Growing a Pussy Willow Tree One of the first trees to break bud in late winter or early spring, learning how to grow pussy willows provides the garden with unique interest from the furry catkins, which are soon followed by whiteish yellow flowers, when much of the landscape still sleeps in dormancy. For optimum results when learning how to grow pussy willows, pay attention to the location where it is planted....
Rejuvenating Old Fruit Trees Some fruit trees are easier than others to restore, so you’ll need to figure out what kind of trees you have before you decide on a course of action. If you aren’t sure what type of trees you have, take twig samples to your local extension office for identification. When you are thinking of reviving an old fruit tree, apple and pear trees are the easiest to work with....
Identifying Scotch Thistle Scotch thistle plants (Onopordum acanthium) boast amazing blooms atop their towering stems, but this invasive species has become a menace to livestock across the country. Its ability to act as a living barbed wire, preventing cows, sheep, and other animals from reaching valuable water sources, has earned the title of noxious weed in most states. Even though it’s not as big of a problem for home gardeners, managing Scotch thistle in your landscape is important in the battle against this troublesome plant....
What is Semi-Hydroponics? Semi-hydroponics, ‘semi-hydro,’ or hydroculture, is a method for growing plants using an inorganic medium instead of bark, peat moss, or soil. Instead, the medium, usually LECA or clay aggregate, is strong, light, very absorbent, and porous. The purpose of using semi-hydroponics for houseplants is to make their care easier, especially when it comes to under or overwatering. The difference between hydroponics and semi-hydroponics is that semi-hydro uses capillary or wicking action to uptake nutrients and water held in a reservoir....
Are Coyotes Dangerous? Although the wily canines may occasionally dine on juicy vegetables or fruits (especially melons), they depend primarily on rats and other rodents and are extremely effective at keeping destructive, disease-causing vermin under control. Since they are such important members of the ecosystem, coyotes should be appreciated more than feared. However, it’s sometimes necessary to devise ways of controlling coyotes that venture too near the home and garden. Coyotes tend to be shy creatures, but like most wild animals, they can be dangerous and shouldn’t be approached....
What is a Small Farm? The definition is up for debate, but a small farm generally consists of less than ten acres. Work is mostly done by hand without expensive equipment or technology. Animals are small, such as chickens or goats. A backyard farm can support small food production, but crops such as wheat or barley, when grown on a large scale, are not well suited to small backyard farms....
Southwest Region Perennial Flowers In general, southwestern perennials, especially perennials in the desert, must be tough enough to withstand dry conditions, intense sunlight, and in some cases, extreme heat. Many of the best perennials for the southwest are native to the area, which is always a plus. Here are some popular plants to try in your southwestern garden: Black-eyed Susan: Black-eyed Susan produces bright orange-yellow blooms all summer. There are perennial varieties available....
How to Get Rid of Speedwell Let’s take a look at how to get rid of speedwell in both the garden and lawn. Speedwell Control in Gardens To achieve annual speedwell control in the vegetable garden, till the garden to a depth of at least 6 inches (15 cm.) in fall and late winter when several species of speedwell are most likely to germinate. Studies have shown that tilling after dark is most effective....
What is a Star Magnolia? The star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is known as a small tree or large shrub that is native to Japan. The habit is oval with low branches and very close-set stems. There are many cultivars available such as Centennial, which grows to 25 feet (7.5 m.) and has white flowers with a pink tinge; Rosea, which has pink flowers that fade to white; or Royal Star, which reaches a mature height of 20 feet (6 m....
Propagating Baby’s Breath Plants You may have planted seeds of this flower without success. Seeds are tiny and sometimes a little tricky to get going. When propagating baby’s breath, you will likely have better success by taking cuttings from an existing plant or planting one in the landscape. Baby’s breath is normally grown as an annual flower in most areas, but some types are hardy perennials. All types are easily grown from cuttings taken in early summer....
Tatarian Maple Facts Tatarian maple trees (Acer tataricum) are small trees or large shrubs native to native to western Asia. They may grow 20 feet (6 meters) tall but often spread to 25 feet (7.5 meters) or wider. Despite this short height, they shoot up fast, sometimes 2 feet (0.5 meters) per year. These trees are considered ornamentals. They produce panicles of greenish-white flowers in springtime. The fruit is also eye-catching: long, red samaras that hang on the tree for a month or so before falling....
Houseplants grown in large containers are exceptionally popular, but can require a bit of special care, depending upon the type. Another way to add greenery to indoor spaces is by creating terrariums. Learning how to care for terrarium plants can help determine if these unique planters are viable options in your space. Are Terrariums Easy to Care For? Terrarium styles can vary greatly. While some terrariums feature an open top, others remain completely closed at all times....
How to Grow Wormwood Plant Grow wormwood or sweet Annie plant in a sunny location and well-drained soil. This plant doesn’t like being overly wet. Wormwood is generally planted in spring. If starting plants from seeds, sow the small seeds in flats and set the seedlings out in the garden well after the last frost in spring. Once established, wormwood plants require little care. In addition to occasional watering, these plants can be fertilized once a year....
Symptoms of Gray Mold in Tomato Plants Gray mold, or Botrytis blight, affects not just tomatoes, but other vegetables such as: Beans Cabbage Endive Lettuce Muskmelon Peas Peppers Potatoes Caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, these one-celled spores are borne on multiple branches which gives the fungus its name from the Greek ‘botrys,’ meaning a bunch of grapes. Gray mold of tomatoes appears on seedlings and young plants and appears as a grayish-brown mold that covers stems or leaves....
Totem Pole Cactus Information Gardeners lucky enough to live in USDA zones 9 to 11 can grow totem pole cacti to their impressive 10 to 12 foot (3-4 m.) tall potential. This would take years, but the plants are not prey to any insect pests, and the only real disease issue is root rot. Northern and temperate region gardeners will have to place the plant indoors or in a greenhouse for successful results....
What Causes Bacterial Leaf Spot of Pepper? The bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria causes bacterial leaf spot. It thrives in areas with hot summers and frequent rainfall. The bacterium is spread by plant debris in the soil and through infected seeds. Symptoms of Bacterial Leaf Spot Bacterial leaf spot causes lesions on the leaves that look as though they are soaked with water. These lesions normally begin on the lower leaves....
Van Cherry Uses Van cherries are firm, sweet, and juicy. Although they’re delicious eaten fresh, they can also be incorporated into cooked dishes and a variety of desserts, including pies and sorbets. The cherries are often used in jams, jellies, and sauces and can be preserved by freezing or drying. Van cherries pair well with a number of sweet and savory foods, including smoked meats, cheese, pork, poultry, or leafy greens....
What is Victorian Box Tree? According to Victorian box information, the tree is an evergreen ornamental that thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 10. It shares the same genus as the more familiar pittosporum shrubs. The Victorian box tree usually grows with a single trunk and can reach 40 feet (12 m.) tall and wide. It is a quick-growing tree, shooting up to a yard (1 m....
What to Clean Garden Statues With? For items such as fountains, chlorine tabs make quick work of cleaning, but cleaning garden sculptures is going to require a bit more effort. First of all, there is no need to purchase expensive cleansers when cleaning garden decorations. You will find everything you need in your household cleaning closet. Whether the statue is made of bronze, concrete, wood, or marble, all you should need are a few drops of liquid dish soap mixed with water....
What Are Green Collar Jobs? Frequently, jobs are referred to by the type of work which is done. Green collar jobs refer to any job that is related to managing, maintaining, preserving, and/or improving the environment. Alas, a green thumb is not the only requirement to find work within this field. As our focus on sustaining a healthy planet continues to grow, so too, do the opportunities within the green collar job industry....
