Organic Gardening News

It’s always fun, and sometimes beneficial, to learn about ways to improve your gardening experience. One of those that you may not be familiar with is using wool as mulch. If you’re intrigued by the thought of using sheep’s wool for mulch, read on to learn more. Mulching with Wool As with other mulch we use in the garden, sheep’s wool retains moisture and stops weeds from spouting. In the case of using sheep’s wool for mulch, it can also retain more heat during cold winters. This keeps roots warmer and can help keep crops alive past their normal growing point. Online info says mulching with wool in the vegetable garden can “increase production and plant viability against pest damage.” Wool matts purchased commercially or woven together from available wool, last approximately two years. How to Use Wool in the Garden Wool matts for mulch may need to be cut

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Deer can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s so lovely to see a doe and fawn early on a Sunday morning, standing in the mist, nibbling on your garden. And that’s the problem. They can eat through a garden in no time. Whether you love or hate deer, or have a more complicated relationship with them, there is one important question to answer: Can you use deer manure in gardens? Fertilizing with Deer Manure Using manure as a fertilizer is not a new practice. People long ago discovered that manure is full of nutrients. Deer droppings on plants or on your grass may provide some additional nutrients, depending on what those deer have eaten. In the wild, the deer diet is pretty limited, meaning their droppings are not very nutrient rich. But suburban deer and those feeding around farms may have more nutrients to offer in their waste.

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The presence of deer in the garden can be troublesome. Over a short period of time, deer can quickly damage or even destroy prized landscaping plants. Depending on where you live, keeping these nuisance animals away may prove to be difficult. Although there are many types of deer repellents available to homeowners, they’re usually are left disappointed by their results. With some proven planting techniques, however, gardeners may be able to reduce the occurrence of damage caused by deer. Planting deer resistant evergreen plants, for example, can help to create a beautiful green space all year long. Choosing Evergreens Deer Won’t Eat When planning a garden filled with deer proof evergreens, it is important to remember that there will always be an exception. Despite choosing deer proof evergreens for planting, these animals are known to feed on a wide range of plants during times of need. While planting evergreens deer

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For many homeowners, mushrooms can be a nuisance growing in lawns, flower beds, and manicured landscape plantings. While troublesome, most mushroom populations can be easily removed or managed. One type of mushroom, called the ‘deer mushroom,’ is frequently found in rural yard spaces. What are Deer Mushrooms? Deer mushrooms are a type of mushroom commonly found in North America. This specific type of mushroom is typically found on dead or decaying hardwood. This can include decaying logs, downed trees, and even some types of mulches. However, deer mushrooms in the lawn or on conifer trees have also been noted. These prolific mushrooms are likely to be found growing at any time throughout the year, as long as temperatures are not too cold. Identifying Deer Mushrooms Deer mushrooms usually reach heights of about 2-4 inches (5-10 cm.). In examining the cap of the mushroom, colors are most likely to range in

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Has your pothos plant gotten too big? Or maybe it’s not as bushy as it used to be? Keep reading so you can learn how to prune a pothos and bring new life to this amazing, vigorous and easy-to-grow houseplant. Let’s take a look at how to cut back pothos. Pruning Pothos Houseplant First, you will have to choose exactly how far you’d like to prune your pothos back. You can prune it back dramatically up to about 2 inches or so (5 cm.) from the soil line if needed. Or you can leave much longer vines and prune much less.  It all depends on how much you’d like to take off. Regardless, pruning this plant will only benefit it. You may be happy with only a lighter pruning or, if your plant has lost quite a few leaves and you want to reinvigorate the plant, a more drastic pruning

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Very committed and slightly crazy gardeners like to humanize their plants. Could there be some grain of truth in our desire to think plants are like people? Can plants talk to each other? Do plants communicate with us? These questions and more have been studied, and the verdicts are in…. sort of. Can Plants Really Communicate? Plants have truly amazing adaptability and survival techniques. Many can survive long periods in near darkness, others can fend off competing plants with toxic hormones, and still others can even move themselves. So it’s not out of the realm of possibility that plants can communicate. Just what do plants use to communicate? Many gardeners have been caught red faced as they sing or chatter to their houseplants. Such talk is said to be good for growth and overall health. What if we discovered that plants really do talk to each other though? Instead of

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Begonias are a long time favorite of many flower gardeners. Whether growing in the ground or in containers, the options are truly limitless. Begonias offer vibrant pops of color through their distinct foliage and beautiful blooms. With all this beauty, it is easy to understand why many growers may become alarmed when they begin to notice changes in the appearance of their begonia plants. Curling begonia leaves are one example that can lead gardeners on a search for answers. Reasons for Begonia Leaf Curl As with any garden question, the reason behind why begonia leaves are curling may be difficult to diagnose. A begonia with curled leaves may have been affected in a number of ways in order for this to occur. First, growers will need to carefully observe recent changes in water, fertilization, or even weather patterns. Each of these issues can cause begonia leaf curl. Temperature – Since

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Looking for something interesting to grow in the garden or home? Consider adding Red Star dracaena to your list. Read on to learn more about this lovely specimen. About Red Star Dracaena Plants The dark red, almost burgundy, sword-like leaves of Red Star dracaena (Cordyline australis ‘Red Star’) add an unusual flair when growing in a display. Surround it with blooms that peak from spring to fall in an outdoor bed or grow it as a focal point in the garden. Likewise, this plant makes a great addition in the home. Cordyline australis is a dracaena-like species. While this interesting plant goes by the name of dracaena or palm, it is neither – technically, the Red Star dracaena palm is a type of cordyline plant. Dracaena and cordyline are close cousins, and both may resemble yucca (another cousin) or palm trees. Most dracaena and cordyline start out palm-like but their

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For many novice and experienced growers, the addition of succulent plants to their collection creates much welcome variety. While people living in warm regions can enjoy the beauty of succulent plants in the landscape, those elsewhere are able to add life to indoor spaces by growing them in pots. Calico hearts plant (Adromischus maculatus) is especially suited for those wishing to grow unique plants with limited room. What is Calico Hearts Succulent? Also known as Adromischus calico hearts, these small succulent plants are prized for their unique color and patterns. While young plants may not show this distinctive pattern, larger specimens range in color from light green to gray with appealing brownish-red spots or splashes on leaves and leaf margins. Native to South Africa and hardy in USDA growing zones 10-11, this succulent is tender to frost and must be grown indoors in cooler regions. Calico Hearts Care Like other

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Senecio wax ivy (Senecio macroglossus ‘Variegatus’) is a delightful trailing plant with succulent stems and waxy, ivy-like leaves. Also known as variegated senecio, it is related to the string of pearls plant (Senecio rowleyanus). It is native to South Africa where it grows wild on the forest floor. Variegated senecio may surprise you with pale yellow, daisy-like flowers and, in bright sunlight, the stems and leaf edges take on a pink or purplish tint. You can plant in a hanging basket where the plump stems can cascade over the rim of the container.  Senecio wax ivy is a sturdy, low-maintenance plant suitable for growing outdoors in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 and above. It isn’t cold hardy and is most often grown as an indoor plant.  How to Grow Variegated Wax Ivy Grow variegated wax ivy in a container filled with a potting mix formulated for cacti and succulents. For

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Succulents are among the easiest plants to grow. They are perfect for new gardeners and require little special attention. Occasional problems do arise though, so knowing how to revive succulents that have been neglected is an important part of their care. The method of reviving succulents will depend upon what the issue was that made them unhealthy. If you are wondering “how to fix my dying succulent,” you are in the right place. Can You Save a Dying Succulent? Succulents (including cacti) have so many fascinating forms, sizes, and colors that make them a perfect plant for almost any taste. Sudden decline in their health is usually due to water concerns but occasionally can be from pest or disease issues. Saving dying succulents starts with figuring out what started their deterioration so you can remedy the problem. Does your aloe or cactus look a bit sad? The good news is

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Agave is a great addition in the landscape, soaking up the sun and adding attractive foliage and occasional blooms to your sunny beds. However, most agaves can’t survive winter cold, so growing them in these areas requires bringing agave plants indoors. For this reason, you’ll want to grow agave in containers. Maybe it’s too much of a hassle to bring them in and out with the seasons. You might wonder if you can grow agave as a houseplant. The answer is yes, you can, although some types may grow better than others if kept exclusively indoors. Growing Agave Plants Indoors There are several types of agaves, some with spines and some without. If you have children or pets in the household, this should be a consideration. The roots of these plants grow outward instead of down, so it’s best to grow potted agave in a wide, shallow container. Locate them

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If you have a plant with yellow veins on the leaves, you might be wondering why on earth the veins are turning yellow. Plants use the sun to make chlorophyll, the stuff they feed on and responsible for the green color of their foliage. Paling or yellowing of the leaf is a sign of mild chlorosis; but if you see that your normally green leaves have yellow veins, there might be a larger problem. About Yellow Veins on Leaves When a plant’s foliage creates insufficient chlorophyll, the leaves become pale or begin to yellow. When the leaves remain green and only the veins are turning yellow, the term is called veinal chlorosis. Interveinal chlorosis is different than veinal chlorosis. In interveinal chlorosis, the area surrounding the leaf veins becomes yellow in color while in veinal chlorosis, the veins themselves yellow. Along with this major difference, the causes of chlorosis differ.

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Another easy to grow succulent, you can plant portulaca in containers and sometimes watch the foliage disappear. It doesn’t go away but is covered by prolific blooms so foliage is not visible. The saucer-shaped, tiny rose-like blooms rise slightly above the greenery. Colorful Container Grown Portulaca Flowering in a wide range of colors, portulaca comes in white and warm colors. Flower colors include pink, peach, yellow, orange, red, fuchsia, magenta, lavender and purple. Standard plant blooms open in full sunlight, closing at night and on clouded days. Some new cultivars, however, now have blooms that will open slightly during cloudy conditions. Newer cultivars have spotted or striped blooms in various contrasting shades. There is a color to match or complement any outdoor design on the patio or deck. The plant takes full sun and hot summer temperatures while continuing to bloom and reseed. Planting Portulaca in Containers This summer annual

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The cobweb succulent is member of the hen and chick’s clan, growing outdoors year-round in most parts of the U.S. and other cold areas. These are monocarpic plants, meaning they die after flowering. Generally, many offsets are produced before flowering occurs. Continue reading to learn more about this interesting hens and chicks plant. What is a Cobweb Houseleek? A favorite outdoor plant, cobweb hens and chicks may already be growing in your garden or container. This interesting plant is covered with a cobweb-like substance, making it much sought after by many growers. Scientifically named Sempervivum arachnoideum, this is a low growing rosette covered with the web. Webs stretch from leaf tip to tip and mass in the middle. Leaves of this plant may be tinted red or remain green, but the center is covered with the webby substance. Rosettes are 3-5 inches (7.6 to 13 cm.) wide in maturity. If

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Gardening is an excellent activity for those looking to get outdoors and to lead healthier lifestyles. Not only can growing your own food benefit your diet, but it can also help foster good exercise habits through the completion of daily garden tasks. While working in the garden can be good for the body, it is still important to consider the risk factors associated with doing so. Among these, consistent and prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays should especially be taken into account. And that includes wearing a hat. Why is Wearing a Hat Important? For many people, spending time in the garden is a daily occurrence. Regardless of the temperatures, bright sunny days can be especially harsh on unprotected skin. Harmful UV rays have been linked to skin cancer, as well as early signs of aging (wrinkles). Wearing a hat while gardening is just one way to help protect yourself

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If you grow the beautiful and exotic plumeria, you may have questions about its care. Growing the plant in a container requires repotting a plumeria yearly, in most cases. This encourages optimum growth and beauty. Plumeria repotting is not complicated, requiring a gentle touch and clean pruners. Let’s look at the specifics. How to Repot Plumeria Repot this small tree when it is dormant, in fall or winter. You can check the roots to make sure it is time to repot. If it has been over a year, you’re likely to see a rootbound plant. This limits health and growth. Check the root system by removing from the container. Loosen the roots, removing old soil. If roots are spiraling around the plant, gently cut through with a single cut, using sharp knife or pruners. Tease their roots downward with fingers. Use a new container just a size above the one

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Mandevilla is a reliable flowering vine with big, leathery leaves and stunning trumpet shaped blooms. However, the vine is frost sensitive and suitable for growing outdoors only in the warm climates of USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. In cooler climates it is grown as an indoor plant. Like all potted plants, occasional repotting is necessary to keep the plant healthy and to provide ample growing space for the roots. Fortunately, repotting mandevilla isn’t difficult. Read on to learn how to repot mandevilla in a new pot. When to Repot a Mandevilla Mandevilla should be repotted every year or two, preferably in early spring. However, if you didn’t get around to pruning your mandevilla vine last year, it’s best to wait until fall, then prune and repot at the same time. How to Repot Mandevilla When repotting a mandevilla, prepare a pot no more than one size larger than

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Who doesn’t need a good night’s sleep? Unfortunately, with today’s hectic lifestyles it can be hard to tune out and rest peacefully. There are a number of things you can do (or take) to help you sleep, but the best of these are natural. What could be more natural than plants that help you sleep? Do plants help with sleep issues and, if so, what plants help you sleep better? Do Plants Help with Sleep Issues? For centuries, people have been using herbs to help get them to sleep. These herbs might be in the form of teas or aromatherapy, and yes, many of these plants help you sleep. Chamomile and lemon balm, for instance, are well known for their calming properties and find their way into soothing teas to this day. Lavender has also long been used as a calming herb, but what about other plants that help you

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If you enjoy growing succulents, then Echeveria pallida may be just the plant for you. This attractive little plant isn’t finicky so long as you provide suitable growing conditions. Read on for more information on growing Argentine echeveria plants. Echeveria Pallida Plant Info Commonly called Argentine echeveria (Echeveria pallida), this favorite succulent is native to Mexico. It’s described as having pale lime green, spoon-shaped leaves in a single rosette form. These leaves sometimes appear translucent, with edges that turn red with proper lighting. Growing Argentine echeveria is similar to growing others in this family. It cannot take winter cold, so if you live in a cool climate, you’ll want to grow this plant in a container. Locate this plant in a bright location, gradually adjusting to full morning sun, if desired. Try to avoid the hot afternoon rays in summer with this plant, as leaf edges may burn and spoil

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