Basic Gardening Advice Needed

docians on 02/05/2016 - 16:12
Last edited 02/05/2016 - 16:21 by 1 other user

So I was mowing my yard yesterday when I suddenly realised there was so much about gardening that I don't know, and have no idea where to turn to for advice.

I grew up in a desert, so pretty much there was no gardens around.

Is there a basic book anyone recommends where I can get the basics right?

Or is there a particular sets of YouTube videos that you recommend

eg I have weeds, and I've read somewhere that you physically pull the weeds out; yet elsewhere it says use weed spray depending on the type of grass you have (I have no clue, its green lol)

eg Have no idea on how to use a line trimmer

eg My railway sleepers have started rotting and have no idea what to replace them with

Advice appreciate with thanks

• 

  GameChanger on 02/05/2016 - 16:45

  Where did you grow up?

• 

  ddhar on 02/05/2016 - 16:56

  +2

  "Is there a basic book anyone recommends where I can get the basics right?"

  There are many gardening books out there but for me, Yates Garden Guide provided a wonderful learning source for the beginner me. It covers many topics, from tools, soils, many different plant families and their care.

  "eg I have weeds, and I've read somewhere that you physically pull the weeds out; yet elsewhere it says use weed spray depending on the type of grass you have (I have no clue, its green lol)"
  It depends on where the weeds are growing (and whether or not you are for or against chemical weedkillers). For weeds growing on pathways and anywhere else plants do not belong, I spray with Zero or Roundup. For weeds growing on my Buffalo lawn, I use selective weedkillers that are Buffalo-safe. For weeds growing on my garden beds, I manually dig them out with my hands/shovels. :)

  "eg Have no idea on how to use a line trimmer"
  Assuming you are using a two-stroke model, you want to make sure you premix your fuel according to the machine's specification (and use a proper fuel container). The manual will have detailed instructions on how to run yours. Starting one usually goes like this: 1) press primer bulbs a few times, 2) Set choke lever to 'Start' (if starting from cold), 3) Press & Hold the Throttle Lock & Run triggers, 4) Pull the starter cable (engine will run for a sec or two before dying down), 5) Set Choke lever to 'Run, and 6) Repeat steps (3) & (4). Engine will then run until you press the 'Stop' trigger.

  When I bought mine at Bunnings, the helpful boys there taught me all I needed to know. That was five years ago and I still remember them today.

  Above all, remember this. Readings are useful for gaining knowledge but only time spent in the garden can give you that instinctive understanding on handling plants. So go out there and have fun. :)

  Cheers!

  • 

    docians on 02/05/2016 - 21:08

    @dwinarto

    thank you so much for your information

    wrt my lawn, I think taking a sample of the grass to Bunnings for example, they will hopefully guide me to the right product ( I have no clue if it is Buffalo or otherwise)

    wrt line trimmer what do you recommend- petrol or rechargable

    thanks again

    • 

      ddhar on 02/05/2016 - 21:33

      Petrol all the way. I am not a believer in rechargeable (or even mains-powered) machines. Having to recharge (or lug around cables) is not convenient. A 5 litre container of premixed fuel will easily last hours of operation and require only minutes to prepare.

      I have no anecdotal evidence on this but I believe petrol-powered machines also outmuscle the rest.

      • 

        Euphemistic on 12/05/2016 - 12:52

        I've used a rechargeable line trimmer on my yard for a couple of years now. Much rather use that than stuff around starting a petrol one and I wont be going back to petrol. I do have a couple of batteries though as it is the same battery as my other cordless tools so there is always a charged battery ready to go.

        Yes, it isnt as powerful as a petrol one, but it's quieter, easier to start and does the job fine in all but the thickest grass (eg: too long due to not cutting often enough). I don't notice the difference in performance on a well maintained lawn.

• 

  red-hot on 02/05/2016 - 17:46

  +2

  Watch Gardening Australia (ABC Sat 6:30pm, Repeat Sun 1pm), or online. http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/

  Youtube channels- http://channelpages.com/most-subscribed-youtube-channels/gar…
  Tips for beginners: http://www.couriermail.com.au/lifestyle/gardening-tips-for-b…

  *As the saying goes: "Feed the soil, and the plants will take care of themselves".
  Start a compost bin, & put all your mown grass, fruit/veg scraps in. Let it break down, & then dig it into the soil. This feeds the soil with organic matter, & helps it retains moisture.

  Don't be scared of making mistakes; that's how you learn.

  • 

    docians on 02/05/2016 - 21:10

    @red-hot

    thanks for the info
    I will certainly check those videos and tips

    wrt the compost and me digging into the soil- is it the lawn or the veggie patch?

    thanks again

    • 

      red-hot on 02/05/2016 - 21:59

      Compost is for the vegie patch, not lawn.

• 

  subywagon on 02/05/2016 - 17:56

  Google is your friend.

• 

  c64 on 02/05/2016 - 19:31

  -1

  you mow your grass??? there's your first mistake

• 

  BertieBrown on 12/05/2016 - 08:28

  +2

  I understand that you're looking for more generalised advice, esp going forward, with many different aspects of gardening that you're not necessarily aware of.

  But a couple of things;

  • Yes, absolutely you can pull out the weeds manually, by hand or using a tool. It's tedious, and slow, but it usually ensures that you get the roots so the weed won't continue to propogate. Spraying is also a good option, but a couple of things, firstly you can sometimes get overspray, so plants you don't want dead, end up dead. Normally as long as you spray on a clear, and non-windy day you don't get a lot of that. ** IF you're using poison (of any kind) gear up! Use coveralls (cotton), rubber gloves, an agricultral rated respirator, safety glasses and long socks and boots. It might sound like overkill but some of that poison is really nasty gear.

  • The weed whacker/wipper snipper is fairly straight forward, follow the instructions and practice, and you'll get there.

  • 

    Euphemistic on 12/05/2016 - 13:01

    "IF you're using poison (of any kind) gear up! Use coveralls (cotton), rubber gloves, an agricultral rated respirator, safety glasses and long socks and boots. It might sound like overkill but some of that poison is really nasty gear"

    Check the label. Roundup and other Glyphosate products are not that nasty and are probably the most commonly used weed spray. Sure, don't rub it into your skin and wash after you've used it, but we use it at work (strong WHS ethic) and all they recommend is gloves (rubber) and glasses if you are not using a lot and it's not windy.

    • 

      BertieBrown on 12/05/2016 - 16:15

      +1

      Um, yeah, and that's absolutely fine, if you are happy to operate in that way.

      I prefer to take as many precautions as possible.

      My stance is that the verdict is still out on exactly how hazardous these chemicals might or could be.

      If you are able to wear or use a bit more PPE and there's a chance that it could prevent you from becoming ill, well, why not take that extra precaution.

      • 

        Euphemistic on 13/05/2016 - 06:52

        +2

        If you are that worried about all these dangerous chemicals either use vinegar or a jug of boiling water. One of the horticulturists at work says he uses vinegar around his kids play area, and roundup round the edge of the yard.

        Point taken re PPE though, I use hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves and boots mostly while renovating or working tin the yard depending on the task.

        The scientists that check out all these chemicals have a much better understanding of how they interact with the human body and there are more controls for getting products out for sale. I think we are quite unlikely to see any product that has been around for a few years to end up being another asbestos or DDT as there are better controls in place. Companies are quite wary of the liability that they may have for their products. New products are a different story and I would be a bit more wary of those. If in doubt get hold of the safety data sheet for the product you are using, but keep in mind that they may indicate controls for manufacturing. We have been caught at work with that, you are supposed to wear overalls, gloves, face shield for aeroguard and one brand of sunscreen according to the safety data sheet.

      • 

        BertieBrown on 13/05/2016 - 16:27

        +1

        @Euphemistic:

        I didn't even know about using vinegar, that's something I'd much prefer to using chemicals near play equipment, thanks for the tip :)