If you’ve ever wondered when to prune Japanese maple trees this article should prove very helpful. Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) are among the loveliest small trees you can add to your landscape, but people are often confused about their care, especially when it comes to pruning. There are so many different forms and cultivars, each one more beautiful than the next, but sadly, you can destroy their beautiful shape and foliage by pruning incorrectly. The good news is that by understanding how and when to prune Japanese maple trees, you’ll maintain their health and form. Read on to learn more about Japanese maple pruning and how to do it right.
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Growing Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) in a garden or as a lawn alternative
As my collection of native plants grows, I’m developing various favorites. One of them is Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica), a sweet, compact native perennial that offers a wispy texture to a garden, is a host plant for butterflies and moths, and can be used to replace a traditional lawn. In this article, I’m going to share some growing tips, as well as ideas on where to plant Pennsylvania sedge.
How to get rid of poison ivy plants safely
If you’ve been wondering how to get rid of poison ivy without developing an itchy poison ivy rash, you’re in the right place. Roughly two out of every three people are sensitive to the chemical compound called urushiol which is found in poison ivy. If you’re one of them, you’re probably used to giving poison ivy a wide berth. But what if it finds its way into your garden beds or it’s growing too close to high-traffic areas where you and your family regularly walk? By taking the right precautions in advance, you can safely remove poison ivy plants—without harming your family, pets, or area wildlife.
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When to harvest red onions for storage or fresh eating
Growing onions is a popular task for millions of gardeners and knowing when to harvest red onions – along with yellow and white varieties – is important for success. If you harvest onions too early, it means a limited storage life. But, harvesting too late could mean a split or rotten bulb. In this article, I’m going to review two perfect times for harvesting red onions. One is ideal for fresh use and the other is best for optimizing storage life.
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Growing wine cap mushrooms: An easy beginner’s guide
Plenty of gardeners will admit that growing wine cap mushrooms was their gateway to an unexpected new obsession with mushroom cultivation. Considering how rewarding growing wine cap mushrooms can be, that’s really no surprise. For me it was a shiitake mushroom kit that piqued my interest in growing other mushrooms, like wine caps. With their bright red mushroom caps and creamy white stems, the mushrooms themselves are visually striking. They’re also among the easiest mushrooms to start in outdoor garden beds, along pathways, on layers of cardboard and straw, and via many other substrates.
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Basil leaves turning black or brown? 9 causes and solutions
Are your basil leaves turning black or brown? Basil isn’t difficult to grow, but the plants are prone to diseases like downy mildew, sensitive to cool temperatures, and attractive to insects like aphids. Below I outline 9 of the most common reasons for black or brown spots to appear on basil leaves. You’ll also find pro tips to prevent basil problems and learn more about five of the best disease-resistant cultivars to grow to enjoy plenty of fresh basil leaves. Keep reading to learn more about growing great basil.
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