Organic Gardening News

A weeping conifer is a delight all year long, but especially appreciated in the winter landscape. Its graceful form adds charm and texture to the garden or backyard. Some weeping evergreens, like pines (​Pinus​ spp.), can become quite large. Pruning weeping pine trees is not that different from other evergreen pruning, with certain important exceptions. Read on for tips on how to prune weeping conifers. Weeping Conifer Pruning If you are wondering how to prune weeping conifers, start with the most important cuts. Like with all trees, weeping pines pruning includes removing their dead, diseased, and broken branches. This type of pruning should be done as soon as the problem presents itself. It can be done at any time of the year. Another important aspect of weeping pine tree prune procedure involves cutting back branches that touch the soil. This type of weeping conifer pruning should be done in late […]

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How do trees drink? We all know that trees don’t raise a glass and say, “bottoms up.” Yet “bottoms up” has a lot to do with water in trees.  Trees take up water through their roots, which are, quite literally, at the bottom of the trunk. From there the water travels up and up. To hear more about how trees absorb water, read on.  Where Do Trees Get Water? Trees need sunlight, air and water to thrive, and from the combination, they are able to create their own food. That happens through the process of photosynthesis that takes place in the tree leaves. It’s easy to see how air and sunshine gets to the tree’s canopy, but where do trees get water?  Trees absorb water through their roots. Most of the water a tree uses enters through the underground roots. A tree’s root system is extensive; the roots extend out […]

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Mother Nature made trees with their own protection. It’s called bark, and it’s intended to protect the wood of the trunk and branches from infection and rot. A tree wound is anything that breaks the bark and exposes the underlying wood to attack. How do trees get hurt? There are many different types of tree wounds, each with its own causes. Read on for information about tree wounds, as well as how you can help a wounded tree.  What Is a Tree Wound? Exactly what is a tree wound? It is any injury to the tree that breaks the bark. This break can be small, like when someone pounds a nail into a tree trunk, or it can be huge, like when a large branch cracks off in the wind.  Bark serves the same purpose as human skin: it is intended to keep out pathogens. Humans are mainly worried about […]

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May Day baskets — baskets of flowers and treats given to friends or love interests — represent an old tradition, dating back to pagan Europe. While the tradition of these friendly offerings has faded from common use, it isn’t forgotten. And, there may be a revival. To celebrate spring, consider bringing these back to your family or neighborhood.  What is May Basket Day? May Day is May first, and its original importance is the pagan festival of Beltane, a day to welcome back spring and new life. Most of the traditions of this holiday faded as Christianity rose, but some persisted: dancing around the Maypole and May Day baskets.  In the U.S. sending treats and flowers for May Day was popular in the 1800s and well into the 1900s. There are variations on the traditions, but generally it involved making paper baskets, filling them with flowers and other treats, and […]

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What do people mean when they talk about softwood vs hardwood trees? What makes a particular tree a softwood or a hardwood? Read on for a wrap-up of the differences between softwood and hardwood trees. Hardwood and Softwood Trees The first thing to learn about hardwood and softwood trees is that the trees’ wood is not necessarily hard or soft. But “softwood vs. hardwood trees” became a thing in the 18th and 19th centuries and, at that time, it did refer to the heft and weight of the trees. Farmers clearing their land on the east coast in those early days used saws and axes and muscles when they logged. They found some trees heavy and difficult to log. These — mostly deciduous trees like oak, hickory and maple — they called “hardwood.” The conifer trees in that area, like eastern white pine and cottonwood, were fairly light in comparison […]

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Trees need water to stay healthy, grow and produce energy by photosynthesis. If one or more of your trees has been deprived of water for an extended period, the tree is dehydrated and needs immediate help to survive.  If you have underwatered trees, you need to get them some water. Fixing dehydrated trees is more complex than simply turning on the hose, however. Read on for information about how, when and how much to water stressed trees. When Your Tree is Dehydrated You can tell if your tree is water stressed by looking at the foliage. Both leaves and needles turn yellow, scorch and even fall when the tree is deprived of water over a significant period of time. You can also dig around the tree roots a little to see whether the soil a few inches under is bone dry.  If your tree is dehydrated, it’s time to get […]

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Nothing on earth is more majestic than a tall, spreading tree. But did you know that trees are also our allies in our fight for a healthier planet? In fact, it’s impossible to overstate their importance to planet Earth and all life on it. If you want to plant trees to help save the planet, there are ways to get started, working alone or with others. Read on for our best ideas on ways to plant more trees. Trees for the Environment If you are wondering about how trees can help the planet, there is a lot to be said on that topic. If you’ve ever heard trees referred to as the Earth’s lungs, that’s because they remove pollutants and contaminants from the air and significantly improve air quality. They also ameliorate water quality by catching rainfall on its leaves and letting it evaporate, reducing runoff.  If you enjoy sitting […]

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Are you a sophomore year gardener? The first season can be both disappointing and rewarding. You’re just learning how to keep plants alive and hoping that some will thrive. There are bound to be both hits and misses, but most of all you learned a lot on the fly. Now that you’re in the second year, you’re ready to perfect last year’s efforts and for some more advanced gardening.  Tips for the Second-Year Gardener If you’re gardening for the second time this year, use these tips and guidelines along with what you learned from the first year. Each season you will accumulate more knowledge that makes gardening more successful and easier. Here are some tips from experts to get started:  Don’t wing it. Instead of planting whatever you like wherever seems suitable, make a plan. This will allow you to assess your results more easily and make changes year to […]

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California Bay Laurel tree is a long-lived, versatile, aromatic broadleaf evergreen that is native to Southern Oregon and California. It is suited for specimen or hedge plantings, as well as container culture.  What Is a California Laurel A California Bay Laurel tree (Umbellularia californica) forms a rounded or pyramidal dense crown and can reach heights of 148 feet (45 m.), but typically reaches 80 feet (24 m.). Its glossy, leathery, yellow-green leaves give off a peppery, menthol odor when crushed. Small, yellow-green flower clusters appear from fall through spring, depending on its location, followed by olive-like purple-brown fruits, which can become a nuisance when dried fruits fall to the ground.  California Bay Laurel Uses Hardy in USDA zones 7-9, California bay laurels are an important wildlife plant, providing food and cover for large and small mammals who eat the leaves, seeds, and roots of the tree.  The trees also are […]

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Subalpine fir trees (Abies lasiocarpa) are a type of evergreen with many common names. Some call them Rocky Mountain fir or balsam fir, others say mountain balsam fir or alpine fir. While “alpine” technically means that a plant grows above the treeline, the subalpine fir lives in a wide range of elevations, from sea level to mountain tops.  What are the uses for subalpine fir? Homeowners use these firs for landscaping, but that’s not all. Anyone considering the various ways these firs can serve in a backyard should read on. We’ll give all the subalpine fir tree information you need. Subalpine Fir Tree Information Subalpine fir trees can take many different forms, depending on where they are growing. In the mountains, subalpine fir trees grow tall but remain very narrow. However, when planted in lower elevation gardens, they stay short but grow almost as wide as they are tall.  According […]

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‘Murray’ cypress (X Cupressocyparis leylandii ‘Murray’) is an evergreen, fast growing shrub for large yards. A cultivar of the overplanted Leyland cypress, ‘Murray’ has shown to be more disease and insect resistant, moisture tolerant, and adaptable to many soil types. It also develops a better branch structure that makes ‘Murray’ a good selection for areas with high winds.  ‘Murray’ is becoming the top choice for screening out noise, unsightly views, or nosy neighbors. It can increase in height by 3 to 4 feet (1 to a little over 1 m.) per year, making it highly desirable as a quick hedge. When mature, ‘Murray’ cypress trees reach 30 to 40 feet (9-12 m.) with widths ranging from 6 to 10 feet (2 to a little over 2 m.). Hardy in USDA zones 6 through 10, its tolerance to heat and humidity makes growing ‘Murray’ cypress popular in the southeastern United States.  […]

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Do you like the sweet, rich flavor of Bing cherries but can’t grow traditional cherry trees in your central or southern Florida backyard? Like many deciduous trees, cherries require a chill period during their winter dormancy. This is the number of continuous hours the tree must spend in temperatures lower than 45 degrees F. (7 C.). Without a chill period, deciduous trees don’t prosper. If you live in an area where you can’t grow traditional cherry trees, don’t despair. There are a few fruiting trees in the Myrtle family which produce cherry-like berries. The Grumichama tree, with its dark purple, sweet tasting fruit is an alternative for the Bing cherry.  What is Grumichama Also known as the Brazil cherry, this berry producing tree is native to South America. The Grumichama cherry can be cultivated in other tropical and subtropical climates, including Florida and Hawaii. Grown primarily as a backyard ornamental […]

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What is a paperbark maple? Paperbark maple trees are among the most stunning trees on the planet. This iconic species is native to China and much admired for its clean, fine textured foliage and gorgeous exfoliating bark. Although growing a paperbark maple has been a difficult and expensive proposition in the past, more trees are becoming available these days at a lower cost. For more paperbark maple facts, including tips on planting, read on.    What Is a Paperbark Maple? Paperbark maple trees are small trees that grow to 35 feet (11 m.) over some 20 years. The beautiful bark is a deep shade of cinnamon and it peels off in thin, papery sheets. In some places it is polished, smooth, and shiny. In summer the leaves are a soft shade of blue green on the upper side, and a frosty white on the underside. They grow in threes and can […]

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Bottomless container gardening is a great way to unleash those pent-up roots in your plant containers. It allows the roots to grow down into the ground rather than circling the soil in pots. Plants with deep tap roots particularly flourish with new-found depth.  Bottomless plant pots also can elevate xeric plants that suffer during excessive rains. Do you have rocky or compacted soil? No problem. Add bottomless plant pots to your garden for instant well-draining soil.   Bottomless plant containers also are the ideal solution for reigning in aggressive roots that slither underground and climb up neighboring foliage. In this case, the cylinder would be planted below the ground to create a “corral” around the plant’s roots, preventing them from escaping. Here is how to create and use a bottomless container.   DIY Bottomless Planter: Bottomless Container Gardening Bottomless container gardening is ideal for quick raised beds, to isolate aggressive plants in […]

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Deciding on the best method of container plant irrigation is a real challenge, and there are several ways to go. Most importantly, whatever container irrigation system you choose, take time to practice and work out any problems before you leave for a vacation or weekend away. The last thing you want is to come home to a bunch of wilted, dead plants. Here are a few tips on container irrigation systems. Container Drip Irrigation Systems If you travel frequently or you don’t want to spend a lot of time watering potted plants, you may want to invest in a drip irrigation system. Drip systems are convenient and make good use of water without wasteful runoff.  Container drip irrigation systems range from large, complex systems to simple set-ups that take care of a few plants. Of course, more complex systems carry a heftier price tag.  Once you decide, experiment with the […]

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No weeds in containers! Isn’t that one of the main benefits of container gardening? Container garden weeds can pop up from time to time, despite our best efforts to prevent them. Read on as we explore how to control and prevent weeds in potted plants. Tips on Weeding Container Gardens: Getting Rid of Planter Weeds Start with weed-free containers. If your containers aren’t new, scrub them carefully, inside and out. Hot, soapy water or a weak bleach solution will remove residual plant debris.  If possible, fill your containers with fresh, sterile, good quality potting mix. If used potting soil still looks viable, it’s a good idea to freshen it by replacing up to a third of the existing potting soil with fresh mix.  Never fill containers with garden soil, which is likely to harbor weeds, along with pests and disease. Garden soil, which is heavy and dense, never works well […]

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Hot, drying winds, soaring temperatures and blazing sunshine can take a huge toll on outdoor potted plants during the summer months, so it’s up to us to keep them as cool and comfortable as possible. Read on for tips on caring for containers in summer.  Containers In Summer: How To Keep Containers Cool Instead of dark pots that retain heat, use light-colored pots that reflect sunlight and keep planters cooler. Terracotta, concrete, or thick, glazed ceramic will keep cool potted plants more efficiently than plastic. Double potting — putting a smaller pot inside a larger pot — is an easy tactic to keep planters cool. Be sure both pots have drainage holes, and never let the inner pot stand in water.   Keeping Planters Cool During The Heat Of Summer Put potted plants where they’re exposed to morning sun, but protected from intense sunlight during the afternoon. A layer of shredded bark, compost, pine […]

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Growing plants in containers can be a challenge for those who live in warm climates. Constant heat and drought can take its toll on container gardens unless they are well planned. Follow these tips to ensure that your potted plants will make a beautiful statement all summer. Warm Climate Container Gardening – Hot Weather Container Plants Selecting hot weather container plants that include flowers, grasses, succulents, and herbs can help you create low maintenance, eye-catching containers. Warm climate container gardening requires:  The right pot Well-draining potting soil A balanced, slow-release fertilizer  Hot weather container plants  You must keep a close eye on watering needs; plants in containers dry out faster than in-ground plants.  Container Gardening in Heat Creating a heat tolerant container garden begins with the correct pot. It must be tall and wide enough to encompass several plants plus a little growing room. It is best not to overdo […]

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Many gardeners have a favorite planting container and it is a huge loss when it cracks or breaks. There are many ways to fix broken planter containers, but you can also repurpose broken planter pots and use them in unique ways. Depending how damaged your broken flower pot may be, you have a couple of creative options to save at least part of the container.  Accidents happen. If your prized flower or plant container has been smashed or cracked, there are ways to resuscitate it. Keep reading for ideas on how to repair a broken container, or use the shards in creative projects.  Broken Planter Ideas Methods to fix broken planters vary and are subject to the amount of damage the container has sustained. For a severely smashed broken flower pot, you might not be able to put it back together, but you can use the pieces for fun crafts. […]

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“Can I use garden soil in containers?” This is a common question and it makes sense that using garden soil in pots, planters and containers should work. Unfortunately, there are many good reasons not to use this money-saving approach. Here’s why: Can You Use Garden Soil for Containers For the most part, garden soil can be the ideal medium for growing plants in the ground. The native soil in your backyard has a natural ability to drain off excessive amounts of rainwater, yet it can also retain moisture during dry spells. It’s full of beneficial insects, fungal colonies and even burrowing rodents to aerate and break down organic matter. All these things work well together to provide in-ground plants with the things they need to grow and flourish. Yet using garden or topsoil in containers often has the opposite effect. Potted plants grown in garden soil typically languish. The main […]

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