How to Grow Geraniums Depending on where or how you grow geranium plants, their needs will be somewhat different. Indoors, geraniums need lots of light for blooming but will tolerate moderate light conditions. They also need indoor temps of around 65-70 degrees F. (18-21 C.) during the day and 55 degrees F. (13 C.) at night. These plants need to be grown in well-draining potting soil as well. When growing geraniums outdoors, they require moist, well-draining soil similar to that of indoor potting soil with equal amounts of soil, peat, and perlite....

This beautiful shade tree is easy to grow and transplants readily. But growing American elm is no longer recommended given the tree’s susceptibility to lethal Dutch elm disease. Read on for more American elm facts including information on American elm care. American Elm Facts When we say this is a mighty tree, we mean big and wide, growing in the urn shape that is classically elm. American elm trees can grow to 100 feet (30 m....

What is Hornwort? The name hornwort comes from the stiff protrusions on the stems. The genus, Ceratophyllum, is from the Greek ‘keras,’ meaning horn, and ‘phyllon,’ meaning leaf. Plants that bear the surname “wort” were often medicinal. Wort simply means plant. Each plant’s characteristics would lead to its individual name. For instance, bladderwort has little bladder-like growths, liverwort looks similar to tiny livers and kidneywort resembles that body part. Hornwort in ponds protects small frogs and other animals....

Peace Lily Pruning Peace lilies are known for their big white bracts, the part we think of as a flower that is actually a modified white leaf surrounding a cluster of tiny flowers on a stalk. After this “flower” has bloomed for a while, it will naturally start to turn green and droop. This is normal, and it just means the flower is spent. You can clean up the appearance of the plant by deadheading....

When it comes to pruning perennial hibiscus, there’s no need for stress. Although this easy-care plant requires very little pruning, regular maintenance will keep it healthy and promote better, bigger flowers. Read on to learn how and when to prune perennial hibiscus. How to Prune a Perennial Hibiscus Hardy hibiscus pruning isn’t complicated but there are a few things you should know in order to keep the plant looking its best....

How to Harvest Cattails Virtually all parts of the cattail plant are edible at some point in the year. In summer, cattail harvesting can be as simple as picking one right off the plant. The lower part of the stem is white and, when eaten raw, tastes like cucumber. If you cook it, it tastes like corn. The pollen can be removed from the stalk simply by shaking into a paper bag....

Growing Raspberries in Zone 8 As a rule, raspberries are hardy all the way from zone 3 through 9. There are a wide range of raspberry varieties, however, and some are much better suited to growing in hot summers and mild winters than others. Raspberry plants come in two main types: erect and trailing. Erect canes tend to be better suited to cold climates, while trailing brambles perform better in warmer zones like 8....

Date palm harvesting takes place from September to December, often hand-picked since all dates on a tree may not mature at the same time. Ideally, dates are picked at their peak level of sugar content and flavor. The Date Palm Tree The date palm tree is a tall, erect palm, growing to 120 ft (36.5 m.). From the ground up, the trunk is covered in overlapping woody leaf bases. The palm leaves are feather-like and up to 20 feet (6 m....

Which are the plants to consider for spring pruning? Read on for more information. Pruning Trees in Spring Spring pruning should be on the calendar for some trees, but not all. Spring flowering plants that bloom on old wood (like azaleas, dogwood and camellia) are best pruned in the summer after they have flowered. However, if they are overgrown and neglected, rejuvenation pruning is in order and spring is the best time to proceed....

When to Prune Jasmine When young plants begin to put out new growth, start pinching out the top half-inch (1 cm.) of the stems by squeezing them between your thumbnail and finger. Pinching the tips, especially in the first two years, promotes rapid growth and lush foliage. Pinch lateral stems as well as the main, upright stem. Summer jasmine blooms in summer and early fall, and winter jasmine blooms in late winter and early spring on vines that developed the previous season....

Why Do Zucchini Blossoms Fall Off the Plant? There are two reasons why zucchini blossoms fall off the plant. Male Zucchini Blossoms This is the most common reason for zucchini flowers falling off the plant: zucchini plants have male and female flowers. Only female zucchini blossoms can produce zucchini squash. Once male zucchini blossoms have opened to release their pollen, they simply fall off the plant. Many times, a zucchini plant will produce only male blossoms when first in bloom to ensure that pollen will be available when the female blossoms open....

What is Oscarde Lettuce? Oscarde lettuce plants are an oakleaf variety of loose-leaf lettuce. Prized by growers for their stunning reddish purple color, these plants offer gardeners a delicious disease resistant green that is perfectly suited for a variety of garden growing conditions. Reaching maturity in as little as 30 days, Oscarde lettuce seeds are excellent candidates for early season and succession sowing. Growing Oscarde Lettuce Oscarde lettuce plants prefer to grow when temperatures are cool....

Creating A Pumpkin Candy Dispenser for Halloween Creating a pumpkin candy bowl can be a quick, functional project or your creativity can kick into high gear. Here are the materials needed and the instructions. DIY Pumpkin Candy Dish One large pumpkin (May substitute plastic or foam pumpkin)Bowl or container that will fit inside pumpkinCarving utensil (or box cutter for plastic pumpkin)Large spoon to scoop out pulpDécor, if desired, such as lace edging, craft paint, googly eyes...

What is Willow Water? Willow water is made from the twigs or branches of the willow tree. These twigs are immersed in water for a certain amount of time and then either used for watering newly planted shrubs and trees, as well as seedlings, or by soaking the cuttings in the willow water prior to planting. Some plants can even be successfully rooted directly in the willow water. Making Willow Water Making willow water is easy....

Information About Graffiti Using Moss What is moss graffiti? It’s green and ecological artwork designed to create an emotional response, just like other graffiti, but it doesn’t do any damage to the underlying structures. Making a moss graffiti painting can be much simpler than conventional tagging, since it usually begins with a stencil. Make a stencil of your chosen design with stiff poster board. Make it large enough to stand out, but use simplified shapes....

Navel orange trees are relatively easy to grow in the warm climates of USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, (zone 8 is possible with extra protection). In the United States, commercial navel orange trees are grown primarily in California, Arizona, and Florida. Read on and learn about growing navel oranges. How To Grow Navel Oranges: Tips On Navel Orange Care Plant navel orange trees in early to mid-spring so the roots have time to establish before temperatures drop in fall....

About Opal Plum Trees The trees that grow Opal are a cross between two subspecies of European plums, one of them a gage plum. Gage plums are extremely juicy, sweet, and delicious and the plum ‘Opal’ inherited this exceptional dessert quality. Opal plum tree flowers flower in spring and harvest starts in summer. Those growing Opal plums say the trees must have full sun in summer to produce the famed, rich flavor....

Diseases of Passion Vines Below you will find information about viral and fungal issues affecting passion vine plants. Viruses Some species of passion vines are susceptible to viruses. Some can catch passion flower vine diseases by being infested with viral infections from chewing insect pests. The worst insect transmitters are several species of aphids. The viral diseases of passion vines are also transmitted by grafting knives, scissors, and pruners. None of the viruses are transmitted through seeds....

About Patio Tiles with Wood Grain Porcelain outdoor patio wood tiles don’t need the multiple applications of sealers or protective coatings that other coverings require, which makes them low maintenance. Digital printing techniques and modern manufacturing allow the tile to be produced in a myriad of colors and styles. The tiles are lighter than concrete or paving stone with the added look of real wood. They can support up to 2,000 lbs....

When to Harvest Bay Leaves Bay laurel is an evergreen shrub that grows in USDA zones 8 and above. Its attractive, glossy green leaves are the star attraction used dried in a variety of dishes, such as soups and stews. It is the key ingredient in Bouquet de garni and is the signature herb in the well-known Old Bay Seasoning. Once the plant is a couple of years old, you may begin picking bay leaves....