Steven White

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Stories By Steven White

  • How To Fertilize Hedges

    How to Fertilize Hedges. Whether deciduous or evergreen, hedges are heavy feeding plants that require annual fertilizing to maintain their appearance and produce ample foliage. Hedges can be fertilized using a either a slow-release phosphorous fertilizer or an organic fertilizer mix. The best time for hedge fertilizing is in early spring, as the fresh fertilizer will give the hedges the energy necessary to produce lush foliage.

    By Steven White November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Which Flowering Trees Bloom The Longest?

    Which Flowering Trees Bloom the Longest?. Blooming trees add a visual appeal to the landscape like none other. Although most trees bloom for one to two months each year, there are some species that bloom much longer, flowering as long as June through November's frosts. In addition to being known as the trees that bloom the longest, these varieties are drought resistant, disease resistant and thrive in full sunlight.

    By Steven White November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Graft An Orange Tree To A Lemon Tree

    How to Graft an Orange Tree to a Lemon Tree. Grafting is the process of merging a young, fruit-bearing limb to an older, established fruit tree for the purposes of reinvigorating the older tree. Plants that are in the same family but of a different variety can be successfully grafted. With regard to citrus, any type of citrus fruit can be added onto any other tree, such as an orange to a lemon tree. The young tree should be disease free, and grafting will be more successful if both trees are healthy.

    By Steven White November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Tell If A Rose Bush Is Dead

    How to Tell If a Rose Bush Is Dead. Plants eventually die--sometimes from disease, other times from harsh weather or neglect. Every plant has telltale signs of imminent death. When you observe these signs, it's time to stop trying drastic rejuvenation attempts and begin again with a new plant. You can determine whether your rose bush is dead, hibernating or just struggling by analyzing color, flexibility of the branches and looking for holes in the stems.

    By Steven White November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How Does Infrared Heat Signature Work On Plants?

    How Does Infrared Heat Signature Work on Plants?. Infrared scanners can detect the amount of heat objects are giving off. Every living thing gives off a distinct amount of heat known as a heat signature. Heat signatures have many uses with plants. Some innovative applications have been developed using this measure.

    By Steven White November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • How To Grow Grass In Pennsylvania

    How to Grow Grass in Pennsylvania. Grass adds a complementary appearance to any structure and a soft, safe play area for pets and families. In Pennsylvania, the most recommended grass varieties include Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescues and zoysiagrass. Late summer to early fall are the best times for planting grass in Pennsylvania, as it gives the grass the entire fall and spring to grow before competing with weeds and harsh summer heat. According to the Penn State Center for Turfgrass Science, those in southeastern Pennsylvania should plant between September 1 and October 15; northern tier and high-altitude counties should seed between August 10 and September 10 and all other Pennsylvania areas should seed between August 20 and October 1.

    By Steven White November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • How To Prune Citrus Trees In Florida

    How to Prune Citrus Trees in Florida. Florida is a large state with landscape varying from everglades to coastal. Florida's vast environment has areas with hardiness zones ranging from 8b through 11. Citrus trees are a tropical tree that thrives in warm, mild climates. While citrus trees will thrive on their own without any additional pruning, occasionally branches must be pruned. The best time of year for pruning citrus is early spring, before the tree begins growing again.

    By Steven White November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • How To Make A Tree Root Barrier

    How to Make a Tree Root Barrier. A root barrier is an impermeable, strong structure installed underground for the purpose of preventing tree roots from damaging building foundations. Root barriers can be purchased from various manufacturers in materials ranging from plastic to steel, or can be made from scratch using concrete. In order to prevent most tree roots from jumping the barrier, it should be placed slightly above and slightly below the ground.

    By Steven White November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • How To Root Eucalyptus Tree Cuttings

    How to Root Eucalyptus Tree Cuttings. Eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus globulus labill) is a tree native to Australia with stringy bark and aromatic leaves. Eucalyptus oil, taken from the leaves, is used medicinally to treat lung disorders, including asthma and bronchitis. Eucalyptus is also the staple food for Australian creatures such as koalas.

    By Steven White November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Tips On Pruning Elm Trees

    Tips on Pruning Elm Trees. Elm trees are very fragile when it comes to pruning. Once an elm is pruned it is left helpless to prevent pests (such as elm bark beetles) and diseases (such as Dutch elm disease) from attacking and spreading into its delicate wood. Help your elm tree avoid pests and disease by using proper pruning techniques.

    By Steven White November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • How To Get Grass To Grow In Mobile, Alabama

    How to Get Grass to Grow in Mobile, Alabama. Mobile, Alabama, is a city found in the far southern region of Alabama, along the Gulf Coast. The city falls into USDA Hardiness Zone 7, which means that winters' coldest low temperatures generally reach no lower than 10 to 0 degrees. Due to the relatively temperate winter lows, you can expect to successfully grow warm summer grasses in Mobile even if you don't have a green thumb.

    By Steven White November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • How To Plant Fig Trees In Boise, Idaho

    How to Plant Fig Trees in Boise, Idaho. Fig trees (Ficus carica) are Mediterranean shrubs that grow to be between 15 and 30 feet high. Fig trees thrive in hardiness zones 8 through 10 but can survive through zone 5 with winter protection. Idaho is a large state with hardiness zones ranging from 4 in the north to 7 in the south. Due to its cold conditions, fig trees must have proper summer and winter care for successful growth. Thankfully, even a fig tree that completely freezes in winter will most likely sprout again and grow quickly enough for fruit production within one season.

    By Steven White November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • How To Grow Apple Trees In New England

    How to Grow Apple Trees in New England. New England is includes Maine, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. The New England region is comprised of USDA hardiness zones 3 through 7. With its cold winter and mild summers, New England is one of the most popular areas for planting and growing apple trees in the United States.

    By Steven White November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • How To Grow Pecan Trees In Alabama

    How to Grow Pecan Trees in Alabama. Alabama is a state that has perfect growing conditions for pecan trees. In fact, Alabama soil is so ideal for growing pecans that the state has become a major exporter, producing roughly 59 million lbs.between 1998 and 2007. Pecans account for such a large amount of the state's commerce that the pecan is designated the state nut. Typical varieties in the state include Jenkins, McMillan, Carter, Farley, Cape Fear and Elliott. When growing a pecan tree in Alabama, it is best to start with a bare-root tree and graft it onto a desired variety after it has established itself.

    By Steven White November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • How To Plant Ponkan Tangerine Trees

    How to Plant Ponkan Tangerine Trees. Ponkan tangerine trees are a variety of mandarin orange that was brought to Florida by the Chinese in 1892. This variety of citrus produces small, orange sweet fruit known as mandarin oranges. The fruit from this tree can be used for everything from jams to baking. The fruit can be eaten directly off of the tree, if the tree is grown organically, for a refreshing backyard treat.

    By Steven White November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • How To Make Mushroom Spawn At Home

    How to Make Mushroom Spawn at Home. According to the Utah State University Extension, mushrooms are "the fruiting bodies produced by some fungi." Mushrooms reproduce through spores instead of seeds. The spores, or basidia, spread naturally through the wind and grow under favorable conditions. Commercial mushroom producers use the spores to create mushroom spawn. Spawn is incubated spore that is attached to grain and can be spread throughout prepared bins to produce mushrooms. When making spores at home, the most important factor is a sterile work environment.

    By Steven White November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Fertilizers Used For Wheat Growth

    Fertilizers Used for Wheat Growth. Wheat is a specialized crop that requires particular dosages of specific nutrients for optimal growth and production. For optimal wheat growth, infuse the soil with nutrients and till well before planting. The most important fertilizing period for wheat is from the time it sprouts until its heads begin forming.

    By Steven White November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • How To Grow Grass From Bird Seed

    How to Grow Grass From Bird Seed. If you've owned an outdoor bird seed feeder, you've endured the patch of grass that grows under the feeder. This grass is caused by a common seed found in birdseed known as millet. Millet is a favorite snack of finches, sparrows, blackbirds, pigeons and doves. Millet seeds produce a hearty, thick summer grass that spreads quickly through runners. While you can grow a lawn using birdseed, a bag of millet seed is typically less expensive and works as well.

    By Steven White September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Find Wild Edible Mushrooms In Tennessee

    How to Find Wild Edible Mushrooms in Tennessee. Wild edible mushrooms are a rare, savory treat and can constitute a unique challenge to find. The edible varieties in Tennessee come in all shapes and sizes, including one variety that grows as large as a chicken. The best area in general for mushroom hunting in Tennessee is Countryside.

    By Steven White September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Store Mimosa Hostilis Root Bark?

    How to Store Mimosa Hostilis Root Bark?. Mimosa hostilis is a drought-tolerant shrub native to Brazil and Southern Mexico. Its roots produce and store a substance known as DMT, which is highly toxic and produces hallucinations when consumed. The bark's dark color is also used to stain leather during tanning.

    By Steven White September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Kill Snake Grass

    How to Kill Snake Grass. Snake or horsetail grass is a persistent weed with quickly spreading runners and deep-lying roots. Snake grass is so persistent that the only way to kill it off quickly is with a non-discriminatory herbicides. While prevention is the best medicine, there are some instances where snake grass persists. In these cases, continue treating consistently for at least three seasons. If the problem still exists after that time, consult your county extension office for advice on treatment.

    By Steven White September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • The Effects Of Water Softener On Plants

    The Effects of Water Softener on Plants. Water softeners are useful for providing balanced water to a household. With regard to gardening, though, the effects of water softener on plants can be quite damaging. When a water softener is present in a residence, the best advice is to simply turn off the water softener when watering indoor and outdoor plants.

    By Steven White September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Brown Spots On Aloe Vera Plants

    Brown Spots on Aloe Vera Plants. Familiar to those who have had a sunburn, aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) plants produce a healing juice packed with vitamin C. Aloe vera is a succulent that is native to North and Central America as well as the Mediterranean regions of Europe. Ironic in its nature, this desert succulent is sun sensitive and will sometimes form brown spots on its leaves.

    By Steven White September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Meyer Spruce Planting Instructions

    Meyer Spruce Planting Instructions. The Meyer spruce tree (Picea pungens) is native to Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. Meyer spruce trees are very hardy, thriving particularly well in hardiness zones 3 through 8. Meyer spruce are very hardy and for the most part drought-tolerant. This particular spruce will grow an average of 12 inches annually and is especially useful for shelter belts.

    By Steven White September 6th, 2022 Read More