Northern Garden Checklist For The Month Of March
What does the home gardener in the North do during March? Very little can be done outdoors other than to uncover the beds where the spring flowering bulbs are growing. that is, remove the protective winter mulches. Usually, this can and must be done by the middle of March, unless spring is very late.
Tulips, narcissus and the other bulbs often start sprouting early and they become badly crippled as they grow, twist and turn their way through the layer of leaves, hay or straw that was placed over them for winter protection. Many gardeners do not realize that they are starting to grow, also they are concerned about freezing temperatures and their effect upon exposed, sprouting bulbs.
Bulbs that sprout in spring are not injured by low temperatures but they will be damaged if they are not uncovered. Bulbs located in sun-trap positions such as the south and east sides of buildings, walls, fences, hedges or other protected places start growing much earlier than those in other places. Consequently, the gardener should be alert to this fact and be sure that they are not hindered in their growth. just a week’s delay in uncovering could be disastrous. Bulbous plants do not recover completely after they have grown weak, wan and distorted under leaves or hay.
Lawn clean”up tips suggest that things are usually done sometime during March, but the removal of coverings from perennial borders should be delayed until April in most parts of the North. If a week or more of spring-like weather has dispelled all evidences of winter and the turf can be walked upon without leaving footprints, the debris of winter and lawn fertilizer may be removed.
Instead of using a regular steel tined rake as is so commonly done, sweep the turf with a lawn broom with a gentle, firm action which does not pull out all the dead grass nor tear into the turf. Most home owners are too rough on their lawns when grooming them in spring, doing them more harm than good.
Your Guide to Worm Farming
Worm farming or vermicomposting is the act of retrieving compost vermicast or worm humus and waste from organic matter being broken down by earthworms. By the advent of worm farming we are capable of getting the best fertilizer that can help the soil in the area of producing quality crops. The few requirements for worm farming are yard and kitchen wastes so vermicomposting or worm farming can make use of kitchen waste and makes some nice humus.
Earthworms are the main workforce for creating humus where they and bacteria are the primary catalysts of the process. Other species like insects, other worms and molds also play an important role in the process the the most common earthworm used for this are the Red wigglers. This type of composting worm can be found of Europe and South America, where they are present in rotten fruits and vegetables along with compost and animal waste.
The kind of compost produced by the vermicomposting function is clean and organic but it also has high quantities of micro nutrients N, P, and K which are very important for the growth of plants. Among the provision of good nutrients it also environmental friendly, since it assists in energy recycling and besides the fact that it’s ecologically friendly, it’s not toxic and uses almost no energy for the process.
Since the wide introduction to use chemicals for pesticide people have been expressing their concern on the effects of chemical fertilizer residue left on the crops and produce. A study that took place in 2001 showed us that children who ate organically grown produce have lower organophosphorus pesticide exposure than children who do not eat organic.
Even though most studies conducted are strictly limited to organophosphorus and not on the effects it causes people think those who have lower levels have lower risk of neurological health problems.
Food grown organically, therefore, can be assumed to have a better nutritional value than food grown using modern conventional methods – it is just simple, healthy plants mean healthy people, and that is the goal vermicomposting hopes to accomplish.
You can use the humus as another layer of soilin potted plants but an alternative method”but a different way is by directly putting the humus directly into the soil during re-potting. An additional positive thing about this variety of fertilizer is there’s no reason to worry about using too much fertilizer or damaging the plant due to excess expore to chemicals.
Not only is worm farming something that you can do in your the backyard but it can also easily turn into a business and employing proper business strategies, you can easily start your own vermiculture business selling worm castings. You might also check nurseries that are in need of organic fertilizer and then you just need some patience, so you can tell people about the importance of organic farming and supplementary methods of looking after the soil.
Carriage Clocks – The Openly Visible Mechanisms
According to French and English horologists, modern carriage clocks, also known as traveling clocks, first came into existence in 1798. A.L. Breguet was responsible for the construction, as well as the sale of this first clock. It was sold to Napoleon in that same year in Paris, France. It is also said that Napoleon required his soldiers to carry these type of clocks so they would never be late for battle.
As the name suggests, these clocks were invented in order for travelers to be able to know what time of day it was while riding in their horse-drawn carriages. The originals were all spring-driven clocks that were typically housed in a form of a metal-framed case, glazed on all four sides and set with glass. They had a handle on the top for ease of carrying. Once they were wound with a key, they usually kept time for about eight days.
Most of the Carriage Clocks had chimes to mark the hour, and some even played songs using various notes and chords. There were also some that had a large, loud bell which was rung on the hour and the half hour. Today some of the modern versions may use the quartz, battery-operated timepieces instead of the spring-driven design, as they are less expensive.
Many of these restorations, as well as original clocks, have found their way into the homes of those decorating with antiques. The four countries noted for the collectible Carriage Clocks they produce are France, Germany, Switzerland and Belgium. The French clocks were noted for being especially elaborate. They are usually placed on the fireplace mantel as more of an embellishment rather than because the owners have a need for a timepiece in that particular spot.
Some of these companies have been making Carriage Clocks for many years. Companies such as Roderick Antique Clocks, Montpellier Clocks and L’Epee. These companies buy high-quality antique clocks, lovingly restore them, and sell them. Most of the clocks are chosen for style, proportions, color and originality.
Roderick Antique Clocks originated in 1975. They deal in antique clocks, as well as barometers from the 1700′s to the 1900′s. The clocks originate from England, France and Germany. This company prides itself in its methods of painstakingly restoring these clocks to their original condition. A collector can browse their online collection of over two hundred clocks that include carriage clocks, French mantel clocks, longcases, wall clocks, and others. One can find clocks from original designers and clockmakers such as Marti, Winterhalder, Jacot, Le Roy, Lenzkirch, Drocourt, Dent, Japy Freres, Marc and Hoffmier.
Montpellier Clocks came into existence in 1958. They are widely known for their skill in the restoration of authentic antique clocks. Only the highest quality clocks are chosen by this company for complete and careful restoration. They have clocks for sale that were made by Windmills and Whitehurst, William Dutton, George Graham, E.J. Dent, John Ellicott, Edward East, Charles Frodsham, Henry Hindley and countless other clock makers.
The L’Epee workshop was founded in 1839. They began making the movements, escapements and finally complete Carriage Clocks. In 1999, the workshop was relocated to England as a result of being purchased by London clockmakers, F. A. Gluck. Currently, L’Epee continues to produce quality and precise carriage clocks that have the advantage of modern technology on their side.
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