Using Worm Castings in Container Gardening Worms create spaces for water and air as they tunnel through the soil. In their wake they deposit rich manure, or castings, that look a lot like coffee grounds. How do worm castings in containers help your potted plants? Worm castings are rich in nutrients, including not only the basics but also substances like zinc, copper, manganese, carbon, cobalt, and iron. They are absorbed into potting soil immediately, making nutrients available to roots right away....

Yellowing Passion Vines If you see your passion flower leaves turning yellow, it may be time to check the nutrients in your soil. Too much or too little of particular nutrients can cause yellow passion vine leaves. For example, if your soil contains too much boron, the leaf tips might yellow. Too little iron, magnesium, molybdenum, zinc, or manganese can also cause yellowing passion vines. In those instances, the yellow coloring will show up particularly between the leaf veins....

Cool Season Vegetables for Zone 7 Zone 7 is a great climate for cool season gardening. The spring comes much earlier than in colder zones, but it also lasts, which can’t be said for warmer zones. Similarly, temperatures in autumn get nice and low for quite a while without dipping below freezing. There are plenty of vegetables for zone 7 that thrive in cool temperatures and will really only grow in the colder months of spring and autumn....

Apricot Fungal Gummosis Fungal issues are among the most common problems which home orchard growers may encounter. One fungus, Botryosphaeria dothidea, is responsible for a condition known as apricot fungal gummosis. Though the name may imply its presence solely in apricot trees, other trees (such as peach trees) may also be affected. Gummosis of apricots results from prior damage or injury to trees within the orchard. The cause of injury may vary greatly, or result from a combination of events....

What is Aquascaping? In gardening, landscaping is all about designing your surroundings. With aquascaping, you’re simply doing the same thing but in an aquatic setting – typically in aquariums. This can be a fun way to create an underwater landscape with plants growing in natural curves and slopes. Fish and other aquatic creatures can be included too. Most fish species work well with these underwater landscapes but some top choices include tetras, discus, angelfish, Australian rainbows, and livebearers....

How are Nematodes Good for Iris? One of the most common nuisance pests of iris flowers is the iris borer. In the fall, borer moths lay eggs on the soil near iris beds and on old plant matter in the garden. The following spring the eggs hatch and the larvae burrow into young leaves. As the borers feed, they gradually work towards the rhizome of the iris. Once in the rhizome, borers continue to cause damage until they mature....

Why is My Tree Leaking Sap? The bacterial infection called slime flux results when bacteria grows inside a wounded tree. Several types of bacteria are implicated, although botanists have not identified a main culprit. These bacteria generally attack an ill tree or one that is stressed from too little water. Usually, they enter through a wound in the bark. Inside the tree, fermentation occurs from the bacteria and carbon dioxide gas is released....

What is a Ghost Fern? Ghost fern (Athyrium x hybrida ‘Ghost’) gets its name from the silvery color that edges the fronds and turn a little bluish as the plant matures. The overall effect is a ghostly white appearance. Ghost fern grows up to 2.5 feet (76 cm.) and remains narrower than its height. The upright, compact shape makes it a great option for a small space. Also known as the lady fern ghost plant, this is a cross between two species: Athyrium niponicum and Athyrium filix-fimina (Japanese painted fern and lady fern)....

Autumn Crisp Tree Info Autumn Crisp apple trees are the result of the cross between ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Monroe’ apple varieties. First introduced by Cornell University, this extremely crisp variety of apple is rich in Vitamin C. In addition to these attributes, Autumn Crisp apple trees produce high yields that are excellent for fresh eating. When compared to other cultivars, these apples demonstrate slower oxidation and browning when cut into slices....

Signs of Powdery Mildew on Avocado Trees Avocado powdery mildew is caused by a type of fungus called Oidium. The disease only affects the foliage of an avocado tree, not the fruit. However, if the infection goes untreated and becomes severe, it can weaken the tree. In general, powdery mildew is not considered a serious disease impacting avocado trees. You are most likely to see it during the drier months of the year....

Symptoms of Bacterial Leaf Spot Bacterial leaf spot on plants may manifest in several different ways. Symptoms of bacterial leaf spot may include black edged lesions, brown spots with yellow halos, or just light and dark areas on the foliage. Spots are irregular and measure between 3/16 and ½ inch (5 mm. to 1 cm.) wide. They can occur on the top or bottom of a leaf and kill sections of the tissue when they cluster together....

Training Plants up Porch Railings Growing plants along a porch railing can be a good way to conserve space in areas where this may be limited. While there are a number of suitable vines to choose from, some are better than others. Many vining plants will climb up and cling to your porch railing without much assistance, while others need a little help. To ensure that your chosen plant will cling vigorously, it’s a good idea to do some training initially and even as it grows....

The berries, also known as goji berries, have a tart, tomato-like flavor. They are good to eat raw, dried, or cooked. However, the leaves are toxic when eaten in large quantities. About Matrimony Vine Plants Native to the Mediterranean, matrimony vine has escaped cultivation and is naturalized in the warm climates of Louisiana, North Carolina, and Florida. It is a member of the plant family that includes nightshade, potatoes, and tomatoes....

Beavertail Prickly Pear Info Native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northwest Mexico, beavertail prickly pear is well suited for rock gardens, cactus gardens, or xeriscape landscapes in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 and above. Growing beavertail cactus in containers is perfect for a sunny patio or deck. However, you’ll need to bring the plant indoors during the winter if you live in a chilly northern climate. Beavertail prickly pear cactus is generally disease-free, deer and rabbit proof, and requires very little care....

When are Berries on Lily of the Valley Ready? If you wish to try starting lily of the valley plants from seed, you should be aware of one important fact: lily of the valley seed toxicity. These little lily of the valley seed pods are extremely dangerous to have around pets and children. Since they are so easy to just divide, planting lily of the valley berries is the slow way to go for more plants....

Popular Fall Blooming Hydrangea

About Beneficial Flowers for the Vegetable Garden Incorporating flowers into the vegetable garden is an age old practice brought about by smaller European gardens situated near the kitchen. Gardeners needed easy access to not only food crops, but medicinal herbs and flowers as well. The same method can be used today and has many benefits to crops. Companion planting with flowers makes the garden more diverse. Diversity means that many diseases have difficulty taking hold or spreading easily....

What are Floating Row Covers for Gardens? The use of garden row covers has increased in the last decade in the commercial and home garden. The best row covers for your garden depends on what you are using the row covers for. Some people use row covers exclusively for pest protection while others use them for frost protection or water irrigation. Floating row covers are made of very lightweight woven material that allows light and water to penetrate, but provides protection against sudden drops in temperature common in many growing regions....

Black Ethiopian Tomato Info What is a Black Ethiopian tomato? At first glance, Black Ethiopian might seem like a bit of a misnomer. This tomato variety is sometimes reported as originating in Ukraine, sometimes in Russia, but never Ethiopia. And while the tomatoes can achieve a very dark shade, their color is usually more of a burnished red to brown to deep purple. They do have a very dark, rich flavor, however....

A common rose disease is known as black spot (Diplocarpon rosae). The name is very appropriate, as this fungal disease forms black spots all over the foliage of rose bushes. If left unchecked, it can cause a rose bush to totally defoliate. Let’s look at what causes black spots on rose bush leaves and steps for treating black spot roses. What Causes Black Spots on Rose Bush Leaves? Many frustrated gardeners wonder, “What causes black spots on rose bush leaves?...