Brandy Alexander

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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 Brandy Alexander

  • Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Brandy Alexander November 4th, 2022

    How To Identify Small Weeds With Tiny Blue Flowers In Lawns

    How to Identify Small Weeds With Tiny Blue Flowers in Lawns. Your lawn has the potential to become home to small weeds, such as the common blue violet, which shares the space with your grass. Many types of weeds, classified as broadleaf, produce blue flowers in addition to wide foliage. Though the flowers are striking, the weeds are typically unwanted because they steal nutrients from your grass. Understand how to identify the small weeds with tiny blue flowers in your lawn so that you know how to treat them.

    By Brandy Alexander November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Brandy Alexander November 4th, 2022

    How To Soak Seeds In Clorox

    How to Soak Seeds in Clorox. Before you plant your seeds, consider processing them in a Clorox solution that helps prevent many bacterial diseases that can damage or kill your crops. Clorox works by cleaning the outside of the seed wall and is commonly used as an alternative to a hot water treatment because there is less of a chance of damaging certain types of seeds. Using this bleaching agent with a few supplies, soak your own seeds in Clorox so that you have the best chance at a successful harvest.

    By Brandy Alexander November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Flowers
    Flowers By Brandy Alexander November 4th, 2022

    Homemade Cut Flower Preservative

    Homemade Cut Flower Preservative. If you receive cut flowers in an arrangement or cut your own blossoms, retain the vibrancy of these plants with a homemade preservative. Commercial preservatives are available from a florist, but consider using a do-it-yourself recipe so that you do not have to purchase anything and have the convenience of quickly being able to obtain more if you need it. Making your own cut flower preservative requires only a few common household ingredients.

    By Brandy Alexander November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Flowers
    Flowers By Brandy Alexander November 4th, 2022

    How To Identify Trumpet Shaped Flowers

    How to Identify Trumpet Shaped Flowers. A trumpet-shaped flower typically describes a blossom that has a long, narrow petal that mimics a tube and then widens into a flared opening. This distinct form is found in many varieties throughout the flower world and is helpful for identifying a particular bloom that you want to know more about. Inspect the distinguishing traits of the flower in question and then use a Web database to successfully name it.

    By Brandy Alexander November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Trees
    Trees By Brandy Alexander November 4th, 2022

    How To Identify Trees In Mississippi

    How to Identify Trees in Mississippi. The state of Mississippi is home to many species of trees that are native to this southeastern location. Trees, such as the tulip tree and southern magnolia, thrive in the state's hardiness zones of 5 through 10. Mississippi's trees successfully grow in the creeks, swamps, streams and other environments of this state, but it can be difficult to name an unknown variety. Fortunately, you can note the distinct characteristics of the Mississippi tree to successfully identify it.

    By Brandy Alexander November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Brandy Alexander November 4th, 2022

    How To Germinate Lupine Seeds

    How to Germinate Lupine Seeds. Lupine, or lupin, seeds come in perennial and annual varieties and grow into 10- to 24-inch tall flowering plants. The vibrant flowers of the lupine come in many colors including purple, blue, pink and white and the blossoms grow in a distinct, horizontal position. Before enjoying the blooms that appear between June to August, take the necessary steps to ensure that your lupine seeds push past the soil and grow into plants (germinate).

    By Brandy Alexander November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Brandy Alexander November 4th, 2022

    How To Identify A Plant With Purple Bell Shaped Flowers

    How to Identify a Plant with Purple Bell Shaped Flowers. Flowers come in all colors and shapes, such as purple blossoms in bell-shaped forms. These blooms are distinct in that the tops of the petals--those nearest the stem--are thin and tubular, and the petal tops flare as they open. If you find these distinct flowers growing in your yard or elsewhere, knowing how to pinpoint their species will help you have the ability to care for them properly or add them to your own garden. Besides the characteristic bell shape, note the other key traits that identify the purple flower.

    By Brandy Alexander November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Brandy Alexander November 4th, 2022

    How To Replace Oil In Kenmore Washer Transmissions

    How to Replace Oil in Kenmore Washer Transmissions. In a washing machine, there is a motor that drives the washing cycles, and there is a transmission which controls the speed at various stages of the wash cycles. Over time, the oil that lubricates the transmission becomes dirty. In order to ensure a long life of your washing machine, change the oil periodically. If the operation of your washer deteriorates, changing the transmission oil can help. Maintenance instructions like this are applicable to most common brands of washing machines.

    By Brandy Alexander November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Brandy Alexander November 3rd, 2022

    How To Test An MFD Capacitor

    How to Test an MFD Capacitor. Testing an MFD capacitor, otherwise identified as a uF or micro farad capacitor, is easy with the right tool. Over the course of their lives, capacitors often become corroded and no longer perform their intended purpose. With a common digital capacitance meter, you can quickly and effectively test whether or not your capacitor is functioning as labeled. If your electronic device has stopped working, testing the capacitors in it is a great place to start to troubleshoot it back to working order.

    By Brandy Alexander November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Brandy Alexander September 6th, 2022

    How To Kill Insects In Plant Dirt On House Plants

    How to Kill Insects in Plant Dirt on House Plants. Houseplants fill a home with beauty and life, but if not monitored carefully, insects can establish themselves in the soil and invade your home in no time. Some bugs that are found in the dirt, such as springtails, can just be irritating, while others insects like mealybugs are known to seriously injure the roots, leaves and overall health of your plant. By using a combination of tactics, kill the insects found in the dirt and other areas of your houseplants so that they continue to thrive.

    By Brandy Alexander September 6th, 2022 Read More
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    Flowers
    Flowers By Brandy Alexander September 6th, 2022

    How To Identify Flowering Cactus Plants

    How to Identify Flowering Cactus Plants. A cactus plant is part of the succulent family and grows in various forms, including a shrub, tree or vine. Cacti in the late spring and summer months produce some of the most vibrant flowers. No matter where these plants appear, such as California or Texas, distinctive blossoms may adorn these succulents and help you pinpoint the specific variety. By taking note of key characteristics and using an online resource, identify the flowering cactus plants that you encounter.

    By Brandy Alexander September 6th, 2022 Read More
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    Trees
    Trees By Brandy Alexander September 6th, 2022

    How To Identify Maple Tree Buds

    How to Identify Maple Tree Buds. More than 100 species of maple tree exist, with 14 occurring naturally in the United States. These numbers make it potentially difficult to name the tree that you encounter and, coupled with the fact that maples lose their leaves and flowers during the winter, this makes it even harder. Fortunately, you have the option to inspect the buds on the tree, which are located at the end of the branches. Use the distinctive characteristics of the buds to help you identify maple trees like the autumn blaze or tatarian maple.

    By Brandy Alexander September 6th, 2022 Read More