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Would like tips to make gardening easier

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Posted 5/8/2013 2:02 PM (GMT 0)
I'm just starting to plant my garden, and could always use more tips for making things easier!

Newspaper, covered with dried leaves has always helped me keep the weeds down, resulting in less time using the hoe or stooping to yank the weeds out of the ground.

  Probably the hardest work is getting things up and running.  Right now I fill about four large pots each day with dirt from my garden, to plant my herbs in (started most of the herbs in the house, and they're doing well--will put them in the pots probably next week).  But--wow--I guess my muscles are out of shape! smhair   Really feeling the fatigue, despite the fact I only do so much each day.

Any great ideas for easier gardening?  I would love to have raised beds so there's less bending, but don't have anything like that.  All ideas very appreciated! :-)

Happy Wednesday to everyone. yeah

Posted 5/8/2013 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
For weeds, I use Round-Up. It comes in a large container with a wand...like what the professionals use...and I spray weeds as soon as I see them. This product kills the roots. You are standing when using this. I used to pull weeds until I found out that even a tiny bit of root left in the ground let's them grow back. Since using this product, my weeds are getting fewer and fewer.

I have small baskets of garden tools in the garage and also by my back door. This saves trips back and forth to get the right tools. You can get inexpensive garden tools at Big Lots. I also keep garbage bags in both areas so they are handy when trimming plants. Again, this saves time and trips back and forth through the house or around the house.

I usually will work for about a half an hour at a stretch. I go out in the mornings when it's cool, too. That helps me a lot.

Bottom line....pace yourself.

Sherrine
Posted 5/8/2013 2:40 PM (GMT 0)
My aunt used hay bales to make raised beds, and she highly recommended it.
Posted 5/8/2013 2:53 PM (GMT 0)
I have always loved to play in the garden, so these past few yrs have been a challenge. I'm not about to give up my garden, so I had to find ways to work around my limits.

I can't kneel down, so I got a rolling cart. I put a small cushion on it so the hard plastic isn't biting into my rear. tongue

I have a cpl of bags of small hand tools. I can't work w/ heavy tools. I also bring out a grocery bag to put the weeds/ or garbage. I could never lift a big garbage bag and since it isn't too big, I get up often to empty it (and stretch my back & legs)

I have a few beds for perennials, but these past few yrs I have been doing a lot of container gardening. I love color and I love it to last. I also do some veggie gardening in the large containers. I used to grow corn, potatoes, melons, in addition to the usual tomato, pepper, beans, etc in the ground. Now I keep it simple.

Luv, you directed me to about.com for miniatures awhile back and I found they also have some other great sites. They have several for gardening. You might find some ideas there, too.

I hope you have a wonderful season for your garden. We are still waiting for warmer weather. It has been chilly and sooo windy - right off the ocean. I need warmth.

God bless.  Alice.

Posted 5/8/2013 2:53 PM (GMT 0)
I plant things that require low maintenance but add lots of colors. Vinca requires no dead heading and comes in a variety of colors. Coleus comes in many varieties both in sun and shade tolerant. I love the differant varigated shades of color and the interesting shapes of the leaves. I also love shamrocks and their dainty flowers...have them in white and pink.

Have fun :)

Hugs, Robin
Posted 5/9/2013 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
I quit the beds several years ago. I have large containers of petunias, marigolds, impatients, etc. These I can sit in a chair and plant and enjoy.
I have rosebuds, dogwoods, rose bushes, japanese magnolia, camelias, and the azaleas that bloom several times a year.

I have a 8x8 spot my husband breaks up and we plant with tomotoes, peppers, squash etc. Newspapers and leaves help with the weeds. A sprinkler takes care of the watering.
Posted 5/9/2013 1:10 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, everyone. :)

Sherrine: I'll check into Round-Up. I like the idea of having extra tools, etc. handy, since it saves steps. Good idea, too, to work in the garden in the morning when it's cooler

Myself 09: What a neat idea to use hay bales to make raised beds! I've never heard of that. Maybe I can find something like that online.

Alice: The rolling cart is a great idea. I can't use heavy tools, either. Container garden seems to be becoming more popular, with more varieties, too. Love that! Yes--checking into about.com for gardening ideas is a good way to go. Have you done any miniatures? I still get a good miniatures email every Friday from Lesley Shepherd, and it's just wonderful--she's so creative.

Robin: Good idea to get plants that don't require a lot of care. I did plant some coleus this year, and love the colors, too!  I've not tried vinca or shamrocks, but they sure sound pretty.

bluejeans: Your garden sounds so colorful! I would like to get more color in my flower garden, especially. I think I should check these out.
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