The Gardener's Rake » you tube videos

Create a Hypertufa Garden Container

Denise — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 03:35:46 +0000

Garden Art is one of the “in” trends for this summers garden and yard. And with the interest in gardening, particularly container gardening, on the increase you may want to consider making you own hypertufa planters. It’s a fun project and also makes a great family project.
photo credit: jdn

I made my first hypertufa pot in a local art society. We were encouraged to bring items to press into our pots such as rocks beads, marbles or any other found objects. I used wash glass pieces and old keys in my creation.

The you tube video below will give you a fast idea on how to make a hypertufa pot. It’s really very easy and once you start making them you will find the ideas get more creative. The look of the container also blends in to the backyard and looks wonderful near ponds or pools.

The nice thing about the hypertufa pot is that it is really an economical project. They last for a long time and can withstand harsh winters. They can be made in all sized and using peat moss instead of cement they are not as heavy as you would think so can be moved about.

Technorati Tags: container gardening, creative gardening, garden art, garden crafting

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Post tags: container gardening, creative gardening, garden art, garden crafting

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The Successful Indoor Garden

Denise — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 00:19:36 +0000

Spring is slowly arriving here in NW Pennsylvania. The snow is melted and today was actually in the 50’s but it was overcast and a bit dreary. I spent some time cleaning the yard of broken branches. I also looked the perennial storing bed over and decided I would split the perennial ground cover plants in a week or two.

With the cold and rain I decided today would be an indoor day. My goals for today were clean my indoor plants and get them ready for spring. I also sorted through some of more unusual seeds and pulled them aside to start.

While looking online today I found this you tube on an indoor vegetable garden. Between the color and the music I found it relaxing and put me in the mood to get serious in my greenhouse. I must admit my indoor garden is not this nice, but its incentive to make it so.

I like the use of the windows, window lights and containers. She has very nice small vegetable mini containers growing that mix color and texture. It just proves gardening does not have to be dull or boring.

The window boxes also worked well and the mix of flowers and herbs worked well. I would like my indoor garden to look this nice. Maybe with the addition of the sunroom I plan to have up for next year it will.

Technorati Tags: Creative Organic Gardening, indoor gardening, indoor plants

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Post tags: Creative Organic Gardening, indoor gardening, indoor plants

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Container Gardening – Silly Flowers

Denise — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:00:06 +0000

Gardening should always be fun. Any gardening is work but if you plan your gardens well and use gardening shortcuts, you will have more time to enjoy your flowers and gardens.

This you tube shows how to plant containers and hanging baskets in a fun cheerful way. It reminds me that gardens and backyard are meant to be enjoyed. Sometimes when the weeds are fighting to overtake the gardens or all the vegetables are ready the same day we foget this.

Container gardening adds to gardens, backyards and patio areas. They are always a part of my yard and garden design.

Technorati Tags: container gardening

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Capturing the Beauty of Fall

Denise — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 02:06:27 +0000

Fall has a way of reaching out with its bright colors and speaking to your soul. I find this time of year inspiring and so fleeting.

I try to capture the colors with my camera and incorporate this into my artwork. That way I take a part of this wonderful time with me throughout the year.

This U Tube video catches fall with the scenery and the music.

Tommorrow in between pressing cider and working in the gardens I hope to hit the trails in Warren County and capture the colors some of the last fall leaves that linger on the ground and trees.

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Build your own Hydroponic system cheaply.

Denise — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:39 +0000

This you Tube shows how to build a hydroponic growing system.

Hydroponic growing gives you wholesome fresh vegetables, herbs and flowers year round. They grow very healthy, have less health issues and take less space. The only considerations is the cost of setting it up, the chemicals needed to nourish the plants and proper lighting.

This You Tube will give you a few ideas on how to set one up. One thing I noticed was that you can find a fish tank for a lot less than the video said. I have seen them in discount stores for $5.99 or at auctions of garage sales for a few dollars.

There’s no doubt I will be trying hydroponic gardening for tomatoes and herbs. Possibly I will add flowers later. It should make the winter month move more quickly here in NW PA.

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Hydroponic Gardening. What are Hydroponic Gardening advantages?

Denise — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:11:07 +0000

With the cost of groceries going up and my concern over chemicals on food I am seriously thinking of trying hydroponic gardening. MY neighbor also grew hydroponic tomatoes and they tasted like fresh summer tomatoes from the garden.

My first thought of this style of gardening was that all those chemicals had to be bad for the vegetables, but these chemicals are chemicals found in the soil. By using hydroponic gardening you supply your plants with the nutrients they need plus you have an added advantage of no soils pests and insects.

This You Tube Video tells a little about hydroponics. It’s and area I plan on trying. If you use this system please let me know what you think.

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Home canning basics – Pressure canning – Part 2

Denise — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:39:55 +0000

Pressure canning will give you the possibilities to can food that is not high in acid. I use pressure canners for beans, soups, meats and other mixed foods.

Pressure canning takes a little more practice and care. It is very important to make sure the pressure-canning gauge is working properly. In my area you can take your pressure canner to the nearest Extension Office and they will gladly test the gauge and reset it for you.

The other important step in pressure canning is to make sure you do not open the canner before all pressure has been released from the canner. This is very important!

This video is the last of the pressure-canning video’s and has great information.

Canning your garden produce can save you money and produces fresh quality food for the winter months.

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Home canning basics – Part 4 – Water bath method

Denise — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:09:47 +0000

This video describes in detail how to use the water bath canning method. This was the first canning process I used when I made raspberry jam when I was an eight year old with the help of my mother of course. And to this day raspberry jam is still my favorite.

I use the water bath mainly for tomatoes, pickles and jams or jelly and it’s very easy. We have an old family pickle recipe that we always make and are a “must have” for holidays. I also enjoy stewed tomatoes for lunch in the winter. It’s like stepping back into summer.

Tags: home canning basics, water bath canning method, how to can you tube

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Home canning basics – Part 3 – Easy steps to Home Canning

Denise — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 17:11:16 +0000

This You Tube video covers both steps to processing food using the two types of canners.

I have canned for many years but this video covers good ideas for experienced canners and new canners alike. It also brings back many memories of gardening and working in the kitchen with family.

With the higher prices of food and some of the unsafe chemicals used on foods or in factories canning is a good idea.

Tags: home canning, types of canners, canning information

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Home canning basics – Part 2 – Types of canners

Denise — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:53:46 +0000

Home canning basics part 2 types of canners

This You Tube video will give you’re an idea of what is involved in canning and what equipment you will need to get started. There are two types of canners and this is covered in the video.

You will also learn the terminology that you will see in recipe books or hear on TV, This is a great video for the beginner or someone thinking about canning for the first time.

I grew up in a family that canned fresh vegetables and fruits. We knew that the produce was top quality and that there were not chemicals on the food. I still can to this day but not quite as much as I used to.

Tags: home canning, types of canners, canning information

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