Saturday, November 14, 2009

How do I keep mosquitoes, etc. out of my rainwaiter I'm catching to water my flowers with when it's dry?

I'm catching rainwater in a clean plastic 55 gal drum. It's already half full and will be great to water my plants with rainwater when it's dry. What can I add to the water that won't hurt my plants and will keep mosquitoes from living in it? I've heard bleach, some kind of oil but I forget what. Something that keeps the bugs from breeding in it but will not hurt plants. Thank you. I need to know something for sure so please don't just guess.

How do I keep mosquitoes, etc. out of my rainwaiter I'm catching to water my flowers with when it's dry?
Well, how about minnows. They eat the mosquito, wont hurt plants, are totally natural, and in expensive.
Reply:I also think the olive oil idea is good and am going to try it in a separate container of rainwater. Thanks for whoever put that answer out there too. Report It

Reply:ADD JUST ALITTLE BLEACH, JUST A SMALL AMOUNT, WONT HURT
Reply:You have to keep it covered, if not add som feeder goldfish.
Reply:For the most natural - no chemical way to stop


mosquitos from laying their larvae in the water


pour A thin layer of olive oil on the surface.





The oil floats on the top of the water ,when the


mosquito lands to deposit her eggs she will


get stuck in the oil and be unable to lay the eggs.





PS The olive oil contains nutrients and will


not harm your plants (flowers or veggies)
Reply:It does not take much to kill the larva. You can use any oil you use for cooking. You can also put a few drops of liquid soap in the water. Any thing like oil or soap will not hurt thr plants but will kill the mosquitoe larva by cutting off the air.
Reply:Go to your local lawn and garden center and ask for


"Mosquito Dunks"
Reply:Toss a splash of bleach in the water. It will destroy the mosquito larvae and will not hurt your plants at all.


You will need to do this at least once a week.
Reply:it is safe to use a small amount of chlorine bleach to decrease the stagnation,also a small air line pumping air ,





(n old fish tank pump) is good keeping the water fresh the nasty bloodsuckers hate that
Reply:Get a cover for the drum and cover it when the sun is shinning----that should keep them out MOST of the time...I wouldn't put ANY chemical in water I was going to use on plants... ESPECIALLY if any of those plants are veggies that you plan to EAT some day---and chemicals may damage flowering plants....
Reply:You can buy a product that is for ponds that is granules that can be sprinkled in the water and will kill mosquito larvae in the water. They also make larger rings of the same thing that last longer. Both are safe for plants and can be found at Lowes or Home Depot.


Can Hog weed seeds be dried and milled into flower?

Does the flower produce gluten, and would it be edible after baking. Hog weed grows, so well that if it was useful as a food it could feed the masses. Does any one know the answers?

Can Hog weed seeds be dried and milled into flower?
The United States Department of Agriculture has research on uses of just about every plant. Write to them. They could tell you vitamins found in various parts of the plant, percentages of proteins, etc. etc. Be sure you send them the species name (Heracleum mantegazzianum?) of the particular plant you are interested in. If it is plentiful enough, it might be good for alcohol fuel production.


But I wouldn't hold out much hope for it. It sounds like some pretty nasty stuff (see source).
Reply:yes
Reply:Gluten is a protein only found in wheat, rye and barley. SO if hog weed seeds are of those varieties then yes they could contain gluten.
Reply:Hogweed is very poisonous. The white latex liquid from its pith will cause cancer and severe skin complaints if contacted, especially in direct sunlight.


I already have a flower bed in my yard and want to plant flowers. What do I do?

The flower bed is just filled up with dirt, weeds, and pebbles. First I need to clean it out I guess but do I use the dirt that's already in there or do put soil down? If you want to know, I live in Southern Arizona where it's always dry and hot and I want to plant perennial flowers. I'm new to gardening and want to know how prepare the flower bed, what type of soil I need (if necessary) and any tips on types of flowers to plant. Thanks alot!

I already have a flower bed in my yard and want to plant flowers. What do I do?
Yes clean the bed and decide on the look you are going for. You can actually get quite a lush look from native plants in your area. You are also Lucky enough to live where you can have great plants such as phormium and succulents galore.





Secondly if you want to use some things that would require more water, add an irrigation system and, a good soil mix (soil, compost, and organics). You can also just add this is pockets as well. Add textures with ornaments as well as different types of stone.





Grasses can provide movement and softness.





Evergreen can provide statue like presence as well as privacy, and formality.





Succulents can provide architectural elements.





xeric perennials can add color for years to come.





annual materials can add splashes of color that that transform the mood of the garden with each season.





Herbs, most require less water and fertilization, they also add refreshing scents and flavors to your space and cooking.





This site has a great plant list


http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/xer...





hope this helps
Reply:Being a beginner in anything starts with learning .......below are some links to help guide you........the other way to find information in your area is check the gardens in your neighborhood and go to your local nursery or garden center....they will keep the types of flowers best suited for your area . Don't be afraid to ask questions.......people just love when they have the answer.


Good Luck !








Arizona Wild Flowers


Wildflower Pictures And Photos


http://www.delange.org/ArizWFlowers/Wf.h...


Arid-Southwestern Gardening Information


http://ag.arizona.edu/gardening/news/art...





Fall flower power


Tucson, Arizona | Published: 10.22.2006


http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/15...


You may be hesitant to replace summer bloomers such as periwinkle, zinnia, verbena and portulaca that are still flowering. But if you wait too late into October to replace them, there won't be enough time to get cool-season flowers up and growing vigorously before cold weather arrives in December.


**************************************...


Maricopa County Extension Service


Gardening in Arizona


Dedicated to the unique aspect of gardening in Arizona.


http://www.donitaworld.com/States/Arizon...





Arizona Daily Star


http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/printDS/9367
Reply:Have a look around your neighbourhood to see what others have done and grown and don't be afraid to ask questions for the name of plants that appeal to you.
Reply:you can also try hgtv.com. They have everything you need to plant a garden in your area. From preparing soil, what plants, %26amp; care tips.

platform flip flops

Im looking for a material that they use in vases that is clear that looks like water with fake flowers?

I want to pour this into a vase to dry and hold fake flowers that are in water. Thats the trick,they look real!!

Im looking for a material that they use in vases that is clear that looks like water with fake flowers?
It's called Everlasting Elegance (liquid glass )
Reply:Go to Michael's, or another craft shop, and buy an acrylic mix. Usually it comes in two parts that you mix and then pour into a container. It dries clear, as long as what you put into the mixture does not bleed color into the mix while it hardens.





Good luck!





Will D


Enterprise AL


http://www.notagz.com
Reply:Do you have a good craft store in your area? Or, a TAP Plastics? They coulld probably help you.
Reply:I know they sell it at micheal's craft stores, but I forget the name! I used it before for a floral arrangement. It should be in the floral section, but if you ask an employee I am sure they will know what you ar talking about! It is probably at A.C. MOORE too!


I am growing tulips indoors in a pot. As soon as the flowers bloomed, they started drying up and wilting.?

My red tulips are dried and wilted before they even fully bloom. Could it be too hot in my room? I do have the heat on.

I am growing tulips indoors in a pot. As soon as the flowers bloomed, they started drying up and wilting.?
i heard if you put rubbing alcohol in the water for them they will last longer. kind of weird i thought , but i guess it works , you can overwater them too and that will make them wilt early. usually you have to keep the bulbs in the fridge for 4-6 weeks before planting them indoors.
Reply:Did you plant the bulb by yourself, or you bought an already potted tulip? If you bought one, remember that these are so-called "forced" tulips, specifically designed for indoor blooming. See the reference below for how to "force" indoor blooming. Tulips are relatively easy to do this.





Problem is that, if the procedure wasn't properly followed, the bulb wouldn't have enough "energy" stored for full bloom. Excessive cold storage often produces a bloom that tries to open and then abort. This could be one possibility.
Reply:Tulips bloom in the cool springtime, so I'm guessing it's too hot and dry in your room. Home heating is also very dry and they need more moisture in the air. Use a mister and put them in a cooler area of the house. I hope that will help them.
Reply:WAY TOO HOT. THEY CANNOT BE ANY WARMER THAN 68 DEGREES FOR PERFRECT BLOOMS, AND 80 DEGREES, DRY, AND THE HEAT ON, WILL CAUSE THEM TO WILT. PUT THEM IN A GARAGE, OR BASEMENT, WHATEVER RECIEVES COOLER TEMPERATURES
Reply:tulips are part of the summer dormant grouping of plants. They do what they do as fast as they can when the conditions are right and when it warms, they wilt back to the ground and wait for the next year.


Good flowers for drying?

Trying to track down two types:


1. What I thought was 'heliocanthus' (round, yellow centre, lots of narrow petals around it)


2. A type consisting of flat, white, roundish, translucent flowers/seed-pods.


I don't know the names - can anyone help?





Also seeking suggestions for any other good flowers for growing and drying.

Good flowers for drying?
Statice , it's in the mum family
Reply:Straw flowers, try the herb rosemary, baby's breath, hydrangea, thistle, golden rod, larkspur,and heather
Reply:I think dried Roses are beautiful





you can dry almost any flower





good luck and enjoy
Reply:Lavender
Reply:1. Gallardia maybe?


2. Honesty or Money plants Lunaria rediviva





Other good things are statice, tansy, chinese lanterns, hydrangea, lavender, roses, artemisia, rudbeckia, echinachea.. there are lots more I can't think of right now.


Drying Flowers?

I have three beautiful red roses from my mum's coffin that I would like to keep. (From Monday) Does any one know how to dry flowers successfully to keep for ever ?

Drying Flowers?
Sorry for your loss.





One of the quickest %26amp; best way to preserve roses is by using Silica Gel.


Put about an inch of desiccating material at the bottom of an air-tight container made of plastic, glass or tin. Cut the flower stem to about a half an inch and stick this into the center of the material at the bottom to hold the flower. Next, pour the desiccating material along the perimeter of the container, away from the flower, building up a continuous mound of about an inch. Then tap lightly on the container and the material will move to the flower, not altering the form of the petals (in other words, the material will not weigh down the petals as it would if it were just poured on top of the flower). Continue adding the material, tapping on the container, etc. until the flower is completely covered. Lastly, add an inch of the material above the top of the flower. Seal the container %26amp; let it dry for 3-7 days. Check your roses after 3 days, because they can become brittle and the petals will break if left in the Silica too long.


http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/hgic1...


http://www.hintsandthings.co.uk/workshop...





You can use a mixture of borax and white cornmeal (2:1) or borax and sand (2:1) as a drying agent instead of Silica Gel.





Another way to dry your roses is to tie a ribbon around the base of their stems and hang them upside down in a warm, dark %26amp; dry room. Make sure you have good ventilation. Once they are completely dry (in 3-4 weeks) use a craft or flower sealing spray. Display your roses in a decorative vase, or in a shadow box.





Good Luck! Hope this helps.
Reply:Thanks! Best wishes :) Report It

Reply:Sorry to hear why you want to dry the flowers - it must be a sad time for you. You can hang them upside down, off the curtain pole or something, just in the house and let them dry out. You will need to be careful with them once dried as they will be fragile.
Reply:Firstly sorry that you have lost your Mum. It is nice idea to keep some of the flowers.





There are a few different methods of drying flowers.


Whichever you use remember that the flower will be very delicate and must be protected afterwards.


I would suggest that you press at least one of them and keep it a photograph album with pictures of your Mum.





These links will take you to pages with advice on drying flowers.





http://plantanswers.tamu.edu/misc/dryflr...





This page gives details of drying with silica gel which may suit the roses depending on how open they are.


http://gardening.about.com/od/craftsandd...

motor scooter