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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Garden Tour: blue23roseGarden Tour: blue23rose
By blue23rose on August 12, 2012

We are traveling to Southwest Indiana to take a look at the lovely gardens of blue23rose. You are going to really enjoy this Garden Tour.

(Full article37 comments)

Outsmart the Squash BugsOutsmart the Squash Bugs
By Horseshoe on August 11, 2012

Have squash? Have bugs? Have squash bugs? (One of the hardest pests to get rid of.) Try watering squash plants from top to bottom with your hose wand. This makes the adults want to come to the top of the plant to dry off in the sun. Once they are out in the open, come back in a few minutes and spray with a mix of soap spray and rubbing alcohol. It’ll sure get most of them!

(30 comments)

Cleaning Root VegetablesCleaning Root Vegetables
By wildflowers on August 10, 2012

A pair of exfoliating bath and shower gloves works very well for cleaning garden fresh root vegetables.

(7 comments)

Saving Tomato SeedsSaving Tomato Seeds
By RossWindows on August 9, 2012

Saving tomato seeds is a perfect way to have great tasting tomatoes from year to year. This technique is basically fermentation and being a home-brewer, I just had to try it.

(Full article14 comments)

Legends, Old Cedar Trees and ChildrenLegends, Old Cedar Trees and Children
By Sharon on August 8, 2012

Let's talk a little about legends, lore and Nature. On good weather Sundays, late in the afternoon, you can find me wandering in the Land Between the Lakes here in western Kentucky. I have a friend who always goes with me; last week when she called she said, "Let's go visit the Cedar Tree."

(Full article92 comments)

Recycle Delivery TraysRecycle Delivery Trays
By RobertB on August 7, 2012

Save the delivery trays from those restaurants that deliver. They come in mighty handy for various usages. I store everything from marbles to nails in them and they make a great seed tray!

(Full article5 comments)

ATP Podcast #0.1: Interview with Jane Gates, Author of "All The Garden's a Stage"ATP Podcast #0.1: Interview with Jane Gates, Author of "All The Garden's a Stage"
By dave on August 6, 2012

Jane Gates, the author of a new gardening book, has a long history in art, music and gardening. She has studied horticulture and worked in the green industry for over 30 years, propagating, hybridizing, running nurseries, designing gardens, building landscapes and managing plant stores. Come and listen to my 30 minute conversation with this fascinating personality.

(Full article27 comments)

Prevent Plant Losses by Taking CuttingsPrevent Plant Losses by Taking Cuttings
By clintbrown on August 5, 2012

It always seems to happen. You add a new plant to the garden only to see it destroyed by some random creature or weather disaster. This is why I always take a few cuttings or divisions of any new plants before placing them in their final spot.

(Full article2 comments)

Repotting AdeniumRepotting Adenium
By Dutchlady1 on August 4, 2012

When repotting an Adenium, raise the plant an inch (or more depending on size) from its previous height, to help the caudex develop. Cut off any of the tiny roots that are above the (new) surface with a sharp knife, and dust the cuts with cinnamon to prevent rot.

(3 comments)

Let 'em Grow: PlantainLet 'em Grow: Plantain
By Sharon on August 3, 2012

This is one in a series of very short articles that might change your mind about some surprisingly good weeds. And even if your mind isn't changed, you'll still be well informed.

(Full article46 comments)

Quick Cleanup  Vinyl MatQuick Cleanup Vinyl Mat
By RobertB on August 2, 2012

Sheet of vinyl : quick and easy cleanup, easier to store than a wheelbarrow. Keep dirt where you want it and out of your grass!

(Full article8 comments)

Control Those Weeds: Garlic MustardControl Those Weeds: Garlic Mustard
By paulgrow on August 1, 2012

This is the third article in a series that will offer descriptions and control measures for some of the most common weeds. For the most part I will be referring to weeds found in the Midwest because that’s where I live and these are the ones I’m most familiar with.

(Full article9 comments)

Styrofoam PotStyrofoam Pot
By Cinta on July 31, 2012

We are all going green. Flower pots are expensive. You can make a simple pot from scraps of styrofoam, outdoor caulking, and small rocks from the Dollar Store. On this pot I used rocks, tile from a discount warehouse, and chess set pieces from Goodwill.

(Full article18 comments)

Glossary Tip - SepalGlossary Tip - Sepal
By wildflowers on July 30, 2012

Sepals are the leaf-like structure found between the top of the stock and the petals (corolla) of flowers. Look on the underside of the flower petals to find the sepal.

(6 comments)

A Quick Tip for Seed SowingA Quick Tip for Seed Sowing
By plantladylin on July 29, 2012

When sowing tiny seeds, dip a pencil eraser in water, then into the seeds and place them on top of the soil.

(8 comments)

Tutorial: How To Post a New Blog EntryTutorial: How To Post a New Blog Entry
By CDsSister on July 28, 2012

You will find most of the functionality in the ATP Blogs feature is intuitive, however there are a few differences from the forum posting. You will need to give a name to your blog entry, then create and edit text and images for the blog prior to finalizing it by publishing it to the ATP Blog.

(Full article6 comments)

Wanted for Crimes Against Indoor GardensWanted for Crimes Against Indoor Gardens
By bennysplace on July 27, 2012

We all go through stages of transition in our lives. What was once the four-bedroom ranch-style home in the cul-de-sac is now the two bedroom with loft condominium when finances or personal situations need to be sorted. You don’t realize all the things you have in your life until they are no longer there. This takes on a much deeper meaning when you are a gardener.

(Full article9 comments)

A Quick Tip About ToolsA Quick Tip About Tools
By plantladylin on July 26, 2012

Favorite tool: Wheelbarrow or small garden cart: When you are done working for the day, pile all those tools in the barrow or cart for one trip back to the shed!

(29 comments)

Backyard CoffeeBackyard Coffee
By RobertB on July 25, 2012

I love good coffee. My favorite is Hula Daddy Coffee from Kona, Hawaii. On a trip to Hawaii and the Big Island we spent a day going to the Hula Daddy Coffee Farm and store. It was quite enlightening on the whole process from growing to roasting. Living in zone 9B I thought, why not try a plant, it will be a great conversation piece. Little did I know I would be roasting my own pot of coffee soon.

(Full article33 comments)

Potted Plants Need Extra Care!Potted Plants Need Extra Care!
By Dutchlady1 on July 24, 2012

When buying potted plants to put out in your garden, be sure to either transplant them as soon as possible, or remember to keep them well watered. Plants in pots dry out faster than in the ground!

(4 comments)

What's Blooming in JulyWhat's Blooming in July
By LarryR on July 23, 2012

This month's article is devoted exclusively to our winners. That's right, plural. There are three of them! Come on in, check them out, and see what photos they've chosen for their awards. At left is a photo of this month's mystery flower.

(Full article10 comments)

Garden TourGarden Tour
By lovemyhouse on July 22, 2012

Let's travel to Texas, just a little north of Dallas in zone 8, and take a look at what lovemyhouse has done with her home and gardens. Garden Tours are always fun and this is one you'll really enjoy.

(Full article52 comments)

Make Your Own Bug SmackerMake Your Own Bug Smacker
By RobertB on July 21, 2012

The Florida rainy season is a welcome sight to all plant lovers, but the rainy season means mosquito season here in Florida. While out working in your yard, you should make your own Florida Mosquito Smacker! Here's how.

(Full article8 comments)

Make Your Own Moss PoleMake Your Own Moss Pole
By threegardeners on July 20, 2012

A moss pole is the best way to grow plants like Philodendrons and Syngoniums. Moss poles are really pretty simple to make; let me show you.

(Full article20 comments)

A Quick Tip on Container PlantingA Quick Tip on Container Planting
By plantladylin on July 20, 2012

Soil Saver: For container gardens, to keep the soil from seeping out of the bottom of the container, use a coffee filter on the bottom before putting soil in the pot. The filters will last for quite a while before decomposing. I've also used mesh window screening (cut a piece to fit over the drainage hole and then add your soil).

(12 comments)

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