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23 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, May 15, 2009 HOME AND GARDEN Local gardening lessons Looking for bigger blooms and more veggies? from developing countries Pick the feeding option that works for you (NC)--Its gardening season. And any gardener in Canada can share at least one story of challenge and triumph when trying to grow their favourite vegetable. Christian Children's Fund of Canada (CCFC), an international children's charity, says there are a lot of lessons gardeners here can learn from those who plant in some of the world's more difficult agricultural environments. In Africa, Asia and South America, families who plant essential food items are constantly challenged by the harshest of climates, a lack of water and use of the most basic harvesting tools. Yet, they have learned to be innovative and creative with their knowledge and resources. Lessons Canadian gardeners can learn from those who plant in developing countries are to: · Diversify by planting different varieties. In drought and pest prone climates people know not to put all their eggs in one basket. You may love tomatoes but if they don't come in as well as you would have hoped, then you can enjoy a back up harvest of cucumbers or peppers. · Select plants that complement each other. Fertile land to grow food is at a premium around the world. If you have limited space try growing the Three Sisters Garden of corn, beans and squash. Plant the corn first which grows tall, followed by pole bean seeds around the corn which uses the corn stalk to climb up and be supported. Finally, place the squash seeds about a foot and half from each mound of corn. · Share your expertise with a neighbour. Those who plant in the developing world share their know-how and understanding with their community for all to benefit. Talk with your neighbors to get gardening tips. Implementing their gardening secrets will help your garden flourish. · Get to know your environment. Your soil may not be appropriate for all types of seeds. Take a cup of soil and study the particles you find in it. Is there clay, sand, gravel, and organic material? Find out what would grow best in the type of soil you have in your garden. · Remember to share the fruits of your labour. If you are blessed with an abundance of vegetables and fruits, don't create waste-- share with friends, neighbours and local food banks who accept fresh goods. - News Canada (NC)--You are what you eat ­ and that's as true for flowers as it is for people. Getting the right nutrients to your plants is every bit as important as watering and ensuring that they get the right amount of sun. You can't always control how much sunlight your garden gets, but improving your plant's health is simply a matter making the commitment to feed your garden regularly. "Our research shows that gardeners have a wide range of preferences regarding how and how often they want to feed their plants." says Syd Pell, gardens specialist. "That's why we've created a wide range of simple-to-use, effective products to ensure that there is an option for every gardener. Choose the plant food type that is right for your gardening needs. Plant spikes are a simple solution for indoor plants. Insert a spike into the soil in your pot and the spike slowly dissolves, feeding your plant for up to 2 months. Water soluble plant foods are a very popular method to feed and water at the same time. Simply mix water soluble plant food, in your watering can, and then shower your flowers with a nutrient-rich blend of plant food and water. Feed every two weeks for bigger, beautiful blooms. For large planters and outdoor gardens, slow release plant foods offer a quick and easy way to feed flowering plants. Shake it right onto the soil and it will feed for up to three months, promoting healthy, beautiful flowers. With so many easy options to feed your flowers and plants to choose from there's no reason not to have a beautiful garden this summer! - News Canada $AVE $$$ FOR ALL YOUR ® Landscape Supply Inc. MUST SEE!! Halton's Largest Outdoor Interlock Display and ONLY Supplier of Legends TM LANDSCAPE NEEDS... HOLIDAY MONDAY until 5:00pm OPEN REFRE SHI NEWNG Local L and Supply scape S EXPER tore IENCE · Step Material · Patio Stones · Interlock Retaining Wall Systems · Bubbling Rock Kits LARGE ARMOUR STONE Precious Stones and Smaller Landscape Rockery TOP SOIL $28.50 yd. TRIPLE MIX $32.50 yd. MULCH (Pine) $32.50 yd. · Gravel · Sands · Beach Stone · Pea Stone Burlington's LOWEST PRICE for INTERLOCK Pavers MOSSY ROCKS WE DELIVER OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! 1150 Heritage Road · 905-336-3369 (one street east of Walkers, off Mainway or North Service Rd.) one ¬ Waterdown Dundas Street (Hwy. 5) ( y ) Oakville¬ Mainway Heritage Road Walkers Line ® Legends Landscape Supply TONNES OF ROCK North Service Road Q.E.W. Toronto ¬ FedEx ¬ Hamilton Appleby Line ¬