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Lawn - how to set up?

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One of the most enjoyable things about gardening is planting a lawn. And this is because we start this activity on summer, sunny days, during which we focus on how beautiful, intensely green our garden will soon be. However, achieving the desired effect is not so easy.  In order for a truly perfect turf to grow on our land, we must devote a lot of work and attention to it. We suggest how to set up a lawn from sowing step by step. Choosing a place The first step is to choose a place where the grass will have optimal conditions for growth. The most important thing is good sunlight. At worst, the soil may be slightly shaded, but only for part of the day.  Otherwise, the grass will grow poorly and cause us a lot of trouble. In addition, grasses have high water needs. Therefore, if in the place where we plan to plant it, the ground quickly heats up and dries out, it is worth considering the installation of an irrigation system (of course, before laying the turf), or at least series-connecte

The use and cultivation of common juniper

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Common juniper is quite a surprising plant. It grows as a large shrub and even a tree, sometimes reaching a height of up to 15 meters.  It has a columnar or conical shape, a thin reddish bark and prickly needles, which have a wide, gray-white band of stomata on top, and are shiny green underneath. In addition, in the third or fourth year after flowering, small dark blue cones ripen on the juniper. The use of common juniper Common juniper, and especially the Gold Cone variety, is a shrub that can be admired in parks as often as in private gardens. It is used similarly to the popular thujas that are planted in plots. Junipers arranged at appropriate distances form beautiful, evergreen hedges.  Trees also look very nice in pots, e.g. on terraces. However, as it turns out, juniper is not only useful in gardens. In the past, juniper wood was used for the production of carpentry.  As it is distinguished by exceptional hardness, it works great as a material for hangers, caskets, boxes, decora

Magnolia - how to care?

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 Magnolia is a shrub or tree typical of the wild areas of North and South America and East Asia.  However, due to the beautiful, decorative flowers, which, depending on the individual varieties, take on different colors, and most often, like Siebold's Magnolia, pink in Europe, they are cultivated as ornamental plants.  And although it is said that the climate here is too harsh, it turns out that properly cared for magnolias successfully decorate Polish gardens.  Therefore, let's check how to cultivate these exotic plants, as well as when and with what to fertilize and water them. Cultivation Of great importance in the case of magnolia cultivation is the position we choose for it. Secluded places, sheltered from winds and frost, and at the same time well sunny, are suitable for these shrubs and trees. In the shade, these plants bloom poorly. A suitable soil is one that is permeable, humus, slightly acidic.  It is important that after planting the plant, the soil around it is mul

How to arrange a garden in front of the house?

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While each of us more or less knows what should be on the property behind the house - intensively green lawns, even the smallest vegetable beds, fruit shrubs and trees, ornamental plants, as well as garden gazebos and terraces with comfortable furniture, we do not necessarily have an idea for the arrangement of the space in front of the building.  After all, the entrance to the plot, access to the house and the immediate surroundings are our business card, the first element that our guests come into contact with.  That is why it is so important that the the front garden was well-kept, stylistically coherent and functional. Therefore, let's consider how to organize the area between the fence and the house. Surface and vegetation First of all, as part of the space in front of the house, you need to plan a space for a sufficiently wide, i.e. at least three-meter driveway, additional parking for guests, as well as a path leading to the front door.  The material with which we decide to

Blueberry cultivation and care

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The American blueberry, also called the great one, has gained immense popularity in recent years.  These small fruits, apart from the fact that they taste great, have many valuable nutritional and health-promoting values. Hence, we are happy to bite them for dessert, add them to sweet pastries or ice cream.  Meringues with whipped cream and lots of blueberries and raspberries are already popular. Unfortunately, in stores and at markets, blueberries are one of the most expensive fruits. However, there is a way! Just plant a bush in your own garden. Blueberry cultivation The ideal place for highbush blueberries is a well-sunlit, warm, secluded place. For the proper growth of the shrub, humus, acidic soil with a pH of 3.8 to 4.8 is necessary. Ideally, the content of organic compounds exceeds 7%. In addition, the groundwater level is of great importance. It should stay at a height of 35-60 cm.  Therefore, the best conditions for the cultivation of blueberries are provided by forest and fie

How to care for garden hydrangeas?

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There is no doubt that hydrangeas are one of the most impressive garden plants. Quite large, lush green leaves and abundant ball-shaped inflorescences of various colors densely intertwine with each other, creating a compact bush, also in the form of a ball.  Importantly, on the horticultural market we will find many varieties of these flowers, which differ from you mainly in color and sometimes in shape.  If we add to this the fact that hydrangeas are not too demanding, nothing stands in the way of buying the first seedlings, and thus starting the adventure with the cultivation of these unique plants. However, before that happens, let's check how their care should look like from the moment of buying small bushes. Site and soil Optimum conditions for the cultivation of hydrangeas are created by places that are well exposed to the sun, or partially shaded. A large amount of sunlight affects the abundant flowering of these plants and the intense color of the flowers. The soil also pla

What vegetables do we plant in April?

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Finally, after a long and frosty (especially in the final stage) winter, the long-awaited spring has come. The sight of the buds of trees and shrubs developing day by day gives us great joy. Gardeners, on the other hand, are rubbing their hands, because April is the best time to sow many plants.  Therefore, there is no time to lose, it's time to buy the first seedlings and get to work! However, before we enter the gardens with seeds, let's check what vegetables we plant in April to be sure. Early April Already at the very beginning of the spring month, sprouted potatoes can be planted in the ground. In addition, if in March we did not have time, opportunity or simply forgot to take care of future rhubarb and horseradish crops, the first days of April are the final time to catch up. First half of April In the first half of April, legumes, i.e. peas and broad beans, should be sown from seedlings in the form of seeds. During this period, it will not hurt to plant onions, parsnips

What plants do we plant in May?

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 While in April the weather can still fluctuate quite strongly (it is not without reason that there is a proverb "April weaves, because it alternates, a bit of winter, a bit of summer"), May is a rather stable month. In the vast majority, warm days prevail, and recently even hot days.  There are storms and rains, but they are necessary. Without them, nature would not wake up so quickly after a long winter. Therefore, it is worth taking advantage of this opportunity and continue further work in the garden. So, what plants do we plant in May? Trees, shrubs and other ornamental plants As coniferous trees and shrubs are well taken in May, it is worth considering this month whether we want to enrich our garden with junipers, firs, spruces, pines or thujas. However, we must bear in mind that at this time you can only sow plants sold in containers or with a lump of earth, because it is too late for those with uncovered roots at this time of year.  Watering plays a special role here

What are plant protection products?

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Unfortunately, it is not always the case that what we plant in our gardens in the spring blooms beautifully, and in the summer and autumn it yields abundant crops.  Sometimes, despite the efforts, dedication of time and hard work, trees, shrubs as well as vegetable and fruit beds are attacked by diseases and pests. While in some cases they can be fought before they can do serious damage, in other cases they come back with a vengeance. Then we have no choice but to reach for plant protection products.  Of course, due to their highly chemical composition, they are not very safe for humans, animals and the environment, but used judiciously and not very often, they can prove to be invaluable help. Therefore, it is worth having at least basic knowledge of what plant protection products are, what types of such preparations are distinguished and how to use them. Plant protection products - definition Plant protection products are active substances or preparations that contain from one to seve

How to protect plants from heat?

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This year, summer surprised us exceptionally early. Already in May, thermometers showed temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. It's scary to think what will happen in this and the next months.  One thing is certain - by hydrating your body, protecting your head, skin and eyes from harmful UV radiation, we must not forget about garden plants.  During such periods, they also require special treatment. That is why we suggest how to protect plants from heat. Watering When the air temperature dangerously approaches or exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, abundant, systematic watering plays a huge role. However, the time of day when we reach for garden hoses, watering cans and buckets is not without significance. Watering at noon, in full sun, will not only not help the plants, but will actually harm them - they will burn.  Therefore, it is recommended to water the garden early in the morning, when both the soil and the earth in pots and boxes are not yet warmed up, or late in the evening. During

How to grow Sage?

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Sage is a plant that is primarily famous for its healing properties. After drying, a health-promoting infusion is prepared from it. In addition, it is used in the kitchen as an aromatic spice. Interestingly, planted next to vegetables, it protects them from pests (repels them).  In addition to sage, various varieties of this perennial are mentioned, some of which have a typically decorative function.  For example, the Rosea, Blauhuegel and Adrian mossy sage impress with hairy, grey-green leaves and small flowers in the color of intense violet or pure white, densely spread on soaring shoots reaching a height of about 70 cm. Either way, it is definitely worth planting it in your garden. So let's see how to grow sage. Position and soil suitable for growing sage When starting sowing sage, it is worth remembering that it is a perennial that originally comes from the Mediterranean. Therefore, it feels best in sunny, warm places, sheltered from gusts of wind. Therefore, it is worth starti

Thyme - what does it help and how to grow Thyme?

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 Thyme is a perennial found almost all over the world, which not only looks beautiful in rock gardens and walls, but is also used in the kitchen, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and perfume industry. However, it is primarily used in natural medicine and herbal medicine.  What properties does thyme show? What does it help with? How to cultivate it? We are in a hurry to answer! Thyme - properties Thyme is primarily known as a respiratory aid. Thyme infusions relieve dry cough and facilitate breathing. The plant is an excellent expectorant, disinfecting catarrhal conditions of the throat, bronchi and larynx. It also helps fight persistent runny nose. And as it inhibits the growth of bacteria, it should also be used prophylactically.  Considering the fact that thyme contributes to the removal of deposits deposited on the respiratory tract from the body, people addicted to smoking should be interested in it. In addition, thyme improves the digestive process, hence it brings relief in indigestion

How to care for lavender?

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 Lavender is an evergreen shrub with beautiful, small, intensely blue flowers and a captivating fragrance. Fields covered with lavender are one of the symbols of the charming French Provence.  Due to the wonderful appearance, aroma and valuable properties of this plant, more and more often we decide to grow it in home gardens, on terraces and balconies.  Especially that it repels many insects, including mosquitoes, ticks and ants, and after drying it can be used in cosmetics and herbal medicine. So, let's see how to care for lavender. Where to plant lavender? As lavender originally comes from the Mediterranean climate, it is very important to make every effort to find the right place for the seedlings. Otherwise, the plant will not take root or will not grow as fast and bloom profusely as we would like. The place we choose for lavender cultivation must be sunny, preferably from the south or west.  In addition, it is extremely important that it is airy - proper air circulation is as

How to grow kiwis? Is breeding actinidia possible in our climate?

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Kiwi, next to oranges, lemons, bananas, dates, pomegranates, mangoes and many others, is usually classified as an exotic fruit that comes to our tables from the warm countries of the South.  And yet it turns out that kiwi (provided we provide the plant with the right conditions) can be grown in our own garden. It is true that it will not be exactly the kind of fruit we know from shops or traveling around the warmest corners of the world, but it is still worth it.  Varieties of actinidia recommended for our climate are vines that produce kiwi, but in the mini version. The good news is that despite the small size of the fruit, they are still vitamin bombs (above all, they contain a lot of vitamin C), and the creeper itself is a beautiful decoration of any garden. So how do you grow kiwis? Let's check! Polish kiwi - female and male seedlings The key to success in growing kiwi is choosing the right seedlings of this vine. You need to know that kiwi is a dioecious plant - some form only

Edible dogwood - how to plant and care for it?

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 Dogwood is an ornamental shrub that decorates our gardens regardless of the season - in spring it blooms yellow, at the end of June small red fruits appear on it, and in autumn the leaves turn beautiful pale pink and orange.  Although the plant with a spherical shape climbs up rather slowly, it eventually reaches a height of up to 7 m. Dogwood can be planted singly or as a hedge.  These shrubs look particularly attractive in rural and naturalistic gardens. As for the fruits themselves, they are distinguished by a sweet and sour taste, thanks to which they taste great both raw and in baked goods or preserves. It is especially worth preparing a home-made liqueur, the popular cornelian vodka, from them.  The more so that they are a wealth of numerous vitamins and macro- and microelements. And how to plant and care for edible dogwood? Let's check! Dogwood - when to plant? When to plant cornel seedlings should depend on their type. Those with a bare root should be planted in early spri