Posts

Spider Mum Facts To those researching chrysanthemums for the first time, understanding the specifics of spider mum care and growth may be somewhat confusing. While bedding type chrysanthemums are extremely popular, spider mum flowers are quite different. Most wish to learn how to grow spider mums due to their use in cut flower arrangements. With an exceptional vase life, gardeners are able to create dazzling displays of these large flowers. Spider mum flowers get their name from their unique form....

Harvesting Fresh Raspberries Berries have always been good for us, but of late they are getting even more of a pat on the back due to the flavonoids (anthocyanins) that give raspberries their color. Additionally, they are a good source of vitamin C and fiber, and, although sweet, rank low on the glycemic index– making them an excellent choice for those monitoring their blood sugar levels. All that aside, they are just plain delicious....

What is root beer? It is a very old brew that became popular in the late 1800’s, and even more so as a substitute for real beer during the prohibition era. Originally a tea, by the time the temperance period came about, carbonation became part of its makeup. Root beer ingredients vary slightly, but usually include the roots of the sassafras tree, birch bark, juniper berry extract, ginger, and licorice....

Can I Plant Grocery Store Green Onions? Almost all of us are trying to save money, especially on our food bills. Most of us are also trying to avoid waste. Growing your own produce from the throw-away bits is a winning team-up of the two goals. You may wonder, can I plant grocery store green onions? This is just one of the types of veggies that will produce fresh, usable produce in short order....

While it’s not a good idea to transplant a mature redbud tree unless absolutely necessary, it is entirely possible to dig up seedlings to transplant into your landscape. Read on for tips for transplanting redbud trees. Redbud Tree Transplant In early spring, redbud trees light up the forest with their magical clusters of purple-pink pea-like flowers. They appear on the naked branches of these deciduous trees in early April before the foliage emerges....

Even if you don’t live in these regions, breadfruit can sometimes be obtained at specialty markets in larger metropolitan areas. If you are lucky enough to grow this tree or have access to it and are feeling adventurous, you probably want to know what to do with breadfruit. Read on to find out how to use breadfruit. About Using Breadfruit Breadfruit may be culinarily classified as a vegetable when mature but not ripe or as a fruit when ripe....

The good news is that there are simple ways of controlling bees in hummingbird feeders, although you may still have a few that stick around. Keeping Bees from Hummingbird Feeders Controlling hummingbird pests in feeders is sometimes necessary in order to prevent issues later. Bees and wasps at a hummingbird feeder is no different. Here are some tips for managing bees and wasps at your hummingbird feeder. Invest in a couple of “no-insect” feeders....

Iceland poppy flowers attract birds, butterflies and bees. The flowers of the Iceland poppy plant are usually orange and reach 2 feet (60 cm.) in height and the same in spread. Colors of white, yellow and red are available in more than 80 varieties of the Iceland poppy flower, as are varying heights. Don’t be deterred from planting this beautiful, easy-care bloom out of fear that it is illegal. The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) variety is the only one that is forbidden from cultivation in most areas....

Ladybug Egg Information The first stage in becoming a ladybug is the egg stage, so let’s absorb a little ladybug egg information. Once the female has mated, she lays between 10 and 50 eggs on a plant that has plenty of food for her children to eat once hatched, usually a plant infested with aphids, scale, or mealybugs. Over the course of the spring and early summer, one female ladybug can lay up to 1,000 eggs....

What is an Indicator Plant? All plants are acutely tuned into and affected by their environment. As such, they are excellent at pointing out any changes in soil, temperature, or moisture and highlighting pest and disease problems. Even the novice gardener has probably gauged when to water a bed by noticing the nodding heads of a flower that is susceptible to drought conditions. Many flowers are a water indicator for plants....

Citrus Plants for the Home Growing citrus houseplants is not only possible, but will add a refreshing aroma when in flower as well as being a decorative addition, with the added benefit of a potential fruit harvest. While many varieties of commercially grown citrus are too large to be grown inside, there are several suitable cultivars of citrus plants for the home gardener, such as dwarf varieties. The following all make wonderful indoor citrus trees:...

What is a Sport in the Plant World? A sport in the plant world is a genetic mutation that results from a faulty chromosomal replication. The results of the mutation are a segment of the plant that is distinctly different from the parent plant in both appearance (phenotype) and genetics (genotype). The genetic change is not a result of unusual growing conditions; it is an accident, a mutation. In many cases the new trait can be handed down to the organism’s offspring....

Tips for Watering Tomato Plants Water slowly, water deeply – The number one rule of watering tomatoes is to make sure that you go slow and easy. Never rush watering tomato plants. Use a drip hose or other forms of drip irrigation to deliver water to your tomato plants slowly. Water regularly – How often should you water tomato plants? There is no hard and fast rule to this. It depends on how hot it is and if the plant is actively growing....

Symptoms of Dogwood Borers Most of the severe damage to dogwoods by this pest is caused by the dogwood borer larvae. Most often, dogwood borer larva will embed themselves in burrknots (lumps at the base of the trunk that were formed from undeveloped roots), in grafting collars, or in healed bark wounds. If a wound, grafting collar, or knot becomes infested with dogwood borers, it may appear wet and will take on a reddish color....

The Surprising Lycoris Lily The Lycoris bulb will indeed surprise you if you are not familiar with her ways. Lycoris first presents a lush display of draping foliage, similar to that of the daffodil. A closer look reveals rounded leaf tips on attractive arching leaves. Just when you expect buds to develop, the foliage dies back, and the unaware gardener can feel robbed. However, the Lycoris squamigera lies in wait for just the right time to bloom....

Herbs for Xeriscaping Many herbs thrive in hot, arid conditions and are great for xeriscaping. Consider some drought-hardy herbs when planning your xeriscape herb garden. These may include: Bee balm Lavender Marjoram Yarrow Sweet alyssum Oregano Thyme Rosemary Russian sage Lamb’s ears Herbs are plants for all seasons and situations. Herbs are a great asset in a landscape designed for low-water use. Most herbs bloom profusely throughout the summer season with very little water....

Is Yucca Edible? While yucca and yuca are not botanically related and are native to different climates, they do have the similarity of being used as a food source. The two get confused due to that missing “C,” but yuca is the plant you may have tried in trendy Latin bistros. Yuca is the plant from which tapioca flour and pearls are derived. Yucca, on the other hand, is most notable for its more common use as an ornamental plant specimen....

Why Choose Big Houseplants? Larger houseplants provide all the benefits of smaller plants but even more so. Being surrounded by green plants is good for your mental health and stress levels. Plants filter the air. And, growing plants successfully can be rewarding. With big plants, you only multiply these effects. If you have the space for them, larger houseplants can make it feel like you’re living in a jungle or forest....

Delphinium Pests Larkspur is susceptible to damage and infestation by several types of pests: Aphids. These little insects feed on larkspur and reduce their growth. Aphids are easy to identify by the honeydew they leave on the flowers and foliage. Often, fungus grows on the honeydew. You can use certain species of midges to biologically control aphids or use neem or an insecticidal soap. Cyclamen mites. Mites feed on delphinium, resulting in distorted and stunted growth of buds and flowers....

Leaf problems in plants that are deficient in nutrients or trace minerals are common and may include stunted growth, drying, and discoloration. Nutritional deficiencies present differently in plants, and a proper diagnosis is critical in order to rectify the problem. One of the most commonly asked questions relates to having a plant with purple leaves or leaves turning reddish-purple in color. Why Are Plant Leaves Turning Purple? When you notice a plant with purple leaves rather than the normal green color, it is most likely due to a phosphorus deficiency....