Zone 3 Maple Trees Suitable maple trees for zone 3 include the following: Norway maple is a tough tree suitable for growing in zones 3 through 7. This is one of the most commonly planted maple trees, not only because of its hardiness, but because it withstands extreme heat, drought, and either sun or shade. The mature height is about 50 feet (15 m.). Sugar maple grows in zones 3 through 8....
Marrow Squash Plant Info The vegetable Curcurbita pepo is the variety of squash most commonly called marrow. However, Curcurbita maxima and Curcurbita maschata are similar squash varieties which may be sold under the same common name. They produce medium to large plants that will continually produce new fruits throughout the growing season. The heavy production and compact growth habit of marrow vegetable plants make them ideal size for pocket gardens in smaller landscapes....
Milkwort Plant Info Common milkwort is found in grasslands, heaths and dunes. It is a familiar sight in the landscape in Britain, Norway, Finland and other European countries. Polygala vulgaris is the plant’s scientific designation. The Greek polugalon means “to make much milk.” This describes the plant’s historic use as an aid to increase lactation in new mothers. There were many medicinal and religious uses for milkwort, some of which persist today....
Growing Mushroom Logs Indoors Most people get mushrooms from the grocery store or farmers’ market. Some knowledgeable and intrepid adventurers brave the outdoors to forage for mushrooms. Foraging presents some obvious risks if you are not trained to distinguish between edible and toxic fungi. While buying mushrooms is safe, it’s not as fun for some as finding them. What’s the obvious happy medium? Growing a mushroom log, of course. If you didn’t realize this was possible, a quick online search shows you all the options and how easy it is....
Due to the positive mycorrhizal fungi effects on citrus, a lack or uneven spread of fungus can lead to unhealthy or lackluster trees and fruit. Keep reading to learn more about mycorrhiza in citrus and mycorrhizal fungi fertilizer. Uneven Growth of Citrus Fruit Mycorrhizal fungi grow in the soil and attach themselves to tree roots, where they thrive and spread. Citrus trees have especially short roots and root hairs, meaning they have less surface area for taking in water and nutrients....
About Nemesia Reproduction Nemesia is a group of flowering perennials native to South Africa. It grows up to about 2 feet (61 cm.) tall with many erect, branching stems. Flowers that resemble snapdragons develop at the tops of the stems. These are naturally white to blush or mauve with yellow in the center. Nurseries have also bred several different cultivars in a range of colors. In its native range, nemesia is a grassland flower....
Five Spot Plant Info Five spot wildflowers are named for their distinct flowers: 1 inch wide (2.5 cm) light blue or white blossoms of five petals, each of which is tipped with a vivid, deep purple spot. They are reasonably compact – they grow to no more than 12 inches (30.5 cm) high and 8 inches (20.5 cm) wide and do not spread over the course of the summer. They prefer cool climates, germinating best in soil temperatures of 55-65 F....
Can You Save a Palm Tree Without Fronds? Palms are notable for their air of tropical elegance and ability to conjure up warm trade winds and sandy beaches. In areas with hurricanes, it is common to find sickly-looking trees which require special care to resurrect. Reviving dying palm trees may take expert assistance depending upon the level of damage sustained by the plant. In cases where just some of the foliage has been killed, a palm has a good chance of thriving after a good rest and some excellent care....
Oleander Toxicity Is oleander poisonous? Unfortunately, oleander in the landscape is considered to be highly toxic whether the plant is fresh or dried. The good news is that there have been very few reports of human death due to oleander toxicity, probably due to the plant’s vile taste, says the University of Wisconsin’s BioWeb. The bad news, according to UW, is that many animals, including dogs, cats, cows, horses, and even birds have succumbed to oleander poisoning....
What is an Olla? Did I confound you with the above last statement? Let me clarify. An olla is an unglazed clay pot used in Latin America for cooking, but it’s not only that. These earthenware urns were also used as olla watering systems. The conquistadors brought olla irrigation techniques to the American Southwest where it was used by Native Americans and Hispanics. With the advancement of irrigation systems, olla watering systems fell out of favor....
Onion Water Needs Onions need a lot of water, but the soil should never get soggy. Ideal onion water needs are to irrigate to a depth of an inch (2.5 cm.) once a week rather than a light sprinkling each day. If you are watering onions with a hose or sprinkler, water in the morning rather than during the heat of the day, which will just end up being evaporated. Overhead watering can spell trouble....
How to Grow Onions from Seeds Onion seed starting is easy. Onions grow best in fertile, well-draining soil. This should also be worked with organic matter, such as compost. Onion seeds can be planted directly in the garden bed. However, when growing onion seed, some people prefer to start them indoors. This can be done in late autumn. The best time for planting onion seeds outdoors is in spring, as soon as the soil can be worked in your area....
Types of Pests on Orchids Orchid flower pests are a collector’s nightmare. There is any number of nasty insects that can wreck the appearance and health of your plant. Recognizing which insect is attacking your orchid is key to managing orchid pests. Once you know which insect is causing the damage, you can successfully fight back. Pests on orchid flowers fall into two categories: sap sucking and chewing. Sap sucking insects remove plant sap which is necessary for the plant to fuel itself causing general malaise and leaf, stem, and flower problems....
What are Organic Seeds? The natural gardener has an eye for healthy gardening practices and seed varieties that have no chemicals and strains of pure wild foods with no genetic altering. This is a tall order in today’s agricultural market where big companies control most of the seed that comes to the marketplace, introducing their own adjustments to these seeds in a bid to control aspects of these plants. What are organic seeds?...
Consider Your Outdoor Seating Options Resin chairs are easy to care for and cheap, but outdoor seating options can be so much more with very little expenditure. Of course, you can peruse the stock at a high-priced garden furnishing center if that is your taste. There are gorgeous garden seating ideas for the outdoors but many of them are pricey. Make sure you have a budget in mind before you start shopping and look outside the box if your budget is puny....
Parasitic wasps parasitize different garden pests depending on species. These garden good guys can help control: Aphids Scale Leafhoppers Caterpillars Roaches Flies Beetles Whiteflies Ticks Read on to learn more about these beneficial insects. Parasitic Wasp Identification Parasitic wasps belong to the family Hymenoptera, which includes friendly honeybees and those angry, stinging wasps. Size of parasitic wasps vary greatly. Larger species can be nearly an inch (2.5 cm.) in length, while species that develop within the egg of a host insect tend to be miniscule....
Common and Persistent Pests When it comes to the most familiar bugs in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and Iowa, there are plenty of common species that most gardeners see: Aphids — Aphids are tiny insects that suck out sap and leave behind honeydew that attracts ants and fungus, creating a multi-pronged problem. Different types attack different plant species, including many veggies. Squash Bugs — These half-inch, flat insects attack and damage all vining vegetable plants, including squashes, cucumbers, and melons....
10 Flowers for a Pink Bouquet Chantilly Pink Snapdragon – These snapdragons’ beautiful pink blooms have a brilliant open flower form that makes them appear much different than those with the more traditional snapdragon shape. Chantilly blooms also look quite lovely when used in pink flower centerpieces due to their large flower spikes. Jersey Beauty Dahlia – Considered to be one of only a few heirloom varieties of dahlia, dating back to the 1920s, this cultivar produces large bright pink blooms that look stunning when used in pink bouquets....
Outdoor Parlor Palms If you are hooked on parlor palms and want to try growing them outside, there are a few things to know. These plants are native to Mexico and Guatemala and grow in dense rainforests, where lighting is dappled and moisture levels high. The palm is very sensitive to light, which makes it perfect in the interior and it even performs well in fluorescent light settings. It is useful outside as part of a small garden with low-growing accent plants....
If you (or your children) have a pet turtle that you somehow acquired, you’ll want to keep it healthy and happy. According to most resources, there is a specific diet for the turtle. The good news is you can grow some of the food. Get the kids involved and learn more about properly feeding your pet turtle. Growing Plants for Turtles If you have a turtle as a pet, you might’ve noticed that he/she always seems hungry....
