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You probably don’t have a massive tree growing inside your house, but that’s okay! If asked to picture a houseplant, what comes to mind first is likely a specimen potted up in a pretty container filled with soil. But there is an entirely different category of houseplants available to you that can be grown on driftwood, shells, lava rocks, and pieces of wood. These plants are called epiphytes, and they grow on other plants in the wild, usually trees....

Fruit tree spacing varies depending on what you’re growing. In this guide, we’ll show you how to determine the ideal spacing for the most common fruit trees at the nursery. Few things are more thrilling than bringing home the beginnings of your own little informal orchard. But you might be wondering where exactly in your yard to put your fruit trees for optimal growth. How far apart should you plant them?...

Elephant ear plants have huge leaves and make quite a bold impression. They can be a great focal point with a dramatic appeal for any interior. The color of foliage may differ from variegated green, purplish-black to green-white. Here are all the details on Growing Elephant Ear Plant Indoors! Other Names: Taro, Cocoyam, Elephant ear, Eddoe, Hembu, Saru and, Dasheen Check out our article on the best large foliage plants for indoors here Types of Elephant Ear Plants There are two most common types of Elephant Ear plants:...

Common names for Hoya carnosa compacta include the Hindu rope plant, Krinkle Kurl, porcelain flower, and wax plant. Each of these highlights a distinctive characteristic of this unique plant. Its draping vines resemble thick ropes with their crowded, contorted leaves. These fleshy, curled leaves, which may be either solid dark green in color or variegated green and white, have an attractive glossy or waxy appearance. The clusters of small star-shaped flowers are also often waxy....

Maybe you’re a rebel who planted some agapanthus in Zone 5, and you’re wondering if you can keep your lush, colorful plant alive throughout the winter. I know the feeling. Whenever I see a bright cluster of agapanthus, I think of sunshine, warmth, and tropical locales. But these members of the amaryllis family may also need to deal with chilly wintertime temperatures – their growing zone suitability ranges from Zone 6 to Zone 11....

Balcony apartment can be a great place to greet the day with a cup of tea; there is something very peaceful about being able to enjoy the open air as often as the weather permits. But the balconies may feel a little exposed. If you do not want the neighbors and passers-by getting an eyeful of morning hair, there are several things you can do to improve privacy on the balcony....

Termites are naturally attracted to high moisture levels and therefore are very common in homes. If you have an infestation, it can get quite challenging to get rid of them. Nevertheless, with this article, you will learn How to Get Rid of Termites with efficient home remedies! Learn all about getting rid of flies naturally here How to Get Rid of Termites Always try locating the starting point of where their colony is originating from....

I’m going to fill you in on everything you’ll need to know about growing this tree as a houseplant – and then you can let the green fronds of this small tree fill as many corners of your home as you like! Chamaedorea elegans Parlor palms have a long history as houseplants – and not without reason. These plants add lush green foliage to our households, can adapt to a variety of conditions, and are supremely easy to care for....

By Regina Farley Whether you’re out to conjure up a mouthwatering pesto, add a touch of splendor to your landscape or find a best friend for your tomato plant, basil is up to the challenge. Although among the world’s oldest and most commonly used herbs, basil has a hardy disposition and surprising number of uses that make it a compelling addition to any garden or decorative landscape. While best known for its use in Italian cooking, it is also used in many ethnic culinary creations....

by Ruth Gulley The citrusy aroma and flavor of lemongrass, alongside its pest-repelling properties, make it a wonderful addition to any garden or yard. Lemongrass is an eye-catching and unique addition to any garden, so passersby or your gardening buddies are sure to be impressed. Plus, it’s not very hard to grow or particularly prone to disease or infestation. Let’s get started. Growing Conditions for Lemongrass Lemongrass is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South Asia, Australia, and Africa, so it comes as no surprise that it takes its environment with a dollop of heat and a generous splash of … you guessed it, water....

Petunias are one of the most popular varieties of garden flowers. With their bright colors and easy spreading colonies, they are the perfect way to fill out your garden or plot. New types of petunias and hybrids introduced since the 1990s are hardier than older varieties, meaning you should be able to grow this formerly troublesome plant in virtually any zone. Following these simple tips will ensure that your cultivation is a great success:...

By Matt Gibson The turnip is a root vegetable that is native to Europe and belongs to the mustard family. It is commonly cultivated for culinary purposes and has played a major role in the human diet since ancient times, specifically in Greece and Rome. In Germany, during World War 1, turnips became the primary food source for the nation when meat and potatoes were hard to come by. Turnips have a slightly sweet flavor combined with a sharp peppery bite, similar to radishes....

Gritty soil mix is simple to make with only a few ingredients, and works great for plants that like to stay dry. In this post, I’ll tell you all about what it is and the benefits. Then I’ll give you my recipe, and show you exactly how to make your own, step by step. If you’re the type of person who tends to overwater plants, then switching to gritty soil will be a game changer for you!...

Here’s the lineup: Perennial asters are transition plants that refresh gardens from late summer to fall with masses of small blossoms in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white. In our guide to growing asters, we discuss all you need to know to cultivate various species and cultivars in the home landscape. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission....

It seems like beautiful, blooming houseplants that lend luscious perfume to the air inside our homes are hard to come by. Jasminum spp. I’d argue that jasmine is perhaps one of the best choices for indoor growing. Its deep green, attractive foliage and ethereal, star-shaped, white blossoms entice the senses with good looks and a strong, pleasant, heady fragrance. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission....

Tips for pruning lilacs Trimming off lilac flowers Pruning lilac shrubs Removing lilac suckers Removing the dead flowers from your lilac bush will encourage more blooms the following year. The important thing when trimming off your flowers is that you simply cut off the spent flowers—don’t worry about any surrounding stems. If you can see next year’s blooms forming (two new shoots coming from the stem), simply focus on the spent bloom’s stem....

This guide will show you how to distinguish between these diseases, prevent them, and treat the infection. While tomatoes tend to thrive in home gardens, they can sometimes be plagued by disease. Three different types of blight may strike – early, late, and Septoria blight. What’s a poor gardener to do? By keeping a close eye on your plants, and starting treatment as soon as possible if you detect one of these insidious diseases, there may be hope for your crop!...

QUESTION: What’s the most popular microgreen? I am trying to decide which microgreens I want to grow. – Chelsea F ANSWER: The most popular microgreen is surprisingly sunflower microgreens. When you grow sunflower microgreens, never use bird seed as it’s treated not to sprout. Instead, use sunflowers from the black oil variety. These are also the healthiest variety of sunflower seeds. It’s wise to purchase sunflower seeds in bulk. Presoak and plant them in a tray filled with quality soil....

Plants If you aren't sure when to prune lavender this year, you aren't alone! Pruining can be tricky for many different plants, and lavender is no different. In this article, gardening expert and former organic lavender farmer Logan Hailey walks through the best times of the season to start pruning your lavender plants. By Logan Hailey Last updated: October 6, 2022 | 5 min read With its intoxicating fragrance and bee-alluring blooms, lavender is a joy to have in the garden....

Shrubs Are you looking for a more compact rhododendron to add to your home landscape? There are many different dwarf rhododendrons that will fit this criteria, depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago takes a deeper look at her favorite dwarf rhododendrons, with names and pictures of each! By Jill Drago Last updated: January 6, 2023 | 5 min read Rhododendrons are known for being very large shrubs with gorgeous spring flowers....