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Planting pansies in pots requires you to always remember the hole in the bottom of the pot. Plant pansies in pots with help from a certified horticulturist in this free video clip.
If you have lots of water but not a lot of soil, you may want to consider hydroponics cultivation, a method of growing plants without soil. For centuries, humans have experimented with watery ways of growing edibles, and today many commercial growers and home gardeners employ principles of hydroponics to grow tasty, fresh vegetables.
The proper way to water corn is to make sure that it gets about an inch and a half of water. Learn about the proper way to water corn with help from a classically-trained chef with experience in both world class restaurants and private dining companies in this free video clip.
If you don't plan on rearranging your potted plants often, a variety of attractive, large plant species can make a real statement on your roomy patio, balcony or other spacious area around your home. Placing large plants in pots can help slow their growth rate so they remain happily contained for many years as part of your garden decor.
Water is an all-purpose cleaning agent, but in the case of a water-filtration vacuum cleaner, the water doesn't even have to leave the machine to do its part in the housecleaning process. Canister vacuums with water-based collection systems may seem like cutting-edge technology, but they are built on bagless vacuum technology that has been around for the better part of a century.
One of the earliest water garden artifacts is a carved water basin found in Mesopotamia and dated to 3,000 BC. While later societies constructed elaborate water gardens, lifting water three stories high or building long artificial canals, the simple water basin epitomizes an easy water garden that works well in any yard, or on a balcony. The simplest water garden would be a small gazing container with a floating flower or two, but other container water gardens are equally foolproof.
Springtime pond maintenance is an inevitable part of upkeep. After enduring a cold winter, chances are your pond could use a little spring cleaning. Failing to thoroughly prepare your water garden for the summer ahead increases the likelihood of murky water and sick fish when the weather starts to warm. The good news is, if you keep up with year-round pond care, springtime preparation and cleaning for a backyard water garden is much less daunting.
Flowering clivia (Clivia miniata) -- also sometimes called natal lily or Kaffir lily -- blooms profusely in late winter and early spring. These evergreen plants grow outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, but they also thrive as both outdoor and indoor potted plants. A clivia requires repotting when the roots push up to the soil surface and become visible, or about once every three years. Repot clivia in the spring after the plant completes its blooming cycle.
Even novice gardeners know that plants in nursery containers should be transplanted immediately to prevent crowded containers, but there are exceptions to every rule. Many plants are considered invasive, but if you still want to add them to your garden, you can bury the pots in the ground to prevent the plant from spreading to unwanted areas of the garden. This method also works well for growing perennials that can be propagated by division. If you want to confine a plant to a 24-inch diameter space, plant in a 24-inch diameter container and dig and divide when the plants outgrow…
Whether you’re trying to recover from a summer drought or trying to get a jump-start on spring lawn care, fall grass seedlings are the way to go. Fall is a good time to plant cool-season grasses such as perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), which grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10; fesuce (Festuca spp.), which grows in USDA zones 3 through 7; or bluegrass (Poa spp.), which grows in USDA zones 2 through 6. The cooler temperatures lead to slower soil drying times which can help germination and lead to a healthier, more vibrant lawn come…
Prostrate rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis “Prostratus”) produces long side shoots that spread over a garden bed, making it a suitable perennial ground-cover choice in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. Although the plant can cover up to 6 feet of space within a few years, it grows only 2 feet tall. The pine-scented evergreen foliage adds texture to the garden, and the leaves are suitable for culinary use. You can transplant nursery seedlings to start a new bed, or relocate existing plants if they become crowded to a new site. Transplant prostrate rosemary any time in spring…
Thinning out potted plants requires you to follow just a few basic, easy to manage steps. Learn about thinning potted plants with help from a resident expert in anything botanical in this free video clip.
When potting primrose plants, you're always need to going to consider a few important things. Learn about potting primrose plants with help from a resident expert in anything botanical in this free video clip.
Insulating potted plants is something that you may have to do depending on what type of plant you're trying to grow. Find out how to insulate potted plants with help from a gardening professional in this free video clip.
The more bandwidth your iPad uses, the slower your home network will go. Make iPads use less bandwidth with help from an Apple certified technician in this free video clip.
Cereus peruvianus, Peruvian apple cactus, is a plant to grow when you want to make an impression. Growing up to 15 feet tall and wide outdoors, the upright trunk of the plant has four to six deeply lobed ribs, each with 1/2-inch to 1 1/2-inch spines along its length. The trunk develops many offshoots and branches, all with the same ribbing and spines. The plant, sometimes called night-blooming cereus, produces fragrant white flowers, followed by round, red, edible fruit. The plant is propagated by cuttings, and trimming is also necessary to maintain size and increase fruit production. If you don't…
Anemone refers to over 100 species of flowering plants that grow in both North and South temperate zones. Different species produce a range of flower colors during varied times of the year and each has its own care requirements. They can grow in pots with the proper environment and care. Planting anemone in pots requires a few supplies to ensure the plant is nourished and about 20 minutes of initial work.
The Betta splendens is one of the most popular species in the aquarium trade in the Western world. Known for their brilliant colors and long, flowing fins, betta fish are fairly easy to care for, but novice aquarium hobbyists sometimes get confused about what type of water to use in a betta tank. As is true in regard to all aquarium fish, the type of water used in the betta tank can greatly impact the fishes' health.
Water is a common element used in 3-D rendering. It stands out easily against a background or object, accents areas of an image you may wish to draw attention to, and changes otherwise flat-looking 3-D planes by adding depth of texture. Creating water in 3ds Max also happens to be a basic tutorial for any object creation, using the full 3ds Studio Max workflow, from modeling to rendering the final image so that it can be used as-is or applied to a 2-D image using a graphics program.
One common question that many ask themselves is, "Do insect bombs affect plants?" Learn if insect bombs affect plants with help from an expert on green pest control in this free video clip.
You'd be surprised just how many uses a simple watering can truly has. Find out how to use a watering can with help from an expert with over two decades of experience working in Garden Centers in this free video clip.
Shasta daisies and English daisies add interest to any garden, make homey cut-flower arrangements and give your home a burst of nature as a potted plant. Learning how to pot daisies increases your chances of growing a daisy successfully, whether you choose one of the common daisies or the popular Gerbera daisy hybrid. Gerbera daisies are large, robust flowers that gained popularity as a florist flower and as a potted gift plant. They are available in shades of red, orange, yellow and pink.
Cesspools are an alternative waste removal option that serves as the sewer system in areas where municipal lines are not available. A cesspool consists of a concrete tank that receives and holds liquid and solid waste materials from the home. Bacteria inside the tank help break down the waste into a cleaner and more liquid form, which is then dispersed out of the tank and into an area where it slowly makes its way back into the ecosystem. When cesspool backups occur, the problem is either inside the tank or the pipes that lead to it.
HVAC stands for heating, venting and air conditioning. When it comes to the cooling portion of the system, large commercial buildings have two major options -- chillers and rooftop units. There is some overlap involved, such as chiller plants being located on rooftops, for example. In general, however, rooftop units are a broader category that includes a variety of cooling methods while chiller plants are a specific type of cooling that may not be ideal for every building.
After years of use and exposure to the elements your existing concrete chimney crown will begin to show signs of wear -- including chips, cracks and breakage. A total replacement is the more feasible choice once the existing crown falls into disrepair. This involves removing the busted crown and pouring replacement cement. Ensure your newly constructed concrete chimney crown cures quickly through the proper techniques, which also includes when you pour the crown.
If you have a couple of glass bud vases to hang outdoors, why not add some color and professionalization to your living space by hanging them indoors using eye hooks. Bud vases are sold in several different designs and although some are made of glass, many are made from clay and metal. These vases can be strung from your ceiling as showpieces or as an accent to any room.
Texas star hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus), also known as scarlet swamp hibiscus, is distinct from other varieties of the plant. It has bright red flowers with five petals that, together, look like a star. The Texas star hibiscus adorns the landscape with its beautiful flowers during the summer and fall, and grows best in full sun. It can be propagated in several ways, often by seed or from cuttings.
Primrose refers to more than 100 species of flowering plants. They produce large, colorful blooms and grow indoors or outdoors. Different species of primrose prefer various environments, but the potting process of each is similar. Before you pot your primrose, speak with an expert at your local plant nursery to determine what type of primrose you have, the conditions it prefers and the type of soil you should use. Potting primrose plants requires a few gardening supplies and less than 10 minutes of work.
Besides a volcano that loudly spews red gelatin, no science experiment may be more fun for kids than a water expansion project with balloons. All the kid-friendly elements are present: water, balloons and sense of wonder about what will happen next. A few of these projects involve heat, so adult supervision for elementary school students is mandatory. Watch as students have fun with water and balloons while learning important lessons about air pressure, chemistry and physics.
Because hydroponics and aquaponics.both relate to water, confusing them with each other is simple. Both are non-traditional methods to grow plants using a water source, but aquaponics has the added component of using aquatic animals, such as fish, to create a closed, recirculating system.
Chlorine granules are most commonly used to disinfect a home swimming pool. The bacteria-killing power of these little dots can find use inside the home as a cleaning agent on par with any bleach and water solution. Careful measuring of ingredients can allow for effective cleaning with minimal residue left behind.
Farmers, hunters, construction workers and all those who wear boots eventually find themselves with a pair of wet, saturated footwear. Because of the height of the boot, it is difficult to get air down into the sole and toe area. This causes misshaped boots as they dry unevenly, mildew odors and leather deterioration. A do-it-yourself boot dryer alleviates these problems.
Far from being dull desert plants, cacti grow in a variety of shapes and colors, some even producing attractive flowers. Cacti are low-maintenance, hard-to-kill houseplants. Some varieties thrive indoors in warm locations, provided they receive sun and are in well-draining soil. The cactus family (Cactaceae), including approximately 2,000 perennial species, is one of the most specialized groups in the plant kingdom. They are all water-storing succulents, capable of surviving extended periods of drought.
White birch trees are beloved by gardeners and homeowners, because of their smooth white bark and soft, heart-shaped leaves. Because several varieties of white birch -- such as the paper birch and gray birch -- are native to North America, they grow easily in many parts of the continent. This does not mean, however, that they are invulnerable. White birches can be weakened or killed by pests and environmental threats. If you understand these threats and know how to handle them, you can keep your white birch trees healthy and beautiful.
Winter Gem (Buxus microphylla var. koreana) is a dwarf member of the boxwood family, of which there are approximately 70 species, according to Floridata. Also called Korean boxwood, the small-growing shrub is quite hardy when it's provided its preferred water and growth requirements. Gardeners can utilize Winter Gem in a variety of ways within the landscape. Light and temperature conditions, as well as where it is grown, will determine the plant’s water requirements.
CPVC is poly vinyl chloride, PVC, which goes through a chlorination process during the chemical manufacturing of the material. CPVC pipes are often selected over PVC for water distribution systems because CPVC withstands more extreme water temperatures. If CPVC pipes are melting or warping, it’s likely caused by one of two issues during the installation and bonding process.
Growing moss in your garden can provide a hardy and eye-catching complement to your other plants and fixtures. Management and growth techniques for incorporating moss into your garden varies by species. Some may require specific soil content while other species of moss depend on access to moisture. Researching a variety of moss species can help you determine what's the best fit for your particular garden project.
Wet etching is the process of cleaning and treating a cement floor before painting it. The removal of dirt, oils and other contaminants is essential for the paint job to come out smooth and evenly. The etching process involves the use of heavy acids to clean the cement. However, these acids are highly corrosive and can corrode the cement if it is not used correctly. HSO24, or sulfuric acid, is a chemical found in a slightly less corrosive etching solution called sulfamic acid. While safer than the other acids, it can still damage the concrete. The best way to use…
In hydroculture, also known as hydroponics, plants grow in a soilless medium known as substrate, where the roots anchor themselves. The substrate is usually sand or gravel and, unlike the soil in traditional planting, it does not hold nutrients. Hydroponic plants get nourishment from a water-based fertilizer. For succulents, make the feeding solution weaker than you would for other hydroponic specimens.
Indoor plants like the climbing philodendron or the Swiss cheese plant grow and look best when grown climbing up a moss pole. A moss pole is traditionally a wooden post or stake with moss wrapped around it. A more modern version is made with a hollow plastic tube wrapped with coco fiber. Either one will work well to support climbing plants or flowering vines indoors.
Create a homemade hydroponic system with Lowe's buckets to grow plants anywhere and anytime. The hydroponic growing method in water is related to the use of greenhouses, where crops are grown indoors to protect them from the cold. Fabricate a simple hydroponic system utilizing two Lowe's buckets. One holds the water and pump, while the second bucket grows the plant. This system is ideal for a single large plant, such as a tomato, or two smaller plants, such as lettuces.
Sunflower milk is a vegan alternative to regular milk. Some vegans use soymilk, but others are allergic. Sunflower seeds are also safe for those with lactose intolerance and who have nut allergies. Sunflower seeds are full of protein, so the milk is useful for those who do not get enough protein from meat. It contains linoleic acid, fiber, vitamin B, vitamin E, potassium, iron, zinc and calcium. Sunflower seeds are also easy to store, allowing you to make homemade milk when you want.
Driving wind and rain can cause even the sturdiest of plants to tip over if it is not in the right container. A plant that's too heavy for its pot may tip over, potentially damaging or even killing it. Protect your plants by choosing adequately sized containers and placing each pot in a secure spot.
You can make an affordable rain water system for your lizard's cage from simple materials you can find at any home improvement store. This system works for lizard and turtle cages or terrariums. Additionally, it doesn't require batteries or electricity, instead utilizing compressed air that you pump in using a simple spray unit. Your lizard can enjoy the luxury of his own personal water system and be the envy of the reptile kingdom.
An essential aspect of homeownership is preventative maintenance. For example, if your home is not adequately protected from water, it may puddle next to your foundation. Among the issues you face with inadequate drainage are leaks in the basement, standing water under the house, damaged wood siding, termites and dry rot. Water that drips from the eaves may also cause gradual erosion of the soil, again causing puddles along the foundation. However, many of these issues can be resolved by installing a sloped paver patio or walkway to direct water away from the foundation.
The Dutchman's pipe cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) produces fragrant white blooms during the darkness of night. The plant is native to the jungles of southern North America and South America, but can grow successfully as an indoor cactus outside of its native range. Pipe cactus produces its flower buds in spring and early summer. The blossoms open in the late evening and fade shortly after sunrise. The spineless cactus foliage remains evergreen, so the plant provides living interest regardless of the season or time of day.
Use the empty space above built-in and freestanding cabinets to display some lush foliage plants and to provide a living border to the room. These areas often receive minimal light, so choose plant varieties that flourish in low-light conditions. Plants require the same care as houseplants placed in other areas of the home, and most common houseplant varieties thrive in over-cabinet locations. Choosing the right types of plants provides the greatest decorative impact to the room.
Rootstock plays an important role in the propagation of other flowers, plants and trees. A rootstock is a type of plant that grows with a strong root system already embedded into the earth, which is used for grafting. Holes can be cut into rootstock for seeds of flowers to be planted. The flowers then become part of the rootstock, which is beneficial since the rootstock has such a healthy root system. If you grow rootstock, know how to care for it so that you get the most out of its roots.
Rustic arbors add functionality and interest to a garden. Easily made from a variety of different types of wood or bamboo, arbors can take the shape of arches or can contain 90-degree angles where the twigs intersect. Making your own arbor saves money, but they're also available as ready-made pieces that are simple to install.
During the summer, stagnant ponds commonly separate into layers: Typically there's a top layer rich with oxygen, a thin middle layer that contains less oxygen, and a stagnant, cool bottom layer that has little or no oxygen. To maintain water that is healthy for both fish and aquatic plants, you may need to add oxygen to the pond by agitating the water mechanically or by pumping air into it with a compressor, creating bubbles that contain oxygen. Two major types of aeration are agitation aeration and bubble aeration. Linear aeration is a type of bubble aeration method.
