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Learn how to water seeds properly, thereby maximizing the germination rate. Safely Watering Seeds Before planting seeds indoors in a seed tray, water the soil thoroughly so it’s moist, but not wet. Then plant the seeds according to the instructions that came with the seeds. You won’t have to water after they are planted, preventing seed movement. Create a mini greenhouse by covering the seed tray with a plastic tray or plastic wrap....

What are Boronias? Boronia is a member of the citrus family, filled with essential oils in the abundant flowers and foliage. It is sometimes called “scent leaf” because of the fragrance in the leaves. Fragrant, star-like blooms appear in spring and bloom through early summer, attracting pollinators and begging to come inside in your cut-flower arrangement. If you wish to add some of these to your arrangements, cut long stems early when they’re budding....

Plants, however, are more complex. The reproductive organs of plants can be found on separate male and female plants, or one plant can have both male and female parts. These male and female structures can be on separate flowers or flowers may also be hermaphroditic. What are hermaphrodite plants? Let’s learn more about plants that are hermaphrodites. Hermaphroditic Plant Info Flowers contain the reproductive organs of plants. The main function of the colorful flower petals that most gardeners are drawn to is to attract pollinators to the plant....

How Do Plants Fix Nitrogen? Nitrogen fixing plants don’t pull nitrogen from the air on their own. They actually need help from a common bacteria called Rhizobium. The bacteria infects legume plants such as peas and beans and uses the plant to help it draw nitrogen from the air. The bacteria converts this nitrogen gas and stores it in the roots of the plant. When the plant stores the nitrogen in the roots, it produces a lump on the root called a nitrogen nodule....

About Poet’s Daffodil Bulbs Poet’s daffodil plants (Narcissus poeticus) are native to Central Europe, but they have gained popularity with gardeners around the globe. The hardy plants thrive in nearly every corner of the United States, with the exception of extremely hot climates. Once planted, poet’s daffodil bulbs will provide beauty for many spring seasons to come. Each bloom, one to a stem, is centered with greenish yellow cups (coronas) marked with distinctive, mahogany-red rims....

What are Standard Plants? While perusing nursery catalogs you may come across the term “standard.” What does this mean? It means you are in for a real treat, both in ease of care and in eye-catching beauty. Standards may be needled evergreens, deciduous fruiting, or even flowering perennials. It takes time to create a standard, so for the do-it-yourselfer, patience is a virtue. Many enthusiasts have fun names for standards such as ball on a stick or lollipop....

What are Wild Cucumbers? Native to North America, the wild cucumber vine (Echinocystis lobata) is a rambunctious vine that can reach mature lengths of 25 feet (7.6 m.) in a hurry. Wild cucumber vine likes moist areas and is often found near ponds, streams, or in moist meadows or bottomland. However, the vine can pop up in typically dry areas when rainfall levels are higher than average. Wild cucumber plants climb up vertical surfaces by wrapping their clingy tendrils around anything in their path....

What are Xerophytes? Plant classifications such as mesophyte, hydrophyte or xerophytes hint at the species ability to adapt and survive. What are xerophytes? These are a group of plants that are uniquely suited to areas with limited rainfall. Adaptations of xerophyte garden plants vary but may include lack of leaves, waxy skin, storage organs or stems, shallow spreading roots or even spines. Cacti are great models of the xerophytic class. Other types of xerophytic plants include succulents like aloe, euphorbia, some grasses and even some perennial bulbs....

What is a Japanese Apricot? Japanese apricot trees are ornamental trees with many features. Their scientific name is Prunus mume, and they are native to Korea. Varieties of this tree include: ‘Benishidare’ ‘Bonita’ ‘Peggy Clarke’ ‘Alba’ They can be 12 to 20 feet (4-6 m.) tall with a spread of 15 to 20 feet (4.5-6 m.) wide. Japanese apricot trees have a round shaped crown of leaves with a serrate margin, alternate arrangement, and a leaf blade of 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm....

What is a Knifeleaf Acacia? Scented blooms; lovely, blue-green leaves; and statuesque appeal characterize Knifeleaf acacia (Acacia cultriformis). What is a Knifeleaf acacia? It is an arid, warm zone plant in the legume family that can fix nitrogen in soil. Additionally, the trees are easy to grow, have lasting appeal and Knifeleaf tree care is uncomplicated in appropriate sites. Knifeleaf acacia is a small tree or bush that can achieve between 10 and 20 feet (3 to 6 m....

What is a Propeller Plant? Propeller plant (Crassula perfoliata var. falcata) is a succulent native to South Africa. It is commonly known as airplane or propeller plant because the gray-green leaves are shaped like airplane propellers and radiate out horizontally, in pairs. The overall look is reminiscent of the propellers on a plane. The leaves are velvety and fleshy and make an attractive addition to a succulent garden or container but are also pretty alone in a pot....

What is a Solar Shower? Sometimes, it gets complicated when running the hot water lines to the pool area and it can be expensive too. Have you considered the more inexpensive installation of a solar outdoor shower? Depending on how many people will shower in a short period of time, these showers can hold enough water for several people to get clean. It’s all heated up for free by the sun....

Spicebush Information Spicebush is known by a variety of names including spicewood, wild allspice, snap-bush, feverwood, and Benjamin bush. As the name suggests, the plant’s most distinctive feature is the spicy aroma that perfumes the air whenever a leaf or twig is crushed. A relatively large shrub, spicebush reaches heights of 6 to 12 feet (2-4 m.) at maturity, with a similar spread. The shrub is valued not only for its scent, but for the emerald green leaves which, with enough sunlight, turn a lovely shade of yellow in autumn....

Though not as popular, the creation of urban meadowlands has also gained traction among homeowners and city councils. Read on for tips on growing urban meadows. What is an Urban Meadow? Urban meadowscaping can vary greatly. In general, a meadow in the city is done in large areas which have traditionally been kept as turf. Common areas to find these meadowlands include between highways and around parking lots. To begin the conversion of the space to meadow, various types of native grasses and wildflowers are used....

Rhizoctonia root rot causes crop damage by harming barley roots, resulting in water and nutrient stress. It is a type of fungal disease that attacks cereals. For information about treating barley with rhizoctonia, including tips on how to stop rhizoctonia root rot, read on. What is Barley Rhizoctonia Root Rot? Rhizoctonia root rot of barley is also called barley rhizoctonia bare patch. That’s because the soil-borne fungus that causes it kills barley, leaving dead patches in barley fields....

So what is cardoon– weed or useful medicinal or edible plant? Growing cardoon attains a height of up to 5 feet (1.5 m.) tall and 6 feet (2 m.) wide at maturity, depending upon the cultivar. Large spiny perennials, cardoon plants flower from August to September and its flower buds may be eaten just as the artichoke’s are. Artichoke Thistle Info Native to the Mediterranean, cardoon plants (Cynara cardunculus) are now found in dry grassy areas of California and Australia, where it is considered a weed....

What is Creeping Wire Vine? Creeping wire vine is a low growing, twining plant that originated in Australia and New Zealand. The small, dark green leaves and reddish or brownish stems remain attractive through the winter, and the tiny white flowers appear in late spring. Unusual five-pointed white fruits follow the flowers in late summer. This plant fits in well in a rock garden, growing alongside a walkway, or cascading over a wall....

What is Epiphyllum? These plants are native to the tropical Americas and range from Mexico to Central America and even into the Caribbean. They are called cactus orchid plants because of the outstanding blooms which resemble some orchid species. Choosing an Epiphyllum can be tough since there are dwarf, hanging, epiphytic, and other traits, as well as numerous flower colors from which to choose. Orchid cactus have flat, fleshy stems with serrated edges....

What is Flat Top Goldenrod? On a nature hike in many eastern states, you might come across this native goldenrod. What is flat top goldenrod? It is a tall, sprawling, fall-over-itself mess of a plant with beautiful flowers. Growing grass leaved goldenrod can help tempt pollinators to your landscape. Several bees and butterflies are drawn to the lovely flowers and their nectar. Combined with other native wildflowers, flat top goldenrod plants will pack a powerful golden punch....

What is Hybrid Bluegrass? In the 1990’s, Kentucky bluegrass and Texas bluegrass were crossed to create a hybrid bluegrass seed. This type of cool season grass is commonly known as heat tolerant bluegrass because of its ability to withstand high temperatures. Types of hybrid bluegrass seed include: Reville Longhorn Bandera Thermal Blue Thermal Blue Blaze Dura Blue Solar Green Hybrid bluegrass is fairly easy to grow, though it does take longer than other bluegrasses to establish....