Top Ways To Keep Weeds Out Of Your Garden

The more weeding you do in your garden, the more time you'll have to enjoy it. But weeds can be a real pain in the neck if they get out of control. That's why I've put together this list of some tried and true techniques for keeping weeds out of your garden.

 

Mulch

You can help weeds stay away by mulching your garden. Mulch is a layer of material that's placed over the soil and helps retain moisture, keeping the soil cool during hot weather. It can be made from materials such as leaves, bark, or even straw. It also adds nutrients to the soil, which helps prevent weeds from growing in it.

Mulch can also be used as a raised bed base, which will help keep moisture in your plants' roots instead of evaporating away into the air like it would if you didn't have any mulch on the surface of your garden bed.

Mulching is an easy and effective way to keep weeds at bay, but it doesn't always work as well in more temperate climates. If you live in a warm climate (or have a lot of rain), the mulch can become too hot for weeds to survive and grow with the temperature. This means you'll need to adjust your expectations accordingly—but if there's any doubt about whether or not your area is going to get heavy rain or cold temperatures, consider using mulch all year round!

 

Dividing and Re-planting Landscape Plants

If you want an easy way to control certain types of weeds without using chemicals, try dividing and replanting them instead! This method works best when used on perennial plants like strawberries or flowers because they can send out new roots from their stems after being divided off into smaller pieces so they don't spread so quickly around the garden bed area where they were originally planted originally.

If you’re planning on dividing your lawn, it's important to ensure that all of the remaining plants are weed free. This will help prevent any new weeds from taking root in the space where the old ones have been removed, especially if there is no existing soil management plan in place for your property.

Dividing and re-planting landscape plants is a great way to get rid of unwanted plants. Dig up the plant, if necessary, using a sharp knife or spade to dig up the root-ball in one piece. Use a trowel to dig out any large roots that are left behind after digging your way down through the soil where they lay buried below ground level.

When moving a plant from one area of your yard into another, be sure that there aren't any weeds nearby so they don't get transplanted along with the plant itself.

After removing all dead leaves and old stalks from around each plant, replant it immediately with fresh soil and new roots. Weeds are easy to spot when you're dividing or re-planting landscape plants.

 

Use the Right Herbicide 

When you're about to use a herbicide, it's important to be sure that your plants are safe. If you don't know what type of herbicide needs to be applied and how much should be used, then there's a good chance that you're putting your plants at risk. It's also important not to overdo it by applying too much or too little of any given product.

The label will tell how often and how much should be used so that everyone knows how much is okay for each type of plant—and this info can be found on the back side of most packaging materials (or online).

There are plenty of herbicide available for use in your garden. Some weeds need to be killed on contact while others will continue to grow if there is no intervention.

Herbicides can be used to kill weeds in the garden, lawn or flowerbeds by applying them directly or by spraying a diluted solution onto plants that have been sprayed with the pesticide.

 

Control In-ground Viruses

The most effective way to control in-ground viruses is through the use of fungicides. Fungicides kill off germinating spores and prevent new viral growth by killing the fungus itself. They are also effective at suppressing fungal growth on non-host plants and weeds that have been infected with the virus, preventing them from spreading the disease to your garden plants.

In addition to being used as an active ingredient in pesticide formulations, many organic gardeners use organic tea tree oil as a natural fungicide because it kills both fungus and bacteria without harming beneficial soil organisms such as archea bacteria (the good guys).

Tea tree oil can be applied directly onto leaves after planting or spray onto foliage once or twice during early spring when temperatures begin rising above freezing point each day

Vaccinating your garden against viruses can reduce the growth of these troublesome pests.

If you have a problem with pests that roots around in your garden, it can be difficult to find the source. A lot of times, we just don't know what caused them until we see them again later on. But there is one thing you can do: vaccinate your garden against viruses!

Viruses are tiny organisms that cause disease in plants and animals. They live in the soil so they need to be treated through the use of pesticides or other chemicals before they infect plants or animals (including humans).

There are two types of viruses: bacteriophage (which kill bacteria) and virophages (which kill viruses). Bacteriophages work by attaching themselves onto the surface of bacteria while virophages use a mechanism similar to syphilis prior infection where they enter into cells inside host cells causing cell death by apoptosis which means programmed cell death). Both types have been used successfully against many different diseases including mushroom rot fungus sprouting up everywhere around the house!

In Conclusion, Weeds are annoying for farmers, but they're also a problem for gardeners. If you're looking for a way to keep them out of your garden, you can't go wrong with these tried and true techniques.

If you have any questions or comments leave them below or feel free to contact us. 

Presented by Coach Trina @ dragoyle.com 

Best Gardening Tips and Tricks

Gardening can be a fun pastime, but if you're new to it, it might seem overwhelming. The good news is that gardening doesn't have to be time-consuming or expensive.

With some basic knowledge and a few easy tricks up your sleeve, you can grow great-tasting produce in any space available—even on a balcony! In this article, we'll show you how to get started with the best gardening tips and tricks.

Be flexible with your gardening zone and choose wisely.

If you're new to gardening, it's important to know your plant hardiness zone. This means knowing the weather and the plants that grow best in your region. It's also a good idea to know what kind of soil is best for each plant, as well as how big of a space you have available for growing food.

Once these things are clear, it's time to choose which plants will fit into this particular ecosystem—and how much time they'll take up before they die (or get eaten).

Keep the soil moist and don't overwater your plants.

The most important thing to remember about watering is that it should be done regularly. You don’t want your plant to die from thirst, so make sure you water it often enough so that the soil stays moist and doesn't dry out.

You can use a watering can or hose to water your plants, but make sure you use the correct method for each type of plant. For example, if you have flowers in pots with dirt around them like tulips or daffodils, then this method would work best for them because they're shallow rooted (so they don't need much water).

However if you have vines growing against a wall like kales or strawberries then they would benefit more from being watered directly through their roots instead of being sprayed everywhere around them

You can grow vegetables with less space on a balcony or even a window ledge.

You can grow vegetables on a balcony or even a window ledge.

This is one of the most obvious tips you'll ever hear, but it's still worth repeating. You can grow vegetables in containers, whether it be little buckets or plastic bags. If you have the space, consider growing your greens indoors as well! The more plants you have in bloom at once, the better chance they'll survive when winter comes and all of them need to hibernate together for warmth and food sources (i.e., sunlight).

Pick the right plant at the right time, and give it enough sunlight to thrive.

• Know the best time to plant.

• Know the best place to plant.

• Know the best soil conditions for each plant, and make sure you have enough of it!

• Water your plants well, but not too much or too little--they need water but only so much at a time; this is especially important with vegetables that are planted in large containers or for sale in stores where there can be many customers who want their tomatoes the same size (or smaller).

• Fertilize with fertilizer three times per week if possible; fertilizing less often will result in less leggy growth on herbaceous perennials like basil or oregano which need more nutrients than annuals do because they don't grow all year long like vines such as lettuce/spinach etc., so they won't get hungry before winter comes around again!

Use mulch to keep weeds down and retain moisture in the soil.

Mulch is a layer of organic material that you spread over the soil to help retain moisture and keep weeds down. It can be made from leaves, bark, wood chips or other materials. The best mulches are at least 4 inches deep to provide enough protection against weeds growing underneath them.

Mulch should be added after planting but before spring growth begins because it needs time to break down into smaller pieces that will allow water and nutrients through it into your plants' roots systems

Add compost to existing soil to nourish your plants and add organic matter to your garden beds.

If you want to add organic matter to your garden beds, the best way is by adding compost. Compost is made up of decomposed organic matter and it can help nourish your plants while they grow. It's also a great way to add nutrients back into the soil after you've had a hard time hitting all those pesky weeds.

Fertilize early and often, especially before transplanting new seedlings.

In the early stages of your garden, you’ll benefit from fertilizing as often as possible. Before planting new seeds or seedlings, it’s important to add a fertilizer that contains plant-available nitrogen (PAN). This can be done through watering or using a product like fish emulsion or organic liquid soil conditioner.

After transplanting established plants outside their pots, apply another dose of PAN at least once every two weeks until they are established and growing vigorously in their new homes. You may also want to give them an additional dose at this time if they seem unhealthy—for example if there are no leaves on them or if they have yellowed/brown spots on their leaves instead of green ones!

Gardening is more forgiving than you might think!

Gardening is a great way to relax and spend time with the family. A good-quality pair of gardening gloves will help you keep your hands protected, while also allowing you to feel comfortable handling the tools. You can also use these gloves when working in the garden itself to protect your hands from blisters or other injuries that might come up while digging around plants.

Gardening is also an excellent form of exercise: by bending over, kneeling down, walking around or pulling weeds (or even just watering them), you’ll be doing lots of squats! The more active we are during our day-to-day lives, the better off we’ll be overall—and gardening offers no shortage of movement!

Conclusion

Gardening is a great way to spend time outside and exercise, but it's also a rewarding hobby. You don't need to be an expert gardener to enjoy the benefits of growing your own food! If you want to get started with gardening this summer, these gardening tips and tricks will give you plenty of ideas for how best take advantage of sunlight, moisture and nutrients in order to grow delicious fruits and vegetables in even the smallest spaces.

If you have any questions feel free to contact us or write a comment below. Thanks for reading and please share this with others that might needs some gardening tips and tricks.

Thank you,

Coach Trina at dragoyle.com

 

The Best Prepper's Gear for Long-Term Survival

In today's uncertain world, it's important to be prepared for any emergency or disaster that may come your way. Whether it's a natural disaster, power outage, or societal collapse, having the right prepper's gear can make all the difference in your ability to survive and thrive. Check out our list of essential items to ensure you're ready for anything.

Water filtration and purification systems.
In any emergency or survival situation, access to clean water is crucial. That's why a water filtration and purification system is an essential piece of prepper's gear. Look for a system that can filter out bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants, and that is portable and easy to use. Some popular options include gravity-fed filters, pump filters, and straw filters. It's also a good idea to have water purification tablets or drops on hand as a backup.

High-quality, durable shelter.
In a long-term survival situation, having a reliable shelter is essential. Look for a shelter that is made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions. A durable tent or tarp is a good option for portable shelter, while a sturdy cabin or bunker may be more suitable for a permanent location. Make sure your shelter is well-insulated and has proper ventilation to keep you comfortable and safe. Don't forget to also have a reliable source of heat, such as a wood stove or propane heater, to keep you warm in colder climates.

Reliable communication devices.
In a long-term survival situation, communication with the outside world is crucial. You need to be able to call for help, receive important updates, and stay in touch with loved ones. A reliable communication device, such as a two-way radio or satellite phone, is essential. Make sure to have extra batteries or a solar charger to keep your device powered. It's also a good idea to have a backup communication plan, such as a signal mirror or whistle, in case your device fails or runs out of battery.

Multi-purpose tools and equipment.
When it comes to prepping for long-term survival, multi-purpose tools and equipment are a must-have. These items can serve multiple functions, saving space and weight in your survival kit. Some examples include a survival knife with a built-in fire starter, a multi-tool with pliers and screwdrivers, and a portable water filter that can also be used to purify other liquids. Look for high-quality, durable options that can withstand tough conditions and frequent use.

Long-lasting food and water storage solutions.
In any emergency situation, having access to clean water and nutritious food is crucial for survival. Consider investing in long-lasting food and water storage solutions, such as water filtration systems, water storage containers, and freeze-dried or dehydrated food. These items can provide you with the necessary sustenance to survive for an extended period of time, even if you are unable to access fresh food and water sources. Make sure to regularly rotate and replace your stored food and water to ensure freshness and safety.

If you want more info feel free to contact us! Thank you for reading and please share with anyone interested in prepping gear, camping supplies and emergency kits.

To Your Success In All Things,
Coach Trina at Dragoyle.com

 Where Did the Word BBQ Come From?

The sound of the word "barbecue" gathers friends, families and new discussions every day all over the world. It also means nicer weather is coming up and it is time to get our barbecues out again or to buy a new one.

How many of us have ever thought about where the name BBQ come from? or all the different way we can cook in other countries?

So why is BBQ short for barbecue?

Looking at much information on the internet about Barbecue, it is spelled different way in different countries over the world.

BBQ in the UK, Barbie in Australia, and Braai in South Africa. The meaning behind it involves using live fire and smoke to cook the food but mostly involves outdoor cooking.

While today the word has come to have a universal meaning, it was an evolution that occurred throughout the world.

The Caribbean

We have to go back to the West Indian island of Hispaniola in the seventeenth century to begin the search for this word. In the Caribbean Tainó people’s language, barbacoa means, literally, a framework of sticks. The indigenous peoples constructed a frame of wooden sticks over a fire to dry meat. However, the actual meaning and origin are a bit hazy. But, it seems like throughout time, folks used it to refer to everything from a cooking tool, a storage apparatus, to a bed-like mechanism, a shelter, even including even the food cooked on it. The Spanish eventually brought the term back with them to Europe.

The Ancient Americas

Mexico has a unique centuries-old tradition of barbacoa. One that still prevails today. However, with slight variations among the regions of the country. Traditionally made with a cow’s head wrapped in banana leaves (today foil or burlap). And, now, depending on the locale, they may favour goal, lamb or pork. The method dates to the Chichimeca, Indians. It involves digging a pit and filling it with logs and rock. The fire is stoked for hours until the coals and rocks glow red hot. The meat goes into the pit, covered with, more leaves, then covered back up with the dirt to cook overnight. Consequently, still today, there are regions in Mexico making barbacoa this way.

Europe

Many folks credit the word barbecue to the French. They believe it’s a combination of barbe à queue. Meaning, from beard to tail, and referring to roasting a whole pig. While this origin is shrouded in barbecue controversy, it is another example of the folk history of the word.

The United States

Barbacoa came to the good ole U.S. via Texas. The state was once a part of Northern Mexico and continues to embrace its history of Tex-Mex fused traditions. There are still markets in Southern Texas making barbacoa the traditional way. The word barbacoa slowly transformed, in time for barbecue. As a result, barbecue has evolved throughout the U.S. you will find varying styles, each as delicious as the next.

Chad’s Tradition

At chad's, we like to think we are channeling the ancient barbacoa tradition with every piece of barbecue we serve. We smoke it for hours in our outdoor smoker, patiently attending to the meat in a meditative manner. While we are partial to the North Carolina style, we never refuse the opportunity to chat about where did the word BBQ come from. And, most of all, we love eating it!

I hope you enjoyed learning about where the word BBQ came from.  Enjoy your next outdoor cookout with some interesting new information to share with your friends and family.

Wishing you Many great meals in the future,

Coach Trina @ dragoyle.com

 

5 Top Ways to Handle Crisis in Life

In today's fast-paced world, stress and crisis in life has become a common occurrence. It can be caused by various factors such as work pressure, family issues, financial problems, and health concerns.

While it is impossible to eliminate stress completely, there are ways to manage it effectively. In this essay, we will discuss the top 5 ways to handle crisis in life.

1. Exercise
   Exercise is one of the best ways to manage crisis. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. It also helps to reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, which can lead to a reduction in anxiety and depression. Exercise doesn't have to be intense; even a 30-minute walk can do wonders for your mental health.

2. Meditation
   Meditation is a technique that has been used for centuries to reduce stress and anxiety. It involves focusing on the present moment and learning to let go of negative thoughts. Regular meditation practice can lead to a reduction in stress, improved sleep quality, and better overall mental health.

3. Time Management
   One of the main causes of crisis is feeling overwhelmed by too many tasks and not enough time to complete them. Effective time management can help to reduce stress levels and ease crisis. This involves prioritizing tasks, delegating when possible, and learning to say no to additional responsibilities when necessary.

4. Social Support
   Having a strong support system can help to manage crisis. This can be in the form of close friends, family members, or a therapist. Talking to someone about your problems can help to alleviate stress and provide a fresh perspective on the situation.

5. Self-Care
   Taking care of oneself is crucial in managing stress. This can include activities such as reading a book, taking a relaxing bath, or practicing a hobby. It is important to make time for oneself and engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation.

In conclusion, stress is a part of life, but it doesn't have to control us. By incorporating these top 5 ways to handle stress into our daily routine, we can effectively manage stress and improve our overall well-being and start thriving with a higher quality of life.

 

10 Best Fast Growing Shade Trees To Use In Your Landscape Design

Dragoyle.com has discovered the 10 best fast growing shade trees to use in your landscaping design, so you can create relieving  cooling shade during those hot summer days.

Having a large tree for shade is becoming increasingly important as the planet continues to heat up due to global warming. Higher temperatures can lead to a number of problems, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other heat-related illnesses. This is especially true for children, elderly individuals, and people with underlying health conditions.

In addition to providing relief from the heat, shade can also help to conserve energy. When a building or outdoor area is shaded, it can reduce the amount of energy needed to cool the space, thus reducing the overall carbon footprint and helping to combat climate change.

Shade can also have a positive impact on the environment by providing habitats for wildlife and reducing the urban heat island effect. Urban heat islands are created when the built environment absorbs and re-radiates heat, leading to higher temperatures in cities than in surrounding rural areas. 

By providing shade and reducing the amount of heat absorbed by buildings and pavements, shade trees can help to mitigate the urban heat island effect and make cities more comfortable and sustainable places to live.

Here are the top 10 fast-growing shade trees for your yard:

1. Tulip Poplar: This tree can grow up to 10 feet per year, reaching a height of 70 to 90 feet at maturity.
2. Silver Maple: This tree can grow up to 8 feet per year, reaching a height of 60 to 80 feet at maturity.
3. Hybrid Poplar: This tree can grow up to 8 feet per year, reaching a height of 50 to 80 feet at maturity.
4. Willow Oak: This tree can grow up to 6 feet per year, reaching a height of 60 to 75 feet at maturity.
5. Swamp White Oak: This tree can grow up to 5 feet per year, reaching a height of 60 to 80 feet at maturity.
6. Green Ash: This tree can grow up to 5 feet per year, reaching a height of 50 to 80 feet at maturity.
7. Autumn Blaze Maple: This tree can grow up to 5 feet per year, reaching a height of 50 to 70 feet at maturity.
8. River Birch: This tree can grow up to 5 feet per year, reaching a height of 50 to 70 feet at maturity.
9. American Linden: This tree can grow up to 4 feet per year, reaching a height of 50 to 80 feet at maturity.
10. Chinese Pistache: This tree can grow up to 4 feet per year, reaching a height of 30 to 40 feet at maturity.

 

It's important to note that the actual growth rate of these trees can vary depending on factors such as climate, soil conditions, and water availability.

Growing a strong and healthy shade tree requires proper care and attention.

 

Here are a few hints to help you get started:

1. Choose the right species for your climate: Not all trees are suitable for all climates. When selecting a shade tree, consider factors such as the average temperature, rainfall, and sunlight in your area. This will help ensure that the tree will be able to thrive and grow strong.
2. Plant at the right time: In general, it's best to plant trees in the fall or spring, when temperatures are moderate and the soil is moist. This allows the tree to establish roots and prepare for the upcoming growing season.
3. Plant in the right location: Choose a location that provides ample space for the tree to grow and develop, without being cramped by other trees or structures. Also, consider the tree's light requirements and choose a location that provides the right amount of sunlight for the species you have selected.
4. Provide proper soil conditions: Most shade trees prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, amend the soil with compost, peat moss, or other organic matter to help improve the soil structure and fertility.
5. Water regularly: Newly planted trees need regular watering to help them establish roots and grow strong. Be sure to water the tree deeply and consistently, especially during periods of drought or high heat.
6. Prune regularly: Regular pruning can help maintain the tree's health and shape. Prune branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other, and remove any dead, diseased, or broken branches.
7. Fertilize: Depending on the species and the soil conditions, you may need to fertilize your tree to help it grow strong and healthy. Choose a fertilizer that is appropriate for the species and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for application.

By following these best practices, you can help your shade tree grow strong and healthy, providing shade and beauty for years to come.

To find your growing climate for planting, you can use several resources:

1. USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map: This is a map that shows the average minimum temperature for each region in the United States. You can use this map to determine the cold hardiness of different plant species and to select trees that are appropriate for your climate.
2. Local Nurseries and Garden Centers: These businesses often have knowledgeable staff who can help you determine the best trees for your specific growing conditions.
3. Local Cooperative Extension Service: Your local Cooperative Extension Service can provide information on the growing conditions in your area, including information on soil types, rainfall patterns, and other important factors that can affect tree growth.
4. Online Resources: There are also many online resources available that can help you determine your growing climate and the best trees for your area. Websites like the Arbor Day Foundation and the Morton Arboretum offer a wealth of information on tree selection and care.

By using these resources, you can determine the growing conditions in your area and select the best trees for your specific climate. This will help ensure that your trees will grow strong and healthy, providing shade and beauty for years to come.

6 AI Tools To Create Amazing YouTube Videos!

We've all seen the AI frenzy!  Time to get ahead of the game with these 6 Top Trending AI tools for YouTube marketing.

In the world of Search Engine Optimization or SEO, you need to be showing up on the top search engines.  The top used search engine is Google, the second is YouTube and the third is Facebook.  Make sure your company has a good presence on all three first, then spread out from there. 

In an effort to assist YouTube marketers to create awesome, fun and trending videos I've compiled 6 AI tools that you should check out and try.  These 6 AI tools can help you create YouTube videos without worrying about production, filming or being in front of the camera. 

 

1. TubeSpanner

Generating great scripts just got easier and faster!
The all-in-one tool kit for YouTube content creators. Use TubeSpanner's AI script templates, quickly modify the structure by dragging elements and get an estimated time for each script section

 

2. ElevenLabs

Generate super-realistic audio in any voice and style.
Grow Your Audience by Expanding into Audio. Convert any writing into professional audio, clone voices from samples or clone your own voice, all using one tool!

 

3. Soundraw

Stop searching for the song you need. Create it!
Royalty-free music, AI generated for you. Simply choose the mood, the genre and the length of the song. Soundraw will generate beautiful songs for you.

 

4. Headline by Coschedule

Write better headlines to boost your traffic
Write powerful headlines backed by data.. Brings you millions of all-new, actionable suggestions that tell you exactly how to improve your headlines and reel in the views.

 

5. Stable Diffusion

Create beautiful art using Stable Diffusion Online for free
Create Stable Diffusion images from text.. Create unique images for your thumbnails using Stable Diffusion. Make it stand out from the crowd and get all the clicks.

 

6. NVIDIA Canvas

Turn simple brushstrokes into realistic landscape images
See how AI can help you paint landscapes with the incredible performance of NVIDIA GeForce® and NVIDIA RTX™ GPUs. Create highly customized thumbnails and stunning B-rolls for your videos. Spend more time visualizing ideas.

Taking advantage of the awesome AI programs can make your projects easier, look more professional and more effective. However, make sure you make it your own, don't just use it the exact way that it is created. Get your brand out there!