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Foundation problems in a home are cause for alarm, but as long as the structural integrity of the house hasn't been compromised, they can be solved. It's always a good idea to keep an eye out for clues. Noticing a foundation problem early may result in a relatively quick or inexpensive fix. Knowing what to look for will help you catch a problem early. You'll also have a better understanding of the difference between a true structural problem and something that's probably minor.
Gooseneck loosestrife (Lysimachia clethroides), an upright, clump-forming perennial, grows to a mature height of 2 to 3 feet, with slender, arching white flowers that resemble the neck of a goose from a distance. The plant is fairly easy to care for, though it can grow aggressively through underground rhizomes to form a dense colony in the garden.
Wax leaf privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is a fast-growing shrub -- 25 inches per year -- that reaches 8 to 12 feet or taller. The shrub is hardy in United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10, but it needs shade when planted in warmer climates. Wax leaf privet can be planted as a single specimen or used as a hedge for privacy, making use of the dense growth of the foliage.
Garden dill, or dillweed (Anethum graveolens), grows in the summer annual herb garden. Although every part of the plant is edible and features a similar flavor, the blossoms are often the most memorable part because of their ornamental qualities. Dill matures quickly, completing its life cycle in as little as two months, but you can plant fresh dill every few weeks to ensure an ongoing supply.
Some succulents other than cacti grow in bright indirect light indoors, where often low-light situations prevail. They will also grow outdoors in shady areas in appropriate hardiness zones. Succulents range from basal rosettes 3 inches wide or less to as large as 10 inches, or groups of linear straight leaves that rise to 5 feet tall. For situations where you have north-facing windows, or where there are few windows, you have a number of choices.
Daffodils, one of the earliest spring bulbs to produce flowers, are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 10. Most daffodils (Narcissus spp.) require a chilling period to grow and bloom well. You can plant daffodil bulbs in containers rather than in the garden; they perform quite well in such a confined space. You can also force daffodils to bloom anytime of the year indoors in containers, provided their chilling requirements, if any, are met. To enjoy their blooms, plant them in such a way that they are likely to thrive.
Rhubarb stalks (Rheum x cultorum) produce a tart flavor prized in pies, preserves and sauces. This perennial vegetable grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 8. You can propagate your own plants to extend the garden by using root division, since most rhubarb varieties don't produce true from seed. The roots require dividing every six to 10 years in early spring, before growth resumes.
A fish tank lets you see fish behavior close-up. Fish will dig in rocks or other substrate to make a nest for spawning, or dig a burrow for hiding. Understanding why your fish are digging helps you learn more about how your fish act in the wild.
If Peter Paul Rubens, the great painter of the Baroque era, were to invent a flower, it might look very much like a peony (Peonia spp.) -- lush, colorful and excessive. Buds that swell and open to reveal dozens of petals of cream, deep pinks and rosy reds cover thick shrubs. Peonies are classic perennials that live for decades, so plant them in the right place for a long life.
The length at which your feet should be apart during a deadlift depends largely on whether you're using a dumbbell or a barbell. Find out how far apart your feet should be during a deadlift with help from a fitness and performance specialist in this free video clip.
Containers were not typically used to grow plants until the 1950s, when growers in Southern California looked for an easy way to move plants outdoors when the weather was nice. At first, they used sharp-edged, recycled metal food boxes, which were unattractive and unwieldy. Soon, many saw the benefits of using containers for gardening, and a new branch of the industry was born. Today, gallon containers are the most popular, and they come in wide range of shapes and styles.
Momordica cochinchinensis -- known variously as the sweet gourd, gac plant, spiny bitter gourd or cochinchin gourd -- this member of the melon family grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 12 and is native from India to Japan and throughout Malaysia. The bumpy-skinned fruit needs eight months to grow to ripeness, when it turns orange. The fleshy pulp has an interior cavity containing large seeds covered with edible bright orange fleshy arils. Vines are either male or female, with fruits borne on female vines, which need pollination by a male flower.
As you pull a new sapling or other plant out of its container for transplanting, you reveal the familiar root entanglement from being container-bound. Twisted and curling roots are usually visible on the root ball's surface, but many roots circle around within the root ball's hidden interior. Plants naturally conform to their container surroundings, but you can stimulate the roots to grow outward as you move them into an open garden area.
Planting the fast growing Granny Smith (Malus x domestica) apple tree can yield firm, crisp, juicy and tart fruit by the second season, which is uncommon among most apple trees. The tree can reach a mature height of 15 to 20 feet, growing an impressive 2 to 3 feet a year, with spacing an important aspect for pollination. Appropriate for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8, the Granny Smith is available in both full-size and dwarf varieties. The Granny Smith is fairly drought tolerant and naturally pest resistant.
You can plant impatiens in a wide variety of different ways in and around your home, including in a container. Plant impatiens in a container with help from a gardening professional in this free video clip.
How far apart you plant seeds depends entirely on what types of seeds you're actually planting. Find out how far apart you need to be planting your seeds with help from the operator of a certified bio-dynamic nursery in this free video clip.
You will likely need to repot your Alberta spruce into a bigger container as the plant continues to grow. Repot an Alberta spruce to a bigger container with help from a gardening professional in this free video clip.
The spacing of your chive plants is very important towards the overall health and longevity of those plans. Find out how to space your chive plants with help from a classically-trained chef with experience in both world class restaurants and private dining companies in this free video clip.
Spacing is a very important thing to consider when planting vegetables. Find out how to space vegetables when planting with help from the owner of a nursery in this free video clip.
Pittosporum tobira Variegata, commonly called variegated pittosporum by landscapers and gardeners, grows in hardiness zones 8 to 11. It grows along the coastal areas from Washington State around the circumference of the southern United States and up to the Carolinas. This woody shrub with glossy gray-green and cream-colored leaves is native to southern Japan and China. It requires some pampering in the colder climates in the United States.
If you tend to leave your heat-loving coleus plants outdoors until the first frost finishes them off, you might be surprised to find out that this is an unnecessary demise for the plants. Generally grown as annuals, coleus will survive a winter indoors. Not only will they survive, but they can triple in height and width by the end of its second summer. If you plan to keep them alive for more than one season, repotting your coleus will be necessary.
You say po-tah-toe I say po-tay-toe. No matter how you pronounce it, home-grown spuds are tastier than those from the grocery store. As an extra benefit you can grow red, purple and blue potatoes as well as brown. Harvesting acres of potatoes requires a special attachment for your tractor. That's not always necessary for your home-grown potatoes.
Installing a roof is not quite as simple as slapping a frame on and covering it with roofing material. The process begins with proper measurement of the building to determine how far apart the joists need to be. Significant variation exists as to how far apart these joists are normally placed. Their placement depends upon various factors, such as the amount of load that the wall and joists can bear.
Dill is an ornamental herb that looks at home in the flower garden as well as the herb garden. The light, feathery foliage complements flowers with a leggy growth habit, and the flat umbels of yellow flowers add a subtle grace to informal settings. Both the foliage and the seeds have a slightly bitter flavor that adds a tangy freshness to meat and vegetable dishes. Plant dill in a location with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. It needs a loose, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Dill is suited to U.S. Department of Agriculture zones…
Cymbidiums are beautiful orchids that bloom up to 20 flowers that flower for two or three months at a time. Every two to three years, you may see roots growing on top of the soil, or it may be difficult to poke your finger in the soil because there are so many roots. You may also notice a decrease in flower production. When any one of these things happen, it's time to separate or divide your cymbidium. Each division will then grow into its own thriving plant, provided you care for its needs. Separate cymbidium after it finishes a flowering…
A polly plant, typically referred to as an Alocasia polly, is a tropical plant known for its interesting leaves. This plant likes a lush, shady environment, though it can handle a little sun. Like most plants, a polly plant needs special care, the right climate, the right fertilizer and soil that promotes healthy growth.
Nemesia cheiranthus, or shooting stars, is an annual species of wildflower grown for its unusual blooms, which consist of slender white petals atop a yellow and purple lip. As with all nemesia species, Nemesia cheiranthus may be propagated from seeds and will eventually reach a mature height of 12 inches. The seeds germinate most reliably when sown indoors.
Planting a groundcover underneath trees is one method for gardeners to add extra color and texture to the yard while improving the conditions for the trees. A groundcover under a tree conserves moisture, keeps weeds away and increases soil aeration. If you have a holly tree, you may wonder what can be planted underneath since a holly tree is evergreen and doesn't receive a lot of sun. Hellebores complement holly trees, and many varieties are available so you can choose the color you want while finding one that suits your growing conditions.
Manures enrich the soil and replenish nutrients used by crops. Although the word “manure” most often refers to animal waste, it also refers to any kind of fertilizer, including inorganic fertilizers. Inorganic manures are compounds that don't derive from plants or animals that provide the same compounds as of organic fertilizers. Inorganic manures supply nutrients to the soil needed for plant growth.
Junipers are ground cover foliage, shrubs and trees of the evergreen family and are well-known for their hardiness and steady growth. They are used extensively in landscaping schemes to hide unsightly tanks and equipment and to provide windbreaks in storm-ridden rural areas. The plants also grow wild in canyons, deserts and plains of states such as California, Texas and Oklahoma. Because of the juniper's accelerated growth and ability to thrive in less-than-ideal environments, various means must be utilized to control the overgrowth of this species.
Blueberries are a nutrition-packed fruit filled with antioxidants. It also contains a wide range of fiber, vitamins and minerals that are good for keeping your body healthy. The blueberry bush, when given the soil conditions, is a hearty fruit-bearing plant that provides a large yield of berries that can be used for everything from pies and jams to cooking and raw applications. One of the most important parts of providing the right soil conditions involves proper irrigation and irrigation layout. Providing a proper water supply helps increase your berry yields, increases berry size, creates greater plant vigor and encourages greater…
Aeroponics is the process of growing plants or crops with water and air, without typical medians like soil or volcanic rock. The plants are usually housed in troughs, tubes or foam, with the leafy part of the plants separate from the roots. Moreover, the roots are usually fully exposed and constantly sprayed with micro bursts of atomized water. Growers usually treat the roots with a 35 percent hydrogen peroxide solution to kill bacteria and fungus, according to experts at Advanced Nutrients.
Epimedium Sagittatum, better known as Horny Goat Weed, is a part of a genus of plants with heart-shaped leaves and small blooms. The leaves of Epimedium Sagittatum change from green to pink or bronze in the fall. Because of its notable ability to grow in dark, dry shade, Epimedium is cultivated in gardens and on lawns as a ground cover. Epimedium Sagittatum grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 4 through 8.
Taking plant clippings and rooting them so that they become new plants is a process that is generally referred to as cloning. The original plant is the parent plant, and all of the cuttings become its children. Although there are many methods that can be used successfully, a simple aeroponic system is both easy and effective. An advantage of this system is that some plants, particularly at certain stages, can only be rooted by this or a similar method.
While bird watching in your backyard provides an enjoyable past time, it can become an issue if the birds begin feeding on your garden crops. Cardinals feed on seeds and fruits, so they are attracted to berry bushes, strawberry beds and newly planted seed. These birds can decimate your entire berry crop before you are even aware the fruits are ripe. Frightening away the birds without harming them helps save your crops from their depredation. Most garden scare tactics work for all avian pests, not just cardinals.
Griselinia littoralis, more commonly know as New Zealand broadleaf, is a large evergreen shrub. It is used mainly for forming thick hedges and produces only small yellow to green flowers. Native to New Zealand, it grows best in zones 8b to 9b of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's hardiness scale. This means that in the United States, southern Texas and central Florida are the best areas in which to grow the plant. New Zealand broadleaf is a fast-growing plant that grows between 13 to 26 feet in height and up to 13 feet across.
Crotons are foliage plants with glossy leaves in red, orange, yellow, green and variegated colors. Thin leaf crotons have leaves ½ to 4 inches wide growing in a long, droopy arch. These tropical plants grow well as houseplants in areas with cold weather. They brighten dark corners and the leaves are used in floral displays. Proper care for thin leaf crotons will keep these plants growing for several years.
Smart Pots are fabric containers used to grow trees in nursery settings. They've become popular as patio planters because of their earth-friendly nature and relatively low cost. They range in size from 1 gallon to 400 gallons and are self-supporting, making them ideal for growing small fruit trees like persimmons. Many varieties of persimmons grow no taller than 15 feet, which are candidates for container growing. Select patio varieties that are self-pollinating such as the oriental persimmons for best results.
Anemone blanda, also known as Grecian windflower, is a real showstopper when planted in the summer garden. These low-growers have an early bloom time – usually early summer – and grow from tubers when planted in springtime after the final frost of winter. Anemone blanda is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture planting zones 4 through 8, producing pink, blue or white daisylike flowers with brilliant, yellow button centers that brighten up even the dreariest planting locations.
Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) produces potatolike tubers but have a flavor of their own. The flesh is slightly sweet and has a taste reminiscent of pears. This exotic perennial vegetable grows in nearly any climate as a container plant. Yacon requires three to four months of warm, frost-free weather. Planting in pots indoors in early to midspring and moving them outside after all frost danger is past lets you extend the growing season, even in areas with short summers.
Low hedges function as a discreet barrier in the garden as well as being ornamental features in their own right. They keep visitors on paths and off lawns without disrupting the view and can be used to contain a garden feature such as an herb garden. A wide range of plants grow well as a hedge under 2 feet high. Some naturally remain below this height while others can be controlled by regular pruning.
Considered essential for a well-rounded herb garden, dill is a tall, graceful plant that is also at home in the back of a flower border. Transplant young seedlings in early spring while there is still a chance of frost. Dill likes cool weather and when warm weather sets, in the plant stops growing and produce seeds. Choose a site with well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Young seedlings transplant well, but older, established plants usually don’t survive when the taproot is disturbed.
It's logical to want your patio cover's posts spaced as far apart as possible; if they're too close, you'll block the outlying landscape, which defeats the purpose of an outdoor living space. However, if the spacing is too wide, the patio cover's beams will bow under the weight of the joists and roof covering materials. The determining factor of post spacing is the allowable span of your beams: in other words, the maximum distance it can cover without support from posts. Allowable spans vary according to wood species and the loads that the beam will bear, such as snow loads…
Forcing bulbs indoors provides a steady supply of live flowers for winter display. Paperwhite narcissus are especially simple to force because the bulbs require no preparation or special treatment to start growing. Many paperwhite varieties, however, have long stems that become weak and leggy as the plant approaches its flowering period. Preventing legginess ensures the paperwhites remain strong and upright once their heavy blooms begin to open.
If it looks like a white carrot, it’s a parsnip (Pastinaca sativa). While not as commonly grown in the United States as it is in some parts of Europe, the parsnip is a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in many of the ways one prepares potatoes. Parsnips require a long, cool growing season, which precludes its growth in the country’s warmer regions. While seeds may be planted in spring in cooler regions, it’s best to allow them winter chill by planting in fall and harvesting in spring. Sow parsnip seeds in an area that receives full sun, when the…
Gardeners are always seeking ways to make their plants grow better and faster than ever. If you remember the grade school science project of putting a bean in a paper towel to sprout, you may have wondered if there is any gardening potential in the concept. Paper towels do have a place in gardening, but they're not about to nudge out old-fashioned soil as a growing medium.
Studs are an integral part of any structure, as they make up the vertical skeleton that is behind the scenes. For every wall you see, whether it is an interior wall or an exterior deck wall, there are studs behind the finish material to which the finished product is attached. While there are some basic guidelines for spacing of studs, their exact spacing depends on a few different things.
The pepino (Solanum muricatum), also known as pepino dulce, is a small, herbaceous shrub that produces small fruit that tastes similar to cantaloupe. Because pepino bushes grow to only about 3 feet high, you can grow them in pots if you meet the correct growing conditions. Growing pepinos is similar to growing tomatoes. Their purple and white fruit takes nine to 12 months to grow, making them ideal for anywhere that doesn't receive frost, even though the plant itself is hardy down to the upper 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lycopersicon esculentum "Supersteak" is a tomato hybrid developed and patented by the Burpee Co. Supersteak plants produce bright red tomatoes that weigh up to 2 pounds each and feature an extra-meaty taste. The hybrid is also known for its resistance to nematode roundworms and fungal diseases such as Verticillium wilt and Fusarium wilt. Healthy air circulation is essential to the successful cultivation of beefsteak tomatoes. Proper plant spacing helps ensure the plants receive the fresh air they need.
Irises in full bloom stand 16 to 27 inches tall, with majestic six-petaled flowers topping thick green stalks. Flowers emerge in late spring and early summer and last for approximately 6 weeks. As perennials, irises come back year after year with minimal maintenance. Improper care and poor conditions can result in flowers that have reduced color saturation. To increase the brightness of faded iris flowers, take steps to ensure the plants have everything they need to thrive.
