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.
Pet-Safe Insecticide for Plants. There are many ways to control insects safely without harming plants or animals. The use of other plants and insects is one way to help control these pests. The best pet-friendly pesticides are organic homemade sprays. As a last resort you can use pesticides that are partially pet-safe. Herbicides, pesticide sprays and granules are often necessary to keep gardens healthy, but, if consumed by pets, they can be lethal.
Read MoreThe History of the Mulberry Tree. Mulberry trees provide food for both animals and people. Birds, silkworms and other wildlife have been eating mulberry leaves and fruit for centuries. Humans have been eating the abundant, lush berries of the mulberry tree since Roman times. Although the mulberry tree originated in China, it is currently grown in multiple countries. Mulberry trees, as beneficial as they may be, were not commonly planted near homes due to the mess left behind from the ripened fruit falling onto the ground.
Read MoreBlack Mold on a Gardenia Bush. Black mold can cover the leaves of the gardenia bush with a blackish, sticky substance that can be wiped away. Insects are the reasons for black mold on a gardenia bush. The mold slows down the food production of the leaves. White flies, aphids, scale bugs and mealy bugs are the most common culprits. They excrete excess sugary moisture from the leaves, causing the mold to form on the gardenia bush.
Read MoreWild Berry Plant Identification. Wild berries grow just about everywhere. However, it is important to know which berries are edible and which are poisonous. Never eat any wild berry unless it can be positively identified as safe. Always check and recheck the plants to identify them before eating them. Wild berries can be identified in a number of ways: types of leaves, types of fruit, and when and where the wild berry is growing.
Read MoreHow Much Sun Do Gardenias Need?. Gardenias are evergreen plants with fragrant white flowers that bloom from May through June, with some varieties blooming again in late summer. Although sunshine is important to a gardenia bush, it does need extra care during extremely hot, sunny months if blooms are to form.
Read MoreHow to Root Gardenia From Cuttings. Gardenias are beautiful flowering plans with deep green leaves and fragrant white flowers. They require a great deal of care when young, but only minimal care when older. Gardenias are available for purchase just about anywhere that sells plants. However, for the avid gardenia lover, rooting gardenias may be a better option. Unfortunately, gardenias are very fickle plants and very difficult to root from cuttings. But, with a lot of effort and patience, gardenias can be rooted from cuttings. There are several methods for rooting gardenias. Gardenias can be rooted in a glass jar filled with water, in a flowerpot filled with potting soil, or directly into the ground. Rooting gardenias in a jar is easy, but a lot of space is needed as the jars of cuttings need to be kept in a sunny window. Gardenia cuttings can also be placed directly in the ground, but water and fertilizer runoff can be detrimental to the rooting of the cuttings in the early days after planting. A popular method of rooting gardenias is the flowerpot method. Rooting gardenias in a flowerpot provides the opportunity to give the cuttings the right amount of sun and shade, and eliminates the runoff of water and fertilizer.
Read MoreWhat is a Jade Ivy Plant?. The botanical name for a jade ivy plant is Crassula ovate. Jade ivy plants belong in the succulent plant family known as Crassulaceae. It is commonly known as the friendship plant, jade plant, lucky plant or money plant. Jade ivy is native to South Africa, where it is a common houseplant. They are slow-growing plants and their full size depends on the size of their pot.
Read MoreInsulation for Plants in Pots. Potted plants are an attractive addition to any home or apartment. Unfortunately, potted plants also require extra care to survive the winter months. Although bringing a potted plant inside the home is the best way, there are many other ways to insulate potted plants from the cold. Blankets, mulch, plastic bubble wrap and many other items have been used through the years.
Read MoreInteresting Facts About Balsa Wood. Balsa wood is most commonly used for model airplanes. However, it is also used to make doll house furniture and other small wooden hobby items. Balsa wood is also a popular wood for carving, as it is lightweight and easy to cut. Central and South America are the main suppliers of balsa wood.
Read MoreEdible Wild Plants in North Carolina. North Carolina's varied terrain and climate allows an abundance of edible wild plants to grow. Eastern North Carolina has the Atlantic Coast and coastal plains, while the Western part of North Carolina has the Appalachians and foothills. Being able to identify the edible wild plants that grow in North Carolina can be beneficial for snacking or survival in the wild.
Read More
