How To Become a Master Gardener
Lemongrass, known scientifically as Cymbopogon citratus, is a popular herb widely used in Asian cuisine and also for its medicinal properties. Not only is it easy to grow, but it also adds a beautiful touch to your garden with its tall, slender stalks and lush green leaves. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to propagate
Want to enjoy mosquito-free garden parties this summer? Planting citronella is a savvy trick to naturally repel those pesky bugs. The aromatic oils in citronella plants create an outdoor space that insects can’t stand! In this article, we’ll explore popular types of citronella plants like citronella grass, Java citronella, and Ceylon citronella. Find out which
Deer can wreak havoc on gardens by feeding on many types of flowers, plants, and vegetables. Their appetite, combined with a lack of natural predators near many suburban homes, creates ample opportunities for them to raid gardens. This leads to disappointment and frustration for gardeners who have invested time, money, and care into their garden
They may seem small and harmless, but ants can quickly turn your thriving garden into a relentless battleground. These tiny troopers will ruthlessly hollow out your ripe tomatoes, carry off precious seeds, and nurture sap-sucking aphids that coat your plants in sticky, sweet waste. Left uncontrolled, an army of ants will stress and damage your
In gardening activities, you know having rich, fertile soil is essential for growing robust plants and beautiful flowers. But what exactly goes into great soil? Often, the best approach is to supplement your existing soil with layers of mulch and topsoil. But what is the difference between mulch and topsoil, and when is it best
As a landscape designer, I understand the importance of mulch in maintaining a healthy garden. Mulch is a layer of material that is spread over the soil to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. However, there are many different types of mulch, and each of them has advantages and disadvantages and a different
The USDA released a new Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM) in 2023, the first update since 2012. The map helps gardeners and growers determine which plants are most likely to thrive in a location. It was developed jointly by the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Oregon State University’s PRISM Climate Group. Let’s see what
If during the fall you see yellow, orange, and red leaves on your crepe myrtle, it is normal due to the fall. However, suppose you notice a sudden appearance of yellow leaves on your crepe myrtle during the spring or summer. In that case, that is a concern and requires your attention in the garden.
Oak trees are very hardy trees and provide excellent shade. The oak is one of my favorite trees. In fact, we have several oak trees where we live. Usually, a mature oak tree will not need fertilizer, but a young oak tree will need fertilizer to grow properly. In this article, I will explain all
Our readers always send us their questions through the contact form, and a recent question from readers is how often to water Japanese Maple. The watering frequency for a Japanese Maple tree (Acer palmatum) depends on several factors, such as the climate, soil type, pot size (if it’s a container plant), and the tree’s age.
