Two Kinds of Pepper Plant Pruning First of all, we should make it clear that there are two ways for pruning bell peppers. The first way for pruning pepper plants is early season pruning and the second is late season pruning. We will look at the benefits of both of these. Early Season Pepper Plant Pruning When it comes to bell peppers, pruning at the beginning of the season, before the plant has set fruit, is supposed to help increase yield....
What is Pilosella Fox and Cubs? Fox and cubs wildflowers are alpine plants native to Europe. Pilosella aurantiaca starts out as a rosette and develops lance-shaped leaves with stems covered in dark hair. The buds are clustered in terminal pedicles of up to 12, each covered in the black fuzzy hair. Plants can grow over 15 inches (38 cm.) tall and bear numerous tiny rayed golden orange blooms. They are found in open spaces such as ditches, hillsides, and even parks and gardens....
Due to their rooted nature, it may be difficult to imagine what measures plants are able to take to prevent outside attacks. One may quickly begin to wonder, “How does a plant defend itself?”. Keep reading to learn about ways plants protect themselves from threats. How Do Plants Fight Off Predators? The ways plants protect themselves vary widely depending upon the location, growing conditions, and predators by which the plant may be attacked....
How to Identify Pups on Succulents There are many cute little names for succulents, especially new ones that grow on adult plants. We might call them babies and refer to the adult as the mom. Botanically, they’re referred to as offsets, as they grow from the mature plant. They are also called pups. This is just another name used to identify these young offsets. Succulent offset info says “an offset is a small, virtually complete daughter plant that has been naturally and asexually produced on the mother plant....
About Japanese Katsura Trees The grown up name for Katsura tree, Cercidiphyllum, refers to a genus of trees from Asia, in particular Japan and China. The trees are suited for moist soil in full sun and get no larger than 45 feet (14 m.) tall. In fact, the majority of the trees are almost better classified as big bushes rather than trees. While there are other varieties, Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonica) is one of the most popular landscape trees....
Beautiful fall-blooming pollinator plants are available as both annual and perennial flowers. Though pollinator garden ideas are only limited by one’s imagination, it’s essential to focus on the production of blooms that are heavily nectar-rich. Many pollinator-attracting plants for fall feature vibrant colors and large flower sprays. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular options. Popular Fall Flowers to Plant Asters – Both annual and perennial asters are prized for their ability to attract fall pollinators....
One of the most common issues related to keeping hydrangeas fresh in a vase is making sure that the flowers do not wilt. Wilting of hydrangeas occurs most often after the flowers have just been cut or after they have just been arranged. Due to the large flower heads, the prevention of wilt will require careful attention to hydration and conditioning. How to Make Hydrangeas Last When going into the garden to cut hydrangea blooms, make certain to bring a bucket of clean water....
Landscaping Against Brick Walls A brick wall in a garden has a distinct appeal. The structure adds a rough stone texture and a color element that a wooden wall doesn’t have, and makes nearby plants stand out. But brick walls are foundational elements of a home or landscape. The soil near them can be compacted and contain clay, sand, and filler that do not help plants thrive. This makes landscaping against brick walls a challenge....
Tips on Growing Calla Lilies It is easy to grow calla lilies. These plants do not generally require too much attention. Proper planting and location are about the only important things to consider when growing calla lilies. Care of calla lilies requires that they be planted in loose, well-drained soil. They prefer to be located in full sun or partial shade in warmer climates. Calla lilies are typically planted in the spring....
Planting Hyacinth Bulbs Hyacinths in the garden are suitable for a wide range of USDA zones, 3 through 9. They are thought to be native to the eastern Mediterranean region and need well-draining soil and winter’s chill to thrive. Their signature fragrance has been used in French perfume and their appearance is a part of the Persian New Year celebrations. In the home garden, they are just plain lovely and a signal that spring has arrived and colorful flower displays are just getting started....
Luculia Plant Information Luculias are evergreen shrubs, native to the Himalayas in China, Nepal, India and Bhutan. There are five species in the genus and they all grow in the wild at altitudes of 5,000 feet (1,500 m.). However, you can try growing Luculia in any region with a mild climate. Luculia plant information suggests that British plant hunters brought the shrub to Europe in the 19th century. Today, these plants grow all over the world, right down into the tropics, but do best in area with mild climates....
Pea Root Nematodes Nematodes are microscopic worms that infest the roots of plants. There are many different species that attack different types of plants and that cause varying degrees of damage. Nematodes complete most of their life cycle in roots of plants and survive in the soil as eggs ready to hatch the next year. Common Pea Nematodes There are a few nematodes of peas that are most common in gardens, and they all have the potential to cause a lot of damage....
Fertilizers for Palms Palm trees are a famous icon for many tropical locations. However, nutrients are quickly leached out of sandy soils, especially in regions with heavy seasonal rains. In regions like this, palm trees can become seriously deficient in certain nutrients. Nutrient deficiencies can cause numerous problems, affecting the overall health and appeal of palm trees. Like all plants, palm trees require a combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients for optimal growth....
How to Harvest Pecans Pecan harvest time is in late fall. The nuts are ready to harvest when the green hulls split open and drop to the ground. Squirrels and other creatures love the pecans as much as we do, so it is important to harvest on a daily basis lest these critters get to the nuts first. Harvesting pecans takes a bit of work. You can either harvest the nuts off the ground or shake the tree and then harvest them....
Companion Planting with Celery Companion planting is an important part of integrated pest management in your garden. Deliberately planting crops together can work to bring balance to your garden. The idea of companion planting works on many levels to improve your garden’s ecosystem, including discouraging insect pests without applying potentially harmful pesticides. Experts advise that certain plants will grow well in a garden bed with celery, and that others will limit your crop....
What are Floricanes and Primocanes? Blackberries and raspberries have roots and crowns that are perennial, but the life cycle of the canes is just two years. The first year in the cycle is when the primocanes grow. The following season there will be floricanes. The primocane growth is vegetative, while the floricane growth produces fruit and then dies back so the cycle can start again. Established caneberries have both types of growth every year....
Why Does My Rhododendron Have Yellow Leaves? Before you begin, make sure that what you are seeing is not just leaf senescence – old leaves falling off at the end of their two or three year life. This happens just before winter or in summer drought. Yellow rhododendron leaves often represent the plant’s expression of dissatisfaction with its care. Rhodies are picky about the soil you plant them in and about how much water they like....
While not all of these species are commonly found in garden centers or online nurseries, many new species and cultivars are easily available. Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) and Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) are two of the most popular species of wisteria for the landscape. However, in this article, we will discuss the lessor known, Silky wisteria (Wisteria brachybotrys syn. Wisteria venusta). Silky Wisteria Information Silky wisteria is native to Japan....
Identifying Weeds with Succulent Leaves Purslane plants are trailing, succulent-type weeds with a mat-forming habit. With fleshy, succulent leaves and reddish stems, it can become a prolific nuisance in your yard. Native to India and Persia, purslane has spread around the world. It is related to the popular bedding plant portulaca (moss rose). Since the plant germinates when soil temperatures are warm, you likely won’t see it until later in summer....
About Mayhaw Pruning Some homeowners grow mayhaw trees instead of dogwoods for the early flowering display. Sometimes growth gets out of hand and it is necessary to prune mayhaw trees. Trimming mayhaws is common for those who use them as landscape specimens or in orchards. The round top may become so dense that light can’t reach the interior branches. The tree may be taking up more space than you’d like. These are reasons for mayhaw pruning, as is the yearly removal of root sprouts and basal suckers....
