It makes sense that different regions have different keystone native plants. The plants that are native to the coldest parts of the continent are not the same as those growing naturally in tropical forests. We can each play a role in enhancing our natural spaces by opting to plant keystone species for your ecoregion. What are Keystone Plants? If the term ‘worldwide web’ makes you think of tech, you’re not alone....
Many gardeners opt to cut down on their workload while benefiting wildlife by eliminating chores like weeding the turf, raking up leaves, and killing grubs with pesticides. Ready to start getting grass problems off your list? Read on. Weeds: In the Eye of the Beholder Weeds are simply plants a gardener didn’t plant and doesn’t want. Think about it. Many gardeners spend hours digging out dandelions because they classify them as weeds, but many others cultivate these edible flowering plants....
Learning how to grow tomatoes is not as easy as some vegetables, but they are well worth the effort. There is nothing quite like eating tomatoes fresh off the vine. However, with over 10,000 tomato varieties on offer, picking the best tomato to grow in your home garden can be quite a conundrum, especially for beginners. Get things off to the best possible start by choosing from our top picks of the easiest tomatoes to grow....
Is Staghorn Sumac Edible? Staghorn sumac’s scientific name is Rhus typhina. There is another plant by the name of Toxicodendron vernix, or poison sumac, that is often confused with the edible sumac. Poison sumac produces white berries, as well as a compound called urushiol, which can cause severe skin reactions. Staghorn sumac produces red berries and has no such adverse reactions. Both of these plants have compound leaves composed of delicate leaflets, but there the similarities end....
Invasive Plants But that doesn’t mean we should grow certain plants. Those that are considered invasive or otherwise damaging to the natural environment should be eschewed. This means gardeners should know what plants are illegal to grow in the U.S. or their specific native region. Each county, state, province, country, and other designations will have banned plants lists. Following these directives can help save the indigenous floral community and encourage its health....
When growing mother of thousands as an outdoor plant in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, it may bloom with small, grayish lavender flowers in late winter. The mother plant then dies, but is replaced by many tiny plantlets that drop and cause the plant to be considered invasive. For this reason, most gardeners find growing mother of thousands works best in a container. Mother of Thousands Care As a foliage plant, this kalanchoe has wonderful blue-green, lance-shaped leaves, gently scalloped on the edges, with pinkish midribs and stems....
Why do caterpillars eat each other? Likely it’s the same reason most human cannibalism has occurred: survival. In a roundabout way, cannibalistic caterpillars exist because of the survival instinct… but it isn’t because they lack food. Keep reading to learn about the fascinating life of a cannibal caterpillar. Do Caterpillars Eat Other Caterpillars? Yes, it’s true. Caterpillars have indeed been observed feeding on each other. But the question is… why?...
Bradford Pear Tree Problems Native to Asia, Bradford pears (Pyrus calleryana) were introduced into the U.S. in the early 20th century and became popular as ornamentals. At the time, it was not well known that these fast growing trees were prone to breakage in wind, ice, and rainstorms. To prevent this from happening, annual pruning to keep the canopy strong became a necessity. Additionally, these trees frequently grow quite large and are relatively short lived, with most having a lifespan of less than 25 years....
Upper Midwest Turf Cycle Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa lawn care is similar and timed to the changing seasons of this region. Cool season turf grasses grown in this area go through a specific growth cycle: Spring brings a surge in growth in Midwest turf grass. The roots should be deep and rich with nutrients stored in the fall.As temperatures rise in summer, cool season grass slows its growth way down....
So, what to do with old potting soil? If you are wondering what to do with old soil, read on. We have a lot of good ideas for you. Do You Throw Away Old Potting Soil? The throw-away culture of yesteryear is now considered wasteful. Our nation has become more conscious of waste. As recycling came into its own, disposable straws disappeared from the coffee shops and one-use bags were banned from grocery stores....
As a transitional month, September offers just enough warmth for seeds that need to be sown in late summer yet is cool enough for many fall sowings. This article reveals some of the best flowers to plant in September. However, most of the flowers to plant in August can also be planted this month. Many hardy flowers can be planted in almost any USDA hardiness zone, but check compatibility before sowing, as well as your soil type and required light levels....
What Does it Mean to Have a Certified Wildlife Habitat? Most gardeners love to include native plants in their backyard landscape to host local wildlife. I know I do; nothing brings me more joy. But at times I have had lots of questions about how to make things safe for birds or attractive for butterflies or other pollinators. Getting a backyard habitat certification is one way to be sure that you aren’t forgetting something essential....
For lovers of Feng Shui and Oriental planting, there are certain Lunar New Year plants which add not only beauty but also the promise of good fortune to gardens inside and out. Emblems of positivity and prosperity, Chinese New Year flowers and plants can serve as talismans for our best intentions – and in the case of the dragon, these plants can help us tap into an altogether more visionary gardening spirit....
A War is Raging: Growing Seedlings Inside Flats of herbs and veggies and flowers galore, at least the ones that don’t get directly sown into the garden, including some seed bombing here and there. Besides houseplants and the occasional vegetable regrowing project or herbs, that’s pretty much the only indoor gardening I do. I’d much rather be outside. It’s often difficult for me to grow anything inside for too long, aside from my trusty houseplants, but even those spend spring through fall outdoors....
The History of Peonies Peonies have a role in mythological history, where Leto, mother of Apollo, gave the plant to Paeon, a physician, to cure a wound in Pluto acquired during the Trojan war. In Chinese history, the plant is the main flower in the Imperial Palace Gardens and earned the name “Sho Yo”, meaning ‘most beautiful’. In the 8th century, peonies arrived in Japan where they became a symbol of good fortune and bravery....
In the years I have gardened, I have come to believe in the power of nature to make it through. But I learned this year that even nature might not be able to work with climate change. And that drought-tolerant plants can’t actually survive a drought. California’s Drought The U.S. Drought Monitor - a national weekly map showing parts of the country that are in drought – began in 2000....
Know the Rules for Planting Around Fire Hydrants Knowing how to landscape around a fire hydrant begins with understanding the rules. Municipalities and fire departments have rules for fire hydrants and planting. Make sure you know what your local government requires before you get started. This will help you avoid a fine and wasting a lot of time and effort. Contact your local fire department for more information about the exact guidelines for your community....
Does Gardening Make You Live Longer? The question of whether gardening makes you live longer is complicated. There are so many factors involved in a lifespan that it’s impossible to predict how long any one individual will live. However, we can pinpoint factors that increase lifespan when you look at large groups of people. For example, exercise is an obvious factor that contributes to living longer. There are no guarantees, but someone who exercises regularly is more likely to live to an older age than someone who is sedentary....
Discover Our Complete Guide to Pollinators What Are Pollinator Strips? A pollinator strip, or wildflower strip, generally refers to a small planting bed filled with flowers. These strips are most commonly found growing along the edges of driveways, near fences, or near streets. They have also shown to be highly effective when used near row crops, in a commercial setting. Though specific size and shape of flower strips may vary, each planting should focus on the needs of local garden pollinators....
Achieving a bowling green of emerald grass doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. Aeration, de-thatching, fertilization, weed control, and mowing are all part of good grass management. The southwest poses challenges due to the very hot days, cool nights, and lack of natural precipitation. A variety of grass, irrigation, and fall and spring applications will help the homeowner towards the goal of lush landscape. Lawn care in Utah and surrounding states relies upon a planned maintenance program for best results....
