Weed Control for the GardenPlace pieces of newspaper between your rows or plants. Each time you mow your lawn, dump your grass clippings over the paper. You won't have anymore weed problems, and it helps out your soil when you till it under for the next year.
Lilac Bushes?How do you start one from another bush? Do you just cut a piece off - or what?
Thanks,
Annie-M
Pruning Grapevines (PDF)Pruning grapes is easier when you understand
the growth and fruiting characteristics of the
grapevine.
Pruning Black Raspberries (PDF)The black raspberry always produces fruit buds in great numbers, flowers freely and "sets" a large percentage of the blossoms.
Things for the Garden and Great LinksThere has been quite a bit of discussion lately about gardens, ponds, etc., so I thought the following ideas might be of interest to a few of the readers. As you can see, most are links to craft instructions for decorative garden items. The final three are ideas are described in full.
Repairing Lawnmowers?I need to repair our lawnmower but don't know how and no where on internet will tell me how. Does anyone have information?
Replacing a Lawnmower Seal?Could I get step-by-step instructions on replacing the main seal in a Techumseh gas lawnmower please?
How to Prune Trees (PDF)The objective of pruning is to produce strong,
healthy, attractive plants. By understanding
how, when and why to prune, and by following
a few simple principles, this objective can be
achieved.
Redbud Tree Doesn't Bud?I have two redbud trees that were purchased at a Home Depot in May of 2002. The trees have always appeared to be healthy but have NEVER had the beautiful reddish-purple blooms! (The blooms are why I wanted the trees!)
Help With Lawn Problem?I need help with some kind of lawn problem. It's not crabgrass. I have fertilized two years now and it's still there. It's a lot thicker than grass, grows a lot faster than grass and is a darker green. I can't seem to get rid of it.
bigbadmomma.
Recycling Cement Blocks from Renovation? We are renovating a small home in the tropics of Qld. We are going to replace a falling wall with a window or door. In order to do this we have to remove the current wall which is made up of cement blocks, most will break during the demolition side, however having done this before (during summer!), I believe that there would be an easier, but more so, global friendly way to recycle these blocks in our garden.
Increase the Value of your Home for PenniesWe couldn't afford to repaint our coral pink Tucson, AZ manufactured home. And the leased lot was landscaped with large rock we couldn't even walk across without twisting an ankle.
Propagating Lilac Bushes?How do you plant lilac bushes from another plant?
Deborah
Vegetable Growing GuidesGuides for growing common garden vegetables. Each profile contains a detailed description and growing instructions, site and soil requirements, varieties, and solutions for managing pests and diseases.
Looking for a Iresine/Bloodleaf Plant?I would be interested in trading for an iresine/bloodleaf plant if there are any out there.
Nancy (Wisconsin)
Flowers and Plants Growing GuidesGuides to hundreds flowers and foliage plants... Each profile contains a detailed description and growing instructions, site and soil requirements, varieties, and special uses.
Yellow Leaves on a Weeping Willow Tree?I received my seedling of a Weeping Willow tree while it was still cold here near New Orleans so I planted it in a large pot. We've been having so much rain, I haven't been able to put it in the ground yet. I've noticed that a few of the leaves have turned yellow with small brown spots on them and some of the green leaves have those spots as well. Do you have any idea what could be causing this or could it be that it needs to be taken out of the pot and put in the ground? Help!
Dale from Louisiana,
Plant Seedlings in Cracked and Chipped Tea CupsStart seedlings in cracked and chipped cups. They are cheap, can be reused year after year and actually look pretty cool. I buy cracked tea cups for dirt cheap at garage sales so I my seedlings have a tea cup theme.
Weed Killers?I printed all the mixtures to kill weeds and lost them. Could you guys please post them again.
Vegetation Killer for Poison Ivy and Sumack?I need to find a home made vegetation killer that is safe to use anywhere and will kill poison ivy and sumack.
Do Green Peppers Grow Back On the Same Tree?My husband has gotten to be quite the gardener. We have been growing our first batch of green peppers this year. We didn't even know they grew on a tree till now. Anyway, we were wondering if we should pull out the tree once all the peppers have grown for the season or should we keep the tree planted for next year's arrivals of green peppers?
Saving My Hibiscus For Next Year?I have a Hibiscus which was given to me as a gift and bloomed beautifully all summer. Now the blooms are gone and it does well while it is outside but if I bring it in the house, all the leaves fall off and it looks awful. Is there anyway to save it so I can enjoy the blooms next summer?
Taking Care of Apple Trees During the Fall and Winter?Does anyone know of something I can treat apple trees with over the fall and winter so the leaves won't be infested in the spring? My husband and I moved into a house in the country with two apple trees (the apples are light green and soft red when they are ripe).
Watering Hanging House PlantsWater hanging plants with a few ice cubes, rather than the watering pail. The cubes will melt slowly and will be absorbed whereas water poured in often runs straight through and pours out.
Composting Pine Needles?Please share your thoughts and "Do's and Don'ts" for composting pine needles. I have to circle the wagons and the troops and rake up all of them. I want to fill up the new 'wiz-bang' recycled plastics composter I purchased from the local landfill district office (It's about 42" high, and 4' across).
Thank you!
~Ooo~
Bill in SE Mass.
Treating Rust On Weeping Willow Trees?I planted a 25 gal weeping willow last fall. It now has rusty looking spots on the underneath side of the leaves and some of the leaves are yellow. How do i eliminate this problem?
Thanks
Designsmith
Solution For A Flooded Garden Allotment?We have recently taken over an allotment and are planning to grow vegetables. My problem is the previous occupier dug lots of holes for projects they never finished, and now all the holes are flooded with water. Please can someone suggest how to fix this - I am concerned that what I will do will just send the water to the next plot. Thanks
Oxford Jane
Frugal Ideas on Making Wild Bird Feeders?We have purchased a bird feeder, and now find that there are too many birds. We dont mind buying the feed, it's the feeders that make us cringe! The type we need is over $70! So i thought maybe someone may have an idea of making my own. I dont think the wild birds would mind my frugality!
Kate
Helping A Frozen Rosemary Bush?I just bought a rosemary bush (still in it's original pot) and dumb me left it out and it froze. Well, the leaves are brown now. It still smells wonderful. Now I see 3 or 4 little green shoots coming from the ends of the stems. The thing is pretty much brown all over.
Caring For Poinsettia Plant Year Round?Does anyone know how to keep a pointsettia plant from one year to the next. My cousin gave me a beautiful plant at the beginning of December and it is still going strong. I have heard that if you keep them in a cool dark place, they will "reflower" the following year. Is this true? Do I need to water it on a regular basis if I do keep it in a cool dark place? Any help would be appreciated.
Darlene in Mississauga
Splitting a Peace Lily?I have a very large Peace Lily. I would like to split it into 2 different pots. Is there an easy way to do this without killing my plant?
ljgravert
How to Kill a Passionfruit Vine?We have a tiny backyard and decided to grow a passionfruit vine on a arch. It grew like wild fire and everyday for the last 3 years I have pulled out passionfruit suckers from our garden. It has taken over a third of our garden and we set fire to the vine on the arch and pulled out the root. That was a month ago and we have more suckers than ever. My husband put weed killer directly onto each sucker but more are coming everyday. Please help we are desperate. We live in Australia with hot weather and we never once fed or tended this plant. Melinda from Australia
Looking For Black Roses?I am looking for black roses to use in my beauty line, I had black roses when I lived in Washington, but people down here think I am crazy when I inquire about them. So I was just wondering if anyone knew when I could find some, I would like to plant my own down here if it is possible. Thank you.
Bella
Looking For a Bearded Iris?I am looking for a Bearded Iris by the name of "Lip Stick Lies" It was white with random red lipstick marks on it. Does anyone have it in their yards or know where I can get one? Thanks in advance.
Great Granny Vi from Southern CA.
How Far Apart to Plant Willow Trees?Could someone give me advice on how far apart I should plant willows? Thanks for your time.
Large Area Weed Control In Arizona?Does anyone have a good idea for large area weed control? I live in Arizona where having a lawn is not the best option. One of my two acres is primarily "yard" which i have cleared every year with a tractor. Eventually I will be covering this area with decroative rock, however in the meantime I have been over grown with weeds.
Gardening Email Group for Phoenix, ArizonaThere may be some gardeners in the low desert that would be interested in my new list for the exchange of plants, seeds, info, advice and posting of garden events throughout the Valley of the Sun (Metro Phoenix). Come join us . . .
Ground Cover for Moist Ground?Does anyone have recommendations on what would be a moisture loving ground cover, but one that doesn't look "snakey"? There's a low spot in my yard about 10x10. I thought about a weeping willow, but my hubby said the roots would get into the septic system which runs through there.
Bad Luck With Seeds? dont have good luck with seeds. but my boss gave us seeds for Easter. they alweays look soo puny when they come up and then they die.
How To Grow Luscious TomatoesThe tomato is the most commonly grown vegetable in the States. Here are some tips on how to grow your own bountiful crop of tomatoes.
Always Blooming Flowerbeds?I had a neighbor who had the most beautiful flowerbed. Seemed like every week or something new came up to change the look of it. I always wondered what her secret planting method was. I'd love to know.
Keeping Birds Out Of Boston Ferns?How do I keep the birds out of my Boston ferns hanging on my porch?
Perennial For Around My Mailbox?I want to plant some type of perennial around my mailbox. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas of something that is easy to take care of. The location gets shade in the morning and sun in the afternoon.
How to Control Poison IvyPoison ivy is found throughout southern Canada and most of the United States except Alaska and Hawaii. It is readily found along road sides, fences, railroads, and streams. But it can also be found in your own back yard. It is planted there in bird droppings from the birds who eat the berries of the plant.
Flowerbed Suggestions?What type of flowers would be pretty in a flowerbed with light purple pansies? They are the only flowers that appear to have survived the winter months and I haven't a clue as to what else to fill it in with.
Protecting Hosta Plants From Slugs?My Hosta plants are attacked by slugs when the leaves are at their peak! I have tried the beer in low cans which does help but they are messy to clean and when it rains they all have to be refilled again. I also tried putting eggshells around the base of the plants but this was not very successful in controlling them. Does anyone have a non-toxic solution to this problem?
Lawn Mower Not Sucking Grass Into Bag?My lawn mower is not sucking the grass into the bag. Any ideas what could be wrong.
Arbicola Plant - Sticky and Scaly Leaves?The leaves on my Arbacola Plant have gotten sticky and there is some kind of scaly substance on them. Can anyone tell me what to do to get rid of this?? Or do I need to throw the plant out??
Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated, cause this is a really big plant.
Is This a Pineapple Growing on My Plant?I started this about 4 years ago from a pineapple I bought from the grocery. I cut off the top and planted it in soil in a pot.
It started coming up from the middle of the plant about a week after Easter.
Infrequent Blossoming Dogwood Tree?I have a dogwood tree that is at least 15 years old. I think it has blossomed only two or three times since buying it. What does it need nutrionally or is it the amount of sun it receives that is crucial for annual blossoming?
Shade Cloth With Pictures?Does anyone know where I can find shade cloth or fabric with pictures silkscreen on it? I saw it on one of those home improvement shows and they used it outside in someone's yard ...
Snakes In Water Garden?I have a water garden in my backyard. This year I have an over abundance of snakes! Does anyone have ideas on how to safely get rid of them without affecting the water garden or the landscape?
Keeping Foxes out of Garden?Need to keep foxes away from a veg. garden and away from 2 dogs. Any ideas?
Attracting Fireflies To Your Garden?Do any of you gardners know how to attract fire flies (lightening bugs) to a yard?
Rooting An Azealea - Tips and Advice?In front of his house was a beautiful dark pink azealea from which I took some clippings to reroot and grow at my home in another state. It's not as sunny here but I have been trying hard to keep it alive, so far its ok, but losing flower. Any suggestions? It's in the sunnyest spot in my yard. I could buy one just like it but it wouldn't be the same.
Evergreen Shrubs Turning Brown?Last year I planted some evergreen shrubs. They are planted from 6 feet to 8 feet a part individually. They are about 3.5 feet tall. Something is turning them brown from the inside out. I have already lost one.
I Need Help Identifying Weeds?We just recently moved into a new home. The home already has a garden. But I am not sure how to identify actual weeds and actual garden items.
Saving a Dying Pine Tree?We moved to Arizona from New York, we had a pine tree from a seedling and was doing fine in a large pot. We brought it to AZ with us. It was 100 and above for a few days. The needles turned brown and are falling off. Is there anything I can do to save it from totally dying?
From Germination to Transplanting?I have spent a lot of time, effort and money purchasing the best seeds for my garden, and seed germination is a 100%, when i keep them in a dark and moist place. My trouble begins after that when my baby plants die since I don't know the size where they are to be transplanted. I managed to save only 7 (or so) out of 20 plants.
Clearing Ground with Household Chemicals?I'm looking into means of clearing of weeds, shrubs, poison Oak and Ivy, and other nuisance plants on an older property using agents that:
My Baby Hibiscus Is Dying?I did recently transplant it. But Ive never had a problem with that before. Usually my Hibiscus are ten feet tall by now. It could be snails. What can I try, if anything? And does anyone have any other advice on transplanting?
Daylily Leaves Turning Yellow With Brown Spots?My daylilies have yellow leaves with brown spots. These leave then turn brown and die. Can I spray them with something? I perfer to use homemade remedies when I can.
How Long Should I Wait To Plant Ground Cover?I have 3 steep banks I can't mow so I am putting ground cover on them. What I need to know is how long I should wait to plant the ground cover after using a vinegar solution to kill the weeds and grass on the banks?
Killing Rhubarb?Does anyone know how to kill rhubarb short of digging up the entire roots? Mine has been there for so long I would have to hire a tree stump removal company.
Planting at Different Levels?My mother had 3 green thumbs and 9 green fingers (OK I'm overstating). I'm just beginning to garden and Mom's been gone a long time. She used to talk about planting at different levels right next to each other which would allow something to be coming up when something was dying down. Has anyone ever heard of the and what are the particulars?
How Do You Take Cuttings From Plants?I was wondering what kind of plants or trees can be multiplied by the cutting method. I remember my mom collecting cuttings from everywhere and she would "root" them. What do you do with the cuttings and how long does this take? I think that she stuck the twig or leaf in a small pot of wet soil. That is about all that I am sure of.
Acid Loving Plants?Now that I know I can share my morning coffee with my plants, I need to know which ones are "acid-loving"?
Helping a Live Oak Tree?My husband and I are having trouble with our Live Oaks in our front yard. The couple that lived here before us had them planted when they moved in but obviously did not take care in raising them. They are straggly and just now growing properly. My neighbor came over and trimmed some of the dead branches and some of it is slowly coming back.
Perennial Sweet Peas Stopped Blooming?I planted perennial sweet peas 6 years ago. They were very beautiful and bloomed every year. But this year there's only one plant that came out. Does anyone know what could of happened?
Peonies and Ants?I have ants along the side of one wall of the garage. I have peonies at the end (or corner) of the garage. For some reason the ants have not found the peonies. How do I introduce them to each other. I had buds on the peonies, but they withered up because there are no ants to eat the wax off.
Starting a Cutting from a Birch Tree?How would I start a cutting from a birch tree? We have one that grew where a pine tree used to be out of a rotted stump. I would like to start another one manually like nature had done it.
Something is Eating My Roses?There is something chewing up my climbing roses and my strawberries. There are little holes ALL OVER! The strawberries are a new addition, located close to the roses, but the climbing roses have been there a long time. They climb up the side of my house about 12 to 14 feet and I really need to do something to save them!
Learning About Gardening?If you're new to gardening and don't know how to start, the best idea is to visit someone else's garden and ask how they do it. Most will be delighted to share in how to prepare your own masterpiece!
Baking Soda for Weeds?I have read that baking soda can be used to kill weeds. Is this safe to use in an area where you will be planting later in the future? Is there a wait period? I want to use it along a fence.
"Grows in a Minute" Vines?Has anyone heard of a vine called "Grows in a Minute"? I knew a person in Macon GA that had it years ago and wish I had gotten more information. As I recall, she had it trailing up fishing line from the ground to the edge of a deck.
Stella De Ora and Dianthis Seeds?I have collected Stella De Ora and dianthis seeds I want to know if I need to put them in the refrigerator for six weeks before trying to grow them.
Trying to Locate Lipstick Lies (Bearded Iris)?I have been trying for a number of years to find a Bearded Iris called Lipstick Lies. Do you know where I could get it? I believe it came from Australia.
Lilacs and Butterflies?What type of Lillacs attracts buterflies? I read that a thin lillac bush is one. Yet i did not get any other info on the subject. Can you help me on this problem? And thanks in advance for your time.
Gazing Garden Bowling BallThis is awesome and so easy and cheap! I bought a bowling ball from a Goodwill store for 50 cents. I then went to the hardware/home improvement store and bought one spray paint can of primer and one can of metallic spray paint (various color choices).
Holes In My Cherry Tomatoes?Here's the problem: When they turn red, something is getting to eat them before me. Now I know some smart gardener out there can help me by telling me what to do so I can enjoy at least one tomato.
Cleaning African Violets?How do you get dirt and dust off African Violet leaves?
Leaves Turning Yellow on a Flowering Crab?I have a flowering crab and its leaves are turning yellow. A tree guy told me it's fungus but he's an amateur so I'm not sure. I'm looking for a way to treat it naturally. Is that possible?
Growing Mixed Balloon Flowers?I am growing mixed balloon flowers for the first time, I'm suprised at their height and the way some of them droop. Is it necessary to make supports for them, and at what time in their growth should I do that? What could I used to create the supports with items I have at home already? Would stakes and string be ok, or should each have it's own support?
Hummingbird Vine Pod?On some of the flowers on my hummingbird vine there is a long green pod. Is this a seed pod?
Grape Tomatoes Splitting Before They Are Ripe?My grape tomotoes are splitting open before they are ripe. Does anyone have any advice?
Indoor Plants That Don't Require Too Much Sunshine?I am looking for a rather tall indoor plant that requires very little sunshine. Also, what are small indoor plants that do not require too much special treatment?
Caring For Hibiscus?I have a question about hibiscus, I want to know how to care for it. I live in Delaware. it is beautiful, I want it to stay that way year after year.
Fall Flowers in North Texas?I live in North Texas and want to plant some flowers in some pots, but I have no idea what to plant or where to look for ideas. I want some flowers that will last through the winter and still be blooming in the spring. Is that even a possibility here?
Getting Rid of Pesky Vines?I would like to know how to get rid of pesky vines that rap around
all the flowers in my garden. Anyone out there have any ideas?
Bring The New Look Back To Cypress Mulch?Thrifty people unite! I have used more than a handful of thrifty tips
and have never been disappointed. Does anybody have a tip on how to bring that 'new look' back to cypress mulch? After a couple of Florida summers it goes from orange-like to a grayish. YUCK! Please only send proven tips as the foliage would be too expensive to replace.
Growing Grass Over Oil Spots?Does anyone know how to get grass to grow over oil spots? The people who lived in our house before must have parked their car on the grass and their car dripped oil. There are 3 areas, each about 16 inches. I've tried covering with potting soil and reseeding. Grass grows, but dies within the month.
Flowering Plants Not Flowering?I recently removed all the grass from my front yard and landscaped with flowers, shrubs and trees. Two of the things I planted are a tree size Bougainvillea and a Bleeding Heart. The bleeding heart has been in the ground for a month, and has easily tripled in size, but no flowers yet.
Zucchini Dying After Producing?Can you tell me why my Zucchini and Cucumber plants produce a few vegetables, then quickly die? The plant starts decaying from the bottom of the stem and rapidly progresses upward.
Skinny Asparagus?Why do some of my asparagus come in very skinny while others nearby are very fat? Also, why do some of them become woody, no matter what their size is?
No Weed Gardening!Pick a place to start your garden. No need to till or plow, just pile this on top of your spot... A thick layer of newspapers. Use a whole sunday section, or daily paper, in thickness. Lay it down over the entire area to be planted.
Protecting Roses?I have James Peirce roses, the ones that bloom are insanely beautiful, but it's rare that they bloom and they are not growing in height. It seems like they have been stunted by dogs, cats, fungi or something else. Any tips, suggestions or thoughts?
Bees Destroying My Grapes?Help please. The bees have invaded our grapes and are destroying them. The vines are so full of all kinds of bees eating my fruit. What can I do?
Good Potting Soil for Vegetables and Flowers?Next Spring, I would like to sell a number of seedlings at a flea mart type setting. What would be a good all-around potting soil mix for vegetables and for floral type plants? I'd like to make it from scratch.
Growing Escarole?How difficult is it to grow escarole?
Lilacs Love Eggshells?When do you put the eggshells on the lilac bushes? Should i mix it in the soil around the base?
Hiding a Compost Pile?My new neighbors just cut down 3 pine trees that were on the border of my property. I kept my compost pile there. There was just enough sun and shade for good breakdown and it was nicely hidden. Well to say the least, we are exposed to the world now. And I am not too happy I might add.
Apples for Mulch?I have 3 apple trees in my backyard. Are apples good for the mulch pile? There are a lot of apples that fall on the ground and rot before I get to them.
