Keeping Pigeons Away from a Bird FeederThis is a page about keeping pigeons away from a bird feeder. Backyard bird feeders often attract birds other than the song birds you may be hoping for.
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.
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.
Starting a Crape Myrtle from a CuttingCrape myrtles can successfully be started from both hard and soft wood cuttings. This is a page about starting a crape myrtle from a cutting.
Norfolk Pines Damaged By Cold?I have some small Norfolk pines that have been hit by frost. Will they come back? I also have one large Norfolk pine in the yard that is very tall and about 8yrs old. Will it come back after the frost has done damage? It has turned brown, but is the trunk alive?
Winter Care for HouseplantsThis is a page about winter care for houseplants. Your houseplants are safely away from the cold and foul winter weather. However, inside conditions and decreased daylight can still negatively effect your inside beauties.
Salt and Vinegar Weed Killer RecipeYou can mix up a homemade weed killer solution using salt and vinegar. This page contains a salt and vinegar weed killer recipe.
Sharpening Hedge Trimmers?This is a page about sharpening hedge trimmers. Gardening tools such as hedge trimmers need to sharpened periodically to work properly.
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?
Water Plants With Leftover TeaThis is a page about watering plants with leftover tea. Cold tea can give plants nutrients they will not get with just water, may improve their health, and won't be wasted.
Growing Grapefruit from SeedThis is a page about growing grapefruit from seed. The seeds from this citrus fruit, unless they are hybrid, may germinate to produce a grapefruit house plant and eventually a tree.
Growing Moss on RocksThis is a page about growing moss on rocks. Moss covered rocks lend a sense of age and earthiness to your garden.
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.
Starting a Compost PileThis is a page on starting a compost pile. Starting your own compost pile can save you money on your garbage bill, reduce the waste you send to the landfill, and will give you your own organic compost that you can use to amend the soil in your garden beds.
Growing Sunflowers in ContainersThis page is about growing sunflowers in containers. Sunflowers are a wonderful addition to any garden space for their beautiful colors and visiting birds.
Controlling Weeds In Your GardenThis is a page about controlling weeds in your garden. No matter if you like to garden just for fun or for growing food for your family, having weeds around is a problem. Getting the weeds under control is an important step to getting the most out of your garden.
Reusing Tires in the GardenThis is a page about reusing tires in the garden. Worn out used tires can be recycled and find new decorative and functional uses in your garden.
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.
Keeping a White Rock Garden Clean?I have a white rock garden in my front yard. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to protect the stones to keep them white through the fall, winter, and early spring? Aside from shoveling the rocks in a tote bin and bringing them into the house.
Replacing a Patio with Grass?This is a page about replacing a patio with grass. Sometimes with your remodeling and landscaping changes, it will be best to have lawn where concrete has been.
Composting Dog WasteThis is a page about composting dog waste. If composted properly, dog waste can be added to your garden.
Things To Consider Before Growing Climbing IvyClimbing ivy is a good choice for certain uses in your garden, but it can also be problematic. This is a page about things to consider before growing climbing ivy.
How Can I Get Rid of the Magpies but Keep the Rest of the Birds?Magpies can be real bullies at a backyard feeder. This is a page about, "How can I get rid of the magpies, but keep the rest of the birds?".
Soil Advice for Avocado PlantsIn general avocados thrive in fertile, well-drained soil. Although they adapt to most soil types, avocados prefer a light, sandy loam. This is a page about soil advice for avocado plants.
Starting a Rhododendron from a Cutting?This page is about starting a rhododendron from a cutting. These beautiful flowering shrubs are a great addition to your landscape.
Pruning an Avocado PlantKeeping the height of a potted avocado tree under control requires careful pruning to increase fullness and reduce overall height. This is a page about pruning an avocado plant.
Growing Vegetables in Concrete Mixing TubsThe black concrete or mortar mixing tubs available at your local hardware of big box home improvement store are perfect containers for growing shallow rooted vegetables. This offers some good reasons for growing vegetables in concrete mixing tubs.
Prevent Soil Leakage from PotsHere's a quick and easy method to avoid soil leakage from your pots. All you'll need are a few supplies - your pot of choice, grab any mesh netting scraps (I utilized leftover galvanized mesh netting) and some hot glue.
What Is This Plant?Please help identify this plant. It grows long stems with spotted leaf. There is usually one or two that grow very tall but then the stem splits and then dies. This process repeats. How do I keep the stems from splitting? I feel like this is a type of lily pad and meant to be in water'.
Comparable Replacement for my Red Tip Photinias?Can you please give me a name of a comparable replacement for my Red Tip Photinias that are slowly dying off? I would like it to be an evergreen shrub that grows as fast and full as these. Thank you.
Identifying Sod Types?My HOA said the grass in the neighborhood is Zoysia, but the guy that mows it says it is Bermuda. How can I know what type is it?
Growing Tomatoes?Some of our tomatoes are growing fine but some bunch of them are looking like the picture attached. What could cause that? Is it a fungus disease? Or too much water? The lower leaves seems to dry off too.
Five Benefits of Self Watering PotsSelf-watering pots, also known as sub-irrigation planters, offer several advantages for both indoor and outdoor gardening. Here are five benefits of using self-watering pots:
Vertical GardensCreating a vertical garden is a great way to maximize space and add a unique touch to your home. Here's a tip for setting up a vertical garden:
African Violet Not Blooming?Repotted my African Violet over a year ago and it has not bloomed since then. How do I get it to bloom again?
Firewood Safety With Poison Ivy?We cut down a tree in the late fall. There were poison ivy vines wrapped around part of the trunk. Is it safe to burn the wood if the vines are removed and it sits and dries out for a year?
Start Bell Pepper Plants EarlyTo ensure a good crop of bell peppers, it is important to remember that they require a long growing season. You can start the seed now (2/25)
Herbal Gift IdeasSoon herb starts will be available. Trailing rosemary makes a wonderful gift if given some time to grow. Repot the start in a nice pot (two is nicer). Take a coat hanger and bend it into a circle or heart shape and stick it into the soil.
Sharing Cherries with BirdsBirds are useful to cherry trees. they eat caterpillars, aphids etc. But of course they want their share of cherries as a reward and they sometimes take a very big share. To save your share, you have to lure the birds and here's how:
Fresh Basil All Year LongYou can have fresh basil all year long. I grew basil from seed. It was in a pot and I brought it in. I froze and dried most of it and planted this.
Removing Pumpkin Mildew?There is white powdery stuff on my pumpkins. I'm assuming it's powdery mildew. The leaves are already turning brown, and I'm worried that I will loose my pumpkins before Halloween. Does powdery mildew affect the pumpkins themselves, and if so how can I save them from going bad? Please help! Thanks.
Pumpkins Turning Orange Early?My pumpkins have already turned orange. Will they last if I leave them on the vine until Halloween, or will they rot before then? I don't want to pick them yet, as the whole reason I planted them was for Halloween.
Plant Pumpkins In Indoor Pots Now for Next YearGet a head start on the growing season by starting now. Yes before Christmas and here in Canada, the middle of winter.
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.
Feeding Soil in Non-Growing SeasonsKnowing how to perfect your plant's soil is the best defense against diseases and unwanted insects. It''s not to say you won't have any bugs or diseases but the soil is like a plant's immune system. The better the soil the stronger the plants growing in it.
Rooting A Chinese Evergreen StemI have a large Chinese Evergreen with one stem that insists on growing horizontally rather than vertically. I remedied that problem with a sharp knife, a heavy beer mug and water.
Creative Container GardeningWait until you take a look at the different creative containers used for container gardening on a patio. I used colored bowls and plates, a lamp stand with a plastic container, two wooden crates, a strainer, a scale, a large tea pot, and a pedestal sink.
Sharing A Peony PictureI call the Peony 'The Mother's Day Flower'. That's because most people who grow them hope they are in bloom on Mother's Day and are thrilled when they are.
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?
Sources of Free Pavers or Stone?Does anyone know where I can pick up free pavers or stone?
Zucchini Buds Falling Off?I have two zucchini plants planted in a single 5 gallon pot. They seem healthy overall and I even harvested one fruit this season. But all remaining fruit buds that are forming on the plants are turning yellow, becoming limp and falling off even before they blossom (flowers don't open).
Cut Roses Not Opening?I received a dozen red roses and for one week they stayed closed. I thought they would finally open but 8 days later they are showing black edges and don't appear to be opening. Does anyone know why this would occur?
Use a Drain Bucket When Washing Vegetables OutsideI use a drain pan in my kitchen quite often and I thought it would be good to have a drain bucket on hand when washing garden vegetables outside. It gets the excess water out.
Picking ButterbeansThis has been a hot, dry summer and the first year we have watered our garden. It has been a pretty one. My grandmother used to say, a dry June means a wet July. It seems that old saying is true because we have had a lot more rain this month.
Flowering ThymeI've been growing thyme at the top of this strawberry pot for a few years now. I originally planted herbs in each of the pockets but they all got too dried out and didn't make it, except for the thyme at the top. I love the delicate purple blossoms. After they finish blooming, I will trim them all off to allow the thyme to put out new leaves for tasty cooking for the rest of the summer and fall.
Geranium Not Flowering?I have a gigantic geranium, but it isn't flowering. The foliage is huge and healthy, but no flowers. What kind of fertilizer? or does it need it?
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.
Upcycle Above Ground Pool Post into Plant TrellisDo you have an old above ground pool you're taking down? Or see someone tossing theirs out? Keep the posts! Here's another idea you could do with them for inexpensive - we made this plant trellis for our dragonfruit.
Forks to Keep Critters Away in the GardenThese past two years have been a challenge in the garden because of rabbits. I spent a lot of time and money with commercial sprays and powders. They did not work, even though I reapplied after watering and rain.
Find Seeds in Your Spice CabinetI used to purchase packages of dill seeds. I found out that the dill seed in my spice cabinet will sprout just as well as the commercial seeds. This will work with fennel, coriander, mustard and other spices.
Using Coconut Planter Inserts?What to use to keep coconut inserts in flower pots from dripping out bottom.
Use a Tarp for Yard CleanupWe cut the pampas grass and used a small light weight tarp for cleaning up the clippings. After putting it on the tarp, I tied the bottom ends of the tarp together in a loose knot, then tied the other end to give me a good grip to drag it. It took 3 trips and the tarp worked great for dragging the heavy clippings to the brush pile. It was easy to roll them off after I untied the ends.
Best Time to Plant?When is the best time this year to plant in Toppenish, Washington?
Planting an Eastern Redbud Tree?I have an Eastern Redbud which produces multiple seedlings in the summer. This year I decided to save a few of these trees, which are only a few inches tall. I put them in separate gallon sized pots with nice, fertile soil. How I should handle these trees through the winter and when should I put them in the ground?
2 for 1 SuetI have discovered the birds like my homemade suet over store bought. I scored a great price at Ace Hardware on suet and bought a lot. Then I took another step and melted down 1 cake and added lard, some peanut butter and add ins you want, and get the texture to form a cake by adding flour or oatmeal, or cornmeal.
Best Flowers to Attract Wild BeesWild bees will be most attracted to a garden space that mimics their natural habitat and provides an abundance of food. Interplant local varieties that flower at different times throughout the year to ensure a continuous nectar supply for bees and other pollinators.
Square Mesh Flat to Cover VegetablesDo your vegetables get eaten before they've grown? It's happened to me so many times! Now, I use these square mesh flats over my vegetables after seeding so the birds don't get to them. After my vegetables are bigger and stronger I will remove the flats. Chances are they'll make it and no longer vulnerable.
Dog Nail Cutters for Flower StemsI've tried all types of scissors including the ones that are for metal, cardboard, etc., those heavy duty kitchen scissors but I've never tried my stainless steel puppy nail cutters. They are absolutely hands-down the easiest. The blade doesn't slide off the stem. It gives a nice even cut, which is better for the flowers.
Preheat Your Soil for a Faster Harvest (Solarizing Soil)Many vegetables, like tomatoes, beans, squash and peppers need soil temperatures to reach nearly 70ºF before their growth can really take off.
Plastic Bottles to Keep a Plant WateredTo help keep our garden plants watered, this year we tried burying soda bottles, with holes in them, beside the tomato, squash and cucumber plants leaving the opening exposed. To easily fill the bottles, we used a flex funnel and the garden hose. The bottles worked very well to help keep the plants watered and we will be doing it again next year. The garden has just about given out and we have removed all the bottles that are no longer used, rinsed them and put them in the recycling bin.
Frame for Running BeansLast year we planted bush green beans and when they began to grow, they put out long shoots. That's when we realized that, by mistake, we had gotten some running beans instead of bush beans.
Keeping Animals Out of the GrapevineOur scuppernong grapes are ripening fast and they are so good. With us living close to the woods, animals can be a problem when trying to grow fruit and vegetables.
Chicken Wire To Protect Garden From AnimalsWe have a few watermelons in our garden this year. Three weeks ago, it was a disappointment to find that an animal, probably a deer, had bitten a huge gash out of one. To remedy this problem, we covered them with chicken wire and have not had any more problems.
What Is Killing These Bottlebrush Bushes?We have had these bottlebrush bushes in our backyard for about ten years. This past year they look like they are slowly dying. They have been watered the same way for the past ten years through our water sprinkling system. A week ago my husband put fertilizer on them but it hasn't done too much. I was thinking maybe we need to prune the dead away but I don't know if that would help. Any suggestions what is wrong with this bush?
What Is This Shrub?Can anyone identify this shrub? It has oval shaped maroon/burgundy colored leaves and is about 4 feet tall. It is currently planted in a partly shady spot in very wet, clay soil. This may be why it is sparse and not full. I would like to move it to a full sun location in soil with no clay. I need some advice. Thank you in advance for all replies.
Tomatoes with CharacterWe have had some funny looking tomatoes in our garden this year. Number one would have made a good Pinocchio character and number 2 has some spots that look like eyes and a dent that makes it look like it is smiling.
Texas BluebellsHere are photos of a few Texas Bluebells, a wildflower that grows every year in our front yard. Please know that I do NOT pick them, but this one had broken off, so I brought it inside. I want to let as many of them go to seed as possible.
Easy Clean Up Garden Tool HolderI got this magnetic bar as a free gift with purchase. I had it for a while when I thought that I would make a outdoor/indoor garden tool holder. This so simple! I just screwed it to a leftover piece of plywood (that was pre decorated). You can also screw the piece into place without the wood piece. This magnetic strip came with screws, making the project less in money and the garden tool clean up is great and strong 3 years later and garden clutter FREE.
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.
Tillandsia (Air Plant) PhotosThis is the first time this air plant (Tillandsia) has bloomed. I love the beautiful purple flower. Afterwards, I believe I should be expecting baby pups. Snapped some photos to share with you all!
Circle Plant TrellisDo you have plants that need a trellis? You can make 4 circle trellises for just ~ 25 cents each, versus paying over $10 for one. Here's a quick, easy & inexpensive tutorial on how to make a circle trellis (for my Hoya plant).
Laminated Plant LabelMake easy plant labels!
What Is The Name Of This Fruit Tree? (Nectarine)We moved to KY and this fruit tree is in our backyard. We would like to know its name. The fruit size is approximately 2 to 2 1/2" circumference and remains this size. It has a pit like a peach. We were told it is a variety of apple; it's white inside and the outer peeling is tough. The fruit comes on early and this picture was taken a couple days ago.
Barn SwallowsBarn swallows were building a nest on the ledge of our porch. It did not look like a good place for a nest as the ledge is just an inch wide. Maybe we didn't need to do this but my husband put a little piece of plywood across the ledge to make a shelf for the nest.
Taming TomatoesWhen our tomato plants start growing like crazy, I invented this holder made from a clothes hanger to keep the tomato plants from escaping the garden. Cut the wire into 6" pieces. Using pliers, curve into a U shape and curve both ends. Place U shape around straying tomato vine and attach to tomato cage. Do this to all vines to clean up the garden area.
Ecological Ways to Drive Moles Out of the GardenAlthough moles don't eat plants, they can damage the roots of plants and lead to their decay by digging numerous canals in the ground. There are many natural ways you can drive moles out of your garden. These are some of them.
Plant Pots for Vertical GardenEvery year I plant many different vegetables in our garden, but I always lack land. Growing vegetables in pots and even vertically on the wall, is an excellent solution to the problem of lack of land for a vegetable garden. In order not to waste money on buying pots, I decided to make them from a polypropylene woven bag. These pots are suitable for horizontal and vertical garden.
Growing CrocosmiaCrocosmia or montbretia is a perennial flower in the Iris family, usually with red or orange flowers. They are indigenous to Africa but can be grown worldwide. A common garden variety is known as "Lucifer"
Cherry Tree PhotosCherry trees are very popular for home gardeners. The white or pink blossoms are beautiful in the spring and the fruit is ripe at the height of summer.
Transplanting A Lemon Tree?There is a beautiful fruitful lemon tree on the lot next door that is up for sale. I am almost positive management will cut it down. Can anyone tell me how and where to cut it so I can replant it?
Growing a Guava TreeGuava originated in Central and South America and the Caribbean but can be grown in places with a tropical or subtropical climate. They can be susceptible to an array of diseases caused by fungus or insects.
Zinnia PhotosZinnias are originally from Mexico and the surrounding area. They are related to the sunflower and daisy. These bright flowers grow well as an annual and are prized by many gardeners across the world.
Identifying Birds?You don't have to be a serious bird watcher to enjoy identifying the birds that visit your yard or that you encounter on walks. Here are some tips for identifying birds, including baby birds.
Create a Humid Environment for PlantsPlace two same sized containers together with plant inside to increase humidity for tropical plants. This is a thrifty method instead of buying a humidifier. Also works for plants that you may purchase online and came from the mail - to help the plants adjust and recover from the transport!
New Plantings and Garden FlowersLast year my grandson and I cut down several forsythia shrubs along the northern edge of the side yard. The stumps still need to dealt with. This year I have focused on planting two lilac bushes further into the yard to ultimately help reestablish a green border between my yard and my neighbor's. There will also be a native mock orange placed along this same line, soon.
Half Circles in Longan LeavesHave you ever seen perfectly half circles bitten into your plant/trees leaves? I was so shocked but with a little research I found out leaf cutting bees made this art work. These leaf cutting bees won't do any harm to the leaves or plant/tree, but uses the collected leaves to make nest for their young ones. I found it very interesting and had to share!
Increasing Soil AcidityHow to increase the soil acidity for established tomato plants naturally? I'm not getting many blooms or viable tomatoes for this late in the season.
Growing DaisiesDaisies are a perennial favorite as both a wildflower and in gardens. These old fashioned flowers come in many varieties and colors from all across the world.
Bird of Paradise Flower PhotosThis is a picture of my sweet little granddaughter Cambria taken about five years ago just before they moved from Arizona to Idaho. Her outfit and her hairbow match the beautiful colors of nature right in our own front yard's Bird of Paradise bush! This was a fun moment to capture.
Wild Buttercup Photos and InformationThe wild buttercup is a member of the ranunculus genus. There are several different varieties, often with yellow flowers. They all typically contain, acrid protoanemonin glycoside oil to some extent. Thus they are listed as poisonous. There are some known pharmacological uses. They are considered an invasive weed in gardens.
DeKay's Snake PhotosThese common garden snakes are commonly known as DeKay's or brownsnake but the official name is Storeria dekayi. They can be found all along the Eastern side of the North American continent. They are harmless, eating slugs, snails and earthworms, and being eaten by larger snakes, birds and mammals.
Used Tea Bag to Sprout SeedsSave your old used tea bags as a seed starter. The tea will compost as the seedling grows, feeding it as well as marking the location.
DIY Galvanized Roofing Raised BedSturdy galvanized roofing can be used as the sides of a raised garden bed. This will last much longer than wooden sides and is an attractive look in your yard or patio.
How to Hand Pollinate PassionfruitIf you have passiflora (passion flowers) growing in your garden and wish for fruit, you may have to take some extra steps. Hand pollinating the flowers is easy and can increase the your passionfruit harvest.
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.
DIY Crafty Pea TrellisThis trellis features reusable components and jute or cotton twine. You can recycle the twine with the spent vines at the end of the season. You may have some of the necessary supplies to build the framework in your garden shed or garage. Let us share this pea trellis plan with you.
Identifying Insect Eggs on Tomato?Anyone know what insect eggs these are on my tomato plants?
