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by Robert Pavlis The standard recommendation is to use new soil when repotting houseplants or planting containers in spring. This seems to make a lot of sense. Containerized plants grow in very little soil, and giving them fresh stuff should be good for them; besides, the nutrients in the old soil have been used up, and it may contain diseases. What is potting soil? In most cases, there is very little soil in potting soil....

There are actually two plants that qualify as Mexican sunflower, both of which are Tithonia species. Tithonia rotundifolia is also called the “red sunflower,” but Tithonia diversifolia has a slew of names ranging from “Japanese sunflower” to “tree marigold” or “Mexican tournesol.” Table of Contents Both share the common name “Mexican sunflower,” but the former is orange-to-red in color, and the latter is yellow. Each Mexican sunflower is so closely related that their care is identical....

With its tropical origins, it’s no surprise that peperomia obtusifolia is popular. Often grown as a prized houseplant, the baby rubber plant loves its humidity, but can’t take cold temps. It’s surprisingly self-sufficient, and makes for a perfect green addition to your home. Table of Contents Slender upright stems support fleshy, almost succulent-looking glossy green leaves. Whether it’s one of the multicolored varieties or all green, it’s quite a sight to behold....

Types of perennials with purple flowers Fans of purple in the garden are always pleased to learn that there are violet-hued blooming perennials in a broad range of sizes and shapes. From purple-flowering ground covers to the tallest purple perennials, there’s a purple plant for every garden no matter its size or style. In creating this list of purple perennial flowers, I found it easiest to divide them into groups based on their stature....

As an Idahoan, I absolutely love potatoes! There are so many things you can make with them and you can grow them in small spaces. Plus, you don’t have to live in the Spud State to join in on the fun. Potato growing can be accomplished – and enjoyed – practically anywhere. Table of Contents Potatoes are a top staple in the human diet, along with wheat and rice. In fact, it’s the most common non-cereal crop grown worldwide....

by Matt Gibson About Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus is a plant disease that is now quite common in any temperate, subtropical, and tropical environments around the world. The virus affects over 1000 different plant species and has become a major concern for tomato farmers. The virus affects many ornamental plants as well as vegetable plants such as tomatoes, peppers, basil, lettuce, beans, peas, and potatoes. There is no known cure for the virus once it has taken hold of a plant....

There are six major types of hydroponics systems Wick Systems Deep Water Culture Drip Systems Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain) Nutrient Film Technique Aeroponics If you are about to start growing plants at home using hydroponics, there are quite a number of factors to consider beforehand that will determine the success of your venture. Even then, the most seasoned hydroponics growers too can run into problems along the line....

Calatheas are stunning plants with amazing foliage, but they can be a bit grouchy if their conditions aren’t met. Unfortunately, they express discontent through those beautiful leaves. Let’s go over the reasons your Calathea leaves are turning yellow and how you can fix the problem. Why are my Calathea leaves turning yellow? To avoid yellow leaves, Calatheas need bright, indirect light, high humidity, and consistently moist soil. Yellowing leaves can also be caused by stress from overwatering, droughts, temperature extremes, acclimation issues, nutrition, drafts, pests, or old age....

My hope is that after reading this review of some of the most attractive and functional outdoor benches available, you’ll think about adding one or more to your outdoor landscape, to bridge the ever-widening gap between us and our natural world. In this modern day of decks and patios, many of us have gotten away from sitting in, or even near, our gardens, close to the flowers and the birds and butterflies that make their homes here....

Alocasias are considered some of the most striking houseplants because of their spectacular foliage and visual appeal. Native to subtropical Asia and eastern Australia some Alocasia varieties have leaves that grow to an incredible three feet in length! Without a doubt, these plants will be a showpiece in your houseplant collection and I highly recommend you consider adding some of the many Alocasia varieties to your home! Plants within the Alocasia genus have similar basic traits because of their genetic connection, but the individual Alocasia varieties show vast differences in color, leaf size and shape, and size....

Instead of growing just the regular veggies and flowers, why not try your hand at growing something different? The plants in this list can easily be started in ponds or container water gardens. Sounds doable and fun? Here are the best Herbs and Vegetables You Can Grow in a Container Water Garden. Check out our article on creating a container water garden here. Herbs and Vegetables You Can Grow in a Container Water Garden 1....

Papayas are native to Central America and Southern Mexico. This low-calorie, low-fat fruit is rich in minerals, fiber, and vitamin C. The two major varieties are Mexican and Hawaiian. Most types of papaya found in supermarkets are grown in Hawaii. Other varieties are cultivated in Mexico and tropical warm countries. Here are some of the famous different varieties of papaya! Check out our article on growing Papaya here! Different Types of Papaya 1....

These stunning Trees with Heart-Shaped Leaves are surely going to bring a romantic appeal to your garden! Here are the Best Heart-Shaped plants for indoors Trees with Heart-Shaped Leaves 1. Silver Linden Botanical Name: Tilia tomentosa Silver Linden is a huge tree with heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 50-70 feet tall. It is native to Europe, Asia, and Turkey and grows best in USDA Zones 4-7. Find out the Best Fall Foliage Plants here 2....

by Jennifer Poindexter We should all be eating various colored foods each day. Did you know that different colored foods have different nutrients? Therefore, the more colors of food you consume, the more variations of nutrients you’ll consume as well. Let’s start adding different nutrients to our diets by growing purple tomatoes. Purple foods are known for being high in anthocyanin and are thought to boost your mood. All of this is good for your brain....

Vegetables Spinach is a vegetable garden staple for many gardeners. But companion planting successfully can be the difference between bountiful yield and a wasted harvest. In this article, organic gardening expert Logan Hailey looks at her favorite spinach companion plants, as well as what you should never plant with spinach. By Logan Hailey Last updated: June 22, 2022 | 21 min read Heart-healthy spinach is among the healthiest vegetables on the planet, and it’s also a joy to have in the garden....

by Jennifer Poindexter Do you like to coordinate colors in your landscape? Some people may think nothing of this, but there are some where this matters deeply. If you’re looking for a specific-colored plant to complete the look around the outside of your home, this might prove exhausting. It would be helpful to find all your options in one location. If you’re hunting for all of the options for white flowers to grow in your garden, you’ve come to the right place....

If you are a fan of Ceropegia woodii and adore its thin trailing stems danging down beautifully from the rim of planters, then check out these Plants That Look Like String of Hearts! Here are some stunning plants that look like they’re made of copper! Plants That Look Like String of Hearts 1. Million Hearts Botanical Name: Dischidia ruscifolia These easy-growing epiphytes trail down from tree branches in their native habitat....

“Are Hostas Edible, Especially the Shoots?!”—This is the reaction of most people to this popular ornamental plant that they are used to seeing in homes and gardens. Well, surprisingly, you can use its shoots on your platter and they taste incredible! Let’s have a look at How to Grow Hostas for Eating. Check out the best types of hostas here Are Hosta Shoots Edible? From shoots to flowers, Hostas are entirely edible....

Coffee, no doubt, is one of the most popular beverages around the globe. Nothing beats a rejuvenating cup of coffee after long hours of sleep or exhausting work schedule. Coffee is also rich in antioxidants and offers significant health benefits as well. What are Coffee Beans? Coffee beans are found inside the fruit of the coffee plant, known as ‘Cherry.’ Each cherry has a pit containing two seeds of coffee, called ‘Beans....

By Jennifer Poindexter Have you ever considered growing items in a greenhouse? I hadn’t until approximately seven years ago. The idea came to me one day after watching a television show. When I spoke to my husband about it, he was on board. That’s all it took. We went through a series of mental processes, made many mistakes, but ultimately built, and love growing things inside, a greenhouse. If you’re considering diving into a greenhouse, I want to share my journey of how I knew this was the right growing method for us....