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Trees & Houseplants : Home & Garden
How to Grow a Mango Tree at Home
A mango tree may be any plant in the Mangifera genus, which has about 69 species. It typically refers specifically to the Common Mango, or Mangifera indica, since this is the only species in worldwide cultivation. The fruit of the mango is generally sweet with a texture like an overripe plum, althou
How to Make a Flower Arrangement From Baby Clothes
Making a flower arrangement with baby clothes is a simple project that provides a custom feel. Choose the clothing pieces and their colors based on the baby's gender or needs. For instance, you might include some one pieces, a hat, a bib and a sleeper. A baby-clothes bouquet can act as both a center
Do Our Soils Show the Effects of Acid Rain?
Acid rain does affect soil. The extent of the effects depends on the type of soil and what is planted in it, as well as the chemicals contained in the acid rain, their strength and toxicity. Certain geographical locations are more susceptible to the effects of acid rain because of local pollution,
How to Make Petunias Bloom
Petunias come in four different varieties, the two most popular being multifloras and grandifloras. They are differentiated from each other by their size and growing habits. All of the varieties are fairly low maintenance to cultivate. They can be started from seeds or planted as young indoor-to-out
How to Identify a Shrub With 4 Petal Pendulous White Flowers and Dark Bark
Plant identification can be difficult. A shrub with 4-petaled pendulous white flowers and dark bark might be a June Bride mock orange. On the other hand, it may be a different type of mock orange or another shrub species altogether. Fortunately, there are local experts on the subject available who a
Description of Weigela Florida
If you are looking for an easy-care flowering shrub for a border or hedge, the Weigela florida (wy-JEE-lah FLOOR-ih-dah) may be for you. Also called Old-fashioned Weigela, this member of the honeysuckle family produces arching branches covered with spring flowers that can attract hummingbirds. Weige
How to Plant Germanica
Germanica is most commonly known as bearded iris, one of the most popular flowers in home gardens. Germanica is prized for its exotic, brightly-colored blooms that grow on a woody stem from a cluster of spear-like leaves at the base. They are successfully grown in nearly every climate in the United
Select Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera Daisies are popular garden flowers. These versatile annuals produce blooms in an amazing array of colors. Gerberas grow up to 1 foot tall and bloom in summer. Use gerbera daisies for beautiful cut flowers or striking outdoor plants. Follow these easy tips to fit gerbera daisies into your gar
When to Apply Dormant Spray to Northwest Apple Trees?
Dormant oil spray, made from either refined petroleum oil or vegetable oil, should be applied during late winter in the Northwest. The timing has to do with when the apple tree lies dormant. The spray helps suffocate insects and their eggs so they cause fewer problems once the tree produces new grow
What Pests Afflict Magnolia Tree Flowers?
Magnolia blossoms have a strong scent and bright color that attracts some pests.Blossoming twig of magnolia-tree (on blossom tree background) image by wildman from Fotolia.comMagnolia trees tend to have fewer pests and diseases than other flowering trees; however, a few pests can afflict...
How to Remove Ivy From a Tree
Although some people consider ivy growing on a tree as beautiful or rustic, ivy can actually present a danger to the tree. Ivy helps hold moisture close to the tree's bark, which increases the likelihood of insect infestation and fungal growth. The weight of the ivy can damage young limbs and restri
Homemade Outside Woodburner
Clearing brush and dead wood from your land can be a challenge, and disposing of it properly is an important aspect of the clean-up. Many locations do not permit open air fires due to drought and the fire hazard that is caused by the lack of rain and groundwater. Always check the laws in your area b
Methods of Growing Hydroponics
Tomatoes are successful candidates for hydroponic gardens.three fresh hydroponics tomatos image by Flashon Studio from Fotolia.comWhen you look at a hydroponic growing system, the appearance of the grow chambers, pH testing kits and mineral bath solutions may put you more in mind of...
How to Cut Peony Stems
Peonies bear bright, decorate flowers in a number of colors, and can live for up to 50 years with the right care. These are hardy plants that survive winters down to U.S. Department of Agriculture Growing Zone 3, but always need specific protection in fall and through winter. Cutting the stems down
Should I Soak Day Lilies in Water Before Planting?
Day lilies are not true lilies but belong to the same group of long-lived perennial flowers. Although these plants enjoy moist soil and plenty of water, they do not require soaking before planting. They do, however, need other considerations in regard to site, soil and space.
How to Plant Celebrity Tomatoes
The Celebrity tomato is a popular variety for gardeners of all experience levels. Celebrities are resistant to many of the most common pests and viruses associated with tomatoes, plus they have a moderately quick plant-to-harvest period when compared to other varieties. Aside from the low maintenanc
How to Plant Geranium Cuttings
Geraniums, a perennial known for profuse clustered blooms and hardy foliage, originated in South Africa. These versatile plants do well in flowerbeds, boxes, pots, hanging pots, container gardens and even as a ground cover on hillsides. Geraniums, scientifically known as Pelargonium hortorum, root f
How to Prune a One Year Old Oak Bonsai
The key to a beautiful bonsai tree is learning the proper method of pruning. Creating a bonsai from your favorite tree is easier than most people think. Cork oak, the most popular for use as an oak bonsai, features deep-fissured bark and leaves that curl and feature spiny edges. Blue oak, another po
How to Increase a Rose's Flowering With Food
Plant food is called fertilizer. Certain fertilizers strengthen certain parts of the plant. Roses need fertilizing with a balanced, general purpose fertilizer, or rose food, such as 10-10-10. These numbers refer to equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, in that order. This type of ferti
How to Propagate Buckthorn
Buckthorn is a tall, shrub-like tree that grows 20 to 25 feet in height and is 10 inches in diameter. Birds that eat the berries from the plant sow many of these shrubs. By planting a row of buckthorn seeds, you can grow your own living fence or screen that is perfect for privacy or wind control. Th