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Men often have plenty of sneakers -- and multiple suits -- lurking in their closets. But do all sneakers work with suits? Teaming the right suit with the right sneakers is a modern, fresh and young look that makes a personal style statement. People often love or hate suit-and-sneakers style, so making educated decisions is necessary for doing the look justice.
You can improve sandy soils in a few key ways, like with compost. Improve sandy soils with help from an experienced gardening expert in this free video clip.
Draining soil is a great way to help your plants and even the soil itself breath as much as possible. Help soil drain with help from an experienced gardening expert in this free video clip.
One of the most important tools that you'll need to keep plants healthy is the proper, nutrient-filled gardening soil. Keep plants healthy with proper gardening soil with help from an experienced gardening expert in this free video clip.
Planting blueberries in clay soil allows them to get all of the nutrients they need as they grow. Plant blueberries in clay soil with help from the owner of Eden Condensed, a small space garden design in Los Angeles, California, in this free video clip.
Planting vegetables in clay soil requires you to make sure that there is enough drainage. Plant vegetables in clay soil with help from a classically-trained chef with experience in both World class restaurants and private dining companies in this free video clip.
Medium-curly hair is among the best type for Afros. Find out what hair types are best for Afros with help from a New York City makeup artist and hairstylist in this free video clip.
Top soil is the surface layer of soil and is usually a darker color than the subsoil beneath it. The darker color of topsoil comes from the amount of organic materials it contains. Good top soil is easy to till, with good water retention and absorption. Judging the quality of your garden top soil is something you can do yourself with a few simple tests. If you follow this up with a home pH test, you'll know the acidity or alkalinity levels of the soil and can work out what plants are best suited to your soil type.
Lightening clay garden soils can be a challenge to any gardener. The soil has small particles and feels sticky to the touch when wet and is not an ideal growing medium for many plants, as it is too compact. Clay soils have low porosity, aeration and drainage, and it can be difficult for plant roots to penetrate the soil to any depth. It is possible to lighten this type of soil, however, though you must be prepared to work the soil lighteners well into your topsoil to depths of about 8 to 10 inches.
Picking cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is rewarding on several levels: you'll get to spend time outdoors, learn a bit about how cranberries are grown and harvested, and take home some tasty treats you've picked yourself. Cranberries are often picked around the time of first frost, so you may need to wear layers, or warm enough clothing to keep you comfortable if you plan to stay outside for a while. Not all cranberry harvesting is done in the manner some commercials suggest, so check first with your local grower to find out whether you'll be wet harvesting or dry harvesting, to determine…
Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, grows as an evergreen perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12. The plant's green, leathery, sword-shaped leaves grow upright 2 to 4 feet, forming clumps 1 to 2 feet wide. Some snake plant varieties have variegated leaves with dark-green stripes and creamy yellow edges. A snake plant tolerates low light and dry growing conditions. So it is suitable as a houseplant. Use a good potting soil mixture to grow a healthy snake plant.
The texture of your garden soil depends on the balance of soil types that make up your garden soil. There are there basic types of particles that make up soil: sand, silt and clay. Although soil high in clay particles is often referred to as clay soil, it is unlikely that your soil consists of only clay particles. It is more likely to contain all three particle types with a predominance of clay particles. This, in itself, does not determine the nutrient make up of your soil; however, it does affect how well your plants can access the nutrients in…
Liatris elegans, one of the many species of blazing star, adds a little zip to the garden with its tall spikes of purple flowers in summer and early fall. A bit more tender than many liatris species, L. elegans does best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 to 9. Growing from corms -- small, flat bulbs -- this North American native can be transplanted in spring.
It is probably not worth your time to sit around with a sawed-off shotgun to protect your arborvitae, as the dangers it faces are more about wind and weather than thieves in the night. You can recognize these evergreen trees (Thuja spp.) native to North America as well as East Asia by the lovely smell of their diamond-shaped needles rather than size or shape -- since they can present as either a small or a tall, flat, green wall. These conifers thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 though 8 but require cold-weather protection in regions with…
Few things are as important to your garden's success than the pH level of your soil. pH refers to the level of acidity or alkalinity of your soil. If your soil is too acidic, your plants will not absorb essential nutrients present in the ground. If you believe that your soil is too acidic, first test your soil and then add amendments to restore a proper pH level.
Bonsai originated in China roughly 1,200 years ago. After the Japanese acquired the tradition about 700 years ago, bonsai gradually evolved into the art that is practiced around the world. The word bonsai comes from two words: the word "bon," meaning pot or tray, and the word "sai," which means plant. Trees grown in the bonsai style can be deciduous or evergreen. Some flowering trees are just as suitable for bonsai growth as evergreens.
In 1901, Texas declared that the bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis) was the official state flower. This North American native annual originates in the prairie states and posses properties that make this more than an ornamental plant. Growing as wildflowers throughout the drier climates, this flower is planted to stabilize soil beside roadways and to beautify the scenery.
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) grows during the cool weather of spring or fall, tolerating light frosts and producing its first harvest within two months. Planting in good soil improves both the health and productivity of the plants. The soil for broccoli should have good drainage, proper pH and ample nutrients to fuel growth. Most gardens will require some preparation to provide this quality of soil.
Vaccinium Chippewa, commonly called Chippewa blueberry, is a winter-hardy, half-high blueberry bush that grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 7. Chippewa blueberry produces small, gray-blue fruit on a 4-foot-high and 4-foot-wide bush. The early, mid-season cultivar produces over 20 pounds of blueberries per bush. The berries are excellent for jams and baking because of their high sugar content. Blueberries prefer a sunny planting site with well-drained soil that has a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. Plant dormant, bare-root blueberries in the spring, about late February to late March, depending on the climate.
Crop rotation, or the act of swapping out one crop for another on the same plot in varying years, plays an important part in agriculture. Whether you’re a backyard gardener or a commercial farmer, crop rotation provides notable benefits when practiced on a yearly or seasonal basis. Failing to rotate crops has notable detrimental effects not only on the plants and their productivity, but on the soil itself.
Hard clay soil forms a tight, compacted base in which plants have difficulty growing. It cuts off the air supply to developing roots and does not drain properly, which places stress on plants that cannot handle excess moisture. The best soil to spread on hard ground helps lighten the clay, makes it more workable, and enables water to drain freely from it.
You can plant bulbs in almost any location - including potting soil bags. Plant bulbs in potting soil bags with help from a resident expert in anything botanical in this free video clip.
You can de-fungi plant potting soil in a potted plant by carefully following just a few easy steps. Learn how to de-fungi plant potting soil in a potted plant with help from a gardening professional in this free video clip.
If you've got mild knock knees, there are a few key types of pants that you're going to want to know more about. Find out about the best type of pants for mild knock knees with help from the owner and creative director for Ose in this free video clip.
One of the main types of bra closures is called the frontal bra closure. Learn about different bra closures with help from a professional bra fitter in this free video clip.
When selecting a style of bikini to wear on the resort, you're always going to want to make a few important considerations. Find out what type of bikini looks best on short legs with help from a resort fashion style expert in this free video clip.
Bugs can get into potting soil and eat plant roots if you leave them unchecked. Learn about what to do if bugs are getting into your potting soil and eating plant roots with help from an expert on green pest control in this free video clip.
Aztec nicotiana, also known as jasmine-scented tobacco or nicotiana rustica, is an annual flowering plant that produces large and vibrant blossoms. The flowers range in color from white to pink, are powerfully scented and have a sweeping, trumpet shape. Aztec nicotiana grows about 3 feet high and does well in United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3a to 9b. To propagate Aztec nicotiana, you need some supplies from a local plant nursery and about 10 minutes to set up the seeds’ planters. The best time to plant Aztec nicotiana is the early spring.
Western snowberry, or Symphoricarpos occidentalis Hook, is a plant native to much of the Central United States and Canada. It has quite a range, growing from Texas up into the arctic. It’s also sometimes called wolfberry, but this is not the same plant as the Chinese wolfberry, Lycium spp., that's often sold as goji berries. Western snowberry has grayish-green leaves and white flowers that turn into berries. The plant provides food for plenty of wildlife but can be mildly toxic if eaten by humans.
Using a soil sieve requires you to follow a few basic, easy to manage steps for maximum effect. Use a soil sieve with help from an expert with over two decades of experience working in Garden Centers in this free video clip.
A soil cultivator doesn't have to be the most difficult tool you attempt to use in a day. Find out how to use a soil cultivator with help from an expert with over two decades of experience working in Garden Centers in this free video clip.
Also known as Japanese laurel, Aucuba japonica is an attractive evergreen shrub with broad, shiny leaves. The plant grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 to 10. Aucuba japonica grows 4 to 6 feet tall, though the cultivar "Nana" only grows 2 to 4 feet tall. Several varieties are available, including the yellow-flecked "Gold Dust," and "Crotonifolia," which has large, bright yellow splotches on the leaves. Only female plants produce bright red berries that attract birds.
Ylang ylang, also known as ilang ilang, is a medium-sized evergreen tree with graceful, drooping branches. The yellow blooms of the ylang ylang tree are valued for their sweet fragrance, and are often used to make perfume. Although nursery professionals sometimes propagate ylang ylang by taking cuttings, propagating the tree by planting seeds is more dependable for the home gardener. Native to the humid, tropical climates of Indonesia and Malaysia, ylang ylang is appropriate for growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9b to 11.
The space underneath a second story deck is usually at least ceiling height, making it comfortable for people to work underneath -- such as when you're doing grading work against a foundation after installing an overhead deck or building a new home and deck together. Optimally, grade work should be completed before a deck is constructed, but excavation for posts and other construction activity can disturb the ground and potentially disrupt your drainage or rainwater channeling pattern. Water can pool around posts and the house foundation as a result. Properly channeling water under a second-story deck is typically a straightforward…
Muriate of potash, also known as potassium chloride, is a common fertilizer used where the soil or growing medium is low in potassium. When growing Argyreia Nervosa, also known as Hawaiian Baby Woodrose, sufficient potassium is necessary for starch formation and resistance to disease.
Japanese juniper (Juniperus procumbens) is a low growing evergreen groundcover, typically reaching 8 to 24 inches tall depending on the cultivar. It grows best in full sun and moist to dry soil conditions. Like most evergreens, it can be propagated from branch cuttings. A low-growing juniper, such as a Japanese juniper, roots quickly when you purposely wound or strip off some of the bark. Select a branch of a young, healthy Japanese juniper in the spring or early summer for cutting.
“Forcing” is the process of encouraging a narcissus bloom to open according to your schedule rather than Mother Nature’s. The bulbs are planted in the correct medium and exposed to colder temperatures for at least 13 weeks and then placed in a warmer climate to encourage the blooms to open. After the narcissus blooms open prematurely they must be cared for correctly to ensure the flowers survive longer and the stems are not damaged.
Grout, also known as mortar, develops cracks along the brick line for a variety of reasons. Expansion, grout composition and the settling of the foundation can all cause cracks to occur. Even a minor movement of the foundation, as the soil beneath the structure compacts or shifts, causes cracking in the grout. The damage may appear as hairline or severe cracks.
There are more than 900 species of rhododendrons and azaleas (Rhododendron spp.), making them some of the most commonly planted landscape shrubs in American gardens. These showy plants are tough, reliable and simple to grow. They also transplant easily if you protect their root systems. However, improper digging that damages the roots can cause a number of problems.
Although water retention, pH levels and nutrient content play important roles in soil fertility, the organisms that inhabit the soil also influence its quality. To encourage activity of beneficial soil organisms, incorporate organic matter into your soil regularly and avoid extreme water conditions, such as drought or waterlogged soil. Look for soil organisms around plant roots, in humus and inside and around soil aggregates.
Notocactus leninghausii, or golden ball cactus, has densely packed, yellow spines that give it a fuzzy appearance. Few problems plague Notocactus leninghausii, but it sometimes leans in its pot. While it might look disturbing, leaning is not a serious problem for most cacti and can be corrected if the cause is correctly identified.
The term "clay" refers to deposits of earth that contain aluminum silicate and fine-grained minerals. Clay that percolates allows water to drain through it. Non-percolating clay sticks together so tightly that water cannot penetrate it, causing water to pool on the top of the clay. Clay that does not percolate can cause problems if you garden or plan to install a septic system.
Oakwood Homes designs and build modular and mobile homes. An Oakwood Home may be a cheaper alternative to buying a house or apartment. In addition, Oakwood Homes emphasizes customer involvement in the building and design of your mobile home. Mobile homes are generally available with the choice of non-drywall, partial drywall or full drywall. By educating yourself in advance, you can make a clear and informed decision about the specifications of the drywall you want.
Metal surfaces exposed to environmental or physical stress must be coated with a protective substance to prevent damage from corrosion. The best type of coating for a piece of metal depends on the purpose of the object. Metal components of machines, such as cars and other vehicles, are vulnerable to corrosion from physical force in the form of friction. Bridges, statues and other outdoor objects are corroded by environmental pressures such as wind and water.
Optimum growing conditions for miniature roses are similar to those of other types of roses, but because minis are often grown in containers, they have the additional need of occasional repotting. When your miniature roses need more frequent watering, lose their vigor in both growth and blooming, or if you see roots on the soil surface or growing from the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it’s time to repot.
If your garden path has a few uneven spots or areas where the ground isn't level, using the right walkway material can help prevent falls by providing traction or at least awareness of the ground. In contrast, allowing the path to be overrun with grass or other groundcover hides dips and hills, making tripping more likely. Constructing an actual walkway has the added advantage of providing room for rain runoff, so the area won't be muddy in damp weather. Structure-type walkways aren't suitable for uneven ground because they can warp and fail over time as the ground settles, but loose…
A griddle is a type of cooking equipment that is used over a flame or on top of a burner to cook food. A griddle provides a flat surface so that you can cook foods easier and with a more even heat. Griddles are made from a variety of materials, allowing you several options, depending on the type of food you will be cooking.
Hydrocarbons, which are more traditionally known as petroleum products, can do great damage to soil if spilled in significant enough amounts. When attempting to clean up an oil spill, time is a factor, and you will need to act quickly. A large oil spill necessitates a large cleanup effort if the cleanup is to be effective. Multiple methods are available for mitigating the damage from an oil spill. Use them in combination or as standalone treatments.
Nasturtium buds often are eaten as salad garnishes, but many gardeners have no idea how easy they are to grow. These beautiful, delicious vines have been developed into a variety of sizes to fit every garden. Vining forms can be trained up trellises. Semitrailing forms are perfect for baskets on patios. Dwarfs make great border plants. Nasturtiums grow quickly but do not like being transplanted. Select a permanent planting site for these tasty-flowered vines before setting out seeds.
Sodic soils are those that contain high amounts of sodium and few total salts in general, resulting in conditions that are detrimental to the growth of many plants. Most plants are sensitive to sodium and will not grow well in sodic soil due to resulting nutrient deficiencies and high pH levels. Too much sodium tends to diminish soil structure, which becomes clay-like and lacks water retention. A high pH above 8.4 often indicates sodic conditions. To remove the sodium, either limestone or gypsum present in the soil is dissolved, or calcium is added. The calcium will displace the sodium and,…
