Organic Gardening News

Western honeysuckle vines (Lonicera ciliosa) are evergreen flowering vines that are also known as orange honeysuckle and trumpet honeysuckle. These honeysuckle vines climb up some 33 feet (10 m.) and decorate the garden with sweet-smelling orange blossoms. Read on for information about these vines including tips on how to grow orange honeysuckle. What is Western Honeysuckle? This North American native vine that produces lovely, fragrant flowers. Bees and hummingbirds love western honeysuckle vines for the fragrant, trumpet-shaped blossoms, rich in nectar. Kids also love to suck the sweet nectar from the base of a honeysuckle flower. Gardeners, on the other hand, appreciate the way these vines twine their way up fences and trellises or ramble over trees. They provide year-round greenery as well as brilliant flowers in season. Western honeysuckle vines bloom in late spring. The orange-red flowers hang in clusters at the tip of branches. True to their common

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Barley is one of the ancient cereal crops that has been grown in many places in the world. It is not native to North America but can be cultivated here. The hull around the seeds is not very digestible but several hull-less varieties exist. Can you grow barley at home? The plant establishes well in cool, dry areas, but can be grown in hot, humid regions. The latter sites tend to be prone to fungal disease, however. It is really an adaptable grain and, once established, barley grain care is minimal. Barley Plant Information Barley is a good cover crop but it is also an important malting ingredient and may be turned into flour. You don’t need acres of land to grow barley in the garden, but it may be hard to source small amounts of seed. It is a cool season grass that is also used as a feed

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Do you sometimes walk through wooded areas, near streams, ponds and bogs, in search of wildflowers that might be briefly in bloom? If so, you may have seen the bogbean plant growing. Or perhaps you’ve seen this eye-catching beauty in a shady, damp spot in other areas. What is a Bogbean? A wildflower that needs excessive moisture to exist, you’ll find the bogbean plant (Menyanthes trifoliata) blooming in areas where most flowers would die from overly wet soil. It is an aquatic, rhizomatous perennial plant, returning year after year with white flowers that are enticingly beautiful. Look for it in its damp, native habitat near ponds, bogs, and woodland soil that remains moist from spring rainfall. It may also grow in shallow water. Much like a spring ephemeral, the bogbean flower blooms briefly with a group of eye-catching flowers atop a sturdy stem. Depending upon location and moisture, these plants

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Introducing edible flowers to your food repertoire is a great way to add a pop of color to hors d’oeuvres and dessert plates for spring and summer parties or other events. In recent years, recipes using edible flowers have gone viral online. However, the use of flowers in food is not a recent trend. For centuries, people have been using edible flowers for appearances, ceremonies, and medicinal purposes. Ways to Eat Flowers From floral ice cubes to decadent cakes topped with rose petals, edible flowers are sure to take food to the next level. Incorporating edible blooms into the kitchen can be done even by novice cooks, as long as a few important aspects are taken into consideration. The ways to eat flowers are limitless. From sweet to savory, there are edible flowers that fit into nearly every flavor profile. While some home gardeners may choose to grow plants specifically

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Fusarium wilt of spinach is a nasty fungal disease that, once established, can live in the soil indefinitely. Fusarium spinach decline occurs wherever spinach is grown and can eradicate entire crops. It has become a significant problem for growers in the United States, Europe, Canada, and Japan. Read on to learn more about managing spinach with fusarium wilt. About Fusarium Spinach Wilt Symptoms of spinach fusarium usually affect older foliage first, as the disease, which attacks spinach through the roots, takes a while to spread throughout the plant. However, it can sometimes affect very young plants. Infected spinach plants are unable to take up water and nutrients through the damaged taproot, which causes plants to turn yellow, wilt, and die. Spinach plants that manage to survive are usually severely stunted. Once fusarium wilt of spinach infects soil, it is nearly impossible to eradicate. However, there are ways to prevent the

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Bacterial scorch of pecans is a common disease identified in the southeastern United States in 1972. Scorch on pecan leaves was first thought to be a fungal disease but in 2000 it was correctly identified as a bacterial disease. The disease has since spread to other areas of the U.S., and while pecan bacterial leaf scorch (PBLS) does not kill pecan trees, it can result in significant losses. The following article discusses the symptoms and treatment for a pecan tree with bacterial leaf scorch. Symptoms of a Pecan Tree with Bacterial Leaf Scorch Pecan bacterial leaf scorch afflicts over 30 cultivars as well as many native trees. Scorch on pecan leaves manifests as premature defoliation and a reduction in tree growth and kernel weight. Young leaves turn tan from the tip and edges towards the middle of the leaf, eventually browning entirely. Soon after symptoms appear, the young leaves drop.

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Posted by cookinwithherbs
The seasonal fruits of summer are at their peak and I've been enjoying wild and domestic berries, the stone fruits and melons. I've been slurping up juicy melons, dead-ripe peaches, nectarines, plums and plump berries and cherries--I delight in fruits that squirt and run down your chin and drip from your hands. Just talking about them makes my mouth water. They are refreshing besides being so delicious. Eating them out of hand is best... or more civilized on a plate is an alternative. However, now is the time to make some splendid simple desserts, preserves and conserves.

Death camas (Zigadenus venenosus) is a toxic weedy perennial that grows mostly in the western U.S. and across the Plains states. Knowing how to recognize death camas is important to avoid ingesting something toxic, although this plant is mostly a risk to livestock and grazing animals.  What is Death Camas? Death camas plants include several species of Zigadenus. At least 15 species are native to North America and grow in all kinds of habitats: moist mountain valleys, dry hills, forest, grassland, and even coastal and marsh areas. There may be some variation in toxicity level from one species to the next, but ALL should be considered dangerous. It is mostly livestock affected by death camas poisoning. When they graze, as little as a half a pound of leaves consumed can be deadly. The mature leaves and the bulbs are most toxic. Symptoms of poisoning by death camas include vomiting and

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One day your flowers look great, the next morning you notice your dahlias with powdery mildew all over their leaves. This grayish white talc-like growth is caused by a fungus and is a fairly common problem. It generally doesn’t kill the host plant, but the leaves can become distorted, discolored, withered and fall off. What is Dahlia Flower Powdery Mildew? Many species of fungi can cause powdery mildew in ornamental plants. Golovinomyces cichoracearum (formerly Erysiphe cichoracearum) has been identified as the fungus species that commonly infects the dahlia flower. Powdery mildew doesn’t generally spread to flowers in other plant families, as the various species of fungi are host specific. Powdery mildew on dahlias is often precipitated by high humidity (over 95%), moderate ambient temperatures in the 68 to 86 F. (20 to 30 C.) range, and low light conditions. Outbreaks are common in the spring and fall due to the

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Rye is an extremely easy crop to grow. However, some gardeners don’t plant this cereal crop since they aren’t clear about how to harvest rye. While it’s true that picking rye crops is very different from gathering garden tomatoes, that doesn’t mean that harvesting rye is complex. Read on for information about managing a rye plant harvest, including tips on how and when to harvest rye. Harvesting Rye Plants Rye is grown as a food crop in many parts of the world and the cereal is frequently a central ingredient in breads. However, in home gardens, rye is often grown as an inexpensive and effective cover crop. One of the hardiest cereal crops, rye can be seeded later in fall than similar crops. It is stronger and faster growing than wheat. As a cover crop, it offers an extensive soil-holding root system and does a great job at keeping weeds

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Some of us expect to grow watermelons this season. We know they need plenty of growing room, sunshine, and water. Perhaps we’re not sure which type of watermelon to grow though, since there are many to choose from. Why not try growing Fordhook watermelons. Read on to learn more about them. Fordhook Hybrid Melon Info Many of us may look for open-pollinated heirloom types, proven to be wonderful to eat. However, if we have limited time to spend on the watermelon patch, we might consider growing Fordhook melons. This watermelon is drought tolerant once established and needs less care than most. Its taste is compared to that of the Sugar Baby icebox melon, and some say it tastes a little better. Fordhook melon information reminds us of certain considerations of Fordhook watermelon care. How to Grow Fordhook Watermelons Before planting this watermelon in the garden, make sure the soil is

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The scent and flavor of a ripe peach are unparalleled summer treats. Whether you like them eaten out of hand, sliced over a bowl of ice cream or baked into a cobbler, Intrepid peaches will provide you with a glorious fruit. What is an Intrepid peach? It has been around a few decades and is characterized by its ability to retain flower buds even in cold snaps. The fruit is the real showstopper, with large peach crops and sweet flavor. What is an Intrepid Peach? Merriam Webster defines the word intrepid as, “characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude and endurance.” That surely describes Intrepid peach trees. The Intrepid peach tree variety not only has stoic blossoms in the face of cold temperatures but also has resistance to bacterial spot. It’s a really great patented variety of peach for most suitable regions. The Intrepid peach tree variety was introduced in 2002 out

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For many homeowners, choosing and planting trees suitable to the landscape can be quite difficult. While some prefer smaller flowering shrubs, others enjoy the cooling shade offered by various types of deciduous trees. One such tree, the Baumann horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum ‘Baumanii’), is an interesting combination of both of these attributes. With its beautiful flower spikes and pleasant shade in the summer, this tree may be a good fit in your landscape. Baumann Horse Chestnut Info Baumann horse chestnut trees are a common landscaping and street planted tree throughout much of the United States. Reaching heights of 80 feet (24 m.), these trees provide growers with beautiful white flower spikes each spring. This, in tandem with their dark green foliage, make the tree a popular option for those wishing to add curb appeal to their properties. Though the name may imply it, Baumann horse chestnut trees are not members

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Dayton apples are relatively new apples with a sweet, slightly tart flavor that makes the fruit ideal for snacking, or for cooking or baking. The large, shiny apples are dark red and the juicy flesh is pale yellow. Growing Dayton apples isn’t difficult if you can provide well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Dayton apple trees are suitable for USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. Let’s learn how to grow a Dayton apple tree. Tips on Dayton Apple Care Dayton apple trees grow in nearly any type of well-drained soil. Dig in a generous amount of compost or manure before planting, especially if your soil is sandy or clay-based. At least eight hours of sunlight is a requirement for successful apple tree growing. Morning sun is especially important because it dries the dew on the leaves, thus reducing the risk of disease. Dayton apple trees require at least one

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One of the most popular, and easiest, annual flowers to grow is the zinnia. It is no wonder zinnias enjoy such popularity. Native to Mexico, there are 22 accepted species of zinnia comprised of hundreds of zinnia cultivars and hybrids. There is such a dizzying array of zinnia varieties that it’s almost difficult to decide what zinnia to plant. To help you decide, the following article discusses different zinnia plant types and how to incorporate them into the landscape. Different Types of Zinnia As mentioned, there are 22 accepted species of zinnia, a genus of plants of the sunflower tribe within the daisy family. The Aztecs called them “plants hard on the eyes” due to their brilliantly colored blooms. These exuberantly colored blooms were named after the German botany professor, Johann Gottfried Zinn, responsible for their discovery and subsequent import to Europe in the 1700s. The original zinnia has come

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Liriope, or lilyturf, is a hardy perennial plant. This extremely popular evergreen is perfect for use as a low maintenance groundcover or for use as a border plant along sidewalks and pavers. It can also be used as an alternative to grass in lawns. Tolerant to both heat and humidity, lilyturf only requires minimal maintenance to continue to thrive. So what about liriope plant division? Does this plant need to be divided and, if so, how and when? Does Liriope Need to Be Divided? Beyond planting, liriope requires little care from homeowners. Resistant to most diseases, these plants grow larger and may spread from one season to the next. Consistent irrigation and fertilization will further assist in the establishment of healthy plantings. Since liriope plantings can become quite large, it may lead its growers to ask, “Does liriope need to be divided?” Opinions abound as to whether or not liriope

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If growing pears in the home garden, be aware of the signs of a fungal disease known as black rot. Black rot of pear is not a major commercial issue, but it can ruin a small harvest and weaken trees. Look for this disease especially in the eastern U.S. It is rare in western states. What Causes Pear Black Rot? Pears with black rot have been infected by a fungus called Physalospora obtusa (syn. Botryosphaeria obtusa). It overwinters in cankers on trees and in leaf matter, old fruit, and twigs on the ground. The prime conditions for infection are warm and wet weather in the spring. Trees are likely to become infected through sites where they have been wounded, mechanically, by insects, or by other diseases. The fruit can get infected through the calyx end, even if the overall tree is not infected. Pear Black Rot Information – Symptoms The characteristic

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When you hear the song about chestnuts roasting on an open fire, don’t mistake these nuts for horse chestnuts. Horse chestnuts, also called conkers, are a very different nut. Are horse chestnuts edible? They are not. In general, toxic horse chestnuts should not be consumed by people, horses or other livestock. Read on for more information about these poisonous conkers. About Toxic Horse Chestnuts You’ll find horse chestnut trees growing across the U.S., but they originally come from Europe’s Balkan region. Brought to this country by the colonists, the trees are widely grown in America as attractive shade trees, growing to 50 feet (15 m.) tall and wide. The palmate leaves of the horse chestnuts are also attractive. They have five or seven green leaflets united in the center. The trees produce lovely white or pink spike flowers up to a foot (30 cm.) long that grow in clusters. These

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Of the nightshade family, naranjilla trees provide an interesting fruit divided by membrane walls. A common name of “little orange” might lead one to think it is a citrus, but it is not. However, the taste is similar to a tart pineapple or lemon. If you want to grow this unusual specimen or have one and wish for more, let’s learn how to propagate naranjilla. Naranjilla Propagation It is not difficult to propagate this plant, but be prepared with long sleeves and heavy gloves, as the spiny leaves can be painful. Or look for the spineless types, not as readily available, but sometimes sold in exotic nurseries. How to Propagate Naranjilla Seed Most grow little orange from seeds. Seeds must be washed, air dried and treated with a powdered fungicide. This helps to somewhat decrease the root-knot nematodes that occasionally plaque the plant. According to naranjilla propagation information, seeds are

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If you want a terrific early dessert plum, try growing Rivers Early plum trees. They are also known as Early Prolific plums due to their heavy cropping. Their beautiful purple-blue skin houses extremely sweet flesh. Rivers Early Prolific plum is easy to grow and can even produce a small crop without a pollinating partner. Keep reading for more Early Prolific plum info and see if this variety is right for your zone and needs. Early Prolific Plum Info Rivers Early plum trees need a full sun location to produce their best. With good soil and careful establishment, Early Prolific plum care is minimal, requiring just annual pruning and feeding, and attention to water. United States Department of Agriculture zones 6 to 8 are perfect for Early Prolific plum tree growing. Early Prolific is an English variety developed in Herfordshire around1820. The parent is a Precoce de Tours. It is undeniably

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