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Amaryllis & Dormancy. Amaryllis bulbs are a tropical/subtropical plant that can be encouraged to bloom during the winter. This makes them a popular addition to the home and garden. If you time the bulb's dormant period right, winter blooms will brighten your home in time for the holidays. When the temperatures outside warm you can move your blooming amaryllis to the garden as an added feature to your spring landscape.
Read MoreFlorida Fruit Leaf Identification. Florida is well known for producing tropical and subtropical fruits that are shipped across the United States and exported around the world. Many home gardeners in Florida grow fruit trees in their gardens. Identifying fruit tree leaves requires knowing a few basic plant leaf characteristic terms and careful observation of leaf features that are unique to particular fruits.
Read MoreCrop Plant Identification. Professional farmers and backyard gardeners alike need to be able to identify crops. Though farmers and gardeners tend to label crops at the point of planting, when those labels are lost or not assigned properly, it is useful to know some basic identification tips. Vegetables and fruits can be identified as early as when they first emerge from the soil or by their particular leaf, flower and fruiting characteristics as they mature.
Read MoreHow to Start a Native Plant Nursery. Plant nurseries specializing in native plant species are a niche market in the nursery industry. Landscapers and home gardeners regularly buy and grow plants native to their area since native plant species tend to grow better and live longer than non-native species. Starting a nursery business requires careful planning, a sophisticated knowledge of native plants and a marketing plan.
Read MoreAbout Watering the Lawn After Mowing. Both mowing and watering are key to maintaining a healthy and green lawn. Without enough water, a lawn will turn brown and go dormant during the summer. Watering a lawn too often wastes water and can interfere with your mowing if the grass stays too damp or grows too thick. When to water and when to mow is a question many homeowners ask. Following a few basic guidelines can keep your lawn healthy and green.
Read MoreWhat Are Loaded Tractor Tires?. To load a tractor tire means to fill it with liquid weight in order to keep weight evenly distributed throughout the machine. Typically, back tractor tires are loaded in order to counter act the heavy weight of front end implements attached to the tractor. Without loaded tires, the front end of the tractor would carry too much weight, which could lead to rollovers in the most serious cases.
Read MoreOlive Trees Life Cycle. A native to the Mediterranean, olive trees can live for centuries. Their life cycle is highly dependent on whether or not they are grown in the right climate conditions. However, the tree also has a tremendous ability to persevere despite harsh conditions and neglect from farmers and gardeners.
Read MoreBegonia Leaf Identification. The plant family Begoniaceae is a large family of over 1,000 species of begonias. It also includes at least 10,000 cultivated varieties. Identifying begonia's solely by their leaves can be a tricky process, but in combination with identifying the root system and growing conditions you can narrow your search. The good news is that because the leaves can be so diverse in appearance, you may be able to match them to photos in a plant identification guide.
Read MoreNatural Remedy to Eliminate English Ivy. English ivy is an invasive evergreen weed. Its rapid growth habit makes it a threat to other garden plants. It will climb up trees and cover shrubs and other plants. Ultimately, English ivy will suffocate plants by blocking their access to light that is essential for growth. Eradicating English ivy in a natural way requires dedication and persistence over a long period of time.
Read MoreGentian Violet & Ringworm. Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin, scalp and nails. Gentian violet is an inexpensive and effective treatment for ringworm available without a prescription. If ringworm is identified and treated early it can be treated at home in about a month. However, seek the advice of a doctor if the infection does not clear up or if you have concerns that it is worsening.
Read MoreInformation on Yard Equipment to Pick Up Twigs & Leaves. It's fall, and you can see the leaves piling up in the yard. Using the right tools can make the job of clearing leaves and twigs from the yard easier and faster. What type of tool you use depends on how much money you want to spend on equipment, your own physical capabilities and the time you have to devote to yard work.
Read MoreHouseplant Leaf Identification. Houseplants include a wide variety of plants, often from tropical or subtropical regions. Identifying a houseplant is similar to identifying outdoor garden plants. According to the Oregon State University Department of Horticulture, "Leaves are often the basis for identifying plants since they are so easily observed." To identify a plant based on its leaves there are several characteristics you will want to note.
Read MorePacific Northwest Plant Identification. The Pacific Northwest consists of a diverse region of landscapes stretching from British Columbia through Washington State to Oregon. Included in this region are mountains, miles of coastline, rainforests and deserts. Consequently, the Pacific Northwest is also home to a diverse array of plants. Identifying Pacific Northwest plants requires general plant identification knowledge, familiarity with the various growing landscapes and a helpful guidebook.
Read MoreShrub Leaf Identification. Shrubs are a large group of plants. A basic understanding of leaf characteristics can aid you in identifying an unknown shrub in your garden. By learning some of the basic terminology and accessing available online resources you can likely identifying most plants on your own. If you get stuck, take a leaf from your shrub to your local nursery or nearby university extension office.
Read MoreAutumn Joy Sedum Bugs. Sedums are a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant perennial favored by many gardeners. The Autumn Joy sedum is a clumping sedum that can grow to 3 feet. It flowers in the late summer, providing a splash of color to the garden after many other plants have ceased blooming. Autumn Joy is also a favored perennial because it is bothered by few pests.
Read MoreDefinition of Border Landscape. Landscape borders are designed to add beauty to the edges of your property or yard. Creating a border along a fence, driveway, walkway or other boundary creates a clean and intentional appearance that not only you can enjoy, but that neighbors and guests will appreciate as well.
Read MoreTypes of Cultivators. Creating healthy soil in the garden begins with good cultivation. Cultivate your soil to aerate it, break up large clumps of sod that may impede a plant's root growth, evenly distribute fertilizer and soil amendments and loosen weed roots. The Iowa State University Extenstion Office recommends first cultivating your soil in the early spring. An abundance of tools can help you cultivate your garden's soil. The size of your garden and your own physical abilities should help you choose which tool is right for you.
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