Dressing up a Chain Link FenceThis is a page about dressing up a chain link fence. Although not considered attractive, chain link fences are very durable and are often found on older properties.
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 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.
Using Sawdust in Your GardenAdding sawdust to your garden can produce some benefits. This page is about using sawdust in your garden.
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.
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?
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.
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?".
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.
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.
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?".
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trumpet Vine Not FloweringThis is a page about a trumpet vine not flowering. Your trumpet vine is growing and leafing out quite nicely, but there are no blooms.
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.
Winterizing a Butterfly Bush?This page is about winterizing a butterfly bush. Protecting your butterfly bush from the winter cold can be necessary.
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.
Wintering an Elephant Ear Plant?This is a page about wintering an elephant ear plant. There are a couple of easy ways to overwinter your elephant ear plant.
Bradford Pear Tree Berries Causing a Mess?My Bradford pear tree is 10 years old. This was the first summer there were abundant berries on it. There were so many that when they fell, they stained an area on my driveway 15" x 5". How often does the tree produce berries that cause this problem?
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.
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.
Deadheading a HydrangeaThis is a page about deadheading a hydrangea. Deadheading, unlike pruning, involves just removing the faded, withered blooms on your hydrangea plant.
Removing Poop Odor from Garden?I live in a country house with 2000 sq. meters of garden, no plants, just trees and earth. I have lots of dogs and collect their poops regularly, nevertheless some of them skip my attention. When it rains or when there's excessive heat in the summer, some unpleasant odor can be smelled.
Can you use shredded paper as media to grow plants?Can you use shredded paper as media to grow plants?
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.
Getting Rid of HoneysuckleThis is a page about getting rid of honeysuckle. Honeysuckle can be very difficult to get rid of once established in your yard or garden.
Growing Plants in Chert?Does anyone know anything that will grow on a hillside of chert or how to get something to grow in chert?
Growing MossThis is a page about growing moss. In the right place, moss has its place in garden landscaping, if not in your lawn.
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.
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.
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.
Preventing Dirt From Getting Under Your...This is a page about preventing dirt from getting under your fingernails. Even if you wear gardening gloves, dirt often gets under your nails as you work.
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.
5 Great Reasons to Visit a Botanical GardenBotanical gardens are beautiful places to visit to see rare and unusual plants. Additionally they have specimens from other areas not native in your locale. This is a page about five great reasons to visit a botanical garden.
Effect of Epsom Salts on Worms and Ants in the Soil?How does Epsom salts affect worms, ants, etc. living in the soil?
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.
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
Desert Gardening AdviceThis is a page about desert gardening advice. Having a beautiful garden in a desert environment is not impossible if you follow a few easy tips.
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.
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.
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.
Storing Used Coffee Grounds Until Spring?I have been saving used coffee grounds for the garden. However, we live in the Midwest, so I need to store them until Spring. How do I store them so they don't get moldy?
Removing a Willow Tree?This page is about removing a willow tree. A tenacious, deciduous tree that thrives when lots of moisture is available.
Gardening on SlopesThis page is about gardening on slopes. Planting on an incline requires some planning to make sure your plants will thrive.
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.
Leaves on Gardenia Turning BrownWhen plants are in pots, they can become root bound and may need new soil and a larger pot. This is a page about leaves on gardenia turning brown.
Gardenia Not BloomingEncouraging a potted gardenia to bloom may require giving it some acidic fertilizer. This is a page about gardenia not blooming.
Do Lilacs Lose Their Leaves in the Fall?Do Lilac bushes lose their leaves in the fall?
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.
Why do Calla Lilies 'cry'?Why do Calla Lilies 'cry'?
Getting Rid of Poison OakThis is a page about getting rid of poison oak. Coming in contact with poison oak can cause painful skin irritation. If you find it in your yard, getting rid of it is a good idea.
Keeping Foxes out of Garden?Need to keep foxes away from a veg. garden and away from 2 dogs. Any ideas?
Bittersweet Not Blooming?This is a page about bittersweet not blooming. It is frustrating to plant bittersweet and wait in anticipation of its beautiful seed pods and berries, only to have it not bloom.
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.
Removing Bushes Near a House?I want to remove some large bushes next to my house. I thought cutting the bush down and covering the roots with plastic for awhile would be alright but my friend said that the rotting roots would attract termites.
Wisteria Vines Won't FlowerThis is a page about wisteria vines not flowering. Wisteria are known for their fragrant, clumps of flowers. If your vines are not producing flowers, here are some tips to increase their blooms.
Pain from Stepping on Bougainvillea Thorns?I stepped on a bougainvillea thorn and it went though my shoe into my foot and hit the bone. A couple of days later I couldn't bend my toes, any pressure put on my foot was painful. It's been over a month and I still get swelling and numbness. How long will this last?
Eating Spinach StalksIf properly prepared, even the stalks of spinach can be a delicious side dish. This is a page about eating spinach stalks.
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.
How Do I Find Free Plants in My Area?I am looking for free hostas in the Navarre, Ohio area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Finding Free Pots At Garden CentersIf you are looking for free pots, check with the garden center at your local hardware store.
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.
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.
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.
Planting After Removing Pine Trees?The soil where the pine trees grew will be acidic. Acid soil loving plants such as blueberries and azaleas could go right in. If you have other plants in mind a pH test is probably in order. This is a page about planting after removing pine trees.
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.
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.
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.
Picking Up Thorny BranchesWhen working in your garden and pruning, you may need to collect up thorny branches, such as rose bush trimmings. There are several ways you can protect against being stuck. Gloves help, but a creative solution is to use a pooper scooper. This is a page about picking up thorny branches.
Buying Bamboo Plants?This is a page about buying bamboo plants. It is important to know what variety you are buying and to find it for a good price. Here is some information about buying bamboo.
Use Old Storage Racks In Your GardenEveryone has old shelves and racks that they have bought to use in their garage. From time to time the racks get old and you replace them with new ones. Instead of throwing them away use them in your garden. The racks in the garden will give you more space for your plants. You can arrange the racks at the back of your garden next to the fence. This way you have plenty of room to add your plants.
Starting Tomatoes in Coffee CansWhen starting tomato plants, I cut the bottom off of an empty Folger's coffee can. Then I poke some drain holes in the lid, put the lid on, and turn the can upside down. I fill the new pot with soil and plant my tomatoes. When they are ready to go into the garden I just take the lid off the bottom and the plant slides right out.
Always Have Hope - Rescued PlantI rescued this plant from someone who was going to "trash it" after its first blooming. The plant was almost dead when I got it last year. I'm always trying to save things that other people have given up on or abandoned. After a summer of good care, this is the reward I got this fall.
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.
Cable Ties for Supporting PlantsWhen garden plants start to produce, they need extra support. Cable ties are great. They come in many sizes and are inexpensive. You can tie them to a plant stake, another part of the plant, or a fence. At the end of the season, just cut them and dispose of.
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.
Homemade Blackberry GlovesWe are constantly battling blackberries in our yard.
Removing BlackberriesTackling blackberries is a pain in more than one way.
Removing the Seeds from a Pinecone?I heard you had to burn a pinecone in a fire to get seeds.
Planting a Crown of Thorns in the Ground?If I'm planting a crown of thorns plant in the ground. Should I put some planter mix around it or just put it in the ground. What should I fertilize it with and how often?
Getting Rid of English Ivy?How do I permanently destroy English ivy on my trees and on the ground?
Dividing a 30 Year Old Christmas Cactus?I have a thirty year old red Christmas cactus which is so huge it is becoming difficult to keep in my home. I know I can take cuttings from leaves and have done so successfully many times, but can'I break up the main plant, it has three thick main branches. I would hate to kill it.
Tomatoes Started Indoors Not Flowering?This is the first time to start seeds indoors. Everything seemed to be going fine. I started 3 types of peppers on about 2/17. I also started tomatoes, the Campari variety that I get from Kroger/Meijer's, etc. They were about 12" high on 4/9, today they are 20" tall and spindly. There are no flowers and not all that many branches. Color is very light green, but not translucent, yet.
Hydrangeas Leaves Turned Brown?I bought endless summer hydrangeas last week and the leaves turned brown. I'm not sure what happened. Is it because of the weather? The past days, it snowed and the temperature dropped to -2 degrees.
