Outdoor Growing

Mulch helps the soil in flower beds lock in moisture and reduces weed competition. Other benefits of mulch include insulating root systems, slowing soil erosion and contributing nutrients to the...

Black walnuts are among nature's toughest organic substances. The hard shells are often ground industrially and used to air-blast metal, marble glass and other substances. The meat of the nut is...

Canna lilies are a beautiful tropical plant that grows from a bulb and showcases large, colorful blooms. They can bring that tropical getaway feel to any garden. As with most other plants,...

Plant your garden for year-round color and blooms. Numerous flowering plants like winter weeping jasmine, witchhazel, wintersweet, evergreen winter clematis and English ivy will contribute color...

Azaleas are a popular flowering shrubs among gardeners. As part of the extensive rhododendron genus, they tend to prefer growing in acidic soils. These shrubs come in a whole host of types that...

Cymbidium orchids bestow gardeners with large waxy blooms, which are some of the longest lasting in the orchid family. Because their spiky petals are extremely heat tolerant, they can grow either...

Hailing from Asia, hosta plants are lily-like plants that are herbaceous perennials. Leaf colors vary in cultivars and can range from green, yellow or blue. Because hosta plants grow well in the...

Landscaping plants and flowers gives you the opportunity to contribute to your natural environment or be creative and create a yard that matches your own aesthetics. Often people take a cue from...

Evergreen topiaries make unique focal points for yards and patios. Topiary can be cut in a host of sizes and shapes. Junipers, spruces and pines are a few of the most common evergreen choices for...

Water retaining abilities of succulent plants make them a low maintenance choice for hanging baskets. Because these plants store water in their roots, leaves and stems, they are able to withstand...

Strawberries planted in the ground are susceptible to pests and wildlife eating their delicious fruit. Because strawberries have shallow root systems, they make great planter and container plants....

As a vine plant, honeysuckle doesn't take long to overrun everything that it grows around. In most instances, people choose to leave the honeysuckle alone because it brings in various species of...

Gardeners with acidic soil are faced with discolored, dehydrated and unhealthy plants. Every plant has their own pH range they need to absorb nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. While there are...

There are five different types of annuals: hardy annuals, half-hardy annuals, tender annuals, warm season annuals and cool season annuals. Hardy annuals are the only ones that can survive harsh...

Maggots are fly larvae that commonly infest compost piles and garbage cans. In addition, they are also found in soil next to germinating plants. As they feed on vegetable and plant matter, maggots...

Annuals are plants that complete their life span in one growing season. If planted in a region that does not experience frost, their seeds can survive the winter and grow again in spring. Keep...

Yellow Easter lilies and other types of lilies are some of the most popular house plants next to the poinsettia. These plants can live indoors or outside and should be kept in temperatures around...

Proper fertilization is crucial to the growth and success of alfalfa. Potassium is arguably the most important fertilizer for it. However, a study conducted at Purdue University showed that...

The blood banana plant, Musa zebrina, is a tender tropical perennial that is native to Indonesia. The plant grows best in USDA growing zones 8 through 11 where the climate is warm and there is no...

The popular image of the hydrangea is that of a cloud-shaped head of flowers shading from pink to dark purple or blue, clustered among large green leaves. The hydrangea is known as a plant that...

Making your own liquid fertilizer is a cost-effective way to provide nutrients quickly to plants. Liquid fertilizers require frequent applications, between every two to four weeks; consequently,...

Hand saws should be employed when cutting branches too large to fit into the bite of lopping shears. Using a too-small pruning tool may tear the branch, as well as produce aesthetically...

Consistent, even watering is key to a successful vegetable or flower garden, and delivering water to the right location--the roots--is equally important. Drip irrigation systems are an easy,...

Honeysuckle is a sweet-smelling shrub that grows upward, creeping up any structure. The most commonly known honeysuckle shrub is Japanese honeysuckle, an invasive weed. Removing this shrub is...

A line of tall weeds taking over your lawn can result from using a fertilizer high in nitrogen because the grass is still dormant and hasn't had a chance to green up. Identify the weeds so you...

Creating a green expanse for your home can turn into a costly endeavor if you don't assess some of your soil problems. Estimating the cost of your lawn care requires researching the needs of your...

When shrubs outgrow their designated planting areas or would look more aesthetically pleasing in a different location, they need to be transplanted. Evaluate the success of the transplant....

Refraining from greening grass with fertilizer will promote a healthy yard with a reduced weed population. When applied before grass has come out of dormancy, fertilizers high in nitrogen promote...

Applying preemergent weed control in mulch beds will prevent weeds and seeds from growing. Herbicide is available for two types of weeds: Summer growing weeds and winter growing weeds. Be sure...

Numerous lawn problems arise from improper cultural practices by gardeners. Choosing the right fertilizer, knowing when to fertilize and making soil amendments to nutrient-lacking soil are keys to...

Composting is a good way to get rid of unwanted debris and create rich soil for your plants and gardens. A leaf compost is easy to establish if you live in an area with an abundance of deciduous...

Viburnum opulus roseum or the European cranberry bush is a dense shrub with a long history of cultivation that dates back to the 16th century. Large snowball-shaped flowers blossom in the summer....

There are many advantages to growing plants in raised beds. If you have poor soil, raised beds allow you to garden without fighting Mother Nature, constantly amending the earth. The soil in raised...

Whether you are selling your farm or just buying newer equipment, selling large equipment can take a while because of its value. A little elbow grease and the right timing can boost your chances...

A bearded iris is distinct from other irises because of its falls, otherwise known as three downward lower petals. The falls will grow thick bushy hairs, giving the flower a "bearded" appearance....

Getting young seedlings to grow into healthy mature plants takes planning. The plants are delicate and require protection from wide variations in temperature. They also need the right soil to get...

Sierra gold is a hybrid of the Cucumis melo cantaloupe family. It's a small variety that is typically cut and served as half melons. Sierra gold grows best in full sun and is ready to harvest 60...

Outdoor planters come in an endless variety of shapes, sizes and styles. While picking a planter based on looks alone is tempting, it isn't a good idea. Planters have unique qualities that...

Oftentimes, the fragile stems of flowers can't support large blooms. The result is a yard or house full of dropping unattractive flowers. Make sure that you are fertilizing with an all purpose...

Though perhaps oversimplified, it has long been known that two things are needed for plant growth: water and sun. But in many dense population centers, and in areas affected by drought, water is...

You may find it hard to believe that a huge tulip tree can grow from a tiny twig, but it can, and fairly easily. Cut a twig from healthy tulip tree between mid-summer and early fall, and in a few...

Honeysuckle vines and shrubs are not only stately in appearance, but their generous fragrance makes growing them an absolute joy for many. They do, however, require some care and maintenance,...

The white flowering dogwood, also know as Cornus Florida, has large white flowers in the spring and red berries in the fall and winter. The stems are brownish red in color. This outdoor plant...

Soil tests are used to determine the soil's capacity to hold nutrients, amounts of nutrients and organic matter present, the soil's acidity or alkalinity, and recommend a program to maximize...

Topiaries are generally quite expensive to buy, but are not difficult to plant. Find a frame that goes well with your landscaping or outdoor decor. You can find a topiary in a variety of shapes...

Sterilization is used in hemp seed production to ensure that the plant does not grow into new plants. Legal hemp seeds contain little or no THC strains, which is the chemical that produces the...

Using cow manure on your garden is a great way to add nutrients to your soil. According to USA Gardener, the best time to apply cow manure is in the early spring. Make sure that you properly age...

Scrap tires can be used for many projects around your home and garden. The dark rubber collects energy from the sun, making it ideal for lining greenhouses or recycling to use in planters. Scrap...

A native of South Africa, Freesia hybrida is quite hardy and can survive in dry environments. Planted as corms (bulbs), they offer your garden trumpet-like blooming flowers that grow in a cyclical...

Consider preserving your geraniums before the frost and cold weather take over your garden. Geraniums are often cultivated for their exotic scent. The plants grow in a variety of colors, which...