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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pruning a Rhododendron?This is a page about pruning a rhododendron. Like many flowering shrubs, care must be taken when pruning a rhododendron so as not to remove next season's buds.
How to Overseed Your LawnA thick healthy lawn not only looks good but also helps keep down weeds. When your lawn begins to develop bald spots it is time to oversee. This is a page about how to overseed your lawn.
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.
Hydrangea Not BloomingThis page is about hydrangea not blooming. Determining why your plant is not blooming can be a mystery.
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.
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.
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.
Using Mint to Keep Bees/Wasps from a Hummingbird FeederMany people recommend mint extract or essential oil to deter pests. This is a page about using mint to keep bees or wasps from a hummingbird feeder.
Making a Screen for Reclaiming Landscape Stone?Does anyone know how to reclaim landscape rock by building a home made "sifter"? I'd love to see some pictures. We had to dig up a 4' x8' section of 1/2inch rock landscaping and now much of it has dirt and debris in it.
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.
Hypertufa Craft ProjectsThis is a page about hypertufa craft projects. This simple mixture of Portland cement with substances like perlite and peat moss makes porous artificial stone pots, planters, or garden art in any shape or size you can imagine.
Cutting Back Lily of the Valley?I live in Massachusetts; do I need to cut back my lily of the valley patch? It is fall and a lot of the leaves have died back or are turning yellow. Some are still green. This is a new house, new garden, I don't want to kill anything!
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.
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.
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.
Growing Moss on RocksThis is a page about growing moss on rocks. Moss covered rocks lend a sense of age and earthiness to your garden.
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.
Growing BittersweetThis is a page about growing bittersweet. Bittersweet is an easy to grow vine known for its beautiful fall color.
Oranges Falling Prematurely from Tree?Oranges can fall off of the tree prematurely for a number of reasons, including moisture issues, temperature changes, and fertilizer needs. However, they may just be ripe or just near. This page has some useful information if you are growing oranges.
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.
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.
Using Green TomatoesDon't throw away those green tomatoes at the end of the growing season. This is a page about using green tomatoes.
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.
Maple Tree Losing Its Leaves Early?Maple leaves turning color is a sign of the arrival of autumn. However, if your maple's leaves are turning early, it may be a sign of distress. This is a page about maple tree losing its leaves early.
Balls Dropping from an Oak Tree?My oak tree has dropped a few balls made of a papery type material. Inside there is something that looks like the flower on a bottle brush tree, only it's white. Is this normal?
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.
Christmas Cactus Not Blooming?Less water, reduced light, and cool temperatures are required for this lovely plant to bloom. Begin making these changes in the fall about 6-8 weeks before bloom time, causing the plant to enter a dormancy period. Once buds appear it can be moved to a sunnier location. This is a page about Christmas cactus not blooming.
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.
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?".
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.
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.
Keeping a White Rock Garden Clean?I have a white rock garden in my front yard. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to protect the stones to keep them white through the fall, winter, and early spring? Aside from shoveling the rocks in a tote bin and bringing them into the house.
Starting a Wisteria from a CuttingWisteria can actually be propagated from both soft and hard wood cuttings, depending on the time of year one works better than the other. This is a page about starting a wisteria from a cutting.
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.
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.
If the Stem Snaps Off of an Avocado Will the Plant Die?When growing an avocado from a pit it is possible that the stem can be damaged and break off. Whether that spells doom for the plant or not may depend on the degree of development of you plant below the soil. This is a page about, "If the stem snaps off of an avocado will the plant die?.
Growing a Buddleia (Butterfly Bush) as a TreeThis is a page about growing a buddleia (butterfly bush) as a tree. Many shrubs and vines can be grown as a standard or tree.
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.
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.
Tomato Plant Leaves Turning BlackBlack leaves are a sign of infection and the tomato plant needs to be treated immediately to prevent blighted fruit. This is a page about tomato plant leaves turning black.
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 IrisesThis is a page about growing irises. Irises are beautiful colorful flowering perennials.
Protecting Hummingbird FeedersThe sweet nectar in a hummingbird feeder also attracts unwanted guests such as ants and bees. This is a page about protecting hummingbird feeders.
Making a Compost BinThis is a page about making a compost bin. You can easily and inexpensively make your own backyard compost bin, it need not be an expensive commercial model.
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.
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.
Weeping Cherry Tree Not FloweringWhen ornamental flowering trees fail to flower it can be very frustrating. This is a page about weeping cherry tree not flowering.
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.
Can a Spider Plant Survive Winter Outdoors?While spider plants can generally spend the spring, summer, and early fall outside, surviving through the winter is less assured. Considerations such as lowest temperatures in your area, winter protection, and more can help predict their success outside during the colder months. This is a page about, "Can a spider plant survive winter outdoors?".
Protecting My Hibiscus Plant From Little Green WormsThe caterpillar or larval stage of several insects enjoy munching on hibiscus plant leaves. This is a page about protecting my hibiscus plant from little green worms.
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.
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 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?".
Homemade Weed Killer RecipesHaving weeds in your garden and lawn really detracts from the look of your yard. Avoid using harmful chemicals by making you own weed killer. This is a page about homemade weed killer recipes.
Using Sawdust in Your GardenAdding sawdust to your garden can produce some benefits. This page is about using sawdust in your garden.
Rooting a Blackberry Cutting?If you want to grow a blackberry cutting, it is best to allow it to grow roots before planting. A common way is simply to dip the cutting in rooting horemone and place it in a bottle or glass of water in a sunny window. Plant it when the roots are well grown.
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.
Saving Petunia Seeds?This is a page about saving petunia seeds. Collecting the dry flowers from your petunia plant allows you to save the seeds for planting next spring.
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.
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.
Things To Consider Before Growing Climbing IvyClimbing ivy is a good choice for certain uses in your garden, but it can also be problematic. This is a page about things to consider before growing climbing ivy.
Lilacs Love Eggshells?When do you put the eggshells on the lilac bushes? Should i mix it in the soil around the base?
Getting Rid Of Honeysuckle Without Chemicals?Eradicate this invasive plant without using Roundup or other harsh chemical herbicides. This is a page about getting rid of honeysuckle without chemicals.
Growing an Avocado Tree in Arkansas?I'm growing the avocado tree inside my home in Arkansas. When it is matured and I plant it outside, will it go dormant during the cold months and return in the spring or will it die off?
Getting Rid of Wild VioletsThis is a page about getting rid of wild violets. People either love or hate wild violets in their yard and gardens.
When Should I Prune My Mums?Mums are a perennial favorite in many flower gardens, having blooms late into the fall and even winter. Regular pruning ensures seasons of beauty. If you are wondering when you should prune your chrysanthemums, this is the guide for you.
Kudzu Be Gone! Homemade Weed Killer?Does anyone have a homemade weedkiller that works on kudzu, the vine that ate the south?
Using a Weathervane in Your GardenThis is a page about using a weathervane in your garden. A weathervane can have either a decorative and/or functional role in your garden. You will want to choose one based on function, garden placement, and style.
Homemade Garden Hose Hanger IdeasKeeping your garden hose convenient to use and untangled can be accomplished by repurposing a pot or even an old tire rim. This is a page about homemade garden hose hanger ideas.
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.
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.
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.
Chrysanthemums Turning Brown?This is a page about chrysanthemums turning brown. Mums are beautiful annuals that many people enjoy to plant in both containers and in the ground. Here are some tips about caring for them and keeping them looking their best.
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.
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.
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.
Getting Rid of a Rose of Sharon?Removing certain plants and shrubs from your garden can require specific followup measures to deal with suckers and seedlings. This is a page about getting rid of a Rose of Sharon.
Leaves Falling Off a Crepe Myrtle Tree EarlyThis is a page about leaves falling off a crepe myrtle tree early. Early leaf drop can indicate a number of concerns regarding your tree return to good health. Determining the cause is the first step in helping your tree.
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.
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.
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.
Burning Bush Does Not Turn Red?This page is about burning bush does not turn red. When buying green euonymus in the spring, it can be difficult to to tell if it really is a burning bush.
Raised Beds Made With RocksRaised beds can be constructed in a number of ways. Making a stacked stone bed or even one that is mortared together can be attractive as well as functional. This is a page about raised beds made with rocks.
Saving Money on Tree RemovalThis is a page to saving money on tree removal. Removing trees yourself is not always an option. However, it can be very expensive to have someone come do it for you.
Landscaping Around Your MailboxThis page is about landscaping around your mailbox. Planting around your mailbox isn't a necessity, but when done well, it can visually change the overall look of your yard for the better.
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.
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.
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.
Transplanting A Hydrangea?The best time to transplant a hydrangea is when it is dormant, in the late fall or very early spring, when the leaves have fallen, but have not yet emerged for the new season. This is a page about transplanting a hydrangea.
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.
Saving Money by Shopping...This is a page about save money shopping end-of-season plant sales. One easy way to save money on plants it to shop at the end of the season.
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.
Collecting Thunbergia SeedsThis page is about collecting thunbergia seeds. Knowing how to save your own seeds can save you money on flowers in your garden.
Caring for a Pear TreeThis is a page about caring for a pear tree. Growing your own fruit trees can be very rewarding, but there may be questions and concerns on appropriate care along the way.
Recycled Wheelbarrow Herb GardenWe've seen that people are making gardens, especially now. My tip is to recycle an old wheelbarrow into a lovely and useful herb garden. There is no weeding and many herbs are perennials. My husband was about to trash his old wheelbarrow and I turned it into a herb garden. Now I just go out the door and snip whatever I need for cooking or to dry.
Start Bell Pepper Plants EarlyTo ensure a good crop of bell peppers, it is important to remember that they require a long growing season. You can start the seed now (2/25)
Now Is the Time for a Victory GardenWith all the extra time spent at home and uncertainty with COVID-19, now is the perfect time to be planting a victory garden.
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.
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.
How to Grow ChilliesChillies, chiles or hot peppers, these spicy fruits are important in cooking across the globe. Learn how to grow them in this short video.
Making Cork Plant MarkersThis is a quick video showing you the easy steps to making a cork plant marker.
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.
Toilet Paper Tube Seedling PotsEvery household has plenty of TP tubes. They make great seedling pots, so why not reuse some of them instead of recycling them. Learn how to make these cute and effective pots 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.
Growing an Avocado SeedGrowing an avocado plant from the pit is a great project for kids to do. It is so easy.
Sharing Cherries with BirdsBirds are useful to cherry trees. they eat caterpillars, aphids etc. But of course they want their share of cherries as a reward and they sometimes take a very big share. To save your share, you have to lure the birds and here's how:
Five Benefits of Self Watering PotsSelf-watering pots, also known as sub-irrigation planters, offer several advantages for both indoor and outdoor gardening. Here are five benefits of using self-watering pots:
Vertical GardensCreating a vertical garden is a great way to maximize space and add a unique touch to your home. Here's a tip for setting up a vertical garden:
Fresh Basil All Year LongYou can have fresh basil all year long. I grew basil from seed. It was in a pot and I brought it in. I froze and dried most of it and planted this.
Keeping Squirrels Off Bird FeedersTake a very long sheet of tinfoil and crunch it up. Carefully pull it out into a long length, gently twisting it as you go. It should start looking like a very long, round, thick, silver snake.
Firewood Safety With Poison Ivy?We cut down a tree in the late fall. There were poison ivy vines wrapped around part of the trunk. Is it safe to burn the wood if the vines are removed and it sits and dries out for a year?
Identifying White Grapelike Eggs?These eggs are on all my azaleas front yard bushes. Some appear as though they've Hatched. I live in Massachusetts
What Plants To Grow In Your Greenhouse?I bought a hobby greenhouse this spring and I am a garden greenhouse starter. I would like to know which plants are suitable for greenhouse planting. I've seen someone say that tomatoes, potatoes and lettuce are perfect plants. What others?
Is Sicklepod an Annual?Does sicklepod come back every year?
Getting Rid of Moss?How do I get rid of moss in a rock garden without damaging plants?
Using Laundry Detergent Bottle To Water Birds?I have washed this laundry detergent bottle so many times, I have lost count. Sadly, it continues to smell like laundry detergent. Is it safe to use as a jug to water the birds?
