home sectionhome section
A member of the large Capsicum annuum group of sweet and hot peppers, heavy-yielding banana peppers -- sometimes called yellow Hungarian wax peppers -- have been grown in Central and South America since pre-Columbian times. Perennial in warm climates, they are typically grown as a garden annual. The peppers have some of easiest seeds to pick and save, and they keep for up to three years.
Larkspur (Delphinium) is a perennial common in English cottage-style gardens. Its tall stems boast dark green foliage and showy spikes of flowers. Blossoms vary in color but are commonly seen in blue and purple hues. This plant is noted for its cold hardiness and tolerance to frost, which occurs for a variety of reasons.
Hanging and creeping vines provide colorful and sometimes fragrant options for shade in a garden or porch area. Grown in containers or in the ground, they'll cover a wall, trellis or arbor to create a natural, softened boundary and a shady retreat. You can control the amount of shade in your favorite spot by choosing wisely between vine types and support structures.
Traditional gardens are grown outdoors in the earth with light provided by the sun. Not every gardener has the luxury of an outdoor garden, however, prompting the use of container gardening in indoor spaces. In this case, light is often provided by ultraviolet lamps, which simulate the effects of natural sunlight on plants. There are different varieties of ultraviolet lamps, each with its own beneficial effect on plants.
When designed and planted with the growing conditions in mind, a damp, shady garden can be a cool, colorful refuge from the summer sun. When dressed up with enchanting flowers, elegant foliage and soft light, shadowy spaces can easily become the most alluring spots on the property. The only thing needed to turn this vision into reality is an assortment of shade-loving plants and the know-how to grow them.
Bean plants are often included in gardens due to their simple cultivation and the versatility of the fruit they produce. These plants lend themselves to growth in a variety of liquids, while becoming stunted or even dying when exposed to others. Depending on the results you wish to achieve, whether boosting growth, increasing health or removing unwanted plants from your garden, there is a liquid to meet your bean plant needs.
Sewer line clogs, and the resulting backups, can cause significant problems for homeowners, including damage to their bathrooms, hallways and carpeting. One of the most common causes of sewer clogs involves tree roots getting into the pipes. The roots exploit faults in the sewer line, often leading to extensive and costly repairs.
Knowing when to pick lima beans depends entirely on what variety of bean you grow. Lima beans come in two primary forms. Some grow on bushes, but another strain of lima beans grows on pole vines. The two types of beans reach maturity on a different timeline, so you have to adjust harvesting practices based on the variety you grow on a given year.
Different types of water affect plant vigor and health. According to experts at the University of Colorado, water quality influences crop productivity more than soil fertility, weed control and other factors. Your water may be the reason your landscape and garden are wasting away or flourishing. Learn what is in your irrigation water in order to make adjustments according to your plants' needs.
Nutria (Myocastor coypus) are large rodents that are semi-aquatic in nature. They are indigenous to South America and can be found in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. In the 1930s they were imported to the United States as part of the fur trade industry and were released either intentionally or accidentally into the wild. They can now be found in approximately 20 different states. Nutria are omnivores with a large appetite and the ability to eat many different types of plants.
Archaeological research suggests indigenous peoples of the Andes cultivated potatoes for several thousand years before Europeans reached South America. Potatoes are frost-tender, tropical herbs that develop underground tubers filled with excessive plant starch. While best grown in the ground, to yield the most tubers, potatoes also grow well in large containers. All varieties of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) grow the same way, with similar cultural needs. They may be planted together in the same container. However, knowing when to harvest or identify which is which becomes problematic.
The climbing growth habit of vines -- plants that cannot support an upright form due to the weakness of their stems -- gives them an attractive and interesting visual feature that can add a compelling focal point to your landscape. You can choose from many types of vines for your yard or garden.
There are many different kinds of bananas grown all over the world. But there are two distinct types of baby bananas. The "lady finger" baby banana and the "apple" or "manzana" baby banana. Both kinds of baby bananas are very sweet and have thin skins. They are often sold in small bunches of seven to 10 bananas and can be more expensive than the ordinary bananas found in local supermarkets.
If you want a garden filled with heady perfume and don't mind doing some hard work to get it, daphne is the shrub for you. The key to growing daphnes is to prepare the planting bed properly. Daphnes are short-lived and do not forgive gardening mistakes. Give them the wrong soil, water, sunlight or air circulation conditions, and the daphne may refuse to bloom or simply die.
Natural fertilizers, also referred to as organic fertilizers, are the unprocessed, natural materials derived from plants, animal and mineral sources. Natural fertilizers come with their own set of advantages, including less threat of environmental pollution. However, they are required in a relatively greater amount to supply the same amount of nutrients supplied by synthetic or man-made fertilizers.
According to the University of Florida, the Chinese elm tree is a hardwood tree. Chinese elms, which are also known as Drake elms or lacebark elms, are ornamental trees that are native to northern China, Japan and Korea. They became popular trees to plant in urban areas because they're resistant to Dutch elm disease and air pollution. However, they have aggressive roots, and the USDA Forest Service considers them an invasive weed in some states, including North Carolina, New Jersey, Virginia, Wisconsin and Nebraska.
The title of the American classic, "Where the Red Fern Grows" alludes to a Native American legend. According to the legend, two children freeze to death in a blizzard. Months later their bodies are discovered with a red fern growing in between. The significance of the red fern is further explained by the legend. Essentially, it states that only angels may plant red ferns, they never die and their presence designates a place holy. The plant referred to in "Where the Red Fern Grows" does not technically exist. However, there are numerous ferns with red foliage, stems and mid-ribs. All…
Yellow jackets are wasps that have black ad yellow stripes, which often causes people to confuse them with bees such as hornets. Their diets include meat, grubs, insects, sweets and other human foods. Yellow jackets can become pests if nested near homes or other inhabited spaces, as they mate quickly and form large hives. The life span of a yellow jacket is interesting and is designed to reproduce rapidly and efficiently.
Yellow pond lily weed (Nuphar lutea) can easily displace ornamental aquatic plants with its aggressive growth habits. It holds the classification of being a noxious weed in Puerto Rico, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A native of the eastern United States, Africa, the West Indies, Asia and Europe, the plant belongs to the water lily family Nymphaeaceae.
Pepper plants, also known as capsicum annum, are an easy plant for home gardeners to grow. Unfortunately they are prone to several fungal diseases, including anthracnose, blight and verticillium wilt. Prevention is key in fighting fungal disease in peppers, as fungi are difficult to control once they have infected plants and soil.
Aquarium fertilizers come in liquid and solid types. Solid fertilizer typically goes beneath the substrate, under the roots of your plants. Liquid fertilizer goes directly in the water. Heavily planted aquariums require more fertilizer than those with sparse plantings. Typically, lighter-colored plants require fertilization more often than slow-growing species. Overfertilization with infrequent water changes will result in excess algae and nutrient buildup.
Plants serve a vital function for our planet, providing food and shelter for living creatures, adding oxygen to the atmosphere and removing carbon dioxide. Plant structure is an intricate architecture of circulation, respiration and support much like the human body. A close look at the parts of plants and their structure demonstrates how best to maintain them for optimum health and productivity.
It all begins at the roots. Plants get nutrients from two different systems --- one begins in the leaves and is responsible for photosynthesis. The other begins at the roots and moves water filled with dissolved ions up through the plant. Protein is one of the nutrients that begin at the roots and work their way upward.
If you've ever shucked corn, you know that each ear is covered in thin, fibrous hairs called silk. Corn silk isn't really silk at all, but pathways from the tip of the ear to each kernel. When pollen from the top of the corn stalk flutters down onto the silk, it's carried into the ear and kernels begin to plump up and grow. Though the wind and insects usually take care of corn pollination, you can breed your own corn varieties with hand-delivered cross-pollination.
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) also is called boxwood and bunchberry. This North American species of hardwood tree produces distinctive fragrant white flowers in the spring, followed by clusters of bright red fruit. Its wood once widely was used for tool handles, mallet heads, wedges, engraver's blocks and golf clubs. This tree more commonly is planted now as an ornamental on shady sites.
Shade ferns fall under a large category of ferns that grow best in the shade; this group includes plants like the Boston fern and the maidenhair fern. Growing a shade fern requires providing the plant with the right growing conditions, whether the fern is grown indoors or outside. Keep ferns healthy to prevent problems with brown leaves.
Pumpkin vines are fast growing and easy to care for, making them a great crop for beginning gardeners. Children, too, are easily engaged by the speedy maturation and dramatic foliage and fruit of this familiar vegetable. There are four basic phases in the life span of a pumpkin plant: germination, flowering, fruiting and die-back.
Russian sage is a perennial plant that is known scientifically as Perovskia atriplicifolia. The sub-shrub is part of the Lamiaceae (mint) family and can be successfully grown within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's designated zones of five through nine. The softly fragrant deciduous plant is known for its attractive lavender flowers.
Zucchini plants come in two types: vine and bush. Zucchini bushes have a compact growing habit, making them ideal for small gardens and containers. They also produce fruit all summer long. They are easy to plant, grow and care for, and if the zucchini is harvested regularly, they are heavy producers.
Mosses are low-growing plants that form carpet-like mats or clumps on forest floors, rocks and even wood. These primeval plants are classified along with liverworts and hornworts as bryophytes, which transfer nutrients from cell to cell through osmosis. Most moss types flourish in moist, dark, shady environs, making them an ideal ground cover for such conditions. Moss may be transplanted to new locations by cutting a small section after a heavy rain.
Valued for its strength and durability, granite is a stone used for a number of landscaping purposes. When cut into uniform, thick pavers, it makes for an attractive walkway edging that effectively blocks encroachment. Granite edging also brings sharp definition and style to a walkway whether you want to enhance the rustic qualities of your landscape or add a clean, finished look.
Plants are interesting for the way in which they need and utilize light. Plants take in nutrients from the soil, of course, but they can create chemical energy from the light that falls upon them. Known as photosynthesis, the conversion of light energy to chemical energy by a plant depends on the right kind of light. What many people don't realize is that different types and colors of light affect plants differently.
Farmers and gardeners have been using livestock manure for thousands of years to improve the fertility of their soil and the productivity of their crops. Manure contains the three most essential plant nutrients -- nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium -- as well as organic material that improves the quality of the soil while simultaneously feeding the plants.
The unique interior structure of plants allows them to photosynthesize, or convert light into sugar. Although specific structure varies by plant species, there are a few basic similarities between most plants.
Unlike most vegetables that use insects and birds to pollinate the flowers, corn pollinates with the wind. When two or more varieties of corn are grown without the recommended 250 to 700 feet of separation, cross-pollination can occur. Corn that has experienced cross-pollination yields starchy, tough kernels instead of the tender, sweet kernels expected. Most home gardeners don't have the space requirements to separate corn varieties successfully. Fortunately, an alternative planting method will let you grow several varieties of corn without the worry of cross-pollinating.
Artificial greenery is a hassle-free way to incorporate plants into your home, without worrying about upkeep and the potential risk of pollen for those with allergies. Fake plants come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and it is easy to get exact replicas of your favorite plants at many craft stores. Arranging your artificial greenery is simple to do.
Weathering is caused by several factors and each affect materials in varying ways. For instance, hail does not harm a driveway, but it can destroy a roof. Items subject to weathering have a life expectancy based on their design and the climate in which they are used. The rates of physical weathering might involve two or more environmental factors working together. Extreme conditions will often accelerate physical weathering. Improper building maintenance can allow a minor condition under normal circumstances to cause a major failure if left unattended.
Blue ash aphids are small, blue-colored insects that come from blue ash trees. They arrive after the first frost of the new winter season melts away every year. This incursion only lasts a couple of weeks before the aphids die out on their own. They arrive in large swarms, so complete eradication is not worth the time or effort and may be impossible. The best thing to do is give the invasion time to sort itself out, but if they are truly annoying you, you can try some techniques to lower their numbers.
Growing strawberries in the backyard garden -- or even in a patio container -- may seem like a daunting task, but with some simple guidelines even the smallest space can be turned into a source for fresh, juicy strawberries. With the right variety, proper care and some upkeep, the garden can bloom with enough strawberries for jams, jellies and ice cream.
Proteins are complex polymers made of sub-units called amino acids. These are the workhorses of a cell, and carry out countless essential tasks. All cells and all forms of life contain proteins. Humans need protein in their diet, and one way to obtain the amino acids you require to help your body make more proteins and other important molecules is to ingest plants. If you plan your diet properly, you can actually obtain all the protein you need from plants.
Ornamental flowering trees under 25 feet tall can add interest, color and texture to landscapes and small yards. Depending on the tree variety, blooms can appear from spring to any time throughout the summer, with colorful foliage in the fall. Most ornamental flowering trees are deciduous, meaning they will lose their leaves in the fall, re-leafing the next spring. Many ornamental flowering trees also have interesting decorative bark, adding to the tree's interest year-round.
Chinese and Japanese wisterias are the most common wisterias grown in the home garden. Both have purple varieties cared for in a similar manner. Both also do not bloom on young plants; it takes three or more years for a purple wisteria to flower. Other than waiting for your wisteria to mature and produce blooms, care for it properly to ensure blooming. If your mature plant does not bloom as expected, adopt a few care techniques, including training and pruning.
Rates for herbicide applications vary greatly. Factors such as type of herbicide being used, type of vegetation being targeted and climatic conditions all influence the rate of application. Every registered pesticide clearly states the recommended rates on its label.
Strawberries are a summer favorite. The sweet, versatile fruit can be used in pies and preserves or eaten fresh from the garden. While the Northeast does dish out some harsh winters, with the right protection and the right variety, there's no reason why strawberries can't be just as successful in a New England garden as in any other.
As an ornamental shrub in your landscaping, Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is an easy care, attractive perennial plant with blue-gray foliage and soft lavender flower spikes blooming throughout the summer. For a full-looking shrub and abundant flower spikes, heavily prune the Russian sage in the spring, since new blooms grow on old wood and pruning promotes the development of flower spikes and new branches. The soft foliage and delicate looking flower spikes are often used in flower bouquets for a filler flower, with a vase life of about five days. Clipping flower spikes from your Russian sage during the summer…
There are many types of flowers to choose from, and before you make your selection you will need to narrow the list down a bit. Your region of the country may limit what flowers will thrive, how much sun or shade you have to work with, and what colors you want to display. Next, you will need to decide if you want annuals, perennials or biennials, whether you want single showy seasonal blooms or a plant that keeps on giving, and whether you want a majority of day bloomers or a mixture of day and sweet smelling night bloomers.
The long, warm growing period required for eggplant growth exposes this vegetable to a myriad of pests. Increase plant resilience to pests by growing eggplant in well-drained fertile soil where other members of the nightshade family, such as tomatoes and potatoes, have not been grown for three years. Reduce plant exposure to pests by creating physical barriers, such as floating row covers. In periods of heavy infestation, the use of organic pesticides may be the most effective means of control. Use caution when applying pesticides as these can kill beneficial insects, bugs which kill harmful insects.
Eggplant (Solanum melongena esculentum) is a popular garden vegetable, prized for its large oblong purple fruit. Eggplant belongs to the same solanaceous botanical family as tomatoes and potatoes and is troubled by the same pests that attack those vegetables. Because of this, eggplant shouldn't be grown on the same ground where tomatoes or potatoes have been within the last two years.
Perennials, plants which survive for more than two growing seasons, provide color, interesting textures and a sense of permanence to home gardens. An enormous variety of flowering perennials exist. Gardeners have many choices to choose from when selecting the best perennials for their flowerbeds or containers.
Clothing made from bamboo provides many benefits over other materials. In addition to its incredible softness, it contains natural antibacterial agents, and its wicking properties make it ideal for outdoor and active wear. Bamboo is a sustainable resource that is processed either mechanically or chemically, to be woven into bamboo fiber fabric.
Perennials are available for sun or shade, dry areas or moist areas, and may be evergreen or die back in the fall. Though more expensive that annuals, perennials are a cost-effective purchase due to their ability to generate more plants for the garden. Perennials may self-seed, spread underground or increase the plant's clump for divisions.
Home to one of the youngest geological formations in the world and the youngest state in the United States, Hawaii has a lot left to be discovered. On all of it's six major islands -- Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii's Big Island -- Hawaii's fern culture is exotic and distinctive.
Ice crystals are a hallmark of frozen foods. Formed during the freezing process, small ice crystals on the surface are normal and to be expected. Large ice crystals throughout frozen food can impact the texture and taste of your dishes, so it's best to avoid them if possible.
Grow different varieties of corn to extend the growing season and increase culinary selections. For pollination to occur, the male part of the corn plant, the tassel, must shed pollen at the same time the female part of the plant, the silk, forms. Since wind spreads pollen, cross-pollination between varieties occurs when more than one cultivar is in the same pollination stage at a time. Cross-pollination is usually undesirable because it often decreases sweetness in corn and increases starchiness.
Cellular respiration occurs in all cells, including plant cells. The process involves breaking down stored energy into a usable food that cells can assimilate. Through photosynthesis, plants create glucose -- a simple sugar -- from water, sunlight and carbon dioxide. Glucose is a stored energy that individual cells convert into a food they can use to fuel their metabolic processes.
Mint or Mentha is a genus of plants that includes about 25 species native to Europe, Africa, North America and Asia. They grow approximately 2 to 3 feet tall and produce four-sided branched stems, opposite leaves and small flowers. These herbs have a tendency to become aggressive and can quickly outgrow their garden boundaries. Mint plants have a variety of culinary and medicinal uses.
Considered quite an unusual plant, the staghorn fern is prized for its interesting appearance but not for its susceptibility to mealybugs. Displaying two different types of fronds, one rounded and the other resembling the antlers of a stag, as the name suggests, this plant is typically low maintenance. Keep the need for extra attention to a minimum by avoiding pest infestations.
Selecting perennials provides benefits in terms of cost savings, establishing a garden and giving structure and form to landscapes. Perennials give you time to get to know your plants, their growth habits and how to create the best conditions for them.
Weathering is a key component to the creation of soils. It refers to an early stage of the breakdown of rock, accomplished by a suite of mechanical, chemical and biological agents. The fragments that weathering produces are usually acted upon by forces of erosion, such as gravity tumbling rock bits from a cliff into a canyon where moving water transports and sculpts them. Whether in initial post-weathering state or further transformed by other landscape-building processes, these materials help make up soils and the inorganic layer of unconsolidated rock bits called "regolith" that underlies them.
Cabbage root maggots are one of the most common types of maggots found in gardens. These maggots attack already ailing cabbages and other vegetables from the roots. Onion maggots also attack roots, preferring onion plants.
Scientistists study, count and analyze the growth rings of trees, an interdisciplinary science called dendrochronology. In regions with changing seasons, the growth of trees each year creates visible rings in the core of the trunk. Characteristics of these rings provide insight into that year's growth.
The Cucurbita genus has many cultivars of squash, classified according to when they are harvested, summer or winter. Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) are picked all summer and are best eaten immediately --- hence the name summer squash. C. pepo fruits are either green or yellow, and either roundish or oblong in shape. The young leaves and flowers can also be eaten.
When you think of evergreens you might think of tall trees towering above the landscape, but evergreens are available in a few different forms. A variety of pine, spruce and ornamental evergreens can grow up to 25 feet tall or less making them ideal for any sized space in the landscape. Dwarf forms of some evergreens grow well in containers to flank stairways and doorways in front of the home.
Ferns are widely used garden plants because of their distinctive shape and coloring. They make a good background plant for showier flowers. However, transplanting ferns from the woods can kill them.
Probes are designed to measure the specific number of units in something. A capacitance probe measures the capacity, or level, of grain or water in a storage silo or tank. Conductivity probes are different. They measure the amount of specific ions or molecules in a liquid.
A selective herbicide that affects horsetail (Equisetum spp.) and grass-like sedge weeds (Cyperus spp.), SedgeHammer contains the active chemical ingredient halosulfuron. It acts most effectively when sedges are young. Once these weeds are flowering and seeding, even chemical control can give disappointing results.
Liquid propane gas (or LPG) vaporizers are used with consuming equipment, such as process burners, boilers, radiant heaters and BBQs. Cylinders or tanks are filled with liquid propane. During a heating process the liquid propane turns to vapor. The vapor emitted from the LPG vaporizer is consumed by your equipment. Factors like temperature, propane-tank size, propane-tank fill level and the vapor requirements of your consuming equipment affect the way your LPG vaporizer functions.
Ferns are a shady gardener's best friend. They grow where the light is too dim for flowering plants, and they make excellent hanging baskets for shaded patios and porches. Some types, like the ostrich fern, are large, imposing plants that make a bold statement, but other, more delicate ferns add a quiet softness to shady gardens. Fine-leafed ferns also make excellent companion plants for highlighting hosta's bold leaves.
Melon plants include any varietal of Cucumis melo. These trailing vines produce small yellow flowers that develop into a wide variety of fruits enjoyed around the globe. Cantaloupes, honeydew and Japanese winter melon all belong to this plant family.
Mosses and ferns survive in a wide variety of climates, including the fragile fern (Cystopteris fragilis) that grows as far north as the Arctic Circle. Despite these environmental extremes, most ferns and mosses have nearly identical environmental requirements.
Colorful and exotic, caladiums (Caladium bicolor) are grown for their colorful foliage that brightens up even the shadiest of gardens. These Brazilian natives come in two basic types: fancy-leaved types with large, heart-shaped leaves on long stems and strap- or lance-leaved types with smaller leaves on short stems. Both types of caladiums are handled the same way during winter.
Gardeners must exercise caution when planting different varieties of sweet corn together. The plants easily cross-pollinate and may produce undesirable or unknown results if their maturity dates are similar.
Russian sage, or Perovskia atriplicifolia, is a shrubby perennial that sports long stems, dusty-silver, pungently fragrant leaves and clusters of small purple-blue flowers. It grows to 5 feet and has been known to self-seed occasionally.
Most corn plants need isolation from other types of corn, including field, sweet, ornamental and popcorn varieties. Since all corn cross-pollinates, gardeners must exercise care in how closely they plant different types and varieties of corn.
Zucchini and pumpkins both belong to the cucurbitaceae family, or the cucurbit or gourd family. They are easily grown from seed, forming a bush or a vine that can be trained along a fence or trellis.
Ferns and mosses are at home on a dappled forest floor, growing near a shady brook or nestled under protective overhangs. They are adapted for these conditions for many reasons, each reason linked to their survival.
Ferns belong to the group of perennial, nonflowering plants. They reproduce by releasing hundreds of spores that grow beneath their leaves. They thrive in areas with partial or filtered sunlight, low winds, high humidity and damp earth. In your landscape designs, determine where you want to grow ferns and leave them there. They do not readily tolerate replanting. Indoors or out, ferns with white tips make beautiful decorative additions.
Ferns rarely set a frond into full sunlight. Shady forest floors and moist soils are squarely in a fern's comfort zone, and with good reason. A fern's physical health and reproductive success depend on moist, shady conditions.
One of the easiest blueberry varieties to grow in Alabama is the Rabbiteye, which is native to the Southeastern United States. Rabbiteye and some other varieties of blueberry require little effort, yet will produce between 12 and 25 pounds of fruit every season.
Ferns, one of the world's oldest living plants, are popular because of their graceful appearance and ability to tolerate low light conditions, according to University of Florida IFAS Extension. Ferns are highly adaptable plants that have evolved over the years in order to survive. Some types of ferns grow best in Arctic environments, while others prefer tropical climates or perform well as houseplants. True ferns do not produce seed, instead they multiply by spores.
Cyanobacteria blooms, also known as blue-green algae, are a seasonal problem in stagnant waters around the world. Although not all blue-green algae produce blooms that contain harmful toxins, many species do. The resultant toxins can poison livestock and other animals that drink out of affected lakes, ponds, farm dugouts and other freshwater basins. However, there are some steps you can take to deter blue-green algae growth in various bodies of water.
Plants are self reliant species and their body parts provide them with the means of nourishment and reproduction. When nourishing themselves, plants rely on their leaf organs to capture sunlight. Once plants transform carbon dioxide to organic nutrients, they have several places where they can store food, including roots and stems. When it is time for a plant's reproduction, seeds are spread from its flowers; some plants reproduce asexually while others have male and female sexual organs.
Granite edging adds a sense of permanence to a lawn. Unlike trees that shed and gardens that lose their blossoms, granite edging stays the same throughout the year. Landscapers use it for a variety of purposes including to accent fountains and pathways or to anchor a flower bed. Consider the overall look of your design; you have a variety of sizes and shapes to choose from when selecting granite edging.
Ferns thrive in a variety of growing conditions, offering a wide selection of size, color and appearance. Many common ferns do well as houseplants, but these plants thrive in outdoor gardens as well.
There is no known species of plant named American sage; however, there are several varieties of sages native to America known as salvias. Although the Russian sage and several varieties of salvia sages come from the Lamiaceae (mint) family, the two are very different.
Moss fern is known scientifically as Selaginella pallescens and, despite the name, is not a moss or a fern. Unlike moss and ferns, moss fern throws out both male and female spores. They are a handy addition to the garden.
A post-emergent selective herbicide is a chemical that kills vegetation just as any other herbicide. The only difference is that it is designed to kill only a specific type of vegetation after the plant has grown or emerged from the ground. The types of vegetation this type of herbicide will kill varies by design, and you can purchase some to kill anything from weeds to ground cover.
The neurons in your brain and the cells in your heart muscle have the same genetic code but different patterns of gene expression. They have differentiated or specialized to perform specific tasks. In a like manner, plant cells differentiate during their development.
An airframe mechanic is responsible for working on all sections of an airplane except for the power plant, instruments and propeller. To do his job properly, however, he needs the right toolset. Yet, while the airplane features very complicated parts, the tools are common ones that you may even have in your household toolbox. If not, you can buy these tools from your local hardware or home improvement store.
You don't have to replant perennial plants every year like you do annuals. Instead, perennials return year after year to produce foliage and flora for your landscape and garden environments. Knowing about some different types of perennial plants can help you choose the best ones to incorporate into your own environment and U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone; see Resources for the zones.
Gaskets are a type of seal used at the point of attachment between two machine parts or pipe joints to prevent the escape of a gas or fluid. A full face gasket is one that covers the entire surface of the point of attachment.
A Lesco spreader gauge is used to make sure a fertilizer spreader is functioning properly. This way, the plants being fertilized will receive the correct amount of fertilizer to prevent overuse damage.
Just like animals, plants have different organs and specialized tissue types that perform different functions. These different cell types arise from a meristem or region of undifferentiated cells; meristems are found at the tips of shoots and roots and in stems. Plants have three organs, each of which is composed of different types of tissues.
Ferns of many different types are favored as household plants. The relative ease of care makes them commonplace for people who love plants but don't have quite so green a thumb as other people. Ferns have existed for millions of years, with fossilized ferns found throughout the world. They prefer moist conditions with mostly shady conditions for the most part as too much sunlight dries ferns out.
Many flowers that are called lilies, such as day lilies and water lilies, are not true lilies. Real lily flowers belong to the Lilium genus. They typically have narrow leaves that grow in intermittent clusters along the stem, as well as showy blossoms that come in a wide array of shapes, sizes and colors. Many lilies are native to Asia, while other varieties grow wild in the United States.
Enzymes are proteins that catalyze or speed up chemical reactions. Most of the important chemical reactions in plants, animals and other organisms are enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Understanding how enzymes work is an important field of study in biochemistry.
There are three main blueberry varieties along with several other hybrids that stem from the original species. These three main types come from the southern highbush and rabbiteye plant. Each blueberry plant produces sweet, rich berries that posses similar nutritional properties but with slightly different taste and characteristics. The World's Healthiest Foods website says that blueberries improve brain and eye health. All blueberry varieties contain high amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin E and fiber.
Oats are the third most important grain crop grown in the United States, according to Purdue University. Although oat plants are grown primarily for their grain, some serve as an ornamental and are grown for their green foliage and flowers.
Eggplants suffer from a large number of diseases and pests. A look through the World Vegetable Center's list of eggplant pests seems to suggest that wherever an eggplant exists, something will eat or destroy it. However, with care and locally sourced pesticides, these tasty vegetables, cousins to potatoes and tomatoes, can be kept safe and happy at both the garden and commercial levels.
From candy to gum to culinary garnishes, mints feature prominently in many people's lives. The genus Mentha consists of around 25 species of mint, with some more popular for use than others. In general, mints are aromatic perennial plants that tend to have somewhat hairy stems and leaves. In addition to being used in foods, mints may be used medicinally or simply for their fragrance.
Plenty of plants bear the word 'lily' in their names, but true lily flowers are only found within the genus Lilium. Lilies can be found in the wild in areas of North America, Europe and Asia; the US Forest Service wildflowers website notes that there are around 4,200 species of Liliaceae worldwide. True lilies are divided into certain classifications; of those, Asiatic and Oriental lilies feature most prominently in gardens, according to the University of Minnesota Extension website.
Of all plant species, around 1 percent live in or around water. As such, they are specially adapted to survive in low-oxygen conditions. They may float along the water's surface or be partially or fully submerged beneath the water. Some plants, such as grasses, may have their roots completely underwater with another part of their structure completely outside the water. Water plants may also include those plants that grow directly adjacent to bodies of water.
Homegrown vegetables provide much-needed fresh nutrition in our lives, but keeping plants healthy is a constant struggle. Conditions such as warm temperatures, wet climates and weeds easily lead to fungus growth on outdoor plants. Cucumbers are susceptible to a number of fungal diseases, including anthracnose and powdery mildew; these fungi cause plant discoloration and death. Immediate treatment is necessary to control fungus.
According to the Colorado State University Extension, knowledge of water quality for your plants (irrigation water, in particular) is essential for healthy plants and long-term productivity in commercial growing settings. Water quality can actually influence a crop's health more than soil quality and hybrid and weed control.
Crops are subject to a wide range of insects and other pests that can damage the health of the plant and lessen the yield of the crop. Instead of dousing the plant with pesticides or insecticides, try implementing a crop rotation method to control the pest problem.
Plants contain an assortment of amino acids that make up protein. However, it usually takes a combination of more than one type of plant to equal a complete source of protein. The only plant-based protein that is considered complete is the soybean. Complete proteins contain all nine of the essential amino acids that the body cannot manufacture on it's own. This is why vegetarians need to combine many different plant-based proteins to supply their bodies with everything it needs. The nine essential amino acids are phenylaianine, lysine, valine, isoleucine, methionine, threonine, leucine and tryptophan.
The first grapefruit grove planted in Florida was planted by Count Odet Phillippe in Tampa in 1823. Florida grapefruits are now distributed throughout the country and Canada. Florida grows various types of grapefruit that are available year-round. Each variety of grapefruit has a different appearance, taste and peak season.
In the world of plants, there are two basic types: vascular and nonvascular. The difference between the two has everything to do with how they move water throughout their systems. Nonvascular plants do not have internal structures capable of moving water. They were among the first plants to make the leap to a terrestrial environment from an aquatic one, and as such have many physical differences from their vascular siblings.
The clementine is a cross between a tangerine and an orange. While it is a type of tangerine, the clementine has characteristics that make it an easier fruit to eat out of hand.
Pods are another term for a group of animals or plants all moving or contained in one place, together. There are a number of different instances of this type of group throughout nature, with most plants forming pods to spread seeds and most animals forming pods to move together for safety reasons.
The ficus is a tropical and sub-tropical type of plant whose hundreds of different varieties include trees and vines as well as shrubs. Of those varieties, some are used as ornamental and fruit-producing crops that can be incorporated into a backyard landscape as hedges or specimen plants.
Light is an environmental factor that affects plants along with temperature, water and nutrition. Different types of light impacts plant growth and development. Various plant species also respond differently to light. Understanding the role light plays in the development of plants, enables you to manipulate light to produce better quality plants.
Nevada desert shrubs from the northern Great Basin, which is considered a "cold desert" for its snowy winters, differ from plant life in the more southern Mojave. According to The Online Nevada Encyclopedia the ecosystems of the two desert types come together in the towns of Goldfield and Beatty. Shrubs found throughout Nevada's deserts are as interesting and diverse as the state.
Floodplains are the flat areas near waterways such as rivers where flooding typically deposits sediments. In the floodplains, many different types of plants can grow, with some found almost exclusively in such an ecosystem. Some of these plants are fit for landscaping in the wet portions of your property, since they have no problems growing where damp conditions occur. In many cases, their root systems are strong deterrents to erosion.
Plant cells harvest energy from sugar or fat molecules using a process called cellular respiration. The end product of cellular respiration is a molecule called adenosine triphosphate or ATP; cells use ATP to power many of the other processes they need to stay alive.
Like all other forms of life, plants perform a wide variety of functions. Certain cell types in plants specialize to carrying out functions unique to that cell type. These different cell types are classified according to their structure and the types of functions they perform. Plant cell types can be divided into several categories.
Gardeners use many different types of tools when planting plants and crops. In addition to the three main types of planting tools, such as are rakes, spades and hoes, there are less common tools that can make planting easier. Don't wait until growing season to start gathering your plantings tools, but start collecting them well in advance, cautions the University of Vermont. It's important to use the right tool for the right job.
Ponds are host to a range of life forms, including algae, insects, amphibians, fish and numerous kinds of plants. Aquatic pond plants serve to regulate a ponds' ecosystems, controlling pollutants, oxygen content and nutrient levels, according to the Penn State Cooperative Extension. Pond plants can be differentiated into groups based on where the plant lives in relation to the pond water.
Herbicides come in two different types: pre-emergent and post-emergent. Within those two groups you can find herbicides that are systemic, which means that they kill the roots as well as the leaves and stems. Non-system herbicides defoliate weeds through a chemical burn that targets the leaves and stems. Selective herbicides target specific types of weeds while non-selective can kill the plants you want as well as the weeds you don't want.
Removing contaminants like toxic organic compounds or heavy metals is often a difficult and expensive task. Phytoremediation seeks to reduce the cost and increase the effectiveness of cleanup by using plants to take up and break down toxins.
When you think of a plant scientist, you may envision someone kneeling over a microscope and examining the results of a botany experiment. Although some plant scientists do attempt this type of research, others pursue various types of careers that are quite different from this stereotype.
Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables for home gardeners. With hundreds of varieties available, choosing what types to plant can be a daunting task. While varieties differ, all tomatoes have similar requirements, such as full sunlight and regular watering. As you explore the many types of tomatoes, consider mixing up your tomato garden with a blend of several sizes and shapes.
Sweet corn needs to be isolated away from other types of corn. Distance is one way to do this. Plant different types of sweet corn at least 250 feet apart. Keep sweet corn away from field corn, popcorn and ornamental corn.
Weathering is a collective term for the physical and chemical processes that break down rocks. Weathering is important for soil formation, because it contributes to the creation of small rock particles that make up the bulk of the soil.
All bamboo varieties are classified under two basic types: running bamboo and clumping bamboo. Running bamboo reproduces by underground rhizomes that grow straight down and then across, where a new shoot develops. Running bamboo, which can eventually become invasive and difficult to manage, should only be planted in containers, according to the University of Florida Extension. Clumping bamboo grows from a short rhizome that remains in one place and does not become invasive.
According to the Hanson Tanks website LPG is an acronym for Liquid Petroleum Gas, such as propane and butane. LPG is often used in areas where access to a gas supply is not available.
Herbicides are a very wide and varied group of chemicals. There are several classification systems used by researchers, manufacturers and growers, but herbicides are most frequently classified by their mode of action--that is, what exactly they do to the plant. According to a publication by South Dakota State University, there are eight types of herbicide in this classification system. Many different kinds of plants have inherent resistances to one or more of these types.
The apple is one of the most popular types of fruit in the United States. They come in a variety of colors, ranging from pale yellow to a deep red, and have flavors ranging from sour to sweet and delicate. Like many other types of fruit, apples grow on trees. If growing your own apples intrigues you, it's important to know that in order to produce good fruit, it's highly recommended that you crossbreed at least two different apple varieties.
In certain environments it may be necessary to use herbicides to control the growth of undesirable plants. There are a few different application techniques depending on the types of plants being controlled. Herbicides can be sprayed directly on the foliage of the plants, applied to cut sections of the plant’s trunk or applied over the bark of a woody vine or small tree.
Melon crops are one of the primary cash crops in Nigeria and provide a source of income to many Nigerians. Melon planting occurs mostly in the northern portion of the country because the amount of rainfall aids melon growth. For Nigerians, melons are important sources of vitamins such as A and C and the seeds are high in protein.
The scientific name for the staghorn fern is Platycerium, according to Union Community College. Platycerium comes from the Greek word meaning broad-horn. Staghorn ferns are found growing throughout many regions of the world. Staghorn ferns possess characteristics that set them apart from most other ferns. They are commonly kept as house plants because of their hardiness.
Tomatoes will grow in any soil. Choosing to plant tomatoes in a clay or sandy soil will result in spindly plants producing small, cracked tomatoes with green tops and pale red bottoms. Once a rich supply of dry manure is added to these soils, there will be an amazing transformation of the plants and fruit.
Plants and animals have adapted to specific environments through various traits and behaviors. Plants have evolved methods of growing leaves, of pollination and of root systems that are specific to the surrounding climate. Many of these traits are based upon how much water is available and the humidity or dryness of the environment. Animals have evolved behaviors and traits, such as living in groups and camouflage.
Wisteria is a beautiful vine with purple or bluish-white flowers that gardeners sometimes consider to be a pest due to its invasive growing habits. It can grow in nearly any quality of soil, from dry, poor-quality areas to fertile, moist patches. While wisteria naturally grow as twining, climbing vines, patient gardeners can prune and train them to become shrubs or even small trees. There are at least 10 types of wisteria vines, but all of them can be trained into shrubs the same way.
According to the Morton Arboretum, low-growing evergreen shrubs serve a variety of purposes in the landscape. They can create privacy around a deck or patio, stabilize slopes or embankments, provide a backdrop for other plants and screen objects with a green color throughout the year. There are several different types of small, compact evergreens that can be used in several different U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hardiness planting zones. Many different evergreen species have been cultivated into dwarf varieties, which provide gardeners with several options for the home or commercial landscape.
Creating an advertisement for soil can be a challenging feat. The posters that we see on a daily basis are captivating, colorful and drive home a solid point. But how do you make a poster about dirt? Here are a few ideas about how to advertise and depict soil and good old mother nature in a contemporary and powerful way.
Whether you have a pond that is in your landscape for enjoyment or a pond used for livestock to drink from, maintaining that pond is important, and that means controlling weeds. Weeds can quickly overtake the surface of a pond or crowd out beneficial plants below the water surface. Excessive weed growth can block out the sun, killing the plants or creatures below. There are, however, herbicides that can be used in an aquatic environment.
Counting tree rings is a commonly recognized way to determine the age of a tree, but the reasons these rings form is very important to scientists hoping to gather useful data. Tree ring dating, or dendrochronology, is commonly used in ecology, archeology and climatology.
Atrazine is used around the world as an herbicide for many different types of crops. Although it has been proven very effective, studies have also linked the chemical to certain types of environmental problems, including contamination and sexual development in animals such as frogs. In some countries atrazine is banned from use as an herbicide.
Labiatae, or Lamiaceae, may sound like a mythical creature, but it's actually a word used to categorize several thousand common plants found in the mint family. Most of these plants are valued for their edible and medicinal purposes, and the best part about Labiatae plants is that many of them are probably growing in your backyard this very minute.
There are many types of palm plants suitable for either indoor and outdoor decor, for homes or businesses. Choose depending on the look you're trying to achieve as well as the amount of time and effort you want to put into upkeep. The needs of the various palms depend on the species and size.
Water, lighting and nutrient supply are factors that can affect soil quality. These same factors also play a role in a soil's electrical conductivity level. In some cases, a high or low conductivity reading can affect nutrient supplies within a soil environment. A soil's conductivity level can help identify potential problems and serve as a gauge for future treatment applications.
There are many different types of Portulaca plants, including Portulaca grandiflora, Portulaca molokiniensis, and Portulaca oleracea. These plants are a low-growing annual flower that produces small yellow, red, orange, and white flowers. Some plants can even yield flowers in a variety of colors. The two primary diseases that affect Portulaca plants are root rot and white rust.
When scales or mealy bugs appear on Elkhorns you do not see the actual insect. With scales you will see brown crusty bumps, the actual insects are attached to the fern under the protective bumps. Same with mealy bugs however they will be under white, cushion like, cottony masses.
The ninebark shrub is a midsize shrub that attracts many birds and butterflies. This is typically due to the fragrant flowers that the shrub produces. The ninebark shrub grows well almost anywhere and is a very low-maintenance plant. Any bird enthusiast will benefit from the addition of a ninebark shrub in the backyard.
Creating a border in your landscape by using shrubs is the natural way to add privacy or section off your yard or garden. There are many different types of shrubs that you can use, depending on the sort of border you want to make. The types of shrubs you use will also depend on the area you live in and the climate of the area. When designing your border, you need to consider not only the climate, but how high and how wide you want the border. Some plants will grow into full and dense shrubs while others will be…
The term "fertilizer" refers to amendments added to the soil to improve the nutritional capability of the in an effort to support optimal plant growth. Many different types of fertilizers are used by gardeners. These generally fall between the range of organic fertilizers like animal manure, bone meal and organic compost and the chemical or inorganic fertilizers.
For generations people have used signs in nature to determine their farming habits. Planting by the stars, by specific date, or by the spring growth pattern of others plants, are all common signs used to determine the most profitable time to sew different types of seed. Many agrarians swear by these methods, keeping them in popular use, even in the 21st century.
Fertilizers aid plants' growth by providing nutrients they are not getting from the soil. Fertilizers make it possible to grow healthy plants in otherwise infertile soils. There are several different types of plant fertilizers available. Most of these can be purchased at farm and garden stores.
Capsicum Annum, more commonly known as cayenne pepper, is the most commonly cultivated pepper at this time. This herbaceous plant is one of the oldest known cultivated crops.
Azaleas are rhododendrons, scientifically named Rhododendron. Rhododendrons are members of the heath family, or Ericaceae. They are beautiful plants with a wide range of colors.
Essential to life, soil anchors and nourishes plant life, which, in turn, nourishes us. Soil is not the same everywhere since it forms from whatever is locally available. These differences can be broadly classified as soil orders. Also, as you travel farther down from the surface, the soil changes as well. These changes create layers, what scientists call horizons. Still, in broad terms, soil basically contains the same types of components in some degree or another: minerals, organic matter, air, and water. Topsoil, as the name implies, is soil at the surface. It is the soil that is farmed.
Vines can suffer from a case of mistaken identity. Harmless Virginia creeper is easily confused with the woody poison ivy vine. But what if the mistaken identity is correct? In the case of the plant known as the bittersweet vine, this conundrum prevails.
The buxus plant originated in Korea, Japan and parts of the Mediterranean. An evergreen shrub, the buxus prefers climates where winter temperatures never exceed -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the United States National Arboretum.
Miracle-Gro plant fertilizer is made by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. It has four active chemical ingredients that provide nutrients for plants and flowers.
The boxwood shrub is one of the most common types of shrubs used to create hedges or topiary sculptures. The plants are relatively low maintenance, grow rapidly and can handle numerous prunings and shearings. They are also ideal for gardeners in various climates. Boxwood shrubs can be purchased from different sources, each offering distinct advantages.
The process of life is a pretty complex thing which contains many moving parts. The most basic part of living organisms is the simplest unit of life--the cell. The type of cell that is the most crucial for the existence of all life on the planet is the plant cell.
For most people, grafting is a lost art. At one time, anyone who wanted to produce a new breed of tree would simply graft two trees together. However, as horticulturists experimented with grafting at ever-increasing rates, it became easier for people to buy plants instead of grafting their own.
Sucrose, more commonly known as table sugar, comes from two different plants: sugar cane and sugar beets. These plants are grown all over the world. The type of sugar-producing plant grown depends on the climate. After they are harvested, the sugar cane and sugar beets are processed to remove the sugar.
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.
Salvia, commonly known as sage, is the largest genus in the mint family, with more than 900 species. These species range from annual plants grown as herbs to perennial shrubs grown for ornamental purposes. Common traits include spikes of flowers ranging in color from red to blue and leaves covered with tiny hairs or fuzz. The following are five of the most common different types of salvia.
Bamboo yarn is derived from the bamboo tree native to the Asian continent and is used to make a variety of cloth materials. There are several different types of bamboo yarn, but most claim to be 100 percent treated bamboo and eco-friendly. The reasons for this enthusiasm is two-fold: first, bamboo has been used naturally for many years in China, Japan and the other nations of Asia, and creating new products from the tree allows the cultures to keep their heritage intact and make use of the same materials they have had for generations. Second, bamboo as a plant is…
Tissue culture is a way to grow cells, like those in plants, using laboratory conditions. Tissue culture is also a way to grow rare species. The International Carnivorous Plant Society, for example, is using tissue culture to grow more of a rare species called the Nepenthes clipeata, which is in danger of extinction. Often, tissue culture is done with seeds, which are sterilized and kept alive. It is harder to use living plants for tissue culture.
Bonsai plants and trees are becoming a common sight in many gardens, homes and shops. Caring for and training these beautiful plants is not an easy task, especially when it comes time to repot them. To plant your bonsai correctly, there are steps you must take. This can be time consuming, but if done incorrectly it could lead to the death of your bonsai.
Caladium is a popular foliage plant native to South America. They have heart-shaped leaves that range in size from a few inches to a few feet. Caladium is a tuberous plant that comes in various shades of green, white, red and even lavender. Because of their colorful and large and decorative leaves caladium works well in annual gardens, in pots or along walkways. However, some caladium enthusiasts grow these tropical plants indoors as houseplants. As a houseplant, caladium adds color but because these plants typically go dormant in the fall, they should be stored until spring.
In recent years, there has been a great deal of media attention and lawsuits concerning black mold. The health risks, particularly for the respiratory system, of black mold have become a common catchphrase for home buyers and inspectors. In reality, there are many good types of mold. Indeed, without some types of mold, our human species would have a much harder time of survival.
When starting a craft or construction project that requires wood, the first question one must ask is whether hardwood or softwood is better suited for the task. Before making that decision, knowing the ins and outs of each type of wood is valuable.
Moles mostly keep themselves hidden underground, though because of the tunneling, they are notorious enemies of gardens. But while they may cause damage to a garden, this is an accident more often than not. Moles are prodigious eaters, but plants are rarely what they're after.
There are many different types of plants that can be used on different landscapes, such as dogwoods for city yards and maple trees for larger yards. Add perennials and annuals to a garden that has ornamental grasses with help from a sustainable gardener in this free video on gardening tips.
Different types of poppy plants include the California poppy, the Alpine poppy, the Iceland poppy, the Oriental poppy and the Flanders poppy, all of which bloom beautifully in the summer but require different climates. Discover the various types of poppy flowers with advice from a sustainable gardener in this free video on gardening.
The prickly pear cactus is the most common type of cactus in the United States. It grows in western North America from Mexico to Canada and is the only cactus found in the eastern United States. Its fruits often are harvested to make jelly, mead (honey wine) or red dye, and its leaves can be eaten. The following steps will show how to extract cactus juice from its fruits and leaves.
