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Trees & Houseplants : Home & Garden
How to Save Athena Cantaloupe Seeds
The cantaloupe hybrid Athena entered the fresh-fruit market in 1995. Since then, it's become the main variety of Eastern cantaloupes, which are larger and sweeter than their Western counterparts are. However, Athena also has a longer shelf life -- it keeps for two weeks in storage -- making it a sel
How to Grow Semi-Dwarf Peach Trees
The semi-dwarf peach tree can provide an attractive and delicious addition to your backyard in hardiness zones 5 through 9. Although semi-dwarf, this tree can reach heights that may be too high for many yards, but decisions about pruning and fruit production goals can affect how the tree fits into y
Mesquite Trees & Pests
In the southwestern United States, three species of mesquite trees occur; the velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina), the screwbean mesquite (Prosopis pubescens) and the honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa). All grow as deciduous trees. The seed pods of the trees provide a valuable-food source for wild
How to Plant Wonder Flower Bulbs
The wonder bulb, which is the common name for Colchicum, grows up to 12 inches tall. Also called autumn crocuses, they bloom white, purple or pink flowers in the fall. Plant the bulbs, also known as corms, in late summer in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.
Will My Hydrangea Come Back After Too Much Water?
Properly planted and tended hydrangeas offer enormous balls of bright-colored blooms from May through the first frosts and last 20 years or more in your garden. These shrubs like moderation in all things but show a marked preference for shade and moisture. More hydrangeas die from too little water
How to Cast Concrete Leaves
Concrete -- a mixture of powdered clay, limestone, sand or rock and water -- is a durable material used as building materials and to form large and small ornaments and sculpture. Casting leaves in concrete is a good way to learn how to work with the material in a controlled, small-scale way, while c
How to Care for a Tropicanna Canna
Tropicanna canna lilies (Canna x generalis Tropicanna) are extravagantly colored plants for full sun. They have bright orange flowers and variegated red leaves that catch your eye even when the plant is not in flower. Tropicanna has a long flowering period, blooming for more than four months in the
Companion Plants for Knock Out Roses
Chives grown at the base of Knock Out roses repel aphids.chives image by Michael Cornelius from Fotolia.comCompanion plants may be beneficial for helping deter pests or for making your feature plant stand out. In the case of Knock Out roses, many plants pair well. Although Knock Out roses...
How to Buy a Commercial Greenhouse
If you have a passion for gardening, you might consider starting a commercial growing business. A commercial-sized greenhouse where you can grow plants year around can help make your new business a success.
How to Grow Cabbage Roses
The centifolia is a climbing rose with large flowers that resemble a head of cabbage. This gives the fragrant flowers one of their more popular names -- the cabbage rose. A cabbage rose loves sunlight and need a neutral pH to thrive. Like many roses, the cabbage rose requires a lot of attention and
How to Use Grapefruit Seed Extract for Killing Fleas on Cats
Fleas are a common problem for families with cats. These small pests are bothersome at best and deadly at worst. While commercial flea products are available, many contain chemicals that are toxic to both people and cats. Grapefruit seed extract is a substitute flea killer that poses fewer health ri
What to Do for a Rose With Yellow Leaves & Brown Spots
Roses that exhibit yellowing leaves with brown spots on them probably are suffering from a fungal or bacterial infection such as root rot or downy mildew. Sunscald is another problem that cases yellow leaves with brown spots. Identifying the specific cause of the problem can help you restore the ros
How to Plant Alstroemeria
Also called Peruvian Lily and Lily of the Incas, this perennial from South America produces long seasons of color. Alstoremerias resemble a miniature lily and although the flowers have no fragrance, they do come in a palette of pleasing colors such as pink, purple, rose, orange, yellow, red and whit
Grow One of These Shrubs if You Live in Zone 10
These 10 shrubs will work well for your garden in Zone 10.
How to Plant Shrubs & Outdoor Plants
Shrubs and other outdoor plants are hard-working elements in any landscape that appeal to every sense. Not only do they provide definition and structure, shrubs and other plants in the landscape can add color, scent and privacy. Some shrubs and plants, such as blueberries, can even offer food. A wel
My Mango Tree Withered in the Cold Weather
Mango trees are tropical trees that aren't exposed to freezing temperatures in their native habitat. According to horticulturists on the University of Florida Extension website, they don't adapt to cold temperatures and no cold resistant varieties are known. Young trees are especially susceptible to
How to Change the Grading of Soil
The grading of the soil around your home is important not only for growing different types of plants and grass, but also for the protection of your home. The grade is slope at which the soil travels away from a fixture, such as a tree or large ornamental tree. The grade of your soil should direct ra
Deer-Resistant Portulaca
Portulaca species, including P. grandiflora and P. oleracea, are not deer-resistant plants. There may be certain regions and seasons in which the deer will choose another plant over Portulaca, but generally, it gets eaten. There are other short flowering plants that are deer-resistant, however. If d
An Insecticide to Control Thrips
Battling thrips is a challenge. The tiny insects are difficult to see, and the damage is only noticed after the insects are gone. In addition, there is no insecticide that completely controls thrips.
Waterfall Cherry Tree Growth Per Year: Trimming Instructions
"Waterfall" cherry trees, also called weeping cherries and Japanese flowering cherries, are ornamental cherry trees that grow as beautiful landscaping trees rather than fruiting trees. They feature trailing branches that hang down in a waterfall fashion, and bloom every spring with soft pink cherry