Member Ideas

Welcome to the Member Ideas area! This community feature is where our members can post their own ideas. These posts are unedited and not necessarily endorsed by the National Gardening Association.

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Easy Peasy Vegetable GardeningEasy Peasy Vegetable Gardening
By Shy_gardener on August 11, 2016

I only have a small yard. I’m older, and can’t do all that I used to do, but I sure do love homegrown, totally organic vegetables. Thought I’d share this because it works extremely well for me, and so many folks just don’t have time for a garden anymore.

(Full article8 comments)

What To Do with Extra HerbsWhat To Do with Extra Herbs
By Kjnorris918 on August 9, 2016

Have extra herbs from the garden you don't know what to do with? Make all-natural homemade cleaners!

(Full article5 comments)

Soda Bottle DIY Irrigation for Roses and Other PlantsSoda Bottle DIY Irrigation for Roses and Other Plants
By cwhitt on August 7, 2016

One of the most effective methods of watering roses is by deep watering. An easy and economical way to do this is by turning a soda bottle into a DIY irrigation drip system.

(Full article3 comments)

Overwhelming Projects?Overwhelming Projects?
By plantmanager on August 5, 2016

I used to look at all of my land and feel totally overwhelmed by all of the projects I was envisioning.

(Full article14 comments)

The Low-Down on Pulling ThistlesThe Low-Down on Pulling Thistles
By critterologist on August 3, 2016

Sometimes, you find yourself bare handed in the garden and just have to yank out a thistle. Don't get hurt!

(Full article10 comments)

Bee-Friendly, Smart Way To Provide Water for Our PollinatorsBee-Friendly, Smart Way To Provide Water for Our Pollinators
By nativeplantlover on July 29, 2016

Everyone knows that bees, wasps, and other small insects work hard to collect nectar and pollen, but did you know that, like the birds, they also need a source of water?

(Full article26 comments)

Simple Recycle, Reuse IdeaSimple Recycle, Reuse Idea
By Toni on July 27, 2016

It is seed-starting time for some of us, which presented me with a dilemma. I had my seeds and my beautiful seed- starting compressed bale medium, but no scoop!

(Full article17 comments)

Kill Weeds with Hot WaterKill Weeds with Hot Water
By DigginDirt on July 25, 2016

No need for chemicals. Use boiling water to kill those weeds.

(Full article22 comments)

Metal Basket Container PlantingMetal Basket Container Planting
By webesemps on July 22, 2016

There are many metal objects available to use for container planting, such as tubs, troughs, cans, buckets, cups, bowls, etc. While browsing through an antique mall, I found a metal basket that I thought was quite distinctive. The question I asked myself was, "What do I do with it?" My answer: "Plant succulents, of course!"

(Full article24 comments)

How To Make Cheap, Permanent Plant TagsHow To Make Cheap, Permanent Plant Tags
By duane456 on July 20, 2016

Tired of trying to remember the name of that plant? Or -- trying to read your faded plant tag that is falling apart? Here's an inexpensive, interchangeable, and permanent plant tag that is easy to make with a few tools and materials.

(Full article35 comments)

Chickens in the Vegetable GardenChickens in the Vegetable Garden
By Artistwantobe on July 18, 2016

My three hens live in my vegetable garden. They are wonderful garden helpers: scratching up weeds, patrolling for bugs, and fertilizing. And I get wonderful rich organic eggs! Here is how I get my girls to co-exist with my vegetables.

(Full article21 comments)

Make a Lavender Wand SachetMake a Lavender Wand Sachet
By cwhitt on July 15, 2016

Bring your garden indoors with a wand sachet made from lavender from your garden.

(Full article5 comments)

Stop Snakes Invading Purple Martin HousesStop Snakes Invading Purple Martin Houses
By kytnbabe on July 11, 2016

My parents had stored berry/bird netting a couple of years ago and decided to get it out to cover strawberries. They found two big chicken snakes caught in it. My dad cut the dead snakes out of the netting and put the bird netting over the strawberries. Another snake was entangled. Hey! Bright idea!

(Full article17 comments)

Love My Dog - Love My GardenLove My Dog - Love My Garden
By kytnbabe on July 9, 2016

Boomer, my one-year-old German Shepherd dog, is always looking for work when he's outside. Unfortunately, he often likes to dig through one of my planters during the winter. By spring I realized I'd have to have a barrier on them to be able to plant flowers.

(Full article9 comments)

Recycling Deli ContainersRecycling Deli Containers
By PlantMania on July 7, 2016

Leftover chicken is not the only item that is used from this quick dinner. The container from a store-bought rotisserie chicken may be used for seed germination.

(Full article10 comments)

Followup to the Garden Tower 2 ReviewFollowup to the Garden Tower 2 Review
By dave on July 6, 2016

A couple months ago I posted a video review of the Garden Tower 2 (the combination vertical garden/vermicomposting system) and I was asked to post a followup once the plants have grown a bit. Here it is!

(Full article7 comments)

Soil EnrichmentSoil Enrichment
By Anderwood on July 5, 2016

I like to say, "The main thing I grow in my garden is soil." Read more to see why.

(Full article14 comments)

Easy Way To Apply Miracle-GroEasy Way To Apply Miracle-Gro
By Freedombelle on July 3, 2016

Here's an easy way to save time by having pre-measured Miracle-Gro ready to use.

(Full article5 comments)

How To Stop CutwormsHow To Stop Cutworms
By Peterthinks on June 30, 2016

I had cutworms killing my tomato plants. To stop it, I did this...

(Full article22 comments)

Get Your Potted Plants off the Ground!Get Your Potted Plants off the Ground!
By Gymgirl on June 28, 2016

Build a simple "Planter Pallet" out of free, recycled, or reclaimed materials, to keep tree roots from invading your potted plants. The pallet also helps your containers drain better, because they aren't sitting flush on the surface! These are great for patio containers, and may be cut into various shapes to suit your fancy!

(Full article11 comments)

Why You Should Learn About PPMWhy You Should Learn About PPM
By ArtD on June 26, 2016

Many folks like to start their plants indoors from seed.

(Full article17 comments)

Making a Pedigree Chart for Your Daylily SeedlingsMaking a Pedigree Chart for Your Daylily Seedlings
By cybersix on June 24, 2016

How to make a beautiful pedigree chart to keep track of the parentage of your seedlings and crosses

(Full article6 comments)

Protecting Bulbs from SquirrelsProtecting Bulbs from Squirrels
By Suga on June 22, 2016

This is my accidental solution to a squirrel problem.

(Full article16 comments)

Climbing Trellis Using 4 Cattle PanelsClimbing Trellis Using 4 Cattle Panels
By Thomas75 on June 20, 2016

This is a simple and easy-to-build climbing trellis, either permanent or seasonal, for all types of climbing or vining plants.

(Full article14 comments)

National Garden Bureau Accepting Applications for Therapeutic Garden GrantsNational Garden Bureau Accepting Applications for Therapeutic Garden Grants
By dave on June 17, 2016

National Garden Bureau, in an ongoing effort to raise awareness of horticulture and support the benefits of gardening, will grant $5,000 this fall to be split among three therapeutic gardens in North America.

(Full articleno comments)

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