Organic Gardening News

Gardening in the south can be a challenge if you live where the summers are exceptionally warm. Add to that humidity or excessive dryness and plants may suffer. However, once established, many plants can withstand heat, humidity and drought. Top Plants for South Central Gardens When looking for tried and true plants for South Central gardens, don’t forget to include plants native to this gardening region. Native plants are acclimated to the region and require less water and nutrients than non-native plants. They are easy to find in native plant nurseries or by mail order. Before purchasing plants, know the United States Department of Agriculture’s plant hardiness zone for your area, and check the plant tags for the hardiness zone. The hardiness zones show the minimum temperatures plants can tolerate for each climate zone. The tag also shows the type of light the plant needs for optimal performance – full

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Nemesia is a small bedding plant with flowers that look like small orchids, with a lobbed petal fanning out on top and another large petal below. The flowers cover low, mounding foliage. If you have some nemesia in your garden and want more, you can try rooting nemesia cuttings. Nemesia cutting propagation isn’t difficult if you know how to proceed. Read on for information about growing nemesia from cuttings. Nemesia Cutting Propagation Nemesia is the genus of a variety of pretty flowering plants including some perennials and some sub-shrubs. All feature flowers with two “lips” and simple, opposite leaves. These are easy plants to love, and many gardeners who have a few plants in the backyard decide that they would like more. While you can grow nemesia from seed, many ask: “Can I propagate nemesia cuttings?” Yes, it is entirely possible to start growing nemesia from cuttings. Nemesia cutting propagation

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Nemesia, also known as little dragon and cape snapdragon, is a pretty flowering plant that is most often used in gardens as an annual. Plants can flower for months in the right climate and the blooms are delicate, resembling snapdragons. Propagating nemesia flowers is an economical and easy way to keep this plant going year after year as an annual. About Nemesia Reproduction Nemesia is a group of flowering perennials native to South Africa. It grows up to about 2 feet (60 cm.) tall with many erect, branching stems. Flowers that resemble snapdragons develop at the tops of the stems. These are naturally white to blush or mauve with yellow in the center. Nurseries have also bred several different cultivars in a range of colors. In its native range, nemesia is a grassland flower. It has a long, woody taproot that helps it survive frosts, fire and drought. Gardeners like

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For gardeners, spring can’t come soon enough and many of us have been guilty of jumping the gun and starting our seeds way too early inside. A terrific method for starting seeds that can be done earlier is milk jug winter sowing, which is basically sowing seeds in a milk jug that becomes a mini greenhouse. Keep reading to learn about milk jug seed pots. About Sowing Seeds in a Milk Jug Sure, you can recycle plastic milk jugs, but a better use for them is to repurpose them for milk jug winter sowing. This is a low maintenance way to start seeds earlier than you thought possible. The sealed jug acts as a greenhouse that allows the seeds to germinate several weeks ahead of direct sowing. The plants are sown in their mini greenhouse outside, eliminating the need to harden seedlings off. The seeds also go through a period

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Those who study horticulture may be looking for information about olericulture. Some may be familiar with this term, but many others may be wondering “what is olericulture?” Science of Vegetable Growing Olericulture information says this is the area of horticulture that deals with growing vegetable plants for food. Food identified as vegetables are mostly annual, non-woody plants from which we harvest a crop. Classifications for the science of vegetable growing sometimes vary in this aspect of horticulture from what we’ve already learned. In this area of expertise, for instance, the tomato is labeled a vegetable instead of a fruit. This assists in providing growing instructions and processing, as well as sales and marketing. Importance of Olericulture As an industry, horticulture is split through types of crop and plant use. This split allows us to participate and find information in individual areas. Olericulture, the science of vegetable growing, concentrates on edibles

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Have you ever wondered as you bite into a crispy apple who developed the different varieties or how it actually got to your grocer’s? There are many steps involved in creating that perfect apple, which brings us to the importance of pomology. What is pomology? Pomology is the study of fruit and much, much more. What is Pomology? Pomology is the study of fruit, specifically the science of growing fruit and nuts. Pomology was officially introduced in the United States with the inception of a pomology division of the USDA in 1886. Importance of Pomology in Horticulture Pomology is an important science. Fruit trees are not easy to grow and require specific information on how to cultivate depending upon the variety and cultivar. Some of this information has been passed down and some has been improved upon over time by the work of pomologists. What Does a Pomologist do? One

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Aechmea bromeliad plants are members of the Bromeliaceae family, a large group of plants that includes at least 3,400 species. One of the most popular, Aechmea, is an evergreen with rosettes of distinctive variegated or banded leaves of silvery grey, often with spiny edges. A stunning, long lasting, bright pink flower grows in the center of the plant. In spite of their exotic appearance, growing an Aechmea bromeliad is actually very simple. Read on and learn how to grow Aechmea bromeliads. Aechmea Bromeliad Info These plants are epiphytic. In their natural environment, they grow on trees, rocks, or other plants. Aechmea bromeliad care can be achieved by mimicking this environment or by growing in containers. The plants do well in a container filled with a potting mix that drains quickly, such as a combination of half commercial potting soil and half small bark chips. An orchid potting mix also works

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Neoregelia bromeliad plants are the largest of the 56 genera into which these plants are categorized. Possibly, the showiest of bromeliads, their colorful leaves produce brilliant shades when located in a bright light situation. Although some grow without direct sun, most require full sun for the best color. Identify your specific bromeliad and research which lighting is most appropriate for it. Neoregelia Bromeliad Varieties Diverse and interesting patterns of the Neoregelia varieties have caused them to be the most hybridized, adding even more plants to the category. Neoregelia bromeliad facts advise this is one of the more compact of the group and typically grows in rosette form, mostly flat and spreading. Cups, called tanks, form in the center of this plant. Neoregelia bromeliad flowers emerge briefly from these tanks. Likely, the most well-known of this type is the Neoregelia carolinae, or those that look similar. The plant has a sizeable

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Budding, also known as bud grafting, is a type of grafting in which a bud of one plant is attached to the rootstock of another plant. Plants used for budding may be either a single species or two compatible species. Budding fruit trees is the principal method of propagating new fruit trees, but it is frequently used for a variety of woody plants. The technique is extensively used by commercial growers. Although it may seem complicated and mysterious, with a little practice and a lot of patience, budding can be done by home gardeners. As a rule, even beginners have better luck than with most other propagation techniques. Plants and Budding Propagation Budding basically involves inserting a bud into the rootstock of the other plant. Usually, budding occurs as near the ground as possible, but certain trees (such as willow) are done much higher on the rootstock. It usually takes

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Germination is essential for what we do as gardeners. Whether starting plants from seeds or using transplants, germination has to happen for gardens to exist. But many of us take this process for granted and don’t fully understand the factors affecting germination of seeds. By learning more about the process and what seeds need, you can get better results in the garden. What Causes Seed Germination? The process of germination is when a seed comes out of dormancy, the time during which its metabolic activity is very slow. Germination begins with imbibition, a big word for taking in water. This is the major trigger to start the period of waking up from dormancy. As the seed takes in water, it gets bigger and produces enzymes. The enzymes are proteins that ramp up metabolic activity in the seed. They break down the endosperm, which is the seed’s store of food, to

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One of the biggest thrills of gardening is watching the seeds you plant turn into little seedlings a week or so later. But seedling issues can cause those new little shoots to die. Why did my seedling die, you ask? Read on for information on common seedling problems and tips on how to save seedlings. Why Did My Seedling Die? When you go to the effort of placing a little seed in the soil and nurturing it until it germinates, it is wrenching when the little seedling dies. This happens to most gardeners on occasion, and it’s always a disappointment. You may also be interested in learning about methods for protecting seedlings. But first you need to understand the conditions a seed needs to germinate and what a seedling needs to thrive. To start protecting seedlings, you need an understanding of common seedling problems and their causes. Often, seedling issues

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Whether planning a vegetable garden or an ornate flower bed, the process of selecting and purchasing plants can feel like quite the task. Depending upon the size of the planting space, the costs of starting a garden can add up quickly. Luckily, savvy gardeners can grow a beautiful garden with little investment. Learning more about plants that grow from cuttings will reward homeowners for many years to come. About Plants for Cutting Propagation Rooting plants from cuttings is one of the easiest ways to propagate, or make more, plants for the garden. The propagation process can be used for both woody and herbaceous plants; however, the procedure will vary somewhat depending upon type. Before choosing plants for cutting propagation, it will first be important to do some research. While a number of plants can be multiplied in this way, this method will not work with every plant species. What Plants

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Flowers for men? Why not? Everybody loves receiving flowers and men are no exception. If you feel like sending him flowers to express friendship, love, appreciation or respect, go for it! Gone are the days when it seemed unusual for a guy to receive a big, beautiful bouquet. Today, giving flowers to men is perfectly acceptable. If you’re wondering about choosing flowers that guys like, the following suggestions for “manly” types of flowers may help. Tips on Giving Flowers to Men Men enjoy receiving flowers, but stereotypical ideas about certain colors are still prevalent in today’s culture. Your guy friend may not be crazy about pastel shades such as pink, lavender, minty green or pale yellow. As a general rule, it’s better to send “manly” types of flowers in purple, maroon, deep blue, or other rich, bold colors. Similarly, guys tend to like robust flowers with a solid, strong structure.

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Are you interested in sharing your garden skills while giving back to your community? Gardeners are some of the most giving people out there. In fact, most of us were born to nurture. Think of all those young plants we’ve grown from seeds on into maturity, caring for them meticulously along the way. You can put these natural care-giving tools and knowledge to good use by taking it one step further – by cultivating, or mentoring, another gardener. What is a Garden Mentor? A garden mentor, or coach, is a basic term for someone that helps educate another gardener, young or old, on how to become better gardeners. They are there to point you in the right direction, show you how to get started, what to plant, and how to care for the garden. You may wonder how this differs from landscape designers and if becoming a garden mentor is

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I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – most gardeners are born to be givers and nurturers. And that’s why giving to garden nonprofits and charities comes naturally. Donating to garden causes, be it on #givingtuesday or any day of the year, is easy to do and the fulfillment you receive from this act of kindness lasts a lifetime. What Garden Charities are Out There? While there’s far too many to name individually, you can normally visit your local extension office or nearest botanical garden to find information on local garden nonprofits. A quick Google search online will also provide numerous garden charities and causes that are out there. But with so many to choose from, where do you start? It’s overwhelming, I know. That said, many gardening associations and organizations are well known, and those can be great places to start. Look for something that speaks to

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Gardening is a hobby for most, but you can also take your experience with plants a step further. Garden donations to food banks, community gardens, and other charitable uses of your gardening skills are great for taking your hobby to another level. It will give you a practical way to improve your neighborhood and local community, and it’s a great way to give back. How to Give Back with Gardening Gardening for the community and giving back makes this activity more meaningful. If you’re wondering how you can put your gardening time, talent, and skills to work for others, keep reading for some ideas to get you started. Charity Garden Ideas Donate extra veggies and fruit that you grow to a local food pantry. Call to ask first, but most pantries take fresh produce. If you do have a local food pantry that accepts produce, consider growing a section of

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Today’s must-have garden tools go far beyond the basic shovel and rake. New, innovative gardening tools are useful and efficient, and designed to make backyard tasks easier. What kind of new gardening tools and gadgets are out there? Read on for a run-down on some of the unique tools and cool garden gadgets currently available. New Gardening Tools and Gadgets Some of the innovative gardening tools you can buy today resemble things you might have owned years before, but each has a new twist. For example, most experienced gardeners have or have had a garden planner, a map of your garden you use to figure out how many and what types of plants will fit into different garden beds. Today’s must-have garden tools include an online planner that assists you in doing the same thing, but digitally. You enter the size of your beds and the crops you want to

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Once you get the hang of it, gardening is a fairly intuitive process. That doesn’t mean we can’t garden smarter. What is smart gardening? Just like devices such as smart phones, smart gardening takes advantage of the technology around us. Tech isn’t just for video games and phone apps. Gardening with technology can save time, energy and money. Check out these smart garden techniques and take home some inventive ideas that can help you in the landscape. What is Smart Gardening? Smart technology is all the rage, but did you know it translates to useful help in the garden? Whether you are a lazy or simply uninformed gardener, gardening with technology can help with chores and tasks common in the landscape. From smart irrigation systems to self-control lawn mowers, technology has its finger on the gardener’s pulse. Many of us are familiar with smart plant meters, which monitor the health

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Wrapping potted plants is a great way to add a personal touch to a gardening gift. Potted plants make great gifts for just about anyone, but the store-bought plastic containers and cellophane wraps lack imagination. Get more festive with these ideas for wrapping and decorating your gift. Giving Container Plants as Gifts A plant is a great gift idea and a versatile one too. Just about anyone will be pleased to receive a houseplant, potted herb, or a plant that can go into the garden. Even friends and family who are not gardeners can enjoy a potted plant. A gift-wrapped plant is a rare type of gift that actually lasts. Depending on the plant type and how it’s cared for, a plant given to a loved one could last them for decades. Choose easy plants for those who don’t have a green thumb and something rare for your gardening friends

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One of the nicest and longest lasting gifts is a plant. Plants add natural beauty, go with everything, and even help clean the air. But not all plants are appropriate for everyone. Plant gift giving etiquette should consider the receiver’s care ability, mature size, possible allergies, pet and child toxicity, and more. Some plants can be an absolute nightmare, which is what you want to avoid when giving plants as presents. We’ll go over some plant gift considerations so you don’t accidently make a blunder you’ll regret. Are All Plants Good Presents? Plants are a classic gift and appropriate for many occasions. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, graduation or even in sympathy, plants are an appreciated gift. There are things to consider when gifting plants, however, such as size, ease of care, etc. You don’t want to give someone a burden or a plant that could make someone sick. Even

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