Fertilizer is a combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium used to add nutrients to soil and plants. Fertilizing increases the quality and quantity of a plant’s production. Processed fertilizers usually come in either liquid or granular form. But the oldest form of … [Read more...]
Pruning Crape Myrtles
Crape myrtles are shrubs or small trees with big showy clusters of long-lasting flowers. Native to China and Korea, these popular plants are strong growers in the U.S. in zones 6 through 9, living as far north as protected spots in Massachusetts. Colors range from white to … [Read more...]
Planting Trees and Using Tree Stakes
Old nursery lore has it that you should dig a $10 hole for a $5 tree, the point being the importance of making a generous hole and planting a tree right. More than once I’ve gone on a tree-buying spree, only to get the plants home and remember that the work has just begun; … [Read more...]
Using Bahiagrass for a Lawn
Bahiagrass is widely used for pastures and along roadsides in the southeastern United States. As a lawn grass it does not produce dense dark green turf, but it is an excellent choice for infertile and sandy soils in warm drought-prone climates. With near-woody rhizomes that … [Read more...]
Simple Garden Fences
Photo found on Flickr, courtesy of InAweofGodsCreation. You have probably heard the adage that good fences make good neighbors. That’s true not just between people but also between our gardens and the forces that can damage them or lessen our pleasure of them. Whether the … [Read more...]
Keeping Squash Bugs Out of the Garden
Photo found on Flickr, courtesy of ILoveButter. Squash bugs are destructive feeders that attack members of the cucurbit (gourd or squash) family, especially pumpkins and squash. The insects suck on the underside of the foliage, causing leaves to wilt and eventually appear … [Read more...]
Japanese Maples for the Home Landscape
The typical Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) grows fifteen-to-twenty-five feet high, with an equal or greater spread. In the landscape it is grown as a small, single stemmed tree or a large, multi-stemmed shrub. The many different cultivars available through nurseries and garden … [Read more...]
Japanese Beetles in the Home Garden
With no natural enemies in their environment, Japanese beetles are among the most devastating of all landscape pests in the United States. They attack hundreds of different kinds of plants, including trees, shrubs, turf grass, and vegetable crops. Each beetle doesn’t eat very … [Read more...]
How to Grow Oleander
Oleander is a shrub or small tree that blooms in summer with large, striking flowers in shades of red, white, light yellow, and pink. Because of its dense branching and rapid growth rate it is a popular hedge. Planting an oleander hedge is an excellent way to hide utilities, … [Read more...]
How to Grow Lavender
Sequim, Washington is the self-proclaimed Lavender Capitol of North America. Its mild, dry climate makes it the perfect spot to grow hundreds of varieties of this fragrant and colorful perennial. Small growers are taking advantage of the upsurge in popularity of lavender to … [Read more...]
Diseases of Zucchini Plants
The joke in Maine is that when August comes around it’s best to lock your car doors, otherwise you’re likely to find a pile of zucchini on the back seat when you get back. With such a glut of zucchini, it’s hard to believe that these popular vegetables are subject to a whole host … [Read more...]
Bat Houses are Good for the Garden
Most of us grow up with scary stories about bats that portray these mammals as evil creatures that fly in your hair and do bad deeds. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Bats like to be left alone, and perform miracles of insect control. As a major predator of … [Read more...]
Growing Edible and Cut Flowers in The Home Garden
Edible Flowers Flowers have been used in cooking for centuries and have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in haute cuisine. Edible flowers are visually interesting and unique additions to dishes; they add diverse flavor, texture … [Read more...]
Growing Your Own Raspberries
Few fruits prompt as much childhood nostalgia as the raspberry. If you grew up or vacationed in a northern state you probably enjoyed your first raspberry on a nature walk or family hike in the woods and not the local supermarket. Of course, raspberries were a good snack to … [Read more...]
Window Boxes
Small space gardening and city gardening have their own unique challenges. Apartment dwellers may not have access to any useful green space and city gardening spaces are few and far between. One option for the apartment or city dweller is to use window boxes as a garden area. … [Read more...]
Five Steps to Get Your Food Garden Started Now!
Photo found on Flickr, courtesy of Souther Foodways Alliance. Your neighbors are doing it. People with small patios are doing it. They are starting their own small food garden. You can, too. Now is the time to learn. You can get started quickly and cheaply. Here are the five … [Read more...]
The Benefits of Growing Plants Vertically
Growing plants in a vertical position is often healthier for plants that grow vines. Typically, the vines continue to grow throughout the growing season. When these plants are grown vertically, they reach upward into the sun allowing for a healthier growth. When they are grown … [Read more...]
Raised Beds Take Gardening To A New Level
Would you like to have more garden space with less stooping? How about spending less time doing soil preparation? Or maybe you would just like to have a little hardscaping for visual interest but you don't want to invest a lot of time and money into construction. Raised bed … [Read more...]
Secrets of Successful Container Gardening
Photo found on Flickr, courtesy of briannaorg. Have you ever put together a really beautiful container garden, only to see some plants turn sickly and die after just a week or so? Or have you ever seen a beautiful container garden, and thought, "I wish I could do that"? Either … [Read more...]
Planting and Gardening Zones
Those first sunny days of spring are torture for gardeners in colder climates that just can’t wait to get their hands dirty. While the warm sunshine is an invitation to play in the dirt, wise gardeners know that Mother Nature can quickly take it away and replace it with more … [Read more...]
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