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Trees & Houseplants : Home & Garden
How to Decrease the Acidity in Soil
Any home gardener should be aware of the pH level of the soil in his garden. When soil is too acidic -- typically with a pH level below 5.5 -- it becomes less capable of mineral and nutrient absorption, which in turn may have a negative effect on plant growth. If this becomes a problem, the pH level
Mites & Rose Bushes
Rose bushes sometimes get spidermites.Juergen Bosse/Photodisc/Getty ImagesMites are a type of insect that bothers many different types of flowers and plants. However, only the spider mite effects rose bushes. They are a common problem for rose gardeners, but if left unchecked mites can...
How to Root Pyracantha Cuttings
Pyracantha, also known as firethorn, is an evergreen shrub with small, white flowers that blossom in the spring. Those tiny flowers then turn into bright orange or red berries that adorn the landscape during the fall and winter. One method to propagate a pyracantha is by taking a cutting, ideally fr
Germinated Seeds Are Rotting
Germinated seeds are those that have already begun pushing seedlings through the soil. Germination is initiated by temperature, light, moisture and biological mechanisms within the seed. When seeds rot, the cause is usually a deficiency or over-abundance of those factors. These factors also contribu
Where Does Photosynthesis Occur in Plant Cells?
A plant conducts photosynthesis when it uses the water, carbon dioxide and light it has absorbed to produce sugars for energy. Plants also produce oxygen as a by-product during this process, which occurs in organelles known as chloroplasts.
How to Grow Vegetable Plants Indoors in the Winter
Vegetables purchased in the winter travel from far away and don't have the fresh, full flavor of those straight from the garden. Indoor winter gardening is an alternative to buying imports and provides a household with quality vegetables outside of the regular growing season. Those who enjoy gardeni
What Are the Growing Regions and Locations for Morel Mushrooms?
Commercial mushroom producers have been unable to produce a commercial morel crop, so individuals must hunt morels themselves in specific growing regions. Although morel mushroom hunting can be difficult, because the morels are difficult to see in the landscape, there are specific areas and requirem
Fertilizer for New Citrus Plants
Newly planted citrus plants require thorough watering the first few weeks after they are planted to promote growth. Proper fertilization will further aid the development of the citrus plant's leaves and branches.
How to Trim an Umbrella Pine
The Japanese umbrella pine needs very little pruning. The plant is the sole member of its genus, Sciadopitys, and is an ornamental pine with peeling bark and very long needles clustered in the shape of umbrella spokes. The tree is slow-growing but can reach 30 to 70 feet tall with a spread half that
How Can I Get Rid of Couch Grass?
Couch grass, also known as quackgrass, is actually not a type of grass at all. It's a weed that can invade your lawn and affect the appearance of your landscaping. When not dealt with, couch grass can potentially spread very quickly. This means that when you notice it, you should take action and sta
How to Prune Hall's Honeysuckle
Formally known as Lonicera japonica, Hall's honeysuckle is an elegant flowering shrub native to eastern Asia. Hall's honeysuckle is widely grown in the United States and is classified as an invasive plant in some areas. This twining vine can grow 15 to 30 feet tall if given something to climb or can
How to Care for a Singapore White Plumeria
Singapore white plumeria--scientifically known as plumeria obtusa--is a dwarf cultivar of plumeria, a tropical ornamental perennial plant that features glossy, evergreen foliage and fragrant white blossoms with bright yellow centers. The delicate blooms are used in Hawaiian leis. Plumeria thrives in
Homemade Garden Sprayer
An amateur gardener has to deal with a number of complex problems like fungus, bugs and plant diseases. Commercial products for keeping plants healthy and green can be quite expensive for long-term usage. Gardeners are always looking for natural solutions to take care of their gardens. There are a f
How to Attach Beans to a Trellis
Pole beans, named because they need a pole or trellis to climb on, take up less space in the garden than their bush bean cousins. By growing the beans vertically, they are easier to harvest and are less susceptible to rot and disease. Properly trellised beans will produce beans all summer long. Wood
How to Replant Wild Strawberry
Wild strawberries (Fragaria virginiana) are creeping fruit-bearing plants that grow wild in forests, meadows, along roads and streams. This variety of strawberry plant reaches up to 6 inches tall with tri-leaves 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. The leaves are edged with small, jagged teeth. Wild strawberries
How to Clone Blueberry Bushes
A blueberry plant that is already established can be cloned by softwood or hardwood cuttings. Hardwood cutting refers to cutting the mother plant during the dormant stage. Softwood cuttings are cuttings from a growing plant. The variety of blueberry bush you are trying to clone will determine the be
Can Marigolds Grow in 60 Degrees?
Marigolds can grow at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but they won't thrive if grown all day or all season at that temperature. Greenhouse research from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) and Michigan State University (MSU) shows that in addition to an appropriate temperature range, marigolds al
What Is the Definition of Potting Soil?
The ancient Egyptians used potting soil as a medium for the flowers and fruits they grew in pots. Today's potting soil is very similar in texture and quality to the soil preferred by ancient gardeners. The major difference is how we get the soil. We purchase our soil ready-made from a nursery or hom
How to Grow Turnip Greens
Growing turnip greens in your home garden is an excellent way to widen the variety of fresh leafy greens in your diet. Along with other root vegetables--carrots, parsnips, rutabagas and beets--turnips are among the easiest home garden edibles to grow. This makes them a superb project for first tim
How to Not Cross-Pollinate Sweet Corn and Popcorn
Ideally, sweet corn and popcorn should not be planted in the same garden, as they will easily cross-pollinate. Sweet corn does not suffer many consequences, although it may lose some of its sweetness; however, cross-pollination between these two varieties will cause sweet corn to grow on popcorn sta