When houseplants and indoor garden crops begin to look unhealthy, it can be very frustrating...especially if you really enjoy gardening and have lots of time invested. Luckily, the cause of every single problem in a garden can be traced to one of just ten sources.
With gardening, there are only so many things that have an effect on plant growth. In other words, there are only so many things that can go wrong. Together, these things are known as growth influencing factors. Having a thorough understanding of each growth factor in your garden gives you the ability to identify and correct less than perfect conditions in your garden area before they become a problem.
In order to get the greatest benefit from this information, you need to understand your indoor garden will only be as successful as the least perfect factor allows it to be. It only takes one factor to be out of the acceptable range to cause a problem. Knowing the ideal range for each plant growth factor and having the ability to keep each and every factor within it's ideal range results in maximum plant growth and maximum yields.
When a problem of unknown origin occurs, the growth factors list becomes a priceless tool. By checking conditions in your garden area against a list of growth influencing factors from top to bottom, you can identify the source of any problem. The growth influencing factors you need to consider in every garden are...
Time- You have no control over time itself, but you have to understand the role time plays on each of the other factors. When growth factors stray outside of an acceptable range, the amount of damage is dependent on time.
Temperature- Most indoor plants will do best when grown at temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees. Many factors, such as temperature preferences, will differ slightly from plant to plant. Humidity- Most indoor plants prefer 50% humidity, plus or minus 10%. Some plants, like orchids, prefer higher humidity. Other plants, like fruiting tomatoes, can experience end rot from humidity that is too high.
Water- The water you begin with should have no more than 150 parts per million (ppm) carbonates and sodium. If the tap water in your area is not acceptable, you can either install a reverse osmosis filter or use distilled water.
Light- Most fruiting and flowering plants require relatively strong lighting (50-80 watts/sq.ft.). The same plants, however, will grow fine vegetatively under 25-40 watts/sq.ft.. Some houseplants have even lower light requirements. The stronger the light, the more food the plants will usually require.
Nutrition- The most complicated of all the growth influencing factors. Plant nutrition consists of primary nutrients, secondary nutrients, micro-nutrients, hormones, enzymes, carbohydrates, and other things. Not only are the nutritional requirements for each plant different, but the nutritional requirements for individual plants change as they go from the seedling stage, to the vegetative stage, and finally into the flowering stage.
pH- If you are growing African Violets or Venus Fly Traps you may need an acidic soil, but most plants flowering and fruiting in a garden prefer a "sweet" soil (slightly alkaline). This is because 98% of the plants on earth have formed symbiotic relationships with beneficial micro-organisms, and these organisms survive best at a pH of 6.2-6.5. O2- Plants require oxygen in the root zone. Nutrient absorption only takes place in the presence of oxygen. That means if you over water, your plants will not be taking up any nutrients. This is the reason for having an air bubbler in your nutrient reservoir. It is also one of the reasons you get accelerated growth rates from aeroponics. CO2- Carbon Dioxide is to plants as oxygen is to people. At the center of every plant cell is a carbon molecule, taken mostly from atmospheric CO2. In fact, if all other growth influencing factors are in their ideal ranges CO2 becomes the plant growth limiting factor. Well maintained gardens have reported 50% increases in yield with the addition of CO2. Pests- Pests include insects like mites and thrips, but it also includes pathogenic micro-organisms. These microbes are the cause of stem rot, pythium, fusarium, and other garden nightmares. Many of these pests are very, very small. It takes careful inspection of your plants to eliminate this as the possible source of your problem.
About the Author
Hi, my name is Jason. I have over 10 years experience growing indoors using both hydroponic and organic gardening methods. It is my goal to increase the results of every indoor gardener through easy to understand info.
The ideal values for the growth influencing factors are covered in more detail at...http://www.jasons-indoor-guide-to-organic-and-hydroponics-gardening.com/plant-growth.html
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Five Simple Changes To Your Home Decorating
Home decorating, ever wanted to try it, but hesitated because of time constraints or budget concerns. The following ideas will not only give instant results, but more importantly fit into any budget.
1. Changing the Look of Your Walls
Adding a new color or changing the texture, can give the room a completely new appearance and that may be the only decorating change that is necessary.
The easiest option is to paint, and with the color choices available, the possibilities are endless. Another consideration would be wallpaper; the only problem you may have is choosing a design.
If on the other hand, only a little something extra is needed a simple stencil design might just do the trick. Any of these ideas can be used either individually or in combination with each other.
2. Look to Your Windows For a Whole New View
Changing your window treatments is probably the easiest of any home decorating projects.
The choices range from styles that include drapes, tab-top, cafe and shears, backgrounds of solid colors, floral and stripes, fabrics that include silk, cotton, lace or velvet.
The most economical is ready-made; they are very affordable therefore giving you the opportunity to make changes more often.
3. Accessories Make Your Decorating Complete
Some of the more common are area rugs, wall art, lamps, pillows and cozy throws.
Items for the kitchen make beautiful additions, for example; canisters, dinnerware, dishtowels or decorative bottles filled with oils and vinegar.
Add a little whimsy with oversized ceramic figures like roosters, or the adorable pigs holding chalkboard menus.
Bathrooms are another area for pretty accessories like decorative soaps placed in a bowl or basket; towels come in so many colors and designs now that they alone make great accessories.
Last but not least do not forget candles and bowls of potpourri
4. Collectibles Bring a Personal Touch to Home Decorating
Collectibles can be anything involving three or more of the same thing, or items that are related.
This can include porcelain dolls, Christmas villages, collector plates and who can resist those adorable little faces of Boyds Bears.
Maybe items with a nostalgic feel like tin lunch boxes, cookie jars or salt & pepper shakers stir up special memories of childhood
5. Updating Your Furniture
One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is with slipcovers; they come in a large variety of colors and patterns.
Pieces like end tables, hutches or even a dinning table and chairs can be refinished for a new look.
One way is with paint. Pick a color to coordinate with your room or choose something bright and whimsical. Another option would be to use stain, stains come in a multitude of shades; they can also come in colors.
So, if you are ready to give some decorating a go, try these basic changes to start. Over time, more things can be changed but for right now, simple changes can make a big difference.
This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice.
1. Changing the Look of Your Walls
Adding a new color or changing the texture, can give the room a completely new appearance and that may be the only decorating change that is necessary.
The easiest option is to paint, and with the color choices available, the possibilities are endless. Another consideration would be wallpaper; the only problem you may have is choosing a design.
If on the other hand, only a little something extra is needed a simple stencil design might just do the trick. Any of these ideas can be used either individually or in combination with each other.
2. Look to Your Windows For a Whole New View
Changing your window treatments is probably the easiest of any home decorating projects.
The choices range from styles that include drapes, tab-top, cafe and shears, backgrounds of solid colors, floral and stripes, fabrics that include silk, cotton, lace or velvet.
The most economical is ready-made; they are very affordable therefore giving you the opportunity to make changes more often.
3. Accessories Make Your Decorating Complete
Some of the more common are area rugs, wall art, lamps, pillows and cozy throws.
Items for the kitchen make beautiful additions, for example; canisters, dinnerware, dishtowels or decorative bottles filled with oils and vinegar.
Add a little whimsy with oversized ceramic figures like roosters, or the adorable pigs holding chalkboard menus.
Bathrooms are another area for pretty accessories like decorative soaps placed in a bowl or basket; towels come in so many colors and designs now that they alone make great accessories.
Last but not least do not forget candles and bowls of potpourri
4. Collectibles Bring a Personal Touch to Home Decorating
Collectibles can be anything involving three or more of the same thing, or items that are related.
This can include porcelain dolls, Christmas villages, collector plates and who can resist those adorable little faces of Boyds Bears.
Maybe items with a nostalgic feel like tin lunch boxes, cookie jars or salt & pepper shakers stir up special memories of childhood
5. Updating Your Furniture
One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is with slipcovers; they come in a large variety of colors and patterns.
Pieces like end tables, hutches or even a dinning table and chairs can be refinished for a new look.
One way is with paint. Pick a color to coordinate with your room or choose something bright and whimsical. Another option would be to use stain, stains come in a multitude of shades; they can also come in colors.
So, if you are ready to give some decorating a go, try these basic changes to start. Over time, more things can be changed but for right now, simple changes can make a big difference.
This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Patio Design Ideas
As we may already know old-fashioned landscaping ideas relying on concrete slabs are currently reasoned to be boring and traditional owing to the large diverseness of patio designs one can accomplish with a multitude of materials. Thus, the place of slabs has now been taken by special patio stones, pavers and other materials that enable one to create a very individualized and stylish look. Even for people who select concrete patio designs there are a number of variants in terms of creativeness since even concrete comes in all sorts of colors. When you choose a more original design with some advanced colours than it will certainly give all the life you'd like to your patio!
One of the best way to creating the right patio designs is to take the time and examine all the possible details, answering all the questions needed by careful planning. Thus, since a patio is very similar to a deck, one has to wonder to what role it will serve. The strength of the sunlight both in summertime and in winter, the exposure to air currents and the view are some other significant elements to be reasoned for the matter. There are several options you have to take into circumstance when it comes to the help you'll need for the arrangements.
Here is the options to consider: you can either turn to a team of professionals that is specialised in landscaping, and they will come up with several ideas of patio designs for you to pick out from, or you can try to do the creative part yourself. With the help of landscaping software, one can create all the patio designs you've been dreaming of. This kind of computer-assisted preparation prevents lots of obstacles that may not be suspected on a simple conventional basis. Don't leave to include light in the total patio designs, especially since the aesthetic features of these outdoor areas can be maximized very efficiently.
It is all depend on the types of patio designs, very complex or simple models can be created by the correct matching of upright and horizontal pavers for instance. This alternation is well thought out extremely appropriate when you are trying to make the walkway stand out, while achieving some form of special effects for the borders as well. Patios are more elegant than decks, but a recent inclination is that of combining decks and patios in more dare designs. Thus, particular areas will be better formed whereas the combination of textures will act in the direction of creating pleasing enhancement and a great atmosphere.
One of the best way to creating the right patio designs is to take the time and examine all the possible details, answering all the questions needed by careful planning. Thus, since a patio is very similar to a deck, one has to wonder to what role it will serve. The strength of the sunlight both in summertime and in winter, the exposure to air currents and the view are some other significant elements to be reasoned for the matter. There are several options you have to take into circumstance when it comes to the help you'll need for the arrangements.
Here is the options to consider: you can either turn to a team of professionals that is specialised in landscaping, and they will come up with several ideas of patio designs for you to pick out from, or you can try to do the creative part yourself. With the help of landscaping software, one can create all the patio designs you've been dreaming of. This kind of computer-assisted preparation prevents lots of obstacles that may not be suspected on a simple conventional basis. Don't leave to include light in the total patio designs, especially since the aesthetic features of these outdoor areas can be maximized very efficiently.
It is all depend on the types of patio designs, very complex or simple models can be created by the correct matching of upright and horizontal pavers for instance. This alternation is well thought out extremely appropriate when you are trying to make the walkway stand out, while achieving some form of special effects for the borders as well. Patios are more elegant than decks, but a recent inclination is that of combining decks and patios in more dare designs. Thus, particular areas will be better formed whereas the combination of textures will act in the direction of creating pleasing enhancement and a great atmosphere.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Three Ways to Freshen Up a Room for Less Than $15
by Michelle Davidson
There are many great budget decorating products and tips out there, but when it comes to freshening up a room for under $15.00 nothing tops the following three items. The beauty of each of these selections is that they are multi purpose purchase that can be used in a multitude of ways.
A Quart of paint Paint is the unsurpassed winner in budget makeover projects and a quart of paint typically cost between $9.00 and $13.00. The cost is low and the uses are infinite. A quart of paint can easily cover Powder Room walls giving a room an entirely new look. Additionally, you can paint existing furniture items such as tables, chairs and dressers. Painting furniture can make an old item feel new. Kitchen and Bathroom cabinets when painted receive a welcomed facelift. Other items to think about painting include lamps, baskets, planters, and other accessories.
A Flat Bed Sheet Shop discount stores and clearance centers for flat bed sheets and you can find steals on these paying less than $15.00 a sheet. This can be the most lovely pattern fabric for the lowest cost around. Use this fabric to make throw pillows for a sofa or bed. Flat bed sheets can also be used as drapery panels for a no sew project. Other applications in which you can use the sheet it to make custom shower curtains, chair covers, table clothes, placemats, and nearly anything that involves using fabric.
Blank Artist Canvas For under $15.00 you can purchase a stretched artist’s canvas in a large array of sizes. Typically made of cotton duct and stapled on a wooden frame, these canvases can be easily turned into custom works of abstract art, and you do not need to be an artist. Please note, abstract is the key word. Go to your local library and find pictures of abstract art with broad expanses of color and simple lines. You can then replicate the masterpiece on your canvas. Or if you would rather come up with your own version of a masterpiece, you can use foam brushes to make wide stripes of colors allowing drips and paint build up to add to your piece.
Try investing $15.00 or less in any of the above items. Each one (paint, bed sheet, and an artist canvas) offer unlimited opportunity to decorate your home for a small amount of money.
There are many great budget decorating products and tips out there, but when it comes to freshening up a room for under $15.00 nothing tops the following three items. The beauty of each of these selections is that they are multi purpose purchase that can be used in a multitude of ways.
A Quart of paint Paint is the unsurpassed winner in budget makeover projects and a quart of paint typically cost between $9.00 and $13.00. The cost is low and the uses are infinite. A quart of paint can easily cover Powder Room walls giving a room an entirely new look. Additionally, you can paint existing furniture items such as tables, chairs and dressers. Painting furniture can make an old item feel new. Kitchen and Bathroom cabinets when painted receive a welcomed facelift. Other items to think about painting include lamps, baskets, planters, and other accessories.
A Flat Bed Sheet Shop discount stores and clearance centers for flat bed sheets and you can find steals on these paying less than $15.00 a sheet. This can be the most lovely pattern fabric for the lowest cost around. Use this fabric to make throw pillows for a sofa or bed. Flat bed sheets can also be used as drapery panels for a no sew project. Other applications in which you can use the sheet it to make custom shower curtains, chair covers, table clothes, placemats, and nearly anything that involves using fabric.
Blank Artist Canvas For under $15.00 you can purchase a stretched artist’s canvas in a large array of sizes. Typically made of cotton duct and stapled on a wooden frame, these canvases can be easily turned into custom works of abstract art, and you do not need to be an artist. Please note, abstract is the key word. Go to your local library and find pictures of abstract art with broad expanses of color and simple lines. You can then replicate the masterpiece on your canvas. Or if you would rather come up with your own version of a masterpiece, you can use foam brushes to make wide stripes of colors allowing drips and paint build up to add to your piece.
Try investing $15.00 or less in any of the above items. Each one (paint, bed sheet, and an artist canvas) offer unlimited opportunity to decorate your home for a small amount of money.
Collectibles And Home Decor
There many people who consider themselves collectors, but they just don't know how to approach the home decorating. You will want to keep in mind that there are a lot of people who will collect movie themed items or they will have a collection of some sort.
Many people will collect beanie babies or even Snow babies, however, you will want to think about a way that you can incorporate your collectibles, but not junk up the place.
First, you will need to make sure that you keep yourself organized. You should never collect more than one or two items. This means that you can't have a hundred different collections, but you will need to consider having some home collectibles that are easily blended into a home.
This means that you might want to get a display case for some of your collectibles and you will want to think about ways that you can show off the collection to others, but also not clutter the home. You will find that the solution to most people's problems is the curio cabinet. This is a great way to place your knickknacks on display, but not ruin the integrity of the home.
Keep in mind that there are a lot of ways that you can allow the collection to grow and keep your home looking good too, however, you will find that there will come a time where enough is enough and you are going to have to stop the collection.
You may want to take the opportunity to sell some of your least favorites or less valued items of the collection and then proceed to purchase more and more of your favorite pieces that come out.
However, you may have to sell before the value of what you purchased because you may mean more to you then what it does to someone else.
When it comes to trying to keep your home looking good and your collections in order, you will need to know your limits in space and learn how to find a good curio cabinet that will not cost a lot of money so that you can put your collection in a order fashion and neatly display them.
Collections offer hold people back from having a home of their dreams, however, if you learn to control the collection and not allow the collection to rule you, then you'll be able to use the collections in the design of your home and not have clutter.
Finally! Step-by-step guidebooks show you exactly how to create beautiful and inspiring rooms, even if your time and budget are limited...100% guaranteed! Find out now at http://www.palalu.com/interior/
Article Source: http://www.keywordarticles.org
Many people will collect beanie babies or even Snow babies, however, you will want to think about a way that you can incorporate your collectibles, but not junk up the place.
First, you will need to make sure that you keep yourself organized. You should never collect more than one or two items. This means that you can't have a hundred different collections, but you will need to consider having some home collectibles that are easily blended into a home.
This means that you might want to get a display case for some of your collectibles and you will want to think about ways that you can show off the collection to others, but also not clutter the home. You will find that the solution to most people's problems is the curio cabinet. This is a great way to place your knickknacks on display, but not ruin the integrity of the home.
Keep in mind that there are a lot of ways that you can allow the collection to grow and keep your home looking good too, however, you will find that there will come a time where enough is enough and you are going to have to stop the collection.
You may want to take the opportunity to sell some of your least favorites or less valued items of the collection and then proceed to purchase more and more of your favorite pieces that come out.
However, you may have to sell before the value of what you purchased because you may mean more to you then what it does to someone else.
When it comes to trying to keep your home looking good and your collections in order, you will need to know your limits in space and learn how to find a good curio cabinet that will not cost a lot of money so that you can put your collection in a order fashion and neatly display them.
Collections offer hold people back from having a home of their dreams, however, if you learn to control the collection and not allow the collection to rule you, then you'll be able to use the collections in the design of your home and not have clutter.
Finally! Step-by-step guidebooks show you exactly how to create beautiful and inspiring rooms, even if your time and budget are limited...100% guaranteed! Find out now at http://www.palalu.com/interior/
Article Source: http://www.keywordarticles.org
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