Tips on Lawn & Garden


Tips for Collecting Rain Water
Some annuals behave like perennials
Many ‘tender perennials’ can be considered annuals
It is best to plant your flowers, trees and shrubs….
Plants suited for growing in a bedroom (cool with bright light)
Plants suited for growing in a cool and sunny room
Plants suited for growing in an entryway (cool and moderate light)
Plants suited for growing in a cool and dark room
Plants suited for a bathroom (warm, bright light, and steamy)
Plants suited for a warm and sunny room
Plants suited for a warm (with poor to moderate light) room such as a kitchen
The amount of light a plant receives….
Plants are affected by light in many ways
Most houseplants need 8 to 16 hours of light every day
Two key indicators that let you know when a shrub needs pruning
If your plant needs to be pruned….
Squirrel repellent
Get rid of ants
Clean and tidy potted plants
Rust remover
Eliminate pesky snails and slugs
Eliminate fire ants
Patch a leaky hose
Get rid of mice
Keep mice out
Stop Raid Ants
Grow your plants faster
Insect repellent
Longer lasting roses
Ticks
Ant Repellant
Varmint repellant
Watering plants
Get rid of aphids
Mole deterrent
Healthy roses
Eliminate parasites on green plants
Slugs and aphids
Bananas for roses
White worms in plants
Coins keep cut tulips longer
Preserving cut flowers
Pest control
Use soda straws to lengthen flower stems
Watering your plants while you’re away
Extend the life of tulips
Protect floor beneath plants
Newspaper weeds away
Weed killer recipe
Help shrubs stand under weight of ice and snow
Simplify feeding birds in chilly weather
Easy catch of cricket’s that interrupt your sleep
Make rain gauge reading easier with food coloring
Bee sting remedy
Give leaky garden hoses a second life
Child’s wagon marks straight rows for garden
Easy start of a geranium cutting
Golf shoes provide safety
Cleaning hummingbird feeders
Mothballs get rid of wasps
Keep flies out of work shed
Pinching out early buds produces more pansies
Fall garden cleanup can make a big impact on your garden next year
Encourage plant volunteers for next year’s garden
Removing diseased plants from your garden
Disinfect contaminated pruners
To revamp a bed for spring planting
Fall is one of the best times to plant shrubs and trees
When planting, dig a generous hole roughly twice the size of the root ball
Weed control in lawns
Ways you can reduce and prevent the growth of weeds in your lawn
Irrigating during dryer weather
Excessive water can stress turf and increase weed growth
Insects and diseases can stress and kill turf
Mowing can stress turf if too much vegetation is removed by the clipping process
Bare soil is a prime area for weed invasion
Importance of killing of weeds early
Herbicides are often the last resort for homeowners
Identify the species of weeds growing in your turf
Method of pruning depends on the plant type
Methods of pruning
Encourage flowering and strong growth through thinning
Shearing controls the shape and size of all types of shrubs
Rejuvenation is severe pruning
Espalier trains a plant to grow against a wall
Shaping plants by careful pruning or trimming
Removing tree limbs requires a special pruning technique
The timing of pruning plants is important
Pruning for spring flowering plants
Pruning for fall-flowering plants
Prune some plants in late winter to promote vigorous spring growth
Easy and Safe Pruning
It's a good idea to start vegetable plants indoors
Earlier harvests with transplants
Transplanting offers more seed variety
What to look for in quality transplants
The best structure for starting vegetable transplants is a greenhouse
Inexpensive, plastic-covered structures work fine as a greenhouse
Seedlings grown in the late winter will need both heat and ventilation
A hotbed is an alternative to a greenhouse to start transplants
Proper storage of seeds is very important
Hybrid seeds are more expensive than open-pollinated varieties
There are a wide variety of containers for starting seeds for transplants
Seeding directly into cell packs saves time
Types of containers for starting seeds
Peat pots are containers of peat moss
Peat pellets are compressed circles of peat
Dimensions of plastic or clay pots
The growing medium must be clean for new seedlings
Using outside soil for raising transplants for commercial production is risky
Most growing media consist of varying proportions of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite
Always be careful not to contaminate your growing medium after opening or mixing it
Keep sterilized growing media sterilized!
New versus used plastic flats
After choosing the type of container for starting seeds…
Be sure that containers for starting seeds drain well
Seeding larger-seeded plants, such as squash, cucumber, and watermelon
How deep to plant seeds
Most commercial mixes do not contain fertilizer
Seedlings will need to be fertilized as soon as they emerge
It is best to dampen the growing medium thoroughly before sowing seeds
Water freshly seeded flats or trays gently
Watering should be evenly distributed across the flat
Little water is needed before seedlings emerge
Seeds sown in flats will need to be transplanted into larger containers
Removal of seedlings
Plant seedlings at same depth after transplanting
Over watering is the most common problem with seedlings
Causes of disease in seedlings
Hardening plants for outside acclimation
Water plants before transplanting!
Minimize root disturbance when transplanting outside
Tomato and pepper transplants
Transplanting plants from peat pots or peat pellets
Keeps squirrels away
Neutralize acidic soil
Broccoli and cauliflower insecticide
Protecting the cabbage family from insects
Protect trees and vegetables from beetles
Acidify an alkaline type soil
Natural grass and weed killer
Azalea fertilizer
Vinegar helps cut flowers last longer
Effective, natural insect spray
Kitchen product makes effective ant repellent
Grow larger radishes
Easy way to create a rock garden on a shady porch
Don’t cover a tree’s roots with dirt to add flowers
Spread moss quickly
Snow-on-the-mountain brightens a heavily shaded yard
Houseplants improve indoor air quality
To harvest early radishes
Keep bugs away
Lengthen the life of a plant in a vase
Increase moisture content of anthurium leaves
Avoid slugs
Water your vegetables without wasting water
Grow more tomatoes
Water only in the evening
Correctly cut flowers gives them a longer life
Tomatoes less acidic in the garden
Give your ferns a boost
To help your cuttings grow faster
Clever labeling for your plants, shrubs, seedlings, etc.
Attach the seedlings of tomatoes to their stake
Treat insect bites with oregano leaves
Aluminum foil wards off bugs
Aluminum foil protects young trees
Keep squirrels out of the hanging bird feeder
Ammonia makes economical fertilizer
Feed your plants aspirin
Moisture free storage for seeds
Baking soda makes a natural and safe pesticide
Do away with moss
Increase the light for your plants
Aluminum foil gives seedlings a head start
Grow cuttings without tangled roots
Grow bigger, brighter flowers
Baby power can protect plants
Scare squirrels out of your fruit trees
Cleaning liquid also kills menacing bugs
How to Construct a Compost Bin
Rosemary keeps insects away
Keep dogs and insects out of your garden
Bleach extends life of cut flowers
Protect plants from cutworms
Handy tomato starter
Extend outside flower’s life with cola
Grow a garden with your child
When watering houseplants….
Avoid brown tips on your houseplants by….
To determine if your houseplant needs water….
Give your houseplants a “drink” of minerals
Use the best fertilizers for your houseplants
Give your houseplants a drink of soda
Watering bulb plants
Give your houseplants a ‘snow’ drink
Watering houseplants while away on vacation
Let bricks help water your houseplants
Help your indoor plants to grow straight
‘Doctor’ droopy, wilting plants back to life
Eliminate aphids and spiders from your plants
Kill white flies on your plants
Kill black flies on your plants
Garlic will eliminate all kinds of pests from your plants
Help for a plant’s broken stem
Clean plant leaves with glycerine
Make your own trellis
Support your tall plants
Make coasters for your potted plants to eliminate scratches
For good drainage of your plants….
Give your ferns a drink of tea
Protect ferns from worms
Feed your ferns nitrogen….
Before putting your flowers in a vase….
Remove the leaves below the waterline on your cut flowers….
The best way to lengthen the life of your cut flowers is by….
Put your cut flowers in the refrigerator
Do not overcrowd flowers in a vase
Ground-feed birds without having seed all over
Make your petunias bloom longer
Serve birds out of muffin tins
Old dinner fork makes great garden tool
Soap keeps fingernails clean while gardening
Keep feeders from ground predators
Homemade bird tray feeder
Keep raccoons away….
Germinate your seeds in a freezer bag
Build an invisible trellis
Flour makes a good fertilizer
Change the color of white flowers
To brace a young tree….
Design your flower garden
Gardens need an inch of water a week
No-drip way to water hanging plants
Protect flowers and vegetables from slugs, snails, cutworms and grubs
Less maintenance for your lawn
Ripen melons and cantaloupes faster
Revive cut roses
Make cut roses last twice as long
Before you place daffodils in with other cut flowers….
Mend a broken flower stem by….
As summer comes to an end, consider growing vegetables and flowers indoors
Mow autumn leaves with your lawn mower….
An old TV tray stand becomes a great leaf-bag holder
When putting in bulbs for next spring’s flowers….
Move a heavy planter to a different location for winter by….
Side effects of insect repellents
Lawn trimmers can pose a safety problem to children
Need help planning a landscape?
Buy gardening supplies at season’s end
Buy plants at the big-box garden centers
Give your children a love for gardening
Trees can cut your air conditioning costs
Is Your Lawn Dry?
If you’re new at gardening….
For a beginner gardener a small scale garden is optimal
To cut down on the weeding of your garden….
Make a good, natural deterrent for garden pests
May is the time to….
Transplants become less stressed when….
When transplanting, provide shade and wind protection
May is the month to plant….
Plan your vegetable garden so that you have some things….
Cut down on your water bill when gardening
A garden fence often serves double duty
Growing basil brings instant herb gardening success
To add some extra sparkle to your hanging baskets
Cilantro plants grow and go to seed very quickly so….
Add a spot of color to your garden with lemongrass
To plant a successful herb garden….
Plant herb pots if you don’t want a garden ‘takeover!”
To build a square herb bed….
In your herb garden, be sure to separate….
Learn the best type of soil for your herbs
Eliminate weeds without using chemicals
The best time to plant spring flowering shrubs such as….
Feed roses after their first bloom, then….
May is the time to fertilize everything
To revitalize and encourage branching….
Newly planted trees and shrubs should be watered deeply
To help protect your plants you can….
Careful and timely pruning produces good results
Divide indoor plants when….
Incorrect cutting can harm your lawn
To keep garden plants growing at a steady rate….
Caladiums need generous amounts of water
Lightly side dress perennials, including spring bulbs
Pinch back annuals when….
Stop aphids and earwigs dead in their tracks
Children find gardening rewarding
Mulch planting beds with newspaper and….
Water your plantings with a soaker hose
Use "wasted" water for your plants
A carefully positioned tree can save….
When selecting the place that your new tree will call home….
Avoid planting a tree so close to buildings that it interferes with the roof
The function of a tree is important to consider
Keep weeds down in your orchard
Plant under your trees to keep weeds down
Remember, when planting fruit trees….
Use various planting techniques to get larger crops of vegetables
Grow your own herbs and save money
Replenish your garden soil by rotating crops
Replenish your soil by growing a cover crop or living mulch
Germinate tiny seeds in sterile containers
No more bitter cucumbers
Recycle garden waster
Improve the soil and feed your plants
Both rose petals and rose hips are edible
Relocating perennials in the fall made easy
It is time to divide your perennials when….
Forcing hardy plant bulbs
Forcing tender plant bulbs
When forcing your plant bulbs….
When fertilizing variegated plants….
Many variegated plants are slightly weaker than their conventional green counterparts
When planting variegated plants in a border….
Grow outdoor blooming plants in the winter
Purchased pre-chilled bulbs are perfect for forcing
Plant pre-chilled bulbs in pots, then….
Bulbs to start in January include….
Cut flowers grown in a greenhouse environment have….
Rain barrels conserve water while saving you money
Soaker hoses help in conserving water
Extend your garden season with cold frames
Make your own trellises and plant supports
Make a trellis for vines by….
The beginning of the year is a great time to organize and order your seeds
Annual flowers are plants that….
In February, design a flowerbed….
Rejuvenation pruning for your plants
Trimming back your shrubs and hedges
Dead, stray, broken or diseased branches can be removed….
People who have been successful in planting vegetable gardens….
Some groups of vegetables considered “compatible” and safe to be rotated together include:
Rotating vegetables of the same family in your garden
Most flowers should be planted in the spring
Different flowers come out at different times of the year so….
Consider purchasing several samples of each of the flowers you are thinking of using
Other gardeners love to share their gardening ‘secrets’
Picture the flower colors you’d like and….
If you have recently moved to a new home and are planning your garden….
Soil is often divided into various categories such as….
Most gardeners consider soil that has a….
Soil drainage is critical to flower gardening
Mulching helps to keep weeds from growing and….
You should add a little more mulch….
When purchasing bedding annuals in the spring….
Plants that bloom in the pack are often….
For hot-weather color, select one of the following:
Make a plot layout of your flower borders
In April, begin to plant seedlings of warm-season vegetables such as….
The month of April is the month to sod or sow new lawns
In April you can start planting warm season annuals such as:
Start a cactus garden in April
April’s cool weather is perfect for pansies
As soon as the danger of frost is passed (April)….
Plant clematis in locations that receive….
Hydrangea transplants well into the garden after its flowers fade
Many gardeners plant annual and perennial flowers to attract hummingbirds
When all chance of frost is gone….
Start feeding potted plants every two to three weeks with….
Mulch the soil to save water….
Later in the month of May, thin fruit on….
April is the month to thin vegetables that were….
In April you can prune….
Fertilize everything in April but do NOT feed….
April is the time to divide….
Keep your lawn mower blade sharp so it will not tear the grass
Grasses are divided into two kinds:
To determine if soil is ready to work….
In April, lift, divide, and replant chrysanthemums….
Don't throw out the little gladiolus cormlets you dug out….
When iris leaves appear thin and limp….
April is a good time to clean up plants and….
April is the time to label the clumps of daffodils….
In April, cut flower stalks back to the ground on daffodils….
Buy a hose-end shut-off valve
Once new growth begins on trees and shrubs….
Seed catalogs start arriving in January
January is the month to shop for….
Tubers of Jerusalem artichoke (Helinathus tuberosus)….
Garden beds and raised beds stay in the same place year after year but….
In January, cool-season annuals are still available such as….
January is the month to plant bare-root vegetables such as:
In January you can plant bare-root fruits including:
Plant bare-root ornamentals in January such as….
In January, put down slow release fertilizer on….
January is the month to top-dress asparagus and….
Care for gift plants in January
January is the time to move hardier plants like….
In January, move living Christmas trees back outside
January is a good time to….
In January, start pruning dormant fruit trees….
Prune roses in January along with….
Wait to prune spring-flowering shrubs until after….
Do NOT prune citrus trees!
Apply dormant spray in January to deciduous plants to control….
January is the month to spray peach trees with….
In January, cover frost-tender outdoor plants
Avoid heavy traffic on dormant lawns in January
If, in January, a few, consecutive, warm days have caused your bulbs to….
January is the time to check perennials to see if….
January is the month to replace mulch if….
In January, sterilize your tools, pots….
January is a good time to take advantage of….
January is a good time to clean salty clay pots
If you have some time during the winter….
Your wheelbarrow can support its own load if you add two small….
If you want evergreens to protect your privacy, reduce street noise….
Coat your snow shovel with a "no-stick" cooking spray and….
By using calcium chloride instead of sodium chloride on your walks…
Weed and Pest Control
February is the month to order perennial plants and bulbs for….
February is the time to….
In February, plant bare-root vegetables such as:
Plant spring flowering perennials in February
Plant bare-root ornamentals in February such as….
Handle seed packets carefully
Gardeners who want to have tuberous begonias….
Ageratum, begonia, marigold, and petunia seeds can be started….
Start herb seeds in February….
In February you can pot up a few clumps of crocuses….
In February, fertilize spring-blooming flowers and….
Finish pruning cane berries in February along with….
Repot cymbidiums….
Fertilize deciduous fruit trees in February….
Wait to prune spring-flowering deciduous ornamentals like….
In February you can prune roses and….
Continue covering frost-sensitive outdoor plants in February
In February, if the soil dries out against a house under the eaves….
In February you can watch for signs of growth in early spring bulbs
February is the month to check….
February is the time to repair and….
Late February is a good time to air-layer….
Avoid walking on grass or ground covers while they are frozen in February
In February you can apply dormant oil….
Eliminate over-wintering insects
In February you should continue slug and snail control by….
In February, as weeds germinate….
February is the time to start controlling the weeds in….
Try forcing branches of some of the following shrubs….
For something unique to force for winter flower arrangements….
As a mid-winter project, grow plants from fruit seeds
If you are buying bare-root trees….
March is the month to dig, divide, and replant
Plant spring flowering annuals in March such as….
In March you can set out….
Wait until the end of March to….
If you want flowers on your cactus….
In March you can repot houseplants that….
Bluebells are superb for….
The following should be considered as short-life (one year) seeds:
In March, fertilize plants that are starting to….
Early spring is the right time for two special turf treatments, if needed
Apply a pre-emergent herbicide before lawn weeds get started
Prepare beds in March for planting
In March you can set out flowering perennials
For good growth of houseplants….
March is a good time to reposition….
Protect yourself and the blade of your pruning saw during storage
If your tiller turns over sluggishly in the spring….
For more compact pyracanthas without the risk of losing berries….
In March you should prune….
Prune spring-flowering shrubs in March after….
Propagate deciduous shrubs
Control oak moth larvae on small trees….
Herbs make a good salt substitute and restricts sodium intake
Many minor bulbs bloom even earlier than crocus
February is the month to shop for early spring flowering shrubs and vines
If you didn’t order tubers of Jerusalem artichoke (Helinathus tuberosus) in January….
June is the month to plant….
Even in June, it’s not too late to start warm-season crops:
In June you can plant or sow summer annuals such as:
If you want fragrance in your garden, plant….
June is the month to….
Feed houseplants once a month
Protect sun sensitive houseplants from direct sunlight
Use a controlled-release fertilizer or….
Feed citrus in June with….
Feed roses after each bloom cycle….
Water established trees and shrubs deeply….
In June, stake tall, floppy flowers such as:
June is the time to cut back perennials like:
In June, cut back fuchsia….
June is the month to cover fruit trees….
Most herbs need no fertilizer and little water so….
The best time to harvest most herbs is….
Hanging baskets exposed to sun should be….
Leftover vegetable and flower seeds may be stored in….
Divide spring and early summer flowering perennials after….
Remove crusted mineral salts from clay pots by soaking pots in….
June is a great time to clean out….
In the month of June, take stem cuttings of….
June is the month to collect seed of firepinks….
Fall bloomers that get too tall….
June is the month when spring-flowering shrubs, such as….
Additional pruning may be required in June on….
Mulch promotes faster growth of trees and shrubs than….
In June, spray roses with….
June is the time to control chewing worms like….
To prevent slugs and similar pests from….
Birds will generally not be scared away by scarecrows. Instead….
To protect bees that pollinate many of our crop plants….
Identify garden pests before you attempt to control them
In the month of June, watch for and control….
If you have a big problem with cutworms in your area….
Hose guides help protect your newly planted garden
Squash plants have 2 types of flowers:
Cat-facing tomatoes develop when….
Blossom-end rot in tomatoes is due to….
Sunscald in tomatoes can happen at….
Split skin in tomatoes can happen any time the plants….
To control the Tomato Hornworm (Manduca quinquemaculata) you can….
Most of the time saving seed is no more than collecting it and then….
How to Tell if you have a Hybrid tomato seed
Most plants' seeds will store well in dry storage
You must add a desiccant like silica to….
Most silia gels have indicator crystals that turn from blue to pink as….
Can’t find any silica for your seeds? Use powdered milk
Keep the temperature of your stored seeds between….
By starting vegetables indoors, you gain….
The two best ways to water young plants in flats:
3 to 4 weeks after sowing young plants in flats….
Get the full benefit of your gardening
Seeds and plants temperature needs vary
The germination temperatures most catalogs are talking about are the….
To figure out when you ought to sow….
When planning to order your garden seeds….
Give some thought to the size and location of your garden sites
Choose the right plant for each location
Remember the sun rises about 30 degrees higher….
After your order for seeds and plants arrive in the mail….
If you have ordered houseplants or tropicals….
If you are planting ordered plants straight into the garden….
To have color from late summer to fall….
For a late harvest of beans, beets, carrots….
July is the month to plant full sun annuals like….
Plant trees at least 6 feet (2 m) away from….
July is the time to dig and divide….
In July you can divide and transplant….
Fertilize cymbidiums in July to encourage flower formation for….
Feed blooming annuals at least….
After harvesting June-bearing cane berries….
To encourage more flowers, cut off….
Feed potted plants twice a month with….
Fertilize Bermuda, St. Augustine, and zoysia lawns….
In July you can cut….
In summer, indoor plants should be protected from….
Don't chill tropical houseplants by….
During hot, July weather, be sure to mow your lawn….
Mushrooms or toadstools usually grow in decomposing organic matter such as….
Pull and compost spent crops
July is a good time to begin looking for native and cultivated plants
Check the soil moisture of….
If you have been pinching back your mums this summer….
To produce the largest flowers, the main stems of dahlias….
July is the time to cut back and fertilize delphinium and….
Many plants are easily increased by layering
Control tomato hornworms:
If budworms are eating….
Red or yellow lights attract fewer….
Hot, dry weather brings out red spider mites
Water your plants several hours before applying pesticides
A piece of corrugated cardboard, such as the side from a box….
Thorny rose stems are a problem when….
Use a plastic laundry basket to carry your….
If you plan to do some landscape planting this fall….
Order your spring-flowering bulbs in August
Plan changes in your perennial plantings in August
Keep notes of what this year's garden was like….
Order peony roots in August for planting in September
August is the month in which to sow seeds of cool weather crops such as….
Fall vegetables can be planted in August
August is the time to plant late-blooming perennials such as….
In August you should shear tops off….
Give spring-flowering shrubs….
A good time to sow fall - winter flower seeds is August:
Keep feeding chrysanthemums until….
August is a good time to add a new layer of mulch or….
In August you can prepare fall planter beds by cultivating the soil….
Feed rose bushes in August with a complete fertilizer….
To maintain a healthy lawn and reduce the potential for….
Comfrey makes a great addition to the compost pile
In August, herbs can still be harvested….
To keep your gardens attractive, continue to….
If you do not have a coldframe….
Clean up fallen rose and peony leaves in the month of August
In September, it's time to start thinking about spring flowering bulbs:
As you select your flowering bulbs to plant this fall….
As you plant your spring bulbs, remember that a mass planting of….
In September, two weeks before planting….
A few spring flowering bulbs to set out in September include:
Vegetables that like cool weather include:
In September you can pot up chives….
Fall is usually cool and moist and a good time to….
Start taking cuttings of your annual plants in September to….
If you are not sure which end of the bulb is the top….
Plant peonies in September, but make sure….
When planting in September, select some accent plants for….
September is the time to rejuvenate….
Annuals that like cool weather include:
In September you should dig, divide and re-plant over-crowded perennials that….
Fall is a great time to plant and divide perennials and….
Prevent citrus from drying out and splitting….
If your tuberous begonias are beginning to mildew….
As the nights become cool, caladiums and other warm summer bulbs….
Garlic is harvested when….
Do not use softened water on houseplants because….
September is the month when you should maintain your lawn for….
Don't retire the lawn mower when….
Don't allow leaves to accumulate on the lawn
September is the month to dig….
Autumn is a good time for improving your garden soil
In September it’s a good idea to have on hand some heavy material or….
Control spider mites with….
Powdery mildew becomes more abundant following….
October is the time to plant Ranunculus
Plant garlic scar end down in….
In October you can continue to set out spring flowering bulbs:
Continue planting cool season annuals in October:
Continue planting these cool-season vegetables in October:
Use cold frames to over winter cuttings of trees and shrubs and….
October is the month to dig, divide, and re-plant overcrowded perennials that….
Cool-season lawns should be started or repaired in October
Cacti and other succulents, such as jade plants and sedums,….
Houseplant growth slows as the days get shorter and….
Late-fall tilling can help control insects such as….
Mulches applied too early can do more harm than good
Cut down stems and foliage of herbaceous perennials when….
In October you should bring in cannas, dahlias, and gladioli,….
Fall is a good time for moving plants
Water evergreens thoroughly before the ground freezes
November is the time of the year to take root cuttings of….
In November you should start to think about spring wildflowers
Spring flowering bulbs are still available in November such as:
November is a good time to plant and transplant….
In early November, plant paper-white narcissus….
Bulb forcing can be continued through late winter
In low rain areas, water newly planted lawns,….
During November, continue deep watering of….
In November, cut asparagus to the ground….
After several killing frosts have occurred this fall….
After chrysanthemums are killed by frost….
In November you need to dig up tuberous begonias….
A November application of fertilizer is very beneficial to a lawn of….
A different way of starting an avocado plant is to….
November is the month to check house gutters for….
Keep the compost heap moist to aid in the decay process
Earthworms must remain below frost line to survive
Some plants are very sensitive to de-icing salts
To winterize your mower, first disconnect the spark plug wire
Keep your shears in good working order
To fight against peach blight and peach leaf curl….
Discourage winter weeds by putting down….
Spray Bacillus thuringiensis on cole crops like….
Keep an eye out for spider mites on….
December is a good time to buy early-flowering….
In December you can take root cuttings of woody shrubs and evergreens, such as….
Bare-root season begins late in December
Take hardwood cuttings from deciduous trees and shrubs in December
To prolong the life of a flowering poinsettia….
If the buds drop and the stems shrivel on your Christmas cactus….
Both live and cut Christmas trees need water while they are inside
If stored bulbs begin to shrivel….
Thoroughly mulch azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and laurel after….
If you haven't already sprayed your nectarines and peaches for….
In December, you still have time to make herb vinegars for the holidays from….
Some of the things you can accomplish when using mulch include:
Overall, the healthiest plants are those that have access to a consistent supply of….
Weed before you mulch
Wind can work against you in your war against weeds
Avoid mulching too close to stems or trunks
How thick you apply mulch depends on the size of its particles
If the particle size of your mulch is large such as straw, pine needles….
When applying ANY kind of mulch be careful to leave some space around….
Summer mulching helps provide….
Winter mulching helps provide warmth and….
Leaf Mulch (leaf mould) are leaves that have been allowed to rot slowly for….
Grass clippings from a weed free lawn make a great feeding mulch but….
Alfalfa (lucerne) hay or pea straw make great nutritious mulches
Bark and wood chips are great for covering soil. The advantage is that….
Black plastic vs. landscape fabric
Mulching with sawdust
Sawdust is often recommended as a mulch for blueberries….
Mulching with shredded ground redwood bark from recycled redwood
Compost is simply well rotted organic matter that enriches the soil and….
Fertilize your lawn in October before the first heavy freeze, no matter if….
Winter weeds are germinating like crazy in the fall so….
Mowing is the single most important thing you can do to….
To make a good fertilizer for strawberries and rhubarb….
Trap insects on your plants by….
Prevent the birds from stealing seeds in the field by….
Keep mosquitoes away from your vegetable garden by….
Buy your plants and garden supplies during off-season Fall sales and….
Plant your peonies in a sunny, well-drained place
Plant shorter, early-blooming bulbs among….
Plant mums in the spring because….
Fall is the correct time for planting peonies either as….
Herbaceous peonies (P. lactiflora) die to the ground in winter….
Herbaceous Hybrid peonies are crosses between….
Intersectional peonies are a cross between the herbaceous (or bush) peony….
Tree peonies (P. suffruticosa) have woody stems that….
Peonies have a number of different types of blooms….
Peonies are best set out in the fall either as….
Peonies like regular watering, not soggy or too dry….
Plant peonies in….
Peonies like a neutral to slightly acidic soil (6.5 to 7.0) so….
Plant herbaceous peony roots with eyes….
Peony crowns have buds that are often called "eyes" and….
When planting peonies, carefully check to see that….
Plants are unlikely to flower the first spring after planting….
Peonies thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 7 but….
If peonies are planted too shallowly in cold weather climates….
If peonies are planted too deeply in warm weather climates….
Peonies need a light fertilization with a bulb fertilizer such as….
To ensure your peonies always flower….
Team up pole beans and corn stalks for their mutual benefit
Carrots can be grown in containers but choose….
Potato transplants grown from seed or seed potato tubers can be….
Place your plants together in ‘groups’
Plant your perennial crops in….
Check for proper drainage before planting trees
Make a portable flowerbed
Bulbs that have mushy gray spots on them….
A loose, papery skin on a bulb….
A few nicks on bulbs….
Protect your plants from frost damage
Don't use plastic covers when….
Protect your broad-leafed evergreens in winter by….
A row cover can extend fall crops by several weeks
A floating row cover is an extremely lightweight row cover fabric that….
Use a super light row cover against insects….
When buying houseplants, try to pick a plant that….
When buying houseplants, pick the container up and see if….
Check the foliage closely on houseplants before buying
When purchasing houseplants, check to see that….
When buying houseplants, test the soil surface with….
When choosing flowering plants….
Avoid buying houseplants that are….
Touch and hard-to-kill plants include:
A houseplant's watering requirements change with the seasons
Plants take more water when humidity is low
Check the moisture content of your houseplants by:
You can check whether or not your houseplants need watering by:
If a plant shows signs of wilting because of dry soil….
If a plant looks limp and wilted but the soil is saturated….
If you find you are watering all the time….
If soil has gotten so dry it's starting to pull away from the sides….
When you water from the top….
Plants that LOVE a lot of water include:
Fertilizers are necessary to help….
For a better understanding of the numbers on fertilizer bags:
If your vegetable garden is green with lots of lush foliage but no vegetables….
A balanced or complete fertilizer is a:
Fertilizer also comes in several forms:
Always use fertilizer at the rate recommended on the label
Basics to look for in fertilizers:
Effective ways to prevent weed seeds from germinating….
Pulling weeds by hand is sometimes necessary, especially….
Common garden hoes and cultivating forks, in a variety of sizes, are useful for….
Scuffle hoes are easier to use in….
Rotary-tilling or disking takes care of weeds, especially where….
Herbicides offer several approaches to weed control including:
Chemical weed killers are especially useful with….
Use chemical herbicides with extreme caution
Most vines can be guided to grow….
Plants chosen to landscape swimming pool areas must….
Soil from your yard is too heavy to use in….
Potting soils are really soil-less which simply means that….
When buying potting soils, avoid….
Signs of a root-bound plant include:
You can repot any time you want but the best time is….
When repotting, if you want to keep the plant the same size….
When repotting, if you want to put the plant in a bigger container….
The two things to remember when choosing a container for your houseplants are:
It is NOT ok to put a layer of stones or sand in….
When choosing a pot for your houseplant, choose a pot that will….
Plants that like moist soil do well in….
For plants that like a dryer soil, try planting them in….
Your houseplants leaves need to be wiped down at least….
Wash and clean your houseplants in a shower, bathtub, or….
Every time you water our houseplant….
Plant basil in fertile soil in a spot that gets….
Basil needs a steady supply of moisture and….
Basil has few pests but occasionally….
The best time to harvest basil is just as the plant starts to….
The later in the day you harvest basil, the longer it….
Dried basil maintains its flavor best when stored….
Dill produces a strong taproot like its cousin the….
When planting dill, sow seed 1/4 inch deep in rows….
If growing dill in a windy spot, stake the….
Harvest the fern-like leaves of dill about….
To dry dill leaves….
When growing sage….
Harvest sage lightly during the first year to allow….
If you wish to dry sage, hang stalks in a….
Although parsley is a biennial, it’s best to start new plants each year because….
To hasten germination of parsley, a slow-sprouting seed, pour….
Parsley does well in sun or partial shade, and prefer….
To harvest parsley, cut entire leaves from….
To dry parsley, tie stems together and….
To keep fresh parsley crisp and flavorful….
Vegetables love the sun and require at least….
Vegetables need proper nutrition
Vegetables need lots of water, at least….
Growing a first ‘beginners’ vegetable garden
Vegetables that may yield more than one crop per season are:
When you plant potatoes….
Blueberries, mountain laurel, azaleas, and other….
Some plants, especially herbs, act as repellents
Dill and basil planted among tomatoes protect….
Marigolds are as good as gold when grown with….
Nasturtiums can help protect your vegetables by….Nasturtiums can help protect your vegetables by
Attract praying mantises, ladybugs and….
Lettuce, radishes, and other quick-growing plants sown between….
Leafy greens like spinach and Swiss chard grow in the….
White garlic and onions repel a plethora of pests and….
Potatoes and beans grow poorly when planted by….
Keeping a garden weed-free is usually a good thing, however….
Anise grows well with….
Plant basil in the garden with….
You can plant borage with….
Caraway can be planted here and there and it….
Chervil grows well alongside….
You can plant chives with….
Dill does well planted with….
Plant fennel in a space of its own and….
If you plant garlic near roses and raspberries….
Lovage, planted here and there, improves….
Marjoram grows well with….
Planting mint near cabbage and tomatoes….
Oregano grows well with….
Parsley can be planted near….
Rosemary deters the cabbage moth, bean beetles and….
Sage deters the cabbage moth and carrot fly when….
Improve the growth and flavor of summer savory by….
Tarragon grows well with….
Thyme deters the cabbage worm when….
Cook with anise and use in cookies, cakes, fruit fillings and….
Basil adds zest when used in….
Use the leaves of borage in….
Use caraway in rye breads, cheese dips and….
Add chervil to soups, salads, sauces….
Chives, a relative of the onion, enlivens vegetable dishes, dressings….
Use dill seed for pickles and also to add….
Fennel is great for flavoring pastries, confectioneries….
Garlic is used in tomato dishes, garlic bread, soups….
Lovage is a great flavoring for soups, stews, and….
Marjoram is excellent in almost any meat, fish, dairy or….
Mint is common in Middle Eastern dishes such as….
Oregano gives a zesty and strong taste and is good in any….
Use fresh parsley in soups, sauces, and….
Use rosemary for poultry, lamb, and….
Sage is used in cheese dishes, stuffings, soups….
Summer savory is popular in soups, stews, stuffings….
Tarragon is great with meat, eggs, poultry, seafood and….
Use thyme in casseroles, stews, soups, ragouts….
Container gardening is an easy way to garden, especially when….
When storing produce in a root cellar….
When storing veggies and fruit in a root cellar, remember that….
In placing produce in your root cellar, think about….
Apples keep well for about 6 months at temperatures between….
Store dry beans in a….
Never rinse berries before storage
Keep mushrooms in the refrigerator in a….
When storing onions and garlic….
When you store pumpkins and winter squash keep in mind that….
Carrots, parsnips, potatoes, beets, and other….
Store spices and dried herbs in a….
Store tomatoes at cool room temperature out of….
Tropical fruits do not keep well in the cold
Many vegetable, shrub, and tree seedlings come grown in peat pots and ….
Peppers like evenly moist and evenly warm soil
Peppers like well-drained soil
If you buy pepper seedlings in the nursery to transplant….
As soon as you have planted your peppers….
Water peppers deeply during dry spells to….
If any weeds pop up among your peppers….
Pepper flowers can drop off on very hot days with temperatures over….
Peppers grow best when….
Most sweet and hot peppers are at their best when….
Always cut peppers from the plant, don’t….
If frost is forecast, an entire pepper plant can be….
If there is no fruit on your pepper plants, the reason is….
Most lilacs don’t need to be pruned until they have….
When pruning lilacs take some loppers or really sharp pruners and….
Get rid of weeds in garden mulch by choosing a….
Turn a leafy fruit tree branch into a fruitful one by waiting until each….
Speed up a tree that is slow to bear fruit
Notching to get a fruit bud can be done during the late….
Trees that do NOT need to be pruned yearly to produce fruit are:
Apple, Cherry, Pear and Plum trees should be pruned yearly only for….
Trees that DO need to be pruned yearly to produce fruit are:
Peach, Nectarine and Apricot fruit trees bear fruit on….
Fruit trees can be pruned in….
Winter pruning, when a tree is dormant, is the best time to….
Spring pruning can be done very carefully after….
Summer pruning is the time when you can see….
Test your garden seeds by….
Consider buying ‘seed tapes’ for your….
Soak clay pots in a…..
Want a garden with perfectly straight row?
To plant seeds evenly and thinly….
Protect your newly planted annual seeds from birds by….
If your soil is heavy, sprinkle….
Speed up the sprouting time of seeds by….
Make your own pest repellent by combining….
Small seeded greens such as spinach can be planted….
Things NOT to put in compost include:
An easy way to feed a large number of plants is to….
Place plants with similar moisture needs together
Using mulch conserves water
Water early in the day or at night
Conserve water by using soaker hoses, drip irrigation pipes….
Soaker hoses are ideal for watering….
If you must do a lot of hand watering….
Go light on mulch if slugs and snails are a problem
Mulch insulates the soil from summer temperature extremes by….
Heavy rains have no trouble penetrating mulch to….
Mulch softens the impact of….
Mulching keeps mud from….
Mulched soil stays loose and….
Mulch may filter out….
When mulching, leave a one to….
Certain common plants require acidic soil (pH under 7) including:
Cut down on garden watering during hot, dry periods by….
Lettuce is a cool weather crop that matures….
Green beans produce bountifully over a long period of time
Tomatoes can be started from seed or….
Cucumbers and zucchini (or other summer squash varieties) are best started….
The two most important factors to consider when planning a garden are:
When your soil is prepared and ready for planting remember that….
The planting depth of different plants does differ somewhat but….
To extend your harvest….
When planting tomatoes, you have to include an extra step because….
When planting beans and peas, use wooden stakes and twine to support the….
Garlic and cayenne can be used to deter….
Basil, thyme, oregano, sage, and parsley are….
As a mulch, lawn clippings build soil structure, moderate soil….
Chopped leaves, when used as a mulch, suppress weeds, build….
Pine needles, used as a mulch, builds soil structure and suppresses….
Use bark nuggets as a mulch to conserve moisture and….
Straw or hay, used as a mulch, builds soil structure….
Use newspaper as a mulch to suppress weeds, and conserve….
Start the seeds of slow sprouters such as onions, parsley….
Plant seeds for large vegetables such as squash, corn and ….
Lily bulbs are never completely dormant. They must be….
Daylilies bloom from early spring until late fall and….
When black spot attacks your roses, take….
Make your own insect killer by combining….
Morning glories have a tremendous heat tolerance
Sweet peas are the ideal fence vine for….
The scarlet runner bean is a vigorous, fast-growing summer vine producing….
Completely hide your chain link fence by growing a….
Cup-and-saucer vines thrive in….
The hyacinth bean is another warm weather wonder and similar to a….
Azaleas and rhododendrons are premier shrubs for….
Support tall plants with….
Tropical plants provide some of the most exotic and intense….
A little frost is a great thing for….
Kale comes in a variety of….
Lettuce of the looseleaf variety form….
The classic iceberg type of lettuce is very….
Butterhead lettuce, also called….
Romaine lettuce has an upright head that….
Batavian lettuce is also called French or….
Swiss chard is closely related to beets and is….
Spinach is a dark colored, uniquely flavored green, popular both….
Mache is also called corn salad, lamb’s lettuce or lamb’s….
Endive/escarole is a lettuce-like salad green with a….
When you purchase plants, you want to buy them with….
When looking for a suitable tree for your yard….
When planting a new tree, dig a shallow hole and make it a….
When planting a new tree in the ground….
Adding chemical fertilizer to a newly planted tree is….
Always mulch new trees. Add no more than….
New trees need to be routinely watered for at least….
It is not necessary to use tree wrap on new trees because….
Plant grass varieties that are right for your particular climate….
Never give your lawn a butch cut. Grass that is cut too short….
Signs of a root bound plant include the pot filling with roots with….
When repotting your plant into a bigger container….
Whenever you plant flowers, bedding plants, and in fact many trees and….
Sometimes after you plant and water in….
If your hydrangeas don't flower, it is usually because of one of three things:
Hydrangeas are fast growing and noted for their….
Hydrangeas like full sun in cooler climates and partial shade in….
Never water a wilted hydrangea if the soil is….
Hydrangeas, as a general rule, like 4-6 hours of sun
Hydrangeas do best in….
Hydrangeas like regular water but….
If your hydrangea’s leaves are lush and green but don't have flowers…
When fertilizing hydrangea’s, use a good balanced granular fertilizer such as….
In May or June when hydrangeas begin to….
Most hydrangea varieties can withstand local sub-freezing temperatures in….
In order to get the biggest flower clusters from your hydrangeas….
Whenever you prune your hydrangeas, make sure you always….
Benefits to buying and planting bare-root trees and shrubs
You can plant dormant bare-root trees and shrubs….
Buy your bare-root trees and shrubs….
When choosing and buying a bare-root tree or shrub….
When planting a bare-root tree or shrub….
After choosing the best location for your bare-root tree or shrub….
Dig a hole for your bare-root tree or shrub
When digging a hole for your bare-root tree or shrub….
When planting your bare-root tree or shrub….
After planting your bare-root tree or shrub….
Water the bare-root when….
Hand picking and disposing of slugs and snails….
When disposing of slugs and snails by hand picking….
Lures and traps for snails and slugs
Drown snails and slugs by….
Use dry dog or cat food to trap snails and slugs
Use copper deterrents for snails and slugs
Snails and slugs hate sandpaper
Natural predators for snails and slugs
A digging fork is essential for the raised bed gardener
Dwarf conifers give a big forest feeling
Dwarf conifers are low maintenance
During the first season after planting dwarf conifers, you will have to….
Try not to use sawdust, grass clippings or peat moss….
To grow herbs successfully, you need to:
Vegetables and flowers CAN be mixed!
Attract pollinators to make sure the bees can find your vegetable plants
Some insects that are beneficial to have in your garden are:
Some herbs that repel garden pest insects include:
If you can’t repel a pest, throw it a sacrificial plant
Edible flowers to grow in your vegetable or flower garden include:
The herb borage has a cucumber like scent and flavor
The petals of the flower calendula, pot marigolds, work well in cooked and….
Dandelion flowers are edible and quite delicious when….
Daylily flowers are edible and are often….
Gem marigolds 'Lemon Gem' and 'Tangerine Gem' marigolds are edible marigolds….
Many herb flowers are just as tasty as the foliage and….
Nasturtiums are easy to grow and are….
Pansies are edible (the whole flower), sepals and all
All squash flowers are edible, not just….
Plant tomatoes around your asparagus bed as soon as you….
To get the most cucumbers from your vines….
For easy storage of your watering hose….
Kill weeds with flat….
Roots grow faster when soil temperatures are around….
Put the green back in your houseplants by….
Wait for water to reach room temperature before….
Weak tea invigorates droopy houseplants
To water or not to water?
Rotate your tomato plants
African violets can be propagated simply by….
Don’t mix potatoes with squash or….
Change the color of your roses by….
Tall or shading vegetables can work wonders against….
The best time to prune apple trees is….
Plants are pruned to encourage more growth but not all growth is….
When pruning apple trees….
When pruning an entire branch of an apple tree you can cut….
Thin interior branches on an apple tree so that sunlight can….
When pruning an apple tree, make sure that the….
The only growth you want to prune or remove from apple trees….
When pruning just about anything, look for and prune out:
When you buy plants that already have flowers, they will be prettier if….
Herbicides work best when weeds are….
Baby or mini carrots are sweet and….
Cool, mild and refreshing cucumbers add a….
Shell, snow, and snap peas are all….
Radishes provide almost instant….
Scallions, also called green onions, take up little….
When propagating leaves and stems in water….
Corn, beans, and squash grow well together
Prevent sticky sap from gumming up your pruning shears
An Irish potato makes a good rooting medium for….
Plant garlic near your roses to help keep….
Many herbs thrive in a shady area
Pansies are a biennial plant so they flower every….
New pansy seeds or seedlings should be planted in the spring. Space them….
Be sure pansies are in a spot that gets full sun, at least….
Pinching flowers off pansies that have faded or wilted encourages them to….
Pansies should be transplanted or discarded and replaced every….
The most common insects affecting pansies are:
Gray mold is a pansy disease that occurs when….
Pansies can suffer from rust or beet yellows, both of which….
Zinnias are a versatile plant ranging in appearance and type from….
Zinnias range in color including whites, yellows, pinks and reds and even….
Zinnias prefer well-drained soil rather than….
Most of the time zinnias are planted by….
Zinnias can be started from seed indoors, planting them in….
Don’t put zinnia seedlings out until the temperatures are….
Zinnias are heavy feeders so plan to fertilize them….
If you want to encourage your zinnias to grow into a bushy, compact shape….
If you want your zinnias to grow long-stemmed for cut flowers….
Powdery mildew is the most common problem for zinnias. To prevent it, be sure….
Alternaria, or leaf spot, can afflict zinnias but can be prevented with….
Zinnias can suffer from insect pests of which the most probable are….
Marigolds are available in several types from the….
Marigolds are available mainly in shades of yellow, gold and orange, and….
Marigolds can be bought as mature plants and be….
Whether you start marigolds indoors or outdoors will depend largely on….
Marigolds should be planted in….
Marigolds don’t require much regular care throughout the growing season
To maintain marigolds blooming and appearance and prevent….
You don’t need to fertilize marigolds except for once at….
If you have the taller African marigolds, they may need to be….
Marigolds are free from most insect pests since they have a….
Spider mites can do some damage to marigolds under the right conditions such as….
Marigolds can sometimes suffer from aster yellows, a virus that….
Impatiens are an annual flower that comes in….
Impatiens are liked by many gardeners for their….
Impatiens grow well from seed but are slow to….
If you start with impatiens seedlings from….
Impatiens need shade and thrive well under….
Impatiens needs rich, moist soil and it’s often a good idea to….
Impatiens are an annual and must be replanted each year but….
Moisture stress is a common problem for impatiens
Some plant viruses affect impatiens but these are….
Fungi, rots, and blights can affect impatiens
Insects to watch for on your impatiens include:
Geraniums are a colorful and strongly scented plant that make a….
Most geraniums prefer a….
Plant geraniums in the spring, but be sure….
Cuttings from geraniums can be taken any time of year but will….
Geraniums suffer quickly if over watered or….
Geraniums should be fertilized once at….
Check over your geraniums regularly….
Insects are usually not a problem for geraniums since….
Root rot can develop in geraniums from….
Botrytis fungus is a common enemy of geraniums, but….
If any disease begins to affect your geraniums severely….
To test your soil, it is a good idea to….
You can test the pH of your soil with a….
Crape myrtle can be treated as a small tree or a….
Get rid of garden slaters, also known as sow bugs or pill bugs, by….
Poinsettias can be planted in cool weather like any shrub, without needing special….
Basil is a member of the mint family
Prevent your basil from blooming for as long as possible by….
Since basil loves heat, don’t plant it until the….
When planting basil, space plants about….
Basil is very sensitive to frost and will be….
You can grow basil indoors, from seed, seedling or….
Aphids are the biggest pest for basil, especially if….
Frequent harvesting or pinching of basil leaves will….
Divide perennials when….
Plan ahead for dividing your perennials and have the new site ready before….
When growing self-sowing annual flowers, you will need to….
Easy growing, self-sowing annual flowers include:
What makes for a good cut flower is a stem that is….
Annuals that thrive in the heat include:
Give your annuals a strong start by planting before….
Most perennial flowers thrive in partial or full shade but they still do need….
Perennial flowers needing shade include:
Purple perennial flowers include some of the following:
While preparing perennial beds, borders or edgings, make sure you….
Grow healthy roses and watch for ‘black spot’, a fungus that is….
Treat black spot on your roses by being meticulous about….
Watch for downy mildew on your roses, a very serious disease that….
Protect your roses from downy mildew by practicing….
A rust infection on your roses is easy to spot because of the….
Treatment of the rust fungus on your roses is similar to….
Once a rose is infected with the Rose Mosaic Virus, there’s not much to….
If your perennials look sluggish, they probably need to be….
Acclimate your seedlings before transplanting them outside by….
The ladybug, or ladybird beetle, is the number one enemy of….
Keep deer out of your yard and from grazing in your garden by….
Don’t harm your jade plants by….
If you like a refreshing, minty, camphor-like smell, you may enjoy….
Azaleas and rhododendrons can make attractive….
To grow BIG eggplants, wait until….
During a drought, plant seeds in the ground as soon as….
Daffodils, tulips and other bulbs like to be buried….
Keep manure away from your carrot seeds when….
If your potted plants are attracting all kinds of pests….
While most cacti don’t need any fertilizer, those in….
Don’t try to grow annuals - except marigolds, nicotania and verbena - in….
Keep ants under control by combining:
To keep cats out of your flowers….
Bachelor's buttons grow very easily from seed and….
Calendula looks like a fall flower with….
Diascia’s are perennial and relatively new in gardens, becoming….
Where summers are too extreme to grow delphiniums….
Lobelia will give out on you during the summer but….
Nasturtium’s will bloom throughout the summer and well into….
Petunias do their best blooming in….
Snapdragons offer you color and….
If you still have some pansies and violas from last spring….
Perennials require regular maintenance to….
Achillea will grow almost anywhere, but….
Campanula come in many species and are easy to….
Centranthus prefers dry, lean soil, but it blooms longer in….
Coreopsis are undemanding plants, but….
Corydalis' ferny foliage and delicate flowers belie its….
Most Dianthus have a long, natural period of bloom and many will….
Echinacea purpurea has a long bloom period and is extremely….
Give gaillardia full sun and it will….
Black-eyed Susan, alias Rudbeckia, are at home everywhere but….
Scabiosa is a unique looking plant with a….
All leafy vegetables such as….
Most beet seeds are multigerm (seedball) and….
Sow carrot seeds directly into the garden row on the surface of the….
Start broccoli seeds indoors about 4 weeks before transplanting outdoors or….
Start cabbage seeds indoors about 4 weeks before transplanting….
Start Chinese cabbage seeds indoors about 4 weeks before transplanting….
Start cauliflower seed indoors about 4 weeks before transplanting outdoors or directly seed outdoors
Space cucumber plants placing one seed every….
Parsnip seeds should be sown directly into….
Plant radishes thinly down shallow rows and….
When planting salsify, sow the seeds….
Plant turnips thinly in rows and thin to….
Onions can be planted from seeds, sets or….
Start kohirabi seed indoors about 4 weeks before transplanting outdoors, or….
Cut seed potatoes into sections including 2-3 eyes in each section. Sections should be….
Plant Swiss chard in cool weather, about two weeks before expected date of….
Plant pumpkins in well-drained aerated soil. Plant….
Pumpkins can be planted indoors in potting soil about three weeks prior….
To grow giant pumpkins, plant seeds deep about three weeks before date of last…
Spinach should be planted in cool weather, about two weeks before the expected date of….
Plant summer squash in well-drained aerated soil
Summer squash can be planted indoors in potting soil about three weeks prior to….
Plant winter squash in well-drained aerated soil
Winter squash can be planted indoors in potting soil about three weeks prior to….
Some annuals that do well in damp soil include:
Fill an old salt shaker with seeds to….
Plant a clover of garlic along….
When you are ready to buy bulbs for your garden….
Spray individual weeds without catching your favorite plants by….
Warm up your melon beds, and you’ll get….
Water your plants with ‘weed’ tea
Flowers you can plant in hot, dry areas include:
To conserve water and give a tree a good, long soak….
Fight fungus and disease with molasses by….
Container plantings often need to be watered much more frequently than….
Plants that do well near the ocean and salty sea breezes include:
Drought tolerant annuals include:
Flowering annuals that like shade include:
Crops that most benefit from side-dressing are:
Side-dress tomatoes, peppers and okra….
Side-dress individual plants by digging a….
To side-dress a row of plants, dig a shallow trench about….
Keep bulb roots from rotting or drying out when stored for the winter by….
Start seeds indoors for annual flowers in….
Keep your plants ‘energized’ with Epsom salts
Variegated leaves are very attractive on plants bred to show color, but if….
Use a shovel or spade to scarify, or chip up, the sides of….
Shamrock plants like bright, indirect light although….
Clover (trifolium repens) is often considered a weed, however….
Clover can be used to create a low-maintenance lawn or….
Planting clover eliminates the need for….
Clover is one of those legume plants, like fava beans and alfalfa, that….
A lawn consisting of just 5% clover will actually produce 2 pounds of….
Nitrogen provided by clover will not leach out of your lawn, and will not….
Forsythia will do well in any soil except….
Although irises will grow and even multiply in the shade, it seriously impairs….
Place small pieces of sponge in the bottom and along….
Kill poison ivy by….
Discourage rabbits from eating your garden plants by….
To create an instant, nice, and tidy garden….
Plants that do well in partially filled wetlands include:
Quality 1-year-old crowns of asparagus with 8 to 10 large roots and….
Asparagus should be planted in early spring several weeks before date of last….
Asparagus seeds can be started indoors 12 weeks before….
Snap beans are suited to plant in….
Bush type snap beans can be planted in….
When planting pole type snap beans, sow seeds….
In mild climates, Brussels sprouts adapt to fall planting and can….
The planting date for Brussels sprouts should be calculated by….
To plant Brussels sprouts in rows:
When planting Brussels sprouts in beds….
Plant endive crops in cool weather, about two weeks before the expected date of the….
Garlic prefers rich, loose, well-drained soil
When planting garlic, separate the bulbs carefully, discard smaller cloves and plant only….
Lettuce should be planted in cool weather, about two weeks before the expected date of….
Leaf lettuce is easier to grow than head lettuce, especially in….
Plant lima beans 1-1 1/2 inches deep when moisture levels are….
Place traditional rows of lima beans 2-3” apart with rows 18-24” apart or plant in….
Plant bush type lima beans….
To plant pole type lima beans sow seeds 3-6 apart with….
Pea vines vary widely in height. Dwarf varieties may be planted….
Plant peas in cool weather about 5 weeks before the date of last frost since….
Peppers are typically planted as transplants. Sow seeds indoors in a….
Sow tomato seeds indoors in loose potting mixture about 6-8 weeks before the….
To plant an amaryllis bulb outdoors in spring, site it in full sun to….
Fungus gnats cause the most damage as larvae. They hatch under the….
To control fungus gnats:
Control fungus gnats by….
Eliminate slugs with homemade spray
A wooden board is perfect for packing the soil after….
Instead of feeding the roots of tomato plants, feed the….
Before you water your plants, throw some….
Give ‘first aid’ to a bent stem by splinting it with a….
Prune hardwood trees in the winter after they….
If your pepper plant has shot up and still hasn’t developed more than one….
Damage done to early blooming trees and shrubs by late freezes is NOT without benefits:
Crop rotation means a healthier garden because….
Plants that benefit from hard pruning in late winter or early spring include:
Shrubs that bloom on new wood when cut back include:
Gardeners with dry soil can achieve wet, boggy conditions by….
Cyclamen grows and blooms in winter. Once the days grow long and….
Prune your sedges (Carex) to keep them within bounds by….
The best time to dig up spring-flowering bulbs is about six weeks after they….
Many cool-season vegetables do very well when grown as fall crops. These include:
Getting seeds to sprout and thrive can be challenging in….
Spring-flowering bulbs to plant under trees include….
Fall-flowering bulbs to plant under trees include….
Germinating acorns is fairly easy. The key is to gather acorns as soon as….
Fallen leaves of black walnut trees and all of the plants’ parts produce
These annuals will make a powerful impression in a good fall:
Most woody perennial herbs don’t require pruning to….
Pruning, other than the pinching down you do when you harvest your….
Prune woody herbs in….
To allow plants to grow best, space them so that….
Space your annuals according to the specifications on the….
When you plant your annuals loosen the….
Symptoms of stress in plants include….
Wilting can be caused by too little water or….
Bleached leaves indicate the plant is getting….
Prevent sunburn by choosing a site that matches the plant's….
Leaves that are black have been damaged by frost. Prevent this by….
Leaves that have ripped, ragged edges or….
Keep pots of blooming bulbs (tulips, crocus, hyacinth, daffodils) in a….
When lilac leaves are the size of a mouse's ear….
When lilac is in full bloom, this is an indication…
Once lilac flowers have faded, this is an indication….
When daffodils begin to bloom, this is an indication….
When oak leaves are the size of a squirrel's ear, this is an indication….
When maple leaves reach full size, this is an indication….
When apple trees shed their petals, this is an indication….
When dogwood reaches peak bloom, this is an indication….
When lily-of-the-valley blooms, this is an indication….
When daylilies begin to bloom, this is an indication….
When bearded iris are in bloom, this is an indication….
Once aspen has leafed out, this is an indication….
When dandelions bloom, this is an indication….
When forsythia is blooming, this is an indication….
When crocus bloom, this is an indication….
When crabapple and wild plum are at budbreak, this is an indication….
When shadbush blooms, this is an indication….
When catalpas and mock orange blooms, this is an indication….
Plant perennials when….
Protect your plants from squirrels by….
The best time to mulch is….
A good mulch conserves….
Mulching prevents blossom-end rot on….
Okra, eggplant, peppers, and all other long-season vegetables grow best when….
Cedar chips seem to discourage insects from….
Cedar chips can be used beneath….
Buy tomatoes as transplants or….
Do not set tomato transplants into the garden until….
Tomatoes need full sun, fertile soil and….
Set tomato plants deeper into the garden than they were….
A month after transplanting tomatoes….
When a tomato’s first fruit clusters form….
For best flavor, harvest tomatoes when they are….
Except for the very shortest varieties, tomato stems are not….
Wire cages do a great job of supporting vigorous, unpruned....
Stakes support tomatoes that are pruned to promote harvest of….
Make your own trellis of strings attached to a wire or use a wire….
Don’t trust your memory when you plant bulbs. Mark the spot with….
Early to mid-autumn is the best time to plant most….
Bulbs duplicate themselves by making tiny bublets every….
Cultivate cabbage on solid ground. They are rugged and actually….
Brussels sprouts are one of the….
Once dirt gets hard and dry, it often resists getting….
Siberian and Japanese irises, astilbe, cardinal flowers and….
For quicker germination, soak seeds for beets….
The best time to divide and multiply your plants depends on….
All bramble fruits produce their heaviest crops on….
After a couple of seasons of use, rejuvenate the soil in your….
Wrap young trees with at least two feet of stretchy….
Plants that develop stem buds in fall that produce new growth in spring benefit from….
To protect roses from winter damage, make a mixture of….
To protect larger shrubs from any winter damage, encircle them with….
Where winters are cold or unusually windy, screen evergreens with….
Frost improves the flavor of spinach and….
Some of the best plants to keep in a cold frame through winter include….
Hardy biennials like parsley, forget-me-not (Myosotis) and foxglove can grow….
Cloches are small covers set over individual plants and work as….
Cloches come in handy in early spring when you want to….
Pine needles make a great mulch around….
Dry manures are less powerful in plant food value than….
Leaving black plastic down for more than a few months….
To produce long, white, tender stalks of celery, cut the….
If you water your rosebush from above, do it in….
When pruning shrubs and vines, make cuts just above a….
When the leaves on your tomato plants develop yellow thumbprint-sized blotches….
Prune grapes very heavily in….
Your goal in pruning peaches and plums in January each year is to….
To keep the worms (plum curculios) out of your peaches and plums….
A clear plastic milk or juice jug can protect a….
To help hard-coated seeds germinate faster….
To plant a begonia tuber, find the little point on….
When pruning a plant to maintain its natural form….
Prune hedge plants by heading them back, a method that results in a….
When building your compost pile, think ‘green’ and ‘brown’ materials
Congealed blobs of sap on lower trunks of peach and plum trees are result of….
The sticky residue that gets all over pecans' leaves is honeydew that has been….
Pecans that do not fall but stay in trees into the winter are infested with….
After a bulb has bloomed and faded….
Hold off spraying weedkiller on newly seeded lawn for….
Some houseplants will root from stems placed in water but….
If you want to grow a large number of seedlings….
One to two weeks before transplanting seedlings outdoors….
To separate seedlings, gently pull the….
If your roses fail to open properly and are looking browned and scorched instead….
Put earthworms in your compost pile to….
Native trumpet vine can send sprouts from its roots as far as 25' from….
Dump a can of regular cola - not diet - on your compost pile to….
If your tree has rows of holes in its trunk, it is probably caused by….
Worms that strip trees bare in the spring and then hang from single threads are….
To help strawberries dry out more quickly and avoid….
Strawberry plants have three parts….
Rabbits don’t like hot pepper so….
To save seeds from flowers, wait until the flowers fade and dry to….
Easy flower plants that are easy for saving seeds include:
Easy vegetable plants that are easy for saving seeds include:
If you have vegetable seeds left over from last year’s planting, you can….
Never transplant a seedling until it has at least….
After collecting any type of seed, let the seeds dry thoroughly before….
To dry juicy tomato seeds….
Some short-lived vegetable seeds that are not usually good after 1-2 years include:
Some moderately long-lived vegetable seeds that are good 3-5 years under good conditions include:
Some long-lived vegetable seeds that are good more than 5 years under good conditions include:
Divide perennials on a calm, overcast day when….
When you divide actively growing plants in the summer, cut back the….
Perennials that benefit from division include:
If you want more of a particular plant but the plant doesn’t….
Leafy fruit tree but no fruit?
Sweet cherry trees, more than any other fruit trees, grow….
If you bend any shoot over, it will….
Fruit trees can be pruned in the….
Winter is the best time to do any heavy pruning for….
Summer pruning is a good time to….
When choosing muskmelon, make sure you choose a variety that is….
When choosing watermelon plants, look for varieties that are….
Melons like full sun, hot days, warm nights, and lots of….
Melons need very warm soil and will not grow well in soil that is….
To plant your melons in hills….
To plant your melons in rows….
Short-vined or bushy muskmelon and watermelon will produce….
If you follow good crop rotation, plant melons in an area that previously had….
Melons need plenty of water while they are young….
You can improve the flavor of your melons if you don't water as often as….
To give a steady supply of moisture to your melons….
Try not to disturb or move the vines on your melons as the plants….
Melons are heavy feeders and from the time they start growing until….
You can tell if muskmelons are ripe when they develop a….
When watermelons are ripe, the curled tendril at the stem end….
All melons will ripen a bit more for a….
Squash vine borer larvae can tunnel into….
Some common diseases to melons include:
Currants thrive in cool summer weather in….
Tomato fertilizer isn’t just for tomatoes….
Heat your soil to speed up rooting of propagated cuttings but keep the….
Double your space and halve your weeding time by….
Some root crops such as horseradish and….
Grow potatoes in an old trashcan!
To dry herb seeds without making a mess….
Listen to your houseplants!!
Carnation, creeping phlox and painted daisy have a….
To plant bleeding heart and peonies….
Baby’s breath, hollyhock and sweet pea have long….
Dry eggshells, crush them and then….
The best time to move roses is when the….
Because bearded iris are never completely dormant, you can divide them….
Daffodils seldom need to be divided because they often….
You’ll know your daffodils need to be divided when….
Spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, glory-of-the-snow….
If you are planning to divide several different types of bulbs, place a….
To propagate any flower that grows from a corm, dig the plants when….
Just like spring-flowering bulbs, you can hold your harvested cormels for….
Soap has been used for centuries as an all-purpose pesticide. When sprayed on….
Insecticidal soap is a totally safe and natural product proven to….
Good spray coverage with insecticidal soap is essential for….
Insecticidal soap should be applied weekly for….
Currants need good drainage, and the bushes….
When planting currants, choose cultivars resistant to….
Black currants are suitable for hedges, in which case set bushes….
Plant currants in pots at least….
Water currants regularly and feed plants between….
Pruning currants is best done during the dormant season in later….
Some of the main species of blueberry are:
Blueberries like a very acid soil like azaleas and rhododendrons
Blueberries have self-sterile flowers (meaning they cannot….
Plant both highbush and rabbiteye blueberries in the spring, usually as….
Highbush blueberry plants should be at least….
Choose midhigh blueberry varieties for growing in containers. These are a….
In very cold areas, container-grown blueberries need….
Blueberries are easily killed by excessive fertilizer. Use only….
Blueberries require soil that is very acidic and high in….
If you have very alkaline soil and want to plant blueberries, mix….
Blueberries need for the soil to be kept….
To prevent berry maggots on your blueberry bushes, hang….
Remove loose dry mulch each fall from your blueberry bushes and….
New blueberry plants should be pruned back at….
Prune blueberry plants in late winter just before….
Blueberry plants usually bear their first crop….
Strawberry plants grow 6-8” tall and spread by runners to about….
Strawberry plants fruiting patterns depend upon the….
Planting season varies for strawberries depending upon your….
Although strawberries are self-fruitful, consider planting 2 or more….
Try and avoid planting strawberries in….
When planting strawberries, set plants….
It is very important that the crown of a strawberry plant be at or….
Planting tip for strawberries:
Don't let strawberry plants dry out, and try not to….
A care tip for strawberry plants:
When fertilizing strawberry plants, use a good balance fertilizer like….
If you want larger strawberry plants with smaller yields of….
Most June-bearing strawberry plant types do better with yearly pruning, so….
When planting strawberries, a good rule of thumb to follow is to not….
In cold climates, mulch strawberries with a….
Strawberries are susceptible to many, many….
If you have had problems with birds devouring your strawberries….
Pick strawberries when….
Some tall, narrow perennials that require no staking or pruning to maintain their shape include:
Give your outdoor flowers a jumpstart with a jolt of….
Fertilize your plants and keep pests away at the same time. Put a….
When you prune your hedges….
Speed up the blooming of your gladiolus by….
Spray your blooming pepper plants with a mixture of….
For many herbs, the best time of day to harvest leaves is….
Cabbage will grow too fast, drink too much water and then crack unless….
Before planting strawberries, soak the roots in a….
You can plant daylilies anytime you can….
Daylilies are sunloving flowers but they also bloom rather well in….
When dividing plants with thin, fibrous roots such as….
Because dahlias cannot survive in….
Dig dahlia roots in fall just after the….
Store air-dried dahlia tubers in a….
Prior to planting dahlia tubers in the spring….
Take stem cuttings when plants are growing but not….
Plants to propagate from stem cuttings include….
Diseases cannot infect plants that are highly….
If your seedlings disappear and you have ruled out deer and rabbits….
Large holes in leaves could be the work of….
In the vegetable garden, plants with “buckshot” leaves are probably….
Viruses cause plants to grow crinkled leaves with strange colors, shapes and….
Small sucking insects rob leaves of moisture and nutrients, causing stems to….
A wide variety of caterpillars use plants for….
If you find your plants collapsing and dying, this is evidence that….
It is never advisable to cover exposed roots of an established….
Grapes are pruned late winter or early spring before the….
Bending over or breaking the tops of onions will result in an earlier harvest but….
For long-term storage of onions, the skins must be allowed to….
Eggplant is a heat-loving vegetable that does best in….
To grow eggplant in your area, start by growing cultivars that tolerate….
Because some magnolias develop a taproot, seeds should be started in….
Magnolia seedlings, by mid-April, should be hardened off gradually by exposure to….
Whiteflies are very small white insects that look much like tiny….
Some symptoms of whitefly on plants include….
To control whitefly indoors, buy or make….
Suck adult whiteflies into a small vacuum cleaner and then….
Insecticidal soap can be used as a weapon against….
To eliminate bindweed get a large piece, at least 2’x2’, of flat….
To successfully plant and garden in dry shade….
Camellias are similar to rhododendrons in that they produce a mass of….
Regularly trim back the new growth in camellias each year in spring to encourage….
To patch your lawn by seeding….
To patch your lawn with sod….
To patch your lawn by plugging….
General guidelines for cool-season grass, EARLY spring lawn care:
General guidelines for cool-season grass, LATE spring lawn care:
General guidelines for cool-season grass, EARLY fall lawn care:
General guidelines for cool-season grass, LATE fall lawn care:
General guidelines for warm-season grass, EARLY spring lawn care:
General guidelines for warm-season grass, LATE spring lawn care:
General guidelines for warm-season grass, summer lawn care:
General guidelines for warm-season grass, fall lawn care:
To avoid potato diseases, buy certified….
Once Brussels sprouts start developing, speed up the harvest by….
For celery that’s white, tender and mildly flavored, cut off….
Sprinkle outdoor plants with the water you swish around in an….
When areas of the vegetable garden remain vacant for several weeks….
Neem is a pesticide derived from the Asian neem tree that makes pests….
Bacillus thuringiensis, often abbreviated as Bt, is a naturally occurring bacterium that gives….
If you till or work your garden beds before they dry out….
It’s easy to diagnose a potassium deficient plant because the leaves are….
Harvest seasons for apples range from….
Most apples are ready to pick when they separate easily from the tree and….
To avoid pulling out an apple stem when you harvest, don't….
Length of storage time for apples varies, ranging from….
If you started your asparagus bed from crowns….
Pick asparagus sparingly the first time over a….
Always gauge the length of your harvest of asparagus by….
Harvest asparagus spears in early spring when they are….
Asparagus is best when fresh, but….
You can harvest beans up….
Snap Beans, both green and yellow, come in….
Snap bean pods should be firm and crisp at harvest, about as thick as a….
Shell beans (romano, lima, southern peas, soybeans, fava, etc.) come in….
Shell beans can also be grown as dried beans. Pick these varieties when….
Dried beans (great northern, navy, pinto, etc.) come in….
Let dried bean pods get as dry as possible in the garden and pick when….
Harvest broccoli while heads are a deep green, still compact, and before buds open into….
When you bring your broccoli in from the garden, soak the heads in a….
Cabbage is ready to harvest when the head is full and….
Carrots are generally ready for harvest in 2-3 months or when they are….
You can leave carrots in the ground until you need them because….
Pick cauliflower when the heads are full, but before the curds begin to….
Cauliflower will keep for about a week in….
When harvesting sweet corn, look for dark brown, soft silks (not brittle silks), and….
Corn tastes best when picked in the later afternoon because of its….
Cucumbers mature very quickly. Pick them often so that….
Slicing cucumbers can be harvested whenever they are big enough to use, but….
With slicing cucumbers (as opposed to pickling cucumbers) keep….
Cucumbers contain mostly water, so the key to storing them after the harvest is….
Gather pickling cucumbers when they are….
The best eggplant fruits are so young that the seeds are barely visible when you….
Leaf lettuce matures about 40 days from seeding. Start harvesting as soon as leaves are….
Head and romaine lettuce mature about 70 days from seeds and….
Always allow melons to….
Muskmelons are also called….
Picking muskmelon when they are ripe is crucial to….
Muskmelons are ripe when the rind is tan rather than green between the….
Muskmelons are overripe when….
Watermelons are ripe when the curled tendril at stem end dries to….
Most melons will ripen a little bit more for 2 or 3 days after….
The number one mistake home gardeners make with honeydews is….
You can begin to harvest onions as soon as they are….
Bulbing onions are fully mature when the tops….
Reduce the risk of onion bulbs rotting in storage cure bulbs by letting….
Harvest garlic when leaves begin to turn….
Use a pitchfork to harvest garlic bulbs, and let them….
Snow and snap peas are ready to pick about 3 weeks after….
It is always best to eat fresh snow or snap peas immediately because….
Pears should be harvested when they are mature but still hard and….
Allow pears to soften and ripen indoors at a….
Begin harvesting peppers when they reach….
Cut bell peppers from the plants with a….
Bell peppers will continue ripening after harvest if….
Store thick-walled bell peppers in….
Small, thin-walled bell peppers start drying….
As tubers become fully mature, the potato plant's stems and leaves….
After harvesting potatoes, leave them outdoors for an hour or two to….
If you plan to store your potatoes, you'll be better off if you….
Harvest pumpkins and winter squash when the rind is….
Cure winter squash and pumpkins in a 75-80° dry, well-ventilated place….
Harvest summer squash and zucchini when immature and still….
Tomatoes are ripe when they change….
The Indian mallow (abutilon palmeri) is an apricot flower that blooms from….
The Mediterranean spurge (euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii) has narrow….
In February and March the pink-flowered currant (ribes sangineum glutinosum) is….
The drought tolerant cleveland sage (salvia clevelandii) can't be beat for….
If space is available, herbs can be grown grouped together in an….
In order for dwarf irises to flower in following years, they need to be….
Some early crocus hybrids have exotically marked blooms, making them showy and….
Place the following plants side by side for better growing conditions for both:
More plants to sow side by side for better growing conditions for both:
Instead of putting all your basil plants in the ground at once….
Growing garlic in your garden keeps….
Grow basil in window boxes and in….
Plant parsley, dill and fennel in your garden and you’ll get….
Keep basil pinched back for….
Give perennials lots of space to grow….
Eggshells make great ‘planting pots’
Your index finger can tell you how deep to….
Bulbs and tubers…tops or bottoms? How can you tell?
If you remove faded flowers from bulbs, DON’T….
Always stake top heavy perennials when you….
Never run out of stakes. Save your….
Rowcovers exclude most types of pests from….
Rowcovers block out some….
At least two weeks before pests are expected, spread a….
To keep rowcovers as clean as possible, don’t….
If carefully handled, rowcovers should….
When warm weather comes, use very lightweight rowcovers to….
Support your tall plants with a….
Whatever starting mix you use, don’t lay your seed in it until….
Before you mulch, add a source of….
Save the water you use to wash your rice or grains and….
The inexpensive bamboo chopsticks that come with Chinese take out make….
Recycling coffee grounds by dumping them….
Cut up old venetian blinds that no longer work and use them for….
It's much easier to control your garden if it has….
Asparagus rust can be a serious problem in….
Asparagus may be picked sparingly for 1 to 2 weeks in the….
Begin harvesting asparagus after two to three seasons of….
In heavy soils, plant asparagus in….
Drip irrigation is far more efficient than….
A lot of gardening is repetitive motion and can be very….
Baby powder repels….
If you put Blood Meal on your garden before you….
The night before you plan to plant your okra row in the….
Sow radish seeds with squash seeds to prevent….
Most evergreens should require little to no spring care other than….
Dried beans (phaseolus vulgaris) include:
Dried beans need….
Sow dried beans after any danger of frost has passed, and when the soil has….
All legumes, such as beans and peas, are self-fertilizing
To protect legumes from pests and disease….
A common problem with legumes is damp weather that comes along late in….
In order for legumes to reach maturity, they must have….
Harvest legumes when the bean pods are completely dry and beans can barely be….
Before storing legumes, to avoid any potential problems with weevils….
The adzuki bean (vigna angularis) is a….
The black bean (phaseolus vulgaris) is sometimes called….
The black-eyed bean (vigna unguiculata) is also called….
The garbanzo bean (cicer arietinum) is also called….
The hyacinth bean (dolichos lablab) is a fast growing, vining plant that is grown for….
The kidney bean (phaseolus vulgaris) is a large dried bean with the….
The navy bean (phaseolus vulgaris) is a smaller….
The mung bean (vigna radiata) are often sprouted for use as….
The pinto bean (phaseolus vulgaris) is an….
Some shrubby plants with woody stems need to be cut back each spring because….
Spring rose care depends very much on….
Destroy slugs by filling a….
It's always wise to test your soil before you….
If you amended your soil in the fall, check to see how….
When digging a hole for a plant, fill around it with….
Get rid of aphids by….
When Aloe Vera is cultivated in containers, you can improve drainage by….
To eliminate flea beetles, use….
Use aluminum soda cans for plant….
Human hair, when mixed into the earth will keep….
Clean containers with small openings by using….
Sprinkle Blood Meal all across your garden and then….
Cabbage butterflies are controlled organically by placing a potted plant of….
Twists ties (plastic covered wire) work great as….
Spray veggies and fruit plants with:
Harvest hard to reach tree top fruit by….
Use the little square alcohol wipes that come individually packaged in foil, to….
Use ice cubes to water….
Watering by recycling ...
To protect rhododendrons from moles and voles….
Beneficial insects that should be welcome in your garden include:
To attract beneficial insects you need:
Depending on where you are gardening, some perennial plants will never….
The following vegetables can withstand frost but not hard freezes:
Thinning and removing surplus plants should take place as soon as….
Vegetables that must be planted with plenty of time to mature before….
Keep your plants healthy and strong by….
Most herbs, once they are established, are….
When you clean your aquarium, don’t dump the water….
When buying pepper plants at a nursery, take a look at the….
Many herbs have shallow roots, the kind that can easily be affected by….
If you plant dill and fennel side by side, they….
Your sun-drenched, outdoor herbs will have a better indoor life if….
Some herbs don’t produce viable seeds while others grown from….
Add compost to your soil about three weeks before….
Make your own seed planter with….
Sprinkle some flavored gelatin on your seeds as you….
What is a heirloom seed
What is open pollination
What is the better seed
What is an heirloom garden
What is a heirloom vegetable
To maintain plant size of herbs and encourage branching, pinch….
Get your rusty gardening tools clean again simply by….
When shopping for seeds of sweet basil, be sure to check….
If planted in the ground, peppermint will….
Put coffee grounds in the bottom of the hole the next time you’re….
To keep pruning saws sharp, clean, and….
NEVER use garden soil, OR any outdoor dirt, to start your….
Fresh beans (phaseolus vulgaris) are classified into a couple of basic categories and include:
Green beans, otherwise known as snap or string beans, are….
Pole beans (phaseolus vulgaris) are what you'd think of as green beans and means the….
When planting beans, sow cultivars that are resistant to or tolerate….
When planting beans, sow seeds after any danger of frost has passed, and when….
Bush beans bear heavily, but only for a few weeks. To assure a….
Pole beans will produce beans up until….
All legumes, such as beans and peas, are….
Mexican bean beetles can be serious pests from….
If beans are sown too early in cold, wet soil, the seeds may….
Normally the reason beans set flowers and then drop them is….
For beans to mature, it takes a minimum of….
When picking beans use two hands, one to hold stem and one to….
Pick snap (pole, bush, string, green) beans when they are….
Increase the yield of your bean crop by….
The asparagus bean (vigna unguiculata) is also known as….
Bush beans (phaseolus vulgaris) are often called….
Favorite bush beans include:
Butterbeans (phaseolus lunatus) are also called….
The edamame/soybean (glycine max) is a green vegetable more commonly known as….
Fava beans/broad beans (vicia faba) are also called….
Horticultural beans (phaseolus vulgaris) are also called….
Lima bean - Bush (phaseolus limensis var. limenanus) are sometimes called….
Lima beans - Pole (phaseolus Limensis) are climbing or pole limas and require….
Pole beans (phaseolus vulgaris) are also called green, string, snap beans, or runner beans because
Pole beans are a good choice where space limitations prevent successive….
Purple-podded beans (phaseolus vulgaris) are striking….
Romano beans (phaseolus vulgaris) are sometimes called….
Scarlet runner beans (phaseolus coccineus) are a climbing bean that can be….
Wax beans (phaseolus vulgaris) are also called….
Before you sow your crops, toss some….
Make a temporary garden tool rack by cutting….
Before you harvest from a chive plant for the first time let the….
Store your hand tools in a pail of….
Too much fertilizer can harm….
Keep your garden hose from knotting and twisting by….
To prevent older thyme plants from developing….
Before putting your garden tools away for the winter….
Annuals that prefer a higher pH (over 7, alkaline) include….
The majority of garden plants prefer a soil pH of 6-7, but….
If your soil is not acidic enough, you can lower the pH with….
Elemental sulfur can be used to lower soil pH. It reacts….
Plant your biggest garlic cloves first if you want the best….
Speed dry herbs in your oven by placing….
When you see flower buds on your parsley, hurry to….
Rowcovers can let sunlight through and….
The types of rowcovers used as insect barriers offer little….
The pinkish brown Mexican bean beetles arrive in the garden in….
Yellow-and-black-striped Colorado potato beetles sneak into….
Imported cabbageworms are velvety green caterpillars who love to feast on….
The spotted cucumber beetles are bright with….
Beans of all kinds detest members of the….
Though basil will grow anywhere, plant it next to a….
Give your vines a bed to lay on by suspending a….
Convert an old, rusty garden rake into a tool holder by….
An old kitchen fork makes a handy….
If you want to harvest broccoli, Brussels sprouts or cabbage in the fall….
It’s time to transplant your seedlings when….
Thin your seedlings when they are….
Soak old seeds in a wet paper towel before you….
Don’t pick blackberries before they’re….
Heavy limbs of fruit can split from the trunk and….
To help avoid problems with pests and diseases, never plant….
Chives that dwell in both indoor and outdoor containers need a little….
If part of your yard or garden stays too damp for plants that don’t….
What is the best tasting vegetable
What is the difference between organic seeds and non-hybrid seeds
The best time to take root cuttings is when the plants are….
To take root cuttings from trees and shrubs, carefully remove….
To take root cuttings from perennial and smaller plants….
When taking root cuttings of both woody and perennial plants….
When taking woody root cuttings, keep track of which side of root is the….
When taking root cuttings of perennial plants with small roots….
Forcing means that you are going get a plant to….
Watering beans made simple by….
If you see spotted beetles that look like ladybugs in your….
Apply wood ashes to your garden at the rate of….
A good mulch does more than just….
If after purchasing bulbs, for some reason if you can't plant them soon….
A good basic potting mix will have….
Broccoli needs full sun because partial shade will reduce….
Broccoli seedlings are very vulnerable to excessive….
To fertilize broccoli, lightly broadcast some….
Use cardboard or metal "collars" to deter cutworms from….
To avoid soilborne diseases, don't plant broccoli or other….
In some areas, spring broccoli will go to seed early at the beginning of….
Broccoli matures within….
Harvest broccoli heads when they have….
Cut fall heads of broccoli with less stem attached, leaving….
When you bring broccoli indoors….
Broccoli will grow all winter where….
When planting bulbs in pots, you can use either clay or….
Planting depth for bulbs depends on the size of the….
Save some of the branches you pruned off trees and….
To prepare an asparagus bed, dig a trench about….
When harvesting asparagus, make sure you take a….
To prevent club root from wiping out your cabbage patch….
Replace your lawn if….
Repair your lawn if….
If you choose to use grass seed rather than sod or any other….
The two ways you can repair an existing lawn is by….
Overseeding is a great solution for repairing a lawn if it is
Patching is the best solution for repair if most of your lawn is….
Since radishes are quick to pop out of the ground….
Carrots are easy to grow but don’t be fooled by a large….
Increase the production of your corn and melons by….
There are four basic types of heading cabbage:
Cabbage does best in full sun, but being a cool-weather crop….
Most gardeners prefer to use cabbage transplants to get a….
When setting out cabbage transplants, do so about….
Cabbages need a steady supply of….
To fertilize cabbage, lightly broadcast some….
If your cabbages have had problems in the past, look for….
To avoid cabbage heads from splitting….
Young cabbage plants will withstand….
Cabbage is ready to harvest when the head is….
Storage-type cabbages will keep for….
Cut early and mid-season cabbage….
If you have extremely sandy soil in your yard, you can improve it by….
Peat moss is a….
Sphagnum moss is a….
Perlite is an expanded….
Vermiculite is a layered….
Bonemeal is useful to plants only when….
Fall is the best time to add….
If you have soggy soil, try these moisture loving perennials:
Check these perennials out for shady spots:
If your perennial garden gets more than six hours of sunlight a day….
For areas that are prone to erosion, some perennials that offer a low-maintenance solution….
Bleeding heart can be planted in spring or fall in moist, rich….
Bleeding heart can be divided in the spring every….
In order to get compact, bushy plants, pinch your mums when….
To help hardy mums survive the winter outdoors….
Moist flowers and leaf surfaces that don't dry out fast enough provide….
Botrytis affects the flower buds causing….
The best way to winterize your mum is to keep it….
Geraniums require little care as long as they get….
For optimal bloom, feed geraniums lightly with a….
Geraniums need at least 1 inch of water per….
Plant your Geranium seedlings outdoors, when….
Remove from your geraniums, spent flower stalks and….
To keep your flower gardening work to a minimum….
To get rid of spiders, put….
Mark your long-handled tools inch-by-inch from….
The secret to keeping wildflowers producing is to….
Use shredded paper in your garden either as….
After sowing new plants, use your finger to….
To eliminate all sorts of pests like….
Borage can help you in your fight against pests!
To protect your cucumber bed….
Cucumbers and corn make a good team because….
To grow snowy-white cauliflower, you have to….
Thin high-hanging fruit with a pole
Grow dwarf apple trees and not compromise apple size
Protect your berry bushes and other fruit vines from unwanted nibblers by….
Protect your fruit trees from the squirrels by….
To grow sweeter grapes, plant your vines where they’ll….
When the underside of a watermelon turns from….
Right after planting a peach tree, trim it down to….
If your strawberry plants need better drainage, try….
Harvest German chamomile flowers when….
Sweet woodruff is a hardy perennial that makes a….
To prevent aggressive herbs from taking over your garden….
If your herbs have very little flavor, you may be….
If your bee balm plants are plagued by powdery mildew every year, try….
Sprinkle chervil and fennel seeds directly on the….
Stevia is a South American herb you may be able to grow as….
To keep cats from digging in containers and newly seeded beds….
If you have snail trouble in the garden, place….
Make your own citrus spray for aphids by combining the grated rind of….
The leaves of houseplants form blisters when….
Houseplants naturally grow towards….
High temperatures, low humidity and dry potting compost cause houseplants to….
Growing a houseplant in low temperatures is just as damaging as….
Set ‘growing lights’ over houseplants to supplement low lighting by….
Regularly mist-spray the smooth-surfaced leaves of your houseplants in….
A few houseplants, such as philodendrons and the Swiss Cheese plant, have….
Pansies can be grown in areas where the summers are….
Pansies stop developing new roots when….
Plant pansies in rich, moist, well-drained soil in full sun to….
Pansies bloom best in early spring before the….
Pansies need more food than most annuals when they are….
If planting pansies in cooler climates, add the….
Violas and pansies can reseed themselves and some will….
Several root rot diseases affect pansies. Symptoms show up as yellowing of lower foliage with….
Weeding made easy:
Allow weeds to grow 1” and you will have an easier time….
Mulches are one of the best ways to keep weeds from….
The three basic tools for controlling weeds are:
The easiest and most convenient weeder is….
When hand weeding is impractical, use either a….
The ‘draw hoe’ is the familiar flat-bladed hoe that works best when….
The ‘warren hoe’ has a pointed heart-shaped blade that is….
The ‘scuffle, stirrup or Dutch hoe” cuts weeds at the….
Most herbicides are not selective enough to know what’s a weed and….
Sometimes the only option to eliminating weeds is to kill the existing vegetation with….
Newer acetic acid based herbicides work by….
Ergonomic rakes, the type with the bent handle, are much easier on the….
A spading fork is used for digging and….
A compost fork helps compost happen faster if you turn it….
A good garden shovel is as important to a gardener as a….
If you have only one shovel in your garden tool shed, make it a….
The short handle round point shovel is a shorter version of….
The sawtooth shovel works great with clay or….
Long handle square point garden spades are popular with many….
Short handle square point garden spades are for those who prefer….
The transplanting spade isn't really a spade. It's a….
Most planting takes place down on your knees with a….
Gardeners are at high risk for carpal tunnel and arthritis, but….
The classic wooden handle, green metal blade trowel….
Pruners will not only make your job easier, it will make a….
To break up soil, nothing works as well as a….
Yard rakes help clean garden debris. Tines with some spring can be used in….
Some things to look for in a wheelbarrow are:
Two-wheeled garden carts are becoming more and more….
A good watering can will have a….
When buying a water hose, learn how much pressure it can handle before….
Forged tools will cost more, but they are more….
Because roots have a harder time getting nutrients in….
A cheaper alternative over beer for getting rid of slugs is….
Plant thyme to make a good groundcover for….
When you plant any groundcover….
Toads are a gardeners’ best friends so….
Plant creeping thyme in the cracks between the stones of your garden path or….
You can grow watermelon, cantaloupes, and pumpkins in a small….
While your fruit tree is still a sapling, coax its branches to grow….
To correct high pH, mix….
When you spread wood ashes around your vegetable garden, they….
Maple leaves make a great mulch for….
Glossy, colored magazines and catalogs used as compost is NOT….
Plant big pumpkins for jack-o’-lanterns, medium-sized for….
For the tastiest apples and pears, don’t….
Keep the worms out of your apples by fixing an….
If your grapes are likely to be raided by birds or other pests, slide….
Most carrots are orange, but they also come in red, yellow, white, and….
When planting carrots, choose an area with….
Sow carrot seeds in early spring after severe frost has….
Temperatures over 80° will promote carrots with short, spindly roots with….
All root crops benefit from high-phosphorus fertilizer being….
Carrots won't need to be re-fertilized if you….
Use row covers to deter carrot rust flies which lay eggs at the….
Twisted carrot roots indicate….
Carrots mature….
Harvest carrots before the ground freezes and when they are….
When growing carrots, amend the soil when following heavy feeders such as….
Cauliflower has white, purple and green….
Cauliflower grows best in full sun, any partial shade will….
If you've had problems with cauliflower in the past, look for….
For spring crops of cauliflower, start plants indoors ten weeks before….
Start fall crops of cauliflower 90 to 120 days before….
More than any other vegetable, cauliflower is very sensitive to….
To fertilize cauliflower, lightly broadcast some….
At planting time, protect cauliflower transplants with….
Control cabbageworms with row covers or spray or….
In humid climates, cabbage heads may discolor during….
Cabbage heads are mature and ready in….
Pick cauliflower when heads are full, but before curds begin to….
Cauliflower will keep for 1-2 two weeks in refrigerator if….
Most sweet corn comes in white, yellow, or bicolored (both yellow and white) and….
Standard sweet corn cultivars do not have any of the special….
Keep in mind, when choosing corn cultivars for your garden, that super-sweet varieties can….
Corn is pretty tolerant of many soil textures, but it prefers deep….
Look for corn varieties to suit the length of your….
Corn seed germinates poorly in cold, wet soil and may….
You can plant successive corn crops every….
When planting corn, keep the soil evenly moist, but….
Hilling corn is very important because it is a….
To hill corn….
To fertilize corn, lightly broadcast some 10-10-10 over the area, till in, and then….
To prevent disease problems with your corn, choose cultivars that tolerate or resist….
The corn earworm is corn’s most destructive insect pest that also….
Patchy or unevenly filled out ears of corn are due to a….
Rain and wind can affect good pollination in corn because….
Corn can be hand pollinated easily:
Corn matures between….
Harvest corn when the silks have turned brown and dry, and the ear….
In gardens where space is limited, interplant a….
Miniature corn (zea mays var. rugosa) is also called….
Ornamental corn (zea mays var. indurata) is also called….
Popcorn (zea mays var. praecox) are ears of corn with very….
Modern hybrids of cucumbers produce well, but most seed catalogs will highlight three traits:
Burpless varieties of cucumbers are also called….
Gynoecious cucumbers produce all, or mostly….
Non-bitter cucumbers don't form the bitter compounds that can…
Cucumbers can be divided into….
Cucumbers prefer full sun but they will tolerate….
Cucumbers don't like cold soil and they don't….
Plant cucumber seeds ½” deep with at least three plants for effective….
Cucumbers need regular….
If trellising your cucumbers, you can use a….
Compact, bushy varieties of cucumbers with small fruit can be….
To fertilize cucumbers, lightly broadcast some….
To ward against pests and prevent disease in cucumbers….
Sudden collapse of cucumber plants indicate….
Cucumbers get bitter when there is a….
Cucumbers come to maturity in….
Pick cucumbers when they are the size you want, but they are better when….
Types of lettuce include:
Leaf lettuce is fast and easy to grow. It's ideal for….
Plant lettuce in full sun in cool weather and in partial shade in….
When planting lettuce, look for disease resistant and heat and bolt-resistant cultivars for….
Direct-sow leafy types of lettuce two to four weeks before….
Head lettuce does better as….
If you choose to buy lettuce transplants, choose plants that are….
Lettuce grows excellently in containers, so….
To fertilize lettuce, lightly broadcast some 10-10-10 over the area, till in, and then….
To protect your lettuce crops from soilborne diseases….
Bitter lettuce leaves suggest heat and water stress, or….
Leaf lettuce matures:
Head lettuce matures:
Start harvesting leaf lettuces' outer leaves when they are still….
Bibb Lettuce (lactuca sativa) is also called….
Iceburg Lettuce (lactuca sativa) is also called….
Leaf Lettuce (lactuca sativa) is also called….
Romaine Lettuce (lactuca sativa) is also called….
When choosing muskmelon, make sure you choose a variety that is resistant to….
When choosing watermelon plants, look for varieties that are resistant to….
When choosing melons, choose long-vined cultivars rather than….
When growing melons, if you are short on space and need to….
Typically, muskmelon have soft-textured flesh, but….
Melons like full sun, hot days, warm nights, and….
Melons need very warm soil and will not….
When planting melons, you can use….
If you are planting melons using hills:
If you are planting melons using rows:
Melons need plenty of water while they are young, and….
To give a steady supply of moisture to melons….
Try not to disturb or move melon vines as the plants grow, even to….
You can plan on melons maturing in….
When muskmelons become ripe, they develop a….
When watermelons become ripe, the curled tendril at the stem end….
All melons will ripen a bit more for a couple of days after harvest, so….
Some common pests to watch for in your melons are:
Cucumber beetles typically prefer cucumbers and muskmelons, but….
Squash vine borer larvae can tunnel into watermelon vines, eating the….
Common diseases among melons include:
Peas (pisum spp.) include:
There are two distinct types of peas:
If you plan to freeze your peas after harvest, there is a variety that….
Make sure your pea plants get full sun to partial shade on a….
Peas do poorly in hot weather, so plant spring crops….
Peas grow best at temperatures between 60°-65°. Pods can become….
Peas do very well planted in blocks about….
All legumes, such as peas and beans, are….
Peas need good air circulation. Using resistant cultivars can help….
After planting peas and the seedlings appear, you can cover….
Peas planted in the fall in humid areas, even using disease resistant cultivars, can be….
Peas mature within:
Harvest shelling peas when….
Harvest snap peas when….
Harvest snow peas when….
Shelling eas (P. sativum var. sativum) are also called:
Snap peas (P. sativum var. sativum) have pods that are….
Snow Peas (P. sativum var. macrocarpon) are also called:
Pumpkin (cucurbita spp.) includes:
Pumpkins are really just winter squash, but have a distinctive….
Pumpkins come in many colors, shapes and….
Plant pumpkins in full sun in an area that has….
Pumpkins grow best in 60° soil. In short-season climates, start seeds indoors in….
Plant pumpkin seeds 1 to 2 inches deep in predampened….
When planting pumpkin seedlings, hill the soil up around the stem if it is….
Pumpkins need regular water to keep the….
Because pumpkins take longer to mature, when the fruit is in contact with….
There are three main properties needed to ensure giant pumpkin growth:
To fertilize pumpkins, make sure soil already has lots of good compost and….
Use row covers to protect young pumpkin plants from….
Radishes or basil interplanted with pumpkins helps repel beetles and….
Fruit that turns black and rots before reaching picking size has….
Pumpkins won’t pollinate successfully in temperatures above….
Pumpkins mature between:
When harvesting pumpkins, make sure to leave a minimum….
Harvest all pumpkins as soon as their skin is tough enough, or after a….
Store pumpkins in a cool, well-ventilated area where….
Summer squash (cucurbita spp.) include:
Squash are among the….
Squash can be grown in containers, just use the….
Pattypan squash (cucurbita pepo) is also called….
Yellow Squash (cucurbita pepo) can be either….
Zucchini (cucurbita pepo) include the….
Winter Squash (cucurbita spp.) include:
Winter squash, properly cured and stored can retain their flavor and texture for….
Winter squashes can be….
Plant winter squash in full sun in an area that has….
Acorn squash (cucurbita pepo var. pepo) is also called….
Buttercup squash (cucurbita maxima) is dark green and squatty with a….
Butternut squash (cucurbita moschata) is a thick necked squash that has….
Delicata squash (cucurbita pepo) is also called….
Gold nugget squash (cucurbita maxima) is a quick-maturing winter squash that has….
Hubbard squash (cucurbita maxima) is also called….
Spaghetti squash (cucurbita pepo) is also called….
Sweet dumpling squash (cucurbita pepo) is a flattened, round fruit about….
Turban squash (cucurbita maxima) is also called….
Vegetable marrow squash (cucurbita pepo var. pepo) is also called….
There are three methods of patching a lawn:
To seed your lawn, sow at the….
To sod your lawn, cut your sod pieces to match the….
To plug your lawn, take small plugs from your healthy….
There are many different ways to get rid of any existing old grass, weeds….
One way to get rid of any existing old grass, weeds or vegetations is to….
In a super warm area, instead of a herbicide, you can solarize the soil by….
Before you plant anything in a new lawn, you really need to know….
Take a look at your soil texture before you plant a new lawn
Testing the soil before putting in a new lawn isn't hard and only takes a….
To test your soil before planting a new lawn, gather soil samples from several….
Soil testing suggests soil amendments that are commonly needed in your region
After spreading needed amendments evenly over a new lawn area….
To grow a new lawn from seed, calculate how much….
To grow a new lawn from sod, water lawn site a few days before sod….
A soaker hose is best for watering….
Shallow watering does more harm than good because….
The least effective method for watering your garden is with a….
If you water with a sprinkler, use an….
Houseplants need a balanced diet of….
Both foliage and summer-flowering houseplants are normally fed from….
Plants need different amounts of foods at certain times in….
Feeding plants with liquid fertilizers is the traditional and most….
If the potting compost of our houseplant is dry, first water it before applying….
When using a liquid fertilizer, thoroughly….
Fertilizer pills and sticks are pushed into potting compost and provide….
As well as absorbing nutrients through their roots, some plants….
Liquid plant food is diluted with….
When plants in pots become too large to be repotted, they are….
Air-plants (tillandsias) are adapted to live in….
Many bromeliads have urns at their centers through which they….
Dust and dirt are the enemies of….
Clean plants with many small leaves by….
Some plants have a sprawling, scrambling and climbing nature and although this is often….
Slightly woody stems such as those on azaleas, are best trimmed….
Encourage young plants to form a bushy base by….
Wait until just before the sun sets to transplant on summer days when the….
Too much fertilizer can burn plants, stunt their growth, or….
You can always tell when onions are ready to harvest because….
When picking ripe peppers and eggplants off the vine….
Horseradish is easy to grow but be careful, it can….
For a quick and easy way to dig holes at exactly the right depth for….
You can ripen tomatoes faster with….
Hang red Christmas tree ornaments on your tomato plants BEFORE….
If you want a strong tomato plant, don’t let it rush into….
For the sweetest, juiciest tomatoes ever, add….
Without water, plants can’t produce and transport the….
Surface-rooted plants like dogwoods, azaleas, blueberries and….
Calcium deficiency in plants is usually caused by….
When you see hollow stems on broccoli, they are usually caused by….
Trees receive an estimated 90% of their nutrition from….
Clean your crusty, clay pots by soaking them in….
Protect your pots from freezing winter cold by….
Trees can induce rainfall by cooling the land and….
A ‘dry site’ is one in which a tree's water deficits are likely to….
Drought, obviously, can be caused by less than normal rainfall, but it can also be….
Most trees, urban trees in particular, and trees in containers, become stressed when….
General signs of water stress to look for in your trees include:
Trees grow from the top, not from….
Sandy soils tend to drain rapidly making the soil drier than….
To survive prolonged water stress, trees must be able to prevent or reduce….
An extreme form for trees to deal with water deficits is….
Soil compaction over a tree's roots, due to….
To improve soil and its water retention for trees, incorporate….
No tree dies of old age. They are generally killed by….
Drying winds can damage trees suffering from….
In coastal regions, trees tolerant of both wind and salt spray include:
Reduce fertilizing on trees during droughts
Application of mulch can improve the water retention of trees during….
Water trees during a drought in….
Plant trees in groups instead of….
Wet sites are sites where water either stands for long periods of time, or….
One thing that will immediately help slow draining areas is to add….
Usually wet areas are a sign of….
Some mature trees can take up a lot of water:
Willows, eastern red cedar, the bald cypress and river birch trees are….
When selecting trees relative to soil moisture, begin by identifying….
Soil drainage is the rate at which water moves down through….
To roughly gauge rate of drainage for a particular soil, dig a hole approximately….
If you have a very wet area, you may have a….
When willows are attacked by webworms and caterpillars, they emit a….
White vinegar gets rid of calcium build up on….
Before going out to the garden to work, dig your fingernails into a….
To get dirt and stains off your hands after gardening….
If the beds of your nails are green from pinching back old flowers or weeding….
Use plastic-foam pipe insulation to make handles on tools….
Sterilize your pruning shears by using a….
There are basically 3 types of weed trimmers:
The curved-shafted weed trimmer is intended for lawn edging and small….
The straight-shafted weed trimmer is by far the most popular of the….
The rolling weed machine is the largest of the weed trimmers and it….
To encourage gophers to take up residence somewhere else….
Grow red camellias instead of white if….
Plants with small leaves, especially if they are….
A garden located 3,000 feet above sea level gets about….
To give your tomatoes all the calcium they need to prevent….
To keep leaf diseases at bay, trim off all the greenery below the….
Before you buy a black currant or gooseberry plant….
Many houseplants can be increased from seeds, whether grown for….
Some seeds are difficult to germinate, but….
Most seeds germinate in a constant temperature, but….
As soon as seedlings are large enough to handle they must be….
When pricking off seedlings, don’t use potting compost formed from….
Many bulbs that flower indoors can later be….
The secret to a lush lawn is to water deeply, not….
When pruning, sterilize your tools before….
A space-saving alternative to long, single row planting is:
When you pack vegetables tightly into a bed, it is extra important to….
Certain crops demand air movement, particularly those that….
Relatively small, fast-growing annual vegetables thrive in what looks like….
There are some large vegetables that need space, and for these….
Kale prefers loamy soil, full sun, and….
To allow annuals to grow best, space them so that they won't….
Space your annuals according to the specifications on….
You can wedge annuals more closely in containers by:
When you plant your annuals, loosen the….
Harvest peas when pods are 2-3” long and a….
Harvest green and yellow beans when they are….
Lima beans grow inside pods, similar to….
Leaf lettuce will produce until….
Harvest strawberries when they are….
Typically, strawberries harvest in groups, meaning a lot of berries will be….
Harvest carrots when 1⁄4-1⁄2” of the….
Harvest broccoli when the head is….
If you see small yellow flowers on a broccoli plant or….
Harvest cauliflower when the head is….
Keep the ground under fruit trees….
Drying isn’t the only option for preserving freshly harvested basil
For a slow, continuous supply of water for your garden plants….
When you water your roses, make sure you don’t….
Roses need large amounts of water and thrive when they receive the….
Plants such as asters, daisies and goldenrods are excellent sources of….
The seven best plants to grow in your garden to attract beneficial insects are:
Bachelor's Buttons is an old time cottage garden plant that….
Sweet Alyssum is known for attracting….
Borage is an edible herb with beautiful blue star shaped flowers, but….
The advantage of growing Cup Plant in your garden is because….
In addition to the licorice scented leaves, Anise Hyssop has….
Attract ladybugs, lacewings, flower flies, tachinid flies and mini-wasps to your garden by planting
Besides being a host plant to the Anise Swallowtail Butterfly Caterpillar….
When cleaning your tools in the fall, check wooden handles for splinters, nicks and….
Always soak clay pots overnight before using them so that….
Keep a collection of clean one quart spray bottles in the….
If you have a full sun area, the only way to create shade is by….
Be mindful of where you plant your trees when….
Culver's Root is a prairie plant that is a relative of….
To fertilize grape vines, use….
Diffenbachia, also known as dumbcane, is a toxic plant that can cause problems for….
Bat guano is one of nature's perfect….
Mixing in used coffee and tea grounds to your soil or compost pile can help….
To do well indoors, bonsai plants need a high….
The Bottlebrush buckeye is a large shrub that can….
When watering tropical indoor plants, make sure to use….
Softened water is not safe for your….
The buddelia-butterfly bush dies back in the winter and….
Hollyhocks, or alcea, include both biennials and short-lived perennials, but….
Thatch is a layer of dead matter that is above the soil line but below….
There are two types of Parsley:
It is best to plant parsley seeds in early spring in rich….
Lilacs are enormously popular for….
To propagate forsythia….
If you have noticed webbing in the branch forks or at their ends of your….
A good rule of thumb in planting bulbs is….
The ideal pH range for healthy lawns is between….
Feed your strawberries a complete….
The leaf miner larva is a pale green to whitish maggot that….
African daisy seeds can be started indoors….
Thyme is a highly aromatic herb that grows especially well in somewhat….
Thyme is a low growing, woody perennial spreading….
Thyme is extremely fragrant and flavorful and grows well in….
Thyme is often used as a ground cover and is happy to grow in….
Thymus x citriodorus ‘Aureus’ is a lemon-scented thyme with….
T. pseudolanuginosus ‘Woolly Thyme’ is a very….
T. herba-barona ‘Caraway Thyme’ is….
Thyme pretty much grows….
Thyme grows well indoors, if given a….
When growing thyme in warmer climates where it can get….
Ants like to build their nests in thyme….
Thyme is flavorful fresh and dried and makes a….
Lemongrass is a delicious herb that can be grown….
Savory, both winter and summer varieties, have a strong flavor and many….
Summer savory is lighter flavored than the winter, and you can….
French tarragon is used in finer cooking and pairs well with….
Tarragon stems may be snipped and….
Sweet Marjoram is a rich, sweet tasting herb that is used interchangeably with….
Sweet marjoram grows well both….
Lemon Verbena is a tall, beautiful herb with a….
Lemon verbena is a clean, lemony scented herb that is highly prized for….
Sage is best known as an ingredient in….
The sage plant needs to grow unharvested for….
The sage plant quickly becomes a small woody shrub that can need….
Sage leaves can be used both….
Sage plants can be started from seed, root cuttings or….
Sage prefers a warm, sunny location, although it does not enjoy….
Sage is very happy growing in….
Oregano is easy to grow and is often confused with….
Oregano is easy to grow and care for, as long as it does not….
Oregano dries very well and remains….
Burnet is a tasty and easy to grow herb that adds a nice….
Epazote (sometimes known as Skunkweed) is an herb that is primarily used in….
Epazote is an authentic, if not well-known….
Stevia is a bushy herb with an extremely….
Grow stevia in full sun, watering….
The herb, stevia, has a concentrated taste and you will need to….
Borage is an interesting and multi-purpose annual herb that is….
Borage is a fantastic herb that is….
Bay laurel is the perfect background seasoning for….
In more moderate climates, bay can be grown as….
If you are looking for a lush indoor plant, try growing a….
Bay is very hard and slow to start from seed, so….
Bay plants should be planted at the same depth as….
Bay makes a popular container plant and seems to grow best when….
Bay is often kept pruned, either to keep the size in check or to….
Since bay is very slow growing, it doesn’t require a great deal of….
Bay is drought tolerant, but appreciates regular….
Bay is often used to deter pests from other plants and in….
If your bay is hit by a light frost, the leaves will probably….
Coriander is an annual double duty herb. Its seeds are knows as coriander and its….
Coriander grows in full sun, partial sun, and….
Cilantro is a common ingredient in….
It is a good idea to have two separate plantings for coriander so you can….
Although it is usually just the leaves of fresh cilantro plants that are….
To freeze, place a small amount of dry cilantro leaves in a….
Cilantro may be dried in the same manner as parsley, however….
The seeds of the cilantro plant are known as….
Fennel is a lovely herb, that can be used for many….
Every part of fennel is not only for harvest, it….
Fennel is used medicinally in a tea to aid digestion, and is also known to….
Fennel has a tendency to reseed itself and take over your….
Anise is usually grown as an annual and is native to….
Anise is known for its licorice taste and the seeds are interchangeable with….
Hot peppers, although a perennial, are widely grown as….
Peppers are in the Solanaceae family, along with tomatoes, eggplants and….
You can keep your pepper plants producing by harvesting regularly, once they reach….
Peppers need warmth (at least 70°) to grow and….
Very few pests attack peppers but….
Chicory likes full sun, average to poor soil, and cannot tolerate….
The flowers of the chicory plant are edible for salads and….
The root of the chicory plant is long and thick, like the….
If you want to plant herbs in a shady area, look for herbs that can….
What makes an herb grow fast and neatly is….
When buying herb plants, pay close attention to the height and width of the….
Although many herbs have edible blossoms, it is not a good idea to allow….
Herbs, often rinsed and used fresh, should never be exposed to….
It is important to watch herb gardens….
Water herbs early in morning if possible so water will soak further into….
It is important to keep herbs growing well with a light, all purpose….
To enjoy the best flavor of kale, harvest it….
To grow leeks with a long, white stem, dig a trench a….
Bay laurel trees are very difficult to grow from seed so consider getting a….
If you discover scale on your bay tree, try….
When buying chamomile, be specific about which….
When harvesting herbs to use in the kitchen, you always want to get the most….
If your houseplants are droopy or dying, perk them up with….
A blooming bush or a small, fruiting tree tends to tip over easily when….
Tap a terra-cotta pot before….
If your aloe plant has brown tips or white marks on the stem….
Repot your cactus in….
To increase the harvest of your spring planted cabbage….
Make a harvest basket out of a gallon milk jug by….
Most trees do well in….
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, sap-sucking insects, usually….
Aphids damage soft parts of plants such as….
As soon as you discover aphids on your plants….
Cyclamen mites are pernicious pests that attack a wide range of houseplants including:
Cyclamen mites cause leaves to curl from the….
To control cyclamen mites….
Red spider mites are also known as….
Red spider mites are about the size of a….
Both adult and immature red spider mites pierce and….
Control red spider mites by daily….
Mealy bugs are mainly a….
Mealy bugs are white, waxy….
Mealy bugs suck sap, causing distortion, loss of….
Light infestations of mealy bugs can be….
Root mealy bugs are closely related to mealy bugs, but….
Root mealy bugs resemble….
Root mealy bugs chew roots, especially….
To control root mealy bugs….
The range of scale insects is wide and plants attacked include:
The first sign of attack from scale insects is when….
Scale insects suck sap and produce….
Young scale insects are the easiest to kill when….
To dry herbs and store what you do not need for the future:
Small bunches of herbs can be hung upside down by their stems in order to….
Whiteflies are especially a nuisance in:
Whiteflies are a….
Young green whitefly nymphs suck….
Eradication of whiteflies is….
There are several types of thrips that infest plants in….
Thrips feed by piercing and sucking….
To control thrips, spray with….
Vine weevils are a serious pest in both its beetle-like adult form and when….
The larvae of vine weevils seriously damage….
To control vine weevils, immediately when….
Earwigs attack outdoor plants as well as….
To control earwigs who feed at night, chewing and….
Slugs and snails are not usually pests of houseplants, but….
Slugs and snails crawl and leave trails of….
When you water flowers that are in bloom, use a….
Roses thrive when they receive the equivalent of….
New sod must be kept moist. Immediately after….
By alternately soaking your lawn to….
If you see evidence of gophers or moles excavating in….
When planting cactus, choose a pot with….
Never use plain potting soil for your….
Cinderblocks make perfect planters for….
The next time you repot your cactus, fold several….
For most flowers listed as being edible, they are referring to the….
Borage has a cucumber like scent and….
The petals of calendula (pot marigolds) work well in cooked and….
Dandelion flowers are edible and….
Daylily flowers are edible, however….
'Lemon Gem' and 'Tangerine Gem' Marigolds are the ONLY….
Some herb flowers that are just as tasty as the foliage include….
Nasturtium flowers have a peppery tang to them and the….
The whole flower of the pansy is edible….
Since vegetables need space to grow, plants that are direct seeded….
Seedlings are usually thinned once they have….
Plants like flowers and leafy vegetables such as lettuce and spinach can be….
Root vegetables such as onions, beets and carrots can be more sensitive to….
Spacing root vegetables will vary by varieties and whether….
Vegetable plants that need thinning include:
Vegetables are sun lovers and most will grow their best with….
A vegetable garden should be close to a source of….
Soil is the most important factor in any garden and a….
If you are starting a new garden, it is strongly recommend you have….
When assessing your soil, be aware of drainage and….
Vegetable gardening can be broken down into 2 stages:
Succulent plants, also known as succulents or fat plants, are….
Succulents love sunlight but it’s possible to….
If a succulent looks like it’s not getting enough water….
To remove a cactus needle from your finger….
Give your cactus a grooming!
Watering cactus can be one of the….
Whether a cactus is inside or outside will make a difference in the….
During the dormant season, the need for watering cactus is less than….
Signs that a cactus needs water may include….
Swelling and cracking of the outer skin of cactus is an indicator that….
Outdoor cactus in their native habitat will generally live a….
To propagate your cactus, just cut a….
Cactus is easy to propagate from leaf cuttings unless….
SOME types of cacti can become a….
Mothballs help keep the dreaded root mealy bug away from your….
When selecting tomato plants you will find two types of growth habits:
Deep red tomatoes often have the more….
When purchasing tomato plants, many cultivars have capital letters after….
Tomatoes do best with fertile, deeply worked, well-drained soil in….
Tomatoes like warm soil and don't tolerate frost, so wait for….
If you've had problems growing tomatoes in the past….
Begin setting out tomato seedlings two weeks after the last expected spring frost….
Spacing of tomato plants depends upon whether you plan to….
Tomatoes are very easy to grow in containers. Just make sure….
When planting tomatoes, make sure the soil has already had a lot of good….
When tomato plants begin to flower, side-dress with 1 tablespoon….
If you've had problems in the past with cutworms….
Tomatoes mature….
Tomatoes are ripe when they are….
Many tomatoes will not produce fruit when temperatures are below….
Sooty mould is a….
When leaves, stems and flowers become covered with honeydew, then….
Control sooty mould by:
Rusts are complicated diseases, seldom infesting….
Rusts leave raised rings of….
To control rusts, remove….
Viruses are microscopic particles that invade….
Only the RESULTS of viruses can be seen in your….
There is no treatment for virus-infected plants:
Botrytis is also known as….
Botrytis, or grey mould, leaves….
To control botrytis, or grey mould:
Damping off attacks seedlings soon after….
Damping off damages seedlings, especially those….
To control damage from damping off….
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease producing a….
The white spores of powdery mildew are….
To control powdery mildew, remove….
A houseplant’s need for water….
Too little watering of houseplants is the main cause of….
Too much watering of houseplants is just as likely to cause wilting as….
If houseplants are not badly affected, withhold water until….
During very warm summer days, usually in late afternoons, houseplants with….
Some soil pests, such as root mealy bugs, graze on roots and make….
Flower buds may fall off if houseplants are….
If leaves on your houseplants suddenly start falling off….
If your houseplant’s leaves become yellow and slowly fall off, this is due to….
If green shoots appear on variegated plants, it is usually because….
If leaves become crisp and brown, this is due to insufficient water. But….
Plants that can be left in full sun on a south-facing windowsill in winter will….
Some plants that are moderately easy to grow in moderate light become….
South-facing windowsills are the brightest positions in a home but….
If your windowsill is too bright for your plants….
No plant will indefinitely survive in total shade, although….
Many houseplants recommended for growing in soft light can….
If it is too dark for your houseplants stems and leaves will….
‘Acaricide’ is a chemical used to….
‘Acid’ refers to soils and composts with a pH….
‘Activator’ is a chemical product, normally….
‘Adventitious roots’ are roots appearing in….
‘Aerial roots’ are roots that appear from a stem above….
‘Air layering’ is a method of increasing certain….
‘Alkaline’ refers to soils with….
‘Alpine’ generally refers to any small plant grown in….
‘Alpine house’ is an unheated greenhouse where….
‘Alternate’ are buds or leaves that grow on….
‘Annual’ is a plant that completes its life-cycle within….
‘Anther’ is part of a stamen, the….
‘Aphids’ are perhaps the best-know pest of plants and are….
‘Apical’ is the tip of….
‘Aquatic’ is a plant that grows….
‘Areole’ is a modified sideshoot, resembling a….
‘Aroid’ is a plant belonging to the….
‘Asexual’ is non-sexual and frequently used to refer to the….
‘Axil’ is the junction between a….
‘Axillary’ is a bud that grows from….
‘Bearded’ is a petal bearing a….
‘Bedding plant’ is a plant raised and used as a temporary….
‘Biennial’ is a plant that makes its initial growth one year and….
‘Bigeneric hybrid’ is a plant produced by crossing two plants from….
‘Bleeding’ is the loss of….
‘Blind’ is a plant whose….
‘Bloom’ has two meanings, either a….
‘Bolting’ is the premature shooting up to….
‘Bonsai’ is the art of growing….
‘Botrytis’ is also known as grey mould, a fungal disease prevalent in….
‘Bordeaux mixture’ is a fungicidal mixture of….
‘Bottle gardening’ is growing plants in….
‘Bottom heat’ is the warming from below of a rooting mixture, rather than….
‘Bract’ is a modified leaf and usually associated with….
‘Break’ is the branching of shoots after the….
‘Bromeliad’ is a member of the….
‘Bud’ is a tightly-packed and….
‘Bulb’ is a storage organ with a….
‘Bulbil’ is an immature and miniature bulb, usually at the….
‘Cactus’ is a succulent plant belonging to the….
‘Calcifuge’ is a plant that does NOT like….
‘Calyx’ are the….
‘Capillary action’ is the passage of water upwards….
‘Carboy’ is a large, somewhat….
‘Catch crop’ is a crop, usually of a….
‘Chestnut compound’ is a mixture of….
‘Chlorophyll’ is the green pigment present in….
‘Chlorosis’ is a disorder mainly of….
‘Cloche’ is the French for a….
‘Cladode’ is a modified, flattened….
‘Clone’ is a plant raised….
‘Columnar’ is a plant that rises….
‘Compost’ has two meanings:
‘Compound leaf’ is a leaf formed of….
‘Corm’ is an underground storage organ formed of….
‘Corolla’ is the ring of….
‘Corona’ is the development of….
‘Cristate’ means crested and is used to….
‘Crock’ is a piece of broken clay pot put in….
‘Crown buds’ are the buds on….
‘Cultivar’ is a variety raised in….
‘Cutting’ is a vegetative method of….
‘Damping down’ is a method of increasing the….
‘Damping off’ is a disease that usually attacks….
‘Dead heading’ is the removal of….
‘Deciduous’ is a plant that….
‘Derris’ is a….
‘Dibber’ is a rounded, blunt-point tool for….
‘Dieback’ is the death of a….
‘Disbudding’ is the removal of….
‘Division’ is a vegetative method of….
‘Dormancy’ is the….
‘Double flowers’ are flowers with….
‘Downy mildew’ is a….
‘Drawn’ is a term for….
‘Dutch light’ is a large piece of….
‘Epiphyte’ is a plant that grows above….
‘Etiolated’ is a term meaning….
‘Evergreen’ is a plant that….
‘Exotic’ is a term used to describe….
‘Eye’ is the center of….
‘F1’ is the first….
‘Fasciation’ is a freak condition when….
‘Fern’ is a….
‘Fertilization’ is the….
‘Fertilize’ is to encourage the….
‘Filament’ is the slender stalk that supports the….
‘Fimbriated’ means….
‘Flore-pleno’ refers to….
‘Floret’ is a small flower that….
‘Flower’ is usually the most….
‘Foliar feed’ is a….
‘Forcing’ is encouraging a plant to….
‘Fame’ is a low structure formed of….
‘Frond’ is the….
‘Fungicide’ is a….
‘Genus’ is a group of plants with….
‘Germination’ is the process that occurs….
‘Glaucous’ is grayish-green or bluish-green in color and is usually….
‘Glochid’ is a….
‘Growing point’ is the….
‘Half-hardy’ is a plant that can withstand….
‘Hardening off’ is the gradual accustoming of plants to….
‘Hardy’ describes a plant hardy enough to….
‘Heel’ is a hard, corky layer of….
‘Herbaceous’ is a plant that….
‘Hermaphrodite’ is having both….
‘Honeydew’ is a sugary and….
‘Hormone’ is a growth-regulating chemical that….
‘Humus’ is wholly or partly….
‘Hybrid’ is progeny from….
‘Hybridization’ is the crossing of….
‘Hydroculture’ is the growing of plants without….
‘Incurved’ refer to petals that….
‘Inflorescence’ is referring to….
‘Insecticide’ is a chemical used to….
‘Insectiverous’ is a plant that is….
‘Internodal’ is the part on a stem or….
‘Joint’ is the junction of a….
‘Juvenile leaf’: Several plants grown as houseplants have….
‘Layering’ is a vegetative method of….
‘Leaf’ is a structure (wide range of shapes and sizes) borne on….
‘Leaflet’ means some leaves are formed of….
‘Leaf margin’ is the….
‘Leggy’ are plants that become….
‘Lime’ is an alkaline material used to….
‘Loam’ is a mixture of….
‘Midrib’ is the central or….
‘Mildew’ is a fungal disease that….
‘Mist propagation’ is a mechanical device that….
‘Mutation’ is part of a plant, usually the flower, that….
‘Neutral’ is neither acid nor….
‘Node’ is a leaf join or position where a….
‘Offset’ is a shoot arising from the….
‘Opposite’ are buds or leaves….
‘Organic’ is the cultivation of plants without the….
‘Ovary’ is the part of a flower in which….
‘Peat’ is partly decayed vegetable material, usually with an….
‘Perennial’ is usually used when referring to….
‘Pesticide’ is a chemical compound for….
‘Petal’ is usually the most attractive and….
‘Petiole’ is a….
‘Photosynthesis’ is the food-building process when….
‘Phototropism’ is the action on a plant that….
‘pH’ is a logarithmic scale used to define the….
‘Pinching out’ is the removal of the….
‘Pip’ has two distinct meanings:
‘Plantlet’ is an offset produced on….
‘Plunging’ is the placing outdoors of….
‘Pollen’ is the male fertilizing agent from….
‘Pot bound’ is when a plant….
‘Potting mix’ is the potting compost in….
‘Potting-on’ is the transfer of….
‘Potting soil’ is the American term for….
‘Potting-up’ is the transfer of….
‘Pricking-out’ is the transfer of seedlings from….
‘Propagation’ is the….
‘Pseudobulb’ is the thickened stem of….
‘Rhizome’ is an underground….
‘Ring culture’ is a method of….
‘Root ball’ is the potting compost in which….
‘Root hair’ are the feeding….
‘Rosette’ is a….
‘Scree’ is a freely-draining area of….
‘Seed’ is a fertilized….
‘Seed leaf’ is the first….
‘Seedling’ is a young plant produced after….
‘Self-colored’ are flowers that are….
‘Sequestrene’ is a chemical compound….
‘Sessile’ are leaves and flowers that do not….
‘Sideshoot’ is a shoot growing out from….
‘Single flowers’ are those that have the….
‘Softwood cutting’ is a cutting formed from….
‘Spadix’ is a dense spike of….
‘Spathe’ is a bract or pair of bracts, often….
‘Species’ is a group of plants that….
‘Spores’ are the….
‘Sport’ is a plant that reveals a….
‘Stamen’ is the….
‘Sterilization’ is the cleansing of….
‘Stigma’ is the….
‘Stipule’ are the….
‘Stoma’ are minute holes, usually on the undersides of leaves, that enable….
‘Stool’ usually refers to chrysanthemum plants when….
‘Stop’ is the removal of a….
‘Stove plant’ is a plant that….
‘Strain’ are seed-raised plants from….
‘Strike’ is the….
‘Style’ is part of the….
‘Sucker’ are the shoots that develop from….
‘Succulent’ are any plants with….
‘Synonym’ is a previous botanical name for….
‘Systemic’ are chemicals that….
‘Tender’ is a plant that is not….
‘Tendril’ is a thread-like growth that….
‘Terrarium’ is a glass container that is….
‘Terrestrial’ are plants that grow in….
‘Topdressing’ is the removal of soil from….
‘Transpiration’ is the….
‘Tuber’ is an underground….
‘Turgid’ is used to describe….
‘Variegated’ describes….
‘Variety’ is a naturally occurring….
‘Vegetative propagation’ is a method of….
Bleeding heart (dicentra spectabilis) is a native of….
Bleeding heart can be planted in spring or fall in moist….
Divide bleeding heart in the spring every 5 years to reduce….
The key to attracting butterflies is to provide them with plants where they can….
When picking plants for your flowers beds, pay close attention to the….
To check roots, pop plant out of container and inspect….
Soil temperatures should be in the 50’s for safe planting of….
Remove flowers at planting time, so the plants can….
Coleus plants grow better….
To save your coleus for the winter, cut off a….
One way to take a cutting from a coleus is to remove….
Since coleus makes a nice houseplant, when indoors provide bright, filtered light, well-drained….
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) is a native of Mexico and is a….
Grow white cosmos in full sun in a well-drained, dry….
Plant cosmos seedlings outdoors 9-24″ apart. Taller varieties should be….
Deadhead spent flowers on cosmos for continuous bloom and to prevent….
Fuchsias like cool days and nights, prefer morning sun/afternoon shade and cannot tolerate….
Even though fuchsia flowers are not fragrant, their sweet nectar….
You can save your geranium over the winter by:
Save your geraniums over winter by….
Overwinter your geraniums by storing them in a….
Geranium belongs to the Pelargonium family and….
Geranium (P. x hortorum) or commonly known as zonal or garden geranium….
For optimal bloom of your geraniums….
Geraniums need at least….
Plant your geranium seedlings outdoors when….
Maintenance on your geraniums should include:
The ivy geranium, know as P.x peltatum, has….
When Gerbera flowers are finished blooming and fully matured, the center will become….
The best time to sow gerbera seeds is….
Tiny Gerbera seeds are expensive to buy and come in….
Gerbera daisy is known for its….
Gerbera daisy should be planted in rich well-drained soil when night temperatures are in….
Plant gerbera daisies in a sunny location protected from….
Gerbera daisy can be started from seed 10-20 weeks before….
Not only is gerbera daisy attractive in the garden or as a potted plant but….
Problems to deal with in growing gerbera daisy include:
Hosta, also known as plantain lily is a popular….
Young hosta plants require some pampering but....
Plant young hosta plants at same soil level as grown in container, in….
Give hosta plants plenty of….
Fertilize hosta plants in spring to mid-summer at….
Hostas bloom in midsummer on tall….
It takes 4-8 years for a hosta to reach….
Hosta can be started from seed but….
Planting mums in the fall doesn’t always work because….
Help hardy mums survive the winter outdoors by….
Pansies can be grown in areas where….
In southern states (zones 7-9), pansy is grown as….
In the north, pansies are mostly grown as an….
The super hardy varieties of pansies can survive winter as far north as….
Plant pansies in rich, moist, well-drained soil in….
Pansies bloom best in early spring before….
Pansies have pest problems with:
One of the most important factors for extending the life of your Azalea is….
If your azalea plant wilts because you forgot to water it….
Keep your Azalea in a cool, indirect sunny area away from….
Azalea is one of the longer lasting….
Gloxinia (sinningia speciosa) has oblong fuzzy leaves, large….
In December-March, plant the rounded bottom of gloxinia tubers 1” deep in….
Water around the base of gloxinia (like African violets), not….
Gloxinia needs bright filtered light, high humidity….
After gloxinia is finished flowering and leaves begin to yellow and die back….
Low light on your gloxinia will produce….
Soggy soil and over watering of your gloxinia plant can cause….
If your grass is watered too heavily and the roots are….
Fluoride causes the tips of houseplants to….
If your houseplants seem to stay too moist, check….
Increase the humidity in your home by….
To increase the humidity for plants in a dry indoor environment….
If you’re going away, water your plants, then….
The perfect temperature range for most houseplants is….
When you change the water in your fish bowl or….
In the winter when the heat is on, mist-spray….
To water your hanging plants without having a drippy mess….
Kalanchoe’s natural blooming season is….
To rebloom a Kalanchoe after its first blooming, let plant….
To propagate your kalanchoe take 4-6” cuttings, removing lower leaves to end with stems….
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is an attractive plant that comes in a….
Kalanchoe needs bright light, full sun (south window) in winter and some….
Common primrose (primula vulgaris) is also referred to as….
Keep common primrose in….
Common primrose is an herbaceous perennial that is….
To propagate the common primrose….
Problems common to the common primrose include:
Rieger begonia is a hybrid cross between….
Rieger begonia does not grow in hot humid regions. It prefers….
Once rieger begonia slows down and stops blooming, cut back to several….
Acaulescent is a term meaning to:
Accent plants are plants that are put into the….
Aceae is a suffix meaning:
Acid soil plants is the term used to designate plants that….
Acre is a unit of area and….
Acris is a botanical term meaning:
Aculeatus is a botanical term meaning:
Acuminate is the….
Acute in botanical terms means:
Adobe soil is a….
Adventitious is a botanical term used chiefly in describing….
Aeration of the soil is:
Aerial roots are roots that….
Aestivalis is a term meaning:
Aestivation is a term used to….
Affinis means:
Aggregate is a term applied to….
Air layering is a method of….
Air plants or epiphytes are plants that….
Albus is Latin for….
Algae are nonflowering forms of plant life that….
Alkaline soil plants is a term used to….
Alley is a term used to describe….
Allspice is the….
Alpine is a term applied to….
An alpine garden is a garden for….
An alpine house is an….
Alpinus is a term meaning:
Alternate is a term used to describe….
Aluminum sulfate is a:
Ammonia is a valuable source of….
Amplexicaulis is a botanical term meaning:
Annatto is a dye obtained from….
Annual rings are the concentric rings of tissue that….
Annuals are plants that….
Anther is the section of the….
Anthesis is the time when….
Apetalous is having….
Apiculate is being terminated by a….
Approach grafting is a method of….
Aquarium is a water-filled container that….
Aquatic plants are plants that….
Arbor is a shaded retreat formed by….
Arborescens describe somewhat….
Arboretum is a piece of land on which….
Arboriculture refers to the….
An arch is a….
Areole are the small specialized sections of….
Argenteus are the….
Argutus means:
Armatus means:
Aromatic plants are certain plants and trees whose….
Asexual reproduction is a term referring to….
Ashes are the residue from….
Atmosphere is the air of a certain….
Aurantiacus is a term meaning:
Auratus is the Latin word for:
Aureus is a term meaning:
Autumnalis is referring to….
Avenue trees are trees planted along an avenue in….
Awn is a:
Axil is, botanically, the….
Axillary is found in the axils of….
Axis is the most important….
Azureus is the Latin word meaning:
If you set your houseplants outside for the summer….
If your windowsill plants are too difficult to….
Automatic watering pots have a….
Slow-growing plants such as mother-in-law’s tongue and….
If you want hotter tasting peppers….
The best way to water a tree is with a….
Newly planted trees need….
During sweltering weather….
During a heat wave, wrap tree trunks to prevent them from….
Tea contains tannic acid which….
Nitrogen promotes….
Phosphate hastens plant….
Potash is essential for….
To side-dress a plant, simply….
Apply side-dressing to leafy vegetables after….
Succulents and cacti make great….
‘Whipping’ your fruit trees with a….
Recycle your coffee grounds by….
Burlap bags make great growing containers for….
Leave the necks of your onions….
The plastic containers that….
To remember what you planted where….
Bacteria are microscopic, one-celled living organisms which….
Ball is the mass of soil and roots formed by….
Banding is a method utilized to control….
Banking is piling soil in mounds, or….
Bark-ringing fruit trees is a very old method of….
Barrel gardening is the practice of growing plants in….
Basin is the depression at the apex of various….
Basket plants are plants cultivated in….
Bedding is a term that refers to the….
Bedding out is the practice of….
Bee flowers are certain flowers that are….
Beech mast is a term used in Great Britain to….
Bell jar is a bell-shaped jar that is….
Bench is a table in the greenhouse upon which….
Beneficial insects are insects that….
Berry is a fruit that, with the exception of….
Bicolor is a botanical term often used as….
Biennial is a plant that blooms in the….
Biodynamic gardening is a method of gardening in which….
Bipinnate is a leaf that is twice….
Blanching is the method by which….
Bleeding is a term used to denote the….
Blind is said of a plant or shoot that….
Bloom is a popular term for the….
Bluestone is a commercial name for a….
Bog garden is a wet or very….
Bole is a term used to signify….
Bolting is a term indicating that….
Bone Meal is a valuable….
Bonsai is the Japanese art of….
Bordeaux mixture is a….
Border is a narrow strip of….
Boron is one of the….
Botany is the scientific study of….
Botrytis is a….
Bottle garden is a special type of….
Bottom heat is a term used to refer to….
Bract is….
Bramble, loosely defined, means….
Branch is any stem that….
Break is a term denoting….
Broadcast is the….
Broad-leaved evergreens are….
Brush are cut branches that are used as….
Budding is a method of grafting in which a bud is….
Buds are small protuberances containing….
Bulb is a form of underground bud containing….
Bulbet is a small….
Bulbil is a small bulb that is….
Bullatus is a term referring to….
Burr is a fruit with….
Bush fruits are the fruits of….
Caeruleus is a botanical term used to identify….
Clay soil is made up of minute mineral particles that tend to….
Silt soil is less finely textured than clay but still commonly suffers from….
Sandy soil is light and easy to….
Loam contains a good balance of….
Sour (extremely acid) soils are often found in urban gardens and can be corrected with….
Plants in alkaline soil often show….
Working the ground with a spade or fork is the most effective way of….
The action of frost in winter helps to break down….
In an established bed, such as a shrubbery or border, aerate the soil in….
Bulky organic material such as compost helps to….
If you have a clay soil, add….
Powdered gypsum, added to the soil at….
Organic material from animals (such as manure) and from….
Fertilizers come in various forms and….
Sometimes a naturally occurring layer of compacted soil lies a….
Don’t ever feed roses after August 15 in an area where….
Yellowing leaves may indicate….
Lawns can be sprayed or spread with liquid or dry….
Azaleas, citrus plants, gardenias and rhododendrons all need….
A fertilizer that is good for all flowers is any garden food that’s….
Always mix your plant food with….
Not everything makes good compost. Keep….
Covering your pile of finished compost with a….
Speed up your compost pile by….
Caesius is a botanical term used as part of….
Caespitose is a botanical term for plants of….
Caliche is a crusty soil layer covering the….
Callus is new tissue that forms at the base of….
Calyx is the outer parts of….
Cambium is a thin layer of tissue underneath the….
Campanulate means….
Candidus is the Latin word for….
Canes are the living stems of….
Canescens is a botanical term meaning….
Carpel is a pistil or a….
Carpet bedding is the style of bedding in which….
Catch crops are vegetable garden crops that are….
Catkin is a scaly spike whose flowers have….
Caulescent means possessing a….
Cedar is a widely used name with various prefixes for….
Several crops may furnish food for the winter months when….
Chaff are bracts composed of….
Chain is a linear measure equivalent to….
Chalk is a natural rock, related to limestone and used as….
Chapparal are dense thickets of….
Charcoal is the carbonaceous residue of….
Check is a botanical term referring to an unnatural….
Chlorophyll is the green coloring matter of….
Chlorosis is the unnatural yellowing of….
Christmas greens are the foliage of….
Christmas trees are from several different species of trees, usually….
Chrysanthus is a botanical term meaning….
Ciliaris and ciliatus are botanical terms meaning….
Cinnamon is a spice made from the young pulverized bark of the….
Cion is a shoot that has been separated from a….
Citrinus is a botanical term meaning….
Citrus fruits are the fruits of such trees as….
Cladophyll is a branch resembling a….
Classification of plants is the….
Clavate is a botanical term meaning….
Clay soil is a soil that has more the characteristics of….
Clean cultivation is a term that refers to….
Climate is the overall condition of….
Cloche is a protective covering that is placed over….
Clone is a group of plants, all of which have been….
Close is a term that refers to the….
Clump is a cluster of stems of a plant, including the….
Cluster means several flowers or fruits grouped….
Coelestis is a descriptive term for….
Cold frame is a bottomless box with a….
Collar is the part of a plant between….
Color schemes is the color harmonies and….
Complete is a descriptive term for a….
Compost for potting is a mixture of….
Compost heap is a pile of vegetable and sometimes….
Compound leaf is a leafstalk composed of….
Cone is a fruit consisting of a….
Conservation is careful protection and preservation of….
Container-grown plants are outdoor plants cultivated in….
Cordate is a botanical term meaning….
Cordon is a fruit tree that has been trained to….
Cork is the bark of the….
Corm is an underground….
Cormel are tiny corms that develop from….
Cormous is a descriptive term referring to….
Corolla is the part of a flower consisting of….
Corona is a crown-like appendage on the….
Corymb is a flattish inflorescence in which the….
Cotton is a soft fiber surrounding the….
Cotyledons are the first or….
Couch grass, a perennial grass – Agropyron repens – is a….
Cover crop is a temporary, leafy crop grown to….
Crab grass are the annual grasses of the….
Crab’s-eyes are the….
Creeping is a term that describes the….
Crested is a descriptive term for a….
Crocks are pieces of broken clay flowerpots that are….
Cross-fertilization is the transfer of pollen from the….
Crossing is the act and successful conclusion of….
Crowns are the tops of the rootstock of….
Crystallinus is a botanical term that describes a….
Cultigen is a distinct group of plants comparable to a….
Cultivar is a distinct variety or race of plants that….
Cultivation includes all the care and operations concerned with….
Cupreous is a botanical term meaning….
Curd is a modified form of….
Cut back is the running of all or most of….
Cutting garden is a plot set aside for….
Cuttings are the vegetative portions of plants, used in….
Tomatoes like a nice warm area in full sun, and need….
Tomatoes need soil that will….
To help give your tomatoes the best-suited environment you can….
Many tomato diseases reside in the soil and affect….
Heirlooms, loosely defined, are open-pollinated cultivars that were….
Heirlooms are often not as productive as hybrids, but….
Hybrid tomatoes are tomatoes whose….
Hybrid tomato varieties have many advantages compared to….
If you want to avoid hybrid tomatoes and plant heirlooms only, look at…
To tell what diseases a hybrid tomato can withstand, look at the….
In long-season areas, tomatoes can be….
The main advantage of starting tomatoes from seed is….
If you're going to buy your tomato seedlings, look for….
Always plant tomato seedlings in the garden after….
Plant your tomato seedlings out a week or two after….
Generally you don't want to fertilize tomatoes too much until….
Spraying your tomato plants with a….
Always plant tomatoes deep and on….
By planting tomatoes on their sides, the entire stem that is buried will….
If you have a big problem with cutworms in your area, you will want to….
When watering tomatoes, always keep the water towards the….
You may need to mulch around the base of tomato plants in….
Tomatoes mulched with mown vetch have been shown to….
Seed crimson clover under tomato plants when they are….
Determinate tomatoes means they will….
Indeterminate tomatoes don't stop growing, and produce a lot of….
Semideterminate tomatoes plants have habits of both….
Some gardeners prune tomatoes by….
If left on the tomato plant, suckers will keep growing and usually….
Cat-facing is when irregular shapes and lines, especially at the top of….
Blossom-end rot is caused by poor calcium uptake due to….
Sunscald can happen any time there is a….
Split skin or cracking happens any time tomato plants experience….
When tomato flowers fall off prematurely and there is few if any….
Some unimproved old-time varieties of tomatoes end up with….
Many of the more common hybrid tomatoes have….
Dry or very hot summers tend to produce thick-skinned tomatoes because of….
Early blight on tomatoes is caused by a fungus that….
Late blight on tomatoes is caused by a fungus that is favored by….
Fusarium and Verticillium fungi cause parts of the tomato plant to….
Southern Bacterial Wilt results in sudden….
Root-knot nematodes are caused by microscopic eelworms that….
To grow healthy tomatoes, solarize your soil to control….
To avoid soil-borne diseases, place your tomatoes on a….
If you think your soil has diseases like Fusarium or Verticillium wilt and you cannot….
Never compost plants with diseases because you risk….
When harvesting tomatoes, pick fruit when it is a….
Cold can degrade tomato flavor, so store tomatoes on….
The best-tasting tomatoes have a balanced ratio of….
Always ripen tomatoes indoors! Tomatoes ripen from….
Try root pruning to encourage late season tomatoes to ripen by taking….
Strawberries like well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly….
Use raised beds in growing strawberries. Raised beds tend to….
Strawberries should be planted where they will get at least….
Strawberries like to have enough space to….
If you can, plant your strawberry beds in the….
One of the causes for sour strawberries is….
Don't allow strawberry plants to set fruit the….
Damping down is the process of….
Deciduous is a botanical term meaning…,.
Decumbent is a botanical term meaning….
Decussate is a botanical term which refers to leaves that are….
Deeply prepared is a gardening term that implies that the soil has….
Dehiscence is a botanical term referring to the process by which a….
Deltoid is a term meaning….
Determinate is said of an inflorescence….
Dibber or dibble is a small hand implement that….
Die-back is a botanical term that refers to the condition in plants that….
Diffusus is a botanical term meaning diffuse or….
Digitate is a botanical term referring to leaves that are….
Dioecious is a term meaning that male and female….
Disbudding is the process by which a gardener limits the….
Disc florets is a botanical term designating the inner flowers in the….
Dish garden is a garden in which plants are….
Division in gardening is an important method of propagation accomplished by….
Dominant is the term used to describe the characteristic that….
Dormant is a condition that exists when….
Dorsal is a term referring to the….
Double flowers is a term that describes a condition in which….
Drainage is one of the most important factors in….
Drawn is used in describe plants that have excessively long and….
Dressing is a term referring to the trimming of….
Drill is a term that describes the shallow furrow or….
Dry wall is usually a stone wall whose joints are….
Drying off is a process of gradually….
Dust is a form preferable to….
Dutch hoe is an indispensable garden tool consisting of a….
Dwarf in botanical nomenclature is a term that indicates….
Dwarfing stock is understock used in….
Early is a widely used term referring to plants that….
Earthing up is the process of piling soil around some….
Edging is a narrow border of flowers or various materials such as….
Embryo is the tiny….
Entire usually refers, in botanical terms, to a….
Environment is all the influences surrounding a….
Epiphyte is a plant that grows on….
Equitant is a descriptive term for leaves that….
Erosion is the washing out of soil during….
Escape is a cultivated plant that has….
Espalier is a method of training….
Etiolated is the bleached or….
Evergreens are plants that….
Everlasting flowers are plants that….
Exotic is a descriptive term for….
Eye is a term that denotes the….
Fallow is a term referring to land that is….
Farina is the meal-like substance on….
Fasciation is a distortion of….
Fastigiate is having upright, tapering….
Feathered is a term used to describe the….
Fertile describes flowers that have….
Fertilizer is a chemical or organic substance or….
Fir bark is the bark of the….
Flag is a descriptive term for….
Flats are shallow boxes in which….
Flesh is the flesh or pulpy part of fruits, or the thick….
Flore-pleno is a term meaning….
Floret is one of the little individual flowers that….
Floriculture is that part of horticulture that….
Flower arranging is the art of….
Flower shows are competitive exhibitions of….
Foliage plants are plants whose main attraction lies in their….
Follicle is a dry, one-chambered, pod-like fruit that is….
Forcing is a term that refers to….
Formosus is a Latin term meaning….
Foundation planting is a group of….
Fragrans is the Latin term for….
Frames are bottomless boxes with transparent tops used to….
Frankincense is a fragrant gum resin obtained from….
Freestone is a descriptive term for….
Friable is a term that usually refers to….
Frond is the leaf of….
Fruit is the edible development from a flower such as….
Frutescens and fruticans are Latin terms meaning….
Fugacious is a term referring to….
Fulgens is a Latin term meaning….
Fungi is a major group of….
Amaryllis are generally grown during winter months for the Holidays but….
The lawn surrounding all trees (both young and mature) should be….
Water from lawn sprinklers should not hit the….
During summer months trees should be deeply watered once or twice a month to….
Mulching around trees is good practice as long as….
If you feel like tilling a new bed, wait until….
Don’t overfeed your plants. They could get….
Sprinkle lupine, bean, or alfalfa seeds in your beds and let them break up….
A powdery, white crust could mean your plants are getting too much….
Pour household vinegar full strength into a spray bottle and use it directly on….
Herbicides have a hard time penetrating….
When persistent weeds won’t come out by hand….
Combine fresh planting with early….
Gall is an abnormal growth that forms on….
Gamete is a botanical term for a….
Gentianoides is a botanical term meaning….
Genus is a group marked by common distinguishing characteristics and….
Gherkin is a young….
Glabrous is a term that applies to leaves, stems and….
Glacialis is a term meaning “of the ice” and used as….
Gland is a tiny, often shiny or sticky body that….
A ‘glasshouse’ is a….
Glaucescens is a botanical term meaning bluish or….
Glaucous is usually referring to plant parts coated with a….
Globose is a term sometimes used in botanical descriptions to mean….
Globularis is a Latin term meaning….
Glochid is a barbed hair or….
Glume means one of two empty, chaffy….
Grading is the process of contouring or….
Grafting is the process of joining the….
Gramineus is a Latin term meaning grass-like; thus, the term….
Grandiflorus is a botanical term meaning….
A gray and lavender garden is a….
A greenhouse is a structure of….
Greenwood is a term referring to various….
Ground cover are varieties of low plants such as….
Grow hard is a term referring to the process of maintaining certain….
Growth rings are rings that are visible on….
Grubbing is a term for chopping out….
Gum is a substance that oozes out of….
Gymnosperm is a vascular seed plant that produces….
Gynandrium, in orchids, is the….
Habit is a term that refers to the natural….
Habitat is the site where a….
Half-hardy is a term used to describe plants that need protection in order to….
Half-ripe is a descriptive term for the current season’s shoots after….
Half-standard when used in reference to tree roses, fruit trees, and….
Hand light is a small portable glass case with….
Hardening off is the process of gradually….
Hardpan is a hard layer of material in the ground that….
Hard-wooded is a descriptive gardening term for some hardy and….
Hardy is a term applied to any plant that can….
Hardy annual is a plant that grows from seeds sown….
Hardy perennial is a plant whose top or leaf growth….
Hastate is a botanical term meaning shaped like….
Haulm is a term that refers to the stem and….
Haw is a term applied to the fruits or berries of….
Head is a term describing a tight bunch or cluster of….
Heartwood is the older, nonliving part of a….
Heavy soil is that soil which is of a….
Hedge is a dense row of shrubs or….
Heel is the base of a cutting used for….
Heeling in is the process of temporarily covering….
Heliotropism is the action of plants as they….
Herb is a botanical term referring to any plant without….
Herbaceous is a term referring to plants that have soft….
Herbaceous perennial is a plant that has a perennial or….
Hermaphrodite is a botanical term referring to flowers that contain….
Hispid is a term applied to stems or leaves covered with….
Horizontalis is a botanical term denoting a….
Hormones in botanical terms are certain chemicals, some….
Horticulture is the science and art of….
Hose-in-hose is a term referring to a condition where one flower appears to be….
Host plant is a plant or tree that supports parasites such as….
Hotbed in simplest terms is a….
Hothouse is a greenhouse that is kept….
Houseplants are plants that are grown indoors for….
Hull is the husk, or outer….
Humidity is the relative dampness in….
Humus is partly or thoroughly decayed….
Hybrid is the offspring that results from the crossbreeding of….
Hybridization is the process of….
Hydroponics is soilless….
Hyemalis is a term that refers to plants that bloom in….
Immortelle is a term applied to all….
Imperfect flower is a flower that lacks….
Inarching is one of the oldest known methods of….
Inbreeding is a botanical term applied to the process of a plant being….
Included is a botanical term used to describe a….
Incurved is a descriptive term for a certain type of chrysanthemum whose….
Indehiscent is a botanical term applied to fruits that remain….
Indeterminate is said of an inflorescence, the terminal….
Indigen is a….
Inequilateral is a term meaning not equal on….
Inferior in botanical terms is applied to an….
Inflorescence is the arrangement of the….
Insectivorous plants are plants that are able to….
Intercropping is the process of planting fast-growing….
Internode is the portion of the stem of a plant that….
Interrupted is a term usually referring to….
Involucre is a collar of one or more….
Involute is a botanical term meaning rolled….
Irregular flower is a flower that is asymmetrical because it….
Japanese dwarf trees are trees that have been….
Jardinière is usually a large….
Jute is a soft or bast fiber obtained from the….
Keel is the somewhat boat-shaped base or ridge on the back of….
Kernel is the whole seed or grain of….
Kitchen garden is the portion of a garden set aside for….
Knot gardens are gardens with….
Labellum is the third or lowest petal of….
Lactiflora is a botanical term meaning….
Lanceolate means shaped somewhat like a….
Landscape architect is one who engages professionally in….
Larva is the….
Lateral is a term that applies to the….
Lath house is a type of greenhouse that is….
Lawn, alpine is a special rock-garden planting that….
Layering is an easy method of….
Leaching is a term applied to the condition that occurs when….
Leader is a gardening term used to indicate….
Leaf is an ordinary unit of foliage of….
Leaflet is a segment of a….
Leaf-losing is a term that is synonymous with….
Leaf mold is a material composed of….
Leggy is a descriptive term applied to plants whose stems have….
Legumes are fruits or seeds of….
Lifting is the process of taking up….
Light is a factor of the greatest importance to plants because….
Limb is a term sometimes applied to….
Lime is chalk or limestone (calcium carbonate) that has been….
Limestone chips are crushed limestone used for….
Line in gardening is an apparatus consisting of a….
Linear is a botanical term meaning….
Lip is the portion of an….
Loam is a soil mixture composed of….
Loess is loamy soil found in parts of….
Lorette pruning is a system of pruning fruit trees that is….
Lusitanicus is a term that refers to….
Lutescens is a botanical term meaning….
Luteus is the Latin term for….
Lych gate is a covered gateway to a….
No need to buy expensive weedkillers
When spraying your weeds with a herbicide, protect your plants from the spray by….
Alternate your herbicides to get the most complete….
Use an old, serrated apple corer to help you win the battle with your weeds
To keep the earth moist around your newly planted tree
Set stakes firmly in the ground next to young trees. For a thin tree…
Most trees don’t come with an even, rounded shape, but you can help yours
Trees that typically have few, but large, roots such as….
Herbs can attract hummingbirds to your yard
Repel mosquitoes by growing basil
Do NOT burn poison ivy!
To eliminate moss in your yard, try….
When you have a brush with poison ivy, look around for….
When digging up perennial weeds, get the whole root
Grow strong, healthy lilies by scattering a handful of balanced fertilizer every few feet along….
Flowering plants and plants with colorful foliage need….
Keep your ferns healthy by giving them a dose of….
Dried dog food contains many of the same nutrients found in….
Sprinkle cut-off match heads on your garden soil before you spade or till it
Sprinkle a light layer of diatomaceous earth around the bases of your plants
Give your acid-loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons and blueberries a….
The best time to feed your fruit trees is in….
Do not use either high-nitrogen fertilizers, such as chicken manure, on your….
Feed your houseplants every time you water them
Maculates is a term that usually refers to….
Maiden tree is a term that refers to a….