Cutting crepe myrtle knots doesn’t resolve the problem. If you cut below the knot, a new knot forms in its place. The tree never reverts to its naturally beautiful shape, but through proper pruning of a crepe myrtle tree, you may be able to make the knots less noticeable. Why Knots Form on Crepe Myrtle Trees Pollarding is a European style of pruning where all of the new growth is cut from the tree each winter....
Damage from Growing Vines on Siding or Shingles The biggest question is how do vines damage siding or shingles. Most vines grow up surfaces either by sticky aerial roots or twining tendrils. Vines with twining tendrils can be damaging to gutters, roofs, and windows, as their small young tendrils will wrap around anything they can; but then as these tendrils age and grow bigger, they can actually distort and warp weak surfaces....
How to Use Mosquito Repelling Plants Most scientists agree that while repellent plants may have a tiny effect on flying insects as they sit in your garden or on the patio, they’re most effective when used directly on the skin. Therefore, when using a deterrent plant for mosquitoes, you need to harvest a handful of leaves and crush them, rubbing the crushed leaves on any exposed skin. The volatile oils in the foliage will leave their insect-repellent properties on your arms and legs, keeping the mosquitoes from biting....
About Acorn Squash Considered a winter squash, acorn squash (Cucurbita pepo) is actually in the same family as summer squash like zucchini. While acorn squash is used as a vegetable, it is botanically classified as a fruit. This edible vining gourd may be found in some areas of the world year round, but in North America acorn squash is available from early fall to winter. Unlike other summer squash, acorn squash stores well in a cool, dry, and dark area for a month or even longer....
Irish Garden Let’s start with native Irish plants, fun for an Irish garden. Most of us know about the shamrock, but have you ever heard of Irish moss, aka pearlwort (Sagina subulata)? It’s a groundcover plant of small, emerald green for sandy or gritty soil. Irish moss will happily cascade over the lips of steps and occupy any empty corners in the garden. Hardy to zone 4, Irish moss appears rapidly to create an Irish carpet – and you can almost imagine fairies dancing on it....
Do African Violets Need Fertilizer? African violets require fairly low maintenance. They do need proper exposure, heat, and keeping water off those leaves, but they usually keep producing those sweet flowers much of the year. To keep your violet in good health, it needs to be fed. When, how and with what are questions we will be answering. Almost all plants need proper macro- and micro-nutrients as well as soluble vitamins, and African violets are no exception....
Diseases of Eucalyptus Trees When it comes to diseases of eucalyptus, wet weather, poor drainage, or damp conditions that prevent air circulation from reaching the center of the tree are often the culprits. Anthracnose – This group of fungal diseases affects primarily branches, twigs and leaves, and is recognized by curled, distorted growth and small black, tan or brown lesions. Younger trees are most susceptible. Anthracnose is related to excessive moisture and often follows moist springtime weather....
If you are a cabbage lover, try growing Copenhagen Market cabbage plants. Copenhagen Market Early Facts This early producer is an heirloom vegetable that produces large, round heads. The blue-green leaves are rich in nutrients and are delicious raw or cooked. Copenhagen Market cabbage plants must be timed to mature before summer heat amps up or the heads are prone to cracking. This cabbage has the word “market” in its name because it is a vigorous producer and has visual appeal, making it valuable for commercial growers....
This odd looking but tasty vegetable is closely related to tomatoes and are in the same family — the nightshade family, and many of the issues and pests that affect tomatoes also affect eggplants. One of these issues is when the eggplant flowers fall off the plant without producing fruits. When an eggplant has flowers but no fruit, this is due to one of two issues. The first thing that can cause eggplant flowers to fall off is a lack of water and the other is a lack of pollination....
Cotton Grass Info Common cotton grass is widespread across Europe, Siberia and many other wetland and boggy habitats. It is a wild plant that colonizes cranberry bogs, marshes and other moist areas. Considered a weed in some agricultural sites, it is able to reproduce by its prolific airy cotton grass seeds or by roots. Get informed with the facts about cotton grass so you can see if it is right for your gardening needs....
Fertilizing Plum Trees Before you apply plum tree fertilizer, it’s a good idea to do a soil test. This will help you to determine if you even need to fertilize. Fertilizing plum trees without knowing whether or not it is necessary not only wastes your money, but it can result in excessive plant growth and low fruit yields. Fruit trees, including plums, will absorb nutrients from the soil, especially if they are surrounded by a lawn that is regularly fertilized....
What is Cytospora Canker? Cytospora cankers occur when the airborne cytospora fungus enters a tree through injuries and damage. It forms a sunken canker that spreads gradually, eventually girdling the branch and killing everything beyond the site of the canker. The diseased area may become covered with a growth of black fungus. What Causes Amber Sap on Trees? Cytospora canker is caused by the fungus Cytospora chrysosperma. The fungus enters the tree through damaged bark....
About Early Rhubarb Plants Rhubarb forcing can be done indoors or outdoors to produce a harvest out of season. Historically, West Yorkshire, England produced 90% of the world’s winter rhubarb in “forcing sheds,” but the home gardener can replicate forcing rhubarb in winter in a cellar, garage, or another outbuilding – even in the garden. In order to produce by way of forcing rhubarb in winter, the crowns must go into a dormant period and be exposed to temperatures of between 28 and 50 degrees F....
How to Keep Birds Off Your Fruit Trees Fruit tree pest control is best done before the fruit ripens. Understanding how to keep birds off your trees is not so difficult. If you want to know how to keep birds off your fruit trees, you need to realize there are various forms of fruit tree pest control. You can trap the birds, you can use bird netting for fruit trees to keep them from getting at the ripening fruit, and you can use chemical repellants to keep the birds and other pests away from your fruit trees....
Growing Zone 6 Plants Basically, the lower a zone number is, the colder that area’s weather is. Zone 6 usually experiences a yearly low of -10 F. (-23 C.). It stretches in something like an arc, more or less, across the middle of the U.S. In the northeast, it runs from parts of Massachusetts down into Delaware. It stretches south and west through Ohio, Kentucky, Kansas, and even parts of New Mexico and Arizona before turning northwest up through Utah and Nevada, ending in Washington state....
Now, more than ever, first-time gardeners have nearly unlimited access to the resources necessary to be successful. Let’s explore some gardening tips for beginners. How to Start a Garden The most frequently asked question of first-time gardeners is how to get started. How to start a garden will vary greatly from one person to another. While some people have access to yard space, others may find that growing in containers is their only option....
About Greigii Tulip Flowers Greigii tulips are a joy to have in a sunny garden. With blooms very large in proportion to the size of the plant, they work well in rock gardens and borders as well as potted arrangements. In full sun, the blooms open wide into cup-shaped flowers. When they are open, they can be more than 5 inches (13 cm.) across. As the sun passes, the petals fold up again for evening....
Gardening Against a Wall Whether you’re looking to add plants up against the walls of your house or against a garden wall or fence, first consider several different factors. Choose plants that will do well facing a particular direction (like against a north-facing or a south-facing wall) or in full sun or partial shade. Consider that south-facing walls can get very hot in summer. Don’t select plants destined to grow taller than the garden wall....
Prickly Pear Plant Characteristics Prickly pears are vigorously growing cactus with detachable spines which means they may not be suitable for every garden. The plants are perfect for the hot as a griddle areas of your garden. The plant is comprised of wide, flat, thick pads that are covered in spines and segmented stems. There are 181 species of prickly pear plant that range from low growing plants just over a foot (31 cm....
Growing Schefflera as Bonsai If you are looking for a durable houseplant that thrives in low-light conditions, schefflera is worth a look. It’s extremely popular and easy to grow as long as you understand its needs. In addition, dwarf schefflera has lots of traits that make it an ideal bonsai tree. While this species doesn’t have the woody stems and compound leaf structure of other bonsais, its trunks, branching, and root structure all work well in this role....
