Barbara Biehler

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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 Barbara Biehler

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    Produce
    Produce By Barbara Biehler November 4th, 2022

    The Uses Of Loam Soil

    The Uses of Loam Soil. Loam soil is considered the ideal planting medium for growing a wide variety of plants. Heavy clay soil has poor drainage and can often be hard to work, while sandy soils fail to properly retain water and nutrients that plants require for growth. Loam soil is a fairly equal combination of three soil types: sand, silt and clay. Loam drains well, yet holds moisture and nutrients needed for growing healthy plants. The medium-textured soil also allows air to circulate around plant roots while providing protection from diseases often caused by other types of poorly drained compacted soils.

    By Barbara Biehler November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Barbara Biehler November 4th, 2022

    How To Care For Hydrangeas In Alabama

    How to Care for Hydrangeas in Alabama. Hydrangeas are prolific flowering plants native to areas of Southern Asia and North America. Although there are more than 20 species of hydrangeas in existence, only five of them typically are grown in the United States. All five are well-suited for growing in areas of the South, including Alabama where the native oakleaf hydrangea is known as the state's wildflower. With the proper care, hydrangeas can thrive and bloom in Alabama gardens for many years.

    By Barbara Biehler November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Barbara Biehler November 4th, 2022

    How To Propagate Amaryllis Bulbs By Cutting

    How to Propagate Amaryllis Bulbs by Cutting. The amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is a flowering plant native to the tropics of South America. The stalks of the amaryllis can grow two to three feet tall, and produce two or more large cone-shaped blooms in a variety of colors---among them red, pink, salmon, and white. Between July and November, amaryllis bulbs can be propagated by cutting the large bulbs into several sections and then replanting them.

    By Barbara Biehler November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Barbara Biehler November 4th, 2022

    How To Plant Magnolia Trees

    How to Plant Magnolia Trees. The magnolia is a popular species of tree that is known for its shiny, dark green leaves and large fragrant blooms in the summertime. Approximately eighty different species of magnolia exist---some are deciduous, and others are evergreen---and almost all are easy to grow. Of the evergreen varieties that commonly grown, perhaps the most well-known is the stately Southern magnolia, or Magnolia grandiflora, a tree that can reach a height of 60 to 90 feet at maturity. In the northern areas of the United States magnolias should be planted in the spring, while fall is the best time to plant these trees in the south.

    By Barbara Biehler November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Trees
    Trees By Barbara Biehler November 4th, 2022

    How To Plant A Tree In Clay Soil

    How to Plant a Tree in Clay Soil. Planting trees in clay soil can be a challenge for even the most experienced gardener. Clay soils are typically alkaline, and clay's dense and heavy nature provides poor drainage and limited oxygen that can ultimately kill a transplanted tree. Successful planting depends upon choosing the right tree as well as using the proper planting techniques to ensure your tree will thrive in the landscape for many years to come.

    By Barbara Biehler November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Barbara Biehler November 4th, 2022

    How To Grow Herbs In Alabama

    How to Grow Herbs in Alabama. Herbs are seed plants that have been used in various cultures throughout history for seasoning foods as well as for medicinal, aromatic and ornamental purposes. Most herbs are easy to grow, can adapt to a wide range of growing conditions and add beauty and interest to almost any landscape. Hundreds of types of herbs are available to home gardeners, and many of those are suitable for growing in the warm climate of Alabama.

    By Barbara Biehler November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Barbara Biehler November 4th, 2022

    How To Germinate Palm Tree Seeds

    How to Germinate Palm Tree Seeds. The palm tree family consists of almost 2,500 species, and is one of the world's oldest flowering plants. Palms (Palmae) are widespread throughout the tropics, but a few species can also grow in warm temperate areas. Most species of palm can only be grown from seed, but palm tree seed can be difficult to cultivate because of slow and uneven germination. However, palms can be successfully germinated from seed if it is properly collected and prepared before planting.

    By Barbara Biehler November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Barbara Biehler September 6th, 2022

    How To Plant Strawberries In Tennessee

    How to Plant Strawberries in Tennessee. Strawberry plants are vigorous perennials that are easy to grow, require little fertilization, and take up a relatively small area of garden space for the amount fruit they produce. A tasty summertime treat rich in vitamin C, sweet deep-red strawberries can be eaten right out of the garden or used for making countless desserts, as well as a variety of homemade jams or jellies. Planting strawberries in Tennessee is not a difficult process, and with a little care your plants will produce plenty of delicious fruit for you and your family to enjoy.

    By Barbara Biehler September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Barbara Biehler September 6th, 2022

    The Confederate Rose Plant

    The Confederate Rose Plant. The Confederate rose, is an attractive bush-like plant with large, soft green-gray leaves commonly grown in many areas of the South. The flowers of the plant are double, 4 to 6 inches in diameter, and open white or light pink and darken to a deep fuchsia or red in the evening. In subtropical or temperate areas of the South where hard freezes do not generally occur, the Confederate Rose can reach 12 to 15 feet high; however, in most areas the plant behaves like a perennial with the foliage dying back in winter, re-emerging in the spring, and then growing between 6 and 8 feet in height at maturity.

    By Barbara Biehler September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Barbara Biehler September 6th, 2022

    Tools Used To Cultivate

    Tools Used to Cultivate. Whether you have a small patio garden or a large farm, there are hundreds of cultivation tools available. But it's essential to identify which of those tools are best suited to you and your garden. The basic tools for cultivation don't have to be expensive, and the size of each tool may differ depending upon the dimension of your garden space and what plants you plan to grow.

    By Barbara Biehler September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Barbara Biehler September 6th, 2022

    How To Get Rid Of Mites On African Violets

    How to Get Rid of Mites on African Violets. African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are popular tropical flowering plants usually grown indoors. African violets are low-growing, compact plants with thick dark green leaves that produce clusters of colorful flowers just above the foliage. Conventional single-flower types come in solid colors of pink, white, violet blue and fuchsia, but the newer flower types might have two colors with double rows of petals. African violets are relatively easy to grow, but occasionally become infested with pests, like mites, that can be a challenge at times to control.

    By Barbara Biehler September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Barbara Biehler September 6th, 2022

    How To Kill Oxalis Weeds

    How to Kill Oxalis Weeds. Oxalis (Oxalis corniculata L.) is a perennial herb that is considered a troublesome weed in many lawns and gardens. This broadleaf weed, also known as creeping woodsorrell, has clover-like leaves with yellow, purple or green flowers when in bloom. Oxalis spreads throughout the landscape by spreading at the stems from the roots and through the vast production of seed. Although oxalis can be difficult to kill, methods are available to keep this weed under control.

    By Barbara Biehler September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Barbara Biehler September 6th, 2022

    How To Split Peonies

    How to Split Peonies. Peonies are a species of perennial plant that produces large fragrant blooms of vibrant colors in early spring. Grown in the colder regions of Asian countries for 2,500 years, peonies made their way to Europe and the United States in the early 19th century. Some peonies can live as long as 50 years, but when plants become overcrowded, they will not thrive. If you split or propagate them, you will be rewarded with flowers that continue to thrive and bloom .

    By Barbara Biehler September 6th, 2022 Read More