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Echeveria encompasses more than 150 species in a variety of sizes, colors and textures, mainly recognizable by their rosette-style growth and thick, succulent leaves. Several well-known varieties of echeveria are known as hen and chickens because of the miniature offsets that grow from the base of the plants. Most echeveria varieties are easily propagated by planting the offsets, also known as pups, or by planting a leaf. Because they are so durable and root so easily, propagation of echeveria is a good project for beginning gardeners.
In audio applications, potentiometers are essentially volume controls. They enable you to incrementally increase or decrease their power output, which effectively raises or lowers the volume from the input audio source. Linear potentiometers are far less expensive than their logarithmic counterparts. However, linear potentiometers increase or decrease power output in a straight or linear fashion. The human ear receives sound in a parabolic, or logarithmic, manner. If you'd like to cut costs in your audio project and would like to avoid having to purchase a logarithmic potentiometer, convert a linear potentiometer to output parabolic power.
Casting a concrete floor yourself requires manpower and lots of prep work, but saves you money over hiring a professional. Perform concrete floor casting when it is dry and no rain is forecast for several days. Recruit friends to help you. While you can prepare the form alone, you'll need multiple workers to rake and pour the concrete.
If you bit into a Thai chili (Capsicum annuum or C. frutescens), you would not be able to tell it was related to the mildly flavored eggplant. Thai pepper delivers a kick stronger than jalapeños and serrano peppers, and it leaves your mouth burning for 12 hours. Like all peppers, Thai chili thrives in warm weather, and, despite being an Asian vegetable, it also grows in the United States in zones where spring starts early and summer ends late. Propagate it by seed.
Some soils have properties that make them poor choices to support a home foundation. These active soils can shift, expand or contract based on moisture levels and other seismic conditions, and these shifts can put undue strain on a home's foundation. The strains may result in minor inconveniences such as sticking doors to major problems such as cracks in your exterior brickwork. Installing helical piles can alleviate foundation problems associated with shifting active soil.
Aeonium, native to Africa, is a type of succulent plant marked by rosettes of plump leaves and upright, woody stems. Aeonium is available in a variety of sizes, from plants with dainty, 2-inch rosettes to rosettes with a span of 12 inches or more. Colors range from pale green to a deep, nearly black color. The plant is appropriate for growing indoors, or outdoors in the mild climates of U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 to 11. Like most succulents, aeonium is easily propagated by division.
Agapanthus, also known as love flower, is a summer-blooming plant favored for its strappy foliage and showy white, pink or blue flowers. Agapanthus thrives in containers, but is also suitable as a border plant. The plant is perennial in mild climates, where it goes dormant in the winter and returns in spring, and doesn't tolerate temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Thinning is beneficial when Agapanthus becomes crowded or begins to lose its vitality, usually once every three to five years.
Hoya carnosa, commonly called wax plant, is a woody, flowering vine often grown as a houseplant. The Compacta cultivar is sometimes referred to as Hindu rope plant. It blooms in clusters of pink flowers and grows thick, glossy, variegated leaves that curl at the edges. Because a wax plant is a slow-growing vine, it only needs repotting about once every three to four years, after it outgrows its container.
Korean spice (Viburnum carlesii), commonly called Korean spice viburnum, is a deciduous shrub that is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 7. It typically reaches a spread and height of 4 to 6 feet with white, fragrant blossoms that adorn the garden in the spring. Once established, Korean spice is an easy-to-grow shrub for the average home gardener.
Soil erosion occurs most commonly in areas with high rain fall, strong winds or scant vegetation, but it can occur to a lesser degree just about anywhere. It proves challenging for many homeowners since it not only impacts landscaping, it can also cause damage to building foundations. Vegetation provides the simplest and most effective means of fixing soil erosion and preventing further soil loss, but choosing the appropriate type and placement of the vegetation is essential if the process is to be successful.
Native to tropical climates, staghorn ferns thrive outdoors in Florida and as houseplants in cooler regions of the United States. If you can grow yours outdoors, mount it on a tree trunk to expose its roots to the air, mimicking how the plants in this species grow in the wild. Nurseries also sell small varieties for container culture. Replant those when you notice that the roots have outgrown the pots.
Native to West Coast woodlands, Oregon wood sorrel (Oxalis oregana) is a low-growing ground cover ideal for shaded shrub borders and casual landscapes. Growing just 4 to 10 inches high, this rapidly spreading wildflower has clover-like foliage and white, pink, lavender or purple flowers all spring and summer. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9, Oregon wood sorrel is evergreen in the warmer parts of its range. Also called redwood-sorrel, O. oregana is easy to transplant and reestablishes quickly when moved.
A pier and beam foundation is designed using a framework of posts and beams to support the weight of the house above it. The pier and beam structure is based in a foundation of concrete, but rises above it to create a crawl space section. A slab foundation is used in dryer or hotter parts of the United States, and forgoes the extra space by building the house directly on the slab. The two types of foundations are separate for good reasons.
Vertical gardening methods allow you to take advantage of a small garden space while encouraging maximum production. Vining vegetables, like cucumbers, are typically trained to a vertical growth habit, but you can also take advantage of vertical space when growing compact plants like spinach. A strawberry pot takes up only 2- to 3-square feet of gardening space but provides room for growing 10 or more spinach plants. Another benefit of container growing: You don't need a garden bed or even a yard to grow a large crop.
Won bok is an Oriental green and a member of the Brassica rapa, or Chinese cabbage family. Won bok is considered a subtype that also goes by the name Chinese cabbage or Napa cabbage. Mature plants grow leafy, light-green heads above the soil line. The heads are either round or elongated in appearance. If you plan to grow won bok in your backyard garden, choose a well-drained patch of soil with six to eight hours of sunlight throughout the day.
Mosses are primitive, simple plants that can thrive in indoor or outdoor gardens. All they need is acidic soil, cool temperatures and moisture. Many mosses grow best in partial or total shade, but some can tolerate sun and even heat, provided you keep them damp enough. Mosses don't have roots the way other plants do, so you don't need to water their soil deeply. Instead, keep the moss itself very damp for the first three weeks; then simply maintain its moisture level to grow a lush, green carpet for your rustic garden, terrarium or bonsai pot.
Interlocking soil stabilized blocks are used to construct block walls without the use of mortar. These walls are commonly found in areas with a high risk of earthquakes.The blocks are made from mixing soil with a binding additive and water before compressing the mixture into a mold and allowing the block to cure. Wood and clamps can be used to make an interlocking soil stabilized block machine that is easy to use and cost-effective.
Clay garden soil that retains water, as well as waterlogged soil from excessive rainfall or a low-lying garden area, can create impossible conditions for plants to survive. Muddy, waterlogged garden soil deprives plant roots of the oxygen they need. Symptoms of waterlogged plants include leaf and stem wilting, poor growth, lack of flowers or fruits, and rotting at the soil level. Adding humus, or organic matter, to your soil is a simple remedy that aerates the soil, and it immediately improves the tilth of the soil. It won’t help existing plants that are already stressed and damaged, but it provides…
The snow pea, or Pisum sativum, belongs to the legume plant family. Also called edible-podded peas, they are often the stars of Chinese-inspired dishes because of their sweet, crunchy nature. Typically, harvest occurs while snow peas are young and tender, before their seeds mature. When they mature and grow a bit plumper, the edible pod can become tough and woody, rendering it inedible. If you want to fatten up your snow peas, choose a variety that will maintain an edible pod when the peas inside swell and allow them to ripen on the plant.
Rapidly growing paulownia trees provide a major source of lumber for furniture, toys and decorative boxes. The Asian native's ornamental features include heart-shaped leaves up to 3 feet across. White-flowered paulownia’s (Paulownia fortunei) bud panicles reach full size in midautumn. They persist through the winter, unfurling into fragrant, lavender-throated, white trumpet blooms before the tree leafs out in spring. Paulownia fortunei germinates easily. Between 60 and 80 percent of its seeds produce viable seedlings, according to David Sutton of the American Paulownia Association. The young trees thrive in climates where winter temperatures remain above 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
The floating slab foundation is the most primitive of all foundation types. In fact, it is not technically a foundation at all, but a simple poured concrete floor that sits right on the grade, or underlying soil. In some cases, a more sophisticated design will pour the slab on either prepared soil or a gravel bed. Since the floating slab is normally a maintenance nightmare, it is usually only used for garages or sheds, not homes. The main feature of the floating slab is that the poured concrete floor is not attached to anything. It stands, or floats, by itself.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is among the most common sights in an herb garden, popular for flavoring and as a garnish. Technically a perennial, parsley is typically grown as an annual as it goes to seed during the second year. Therefore, gardeners who divide the plant generally do so to increase one year's yield, not as a means of propagation for future years.
Shellac may not be the most common choice, but it has definite advantages when used as a brick sealer and protectant. Shellac is created from the droppings of insects called Laccifer Lacca, which feed on various trees primarily in Thailand and India and secrete the resin as a type of "cocoon" to protect their eggs. Shellac is harvested by scraping the encrusted branches, then dried into chips. These chips are mixed with denatured alcohol to form shellac. Whether thinned or applied straight from the can, shellac seals brick pores, trapping in smoke damage or odors. Shellac protects the bricks from…
Perennial miscanthus grass provides an attractive addition to the landscape. The fountain-like growth habit is green through spring and summer. The brown foliage remains ornamental through the fall months and into winter. Miscanthus grows from a swollen root storage system called a rhizome. The rhizome pieces can each grow into a new plant if divided properly. Miscanthus tolerates division once every two years.
Jasminum sambac, also known as Arabian jasmine, is a blooming evergreen that can grow up to 10 feet tall outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. It can also grow indoors in a pot where it typically reaches a height of about 5 feet. Whether you want to repot your Jasminum sambac because you prefer a different container, or because it's outgrown its old pot, be sure to stress the plant as little as possible.
Cabbage thrives in the cooler spring and fall seasons, reaching maturity before temperatures become too warm and cause the plant to go to seed. Starting the sprouts indoors in late winter ensures they receive a long enough outdoor growing period during the cool months. A seedling tray allows you to sow many seeds in a small space for the initial germination period, but you must transplant the seedlings to their own pots once they begin to grow so they have enough room for root development.
Talinum plants produce a mound of succulent green foliage and small star-shaped flowers that quickly fill a flower bed. The large colorful seeds add further interest, depending on the talinum variety. Most talinums grow as tender perennials, so they are treated as annuals in all but the warmest climates. The plants readily reseed themselves if the old flowers aren't removed. You can purchase new seed or save seeds from your existing plants for sowing fresh talinum in the garden each year.
Gloxinia flowers throughout the year, making it an attractive choice for an indoor plant. Growth comes from a tuberous root that is similar to a rhizome or bulb. The root produces new growth for several months and then enters a period of dormancy for one to two months. Gloxinia requires repotting when the root fill the current container. Wait until after the plant quits producing new flowers and foliage before repotting it during the gloxinia's dormant period.
Cultivated for more than 3,000 years, Nigella sativa goes by many common names: black cumin, Roman coriander and nutmeg flower are just a few. This aromatic annual is a cousin of love-in-a-mist (N. damascena), a common flowering annual. Black cumin is grown for its tiny black seeds, used as both a condiment and as a spice throughout Europe, Africa and Asia. The plant is easy to grow, and once you've planted it, you'll have it in your garden for years, as the plant self-sows with abandon.
Brodiaea belongs to a set of plants called the Brodiaea complex, a group of genera from the lily family. These wildflowers grow from corms (modified undergrounds stems) and are native throughout the western states. The cut flower called brodiaea is Triteleia laxa, a species related to true Brodiaea and nearly identical in appearance. These easy-to-grow plants grow 12 to 20 inches tall and bloom in late spring and early summer. The long-stemmed flowers are good for indoor arrangements if cut just before the flowers begin to open. Brodiaea is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant zones 5 through 8.
Nitrogen is part of every living cell, and plants need it to grow and develop normally. A plant that isn't getting enough nitrogen may have yellowing leaves and stunted growth. However, a plant that's getting too much fertilizer may develop huge leaves and no flowers. There are natural and chemical ways to adjust the amount of nitrogen in the soil.
Leaching occurs when water washes substances dispersed throughout the top layer of soil deeper into the soil, creating a porous top layer and a denser lower layer. Potted plants can accumulate salt on their top layer left by the residue of fertilizers or evaporation of standing water. Soil in pots should be leached three to four times a year, before adding fertilizer and whenever you purchase a new plant.
Water erosion caused by rain, flood, irrigation and livestock displaces soil, removing its nutrients and moving it into rivers, lakes and other bodies of water. New soil can offset the ecosystem of these bodies of water, damaging the wildlife and cleanliness of the water. Damage from wind erosion includes loss of fertile soil along with freshly planted seeds. The good news is that erosion due to agricultural processes is on the decline: according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, between 1982 and 1997 erosion decreased by about 40 percent due to conservation programs and educational awareness.
Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) is a tropical tree hardy in United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9B to 11. They are coveted for their fragrant yellow flowers, which are sometimes used in perfumes. If you planted a ylang ylang from seed, note that it may take three or four years to bloom. With proper care, it should bloom periodically throughout the year.
It is a commonly held belief that oak and pine leaves acidify soil. Perhaps this is because fallen leaves tend to mat and smother any plants that try to take root under these trees. Perhaps it is because these trees prefer acidic soils to begin with, so the soils around them are acidic. Whatever the reason, it is not true that oak leaf mulch can be used to raise soil pH.
Strawberry plants produce delicious fruits within only a year after planting. The plants are attractive enough that some gardeners like to grow strawberries as an edible bedding plant. Strawberries, like most small fruits, do not use a rootstock. You propagate strawberries on their own roots. Along with fruit, strawberry plants also produce plenty of runners. You use those runners to create new strawberry plants.
If you’re a flower lover who lives in a cold climate for part of the year, you don’t have to be a slave to your restricted outdoor planting schedule to enjoy the beauty of flowering bulbs year-round. You can force the bulbs to sprout on your own clock. The term means exactly what it implies: You literally force the bulb to bloom when you want it to by mimicking the conditions of an outdoor environment. Forcing bulbs is a fun winter project, especially if you choose dwarf iris bulbs. The flowers, available in yellow, white and a range of bright…
The red, pink, lavender and purple flowers of the fuchsia plant dangle from their branches like holiday ornaments, making them a cheerful selection for hanging baskets and bedding plants. If you want to increase your fuchsia display or if you want to grow more fuchsia plants to share with others, take cuttings from your healthiest plants and propagate them. Root the cuttings properly before transplanting to baskets or to the garden bed.
Clothes dryers work with a kill switch built into the appliance door that shuts off the dryer when the door is opened. This is a safety feature. If the dryer doesn't operate normally when the door is securely closed, a faulty switch may be to blame. A simple diagnostic test with an ohm meter lets you determine in seconds if the switch is defective. A multimeter with an ohms setting can also be used for this test.
Commiphora myrrha is a tree that is referred to in the Bible. Ancient peoples, such as Romans and Egyptians, have used murrha for treating wounds, perfume, insect repellents and incense. This tree is native to Asia and Africa and grows in hot, arid conditions. Today, it is cultivated by people who enjoy making bonsai trees. In the United States, it will grow only in the hottest, driest climates, such as Texas. It does best if it is left to grow with little additional care because it is so hardy.
A bowed wall is a basement or foundation wall that has started to slump inward. This gives it a bent or bowed look compared to the right angles of the walls around it. A bowed wall is rarely an immediate problem: it tends to happen over the years, especially the first several years after construction is completed, when problems become more evident. There are several major causes of bowed walls.
Coffee is wildly popular as a drink, but its uses extend beyond morning beverages. For many years, thrifty gardeners have been using coffee grounds in their potting soil. It may sound like urban legend, but using coffee grounds as soil and in compost has yielded positive test results in labs and healthier plants for many gardeners.
Few plants are as evocative of the desert as the saguaro cactus. The tall, branching shape and rugged nature of saguaro cacti endear them to many gardeners, and they are often incorporated into landscaping throughout the southwestern United States. While it takes many years for saguaro cacti to develop their characteristic shape, most put on growth around the base of their trunk early in life when they develop buds or offsets. Digging up and planting the buds is one of the quickest and most reliable means of growing new saguaro cacti, but the buds root most reliably if gathered in…
After developing a good soil mix, gardeners sometimes sterilize it ensuring there are no fungi or bacteria that could harm germinating seeds or cuttings. Perhaps some soil has become contaminated with an insect pest or a harmful fungus, but gardeners wish to reuse the soil. For home soil sterilization, soil is usually baked in the oven, but that creates an unpleasant odor. The amount and offensiveness of odor varies according to soil type and the soil sterilization technique is used.
Wisteria adds dramatic visual impact to summer gardens with its pendulous clusters of fragrant, purple flowers. The vines require a stout, sturdy trellis to grow upon since they are large and very heavy when mature. They must be pruned into the appropriate growth habit and trained against the trellis at a young age to create the classic, draping appearance that wisteria vines are known for. Fortunately, it is simple to train young wisteria vines to cover a trellis and they will flourish for many years with only minor seasonal maintenance.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum) is an annual herb in the bean and pea family, Fabaceae. Fenugreek is native to the Middle East, although it grows in California and Maryland. Ancient Egyptians mentioned it in their writings as long ago as 1500 B.C. and used it to help numerous health conditions. In India, Hindus call it methi and use the seeds in chutney and curry. The seeds of this plant are typically included in herbal formulations and culinary dishes, but dried leaves also find their place in some recipes. Plants grow easily from seed and will attain a mature height of 2…
The espalier technique is a way to train a tree to grow in a set direction along a support structure, such as a wall or trellis. Fruit and flowering trees, as well as any climbing plant or tree, are especially receptive to espalier, as the method can encourage healthy fruiting and blooming. While it involves some construction, the espalier technique can enhance both the decorative and functional aspects of your garden. "Espalier" refers to both the technique and the structure created to support the tree or plant.
Large planters can add the softness and color of flowers to a cement or field stone patio or give an area that's already filled with plants more visual dimension. Typically, however, they need a lot of potting soil. If you're filling more than one pot, this can get expensive, and plants rarely need that much soil to thrive. Using Styrofoam peanuts as planter filler can benefit the plants and your wallet. At the same time, reusing Styrofoam is an eco-friendly thing to do.
Succulents create interesting miniature landscapes, often called dish gardens, when planted together. They look their best in low, broad pots, but you can use almost any kind of container. The most common succulents used in this type of arrangement are cacti. Other types of small succulents, such as hens and chicks, haworthia and tiger’s jaw, add color and a variety of textures to the arrangement. Succulents need repotting when the base of the plants come to within a half-inch of the sides of the pot.
Savory can be a welcome, attractive addition to herb garden. Choose between summer savory and winter savory. Summer savory is an annual plant, meaning it completes its full growth cycle in a single year. Winter savory plants are perennial evergreens, growing into small shrubs that generate new growth year after year. The way you germinate savory seeds depends on the variety you are sowing.
