HowToDoThings.com Recent Gardening & Landscaping Articles

How To Cut Down a Tree

garrett — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:34:51 -0600

How To Make Soil Acidic for Plants

gonzo — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:37:20 -0600

Acidic soil has a pH lower than 7.0 and is beneficial for the growth of plants such as blueberries, blackberries, rhododendrons and weeping willows. When taking care of plants you may need to adjust the balance of acid or alkaline to provide the plants with the best soil for their growth. If you need to make soil acidic for your plants, there are several options. Follow these steps to make the soil more acidic.

How To Plant a Cut Flower Garden

Alice Bowe — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:17:01 -0600

How To Know What Fertilizers are Best for Your Garden

jim_kennard — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:01:10 -0600

Recently I was told by a woman trying to grow a family garden,that they had been warned away from using any commercial fertilizers, like 16-16-16, because they are chemical, and therefore harmful to the garden, to plants, and to the people who eat them. My response was that someone was seriously pulling her leg. Here is the simple truth about fertilizers:

How To Make a Butterfly Garden

gonzo — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:21:44 -0600

Colorful and beautiful butterflies can be an asset for your garden. Not only are they relaxing and pretty to look at, they help your garden. By creating a garden that attracts butterflies, you invite these winged beauties to decorate your yard. Follow these instructions to create a butterfly garden.

Do your homework. Each area of the country is home to different types of butterflies. Find out which butterflies are popular in your area and what their preferred plants and habitat.
Plan your garden. Before you get started, you want to develop a plan to maximize the butterfly attractiveness of your garden while still creating a space you will enjoy. Investigate the plants and design that works best for the space you have. Also keep in mind that the garden should be located in an area that has sun exposure and is protected from strong winds.
Choose plants for your garden.

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How To Plant Grass

gonzo — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:14:27 -0600

If your yard has been overrun with weeds or you've lost your green ground covering, don't fret, you can plant replacement grass. Caring for your lawn requires that you plant grass at the optimum time and spend the first few weeks working to maintain the lawn until the grass has taken root. Follow these instructions and you'll be able to plant grass.

Decide what type of grass to plant. There are several options for planting grass. You can start with spreading seeds or choose to purchase sod sections of grass to plant. If you are anxious for a visible green layer of grass, then start with sod. If you are more patient then the seed route is for you. The other decision to make regarding type of grass is the species of grass. There are several types and each has a preferred climate. Contact your nearest plant nursery for the best grass to select for your lawn.

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How To Plant a Tree in Your Yard

gonzo — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:11:47 -0600

Trees are a great way to decorate the landscape around your home. By taking the time to properly plant the tree you can ensure that it will grow strong and healthy through its lifetime. Follow these steps to plant a tree.

Plant during moderate weather. Your trees will need moderate sunshine and rainfall. Plan to plant during the most opportune time for your location. Most often spring and fall will be the best time but check the guidelines for the specific tree you've decided to plant.
Dig the hole. There are many mistakes you can make when digging the hole that will cause problems with tree growth later. Keep in mind that your tree roots will need access to oxygen and water so you don't want to dig the hole too deep. Dig the hole so that it is three-quarters as deep as the height of the tree's root ball. Then dig the hole wider than the root ball by several inches on all sides.

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How To Remove Tree Sap

gin rummy — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:28:35 -0600

Are you having a problem with sticky tree sap? This sticky mess can adhere to your vehicle, clothes and even your hands. Unfortunately tree sap won’t wash off with soap and water. Follow these steps to remove sap from almost any surface.

You'll need the following:

Soap and warm water
Paper towels
Rubbing alcohol

Steps:

How To Plant and Care for Carrots, Parsnips, and Other Small Seeded Vegetables

jim_kennard — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:05:50 -0600

How To Have a Great Garden in 8 Steps

jim_kennard — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:29:40 -0600

Choose the location and prepare the soil.
1. Direct sunlight all day long is essential for fruiting crops.
2. Locate a water source near the garden for easy watering.
3. Level ground - slight Southern slope is okay.
4. Clean ground - remove rocks and weeds - annual and perennial.
5. Outline perimeter of garden with stakes and string.
6. Fence to protect against intruders.
Create soil-beds - a nursery - in which to grow plants.
1. Measure and stake beds 18", and aisles 3 1/2'.
2. Outline growing beds by tying strings to stakes.
3. Till aisles 2" deep, then pull soil from aisles to beds.
4. Level beds by moving soil from high to low end.
5. Apply fertilizer - pre-plant and weekly feed - to beds.
  
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How To Make a Good Rabbit Trap

gonzo — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:32:25 -0600

People look at rabbits as cute and cuddly creatures. This is the impression that cartoons and storybooks portray. But you and I know the truth behind these bothersome bunnies. These thieving little creatures are rodents that steal the vegetables that we worked so hard to grow.

With the aid of our helpful hints we can address these pesky problem-making critters. By following these simple steps, you can create a rabbit trap that can help catch the robbing rodent and help cease the pilferage from your vegetable farm.

How To Take Care of Tulips

Cassandra — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:22:10 -0600

Tulips are a happy, spring flower that draws attention far and wide. These simple buds seem like they would be easy to grow but this is not always true.

How To Keep Roses Fresh

Cassandra — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:19:53 -0600

There may be nothing worse than fresh flowers that start to turn brown and wilt days or even hours after you receive them. If this happens to you, know that you don't have to suffer through quickly rotting flowers. Instead, you can keep roses fresh if you follow these steps.

You'll need:

Fresh cut roses
Floral preservative or aspirin tablets
Vase
Pruning shears
Sharp knife
Fresh water

Steps:

How To Care for a Fuchsia Over the Winter

The Plant Lady — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:47:06 -0600

How To Build a Wood Planter

poolplayerpaul — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:28:15 -0600

How To Grow a Live Christmas Tree

The Plant Lady — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:45:53 -0600

How To Do Vermicomposting

Fluffymuppet — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:12:08 -0500

How To Prevent Weeds Organically

Fluffymuppet — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:08:38 -0500

How To Compost in Winter

Fluffymuppet — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:59:15 -0500

Composting is, in part, a temperature-dependent process. But that doesn't mean that you have to stop composting in winter. How you keep your compost going depends on what sort of composting you do.

How To Plant a Tree

coffeebuzz — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:35:18 -0500

Planting a tree can be one of the most rewarding things you can do. Whether it is for your front yard, or you are trying to help the environment it can be a very satisfying, but you must make sure it is done properly. If planted correctly the tree will live a long, and healthy life, if not it could cause more trouble than pleasure.

How To Make Rat Poison

gonzo — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:33:29 -0500

Rat poison is a dangerous substance you should use only if your rodent problem has gotten out of hand. If you cannot call an exterminator, then you can create your own rat poison. Just follow these instructions and make sure to heed the warnings.

How To Kill Spiders

gonzo — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:31:15 -0500

Spiders are complicated creatures. In most cases they are benevolent little creatures that protect you from harm, harm that is brought about by disease-carrying flies. They also protect you from other creatures that are considered pests. It could be pests in your garden and if the spider is big enough, it can be an effective deterrent to very bothersome mice.

On the other hand, there are many species of spiders that are harmful to humans. Some of these spiders have venom that can harm your family. If you have small pets, the effects of a spider bite from these venomous little creatures may kill them. The same goes for little children. Species like the Black widow has even been known to kill full-size adult human beings.

If the need arises for you to kill a spider, then here are a few simple steps you can read to help you against these eight-legged critters.

How To Make a Poinsettia Turn Red

The Plant Lady — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:32:49 -0500

How To Start a Koi Pond

sspets — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:20:53 -0500

How To Grow Tulips

The Plant Lady — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:57:17 -0500

How To Design a Garden Path

pondlady — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:18:14 -0500

How To Choose a Low Light Plant

The Plant Lady — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:11:12 -0500

How To Create a Water Feature

pondlady — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:05:31 -0500

How To Buy Plywood

pondlady — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:49:52 -0500

How To Grow an Avocado Tree from a Pit

The Plant Lady — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:25:09 -0500

How To Water Your House Plants

The Plant Lady — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:24:54 -0500

How To Use Eggshells to Deter Cutworms

melhow36 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:30:39 -0500

How To Find Your Birth Month Flower

melhow36 — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:33:37 -0500

Every month has been assigned a birth flower. To find your birth month flower and its meaning, check the list below.

How To Get Rid of Wasps

thedave — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:05:21 -0500

Ahhh...At last, you've finally completed your pre-barbecue tasks for the upcoming holiday. You bought enough meat to feed a small country. The buns are fresh and the propane tank is full. The cooler is loaded with juice and soda for the little ones, and it's got enough beer in it to make your brother-in-law overstay his welcome.

Everything's running smoothly, except that wasp nest in the corner of your yard. We don't want the kids to get stung by a wasp while playing, and we certainly don't need that drunk brother-in-law swallowing one from inside his beer. Heck, his face is red enough. So let's get these party-crashing wasps out of here. It's really easy, and will only take a few minutes. Here's how:

How To Plant a Winter Garden

Alice Bowe — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:14:17 -0500

How To Plant in Flower Boxes

Alice Bowe — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:04:45 -0500

How To Patch Grass With Jello

thedave — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:59:39 -0500

Looking to repair those unsightly bald or brown spots in your otherwise beautiful green lawn? If you've attempted to patch a small area of your grass in the past, you probably know how difficult it is to sow those tiny grass seeds evenly throughout the bald area. For large areas, a seed spreader or perhaps laying sod would be ideal, but for small patches, Jello will do the trick. You'll have a perfectly patched lawn, and it's simple to do. Here's how:

How To Have an Easy Shade Garden

cutgarden — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:18:18 -0500

How To Create a Moonlight Garden

Alice Bowe — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:56:09 -0500

How To Force Bulbs

The Plant Lady — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 18:11:08 -0500

How To Care for Christmas Cactus

The Plant Lady — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:12:15 -0500

How To Protect Flowers from Frost

thedave — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:38:19 -0500

Okay, so those little flowers you planted in the spring have evolved into the most beautiful and eye-catching floral display in the neighborhood. And just as you finally begin to enjoy the beauty you have created, you hear that ill-fated weather report. That dreaded first frost is on its way!

Now you're worried that this evil frost is going to swoop in while you're sleeping and destroy the fruits of your hard work. You're wondering how to protect your babies from such immediate danger. Well the most important thing you can do is not panic. It is possible for flowers to survive a frost, and here is how:

How To Buy Garden Plants

Fluffymuppet — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:08:09 -0500

How To Collect Seeds from Clematis

Deirdre — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:58:11 -0500

Gardening is often a labor of love. For the true gardener considering nurturing clematis from seed to bloom, it is essential to properly collect the seeds. Follow these instructions for how to collect seeds and you will be adding new clematis blooms to your garden in no time at all.

Materials:
Can or dish for collecting seeds

How To Kill Wasps

Mikey — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:46:08 -0500

Wasps are not insects you mess with even if you do not have an allergy. If you have a nest close to your home and family, you should get rid of the wasps and their nest as soon as possible. Follow these few simple steps to safely kill any wasps swarming your residence.

Materials:
Natural pesticide spray designed for wasps
Spray bottle

How To Make Hanging Flower Baskets

Cassandra — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:30:54 -0500

How To Build a Garden Pond

Pond Gardiner — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:03:35 -0500

Research the topic of water gardening before attempting to build your own backyard garden pond. These steps will help you cut down on costly mistakes that can increase the cost and the time involved with the project.

How To Get Revenge with Your Remote Control Sprinkler

ericrogers — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:11:29 -0500

One of the greatest joys of owning your own home is the yard that comes with it. It’s your land to enjoy however you see fit--growing a garden, putting in a pool, mowing crop circles to communicate with alien races to let them know that anal probing won’t answer their questions…

How To Grow Daylilies

mcdesign — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:51:37 -0500

How To Prevent a Skin Reaction from Poison Ivy

steve — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:52:52 -0500

The rash that develops on your skin after coming in contact with poison ivy is caused by your skin’s reaction to a toxic chemical in the plant: an oil called urushiol. Urushiol is released when the leaves, stem or other parts of the poison ivy plant are touched, bruised, or otherwise stimulated. The oil can get on your clothing or on a pet and then be transferred to your skin up to several hours later. If you are one of those allergic to urushiol, a rash will develop on your skin 2-7 days after the contact.