Information About Honeoye Strawberries Honeoye strawberry plants were developed by the Cornell Research Station, Geneva, N.Y. over three decades ago. This variety has unusual winter hardiness and can thrive even in very low-temperature areas. In addition to the fact that they can grow in chilly climates, Honeoye strawberry plants are extremely productive. They yield a generous harvest over a long season and are classified as June-bearing type plants. Honeoye berries are very large and very delicious....

What is a Skyline Thornless Honey Locust? Honey locust ‘Skyline’ can be grown in USDA zones 3 through 9. They are rapidly growing shade trees lacking the up to a foot long (31 cm.) thorns and, in most cases, the large seed pods that adorn other honey locust trees. They are rapidly growing trees that can grow up to 24 inches (61 cm.) per year and attain a height and spread of about 30 to 70 feet (9-21 m....

Types of Careers in Gardening If you love gardening, there are plenty of different gardening jobs that allow you to take this hobby and passion and turn it into a way to earn a living. Some of the many possible career opportunities related to plants and gardening include: Gardening/landscaping: This is a great career choice if you want to get dirty, work with your hands, and if you are not necessarily interested in getting a degree....

Deserts are known for their harsh conditions. Very arid soil and air, blistering heat during the day and often freezing nights, poor soil nutrients, and other extreme circumstances. This makes for a challenging environment in which plants can grow. Plant adaptations in the desert are necessary for them to gather and store moisture and prevent excess transpiration. They also need protection from extreme sunlight, which could burn their tissues. Desert plant adaptations are some of the most amazing in the Earth’s flora....

Why Do Plants Need Nitrogen? To put it in simple terms, plants need nitrogen to make themselves. Without nitrogen, a plant cannot make proteins, amino acids, and even its very DNA. This is why when there is a nitrogen deficiency in the soil, plants are stunted. They simply cannot make their own cells. If there is nitrogen all around us, as it makes up 78 percent of the air we breathe, you may also wonder why do plants need nitrogen if it is everywhere?...

How to Freeze Herbs Many people are looking for how to keep cut herbs so that they can use them year-round. Freezing herbs is fast and easy to do. When storing fresh herbs in your freezer, it ‘s best to first chop the herbs as you would if you were going to cook with them today. This will make it easier to use them later. Keep in mind when freezing herbs that while they keep their flavor, they will not retain their color or looks and so will not be suitable for dishes where the herb’s appearance is important....

Grass for Cats You may wonder why your cats insist on going outside, no matter the weather. When you look, you’ll often find them munching and chewing on blades of grass in the yard. Cats often do this when there is a deficiency in their diet or possibly just to fulfill some long-established instinct. (Dogs may do this as well.) You can easily fulfill their needs with a few containers of freshly grown grass placed throughout the household....

Organic Container Gardening Indoors Almost any vegetable can be grown in containers. Pots, hanging baskets, and numerous other containers can be used to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers organically indoors. The key is to match the vegetable with the proper sized container. The larger the plant will be at maturity, the larger container you will need. Organic potting soil is available at any good garden center. Once you determine how much you will need for your available containers, make your purchase....

When to Sow Nemesia Nemesia plants produce small, vibrant blooms that are very similar to that of snapdragon flowers. Native to South Africa and naturally more cold tolerant than many other flowers, these hardy annual plants prefer cool conditions, and come in a wide range of bright colors. With their easy-to-grow habit, these ornamental plants are an invaluable asset to the home garden. Choosing when to plant Nemesia seeds will greatly depend on your climate zone....

Ikebana Information What is ikebana? While it’s usually referred to as flower arranging, ikebana is really more about plant arranging. The goal with this practice isn’t to highlight blossoms and colors like it so often is in Western flower arranging. Instead, the focus is more on form and height, with special attention paid to the relationship between heaven, earth, and mankind. Arranging Plants for Ikebana Ikebana arrangements require at least three distinct parts called Shin, Soe, and Hikae....

Growing Peace Lily As Houseplants Peace lilies make excellent houseplants for the home or office. These lovely plants not only brighten up a living space, but are also excellent at cleaning the air of the room they are in. Most commonly, these plants have dark green leaves and white “flowers.” What most people think of as the flower is actually a specialized leaf bract that grows hooded over the flowers. Like many popular indoor plants, peace lilies enjoy medium to low light....

What is a Xanadu Plant? Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ (sometimes called ‘Winterbourn’) is a member of the Philodendron genus, and is a delightful and easy-to-grow houseplant. Unlike many other philodendrons, this is not a vining plant, so no support is needed. It will form a dense clump of beautifully lobed leaves and will tend to grow wider than taller. The Xanadu philodendron houseplant can grow to 2 to 4 feet tall (61 cm....

Invasive Plant Information for Zones 9-11 In the U.S., parts of California, Texas, Hawaii, Florida, Arizona, and Nevada are considered zones 9-11. Having the same hardiness and climates, many invasive plants in these states are the same. Some, though, may specifically be a problem in one state but not another. It is always important to check with your local extension service for your state’s invasive species list before planting any non-native plants....

Is Burning Bush Invasive? It depends on where you are, but generally yes, burning bush is considered invasive. Some states, like New Hampshire, have actually prohibited using this shrub. It has become widespread along the East Coast and in much of the Midwest. Burning bush (Euonymus alatus) is also known as winged burning bush or winged euonymus for the tan, wing-like appendages that grow on young, green stems. The shrub can grow up to 20 feet (6 m....

Why are My Jacaranda Leaves Turning Yellow? Jacaranda is a genus of 49 species of flowering plants native to tropical and subtropical areas. They thrive in full sun and sandy soil and once established are fairly drought tolerant with few insect or disease issues. That said, they can, especially young and newly transplanted trees, begin to turn yellow and drop leaves. Young plants are also more susceptible to cold temperatures than mature trees....

What is Japanese Sedge? Japanese sedge plants are versatile, compact plants. The main requirement is consistent moisture, making them appropriate for pond margins or water gardens. Once established, the plant is also drought tolerant for brief periods. Another bonus is Japanese sedge care, as it is a low maintenance plant with deer resistance and few pest or disease issues. Japanese sedge plants grows 12 inches (31 cm.) tall or more (some forms can achieve 24 inches (61 cm....

Jasmine Vines for Zone 7 True jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is also known as hardy jasmine. It is hardy to USDA zone 7 and can sometimes survive in zone 6. It is a deciduous vine and a popular species. If it gets a sufficient chilling period in the winter, the vine fills with small white flowers in spring through autumn. The flowers then fill your backyard with a delicious fragrance. Hardy jasmine for zone 7 is a vine, but it needs a strong structure to climb....

What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree? Jatropha is a perennial shrub or tree. It is drought-resistant and easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical locations. The plant lives for up to 50 years and may grow nearly 20 feet (6 m.) tall. It has a deep, thick taproot which makes it adaptable to poor, dry soil. The leaves are oval, lobed, and deciduous. Overall, the plant is not particularly visually appealing, but it does get attractive green cymes of flowerets which turn into a tri-compartment fruit with large black seeds....

What is a Johnny Jump Up? Also known as viola, wild pansy and heart’s ease, the johnny jump up is actually a relative of the pansy. The difference between johnny jump ups and pansies is mostly one of size. Pansies have much larger flowers, although they look very similar. On the other hand, johnny jump ups produce many more flowers per plant and are much more heat tolerant, making johnny jump up planting even more ideal....

What is Overwintering? Overwintering plants simply means protecting plants from the cold in a sheltered place, like your home, basement, garage, etc. Some plants can be taken in your house where they continue to grow as houseplants. Some plants need to go through a dormancy period and will need to be overwintered in a cool, dark space such as a garage or basement. Others may require storing of their bulbs inside through the winter....