Scale insects are tiny sap-sucking pests covered in waxy shells that feed off of sap from plants, sucking away their vitality to cause yellowing, browning, leaf drop or even death in their targets. Since these pests reproduce rapidly, eradicating them can be challenging. To start off the process of eliminating scale bugs from plants effectively, …
Every nice garden needs a tree or five depending on how much space you have. Trees are not only beautiful to look at but they provide us with much-needed oxygen and cool shade during the hot summer months. This is especially important today with the global warming making summers more and more unbearable each year. …
Peat pots provide an economical and simple method of seed-starting indoors or in the garden, offering numerous advantages such as preventing transplant shock. Before sowing seeds in strips, pots or pellets, it’s essential to presoak them first to help retain moisture and prevent too rapid drying out of your chosen medium. Doing this helps ensure …
First and foremost, houseplants should be regularly checked for aphids. A harsh spray of water usually suffices to eradicate them as well as wash away their honeydew – an irresistibly sweet sticky substance which attracts other pests – without harming the plants themselves. Aphids reproduce quickly, producing several generations in one season and devastating a …
Care must be taken when growing pothos in water; but it can be done. Rinse off any excess soil from your cutting, select a stem with at least three nodes, and trim back leaves below that node to remove all trace of dirt. Plant in a glass vessel filled with clean water and wait for …
Jade plants are among the easiest houseplants to propagate. A basic potting mix, low light levels and misting are all that’s required to grow a new jade plant in your own home. Before taking stem cuttings, use clean clippers that you can sterilize by dipping in rubbing alcohol to ensure proper sanitation. Stem Cutting Jade …
Organic fungicide treatments exist, some of which have even been recognized by OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) for use on vegetables, roses and trees. Sulfur can be an effective preventive solution; when applied early at signs of disease. Home remedies such as baking soda and milk may also work effectively, especially if applied early in …
Spider mites can be an extremely troublesome problem for indoor gardeners. Although these pests appear similar to insects, they’re actually related to spiders, ticks and scorpions and extremely sensitive to oils used for gardening purposes. Spider mites thrive in warm conditions with low humidity levels, quickly amassing populations that attack plants by puncturing leaves and …
Composting leaves properly can provide a plentiful source of organic matter that improves soil structure and loosens compacted ground, but as they are carbon rich they require ample nitrogen in order to be broken down properly. Compost your leaf waste either in an official compost bin, or simply pile the material together, according to these …
Potting benches provide an ideal work space in any greenhouse, shed or garden. Available in various sizes and designs – some even including shelves and drawers! – these benches make perfect additions for greenhouses, sheds and gardens alike. This DIY potting bench provides you with ample lower storage and working surface, including a grated area …