Why take chlorinated tap water from your spigot and apply it to your garden with a sprinkler?

How about if we use the water the heavens pours down on us instead? How about instead of allowing that water to run off into streets and drains, we could literally harvest it? We could store it and then deliver it with precision to our plants at the exact rate we choose.

It's hard to believe that at one time water was so plentiful that we put up rain gutters to guide it off our property.

In recent years there have been advances in the capture, storage and delivery of rainwater. You can choose from a purely functional rain barrel to a container that is literally garden art that will be an attractive part of your landscape. Concerns about mosquitos, corrosion, and old-fashioned “ugly” have all been addressed.

People who go away for weekends in the summer, take vacations, or just don't want to water all of the time have found that drip irrigation from your rain barrel will give your plants optimum hydration, while you get to recall what you built this landscape for...entertaining friends and relaxing with your family.

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Deutzia is one of those plants that you look forward to every spring. Its delicate but colorful blooms herald warming temperatures and all the wonderful things that go with them. This is one of those deciduous shrubs whose spring color is well worth the wait after being dormant for the winter.

Deutzias are casual plants that can fit in any landscape. They blend equally well in manicured gardens and in wild gardens planted with natives. The smaller varieties can be used as a ground cover or along the front edge of a shrub border for a field of bright green foliage. The taller varieties provide exceptional color as a secondary focal point for foundation planting, blending well into planting islands and along fence lines.

They are untroubled by poor soils and require little or no maintenance. They develop a fairly deep and extensive root system if watered regularly in their first few growing seasons, becoming quite drought tolerant after that. All they require is a few regular feedings per year, and a yearly pruning after flowering if a more manicured effect is desired.

Most deutzias also display beautiful fall foliage color, turning rich shades of burgundy to plum-purple in autumn. They are perfect for all outdoor living spaces, and their pendulous flower clusters can be enjoyed in any part of the garden. But don't wait too long to plant. Unfortunately, their beautiful blooms don't last forever!

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There's nothing that says summer like the sweet, succulent flavor of melons. What a refreshing, tasty warm weather treat! When plucked fresh from the vine at the perfect ripeness, they have a flavor that brings a smile to everyone. A slice of melon makes the perfect ending for any summer picnic or barbeque.

The most important factor in growing melons is heat. The hotter your climate, the better melons will grow. In warmer climates you can grow seed directly in the ground starting in early spring. However, where the growing season is shorter you will need to grow fast maturing varieties and plant starter plants from seed grown early indoors. You can also lay black plastic over the soil around the plants or cover with a floating row cover until the plants start flowering.

Make sure to sow seed or starter seedlings after the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees. If you grow vegetables in raised planter beds, the soil will warm up faster than on flat ground. If you must plant on flat ground, make sure the area has good drainage. Always prepare all sites by adding an organic soil amendment and a good starter fertilizer.

Plant your starter plants (or two or three seeds in one hole, thinned out later if needed) at least two feet apart or grow vertically on an arbor or trellis. Melons take up a lot of room, so plan accordingly. Make sure to avoid planting near cucumbers, or the cross-pollination can create undesirable flavors in both fruits.

Try to avoid overhead watering at all costs, because that can make melons more susceptible to mildew and other diseases. Using drip irrigation or a soaker hose will help to avoid wetting the foliage. Water often enough to keep your plants healthy. Once the melons have reached full size (check label or seed package for size)--but before they have fully matured--cut back on watering to avoid bland flavor and splitting of the fruit.

When melons are fully ripe, they slip off their vines quite easily. Harvest honeydew types when they turn color or when the leaves where the fruit is attached start to turn yellow. We have a great selection of melons in seed and starter packs, so hurry in and get started today. You'll soon be on your way to a great crop of delectable, sun-sweetened summer fruit.

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How do I get sweeter fruit on my fruit trees?

Answer:

First, fruit trees need a minimum of at least half a day of sunlight each day during the growing season. The more sun, the sweeter your fruit will be. If your trees are in a bad location, consider transplanting when they are dormant in winter.

That said, many times the fruits on trees are not as sweet as they could be, because the soil they are planted in is lacking phosphorus and potash. It is important to apply a fertilizer to the soil around your trees in November and again in January to provide these vital nutrients.

During the growing season, feed once after the blooms are finished, again in June and one more time in September with a complete fruit tree food. Make sure not to overwater, either. Allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings.

Established fruit trees respond best to deep and infrequent watering.

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