Gardening Tips

Growing and Using Large Nasturtiums

Growing and Using Large Nasturtiums

Large nasturtiums should be a staple in any organic garden. This spice plant, with its beautiful flowers, proves to be extremely useful, for example, in repelling aphids and ants. Almost all parts of the plant are edible. Nasturtiums Bring Color to the Garden! The large nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) originates from South America and brings vibrant

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Tagetes (Marigolds) – A Valuable Companion Plant in the Vegetable Garden

Tagetes (Marigolds) – A Valuable Companion Plant in the Vegetable Garden

Natural Pest Control and Soil Health Benefits Tagetes, also known as marigolds, are a great addition to vegetable gardens. They act as slug traps, repel various fly species, and eliminate nematodes (root-knot worms), improving soil health. Why Plant Marigolds in Your Garden? These colorful summer flowers not only add beauty but also help keep pests

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How to Keep Mice Away: Prevention and Deterrence Tips for Home and Garden

How to Keep Mice Away: Prevention and Deterrence Tips for Home and Garden

Mice, like this house mouse, are hard to drive out of the garden if they find plenty of food there. Mice in the garden aren’t necessarily a bad thing. Where there’s nibbling, rustling in the leaves, or shadows darting by, biodiversity thrives. Especially in natural gardens, these little creatures find food and shelter. Most of

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How to Overwinter Hydrangeas Safely in the Garden and Pots

Not all hydrangeas can withstand frost. Here’s which types need protection and how to help them survive winter. Which Hydrangeas Need Winter Protection? If you have older hydrangeas in your garden, you usually don’t need to worry much about winter protection. Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) and smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) are particularly hardy and often

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The three most common tomato diseases

The three most common tomato diseases …how to recognize them, combat them, and prevent them You recently planted your young, healthy tomato plants in the bed – but now the leaves are spotted or you’re struggling with pests? As popular as tomatoes are in organic gardening, they are unfortunately also susceptible to diseases and pests.

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Cucumbers: 7 common growing mistakes

…and how to avoid them – for a rich cucumber harvest! Cucumbers are very popular in organic gardening – especially the classic Salad cucumber, also known as Snake cucumber. However, this member of the pumpkin family is demanding and sensitive in cultivation and care. To achieve a bountiful harvest, we’ll discuss the most common mistakes

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Is Nordmann Fir a good tree?

The Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana) is widely regarded as a good tree for various purposes, and its popularity is attributed to several positive characteristics. 1. Aesthetics: Nordmann Firs are known for their attractive appearance. They have glossy, dark green needles with a soft texture, and their symmetrical shape makes them a popular choice as a

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Can you prune a Nordmann Fir?

Can you prune a Nordmann Fir?

Pruning a Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana) can be a beneficial practice when done with care and consideration for the tree’s growth habits. Nordmann Firs are known for their symmetrical and attractive shape, but occasional pruning may be necessary for various reasons, including shaping, removing dead or diseased branches, or controlling size. 1. Timing and Frequency:

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Can you keep a Christmas tree small?

Why is my potted Christmas tree dying? Several factors could contribute to a potted Christmas tree showing signs of distress or dying. Here are some common reasons and potential solutions: What happens if my cat eats my Christmas tree? While many Christmas trees are non-toxic, some can be harmful to pets, including cats. If your

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How fast do Nordmann Fir trees grow?

The growth rate of Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana) trees can vary based on factors such as soil quality, climate, and local growing conditions. Generally, Nordmann Fir trees are considered to be moderate to slow growers. In optimal conditions, they might achieve a growth rate of 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) per year.

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What is the best Thuja for privacy?

The best Thuja species for privacy largely depends on your specific preferences, climate, and site conditions. Several Thuja species and cultivars are commonly used for creating privacy screens or hedges due to their dense foliage and upright growth habits. Here are a few popular Thuja options: When choosing a Thuja for privacy, consider factors such

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What is better than Leyland cypress?

The choice of what is “better” than Leyland cypress (× Cuprocyparis leylandii) depends on your specific landscaping needs, preferences, and the characteristics you prioritize. Leyland cypress is often chosen for its fast growth and ability to create privacy screens, but it has some drawbacks, such as disease susceptibility and potential size issues. Here are a

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Are Thuja invasive?

The genus Thuja includes several species commonly known as arborvitaes, which are often used as ornamental shrubs or trees in landscaping. While they are not generally considered highly invasive, their invasive potential can vary depending on the specific species and local conditions. In some cases, certain species of Thuja can spread and become weedy if

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