Resources for Better Gardening (06)

Attract Birds to Your Backyard by Installing an Outdoor Fountain and Plantings
In a situation where you want to have your backyard visited by birds on a regular basis, you may find that by installing an outdoor fountain accompanied by an assortment of plants will do the trick. A handy list of tools and materials has been provided, along with suggested plants. Discover how to install the fountain tank and the steps involved in finishing the fountains. You will also learn how to make a bird feeder and how to cover up the water features by adding colorful flowers.

Tips from House and Garden Magazine
Tip o' plenty appear on this site that serves as the website for House and Garden magazine. For instance, learn about decorating, gardening, home improvement, cooking, and house and garden shows. The site even features a shopping area where you can purchase anything for your home. Hot-tos, books, and other websites help you get all the information about the topic you are researching. For more information you can even subscribe to this popular and useful magazine.

Home Hydroponics
This guide but out by Virginia Tech and Virginia State University includes information about using hydroponics at home. Growing plants hydroponically is not difficult if a person takes the time to learn the basics. As long as plant growth requirements are met, there are numerous hydroponic systems that can be used. The guide discusses hydroponic garden lighting. For an indoor system, one must provide an adequate light source and good air circulation. Metal halide lamps, sodium vapor lamps, grow-lights, or fluorescent lights used in conjunction with incandescent light bulbs provide adequate light to effectively grow plants. Hydroponic gardeners also use pH kits and modifiers to monitor and respond to their plants, as discussed in the nutrient solutions section. Types of systems, such as the Nutrient Film Technique and Aeroponics, are also discussed and briefly explained.

Gardening Information
The Jackson & Perkins company has put together this page of Gardening tips for beginning or advanced gardeners. The front page offers garden planning tips to keep in mind. There is also a section titled Grower's Corner, which contains gardening information and ideas form a horticulturist. Season rose advice is offered, and a variety of many other articles and sections are also featured prominently. Through this site you can learn about container gardening, hanging basket plants, and fall bulb gardening. If you feel you have read up enough on gardening tips, check out the gift ideas section.

John Deere Landscapes
John Deere, mostly known for their tractors, has put together this site that contains information about irrigation supplies, nursery and landscape supplies, and lighting systems. Professional resources includes information about their partner program. A robust articles and resources section contains information about seminars and training at John Deere Landscapes Universtiy. Peruse this site and you are bound to find what you are looking for when it comes to landscapes.

Hydroponic Lighting
This article is all about hydroponic lighting and how valuable it can be to use a hydroponic lighting system in your garden, especially during the winter. An informative list of lighting terms and definitions, great for the beginning hydroponic gardener, is also included. Words from lumen and ballast to photoperiod and footcandle are included. An overview of hydroponic lighting bulbs is also included.