Rooting a Blackberry Cutting?If you want to grow a blackberry cutting, it is best to allow it to grow roots before planting. A common way is simply to dip the cutting in rooting horemone and place it in a bottle or glass of water in a sunny window. Plant it when the roots are well grown.
Composting Straw?Adding straw to your compost is fine as long as it does not contain pesticides. This is a page about composting straw.
Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly PhotosSpicebush swallowtail, or Papilio troilus, are mostly in the Eastern US, with some venturing to the Midwest area. These large butterflies have black upper wings. The lower wings are beautiful with distinctive markings. This page contains spicebush swallowtail photos.
Creating a Zen Garden in Your YardA simple, miniature rock garden with a few plants and even a water feature can bring serenity and calming pleasure to an outdoor space. This is a page about creating a zen garden in your yard.
25 Garden Solutions from the Kitchen, Bath and LaundryIt can be surprising to learn how many things you already have around the house, that can be helpful in your yard and garden. This is a page about 25 garden solutions from the kitchen, bath and laundry.
Starting Tomatoes in a HothouseTomatoes need to be protected from frost and cool temperatures. A plastic tent can help keep them warm and give them a head start on the season. This is a page about making a little hothouse for starting tomatoes.
Using Deck Railing for Garden Tool StorageUpcycle old wooden deck railing to make a handy place to store shovels, rakes and other garden implements. This page is about using deck railing for garden tool storage.
Refinishing a Resin Yard Statue?Garden statues made from resin are bright and colorful at first but can look faded from years in the elements. This is a page about refinishing a resin yard statue.
Pruning a Wisteria StandardWisteria are often pruned to a standard tree shape instead of being allowed to vine. This is a page about pruning a wisteria standard.
Starting Tomato Plants in Coffee CansGiving young tomato plants a start following this method is easy and allows you to move them into the garden with little stress. This is a page about starting tomatoes in coffee cans.
Building a Frame for a Dragon Fruit TreeThe dragon fruit grows on a vine, which requires support to protect the plant from stress as it grows in size and becomes laden with delicious fruit. This is a page offers one method for building a frame for a dragon fruit tree.
Spiny Oakworm Moth Information?The spiny oakworm moth, or anisota stigma is large, rusty brown in color. They feed on oaks and other trees but any damage is generally cosmetic. This page contains information about the spiny oakworm moth.
Identifying Poison IvyIf you do a lot of gardening, camping, or hiking it is well worth the time to become familiar with the appearance of poison ivy, to better avoid contact. This is a page about identifying poison ivy.
Making a Trellis for HouseplantsIf you have vining houseplants or ones that could use some support, make a simple and unobtrusive trellis with wire. This is a page about making a trellis for houseplants.
Growing Flower Bed Okra PlantsFlower Bed Okra is a strain of okra developed by a man in Texas, that grows like a shrub with many branches and gets over 5 feet tall. This seed variety doesn't appear to be mass produced.
Using Styrofoam in Plant ContainersLarge planters can be very heavy if filled with soil and drainage rocks. Reuse dense styrofoam to fill the bottom instead. This is a page about using styrofoam in plant containers.
Using Mint to Keep Bees/Wasps from a Hummingbird FeederMany people recommend mint extract or essential oil to deter pests. This is a page about using mint to keep bees or wasps from a hummingbird feeder.
Tropical Orchid CareDifferent kinds of orchids require different conditions to grow well. These exotic beauties derive their moisture and nutrients from tree life in the tropics. This page is about tropical orchid care.
Growing Grass Under TreesGrass must compete for water and light when it is under a tree. This is a page about growing grass under trees.
Moving a Spider Plant Outside in Summer?When the weather warms and there is no danger of frost, spider plants can do well outside with lots of water, and away from direct sunlight. This is a page about moving a spider plant outside in summer.
Use a K-Cup as a Seed StarterEven a small K cup can be reused. Try using it to start veggie or flower seeds. This might be a good project for your children, as well. This is a page about using a K cup as a seed starter.
Starting Seeds in the SnowSnow on the ground doesn't need to hinder your getting an early start on planting your spring seeds. Grab some gallon milk jugs and follow the steps in this page for starting seeds in the snow.
Transplanting A Hydrangea?The best time to transplant a hydrangea is when it is dormant, in the late fall or very early spring, when the leaves have fallen, but have not yet emerged for the new season. This is a page about transplanting a hydrangea.
Growing Basil from CuttingsGrow your own fresh basil from cuttings. Root the cuttings in a container and then plant for a nice fresh supply of this popular herb. This is a page about growing basil from cuttings.
Four Leaf Clover Photos and InformationAlthough clover usually has only three leaves, you can often find clovers with four or even five leaves. These are considered lucky and are often confused with the three lobed Irish shamrock. This page contains four leaf clover photos and information.
Anna's Hummingbird PhotosNamed after the delicate Duchess of Rivoli, these vibrant birds are beautiful in full sun, with iridescent green and magenta red feathers. Originally from Southern California and Baja, Anna's can be found all the way north to Canada and as far east as Arizona. This page contains Anna's hummingbird photos.
Succulent Troll PlanterYou can remove the hair from a troll doll, fill the head with compost, and plant some small succulent cuttings. This project is about making a succulent troll planter.
The Smallest Fairy GardenFairy gardens are a fun, whimsical gardening project. They can be designed for indoors or the garden, allowing you free range on size, decorative elements, and plant selection. Here we look at how to create a tiny fairy garden for displaying in your home or outside.
Growing Tomato Plants from SeedTry growing tomato plants from seed rather than buying plants at your local big box store or nursery. There are so many more varieties available as seeds than you can buy as plants. Choose those that do well in your area and have a go planting seeds this season.
June Is Plant Rooting MonthPropagating many plants in your garden can be accomplished by growing roots on a cutting. June is the month when roots develop quickly. This is about June is plant rooting month.
Easily Root Flower and Tree CuttingsUsing floral foam you can create an environment to root a variety of plants from cuttings. Here you can learn to easily root flower and tree cuttings.
Identifying a Calla Lily Variety?There are many beautiful varieties of calla lilies. Searching gardening websites, books, catalogs, or even asking a master gardener can help you determine what kind of lily it is. This is a page about identifying a calla lily variety.
Why is My Cactus Turning Yellow?If your cactus is beginning to yellow it is often a watering issue, either too much or too little. Depending on the type of cactus you have the watering schedule can vary. This page speaks to the question, "Why is my cactus turning yellow?".
How to Grow Your Own GingerYou can grow your own ginger from a root purchased at the market. Not only will you be able to enjoy the blooms, the new roots can be used for cooking or medicinally. This is a page about how to grow your own ginger.
Planting a Desert Vegetable Garden?Many vegetables such as tomatoes, squash, and peppers grow well in the desert heat. You will be able to grow more types of veggies by planting earlier in the year to avoid the summer heat. Choose a good location, water appropriately, and mulch as needed. This is a page about planting a desert vegetable garden.
Overwintering a HibiscusIn colder climates you will want to bring your hibiscus indoors in the winter. They can reside in the garage or in the house. If they do not go dormant you will need to water sparingly. This page contains useful information regarding overwintering a hibiscus.
Creating Flower Beds Where a Dog Previously Peed and Pooped?The first step in this process is to retrain the dog to use a new spot. Make sure all solids are removed. You can add a bit of dish soap and water to the soil to help remove and dilute urine. Turn the soil to aerate. Time is your friend. This is a page about creating flower beds where a dog previously peed and pooped.
Canada Geese Photos and InformationThis page contains Canada Geese photos and information. Canada geese (aka Canadian geese) are easy to identify by their black heads and white cheeks. They live year-round in warmer areas and are migratory in colder areas. They thrive in urban areas, resulting in them being considered a pest by some people.
Growing Wandering Jew (Tradescantia)Wandering Jew is typically grown as a houseplant, outside of the tropics, that can spend time outdoors in warm weather. They are easy to care for and can be grown from cuttings. This is a page about growing wandering Jew (tradescantia).
Homemade Garden Hose Hanger IdeasKeeping your garden hose convenient to use and untangled can be accomplished by repurposing a pot or even an old tire rim. This is a page about homemade garden hose hanger ideas.
Make a Trellis Out of an Old Box SpringThere are so many reusable and repurposable items that can be incorporated into your garden as decorations or as functional items such as a trellis. This page contains some ideas about how to make a trellis out of an old box spring.
Keeping Your Container Garden from Attracting Mosquitoes?This is a page about keeping your container garden from attracting mosquitos. Saucers, tubs, and kiddy pools are frequently used to keep container planters well watered. However, standing water often becomes a breeding ground for mosquitos. There are numerous products available that effectively eliminate mosquito larvae while being safe for plants.
Use Diapers as Filler in Potted PlantsThis is a page about diapers for potted plants. A disposable diaper at the bottom of a pot can help hold in dirt and moisture.
Growing Potatoes in TiresThis is a page about growing potatoes in tires. Tires make great potato planters. As the plants grow, you can easily keep adding tires to build a potato tower.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for Bedding PlantsWe have all made some errors of judgment when plant shopping. Common issues for the gardener are shopping without planning, buying more plants than can easily be planted, or falling in love with a plant not recommended for your growing zone. This is a page about 5 mistakes to avoid when shopping for bedding plants.
Homemade Upside Down Tomato PlanterTomatoes grow very successfully in upside down planters and they are convenient for a patio or deck. This page is about making a homemade upside down tomato planter.
Zucchini Is Getting Soft at the Blossom End?I have grown zucchini for the last couple years, but this time, the fruit doesn't look great. It's not evenly straight, but instead I'm getting a pointy tip at the blossom end and most of fruit when it gets to 2 to 3 inches long, the blossom end gets soft, but not rotten, so I don't what is causing this?
What Kind of Tree is This?It can be difficult to identify trees. Take photos of the tree to your local garden nursery can be really helpful. Make sure to include up close photos of its leaves, flowers, etc.
How Do I Get Rid of Chickweed in the Lawn?Getting rid of and preventing the re-invasion of your lawn by chickweed requires not only an herbicide, but also the maintenance of a thick healthy lawn. Or you can simply eat it away. This is a page about, "How do I get rid of chickweed in the lawn?".
Growing LovageEvery portion of the lovage plant, except the flowers, is used in medicinal, cosmetic, and culinary ways. Lovage, which resembles an overgrown celery plant can reach a height of 5 or 6 feet and grows equally well in sun or shade in moist, fertile, and well drained soil. This is a page about growing lovage.
Growing Weigela FloridaThe weigela florida, a deciduous shrub, is native to North China, Korea, and Japan. It grows well in zones 4-8, enjoys full sun, and is covered in rose pink blooms from April to June. This is a page about growing weigela florida.
Growing Sunflowers from SeedlingsIn many areas sunflower seeds can be sown directly in the garden in the spring To get a jump start gardeners often choose to start their flower seeds indoors and then transplant them outside. Make sure you have an area with good light when growing seedlings indoors. This is a page about growing sunflowers from seedlings.
Growing Vegetables in the ShadeWhile typically a vegetable garden is placed in a nice sunny location, there are a good number of veggies, herbs, and fruits (namely berries) that can be grown in partial shade. This is a page about growing vegetables in the shade.
Growing Mums in a Pot?I am getting mums for my subdivision entry way. I would like to keep them looking pretty. How much water should they have and how often? The pot is about 12 inches round. I am getting yellow and white and putting them in the same pot. Will that be okay? What other plant can I add to the pot for fall decorations?
Transplanting Bedding PlantsBedding plants typically include annual or tender perennial flowers and some veggies. Choose healthy plants that are about to bloom and plant them as soon as possible. Plant them in a carefully prepared garden spot and keep well watered until they adjust to their new home.
Trivia About RobinsMany of us have seen and even fed the American robin in our yards and gardens. Who hasn't seen these worm hunters cock their head and pull out a tasty earthworm. This page contains trivia about robins.
Removing Algae From Water in Which an Oriental Lily Bulb Is Growing?Some lily bulbs can successfully be grown in a water and stone filled vase. However, if the vase is clear the water may also support algae growth. After cleaning the rocks replant in an opaque or wrapped vase. This is a page about removing algae from water in which an oriental lily bulb is growing .
When Should We Trim Our Japanese Maple?Late fall or early spring are generally considered the best times to prune these trees; when the sap is down. Fall is probably preferable. Leaf drop is usually indicative of a good time in the fall. This is a page about, "When should we trim our Japanese maple?".
What Is This Houseplant? (Tradescantia spathacea)Tradescantia spathacea is a house plant that requires bright sunlight and very little water. It is also known as boat lily, Moses-in-a-basket, Moses-in-the-cradle and oyster plant.
What Is This Plant? Lamb's QuartersKnown by common names such as lamb's quarter, pigweed and goosefoot, chenopodium album is a fast-growing annual. It is mostly considered a weed, but the young shoots are eaten around the world, and has been found in ancient food storages. This is a page about what is this plant? lamb's quarters.
Struggling Aloe Plant?Aloe vera plants do not want too much water and like lots of sun. Allow the soil to dry out to your touch before adding water. This is a page about struggling aloe plant.
Caring for an Aloe Vera PlantAloe vera is an attractive succulent with a healing gel inside every green lobe. This is a page about caring for an aloe vera plant.
Hydrangea Blooming More Near Bottom of Plant?Growing a well shaped hydrangea shrub that is covered with blooms is not too difficult although there are several factors that play a part in this enterprise. First and foremost is proper pruning. This is a page about hydrangea blooming more near bottom of plant.
Growing a Barberry Bush?The barberry bush exhibits a range of foliage colors from green to yellow and a rich burgundy. There are near thornless varieties as well as the more typical thorny type. Use them as a natural hedge. This is a page about growing a barberry bush.
5 Great Books for GardenersThere are many good books for gardeners. Everyone has their own special favorites. Keeping up with the latest tips and science of gardening is interesting and can certainly help improve your garden. This is a page about 5 great books for gardeners.
Planning a Canning and Preserve GardenCanning your own fruits and vegetables is be rewarding and frugal. Plus, jars of summer produce make a wonderful present. This is a page about planning a canning and preserve garden.
Upcycling Fishnet Stockings as a Bird FeederA worn or ripped pair of fishnet stockings is the prefect start to making a hanging bird feeder. Add suet balls or other food and enjoy watching your backyard visitors. This is a page about upcycling fishnet stocking as bird feeder.
Bottom Leaves on Sunflower Sprout Wilting?Too much water and/or not enough sun are the two main culprits in this situation. This is a page about bottom leaves on sunflower sprout wilting.
Saving Your Garden from Torrential RainUnexpected heavy rainfall can cause destruction in your garden. Read the solution in this page for an idea of how to save your garden in such a situation.
This is a page about saving your garden from torrential rain.
How to Create an Impatiens Bed From Scrap MaterialsThis page contains an idea for making a flower bed from 4 gallon milk crates, roofing shingles, and a couple of lengths of house siding. A nice looking bed for your plants at almost no cost. This is a page about how to create an impatiens bed from scrap materials.
What is This Plant? VelvetleafThe velvetleaf plant, a native of Eastern Europe, Asia, and north Africa, is a noxious annual that reproduces from seed. The plant can reach 3 - 8 feet and produces one yellow to yellow orange flower per solitary stalk. It outcompetes for resources with surrounding plants. This is a page about, "What is this plant?" Velvetleaf.
Using Tires for Raised BedsOld tires have long been used for planting both vegetables and flowers. There is more recent controversy about using them to create raised beds for food, but they can safely be used for flowers. This is a page about using tires for raised beds.
Watering Tomato PlantsTomato plants like evenly moist soil. Many gardeners have good success watering them by using plastic bottles, such as milk or soda, planted near the base of the plant and filled from the top. Watering deeply is good for the plant's root system. This is a page about watering tomato plants.
Harvesting CherriesThis is a page about harvesting cherries. If you love cherries, why not try growing them. Here is a ton of information about everything from growing, pitting, and freezing cherries.
Leaves Dying on a Calla LilyYellowing dying leaves on your calla lily can be the result of a lack of nutrients or root rot. This is a page about leaves dying on a calla lily.
Caring for a Honeysuckle?Honeysuckle plants are available in a variety of colors and configurations, from the traditional vine to plants that have been trained as small trees AKA grown as standards. These plants like sun, generally tolerate most soil types and may need a bit of fertilizer such as green tea if they seem a bit puny or sickly. The vines need support. This is a page about caring for a honeysuckle.
Removing White Flies from HibiscusTo rid your hibiscus plant of white flies spray with a mixture of 1 gallon warm water that has 1 cup sour milk and 1 Tbsp. flour added. Spray both sides of the leaves. This is a page about removing white flies from hibiscus.
Buds Falling Off Hibiscus Plant?Determining the cause of bud drop, will be rather like sleuthing. There are a number of reasons this could happen and you will need to discover the cause through planned trial and error. This is a page about buds falling off a hibiscus plant.
Keeping Insects Off Your Fruit TreesPests can devastate a fruit tree, affecting the harvest and even the life of the tree itself. This is a page about keeping insects off your fruit trees.
Pinching Off Dead BloomsMany flowering plants will continue to flower if you remove spent blossoms. This page is about pinching off dead blooms.
Getting Rid of Mallow Weeds?Part of the same family as okra, cotton, and hibiscus, the common mallow can be very invasive in gardens and lawns. Because of its deep tap root and spreading growth habit it can be a challenge to eradicate. This is a page about getting rid of mallow weeds.
Using Mini Blinds for Plant MarkersWorn out mini blinds can be repurposed and used for garden and plant markers. This is a page about vinyl blinds for plant markers.
Lining Wood Window BoxesWindow boxes add a lovely floral touch to your home's exterior. To keep the soil from leaking through the joints and the wood from rotting there are a variety of liners to choose from. This page offers a number of good suggestions for lining wood window boxes.
What Is This Houseplant? (Pachira Aquatica)The money tree or money plant is a common name for Pachira Aquatica. They are also known as Malabar or Guiana Chestnut and many others. This houseplant is native to Central and South America.
What is This Plant? Giant RagweedThis north american annual from the sunflower family, is considered a noxious weed and an allergen. This is a page about what is this plant? (giant ragweed).
Hawk Photos and InformationThis page contains hawk photos and information. These majestic birds are beautiful and intelligent. Here are some amazing photos of hawks from all over the United States.
Homemade Rose Start Up TonicMake this easy tonic and feed it to your roses for blooms all summer long. This page has information about homemade rose start up tonic.
Dead Heading RosesDead head your roses just above a five leaf cluster, cutting at an angle. This practice will encourage more and sometimes larger blooms. This is a page about dead heading roses.
Using Dryer Lint for Making Seed BallsUse the lint from your dryer in your garden, for planting seeds in the spring. This is a page about using dryer lint for making seed balls.
Difference Between Honey Bees and Carpenter Bees?This is a page about the difference between honey bees and carpenter bees. While they do look similar, there are some distinct traits that can help you tell them apart. Once significant difference is that carpenter bees nest in wood and the male bees do not have stingers, while honey bees are social and build nests together. Carpenter bees tend to be less aggressive as well.
Growing VerbascumThis biennial perennial flowering plant is a good choice for a cottage garden, borders, or hummingbird gardens. They also have medicinal uses as a throat gargle, for digestive problems, earaches, and skin inflammations. The wild variety is considered very invasive. This is a page about growing verbascum.
Use Hairnets to Protect Small PlantsTo protect little plants or cuttings from insect pests, you can use a hairnet. This is a page about use hairnets to protect small plants.
Tomatoes Not Growing Bigger?Tomatoes come in many sizes. Depending on the variety that was planted, they may be small or need more potassium. This is a page about tomatoes not growing bigger.
Saving an African Violet Exposed to Cold Temperatures?Some special care will determine whether your plant can survive the shock it has been through. This is a page about saving an African violet exposed to cold temperatures.
Benefits of Ants on Peony BlossomsSugar ants enjoy the sap on the peony flower buds and allow the blooms to open easily. This page is about benefits of ants on peony blossoms.
Hollyhock PhotosThis page contains hollyhock photos. Hollyhocks are a popular garden ornamental with beautiful flowers that grow on a single stalk.
Pruning ShrubsMost books describe pruning as an art. Depending on the type of shrub, you will be shaping the plant or encouraging blooming. This is a page about pruning shrubs (pdf).
Harvesting Potatoes from a Potato TowerThis is a page about harvesting potatoes from a potato tower. Potato towers are a great way to grow a crop of spuds in a small footprint. If it it a wooden tower you simply lift off each segment and begin harvesting.
Growing Tomatoes In Black Plastic BagsThis is a page about growing tomatoes in black plastic bags. Tomatoes can be grown in a variety of containers. Hanging them upside down in buckets or bags is one option. Similarly, they can be planted in soil filled bags on the ground.
Maintaining Your Vegetable GardenThis is a page about maintaining your vegetable garden. While waiting for your crops to grow there are many maintenance activities that need to be attended to such as watering, weeding, staking, and more depending on the veggies you have planted.
Lilac Bush With Very Little Leaves?This is a page about lilac bush with very little (few) leaves. If your lilac is not producing sufficient leaves the plant will not flourish and may die. Check all the usual suspects, including sun exposure, soil nutrients, and pest infestations.
Growing Beets in Georgia?This is a page about growing beets in Georgia. Because beets are a cool weather crop it is best to plant the seeds in early spring or late summer to early fall in Georgia.
Getting Grass out of Landscaping Rocks?This is a page about getting grass out of landscaping rocks. Pulling by hand is the best way to remove grass or weeds from between rocks if there are other plants nearby that you don't wish to damage or kill. Boiling water or vinegar are used by some gardeners taking care to protect surrounding plants.
Disguising a Utility PoleThis is a page about disguising a utility pole. Utility poles on your property can be unsightly. If it is legal you can use tall plantings and other garden options such as a trellis to hide the pole.
Harvesting SpearmintThis is a page about harvesting spearmint. Harvest mint prior to flowering, by either removing leaves or preferably by cutting the stem with pruning shears or a sharp knife about one inch above the ground.
Water Plants With Leftover IceThis is a page about watering plants with leftover ice. Using ice cubes to water your houseplants is a good idea, it allows the soil to slowly absorb the water rather than the messy overflow that often occurs with traditional watering methods.
Making an Easy Gravel Garden PathThis is a page about making an easy gravel garden path. Laying out and constructing a gravel garden path is easier than you might think.
Growing Calibrachoa (Million Bells)This newer species is a short lived perennial, often grown as an annual. The trailing habit of the million bells make them excellent container plant choices. Their pretty 1 inch flowers can be found in pinks, white, and red. This is a page about growing calibrachoa (million bells).
Growing Grass Under a Large Maple Tree?Trying to grow grass in the shade of a large tree means finding the best variety for the location. This is a page about growing grass under a large maple tree.
Using a Clear Bird FeederThis is a page about using a clear bird feeder. Clear acrylic bird feeders that attach to the window allow you to really enjoy watching your feathered visitors closeup from inside your home.
Free Coffee Grounds for Your Garden at StarbucksThis is a page about getting free coffee grounds for your garden at Starbucks. Starbucks and other coffee shops offer free grounds to their customers. These bags of coffee grounds are a good amendment for your garden soil.
Adding Calcium to Homemade Hummingbird Nectar?Some people worry that hummingbirds need additional additives in their homemade nectar but most experts suggest giving them only the pure sugar and water mixture. This is a page about adding calcium to homemade hummingbird nectar.
Growing Geum (Avens)Geum is a perennial with delicate and airy blooms. Also known as Avans, these hardy plants come in a variety of bright colors.
Bagel Bird FeederThis is a page about making a bagel bird feeder. Make a totally edible bird feeder for your winter visitors using a lard and seed covered bagel.
How Gardeners Can Help Monarch ButterfliesBeautiful orange and black Monarch butterflies depend on milkweed as a home for their larvae. This is a page about how gardeners can help Monarch butterflies.
Growing Miniature VegetablesMost small vegetables are not really miniatures, and are grown like other vegetables, but possibly closer together. Of course there are also dwarf varieties that easily lend themselves to growing miniature veggies. This is a page about growing miniature vegetables.
Protecting Tomato Plants from AnimalsThis is a page about protecting tomato plants from animals. We are not the only ones who enjoy a delicious tomato. Deer and even squirrels will help themselves to your garden produce. Depending on who is nibbling, there are different measures you can take to discourage your unwelcome dinner guests.
Caring for a Succulent?This is a page about caring for a succulent. Succulents are typically very easy to grow. There are a few specific things to keep in mind to ensure their health. Do not over or underwater. For more succulent care tips check out this page. This is a page about caring for a succulent.
