Read more about the article How to Grow Portulaca or Moss Rose
Portulaca, a.k.a. moss rose, Okra In My Garden

How to Grow Portulaca or Moss Rose

Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora), also known as moss rose, is a beautiful, flowering succulent native to South America. The leaves are narrow and somewhat pointed, and they resemble a succulent version of rosemary leaves. The annual boasts single or double blooms that vary in color depending on the variety. The ruffled…

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Read more about the article Top 8 Reasons for Stunted Growth in Tomatoes and Peppers
Bell pepper plant, Okra In My Garden

Top 8 Reasons for Stunted Growth in Tomatoes and Peppers

If you are like many gardeners, growing peppers and tomatoes is the highlight of the growing season. Thus, it's no wonder why it is so frustrating when they do not flourish. They may grow well at first, but, at some point, the growth is stunted, and they never quite reach…

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Read more about the article Squash Beetles: How to Identify and Treat
Squash beetle, a.k.a. squash lady beetle, Okra In My Garden

Squash Beetles: How to Identify and Treat

The squash beetle or squash lady beetle (Epilachna borealis) is a member of the ladybug (ladybird) family and is most often found in the eastern part of the US. They measure approximately 7 to 10 mm (0.27 to 0.39 inches) and have a bright yellow to orange domed body with black spots.…

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Read more about the article Top 7 Reasons Why Tomato Flowers Fall Off
Stressed tomato blossom, Okra In My Garden

Top 7 Reasons Why Tomato Flowers Fall Off

Those who love growing tomatoes can attest to the frustration one feels when flowers fall off before they develop fruit. The condition, also known as blossom drop, can affect other members of the nightshade family as well, including peppers. What causes this frustrating phenomenon? Here are the top seven reasons…

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Read more about the article How to Grow Texas Star Hibiscus
Texas Star Hibiscus, Okra In My Garden

How to Grow Texas Star Hibiscus

If you are looking for a beautiful, flowering shrub that is heat-tolerant, look no further. The Texas Star Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus) meets this criteria and more!  A native of the Southern United States and the Pacific Coast, this low-maintenance hibiscus is hardy in zones 7 through 11.  It may die back…

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Read more about the article How to Successfully Grow Sage in Your Garden
Freshly harvested sage, Okra In My Garden

How to Successfully Grow Sage in Your Garden

Sage originated in the Mediterranean region, and it is known both for its culinary and medicinal uses.  Salvia officinalis, also known as culinary sage, is used to season pork and poultry and often plays center stage in Thanksgiving recipes.  The Latin name for sage means to save and to heal.  It…

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What’s the Difference Between Yams and Sweet Potatoes?

Many people use the terms yam and sweet potato interchangeably.  Although both grow as tubers, they are two different vegetables.  So, what’s the difference? Yams Yams are members of the Dioscoreaceae family and are botanically unrelated to sweet potatoes.  The cylindrical-shaped tubers have a dry, starchy flesh and a roughly…

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Organic vs Chemical Fertilizer: Which is Better?

Fertilizer is defined as any organic or chemical substance that, when applied to the soil or plant foliage, provides nutrients to enhance plant health and productivity.  Both organic and chemical fertilizers provide NPK, i.e., nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the three macronutrients all plants need.  But there are differences between the…

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