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Gardening

Invasive Plants: A Threat to Your Garden and How to Control Them

by Gregory
written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Invasive Plants: A Threat to Your Garden

Introduction

Invasive plants are a major problem for gardeners. They can quickly take over your garden, crowding out your desired plants and making it difficult to maintain a healthy landscape. While some invasive plants are obvious, such as dandelions and crabgrass, others can be more difficult to identify. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of invasive plants, how to control them, and how to prevent them from taking over your garden.

What Are Invasive Plants?

Invasive plants are non-native species that have been introduced to an area and have become a threat to the native ecosystem. They are often aggressive growers and can quickly spread, displacing native plants and disrupting the natural balance of the environment.

Types of Invasive Plants

There are many different types of invasive plants, including:

  • Weeds: Weeds are unwanted plants that grow in gardens, lawns, and other cultivated areas. Some common weeds include dandelions, crabgrass, and chickweed.
  • Ornamental plants: Ornamental plants are plants that are grown for their beauty or aesthetic value. However, some ornamental plants can become invasive if they are not properly controlled. Examples include English ivy, Japanese honeysuckle, and butterfly bush.
  • Groundcovers: Groundcovers are plants that are used to cover the ground and prevent erosion. Some groundcovers, such as pachysandra and vinca, can become invasive if they are not properly managed.
  • Vines: Vines are plants that climb on other plants or structures. Some vines, such as poison ivy and Virginia creeper, can become invasive and damage your property.

Problems Caused by Invasive Plants

Invasive plants can cause a number of problems in your garden, including:

  • Competition with desired plants: Invasive plants can compete with your desired plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight. This can stunt the growth of your plants and make them more susceptible to pests and diseases.
  • Alteration of the ecosystem: Invasive plants can alter the natural ecosystem of your garden. They can change the soil chemistry, disrupt the food chain, and provide habitat for pests and diseases.
  • Damage to property: Invasive plants can damage your property by climbing on structures, blocking gutters, and breaking windows.

Controlling Invasive Plants

There are a number of different ways to control invasive plants, including:

  • Prevention: The best way to control invasive plants is to prevent them from entering your garden in the first place. Inspect new plants carefully before planting them, and avoid planting known invasive species.
  • Manual removal: Hand pulling and digging are effective ways to remove small infestations of invasive plants. Be sure to remove the entire plant, including the roots.
  • Mulching: Mulching can help to suppress the growth of invasive plants. Spread a thick layer of mulch around your plants, taking care to cover any exposed soil.
  • Herbicides: Herbicides can be used to control invasive plants that are difficult to remove by other methods. However, herbicides should only be used as a last resort, as they can also harm beneficial plants and animals.

Organic Approaches to Invasive Plant Control

There are a number of organic approaches to invasive plant control, including:

  • Companion planting: Planting certain companion plants near your desired plants can help to deter invasive plants. For example, planting marigolds near tomatoes can help to repel aphids.
  • Crop rotation: Crop rotation is a practice of planting different crops in the same area in a sequential order. This can help to prevent the build-up of invasive plants and improve soil health.
  • Biological control: Biological control is the use of natural enemies to control invasive plants. For example, ladybugs can be used to control aphids, and parasitic wasps can be used to control caterpillars.

Conclusion

Invasive plants can be a major problem for gardeners. However, by following the tips in this article, you can control invasive plants and keep your garden healthy and beautiful.

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Shrubs

Why Are My Oleander Shrubs Not Blooming? Causes and Solutions

by Gregory
written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Why Are My Oleander Shrubs Not Blooming?

Oleanders are prized for their beautiful, prolific blooms. But sometimes, for no apparent reason, they stop blooming. If you’re facing this problem, don’t worry. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of non-blooming oleander shrubs and provide simple solutions to get them blooming again.

Common Causes of Non-Blooming Oleander Shrubs

1. Lack of Sunlight

Oleanders need full sun to bloom properly. If your shrub is surrounded by other plants that are blocking the sun, it may not be getting enough light to produce flowers.

2. Root Competition

Oleanders have large root systems. If low-growing plants have grown too dense around your shrub, they may be competing with the oleander for nutrients and water, which can lead to weak or no blooms.

3. Water Stress

While mature oleander shrubs are drought-tolerant, all oleanders need adequate water during their bloom time. If your shrub is not getting enough water, it will not produce flowers. Water your oleander well once a week from early summer to fall.

4. Nitrogen Overload

Non-blooming oleander shrubs that are used as a hedge may be absorbing too much nitrogen from lawn fertilizer runoff. High nitrogen fertilizers promote growth in the leaves, branches, and stems of plants, but not in the blooms or roots.

5. Over-Pruning

Oleander hedges that are trimmed too often may have very few or no flowers. Oleander flowers on new wood, so over-pruning can remove the potential flowering buds.

Solutions to Get Your Oleander Shrubs Blooming Again

1. Provide Adequate Light and Water

  • Trim back overhanging trees and weeds around the base of your oleander shrub.
  • Water your oleander well once a week during its bloom time (early summer to fall).

2. Reduce Root Competition

  • Thin out low-growing plants around your oleander shrub to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

3. Fertilize Properly

  • Use a well-balanced 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 fertilizer in spring and fall.
  • Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers, as these can promote leaf growth at the expense of blooms.
  • Consider using a bloom boosting fertilizer (10-30-20 or 0-52-30) to stimulate flowering. However, do not use bloom boosting fertilizer too often.

4. Prune Wisely

  • Prune your oleander shrub once a year in the fall.
  • Trim back by about ½ to promote new growth, as oleander flowers on new wood.
  • Thin out the plant by removing dead and crowded branches.

5. Wear Protective Gear

  • When pruning oleander, always wear protective gear, as oleander is poisonous.
  • Wash your hands and garden tools immediately after pruning, and do not burn oleander trimmings.

By following these tips, you can help your non-blooming oleander shrubs regain their blooming glory. Remember to be patient, as it may take some time for your shrub to recover and start producing flowers again.

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Gardening

Gardening Q&A with the Experts: Get Expert Answers to Your Questions

by Gregory
written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Gardening Q&A with the Experts

Get Expert Answers to Your Gardening Questions

Every month, our team of expert gardeners answers a selection of your gardening questions. If you have a question, submit it to us, and we’ll do our best to answer it in our next Q&A session.

This Month’s Questions and Answers

Lawn Care

  • Question: How can I turn a small patch of lawn into a wildflower meadow?

    • Answer: To create a wildflower meadow, start by removing the existing grass and weeds. Then, scatter a mix of wildflower seeds over the area and rake them lightly into the soil. Water the area regularly, and within a few weeks, you’ll have a beautiful wildflower meadow.

  • Question: What is the right order for scarifying, mowing, and applying weed and feed to my lawn?

    • Answer: The correct order is:
      1. Scarify your lawn in the spring or fall to remove dead grass and thatch.
      2. Mow your lawn regularly to keep it healthy and prevent weeds from growing.
      3. Apply weed and feed to your lawn in the spring and fall to control weeds and fertilize the grass.

Planting

  • Question: Is it ok to plant out climbing roses now?

    • Answer: Yes, it is generally okay to plant out climbing roses during the spring or fall. However, it’s important to choose a variety that is suitable for your climate and to prepare the planting site properly.

  • Question: When should I plant out my chitted potatoes?

    • Answer: Chitted potatoes should be planted out when the soil temperature has reached at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit and there is no longer any risk of frost.

Seedling Care

  • Question: Should I remove my seedlings from the propagator and put them on my windowsill?
    • Answer: Yes, once your seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, you can remove them from the propagator and place them on a sunny windowsill.

Other Gardening Problems

  • Question: How can I prevent my water butt from developing an unpleasant odor?

    • Answer: To prevent your water butt from smelling, clean it regularly and add a small amount of chlorine bleach to the water.

  • Question: What measures can I take to enhance the flowering of an old climbing rose?

    • Answer: To encourage an old climbing rose to flower more profusely, prune it regularly, fertilize it in the spring, and water it deeply during dry spells.

  • Question: How can I eliminate mealybugs from my orchids and streptocarpus?

    • Answer: To get rid of mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them from the plants. You can also spray the plants with a solution of insecticidal soap.

  • Question: What steps should I take if my wisteria dies but is sprouting from the base?

    • Answer: If your wisteria dies back to the ground but is sprouting from the base, it is likely that the roots are still alive. Cut back the dead stems and continue to water and fertilize the plant. With proper care, it should eventually recover.

  • Question: What is the best method for reviving severely dehydrated potted hydrangeas?

    • Answer: To revive a severely dehydrated potted hydrangea, soak the pot in a bucket of water for several hours. Then, remove the pot from the water and allow it to drain. Water the plant regularly and keep it in a shady spot until it recovers.
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Vegetable Gardening

Small Tomatillos or Empty Husks? Solve Pollination Problems for Bountiful Harvests

by Donna
written by Donna 2 minutes read

Why Are My Tomatillos Small or Have Empty Husks?

Do you have problems with your tomatillos being small or having empty husks? The culprit is often poor pollination. Here’s a detailed explanation of why this happens and what you can do to fix it:

The Importance of Pollination

Tomatillo flowers need pollen from other tomatillo flowers to produce fruit. Bees are the most efficient pollinators for tomatillos because they can easily carry the heavy pollen grains.

Environmental Factors Affecting Pollination

Temperature: When temperatures rise above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the flowers have trouble forming fully functional reproductive parts, resulting in fewer and smaller tomatillos.

Humidity: High humidity, especially above 90%, can also hinder pollination and fruit set, leading to small tomatillos or empty husks.

Other Considerations

Self-Pollination: Tomatillo plants cannot pollinate themselves, so you need to plant at least two plants to ensure proper pollination.

Insecticides: Avoid using insecticides, especially contact insecticides during the day when bees are flying, as this can harm the pollinators.

How to Improve Pollination

Provide Bee-Friendly Plants: Intermingling flowers, herbs, and fruit that bees love with tomatillos can attract more bees to your garden and improve pollination.

Adjust Planting Time: If possible, plant your tomatillos during cooler temperatures to avoid pollination problems due to excessive heat.

Control Humidity: Ensure the humidity in your garden is between 60 and 70 percent for optimal pollination conditions.

Additional Tips

  • Ensure there are at least two tomatillo plants nearby for cross-pollination.
  • Avoid using systemic insecticides or those with a lingering effect, as these can harm bees.
  • Observe your tomatillo plants regularly for signs of poor pollination, such as small or misshapen fruit, and take appropriate action.

Conclusion

By understanding the importance of pollination and addressing the factors that can hinder it, you can ensure healthy, productive tomatillo plants that produce an abundance of large, flavorful fruit. Remember to provide a welcoming environment for bees and follow these tips to optimize pollination and enjoy a bountiful harvest of tomatillos.

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Gardening

Why Does My Wisteria Smell Bad? (And What Can I Do About It?)

by Gregory
written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Why Does My Wisteria Smell Bad?

Introduction:

Wisteria is a beautiful flowering vine that is often used to cover unsightly areas, provide privacy, and give shade. However, some wisteria plants have a bad smell, which can be off-putting to gardeners. In this article, we will explore why wisteria smells bad and what you can do about it.

The Culprit: Amethyst Falls Wisteria

The most common type of wisteria that smells bad is the Amethyst Falls variety. This cultivar is known for its heavy blooms, but unfortunately, these blooms have a strong, unpleasant odor that has been compared to cat urine.

Why Does Amethyst Falls Wisteria Smell Bad?

The exact reason why Amethyst Falls wisteria smells bad is not fully understood. However, some researchers believe that the smell is caused by a chemical compound called geosmin. Geosmin is produced by certain bacteria and fungi, and it is often associated with the smell of wet soil or decaying organic matter.

What Can You Do About a Smelly Wisteria?

If you have an Amethyst Falls wisteria that smells bad, there are a few things you can do:

  • Move the plant: If possible, move the wisteria to a further away area of the garden where the smell will be less noticeable.
  • Cut back the blooms: You can also try cutting back the blooms on the wisteria. This will reduce the amount of odor produced.
  • Remove the plant: If the smell is too strong for you to tolerate, you may need to remove the wisteria plant altogether.

Other Types of Wisteria

Not all wisteria plants smell bad. There are many other varieties of wisteria that have a pleasant fragrance or no smell at all. Some of the most popular non-smelly wisteria varieties include:

  • Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)
  • Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda)
  • Kentucky wisteria (Wisteria macrostachya)

Attracting Hummingbirds to Wisteria

Even though Amethyst Falls wisteria smells bad to humans, hummingbirds are not bothered by the odor. In fact, hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar in wisteria blooms. So, if you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, you can plant a wisteria vine, even if it is the smelly Amethyst Falls variety.

Additional Tips for Dealing with a Smelly Wisteria

  • Plant the wisteria in a sunny location: Wisteria plants that are grown in shady areas are more likely to smell bad.
  • Water the wisteria regularly: Wisteria plants that are not watered regularly are more likely to stress, which can lead to a stronger odor.
  • Fertilize the wisteria: Fertilizing the wisteria plant can help to keep it healthy and reduce the likelihood of it smelling bad.

Conclusion

If you are considering planting a wisteria vine in your garden, be sure to do your research and choose a variety that does not smell bad. If you already have a wisteria plant that smells bad, there are a few things you can do to try to reduce the odor. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy the beauty of wisteria without having to suffer through the smell.

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Gardening

Ornamental Grasses Lodging: Causes and Fixes

by Gregory
written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Ornamental Grasses: Causes of Lodging and How to Fix It

Ornamental grasses are a popular choice for landscaping because they are relatively low-maintenance and can add a touch of elegance to any garden. However, one common problem that gardeners face with ornamental grasses is lodging, which is when the stems fall over.

What Causes Ornamental Grasses to Lodge?

There are a few different factors that can contribute to ornamental grasses lodging, including:

  • Too much nitrogen in the soil: Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants, but too much nitrogen can cause the stems to become weak and floppy.
  • Overcrowding: When ornamental grasses are planted too close together, they compete for sunlight and nutrients, which can also lead to weak stems.
  • Drought stress: Ornamental grasses need regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. If they don’t get enough water, they can become dehydrated and their stems can become weak.

How to Prevent Ornamental Grasses from Lodging

There are a few things you can do to prevent ornamental grasses from lodging, including:

  • Fertilize properly: Ornamental grasses only need to be fertilized once a year, in the spring. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10.
  • Space plants properly: When planting ornamental grasses, space them far enough apart so that they have room to grow without overcrowding each other.
  • Water regularly: Ornamental grasses need regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Water deeply and infrequently, rather than shallowly and often.

How to Fix Fallen Ornamental Grasses

If your ornamental grasses have already lodged, there are a few things you can do to fix them:

  • Stake the plants: Pound a stake or length of rebar into the ground in the very center of the grass clump. Wrap a strand of garden twine around the entire clump, about halfway up the stalks. Tie the twine loosely enough so that the grass can move naturally, but tightly enough so that the strands all stand up in one vertical clump.
  • Divide the plants: If your ornamental grasses are overcrowded, you can divide them to give them more room to grow. Divide the plants in spring before any fresh shoots appear. Plant each new grass clump far enough away so that it doesn’t shade its neighbors.

Additional Tips

  • Choose varieties of ornamental grasses that are known to be less prone to lodging.
  • Plant ornamental grasses in a location that receives full sun or partial shade.
  • Mulch around ornamental grasses to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

By following these tips, you can help prevent ornamental grasses from lodging and keep your garden looking its best.

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Gardening

Summer Gardening Problems? Here Are 12 Easy Solutions

by Gregory
written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Summer Gardening Problems Solved

Introduction

Summer is a great time to enjoy your garden, but it can also bring its share of challenges. From pests and diseases to weeds and heat, there’s always something that can go wrong. But don’t worry, with a little know-how, you can overcome these problems and keep your garden looking its best all season long.

Insect Attacks

Insects are one of the most common problems gardeners face in the summer. Aphids, whiteflies, and other pests can quickly damage your plants, leaving them looking wilted and unhealthy. To prevent insect attacks, try planting a variety of plants in your garden. This will make it more difficult for pests to find their favorite food source. You can also encourage beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, into your garden. These insects eat aphids and other pests, helping to keep your plants healthy.

Plants Stopping Flowering

If your plants are not flowering, there could be a few reasons. One possibility is that they are not getting enough sunlight. Make sure your plants are getting at least six hours of sunlight per day. Another possibility is that your plants are not getting enough water. Water your plants deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Finally, your plants may not be getting enough nutrients. Fertilize your plants according to the package directions.

Brown Lawn

A brown lawn is a common problem in the summer, especially during hot, dry weather. To prevent your lawn from turning brown, water it deeply and regularly. You should also raise the height of cut on your lawn mower. This will help the grass to retain moisture and stay green.

Moles

Moles can be a nuisance in the garden. They can damage your lawn and flower beds by digging tunnels and mounds. To get rid of moles, you can try using traps or repellents. You can also try planting certain plants that moles dislike, such as daffodils and marigolds.

Wilting Plants

Wilting plants are a sign that they are not getting enough water. Water your plants deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. You can also try mulching around your plants to help retain moisture.

Wasps

Wasps can be a nuisance in the garden, especially in the late summer when they are looking for food. To prevent wasps from becoming a problem, keep your garden clean of fallen fruit and other food sources. You can also try hanging up wasp traps or fake wasp nests.

Green Pond

A green pond is a sign of algae growth. Algae can make your pond look unsightly and can also be harmful to fish and other aquatic life. To prevent algae growth, keep your pond clean of debris and make sure it has plenty of plants. You can also try using an algaecide to kill algae.

Rabbits and Deer

Rabbits and deer can damage your garden by eating your plants. To prevent rabbits and deer from becoming a problem, you can try fencing your garden or using repellents. You can also try planting plants that rabbits and deer do not like, such as lavender and rosemary.

Mildew and Blackspot on Roses

Mildew and blackspot are two common fungal diseases that can affect roses. To prevent these diseases, make sure your roses are getting plenty of sunlight and air circulation. You can also try using a fungicide to kill the fungus.

Weeds

Weeds are a common problem in any garden. To prevent weeds from taking over, try planting your beds more densely so that there is less space for weeds to grow. You can also try mulching around your plants to help suppress weeds.

Greenhouse Overheating

Greenhouses can get very hot in the summer, which can damage your plants. To prevent your greenhouse from overheating, make sure you have enough ventilation. You can also try using blinds or whitewash to block out the sun.

Birds Eating Fruit

Birds can be a nuisance in the garden, especially when they are eating your fruit. To prevent birds from eating your fruit, try covering your fruit trees and bushes with netting. You can also try using bird repellents.

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