The pecan tree is a hickory native to North America that has been domesticated and is now grown commercially for its sweet, edible nuts. Mature trees can produce 400-1,000 pounds of nuts per year. With such a large quantity, one might wonder what to do with pecans. Cooking with pecans is, of course, the most common of pecan uses, but there are other ways of using pecans. If you are lucky enough to have access to a pecan tree, read on to learn how to use pecans. What to Do with Pecans When we think of pecans, we may think of eating the nuts, but many species of wildlife also enjoy not only the pecan fruit, but foliage as well. Using pecans isn’t just for humans, many birds, squirrels, and other small mammals eat the nuts, while white-tailed deer often nibble on the twigs and leaves. Beyond our feathered friends

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Destiny hybrid broccoli is a compact, heat-tolerant, and cold-hardy plant that performs well in warmer climates. Plant your Destiny broccoli variety in early spring for a summer crop. A second crop can be planted in midsummer for harvest in fall. The flavorful, nutrient-rich vegetable isn’t difficult to grow in full sunlight and moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Read on and learn how to grow this broccoli variety. How to Grow Destiny Broccoli Start seeds indoors five to seven weeks ahead of time or start with small Destiny broccoli plants from a nursery or garden center. Either way, they should be transplanted into the garden two to three weeks before the last frost in your area. You can also plant this variety by seed directly in the garden two to three weeks before the last average frost in your area. Prepare the soil by digging in a generous amount of organic matter,

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Broccoli is a classic vegetable that fits into many international cuisines and offers plenty of nutrition. If you want a variety with tight heads and prolific flowering, try growing Belstar broccoli. With just 66 days to maturity, you will be enjoying your own broccoli crop in just a few months! Keep reading for further Belstar broccoli info, including when and how to plant this delicious variety. What is Belstar Broccoli? The Belstar broccoli variety is an organic hybrid variety suitable for either spring or summer planting. Just like any other broccoli, Belstar doesn’t do well in hot temperatures. Plants in the Brassica family are high in vitamins C and K, fiber, and manganese. They are being studied for their ability to fight cancer. Broccoli is one of the tastier varieties of this family. The Belstar variety is very adaptable and produces stress tolerant plants. Not only does it develop a

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Broccoli is a cool season annual grown for its delicious green heads. A long-time favorite variety, Waltham 29 broccoli plants were developed in 1950 at the University of Massachusetts and named for Waltham, MA. Open pollinated seeds of this variety are still sought after for their incredible flavor and cold tolerance. Interested in growing this broccoli variety? The following article contains information on how to grow Waltham 29 broccoli.  About Waltham 29 Broccoli Plants Waltham 29 broccoli seeds were specifically developed to withstand the colder temperatures of the Pacific Northwest and East Coast. These broccoli plants grow to a height of about 20 inches (51 cm.) and form blue-green medium to large heads on long stalks, a rarity amongst modern hybrids. Like all cool season broccoli, Waltham 29 plants are quick to bolt with high temperatures but thrive in cooler regions rewarding the grower with compact heads along with some

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Growing carrots in the heat of summer is a difficult endeavor. Carrots are a cool season crop which typically need between three and four months to reach maturity. They are slow to germinate in cool weather and sprout best when the ambient temperature is around 70 F. (21 C.). When maturing in warm weather, carrots often have a bitter taste and lack the sweetness of those grown at cooler temperatures. The ideal temperature for the development of fat, sweet tasting carrots is approximately 40 F. (4 C.). Ideally, carrots are sown when it’s warm and mature when it’s cool. Growing Carrots in Hot Climates Gardeners in states like Florida may be wondering if it’s even possible to grow carrots in the South. The answer is yes, so let’s take a look at the best methods for growing carrots in hot climates. Whether you’re growing carrots in the South or you’re

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The world is a different place than it was a few months ago. At this writing, the coronavirus is prancing merrily across the globe, wreaking havoc and destroying health and lives. The hospital system is overwhelmed, so the best many of us can do is maintain our immune systems and overall well-being. Herbal tea plants can be key to some of that. Teas to fight viruses may be your first line of defense in a time of such widespread illness. Herbal Teas for Health Taking care of yourself is always at the core of a well lived life. Using herbal teas for health is an ancient practice that should see a resurgence. If it was good enough for our ancestors, there must be something to the exercise. The best tea for virus busting varies by symptom, but most have high antioxidant properties which can help enhance your immune system. I

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Commercial growers have been using hydroponic systems for years, but many home gardeners are embracing the idea as a way to have homegrown vegetables year-round. If you’re thinking about trying hydroponics, you’re probably wondering what kind of hydroponic tools you’ll need and how much will equipment for this gardening method cost. What Do You Need for Hydroponics? Plants require four things to survive and flourish – light, a substrate in which to grow, water, and nutrients. Let’s take a look at the basic hydroponic equipment you’ll need to supply all four key elements: Light Sunlight provides the full spectrum of visible and non-visible light. It’s not only the cheapest, but also the best way to provide light for hydroponics. Many vegetable plants require a minimum of six hours of direct light per day. Southern-facing windows and greenhouses have the potential to provide this amount of sunlight. The alternative is the

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In simple terms, hydroponic systems for plants use only water, a growing medium, and nutrients. The goal of hydroponic methods is to grow faster and healthier plants by removing barriers between a plant’s roots and water, nutrients, and oxygen. Although there are numerous variations, gardeners generally choose one of six different types of hydroponics. Hydroponic Garden Types Below we offer basic information on different hydroponic systems. Wicking is the most simple and basic of the hydroponic garden types and has been used for centuries before hydroponic gardening was a “thing.” A wick system needs no electricity because it requires no air pumps. Basically, this hydroponic method simply uses a wicking system to draw water from a bucket or container to the plants. Wick systems are generally effective only for small setups, such as a single plant or a small herb garden. They are a good introduction for kids or beginning

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What is hydroseeding? Hydroseeding, or hydraulic mulch seeding, is a way of planting seed over a large area. Compared to traditional methods, hydroseeding can save a tremendous amount of time and effort, but there are also some drawbacks to consider. Read on to learn some hydroseeding facts and how this method might help you establish a lawn. How Hydroseeding Works Hydroseeding involves the use of a high-pressure hose to apply seeds onto tilled soil. The seeds are in a water-based grass seed spray (slurry) that may contain mulch, fertilizer, lime, or other substances to get a lawn off to a healthy start. The grass seed spray, which is often used to plant large areas such as golf courses and football fields, is often applied from a truck to ensure that the slurry is evenly mixed. However, it can also be applied by homeowners with a pressure sprayer. Hydroseeding Facts: Hydroseeding

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To learn more about our editorial integrity policy and how we make money through affiliate partnerships, read our full disclosure here. Are you trying to keep your lawn green and growing strong, even during the warmer months? Well, we all know that one of the most vital factors is your lawn sprinkler.  When purchasing a sprinkler, you’ve got to consider a lot of factors, like what material is the most durable, how much water pressure you need, special features you may want, and how much of your lawn will actually be covered by the sprinkler.  To make the search easier for you, Gardening Know How looked at countless sprinkler units and narrowed it down to the top five to help you find the best sprinkler for your lawn. Review Standards During our thorough analysis to help you find the best sprinkler, we looked at factors including price, expected life of

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When the temperature gets near the triple digits and you’re cooling off with a chilled watermelon wedge, you should thank the hydrocooling method. What is hydrocooling? The method of hydrocooling is used to quickly chill produce post-harvest so it can get to your dinner table. Read on to learn more. What is Hydrocooling? Very simply, the method of hydrocooling is a way to rapidly cool produce by running near freezing water over fruits and vegetables immediately after they are harvested. Without hydrocooling vegetables and fruits once they have been harvested, the quality of the produce begins to decline, hence its shelf life. So how does hydrocooling work exactly? How Does Hydrocooling Work? Temperature and relative humidity begin to affect the quality of produce immediately after being harvested. Heat may arise from field temperatures or from natural respiration. Some farmers harvest at night to combat field temperatures, but what about natural

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You may know elodea waterweed (Elodea canadensis) as Canadian pondweed. It is a popular submerged aquatic plant for water gardens and cool water aquariums, helping to control algae and keep the water clear. However, elodea waterweed is an invasive species when it escapes into the wild. That’s why anyone using this plant needs to learn about controlling elodea and problems that can arise. Read on for more info about this pondweed plus tips on how to manage elodea. Elodea Waterweed There’s no doubt that elodea pondweed is a useful plant for those with cool water aquariums and water elements in the garden. The plant absorbs nutrients and, by doing so, it limits algae growth. Elodea waterweed’s roots are branching and tangled stems, growing over three feet (1 m.) long in cultivation and three times that long in the wild. The roots are packed with drooping green leaves in swirls of

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Creating an inviting outdoor space is paramount for many gardeners. While the planting of trees, flowering shrubs, and perennial plants can dramatically increase the appeal of green spaces, some homeowners add a pond to their property. Ponds or other small bodies of water can create a beautiful focal point that is sure to be the envy of the neighborhood. However, these ponds will require proper care and maintenance in order to truly look their best. This includes the introduction of ornamental plant life to prevent algae growth and aid in water filtration. One plant, the water poppy (Hydrocleys nymphoides), can be a lovely addition to the backyard waterscape – but what is a water poppy? Water Poppy Facts Water poppy floating plants are perennial aquatic ornamentals hardy to USDA zones 9-11. Native to Central and South America, the plant produces a multitude of flat leaves with a glossy texture. Cheerful

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Ponds are popular water features that instill a sense of peace and natural beauty while helping to support a healthy ecosystem. However, without proper care and maintenance, even the simplest pond can become a smelly, brackish pit and a breeding ground for pests including hordes of mosquitoes.  A successful pond must be kept as clean and odor free as possible, and the best way to accomplish this is with mechanical aeration systems, such as pond bubbler aerators. A bubbler helps to support a healthy environment for aquatic life and keeps your water feature fresh and attractive. What is bubble aeration? Read on to learn about pond bubbler systems. Pond Aeration Benefits Pond aeration has many benefits that include the following: Improved water quality. Without some type of pond bubbler system, the water soon becomes mucky and oxygen deprived. In time, the entire pond will appear murky. A poorly aerated pond

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You probably already know your plants need light, water, and good soil to thrive, but they also benefit from the addition of fertilizer, ideally organic. There are several organic fertilizers available – one type being fish fertilizer for plants. The following article contains information on fish emulsion use, including when to use fish emulsion and how to apply it to your plants. About Fish Emulsion Use Fish emulsion, or fish fertilizer for plants, is a fast-acting, organic liquid fertilizer made from the byproducts of the fishing industry. It is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, plus trace elements such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, chlorine, and sodium. Benefits to Using Fish Emulsion Not only is fish fertilizer an organic option, it is made from fish parts that would otherwise be wasted. It contains plenty of nutrients for quick absorption by plants. Fish fertilizer for plants is a mild, all-purpose feeding option

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What is a fruitless olive tree, you may ask? Many are not familiar with this beautiful tree, commonly used for its beauty in the landscape. The olive tree with no olives (Olea europaea ‘Wilsonii’) is hardy in USDA zones 8-11. Read more to learn if this is the perfect tree for your southern landscape. About Fruitless Olive Trees This olive tree is described as a distinctive evergreen, growing at a slow to medium rate. At maturity, it may reach 25-30 feet (7.6 to 9 m.), with approximately the same width. Consider this width if contemplating one in your landscape. It may have a single trunk, but more often it has several. These are twisting and contorted, topped by greenish-gray foliage. This tree must have at least 8 hours of full sun. While described as an olive tree with no olives, some owners of the tree say this is an overstatement.

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Raspberries are absolutely delicious, but they are also somewhat miraculous. The miracle of their existence has to do with raspberry plant pollination. How are raspberries pollinated? Well, raspberry pollination requirements seem to be twofold, a raspberry plant and a pollinator, but the process is much more complex then it first appears. It turns out that pollinating raspberry plants is somewhat of a natural wonder. How are Raspberries Pollinated? Raspberry blooms are self-pollinating; however, bees are responsible for 90-95 percent of pollination. Honeybees or solitary bees are solely responsible for pollinating raspberry bushes and they have quite a job of it. About Raspberry Plant Pollination To comprehend how raspberries are pollinated and realize the complexity involved in pollinating raspberry bushes, you need to understand the structure of a raspberry flower. Raspberry flowers are not single blooms but rather comprised of 100-125 pistils. Each pistil must be pollinated to create a mature

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Like other varieties of lavender, fernleaf lavender is a fragrant, showy shrub with blue-purple flowers. Growing fernleaf lavender is similar to other types, requiring a warm climate and drier conditions. Grow this lavender for edging, as a low shrub, and to harvest the flowers and leaves for herbal uses. About Fernleaf Lavender Plants Fernleaf lavender (Lavendula multifida) is also commonly known as French lace lavender. The names refer to its fern-like leaves, which are grayish-green, deeply lobed, and can be described as lacy. You can grow fernleaf lavender in your herb garden and harvest both the flowers and leaves. Use them in cooking or in soaps and other care products, potpourri, and scented sachets. This lavender need not be limited to herbal uses, though. It’s a woody shrub that can be used as a low hedge, border, or edge—fernleaf lavender grows up to about two feet (60 cm.) tall and

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Fernleaf peony plants (Paeonia tenuifolia) are vigorous, reliable plants with unique, fine-textured, fern-like foliage. Showy deep red or burgundy flowers appear a little earlier than most other peonies, generally in late spring and early summer. Although fernleaf peony plants tend to cost a bit more, they’re worth the extra expense because they grow slowly and live so long. How to Grow Fernleaf Peonies Growing fernleaf peonies is easy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3-8. Peonies need cold winters and won’t bloom well without a period of chill. Fernleaf peony plants prefer at least six hours of sun per day.  The soil should be fertile and well drained. If your soil is sandy or clay, mix in a generous amount of compost before planting. You can also add a handful of bone meal. If you’re planting more than one peony plant, allow 3 to 4 feet (1 m.) between each plant.

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Peonies are a long-time favorite, cherished for their large, fragrant blooms which can reward their growers with decades of beauty. For many first-time growers, this widely popular plant will present some challenges. From planting to staking, it is important to familiarize yourself with potential issues to keep your peonies looking healthy and vibrant. Peony botrytis blight is especially frustrating, as it can lead to the loss of flower blooms. What is Botrytis Blight on Peony? Also known as gray mold, botrytis blight is caused by a fungus which, while unsightly and concerning, is not deadly. In peony plants, either Botrytis cinerea or Botrytis paeoniae fungus is the culprit. Peony botrytis blight is most common when the spring weather is especially cool and rainy. These conditions make it ideal for dormant soil fungus to develop. Botrytis on peony plants can impact the stems, leaves, and flower buds. Among the first signs

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