Growing Fruit Trees in Illinois Zone 5 While most of Ohio Valley states are in USDA hardiness zones 6 and 7, there are a few colder spots in this region with zone 5 climate. When selecting fruit trees, one of the first criteria to consider is winter hardiness. Apples, pears and sour cherries are hardy in zone 5 and are the most likely to produce fruit every year. Some cultivars of apricots, sweet cherries, nectarines, and peaches are also considered hardy in zone 5....

With so many variables, it can be hard to find the right one for your space. But as any good gardener knows, cold hardiness is the final deciding factor. That’s why we’ve made it simple for you and compiled a list of the best hydrangeas by zone. Whether you’re looking for the best heat tolerant hydrangeas or the best hydrangea for cold climates, we’ve researched which ones are ideally suited to your growing zone....

Is There Tetanus Bacteria In Soil? You may not realize it, but potentially deadly bacteria are lurking in the soil. We’ve all been warned that tetanus infection can occur if you step on a rusty nail or sustain a deep wound. But that’s not the only way to contract tetanus. Its spores, which are common in soil and manure, can enter the body through a small cut or scratch in the skin....

Why Grow Indoor Lemon Trees? Lemon trees are often included in a backyard orchard. The fragrance of their showy white flowers is beautiful, and the bright lemon fruits are lovely. But lemon trees cannot survive weather below 22 degrees F (5.5 C). This means that those who live in cold-weather climates must grow container trees that are overwintered outdoors. Container grown lemons can make excellent houseplants if they have the proper environmental conditions....

There are a host of relaxation garden ideas and products to help you produce a holistic space that is surrounded by calm. A personal retreat in the garden fosters renewal and relieves stress. Such areas are different from the entertainment deck or family patio. They are deeply personal and reflect the individual’s tastes and needs. Simple Serenity Garden Ideas Outside of our work lives and other hectic activities, a healthy approach to living should feature some personal time....

It’s important to recognize this overuse of plastic, make a change, and reduce plastic in the garden. Switching to plastic-free gardening is a matter of making new, more sustainable gardening habits. Ready to investigate ways to use less plastic? Read on. How Easy is it to Use Less Plastic in the Garden? If you are wondering how to use less plastic in the garden, think small. Small steps are big steps when it comes to reducing plastics in the garden....

What Plants Are Associated with Christmas Traditionally? These are some of the plants most commonly used around the holidays in North America: Christmas Tree - Perhaps the most common Christmas plants are the trees we erect in our living rooms and decorate. The tradition of decorating evergreens like fir, pine and spruce likely comes from Germany and other areas of northern Europe where people once believed these trees had powers. Bringing greens indoors protected the home....

Traditionally, these bright yellow blooms can be spotted growing along roadways and near old or abandoned farmsteads. Daffodil bulbs are equally at home in modern landscapes. In recent years, newer hybrids have spawned renewed interest in the plant. Fortunately for those hoping to plant these delightful flower bulbs in their own yards, there are now more options than ever before. Many newer cultivars offer especially charming colors and exciting flower forms....

Paeonia suffruticosa Height: 3-4 ft (1-1.2m) Spread: 3-5 ft (1-1.5m) Sun exposure: Full sun, part shade Soil: Neutral Hardiness zones: USDA Zones 4-9 When to plant: Fall Learning more about Chinese tree peony versus peony lactiflora varieties can help you make better-informed decisions about which of these dazzling blooming perennials will be best for your particular space. In this growing guide, we will explore how to grow Chinese peonies, and how you can easily master peony care for these unique floral beauties....

It turns out that community garden health benefits extend beyond the physical. The social benefits of community gardens as well as the mental health benefits might even outweigh its physical benefits. Keep reading to learn about the physical and mental benefits of community gardens. Physical Health Benefits of Community Garden For the first time ever, the American Cancer Society funded a controlled trial of community gardening, and their findings were enlightening....

Most popular species are considered easy to grow, but some aspects of their care do need close attention. Learning how to identify pests on houseplants can help you determine the best course of action and develop an effective plan for the best treatment. Benefits of Identifying Houseplant Pests For houseplant growers, indoor plant pest identification is vital to control infestations and the potential damage. Becoming more familiar with common houseplant pests can help you devise strategies for prevention and allows them to better monitor for the first signs of their presence....

Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum spp.) are popular household plants that will bloom if given sufficient light. Proper care of a peace lily, plus following transplant tips, will help prevent a peace lily dying after repotting. How to Fix a Peace Lily Droopy After Repotting If your peace lily wilted after repotting, follow these steps to bring the plant back to health. Transplanting Tips In the future, before transplanting a peace lily or any houseplant, follow these tips to successfully make the transition....

We’ve compiled our 10 favorite no-maintenance or low-maintenance landscape tips to help your space look its best and give you lots of time to rest. Sit back and relax, it’s time to stop toiling in your garden and start actually enjoying it. Here are our top 10 easy landscaping ideas that will leave you plenty of time to relish the fruits of your labor: 1. Pick hard-to-kill perennials The first step to a low-maintenance (and low-cost) landscape: stop buying and planting annuals every year....

What Are Invasive Plants? Invasive plants are non-native or introduced species which are so well-adapted to the environment that they rapidly grow, reproduce and spread. They compete with and crowd out native species, many of which are vital to the ecosystem. Most invasive species originated in Europe and Asia and were brought to the US as ornamentals. Many Northeast US states have enacted laws which prohibit the collection, sale, transport, distribution, propagation or transplantation of invasive species....

Aerial orchid roots are most likely to occur in epiphytes species. In their native setting, epiphytes grow on other plants, such as on the branches or trunks of trees. Unlike parasitic plants, orchids don’t hurt the tree because the humid air and the surrounding environment provide all the plant’s necessary water and nutrients. In this article, we will explore the beneficial nature of aerial orchid roots and their care in greater detail....

Below are a few of the most popular houseplants, including some you may growing in your home right now. Click on the image to learn more. Those are just some of the most popular houseplants that we see. If none of those plants is what you’re looking for, we invite you to visit our houseplants category page where we’re sure you’ll find the information you’ve been searching for. If you have a specific question about a different houseplant that you’re growing, be sure visit our questions website today and get answers straight from our experts....

Height: 1 foot (0.3 m) Spread: 1 foot (0.3 m) Sun exposure: Partial to full shade Soil requirements: Well draining Hardiness zones: USDA 3-8 ( depending on species) Polypodium Care Polypody ferns are low growing plants, seldom reaching over a foot (0.3 m) in height with a similar spread. As with most outdoor fern care, they don’t need much attention, as long as they’re situated in an area with sun protection....

I’ve taken several courses in agricultural practice. These always focused on sustainability and veered away from chemical practices. I’m a weed hand-puller, mostly push mower, and make kitchen pesticide and herbicide recipes. I try very hard to keep my lifestyle clean too, by eschewing plastic water bottles, composting, and driving minimally. A lot of my efforts to support sustainability are budgetary. It is just common sense to practice up-cycling in the landscape and home....

The “three sisters” is a classic beneficial companion plant grouping – combining corn, beans, and squash. The corn provides support for the beans and squash, the beans harness nitrogen, and the squash leaves shield the soil, resulting in moisture retention and fewer weeds. However, when growing vegetables, not all planting combinations are favorable. Certain plants should never be placed near each other. Their pairing could result in unwanted effects like stunted growth, attracting pests, and even interfering with the taste of the food....

What Makes a Whimsical Backyard or Garden? Being whimsical can mean being unpredictable or impulsive, but in terms of garden design, it implies creativity, imagination, and humor. A whimsical yard or garden might contain some unusual, even odd elements, but it’s all in good fun and has a lighthearted spirit. Whimsical garden design is laid back and free-spirited. It isn’t too rigid. It involves trying new and unusual things and finding out if they work....