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What is Pierce’s Disease? Some grape species are prone to a disease known as Pierce’s disease. Pierce’s disease in grapes is the result of a type of bacteria known as Xylella fastidiosa. This bacterium is found in the xylem of the plant (the water-conducting tissues) and spreads from plant to plant by a particular sap insect known as a sharpshooter. Symptoms of Pierce’s Disease There are several signs occurring in mid to late summer that indicate the disease is present....

When direct sown, plants with albinism may go unnoticed. However, growers who start their seeds indoors in cell trays may be left questioning why their seedlings are demonstrating this unique trait. Read on for additional albino plant info. What is Plant Albinism? Plants with albinism occur when they do not produce chlorophyll due to genetic mutation. Emergent albino plant seedlings will have a distinct white color. True plants with albinism will demonstrate no hint of green pigment at all....

What is the Crown of a Plant? What part of a plant is the crown? The crown of shrubs, perennials, and annuals is the area where the stems join the root. Roots grow down from the plant crown and stems grow up. Sometimes this is referred to as the plant base. On trees, the plant crown is the area where branches grow from the trunk. Grafted shrubs are usually grafted above the plant crown, while grafted trees are usually grafted below the crown....

Annual and Perennial Sunflowers Sunflowers are either an annual (where they need to be replanted every year) or a perennial (where they will come back every year from the same plant) and telling the difference is not that hard if you know how. Some differences between annual sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) and perennial sunflowers (Helianthus multiflorus) include: Seed heads – Annual sunflowers can have either large or small seed heads, but perennial sunflowers have only small seed heads....

How to Water a Boston Fern Although Boston fern prefers slightly moist soil, it is likely to develop rot and other fungal diseases in soggy, waterlogged soil. The first sign that a fern is overwatered is usually yellowing or wilted leaves. One surefire way to determine if it’s time to water a Boston fern is to touch the soil with your fingertip. If the surface of the soil feels slightly dry, it’s time to give the plant a drink....

Read on for tips on how to stop brick heaving from happening. About Brick Edging Frost Heave Frost heave is caused when freezing temperatures cause moisture in the soil to turn into ice. The soil expands and is pushed upward. Brick frost heave is common in cold weather climates, especially in late winter or early spring. It’s generally worse when winters are exceptionally cold, or if the ground freezes suddenly....

Lovage And Pests There are a few insect pests that are known to attack lovage. The tarnished plant bug, leaf miner, and celery worm are just a few of the bugs that eat lovage. These bugs should be able to be removed by hand picking or the strong blast of a hose. If a part of a plant is particularly infested, remove and dispose of it. It is not uncommon to see ants on lovage plants too....

Symptoms of Burrknot Borers Burrknot borers, more commonly known as dogwood borers, are the larval form of a clearwing moth. Females lay eggs that will hatch in a little over a week in burrknots on trees. When the tiny larvae emerge, they bore into the burrknot, pushing out a rust-colored frass as they go. This discoloration on the surface of the burrknot may be the first and only sign of infestation....

In general, they all like bright, indirect light, high humidity and fairly moist soil. Let’s take a look at different calathea plants that are available. Calathea Varieties Rattlesnake Plant, or Calathea lancifolia, is one of the most beautiful and easiest to grow types of Calathea. The leaves are narrow with beautiful darker green spots on the leaves. The undersides of the leaves are a maroon color. The species name lancifolia comes from the fact that this plant has lance-shaped leaves....

Growing Flamingo Cockscomb Flamingo cockscomb (Celosia spicata) is also known as celosia ‘flamingo feather’ or cockscomb ‘flamingo feather.’ Flamingo cockscomb plants are easy to grow as long as you provide them with well-drained soil and at least five hours of sunshine per day. Although celosia flamingo feather is an annual, you may be able to grow it year round in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. This plant doesn’t tolerate cold weather and is quickly killed by frost....

Why is Wearing a Hat Important? For many people, spending time in the garden is a daily occurrence. Regardless of the temperatures, bright sunny days can be especially harsh on unprotected skin. Harmful UV rays have been linked to skin cancer, as well as early signs of aging (wrinkles). Wearing a hat while gardening is just one way to help protect yourself from the sun’s harsh rays. Choosing a Good Sun Hat When it comes to hats for gardeners, the options are virtually limitless....

Pests on a Rubber Plant Here are the most common rubber plant insects you may come across: Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped pests that gather en masse on the undersides of leaves or the joints of leaves and stems. The pests are usually green, but different species may be red, brown, black, or yellow. Aphids damage rubber trees by sucking the sweet nectar from the leaves. Scale are tiny rubber plant pests that attach themselves to all parts of the plant and, like aphids, they feed on sweet plant juices....

Companion Plants for Gladiolus Perhaps the best companion plants for gladiolus are, believe it or not, more gladiolus plants. Gladiolus is not a cut-and-come-again flower. Instead, it grows its flowers from the bottom up along long leafy spears. When it’s used for flower arrangements, these spears are usually cut off whole. In order to have a full summer’s worth of blossoms, it’s best to plant your gladiolus bulbs (also known as corms) in succession....

What is Fenugreek? Native to southern Europe and Asia, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) has been cultivated for centuries as a spice and for its medicinal qualities. Herbal fenugreek is used to treat a variety of conditions, including coughs, sore throat, bronchitis, constipation, and minor skin irritations. In the kitchen, fresh fenugreek leaves are cooked like spinach and the tangy, mustard-yellow fenugreek seeds are used as a spice, often in Middle Eastern dishes....

Fern Pine Information What is a Fern pine? The fern pine (Podocarpus gracilior) is native to Africa but is now common in USDA zones 10 and 11, especially in urban and suburban areas. This evergreen rainforest tree has skinny green leaves that grow 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm.) in length, giving the overall appearance of feathers or ferns. The effect is a billowy green cloud that is very attractive in gardens and yards....

Taking a closer look at June gardening tasks and creating a garden to-do list can help southwestern growers keep their crops healthy and productive throughout even the toughest portions of the summer growing season. What to Do in June June in Southwest gardens can be challenging. Many tasks for the Southwest region are directly related to irrigation and maintaining a waterwise space. Though some landscapes are xeriscaped, vegetable gardens will require careful attention....

Tips on Gifting Seeds Always remember to consider your recipient. Where does the recipient live? Be careful and don’t send seeds that may be invasive in that area. Check the U.S. Department of Agriculture website for more information. Are they a foodie that would love to grow fresh herbs or leafy greens? Would they like plants that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, or native plants that provide seed and shelter for birds?...

Giving Trees as Wedding Favors It’s traditional for a newly married couple to offer a small keepsake to each wedding guest. It serves both as a gift thanking the person for participating in your big day, and also as a token reminder of the ceremony of union they witnessed. In these days when the environment is on everyone’s mind, choosing trees as a green wedding favor is popular. Giving trees as favors creates a sense of your growing relationship with each guest, as well as the shared roots you and your new spouse are developing....

Information on Keeping a Greenhouse Warm Just like keeping a home warm is easier when you have insulation and double-glazed windows, heating a greenhouse is a simpler task when you don’t lose as much heat during the night. Insulating the walls and roof with a simple system of Styrofoam boards can cut your heating needs by a large percentage. The heat that is collected in the daytime will stay around longer, keeping the inside warm without need extra help....

Growing Snow on the Mountain Ground Cover Snow on the mountain plant is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. Growing Aegopodium is easy in the right location. It tolerates almost any soil as long as it is well-drained, and needs full or partial shade. Shade is particularly important in areas with hot summers. In locations with mild summer temperatures, snow on the mountain ground cover won’t mind some morning sun....