|
 |
Annuals vs. Perennials
Annuals complete their life cycle in one growing season. Seed germinates in the spring, the plant grows, flowers, produces ... |
|
|
Bark Saver
When doing tree pruning work, making an extra undercut with your pruning saw will help keep the bark below heavier branches ... |
|
|
Beware Backflow
When water flows backward through the water supply system, it is called backsiphonage or backflow. When that water is ... |
|
|
Blade Balance
A sharp mower blade is a key to a perfect cutting job. However, whenever you sharpen a blade yourself, always check it for ... |
|
|
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. ... |
|
|
Choosing a Spreader
Cyclone or rotary spreaders work best with fertilizers. Drop spreaders work best with lime. |
|
|
Clean Cut
Mowing when the grass is wet or with a dull blade can cause the tip of the grass to shred, giving the lawn a brown appearance ... |
|
|
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 ... |
|
|
Compost Materials
Anything that was once alive will naturally decompose. However, some organic wastes should not be composted at home.
DO ... |
|
|
Compost Surface
If the microorganisms have more surface area to feed on, the materials will break down faster. Chopping your garden debris ... |
|
|
Compost Temperature
The most efficient decomposing bacteria thrive in temperatures between 110F and 160F. Thus, the hotter the pile, the faster ... |
|
|
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 ... |
|
|
Composting
If you garden, you can cut costs and save landfills by making your own compost. Composters come in various sizes and shapes ... |
|
|
Construction Landscaping
During construction, soil will often be without grass, trees, shrubs, and other plants. Without this protective vegetation, ... |
|
|
Construction vs. Plants
Several types of injury occur during construction. Those covered under other sections are grade changes and soil compaction. ... |
|
|
Cooling Vines
Vines provide shading and cooling. Grown on trellises, vines can shade windows or the whole side of a house. |
|
|
Cultivating Annuals
Cultivate by hoeing to break up soil crusts and control weeds. Shallow rooted annuals are injured by deep, vigorous ... |
|
|
Deep Root Companions
Deciduous trees with deep taproots are better companions for naturalized plantings than trees with shallow, spreading roots. |
|
|
Deer Deterrant
If deer are hungry enough, they will eat almost any plant. However, some plants are less appealing than others, depending on ... |
|
|
Deflecting Wind
Deflect winter winds by planting evergreen trees and shrubs on the north and west sides of your house; deflect summer winds by ... |
