Your Backyard Garden Information Source
Flowering Bulbs A bulb is a specialized form of underground bud containing, in an undeveloped condition, the rudiments of all parts of the complete flowering plant which will develop from it. These include the flower bud and foliage leaves, which are mounted on a thick flat stem bearing the beginnings of the roots on its lower surface. In addition, the […]
Attract bees with flowers A bee is said to make three journeys in order to bring one drop of nectar to the hive; and 25,000 foraging trips are said to be necessary to gather the raw material for one pound of honey. The value, therefore, of large areas of nectar-yielding vegetation in the neighborhood of the hives is very great, […]
Seed Stratification Stratification is a method of carrying seeds through the period from the time they ripen until they are ready to germinate, with minimum trouble and occupying minimum space. Some seeds, especially those of certain trees and shrubs, will not germinate soon after they ripen, yet perish if they are permitted to dry. They need a storage period of […]
Many gardeners are baffled by problems caused by shade. However, there are numerous plants which prosper in areas where shade occurs, and from these a selection can be made to suit most situations. Shade exists in many degrees but to evaluate the variations according to any set rule is almost impossible. Some analysis is, however, advisable to determine the types […]
A pest-free garden is something we all want, but is it really possible? Having the perfect urban landscape may cost you an important amount of money (it depends on what pesticides you’re using and the surface you need to take care of), not to mention the risk they pose for your health. The alternative ways to get in control over […]
How to Grow Papaver poppy An ancient Latin plant name of doubtful origin, but possibly derived from the sound made in chewing the seed (Papaveraceae). Poppy. A widespread genus of 100 species of colorful hardy annual and perennial plants. Poppies like full sun, although some will flower reasonably well in partial shade. The newly unfolded petals have the appearance of […]
How to Grow Meconopsis Meconopsis (mek-on-op-sis) From the Greek mekon, a poppy, and opsis, like (Papaveraceae). This genus of poppy-like and very showy annual, biennial and perennial plants generally attracts much attention in those fortunate gardens which provide the necessary conditions for their cultivation. Most of the showy Chinese and Himalayan species need light woodland conditions and a moist soil […]
Acclimatizing houseplants, dividing daylilies, and controlling slugs are some of the garden activities for this month. Gradually condition or “acclimatize” indoor plants that have spent the summer outdoors to lower light conditions. Move them to a shady spot outdoors for a week, then move them into the sunniest spot indoors for a couple of weeks before moving them to their […]
Storing your own fruits and vegetables at home at the end of the growing season, following a few simple guidelines, will enable you to have food of good nutrition and flavor into the fall and winter. It is a good way to keep extra produce you can’t eat right away from the garden, and to save money later at the […]
You may like the smell of burning leaves, but did you know you were sending an excellent soil conditioner up in smoke? Instead of burning leaves or stuffing them in garbage bags for the trash haulers to take away, compost them. Compost improves the garden soil by increasing its organic matter. This, in turn, improves soil drainage. Organic matter is […]