Getting Hibiscus Flowers to BloomThis is a page about getting hibiscus flowers to bloom. Hibiscus is a beautiful tropical plant that with proper care can bloom year round.
What Are Hedge Apples Good For?This is a page about what hedge apples are good for. The hedge apple or Osage orange may look like an orange but it is actually a member of the mulberry family. While many people claim that they are a good natural pest repellent, it is only in concentrated amounts that it is effective. It is generally not eaten by people or wildlife.
How Do I Find Free Plants in My Area?I am looking for free hostas in the Navarre, Ohio area.
Selling BambooThis is a page about selling bamboo. Bamboo is an evergreen tropical or temperate grass that grows easily and spreads quickly making it a good choice to grow as a money making enterprise. There are many products made from bamboo.
Temporary Surface For Under Picnic Table?I'm looking for advice for an inexpensive, temporary covering for underneath our picnic table. We do not have a deck or patio and our picnic table has been on grass over the past few years.
Fill Planters With Plastic BottlesTo save money on filler dirt for you potted plants, use plastic bottles to fill up the extra space. This is a page about filling planters with plastic bottles.
Deadheading a HydrangeaThis is a page about deadheading a hydrangea. Deadheading, unlike pruning, involves just removing the faded, withered blooms on your hydrangea plant.
Getting Rid of Morning GloryThis is a page about getting rid of morning glory. The morning glory is an annual, self seeding vine. Many gardeners love their beautiful trumpet shaped blooms. However, they can also become an invasive weed for the gardener on the other side of the fence.
Deer Eating My Hosta Leaves?Deer love to browse in our gardens. If your hosta was part of their recent smorgasbord your plant can recover. This is a page about deer eating my hosta leaves.
Solutions for a Willow Tree Planted Too Close to a...This page is about solutions for a willow tree planted too close to a home. These trees can create problems when planted too close to a structure or plumbing.
Sunflower Plants Growing Multiple Flowers Instead or One? The sunflowers grow tall and then the tops of the plant branch off and make several small flowers rather than one big one.
What Plant is Also Known as Sheep Shar or Shire?I recall as I was growing up my mother told us that in the 1930s they were so poor that they ate something she referred to as "sheep shar or shire". Supposedly it is a weed. Anyone ever hear of it? What is it? She said they would gather and wash it and eat as a salad.
How does epsom salt affect plant growth?How does epsom salt affect plant growth?
Crepe Myrtle Not BloomingThis page is about crepe myrtle not blooming. Crepe myrtle likes full sun, but in drought conditions or even when it's rainy, the flowering may be delayed.
Burning Bush Changing Color Early?My burning bush is changing color too early in the season. What is wrong with it?
Cutting Back Sunflowers?I recently planted one of those "flower carpets" and ended up with very tall sunflower plants. I love them, but don't know anything about growing them. Do I cut the plants back at some point, will they come back into bloom every year, etc?
Land Clearing Tips?This page contains land clearing tips. It can be expensive or a lot of hard work to remove all the foliage from a piece of land.
Avocado Seeds Not Sprouting?Any ideas why my avocado seeds that I have had in water now for 2 months still aren't sprouting, I have them suspended pointed side down. Also, what other plants can you grow using fresh vegtables or fruits?
Painting Plastic Flower PotsThis is a page about painting plastic flower pots. You can brighten up your potted plants and give new life to faded plastic pots by painting them.
Killing Stinging NettlesStinging nettles can be a nuisance to have in the garden. Killing them off may be the best answer if you can't keep their growth at bay. This is a page about killing stinging nettles.
Building a Rock GardenThis is a page about building a rock garden. A rock garden or rockery is a beautiful landscaping option, with your plants tucked in between the stones for a natural look.
Using Sawdust in Your GardenAdding sawdust to your garden can produce some benefits. This page is about using sawdust in your garden.
Can a Dandelion be Several Feet Tall?Monster dandelion, it's taller than me. How? Why? Please help.
Uses for Sweet Gum BallsThose spiny balls, seed pods, dropped by your sweet gum tree can actually be put to good use. This is a page about uses for sweet gum balls.
Growing a Honeysuckle as TreeSeveral vining plants, such as honeysuckle and wisteria, are often trained to grow more like a small tree. This is a page about growing honeysuckle as tree.
Plants and Flowers That Will Grow Under Pine TreesWhen looking for plants to grow under pine trees there are several considerations to keep in mind. This is a page about plants and flowers that will grow under pine trees.
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.
Butterfly Bush Not Blooming?My butterfly bush is not blooming this year, why? I have the one with blooms that look like little purple butterflies. It's about six ft. tall and three ft. wide, healthy but no blooms
Garden Uses for Banana PeelsThis page is about garden uses for banana peels. Besides being a good addition to the compost pile, these peelings can be an excellent fertilizer for some plants.
Getting Rid of Slime Mold?This is a page about getting rid of slime mold. Fresh wood mulch and lots of moisture can encourage the growth of this mold. It may be a signal that your soil isn't draining well.
Rice Water For Plants?Rice Water For Plants. I know you can give potato water to a plants, what about rice water?
How to Kill a Passionfruit Vine?We have a tiny backyard and decided to grow a passionfruit vine on a arch. It grew like wild fire and everyday for the last 3 years I have pulled out passionfruit suckers from our garden. It has taken over a third of our garden and we set fire to the vine on the arch and pulled out the root. That was a month ago and we have more suckers than ever. My husband put weed killer directly onto each sucker but more are coming everyday. Please help we are desperate. We live in Australia with hot weather and we never once fed or tended this plant. Melinda from Australia
Using Milk Jugs in the GardenThis is a page about using milk jugs in the garden. Plastic milk jugs have a variety of uses in the garden.
Moss Growing on Lilac Bushes?I have several lilac bushes that are covered with moss and lichen. They are dying. Are the lilacs dying because of the moss and lichen or is the moss and lichen growing on them because they're dying? What do I do about it?
Caring for Potted Easter LiliesIf you purchased or received a potted Easter lily as a gift, you may be wondering how to care for it now. This is a page about caring for potted Easter lilies.
Eggshells for Your GardenThere are several good reasons to add egg shells to your garden. They provide nutrients, deter snails, slugs, and cutworms. They can also be helpful as a calcium supplement, if you raise laying hens. This is a page about eggshells for your garden.
Gardening on SlopesThis page is about gardening on slopes. Planting on an incline requires some planning to make sure your plants will thrive.
Creating Shade for Potted PlantsThis is a page about creating shade for potted plants. Just because your deck or patio is quite sunny doesn't mean you can't grow some more shade loving plants. Creating shade will also help protect any plant and conserve water on really hot days.
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.
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.
Benefits of Ants in Your GardenThis is a page about benefits of ants in your garden. We often only see insects, such as ants, as garden pests. However, they preform many valuable activities that actually can help improve your garden.
Uses for Plastic Plant PotsThis is a page about uses for plastic plant pots. Many gardeners have a growing stack of plastic pots from the nursery in their garage or shed.
Canna Lily Leaves Are Ripped?If the leaves on your cannas are ripped, one reason may be insufficient watering. This is a page about why canna lily leaves are ripped.
How to Remove Tomato SuckersUse your fingers to quickly and easily remove these suckers before they start to compete with the main plant for nutrients. This is a page about how to remove tomato suckers.
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.
Getting Rid of HoneysuckleThis is a page about getting rid of honeysuckle. Honeysuckle can be very difficult to get rid of once established in your yard or garden.
Deer Resistant Plants?This is a page about deer resistant plants. While deer can be beautiful to see in the wild and even in your neighborhood, they are less welcome when they decide to dine on your shrubs and flowers.
How Can I Remove a Tree Stump? How do I remove a large tree stump?
Advice For Reviving A Clematis?Should I pardon this clematis? I have a clematis which has been on this trellis since we moved into our home over ten years ago. Every spring I am surprised that it has even survived because it never looks all that healthy to me. You can see that the top of the plant looks healthy and has many buds on which will soon bloom, but the middle areas are woody and unhealthy looking.
Garden Safety TipsThis is a page about garden safety tips. Working in the garden involves a lot of tools and physical effort. Keep yourself safe and injury-free while working in your yard.
Removing Bushes Near a House?I want to remove some large bushes next to my house. I thought cutting the bush down and covering the roots with plastic for awhile would be alright but my friend said that the rotting roots would attract termites.
Bees Destroying My Grapes?Help please. The bees have invaded our grapes and are destroying them. The vines are so full of all kinds of bees eating my fruit. What can I do?
Leaves on Gardenia Turning BrownWhen plants are in pots, they can become root bound and may need new soil and a larger pot. This is a page about leaves on gardenia turning brown.
Gardenia Not BloomingEncouraging a potted gardenia to bloom may require giving it some acidic fertilizer. This is a page about gardenia not blooming.
Making a Butterfly FeederThis is a page about making a butterfly feeder. You can attract even more butterflies to your garden by setting up a feeder.
Using Mulch from a Tree Service?I recently obtained a free load of mulch (chips) from a tree service. It is green and brown mulch trimmed from the trees along the roadside. Is this mulch safe to place around shrubs and in areas where I plan to plant shrubs, flowers, and vegetables?
Burying a Dead Animal Near a Vegetable Garden?There are mixed views and potential local ordinances that can affect where it is OK to bury a dead animal in your yard and more specifically near a vegetable garden. If allowed in your area be sure to dig a deep hole for the burial. Read on for more details.
Use Zip Ties to Support PlantsZip ties can be a good temporary method of supporting plants that you are trying to train or that have heavy blooms. This is a page about use zip ties to support plants.
Removing a Plant Stuck in a Pot?How do I remove a plant stuck in a pan?
Keeping Chickens Out of Your GardenThis is a page about keeping chickens out of your garden. Many chicken owners prefer to have them wander free range, at least part of the time. Even though the girls will help keep garden pests down they can do damage to your garden and flower beds.
Trumpet Vine Not FloweringThis is a page about a trumpet vine not flowering. Your trumpet vine is growing and leafing out quite nicely, but there are no blooms.
Dark Purple Banana Peppers?I have a couple banana peppers that are turning a dark purple, what gives? The peppers appear fine, nice and shiny and growing strong. The stems have some darker stripes running through them. They are sweet bananas.
Banana and Tea for Watering Your PlantsPut banana peels and tea bags in water overnight, and use this water as a pick me up for your plants. This is a page about banana and tea for your plants.
Removing Poop Odor from Garden?I live in a country house with 2000 sq. meters of garden, no plants, just trees and earth. I have lots of dogs and collect their poops regularly, nevertheless some of them skip my attention. When it rains or when there's excessive heat in the summer, some unpleasant odor can be smelled.
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.
How Many Quarts in a Bushel?How many quarts of peas to the bushel of shelled peas?
Removing Blackberries Without HerbicidesIn some parts of the country wild blackberries can be very invasive, and difficult to get rid of without chemicals. This is a page about removing blackberries without herbicides.
Can you use shredded paper as media to grow plants?Can you use shredded paper as media to grow plants?
Confederate Jasmine Leaves Turning Brown and Falling Off?If the leaves on your confederate jasmine are browning and falling off, that may be a sign your plant stressed. This is a page about confederate jasmine leaves turning brown and falling off.
Uses for Fireplace AshesKeeping your fireplace ashes mostly cleaned out makes for better air circulation around your fire, This page is about uses for fireplace ashes.
Killing Rhubarb?Does anyone know how to kill rhubarb short of digging up the entire roots? Mine has been there for so long I would have to hire a tree stump removal company.
Using Lemon Juice on Moss?Will lemon juice kill moss?
Burning Bush Has No Leaves?We planted 2 dwarf burning bushes in March right before our record rainfall of the year. Both plants' root balls sat basically underwater for a week, one worse than the other. The one developed leaves and seems fine but the other never developed leaves although it is covered in buds that never opened. We cut a stem and it is green inside and still seems to be alive.
Watering PlantsThis is a page about watering plants. Keeping your plants properly watered can be tricky. Care must be taken to provide enough but not too much water.
Homemade Blackberry Pulling GlovesThis is a page about making homemade blackberry pulling gloves. Removing blackberry plants manually can leave you with lots of thorns in your hands unless you protect them well.
Finding Free PlantsThis is a page about finding free plants. Buying plants at a nursery can be quite expensive. If you take the time, you can find opportunities to obtain your plants for free.
Drought, Heat, and Cold Tolerant Plants?Oe of the best ways to choose plants for your garden that tolerate, drought, heat, and cold is to go with natives. This is a page about drought, heat, and cold tolerant plants.
Attracting Chipmunks into Yard?OK, I know most people want to repel them, but I want to know how to attract chipmunks into my yard. I have a huge yard with woods on 3 sides and lots of trees in the yard. I have tons of squirrels, some deer, foxes, moles, and even the occasional bobcat.
Summer Squash Not Growing Large?If your squash is producing smaller fruit it can be the result of a number of things, such as watering, fertilizers used, the variety planted, and more. Trial and error may help determine the cause. This is a page about what to do when summer squash is not growing large.
Hydrangea Leaves Turning Yellow?I had three Quick Fire hydrangeas planted this fall. They have lots of yellow leaves with dark spots sprinkled in them and lots of holes in the leaves like something has been eating on them. Also, the branches look moldy. What should I do to them before winter sets in?
Cleaning New and Used Flower Pots or PlantersIt is a good idea to clean both new and used pots before replanting them. New pots can have a chemical residue and previously used pots and planters may have salt deposits, diseases from previous plants, mold, fungus, insect eggs, or weed seeds.
USDA Plant Hardiness ZonesThis page is about USDA plant hardiness zones. Understanding the difference in growing zones can help you make good choices when planting and maintaining your yard and garden.
Why do Calla Lilies 'cry'?Why do Calla Lilies 'cry'?
Planting After Removing Pine Trees?The soil where the pine trees grew will be acidic. Acid soil loving plants such as blueberries and azaleas could go right in. If you have other plants in mind a pH test is probably in order. This is a page about planting after removing pine trees.
Dealing With Blossom End Rot on TomatoesThis is a page about dealing with blossom end rot on tomatoes. Blossom end rot is a common problem found in the garden on tomatoes and other garden produce. It is a sign of a calcium imbalance within the plant.
How to Give an Aloe Plant as a GiftAloe vera is a great plant for gifting due to its growth of new baby plants. Potting the pups in their own containers provides new plants for your home or to gift to friends and family. This is a page about how to give an aloe plant as a gift.
Removing a Willow Tree?This page is about removing a willow tree. A tenacious, deciduous tree that thrives when lots of moisture is available.
Using Coffee Grounds in the GardenThis page is about using coffee grounds in the garden. Coffee grounds are a great addition to the compost bin and can added directly on the soil for many acid loving plants.
Effect of Epsom Salts on Worms and Ants in the Soil?How does Epsom salts affect worms, ants, etc. living in the soil?
The Benefits of Bees in Your GardenThis is a page about the benefits of bees in your garden. Many homeowners are constantly looking for ways to get rid of bees. However, bees are outstanding pollinators and are necessary to the health of your garden.
Lasagna Gardening TipsThis is a page about lasagna gardening tips. Lasagna gardening, an organic approach, relies on layers and is heavy on mulching to create rich soil.
Use Old Panty Hose to Tie Up PlantsCut up your old panty hose into strips and use them to tie up your veggie and garden plants. This is a page about use old panty hose to tie up plants.
How Do I Neutralize Juglone Before Planting Vegetables?We have removed an old half dead black walnut tree about 4 years ago and would like to grow some veggies in that spot. My question is how do I neutralize the juglone so I can do that? Any info could be helpful. Thank you.
Using Car Wash Water on Plants?I seen dirty car wash water being used on other dirt but wonder if this could be used on plants to keep bugs off?
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.
What Is this Insect Egg Nest?What is this egg nest? I found it in the garden.
Getting Free Flower Bulbs?Does anyone know where to get free flower bulbs? I live in Chumuckla Florida.
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.
Identifying Wild Flowers?These are some of the flowers I see on my social distancing walks in the neighborhood. Some of them I recognize more or less, but am hoping for more specific information.
Use Old Storage Racks In Your GardenHaving shelving to display potted garden plants is easily done. Repurpose some of the racks and shelves you may have been using in your garage, or look for some at a garage sale.
Use Old Storage Racks In Your GardenEveryone has old shelves and racks that they have bought to use in their garage. From time to time the racks get old and you replace them with new ones. Instead of throwing them away use them in your garden. The racks in the garden will give you more space for your plants. You can arrange the racks at the back of your garden next to the fence. This way you have plenty of room to add your plants.
Always Have Hope - Rescued PlantI rescued this plant from someone who was going to "trash it" after its first blooming. The plant was almost dead when I got it last year. I'm always trying to save things that other people have given up on or abandoned. After a summer of good care, this is the reward I got this fall.
Starting Tomatoes in Coffee CansWhen starting tomato plants, I cut the bottom off of an empty Folger's coffee can. Then I poke some drain holes in the lid, put the lid on, and turn the can upside down. I fill the new pot with soil and plant my tomatoes. When they are ready to go into the garden I just take the lid off the bottom and the plant slides right out.
Open Bag Garden Items Are 50% OffAt Home Depot - I know for wood if there is a defect and it'll be marked with the specific color for discount, but I didn't know that on open bagged items you get 50% off.
Cause of Multiple Sunflowers at the Top of a Single Stalk?I planted mammoth sunflower seeds and they turned out spectacular. The last few remaining blooms are on their last stages and I have one where the stalk's upper portion is enlarged and currently supporting 5 heads of flowers. Two are only 3/4 the size of the big ones and are opposite of each other. The 3 smaller ones are on top as the pictures show.
Cable Ties for Supporting PlantsWhen garden plants start to produce, they need extra support. Cable ties are great. They come in many sizes and are inexpensive. You can tie them to a plant stake, another part of the plant, or a fence. At the end of the season, just cut them and dispose of.
Homemade Blackberry GlovesWe are constantly battling blackberries in our yard.
Removing BlackberriesTackling blackberries is a pain in more than one way.
Getting Rid of English Ivy?How do I permanently destroy English ivy on my trees and on the ground?
Removing the Seeds from a Pinecone?I heard you had to burn a pinecone in a fire to get seeds.
Tomatoes Started Indoors Not Flowering?This is the first time to start seeds indoors. Everything seemed to be going fine. I started 3 types of peppers on about 2/17. I also started tomatoes, the Campari variety that I get from Kroger/Meijer's, etc. They were about 12" high on 4/9, today they are 20" tall and spindly. There are no flowers and not all that many branches. Color is very light green, but not translucent, yet.
Need Help with Wet YardHello all, I live in a mobile home court. I need help on what can I plant (plant wise) in my front yard to soak up a lot of water? There must be some kind of plant that loves a lot and can grow in a very wet yard. This would help me so much. Help if you can.
Planting a Crown of Thorns in the Ground?If I'm planting a crown of thorns plant in the ground. Should I put some planter mix around it or just put it in the ground. What should I fertilize it with and how often?
Hydrangeas Leaves Turned Brown?I bought endless summer hydrangeas last week and the leaves turned brown. I'm not sure what happened. Is it because of the weather? The past days, it snowed and the temperature dropped to -2 degrees.
