The best magazine
Sign in
Recover your password.
A password will be e-mailed to you.
Browsing Category
Trees & Houseplants : Home & Garden
How to Grow Dwarf Improved Meyer Lemon Trees in Houston
Dwarf improved Meyer lemon trees are mainly grown in pots and are hardier than other varieties of lemon trees. The improved variety was developed in the 1960's by Four Winds Growers to be resistant to a virus that killed the original Meyer lemon variety. Improved dwarf Meyer trees produce medium-siz
How to Manage Citrus Trees in Cold Weather
Citrus trees are popular for their attractive evergreen leaves, aromatic blossoms and tangy fruit. Unfortunately, they're not hardy to cold weather. There are several ways to manage citrus trees by preparing for a frost or freeze before it happens. Most local gardening centers carry the type of citr
What Is Amelanchier Alnifolia Thiessen?
Amelanchier alnifolia is a large shrub or small tree in the Rosaceae, or rose, family. Also called saskatoon serviceberry, shadbush and juneberry, this species grows widely throughout the western United States and Canada. Fruit growers cultivate the plants for their edible berries, while conservatio
Outdoor Florida Ficus Tree Size
The exotic strangler fig (Ficus aurea), also called the Florida strangler fig, can grow 50 to 60 feet high with a crown spreading 50 to 70 feet. This unusual tree grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. It is found naturally in southern Florida and spreads both from
How to Identify Ornamental Trees
A landscaper or homeowner can highlight a portion of his acreage with an ornamental tree, making what may have been an unremarkable spot into an attractive piece of the property over time. There are several ornamental trees that she may have to choose from, many of which grow in the wild in most par
Types of Refrigerant Flow Control
Refrigerant flow control devices used in cooling systems such as chillers and air conditioners have become more sophisticated over the years. Basic flow control devices such as pistons and capillary tubes have given way to thermal valves and electronic valves. Some of these refrigerant flow control
Ways to Cover Up Septic Pipes
Septic tank pipes must be covered and protected from damage after installation. Covering the pipes hides the unsightly pipes and protects from damage caused by the sun, wind and elements. There are many methods for covering septic tank pipes, most of which are relatively cheap while others are more
How to Test the PH of Your Lawn
Because different grass seeds have diffferent pH (potential hydrogen ion) preferences, testing the pH of the soil in your lawn can give you an idea of what your soil needs to nourish and sustain a healthy lawn. Generally, soil in moist climates tends to be acidic, and in dry climates it is usually a
How to Transplant an Olive Tree Whose Leaves Are Falling Off
Many tree species benefit from bouts of cool, wet weather, but sunshine-loving species such as olive trees often respond to such conditions by dropping their leaves. In addition to providing perfect conditions for fungal diseases, moist weather also stresses olive trees by restricting oxygen to the
Harvesting Lavender Oils
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) is revered for its medicinal properties and for its aromatic fragrance. It is used in many products ranging from candles to aromatherapy oil. Lavender's name comes from the Latin root lavare, which means "to wash," which may be because it was used in baths to purify
Parts of a Lotus Flower
The lotus flower has long been an important symbol in the Buddhist tradition, signifying progress of the soul, purity and loveliness. Lotus flowers are very complex, aquatic blooms that grow from rhizomes under the water.
Apple Tree Diseases and Scabs
Apple scab is one of several diseases that can plague apple trees. These diseases can attack an apple tree, causing it to lose its leaves and weakening the tree as a whole. To control diseases, first identify the problem, then implement a consistent plan to control the problem.
Climbing Rose With Yellow Leaves
Climbing roses with yellowing leaves may be exhibiting the first signs of an aphid infestation. Aphids cause rose leaves to yellow, curl, distort and defoliate. Unfortunately, a heavily infested climbing rose plant can decline in health or die when the aphid infestation goes untreated. It is imperat
How to Kill Bagworms on a Cedar Tree
Bagworms are white larva that eat the needles of many evergreen tree species, including the cedar. Most infestations begin in the late spring or early summer, but they are only noticed once the worms construct bags that hang down from the branches. They lay up to 800 eggs in each bag that later hatc
Information on Pennsylvania Perennials
One of the benefits of planting perennials is that you can have your favorite plants and flowers return year after year. Pennsylvania, which falls into USDA hardiness zones 5 and 6, can support numerous perennial flowers and plants that return annually to provide color and texture to your garden.
Arborvitae Tree Diseases
The arborvitae is a cold-loving evergreen that thrives mostly in the cooler northern states of the U.S. This member of the cypress family produces soft, rich-green needle foliage that grows into a dense canopy. It is a vigorous grower that grows well in moist, well-drained soil environments that pro
Types of Hoya Plants
Hoya plants are climbing evergreen vines and shrubs originating from tropical regions of southern Asia, Australia and Polynesia, usually grown as houseplants in the U.S. Belonging to the family Asclepiadaceae, the genus hoya has 300 plant species, though Hoya carnosa is the predominate species that
How to Prevent a Powdery Mildew in Your Garden
Powdery mildew is a common plant disease in the garden that causes everything from cosmetic damage to total crop loss. The mildew is a fungus that needs a host plant to grow, and is already present in the surrounding environment of most gardens. Proper planning and effective techniques can prevent o
How to Plant Tree Seedlings
Tree seedlings can be planted in grow pots until they are saplings (aged one year or more) at which point they can be planted directly into soil in areas that are not prone to frost or animal grazing. Depending upon your climate, the desirability of your particular varietal of seedling to animals an
Support Systems for Apple Trees
Properly maintained apple trees yield high levels of fruit production.three red apples in the apple tree image by Jo?¡êo Freitas from Fotolia.comMany apple producers are replacing orchards of large apple trees with smaller trees planted at closer spacings, according to the Cornell...