat energy during colder seasons. 

6.  The soil or ground base temperature affects the condition of the climate inside the greenhouse as well. The significant parameter involves the transfer of heat energy directly to the ground structure, which includes the roots and the water flow system that partakes in the plants’ growth.

7.  The carbon dioxide concentration also takes part in the life process inside the greenhouse. The normal average of carbon dioxide concentration in the external air atmosphere is 0.03%. This is important to maintain a balanced temperature and humidity density in a greenhouse. 

It is important for a greenhouse to have installed systems to create an environment that will provide continuous life process for plants in changing climate conditions. A well-planned greenhouse climate should assure a person of having proper distribution of light, temperature, water, carbon dioxide, and other essential factors needed for every plant to grow.

Bonsai Care

By Ahmed Hajouj.


What are the basics of effective Bonsai care. 

Caring for your Bonsai tree involves many of the same activities associated with caring for a pot plant or an indoor plant. Well developed and healthy fibrous roots are essential for the continued good health of your Bonsai tree and repotting is an essential way to manage this process. Normally a young or fast growing Bonsai will need to be repotted roughly once a year; for less prolific growers or older trees it can be done as infrequently as once every five years. You should always try to repot during late winter or early spring when the buds start to swell. 

How to repot a Bonsai tree. 

The process of repotting a Bonsai tree is one that you should take seriously and follow these simple instructions: 

First, you should tidy the tree by carefully pruning off any unwanted, long branches. Also, make sure the tree has been under cover for a few weeks if it is an outdoor Bonsai, this way the soil will be relatively dry. Once you remove the tree from it’s pot you will be able to see whether it really needs repotting. If it is root bound then you should repot it, however, if there are another few inches of room so the roots can grow a little longer then you can carefully replace the tree in it’s original pot and continue as normal. 

You should remove surface soil from the roots either by hand or using a nylon scrubbing brush. Brush away from the trunk and be careful not to damage any of the roots. Removing the loose soil will give the Bonsai tree a healthier look and feel. Once you’ve removed most of the soil in this way, you can use a small, fine bristled paintbrush to remove the soil stuck in the roots or that has collected in the roots. 

Use a Bonsai fork to comb out the roots. Do this by combing out the roots from underneath and then use scissors to prune up to a third of the roots and then cut out small wedges around the root base to allow fresh soil to collect and keep your Bonsai healthy. Add a layer of grit to the bottom of the pot and then add the Bonsai compst of your choice. 

Take the time to position your Bonsai tree in the pot and then push a little more soil into awkward places. Complete this as often as you need to as mentioned above.

Create Lasting Color In Your Garden

By Ahmed Hajouj.


Designing a beautiful flower garden is a lot like conducting a symphony. You mix and match plants just like the notes of a great concerto. There are moments of drama and impact followed by ones of subtle beauty and texture. Strong notes contrast with soft ones. Individual notes seem stark by themselves, but when they come together, they create beauty much greater than any of the parts.

“It really doesn’t take a maestro to create lasting color in your garden,” says Bayer Advanced™ garden expert Lance Walheim, who wrote the best-selling book “Roses for Dummies.” “But there are some tips to make sure your garden looks great throughout the growing season”: 

1. Establish a color theme and stick to it. This will bring order to what often seems like a chaotic mix of bright colors. Try different flowers in shades of one color or blend complementary colors such as red and violet. For an even stronger impact, mix contrasting colors like yellow and blue or yellow and red. Take clues from the color of your home or hardscape. 

2. Use all kinds of plants. Nurseries and garden centers are full of flowering annuals and perennials, but don’t overlook flowering shrubs and small trees. Landscape roses in particular can form the blooming backbone of your garden. And don’t forget bulbs like tulips and daffodils. Expand the possibilities.

3. Work the seasons. It’s easy to plan a spring garden. The bigger challenge is to have great color throughout the growing season. Look for summer- and fall-blooming plants, but don’t overlook trees and shrubs with great fall foliage color or brightly colored fruit. 

4. Use a touch of white. White flowers make everything else look better, so add a few if you need an extra punch.

5. Throw in some bold foliage. Strong foliage plants, like purple fountain grass, variegated English ivy or dusty miller, contribute texture and make your garden even more striking.

6. Let your garden evolve. Great gardens don’t happen overnight. If a particular plant isn’t working, take it out and try something new.

After you’ve done all the work planting and landscaping your new color-themed garden, make sure it stays healthy throughout the growing season. Bayer Advanced™ All-in-One Rose & Flower Care contains an insecticide, fertilizer and fungicide that protect and feed your plants for up to six weeks. And there is no spraying; just mix and pour from a watering can around the base of the plant. It’s a great insurance policy for your living work of art.

Marjoram The Herb Of Happiness

By Ahmed Hajouj.


Called the “herb of happiness,” Origanum majorana, commonly known as sweet marjoram or knotted marjoram, is an herbal symbol of peace and well-being. Marjoram is grown as an annual in the colder parts of the world but is perennial in warmer regions. To keep it growing as a perennial, bring it indoors for the winter. Marjoram may be grown as a houseplant and as it has a tendency to trail when grown indoors, it makes a nice hanging basket. Marjoram has small, grey-green, oval-shaped leaves that are velvety to the touch. Tiny white or pink flowers, reddish stems, and the grey-green colour of the leaves make marjoram an attractive border plant. 

Marjoram grows 10 – 24 inches (25 – 60 cm) tall. Cultivation requirements: does best in full sun (will tolerate slight shade); well-drained soil; no fertiliser; water soil sparingly but do not let dry out; pinch back the tips or harvest sprigs to use in cooking to keep it bushy and productive. 

Marjoram is easily grown from seed or cuttings. For spring planting, start seed indoors 6 – 8 weeks before your last frost date. Keep the soil moist during germination. After germination, move the seedlings into a sunny position, and transplant into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. If you are bringing marjoram plants in-doors for over-wintering, pot up in fresh potting soil. Check for critters and if your plants are infected, spray with a soap and water spray.

Marjoram requires at least 5 hours of sunlight a day. If you are growing marjoram on a windowsill, turn frequently to ensure all sides receive light. Marjoram can be grown under fluorescent lights. Hang the lights 6 inches (15 cm) from the plants and leave on for 14 hours a day.

In the garden, marjoram entices bees and butterflies for maximum nectar production and pollination. It is a good companion plant for all vegetables especially beets, eggplant, pumpkin, onions, and zucchini as it aids in their growth and fights off insects. Grow marjoram in pots in the garden as well as in the soil. In the kitchen, use in tomato dishes, onions, dairy, eggs, potato salad, soups, mushrooms, brussel sprouts, oil dressings for salads, carrots, and cauliflower. Fresh leaves and young shoots can be added to salads. It is a major ingredient, usually dried, in sausages, poultry seasonings, Italian recipes, or stuffings. Sprinkle fresh or dried marjoram on pizza. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh leaves on meat or fish before roasting, grilling, or baking. A tea can be made with marjoram to treat colds, headaches, and stomach upsets. Add 3 teaspoons (15 mL) fresh marjoram to 1 cup (250 mL) boiling water. Let steep, then drink slowly. Use marjoram sparingly as it is deceptively potent. Add during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Marjoram will keep several days in the refrigerator. The leaves can be harvested as soon as the plant starts blooming. The leaves dry easily and can also be frozen. Many cooks prefer marjoram rather than oregano (closely related), as marjoram is much less pungent. To make potpourri, dry leaves whole and then crush to release the scent.

Keeping The Weeds Out A Must

By Ahmed Hajouj.


One of the evils naturally attending any landscape endeavor is the fact that weeds need to be taken care of. There are plenty of ways to keep the weeds out, but chances are that at some point you are going to have to do some weeding. Even the best herbicides and the best-laid plastic liners are not full proof. Inevitably it will be necessary to pull weeds by hands. But by making sure that you remove the offending plants, you will have a better-looking landscape over all, and can maintain a well-groomed yard.

The proper way to weed by hand involves getting close to the weeds. This means getting down on your hands and knees and using your hands or maybe a small handheld tool to remove the weeds. Getting close to the weeds allows you to attack each individually while causing very little, if any, harm to your more desirable plants. Additionally, while you are down there, you might as well look at your plants to ensure that they are in good health. Weeding can serve two purposes: getting rid of interlopers and allowing you to be aware of problems to your own plants before it is too late.

You should pull even the smallest of the weeds. It is easier to pull them when they are small. Their roots are less developed, and they have less chance to wreak havoc on your own plants. After all, a weed takes moisture and nutrients that are intended for you plant and then hogs them for itself. If you get the weed when it is small, then it does not have ample time to weaken your plants. It is best to the pull the entire weed out, including roots. Merely snipping them at the base leaves the main problem still in the ground. You can us a small trowel to help you get under the weed. It also helps to water your garden a few hours before hand to help the soil give a little.

Pulling weeds early in the day will help you, as it is cooler and you can start the day off with some invigorating exercise. You should weed regularly, once or twice a week. You could weed every day, but many people do not have time for that. But by setting a regular weeding schedule, you can make it part of your weekly routine and make sure that small weeds do not grow into large, ugly monsters. Dead weeds can be added to the compost heap, as they do not decompose into more weeds. They merely break down into helpful organic material.

Another thing that can help keep weeds down is mulch. Mulch keeps weeds out and it retains moisture in your garden. It is possible to use plastic mulch, and this will almost entirely keep all weeds out. However, it will not return nutrients to your soil, nor is it environmentally friendly. Organic mulch, created from the compost pile, can keep weeds down as long as it is applied thickly. Any weeds that do happen to poke through the mulch are very easy to pull. Paper can be used in mulch, as long as you let it sit in the compost pile with everything else, and it adds extra weed protection. Organic mulch is environmentally friendly, and it acts as a natural fertilizer. Effective composting practices can save you a great deal of money in your landscaping efforts.

Of course, it is possible to use weed killers and herbicides to get rid of weeds in your landscape, or to keep them out. They make use of chemicals and are often the fastest way to get rid of weeds. They are very effective: often the most effective ways to get rid of weeds. Additionally, they require very little effort to apply. It is important, however, to be careful. The chemicals are harmful and if improperly applied can damage your plants. They can also cause you trouble. Be sure that all weed killers and herbicides you use are legal and approved by the government. And read the labels to ensure that you apply them properly and that you utilize proper protection to yourself, as some of the chemicals are harmful if you breathe them in or if they come in contact with your skin.

Adding Beauty To Your Garden With An Arbor

By Ahmed Hajouj.


Garden arbors are set up as shaded places in home gardens or public parks where one can relax and rest. These open frameworks are typically made of latticework or rustic work, functioning also as a trellis for climbing or creeping plants. Arbors can also be constructed for decks or patios. Today’s garden arbors were not the first attempt to enhance the beauty of gardens. In the 400s B.C. and A.D. 400′s, elaborate courtyards were a hallmark of many Roman homes. Landscape architecture was also given a premium in Japanese gardens (A.D. 500′s) and Persian gardens (A.D.200′s-600′s). Beauty was also a priority for civic plazas and hillside estates for Italians in the 1400′s-1500′s. City gardens and majestic palaces were the highlight of France during the 1600′s and 1700′s, while country estates with a natural look were the main theme followed by English designers in the 1800′s.

1. Landscape Architecture

For a good number of these early country estates and gardens, designers were known as landscape gardeners. An American – Frederick Law Olmsted – was the first to use ‘landscape architect’. He indicated this title when he approved design plans for Manhattan’s Central Park in New York City with Calvert Vaux as his partner in the 1850′s. Landsape architecture is not limited to major projects. Some homeowners tap the services of professionals to add beauty to their gardens. However, others now feel confident in do-it-yourself projects as a cost-effective alternative to make their gardens beautiful.

2. Use Quality Materials

Creating a small garden arbor is an easy task, with costs becoming significantly less if the homeowner is patient enough to shop around and compare prices, particularly for pressure-treated lumber. Other items that may vary slightly across discount stores in price terms are deck screws, scrap lumber, crushed stone or gravel, washers, bolts and nuts. The same principles apply to building larger arbors, although some ideas and items would tend to increase in scale. As an example, using two posts for a small arbor may mean using four posts for a large one, as a bigger arbor would need greater support for strength and stability, and also to enhance alignment.

3. Designing a Garden Arbor: Some Do-It-Yourself Fundamentals

- To stabilize the arbor, the homeowner should have the main posts of the structure sunk into concrete poured into holes below the garden’s ground level.

- The carpenter’s level is used to determine if the posts stand at equal heights. The tool is also used to establish plumbness, or if the posts are vertically ‘level.’

- Wooden crosspieces in varying measurements can be attached perpendicular to the posts for further support.

- Since some rejects still make their way to lumber stores, one should be patient enough to sort through many boards until a good quality board is found.

- Buyers should remember that conventional measurements are not exact: a 4 by 4 may actually measure 3.5 by 3.5, while 2 by 4 may measure 1.5 by 3.5.

- The same consideration for post height must also be given, as part of the arbor posts will be underground. Galvanized post anchors is one option homeowners have if they intends to make use of the post’s full height – or have all posts above ground level – for their garden.

4. Tools For Do-It-Yourself Projects

These will actually cost a lot more if one does not have the necessary tools at home for building garden arbors. 

- Circular saw or handsaw

- Stepladder

- Wheelbarrow

- Hammer

- Wrench

- Spade bit

- Garden hose

- Carpenter’s level

- Shovel

- Drill

- File

- Wood chisel

5. Building Tips

- Arbor boards can already be pre-drilled and pre-cut as a time-saving step.

- The wooden crosspieces can be designed at the ends. Patterns can be drawn using a pencil and later cut using a jigsaw.