Additionally, a pecan tree with Spanish moss may suffer broken branches if the weight of the moss is great, especially when the moss is wet and heavy after a rainfall. A thick growth of Spanish moss can also prevent sun from reaching the leaves. Read on and learn what you can do about pecans and Spanish moss. Managing Pecans and Spanish Moss Currently, there are no chemical herbicides labeled for controlling Spanish moss on pecans in the United States, although some growers report success by spraying copper sulfate, potassium, or a mixture of baking soda and water....

Peonies form interesting, clusters of wedge-like gray to brown seed pods, covered when young with a slight fuzz. As they mature, the seed pods turn dark brown and leathery, and as they ripen, the seed pods crack open, revealing dark purple to black shiny seeds. They can add interest to the garden and allow you to harvest seeds for peony propagation. Continue reading for tips on collecting peony seeds....

In fact, a lot of winter peony protection is ill-advised because these tough plants actually need about six weeks of temperatures below 40 degrees F. (4 C.) in order to produce blooms the following year. Read on for more information about peony cold tolerance. Caring for Peonies in Winter Peonies love cold weather, and they don’t need much protection. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure your plant remains healthy throughout the winter....

When to Apply Pesticides Responsible pesticide use in gardens is important, regardless of whether you use a chemical form or a natural homemade combatant. The very fact that it is used to kill something means it requires respectful and smart handling. You should always dress protectively and follow the manufacturer’s instruction regarding mixing, application rates, and timing. Pesticide application timing for a direct strike relies upon the product catching the insect at the correct stage....

Why Do We Need Proper Pesticide Storage and Disposal? Pesticides contain a toxic brew of chemicals that are intended to kill living creatures. As such, they have the capacity to do harm to unintended victims and may be dangerous to children, pets, wild animals, fish, and invertebrates. Some chemicals can also do harm to a septic system and are carried far in storm drains and underground streams, spreading their dangers as they go....

Should I Pinch Sweet Peas? When it comes to pinching out sweet peas, there are two schools of gardeners: those who claim pinching sweet peas back ruins the natural form of the plant and sacrifices the size of the bloom, and those who believe that to pinch sweet pea plants early in their growth adds beauty and fullness and the additional blooms make up for diminished size. It’s all a matter of opinion....

Gardening in Cracks and Crevices Whether you are faced with truly rocky terrain in general or you just want to pretty up a path or patio, planting in crevices can be challenging. Plants for small spaces between stones and rocks must be installed properly and babied while they establish. These spaces have very little soil and can get dry in hot weather and soggy in wet periods. Plants for cracks and crevices will need some monitoring during the first year of planting....

My Garden Box Subscription Gifts for Gardeners When I received my first box, I quickly became a fan. The plants are packaged really well – even the box itself is nice! Depending on the monthly theme, you can receive anywhere from 1-3 plants, plus everything else needed to complete your garden project – soil, quality containers, fertilizer (if necessary) and illustrated instructions that also include plant care tips and fun facts....

Developing a true French potager is no different from any other garden, but you should include some classic French vegetables. There are many plants for French cuisine, as the country has a diverse palate and gastronomic adventure. The true French chefs focus on the country’s local cuisine, which must be as fresh as possible. To emulate their work, having your own plants for French cooking will bring in country grown feel to traditional recipes....

While there are many ways to beat cabin fever, with the rule to keep six feet between us, the list starts getting smaller. One way to adhere to the six-foot mandate and stay sane is by interacting with nature on the small scale. I don’t mean you should be going to a National Park and hiking (some are closed anyway) but, instead, try growing some plants to beat those quarantine blues....

Reasons a Plum Tree Has Sap Oozing from Trunk Diagnosing plum tree problems shouldn’t be taken lightly because a proper diagnosis may save your tree. It’s best to contact an arborist for an accurate diagnosis, or you can call the Cooperative Extension Service in your area. There are a number of factors that may be to blame when a plum tree has sap oozing from its trunk. Environmental Problems Hot, dry conditions in summer or sunscald in winter can stress the tree and may be the cause for a plum tree oozing sap....

What is Popcorn Cassia? Native to central and eastern Africa, the plant is a perennial at least in zones 10 and 11 (some sources list it as hardy down to zone 9 or even 8), where it can grow up to 25 feet (7.5 m.) tall. It often tops out at 10 feet (30 m.), however, and stays even smaller in cooler climates. Even though it’s extremely frost tender, it grows so quickly that it can be treated as an annual in colder zones, where it will grow to only a few feet (91 cm....

Annual Wildflowers for Zone 10 Few things are as spectacular as a field or bed of hot weather wildflowers. If you are an urban gardener and don’t have the opportunity to see a native pasture or hillside taken over by these colorful beauties, you can still select species that will fit into your landscape and provide the eye-popping color of a wildflower oasis. Annuals often start beautifully from seed and can be found already blooming in the season in which they should be planted....

Growing Trees in Zone 8 With an average minimum winter temperature between 10 and 20 degrees F. (-12 to -7 C.), USDA zone 8 can’t support trees that are frost sensitive. It can, however, support a huge range of cold hardy trees. The range is so big, in fact, that it’s impossible to cover every species. Here is a selection of common zone 8 trees, separated into broad categories: Common Zone 8 Trees Deciduous trees are extremely popular in zone 8....

Light for Pothos: Pothos Lighting Requirements Pothos plants do best in moderate light. Too little light, or too much, can affect the appearance and growth rate of your plant. Too much light can scorch the plant and cause the beautiful, bright green leaves to turn pale yellow. If you want to put your plant in front of a bright window, just be sure the pothos is a few feet away. You can also filter the light with a sheer curtain....

Problems Growing Orchids Even with the best of care troubles can occur. Common orchid problems include environmental issues, a few pests, and diseases. Environmental Problems Environmental issues with orchid plants are the most common complaint of first-time growers. People try to treat these plants like other houseplants, resulting in chaos. Most orchids are epiphytes, plants that grow in the branches of trees in very little soil using their roots both to cling to trees and respirate; many even have photosynthetic organs located in their prop roots....

Why is My Dill Plant Turning Yellow? We all know dill as a main flavoring in canned pickles, as a fresh herb for flavoring fish and for its seeds as a culinary accent to a variety of recipes. This plant is thought to be from the Mediterranean and has a host of health benefits as well. The slender, hollow stems and airy foliage combined with the umbels of bright yellow flowers also enhance any garden bed....

Taking Cuttings from Texas Sage Plants Texas sage is so easy to propagate from cuttings that you can start a new plant nearly any time of year. Many experts advise taking 4 inch (10 cm.) softwood cuttings after blooming ends in summer, but you can also take hardwood cuttings while the plant is dormant in late fall or winter. Either way, plant the cuttings in well-drained potting mix. Some people like to dip the bottom of the cuttings in rooting hormone, but many find that the hormone isn’t necessary for rooting....

How to Propagate Wisteria Cuttings Taking Wisteria Cuttings Propagating wisteria from cuttings starts with getting the cuttings. As mentioned, a great source of cuttings can come from pruning wisteria, but you can also take wisteria cuttings from the plant specifically for rooting wisteria plants. Cuttings of wisteria need to be taken from the softwood. This is wood that is still green and has not developed woody bark. The cutting should be about 3 to 6 inches (7....

Upright Juniper Pruning Upright junipers are tall, shrubs/trees that are described as columnar in a landscape setting. They work well in garden spots that are narrow but where a plant with height is needed. When you start pruning an upright juniper, one intent is to keep it narrow and dense. As the branches grow, they can become heavy and pull away from the trunk. This causes the tree to look disheveled, rather than tight and neat....