How Do I Find Free Plants in My Area?I am looking for free hostas in the Navarre, Ohio area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Growing Alpine PlantsThis is a page about how to grow alpine plants. Because of the rather harsh climate that they grow in, alpine plants have made adaptions that can have a definite appeal for the home gardener.
Deadheading a HydrangeaThis is a page about deadheading a hydrangea. Deadheading, unlike pruning, involves just removing the faded, withered blooms on your hydrangea plant.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Using Sawdust in Your GardenAdding sawdust to your garden can produce some benefits. This page is about using sawdust in your garden.
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.
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
Gardenia Not BloomingEncouraging a potted gardenia to bloom may require giving it some acidic fertilizer. This is a page about gardenia not blooming.
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.
Rice Water For Plants?Rice Water For Plants. I know you can give potato water to a plants, what about rice water?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
White Substance On Grapevines?Can anyone tell me what this white substance is on our grape vine? It's a thick liquid that's running down and collecting on the stems of the grapes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gardening on SlopesThis page is about gardening on slopes. Planting on an incline requires some planning to make sure your plants will thrive.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Using Lemon Juice on Moss?Will lemon juice kill moss?
Something is Eating Plant Roots?This is a page about something is eating plant roots. The roots of your plants are a tasty meal for a number of burrowing animals and insects.
Removing a Plant Stuck in a Pot?How do I remove a plant stuck in a pan?
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.
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.
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 Can I Remove a Tree Stump? How do I remove a large tree stump?
Finding Free Pots At Garden CentersIf you are looking for free pots, check with the garden center at your local hardware store.
How does epsom salt affect plant growth?How does epsom salt affect plant growth?
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.
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.
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.
Is Cypress Mulch Safe for Dogs?We have six dogs and my yard has a lot of trees with half dirt and half grass. I just bought cypress mulch to go on the dirt but someone said it was harmful to the dogs. Is this true and can you give me some dog friendly suggestions for the yard?
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
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.
Using Plastic Containers in the GardenAll sorts of plastic containers, tubs, and bottles have a place in your gardening activities. Use recycled bottles to add lightweight bulk to planters. Tubs and containers are useful for starting seedlings and as planters in their own right. Learn more about using plastic containers in the garden on this page.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Choosing the Right TrellisWhen choosing a trellis, select one that complements your garden and is also made of appropriate materials and designed to provide the best support for the plant that it will support. This is a page about choosing the right trellis.
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.
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?
Something is Eating the Inside of Tomatoes and Pumpkins?I have beautiful tomatoes on the vines in my garden, but something is eating all the inside of the tomato and leaves the rest. Some say it is deer, but I don't think so. Could it be more of a rodent? They even ate the inside of my pumpkin. Please, I need help soon.
Broken Pumpkin Plant Stems?I have two pumpkin plants that are growing beautifully. I don't have any fruit yet and no blooms but the plant themselves are very big and beautiful. This afternoon I went out to check on my garden and apparently my cat thought that was a great place to sit in the shade and broke two of my stems.
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?
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.
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.
Saving Rescued or Clearance PlantsRescued or clearance plants are easy to come by at your local big box stores, nursery, and sometimes from neighbors. If you can identify it, read up on growing requirements, otherwise use your best judgement and some TLC. Several accounts of successful clearance plant revivals follow.
Planting Over a French Drain Pipe?In order to not damage your french drain pipes, you will want to select plants with shallow roots. This page offers some advice about planting over a french drain pipe.
Using PVC Pipe as Garden Support StakesThere are a variety of materials that can be used to support your garden plants. Whether you need to tie up a tree, shrub, or large flowering plant consider using pieces of PVC pipe. They are durable and can easily be cut to the length you need.
Hybrids and Heirlooms ExplainedWhen shopping for garden plants, it can be confusing to know whether hybrid or heirloom varieties will be best. Both have advantages and disadvantages so a combination will suit most gardens best.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do Sweet Gum Trees Weep Sap?This is a page about, "Do sweet gum trees weep sap?". Sweet gum trees do not weep sap, however the trees may have aphids and they can drip honeydew on you, your car, or patio.
Using Plants to Hide Unattractive ItemsThis is a page about use plants to hide unattractive items. Strategically placed plantings can help hide unattractive outdoor items, such as stored items, temporary structures, garden tools, and more.
Ladder Safety Tips For GardenersLadders are frequently used by gardeners and homeowners for other outdoor maintenance activities. To maximize your safety choose the best type of ladder for the task and then follow the instructions for how to use it safely. This is a page about ladder safety for gardeners.
Overwintering Corkscrew Vine (Vigna Caracalla)Some friends have expressed an interest in growing Vigna Caracalla outside and overwintering them inside. I have a tip or two on that subject. These vines are perennials in their native Central American and tropical South American climes. In temperate regions, they require winter protection when grown as perennials.
Free Flower Pots at Lowe's Garden CenterSome garden centers like Home Depot or Lowe's have a rack for free pots. If they don't, you can ask if they have any free pots you can have. What's awesome is once in a while you may stumble across a nice ceramic, clay pot too!
Use Spray Paint to Have a Choice in Planter ColorsI love pastels! The one problem I have is I cannot find planters in pastel colors. I can find white ones that sometimes work. While out looking for inexpensive planters I found the size and price that I loved. One problem, the color only came in black! Here's how I transformed them to more of a shabby chic look, just by using spray paint.
Shop Specifically For Plant BargainsA Tightwad Grows Flowers: Someone said I was so tight, I squeaked when I walked. So tight, I squeezed a nickel til the buffalo bellowed. Say what they will, when it comes to buying flowers, being miserly certainly has it's advantages.
Protect Ripening Fruit with NewspaperIn our yard, we have been experiencing more wild animals lately (i.e.: birds, rats, rabbits, etc.) especially since our yard is near a canyon. These animals are eating our fruit! It is quite frustrating watering these fruit trees, watching the fruit grow, and then finding them eaten/ruined.
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.
Removing BlackberriesTackling blackberries is a pain in more than one way.
Homemade Blackberry GlovesWe are constantly battling blackberries in our yard.
Burying a Dead Animal Near a Vegetable Garden?How close to a vegetable garden is it safe to bury a dead possum?
Removing the Seeds from a Pinecone?I heard you had to burn a pinecone in a fire to get seeds.
Overwintering Elephant Ears?I live in zone 7a. I have elephant ears that I overwintered in the ground and covered with 2-3inches of mulch before the first frost this winter. I cut them down 2-3 inches from the ground before mulching them. I completely covered them. Spring is just about here. I decided to remove the mulch and the 2-3 in of the stem is still there. However, it appears a little rotten maybe? I'm not sure.
Trumpet Vine Losing Leaves?My trumpet vine is losing its leaves. They are not dropping, they are disappearing, including the whole leaf stem. I see no sign of aphids or mites.
Getting Rid of English Ivy?How do I permanently destroy English ivy on my trees and on the ground?
Using Landscape Fabric?What is the best landscape fabric? What do you use?
