The Power

Plan to get a covered, GFI-protected outdoor outlet. Do not attempt to run the cords out of windows or under doors. This could cause damage, or worse, a fire. The outlet cover will keep it moisture-free, and a ground fault interrupter will automatically shut off power if it gets wet.

The Charge

To determine how much wattage you can use on your lights, check out the number of amps in each outlet. To do this, check the breaker box, usually found in the basement. Multiply the number of amps by 120, which will give you the maximum wattage a circuit can handle.

For example, a 15-amp circuit can handle lights totaling 1,800 watts and a 20-amp circuit can handle 2,400 watts. Check with an electrician if you live in an older home.

Using Multiple Strings

Often, the light package clearly states that a maximum of three light strings should be connected. To go past this, use a splitter. Too many lights will blow a fuse. To use more lights, a splitter  divides the power so that more light strings can be used up to the wattage limit. Check out your local landscaping store in Victoria for options.

Design Ideas

Chances are you want to make it look good, too. Our advice? Keep it simple. For example, one huge tree, and a few decorations can make it stress-free, with one gorgeous focal point.

The Gear

Stock up on the right stuff to get the job done. A tall ladder, clips (instead of nails), light-installing guns and more.

Saving Money

Most lights are now LED, which is a great way to be eco-friendly, too. They’ll also save you some serious cash, with less wattage use. By comparison, conventional C9 bulbs use about 10 watts of power to an LED bulb’s 1 watt.

Even better, use timers. That way, you can go to bed, they’ll click off in the evening, and you don’t have to worry about them all season.

Visit Landscaping Victoria for more great ideas!

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Along with these factors is the extended growing season that it delivers. This is especially important for plants that needs earlier yields, and when frost is still hovering around. Because of this, a wider variety of plants and vegetables can be used.

Transplanting is easy, and doesn’t require too much time and effort. Plants are available when you are ready to use them, so you don’t have to wait to visit the local garden centre when you’re ready to start digging.

And because you’re in control, there is less danger of diseased plants or cross contamination between varieties. You’ll get what you want, when you want it, and frankly, they’re just a lot fresher, too.

What To Choose

Tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, cauliflower, onion, broccoli, collard greens, and cabbage are great transplants. You can also start crops you just want to yield earlier, such as watermelon, cantaloupe, squash, and other later bloomers.

Container Types

Seed flats can be self-made or purchased at a local hardware store or garden centre. With these, you can fit more plants into the same place. However, as they start to grow, you’ll have to transfer them to larger ones before bringing them outside.

Peat pellets are made of peat moss covered in mesh. It expands with water and is combined with soil for ready use. Peat cubes are made of mesh and compressed peat moss, already expanded. Peat pots are made of peat moss and fiber, and must be filled with soil before using.

How to Transplant

Once you see the leaves, lift the plants and be careful not to break the roots. Handle it by the leaves, not the stem. Transplant, water carefully, then tend to your garden as per usual.