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Flea market inspired “junkyard” gardens are one example of outside-the-box growing spaces which are enjoyable to explore and create. Learning how to make a junk garden can help gardeners gain a greater appreciation for the time and effort that goes into these interesting spaces. What are Junkyard Gardens? Junkyard gardens, or flea market gardening, mostly concerns the use of found, recycled, and/or upcycled materials. These materials can be used as décor and visually appealing containers for plants....

Benefits of Aerating Your Lawn There are several benefits of lawn aeration. Lawns with a thick build up of thatch that is more than an inch (2.5 cm.) deep can suffer from disease and insect problems. This deep layer of old material harbors pests and disease pathogens, such as fungal spores. The thatch also minimizes the amount of nutrients and moisture that the roots need to grow. The benefits of aerating your lawn also include stimulating root growth by providing a more porous and easy to navigate soil texture....

What is an Earthbox? Simply put, earthbox planters are self-watering containers that have a water reservoir built in that is capable of irrigating the plants for several days. Earthbox was developed by a farmer by the name of Blake Whisenant. The commercially available earthbox is made of recycled plastic, 2 ½ feet x 15 inches (0.5 m. x 38 cm.) long and one foot (0.5 m.) high, and will accommodate 2 tomatoes, 8 peppers, 4 cucumbers, or 8 strawberries – to put it all in perspective....

Types of Pet Friendly Weed Killer Boiling Water If you have an area that you need to clear weeds out of on a wholesale level, such as a driveway or a sidewalk or just a large weedy patch where no plants you wish to keep are growing, you may want to consider using boiling water. Boiling water is certainly a pet safe weed killer and it will instantly kill any plant it comes in contact with by literally cooking the plant in the ground....

What is a Sunblaze Miniature Rose? Sunblaze miniature rose bushes come to us from a greenhouse in southern Ontario, where they make sure these beautiful miniature roses are winter-hardy and ready to plant in our rose beds or gardens. Like most miniature rose bushes, these are own root, which means even if the winter kills the top part down to the ground, what comes up from the root is still the same rose bush we originally purchased....

Why Use Plants in the Living Room? Small space gardeners, those that live in capricious weather regions, and those of us who simply love plants everywhere we go often choose to decorate a living room with plants. The very words “living room” seem to conjure up things that are alive and natural influences. Living room houseplants may be in small pots, grow to the size of small trees, provide food or add a regional touch to the home....

Louisiana Iris Information The name “iris” is derived from the Greek word for rainbow, which is especially applicable with Louisiana iris plants. They come in a host of colors, primarily due to their ability to inbreed amongst the five separate species – Iris fulva, I. brevicaulis, I. nelsonii, I. hexagona, and I. giganticaerulea. In south Louisiana, all of these species occur amongst each other and freely hybridize naturally, resulting in colors not found in any other iris group....

Mammillaria Information Mammillaria cactus varieties can span sizes from one inch in diameter (2.5 cm.) to one foot in height (31 cm.). The majority of the readily available species are the ground hugging variety. As interior plants, growing Mammillaria couldn’t be easier. They need well-draining soil, good light, and warm temperatures. There are over 300 species of Mammillaria, but most you won’t see in the nursery. The tried-and-true varieties that thrive as houseplants are the easiest to find and provide a glimpse into the Mexican desert....

Signs of Nematodes in Cucurbit Plants Unfortunately, most cucurbits are highly susceptible to infestation by nematodes, microscopic worms that live in the soil. Of particular concern are root knot nematodes and sting nematodes. Among the cucurbits, watermelons are the least susceptible to damage from the root nematodes, but any plants in this family may be attacked and damaged. When nematodes of cucurbit crops attack the roots, the symptoms of infestation include stunted growth, leaf yellowing, and premature wilting....

What is Maple Tar Spot Disease? Maple tar spot is a very visible problem for maple trees. It starts with small yellow spots on growing leaves, and by late summer these yellow spots expand into large black blotches that look like tar has been dropped on the leaves. This is because a fungal pathogen in the genus Rhytisma has taken hold. When the fungus initially infects a leaf, it causes a small 1/8 inch (1/3 cm....

May in the Upper Midwest From May 4 in Grand Rapids to May 11 in Green Bay, and as late as May 25 in International Falls, this is the month of last frosts in upper Midwest states. It’s time to enjoy spring blooms and get down to the real work of making sure your garden will thrive throughout the growing season. Upper Midwest gardening in May results in big payoffs for the following months....

Mayhaw trees, like other hawthorns, are susceptible to a bacterial disease known as fire blight. The disease can be deadly in some situations, sometimes killing a tree in a single season. Fortunately, fire blight on mayhaw can be controlled. Read on to learn about mayhaw fire blight control and prevention. Symptoms of Mayhaw with Fire Blight What causes mayhaw fire blight? The bacterium that causes fire blight enters through blossoms, then travels from the flower down the branch....

Medinilla Information Medinilla is a tropical shrub that can grow up to 4 ft. (1 m.) tall. It grows like epiphytic orchids, in the holes and crotches of trees. Unlike orchids, though, Medinilla does not absorb atmospheric moisture and nutrients via velamen (the corky epidermis of aerial roots). Instead, the plant has large succulent green leaves, which hold onto or store moisture similar to other succulent plants. In late spring to early summer, the plant is covered by drooping clusters of delicate pink flowers that look somewhat like grapes or wisteria flowers....

What is Mile a Minute Weed? Mile-a-minute weed grows fast, and that’s a fact. Experts say that these prickly annual vines can grow up to 6 inches in 24 hours, and are much akin to kudzu! The vines germinate in early spring, then grow amazingly fast, growing on top of and smothering out neighboring plants. The white flowers are followed by berry-like fruit. The vine dies off by the first frosts, but not soon enough to prevent its spread....

How to Make Mini Pumpkin Lanterns Carving a mini jack o’ lantern is essentially the same as creating one of the standard sizes. There are a few things to keep in mind to make it easier and more successful: Choose pumpkins that are small but round. Too flattened and you won’t be able to carve it. Cut a circle and remove the top as you would with a larger pumpkin. Use a teaspoon to carve out the seeds....

What is Mint Rust Fungus? Mint rust is caused by a fungus, Puccinia menthae, which only infects plants in the mint family, especially spearmint and peppermint. It is encouraged by overhead irrigation, which frequently allows water to stand on plant leaves long enough for the fungal spores to germinate. Closely planted mints, or those that need to be thinned, are at a heightened risk due to increased humidity around the plants....

How to Make Moss Terrariums A terrarium is, basically, a clear and non-draining container that holds its own small environment. Anything can be used as a terrarium container – an old aquarium, a peanut butter jar, a soda bottle, a glass pitcher, or whatever else you might have. The main objective is that it be clear so you can see your creation inside. Terrariums don’t have drainage holes, so the first thing you should do when making a mini moss terrarium is put down a one inch (2....

Reasons for an Almond Tree Not Blooming There are a few possible causes for no flowers on almond trees. One very simple one is that your tree is having an off year. If you experienced a bumper crop last year, this means your tree put more energy into producing fruit than setting new buds. This is perfectly natural and fine, and it shouldn’t be a problem next year. Another common reason is improper pruning....

Treating Christmas Cactus Insects Here are some common pests of Christmas cactus and how to deal with them: Spider Mites – These Christmas cactus pests are so tiny; they are difficult to see with the naked eye. However, is you see fine webbing or fine speckles on the leaves, you can bet your Christmas cactus is infested with spider mites. Spider mites are usually easy to resolve with regular application of insecticidal soap spray....

About Closed Magnolia Buds When you see abundant magnolia buds on your tree’s branches, you’ll be hoping for a canopy full of flowers in spring. When those magnolia buds won’t open, the first things to look at are cultural practices, including the amount of sun and irrigation the tree is receiving in its current location. Magnolia trees need lots of direct sun in order to produce flowers. The more shade your tree gets, the fewer flowers you will see....