Organic Gardening News

Wild wood garlic, or Allium ursinum, is a productive, shade-loving garlic plant that you forage for in the woods or grow right in your backyard garden. Also known as ramson or ramps (different species from wild leek ramps), this wild wood garlic is easy to grow and can be used in the kitchen and medicinally. Ramson Plant Information What are ramsons? Ramsons are wild garlic plants that you may see during a walk in the woods. They grow well in the shade of a forest but will also grow in sun. Wild wood garlic produces pretty white flowers in the spring and edible leaves, flowers and bulbs. The leaves are best enjoyed before the plants bloom. Not to be confused with the wild garlic often found growing in lawns, wood garlic somewhat resembles lily of the valley, in terms of its leaves. In the garden, it makes an attractive groundcoverRead this article

Good news for those who hate raking leaves in autumn and carting them to the curb for disposal. Instead of making the long haul from the backyard, you can keep them there and make leaf mold. What is leaf mold? You may ask this same question as I did, although I’ve apparently been making it for years and just didn’t realize it had a name. Leaf mold compost is a simple process that allows you to break down your fallen leaves for future use in gardens and flower beds. Keep reading for more info on using leaf mold for soil. About Leaf Mold Compost Using leaf mold as a soil amendment is a common and productive practice. Use it as mulch or incorporate it into the soil, or both. Spread a three-inch (7.5 cm.) layer around shrubs, trees, in flower beds and gardens, or any spot that will benefit fromRead this article

Also known as variegated elephant bush or rainbow portulacaria plant, rainbow elephant bush (Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’) is a shrubby succulent with mahogany stems and fleshy, green and creamy white foliage. Clusters of small, lavender-pink blooms may appear at branch tips. A cultivar with solid-colored leaves is also available and known simply as elephant bush. Rainbow Bush Info The elephant bush, native to Africa, is so named because elephants love to eat it. Rainbow portulacaria plant is a warm-weather plant, suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. For this reason, it is usually grown as an indoor plant. In its natural environment, variegated elephant bush can reach heights of up to 20 feet (6 m.). However, this slow-growing plant is usually limited to 10 feet (3 m.) or less in the home garden. You can control the size even further by growing rainbow elephant bush in aRead this article

Dividing or splitting perennial herbs is a simple method of propagation and/or rejuvenation. Sometimes, the plants get too large for an area and begin to take over or you want to populate another area with a certain herb. This is when herb plant division comes into play. But how do you know when and how to divide perennial herbs? When to Divide Herbs Herbaceous plants should be lifted and divided between the early autumn and mid-spring, depending on weather conditions. This means that in areas where the weather is mild in the fall, divide the herbs. In colder regions, herb plant division should occur in the spring when the roots are still slumbering. To keep herbs at their peak, they should be divided every 2-4 years. How to Divide Perennial Herbs Herbs that do well propagated via root division include: Bergamot Chamomile Chives Horehound Lovage Mint Oregano Sweet woodruff TarragonRead this article

For many, the process of growing ginseng is quite an exciting endeavor. Whether grown in containers at home or planted en masse as a means of income, this rare plant is highly prized – so much so, that many states have strict regulations about the growth and sale of ginseng root. Before growing ginseng, gardeners can learn more about the specific laws in their states by contacting their local agriculture extensions and natural resources department. Growing from rather expensive seeds, it is easy to imagine that growers may become quite alarmed when faced with sick ginseng plants. Troubleshooting Ginseng Diseases Though ginseng can be cultivated throughout much of the United States, there are several plant disease issues which may occur. Like many plants, ginseng requires very specific growing conditions in order to truly thrive. When these conditions are not met, this may lead to various fungal issues. Sudden symptoms mayRead this article

For attractive foliage and vibrant flowers, many gardeners rely on varieties of spirea shrubs. Different kinds of spirea work well as colorful garden accents, mass plantings and container plants. If you go to the plant store, you may be surprised by how many types of spirea are available in commerce. Read on for an overview of the different spirea plant varieties as well as exceptional spirea cultivars. About Spirea Plant Varieties Spirea plant varieties are in the rose family and, like roses, among the most popular garden plants. They are beloved by busy gardeners since they do not require careful siting or special care. Plant different kinds of spirea and every year they will amaze you with their colorful blossoms. With a mixture of spirea cultivars, you can get blossoms all season long. Spirea cultivars are all part of the genus Spiraea, a word that means “twisting” in Greek. ButRead this article

Timing of pruning is a crucial detail when cutting back a plane tree. Knowing when to prune plane trees and how can impact the plant’s health. Clean implements and sharp blades help prevent disease and insect intrusion. Some tips on London plane tree trimming will help you keep your stately plant in shape. Pollarding a London Plane Tree In some areas, London plane trees are on every boulevard. This is due to their rapid growth, relative resistance to disease and hardy constitution. Plane tree pruning is useful to control that growth, remove dead or diseased material and promote a strong form. The plants are very tolerant of pruning and can be trained to a variety of forms, but each form requires a different timing for cutting back a plane tree. Pollarding is an ancient practice. It seeks to remove the new shoots to promote the growth of the main stemsRead this article

Basil of any variety is a favorite herb of gardeners and chefs. One of the most important reasons we love this herb is its delectable fragrance. The French variety, Marseille, is among the most fragrant of them all. So, if you love the smell of basil, gather a little bit of Marseille basil information and get growing. What is Marseille Basil? Marseille is just one of many varieties of basil, and as the name suggests, it comes from France. It is sometimes called the ‘queen of fragrance’ because what it is most known for is its strong aroma. It smells sweet and slightly of licorice, much like other types of basil, but the fragrance is much more potent. Marseille basil is also notable for its small, compact size. It grows densely with large leaves but only to a height of about 10 inches (25 cm.) and a width around 8Read this article

Stem rust is an economically important disease as it affects and can seriously reduce yield of wheat and barley. Stem rust of barley can devastate your harvest if you grow this grain, but awareness and recognizing the signs early can help you minimize the damage. Barley Stem Rust Symptoms Stem rust is a fungal disease that has been afflicting grain production for more than a hundred years. The fungus keeps evolving to overcome any natural resistance in barley so that varieties of the grain that were once resistant to the disease now may not be. You’ll see the characteristic rust-colored lesions of barley with stem rust on the leaves, leaf sheaths and stems. The lesions are reddish-orange to brown in color and are elongated as compared to leaf rust lesions, which are smaller spots. Stem rust will also cause the outer layers of tissue on barley stems, leaves, and leafRead this article

The horse chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum) is a large, attractive specimen that grows well in most areas of the U.S., although it is native to the Balkan region of eastern Europe. It now grows everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. Many grow it for the large, showy flowers. And, of course, it is a great shade tree. But can you root horse chestnut cuttings to grow your own tree in the landscape? Horse Chestnut Cutting Propagation There are a few ways to propagate this tree. Growing from the dropped conkers is one way of getting them started. You may ask, “will horse chestnuts grow from cuttings?” They will, and it is actually one of the easiest ways of horse chestnut cutting propagation. You may take young softwood cuttings in spring or hardwood cuttings in autumn. Take cuttings from the youngest trees available, as immature cuttings reproduce best. How to Take HorseRead this article

Hula hoop wreaths are fun to make and they add a real “wow” factor to garden parties, weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, or nearly any special day. Hula hoop wreaths are versatile and easy to customize for the event, or for the season. Read on and learn how to make a hula hoop wreath, along with a few helpful hula hoop wreath ideas. How to Make a Hula Hoop Wreath Begin, of course, with a hula hoop. Hoops are available in several sizes, from child-sized to very large. If small hula hoops are bigger than you like, you can also use wooden embroidery hoops. Most hula hoops have a plastic coating. It’s fine to leave the coating in place, but be sure to remove it if you want to paint the hoop because the paint won’t adhere. Gather the materials for making a hula hoop wreath. You’ll need scissors, ribbon,Read this article

Over the course of the last decade or so, ornamental sweet potatoes have become almost a staple in many hanging baskets or decorative containers. As with many good things, the plants time comes to an end and is invariably jerked out of the container to be tossed in the compost. But wait, what about the ornamental sweet potato tubers? Can you eat ornamental sweet potatoes? Are Ornamental Sweet Potatoes Edible? Yes, ornamental sweet potatoes are edible! Ornamental sweet potato tubers are, indeed, sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas). That said, ornamental sweet potato tubers are planted for their lovely chartreuse, purple or variegated trailing foliage that serves as the perfect counterpoint to offset annual blooms. What that means regarding eating ornamental sweet potatoes is that, yes, while you can eat ornamental sweet potatoes, they are not necessarily the tastiest of sweet potatoes and are, in fact, much more bitter. It may takeRead this article

The quintessential spring flower, the tulip is colorful, cheerful, and a sign that warm weather is finally here. One of the largest groups of tulip varieties, the Triumph tulip, is a classic. It is sturdy and great for cutting but also creates beautiful borders and clumps in spring flower beds and comes in a wide range of colors. These are also good bulbs for forcing to cheer up your home in the winter. What are Triumph Tulips? Triumph tulips constitute the largest group of tulip varieties with a number of cultivars and colors to choose from for fall bulb planting. The blooms are single and have the classic tulip cup shape. They grow between 10 and 24 inches (25 to 60 cm.) tall. These tulips bloom in mid- and early spring. They have very sturdy stems, so they stand up well even in bad weather and are excellent plants forRead this article

Plants are beautiful in and of themselves, but you can also combine them in cool ways with containers. One project to try: potting plants in DIY paint can containers. If you’ve never seen plants in paint cans, you’re in for a treat. Containers made of paint cans are artsy and fun and show off foliage and flowers beautifully. Read on for information on how to get started. Making Paint Can Planters Gardeners are increasingly creative when it comes to displaying their plants in containers in the garden. You may have heard of plants growing in old bath tubs, gutters and even pallets. Why not plants in paint cans? Before you get started on making up DIY paint can containers, you’ll need to gather the equipment. You can recycle empty paint cans after you repaint your kitchen, but it’s also fun to buy empty metal paint cans from the hardware storeRead this article

With varying rules and regulations in the United States regarding the growing and harvest of ginseng, it is easy to see why this is such a valuable crop. Having both plant and root age restrictions for harvest, growing a marketable crop of ginseng takes several years and ample amounts of patience. Such an investment in time and money may obviously cause growers to begin to wonder if ginseng plants are worth the investment. However, with a little knowledge, ginseng can be a unique and interesting way to occupy unused garden space. With very specific growing habitats, those wishing to grow their own ginseng must provide ideal conditions to harvest marketable roots. This may lead growers to begin thinking about ways in which they are able to best maximize their crop yields. The establishment of consistent watering and fertilization routines are important to the needs of growing ginseng plants. How toRead this article

Managing our resources is part of being a good steward of our earth. The condensation water that results from operating our ACs is a valuable commodity that can be used with purpose. Watering with AC water is a great way to use this byproduct of the unit’s function. This water is pulled from the air and a great source of chemical free irrigation. Read on to learn more about watering plants with air conditioner water. Is AC Condensation for Plants Safe? During the use of an air conditioner, moisture forms and is usually removed by a drip line or hose outside the home. When temperatures are high, the condensate can amount to 5 to 20 gallons (23 to 91 L.) per day. This water is pure, pulled from the air and contains none of the chemicals in municipal water. Combining air conditioner water and plants is a winning way toRead this article

Horse chestnut seed propagation is a fun project you might try with a child. It is always exciting to teach them about how to grow from seed or, in this case, from conkers. Conkers, often called the buckeye, contain seeds from which new trees can grow. These are the fruit of the horse chestnut tree. However, the conker must be opened for the release of the seeds. Growing Horse Chestnut from Seed Conkers emerge from a prickly fruit covering that starts out green and turns shades of yellow as it ages. Growing a horse chestnut tree from seed begins with chilling the conker. If seeds remain outside during cold winter days, this is sufficient chilling, but they’re unlikely to still be there in spring. If you wish to attempt propagation, gather the horse chestnuts when they fall from the tree in early autumn. Chill them over winter in the fridgeRead this article

A berm can be a useful and an attractive part of your landscape, adding height and visual interest while also providing a wind or noise barrier or even changing and improving drainage. Whatever the reason you choose for creating a berm in your garden, don’t forget to choose and put in the best berm plants to make it really pop and look like more than just a random hill. Looking for some ideas for planting on a berm? Read on to learn more. What to Grow on a Berm A berm is essentially just a raised bit of the landscape, which you may choose to add to your yard for any variety of reasons: improved aesthetics, as a focal point, for a wind break, as a privacy screen, or to redirect drainage. Regardless of the reason, your new berm will be just a hill until you add plantings to itRead this article

Homemade rain barrels can be large and complicated, or you can make a DIY rain barrel consisting of a simple, plastic container with a storage capacity of 75 gallons (284 L.) or less. Rainwater is especially good for plants, as the water is naturally soft and free of harsh chemicals. Saving rainwater in homemade rain barrels also minimizes your dependence on municipal water, and, more importantly, reduces runoff, which can allow sediment and harmful pollutants to enter waterways. When it comes to homemade rain barrels, there are a number of variations, depending on your specific site and your budget. Below, we have provided a few basic considerations to keep in mind as you begin to make your own rain barrel for the garden. How to Make a Rain Barrel Rain Barrel: Look for a 20- to 50-gallon (76-189 L.) barrel made of opaque, blue or black plastic. The barrel shouldRead this article

When people think of peas, they think of the tiny green seed (yes, it’s a seed) alone, not the exterior pod of the pea. That’s because English peas are shelled prior to being eaten, but there are also several edible pod pea varieties. Peas with edible pods were made for lazy cooks because let’s face it, shelling peas is time consuming. Interested in growing edible pod peas? Read on for more edible pod pea info. What are Edible Pod Peas? Edible pod peas are peas where the parchment has been bred out of the pod so the young pods stay tender. While there are a number of edible pod pea varieties, they come from two ilks: the Chinese pea pod (also known as snow pea or sugar pea) and snap peas. Chinese pea pods are flat pods with insignificant peas inside that are commonly used in Asian cuisine. Snap peasRead this article