When it comes to biodegrading, most foods with fats and lipid tissue will clog air passages which then shut down the aeration process, and just like being compacted, the compost will stink.  In addition to this, overly wet or soaked compost heaps will harm the beneficial microorganisms and insects, creating more of an anaerobic environment.  […]

As you advance in knowledge and technique, when it comes to composting, you begin to find the best mixes with which to grow. The Super compost will be the best mix with products grown with the heaps’ previous compost soils and fruit and vegetable scraps, to which most plants will grow with bigger and healthier […]

In today’s communities in the United States, landfills are filled with thirty to forty percent of food scraps that could have been used for composting purposes. Instead, these decomposing foods release vast amounts of methane, an eighty times more harmful greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere. As neighborhoods and larger community systems […]

The interesting thing about compost will be seemingly innumerable. There are simple ways to utilize the natural processes and nutrients from a healthy compost range outside of using the soil. Of course, this is referring to the compost tea method, which is, as it sounds, a bag full of compost dirt that is placed in […]

The reality of soil is that the nutrients get used up after a while, the nitrogen levels dwindle, and the land becomes bare. So one innovation that humanity has come up with is the ability to create these soils without needing to wait for mother nature to do it for us. Compost soils are made […]

When thinking about a compost heap, there are going to be different types of compost processes, but for this article’s purposes, we will cover hot composting and worm methods. Hot composting is the process of using the sun’s light, or other heat sources, to drive the chemical reactions within the heap and keep the right […]

Worms some use them for fishing, and some for gardening. Worms are great, especially for our environment. They’ve been known for converting waste into a nutrient-dense product that keeps our soils healthy, making them perfect for those who utilize compost in the garden. Not only can there be too many worms in a single compost […]

Compost tea is the best tea you can serve to your plants, depending on the quality of the compost you steep in the water. The higher the quality, the better the benefits the compost tea will offer your plants. So how long does compost tea last? Compost tea is known to have a very short […]

Creating a winter compost is simply a tradition for many, and it becomes very handy when spring comes around. Since the compost freezes, you’ll turn the compost when it thaws in the spring – hence giving your garden a treat. Here we will discuss everything you’ll need to know about adding leaves to your winter […]

For those that are not privy to what compost is made up of, the quick answer is that the soil is generated from natural materials. These natural fertilizers are going to help the grass grow with stronger and fuller root systems, leading to thicker grass patches. Even more, when the grass is dying in certain […]

When compost lacks oxygen, many good bacteria and microbes will die off to be replaced by acidic and harmful ones. Do not fret, and there is hope. Just take the soil from an anaerobic compost pile and create a workstation to separate and aerate the dirt. This can be done in a wheelbarrow, using a […]

You have heard of compost, but now comes the mixtures that make for super compost dirt. One such compost type will be that of ultra-compost, which involves mixing in some volcanic ash, which will have many of nature’s most basic yet essential elements and nutrients within. The recipe is like the one you would find […]

A composting toilet is a great way to reduce water usage and save a lot of money. But, on top of this, it is a less impactful form of waste management when it comes to environmental concerns. However, if you have opted to use a compost toilet, you may have noticed that you are dealing […]

There will be varieties of this plant native to parts of Euro-Asia, the eastern coast countries of Asia, and the Southwestern states of the USA. The Callicarpa classified plants are known to grow in even the driest of soils and coldest of environments. The Bodinier’s Beautyberry is native to the west-central portions of China. Still, […]

Texas’s climate will be humid and subtropical, with mild winters and hot summers, considering the San Antonio area. Of course, the opinions of what grows the best in Texas are as big as the state’s mentality, but what can be scientifically said is that lettuce, peas, and spinach have natural adaptations that fit into the […]

For those not privy to what ‘brown’ material is referring to, in composting terms, this refers to the carbon bio-material that comes from plants like twigs, clippings, leaves, and other tree-like matter. Each year the deciduous trees will drop their leaves in anticipation of winter’s cold and snow –  this is the perfect time to […]

There are many reasons for meat to stay out of the composition, one being that bones do not decompose very well, and the smell of the rotting meat will attract unwanted wildlife attention. The high nitrogen levels found in meat will also unbalance the compost chemistry, to which most homesteads with animals will give the […]

Before introducing compost to the potted plants, a few steps will be needed, and store-bought materials should be inspected to ensure they are the correct type. If you use homemade compost, use a mixture of green materials such as grass clipping and vegetable scraps and brown materials like leaves and twigs. Once introduced, water the […]

Composting is the process of allowing organic materials to decompose naturally into a nutrient-rich soil amendment or mulch. To put it simply, composting is an aerobic process that takes place in a controlled environment. The end result is compost, a crumbly, black material with an earthy odor. Composting occurs when microorganisms use the materials added […]

The ideal moisture content for composting is between 40 and 60 percent by weight. Microbe growth is restrained under low-humidity conditions. There is a risk of the process becoming anaerobic and odorous at greater concentrations. It’s a good idea to consider the moisture content of your compost elements when selecting and combining them.   How […]

For those not privy to the idea of composting tea, the idea is similar to the tea bag. However, these compost tea bags will be made up of a solid mixture of compost material and allowed to soak in water to allow the organic material to seep into the liquid, adding plant growth nutrients. After […]

There is a certain recipe for healthy compost, much of which comes from water saturation within the mixture. To put a technical number to it, a compost mix should be around forty to sixty percent water. Therefore if any watering is to be had, it will be to balance the mixture or add much-needed moisture […]

A certain type of compost must be left alone, unturned, and can be tuned to be more bacterial or fungal in nature. These types of piles are worm-friendly environments and allow for natural decomposition processes to take place, including the eating and digesting activity of insects and earthworms. It can take up to a couple […]

It is common knowledge that wooden handles age and are exposed to the elements, and they begin to fade and become prone to splintering if not taken care of. Therefore, the first step to restoring any garden tool handle will be to sand the wood until the surface is smooth and all leftover finish is […]

Most people will want to jump for the Weed-Wacker, but there is going to be a set of tools that will be more beneficial to a gardener facing an overgrown plot. To start, the best tool for a gardener is a solid pair of gloves, and these can provide protection when pulling thistles from the […]

There are going to be certain things to consider when thinking about planting fruit trees, with no exception regarding the Corky’s Honey Delight Fig Tree. The first thing to consider is the area’s environment, temperatures, and climate norms. Another thing to keep in mind would be to plan out your orchard and have plenty of […]

Like weed-classified species, this is an aggressive spreading plant that can take over a small garden if you are not careful. Also known as River Oats, this plant is a clump-forming, upright-standing grass that can reach heights of two or five feet tall, even some sea species that reach a dozen feet in length. At […]

As you know, not many can grow a perfect rose; however, techniques can be learned to execute the process known to produce those rare flowers. Upon planting, be sure to add nutrients and/or a root stimulator to a hole twice the diameter of the rose seed root ball being planted. Press the topsoil on top […]

To get right down to the basics, there are four types of clay: Ball clay, Earthenware, Porcelain, and Stoneware clay. To make it rather simple to distinguish between the two types of earth, all terracotta material is clay-based, but not all clay materials are composed of terracotta. The biggest difference you will see between terracotta […]

The Caesalpinia pulcherrima, sometimes known as the “pride of Barbados,” is a type of pea. Barbados Flower Fence, Peacock Flower, Mexican Bird of Paradise, Dwarf Flamboyan, Caesalpinia, and Dwarf Poinciana are just a few of the many names it goes by. Place it in the brightest, sunniest part of your garden to get the most […]

There are so many reasons to give a noun a name, the way a mountain looks influenced the French when naming the Tetons or calling the great Mississippi river by the cultures that populated the region before the settlers came. Even neighborhoods get named after the people who influenced the area’s development, which they apply […]

For contextual reasons, let us begin by setting the basic difference between these two lights. One is primarily for growing plants, while the other is for lighting areas such as a warehouse or workshop. The grown light emits a replacement ultraviolet-like radiation that is used by plants for energy, helping them live in dark places […]

Plants and vegetables can be categorized as suitable for growing in a certain region using a system of references known as growing zones or hardiness zones. It was developed in the USA and covered 13 different subject areas. New Mexico is in 4-9 USDA plant growing/hardiness zones.   Does it Vary? New Mexico planting zones […]

From Virginia to Florida, sea oats grow wild on the coasts and barrier islands of the United States. Their habitat stretches from the southern United States down the Gulf Coast and into southern Mexico. In addition to those places, the Bahamas and some of Cuba also feature this species. But when is the best time […]

Roses are classic flowers admired for their beauty and symbolism depending on the color which it holds. These flowers are known to be native to Central Asia and have smaller ties to Europe. However, you are in Texas and want to add these beauties to your garden. You can plant the roses as late as […]

Over-fertilization can be fatal to air plants because they don’t require a lot of nutrients. However, they require periodic fertilization to maintain their robust growth and health. Use a half-strength solution of organic liquid fertilizer like fish emulsion.   How Do You Do it? Air plant fertilization is neither a time-consuming nor crucial chore. Fertilizing […]

The state of Ariz. protects its cacti to maintain the environment and for your safety, leaving most cacti in the state of being completely protected by the law. It is illegal to remove, shoot, or even drive over most cacti in the state. However, exactly why is it illegal? Is it a felony? When did […]

The transition from winter to spring signals the start of fresh growth for the bare, frost-covered limbs. Buds will begin to appear on ash, beech, oak, and rowan trees in March. Leaves of alder, field maple, and silver birch appear first.   What Month do Trees Get Leaves? It depends on the tree and the […]

The agave’s large and dense root system is mostly contained inside the soil and doesn’t go very far into the ground. The root system of an agave plant is adapted to absorb water effectively from precipitation, condensation, and dew.  Most agaves can create enormous colonies by sending forth shoots called suckers that grow underground. The […]

CARBON-X Lawn Fertilizer is a low-impact, high-performance lawn and ornamental fertilizer that is the product of a patented technique developed by Carbon Earth Co. for the delayed release of organic and synthetic nutrients.  This process is mixed with charcoal to produce the final product.   What is it For? The fertility of the soil can […]

Even though agave is a resistant plant that thrives in rock gardens and other arid locations, it is susceptible to bacterial and fungal rots that can cause damage to the plant if it is exposed to excessive moisture and humidity.  The rapid shift from a cool, rainy spring to a hot, humid summer has the […]

In most cases, plants are able to recover fully after experiencing brief periods of light freezing. However, the future is unknown after such a harsh and protracted cold period. Therefore, be patient when the ice does finally start to melt. You shouldn’t rush to get the pruning shears and immediately cut things off.   How […]

The Baltic Blue pothos is technically its own species, despite its obvious similarities to the Cebu Blue pothos.  The leaves of the Baltic Blue tend to be darker than those of other types, and they fenestrate sooner in the growing season. However, the Cebu Blue variety is easily identifiable by the iridescent, blue-tinged leaves it […]

Bright and sunny environments are ideal for the growth of Pride of Barbados. Flowering plants can thrive in partial shade during the middle of the day, but full light is best. A plant that is able to survive drought will perish if its roots become waterlogged.   How to Pick the Perfect Location? Plants of […]

While it’s not essential, fertilizing your air plants will promote healthier growth and more beautiful blooms. In addition, air plants that are properly cared for can better withstand stressful situations like being left without water for two weeks, extreme heat, and so on. Once a month, fertilize your bromeliads or air plants with a product […]

Raised bed gardens benefit from having holes drilled into the base to assist with water drainage. If you water the soil more than it needs, the extra water will seep through the cracks in the soil.   How much Drainage Does a Raised Bed Need? While raised beds built on naturally permeable soils drain naturally […]

Since they require so little maintenance after being planted, agaves are a common sight in xeriscape gardens and other drought-tolerant landscapes. Agave, if left to spread unchecked, may swiftly take over an entire garden and be very difficult to eradicate. The first phases of these plants’ growth make them easier to contain than the mature […]

Botanical Interest sells high-quality seed and garden products. Made for gardeners, by gardeners. Their goal is to offer the best customer service in the business, providing a wide selection of high-quality seeds at affordable prices and comprehensive sowing and growing guides for the benefit of amateur gardeners. They intend to facilitate the expansion of gardeners! […]

Nearly all lawn mowers run on gasoline, and let’s be honest – gas is not cheap these days. Your lawn probably needs a touch-up now, and you have a red gas can sitting in the corner of your garage. The gasoline it contains is old, can you still use it? Utilizing older gasoline will not […]

The Pride of Barbados is a green shrub with beautiful red, yellow, and orange sunset-colored flowers that bloom. The origin of the plant is unknown. However, it is known that this plant thrives in warmer climates, especially during its blooming period. What exactly does the climate need to look like for Pride of Barbados? Any […]

It’s possible to get 1.5 meters of height out of a Barleria Cristata shrub. Its original home is in India and the Southeast Asian region. It is a member of the Acanthaceae family. Among its many names, you may know this flower as the Crested Philippine Violet, the Striped Philippine Violet, or the Bluebell Barleria. […]

Many years ago, fish were kept in stock tanks. Galvanized stock tanks were utilized to supply water for livestock and horses in the early Western era by being positioned adjacent to windmills. Ranches still use these stock tanks even now. Stock tanks, which most people don’t think of as “ponds,” are actually great places to […]

Taking care of air plants is different from caring for plants fertilized in soil. If you have never owned an air plant before, you might want to do some research before you take on a new plant. Air plants require a specific kind of fertilizer. You must ensure you are using low-nitrogen fertilizer on your […]

If you are hoping to take up gardening on your property, you must be prepared to deal with uneven terrain. For example, you may have to install pots on a slope if you have no option for the level ground to work with. One option for installing pots on a hill involves filling a couple […]

Learning how to care for different types of plants from seed can be an overwhelming process. Depending on how many plants you plan to tend in your garden, you might need to do your research. For example, Pride of Barbados is a beautiful plant that features red and orange flowers. You can plant Pride of […]

Lawnmowers are among the best tools for keeping your grass looking great. They are able to trim and cut through tough grass, enhancing the beauty of your yard. However, they put in long work hours, yet their productivity may decrease as they age.   How Can You Spot it if it’s Old? Your lawnmower’s date […]

Machines, we’ve been told for decades, will take away our employment, leaving us all unemployed and hopeless. However, the lawnmower shows what can happen when technology makes something that was once reserved for the privileged more accessible to the masses. In just a few decades, elaborate lawns moved from being a status symbol of the […]

The phrase “flower beds” is taking on a new connotation due to the presence of tiny harvest mice within certain plants, such as tulips. Although they give off the impression of being delicate, the colorful blossoms have sufficient power to support their little visitors as they climb up the stalks and wind themselves among the […]

Surviving a freeze can be a challenge for all plants, but with the right conditions, foxtail fern can survive the freeze.   How Cold Can a Foxtail Fern Take? The ideal lighting condition for a foxtail fern plant is a dappled shadow with bright, indirect light. However, it’s possible to cultivate them in full sunshine […]

Cleome is a popular annual flower that originates in the southern United States and is easy to grow. The delicate spider-like flowers can be pink, rose, purple, white, or bicolor, and the common name, spider flower, comes from the plant’s spidery seed pods. Full sun to partial shade is ideal for growing conditions. Cleome is […]

The crested Philippine violet is a perennial herb that grows between 36 and 48 inches tall. The leaf tissue around the veins is puckered and seems depressed. The plant’s density holds up even in full sun, making it a great choice for a protective barrier.   Where do Philippine Violets Grow? The flowers are purple […]

Habiturf is a wonderfully lush blend of native grasses that just begs to be frolicked upon while barefoot! Habiturf is a blend of native grasses ideal for your specific area and requires much less maintenance than typical lawn grass. It can be purchased from a variety of places, but your best bet is a local […]

The bat face cuphea plant (Cuphea llavea) is a flowering plant that features explosive blooms of bright red, orange, and purple. The unique part of the plant, however, is its flowers that very closely resemble a bat’s face! The best place to purchase a bat face cuphea plant is to find an established plant at […]

Vitex trees (Chaste trees) are flowering trees that bloom from late spring to the start of fall. The vitex is heavily sought after for its fragrant, white, and purple flowers present throughout the whole summer.  These trees (also can be pruned to shrubs) are a great option for adding shade to a landscape while not […]

The middle finger cactus has been around for decades; once people discover it, they need to see it for themselves. So, before planning your next trip to Arizona, let’s discuss everything you need to know about the Middle Finger Cactus. Including where it’s located, how to find it, and why you should see it. As […]

Hollyhocks are beautiful tall-standing plants that produce flowers ranging in color from red to pink, to purple and even white. These biennials are known to be related to the Hibiscus flower and are perfect for adding some romantic color schemes to your garden. Let’s discuss everything you’ll need to know about planting Hollyhocks in Texas. […]

The Corky’s Honey Delight Fig Tree bears more than just those sweet figs everyone enjoys, but also a strong history. Figs, in general, are considered one of the first plants humans grew back in 9400-9200 BC. If it was so easy for the humans before us, it should be simple, right?  So let’s discuss everything […]

According to the Native Plant Society of Texas, Turk’s cap is not only a vibrant red/orange colored flower but also a food source for many birds and is also known to attract butterflies.  The name ‘Turk’s cap’ is derived from resembling a Turkish Fez, a hat that symbolizes affiliation with religious groups. The plant produces […]

For those of you who have had deer raid your plants and fruit-bearing trees, you know how hard it is to get rid of them. Thankfully, there are plants out there that deer do not prefer or hate. This is why we call these plants deer-proof.  What makes a plant deer-proof in the first place? […]

The cast iron plant, otherwise known as the bar-room plant or aspidistra elatior, is a beautiful green plant with luxurious leaves. The plant is called the cast iron plant because it’s considered to be a strong, ‘indestructible’ houseplant.  In addition, the plant is considered to be effortlessly low maintenance and is known to purify the […]

Many of us assume that green beans are indeed vegetables. However, this is surprisingly untrue. Green beans are a fruit. They hold many vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, folate, vitamins A, C, and K – and many more!  You’ll find these around May through October when attending your local farmer’s market.  While these […]

There are so many things people always bring on domestic flights. Dirt, sea shells, sand, driftwood, and even shark teeth. So let’s talk about plants. For whatever reason, you want to bring your plant on your next domestic flight.  Can you bring your plant on a flight? Does my plant have to pass through security […]

If you’ve never heard of bringing dirt on a plane before, you’ll probably be surprised to hear that it’s not the only odd thing people like to bring on the plane with them. That’s right, many individuals bring other crazy things onto the plane with them, mostly from their vacations. Sand, rock, minerals, sea shells, […]

Foxtail Ferns are known to be a beautiful, cheaper alternative to landscaping plants. The ferns are also known to bear flowers and berries, which are bound to attract the wildlife in the area where they are planted.  It’s important to remember, however, that this plant is considered invasive and is best planted away from any […]

You’ve decided to steer away from fencing for privacy on your residential Texas property, and now you are stuck with deciding which hedges will work best for you. What are the best hedges? Why? How do I know which ones will be the best options for me?  Let’s get right into answering all your questions! […]

Milkweeds might be one of the more interesting plants you’ll come across. While the plants are considered poisonous, they have still been used for medical purposes within indigenous tribes and remain the exclusive food source for many milkweed butterflies.  While the plants have had their decline within agricultural development, it’s encouraged by conservation groups to […]