Using Baking Soda in your Garden

Uses for Baking Soda in the Garden

We all know that Baking Soda is great for indoor use as a mild abrasive cleaner and also to neutralize those fridge odors, but what about its uses in the garden?

Baking Soda is made up entirely of sodium bicarbonate which is a highly alkaline substance making it great for the following uses in the garden:

Making and Using Leaf Mold in the Garden

Leaf mold
A free, readily-available resource!

Leaf mold (leaf compost) is quite simply decomposed leaves. It is one of the best soil amendments you can use to bring new life to your soil. It has a texture much like compost, dark brown to black, and has an earthy aroma. 

Leaf mold acts mainly as a soil conditioner by improving the soil structure. It WILL NOT add nutrition to your garden plants but it will enhance the condition of your soil creating a soil that is rich in calcium and magnesium and is less prone to compaction.

Grow Milkweed for the Monarchs

Growing Milkweed for the Monarch Butterflies

The first time I saw a Monarch butterfly up close in my garden, I was completely awestruck by its grace and beauty. Their bright orange wings and solid black borders make the Monarch butterfly one of the most recognizable butterflies. And they are, without a doubt, little migrating miracles.

Growing and Using Comfrey

A great organic idea for your veggie garden!

One of the most popular plants to grow in an organic vegetable garden is the Russian Variety of Comfrey specifically Bocking 14. 

Growing Ornamental Sweet Potato Vines - Propagation

Growing Ornamental Sweet Potato Vines

The deeply lobed leaves of the sprawling vine of the Ornamental Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) continue to be quite a show stopper in the garden. It's a great way to add a tropical feel to even the northern gardens.

How to Compost

Composting 101
A Little Art and a Little Science

Composting, in a nutshell, is turning your waste into nutrient-rich soil for use in your garden.

You can read about the subject in such depth as to make your head swim and find it to be quite overwhelming. But whether you start with a compost bin or a designated 3 foot by 3-foot area, knowing a few basic principles will help you achieve that rich, earthy-smelling soil amendment that we all want.

Why You Need a Rain Barrel Now!

One only needs to read about Flint Michigan's ongoing problems related to their water system to realize that clean water may not always be available to us.

Using Wicker Baskets for Making Hypertufa

This article presumes that you are familiar with the basics of making projects with hypertufa. If you aren’t familiar with the process, or just need a refresher, go to our Hypertufa 101 article with step by step hypertufa-making instructions, by clicking here.


I have made several hypertufa projects and by far my favorite mold for making planters is wicker baskets. They can readily be found for a few bucks at second-hand shops so I don’t worry that they will be destroyed by the process.


When you firmly push the hypertufa mix into the wicker basket’s cracks and crevices, the final look has a basket imprint which I find hard to match by any other method.

  

Types of Wicker Baskets

The thickness and strength of the wicker basket is important. Baskets that are thicker with a tighter weave will give you the deepest imprint on the final project but will be more difficult to de-mold later.

Recipe for Wicker Basket Planters

The common mix recipe of one part Portland Cement, one part peat moss and one part vermiculite or Perlite works well for small to medium planters.

Building on the Inside of the Basket

The above wicker heart was used as a mold to build the hypertufa on the inside.  It will be a small planter just big enough for a mini hosta or sedum.

Wicker Baskets are generally used as inside molds so that beautiful wicker design is imprinted on the outside of the planter. It’s important to firmly press those hypertufa meatballs into the basket.

  

Here's a thicker basket filled with hypertufa.

 

DeMolding from a Wicker Basket

There are a few things you can do to make de-molding the project from the wicker basket easier.

Greasing the inside of the basket with Vaseline or cooking spray before adding the hypertufa mix is one way.

A trick I have learned is to vertically slice one area of the basket from the top to the bottom. Then place some duct tape over the slice to hold the basket steady while you build.

When it's time to demold, pull off the tape and begin the slow process of demolding at the area that you previously sliced open.

There are few garden projects that are as easy and rewarding as making hypertufa garden art and planters.

If you haven't tried it yet, read our Hypertufa 101 and get started!  You'll be hooked in no time.

Where to go next!

Great Garden Articles -- Full List!
Follow us on Pinterest!
Back to Our Blog Homepage!

This post may contain some Amazon Associate links meaning that I will get a small compensation at no expense to you if you purchase something from this blog.

  

Feeding Bread to Wild Birds

Generally, bread is not safe to feed birds on a regular basis, and the general category of “bread” for this article includes any bread-like product including buns, bagels, crackers, chips, etc.  

Zebra Finch

Choosing the Best Birdbath

We all prefer birdbaths that add beauty and whimsy to our yards, but the birds themselves may be looking for something else, things that were designed for them in mind.

Choosing the Right Bird Feeder

Walking out on my back deck at 7 a.m. and hearing the happy chirping of the birds I have drawn into my yard makes the perfect start to my day.

Common Reasons that Hypertufa Cracks

Why Hypertufa Projects Crack

This article presumes that you are familiar with the basics of making projects with hypertufa.  If you aren’t familiar with the process, or just need a refresher, you may want to first go to our Hypertufa 101 article by clicking here.

Why Birds Aren't Using Your Birdbath

It’s been said that birdbaths attract more birds than bird feeders do. I believe that may be true as I know plenty of people who have several feeders but no birdbaths in their yard and they are wondering where their bird visitors are.

If you have a birdbath that is open for business but no feathery customers are visiting, you may find the reason below.

Problems with Placement

1. Birds simply don't see the birdbath.

Even if a birdbath is clean and filled with sparkling water, it's not doing the birds any good if they can't find it. The birdbath should be easily seen from the sky.

2. The birdbath is placed in full sun.

The water may be too warm to be refreshing. Moving the birdbath to a shadier spot may be all you need to do. Some shade will also keep the water fresh longer.

3. The birdbath was placed in an area that doesn't appear safe.

Skittish birds feel safer if they can see in all directions while they drink or bathe. They also want to see a quick route to flee from danger or even perceived danger. A birdbath that is too far from cover may discourage your birds from landing there.

Place the birdbath in an area where there are some trees or big shrubs nearby but not close enough that predators can hide near it.
Birdbaths placed on the ground can be hard for the birds to see and be more dangerous than ones placed on pedestals. 

If you must have the birdbath placed on the ground, be sure to place it at least six feet away from places where predators could lurk.

The birdbath itself.

4. Slippery Surfaces.

Many birdbaths, like ceramic ones, have a rather slippery coating that may force the birds that are trying to land there to make a rather unnerving landing.

A simple solution to this is to arrange stones (or branches) in the water so birds can safely land on them then stand on them to drink without touching the slippery surface at all.

Try Prime Discounted Monthly Offering

Problems with the water.

5. The water is too deep.

The fact is that birds can drown in deep water. Birds prefer very shallow water where they can safely sip or bathe.

As a rule, the deepest part of the bath in the center should be no deeper than about two inches.

6. The water in the birdbath is not clean.

It's pretty obvious that birds will not visit a birdbath that is full of decaying leaves or debris or has a growth of algae. Not only will birds generally ignore that birdbath altogether, but they could get very sick if they do visit.

7. Clean water is not continuously supplied.

Once your birds have become used to a water supply in your garden, you should ensure that you continue to offer it to them. If your birdbath is often empty, then birds will soon try to find another more continuous source of water.

Those Sneaky Neighbors!

8. The area birds have found a better option.

Maybe your neighbor has a more inviting location for drinking and bathing!

If this is the case you can one-up your neighbor's offering by adding a source of moving water to your birdbath. Not only does moving water attract birds, but it will also prevent mosquitos from breeding there. And a side benefit is that birdbaths with moving water won't need to be cleaned as often.

Above is a pretty inexpensive solar fountain pump that can do the work for you.

If you're more a DIY-er, here is a great idea I wish I had thought of myself.

Recycle an old bucket or plastic container by punching a tiny hole in the bottom, filling it with water, and hanging it above the birdbath so the water drips slowly down.

Another way to outdo the neighbor is by making sure that your birds have water to drink, even in the coldest weather.

The heated birdbath pictured above is the one that I use.  I like that it sits securely on my deck rail so I can watch the birds from the warm comfort of my window!   

Or you can purchase an inexpensive deicer like the one above.  With either choice, you can expect some activity all winter year long!

~~~~~~~~~~

I hope you found these tips helpful.  Here are some related articles about the care of your feathery friends:

~~~~~~~~~~

Choosing the Best Bird Bath

Great Gifts for Bird Lovers

Choosing the Right Bird Feeder

Blog Home Page

This post may contain Amazon affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases without costing you anything extra.

Attracting Birds to your Garden by Brett Lewis

~~~~~~~~~~

Tips On How To Attract Birds To Your Garden

Guest Post By Brett Lewis

Contributor for:  BirdInformer.com

~~~~~~~~~~

Attracting Birds to your garden is a fairly simple task. It takes a considerable amount of work to get started, but the payoff of a garden buzzing with birds is sublime. To make birds regularly visit, this article will show you tips on how to attract birds to your garden.

Entice them with Flowers

Planting flowers, shrubs, and bushes around your garden that produces food are one of the most effective ways of attracting birds. Flowers that produce seeds that birds find delectable are:

Sunflowers - Their bright yellow color and the seeds that they produce are enticing to birds. Even if sunflower seeds are not part of a particular bird's diet, they are still quite attracted to its dazzling color.

Daisies - Similar to sunflowers, their bright yellow center and ability to produce seeds that birds can eat makes this a great choice. An advantage of this flower to the common sunflower is that it is not an annual flower meaning it doesn't bloom once then perishes.

Coneflowers - This type of flower is easy to grow and maintain, which makes it a wonderful option for those who do not have that much time to tend to their garden.

You don't necessarily have to replace all of your flowers to attract birds. Birds are also attracted to bright natural colors, so flowers that make non-edible seeds are also an option; they're just less effective.

Entice them with Shrubs, Bushes and Vines

Shrubs, Bushes, and Vines that produce fleshy fruits not only provide bird's food it also provides them with shelter or a place to perch. Here are some examples of Shrubs, Bushes, and Vines that you can plant in your garden.

Elderberry - Even if their raw berries and other parts are considered toxic, they have little to no effect on birds and other animals. A large number of bird species love elderberries!

Winter Honeysuckle - Usually grown as hedges and used as ornamental plants, their red fruits persist throughout the winter giving your garden visitors during those cold months.

Highbush Blueberry - A variant of the wild blueberry. They are taller and have larger berries compared to their wild cousins that birds widely prefer.

Winterberry - Known more as Holly. The vibrant colors it displays, as well as the fruits they produce, make this very enticing for various species of birds. True to its name, it lasts throughout the winter months.

Use Bird Feeders As An Enticement

Bird Feeders are another option to take if you want to draw in birds. This can be a quick way to attract birds in your garden while your plants grow. Avoid filling your bird feeders with cheap bird feed. Most birds do not eat the filler found in cheap bird feed. The best things to fill your bird feeders with are shelled nuts (peeled), suet or, black-oil sunflower seeds.

Further reading: Choosing the Right Bird Feeder

Provide Plenty Of Water

Placing birdbaths in your garden gives birds a place to drink water and clean themselves. Every bird needs a clean source of water, and adding birdbaths will definitely make them flock to your garden making your bird watching experience all the better.

Further Reading:  Choosing the Best Birdbath

Bird Watching Binoculars

Other Birdbath Tips

• Make your birdbath look as natural as possible. A bird would feel more comfortable if it was drinking somewhere familiar. To make your birdbath look natural, place it near the ground, and getting its water to move is a more alluring sight compared to a static birdbath.

• Some birds steer clear from crowded birdbaths. To circumvent this problem, place multiple birdhouses around your garden. It's good to give your birdbaths considerable distance between each other. Placing a birdbath in a shaded and secluded area makes it so that your garden can attract shy birds like woodpeckers.

• Be sure to regularly maintain your birdbaths for dirty birdbaths that will deter birds from using them.
  
  

Give Birds a Nesting Spot

Leaving your gardens plant debris, twigs, fluff, and dead leaves encourage birds to nest near your garden. Grass trimmings are also a popular building material birds use for their nests. Having grass in your garden is a huge plus to incite nesting.

Birdhouses provide a fast solution for birds who are looking for somewhere to settle or rest. Place your birdhouse between 5 to 20 feet. Take note that different height placements of birdhouses attract different species of birds. Lastly, place your birdhouses near foliage or trees to give additional protection and security against predators.

Further Reading:  Great Gifts for Bird Lovers

Conclusion

Having a nice looking garden is great but complimenting it with beautiful birds can be the difference between great and phenomenal! With a little bit of patience, these tips will definitely help you attract birds into your garden.

~~~~~~~~~~

Guest Author Spotlight

Brett Lewis is the founder and a content contributor for BirdInformer.com. He is an avid bird watcher and has built a bird sanctuary in his backyard following guidelines provided by the National Wildlife Federation. Additionally, Brett loves to travel and when he does, Brett is always looking for unique and interesting birdlife to write about.

~~~~~~~~~~

See Our  Lists of Other Great Articles:

Homesteading Articles
Hosta Articles
Gardening Articles
Growing and Preserving Food Articles

This post may contain Amazon affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases without costing you anything extra.

 Battling Slugs in the Garden

 

Besides being darn ugly and slimy, slugs look like snails without the shells. They love to chew on plant leaves, and if they're not battled early, they can ruin the look of your plants for an entire season.

Slug damage can appear as multiple holes chewed through the leaves of the garden plants as shown above. The most damage will be done to plant varieties with thinner leaves that are easier for the slugs to chew, like hostas.

Refresh Your Potting Soil and Save Money

 

 

Refreshing Potting Soil

Leftover potting soil can look a bit spent after a year or two, but experts agree that it still has life-giving potential, especially if you take the time to condition it properly. 

Once you learn the basics of healthy soil, you'll be able to recharge last year's potting soil and save a lot of money by doing so.

Organic Mulch

Organic Mulch Right from your Yard!

If you're looking for an organic approach to your mulch, there are some good substitutes, and some of the ingredients for it can be found right in your own backyard!

Great Gifts for Older Gardeners

We all want our older loved ones to keep healthy, and their love of gardening is a great way for them to do so.


The rigors of gardening, such as bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, gripping, lifting and the like can be good exercise, but it can also be pretty taxing on an older body.

You know you're a serious gardener when...

Care of your TerraCotta Pots

How to Clean Terracotta Pots

A big advantage of terracotta is its ability to absorb water from the soil. But because it will also absorb chemical fertilizers and salts found in tap water, that buildup of a crusty residue needs to be removed for the pot to be safely reused the next garden season. 

Although that aged terracotta look is pleasant to some, dirty pots can harbor fungus, mold, diseases, and pests. Regular maintenance of cleaning and disinfecting them is a good garden habit to get into.