James Clark

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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 James Clark

  • Structures
    Structures By James Clark November 4th, 2022

    How To Paint Landscaping Rocks

    How to Paint Landscaping Rocks. Paint the landscape rocks in your yard and garden to create a unique, personalized touch. Whether you paint in vibrant colors to reflect the colors in the garden, or prefer muted earth tones such as terra-cotta, brown and taupe, painting the landscape rocks can transform a garden into a quiet, meditative space for reflection and the simple enjoyment of nature. Use acrylic paints for their long-lasting quality and resistance to the elements. Add a coat of spray sealant when the paint is dry and arrange your creations any way you like.

    By James Clark November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Structures
    Structures By James Clark November 4th, 2022

    How To Bypass A Flow Sensor In A Pool Heater

    How to Bypass a Flow Sensor in a Pool Heater. A flow sensor for a pool heater monitors the passage of water through the pipe to the heater. If water flow is interrupted, the sensor signals the heater to shut off. Pool heaters are designed to operate only when water flows through the system. Running a pool heater dry can damage or break the heating element. If the heater is not activating, a faulty flow sensor may be to blame. Running a bypass is a quick way to test the flow sensor, but is not a solution for a defective sensor.

    By James Clark November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By James Clark November 4th, 2022

    How To Buy Potassium Bicarbonate

    How to Buy Potassium Bicarbonate. Potassium bicarbonate is a natural fungicide which is often used for organic gardening. Chemically, the compound is similar to common baking soda, (sodium bicarbonate), but the sodium is replaced with potassium, which is gentler on plants. Potassium bicarbonate can be purchased least expensively at garden and hardware stores, but is also available at pharmacies and wine-making supply shops. The compound is also sold under various brand names, such as GreenCure.

    By James Clark November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Structures
    Structures By James Clark November 4th, 2022

    How To Clean Landscape Gravel

    How to Clean Landscape Gravel. Landscape gravel is a versatile choice for any driveway or patio pathway, and it incorporates flowers and greenery very well. Landscape gravel is a popular among gardeners because it is very easy to clean. Cleaning landscape gravel requires a few simple steps that can be accomplished with a handful of ingredients found at home.

    By James Clark November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By James Clark November 4th, 2022

    How To Bury Fish For Fertilizer

    How to Bury Fish for Fertilizer. Fish heads and entrails have been used as fertilizer for centuries. Native Americans would bury a fish head in the soil, then place kernels of corn on top and cover with earth. You can take advantage of this natural fertilizer by using leftover parts from the fishmonger at the market, or by saving the bits you don't eat after a successful fishing trip.

    By James Clark November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By James Clark November 4th, 2022

    How To Plant Grass Seed In Thin Soil

    How to Plant Grass Seed in Thin Soil. Thin soil is characterized by fine, shallow soil that sometimes grows over sheets of rock or slate. In order to plant grass seeds in thin soil, one must ensure that the soil is not too clumped or dry. Treating the soil with a fertilizer mixture before planting seeds will help more durable grass grow in your lawn. Planting grass seeds in thin or fine soil is a simple process that does not require specialized horticulture or gardening skills.

    By James Clark November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Structures
    Structures By James Clark November 4th, 2022

    How To Coat Pine Stumps For Seats

    How to Coat Pine Stumps for Seats. Before fussing and cussing over how to remove a pine stump, consider turning that eyesore into a functional seat for quet enjoyment of the garden and surrounding lawn. Pine is a resinous wood, so it will be necessary to treat the stump surface so you don't get stuck by the seat of your britches while enjoying this makeshift chair. Wood stains suitable for pine are available at paint shops and hardwood stores, along with polyurethane coatings to seal the wood and create a glassy finish on your new pine stump seat.

    By James Clark November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By James Clark November 4th, 2022

    How To Kill Wire Grass

    How to Kill Wire Grass. Wire grass (also known as pineland threeawn) is a grass variety found throughout the southeastern United States of Florida, Mississippi and South Carolina. Because wire grass grows rapidly, it is considered a less desirable landscaping choice than lower maintenance grass types. Fortunately, eliminating wire grass from your lawn or garden is a simple task that can be accomplished in a few short weeks without the need for expensive materials or tools. Even the most inexperienced gardener can kill wire grass without any difficulty.

    By James Clark November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By James Clark November 4th, 2022

    How To Kill Mold On A Dried Plum

    How to Kill Mold on a Dried Plum. Pesky mold creeps its way onto the surfaces of many fruits, nuts and vegetables, and will ruin food by spreading if it's not eliminated. Dried fruits such as plums are particularly susceptible to mold. Killing mold on dried plums is a simple process that can be accomplished with a few small steps.

    By James Clark November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Structures
    Structures By James Clark September 6th, 2022

    How To Get Rid Of Mud Daubers

    How to Get Rid of Mud Daubers. Mud daubers, also known as dirt daubers, are a variety of wasp that build nests out of mud. Typically built on exterior walls, the nests resemble long, vertical tunnels of dirt and mud, about 1/2-inch wide and typically from 12-18 inches long. Aside from the nuisance of nesting insects, the mud dauber nest is ugly and can cause cosmetic damage to the exterior of a building, including stains on vinyl and aluminum siding, and brick. Mud daubers also feed on spiders and bring small arachnids back to the nest, so you have wasps and spiders to contend with on the side of your house. Read on to learn about effective ways to get rid of these pests.

    By James Clark September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By James Clark September 6th, 2022

    How To Stop Dogs From Eating Plants

    How to Stop Dogs From Eating Plants. Dogs sometimes eat plants when an essential nutrient is missing from their diet. This knowledge may be small comfort to the gardener facing defoliated decorative plants when the household canine goes from carnivore to herbivore. If your dog acts like Agent Orange in the garden and putting up a fence just isn't feasible, try these simple steps to modify your dog's behavior. Your methods include positive reinforcement and leaving a really nasty taste in the mutt's mouth.

    By James Clark September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By James Clark September 6th, 2022

    How To Test The Quality Of Roundup

    How to Test the Quality of Roundup. Roundup is the brand name for a line of weed-killing products sold at garden centers and hardware stores. Roundup is available in ready-to-use spray formulations and as a concentrate that must be mixed with water before applying for weed control. The products have a long shelf life, typically more than a year, and each Roundup product has an expiration date stamped on the label. If you are unsure about the age of the product, or if the label has worn away, and you want to assess the product's quality, apply it to a test area on your lawn.

    By James Clark September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By James Clark September 6th, 2022

    How To Collect Vinca Seeds

    How to Collect Vinca Seeds. Vincas are low-hanging creeping perennial flowers that are popular because they can grow in various climates and soil conditions. Vincas are available in many bright colors--red, yellow, purple and pink--and require very little maintenance. To avoid paying for vinca seeds, many gardeners collect them from existing plants. Collecting the seeds is a simple process that does not require extensive gardening skills or knowledge.

    By James Clark September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By James Clark March 23rd, 2022

    How To Kill Torpedo Grass

    How to Kill Torpedo Grass. Torpedo grass (also known as bullet grass) is a grass variety found throughout coastal, sandy-soil areas of the United States and other regions worldwide. Torpedo grass can grow up to a height of 3 feet, and because it grows rapidly, it is not a desirable option for landscaping your home lawn or garden. Eliminating torpedo grass from your lawn is simple and requires but a few weeks time and some basic landscaping skills and inexpensive materials.

    By James Clark March 23rd, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By James Clark March 23rd, 2022

    How To Grow Pecan Trees In Florida

    How to Grow Pecan Trees in Florida. Pecan trees are very popular in the Southeastern United States, and grow well in climates where the air is warm and moist. Florida pecan trees should be planted during the months of November to February. The varieties of pecan trees which are native to Florida and grow well in the state include the Elliot and Curtis pecan trees. Growing pecan trees in Florida will require ample spacing in your yard, nutrient-rich soil (sometimes Florida soil tends to be dry, sandy or thin), and consistent watering.

    By James Clark March 23rd, 2022 Read More