Sunday 24 June 2018

Backyard Safety Tips to Protect Your Toddler from the Great Outdoors

Playing outside is healthy for even the youngest children. Getting out in nature will benefit your child in many ways. Children who play outside are healthier, happier, more creative, and have better social skills. When playing outside it’s important to educate you and your little ones on backyard safety

Before you let your toddler play outside, there are important safety measures you need to take. When you follow these easy guidelines, you will be able to give your toddler a rich outdoor experience without worrying about injuries or accidents.

Choose Plants Wisely

When you are landscaping your yard with an eye toward letting toddlers play outside, make sure your plants are as non-toxic as possible. For example, do not plant anything with enticing berries. Try to minimize the impact of thorns and tangling vines.

In addition to protecting your child from the dangers of landscape plants, you need to protect the plants from your rambunctious children. Use garden fencing where possible and keep plants and children separate.

backyard safety

Image Credit: FIX

Pay Attention to Lawn Care

You will want the smoothest, most comfortable lawn possible before letting your children play outdoors. Remove as many rocks, sticks, and skin-irritating weeds as possible. It’s also important to make sure that children stay off the lawn after insecticides and fertilizers are used.

Cover Window Wells

Many homes have basement windows at or below ground level. Children can fall into the window well and can be injured. It is best to purchase window well covers to keep curious children from hurting themselves. These covers are surprisingly affordable and easy to find.

Image Credit: Rockwell Window Wells

Pool Safety

If you have a pool or any water features, including fish ponds, it is imperative that you keep curious toddlers away from them. Use a pool fence at least 48 inches in height with a non-climbable zone of 36 inches. Check your local statutes to make sure your pool fence meets requirements. Make sure the gate is self-closing and self-locking.

Playset Safety

Playsets and slides are a wonderful way to get your toddler engaged in outdoor play. These fun features need to be set up in a safe manner. First, make sure that your playset is anchored to the ground using concrete. Playsets that are simply set on the lawn will easily fall over and injure children. Use wood chips, mulch, or sand to cushion the area around your playset. Be sure to watch children carefully so that they will not eat the mulch or wood chips.

play ground

Using these tips, you can provide a safe and fun environment for young children to enjoy your backyard. Allow them to experience the benefits of playing outside while minimizing the risks.

The post Backyard Safety Tips to Protect Your Toddler from the Great Outdoors appeared first on Garden Product Reviews.

3 Secrets to Successful High Yield Gardening In Small Spaces

Did You Say, Successful High Yield Gardening In Small Spaces?

Would you believe me if I told you it is possible to grow over a quarter of a ton of large organic tasty vegetables from a gardening plot just 15 ft X 20 ft ? What about by using a 100 sq. ft. area you could grow 100 lbs of big juicy tomatoes ? I know it seems hard to believe but with the right planning and a little brain power these are very much possible!

The one big secret to  growing a high yield garden is taking the time to plan it correctly. It’s crucial to evaluate your planting area and the growth habit of what your growing if you want a highly productive garden.

high yield garden

Soil & Raised Beds

Any expert will probably agree that soil is one of the most important factors when it comes to growing massive amounts of vegetables. Rich organic soil and a lot of it is what plants love to grow long healthy roots in. When plants are growing healthy underground the result is large healthy growth above the ground resulting in more vegetables.

I can’t say enough good things about raised beds. Not only do they keep you off your knees and the fruit off the ground, but they allow for better drainage and more soil that is not compacted. Another great benefit of using raised beds is the space you save by the ability to fill in your entire planting area. No more rows and walking paths down the middle.

I could write a whole article on raised beds alone and how great the are, but we’ll save it for another day. For now just understand that raised beds are worth the extra effort up front.


Space Above

One thing that will make raised beds much more efficient is rounding the tops of your plants. Most full grown plants that are arched at the top will gain a foot extra of growing space. It might not seem like much but when you do the math over a whole entire garden the numbers add up. A planting area the is 100 s.f. can add an additional 20 percent of growing space!

The way you lie your plants or seeds out is the next key to growing a high yield garden. Squared rows in lines one behind the other is NOT what you want to be doing. Instead staggering is key giving the plants more room to grow while taking up the same space. By staggering and tapering the rows down in a triangular shape you can add over 10 percent more plants in your planting bed. Be sure to keep a close eye out for insect and diseases when planting in close quarters. I always spray my susceptible plants using one of these sprayers filled with an organic fungicide to stay one step ahead of the game.

 

Up Up & Away

Growing vertical is key when growing in small spaces. Vegetables like peas, cucumbers, and squash do very well on trellises and cages. Growing vertically also saves time by making it easier to see exactly where fruits are. Check out this article on gardening with trellises Lastly growing upward improves air-flow, which will reduce the spread of diseases.

trellis gardening

It’s important to do learn which crops are compatible. Certain species won’t thrive with others so if your looking for a high yield garden this is key. So next time you think you don’t have the space to have a vegetable garden think again. It is definitely possible to do successful high yield gardening in small spaces.

The post 3 Secrets to Successful High Yield Gardening In Small Spaces appeared first on Garden Product Reviews.

The 5 Best Garden Hoses

Best Wood Chippers – Top 5 Chipper Reviews & Buyers Guide

The Best Wood Chippers of 2017

Cleaning up your yard and getting rid of sticks, weeds and other waste is a very important maintenance task. The fresh look and feel of having an aesthetically pleasing and satisfying garden or yard, is most definitely appealing to homeowners. In this article you’ll learn what to look for when searching for the best wood chippers.

There are different ways to achieve this look of cleanliness. The most efficient way to not only clean up your yard, but also utilize the waste and recycle it using a wood chipper. A wood chipper will allow you to take a massive pile of sticks and debris in your yard, and turn it into a much more manageable pile of mulch that you can incorporate into your gardens and plants to help them grow and prosper, year after year.

The hard part is obviously going to be choosing which is the best wood chipper for your needs. There is an overwhelming number to choose from and it’s going to take some time and research to decide which one suits you the best. There are a few that stand out the most that should be considered if you are seriously contemplating purchasing one.

Lets dive right in with the top 5 picks, but keep reading to learn which style might be better for you. What mainly separates these machines is the power source, and we’ll get into the differences right after these top choices.

The Top 5 Wood Chipper Picks for 2017

GreenWorks 24052 15 Amp

This is a great, compact machine measuring at 33.7 x 19.9 x 15.8 inches but don’t let this smaller size fool you. This wood chipper is more powerful than you would think because it’s equipped with a 15-amp motor ready to work. It’s easy to maneuver around weighing in at only 30 pounds. This is a great wood chipper for work that you are doing close to a house or garage as opposed to larger areas of debris such as fields or forests.

The GreenWorks wood chipper is designed to take on the smaller type of debris like leaves and sticks. This unit should not be loaded up with anything that exceeds one and three-eighths inches. Don’t purchase this machine thinking you’ll be able to chip trees or large branches. It is a pretty specific unit for smaller jobs. It comes fully equipped with a paddle that you can use to load the wood chipper safely, a bag to collect the chipped debris, another set of blades and also a four-year warranty.


Sun Joe Chipper Joe CJ601E 14-Amp

This wood chipper runs off an electric engine and the 14-Amp motor packs a serious punch when it comes to handling any and all types of small-medium sized debris. Sticks, leaves, branches and even thick brushes doesn’t stand a chance against this powerful machine. It is a chipper and shredder combo which allows for the variety of debris to be loaded up into it. It can be filled with anything measuring up to an inch and a half in diameter.

This wood chipper does come with a cord already attached. If more distance is needed it would be best to also use a longer extension cord to maximize mobility. This is also a compact and lightweight machine only weighing in at 32 pounds. Another important feature is that it runs much quieter than a gas-run engine, as do most electric machines.


Tazz Chipper Shredders K32

This particular wood chipper could easily be considered the Hulk of all wood chippers. It is a powerful unit made for cleaning up branches and sticks and turning them into mulch and dusts. Purchase with peace of mind, as you’ll be protected with a 5-year warranty! The reason we would say this chipper is so powerful is because it can handle items that range in diameter up to 3 full inches! More than double the previous two machines.

One downfall is the noise level. This model tends to be pretty loud during use due to the powerful gas engine. It’s also a heavy chipper, weighing in at 121 pounds. If you have trouble maneuvering this chipper than a tow kit to move it might be best. An additional feature that comes with the Tazz if you wish to purchase separately, is a handy vacuum kit. This handy addition allows for easy pickup of debris and leaves.


Patriot Products CSV-3100B 10 HP

If you tend to have a little bit of land or a yard measuring up to about 1 acre, give or take, this Patriot model may be one of the best wood chippers for you. It has a gas engine and steel knives that are treated with heat during production which strengthens the metal. You also have the ability to remove and re-sharpen them whenever you feel necessary.

When it comes to the output, this wood chipper is great for fast pace wood chipping. You won’t be replacing pulleys or belts on this work horse because there isnt any. This Patriot Product is about the size of a garbage can allowing for easy storage. It comes fully equipped with a debris bag to catch all of your mulch. Another option is to remove the bag and blow the wood chips to a desired area.


Eco-Shredder ES1600 14 Amp

We have saved the best for last when it comes to diversity and what your able to do with this chipper. The Eco-Shredder has the ability to chop up debris, shred leaves and twigs and also mulch. You can’t go wrong with the beast! This wood chipper is also about the size of a garbage can making it easy to move and store.

It has 3 different feeding and loading areas – one on the top for the leaves and smaller items, a side compartment for branches and sticks and also a discharge chute that makes cleaning up the mulch, a breeze.  In case of an overfill or jam situation, there is also a protection switch that quickly turns the motor off to prevent damage in case something is malfunctioning.


What To Look For In The Best Wood Chippers

There are a few important factors to keep in mind when it comes to buying and using a wood chipper. Obviously, first and foremost is safety. You should be sure to do your research and know exactly what kind of machine you are purchasing, before getting it home to use. It may seem simple, turn on, load, and mulch – in reality, it’s more difficult and intricate than that, but you can quickly get the hang of. Also wearing goggles and gloves while using is one of the first and most important lessons to learn before using.

Power Source

Be sure to examine the power source of the wood chipper you are considering buying. If it has a long cord attached to it care needs to be taken. Always be aware of the dangers of power cords. If you need to have an extension cord hooked up to it as well, it is smart to have a game plan as to how to safely run them.

Proper Use

Like we said before, using a wood chipper can be more complicated than you would think. It is more than just throwing some sticks in and watch it work – in order for sticks and leaves to be loaded properly, you need to make sure they are not too big or too crooked to be placed in the machine. Also, you will definitely have to do some manual labor beforehand like cleaning up your yard and composing a pile of debris that will fit in your chipper,

 Power Source

These wood chippers are a convenient, handy piece of machinery. They can definitely help spruce up your yard eliminating sticks and debris. However, there are some overall downfalls when it comes to owning a wood chipper. Purchasing a gas-powered wood chipper is going to come with some noisy side effects. There is no way to muffle or quiet the noise so that is something to keep in mind – especially if you live in a neighborhood or have houses close by while your working.

Like any car or tractor that you power with gas, comes the pollution aspect of it. With gas engines also comes a gas tank which means these machines tend to be heavier and bulkier to move around. On the flip side, using electric wood chippers are quieter, but the power they possess and amount of debris they can mulch up, tends to be less than gas-powered ones.

Conclusion

Any one of the above best wood chippers you end up buying is going to get the job done, it might just take a bit longer. Researching beforehand and purchasing the best one for the job you have in mind, is very important. Quality should be your top priority so reading product reviews and guides can steer you in the right direction. These machines are not for the faint of heart. They should be operated by someone who is confident in their abilities and understand the dangers. Wood chipper safety should be taken seriously. Learn how tragedy struck and what could happen is used incorrectly in this article. Hastily buying one could lead to disappointing results. We are confident that this article will have you well on your way to an educated and smart purchase.

 

 

 

The post Best Wood Chippers – Top 5 Chipper Reviews & Buyers Guide appeared first on Garden Product Reviews.

Best Electric Chainsaws & Buying Guide

GOOD & BAD OF THE BEST ELECTRIC CHAIN SAWS

A chainsaw is one of the most powerful pieces of equipment you can have in your arsenal of gardening tools. These extremely handy yet dangerous tools come in several different types. Gas powered, electric and battery powered. Today we’re going to dive into some of the best electric chainsaws while looking at the pros & cons.

When owning a top rated electric powered saw you’ll realize, it’s a low maintenance tool which is a lot less noisy than most gas models. One advantage of using an engine not powered by gasoline is that they’re environmentally friendly due to the lack of toxic fumes. Second they are cheaper to operate without the constant purchase of fuel.

The drawback however is the inability to cut and buck larger size trees. The reduced power compared to most gas models is what sets them apart. With more power and speed comes more danger, so if your not experienced and confident than an electric saw might be the perfect solution.

best electric chainsaw

If you are the type who likes to work around the yard, pruning or trimming small – medium trees, than an electric chainsaw is best for you. Electric is simpler, almost maintenance free and much cheaper than chain saws that have gas engines.

Chain saws are extremely versatile, as they can finish tasks which are seemingly endless if you were to do by hand. Extreme caution must always be taken when using power tools, especially ones with moving blades. Its careful use and proper care saves lives. This frame of mind helps reduce careless injuries and unnecessary repairs ensuring a proper functioning and efficient tool for many years. The lack of care and improper maintenance can result in mechanical issues along with serious injuries.

The standard image of a chain saw is a high power gas saw, which requires oil to run. They are an extremely powerful tool, and produce lots of fumes and noise, resulting in a less than ideal solution for homeowners. This is why more and more people are going in the direction of electric tools. To learn more one of the leaders in the chain saw market read this.

Some of the best electric chainsaws on the other hand, are silent and pollution free. These small useful power tools can offer significant benefits around the home. What are the benefits, when it comes to an electric saw purchase?

No More Gasoline

Because these saws are powered electrically, there is no need for fuel or engine oil. The only oil needed is bar oil. Bar oil is filled in a reservoir which automatically lubricates the chain.  No more costly trips to the fill station and say goodbye to spilt smelly gasoline.

Say Goodbye To Spark Plugs

Anyone who has ever tried to start a traditional chain saw with a spark plug would certainly appreciate an electric start. Often times gas saws have problems starting resulting in heavy pulling over and over. This type of repetitive hard pulling leaves even the most fit, tired and fatigued. There’s nothing like the press of a button and your ready to work

Better For The Environment With No Emissions

One of the most recognizable aspects of a chain saw (with the exception of noise) is the exhaust. It is extremely important, and could also be very dangerous for you and the people around you. However, electric chainsaws have no exhaust. This could be an essential element for both those who care about the environment and hearing loss.

top rated electric chainsaws

Some Possible Disadvantages

While any one of the best electric chainsaws below are exceptional tools, they have some disadvantages. First of all, they are not as powerful as their gas counterparts. Secondly, you will only we sawing where you have a power source. Consequently no cutting in the woods or roads that aren’t close to a house or generator.

More Advantages of the Best Electric Chainsaws

However, for what they are, these are exceptional low cost investment for several reasons, and can help with your lawn and garden maintenance. By having this tool in your position and ready to go, you’ll find yourself doing those jobs you’ve been putting off.

While many people appreciate the convenience and portability of gas saws, there are many people who are beginning to discover the benefits of working with a top rated  chainsaw. Units that depend on gas for power are much heavier. In addition, they often require a high level of maintenance. You’ll be avoiding things like filter changes and costly carburetor cleaning and repair.

If you only depend on a chainsaw for household tasks from time to time, it may be best to choose a top rated electric chainsaw from our picks below.

Many people use chainsaws to cut large trees or for commercial use. If you are planning on engaging in this type of tree work, it’s definitely best to choose a gas saw. Check out these larger gas powered saws that will get the job done. Even the best electric chainsaw will not be able keep up with these types of larger tasks or furthermore a broke chainsaw.


TOP RATED ELECTRIC CHAINSAWS

  1. WORX WG303.1 16-INCH CHAIN SAW

Best Features:

The WORX WG303.1. A great feature on the WORX WG202.1 is the saws automatic chain lubrication system with an oil level gauge. The automatic chain system tension works great to  decrease the likelihood of excessive tightening, which can be problematic. Use your electric saw worry free with the 3 year manufacturer warranty.

Weakness: It’s a little tight between the top handles and the chain brake and this unintentionally results in frequent activation of the safety shutoff function.


  1. REMINGTON RM1425 LIMB N TRIM 8 AMP 14-INCH ELECTRIC CHAINSAW

Best Features:

The Remington RM1425 Limb N Trim is an electric chainsaw that has power cord along with a 14 inch low-kickback bar. The saw has an 8 amp electric motor that makes it great for trimming and cutting smaller trees and branches. It has a push-button oiler that lets you add oil to your bar with an easy-to-view oil reservoir for gauging your oil level. Without proper oiling you can ruin a new chain in no time.

Weakness: There have been instances of chain oil leaks, this is an easy fix by laying the unit with its chain side down. The chain tension adjustment can be a little awkward until you get use to it. Improper chain adjustment can result in a chain that’s too tight or dangerously loose.


3.OREGON CS1500 SELF-SHARPENING ELECTRIC CHAIN SAW

Best Features:

The OREGON CS1500 Self-Sharpening Electric Chain Saw, an electric operated chainsaw with an 18 inch bar and chain with reduced-kickback. This saw is perfect for many different tasks that require quick cutting. The CS1500 has enough power to cut through firewood and also trimming and felling through small trees, furthermore it can also cut through trees that are 16 inches in diameter

Weakness:

There have been comments from other users that complain about the chain easily falling off. However, this might be a user error or an isolated issue since this occurrence has rarely been reported.


Remington RM1025SPS Chainsaw – Pole saw Combo

Best Features:

The 2-in-1 pole saw/chainsaw features an adjustable pole extending up to 10-fee. The 8-amp electric motor allows for quick and easy cutting, while the low-kickback, 10-inch bar make pruning an easy task.The pole saw’s easy flip & lock clamps allow for immediate disconnect from the pole. As a result you actually have two awesome tools in one.

Weakness:

Using a pole saw can be awkward as the weight of the saw at the end of the pole can cause arm fatigue rather quickly. It’s best to stop once fatigued and restart after resting. Using a pole saw takes a little getting use to, its best to let the saw do all the work and not force the cut.


If you’ve used another electric saw that you think should be on the list we would love to hear about it in the comment section below. Hopefully we’ve made your decision as to which chainsaw is best for you an easier one. To learn more about chainsaws and cutting trees this forum on Arboriculture is a great place to check out. If you missed our last post on the best wood chippers you can check it out right here, it was a good one! We appreciate your stopping by and if you have feedback on any of the saws we reviewed it’s appreciated.

Until next time, Happy sawing!

The post Best Electric Chainsaws & Buying Guide appeared first on Garden Product Reviews.

13 Step Fall Checklist To A Happier Home

13 Step Fall Checklist To Happier Home

If scorching hot days are a distant memory, and your breaking out the hoodies and sweaters, than it may be time for a little extra work around the yard. Tackling these fall clean up tips will not only make your winter more enjoyable but also eliminate some awful surprises come the spring.

1. Clean Up Debris

Sticks and leaves that have fallen and made your yard their new home should be picked up. Removing material of this sort is also a favorite hiding place for unwanted insects. It is also important to remove any plants or flowers that have gone bye, remember to cut it down and rake it up, especially if it’s diseased.

13 step fall checklist

Leaving any sort of contaminated debris on the ground is a big mistake that can be easily avoided. If you fail to do this you can have problems on your hands when spring rolls around.

2. Turn Beds

After veggies and annuals are done producing or you’ve had a hard frost it’s time to clean and turn over the soil. Start by cutting down all plants or flowers that are finished. Using a shovel or pitch fork dig up any root balls, this will make life easier when turning. Lastly, it’s time to turn over the soil. This process can be easily be done with a garden tiller, which is also the perfect tool to add soil amendments like compost or humus. Check out this article on  garden tillers. If you dont have access to a garden tiller a shovel or pitch fork will do the job, but be ready to work!

3. Prune Overhanging Branches

Prune back any overgrown or low hanging branches.If you’re in my part of the world than you know what heavy wet snow can do. Broken branches or leaning shrubs are dangerous and much harder to deal with when covered in frozen wet snow. Falling trees and broken branches are notorious for damaging property this time of year. A little preventative maintenance can save you big in the long run. To learn more about what pruning tools are best check this out.

4.Clean Gutters.

One big problem with blocked gutters is something that I’m sure SOME of you have never heard of… ICE DAMS! For those of you that haven’t heard of them (your lucky), they occur when snow melts. The melted snow freezes when temps drop, the process repeats creating a mound of ice that grows and grows along a gutter. These ice dams cause major damage and interior water leaks. To learn more about ice dams this Wiki article is the place to go.

5. Drain Water

Make sure you drain any water remaining in garden hoses, irrigation lines, water fountains and similar ornamental decorations that contain water. Another key place to remove and shut off water are the spigots around your house. Water left in any of the places mentioned will freeze, expand and cause damage. Cracking pipes can lead to interior flooding, a disaster that’s easy to avoid.

6. Aeration

Aeration takes place when holes are made throughout the surface of a lawn. This procedure is done to break up the surface, reduce compaction and allow water and nutrients to get down into the root zone. The best type of aeration is mechanical. It can be done professionally or by renting a machine from your local home store and doing yourself. Aerators are pricey so in most cases renting is the most logical option.

7. Fertilization

Applying fertilizer is a key component to having a beautiful and happy lawn. The fall is a crucial time to fertilize allowing your lawn to get the nutrients it needs. High phosphorous fertilizers are key when coming into the colder months. Phosphorus encourages root growth and will give you a rich green lawn when spring rolls around. You’ll than be one step ahead of the game. If you want more information on fertilizers than look at this.

8. Rake And Remove

The dreaded job of many is leaf removal. If you don’t have many trees around your lucky. Removing fallen leaves is important for a couple of reasons. First is aesthetics, a yard free of sticks and leaves looks nicer. Second is health; leaves, sticks and other debris will decompose over the winter months and add to the thatch layer in your lawn which suffocates and prevents water and nutrients from getting to the root zone.

9. Mowing One Last Time

last low mow

 

Leaving your lawn long throughout the winter isn’t the best idea. Not only will it hold onto leaves and debris blown around but it will also take longer to dry out come the spring. Mowing your lawn on a lower setting one last time is beneficial. Fall is  a great time to get good deals on lawn mowers as companies are clearing out their inventory. Read this to learn more about mowers and where to find the best deals.

10. Dead Head And Divide

Removing flowers that are done blooming is beneficial to plants. Also, dividing plants makes them healthier while giving you double or triple the plants for free. Many homeowners skip this step due to lack of knowledge. Plants like Hosta and ornamental grasses are excellent candidates for this procedure. Not all species will fit the criteria so find out which ones are and get dividing!

11. Cold Protection

Wrap cold sensitive plants in burlap or fabric. Pay attention to windy areas as temps can fall much lower in these areas and plants can get burnt. Any potted plants that don’t like freezing temps should be moved indoors if possible.

12. Plant Bulbs, Shrubs, and Fall Annuals.

Certain plants and bulbs prefer to be planted in the fall months. Bulbs like hyacinth that pop in the spring need to be planted in the fall. To add some color to your fall garden plant things like pansies, mums, kale and cabbage. Plants like these will brighten up any dreary spot in your garden.

13. Clean And Sharpen

When things slowdown in the fall it’s the perfect time to take care of the tools that have been put hard to work all season. Cleaning of your tools with a disinfectant and wire brush is a great step to take. Also sharpening your hand pruners, loppers and lawn mower blades is crucial when it comes to property maintenance.

By following this checklist you’ll be fully prepared for the winter months and one step ahead of the game come the spring. If you have any fall tips that we missed we would love to hear about them in the comment section below. We hope these fall tips makes this amazing time of year even better!

The post 13 Step Fall Checklist To A Happier Home appeared first on Garden Product Reviews.

Top 10 Best Composters for 2017 – Bins vs Tumblers

5 Of The Best Zero Turn Mowers On Sale – Buyers Guide

3 Best Tips For Growing Perfect Zucchini

Best Weed Removal Tools

Thursday 14 June 2018

3 Secrets to Successful High Yield Gardening In Small Spaces

Did You Say, Successful High Yield Gardening In Small Spaces?

Would you believe me if I told you it is possible to grow over a quarter of a ton of large organic tasty vegetables from a gardening plot just 15 ft X 20 ft ? What about by using a 100 sq. ft. area you could grow 100 lbs of big juicy tomatoes ? I know it seems hard to believe but with the right planning and a little brain power these are very much possible!

The one big secret to  growing a high yield garden is taking the time to plan it correctly. It’s crucial to evaluate your planting area and the growth habit of what your growing if you want a highly productive garden.

high yield garden

Soil & Raised Beds

Any expert will probably agree that soil is one of the most important factors when it comes to growing massive amounts of vegetables. Rich organic soil and a lot of it is what plants love to grow long healthy roots in. When plants are growing healthy underground the result is large healthy growth above the ground resulting in more vegetables.

I can’t say enough good things about raised beds. Not only do they keep you off your knees and the fruit off the ground, but they allow for better drainage and more soil that is not compacted. Another great benefit of using raised beds is the space you save by the ability to fill in your entire planting area. No more rows and walking paths down the middle.

I could write a whole article on raised beds alone and how great the are, but we’ll save it for another day. For now just understand that raised beds are worth the extra effort up front.


Space Above

One thing that will make raised beds much more efficient is rounding the tops of your plants. Most full grown plants that are arched at the top will gain a foot extra of growing space. It might not seem like much but when you do the math over a whole entire garden the numbers add up. A planting area the is 100 s.f. can add an additional 20 percent of growing space!

The way you lie your plants or seeds out is the next key to growing a high yield garden. Squared rows in lines one behind the other is NOT what you want to be doing. Instead staggering is key giving the plants more room to grow while taking up the same space. By staggering and tapering the rows down in a triangular shape you can add over 10 percent more plants in your planting bed. Be sure to keep a close eye out for insect and diseases when planting in close quarters. I always spray my susceptible plants using one of these sprayers filled with an organic fungicide to stay one step ahead of the game.

 

Up Up & Away

Growing vertical is key when growing in small spaces. Vegetables like peas, cucumbers, and squash do very well on trellises and cages. Growing vertically also saves time by making it easier to see exactly where fruits are. Check out this article on gardening with trellises Lastly growing upward improves air-flow, which will reduce the spread of diseases.

trellis gardening

It’s important to do learn which crops are compatible. Certain species won’t thrive with others so if your looking for a high yield garden this is key. So next time you think you don’t have the space to have a vegetable garden think again. It is definitely possible to do successful high yield gardening in small spaces.

The post 3 Secrets to Successful High Yield Gardening In Small Spaces appeared first on Garden Product Reviews.

Best Outdoor Solar Lights of 2019

Do you hate getting out of your car at night in a pitch black driveway or fumbling through your keys and can’t see a thing? Have you always ...