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Wilted strawberries in the garden indicate that the plants have contracted a disease called verticillium wilt, which is caused by the Verticillium albo-atrum fungus. Verticillium wilt survives in the soil for up to 25 years. It is important for gardeners to understand more about verticillium wilt because there are no commercial products on the market to cure this disease.
Removing and replanting an outdoor cactus may save its life, if it's planted in an inhospitable area. Cacti cannot tolerate areas in the yard with poor-draining soil, full shade or freezes. Gardeners moving cacti that were thriving in its location must pick out a new area that has the same light exposure, drainage and soil conditions. Transplant cacti in the winter when they have gone dormant. Moving a cactus when it is actively growing or during intense summer heat reduces the chance of success.
When breezes ruffle the sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) leaves, their silvery undersides flutter and glisten. In May and June, the breeze also carries the lemony scent of the creamy white flowers. Each flower, with nine to 12 petals, is often partially hidden among the leaves on branch tips. Native to the American eastern coastal plain's moist woodlands and swamps, the sweetbay magnolia matures 10 to 60 feet tall and 10 to 25 feet wide.
A fixture on American porches and in parlors since Victorian days, the Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata “Bostoniensis”) is a tender perennial that has very little to do with Boston. It was a unique plant noticed among similar ferns sent from a Philadelphia florist to one in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The species is native throughout Florida and found in tropical areas around the Pacific Rim. Like other tropical plants, the Boston fern thrives in shade.
With outdoor space at a premium in many metropolitan areas, gardeners may turn to rooftop landscaping. Whether you want to grow organic produce, create a green urban oasis, reduce your carbon footprint or simply enjoy gardening as hobby, rooftop landscapes provide the means. Many rooftop gardens grow solely on rainwater, making them eco-friendly and sustainable. Rooftop landscaping also reduces cooling energy needs of buildings by up to 25 percent and extends the life of a roof from 10 to 40 years.
Energetic ground cover plants can quickly cover planting areas to provide interest and erosion control. When you have a dry, rocky and steep hillside that you wish to cover, one crown vetch plant can cover approximately 6 feet of ground space in only two to three years, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. Transplant crown vetch from areas where you do not want it growing to where you wish to grow it and the plants should acclimate quickly.
Lupines (Lupinus spp.) provide color and vertical interest to a garden. This tall plant, which reaches 3 to 5 feet high, forms unmistakable vibrant spikes of pea-like flowers. Found in shades of purple, violet, red, pink, yellow or white, lupines thrive in areas with cool, moist summers. The flowers bloom in spring and early summer. Lupines are members of the pea family (Fabaceae).
Gerbera daisies are recognizable by their open, flat buds, and their range of delightful colors, from pink and orange to white and yellow.
Wisterias are fast growing vines that are often grown as trees or shrubs. They produce clusters of drooping flowers that are white, pink or blue. Wisterias are easy to grow because they're very adaptable. However, they are prone to attack by a large number of insects, like leafhoppers, skippers, lantern bugs and scales.
Generations of gardeners have watched for the first bright yellow forsythia blooms that announce spring's arrival. Forsythias (Forsythia spp. and hybrids) are one of the earliest blooming shrubs in the spring, so it's a real disappointment when they fail to bloom. There are a few cultural practices to check if your forsythias won't bloom.
Crushed eggshells may sound like the last thing you want to use around your plants, but they offer surprising benefits to a wide array of plants. Eggshells are a natural bi-product, and they're rich in nutrients that plants and soil need. Before tossing your eggshells in the garbage, save them for many uses around the garden.
Home gardeners often plant irises in their flower beds and home gardens, adding a splash of color to the landscape. Siberian irises are often found in blue, yellow, purple or white and some hybrid species are available in black, bronze, pink or creamy white. Irises are generally pest-resistant, but are susceptible to infestations of the iris borer which can adversely affect the health and appearance of the plant.
Wireworms are more often a problem in crops such as potatoes than in trees and flowering plants, but they can pose a significant threat to maple trees. The maple is one of the most iconic trees, and it can add beauty and shade to a home. Not only can a wireworm infestation ruin a maple tree's looks, it can go much further and affect its health to the point that the damage may be irreparable.
Oxalis oregana, commonly called Redwood-sorrel, thrives in cool, shady or partly shaded areas with damp soil conditions. This low-growing perennial forms a thick ground cover. The clover shaped leaves emerge in spring and remain green through fall, or year round in mild climates. Delicate purple and white flowers bloom from spring to fall. Dig Oxalis oregana in the spring for division, propagation and transplanting. Divide the roots every three to five years to keep the plant colonies healthy and thriving.
Gardeners interested in organic fertilizers are always on the lookout for natural ways to enhance plant growth. Eggshells take a long time to break down so any nutrients they provide are applied slowly. Add eggshells to the compost pile instead. Crush them slightly to accelerate the decomposition process.
Forsythia is a spectacular spring-flowering shrub you're more likely to find near old farmhouses than in modern yards, in part because of its size. Forsythia can grow to 10 feet and taller, and equally wide, though smaller cultivars are now available. Also known as border forsythia and golden bell, forsythia explodes with vivid yellow flowers on naked branches when winter is still dreary--a cheering early harbinger of spring--though the month varies from place to place.
Snowdrop flowers bloom in early spring, often breaking through snow and ice to reach the rays of the sun. They appear even before spring crocus and other spring bulbs. Their scientific name is Galanthus, and there are over 19 different varieties, all looking much the same with only subtle differences.
The loganberry is a hybrid fruit obtained by crossing the European red Antwerp raspberry with the American Aughinbaugh blackberry. The fruit, produced in 1881 in California, is named after the founding horticulturalist, judge James Logan. Loganberry is considered the first hybrid fruit and is now widely used for producing new hybrid berries such as boysenberry, marionberry and olallieberry. Loganberry bushes are very similar in growth characteristics to the parent plants.
Maples are deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees, with most adapted to the cooler regions of the United States. The plants come in nearly 125 different varieties, cites the Savatree website, and range in size between 18 to 80 feet. Maples, however, are prone to numerous pest infestations -- including wireworms, a root-damaging insect found on a variety of trees, crops and other plants.
Tillers rotate garden soil and prepare it for planting, making it easier to dig holes for seeds and seedlings. Mantis and Troy-Bilt both manufacture multiple models of gasoline-powered garden tillers. Mantis also makes electric-powered rototillers.
Pigeonpeas (Cajanus cajan) are a staple in many areas of the world, used for food, fodder and fuel. The plant is widely grown in Hawaii. Pigeonpea is a perennial shrub but is often grown as an annual. Drought and pest resistant, pigeonpea plants grow as tall as 13 feet with a deep root system. The plants produce flowers in many colors on the same shrub. The pea pods contain about 10 seeds separated within the pods by slight depressions, like sugar snap peas. Pigeonpea grows successfully in warm, humid conditions with temperatures that range from 64 to 84 degrees F.…
Mantis garden tillers have blades that rotate to break up soil and clean thatch from lawns. Mantis tillers have a maximum digging depth of 10 inches, even in compacted dirt or clay soil. Mantis offers a five-year warranty on all garden tillers and allows purchasers return a tiller within one year of purchase for a full refund, for any reason.
Loganberry ( Rubus --- loganobaccus) is a type of brambleberry that was discovered by and named for James Harvey Logan in 1883. Logan, a judge and gardening enthusiast, planted two blackberry bushes near an old raspberry bush; the resulting accidental cultivar, "Loganberry," is prized for the rich tangy red berries it produces. Loganberry makes an excellent container plant and can be cultivated successfully on balconies in United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 though 9.
As gardeners, some factors are simply out of our hands. We can till, fertilize, water and weed, but a late frost can still wreak havoc with our tender young plants. But it is comforting to know that a number of things are well within our realm of control, and soil pH is one of them. Acidic soil is a common problem which can be corrected by the application of lime, and alternative liming materials like eggshells are surprisingly effective.
Gardens can add a lovely retreat to your backyard or, in the case of a vegetable patch, put fresh food on your dinner table. However, whether your landscape plans mimic the solace of a woodland meadow or you seek to teach your children where green beans come from, selecting and preparing the right site can mean the difference between success and failure.
A large part of maintaining a vegetable garden is preventing the growth of weeds. Prevent weeds in a vegetable garden with help from a farm manager in this free video clip.
Forsythia is a group of primarily Asian shrubs grown throughout the United States for their bright yellow blooms. Forsythia bushes grow quickly and form tall, solid borders in home gardens or public spaces such as highway medians. These plants reach a mature height of 10 feet and 12-foot spread. Forsythias grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 5 through 8 and outdoor plants bloom at same time, regardless of where they grow. Indoor blooms grow on a different schedule.
Boxwoods (Buxus spp.) are versatile, broadleaf evergreens used in a variety of garden themes and plans, such as planting in isolation to serve as a specimen or along a row to form a natural hedgerow that increases privacy. They also are used as topiary in the ground or in pots. The bush features a natural rounded form and dense growth that requires frequent trimming to keep its size and shape in check. Trim the bush before it produces 1 foot of new growth so it maintains the desired shape.
Boxwood is a versatile, ornamental shrub commonly found in formal landscapes across the United States. Depending on personal preference, grow the hardy plant alone as an accent point or in a hedgerow to form a natural border or edging. Removing the plant may become necessary if you want to clear the area to update the appearance of the landscape or it no longer fits the current location. Work slowly and carefully so you do not damage the roots.
Wireworms are the larval stage of click beetles. These bugs live in the soil and they feed on the underground parts of plants. You can differentiate these 1/2- to 1 1/2-inch, yellow to brown larvae from millipedes by the number of legs they have. Wireworms have only three pairs located directly behind the head, while millipedes have many. Currently, there are no commercial insecticides available for the home gardener against wireworms, but there are organic ways to reduce the population of wireworms and eventually get rid of them.
Forsythias are 8- to 10-foot-tall shrubs with a somewhat larger spread that feature bright yellow flowers, an erect or weeping habit and attractive reddish-purple fall coloring. Forsythia should feature an explosion of blooms in early to mid-spring. A lack of flowers could be caused by any of a number of factors.
Oxalis, commonly referred to as wood sorrel, is the scientific genus of some plants related to the shamrock. The name oxalis comes from the greek word for sour, which describes this group of plant's bitter foliage. The most diverse populations of this type of plant are found in South America, Mexico, and South Africa, though species of this plant are found all around the world.
Once the vernal equinox occurs, gardeners across U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 6 should soon see the first flowers on forsythia shrubs, around April 1. Also called goldenbells, the forsythia fills its branches with thousands of bold yellow flowers to announce the start of spring. The trees have not yet leafed out, but fescue or bluegrass lawns are emerald green when the forsythia shrubs start blooming across USDA zone 6.
On par with pussy willow blossoms in announcing the end of winter, forsythia shrubs bloom anytime from early March to late April across the United States. To break the doldrums of winter, gardeners and florists may force forsythia branches into flower. Once the shrub endures ample exposure to winter cold, the buds of cut branches form when placed in water and provided warm temperatures. The amount of cold needed for flower formation is called vernalization and is measured in chilling hours.
Loganberries are a type of blackberry with a trailing growth habit. The stems, commonly referred to as canes, will grow along the ground if not trained to climb a trellis or some other support structure. A wire trellis similar to those used to support grape vines may be used. Loganberries may also be planted along a fence or stone wall. Loganberries are planted in the spring but may be planted in the fall in warm, Southern locations.
Gardeners add compost to soil to replenish nutrients that plants take out, but it can be expensive when purchased commercially. Keeping soil healthy is essential to keeping plants healthy. Common household waste may be used as organic compost, which makes it a lot simpler to provide plants with the nutrients they crave. As odd as it sounds, eggshells are actually very healthy for roses.
Most gardeners eventually try their hand at propagating one of their favorite plants. Fortunately, several different ways to propagate almost every plant exist, and none of them are difficult. Some plants are more difficult than others to coax into reproducing, but the methods are simple and straightforward.
A perennial is a plant that will return for three seasons or more. There are thousands of different perennial plants that, when planted correctly, can provide your garden with brilliant color through the entire blooming season. There are perennials that will thrive in the hot, sunny garden as well as perennials that will cheerfully fill in the shady areas of the garden. Many perennials will tolerate different soil conditions and have different watering needs. All of these factors will go into deciding which perennials are chosen for the garden.
An established garden plot is one in which you have already planted in previous growing seasons. Preparing an established plot for planting in the next growing season is easier than preparing an unestablished plot. You do not need to clear land, and any improvements you made to the soil in past seasons should contribute to the overall health of the plot's soil content.
The oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is easily recognized by its nearly foot-long leaves with a shape resembling oak leaves. Native to Florida, this shrub now grows throughout much of the United States, ranging from the East Coast, to the Southern states and all the way to the West Coast. While generally resistant to serious problems and pests, this hydrangea is susceptible to spots on the leaves.
Hydrangeas are flowering shrubs desirable for their huge clusters of pink, white or blue blooms. Of the 23 species, only five are ordinarily grown, according to the US National Arboretum. One of those is the Oakleaf hydrangea, or H. quercifolia. This species of hydrangea is native to the United States and is most commonly grown in the Southeast.
The blooms of the gerbera, or Transvaal, daisy make it a popular plant for home gardens. Different varieties are available in a wide array of colors, from white to pink to purple to multicolored. Cut flowers last up to 10 days, adding color and interest to floral displays. Readily available as bedding plants or seeds, gerbera daisies are an economical addition to any flower garden.
Cloning chili pepper plants involves taking the stem from one plant and using it to grow another. Clone, or propagate chili pepper plants with help from an outdoor gardening professional in this free video clip.
Pachysandra is an evergreen or semi-evergreen groundcover known by several names and prized for its shade tolerance. The plants produce small flowers, but are primarily grown for their attractive, sometimes variegated foliage. Pachysandras have many uses as a groundcover, well-suited to shady banks where it helps prevent erosion, under trees where other plants won't grow, and as an edging along shady paths. They are low-maintenance plants once established, but need pruning or removal to keep them within established areas.
The Mantis Company of Southampton, Pennsylvania, introduced its first garden tiller in 1980. It is a diminutive 20-lb, two-cycle unit with a patented wave-like tine design. The Mantis.com website claims sales of 1 million tillers over 30 years, all backed by an unconditional one-year money-back guarantee. As of 2011, Mantis has four tiller models plus eight tiller attachments.
English blackberries produce a large number of edible berries. Blackberries can be eaten plain, made into pies and jams and used in many recipes. Propagating blackberries produces more plants and more berries.
Unlike minor soil deficiencies and cultural problems that can turn your oakleaf hydrangea's leaves yellow, leaves that are turning black signify a more severe problem. While providing optimal care to your oakleaf hydrangea is key in avoiding pest and fungal disease issues, determining the cause and appropriate treatment for your plant as soon as you notice symptoms is essential in avoiding plant death.
Brown spots on garden vegetables can be caused by a variety of problems from diseases to simple sunburn. Diagnosing the problem and eliminating it is important so future vegetables will not also develop brown spots.
People have been eating blackberries and using them for medicinal purposes for more than 2,000 years. A purple or blue dye can also be made from the fruit, and twine is made from a fiber in the stem. Unlike some other fruits, blackberries are easy to propagate. Four techniques are used.
The boxwood bush is a common plant, often found in hedges and landscaping beds in commercial or residential settings. Although this bush is slow-growing, the boxwood will grow into a large plant. Dividing a plant means digging up the roots and cutting through them to break the plant into two or more parts. Boxwood can only be "divided" successfully if there are two or more distinct stems with their own root masses. A single-stem boxwood cannot be divided.
New Jersey plants grow in USDA hardiness zones 6 and 7, tolerating temperatures between 10 and -10 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. To grow a garden at your New Jersey home or to recognize the plants you find in the state's parks, keep some plant identification facts in mind.
Thunbergia erecta is a shrub native to tropical Africa. Also known as bush clock vine and king's mantle, Thunbergia erecta blooms almost continually with slightly fragrant purple flowers. It grows outdoors in USDA zones 10b through 11, but you can grow Thunbergia erecta in colder climates as a container plant that is kept indoors during the winter. Knowing when to trim back Thunbergia erecta will help this fast-growing shrub stay beautiful throughout the year.
Mantis is a manufacturer of gardening products, such as tillers, that are designed to be lightweight, weighing only 20 pounds. The Mantis tiller churns up soil to a depth of 10 inches to prepare a seed bed.
A number of reasons exists to trim a boxwood. If you use the boxwood as hedging, it needs to be trimmed to restrict wayward growth. It should also be trimmed to maintain the health of the bush. Agriculturists with Texas A&M University recommend that you get into a habit of trimming the boxwood bush before the plant has produced 1 foot of new growth -- because boxwoods are slow growers, and overgrowth shades the lower part of the plant, possibly killing portions of it.
Hydrangea plants, like the "hydra" in their name implies, require plenty of water to thrive. Planting them in semi-shade helps to keep them hydrated, as does digging them a deep hole and keeping their soil light. With their specatular dinner-plate-sized flowers, hydrangeas are well worth the trouble of keeping them well watered.
Hostas are also known as plantain lilies. These plants are distantly related to ornamental lilies. Unlike lilies, hostas are grown for their striking foliage, which may be tinted yellow, green or blue and striped white, green or yellow. Hosta plants grow well in full shade to partial sun and grow well in bare locations beneath trees or next to buildings. Hostas grow larger each year as the clumps of roots expand. The easiest way to propagate hostas is to dig up the roots and divide the clump.
Rose lovers can enjoy public gardens from Northern to Southern California. Seven public gardens in California are registered members of the Historic Roses Federation. Each garden is devoted to the preservation of historic roses and the enjoyment of their collections by the public.
Eggshells have a number of beneficial uses in vegetable gardens. In some cases, it takes large quantities of eggshells to make a significant impact, but the benefits can make it well worthwhile to start saving your shells.
Measuring the acidity or alkalinity of soil pH is a useful indicator of which plants are best suited for your garden. If you would like to change your soil's pH, you have a number of options available, including the addition of ground eggshells.
Spicy chiles de arbol have a Scoville heat rating of 15,000 to 30,000, making them three times as hot as the most pungent jalapeno pepper. These hot plants add flavor to Mexican food and other ethnic cuisines. While chiles de arbol grow throughout the Southwest, gardeners anywhere can plant backyard hot peppers like chile de arbol. For best results, plant pepper seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date in your area, then move the plants outside when there is no danger of frost.
Bright and colorful, tall and unusual, sunflowers are fun and easy plants for kids to grow. All they require is a plot of well-drained soil, lots of water and full sunlight. The scientific name of a sunflower is Helianthus, deriving from "helius," which means sun, and "anthus," which means flower.
Gum paste, also known as fondant, is an edible claylike material that is used to create flowers and other shapes for cakes and cupcakes. You can buy premade gum paste in craft stores, in cake-specialty stores and through online retailers. If you wish to create snowdrop gum paste flowers, having the correct tools and knowing the right techniques will help you achieve your goal without too much hassle, even if you aren't experienced in working with gum paste.
Eggshells contain nitrogen, calcium, phosphoric acid and other elements that plants need to grow. The calcium in the shells is especially beneficial to tender and/or fast growing vegetable plants including tomatoes, broccoli and cabbage, while the acid content is especially beneficial to blueberries, fruit trees, roses and evergreens. When used as mulch, eggshells can deter garden pests such as slugs, and when combined with coffee grounds, eggshells can optimize the health of your plants and soil.
Crystals, like plants, are natural objects produced by the earth. Most people think of exotic stones or gems when they hear the word "crystal." However, crystals are more common than that -- they are around us every day. Snow, salt, sugar, ice and a variety of metals are all classified as crystals. Some gardeners like to use certain precious stone crystals in their gardens or plants to help their plants grow and keep them healthy.
Many people in the new-age movement ascribe special magical or quasi-magical properties to crystals. Crystals are believed to be able to cure illness, remove negative emotions and bad luck, and even help to grow plants and protect them from bugs. You don't need big or expensive stones to exploit these purported powers -- small crystals a couple of inches or smaller near the targeted plant or area of the garden are sufficient. As with most matters of religion, opinions vary about the right crystal for the right purpose. Experiment and see which seems to work for you. You can find…
Before you toss eggshells into the trash can, consider recycling them. There is some truth to the theory that crushed eggshells are good for garden soil. The key to their effectiveness may be the degree to which the shells are crushed.
Perennial flowers are commonly used for gardens because they return for several growing seasons. They are typically hardy plants and grow in a variety of hardiness zones.
Gypsum is a type of lime sometimes included in fertilizer mixtures. It contains high levels of both calcium and sulfur, with approximately 40 percent of gypsum comprised of these two nutrients alone. Both are necessary for proper plant growth.
Gardeners in New Mexico will benefit from using native plants in their landscaping because of the state's climate. Native plants rarely require supplemental watering, which is ideal because New Mexico receives close to 14 inches of rainfall annually and often suffers from prolonged periods of drought. Native plants also are acclimated to the state's weather variances. Summer temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while the variance between a day's high and low temperatures can range from 25 to 35 degrees, according to the New Mexico Climate Center at New Mexico State University.
Junipers come in a number of varieties. Some are shrub-like, growing flat and wide across your garden floor. The most common junipers are upright juniper bushes such as the "Compressa" juniper, or tall trees like the "Spartan" juniper. These upright juniper plants grow long, lush branches, adding evergreen color to your yard during wintertime. Junipers can survive even in nutrient-poor soil, but they require occasional pruning for optimal health.
The island nation of New Zealand stretches for more than 1,000 miles from north to south. Latitude variations create a variety of climates and ecosystems, which allows for a diverse range of flora from one end of the country to the other. In fact, more than 75 percent of New Zealand's plant life is unique to the nation. When planting a New Zealand garden, choose species native to your region for the best results, as indigenous plants are naturally adapted to local pests and climate.
The boxwood is a popular ornamental shrub. Ranging in height from 2 to 15 feet, it is commonly used for hedges, edgings and in topiaries as its dense growth can be easily trimmed into a number of shapes. While the boxwood is hardy and easy to grow, however, it is possible for it to become ill. Diseased, dead or damaged shrubs need to be replaced. Even if they are not ill, shrubs occasionally outgrow their intended purpose or sometimes homeowners simply want to update their landscape. Under these circumstances, the removal of a boxwood shrub may be necessary.
Planting a garden starts with choosing a sunny area away from trees and structures that might cast shade onto the garden. The area should also drain well, so observe the desired growing area after a heavy rainfall to see if the rain seeps quickly through the soil. Mark off the planting area using a garden hose or string and stakes. Prepare the garden soil for the new planting site in late winter as soon as the soil is workable.
The process of a seed's growth into a new plant is called germination. All seeds require a certain amount of time to grow and mature before germinating, but specific species may have different requirements.
Plumbago is an evergreen shrub, but don't let that stop you from becoming creative with it. Pruned, it can form a hedge or be grown as a vine.
The climate of New Hampshire can pose challenges to the gardener who wants a diverse array of plants in her garden. As University of New Hampshire Extension educator Ralph Winslow points out, New Hampshire gardeners often have a wider range of plants available to them than they tend to use, and these plants often have many appealing qualities, resist most New Hampshire pests and survive the state's harsh winters.
Each year, garden centers and mail-order catalogs introduce new, exotic-looking plants, enticing gardeners just in time for spring planting. Vines are always popular among gardeners. Winding way up and over just about anything, vines camouflage unattractive areas while adding visual interest and shade to the yard. Unusual, unique flowering vines can be real conversation starters. Their vivid, colorful blossoms and bright, eye-catching foliage make a dramatic statement, whether grown alone or in combination with other plants.
Most of New Jersey lies within USDA Hardiness Zone 6, with the coastal areas and extreme southern sections covered by zone 7. This means that several species of shrubs and trees suitable for use as hedges can grow New Jersey. While some of these plants are native to the Garden State, others hail from other parts of North America and beyond.
The plants that tend to grow the best in a New Mexico garden are those that are tolerant of wind and dry, hot conditions, and thrive on low water. Planting a garden full of colorful plants that tolerate hot, arid conditions--also known as xeriscaping--will give you a beautiful, low-maintenance garden.
Preparing the soil properly is an important first step in breaking new ground for a garden, according to the National Gardening Association. A little prep work now saves you time later when you won't need to maintain or weed your garden as much. Wait to buy plants until after you have prepared your garden. That way, you'll be able to survey your area, figure out which areas receive what amounts of sun and if certain areas retain water. When you purchase your plants, be armed with this information so you can select plants that grow best in your area.
Most pepper diseases present symptoms primarily on the leaves and stems. Two problems may cause spots to develop on fruit: bacterial spot and blossom-end rot.
Vegetable gardens thrive in New England, but the gardeners who tend them use different methods than gardeners in California or Florida. Gardeners must choose appropriate crops and appropriate plant-tending methods for their region.
Strawberry Festival is one of the many patterns of dinnerware and accessories created and sold by Mikasa.
Asian jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), also known as dwarf confederate jasmine, is a perennial vine usually grown as a ground cover. It has woody stems and abundant leaves that grow very close to the ground and is tolerant of both drought and cold. Asian jasmine is quite hardy and does not require a lot of fuss when being transplanted. Prepare the new planting site before digging the jasmine to prevent the roots from drying out. Select healthy-looking clumps and transplant in early spring.
Cloning a plant means creating one genetically identical plant from another plant. It is done by home gardeners as well as large nursery operations because it is an inexpensive way to create new plants from a single plant that has desirable characteristics. For example, a plant resistant to a certain disease can be cloned to create more plants also resistant to that disease.
Bee balm (Monarda didyma), with its scarlet flowers and minty fragrance, is a pleasure in the garden. Unfortunately, it is extremely susceptible to powdery mildew, which is a fungus that causes white spots on the leaves.
Growing vegetables in your yard ensures that your produce is fresh and is much more convenient than driving to the local farm stand or grocery store. Even a small garden can yield enough produce to feed your family for the summer and maybe provide an adequate amount to preserve for the rest of the year. Preparing a place to plant your garden requires a little knowledge and some physical labor, but the result is worth the work.
You do not need to be an expert gardener to know that the state of Florida is rich in plant life. Unless you have lived and gardened in Florida for a few years, starting your own garden in the Sunshine State can be a little confusing at first. If you are a new gardener, speak up and ask questions so you have a garden that even the most experienced gardeners will admire.
Shasta daisies bloom in mid-summer. They were developed by Luther Burbank in 1890, who stated that the whiteness of the petals reminded him of the snow on the top of Mount Shasta in California. This daisy originally was a part of the Chrysanthemum family. However, it was moved to the Leucanthemum family a few years ago. Divide Shasta daisies due to overcrowding in an established garden or to revitalize or repopulate the garden.
New Mexico green chiles add much of the signature flavor to New Mexican dishes. Green and red chiles grow on the same plant, the green chiles are just immature and not fully ripened. New Mexico green chiles require a long growing season, plenty of sunlight and consistently warm temperatures in order to grow and properly develop their flavor. Seeds are usually started indoors 10 weeks before the last expected frost, so the plants have the time they need to reach maturity.
If the idea of a self-perpetuating flower patch is appealing, choose plants that reseed. Reseeding plants sow themselves, enabling new plants to grow somewhere in your garden the next season. To encourage reseeding, leave some of the flowers on the stems after they've bloomed, so they form seed heads. The seeds are deposited onto the ground by gravity, wind, rain or birds.
New Zealand is full of lush plants due to its mild temperatures and high rainfall amounts. Plants like Cream Delight flax, phormiums and astelias are known to populate the country with their full blooms. If your growing conditions mimic that of New Zealand's climate, you can grow some of these plants in your own backyard.
Most people love plants. In general, plants require very little care and attention. Give them water, sunlight and an occasional bite of plant food and most plants will flourish on their own. In addition to growing to be physically beautiful, plants provide oxygen and clean contaminants out of the air. According to www.cleanairgardening.com, NASA found that many houseplants clean chemicals out of the air.
A variety of native plants thrive in New Hampshire where the cool, short summers give vegetation a chance to grow. Native plants that grow in the state must show hardy tendencies since some of the coldest temperatures and strongest winds in the United States get recorded there. Many of the native plants that grow in New Hampshire grow in or near forests of maple, oak, pine and fir trees where they provide shelter and food for a variety of wildlife and birds.
The Nellie Stevens holly features dark green leaves, lush growth and a natural pyramidal form. It typically grows to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide, but in ideal conditions it can grow much larger. It is adaptable to most soils in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9. The Nellie Stevens holly is a fast grower, up to 3 feet per year. It is often used as a screen because the foliage remains intact and grows thickly from the ground to the top of the plant. It is a durable shrub that is widely used in commercial and residential landscaping.…
Planting blackberries is an investment in rich, ripe berries--enough for pies, shortcakes, jams, ice cream toppings and eating fresh right off the vines. Blackberry roots live for 15 to 20 years, which means a berry patch is permanent and needs to be established in the right place. Canes are biennial, with new canes produced every year from the base of old canes. Various trellis or support systems can be used with blackberries, but staking is simpler. Also known as the hill system, staking blackberries requires first planting bare root berries about four feet apart in a row.
Indigenous plants help support the ecosystem of a land, setting out a welcome mat for native butterflies, birds and other fauna to visit your garden or even make their homes there. Plants native to a specific region thrive more easily in their home base, making less work for the gardener than most imported flora. If you live in New Mexico, familiarize yourself with some of the plants native to the Land of Enchantment.
The Mantis tiller is a gardening tool. It is a tiller, which is a type of lever that is connected to a boat's rudder post in order to provide leverage. Mantis tillers are known for being particularly lightweight, as they weigh merely 20 pounds. It is designed to be lightweight and convenient, but still strong enough to be able to till all the way through compacted soil and sod.
New Zealand is known for having some of the most special plants in all of horticulture because many of them are endemic, or found only in New Zealand. The native plants of New Zealand are a key part of the environment that help to keep the ecosystem in good standing. The biggest threats to New Zealand's native plants are from animals and an increasing human demand for access.
Milkweed is a pervasive, deep-rooted weed adapted to many conditions. You'll find it at sea level and at altitudes over 6,000 feet. You'll come across milkweed in riparian areas, pastures, the banks of streams and ditches, and in landfills. Milkweed can also be toxic to livestock and fowl. Because it's so well adapted, it is also difficult for you to eliminate it. But there are three herbicides that kill this weed, though you may have to treat your garden multiple times to stop new sprouts. Apply any of the options in the spring and summer while the plant is growing.
Mealy bugs are common insects that belong to the pseudococcidae family and infest a wide range of cropping, garden and ornamental plants. They live in warm, moist climates and destroy coffee trees, grapes, sugarcane, gardenias, ferns and orchids. Mealy bugs should be removed as soon as they are spotted.
New Guinea impatiens are brightly colored flowers that were originally introduced to the United States in 1972. They bloom in the spring and early summer and are available in a wide variety of colors. Because of their mound shape, they are popular as fill plants in flower beds, but are also popular as hanging baskets and potted plants as well. New Guinea impatiens should be fertilized to encourage growth, but over fertilization will cause the plants to deteriorate.
There is a large variety of plants that are native to New Jersey. The state is filled with native flowers that bloom in the summer and a wonderful assortment of evergreen shrubs, many with berries. Trees are hearty and withstand New Jersey's cold temperatures and frequent inclement weather in the fall and winter months. Gardeners have many choices for landscaping and gardening with native plants of New Jersey.
Plant cloning involves identically reproducing a plant, allowing people to continue having as many plants with the same genetic structure for as long as they want to. Plant cloning is not new, and farmers and gardeners have probably always done it one way or another. When you take a cutting and grow it in a new pot, for instance, you’ve cloned a plant. Additionally, many plants in nature clone themselves by reproducing asexually without pollination or seeds. Some disadvantages can occur with plant cloning.
You can expand your blackberry plantings and greatly increase your harvest without buying new plants. Clone all the plants you need by using various, simple asexual (non-seed) reproduction strategies. Unlike the complicated unnatural processes involved in animal cloning, the business of cloning blackberries is an everyday occurrence. Reproducing blackberries by cloning is easily accomplished in the garden by layering stem tips (tip layering), rooting leafy stems, and generating new plants from suckers and root cuttings.
Many species of oxalis are lovely additions to the garden and landscaping. If your garden is graced with oxalis stricta (yellow wood sorrel), however, enjoyment can turn into frustration. The oxalis stricta plant is an invasive, stubborn weed that can choke out wanted plants, survive all but the strongest attacks and thrive for decades. Here's what you need to know about eliminating oxalis from your garden.
The silver lace vine is a fast-growing, flowering vine that thrives in the United States in hardiness zones 4 to 7. The vines can be expected to grow up to 15 feet in a single season and need to be well-tended in order to keep them from invading and taking over neighboring plantings. Silver lace is most often cultivated and trained to cover a trellis or wall. While it is possible to propagate the silver lace vine from cuttings, it is far easier simply to divide the fast growing rhizomes at ground level from the rest of the plant.
Native staghorn ferns, also known as elk horn or antelope ferns, are epiphytic perennials or "air" plants found in many tropical climates around the world including the southern United States, Australia, Indonesia, Madagascar, the Philippines and tropical regions of Asia. The dozens of different species in this unusual group of ferns draw their name from their broad antler-like leaves. The staghorn fern grows by attaching itself to a host plant or surface. The plants live attached to the host and grow without soil, although they do not rely on the host for nutrition. They receive moisture from rain and humidity…
Hydroponics, a method for growing plants without soil, can be a challenge to sustain according to the University of Arizona College of Agriculture. Hydroponic gardening has been around since the ancient Aztecs and Babylonians, but the term hydroponics emerged in the 1930s. Its popularity has waxed and waned since that time. Technological advances in recent decades have made hydroponic (abbreviated as "hydro") gardening more viable. Currently gardeners, researchers, and businesses use hydroponic systems for growing both food and ornamental plants.
A new prayer plant, otherwise known as maranta, can be grown by the method of propagation, using tip cuttings. This requires taking a piece from an established plant and rooting it in a medium which encourages roots to grow on the new piece. It's not difficult to do, but can sometimes take five to six weeks for the new piece to have enough roots to grow in potting soil. The propagation medium is very important, as it needs to provide aeration and good drainage, yet also needs to hold moisture for the new prayer plant to get roots.
The colorful snapdragon is a beautiful addition to any garden. This majestic flower adds height and texture, quickly enhancing the visual appeal of the garden. What is more, the aroma of the snapdragon gives any garden a delightful perfume. Fortunately, maintaining snapdragons is easy, even for beginner gardeners, and only requires some basic pruning. With careful grooming, the snapdragon will continue to bloom through the fall, making it a hardy flower that can delight for many months.
The tough, hardy reliability of irises makes them one of the easiest plants to care for in the garden. Most of the gardener's tasks, from propagation to maintenance, are extremely easy when tending irises. This often results in the use of irises all over the garden. The many sizes and colors of various varietals of irises makes them a perfect companion plant, and with a little basic knowledge of the growing habits and aesthetics of the flowers you can add a colorful accent nearly anywhere in the yard.
Heuchera is better known as coral bell or alum root. It's a perennial plant with between 50 to 70 cultivars. Heuchera is grown as a ground cover in rock gardens and is perfect for hanging plants. The name coral bell comes from the tiny bell-shaped flowers that sprout on long stems from the plant in late spring. This plant is easily divided, a process that's actually good for the plant every three to four years. It can also be propagated from cuttings or seed, but division is by far the easiest way to produce new plants quickly.
The snowdrop flower, or Galanthus nivalis, is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family of plants that originated in Europe and grow in various parts of North America. The bulb of the snowdrop flower is mildly toxic, according to North Carolina State University.
Streptocarpus plants, also known as Cape Primroses, originate in coastal South Africa, so they prefer partial shade and plenty of moisture. Keep pruning streptocarpus plants to encourage new blossoms with helpful information from a sustainable gardener in this free video on growing plants.
King's Mantle (thunbergia erecta), also known as the Bush Clock Vine is a tropical native shrub of Africa with purple trumpet shaped blooms that appear year round in hardiness zones 10 and 11. The thunbergia eracta can attain heights of 4 to 6 feet with a dense, evergreen foliage in a shot period. Because of the slender stems, the plant can be pruned to the gardener's requirements. The King's Mantle adapts to container growing in the more northern areas. It will do well on patios, but it should be protected during winter months.
New Guinea impatiens are a cultivar of the species Impatiens hawkeri. They can grow up to 2 feet in height and produce flowers in a myriad of colors including pink, white, orange, purple and red. The foliage is ornamental as well, and can be green, bronze, or purple in color. New Guinea impatiens bloom from early summer to early fall. They are typically grown as annuals, but are winter hardy in zones 9 and 10.
Grafting flowers is the process of taking a cutting from one plant, making small cuts into another plant and joining the two together to come up with a new variety. Practice grafting flowers and plants with help from a sustainable gardener in this free video on garden plants.
There are four to five species of pachysandra in the boxwood family. Pachysandra is used as a ground cover. It's perfect for shady areas, not performing well in bright sun. It can tolerate very acidic soils or very alkaline soils. Pachysandra spreads aggressively through underground runners and can be propagated by seed, root or stem cuttings. It can grow to 12 inches. Some species are hardy to zone 5 and aren't harmed by frost.
Gerbera daisies are a cheerful, colorful and versatile addition to any garden. Grown in pots or planted in the ground, they bloom in bright orange, pink, yellow, red, salmon and white hues. These types of daisies are one of the most popular flowers for arrangements and bouquets and are associated with happiness, with their bright colors and large, happy blossoms.
Heuchera, commonly known as coral bells, are a shade-loving perennial that throws long-stemmed, bell-shaped blooms in May, June and July. Heuchera come in dozens of varieties and vivid colors, including lime green, rich coral, deep oxblood red and sometimes a combination. They prefer rich, organic humus that is moist but well drained, and their flowers attract hummingbirds. Coral bells are a compact plant, growing to approximately 8 inches high. Prune away old growth once a year in the early spring.
Penstemons, commonly referred to a beardtongue, are popular flowers in home gardens, as they bloom profusely from midsummer until frost and are available in a wide range of colors. Penstemon is large species that encompasses approximately 275 species. It is a perennial in Zones 8 to 10, but is grown as an annual in colder climates. Perennial penstemon requires moderate pruning to encourage lush new growth and abundant blooms.
Plants are cloned when they produce extra bulbs or when they send off shoots with the exact same genetic material. Start a new plant that is the same as the mother plant with tips from a sustainable gardener in this free video on plants and gardens.
Oleander is a beautiful evergreen shrub that should be pruned in the fall months by clipping the plant where the three leaves meet. Encourage new growth and new blooms on an oleander with help from a sustainable gardener in this free video on gardening tips.
Blooms occur in order to regenerate and reproduce a new generation, as flowers are the sexual organs of the entire plant. Learn the botany behind blooming plants with helpful advice from a sustainable gardener in this free video on gardens.
Prevent weeds from growing in a new garden plot by covering the plot with newspaper or plastic strips to keep the sun from getting to the weeds. Create a raised bed garden over a weed-filled garden plot with advice from a sustainable gardener in this free video on gardening.
Pruning photinia shrubs is best done after they are done blooming for the season, and cutting back one-third of the plant will encourage new growth and more blossoms for years to come. Prune a photinia plant each year with advice from a sustainable gardener in this free video on gardening.
Pruning a hibiscus plant down to the next bud in the fall will encourage new growth, and keeping it pruned in a circular shape will maintain the plant nicely. Trim back a hibiscus bush, which will produce more blooms in the following season, with advice from a sustainable gardener in this free video on gardening.
To remove yucca from the ground, first cut off all of the greenery and growth, moisten the ground, and use a shovel to break apart the root system. Get rid of every trace of yucca root before planting new growth in the area with advice from a sustainable gardener in this free video on gardening.
When pruning weigela, trim back only one-third of the overall plant, leaving a bit of new growth to encourage more blossoms the following year. Maintain a weigela plant with instructions from a sustainable gardener in this free video on gardening.
To prune wisteria, trim back any lanky side branches, as only the main sprig will survive the winter. Cut back wisteria, leaving a bit of new growth, with instructions from a sustainable gardener in this free video on gardening.
To prune boysenberries, cut out new growth, trim branches back one-third each year, and cut the bottom branches of the berry vines. Trim boysenberry plants when they are not producing fruit in the fall or winter with advice from a sustainable gardener in this free video on gardening.
Barberry is a hardy shrub that grows slowly and steadily even in extreme climate and soil conditions. Armed with thorns and reaching a height of up 10 feet, barberry bushes produce clusters of yellow flowers and a multitude of red berries, which are about 1/2-inch in length with a curved oblong shape. About 90 percent of the seeds in these berries successfully germinate, creating new barberry bushes.
Bamboo is a beautiful plant that many people love to have in their yards. It is also one of the hardest plants to get rid of, and also one that spreads the fastest. What you may think of as a strategically placed grove of bamboo could easily turn into a yard invasion. However, with diligence and hard work, bamboo can be gotten rid of.
The loganberry, classified as a member of the bramble berry family (and considered a hybrid of raspberries and blackberries) produces juicy red berries that can be used for a variety of things, ranging from dessert topping to jellies and jams. Some folks even make loganberry wine!Tending slightly towards the tart or tangy side, they are usually harvested between July and September depending where you live. Loganberries grow on one-year old canes, so that the new canes that grow this season will bear fruit next year. As a result, good pruning practices are needed to optimize fruit production.
A plant that keeps growing and growing may leave you with too much of a good thing. Take stem clippings from healthy, fast-growing plants to either expand your collection of create homegrown gifts for friends and family. Called stem cutting propagation, this is an efficient way of both thinning out overgrown plants and expanding your garden -- indoors or out.
One of the great attributes of forsythia is that it is an extremely fast-growing shrub, however one of the difficult things about the forsythia is that it is an extremely fast-growing shrub. Nothing signals spring better than its froth of yellow flowers, but forsythia can rapidly surpass its growing area unless treated to regular pruning. The steps here will help you keep this golden harbinger of spring where you want it.
Wisteria is spring-time eye candy. A riot of gorgeous clusters of purple or white blooms, it drapes itself wherever the vines are directed, and produces a rich fragrance that’s a pleasure to sniff. To optimize blooming and help maintain your plant’s health, here's how to prune Wisteria.
Exotic gardens are not just for the tropical islands of the Caribean. You can get a tropical look with the right plant characteristics and the right colors.
Vines can soften an unpleasant-looking fence or the side of a building; they can also block the view of something you'd rather not look at. Although almost all climbing plants are equipped with the means to climb upon whatever supporting structure they are planted near, begin training them to climb on their support structure when they are only a few inches high and they will soon be climbing it on their own.
Rhododendrons and azaleas are two closely related species in the Heath family of plants. In fact, all azaleas technically are rhododendrons, and the two species are treated nearly identically in most cultural respects, and completely the same with regard to deadheading and trimming or pruning. According to the University of Missouri, neither azaleas nor rhododendrons require or benefit from regular pruning. On the other hand, regular deadheading throughout the flowering season can boost future bloom production, and help keep the shrubs pest-free and looking tidy in the landscape.
Tilling a new garden is the important first step to years of healthy produce or flowers. Proper bed preparation is key to eliminating weeds, grass and unwanted pests later on. With the right tools, tilling a new garden can be accomplished in a few hours. This largely depends on what decisions have been made about the new garden space beforehand.
Nothing in the world is more discouraging to the novice gardener than finding a newly planted garden choked by weeds after a few weeks have passed. Here is what the professionals do to prevent that from happening in their own gardens.
Are your perennials blooming less prolifically or getting too crowded? Then it's time to divide them. The method depends on your plants' growth habit.
