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Xeriscape (pronounced “zera-scape”) gardening is a water efficient method of gardening. While the term Xeriscape gardening can sound intimidating to some, it is actually a simple method of gardening that can be used for many different types of gardening. Rather than replacing the way you currently do your gardening, think of Xeriscape gardening as an additional technique that will make your water usage more “green” by using less to grow more.

Using the principles of Xeriscape gardening will allow you to plant and maintain your annuals, perennials, vegetables and trees in the most water-wise manner possible. Now, you will not have to use as much water for the same numbers of plants that you would like to grow in you garden or lawn area.

With as much as 25% of our water supply being used to maintain lawns and gardens, it is becoming increasingly important to learn to plant wisely, taking into account the type of soil you have, the sun exposure needs of your plants and the water needs of your plants.

There is no need to simply go without a plant that uses water heavily however, planting heavy water users all together will help save water and will also make the low water users in your garden happier. This method is one of the key elements to Xeriscape gardening.

You should also become familiar with the hydroponic method of gardening, which uses no soil.

With hydroponic gardening, nutrients are introduced directly to the root systems of the plants without having to be fed through the soil. This allows the plants to put less growth energy into the root system and more energy into producing foliage and fruit. Foliage plants will be bigger and fuller, and vegetable plants will produce more and larger vegetables.

Hydroponic gardens do not require large amounts of land or yard space. A balcony, deck or even an inside room can be used to grow large amounts of foliage and vegetable plants.

While the cost of setting up a hydroponic garden may be higher than planting a traditional garden, the results will more than make up for the initial investment.

Are you interested in growing vegetables in your garden? Growing vegetables in the vegetable garden is much easier than you imagine.

To grow vegetables, you do not need a large site.

You can grow in containers without any need for a piece of land.

In fact, growing vegetables need a careful planning and some simple planting tips with which you can grow your own vegetables in no time!

1.For a successful growth of vegetables, a healthy soil is very important. Use a high-quality soil or improve the existing one through the addition of organic materials such as sphagnum peat moss, leaf mold, compost, and rotted manure in large quantities. For a clay type soil, add some sand to provide a clear drainage. Add these materials into the soil using till or spade.

2.Good soil with better drainage is best for growing vegetables healthily. So, get your soil tested prior to using it for vegetable plants. Also, ensure that soil has all essential nutrients required for a plant growth.

3.Location of the garden is the key to the vegetable garden planning process. As almost all vegetables needs a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight for a healthy growth, choose a sunny spot with full of sunlightsouth, southeast or south west facing is best spot.

4.In a partially shady location where you get less sunlight, it is best to grow leaf crops like lettuce, coriander, and spinach than tomatoes or other vegetables.

5. For a vegetable garden, choose a location away from trees and shrubs as far as possible. This is because the roots of trees and shrubs, near the vegetable plants, will deprive the essential nutrients and water of the vegetable plants.

6. It is a good idea to locate the garden close to your water source. This helps you save time and energy.

7.Employ a drip irrigation system to save your water as well as to reduce watering chores. This system is most beneficial because it provides water directly to the root region of plants. In addition, it provides water automatically for the plants in the garden if you set a timer on your faucet.

8. For a vegetable garden, it is good to obtain maximum yields within a minimum space. So, do inter-planting with quick-growing vegetables (bunching onions) and slower-growing vegetables (cauliflower and broccoli).

9. It is not a good idea to do over planting. Growing several plants in a small area can damage the growth of all vegetable plants in the garden.

10. Get aware of the plant-growing season and protect the plants according to the season. To protect plants from early frosts, always use cloches, plant protectors, and row covers. Tomatoes are cold-sensitive vegetables and can be transplanted outdoors prior to its normal planting time.

11.Mulching is the best way to maintain healthy vegetable plants. So, mulch the vegetable plants in the summer time. This helps to eradicate weeds, keeps soil moisture and improves the soil structure when it gets rot. Cocoa bean hulls, straw, shredded bark, spoiled hay, and compost are the best mulch materials for vegetable plants.

If you need a gift for a special person, or just need some time to unwind, make a creative handicraft. Crafting is therapeutic when you are feeling stressed, and it also can yield a useful or decorative item. Everyone has some measure of creativity, and with modern kits and patterns, a creative handicraft does not have to end in frustration.

If you have a sewing machine, you can learn to make a creative handicraft that will be a useful and welcome gift. Potholders are a great beginning sewing project that can be made from scrap material or unwanted clothing and a bit of double-fold bias tape. Here are the simple instructions for this creative handicraft.

First cut two 8-inch (21 cm.) squares of fabric to be the front and back of the potholder. Choose coordinating fabrics that match your kitchen for these pieces. To make it easier, you can make an 8-inch square pattern from a piece of cardboard to use as a pattern. Cut more 8-inch squares of any old fabric to stack for the filling. You want the stack of fabric squares to be thick enough to protect you from a hot pot, but thin enough to be flexible and able to be sewn through.

Stack all layers so that the outer layers are facing to the outside and the filler layers are inside. You can put a couple of large straight pins through all layers to keep them together. Now sew right across the middle of the stack. Sew across the middle again, perpendicular to the first stitching. You will have divided the square into 4 squares. Sew across the stack again from corner to corner, and again from the other corner to corner. The layers should be joined and sturdy now.

To bind off the raw edges of your creative handicraft, trim with scissors so that all the layers are again even at the edges. Open out one folded edge of the bias tape. The wider bias tape might seem to be easier to use, but the narrow type makes a neater finished product. Starting at one corner, line up the edges of the tape with the edges of the potholder, and start stitching through all layers along the first fold line, which will be about 1/4 inch from the edge. Stitch neatly and slowly, attaching the opened tape all around the edge until you reach the beginning corner. Cut the bias tape off, leaving 3 inches, (7 cm.) to make into a hanging loop.

Fold the bias tape over the raw edge so that the middle fold lines up with the outside of the potholder and the other fold is hiding the raw edge of the bias tape. Now, for best results, hand sew the binding down, forming a loop on your creative handicraft when you get to the end.

This potholder is just one example of a creative handicraft you can create if you have a sewing machine. When it is finished, you will have a useful item made from all recycled materials. Feel free to give this creative handicraft away or keep it for yourself.