Been busy with life and doing some home spruce-ups around the house.
When it comes to gardening and other yard stuff as you guessed I pretty much want to do it as organically as possible- NO CHEMICALS!!
So the sprucing up we did was as chemical-free as we could be. First we don't put anything that is NOT organic on our lawn. Those chemicals are too scary!!!!
1. CUT the lawn, but leave it long. Longer grass shades the weeds and kills them.
Check out Organic Lawn care for the cheap and lazy for more tips on organic lawn care.
2. WEED- Get down on your hands and knees and pull out those weeds in you garden beds. We also pulled out some overgrown/dead bushes and uprooted a small oak tree that was growing on its own through a bush in front of a window- we transplanted it to a better location in the yard and we hope it takes. I think less is more, we were pretty overgrown in areas, but I preferred it more sparse than overgrown. For areas where grass and weeds are growing where you don't want anything growing try grabbing the large gallon bottles of vinegar from the grocery store. Pour the vinegar on the roots and in several days it will start to die. Only use in area like walkways, driveways, etc.
3. MULCH- this inhibits the weeds from growing and makes your soil better. We had 4 yards delivered from a local guy. If you need to weed a large section that you plan on mulching over try laying newspaper down first and then mulching over, the newspaper acts as a cheap weed barrier that with eventually deteriorate.
4. PLANT- we planted a few new bushes. If you don't have much $ to work on a spruce up I would spent it on perennials. If you get some great flowering bushes like hydrangeas you get the best bang for your buck. It will bloom and grow every year and you can budget to add some more perennials each year. Annuals have to be replaced each year so I would only bother with those when you have a well established garden.
5. FEED your plants and grass. Some inexpensive ways to feed your plants are using banana peels and used coffee grinds. Save those used coffee grinds and add to the soil around plants, this works really well for hydrangeas, roses and camellias. It also acts as a deterrent for slugs so sprinkle it around the base of plants they love. Save those banana peels and plant those at the bas of your plants, the potassium nourishes your plants.
6. WATER those plants and grass. If you have a sprinkler system, don't rely solely on it for your plants. You may need to water them additionally. Keep and eye on them on those hot summer days.
Shaklee's Basic H2 works great in the garden too. Here are some suggested uses:
Soil Preparation
For new vegetable or flower beds, and new lawn areas Mix 1/2 pint Basic H2 to 3 gallons water for an area of 1,000 sq. ft. (20 feet x 50 feet). Wet down with sprinkler or till in immediately. Using a hose applicator, set the dial to 7 Tablespoons to 1 gallon water.
Lawns
For growing lawns in the spring and fall, using a spray applicator, set the dial to 7 Tablespoons per gallon. If using an Ortho sprayer, fill the bottle with 1 Tablespoon Basic H2 and water, and spray evenly over the lawn. Repeat until the entire lawn is treated.
Transplanting
For transplanting flowers, vegetables, trees, shrubs Mix 1/2 oz. Basic H2 to 1 gallon water.
Plant Feeding
For house plants Mix 2 drops (a little less than 1/16 teaspoon) Basic H2 to 16 oz. water. Mix 2 drops (a little less than 1/16 teaspoon) Basic H2 to 1 quart water. Water plants every other week.Mist plants with a mixture of 1 drops Basic H2 to 16 oz. water.
The Gardener’s Friend
The Invisible Glove Rub Basic H2 full strength on your hands, and allow to dry. You can work without gloves, and when the task is done, rinse all the grime away under the spigot. Basic-H will coat your skin, and won’t come off until you add water.
HAPPY GARDENING!
Please follow directions carefully. When in doubt, less is best. User assumes all risk.
These recipes, tips, and uses have been compiled from the Field, and are not endorsed by Shaklee Corporation.
