Which seeds can be saved? Before you head to the garden to start gathering seed, remember that not all seed can or should be saved. Aim to save seed from open-pollinated and heirloom plants rather than from hybrids. Hybrids are the result of a cross between two different parent plants and the seed saved from this type of plant does not typically come true to type. Not sure if your varieties are hybrid, open-pollinated, or heirlooms?...
QUESTION: Do you water basil every day? I’m trying to grow it the first time. — Michelle E ANSWER: Basil is a moisture-loving herb that shouldn’t be permitted to dry out too much between waterings. It should be given at least one inch of water per week, which translates to one deep watering session weekly, but that can vary depending on your climate and circumstances. For example, basil plants that are growing in containers will always need to be watered more frequently than those growing directly in the ground....
We all love our tropical houseplants! Growing stuff like Boston ferns, crotons, bromeliads, or even a dwarf banana tree livens up the house or yard. It adds just a bit of that lush greenery to your personal space. Table of Contents And no, that wasn’t a typo. The banana plant can be a stunning ornamental houseplant if maintained properly. Technically not a tree at all, the thick “trunk” of the dwarf banana tree is actually made up of tightly-clumped leaf stalks,...
However, cauliflower is a cool-season crop, but there are many hybrid cultivars available for both temperate and tropical weather, which means it can be grown diversely in various climates. How to Grow Cauliflower in Containers Planting cauliflower in containers It’s important to plant the variety that fits the season and climate you are living in. Cauliflowers can be planted anytime in a frost-free climate when the temperature is in the range of 50-85 F (10-30 C)....
Do you ever wonder why rubber tree plants are commonly sold as houseplants at your local garden center? Well, that is because they are one of the easiest you can grow. They adapt very well to being indoors, and don’t require a ton of work on your part. So, if you love the look of those beautiful glossy leaves, but worry that rubber plant care will be too hard, I’ve got you covered!...
I later discovered that alyssum is in the Brassicaceae family, just like broccoli! In this guide, we’ll be focusing on mountain alyssum (Alyssum montanum), which is native to Switzerland, France, and Germany. Alyssum montanum Nearly 10 years ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Zermatt, Switzerland, a charming alpine town at the base of the Matterhorn. My traveling companions and I took a train up the mountains and then walked down, enjoying the sparse yet lush landscape....
by Matt Gibson Amsinckia is a genus of wild flowering plants that are commonly referred to as fiddlenecks. The flower stems are adorned with lots of small flowers that curl over the top of the plant, similar to the shape of the head of a fiddle, or violin, from which it gets its name. Though widely considered a weed in many regions, amsinckia is in the same family as the popular garden flowers borage and forget-me-nots (Boraginaceae)....
Famous for its gorgeous foliage with vivid colors, this Prayer Plant cultivar is the first choice of houseplant growers. If you too want to have this beauty indoors, then learn How to Grow Never Never Plant! Find out the Best Prayer Plant Varieties here Never Never Plant Profile Member of the Marantaceae family, the Never Never plant features long, lanced-shaped foliage with green, pale yellow, and cream colors variegated in an intricated fishbone pattern....
by Jennifer Poindexter Imagine walking through your home or yard and having a sweet smell serenade you with every step. Doesn’t this sound amazing? If so, you need to consider growing sampaguita in or around your home. This sweet, white flower is a great way to add a little charm around your home while still keeping things simple. If you’re interested in growing sampaguita, take a few moments to learn more about caring for this plant....
The bit of success I’ve had has taught me a thing or two about growing pumpkins. Cucurbita pepo Just like Linus from Peanuts, I’ve always searched for the Great Pumpkin… well, a great pumpkin, anyway! I admit an utter fascination with state and county fairs where farmers show off their freakish and massive pumpkins. Something about the dedication it takes to grow one of those misshapen monstrosities inspires me to give it a shot on my own....
To that end, we’re going to look at the most common diseases, how to treat them, and what to do to prevent them. Here’s what we’ll focus on: There are few veggies that stand out in the garden quite like Swiss chard can. Those neon stems are so striking that it’s merely a bonus that they also happen to be fabulously tasty as well. When disease strikes, not only can it deprive you of your dinner, but it can turn those beautiful plants into a mushy mess – and nobody wants that....
When it comes to propagating these living Christmas trees, you have a few options. I’m going to provide detailed instructions for three of these methods here. Norfolk Island pine trees have a strong association with the Christmas holiday season – but these conifers are houseplants that keep giving all year long! And when you propagate your own, they give even more! We link to vendors to help you find relevant products....
There are lots of different types of Japanese beetle traps on the market these days, and they all have one purpose… to help control Japanese beetles. The good news is that these types of traps are super easy to use, and you don’t have to touch any bugs in the process! They’re also non-toxic, and completely safe for use in the organic garden. Since they only target Japanese beetles, the traps don’t harm any other insects or animals....
By Matt Gibson Deer are absolutely majestic creatures. The first time you notice deer on your property, it probably brought a smile to your face. You may have even tried to feed them or get a picture with your guests. However, deer can very easily and very quickly wear out their welcome. Gardeners and homeowners with nice landscaping in deer country are all too familiar with the trail of destruction that deer leave behind them....
Lighting for seedlings can be a complicated topic, but it doesn’t have to be. In this post, I will break it all down, tell you everything you need to know, and give you tons of details about how and when to put light on germinated seeds. Most homes don’t have enough natural lighting for seedlings, and trying to grow them on a sunny windowsill will only result in disappointment and wasted time (and money!...
by Erin Marissa Russell Nematodes in the garden can be beneficial, helping gardeners to aerate soil and produce a bumper crop, or they can be parasitic to plants. This article will help gardeners learn the difference between helpful and harmful nematodes as well as what to do to rid the garden of the nematodes that can spell disaster. What Are Nematodes? You may have heard that nematodes are worms, but that’s not the whole story....
Information Do you have a pothos plant in your home or indoor garden area that's leaves are starting to turn yellow? Usually, this is a sign of plant stress, and your green companion plant is trying to tell you something. There are many reasons for yellowing pothos leaves, and in this guide, we explore all of them, including troubleshooting tips on how to fix it. By Jason White Last updated: March 16, 2022 | 6 min read The pothos is a hardy plant, that’s extremely forgiving....
Plus I’ll tell you when and how to spring clean your garden, give you tons of tips, and share a few of my favorite tools that will help you get the job done faster. One of the first steps all home gardeners should take in the spring is a good garden clean up. Beyond just the appearance, there are many benefits; like reducing potential for disease and weeds during the growing months....
Find out the Best Fast Growing Privacy Shrubs here State Tree of Pennsylvania In 1931, Pennsylvania adopted Eastern Hemlock as its official state tree. People use its wood to build log cabins and tanning leather. The State Tree of Pennsylvania is also popular as Hemlock Spruce or Canada Hemlock. AJ Downing describes this tree as one of the world’s evergreen beauty and calls it the “Father of Landscape Gardening in America....
In addition, the bacteria stimulate the plant to activate their natural resistance mechanisms. This provides additional control of pathogens. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BAA) is a type of bacterium that is found in soils throughout the world and also on dried foods and fresh produce. Many strains of these bacteria enhance plant growth and inhibit plant pathogens, greatly improving the health of plants. They colonize the roots of plants and reduce plant disease by both direct and indirect action....
