Although rock gardens are sometimes located in sunny, open areas, they are often created where they add beauty and stabilize the soil on difficult slopes or hillsides. Speaking of soil, what can be found in a rock garden soil mixture? Read on to learn more. Soil for Rock Gardens If you’re creating a rock garden on level ground, begin by marking the perimeters of the garden with spray paint or string, then dig down about 3 feet (1 m....
Rose Campion Information Native to northern Africa, southern Europe and the Middle East, rose campion has become naturalized in many parts of the United States. It grows naturally on rocky, scrubby hillsides. The plants do well in rock gardens, xeriscaping, wildflower meadows and cottage gardens. The genus name ‘Lychnis’ (Greek for lamp), comes from the fact that the felt-like leaves were used as lamp wicks in olden days. The soft, pale, gray-green foliage makes the perfect backdrop for the brightly colored flowers, with each blossom lasting only a day....
Adult Rove Beetle Identification Due to the wide diversity between species, in-depth rove beetle identification is beyond the scope of this article. However, there are a few common identifying factors to watch for. In general, rove beetles have short front wings, giving them the appearance that they are poor flyers, but longer hind wings hidden under the short wings allow them to fly very well. Most rove beetles have large heads and prominent eyes....
Mandrake plants generally take about two years to mature, bloom, and produce berries. Mandrake root can be harvested after three to four years. Sowing mandrake seeds isn’t difficult, but don’t expect 100 percent success, as germination can be hit and miss. Read on for information on mandrake seed propagation. How to Grow Mandrake from Seed Purchase mandrake seeds from an herbal supply store or reputable online nursery. Otherwise, harvest seeds from ripe fruit in autumn....
Zone 4 Seed Starting Indoors In zone 4, we can experience frost sometimes as late as May 31st and as early as October 1st. This short growing season can mean that some plants will need to be started from seed indoors several weeks before the last expected frost date in order to reach their full potential before autumn. When to start these seeds indoors depends on the plant. Below are different plants and their typical planting times indoors....
Growing Conditions for Strawflowers Strawflowers (Helichrysum bracteatum syn. Xerochrysum bracteatum) are members of the daisy family and growing conditions are similar. They are well-suited for the sunniest spot in your garden. Strawflowers are heat tolerant and they grow in nearly any well-drained soil. How to Grow Strawflowers It’s easy to plant strawflower seeds directly in the garden after you’re sure all danger of frost has passed. Dig the soil to a depth of at least 8 to 10 inches (20....
How to Grow Lavender in the Garden As lavender seeds are slow to germinate, purchasing seedling plants is the most reliable way to grow this plant. Growing lavender plants is an easy endeavor provided you give them what they need. Although lavender can tolerate a variety of growing conditions, this plant thrives best under warm, sunny conditions in well-drained soil. In addition, an alkaline soil rich in organic matter can encourage higher plant oil production, enhancing the fragrance in lavender plants....
Why Use Tomato Cages as Christmas Trees A really fun family project is a tomato cage Christmas tree DIY. It starts with the commonly found cages and ends with your creativity. A quick look on the internet gives plenty of tomato cage Christmas tree ideas. You can make a tomato cage Christmas tree upside down or right side up, depending upon how much work you want to do. It’s amazing how creative people are....
Do Luffas Need Pruning? Pruning luffa vines isn’t necessary but it can help young plants send out more vines and promote the sturdiest stems for fruit production. Growing luffa gourds is quite easy provided you have a very long growing season. They take up to 200 frost-free days to mature and can grow numerous stems filled with heavy, up to 2-foot long (61 cm.) fruits. The vines need plenty of training and a sturdy trellis system upon which to grow....
Trimming Spider Plant Leaves When given the proper growing conditions, spider plants can reach 2 ½ to 3 feet (up to 1 m.) in both diameter and length. As a result, spider plants benefit from an occasional pruning. This is normally done during spring, or in most cases, summer. Pruning spider plants keeps them at a more desirable and manageable size and rejuvenates their overall health and vigor. In addition, the more babies it produces, the more the plant needs fertilizer and water as this uses up much of its energy....
Why are Plumeria Flowers Dropping? Plumeria, also called frangipani, are small, spreading trees. They deal well with drought, heat, neglect, and insect attacks. Plumeria are easily identifiable trees. They have gnarled branches and grow the distinctive flowers used in Hawaiian leis. The blossoms grow in clusters at the branch tips, with waxy petals, and a flower center in a contrasting color. Why are plumeria flowers dropping from the plant before they are finished blooming?...
Turnip Greens in the Garden Turnips are eaten for the thick fleshy root or bulb that the plant produces. They have been in cultivation for over 4,000 years and may have been eaten by ancient Romans and early Greeks. The leaves and stems of the plant are packed with fiber and nutrients. Turnip greens are associated with southern cooking and are an important part of regional diets. The best time to pick turnip greens is when they are young and small for best flavor....
What are Plantable Containers? Plantable containers can be used for starting plants. They are beneficial to use because they can help reduce transplant shock (which will help with your plants’ survival rate), reduce transplanting expenses, and avoid using disposable plastics. They’re durable enough for short term production and can be planted directly into the ground. Once in the ground, roots are able to grow through the pots’ walls. These biodegradable plant containers differ from compostable and recycled plastic/bio-based plastic (R3) containers in the way that plantable containers can be planted in the ground, while these other containers are meant to be externally composted or recycled....
About Pepicha Herb Uses Committed cooks are always looking for a new herb or spice. Using pepicha plants will add some serious zing to dishes. Depending upon the region, the herb may be known as pepicha or pipicha. Pipicha has use in many types of recipes. This delicate herb from Mexico mimics the citrus flavor of cilantro but packs much more of a punch. In Oaxaca, the herb is added to arroz blanco, or white rice, which gives the plain starch a nice zing....
What is Dahlia Verticillium Wilt? Verticillium wilt is an opportunistic, soil-borne fungal disease that infects many types of plants, including species of flowers, garden vegetables, and trees. It exists in the soil as mycelia, which is the vegetative part of the fungus comprised of branching, thread-like white filaments. The fungus, Verticillium dahliae, infects the roots of plants where it plugs the water conducting tissue. Even though the soil is moist, water can’t reach the leaves and the plant exhibits signs of wilting....
Brassinolide Information Scientists have been researching brassinolide steroids for years as a natural fertilizer, mainly for agricultural plants. Brassinolide steroids, also known as brassinosteroids, are naturally occurring plant hormones that regulate a plant’s growth, development and immunity. The hormone is naturally produced, as needed, to help plants grow, create pollen, set flowers, fruits and seeds, and resist diseases or pests. Naturally occurring brassinolide steroids are found in nearly all plants, algae, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms....
Planting a Victory Garden also boosted morale by providing a way for folks at home to do their part in the war effort. Victory Gardens Today Also known as war gardens or food gardens for defense, Victory Gardens were grown in nearly every spare patch of land in private gardens, public lands, parks, playgrounds, and churchyards. Even window boxes and front-step containers became useful Victory Gardens. Victory Gardens today are still important in countless ways....
Indian Clock Vine Plant Info Indian clock vine, Thunbergia mysorensis, is a flowering evergreen vine found in India. If you have the right conditions to grow it, this vine is a stunner. It can grow up to 20 feet (6 m.) long and produces flower clusters up to 3 feet (1 m.) long. The flowers are red and yellow and attract hummingbirds as well as other pollinators. The Indian clock vine needs something sturdy to climb and looks especially nice growing on a pergola or arbor....
What is a Cleft Graft? Grafting is done in a variety of different ways to achieve different ends. Reviewing a cleft grafting guide will give you information on when to use cleft grafting techniques and how it is done. The tree to which new material is to be attached is termed the rootstock, while the pieces to be attached are termed “scions.” In cleft graft propagation, the rootstock tree limb is cut off square and the cut end split....
What is Peacock Ginger? Peacock ginger belongs to the Kaempferia genus and there are several species, all native to Asia. They are largely grown for the decorative foliage, although they also produce pretty little flowers, usually pale purple to pink. These are perennial, groundcover-type plants, most varieties growing no more than a foot (31 cm.) tall. The elaborately striped leaves of the peacock ginger give this plant its common name. The leaves are showy and attractive, growing between 4 and 10 inches (10-25 cm....
