In late spring and early summer, when they come into flower, allium bulbs make quite the statement in planting beds. Whether they’re mixed with perennials or planted in an area all their own, these onion relatives have so many worthwhile traits. They’re deer resistant, unbothered by rabbits, chipmunks, and squirrels, long-lived, and downright stunning. Alliums come in a surprising array of forms and colors, even though the flowers are always found in clusters atop straight, leafless stems. If you’re looking for the perfect alliums to add to your landscape, this article covers the best varieties for the job.
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How to grow sweet potatoes in a home vegetable garden
Growing sweet potatoes is fun and easy, and a great way to enjoy super-sweet tubers that taste so much better than those you’ll find at the local supermarket. If you’re wondering how to grow sweet potatoes in your home vegetable garden, I’ve got all the information and advice you need to get started.
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Rose pests and how to control them organically
Roses are a favorite landscape plant of many homeowners. Their beautiful blooms are classic show-stoppers. With so many long-blooming, low-maintenance roses on the market these days, you would think there would be no need for an article discussing common pests of roses. But unfortunately, while there are plenty of rose varieties that are resistant to common rose diseases, such as black spot and powdery mildew, there’s no such thing as a rose that’s completely resistant to insect pests. Even low-maintenance rose varieties face pest issues. I’d like to introduce you to eight critters who make holes in rose leaves, distort foliage, and destroy flower buds. I’ll also share some tips for managing them safely.
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Plant perennial tulips for dependable blooms year after year
I used to think that all tulips came back every year. Pretty much every bulb I had ever planted would reappear each spring. In the house I currently live in, I had a few dependable bulbs that would bloom in my front garden. However after a few years, I noticed some were only producing leaves. It turns out that flower production ebbs in certain types of tulip. If you want your bulbs to bloom each year, you need to look for perennial tulips.
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Row cover hoops for frost and pest protection
In my books, The Year-Round Vegetable Gardener and Growing Under Cover, I write extensively about the row cover hoops I use to stretch the harvest season in my vegetable garden. I use them to get a head start on spring planting, but also in autumn to protect from frost and cold weather. Simple row cover hoops can also be used during the growing season to shelter vegetable plants from pests like flea beetles, potatoes beetles, and squash bugs, or even larger pests like rabbits, deer, and birds.
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Phalaenopsis orchid repotting step-by-step
Orchids used to be an expensive luxury plant grown primarily by collectors. But, thanks to the amazing technique of tissue culture, orchids are now common finds at grocery stores, flower shops, and gift boutiques. This rapid, inexpensive propagation technique is very, very good for folks like me who love orchids but have never been able to afford them before. Because of tissue culture, the most commonly available orchids these days are in the genus Phalaenopsis, otherwise known as moth orchids. The blooms of Phalaenopsis orchids last for months, but eventually the flower stalk dies and the plant outgrows its container. That’s when it’s time to repot. Phalaenopsis orchid repotting is not a complicated affair. However, there are some important steps to follow.
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