How to Build a Green Garden in 5 Easy Steps

A project of any significant size is most probably going to need more than a single step to complete. Anything the least bit complicated requires preparation, know-how and perseverance through several steps during a period of time. All that is also true about anything like choosing to build a green garden. Building a green garden just isn't a single step project either. But here's how to reach that goal in five simple steps.

Step 1. Prepare the site. This is important because without a properly prepared site, you will have a much more difficult time killing weeds that grow from underneath. In the event you skip or ignore this step, weeds can get a foot hold on your garden, and you will have a constant uphill battle with them.

Step 2. Compost everything. This step can be skipped, but I wouldn't recommend it. You will save a lot of money using a compost pile as your fertilizer instead of going and getting chemicals from the nearest super market.

Step 3. Know your growing seasons. What you need to know is specifically when you should plant your produce. Furthermore, it's to know when you should start your harvest.

Step 4. Water per guide. To elaborate on that a little bit, 90% of seed packets (vegetables, fruits, flowers, etc) will come with a growing guide that helps you properly care for your produce. While you don't have to be scientific, approximately correct measurements are key. Too much water, and like us, your plants will drown; too little, and they die of thirst.

Step 5. Harvest Time. Within 5-10 weeks most small fruits and vegetables will ripen and ready themselves for picking.

In the end, when you have stuck with the above tips all the way, you should have succeeded and now can settle-back and enjoy the benefits of your green garden.

For those who didn't keep to the 5 step tips above, shame on you! You must have decided that building a green garden just wasn't worth the effort.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4802258

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forest important for our earth

Forests and trees are a crucial part of life on Earth—from maintaining biodiversity and cleaning the air and water, to providing basic human needs and contributing to culture and recreation.

• It is estimated that over 1.6 billion people worldwide depend directly on forests for their livelihoods, including for food, clothing, shelter and traditional medicine.

• Forest industries employ 60 million people worldwide. Approximately 300 Canadian communities rely on forests for at least 50% of their economy.

• Forests are an important source of raw materials. The rural poor depend on forest products to meet their basic needs. For instance, almost three billion people worldwide depend on wood for fuel for heating and cooking. Industries use forests to provide both timber and non-timber products. Timber products comprise lumber (used to make construction materials and furniture), pulp and paper, and other wood-based products.

• Non-timber forest products (NTFPs), such as berries, medicinal herbs, saps and oils are also an important part of the forestry industry. For instance, natural forest products are the only source of medicine for 75% to 90% of people in developing countries. Edible products, such as berries, nuts, seeds, mushrooms and edible flowers help support many communities’ diets, while saps are used in a range of products, from maple syrup to rubber.

• Trees help to conserve energy by providing shade in the summer. They also serve as a shelter from the wind in the winter.

• Tree roots play an important role in holding soil together and preventing it from being eroded (washed away) by wind or rain. In tropical countries, poorly managed forests lead to soil erosion, which accounts for losses of approximately 10% of agricultural gross domestic product each year.

• Forests also play an important role in purifying our water. Having well managed forested areas helps reduce storm runoff (water that cannot be absorbed by soil), which helps keep local water bodies clean from pesticides, fertilizers and other pollutants.10 In fact, many protected forest areas are managed specifically with the goal of maintaining their watershed protection.

• The fact that forests are so important to our day-to-day lives and to the ongoing functioning of the global ecosystem is reflected in the importance forests and trees hold in virtually all cultures. In many religions, for example, trees are considered sacred or are important parts of local lore and mythology.

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