If you plan to turn your backyard into a spacious garden, you should know more than a thing or two about some of the most common vine growing vegetables that could be easily cultivated on your property. Keep reading to discover how to grow your own sweet potato vines, Malabar spinach, soybeans, Brussels sprouts, capers, and various other types of tasty, nutritious vegetables that grow on a vine.

Common Vine Growing Plants Suitable for Most Environments

If this is your first project of this kind, don’t focus your attention on exotic plants demanding extensive care. Instead, choose to cultivate some of the most common vine growing vegetables: sweet potatoes, soybeans, Malabar spinach, and a virtually endless list of other candidates. Some of these are considered vegetables by cooks, judging by their culinary purpose, but catalogued as fruits by botanists, like tomatoes, zucchinis, peas, beans, pumpkins, and so on.

These plants grow very long and can easily climb on top of a wide range of structures, including fences, tall walls, and special cages. Apart from offering you tasty, healthy, organic veggies on an annual basis, plants that grow on a vine can also beautify your property and give it a great personal touch.

Choosing the Best Vine Growing Plants for Your Garden

When it comes to choosing the very best vine growing vegetables for your outdoor space, start by evaluating your needs. What kind of vegetables do you usually put on your dinner table? Afterward, discuss your options with a landscaper and try to find out whether or not your favorite candidates are actually inspired picks. Ask questions related to soil and climate requirements for each type of plant.

Moreover, if you want to narrow down your search, dig a little deeper and try to find out useful information on flowering season, frost tolerance, watering and feeding specifications, size, color, uses, and common problems. For instance, you should know that sweet potato vines are great assets for any home, as they could easily cover a cracked, old, ugly wall and boost the curb appeal of your property.

Furthermore, if you adore simple salads, choose to cultivate Malabar spinach. You’d be surprised to discover that it actually tastes like a combination of pepper and citrus. In addition, remember that soybeans are often affected by zinc deficiency; this is why they should be treated with premium, kelp-based fertilizer.

All in all, if you benefit from accurate information, the best plant food and a set of basic gardening tools, you should be able to cultivate your very own vine growing vegetables in no time.

Ask an Expert

Identifying the best vine growing vegetables for your garden can be stressful and time-consuming, especially since you’d have to read and filter a large amount of information before making a final decision. Simplify the process by contacting a respectable landscaper operating in your area. Find the best one with TalkLocal, a free service that connects you with high-quality professionals in your area.

John Deere is a trusted name in lawn equipment and is known for manufacturing heavy duty lawn mowers. Their mowers feature 7-gauge steel frames and are painted with rust/corrosion inhibitor paint. Each part of a John Deere lawn mower is inspected and re-inspected carefully, and each unit is tested for 20 hours per day. This high level of commitment to quality is John Deere’s main advantage over other brands.

Factors in Choosing a Mower

John Deere offers a wide range of lawn mowers to help you care for and maintain your lawn regularly. There are several factors in choosing a John Deere lawn mower that will best suit your needs. One of the factors to consider is the size of your property, which will determine how much horsepower you will need in a mower and its specific features.

A walk-behind John Deere lawn mower will do a great job on a property that is half an acre or less. For larger properties, a riding mower is a better option. However, make sure you choose a type that will be able to maneuver around the different areas in your yard.

Also, look at your property’s terrain. Riding mowers with more horsepower are recommended for hilly areas. It is important to consider the type of grass as well. A mower with taller wheels and high horsepower is the best choice to clear coarse or thick grass.

Comfort & Safety

For your own comfort while using the mower, make sure to choose one with features like arm rests and adjustable seats. In terms of safety, look for a John Deere lawn mower that has automatic shutdown if the operator happens to release the push bar or get up from his or her seat. Riding mowers with foot controls encourage safety, as the operator can place both hands on the wheel.

Cost

John Deere lawn mowers cost several thousands of dollars depending on the model you choose. However, the company offers flexible financing options to make it easy for their customers to buy their products.

Hire a Pro Landscaper

In addition to investing in a durable and high-quality lawn mower, hiring a professional landscaping service is another way to keep your yard beautiful. Let TalkLocal help you now to find a qualified contractor who will fit your needs.

If you want to build a solid deck, it is mandatory to use premium decking wood. Which types of wood qualify as excellent choices, and which are less reliable candidates for this job? The final choice is up to you, but keep in mind that you should always take various factors into consideration before making a final decision, including lifespan, aesthetics, harvesting practices, resistance to moisture, pest resistance and so on.

If you don’t have the time to do extensive research on the best types of wood for decks, rely on expert guidance provided by a competent team of landscapers, and start building the perfect deck you’ve always dreamed about.

Types of Wood for Decks Worth Considering

Start by asking yourself the following questions:

1. Would you be willing to pay a little more for durable decking materials designed to stand the test of time and look like new for many years in a row?

2. Are you looking for low-maintenance materials tailored to your budget?

3. What kind of wood colors, finishes and types do you usually prefer?

Any competent landscaper will tell you that you have numerous options at hand when it comes to designing and building your very own deck.

Red Western Cedar is a beautiful wood type available in gorgeous shades of reddish-brown that gradually turn into delicate shades of silvery-gray with age. This type of wood can be easily splintered; however, it displays an increased resistance to sun exposure, rain, and extreme temperatures.

If you love the tones of the Western Red Cedar, you’ll most likely adore Redwood, a type of wood well-liked mostly due to its colors and its ability to resist rot. A deck built using Redwood will look even more attractive if you apply a sealer on its entire surface.

If you plan to use a hardwood that resists rot and a wide range of pests, use Philippine Mahogany and treat the entire surface with marine oil to obtain a smooth finish.

Ipé would be another excellent choice for your project; this type of hardwood gets bonus points for its remarkable pest resistance and for its extended durability.

In case you want to explore the advantages of reliable, cost-efficient substitutes, purchase Mock Lumber and build your deck using wood-plastic composites. They look amazing, require very little maintenance, and could help you save a significant amount of money while embracing an eco-friendlier attitude.

Ask an Expert

With so many appealing choices at hand, identifying the best types of wood for decks can be a real hassle. When in doubt, eliminate your uncertainties by talking to a competent landscaper. Meet the best ones by relying on TalkLocal, a free service implemented to connect you with trustworthy specialists working 24/7 to turn your dreams into reality.

Delicious, healthy, organic tomatoes are by far some of the most well-liked vegetables cultivated all across the U.S. Believe it or not, tomatoes, called “love apples” in the past, were considered poisonous for a long period of time and grown solely for aesthetic purposes. At this point, these popular fruit represent a great ingredient contributing to the amazing taste of numerous dishes, including pizza, salads, and soups. If you want to grow your own tomatoes in your backyard, then you might be wondering: how many types of tomato plants are there, and which ones are better?

How many tomato plants are there?

Picking the right type of tomato plants can be quite confusing, since there are no less than 7,500 varieties currently available on the market. They are cultivated for different purposes and display several differences in terms of color, shape, size, disease resistance, and harvesting time. Greenhouses offer a generous selection of tomato varieties; therefore, you should evaluate your needs and your possibilities (total cultivable surface, climate, humidity, soil, and so on) before choosing the most suitable type of plant for your garden.

Picking the right varieties

Tomato plants can be divided into two main categories: those that grow in height indefinitely, called indeterminate, and those that stop growing after a determined period of time, called determinate. Tomatoes are also classified according to their harvesting time.

You should know that there are four main types of tomato plants: first-early red, requiring less than 2 months to harvest, displaying small or medium-sized fruits, like the Quick Pick, Early Girl, or Early Cascade; medium-early red, requiring up to 70 days to harvest, like Champion or Mountain Spring, for instance; main-crop red, demanding up to 80 days; and extra-large red, or the late-maturing varieties, which may take a little less than 3 months to harvest. In terms of color, one could easily find red, pink, orange, or yellow tomatoes. Each type has its unique taste and can be used for both culinary and aesthetic purposes.

Ask an expert

Finding the best types of tomato plants for your garden can be quite stressful and time-consuming. Want to create and maintain your very own vegetable garden without investing too much time in this project? In this case, think about hiring a good landscaper. Find the most competent ones in your area by consulting TalkLocal, your number one source of information, putting you in contact with respectable professionals who are just one call away.

Nothing dolls up a home like a well-designed landscape. But while landscaping often gets a bad rap, a manicured lawn, be it modern or tropical, can be eco-friendly at the same time. With intensive design attention, your lawn can transform from a plain panorama to a sustainable stunner. Here are 4 tips to an earth-friendly landscaping job.

1. Choose local plants

It’s a method called xeriscaping, which is usually achieved by going native with your plant choice. Since native plants are acclimated to local soils and seasons, they require less maintenance than imported plants.

Aside from that, they help attract native animals, thereby promoting diversity. You can learn more about which plants can complement your garden by consulting your local library or municipality.

2. Dress with mulch

Dressing your garden with mulch is an effective way to save time and energy. Plus, it beautifies and invigorates your garden. Mulching helps to improve soil productivity, trap moisture, and discourages weeds from growing. It is a great way of recycling, and therefore saves stress on the environment.

But then again, not all mulches are created equal. Good mulches serve their purpose like cocoa bark, straw mulch, leaves, bark mulch, and other organic matter. Bad mulches, on the other hand, such as cedar mulch, rubber mulch, wood chips, and those which are inorganic in nature may be counterproductive.

3. Sprinkle chemicals sparingly

While chemical-free gardening sounds utopian, it is not impossible. There are several ways to minimize the use of garden chemicals, or better yet, go completely chemical-free.

Start with repelling garden wreckers. Invite backyard buddies such as spiders, ladybugs, praying mantises; and/or intersperse your garden with aromatic and strong smelling plants. These methods will surely put off pests and discourage weeds from spreading.

Overall, it begins with your chemical-free landscaping design and goals. Reducing your chemical use does not only cut down pollution but also protects your family and pets. Should you have no choice but to use pesticides however, be sure to use organic products.

4. Use eco-friendly equipment and tools

Conventional equipment and tools are tempting to use since they make tasks easier and faster. But most of them are bad news for the environment. Using them would be a great irony in your eco-friendly landscaping goal.

Use benign equipment instead. For instance, instead of a gas-powered mower, use reel mowers, which are quiet and maintenance-free. Rather than using weed-whackers, use an eco-friendly cordless weed trimmer. Going green is a trend – so don’t be surprised to find a wealth of options when it comes to green gardening equipment and tools.

So help save the environment – start at your garden. With these simple tips, you don’t have to compromise the appeal of your home landscape and you can surely reduce your ecological footprint. Or call in professional, eco-friendly landscapers to help you design and create your ideal garden. TalkLocal will connect you directly with up to three professionals in your area in just minutes!

Numerous homeowners choose to handle their home improvement assignments on their own without involving an expert. However, when it comes to building a straight yard fence, most of them are usually looking for useful tricks and tips, allowing them to obtain excellent results. If you want to start such an ambitious project by yourself, keep reading to find out everything there is to know about practical, appealing, straight yard fences and learn how to build one fast and with minimal effort.

The String Method

The biggest challenge is to build a straight fence. Wrong measurements, abundant vegetation, and sloping terrain can work to your disadvantage, making you misjudge lines. In this case, how do fence builders manage to design perfectly straight fences? Some of them use lasers, a modern method that you could also rely on; however, if you are trying to complete this project on a strict budget, choose to test the effectiveness of the string method, utilized by contractors for centuries to build flawless fences.

When it comes to building a straight yard fence, there are many elements that you should take into consideration. The ideal distance between the posts depends on many factors, including the type of fence you plan to design, its purpose, and the terrain you want to build on.

1. Decide exactly where your fence will begin (point A) and where it will end (point B).

2. Stretch a straight line, using string, from point A to point B to align all fence posts situated in between.

3. Make sure to place the fence posts in the correct position to prevent flaws that might compromise the aesthetics and the functionality of your yard fence. One-third of the overall length of the posts should be completely buried in the ground.

4. The posts can be packed with concrete or with dirt.

4. All wooden fence posts should be placed in an upright position, and each post should be firmly braced with solid stakes, after being aligned properly.

5. Make sure the stakes reach your layout string and then fill all holes with concrete.

6, Take a few seconds to inspect the alignment and make final adjustments if necessary.

7. Let the concrete mix set for approximately 48 hours before starting to install your fence panels or rails.

Ask an Expert

Building a straight yard fence can be quite difficult, especially for novices who have never conducted any type of home improvement projects before. In this case, it is recommended to opt for professional services ensured by talented landscapers. Find the best ones by consulting TalkLocal, your trusted source of information, designed to help you meet competent professionals who have what it takes to address your needs and demands in a timely manner.

A beautiful, unique, colorful, handcrafted bird house can be a great feature for any outdoor area. To be honest, you don’t need excellent skills, experience, special tools, or costly materials to design and create gorgeous homemade bird houses for your yard. There are hundreds of online tutorials and fun ideas that can become your main source of inspiration. Check them out and unleash your imagination, or simply contact a landscaper, specialized in both simple tasks like this one and much more complex assignments that will instantly add value to your property.

Getting started

Choose the design that you like best and get to work. Use durable, weather-resistant materials like plastic, metal, or premium wood and don’t hesitate to explore your creativity to come up with unique, awesome-looking innovations.

For instance, you could choose to apply mosaic tiles or gems on the entire surface, using special glue. If you want to take pride in fully functional, appealing homemade bird houses attracting those little winged creatures like a magnet, personalize your birdhouses by adding one or two exterior layers of natural material, like pinecones, rocks, twigs, moss, or a mix of these elements. This will make the birds feel much more comfortable in their new home.

You could also choose to give new meaning to old, boring stuff that you no longer use around the house, like buttons, car number plates, wood-based decorative elements, and so on. After the designing phase is over, all you have to do is paint your new masterpiece in bright colors and hang it in the right place.

Where to place new homemade bird houses

After manufacturing the homemade bird houses, you’ll have to place them in an ideal spot, high enough to be often visited by birds and still low enough to be admired by your guests. You could choose to display them on an old wooden ladder or place them on a tall shelf, secure them on your wooden fence or on a tree located in your backyard.

When to hire an expert

If you’re really strict when it comes to the aesthetics of your outdoor area, or if you simply don’t trust your artistic side and your handcrafting skills, it is recommended to consult a landscaper before implementing any changes. Find the best ones in your area by using TalkLocal, a free service that connects you with skilled professionals operating in different fields of activity, who have what it takes to simplify your life 24/7.

People who seek to turn their homes into welcoming, friendly, vibrant environments mimicking nature’s absolute perfection are always looking for the best types of potted plants for their property. Some of them will settle for no less than exquisite, amazing varieties representing real oxygen-producing artworks.

For these homeowners, a bonsai tree might be the perfect option at hand. Connoisseurs are fully aware of the fact that there are numerous bonsai tree types. Which one would be right for you? Keep reading to find out.

Many shapes and sizes, many possibilities

When it comes to purchasing a bonsai tree for your home, its shape and size are probably the most important selection criteria that might influence your final decision. Keep in mind that bonsai trees are extremely versatile, require extensive maintenance, and their form will always reflect your imagination and your trimming skills.

Even so, there are plenty of bonsai tree types to choose from. Pick the most amazing one based solely on your aesthetic requirements.

> If you want to admire a tiny bonsai tree that looks pretty much like a centuries-old gothic cathedral, then the simple, yet extremely sophisticated and popular Chokkan style could be the perfect option for you.

> You could also opt for the Hokidachi style (broom form), Shakan style (the well-liked slanting form, representing the perfect symbol of stability).

> Or perhaps the Moyogi style, with its gorgeous curves, is more toy our taste.

> The cascade form, also known as the Kengai style, is perfect for people who want to grow beautiful bonsai trees hanging out of their pots.

> If you’re a big fan of tasteful elegance and thin, rare branches grown in an upright position, then you might appreciate the simplicity of the Bunjingi style.

Ask an expert

Of course, one could easily find numerous types of plant varieties that could be easily grown in a pot as tiny trees. The Juniper, the Black olive bonsai, the Ficus, with over 100 different species, the low-maintenance Chinese elm, the Jaboticaba bonsai, famous for its exotic, amazing flowers and fruits are only one of the few tempting alternatives that you might want to consider.

You should always pick the best bonsai tree types for you based on where you live, the particularities of your indoor space, and the exact amount of time that you plan to spend trimming the branches of your bonsai. When in doubt, get the best answers from an experienced landscaper. Find the best ones by counting on TalkLocal, a free service that will connect you with the right professional, right away!

Bamboo Fencing Rolls

Bamboo fencing has become more and more popular as an alternative to wood fencing. It is more economical, and bamboo is easier to grow. Bamboo is actually a faster growing plant than wood and is widely available. It is also very abundant and is a renewable resource.

It is a tropical-looking fence that has become the trend in recent years, and it deserves your attention. It is very flexible, thus it does not break as easily during severe storms. Additionally, it complements wooden arbors perfectly and does justice to beautiful gardens. Read on to find out how to install bamboo fencing rolls in your garden.

Installing Bamboo Fencing Rolls

1. First, you have to choose the right bamboo. Two types of bamboo are used commonly for fencing.

> The first type is ½” to 1” in diameter. The shoots or canes are held together by galvanized wires into bunches.

> The other type uses a smaller diameter of bamboo and is woven. Using only the outer part of the bamboo cane, split bamboo is another popular type of bamboo used for fencing.

2. Before purchasing, you need to consider how strong the fence needs to be. You will also need a bamboo saw to cut your bamboo into the size that you need to fence your garden.

3. Because bamboo tends to decompose when it comes into contact with water, you have to install your bamboo fence with a few inches of space from the ground.

4. You may also choose to install your bamboo fence over an existing chain or wooden fence on your yard for easier installation. For this, you can simply staple your rolls of bamboo onto the fence.

Bamboo fences are a great way to landscape your garden and should be considered as a cheap alternative to regular fencing.

For Professional Help…

Contact TalkLocal today and let us help you find a landscaper near your area! We will connect you directly with up to three qualified professionals in your area in just minutes.

Shrubs in Your Garden

A shrub is different from a tree because it is shorter and it has more stems. It is usually under 20 feet tall and is grown in a place called a shrubbery. In the garden, shrubs are a great addition, especially if you have limited space. Lawns can often benefit from shrubs because they are decorative. Lavenders, roses, and other flowering plants are considered as shrubs and grow to less than 7 feet tall.

Shrubs, in general, have broad leaves, although mountain pines and other conifers have needle-shaped leaves. There are types of shrubs that produce berries while other shrubs are very fragrant. There are also creeping shrubs that serve as groundcover, such as junipers. If you have been wondering how to grow shrubs in pots, read on.

Soil Preparation

Choose a suitable compost that has a lot of nutrients that will nurture your shrubs properly. The compost should also be heavy, to prevent the plants from being blown over by strong winds.

How to Plant

Broken terracotta or polystyrene should be placed at the bottom of the pots to prevent the holes at the bottom of the pots from being clogged up. Fill the pots with compost and special compost for acid-loving plants.

Mix in fertilizer with the compost. This is crucial for shrubs, as they require a lot of nutrients – more than any other plant in your garden.

Aftercare

These plants need to be watered regularly, even if it just rained. The reason for this is that these plants have an extensive root system and always need water. If the plant has outgrown its pot, replant it to a larger pot. Annually, remove the top 2 inches of the soil and replace it with fresh compost mixed with fertilizer.

Now you know how to grow shrubs in pots!

Need a Consult?

For all of your landscaping needs, contact TalkLocal today! We will connect you directly with up to three landscaping professionals in your area who can help you when you need them most.