Can a Pear Tree Pollinate an Apple Tree? No, a pear tree cannot pollinate an apple tree. Apple trees require cross-pollination for proper fruit development, and honey bees are the main pollinators for apple trees. Pear trees, on the other hand, are primarily pollinated by honey bees, but they are not very attracted to pear…
How Long Does Compost Take? Composting can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several years, depending on the composting method used and the effort put into it. The time it takes to produce finished compost varies. Hot composting is the fastest method, producing compost in a few weeks. Cool composting takes a year…
How to Store Roses? To properly store roses, there are a few key steps to follow. First, it is important to choose a cool location, preferably around 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also helpful to remove any leaves or thorns from the stems. Next, trim the stems and place the roses in a vase filled…
How to Harvest Arugula? To harvest arugula, there are two methods you can use. The first method is to harvest the leaves one by one. When the plants are at least 6″ tall, you can cut the stems of the leaves about an inch from the crown or leaf base. This allows new growth to…
Will Poppies Grow Indoors? No, poppies do not generally grow well indoors. They require full sun and good drainage to thrive, so being placed in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is crucial. Additionally, poppies need well-draining soil mix and containers with drainage holes. While grow lights can be…
How to Preserve Magic Mushrooms? To preserve magic mushrooms, it is important to properly dry and store them. Excess moisture can cause mushrooms to decompose and rot, so wet mushrooms should be consumed within a few days. Drying mushrooms in a moderately warm space with humidity between 55-65% takes about 1-3 days. Air drying on…
How to Identify Dandelion? Dandelion, also known as Taraxacum officinale, can be identified through its various characteristics. It is a perennial plant that reproduces through seeds. Dandelion can be found in different habitats in Ontario, such as lawns, pastures, roadsides, waste places, forages, and cultivated fields. The plant starts as circular or oval cotyledons, which…
Are Peonies Deer Resistant? Yes, peonies are considered highly deer resistant due to the fragrance of the flowers and stickiness of the stems. However, if deer are hungry enough, they may still eat them when food is scarce. Rutgers University rates peonies as rarely damaged by deer. Planting visually complementary and strongly fragranced plants near…
Does Sand Absorb Water? Yes, sand does absorb water due to its porous nature. However, its high permeability and low surface area limit its water absorption capacity. This is because sand particles are large in size, making it difficult for water molecules to remain adhered to them. Only 0.3% of the water is absorbed by…
How to Cut Basil? To cut basil, start by stacking the leaves on top of each other. Then roll the stack tightly, and slice it thinly. Store fresh cut basil by using it quickly, or wrap it in a damp paper towel or a covered container for 1-2 days. Avoid freezing basil as it becomes…
How to Amend Sandy Soil? To amend sandy soil, apply 3 to 4 inches of well-finished compost or manure and work it into the soil. Using compost as mulch helps slow erosion and maintain soil moisture. Growing cover crops and regularly applying slow-release granular fertilizer can also improve sandy soil. Additionally, adding mulch, peat moss,…
How Far Apart to Keep Male and Female Plants? Male and female cannabis plants should be kept far apart in order to prevent pollination. This is because pollinated female plants produce seeds, which can result in a lower quality and potency of the buds. Separating male and female plants allows for the production of seedless…
How to Grow Brocoli? To grow broccoli, start by sowing seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date if you want a midsummer harvest. Sow them ¼ to ½ inch deep in a quality seed-starting mix and ensure temperatures are between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for germination. If you prefer a…
How Do I Propagate? To propagate plants, there are three main methods: cutting, division, and replanting of offsets. For cutting, take a stem cutting and place it in a rooting medium until roots form. Division involves separating a parent plant into sections that can be replanted separately. Offsets, miniature versions of a plant, can be…
What Is Alkaline Soil? Alkaline soil refers to soil that has a pH above 7 on a scale of 0 to 14. This type of soil contains higher levels of sodium, calcium, and magnesium. Plants adapted to acidic soils will struggle to grow in alkaline soils, and vice versa. Signs of unsuitable pH for plant…