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What Apple Trees Are Good Cross-Pollinators?. Like most other fruit trees, apples rely on cross-pollination to produce large crops. While most popular varieties grown in the home garden or small orchard will pollinate each other, some combinations work better than others. There are also some varieties that cannot be relied on to pollinate each other, which could result in trees that don't bear fruit.
Read MoreHow to Use Peat Moss Under Sod. Although peat moss doesn't provide nutrients or fertilize sod, it does provide some important benefits for your yard, such as retaining moisture and nutrients, loosening the soil to promote root growth and preventing soil compaction as the lawn grows. Sod is often grown on peat moss, and working it into the soil before laying the sod helps give your new lawn a good start. It can also reduce water use in the long run, saving both time, money and the environment.
Read MoreTypes of Moss Ground Cover. Quick to spread, low-growing and non-invasive, moss makes an ideal ground cover for shady areas. Once properly established, it also requires minimal care. Different types of moss are suited for different applications, such as filling in a stone path or creating a moss lawn. The different varieties also offer different colors, heights and textures, depending on your landscape needs.
Read MoreIron In Fertilizers. Although not one of the main three components -- nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium -- of most fertilizers, iron is one of the trace nutrients necessary for healthy plants. Iron in fertilizer comes in two main forms: iron sulfate and chelated iron. The difference between the two forms is important since it makes a difference in the plant's ability to absorb the iron.
Read MoreDiseases of the Coconut Palm Tree. Prized for the coconuts they produce, the shade they provide, their beauty and the tropical atmosphere they help create, a healthy coconut palm tree is a valuable plant. Unfortunately, they are easily killed or damaged by several diseases, and only preventive measures or early treatment can save them. Most coconut palm tree diseases are caused by fungus and bacteria and are spread from tree to tree by the wind, insects and rodents.
Read MoreHow to Rejuvenate Old Azaleas. The best and worst thing about azaleas is their rapid growth. While they fill in fast, producing masses of blooms, they also can grow into unsightly shapes in a single season if not given regular care. Older azaleas are especially prone to becoming unattractive with bare sections and long, random branches. There is no need to replace these older azaleas, however, since they can be rejuvenated quickly and without any damage to the plant.
Read MoreThe Types of Coconut Palm Tree. While there are more than 150 types of coconut palm trees, there are a few that dominate the landscape. This is a result of both natural adaptation and hybrids created by humans. The most popular coconut palm trees, of course, are those that produce both large quantities and produce them quickly.
Read MoreHow to Get Rid of Wild Blackberry Vines. Blackberry vines are notoriously difficult to eradicate. The key is persistence, and continuing removal treatments over several seasons. Unless the blackberries are caught and removed when they are very young, they will not go away with the first attempt at eradication. Completing only one step, such as cutting away the vines, can result in even stronger vines. Continue treatment until all of the blackberries are gone. Watch for small suckers that can reappear up to a year after cutting or removal.
Read MoreHow to Cut Overgrown Hedges. Whether you prefer a natural-looking shape or a neat and formal hedge, cutting an overgrown hedge back into shape is important both for aesthetics and for the health of the plant. At first, you may need to trim the hedge to a smaller size than desired, but eventaully it will reach the right height while maintaining a nice shape and looking healthy. A healthy hedge will enhance your landscaping's aesthetics, and can even increase your home's value.
Read MorePrune Jam Recipes. With their many health benefits, prunes are a great addition to your regular diet, whether fresh, dried or turned into jam. Making prunes into jam allows you to enjoy them year-round, and in a variety of dishes such as traditional Hungarian pastries, or meat such as venison or beef. While some prune jam recipes require pectin and multiple boilings, many are simple and don't require much more than prunes, sugar and lemon juice.
Read MoreThe Best Fig Trees to Grow in a Container. Figs are popular for both their sweet fruit and beauty, and gardeners everywhere can enjoy them by planting them in containers. Since they are normally hardy only in USDA zones 5 and 6, where temperatures don't drop below 10 degrees F, fig trees must be brought indoors or sheltered during cooler weather. In containers, they only require a little extra care, such as extra fertilizer and regular pruning of the roots.
Read MoreDiseases and Pests of Jalapeno Pepper Plants. Pepper plants, including the jalapeno, have a reputation of being quick and easy to grow. While that is true, they are also susceptible to several pests and diseases that can quickly destroy an entire plant or reduce the yield of peppers. Knowing the signs of disease or infestation can help save both the plant and the peppers it will produce.
Read MoreHow to Reproduce Blueberry Plants. Blueberry plants, once well-established, are nearly impossible to transplant. Instead of moving the plant, the solution is to reproduce the plant. The process is simple, and works well whether you are taking a plant with you to a new location, preserving a special plant, or wanting more blueberry bushes to enjoy. It's also an inexpensive way to create plants to give to friends, neighbors and family. The new plant will be identical to the old one, and will produce the same amount and type of fruit once it is mature.
Read MoreThe Best Vegetables to Grow in a West-Facing Garden. A west-facing garden presents a challenge when it comes to growing many fruits or tender flowers that prefer afternoon shade. The long hours of sunlight in such a garden, however, make it ideal for growing many types of vegetables. By their very nature, most vegetable plants require a minimum of six hours of sunlight to flower and set fruit, and usually the more sun the better. Some vegetables, on the other hand, are not so amenable to direct afternoon sun, like leafy green plants such as lettuce, spinach and cabbage, or those that don't tolerate heat well, like peas and carrots. Despite the challenges leafy greens and temperature-sensitive vegetables present, there are many that will thrive in a west-facing garden.
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