Save Soil if Planting SucculentsSucculents have shallow roots and do not require much soil. You can fill a giant pot with other items like cartons, planters, containers, etc. to save soil.
Potting ShedThis is a potting shed I made. It had a re-purposed wood ceiling. Re-purposed granite top tables made out of 2x4 and 4x4 outdoor wood and re-purposed shelving with a lattice back.
File Flower Seeds to Help SproutingYou can file the flower seed a little bit to help germinate the seed if there is a thick coating like this, nasturtium. By filing down, it'll help the water absorb. I soaked the seeds 24 hours prior then planted in soil.
Toilet Paper Tubes for SeedlingsToilet paper tubes make excellent biodegradable plant pots for seedlings. All you need are the tubes and a pair of scissors. Make four cuts about an inch long at one end and fold them in. There should be a small hole for drainage. Fill with compost and sow seeds or plant a seedling.
Testing Bargain Camellias (And Other Plants)The above picture is of a new variety of camellia. If I am correct, it is one of a series called 'October Magic', this particular variety being named 'Orchid'.
Most camellias bloom late winter to early spring.This plant is said to bloom in fall, at a time when there is little else in bloom. I like that.
Growing HyssopHyssop is a low growing evergreen shrub with a strong slightly musky odor and stalks of white, pink, or lavender flowers. It is grown as a low hedge, but also has medicinal and culinary uses. This is a page about growing hyssop.
Growing HawthornThis tree is native to Europe, North Africa, the Mediterranean, and Western Asia. It produces fragrant flowers in May. The hawthorn is considered sacred in parts of the middle east because legend has it that the crown of thorns mentioned in the New Testament was fashioned from this tree. The hawthorn has known medicinal and culinary uses. This is a page about growing hawthorn.
How to Make a Plastic Bottle PropagatorThis is a page about making a plastic bottle propagator. A plastic drink bottle can easily be converted into a mini greenhouse for small plants and cuttings. Save your next empty drink bottle and give it a try.
Tips for Tomato GrowersEven though the tomato is the most popular garden crop in the US, there are some important things to keep in mind to ensure the best crop possible. This page contains tips for tomato growers.
Planning an Inexpensive GreenhouseThis is a page about planning an inexpensive greenhouse. Having your own greenhouse can drastically change the things you can grow. While you can spend a fortune on a greenhouse, you don't have to. Here are a bunch of tips for saving money when building a greenhouse.
8 Great Perennial VegetablesDespite the wait, often a year, before they produce their first crop there are many advantages to planting perennial vegetables. Some good choices include, artichokes, asparagus, chayote, rhubarb, and more. This is a page contains information about eight great perennial vegetables.
Picking the Ripest BlackberriesOptimal sweetness is achieved when the berry is fully ripe. Some berries actually may appear ready to pick when black and shiny, but with some varieties it is when they become less shiny that they are the sweetest. This is a page about picking the ripest blackberries.
Preventative Medicine For Your Vegetable GardenIt is always preferable to prevent problems than to have to remedy them after they occur. This is also true of a vegetable garden. Proper care and maintenance, such as watering, fertilizing, weeding, and pest elimination can help keep your garden growing and producing well throughout the season. This is a page about preventative medicine for your vegetable garden.
A Bouquet of EdiblesThree wonderful sunny days this week tell me that the darkest days of winter are behind us. The seed catalogues landing in my inbox and in my postbox are filled with possibilities to make even more colourful and tasty edible bouquets than the ones I created last summer.
Artificial Fertilizers?The main difference between organic and artificial or inorganic fertilizers is the source of the chemicals each contains. Both types must be used according to package instructions so as not to damage your plants. This is a page about artificial fertilizers.
Grow Your Own Tomato PlantsLast spring was the first time we ever tried growing our own tomato plants. We had a big plastic tank that didn't work well for what we got it for. My husband removed the plastic and used the frame to make a greenhouse.
Grow Your Own GingerNow that everyone's battling colds and flus, I'm reminded that growing your own ginger is super easy and, of course, great for your budget. When you're at the store, choose a ginger root that looks like it has eyes growing from it (much like potato eyes), or take it home and wait for the eyes to grow themselves.
Clear Bird Feeder VisitorsI got my father a clear birdhouse feeder because he adores interacting with animals, but he's now too old and fragile to go outside to play with them as often. I initially got it so he could watch the birds eat the food he left inside, but now it seems every creature visits.
Tending Your GardenThere is more to gardening than simply planting your tomatoes or veggies. Tending the garden means paying attention to the needs of the garden, supplement with water when it is dry, enrich poor soil, and check your garden routinely to ensure that it is healthy and happy. This is a page about tending your garden.
Saving Money on BulbsOne way to save money on bulbs is to check the discounted items at your local garden center or nursery. Many bulbs can be planted throughout the year, even if it is too late for them to bloom the first year. This is a page about saving money on bulbs.
Fast Growing Evergreen TreesNot all evergreen trees fit into the category of fast growing. This page offers some good choices for this type of tree. This is a page about fast growing evergreen trees.
Protecting Trees and Flowers from Spring Frosts?Even after the freezing temperatures of winter, your plants may still suffer frost damage in early spring. Make sure that potted plants are watered, this protects their roots better than dry mix. Also, covering smaller in ground plants and potted ones should help. Established trees generally can withstand a light frost with minor damage. This is a page about protecting trees and flowers from spring frosts.
Getting an Orchid to Rebloom?Many orchids will rebloom if given the necessary amount of sunlight. Also make sure that that potting mix and pot size are suitable. Don't overwater. This is a page about getting an orchid to rebloom.
Epsom Salts for PlantsAdding Epsom salts to the water you use for your houseplants is a good practice to help their overall health and vitality, increase blooms, and improve leaf color. This is a page about using epsom salts for plants.
Growing ClarkiaClarkia can easily be grown from seed. It is considered an annual or tender perennial suitable for full sun or filtered shade garden spots. Well drained sandy soil is perfect, but this flowering plant is adaptable. This is a page about growing clarkia.
Turkey Baster for Watering HouseplantsI find that using an old turkey baster to water my houseplants keeps the leaves dry (which prevents mold and rot) and keeps me from overwatering smaller plants. I will even use a squirt from some of my fish tanks water occasionally for the fertilizing effect!
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.
Reusing Old Tires to Make Individual Garden PlotsA smart way to re-use an old spare tire is to use it in the garden. So, we made individual plots for lemons from a pile of old tires. It was filled with healthy soil and we placed bamboo sticks around it so the free range chickens won't be able to reach the plant and feed on its leaves or fruit.
Braiding Bulb LeavesSome gardeners prefer to braid the leaves of their bulbs once they have flowered to create a neater look. However, there is concern that this will interfere with the process of photosynthesis. It is best to allow the leaves to die back naturally ensuring bulb health. This is a page about braiding bulb leaves.
Tomato Plant HelpGrowing tomatoes is a rewarding gardening experience. While fairly easy to grow, they can suffer from several maladies or care issues. This page contains tomato plant help information.
Growing Madonna LilyThese beautiful, fragrant, white flowering lilies are planted in the early fall. They produce leaves prior to the frost and then bloom in spring. This is a page about growing a madonna lily.
Taking Multiple Cuttings From A Rose BushIt might be worth a try to see if you can make multiple cutting from longer rose prunings. If they root you can have several of your favorite bushes in the garden. This is a page about taking multiple cuttings from a rose bush.
The Changing Of The SeasonsAutumn is a wonderful time for most. There is the harvesting and the feasting, the storing up for the bleak days to come. There will be lots of shopping, too. Some people love Autumn simply because it's a time to renew their wardrobe. Who doesn't like to have a couple of fashionable cardigans to add to their already bulging supply of clothing?
3 Organic Ways to Control Insects In Your GardenControlling your garden pests is easy with natural pest control. Natural pest controls allow your plants to grow in natural harmony with nature. Even though the insect eats your plants they are a crucial part of the system. When finding insects in your garden, take time to watch what they are doing.
A Bug Named Katy (Cicada)When I was a child, I lived in a small village. All the houses were alike except some were three rooms, some four, and some five. Small and very small homes. Large and very large families. There were two or three homes without children, but for the most part, there were more children than you could shake a stick at. One lady bore seventeen children, and would you believe, there was only one girl in the whole lot.
Free Houseplant SoilTechnically, this would be a 'medium' rather than soil, but some people haven't caught on to that word, yet. And too, if you have access to enough, it would be great for the garden as well as your houseplants.
Don't Discard Sick Plants Too HastilyWhen you read about plants and the pests and diseases that can affect them, you will find some extremes in the figures. Some plants are affected by only one or two pests and/or only one or two diseases. With other plants, that number may double or triple or even quadruple.
Growing Pansies From SeedI have saved lots of pansy seed from store bought plants over the years. Force of habit, I guess. I never planted them, though. What a shame. That wasteful practice has come to an end, as of now.
Rose Witches BroomOne disease which affects roses is called Rose rosette. The common name for this disease is 'Witches Broom'. It is caused by a virus which is spread by a very small, eriophyid mite. According to Clemson.edu, 'Plants infected with the Rose rosette virus cannot be cured. These infected plants should be removed.
Wisteria Serves Double DutyI've done 5 posts on a certain vine and still don't know what to call it. I think it could correctly be called Cochliasanthus caracalla. Having a young wisteria standard (tree form) in my back yard, I decided to keep the Vigna in a 5 gallon bucket and let it grow up and around the wisteria rather than on my clothesline.
Argiope ~ The Writing SpiderWe, and most of our neighbors, had gardens. They were always home to several writing spiders. With this spider being very active during the day, it was not uncommon to encounter a few during any visit to the garden.
Taking Multiple Cuttings From A Rose BushThis past spring, I bought a floribunda rose named 'Summer Romance'. A $15 rose for $3. It was 1½-2 feet tall. Since that time, it has grown to over 6 feet. It has not bloomed.
Recycled Washing Machine Drum PlantersAn old washing machine tub makes a great container to plant in. Making recycled washing machine drum planters is easy.
Corkscrew Vine Bloom TimeI've gotten some private messages asking for further information on the corkscrew vine (Vigna Caracalla). I'm making this post so all who are interested can share this information.
Watering Hanging BasketsAfter a couple of days in the sunshine, the leaves on my hanging basket of petunias look pitiful. To bring them back to life, I put water in a pan and put the basket in the pan to soak up the water overnight. The next day, the dirt in the basket is heavy with water and the leaves on the flowers look lively again. This is easy and there is no dripping when I hang the basket back up.
Hairnets To Protect Small PlantsThis past spring, I had access to 3 two inch gardenia pieces. Just the very tips, mind you. I brought them home and rooted them. Now, I find there are other creatures that love the gardenia just as much as I do.
Busy Butterfly (Monarch Butterfly)I came across this beautiful Monarch butterfly on an early morning walk this September. Intensely feeding on nectar, and pollinating the flower, he did not seem to notice me at all! Quietly, I leaned in closer and closer until I captured him on film. Then I left him unbothered and continued on.
Know Your Beneficial InsectsMost of us know ladybugs are just one of a group of insects that are beneficial to the garden. But what about the ladybug in other than the adult stage? I discovered something very interesting.
Compact Seed Starter TrayI am in the process of planting several thousand pansy seed. This being my first time to grow pansies from seed, I really wasn't prepared. I have various trays and flats about, and just about anything else that will hold the seedlings until they're ready for transplanting.
Using A Baker's Rack In Your GardenI found this great baker's rack at my local thrift store. It is a nice height and it also folds flat to transport. Perfect! Because of its lovely lattice metal work, it will be perfect for my outdoor space. With Valspar stone finish paint, I wanted to lighten it up and give it a more stone look.
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.
Why Are My Calla Lilies Blooming in the Fall?Calla lilies typically bloom from spring through September. If yours are blooming later in the season there may be climatic or microclimatic conditions that have allowed them to bloom later than normal. This is a page about, "Why are my calla lilies blooming in the fall?".
The Surprising Facts Behind 10 Gardening MythsSome gardening tips get passed on from person to person and even through generations although they are really myths. Learn about the surprising facts behind 10 gardening myths.
Gardening in Small SpacesTo maximize yield in your garden, using your space efficiently is the best way to accomplish this. Gardening in small spaces doesn't have to mean small yields too.
10 Tips for Urban GardeningLiving in the city can impact how much gardening you can do. Here are 10 tips for urban gardening.
Can I Plant Wisteria Pods?You can just plant the seeds that are in the pods. Nick the seeds slightly and soak them overnight before planting them. This is a page about planting wisteria pods.
Goldfinch PhotosThis small, bright yellow North American migratory bird is a frequent visitor to many backyard bird feeders. This page contains goldfinch photos.
Giving Succulents as GiftsSucculents are easy to propagate and equally easy to grow. This makes them a good and often inexpensive choice for gift giving. This is a page about giving succulents as gifts.
5 Water-Saving Solutions for Your GardenYou lawn and garden can use up a lot of water, especially through the hot summer season. Use these 5 water-saving solutions for your garden and help conserve water for all to use.
How to Attach Solar Lights to Your FenceSolar lights come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Putting some along your fence line can add a nice dimension to your landscaping. Here is a good idea about how to attach solar lights to your fence.
How to Plant CarrotsCarrots are a relatively easy to grow garden veggie. Planting and thinning are important steps in ensuring a good crop. This is a page about how to plant carrots.
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.
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.
Finding Free ManureIf you have farms nearby, it may be easy to find free manure. This is a page about finding free manure.
Designing With PerennialsPerennial plants come with so many beautiful colorful flowers and foliage, that they are a joy to use in designing your garden. Here are some helpful suggestions for planning perennial beds and borders to help you get the most of these versatile plants.
Buying Plants Tips and TricksThere are several good practices for buying plants, such as keeping receipts for replacements, buying discounted plants, and making sure the plants you choose are the best choice for your garden. This is a page about buying plants tips and tricks.
Something is Eating My HibiscusFrom slugs to rodents, many animals like to feed off of flower shoots. This is a page about something is eating my hibiscus.
8 Ways to Make Mowing Your Lawn EasierMowing the lawn can be a chore that is easy to avoid. This is a page about 8 ways to make mowing your lawn easier.
Harvesting CherriesOur Stella cherry tree is loaded this year. We purchased it as a seedling in 2003, on sale at a grocery store for about $5. Most years, we get some cherries but this is a bumper crop, even the birds can't keep up. The heat wave of last weekend has quickly ripened the fruit and they need to be picked NOW!
Perennial Flower Garden MaintenanceTo keep your perennial flowers healthy and looking their best all season long, you need to get in the habit of scheduling some routine maintenance. Here are some strategies for upkeep that require minimal effort, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your garden, and less time working in it.
Angel's Trumpet PhotosThese pendulous fragrant flowers make an interesting addition to a garden. This is a page about angel's trumpet photos.
Killing Grass in Rock Ground CoverLandscaping done with rocks can be quite attractive especially for xeriscape gardens. However, having grass come up in your gravel is not attractive. This is a page about killing grass in rock ground cover.
Saving My Weeping Cherry TreeThese beautiful ornamentals are subject to damage and neglect that can put them in danger of dying. This is a page about saving my weeping cherry tree.
Using Wine Bottle to Water PlantsMany types of bottles can filled with water and inverted in a plant to give it a constant supply of water for a while. This can be a very helpful way to ensure your plants have water if you are away on vacation. This is a page about using wine bottle to water plants.
Growing Snow Trillium (Wake-Robin)Snow trillium can be a fragile plant to get started, but if you can give it a good foothold it will be a lovely flower to enjoy in your yard for years to come. This is a page about growing snow trillium (Wake-Robin).
How to Grow Gorgeous Bell PeppersBell peppers are surprisingly easy to grow and don't require a lot of space to produce a good harvest. This is a page about how to grow gorgeous bell peppers.
Planting Amaryllis OutdoorsAmaryllis bulbs can be planted outdoors to flower in the spring and summer. In most climates they should be wintered indoors. This is a page about planting amaryllis outdoors.
Using Marigolds to Control Bugs on Your Tomato PlantsMarigold flowers have many effective natural pesticides that can be beneficial around your garden. This is a page about using marigolds to control bugs on your tomato plants.
Curing Cow Manure?If the cow manure is fresh it is considered hot, as it is still releasing nitrogen and ammonia that can damage plant roots. To cure, it needs to be hot composted for 6 months. This is a page about curing cow manure.
Use Vaseline to Keep Ants Out of Hummingbird Feeders
Editor's Note: This method of keeping ants out of your hummingbird feeder is no longer recommended as it can cause damage to the birds. You can find more useful ways to keep ants out of your feeders here:
Conditioning Cut Flowers for Lasting ArrangementsCut flower arrangements will not last forever, but there are steps you can take to increase their longevity. This is a page about conditioning cut flowers for lasting arrangements.
Organic Pesticide InformationYou don't have to use dangerous chemicals to control pests. There are many organic options to use as pesticides in your garden. This is a page about organic pesticide information.
The Right Way To Spray Insecticides and FungicidesWhen used incorrectly, even solutions made from common household ingredients can damage beneficial organisms and the environment. This is a page about the right way to spray insecticides and fungicides.
The Basics of Fertilizing TreesTrees, like all plants, grow best when given appropriate nutrients. Fertilizers are a great way to ensure your trees get all the nutrients they need. This is a page about the basics of fertilizing trees.
6 Ways to Get Big Yields From a Small GardenA small garden space does not mean you can't have a nice yield if you employ a few techniques to intensify your gardening. This is a page about six ways to get big yields from a small garden.
Peony Bushes Not Blooming?The reasons that your peonies are not blooming include, planting too deeply or dividing too late in the previous summer. This is a page about peony bushes not blooming.
Growing HopsThis is a page about growing hops. Hops prefer moist, nutrient-rich, well-drained soil and hot, dry growing conditions.
Transplanting Black-eyed SusansThese perennials are best divided and transplanted in the fall. This page is about transplanting black-eyed Susans.
Bugs Are Eating My Roses?If something is attacking the stems of cut rose bushes it is most likely one of two types of predatory wasp also known as cane borers. If you see this type of attack it usually accompanies an aphid infestation. This is a page about bugs eating my roses.
Rooting a Single Rose LeafRoses are frequently started from cuttings. Sometimes a leaf from a plant can be used to propagate a new plant. This is a page about rooting a single rose leaf.
Growing CayenneCayenne is a type of hot pepper grown for its culinary uses and medicinal properties. This is a page about growing cayenne.
12 Steps To Sowing Seeds IndoorsThis page is about 12 steps to sowing seeds indoors. Following these steps you can extend your growing season by as much as two months.
Designing the Perfect Garden PathA well designed and constructed garden path serves multiple purposes. It can add beauty to your landscaping, divide up areas of your garden, as well as, give you a nice dry place to walk in wet rainy weather. This is a page about designing the perfect garden path.
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.
Growing AngelicaThis is a page about growing angelica. Commonly know as Queen Anne's Lace, this herb likes a partially shady spot. Angelica has culinary and medicinal uses.
How to Make Square Raised Garden BedsThere are many advantages to gardening in raised beds. Making your own can not only save you money, but allow you to tailor their size to suit your needs and available space. This is a page about how to make square raised garden beds.
Clematis PhotosClematis is a beautiful vine flower the comes in a variety of colors. This page contains clematis photos.
Container Gardening on a DeckGrow beautiful flowers, herbs and vegetables on your deck in containers, even if you don't have a yard. This is a page about container gardening on a deck.
Reasons Container Plants FailWhen a plant growing in a container begins to show signs of stress you will need to determine the cause if you are going to save it. Often its roots are somehow involved in the mystery. This is a page about reasons container plants fail.
Great Tips for Container GardeningWhen you decide to try container gardening there are several things you will need to be aware of and attend to in order to ensure success, such as type and size of container, soil, moisture, and more. This is a page about great tips for container gardening.
Pruning and Rejuvenating Overgrown LilacsCareful pruning can, not only keep your lilac well shaped and of a size that fits your space, but it can also encourage new growth and blooming. This is a page about pruning and rejuvenating overgrown lilacs.
How To Keep Your Potted Mums Looking FreshChrysanthemums look best when the old blossoms are deadheaded and pruned away. This page tells you how to keep your potted mums looking fresh.
Directions for Building Simple Raised BedsRaised garden beds do not have to be a complex job. There are many good ideas for building simple raised beds for your garden. This is a page about directions for building simple raised beds.
Making Raised Beds With Concrete BlocksThere are good reasons to create a raised garden bed, and concrete blocks can make it easy to build. This page is about making raised beds with concrete blocks.
Planter Ideas From Every Room in Your HouseGo on a treasure hunt in your home with an eye to items that can be converted into unique planters. This is a page about planter ideas from every room in your house.
Revitalize Your Flowering Shrubs Through PruningProper pruning of your flowering shrubs can not only keep the plant tidy and well shaped it can also improve the flowering energy of the shrub. This is a page about how to revitalize your flowering shrubs through pruning.
Save Eggshells for Planting TomatoesAdding eggshells to your garden and compost is a common all natural way to add key nutrients to the soil. This is a page about save egg shells for planting tomatoes.
Protecting Tomato SeedlingsWith some creativity you can protect your young tomato seedlings and get a jump on the growing season. This is a page about protecting tomato seedlings.
