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Fordhook Hybrid Melon Info Many of us may look for open-pollinated heirloom types, proven to be wonderful to eat. However, if we have limited time to spend on the watermelon patch, we might consider growing Fordhook melons. This watermelon is drought tolerant once established and needs less care than most. Its taste is compared to that of the Sugar Baby icebox melon, and some say it tastes a little better. Fordhook melon information reminds us of certain considerations of Fordhook watermelon care....

What is Onion Basal Plate Rot? Fusarium basal plate rot in onions is caused by several species of Fusarium fungi. These fungi live in the soil and survive there for a long time. The infection occurs in onions when the fungus is able to get in through wounds, insect damage, or root scars on the bottom of the bulb. Warm soil temperatures favor the infection. Temperatures in the soil between 77 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 32 degrees Celsius) are optimal....

Your curb appeal may depend in large part on those choices and their implementation. So what’s on your gardening to do list? Be sure to include the following: March Gardening Tasks It’s time to plant berry shrubs, apple, peach and other fruit trees. If you’re planting fig bushes, this is a good month to get them into the ground. In those areas that continue to have cold nights and a chance of snow (yes, in the Southeast) start seeds inside....

What is Armillaria Root Rot of Grapes? Armillaria mellea is a fungus that is naturally found in trees in California and that is commonly called oak root fungus. It can be a real problem for vineyards in California, attacking and killing vines from the roots up. Although native to California, this fungus has also been found in vines in the southeastern U.S., Australia, and Europe. Grape Armillaria Symptoms Armillaria on grapes can be very destructive, so it is important to know the signs of an infection and to recognize them as early on as possible:...

Growing Iris in a Container Though not traditionally considered to be a container plant, irises can grow well in a pot, provided it is large enough. Bigger pots are ideal, as many irises quickly establish robust root systems. Growing iris in a container will require special attention to the needs of the plant, specifically sunlight and watering. Irises should be situated in a location that receives full sun. Container iris plants also require a well-draining potting mix, as the plants can easily become waterlogged....

Growing Ginseng in Planters It may surprise you to learn that ginseng is native to North America as well as East Asia. It has dark, smooth leaves with toothed edges and tiny white flowers that develop into red berries. However, ginseng’s primary claim to fame comes from its roots. The Chinese have used ginseng root medicinally for millennium. It is said to stop inflammation, improve cognitive power, lessen anxiety, and restore vitality....

Harvesting Rosemary Tips on how to dry rosemary must include a talk on timing. Most herbs are best just before flowering when the oils are at their peak. Cut the stems in the morning just after the dew dries and before the heat of the day is at its height. Use pruners when harvesting rosemary from mature plants with woody stems. Wash the stems before you begin drying rosemary. How to Dry Fresh Rosemary Fresh rosemary is easiest to use because the leaves are soft and pliable....

What are Dame’s Rocket Flowers? So what are dame’s rocket flowers anyway? Dame’s rocket (Hesperis matronalis) is a biennial or short-lived perennial native to Eurasia. The white or purple flowers bloom from mid-spring through summer at the tips of stalks. The loose flower clusters resemble garden phlox. Dame’s rocket sometimes finds its way into garden beds because of its strong resemblance to garden phlox. The flowers are very similar in color and appearance, but upon close inspection, you can see that dame’s rocket flowers have four petals while garden phlox flowers have five....

Do Flies Pollinate for Real? Bees don’t have a monopoly on pollinating flowers and responsibility for fruit development. Mammals do it, birds do it, and other insects do it too, including flies. Here are some interesting facts: Flies are second only to bees in terms of importance for pollination.Flies live in nearly every environment on earth.Some flies that pollinate do so for specific species of flowering plants, while others are generalists....

Is Feeding an Aloe Plant Necessary? Aloe plants are succulents and, like pretty much all of their close relatives, they need very little attention in order to thrive. In fact, one of the worst things you can do for an aloe is look after it too closely, and root rot from over watering is one of the leading causes of aloe demise. So, does the same hold for fertilizer? Yes and no....

Where to Get Seeds Before buying seeds for the upcoming growing season, many gardeners suggest taking inventory of what types and quantities of seeds you need. It’s generally best to purchase slightly more seed in order to account for low germination rates or other unforeseen seed starting issues. Purchasing seeds early in winter will help to ensure that you’re able to get all the varieties you want before they have sold out for the season....

What is a Plant Exchange? As the name would imply, a plant exchange simply refers to “swapping” plants with another person. Plant swap ideas vary but generally occur as part of a meet up of organizations related to gardening. Growers are quickly able to build plant stock as they interact and exchange plants with other members of the group. Plant exchanges are also an excellent way in which to get to know fellow growers locally and learn more about the different species on offer....

About Beach Cherry Plants Beach cherry, Eugenia reinwardtiana, is a plant native to tropical northeast Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and many Pacific islands that produces a tasty fruit. It usually grows in coastal areas as a large shrub or small, shrubby tree. It makes a good landscaping plant with pretty pink growth that turns green as it matures, white flowers, and pink fruits. This is a tropical plant that grows and fruits year-round in the right conditions....

Crown Rot in African Violets Also frequently known as root rot, crown rot develops when an African violet’s growing medium is too wet. There’s more at work than decomposition, however. Crown rot is a disease, and the disease is caused by a fungus called Pythium ultimum. The fungus thrives in wet conditions, spreading through the growing medium and feeding on the plant’s roots and crown. If the fungus spreads too far (and the wetter it is, the quicker it spreads), it will kill the plant....

Learn more about this skin problem and how you can manage it while still enjoying hyacinths. What is Hyacinth Bulb Itch? If you have ever handled hyacinth bulbs, you may have experienced some degree of itchiness. Some people may feel nothing, others have a mild reaction, and some experience an intense itchy reaction to hyacinth bulbs. An itchy reaction to bulbs is probably not a true hyacinth skin allergy. While it may be possible to be allergic to substances in the bulbs, most people who get itchy from handling them are experiencing irritation from a mineral known as calcium oxalate....

Should I Prune My Ixora? Pruning is not entirely necessary for Ixora, also known as flame of the woods. This evergreen shrub produces bright clusters of tube-shaped flowers and can grow up to 10 to 15 feet (3-5 m.) high, depending on the type. If you want to keep your Ixora smaller than that, you can prune it. You can also prune to maintain a certain shape. However, there are some newer cultivars, like ‘Nora Grant,’ that were developed to require minimal pruning....

About Golden Spice Pears For a delightful home garden pear, Golden Spice can hardly be beaten. It requires some work to grow successfully, but what you get in return is an ornamental tree that has a lovely oval shape and a profusion of white spring flowers. Of course, you also get the fruit, which is small and yellow with a slight blush and a sweet flavor and crisp texture. Golden Spice pears are versatile and great for eating fresh, for cooking, for canning, and for baking....

How to Grow Beets in the Garden When thinking about how to grow beets in the garden, don’t neglect the soil. Beets do best in deep, well drained soil, but never clay, which is too heavy for large roots to grow. Clay soil should be mixed with organic matter to help soften it. Hard soil can cause the roots of the beet to be tough. Sandy soil is best. If you plant beets in the fall, use a slightly heavier soil to help protect against any early frost....

What is Jack Ice Lettuce? Jack Ice is a variety of lettuce that was first introduced by experienced seed grower, Frank Morton. Chosen for its ability to withstand cool temperatures, frost, and for its tolerance to heat, this crisphead lettuce offers growers bountiful harvests of tender green leaves in about 45 to 60 days from planting. Growing Jack Ice Lettuce Growing Jack Ice crisphead lettuce is very similar to growing other varieties of garden lettuce....

Reasons for Lantana Not Blooming Even though lantana is usually blooming when you buy it at the nursery, it may not continue to bloom once you plant it. This is a common problem for all shrubs after transplantation– all the manipulation of roots and change of scenery can cause a significant amount of shock that causes flowers and buds to drop shortly after planting. It’s a normal reaction that will clear up over time, but if an established lantana does not flower, you’ve probably got one of these problems on your hands:...