<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Learn About Gardens &#187; lawn care</title>
	<atom:link href="http://learnaboutgardens.com/tag/lawn-care/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://learnaboutgardens.com</link>
	<description>How to keep your garden looking good all year round</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:33:59 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1</generator>
		<item>
		<title>The Importance Of Regular Gutter Clean-Up</title>
		<link>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/07/30/the-importance-of-regular-gutter-clean-up/</link>
		<comments>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/07/30/the-importance-of-regular-gutter-clean-up/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:32:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mark Benford</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gardens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cedar hill lawn care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gardening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gutter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gutter Clean-Up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gutter cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lawn care]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/07/30/the-importance-of-regular-gutter-clean-up/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[To further improve the life span of a building, it is very important clean your gutters regularly. If gutters are not cleaned up once in a while, the collected organic matter like leaves would disintegrate inside them inviting all sorts of weeds to set their roots there. Numerous householders have experienced greatly owing to their negligence in cleaning up gutters. For ensuring the longevity of a building, gutter clean-up should be done without fail.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="padding:5px 0 5px 0; text-align:right; float:right;"><a href="http://learnaboutgardens.com/wp-content/plugins/max-banner-ads/max-banner-ads-lib/include/redirect.php?id=8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-1455488-10409777" style="padding:4px 4px 4px 4px;border:0;"  /></a><br />&nbsp;<span style="font-size:9px">Powered by <a style="color:#0000ff;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:9px" href="http://www.maxblogpress.com/go.php?offer=niceart&pid=12" target="_blank" onmouseover="self.status='MaxBlogPress.com';return true;" onmouseout="self.status=''">Max Banner Ads</a></span>&nbsp;</div><p>Periodic cleaning of gutters is essential for improving the longevity of a building. If gutters are not cleaned up occasionally, the collected organic matter like leaves would disintegrate inside them inviting all sorts of weeds to set their roots there. A lot of householders have sustained greatly owing to their negligence in cleaning up gutters. For making certain the longevity of a building, gutter clean-up should be done without fail.</p>
<p>To be sure your gutters are dirt-free, thoroughly clean your gutters at least two times a year. You must also remember not to grow trees close to the house since fallen leaves can assist in blocking up gutters. In the event the blocking of gutters persists for long periods, it will cause serious problems to the building itself. The progressive seepage of water caused by obstructed gutters can destroy the sides of roofing, the walls and even the foundation.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s not easy to completely clean your gutters. You must climb up a ladder using a scoop, hose and bucket. The truth is, you must remove all the debris which is not compact after protecting your hands with gloves. After that, remove the compact waste from the gutter with the help of the scoop and keep it in the bucket. The bucket could be lowered with the aid of a rope and pulled up after getting it emptied. The task has to be continued till all the trash is removed.</p>
<p>Right after clearing the garbage, you need to hose down all remaining dirt with a power jet. Gutter clean-up likewise involves cleaning the downspouts. The downspouts get blocked with dirt because of clogged gutters. The interiors of the downspouts could be easily removed with a powerful jet of water if it is an upright one. But if the downspout is definitely an angled one, manual cleaning would be required.</p>
<p>Professional aid is additionally available for gutter clean-up but if you are comfortable with doing it yourself, you can do it as part of your physical exercise. So as to ensure the long life of your building, you should pay utmost importance in keeping gutters clean and blockage-free.</p>
<p>If you liked this article about <a href="http://www.cedarhilllawncare.com/">Cedar Hill lawn care</a>, then you should see this different site dealing with <a href="http://www.cedarhilllawncare.com/sprinkler-installation/">Cedar Hill lawn maintenance</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/07/30/the-importance-of-regular-gutter-clean-up/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Choosing The Right Lawn Care Services</title>
		<link>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/06/30/choosing-the-right-lawn-care-services/</link>
		<comments>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/06/30/choosing-the-right-lawn-care-services/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Jun 2010 11:08:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jack Diamond</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gardens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lawn care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lawn care maintenance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lawn care maintenance companies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lawn care services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lawncare]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/06/30/choosing-the-right-lawn-care-services/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Caring for your lawn is not that hard, but, it needs to be planned upfront, so you do not need to pay huge amounts of money for service without getting an appropriate return. Some people may choose the easiest way and provide their lawns with the least maintenance and care which reflects directly on the appearance of their lawn and their premises.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Caring for your lawn is not that hard, but, it needs to be planned upfront, so you do not need to pay huge amounts of money for service without getting an appropriate return. Some people may choose the easiest way and provide their lawns with the least maintenance and care which reflects directly on the appearance of their lawn and their premises. </p>
<p>Not only will the appearance of the lawn affect the resale value of your property, but it can also have a big effect on your mood every morning looking at it.</p>
<p>The right way to approach this is by choosing a lawn care service which can offer you high quality service without burning a hole in your wallet. Everything related to your lawn would be taken care of by the lawn care maintenance company right from the plants you should grow in your lawn, to the right machinery you should purchase, to clipping grass in your lawn periodically to combating weeds, and to the implementation of the right system of watering to maintain the green look of your lawn forever.</p>
<p>The best way of choosing a Lawn care service is through reference. Start to take a quick tour in your neighborhood and spot those lawns that really look nice. Try to contact the owner and see which lawn care maintenance service he is using. This will help you predict the level of service you will have in your lawn and approximate the amount which you are going to pay. </p>
<p>Internet is another powerful medium which you can use for choosing a lawn care service company as the field of search is broadened online and the candidates offering lawn care maintenance are also many to select from.</p>
<p>The best thing about searching for lawn care service over the internet is that you will spend less time and that will give you the chance to choose more accurately. </p>
<p>You just need to see where the service provider is located and see if they can commute to your area easily, since it might have a major impact on the service quality provided by them.</p>
<p>Last but not the least, you need to ensure that the estimated quote to you includes all that you need, or you might end up shocked when you see that most of the regular options require you to make an extra payment.</p>
<p>Download your free guide to <a href='http://www.landscapersconnect.com'> Lawn care service</a>, then visit Jack Diamond&#8217;s site on how to choose the best <a href='http://www.landscapersconnect.com/lawn_care_services.php'>Lawn care maintenance</a> for your needs.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/06/30/choosing-the-right-lawn-care-services/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Gardening Publications &#8211; Something We All Need To Keep Up-to-date On Their Gardening Pastime</title>
		<link>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/05/24/gardening-publications-something-we-all-need-to-keep-up-to-date-on-their-gardening-pastime/</link>
		<comments>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/05/24/gardening-publications-something-we-all-need-to-keep-up-to-date-on-their-gardening-pastime/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 May 2010 12:47:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bill Stanton</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gardens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gardening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hobbies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[landscaping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lawn care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Learning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[outdoors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/05/24/gardening-publications-something-we-all-need-to-keep-up-to-date-on-their-gardening-pastime/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you consider gardening a pastime, then, you definitely have no less than one gardening book in your home. Books are a great source of inspiration, while they also work well for reference, regardless of whether you would like to increase knowledge or you seek for particular content. And the choice of one gardening book or another states it all about what raises your fascination with such a task.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There is no gardener that doesn&#8217;t have a minimum of one gardening book in the house. Even experienced gardeners need to read a gardening book ever so often in order to clarify some aspects of their occupation. How you choose a gardening book says something about your unique interest in this profession.</p>
<p>A rather complete gardening book is the American Hort. Society&#8217;s A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. The drawback of such a book is the very scientific content presentation, since the majority of readers will prefer something obtainable to the common user rather than complex and difficult to comprehend. Hence it can be a good idea to read a few reviews, check the content and leaf the gardening book before purchasing it.</p>
<p>If you are just studying the basics of this occupation, then a broad gardening book is going to be sufficient, at such a stage it&#8217;s unnecessary to go into deep information about soil varieties, plant species and fertilizing. You can begin your gardening apprenticeship with 1 or 2 beds and extend when your abilities improve. Only abilities and experience can support a big garden. On advanced knowledge levels, you&#8217;ll appreciate a different gardening book format.</p>
<p>Look for those publications with a decent photo coverage because you require particulars on seed products, roots, flowers and leaves. For this reason we need to firmly insist on the importance of previewing a book before buying it. This is usually the issue with online purchases, that you are able to only read reviews and not really get to check the style of the gardening book yourself. A heavy gardening book is not normally what you need; occasionally an easy notebook will be enough. All of it depends on the task.</p>
<p>Comprehensive book categories can be purchased in the gardening sections of bookshops. And Internet retailers continue with the same system. Thus we can identify general or basic groups and specific ones dealing only with perennials or annuals, cultivation types or garden style, dirt preparation or fertilization and so on. Look at every gardening book for pictures and read a few lines here and there to make an over-all impression. Several publications tend to be more extensive than others addressing from 100 plants to 1,500 varieties.</p>
<p>I delight in writing about forensics as well as other science subjects like these, however I also write about lots of other topics. One of these would be the issue regarding <a href="http://www.gardeninglawncare.com/easy-organic-lawn-care/">easy organic lawn care</a>. If you want some more details for this issue you can receive it at http://www.gardeninglawncare.com/easy-organic-lawn-care/</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/05/24/gardening-publications-something-we-all-need-to-keep-up-to-date-on-their-gardening-pastime/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Gardening Gloves &#8211; Give Your Hands The Safeguards That They Need To Have</title>
		<link>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/05/12/gardening-gloves-give-your-hands-the-safeguards-that-they-need-to-have/</link>
		<comments>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/05/12/gardening-gloves-give-your-hands-the-safeguards-that-they-need-to-have/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 13:03:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bill Stanton</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gardens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gardening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hobbies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[landscaping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lawn care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Learning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[outdoors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/05/12/gardening-gloves-give-your-hands-the-safeguards-that-they-need-to-have/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Gardening gloves make gardening less difficult and more fun simply because they offer defense during many activities which you perform attending to your flowers, herbs or vegetables. Gardening gloves must provide a snug fit with the potential of digging around the desired plants. Furthermore, they help you stay away from direct connection with weeds and soil which could damage the skin or allow it to be hard. With regards to the product, gardening gloves can be thin or thick, with or without attachable projections and several other highlights.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Gardening gloves make gardening less difficult and much more enjoyable simply because they supply defense during many activities that you perform looking after your flowers, herbs or vegetables. Garden gloves must provide a snug fit with the possibility of digging around the desired plants. Moreover, they help you avoid direct contact with weeds and dirt which could damage your skin or help it become hard. Thick or thin, with or without attachable accessories, garden gloves come in a variety of models and styles.</p>
<p>The fastening model is important when shopping for top quality gardening gloves. Some tend to be sleeve-like while others will not go above the wrist. Then, the type of material that gardening gloves are constructed with ought to be washable, hypoallergenic and comfortable. With respect to the garden task that you perform, you may have to change gardening gloves; as a result you&#8217;ll want to get more sets.</p>
<p>The supply of gardening gloves throughout the hot season is limited because most purchases are made at the outset of early spring and merchants would rather sell off what they have in stock before ordering more supplies. Should you not get the correct product with your neighborhood dealer, it is easy to search on the Internet and see what you might acquire. You can&#8217;t try the gloves on when buying on the Internet, and this might be a major hassle. As for price, good quality products will always be more expensive.</p>
<p>Before you go shopping in home and garden stores or in malls, you need to be well informed about the kinds and sizes of gardening gloves that you need to execute different tasks. The gear always needs to be modified to the gardening tasks. The flexibility of the garden gloves could be a concern. You must be able to deal with really intense activities with the garden gloves on, and without any discomfort.</p>
<p>If you&#8217;re not the sole gardener in the home, then, you may think about getting gardening gloves for everyone that helps you round the garden, regardless of whether partner or kids. It&#8217;s not good to work with gardening gloves that aren&#8217;t fit for your size due to the very reasons we have mentioned above. If your gloves do not make a good match, they won&#8217;t permit a good grasp and they can make the many gardening tasks more difficult..</p>
<p>I truly enjoy writing and submitting articles around the topic of gardening and landscaping, but I also like to write articles on some other topics as well. One such topic is <a href="http://www.gardeninglawncare.com/easy-organic-lawn-care/organic-lawn-care-manual.php">organic lawn care manual</a>. If you would like to obtain more information about this area go to http://www.gardeninglawncare.com/easy-organic-lawn-care/organic-lawn-care-manual.php</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/05/12/gardening-gloves-give-your-hands-the-safeguards-that-they-need-to-have/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Gardening Tools &#8211; Just Get That Which You Absolutely Need</title>
		<link>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/05/09/gardening-tools-just-get-that-which-you-absolutely-need/</link>
		<comments>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/05/09/gardening-tools-just-get-that-which-you-absolutely-need/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 09 May 2010 12:11:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bill Stanton</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gardens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gardening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hobbies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[landscaping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lawn care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Learning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[outdoors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/05/09/gardening-tools-just-get-that-which-you-absolutely-need/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For a modest flower or vegetable garden you will hardly need any special gardening supplies at all. Buying a number of supplies after you just take gardening as a pastime, might possibly be a waste of cash or a bad investment. The classic gardening equipment comprises of rakes, shovels, spades, hole diggers and a few others. However, the diversity of the tools is much larger for more intensive gardening applications. A lot of equipment is now computerized or electric, and the versatility of the add-ons used by them is impressive.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>No special gardening tools are required for small vegetable and flower gardens. Buying a number of supplies after you just take gardening as a pastime, might be a waste of cash or a poor investment. Among traditional tools we can count hole diggers, spades, rakes and shovels. Still, the complication of tools heightens for more special gardening conditions. The usage of automatic technology and power supplies has led to the introduction of all sorts of tools and accessories.</p>
<p>Thus, you can find excavators, casters, pressure washers, air conditioning and misting systems, cordless electric tools, pitch forks, mowers, garden gauges, garden carts along with so much more. They are offered in different categories produced by numerous companies and sold at more or less affordable prices. Gardening equipment ought to be purchased in accordance with the immediate and long-term demands while furthermore remaining inside the limitations of a spending budget. Online vendors and community retailers can provide a high range of goods that you could order or choose from catalogs.</p>
<p>When searching for some particular kind of gardening equipment, it&#8217;s important to shop by category, rather than by brand name. Once again circumstances are relevant for the choice. Gardening equipment need to stay practical and simple, if you go searching for products that is to fancy, you risk spending far too much money. Additionally, the investment in gardening equipment is ongoing as you should buy materials only if you really require them. Hobbyists will usually possess fewer tools than pro&#8217;s, and it is clear why.</p>
<p>A special class of gardening tools is dedicated to landscaping. From furniture to hammocks, gazebos, rockers and porch swings, there&#8217;s all sorts of things on the market for a gardening enthusiast. Other decor pieces which boost the special ambiance of your backyard garden consist of chimes, water statues and balls. If you check around you can find really good bargains, and you can make your backyard garden look fantastic with very little cash.</p>
<p>Thus from occupational gardening to landscaping, equipment may differ greatly. It&#8217;s up to the user to cautiously choose the items that are the most suitable for the regular gardening tasks. And it goes without saying that the costs must remain affordable even if the product quality is expected to be high. Consequently, we can simply wish you &#8216;Happy Shopping&#8217;, with the hope you will find what you need to improve your gardening experience.</p>
<p>I really like crafting articles on the subject of gardening and landscaping, but yet I additionally like to create articles regarding different topics as well. One such subject is <a href="http://www.gardeninglawncare.com/lawn-care-equipment/">lawn care equipment</a>. If you want to obtain more information about this topic take a look at http://www.gardeninglawncare.com/lawn-care-equipment/</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/05/09/gardening-tools-just-get-that-which-you-absolutely-need/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Pruning Ideas</title>
		<link>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/04/02/pruning-ideas/</link>
		<comments>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/04/02/pruning-ideas/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Apr 2010 10:52:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Phil Caxton</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gardens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lawn care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[weigela pruning]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/04/02/pruning-ideas/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the most essential features in horticulture is pruning. Pruning means trimming and cutting of trees and plants at regular intervals to allow the plant for its prolific growth and at the same time make it look more aesthetic. Pruning is both an art a well as a skill which needs to be mastered well. Pruning is an art, because it cannot be done just any way you like. The plant may suffer in pruning instead, and hence it should be done at the right places only. Pruning is a skill because it has to be done precisely as well as correctly so that after cutting the tissues should heal properly too.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of the most essential features in horticulture is pruning. Pruning means trimming and cutting of trees and plants at regular intervals to allow the plant for its prolific growth and at the same time make it look more aesthetic. Pruning is both an art a well as a skill which needs to be mastered well. Pruning is an art, because it cannot be done just any way you like. The plant may suffer in pruning instead, and hence it should be done at the right places only. Pruning is a skill because it has to be done precisely as well as correctly so that after cutting the tissues should heal properly too.</p>
<p>Regular pruning to remove damaged or diseased parts:</p>
<p>Removing any branches damaged due to weather or disease can be done by pruning. Crowns of trees need to be pruned at regular intervals to allow enough sunlight to circulate around all the parts of the tree. Some trees need not grow to very great heights and they have to be pruned to reduce unwanted height. Size of the tree should not be reduced greatly and pruning should be done just to remove the unwanted parts. Branches themselves sometimes obstruct other branches and hence such branches should be pruned.</p>
<p>Formative years of the plant best for pruning:</p>
<p>It is during the formative years of the plant that pruning should begin. If this is done then there are lesser chances of the plant getting diseased. It is always a better idea to seek services of an expert especially you have a huge collection of trees and plants in your garden. Experts provide guidance on which branches have to be cut and which ones have to be left where they are. The stem or the trunk of the tree should be protected and not cut as it is the main structural strength of the tree.</p>
<p>Regular pruning helps in increasing the quality of fruits and flowers, besides enhancing the structural strength of the plants. To remove diseased and dead branches, shrubs also need pruning. To maintain the shape of shrubs, they too have to be pruned regularly. Knowing when to prune is very important. Flowering shrubs also should be pruned once their blooming is over.</p>
<p>Some of the tools used for pruning are a sharp pair of secateurs which should be disinfected after use. Nowadays there are some innovative and new tools like lopper, portable buck saws, pole pruner, folding pruner, and rope saw which enable better pruning.</p>
<p>Did you like the article on lawn care??, Phil Caxton is the editor of some online magazines like lawnmania.com. A focused website that offers the articles on <a href="http://www.lawnmania.com/the-art-of-pruning/">weigela pruning</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2010/04/02/pruning-ideas/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Gophers: What Are They?</title>
		<link>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2009/06/17/gophers-what-are-they/</link>
		<comments>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2009/06/17/gophers-what-are-they/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:58:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gardener</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gardens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gopher pest control]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gophers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lawn care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pocket gophers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://learnaboutgardens.com/2009/06/17/gophers-what-are-they/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Pocket gophers are rodents, medium to small in size, which burrow, spending 99% of their lifespan in underground tunnels and nests. Gophers have external cheek pouches on the outdie of their mouths where they store food for their young. There are many different species of pocket gophers in North America.  They are powerful diggers, have [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Pocket gophers are <a title="Rodents" href="http://gopherpestcontrol.com" target="_blank">rodents</a>, medium to small in size, which burrow, spending 99% of their lifespan in underground tunnels and nests. Gophers have external cheek pouches on the outdie of their mouths where they store food for their young. There are many different species of pocket gophers in North America.  They are powerful diggers, have front paws with large claws which make them the enemy of many home owners with well manicured lawns. The pocket gopher is well suited for digging holes and tunnels because the generally live underground, and when over populated, pocket gophers become difficult to control.<span id="more-264"></span></p>
<p>Pocket gophers eat roots of grass, forbs, shrubs, and even someitmes small trees. They can be very destructive for forest plantations. Actually, every year the US Forestry Service contract out work to manage pocket gophers in order to safeguard newly planted tree seedlings. These animals are herbivores, loving to eat all manner of plants in yards, lawns, gardens, and flowerbeds. The burrow systems they dig ave many different braches and individual gophers tend to be quite territorial. During studies in California, where radio collars were placed on gophers, some gophers were tracked moving 200-300 ft per night. A single gopher might dig up 250 mounds a year, moving up to 4 tons of soil within weeks. Burrows constalty change and evolve, with some tunnels sealed off and new ones created. How a great number of tunnels and burrows are built? No one can really say but gophers cause serious damage for property owners.</p>
<p>Pocket gophers work year round, during the winter, the summer, even during heavy snow fall. In alfalfa fields, gophers are often watched feeding above ground. Generally, gophers cruise along their tunnel systems and eat roots from plants growing  directly above the tunnels. An simple way to figure out if a <a title="Pocket Gophers" href="http://gopherpestcontrol.com" target="_blank">pocket gopher</a> occupies a tunnel system is to simply dig open the tunnel. If gophers are active then they will fill in that hole, in this case, you have gophers.</p>
<p><a title="Gopher Pest Control" href="http://gopherpestcontrol.com" target="_blank">Gophers</a> are one of the most difficult to manage in the U.S. EPA approved baits and traps are generally used to reduce potential impact gophers may have on the environment. Some bait includes the following active ingredients: strychnine, diphacinone, chlorophacinone, and zinc phosphide. t. However, because of the length of the tunnel systems, such fumigants may not be very effective.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2009/06/17/gophers-what-are-they/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Easy Lawn Care</title>
		<link>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2009/02/23/easy-lawn-care/</link>
		<comments>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2009/02/23/easy-lawn-care/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:56:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gardener</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gardens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lawn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lawn care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lawn care tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://learnaboutgardens.com/2009/02/23/easy-lawn-care/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Fall Lawn Care Tips Many people think that the only way to have a beautiful lawn is to hire a professional lawn care company to handle all of their lawn care. Whether they want to do organic lawn care or use traditional methods, there are a few simple things that will allow the lawn to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align:center;">
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqMH8gMTO3I" target="_blank">Fall Lawn Care Tips</a></p>
<p>Many people think that the only way to have a beautiful lawn is to hire a professional <a href="http://www.gardengrowth.com/gardening/lawns/the-two-best-natural-lawn-care-products/" target="_blank">lawn care</a> company to handle all of their lawn care.  Whether they want to do organic lawn care or use traditional methods, there are a few simple things that will allow the lawn to grow without excess weeds or other pests that hinder a healthy, vibrant lawn.</p>
<p><span id="more-184"></span></p>
<p><strong>Taking Soil Care Into Consideration</strong></p>
<p>During the seasons or early fall and spring, taking the time to follow a few simple steps that will cater to the needs of the soil below the <a href="http://home.continentalgirl.com/garden/understanding-lawn-and-garden-pest-control/" target="_blank">lawn</a> is very important. First of all, the soil can get compacted and this would mean that the grass root system will also be affected as the it will also be compacted. To solve this problem, you will need to increase the aeration by pulling plugs out of the grass. To simplify this task, machines are available (to buy or rent) that will help aerate the lawn. Many companies also specialize in the task of aerating lawns and this can be considered if you do want to buy or rent the machines to do this. Whichever way you look at it, the plugs need to be left in their places on the lawn to decompose which will give added nutrients to your lawns.</p>
<p>Another key lawn care tip for the spring and early fall is to check the soil&#8217;s properties to see what nutrients it may be lacking.  There are simple soil testing kits that can be bought at garden supply stores that will tell what specific nutrients the soil is missing.  Once the test is done, the specific fertilizer should be bought that fits the deficiencies.  When the fertilizer is placed on the lawn, sometimes some will fall on the sidewalk and driveway.  This should be swept back onto the lawn so that it does not get wasted and run into the sewer with the rainfall.</p>
<p><strong>Pests</strong></p>
<p>Lawns like any other organic part of the <a href="http://www.houseimprovementguide.com/category/garden/landscaping/" target="_blank">garden</a> can be breeding grounds for pests, and these pests such as grubs should be taken care of. During the spring, sections of grass need to be pulled out so that you can check for the existence of grubs in the lawn&#8217;s root system. Should you find any, then the solution to removing them is to purchase nematodes from any garden supply store either in your local area or online. The nematodes, which are microscopic worms will help with eliminating the grubs as they will kill the grub larvae and as such the grubs will never affect the root system of the grass.</p>
<p>In order to kill other pests, shrubs and trees should be planted around the yard to attract birds that will eat these insects.  In addition, ladybugs and green lacewings can be bought from garden supply stores which will also help to fight destructive insects from destroying the lawn.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://learnaboutgardens.com/2009/02/23/easy-lawn-care/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
