All posts by Farhan Ahsan

My name is Farhan Ahsan,I am web enthusiast, writer and blogger. I always strive to be passionate about my work. I started my work at the beginning of 2007 by engaging myself with detail reading and exchanging information with others. Since then things and times have changed, but one thing remains the same and that is my passion for helping and educating people, building a successful blog and delivering quality content to the readers. I always love to write about gardening, sustainable life, off grid living and homestead farming.
Designs and Ideas

15 Inspiring DIY Vertical Gardening Ideas and Designs

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Who said that you need big yard or gardens to fulfill your desire of having lovely flowers and plants? Vertical garden design does not require much space; in fact, they can be made in various styles to suit your need. You must be thinking about diy vertical garden ideas that are easy to implement and maintain. Vertical gardening ideas have the capacity to maintain your garden terrace, kitchen, balcony and even the backyard.

Here are 15 wonderful diy vertical garden ideas that can help you flaunt your offices and homes:

1: Tiffin box on wooden wall:

Your most inquired question, how to build a vertical garden is answered well here. You do not have to go anywhere. Look for Tiffin in your kitchen area, or simply buy some from the market. On a large wooden wall, you must attach these Tiffin – ideally have 8 to 9 so that they are well dispersed. Add your desired vertical garden plants so that it looks gorgeous and attractive. Do not ignore the areas left – put in some large plants or pots so that the garden space is specified.

Tiffin box

2: Fern and moss painting:

You can even call it a 3D painting of lovely moss and ferns. Simply put a big wooden frame of the wall and plant ferns and moss inside it. It will have a lovely combination of light and dark green leafs. This is one of the vertical garden ideas that can be used to flaunt balconies or doorways.

Fern and moss painting
Source

3: Pouched vertical garden system:

If you want to decor the out garden wall or simply cover-up any untidy side, you have a wonderful idea here. Take a thick cloth and hung it on the fence in the form of pouches – keep in mind the kangaroo bag. Add your desired plants and get the beauty you always wanted.

Pouched vertical garden system

4: DIY Wall hanging:

If you have small wall spaces empty in the garden area or even in the house, you can add a smaller vertical garden plant there. You can use any material to form small cloth baskets and add flowers that you like.

Wall hanging

5: The group planting:

With this idea, you can have lots of various plants and vegetables hung from the walls forming a wonderful cluster. You can have this setup in a separate side of the garden and place some chairs and table to make it look like a perfect gathering ambiance.

group planting

6: Soda bottles as vertical garden planters:

There must be a lot of soda, juices and other bottles lying in your junk yard. It is the perfect time to use all of them. Simply tie them all together with thread (from the mouth) so that your wall area can be covered. Now, dig in holes from the center so that you can place your desired plants – perfect wall hanging planter is ready!

Soda bottles as vertical garden planters

7: Wall planter idea:

Within the wall space, you can add whatever plants you want – these ideas have the capacity to beautify your garden area, home entrance or even the backyard. You may place them in rows or plant in each wall you have spare.

Wall planter

8: Picture Planter Idea:

How about having a vertical garden planter, which looks more like a lovely plant painting? Use any old frame lying in your storeroom – simply take out the back support so that you can frame your wall planter easily. It is ideal to plant fresh leaves with coriander in this painting, as it would help you have a lovely aroma in your house too.

Picture planter

9: Inside kitchen garden:

If you have an old cupboard or oven in the kitchen, use it for diy vertical gardening. It is ideal to plant beautiful plants and flowers in it so that your kitchen area looks ravishing.

kitchen garden

10: Shoe stand to a planter:

You can use the old shoe stand and add plants by working on it. Place in on the doorway to attract your guests.

Shoe stand to a planter

11: DIY Floral stand:

You can use an old wooden piece as a stand filled with lovely plants and cheerful flowers. It is perfect decorative item when any occasion is around.

12: DIY Wall décor –

It looks something like an autumn tree on the wall – a couple of pots placed in a lovely manner to provide a wonderful diy vertical garden. Have a look:

Wall décor

13: 5-step wooden plant closet

With this plan you can have five steps to plant whatever you want – try adding colorful flowers and big leaves to make it look wonderful.

5-step wooden plant closet

14: Old windows would work:

Join old windows together and make a lovely small décor for garden space.

Old windows would work

15: Individual cloth packets:

You can decorate the overall wall by simply placing small and medium sized cloth pouches filled with lovely flowers and plants. It would certainly hide the ugly walls and enhance the beauty of your garden area.

Individual cloth packets

Planting

12 Mosquito And Fly Repellent Plants You Can Grow Easily

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Gardens are meant to be used for relaxing and fine evenings – they have the ability to cherish all those who sit in the garden. However, one thing that bothers and spoils the garden chilling time is the buzzing sound of flies and mosquitoes. It is irritating to death – especially, the mosquito bite burns the skin and causes an itching for a longer time period. It is not possible for you to cover yourself all the time while sitting in the garden, neither liquid repellent is the solution. So, what about having mosquito and fly repellent plants; they will help you get the best garden experience as there would be no more bites and buzzing.

You must be thinking what plants repel mosquitoes and flies. Do not worry; here is good information about famous and easy to grow plants that repel flies and mosquitoes. All those herbs, plants and shrubs that contain natural oils are considered the best mosquito repellent. Also here you can find more ways to get rid of flies with homemade fruit fly traps.

Listed are 12 mosquito and fly repellent plants that can cater your need to the fullest and without bothering you much.

1: Lemon Balm:

It is also popularly known as Horsemint – due to its strong smell it has the ability to keep the insects and mosquitoes away. It is very much similar to a famous plant called Citronella grass. Do not worry; you will not lose the butterflies and other birds due to it. This kind of plant grows effectively and requires lesser care, so you can handle easily too.

Lemon balm

2: Marigolds:

Have you ever thought that the most popular flowerbed ingredient can be a natural mosquito repellent too? The marigold, which you plant during the summer and spring, can help you at best. However, many yet do not know that it kills the mosquitoes and related unwanted bugs. You can keep them in all those areas, which are prone to mosquitoes. You may also like to check out homemade tick repellents.

marigold calendula1

3: Catnip:

It is a medicinal herb, and the fact remains unknown to many. Although a cat loves them; but for mosquitoes, it’s their community murderer. The oil that the plant contains is said to have 10 times stronger ability to kill bugs than a normal ‘DEET’. It acts as finest natural insects repellent and tries to keep the garden free from intruders. You can put the catnip in the deck or patio, but it might be a symbol to attract neighboring felines. You may also like to check out homemade pesticides.

Catnip

4: Citronella Grass

It is one of the ingredients that all the commercial DEETs and mosquito repellents have as necessity. Why not grow some in your garden for feasibility proposes? This would keep on repelling flies and insects easily – make sure you keep the pots in colder places. Citronella grass is sensitive to colder climatic conditions.

Citronella Grass1

5: Basil

Worried how to repel mosquitoes naturally? Simply get your garden area some pots of basil, and you are done. It belongs to the family of powerful, pungent herbs that can perfect companions to keep the bugs away. You may also like to check out diy Screened In Porch to keep away from bugs.

Basil

6: Rosemary

It is also a herb that contains wonderful properties to keep mosquitoes away, forever. It is simple to plant as well. The woody smell keeps all the unwanted flies away that’s why farmers love planting in their fields too.

Rosemary indoor

7: Thyme

This container herb is a powerful mosquito repellent and works better than any DEET. It has a longer life, so you do not have to be bothered even.

Thyme

8-Eucalyptus

Although most varieties of Eucalyptus don’t stand in a temperature lower than 27 Fahrenheit but it’s effective for keeping the mosquitoes away from your home and garden.

Eucalyptus

9: Lavender

Lavender oil is another important item used to make commercial mosquito repellents and DEETs. The fact is that all the bugs, flies and related beings cannot stand any kind of strong smell, so Lavender works best in this respect. Keep it in a pot as it has a longer life.

Lavender

10: Peppermint:

As the name suggests, the plant due to strong scent does not let mosquitoes and other insects stay in the garden space. It is basically a hybrid of water mint and spearmint – its fresh look and pleasant appearance can enhance the beauty of your garden to many folds.

Peppermint

11: Garlic

Garlic is popularly known for its therapeutic properties – it is also a wonderful anti-bacterial. If you do not know, plant some garlic plants in your garden so that you can get rid of mosquitoes naturally. It has other health benefits too – so, it is certainly a good deal.

planting garlic

12: Tea tree

Other than a bunch of health benefits, tea tree does not let mosquitoes live too. The oil has a strong smell that mosquitoes tend to run away easily. Tea tree is also effective for those who have been bitten by mosquitoes or going through related allergies.
You can plant all, or some of these wonderful and easy to handle plants in your garden area so that mosquitoes forget the way to your home. You may also like to check out getting rid of snails and slugs.

Tea tree

Container gardening

10 Tips For Growing Eggplants In A Pot Or Container

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Planting can be an excellent hobby and a great time pass especially when you are in a leisure time. Every parent or an adult in this world should grow plants and also allow their children to take part in this activity. If you don’t have a garden or a flowerbed, then they can take full advantage of growing vegetables in containers. This is very easy; all you need is the soil, a lay pot, some seeds and a place which will receive plenty of sunshine and air. There are different plants to grow in pots and eggplant is one of them. Growing vegetables in containers, especially eggplants can be the best decision you have ever made, here are ten tips for growing eggplants in a pot:

1) Growing eggplant from seeds in a pot or container can be very easy. Every two seeds should be planted in one pot. You can take a clay pot or plastic gardening pots or trays for planting the seeds. The container should be filled with fertilized soil and a hole should be made in order to place the seeds. Cover it with heap of soil and water the seed. Leave it until the seed germinates; make sure that the location of the pot or container receives ample of sunlight and wind. It is also necessary to check the level of nutrients or minerals in soil prior to growing eggplants in a pot. In case of absence of nutrients or minerals, the grower can face various problems or issues. Related: vegetables that grow well in pots,

2) In order to house a mature eggplant, you may need a pot which must have a capacity of 5 gallon and should be full of soil. This pot can house one eggplant which will have one foot space to grow successfully. Many people may not know how to plant in pots.

3) Use fertilized soil which can also be done at home. For example, you can bury animal bodies such as those which have been slaughtered for meat a year before. This fertilized soil can help in enhancing plants for containers growth which can grow in a double size than the regular size because it is full of nutrients. The application of fertilizer is a nice option for growers. The fertilizer keeps the plants green and healthy. It is wise to add fertilizer regularly. Related: growing blueberries in containers.

4) Egg plants grow well when they have good heat and so clay pot can be an excellent choice for them. How to grow egg plant in a clay pot? By simply adding two seeds in the soil and then watering them. The clay pot absorbs more heat which speeds up the growing process and is the best for your egg plant growth.

5) Make a draining hole in the clay pot on the bottom. Clay pots are also heavy and durable and so they can withstand the growing pressure of a mature eggplant. Many people may not know how to grow vegetables successfully, and this tip can be very beneficial.

6) Before planting the eggplant in a clay pot, first wash it properly and then leave it for one day under sun to dry. This is important otherwise the bacterium or their eggs present in the pot will grow and destroying the eggplant. In case of insect attack, the grower can use the chemicals and pesticide to kill the insects. It is necessary to kill the insects and pests.

7) You can add two part soil and one part sand which should be mixed well for growing the eggplant, the medium will be balanced. Container vegetable gardening can be a great work, nothing is better than having vegetables grown in your home.

8) Add a support stick or cage on the pot so that the eggplants can grow. The egg plants grow very fast to maintain good condition. These plants just require some effort and work to grow fast in the pots.

9) Plant the eggplants seed when the temperature is 13 degrees or higher, spring is the best time for the panting of eggplant seeds.

10) Always keep the eggplant pots outdoors; this is the best option for learning how to grow eggplant.

Garden Projects Plans

10 Best DIY Rain Barrel-Harvest Rain Water For Garden

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Irrespective if your region receiving more or less rain, you can always make the most diy rain barrels, as they will help you in saving a lot of water. These barrels act as water reservoirs and help you use the stored water for gardening and washing walkways and even cars. Depends upon you how you want to use the naturally saved water. You do not have to spend money in using expensive or ready made rain barrels, but prepare them at home with useful stud lying in the junkyard.
This excerpt can help you wonderfully in gathering information about diy rain barrels. Learn the easiest ways to make your own rain barrels and collect the rain water, which is used to get waste previously.

1) Big Garbage DIY Rain Barrel:

This diy rain barrel by bhg is simple and easy to make. Look for an older big water bucket in your home. You can even make the most of garbage bins here. All you have to do is attach a tap, through drilling at the lower end so that you can easily take out the water.

Big garbage barrel
Image via: bhg

2) Thick PVC Drum Barrel:

You must have seen these huge water storing containers around – these are conventional types of blue bins. You can now use them outdoors and use it as a perfect diy rain barrel like this one by instructables. You can connect it with any generator if you want to suck the water from underground reservoirs. You may also like to check out diy rain chain.

Thick PVC container
Image via: instructables

3) 55 Gallon Plastic Barrel:

With this design you get a perfect hose to barrel connectivity for transferring water. It works as a diy rain barrel system by instructables due to outlook. Materials needed for this kind of rain water barrel includes:

  • Male Hose thread
  • Female pipe thread
  • Plastic adapter
  • Plastic gallon (55 to 60 inches)
allon plastic barrel
Image via: instructables

4) Trash Can to a DIY Rain Barrel:

This process can help you get a diy rainwater harvesting system easily like this one by familyhandyman. It is functional and cheaper too. It all revolves around electrical fittings and PVC plumbing. Material include:

  • Trash can with lid ( obviously cleaned or new)
  • Steel lags, lumber ( to make a stand)
  • Male thread electrical adapter
  • Female thread electrical adapter
  • PVC coupler
  • Screen
  • Glue
  • Values
Trash can to a rain barrel
Image via: familyhandyman

5) Simplest DIY Rain Barrel:

Take any drum, trash bin or old water container which has the capacity to hold 50 to 60 gallons of water easily. Make sure it has a lid so that you can keep the water safe from mosquitoes. Place it on bricks and make sure you add an opening at the end so that water can be easily taken out for use. Complete plan at aeconline.org

Simplest rain barrel
Image via: aeconline.org

6) Cheaper Plastic DIY Rain Barrel:

It is a wonderful DIY rain barrel system at sites.google that helps you collect the water directly from the roof and use it effectively. You can even keep it closed in a wooden cupboard in your garden area if you do not find it a good option for gardens beauty.

Cheaper plastic rain barrel
Image via: sites.google

7) Large Rain Water Collector:

This kind of plan you can’t do all the work by yourself, you may need professional help for installations. In addition, this kind of plan is only useful if you have a big garden area or trees to water each day. One reason for having this kind of system is also the lack of water in your region. It would help you best in saving natural resource in non rainy days. Complete plan at builditsolar.

large rain water collector
Image via: builditsolar

8) Open DIY Plastic Barrel (Different method of collecting rain water):

You might be residing in some area where it rains every week or so. Therefore, it is ideal to have small but two or three barrels like these ones at watercache attached to the roof pipe so that water is filled in with ease. You may also like to check out rain garden plants.

Open plastic barrel
Image via: watercache

9) 10 Minutes DIY Rain Barrel:

This plan is simply done in 10 minutes and that even for hardly $10. If you get the necessary stuff at home, you can even save that. Interesting right? Know more about it at this diy plan by instructables.

10 minutes rain barrel
Image via: instructables

10) Portable DIY Rain Barrel:

This kind of harvesting rain system by younghouselove is certainly amazing; you can move it easily from place to place in your garden when empty. You may also like to check out rain gutter gardens.

Portable rain barrel
Image via: younghouselove
Disease and Pest control

Top 12 beneficial insects for garden-How they help plants to grow well

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The presence of insects and pests is very common in a garden because it is a buggy place for insects. The presence of green vegetables, plants and plantations in a garden always attract plenty of insects. Some insects damage and harm the plantations but some other types of insects increase the growth of plants. Hence it is very important to control the population of insects in a garden to make sure the best performance of plants. There are hundreds of ways to control and kill the insects and pests like insecticides, pesticides and biological control. The use of cultural techniques and IPM is also best to lower the population of insects. The use of pesticides is associated with countless health hazards and drawbacks. The use of biological control is best to maintain the lower the population of insects. The most famous beneficial insects are following.

1)  Green lacewing

It is one of the most famous beneficial bugs. It feeds on honeydew, nectar and pollen of plants. It is also called the aphid lion because it suppresses the insect population very fast. It is a soft bodied insect and it has many growth stages. The larval stage of this insect is very sensitive and soft. The adult green lacewing is two paired insect. It kills and eats the other harmful insects. It feeds on the honeydew of aphid. The aphid is a staple food of green lacewing. This beneficial insect can be used to control the population of different insects and pests.

Green lacewing

2)  Praying Mantids

It is a predator and it kills and eats other insects fast. It can catch other caterpillars very fast. It can consume hundreds of larvae in few minutes. Hence it can help to control the growth of insects in a better way. It is a very active predator. It can kill any other insect with ease. The larvae of this insect live in the soil. They create galleries in the soil; hence they increase the aeration of soil. This activity directly increases the growth of plants and vegetables. It is simple to control garden insects with the help of Praying Mantids.

Praying Mantids

3)  Ground beetles

They are black colored and large size beetles. They have three to four growth stages. They help the vegetables to grow fast. The key role of ground beetle is that they feed on harmful insects like cutworms, maggots and flies. They also feed on aphids and jassids. The larvae of this insect live in the soil and they help to mix the fertilizer in the soil well. They also help to control the population of garden bugs.

Ground beetles

4)  Small pirate bugs

The presence of small or tiny pirate bugs can also lower down the population of insects in garden. They are very active feeder of aphid, jassids and thrips. The presence of pirate bugs in your garden can make sure best growth and development. Hence it is recommended beneficial insect for garden and house. There are also many other beneficial garden insects.

Small pirate bugs

5)  Syrphid flies

The use of syrphid is also best. These flies are similar to other flies due to presence of colored margins on the body. Similarly they have one pair of wings to fly or move. This insect is the feeder of aphids. They also help in the pollination of plants just like butterflies which are attracted by certain flowers in the garden. This fly moves from one flower to another flower. They also increase the growth of garden. The pollination is basic requirements of growth. It is one of the best beneficial insects.

Syrphid flies

6)  Assasian bugs

It can lower the population of garden pests fast. It is a source of best garden growth. It helps in the pollination and reproduction of plants.

orange assassin bug

7)  Predatory bugs

The larvae of predator bugs can help to kill the other insects like beetles, grubs, caterpillar and several others. They are also called the good garden bugs. The performance of this bug or insect is awesome.

Florida Predatory Stink Bug

8)  Dames bugs

It is a best flier insect. It can consume the flying insects and pests with ease. The insects in the garden can be controlled through this insect.

9)  bugs nymphs 

The nymphs of bugs also help to control the population of cotton and wheat insects.

Nymphs of bugs

10)  Big eyed insects

The beneficial insects play a key role to suppress the growth of harmful insects. Hence the release of beneficial insects like green lacewing, syrphid fly and lady bird beetle can reduce the population of harmful insects in garden.

Big eyed insects

11)  Wasp

It is a biting insect. It kills the aphids and cutworms. It increases the soil aeration and filtration.

cicada killer wasp (Hymenoptera)

12)  Bumble bee

It is a fast flying insect. It kills the other active and harmful insects. It makes the growth of plants fast.

Bumble bee

Planting

10 Best Plants To Grow For Vertical Garden

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When you want to indulge in building a living wall for yourself, you want to pull out all stops. Each and every aspect that goes into building a beautiful garden needs to be just perfect for the result you want, especially the vertical gardening plants. And of course, the correct selection of plants plays a major role in achieving this feat for a vertical garden planter. And it depends on so many parameters, that some homework goes a long way to get it just right.

Similar articles: vertical gardening plants, diy wall planters, best climbing plants, indoor climbing plants

Here are some great options for choosing the best plants for vertical gardening.

1)       Aeschynanthus radicans

Also known as the ‘lipstick plant’, it is one of the best plants for a vertical garden due to the fact that it works great for indoor gardening, and even outdoors. Even though it is supposed bloom at the optimum high in a warm and humid environment, with moist soils and great lighting, practically it stays healthy even in dry conditions and poor light. This plant looks beautiful with red flower buds and shiny green leaves. The vertical garden gives or Imparts a new look to your house. The selection of a right or best plant for the vertical garden is very important. The vertical garden should consist of best variety plants.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

2.)      Nephrolepis exaltata

Also known as a ‘Sword Fern’, the best part about this vertical garden plant is that it is very easy to take care to sustain the health and beauty of this plant. It works great in a humid environment; hence it is a great choice for an outdoor garden in areas with good amount of humidity. It is a good plant for garden. It keeps the temperature moderate and controlled.

Nephrolepis exaltata

3)       Acacia Cognata

The reason this plant is also called the ‘limelight bower wattle’ is that it gives a distinct appeal to your wall. It fills up the spaces in the wall, giving it a fuller look. So, even after your whole wall is complete, and you still need a finishing touch, this is the best choice. Such plants are easily available for the plant lovers or fans. It may be due to occurrence of best conditions. This kind of plant is available in the world with ease.

Acacia Cognata

4)        Epipremnum

This vertical garden plant is commonly known as ‘Pothos’. If you have a patch where the access to light is low, this plant is your best bet. Apart from this, the plant can easily be arranged to hang or climb, and hence it is a great choice for decoration. This plant is best for decoration. People love to buy this kind of plant for decoration or other purposes.

pipremnum

5)        Dracaena

This plant makes it in the vertical garden plants lists majorly because of its popularity. The major reason for it being a popular choice is the leaf color. You can expect hues of white, yellow, red and cream on your wall with this plant.

Dracaena

6)       Hoya Carnosa 

Popularly known as the ‘wax flower’, it is a great choice for a smaller garden. They are great for an outdoor garden and can be easily coaxed into growing along a definite direction on your wall.

Hoya Carnosa for vertical garden

7)         Stephanotis floribunda

This plant for vertical garden is widely known as the ‘Wedding Vine’, as it is a popular choice in wedding decorations. It has large white flowers and gives a great fragrance to your vertical garden. It sustains almost all conditions.

Stephanotis floribunda

8)        Epipremnum aureum

It is known as the ‘Australian native monstera’ and as it requires minimum care, it is great for someone who is just at the threshold of becoming an enthusiast. It also makes up for the lack of vertical gardening ideas if it is an experimental project.

Epipremnum aureum

9)         Spathiphyllum wallisii

These are the most common home plants for vertical garden and are known as ‘peace lilies’. These too don’t require much care and hence are easy to maintain even in low light or low humidity. Even the aging flowers of this plant just turn green so still look appealing.

Spathiphyllum wallisii

10)    Codiaeum variegatum pictum

Also known as a ‘Croton’, this shrub is great if you have access to bright light. It puts a lot of color on your wall, making it look beautiful.

codiaeum variegatum pictum

Indoor plants

10 Best Houseplants That Purify The Indoor Air Naturally

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Back in 1980’s, the Associated Landscape Contractors of America together with NASA published the fact that, there are many plants, which have the ability to purify the indoor environment. Which could be the houseplants that have the power to purify the house space area? According to the research, a group of plants has the natural capacity to filter the unwanted, organic compounds, which can cause adverse effects on health. The growth of these phenomenal plants may help in cleaning the Mother Earth too. For indoor quality air, you must have the following houseplants:

1: Aloe Vera:

Aloe Vera being an herbal medicinal plant has lots of heath and skin care benefits, it has also the capacity for air filtration. It is easy to grow and handle; at the same time, it takes in all the essence of the harmful gases or by products of paints, chemical cleanser. It s a wonderful choice to keep in the kitchen space – its gel has the ability to cure wounds and burns too. Concisely, it is among the best great indoor plants with lots of utility.

Aloe vera

2: Spider Plant:

The biological name for the plant is “Chlorophytum Comsum” – the plant has lot of gorgeous white flowers and contains extra amount of foliage. It helps in reducing the effects of benzene, Xylene, formaldehyde, chemical from cleansing agents and carbon monoxide. It belongs to the family of indoor plants that clean the air effectively. You can place it in your car porch, main entrance or near the windows. Related: Low light house plants.

Spider Plant

3: Gerby Daisy:

You are not sure about the idea, how to clean the air in your home, get your house small pots of “Gerby Daisy”. The plant is rich in bold flowers that are effective in curbing the effects of trichloroethylene. This is the dangerous type of emission that is spread with the use of cleaning agents. Similarly, it would produce best results in filtration of byproducts of ink, like benzene. This houseplant is ideal to be placed in laundry space or near the bedroom. Make sure you provide it sufficient light for its growth. Related: tropical house plants.

Gerby Daisy

4: Snake plant:

The nickname for this houseplant is “mother-in-law’s tongue” – as the name suggests, it is a powerful plant, which can easily fight against formaldehyde. It is released from all those products cleaning agents, toilet detergents and skin care products. It is one of the popular indoor plants that can be placed in bathrooms and laundry spaces. It does not require much care for growth, so you would not have to pay much attention to it.

Snake plant

5: Golden Pothos:

If you want to clean indoor air by controlling formaldehyde, place this lovely houseplant in your territory.This hanging vertical plant is one of the most common in homes, particularly because it’s so easy to grow. It grows in the form of a green bunch and makes it a wonderful floral basket. At same time, you can increase the beauty of your house too. It would always stay green and healthy, even it dark – to your surprise, it is also known as  “Devil’s Ivy”.

Golden Pothos

6: Chrysanthemum:

The beautiful flowers from cool house pant would boost the appeal and elegance: whilst, the smell and bloom would help you in reducing all those intruders that affect the indoor air. For example, glue, paint, inks, cleaning agents, these all has many emissions that you are not even aware of. Keep it in fresh sunlight and air so that it keeps on growing and reducing all the nuisances. Related: small and large indoor plants.

Chrysanthemum

7: Red-Edged Dracaena: 

‘Red-Edged Dracaena’  (a vertical plant) as the name gives a hint, this air purifying plant has the ability to grow until the ceiling, and keep the air fresh and healthy within the areas it is placed. It fights best against formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and xylene.

Red-Edged Dracaena

8: Weeping fig:

Weeping fig is such a powerful plant that would help you in cleaning your indoor air from the pollutants left by furniture, paints, carpet or other detergents. However, the plant requires much attention for its growth and nourishment.

Weeping fig

9: Azalea

It is not only the most beautiful flowering shrub, but also a great fighter against formaldehyde, which results from foam insulation and plywood. You can use them in your basement too.

Azalea

10: English ivy

It belongs to the indoor air filtration plants that are easy to grow, and work best when it comes to protecting the air from the byproducts of household cleaning agents. Related: indoor vine plants.

English ivy

References

PMC,National Library of Medicine, Published online 2011 Oct 1. doi: 10.1289/ehp.119-a426, “Planting Healthier Indoor Air”, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3230460/

Fertilizer And Compost

How to Make a Compost From Kitchen Scrape and Garden Waste

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Compost acts like fertilizers for the soil and are organic material which provides important nutrition to the soil so that it can help the plants to grow. Many people may prefer using chemical based fertilizers and compost, but these are hazardous to health because the plants and trees grown from these fertilizers absorbs some of the chemicals which then goes into the human body and can have some harmful effects. The food grown commercially uses a lot of chemical based fertilizers which according to the studies has resulted in an increase in different types of problems and diseases in human. We all know that an apple’s skin is full of iron; however now doctors recommend to peel off the skin.

 It is better to make compost at home and one doesn’t need to go out to look for the required items. This compost can be made from the waste around your house which can be of the living things and food and they can be the most excellent fertilizer for your soil in which you can grow some healthy and delicious herbs, vegetables and fruits without any problem. Many people don’t know about how to make compost at home and are usually dumbfounded in this matter. Making the compost at home is the best way to make organic fertilizer and omitting the use of chemical based fertilizers and also reducing landfills since the waste goes in the landfill and emits methane which is a greenhouse gas and contributes to global warming. There are three basic things which can make the compost, which food, browns, greens and water. The browns include the branches, twigs and dead leaves; the green includes the leaves, grass clippings, peels of fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, grated left over fruits. And for all these ingredients, the water is most important since it will speed up the fermentation process and keep the compost bind together and moist. You can make compost from the waste of your kitchen and garden.

Make compost from your kitchen waste

One can make compost easily indoors with the kitchen waste. How many times has it happened that you have thought about reducing the waste you send outside your house, in the garbage disposal and to the landfill? The kitchen waste can help in making a compost pile. The kitchen waste includes peels and skins of different vegetables and fruits, seeds of different fruits, leafy vegetables and grounded coffee.How to make a compost by kitchen waste? Very simple, just add all the waste and also the wasted food in the bin or bucket ; You can add the waste to it daily or until the bucket or bin is full. Once full, you can leave it for a period of 18 days for decomposition to be done and then it is ready to be used with the soil present in your garden, flower beds and pots.

kitchen compost

Make compost from your garden waste

How do you make compost with wastes in your garden? This is also very simple; just gather some leaves, buds and twigs. In your garden you will notice that there are many leaves, twigs and buds lying around, just gather them and toss them in the compost pit. When mowing the grass lawn, add the grass clipping in the compost. If you have pets around or a farm near by then it is even better because to turn the leaves into compost one needs carbon and nitrogen so that they can decay. You’ve to mix manure of animals (plant eating animals) such as cows, goats, and rabbits to the leaves, twigs, buds and grass clippings and then close the pit. This is the best way to make the organic compost and for this you’ve to use a churner or pitchfork to mix all these things so that it can fasten up the process for leave braking and also decaying. In order to purchase a compost bin, you can easily get them in the market. There are also many compost bin plans available on the internet which can help you in making one at home, such as those which are sealed pack, they should be kept in shady area and should be avoided by sun otherwise the compost will get dry.

organic compost

Natural Solutions

12 Foods You Can Use to Clean Your House Naturally

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It is not strange that you end up wasting lots of eatables, just because you could not consume them. According to the website Culinate.com, almost 25 percent of our total bought food goes dump. In short, you waste around 25 percent of your total money when grocery is bought. Do not worry; this is painful, but you can easily cope up with it. Who said you could not use the same food for other purposes? If not cooking, you can clean your house with it.

Why to clean your house leftovers?

Well, food would act as natural cleaning solution, and produces best results too. For example, you may use them in cleaning mirror, floors, doors and even toilets. Using food as cleansers never means that you take a lemon start doing that, but you have to make cleaner out of it. It is safe, and cost effective. We fail to comprehend the nature, and that is why we do not even know what foods have what kind of magical properties.

You must be thinking how to clean a house with eatables? This is most enticing questions for all. A few tips for cleaning house that can make your life easier include:

1: Lemon:

For many who do not know, Citrus fruits have various antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties, due to which they are capable of cleaning strongest germs. First of all, lemons can easily remove the strains formed by the droplets of tea, mustard, coffee, and grass. Lemons have bleaching properties too, as they have some sort of acidity.

If you do not have sufficient lemon juice, you can even use the peels to make an effective cleanser.

cleaning with lemon

2: Baking Soda:

Since ages, baking soda, which is a bicarbonate of soda, is considered as effective source that combats various bad odors and stains. Due to its abrasive nature, it takes of the grim and dirt without leaving any side effects.

It is the best way to clean your house, if you have pets around. For example, you can sprinkle baking soda on the pet’s urine and get rid of the smell easily.

In case you want to clean your refrigerator from the odor, place baking soda in an open container, and replace after every month.

Cleaning-Up-with-Baking-Soda

3: Vinegar:

Since the time of ancient Egypt, Vinegar has been used to kill the germs and bacteria’s, due to its acidic nature. You can use vinegar mixed in water to form a solution that would help you in cleaning.

Vinegar

4: Salt:

Salt, in its solid form is important to use as an abrasive item. You can use it for scrubbing jobs, and clean a lot of pans in your kitchen. However, when mixed with water, it becomes saline and helps in cleaning the stains of proteins. It will clean the blood droplets from the clothes or any stain from the carpet.

Salt for cleaning

5: Herbs:

Herbs have very strong culinary and medicinal properties. They’ve anti-viral, anti bacterial and anti-fungal elements – therefore, they act as the best cleaning agents for home.  You can use the herb oil or some other paste for this reason.

6: Grapefruit

Tired of using all the expensive cleaning agents to remove stains and odor from the oven? You can use the paste of the grapefruit and scrub in the areas where there is a grim or dried stain. Grapefruit, when mixed with salt works abrasively and cleans all the dirt easily. It is one of the natural ways to clean the oven and that even it simpler way.

clean up with Grapefruit

7: Potato Peels:

If you want to know the magic, how to clean your house fast from rust, here is the recipe – use potatoes. You need a peeled off potato, dip it into any dish soap or baking soda, and scrub the rusted area. Keep on rubbing until the rusted area is cleaned completely.

8: Onion:

If you have icky windows, you can get rid of them through onions, as it works better than most commercial cleaning products.

9: Tea
You can shine your wooden items with the use of the tea. Rub the cloth dipped in the cooled tea, and make your furniture shine.

10: Oranges Peels:

They too work like lemons, as they belong to the same family. They are known as all-purpose cleaners and act as wonderful laundry solution too. You can use the peels to extract the oil, which would help you a lot in getting the cleaning job done.

clean up with citrus peels

11: Banana Peels:

If you wish to keep your silverware shiny and wonderful always, make sure you use banana peel over them. You can use the peels to form a paste and then use it for cleaning.

12: Green Tea:

Green tea can do miracles you know; if you want to keep the refrigerator environment fresh and healthy, place some green tea leaves inside it. It will help in removing the pungent odor easily.

Indoor plants

Indoor Succulents-10 Easy Tips On How To Grow Succulents

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Many people prefer succulent plants for outdoor garden and indoor decoration. For those places which experiences dry and hot weather, these plants can be excellent for growing in those areas. These plants may sound very much similar to the cactus, however they may not have thorns or spikes but fleshy stamp and leaves are there. Many people have started growing succulents indoors because they don’t require much sunlight and can grow well indoors.

Maintenance of these plants are very easy, especially when grown indoors, the succulents in pots won’t be a lot of trouble unlike other indoor plants. The ones that grown in pots will remain in a perfect size because of the smaller place they will be getting from the container, however if grown in flower beds outside, their size will be much more, however they may require more water since they will be under direct sunlight. If you are a person who enjoy care-free living or are busy most of the time and at the same time love having plants indoors then growing succulents in containers is the best option for you. These plants may even produce flowers, which could be your indoor fresh flower bouquet in your house.

Related: common types of succulents

Some of the most common succulent house plants are Burro’s Tail, Christmas cactus, Crown of Thorns, Jade Plant, Panda Plant, Ponytail Palm, snake Plant, and many more. What many people don’t know is that how to plant succulents indoors? Planting these amazing plants indoors is very easy. With proper guidance and research you can grow some healthy and beautiful succulents indoors in different containers and pots. You can line them by your stairs indoors, in your kitchen, living room and other places you like. Unlike cactus, these succulents may have a variety of colors and when it is the blooming season; your interior will look pretty with all the flowers around. Here are 10 tips for growing indoor succulents:

        1)  The best place for keeping your succulent plants indoors is somewhere near the window, especially on the eastern side. The sun rises from the east, in this period the intensity of the rays are less and so will be excellent for the plants. Keep in mind that excessive sunlight can cause yellow spots on your plant which is also known as the sunburns.

        2)  Many people would think that they have to provide a lot of water to the succulents. Just like any plant, watering succulents should be kept to normal range. Between the watering periods the soil should be dry so that they can grow well, moreover, during the winter season they shouldn’t be watered much (only once a week).

      3) Without any doubt, the glass containers or pots look very pretty, however they are not recommended for planting the succulents. This is because the glass container won’t be able to drain water or let it evaporate, however the clay pots or containers can help the moisture to evaporate or excessive water to drain. Succulents don’t like sitting in soggy or damp soil, they just require normal moisture content or water.

      4) There is hardly a chance you may get bugs in your small indoor plants, but if by chance you do, avoid using the chemical because they are kept indoors can be hazardous to your health. Make a solution of diluted alcohol, water and dish soap liquid to kill the bugs. Bugs are usually attracted to those succulents whose soil is moist and soggy.

         5)  Add fertilizer to the indoor succulent plants only once in a year.

       6)  Many people don’t know how to grow succulents indoors and what type of soil to use. Unlike other plants they don’t use the same soil. The soil needed for the succulents should be well draining and porous, 70% of sand and 30% of soil is the best combination for them.

      7)   If you have kept the succulent plant in a place which doesn’t receive any sun light, then you might have to move your plants on at least weekly basis outside so that they can get some sunlight to grow better.

      8)  Avoid using chemical based liquid fertilizers and sprays on the succulent plants kept indoors. Not only it will ruin the plant but also be hazardous for you.

      9)   You can trim succulent plants only once in a year, if kept in small pot or containers, they might not even need any trimming.

    10)  Succulent are dessert plants and so can withstand both the hot and cold temperature, you don’t have to worry about the season change.