Home Garden Info

All you need to know about home gardening

Questions And Answers On Organic Home Gardening Getting Started

April 7th, 2011 | Author: Home Gardener

Richard asks…

Do I have rap skills?

Check out some verses I wrote.

Yo Yo, look at my YO-Yo
Yeah, you know I got that sh*t that’ll make you poop yourself
or have diarrhea so go get some pepto-bismol
Ya, Ya, It smells like sh*t in this piece because I am tha sh*t.
I went to the zoo to go scoop some poop
and throw it on your window
our such a ho, ho
like santa claus,
cause he’ll bring you pepto-bismol as a present
cause I’m gonna make you poop yourself
I represent my city
What up, What up,
You cant mess with me
cause I’ll have you workin at the old folks home
scooping some wet sh*t
Haha, you know I am a farmer
cause I got that lettuce
and I also got alot of manor
so I’ll sell it to you at a high price
ya, you can put it on plants
to help them grow so you can start garden
eat organic yo

Can you tell me if I have any skills cause my friends think I should make an album. I personnaly think that I’m better that most of these rappers that are makin millions cause I rap from the heart.

Home Gardener answers:

…..

Davina asks…

Does this girl still like me?

I like this girl and I think she likes me. So I made a rap about her (she apperantly likes people who write poetry and rap is a kind of poetry) and went to present it to her. She walked away and said that I was a dork. This was my rap :

Do you think this messed up my chances. Does she still like me?

Home Gardener answers:

I know lots of bitches that will have your babies. That was awesome.

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Questions And Answers On Landscaping Design Software

April 7th, 2011 | Author: Home Gardener

Nancy asks…

looking for user friendly landscaping design software?

Home Gardener answers:

Boy I hate to say it but I don’t think a really user friendly landscaping program exists.

Here a couple sites with reviews & some info on several programs. I have tried “3D For Everyone” and would not recommend it.

Http://landscaping-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

http://www.the-landscape-design-site.com/landscapesoftware.html

I hope that information will help you.

Jane asks…

I’m looking for landscape design software that is very simple to use and can import a digital photo of my own

home to use in the design. Inexpensive would also be required. We want to redo our entire yard, front and back.

Home Gardener answers:

I just ordered this today. The price is great and
so easy to use. Watch the demo on this link.

Http://www.landscapeyourvisions.com/software.html

Good Luck!!

Ken asks…

What is a free and easy to use landscape design software?

I tried Sketchup but its incompatible with my computer.

Home Gardener answers:

I have been searching the same answer…
For what I searched Vista Pro, Real Landscaping, Landscaping For Everyone etc are a few… Google to get the download links…

Thomas asks…

where can i get a free basic but good landscape design software thats easy to use?

dont necessarily want the 3d type, or photo of the house, just want to make simple geometric shapes on simple but accurate plans

Home Gardener answers:

If you go to the Better Homes and Gardens site, click on Gardens, you will see in the left hand box, Plan-A-Garden. It’s a site that allows you to measure out your planned or actual garden, place plants by name in the garden, and preview the plan.
It’s simple, it’s basic, and it’s free.

Rachel asks…

Can someone recommend a good Landscape design software?

I will like one that contains a plant list database.

Home Gardener answers:

I know this website that has a review of a bunch of landscape and garden design software http://www.pc-software-world.com/landscape-design-software.html

From native-again-landscape.com

Helena asks…

Does anyone know a good blueprint making or landscape design making software?

I’m trying to make a landscape design or blueprint of an island and I need some good software compatible with vista to make a easy to read blueprint…thank you,
Please anything free?

Home Gardener answers:

“Compatible with Vista”, is anything compatible with vista ? I am sorry I just had to take a jab at microsoft. Here is a link to many free versions of landscape software. Remember, you get what you pay for.

Marie asks…

Landscape design software?

I looking for a easy to use landscape design software any reconmendation.

Home Gardener answers:

May depend on complexity, and compatibility with other software,

SketchUp – Home

http://sketchup.google.com/

Terragen™

http://www.planetside.co.uk/terragen/

daz3d bryce

http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/software/bryce/

Elizabeth asks…

Anybody know of any good Landscape design software?

I am going to look into VizTerra by Structure Studios:

http://www.structurestudios.com

Any other suggestions?

Home Gardener answers:

That depends on your budget, but generally for home construction, home improvement and home renovation we use SmartDraw. For landscaping purposes you can use it too. Plus you can build forms for your company there as well.

Wayne asks…

Interior/landscape design software on the net and download?

What are some good interior and landscape design software for download for free websites? They don’t have to be for download, on the website is okay too. I know www.scenecaster.com
I remember one from school in design and technology, there was a website of a paint company that allowed you do design a room on the internet for free, i can’t remember what it was.

Home Gardener answers:

I went to sourceforge.net (a hosting site for free software and projects.) For interior design they have these:

http://sourceforge.net/search/?type_of_search=soft&type_of_search=soft&words=interior+design

And for landscape / garden design these:

http://sourceforge.net/search/?type_of_search=soft&type_of_search=soft&words=landscape+design

http://sourceforge.net/search/?type_of_search=soft&type_of_search=soft&words=garden+design

wwbgd

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Questions And Answers On Permaculture Gardening

April 7th, 2011 | Author: Home Gardener

Rachel asks…

are plant guilds desirable to use in a permaculture-style garden?

is it possible to design a permaculture garden by using plant guilds? how does the size of the plot affect the decision? what are the advantages and disadvantages?

http://www.edibleforestgardens.com/about_gardening

http://www.greenhousebed.com/Permaculture/permaculture_examples.htm

Home Gardener answers:

PERMACULTURE ANSWER

Yes it is a guide line for bio diversity planting
Permaculture gardens should be collections of guilds into niches.

As many as 8 or more plants planted with the same time frame in mind

,tall trees such as coconut palms and mangos.
Guanñabana or papapya underneath them(depending the specie of papapya ,Maradol is a pigmy papapya,and comes a level lower) ,
Banana to follow ,vines on the coconuts and the mango like vanilla ,
Sugar can beneath that,
Maybe some lines of corn (half shade corn)or bushes with fruits
Then things from half to one meter .pine apple or articoke
Pumpkins or other ground cover plants on the floor
Some low herbs and
Root plants like carrots depending the climate

Each place has its own species, this is just a tropical example
The whole resulting in a rough pyramid of plants.

There are no disadvantages ,the soil ends up healthy
and there are few pests.

The only possible disadvantage is small amounts of produce but of a great diversity
making the idea not so comercial
——————————————————————————-
The Mexican Indigenous peoples of Oaxaca plant in a consecative time frame which is a traditional style ,

First they plant Agave(Tequila cactus) ,in lines ,
with a corn that is planted singular instead of the usual 3 seeds to a hole in between.,and the stem is stronger
when the corn has reached a certain hight they follow this up with a small climbing bean ,that utilizes the corn stem
and pumpkins and herbs are planted as ground cover ,
that will not be ripe untill well after , first the beans then the corn has been harvested
———————————————————————————-
Guilds are models of compatibility merging with the concept of Companion planting

So bio diversity is the overall concept that is streamlined into companion planting (plants that are physically and chemically compateble ,)

And guilds is how we end up with stylized grouping to act as a guideline for the farmers.

Consisting of usually permanent plants or trees to provide shelter from the wind (vertical coverage )to act as niches,
or shade from the sun (high crowns)or structural (poles)
mixed with seasonals like ,vegetables or other utility plants .
—————————————————————————–
you can do a heck of a lot on less than half an acre
the minimum size is a circle of a diameter of 30 metres .

NICHES
Ideally because you want part of it as trees to provide a canopy that locks in the Humidity,as well as to bring shade and cool ness to part of the garden .

The perimetre should be a wall of some sort like bamboo or bushes
to have a niche effect and to further lock in humidity as well as temperature .
A tightly niched garden can differ by as much as ten degrees with the outside
going in both directions
my Garden in Mexico is ten degrees cooler than the road ,

but in cold places it can be ten degrees warmer .making all the difference of life or death ,in places that can have night frost

example

If you plant trees in a circle ,their crowns will shade maybe 8 metres each across .
So in order to remain with a sunny spot in the middle (for those veggies that need the light )the trees have to be about 30 metres apart.

But you can be smaller if you do a half moon garden .

Helena asks…

How should I start a permaculture garden?

I just read an article in Yoga magazine and was inspired to start my own permaculture garden but have no clue how to. Websites would be greatly appreciated.

Home Gardener answers:

Hi Lanie,

You’re asking about how to start a permaculture garden. I warmly, warmly recommend a book where an American woman travels to Australia (the birthplace of permaculture) and lives on a permaculture farm where she starts a garden in the middle of snakes, leeches, rain…. She doesn’t go very deep into permaculture as she travels all around the world on a shoestring, but it is a funny, touching, inspiring read. Part adventure travel, part life change, and a really really good vibe. I smiled throughout and wished it wouldn’t end. You can see the reviews on Amazon.

Here’s one bit about permaculture from that book.
“One example of a permaculture principle: the problem is the solution. Problem: the deer are eating my garden. Solution: eat the deer. Problem: slugs are eating my garden. Solution: ???

Her adventures on that farm are really funny.

You also ask about websites. The biggest permaculture resource is permaculture.org.au. That is where I would start. From there, there are lots of friendly little sites. For instance, in Australia, jerrapark.com, a permaculture farm. In fact, I would say that the best way to learn about permaculture gardening, if you have the time, would be to travel to Australia, where there are all these permaculture farms where you can volunteer under the program called wwoofing. The same kind of volunteering also exists in the States, particularly in Washington state, Oregon, North Carolina and Western Colorado.

Wishing you a beautiful garden (and weekend),

Lenny

Elizabeth asks…

what is the importance of vegetable/herbs in a permaculture garden?

i need some help with this because i cant find it on the internet

it would also help if you told me the importance of:
habitat
water tanks
chickens+otheranimals

in a permaculture garden

thanks!

Home Gardener answers:

Sarah, you would need to write a whole book just to cover the areas you list.

Permaculture is Permanent (agri) Culture.
So plants/trees/vegetables and herbs are essential parts of the garden. The idea is that you and your family become as auto efficient as possible, working with nature not against it. Using the least amount of human energy to provide a yield whilst enriching, not depleting the ecosystem. Permaculture is about creating beneficial relationships with plants, animals and other people.

So for example connections are made between different components. The chicken for example produces eggs, meat, feathers, manures as it walks around, it scratches so it weeds, eats bugs, they breed so repopulate, they free range. A chicken tractor (moveable pen) can be used so that chickens clear weedy plots of land for you and fertilize it. The tractor is then moved along to the next plot for clearing and fertilizing.

The bigger picture is that each component in the ecosystem is beneficial and reliant on the other. So animals are essential for the ecosystem. In my opinion, they do not have to be domesticated animals, they can be wild animals, but then I am a Vegan so my views differ from the majority of Permaculturists’ views on keeping animals.

Regarding Habitat: Permaculture is to live ethically and sustainably so we have to understand eco systems and how the natural world works. The key is to understand that we are a single system; not separate. Whatever we do locally affects other people and the environment globally. Local solutions provide the best answers, we have different climates, soils, flora and fauna. Different needs, wants, tradition and cultures. But by acting locally we must keep an eye on the Horizon by limiting the damage on the environment and people globally. For example Global Warming affects us all.

Permaculture seeks to design ways of meeting man’s needs by creating permanent high-yielding agricultural ecosystems. It is a solution aimed at how people can live on the smallest amount of land possible. The natural landscape (the rest, the wilderness is then not used by man) it is then left alone to heal and so it functions holistically.

Local responsibility ensures that people become as auto sufficient as possible both individually and as trading communities. Man is responsible for meeting his own needs for fuel, food and dealing with his own outputs and wastes.

Timber is grown on site in mixed native woodlands. This enriches the local ecosystem but its basis is the opposition of meeting man’s needs by deforestation of the remaining natural and ancient forests/woodlands. Permaculture is a system of observation and least possible intervention both in terms of the home and the wilderness. It’s leading principle is that eco-systems will naturally re-balance if left alone.

Hence the desire to create high yielding ‘homesteads’ to meet man’s needs as efficiently as possible. By creating our own mini high yielding systems for our own use we use the least amount of everything possible. The Ethics of Permaculture are: Earth Care this is simply working with nature not against it. Limiting consumption and self limiting family size so there is less demand on natural systems/finite resources/finite land.

So I will give you lots of links for you to look at:

http://www.homegrowntexas.com/issues/JulAug05/index.html

http://www.abqpermaculture.net/principles.html

http://www.cat.org.uk/catpubs/pubs_content.tmpl?subdir=catpubs&sku=PUBS_25/06&key=csg

http://www.spiralseed.co.uk/permaculture/

http://www.pfaf.org/

Download the free ebook Essence of Permaculture on David Holmgren’s website.
David Holmgren & Su Dennett
Holmgren Design Services
Email info@holmgren.com.au
Website http://www.holmgren.com.au

http://www.permaculture.org.uk/

http://66.102.1.104/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=cache:NP7jlNz6oS0J:www.emissionizero.net/Introduction_to_Permaculture_-_Bill_Mollison_1981.pdf+

http://www.terrapsych.com/permaculturedesign.pdf

http://www.permacultureactivist.net/Newsletter/Permanews.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye90FxJmuw0&mode=related&search=

http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/2007/02/what_you_need_t.html

http://www.sbpermaculture.org/index.html

http://www.thefarm.org/permaculture/

http://search.abc.net.au/search/search.cgi?form=simple&num_ranks=10&collection=abcall&query=Peter+Andrews&meta_v=austory&submit=Search

Mark asks…

where can i find information on desert plants for permaculture garden?

growing in the desert of israel. We have some popular desert plants here that people grow, but i am sure there are a lot of other things out there that we don’t know about. How can i find them.

At this point i am particularly interested in food plants.

Home Gardener answers:

This is a wonderful site on the desert plants of Israel, with pictures. Working them into a permaculture garden should be interesting.
Http://www.botanic.co.il/english/research/desertad.htm

Richard asks…

I’d like some advice about starting a permaculture garden in SW Scotland.?

The books seem to be geared to warmer climes. Up here its jolly wet, windy and can be a wee bit chilly like minus 10. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of help for Scotland. Things take a lot longer to get established and varieties are more limited. Does anybody out there have experience in Scotland or know someone who does that I can visit? Thanks.

Home Gardener answers:

I know someone who can play the bagpipes.

Bob asks…

Have you any easy ideas for a permaculture garden?

Home Gardener answers:

I suggest getting some books on the subject from the library. There are also a few good websites.

Here’s one titled “Ten Steps To an Organic Permaculture Garden”:

http://www.safecom.org.au/permaculture.htm

Remember, like any garden – there is hard work in getting started…but once you’ve established it, it gets easier to maintain.

Joseph asks…

Can anyone help with information on Permaculture and or forest gardening?

After seeing a programme on tv the other day that mentioned both practises I am interested in learning more about them. Any help would be appreciated be it information or hints on good books to read. Thanks in advance. I will chose a best answer if I am lucky enough to get any.
Thanks for your help. I forgot to mention I am in the UK but the information is still extremely useful.
It is more of a learning curve at the moment. We have grown some vegetables and are moving on to fruit soon. But in the long term we would really like to move in with my brother in law and his family and find a small holding and become as self sufficent as possible. They are more experienced vegetable growers and keep chickens. We have harvested some wild foods before ie fungi etc. So mainly research for knowledge at present. Thanks for all the help. I am sorry I can only chose one best answer.

Home Gardener answers:

I too saw the programme you watched.
I don’t know how much of a gardener you are so I don’t quite know where to pitch the level of help.
Permaculture has been around for a long time in the UK. It just has a fancy name now. It basically means producing food with as little interference as possible. Use that as an aim in whatever you are planning to do. If you have a little suburban back garden then a forest type garden is out of the question but this does not stop you working in a way that interferes as little as possible with nature.
You will need to learn as much as you can about the plants you want to grow. Without that knowledge there is no point then let them grow as nature intended.
Feed your soil first. Loads of organic matter brings the soil alive. There is no need to dig unless it is a hole to plant something just a good thick layer about 3 inches deep.
Plant the area sympathetically starting with the tallest working down to the understorey.
To be more specific I would need to know what you want to grow and how ‘back to nature’ you intend to go.
A lot of the things we consider weeds are in fact edible and very nutritious so do you want to pull that dandelion out or eat it?

Edit…There is a beautifully illustrated book called “Wildfood” by Roger Phllips. It has recipes for all the indigenous and naturalized plants you are likely to come across in UK and coloured plates so there is no chance of eating the wrong plant.
An older but just as useful book if you can find it is “A country Harvest” by Pamela Michael. This covers herbal remedies and beauty treatments as well as recipes.
Try and learn all you can about good companion planting.

Http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_companion_plants

http://www.gardenguides.com/pests/tips/herbal.asp

http://vegetablegardens.suite101.com/article.cfm/herbs_for_companion_planting

You may have already come across this site but here is the link if not
http://www.permaculture.org.uk/ Speaks fo itself!
Read up on indigenous and naturalised species. These are the plants that will grow the best and have a complete ecological balance here. That basically means for every pest there is a predator and for every disease there is a cure.

Http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/life/plants-fungi/postcode-plants/

Make sure your plans include water. A pond or lake will make a huge difference to your project. A whole new dimension. You can breed fish to eat and the water will bring in many beneficials including newts, frogs and toads. It will also give your ducks (You have to have ducks!) somewhere to freshen up:)
Good luck in your venture. I am jealous already!

Oooh just though of one more thing…Don’t be scared to make your lives easier…There are plants like THORNLESS blackberries out there!

John asks…

Tilling soil with Permaculture?

I’m starting a new Permaculture vegetable garden, but the only spot I can have it is part of the lawn. Any tips for tilling an extremely grassy area using the rules of permaculture? Thanks in advance!

Home Gardener answers:

Most permaculturists would suggest burying the lawn under deep mulch and never tilling it. Do a search for “lasagna gardening” for specific directions.

I practice permaculture in my yard, and I advise tilling it this year, and advancing to no- till practices in future seasons. If you have a rototiller, you might still need to break the turf up a little to help it chew up the grass. Otherwise, just get out there with hoe and shovel and do it. Your goal is to break up the grass, work a little manure or compost into the soil, and leave the soil texture fluffy. If you try to work wet soil, it will turn to sticky mud.

Remember that the home vegetable garden is an intensively managed zone, and management practices will be much different there than in a pasture or forest garden. Permaculture excels at designing low input systems, but a vegetable garden is a small, high input zone.

Have fun, and remember that gardening is an art. It takes a few seasons to get it right. But the knowledge is also in our bones- your ancestors lived this way for a thousand generations.

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Questions And Answers On Better Homes And Gardens Recipes

April 6th, 2011 | Author: Home Gardener

Daniel asks…

Better Homes & Gardens Egg Nog Punch/Shake Recipe?

In the December issue they had a recipe for an Egg Nog Punch or Milk Shake kind of thing. I can’t find my issue of the magazine anywhere. I think all the recipe called for was egg nog and ice cream and garnish with some nutmeg but I am not sure. I can’t find the recipe on their web page either. Please Help!

Home Gardener answers:

Eggnog Punch
Ingredients
1-3/4 to 2 qt. French vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
2 qt. Dairy eggnog or canned eggnog, chilled (8 cups)
1 liter cream soda, chilled
Peppermint sticks, cinnamon sticks, and/or candy canes (optional)
1/8 tsp. Ground cinnamon

Directions
1. Place ice cream in an extra-large punch bowl. Add half the eggnog. Stir and mash mixture using a potato masher until ice cream is melted and mixture is well combined. Stir in remaining eggnog. Slowly pour in cream soda, stirring to combine. To each glass add a peppermint stick, cinnamon stick, or candy cane. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon (about 1/8 teaspoon per serving). Makes about 24 (6-ounce) servings.

Nancy asks…

Does anyone have a written copy of the meatloaf recipe featured on Better homes and Gardens on Seven last week

(I apologize for the lack of a question mark in the question title).

Anyway, I went to Seven’s website only to find a video which doesn’t work for me (stupid proprietary technology!) Anyway, I was wondering if anyone had a typed copy (or if they wrote it down and would be kind enough to scan it for me) that the’d be willing to share because I cannot for the life of me get Yahoo!’s video thing to work.

(We’re talking the meatloaf recipie by Fast Ed, I think, on Better Homes and Gardens in Australia on Seven on July 11th, 2008)

Thanks!

Home Gardener answers:

Ok Doug, i got the video working and it took me several takes to get the recipe. But I have no idea how to scan.

So you might be able to print it out. Excuse any spelling mistakes ok

Classic meatloaf reinvented

line a baking tin ( loaf tin) with rashers of rindless bacon making sure they overlap evenly.

1 kg lean mince
2 grated carrots
2 grated onions
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1 cup bread crumbs
bunch of parsley finely chopped
juice of 2 lemons
4 eggs
1/4 cup terriaki sauce
1/4 cup tomato sauce
season lightly with salt and pepper

mix all ingredients by hand, massage to bind all together press firmly in tin.
Fold over the bacon
wrap with foil
cook in 170 deg oven for 45mins – 1 hour depending on your oven, when cooked leave to cool for 15 mins then slice ans serve with salad.

Let me know how it went.

Bob asks…

Need a recipe from the Better Homes & Garden New Dieter’s Cookbook?

HI! If you have a copy I would love the recipe for Mediterranean Chicken and Pasta. I really don’t want to buy the cookbook for just the one recipe. Thanks in advance.

Home Gardener answers:

Mediterranean Chicken And Pasta Recipe:

3 tbsp. Pine nuts
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves pressed garlic
1 1/2 teaspoon EACH dry basil and oregano
1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 small zucchini sliced 1/4 inch thick
1/2 pound mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 cup skinned and shredded cooked chicken or turkey
6 ounces fettuccine or long egg noodles, cooked
1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

In medium fry pan, toast nuts over med-heat shaking pan often until golden. Set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a wide nonstick frying pan over med-high heat.
Add onion, garlic, basil, oregano, and red pepper.
Cook, stirring, until onion is soft. Add remaining oil then zucchini, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
Cook, stirring for 3 minutes.
Add chicken and cook, stirring until just heated through.

Pour pasta into a bowl or platter and spoon chicken sauce over pasta and mix with two forks. Sprinkle with toasted nuts and cheese.

Serves 4.

Lisa asks…

Looking for Better Homes and Garden Recipe from Sept/Oct 1989-1991 for a distinctly autumn cake or torte.?

The recipe included:
Cream Cheese
Apple Cider
Nuts
Caramel

I made this for my parents anniversary when I was a teen and now they are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary. They LOVED this torte and I would really like to make it again. I don’t have the recipe and have been searching for years. Please help!

Home Gardener answers:

Is this close? I think the second one is what you were looking for. I hope.

Celebration Cake
Prep: 45 minutes
Bake: 30 minutes

Celebration Cake
Ingredients

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 cups granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1-1/2 teaspoons apple pie spice
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups coarsely shredded carrot
* 1 cup coarsely shredded apple
* 3/4 cup cooking oil
* 4 eggs
* 1/2 cup chopped nuts
* 1 cup whipping cream
* 1 8-ounce carton dairy sour cream
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 1/4 cup coarsely crushed purchased apple chips
* Whole purchased apple chips (optional)
* 5- to 6-inch-long cinnamon sticks (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat convection oven to 325 degrees F or standard oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and lightly flour two 9×1-1/2-inch round baking pans; set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, apple pie spice, and salt. Add carrot, shredded apple, nuts, oil and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer at low speed until combined. Beat 1 minute at medium speed. Pour batter into prepared pans, spreading evenly.

3. Bake cake layers in convection oven 25 minutes or bake in standard oven 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely.

4. For frosting, in a food processor bowl place the whipping cream, sour cream, brown sugar, and vanilla. Cover and process for 2 to 2-1/2 minutes or until stiff peaks form, stopping to scrape down sides every 30 seconds. (Or, place ingredients in a large mixing bowl and beat with a hand blender or electric mixer until stiff peaks form.)

5. To assemble cake, place 1 cake layer on a serving platter. Spread about 3/4 cup frosting on top of the first cake layer. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup crushed apple chips atop frosting. Top with second cake layer; frost top and sides of cake with remaining frosting. Decorate cake with whole apple chips and cinnamon sticks, if desired. Makes 12 servings.
Nutrition Facts

* Calories 510,
* Total Fat (g) 31,
* Saturated Fat (g) 10,
* Cholesterol (mg) 107,
* Sodium (mg) 235,
* Carbohydrate (g) 56,
* Fiber (g) 2,
* Protein (g) 6,
* Vitamin A (DV%) 62,
* Vitamin C (DV%) 4,
* Calcium (DV%) 8,
* Iron (DV%) 9,
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Caramel-Almond Torte

Makes: 12 servings
Prep: 25 minutes
Bake: 25 minutes
Cool: 1 hour
Stand: 1 hour

Caramel-Almond Torte

* 6 egg yolks
* 1-1/2 cups sugar
* 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 6 egg whites
* 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
* 1 cup ground almonds
* 1 recipe Caramel Sauce and Caramel Cream Filling (see Recipe Center)
* 1 recipe Sweetened Whipped Cream (see Recipe Center)

Directions

1. Generously grease and flour three 8×1-1/2-inch round baking pans; set aside. In a medium mixing bowl combine egg yolks, 1 cup of the sugar, the apple cider or juice, baking powder, vanilla, and cinnamon. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed about 3 minutes or until thickened and light.

2. Thoroughly wash the beaters. In an extra-large mixing bowl beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form (tips curl). Gradually add the remaining sugar, beating on high speed until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight).

3. Fold the egg yolk mixture into the egg white mixture. Fold cracker crumbs and almonds into egg mixture, one-fourth at a time. Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans.

4. Bake in a 325 degree F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched near the center. Cool on wire racks for 10 minutes. Loosen sides; remove cake layers from pans. Cool thoroughly on wire racks.

5. Place a cake layer on a cake plate; spread with half of the Caramel Cream Filling. Top with second layer; spread with the remaining filling. Top with third layer. Frost the top and sides with the Sweetened Whipped Cream. Drizzle with the remaining Caramel Sauce. Makes 12 servings.
Nutrition Facts

* Servings Per Recipe 12 servings
* Calories 490,
* Total Fat (g) 28,
* Saturated Fat (g) 13,
* Cholesterol (mg) 183,
* Sodium (mg) 247,
* Carbohydrate (g) 54,
* Fiber (g) 2,
* Protein (g) 9,
* Vitamin C (DV%) 0,
* Calcium (DV%) 9,
* Iron (DV%) 13,
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Susan asks…

does anybody know the recipe for cheese soup from an old better homes and gardens cookbook?

Home Gardener answers:

Cheese Soup

¼ cup butter
4 cups milk
½ cup chopped onion
4 cups chicken broth
½ cup chopped celery
1 lb cheese shredded
½ cup chopped carrots
1 t salt
¼ cup flour
dash white pepper
1½ T cornstarch
Parsley for color
⅛ t baking soda

Melt butter, stir in flour. Add milk gradually keeping flour mixture smooth. Add all other ingredients except cheese. Simmer until vegetables are tender. Add cheese slowly while stirring to keep smooth. Adjust seasonings to taste. Serves 10.

Jemima asks…

Does anyone have the Better Homes and Gardens Mexican Cookbook?

Mine is in storage, and I need measurements for the Chicken Mole de Cacahuete (peanut sauce)

I make it all the time from scratch but when I was first learning I used this as a guide for measurement purposes.

My daughter now wants the recipe and I could only give her the ingredients with out measurements.

An ingredient list with measurements would be great!

I don’t need the instructions.

P.S. The Chicken Mole Verde or Mole de Tomatillo on the page opposite this in the cookbook is yummy too. I made it once when I was 14.

Thanks to anyone that can help with this particular cookbook. It actually has some pretty good recipes in it.
Thank you. (The One) I will use your recipe for a general guideline for amounts of ingredients. The cook book you gave a link to comes up as the 1977 edition but that’s ok. I will work it out. I usually omit the canned tomatoes with chilies, as well as the bread, I use a soup base (lower sodium & more chicken flavor than the bouillon – cook the chicken in chicken stock I skip the bread and make a rue out of flour add the chile powder. also omit the cinnamon& add a dash of ground allspice – So this WILL work!! Thanks I just needed a general idea of quantities. : )

Home Gardener answers:

I happened to have this recipe in my personal collection. I don’t have the other one. I have listed a link to the book below

Chicken with Peanut Mole Sauce (Pollo en Mole de Cacahuate)
Yield: 6 to 8 servings

1 (4-pound) stewing chicken, cut up
8 cups water
4 stalks celery with leaves
1 medium carrot, sliced
1 small onion, cut up
2 sprigs parsley
2 teaspoons instant chicken bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 of a 10-ounce can (2/3 cup) tomatoes with green chiles
2 slices white bread, torn
2 Tablespoons creamy peanut butter
4 whole cloves
3 whole black peppercorns
1 (1/2-inch stick) cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 small clove garlic, minced

Place chicken pieces in Dutch oven with water. Add celery, carrot, onion, parsley, bouillon granules, & pepper. Bring to boiling. Cover & cook over low heat 2 to 2-1/2 hours or till chicken is tender.

Remove chicken pieces. Place in a 2-quart casserole. Strain broth; skim off fat. Reserve 1-1/2 cups of the broth for sauce (cover & refrigerate remaining broth for another use).

To prepare mole de cacahuate:

In blender container place the reserved chicken broth, tomatoes with green chiles, bread, & peanut butter. Cover & blend till smooth. Turn into 2-quart saucepan.

With mortar & pestle crush cloves, peppercorns, & cinnamon well; add to saucepan along with chili powder & garlic. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat & simmer, uncovered, 15 to 20 minutes or till thickened, stirring often.

Spoon mole de cacahuate over chicken in casserole. Bake, covered, in 350-degree F. Oven 30 to 40 minutes or till heated through.

Recipe Source: Better Homes & Gardens Mexican Cooking (Better Homes & Gardens)

David asks…

better homes and gardens spring rolls help!!?

I was watching better homes and gardens on saterday night and the aussie bloke was making quick 8 minute spring rolls. I cant find it anywhere, not even on the better homes and gardens website. so if anyone watched it on saterday night and got the recipe pleace write it down
thanks..:)

Home Gardener answers:

I just checked online for you and found this

All the plans, recipes and stories appear in the Better Homes and Gardens magazine (we don’t do fact sheets online with such a great looking magazine!

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Questions And Answers On Home & Garden

April 5th, 2011 | Author: Home Gardener

Don asks…

i want to run electric to my garden shed?

i am wondering can i bring elictric from the back of a wall socket in my house and run it to a shed it will power lights and maby a fridge and the ocaisional tool i have started with the wiring in the shed, out side will come trough a breaker like in my home and trough a four way split box, then going to sockets and light. inside my shed im using extention lead cable to all points. am i doing it right? also if i use small amp feuses (5) in plugs will it make safer. can i use this cable comming from my house to shed maby running trough pipeing. its from a JCB extention lead (heavy duty) any help would be great.

Home Gardener answers:

In a word No. Any electrical circuit or equipment used outside the zone of protection (usually the house) must be protected by an RCD of at least 30ma. If you intend to bury the cable to the shed it should be a steel wired armoured cable and buried at least 600mm deep. Once in the shed if you have lights and sockets it would be best to install a small consumer unit with suitably rated MCB’s for each circuit. IF in any doubt you should get a qualified electrician to carry our and test the installation. The building regulations part P now state that only suitably qualified electricians can carry out and test this type of work. Remember electricity is dangerous and can KILL you.

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Questions And Answers On Burpee Home Gardens

April 5th, 2011 | Author: Home Gardener

Alana asks…

What is a online gardening catalog I can buy watercress seeds?

I tried Burpee, Planet Natural, and Home Gardens.

Home Gardener answers:

Try www.johnnyseeds.com they have them!

Lisa asks…

How can I save my vegetable plants?

I started my vegetable plants indoors in a burpee 72 cell planter. They were doing really well inside for the month that I was growing them. I followed the instructions on the planter and seed packets, and introduced them to the outdoors a week before I planned to transplant them into my outdoor garden. When I got home on the first day, I saw that all of my plants had fallen over, drooping to the ground. Help! What can I do to save them? I sprayed them with worm poop and water, and I’m at a loss for what to do next. Can they be saved???

Home Gardener answers:

They probably just need water. Water them until it runs out the bottom of the container and give it about 15 minutes. Any kind of plant that has gotten too big for its container will dry out very very quickly.
Good luck!

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Questions And Answers On Better Home Garden

April 5th, 2011 | Author: Home Gardener

Steve asks…

Did anyone know watch that Karen wear on Better home and garden program?

The watch that karen wears in better home and Graden ? Do you know what brand is that?

Home Gardener answers:

I watch Better Homes and Gardens and Karen is a cook…… What are you asking us about her?

Nancy asks…

what interview of garden home is better?

Home Gardener answers:

I don’t understand your question?

Wayne asks…

I am busy watching Home and Garden, missed where to find how to design your own home. Please help, website?

Better Homes and Gardens, on LIfestyle Channel

Home Gardener answers:

Umm, I’m not quite sure this fit your question or not but I do recommend you a site called PASAYA Online Shop

There, you can find most of home decor stuffs like bedding, curtains or cushions

http://www.pasaya.com/language/en/index.php

If it fits what you’re after, tell me though

Mark asks…

what is 3 better home and garden books dated 1948,1956 1958 be worth. these are hardback editions?

Home Gardener answers:

Not much, really, other than as decorative items. Most of the info in them will be very out of date. You might check on Amazon for similar books, and compare prices.
I’d be surprised if you got more than $10-$15 dollars each, and probably a lot less.

Caroline asks…

Is your home better than your garden?

Home Gardener answers:

Yes…but the sink is clogged and i need a popular mechanic.

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Questions And Answers On Home Garden Ideas

April 4th, 2011 | Author: Home Gardener

Joseph asks…

Can someone give me halloween ideas for my garden & home?

Home Gardener answers:

You can transform your frontyard into a graveyard. Buy halloween props such as tombstones, skulls, skeletons, bats, halloween lights and other creepy props. Leave the autumn leaves on the ground.

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Questions And Answers On Better Home And Gardens Paint

April 4th, 2011 | Author: Home Gardener

Marie asks…

Bit of a good-afternoon poem,4 those in the proper time zone,if not save it for a rainy day,if you please,,,,?

A TRANQUIL AFTERNOON

At home
Alone.

As the rain
Paints it’s pictures
Upon the windows-pane
I read with silent thoughts.

Spared this day
Of the gardens toil
As the sky weeps
It’s nourishing tears

I kick off my shoes
And enjoy this cruise
Of a tranquil afternoon,,,,,,

Dorian,,,,

Home Gardener answers:

Well it’s just after midnight here, but I have to say it was delightful non- the less, well done, such a sweet poem.

Cindy asks…

What are the steps I need to take to heal myelf?

I will try to explain my life in a nutshell. Im 25 years old, very happy with my man. I have a lot of good friends and a little sister who i love. Our parents were abusive, my friends and boyfriend and family (who I was never allowed to see) all have the opinion that we grew up in a cult. I don’t see it that extreme but, i was in it so maybe that’s why. I will give you a few examples… We were never allowed to eat meat, we were forced to be 103 pounds at all times and put through deists, denied clothes if we didn’t meat the weight requirementse were mentally andsed but it was all justified by “spare the rod spoil the child” we never went to school nor did any homework, we worked from morning till night tending to orchards, gardens and cleaning our homes and we moved a lot so we wouldn’t get caught by the “government my sister and I remodeled a lot of homes (14 homes) we learned how to do tile, paint ETC. we weren’t allowed to cecelebratehristmas or easter or valentines day or st. patrics day, and each birthday my Mom would get in a fight with whos ever bday is wasn’t and run to her room and hide and cry all day. My dad worked 24/7 while my mom stayed home with us and everyday. I feel like now, I worry about any other person but myself, i have o idea who i am, I am struggling with finding good work because Im uneducated, but Im very bright, I have worked for companys before that I have gotton to move up, only to have to move. It makes me upset but i still talk with them, I have also as the oldest and the kind one, had guilt and more burdens put on my sholders. when I was a child I was so lonley, I would ask my mom if I was her best friend because I didn’t have one and she would say “No God is my best friend” and walk away. I let men do horrific things to me from age 5 and up, because I ws so incredably lonly and all the kid were in school, the only intrest was from those kinds of people, and i would find old people and bring them flowers and talk to them. When I was 13 then I went to some church camp where they explained “sexual sin” so i stopped after that.
Now I still feel lonley, even though I am surounded by good friends and a boyfriend who is strong and happy. What can I do to heal myself?
The physicall abuse was explained to us as “If we spare the rod, we spoil the child.” We would have welts and bruses.

Home Gardener answers:

Most people will tell you that the explanation your provided from your childhood was extreme psychological and physical abuse. If anyone knew what your parents were doing and how you were being raised they would have taken you away from them. I know that this seems harsh especially for a person who didn’t know any better or thought that their life was normal but it sounds like a cult to me.

Moving on from this, the best way to heal yourself is to continue in the love and support of your friends and your bf. You can go to a community college to start your education and they will introduce you to someone who can help you study and obtain your GED for high school.

Healing yourself comes from moving on and placing yourself in healthy situations so that you can learn right from wrong and use your childhood experiences as what not to do and how to live your life or raise a child.

When you’re ready to get married and you have a child of your own, you’ll raise your child with a loving a supportive father and you’ll start to understand what true love is for your child and it will help heal the wounds from your past. Because everything you do for your child will be constructive and healthy and the good memories will start to cover the bad memories which will help in the healing process.

You’ll never forget but you’ll heal and it will make you a stronger person for it too.

Helena asks…

is my crime story good?

Detective Murray Hudson’s eyes scanned the large living room, finally coming to rest on the body of Sasha Riley lying on the bloodstained carpet. The infamous model, known for her diva-like attitude and her regular public tantrums had been stabbed twice in the stomach while in her home exercising to a workout tape, with photographers and journalist’s right outside her gates while talking to her agent David Reid. On hearing her scream from inside the house, Reid ran inside, mid-sentence to journalists on the other side of the large gates guarding the house, to find the body of his boss on the floor.
Hudson was stumped. Not only had the murderer ran inside the mansion, found the woman, killed her, and exited the building without being seen, but hadn’t even left behind a trace of evidence. As he walked around the perimeter of the room he contemplated suicide. Only yesterday had a Hudson himself read a harsh rumour that had been spread, making page three of the tabloids. The story claimed Riley had stolen the husband of her own cousin, a quiet suburban mother of three, in a bid to get revenge on a poor nanny she had recommended. Of course, Riley rejected any stories of such, even claimed she didn’t even know the woman. Surely cruel rumours were enough to erase all will to live? Hudson sighed, ‘Who am I kidding?’ He thought, even in today’s world, where child stars as young as fifteen were entering the world of drugs, alcohol and sex, suicide was out of the question. Every bit of the little evidence collected pointed to murder.
Hudson walked over to a shaken up Reid, sitting on a couch holding a mug of coffee although showing no sign of actually drinking it.
“How are you feeling?” asked Hudson.
“A little better, thank-you.” replied Reid, looking up and forcing a tiny smile.
Hudson sat next to Reid on the couch, and was about to ask him to recite what happened, but Reid seemed to have read his mind.
“I was talking to the media on the other side of the gates,” he began “they were asking about that God-awful rumour that had been splashed across the tabloids. Anyway, I had been out there for about ten minutes, when I heard the scream of Miss Riley. I ran inside…” He trailed off.
“And you’re perfectly sure you didn’t see anybody at all running away from the house?”
“Yes, positive. How could they get in anyway, the gates were all shut, the doors locked aside from the front where I had come out to meet the journalists?”
Hudson shook his head. The same question was trailing about through his own mind. It sounded like a very bizarre riddle.

Two days later, Hudson was sitting at his desk when his partner, Inspector Clarkson, rushed in reciting news he had received about a crazed stalker of Riley who had been given a restraining order in May the previous year. Although the man had not bothered Sasha Riley since the order was issued, and Hudson was quite doubtful that a stalker would go almost a year without bothered Riley and suddenly murder her, it was like a breath of fresh air to him. For the past forty-eight hours the investigation into the death was moving at a glacial pace, with a number of small false leads, which even had Hudson doubting whether this case was a solvable one.
Clarkson and Hudson arrived at the home of Tony Gotzheim after winding their way to through the city and eventually finding themselves in a dreary looking neighbourhood, one where the houses front gardens were overgrown, the windows stained grey and shoes draped over telephone wires at every corner. Walking through Gotzheim’s front lawn he saw a dead-looking car parked among a bunch of other garbage that was beyond recognising. Knocking on the paint-peeled door he immediately heard footsteps coming down the corridor behind the door. The door opened, and before them stood a man who’s last shave was three weeks over due. His hair was greasy, eyes bloodshot, and the stench coming from him was less than pleasant.

i’m not sure how to start this conversation between Gotzheim and Hudson.. any ideas? I’m not excatly sure how a derelict stalker would react to a murder investigation of his idol.
I’m only in grade nine, so please no abuse. All constructive critisism will be appreciated (:

Home Gardener answers:

Its really good kept me wanting to read

Steve asks…

Does this pretty much sum up the issue of illegals?

A common tactic employed by immigration proponents is to accuse opponents of racism. They charge that opponents want to deny a new breed of immigrant the chance to become Americans as many of our immigrant forefathers did. They paint a Norman Rockwell-type picture of honest, hard working immigrants, planting gardens, working in fields, doing the work “no Americans want to do.” So, in town after town across the nation the battle rages. And that is really the point. Illegal immigration is not just a border issue. It is a national issue affecting every large city and almost every small town. It must be understood that illegal immigration is not just a matter of some unhappy peasants hoping to seek a better life. It is a $300 billion a year industry, combining the interests of multinational corporations with those of drug cartels and Latino street gangs. Caught in between are American communities and the American way of life. Some cities, especially those along the points of entry at the border have become dangerous no-mans lands, where no property is safe, no American citizen is able to leave their home unarmed and some politicians turn a blind eye as they profit under the table. As a result American civilization is beginning to break down. That is why so many Americans refuse to back down on the issue, continuing to demand a crack down, no matter what name calling they must endure.
Senator Gillibrand’s position on illegal immigration represents the position of the vast majority of those New Yorkers who have taken the time to understand what the true cost of ILLEGAL immigration is costing their communities.

The issue is simply about the abrogation of law. The effort needs to be focused against the individuals, businesses and politicians who create this problem and cheat honest business owners and workers by allowing illegal hiring practices under the table. In short, the issue is about enforcement of the law, cost and corruption.

Home Gardener answers:

No, but this does.

Democrats allow illegal aliens into the USA thinking of them as potential voters.

Republicans allow illegal aliens into the USA thinking of them as cheap labor

Charlie asks…

In today’s materialistic world of consumerism anceleb culture, what do you think ?

is the best way to rear a child?

ok, i know most everyone will boo at the way this child is being brought up…but are the options any better?
Deborah Drapper looks every inch your average 13-year-old. Her bedroom in Dorset is pink and filled with dolls, she “tweets” on Twitter, and she has a blog in which she talks about her pet rabbits, and what fun it was when it snowed recently.
Deborah is in this (enviable) position because instead of being nurtured on a diet of celebrity culture, Deborah has been brought up on a combination of Christianity and traditional family values.
Deborah has the almost preternatural self-confidence that comes from being home-schooled. She spends half of each day praying, cooking, exercising, painting and gardening, and the other half studying a Christian curriculum that includes collectivism and creationism. She is super-bright and fiercely opinionated. She thinks that evolution is “one of the most ridiculous theories ever” and blames it for most of the nation’s ills.
“If you are taught from the start that you are just a piece of slime and that you have evolved from an animal then is it any surprise if you act like one? Survival of the fittest; if you don’t like someone, kill them. That’s what evolution teaches people so is it any wonder when children go to school and do just that?”
“I am not envious of other girls my age. I am happy as a person. A lot of the people I meet on a Friday night are not happy. If anything, they should be envious of me.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/bryonygordon/4966672/Deborah-Drapper-Follow-the-Bible-not-the-Beckhams.html

Edit: Sorry! read that as “and celeb culture”..
Edit: i haven’t seen the program Duchess…if you say she seems lonely then i’m sure she is, poor girl. If only people wouldn’t go to extremes…if only a nice balance between this way and the other extreme crazy way could be found…, perhaps our world would be a better place.

Home Gardener answers:

I watched a programme about that last night.
It was shocking the way the programme makers portrayed her and her friends as freaks for choosing to have a different lifestyle from ‘normal’ kids.
I might not agree with everything, but I applaud the fact that she chooses to want to believe.

Rachel asks…

I’m thinking about getting a bird pet, what suits my lifestyle?

So I’m 15 and I am thinking about getting a bird, because I am an artist and draw & paint the animals I see around me. I have a dog and go horse riding twice a week, so my main drawing subjects are dogs and horses. I am very fascinated by birds though, because they are very intelligent (I also love to observe animal behaviour), and I wish to get to observe them so I can work out how to draw them better that I do now. But these are not the only reasons, I also just want to live the experience of building up a relationship with an animal that is so different from us.

So, I am mainly interested in small parrots, I read a little bit on wikipedia and found that barred parakeets and lovebirds are my favourites.

But here comes the problem: I stay in school from 8 am to 5 pm, and then I have lots of homework to do. So for 5 days a week i’m almost always gone. My mother’s there most time, but I think she would ignore the bird. I was thinking of getting 2 birds, but I read that then the bird would not be so interested in the human? I also read that a lovebird kept alone makes a much better pet than 2 together. Also, I think that birds shouldn’t stay in such small cages all the time, but I live in belgium, where the weather is pretty crappy (especially now that winter’s approaching), so a big cage in the garden isn’t a good idea

So here’s the info about what I think would be important in a bird. Obvously, it’s impossible to get all that togerther in the perfect bird, but if you can tell me a bird (parrot) that could have a happy life with me, that’d be great.
-It would definitely have to be a small parrot. I would want it to have plenty of space in its cage, but I don’t have the space for a too big cage, either. Maybe one of those big cages that are tall like a man and you can put in a corner of the room, but I don’t think my parents would like it.
-It should be all right with being alone some time. I am gone 5 days a week, but on 3 days of those 5 my mother’s there, and I have a dog, so it wouldn’t be completely isolated, just not getting too much attention. On mondays and tuedays, it would be isolated until I come home from school though, because we put the dog in his outside cage when no one’s home
-It should be a bird that can build up a nice realtionship with me. If the bird doesn’t go flying away all the time but stays like on my shoulder or something, I could keep it with me when getting my homework done. I know that I’ll have to work alot to achieve that, though.
-I don’t know if there is a difference between different bird types for that, but it shouldn’t smell bad. If the bird smells bad or makes sounds that are too annoying, there is no chance for it to get one of those big man-sized cages in the living room or something.

So, if anyone can give me some info about it all, that would be really nice…
Oh and also I have a few questions: Is it possible to train the birds to come back? How can you get the bird back in the cage when you left it free to fly round the room? Is it possible to tech the bird not to go shitting all round the room when free? Thank you!

Home Gardener answers:

Hi dear,before you buy lovebirds you should know one thing that lovebirds are very noisy compare to other small birds,however they are very very energetic and a single lovebird can make a best companion with his owner

LOVEBIRDS:lovebirds – This is a group of nine species of Agapornis genus. These birds are Africa and Madagascar natives. They are very active,playful and great pets.although they are pretty noisy compare to other small birds

pros:

1)they are very smart birds
2)they are very playful and active
3)a single lovebird can make a strong bond with owner
4)they less poop,less eat and drink compare to other birds
5)they are very energetic small birds

cons:
1)they are very noisy in the morning and sometimes in evening
2)their bite is pretty painful compare to cockatiel
3)they chew a lot

FEW THINGS KEEP IN MIND WHEN GETTING A LOVEBIRD

1)They are very social and intelligent companion birds
2)These lovely little devil lovebirds are very active,love to chews and playful.
3)A single bird will get more attached to its keeper
4)Always try to purchase a hand-fed baby or a young bird when possible.
5)A young chick can be easy to train but may take a bit longer
6)If you have no experience hand feeding, I recommend not purchasing an unweaned baby. A weaned chick will bond easily to its new owner as soon as it is comfortable in its new surroundings.
7)an adult lovebird can be hand tamed but takes much time and patience.

TEN THINGS TO REMEMBER ON PROPER CARE

1) A happy bird is a busy bird
2) Whenever approaching or dealing with lovebirds, act calmly and quietly
3) Get your cockatiel used to your hands and fingers.
4) A lovebird is very active and love to chew.so when they are out of cage..look at them,if you pay a lot of attention to your bird you can get an idea of when it will do the business.
5) Never leave a lovebird alone with another pet or a child under the age of 12.
6) Offer a variety of foods. Seeds, pellets, millet all are a great start. Learn all the different fruits and vegetables your lovebirds can have. Then offer them to your bird and watch it enjoy its favorite ones.
7)sunlight is very important for them.make sure they get morning sunlight for 2 to 3 hrs
but dont let them out for a whole day lovebirds need time outside of their cages. Regular free flying is important. If you do not clip your lovebird’s wings then it will enjoy flying around and up to the high places in the room or house (like mine lovebirds do ). If you do clip its wings then it will still flap its wings like it is flying but stay on the perch. They also like to fly down to the floor to explore the bird-proofed room!
9) Clean your lovebird’s cage regularly. This prevents disease. Don’t use regular house cleaning products around your lovebird. Change the paper everyday. Wipe down the cage and dry it once a week. Then once a month take everything out, scrub and wash it all very well then dry it. This is a great time to arrange the perches and food dishes differently. Add some new toys and both you and your lovebird(s) are happy.
10) Be patient with your lovebirds. It may need time to get used to new things and new people. Observe your lovebird. You will then become accustomed to their behavior patterns and see their personality develop. Lovebirds can become lovable, tame and trusting companions.
11))Dont get him used to one person,try to intereact with others
12)build a trust with him.never ever scream or angry..even if they are not doing right things.just let him make do something else or give another thing to play (if he bites you )angry for him 2 mins (show him that you are boss)
13)It’s best to keep your lovebird where the center of activity is, usually the family room.
14)intereact with him for 5 to 10 mins daily for five to eight times
15)clean their water and food dish daily or after two days.specially water dishes daily two to three times because all parrot mix their food in water,sometimes their poops in water so give them mineral water daily

they are small extremely active and happy birds,you can also teach them tricks but it takes some time
research a lot andvisit pet shop to see them how they are bcoz this is your first bird
and GOOD LUCK

Graham asks…

RA/DA & All Harry Potter Fans! 83 Way To Annoy, Harass, and Generally Scare The Dursleys!?

83 ways to annoy, harass, and generally scare the Dursleys!
Sorry! It’s quite long! You don’t have to read the whole thing!

1. Should Dudley be backing up for any reason, go “beep, beep, beep…”

2. Egg their house. Don’t feel confined to chicken eggs.

3. Coat their entire kitchen with butter.

4. Get a cheap Muggle cell phone. Give it a very annoying ring tone, and set it to ring every hour on the hour. Make it invisible. Hide it in the air vent of their house.

5. Charm their garden hose to come to life and spray them down.

6. Charm their lawn to sprout large purple mushrooms. When stepped on, these mushrooms should squeak loudly.

7. Replace any flowers in their garden with the ever popular water squirting flowers.

8. Sneak some particularly eerie-looking gnomes into their garden. Partially hide them behind bushes and such, so that they appear to be spying on those nearby.

9. If there’s any room left in the garden, plant them a particularly sensitive Mimbulus Mimbletonia.

10. Slip a doxy into their mailbox…

11. …And a gnome in their pantry…

12. …And Kreacher under one of their beds…

13. …And a boggart into the refrigerator. Tell Dudley its a new dieting technique.

14. Offer them foot rubs.

15. Gather a large group of people together, and surround the Dursley’s house. Have everyone press their faces against the windows. When Mr. Dursley charges out to confront the group, tell him that you are there to eavesdrop, and ask if its a good time.

16. Paint the Hogwarts crest on their front door.

17. Use a permanent sticking charm to attach a wizards cape and hat to their front door, beneath the painted crest.

18. On New Year’s Eve, anonymously send them a box of well-disguised wizard crackers.

19. On Valentine’s Day, send each Dursley about sevent-five valentines by owl, signing them all from “their secret, magical admirer.”

20. On St. Patrick’s Day, gather some particularly jolly leprechauns and persuade them to do a jig merrily on the Dursley’s front lawn for the entire day. Ring the front doorbell, and Disapparate.

21. On Bonfire Night/Independence day, send them a box of Weasley’s Wild Fire Whizbangs.

22. If Petunia sould ever inquire of you an idea for a Halloween costume, suggest a witch.

23. If Dudley should ever ask the same question, suggest a pig.

24. For Christmas, get all of your Hogwarts friends together. Show up at the Dursley house, and sing christmas carols loudly, for as long as possible.

25. Replace any hard sweets that may be in the house, with the Weasley “effects” sweets.

26. Grind several Ton-Tongue toffees into a fine powder, and add it to any and all of the flour and sugar canisters.

27. Put a charm on Dudley that will make him crawl and walk on walls and cielings, Spider-Man style.

28. Wake the whole family up at five in the morning to lead them in a peppy exercise routine. Include lots of Jumping Jacks.

29. Offer to read their tea-leaves.

30. Should they accept, tell them you see three figures, two fat, one thin, all very bad tempered. Go on to say that these people will never find happiness and are best avoided.

31. Infest their home with Pygmy Puffs.

32. Tell them they don’t exist.

33. Find the most “un-Dursleyish” person you know, and set them up on a blind date with Dudley.

34. Write “Aunt Marge” on a bunch of inflated balloons. Fill the Dursley’s kitchen with them.

35. Find a way to magically change the color of their outfits, making each outfit a different lurid color depending on the day of the week (hot pink for Monday, Neon Green for Tuesday).

36. Switch Dudley’s homework with Harry’s.

37. Make all the doors in their house require passwords. Try to make these passwords either sickeningly cute, or magic-loving.

38. Shave off Uncle Vernon’s mustache under the cover of darkness.

39. Transfer this mustache onto Petunia.

40. Leave a bundle of fake wands from Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes tied up with a ribbon on their coffee table.

41. Try this dialogue with Dudley: “Hey Dudley, guess what?” “What?” “Nothing.” Repeat this several times daily.

42. Get a stuffed rabbit and wrap it in swaddling clothes like a baby. PIn a note saying that they must care for this precious child, and guard it with their lives. Add a post script saying that should the rabbit government find that they are mistreating it in anyway, they will be dealt with. Ring their doorbell, and Dissaparate.

43. Suggest to Petunia a new nickname for her son: Milk Dudsley.

44. Offer them peppermint humbugs.

45. sing “I know a song that gets on everbody’s nerves.”

46. Should Dudley ever be on a diet, back some rich, chocolate cupcakes, topped with cream and candy sprinkles. Charm them so that they disappear when touched and reappear after a few minutes. Place them everywhere Dudley might see them.

47. Buy Petunia and Vernon a book on ch

Home Gardener answers:

LOL. Those are funny.

Davina asks…

HP Fans!!! How is this?

No offense DOD, Malfoy’s Mistress and other Draco lovers…

Narcissa Malfoy’s Top Ten Disgustingly Cute Names for Draco

10. Ickle-Drakey-Wakey
9. Drakey-Dookie-Diddy-Dums
8. Drakey-Diddy-Dobby-Doo
7. Snoogie-Woogie-Drakey-Poo
6. Drakey-Dinky-Dookie-Doodums
5. Drakey-Poopsie-Oopsie-Goo
4. Drakey-Dimsy-Mimsy-Doo-Doo
3. Drakey-Doody-Sweetie-Dookums
2. Dipsy-Doopsy-Drakey-Poo
1. YOU STUPID IDOIOTIC BRAT!!!

60 Ways to Annoy, Harass, Confuse, or Generally Scare the Dursleys

Guaranteed to brighten up a dull summer on Privet Drive

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