Here are a list of helpful, general gardening tips and ideas for the novice to the experienced backyard gardener:

Easiest vegetables to grow:  Carrots, radishes, onions, pumpkin squash, garlic, beetroot, lettuce.

The color of what you plant often reveals your personality traits.  If you plant a lot of red colors this means that you are assertive, green means you are a relaxed person, etc.  What’s your garden’s color?  Check it out.

Plants, like humans, need tender loving care.  Talk to them, when nobody’s around.  Play soft mood music.  It’s good for their health and yours.

Always wear garden gloves (leather or heavy cloth) when working in your garden.  The hands you save, may be your own!

Got rocks for your Rock Garden? Look for construction sites (always get permission from the owners).  Use a variety of types and sizes in your Rock Garden.  Be creative!

Halloween comes once a year.  Try planting a Halloween Garden, with ghoulish looking plants. It’s fun and the kids love to take part.  Use those spooky black flowers for the best effects.  Include some pumpkins and your favorite witch and goblin decorations.

Try planting some climbing beans in your containers in the kitchen or patio area.  They grow fast and do well in most locations.  They are fun and full of great vitamins like A, B1 and C along with a host of minerals.  Plus they taste good too! If you have patience, plant fruit trees in your yard.  Apricot, Apple, Plum, Cherry, Peach, etc.  Once the fruit arrives you’ll be the envy of the neighbors.

Like the exotic?  Try the hearty Guava shrub.  The fruit is delicious and can be used in many recipes.

Feel like a nut?  Try planting and raising walnuts.  Watch out for the squirrels….they like nuts too.

Got bird problems?   Try hanging aluminum foil strips from the tree.  Wind chimes also will work.  If all else fails get a cat.When to Prune a Bougainvillea – It can be pruned year round to shape it or direct its growth. If its on a wall, cut the long stems back -  stop the production of  flowering wood.

Best time to fertilize is in the spring and summer.

When tilling your garden soil it is advisable to introduce some earth worms.  They help to enrich the soil and make it more production. 

Fire resistant trees and shrubs are important if you live in the hills and dry brush area. There are many varieties to chose from.

Small Space Gardening - Have a small patio.  Try raising container tomatoes or climbing beans.  Also the Japanese Maple and the Pink and White Hybrid Crape Myrtle will jazz up your patio.

Looking for an easy home garden project? Try making a window flower box.  Lumber nails and soil plus paint, and you are in business.  Try it into a flower box or an herb garden the choice is yours. Use your good judgment when watering. 

How much is enough water?  It depends.  Use your Judgment.  Practice and you will become a pro in no time.

Got pests?  Use chemicals only as a last resort.  Check with your local nursery for non-toxic solutions and advice.

Got kids?  Get them involved at an early age in the garden and in gardening projects.  You may not only be raising fruits, vegetables and flowers but the next Farmer John or Johanna.

Tulip bulbs.  If you want a tulip garden, it’s recommended to plant a minimum of 100 tulip bulbs together or 50 or more daffodils.  Now that’s what I call a bulb garden.

The Hot Peppers: Store them dry. It’s easy just pull the plants up and hang them up on hooks or thread them on strings.  Remember to store them in cool and dry places. Pull the plants and hang them up, or pick the peppers and thread on a string. Store in a cool, dry place.