In the long, hot days of July and August, there is nothing quite as refreshing as a cool slice of watermelon. It is a summertime treat enjoyed by young and old alike. Watermelons are an ancient fruit whose culture is believed to date back to almost prehistoric times in the Mediterranean and northern Africa. Today, the watermelon remains a favorite crop among home gardeners. While watermelons are not a particularly difficult fruit to grow, there are some basics that every gardener should know in order to produce their best possible watermelon crop. Watermelons are a fruit that require ...

Watermelons are delicious, heat-loving annual fruits that adore warm climates. This makes it very easy to grow watermelons in tropical countries. However, you can also plant watermelons in cooler locations. Just choose the short-season types and do all you can to protect them from chilly temperatures. Materials you’ll need to grow watermelons include fertilizers, compost makers, floating row covers, garden trowels and garden hoses as well as plants, mulch, shovels and seeds. Step 1 – Select a location with full sunlight. It should also be sheltered from chilly winds, particularly in...

Fats are an essential part of any well-balanced diet, including a vegetarian diet. Fats are made of smaller units - called fatty acids. These fatty acids may be saturated, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated. Saturated and monounsaturated fats are not necessary in a vegetarian diet as they can be made in the human body. However, two polyunsaturated fatty acids - linoleic acid (omega 6) and linolenic acid (omega 3) - cannot be manufactured by the body and must be provided in the diet. Fortunately, they are widely available in vegetarian/vegan plant foods. Evidence is increasing that omega ...

The Angel Trumpet, which has many species, is commonly referred to as the Angel Star and Brugmansia. The trumpet has many branches that develop from its main trunk giving it a shrub-like quality. The leaves of the plant have a look similar to almonds. The leaves reach a length of ten inches long and six inches wide. The flower of the plant grows to a foot in length, and takes on a shape similar to a trumpet. One look at these flowers and you’ll know exactly where they got their name. The colors of the flowers range from yellow to peach and point downward. In the rain forests ...

As a gardener you must have a clear understanding about the importance of plant food for your gardens. Almost every home garden requires plant food to be sure that they are getting enough nutrients. But while going for a plant food you must analyze the requirements of your plant and then compare it with the plant food ingredients to be sure that it is providing all what your plants needs. Sometimes due to lack of knowledge some gardeners put their plants life at stake. So to avoid this you must go for those plant foods which are suitable for almost every type of plant. One of the best such pla...

Bougainvillea is a climbing plant. Sometimes it just doesn’t want to stop climbing. It is mainly grown in the tropical areas and is native to South America. This plant is a member of Nyctaginacea family of plants. There are about eighteen varieties of Bougainvillea plant. There are several cultivars and hybrids, all of which add and make up amazing colors and forms. However, the colors also vary depending on factors like soil or climate. Some of the excellent bougainvilleas are Barbara Karst, California Gold, Texas Dawn Jamaica White and many more. Bougainvillea plant leaves are qu...

Aloe Vera is a succulent, flowering, perennial plant from the Lily family. There are hundreds of species of Aloe plant but Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller to use the full title is the one known as True Aloe. It has been used for a wide variety of medicinal purposes throughout history. Modern pharmaceutical companies use extracts of Aloe Vera in many skin-based cosmetics, sited as a natural approach to cosmetics. Aloe Vera is grown throughout the world, historically in drier tropical regions, and is used both for it’s aesthetic beauty and other purposes. It is mainly known as a treatment for ...

Many families have grown up with an aloe vera plant in the kitchen. This succulent plant is great for indoor gardening as it is hardy and easy to care for. Moreover, they are great for skin care and minor cuts and burns that can happen in the kitchen while cooking. To use as a first aid item, cut a portion of one of the leaves and squeeze the inner gel onto the hurt area. With repeated use, the aloe vera will aid in healing and sooth the pain. In addition to the aloe vera plant there are other helpful plants that are good to have around the house. An herb garden is a convenient way to ad...

When it comes to getting started with your garden, you have two choices; planting seeds, or buying entire plants. Both have their own benefits. If you plant seeds and care for them every day, you will find it is a much more rewarding experience when you have a full, healthy plant. However, this method is a lot more risky. I can't tell you how many seeds I've planted and never seen any trace of whatsoever. If you choose to buy the plant from a nursery and install it in your garden, it reduces a lot of the work involved in making it healthy. However, I have found in the past that many inco...

Think about it, have you ever seen a fat vegetarian? Probably not. In fact, for most of us, vegetarian is almost synonymous with lean and healthy, isn't it? And when you start any diet, what's the first thing the experts tell you? Generally it's to increase the amounts of vegetables you're eating and to eat limited amounts of meat, especially high-fat red meat and pork. And what happens when you resume your old eating habits? Generally the weight will come right back on. Even the greatest will-power can't overcome the unhealthy effects of eating high-fat meat. When you eat a diet t...