Are Bell Pepper Lobes An Indicator Of Pepper Plant Gender And Seed Production?

By Nikki Phipps (Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden) You’ve likely seen or heard the claim floating around social media that one can tell the gender of a bell pepper, or which has more seeds, by the number of lobes or bumps, along the bottom of the fruit. The idea of this sparked in me some curiosity, naturally, so I decided to find out for myself if this is true or not (since to my knowledge in the gardening field, I have never heard of any specific gender associated with these plants). Here’s what I found. Pepper Gender Myth It is believed that the number of bell pepper lobes has something to do with its sex (gender). Females supposedly have four lobes, are full of seeds and sweeter tasting while males have three lobes and are less sweet. So is this a true indicator of pepper plant gender? Fact: It is

Read this article

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Prepper Moms

Written by Elizabeth on The Prepper Journal.

Editor’s Note: The following guest article has been generously contributed by Elizabeth.   This is an article for the kids. So I’m not all that big into Mother’s Day. I tell my kids that I’m perfectly o.k. with it if they’re nice to me on any given day of the year, they don’t have to wait […]

The post Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Prepper Moms appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Heat And Drought Tolerant Perennials: What Are Some Drought Tolerant Plants With Color

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Water is in short supply across much of the country, and responsible gardening means making the best use of available resources. Fortunately, all it takes is a little advance planning to grow a beautiful garden with a variety of plants, including low maintenance, drought resistant perennials. Read on for a few ideas to inspire you. Heat and Drought Tolerant Plants with Color Selecting drought tolerant plants with color isn’t as difficult as you might think. Here are some popular perennials that will add a pop of color while handling the heat of sun and drought-like conditions: Salvia (Salvia spp.) is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant greatly loved by butterflies and hummingbirds. This low-maintenance cousin to kitchen sage displays tall spikes of tiny white, pink, violet, red and blue flowers. Most varieties are suitable for USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 10, although some

Read this article

Hanging Support For Tomatoes – How To String Up Tomato Plants Overhead

By Amy Grant Gardeners who grow tomatoes, which I venture to state is most of us, know that tomatoes need some type of support as they grow. Most of us use a tomato cage or single pole trellis to support the plant as it grows and fruits. However, there is another new method, a vertical trellis for tomato plants. Intrigued? The question is how to make a tomato trellis? Why String Up Tomato Plants? So, the idea behind a trellis for tomato plants is simply to train the plant to grow vertically. What are the benefits? Trellising or building a hanging support for tomatoes maximizes production space. In other words, it allows you to produce more fruit per square foot. This method also keeps the fruit off the ground, keeping it clean but, more importantly, reducing any chance of soil borne disease. Lastly, having a hanging support for tomatoes allows

Read this article

Guatemala Rhubarb – Tips For Growing Coral Plants

By Bonnie L. Grant Jatroha multifida is a hardy plant that thrives in nearly any lighting condition and grows like a weed. What is Jatropha multifida? The plant is grown for its huge, delicate leaves and brilliantly colored blooms. Sadly, this plant is tropical and suitable for United States Department of Agriculture zones 10 to 12 only. Those of us in the cooler zones can try growing coral plants as annuals during the summer. What is Jatropha Multifida? Jatropha multifida is also called Guatemala rhubarb and, more commonly, coral plant. It is a showy ornamental plant in the Euphorbia family. Like all members of the family, Jatropha exudes latex sap, which is milky to opaque. Growing coral plants requires little fussing. They are vigorous plants that can grow 6 to 10 feet tall and up to 20 feet in their native habitat. This is a frost sensitive specimen which can

Read this article

may garden chores

REMEMBER, amid the frenzy: There is nothing wrong that some good-quality mulch won’t improve visually (while helping build soil beneath [read more…]

The post may garden chores appeared first on A Way To Garden.

In the Kitchen with Blue Apron

Meal planning is one of those ongoing things that we have to do in life. Eating and planning meals is a daily event for all of us.

It's not often that I have my mom and dad over to eat. My dad is a little picky and he is so used to my mom's food and cooking habits that he doesn't really like to eat out of the ordinary food all that much. We chuckle over this in our family, because we know how dad is. He's not one for new things. He adores my mom's cooking and that's where he would rather eat most all the time. Of course, she on the other hand, would like a break occasionally. My sister and I try to go over there about once a week to have lunch with them. They love that, of course and we do too. Mom has always cooked a big meal at lunch time and continues to cook meals for them every day. Cooking has always been her thing.

The post In the Kitchen with Blue Apron appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Controlling Rose Pests: Tips For Managing Rose Curculio Weevils

By Stan V. (Stan the Roseman) Griep American Rose Society Certified Consulting Rosarian – Rocky Mountain District We are taking a look at one of the bad guy insects in the rose beds here, the rose curculio or rose weevil (Merhynchites bicolor). This little menace is a dark reddish and black weevil with a distinctive long snout on its head. The rose curculio is about 1/4 inch (5-6 mm) in length and its long snout is used for drilling into and feeding on flower buds. Yellow, light pink and white colored roses seem to be its preference to feed upon. Rose Curculio Damage If your rose blooms have petals that look a bit like Swiss cheese, have young buds that have failed to open and are dried up, or have stems that are broken just below the bud, it is likely that you have been visited by rose curculio weevils.

Read this article

Best Drought Tolerant Ground Covers: Heat Loving Ground Cover Plants For Gardens

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Drought is a major concern for gardeners across much of the country. However, it’s very possible to grow a gorgeous, water-wise garden. You can find drought tolerant plants for nearly any situation, including heat-loving ground cover plants and ground covers that withstand drought. Read on for tips and information about a few of the best drought tolerant ground covers. Selecting the Best Drought Tolerant Ground Covers The best drought tolerant ground covers share several common characteristics. For example, drought-tolerant plants often have small or narrow leaves with a smaller surface area and reduced moisture loss. Similarly, plants with leaves that are waxy, curled or deeply veined retain moisture. Many drought tolerant plants are covered with fine grey or white hairs, which help the plant reflect heat. Drought Tolerant Ground Covers for Shade Keep in mind that even shade-loving plants need some

Read this article

Normalcy Bias: It’s All in Your Head

Human bodies don’t normally fly through the air, and I didn’t expect a real life lesson in normalcy bias, but last year that’s exactly what I witnessed while waiting for a red light to turn green. I was sitting in Read More

The post Normalcy Bias: It’s All in Your Head by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Summer On a Plate: 13 Light, Delicious Recipes

A morning smoothie greets me just about every day. I love combining fruit, almond milk, nuts, cottage cheese (yep! It blends up great!), and other flavors. I never quite know what my final result will be. I want to share Read More

The post Summer On a Plate: 13 Light, Delicious Recipes by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

self-sowns and overgrowns: use-what-you’ve-got gardening

I KEEP SAYING: Eliminate the polka-dot look of onesies by repeating the best plants. Happily that doesn’t always mean big [read more…]

The post self-sowns and overgrowns: use-what-you’ve-got gardening appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Fashion over 50: Casual Pants & Tops

If you haven't figured out how I share these fashion posts, it's really whatever I'm putting on from week to week that I end up sharing here with y'all. Many days I don't get dressed up that much, so when I do, I take pics and here you go....Fashion over 50! I usually am going out on the weekends, from dates, to getting together with girlfriends to family activities. My summer clothes rotate between casual jeans and pants and all the different tops I have in my closet, so it's fun to mix things up and use different tops and jackets together that I haven't done before.

The post Fashion over 50: Casual Pants & Tops appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Drought Tolerant Ornamental Grasses: Is There An Ornamental Grass That Resists Drought

By Bonnie L. Grant Ornamental grasses are often considered to be drought tolerant. This is true in many cases, but not all these magnificent plants can survive severe drought. Even well-established cool-season grasses will need supplemental water, but some of the warm-season grasses are better suited to the dry conditions of summer and certain regions. There are several drought tolerant ornamental grasses that will perform well and grace your landscape with airy elegance. Is There an Ornamental Grass That Resists Drought? The gentle sway and seductive whisper of sound that ornamental grasses afford the landscape are balms to the soul. Heat-loving ornamental grasses have particular value in hot climates. These water-saving plants are easy to maintain and generally tolerant of dry soils. Choosing the right ornamental grass for arid conditions is important. Nothing is more fruitless than purchasing an elegant grass for its drought tolerance only to find it failing

Read this article

Japanese Aucuba Propagation – How To Root Aucuba Cuttings

By Jackie Carroll Aucuba is a lovely shrub that seems to almost glitter in the shade. Propagating aucuba cuttings is a snap. In fact, aucuba is one of the easiest plants to grow from cuttings. It roots readily in rooting medium or a jar of water, and you won’t need rooting hormones or an expensive misting system. If you’ve never rooted shrub cuttings before, aucuba makes a great “starter” plant. Read on for more Japanese aucuba propagation information. Japanese Aucuba Propagation You can take aucuba cuttings almost any time of year, but you’ll get the best results from the fast-growing stem tips cut in spring or from semi-ripe stems cut in summer. Cut 4-inch tips early in the day, before the sun has a chance to dry them out. Stick the cut stems in rooting medium or water following the directions below as soon as possible. If you can’t get

Read this article

Harvesting Oranges: Learn When And How To Pick An Orange

By Amy Grant Oranges are easy to pluck from the tree; the trick is to know when to harvest an orange. If you have ever purchased oranges from the local grocers, you are well aware that a uniform orange color is not necessarily an indicator of a delicious, juicy orange – the fruit is sometimes dyed, which makes things confusing. Anyway, the same rule of thumb goes when harvesting oranges; color is not always a determining factor. When to Harvest an Orange Times for harvesting oranges vary depending upon the variety. Picking oranges may occur any time from as early as March to as late as December or January. It is helpful to know what variety of orange you have to determine the right time for picking oranges. To be more specific, these tips should help: Navel oranges are ready for harvest from November to June. Valencia oranges are ready

Read this article

18 Brilliant Home Organization Tips: The Struggle Continues!

Yes, it sounds like the title of a National Geographic documentary, delving into the plight of some animal near extinction. Is your dream of home organization near extinction? I understand. There are days you may want to be on the endangered Read More

The post 18 Brilliant Home Organization Tips: The Struggle Continues! by Erin Foster appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

How Much Cash Should You Have If the Grid Goes Down?

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

It is the final backup plan for a lot of us in the case of a disaster. A generous supply of cold hard cash to buy our way out of trouble, pick up as many last-minute supplies as possible or to acquire resources that are unavailable to anyone with a credit card in a world […]

The post How Much Cash Should You Have If the Grid Goes Down? appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Worm Bin Escape: Preventing Worms From Escaping Vermicompost

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Vermicompost (worm compost) is an interesting project, and if things go as planned, the finished product is a nutrient-rich, all-natural fertilizer that will do wonders for your vegetable garden, flowers or houseplants. Worm composting isn’t difficult, but preventing worms from escaping from the bins often presents a challenge to people who are new to worm-farming. If only a few worms are trying to escape, it really isn’t a big deal, especially if your bin is brand new. However, if you’re seeing a worm bin escape of exodus proportions, it’s important to get a handle on the situation in a hurry. Preventing Worms from Escaping If your worms are trying to escape, the first order of business is to check for certain environmental problems that are common problems in worm bins. It’s possible that the worms aren’t comfortable in their new digs.

Read this article

Painting Shelves and Bookshelf

When I shared my newly painted Ballard shelves and the yardsale bookcase's 2nd renovation, I mentioned that I was using a new paint on them. It was a fun project to complete, so I'll share that process with you.

The post Painting Shelves and Bookshelf appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

doodle by andre: horny birds

AS I HAVE MENTIONED: Forget about Angry Birds; my yard is full of Horny Birds this spring. And when I [read more…]

The post doodle by andre: horny birds appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Partridge Flower Info: Growing Partridge Feather Flowers

By Amy Grant If you are looking for a ground cover or rockery plant with contrasting color and unique texture, look no further than partridge feather ground cover. What types of partridge flower info do you need to know to successfully grow partridge feather flowers? Read on to find out. Partridge Flower Info Interestingly, partridge feather ground cover (Tanacetum densum) was introduced to the U.S. from Southeastern Turkey in the 1950’s but for some reason no one thought to name the plant ‘turkey feather.’ Regardless, the use of the term ‘feather’ is definitely apt. The leaves of the partridge plant look very much like fuzzy, silvery feathers. An evergreen, the plant might, and more appropriately, be referred to as a low-growing shrub, albeit a very short one. Leaves are 3 inches long and of a soft, wooly texture delicately notched much like feathers. Forming a mounding habit, this perennial has

Read this article

Best Drought Tolerant Annuals: Choosing Drought Tolerant Annuals For Containers & Gardens

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener As drought conditions worsen across much of the country, it’s time to pay close attention to water usage in our homes and gardens. However, if you think the drought is going to dry up your hopes of a beautiful garden filled with colorful annuals, don’t worry. Read on for tips and information about a few of the best drought tolerant annuals. Characteristics of the Best Drought Tolerant Annuals Annuals are plants that live for only one growing season. Generally, flowering annuals bloom all summer, then set seed before they die when the weather turns cold in autumn. The best drought tolerant annuals tend to have smaller leaves, which minimize moisture evaporation. The leaves may be waxy to retain moisture, or they may be covered with silvery or white hairs to reflect light. Drought-tolerant annuals often have long roots so they can

Read this article

What Is A Sandbox Tree: Information About Sandbox Tree Exploding Seeds

By Jackie Carroll Considered one of the most dangerous plants in the world, the sandbox tree isn’t suitable for home landscapes, or any landscape actually. That being said, it is an interesting plant and one that deserves understanding. Read on to learn more about this deadly, but intriguing, tree. What Is a Sandbox Tree? A member of the spurge family, the sandbox tree (Hura crepitans) grows 90 to 130 feet tall in its native environment. You can easily recognize the tree by its gray bark covered with cone-shaped spikes. The tree has distinctly different male and female flowers. Once fertilized, the female flowers produce the pods containing the sandbox tree’s exploding seeds. Sandbox tree fruit looks like little pumpkins, but once they dry into seed capsules, they become ticking time bombs. When fully mature, they explode with a loud bang and fling their hard, flattened seeds at speeds of up

Read this article

Tundra Gardening Information: Can You Grow Plants In The Tundra

By Bonnie L. Grant The tundra climate is one of the harshest growing biomes in existence. It is characterized by open spaces, drying wind, cold temperatures and low nutrients. Tundra plants must be adaptable, vigorous and tough to survive these conditions. Native northern plants are good choices for a garden in tundra type conditions. These plants are already adapted to the harsh, barren climate and short tundra growing season, so they will thrive without special interference. Read on to learn more. About the Tundra Growing Season Northern gardeners may find special challenges finding landscape plants that can exist in a tundra climate. Growing tundra plants enhances the landscape while providing foolproof greenery and diversity that will flourish without constant babying and special attention in such conditions. Some suggested tundra gardening information might include: Evergreen shrubs like rhododendron Native sedges like cotton grass Low-growing plants in forms akin to heath or

Read this article

Smart and Effective Ways to Teach Children about Preparedness and Survival

Written by Julie Ellis on The Prepper Journal.

Editor’s Note: This post was generously contributed by Julie Ellis. Teaching children to care about and understand the need for disaster preparedness and the development of survival skills is a complex task. First, one must maintain an understanding of the emotional maturity, attention span, and worldly understanding of the child with whom they are dealing. […]

The post Smart and Effective Ways to Teach Children about Preparedness and Survival appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Dogwood Leaf Drop: Reasons Why Leaves Are Falling Off Dogwood

By Bonnie L. Grant There are any number of diseases and pests that can stress your dogwood and cause dogwood leaf drop. It is normal to see leaves falling in autumn but you should not see a dogwood tree dropping leaves in summer. When leaves are falling off dogwood in summer, it could mean a serious illness, improper siting or cultivation problems. Let’s examine proper cultivation and conditions for the trees and see what can be done about treating a diseased dogwood. Why Leaves are Falling Off Dogwood? Dogwoods are elegant, beautiful ornamental trees with several seasonal displays. Their oval to heart-shaped leaves deepen to crimson and orange in fall. The green leaves add charm and movement during the growing season and set a perfect backdrop for the bright flowerlike bracts. Dogwood leaf drop is not only an unsightly problem but it can spell doom for a plant due to

Read this article

Iron Deficiency Of Roses: Iron Deficiency Symptoms In Rose Bushes

By Stan V. (Stan the Roseman) Griep American Rose Society Certified Consulting Rosarian – Rocky Mountain District, Denver Rose Society Member – Stan’s website: https://rosemanstansblog.wordpress.com/ Rose bushes need some iron in their diet to help them remain in good health. The iron in their diet is just one of the keys to good nutrient balance that helps “unlock” other nutrients so that the plant can best use them to be stronger and more resistant to disease attacks. Let’s take a look at iron deficiency of roses. About Rose Plant Iron Deficiencies What does iron do for the overall rose bush you may ask? Iron aids in chlorophyll formation and activates other enzymes, which help activate nitrogen used by the bush. In other words, iron helps promote that nice dark green foliage that is one of the signs of happy, healthy rose bushes or other plants in our gardens. It is rare

Read this article

Drought Tolerant Herbs: How To Grow Drought Hardy Herbs

By Amy Grant Scientists assure us that the earth is just going to keep getting warmer and all evidence seems to clarify this point. With this in mind, many gardeners are looking for solutions to minimize water usage by seeking out plants that thrive with less irrigation. Growing a drought tolerant herb garden is an ideal partnership. How to grow drought hardy herbs and which culinary herbs resist drought? Read on to learn more. How to Grow Drought Hardy Herbs The good news about growing drought tolerant herb gardens is that many herbs hail from the Mediterranean, a region of inhospitable, rocky land that is hot and dry. Over time these plants have evolved into sturdy heat lovers that require minimal irrigation for survival. Additionally, herbs require no fertilization, especially if the garden plot has been properly prepared prior to planting, making them the perfect useful, yet unfussy, choice for

Read this article

New and Improved Living Room Inspiration!

Sometimes it takes trial and error and time to get a room where we want it to be. Rooms are not built overnight, are they?

After sharing that I was doing a major revamp in my living room, I'm happy to say it's finally finished (for now!). When I posted the changes I was making a few weeks ago, I got some pretty strong opinions on my living room and when I read that feedback, it was just the kick in the pants I needed to take a good look at my room. I realized that I did need to move some furniture around and make some much needed changes. I made decisions when I moved in the house on which pieces of furniture to place where and it was time to rethink all of that.

Getting new windows in the downstairs den also prompted some moving of furniture and I switched a couple of pieces from those 2 rooms. The result is a much more cohesive living room and den and I'm excited to share the end result of the living room.

The post New and Improved Living Room Inspiration! appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Mason Jar Soil Test – Tips For Taking A Soil Texture Jar Test

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Many gardeners don’t know much about the texture of their garden soil – which may be clay, silt, sand or a combination. However, a little basic info about the texture of your garden soil can help you determine how the soil absorbs water and if it needs some help by way of compost, mulch, manure or other soil amendments. Figuring out your particular soil type isn’t as complicated as you might think and it requires no expensive lab tests. You can implement DIY soil testing very easily by using a jar test to measure soil texture. Let’s learn more about this type of soil texture jar test. How to Test Soil Using a Mason Jar In simple terms, soil texture refers to the size of the soil particles. For example, large soil particles indicate sandy soil, while clay is made of

Read this article

a plant i’d order: darmera peltata, a shady western native

SOON DARMERA PELTATA will send up its big green umbrella-like leaves, but on recent April days when I needed a [read more…]

The post a plant i’d order: darmera peltata, a shady western native appeared first on A Way To Garden.

the tick-borne disease equation, with dr. rick ostfeld of cary institute

KNOW THY ENEMY, right? But how much (beyond the general fear and loathing) do you actually know about ticks? For [read more…]

The post the tick-borne disease equation, with dr. rick ostfeld of cary institute appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Avocado Tree Cuttings: Tips For Avocado Propagating By Cuttings

By Amy Grant I’m betting that many of us as children, started, or tried to start, an avocado tree from a pit. While this is a fun project, with this method you may very well get a tree but probably not fruit. Folks that definitely want fruit usually buy a grafted avocado sapling, but did you know growing avocado trees from cuttings is also possible? It’s true, the questions is, how to propagate a cutting from avocado trees? Growing Avocado Trees from Cuttings Avocados can be propagated by planting seeds, rooting avocado cuttings, layering and grafting. Avocados do not produce true to the seed. Avocado propagating by cuttings is a more certain method, as propagating a new tree from avocado tree cuttings results in a clone of the parent tree. Sure, you can go purchase an avocado sapling, but avocado propagating by cuttings is certainly less expensive and a fun

Read this article

Mentzelia Plant Info – Learn About Blazing Star Plants And Care

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener What is Mentzelia blazing star? This blazing star (not to be confused with Liatris blazing star) is a showy annual with fragrant, star-shaped blooms that open in evening. The satiny, sweet-smelling flowers will bloom profusely from mid spring to early autumn. Read on for more information about blazing star flowers and how to grow them. Mentzelia Plant Info Mentzelia wildflowers (Mentzelia lindleyi) grow in open, sunny areas, primarily sagebrush-steppe, mountain brush and dry, rocky areas in several western states. Blazing star plants are found east of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon and Washington, and in California, Arizona and New Mexico, among others. This tough, adaptable plant grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 10. Blazing star plant is also known as stickleaf, a well-deserved nickname for the barbed stem hairs that don’t hurt but adhere to socks, pants and sleeves

Read this article

Care Of Sneezeweed: Tips For Growing Sneezeweed Wildflowers

By Jackie Carroll Many of our prettiest garden plants bear the stigma of having the word “weed” included in their name. Sneezeweed was hit with a double whammy by having the word “weed” combined with a reference to spring allergies and hayfever. Fortunately, sneezeweed is not a weed, and a garden full of blooming sneezeweed won’t make you sneeze. Let’s learn more about sneezeweed uses in the garden. What is Sneezeweed? Sneezeweed plants (Helenium autumnale) produce pretty little daisy-like flowers, sometimes in shades of pale yellow and sometimes in rich, autumn shades such as gold and reddish-brown. The flowers cover 3- to 5-foot tall mounds of foliage for about three months in the fall. Aside from the name, sneezeweed’s reputation suffers from the fact that it blooms at the same time as some of our worst fall allergy plants. This makes it hard to determine the exact source of allergy

Read this article

Urn Shaped Gentian: Where Does Urn Gentian Grow

By Bonnie L. Grant Gentiana urnula seems to be a plant with a hidden history. What is urn gentian and where does urn gentian grow? While plenty of pictures abound on the internet, there is little information to be gleaned. The layered plated leaves and low growth habit of the little plant makes it an interesting stand out for succulent collectors. Urn shaped gentian is native to Tibet and has very traditional succulent and cacti needs. If you can find one, you should add it to your collection! What is Urn Gentian? It is common in botany for a plant to have several scientific and common names. This is due to new classification systems and streams of information, as well as regional preferences. Gentiana urnula has been referred to as starfish succulent plant, but this name actually seems to belong to a cactus, Stapelia grandiflora – otherwise known as starfish

Read this article

Defeating Looters: Podcast Interview on Modern Combat & Survival

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

I was honored to be invited to share my thoughts with Jeff Anderson of Modern Combat and Survival on his podcast this week to discuss a topic that is near and dear to many preppers out there. When it all starts to go sideways and the worst comes out in people…What are the best strategies […]

The post Defeating Looters: Podcast Interview on Modern Combat & Survival appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Campfire Cooking: A Skill to Practice Now!

I’d be willing to bet that most of you reading this have at least made s’mores, perhaps even heated up a hot dog or two, around a campfire. Fun stuff, no doubt about it. But, there’s a whole lot more Read More

The post Campfire Cooking: A Skill to Practice Now! by Jim Cobb appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Drought Tolerant Lawn Grass: Is There A Drought Tolerant Grass For Lawns

By Bonnie L. Grant Water conservation is the responsibility of every citizen, not just in areas with drought or low moisture conditions. Turf lawns are one of the main water-sucking plants in the garden. That green expanse of lawn requires regular moisture, especially in the dry season. Drought resistant grass is an option, but there is no truly drought tolerant grass for lawns. You can make a selection that requires less water than other species or you can choose to use a substitute for grass such as a ground cover, moss or even stepping stones. Drought Tolerant Grass Varieties Finding a drought resistant grass type is not as difficult as it used to be. Tighter water restrictions in moisture deficient municipalities have made using drought tolerant lawn grass or alternatives to turf lawns a priority. Fortunately, breeding and technology have come to our rescue and you can now install a

Read this article

Rooting Rose Cuttings: Can You Grow Rose Cuttings In A Potato

By Stan V. (Stan the Roseman) Griep American Rose Society Certified Consulting Rosarian – Rocky Mountain District, Denver Rose Society Member – Stan’s website: https://rosemanstansblog.wordpress.com/ Propagating or rooting rose cuttings to make more of the rose bushes we love using potatoes took to the internet a while back. I personally have never tried using potatoes but may well do so at some point. So, can you grow rose cuttings in a potato? There is some merit to the thought process of keeping the cutting moist as we attempt to get the rose bush cane cutting to take root. I have read about many different forms of propagation over my years growing roses on the farm and now in the city. And I must admit that using rose bush cuttings in potatoes is intriguing. Propagating with Rose Cuttings To me there are some steps that one must take to have the

Read this article

Planting A Pumpkin On A Trellis: Tips On How To Make A Pumpkin Trellis

By Amy Grant If you have ever grown pumpkins, or for that matter been to a pumpkin patch, you are well aware that pumpkins are gluttons for space. For this very reason, I have never tried to grow my own pumpkins since our vegetable garden space is limited. A possible solution to this dilemma might be to try growing pumpkins vertically. Is it possible? Can pumpkins grow on trellises? Let’s learn more. Can Pumpkins Grow on Trellises? Oh yes, my fellow gardener, planting a pumpkin on a trellis is not an inane proposal. In fact, vertical gardening is a burgeoning gardening technique. With urban sprawl comes less space in general with more and more compact housing, meaning tiny gardening spaces. For less than ample garden plots, vertical gardening is the answer. Growing pumpkins vertically (as well as other crops) also improves air circulation which impedes disease and allows for easy

Read this article

What Is Self-Fruitful In Gardens: Learn About Self-Pollinating Fruit

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Nearly all fruit trees require pollination in the form of either cross-pollination or self-pollination in order to produce fruit. Understanding the difference between the two very different processes will help you plan before you plant fruit trees in your garden. If you have space for only one fruit tree, a cross-pollinating, self-fruitful tree is the answer. How Does Self-Pollination of Fruit Trees Work? Most fruit trees must be cross pollinated, which requires at least one tree of a different variety located within 50 feet. Pollination occurs when bees, insects or birds transfer pollen from the male part (anther) of a blossom on one tree to the female part of the blossom (stigma) on another tree. Trees that require a cross pollinator include all types of apples and most sweet cherries, as well as some types of plums and some pears. If you’re wondering about

Read this article

Wood Sage Wildflowers: Growing Germander Wood Sage Plants

By Amy Grant There is a large genus of evergreen shrubs and sub shrubs known as Teucrium, whose members are low maintenance. Members of the Lamiaceae or mint family, which also includes lavender and salvia, wood sage plants, also referred to as American germander, are one such member. So, what other info about wood sage can we uncover and how to grow American germander? Info about Wood Sage Wood sage (Teucrium canadense) goes by many other names too, including Canadian germander, germander wood sage and wood sage wildflower. This germander is a perennial herb native to many areas of North America. Wood sage plants form a low creeping ground cover that is native to the United States. Growing germander wood sage can often be found in shaded to partially shaded, moist areas such as along stream banks, lake shores, marshes, prairies, ditches and pastures. Wood sage wildflowers bloom pinkish purple in the

Read this article

Emergency Kit Necessities: Surviving a Disaster in the City

Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

Imagine a post-apocalyptic scenario in which you have access to all of the resources you could possibly need, but there are hundreds of thousands of other civilians battling for the same supplies; when the scenario is life or death, the potential havoc wreaked by the people could be as dangerous as the disaster itself and […]

The post Emergency Kit Necessities: Surviving a Disaster in the City appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Feature Friday: HGTV Smart Home: Austin, TX

It has been my pleasure to visit several HGTV homes over the course of my time blogging and this might be the 4th one I've visited in person. The team that does these homes is amazing and I always come away with a new appreciate for design elements and new innovative ideas that you don't see everywhere else. From the Dream home to the Smart home, HGTV's design team always knocks it out of the park.

It was a real treat to get to visit the HGTV Smart home in Austin, TX a couple of weeks ago. I do have to pinch myself sometimes when I get to do fun trips like this and experience meeting so many great people. This HGTV Smart home will be another giveaway project, so be sure to sign up for that (twice a day)! Dubbed the Modern Farmhouse, the 2015 Smart home is quite impressive. You can read all about the behind the scenes of this Smart home on that link too.

The post Feature Friday: HGTV Smart Home: Austin, TX appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Prepping Supplies?

You’ve heard it a million times, “Why spend money on prepping stuff you’ll never use?” Poor excuse! I use LOTS of the supplies initially purchased, “Just in case we’re out of power”, or “Just in case there’s a huge emergency.” Read More

The post Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Prepping Supplies? by Kris appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Planning an Edible Landscape

 Make the most out of your yard by creating an edible landscape. Every March, I am consumed with spring fever and can barely wait to get outdoors and turn my winter laden yard into a fairy tale garden. This year, Read More

The post Planning an Edible Landscape by Brandy Schau Dibert appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Jerusalem Artichoke Weeds: How To Control Jerusalem Artichokes

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Jerusalem artichoke looks much like a sunflower, but unlike the well-behaved summer-blooming annual, Jerusalem artichoke is an aggressive weed that creates big problems along roadsides and in pastures, fields, and home gardens. Jerusalem artichokes weeds are especially invasive along the West Coast and in the eastern United States. Is Jerusalem Artichoke Invasive? Although the sturdy underground tubers of Jerusalem artichoke are edible and highly nutritious, they make the plant extremely difficult to control. Each plant produces from 75 to 200 tubers in a single growing season, and each tuber is capable of sending out up to six shoots. It’s easy to understand how Jerusalem artichoke weeds create major headaches. How to Control Jerusalem Artichokes Jerusalem artichoke develops new shoots only on tubers formed the previous year. It may seem logical that Jerusalem artichoke weeds should be easily controlled by simply digging

Read this article

How Many Off-Grid Cooking Methods Do You Have?

When you buy, or otherwise acquire, preparedness supplies, do you practice with them or are you a prep hoarder? I think I’ve been guilty of both, especially with off-grid cooking methods. Maybe you know what I mean. Preppers are notorious Read More

The post How Many Off-Grid Cooking Methods Do You Have? by AndreaUrban appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Skills Might Not Always be Better than Stuff

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

In the Prepping community there are some topics that draw familiar responses from people of all walks of life. Naturally I am guilty of throwing out my own clichéd responses to these core concepts from time to time – hopefully with enough of my own opinion in there, also hopefully unique enough to warrant someone […]

The post Skills Might Not Always be Better than Stuff appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Window Covering Choices

Back in 2012, when I finished my house renovation and moved in (finally), one of the decisions I was pondering back then was what kind of blinds or shades to put on my windows for privacy and sun control. It wasn't a hard choice for me, because I fell in love with bamboo Roman shades and knew that the texture and color would enhance my casual, but traditional style home.

Back 30 years ago when I moved in my very first house, there were limited choices on shades and blinds. We all remember the dreaded mini-blinds, don't we? That is exactly what I put in my first house, but thankfully the choices have broadened significantly since then.

The post Window Covering Choices appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Using Alcohol For Forced Bulbs – Keeping Amaryllis, Paperwhite and Other Bulbs Upright

By Bonnie L. Grant Waiting for spring can make even the most patient gardener antsy and anguished. Forcing bulbs is a great way to bring some early spring cheer and brighten the home interior. Forcing bulbs in alcohol is a trick for preventing floppy paperwhites and any other leggy stemmed bulb from falling over. What is the link between booze and bulbs? Read on to find out how a little distilled alcohol can help your long-stemmed flower bulbs. Alcohol and Bulbs Homo sapiens aren’t the only life form that enjoys a tipple or two. Strangely, bulbs appear to produce shorter, but sturdier, stems when given a nip of vodka or even rum or gin. Keeping those leggy paperwhite bulbs upright might be as simple as getting out the shot glass. The science behind the trick is actually so basic even a garden writer can explain the benefits. Keeping amaryllis from flopping over

Read this article

Drought Resistant Vegetables: Growing Drought Tolerant Vegetables In Gardens

By Amy Grant Scientists are calling for increasingly warm, dry conditions around the globe. Faced with that certainty, many gardeners are looking at methods of conserving water or looking for drought resistant vegetables, varieties that have evolved into growing in hot and dry realms. What types of drought tolerant vegetables work best in a low water garden and what are some other tips for growing low water vegetables? Tips for Growing Low Water Vegetables While there are a number of drought tolerant vegetables varieties available, without some planning, extreme drought and heat will kill even the hardiest. Planting at the correct time is crucial. Sow the seeds earlier in the spring to take advantage of the warm weather and jump start the growing season, or plant later in the fall to minimize the use of irrigation and use the seasonal rains to your advantage. Add a 3- to 4-inch layer

Read this article

Fashion over 50: White Jeans

So, before I get started on today's fashion post, I have to comment on the Target Lilly Pulitzer fiasco! Well, let me clarify that. From Target's perspective it was a huge success and probably not considered a fiasco. But, to their shoppers it sure was!

Did any of you go to Target this past Sunday to check out and possibly buy something from Lilly? I'll admit that I was intrigued when I heard about the collaboration with Lilly Pulitzer and Target and since I love bright colors and summer outfits, I checked out the collection online that morning before I left for church. I saw a few things I wanted to check out. I never dreamed that it was already sold out!

The post Fashion over 50: White Jeans appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Celebrating During Crises

My family lived in Northern Alabama and experienced the April 2011 Tornado Outbreak. We saw one of the tornadoes from our front window. I worked clean up and recovery after the storms and the damage and loss was devastating for Read More

The post Celebrating During Crises by Amy Van Riper appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Prunus Spinosa Care: Tips For Growing A Blackthorn Tree

By Amy Grant Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) is a berry producing tree native to Great Britain and throughout most of Europe, from Scandinavia south and east to the Mediterranean, Siberia and Iran. With such an extensive habitat, there must be some innovative uses for blackthorn berries and other interesting tidbits of information about blackthorn plants. Let’s read on to find out. Information about Blackthorn Plants Blackthorns are small, deciduous trees also referred to as ‘sloe.’ They grow in scrubs, thickets and woodlands in the wild. In the landscape, hedges are the most common use for growing blackthorn trees. A growing blackthorn tree is spiny and densely limbed. It has smooth, dark brown bark with straight side shoots that become thorned. The leaves are wrinkled, serrated ovals that are pointed at the tip and tapered at the base. They may live for up to 100 years. Blackthorn trees are hermaphrodites, having both male

Read this article

Hornbeam Varieties For Landscapes: Hornbeam Care And Growing Info

By Jackie Carroll A lovely shade tree suitable for most settings, American hornbeams are compact trees that fit the scale of the average home landscape perfectly. The hornbeam tree info in this article will help you decide whether the tree is right for you, and tell you how to care for it. Hornbeam Tree Info American hornbeams (Carpinus caroliniana) are small trees that serve many purposes in the home landscape. In the shade of other trees, they have an attractive, open shape, but in sunlight they have a tight, dense growth pattern. They provide top quality shade for both humans and wildlife. Birds and small mammals find shelter and nesting sites among the branches, and eat the fruit and nutlets that appear later in the year. The tree is an excellent choice for attracting wildlife, including some highly desirable songbirds and swallowtail butterflies. Additionally, children love hornbeams, which have strong, low-growing

Read this article

Is the U.S. Government Building the Terrorists they Need?

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

For a long time; I along with countless others who are better informed than me have wondered at the strange nature of our government actions upon the citizens they are supposed to represent and protect. If one didn’t know any better, it would seem that rather than being constituted to fight for the rights of […]

The post Is the U.S. Government Building the Terrorists they Need? appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

16 things i know about growing tomatoes

FROM THE FIRST SEED SOWN to the last fruit stashed in the freezer, homegrown tomatoes are a labor of love. [read more…]

The post 16 things i know about growing tomatoes appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Acacia Tree Care: Information About Acacia Tree Types

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Acacias are graceful trees that grow in warm climates such as Hawaii, Mexico and the southwestern United States. The foliage is typically bright green or bluish-green and the small blooms may be creamy white, pale yellow or bright yellow. Acacia may be evergreen or deciduous. Acacia Tree Facts Most acacia tree types are fast growers, but they usually live only 20 to 30 years. Many varieties are valued for their long roots which help stabilize the soil in areas threatened by erosion. The sturdy roots reach deep for underground water, which explains why the tree tolerates extreme drought conditions. Many types of acacia are protected by long, sharp thorns and an extremely unpleasant flavor that discourages animals from eating the leaves and bark. Acacia Tree and Ants Interestingly, stinging ants and acacia trees have a mutually beneficial relationship. Ants create cozy

Read this article

Fruit Tree Pruning: How And When To Prune Fruit Trees

By Bonnie L. Grant Timing and method of fruit tree pruning can enhance the amount and quality of your crop. Learning when to prune fruit trees will also create an open scaffold that is strong enough to bear all those beautiful fruits without breaking. Proper pruning methods and timing is the key to bountiful crops and healthy trees. Read on for some tips and techniques on fruit tree pruning. When to Prune Fruit Trees Most fruit trees don’t need pruning annually once they have been trained. Initial fruit tree pruning is important to help young trees produce thick stems and open canopies where light and air can enter and promote flowering, as well as reduce fungal and bacterial diseases. The best time for pruning fruit trees is at planting and, in subsequent years, in early spring before buds break and trees are still dormant. Pruning should be undertaken at planting

Read this article

14 springtime water-garden care tips

ALGAE—especially tenacious filamentous string algaes or blanket weed—can quickly turn a water garden into a battleground. I have been enjoying, [read more…]

The post 14 springtime water-garden care tips appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Segreto Style

Old world style is beautiful and I see many homes with old world charm and all the details that go along with that. I don't have that kind of home myself, but I can't help but be captivated by these traditional types of homes with molding, beautiful finishes, and more. Always classic, these stunning homes never go out of style.

Leslie Sinclair, with Segreto Finishes, who is one of my regular commenters here on the blog, is a blogger, decorative artist and she is a published author with 2 books that I'm sure are coveted in the design world as works of art. These coffee table books are stunning, drawing your eye in to all the lovely finished rooms and decorations. I'm sharing Leslie's books today. She sent these to me to check out and review and they are just lovely, beautiful books. And they weight a ton too, so hefty coffee table books, they are.

The post Segreto Style appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

How To Grow A Houseplant From The Top Of A Pineapple

In 2008, when I was working at a preschool, the lead teacher decided to grow a pineapple houseplant. She was leading a unit on plants and thought it would be neat to grow the top of a pineapple in the classroom. Read More

The post How To Grow A Houseplant From The Top Of A Pineapple by Beth Buck appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Ideas For Story Garden: How To Make Storybook Gardens For Kids

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Have you ever imagined creating a storybook garden? Remember the pathways, mysterious doorways and human-like flowers in Alice in Wonderland, or the lagoon in Make Way for Ducklings? How about Mr. McGregor’s whimsically orderly vegetable garden in Peter Rabbit, where stumps are miniature cottages for Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and Squirrel Nutkin? Don’t forget Hagrid’s Garden, which provided Harry Potter and Ron Weasley with ingredients for their magic potions. A Dr. Seuss garden theme provides a wealth of ideas with imaginary plants such as snick-berries and other oddities – like trees with crazy, twisty-turn trunks and colorful flowers atop spiral stems. And this is just a sampling of the storybook garden themes you could create. Read on to learn more. Ideas for Storybook Gardens Coming up with storybook garden themes isn’t as difficult as you might think. What were your favorite books as

Read this article

WROL Risks for Women: Are you Prepared?

Written by Elizabeth on The Prepper Journal.

Editor’s Note: The following guest article has been generously contributed by Elizabeth. Still small voice. It doesn’t take much imagination to conjure a world without rule of law: My youngest is being held hostage by a crazed band of self-proclaimed ‘Freedom Fighters for the Defense of God.’ Even though I’m hungry, dirty and have a screaming […]

The post WROL Risks for Women: Are you Prepared? appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Fruit Split Of Grapes: Reasons Why Grapes Are Cracking Open

By Amy Grant With excellent, outstanding weather conditions, adequate and consistent irrigation, and superior cultural conditions, the only thing home grape growers need worry about is how to get the grapes before the birds do! Unfortunately, this perfect trifeca doesn’t exist year after year, leading to the issue of grape berry cracking. What exactly are the causes of splitting grapes and what can be done to fix fruit split of grapes? Read on to learn more. What Causes Splitting Grapes? The exact cause of grapes that are cracking open is still under debate, but all camps seem to agree that it stems from irrigation, either an over abundance or lack thereof. While grapes will adapt to lower water conditions, yields will be reduced. Ideally, irrigation is essential for optimum production and quality of fruit. The timing of this irrigation is of primary importance. Grape skins that crack open may also be

Read this article

Peyote Plant Info: What You Should Know About Growing Peyote Cactus

By Bonnie L. Grant Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is a spineless cactus with a rich history of ritual use in the First Nation culture. In the United States the plant is illegal to cultivate or eat unless you are a member of the Native American Church. The plant is considered poisonous by U.S. officials but First Nations people use it as a sacrament and pathway to religious and personal enlightenment. While growing peyote is not allowed unless you are a member of the NAC, it is a fascinating plant with attributes worth learning about. There are, however, peyote plant look-a-likes you can grow at home that will satisfy your urge to cultivate this cute little cactus without breaking the law. What is the Peyote Cactus? Peyote cactus is a small plant native to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and northeastern Mexico. It has numerous psychoactive chemicals, chiefly mescaline, which is

Read this article

27 Important Things You Should Know About Saving Seeds

Saving seeds is both a science and an art. Here are 27 things I’ve learned about seed saving over the years. 1.  Saving seeds helps preserve the genetic material of the plant varieties we have. Within the last 100 years, Read More

The post 27 Important Things You Should Know About Saving Seeds by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Can You Grow A Rainbow Eucalyptus Tree?

By Jackie Carroll People fall in love with rainbow eucalyptus the first time they see it. Intense color and astringent fragrance make the tree unforgettable, but it’s not for everyone. Here are a few things you should know before you rush out to buy one of these outstanding beauties. Where Do Rainbow Eucalyptus Grow? Rainbow eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta) is the only eucalyptus tree indigenous to the northern hemisphere. It grows in the Philippines, New Guinea, and Indonesia where it thrives in tropical forests that get a lot of rain. The tree grows up to 250 feet tall in its native environment. In the U.S., rainbow eucalyptus grows in the frost-free climates found in Hawaii and the southern portions of California, Texas and Florida. It is suitable for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and higher. In the continental U.S., the tree only grows to heights of 100 to

Read this article

Caring For Chocolate Cosmos Plants: Growing Chocolate Cosmos Flowers

By Angi Schneider – author of The Gardening Notebook Chocolate isn’t just for the kitchen, it’s also for the garden – especially a chocolate one. Growing chocolate cosmos flowers will delight any chocolate lover. Read on to learn more about growing and caring for chocolate cosmos in the garden. Chocolate Cosmos Info Chocolate cosmos flowers (Cosmos atrosanguineus) are dark reddish brown, almost black, and have a chocolate scent. They are relatively easy to grow, make wonderful cut flowers and attract butterflies. Chocolate cosmos plants are often grown in containers and borders so their color and scent can be fully enjoyed. Chocolate cosmos plants, which are native to Mexico, can be grown outside as a perennial in hardiness zones 7 and above. It can also be grown outside as an annual, or in containers and overwintered inside in colder climates. Propagating Chocolate Cosmos Plants Unlike most other cosmos flowers, chocolate cosmos

Read this article

Cuphea Plant Info: Growing And Caring For Bat Faced Plants

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Native to Central America and Mexico, bat face cuphea plant (Cuphea llavea) is named for its interesting little bat-faced blooms of deep purple and bright red. The dense, bright green foliage provides a perfect backdrop for the masses of colorful, nectar-rich flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Bat face cuphea reaches mature heights of 18 to 24 inches with a spread of 12 to 18 inches. Read on for helpful information about growing a bat faced cuphea flower. Cuphea Plant Info Cuphea is perennial only in the warm climates of USDA plant hardiness zone 10 and above, but you can grow the plant as an annual if you live in a cooler climate. If you have a bright window, you may be able to bring the plant indoors for the winter. Growing a Bat Face Cuphea Flower The easiest way to

Read this article

Visiting Austin, TX

As a blogger, I get so many fun opportunities to travel. I've been on a couple of trips lately and both have been really great, so I can't wait to share it with y'all. The first trip a couple of weeks ago was Austin, TX. I have never been to Austin, so that was a fun little trip for me and a great experience. I had heard all about Austin for a long time and it was fun to see it in person. This was a short trip, so I didn't see a lot of things, but I think I got a feel for Austin in the short time I was there. We crammed in as much as we could in a day and 1/2.

I was invited by Preen (the garden company) to meet up with some folks who would be seeing the HGTV Smart home in Austin. That was a treat too, so I'll share that with you later this week. Preen was a sponsor of the house (exterior garden areas) and the house did not disappoint.

The post Visiting Austin, TX appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Good Plants For Dry Areas: Water Storing Features Of Desert Plants

By Bonnie L. Grant Desert gardeners have several challenges that don’t face the average landscaper. Designing a garden in arid zones can be a test of creativity combined with practicality. The benefits of drought tolerant plants encompass more than their water saving traits. Drought tolerant desert plants also have unique and wonderful adaptations while providing imaginative form and grace for easy care arid region gardening. Read on for some good plants for dry areas. Why Use Drought Tolerant Desert Plants? Every garden has its trials whether it is poor drainage, shady plots or heavy soils. The test for gardeners is to choose plants that will do well in the particular conditions of the landscape and still require minimal maintenance. The water-storing features of desert plants make them perfect for the arid garden. Using less water in dry regions saves money as well as that limited resource. It also means you

Read this article

how plants work, with linda chalker-scott

PLANTS ARE AMAZING. Why do rhododendron leaves curl in winter, or morning glory or bean vines wind cleverly around a [read more…]

The post how plants work, with linda chalker-scott appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Trimming Elderberry Plants: Learn About Pruning An Elderberry

By Amy Grant Elderberry is a large shrub to small tree native to eastern North America and produces edible, small-clustered berries. These berries are extremely tart, but are rendered sublime when cooked down with sugar in pies, syrups, jams, jellies, juices and even wine. If you have an elderberry in the home garden, elderberry pruning is a necessity. The question is how to prune elderberries correctly? Why Prune Elderberry Bush? Pruning of elderberries is important not only for the health aspect and overall appearance, but it’s necessary for ensuring the continual bearing of fruits. For the first 2-3 years of growth, let the elderberries grow wild with the exception of pruning out dead or damaged canes. Thereafter, prune elderberry bush regularly to make way for younger, vigorous canes. As the canes age, they lose their fruitfulness. How to Prune Elderberries Pruning an elderberry is a fairly simple task and should

Read this article

Cold Tolerance Of Avocado: Learn About Frost Tolerant Avocado Trees

By Amy Grant Avocados are native to tropical America but are grown in tropical to subtropical areas of the world. If you have a yen for growing your own avocados but don’t exactly live in a tropical clime, all is not lost! There are some types of cold hardy, frost tolerant avocado trees. Read on to learn more about them. About Cold Tolerant Avocado Trees Avocados have been cultivated in the tropical Americas since pre-Columbian times and were first brought to Florida in 1833 and California in 1856. Generally, the avocado tree is classified as an evergreen, although some varietals lose their leaves for a brief period prior to and during blooming. As mentioned, avocados thrive in warm temps and are, thus, cultivated along the southeast and southwest coast of Florida and southern California. If you are a lover of all things avocado and do not reside in these areas,

Read this article

Sprouting Seeds – An Essential Part of Your Food Storage Plan

Do you like sprouts? I had only ever eaten plain, long white mung bean sprouts from the grocery store and didn’t really care for them. Then I discovered home sprouting and the wide variety of seeds, beans, lentils and nuts Read More

The post Sprouting Seeds – An Essential Part of Your Food Storage Plan by Amy Van Riper appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Growing Dogtooth Violets: Learn About Dogtooth Violet Trout Lily

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Dogtooth violet trout lily (Erythronium albidum) is a perennial wildflower that grows in woodlands and mountain meadows. It is commonly found across much of the eastern United States. The nectar-rich little blooms are highly attractive to a variety of native bees. Removing wildflowers from their natural setting isn’t beneficial to the environment and usually isn’t successful. If you’re thinking about growing dogtooth violets in your garden, look for the bulbs or plants at nurseries that specialize in native plants. Once the plant is established in your garden, it is easily propagated by digging and replanting the offsets in late summer. What Does a Dogtooth Violet Look Like? Dogtooth violet isn’t a violet, and the drooping, lily-like blooms are actually white with a subtle, violet tint. The flowers, which bloom in early spring, open in morning and close in evening. Each flower

Read this article