Gardening Basics

aloe plant

The Aloe vera plant goes by several names including burn plant, medicine plant and Aloe barbadense. Aloe has been used for many centuries by cultures around the world for its many medicinal...

artificial plants

Hydroponic gardening can be fun and easy to learn how to do. Hydroponic gardening is the process of growing plants in a medium other than soil. You can grow your plants indoors, from start to...

Bamboo is no longer an exotic plant that can only be seen in foreign lands. Now a frequent sight in homes and gardens all over the U.S., bamboo has gained popularity because it is as easy to grow...

Graced with a mild, Mediterranean climate, the San Francisco Bay Area is overflowing with gardens galore for plant lovers to enjoy-and one of the cities boasting the best array of gardens-is...

A water garden is an informal style pond with plants along the edge. A water garden can become a beautiful, tranquil addition to your backyard.

Compost is a kind of garden soil that comes up from a mixture of leaves, weeds, straw, kitchen waste, contaminated water and so on. It is used as home-made fertilizer. You can build a compost bin...

A garden pond can be a beautiful feature that not only enhances the value of your property, but also gives you endless joy and tranquility. Choosing the right spot for a water feature though, can...

Hydroponics systems are used to grow plants in nutrient rich water. By installing a hydroponics system in conjunction with growth lights, you can grow healthy plants and grow them faster that you...

Few things in nature compare with the elegance of a brightly colored butterfly drifting among flowers in bloom. Butterfly gardens designed to attract these colorful insects create an oasis of...

Bamboo is a great "green" option for home flooring. Because bamboo is a grass rather than a tree, it is more eco-friendly than other hardwood floor options. Since it can be harvested every six...

Irises are easy-to-grow perennials, making them a favorite of home gardeners. The bearded iris, with its furry stripe, is the most common type. Beardless irises include the large-flowered Japanese...

It's said that gardens grow children, and this is particularly true when a child's first experiences with gardening are fun and successful. Nurturing plants and the sharing the bounty are great...

Colonic irrigation is the process of filling the colon or large intestine with water or other liquids to cleanse it of waste. The purpose is detoxification and removal of waste that may have been...

Hollyhock, known scientifically as alcea rosea, is an upright, flowering perennial plant that can be grown in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. The plant produces dozens of beautiful...

Recycling is typically associated with recycling aluminum soda cans and newspapers so that they can be broken down and reused in the future, but recycling can also be done in the backyard....

Compost is a common product of household and garden wastes combined to decay over time into a rich, organic compound that enriches the soil to which it is added. Understanding how composting works...

When you have a surplus of sawdust, it probably seems like a waste to dispose of this natural organic material. You can choose to compost your sawdust and place it in specific areas of your yard....

Gardeners use compost in the garden to bring vital nutrients back to the soil and help reduce their environmental impact. Common additives to compost bins include yard wastes such as grass...

Composting involves taking organic household waste and making it suitable for fertilizing your garden. A compost system not only enriches your garden, it also reduces the amount of waste you send...

A composting toilet is a practical and Earth-friendly alternative to the standard water-wasting toilet. A composting toilet system converts waste into usable soil and fertilizer, just like a...

Making your own concrete garden planters allows you to custom design exactly what you need for your porch, deck, entrance or driveway. Homemade planters can be painted or stained to reflect an...

It is easy to grow a whole range of conventional vegetables in containers with regular replenishment of the soil with organic material and fertilizers. Fall is a good time for growing vegetables,...

Different kinds of containers are better or worse at retaining soil moisture. Careful choice and placement can cut back the amount of watering you need to do.

One of the best ways to add interest to a patio, veranda or deck is to add a container water garden. Not only is it easy to make, a container water garden is versatile, portable and inexpensive to...

Crepe Myrtles are a great landscaping tree because of their drought resistance and flowering blooms. Crepe Myrtles work well in yards as pruned hedges or tall, flowering trees. Growing a Crepe...

Day of the Dead pays homage to relatives and friends who have passed on to the other side. Since Day of the Dead is considered to be a celebration of eternal life rather than a sad event, flowers...

Drip irrigation systems provide lots of benefits to a gardener. They're inexpensive and easy to install (you can do it yourself), require little maintenance, and best of all, make your garden grow...

A deck drainage system can be a relatively easy and inexpensive way to keep the area below your elevated deck dry and enjoyable. Instead of losing the space under your deck, you can extend your...

So, your stock is going through the roof and you have dreams of taking a three-month European vacation? Well, these hopes might be dashed after your broker takes a cut. Here's how to maximize your...

When your drippers stop dripping, your garden can dry to a crisp in no time. If your system is clogged, clear it out with this method.

It is easy to grow a whole range of conventional vegetables in containers with regular replenishment of the soil with organic material and fertilizers. Fall is a good time for growing vegetables,...

The perennially popular fruit basket has been brightening days and decorating tables for many years. A festive and delicious variation on the classic basket of apples, pears and other whole fruits...

Live aquarium plants add many benefits to any fish tank. They provide self-replenishing food for your fish and give them a comfortable place to hide and spawn. Plants can also turn an ordinary...

English garden furniture, a classic and elegant type of furniture styled after European gardens, can be a beautiful addition to any garden. Use these simple steps to make the buying of your own...

While spring and summer are the highlight of flower gardening with colorful displays of sunny blooms, there is no comparison to the richness of the fall flower garden in its hues of crimsons,...

When summer is winding down and your flowers begin to fade, you can still spruce up your garden, lawn or patio with bright colors by adding fall plants. Follow these steps to pick fall plants that...

Plants grow best in fertile soil, and that means you must often help out nature by adding fertilizer. If you grow plants in containers, you have no choice: Healthy plant growth demands regular...

Formal garden ponds differ from natural or informally shaped ponds in that they are symmetrical geometric shapes. The pond in a formal setting will be the center of the garden and bordered in...

Farmers grow crops in fields. Gardeners grow plants in garden beds. Garden beds are, of course, smaller than fields. Their soil is also different. Garden beds have soil that has been very...

Your garden should be a place of serenity where you can reap the rewards of the months of hard work it took to grow some beautiful flowers or delectable vegetables. Unfortunately if you have an...

Garden design is an art form. For many gardeners it is a form of self expression. But, even the greatest artists sometimes need inspiration and, fortunately, it is just a click away on your...

The retail garden center business is booming. According to the Horticultural Business Information Network, the industry has achieved more than $26 billion in revenues and provided two million...

Garden design is an art form. For many gardeners it is a form of self expression. But, even the greatest artists sometimes need inspiration and, fortunately, it is just a click away on your...

Tending a garden means constant digging, planting, and fertilizing. Wild flowers and weeds seem to crop up out of nowhere, and stray grass constantly spreads into the garden from the yard....

Garden fences come in all shapes and sizes, and for good reason, because so do gardens. There are flower gardens and vegetable gardens, suburban backyard gardens, tiny city gardens, community...

Don't trash those grass clippings. They are just what your garden needs! Rich in nitrogen, oxygen and phosphorus, grass clippings are a great organic fertilizer for your lawn and garden, and...

Your garden hose is one of the most critical, yet most often neglected (or even abused) tool in your garden. Here's how to preserve the life of your hose by taking care of it during the growing...

Greenline Garden Greenhouses are durable and spacious greenhouses designed a dependable and high-quality environment to help grow your most delicate and high humidity resistant plants. They are...

A major part of gardening involves choosing the right kind of mulch for your garden. There are many different types of mulch. Some are organic and some are inorganic. The organic ones range from...

Whether you want a pastel colored garden party or a more Japanese-inspired flower theme, there are dozens of nursery accessories that can create a beautiful nursery for your baby. It can be...

Garden design is an art form. For many gardeners it is a form of self expression. But, even the greatest artists sometimes need inspiration and, fortunately, it is just a click away on your...

Many homeowners plant vegetable gardens as a hobby or as a way to provide convenient access to healthy foods. There are many different types of vegetables you can grow in a home garden. The...

May people turn to gardening as a relaxing hobby that beautifies the yard. Some garden as a source of food. Gardening, however, is a riskier hobby than you might think. Toxic plants commonly grow...

A water feature is an attractive focal point in any garden. The showy pond with exquisite water lilies, koi and attractive landscaping takes an expansive garden. But those with tiny gardens or...

Pears make for a great snack and nice addition to a garden. These trees take time and effort to maintain but the effort is well worth it. However, there are parasitic threats to these trees and,...

You're finally finished planting the vegetable garden, so now you can relax and enjoy the harvest, right? Not so fast. A garden requires attention and maintenance throughout the growing season to...

Gardening may be a delightful pastime, but it can leave you with dry, cracked hands. You can soothe and protect your skin by taking a few simple precautions.

When choosing the plants for a square foot garden, special care has to be taken to get the hardiest plants available. The maximum size for plants in a square foot garden should not exceed the one...

Many kids would love to start a vegetable garden, but most children will need help getting one going and keeping up on the care. Plan a kid's vegetable garden that they will love with these tips...

If you need an online resource of "how-to" articles that cover a wide range of topics, including home and garden information, look no further than eHow. The next time you need helpful decorating...

Gerbera is a popular potted and cut-flower garden plant. Its large, colorful blooms and stiff stems make it attractive and versatile to grow, cut and arrange. Normal propagation is by seed or...

Hostas, one of the best choices for shade, are a perennial favorite of many gardeners. With a little care, they will thrive anywhere except in the deep Southern part of the United States, and turn...

Adding moss to a garden is a beautiful way to enhance its appearance, and with this easy and inexpensive recipe, you'll enjoy growing moss as well.

White bouquets may be the classic choice for weddings, but they are not the only option. A robust bunch of zinnias in shades of pink, red, orange and yellow offers a fresh, colorful alternative...

If you find that your pots and pans are stacked to the brim in one of your cupboards, or if you're tired of shuffling through every pot just to find the one that you want, you need to create a...

Most gardeners incorporate compost into their garden's soil, but compost can also be used as a topdressing (or mulch). Placing compost directly on the soil has several advantages. It helps keep...

Although not cultivated until relatively recently, the hosta is rapidly becoming a favorite plant among gardeners for its beautiful foliage and delicate blooms. There are literally hundreds of...

Hydroponic gardens save money, time and help gardeners grow healthy vegetables and fruit. This is all without using soil. For hydroponic gardeners, buying the right plants is an important step in...

One of the fastest ways to grow plants is in a hydroponics system. Otherwise known as soil-less gardening, hydroponics is becoming a popular method to grow plants. There are a few different ways...

A hydroponic garden is a garden that is grown without soil. The plants are grown in water and fed nutrients and air. You can grow this garden indoors or outdoors for plants and produce that are...

Growing plants hydroponically--that is, in water rather than soil--benefits consumers in many ways, providing access to healthier and better quality foods at lower cost to both the consumer and...

At one time ice plants were considered a quick fix for those landscapers needing to quickly cover a hillside, or to coat a plot of land with color. If the space was ornamental, and not intended...

Indoor gardens are nice because you can control the environment. An indoor tomato plant is easier to cultivate when you can regulate essential elements like sunlight and water on a daily basis....

Indoor gardens add a lush and beautiful dimension to any décor and are great for those unable to care for an outdoor gardening space. Flowers, greenery and even succulents lend themselves...

Indoor vegetable gardening is a favorite hobby for many people who like to eat fresh vegetables all year long. You don't need a lot of room to grow your vegetables, especially if you're tight on...

Aquatic plants have many uses in ponds. Some pond plants grow submerged in the water, others grow to the top and produce blooms while some grow vertical in shallow water. Your pond fish will love...

When the scent of lilacs is in the air, you know warmer weather will be around for months to come. Gorgeous and sweet smelling, lilacs come in shades of blue, deep purple, red, pink, buttery...

Lucky bamboo is pretty much the easiest houseplant to grow-just sink the stems into a small vase and fill with water! Lucky bamboo may look like bamboo, but it is actually a Dracena sanderiana,...

With a good compost heap, you can make your own mulch and keep your yard looking good. You may want to build a compost bin to keep all of the organic matter that you're adding to the heap confined...

Are you looking to create a peaceful setting on your own porch, deck or yard without spending a lot of time or money? Try a container water garden. It is an easy way to spruce up the appearance of...

Essentially, composting can best be described as putting back into the earth what was taken out. Gardeners rely on compost—the definitive soil amendment— to guarantee a cornucopia of...

Meyer lemons trees are named after Frank Meyer, who brought these trees to the United States from China in 1908. This lemon tree is not a true lemon tree, but a hybrid between lemons, oranges and...

Converting an unused spot in your backyard into a money-making garden can be fun, pretty and profitable. If you love to grow plants and produce, think of these as money crops that can provide a...

Relocating or moving an aquarium from one place to another is a major task that requires planning and considerable preparation. When the lives of pets sensitive to their environment are at stake,...

A natural garden is a peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors. Many people are turning their formal yards and gardens into natural landscapes. While some neighbors may prefer you to keep your yard...

It's July, and summer is in full swing. You can tend this year's landscape as well as prepare for next year's, for a gardener's job is never over, especially in North Texas. Read this eHow to...

Orange oil is a hard-working essential oil with multiple uses from termite control to cleaning. This oil is produced from the glands inside of an orange rind. Essential oils are a term that is...

Choosing to use organic compost is great for the earth because it avoids chemicals and instead uses natural products and techniques. Compost is considered nature's own living fertilizer. Preparing...

Choosing to have an organic landscape is a step in the right direction towards helping the environment by avoiding chemicals and using natural products and techniques. Preparing an organic flower...

No one person can remember everything there is to know about gardening. Whether you're just getting started with organic gardening or are already an old hand, having the right organic gardening...

Once you secure your site and gain approval from local community leaders to start a Farmer's Market, the real challenges begin. The focus now shifts to attracting and keeping quality vendors while...

There are a number of reasons why separating organic material from soil would be necessary; among them, the need to create a pure product for use in clay bodies for pottery or in mixing a...

The green movement is rapidly gaining momentum, causing many people to modify their living habits. One way to help the environment is to support sustainable farming through buying organic food....

Commercial weed killers often contain dangerous chemicals that may threaten the health and safety of your children or pets and may be harmful to the environment. Getting rid of annoying weeds...

Picking the right outdoor plants that will fit your needs can be a big job, but not an impossible one. There are enough outdoor plants available in all planting zones to give almost everyone,...

This sturdy outdoor potting table has a large working surface, so you can keep everything you need right at your fingertips. The upper shelf is handy for keeping gloves, tools and extra pots ready...

Amateur gardeners tend to overlook the easiest type of garden to plant and that is the perennial flower garden. While annual plants require minimal to no care at the end of the year, it is...

Perennial plants can be a highlight to any garden. Keep yours flowering and at their best all season long.

Nothing says summer has arrived quite like the sounds of birds, calling musically to one another. Certain plants, bushes and trees attract various birds by providing food or a sheltering habitat....

Plant food---also known as fertilizer---refers to additives that are given to impart nutrients to soil. Plants need these nutrients in order to survive and thrive, especially since soil loses its...

Spring and summer are often considered the prime season for planting and harvesting vegetables and fruits. Tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and other produce are grown during this season;...

Using plastic mulch in your vegetable not only controls weeds, it also raises the temperature of the soil, helps to retain moisture in the ground, keeps the vegetables clean and improves the...

Planting root cuttings is a good way of growing new plants from plants that you already have in your house or garden. By simply cutting pieces of plant roots, new plants can be propagated. Any...

The U.S. government allegedly wanted to prevent the U.S.S.R. from winning the race to the moon, so they staged the infamous moment when Neil Armstrong made the first walk across the moon's...

Winter can be a drab time for many places around the country and planting colorful winter bushes can spruce up both your lawn and your mood. There are many varieties of bushes that offer winter...

If you don't drain your potted plants properly, they can develop root rot and most likely not recover. When soil in a potted plant stays wet, there is not enough space for air to reach the roots....

Pruning a rose bush removes old growth which helps the bush channel its energy into producing new growth. It helps shape the bush for a more pleasing appearance, diminishes the possibility of...

Growing grapes in an arbor brings fruit, shade and visual variety to a yard. Several pruning techniques are needed, however, to keep grape vines within the arbor and maximize the chances of a good...

Pruning plants in your garden is essential to their health and helps keep their shape. Removing dead branches allows plants to continue to grow and thrive. However, if not done correctly, your...

A plethora of diverse plant species grow in the humidity of the temperate and tropical rainforests of the world. The rainforest canopy has three layers. The very top being the emergent layer,...

Raking is a dreaded activity for some people. This yearly responsibility creates lots of sore muscles and backs, especially in the elderly. Luckily, many manufacturers are producing ergonomic...

Raking leaves is an unavoidable fall activity. You need to take proper steps to avoid injury and muscle strain while raking. Even though the proper raking technique mostly uses your legs, you...

Red Light, Green Light is a learning game for youngsters that needs no special equipment. It can be played at parties, on the playground or in your own home. Teachers and babysitters appreciate...

Water retention is a common problem, especially in women. It usually indicates weakness in the adrenal glands, heart or kidneys, possibly from stress. Medical doctors usually prescribe diuretics...

When you choose a hat for spring gardening, you'll want a hat that allows you to work outdoors in comfort, without regard to what the weather chooses to throw at you. However, it never hurts to...

Gardening is the No. 1 outdoor hobby in the United States. If you are a new home owner or just want to find out what all the hoopla is about, here are a few tips on starting a garden of your own.

Propagating herbs from stem cuttings produces new plants for transplanting. Propagating herbs from stem cuttings is easier with some herbs than others. You can create new plants to give away as...

Strawberries are one of the most widely grown garden fruits, yet maintaining proper care often confuses some garden novices. In order to receive maximum crop production from your strawberries,...

Make a delicious and summer garden bean salad with fresh and canned beans. The garden fresh beans and a light vinaigrette dressing make this salad so refreshing during the summer. But this is a...

With the constant need in the world for wood pulp and timber, a tree-planting job is a perfect way to increase our renewable resources and maintain the environment. Your chance to replenish the...

Buying a sun shade for your Toyota Prius is easy, if you know where to look. Conventional sun shades are usually too small to fit the Prius' wide windshield, so you won't find one that works at a...

Sweet peas are pretty to grow in the garden, and wonderful for cutting for bouquets or arrangements. Growing your own sweet pea garden outside is easy as long as you water it every day and help...

Turn your own backyard into a wildlife sanctuary by cultivating plants that attract and breed butterflies that are native to Texas. Butterflies live or migrate in Texas spring through fall, making...

October in Texas can still be a colorful time when maintaining your landscape in North Texas. The leaves are turning, the fall flowers are blooming, there are still things to do.

The soil in the north Texas area can be challenging, to say the least. Its clay alkaline soil naturally withstands long periods of drought and retains nutrients. But north Texas soil also shrinks...

Here is a super cute art project to do with your kids! I would recommend cutting the pieces before the kids do it unless you want to kill a lot of time.

Plants that have begun to outgrow their containers need to be transplanted in order to keep the plant healthy. Root bound plants often become unhealthy and slow growing. Take care when...

Shrubbery is an important part of a healthy and attractive lawn. Keeping that shrubbery maintained is part of an attractive lawn appearance. Though it can be time consuming, you must make sure you...

Soil is a critical component in the germination, growth and survival of plants. Sunlight, nutrients and fresh water are essential to plant life, and the soil type can govern the availability of...

Planting a garden in several raised beds is the best way to use a small space and eliminate back injuries associated with gardening. A raised vegetable garden allows a gardener to pick produce and...

Although waterbeds are no longer as popular as they used to be, they are still an ideal bed for millions of people who desire to sleep on a mattress that conforms to their body. Waterbeds enjoyed...

Different kinds of containers are better or worse at retaining soil moisture. Careful choice and placement can cut back the amount of watering you need to do.

When your living space is limited and you're feeling cramped in your quarters, you've got to get creative decorating. Creating a window garden is great way to expand your space, and by putting...

Winter squash, contrary to the name, is a warm season vegetable that is grown in most places in the United States. The difference is in the skin of the squash. Summer squash has thin skin and may...

Spiraeas are a large group of pretty flowering shrubs. When you need to prune your spiraea depends on whether the shrub flowers in the spring on older wood (such as Bridal Wreath spiraeas) or in...

Having the current winter weather reports in Aspen is critical to enjoying any outdoor activity. Aspen is situated at nearly 8,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains. Winter snowfalls are measured in...

In order to keep a garden fountain functioning and looking beautiful for years to come, winter care is important. Before the first freeze, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure that...

A garden offers an opportunity to create a naturalized area in the backyard or common area of a community. Selecting wooden furniture for the garden area continues the theme of natural materials,...

Monkeys aren't the only creatures on earth that enjoy a good banana---worms do, too. In fact, according to Amy Stewart, an avid gardener and author of "The Earth Moved: On the Remarkable...

A landscaped front yard attracts attention from passersby. Whether you just moved into a new home with an empty front yard, or you want to spruce up the yard you've already owned for years, you...

Ground covers are versatile plants that can fit into any garden style and situation. They can be used to fill in empty spaces along paths, fences, and rockeries. Or, use ground covers to provide a...

The trunk of the yucca plant sports branches with palm-like leaves at the end. This houseplant typically grows slowly indoors and requires good care to produce new growth.

The Yucca plant is a desert plant that grows in the Southwestern part of the United States and in Mexico. Its root is similar to the potato with skin like the bark of a tree. Because of the...