Plant Basics

Synthetic fertilizers contain chemical ingredients that improve plant growth and boost flower or fruit production. While most fertilizers contain the same basic ingredients, formulations will vary...

The Venus Flytrap is a carnivorous plant that grows in the coastal bogs of North and South Carolina. Most plants get their nutrients from the soil, but the boggy soil in which Venus Flytraps grow...

Although the terms plant food and fertilizer are often used synonymously, only nonorganic (chemical) fertilizers are labeled as plant food. The name is a misnomer, since plants make their own food...

Hostas are beautiful plants that make any property look classy and well kept. They tend to take care of themselves, which is one reason they're so popular. Occasionally they become diseased due to...

Canna lilies are tropical plants that are native to the tropical regions of North America. Gardeners who add canna lilies to a garden have a striking and dependable addition that will provide...

Crotons are slow-growing plants that do well as either an outdoor or house plant. Their leaves come in a vivid array of colors, such as red, orange, yellow, purple or green. They are a...

Castor seeds are grown as an annual plant and are known as the castor oil plant. The seeds have a slow germination process, a long growing season and very specific soil and temperature...

Fertilizer labels tell you not only what active ingredients the fertilizer contains but also how much of three important nutrients are available for your plants.

Fertilizers replenish much-needed nutrients for plants, resulting in better growth and food production. Plants that are not properly fed have a difficult time fighting insects, disease, drought...

A handful of chemicals are the source of most nitrogen fertilizers. With the exception of manure, the liberal application of nitrogen will upset the carbon nitrogen ratio. The natural ration is 12...

Compost is a natural way to add nutrients to your soil and improve its texture. One way to make compost is by using a composter. There are certain materials that can be put in composters for the...

Citronella is a tropical grass also known as nard grass. Originally from Asia, its oil is commonly used as a mosquito repellent. When purchasing this plant, look for its true name, of either...

Succulents come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but they all have thick, tough leaves. The leaves are about all they have in common. Succulents can have widely different cultural...

Horror films have depicted man-eating Venus flytraps reaching out to grab and devour humans. While they do eat meat of a sort, humans need not fear the Venus flytrap. Bugs remain the food of...

Vitamins are organic compounds made by combining basic elements found on any periodic table, such as iron and magnesium. Most necessary vitamins cannot be naturally produced by an organism and...

Bamboo is easy to grow and a very durable plant. It is possible for it to survive by simply watering it. However, for it to really flourish, it should be fed regularly with the correct kind of...

Before planting this Spring, consider the kind of soil you currently have and what soil you should be using for your particular plants. Also, consider the amount of water needed and what kind of...

Bean seeds have relatively simple nutrient needs. The home gardener can provide all the nutrient requirements easily. For large crops, soil testing may be required to determine specific...

Manure tea is primarily a potent source of nitrogen. Nitrogen is the prime nutrient in the formation of healthy leaves and foliage. Leafy plants will thrive on regular side dressing applications...

Nitrogen makes up 78 percent of the earth's atmosphere and is essential to healthy plant growth. Without it, green plants are weak and smaller than they should be. Too much nitrogen, on the other...

You started your tomato seeds inside too early, and now they're leggy--pale and stretched out, with more stem than leaf. This can happy to any vegetables, flowering plants or house plants. Lack of...