Alice Moon

Garden Guides Editorial Policies

Garden Guides uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the ever-evolving conversations surrounding gardening and landscaping, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert insight and tutorials from our talented team.

As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.

Stories By Alice Moon

  • Parts Of The Garlic Plant

    Parts of the Garlic Plant. Garlic is from the same family as onions, with relatives including leeks and chives. Garlic roots do not penetrate deeply into the soil, making good, consistent watering, and proper drainage important. The plants like a rich soil with plenty of nitrogen and full sun. Plant the bulbs in the fall, and you can begin to harvest your first shoots the following spring. Garlic plants have three major parts: the scape, leaves, and bulb.

    By Alice Moon November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers That Attract Hornets

    Flowers That Attract Hornets. Many people are frightened of insects that have the potential to sting--hornets included--but these social wasps hold an important place in the ecosystem. They destroy nuisance insects, reduce fly populations and generally avoid humans while doing us these favors. For hornets, the rule seems to be if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone. If you would like to attract some of these predators to your area, tempt them with flowers. And if you want to keep them away, avoid including these flowers in your yard.

    By Alice Moon November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Can You Do Anything With The Berries From A Hackberry Tree?

    Can You Do Anything With the Berries From a Hackberry Tree?. Hackberry trees (Celtis occidentalis) belong to the elm family. They commonly grow across the Great Plains and in the Eastern United States. While hackberry trees grow well in bottomlands and tolerate occasional flooding, they also tolerate very dry conditions and compacted soils, making them a good choice for urban settings. The trees are resistant to storm damage and offer a hard wood that burns slowly.

    By Alice Moon November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Stihl Vs. Mantis Tiller Cultivator

    Stihl Vs. Mantis Tiller Cultivator. Stihl traces its roots back to 1926, when its founder developed the first chainsaw. Since that time, the company has expanded its focus from tree-felling machines into power yard care tools. Mantis prides itself on being the first to develop a lightweight, easy-to-handle mini-tiller. Mantis tillers received recognition as a Consumers Digest “Best Buy” for performance, durability and versatility.

    By Alice Moon November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • What Are The Best Growing Conditions For Chia Seeds?

    What Are the Best Growing Conditions for Chia Seeds?. The best growing conditions for chia seeds vary depending upon the manner in which you plan to use the seeds or resulting plants. Chia plants are annuals, relatives of both mint and salvia. While several species exist, the chia Salvia hispanica is best known in the United States.

    By Alice Moon November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Craftsman Vs. Troy-Bilt 4-Cycle Weed Trimmers

    Craftsman vs. Troy-Bilt 4-Cycle Weed Trimmers. Sears acquired the Craftsman trademark in 1927. In 2012, the company celebrates its 85-year anniversary. Craftsman provides residential, professional and industrial lines of tools and lawn and garden equipment. In addition to its customer service department, Craftsman supports a virtual catalog for tools and accessories. Troy-Bilt, which started in 1937 by making rototillers, offers an online shed where customers can register their products so as to have access to owner’s manuals, parts lists and a variety of other helpful services.

    By Alice Moon November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Stages Of Bean Seed Germination

    Stages of Bean Seed Germination. Mature bean plants do best in sunny conditions with a well drained soil. Bean seeds also require a couple of basic conditions to start the germination process--primarily warm temperatures and water. A minimum soil temperature of 60 degrees is ideal, and a range of 60 to 85 degrees is optimum, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Soil temperature is measured at a depth of 3 to 4 inches.

    By Alice Moon November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Hunter Vs. Rainbird Rotor Sprinklers

    Hunter Vs. Rainbird Rotor Sprinklers. Sprinkler systems allow you to keep your lawn and landscaping looking their best while saving you time, labor, water and money. Sprinkler systems provide consistent moisture levels, providing even watering that lowers stress on plants. Rotor sprinklers with gear-driven heads have largely replaced spring-loaded impact sprinklers. Rain Bird, maker of the original horizontal-action impact drive sprinkler, manufactures the most complete line of sprinkler components, so Rain Bird systems serve many residential landscapes. Hunter Industries sprinklers are used mostly in sports stadiums and golf courses.

    By Alice Moon November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Comparison Of John Deere Vs. Craftsman Mowers

    Comparison of John Deere Vs. Craftsman Mowers. John Deere supplies machinery for people who work the land -- from farming equipment to lawn maintenance equipment. The company’s products are backed by a 175-year product history. Sears acquired the Craftsman trademark in 1927 and added lawn mowers to its range of tools in 1934. Craftsman produces the Craftsman, Craftsman Professional, Craftsman Industrial and Evolv product lines.

    By Alice Moon November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Keep Mulch In Place

    How to Keep Mulch in Place. Mulch is rarely permanent. A good, properly prepared organic mulch will break down over time. According to the Texas A&M University Extension, the best mulches are organic, and they improve the structure of your soil year by year. Inorganic mulches don’t break down as readily, but they may still require annual refreshing. However, if your mulch is often scattered or in poor shape, consider changing your approach to mulching.

    By Alice Moon November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Lawn Sweeper Vs. Grass Bagger

    Lawn Sweeper Vs. Grass Bagger. When faced with the task of cleaning away material across the entire expanse of your lawn with only hand tools to assist your efforts, yard work is a daunting prospect. Having the proper tools for the job helps you complete the cleanup faster, makes the work easier and puts less stress on your body.

    By Alice Moon September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Outdoor Plants That Cause Hives

    Outdoor Plants That Cause Hives. If you've emerged from the garden to find a minor itch has turned into large welts or if you've eaten a bit of food that led to an itchy tingle in your mouth or raised bumps on your skin, you may have experienced one of the unpleasant reactions plants can cause. According to the Mayo Clinic, even slight exposure to an allergy-causing food or plant can trigger an immediate reaction from the body's immune system. Hives don't cause harm themselves, but they are a signal to you that your body is trying to fight off an invader and protect you from a potentially dangerous substance.

    By Alice Moon September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Fruits & Vegetables Found In Senegal

    Fruits & Vegetables Found in Senegal. According to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's GAIN Report, despite the country's poor soil and tendency to experience drought, agriculture is the cornerstone of the economy of Senegal, employing 3/4 of the population of the country. The climate makes the region a prime area for growing, even in the off-season. The opportunity to export to more countries in Europe--and eventually to the United States--may allow Senegal to export their crops in greater numbers.

    By Alice Moon September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Weeds With Blue Flowers In The UK

    Weeds With Blue Flowers in the UK. The UK is home to a large number of weeds with blue or bluish/purple flowers. Thankfully, many database resources now include color photos of both foliage and flowers. To aid in identification, note the shape of the leaves and any unusual features of the plant. The time of year of flowering, the height of the plant and even the location in which you found it can all help you to discover the identity of your yard or garden invader.

    By Alice Moon September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Flagpole Landscaping Ideas

    Flagpole Landscaping Ideas. A home or business owner who installs a flagpole has the option of leaving the pole to stand alone as a statement or adding to the overall visual effect of the display by including decorative landscaping around the pole's base. A variety of plantings around your flagpole can simplify lawn maintenance, help draw the observer's eye to your exhibit and enhance the overall presentation.

    By Alice Moon September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Tell If An Asian Pear Is Ripe

    How to Tell If an Asian Pear is Ripe. Asian pears are called by many names, including sand pear, apple pear and bae li. They carry some of these names because while they are a pear, they have the look of an apple--round and firm to the touch. The flesh is crisp but juicy, both tart and sweet in flavor and low in acid. Asian pears are a source of vitamins C and B2, and iron. Varieties range in size from the small 20th Century to very large Korean Giant. They are ready during midsummer to fall. The fruit can keep for several months if refrigerated. Once a niche treat, Asian pears are becoming increasingly popular in the mainstream.

    By Alice Moon September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • What Is The Scientific Name For A Palm Tree?

    What Is the Scientific Name for a Palm Tree?. Generally, palms are called Arecaceae, Palmae or Palmaceae. More specific scientific names are descriptive. They denote the location the palm was found, the type of palm or a prominent feature.

    By Alice Moon September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Bougainvillea Vs. Torch Bougainvillea

    Bougainvillea vs. Torch Bougainvillea. Bougainvillea and the bougainvillea variety 'Torch Glow' are both are woody vines of tropical and subtropical origin. Placed in full sun or light shade, in a well-drained, acid soil, these plants need little maintenance and are not usually bothered by pests. In fact, they flower better under stress. Tolerant of low-water conditions, the plants are most showy in a dry and root-bound state. These flowering evergreens also produce thorns, so they are best planted away from high-traffic areas.

    By Alice Moon March 24th, 2022 Read More
  • Plants That Look Like Aloe

    Plants That Look Like Aloe. Several plants exist with a look or characteristics similar to those of the aloe plant. Many of these are part of a loose grouping of plants called succulents--named for their appearance and shared traits, rather than as a botanical classification, according to the University of Illinois Extension. Some share aloe's general shape, some its spiky leaves and spines, while others have a similarly thick, moisture-filled foliage.

    By Alice Moon March 24th, 2022 Read More