Palm trees are popular in gardens all over the world and are usually found in the tropics, costal regions, deserts and generally warmer areas. Some species grow faster than other species, particularly due to the climate which affects the growth in most types of palm trees. Some palm trees need continually warmer weather while some can bear the colder climates. In some trees, the warmer weather results in faster growth and, in those trees, the trunk becomes taller more quickly. This is important to consider when choosing the appropriate plants for your garden, particularly if you want a tall line of trees in a shorter period of time.

There are several types of palm trees varying by commonality to growth rate. Queen Palms are the most common species of palm trees and, actually, do fairly well in the colder climates. Queen Palms need a lot of water and quality soil. They reach around twenty-five feet in a time span of seven to ten years, but they can reach a height of sixty feet. The King Palm is a faster growing tree and grows faster with full sun. It requires a rich and nutrient soil and plenty of water, but with good care these trees can reach twenty-five feet in ten years and have a maximum height potential of approximately forty feet. The King Palm is a good species choice if you desire a shade or canopy of trees.

Another choice in faster growing trees is the Majesty Palm, which reaches around ten feet in ten years and can reach thirty-five feet within a twenty year period of time. This palm needs soil rich in magnesium and, as expected, plenty of water though they do not do well near the ocean due to the abundance of salt in the air. The King Kong or Black Trunk Palms are also faster growing trees with the potential to reach eight feet tall. Unlike some other species, though, this tree grows in width before it grows in height and also grows large, horizontal leaves. It is one of the wider types as far as trunk diameter. Finally, the Royal Palms are moderately fast in growth, possibly reach twenty feet in ten years with quality care. This tree requires a nutrient rich soil, a lot of sun and plenty of water. Similar to the King Kong or Black Trunk species, the Royal Palms grow a wider trunk before growing tall. It does not grow well in colder weathers, specifically before twenty six degrees Fahrenheit.

As you see, the needs of palm trees vary by species. You must consider the needs of the different types before you plant it to be sure you can meet its requirements and allow it to grow to its full potential. Some do well in continually warmer weathers, while some can handle the occasional colder weather. Also, be sure to ask the nursery about the day length of each type of plant. Some trees need a lot of continual sun while others do better in partial sun. It is important to understand the heat and sun requirements for the tree you choose.

Labels: gardening, gardening tips, palm tree

Growing and caring for orchids is a very pleasurable experience for any enthusiast. There is however an alternative to growing orchids the traditional way and that is with hydroponics. Hydroponics allows you to grow crops and plants without soil or compost as the roots of the plants are placed in a mineral nutrient solution.

The Babylonians and Aztecs cultures grew plants without soil so technically they were using a form of hydroponics. Our technology and scientific knowledge has improved dramatically since the times of the Babylonians and Aztecs as well as our understanding of the benefits

In their natural environment, plants absorb mineral nutrients from soil when these nutrients dissolve in water. The level of our understanding of the required nutrients has enabled us to artificially introduce them into the plants water supply and as a result the soil is no longer required.

Please be aware that there is a difference between hydroponics and a soilless culture. Hydroponics is a type of soilless culture but other soilless cultures include sand and gravel.

There are many advantages using hydroponics which can be applied to the care of orchids.

* No soil - It should be obvious that you don't need to purchase any soil. No soil means that soil borne diseases are no longer an issue which reduces the need for pesticides. * No weeding required * Watering - It is very difficult to under water an orchid but over watering is a very common problem. Hydroponics removes this headache and at the same time saves water. * Space - Less space is required with hydroponics. * Light - More of the plant is exposed to sunlight. Also, as more of the plant is exposed it is possible to see the roots so identification on any problems is easier. * It's easy - The system is very easy to set up and once set up it requires very little maintenance. * Growth - The orchid is given the correct nutrients in the correct quantities which means more beautiful and healthy orchids can be grown.

There are obviously many advantages which hydroponics provides. It won't however solve all the problems faced by the orchid enthusiast. Greater flower yield isn't always guaranteed and the costs can sometimes be higher than when grown in soil.

Orchid enthusiasts should make an effort to at grow at least a few orchids using this method. They will be surprised at the ease of using hydroponics and it will only increase their knowledge and experience in the care of orchids.

Nigel owns OrchidCareExpert, a website which contains lots of useful information if you wish to know more about orchid care.

About the Author

Nigel owns OrchidCareExpert, a website which contains lots of useful information if you wish to know more about orchid care.

Labels: gardening, gardening tips, hydroponics.orchid

Seed selection can make or break your garden. If you choose the wrong seeds you can end up with a very pitiful looking garden. What goes into choosing the right seeds?

If you are saving your seeds from you own plants you have a little more control over what plants the seeds come from. You will want to choose plants that are hardy and contain a good number of blooms. Choosing seeds from a plant that is a little puny looking but with one or two very lovely blooms is not likely going to give you a plant that is hardy with more lovely blooms. Seeds usually produce plants like their parent plant. A good trick to know which plants to use for seeds is to look at your plants: size, hardiness, and blooms (or yields for vegetables). When you find the ones that exhibit the qualities you would like in your new plants tie a string on the plant, when it is harvest time you will know which ones to get the seeds from for your next year's garden.

If you are buying your seeds you don't have as much control over the plants that the seeds come from, but there are things you can look for to choose the proper seeds. The first thing you should look at is size, the larger the better. The next thing would be the plumpness or fullness of the seed. Using these two indicators will give you more certainty of a good plant for your garden. Each part of a seed, called a cotyledon, stores the food that the little plant will need until its roots grow enough to do their job. So the larger and plumper the seed the more likely it is to have enough food to sustain the tiny plant.

One thing to consider for the viability of your seeds is their age. Seeds will only be viable for a few years. Of course if you are buying your seeds you have no control of this, but if you buy from a reputable seed house you should not have to worry about this. If you are saving your own seeds make sure you label when you saved them to be able to use them before they are no good. Another viability issue is to make sure the seeds are picked when they are mature, picked to early and they will not germinate. Also make sure the seeds are not frozen, if frozen most seeds will not germinate.

With careful consideration of your seeds you should have a beautiful garden full of blooms or with a plentiful bounty.

About the Author

Gardens Abloom is dedicated to all aspects of gardening. For more on gardening and to sign up for the FREE "Gardens Abloom" newsletter visit the Gardens Abloom site.

Labels: garden, gardening, gardening tips, seed, tips