Organic Gardening News

Cape marigolds, also known as African or cape daisies, are half-hardy perennials, but typically grown as annuals. Their daisy-like blooms, available in a wide array of vivid colors, are a pleasant addition to beds, borders and containers. It is easy to get carried away and spend a fortune on small starter cape marigold plants each spring. However, hands-on, budget-minded gardeners may prefer to only buy a few cultivars and propagate more cape marigolds from cuttings. Read on for tips on how to root cape marigold cuttings. About Cape Marigold Cutting Propagation Cape marigold plants are easily sown from the seeds. However, the resulting plants won’t be true to type, or exact replicas of the parent plants. So, can you grow cape marigold cuttings? Yes. In fact, the only way to propagate exact clones of a certain cape marigold variety is from cuttings. For example, if you wanted to do aRead this article

In some gardens, Lantana camara is a pretty, flowering plant that adds delicate, colorful blooms to flower beds. In other areas, though, this plant can be more of a pest. In California and Hawaii, as well as Australia and New Zealand battle this invasive species. Find out ways for controlling lantana weeds in your yard. About Lantana Control in Gardens Lantana is an ornamental shrub that is popular with home gardeners. It has colorful flowers that are small but grow in tight clusters. They change color with time, going from white to pink to purple or from yellow to orange to red, and put on quite a display. Native to the West Indies, lantana is a perennial in warmer climates and an annual or an indoor container plant in cooler regions. If you have lantana well under control in your garden or in containers and you don’t live in aRead this article

A pleasing garden is one that is designed according to certain design principles, and there are a number of ways to attain the desired effect. If you prefer a less formal, more casual-looking garden, you may be interested in learning about asymmetrical landscaping. While garden design can be very complicated, understanding the basics of asymmetrical garden design can simplify the entire process. Even newcomers to the garden cane learn how to create an asymmetrical garden. Designing an Asymmetrical Garden In simple terms, a garden bed is designed around a central point, which may be an object such as a plant, a front door, a tree, or a container. The central point can also unseen, or imaginary. You can have either symmetrical or asymmetrical garden design layouts. A symmetrical garden design is equal on both sides of the central point. For example, a large shrub on one side is mirrored byRead this article

Succulents are enjoying immense popularity as party favors, particularly as wedding take away gifts from the bride and groom. If you have been to a wedding lately you may have come away with an Echeveria ‘Arctic Ice’ succulent, but how do you care for your Arctic Ice echeveria? What is an Arctic Ice Echeveria? Succulents are the perfect starter plant for the novice gardener in that they require minimal care plus they come in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes and colors. Succulent gardens are all the rage and for good reason. Echeveria is a variety of succulent plant of which there are actually around 150 cultivated types and are native from Texas to Central America. Echeveria ‘Arctic Ice’ is actually a hybrid produced by Altman Plants. All echeveria form thick, fleshy leaved rosettes and come in a variety of hues. Arctic Ice succulents, as the name suggests, have leavesRead this article

Whether seasoning rich tomato sauces or creating perfect made-from-scratch pesto, basil is a versatile and delicious fresh herb. Combined with its growth habit, it is easy to see why this tasty plant is a favorite for many home gardeners. While the flavor offered by many cultivars of basil may vary greatly, some growers prefer the strong taste of more traditional basil types. One such basil, called Napoletano, is prized for its spicy taste as well as its large green leaves. What is Napoletano Basil? Believed to have originated in Italy, Napoletano basil is a light green variety with crinkled leaves. Commonly referred to as lettuce leaf basil or large leaf basil, the size and branching habit of this plant make it an excellent choice for culinary use. Lush plants also make a fragrant and visually appealing addition to vegetable gardens. Growing Napoletano Basil As with growing any other type ofRead this article

Replacing your hybrid tulips every few years may seem a small price to pay for their bright spring flowers. But many gardeners are happy to find woodland tulip plants (Tulipa sylvestris), a type of tulip that naturalizes readily in appropriate sites. What are woodland tulips? These are 16th century heirloom plants with bright yellow flowers perfect for wildflower meadows as well as garden beds. For information about growing woodland tulips, including tips on woodland tulip care, read on. What are Woodland Tulips? There are so many tulip varieties out there in a rainbow range of colors that it’s possible you’ve never heard of woodland tulips. They are an old variety of bulb flower with brilliant butter-colored flowers that make themselves right at home in your garden. Woodland tulip plants begin as bulbs, just like other tulips. But these are wildflower tulips with distinctive yellow, lemon-scented flowers. The petals are pointedRead this article

Managing fruit and nut trees can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to following a precise irritation schedule. With issues such as drought and water conservation at the forefront of many of our minds, it’s important to accurately assess the water needs of orchards. Luckily, there are tools available to help manage these valuable and delicious crops. Read on to learn how to use a pressure bomb for trees. What is a Pressure Bomb? A tree pressure chamber is a tool used to measure the water stress levels in trees. The gadget consists of a small chamber and outer pressure gauge. First, a leaf sample is collected. This is usually done by selecting a leaf and enclosing it in a special envelope. In the early afternoon, when demand for water is at its highest, the leaf is picked from the tree so that measurements can be taken. TheRead this article

There are many creative garden ideas out in the world. One of the most family friendly and fun is making cement planters. The materials needed are easy to get and the cost is minimal, but the results are as varied as your imagination. Whether you want traditional round concrete flower pots or snazzy rectangular planters, the sky is the limit with a little cement and know how. Concrete Planter Ideas Concrete doesn’t seem to be a medium that translates in the natural garden, but it can add some interest and inspiration with your creative touches. Plus, it is easy to work with and can even be tinted to suit personal preferences. You can customize them to almost any size, with concrete planter ideas that are grandiose or diminutive cuties for succulents and smaller plants. We’ll walk through some basic DIY cement planters that will inspire you and give you theRead this article

Each year commercial farmers spend a small fortune battling serious crop diseases that can potentially cause massive yield loss. These same diseases can also wreak havoc on the small crop yields of home gardens. One such disease that affects both small and large crops is corn head smut, a serious fungal disease of corn. Continue reading for more information about corn head smut, as well as options for treating corn head smut in the garden. About Head Smut on Corn Corn head smut is a fungal disease of corn plants that is caused by the pathogen Sphacelotheca reiliana. It is a systemic disease that can infect a plant as a seed but the symptoms do not appear until the plant is in its flowering and fruiting stages. Head smut can be easily mistaken for another fungal disease of corn, common smut. However, corn head smut only displays its very specificRead this article

Gladioli are extremely popular flowers grown for their lengthy profusion of colorful blooms that can last from summer through fall. Prolific bloomers that they are, you may find that the gladiolus plants are falling over due to the heaviness of the blossoms or during wind or rain storms. How do you hold up glads? Staking gladiolus plants will keep their brightly colored heads from dipping or breaking, and there are any number of items that can be used as gladiolus plant stakes. How to Stake a Gladiolus Native to South Africa, southern Europe and the Near East, these perennial favorites are grown from corms planted in the early spring. As mentioned, the weight of all these blooms, the sheer height of the plants – glads can grow as tall as 5 feet (1.5 m.) – and/or rainy or windy conditions may result in gladiolus that are falling over. So, howRead this article

A cold frame is a simple lidded box that provides protection from cold wind and creates a warm, greenhouse-like environment when the sun’s rays enter through a transparent covering. A cold frame can extend the growing period as long as three months. Although you can easily purchase a cold frame, many gardeners prefer to construct DIY cold frames from repurposed windows. Making cold frames from windows is relatively easy with a few basic woodworking tools, and window cold frames can easily be constructed to serve your particular needs. Read on to learn the basics of how to make cold frames out of windows. DIY Cold Frames from Windows First, measure your windows for cold frames. Cut boards for the sides, allowing the window to overlap the frame by ½ inch (1.25 cm.). Each board should be 18 inches (46 cm.) wide. Join the wooden pieces, using steel angles and ¼-inchRead this article

Imagine a cool autumn evening, when your garden still looks beautiful but the air is crisp and too cold to enjoy. What if you had a crackling fire to sit next to as you sipped a glass of wine or a hot cider? A garden fireplace is all you need to enjoy this idyllic scene. Why Install a Fireplace in the Garden? If the scene above doesn’t entice you to build a backyard fireplace, what will? Certainly, this is a luxury and not a necessity for a yard or garden, but it’s a nice addition that will provide you with more usable outdoor living space. A fireplace can extend time you are able to enjoy being out in the garden you have worked so hard on, including going out earlier in the spring and later in the fall. A fireplace can be useful in providing more livable space outdoors, butRead this article

Whether growing sunflowers as a means to attract pollinators or simply to add some vibrant color to the summer vegetable garden, there is no denying that these plants are a long-time favorite of many gardeners. Coming in a wide range of sizes and in subtle shades of yellow and reds, it is sometimes difficult to choose which varieties to plant. Luckily for growers, there are open pollinated and hybrid cultivars of sunflowers that will fit perfectly into most landscapes. Types of Sunflower Plants Different varieties of sunflowers can vary greatly in size and color. In general, however, they can easily be divided into several different kinds of sunflowers. Here are just a few types of sunflower plants: Giant Sunflowers As the name would imply, these sunflower varieties are capable of reaching amazing heights, some as tall as 16 feet (4.8 m.)! Giant varieties of sunflower are sure to make aRead this article

Black currant (Ribes nigrum), sometimes known as blackcurrant, is a woody shrub native to Europe and Asia. Although this currant plant is grown for its small black berries, it is also highly valued for the leaves, which are said to have great value as a medicinal herb. What are black currant leaves for? Read on and learn about the many black currant leaf uses. Uses for Black Currant Leaves Proponents of the plant claim that herbal black currant leaf may: Boost the immune system Reduce joint or muscle pain and inflammation Decrease the buildup of plaque in the heart Increase blood flow throughout the body Improve eye function, including night vision Benefits the kidneys, spleen, pancreas and liver Improves lung function Helps with sore throat and hoarseness Relieves diarrhea Eases coughs and colds Stimulates appetite and digestion Treats bladder stones and urinary tract infections Black currant leaves are rich inRead this article

The Armenian plum tree is a species of the genus Prunus. But the fruit called Armenian plum is actually the most commonly cultivated apricot species. The Armenian plum (commonly called “apricot”) is the national fruit of Armenia and has been cultivated there for centuries. Read on for more Armenian plum facts, including the “apricot vs. Armenian plum” issue. What is an Armenian Plum? If you read up on Armenian plum facts, you learn something confusing: that the fruit actually goes by the common name of “apricot.” This species is also known as ansu apricot, Siberian apricot and Tibetan apricot. The different common names attest to the ambiguity of the origins of this fruit. Since the apricot was extensively cultivated in the prehistoric world, its native habitat is uncertain. In modern times, most trees growing in the wild have escaped from cultivation. You can only find pure stands of the treesRead this article

Gardeners who are looking for something unique and exciting to set their landscape apart might try garden design with copper. Using copper in the garden or as indoor plant décor is a fun way to incorporate metallic beauty with natural flora. The combo is surprising, yet it really works and can translate into fun whimsy or elegant serenity. Today’s copper gardening trends run the gamut in use and can play a part in seating, planting, fire pits, lighting and much more. Using Copper in the Garden or Home Copper has unique properties in its shiny surface. Not only does it have a warm glow when new, but it becomes a rich verdigris green with age. This changeling ability is perfect to accent the green spaces of our homes. The rich tone is a perfect complement to flower and foliage plants, softens the harsh edges of a patio and creates aRead this article

Anthracnose of strawberries is a destructive fungal disease that if left uncontrolled, can decimate entire crops. Treating strawberry anthracnose may not eliminate the disease entirely, but early attention can keep the problem in check. Strawberry Anthracnose Information Anthracnose of strawberries was once thought to be a disease of warm, humid climates, but the problem is becoming more widespread wherever strawberries are grown. The disease is usually introduced on infected strawberry plants. Once established, the fungus can live in the soil for several months. The fungus overwinters on dead leaves and other plant debris, and is harbored by several types of weeds. Although the spores aren’t airborne, they are distributed by splashing rain, irrigation, or by people or garden tools. Anthracnose of strawberries develops and spreads very quickly. Signs of Strawberries with Anthracnose Anthracnose of strawberries attacks nearly every part of the strawberry plant. If the crown of the plant isRead this article

Attention northern dwellers, if you thought only folks in the Deep South could grow peaches, think again. Reliance peach trees are hardy to -25 F. (-32 C.) and can be grown as far north as Canada! And when it comes to harvesting Reliance peaches, the name hints at the bountiful harvest. Learn how to grow and care for Reliance peaches. About Reliance Peach Trees Reliance peaches are a freestone cultivar, which means the stone is easily removed. They can be grown in USDA zones 4-8, perfect for northern gardeners. Reliance was created in New Hampshire in 1964 and is still one of the cold hardiest of peaches without sacrificing taste. The medium to large sized fruit has a nice blend of sweet and tart. The tree blooms in the spring with a profusion of aromatic pink blossoms. Trees can be found that are either of standard size or semi-dwarf runningRead this article

Herbs are great plants to grow in your kitchen, since fresh, just-clipped herbs are the best seasoning for salads, dressings and cooking in general. Many herbs prefer an outdoor site, but others are happy and healthy enough growing inside. If you don’t have an excess of counter space for potted herbs, you might consider a magnetic herb garden. These gardens are cute, useful and fun to make. For information on magnetic planters, read on. Magnetic Herb Garden As winter arrives, many gardeners are not ready to give up the fresh herb garden and, instead, start moving those herbs indoors. An indoor herb garden is pretty easy to create since many herbs overwinter best indoors. With an indoor herb garden, you can enjoy the bright flavors and health benefits of fresh herbs even as winter rules outdoors. If kitchen space in an issue, you can start an herb garden on magnetsRead this article

We’ve all probably experienced it at one point or another. You take a simple nature walk only to discover hundreds of sharp little burrs stuck in your pants, socks and shoes. A cycle in the washer won’t get them fully out and it takes an eternity to pick out each burr by hand. What’s even worse, though, is when your pets come in from playing outside covered with burrs matted in their fur. These nasty burrs from cocklebur are no doubt an intolerable nuisance. Read on to learn about controlling cocklebur weeds. About Cocklebur Control Cocklebur plants are native to North and South America. Spiny cocklebur (Xanthium spinosum) and common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) are the two main varieties which can be found throughout the Americas, causing grief to nature lovers, farmers, home gardeners, pet owners and livestock. Both types of cocklebur produce large burrs with small, sharp hook-shaped tips. CommonRead this article