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.
Selling Trees on Your Land for LumberIf you own acres or even a larger residential lot you may have trees that you would like to have removed and be able to sell for the lumber. This is a page about selling trees on your land for lumber.
Solutions for Insect Pests on HouseplantsInsects and mites can appear on houseplants at any time of the year and they are not always easy to see. This page contains solutions for insect pests on houseplants.
Cutting Back Perennials in the FallThis is a page about cutting back perennials in the fall. Deciding whether to cut or not to cut back your perennials in the fall can be perplexing. There are pros and cons to either option.
Give Coffee to a Christmas CactusThis is a page about giving coffee to a Christmas cactus. Coffee is a trusted secret that many people use to keep their Christmas cactus healthy and blooming each year. Just make sure its plain black coffee.
Keeping Pigeons Away from a Bird FeederThis is a page about keeping pigeons away from a bird feeder. Backyard bird feeders often attract birds other than the song birds you may be hoping for.
Weed Killer that Won't Kill GrassOnly certain formulations of weed killers will work to kill weeds but not your lawn. This is a page about weed killer that won't kill grass.
Bringing Plants Indoors for the WinterThis page is about bringing plants indoors for the winter. When the weather gets cold there are many garden plants that be keep inside.
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.
Protecting Pots and Planters Over WinterThis page is about protecting pots and planters over the winter. You may want to keep some of your container plants and pots for next spring.
Growing Vegetables Where Pets Have Pooped or PeedThis page is about growing vegetables where pets have pooped or peed. Knowing that your soil is safe for growing food is important.
Plants That Like Coffee GroundsMany plants thrive in soil rich in nitrogen. As they decompose, coffee grounds release nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and other minerals. This is a page about plants that like coffee grounds.
Killing Weeds in Flower BedsIt can be a challenge to destroy the weeds while maintaining the flowers in your garden. This page is about killing weeds in flower beds.
Preventing and Killing Weeds Between BricksSeeds will land and germinate in your brick driveway, walkway or patio. This page is about preventing and killing weeds between bricks.
Repotting OrchidsThis is a page to repotting orchids. Orchids require a lot of care and attention, but the gorgeous blooms are worth the effort. Repotting orchids is a necessary maintenance task to keep those lovely flowers blooming.
Salt and Vinegar Weed Killer RecipeYou can mix up a homemade weed killer solution using salt and vinegar. This page contains a salt and vinegar weed killer recipe.
Identifying Insect Eggs?Identifying insect eggs, whether in your home or garden, can help you decide whether they are harmful or beneficial. This is a page about identifying insect eggs.
Preparing Your Pond For WinterThis is a page about preparing your pond for winter. It is important to properly prepare your pond for winter. If the water freezes without the proper precautions it can damage the pump, plants, and fish.
Filler Ideas for Potted PlantsThere are a lot of things you can use to fill under the soil in your potted plants. Some of them will help reduce the weight of large pots, others help retain moisture. This is a page about filler ides for potted plants.
Using Pine Needles in Your GardenThis page is about using pine needles in your garden. There are a number of ways this natural material can be used to help you in the garden.
Hydrangea Not BloomingThis page is about hydrangea not blooming. Determining why your plant is not blooming can be a mystery.
Getting Rid of Weeds in RocksWhether it's for a walkway or simply decorative, a rock area can easily become overrun with weeds. Eliminating those weeds can be a real chore. This is a page about getting rid of weeds in rocks.
Husqvarna Riding Mower Won't StartThis is a page about Husqvarna riding mower won't start. Determining whether it is a problem with fuel, spark or air when your mower won't start, can be a challenge.
Propagating PerennialsThis is a page about propagating perennials. There are several ways to make new plants when growing perennials.
Using Sawdust in Your GardenAdding sawdust to your garden can produce some benefits. This page is about using sawdust in your garden.
Pruning Times: What and When to PruneProper pruning is a good way to help your trees and shrubs stay healthy and strong. This page is about pruning times: what and when to prune.
Removing Weeds Between PaversIf weeds are growing between your pavers, they are not only unattractive but can be difficult to eradicate. This is a page about removing weeds between pavers.
Keeping Bees Out of a Hummingbird FeederBees and hummingbirds are often found in the same places in your garden. However, if you are putting out food for the hummingbirds it can attract an unwanted amount of bees. This is a page about keeping bees out of your hummingbird feeder.
Planting After Killing Weeds With Vinegar?This is a page about planting after killing weeds with vinegar. After using vinegar to get rid of weeds, you are ready to plant.
Keeping Planters Over Winter?This is a page about keeping planters over winter. Depending on what kind of plants are in your container you may be able to keep them alive through the winter, without bringing them indoors.
Using Bleach as a Weed Killer?Some homeowners prefer to use household products to get rid of weeds, rather than buy a commercial weed killer. This is a page about using bleach as a weed killer.
Getting a Christmas Cactus to BloomYou have a beautiful green Christmas cactus, but sadly, no blooms. This is a page about getting a Christmas cactus to bloom.
Starting a Crape Myrtle from a CuttingCrape myrtles can successfully be started from both hard and soft wood cuttings. This is a page about starting a crape myrtle from a cutting.
Getting Rid of Ants in Outdoor Potted PlantsThis is a page about getting rid of ants in outdoor potted plants. Trying to safely get rid of ants in your outdoor potted plants can be frustrating.
Growing Plants in WaterSome plants will thrive in water instead of soil and you have the added enjoyment of seeing the roots develop as your plant grows. This is a page about growing plants in water.
How Can I Get Rid of the Magpies but Keep the Rest of the Birds?Magpies can be real bullies at a backyard feeder. This is a page about, "How can I get rid of the magpies, but keep the rest of the birds?".
Can You Eat Hedge Apples?This is a page about whether you can eat hedge apples. Hedge apples are generally not considered edible. The juice inside the fruit and stem is a skin irritant. They do however make an interesting addition to home decor.
Growing BittersweetThis is a page about growing bittersweet. Bittersweet is an easy to grow vine known for its beautiful fall color.
Wick Watering for Container PlantsThis is a page about wick watering for container plants. If you are looking for an inexpensive and simple way to water your container plants, either all of the time or when on vacation, try wick watering.
Using Green TomatoesDon't throw away those green tomatoes at the end of the growing season. This is a page about using green tomatoes.
Winterizing a Geranium PlantThis is a page about winterizing a geranium plant. These cheerful flowers can be easy to winterize and enjoy year after year.
Removing Acorns from a LawnThis is a page about removing acorns from a lawn. Oak trees will inevitably drop acorns on your lawn beneath their branches. You have two choices regarding the acorns, one is to allow them to feed wildlife and compost in place or remove them.
Solutions for Grass Growing in Pavement...This is a page about solutions for grass growing in pavement cracks. Grass growing in the cracks of your drive or walkway can mar the appearance of your home and landscaping.
Grocery Store GardeningThis page is about grocery store gardening. There are a number of ways you can grow food and house plants, from fruits and vegetables you buy in the produce department.
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.
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.
Keeping Cats Out of House PlantsThis is a page about keeping cats out of house plants. House plants are often quite attractive to your cats inspiring digging, munching, and sometimes use as a cat box.
Caring for an Avocado TreeThis is a page about caring for an avocado tree. Avocado trees whether grown from seed or purchased from a nursery will need to proper care to thrive.
Keeping Weeds From Growing Between Pavers?Weeds can easily take hold in the cracks between paving stones. This is a page about keeping weeds from growing between pavers.
Starting a Weeping Willow Tree from a CuttingThis is a page about starting a weeping willow tree from a cutting. Many trees and shrubs are easy to start from a cutting.
Saving Elephant Ears BulbsThis is a page about saving elephant ears bulbs. Elephant ears are not cold hardy, so in colder climates you will want to dig them and store them over the winter.
Christmas Cactus with Red Leaves?This is a page about Christmas cactus with red leaves. If the leaves on your Christmas cactus have suddenly turned red, it could be an indication that it has placed somewhere with too much light. It may also be lacking the proper amount of nutrients. This type of cactus prefers low light and direct sunlight should be avoided.
Propagating Lilies From ScalesLily bulbs have overlapping layers, similar to an artichoke, known as scales. If removed and placed in a soil-less medium they will produce new bulblets. Scaling is an inexpensive way to increase the number of lilies in your garden. This is a page about propagating lilies from scales.
Growing a "Tractor Seat Plant" (Ligularia)?This Australian native is also known as the tractor seat plant, Ligularia is grown for its attractive foliage. This page contains information about growing a "tractor seat plant" (Ligularia).
Choosing the Best Lawnmower Height SettingThis is a page about choosing the best lawnmower height setting. Most lawnmowers have height adjustments to use when mowing your lawn. Manicured lawns tend to be cut shorter although the height of your grass can affect its health.
Starting Roses from CuttingsIf you find a rose that you want to propagate, doing it from a cutting is the best way. Roses generally grow well from cuttings, but doing it right will give you the best results. This is a page about starting roses from cuttings.
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.
Alberta Spruce Tree Turning BrownThere are several possible causes for the browning of an Alberta Spruce tree. This is a page about an Alberta spruce tree turning brown.
Keeping Ants Off Trees and ShrubsThis page is about keeping ants off trees and shrubs. These insects are responsible for farming aphids on many garden plants and trees.
Potted Rose Bush Losing It's LeavesPotted roses require the same type of care as their cousins out in the garden. A common cause of leaf drop is improper watering. This is a page about potted rose bush losing it's leaves.
Avocado Trees Losing Leaves?There are a number of reasons your avocado tree may lose its leaves, from pests to lack of nutrients. This is a page about avocado trees losing leaves.
Homemade Seed TapesThis is a page about making homemade seed tapes. Seeds can be very small and can shift around during planting. Using a seed tape can help create straight even rows but they can be very expensive to purchase.
Getting Rid of Webworms on Pecan Trees?Web worms are the larval stage of a small white moth. They typically appear on pecan and other trees in late summer and early fall. Sprays, both organic and chemical, can be used. Breaking the web and allowing birds to feast has worked for one reader. This is a page about getting rid of web worms on pecan trees.
Saving Zinnia SeedsThis is a page about saving zinnia seeds. You can grow zinnias year after year by saving the seeds from this year's flowers for planting next season.
Uses for Dried LavenderThis is a page about uses for dried lavender. Lavender's lovely scent makes it a sought after perennial flower that, in its dry state, can be used in many ways.
Avocado Tree Leaves Turning Brown?Whether your tree is outdoors or being grown inside, browning leaves indicates a problem you will need to identify. This is a page about avocado tree leaves turning brown.
Growing Geraniums from CuttingsThis is a page about growing geraniums from cuttings. Geraniums are one of the easiest plants to start from cuttings. If you live in a colder area you can take cuttings to overwinter and have a good start on your spring garden.
Identifying a HouseplantMany of us have picked up a houseplant at the store that was not labeled or have been given one as a gift. However, knowing what type of plant you have will help you ensure that you are giving it the best care. This is a page about identifying a houseplant.
Kudzu Be Gone! Homemade Weed Killer?Does anyone have a homemade weedkiller that works on kudzu, the vine that ate the south?
Getting Rid of Blackberry BushesThis is a page about getting rid of blackberry bushes. Blackberry bushes can grow very quickly in spring and summer and are very invasive. Even though the berries are edible and tasty, the bushes are very difficult to get rid of.
Homemade Weed and Feed RecipesThis is a page about homemade weed and feed recipes. For a green and lush lawn, gardeners must both control the weeds while nourishing the desirable grass. Commercial weed and feed products can be expensive.
Getting Seeds From Pine ConesGrow your own pine tree from seed and make the world a greener place. This page is about how to harvest pine seeds (also known as pine nuts) from the pine cone for planting.
Selling Poplar Trees for Lumber?This is a page about selling poplar trees for lumber. If you have poplar trees on your property that you are looking to sell, here is some helpful information about how to do that.
Getting Rid of Johnson Grass?This is a page about getting rid of Johnson grass. Johnson grass is a tall invasive perennial grass that is difficult to eradicate.
Using Coffee Grounds for Citrus Trees?Citrus trees grow well when fed with used coffee grounds. Care should be taken as it is possible to make the soil too acidic and that might cause issues. Citrus grows best at a soil pH of 6.5.
Rooting a Cactus PadThis is a page about rooting a cactus pad. Many types of cactus propagate in nature by their ability to have a pad or segment grow into a new plant. You can do this too, at home, and increase your cactus garden plantings.
Pecan Trees With Rotten PecansPecan trees are susceptible to weevil infestations and fungal diseases. Too much rain can be the cause of the fungal issues. This is a page about pecan trees with rotten pecans.
Tips of Avocado Tree Branches Turning Black?Avacado trees can be easy to grow but they can sometimes have problems. This page has advice about the tips of an avocado tree branches turning black.
Sources of Free Pavers or Stone?Does anyone know where I can pick up free pavers or stone?
Using Newspaper in the GardenThis page is about using newspaper in the garden. There are a number of ways that this material can be useful in the garden, and enrich the soil.
Bug Eating My Rose of Sharon?This is a page about bug eating my rose of Sharon. Identifying the garden pests attacking your plants is the first step in getting rid of them.
Getting Rid of Thorn Bushes?Can anyone help me with a home recipe to kill thorn bushes? It is really a problem and getting out of hand.
Mulching TulipsThis is a page about mulching tulips. In some growing areas with harsh winters you may wish to mulch your tulips if you leave them in the garden.
Starting a Hibiscus from a CuttingHibiscus plants are relatively easy to start from cuttings, if you follow a few simple steps. This is a page about starting a hibiscus from a cutting.
Growing Morning Glory from CuttingsThis page is about growing morning glory from cuttings. This hardy plant can give you a burst of color as a cut flower or in containers.
Getting Rid of a Sweetgum Tree?This is a page about getting rid of a sweetgum tree. Removing a tree from your garden may require special tools or professional assistance.
Sap Dripping From a Tree?Sap can begin dripping from a tree for a number of reasons, including bug infestations. To stop the flow you will need to determine the cause. This is a page about sap dripping from a tree.
Soil Advice for Avocado PlantsIn general avocados thrive in fertile, well-drained soil. Although they adapt to most soil types, avocados prefer a light, sandy loam. This is a page about soil advice for avocado plants.
Getting Rid of Mold on Mulch?This is a page for getting rid of mold on mulch. When the air gets humid, mold can begin to grow on your mulch.
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.
Leaves Dying on an Avocado PlantIf the leaves on your avocado plant are dying, it may be a sign of serious stress from something like a fungus or parasite. Leaves dying on an avocado plant is not a sign of good plant health.
Something Is Eating My Pepper PlantsMany insects and other critters enjoy the vegetables in our garden as much as we do. This is a page about something is eating my pepper plants.
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.
Drying and Storing SeedsThis is a page about drying and storing seeds. Collecting seeds from your garden is the first step in having seeds to use for your next planting.
Growing LupineThis is a page about growing lupine. Lupine produce beautiful flowers on tall spikes making them a good background choice for your flower garden.
Killing Weeds With VinegarA common kitchen product that can be helpful to kill unwanted plants, but you need to be careful around plants you want to keep. This is a page about killing weeds with vinegar.
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.
Starting Eucalyptus from a Cutting?This page is about starting eucalyptus from a cutting. Although usually started from seed, rooting can be a challenge with this kind of woody plant.
When Do you Bring a Poinsettia Inside for the Winter?Poinsettia plants can suffer cold damage once temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a page about, "When do you bring a poinsettia inside for the winter?".
Hydrangeas Leaves Turning BrownHydrangeas are relatively easy to grow as long as you provide sufficient water and keep them out of the hot sun. This is a page about hydrangeas leaves turning brown.
African Violet Leaves Turning YellowThis is a page about African violet leaves turning yellow. African violets are typically easy to grow, however that does not mean that your plant will not have problems.
Riding Mower Dies When Put in Gear?This page is about riding mower dies when put in gear. It can be difficult to determine why your lawn mower motor is not running right.
Crafty Pea TrellisI'm a fan of sugar snap and snow peas. I've seen all sorts of trellises for vining plants like these. Most are some variation of cedar lattice or pipes and wires. I wanted something I could compost with the leaf matter at the end of the season. With a very few durable pieces I could disassemble and reuse. I came up with this design based on what I had in my garage and scrap wood pile.
DeKay's SnakeWhen you are digging in your flowers and grassy areas, you may run into this little fellow. It is a DeKay snake and quite harmless and appears to not mind being held, although, I don't want to hold it. I just take pictures.
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.
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.
Toilet Paper Rolls for SeedlingsI had been saving all sorts of toilet paper rolls - I think mainly it was a habit from when we used to have a fireplace. This spring when I decided to start my seedlings I realized I could make life a lot easier for myself if I just started the seeds in the toilet paper rolls!
How to Hand Pollinate PassionfruitPassion fruit is very easy to grow. If you have a family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker who has passion fruit save yourself $30, ask for some passionfruit cuttings. Hydrate the cuttings in water and plant in soil (preferable against the fence, wall, patio) so there is room for the passionfruit plant to crawl on, or an area where you could put a trellis up.
Fixing Engine Stall on Gas Powered TrimmerIf your gas powered trimmer is having trouble running when you turn the choke off after starting it, this tip may help you. Check out how we fixed this problem.
Stackable Potato TowerGrown your own potatoes at home with this stackable tower. Learn how to make it in this short video.
Recycled Self Watering Container for Indoor...This is a great way to make a self watering container using recycled materials. Learn how to make one in this short video.
Self Watering Basil PlanterSelf watering containers are a great way to grow plants with out worrying about under or over watering. Learn how to make this self watering planter with this short video.
Upcycled Soda Bottle as Hanging PlanterThis eco-friendly soda bottle hanging planter is simple to make and is a cute way to hang plants from your front porch. Check out this video for the step by step instructions.
Building a Potato CageGrowing Potatoes in a cage above ground, makes them easy to harvest. Check out this video on how to make a potato cage.
White FlowerThis picture is from May 2017. There have not been any more flowers in the last three years. I don't know the name of this flower.
Praying Mantis on Passionfruit FlowerHere is another photo I snapped of this praying mantis hanging out in my backyard. This time it's a brown praying mantis oppose to green and relaxing on the passionfruit flower. Normally this brown praying mantis is camouflaged by the tree branches so I was surprised to see it here!
Apple Tree Supporting PumpkinsThis heirloom Amish Pumpkin plant chose to climb a smallish apple tree in our garden. When you look closely at the first photo, you can see the apple tree branches smothered by pumpkin leaves.
Autumn Bloom (Dahlia)In late September, I came across this huge blooming dahlia during a morning walk. Positively luscious, it reminded me of satin ribbons. It truly was a last burst of summer's beauty before the seasons changed.
Keeping Plants Well WateredWhen I repot my plants, I cut up a diaper into four sections, eliminating the parts that do not retain the water. I place one of these sections in the bottom of the pot and than pour some dirt in and plant as usual.
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.
Identify this HouseplantI received this plant in one of those houseplant basket gardens. It was a small accent plant. I transplanted it into this bigger pot and it spent the summer outside on my porch. It has very small pink flowers in clusters. Does anyone know the name of this plant?
What Kind of Insect Eggs Are These?I've never seen anything like these before. I did some searching online and figured they may be butterfly or moth eggs. Any ideas?
Saving a Mushy Elephant Ear Bulb?Recently I was gifted an elephant ear. Upon removing it from the grower's pot, I notice that nearly the entire bulb was completely mush. The first photo is what was left, there are a few roots on either side. I potted it and I'm hoping for the best. Will it survive with the remaining roots? Or can it even survive with such a considerable amount of the bulb gone?
Low Cost Removal or Sale of Pine Trees?Is there anyone in the Bloomingburg NY area that would remove pine trees at a low cost or interested in purchasing 6 50ft pine trees in great condition?
Outdoor Avocado Trees Dying?I have two avocado trees outdoor planted in different locations. One is <1yr the other is >20yrs. Both with direct sunlight. Zone 10a. The trunks on both have randomly turned black about 5" up the trunk to the top. The leaves are dead or dying. One is on drip watering (mature one) and the baby is within a self watering area.
Is This an Egg or Cocoon?Does anyone know what type of critter likely built this?
