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Preparing Hollyhock for Winter Hollyhock plants readily reseed themselves, so once you have a nice batch, you have a lifetime supply. Hollyhocks begin as a low rosette of floppy, slightly fuzzy leaves. The growth is just vegetative in the first year but by the second year the stem begins to form and flowers appear near the beginning of summer. The huge stalks boast numerous flared blooms that last for weeks. The plants are prone to rust disease, so cleanup is important when overwintering hollyhocks....

Why Plant Ornamental Grass in Northwest Gardens? Pacific Northwest ornamental grasses add movement to the landscape. They can soften the hard edges of large rocks or boulders and contrast with perennials. There are so many types of suitable northwestern ornamental grasses, from those that thrive in shade to sun or dry conditions to wet. Ornamental grass for northwest gardens has year-round interest. Plus, grasses in general are often drought tolerant, pest free, and low maintenance....

Papaya Tree Facts Papaya (Carica papaya) is native to Central America and exists in tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world. This large, short-lived perennial plant with a single trunk can reach up to 30 feet (9 m.) at maturity. Palmate leaves are deeply lobed and over 3 feet (1 m.) in width. There are three different tree types, female plants, male plants, and bisexual plants. The female and bisexual plants are the only ones that produce fruit....

When to Water Peace Lily Poke your finger into the potting soil to determine if it’s time to water your peace lily. If the soil feels moist to the first knuckle, it’s too soon for watering peace lilies. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to give your peace lily a drink of water. If you like high-tech gadgets, you can use a water meter. However, the knuckle test is just as reliable and considerably cheaper....

About Trimming Pentas Plants If you live in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 or 11, you can grow pentas as evergreen perennials. But in cooler zones across the country, these shrubs, also called Egyptian star flowers, are grown as annuals. Pruning pentas plants grown as annuals is not necessary to create a strong branch structure. However, it may help keep the shrub looking its best. One way to accomplish this is to regularly remove some of the blossoms to display indoors in cut flower arrangements....

Pepper Elder Seeds The plant does flower year-round, although blooms are inconspicuous light green to pale green spikes. These mature to reveal tiny dot-like seeds attached to the flower spikes. Pepper elder has a strong mustard-like aroma. P. pellucida, in the family Piperaceae, is a low growing plant of about 6-18 inches (15-45 cm) in height. Its habit is erect to partially draping. Rat ears plant has plentiful, glossy green, and heart shaped foliage that is somewhat fleshy like a succulent....

Propagating Persian Buttercups Another beautiful contribution from Persia to our blooming gardens, Persian buttercup plants (Ranunculus asiaticus) are easy to grow in the right conditions. Hardy in USDA zones 7-10, gardeners find they are a beautiful addition to the late spring or early summer flower garden. Plantings in zone 7 benefit from winter mulch. In more northern zones, you may maintain the same plant for years if you dig, divide and store the bulbs for winter....

Common Pest Problems of Hibiscus Aphids: Tiny green, white, or black pests that suck the juices from the foliage, usually found in clusters. Control aphids with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Whiteflies: Miniscule, gnat-sized pests that suck juices, usually from the undersides of leaves. Control whiteflies with horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, or sticky traps. Thrips: Small, narrow pests that lay eggs inside hibiscus buds, often causing buds to drop before flowering....

About Radishes Radishes can be sown directly from seed in the early spring, and are one of the first crops ready for harvest. Radishes are known for their peppery crunch but they are also rich in calcium, potassium, sodium and vitamins A, B, C and K, not to mention they are low in calories. These cruciferous veggies also aid in lowering blood pressure and have been purported to lower the risk of heart disease....

Pindo Palm Pests Pindo palms are small palm trees, no more than 25 feet (8 m.) tall and half that wide. They are ornamental and planted for their graceful fronds and showy yellow date-like fruit clusters. The fruits are edible and very eye-catching. Pindo palms thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8b through 11. They are slow-growing, attractive plants. Give it a warm, sheltered location, plenty of sun, and rich, well-draining soil to keep it healthy....

What is Pine Bark? Pine bark mulch, as the name suggests, is made from the shredded bark of pine trees. In some cases, though, the bark of other evergreens, like fir and spruce, may be added into pine bark mulch. Like other wood mulches, pine bark mulch is available for purchase in different forms and textures, from finely shredded or doubled processed to larger chunks called pine nuggets. Which consistency or texture you choose depends on your own preference and the garden’s needs....

Beefsteak Tomato Varieties Beefsteak tomatoes have meaty flesh and numerous seeds. There are many varieties available with different sized fruit, harvest times, and growing ranges. Some of the varieties are more suited to humid climates such as Mortgage Lifter and Grosse Lisse. The huge nearly 2 pound (1 kg.) Tidwell German and Pink Ponderosa are both old-time favorites. For super-productive plants, chose Marizol Red, Olena Ukranian, and Royal Hillbilly. There are many heirloom varieties of beefsteak....

Do Pomegranates Need Fertilizer? There is not always a need for fertilizer for pomegranate trees. However, if the plant is doing poorly, especially if it is not setting fruit or production is minimal, a fertilizer for pomegranate trees is recommended. A soil sample may be the best way to determine if the pomegranate tree is really in need of supplemental fertilizer. The local Extension office may provide soil testing services or, at the very least, be able to advise where to purchase one....

Ponderosa pine information must mention their economic importance as a wood source, but stands still remain of these fast growing giants of the forest. Planting one in the home landscape will eventually add dimension to your yard and provide generations of fragrance and evergreen beauty. About Ponderosa Pines Ponderosa pines grow in high elevations where they are exposed to winds, heavy snow, and scorching sun. They produce a massive taproot to help the tree anchor its extreme height and delve deep into the earth for water and nutrients....

Things to Do with Potatoes Potato crafts for kids are perfect for a dreary winter day or rainy afternoon. Here are a few ideas to jumpstart your creative juices. Potato Stamps One of the greatest potato craft ideas is surprisingly easy: using cut potatoes to stamp paint onto fabric or paper. Make the potato stamp by cutting the tater in half. Then select a metal cookie cutter and press it into the potato flesh....

Growing Lavender in Pots Lavender can be grown from seed or from cuttings. The seeds should be placed on top of sandy soil and covered lightly with a layer of perlite. They ought to sprout in two to three weeks. Cuttings should be taken from plants just below a node (where a set of leaves join the stem), dipped in root hormone, and stuck into warm, moist, sandy soil. No matter how you start your container grown lavender plants, it’s important to choose the right container and potting mix....

Growing Breadfruit from Cuttings Breadfruit trees don’t fit well into small backyards. They grow to 85 feet (26 m.) tall, although branching doesn’t begin within 20 feet (6 m.) of the ground. Trunks get to 2 to 6 feet (61 cm. to 2 m.) wide, usually buttressed at the base. The leaves on the spreading branches can be evergreen or deciduous, depending on the climate in your region. They are bright-green and glossy....

How Can You Tell if Your Pumpkin Got Pollinated? Chances are good that if the vines have been completely devoid of fruit, the culprit is likely pollination or rather lack of it. If you did see some small fruit, they may have aborted due to a stressor such as hot, humid weather, lack of water, or some critter decided to munch on them. Pumpkins are members of the Cucurbit family, which includes squash, cantaloupe, watermelon, and cucumbers....

Davallia fejeensis is the botanical name of the rabbit’s foot fern (Humata tyermanii or white paw fern, is a similar plant). These charming plants produce soft, silvery growth off the base of the plant that stream down the outside of the pot. The growths are actually above-ground rhizomes and can be used to start entirely new ferns. In mature plants, these rhizomes will literally coat the outside of a container and cascade down over a hanging pot....

November Garden Chores With careful planning and attention to maintenance, growers can easily make use of and enjoy their outdoor spaces throughout the remainder of the year. South Central gardening in November will include many tasks that need to be completed in the edible garden. Both herbs and vegetables are likely to continue producing at this time. While plants sensitive to cold may need to be covered and protected from occasional frosts, hardy vegetables will continue to be harvested and planted in succession....