What Are Rosary Peas? Rosary peas, also known as Abrus precatorius beans or jequirity beans, are red seeds with a black spot. They can also come in varieties with white seeds and black eyes or black seeds with white eyes. These plants are originally from Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific region but have been…
How to Harvest Rubarb? To harvest rhubarb, twist and pull the stalks off the plant rather than cutting them. This method allows for new stalks to grow in their place, resulting in a more fruitful harvest and healthier rhubarb plant. Find a ready stalk on the rhubarb plant, grasp it near the bottom, lean it…
What Is an Olla? An olla is an unglazed clay pot that is buried in the ground with the neck exposed and filled with water once a week. It is used for efficient watering of plants and has been tested in the Sunset Test Garden, where it has shown successful results. The plants that rely…
What Is Catnip Good For? Catnip is good for a variety of purposes. It has been traditionally used to treat intestinal cramps, indigestion, sweating, and to induce menstruation. It is also known to have sedative properties and can increase appetite. Catnip has been used to alleviate diarrhea, colic, the common cold, and even cancer. In…
Can You Grow Marigolds Indoors? Yes, marigolds can be grown indoors. Marigold seeds can be planted indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Seeds should be sown on the surface of dampened ordinary commercial potting soil and covered with a thin layer of vermiculite. They will sprout within four to five…
How to Trim Gardenias? To trim gardenias, begin by pruning the oldest, thickest branches to allow for new growth. Cut these branches at a 45-degree angle to avoid damaging the main branches. After this, prune the rest of the bush to your desired height and shape. To encourage new growth in specific areas, cut more…
How to Grow Mums? To grow mums, start by planting them in the spring to establish a strong root system. Divide the mums every spring to promote more flower growth. Plant them in full sun with well-drained soil to avoid rotting. Regularly fertilize them with a 10-10-10 fertilizer, but stop feeding them after mid-August to…
How to Harvest Cucumber? To harvest cucumbers, it is important to pick them when they reach the appropriate size and color for their variety. Pickling cucumbers should be harvested when they are about two inches long, while slicing cucumbers should be harvested when they are six to nine inches long and have a dark green…
How to Make Blood Meal? To make blood meal, there are various drying methods that can be used such as solar drying, oven drying, drum drying, flash drying, and spray drying. It is important to dry the blood to less than 10-12% moisture and store it in a dry place to prevent deterioration. Different methods…
How Do You Overseed a Lawn? To overseed a lawn, you should first mow the lawn shorter than normal and remove any clippings. The best time to overseed is in the fall in the North and late spring through mid-summer in the South. Choose a grass seed that matches your existing grass type. Before spreading…
What Grows Well With Carrots? Carrots grow well with a variety of companion plants including lettuce, chives, peas, radishes, cabbage, leeks, sage, rosemary, and tomatoes. These plants provide benefits such as deterring pests and maximizing nutrient availability. On the other hand, it is best to avoid planting carrots near dill, parsnips, and potatoes, as they…
How to Trim a Cherry Tree? To trim a cherry tree, it is important to consider the variety and growth pattern of the tree. The goal of pruning is to allow sunlight and air to penetrate the branches, maintain a balance between older fruiting wood and younger branches, and keep the tree compact. The tools…
How to Plant Easter Lilies? To plant Easter lilies, choose a location with bright, indirect sunlight and protect them from cold drafts and heat sources. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Water the lilies when the top inch of soil is dry, but do not let the soil completely dry out….
How to Transplant Azaleas? To transplant azaleas, it is best to do so in early spring or fall, on cool and cloudy days. Avoid transplanting during extended dry periods or temperatures above 80°F. It is recommended to root-prune the azalea a year before transplanting by digging a trench around it and filling it back in…
How Do I Care for an African Violet? To care for an African violet, provide it with bright, warm, and humid conditions without exposing it to direct sunlight. Use well-drained, slightly acidic or neutral soil and avoid water touching the leaves to prevent brown spots. Remove dead flowers and leaves promptly to promote a healthier…