Here are three more gardening tips that can make your gardening experience more enjoyable and successful. The difference between pleasurable gardening and hassle gardening is often just a few simple steps and measures.
Birdseed mayhem
Here's a simple gardening tip that many are surprised at. Do you have a bird feeder? Does some of that seed spill to the ground and sprout. What a hassle! Then you get to spend a few sessions a week pulling up the sprouts. There are better ways to use your time.
Here's what you do. Put the birdseed on a cookie sheet and bake for about 7 to 8 minutes at 300 degrees. The birds will thank you for the toasted treats and the spilled birdseed will not sprout in your garden.
How clever is that?
Protect Your Birds
While we are on the subject of birds, let's discuss their safety. If you have a cat that spends time outdoors, then you have probably received the occasional gift on the front doorstep of your pet's most recent kill.
Don't have a cat, you say. What about your neighbor? Have they had any luck attacking birds at your feeder? If so, take some steps to protect the feeding birds from predators, cats and others.
Do not put your feeder near to any surface that cats can reach with a quick jump. Porches are often bad place for feeders because predators have easy access.
Compost in the Winter
I love this gardening tip! Do you stop composting in the winter because of the cold? There is no need to do that if you take a couple precautions. First, use a black container and place it in a spot that gets the most sun through out the day. The container can heat up in spite of the cold.
Another option is to find some way to insulate the container. Do you have some sort of greenhouse you could put it in that isn't used as a porch. Or, you could surround the bucket with leaves, cut grass or hay.
These simple measures, and even others that you may be able to come up with on your own, you will be able to compost through out the whole year.
These gardening tips are just the latest of this series on fun and successful gardening. Implementing these simple strategies can make your gardening hobby that much more enjoyable.