So what does that mean for Alaskan houseplants? Being indoors will keep them from freezing, but even shade-loving plants need some sun. Read on for tips on houseplant growing in Alaska. Winter Gardening in Alaska Alaska is cold, very cold, in winter and it is dark. In some areas of the state, the sun does not make it above the horizon all winter long and winter can extend for nearly nine months....

Tree Grafting Techniques Tree grafting is the most common method used for grafting trees, especially for fruit trees. However, there are various grafting techniques. Each type of grafting is used to accomplish various needs for grafting trees and plants. For instance, root and stem grafting are techniques preferred for small plants. Veneer grafting is often used for evergreens. Bark grafting is used for larger diameter rootstocks and often requires staking. Crown grafting is a type of grafting used to establish a variety of fruit on a single tree....

Starting with a young rubber tree houseplant will allow it to adapt to being an indoor plant better than starting with a more mature plant. Proper Light and Water for a Rubber Tree Plant When it comes to rubber plant care, the correct balance of water and light is crucial, as with any plant. You can control the amount of light and water it gets, which is important because they shouldn’t have too much of either....

Information on Kentucky Bluegrass What Does Kentucky Bluegrass Look Like? At maturity, Kentucky bluegrass is about 20-24 inches (51-61 cm.) tall. It can be recognized quite easily because of its “V” shaped leaves. Its rhizomes allow it to spread and create new grass plants. Kentucky bluegrass rhizomes grow quite quickly and form a thick sod in the spring. There are over 100 cultivars of this grass and most stores selling grass seeds will have a variety to choose from....

Identifying Root Weevils Root weevils can be one of several kinds. The most common in the garden is the black vine root weevil or the strawberry root weevil. The black vine weevil attacks shrubs and strawberry weevils attack strawberries. While these are the most common, they are far from the only kind. All plants in your home or garden are susceptible to weevil infestation. Larval root weevils will look like white grubs or worms and will be found in the soil....

Organic and sustainable gardeners know that using copper in gardening repels slugs and snails without introducing harmful chemicals to the landscape. There are easy copper barriers to purchase or you can try a topical application of Bordeaux mixture to halt those munching pests in their tracks. Using Copper in Gardening Copper compounds are interesting substances that release ions that are toxic to some fungi and bacteria because they destroy proteins in plant tissue....

For many, raising backyard rabbits has been a viable option for efficiently using the available space. Can You Keep Rabbits Outdoors? There are many reasons to begin keeping backyard bunnies. Rabbits in the garden are an excellent way to get free manure fertilizer. While some may raise rabbits as pets, others may choose to raise them for meat. Regardless of the purpose, it’s important to become familiar with their specific needs....

One of the most common issues related to keeping hydrangeas fresh in a vase is making sure that the flowers do not wilt. Wilting of hydrangeas occurs most often after the flowers have just been cut or after they have just been arranged. Due to the large flower heads, the prevention of wilt will require careful attention to hydration and conditioning. How to Make Hydrangeas Last When going into the garden to cut hydrangea blooms, make certain to bring a bucket of clean water....

It is sometimes possible to limit the damage caused by extreme weather events by choosing your plants and trees with that in mind. If you want to learn more about yard design for natural disasters, read on. We’ll also give you tips on what to plant in storm resistant landscapes that will help protect your property from nature’s worst. (Please note that this may not fully guard against Mother Nature’s fury, but it can at least help and certainly won’t hurt to try....

The American dream seems to include a white picket fence and blindingly perfect, green lawn. But a healthy lawn requires some steps to achieve. As a rule, low maintenance lawn care starts with healthy turf grass. New practices such as “low mow” and better practices on fertilizing, can actually help achieve a healthy lawn without as much work. Easy lawn care may find the gardener taking some lazy time off and grass time to develop strong roots and better blade production....

Leaf Drop in Pepper Plants When you see pepper leaves falling off young plants, you have to figure out what is causing the problem. Generally, it is either the result of incorrect cultural practices or else pest or disease issues. Location To thrive, pepper plants need a very sunny planting location and moist soil with good drainage. If they lack either of these elements, you may see leaves dropping from pepper plants....

Popular Cause Roses Here is a listing of the current rosebushes in the program: Florence Nightingale Rose (Floribunda Rose) – Ten percent of net sales is donated to the Florence Nightingale International Foundation, which is devoted to the mission of advancing nursing education, research, and service for the public good. Nancy Reagan Rose (Hybrid Tea Rose) – Ten percent of the net sales supports the work of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation....

When and How to Prune a Lime Tree Although pruning lime trees isn’t generally required for proper care of lime trees, there are several good reasons to do so. Pruning lime trees helps improve airflow, reduce disease, strengthen limbs and makes it easier to harvest fruits. The best time to prune lime trees is early spring or late summer or anytime prior to blooming. Prune lime trees every year or two, which will help keep them from becoming too large....

Why a Cucumber is Bitter Cucumbers are part of the Cucurbit family, along with squash and melons. These plants naturally produce chemicals called cucurbitacins, which are very bitter, and in large quantities can make a person ill. Most of the time, these chemicals are confined to the leaves and stem of the plant, but can work their way into the fruit of the plant in certain conditions causing bitter cucumbers....

What is a Lotus Vine? Also known as parrot’s beak, this lovely little plant is an excellent summer container filler and adaptive as a trailing or border plant. It may be used as a summer annual in the warmer regions of the United States. Summer containers are a wonderful way to capture the season and brighten patios, decks, and lanais. Some of the standby plants (such as petunias, violas, zinnia, and snapdragons) have their own appeal and combine with foliage plants and trailing specimens for absolutely beautiful displays....

When you find African violet pests attacking your favorite potted plants, you need to take appropriate action. Read on for information on managing African violet insects, including tips for African violet aphid control. About African Violet Pests African violets have come a long way from their native home in the coastal woods of east Africa. Their vibrant blossoms in blues, pinks, and lavenders can be seen on window sills everywhere since they have become one of the most popular house plants in our country....

Learn more about the USDA planting zones for Georgia The above map is the USDA map of plant hardiness zones for Georgia. It is intended to answer the question of what is the planting zones for Georgia. If you wish to learn what your Georgia USDA plant hardiness zone is, you can find where you live on the map and compare the color of that location to the legend to the right....

About Wyoming USDA Plant Hardiness Map The USDA revealed its Internet friendly plant hardiness map at the start of 2012. This map replaces the less sophisticated 1990 version and has made some significant changes using accurate data collected over a thirty-year period. Plant hardiness zones represent annual extreme winter low temperatures averaged over time. Gardeners across the country depend on this information when selecting plants for their home landscape. The Wyoming planting map above outlines the hardiness zones within the state....

Maple Decline Information Adverse conditions can cause a maple tree so much stress that it no longer thrives. City maples become the victims of air and water pollution, road salts, and construction and landscaping injuries. In the country, trees can be completely defoliated by insects, and putting on a new flush of leaves uses up valuable energy resources. Without energy reserves, trees become vulnerable to decline. A maple tree depletes its energy reserves when it has to fight off environmental stress, and physical injuries leave trees open to secondary infections....

Mapleleaf Viburnum Information Few plants offer both the statuesque beauty and constant seasonal interest as the Mapleleaf viburnum. These plants are easy to establish through seed or their abundant rhizomous suckers. In fact, over time mature plants form thickets of colonized young volunteers. Added to this is their drought tolerance, ease of care and abundant wildlife food, which makes growing Mapleleaf viburnums winning plants for the garden, with durable hardiness in most USDA zones....