Find Seeds in Your Spice CabinetI used to purchase packages of dill seeds. I found out that the dill seed in my spice cabinet will sprout just as well as the commercial seeds. This will work with fennel, coriander, mustard and other spices.
Using Coconut Planter Inserts?What to use to keep coconut inserts in flower pots from dripping out bottom.
Use a Tarp for Yard CleanupWe cut the pampas grass and used a small light weight tarp for cleaning up the clippings. After putting it on the tarp, I tied the bottom ends of the tarp together in a loose knot, then tied the other end to give me a good grip to drag it. It took 3 trips and the tarp worked great for dragging the heavy clippings to the brush pile. It was easy to roll them off after I untied the ends.
Best Time to Plant?When is the best time this year to plant in Toppenish, Washington?
Planting an Eastern Redbud Tree?I have an Eastern Redbud which produces multiple seedlings in the summer. This year I decided to save a few of these trees, which are only a few inches tall. I put them in separate gallon sized pots with nice, fertile soil. How I should handle these trees through the winter and when should I put them in the ground?
2 for 1 SuetI have discovered the birds like my homemade suet over store bought. I scored a great price at Ace Hardware on suet and bought a lot. Then I took another step and melted down 1 cake and added lard, some peanut butter and add ins you want, and get the texture to form a cake by adding flour or oatmeal, or cornmeal.
Best Flowers to Attract Wild BeesWild bees will be most attracted to a garden space that mimics their natural habitat and provides an abundance of food. Interplant local varieties that flower at different times throughout the year to ensure a continuous nectar supply for bees and other pollinators.
Square Mesh Flat to Cover VegetablesDo your vegetables get eaten before they've grown? It's happened to me so many times! Now, I use these square mesh flats over my vegetables after seeding so the birds don't get to them. After my vegetables are bigger and stronger I will remove the flats. Chances are they'll make it and no longer vulnerable.
Dog Nail Cutters for Flower StemsI've tried all types of scissors including the ones that are for metal, cardboard, etc., those heavy duty kitchen scissors but I've never tried my stainless steel puppy nail cutters. They are absolutely hands-down the easiest. The blade doesn't slide off the stem. It gives a nice even cut, which is better for the flowers.
Preheat Your Soil for a Faster Harvest (Solarizing Soil)Many vegetables, like tomatoes, beans, squash and peppers need soil temperatures to reach nearly 70ºF before their growth can really take off.
Plastic Bottles to Keep a Plant WateredTo help keep our garden plants watered, this year we tried burying soda bottles, with holes in them, beside the tomato, squash and cucumber plants leaving the opening exposed. To easily fill the bottles, we used a flex funnel and the garden hose. The bottles worked very well to help keep the plants watered and we will be doing it again next year. The garden has just about given out and we have removed all the bottles that are no longer used, rinsed them and put them in the recycling bin.
Frame for Running BeansLast year we planted bush green beans and when they began to grow, they put out long shoots. That's when we realized that, by mistake, we had gotten some running beans instead of bush beans.
Keeping Animals Out of the GrapevineOur scuppernong grapes are ripening fast and they are so good. With us living close to the woods, animals can be a problem when trying to grow fruit and vegetables.
Chicken Wire To Protect Garden From AnimalsWe have a few watermelons in our garden this year. Three weeks ago, it was a disappointment to find that an animal, probably a deer, had bitten a huge gash out of one. To remedy this problem, we covered them with chicken wire and have not had any more problems.
What Is Killing These Bottlebrush Bushes?We have had these bottlebrush bushes in our backyard for about ten years. This past year they look like they are slowly dying. They have been watered the same way for the past ten years through our water sprinkling system. A week ago my husband put fertilizer on them but it hasn't done too much. I was thinking maybe we need to prune the dead away but I don't know if that would help. Any suggestions what is wrong with this bush?
What Is This Shrub?Can anyone identify this shrub? It has oval shaped maroon/burgundy colored leaves and is about 4 feet tall. It is currently planted in a partly shady spot in very wet, clay soil. This may be why it is sparse and not full. I would like to move it to a full sun location in soil with no clay. I need some advice. Thank you in advance for all replies.
Tomatoes with CharacterWe have had some funny looking tomatoes in our garden this year. Number one would have made a good Pinocchio character and number 2 has some spots that look like eyes and a dent that makes it look like it is smiling.
Texas BluebellsHere are photos of a few Texas Bluebells, a wildflower that grows every year in our front yard. Please know that I do NOT pick them, but this one had broken off, so I brought it inside. I want to let as many of them go to seed as possible.
Easy Clean Up Garden Tool HolderI got this magnetic bar as a free gift with purchase. I had it for a while when I thought that I would make a outdoor/indoor garden tool holder. This so simple! I just screwed it to a leftover piece of plywood (that was pre decorated). You can also screw the piece into place without the wood piece. This magnetic strip came with screws, making the project less in money and the garden tool clean up is great and strong 3 years later and garden clutter FREE.
Creating Your Own Botanical Garden During Shut DownThe year of 2020 will never be forgotten, with virtually no travel, separation from family, and many tourist attractions closed. It was time to focus more on what I have. I decided to make my garden more of a relaxation, tranquil, and fragrant place to hang out, during a time where going away wasn't really possible. I went with some upgrades to my garden, all the while this work was giving me a purpose, therapy of plantings and the great outdoors, that is free to enjoy.
Laminated Plant LabelMake easy plant labels!
Circle Plant TrellisDo you have plants that need a trellis? You can make 4 circle trellises for just ~ 25 cents each, versus paying over $10 for one. Here's a quick, easy & inexpensive tutorial on how to make a circle trellis (for my Hoya plant).
Tillandsia (Air Plant) PhotosThis is the first time this air plant (Tillandsia) has bloomed. I love the beautiful purple flower. Afterwards, I believe I should be expecting baby pups. Snapped some photos to share with you all!
What Is The Name Of This Fruit Tree? (Nectarine)We moved to KY and this fruit tree is in our backyard. We would like to know its name. The fruit size is approximately 2 to 2 1/2" circumference and remains this size. It has a pit like a peach. We were told it is a variety of apple; it's white inside and the outer peeling is tough. The fruit comes on early and this picture was taken a couple days ago.
Barn SwallowsBarn swallows were building a nest on the ledge of our porch. It did not look like a good place for a nest as the ledge is just an inch wide. Maybe we didn't need to do this but my husband put a little piece of plywood across the ledge to make a shelf for the nest.
Taming TomatoesWhen our tomato plants start growing like crazy, I invented this holder made from a clothes hanger to keep the tomato plants from escaping the garden. Cut the wire into 6" pieces. Using pliers, curve into a U shape and curve both ends. Place U shape around straying tomato vine and attach to tomato cage. Do this to all vines to clean up the garden area.
Ecological Ways to Drive Moles Out of the GardenAlthough moles don't eat plants, they can damage the roots of plants and lead to their decay by digging numerous canals in the ground. There are many natural ways you can drive moles out of your garden. These are some of them.
Plant Pots for Vertical GardenEvery year I plant many different vegetables in our garden, but I always lack land. Growing vegetables in pots and even vertically on the wall, is an excellent solution to the problem of lack of land for a vegetable garden. In order not to waste money on buying pots, I decided to make them from a polypropylene woven bag. These pots are suitable for horizontal and vertical garden.
Growing CrocosmiaCrocosmia or montbretia is a perennial flower in the Iris family, usually with red or orange flowers. They are indigenous to Africa but can be grown worldwide. A common garden variety is known as "Lucifer"
Cherry Tree PhotosCherry trees are very popular for home gardeners. The white or pink blossoms are beautiful in the spring and the fruit is ripe at the height of summer.
Transplanting A Lemon Tree?There is a beautiful fruitful lemon tree on the lot next door that is up for sale. I am almost positive management will cut it down. Can anyone tell me how and where to cut it so I can replant it?
Growing a Guava TreeGuava originated in Central and South America and the Caribbean but can be grown in places with a tropical or subtropical climate. They can be susceptible to an array of diseases caused by fungus or insects.
Identifying Birds?You don't have to be a serious bird watcher to enjoy identifying the birds that visit your yard or that you encounter on walks. Here are some tips for identifying birds, including baby birds.
Zinnia PhotosZinnias are originally from Mexico and the surrounding area. They are related to the sunflower and daisy. These bright flowers grow well as an annual and are prized by many gardeners across the world.
Create a Humid Environment for PlantsPlace two same sized containers together with plant inside to increase humidity for tropical plants. This is a thrifty method instead of buying a humidifier. Also works for plants that you may purchase online and came from the mail - to help the plants adjust and recover from the transport!
New Plantings and Garden FlowersLast year my grandson and I cut down several forsythia shrubs along the northern edge of the side yard. The stumps still need to dealt with. This year I have focused on planting two lilac bushes further into the yard to ultimately help reestablish a green border between my yard and my neighbor's. There will also be a native mock orange placed along this same line, soon.
Half Circles in Longan LeavesHave you ever seen perfectly half circles bitten into your plant/trees leaves? I was so shocked but with a little research I found out leaf cutting bees made this art work. These leaf cutting bees won't do any harm to the leaves or plant/tree, but uses the collected leaves to make nest for their young ones. I found it very interesting and had to share!
Bird of Paradise Flower PhotosThis is a picture of my sweet little granddaughter Cambria taken about five years ago just before they moved from Arizona to Idaho. Her outfit and her hairbow match the beautiful colors of nature right in our own front yard's Bird of Paradise bush! This was a fun moment to capture.
Growing DaisiesDaisies are a perennial favorite as both a wildflower and in gardens. These old fashioned flowers come in many varieties and colors from all across the world.
Increasing Soil AcidityHow to increase the soil acidity for established tomato plants naturally? I'm not getting many blooms or viable tomatoes for this late in the season.
Wild Buttercup Photos and InformationThe wild buttercup is a member of the ranunculus genus. There are several different varieties, often with yellow flowers. They all typically contain, acrid protoanemonin glycoside oil to some extent. Thus they are listed as poisonous. There are some known pharmacological uses. They are considered an invasive weed in gardens.
DeKay's Snake PhotosThese common garden snakes are commonly known as DeKay's or brownsnake but the official name is Storeria dekayi. They can be found all along the Eastern side of the North American continent. They are harmless, eating slugs, snails and earthworms, and being eaten by larger snakes, birds and mammals.
How to Hand Pollinate PassionfruitIf you have passiflora (passion flowers) growing in your garden and wish for fruit, you may have to take some extra steps. Hand pollinating the flowers is easy and can increase the your passionfruit harvest.
DIY Galvanized Roofing Raised BedSturdy galvanized roofing can be used as the sides of a raised garden bed. This will last much longer than wooden sides and is an attractive look in your yard or patio.
Used Tea Bag to Sprout SeedsSave your old used tea bags as a seed starter. The tea will compost as the seedling grows, feeding it as well as marking the location.
Open Bag Garden Items Are 50% OffOften nurseries and big box garden centers will sell open bags of garden soil, mulch, etc. at a discount. It can be as much as 50% off. So if the open bag is not marked, check with a sales associate. There is generally not a lot of product missing; it is another good way to save on gardening supplies.
DIY Crafty Pea TrellisThis trellis features reusable components and jute or cotton twine. You can recycle the twine with the spent vines at the end of the season. You may have some of the necessary supplies to build the framework in your garden shed or garage. Let us share this pea trellis plan with you.
Identifying Insect Eggs on Tomato?Anyone know what insect eggs these are on my tomato plants?
Hen and Chicks Growing Tall?Are the hens suppose to grow on top of each other and tall like the picture shows?
Fish Pond Is Green?My fish pond is green. I treated it with algaecide, but it didn't help. I have plants in it and just added tadpoles and snails. Is there anything else I should do? Or do I just wait and let them work?
What Are These in My Potted Flowers?What are these in my potted flowers? They are more brownish color, the flash made them look whiter. Also what's the best way to get rid of them?
Monologue Of A Killer WaspThe killer wasp is considered a beneficial insect in that it helps to control the cicada population thereby reducing the damage done to deciduous trees. Read on for an informative and original wasp monologue imagined by the author.
Choosing Acid Loving Garden PlantsChoosing garden plants that will thrive in your soil can help ensure a beautiful and successful gardening experience. If your soil is acidic, consider choosing from the acid loving suggestions offered below, including rhododendrons, azaleas, and more.
Converting Dolphin Fountain Sculpture Into KoiThe tip on this page explains how to modify a garden fountain sculpture to match your pond concept.
Use a Pipe for Planting SeedsRather than bending over to plant seeds in a long garden row, consider a pipe planter. Two versions are offered on this page with the new and improved one using a length of PVC pipe and a funnel.
What's This Plant?I was wondering what plant this? This is the first time that it's grown by our yard in the 10+ years that we've lived here. If it helps I live in PA.
Identifying SongbirdsEven if you are not an avid bird watcher it is fun to identify these garden visitors. Noting size & shape, color pattern, behavior, and habitat can help. There are books for your region and apps for your phone available to assist.
Transferring Seedlings And RootingsIf you reuse the the cell packs from your nursery for starting seeds and rootings, here is a way to easily lift them from the cells before planting. Read on for a good description of this simple process.
Getting Free Flower Bulbs?Does anyone know where to get free flower bulbs? I live in Chumuckla Florida.
What Is this Insect Egg Nest?What is this egg nest? I found it in the garden.
Identifying a TreeIdentifying a tree, whether on your property or one you have seen on a walk, requires some research. Trees can be identified by their shape, leaf or needle structure, fall colors, fruit, bark, and other physical characteristics. Some suggestions are offered on this page.
Create A Micro Climate For Rooting CuttingsRooting cuttings is often done by creating a mini greenhouse using plastic bottles or wrap. This method will work, but too much humidity can be harmful to the cuttings, thus requiring wiping to remove excess moisture. An alternative is to create a micro climate for your cuttings. This method is explained in depth on this page.
What Type of Flower Is This?Can anyone tell me what type of flower this is?
What is This Plant? (Philodendron)The philodendron is a popular vining houseplant, characterized by its heart shaped leaves and thin, flexible stems. It is often confused with a similar looking plant, the pothos.
Growing Croton?Crotons are a popular group of houseplants that can also be grown outdoors in warm humid climates such as Florida. Depending on the variety you purchase, the light requirements vary from high to medium. A northern exposure and temperatures below 60F are not well tolerated by this plant. The more colorful the foliage the more light required. These plants benefit from regular misting or being placed on a pebble tray.
Growing Philodendron?Philodendron plants are often grown as trailing foliage houseplants. There are upright varieties as well. They lend a bit of a tropical feel to your home. These tropical plants require bright but indirect light, warmth, moist soil, and humidity. In addition to their beauty they are often grown indoors because of their ability to clean the air in your home.
Saving a Tree with a Broken Main Trunk?Saving a tree with a broken main trunk may be possible. The rotting portion can be removed and the the cut sealed. However, this is not always successful and sometimes the tree must be cut down.
Protect Ripening Fruit with NewspaperYou can protect your ripening fruit from rabbits, birds, etc. by wrapping the fruit in pieces of newspaper. Wrap it and then staple the paper together. There is still sufficient light for the fruit to ripen.
Growing PhalarisPhalaris is a genus of beautiful grasses found throughout the world except for Antarctica. It grows well under a variety of conditions. They have broad leaves and a dense spike of flowers.
Something Is Eating the Leaves on My LiliesAre the leaves of your lilies being ravaged by some unidentified pests? Insecticidal soap may be one method to treat this issue. Read on for more information.
Homemade Potting ShedBuilding a potting shed in your garden is a project that be done by many homeowners. You can even use recycled and repurposed materials to reduce costs. There are plans and kits, or your own creative concepts can be used for its design. Once built you have a useful garden space for potting, preparing plants for transplanting, and storing garden supplies.
Growing EuonymusThese easy to grow small trees or low shrubs are valuable for garden design. The color-filled foliage of the burning bush is a popular variety.
What Kind of Geranium Is This? (Rosebud)The blooms of the Apple blossom rosebud geranium form clusters of densely packed rose shaped flowers in several colors including pink, pink and white, red and more. It is a member of the genus Pelargonium which contains 200 species of flowering plants including perennials, succulents, and shrubs, some of which are know as geraniums.
Sunken Gutters For Flower Border ContainersIf you are looking for an inexpensive, easy way to create a nice narrow flower border for your garden consider rain gutters. The gutters can be placed level with the soil surface for a discrete planter.
Stacked Rocks in the GardenStacked rocks make for an interesting focal point in an area of your garden. This is also a fun way to display a rock collection. Especially those of us who can't seem to pass up an interesting or pretty rock.
Growing Saskatoon Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)?The fragrant drooping white flowers in spring are followed by large bluish purple edible berries. The Saskatoon service berry is a medium to large upright shrub native to North America from Alaska across much of western Canada into the western and north-central US. They prefer full sun, but can tolerate light shade. The extensive root system results in clumps and allows it to being grown as a hedge.
Growing Sugar Snap PeasGrowing sugar snap peas is easy. They can be planted earlier than many other garden veggies. The young, flat pods are delicious straight off of the vine. They freeze better than snow peas, thus providing you with a future supply for cooking later in the year. Heirloom varieties and be planted next season from peas dried on the vine with assurance of the same delicious flavor.
File Flower Seeds to Help SproutingSome seeds such as nasturtium have a hard outer seed coating that can slow down germination. For these and similar seeds you can speed up sprouting by nicking the seed coat and filing lightly until you can see the lighter inner seed coat. Soak overnight and plant immediately.
Transplanting Lupine?Young lupin plants or seedlings can be successfully transplanted into a sunny location. Because they have a tap root trying to move older, mature plants is not often successful. If you must try to move a mature lupine, cut back the foliage to compensate for the partial loss of the root.
Growing Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana)The cape gooseberry is a native of Peru. The plant is a perennial and is easy to grow, even from seed, and be spread throughout your garden by birds, who really enjoy the berries. It is a member of the genus Physalis in the nightshade family Solanaceae. Ripe berries are safe to eat and provide a good source of vitamin C. They are also a good source of fiber. Like other members of this plant family the unripe berries, leaves, and flowers are poisonous.
Growing a Tabebuia Tree?The tabebuia tree or shrub is native to the American tropics and subtropics from Mexico and the Caribbean as far south as Argentina. Most of the species are from Cuba and Hispaniola. They are evergreen in the tropics and deciduous in dry climates. Sometimes called a trumpet tree they are known for their trumpet shaped flowers that can be yellow, pink, and a lavender pink in color.
Hibiscus Flower Petals Stuck Together?What is causing my hibiscus flowers to fold up like they are glued together?
Protecting Garden PlantsYour garden plants may need protection from insects, too much sun, birds, wildlife, and more. Depending on the situation there are a variety of options discussed on this page.
Removing the Seeds from a Pinecone?It can involve a lot of time when trying to remove seeds from a pine cone. The cone will need to be heated in order to cause it to open and release the seeds. Some tips follow.
Making a Self-Watering Milk CartonSave your cardboard milk cartons to water your garden slowly. It's great for self-watering for when you go out of town.
Making Decorative Planter PotsTake any plastic planter pot and paint it to spice up your garden decor. This is a great project for kids and teens and could also be used to decorate a gift plant.
Making a Teacup PlanterBeautiful teacups can be upcycled into planters for small houseplants. These make a great gift for someone's office or kitchen windowsill.
Using a Strawberry PotTerra cotta planters are designed with pockets on the sides to grow strawberries. Many other herbs and garden plants can also be planted in them, to decorate any deck or patio.
Caring for HoyaThe hoya is a genus of 200'300 species of tropical plants in the family Apocynaceae (Dogbane). Most are native to several countries of Asia such as China, India, and Thailand. There is a great diversity of species in the Philippines, and Polynesia, New Guinea, and Australia. It is a waxy leafed vining plant with star shaped waxy flowers. In non-tropical areas it is typically easy to grow indoors.
Recycled Wheelbarrow Herb GardenAn old wheelbarrow can be repurposed as an herb garden. Many herbs are perennials so you can harvest for years to come. If the barrow is intact you can move it about your yard to maximize sun exposure. Fresh herbs are very flavorful, so this creative recycled planter is something to consider.
