Category Archives: Gardening

Gardening

Post Digger A Handheld Digging Tool

Comments Disabled

Fencing can make your home look beautiful. It serves two purposes. First it marks boundary of your home and second purpose is it prevents others from trespassing into your property. For fencing, you have to first make a line and then mark places for setting fence poles. You will need a post digger for this project.

Buy a handheld digging tool that you can conveniently use. Dig the marked places, where you want to put poles for fencing and then set the poles in the holes with the help of concrete. Once the poles are set, you can make fancy fencing matching with your outdoor settings. A digging tool will help you make perfect holes that can accommodate even a large pole in a hassle free manner.

See how hole digger works. It is a tool that has a spiral blade that goes deep inside the earth. This blade can go up to 1 meter deep and if you want to dig deeper, you can add extensions to the tool. It is possible to make up to 4 meter deep holes with a tool but you have to use extensions. You will get extensions and attachments with the tool. You will get at least four attachments and four extensions with this tool.

Form where to buy a post digger. You might be surprised to know that this tool is available at every gardening equipments shop but everyone charges a different amount for this tool. It comes in different power ranges to suit individual needs. But a homeowner needs a light weight handheld tool and not a heavy duty digger for which you will need a helping hand.

Get a quality post digger from a manufacturer. Locate a credible gardening equipments manufacturer on the web and see the kinds of digging tools it is offering. Go through the properties, functionality and usability of each tool and choose one that you are comfortable with. Dont worry about price as you can buy a digging device at affordable price from a manufacturers shop.

Buy a petrol post digger that you can use in a hassle free manner. Advantage of a petrol device is that it works independent of electricity or battery. You dont need an electricity outlet close to the working area for using this tool. Also you dont replacing battery of the tool to keep it going. All you need doing to use a petrol device is keep the fuel tank full.

Gardening

Kitchen Food Dehydrators – A History Steeped In Piracy

Comments Disabled

How do you feed a world that is becoming increasingly hungry? This is not a new question and one that according to the Food Preservation Team from the Department of Nutritional Science at the University of Missouri has been plaguing food engineers for decades if not centuries. According to their research achieving this grand goal cheaply and efficiently on a global scale is the challenge. Food preservation through dehydration may hold the key to feeding masses of hungry people. While the future of food dehydration may be stellar, its history over the last several centuries may hold some surprises.

Food drying or dehydrating is believed to be one of the oldest methods of food preservation throughout human history. It allowed hunter-gatherer societies to successfully travel, explore and hunt for different food sources. The development of agriculture was the single, major factor that made it possible for mankind to settle in permanent communities and transition from hunter-gatherer nomadic tribes. How to save or preserve these foods for a later date is a whole separate study. Research has showed that the first ancient stable, settled, civilization arose in Mesopotamia and Egypt in the Middle East. The uncovering of dried fruits, grains and dried, salt preserved fish and meat are traced back to over seven thousand years to these first ancient civilizations. Farming eliminated the constant need to search for food and allowed populations to grow through the production of a more stable food source. There are neither volumes of recorded history nor any one source of collected material on food dehydration. However very recent Middle Eastern archeological digs have un-earthed food samples which research determined to have been dried foods originating in ancient Jericho over 4000 years ago. In addition, Old Testament Biblical scholars have been able to isolate bits and pieces of scripture which mention the preservation methods of sun-drying and smoking foods over a hot fire as a means of feeding their people.

For centuries, much of the European diet depended on dried cod, known as salt cod or bacalhau (with salt) or stockfish (without). It formed the main protein source for the slaves on the West Indian plantations and was major economic force within the trade routes of the day. The next mention of food drying doesnt emerge again until around 1630. At about this time in history a band of French mavericks began appearing up and down the Yucatan peninsula and Caribbean islands. They were known as the buccaneers. The term buccaneer was actually derived from the Caribbean Arawak word buccan which is referencing a wooden frame for smoking meat. The meat of preference at the time was the plentiful, slow moving manatee or sea cow. From this became derived in French the word boucane and hence the name boucanier for French hunters who used their wooden frames to smoke meat from feral cattle and pigs on Hispaniola (now Haiti and the Dominican Republic). History of course tells us the rest of the story about the buccaneers. English settlers occupying Jamaica began to spread the name buccaneers with the meaning of ruthless pirates when in reality it was referring to their ability to dry meat. The name became universally adopted later in 1684 when the first English translation of Alexandre Exquemelins book The Buccaneers of America was published.

Along with an amazingly colorful history which includes ancient roots and ruthless piracy, food dehydration is even today on the forefront of cutting edge food engineering and preservation. Todays food dehydrator is a surprisingly simple capsule of modern technology and historical know how. Todays typical kitchen food dehydrator has electronically generated air flow along with micro-processor governed temperature control. In place of the wood frame on the beach is an amazingly compact, ergonomically designed piece of history that fits snuggly on a kitchen counter. With multiple level trays, even air flow and constant temperature control a person can dehydrate a large volume of fresh fruits, veggies and meats literally over night. The simplicity, efficiency and very low cost of the modern food dehydrator is once again taking center stage in the complex world of food preservation and engineering. Developing nations and countries that have endured natural disasters are re-discovering the practicalities of food dehydration to feed their hungry masses. The buccaneers of yester-year had no idea how their simple practice of meat drying on the beach would become a modern means of feeding a hungry world.

Gardening

Best Audiobooks To Supercharge Your Mind, Memory & Motivation

Comments Disabled

How would you like to you take decisions like a top CEO and brush obstacles aside like a rampaging T-Rex? Or, on a more down to earth note work faster, with greater clarity of vision. Break down and solve problems more quickly than usual and feel really positive and in control of your life and destiny?

“Ah yes” you say, “happens to me once or twice a month”. A shame it happens so rarely. It need not be like that though, and here’s why:

Fact 1 – This is how movers and shakers feel most of the time.

Fact 2 It is JUST a state of mind.

Fact 3 You can use audiobooks to give your mind a “work out” & create this state of mind “on demand”.

There are many downloadable audio books on the whole success and motivation subject though, and this can make knowing what one(s) to get hard.

So in this article we’ll break things down to make it easy for you to get going.

Sections –

1) Supercharged Mind – Defined

2) 3 Important facts about the “Supercharged state”

3) How “Brain” workout audiobooks will help you

4) My top 10 audiobooks to give you the best bang/buzz for your buck!

**Supercharged Mind – Defined**

You’ve probably had times when you feel supercharged, when you feel like you can do and achieve anything. When –

1) Everything around you seems to take on extra crisp clarity.

2) You can do things at higher speed and act more decisively than usual.

3) You feel that anything is achievable and that the world can, and will be at your feet!

4) If you’re selling something you’ve got extra buzz and motivation and sell way better than “usual”

It’s essentially a “performance enhanced” state of mind but you’re going to use audio books rather than dodgy substances to get it!

** 3 Important facts about the “Supercharged state”**

1) Successful people have this mindset and can turn it on and off on demand.

2) You don’t have to be supercharged all the time. You can & should turn off or else you’ll likely burn out!

3) You can condition your brain with audiobooks to get into this supercharged state.

As I say you don’t need to be charged up all the time. For example:

If you can go from 0% of your working day “in zone” to 20% of your day you can add way more than 20% in results – if you apply yourself right.

For example: When “fully charged”
In sales – Do your new business calls.
Marketing or writing Do your creative work.
Anything Tackle the hard and important tasks that have greatest reward potential.

When you’re back in “situation normal” then do your admin and boring internal emails.

** How Brain Workout Audiobooks can help you **

Easier said that done you may say. How do I supercharge on demand?

Well, the most common way is by reading motivational/success books or going to seminars.

Both of these are fine but have limitations:
Books Time, especially if you have family or are working flat out and drive-commute.
Seminars Time again but also cost and the charge drains off quickly afterwards.

Enter the audiobook:
Audio books negate the time and cost problems.
You can force charge your mind (push it in) as oppsoed to physically “eye-read” (drag it in)
Have those supercharged seminar speakers in your head Anytime, at the press of a button.

For example, you can listen to audiobooks while:
Driving or on the train
Relaxing in the dark
Cleaning the car
Dog walking
Gardening
Jogging, working out etc

Oh yes, it’s essential to be around positive people as much as possible too. Negative people are like charge draining vampires. They’ll pull you down with them if you give them a chance. They want you to be as depressed as they are there’s comfort in hanging with other losers after all!

Best stop now I sound like one of the audio books (and it’s their job to teach you about this stuff)

** My top 10 download audiobooks for mind supercharging **

My advice is to have a good look about and choose 2 or 3 solid audiobooks to start with.

Don’t be limited by my choices though. Explore. It’s a new world out there and it’s waiting for you to come along and give it a damn good spanking!

1. Glenn Harrold’s Ultimate Guide to Building Your Motivation. Author: Glenn Harrold Publisher: BBC Audiobooks.

2. Awaken the Giant Within. Author: Anthony Robbins. Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio.

3. Glenn Harrold’s Ultimate Guide to Manifesting Your Goals & Dreams. Author: Glenn Harrold. Publisher: BBC Audiobooks.

4. Unlimited Power. Author: Anthony Robbins. Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio.

5. How to Win Friends & Influence People. Author: Dale Carnegie. Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio.

6. Giant Steps. Author: Anthony Robbins. Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio.

7. Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway. Author: Susan Jeffers. Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Audiobooks.

8. Slow Downand Get More Done. Author: Marshall J Cook. Publisher: Listen & Live.

9. Why We Want You To Be Rich. Authors: Donald Trump & Robert Kiyosaki. Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

10. Get Up and Do It! Publisher: BBC Audiobooks.

Oh, and a last minute entry…I couldn’t stop myself but didn’t want to push any others out for:

11. What Would Machiavelli Do? Author: Stanley Bing. Publisher: Harper Collins US.

All of these audio books can be downloaded from online audio book stores and played on your PC, Mac, mp3 player, ipod or burned onto a CDR.

Any of these audiobooks will make a great first go, so check them out and go for it Do NOT procrastinate or you won’t even get out of the starting blocks!

Gardening

Learn Simple Steps To Make A Bonsai

Comments Disabled

Origin of Bonsai

The process of making the dwarf specimen of a big tree can be considered as bonsai. A bonsai always represents a mature and old tree which bears all the qualities of a plant in the woods. This is the popular advantage of making Bonsai trees. It is believed that the Bonsai first gained popularity around 1000 years back in China. It was then known as pun-sai. From there, the process went to Japan and there it developed more. Poetic dream, craft of an artist and success of a horticulturist are clearly reflected in a bonsai tree. There are five bonsai categories available: Formal Upright, Informal Upright, Slanting Style, Cascade Style and Semi-Cascade Style.

Making Bonsai

Making of bonsai is an art which can be tried in almost any plants. However, most commonly used plants are Ficus, Figs, Cedar, Elm, Mango tree, Cedar and Jade plant. Sources for the plant procurement can be done from any place where you find a dwarfed tree does not get the support of Mother Nature. Other than this, seeds, cuttings, grafted and potted plants are also used to make a bonsai. Buy a clay pot of 4 inches height and 6 inches radius with at least three holes for drainage. Fit your bonsai inside after pruning the roots of the plant in that pot. Cut the roots little angularly for easy growth.

Soil condition

Making bonsai requires an apt method of feeding the plant. Giving less food will not help at all for the process. The restriction of natural growth is the only solution for making bonsai trees. The soil used for making bonsai should not be so soggy. Prepare the soil by mixing 3 parts of a half burnt clay, 3 parts of leaf mould with two parts of coarse sand. Mixing one handful of vermin composter or organic compost will be more effective. A spoonful of fertiliser twice a month would be sufficient for easy growth. Mixture of cow manure can also be used. Bonsai should not be planted in over sized pot.

Training techniques

Training techniques includes the pruning of branches, roots, cutting of leaf or either bending the branches. At first, you may decide which should be the front side of the Bonsai. Avoid allowing any branch to grow in that direction. After pruning process, bend it to your choice by twisting a copper wire over it. Removing of leaves should not be done more than three in a year. Ensure sufficient sunlight while making Bonsai. But, avoid heavy fall of direct sunlight and rain. Remember, making Bonsai needs constant attention and care. Let it grow as an icon of your creativity.

Gardening

How To Fail At Csa Market Gardening

Comments Disabled

CSA market gardening is a great way to connect farmers and consumers. The farmer receives a good income and guaranteed cashflow, and the consumer gets a steady supply of fresh, local food. But your CSA can fail if you don’t avoid the following mistakes.

CSA market gardening mistake 1: Marketing. Community Supported Agriculture programs typically experience high turnover of customers, especially in the early years. You may lose as many as 40% of your customers each year. This means you need to be continuously marketing to find new customers to replace the losses, and even more if you expect to grow.

Marketing your garden doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive; the first thing to invest in is some good business cards. Cards are a cheap way to promote your market garden. You can print both sides of the card, perhaps using the back of the card as a coupon for new customers.

Mail-out flyers are also an effective marketing tool. Flyers let you target a particular geographic area, and a 1-page 2-sided flyer gives you lots of room to get your message across.

You should also consider creating a website for your market garden; having a web presence is expected of businesses these days. And a well-designed, keyword-focused, content-driven website is your marketing magic weapon, bringing in customers even while you sleep.

CSA market gardening mistake 2: Not growing enough produce. When customers join your CSA, they often pay you in advance for the season. You have to make sure you deliver great value for that payment. This starts with planning.

Since you know how many customers you have, you can plan your garden to make sure you have ample produce for everyone. For example, if you have 50 customers who each want one head of lettuce each week, you need to be able to harvest at least 50 heads. However, not all lettuce seeds germinate. And not all plants successfully grow to produce a harvestable crop. You can lose plants to insects, or disease, or bad weather. So to make sure you will have sufficient produce available, you need to build in a safety factor; that is, plant more than you think you will need. So to get 50 harvestable head of lettuce, you might start by planting 75 seeds; this will give you some allowance for losses.

And you have to take all reasonable means to protect your crop from the perils mentioned above. You need protection against insects, disease, flooding, predatory animals, drought, and storms. It does you no good to grow beautiful vegetables if you lose them before harvest.

CSA market gardening mistake 3: Not growing enough variety. Successful CSA’s grow lots of vegetables, and a large variety of vegetables. There are some good reasons for this: first, your customers will appreciate receiving something different in their delivery boxes each week. The more types of vegetables you grow, the more people you will appeal to.

The second reason to grow a large variety is for security of production. To give an extreme example, if you grew only two vegetables, and you lose one, your garden has lost 50%. On the other hand, if you grow 20 different vegetables and you lose one, you garden is still at 95%.

And finally, you need to grow a large variety of crops to stretch out your season. Different vegetables, and even different types of the same vegetable, mature at different times. The more you grow, the longer your potential season.

CSA market gardening can bring a great benefit to both farmers and consumers, if you avoid these mistakes.

1 2 3 4 5 … 20