Oxalis triangularis, also known as the purple shamrock plant because of its purple shamrock-shaped, trifoliate leaves,[1] is an ornamental plant that is easily grown indoors and outdoors. Even though it is called a shamrock plant, it is not related to shamrock clover and for that reason, it is also known…
Why Disinfect Tools? Tools that have come into contact with diseased plants can transmit pathogens to other plants if not sanitized properly. Some may think that rinsing tools with water is enough to remove pathogens. But just as washing our hands with water does not remove bacteria, washing tools with…
What is Bacterial Wilt? Bacterial wilt is a plant disease that is caused by different kinds of bacteria: Erwinia tracheiphila, Enterobacteriaceae, Burkholderiaceae, or Ralstonia solanacearum. Once the bacterium infects a plant, it will multiply rapidly and clog the plant’s vascular system, making it impossible for water to be transported to plant tissue. …
Rosemary is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. It requires full sun, sandy to loamy soil, and less water than basil, its mint-related cousin. But when rosemary does require attention, it is usually because its needle-like leaves are turning yellow. This post is designed to help you…
Marigolds are easy to grow, and their bright autumn colors make for a perfect addition to any floral garden. But this hardy flower also makes a great companion plant for your vegetable garden. Here are six ways this amazing flower can benefit the food crops you grow at home.1. Marigolds Attract…
Butternut squash is a fantastic addition to any garden, especially for those who want to try their hand at growing something other than the traditional summer squashes like zucchini, yellow squash, and patty pan (scallop squash). This somewhat gourd-shaped squash with a sweet, nutty taste is a good source of…
Neem oil is derived from the neem tree, an evergreen shade tree that is indigenous to tropical India and South Asia. Although the oil can be extracted from all parts of the tree, the seed kernels contain the highest concentration. The usually yellow-brown oil has a pungent odor that some…
Containers are a great alternative to traditional in-ground or raised bed gardening. In addition, they are the perfect way to expand an existing garden when you run out of ground space or if you have limited growing space to begin with. (You can learn more about the advantages to growing…
One of the best ways to ensure that your garden gets off to a good start is to clean and disinfect all the seed trays, pots, containers, and other related items before the season begins. Some may wonder if this is necessary, considering that these items are just going to…
Lettuce, like Swiss chard, kale, and spinach, tastes so much better when grown at home. There is nothing like harvesting the fresh, organic leaves from your back porch or nearby kitchen garden just before a meal. Harvesting greens is easy enough for children to do but still fun for the…