How to Prepare Grapevines for Winter There are a number of protection methods for overwintering grapes. Choosing a variety hardy to your area is one of the most important things you can do to ensure their survival. In cold climates, grapevines are generally covered with about 8 inches (20.5 cm.) of mounded soil. Extremely cold regions should also add some insulating mulch such as straw or shredded cornstalks (which are more water-resistant)....
June Planting in the Northern Rockies For the purposes of this article, planting in the Northern Rockies and Great Plains gardening refers to Montana, Wyoming, and North and South Dakota, although other states may be included in the broader term of the Northern Rockies. All four of the above states have a shorter growing season — all the more reason to jump on getting plants started, and run to USDA zones 3-6....
What is Greek Basil? Greek dwarf basil has been in use for centuries. It was planted in the Mediterranean area where it became established and is much used, eventually making it to the U.S. where it grows prolifically as well. Burpee first sold basil seeds in 1908. Most everyone is now familiar with this versatile herb. Producing dome-shaped plants that reach about 8 inches (20 cm.) in height, Greek basil is the favorite in sauces for tomato dishes, Italian food and other recipes....
Controlling greenbrier is an ongoing job once it gets established, so it’s best to get rid of greenbrier vine as soon as you identify it. Pay attention to the weeds you pull from your flower and vegetable beds so you can identify greenbrier weeds as soon as they pop up. Greenbrier Plant Control So what is greenbrier and how does it appear? Greenbrier vines produce berries that birds love to eat....
What is Anise Plant? Anise flowers are born in umbels like Queen Anne’s Lace. The seeds are the useful part of the plant and resemble caraway or carrot seeds. It’s easy to grow anise and the feathery leaves are borne on slightly purple stems. The plant, which grows just under 2 feet (60 cm.) tall, requires a warm growing season of at least 120 days. Anise is widely cultivated in many European and Asian countries but has not been an important crop in the United States....
About Zone 9 Grapes There are basically two types of grapes, table grapes, which are grown for eating fresh, and wine grapes that are cultivated primarily for wine making. While some types of grapes do, indeed, require a more temperate climate, there are still plenty of grapes that will thrive in the hot climate of zone 9. Of course, you want to check and be sure that the grapes you select to grow are adapted to zone 9, but there are a few other considerations as well....
Growing hellebores is a worthwhile task for the gardener. Aside from lovely and unusual flowers, the hellebore plant has attractive, green foliage that is aesthetically pleasing in the landscape. Once established, hellebore care is minimal. This herbaceous or evergreen perennial is disliked by deer and other animal pests prone to munching on plants. All parts of the hellebore plant are poisonous, so take care to keep children and pets away....
Sugarcane Propagation Methods Sugarcane is a true grass and can grow up to 12 feet in height (3.6 m.) tall. It is a perennial plant and is harvested every 12 months. Sugarcane needs plenty of heat, water and fertilizer and grows rapidly. Canes are peeled for use and are a supply of one of the most sought-after sugar sources. Sugarcane plant propagation requires warm temperatures of 78 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit (26 to 33 C....
About Sesame Seed Propagation The sesame plant (Sesamum indicum) is grown for its seeds. Commercial sesame production is largely for producing oil from the seeds. It is used in a variety of products, including soaps and pharmaceuticals. For the home gardener, this can be a fun plant to grow for the seeds and cooking. You can grow sesame seeds easily too, as long as you have the right climate for it....
Snapp Stayman Information According to Snapp apple history, Stayman apples were developed in Kansas near the end of the Civil War by horticulturalist Joseph Stayman. The Snapp cultivar of Stayman apples was discovered in the orchard of Richard Snapp of Winchester, Virginia. This apples is descended from Winesap, with much of the same qualities, and a few of its own. Snapp Stayman apple trees are semi-dwarf trees, reaching mature heights of about 12 to 18 feet (4 to 6 m....
How to Grow Tarragon Indoors Tarragon is an attractive herb with slender, slightly twisted leaves. The plant is a perennial and will reward you will many seasons of flavor if you care for it well. Tarragon grows as a many stemmed bush that can get semi-woody as it ages. While most herbs thrive in full sun, tarragon seems to perform best in a lower or diffused light situation. Allow a location of at least 24 inches (61 cm....
Learn more about chicory cold tolerance and what you can do to help protect the plants. Chicory Cold Tolerance Whether you are growing chicory for its leaves or its huge taproot, the plant is very easy to start from seed and grows rapidly in nutrient rich, well-draining soil in a sunny location– and there are various types to grow. Chicory is a perennial which can live three to eight years with good care....
Growing Gourd Plants Gourds are a warm season crop in the same family as squash, cucumbers, and melons. Native Americans used gourds practically for dishes and containers as well as ornamentally. Growing gourd plants is an interesting pursuit mainly because there are so many different types from which to choose. In fact, there are over 30 different large, hard-shell gourd varieties and over 10 ornamental varieties. When to Plant Gourds Plant gourds in the garden after the danger of frost has passed....
Adding compost to existing plants will slowly feed them as the compost continues to break down. It also prevents some weeds, keeps soil moist, helps regulate the temperature of the dirt, and has many more benefits. How to amend soil around existing plants with compost depends upon the age of the plant, the use for the compost, and even the time of year. When to Put Compost in Garden Beds There are several reasons to add compost to your soil....
How to Plant a Freesia Corm in the Garden Knowing how and when to plant freesia bulbs is important for their success in the garden. Start by choosing a location with full sun or light morning shade and well-drained soil. Prepare the bed by digging and loosening the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches (20 cm.). Plant the freesia bulbs, or corms, at least 2 inches (5 cm....
Interested in growing this broccoli variety? The following article contains information on how to grow Waltham 29 broccoli. About Waltham 29 Broccoli Plants Waltham 29 broccoli seeds were specifically developed to withstand the colder temperatures of the Pacific Northwest and East Coast. These broccoli plants grow to a height of about 20 inches (51 cm.) and form blue-green, medium to large heads on long stalks, a rarity amongst modern hybrids....
Rose Oil Infusion vs. Essential Rose Oil Essential oils yield a potent aroma that requires some technology and significant plant material which equal a higher cash outlay than making a rose oil infusion. Store bought essential oils use the benefit of distillation to really concentrate all that aroma. Die-hard essential oil enthusiasts could, indeed, make their own at home provided they are prepared to spend some money on a distillery or make one of their own....
The first step in attracting your own rodent control predator is by making an owl nest box. Owls do not make nests of their own, but take over useful structures or other abandoned nests. Once an owl finds a likely nest box on your property, it will happily stay and hunt on your property all year long. How to Attract Owls to the Garden How to attract owls to your backyard?...
What is Algae? There are numerous types of algae, divided into 11 phyla. Many species live in saltwater, so are not something you’ll run into often, but three main groups make their homes in fresh water. These algae belong to: Phylum Chlorophyta Phylum Euglenophyta Phylum Chrysophyta The types of algae growth you see in your backyard pond is due to one of these three groups, most often the green algae in Phylum Chlorophyta or the diatoms belonging to Phylum Chrysophyta....
How to Prune a Jade Plant The first thing to consider when deciding if you should trim your jade plant is to ask: does your jade plant really need to be pruned? Typically, jade plant pruning is done only on older, overgrown plants. Pruning jade plants is not necessary for the health of the plant and is done only for aesthetic reasons. Be aware that any time you prune a plant you are exposing the plant to potential bacterial damage, which could weaken or even kill the plant....
