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Annuals vs. Perennials
Annuals complete their life cycle in one growing season. Seed germinates in the spring, the plant grows, flowers, produces ... |
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Beware Backflow
When water flows backward through the water supply system, it is called backsiphonage or backflow. When that water is ... |
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Blossom And Leaf Removal
Once the flower fades, the flower and stem can be removed. The leaves must remain on the plant until they turn yellow and die. ... |
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Compost Aeration
The microorganisms in the compost pile function best when the materials are as damp as a wrung-out sponge and have many air ... |
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Compost Surface
If the microorganisms have more surface area to feed on, the materials will break down faster. Chopping your garden debris ... |
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Compost Temperature
The most efficient decomposing bacteria thrive in temperatures between 110F and 160F. Thus, the hotter the pile, the faster ... |
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Compost Volume
Compost piles trap heat generated by the activity of millions of microorganisms. A 3-foot by 3-foot by 3-foot compost pile is ... |
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Construction vs. Plants
Several types of injury occur during construction. Those covered under other sections are grade changes and soil compaction. ... |
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Cultivating Annuals
Cultivate by hoeing to break up soil crusts and control weeds. Shallow rooted annuals are injured by deep, vigorous ... |
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Deep Root Companions
Deciduous trees with deep taproots are better companions for naturalized plantings than trees with shallow, spreading roots. |
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Deer Deterrant
If deer are hungry enough, they will eat almost any plant. However, some plants are less appealing than others, depending on ... |
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Disappearing Bulbs
Moles don't usually eat plant matter, focusing instead on insects. However, rodents such as mice and voles use their tunnels ... |
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Dividing Hardy Bulbs
Crowded bulbs, or those producing fewer or smaller blooms than normal probably need to be divided. Do not dig the bulbs until ... |
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Fertilizing Perennials
Regular fertilizer applications are necessary for good perennial growth. Apply 5-10-5 fertilizer in a ring around each ... |
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Growing Biennials
Biennials are started from seed the first year then they flower and die the second year. There are many exceptions to this ... |
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Hanging Plants
Consider planting flowers in hanging baskets if your garden space is limited. |
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Hardening Off
Before placing young plants in the garden they should be hardened off. Plants taken directly from the house to the garden ... |
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High-Nitrogen Fertilizer
Nitrogen encourages leafy growth, often at the expense of flowers and fruit. Don't use high-nitrogen fertilizers on tomatoes, ... |
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House Plant Insects
nsects can live in house plant soil. The most common of these is the fungus gnat. The adult lays eggs that produce small white ... |
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Insect Check
Want to check for surface feeding insects? Cut out both ends of a coffee can, screw it into the suspected area of infestation, ... |
